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Tips

Black Water, Tips

The Health Risk Associated with Flood Waters

When it comes to flooding inside a home or business, the dangers are many. From bacterial infections, to mold growth, to electrocution, there are no shortage of ways to become ill or injured. One of the most important reminders one can give themselves when dealing with flooding is that flood water will carry with it everything it has previously come into contact with. This means chemicals, raw sewage, debris, and trash are just the tip of the spear. Unknown pathogens like E. Coli, Cryptosporidium, and Cholera are a few that come to mind.  With all of the danger associated with flooding it is important to stay informed and understand how to avoid the hazards of a flooded home. Below you will find some tips to avoid them:
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Mold, Tips

Mold Exposure: Allergies, Illness, Reactions

As we continue to make our way through the latter half of summer, and march ever-closer to winter, the season of runny noses, sore throats, and frustrating coughing is nearly upon us. Being out and about and getting exposed to virus’ and other illness is usually the culprit however, some may notice that these symptoms seem to be worse at home. If this sounds like you, continue reading to learn about the hidden dangerous of mold exposure.

Although most types of mold are non-toxic to humas, there are certainly species of mold that can cause irritation and health issues. The most commonly known of all types, Stachybotrys Chartarum, aka black mold, is typically the source of mold related health problems. We call black mold “toxic” for a very specific reason, that is, it can produce mycotoxins, a chemical that can be deadly to human beans and animals alike. This is an imporant distinction as the mold itself is non-toxic, rather the mycotoxins produced by the mold colony is the toxic culprit.

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Mold, Tips

Caulking & Mold Growth: The Connection

Whether it’s used on windows, bathtubs, flooring, or elsewhere caulking is a standard in American homes. It is a great sealant after all. The problem is without re-caulking, old cauk tends to crack over time leading to water seeping into and around areas it shouldn’t. Excess moisture in turn creates an ideal breeding ground for mold. In this post we’ll cover the caulking + mold connection to see why mold seems to appear around cracked caulking and what you can do about it.

Caulking Can Trap Air & Water  Leading to Mold Growth

Caulking is a waterproof filler or sealant used to seal out moisture preventing it from entering into areas where it shouldn’t. It is commonly applied around homes in areas that are exposed to moisture or direct water as a way to protect surfaces that are not water proof. Typically it goes unspoken about until its color changes from white to beige and mold growth becomes visible on it’s surface. Checking caulking around tubs and windows is the easiest way to prevent mold growth in a home. It is a good idea to periodically check caulking along bathtubs and windows for cracks. If one is detected you may simply re-caulk the area to reseal it, making it waterproof again.

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Fire, Smoke Damage, Tips

4 Steps to Free Your Home of Smoke Smells

If your in need of help dealing with smoke odor in your home, you’ve come to the right place. Perhaps your home has suffered from a small kitchen fire, an electrical fire from an outlet, or exposed wiring in a power cord and you’re now dealing with a smokey smell inside your house. We wrote this blog post to help you out with a process for dealing with smoke damage. It’s important to note that not all fires are created equal and some fires will be severe enough that they require professional fire damage restoration service.

One of the key factors in the severity of smoke damage in a home is the size, duration, and temperature of the fire. The longer the fire burns and the hotter it is, the more different materials begin to open up (expansion of fabrics, leathers, and vinyls) and absorb smoke. In this post we’ll cover some DIY methods for cleaning, deodorizing, and sealing belongings to eliminate that unwanted smoke smell once and for all!

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Tips, Water Damage

Should I Call My Insurer or a Damage Repair Company First?

 

When dealing with fire damage or flooding in your home the first instinct most home owners have is to call their insurance company straight away. Although this may seem like the right call, it isn’t necessarily the best way to manage the restoration process.

With over 10 years in service providing the residents of Santa Clara County with property damage restoration, we’ve helped over 100 families navigate the uneasy waters of the claims process.

Below we have outlined the best steps to take when dealing with any property damage in your home or business. Read on! The information outlined in this post could save you thousands.

Step 1: Always Remember to Put Your Safety First!

The first thing you should do before you call anyone is to ensure that you and your loved ones are safe and accounted for and safe. The next thing to do in the case of a fire would be to call 911 for the local fire department. In a flood, you would likely want to shut off the main water valve. This will stop more water from flooding into your home.

Never stay on site at a home that is unsafe to be in. Get yourself and your family to a safe haven before making any more calls.

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