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Water Damage Effects and Prevention

Water Damage and Mold Growth

If there is any water damage in a residential or commercial property, the only chance to prevent mold growth to start and keep the quality of the air you’re breathing is this one. The majority of property owners in areas with heavy rain are aware of this and that is why they are so afraid of water damage. The likelihood of this kind of damage is proportional to the intensity of the rain. Water damages almost everything, from wood furniture and upholstered items to electronics and home appliances, and may cost thousands of dollars.

We, at CCR Damage Restoration, have the expertise and the proper tools to speed the flood cleanup process up and make it more efficient. Our trained specialists also have the know-how to restore or replace broken objects while addressing the flood cleanup.

Some aspects of water damage are more relevant than others, but as a property owner, the following issues should be considered essential when managing and/or even preventing water flooding:

Know the details of your water damage insurance policy

Prevent basement water flooding
Know your indoor plumbing system and keep it in good condition

Water damage and Insurance
Be aware that there are different types of water damage insurance policies that provide different kinds of coverage.

Property insurance provides coverage for burst pipes caused by rain and wind. In general, damage caused by water running from the top down, such as rain and sprinklers, is covered in the standard homeowner’s insurance policy. Proper property maintenance and knowledge of these types of water damage insurance are some of the best ways to prevent it from
becoming a catastrophic event.

There are TWO main ways to protect your basement from water flooding. The first action would be to seal or reseal your basement. Water enters the basement through cracks in the building foundation or floor slabs. Painting vulnerable areas with a water sealant can prevent water damage in your basement. Another way is to make sure water drains away from the house. After a storm, and especially if the ground is already saturated, rainwater flows into the building, down the outside of the foundation wall, and potentially penetrates through any cracks.

Periodic maintenance and knowledge of your interior plumbing systems are very important aspects of preventing water damage to your job site or home. Be sure to:

  • Inspect appliance hoses and faucets.
  • Inspect showers and bathtubs.

If you are going to be away from home for an extended period, turn off the water supply to the washing machine.

When leaving, never leave the washing machine or dishwasher running.
Know the location of your home’s main water shut-off valve.
Periodically inspect plumbing and heating pipes.

At CCR Damage Restoration all water damage consultations are free. We know how serious and important this type of situation is and we are aware that in these cases professional help is more than advisable, it is essential. CCR Damage Restoration has well-trained, experienced, and committed specialists you can rely on when these difficult and uncertain circumstances strike.

We know that this is a lot of information to digest, but our water damage restoration crew is ready to help you. If you have a water damage emergency in your home or business, it’s important that you act quickly to minimize the losses and prevent damage to the structure. Contact us for professional assistance.

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Four Common Water Problems EVery Homeowner Should I Know

Water is a very dangerous element that can cause extensive damage to one’s home which can result in costly repairs for the tenant. What makes it even worse is that when water penetrates your structure it comes from every angle at the same time and can trap you with nowhere to go!
Make sure you take preventative measures to keep the damage from becoming unsalvageable. Being aware of what causes water damage is the first step to understanding the steps you need to take going forward if you ever find yourself caught in one of these terrible situations.
Here are water damage causes that homeowners need to be aware of.

  • Leaky Water Pipes

It’s common for most homeowners to underestimate the damage that bad water pipes in their homes can cause. Pipes are sometimes in the walls, the attic or even sometimes located in your basement. Though they can not be seen you still want to be cognizant that they are present in your home and if extreme water pressure, material deterioration, or water temperatures become unmanageable you could have a catastrophic event on your hands.
To take precautionary measures you should always analyze the integrity of your pipes to make sure they are in good working condition. Another step you can take is keeping your water heater turned down low to prevent cold shock from occurring,

  • Clogged Drainages

Clogged drains go overlooked a lot of the time as an insignificant problem. However this can balloon into a huge problem if not kept in check.
When you leave this issue unattended you may get a water build up that can lead to water damage and mold growth. Understand that mold grows better in environments that include moisture.
The first step in solving this issue is finding out what caused the problem in the first place. There are a couple things you can look at to find this information such as leftover food, hair, or even toilet paper in your drain. If you notice anything unusual about your drainage consult a professional for help with this manner. A water damage restoration Lake Forest contractor can clear your pipes and get you back up in running in no time.

  • Malfunctioning Appliances

Malfunctioning appliances can be another culprit for water damage that you should consider. This issue could be solely involving the actual hardware, the wiring or the tubing inside of it. These three things are usually involved to some extent if you’re having a problem.
Picture this scenario playing out in your mind. Imagine you have a broken HVAC system in your home. Your HVAC system can bring about leaks in your walls and leave you with a water damage ceiling problem. This issue often calls for a HVAC professional to come and take a look at your system to get to the root of the problem before fixing it. To mitigate these issues you want to get your appliances checked consistently for signs of deterioration. Another step you can take is to read the instruction manual of any appliances you are using and understand what safety measures you need to take to ensure that they are functioning properly.

  • Blocked Gutters

Blocked gutters can signal that you have a serious situation on your hands. Blocked gutters occurs when water can’t flow uninhibited through your gutters. This issue can result in water building up on your roof and causing leaks and mold within your structure.
From the naked eye your gutter will look visibly clean but there is more than likely an underlying problem right beneath the surface. It’s imperative to regularly check the joints and pipes especially if you have a gutter that is well above the ground.
If you do notice anything clogged it is best practice to consult a professional to get it cleared up for you the right way.
Conclusion
Water damage is a well known issue among homeowners and can result in costly repairs. It’s a problem that can cause havoc to every part of your home at any time of the year. With that being said there are ways to prevent this from becoming a catastrophic event.
Understanding what causes water damage will go a long way in helping you to keep your home safe. In the event that you do run into a situation where you encounter a major leak or anything else we are the professional flood cleanup crew you need help fix the damage and get your structure back in working condition in no time.

We provide water restoration services for you to keep your family safe from these harmful occurrences. We are experienced in finding the source of your problem and attacking it head on from start to finish.

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WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF FLOODING THAT CAN OCCUR IN YOUR HOME?

Rain and snow melting are a few things that can cause flooding on impermeable surfaces such as roofs and sidewalks, that results in these rare occasions happening where water flows into your basements or crawl spaces. There are multiple ways water can creep into your home. A few of those ways include foundation walls, spaces in utility lines, and leaky windows and doors. If you fail to take preventative measures to stop these events from happening you are putting your home in harm’s way for potential damages that can lead to long term effects down the line. Below are a few different types of flooding events that can occur in your home:

  • Sewer Flooding

Basement flooding can turn out to be disastrous for your home. Water can penetrate your structure and make its way into your basement when sewer lines get clogged or the draining is not working properly. Make sure you check on potential damages such as rotted wood and mold. Keep in mind sewer flooding more often occurs in classic homes that feature broken septic tanks or don’t have a septic tank at all. If you get a water restoration Lake Forest expert to check on your system regularly you can prevent these dangerous problems from occurring.

  • Rainwater Damage

Areas that are prone to heavy rainfall are susceptible to rainwater getting into your wall’s foundations which can cause issues such as mold, mildew, decay and structural injury to your residence. Gutters that fill up with water and overflow or bad downspouts are almost always to blame for these problems. To mitigate the damage, hire a professional water restoration contractor and get your home inspected as often as possible and clean your gutters on a regular basis.

  • Basement Flooding

Basement flooding is generally caused by water creeping into an area that has not been waterproofed or drained correctly. This can come from a gap in the structure of a wall or roof, a problematic window or a dysfunctional sump pump. The other route that water can take to reach your basement is through your toilet tank and pipes. Basement flooding can cause a serious problem for you and your family as it is a problem that is not easy to solve. This can destroy not only your basement but also the items that were placed inside. All of these factors can also cause potential damage to other areas of your home as well. Basement flooding often results in costly repairs that can make it almost impossible to fix.

  • Water Intrusion

Damaged sump pumps or drain pipes that are filled with debris are also a variable that can cause water to get inside. If your basement is overflowing with items or your drainage system is not installed correctly basement flooding can occur. Water damage can also be brought about by heavy building rainfalls.

Flooding can cause terrible negative effects on your home which are exacerbated by the way your foundation is set up. This problem is one we have figured out in the past as one that is usually handled by the agent. Call us today to get more information on how we can solve your flooding issues from now and going forward.

Categories Blog

Top Warning Signs That You Have Water Damage at Home

Water damage could be a property owner’s worst nightmare, and unfortunately it is a common occurrence, being caused by everything from water and snow build up, unnoticed leaks, leaking pipes, or natural disasters and accidents. Water damage can be tough to spot at first, which is why you should always hire a professional to inspect for water damage before buying or renting a new home, and if you experience water infiltration it is important to look for a company that does professional water damage restoration Bartlett homeowners and tenants can rely on.
It is also important that you know signs of water damage to keep an eye out for. Here are the key signs of water damage put together by our team at Cleaning Consultants & Restoration:

Water Lines on the Wall
Water lines on your wall is a clear sign of the water damage Bartlett residents dread so much.  If you see lines from water it is clear that there is some kind of leakage. There are two types of water lines to watch for. First, the most common are water lines coming from parts of the house that likely indicate leaky plumbing. Furthermore, if there is a wet spot near the water line, it’s a sure sign you’ll need some level of water restoration Lake Forest. Second, keep an eye out for water lines running from inside the house to out, which also indicates some kind of leaking, maybe related to your dryer not working correctly.

Fading Paint
Fading paint can be a sign of water damage, being caused from the wood drying out after experiencing lots of contact with water. Be a bit cautious with this one because there could be other causes of fading paint. Your best bet is to call in your water clean up professionals to rule out or get to the bottom of the water damage. And if it is due to water damage, don’t worry about that sad faded paint, Our team is skilled in the water restoration Bartlett can rely on to get their home back in tip-top shape.

Mold and Mildew
Mold and mildew are a sure sign that you need water removal and restoration ASAP. It is pretty easy to spot, but make sure you routinely check for it in dark humid corners of your home. Mold is dangerous to your health, so when you see, or think you smell, mold, or even just have damp corners where you think mold could grow, call us in for expert water restoration and water extraction Bartlett.

The Bottom Line
Sometimes despite our best efforts, water damage can happen anywhere at any time. It is important to keep an eye out for the signs of water damage so the problem doesn’t get out of hand. As well, as soon as you experience any kind of water infiltration, minor or major, call in your local experts in water removal and flood restoration Bartlett to make sure your home’s structural integrity is safe, and to get your home looking great again.

If you suspect water damage, call in our professionals at Cleaning Consultants & Restoration. Our expert contractors handle all things flood removal, water damage and water clean up Bartlett. We will be happy to answer any of your questions, get in touch today!

Categories Blog

Water Damage Restoration After Your Bathroom Has Flooded

One of the most frequently used spaces in your home is certainly your bathroom. In order for the bathroom fixtures to function, water is needed. Sinks, showers, toilets, and tubs all need plumbing in order to work. These fixtures will wear through the years and become susceptible to loosened connections, damage, and corrosion. Sadly, with all the water as well as all the potential problems, bathrooms are generally incredibly prone to water damage. Read below to see a few ways that you can help prevent water damage from occurring in your bathroom, as recommended by our water damage restoration specialists.

Keeping drains clear and clean
When drains become blocked or clogged, they interrupt the flow of water, likely causing overflow and flooding. Soap scum, hair, and grime are all common causes of bathroom drain clogs. There is no way to avoid these things going down your sink and shower drain. However, we can do our best to minimize what and how much in reality goes down the drain. Drain guards and shields are reasonably priced items you can purchase and install over your drain in order to filter what can and cannot go down it. They generally filter soap scum, grime, and hair that we can wipe to remove instead of having them run down the drain and eventually cause a clog. Use commercial drain cleaner or a mixture of baking soda, vinegar, and hot water to clean out drains periodically. This assists in the reduction of clogs as well as the prevention of excessive build up forming inside the drainpipe.

Avoid overworking your toilet
Toilets are prone to frequent clogging and overflowing, which is a messy issue that absolutely no one wants to have to face. By being careful about how much paper you put down your toilet and not flushing any element other than toilet paper, we can spare you the bother of toilet water flood cleanup. Sanitary napkins and similar personal hygiene products should only be disposed of in the garbage and never down the toilet as they may trigger blockages.  Another important aspect is toilet water level. If the water level is too high, or too low, there may be a drainage issue somewhere. It is crucial to teach any small children the importance of never flushing anything down the toilet and to keep an eye on them in regards to this issue.

Regularly inspecting shower and tub
Caulk and grout are essential players both in sealing fixtures as well as in keeping water from leaking out of your tub or shower, causing water damage in your bathroom. If you observe a caulk or grout that is cracked, chipped, or deteriorating, we will repair it. In order to avoid leaks, caulk should be reapplied every couple of years. If there are areas in your tub or shower with cracks or other damage, it is important to have them corrected as soon as possible. Be sure to keep showers and tubs as free as possible of buildup that could potentially wash down and clog the drain.

Regularly checking your plumbing
Pipes begin to rust and corrode as they age, triggering leaks as time passes. Ensure regular inspection of pipes to check for any signs indicating leakage.  Water spots or stains, warping on floors, bubbling on walls, and musty smells are some of the most common signs of water damage from leaky pipes.  We will inspect the faucet supply lines that run below bathroom vanities as well as the connections behind the toilet to ensure no water is leaking in either place.

Consistent, routine bathroom maintenance and inspections will assist in greatly reducing the risks of expensive water damage restoration as well as assist you in locating any issues sooner rather than later.  Whether in your bathroom or another space in your home, flood cleanup, flood restoration, and any other water damage restoration must be done ASAP.  Cleaning Consultants & Restoration are specialists in water damage restoration, providing services in the Bartlett area 24/7 to take action as quickly as possible.