How To Get Rid of Smoke Odor After a Fire

10/6/2023 (Permalink)

Fire damage in Round Rock, TX.

Smoke Damage Restoration

If you’ve recently had a commercial fire in Round Rock, TX, you may be wondering what steps you should take. You’re likely feeling overwhelmed, not knowing what to do or who to call first (after the fire department, that is). Then there’s that awful smoke odor that can linger even after all the burned and destroyed items have been removed. Thankfully, there are highly trained restoration professionals out there who are sufficiently equipped to handle all your smoke cleaning needs. These companies will likely have access to state-of-the-art equipment and techniques that will not only clean up the often overwhelming mess the fire left behind, but also restore your building to its pre-fire condition. Here are a few things you should expect from a smoke damage restoration professional.

Thorough Inspection for Identification of Odor Sources

It may be easy to look at the affected area and simply assume the smell is coming from everywhere. While there is an element of truth to that, these companies have access to equipment that will help them easily trace the strongest odor sources so that they will be able to focus their efforts most heavily on those affected areas. Sometimes, the odor can come from unlikely places on the interior or exterior of the building.

Water and Fire Treatments First

In order to ensure the odor problem is properly treated, any water or soot must be removed from the premises first as part of the smoke cleaning process. Since these are strong sources of odor in themselves, this process will eliminate a large portion of the necessary odor remediation.

Cleanup, Sanitization, and Odor Remediation

At this point in the restoration process, affected, salvageable items will be properly cleaned, sanitized and restored to their pre-fire condition. The smoke odor will often still linger in the affected areas. Using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment, the restoration professionals will now aggressively attack any remaining odors, since the preliminary work has been completed. Once the odor is removed, the final stage of the smoke cleaning process will be any necessary structural repairs.

Can You Keep Black Mold From Entering Your Home?

8/28/2023 (Permalink)

Mold damage in a Round Rock, TX home.

When you find black mold in your residence, it may seem as if it’s attempting to take control of your life by stealthily taking control of your home. When you find out that this pesky organism is present and is capable of spreading itself everywhere, you may feel as though the situation is daunting. How is the fungus able to make its way inside, especially when you maintain a pristine abode? However, even if you keep a squeaky-clean house, if other conditions are present, it is almost unavoidable that mold will settle indoors.

Favorable Mold-Growing Conditions

Mold spores are present practically everywhere. In the right environment, they can thrive.

• Air: Spores travel by air, which allows them to settle on any surface, including the insides of heating and air conditioning systems (HVAC). Consequently, if black mold spores are present, when the system is turned on, they could be released indoors.

• Food: Like every creature, the fungus also needs food to survive and thrive. This can be any type of organic matter; all homes offer plenty of material to feed on.

• Water: Surfaces that are in continuous contact with some form of water, whether it’s a bit of moisture, condensation or dampness, can enable mold to thrive and grow.

• Temperature: Fungi are not particular about temperature. They can live and flourish in temperatures between 32 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

Measures To Halt Spores

One way you can prevent a mold issue from continuing unchecked is to get the help of a mold remediation company in Round Rock, TX. Experts in the field should be able to handle mold cleanup, take care of the moisture problem and perhaps make repairs if needed. They can also give you recommendations for minimizing the possibility of a new breakout.

Although these tiny spores live in the environment and cannot be completely eliminated, now that you understand how they slip inside your house, it may be easier to reduce the likelihood of a problem developing. Relying on skillful and experienced professionals can give you an added edge to control unwanted black mold.

How To Handle a House Fire

8/23/2023 (Permalink)

House fire damage in Round Rock, TX

How To Handle a House Fire

House fires are common occurrences that affect and devastate many families every year. Residential blazes are scary, unpredictable, and alarming, so ensuring you and your family have a specific fire escape plan in place is crucial to your safety. Follow these simple steps, and be prepared during and after a potential emergency.

1. Be Alert and Take Action
If you experience a house fire in Round Rock, TX, promptly perform the following measures:

• Enact your emergency escape plan
• Dial 911 and alert emergency personnel to your situation
• Secure medical care for any people or pets with severe burns or injuries
• Call worried family and friends to let them know you are safe
• Do not reenter your home until a proper fire damage assessment is complete
  
  

2. Put Safety First
Following a fire, confirm with firefighters that it is safe to reenter your home. Dress in boots, long pants, sleeves, helmets, protective eyewear, and masks as you inspect your damaged residence. Consider consulting a professional smoke and soot removal team to clean your house and restore it to a safe and livable status.

3. Check-In
It is crucial to remove any smoke-damaged paraphernalia from your home. Specifically, dispose of any food that might have soiled due to heat or smoke. Physical damage is only a portion of the devastation fires create. Despite devising even the most detailed fire escape plan, many survivors experience feelings of guilt and angst in the months following the disaster. Make it a point to check in with your family members regularly. Ensure they appropriately deal with their stress and get professional help for anyone struggling mentally or financially. Further, watch your household pets, making sure they don't exhibit any long-term symptoms from the fire or smoke.
As ravaging as fires can be, remind yourself that your successful fire escape plan saved your family's lives. Remember that everything else is replaceable, and all that matters is the safety of your loved ones.

Why Every Business Should Consider Buying a Flood Insurance Policy

8/21/2023 (Permalink)

Purchasing flood insurance can provide peace of mind, so why delay?

No place is immune from storms that can potentially cause severe damage to your business. When a destructive storm hits, insurance policies act like financial safety nets, allowing businesses to recuperate damaged or destroyed property. However, insurance companies see flood damage and storm damage as entirely different entities that require separate policies.

Examples of Storm Damage

Wind and hail are examples of natural phenomenon that can cause significant damage to your building’s exterior infrastructure. Examples of potential damage include the following:

• Loosened or detached shingles and siding
• Cracked roof surfaces
• Broken windows
• Damaged or destroyed outdoor equipment

Heavy Rainfall and Flooding
Some severe storms bring heavy rainfall which, if not drained properly, can saturate an area and cause flood damage. To be officially classified as a flooded area, the general rule is the land must be at least two acres in size and a normally dry region. An area where two or more properties are inundated with water can also be classified as a flooded zone.
Flooding can also occur inside your building, especially if the roof or windows were compromised in a storm. In this case, the distinction between flood and storm damage comes down to when the destruction occurred. While this may sound like a minute detail, it is a crucial determination for insurance purposes.

Property Insurance vs. Flood Insurance
Not all insurance policies are created equal, and there is a distinct difference between flood insurance and business property insurance. Most property insurance policies will cover damage resulting from storms, such as damaged windows, roofs and siding. However, if the storm causes flooding and the primary culprit of the damage was flood waters, your property insurance policy will likely not be applicable. Instead, you will have to file a claim on an existing flood insurance policy. Unfortunately, not every business chooses to purchase flood insurance, creating the potential for substantial financial loss.

Purchase a Policy for Peace of Mind
When flood damage occurs, navigating the restoration and cleanup process can be challenging and timely, particularly if your business lacks adequate insurance. It’s hard to predict when the next severe storm will hit Round Rock, TX. Purchasing flood insurance can provide peace of mind, so why delay?

Understanding the Cost of Mold Damage

7/27/2023 (Permalink)

Mold remediation in Round Rock, TX.

The price of removing mold from your home in Round Rock, TX, can vary greatly. On average, the cost of residential mold removal can run into the thousands. Here's a quick guide to how much you can expect to pay for its elimination.

Location and Removal Costs

The area of your home where mold exists impacts its cost of eradication. Below are a few common price ranges:

Attics - $1,000 to $4,000
Basements - $500 to $3,000
Crawl spaces - $1,000 to $20,000
Bathrooms - $500 to $1,000

Once you've determined where mold resides in your home, it will be easier to pinpoint a likely total cost.
Overall Removal Costs
On average, the cost of removing mold falls between $1,000 and more than $3,000. Calculated by area, you'll probably pay somewhere between $10 and $25 per square foot for comprehensive mold removal.
Many factors impact the final bill. If you require black mold removal, for instance, expect to pay more than you would to eliminate other types of mold. The cost of destroying these toxic spores can hit $6,000. Associated jobs, such as resealing the foundation, repairing a roof leak, or replacing flooring, will add to your total.
The region where you live further impacts the dollar figures you'll be quoted. Areas with lower costs of living have similarly lower fees. Customers in major metropolises will inevitably face higher bills.
Contemplating the expense of hiring a professional mold remediator may make you want to handle the task yourself. This is often a poor decision, as you are prone to committing mistakes that may wind up running more in the long run. Play it safe by hiring a team of residential mold renovation experts.
Getting rid of mold can be costly. Its ability to spread means that waiting to eradicate it will make the job's cost even greater. Contact a mold removal specialist the instant spores appear.

3 Steps To Fix a Leaking Kitchen Sink

7/18/2023 (Permalink)

A leaky kitchen sink may seem like a minor issue, but an ongoing leak could have serious consequences.

Here Are Three Steps To Fix An Under- Sink Leak

A leaky kitchen sink may seem like a minor issue, but an ongoing leak could have serious consequences. Homeowners or occupants may be able to fix a malfunctioning faucet, drain or drain seal at a residence in Round Rock, TX. A leaking supply line or other plumbing problems that could cause flooding to require expert repair. 

1. Find the Source of a Sink Leak
A leaky or broken water supply line may visibly drip or spray water in a home. A P-trap or sink drain leak may only be evident after water has run through the sink. If you cannot locate the source of a leak, shut off the water supply and contact a plumber.

2. Fix the Faucet, Drain or Seal
A leaky faucet is relatively easy to replace, along with one or two washers or gaskets. A P-trap leak may require clearing a blockage, tightening connections, or replacing a corroded trap. A sink drain leak may need to be unscrewed and repacked with plumbers putty. A broken supply line is more likely to cause Category One water damage or flooding and require expert repair.

3. Contact a Plumber If a Leak Continues
If the kitchen repair measures you take to stop a leaky sink are not effective, it is a good idea to call a plumber sooner rather than later. The longer an under-sink cabinet or other areas remain wet, the higher the risk of major water damage and mold.
A leaking sink often starts off as a drip, but a problem that goes unaddressed could end up flooding a home kitchen in Round Rock, TX. If you cannot resolve the underlying cause, contact a plumber to minimize primary damage. An under-sink cabinet that has been exposed to water for a long period of time or repeatedly may suffer primary and secondary damage.

How To Mitigate Mold After a Flood

7/10/2023 (Permalink)

Standing water in Round Rock, TX.

After a Flood, Here's How to Get Rid of Mold

Recovering from a flood at your home in Round Rock, TX, can be an overwhelming and time-consuming process. If you do not act quickly after the storm, standing water can breed bacteria and encourage mold growth. Questions you may ask after a flood can include:

• How do you know if mold is growing?
• How quickly do you need to act?
• What steps do you take to mitigate the problem?

Mold spores are everywhere in the environment. Typically, the spores do not endanger you or your home at normal levels. However, these microscopic organisms can flourish under the right conditions. Mold needs moisture to grow and spread. After a flood, the standing water in your home is the perfect environment for mold to multiply. Dampness remaining in floors, walls and basements after the floodwater subsides can cause mold growth in as little as 48 hours. So, be on the lookout for an earthy, musty smell indicative of mold. The color of mold varies, including black, brown, white, green or orange.

How Is Mold Remediated?

Mold cannot be completely eradicated, as it exists in nature and is everywhere. It can be remediated in your home by taking the following steps:

• Act fast to prevent the mold from developing and spreading. Immediately contact a team of water restoration and mold remediation specialists to remove the excess standing water. The company inspects for visible and hidden mold and moisture, contains the affected area, and filters spores from the air. Porous materials are removed, such as carpeting, and remaining surfaces are treated for bacteria, cleaned and sanitized.
• Your role as the homeowner is to immediately turn off the HVAC system if you suspect mold growth. This will prevent the further spread of spores. Do not touch the mold or attempt to clean it yourself.

Unmitigated mold growth after a storm in Round Rock, TX, can wreak havoc on your home and your health. Recognize the signs and act quickly by having a mold remediation specialist out to your home as soon as possible after your home floods.

How To Prepare Your Business For Hail Damage

6/26/2023 (Permalink)

Hail storm in Round Rock, TX.

Owning a business comes with many responsibilities, not the least of which is maintaining your commercial property. Along with regular building maintenance, have a plan in place in case of natural disasters, such as hail storms. Here are a few things you can do to prepare for possible hail damage.

Know the Common Types of Hail Damage

Think through potential types of damage so you can make sure you have each one covered. Here are a few common types:

Roof Damage: This is a very common area of hail damage. Be sure to have your roof regularly inspected and repaired, especially after a hail storm. Regular maintenance can help prevent severe roof damage.
Glass Damage: If you have skylights, be sure that they are impact-resistant. Windows can be at risk too, depending on the angle of the hail coming down. Consider using impact-resistant glass here as well.
Property Damage: Hail can also cause damage to the property surrounding your building. This could include trees, HVAC units, or even commercial vehicles kept on your property.

Make Sure You are Covered
Once you have reviewed potential sources of storm damage, make sure that you have adequate commercial property insurance. This type of insurance will cover the financial impact of storm-related damage, which is an important protection for the financial health of your company. In the event of storm damage, initiate a claim with your insurance company and request authorization for a Round Rock, TX, storm damage company to come in to do repairs. You don't want to be left with roof damage or other property damage impeding your ability to get back to business.

Protect Employees
Have an emergency plan in place to make sure employees stay safe in the event of a hail storm. Designate a gathering area safely away from windows, and communicate a procedure to follow with your employees. Consider practicing emergency drills.
No one wants to think about their business suffering storm damage, but early preparation can save a lot of hassle in the event of damaging hail. Make sure you have your bases covered to protect your property, your employees and your hard work.

How to Clean Your Electronics After a Fire

6/23/2023 (Permalink)

It is deeply frustrating when possessions get destroyed, but computerized equipment can sometimes be saved.

Between tossing everything that has become damaged and hiring a fire restoration service to handle the most difficult aspects of the task, any fire cleanup job is deeply stressful. Often getting lost during the process is the recovery of precious electronics. Never trash them until you have confirmed they are impossible to repair.

Smoke Damage and Electronics
When smoke infects our digital gadgets, it impacts them in three ways:
1. Magnetization, leading to short-circuiting.
2. Corrosion, dramatically shortening their lifespans.
3. Overheating, caused by a thick layer of soot.
Any items displaying evidence of the above conditions should be disposed of, but those that do not may be rehabilitated. Should a fire strike your home in Round Rock, TX, remember that inspecting your beloved digital toys should automatically be included as part of the fire cleanup.

Cleansing Electronics of Smoke Damage
First, disconnect the device you wish to salvage and remove the batteries or any other existing power source. With a soft, dry towel, wipe your gizmo’s exterior of any residue, then use an air compressor or blow dryer to clear out any outlets or vents. Once this has been done, you can test your device by switching it on. Never do this, however, until the cleaning stage has been completed.

Sadly, your beloved item will likely never operate the way it once did, as ash is virtually guaranteed to compromise proper functioning. Should you detect unusual behavior from your device, have it inspected by a product specialist. You may have taken out warranties on your most prized pieces, but also note that many home insurance policies cover electronics-related losses, so check your provisions.

It is deeply frustrating when possessions get destroyed, but computerized equipment can sometimes be saved. Never let the hectic nature of a fire cleanup undertaking prevent you from granting your favorite gadgets one last shot at life.

How Can I Prepare My Business for a Potential Fire Disaster?

6/22/2023 (Permalink)

Back up your important data and documents.

Although it's only a slight chance, you never know when your Round Rock, TX, commercial building could set ablaze. Whether it's a result of a faulty electrical system, a toaster fire in the breakroom, or a wildfire intrusion, it's essential to think about fire preparation before the worst occurs. Being proactive can potentially save lives, your building and your business.

1. Back Up Your Important Data and Documents
The survival of your business could depend on having backups of your essential data and files. As an extra precaution, you can store this data in a separate physical location, such as on a hard drive kept in your own home. However, your best option is to keep backups of everything in the cloud. You can also scan essential paper files and upload them to your cloud storage.

2. Prepare Your Employees
Familiarize all of your employees with the building evacuation plan, the location of fire extinguishers and first aid kits, as well as other critical information. Part of your fire preparation should include routinely practicing fire drills and presenting fire safety rules with all personnel.

3. Review Your Commercial Insurance
A critical part of your plan is reviewing your commercial insurance policy to ensure you have the correct type and amount of coverage. Having the proper insurance could mean the difference between saving your business or losing everything.

4. Create a List of Emergency Contacts
Another vital component of disaster preparation is creating a list of emergency contacts. The list should include local emergency services, your insurance company, fire damage restoration professionals, employees and their emergency contacts, and suppliers. Keep a copy of this list off-site in case the original gets destroyed in the fire.
Any type of disaster at your business can be traumatic for everyone involved. However, having a fire preparation strategy in place can provide you with some much-needed peace of mind.