PREVENTING WATER DAMAGE IN THE ATTIC

Although you don’t use water in the attic, the space above your living space is an area very vulnerable to water damage Restoration in North Charleston. And since the area is not accessed often, attic problems have a long time to progress and develop. Over time your home may need roof repair, replacement of attic beams, removal of ruined insulation, and repair of damaged sheetrock in ceilings below, replacement of carpet, and mold remediation to remove toxic contamination inside the attic. An unexpected hazard from water damage is the chance of an attic fire. If your electrical wiring is present in an attic or ceiling, moisture could pose a fire threat from shorted wires. 

Here are the most common causes of water damage from the attic, and how to prevent expensive damage.

Damaged Roof

Roofing leaks can develop for a variety of reasons: improper roof installation, wind or storm damage, and lack of maintenance. Chronic roof leaks lead to wood deterioration and rotten roof framing which require assistance from a professional contractor. You can also face expensive wood framing repairs if water leaks down into ceiling joists and walls.

Within the home, a serious leak can damage the interior ceiling. Affected ceiling paint will darken and ceiling plaster may bubble and expand. The leaking water also will damage paint and plaster on nearby walls. You might have damage on ceiling-mounted lights and furnishings below the leak. Since roofs have a life of 20-30 years, it is important to maintain and replace as needed.

Excess Moisture

Ceiling stains can also be caused by moisture already inside the house. Many areas of your home continuously have excess humidity or condensation. Damp rooms, such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens, can lead to mold- and mildew-stained ceilings. Install proper ventilation and using a dehumidifier, if necessary. When installing exhaust fans, make sure the duct to the attic space is properly insulated and vented to the outside of your home and not to your attic space. 

Be certain that you have adequate ventilation installed in the attic. Mold can spread throughout the home’s structure, to the HVAC system and then to the rest of the house through the vents where it can invade carpets, furniture, and even clothing.

In most homes, vents are installed along the peak of the roof. Make sure these and the soffit vents are unobstructed to optimize passive air circulation. If condensation issues persist, consider adding a powered vent fan at the roof peak. 

Failing Appliances

Periodically, check attic air conditioners, swamp coolers, and HVAC (heating, ventilating, and cooling) systems. In some homes, the water heater is installed in the attic. Flushing the water heater tank regularly per manufacturer’s instructions reduces chances of attic water damage due to tank corrosion and leakage.

Where the central A/C air handler is mounted in the attic, a clogged condensate drain line may trigger an overflow. An overflow safety switch can be installed to automatically shut down the unit before water damage in Charleston occurs.

Frozen Pipes

Attic pipes must be well insulated as they are very susceptible to freezing and bursting in cold temperatures. During cold seasons, the attic should be five to ten degrees warmer than the outside air to prevent ice from forming on the roof. Insulate all exposed attic pipes to prevent freezing. Consider low-temperature detectors that send potential freeze alerts to your smartphone.  

Water Damage Restoration in North Charleston

If you experience water damage, call CleanMastersfor help. They use infrared thermal imaging to locate all hidden sources of moisture and will perform a thorough extraction to remove all standing water. Clean Masters will also coordinate with your insurance company so that you don’t have to waste precious time calling your insurance company. They work closely with your insurance company, and their processes, in order to make the water removal process as painless as possible for you.

Clean Masters approaches each water damage project by maximizing the existing resources and providing the proper level of external services needed. CleanMasters services range from daily equipment rental to emergency water removal and full content drying. For water damage restoration in North Charleston, contact Clean Masters today at (843) 972-3555.

Continue Business Operations during Water Damage Restoration

Unfortunately, businesses are not immune to the difficulties of water damage Restoration in North Charleston. Of course, the first thing you should do when your business or the business you work at experiences water damage is to call a local professional water damage restoration company to help return the business back to its state before the damage struck.  If you live in or near North Charleston, contact Clean Masters Disaster Restoration Services.

However, in the meantime, while a restoration company is addressing the water damage, it may be challenging to come up with alternative business procedures while your business or the business you work is inconvenienced by undesired water. As a result of business water damage and the restoration process, some workers may be displaced from their regular work areas and some areas of your business may be rendered temporarily unusable.

In the event of flooding to your business, there isn’t an alternative solution to every inconvenience that comes up, but there are a few ways to get around some of the common inconveniences to your business. By implementing some of these solutions, your business will be able to minimize the loss of productivity to the highest extent possible during the restoration process.

The first thing you should do is make sure employees are aware of the situation. Contact them and explain that your business is experiencing water damage and cleanup and restoration processes are underway. Make sure to inform them which areas were damaged and ask them to stay out of the way of water restoration professionals. It is a good idea to put up signs near the damaged areas as a reminder. This will help your local restoration company be able to work as fast and accurately as possible so that your business can be back to its original state as soon as possible.

The work space of some of your employees has likely been compromised by the influx of water. If some of your employees’ work spaces have not been compromised, ask them to share their office with one of the displaced employees temporarily. You can use common areas like cafeterias, lounges, or meeting rooms if they have not been harmed to set up desktop computers, laptops, or any other office equipment that your displaced employees may need while the restoration process is still underway.

Another option for employees who have to find alternative ways to work when their work space is impaired by water is to work remotely. Working remotely is a good option for employees who already do a lot of their work on the computer, online, or on the phone. Working remotely is also a good option when all or almost all of your business space has been compromised by unwanted water. Ask an IT professional at your workplace to assist you in making working remotely a possibility for employees.

Hopefully some of these suggestions for allowing business to continue as normal when your business is hit by water damage help. Remember to contact a professional water restorationcompany to help with the cleanup processes if your business has water damage. Contact Clean Masters if you live in North Charleston.

3 Things a Restoration Company can Repair

When you experience a devastating water damage restoration in North Charleston home, you may think that there is no coming back from this. You might look at your belongings swimming in floodwater or water from a burst pipe and think that everything is going to need to be tossed. However, water damage restoration companies like Clean Masters can actually restore many things that you might think are a lost cause. Here are some things a water damage restoration company can repair.

Flooring

It is nearly impossible for someone who is not a professional to tell how much damage has been done to the flooring. Most floors have several layers of subfloor and other materials underneath the wood or carpet, and it is difficult to say what has been damaged and what hasn’t. It is important to get your flooring seen to as soon as possible to make sure that it is dried completely and that mold doesn’t have a chance to grow in it. A restoration company can vacuum out all the water, dry it with their industrial dryers, and ensure that it is completely dry with thermal imaging technology. And in the cases that there was too much damage to the flooring to dry it out, these companies can replace the damaged floors and subfloors.

Walls and Ceilings

When you have a burst pipe or a roof leak, many times the surface that takes the biggest beating is the ceiling or the walls. Water can get into the plaster and have a difficult time getting out. Even if the walls and ceilings are dried completely they could be bumpy, the paint could have peeled, or there could be a large gaping hole. In these cases, the restoration company can patch the hole, sand, texture, and repaint. When the professionals are done with their job, you won’t be able to tell there had been any damage.

Furniture

Did you know that restoration companies don’t just restore the interior of your home? They can also restore furniture that has been damaged by water. Wood is especially susceptible to water damage and should not be left sitting in water for an extended amount of time because the water can penetrate through the finish if it hasn’t been regularly refinished. Upholstery can also become much damaged since dirty water can get into the fibers of the fabric and stuffing. If water has gotten to your furniture, whether it is wood or upholstery, make sure you ask your water damage restoration company to take a whack at fixing it up.

Water damage can be quite devastating and overwhelming when it happens to you. Luckily, you have a water damage restoration company you can call when things get dicey. If you have any kind of water damage in Charleston that you need to have repaired, contact Clean Masters in North Charleston right away. They will come over and give you a consultation on what they can repair and what needs to be replaced.

What to Keep in Water Damage Emergency Kit

Many people keep emergency kits in their cars, but few will keep an easily transportable kit in their home. They probably assume that they have everything they need in their home, and will not need a specialized kit. However, you know in North Charleston, when a storm starts to head in your direction, you might wish you had a kit all set up. You might find that you need some essentials before your water damage restoration company can get to you after a major storm. Here are some things you will want to tuck away for an extremely rainy day.

Food

One of the things that people might forget to put together when they are evacuating or getting ready to sit through a storm is easily accessible food. You have to think about all the possibilities when you are selecting food to go into your emergency kit. Try to find foods that have a longer shelf life than a day or two and do not need to be frozen or refrigerated. It is likely that you will lose power or won’t have an oven, stove, or microwave, so buy food that you don’t need to heat up. You may want to look into investing in a camp stove if you are foreseeing a particularly devastating storm.

Make sure you have good, healthy snacks as well. Potato chips will start to get pretty old if that’s the only thing you packed. It is important that you stay healthy and full of energy when you are going through a storm.

Cleaning Supplies

Cleaning supplies are a must-have when you are evacuating to somewhere else or sitting out a storm in your home. If once the flood water has gone down, you have to wait a while before your water damage restoration company can come to you, you will be thankful that you set aside cleaning supplies to start getting some things done yourself. However, if you are dealing with very dirty water, try to stay away from it as much as possible and let the professionals clean that up in a safe way.

Hygiene and Clothes

Another thing that you should remember to grab if you are evacuating is clean clothes and hygiene supplies. Depending on where you are going, it might be difficult to find these supplies, and if you are escaping a storm and you haven’t been able to enter your home for days, you will start to feel pretty dirty. Sometimes it will take an extended amount of time for your water damage restoration company to complete the cleanup of your home. And there is nothing that will revive you and lift your spirits more than a shower and clean clothes to get into.

Conclusion

When you go through a major storm it is always good to be prepared. You don’t have to have a kit sitting in the corner of your home at all times, but when you hear that there is a hurricane headed in your direction, it might be a good idea to have a list compiled of all the things you will want to gather together.

If you do end up needing water damage restoration in North Charleston, don’t hesitate to contact the certified and insured professionals at Clean Masters Disaster Restoration Services.

Three of the Most Common Mistakes in Water Damage Cleanup

Water damage cleanup can be a beast of a job. It requires diligent focus and attention to detail. It can also be dangerous if not done the right way. We at Clean Masters in the Charleston area want to help you minimize the dangerous risks associated with the water damage cleanup process and help you restore your home back to normal as quickly as possible.

Below are a three of the most common mistakes homeowners make in the water damage cleanup process.

Coming Into Contact With Contaminated Water

A common assumption many people make is that floodwater is clean and harmless. That is very false. In fact, floodwater often contains very harmful bacteria and microorganisms that can seriously affect your health.  Floodwater often contains bacteria that can cause serious diseases such as cholera, typhoid fever, and even E Coli if the water contains sewage. If your home is flooded, you shouldn’t just jump in and start cleaning up the water without first determining if it is safe to be in or not.

Waiting Too Long

Our lives get overwhelmingly busy. When minimal flood damage occurs, it can be tempting to put off the restoration process for as long as possible. However, this is the last thing you want to do. Even if the damage seems to be quite minor, the water will seep into your walls and floor over time and can lead to serious structural damage. Even water left standing for a short amount of time can quickly lead to mold growth and further increase the amount of damage to your home. When water is allowed to stand for even a little bit of time, a small problem becomes a major problem and a much more expensive one to repair! Don’t waste time before calling a certified and insured professional that can help you contain the problem immediately.

Not Understanding How Important It Is To Get the Job Done RIGHT

Many people that follow the “do it yourself” approach to water damage cleanup take on a lot more risk than those who don’t. Completely restoring your home from the water damage in Charleston can be a lengthy process, and it’s important that you follow the proper procedures. For example, you should immediately begin to air out your home after a flood to get the moisture out of your home as quickly as possible. Your property will definitely experience more damage if this is not done. The DIY approach may seem appealing, but when you don’t know all of the signs to look for, you could make the problem worse. Don’t waste time and money by trying to do the job yourself, call in an experienced professional that can help you get your home back to normal as fast as possible!

Don’t undertake a lengthy, dangerous, and expensive water damage cleanup process on your own. We at Clean Masters in the Charleston area are trained and certified in doing all the hard work so you don’t have to take it on yourself. Your water damage disaster relief is just one call away!

Step-by-Step Guide to Water Damage Cleanup

Time is of the essence when water damage occurs on your property. Not only will you want to salvage your home and goods, but your insurance company will require a detailed inventory and assessment of your claim. With the stress of dealing with property damage, hiring a certified water damage and restoration company can help alleviate your burden.

Evaluate the damage

The technician will walk the property and access where the source of the damage originated. From a burst pipe to a sewage backup, a home evaluation will be key to finding the source of the damage. Once discovered the issue will be repaired to stop and prevent additional damage from occurring.

Secondary Damage

Water damage can cause secondary damage, such as structural damage and mold and mildew growth. Mold thrives in areas with poor ventilation and excess moisture. within 48 hours, mold can spread and release spores causing additional growth, especially on porous surfaces such as drywall and wood. Mold can cause adverse respiratory issues and may exaggerate your body’s allergen response.

Water Pollution

Dark, discolored water should never be entered. This dingy water is filled with disease, animal feces, dirt, debris, bacteria, and fungi. Entering contaminated water can cause serious health concerns. While there are three categories of water pollution, water that has caused property damage may still be contaminated with debris and bacteria.

Pack out

Depending on the level of damage to your property, a pack out may be required to remove all water damaged items. This can include clothing, furniture, electronics and documents. Once removed the items will be catalogued. Any items lost will need to be reported to your insurance agency with detailed information to back up the claim. Additionally, items that are eligible will be salvaged through a thorough cleaning and drying process.

Insurance Claims

Ideally, as soon as the water damage is found on your property, you’ll want to inform your insurance adjustor right away. Your insurance company may be able to assist you in finding a restoration company to perform the remediation and restoration process. Be aware that their recommendation is just that; you’re able to hire any company to you’d like to complete the restoration of your property.

Most restoration companies will assist you in filing your claim to your insurance adjustor. Keep in mind that there are different types of coverage and water damage differs from flood damage. You’ll want to be aware of your policy coverage to avoid any surprises. Living in South Carolina, we can be hit with extreme, adverse weather. If you live in an area prone to flooding, having flood coverage can save you from having to shell out for out of pocket expenses. When filing your claim, be sure to be specific indicating flood or water damage so your claim is filed correctly. Your policy may also specify the type of damage that is covered. Water damage as a result of failing to maintain your property, may not qualify for coverage. Familiarizing yourself with your policy will save you from additional stress should an incident occur.

Mold Myths Exist

Every day a new study comes out about something that is bad for your health, or there’s new “secret” to getting healthy during the winter or a new product that will create a brand new you!  Here at Clean Masters we also see new studies revolving around mold. The latest “breaking news” we have read on mold had the headline “Mold Doesn’t Grow in The Winter.” Nothing could be farther from the truth!

The idea that winter weather is too cold for mold to grow is simply wrong. Mold can grow wherever there is moisture, and that includes the winter months. We try to keep our North Charleston homes sealed tight for the winter. We turn up the temperature and watch the thermostat rise as warm air circulates through our homes – along with microscopic mold spores. Mold growth in the winter usually occurs on exterior walls and corners. Why? Because those areas are more exposed to the cold air from outside your home. Mix that cold air with the warm air from your heater and you’ve got high moisture levels.

No mold growth in the winter isn’t the only mold myth out there. In fact, here are a few common mold myths every homeowner in North Charleston should be aware of:

Mold Myth: Bleach kills all mold and prevents mold growth.

Using bleach to remove mold does work, but not all of the time and not on every type of mold. Bleach can be effective when killing mold on non-porous surfaces but when it comes to more porous materials like wood or concrete, bleach isn’t the best option. Even if the mold is removed from the surface with bleach there is a high chance that the mold will come back if the source of the mold growth isn’t taken care of or if the mold releases mold spores into the air during the attempt to clean it. Mold spores are resilient and can travel through the air or running water.

Mold Myth: I don’t see a lot of mold growing so I shouldn’t worry.

Unfortunately, the portion of mold that is visible is only a small part of the mold that is actually in the affected area. If you have mold to the point you can visibly see it, you most likely have more of that mold hidden behind the walls, flooring, or ceiling of your home, depending on where you found the mold growing. When mold becomes visible you should consider contacting a professional mold removal expert as soon as possible to remedy the issue before the mold starts to damage your walls, ceiling, or flooring beyond repair.

If mold does strike your home, don’t put your health or your loved one’s health at risk! Contact a professional mold remediation company for immediate assistance. Clean Masters in North Charleston is one such company that can help you rid your home of mold. Our certified technicians have experience in dealing with all types of mold problems, and will be able to help you restore your home in no time!