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Emergency roof claims

Handling roofing and water damage, especially in the context of insurance claims and emergency measures like tarping, requires a structured approach. Here’s a guide to navigate this process effectively:

Immediate Response

1. Safety First:
• Ensure the safety of all occupants by evacuating if necessary.
• Turn off electricity if there’s a risk of water coming into contact with electrical wiring.
2. Emergency Tarping:
• Use a heavy-duty tarp to cover the damaged area of the roof.
• Secure the tarp with nails or screws and use 2x4s to keep it in place.
• Ensure the tarp extends beyond the damaged area to prevent water from getting underneath.

Documentation for Insurance Claims

1. Photographic Evidence:
• Take detailed photos and videos of the damage from multiple angles.
• Document any personal property damage inside the house as well.
2. Written Documentation:
• Write a detailed account of the damage, including the time and date of the incident.
• Keep receipts for any emergency repairs or purchases related to the damage.

Contacting Your Insurance Company

1. Report the Claim:
• Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the damage.
• Provide them with all the documentation you have gathered.
2. Temporary Repairs:
• Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage but keep receipts and records of any expenses.
3. Insurance Adjuster Visit:
• An adjuster will likely visit to assess the damage. Be present to provide information and answer any questions.

Professional Assessment and Repair

1. Hire a Professional Contractor:
• Find a licensed and insured contractor who specializes in roofing and water damage repair.
• Get multiple quotes to compare costs and services.
2. Detailed Estimate:
• Ensure the contractor provides a detailed estimate of the repair work, including materials and labor costs.
3. Permits and Compliance:
• Verify that the contractor will obtain necessary permits and comply with local building codes.

Restoration Process

1. Water Damage Mitigation:
• Use professional drying and dehumidifying equipment to prevent mold growth.
• Remove any damaged materials like insulation, drywall, or flooring that cannot be dried out.
2. Structural Repairs:
• Repair or replace damaged roofing materials, ensuring proper sealing and waterproofing.
• Address any underlying structural issues that caused or were affected by the damage.
3. Interior Repairs:
• Once the roof is secure and the structure is dry, begin interior repairs such as replacing drywall, flooring, and repainting.

Follow-Up with Insurance

1. Submit Repair Bills:
• Submit all repair bills to your insurance company for reimbursement.
• Ensure you understand your policy’s coverage and any deductible you are responsible for.
2. Final Inspection:
• Have a final inspection done by both the contractor and insurance adjuster to ensure all work is completed satisfactorily.

Preventative Measures

1. Regular Maintenance:
• Regularly inspect and maintain your roof to prevent future damage.
• Clean gutters and downspouts to ensure proper water drainage.
2. Upgrade Materials:
• Consider using higher-quality roofing materials that are more resistant to weather damage.

By following these steps, you can effectively manage roofing and water damage, navigate insurance claims, and ensure a thorough and safe repair process.

Mold remediation, Uncategorized

Mold damage restoration

Cleaning up mold damage requires a careful approach to ensure safety and effectiveness. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Preparation

1. Safety First:
• Wear protective gear: gloves, goggles, and an N95 mask.
• Ensure the area is well-ventilated.
2. Assess the Damage:
• Identify the extent of the mold problem.
• Consider hiring a professional for extensive mold infestations or if the mold covers more than 10 square feet.

Cleaning Process

1. Contain the Area:
• Seal off the area with plastic sheeting to prevent spores from spreading.
2. Remove Contaminated Materials:
• Dispose of porous materials like drywall, insulation, and carpet if they are heavily moldy.
• Use plastic bags to contain and dispose of these materials properly.
3. Clean Surfaces:
• Use a mixture of detergent and water to scrub non-porous surfaces.
• For harder surfaces, a solution of one cup of bleach to one gallon of water can be used. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaners.
4. Dry the Area Thoroughly:
• Use fans, dehumidifiers, or air conditioners to dry the area completely.
• Ensure all surfaces are dry to prevent mold from returning.

Prevention

1. Fix Water Problems:
• Repair any leaks in roofs, walls, or plumbing.
• Ensure proper ventilation in moisture-prone areas like bathrooms and kitchens.
2. Maintain Humidity Levels:
• Keep indoor humidity below 60%, ideally between 30-50%.
• Use dehumidifiers if necessary.
3. Regular Inspections:
• Regularly check areas prone to moisture and mold growth.
• Address any signs of water damage immediately.

Professional Help

For extensive mold damage or if you are unsure about handling the cleanup yourself, consider hiring a professional mold remediation service. They have the expertise and equipment to handle large infestations safely and effectively.

Remember, safety is paramount when dealing with mold. If at any point the task feels overwhelming or unsafe, don’t hesitate to call in a professional.

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Factors That Produce Mold Growth

  1. Although mold can be found almost anywhere , they need moisture and nutrients to grow. The exact specifications for optimal mold growth vary by the species of mold.  However , mold grows best in damp , warm environments. The availability of nutrients in indoor, environments rarely limits mold growth because wood , wallboard wallpaper ,upholstery, and dust can be nutrient sources.  Similarly , the temperature of indoor environments above freezing and below the temperature for denaturing proteins , can support mold growth , even if the actual temperature is not optimal.

The primary factor that limits the growth of mold indoors is lack of moisture .  Substantial indoor mold growth is virtually synonymous with the presence of moisture inside the building envelope.  This intrusion of moisture might be from rainwater leaking through faulty gutters or a roof in disrepair , from foundation leak , from condensation at an interface , or between a cold and a warm environment . Water also can come from leaks in the plumbing or sewage systems inside the structure .  Studies of mold growth on building materials , that remain wet for 48-72 hours .  Flooding particularly when floodwaters remain for days or weeks , provides an almost optimal opportunity for mold growth .

 

Fungi may have adequate food sources available , but without moistures the mold will not grow. Fungi digest food by excreting  special chemical enzymes.  The enzymes require moisture in order to be effective.  You can look at it like mathematical equation . If you remove moisture from the equation you remove fungi’s ability to grow as well.  Spores + Food+ Moistures = Mold

 

The environmental Protection Agency document in the graphic above makes it clear we must clean water damage within 24-48 hours to prevent ,old growth. This make sense when you recall the CDC stated on the last page that mold grows on materials that remain wet for 48-72 hours .

 

Its not just liquid water that can provide the moisture to complete the equation.  Elevated relative humidity for more than a few days at a time can also lead to enough ,moisture at the surface of materials to support mold growth . Therefore EPA ideal target range for Relative Humidity RH is 30% – 50%. Never greater than  60%.

 

The American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air Condition Contractors and other groups also recommended keeping relatively humidity below 60% to avoid the potential for condensation in cold areas and subsequent mold growth .

 

Typically the easiest and best long term solution to mold problems is to fix moisture problems and maintain buildings so that they do not come back .   In situations where this is not possible and / or it cannot be done quickly the next best thing to do is minimize food sources .

 

 

According to EPA Mold in schools and Commercial Buildings clean water damage with in twenty fours – forty eight hours to prevent mold growth.

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Home emergencies

Preparedness

Not every emergency can be prepare for , but if live in an area prone to hurricane , floods , earthquake , or tornadoes , you should have basic emergency supplies on hand , and your family should be aware of what steps to when disaster strikes.

Hurricanes . The National Hurricane Center recommends that those living in low lying areas have an evacuation plan. Find out about the routes from your local police or Red Cross chapter. Also plan for emergency communication , such as contacting a friend out of the storm area in, came family members are separate . Listened to the radio or TV for warnings , check your emergency supplies, and fuel the car. Bring in outdoor objects such as lawn furniture and close shutters or install plywood before the storm arrives . Unplug appliances , cut off the main circuit breaker , and turn of the main water supply valve. If time permits, elevate furniture to protect it against floods.

Smaller tremors or after shocks . Live in an area has this one in blue moon. Be prepare , Shelves fasteners securely to your walls , and store heavy or breakable items close to the floor . During and earth quake after shock the safest place in your home is under a piece of heavy furniture or against an inside wall, away from windows or furniture that may topple.

Tornadoes or strong wind damage- Have a place ready where you can take shelter if you don not have basement , find a windowless spot on the ground floor, scubas a bathroom or a closet under stairs. As wind damage usually happen little warning , each family member should know the danger signs, where your emergency supplies are and what to do in case of a power outage or gas leak .

Surval tips .

If you plan to ride out a storm , have basic emergency supplies on hand including flashlights and extra batteries , battery operated radio , first aid kit , extra nonperishable food and water ,essential medicines , and a cell phone . Turn the refrigerator to its coldest setting , and open and close it only when necessary . Store drinking water in jugs and bottles and in clean bathtubs .

An early storm warning can allow time to pack up essentials and batten down the house with plywood or boards .

Install battery powered flashlight at stairwells . It charges when power is on and rights automatically when the power . On many building sites , floods waters form heavy rains can fill basements and rise close to window height. Your best protection against property and injury from fire is a smoke detector . Push the test button to check it. Circuit breakers trip automatically when there is a problem . Reset them once, but if they trip again, call in electrician.

Sometimes a simple job such as heating a frozen water pipe is all you need to do to restore essential services .

Uncategorized

Solving problems drains pluming

To get the most force , plug the overflow fitting with a wet towel when plunging a bathtub. Standing water also helps.

Cleaners
A plumber’s auger is the safest way to clear stubborn jams in household pipes , which is a risk with the some caustic chemical drain cleaners , such as those that contain acid or lye . An auger is simply a flexible wound wire cable that you turn into the pipe either by hand or with a special drill. Another option is to used water and air pneumatic to dislodge a jam . These pneumatic devices typically fit over the stopped drain and release a charge of air into the standing water .

Clearing the clog
Tubs fitted with an a internal drain stopper , called a trip waste , require extra attention when they become clogged. Removing the linkage helps you diagnose the problem . Check the drainage flow by running water down the drain. If the drain fails to empty properly , the clog is farther down the line . If the drain flows freely , the trip waste is stretched and the stopper is too low in the drain tee, blocking flow even when open. Shorten the linkage by 1/4 inch ; tighten the lockout, and replace the linkage- the drain should work fine.

To access a trip waste linkage for cleaning . remove both screws ; grip the overflow plate and lift out linkage.

Sluggish tub drainage may be caused by a stretched trip waste linkage . Remove the linkage, and shorten it shorten it about 1/4 inch.

Pop up plugs often clog with hair . Lift out the plug and linkage; remove the hair ; and replace the assembly .

When snaking a kitchen sink line , remove the trap , and bore directly into the line with a hand held drain auger .

To snake out a bath drain , remove the overflow plate ; pull out the trip waste linkage; and bore through the overflow .

When plumbing won’t clear a clogged floor drain , it’s best remove the plug and auger the line through the cleanout.

To reduce the noise from supply and drainpipes , wrap them with foam tubes and pack the wall cavities with insulation . ( Cast iron drains are quieter than plastic ones.) Severe pipe banging called water hammer, is caused by excessive water pressure or the abrupt shut off produced by the solenoid valves on dishwashers and clothes washers. To fix hammer , anchor the pipes to the framing with hangers or install a shock absorber . You can make a simple one by cutting in a T-fitting and a capped stem of pipe . Gas and oil filled shock absorber fittings also provide damping action.

To support water pipes and prevent rattling and banging against framing , use clip on pipe hangers .

Heat cables for sillcock wil help frozen pipes.