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Restoration USA Tips: Saving Photographs From Water Damage In Coral Springs

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How to Save Photos from Water Damage in Coral Springs

Water damage can happen within the blink of an eye. A pipe burst, a hurricane, a flood, a roof leak; there are many different causes of water damage. At Restoration USA, we offer professional water damage restoration in Coral Springs. Our professionals can get your home or business back to normal following water damage. There are some items which may be more susceptible to considerable water damage, such as family photos or photo albums. We’ve put together some tips for mitigating any water damage to these mementos.

Separate Things

Make sure to remove any photos from albums which may have become waterlogged. Carefully take older photos out of albums which have gotten wet, and make sure not to touch the surface of the photo while doing so. Instead, grab the photo from the sides or corners. Older film photos may smudge or become damaged if you touch the surface of the photo when the image is wet.

Don’t Put the Photos Outside

Many people think it’s best to place photos in the sun to dry them. If you choose to do this, make sure to be careful. The sun can cause photos to curl up when drying, so make sure to keep checking on your photos regularly if you’ve made the decision to dry them in the sun.

Get Rid of the Frames

Your framed photos should be the first ones you’re saving from water damage. This is because as these photos dry, the image will stick to the glass of the picture frame. So, make sure to work on saving these photos from water damage in Coral Springs first. Remove the photo from the frame and dry the photo on its own.

Use Blotting Paper

One of the easiest ways to save photos which have been ruined by water damage in Coral Springs is to lay them face up on paper towels or blotting paper. Just make sure not to use newspaper or anything with a print on it, even printed towels. This is because the prints can transfer to the photos as the photos dry.

Go With The Pros!

When you’re dealing with extensive water damage, you may need to save more than just your photos. Flooding, leaks, and other issues can result in highly pervasive water damage. But our team at Restoration USA can help! We work with water damage of all types, locations, and severities. We also work with mold damage restoration as well. When you’re dealing with water damage throughout your home or business, it’s best to call professionals who can get everything back to normal.

At Restoration USA, we offer expert restoration and remediation services for water damage in Coral Springs. We can quickly remove water and address your water damage. Our professionals understand how to fully remediate damage, making everything look good as new. If you have water damage in your home or business, call our professionals at Restoration USA for our expert water damage restoration in Coral Springs. Our restoration experts are standing by 24/7 to repair your damage. Call us today!

Can a Water Leak Damage My Fort Lauderdale Home’s Foundation?

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There are many sources of water damage, including pipe bursts and appliance issues. At Restoration USA, we know that water damage can be incredibly common in homes, businesses and industrial spaces throughout Fort Lauderdale. Water damage can create mold problems, along with structural issues as well. In extreme cases, water damage can actually erode the soil beneath a building’s foundation. The sooner you notice water damage, the sooner you can fix the problem. Our professionals offer expert water damage restoration in Fort Lauderdale to help repair your damage.

Signs of Water Damage in Fort Lauderdale

Water damage may not be directly noticeable at first, but there are some signs you can keep a lookout for. It’s important to identify sources of leaks to curtail water damage. At Restoration USA, we offer leak detection in Fort Lauderdale to identify a wide source of leaks. Common signs of leaks include:

    • Stains on ceilings or walls
    • Wet spots on the floor
    • Drooping wallpaper
    • Bubbling in the walls
    • Increased water bills
  • Sounds of dripping water

By keeping a lookout for these above signs, you can identify leaks quickly before they can cause considerable water damage. If you do see mold or water damage, let our experts at Restoration USA help with the best water damage remediation in Fort Lauderdale. We’ll remove all signs of water damage!

Mold is one major sign of water damage. This naturally occurring problem comes in many shapes and sizes. Typically, mold spores float through the air, grabbing onto any source of nutrients. Mold loves to grow in wet spaces, and it often feeds on wallpaper or other building materials. As it grows, it releases more spores, which can cause a slew of health problems. If you see mold, call our team at Restoration USA right away. We can safely remove your mold damage.

Foundation Problems Due to Water Damage

Typically, water damage will not cause foundation problems right away. This is because foundations are built to withstand many stresses. But, over time, water damage can erode the soil beneath your foundation. This can lead to shifting your foundation, causing cracks or other damage. Usually, it takes quite some time for the damage to get this bad. Still, it’s best to call our Fort Lauderdale remediation experts as soon as you see any signs of leaks, water damage, or mold damage.

Trust the Experts for Your Water Damage Restoration in Fort Lauderdale!

At Restoration USA, we offer the best services to help get your home back to normal following water damage. We offer leak detection, mold testing, and water damage restoration in Fort Lauderdale. The sooner you call our experts, the better. We can identify the source of the damage and get your home back to normal.

When it comes to home damages, quick action is key. The longer you wait to fix a problem such as water damage, the worse it will get. So, keep an eye out for any signs of water damage in your home. If you see signs of water or mold damage, call our team at Restoration USA!

Restoration USA Tips: Detecting Hidden Leaks in Pompano Beach

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When most people think about leaks, they think about dramatic pipe bursts or leaking appliances. But at Restoration USA, we work with all kinds of water damage and leaks in Pompano Beach. We know that water damage can stem from a wide variety of sources, and not all are quite as obvious at the beginning. For example, roofing leaks may not be apparent right away, but when they’re left unnoticed, they can cause considerable damage. The same goes for leaking windows or seams. Our professionals at Restoration USA offer water damage and leak assessments. We also offer the best remediation in Pompano Beach. Suspect a leak? Give us a call!

What are signs of roof or window leaks?

Roofing leaks and window leaks are types of water damage in Pompano Beach which may not be as easy to spot right away. But, you can keep a lookout for signs of these leaks. At Restoration USA, we can help with our home inspection and leak assessment services. The longer you leave a water leak untreated, the worse the damage will be. This is why it’s important to keep a vigilant lookout for telltale signs of leaks.

Roofing Leaks

For roofing leaks, there are many signs that you may have an issue. Roofing leaks in Pompano Beach are more common than you may think. Older roofing and storm damage are just a few factors that can contribute to roofing leaks. Signs of roofing leaks include:

    • Missing shingles or broken tiles
    • Water spots on exterior walls
    • Damaged flashing
    • There is algae or mold on your roof
    • Shingles are bubbling
  • Water spots

If you’re seeing these signs, it’s time to call our experts at Restoration USA for your remediation services. We can repair water damaged structures, along with removing any mold that develops. Pompano Beach is home to many harmful mold species, so it’s important to get the best mold remediation asap.

Window Leaks

Windows are another point where water damage can occur. Many people aren’t sure how to spot water damage related to windows and doors. There are some signs you can keep an eye out for when it comes to window leaks:

    • Rain finds its way inside
    • Bubbling paint around the windowsill
    • You can feel outside air blowing around the window seams
    • Peeling paint on an interior wall near the window
  • Cracks in caulking

If you see these or other signs, it’s time to call on our team at Restoration USA. We offer complete leak inspection services. We can determine the source of your window leak, and we can fix the related water and mold damage in Pompano Beach.

Call the experts today!

At Restoration USA, we are committed to helping keep your home in shape. Our water and mold damage experts can assess and address your damages. We can get your home back to normal, fighting mold and water damage in Pompano Beach with the latest tools and techniques. Seeing signs of roofing leaks, window leaks, water damage, mold damage, or other issues? Give our team at Restoration USA a call today!

Restoration USA Tips: Flood Survival Guide

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Do you or your loved ones live in an area prone to flooding?  Please prioritize your safety and get to know your flood safety survival guide, courtesy of Restoration USA.

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The Dangers Of DIY Restoration – Mold Removal & Water Damage Restoration

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Wrong Equipment

First of all, there are tons of supplies and equipment needed in order to properly remove the mold from your home. Just to name a few, some supplies you’ll be needing include air filtration devices. These get strategically placed inside the work area and are usually vented out through a window to create negative air pressure. This helps you make sure that no outside particles are entering the work area during the removal process.

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Restoration USA Tips: The 3 Different Kinds Of Water Damage Explained

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Water

Sometimes referred to as “the healing component”, water has many properties and roles in today’s society. We often take water for granted and use it to bathe ourselves, we use it for everyday nourishment. And sometimes we even block it off in certain areas by building dams, the point being that water has multiple benefits and we utilize it to its maximum potential. The irony of all of this goes without saying. We believe that water is harmless and only here for our use and consumption. However, water damage can be one of the most catastrophic occurrences that can happen to your home or office building.

In Plain Sight

Water tends to carry hidden dangers. These may not be immediately evident when you first take a look at the water. The tricky thing about water damage is that it can be happening in your home or office building while you are completely unaware of it. If there is a slow leak in a pipe behind one of your walls or if you have a gap in a window that you do not use too often, water can be building up without your knowing so. And you won’t realize it until there is serious structural damage or a significant mold problem.

Water damage may also be a result of severe weather disasters, such as floods, storm surges or hurricanes. You may also have a substantially more noticeable occurrence. Something like a pipe bursting or an overflowing toilet. No matter what kind of water damage you experience, it is important to have some knowledge of the three different kinds of water. In order to get a proper understanding of the situation prior to initiating the clean up phase. You should work with our water damage restoration service crew, whenever you experience any kind of water damage. We will make sure that your home or office building is properly restored.

Clean Water

There may be instances where the water is classified as “clean water” despite its appearance.  Situations like when a pipe bursts open or say an appliance malfunctions will be deemed as “clean water” damage. Or perhaps there is a small leak in your roof that lets falling rainwater enter your home, in cases such as these, the water will still be deemed as “clean water.” This just might possibly be the easiest kind of water damage to deal with, since there won’t be too many microbes living in the water. Though “clean water” isn’t considered as big a threat as the other kinds of water damage, it can still cause issues if not addressed properly.

After we remove all the water, the property must then be thoroughly dried and dehumidified. We do this so as to avoid a lingering stench. If you decide against addressing your water damage you should be warned that this can result in the growth of mold. Once again, if the water has been standing still in your home for over 24 hours, it’s a matter of great urgency and you need to contact Restoration USA. We’ll take the extra steps to make sure that the water is dried extensively. We believe it’s especially important when the area in question has items that are easily drenched, such as wooden floors, carpets or drywall.

Gray Water

“Gray water” is water that is only slightly contaminated. Either because of the nature of the source or simply because of neglect. For instance, “clean water” can become “gray water” if it is left untended for a long period of time. When a toilet or a washing machine overflows, the resulting water would be classified as “gray.” Any kind of water that has been used or in any way contaminated is hazardous and possibly toxic due to the microbes that may be present. So if you wish to commence the cleaning and drying process before the water damage restoration service team arrives, it is recommended that you do so while wearing gloves. This is in order to keep your skin from coming in contact with the water so as to not contaminate yourself or anyone else.

Black Water

Widely regarded as the most hazardous out of the three kinds of water is “black water”. “Black water” is more often than not a result of either natural disasters or sewage damage. “Black water” may contain life threatening bacterial diseases, chemicals, pesticides, microbes and so much more. If your home or office building has suffered this kind of damage, we recommend that you let a qualified professional begin the disinfection and sterilization process. Before you attempt to handle the situation on your own and contaminate yourself. Not only do our trained technicians have the proper equipment, but we also take the necessary safety precautions in order to restore your home or office building back to its original state. If you do not handle the “black water” with care you are putting yourself and anyone you may come in contact with at risk.

Colored?

It’s important to note that the term “gray” or “black” water is not any indication of the colors of the water that you’ll see in your home. They’re simply terms that classify the level of water contamination. For instance, if you experience a flood from heavy rain, the water may appear to be “clean,” but if there is any groundwater that may have made its way inside as a result, chances are that there may be some invisible microbes lurking in the water. This is just another reason why we recommended that you allow one of our professional water damage restoration service teams to assess the situation. We’ll then repair any water damage that your home or office building may have suffered. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, especially when it comes to your physical health. This doesn’t exclude the structure of your home or office building.

Go With The Pros

Be it clean, gray, or black water, Restoration USA has all the right equipment to make your watery nightmare disappear. We offer a 24/7 service because disasters don’t wait til 9 am to strike and neither will we! All you need to get started is contact us either through our webpage www.RestorationUSA.com or give us a call whenever at (866)-745-6428.

Restoration USA Tips: The Importance Of Cleaning Your Home’s Gutters

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Fall is here, and while the leaves may not be falling in droves where you live, this is still a great opportunity to make sure your home’s gutters are clean and functional.

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Restoration USA Tips: Things To Watch Out For When Purchasing A Home

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Buying a house is a big occasion many people look forward to doing. Finding the perfect house in a great location is one of the many jobs people love to make happen. The months before signing those papers involve tons of planning, stress, excitement, and saving.  Many people get nervous when buying a house because of future problems that may occur and the possibility of a home disaster. It is always good to check out many houses before the big check is written. Another great thing to do is check for some common faults once you’ve sifted through some houses and have a good handful of potential buys.

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What Does The Water Damage Restoration Process Entail?

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What Does The Water Damage Restoration Process Entail? 

Water damage restoration is a big necessity in Florida. Often times, damages are done due to poor build quality, lack of maintenance, and mother nature herself. When problems do occur in the home, it is great to know what the process will be to restore your property back to it’s former glory. Many companies follow the same baselines, but here at Restoration USA, we strive to expedite the process and get the job done as quickly and efficiently as possible.

[h2a] How is water damage caused? [/h2a]

When it comes to thinking about the water damage restoration process, the first thing you need to know is where the damage comes from. Briefly stated before, there are quite a few mechanisms for water damage. The first we can take a look at is leaky pipes. Old and rickety pipes tend to burst or spring leaks. This causes water to accumulate in the home whether it be behind walls or all over the floor. When this happens, it is best to find out what pipe is broken and pinpoint its location. To do this, we use infrared and circuit cameras to find the leak and determine the condition inside the pipes. For more on this process, check out our leak detection page and read into it for your town.

Another main cause is flooding. Mother nature’s wrath truly ravages homes when it comes to flooding. When there is torrential downpour or sea levels rising, your home may not be safe from water. Not only can your beloved personal belongings be at risk, but the structural integrity of your home can also be compromised. Flooding from freshwater or saltwater is not good. Specifically, saltwater is more dangerous. It works much quicker than freshwater and can cause your foundation to crack, metals to rust out, and building materials can crumble. Though saltwater is a fast catalyst, freshwater does just as much damage even if it takes longer. Getting water out is a must.

[h2a] Water Damage &  Mold Growth  [/h2a]

A more minor aspect of water damage comes from holes in roofs, walls, and other faulty building characteristics.  Small amounts of water get in and commonly call for buckets in the middle of the room, or it just gets trapped behind the walls. When water gets trapped behind the walls, electrical systems are in jeopardy. Breakers can be tripped and outlets can become defunct. Small amounts of water also can lead to mold growth. Since mold only needs a small bit of water to survive, just the humidity of our tropical weather can be a cause for it.

The mold can easily spread and become another issue. It poses health risks and can affect people differently but it is not a threat you want to run into. Some signs of mold are musky earthy smells, and streaks or blotches of discoloration on the walls. At this point, mold is a bigger problem than you think. Mold remediation is an important part of keeping your home safe and it is necessary for your health.

[h2a]The water damage restoration process[/h2a]

Unfortunately, Water can make it’s way into the home. When it does, removing it as soon as possible it critical to your home’s well being. Water spreads quickly through osmosis and the longer it stays, the more susceptible your home will be to mold infestation.

[h2a] First call[/h2a]

The first call may be the most important step. In this call, it is important to have some information ready to go. What will commonly be asked is the full name of the property owner, the address where it is located, insurance information, and what is perceived to be the problem or where it started from. This information will give Restoration USA an idea about the following job and what will entail. Working at your convenience is our goal and we work directly with insurance companies to keep you unbothered with being a middleman. We can schedule a time that fits into your schedule.

[h2a] Initial investigation[/h2a]

To start off, Restoration USA will come into the home to  the home and gauge the problem. Before any water is removed, we will test the air, take some readings and find out where the problem stems from. Taking into account any future repairs and the possibility of mold, we will give an estimate on the cost to get this task taken care of. Once this is done, we can kick off the removal process.

[h2a] Removing water[/h2a]

When it comes to minor spills and puddles, it’s easy to clean it up with a mop or towel, but when bigger areas of the home are affected, it is best to leave the rest to the professionals. Restoration USA uses IICRC approved equipment to remove thousands of gallons in a matter of hours.

[h2a] Dehumidification [/h2a]

After the initial clean up, it is time to dehumidify the home. We use industrial-strength dehumidifiers to restore the air quality fast. Hard floors, carpets, and walls are subject to further damage if not dehumidified; this structural damage can present very dangerous threats. To avoid the swelling and warping of your property, these areas need to be dried thoroughly. This also prevents deterioration and mold growth.

[h2a]Sanitization and deodorization[/h2a]

After the home is meticulously dried, odors can be left behind. Dirt, dust and debris can stick back after water evaporates and this calls for sanitization. To take care of this, Restoration USA uses industrial air scrubbers to tackle even the smallest particles that are hiding in all of the nooks your home may have. These high-grade air scrubbers can get into air vents and other crevices that may not be reached by hand.

[h2a] Restoration [/h2a]

After the remnants of water is taken out, some additional repairs may need to be carried out. Restoring your home is important and Restoration USA will do everything we need to get your home back in tip top shape. Removing banned or faulty building materials such as asbestos insulation and lead based paints may be a responsibility worth undertaking. If this process is carried out, we will restore any areas taken out and finish this process once and for all.

[h2a]Know who to call[/h2a]

Restoration USA has over 25 years of experience dealing with combating water damage, mold remediation, and leak detection. When it comes to these projects, we know what needs to be done to get your home rockin’ n rollin’ once again. We know that problems left under the rug will only worsen with time, so we recommend getting this taken care of ASAP; instead of draining your wallet with constant home repairs time and time again. These disasters don’t let up and find a way to become a nightmare for you and your family. They tend to happen at the worst of times and because of this, we offer 24 hour service and take emergency calls at any hour. For inquiries, give us a call at (866)-745-6428 or fill out our contact form on the Restoration USA website to receive your free inspection.

Restoration USA Tips: How To Protect Your Property From Storm Surge

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Galveston, Texas & Storm Surge

In the year 1900, hurricane detection technology like Doppler radars, computer models, and hurricane hunter air planes did not exist. Due to this, hurricanes were, for the most part, a total surprise when they made landfall. It starts as some heavy rains the day before landfall. Quickly, this turns into intense winds and flooding that can entirely decimate property and end countless lives.

Enter Galveston, Texas, September 7th, 1900. Unbeknownst to most the residents, an incredibly powerful hurricane spun at an incredible 130 mph just off of the coast of their city. The Weather Bureau reported that a storm had hammered the Caribbean and seemed to be headed in the direction of Texas.  Many people in Galveston were unaware that a hurricane was headed in their direction.  Many of the people that were aware didn’t heed the warnings of The Weather Bureau. These people instead opted to view the show that the hurricane would provide once it made landfall.

Those that opted to stay in Galveston were in for a little more than a show. When the Hurricane made landfall on September 8th, 1900, it devastated the entire city. A storm surge that got as high as 15 feet severely flooded the island as well as the majority of the Texas coast. Many people escaped the storm surge, but by the time the storm passed over Galveston, an estimated 12,000 people had lost their lives.

 Storm Surge: The Most Deadly Aspect Of A Hurricane

Contrary to popular belief, the wind and heavy rains aren’t the most dangerous aspects of a hurricane. People that live in a hurricane zone should be prepared year round for all dangers that hurricanes present – and storm surge is no exception. 88% of hurricane-related deaths in the U.S is the result of storm surge.

Storm surge forms as hurricanes travel over warm waters. This allows the storm to absorb moisture and heat from the water, which strengthens the hurricane. Storm surges can be thought of as a wall of water that will inevitably make it to shore. This wall of water can be massive – in the case of 2005’s Hurricane Katrina – 28 feet high in parts of Gulfport, Mississippi. When a hurricane brings along storm surge as it makes landfall it seems like the ocean has come onto land — sometimes as far as 2 miles inland.

Storm surge is an incredibly destructive force – but it is possible to protect your property from the dangers that storm surge can present.

The Effects Of Storm Surge On A Coastal Highway

The Effects Of Storm Surge On A Coastal Highway in Pensacola, FL

Protecting Your Property From Storm Surge

Water has the ability to travel wherever it pleases. When storm surge threatens an area, there really isn’t much that can be done to negate this powerful force of nature. One of the few options that property owners have to try and defend their home from the potential damage that storm surge can cause is protecting the foundation of the home with sandbags. Sandbags around the Foundation will ensure that the building isn’t ripped from the foundation and swept away in the force of the storm surge. Covering vents with sandbags guarantees that no water makes its way into the property.

Being prepared is the number one way to minimize loss of life in the event of severe storm surge. Being prepared for storm surge means knowing if you live in a storm-surge prone area or not. Also, how to contact your family members, and how to evacuate. Before a hurricane makes landfall, take an inventory all of your property. This will allow you to see what you’ve lost during the storm – for both personal, and insurance reasons.

To keep your family safe, you should create an emergency supply kit. This includes extra clothing for all family members, battery-powered radios, flashlights, batteries, canned food, and 1 gallon of water per person, per day. To learn more about the emergency supply kit, check out this post from the Restoration USA blog.  

Real estate and restoration experts alike will tell you the best way to protect your home from storm surge is to purchase flood insurance. Usually, homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover flooding caused by storm surges.

Options Are Limited When Storm Surge Strikes

Truth be told, there isn’t much you can do when storm surge threatens your property. If you’re in an area that is prone to inundation by storm surge, then evacuation is your best option. Remember: your property and belongings can be replaced; the lives of your loved ones cannot.

Go With The Pros!

Restoration USA has over 25 years combined experience working in the disaster restoration field. With over 2 decades working in the South Florida area, Restoration USA is no stranger to hurricanes. Want to learn more about the services we offer? Would you like to receive a free home evaluation? Visit online at http://www.restorationusa.com/ or call toll-free at (866) 745-6428