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

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!

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

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

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

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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What Does The Water Damage Restoration Process Entail?

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: Home Restoration And Billing Your Insurance Provider

Everyone wants their home to stay in tip top shape. Living in a well-maintained home is comfortable and also creates a better experience for visitors. Doing your part to clean and maintain any minor fixes in the house, like a light bulb change or a faulty smoke detector battery, just takes a short time out of your day. Sometimes, there are events that you cannot control.

Every region comes with upsides and downsides. Sometimes a location has specific months that generally have bad weather to look out for; like Florida’s hurricane season. Year round, there also may be general weather conditions like warm humid air that can put your home at risk continuously. When things like this happen, it is always great to stay on top of the ball and get the work done that is needed. Though some projects are easier than others, there may come a time where home restoration comes into play. With bigger operations on your home, there can be hefty costs (depending on the damage) that you just can’t afford to pay out of pocket.

If this time comes, your insurance is the one who will cover these costs. This is the reason you pay for it in the first place! Insurance companies tend to cover many major disasters that your home may experience. Though people know this fact, there are also differences in companies and their policy options that can put you in a pickle.

Coverage and problems

Insurance companies always have a catch; this is no secret. In places that experience annual disasters or seasonal weather patterns, some insurance companies won’t cover for specific home conditions that are caused by mother nature. Though it is rare, it is always good to take a look at what your insurance provider covers and does not cover. Some examples that are a great focus point are exemptions because of common earthquakes, sinkholes, and even flooding.

Flooding: Coverage for damage caused by flooding can differ greatly across areas and companies. Many times, regular insurance policies do not cover flood damage. FEMA is what people usually go for when looking for flood insurance, though there are alternatives. One thing to look for in an insurance policy is the details about coverage for flooding; if it is even covered.

Water Damage: Water damage is a frequent monster in homes, especially in Florida. Humid air, on and off rain, and hurricanes are huge adversaries to a home’s water resistance. Since these natural occurrences happen without prevention, water damage can be inevitable. Working on water as soon as possible damage is extremely important. This is due to the fact that it spreads like wildfire. Water has no mercy; it seeps through the smallest cracks, disperses in the air, and destroys everything in its path if given enough time to. Not only will the integrity of the property be compromised, but the well-being of your belongings can be in jeopardy.

Fixing a water damage problem is necessary. Locating the origin and tackling the damages done need to be carried out in a timely fashion. Even catching problems early can put your bill over $15,000. This includes the detection of the cause (whether it be leaking pipes or other faulty building aspects), stopping the water from entering again, and restoring any sections of the home that were devastated.

Mold Growth: If not treated soon, water can lead to mold. It is well known that mold is never a good entity in the home. Mold can be more hazardous to some than others. It is never good to find out how it will affect you. Because this can pose serious health risks, it is pertinent to solve water damage issues before mold has a chance to grow. Mold also doesn’t have to come from a serious water damage problem. Since mold only needs a little water to thrive, regular humidity trapped in your walls can be just enough to start the growth cycle.

Mold travels fast too. Wherever moisture reaches, it can reside. Generally, mold can grow in a typical safe home just in the places that are commonly wet. Showers and sinks may exhibit mold growth and can be cleaned with store bought cleaners. More serious issues do need to be handled by professionals. Average cleaning can actually worsen the problem, spreading it around further and expel mold particles into the air.

Signs of mold can be easy to spot with routine checks. Spotting streaks of gray, black, and green can be a symptom of mold intrusion. Problems are usually worse than they look because mold is often trapped behind the walls before it shows up on the surface. Paying for mold removal out of pocket can be incredibly expensive. The insurance company will be your best friend in these situations.

Billing your insurance company

With all of these crazy expensive costs, it’s not likely you can do it all on your own. If you can, great! But if you can’t, the insurance company needs to cover you. It is always best to read your policy thoroughly before you buy it and when you run into problems. Take note of any minor details that may sway you from a purchase and weigh out your options.

When you have chosen a policy and need to make a claim, they will likely send out an adjuster to assess the damages. Once that is underway, they will contact the restoration company to sort out the details regarding their coverage and estimates. Restoration USA works with most major insurance companies directly to save you the headache of constant calls regarding this subject. You can’t resume your schedule when being the middleman, so we go through all the information with the insurance companies to get start the restoration process.

Restoration services

If you have any restoration needs, Restoration USA is glad to help. We have over 25 years in the business and we are highly qualified to help you in your time of need. For water damage, leak detection, mold remediation, and fire damage, Restoration USA can take care of it all. We work at your convenience and keep in mind your needs. Our team upholds the most respect for you and your property. Restoration USA strives to protect the structural integrity of your home and preserve the well-being of your belongings.

We use IICRC approved techniques and methods to bring your home back to its former glory. Our top tier equipment executes the mission as quickly and efficiently as possible. With advanced technology, we work as non-intrusively as possible to pinpoint problems in the blink of an eye.

Check out our website for information on our restoration services.

Go with the pros!

Restoration USA has the means to fix your home. We know that disasters don’t wait up, so neither should you. Restoration USA offers 24-hour emergency service for when something goes bump in the night. We accept inquiries and perform free inspections to assess the problem and give you a ballpark number on the costs you (or the insurance company) may incur. To get started on your home restoration needs, contact us as soon as you can. Don’t let the issues ride on, they will only get worse as time goes by. Fill out the contact form on our website or give us a call at (866)-745-6428. You will be back in your comfort zone in no time.

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

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

Restoration USA Tips: What Are Some Common Insurance Claims That Restoration USA Receives?

Restoration USA has been in the field for over 25 years. Sometimes inquiries consist of a lot of questions that may need a few links to answer. Though we get a steady flow knocks, we like to finish the conversation on a positive note without the need for head scratching.

Some common claims have to do with a larger general spectrum like fire damage, leak detection, mold inspection and remediation, and water damage. What do we cover and how do we do our work?

Leak Detection

We run into leak detection inquiries all the time. Leaks can occur in any home or business. It can be made of the most modern materials on the market or be the oldest house in the neighborhood – leaks can happen anywhere. Some common causes of leaks are old pipes, poorly constructed plumbing systems, and pipe/drain clogs. When pressure builds up from a clog, pipes can burst. Systems built improperly could already contain leaks that just went unnoticed. Old pipes, of course, can become brittle and break even without a catalyst.

How will I know if there is a leak? Leaks often show signs early on, like puddles in the home, wet carpets and walls, a drop in water pressure, damp smells, and increase in your monthly water bill.

So what do we do to help? Our team uses IICRC certified technology to detect leaks without the need to excavate the home or break down countless square footage of walls. We will investigate the cause and pinpoint where it started. With the least invasive surgery to your property, we will go in and assess the problem and fix it.

Water Damage

Water extraction is a service homeowners frequently require. When this dangerous element enters the home it can weaken the structure and destroy your personal belongings.

Where does it come from? Well, there are a number of causes; the most common being storms, flooding, and leaking pipes. Natural and manmade disasters can occur in the home and welcome water’s arrival.

What are some signs of water damage before it gets out of hand? When water touches surfaces, it soaks in and weakens materials. It is hard to see this without taking a close look. For instance, walls may start to bloat or warp. When it goes a little further, the structure may be weak and walls may break and parts of the interior structure could collapse. Before this happens, it is important to get the premises inspected and the damage taken care of. Our goal is to help you remove this water. We will map out the process by using thermal imaging to find the source and where it is most problematic, remove what parts need replacement, extract the water with professional drying systems, and deodorize the home.

Mold Removal

Problems with water often lead to mold infestation and mold removal is a familiar claim. Since mold requires little moisture to thrive, Florida’s climate lays down a risk. Leaks and water damage can also lead to mold growth. A sick house displays symptoms too. Earthy smells and wall streaks tend to be the first to show up.

So how does mold come so quickly and out of nowhere? Unfortunately, mold can start flourishing with minimal water. Just a day’s humidity can create an avenue for mold to march on in and spread. The onset of mold can come within the first 48 hours of the presence of water. When moisture is trapped behind walls and fixtures, mold easily can populate.

Mold is a well-known hazard. It can affect some more than others, but all in all, needs to be taken care of regardless. We specialize in this area as well. Mold remediation requires much more than just some scrubbing. It actually could be spread even faster with some elbow grease from someone who is untrained. With knowledge of how mold grows, our professionals are able to take into account the threat. HEPA filtered negative pressurization is one of the processes we use to remove mold in a very safe fashion. Using industrial air scrubbers is a means of removing the nasty aromas; along with deodorizing.

Fire Damage

As we all know, disasters do occur. Fires commonly devastate homes and businesses when they do happen. Fortunately, it is not always a total loss. When fires don’t destroy everything, that means there is hope. At Restoration USA we help repair fire damage to restore your home or business back to it’s potential.

Numerous events can spark a fire – faulty equipment, candles, stoves and other items left burning, lightning from thunderstorms, and even arson. Fires can start anywhere in the home if someone isn’t paying attention.

What happens to my property after the fire is put out? Usually, any size fire emits more smoke than it seems like it should. Everything that air touches, so does the smoke. This will create an overcoming odor in the residence. Restoration USA will help remove the stench. To do this, we clean the contents and deodorize the house. We provide ozone treatment and flooring replacement and restoration.

What happens to my stuff? Restoration USA knows your belongings are important. After ensuring your home is structurally sound, we will help create content inventory, pack, and store your possessions.

 How We Operate

Restoration USA works directly with you and your insurance company to smoothen the bumps in the road. Another aspect to be utilized is our emergency service. Even when something goes bump in the night, we offer 24-hour services. With over 25 years of experience Restoration USA should be your go-to for restoration inquiries and services. Call us at (866)-745-6428 for an assessment. We will arrive within 40 minutes or work efficiently with your schedule to give you a free inspection.

Restoration USA Tips: Understanding The Risks Associated With Flooding

Florida tends to experience the same weather year-round. This tropical climate seems to attract many people from abroad to move down. With minimal fluctuation, Florida inherits the idea and assumption of beauty. Though not all know, Florida experiences a very wet season around summertime; which can cause problems the average person didn’t even think of.

Since Florida’s elevation is low compared to most other states around the US,  there is always the risk of floods. During the rainy season, this risk skyrockets. Recently, South Florida was hit with a wave of storms that resulted in the flooding of public roads and neighborhoods. Forcing people to get to higher ground or paddle their way around, these floods instantly show that they are no joke. This year, records in many areas for rainfall have been broken. Record breaking is not always a happy process, as we have seen lately. This amount of rain can only be drained at rates that are regularly maintainable, but it seems the sewers are no match for this year’s wave.

Flooding From Last Week's Rain

Flooding From Last Week’s Rain

Living in flood zones

Flood zones are marked out on maps as places that are more at risk than others. This includes areas with lower elevation, like coastal cities FEMA has established zones V and A that describe hazardous areas. Properties located right near the beach are at risk for rising tides and flooding intracostals due to severe rain – zone V. Other zones include areas that are near lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water – zone A. Looking at South Florida in particular, there are tons of areas that qualify. If you live in a flood zone, you probably have already experienced some of the problems that come with these rains. Flooding tends to come right from the gutters onto to streets and even up your driveway. More at-risk areas even have water rising to their doorstep.

Living in less hazardous areas

Flooding is not distinct to lower level areas. Even areas that are further up from the “Base Flood Elevation” (FEMA) are still at risk. Since floods do still occur above these levels, it looks like properties are not all safe from Florida’s recent downpour. Even homes that are less likely to endure floods are taking on more than just minor puddles.

Complications of flooding

Flooding inhibits a long line of problems. When water inches up to a home or other property, it is likely to hinder everyday activity. Whether it be minor walkway obstacles or severe damage issues, no fight with a flood is fun. In the event that water comes into the home, the structural integrity can be imperiled. Starting with that, parts of the building, especially older material, are likely to be damaged. When water comes in contact with walls and floors of a home, warping and bloating seems to follow close behind. With even small amounts of water or humidity, there is a threshold for mold. Mold needs little water to thrive in an area and can come within 48 hours of water contact. This can cause numerous health issues if the problem is not taken care of in a timely fashion.

 What if water does get into my property?

Property damage is a devastating feat that may come into the picture with the existence of unwelcome water. Even when damage is not visible, it could be present. The best way to be sure on how to deal with flood water intrusion is to evaluate the property. Everyone should do routine checks just to be safe, even if your home seems to not be at risk. To assess possible damages, checking the floors and walls for dampness is a good start. If the walls are damp, there is likely water coming into your home. Another great indicator of this is a moist, earthy odor. Smells like this are a great indicator of water invasion.

If your property is potentially damaged by water, experts can surely evaluate the premises. Restoration USA is an experienced team that specializes in detecting damage by floods. At-risk homes and businesses are recommended get assessments and Restoration USA has top-notch equipment to make sure you know what the next step is toward repairing your water damage situation.

Restoration USA Tips: Remodeling After Water Damage

There are many ways that a home can be afflicted by flooding. Overflowing bodies of water, storm surges, heavy rains, a broken dam, or even a burst pipe inside the home. The way that it entered your home aside, water damage is a dangerous situation. Unfortunately, the process of getting a house back to its former glory after water damage is a grueling, and expensive one. Read more