Fire Damage Restoration Images - 4/6/2021

 

How Water and Moisture Cause Serious Water Damage to Homes

For over twenty-five years, Restoration Experts has been serving the Ronkonkoma and Long Island area of New York with water damage, fire damage, puff back damage, and other property damage restoration and cleaning services. The team of property damage restoration and cleaning experts care deeply about their customers. A property damage disaster is traumatic in its impact, disrupting every facet of life until the damage is repaired. At Restoration Experts, they strive to restore and repair a damaged property as quickly as possible so life can return to normal.

How Water and Moisture Can Damage a Home or Building

Preventing water damage is one of the key ways to ensure that a home or other building has durability and longevity. Homeowners of energy-efficient homes need to be aware of the reality that their thermally efficient dwelling does not dry out as readily and quickly as the energy-inefficient houses of the past.

There are several reasons for this slowness to dry out and the corresponding vulnerability to water damage. First, more modern engineered lumber products are not very tolerant of frequent exposure to moisture and water. The water damage is concealed under wood finishes. If not noticed and dealt with promptly, the water damage produces long-term negative impacts on indoor air quality.

Moisture and water are necessary for life, but they are also destructive forces, causing devastating water damage to homes and buildings. Here are three ways that water can destroy homes and buildings in the Ronkonkoma and Long Island area of New York.

   1. Bulk water, usually rain, can cause water and moisture damage.

Precipitation, such as rain, sleet, snow, and hail, is the most common cause of water damage. Rain is the main culprit and finds its way into a home through many avenues, including:

• Leakage at walls near windows and doors
• Water seeping through porous basement walls
• Roof leaks from storm damage to shingles, fallen tree limbs, and errors in the installation of flashing
• Catastrophic plumbing failures

One of the best ways to combat bulk water leaks is for the homeowner to practice consistent routine maintenance. For homeowners engaging in new construction, seek out a builder who is serious about preventing water damage at the point of construction. Does the builder perform blower tests to determine the integrity of doors to keep out moisture and water?

Basement leakage is a common avenue for water to enter a home and cause water damage. Design and installation considerations for basements at the point of construction can go a long way in preventing future water damage. Anticipating potential issues and engaging prevention strategies can save untold thousands of dollars in water damage and provide peace of mind for the homeowner.

   2. Air leaks can cause moisture damage.

Unrestrained random air leaks allow moisture-laden air to enter a structure. The moist air results in condensation on surfaces. Though the moisture content is minimal, it adds up over time, resulting in water damage and possibly mold infestation. Attic hatches are a major source of air leaks into the attic. Some basic weather stripping and caulking applications can improve the ability of the hatch to keep out damaging moist air.

Air leaks also cause energy costs to skyrocket, especially in cold, moist areas such as Ronkonkoma and Long Island. Reducing air infiltration and exfiltration is one of the most effective strategies to improve energy savings and decrease negative environmental impacts while making the home more comfortable.

Air leaks have the potential to increase the damage done by bulk water intrusions. Bulk water can get sucked into cracks and holes that are under negative pressure. Windy conditions can exacerbate the situation by pressurizing and depressurizing different areas of the home. The risk of water damage from bulk water intrusions is elevated during windy rain events. A building envelope that reduces or eliminates random airflow will help prevent structural water damage and reduce the potential for mold infestation.

   3. Vapor diffusion can saturate a home with hidden water damage.

Masonry, fiber cement siding, and stucco act as sponges for moisture. During wet weather, these materials on the outside of a home can become saturated with water. When the sun comes out and the temperatures rise, the moisture in brick, fiber cement siding, and stucco is driven towards the inside of the home. Interior vapor barriers like vinyl wallpaper trap the moisture and can cause hidden water damage to the wall. Mold may also thrive in the moist region between the wallpaper and the wall. Keeping the interior humidity of the home at 40% or less can help remedy this situation.

Homeowners have positive options that can reduce the risk of water damage from bulk water, air leakage, and vapor diffusion. Apply a weather-resistant barrier to bricks and stucco that restricts moisture absorption and reduces the risk of water damage. The weather barrier also increases the durability of the bricks or stucco.

When water damage or mold damage occurs, contact Restoration Experts, a locally owned and operated property damage restoration company serving Suffolk and Nassau Counties, including Ronkonkoma and Long Island. The company offers fire damage, water damage, puff back damage, and cleaning services. Connect to twenty-four-hour live calls. A response is guaranteed in one hour.

To learn more about water damage restoration near Ronkonkoma and Long Island, call Restoration Experts at 631-588-1110.

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source https://restorationexperts.com/press-releases/how-water-and-moisture-cause-serious-water-damage-to-homes/

Damage Restoration Company Explains Common Winter Water Damage Risks

Since 1995, Restoration Experts has been serving the Ronkonkoma and Long Island area of New York with water damage restoration, fire damage restoration, puff back damage restoration, and other restoration and cleaning services. The team of property damage restoration and cleaning experts cares deeply about customers. A property damage disaster is traumatic, disrupting every facet of life until the damage is repaired. At Restoration Experts, the technicians aim to restore and repair a damaged property quickly so life can return to normal.

Flood and water damage risks increase during the winter months in Ronkonkoma and the Long Island area of New York. The winter months are characterized by cold and wet weather, from snow and ice to wind and rain. When snow and ice accumulate on the rooftop and around the perimeter of a home, they put the dwelling at risk for flooding and water damage in the winter months.

The homeowner must be vigilant, especially with the fluctuations in snowfall amounts over the last several decades. The Brookhaven National Labs chronicles these fluctuations: “For decades the Island has seen fluctuations in total snowfall vary greatly from one year to the next—where several feet might drop one winter there could only be several inches the next. Since Brookhaven National Labs first started recording yearly snow accumulation in the late 1940s, the first time the Island saw fewer than 10 inches of snow was in the winter of ‘72-’73. It was more than two decades before that number dropped back into the single digits, but since 1995 there have been five winters on record under the 10” mark. ’97-’98 saw the least snow ever on the Island with a total of only 4.5 inches; two years earlier, however, Long Island had its most snow-laden winter with 90.75 inches. A single-month record was recently set in February 2013 when 35.8 inches touched the ground, beating out January 2011’s 35.7 inches by a hair.”

The homeowner or business is not helpless during the frigid, snowy months of winter. Here are some signs the homeowner can look for to recognize potential risks, some steps to follow to prevent flooding when possible, and what to do to get help if flooding and winter water damage occurs.

Risk: Frozen Pipes

During frigid weather, pipes in cold areas of a home or pipes that are exposed to especially cold weather are at risk of freezing. Frozen pipes are prone to burst. When they do, as much as seven to nine gallons of water per minute flow out of the pipe and into the home, crawl space, attic, or basement.

Tip: Insulate pipes in potential freeze areas such as the attic, crawl space, and basement. Seal cracks and crevices that allow colder air into the home. On particularly cold days and nights, allow a small amount of water to trickle from faucets. Static non-flowing water freezes much more readily than flowing water.

Risk: Ice Dams and Snow on the Roof

An ice dam may form when warm air causes snow at the top of the roof to melt and flow down the roof. It then freezes again when it reaches the outer edge of the roof. The resulting ice dam can cause issues for the roof. The frozen mass can also prevent water from flowing into the gutters, where it is eventually directed away from the house. In this instance, a home might be at risk of flooding when the ice melts and pools next to the foundation.

Tip: Keep gutters clean and free of debris. Add insulation to the attic. If a large amount of snow accumulates on the roof, enlist the services of a professional to remove it and prevent ice dams. Almost three feet of snow can fall in a single month in the Ronkonkoma and Long Island area.

Basement Flooding

Snowmelt or rainwater that pools next to the foundation of a home with a basement can flood the basement. Gutters clogged with leaves, silt, or ice fail to capture the water and direct it away from the home. Instead, the water flows over the clogged gutters and can eventually seep its way into the basement or crawl space of a home.

Tip: The slope away from the foundation of a home should be one inch per foot for the first five to ten feet, if possible. An inadequate slope puts a house at risk of a flooded basement or crawl space. The effects could be catastrophic if the basement is used as an active living space or for storage.

In case of winter water damage, do not panic. Contact Restoration Experts, a locally owned and operated property damage restoration company that serves Suffolk and Nassau Counties, including Ronkonkoma and Long Island. They offer property damage restoration services for water and flood damage, fire damage, and puff back damage. Cleaning services are also available. Connect to 24-hour live calls. A response is guaranteed in one hour.

For more information about water damage restoration near Ronkonkoma and Long Island, contact Restoration Experts at 631-588-1110.

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source https://restorationexperts.com/press-releases/damage-restoration-company-explains-common-winter-water-damage-risks/

Water Damage Restoration Images - 1/27/2021

 

Water Damage Restoration Company Explains How to Deal With Water Leaks

Since 1995, Restoration Experts has been serving the Ronkonkoma and Long Island areas of New York with water damage, fire damage, puff back damage, and other restoration and cleaning services. The team of property damage restoration and cleaning professionals truly cares about their customers. A property damage disaster is emotionally traumatic, disrupting every facet of life until the damage is repaired. At Restoration Experts, the goal is to restore and repair a damaged property as quickly as possible so that the homeowner’s life can return to normal.

Discovering water damage can be traumatic. Arriving home to find water cascading down the steps in the garage certainly is disconcerting. Dodging the spray from the burst washing machine supply line can be frustrating. Discovering two feet of water in the basement after a tropical storm dumped ten inches of rain on Ronkonkoma certainly is unpleasant and challenging. Resolving a water leak begins with an inspection or assessment of the situation.

What type of water leak is causing the water damage?

Some leaks cause little or no damage and have a minimal repair cost. The greatest expense from this type of leak may be a higher water bill at the end of the month. Examples include an overflowing toilet or a malfunctioning sprinkler.

Some leaks are minimal but will worsen over time if undetected or ignored. Examples include an inner-wall leak, a leaky drain or supply line, or water escaping through gaps in the shower door. A leaky toilet or hot water heater may present a real danger if undiscovered or allowed to persist.

Leaks involving large amounts of water and causing significant damage require fast action to stop the leak and begin the cleanup and restoration process. These leaks are generally noticed very quickly because of the amount of water involved and the visible evidence of damage. Examples include a burst supply line, a frozen pipe, a major spill from a bathtub overflow, or a leak resulting from storm damage.

What to do when there is a minimal leak

1. Shut off all faucets and supply lines.
2. Check the water meter to see if water is still flowing into the home. The homeowner may be able to hear the meter registering water flow. A low-flow indicator on the meter may also provide a clue about the integrity of the plumbing in the home.
3. Turn off the supply line valves to the toilets. The toilet is a major source of water leaks. Work with one toilet at a time using the low-flow indicator. Remember, more than one toilet may have a leak.
4. Shut down other appliances. If water continues to leak, isolate each appliance to determine the source or sources of the leak.

What to do when a leak is causing minimal damage and needs attention

1. Turn off the water to the home at the meter before more extensive damage results from the leak.
2. Clean up the mess. Act quickly to prevent further damage to the home and personal belongings. Mold and mildew can begin to grow in as little as one or two days. Wear personal protective gear (PPG) such as boots, gloves, a mask, and eye protection. Splash from a messy toilet spill can cause serious illness. Take great care not to track “black water” into other parts of the home. While the damage may be minimal, the homeowner may not have the time or the ability to manage the cleanup process. Calling in a professional water damage restoration specialist makes sense when the homeowner is physically unable to clean up the mess or does not have the time to dedicate to the task.
3. Repair the leak or enlist the services of a plumber or water damage restoration specialist.

What to do when a major leak is causing significant damage

1. Turn off the water at the source. Shutting off the flow at the water meter may be required if the supply line does not have a shutoff valve or if the leak is between the pipe and the meter.
2. Document the damage with photos and video before beginning any cleanup efforts. A cell phone camera is adequate.
3. Call the insurance company as soon as possible so that they are aware of the issue and can take action to help assist in the cleanup and restoration process.
4. Identify and repair the source of the water damage. A reputable property damage restoration company will have the knowledge, experience, and equipment to remedy most leaks, or they will be able to contract out the leak repair to a competent plumber.
5. Begin the restoration process. Tackling a significant water damage event as a DIY project could save some money, but it could also be very expensive if the repairs are inadequate or if a misstep with the insurance company causes the claim to be refused. Professional restoration experts are comfortable working with insurance companies. Billing glitches are avoided, and the job is completed promptly.

Restoration Experts, a locally owned and operated property damage restoration company, serves Suffolk and Nassau Counties, including Ronkonkoma and Long Island. They offer fire damage restoration, water damage restoration, puff back damage restoration, and cleaning services. A response is guaranteed in one hour. Restoration Experts bills insurance claims directly, and there are no out of pocket expenses on most claims.

To learn more about water damage restoration in Long Island, NY, call 631-588-1110 or email info@restorationexperts.com.

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source https://restorationexperts.com/press-releases/water-damage-restoration-company-explains-how-to-deal-with-water-leaks/

Restoration Expert Water Damage Restoration Images - 12 / 22 / 2020

 

Restoration Experts

775 Portion Rd Unit 3, Ronkonkoma, NY 11779, United States

+16313378871

Long Island, NY, Restoration Company Offers COVID-19 Cleaning Solutions

Since 1995, Restoration Experts has been serving the Ronkonkoma and Long Island area of New York with water damage, fire damage, puff back damage, and other restoration and cleaning services. The team of property damage restoration and cleaning experts truly cares about customers. A property damage disaster is emotionally traumatic, disrupting every facet of life until the damage is repaired. At Restoration Experts, they aim to restore and repair a damaged property as quickly as possible so life can return to normal.

COVID-19 disrupted lives all around the world. New York was hit particularly hard. The economy, except for essential activities, was put under mandatory lockdown. Remote work became the new normal. The government established measures to prevent the spread of the virus. Masks, temperature screening, social distancing, self-quarantining, and very stringent cleaning protocols were implemented.

Infection Control Cleaning

In response to an immediate and urgent need for qualified deep cleaning, Restoration Experts rose to the Coronavirus challenge with their infection control cleaning, which disinfects homes, offices, businesses, or any location that needs sanitizing and disinfecting to make it safe for use. Restoration Experts is ready to mobilize and assist with disinfectant needs related to viruses and bacteria.

Current understanding of the nature of COVID-19 and related coronaviruses that cause SARS and MERS indicates the virus may remain viable for hours or days on surfaces made from a variety of materials. According to the National Institute of Health, COVID-19 can survive for up to three days on stainless steel and plastic surfaces common in homes and businesses. The Centers for Disease Control recommends a two-step process of cleaning and then disinfecting visibly dirty surfaces as a best practice to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other viral respiratory illnesses in households and community settings.

Precautionary Spraying

Utilizing only EPA-registered products, Restoration Experts cleans and disinfects high-touch surfaces in household and community common areas. These areas include:

• Tables
• Countertops
• Doorknobs
• Hardbacked chairs
• Light switches
• Handles
• Desks
• Keyboards
• Remotes
• Toilets
• Sinks and faucets
• Other items, surfaces, or areas requested by the client

The Restoration Experts staff will safely clean, deodorize, degrease, and sanitize any water-safe surface. Their cleaning technicians are available to become part of the regular cleaning and disinfecting schedule of any home, business, center, or institution.

Tips on How to Slow the Spread of COVID-19 in the Home and Workplace

In an effort to assist residents and businesses in the Ronkonkoma and Long Island area in their efforts to promote the health of individuals, families, and the larger community, Restoration Experts offers these tips for personal protection. The elderly, as well as people with an underlying condition such as heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes, are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

Know How COVID-19 Spreads

The most effective means to prevent illness is to avoid exposure to the virus. Most likely, the virus spreads from person-to-person. People who are within six feet of an infected person are at the greatest risk of contracting the virus. Transmission is through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Research seems to indicate that COVID-19 may be spread by people who are infected but show no symptoms.

The CDC Recommends Personal Prevention Strategies for the General Public

These simple actions can significantly decrease the likelihood of contracting or spreading COVID-19.

Handwashing is crucial.

• Wash hands often.
• Use soap and water with every washing.
• Wash continuously for at least 20 seconds.
• Wash hands after visiting a public place, after blowing one’s nose, coughing, or sneezing.

People should wash their hands at the following times:

• Before eating or preparing food
• Before touching one’s face
• After using the restroom
• After leaving a public place
• After blowing the nose, coughing, or sneezing
• After handling a used mask
• After changing a diaper
• After caring for someone sick
• After touching animals or pets that might have been touched by a person with the virus

Should soap and water not be readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least sixty percent alcohol. Cover one’s hands thoroughly with the sanitizer and rub them together until they feel dry. Avoid touching the eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Social distance when possible.

Inside the home, avoid close contact with anyone who is sick. Practice social distancing (six feet separation) with anyone who is ill and, if possible, with other family members or visitors. When outside the home, social distance from everyone as much as possible. Keep in mind that some people without symptoms may be able to spread the virus. Avoid contact with people who are in a high-risk category.

Wear a mask.

Cover the mouth and nose with a mask when around others. The mask reduces the likelihood of an infected person spreading the virus to other people. Wear a mask in public settings and when around people who do not live in the home. When social distancing is difficult to maintain, wearing a mask is urged. Children under the age of two years should not wear a mask. Anyone who has trouble breathing, is incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance should not wear a mask. The mask is not a substitute for social distancing.

Cover coughs and sneezes.

Always cover the mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. When tissues are not available, use the inside of the elbow and do not spit. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water or hand sanitizer.

Monitor personal health on a daily basis.

Watch for symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19. Take extra precautions if symptoms develop. Contact the family physician or take other steps to obtain medical attention.

Restoration Experts, a locally owned and operated property damage restoration company, serves Suffolk and Nassau Counties, including Ronkonkoma and Long Island. In addition to cleaning services, the company offers restoration services for fire damage, water damage, and puff back damage. Connect to 24-hour live calls. A response is guaranteed in one hour.

For more information about damage restoration in Long Island and the Ronkonkoma area, contact Restoration Experts at (888) 869-3255. For COVID-19 cleaning and sanitizing services, please contact the company directly at (631) 588-1110 to schedule an appointment or send an email to COVID19@restorationexperts.com.

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source https://restorationexperts.com/press-releases/long-island-ny-restoration-company-offers-covid-19-cleaning-solutions/