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WHERE TO FIND HIDDEN DAMAGE AFTER A FIRE

Mon, 24 Jul 2017 04:00:00 GMT

A fire in the house is a terrible situation to go through. Even a small fire that doesn’t cause much structural damage can ruin a home with smoke, and if not properly cleaned up, remnants and reminders of the damage will continue to turn up in the strangest of places for years to come. Boxes of books or clothes in storage may not be something the homeowner would think to check, but years later find the items were in fact damaged by smoke. There are a few well-known places where smoke damage causes hidden damage which must be cleaned and repaired immediately.

Attic Space

Smoke rises and will cause damage in the attic. Even if you don’t have steps or easy access to use the attic for storage the soot needs to be cleaned out. Otherwise, it can affect the quality of air in the home for years, just a little bit at a time, so the people who live there won’t notice until they have breathing problems after years of exposure. Guests may not recognize a distinct smell of smoke, but will likely find the house to have an unpleasant odor when they visit.

Ventilation

The heating and air conditioning duct work and ventilation systems are even more important to be properly cleaned after a fire. Again, the odor of the fire will never leave if soot is blowing through your vents every time you run the unit. Although the health effects may be tolerable for a healthy young adult, they will accumulate over the years and lead to problems in the future. Soot left in the ventilation system can be especially dangerous for elderly people, infants, or anybody who already has a condition such as allergies or asthma.

Electric and Plumbing

It goes without saying that electric and plumbing systems need to be inspected for damage after a fire. If smoke gets in the walls, they provide a place for soot to accumulate and need to either be replaced or cleaned. If the fire was caused by an old electric line, it’s probably a good time to consider replacing them all before another failure occurs since they’re either old or simply weren’t installed properly.

After a fire, it’s important to hire a professional such as A&A Property Restoration, LLC to evaluate and repair the damage. As a specialist contractor, they know what to look for and how to fix the problem efficiently.

The post WHERE TO FIND HIDDEN DAMAGE AFTER A FIRE appeared first on A & A Property Restoration LLC .

SUMMER STORMS AND EMERGENCIES

Mon, 10 Jul 2017 04:00:00 GMT

Summer storms may be great for your lawn and garden or can be a perfect excuse to stay inside in pajamas while reading and napping the day away, but sometimes they can also cause damage to your house. Of course, your home is designed to withstand the ordinary storms expected in your area, but sometimes an extraordinarily heavy storm with extreme wind and hail can take a toll on your house’s exterior. When such an event happens, it’s important to have repairs conducted quickly and efficiently, so your house will be back in tiptop shape and ready for the next storm.

Exterior Home Damage

Hail can be a concern during a thunderstorm as it causes cosmetic damage to a roof and siding. More importantly is how it can damage the seals around exhaust vents, windows, or chimneys and allow water to enter. Worse yet are the winds associated with a heavy hail or thunderstorms which can remove a shingle or piece of siding, your home’s first layer of defense against the weather. The problem with this type of damage is that once it occurs it compromises the linking systems of the shingles or siding, which means that not only can water penetrate to the interior of the house, even a minor storm is likely to exacerbate the problem by causing more damage.

Interior Repairs

Once the exterior of the home is damaged, water can and will enter the house and cause a different problem. Water damage is not a simple repair, as it penetrates through walls, floors, and all the hidden crevices inside the home. Without a professional who understands what to look for and how to efficiently conduct repairs, water will leak into places with no airflow and take forever to evaporate. Another problem caused by moisture is mold, which once formed will only get worse and never go away until properly cleaned out, which often means the expensive proposition of full replacement of drywall, framing, and insulation.Enjoy the summer storms as they occur, but be sure to have your home inspected regularly to check for damage. When you do have damage, have it repaired immediately. In the unfortunate event that you receive minor or major home damage after a heavy storm, contact a professional specialist contractor with storm restoration experience such as A&A Property Restoration, LLC.

The post SUMMER STORMS AND EMERGENCIES appeared first on A & A Property Restoration LLC .

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR HOME IF YOU LIVE IN A FLOOD ZONE

Mon, 26 Jun 2017 04:00:00 GMT

Each year homeowners face the possibility of flooding , whether it’s from melting snow or a pipe burst. It’s important to stay prepared and to protect your home if you live in or near a flood zone. Although you can’t stop a flood, you can minimize the impact that water has on your home. Below are a few tips to help you keep water from invading or destroying your home.

Have a Plan of Action

Most flood damage occurs because homeowners are unaware of the flooding in their homes at first. The best thing you can do if you think you live in a flood zone is to have a plan of action in advance. Here is a checklist of items to consider:

Store all important documents in a watertight secure lockbox
Have a second lockbox for jewelry and all valuables
Keep phone numbers for moving companies and storage units in case you have enough time to move your furniture and other possessions
Contact A&A Property Restoration in advance and set up a game plan for protecting your home or getting quick service after a flood

Invest in Sandbags and Flood Barriers

Let’s face it, sometimes homes are simply susceptible to water damage. Lower flood water, however, can be contained by simply laying out sandbags and flood barriers around your doors. Even if some water manages to get, sandbags and flood barriers can minimize the damage and save you thousands of dollars in home repairs.

Rethink Your Home’s Construction

If you are building a new home or renovating your current home, then invest in components that are waterproof or create a tighter seal around the structure. Some of these components include:

Concrete flooring instead of wooden floor boards
One-way valves in your plumbing to prohibit water backup in the plumbing system
Water proofing electrical outlets
Cement render and lime plaster
Water resistant doors and window frames
Flood skirts around brick homes

If your home has recently suffered from flood damage, then contact A & A Property Restoration . We offer complete water damage service for home and business owners in the Eden Prairie, Minnesota area. You can call us at 952-847-0500 or message us online !

The post HOW TO PROTECT YOUR HOME IF YOU LIVE IN A FLOOD ZONE appeared first on A & A Property Restoration LLC .

HOW LONG IS TOO LONG? DEALING WITH WATER DAMAGE

Mon, 12 Jun 2017 04:00:00 GMT

If you’ve encountered flooding, heavy rain or a busted pipe, don’t wait to contact a provider. Take care of your personal items right away but consult an expert on how to handle repairing your home from the water damage and taking the first steps.

Step One: Get Rid of Standing Water

First, you’ll need to get rid of standing water. Use buckets, towels, and mops to get rid of excess fluids. Make sure your electrical outlet areas are clear first, as exposed outlets can be a hazard. After experiencing water damage, the most important thing you can do is protect the area from mold growth, long-term carpet damage and ongoing safety issues.

Step Two: Disconnect All Electronics

After saving the electrical outlets, head for any large electronics. Lamps, televisions, gaming systems, and other large objects should be lifted. Place them on counters and tables, and make sure their cords aren’t exposed to the waters below. Water and electricity don’t mix.

Step Three: Disinfect the Area

Once you’ve cleared any standing water, you’ll need to disinfect the area. Disinfect any insulation, wood beams and drywall. Even if your sewer pipes haven’t been broken, rising floodwater can lift bacteria from the ground. Once the water is cleared, the bacteria can stick around—clinging to any exposed surfaces.

Step Four: Stop the Mold Growth

It pays off to focus on mold, directly. Once you’ve disinfected the area, apply some Concrobium across the area. This includes any walls, floors, and furniture impacted by the water. Any area susceptible to mold growth should be targeted. Once you’ve applied the layer, let it sit overnight. This material stops mold growth immediately. While it’ll wear off eventually, a professional provider, by then, will have taken over.

Always contact a mold removal team. A lot of emergency services include mold prevention, but it’s a good idea to include mold prevention as part of your water damage restoration plan. Over time, your home will be back to its normal state. Treat the situation with care, and prep the home for your local professionals . Move any furniture, and make it easy to access heavily damaged areas. Your providers are there to help, and they’re more effective when they can easily access such areas.

The post HOW LONG IS TOO LONG? DEALING WITH WATER DAMAGE appeared first on A & A Property Restoration LLC .

FIRE DAMAGE: WHAT TO EXPECT IN THE FIRST 48 HOURS

Mon, 22 May 2017 04:00:00 GMT

For any family living in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, a fire can be devastating. While many fires can cause mass destruction (or in some cases total destruction), other fires only cause minimal structural damage to a home. Fires do, however, fill up a house with smoke smell and stains and fire can cause burns stains without contact. Property restoration companies can arrive on site and begin the process of cleaning up the mess. Restoration contractors can restore the inside and outside of the home by providing cosmetic cleanup services in a fraction of the time that a homeowner can perform the work. The key is to act fast and call a cleanup company as soon as possible.

THE FIRST CALL YOU’LL MAKE: YOUR PROPERTY RESTORATION CONTRACTOR

Although it’s counter-intuitive to think that you’d call anyone before your insurance provider, the first phone call you’ll make after a fire outside of your family is a property restoration contractor. Your contractor will perform an inspection for the purpose of confirming what the fire destroyed. He or she can also determine the scope and amount of destruction caused to the house.

When the insurance adjuster arrives to perform his or her inspection of the damage, the contractor can confirm the amount of work that will be required to restore the house. Keep in mind, the contractor’s job is to be objective and represent the facts. By doing so, your chances of being compensated for damage is greater.

CALL YOUR PROPERTY RESTORATION CONTRACTOR IMMEDIATELY

One of the worst things you can do in the first 48 hours is to delay calling a contractor. Fire, like water, can cause massive damage that only worsens the longer it goes without repair. Processing insurance payments and scheduling repairs can take time. So you need to act quickly in order to protect and restore your home. If a fire breaks out in the kitchen or bathroom, there can also be water damage from leaking pipes. Your ability to begin the process of restoration in a timely manner can save you more money in further damage caused by outside elements, mold, and pest invasion.

If you are looking for a property restoration company in Eden Prairie or the surrounding Minnesota area, then contact A & A Property Restoration at (952) 847-0500 or message us at Les@aa4help.com. We offer comprehensive restoration and repair services for fire, water, storm, and mold damage.

The post FIRE DAMAGE: WHAT TO EXPECT IN THE FIRST 48 HOURS appeared first on A & A Property Restoration LLC .

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MOLD AND MILDEW THIS SPRING

Mon, 08 May 2017 04:00:00 GMT

As much as you welcome the warmer temperatures of spring as it arrives in Minneapolis, there are other things that celebrate it as well. With the warmer weather — which is often also accompanied by an increase in the humidity and moisture — the optimal conditions for breeding grounds for mold and mildew increase. Here’s what you need to know about mold and mildew in Minneapolis this spring.

1. Mold and mildew are similar

Many people use the terms “mold” and “mildew” interchangeably. While there are alike in many ways, there are also important differences as well. Both are fungi but mildew is a disease that attacks plants.

2. Differences between mold and mildew

Mildew tends to be powdery, cottony and light. It is often white or gray in color. Mold, on the other hand, is often characterized by a furry or thick texture. It can be a variety of colors including red, green orange and black. Mildew tends to grow on plants. For example, you might have found some evidence of mildew on your house plants. Mold can be found anywhere that contains both moisture and a source of food for it to thrive.

3. Mold is highly visible

In most cases, mold is the substance that you see in your home. Because it feeds on organic materials — and organic materials are what most building materials are comprised of — when you see a growth inside your home on the walls, ceilings or floor, it is probably mold.

4. The presence of mold and mildew is problematic

Many people have the perception that mildew is not as serious of a growth as mold is. However, the existence of either within your living space means that there is an issue with the humidity and/or moisture levels in your home. Therefore, the presence of either growth means that you should do further investigation. Even if you only notice mildew along your shower grout, for example, or on your plant’s leaves, it is likely that you have too much moisture within your home.

A & A Property Restoration knows how to handle mold and mildew . It is vital to refrain from accidentally spreading the mold spores from one area to another. This can make clean up and containment more challenging. For more guidance and information about mold or mildew, contact A & A Property Restoration .

The post WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MOLD AND MILDEW THIS SPRING appeared first on A & A Property Restoration LLC .

THE FIRST 48 HOURS: WHAT HAPPENS DURING WATER DAMAGE

Mon, 24 Apr 2017 04:00:00 GMT

THE FIRST 48 HOURS: WHAT HAPPENS DURING WATER DAMAGE

If you’ve ever experienced flooding in your home either from a storm or from leaky pipes, then you know it doesn’t take long before everything starts going awry. This is why it’s vital to take care of the problem as soon as possible. Water is an unrelenting destructive force that can do a significant amount of damage in a short period.

Calling a professional water & flood damage restoration company should be first on your list. If you attempt a DIY project yourself, you will quickly find that it will take up to five times as long, and you’re likely to be less than satisfied with the results. A professional can clean up the mess and fully restore your home in order to maintain its market value and provide stability in the house.

STRUCTURAL COMPROMISE DUE TO WATER SATURATION

If your home is suffering from standing water due to a flood, the water is already working on the wood while weakening it at every joint. When wood becomes saturated with water, it bulks up and expands beyond its capabilities. This causes stretching, cracking, and deformity. It usually happens at the bottom portion of the wood where stability is critical. The sooner you can have the water removed the less damage it causes.

HEALTH AND SANITATION ISSUES

If you find that the home is flooded on the first floor or the basement, avoid contact with the water at all costs. If you’re wondering what could be in the water within the first 48 hours, then here’s a shortlist (and a dangerous one):

Chemicals and cleaning agents
Food
Dead & decaying animals
Wiring & electrical components
Paint & related
Backed up sewage from the mainline
Dirty and grime from the outside and within the carpets and flooring
Dirty laundry

DEALING WITH HOME INSURANCE

The first 48 hours are the most critical when it comes to dealing with your insurance agent. Before contact your insurance agent, however, call your property restoration contractor first. Here’s why. A cleaning and restoration technician can verify the water damage and help you work with your agent to receive compensation on a professional level. Insurance agents are not evil; they do, however, represent their company, and, as such, will play the skeptic in many situations. A restoration company does not play sides. What a technician does is clarify that flooding, and not pre-existing conditions, caused the damage. They can help you by offering professional consultation through the eyes of an experienced contractor.

If you are looking for a water & flood restoration company in Eden Prairie or the surrounding Minnesota area, then contact A & A Property Restoration at (952) 847-0500 or email us at Les@aa4help.com .

The post THE FIRST 48 HOURS: WHAT HAPPENS DURING WATER DAMAGE appeared first on A & A Property Restoration LLC .

THE RESTORATION PROCESS: WHAT HAPPENS DURING CLEANUP

Mon, 10 Apr 2017 04:00:00 GMT

THE RESTORATION PROCESS: WHAT HAPPENS DURING CLEANUP

When water, fire, or a storm damages your home, the results can be devastating. Homeowners have to deal with contacting insurance companies, finding a place to stay, and securing a restoration contractor to start the process of repair. Hiring a Minnesota licensed, certified and experienced crew of technicians is the best option. A reputable company can navigate the damage and begin work on the project in a timely manner so that you and your family can get back to your normal as soon as possible.

INSPECTION AND REPORTING

Before any work can begin on your home, a thorough assessment must be performed to determine the stability of the home, and the amount of damage done. Although fire, water, and storms, cause the same type of damage, the process is still the same. A contractor looks at both the surface damage and what has occurred under the flooring and behind the walls. Once the destruction has been identified, a full report is then given to the homeowner. The technician offers the best possible long-term solution that is affordable and efficient.

CLEANUP AND REMOVAL

On the day of cleanup, the team of cleaning technicians arrives with all tools and equipment necessary to begin the work. All affected items are removed. These items may include drywall, framework, flooring, furniture, and electrical wiring. Although the workers will remove much of the damage, they will try to salvage as much as possible. For instance, they will attempt to keep as much of the structure of the home intact as possible. The framework can be treated and tiling can be re-grouted and sealed. The goal is to fully restore the inside of the home to maintain its structural integrity and market value.

COMPREHENSIVE RESTORATION

The contractor now restores the home. The objective is to recreate the home exactly as it looked before the damage. Quality materials are brought in to install. In some cases, the damage is so severe that the company will have to look at redesigning the interior instead of replicating it. In either case, the home should be fully restored and safe to live in for several decades. As a homeowner, you do not want to hire cheap labor or cheap materials. This will only cause you more headache and financial stress down the road. Treat your home to high-quality materials and a reputable contractor that can bring your home back to life. You’ll be glad you did!

The post THE RESTORATION PROCESS: WHAT HAPPENS DURING CLEANUP appeared first on A & A Property Restoration LLC .

HOW TO MOVE FORWARD FOLLOWING A FIRE

Mon, 20 Mar 2017 04:00:00 GMT

Experiencing a house fire can be an earthshaking experience. When fire destroys the home you relied on to protect your family, it can be hard to move forward. Even though you may be paralyzed by your loss, you have to move forward. At A & A Property Restoration, we want to help you move forward, by providing you with a list of things you can do to get you back in your home quicker.

CALL YOUR HOME INSURANCE PROVIDER

After calling emergency services, your next call must be to your home insurance provider. You must inform them that you’ve experienced a loss. When you call, you must be ready to provide them with the information they need to file a claim against your home insurance. During the call, it’s critical that you remain calm and answer their questions thoroughly. You need them to have complete information so that they can begin the process of helping you restore your home.

LOCATE A HOME RESTORATION PROFESSIONAL

After you’ve filed your claim, then the next step is to locate a home restoration professional. Locating a professional is one of the most important steps in the process. The professional you choose will be charged with restoring your home, so it’s essential that you pick the right person for the job. You should check their licenses and credentials to ensure they are capable of doing the work. Additionally, you want to make sure they offer a guarantee so that you can remedy any problems associated with the restoration process as soon as possible.

FIND A SAFE PLACE FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY

Depending on the extent of the damage, restoring your home could take a while. With that in mind, you must find a safe place for you and your family while your home is being restored. In many instances, your home insurance coverage will help you cover the cost of finding a place to stay. Before you find a place, ask your home insurance agent about the how they calculate your reimbursement for shelter.

REMAIN INFORMED

While your home is getting restored, there will be a lot of moving parts. You’ll be working with your home insurance provider. You’ll also work with the home restoration company. During the entire process, you must remain informed. You must ask questions so that you can have enough information to make informed decisions. You must remain on top of schedule changes so that you don’t exceed don’t incur charges at the hotel you choose.

If you choose A & A Property Restoration , you’ll have our commitment to restoring your property. With years of restoration experience, we can leverage our skills to reduce the amount of time you are in a hotel or living with a family members. We encourage you to give us a call today so that we can schedule an assessment of your home.

The post HOW TO MOVE FORWARD FOLLOWING A FIRE appeared first on A & A Property Restoration LLC .

DON’T REPAIR ALONE: WHY YOU NEED STORM DAMAGE RESTORATION SERVICES

Mon, 06 Mar 2017 04:00:00 GMT

The storm might be over, but the repairs have yet to begin. Storms can cause a lot of damage, and it can be tempting to tackle the damages yourself. If your home has sustained damages from water, hail or high winds, however, you should avoid jumping into DIY repair efforts. Take your time, contact your provider and get a solid post-storm damage recovery team to help out.

REMOVE THE DANGER

While it’s possible to take a home’s storm recovery into your own hands, you should be wary. Storm damage repair can be dangerous. If you’re sustaining water damage, you may not realize degraded floors, walls or outdoor areas. Additionally, tarping roofs, removing debris and recovering from fire damage can be dangerous, if the proper precautions aren’t taken. Not only does an experienced provider educate homeowners about these dangers, they expertly circumnavigate them during every project.

SPARE YOURSELF AGAINST SECONDARY DAMAGES

You’d be surprised how many storm damage recovery projects create secondary damages. Providers like A&A Property Restoration have over 30 years of experience, and they can effectively secure your property from returning damages. To minimize secondary damages, restoration providers frequently use professional electrician services, plan resources wisely and take great care in biohazard remediation projects.

A COMPREHENSIVE JOB, EVERY TIME

If you’re acquiring emergency services from a quality provider, rest assured your home will be restored completely. Water damage can be fully removed, mold remediation can be a complete fix and fire restoration needn’t make your home susceptible to future damages.

During restoration, A&A Property Restoration creates a completely safe environment conducive to quick success. Its emergency response crew is available 24 hours per day, and seven days per week. Similarly available year-round, A&A Property Restoration is ready for any storm. To prevent ongoing damages, you’ll need to make sure your home is recovered the first time.

A&A Property Restoration reduces the need for repeat check-ups, routine maintenance and ongoing projects. Pick up small DIY projects. Then, call your provider. Sometimes, home restoration projects need heavy assistance. Don’t fall into the dangerous “fix everything yourself” mindset. Rather, contact a well-trusted provider with decades of experience. You’ll be glad you did.

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WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOUR HOME HAS BEEN DAMAGED BY WATER

Mon, 20 Feb 2017 04:00:00 GMT

While you might be aware that a deluge with possible flooding is likely to occur, you are probably like most people and you think that your home will get through it unscathed. Another common scenario is when your washing machine or dishwasher overflows unexpectedly. A third, common instance is when a slow water leak or drip that was not noticed until other signs appeared.

Water Damage Can Appear in Many Different Ways

All of these situations are ones that can damage a home so severely that most homeowners simply don’t have the knowledge or the equipment to handle it properly and safely. This is the time to call in the experts. Here’s what to expect when you do.

1. Thorough assessment

When the professional property restoration company arrives at your home, the first thing you can expect is a thorough assessment of the damage. Not only will this provide you with a comprehensive list of the damages, it often includes an outline of the steps that will be followed to extract the water from your home.

2. Prepared for anything

The company will come prepared with the latest equipment designed to help with every phase of the cleanup and restoration process. Whether this is equipment is the type that is designed to remove water from your home like fans, dehumidifiers, extractors and other specialized drying equipment or it is state-of-the-art equipment for the detection of moisture in places that aren’t visible to the naked eye, you can expect personnel that is well trained on its proper use.

3. Experience and expertise

The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is the standard by which the industry is measured. A certification from this organization ensures that you are getting highly trained personnel. They are armed with the latest techniques that provide them with the expertise they need to tackle are of the scenarios noted above — and numerous others. This knowledge is backed by years of experience in the methods that have been proven to be effective.

A & A Property Restoration provides residents of Minneapolis, MN and the surrounding areas with water restoration services they can count on. With restoration experience reaching back to 1982, A & A Property Restoration offers proven water restoration delivered by their personable and friendly staff.

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4 EXAMPLES OF EMERGENCIES THAT YOU’LL NEED TO CALL IN THE EXPERTS

Mon, 06 Feb 2017 04:00:00 GMT

The United States has always been a country of people who try to handle problems on their own. From forging ground on their own to settle the untamed West to changing the oil in their own car, the do-it-yourself spirit has a long and proud history. As strong as that sentiment is, there are a number of different types of home emergencies where it is best to call in the experts.

1. Fire damage

If your home sustains a fire, there will likely be damage beyond that caused by the flames. Smoke damage, as well as damage from the water used by the firefighters to fight the blaze, will exact damage, too. Recovering from this is a complex job that calls for experienced professionals with the right equipment.

2. Water damage

As mentioned above, water damage can occur as the result of a fire. However, water damage can also be the consequence of a burst or leaking pipe as well as flooding. Regardless of the origin of the water damage, a swift response from experienced teams that possess the expertise to safely extract the water, cleanup the remaining debris, dry the area and the other crucial steps needed to make your home livable again is necessary.

3. Storm damage

Whether a storm brings tornadoes, hail, extreme winds or other damaging elements, your home may sustain damage. Trees crashing through roofs and limbs bursting your windows require a prompt response and emergency care. Place a tarp over your roof helps reduce further damage as does boarding up damaged areas.

4. Mold removal

The presence of mold signals a potential health hazard that could have far-reaching consequences. While the safe and prompt removal of the mold is one aspect of this issue, it is also important to locate its source to prevent further problems in the future.

Regardless of which emergency you find your home experiencing, if you live in the Twin Cities area, A & A Property Restoration is your professional and experienced source of assistance. With emergency crews and equipment on standby 24 hours a day, you know that you always have experts to turn to in the event that the unthinkable occurs. Contact them as soon as possible after the event has occurred to help minimize further damage.

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WHAT TO DO AFTER WINTER STORM DAMAGE

Mon, 23 Jan 2017 04:00:00 GMT

Winter storm damage is usually associated with damage to the exterior of your home or building, but in a worst case scenario such damage also causes interior damage as water is allowed inside where it isn’t supposed to be. Water damage causes ongoing problems if ignored, rather, it has to be repaired immediately. What is a minor expense and more of a nuisance to deal with can become a major home restoration project if it isn’t dealt with in a timely manner.

Causes of Water Damage

Although nobody can plan for every contingency, there are common causes which more likely than not have led to water damage in your house. The first is a leaking roof which occurs because of damaged or aged shingles and sealant around chimneys. A second reason is because of a burst pipe, which often happens because of freezing weather when the pipe extends through an unfinished area and isn’t properly insulated. Arguably the worst water damage can be caused by flooding when the foundation’s drainage system has been compromised or isn’t functioning properly.

Means of Prevention

Hands down, the best means of prevention is to be aware of damage and have it repaired as soon as it occurs. Such a plan doesn’t always work because it isn’t practical to check your roof after every storm, you can’t predict when a pipe might freeze if it never has before, and you can’t dig up your foundation to check for problems. You can, however, have routine inspections performed and take care of accrued damage as soon as it is found. An experienced contractor can see inspect the roof for problems, notice an improperly designed water pipe, and recognize signs of foundation drainage problems before they cause massive amounts of damage.

Proper Repair Methods

Roofing repairs are fairly straightforward, replace missing shingles, secure loose ones, and reseal around chimneys and exhaust pipes. Misplaced pipes don’t have to rerouted, there is a simple solution against freezing in the form of a specialized insulation. It runs a tiny electric current, not enough to even notice on your power bill and not enough to heat the water noticeably, but just enough to prevent freezing. The foundation, unfortunately, doesn’t have a simple solution but has to be dug out so the drainage system can be rebuilt. The good news is that by design such a problem is rare enough that very few people ever have to deal with it.

The post WHAT TO DO AFTER WINTER STORM DAMAGE appeared first on A & A Property Restoration LLC .

THE LONG TERM EFFECTS OF WATER DAMAGE

Mon, 09 Jan 2017 04:00:00 GMT

Water damage can happen for a variety of reasons. However, if you experience water damage, it’s in your best interest to ensure that you take care of the matter promptly and professionally. Failing to remedy water damage properly can lead to a host of problems.

WATER DAMAGE CAN RUIN FURNITURE

Although a lot of furniture manufacturers no longer make furniture of wood, most do. Unfortunately, water and wood don’t mix. If you have a lot of furniture in your home and you experience a flood, your furniture can become warped or split. The best way to avoid this problem is to act quickly so that you can reduce the impact water has on your furniture.

If your home has hardwood floors, acting quickly can save your investment too. Hardwood floors absorb water. Once your floors absorb water, they’ll expand, and your floor joints may gap.

MOLD COLONIES MAY GROW AFTER WATER DAMAGE

Mold loves moisture and warm places. As such, if you’ve recently experienced water damage, your home may be the perfect breeding ground for mold. Research shows that mold can begin to grow within 48 hours following a flood. The sooner your act the more likely you can avoid mold contamination altogether.

To ensure mold doesn’t grow in your home, have a professional employ mold remediation techniques in addition to removing the water. Mold remediation will reduce your chances of experiencing mold growth, which can make you and your family sick.

HOW WE CAN HELP WITH WATER DAMAGE

At A & A Property Restoration , one of our many specialties is repairing homes after a flood. Following a fire or a leaky pipe, we can help you restore your home to what it was before the flood. We help you preserve your furniture and family heirlooms by taking proven methods to ensure you experience little damage.

If you’ve recently experienced water damage and you don’t know where to begin the cleanup process, we can help. Instead of trying to do the work yourself, give us a call today. We are happy to take a look at your home and estimate what it will take to restore your home. We also work with insurance companies, allowing you to get back in your home as soon as possible.

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BUDGET-FRIENDLY WAYS TO AVOID A HOUSE FIRE DURING THE HOLIDAYS

Mon, 19 Dec 2016 04:00:00 GMT

House fires are common during the holiday months. A faulty holiday light or a burning candle could set your home ablaze and cause you to lose everything you’ve worked so hard to achieve. Fortunately, you can employ these budget-friendly tips to prevent a house fire that can ultimately save your home during the holidays.

USE LED CANDLES

Burning candles significantly improves your chances of experiencing a fire. You can easily knock over a candle and start a house fire. To completely reduce the chances of a home fire, don’t use traditional candles. Many companies are manufacturing low-cost LED candles to prevent home fires. In addition to being safe, these candles are versatile. You can put them practically anywhere, including near electronics.

NEVER LEAVE YOUR HOLIDAY LIGHTS ON WHILE YOU’RE GONE

If you are like many homeowners, you put a lot of time and effort into decorating for the holidays. You may put lights around your home’s trim, in the yard, and, of course, on your tree. Although lights look great and help set the tone for the holidays, your holiday lights could be the cause of a house fire. As such, you should never leave your home while your lights are on and never sleep with your lights on.

KEEP FIRE EXTINGUISHERS HANDY

If you don’t have a fire extinguisher, now is the time to invest in one. There are many different types of fires, and, in some instances, water isn’t useful to extinguish the flame. Fortunately, you can purchase different types of fire extinguishers. Armed with the right fire extinguisher, you can put out small fires that threaten your home.

WHAT TO DO FOLLOWING A FIRE

In the event of a fire, knowing what to do during the emergency can save your life and your home. If you can’t extinguish the fire, contact emergency services by dialing 911 as soon as possible. After firefighters put the flames out and you are allowed to re-enter your home, you should recover everything you can, especially important papers. Make sure you have important documents, such as your home insurance policy and will.

After you’ve contacted your home insurance company, call our team at A & A Property Restoration to help you restore your home. We have years of experience in fire restoration . Our top priority is to get you back into you home, so we work diligently with your home insurance company to expedite the process. If you are in need of fire restoration, we encourage you to give us a call today.

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WHAT TO DO AFTER A HOUSE FIRE: YOUR FIRST 6 STEPS

Mon, 05 Dec 2016 04:00:00 GMT

The trauma of watching your house go up in flames can leave you feeling helpless and alone. It’s an enormous, stressful burden, and it can be difficult to know how to begin getting your home and your life back. Fire restoration is possible in many situations, but you’ll need to navigate the system carefully to get things underway. Not sure where to begin? Follow these steps after a fire to stay safe and get your fire restoration started quickly.

WHAT TO DO AFTER A HOUSE FIRE

Safety First: Your first step is to make sure your family and pets are healthy and uninjured. Don’t hesitate to seek medical attention if the fire department or ambulance crew suggests it, as smoke inhalation can be serious.
Seek Shelter: Make sure you have temporary shelter, food and any medications you may need. If you don’t have family or friends nearby, contact the Red Cross for emergency assistance.
Call Your Insurance Company: Your homeowners insurance agent will let you know what you need to do to file a claim. Don’t forget that your policy may include funds for temporary housing, so be sure to follow all of their directions to get the money you need to find a place to live.
Contact the Police: Let the police know that your home is now unoccupied and vulnerable to the elements. They may add extra surveillance if needed to discourage looters.
Protect Your Valuables: Get permission from the fire department to re-enter your home if possible to remove valuables and gather important paperwork. If the structure is unsafe, seek their advice for how to proceed. You may also need to board up holes in the roof or walls to protect items from the elements.
Contact a Professional for Fire Restoration: Once you have instructions from your insurance company, call a pro to clean up your home and make repairs. They know how to deal with unsafe structures, smoke damage, water damage and more — this is not a DIY job! They’re also experts at working with insurance companies and will talk you through the process.

If you’ve had a fire and need help with repairs, contact A & A Property Restoration in Minneapolis, MN for professional advice and over 30 years of experience helping MInnesotans get their lives back after a fire.

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YOU’RE NOT ALONE IF FIRE SCARES YOU

Mon, 21 Nov 2016 04:00:00 GMT

As it always has been, fire is a terrifying event and you certainly aren’t to be afraid of it and take extreme measures to prevent it from happening. Of course, a controlled fire in a fireplace can add a nice ambiance to a room and a well placed candle can add romantic lighting or nice smells, but an uncontrolled fire such as from a dryer, electric short, or cooking stove is an entirely different concept.

Smoke Damage from a Small Fire

Even a small fire you’re able to extinguish yourself can cause a lot of damage. Smoke can and will penetrate every nook and cranny it can reach, leaving soot, dirt, and grime. Paint and wall coverings will be discolored and likely require replacement. You’ll probably need a professional cleaning service to get all the soot, as it will be in the furthest back corners of cabinetry and behind everything, even inside the electric boxes behind outlets and ceiling fixtures as well as having settled deeper in carpet than the typical vacuum cleaner can get. The worst part is the smell will remain until every last bit is removed.

Cosmetic Damage from a Medium Fire

A medium sized fire can cause much more extensive damage and requires the services of a professional contractor with a specialty in fire restoration techniques to thoroughly repair. Carpet, drywall, and trim carpentry is going to have to replaced once actually burnt rather than only receiving smoke damage. The smoke damage itself will be more extensive having had the opportunity to seep deeper into the walls and insulation. Each case is different, but it’s not uncommon after a medium fire for the room where it started to need to be gutted and rebuilt.

Structural Damage from a Large Fire

It goes without saying a large fire is going to cause damage which gets into the structure of the home and can be devastating. Assuming the fire department arrives in time to prevent a total loss, your insurance company may decide differently. Your insurance adjuster will compare the age and value of the house against what it will cost to conduct the repairs and what the worth will be after the repairs to determine whether or not to rebuild the house or call it a total loss. You can expect such repairs to take at least several months during which time you and your family will have to live elsewhere.

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AFTER THE FLOOD

Mon, 07 Nov 2016 04:00:00 GMT

A flood can be devastating and terrifying, whether caused by a burst pipe, a 100-year storm , or an overlooked roof leak. After the first consideration, the safety of you and your family, the material damage has to be addressed. Some personal items, no matter how expensive, can be replaced. Family heirlooms and memories are harder to place a value on. The house itself is the major, immediate concern and fortunately there are proven methods toward conducting efficient repairs. It is absolutely integral to repair efficiency you report the problem as soon as possible so it can be addressed before lingering water causes more extensive damage.

Immediate Emergency Repairs

The first immediate emergency water damage repair is to stop the leak and remove standing water by either pumping it outdoors or drawing it into a wet-vac. Turning off the electricity is a safety measure most homeowners overlook, but needs to be done until an assessment of the extent of damage is completed. The repair crew at this point will begin cutting holes in the drywall and removing carpet to determine how far the damage reaches, and prepare to remove the water trapped inside the walls, floor, and ceiling.

Removing the Water

Removing the water trapped behind the drywall usually takes about three to five days. Unfortunately, it’s going to be a nuisance as it requires setting up industrial dehumidifiers and powerful fans to promote airflow through the wet areas. If the damage is limited to a specific room, you may be able to stay in your home but if the damage is throughout the house you may need to stay with friends or in a hotel for a couple of days because you won’t comfortably spend time in an area with the machinery running. Once the moisture is completely removed, you can move back in but expect a few more days of ongoing construction to finish repairing the house.

Finish Projects

Finishing the project to return your house to normal does take a while. Carpets can be replaced in a day, as can damaged electrical fixtures or outlets and trim carpentry. Drywall, on the other hand, requires at least two coats of spackling, a coat of primer, and one or two coats of paint. Each coat has to dry, so it’s a minimum of four days before the job is complete. Rugs are typically taken off-site for professional cleaning, and furniture may need to be removed for cleaning or new upholstery.

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WATER DAMAGE AND FLOODING

Mon, 24 Oct 2016 04:00:00 GMT

You shower every day, brush your teeth, and drink plenty of water for health and well being. You house, on the other hand, doesn’t achieve great health through water but rather can be horribly damaged by burst pipes or the introduction of flood waters . Once water penetrate the visible areas of the home, it gets behind the walls and under the floors where there isn’t enough airflow for it to dry where beyond rot it can cause permanent damage.

Mold and Mosquitoes

A worse problem than structural rot is the mold that forms with moisture. Mold spores are already present in all organic material and just need a water source to grow. Once it begins to grow it spreads throughout the house and into the air, causing a number of health problems. A healthy adult may be able to live with mold for a short period, but people with asthma, the elderly, and children are especially susceptible to the effects of mold poisoning. A worse aspect is mold poisoning is actually an allergy so you never develop a tolerance to it but rather suffer the effects worse as time passes and exposure continues.

Further problems with moisture involve mosquitoes and bugs. The unsanitary conditions cause disease and mosquitoes carry the illness. The presence of bugs draws more bugs which burrow into the structural wood, and in turn attracts rodents. The problems of mold and mosquitoes by their nature cause even worse problems to occur.

Immediate Mitigation Process

After a flood, the immediate process is to begin drying out the moisture. This will involve cutting out sections of drywall and removing insulation. Heavy industrial fans and dehumidifiers will be set up to speed the drying process before too much damage can occur. The process typically takes 3-5 days, then a contractor can assess the damage and form a plan to repair it.

Conducting Repairs

The repairs will consist of checking for any further moisture, water sources, and damage caused by the initial flooding. The structural framing in the affected areas will be sanitized or replaced as needed and insulation replaced. A full electric and plumbing inspection will assure those systems remain safe, then the walls will be be closed off with new drywall and paint. Flooring will be replaced assuming the old can’t be reused as is often the case, then the job is finished so you and your family can return to life as usual.

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WATER DAMAGE SHOULD ONLY BE HANDLED BY A PROFESSIONAL

Mon, 10 Oct 2016 04:00:00 GMT

Water is not often considered a damaging element it today’s world. After all, man has learned to harness its energy and it is a substance that each living thing on earth must have copious amounts of in order to survive. However, water is also very destructive. For example, water can erode a hard substance such as rock over time. Within that frame of reference, you can likely imagine the damage it could do to your home.

Excessive Moisture is Only the Beginning

Excessive moisture in your home can lead to unexpected consequences. When you add in flooding which involves extreme amounts of water, the effects can be downright disastrous. It can be hard to believe until it happens to you but a burst pipe can quickly wreak such havoc on your home that you need professional help. Water that has been contaminated with bacteria, for example, can make an area unfit for habitation and even spread its contamination even further if not handled correctly.

Contaminated Water Must be Handled Correctly

Even if you do not think you live in a flood prone area, your home could be at risk of serious damage. There are many areas of the country that never experienced the devastation of flooding until recently, for example. While you might think that events such as sewage backflows are the only time you need to be concerned about contaminated water, there are other times as well. For example, during a flooding situation, all sorts of materials that would not normally be found in your home — at least not in such great amounts — could be introduced. Animal feces, parasites and chemical residue are only a few of the numerous foreign materials that could be found in your home after a flood. These could contain fungi, bacteria, viruses and more health hazards that you simply cannot wipe away.

Organic Home Materials

To make matters worse, homes are designed of organic materials like wood, drywall and carpet fibers. These types of materials actually provide a fertile breeding ground for those pathogens that are contained within contaminated waters to grow. Within just a few short hours — at the most you have 48 hours — these pathogens begin to multiply.

If you have experienced flooding and/or excessive moisture of any type, you need to contact an experienced water damage restoration company.

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CAN YOU GET RID OF MOLD FROM WATER DAMAGE?

Mon, 19 Sep 2016 03:00:00 GMT

If you’ve ever experienced a leak or in-house water damage, then you know that a battle with mold is serious. Mold can spread pretty quickly, left to its own devices.The repugnant smell can get on your furniture and in your clothes, literally living with you until you take measures to remedy the situation.

On your own, you will find it’s difficult to remove mold from water damage. However, with the help of a professional such as the members of our team at A & A Property Restoratio n, you will find removing mold from water damage a cinch.

THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH LIVING WITH MOLD

The Environmental Protection Agency points out that “failure to remove contaminated materials and to reduce moisture and humidity can present serious long-term health risks. Standing water and wet materials are a breeding ground for microorganisms, such as viruses, bacteria, and mold.” With mold spores beginning growth in as little as 48 hours following a flood or water damage, anyone exposed could develop complications as a result of breathing in contaminated air.

Particularly, individuals who have asthma, are older, or who have a compromised immune system are at increased risks when it comes to mold. Researchers at the University of Michigan found “evidence that certain respiratory problems, including symptoms in asthmatics who are sensitive to mold, are associated with exposure to mold and damp conditions.”

HOW TO GET RID OF MOLD IN YOUR HOME

After discovering you have a problem with mold, it’s important that you act fast to resolve the problem. Since researchers aren’t sure what level of mold growth causes problems, you should treat even the slightest growth of mold as if it may harm your family, and enlist the aid of a professional.

Our team at A & A Property Restoration specializes in mold remediation. After assessing your home, our goal isn’t to simply get rid of the musty smell associated with mold, or to remove the mold you see; our goal is to remove all traces of mold that may lurk in your home completely. We start this process by eliminating what enables mold to thrive in your home—water.

Once we’ve eliminated mold’s lifeline, we then work to remove all traces of mold in your home . If you have mold on your furniture, in your attic, or on your clothes, we utilize a proprietary technique that kills off all sources of mold. Naturally, by eliminating the mold, your home will become safer, and it will smell better.

If you are battling mold, you shouldn’t do it alone. You can get rid of mold once and for all by giving us a call. We are happy to help.

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FIRE RESTORATION: THE DANGERS OF A POORLY EXECUTED RESTORATION

Mon, 05 Sep 2016 04:00:00 GMT

Between 2009 and 2013, fire departments across the United States responded to 357,000 house fires each year on average. If you experience a house fire, your next steps will impact the monetary costs of getting back on your feet and the emotional costs associated with a fire. At A & A Property Restoration , we believe contacting a professional restoration company to restore your home immediately after a fire will help you jumpstart the process of getting back into your home. It’s not enough to simply hire a fire restoration company after a fire; the company you hire must be capable. Otherwise, you could face serious long-term problems.

LINGERING SMOKE DAMAGE

As the adage goes, where there is smoke, there is fire. The damage a house fire causes can be horrendous. It destroys your personal belongings, forcing you to replace the items that can be replaced. However, the damage caused by smoke is as powerful as that of fire. The smell of smoke may not cause physical damage, but the stench of smoke can linger long after the flames have been put out.

Without professional help from a reputable fire restoration company , you and your family could inhale smoke for years, which is a threat to your lungs and your eyes. Individuals who already have problems with their lungs and eyes can experience greater problems if they inhale air stained with smoke for a prolonged time.

HIDDEN MOISTURE

When the conditions are just right, mold can grow following a fire. In most cases, hidden water puddles behind walls or in closets are just enough to promote a colony of mold in your home. Unfortunately, the untrained eye may not know what to look out for when it comes to preventing mold. By hiring a professional fire restoration team, you reduce the chances that your home will be invaded with mold months or years after your fire.

SOOT CAN STAIN YOUR BELONGINGS

Another byproduct of fire damage is soot. Soot is the result of combustion. It is the black film that remains on your belongings after the fire has been extinguished. If you don’t hire a professional to clean your home, an amateur fire restoration company could miss cleaning some areas that are coated with soot. If this happens, and you overlook it too, then the soot could permanently stain some of your belongings. However, if you employ a professional such as our team at A & A Property Restoration, you won’t have to worry about soot following a fire. We make sure that every nook and cranny is cleaned.

When it comes to restoring your home following a fire, you don’t want to chance anything. You should contact a professional to ensure that the work performed will exceed your expectations. Give us a call today.

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PROTECT YOUR LUNGS WITH MOLD REMEDIATION AFTER A HOME FLOOD

Mon, 22 Aug 2016 04:00:00 GMT

Protect Your Health With Mold Remediation After a Home Flood

After you’ve experienced a flood in your home, the battle isn’t over. You still have to ensure that no mold grows in your home. Under the right conditions, researchers estimate that some forms of mold can begin to germinate between 12 and 48 hours. Within 1 to 12 days, you could see a colony of mold. With such rapid growth, for the protection of your health, you have to employ a mold remediation company as soon as possible if you experience water damage.

MOLD CAN ATTACK YOUR EYES

Injuries to your eyes from coming into contact with mold is serious business. With prolonged exposure to mold, you could start to experience eye irritation. Your eyes are extremely sensitive, and the introduction of foreign material, such as black mold can threaten your sight. The following are just a injuries that you could experience due to exposure to mold:

Bloodshot eyes
Jaundice
Blurry vision
Inflamed eyes

Following a flood, you should take measures to eliminate the potential for mold growth as soon as possible. If you delay, you run the risk of incurring hospital expenses from eye treatments.

MOLD REMEDIATION ANNIHILATES THE EFFECTS OF MOLD ON YOUR LUNGS

You don’t have to touch mold for it to be detrimental to your health. In fact, many people who are injured by mold breathe in mold spores. Breathing in mold spores will have a negative impact on your overall health. Mold spores can cause wheezing, pulmonary edema, bleeding gums, nose bleeds, and difficulty breathing. Fortunately, our team at A & A Property Restoration can reduce your chances of breathing in mold spores by eliminating your exposure to mold.

PREVENT AN AMBUSH ON YOUR SKIN WITH MOLD REMEDIATION

Touching mold is another way your system can become compromised when it comes to mold exposure. People who’ve come into contact with mold can develop skin irritations, including crawling skin, jaundice, and dermatitis. All of these skin conditions can be avoided by preventing mold growth in your home. The sooner you act to employ the services of a mold remediation team, the sooner you can begin the process of eradicating mold from your home.

At A & A Property Restoration , we specialize in removing mold from your home; however, we can also prevent mold from growing. If you suspect that your home may be at an increased risk of mold growth because you experienced a flood, give us a call today to get a quote for our mold remediation services.

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3 REASONS YOU NEED TO HIRE A RESTORATION COMPANY

Mon, 08 Aug 2016 04:00:00 GMT

When a catastrophe — a water leak or damage by mold, fire or storms — breaks out out at your home, you might wonder what kind of options you have to repair the event’s impact and get life back to normal as soon as possible. One of the first things that people often think is that they can simply take care of the damage themselves and avoid having to call the professionals in to do the job. This is often not as wise of an idea as it might seem to be at first. Here’s why:

1. Experience

A property restoration company , such as A & A Property Restoration, brings the Minneapolis, Minnesota area years of experiences — in the case of A & A Property Restoration , more than 30 years of professional experience — in services like mold remediation, water damage, fire restoration and other emergency services. They have established procedures that have been honed over the years to deliver the best results within the optimal time frame.

2. Equipment

Tackling things like storm damage, fire restoration, mold remediation and other types of emergency services takes specialized equipment. While some of these pieces of equipment could be available for rent, others might be difficult to find. There is also the matter of being able to use them efficiently. Hiring A & A Property Restoration ensures that all the necessary equipment and expertise is included in one price.

3. Peace of Mind

When you hire a company, like A & A Property Restoration, that specializes in addressing these emergency issues, you can rest assured that your home is getting the professional treatment it needs to get back into the shape it was prior to disaster striking. Simply give A & A Property Restoration a call and step back to let them handle everything else. You’ll be glad you did!

At A & A Property Restoration, their expertise is emergencies. When you don’t know where else to turn to take care of a devastating event that has affected your home, A & A Property Restoration is only a phone call away. They are available to help you 365 days a year, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Give them a call whenever you find yourself in an emergency situation as outlined above.

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EMERGENCY RESPONSE HOME RESTORATION

Mon, 25 Jul 2016 04:00:00 GMT

When damage occurs to your home, be it fire, water or storm induced, you hope to have repairs made quickly and efficiently so you and your family can return to life as usual. The way to go about having repairs made is to use a specialist contractor who understands your situation and has experience in these types of home repairs and restoration projects. Beyond the actual building repairs, there is the knowledge of specific issues with these types of damages while understanding what your family is going through beyond the actual building renovation.

Small Repairs

Consider “small repairs” as a technical term, as a contractor views a single stage problem to be a “small repair” even though it certainly doesn’t seem small to the homeowner. When a tree limb damages your roof or a hail storm destroys a section of your siding it’s only considered a small job comparative to restoration from other disasters. A professional contractor understands the importance of repairing such damage quickly before further damage comes of it, and doing the job right the first time.

Fire Repairs

Fire damage is different from small repairs because it typically entails multiple layers of damage. The exterior of the home and the drywall need restoration, along with insulation, wiring, structure inside the walls, and further smoke damage throughout the house. The actual building restoration is the easy part. An experienced contractor can also provide the paperwork and documentation required by fire department, your lawyer, code inspectors, and most importantly your insurance company.

Storms and Flooding

Storm damage which involves flooding is similar to fire damage in that it involves multiple layers of restoration. Your contractor further shows their experience by understanding what is involved in the repairs before starting, and has sub-contractors lined up for each stage of the restoration process. The experienced professional knows how to schedule each aspect of restoration for maximum efficiency so your family can move back into the home as quickly as possible and resume your normal daily life.

There are plenty of great building contractors available who are capable of doing a restoration job after disaster damage. However, such situations present a specific set of challenges. A contractor who specializes in the actual details pertaining to disaster restoration disaster restoration is going to better suit your needs than a general contractor who focuses on other types of building processes.

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THE HORRORS OF FLOODING

Mon, 11 Jul 2016 04:00:00 GMT

Most families enjoy swimming and boating along with setting up sprinklers and kiddie pools in the yard for fun. Water is nice to have easy access to, enjoyable during the heat of summer as a way to cool down for children and adults alike. That is, until you experience a flood, which is a completely different experience than the leisurely use of water for fun and recreation. A flood can be a traumatic experience as you realize what the weight of water is and exactly how misplaced flood water can cause excessive damage to your home.

Water Damage

Water damage in a home is an absolute horror . The damage goes beyond what you may expect from a visible inspection as the water soaks in and lingers in places beyond your line of sight. You know the insulation inside your walls can hold moisture, but if you aren’t a contractor you may not be aware there are expansion joints in the concrete of your home’s foundation from which water can’t escape. Not only does the water erode the structural aspects of your home as it remains in nooks and crannies, but in fact continues to cause further damage.

Mold Removal

The worst damage unresolved flood water causes is mold growth. You probably don’t realize this, but mold spores already exist in all organic material and become active with the introduction of moisture. Therefore, mold begins to grow once water is introduced into your home. Therefore, mold removal is a big project which requires access to areas which were meant to remain sealed, so as to allow the water to evaporate. Then the section of house which was removed has to be rebuilt.

Beyond simply accessing the mold damage, mold has to be properly treated in order to be completely removed. Bleach kills the mold, but is suspended in water. Because bleach evaporates faster than the water it is suspended in, more mold can and will grow after a basic bleach treatment. Specialized solutions designed to stop mold growth are necessary to prevent future outbreaks.

Flood damage is not to be treated lightly, as the damage goes far beyond what the eye can see. The drywall obviously needs replacement as does the inside of the walls, but also deep inside the foundation of the building. It requires an experienced professional to understand the extent of the damage and treat it properly to prevent further problems and more expensive repairs in the future.

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WATER DAMAGE FOLLOWING A FIRE? WE CAN HELP

Mon, 20 Jun 2016 04:00:00 GMT

Experiencing a fire can be devastating , but after the fire is out, the real work begins. When a fire strikes, there is nothing safe in your home. Your furniture, electronics, and family heirlooms can all be destroyed by the fire or the water used to put the fire out. Although no one wants to go through this, it’s important that you know the next steps you should take to get your family back into your home.

UNDERSTANDING WATER DAMAGE

After a fire, waiting is not an option. The water your home was exposed to in the process of putting out the flames is damaging. In fact, within a few hours of being exposed to water, recoverable components of your home begin to deteriorate. For instance, the drywall in your home begins to soak up the water, and if it’s not allowed to dry out, mold can start to form. Additionally, the standing water and the warm temperature of the smoldering fire is the perfect place for mold and bacteria to thrive.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO ABOUT WATER DAMAGE

At A & A Property Restoration , we specialize in helping you restore your home to its original glory, especially in instances of water damage. In fact, we recommend you take the following steps to ensure you can move back in your home as soon as possible.

1. MAKE SURE YOUR FAMILY IS OKAY.

Of course, you and your family are in a safe place, but it is essential to ensure that you have a place to stay for the duration of the restoration. By hiring us for the job, we can give you realistic expectations about how long it will take to restore your home, allowing you to find shelter for your family.

2. HIRE A PROFESSIONAL TO CONDUCT THE RESTORATION.

After a fire, it’s possible that your home is considered a safety hazard. As a result, you should enter your home. You should hire a licensed professional who is capable of recognizing dangerous situations and restoring your home at the same time.

3. CONTACT YOUR UTILITIES.

It’s important that all of your utilities are properly shut off so that you don’t run the risk of having another fire, in the case of your electricity. Beyond potential safety hazards, you don’t want to be financially responsible for services you are not using.

4). MAKE SURE YOU LOCATE VALUABLE DOCUMENTS.

Once you contact your insurance company, you may need to know important information contained in some of your document, such as your account numbers, you should attempt to locate these documents as soon as possible.

If you’ve experienced a fire, or you simply want to take the right precautions in case you experience a fire, give us a call. We have years of experience restoring homes that have water damage following a fire. We can also give you advice to protect your family in case you experience water damage.

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WHY YOU NEED MOLD REMEDIATION FOLLOWING A FIRE

Mon, 06 Jun 2016 04:00:00 GMT

Just because you don’t see a flame, doesn’t mean you are safe following a fire. After emergency services have put out the fire, you’ll find that your home is left with a lot of standing water. Beyond threatening recoverable items in your home, water damage can create a bigger problem for you and your family —mold.

WHY IS MOLD A RISK FOLLOWING A FIRE

Although you may not always see mold, you can determine whether or not you have mold by a musky smell. After a fire, lingering water and humidity encourage mold to grow in your home. It’s the exposure to mold that can be a threat to your health. In fact, experts don’t know what level of exposure to mold places you at risk; therefore, it’s in your best interest to avoid mold at all costs.

THE DANGERS OF MOLD

In truth, mold affects each person differently. One of the biggest ways mold affects your family is by triggering allergic reactions. The following are some conditions resulting from inhaling mold:

Chest tightness
Sore throat
Sinus congestion
Asthma
Upper respiratory tract infections
Skin and eye irritation

With little information about how long you can be exposed to mold, you want to make sure that you employ the services of an experienced mold remediation professional, like our team at A & A Restoration, following a fire. Our experience helps us remove the mold from your home so that your children and other individuals who are susceptible to fungal infections can return to the life they’ve grown accustomed to at your home.

WHAT WE DO

At A & A Restoration , the process of getting your home back to normal is a process. There are a series of steps in that process, including removing all the water from you home. During this process, we take our time, checking every nook and cranny to ensure that the water is completely removed from your home.

The extent of this process can vary from home to home, but our goal is to ensure that your family doesn’t have to worry about mold growing in a few months, due to moisture remaining in your home or behind a closet door.

When you are ready, we are here for you. Your first call following a fire should be to our team at A & A Re s toration to quicken the process of getting you back in your home.

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UNEXPECTED DISASTER CONTROL

Mon, 09 May 2016 04:00:00 GMT

Disasters can take many forms, but always have one commonality. You weren’t expecting it. You may have some warning of storms and flooding according to a weather report, but you expect your home or business building to be designed and built to manage such conditions. Fires are never expected otherwise you would avoid the situation which caused it. The first step to handle such a situation is to have a preparedness plan in place in case of emergency. Part of the preparedness plan should be to know the name of a local contractor who specializes in such repairs so you can begin the process of returning to normal as quickly as possible.

Fire

Fire is arguably the most terrifying of disasters because of the immediate risk to your family’s safety. Afterwards, the loss of precious heirlooms and irreplaceable personal memories can also be devastating. Your home will have obvious fire and smoke damage, but you should also be aware there is likely soot in your ventilation system, carcinogens deposited in the attic and crawl space, and unseen structural damage. A great contractor knows what to look for and how to return the home to normal while understanding the trauma you’ve experienced in order to make the rebuilding process as easy as possible.

Water Damage and Flooding

Flooding can also be a devastating event, both for the emotional stress of the event and the physical damage it causes to your home. Again, a specialist who deals in disaster restoration will know how to empathize with you during your time of sorrow while making the repairs quickly so you can return to a normal life.

Storm

Storm damage can be as minor as hail breaking a window or as disastrous as a tree falling on your home. In either case, there is likely going to be hidden damage only a disaster contractor would be aware of. As important as it is to immediately repair the obvious damage, the same storm put water inside the structure of your home, causing a potential for mold or rot which needs to be addressed.

After a disaster, you have plenty of issues to deal with. There is no need for the repair of your home or business to be an additional problem to face. Allow a licensed contractor who specializes in disaster relief handle the immediate problem of building damage so you can return to normalcy as quickly as possible.

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STEPS YOU SHOULD TAKE FOLLOWING A FIRE EMERGENCY

Sat, 23 Apr 2016 04:00:00 GMT

There were nearly 1.4 million home fires in 2011. That’s a reduction of nearly 20%, compared to 2002, but still a significant number of people are negatively impacted by a house fire. Fortunately, by acting quickly, you can affect how much impact a house fire has on your family.

GET YOUR FAMILY TO A SAFE PLACE

Following a fire, you may find that you can’t remain in your home. Even after the emergency service puts the fire out, you may have structural damage that could place your family at risk if you stay. Here at A&A Property Restoration , we recommend that you avoid returning to your home until emergency services recommend you do so. Even then, you should have a professional at your side to help you navigate your home.

CONTACT YOUR HOMEOWNER’S INSURANCE

Memories and some personal belongings, you will never recover following a fire, but with homeowner’s insurance, you can get the financial assistance you need to repair or rebuild your home. To get the process started as soon as possible, contact your homeowner’s insurance provider immediately.

Once you contact them, they will initiate a claim, which will help you begin the process of restoring your life and your home.

HIRE A LOCAL FIRE RESTORATION SPECIALIST

After a fire, it can be hard to pick up the pieces. You may find that your emotions may get the best of you. However, your ability to handle the situation will ultimately affect your family moving back into your home.

At A&A Property Restoration , we recommend that you work with a reliable and qualified professional, like those on our team. Our experience and industry knowledge helps allow us to expedite the restoration process . With an expedited system, you get back in your home much quicker than if you would have worked with other people.

In addition to being fast, we are experienced. We will help you salvage items in your home so that you can save money, and you will continue to have something to hold onto.

If you are in the Minnesota area, and you have recently experienced a house fire, then we want to help you get back into your home. We understand that living with family members or in a hotel doesn’t compare to being in the comfort of your bed. We are here to help. When you are ready, do not hesitate to give us a call so that we can begin working on restoring your home from the fire .

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WATER DAMAGE: DEALING WITH THE THREAT OF MOLD

Mon, 18 Apr 2016 04:00:00 GMT

If you are like most people, purchasing a home is the largest investment they will make with their money. Your home is also a place where you and your family create memories that last a lifetime. Unfortunately, in-home water floods can cause serious damage that not only threatens your home and personal belongings but your health as well. In-home floods can lead to mold, which can threaten your family’s health. As a result, it’s important to ensure that you hire professionals to assist with mold remediation .

UNDERSTANDING MOLD

Mold is a fungus that grows naturally in nature. Like all species, mold has its place in nature. In particular, mold enjoys growing where there is a lot of water. In the forest or outside in the park, mold doesn’t present a real danger to most people. When you consider mold in the confines of your home, then the real problem starts.

After an in-home flood, there are many places where moisture remains. With the additional water and the fact that the temperature in your home is warm, then your home becomes the perfect place for mold following a flood.

Mold and other fungi give off volatile organic compounds, which could lead to disease. Whether you have problems with your immune system or allergies, mold can be detrimental to your health.

PROFESSIONAL EMERGENCY RESTORATION SERVICES

With the desire to save your home and your family, living with mold isn’t an option. At A& A Property Restoration , we help the residents of Minneapolis eliminate health threats cause by mold through mold remediation. Whether you have experienced a fire or a flood, the presence of water in your home can be dangerous. We are here to help.

One of our top priorities is eliminating the moisture in your home. We have some methods that ensure that the moisture content in your home is reduced to a level in which no mold will find optimal. With the lack of moisture, you don’t have to worry about mold jeopardizing your quality of life.

We also help you recover some items that are affected by the water. When it comes to things damaged by water , it’s important to know how to handle those items; otherwise, you could exacerbate the damage. Our years of experience in the industry have armed us with tips and tricks that increase the chances of your recovering some items, including furniture.

If you have experienced a loss of this nature, do not let mold threaten your home and your health. We welcome calls to restore your home back to its original glory.

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TOP 3 REMODEL PROJECTS OF 2016

Mon, 04 Apr 2016 04:00:00 GMT

Renovation projects are one of the most popular methods to increase home values and breathe new life into old structures. The focal point of remodels trends over time, with certain types of projects gaining in popularity in 2016. Major kitchen, bathroom and backyard patio or deck projects are among the top remodels selected by homeowners, so far in 2016.

Kitchen

Homeowners are upgrading their kitchens, adding or improving their cabinets, countertops, appliances, cooktops, ranges and vents. They’re also enhancing their sinks, water filtration systems, lighting and flooring, resulting in completely redesigned and energy efficient places to cook and spend time with friends and family. Kitchens have a significant impact on the overall utility and aesthetic of homes, which is why homeowners are investing money in all of the latest designs and creature comforts.

Bathroom

High-end sinks, bathroom cabinets, tile flooring, shower fixtures and tubs are just some of what homeowners are looking for in their newly remodeled bathrooms. In particular, vanity features are among what homeowners are adding to otherwise plain and mundane bathrooms. For example, ceramic tile and large, efficient shower heads are some of the improvements being made to showers, making it a more enjoyable and aesthetically pleasing experience to get up in the morning and get the day going. The scope and cost of these types of remodels can vary drastically, which is why many homeowners stick to mid-range cost projects to try and maximize their return on investment.

Backyard Patio or Deck

Entertaining and socializing are as important now as ever, which is why homeowners are choosing to remodel their patios and decks or add new ones. These areas are ideal for families to spend quality time and barbeque, or for birthday parties and similar events. Enhancing deck flooring or adding a built in barbeque stand are popular focal points for upgraded backyard spaces. Customizing these areas will make your home stand out and give potential homebuyers exactly what they’re looking for.

Remodeling is a process that can come with surprises and challenges, but the net result can enhance the resale value and overall aesthetic of your home. Trends in the home renovation market are constantly changing, making it important to know what prospective buyers are looking for, before you invest in a project.

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HOW TO PREVENT AND MANAGE COOKING FIRES

Wed, 16 Mar 2016 04:00:00 GMT

Accidental fires are very common in the United States, especially in the kitchen. Grease fires are a major source of concern given how difficult they are to put out and how quickly they can spread. Fortunately, these types of fires and others can be prevented.

Carelessness and neglect are often the cause of cooking fires . In this article we will show you a few ways to prevent and manage cooking fires in the future.

Keep your kitchen clean : A thorough cleaning after each use is the easiest way to prevent a kitchen fire. If grease and other flammable material are allowed to build up over time, you could be in real trouble. Food that spills down into the oven is another source of danger that significantly boosts the odds of a kitchen fire.
Keep flammable objects away from heat : Cooking sprays, cleaning materials and other flammable objects should be kept far away from open flames. It may seem like a no-brainer to keep your cooking sprays near the stove, but excess heat can cause them to combust.
Keep children away when cooking : In order to ensure a safe cooking experience it is important to keep children away. Young children often don’t see the dangers that abound in a kitchen and are more likely to get burned than an adult. Accidents can occur when unattended children play in the kitchen.

But no matter how careful you are, accidents will happen. So what do you do when a kitchen fire breaks out? As most of know, fire needs three things to burn – heat, oxygen and fuel. The fire will continue to grow until one of these elements is removed.

With a grease fire in the kitchen, the easiest of those three elements to remove is usually oxygen. By smothering the fire you can extinguish it quickly. It’s important to remember that water will not help a grease fire. In fact, the repelling principles in water and grease can cause the fire to spread more rapidly.

If all else fails, call 9-1-1 immediately and evacuate as quickly as possible.

For more information on how to prevent kitchen fires or for a consultation on putting your home back together after a fire breaks out, contact A&A Property Restoration at (952) 847- 0500 or visit our website at www.aa4help.com .

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6 IMPORTANT TIPS TO AVOID WATER DAMAGE IN YOUR HOME

Mon, 14 Mar 2016 04:00:00 GMT

Water leaks can cause enormous damage around your property if they are not dealt with quickly. Here are several tips on keeping water from ruining parts of your house or business – and creating expenses that you can prevent with proper management.

1. Watch for Small Puddles

We don’t mean to coin a phrase, but small puddles can mean big problems. If you see a puddle around your fridge, sink, washing machine, dishwasher, or HVAC system, it spells trouble. Often these types of leaks are caused by hidden hoses or tubing that has developed cracks. You can’t tell where else the water may be leaking, so the potential for rot and mildew problems can be high. Isolate the problem to the right appliance, shut down water to it if possible, and phone a water damage expert for an inspection if you can.

2. Maintain Your Hoses

Speaking of those hoses hiding away in your everyday appliances – when was the last time you checked them? You don’t have to pull out your heavy appliances or pry off control panels all the time, but checking your hoses and connection once every year or so is a useful way to spot when something needs to be replaced…before it starts leaking.

3. Use Leak Sensors

Leak sensors attach to appliances and let you know if there is a serious problem with water damage. These sensors are most useful in situations where rising water is a problem, such as basements in certain climates, certain kinds of pumps, and other kinds of plumbing or HVAC systems. If water goes beyond a certain point, these sensors notice it: They can send out alarms or even shut down appliances if necessary. If you’ve had problems with flooding in the past, consider one of these devices.

4. Take Care of Your Caulking

Caulk and sealants are your first layer of protection against common household leaks from almost every source, from rooftop materials to your bathtub. While you may not think much about caulking, if it starts to crack or rip away over time, then leaks could result – the kind of leaks that don’t go away, but continue to seep into deeper cracks until they are causing serious damage. Inspect and replace damaged caulking to prevent this: It’s an easy and worthwhile DIY project.

5. Check Your Ventilation

What do you know about your attic ventilation? A good attic has enough ventilation too move hot, moist air from the house to the outdoors. Poor ventilation means that condensation will form in your attic, especially in winter, and start damaging wood and other materials that may be present.

6. Protect Your Pipes

If your pipes are in danger of freezing – if you live in a particularly cold climate – make sure they are protected. Electrical tape and other forms of insulation at the right points can be very effective. The old trick of turning your taps on slightly overnight can also help if temperature go sub-zero.

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TOP 3 REASONS MOLD IS MORE THAN JUST A NUISANCE

Fri, 11 Mar 2016 04:00:00 GMT

Mold is a part of life in many instances. After all, who hasn’t seen colorful — and stomach-turning — mold growing on leftovers in their refrigerator? While mold that you find on old food can be easily dealt with by simply tossing it in the trash, the presence of mold in your home is a much more serious issue. In fact, if you have mold growing somewhere in your home, it is much more than a nuisance — and here’s why.

1. It’s a Hazard to Your Health

While mold naturally occurs in the environment, and its spores are too small for the naked eye to see, this doesn’t mean that its presence is harmless. In fact, the tell-tale signs of mold growth — a musty smell or green or black patches in places where moisture is typically seen, such as your bathroom, kitchen or basement — can set off allergic reactions and respiratory problems in those people who have never shown signs of one before. If you, or a member of your family, have a suppressed immune system or a respiratory illness, such as asthma or emphysema, living in a home with a mold problem could make such conditions worse.

2. It Points to a Larger Issue

Mold doesn’t exist in a vacuum. If it is present within your home, it is because the conditions are favorable for it to form and spread. In order to exist, mold — which is a particular type of fungus — must have access to specific elements to grow and survive. Moisture and organic materials — such as paper, plants, soil or food — are all that mold needs in order to flourish. One of the most common reasons for the growth of mold is a water leak of some type within your home. This leak could be so minor that its presence goes virtually unnoticed.

3. Mold Spreads Easily

While mold might not seem like a huge problem because there is only a small patch, in actuality its presence means that its spread is inevitable. Mold releases spores that can be spread via water and air. In addition, people and their pets can inadvertently spread mold from one area to another.

A & A Property Restoration is your mold identification and removal expert in the Minneapolis and Twin Cities area. Contact them today about an estimate for mold removal in your home.

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FIRE RESTORATION: KEY FIRST STEPS WHEN PLANNING TO REBUILD

Thu, 10 Mar 2016 04:00:00 GMT

Have you just suffered a fire in your home? Restoration is often possible, but taking immediate action is important: Here’s what to know.

Start Immediately and Call in Experts

After a fire, it’s understandable that you are still in shock, worried about your family, and trying to think about what to do next. However, it’s important to begin the restoration as soon as you possible can – we’re talking about beginning the moment that the firefighters/other professionals let you back onto your property. The moment the blaze is taken care of, ask for advice on who to call for restoration services , and contact your insurance. The sooner you begin, the less damage the elements can do to your property.

Get Rid of the Smoke

Even after a fire has been extinguished, smoke can linger. And that smoke is bad news – those particles can actually be very corrosive, damaging not only your lungs but materials and walls around your house. As soon as you can, open windows and create some long-term ventilation to help get rid of smoke as quickly as you can.

Do a General Checkup for Serious Problems

While you shouldn’t start the restoration process yourself – more on this in a bit – you should certainly take a quick check for any particularly serious issues that emergency responders may not have noticed. This includes any rotten-egg smell that indicates a gas leak, any indication of water puddles that show a leak has sprung, and any sagging in the ceiling or walls that shows serious structural damage.

Start an Inventory

Without moving too many things, begin an inventory process. List the things that are present and damage, and take lots of photos – this isn’t difficult with today’s smartphones! You’ll want a full list of all damage items and photographic proof, preferably before claims agents or restoration experts show up.

Don’t Clean Up Just Yet!

Restoration experts don’t like people to clean up after a fire – preferably even a minor fire. For one thing, you might create even more unnecessary damage, especially if you try cleaning by yourself. Second, you may hurt yourself, especially if there are exposed wires or other problems. Just leave everything where it is and wait for professionals who know how to deal with this situation efficiently. If you have any items that you are particularly worried about or that are important, be sure to mention this to the restoration services and ask about using them again or finding alternatives.

Keep Appliances Off

Unless your fire is very localized, you should turn off all nearby appliances until after the inspection. Yes, this includes the refrigerator, so have a plan to deal with thawing foods if necessary. Also, shut down gas line or propane tanks if necessary. Turn down your thermostat or otherwise make sure that your HVAC cannot turn on – and spirit away smoke odors throughout your entire house.

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5 BIG WARNING SIGNS FROM YOUR HVAC SYSTEM AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM

Wed, 09 Mar 2016 04:00:00 GMT

Your HVAC system is an integral part of your house – which means that if something goes wrong, it can affect your home in serious ways, potentially causing lasting damage. Here are several warning signs that your heating and cooling system needs some professional attention – before problems get a lot worse.

Constant Starts and Stops

An HVAC system may turn on and off every half hour to an hour when it cycle mode…but this is as fast as you should notice the shift. If you notice that your furnace or air conditioner are turning on and then off again almost immediately, or turning on and off a few times in the space of several minutes, then something is seriously wrong. These problems usually fall into two categories – either severe issues with ignition and sensors, or problems with sizing an HVAC unit properly. Both need professional examination.

Wet Spots on the Floor

If you see any puddles around your HVAC equipment, keep a close eye on them. If they dry up and don’t return, you are doing all right. If they don’t go away, you have a problem. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including aged piping, torn insulation, and condensation problems. Whatever the cause, that water can cause moisture damage and mold problems if left unintended. Arrange for an inspection.

A Smell of Gas or Smoke

Generally, any strong smell around your HVAC equipment is a bad sign. Gas and smoke indicate problems with leaks, flame quality, and possibly firebox issues as well. Not only is a house fire one of the dangers to consider here, but there could also be electric damage and other problems. Shut down your system and get it inspected.

Loud Rattles and Bangs

Let’s be clear, there’s a difference between “rattling because of loose screws” and “that noise did not sound good.” If your HVAC system is making odd booming, banging, or shaking noises, then you need to get it checked out. At the best, this may indicate a problem with airflow that should be addressed. At worst, you have a serious and dangerous furnace problem that could lead to worse explosions in the future.

An Old System

It may sound pedantic, but one of the major signs that an HVAC system is experiencing problems is that it is over a decade old and hasn’t been properly maintained in a long time. In this case, grime buildup and a lack of efficiency are probably already causing problems and costing money, even if you haven’t noticed yet. So if there’s no indication that your units have received any attention for several years or more, call for an inspection and some maintenance suggestions.

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7 SURPRISING FACTS ABOUT MOLD REMEDIATION PROJECTS

Wed, 09 Mar 2016 04:00:00 GMT

Mold remediation is the process of tracking down all the mold present, removing it safely, and making sure that it cannot return. This is a complex process with serious legal requirements behind it – but many homeowners aren’t sure how it works or what to expect. Here are several facts about remediation projects that often catch homeowners and businesses off guard when they first hear about them. Don’t let remediation surprise you!

Timing is Important: If remediation is required, it needs to be started quickly (inspections and tests will confirm if full remediation is necessary). Serious mold damage will grow worse if not found and removed – that means more lasting damage to your home, and more serious health hazards as well. Sooner is always better.

Simply Spraying Down Mold Isn’t Enough: Many people assume remediation is the same as simply spraying mold with bleach or other chemicals – not so. Spraying mold with chemicals does very little in serious situations. Remediation is the careful process of finding, isolating and removing mold: It generally takes quite a few tools, protective measures…and trashbags. Don’t expect the process to be over in an afternoon.

Porous Materials Usually Don’t Survive: Mold digs deep in porous materials, particularly fabric, wood, and sometimes even plaster or concrete. Any piece infested must go – and that includes structural beams in your house.

A Lot of the Work is About Recurrence: Even dead mold or a few mold cells in the air can start the problem all over again. Remediation works very hard to limit the spread of mold cells to make sure that the problem is over, permanently. Many times areas are sealed off and carefully vacuumed to help ensure that the rest of the building is protected.

The Type of Mold Matters: Several different kinds of mold can infect buildings, and some are more common than others. Only a couple – notably stachybotrus or black mold – are particularly dangerous for humans, but all mold has been associated with a variety of health problems…not to mention the physical damage mold does.

Remediation Requires Certification: Always look for a contractor that is certified to conduct mold remediation – preferably one that has worked with strict government or insurance regulations before. Experience is important, but keeping up with remediation standards and practices is vital.

Most Mold is Hidden: If you see a little bit of mold, you may think that the remediation process is simple or even not necessary. Unfortunately, the mold visible to humans is often only part of the problem – mold likes wet, dark places, and can grow for years inside walls or crawlspaces without ever being seen.

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