What is Water Damage Inspection & When One is Needed

Avoid catastrophic structural damage and costly repairs from hidden water damage. Knowing what a water damage inspection is and when you should get one can save you from dealing with extensive structural damages in your home or buying a severely water-damaged one.

alpharettawaterdamageremoval.com gathered the following information about water damage inspections and when you should have one conducted.

What is a Water Damage Inspection

A water damage inspection (water damage assessment) is typically conducted by a professional water damage contractor to identify and document the water or flood source, the water contamination category, and the water damage extent. A typical water damage inspection looks for the following:

• Occurring or visible water problems (wet drywall, water leaks, water stains, mold growth, etc.)
• Potential water issues (standing water, corroded water connections, etc.)
• Septic tank leaks
• Driveway, fencing, and sidewalk conditions
• Cracked or rotted siding
• Windows, doors, and trim condition

Water damage inspectors typically work their way through an entire home or business. Here’s where they will look:

• Roof
• Gutters
• Eaves
• Attic
• Garage
• Kitchen
• Bathrooms
• Laundry room and washing machine
• Under sinks and plumbing
• Appliance water connections
• Furnace and duct work
• Ceiling
• Water heater or boiler
• Furniture
• Windows
• Doors
• Shed (Storage space)
• Crawlspaces
• Basement

A water damage inspection also determines the water type (category) that caused the damage:

Category 1 – “Clean Water” is from a source that poses no substantial harm to people.
Category 2 – “Grey Water” poses health risks due to significant bacteria, mold, and/or chemical contamination.
Category 3 – “Black Water” contains disease-causing organisms and toxins and is grossly unsanitary.

Note: When category 2 or 3 water is identified, restoration specialists will typically use personal protective equipment when performing extraction or restoration activities.

When property damage is detected, it is classified by type. Types of water damage include:

Pre-Existing Damage – This category includes damages present before the water damage occurred.
Primary Damage – These damages directly result from water leaks or flooding.
Secondary Damage – The aftereffects of a water flooding event often leave behind secondary damages (sagging drywall, warped flooring, structural damage, unhealthy mold growth, etc.).

Filing a water damage claim can be challenging, but proper documentation typically accelerates the process. A crucial part of that documentation is a water damage inspection performed by a professional restoration contractor.

When Do I Need a Water Damage Inspection

A water damage inspection is the first step in the water damage restoration process. It would help if you had a water damage inspection conducted when:

Filing an Insurance Claim – A water damage inspection may be required for your insurance claim after any of the following:

• Roof leak
• Pipe burst
• Appliance malfunction
• Water overflow
• Sewage backup
• Fire
• Flood

Tip: Private insurance companies will not cover flood damage. Floods are defined as an overflow of water onto normally dry land. The inundation of a normally dry area caused by rising water in an existing waterway. Flood insurance can be obtained through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). For help finding a local insurance agent or carrier, call (877) 336-2627 or visit floodsmart.gov

Excess Water is Removed – A detailed inspection considering the extent of water migration, the types, and quantities of affected materials, and the severity of apparent damage must be conducted before restoration efforts may begin.

Getting Estimates for Restoration Services – Water damage restoration companies can only provide estimates when a detailed inspection reveals the water damage’s type, extensiveness, and severity.

Buying a Home or Business – Before purchasing any residential or commercial property, you should have a water damage inspection conducted. You need an expert inspector who knows what to look for, identify issues, and document the extent and danger of any detected damages.

Tip: Subtract any potential water damage repair expenses from the property’s market value to give you the amount you should bid or counteroffer on the property.

Water Damage Inspection

In this article, you discovered what a water damage inspection is, what one can detect, and when one should be conducted by a trained professional.

Knowing when to get a water damage inspection done will help you avoid dealing with extensive structural damage, purchasing a severely water-damaged property, and having your insurance claim denied.

Ignoring the need for a thorough water damage inspection can leave you with undetected catastrophic structural damages, paying too much for a water-damaged property, or having to pay out-of-pocket for costly water damage repairs when your insurance denies your claim.

Sources:
floodsmart.gov
ufdcimages.uflib.ufl.edu/IR/00/00/33/40/00001/FY108200.pdf
in.nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/226/2020/03/Water-Damage-Guideline.pdf

Alpharetta Water Damage Restoration

2475 Northwinds Pkwy Ste 200a Alpharetta, GA 30009

(678) 505-0266

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How to Install a New Dishwasher

Prevent an improperly installed dishwasher from causing severe water damage. Knowing how to install a new dishwasher will help you update your appliance and minimize the potential for a water disaster.

alpharettawaterdamageremoval.com gathered the following essential information and tips on installing a new dishwasher.

Can I Install a Dishwasher Myself?

Yes. Replacing an existing dishwasher is typically an easy job. All the required infrastructure (power, water, drainage, and space) are already there to be hooked up or used.

Tip: Make sure you’ve measured the space’s height, width, and depth and verified that your new dishwasher fits snugly under your countertop.

Replacing a Dishwasher

When your dishwasher is nearing the end of its lifespan, warning signs will appear. Consider the following indicators:

• The dishwasher’s door or tub is leaking
• The spray arm has stopped working
• The float switch stopped working
• Power connections are damaged or keep coming loose

Note: Most dishwashers last around 10 years, but when repair costs becomes excessive or you can’t fix a dishwasher leak, it’s time to install a new one. 

Tip: Consider a newer model if yours was made before the production of water and energy-efficient appliances.

What is Required to Install a Dishwasher?

Connecting a new dishwasher requires you to make three connections:

1. A power-cord connection
2. A water supply connection
3. A drain line connection

DIYers can do all three of these if they understand what’s required. However, the power connection may be the most challenging, especially if you don’t have experience with electrical wiring.

Making a mistake on a DIY dishwasher installation could lead to severe flooding, electrical problems, or fire. A DIY installation also requires you to do some heavy lifting.

Note: Dishwashers are not typically plug-in appliances. Usually, they are hardwired into the home’s electrical system.

Tip: If you do not trust your DIY capabilities, you can have your dishwasher professionally installed. According to HomeAdvisor.com, you can expect to pay between $70 and $500, depending on the required labor and installation complexity.

Dishwasher Installation Requirements

When installing your new dishwasher, you must pay particular attention to the appliance’s installation instructions. These instructions should address installation nuances like:

Drain Requirements – Local codes or ordinances may require an air gap in the dishwasher’s drain line. A dishwasher air gap is a fitting typically mounted about two inches above your sink that prevents contaminated (dirty) water from re-entering the dishwasher from the drain via backflow.

Note: An air gap is a simple way to make certain wastewater and contaminants never re-enter your clean water supply.

Hot Water Line – A dishwasher requires a hot water supply to thoroughly clean your dishes during the wash cycle. Installing a dishwasher water line is an easy task requiring only a screwdriver and a small adjustable wrench as long as there is already an existing hot water stop valve under the kitchen sink for your use.

A stainless steel braided hot water supply line is easy to install. However, you should measure the hose to make sure you are buying one long enough to reach the new dishwasher.

If you are connecting a copper hot water line, you will need to align the line, so it slides straight into the threaded part of the elbow. If it’s angled to one side, the compression nut won’t properly thread, and it will leak. If necessary, align the elbow on the dishwasher using a wrench or gently bend the copper line about 8 to 12 inches from the end.

Power Connection – The dishwasher’s connection wires will most likely be located at the lower rear of the appliance. Remove the screws securing the cover plate and open it; you will find a black wire, a white wire, and, depending on your model, a green grounding wire or a green grounding screw.

Note: Newer dishwasher models may come equipped with a cord-and-plug connection. If this is the case, you may need to hire a certified electrician to install a 125V NEMA 5-15R receptacle supplied by a 20-ampere circuit.

DISCLAIMER: Always refer to your new appliance’s installation instructions/manual for precise installation information about your dishwasher’s make and model. Hire a professional installer if you have any doubts or reservations about this DIY installation.

Professional Dishwasher Installation

When you purchase a new dishwasher from a home improvement store or specialty outlet, the price will often include the delivery team making the hot water, drainage, and electrical hookups, and it may include your old dishwasher’s disposal.

Dishwasher Replacement

In this article, you discovered information and tips on how to efficiently install a new dishwasher in your home.

Knowing how to install a new dishwasher can save you significant money on labor costs and keep your home safe from costly malfunctions.

Ignoring the need to properly install your new dishwasher can lead to repeated malfunctions and severe structural damage if it floods your home.

Sources:
beyonddiscovery.org/experts/how-to-install-a-dishwasher.html
h2ouse.org/dishwasher-installation-tips/
handymantips.org/properly-install-dishwasher/

Alpharetta Water Damage Restoration

2475 Northwinds Pkwy Ste 200a Alpharetta, GA 30009

(678) 505-0266

The post How to Install a New Dishwasher appeared first on http://www.alpharettawaterdamageremoval.com

Mold Odor Removal – Everything You Need to Know

Avoid potential respiratory illness and the embarrassment of a moldy-smelling home. Knowing how mold forms and how to remove it will help you keep your living space smelling fresh and clean.

alpharettawaterdamageremoval.com gathered the following information on what mold smells like, how it grows, its health implications, and how to remove it and its odor.

How to Get Rid of Mold Smell

Once you have killed or removed the existing mold in your home (see below), half of the job is done. To completely remove mold odors and keep your house smelling fresh, consider the following:

• Open windows regularly to get rid of stale air and bring fresh air into the space
• Run a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the air
• Keep air circulating with box and ceiling fans
• Decorate your home with houseplants that naturally filter the air
• Dust and vacuum regularly and thoroughly

Note: If you still have mold growing in your home, this may temporarily lighten the embarrassing mold odor, but will not get rid of it.

What Does Mold Smell Like?

Some volatile compounds produced by molds have strong smells and are quickly released into the air. These compounds are called; microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs). Because mVOCs often have unpleasant odors, they can be the source of the “moldy or musty odor” frequently associated with mold growth. A moldy odor suggests mold is growing in your home and should be immediately investigated.

How Does Mold Grow?

Mold growths, or colonies, can grow on a damp surface in 24 to 48 hours. These colonies reproduce by spores that effortlessly travel through the air. Molds digest organic material, destroying the material they grow on and spreading to adjacent organic material.

Is Mold Dangerous to Humans?

Mold can exacerbate grave long-term health problems for humans. When you are continuously exposed to mold in your home or business, you are likely infected and risk getting sick.

Mold infections can be severe and often require lengthy treatments that are not always successful. If you suspect that you are sick from mold exposure, seek immediate medical attention.

For those sensitive to molds, exposure may lead to any of the following symptoms or a combination of them:

• Wheezing

• Stuffy Nose

• Shortness of Breath

• Tightening of the Chest

• Fever

Black mold (Stachybotrys) poisoning can be attributed to several diseases. The primary infection venues are breaks in the skin and inhalation.

So the clear answer to the question, Is Mold Dangerous to Humans?, is a resounding YES!

How to Remove Mold

Some safe and effective products you can use to kill mold are baking soda, vinegar, Tea tree oil, hydrogen peroxide, and detergent. If you choose vinegar, put it in a generic spray bottle (no need to add water). Spray vinegar on the affected surface and leave it for an hour. Consider the following mold removal steps:

• Seal the room to be cleaned from the rest of the house
• Cover the doorway with a barrier made from overlapping plastic sheeting and tape it to the walls and floor
• Cover all air ducts in the room
• Moisten and bag moldy materials

If you have to open the wall to reach the mold growing inside, don’t hesitate to cut the drywall beyond the apparent damage to find all the mold and let the wall dry out.

If you have to remove mold concentrations or perform black mold removal covering more than a few square feet, it is recommended you take these precautions:

1. Wear old clothes and shoes that you can launder or dispose of after the cleanup/removal work
2. Wear an N-95 or P-100 respirator in addition to goggles and gloves
3. Set a box fan in a window to ventilate the room while working. Tape plywood or cardboard around the window openings so mold spores can’t blow back in
4. Roll up, wrap, and tape moldy carpeting in 6-mm plastic, and double-bag mold-infested debris in garbage bags for immediate disposal
5. Moisten moldy areas with a sprayer while you work
6. Turn off your HVAC and cover ventilation ducts and doors to contain spores
7. Keep your wet/dry vacuum outside when you vacuum (you may need to purchase an extended hose)

For more information on proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), visit epa.gov/mold/mold-course-chapter-6

Mold Prevention

To naturally prevent mold from growing in your home, wipe/dry damp surfaces frequently, run a dehumidifier (or try these DIY solutions), spray vinegar onto damp surfaces like showers when you’re finished, and be mindful of leaks. Consider the following:

1 – Keep humidity levels in your home low, no higher than 50%. An air conditioner or dehumidifier will help you keep it low. Humidity levels change over the course of a day, so you will need to check humidity levels often.

2 – Fix all leaks in your roof, walls, or plumbing, so mold has no moisture source.

3 – Be sure the air in your home circulates freely. Use exhaust fans that vent outside the structure in the kitchen and bathroom(s). Make sure your dryer also vents outside.

4 – Vigorously clean and dry your home within 24 to 48 hours after a flood (Hire a professional if the damage is too extensive for you to handle on your own).

5 – Remove carpeting and upholstery that have been soaked and cannot be immediately dried. Consider using wood, vinyl, or tile in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.

Read more about handling mold in carpets.

Eliminating Mold Odors

In this article, you discovered what mold smells like, how it grows, potential human health problems, how to remove it, and how to eliminate mold odors from your home.

Knowing what causes mold, how it grows, and how to eliminate it will help you maintain a fresh and healthy-smelling home.

Ignoring mold in your home can lead to severe respiratory illness and an embarrassing odor that will certainly deter visitors and persistently linger.

Sources:
epa.gov/mold/what-does-mold-smell
cdc.gov/mold/control_mold.htm
fema.gov/pdf/rebuild/recover/fema_mold_brochure_english.pdf
extension.umn.edu/moisture-and-mold-indoors/dealing-and-preventing-mold-your-home

Alpharetta Water Damage Restoration

2475 Northwinds Pkwy Ste 200a Alpharetta, GA 30009

(678) 505-0266

The post Mold Odor Removal – Everything You Need to Know appeared first on http://www.alpharettawaterdamageremoval.com

How to Repair Water Damage on Wood Furniture

Don’t know whether to trash or repair furniture that was involved in a flood? Knowing how to repair water-damaged wood furniture will help you save money and avoid the need to replace it prematurely.

alpharettawaterdamageremoval.com assembled the following steps and tips for you to repair your water-damaged wood furniture.

How Water Damages Wood Furniture

Wood is an organic material and is highly susceptible to mold and rot when exposed to water or excessive moisture without proper protection. Wood can swell and shift from increased moisture content. Wooden furniture can also get watermarks or stains caused by the wood finish. For example:

• Dark watermarks mean that water has already penetrated the wood finish
• Light marks tell you that the stain is still on the surface

Water Stains on Wood

Most water damage is far from being permanent, and you will find that it’s almost always possible to remove water stains from your wood surface. This all depends on the stain’s intensity and the wood’s condition. Consider the following steps when repairing water-damaged wood furniture:

Dry the Furniture

Remove moisture by letting your affected furniture sit under direct sunlight for 24 hours (minimum). Using artificial means like a hairdryer or blower may only dry the surface, potentially causing more damage. Your furniture should dry slowly and thoroughly. If it dries too quickly or unevenly, the wood can warp, split, break, or move. Take your time and be patient in drying it as naturally and thoroughly as possible to achieve a good result.

Tip: If you cannot get the furniture in direct sunlight, run a dehumidifier along with an air mover to extract the maximum amount of moisture possible.

Strip the Wood’s Finish

Use a paint and varnish stripper to strip any finishing off the wood. Stripping is the simplest way to remove stubborn stains without removing sanding down layers of wood. Use a clean paintbrush to apply the stripper to the affected areas and wait for the chemical agent to oxidize (it will begin to bubble).

Use a scraping tool like a putty knife to scrape the stripper and softened finishing from the furniture. After completely stripping down the furniture, sand the affected area with 100- to 150-grit sandpaper to remove any excess finishing. Then remove any wood dust with a clean paintbrush.

Sand the Wood

A belt sander will do the fastest and cleanest sanding, especially on top of your furniture’s larger flat surfaces, while a smaller finishing sander is ideal for getting an ultra-smooth surface at the end. For an immaculate result, you may want to use these two tools to restore your old wood furniture to a pristine condition. 

Tip: Begin sanding with a rough (150) grit, working your way to a fine grit and an ultra-smooth (almost polished) finish.

Glue Loose Joints

Carefully remove any old glue by sanding between the joints with rolled-up or folded 150-grit sandpaper. Remove wood dust and sanded glue with a clean paintbrush. Spread wood glue inside the joint, and reattach the piece, holding it in place with clamps or braces for 12 to 18 hours. Use epoxy wood glue for any hard-to-glue sections like the corners of a dresser, or decorative components that need the reattachment of intricate or delicate, raised wood.

Stain or Paint the Furniture

Use a clean paintbrush to apply waterproof stain (be sure to match the color with the rest of the furniture piece), apply it in broad, even strokes with your paintbrush, then remove any excess stain with a clean shop rag. If you’re painting the furniture, use latex enamel-based paint. Apply two coats of stain or paint. Always let the first coat completely dry before applying the second.

Varnish Your Furniture

If you choose to finish your furniture without stain or paint, you can use a clear, waterproof, and insect-repellent varnish. After the furniture is dry, apply two coats of varnish with a clean paintbrush, letting the first coat completely dry before applying the second one.

Tip: The first coat is dry when it no longer has a tacky or sticky feel. Applying the second coat before drying the first will trap moisture between the layers which may take months or even years to completely dry.

Seek Professional Restoration

If such a project falls within your skillset, you can do this DIY fix and apply these suggestions and tips to beautifully restoring your water-damaged furniture, but in some cases, the work may be too hard or complicated to handle yourself. If the water damage in your wooden furniture is beyond your skillset, seek professional help to restore your cherished furniture.

Some companies offer professional water damage repair and restoration services. Professionals in this field are comprehensively trained in the correct restoration processes when repairing and identifying other damage.

Hiring a professional water damage removal company can save both time and money by combining expertise, up-to-date equipment, and the required tools.

Water-Damaged Wood Furniture

In this article, you discovered easy DIY steps and pro tips on how to repair water-damaged wood furniture.

Knowing how to repair water-damaged wood furniture will help you avoid prematurely tossing it out and spending your time and money trying to replace it.

Not knowing whether to, or how to restore furniture that was in a flood can leave you unsettled or with molding furniture.

Sources:
si.edu/mci/english/learn_more/taking_care/coatings.html
digitalcommons.usu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1505&context=extension_histall

Alpharetta Water Damage Restoration

2475 Northwinds Pkwy Ste 200a Alpharetta, GA 30009

(678) 505-0266

The post How to Repair Water Damage on Wood Furniture appeared first on http://www.alpharettawaterdamageremoval.com

3 Ways Your Home Can Suffer Structural Damage

Avoid losing significant money by not preventing or properly repairing your property after a structural damage disaster. Knowing the perils that can cause structural damage will help you quickly overcome them and restore your home to pristine conditions.

alpharettawaterdamageremoval.com gathered the following information about disasters that can wreak havoc on your property, repair the structural damage and prevent future occurrences.

What is Structural Damage

Structural damage is understood as any damage that critically compromises or affects the core integrity of your home or property. This includes the foundation, walls, and roof. When structural damage occurs, the structure itself may no longer support it, leaving it in danger of failure or collapse. Consider the following perils:

Water Structural Damage

A home may have water damage if there’s water seepage in small cracks in the foundation, basement, or crawl space walls. Structural damage can occur when the water damage is ignored or if it’s extensive. This damage may include:

• Rotting wood
• Mold growth
• Bacteria growth
• Rusting metal/steel
• Swelling composite woods
• De-laminating materials like plywood

The home can lose structural stability or sink into the ground.

Water damage can occur from leaking plumbing, pipe bursts, appliance malfunctions, and flooding from severe weather.

Water Damage Repair – Repairing water damage begins with stopping the source of the water. Consider the following steps:

1. Stop the water source
2. Remove pooled water
3. Dry all affected areas and fixtures
4. Replace all structural damage
5. Sanitize the affected areas and fixtures

Tip: Hire a professional water damage removal company to repair and ensure the safety of your home before allowing your loved ones back into it.

Water Damage Prevention – While some catastrophes are unforeseeable, there are measures you can take to reduce the potential for future flooding:

1. Frequently inspect all water-based appliances for proper operation and connections to their water source
2. Have your plumbing and sewage lines inspected annually
3. Immediately repair any small leaks
4. Keep your homeowners and/or flood insurance current

Tip: Keep the contact information of your trusted water removal company stored in your phone or in a conspicuous location in your home.

Tree Structural Damage

The last thing you would expect to cause severe structural damage to your home is your tree. But it can happen, and when it does, be ready to take action. The impact of a falling or wind-driven tree on your home can cause roof and wall damage (obvious) and plumbing or structural damage (not always obvious). After a tree falls on your home, follow these steps:

1. Contact your insurance company
2. Document all damages and destroyed possessions
3. Keep detailed records of emergency services and care
4. Secure your property from suffering further damages (tarp the roof, board the windows, etc.)
5. Get the tree removed legally
6. Hire contractors to repair or rebuild the damages

Tree Damage Repair – Keep in mind that the damage from a tree’s impact can be far-reaching and go undetected. Protect your home by having:

• Structural inspection by a general contractor
• Plumbing inspection by a plumber
• Electrical inspection by an electrician

Tip: Leave nothing to chance after a tree damages your home. Have it repaired and inspected as quickly as possible.

Tree Damage Prevention – Ensure the health and stability of your tree(s) by having them:

• Seasonally pruned
• Fertilized
• Watered
• Annually inspected for disease and infestation

Tip: Hire a certified arborist to evaluate your tree(s) and recommend treatment and care measures.

Fire Structural Damage

One of the most destructive occurrences in a home is a fire. Besides burning carpet, furniture, walls, etc., the water used to fully extinguish a fire can be equally damaging. If a fire occurs in your home, follow these steps once it is extinguished:

1. Contact your insurance company
2. Document all damages and destroyed possessions
3. Keep detailed records of emergency services and care
4. Secure your property from suffering further damages by boarding the windows, repairing doors, etc.)
5. Hire contractors to repair or rebuild the damages

Fire Damage Repair – Fire damage can be incredibly prolific and persist (odors) for some time in your home. As with other catastrophic occurrences, you will need a:

• Structural inspection by a general contractor
• Plumbing inspection by a plumber
• Electrical inspection by an electrician

Fire Damage Prevention – Consider the following measures to reduce or eliminate the potential of a fire breaking out in your home:

• Educate your loved ones about appliance safety (space heaters, toasters, etc.)
• Have your home’s electrical systems inspected and updated when needed
• Install a fire-retardant system in your kitchen
• Keep your fire extinguishers charged and accessible
• Have your fireplace cleaned annually
• Install smoke detectors in your home

Tip: Once you identify potential fire hazards in your home, eliminate them.

Structural Damages

In this article, you discovered several ways your property can suffer severe structural damages, how to get it quickly repaired, and what you can do to prevent future occurrences.

By recognizing potential hazards to your home, you can take action to prevent them and keep your loved ones out of harm’s way.

Ignoring hazards in and around your home can result in catastrophic damages and injuries, potentially adversely affecting your home’s structure and value.

Sources:
fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-11/fema_protect-your-home_flooding.pdf
floodsmart.gov/document-damage-and-start-clean
ready.gov/home-fires

Alpharetta Water Damage Restoration

2475 Northwinds Pkwy Ste 200a Alpharetta, GA 30009

(678) 505-0266

The post 3 Ways Your Home Can Suffer Structural Damage appeared first on http://www.alpharettawaterdamageremoval.com