Category Archives: Water Damage and Flood Cleanup

Mold Growth from Water Damage or Flooding

Water damage mold is a type of fungus that produces a growth of damp or decaying organic matter on the surfaces where a lot of moisture tends to be present.

Although mold is a natural substance and water damage mold and is not the greatest of diseases to be felt by the human beings, the fungus might cause some serious problems like irritation to lungs and eyes, allergies, asthma attacks and sinus congestion. If a house has water damage it takes as little as 24-48 hours for mold to develop in those places. In the household, water damage mold tends to be prevalent where there is enough moisture present for the fungus to feed on. The most vulnerable place for water damage mold to grow is bathrooms which are not hygienically maintained and it can also be hidden under carpets or floor tiles which are generally not cleaned regularly.

When your basement gives you musty smell and walls are decolorized that is when you confirm that you have water damage mold in your house. Restoration must be quickly adopted in order that the mold does not cause considerable health hazards. There are a number of things you must take care of if you have this growing around you. The first thing to do before you contact Royal Water Damage is to open your doors and windows so that clean air can get through your house so that the moist condition on which the mold lives will be reduced. Dry up all the house hold blankets and carpets with dehumidifiers.

Water damage mold can be cleaned by relatively simple techniques which can be performed by you. But you have to take suitable precautions like wearing gloves and goggles if you are removing it with your hands. These precautions protect you against harmful mold which are in their advanced stages of growth. A thorough cleaning with Lysol soap solution and water would take care of any mold in household carpets. The floor then has to be painted with an oil paint so that further mold does not accumulate over there.

Besides these there is also dry wall water damage mold which can be reduced by cutting away the dry wall where the mold is suspected to be present. This needs to be followed by cleaning up of any mold seen on the wooden boards by using soap and water. There are a lot of other ways to control water damage mold. A physician’s examination for such water damage mold can also be of great use as a final measure of safety against the spread of any disease.

Call Royal Water Damage for a NO Obligation – FREE Estimate.  215-657-2244

 

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Cost of Water Damage Repair and Restoration, Water Extraction and Flood Cleanup: Pay or File a Claim?

www.royalwaterdamage.com

How do I know the true cost of water extraction, flood water cleanup, damage repair, or even file a claim? How would I know what proper tools to get the work completed on my own? Here are 5 questions to ask yourself before you go to the hardware store or even have your neighbor come to do the flood cleanup for you at a discounted rate.

Q: Do you know if the claim is covered?

A:  Coverage of water damage depends on the insurance company, but most insurance carriers do not cover water damage that enters the home subsurface.  Usually there is coverage if the water comes from the home plumbing system and does not enter the home through the foundation.  Most water damage repair is covered if it originates from a broken pipe or a leak in the plumbing.

Q: What is the amount of your deductable?

A: Call your Insurance agent. Find out what your flood damage insurance deductible is. This is the part of the flood damage repairs that you will be responsible to pay. If the water damage is small, the cost may not be more than the deductible and you will not need to file a claim.

Q: Who can you call for an estimate of the flood cleanup, repair, restoration of the damage the water has made in your beautiful home?

A: Royal Water Damage will give you a free estimate for your flood cleanup, water damage repair. Most disaster restoration companies charge by square foot for each service needed to clean up your water damage. There are standard prices that are accepted by the insurance companies.  At Royal Water Damage we guarantee to match the insurance company’s estimate so you have no out of pocket expenses for the cleanup of your flood restoration.

Q: Do you have the proper tools to get the work done yourself?

A: Sometimes there are small floods in your home that you can handle yourself. If at any time you are not sure that you can handle it give us a call 215-657-2444 and we will be there with all the proper equipment.  We can give you a free estimate and scope of work that can assist you in making that decision.

Q: How soon can a disaster cleanup restoration company be at my home to help me with the water damage?

A: Our Certified Technicians will be at your home within 45 minutes. We know how important it is to get the water off your floors and furniture. It can cause some serious damage if left sitting.

Standard flood damage cleanup includes the following:

●   Water extraction

●   Wet Pad remova
●   Pull up wet carpet
●   Treat area with disinfectant
●   Set carpet dryers
●   Set dehumidifiers

 

As you have read. It all depends on how comfortable you feel about doing the cleanup yourself versus getting someone else to come into your house doing all the work for you. We are the professionals and know what it takes to make things easy on you and your family.  Visit us at www.royalwaterdamage.com.

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Water Damage from Frozen or Broken Pipes?

Frozen, Broken Water Pipes Can Be Homeowner Nightmare.  If you have water damage from broken or frozen pipes call Royal Water Damage immediately to minimize the damage.

215-657-2244 for a FREE No Obigation Estimate

We don’t often think of damage from frozen and broken water pipes as being on the same scale as a natural disaster, but damage from water is the most prevalent — yet least recognized — catastrophe. In fact, frozen and broken water pipes rank No. 2 behind hurricanes in terms of both the number of homes damaged and the amount of claim costs in the U.S.

Damage from frozen and broken water pipes can be a homeowner’s nightmare. When a pipe bursts, water gushes from the pipe like a fire hydrant, turning a basement into a lake within minutes. Water from frozen and broken pipes causes the most damage while people are away from home, because the plumbing can rupture and water can run unnoticed for several days. Repairs of around $50,000 are common due to water’s wrath.

Frozen and broken water pipes are a significant cause of loss across the nation. Damage can include soaked and ruined drywall. Wallpaper turns moldy. Kitchen cabinets warp, and carpet and draperies can be ruined. Photo albums, paperwork, antiques, furniture and clothing also can be destroyed. Sometimes homes have to be gutted because mold and mildew cover every inch from floor to ceiling.

Potential damage from frozen and broken water pipes is preventable. Efforts to prevent pipes from breaking in your home will save you from the nightmares of water damage and help reduce the enormous insurance claims  that result. Policyholders share the financial burden of frozen and broken water pipes through increased homeowners insurance rates. Obviously, preventing broken water pipes is in your best interest

Call today for your No-Obligation, FREE Estimate – (215) 657-2244
Royal Water Damage suggests five easy  things you can do to protect your home from frozen and broken water pipes:

1. Disconnect all garden hoses and other outside hose connections. If possible, use an indoor valve to shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets.

2. Insulate all exposed pipes located in your basement, under your home, on outside walls or in attics. For pipes with northern exposures, use heat tape according to the manufacturer’s instructions. (Improper usage may cause a fire.)

3. Set the thermostat to at least 55 degrees even when your home is vacant or unoccupied during the winter. If you plan to be away during cold-weather months, have someone regularly check your home
to make sure it’s staying warm enough to prevent freezing.

4. Winterize sprinkler systems according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Blowing out excess water with a compressor may be the best way to prevent frozen and broken pipes. If you have a swamp cooler, winterize it by disconnecting the water source and clearing the line.

5. Very important is knowing how to shut off the water supply if a pipe bursts. Quick action can minimize damage.

Taking  these few precautions before the next freeze sets in may save your home
from the devastating effects of frozen and broken water pipes.

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The importance of hiring a Professional Water Damage Company

The earlier you contact a water removal company, the higher. Time is critical. Once water is extracted, drying is imperative. Quick water extraction and drying will help prevent further damage to property. The longer it takes to take out the water and dry the involved area, more water damage occurs, and odds are that mold has begun to grow. Drywall can happen to be dry and unaffected but, if drywall was wet greater than 2 hours it should be replaced.

Mold can be found almost anywhere and it can grow on nearly every surface, as long as moisture and oxygen can be found. When too much moisture accumulates in buildings or on building materials, mold growth usually occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or unaddressed. Many mold troubles remain hidden from site for a long period. They are discovered when someone using a sensitivity to mold spends in time the building and gets sick.

The first step in flood damage restoration is water extraction. Royal Water Damage can send a team immediately, whenever of day, to help you as soon as you need them. When possible, find and stop the initial source of the water (plumbing, faucet, etc). Remove as much water as you can.

It takes a great deal to restore smoke-damaged possessions: far more than a vacuum and scrub brush. Royal Water Damage is skilled in this kind of detailed work. The initial step to restoration is the removal of soot. A commercial-strength vacuum can be used to clean and extract soot. Individual items must get hand-cleaned for soot removal. Whilst the restoration is happening, the property will be open whenever you can for clean air. After the soot is removed, smoke residue must be cleaned. An ozone generator helps extract smoke particles in your home office and belongings. A thermal fogger also draws the smoke out.

 

 

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Water damage in your home? Actions to take.

Actions You Can Take

Shut Down Affected Utilities 

      1. Water Source: Stop the source of the water. Turn off   your   outside water main, or call a plumber or other qualified tradesman   to   stop the source of water flow. Contact your local utilities   department   if you can’t find how to turn off the water main.
      2. Electrical: Disconnect all power to affected areas. Do not   operate   your TVs or other electrical appliances while standing on wet   carpets or   floors (especially if concrete). Do not use your household   vacuum   cleaner to remove water.

Remove as Much Standing Water as Possible

      1. Floors: Remove as much standing water as possible by squeegee, mopping or blotting.
      2. Carpeting: Blot wet carpet with clean white towels. Remove   Oriental   rugs or other colored rugs from wet wall-to-wall carpet.   Place a fan so   air flows over the carpet, speeding the drying process.
      3. Ceilings: Punch small holes in sagging ceilings to relieve   trapped   water. Place a plastic (not metal) bucket under the leak. Do   not turn on   ceiling light fixtures or fan if the ceiling is wet.

Move Wet Items to Dry Areas

    1. Clothing/Fabrics: Move wet items to a dry place. Do not allow     draperies to remain in contact with wet floors or carpeting. Open and     empty drawers and cabinets for complete drying. Hang furs and leather     goods to dry separately at room temperature.
    2. Furniture: Move lighter pieces off of the carpeting. Place   plastic   wrap or plastic bags beneath the legs of larger furniture.   Wipe any   residual water off of the furniture.
    3. Art Objects/Paintings: Remove valuable painting and pictures from wet walls. Transfer all objects to a dry safe place.
    4. Upholstery: Remove and prop up wet upholstered cushions for even drying. Check for possible bleeding of colors.
    5. Luggage: Open suitcases and luggage to dry in sunlight if possible.
    6. Books/Magazines: Do not leave books, magazines or other colored     items on wet carpets or floors. High value books should be given to a     professional for proper drying and restoration as soon as possible.

Ventilate Affected Areas   

    1. Air Conditioning: Turn on your air conditioner (no lower than 72 degrees) to speed drying in the summer, or more humid regions.
    2. Open windows and doors when possible.
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Water Damage? What you need to know.

What You Need to Know About Water Damage

  • Standing water and wet materials are a breeding ground for microorganisms including viruses, bacteria, and mold.  These can cause disease, trigger allergic reactions, and continue to damage materials long after the water damage. Call today for an expert to contain, inspect for, and terminate microorganisms.
  • Sewage and storm water contamination must be contained.  Call today to fix the problem, clean the sewage, AND disinfect and sanitize your home and belongings.
  • Water can seep into your walls, floors, and belongings.
    • Complete structural drying is an excellent method of drying, reducing risk of mold, and restoring your property to normal as quickly as possible.
    • Wood floors and finished flooring can swell and eventually become damaged if not properly dried.  Patience is required as finished flooring and floor systems do not react and dry out overnight, sometimes taking weeks for the flooring to flatten and/or stabilize.
    • Drying water damaged kitchen cabinets is easier and more cost-effective than replacing them.

     

    Call 215-657-2244 today for dehumidification and complete drying services- structure, carpet & area rugs, hardwood floors, walls, furniture, kitchen cabinets.

 

  • Like water, fire & smoke damage can often be concealed from the visible eye.  Smoke comes in four basic varieties:
    • Dry Smoke results from a fast burning high temperature fire.
    • Protein Smoke has an extreme pungent odor but is virtually invisible.
    • Wet Smoke is described as resulting from a low heat fire.
    • Fuel Oil Soot Smoke results from furnace currents.

     

    Call 215-657-2244 today for a professional to evaluate the smoke and fire damage, target the type of smoke that has saturated the structure, and identify what type of restoration or replacement is necessary.

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