Rainy Days and Mold Growth: Understanding Why Your Home is at Risk and How to Prevent It

5/16/2023 (Permalink)

To prevent mold growth, it’s important to regulate the humidity levels in your home.

Have you noticed mold growth in your home after it rains? You’re not alone. Many homeowners experience mold growth during periods of heavy rain or high humidity. In this blog, we’ll explore the reasons why mold grows in your house when it rains and what you can do to prevent it.

High Humidity Levels

One of the main reasons why you may find mold in your house when it rains is due to high humidity levels. When it rains, moisture levels in the air increase, which can cause humidity levels in your home to rise as well.

If your home has poor ventilation or insulation, the increased humidity can create the perfect environment for mold growth. To prevent mold growth, consider investing in a dehumidifier to regulate the humidity levels in your home.

Leaky Roofs and Windows

Another reason why mold may grow in your home when it rains is due to leaky roofs or windows. If your roof or windows are damaged, rainwater can seep into your home and create damp areas where mold can grow.

To prevent mold growth, it’s important to inspect your roof and windows regularly for any signs of damage. If you notice any leaks, be sure to repair them as soon as possible to prevent water from entering your home.

Poor Drainage

Poor drainage can also contribute to mold growth in your home when it rains. If your gutters and downspouts are clogged or damaged, rainwater can accumulate around your home’s foundation, creating damp areas where mold can grow.

To prevent mold growth, it’s important to keep your gutters and downspouts clean and free of debris. You can also consider installing a drainage system around your home’s foundation to prevent water from accumulating.

Improper Ventilation

Improper ventilation can also contribute to mold growth in your home when it rains. If your home has poor ventilation, moisture can become trapped inside, creating the ideal environment for mold growth.

To prevent mold growth, consider installing exhaust fans in your bathrooms and kitchen to vent moisture outside. You can also open windows and doors on dry days to increase ventilation and reduce humidity levels.

In conclusion, mold growth in your home during periods of heavy rain or high humidity is a common problem for many homeowners. To prevent mold growth, it’s important to regulate the humidity levels in your home, inspect your roof and windows regularly for any signs of damage, keep your gutters and downspouts clean and free of debris, and increase ventilation in your home. Remember, preventing mold growth is crucial in maintaining a healthy and comfortable home environment.

Cleaning Up After a Fire: A Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Soot from Your Home in Tucson, AZ

4/27/2023 (Permalink)

Cleaning up soot after a fire can be a daunting task, but with these steps, you can ensure that your home is safe and free of hazardous particles.

Dealing with the aftermath of a fire in your home can be overwhelming, and cleaning up soot is one of the most challenging tasks you may face. Soot is a black, powdery substance that accumulates after a fire, and it can be hazardous if not handled correctly. Here are some steps to take to clean soot in your home after a fire.

Wear Protective Gear

Before you start cleaning up soot, make sure you are wearing appropriate protective gear. This includes gloves, a mask, and goggles to protect your eyes from the fine particles.

Ventilate the Area

Open all windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate in the area. Turn on fans or use a dehumidifier to help dry out the space.

Assess the Damage

Before you start cleaning, assess the extent of the damage. If the fire was significant, you may need to call in professionals to assist with the cleanup.

Clean the Walls and Ceilings

Soot can cling to walls and ceilings, making them difficult to clean. Use a dry chemical sponge or a vacuum with a HEPA filter to remove the soot. Be gentle, as scrubbing too hard can cause the soot to spread and make the situation worse.

Clean the Floors

Sweep or vacuum the floors to remove loose soot particles. Use a damp mop with a mild detergent to clean hard surfaces such as tile or linoleum. For carpets and upholstery, use a steam cleaner to remove the soot.

Clean Household Items

Soot can accumulate on household items such as furniture, curtains, and bedding. Take them outside and gently shake off any loose soot particles. Vacuum or wipe them down with a dry chemical sponge. For items that are heavily soiled, you may need to have them professionally cleaned.

Clean HVAC Systems

Soot can also accumulate in your home's HVAC system, which can cause it to circulate throughout your home. Change the filters and have your HVAC system professionally cleaned to ensure that all soot particles are removed.

Dispose of Debris

Dispose of any debris, including damaged items, that may have been contaminated with soot. Follow your local guidelines for disposing of hazardous materials.

Cleaning up soot after a fire can be a daunting task, but with these steps, you can ensure that your home is safe and free of hazardous particles. If the damage is extensive, don't hesitate to call in professionals who can assist with the cleanup. Remember to take precautions and protect yourself from any potential health hazards.

Why Does Fast Mitigation of Property Damage Save Our Customers Time and Money in Oro Valley?

12/27/2022 (Permalink)

We are trusted leaders in property damage restoration in Pima County.

When fire or water damage strikes, fast action is required to reduce the potential of further damage occurring. Our Northeast Tucson and Oro Valley/Marana East teams can quickly mobilize when you have a property damage emergency, saving our customers time and money in many cases. We don’t travel at speeds reaching 185 miles per hour like the speedometer in this picture, but we do follow the one-four-eight-hour rule, which means:

One hour: we will respond to your call within one hour or less

Four hours: we will be onsite within four hours of your call

Eight hours: we will contact your insurance adjuster within eight hours of your call

Fire and water emergencies can be stressful and chaotic. You can rely on our team of professionals to treat you and your loved ones with the empath and respect you deserve. We will also take great care of your belongings and household items.

We have relationships with many insurance companies and will help you with the insurance process and paperwork. No matter what kind of property damage you have, you can rely on us to inform you of our daily progress and be with you every step of the restoration.

Call Us Today!

Our local team in Northeast Tucson, Oro Valley, and Marana East can help when your home or commercial business in Oro Valley needs emergency fire or water damage restoration services. Call us today at 520-760-9352.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Snow Damages Commercial Roof in Tucson?

12/20/2022 (Permalink)

We restore commercial storm damage 24-hours a day in Pima County.

Snow rarely makes it into Tucson and stays confined to the mountains and the higher valleys east and southeast of the city. However, in December 1971, nearly 7 inches of snow fell in Tucson! Our Northeast Tucson?and Oro Valley/Marana East technicians respond to commercial storm damage emergencies 24 hours a day and typically arrive onsite within four hours of your call for help. Although snow is rare, we thought local businesses might want to know about snow loads for commercial roofs. Here is some information about roof snow loads from the Insurance Institute of Business and Home Safety: 

When it comes to the weight of snow, the type of snow is as important as the depth of the snow. For instance, fresh powder snow is typically lighter than wet-packed snow, and ice is heavier than snow. 

Snow Load Danger signs 

Fresh snow?– more than four feet 

Packed snow?– more than two feet 

Ice?– one inch or more 

Several factors contribute to the acting load on your roof, including snow drifts from adjacent buildings or mechanical equipment, heavy rain on snow, and melting snow that refreezes.? 

If you don’t know your roof’s snow load, hire a structural engineer to verify the snow load threshold of the roofing system. This information will be important when determining if there is too much snow on the roof after an event.? 

Call Us Today!  

Our local team in Northeast Tucson, Oro Valley, and Marana East can help when your business or home in Tucson has storm damage. Call us today at 520-760-9352. 

Franchises are independently owned and operated. 

Lightning Safety Tips for Tucson Residents?

12/13/2022 (Permalink)

We respond to storm damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Pima County.

Our Northeast Tucson and Oro Valley/Marana East technicians are certified to restore storm damage quickly and efficiently in Tucson. 2022 has been a year of above-average lightning strikes in Arizona. As of August 10, 307,873 lightning strikes touched down across the state. Here are some lighting safety tips from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration:  

• Avoid isolated tall trees, hilltops, utility poles, cell phone towers, cranes, large equipment, ladders, scaffolding, or rooftops
• Avoid open areas, such as fields
• Never lie flat on the ground
• Retreat to dense areas of smaller trees that are surrounded by larger trees, or retreat to low-lying areas but watch for flooding
• Avoid water, and immediately get out of and away from bodies of water
• Avoid wiring, plumbing, and fencing. Stay away from all metal objects, equipment, and surfaces that can conduct electricity.
• Do not shelter in sheds, pavilions, tents, or covered porches, as they do not provide adequate protection from lightning
• Seek fully enclosed, substantial buildings with wiring and plumbing. The interior wiring and plumbing in modern buildings will act as an earth ground.
• A building is a safe shelter as long as you are not in contact with anything that can conduct electricity (e.g., electrical equipment or cords, plumbing fixtures, corded phones). Do not lean against concrete walls or floors (which may have metal bars inside).

 Call Us Today!

Our local team in Northeast Tucson, Oro Valley, and Marana East can help when your home or business in Tucson has storm damage. Call us today at 520-760-9352.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Sewer Backup in The Middle of the Night is No Problem in Marana?

12/6/2022 (Permalink)

We provide sewage cleanup services 24-hours a day in Pima County.

Our Northeast Tucson and Oro Valley/Marana East technicians are certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC). Our technicians have the training, equipment, and experience to clean and restore sewer backups quickly and efficiently in Marana. Sewer water is grossly unsanitary and can carry infectious viruses and dangerous bacteria that can cause serious health problems.

Here are the three classifications for contaminated water that we remediate:  

Category 1: “Clean Water”

This is water from a clean source, such as a broken clean water supply line or faucet.

• Water from a clean source, like a broken water line
• If left untreated, it can degrade into categories two or three

Category 2: “Gray Water”

• It May contain bacteria and viruses
• It can quickly degrade into category three if left untreated

Category 3: “Black Water”

This water is grossly unsanitary and could cause severe illness or death if ingested, and any contact should be avoided. Sources for category three, “black water,” include flooding from rivers or streams, water from beyond the toilet trap, water from the toilet bowl with feces, or standing water that has begun to support microbial growth.

• May contain untreated sewage, harsh chemicals, and microbes
• Water from flooding rivers or sewer backup

Call Us Today!

Our local team in Northeast Tucson, Oro Valley, and Marana East can help when your home or business in Marana has a sewage backup. Call us today at 520-760-9352.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Why Are We Tucson’s Top Choice for Fire and Water Damage Emergencies?

11/29/2022 (Permalink)

We restore property damage 24-hours a day in Pima County.

We are Tucson’s top choice for home restoration and repair because our commitment to service with excellence drives everything we do. We invest heavily in training programs for our team. Our Northeast Tucson and Oro Valley/Marana East technicians are certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC), the non-profit certifying body for the cleaning and restoration industry. Our technicians have the training, equipment, and experience to clean and restore any form of property damage.

Our training program includes the following:

• IICRC Training
• Employee Certification Training
• Initial Franchise Training
• e-Learnings
• Continuing Education Classes

e-Learnings

Everyone on our staff - from the office team to our field technicians - has access to web-based training. This training is voluntary, and the program is structured to be an ongoing training series for all of our employees. These training courses feature video presentations and support materials, followed by a knowledge test at the end of each module. Ongoing education keeps our office team and technicians current on new industry standards and best practices for the cleaning and restoration industry.

Call Us Today!

Our local team in Northeast Tucson, Oro Valley, and Marana East can help when your home or business in Tucson has property damage. Call us today at 520-760-9352.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Rebuilding Services for Commercial Businesses in Redington?

11/21/2022 (Permalink)

We restore commercial property damage 24-hours a day in Pima County.

Our Northeast Tucson and Oro Valley/Marana East team is Here to Help ® when your commercial property in Redington has water or fire damage that requires rebuilding services. We can supervise a full range of reconstruction services to get your business operational again as soon as possible. This eliminates the hassle of locating trades and vendors and juggling the scheduling involved with a rebuilding project. Our customers can rest easy knowing they have one company managing the entire project from start to finish.

Building and Reconstruction Services 

• Board Up
• Carpet Repair and Installation
• Document Drying
• Dry Cleaning
• Drywall Installation
• Drywall Removal
• Electrical
• Electronics Restoration
• Fine Art Restoration
• Furniture Restoration
• General Contracting
• Hardwood Floor Repair
• Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Services (HVAC)
• Linoleum Floor Repair
• Marble Floor Repair
• Move Out
• Painting
• Plumbing
• Portable Power
• Roof Tarp
• Roofing Services
• Scalable Resources
• Temporary Fencing
• Temporary Warehouse Space
• Tile Floor Repair
• Tree Removal

We have extensive experience working on all kinds of commercial buildings, including:

• Small Office Buildings
• Large Office/High-Rise Office Buildings
• Apartment Buildings
• Restaurants
• Hotel/Motels
• Small Retail Stores
• Large Retail/Big-Box Stores
• High-Rise Residential
• Manufacturing and Industrial
• Government/Military

Call Us Today!

Our local team in Northeast Tucson, Oro Valley, and Marana East can help when your business or home in Redington has property damage. Call us today at 520-760-9352.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Fire Extinguisher Saves Thanksgiving Day for Oro Valley Family?

11/15/2022 (Permalink)

We respond to fire damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Pima County.

Our Northeast Tucson and Oro Valley/Marana East team wants everyone to have a safe and fire-damage-free Thanksgiving this year. Knowing how to operate a portable fire extinguisher saves lives. Here are some fire extinguisher safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association:

Use a portable fire extinguisher when the fire is confined to a small area, such as a wastebasket, and is not growing; everyone has exited the building; the fire department has been called, and the room is not filled with smoke.

• To operate a fire extinguisher, remember the word PASS:
• Pull the pin. Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you, and release the locking mechanism
• Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire
• Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly
• Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side
• For the home, select a multi-purpose extinguisher (can be used on all types of home fires) that is large enough to put out a small fire but not so heavy as to be difficult to handle
• Choose a fire extinguisher that carries the label of an independent testing laboratory
• Read the instructions that come with the fire extinguisher and become familiar with its parts and operation before a fire breaks out

 Call Us Today!

Our local team in Northeast Tucson, Oro Valley, and Marana East is Here to Help ® when your home or business in Oro Valley has a fire damage emergency. Call us today at 520-760-9352.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

How Will I Know If My Property Is Completely Dried When I Have Water Damage in My Redington Ranch Home?

11/8/2022 (Permalink)

We restore water damage 24-hours a day in Pima County.

Redington Ranch residents rely on us to restore water damage emergencies quickly and efficiently. Our Northeast Tucson and Oro Valley/Marana East follow a comprehensive six-step water damage restoration process. During Step 4, we set up powerful air movers and blowers and monitor and document the drying process to ensure the area is completely dried.  

Most of the surfaces in homes and businesses are porous, so when they are exposed to water, the water can seep into them. Although these surfaces may be dry to the touch, they may retain moisture, which, left untreated, can cause the materials to break down, warp, or cause mold damage.

Drying and Dehumidification Process

Our professionals use room measurements, temperature, and relative humidity to determine the number of air movers and dehumidifiers to dry the area. We also monitor and document the drying process to ensure the damage is dried thoroughly. Here is some additional information from our website about our drying process.

Monitor Floor and Walls

We check the moisture levels to monitor the drying process. 

• Monitor Floors
• Monitor Walls

Drying Equipment

• Industrial-grade dehumidifiers help prevent secondary water damage like swelling and warping floors, walls, and furniture
• High-speed air movers create airflow across walls, carpets, pads, and furniture, accelerating moisture evaporation

Call Us Today!

Our local team in Northeast Tucson, Oro Valley, and Marana East is Here to Help ® when your home or business in Redington Ranch has water damage. Call us today at 520-760-9352.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.