Michael Frey, Author at Steamatic

5 Common Types of Hurricane Damage

Posted on September 30, 2022October 3, 2022 by Michael Frey

Hurricanes are unpredictable, ferocious natural disasters that can wreak havoc on coastal communities. The peak of hurricane season is from mid-August to mid-October, and while major hurricanes have struck the Atlantic coast in September, they may occur at any time of the year. A hurricane can cause a variety of different types of damage to your home and property. As with any natural disaster, preparation is the key to keeping your property safe from storm damage. These 5 common types of hurricane damage and how you can prepare for them.

Roof and Wall Hurricane Damage

Hurricanes can cause many types of roof damage, including shingles being torn off, the metal roof being lifted off, and the roof structure collapsing. Structural damage to your roof can lead to severe water and structural damage inside your home. The best way to prevent roof damage is to make sure that your roof is in good shape before the hurricane hits. If you have any loose or missing shingles, nail them back down. If you have a metal roof, make sure the screws are secure. You may want to secure it with hurricane straps, as well. The best way to prevent water damage caused by roof damage is to make sure that you have an emergency supply kit with items such as a tarp, a shovel, and sandbags.

Flooding

Hurricanes typically cause flooding, which can damage your property and leave behind hazardous mold and bacteria that can cause illness. Flooding may occur if the storm surge pushes water from the ocean into the land, or if heavy rain causes flooding in rivers and lakes. To reduce the risk of flooding, you can take a few precautions such as installing flood alarms and flood shutters and building your property up above the flood line. If you live near a body of water, make sure you clear away any debris that could clog the drainage system.

Tree Damage

Trees may be toppled by strong winds during a hurricane, and they may damage your roof, walls, and property if they fall the wrong way. The best way to prevent tree damage is to plant trees that are resistant to strong winds such as cypress, palms, and eucalyptus trees, and to maintain your trees. Make sure that your trees are pruned, and any vines or branches are trimmed back. Once a hurricane is approaching, make sure to clear any branches and vines from your trees. You may also want to place netting over your trees or plant them in pots to protect them from heavy wind.

Structural Hurricane Damage

Hurricanes may cause structural damage to your home if the building is not built correctly or if it is not maintained properly. Structural damage can happen in many ways, including the roof or walls collapsing, water damage causing the foundation to deteriorate, and flooding causing damage to the electrical system. The best way to prevent structural damage is to make sure your home is built correctly and that you maintain it regularly. Make sure that your home has strong, sturdy walls and a solid foundation. Make sure your roof is installed correctly and that your electrical system has been inspected by a professional. Once a hurricane is approaching, make sure all loose items are secured. You may also want to consider boarding up your windows if you live in a particularly vulnerable area.

Windows and Doors

Windows and doors are the first line of defense against hurricanes. If the windows and doors are not well-sealed, water may enter your home and cause damage. The best way to prevent storm damage to your windows and doors is to make sure they are installed correctly and maintained regularly. Make sure your windows have strong locks and that your doors are made of strong materials, such as metal. Once a hurricane is approaching, make sure your windows and doors are secure. You may also want to consider boarding up your windows with plywood or storm shutters if they are not stormproof.

Conclusion

Hurricanes are unpredictable, ferocious natural disasters that can wreak havoc on coastal communities. If you and your family suffer severe storm damage of any kind, contact your local Steamatic branch, today.

5 Leading Causes of House Fires and How to Prevent Them

Posted on September 23, 2022September 23, 2022 by Michael Frey

Every year, there are nearly 1.1 million home fires reported in the United States, leaving many people homeless and others injured. House fires can be devastating for any family or individual, especially if they weren’t able to get their belongings out in time. That’s why it’s so important to know the leading causes of house fires and how to prevent them.

Electrical Fires

Electrical fires are responsible for approximately 15% of home fires each year, and they can be extremely dangerous since they can occur in seconds and are extremely difficult to control. The best way to prevent these types of fires is to make sure all your tools, appliances, and electrical cords are in good condition and that you aren’t overloading outlets, extension cords, or power strips. You should be sure to unplug appliances when they’re not in use and keep your cords from getting tangled or caught up on anything. If you do have an electrical fire, don’t use water to fight it. Instead, shut off the power and call the fire department to report the fire.

Cooking Fires

Cooking fires account for about 10% of home fires each year, but because they usually occur in the kitchen, they are one of the leading causes of house fires. Oils and grease are major causes of these fires, so it’s important to clean your stove regularly and never leave anything cooking unattended. If you do have a cooking fire, don’t try to put it out with water or a fire extinguisher. Instead, shut off the burners and remove the pan and any food that has burnt. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby or find a nearby fire extinguisher and spray the flames until they’re out.

Appliance Explosions

Appliance explosions are responsible for about 3% of home fires each year. While most of these happen in the kitchen, they can also occur in other rooms of the house, including the garage. Many different appliances can explode, so always read the instructions, know your appliances, and make sure you’re using them safely. If you do have an appliance explosion, shut off the appliance, unplug it, and then apply an ice pack to the area of the explosion. If you’re using a vacuum or washing machine, unplug it first before shutting it off and applying ice to the area.

Careless Use of Flammable Liquids

Flammable liquids are another common cause of house fires, accounting for about 3% of home fires each year. Common culprits include gasoline, paint, and thinner. It’s important to keep these items away from open flames and to keep your house free of dust and debris. If you do have a flammable liquid fire, don’t use water to fight it. Instead, shut off the source of the fire, such as the valve on a gas can, and then use a fire extinguisher to put out the flames.

Natural Causes

House fires are also often caused by natural events such as lightning, rolling electrical storms, and wildfires. While you can’t do much to prevent a lightning strike, you can use surge protectors and make sure your roof is free of debris and any broken or cracked windows are repaired. If you do have a wildfire in your area, make sure to have an evacuation plan and know where to go. Also, have fire extinguishers and a First Aid kit on hand.

Preventing House Fires: What You Can Do Right Now

Here are a few ways you can prevent house fires in your home:
Make sure all of your appliances are in good working order.
Use extension cords, power strips, and outlets properly.
Keep your home clean and free of dust.
Don’t leave cooking food unattended.
Keep a fire extinguisher nearby.

With these tips and tricks in mind, you can make sure your home stays safe and free of fire. Stay vigilant and make these prevention measures a part of your daily routine.

House fires are devastating events that can leave you without a home and all your belongings. Luckily, there are many different ways to prevent house fires from happening. From keeping your appliances in good shape to making sure your home is clean and free of dust, you can greatly reduce the risk of having a house fire. Although these events are rare, they do happen. If they do, the fire and smoke damage restoration experts at Steamatic are here to help.

5 Things to Look for in a Water Damage Restoration Company

Posted on August 30, 2022August 30, 2022 by Michael Frey

When you have a water damage emergency, it can feel like the world has suddenly jumped into your home. You may not even be at home when a pipe bursts and drenches your entire house with water. The next thing you know, you find puddles of dirty water seeping through your walls, ceilings, and floors. If you’re anything like most homeowners, the first thought that will probably pop into your head is: ‘What the heck happened?’ The good news is that most of the time a professional water damage restoration company can restore your home to its former glory.

A water damage restoration company will pinpoint the source of the problem and begin working on repairs right away to get things back to normal as soon as possible. In case you don’t know already, here are five things you should look for in a water damage restoration company:

Reputable Local References

There’s a reason why this is one of the first things they ask you for when you call up a water damage restoration company. If they have nothing to show for their previous work, how will you know if you can trust them with your home? By asking for reputable local references from their past customers, you can find out how satisfied these customers were with the service that was provided to them. You should also make sure you check to see if the company you are considering hiring is licensed and insured.

Scheduling and Communication

A water damage emergency, is often a time-sensitive issue that you need to resolve as quickly as possible. Any delay in addressing the problem will only make things worse and may result in the damage being more extensive. Because of this, you want to make sure the company you hire has a reputation for being reliable, prompt, and organized. You should also check to see what methods of communication they prefer. You don’t want to spend hours trying to get in touch with them because you can never seem to get a hold of the person you need to speak with.

Insurance Coverage

You want to make sure the water damage restoration company you hire is fully insured. This will help you breathe a little easier knowing that if something goes wrong you will be fully compensated. A reputable company will not hesitate to show you proof of their insurance coverage. When it comes to water damage restoration, there are a number of different things that can go wrong. Unfortunately, you will not know if these issues are present in your home until they happen. That’s why it’s a good idea to hire a professional water damage restoration company. They will do a thorough inspection of your home to see what they need to repair or replace.

Equipment and Personnel

You definitely want to make sure any water damage restoration company you hire has the appropriate equipment and personnel on staff to get the job done right. This could include anything from a certified water damage restoration technician to an electrician, plumber, and/or HVAC technician. If you have a serious water damage emergency, the last thing you want is for the company to try and solve the problem with the wrong equipment or inadequate experience.

Thorough Inspection of the Damage

When you hire a water damage restoration company, you want them to thoroughly inspect the damage and determine the best course of action for you to take. An inspection that doesn’t cover all areas of your home may not be thorough enough and could leave some parts of the damage undiscovered and untouched.

Bottom Line

All of these things are important to look for in a water damage restoration company. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the only way to truly know if the company you hire is right for you or not is to go through the hiring process. Ask for references, check their insurance coverage, and ask to see their equipment and personnel. Then, once you’ve spoken with them, make a decision based on all the information you know.

If you are dealing with severe water, fire, smoke, or mold damage, you need a restoration company you can trust. Contact Steamatic today for all your restoration needs.

What to Do After a House Flood

Posted on August 23, 2022August 23, 2022 by Michael Frey

Many parts of the United States are dealing with severe flooding. Floods are one of nature’s most devastating natural disasters and can potentially destroy your home. If you ever fall victim to severe flooding, it will be difficult to figure out what your first steps should be. Luckily, the experts at Steamatic are here to walk you through the first steps you should take after a house flood.

1. If Possible, Turn off the Electricity

Remember, water and electricity do not mix. At all. If you can reach it safely, find your breaker box and turn off all the power in your home. In the event of a house flood, electricity poses one of the largest dangers.

2. Put on Protective Gear

If you have waterproof boots, waders, gloves, or masks, put them on before walking through any standing water. If there is severe flooding in your area, there is a good chance there is sewage, trash, and other forms of waste in the water. This makes it very likely the water contains bacteria and other forms of dangerous pathogens.

4. Make Sure Your House is Structurally Sound

People often underestimate the destructive capabilities of water. Heavy floods have the potential to knock down walls, damage foundations, and even cause your home to collapse. If you smell gas, notice any buckled walls, dropping ceilings, or other structural flaws; get out of your house immediately. Safety is the most important thing here.

3. Stop the Water Source

If the flood is the result of heavy rains or backed-up storm drains, this may not be possible. However, if the flood resulted from a burst pipe or broken appliance, shut off the water in your home. The sooner your home stops filling up with water, the sooner you can start cleaning up

4. Document the Damage Caused by the House Flood

If it is safe to remain in your home and you plan on filing an insurance claim, make sure you document any damage in your home. Before you start the clean-up process, take photos and videos of the damage. This will make it much easier to file a claim with your insurance company.

5. Attempt to Minimize Loss

After you ensure it is safe to remain in the building, begin salvaging what you can. determine what personal belonging you can salvage and gather them in a dry location. For any items that you cannot save, be sure to take pictures, and note when they were purchased and their approximate value. This is important: If items have been exposed to flood waters for over 48 hours, they are no longer safe to keep. They most likely are contaminated with mold.

6. Attempt to increase Airflow and Call the Steamatic Restoration Experts

Start opening all the windows and doors in your home. This will start drying things out and begin draining the water. After this is done, call the water damage restoration experts at Steamatic. Our 24/7 capabilities ensure we respond immediately to stop further damage from occurring. Steamatic uses state-of-the-art drying and monitoring equipment to make sure the structure and contents are completely dry. Contact a Steamatic location near you for immediate water damage restoration services.

7 Tips for Mold Prevention

Posted on July 29, 2022July 29, 2022 by Michael Frey

Mold is not only a danger to one’s home but to their health as well. It’s important for all homeowners to take steps to prevent mold, as leaving it unaddressed can lead to serious problems. Below are some simple mold prevention tips homeowners can use to protect their homes.

Immediately Remove Water

Mold grows when there is moisture, meaning it’s important to address wet areas as soon as possible. Whether this is a small puddle in the basement, wet carpet from a window left open, or a leaky pipe, homeowners should work to dry up the water quickly. Other areas to watch for are wet clothes in the washing machine or the floor after a shower. Any amount of moisture left alone for too long can lead to mold.

Improve Ventilation

Good ventilation can help prevent mold. Some key areas to focus on are the bathroom and kitchen, as both can produce steam. If possible, homeowners should install ventilation fans in both rooms to push the steam outside. Another option is opening windows when cooking or showering, allowing some of the steam to escape outside.

Clear the Air Vents

Air vents play a major role in helping to keep a home ventilated properly. However, over time, these vents can become clogged. Homeowners should take some time to make sure there is nothing blocking the vents, such as furniture or other belongings. They should then look to remove dust or other debris by cleaning their vents for better efficiency.

Monitor Humidity Levels

Humidity is a common cause of mold when left untreated. A simple home humidity monitor can tell homeowners about the level of moisture within the home and help them with mold prevention. Then, if they notice that the humidity is too high, they can turn on a dehumidifier to remove some of the moisture from the air.

Take Care of the Roof

When not taken care of properly, roofs can allow water to seep into the home and eventually cause mold. One common reason for this is clogged gutters, which lead to water backing up and seeping into the house. Taking time to clean the gutters and inspect the roof for damage can help prevent water from getting inside and causing damage.

Properly Seal the Home

If the home uses an air conditioning unit in the summer, it’s important that homeowners properly seal the home. This means ensuring they closed the windows and doors completely, along with other tasks like installing door sweeps on all exterior doors. By properly sealing the home, homeowners help to keep the cool, dry air inside and the warm, humid air outside.

Prevent Seeping Water

Finally, homeowners should look to prevent seeping water in the lowest level of their homes. For some, this is a basement, for others a crawl space. If the homeowner notices small puddles on these floors, there are a few ways they can address the situation. For example, they could install a sump pump or cover the floor with a vapor barrier.

Address Mold Problems in Virginia Today

If Virginia homeowners are experiencing mold problems in their homes, Steamatic is here to help. Steamatic can quickly spot signs of mold and implement mold prevention solutions to address them. To get started, please contact Steamatic today and schedule a consultation.

How To Remove a Smoky Odor From Your House

Posted on July 22, 2022July 22, 2022 by Michael Frey

No one wants to live with a smoky odor in their home. Unfortunately, this is often one of the harder smells to eliminate. Here are some tips to try to remove a smoky smell from the home.

Air Out the Space

One of the simplest things to try to remove a smoky odor is to air out the space. This means opening up some windows and allowing fresh air to circulate through the room. This is a particularly useful strategy if the smoke smell is relatively new and hasn’t settled into any furniture yet. Allow the room to air out for as long as possible and even consider setting up some oscillating fans to improve the airflow. If no difference is noticed after a few days, try some of the other methods on this list.

Try Some Basic Home Products

There are many products found at home or at a grocery store that can help with a smoky odor. For example, use baking soda to absorb smoky smells in an area. Try setting up a few small bowls of baking soda around the room. Then apply a sprinkling of baking soda to any rugs or carpeting. Finally, if there’s furniture with upholstery in the area, sprinkle some baking soda there too. Let everything sit for a few hours, then vacuum it up and see if the smell remains.

Another product to try is white vinegar. As with the baking soda, set up some small stations around the room or apply a small amount to affected areas. Also, try heating up the vinegar into a steam and allowing the steam to circulate through the house.

Use a Steam Cleaner

Steam is another useful tool for removing a smoke smell. The heat breaks down oils that contain the smoke molecules and the water helps to wash them away. Rent or buy a steam cleaner and use it on furniture or walls. Just remember to keep the steam machine moving, as the hot water can damage some areas if left sitting for too long.

Change the Air Filters

An important part of removing odors from the home, including smoke odors, is replacing the air filters. HVAC systems work to remove pollutants in the air, but they can’t do this effectively if the air filters become clogged. It’s often a good idea to replace the air filters at least four times a year but if dealing with a persistent smoky smell, it may need to be done more often.

Hire a Professional Restoration Service

If all of the above tips don’t help with the smokey odor, then Steamatic in Virginia is here to help. Steamatic’s professional residential cleaning services include the best methods for eliminating a bad smoky smell in a short amount of time. To get started, please contact Steamatic today to schedule a consultation. Steamatic will visit the home, assess the situation, and begin work to remove the smoky smell right away.

Water Damage: What Are the Top Causes?

Posted on June 24, 2022July 7, 2022 by Michael Frey

Water damage represents one of the biggest threats to a home’s longevity and structural integrity. What makes it even more dangerous is that hidden leaks can start without homeowners even knowing it, with the damage mounting one drip at a time. The repair and renovation costs can be enormous. By understanding the common causes of water damage, homeowners and business owners can take steps to protect themselves from water damage to their residences and offices.

Extreme Weather

Storms don’t have to climb to the level of a hurricane to take a toll on a house or commercial building. Heavy rains can overwhelm even the most well-constructed roof. As roofs age, they can become even more vulnerable through undetectable cracks or gaps. Strong rains are often accompanied by strong winds, and the two factors together can cause significant water damage problems for homeowners.

Septic Tanks

Septic tanks are integral to treating household solid waste. If a septic system overflows, it can produce another area of vulnerability for water damage in a home. This can sometimes happen from excessive rain. However, if a septic system has defects or the installation was done poorly, homeowners can experience water damage. An overflowing septic tank can cause serious issues for your household and may require extensive cleaning and repairs.

Clogged Gutters

The inescapable elements of nature can also create water damage. Falling leaves, especially in autumn, can create clogs in gutters that prevent water from draining as the system intended. As the phrase goes, water finds its level. So as the water rises in the gutters, it seeks nooks, crannies, and cracks until it has nowhere else to go. As water collects, it begins to rot wood and other materials in the home.

Human Error

Unlikely as it may seem, one of the causes of water damage relates to simple forgetfulness or human error. Sometimes homeowners get distracted when filling kitchen sinks, bathtubs, or other receptacles, and they overflow. Depending on how much water escapes, this can damage floors and ruin carpets. If left too long, the damage can also lead to mold.

Frozen Pipes/Weakened Gutters

Winter weather can also lead to water damage. When bitterly cold temperatures cause pipes to freeze, the pipes expand and can split, requiring expensive plumbing repairs. Ice buildup on gutters is also a common cause of water damage. The weight of the ice can cause the gutters to separate from the house, displace shingles, or cause cracks at the roofline.

An estimated one of every five insurance claims in 2020 was related to an incidence of water damage. Given the frequency, vigilance is vital in preventing significant out-of-pocket expenses for costly repairs to roofs, gutters, basements, floors, and other parts of houses and businesses. It’s challenging to stay ahead of the problem since water damage can occur slowly in ways that you might not notice. If you need help with a restoration project, call or contact Steamatic online for a project estimate.

5 Most Common Types of Smoke Damage

Posted on June 10, 2022July 7, 2022 by Michael Frey

Fire presents ongoing dangers for homeowners and business owners. Even with the highest level of protection, though, fires happen.

The fire does not have to be significant to cause severe problems cleaning a home or business. Even the smallest of fires can cause smoke damage that needs repairs for proper health, safety, and aesthetics. In addition to fire, homes and businesses can also receive long-term damage from cigarette smoke. Learn more about the five most common types of smoke damage occurring from fires.

Dry Smoke

Fast-moving, high-temperature fires create an effect known to restoration experts as dry smoke. Fires fueled by paper or wood typically produce dry smoke. Damage from dry smoke is easier to clean since this smoke forms a light powder on surfaces. However, the challenge is that dry smoke can hide in cracks and other absorbent materials — although walls may look clean, you may still get the smell of smoke from them.

Wet Smoke

In contrast, wet smoke comes from slow-burning fires that give off a lower heat. Wet smoke damage is tough to clean and often leaves a smell long after cleaning your home or business. You will recognize wet smoke from a sticky residue attached to doorknobs and other objects throughout a structure. Wet smoke damage may be more common in commercial fires, as it usually stems from burning tires or different types of rubber.

Protein Smoke

A fire in the kitchen area of a home or business such as a restaurant leaves behind smoke damage. Protein smoke damage results from burning organic matter. This type of smoke damage often occurs following a kitchen grease fire.

Protein smoke damage can also be cumulative from cooking meats, oils, and fats regularly prepared over an open flame. Protein smoke is not always visible immediately and causes surface discoloration.

Fuel and Oil Smoke

Fires fueled by petroleum-based products such as gas or oil pose a distinct challenge. These substances create petroleum smoke damage that can stick to many materials, leaving them with greasy stains. Furniture that comes into contact with fuel smoke is often not salvageable because of the discoloration and smell.

Cleaning fuel smoke damage is particularly challenging, given that the residue is thick. Restoration experts say cleaning usually requires a specific solvent. Fuel smoke doesn’t necessarily always need fire as its source — it can sometimes result from a furnace malfunction.

Cigarette Smoke

Long-term smoking in a home can also lead to damage that requires remediation, especially when individuals intend to sell a home. Stale cigarette smoke can permeate into walls and countertops and require professional smoke remediation. Clearing the air inside a structure requires special equipment, including a professional air-mover, to successfully eliminate odors.

The best way to avoid smoke damage is to focus on fire prevention. Keeping a home or business safe takes constant attention, but it is worth the effort. Smoke damage can seriously damage residential and commercial properties and make them uninhabitable. If a fire occurs, contact restoration experts to help remediate the impact.