Space Heater Safety Guidelines: Preventing Space Heater Fires

It is the coldest season of the year again. As the temperature goes down, many people find ways to keep themselves and their loved ones warm; pulling out their coat from the storage, fixing their furnace and prepping their home. To many, the best friend they can have in this season is their space heater. But, because space heaters consume a lot of electricity to produce more heat, it has a higher risk of home fires. This becomes one of the concerns of many. But, with proper caution, home fires from space heaters can be prevented.

What You Should Know

Among the many causes of home fires, heating equipment is second on the list, first is cooking. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), in 2014, heating equipment was involved in around 56,400 home fire incidents. These fires resulted in 560 civilian deaths, 1,600 civilian injuries and $1.3 billion in property damage.


To add up, space heaters are involved in 80 percent of home heating fire deaths and 32 percent of home heating deaths. Out of the total number of home heating fires, space heater fires resulted in roughly 360 civilian deaths, 1,020 civilian injuries, and $559 million in property damage.


With all these disturbing facts about space heaters, having a list of space heater safety tips on hand can help keep you, your family and home safe while enjoying the warmth this heating equipment can give.

Reasons Space Heater Fires

Space heaters can cause fatalities in the home. But the most common reasons for this accident are due to human behaviors rather than technical. Check them out;

1. The unit is so close to flammable items like blanket, mattress or bedding

2. Turning the space heater on and leaving it unattended.

3. Dirty or not maintained chimney.

How To Use Space Heaters Safely

Space heaters are one of the most convenient equipment you can have in this chilling temperature. However, proper usage is very critical.

• When selecting a space heater, choose the one that has been tested and certified by the national-recognized testing laboratory. These space heaters have undergone testing to ensure that they meet specific safety standards. Moreover, manufacturers of these space heaters are required to provide instructions and care information to the customers.

• Choose a space heater with a guard surrounding the heating equipment. This protection helps keep pets, children, and clothing away from the space heater.

• Buy a heater that is suitable for the area you want to heat.

• Before using the space heater, make sure to read the manuals. Follow the instructions and if possible, show everyone how to use it properly.

• Inspect the heater, plug, cord, and outlet for any signs of damage. In any of these conditions are existing, make sure to contact an electrician immediately.

• Do not run cords under rugs or carpets to prevent them from getting damaged and cause home fires.

• Plug your space heaters directly to the wall outlet. Do not use extension cords to power your heater or never plug multiple devices in the same outlet to help prevent overheating.

• If using an extension cord is necessary, make sure to use a heavy-duty cord with a mark of a #14 gauge, or use a larger wire (a #12 gauge). The incorrect size of the cord may lead to a fire hazard.

• Check outlet, plug, and cord for overheating. If any of them are hot, stop using the heater right away and have it inspected by a professional.

• Follow the 3-foot safety rule. Place the heater far from flammable materials like curtains, hanging materials, trash bin, carpet and so on.

• DO not leave the heater unattended when using. Unplug the heater when you have to leave your home or going to sleep. Portable space heaters should be used only to provide temporary supplemental heating and should never be left unattended.

• Never use electric heaters to thaw pipes or dry clothes.

• Position the heater on a stable surface (preferably on the floor) to prevent it from flopping.

• If you must place the heater in a carpeted space, make sure to put it on a non-conducting surface like a ceramic tile. This type of surface provides a safety margin to all sides of the heater.

• To keep the heater from getting damaged, do not operate it in humid areas of your home such as bathroom or kitchen.

• Never touch a heater with wet hands to prevent electrical shock.

• Keep an eye on your children and pets when you running your heater. Make sure that they don’t get too close to the heater.

• Make sure that your heater is safe and in working condition. Never use a defective heater.

• Install working smoke detectors on each level of your home and test them regularly.

Taking safety measures can greatly reduce your risk of having your home damaged by a fire. But, accidents can and do happen, to anyone. In the case your home has been damaged by a fire, contact professional fire damage restoration company, Superior Restoration.

What Causes Water Damage To Attic and How To Prevent It

Attics might not be as useful as living rooms when friends and relatives visit your home. But if it is used for storing your personal belongings, protecting it from water intrusions is vital.

Like the basement you have under your home, your attic is also one of the most common areas prone to water damage. Because attics are not regularly visited by its owner, water damage continues without interruption for some time. By the time it is noticed, water has already done extensive damage to your property such as saturating attic insulation, rotting wood including rafters and joints, mold growth, deteriorating ceiling and water intruding the living space beneath it.

What Causes Water Damage To Your Attic

Roofing Leaks

Roofing leaks can be a cause of several factors, for instance, lack of maintenance, poor construction, and storm damage. When the roofing system does not function properly in preventing water from entering the house, water damage to your attic will most likely happen.

However, pinpointing the roof leak might require a thorough inspection. Water travels distance from the point where it actually drips. That is why it is best to have a qualified roofing contractor to locate the area and repair the damage.

Leaky Plumbing Directed Through The Attic

Leakage from water supply lines, whether it be a small leak or a minor seepage, is highly undesirable. Aside from the consistent attic moisture, leaks can indicate pipe deterioration and if not treated in time, can lead to rupture causing the ceiling to sag and collapse and can cause water damage to the living spaces underneath it.

Quick response and fixes are needed for any sort of leaking pipes.

Consistent High Humidity

As the temperature gets warmer during the day, humid air is collected in a confined area, just like in an attic. When the area cools down at night, the air forms condensation. Condensation becomes a problem that results in mold growth, structural damage and wood rot.

To prevent this from reoccurring, you should open all the vents and make sure that they are free from objects such as insulation. 

 

Roof Ice Dams

Ice dams occur from the build-up of snow and ice, then form at the edge of the roof. As these ice dams are formed in hail, they block the gutter and prevent water to properly drain off the roof. As a result, the water that pools to the gutter backs up on the roofing system and leaks to the attic causing water damage to the attic itself, ceiling and even causing mold growth and content loss.

How To Prevent Water Damage To Your Attic

Taking some time to inspect your attic occasionally and following these tips can keep you from facing water damage to your attic.

• Check your roof. During heavy rains, water can see through broken shingles or leaky flashings. Make sure to fix any problem and repair any broken shingles.
• Prevent Pipes To Rupture. Some water supply lines are directed through your attic. If you notice any signs of leaky pipes, you should repair them before they get ruptured.
• Control Attic Condensation. Warm air from the living spaces can penetrate and gather in the attic. You can install ventilation vents to cool the air during summer (to prevent humidity) and warm it during winter (to decrease ice dams occurrence). Moreover, you should seal cracks, leaks and other openings in the ceiling to prevent water vapor to penetrate to your attic.
• Insulate the attic with appropriate insulation.
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Should You Be Concerned About Attic Mold?

Since the attic is a confined area that is composed of a high level of humidity and is not properly ventilated, it is an area of the home that provides a favorable condition for mold to grow.

But, should the occupants be concerned with mold growing in a confined area like an attic? Definitely, yes. Simply, because, mold in the attic does not stay in the area forever. Mold releases airborne spores that travel to other spaces of the home.

According to some studies, mold spores from active mold can migrate to confined areas that are constructed with just an ordinary or common residential method. This will allow mold to spread and grow in other parts of the home.

Moreover, contaminated air can be formed in the attic due to mold growth. The colder air that travels naturally to the lower levels of the home causes the contaminated air to leave the attic through tiny holes and gaps. This can cause allergic reactions and illnesses to people who are vulnerable to mold.

Due to the factors that contribute to mold movement, it is important to prevent mold from growing in the attic.

Water damage is a serious condition that is associated with mold growth. For ordinary homeowners, these two are stressful and difficult to deal with. But, don’t worry. Our team is here to help you. We are experts in dealing with water damage restoration problems and mold growth. We will assure you to bring your home back to its inhabitable condition. If you have any questions about water damage and mold growth, please call us today.

What Happens If You Paint Over Mold

Painting is one of the things you can do to beautify your home. It can be a good way of refreshing your home. But what about you spotted molds while doing the process? Can you paint over mold? That is the big question now.

Unfortunately, the answer is NO. Painting over mold may be an easy and quick solution in solving the existing problem, but, that could be far from reality.

Painting over mold does not solve the problem. It only hides that insightful view but it will make the problem worse. Molds will continue to grow and create more damage such as saturating porous materials.

Let us further discuss the effects of painting over mold.

What Happens If You Paint Over Mold?

Mold is not a stain that has to be hidden. It is something that has to be cured and not to be ignored. Mold, even if you try to hide it by painting, will find its way back and can spread widely. You might be able to cover the stain, but its effects would still prevail its way in your entire home.

There are two things you have to keep in mind when painting over mold;

Paint does not kill mold. Though painting over mold or other fungal blotches might cover the stain, it won’t effectively kill mold. It can be a temporary solution. In some cases, paint can help in mold growth, especially when you paint over water damage.

Mold-resistant paint only works best proactively, not reactively. A lot of stores have been selling and promoting mold-resistant paint. It has become popular among homeowners. But, why is it not named “mold-proof paint”? – Simply because manufacturers of this kind of product understand that no paint can kill and remove mold forever. The mold will appear again and again. Mold-resistant paint can only work best for the uninfected area. This type of paint can help you prevent mold from developing.


Remember that mold is a silent killer. It can cause severe damage to those who are exposed to it. Do not let this myth overtake the problem. Hire professionals to properly find and resolve the cause of mold growth.

Proper Mold Remediation

Painting over mold can be cheap, but it can be useless. When dealing with molds, it is best to hire professionals to properly resolve the problem. You can address it on your own, however, if you are not trained or not knowledgeable, you might create more danger to your home and put your family at a higher risk. You can expect the following from professionals during the mold remediation process;

• Evaluate the type of mold you are dealing with
• Repair or replace mold infected areas or other surfaces.
• Thoroughly clean and remove mold.

Aside from painting the new drywall, professionals will also address the reasons for mold growth. They will do it by;

• Removing high level of humidity
• Cleaning up mold spores
• Fixing water damage problems
• Pulling out drywall and other surfaces that were soaked in moisture
• Suggesting repairs and changes

Hiring a mold remediation company can be a little bit costly, but doing this will properly solve the problem. You won’t just save money from doing something useless, but you will also limit any harm mold can bring to you, your family or even to your tenants.

Liability Issues

Mold is an issue of health. If someone gets exposed to it, they might develop illnesses such as skin irritation, allergies, and others. Those who have respiratory problems are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of mold.

If you are a landlord or a contractor, you must address the problem. If you tried to cover up mold by painting the infected area, your tenant can sue you and put you liable for all the damages and reparations.

If you are selling the home, it is best to inform the buyer of the mold issues. It may lower the value of your home, but it can keep you from having legal problems.

Choose Superior Restoration For Mold Remediation

Like water damage, a mold problem can be very stressful. Do not worry! Superior restoration can help you. We are a team of expert professionals that handles all sorts of mold problems. We will make sure that your home is safe and livable.

What Do I Need to Know About Water Damages?

Water damage is one of the most unwanted types of damages that can affect, and even destroy, your property. And when the damage occurs in your property, it can be highly expensive, dangerous and unhealthy, most especially when it is allowed to develop and progress.

Conversely, water damages are caused by water to your property, being where it should not be. For some instances, these damages may be caused by a flood or of some kind of malfunctions—a bursting of a pipe, water main leakage, in some cases, will commonly lead to water damage that is highly acute and requires immediate attention.

When understanding the risks of water damage, one must learn that water damage can be a result of three (3) different types of water, namely:


Category 1: Clean Water. As you would expect, clean water typically is a result and comes from a sanitary source, for example, water pipes, steam lines or rainwater. For the water to be categorized as category 1, it should smell and look just like tap water. Basically, this type of water is not health risky at all, unless you are in an old building and the water makes contact with contaminants. However, dealing with category 1 still requires you to respond quickly because the microbial growth can occur in as quick as 24-48 hours.


Category 2: Gray Water. Hence, the sources of gray water vary widely, as do the potential contaminants. So, when the source is not sanitary, it is advised to proceed with caution. Regardless of whether the water is clear or cloudy, or if it smells good or bad. Storm drains, treated cooling water, some surface water, water from fire suppression systems and even discharges from equipment are some sources of gray water. Unlike clean water, gray water can be slightly to severely contaminated with microbial growth. Any direct or indirect exposure to gray water could potentially result in health issues.


Category 3: Black Water. Infectious viruses, bacteria, parasites, toxic and allergenic materials can all lurk in black water, which could include water coming from sewers, rivers or the sea so always use caution around it. Black water typically smells bad and is often cloudy. Since it poses such a high health risk, it’s best to keep employees and customers well away and it’s likely that you will need to replace most materials that it comes into contact with.

While water is very important for people’s lives, it can also be very dangerous if it gets in your home and causes damages. In some cases that your home is affected by water leakage or flood, here are five things that you should keep in mind about water damage:


Water damage grows fast. Water damage is a lot challenging because it can grow very fast. Once a property has been flooded and subjected to water, things like the carpets, hardwood floors and drywall might result in mold growth. When the water caused mold growth, it is quite harder to be treated quickly. It is common nature to assume that a small problem is just small. But unfortunately, water is a great solvent. Small leaks can cause major damages to one’s property.


Prevention is easier than to clean up. When it comes to water damage, the most effective solution is to prevent it in the first place. Although guarding your property every time against every possible cause of water damage is quite impossible, proper and regular maintenance will decrease the chances of damage. Moreover, if the water damage is extensive and mold has started to grow causing other damages, restoration can be very expensive. Proper precautions are highly recommended.


Homeowner’s insurance doesn’t cover all water damage types. Depending on where you live, the water damage may be covered by insurance. Insurance companies will cover quite a few things on water damage. Homeowners and businesses should know what types of water damage their insurance company will cover. Most of the time, insurance companies do not cover any damages caused by groundwater, natural incidences such as rain or snow, and the owner’s negligence. This includes the owner’s failure to repair previous damage or take actions to prevent the damages in the future.


Water damaged things can be salvaged. For the homeowners and businesses, one important thing that you should know about water damage is that damaged things can be salvaged. When water occurs in your property, it is better if you attend to it soon enough, in that case, everything that is damaged could be dried out.


Call a professional. If otherwise, the water damage seems to be too much, and not just a small water leakage. Do not try any improvised restoration methods, instead, call a professional restoration team to inspect your property, including the walls, floorings and basement, etc. This is a must know and must do if the situation is a lot more serious and if you do want to stop the damage to spread.

When water damage is more gradual, then you will need the services of a water damage restoration company on a less urgent basis—but you should nevertheless aim to get it looked at as soon as possible to ensure that you prevent it from spreading and to protect your health and the health of your family. Moisture in the air and particularly mold spores can otherwise be very bad for you and your family. At the same time, it can end up undermining the structural integrity of your building.



Moreover, when the restoration company reaches you, the technicians will start by finding the source of the water and stop it when possible. This may be repairing walls or roof damages or may involve fixing a pipe or water main. Either way, the company will prevent the water from flooding to larger regions. From there, the water damage restoration company will begin to calculate the extent of the damage and its costs.

What are the Negative Effects of Excessive Water and Moisture in Your Home?

Moisture is commonly caused by bathing, cooking, washing and even breathing. It is normal; however, excessive moisture is not for it can lead to serious water damage.

Water damage is an issue that most property owners fear. When it rains continuously or snow dissolves rapidly, the danger of this sort of damage increments. Water can cause a large number of dollars of damage by damaging wood furniture, upholstery, appliances, family unit apparatuses, and plumbing gear. Water damage additionally builds the danger of mold development, which is an over the top expensive issue to remediate. Contacting and hiring a water damage restoration company can make the cleanup procedure simpler to deal with, as these organizations utilize experienced specialists who know the most ideal approaches to fix or supplant damaged things and help with water damage cleanup.

There are a few potential reasons for water harm. Flawed dishwashers, stopped up toilets, broken channels, broken dishwasher hoses, flooding clothes washers, defective rooftops, plumbing breaks, and establishment splits are only a portion of the potential reasons for water harm in homes and organizations. Floods, overwhelming snow, and substantial downpour are other potential reasons for this sort of harm and can prompt having water in storm cellars. A lot of water can prompt minor issues, for example, water in storm cellar zones, or it can prompt the demolition of homes and organizations.

Foundation Defects

Unnecessary water leakage can possibly lead to a foundation or structural damages of a home in various ways. However, foundation damages may be structural or non-structural. Structural water damage to the home’s or building’s foundation occurs when the damage caused by water through leakages or plumbing failure is prolonged and/or extensive. The vertical stability is affected causing the structure to shift under its own weight or load, and it often sinks further to the ground. Moreover, the house basement could begin flexing inwards as it becomes structurally unsound. However, non-structural damage to the foundation ordinarily refers to the leakages through small cracks in a structure’s foundation or gaps in joints or wall cracks of a concrete wall.

Furthermore, water damage can not only be for concrete foundation or walls. Wood is a common construction and design material, and when there is unreasonable dampness in your home, water leakage or gas spillage, your wooden floors or furniture are in danger. Dampness can make wooden surfaces swell and twist. More regrettable still, presentation to such unnecessary dampness and other water damages can prompt wood rot, brought about by rot parasites that ruin the material totally.

Keeping your home free from additional dampness and water leakage, and keeping up a sound stickiness level will enable you to maintain a strategic distance from these potential dangers for your well-being and your property.

Appliance Damage

Electronic appliances can be one of the most affected of water leakages and be possibly damaged in any minute that the water spread out. Water leakage, or even excessive moisture around the said appliance, is known as the main reason for most of the electronic appliance's malfunction such as corroding contacts and reducing insulation resistance, it can lead to short circuits that may lead to the worst—fire. This is why it is recommended to protect your electronic appliances from drastic temperature changes that could cause moisture, and do not underestimate a simple water leakage.

Health Problems

Water is very much important in our lives because our body uses water in all its cells, organs and even tissues to help regulate and maintain other bodily functions. It is important for us to stay hydrated by drinking fluids and eating foods that contain water. However, water could also be harmful to you and your family. When water damage occurs, it would probably be a cause of moisture that promotes the growth of mold and other organisms such as bacteria, increasing the risk for a serious health problem. Water damage is one of the reasons for mold exposure in your homes. Mold, on the other hand, may aggravate allergy reactions and asthma symptoms, for both adults and children, especially those with compromised immune systems.

When a home or business sustains water damages, it is critical to begin the water damage cleanup right away. Beginning water damage cleanup as quickly as time permits improve the probability of sparing water-doused furniture, rugs, mats, garments, and different things. However, preparing your home against water damage is very necessary and will save you a lot of time, money and stress.

There are several ways to help prevent unwanted water from entering your home and/or prevent water leakages inside your home such as maintaining proper drainage pipes, always checking any leaks around the house, checking your exterior siding for possible defects and keeping your home dry to avoid water damages.


Prepare today and keep you, your family and your property safe from any possible harm and damages. On the off chance that the water damage already occurs, keep calm and contact a professional for proper maintenance and actions needed.

Water Leak: Don’t Let it Cause Damage

A water leak is such a normal problem a homeowner can experience. A leak, without giving you notice, can happen anytime. Old piping, cold weather, older plumbing fixtures especially in water heaters and toilets and the daily wear and tear can all generate water leaks. Proper maintenance is really necessary to avoid this kind of problem.

When you are sure that a leak is present in your home, have it fixed immediately to prevent any further damage.

Detecting Water Leak

In most cases, leaks are normally invisible. Pipes are situated underground, thus detecting water leaks are quite challenging to do. In our modern days, a leak detection system can be used to detect any possible causes. But for this, let us use good old-fashioned ways in determining the causes of the water leak.

• When you are laying in your bed, in a quiet night and you can hear running water, but none of your plumbing system is on and all of your sinks are turned off

• You get a huge surprise from the utility company. When your bill, it became higher than the usual.

• When you check your water meter and saw it spinning, even the water is shut off in the house.

Now that you already realized that there really is a leak in your plumbing system, what you have to do next is to find where the leak is.

Solving The Problem

Depending on the accessibility of the location of the leak, fixing the problem can easily be done by your own hands. But, how would you really know it when most of the pipings are situated underground. In this case, you may opt for hiring a plumbing company that specializes in leak detection. However, hiring these skilled workers can be very costly because locating the leak can consume their time. So, consider doing it for them. You can use your very functional ears to detect the location. And, when the professionals are in your area, what they will only need to do is to fix the problem itself.

How Do Professionals Detect The Leak

In the past, professionals also had difficulty locating the leak. They had to cut open floorings and walls. Fortunately, these days they can use non-invasive ways. They now use a state-of-the-art camera that inspects the piping system and fixtures throughout your home to properly find the existing leak.

What Happens If You Ignore A Plumbing Leak?

When a leak is ignored, the most visible effect of this is you’ll be paying higher than your usual water bill. But, there’s more to this;

• Water leak can result in non-repairable piping, thus it will require you to install a whole new water service

• Water leak can cause severe water damage. Restoring water damage can be really expensive.

• The result of water leak could lead to water damage, and water damage can cause mildew and mold growth, that can be harmful to you and to your family’s health.

Worried about it?

That’s okay. It sure is it’s difficult to find the leak, but knowing that you have a problem, means you are into your way of solving it. Just make sure to address the issue right away to avoid severe water damage that is not covered by your insurance company.

How To Spot Water Damage at Home

Your home is a valuable possession you have and you want it to be the safest place for you and your family. However, water damage can happen without your knowledge and can generate ample losses. Water, if given a chance to intrude your home, will attack porous materials such as wood, upholstered furniture, and others and will then do its detrimental actions such as rotting of wood, mold growth, decaying of steel, de-laminating of materials such as plywood, and many others. Moreover, water can damage the whole structure of your home making it unsafe to habitat.

Water damage is the result of leaky dishwashers, clogged toilets, broken pipes, broken dishwasher hoses, overflowing washing machines, leaky roofs, plumbing leaks, foundation cracks and some severe natural disaster such as storm, hurricane, and flooding.

Act fast before anything worse happens. Give your home a thorough inspection frequently to avoid big losses and costly repairs. Below are some methods for examining water damage within your home.

Look for Stains

Water stains are the most distinct signs of water damage. At times, they are quite difficult to remove. Check stains on the walls, ceilings, around the windows, door frames, on the floor around the bathtub, toilet, and sink. Unusual stains could be a sign that there is a leaky pipe or drain inside the wall. Some indications of serious problems are cracks from the drywalls and swollen appearance that are soft to touch. Moreover, peeling paint and wallpaper are also signs of staining.

Check the Pipes

Your home is composed and surrounded with lots of pipes. They could last a lifetime but could also be broken due to daily wear and tear and with some water pressure. Most of them are hidden that is why they are taken for granted. Check the pipes in your kitchen sink, bathroom, basement, and electric appliances.

Check the Floors

Any type of flooring can be damaged by water and there are certain signs you have to look out. Cracks, bubbling and warped flooring are signs that your tile and wood flooring have water damage. Damp spots, soft areas and a general smell of dampness and mold are some signs that you have to be wary with your carpeted flooring.

Inspect the Exterior

Go around the outside part of your home. Check for the pool of water or a puddle anywhere outside your home. This could be a result of poor drainage in the yard, leaky rain gutters and the gutter spouts that are not functioning well and delivering water far enough from the house. Moreover, check some warning signs of water damage on the roof such as broken, missing or cracked shingles and broken flushing.

Lookout For Visible Mold

Mold is another indication of water damage. Though they usually appear in black color, mold can also be blue, green and grey. Mold becomes visible when areas are consistently damp and high level of moisture is present. They can grow in every part of your home, where you can’t easily see them. Remember that all types of mold can possess health risks and the odor can be unpleasant.


If you are experiencing water damage at home, better seek a professional to remediate the damage and avoid further losses.

Fire Damage Prevention Tips This Summer

Spring is about to end and summer is just around the corner. A lot of people are probably excited to do some outdoor activities such as grilling, camping, and others. However, remember that as temperature and humidity begin to rise, the risk of fire becomes more concerning for homeowners. It is crucial for every member of the family to understand some steps that they can take to avoid any fire disaster at home. Below are some examples of fire safety tips this summer.

1. Be alert in the Kitchen

Keep your focus when cooking. Never leave ovens, stoves and other cooking equipment unattended. Make sure that any flammable materials are away from your stove. Keep children out of the kitchen when cooking.

2. Refrain from Smoking Indoor

Never allow someone or anyone to smoke inside your home. Make sure to discard cigarette butts away from any materials that can catch fire.

3. Avoid overloading circuits

Never leave your electrical devices plugged when not in use. This can be a cause of fire disaster. Make sure to unplug any electric device when leaving your home.

4. Check electrical wirings and replace if necessary

Malfunctioned electrical wirings are a fire hazard. If you notice any signs such as flickering light bulbs and sparking switches, ask a professional to check the line.

5. Keep flammable items out of reach of Children

Children are normally curious about fire, not knowing that it can result in danger. Keep candles, matches, lighters and other flammable items away from them.

Grilling Safety Tips

Nothing beats the smell of food that is grilled. Grilling outside is the most favorite activity of homeowners in summer. However, based on studies by NFPA, grilling is one of the main causes of fire accidents during this hot season. Follow some fire safety tips to keep you away from danger.

• Any type of BBQ grills should only be used outside of your home

• Make sure to place the grill well away from your home and deck railings, and not surrounded with overhanging branches or roof eaves.

• Keep your children and pets at least three feet away from the grill at all times.

• Before using the grill, remove build up grease and fat from the grills and trays below the grill.

• Open the lid of your gas grill before lighting it.

• Purchase only the right starter fluid.

• A metal container remains hot for some hours after the fire has been extinguished. Let it cool down before disposing it.

• Check the gas tank for leaks.

• Never leave the grill unattended. Accidents can happen anytime.

Other Related Fire Accidents Safety Tips

When Having a Bonfire

Prepare a bucket of water and a hose near you to immediately put out flames that jumped out of the bonfire.

Fireworks

Fireworks are always beautiful. But, the small sparks from fireworks can possibly damage your property. Make sure that an adult is present when children are playing with fireworks. Do not attempt to light the fireworks that did not work on the first time, they are most likely unsafe.

Fire Causes Damage To Your Property

Always remember that even a small fire or flame can bring out severe damage to you and to your property. And, at times the damage is difficult to restore. Knowing the hazards surrounding you and your property, and keeping in mind the prevention tips can help you avoid this risky situation. Keep helpful things handy so you can immediately respond to fire accidents.

Using Dehumidifier to Control Mold Growth in Your Closet

We came across with one vlog showing her entire closet. It was so beautiful and includes all her important and probably expensive personal belongings such as clothes, shoes, and bags. One thing I noticed in her video is her closet is equipped with an electric dehumidifier. This is a smart way of protecting your personal belongings from mold growth. Your clothes, shoes, and bags might be one of the many important belongings you have, yet some of these personal belongings are also susceptible to mold growth. You don’t want mold to lurk around them, do you? Let’s discuss it here…

How does mold grow on your clothes, shoes, and bags

There could be a lot of factors that contribute to the growth of mold in your closet, but there are two main causes that have to be addressed first when dealing with this issue.

1. Condensation

Condensation is considered as one of the main culprits of mold growth. Condensation happens when the moist air gets contact into a colder surface like wall and window. This moisture can later cause a higher level of humidity making the place more attractive for mold to colonize. And, eventually will spread to your personal belongings.

2. Damp Clothing or Materials

Mold can easily colonize in areas or items that are damp or not properly dried. For instance, your clothing that is not properly dried for more than 24 hours gives chances for mold to lurk around your personal belongings. Hanging your damp clothes in an enclosed room, thinking that hang dry is ok, is another chance for mold to grow.

Prevent Mold in Your Closet

Even your clothes, shoes or bags are not susceptible to mold colonization when they are stored in areas where the humidity level is high or when they are just set damp and wet. Aside from the risks it brings to your health, mold can make your personal belongings irreparable to some extent. Follow some simple tips on how to stop mold to lurk around them.

• Avoid hanging damp clothes in the area where you store your clothes. Keep them completely dry before putting them away.

• Leave spaces between your clothes, shoes, and bags. Leaving space around them can help circulate air. If they are close to each other, it gives more chances for mold to grow and spreading them from one item to another.

• Keep the closet door closed if it is near a room that has high humidity such as a bathroom or laundry room.

• Place items like shoe boxes or storage tubs on wire shelves to avoid trapping moisture underneath these items.

• Remove the air from the closet by removing your personal belongings, then cleaning and drying the room thoroughly.

• Use a low-wattage light bulb to help to eliminate moisture.

USING A DEHUMIDIFIER TO CONTROL MOLD GROWTH

The most effective way of preventing mold growth in your closet or on your personal belongings is controlling the conditions that promote mold growth. Your clothing or items that have materials susceptible to mold growth should be placed in a cool, dry environment with proper ventilation.

Using a dehumidifier is a good tool in reducing humidity. An electric dehumidifier removes excess moisture in the air, keeping your room dry and cool. The recommended relative humidity of your closet must be below 50 percent to avoid mold growth. If the humidity of your closet is higher than that, then you need a dehumidifier.

This is an optional case. However, a dehumidifier is a good investment if you want to keep your personal belongings in good shape.

The Danger and Causes of Sewer Backups

One of the most challenging and dangerous clean-up processes of any water damage restoration companies is sewer water damage. It requires proper and thorough cleaning; making sure that everything that has contact with the water is cleaned, sanitized and disinfected more than once. For some companies, porous materials such as walls, floors, subfloors, carpets, and cabinet that touched the water have to be disposed. Proper disposal of those affected materials is needed to avoid biohazard situations.


The Danger of Sewage Water

Sewage contains contaminated water that carries bacteria, virus, and pathogens. This type of water is categorized under the 3rd category. Category 3 is considered as the dirtiest type of water damage that can carry different kinds of illnesses to those who had contacted it or were exposed to it. The worse scenario is those who had contacted with the water might be put into a critical situation.

Here is the type of bacteria that are present in sewage and what can they do to harm your body;

• E. Coli – Causes abdominal cramping, diarrhea and occasionally death.
• Acanthomoeba – Causes eye, nose, throat and ear infections.
• Salmonella – Causes abdominal cramping and diarrhea
• Heliobacter Pylpri – Leads to an increased chance of ulcers
• Hepatitis – Causes liver infection and liver failure
• Leptospirosis – Creates muscle aches and vomiting

It is highly recommended that you should never get in contact with the sewage water to avoid acquiring serious illnesses. Call a professional for clean up services.

What Causes Sewer Backups?

There could be a number of reasons that causes sewer backups. The most common one is the obstructions in the sewer line. This happens due to improper flushing of products that claim to be flushable such as wipes and sanitary napkins. Hair, grease and other items that cannot be broken down can also add up to the cause of sewer backups. What else can be the reason for sewer backups?

• Tree roots that grow into pipes and create holes or cracks.
• Broken or collapsed sewer lines due to deterioration and age
• Problems with municipal sewer such as blockages and deterioration.

With proper usage and regular maintenance, sewer backups can be prevented. However, there are some causes that might be uncontrollable, thus a professional help is really needed.

What To Do If A Sewer Backups

In some cases, a pipe can burst outside. Though there could still be bacteria or viral pathogens present in the sewer lines, it is way better than having the sewer backups through your toilet or other lines inside your home. This type of scenario might seem horrible for you. But don’t worry. There are professionals that can handle this situation.

Once you determined that there is water backup, check your sinks, toilet and other pipelines. You can minimize the backups by turning off your water supply. Moreover, if it is in the toilet, close the door to avoid you from inhaling the pathogens from sewage water. Avoid having contact in contaminated area. If necessary, evacuate your area until a professional fixes the problem.

Leave This Problem To The Professional

When it comes to sewage damage, it is highly recommended to call a professional for sewage cleanup services. They are equipped with state-of-the-art techniques and machines to fully remove sewage water in your home and to make sure that your home is free from any bacteria and viruses. Time is very vital in the process. The longer the sewage sits in the affected areas, the more serious the situation is going to be.

Knowing Flood Risk And Protection

Contrary to the beautiful flowers and warm weather of spring are heavy rains, severe weather, and rapid snowmelt. These all can generate flooding not only in flood zone areas but also in places where you think it is safe. Flooding is such a real culprit to every homeowner as this brings severe damage to your property.

As a homeowner, it is very important that you get information about the weather before it gets worse. You also have to understand what could possibly happen during the time of flooding, the damage that it can bring to your belongings. Be sure to be well prepared to protect you, your family and your property during this season. Take quick action to mitigate further damage.


Know Your Risks

This is the time of the year that flooding is highlighted. Flooding can cause thousands of dollars in damage. Your area might be considered as free flood zone 10 years ago, but it might change over the years due to changes in structure. According to FEMA, the average flood claim from 2006 to 2010 was around $34, 000. That’s quite burdensome for many survivors, especially if the cost for repair and rebuild has to be taken from their own pockets.

It is important that you recheck your home whether it is now in a flood zone or not to take proper precautions before anything worse happens. Moreover, it is wise to understand the flood risks even if you don’t live in a flood zone area. Also, be sure to check the expected flood levels. By this, you will get an idea of what things should be saved before the water rises.


Be Floodsmart-Reduce Your Risk

As mentioned above, you don’t have to live in a flood zone to experience flood damage. Make sure to prepare now. Don’t wait for the things to get worse before you take any actions. Put emergency kit together, have some building supplies to strengthen your home against damage, have a plan in case your family has to evacuate your area, gather important documents or any irreplaceable items in a safe, dry place and most importantly, make sure that your whole family is well informed of what could happen in a flood, what they should do and how to keep safe during flood emergency.


Take Rapid Action To Lessen Damage After A Flood

More severe water damage happens when the mitigation process is delayed. Even when the majority of the water is removed from your home; there is a high possibility of mold growth. The water that soaked into your belongings can cause mold to grow. The quicker you take actions in repairing your property, the lesser that damage would be.

It is recommended that you contact the water removal company to properly assess the damage, remove all the water accurately and to make sure that repair is done accordingly.

Spring brings beauty and warmth after a gloomy winter, yet it also brings notable flooding in many communities. Prepare today to keep your family and your property safe for any unprecedented happenings.

Water Damages Your Furniture

One of the most functional and even valuable items you have in your home is your furniture. And, this can get the hardest hit when water breaks into your house. But, what really happens to your furniture when it gets wet? Can it be salvaged? How’s the process of salvaging furniture water damage? Allow us to give you in-depth information about water damaged furniture and how to deal with this unexpected and terrifying scenario.

Determine the type of water

Before taking any steps in cleaning your furniture, it is best to consider the risk factors present in the water. By that, we can determine the level of pathogens found in the water and what actions should be taken to salvage your furniture. Water damage is divided into three categories.

Category 1 or clean water is the water from leaky faucets or water that overflows from sinks or bathtub. This type of water does not contain any threats to your health.

Category 2 or grey water is the type of water that contains some form of contaminants. It might not be that harmful, but it could lead you to discomfort to the skin when contacted. Water from a toilet bowl, dirty water from washing machine and malfunctioned sump pump are just some of the sources of grey water.

Category 3 or black water is nasty water. It is most contaminated and poses threats to your health. This water comes from outdoor flooding or raw sewage.


If your furniture was damaged due to flood water or sewage back-up, it is less likely or in very rare cases salvageable as it contains contaminants that can be very harmful to your health when contacted. When the furniture is considered really valuable and you want it salvaged, you may call for professional help.

How to clean water damaged furniture

To start with, you need to move your furniture away from the water as quickly as possible. The longer you take action, the greater the damage will be. Upholstered pieces and wood pieces are the two most common type of furniture that gets water damage.


How to clean water damaged upholstery

Cleaning upholstered furniture is a very tricky thing to tackle and in most cases, water damaged upholstery is beyond saving especially when it gets soaked with black water. Furniture that was saturated with grey water requires pressure treated with very high-temperature water that kills any bacteria and other pathogens present. Then, it has to be properly dried. It is recommended to store upholstered furniture in a place where you can set up air movers and dehumidifier. Place the air movers in the position that allows hot air to pass over and through furniture. It is also necessary to include an industrial-strength humidifier in the room to absorb the moisture from wet upholstery.


How to clean water damaged wood furniture

In most cases, wood furniture can be salvaged. However, it needs proper steps of treatment to keep it strong and functional. When the wood furniture experienced severe damage, it has to be stripped down and the pieces should be removed. Make sure to dry out every piece before refinishing it. Loose joints should be glued. When you are experiencing severely damaged pieces, it is better left with professionals as it requires special tools and equipment to be restored. More importantly, they are expert in dealing with this issue and can assure you that they can bring back the beauty of your furniture.

Prevention Tips For Spring Water Damage

Spring has started. People have rested from cold dark days and nights of winter. It is one of the most enjoyable time of the year as flowers start to bloom and trees become greener. However, this is the season that brings heavy downpours and severe weather that can result in water damage. It’s not too late to prepare for another storm. Be alert of the possible effects of this season. Protect yourself, your family and your property from spring water damage. You can’t control the power of nature, yet taking some preventive measures can minimize the damage it can bring.


Inspect your roof (Hire a professional if necessary)

A roof over your head is what keeps you and your home protected from harsh weather, wildlife, and even vandals. Your roof weakens due to UV exposure, freeze/thaw cycles, wind and aging materials that could generate leakage, especially in heavy rain. Give your roof a little TLC. Get a ladder, inspect your roof, shingles, flashing, eaves, overhangs, and soffits for any signs of ice dams and other damage. Make sure that it is ready for any change of weather. Get a professional roof inspection to make sure that your roof is damage-free.


Clean the gutters and downspouts, repair if necessary

The main reason that water sits around your foundation is due to improper drainage from your gutters and downspouts. It can travel through the walls and can soak into your floors. Prevent water damage by checking your gutters and downspouts. Make sure that they are free from leaves, sticks, and dirt so water can flow freely off the roofs and away from your home. Add downspouts extension if necessary to ensure that water is flowing away from your foundation.


Make sure the ground around your house is graded away from your home

Making sure that roof and gutters are perfectly working could give you some peace of mind. But there is one thing that you still have to consider, the water should not be staying around your house. If the water keeps drawing back to your house, it can damage your foundation. Make sure that you grade the ground around your house properly, drawing the water to the street.


Check the sump pump in your basement

Sump pumps are necessary to avoid water to pool around the basements. However, since they are just used rarely, they are also not checked often. And, when called for action, it failed. So, there goes a call for emergency water mitigation services. Don’t let this happen. Make sure to test it every now and then. You can call a professional to fix any problems. The tendency of losing electricity during the storm is high. It is better to buy a generator as an alternative.


Is it too late? Are you now suffering from water damage due to spring storm? Time efficiency is the key to avoid hundreds and thousands of dollars in damage. Call us for any water mitigation services. We are available 24/7. We respond right away.

Understanding the Three Types of Water that can Flood your Home

One of the many stressful events a homeowner can experience is water damage. Water damage in some cases is often unavoidable, like floodwater intruding your property or having a leaky roof making it possible for rainwater to get into your home.

Water enters your home in any means and at any time can generate water damage. Whichever the causes are, the effects are constantly terrible. Moreover, contact with such kind of water can lead to health risks.

Why it is necessary to understand the categories of water damage?

The first thing you do as an owner when flood water damage got into your home, is to bring everything back to its normal phase, that includes cleaning out and drying up of the affected area. But, most people might have not known that water damage has different categories and each type is associated with danger. Understanding each type of water damage prevents you and your whole family from any harmful effects.

Below are the three types of Water Damage;

Category 1- The Clean Water

It is considered to be clean as the water is from sources that do not give rise to any harmful diseases, such as rainwater, water from leaky faucets, water that overflows from sink or bathtub and any appliances malfunctions that supply water line.

This category of water damage is easier to handle. Things that were affected can be salvaged. However, if the action in removing the water is not prompt or timely or no action was done after 48 hours, it can then categorize as category 2.




Category 2 – Grey Water

This type of water damage can bring health issues due to the contamination of bacteria and mold. The water in this category contains chemicals that could lead to discomfort to the skin and illnesses when consumed or contacted. The sources of category 2 are water losses from a bowl (containing urine), dirty water from washing machine or dishwasher and flood damage from malfunctioned sump pumps.

When the water seeps into a carpet, the technicians have to remove its padding as its sponge-like structure invites bacteria or mold growth.

This category changes to category 3 if action is not made within 2 days.




Category 3 – Black Water

This is the most hazardous type of water damage, considered as the grossly unsanitary water. The most common sources of Category 3 water are broken sewer lines, backed-up sewer mains, extended rain-events, flash floods, and even hurricane flooding. Sewage has human waste while the rising flood water is contaminated by the things it has passed by, examples are trash, oil and so much more.

It is essential to call professionals when this type of water enters your home. This dirty water contains pathogens that cause detrimental diseases such as Hepatitis B and C, Norovirus, Tetanus, West Nile virus, Tuberculosis and HIV / AIDS.




Time efficient is the key to handling any type of water damage. The quicker you take an action, the lesser the effects may set in.



We are here for you! Superior Restore technicians are expert in dealing with any type of water damage. We can easily assess the type of water damage you are facing and will take well-suited actions to address it. We will take care of you with the advanced quality of service and state-of-the-art equipment. We make sure that we can address any emergencies 24/7. Call Superior Restore now!

The Effects of Water Damage in Commercial Properties

If homeowners experience water damage in their property, so do business owners. Commercial properties are not exempted to water damage. Water damage arises from various sources, such as leaky pipes, broken gutters or appliances, or even unexpected disasters. Water damage has consequential effects not only on the finances of the business owners but also to the health condition of its occupants. Below are the effects of Water damage in Commercial Properties;

• Business Interruption – Business interruption is defined as anticipated (such as due to a strike) or unanticipated (such as due to a power failure) disruption of the normal operations of a firm. The serious physical damage of the property forces interruption of the business. The office itself has to be shut down for repairs and restoration of the structure of the building and its equipment.

• Loss of revenue – Loss of revenue happens when the company makes less from its normal operations. Shutting down your operations and losing potential customers lead to loss of revenue.

• Adverse effects on the health condition of the occupants – Poor indoor air quality can generate illnesses such as asthma, allergies fatigue and nausea. It can also contribute to the mold growth that adds up to the worse effects of water damage. Effects on health condition can lead to more sick days and sluggish production.

As important as the property is for its owner, it is also the same with the business owner. Yet, water damage chooses no one. The effects of water damage result in a big amount of financial loss and illnesses to the employees. Thus, prevention is very critical. Some preventive measures are educating the superiors on water damage preparedness, having readily available tools in case of emergency and a list of emergency contact numbers.

Preventing Water Damage at Home - DIY

Water damage is one of the major problems homeowners face. It is something they have to deal with the help of professionals. And, it would cost them an arm and a leg. “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”, keeping this saying in mind, can prevent you from spending exorbitantly. Below are some of the things you can do to prevent water damage at home.

1. Inspect your roof – Inspect your roof twice a year. Inspecting your roof can avoid any future damage and can prevent you from spending a lot of money.

• Check your shingles. You can use a pair of binoculars to see any potential problems, such as missing or broken shingles, cracked flashing or large debris on the roof.

• You should also be checking your ceiling and attics regularly. The most common warning signs of a leak are musty odors in certain rooms, water stains on your ceiling, spots on your exterior walls and bulging patches on your interior walls.

• Some things that you can do when inspecting your roof are washing your roof with bleach and water, trimming any overhanging branches, and patching up your chimney.

2. Clean your gutters- A good drainage system allows the free flow of water and in most cases prevents accumulation that can lead to flooding.

• Clean your gutters twice a year and one after a big storm. Begin cleaning near a downspout, remove large debris (leaves, twigs, etc.) with a garden trowel or your hands and flush the gutters and downspouts with a garden hose.

• Install gutter guards. Gutter guards can bolster the flow of water through your downspouts and gutters because they prevent them from clogging up.

3. Caulk and seal your windows – Caulking and sealing your windows can prevent water or moisture get into your house and retain its structural stability. Caulk can also be applied in some parts of your house such as ceiling fixtures, drains, bathtub to keep water from flowing in the areas of your home. Follow the steps in applying caulk.

• First thing to do is to choose the right caulk. Caulks come in many different ways. Choose the silicone caulk for it is waterproof and flexible.

• Second, clean the surface by removing any old caulk or loose particles. Moreover, you can use a wet rag to wipe out any remaining debris as caulk cannot stick properly with it and dry the area completely before you start caulking.

• Third, prepare the tube and seal. Insert the caulk tube into the gun and place the nozzle tip on the spot where you want to start caulking. Keep the pressure steady to control the amount of caulk applied.

• Lastly, smooth the seal. Smooth out the caulk by using caulking tool, a putty knife, your finger or a damp rag. Smooth the caulked area to keep it neat and uniform.

4. Check your pipes – Check your pipes once a year. It is important to check your pipes for damage and loose connections, and wear and tear that could lead to a flood of water or raw sewage into your home. It is also advisable to check the pipes around appliances.


5. Test Your Sump Pump –A sump pump is a machine installed in the lowest part of a basement or crawlspace. It is used to defend your home against a flood or accumulating ground water. Test your sump pump periodically to make sure it is working properly to protect your home. Procedures in testing your sump pump are as follows,

• Examine the pipe itself and its outlet pipe. See whether the pipe has any external damage or clogs. Remove any debris if necessary.

• Check the electrical components, wires or cords. The cord should be plugged in properly to its functioning outlet.

• Pour a five-gallon bucket with water around the sump pump. Pour the water slowly until the pump kick on and starts to drain the area. If it doesn’t turn on, it may be clogged or damaged.

In every situation, prevention is the best way to avoid any major problems. Consider doing the tips above to ensure that your house is free from any water damage.

How To Fix Toilet Related Water Damages

Toilet-related water damages are costly and can set you back by hundreds of dollars. Most instances of toilet water damage start with clogged or overflowing toilets. Homeowners can avoid bigger damages if they intercept issue in time and implement simple maintenance repairs. The following information will help you prevent water-related damages from deteriorating.

What Can You Do if Your Toilet Overflows?

If your toilet is leaking or overflowing, consult the following guide and follow the steps mentioned here to prevent the chances of permanent water damage at your home.

·         Adjusting the float could help. If you do not detect any kind of blockage, then it is highly likely that the overflowing water is caused by high level of float. You can prevent overflow and water damage by simply re-adjusting its level. Lower the float until you do achieve the desired bowl fill level.

·         If your toilet is clogged, avoid the temptation of flushing it again and again just to see if the waste moves down the drain. This will only lead to a greater accumulation of water in the bowl and could even cause dirty water to flow out.

·         Try clearing the blockage with the use of a plunger. If the toilet is clogged but is not throwing water out onto the bathroom floor, try dislodging the obstruction with a plunger.

·         Make sure no more water gets into the toilet until the clog is cleared. Turn off the water supply to the toilet. The knob is typically located near the base of the tank on the wall behind.

·         Call a plumber to fix the underlying issue.

·         Seek help of a restoration company to safely clean up any toilet water damage.  

Does Your Insurance Cover Water Damage from Toilets?

Since every homeowner’s insurance policy is different, the definite answer to this question depends on what is and what is not covered by your particular insurance agreement. Homeowner policies generally cover the damages that occur to toilets. They also cover all water-related damages that are deemed as “sudden” by the insurance company. Mold damage is typically not covered by the policy, however. This is because mold growth is considered to be caused by homeowner’s negligence. Damages caused by clogged sewer lines are also usually not covered by policies.

How Can You Avoid or Reduce Toilet Water Damages?

·         Keep a check on your flush. If you feel that your toilet could be clogged, wait for a few seconds after you flush and see whether it fills all the way to the top. If the water level keeps rising you can reach inside the tank and change the level of float. This will stop the water from overflowing and prevent water damage. Don’t forget to cut out the toilet’s water supply as well.

·         Perform regular maintenance of your toilet. Check the various components of the toilet including the different water supply valves installed in the bathroom.

If your toilet is flooded to a point which requires a big clean up job, you should leave it to the professionals at Superior Restoration to provide you an exceptional service.