Restoration and Cleaning

 

Restoration and Cleaning

Question:
Due to the rain storm yesterday, my house became flooded. I have hardwood flooring throughout the house and would like to know what I can do to preserve it?
Answer:

The excess water should be mopped and debris removed. The floor has to be dried to prevent warping of the wood floor. Do not use heat for drying. The windows and doors should be opened to allow the air to dry the hardwood floor. A high volume fan can be turned on to speed up the drying process.

Question:
I had a fire in my home that killed my husband. I am now in the process of repair. How can I tell if the materials being used are "like kind and quality" to what I had before? I feel like I am being taken advantage of by the repair company and the insurance company.
Answer:

Please accept our best wishes for you at this difficult time. I cannot be specific, since you did not provide the age of your home; the extent of the damage; or what makes you feel like you are "being taken advantage of." Your concern is very understandable. It is appropriate to speak with your insurance agent and repair company about your concerns. Politely ask your questions and listen to their answers. Request of a copy of the materials list for your project. When they know you care, they will work harder for you. If you selected a reputable firm for your repairs, then trust your judgment and allow them to do the professional job you desire.

Question:
Hello, I recently had to make a claim after my sump pump failed during the floods. I am told I will lose my claim free rating. How long before I get it back and what things should I know about in making a claim.
Answer:

Generally to obtain your claims free discount back it is about 3 years depending on the insurance company that you are insured with. Steps to take in the event of a claim. Call your broker immediately following a claim. Prevent further damage to the best of your ability. Take pictures, take sample of water.

Question:
I'm curious to know if the insurance companies have thought or heard about the use of fire retardants. I've seen the ads in the paper on No Burn and how it was used on the Extreme makeover show. I would like to know if I was to use something like this, would/could I get a reduction in my rates similar to having an alarm installed installed into my home.
Answer:

Our brokerage did in fact bring No Burn to the attention of the insurance companies however at this time they have taken no action. With an alarm system you would receive a reduction without No Burn.

Question:
We recently had a fire in attic. Contractors took FOREVER to remove wet insulation. They left 2 vents open in attic. Serious rain storm and had wet insulation again. Now I have water spots in 2 parts of my house. Does that part of the ceiling need to be replaced? I don't want them telling me it doesn't when it really should be.
Answer:

Yes it should. Water stains indicate damage to drywall because the water has penetrated all the way through to create the stain on the ceiling and no amount of painting will make it go away. Since you say the contractors "took forever" to remove the insulation, my bet is that there might be some mold growth where it was the wettest for the longest amount of time since, generally speaking, untreated water problems can lead to mold growth in as little as 3 days. Of course there are other environmental factors involved and, without a visual inspection, I can't tell you if this has happened. That being said, my recommendation is to take out the wet drywall and see what is there. If what is above the ceiling is dry, if nothing else, you will be removing the stains once and for all.

Question:
I own a rental condo that was flooded from the suite directly above one month ago. There is laminate floor in the suite. At the time of the flood you could hear the water swooshing underneath as you step on it. The restoration company came in & let the fans run for a couple of days but never removed the flooring. My concern is mold. I realize that the floor has to be removed ASAP. What are the proper steps to prevent mold as a result of water trapped underneath the laminate?
Answer:

The restoration companies will usually do everything that is necessary to ensure that the mold will not spread. They would be the the right people to bring your concerns to, as all of these things are generally looked after by the time us flooring people start to help.

Question:
We were grilling and accidentally set the stone on the patio on fire. Is there an easy way to get out the scorched residual?
Answer:

There is a product on the market, that is a spray and is used on fireplace logs and brick for cleaning that may work! Or you may want to try Muriatic acid.

Question:
I am repairing a floor that was damaged from a broken pipe that resulted in a bubbled up particle board underlayment floor. Would it be better to remove the particle board and replace it with plywood? Is it recommended to use fiber/particle board underlayment in a kitchen or bathroom floor? Would it be a good idea to put 1/2" plywood over the damaged particleboard?
Answer:

The best recommendation would be to remove the old particle board underlayment and replace it with 1/2" plywood...but a good quality plywood. Bare minimum would be to remove the damaged area and replace that section. Anytime particle board gets wet it won't flatten back out and be usable for underlayment.

Question:
My husband and I want to purchase a foreclosed property and it has extensive fire damage to the roof and rafters. We have flipped homes in the past but this one we would like to make our home. I do not know much about roofs, rafters and was wondering if we need to replace the entire roof and rafters or is there a way to seal the fire damage? Also what would a rough estimate cost for a new roof on a ranch home of 1000 sq ft ?
Answer:

I would absolutely consult with a contractor that could evaluate the present roof condition and advise the necessary steps and an estimate, if you plan to make this your future home you will want to do it right. thank you for your inquiry to MY HOME IMPROVEMENT.

Question:
A water line to my kitchen sink burst and the leaking water damaged the base of the cabinet under the sink. What are some options to replace the wood base? I have to deal with the plumbing and the center brace for a 2 door opening.
Answer:

You would need to replace the whole sink base unit. .You can have a cabinet made and use your same doors or if those are damaged, you can match new doors to your existing. Your counter top would need to be removed to do this.