Preparing for the Claims Process and Adjuster Visit After a Commercial Fire

11/1/2022 (Permalink)

Preparing for the Claims Process and Adjuster Visit After a Commercial Fire

Depending on the extent of the damage, most business owners will choose to file a fire claim after experiencing such a disaster. Unfortunately, making a claim on your policy can create a lot of stress and anxiety because it is a process that most people are not familiar with. Therefore, to help you prepare for the claims process and the visit from the insurance adjuster, follow these four steps.

1. Call your insurer
2. Mitigate further loss
3. Gather and maintain records
4. Document loss
   
   

Call Your Insurer

Before you can even consider getting the ball rolling on fire restoration, you need to call your insurer and explain what happened. During this phone call, they will probably ask a few probing questions about the fire and the extent of the damage, then they will tell you that they are sending someone out to assess the property and damage.

Mitigate Further Loss

Before touching anything in your property, make sure you clear it with your insurer first, so that you do not jeopardize your fire claim. Most insurance companies expect property owners to take the necessary steps to protect their facility from further property loss. Therefore, they will probably recommend using a fire mitigation company in Bella Villa, MO. Any company you work with may offer board-up or tarping services to protect your building.

Gather and Maintain Records

Next, regardless of the level of fire damage, you will need to gather any relevant records of the damaged property. Also, for any work that you need to complete before the adjuster approves your claim, make sure you keep all receipts and paperwork.

Document Loss

Last, take plenty of photographs of the damaged property. If you have any pictures or documentation of when the items were first purchased, then it may be useful to the adjuster to see those as well. Organize all of the photos and paperwork so that it makes sense.
The process for submitting a fire claim can seem overwhelming, but as with any other bureaucratic process, claims are built around a series of predictable steps. Therefore, when preparing for your claim, follow the steps above and you should be just fine.

Which Air Purifiers Filter Out Mold Spores?

9/17/2022 (Permalink)

Which Air Cleaners Remove Mold Spores?

HEPA Air Purifiers
A HEPA filter meets a standard for filtering airborne particulates set by the U.S. Department of Energy. This standard includes all of the following specifications:

• Removes at least 99.97% of airborne particles
• Captures particles 0.3 microns in diameter and larger
• Meets retention requirements for a HEPA class
  
  

There are several classes of HEPA filters, including three classes -- E, H and U. Each class has three subcategories. E class filters have the lowest average retention rate, while U filters have the highest rates of averaged and spot retention.

Carbon Air Filtration
A carbon air filter is used primarily to remove gases. This makes this type of filter useful for eliminating microbial volatile organic compounds released during the metabolic cycle of mold. Carbon filters are effective at capturing spores and mVOCs, making this style of purifier useful for homes undergoing mold remediation.

Ionic or Electrostatic Filters
Ionic and electrostatic filters both function by causing particles to drop down to surfaces where they can be cleaned. A HEPA-rated vacuum can be used to get rid of mold spores that drop down out of the air during operation of these types of charged filters. Technically, both of these filters are ionic and may contribute unwanted ozone to indoor air.
Any air purifier will be of limited use prior to taking measures to resolve a mold problem at a household in Mehlville, MO. HEPA, carbon, or ionic air filtration equipment will be most effective when this air quality technology is deployed during the later stages of mold remediation and cleanup.

3 Things To Do if Mold is in Your Home

8/20/2022 (Permalink)

Mold damage in Bella Villa, MO

Mold Development

After water damage affects your Bella Villa, MO, home, there’s a chance you could also develop problems with mold. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do if mold is discovered. Here are three things you may want to consider.

1. Call a Professional

One of the first steps to consider taking is contacting a local mold damage remediation service. These professionals have the training and tools needed to locate any mold, assess the damage, contain the space, and clean the area. Professionals will often use plastic sheeting to separate the area in which the mold is growing from other areas of the home to prevent spreading. While working in the contained area they will also wear protective gear such as gloves, masks, clothing covers, and shoe coverings.

2. Look for Leaks

Another step for mold prevention is to look for any leaks, or other sources of water damage, any time you suspect mold may be present. These spaces can be around plumbing, window frames, under the roof, or in basement areas when moisture condensation may occur. Water can soak in and create a damp environment which is hospitable for mold growth. Finding these areas and making repairs quickly can help prevent mold from growing in the first place.

3. Repair Damage Quickly.

It’s important to make repairs to any damage you do find in your home as quickly as possible. This can not only help prevent mold growth but may also help prevent other related damage problems such as warped wood. Additionally, the longer water is left, the more time mold spores have to grow and spread.

Any time water damage is present there is also a chance mold could appear. This is why it’s important to contact a professional for help. It’s also a good idea to look for any leaks that could be causing the damage, and make repairs quickly.

Our Newest General Manager!

6/21/2022 (Permalink)

Congratulations to our newest general manager!

It’s time to announce our newest General Manager, Steve Burgdorf! Starting as a part-time employee over ten years ago, owner Kevin Thole says Steve has been instrumental to our mission and growth, rising through the ranks to his newest position.

In addition to his glow-up (featured above??), Steve has gained invaluable wisdom in the world of restoration and serving others. A typical day in the life of Steve includes showing up early and working late, solving problems and making sure operations run smoothly and efficiently. And while he’s great at those things, Steve’s favorite part of the job is helping people who have had their lives upended from property damage get back on their feet. There’s always something new, and the opportunity to see others reach their personal and professional goals gets Steve excited every day.

Steve is inspired by the positive and optimistic people around him — an optimism he also reflects — and relishes a challenge. Even when days are long and tough, Steve says that it is rewarding to know you’ve made a positive difference in people’s lives, and that makes everything worth it.

Thanks for all you do Steve! You’re a rockstar!

Stay tuned for an announcement regarding Steve’s other promotion this week!

What Causes a Toilet to Leak When Flushing?

1/29/2022 (Permalink)

When you purchase a toilet in Lemay, MO, you expect it to last for years without giving it much thought. Then one day, you start noticing a bit of a leak around the floor and you may get upset and not know what to do about it. There are a few things you can check to discover the cause of a leaking toilet.

What to Check When Your Toilet Leaks

• Tighten the closet bolts holding the toilet to the floor
• If water still leaks out, you may need a new wax ring
• Inspect the bowl and base for cracks, even hairline could leak
  
  

Over time the closet bolts (white porcelain covered bolts at base of toilet) can work loose, allowing water to seep out between the base of the toilet and the wax ring. This is a simplest fix for a bathroom leak. Bolts should be tightened a bit at a time alternating sides to avoid cracking or an uneven seal. If this is the problem, you shouldn’t see any more leaking.

If the leak isn’t stopped by tightening the bolts, you may need to replace the weakened wax ring. Turn off the water supply, remove the closet bolts and unseat the toilet from the floor. Remove the old wax seal and replace it. Set the toilet in place and retighten the bolts.

If you still experience a bathroom leak, the toilet itself may need to be replaced. Check for cracks or fissures in the interior of the bowl. You may resist the thought of replacing the fixture but a leaking toilet can cost much more in the way of water damage to your home. Even a slow and steady leak can cause mold or rot in the floor boards and presents the possibility water leaking into the floor below.

A reliable emergency water damage service in Lemay, MO, can help to clean up and repair the damage “Like it never even happened.” Checking things out at the first sign of trouble can prevent the destruction of an ongoing leaking toilet and keep things sound and peaceful.