3 Ways To Limit Damage From a Sewage Backup

6/25/2022 (Permalink)

Sewer backup in a bathtub in Bryson City, NC.

Three Ways To Stop Flooding From Main line Backup

A sewer backup can contaminate building materials and contents with Category Three black water containing solid waste. It may be possible to reduce the extent of mitigation and restoration by taking measures to limit the spread of damage. Here are three ways to stop flooding from spreading from a bathtub backup, flooded toilet, or main line backup that affects basement floor drains or a sewer trap.

1. Stop the Spread of Contaminated Water

Homeowners may want to try to prevent contaminated water from making contact with carpet, drywall or other porous contents. Any materials that are exposed to this type of damage must be disinfected. As it is difficult to thoroughly clean porous materials, it may be necessary to tear out and replace these items to reduce the risk of bacteria or mold growth.

2. Block a Tub Drain

It may be possible to prevent a bathtub backup by blocking a tub drain. This measure may help to make cleanup less extensive. Be sure to plug drains before attempting to clear clogs with a plunger or auger.

3. Clear the Blockage As Soon As Possible

A homeowner should find a way to stop a sewer backup as soon as possible. If DIY efforts to snake a toilet, floor drain, or drain cleanout are not successful, he or she should contact a plumber for blockages that seem to originate at a property. Get in touch with a sewage company for flooding that originates from a municipal main. The sooner the problem is solved, the lower the risk of further damage.

These measures may reduce the severity of residential sewer damage. Homeowners can attempt to clear secondary line blockages and clean up minor damage on their own. A main line sewer backup that results in major damage may require the expertise and equipment of a plumber or sewage company and restoration specialists in Bryson City, NC.

4 Steps to Recover from Wind and Hail Damage

6/2/2022 (Permalink)

Missing roof shingles in a home in Waynesville, NC.

Four Steps To Take After a Storm

The roof of your Waynesville, NC, home is vital for protecting everything underneath it. When hail and high winds blow through, it may mean a roof repair is needed. The longer you wait to deal with the wind damage, the more chances of the damage spreading. To avoid that, below are four steps to take after the storm passes.

1. Assess the Damage
Understanding the extent of damage provides a guideline for how the following steps will unfold. Complete an assessment of the damage to the best of your ability, ensuring safety always comes first. Signs of immediate trouble include missing shingles, cracked fascia, standing water in the attic, and crooked chimneys.

2. File a Claim
Once you have an idea of what you are dealing with, it’s time to call your insurance provider. Keep in mind that it may take time for the adjuster to come to your home. While you wait, document all the damage to help speed up the process.

3. Conduct Roof Damage Remediation
An essential component of weathering the storm is to make any temporary roof repair that will mitigate secondary damage, such as mold growth, from forming. This may be as simple as tarping up a hole or area in the attic with visible signs of water damage. A vital component of this step is starting the water extraction and drying processes.

Call in the Professionals
Another step to take while waiting is to call a company that is certified to complete mold, storm and water damage restoration repairs. A trusted professional will complete an assessment of the damage within 48 hours and work with your insurer to ensure that all repairs are handled quickly and the right way.
The weather has a way of wreaking havoc on homes. If the latest storm requires a roof repair, the above steps make it easier to get back the protection your home needs.

How To Maintain Your Commercial Roof

4/22/2022 (Permalink)

How often do you keep your gutters clean?

Commercial Roof Maintenance

It is easy to ignore the roof of your commercial building. After all, you do not typically look at the roof during a given workday. You probably focus your maintenance and repairs on the walls and floors that you can easily examine. Yet your roof needs plenty of attention, as well. A roof leak during a storm could be disastrous for your Hazelwood, NC, business.
With regular upkeep of your roof, you can reduce the risk of flooding during a severe weather event. This, in turn, should limit your need for emergency restoration services. Here are some tips for maintaining your commercial roof.

1. Keep It Clean

A worn-down or dirty roof is more likely to fail during a storm. To make sure your roof is strong enough to withstand rain, snow and wind, you should remove any debris immediately. A buildup of leaves and other items could cause the growth of algae and mold that weakens the roof.
Keeping the drains and gutters clear is also important. A clog in either of these areas can cause a roof leak.

2. Trim Trees

Storms do not just bring rain and snow. Wind damage is also quite common. If trees are too close to your building, branches could blow off those trees and onto the roof. You should thus have the trees pruned regularly. This should also prevent nuts and leaves from falling into the gutters.

3. Get an Inspection

A professional contractor will notice potential trouble spots on your roof that the untrained eye could miss. Have the pro inspect your roof at least twice per year. The expert should specifically look for sagging areas or cracks. He or she should also check near the eaves, vents and skylights.
Even a minor roof leak can cause a lot of harm over time. If you clean the gutters, trim nearby trees and hire an inspector, your roof should sustain minimal storm damage.

Nor’easters: 5 Things You Should Know

3/24/2022 (Permalink)

Nor’easters can cause everything from flooding to power outages.

5 Things to Know About Nor'easters

As a Bryson City, NC, resident and homeowner, you need to be aware of nor’easters and their potentially damaging effects in your part of the country. Here are five facts to know before you find yourself facing a nor’easter.

1. These storms are most common between September and April. Nor’easters can occur at any time of year, but you can expect them to be a bigger threat around fall and winter. The reason for this is that cold and warm air is more likely to combine during this time period and create the perfect storm.

2. They aren’t just about snow. This may be one of the lesser-known nor’easter facts - rain, heavy winds, and damaging coastal waters are all possible. Snow is very common, especially since many of these storms occur in the wintertime, but it is important to remember that hurricane-like effects are quite possible when a nor’easter hits.

3. Nor’easters are common in Bryson City, NC. These storms are mainly a threat to the Northeast, particularly along the East Coast.

4. They are dangerous. Nor’easters can cause everything from flooding to power outages, and roads tend to be unsafe during and even after such a storm. Make sure that you stock up on supplies and listen to what local authorities are saying throughout such an event.

5. No official scale exists. There is an informal intensity scale called the Dolan-Davis scale that measures nor’easters, but it is not widely popular.

If the possibility of a nor’easter makes you worry about storm damage from floods, remember that professional help is available if destruction should occur. If you find yourself facing one of these infamous weather events, wait until the chaos calms down and call your local storm damage restoration service. Many technicians can arrive quickly to help with emergencies and begin creating a cleanup and repair plan right away.