Your Property Restoration Experts in Falls Church

Mold is a type of fungi that grows both indoors and outdoors. When mold grows outdoors, it acts as a decomposer to help break down organic matter. However, when it grows in the house, it poses various health risks to you and your family. You will most likely find mold in dark, warm, damp, and humid places in your house, such as under sinks, in bathrooms, basements, and around plumbing pipes. Mold can also be prevalent in attics due to unaddressed roof leaks and excess moisture. Unfortunately, it’s hard to detect mold damage in your Arlington home if you don’t know what to look for. Below are some signs that indicate you or your family may be suffering from mold exposure and some helpful tips on how to act fast and fix the situation (with mold remediation services). Signs of Mold Damage to Look Out For Common signs that you might have mold damage in your house include: Mold Odor: Mold gives off a musty odor, like the smell of old books. If you’ve noticed this smell, it might mean you have a mold infestation in your home. Signs of Water Damage: Water damage produces moisture, which is the perfect condition for mold to grow and thrive. Water stains and discoloration of your walls or other surfaces might be a sign of mold. Past Flooding: If you have experienced flooding in your home in the past, this will give room for possible water damage, and ultimately mold growth. Symptoms of Mold Exposure Mold exposure affects people differently. Some people may experience severe symptoms if exposed to mold for long periods. Eye irritation: Mold releases spores that can get into the eyes and cause irritation and redness. Skin irritation: Mold spores can also cause skin redness and itchiness. The skin inside your nose may also react to mold and mold spores by producing more mucus, causing a runny nose or sneezing. Shortness of breath: People who suffer from allergies can have difficulty breathing when they come into contact with mold spores. Prolonged mold exposure can easily aggravate asthma or trigger an attack, especially in children, older adults, and people with allergies. Sore throat: Mold exposure can also cause a sore throat, coughing, and wheezing, as the spores irritate the larynx and cause swelling. If you have experienced health complications and allergic reactions due to mold, seek medical help immediately and get an expert restoration company to assess your home. Why You Need Mold Remediation Services Mold remediation services are necessary when you notice signs of mold in your home. Be proactive and take the following steps: Get a plumber to fix any damaged pipes to prevent further leaks and stop additional damage to your property. Call for a professional mold inspection and remediation service like Restoration 1of Arlington. Mold remediation is best left in the hands of a professional, but some Arlington homeowners choose to go the DIY route. When dealing with mold, always wear protective clothing, a mask or respirator, goggles, rubber boots, and gloves. You don’t want the mold to touch any part of your body or allow the spores to get into your eyes or respiratory system. You can also wear a mold-resistant suit or disposable clothing if you are dealing with a significant mold infestation. Read our recent blog post here to find out more about DIY mold removal versus professional mold remediation. Working with Professionals Mold can be hazardous, especially when left unchecked. An expert property restoration and mold remediation service will help you eliminate mold completely without having to worry about recurrence. At Restoration 1 of Arlington, we use the following when eliminating mold from your property: EPA-Approved Antimicrobial Agents: This family of mold-killing antifungals is often not sold to the general public. They are crucial in killing mold and preventing its growth and should only be used by trained professionals. Air-Filtration Devices: These prevent mold spores from spreading. They isolate mold spores and destroy them. HEPA Vacuum: High-Efficiency Particulate Air vacuums trap allergens. Industrial-quality HEPA vacuums recover mold spores more effectively than commercial models. Not only do we have the experience, but we also have all the right tools, equipment, and knowledge for complete mold remediation. If you suspect you have a mold infestation, reach out to Restoration 1 of Arlington today and get your home mold-free in no time!

Buying a newly-built home isn’t everyone’s dream. In fact, many people like the charm and character that older homes offer. Think butler pantries, telephone nooks, and sleeping porches. These character traits and historical features are attractive to some and provide a unique aspect to your home that isn’t common in today’s modern architecture and interiors. It’s all very romantic; wood-burning fireplaces, ornate trims, and moldings, rustic wood beams on the ceilings. However, not all the characteristics of an older home are charming. Some are just downright problematic. There are a couple of essential items to be aware of to ensure there are no severe issues plaguing the old home of your dreams. It’s necessary to do extensive research before agreeing to the sale. You don’t want to be left with a house that looks good on paper but is crumbling on the inside. It can cost an arm and a leg to fix up some of these issues too.  So go into the purchase with your eyes wide open and with an inspector at your side. Not all problems are big problems, but they all need to be considered.  Let’s have a look at what to inspect when considering buying an older property in Arlington:    Foundations Inspection of the foundation of the home is vital. Can you see small settlement cracks, or are the support footings damaged? These issues are often caused by general aging, or they can be from constantly wet soil or even tree roots. Signs that you have foundation problems include cracks in the interior or exterior walls and uneven flooring.    Basic Structure Ensure the structure of your new old home is looking good by checking the waterproofing, roof insulation, how the windows seal, and the gutters and downspouts. Make sure the gutters and downspouts aren’t blocked or sagging and the joints are all intact. Additionally, make sure the gutters drain water effectively and direct it away from the house to prevent pools of water collecting near the building which can cause water damage.   Windows and Doors Check for rotten seals around the frames of windows and doors inside and outside. Failing seals is a leading cause of water damage in a home. Is the caulk peeling? Is the wood discolored or soft? While old and tired windows aren’t a deal-breaker, be sure to repair and replace any of the damaged wood in order to prevent water damage down the line.    Water Damage and Damp Issues Older plumbing pipes have likely rusted or burst at some point. Can you see any tell-tale signs of leaks, or have any areas been touched up with fresh paint? Pay special attention to discolorations on walls, warping on floors or drywall, and cabinets that look ‘bloated’. The reason it’s imperative to identify water damage is that there may be a hidden mold infestation along with the water damage and many of the previously wet building materials may need to be replaced.    Mold Mold forms from all sorts of events, like cracks in a damp foundation, flooding, leaky or broken pipes, and pooling water around the home’s foundation. When inspecting your older home, look at the direction of the slope either to or from the house, the condition of the gutters, damaged roof shingles, water rings on the ceiling or walls, warped floors, watermarks in the cabinets under sinks, and the smell of mildew. All of these items may be indicators of a past or future property damage issue.   The Roof is in a Poor Condition  This is a common issue with older homes. The roof’s condition will depend on the weather experienced in the area where you are buying, whether the roof was well maintained throughout the years, and any initial installation problems. Take a look for missing shingles, a bowing gutter, or leaks in the attic or top floor.   Updated systems  Depending on how old the home you intend to buy is, it’s almost a given that you may have to update the electrical system and check or add smoke detectors. An old electrical system won’t keep up with the daily demands of a modern home. Have a lookout for ungrounded outlets and change to grounded wiring. If you have knob and tube wiring, this should be updated too. Get a certified inspector out to check that everything is in tip-top condition. Are there smoke detectors? If not, add this to the list of upgrades that need to be made immediately.    Plumbing  Unfortunately, many older homes still have lead plumbing pipes. The problem with this is that the pipes decompose as they get old, seeping lead into your drinking water. Polybutylene pipes on the other hand, corrode quickly and can eventually burst. Be on the lookout for low water pressure, leaks, roots growing into your underground sewer system, and slow draining water.  Don’t romanticize buying a house in Arlington. Take note of all the facts and make sure you understand what you are getting yourself into. Pay attention to the issues your home inspector identifies and figure out what the costs will be to fix any critical issues. You don’t want to make the purchase and find out it will cost you a fortune to repair all the aging property issues you are faced with.    Restoration 1 of Arlington is Here to Help If you need the experts to repair property damage, our highly trained and certified team will be able to restore your Arlington property quickly and efficiently to its former glory.  By partnering with us, rest assured your property repair and restoration is in the right, capable hands. For more information about our property and water damage restoration process, click here. 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The bad news is that hurricane season is already upon us. The good news is that we know when they’re coming – and so we have time to prepare. A hurricane warning means that you have 36 hours to make a plan. But, please don’t leave your tropical storm plans for the last few hours! We encourage you to educate yourself and your loved ones – and to organize your house accordingly.   What You Need to Know About Hurricanes in 2021   2021 looks likely to pick up where 2020 left off. Last year’s hurricane season was off the charts – literally. Hurricanes are named A through Z, and after those ran out last year, the letters of the Greek alphabet were used – causing confusion for the pronunciation of similar-sounding names like Zeta, Eta, Theta, and Iota. So while the World Meteorological Organization recently announced that the names of Greek letters were being retired, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasted an “above-average” hurricane season in the Atlantic. Starting with the name Ana in 2021, a hurricane with a human name could be making landfall to a coastal town near you. It takes 14 named storms, 3 major hurricanes, and 7 hurricanes to constitute an ‘average’ hurricane season. The NOAA reckons the increased averages since 1995 are on account of the better technology we have to detect the storms (the good news for us) and a “high-activity era” that can’t be blamed directly on climate change. “Hurricane hunters” are satellites that provide reliable information on the strength and structure of a tropical storm. This leads to accurate forecasts and warnings and coordinated emergency plans with communities in coastal areas. This is where your cooperation is needed – we’ll get to that later on.   What to Expect   If you are a resident of the US Gulf Coast, expect a 70% likelihood of a hurricane landfall along your coast in 2021. An average season has a 50% probability by way of comparison. When a hurricane reaches land, it loses power as it can no longer draw water from the ocean. But the strong winds cause a storm surge, which in turn causes flooding and destroys property. Damage is quickly done. The Gulf of Mexico is warmer than average this year; so too is most of the Atlantic Basic (it’s particularly warm off the Northeast coast and near Bermuda). Hurricanes love warm sea temperatures and will start to develop thanks to the periodic cooling of the tropical eastern and Central Pacific oceans, called La Niña. The moist air mass is created when cool winds and warm sea air mix – and so the trouble starts. Hurricane Laura was one such hurricane last year that started out as a tropical wave, before making landfall in Louisiana, causing 77 deaths and property damage in excess of $19 billion.   How to Prepare for a Tropical Storm   Even though we are in the midst of a global pandemic, and your focus may be elsewhere, it helps to be hurricane-ready. Make a plan for severe weather in your area by taking note of these Top 3 Things You Can Do To Stay Ahead of The Tropical Storm:   Family Evacuation Plan. In the event of an emergency and your family becoming separated, have an agreed-upon rendezvous point and pre-planned escape routes in accordance with your town’s evacuation protocol. This plan can include shutting off the power at your house if you leave in a rush and preparing survival kits with medication and valuable documentation beforehand. Think of your pets too. Evaluate your electrical situation. Are all your appliances above the expected floodwater levels? Have you got a backup generator in case you stay home but there’s a power outage? A sump pump is handy if you need to drain excess water away from the house. Secure the perimeter. Now is a good time to put your fort-building skills to the test by making use of sandbags and any building materials you may have lying around (think plastic sheeting, plywood, and nails) to barricade your entrances and prevent water from entering your home. Protect furniture by placing it on blocks or wrapping the legs in aluminum foil.   What to Do if You Have Storm Damage Once the storm has passed, and authorities have said that it is safe to return to your home, be sure to: Avoid walking through flowing water of any kind (this can include dangerous debris from the storm). Stay away from electrical wiring that has come into contact with water (downed power lines in the neighborhood are really dangerous). Watch out for snakes and other wildlife that might have moved into your home while you were away. Meticulously photograph all the damage for insurance purposes. Throw away any food that may have been contaminated.   How We Can Help Restoration 1 of Arlington is here to help in the event of a hurricane or tropical storm wreaking havoc in your life. Available 24/7 for emergencies day or night, Restoration 1 of Arlington will mobilize quickly and be on-site within an hour to deal with your water damage disaster. We are also trained and certified to prevent mold infestations that can often follow residential or commercial water damage. Need help with professional water damage restoration or mold removal? Contact our friendly and certified team of experts at Restoration 1 of Arlington.   Don't Get Stuck With Damaged Property Fill in your details, we'll contact you right back. First Name** I consent to receive text messages from this business. Phone This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Δ

The sound of a leaky faucet can keep you up at night. So too, can the thought of whether or not that leaky faucet is something that is covered by your homeowner’s insurance. Your Arlington home is your castle, and you need to do all that you can to protect it. That doesn’t mean building a moat around your castle – as that would put you at high risk of flooding! What it does mean, though, is learning all there is to know about what property damage is covered by your homeowner’s insurance. What’s Usually Covered By Homeowner’s Insurance? The four main areas of coverage are: Personal property Dwelling Other structures Personal property is all your stuff that lives in your home – your clothes, your furniture, your electronics. To be covered here, you need to itemize the contents you want to be insured; these are then given a replacement cost value to determine your monthly installments. Liability coverage protects you against lawsuits for bodily injury or property damage that happens on your property. Let’s say your dog bites a neighbor’s child, and there are hospital bills to cover. These unfortunate accidents do happen, and it’s good to know that you’re covered. Dwelling coverage considers what it would cost to totally rebuild your home in the event of a disaster. It takes into account market-related construction material and labor costs when setting a value. Things like your fence, swimming pool, or a detached garage would be considered other structures; the limit of liability here generally amounts to 10% of the home’s insured value.   Is Water Damage Covered By My Homeowner’s Insurance?   Water damage that is considered “sudden and accidental” is usually covered by your homeowner’s insurance. So if you leave that leaky faucet alone for too long, and your insurers can show neglect on your part, you wouldn’t be covered. Strangely enough, the same goes for burst pipes. If you purposefully turn off a heat pipe in your house to save money and come home to a frozen pipe that has burst, chances are that your claim will be denied, as you could have done something to prevent this from happening. General wear and tear claims are covered. This would include scenarios such as your wooden floorboards being ruined because your washing machine or dishwasher broke unexpectedly, flooding the house. It’s worth noting here that repairing the broken appliance would be covered by something called a homeowner’s warranty. Water damage from storms is covered. Hail rains down on your home, shattering glass windows. Or a tree falls over in a storm, ripping a hole in your roof. Rest easy-you’re probably covered. Again though, not if the resultant water damage wasn’t attended to in a reasonable amount of time. If you let the problem worsen, you’re in for a tougher job claiming on the policy. Water damage after a fire is covered. If the fire department were hosing everything down in an attempt to put out a fire – or if a smoke alarm sets off a water sprinkler – then your homeowner’s insurance policy should cover that.   What’s Not Usually Covered?   Standard homeowner insurance policies usually exclude the damage caused by natural disasters. Suppose you live in an area where there is a high risk of earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, or hurricanes. In that case, you need to look into buying separate insurance coverage for these potential eventualities.   Water damage from a blocked sewer or drain is not covered. Like most insurance coverage, if you want it covered, you can either specify it or seek an additional policy to cover it.   The rule of thumb involves staying on top of your property’s maintenance so that you can’t be accused of neglect when it comes to submitting a claim. It’s also important to remember that you sign a homeowner’s policy often amidst the thrill of buying a home without reading the policy’s specific details. Homeowner’s insurance is generally a legal requirement, especially when your purchase involves the bank and a home loan. The bank wishes to protect its assets – and so should you.   Understanding how your homeowner’s insurance policy covers you in the event of property damage is your first step towards peace of mind. It’s never too late to amend your policy or seek advice on whether you’re covered in the right areas.   How Restoration 1 Can Help   Restoration 1 is highly proficient in mitigating the kind of water-related damage that we’ve addressed above. This means we can stay on top of the maintenance of your home so that you don’t have to. This will ensure that your insurance can’t give you a hard time when it comes to submitting your next claim.   Specializing in disaster response and water damage restoration, the water damage experts at Restoration 1 of Arlington are also your best bet when facing a property disaster. There is no way to perform safe and successful water restoration without training. It simply does not pay to do it yourself.   Play it safe. Call the professionals at Restoration 1 of Arlington. If you have any questions about water damage restoration, please contact us 24/7. To find out how Restoration 1 of Arlington can help, call 703-782-4725.    Don't Get Stuck With Damaged Property Fill in your details, we'll contact you right back. First Name**

There’s nothing worse than a lingering odor in your Arlington household or business, especially when you have guests over. Depending on the smell’s strength, it may take a while to work out where this offensive odor is coming from. And, unfortunately, you may be stuck with it for several days. So, to help you out, we’ve compiled a list of top household smell offenders. While sources of household smells and odors vary, here are a few of the leading contenders when it comes to a home that smells less than fresh – and how you can rid your home of these unwelcome smells, for good! The Top 5 Odor Culprits in Your Home   Pets Perhaps the most lovable offender, indoor pets can lead to some nasty lingering smells. Not only can carpet accidents lead to foul odors, but their actual smell can be left behind on carpets and furniture too. Bacteria from carpet accidents will often absorb into the carpet fibers, pad, and nearby furniture. Leaving a foul odor in a much larger space than the original ‘oopsie’. Clean up the accident quickly to prevent seepage. Use caution when using harsh chemicals that could damage your floor or harm your pet. If the smell doesn’t dissipate after clearing, professional odor removal may be necessary. Washing your dog, or your cat if it lets you, will help remove odors and dirt, while frequent brushing prevents shedding hair from reaching your furnishings. Be sure to regularly vacuum or mop up shedding and dirt brought in from a certain four paws. Don’t forget to clean their beds, blankets, and toys with only pet-safe cleaners and detergents. Dishwashers Dishwashers are one of our most beloved appliances, but the food and liquid they wash off our dishes and cutlery can create a smelly buildup of grime and bacteria. Discharge pipes may bring a lasting, pungent smell into your household. A particularly tricky smell to sniff out, locating this odor can be somewhat difficult. And, when you do find it – unless you’re a plumber or particularly handy when it comes to drain cleaning – you may need to call in some professional help. Restoration experts can also help when it comes to safely accessing and cleaning appliance pipes. Mold In addition to the known health dangers of mold infestation, the presence of this menace in your home releases several chemical compounds that smell awful. So, if you constantly get a whiff of rotting wood or a very tangy smell, then you probably have a mold problem. The problem with mold is that it often hides behind drywall or high up in your attic. As soon as you catch wind of a musty, damp smell that won’t go away, it’s time to call in the professionals. Restoration companies can locate and completely eradicate mold growth as well as sanitize the area to prevent further infestation. To learn more about why mold remediation should be left up to professionals, read our blog post here. Refrigerator Smells Your refrigerator can also cause unwanted smells when it is not properly maintained. The combination of various contents inside the appliance (like that fruitcake you forgot in the back of the fridge a few months ago) can form a penetrating smell that is sometimes hard to identify. It’s important to keep your fridge clean of spills and messes, and frequently inspect the ‘freshness’ of your food to reduce the risk of stinky spoilage. Don’t forget to check and clean underneath the refrigerator too. During those grab-and-snack moments, food can fall next to the fridge and easily get kicked underneath. As the abandoned snack begins to rot or become moldy, a persistent odor can arise. Your HVAC System A smell that reminds you of a dirty gym bag can often come from your HVAC system. This lesser-known culprit is usually caused by a buildup of bacteria on your heating system coils. This bacterial growth can happen throughout the year but is more common during spring and fall when the system constantly switches between cool and warm air. Condensation on the coils creates the ideal environment for bacterial growth, which produces a sweaty gym-like odor. The best way to rid your home of this nasty smell is to clean the evaporator coils with a proper coil cleaner or call in an HVAC professional to clean and service the system for you safely. It can be challenging to identify the guilty party behind the unpleasant odors in your Arlington home, especially when there is more than one source at work. A property restoration company like Restoration 1 of Arlington can help you pinpoint and eliminate these foul-smelling odors so you can go back to proudly hosting friends and family. However, it’s always helpful to identify the odor-causers yourself and take the necessary precautions to prevent them from occurring in the first place. Contact Restoration 1 of Arlington, VA Today Bad smells in your home can be detrimental to your health and overall wellbeing. If you detect a strange odor in your home, call your local Arlington experts at Restoration 1 for further assessment, mold remediation, and overall odor removal. Rest assured, at Restoration 1 of Arlington, we will work quickly and effectively to rid your homes of any bad odors and get your property smelling fresh again. To find out more about our Odor Removal service, click here. RESOURCES Don't Get Stuck With Damaged Property Fill in your details, we'll contact you right back. First Name** I consent to receive text messages from this business. Name This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Δ

Mold is a type of fungi that grows both indoors and outdoors. When mold grows outdoors, it acts as a decomposer to help break down organic matter. However, when it grows in the house, it poses various health risks to you and your family. You will most likely find mold in dark, warm, damp, and humid places in your house, such as under sinks, in bathrooms, basements, and around plumbing pipes. Mold can also be prevalent in attics due to unaddressed roof leaks and excess moisture. Unfortunately, it’s hard to detect mold damage in your Arlington home if you don’t know what to look for. Below are some signs that indicate you or your family may be suffering from mold exposure and some helpful tips on how to act fast and fix the situation (with mold remediation services). Signs of Mold Damage to Look Out For Common signs that you might have mold damage in your house include: Mold Odor: Mold gives off a musty odor, like the smell of old books. If you’ve noticed this smell, it might mean you have a mold infestation in your home. Signs of Water Damage: Water damage produces moisture, which is the perfect condition for mold to grow and thrive. Water stains and discoloration of your walls or other surfaces might be a sign of mold. Past Flooding: If you have experienced flooding in your home in the past, this will give room for possible water damage, and ultimately mold growth. Symptoms of Mold Exposure Mold exposure affects people differently. Some people may experience severe symptoms if exposed to mold for long periods. Eye irritation: Mold releases spores that can get into the eyes and cause irritation and redness. Skin irritation: Mold spores can also cause skin redness and itchiness. The skin inside your nose may also react to mold and mold spores by producing more mucus, causing a runny nose or sneezing. Shortness of breath: People who suffer from allergies can have difficulty breathing when they come into contact with mold spores. Prolonged mold exposure can easily aggravate asthma or trigger an attack, especially in children, older adults, and people with allergies. Sore throat: Mold exposure can also cause a sore throat, coughing, and wheezing, as the spores irritate the larynx and cause swelling. If you have experienced health complications and allergic reactions due to mold, seek medical help immediately and get an expert restoration company to assess your home. Why You Need Mold Remediation Services Mold remediation services are necessary when you notice signs of mold in your home. Be proactive and take the following steps: Get a plumber to fix any damaged pipes to prevent further leaks and stop additional damage to your property. Call for a professional mold inspection and remediation service like Restoration 1of Arlington. Mold remediation is best left in the hands of a professional, but some Arlington homeowners choose to go the DIY route. When dealing with mold, always wear protective clothing, a mask or respirator, goggles, rubber boots, and gloves. You don’t want the mold to touch any part of your body or allow the spores to get into your eyes or respiratory system. You can also wear a mold-resistant suit or disposable clothing if you are dealing with a significant mold infestation. Read our recent blog post here to find out more about DIY mold removal versus professional mold remediation. Working with Professionals Mold can be hazardous, especially when left unchecked. An expert property restoration and mold remediation service will help you eliminate mold completely without having to worry about recurrence. At Restoration 1 of Arlington, we use the following when eliminating mold from your property: EPA-Approved Antimicrobial Agents: This family of mold-killing antifungals is often not sold to the general public. They are crucial in killing mold and preventing its growth and should only be used by trained professionals. Air-Filtration Devices: These prevent mold spores from spreading. They isolate mold spores and destroy them. HEPA Vacuum: High-Efficiency Particulate Air vacuums trap allergens. Industrial-quality HEPA vacuums recover mold spores more effectively than commercial models. Not only do we have the experience, but we also have all the right tools, equipment, and knowledge for complete mold remediation. If you suspect you have a mold infestation, reach out to Restoration 1 of Arlington today and get your home mold-free in no time!