Water Damage & Property Restoration in Austin

Water damage can come from plumbing emergencies, sewer backups, flooding from firefighting efforts, and natural disasters. And as a city situated in one of the most flash flood-prone regions in North America, you may know by now how standing water inside your Austin property can quickly make things messy and stressful. To make matters worse, water damage left unaddressed can easily lead to mold and microbial growth. And let’s not forget structural issues and safety hazards that can put yourself and your loved ones in danger. This is where swift water damage restoration in Austin becomes necessary. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed and confused about where to start with your cleanup project. However, it pays to remember that acting fast is key to achieving successful water restoration in Austin. On that note, here are some steps you can take right away to get your property back to normal as soon as possible. Protect Yourself and Secure Your Most Valuable Items Water damage comes with elements like contaminated water, risks of microbial growth, and structural damage that can harm your health and safety. So before starting any attempt to re-enter and clean up your property, it’s best to: Wear rubber boots, gloves, and protective clothing before entering a flooded area. Switch off the circuit breakers before unplugging electronic devices to avoid shock. Watch out for sagging ceilings and other structures showing signs of possible collapse. If possible, secure essential documents and items first. Call Your Insurance Provider Your insurance policy exists to cover specific damages to your property, and now is the best time to utilize it. With this, it’s a good idea to contact your insurance company as soon as possible after your water damage has occurred. They usually assign a representative to look into your claim, explain your coverage, and advise you of the next steps you can take. However, remember that homeowners’ insurance policies usually only cover sudden and accidental damages, like water damage from a burst pipe or a ruptured water heater. Therefore, following the same criterion, standard plans may not include flood damage. Document the Water Damage Clear photos of all the furniture, appliances, devices, clothing and other belongings affected by water damage have to be taken. Affected floors, walls, and ceilings must also be adequately documented. These files are required by your insurance provider and can help you achieve the best possible result for your claim. Contact Your Trusted Water Damage Restoration Experts Water damage restoration in Austin, or any place for that matter, must be performed as soon as possible. Specifically, the process must be started within 24-48 hours after being allowed to re-enter your property. Water can spread quickly and spoil your floors, walls, furniture, and other possessions, so it’s crucial to get help from your trusted water removal, cleanup, and restoration experts as soon as possible. Address the Water Source And Dry Out Standing Water While waiting for your restoration professionals to arrive, you can begin addressing the source and standing water to help prevent further damages to your property. You can put on your protective gear and do the following: For water damage from a burst pipe or other plumbing emergencies, locate and stop the water source first. Remove standing water using buckets or plastic tubs. Use mops to absorb the remaining water. Rent a wet-dry vacuum from your local hardware store to dry the area further and get rid of damp dirt as well. Use fans and open the windows and doors if the weather permits to ventilate the area. Sort Through Affected Items After water damage to your property, the sad reality is that there will always be things far too damaged to be restored. In this step, you have to do the tough job of looking through your possessions, determining those that can still be salvaged, and discarding those no longer safe to use. In particular, some parts of your home you may need to let go of after extensive damage are your flooring, insulation, drywall, and carpeting. These are porous materials, and a large-scale water event can quickly turn them into breeding grounds for mold. Watch Out for Signs of Mold Microbial growth can start within the first 48 hours after a flood or water damage. And if that’s not enough, mold can quickly reproduce and take hold of your home in as fast as 12 days. With that in mind, it pays to remember that microbial growth is not simply an aesthetic problem. Instead, it eats at your home’s building materials, compromises its structural integrity, and even poses health hazards. These are just some of the many reasons to look out for signs of mold, such as musty odors and furry growth. If you suspect microbial growth in your home , let your restoration team know right away. With your home in disarray and your prized possessions soaked, experiencing water damage can naturally be stressful and frustrating. Still, it’s not the end of the road for you, and you don’t have to get stuck living in a damaged home. By acting fast, salvaging what you can, and enlisting water restoration in Austin immediately, your life can get back to normal in no time. At Restoration 1, we’re all about serving our community with the fastest response times and the highest quality of water damage restoration in Austin . Don’t face a water disaster on your own, call our certified professionals today to get expert help today. 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Mold thrives when there is sufficient warmth, moisture, and food available. It can grow exceptionally well in the summer when temperatures can easily go beyond 70° F, which is the minimum temperature mold can grow. While mold loves the humidity and warm temperatures of summer, this doesn’t mean it stops growing in the winter. In fact, it often grows unnoticed during the winter months, which is why winter mold removal and prevention are necessary processes to implement in your home. What Causes Mold During Winter? The winter months bring cold temperatures and tons of moisture in the form of snow. Around this time, the mold begins to lie dormant because extremely low temperatures hinder spores from being active. However, in some cases, mold may still be able to grow. For instance, moist, heated air can travel to other areas around your home and condense when coming in contact with a cold wall. Over time, the formation of condensation and the heat coming from your home’s heating system can lead to microbial growth. How to Prevent Mold Growth in the Winter Generally, mold doesn’t grow in the winter when temperatures are freezing. However, this shouldn’t exempt anyone from keeping their guard up against the potential risks of mold. Prevention is always a better and less expensive option than relying on mold removal to keep your home mold-free. Here are some tips to keep in mind to prevent mold in winter: Maintain Humidity Levels Below 45% Humidity refers to the amount of moisture present in the air in the form of water vapor. While humidity is often low during the winter, indoor humidity, where temperatures are kept at warmer levels, is a different story. According to recommendations from the Environmental Protection Agency, the best way to control microbial growth at home is by monitoring indoor humidity levels and keeping them below 45%. Use dehumidifiers in areas with high humidity, such as in your basement and kitchen. If, at some point, the humidity levels spike, check your home for possible water leaks or other sources of moisture or steam. Inspect Your Home For Possible Water Infiltration Some of the worst places mold can grow often are those that are difficult to access or detect. These include places inside wall cavities, under following, between the ceiling and the room, and crawl spaces, among many others. Since the winter brings plenty of water in the form of melted snow, checking your home for possible intrusion areas is critical to prevent mold growth. Make sure to inspect the following areas thoroughly: Roof

Water damage can occur insidiously through tiny cracks in indoor plumbing, leaky toilet flappers, or dripping faucets. According to the EPA, a faucet that leaks one drop per second wastes more than 3,000 gallons of water per year. When left undetected, these minor nuisances eventually result in massive water damage. Water damage can also happen quickly, like when a water line suddenly bursts and floods your basement or an extended period of torrential rain sends water seeping through your windows and roof. Regardless of the cause, water damage is an expensive problem that everyone will naturally want to avoid. With this goal in mind, we recommend some water damage prevention tips to renters and homeowners in Austin. Home Water Damage Prevention Tips Here are five simple yet effective ways to keep water from wreaking havoc in your home. Regularly Check Your Indoor Plumbing and Drainage Systems Damaged plumbing fixtures, cracked pipes, and clogged drains are some of the most common causes of indoor flooding. If your house or apartment building is more than a decade old, an annual check by a licensed plumber will be ideal. For newer homes with new plumbing systems, once every two years will suffice. Drainage checks and maintenance must also be done annually. Regularly Check Water Appliances Appliances that use water or connect to the water line can cause water damage if not properly maintained. For example, a rubber hose from a washing machine or dishwasher can leak once worn out. So check these hoses now and then, and consider changing them to a steel-braided version to make them more durable. Additionally, have them checked by professional plumbers or technicians at the earliest signs of leaks. Combat Indoor Mold Mold thrives in moist, humid places and eats organic materials, like wood, paper, curtains, and carpets with natural fibers. This is why we often find it in flooded basements, moist ceilings due to clogged gutters, and windowsills that often get wet from condensation. Here are some tips on how you can manage the moisture and humidity in your home: Turn on the AC when your house feels humid. Use a dehumidifier in the basement and windowless closets. Install exhaust fans in the bathroom, kitchen, and boiler room. Check your windows for air leaks and seal them. Clean your bathroom and kitchen tiles with bleach, and make sure the floors, sinks, and countertops dry thoroughly. Don’t install permanent carpets on floors that often get wet. Notice that these tips are also helpful in water damage prevention. Turn Off Your Water When Leaving For A Long Time If there’s a sudden problem with your indoor plumbing when you’re not home, you could come home to a badly damaged house. Suppose the water pressure on your floor suddenly spikes. Water can come gushing out of an old, loose faucet, and with no one present, water can flood your home until someone calls the landlord or building management. To avoid such a calamity, know where the controls to your water mains are and shut them off whenever you leave for long periods or can’t find someone to watch your house when you’re out of town. Regularly Clean Your Roof, Gutter, and Downspouts Water damage on the roof and ceiling is usually because of clogged gutters and downspouts. When rainwater can’t drain properly, it backs up onto your roof and drips inside your home through the ceiling. This causes the ceiling to warp with visible, brown water stains. If it happens often enough, the ceiling and wood components of the roof system will rot much faster than they should. Sweeping leaves and debris off your roof in the summer and autumn, or before the rainy season starts, is vital for home water damage prevention. It lowers the risk of your gutters clogging and potentially damaging your roof and ceiling. These home water damage prevention tips can go a long way to preserving your property. However, if your home still gets damaged despite your best efforts, don’t despair because our Austin water damage restoration specialists are here to help. Austin Water Damage Restoration Experts You Can Trust Restoration 1 of Austin is a trusted property restoration company known for its high-quality work and customer service. We offer a complete range of residential restoration services, from cleanup to reconstruction. Besides restoring your home, our specialists will happily advise you on water damage prevention so that you can preserve your property better moving forward. 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

Austin has seen plenty of structural fires back in the last few years. Both residential and commercial property owners should take steps to prevent fires, but even then, accidents can occur. After the fire, however, property owners may be unsure about the steps to take (or avoid) once the fire has been put out. From fire damage restoration for Austin properties to cleaning up the remains of fire and smoke damage, we’ve created a list of things to do and not do after experiencing a devastating property fire. Do: Contact Your Insurance Company For fire damage restoration on Austin properties to begin immediately, property owners need to contact their insurance company as soon as possible. You will also need to obtain a fire report from your local fire department or as needed by your insurance provider. It’s important to be honest about your claim and ensure that everything indicated on your forms are correct. Depending on your insurance coverage, your insurance company may only provide an estimate and won’t provide full payment until you’ve submitted all the necessary documentation. Make sure that the final payout is correct before signing on your insurance claim. Do: Take Pictures of the Damage Take as many pictures of the damage as soon as it’s safe to enter your property. Consider this as taking inventory to show to your insurance agent. This can help you get a sense of what kind of damage needs to be handled with fire damage restoration services in Austin. After taking pictures, avoid throwing away any of your belongings. Disposing of anything before getting the advice of your agent or a professional restoration company may result in you losing essential items necessary for your insurance claim. Do: Secure Your Property After a fire, it’s not recommended to remain on the premises until you seek the advice of a professional. If it’s your home, you may have to find alternative accommodations until it’s safe to inhabit your home once more. However, before you leave, ensure that your property is secure against looters or anyone who might try to salvage what they can from your property. Police, local officials, and fire and smoke damage restoration technicians may be able to help. They can help you set a perimeter or board areas in your property that could serve as an entry point. Make sure all the doors and windows are locked. Do: Ask for Help In case your home is uninhabitable until it’s been repaired or restored, consider your options for temporary alternative accommodations. If you have nearby family or trusted friends, you and your household may be able to stay there for a few days or until restoration is complete. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your local disaster relief center for assistance. Don’t: Go Back Into the Property Without Consulting a Professional Aside from the potential structural issues, there are a number of risks that could occur if you try to enter the premises without seeking a professional’s assistance. There’s also the risk of falling debris, electrical hazards, and the presence of carcinogens lingering in your indoor spaces. Don’t: Clean Up Your Property Let the professionals handle cleaning up the damage from your property. Depending on the severity of the fire, using too much force or the wrong cleaning technique can cause more damage to your property. There’s also the risk of coming across the debris and electrical hazards. This includes getting rid of fire residue and other debris around your home. On top of this, avoid throwing away any of your damaged furniture and other belongings before consulting with a professional restoration company. It’s possible that some of the damage can be repaired, and it may be more practical to have these fixed than disposing of them and buying new ones. Don’t: Repair or Replace Anything on Your Own Wait for the go signal from your insurance provider or a restoration professional before trying to repair or replace anything damaged during the fire. Your insurance agent can let you know if your belongings are covered for repairs and replacement. This can prevent you from disposing of items that could have been repaired or making unnecessary purchases. Don’t: Turn on Any Electrical Devices If necessary, your local fire department may turn off utilities like gas and electricity. Avoid turning these back on and let a professional handle them. There may be damaged wiring in your home or electronic devices with damaged wiring and that could short circuit. This could permanently damage your electronics. Contact Restoration 1 of Austin to Bring Your Home Back to its Former Condition Even if there’s minimal visible damage, there’s no telling the extent of the damage left by fire and smoke. To reduce the risk of further damage, it’s best to contact a reliable Austin fire damage restoration provider to inspect and take immediate action on areas on your property that are at risk of deteriorating. In case of fires on your residential or commercial property, get in touch with Restoration 1 of Austin for immediate property restoration services you can rely on. RESOURCES Don't Get Stuck With Damaged Property Fill in your details, we'll contact you right back. First Name**

Thanks to the abundance of do-it-yourself (DIY) guides and YouTube tutorials out there, more homeowners are opting to handle simple repairs on their own. While there’s nothing wrong with fixing minor problems following DIY guides, water damage restoration is an entirely different issue that’s best left to the experts. Performing water damage repair work on your own may seem like the easier and more cost-effective way to get your home back in order. However, it pays to remember that things can still go wrong with do-it-yourself water damage cleanup – it can even worsen the situation and end up more costly in the long run. Here are just some of the many reasons to steer clear of the DIY route when repairing water damage in your home: Addressing Water Damage Requires Swift, Urgent Action Water damage only needs at least 48 hours to start peeling off paint from your walls, cause your wood flooring to swell, and even begin causing health problems. You may also find your furniture, appliances, and other valuables damaged beyond repair during this time. Saving and restoring any item affected by water requires swift and urgent action. However, with your work, business, or other engagements waiting for you, you likely do not have enough time to devote yourself to the cleanup and restoration project – and get the job done immediately. Professional Equipment is Needed Extracting water from a flooded house and drying the structure requires commercial-grade equipment. This means that while shop vacs, hairdryers, and other tools readily accessible to you can help in the drying process, they can only do so much. And even if you do get your hands on advanced equipment, knowing how to use them properly is still necessary to completely dry the water inside your home. On the other hand, professional water damage restoration companies are armed with modern equipment such as pumps, extraction units, air movers, moisture sensors, and structural cavity drying systems, among many others. These tools can make all the difference in drying your property and minimizing losses. The DIY Approach Can Be Time-Consuming Repairing water damage is both time-sensitive and time-intensive, and it involves more than just using buckets and mops to remove standing water from the affected areas. To prevent further complications months down the road, all the water needs to be cleaned up thoroughly and correctly the first time. This is an endeavor that must not be taken lightly. The Process Can Be Dangerous There are safety risks present in water damage repair and restoration work, with the three most common dangers being: Injuries from unstable structures. The longer the water sits inside a property, the higher the risk of the building’s structural integrity becoming compromised.   Diseases from exposure to contaminated water. Water from a flood, sewage backup, or toilet overflow can contain harmful microorganisms such as viruses and bacteria, and exposure to these can make any person ill.   Electrocution. A flooded environment always presents possibilities for electric shocks to occur. Taking on any water remediation or restoration project without care, proper safety measures and the right protective equipment can lead to significant injuries and diseases. It Can Be Tricky To Determine the Extent of the Damage Understanding the extent of the damage is the trickiest part about restoring properties after a flood or plumbing breakdown. While you may be able to remove standing water from floors and other surfaces, it helps to remember that materials like wood, carpet, drywall, and insulation can easily absorb and hold water. Failing to determine how much these structures have been affected can worsen your water damage and, ultimately, trigger microbial growth and other secondary issues. Professional Water Damage Restoration Is the Way To Go Performing water damage cleanup and restoration yourself may seem like the best way to get your home back to normal while keeping your expenses low. But in reality, there are so many things that can go wrong in a DIY restoration project, and these mistakes can lead to additional property damage, worse structural issues, and further problems like mold. Ultimately, with a busy schedule, taking on an entire water damage cleanup and repair project alone can cause unnecessary stress and fatigue. Save yourself from the hassle, disruption, and extra costs that come with DIY water damage repair – let Restoration 1 of Austin handle everything for you. Our IICRC-certified company follows industry best practices for water extraction, drying, and restoration, so you can sit back knowing the work will be done correctly the first time. Contact us at (512) 222-6183 to get expert help. 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

The holiday season is a magical, festive time, especially with every home donning glistening décor and colorful lights. However, while you and your loved ones may be excited about the upcoming celebrations and gatherings, it helps to remember that this is also when the risk of fires and the demand for fire damage restoration services usually peaks. According to the National Fire Protection Association, Christmas Day and Christmas Eve are among the leading days of the year for home fires in the U.S. Moreover, factors like faulty decoration or an unattended candle can turn a merry get-together into an overwhelming incident in seconds. This season is best spent laughing, celebrating, and making new memories with your loved ones. Familiarizing yourself with these holiday safety tips can help you prevent a fire and, most importantly, keep your celebration a joyful occasion. Buy a Fresh Christmas Tree When it comes to holiday fire safety tips, one of the most important things to remember is that a dry tree is highly likely to catch fire. As such, it’s crucial that you get the freshest Christmas tree you can find. Its needles should be green, vibrant, and secure. On the other hand, trees that are not fresh often look visibly dull and have needles falling off. Watering your Christmas tree also helps improve its resistance to fire. Keep an eye on the water level to ensure you’ll be able to refill it once the tree absorbs it. With that said, it’s also a good idea to switch to artificial Christmas trees. Besides the fact that they do not dry out, most artificial Christmas trees are made with fire-resistant materials and have better safety features. Check Your Holiday Lights for Any Damage Statistics show that decorations that caught fire caused around $13 million in direct property damage every year from 2015 to 2019. Fortunately, protecting yourself from overwhelming losses starts with the manageable task of inspecting your holiday lights for any damage – whether it’s loose connections, frayed wires, broken bulbs, or cracked sockets. Once you’re sure your lights are in good working order, remember to fasten your outdoor lights securely using roof clips or insulated staples. Doing so can help keep the wind from whipping them and eventually damaging the lights. Another practical way to stay safe during the holidays is to consider using LED lights. They burn cooler and use less energy at the same time, letting you save money and even improving the safety of your home. Use Extension Cords Carefully Not all extension cords can be used outside. As such, it’s crucial to read labels all the time to ensure you’re using the appropriate cord to light up your outdoor decorations. In addition, remember to only plug up to three sets of lights into a single extension cord. If you have multiple indoor lights, plugging them into a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) improves your fire safety and helps you avoid the need for fire damage restoration services. Practice Safe Cooking Habits Preparing for family dinners can get busy, but it’s best not to do all the cooking at once and on your own. Handling several cooking tasks at once can make it difficult to keep track of things, increasing the risk of a fire. With that said, getting more helpers may not always be helpful, especially if it results in a crowded kitchen. Having too many people moving around in one area often entails more chances for incidents to occur. Ultimately, no matter the time of the year, leaving the kitchen unattended when frying, grilling, or broiling food is never a good idea. To stay safe, ensure at least one person can watch over the stove, oven, or other appliance. With someone monitoring the cooking, it becomes easier to prevent cooking accidents and grease fires. Keep Your Fireplace Covered Fireplaces are perfect for not only housing a toasty fire but also creating that warm and comfortable holiday atmosphere. However, to ensure your fireplace won’t be a source of anything other than comfort, ensure it is always covered. Fireplace screens or covers allow you to keep your home warm without letting embers pop onto your carpet or other flammable materials or harm anyone nearby. Get the Damage Repaired Right Away With the Help of the Experts Holidays are a time for reuniting with families and friends, unwinding in the company of your loved ones, and enjoying hearty meals. But in the midst of feasts, gifts, and catch-ups, keeping the holiday fire safety tips shared above in mind can help you enjoy your celebrations stress-free. With that said, accidents can still happen, and fires can break out anytime. If you have been affected by a property fire this holiday season, know that Restoration 1 of Austin is always here to help you get things back to normal. Our IICRC-certified fire damage restoration professionals stand ready to address your fire or smoke damage and, most importantly, return your home to its pre-fire condition. Contact Restoration 1 of Austin at 512-562-0411 for expert help. With us as your trusted team, you can rest assured that your property and possessions will receive the most caring services. 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. Email This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Δ

Most homeowners tend to forget that water damage isn’t always caused by leaky roofs and cracked foundations alone. If you look indoors, you’re likely to find the culprit of water damage in the form of your household appliances. While it’s recommended that you perform regular appliance maintenance to prevent lasting damage, this is also done to prevent water damage from leaking appliances. But which of your household appliances is more likely to cause water damage around your home? Here are some of the most common household appliances and what you can do to prevent water damage from leaking appliances. Dishwashers Dishwashers have a life expectancy of up to 12 years and are expected to start breaking down after three years of use. Issues such as malfunctioning hoses and valves, clogged drainage, loose fittings, and damaged dishwasher doors can cause leaks when in use. This can either cause plumbing issues or create water puddles around the kitchen. You can hire someone to repair your dishwasher. After the ten-year threshold, consider replacing your appliance with a newer model. Refrigerator Water damage from leaking appliances can apply to both stand-alone fridges and fridges connected to plumbing and drainage. Fridges connected to water lines are those with ice makers, and those made with materials like copper and plastic are likely to be easily damaged after some time. This, as well as a clogged drain clog for defrosting, can lead to standing water buildup under or behind your fridge. Refrigerators with issues with the door’s sealing can also lead to defrosting, which can cause water damage. There are many steps you can take to prevent water damage from your refrigerator. Have a professional take a look at your fridge’s water lines at least once a year. Ensure that the rubber seal on the door is functioning and doesn’t let cold air out. Ensure your defrosted drain is clear of any obstruction, and flush it out regularly with hot water. Washing Machines Washing machines have a lifespan of up to 15 years before you should consider replacing your current model, though the average model fails after around 8.6 years. Due to the amount of water that goes into your typical wash, the parts that are most likely to fail first are the supply house or water house. Check for leaks around the hose, as there’s a risk of leaking, especially if your washing machine is installed in a kitchen or in a designated laundry room with poor drainage and ventilation. Ideally, you should replace the hose after five years or once you start to see signs of leaks, cracks, or rust. Water Heaters Both gas and electric water heaters are prone to the typical wear and tear, corrosion, and mineral build-up of handling water. If left unchecked, the cracks can lead to leaking and eventual water damage around the property. Meanwhile, the build-up can lead to inefficient flows and the risk of sudden bursts. To prevent this, you should have your water heaters inspected annually for leaks and maintenance. Next, flush out your tanks and plumbing every six months to get rid of any sediment build up. Although it’s recommended you change your water heater every ten years, your appliance’s lifespan can depend on how often you use it and how it’s maintained. Gas heaters can last up to 12 years, while electric heaters can last up to 15 years. How Do I Prevent Water Damage from Leaking Appliances? Left unchecked, your appliances could continue to leak and cause plumbing issues, which can eventually lead to mold and other types of water damage. It’s possible to prevent these through a number of practices: Replace Old Appliances: All appliances have a lifespan. Once they’ve reached that threshold, it becomes more practical to replace them instead of trying to repair their damage. A good practice is to stick a label on your appliance to remind you what year you purchased your appliance. However, keep in mind that your appliance may be beyond repair even before it reaches its average lifespan. Schedule Maintenance: Having maintenance done at least once or twice a year can let a professional catch any issues that can build up over time. Ideally, keep the manual of your appliance and the receipts so that you can easily contact your appliance manufacturer for any warranties, defects, and replacement parts. Inspect Your Appliance: Even without a professional, you can spot some signs that there’s something wrong with your appliances. Check for leaks, damage, or anything out of the ordinary that warrants attention from a professional. Clean the Area Regularly: At least once a month, clean around the area of the appliance to check for leaks, mold growth, wall stains, or any other sign of water damage. Leave Your Appliances and Your Home with the Capable Hands of Restoration 1 of Austin These are just some of the most common appliances that can cause water damage around your home. By taking steps to maintain these appliances, you can reduce the risk of lasting water damage that can affect the cleanliness, safety, and structure of your home. However, if begin to spot signs of property damage because of these appliances, it’s a wise move to reach out to a water damage restoration company you can trust. Restoration 1 of Austin is your trusted solution for water damage around your home. Water damage can be a slow and silent process that you don’t know is affecting your home until you see the severe damage later on. Our water damage restoration company can help assess the damage, restore your property, and recommend steps to prevent more damage in the future. Get in touch with Restoration 1 of Austin today . 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Mold growth can affect your home when you least expect it. All it takes is a single spore of mold to find a good place to grow, and eventually, it’ll spread through your walls, ceilings, and the rest of your belongings in your home. Unfortunately, when this happens in a place like your attic, where there’s rarely anyone up there, it’s likely to grow undisturbed until someone spots it. Like many other cases of common black mold, attic mold removal can be a difficult and costly undertaking on your own. It is always best not to give the problem room to grow, which is why you’ll want to establish attic mold prevention methods. Here are some ways you can prevent attic mold throughout the year. Protect Your Roof Your roof is your attic’s first line of defense against water damage that can lead to microbial growth. By performing regular roof maintenance and ensuring your roof is working properly, you can prevent roof damage that can lead to rainwater leaking into the attic and creating damp and humid conditions that can boost mold growth. Aside from having a professional perform maintenance at least once a year, some things you can do include: Clearing away any roofing debris that can add unnecessary weight to your roof and cause cracks. Ensuring the gutters and downspouts aren’t clogged with debris. Checking for signs of mold around the roof that can spread to the attic insulation. Trimming large tree branches that can scrape your roof or fall onto your roof. Check for Attic Ventilation Without a roof leak, your attic is still prone to moisture. During the colder months, hot air rises to the top and creates condensation on the cold surfaces of your attic. This leads to moisture being trapped in the attic, and it can’t escape because of little to no ventilation cycling out humid air. The moisture in the air is absorbed by porous materials in your attic, such as wooden structures. This leads to water damage and, under the right conditions, mold. Before the colder seasons, have a professional check if your attic vents are clear and free of any obstructions. You can also install certain types of vents, like soffit vents and gable-mounted vents, around your attic to ensure moisture can escape. Install Adequate Insulation Aside from ventilation, your attic should have the right level of insulation under the attic floor and along the roof. Insulation on the attic floor prevents warm air from the lower floors rising to the attic and causing condensation. On the other hand, attic roofing insulation can help maintain consistent temperatures. Ideally, your attic should be at least five degrees warmer than the temperature outside. This will prevent ice dams from forming and damaging your roof. If your insulation currently has signs of mold, is thinning out, or is flat, consider contacting a professional to have proper insulation installed. Isolate Your Furnaces and Water Heaters Many areas have codes regarding furnaces and water heaters installed in attic areas requiring these to be placed in a separate, insulated room. If these codes don’t apply to you, but you still have these installed in your attic, consider creating a separate room for them to prevent attic mold from developing. Also, consider using double-wall pipes for these appliances. Due to the heat radiating from these appliances, it’s possible for condensation to build up and occur in the attic. This will cause moisture to build up faster and create a good environment for mold to grow. Let Restoration 1 of Austin Deliver Mold Remediation Services That Protect Your Property Attic mold can be tricky to deal with on your own, which is why it’s best to take precautionary steps to prevent your attic from becoming an ideal habitat for microbial growth. However, if you see signs that mold has already started to take over your attic, you should contact the experts who know how to effectively perform attic mold remediation on your home. At Restoration 1, our team of certified technicians understands the health and safety hazards of mold growth and the water damage that causes it. Leave it to us to restore your attic back to a safe condition that’s free of mold. Get in touch with Restoration 1 of Austin today. 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

Incidents involving fire often have disastrous consequences. A tiny spark can become a flame that consumes your entire property in just a matter of minutes. It becomes even more devastating when you consider the amount of damage on your property outside those consumed by the flames. Knowing What to Expect: Sources of Water Damage After a Fire Being faced with the aftermath of such a disastrous event is never what you might expect. For instance, most people would never expect to see considerable water damage after fire incidents. Yet, the amount of water involved in such incidents can be substantial and can come from a variety of sources, including: Firehose The severity of water damage inflicted by emergency fire response activities will depend on the extent of the fire. In most cases, the water they use will be localized to a particular room or area around your property. However, bigger fires will require more water to suppress the fire completely. As a result, your property will get flooded, which deals considerable water damage to your walls, floors, ceilings, appliances, and furniture. Burst Pipes A pipe bursting can cause excessive water damage after fire incidents. This occurs when the fire produces enough heat to cause the pipe to burst. Most residential and commercial pipelines are made from cast iron, steel, or copper, which are capable of withstanding high temperatures. However, some pipeline systems now use PVC, which melts more easily, causing excessive amounts of water damage across your property. This can, however, be prevented by shutting off your water main. Sprinkler Systems The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) requires the installation of automated sprinkler systems in commercial environments. They contain a heat-sensitive glass bulb that shatters upon reaching a specific temperature. When this happens, water starts to flow over the affected area to help control the flames and mitigate fire damage . But in the process, the action of the sprinklers contributes to water damage after a fire. How to Deal With Water Damage After a Fire The prospect of property damage and loss can be overwhelming, to say the least. Most homeowners even struggle with the mental stress of recovering after such a devastating event. When going through such an unfortunate incident, know that it’s normal to go through various emotions as you cope. Take the time to process these emotions as well as the aftermath of what has happened so you can carefully plan your next steps. Here are a few recommendations on what you can do to deal with water damage to your property after a fire: Contact Your Insurance Provider One of the first things you should do is contact your insurance provider to let them know about the disaster that has just occurred. This initial call can kickstart your claims process as they provide you with all the information you need about filing a claim. Locate Salvageable Items and Important Documents. When fire responders have ruled it safe to enter the premises, do so with caution and carefully explore the surroundings. As you examine the damage, take this chance to look for any important items and documents you can salvage. Initiate the Drying Process by Removing Standing Water If the water level is low enough, take this opportunity to begin the drying process by removing standing water from the area. This can help mitigate the damage to your property, such as preventing the growth of mold. If there is any available, you can use tools like a push broom to sweep away water from the floor slowly. Seek Help from a Professional Service Provider of Fire and Water Restoration in Austin Enlist the help of fire and water restoration Austin professionals to begin repairs on your property and hasten your recovery. After receiving your call for assistance, these professionals will respond with haste to begin the restoration process right away. They can offer the following services to restore your property to its pre-loss condition in no time: Standing water removal

Summer has passed, and the fall is finally here. Gradually, the temperatures are dropping and the leaves are falling, all because winter is around the corner. For homeowners, the fall signals the time to start preparing for the harsh conditions that often takes its toll on their properties. Although winters are relatively mild in Austin, they still pose a considerable risk of water damage if your property is not prepared. Now that fall is here, it’s time to start thinking about water damage prevention. Taking the proper precautions is vital to make sure your property is fall and winter-ready with these water damage prevention tips. Disconnect Your Hoses Plants don’t require as much water in the fall as in the summer since temperatures are starting to drop. This means you won’t need your hoses as much to care for your plants. One of the first precautions you must take while winterizing your home is disconnecting your hoses. Using excessive water around this time may damage your plants’ root system and may even cause water to pool around your garden, which can be dangerous. But more than that, standing water in the hose can freeze when temperatures drop, which blocks the passage of water when in use. This may seem harmless enough. But in a worst-case scenario, the backflow can cause a buildup of pressure that bursts your pipes and damages your floors, walls, and foundation. Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts Gutters and downspouts are notoriously prone to blockage, especially in the fall when the number of falling leaves and other small debris has increased considerably. These blockages can block the flow of water and cause it to flow to areas where it’s not supposed to. So during the fall, inspect your gutters and downspouts to check for any blockage that might cause potential damage to your property. Remove leaves, twigs, and other debris to ensure water flows away from your home. Maintain Trees and Vegetation Most homeowners dream of maintaining a lush garden. However, you must be careful where you plant shrubs, trees, and other forms of vegetation, as their root systems might damage utility pipes. As the temperatures grow colder, it helps to prepare your garden for winter by cleaning up your garden, removing weeds, and pruning trees and shrubs. If they become too big, have them removed, especially if they’re located near major sewer lines and water pipes. Inspect Your Property Thoroughly For Leaks Staying vigilant is a critical aspect of preventing water damage. Always be on the lookout for leaks around your property by paying attention to the warning signs, such as the visible presence of mold, dripping sounds, and warping on various surfaces. But aside from spotting the signs of water damage, it’s also vital to be proactive in your approach. Inspect your property for leaks or any damage that could potentially lead to leaking and fix them properly. Addressing these issues early on can help you save on costs for water damage restoration in Austin. Check Your Water Pressure Water pressure levels at residential and commercial properties are typically set between 40 to 70 psi. Lower pressure levels may not be enough to meet the standard demands of everyday tasks. Meanwhile, higher pressure levels may damage your pipes and cause them to fail under extreme pressure. Use a water pressure gauge easily bought at your local hardware store to measure the water pressure levels on your property. Attach the gauge to an outside faucet and turn it to full force to measure its peak pressure levels. If the pressure reading is too high, you can use a pressure regulator, which is also available at your local hardware store, to limit your home’s pressure levels. Locate Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve According to plumbing experts, the main water shut-off valve is arguably your property’s most important plumbing fixture mainly because it’s responsible for controlling the entire water supply. Water enters through the water main and is then distributed to other pipes. If there are problems with your piping system, you can turn off the entire water supply using the shut-off valve. Knowing where your main shut-off valve is located is crucial in plumbing emergencies, such as a broken faucet or a burst pipe. This makes it easier to turn off the water and prevent further damage. Leading Water Damage Restoration in Austin When it comes to protecting your property, taking a proactive approach and staying active is crucial in water damage prevention, not just in the fall but all year long. When the situation calls for an emergency, you can turn to the professional water damage restoration experts at Restoration 1. We offer a seamless restoration service and take care of your property swiftly so you can return to your normal activities as soon as possible. Call Restoration 1 of Austin for a free consultation today! 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. Email This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Δ

Builders and regulatory bodies in charge of fire safety have greatly improved construction techniques and materials to reduce fire risks in commercial and public buildings. Unfortunately, however, fire remains a common occurrence. The Insurance Information Institute and National Fire Protection Association estimated that in 2020 alone, a fire department responded to a fire every 23 seconds in the US. If a commercial property catches fire, property owners and tenants must act quickly to address the commercial fire damage, limit their losses, and get back on their feet as soon as possible. Things to Do Immediately After Commercial Fire Damage Get in touch with insurers. Your insurance company will need to assess your property’s damage and be on-site as soon as possible. They will send an insurance adjuster to inspect your property, and their assessment will impact your insurance claim. To ensure that they get an accurate picture of the damage, call your insurance company before touching or moving anything in the rubble. Ensure that the electrical and water mains are turned off throughout your property. Even if the fire has only damaged a section of your building, check that all electricity and water sources are shut off, at least temporarily. This is to prevent accidental electrocutions and short-circuits while authorities and insurance adjusters investigate the cause of the fire. Document the damage to your business and property. Take videos and pictures of the damage for insurance documentation. It is a necessity if it becomes necessary to clean up the rubble for safety reasons before the insurance adjuster arrives. Be as thorough as you can in documenting the damage to the structure and other valuable properties like equipment and artwork covered by your policy. Protect your property from further damage and trespassers. Investigations and inspections can take several days, during which you’ll need to ensure that your property stays untouched. You don’t want to accidentally destroy evidence that will impact your insurance claim, among other things. Seek out commercial property fire damage restoration companies that provide board-up and tarp-over services. They will cover up broken windows and damaged walls and put up temporary partitions to keep the public from entering the premises. These will also deter trespassers from entering or looting your property. Commercial Property Fire Damage Restoration Tips After settling matters with the fire department, police, and insurance company, you must focus on rebuilding and restoring your commercial property. This is crucial for reopening your business. Bouncing back as early as possible is vital because the longer you delay, the more difficult it will be to make your business return again. Here are some checklist items to prioritize in fire damage restoration: Sort what you can save from the rubble. Collect salvageable items and equipment that you can still use when you reopen. They may include undamaged materials you can repurpose for other projects, such as stained glass and wrought iron filigree. Start the cleanup and soot removal process. Repairs and restoration start with removing all damaged materials and taking down parts of the building that have become unstable and structurally unsound. Entrust the demolition to experienced builders. In the meantime, you can authorize the cleanup of loose debris, soot, broken concrete, burnt plywood, charred furniture, and other damaged materials. Address smoke odor. If the fire is minor and your building is still structurally sound, smoke damage could be your biggest problem. This problem is particularly challenging because the strong odor permeates rooms and sticks to curtains, furniture, carpets, and more. Removing all fire debris, including microscopic particles and soot, is key to mitigating smoke odors. Unfortunately, it’s not easy to do this using ordinary cleaning materials, so it would be best to hire smoke damage restoration professionals to do the job. Eliminate residual water. Water damage is inevitable and goes hand-in-hand with fire and smoke damage. If your property still stands and your restoration plan includes preserving the undamaged structure, eliminating all residual moisture in the building has to be a priority. Otherwise, you might have to deal with mold infestation before the restoration work is done. Call the Experts in Austin Commercial Fire Damage Restoration Recovering after a fire is never easy, but you can have peace of mind if you have an experienced team of fire damage specialists and builders helping your business bounce back. Restoration 1 is a trusted fire, smoke, and water damage restoration company in Austin, Texas. The company is an all-rounder for property restoration with highly-trained crews and certified professionals specializing in damage mitigation, cleanup, and construction. Restoration 1 of Austin can provide all the services business owners need to protect and restore their property after a fire. Get in touch with the best Austin commercial fire damage restoration team you can dream of hiring. Contact Restoration 1 today. RESOURCES Don't Get Stuck With Damaged Property Fill in your details, we'll contact you right back. First Name**

As a state along the Gulf of Mexico, Texas’s rainfalls often bring about flooding. As if that’s not enough, Austin’s location in the heart of the “flash flood alley” makes property owners more vulnerable to flooding than other regions in the U.S. Even an inch of floodwater inside your building can cause extensive and costly water damage. Specifically, it can bring about structural damage and trigger microbial growth. In the long run, the latter can cause allergic reactions, asthma, lung irritation, and other health issues. As a homeowner in Austin, Texas, mold remediation is crucial in protecting your property and life from molds. Before we look at the steps for mold cleanup, it helps first to understand what causes microbial contamination in the first place. Causes of Mold and Microbial Growth Mold spores are naturally occurring cells found everywhere, including in your home. They are typically harmless in small amounts. However, when they reach surfaces with excessive moisture inside your house, they can grow and reproduce within the next 24 to 48 hours. Mold needs a food source (any organic material such as wood, paper, and paint) and a damp, moist environment to germinate and multiply. Once these conditions are met, mold can quickly take hold of your house. It’s best to seek professional mold removal in Austin if you have recently experienced a flood to ensure your property will be thoroughly cleaned and dried. With that, you can play your part in preventing microbial growth by taking these steps: Clean and Dry Flooded Areas Immediately If you wish to avoid costly repairs and restore as much as you can after a flood, always remember that time is of the essence. The longer you allow water to sit on your property, the harder it will be to repair. Hiring professional water removal and mold cleanup services should be among the first things on your to-do list. While you’re waiting for the experts to arrive, it’s a good idea to start removing the excess water if it is safe to do so. If you’ve experienced minimal flooding, a wet vac can be enough to soak up the water from your carpeting. However, sump pumps or buckets are your best bet if the water level is several inches high. Monitor the Indoor Humidity Level As mentioned earlier, mold spores thrive in wet, dark environments — something that can be easily found in any property after a flood. This is why it’s crucial that you not only remove the excess water but also ensure your house is dry from the inside out. Here are some practical tips for addressing indoor moisture after a widespread flooding event: Open all windows in your home if the weather permits. Run powerful fans or dehumidifiers to keep the air dry and cool. Manually clean and dry the insides of your cupboards. Using a hygrometer or humidity gauge to ensure your indoor humidity level stays between 30% and 50% is also recommended in the next couple of days. Discard What Cannot Be Cleaned and Dried Unfortunately, some materials cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried in time to prevent microbial growth. Organic materials such as your drywall, clothes, books, and carpeting are excellent food sources for mold, so they automatically become breeding grounds for mold the moment they retain moisture. To be safe, it’s best to discard these items if they have been soaked for over 48 hours. With this, see to it that all materials you throw away are accounted for in your insurance claim. Putting together complete documentation of all the damages you incurred is key to getting your claim approved. Watch Out for Signs of Mold Prompt mold removal in Austin requires mindfulness on your part. It takes time for mold to start growing and multiplying inside your property after a water damage event, so you’ll need to pay extra attention to every nook and cranny in your home. One of the most obvious signs of microbial contamination is the appearance of black, brown, or dark green stains along your walls or ceilings. You may also notice a musty, earthy odor in the flood-affected areas. You or your loved ones may develop symptoms too, especially those with weaker immune systems. If you are experiencing sudden coughing, watery eyes, or runny nose only when you’re indoors, it may be a sign to enlist Austin, Texas, mold remediation as soon as possible. Final Reminders for an Effective Mold Removal in Austin While we listed steps that you can take to help prevent mold in your home, it pays to remember that mold cleanup is not a do-it-yourself project. And contrary to popular belief, using bleach to “clean” mold is also not advisable, as it only removes mold stains but can’t address the root of the problem. When mold has taken hold of your home after a flood, it’s best to call the experts for professional mold removal in Austin, like Restoration 1. Our IICRC-certified crew uses containment methods, approved chemicals, and modern tools to get your property back to normal. Contact us today and say goodbye to long-term mold concerns! RESOURCES Don't Get Stuck With Damaged Property Fill in your details, we'll contact you right back. First Name**

Commercial water damage happens for many reasons. Whether from a flooding event, roof leak, corroded pipes, or improperly installed fittings, commercial property water damage can make any business close its doors for an extended period. Every day you are closed is another day of lost revenue. The good news is that while disasters and emergencies may happen when you least expect them, understanding the different ways commercial property water damage can impact your business can help you prepare for any situation. Risks of Commercial Water Damage Loss of Equipment More than making a mess inside your business office, retail store, or industrial facility, water from a flood or leak can also cause equipment damage. Unfortunately, devices like payment terminals, inventory management tools, and attendance machines can be expensive to repair or replace. The same goes for specialized manufacturing equipment or custom workstations. Occupant Health and Safety Water entering a commercial facility can also be detrimental to the health and safety of your employees and customers. It increases the risks of workplace accidents, whether from slippery floors, waterlogged structures, or even electrocution. There are also the chances of microbial growth, especially in cases of unaddressed water damage. Mold can cause various respiratory conditions that can lead to long-term health complications, especially in those who spend a lot of time inside your facility. Structural Damage and Expensive Repairs Structural damage is one of the most unsafe and expensive situations you might encounter after water damage to your property. Buildings are usually made of organic materials such as wood, drywall, and insulation — all of which are vulnerable to water and moisture. Once they’re soaked, they will usually need to be removed and replaced since they can no longer be restored. Besides the expenses you’ll incur from doing the necessary repairs and replacements, you may also have to deal with a significant loss of income from having to close down your operations. It’s also worth noting that working with insurers on your claims can be time-consuming, and it will keep you busy gathering the required documentation instead of focusing on reopening your business. The 3 Types of Contaminated Water Commercial water damage restoration experts can help you manage the above risks and minimize losses. However, it’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the different types of water contamination. Doing so helps you understand what you’re dealing with and how to address it correctly. White Water Damage (Category 1) Category 1 carries a low risk of contamination. It generally comes from broken water lines, melting snow, and rainwater, so it’s not likely to contain harmful bacteria or contaminants. Nevertheless addressing white water damage as soon as possible is crucial to eliminating health risks and other injuries. Gray Water Damage (Category 2) Gray water damage falls under the “contamination” phase of a water emergency, as it results from toilet overflows, water heater leaks, and chemical wastes like laundry detergents. This category can be potentially life-threatening without prompt and proper commercial water damage cleanup. Black Water Damage (Category 3) Also considered the “severely contaminated” water phase, black water damage can be toxic to humans and animals. It comes from sewer backups, flooding from rainwater, rising water from streams, and other weather-related issues, often carrying harmful pathogens such as E. coli, salmonella, and shigella. Getting an infection or illness with a Category 3 contamination is highly likely, so you’ll need the help of experts in commercial water damage cleanup to keep yourself and everyone safe. What You Can Do To Prevent Commercial Property Water Damage Here are some helpful pointers to keep in mind as you protect your building from any water damage category: Stay up to date with news regarding hurricanes and other disasters. Understand how much wind or rain might come, and prepare your building accordingly. When signs of a plumbing problem arise, shut off the valves and work with a trusted plumber to resolve the issue. Actively managing this preventable water damage source protects your property from gushing water from a burst pipe or malfunctioning water heating system. Contact a licensed commercial water damage cleanup and restoration company as soon as a disaster strikes. They will have the right tools, cleaning solutions, and equipment to clean and decontaminate your facility and, most importantly, prevent secondary issues. Restoration 1 of Austin is an IICRC-certified team offering commercial water damage cleanup and restoration solutions. If you face equipment or structural damage after a water intrusion, don’t hesitate to contact us immediately. We are available 24/7 to respond to your emergency and help you reopen your doors to the public. 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. Phone This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Δ

When a fire destroys your home, it is heartbreaking and overwhelming for you as a homeowner. But seeing the amount of cleanup you have to perform is even more stressful, especially when dealing with extensive damage. But while the prospect of cleanup feels overwhelming, knowing what to expect during this process can lessen the stress you’re feeling. Knowing what you can do during and expect from this process helps you set and manage expectations while giving you a sense of direction. After all, the last thing you want is to panic and worry over every detail. Allowing Yourself to Process Your Emotions is Good For Your Mental Health Seeing your home ravaged by fire is one of the most difficult experiences anyone can face. During this stressful time, you may think that you have to stay calm to retain some semblance of control. But remember that you don’t have to keep it in. Instead, allow yourself to feel your emotions and grieve this loss. Take time to process your feelings and everything that has happened. Although it may feel that you’ve lost everything, know that you will be able to recover in time. Calling Your Insurance Company is the First Step to Recovery After your initial call to 911, the next call you make should be to your insurance provider. Fire damage removal and cleanup are lengthy, so you may need professional assistance to get it done faster. The sooner you let them know about what is happening, the quicker you can initiate this process. In some cases, you may need to secure authorization from your insurance provider before you can enlist professional help. This is so you can get a clearer idea about the services and damages covered by your policy. Once you have been given the go-ahead signal, you can then tap the services of a local fire damage restoration company . Meanwhile, your insurance provider will dispatch a claims adjuster to evaluate the extent of the damage. Insurers Will Only Cover Initial Damage Your homeowners’ insurance policy will cover the cost of repairs and restoration of your property. However, this only applies to the initial damage caused by the fire and will not extend to any loss of property once it has been extinguished. Essentially, the insurance company will only pay for damages caused until the flames have been extinguished. This includes: Parts of your property consumed by fire The resulting water damage caused by the fire department’s use of water Any breakage caused by the entry of firefighters, such as the smashing of windows and breaking of doors In this sense, take mitigating measures to prevent further damage to your property as soon as the fire department deems it safe. For example, board up broken windows, lock all entryways, and seal leaks in your ceiling and windows. You can also work with a professional Austin fire damage cleanup service to make this process easier. Documenting the Damage Strengthens Your Insurance Claim Supporting documents can strengthen your insurance claim. Any documentation you can present, such as an affidavit from the Fire Department Chief and photos of the damage, can help paint a more accurate picture of the incident. Present these with the insurance adjuster to aid their investigation. The Actual Damage Extends Beyond the Fire Itself Fire and smoke are two obvious hazards of any disaster involving fire. But while documenting the damage to your property, you should know that there are other health and safety risks you need to look out for. For instance, even after the flames have been extinguished, burnt wood can still give off fumes that can irritate your lungs. Other health hazards to watch out for include: Corrosive soot residue Toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) Exposed wires

While Austin has hot summers and overall pleasant weather, it experiences around 33 inches of rainfall yearly. Moreover, precipitation becomes particularly heavy in May, June, and October. As a home or business owner in Bat City, it’s not only the natural disasters you must protect your property from. Plumbing emergencies can also happen anytime, allowing gallons of water to rush inside your building and wreak havoc in seconds. This is where careful water damage restoration in Austin becomes necessary. Many property owners underestimate the importance of meticulous water cleanup and remediation. Removing excess water from your building may seem straightforward, but the wrong approach can lead to long-term damage, structural issues, and microbial growth. Working with Austin water damage restoration experts is your best bet after a water damage incident, but knowing these do’s and don’ts will be beneficial in returning your property to normal as soon as possible: Water Damage Restoration Do’s: Address the Water Source Right Away One of the first and most important things to do after your property has been flooded is to identify and address the water source as quickly as possible. If the water damage was caused by a burst pipe or a malfunctioning appliance, turn off the water supply immediately by locating the water shutoff valve. If you are experiencing a widespread flood, building a barrier with sand bags helps stop water from entering your home. Remove Any Standing Water After addressing the water source, removing the standing water as quickly as possible can help minimize further complications and losses. This can be done using buckets and rags while you wait for your trusted Austin water damage restoration experts to arrive and take over. Identify and Recover Salvageable Items While the mess inside your property can be overwhelming, looking around for items you can still salvage will help you preserve as much of your possessions as possible. The first objects you may want to relocate are those that have not been affected by the water too much. By moving recoverable items to a safe and dry location, you can avoid losing them to issues like extensive water damage and microbial growth. Contact Your Insurance Provider Don’t forget to reach out to your insurance company as soon as you can. Repairing and restoring your property after a water damage incident can be costly, so working with your provider early on can help you obtain compensation and get the restoration services you need without breaking the bank. Water Damage Restoration Don’ts: Don’t Enter a Flooded Area Unprotected If you suspect that the water inside your residential or commercial property is contaminated, it’s best to wear protective clothing like rubber boots and gloves before re-entering. Forgoing this safety measure to rush back in and save your possessions is not worth it, as the contaminants in floodwater can cause serious diseases and even death. Don’t Leave Soaked Items Together Letting affected items stick together, especially porous objects like wood and fabrics is never a good idea. Stacking your water-affected rugs, carpets, and other absorbent materials on top of the other will only make it easy for mold to grow and spread. Don’t Use Electronics Near Flooded Areas While it’s natural for you to want to remove water from your property as soon as possible, it pays to remember that using vacuums near wet floors may do more harm than good. If you must use a wet vac, check that the cord is free from any issue and plug only into dry outlets. Using rubber-soled boots also helps keep you safe as you start the water restoration process. Don’t Delay on Calling the Pros The most critical thing to remember regarding water damage restoration in Austin is that doing things wrong can be costly. While there are things you can do on your own, like addressing the water source or removing standing water, the reality is that the restoration process requires the right skills and proper tools. Only a certified professional can determine the extent of your water damage and prevent it from further destroying your home or workplace. A burst pipe, leaking roof, or flooded basement can be messy and stressful, but the right approach to water remediation and restoration can help you get your property and your life back to normal in no time. Don’t let water damage keep you from enjoying your life or doing your best work. At Restoration 1, our IICRC-certified professionals follow the highest water removal and cleanup standards to restore properties, no matter the disaster. Call us today and get swift water damage restoration in Austin 24/7. RESOURCES Don't Get Stuck With Damaged Property Fill in your details, we'll contact you right back. First Name**

Mold is often one of the biggest problems a homeowner could face, and since it’s a silent invader that can wreak havoc on your property if left unchecked, it should always be dealt with accordingly. Mold is not only unsightly to look at, but also dangerous for your and your family’s health. While it’s important to act swiftly when dealing with microbial growth, it’s also not recommended to deal with it on your own. Any quick fix that can be implemented without proper knowledge and access to protective equipment can expose you to the harmful effects of mold. It could also spread spores to other areas of your home, complicating your mold problems further. That’s why when faced with a mold issue, it’s important that you understand what you’re dealing with. One of the vital steps is to call experts in mold removal to begin the mold remediation process immediately. The Mold Remediation Process Inspection and Source Identification The process for mold removal in Austin begins with a comprehensive site inspection to look for visible signs of microbial growth. Technicians begin the inspection in typical areas where mold thrives, such as in basements, bathrooms, and other damp or humid spaces inside your home, while also searching for signs of water ingress that may lead to microbial growth when left unchecked. Suppose signs of moisture or water ingress are found. In that case, Austin Texas mold remediation experts will locate the source to stage the necessary intervention to prevent further microbial growth. Damage Assessment The team should look for signs of microbial growth throughout your entire home, including areas hidden from plain view. Experts in mold removal in Austin will be well-equipped with techniques for the complete detection of mold. Once these areas are identified, the degree of contamination will be determined to identify the best course of action for dealing with the mold problem. Mold Containment Given the right conditions, mold can spread to other parts of your home through its spores and stick to various surfaces where they can grow within 72 hours. To prevent this from happening, Austin Texas mold remediation technicians will seal off areas with considerable microbial growth to keep it separate from other areas of your home. An experienced team will use advanced containment techniques by setting up physical barriers while also utilizing negative pressure to keep spores from spreading. This is a critical step in removing mold to minimize the potential for cross-contamination. Air Filtration Home HVAC systems are notorious for spreading mold around your home. When mold colonies are disturbed, spores are released into the air and could enter air vents and distribute to other areas. In mold removal, setting up air filters is critical in preventing the entry of mold into your HVAC system. During this process, special air filters called scrubbers are set up to improve air quality around your home and eliminate particulate matter, especially spores. Mold Removal The mold removal process depends on the extent of microbial growth and the type of surface on which microbial growth occurs. Technicians use antimicrobial and antifungal agents to kill mold and eliminate spores. During this step, technicians are extra careful to ensure the complete eradication of the colony and prevent new colonies from forming. Removal of Affected Materials During the remediation process, mold-infested items and surfaces are removed and isolated so they can be prepped for cleaning or removal. Items like furniture, curtains, and clothing can be cleaned and restored using various techniques. But when infestations reach porous substances like drywall or insulation, they have to be removed immediately because they cannot be cleaned. Microbial growth on carpets can also be cleaned, but only when the infestation hasn’t reached its padding underneath. Otherwise, carpets will have to be removed as well. Mold infestations on porous substances like drywall, insulation, or underneath carpets cannot be removed. Contaminated substances must be cut out or removed immediately. Property Restoration In cases where damage is substantial, and removal is necessary, the remediation process will involve property restoration, including replacing drywall and insulation, painting, and installing new carpeting. In extreme cases, rooms or areas may need to be reconstructed to restore your home to its pre-loss condition. Restore Your Property With Restoration 1 Dealing with a mold infestation on your property is a stressful ordeal that no homeowner should ever have to endure on their own. But when faced with mold, it’s vital that you take active steps to protect your health and safety. Enlist the help of professional remediation experts at Restoration 1 of Austin to ensure the safe and complete removal of mold and the restoration of normalcy on your property. 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. Phone This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Δ

It’s never easy to start rebuilding your beautiful Austin home after a fire, let alone come to terms with the fact that you lost your prized possessions. Sifting through your belongings and important items that have now turned to ash can be painful, especially if they are used to hold special memories. With that said, you don’t need to face this overwhelming situation on your own. By taking the best approach and calling the number one Austin fire damage restoration company , Restoration 1, you can get back up and start a fresh chapter in your life in no time. If you’re ready to take a deep breath and roll your sleeves up to do some work, this blog is for you. Below we list some fundamental steps you can take to kickstart the fire damage restoration of your Austin home— and restore your house to its pre-damaged state in the easiest way possible. Ensure the Health and Safety of Your Loved Ones Ensuring the health and safety of those with you should come first before anything else. Fire accidents can quickly leave extensive damage to any property, but it pays to remember that they can also take an emotional and physical toll on anyone involved. With this, check in with your family or friends to ensure they’re fine. Younger children may need extra care and attention, especially after witnessing such a distressing event. Moreover, you may also need to move your loved ones away from the damaged home and somewhere safe. While the fire has been suppressed, the smoke and soot left behind can be hazardous to your health. File Your Insurance Claim Right Away One of the most crucial tasks in efficiently handling Austin fire damage is contacting your homeowner’s insurance provider. Homeowners are required to report their losses as soon as possible, so you will have to call your agent promptly so you can jumpstart a smooth claim process.On top of that, it’s best to be organized with all the documents and correspondences relevant to your request, both for minor and major claims. For example, you will have to take photographic evidence of all the damages to your property and keep a record of all emails and letters between you and your insurer. All invoices, bills, and contracts for your home’s repairs must also be compiled. Having all the right documentation can help increase your chances of getting fair compensation. Mitigate Damage by Securing Your Property Once you’ve contacted your insurance agent, they will send a claims adjuster to visit your property and assess the losses you’ve listed down. With that said, it’s worth noting that the company expects you to take reasonable care of your property, even if you’re not residing there at the moment. Any further damage to your property will naturally affect your insurance claim. Fortunately, mitigating damage isn’t rocket science. Practical ways to do this include boarding up windows, covering the roof with some tarp to keep elements out, and building walls to prevent intruders. Work With a Professional Austin Fire Damage Restoration Team The tips above are just the beginning to fire damage restoration in Austin, and you may have other tasks to tackle such as remaining water puddles to remove, items to salvage, surfaces to clean, and structures to repair. But with all that said, know that you don’t have to do it alone. Rather than do DIY fire and smoke cleanup, enlisting a professional fire damage restoration service in Austin is your safest and most convenient course of action in these trying times. Certified restoration specialists have the best tools and techniques to thoroughly clean and decontaminate your place. They can also help you recover items that may seem too far gone. But most importantly, they follow an efficient approach to Austin fire damage restoration to ensure your home becomes a secure, healthy, and welcoming environment once again. The process of rebuilding your home can be physically and emotionally stressful, but your local Restoration 1 crew is here to lighten your burden. In just one phone call, you can count on our IICRC-certified technicians to deliver the swiftest and most caring fire damage restoration service in Austin. Contact us to get help now. 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. Phone This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Δ

Water damage can come from plumbing emergencies, sewer backups, flooding from firefighting efforts, and natural disasters. And as a city situated in one of the most flash flood-prone regions in North America, you may know by now how standing water inside your Austin property can quickly make things messy and stressful. To make matters worse, water damage left unaddressed can easily lead to mold and microbial growth. And let’s not forget structural issues and safety hazards that can put yourself and your loved ones in danger. This is where swift water damage restoration in Austin becomes necessary. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed and confused about where to start with your cleanup project. However, it pays to remember that acting fast is key to achieving successful water restoration in Austin. On that note, here are some steps you can take right away to get your property back to normal as soon as possible. Protect Yourself and Secure Your Most Valuable Items Water damage comes with elements like contaminated water, risks of microbial growth, and structural damage that can harm your health and safety. So before starting any attempt to re-enter and clean up your property, it’s best to: Wear rubber boots, gloves, and protective clothing before entering a flooded area. Switch off the circuit breakers before unplugging electronic devices to avoid shock. Watch out for sagging ceilings and other structures showing signs of possible collapse. If possible, secure essential documents and items first. Call Your Insurance Provider Your insurance policy exists to cover specific damages to your property, and now is the best time to utilize it. With this, it’s a good idea to contact your insurance company as soon as possible after your water damage has occurred. They usually assign a representative to look into your claim, explain your coverage, and advise you of the next steps you can take. However, remember that homeowners’ insurance policies usually only cover sudden and accidental damages, like water damage from a burst pipe or a ruptured water heater. Therefore, following the same criterion, standard plans may not include flood damage. Document the Water Damage Clear photos of all the furniture, appliances, devices, clothing and other belongings affected by water damage have to be taken. Affected floors, walls, and ceilings must also be adequately documented. These files are required by your insurance provider and can help you achieve the best possible result for your claim. Contact Your Trusted Water Damage Restoration Experts Water damage restoration in Austin, or any place for that matter, must be performed as soon as possible. Specifically, the process must be started within 24-48 hours after being allowed to re-enter your property. Water can spread quickly and spoil your floors, walls, furniture, and other possessions, so it’s crucial to get help from your trusted water removal, cleanup, and restoration experts as soon as possible. Address the Water Source And Dry Out Standing Water While waiting for your restoration professionals to arrive, you can begin addressing the source and standing water to help prevent further damages to your property. You can put on your protective gear and do the following: For water damage from a burst pipe or other plumbing emergencies, locate and stop the water source first. Remove standing water using buckets or plastic tubs. Use mops to absorb the remaining water. Rent a wet-dry vacuum from your local hardware store to dry the area further and get rid of damp dirt as well. Use fans and open the windows and doors if the weather permits to ventilate the area. Sort Through Affected Items After water damage to your property, the sad reality is that there will always be things far too damaged to be restored. In this step, you have to do the tough job of looking through your possessions, determining those that can still be salvaged, and discarding those no longer safe to use. In particular, some parts of your home you may need to let go of after extensive damage are your flooring, insulation, drywall, and carpeting. These are porous materials, and a large-scale water event can quickly turn them into breeding grounds for mold. Watch Out for Signs of Mold Microbial growth can start within the first 48 hours after a flood or water damage. And if that’s not enough, mold can quickly reproduce and take hold of your home in as fast as 12 days. With that in mind, it pays to remember that microbial growth is not simply an aesthetic problem. Instead, it eats at your home’s building materials, compromises its structural integrity, and even poses health hazards. These are just some of the many reasons to look out for signs of mold, such as musty odors and furry growth. If you suspect microbial growth in your home , let your restoration team know right away. With your home in disarray and your prized possessions soaked, experiencing water damage can naturally be stressful and frustrating. Still, it’s not the end of the road for you, and you don’t have to get stuck living in a damaged home. By acting fast, salvaging what you can, and enlisting water restoration in Austin immediately, your life can get back to normal in no time. At Restoration 1, we’re all about serving our community with the fastest response times and the highest quality of water damage restoration in Austin . Don’t face a water disaster on your own, call our certified professionals today to get expert help today. 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. Email This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Δ