by hoff1 | Jun 5, 2018 | RESQ24, TBA, Uncategorized |
The season of rain is well underway, but it’s still not too late to leak-proof your home to avoid potential damages. It’s estimated that 90% of all residential buildings experience some sort of leak at some time in their history. Any heavy rain or long rainy period will do; or what if it was an “out of control” sprinkler system. Weather-related water damage costs near $1 billion annually in the United States. That figure doesn’t consider lesser problems such as water stains or small patches of mold. So, it’s important to know how to prevent water damage that starts on the outside of your home. Prevention can be a lot less time consuming than filing an insurance claim. Leak Proof Your Home Keeping rainwater from seeping into your home takes a lot more than a quick look at the roof each fall, but it’s well worth the effort. Here is our list of some of the most important tips on how to protect your home from water damage due to rain. Clean out your roof gutters. It’s the spring and fall ritual everyone hates, but clogged roof gutters can be a big problem. When they are full, they spill water against the foundation, exactly what they were designed to prevent. Plus, they can cause water to seep under shingles and between cracks in the eaves and trim. Don’t forget that the downspouts can become blocked with leaves and other debris as well. If noticeable debris accumulates before the rainy season is over, consider installing gutter guards. Inspect your roof at least once a year. Look for missing, loose, damaged,...
by hoff1 | May 30, 2018 | TBA, Uncategorized |
Pre-Disaster Planning – Are You Prepared? It is no secret that almost 50% of businesses that sustain a major disaster never fully recover. Shockingly, most are out of business within two years. Being prepared for a disaster can, and does, make a difference in the final toll that the event will bring. Without proper preparation, you may find yourself facing substantial damages and possibly the loss of life. Whether due to a simple lack of awareness, or a disregard for the possibility of disaster, some business owners instead choose to rely on emergency services alone whenever disaster strikes. This is never a good concept, especially when pre-disaster planning services are available. Businesses and their staff face a variety of hazards: Natural hazards like floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes. Health hazards such as widespread and serious illnesses like the flu. Human-caused hazards including accidents and acts of violence. Technology-related hazards like power outages and equipment failure. Considerations for Disaster Planning The question then becomes one of choosing the best way to actually be prepared. Preparation means different things to different businesses in different locations. In particular, factors that you will need to consider include: Your location, and the prevalence of certain forms of weather or other natural disaster. The environmental concerns of a business operating in Austin, TX are different from one that is in Rhode Island. There are also local concerns, such as bridges, neighboring buildings, and your proximity to industrial facilities which should be considered in the event of a disaster. The type of business that you’re running. Whether or not you have certain hazardous chemicals in site...
by hoff1 | Apr 22, 2018 | RESQ24, TBA |
The National Severe Storms Laboratory reports that thunderstorm winds account for half of all severe damage reports in the lower 48, each year. When these gusty winds are around, homeowners lose shingles, lawn furniture goes flying (which can cause all kinds of damage), and even trees can be blown over. Wind destroys roofs and allows water to enter buildings. It is possible for your claim to be denied if you fail to take proper action. Many home and business owners aren’t aware that as consumers and insurance policyholders, we are required to take steps to prevent further damage. This is why you don’t need to get estimates for emergency services. Pick a company, like ResQ24 by Thompson Building Associates, that you trust and get moving quickly. What To Do If You Receive Wind Damage? The ResQ24 team will help you secure your property and prevent further damage. Our team works diligently to minimize your out of pocket by knowing what your insurance company wants and needs and how best to handle the damage. Our goal is to help you, our client, decide whether or not filing a claim is a viable option. If it is possible and the mitigation and repairs are within the client’s budget, you should not file a claim and simply pay it out of pocket (self-pay). If a deductible is $1,000 (typical now) for example and the project is $4,000 then let the insurance do what it is designed to do. Typical Services Provided by ResQ24 Following Wind Damage Events • Removing fallen trees • Removing standing water • Securing your home from further damage...
by hoff1 | Mar 28, 2018 | RESQ24, TBA, Uncategorized |
Have you experienced a flooded basement? For most people, uninvited water in their basement is more like a disaster than an inconvenience. Situations like a flooded basement seem to happen at the worst possible time, usually when another of life’s curve-balls is being thrown. Whatever the cause, flooded basements are a major issue to the health, safety and structural integrity of your home. An immediate reaction to a flooded basement is key in saving your property and preventing further damage. Preparing for a flood is not on most people’s priorities, but when it happens, a quick list of what to do is invaluable. Here are the first steps to take when cleaning up a flooded basement Address Health and Safety issues Keep children and animals out of the basement and away from standing water and any aerosol effects from stagnant water. Depending on the source, water might be polluted with fecal matter or dangerous chemicals. Wear protective clothing like boots, coveralls, gloves, goggles or even a respirator when entering your flooded basement. Deactivate Services Before entering your basement, ensure all services are deactivated. This includes electricity that should be shut off at the main breaker panel and the gas valve being closed at the outside meter. Domestic water might have to be turned off at the street to stop a running water tank or burst line. Don’t guess at how to terminate services. If in doubt, ask for help from neighbors or service authorities. Stop the Flood Source The flood source may not be apparent, especially if the flood has been occurring for some time and a great deal...
by hoff1 | Mar 13, 2018 | RESQ24, TBA |
Is your yard ready for Spring? It’s time to put the snow shovels in the back of the closet and pack your snow boots in the attic, spring is finally almost here! Now is the time to look at your yard and see what you can do to bring it back to life and get it looking great for the summer. Listed below are a few simple tips to help you get started. Shrubs and Tree Care Look for broken branches on your trees and shrubs caused by heavy snow and strong wind gusts. You could either prune and remove them yourself or hire a reputable landscaper / tree removal specialist to do so for you. For shrubs that bloom mid to late summer, the earlier you prune the better. They should be pruned late winter, early spring. For shrubs that flower in the springtime, prune the branches once the flowers fade. If you have a question about a tree in your yard, it is important to contact a professional tree company to take a look at it. A dead tree in your yard is not only unsightly, but it is also dangerous during a storm. If you have a dead tree in your yard, it should be removed as soon as possible by a tree service company. Before you have a company come to your home, make sure that they are fully insured. All tree debris should be removed from your yard once the tree and / or shrub work is complete. Lawn Care It is important to rake and thatch your lawn before the spring is in high...
by hoff1 | Mar 4, 2018 | RESQ24, TBA |
Damage from Water Can Happen Anywhere in Your Home Damage caused by water can happen anywhere in a home, from a leaky roof to damage after a storm to several home appliances. While water problems can pop up anywhere, there are certain rooms within a home that tend to see more floods and leaks than other rooms, and will typically require more intensive repair. Here are the four most common danger zones for potential flooding inside a residential home. The Basement Probably the number one most commonly flooded room in a home, the basement poses many opportunities for flooding. First of all, basements tend to contain at least one appliance that can malfunction and leak (such as a washer, pipes, or the water heater). Basements can also have wall cracks that allow water from the ground outside to seep in. Furthermore, many families use their basements solely for storage—meaning they rarely go into it. This means that leaks and other water damage may go unnoticed for weeks at a time. This will obviously be a huge problem that calls for major water damage repair. To prevent basement water damage, make sure to regularly go down and check for problems, including indications of moisture, a musty smell, and any signs of mold. The Laundry Room Washing machines definitely make our lives easier, but they are the culprits behind many household floods. Hoses leak or burst and washing machines overflow—this can leave a huge mess, which can call for a lot of water damage repair. Unfortunately, sometimes washers just malfunction. The best way to prevent a problem before it starts is...
