How to tell water damage is old?

Posted by Kiran on October 10, 2019

Water damage is a nightmare for any property owner. Property related water damage concerns should be addressed at the earliest.

A water damage spot can be caused by prolonged condensation or leaks. You often see water spots on the ceiling, if the scenario is left unchecked, it can easily deteriorate the ceiling, which can lead to sags and collapses. This makes it important to foresee and take precautionary steps to repair water damage early.

The ability to tell the age of water damage can play a crucial role on many occasions, especially when you are planning to purchase a house. This blog features some tips and tricks that will help you to identify the age of water damage.

Touch and tell

You can usually touch and tell the age of the water spot. If the spot seems to be wet, you can assume that the water damage or leak is fairly new or at least a week old.

On the flip side, if spot feels mushy to touch, it indicates that the spot or the leak has been around for months. This usually happens when the ceiling or the drywall encounter a leak and is saturated with water over time.

Color

Color can be another major giveaway of the age of water damage. If the water damage spot is characterized by a single dark spot with a colorless perimeter, you can presume that the area has been going through a cycle of leaks and dryness.

The number of rings on this occasion can be a good indicator of the age, more the number of rings, more would be age.

Spot size

Look for the size of the spot while taking into consideration the affected material in question. While considering the material in question, you cannot assume that larger size or more the number of rings, the older will be the damage. This is because the how each material displays water damage signs vary with respect to the density or other physical aspects o the material.

For instance, a material like a tile does not let water pass through easily, therefore even a small spot on the tile might indicate a longstanding buildup of water.

Signs of mold

Mold can be the next best indicator for calculating the age of water damage. Look for signs of mold growth. Moisture creates a favorable atmosphere for mold growth. Materials like drywall and carpeting are vulnerable to mold growth.

If you observe mold growth, you can assume that the water spot is at least two to three days old. Also, consider the climatic condition while using this sign to calculate the age of water damage. For instance, mold growth can be slow in cold and freezing conditions as opposed to hot and humid areas.

Decay

Any decay to the structure is another indicator of repeated water damage or exposure to flooding. Here as well, you need to consider the temperature and humidity of the location while calculating the age of the water damage.

Perform an inspection while keeping these factors in mind to identify the age of water damage in your house or property under consideration.

Tips to recover from a pipe burst

Posted by Kiran on September 25, 2019

Burst pipes are one of the worst nightmares of a homeowner. A burst pipe might not flood or damage a whole area within your household. However, if left unsupervised, it can cause lead to structural issues in addition to health concerns for the residents.

On the flip side, a serious pipe burst can spill gallons of water to flood your house endangering your valuable belongings or properties. We always recommend homeowners to think ahead when it comes to residential water system maintenance or checkups.

Unlike a mold growth scenario, the pipe burst can turn out to be an emergency situation in no time. Recovery from a pipe burst depends on how smart and efficiently you plan the whole process.

Safety first

The chaos of a pipe burst can compel you to take immediate actions to save your valuable possessions within your house. Restrain yourself from caving into all these impulse thoughts and think safety first.

A water leak near an electrical appliance or an outlet can second electrical conduction. Even the floor mat and walls can turn out to be an electrical conductor.

Ensure that you turn off the main water supply first and then the electricity to your house prior to rushing in to inspect or rescue.

Move your furniture

Bulky or upholstered furniture, especially couches can absorb water and remain waterlogged for longer durations. While carpets can be easily dried out, this furniture can continue causing issues.

Move all your upholstered furniture out prior to drying your carpets or flooring. If the weather is favorable, you can leave them outdoors to air dry.

Standing water check

Pipe burst often leads to standing water puddles. Attend to the situation quickly and get rid of water collected using a bucket and dry towel.

If the puddle forms over carpet insulated flooring, it is ideal not to try and lift the carpet as it can cause permanent damage.

Dehumidify

The next step is to dehumidify and ventilate the indoor area. If the weather permits, open windows and doors to let in the fresh air.

Using a dehumidifier is always recommended over using a household heater and a heater or dryer as a combination of moisture and warm conditions can trigger mold growth.

Seek professional help

On some occasions, you might not be able to contain a pipe burst completely. This is where you have to resort to the idea of calling a plumber.

Once the leak has been contained, you might need to seek the help of a certified water damage restoration service. This step is highly recommended if the whole situation leaves you with soggy carpets, drywall, and insulation.

When seeking professional assistance, it is ideal to choose a company that offers the following additional services:

• Drying, dehumidification & water extraction
• Mold remediation
• Carpet, rug & upholstery cleaning

Recovering from a pipe burst can be slow and painful. We recommend you to consider these tips to act smart and quick. Invest some time and effort to residential water damage prevention tips to reduce the risk of encountering pipe burst related emergency situations.

Cleaning After Hurricane: FAQs

Posted by Kiran on September 9, 2019

Cleanup after a hurricane can be a painfully slow process. If you have been smart enough to foresee and apply these hurricane precautionary measures, you would have already saved money, health and time.

People can easily overlook the process of post-hurricane cleanup. There are several precautionary measures that you need to consider to protect yourself and your loved ones when it comes to cleaning after a flood or hurricane.

As an individual with fairly less experience in hurricane or flood cleanup, you might have different questions regarding the overall process. This post features some of the frequently asked questions related to cleaning after a hurricane.

What do to after a hurricane is over?

The smartest and the most recommended thing to consider during a hurricane is to take shelter. An ideal place would be a room within your house with no or limited windows.

Hurricane can force people to stay indoors for days, this can build up the anxiety and compel you to wander around or try and move to a different place as soon as the storm seems to be subsiding or is over.

Therefore, it is smart not to attempt anything creative or daring soon after a hurricane. Remain indoors until you receive an official “all clear” message.

• Do not try to drive or walk around to survey the damage.

• Do not touch any low hanging wires or trees that are in contact with power lines

• Keep an eye out for anything in the surrounding or your building structures like porches that could collapse

How do you clean your house after a hurricane?

Hurricane flood can be devastating. If the mess seems to be too much to handle, it is ideal to consult a professional water/flood damage restoration company.

These are some tips that you can consider to cleanup hurricane flood.

• Wear proper safety equipment prior to going out or surveying the damaged areas within your house

• Water and humidity can be the main trigger for mold growth and structural damage to your house. Consider removing them first

• Toss of any furniture or electronics that seem to be beyond repair

How long does it take to cleanup after a hurricane?

If the house has suffered any structural damage, cleaning it up can take some time and it is better to get this done via professionals.

A normal hurricane cleanup can last between 24 to 48 hours.

What do you wear to hurricane cleanup?

It is recommended to have these for a cleanup session:

• Rubber gloves

• Face masks

• Goggles

• Boots

How do you cleanup mold from a hurricane?

Any surface within your house that has come in contact with water and humidity can turn out to be a favorable place for mold growth.

• Ensure that you scrub and sanitize these areas with recommended solutions thoroughly to kill any chances for mold growth

• Dry out the interiors by keeping the windows and doors open and using a hardware fan

• Get rid of any insulation or carpets that seem to be beyond repair

• Dry out the basements thoroughly and check for any leaks on the plumbing systems or the roof

How long should I run a dehumidifier after a flood?

It depends on the extent of the damage and the amount of porous and insulation materials used indoors. More the number of pertinent materials, the longer you should use the dehumidifier. You might have to use a dehumidifier from two days to a week.

Ensure that all the porous materials are dried out completely and replace the ones that seem to be damaged beyond repair.

Cleanup after a hurricane can be a hectic and time-consuming task. Consider these tips and work with patience and assistance whenever you can to get the task done effectively.

5 signs of water damage in your house

Posted by Kiran on August 26, 2019

water damaged ceiling in west palm beach

For a property owner, water damage to their residential property can be the biggest headache and the hardest thing to contain.

Not identifying the symptoms early and overlooking the obvious signs of water damage can cost you big bucks and effort in the long run.

One of the key factors to eradicating any potential cause for water damage or resolving the issue at the very beginning is to understand what to look for.

This post features a list of things that you should be keeping an eye out for to identify any potential signs of water damage to your house that can cause havoc in the future.

Musty odor

Feeling of elevated humidity or dampness within the interiors of your house is a strong sign of water damage. Both these signs are accompanied by a musty odor.

The dampness and humidity level second mold growth which in turn produces the musty odor. Consider this as an ideal sign of water damage in bathrooms. The smell can be strong around the areas where water damage exists.

The water damage related musty smell is similar to that of wet paper or cardboard boxes. Old houses might have such odors, especially in the attic or basement. However, keep an eye out for any sudden changes in the smell accompanied by seasonal changes.

Appearance of mold

Stain or mold dominated walls and ceilings are always a sign of water damage. The mold growth or stain has an epic center which signifies the origin of the water damage.

You can commonly observe this sign near laundry rooms, kitchen, and bathrooms that accounts for major water usage in the house.

The moist surface provides the perfect environment for mold growth, which in turn can affect your health in addition to causing structural damage to the house.

Appearance changes to ceiling, walls and flooring

When water damage is on the cards, you can observe dry walls or ceilings being flaky or bubbly. These conditions, if left unchecked, can become bloated or swollen and respond malleable to touch.

Wet flooring is another sign of water damage which is easily overlooked. The corners of rooms which are hardly used can house molds and even cause irreversible damage to the sub-flooring if left unattended for too long.

Outdated water supply system

The outdated water supply system is one of the major giveaways to residential water damage. While the pipes itself is reliable, the connections and faucets can be the major culprits.

This is why it is highly recommended to perform a water supply system inspection on a yearly basis. Consider cutting off the source of water supply when you are out of town for long periods. You might need regular maintenance and checkups for appliances like furnaces and air conditioning.

High utility bill

It is not always possible to identify water damage, especially with a big house with multiple attics. A sudden surge in utility bill is an ideal indicator of water damage on such occasions.

Ensure that you check the visible pipelines and faucets in the house for any leaks. If you fail to find any leaks in the visible areas, consider the possibility of water damage inside walls.

How to tell if water damage is new or old can be tricky. You might need extensive experience, professional tools and time to figure this out. This is where you can consider contacting a certified water damage restoration company.

Walk around your house with this checklist on a monthly basis to identify water damage at its earliest stage.

Professional Residential Water Damage Repair in West Palm Beach

Posted by Travis Bumgarner on July 14, 2019

The summer season in South Florida brings large amounts of rainfall. Despite the incredible amounts of water that a storm can drop on West Palm Beach, much of the damage to area homes often comes from failed plumbing issues such as a broken pipe or rusted-out water heater.

At Titan Restoration Construction, we specialize in rebuilding homes after a disaster. For residential water damage repair in West Palm Beach, that means we come in after a clean-up company has removed water, debris, knocked down anything past repair and turned off the water to the home if needed.

Our licensed carpenters and other crew members determine where to begin and start bringing in the equipment needed. Common damage after a water issue is to the walls and floor trim since they usually remain underwater as long as carpets and floors. Crew members can quickly install new wall framing, other support structures, and then hang new drywall on everything. After prepping the surface, other specialists can paint it to match the original appearance or apply any other color, wallpaper, or paneling to meet the requirement of the homeowner.

In cases where the plumbing issue started upstairs or overhead, there is damage to ceilings. Titan Restoration Construction crews can install a new ceiling as fast as a new wall. Our licensed electricians can run new wire and conduit that replaces the compromised wiring, and then install new lighting, ceiling fans, and other fixtures ruined by the water.

In some cases, we can assist a homeowner in redrawing the floor plan of their home. Depending on the presence of load-bearing walls or other major support structures, our carpenters can expand kitchens, or reduce the size of other areas of a home to add a guest room or even a nursery for a growing family.

If you need a professional construction service to return your home to its original state, or maybe even better than it was, call Titan Restoration Construction today at 561-345-3751. With more than a decade supporting West Palm Beach and surrounding communities, we are here to help our neighbors, and not simply a group of customers.

Click here for more information about the city of West Palm Beach.

Water Damage Repair Actions For West Palm Beach Homes

Posted by Travis Bumgarner on April 13, 2019

For West Palm Beach residents, water intrusions make up the majority of disaster threats to area homes. Extreme storms failed irrigation, and broken interior plumbing can severely damage residences from the floor to the roof.

Titan Construction can restore and repair water damage to West Palm Beach homes quickly and professionally. We do not commit valuable time and resources to drag out wet carpets or pulling down soggy drywall. Instead, our expertise and experience make us the first choice for rebuilding homes in southeast Florida.

If the home is open to the elements, that is our team’s first task. Technicians immediately start repairing cracks in walls, which includes installing new brickwork and constructing new interior wall framing. Our bricklayers and carpenters can accomplish these tasks over several days, depending on the extent of the damage.

Where that includes the roof, Titan Construction experts can swiftly bring in and install everything from buttresses to rafters, to new tiles. Our experts can make the house look as it did before the disaster, or take advantage of the situation with the homeowner to upgrade the roof tiles and flashing or even change the pitch of the roof to provide for better drainage in future storms.

Water can rise high enough, or flow down through the roof and into the walls to ruin the electrical wiring as well. We have electricians on-staff to perform all repair tasks from replacing new outlets to designing and installing a new, residential energy grid that reduces utility cost. When approved by the homeowner, our roofers and electricians can work together to install and hook-up solar panels to further reduce and even eliminate power bills over the entire year.

At Titan Construction, we always try to do more than replace a wall or repair a roof. With over a decade as a licensed contractor, we see firsthand that even small improvements can make a big difference in curb appeal and the dollar value of every home. If your home has had any level of water damage, now may be the time to consider improvements to your residence, and not just make it look as it did before the disaster. Call us at 561-345-3751 to get started.

Click here for more information about the city of West Palm Beach.

Water Damage Repair Actions for Delray Beach Homes

Posted by Travis Bumgarner on March 1, 2019

Flooding to Delray Beach homes can come from multiple sources like failed plumbing or extreme rain storms that lift roofs and crack walls. When the water damage is that severe, area residents need repairs done by a licensed contractor that specializes in construction, and not drying out carpets.

With Titan Restoration, homeowners have that specialized support. For over ten years, our teams have rebuilt Delray Beach area homes after every type of disaster. Each team member trains for multiple tasks to restore homes as quickly and safely as possible.

After extreme damage, one of our team leaders inspects the home to determine what they need for repair and restoration. For example, inside plumbing issues can leave a garage floor cracked. To prevent further damage and possibly replacement of the entire floor, team members can move in to resurface the concrete, removing the cracks quickly, and lay down a smooth, new floor.

If interior walls were soaked or otherwise damaged, our builders install new framing throughout the home and hang new drywall or other paneling in place. If required by the homeowner, one of Titan Restoration’s professional painters can make the new walls look just like the original or change the color as desired.

If rain or wind damaged exterior walls, our certified bricklayers can patch and repair any damage. That includes rebuilding entire walls if needed. The same applies to damaged roofs. Our teams can lay in a new set of tiles in a few days or a week, depending on the area involved. If a storm damaged the support structure, our builders can repair and replace everything from eaves to trusses and wall plates.

Every action we take at Titan Restoration is to return owners to their homes, condos, and duplexes as quickly as possible. If your home has recently suffered any water damage, no matter how minor you think it might be, call us at 561-345-3751 today for more information or to schedule a visit.

Click here for more about Delray Beach.

woman collecting water in bucket due to water damage in kitchen

Titan Restoration for Fast Water Damage Repairs in Jupiter

Posted by Travis Bumgarner on November 25, 2018

When water comes flooding through a Jupiter home, damage can start to happen almost immediately. Paper items like books, magazines, and newspapers can quickly dissolve into a mush that requires disposal. Worse, the ink from these items can stain carpets, drapes, and hardwood floors. Even if standing water gets removed quickly, there is still moisture trapped in building material that can ruin these items in just a day or two.

Fast repairs are the only solution when it comes to water damage in Jupiter homes. Our teams at Titan Restoration train to quickly inspect a home after it has been cleaned of water and damaged property like crumbling drywall. Within minutes, our technicians get to work repairing leaks, replacing framing, and repairing or replacing wood and linoleum flooring.

As a licensed general contractor, our on-staff plumbers can quickly replace a broken inlet pipe that now spills water across a home, rather than providing it for the water heater and bathrooms. This repair allows for residents to immediately reoccupy their home as our other team members to continue restoration efforts.

If the water remained standing for an extended period, our construction personnel could remediate the effects. While other companies can do minor work like replace wall framing, only a licensed firm like Titan Restoration can perform the major reconstruction. We can replace interior framing to include load-bearing walls and fixed supports like columns.

Long-term standing water also buckles wood floorboards and can loosen the linoleum in kitchens and bathrooms. Our flooring technicians can repair buckling and cracking in the wood, sanding down damage and then apply a new finish to make it all look like a brand new floor, saving homeowners thousands in replacement costs.

Linoleum floors are often cheaper than wood, but a full replacement is still expensive. When water loosens the glue holding the floor in place, air pockets can form. Our technicians make tiny punctures in the middle of the bubble and then gently push the linoleum back in place using specialized heaters.

Restoring your home can seem impossible unless you have the right partner on your side. If you are dealing with the after-effects of water damage in your Jupiter home currently, or ever face this problem in the future, call Titan Restoration at 561-345-3751. We are here to you help you rebuild not just your home, but return your life to what it was before the disaster.

Click here for more about Jupiter.

Rapid Repairs to Water Damaged Delray Beach Homes

Posted by Travis Bumgarner on September 10, 2018

Delray Beach homeowners deal with water damage from storms and mundane problems like a split water line. Each incident can send hundreds of gallons through a home, ruining everything it covers.

Titan Restoration handles water damage repairs to Delray Beach homes and has done so for over ten years. As a licensed contractor, we do not remove standing water or pull up delaminated carpets. What we do is restore your home to its original condition after removal of water and debris.

Our teams can replace wood flooring quickly. Most commercial products easily fit together and depending on the size of the house; we can finish the job in only two or three days.

As team members restore the flooring, one of our inspectors examines the wiring. If the water rose high enough, moisture can get into the outlets and compromise both them and any lamp or appliance plugged into them. After turning off the power, technicians can remove the front plate and trim away scorched wires. They also examine the outlet box for damage and replace it if necessary. Our personnel then finish the job with a new front plate, and another team member paints it to match the walls if required.

If the wiring damage extends back into the walls, one of our electricians follows every foot of damage to its end, replacing everything necessary. Ensuring the integrity of the wiring of the home can require extensive labor hours, but it is the only way to make certain each home is safe for the owner to reoccupy.

Walls are the next item we often deal with as well. Drywall rapidly absorbs water and can even begin to crumble and dissolve while still attached to the framing behind it. Our construction teams quickly replace damaged panels, paint them, and return the interior of each home to its original condition.

Everything we do meets three requirements: Those of the homeowner, state building codes, and the homeowner’s insurance policy. With more than a decade serving Delray Beach and other South Florida communities, Titan Restoration is here to help you repair your home and return to your normal life. Call us at 561-345-3751 today to get started.

Click here for more information on the city of Delray Beach.

Water Damage Repairs in Your Delray Beach Property

Posted by Travis Bumgarner on June 20, 2018

Water loss incidents in your Delray Beach residence or business can leave you overwhelmed and pondering what your next move should be. Often homeowners and business owners seek the most cost-effective of solutions in remedying the problem: choosing to take care of the damages themselves. The trouble with this approach is that many people lack the training and expertise required to successfully restore water damage to their property, and leave themselves open to worsening conditions.

That is one of the allures of choosing Titan Restoration Construction for restoring and rebuilding after water damage repairs to your Delray Beach property are necessary. Our team has the training and experience to handle all of the necessary repairs and reconstruction for small to significant water loss incidents that have occurred.

Water damage repairs are often one of the first things that have to happen when our technicians arrive at a home or business. While in many cases, the source of the damage has been stopped temporarily, busted pipes, faulty appliances, or whatever caused the water damage requires repair before restoration work can begin. The last thing that you want as a home or business owner is the same problem happening again immediately after restoration is completed.

So our Titan team works quickly to repair the damage to your home so that the effects of the incident can get assessed and restored appropriately. This assessment can show our technicians the equipment necessary for both restoration and reconstruction, as well as provide the appropriate estimation figures to the insurance company handling the claim for your property. This process ensures that the present water damage gets removed and restored more efficiently, but also helps remove some of the stress and legwork attributed to working on your own with insurance adjusters.

When it comes to finding the right solution for the water damage in Delray Beach and surrounding communities, you can always trust in our Titan Restoration Construction team. We are available 24/7 for commercial and residential restoration projects by calling 561-345-3751.

Click here for more information on the city of Delray Beach.

Category: Water Damage Repairs