Is Smoke Damage Dangerous? Dangers of Smoke Damage The dangers of smoke damage are not something that should be taken lightly. After your home or business experiences a fire, your problems have only just begun. The lingering smoke can cause health problems that can cause you and others extreme discomfort. In this article, we will go over a few of the risks that are caused by smoke damage. Also, we will go over your options to make sure the smoke damage in your home or business is taken care of properly. Lung Irritation Even if you are a healthy person, lingering smoke damage can irritate your lungs. In fact, if you are exposed to smoke damage for an extended amount of time, those irritants have the potential to turn into permanent issues. However, not everyone is lucky enough to have strong, healthy lungs. Asthma is one of the most common issues that affect people today. The dangers of smoke damage for people with asthma can quickly become life-threatening. Toxic Materials A lot of the time, smoke is not the only thing you need to worry about after a fire. For instance, fire and smoke can release dozens of toxic materials that can lead to long-term health problems for you. In DC, a lot of buildings and homes were built before 1980. Buildings and homes built before the 1980s were constructed with materials that may have contained asbestos. After a fire, asbestos fibers can circulate through the air and enter the bodies and lungs of you or others. Over time, asbestos exposure may cause severe health issues, including cancer. Eye Damage The dangers of smoke damage can also affect your eyes and your ability to see. Lingering smoke after a fire can enter your eyes and cause irritation, redness, and watering eyes. Indeed, if you remain exposed to smoke damage for too long, you may cause irreversible eye damage. Also, due to eye damage, you may incur medical costs to resolve any issues. Skin Irritation Lingering smoke can seep into your skin and cause extreme dryness and itchiness. While this irritation might seem like the least of your problems when it comes to smoke damage, it can, in fact, become a massive irritation to your life. Extensive dryness can cause your skin to crack and bleed. Also, it is important to note that this dryness cannot be relieved by any lotion, because the irritation is coming from the smoke and not your skin. Seek Professional Help for Smoke Damage An important thing to know is that smoke damage must be removed by a professional. Avoid any home/DIY remedies that you may find. You might reduce the damage, but you will never be able to get rid of it completely. If you live in DC or a surrounding suburb, DC Water Restoration provides industry-leading smoke damage removal services. We provide 24/7/365 service to our customers. Also, we will respond to any emergency within 60 minutes. With our world-class cleaning service, along with our fast response time, we will provide the service you need during this traumatic time.
Commercial Water Damage? Here’s What You Should Know Commercial Water Damage Commercial water damage is not something that should be taken lightly. You will have to deal with any property damage that may occur. Furthermore, because of the humid summers and freezing winters, commercial water damage in DC can be particularly troublesome. The most important thing you can do as a business owner is to have a game plan when water damage occurs. In this article, we provide essential information that you need to know if you are unfortunate enough to have water damage on your commercial property. Inspect Your Property After you have noticed that your commercial property has water damage, the next step is to do a thorough inspection. Inspecting your property will better inform you of the next steps that are needed. Begin to Dry Out What You Can Water damage can act fast, and it is vital to respond quickly to any damage you may see. If you notice that the water is coming from a burst pipe, you need to shut off the water line to your commercial property. We recommend that you keep certain items like towels and dehumidifiers at your property. These tools will allow you to begin the drying process and prevent any further damage. Hire a Water Restoration Company If you come to find that the water damage affecting your commercial property is extensive, it may be time to hire a professional. A professional service will be able to provide a more thorough cleaning and restoration to your property. DC Water Restoration has provided unparalleled water restoration in DC and surrounding areas for over a decade. Using state-of-the-art technology and techniques, we will return your commercial property to working order in no time. Also, since we provide 24/7/365 service, you will always be able to get the service you need in as little as 60 minutes. Begin an Insurance Claim Water damage in a commercial property can cause massive costs to you. Having insurance in a moment like this will not only save you money; it will also save you stress and headaches. However, it is important to note that most insurance companies are not going to send you a check with no questions asked. You need to record all the information you can about the damage that affected your property. An excellent way to do this is to take photos of any damage to your commercial property. Also, it would be smart to save any invoices and receipts that you may have for all the equipment and furniture you have. Preparation is Key Commercial water damage in DC is a serious issue. A common factor repeated throughout this article is preparation. Indeed, the best way to get ahead of water damage is to have an action plan in place. You need to have necessary items handy like towels and dehumidifiers. In addition, if you live in DC or a surrounding area, have the number of DC Water Restoration in a convenient spot. Finally, have all invoices and receipts saved so you can submit an effective insurance claim. Explore more helpful advice on the DC Water Restoration Blog website.
What to Do About Frozen Pipes in DC Frozen Pipes in DC It is no secret that winter is officially here. With freezing temperatures and snowstorms predicted to hit the East Coast, it is time to prepare. Grab warm blankets from your closet, load up on hot tea, and prepare yourself for hibernation. However, all the preparation in the world won’t stop things from going wrong this winter season. Frozen pipes in DC are the most common and costliest accidents to affect homeowners. As the weather begins to freeze, stagnant water in your pipes can solidify and burst to cause damage in your home. In this article, we have provided steps to help prevent as well as alleviate frozen pipes. Also, we will provide useful information if you are already the victim of bursting pipes. Keep Your Pipes Flowing To begin, the most common reason for frozen pipes is stagnant water. When the temperatures dip below freezing, turn on the sinks in your home. This will allow the water in your pipes to flow and make it much harder for them to freeze. A downside to this solution is the higher water bills that will come from the constantly flowing water. Use External Heating Sources If you are afraid that your pipes are freezing, place an external heating source close to your pipes. For example, buying a space heater or heat lamp and putting it close to your pipes will help break apart the ice before it can form. A downside of this solution is the high electricity cost that may occur during the winter. Keep Your Thermostat on Day and Night To help thaw your frozen pipes, do not let your thermostat fall below 55 degrees. Keeping your home temperature warm and consistent is the best way to keep your pipes warm and water flowing. What to Do If Your Pipes Burst Unfortunately, no matter how much preparation you do, pipes can still burst. It is vital to act fast to avoid catastrophic property damage. First, you need to shut off your main water supply to prevent more considerable flooding. Second, call us at DC Water Restoration. With a response time of 30 to 60 minutes, we will assess the damage quickly. After we determine the damage, we will be able to provide any water cleanup that is required. Third, contact your insurance company to open a claim. Burst pipes can cost thousands of dollars in damages. The sooner you open an insurance claim, the sooner you can receive financial compensation to begin needed repairs to your home. Preparation is Key Frozen pipes in DC should be taken seriously. You must have key elements in place before the winter season begins. Inspect your pipes to make sure there are no cracks or other defects. Have heating sources like heat lamps and space heaters ready to go at a moment’s notice. Also, have DC Water Restoration’s contact info in a safe place so you can contact us on short notice. Stay safe, stay smart, and stay dry.
How Can Water Damage Your Home Residential Water Damage Water damage to your home can occur quickly and lead to numerous problems. It’s important to know about the various ways in which water can damage your home in order to prevent against them. Here are some ways in which water damage can arise. Water Entering the Home Rainwater can enter the home through leaks, typically via the roof or basement walls. This may occur slowly and go unnoticed at first causing interior damage to walls and flooring. This type of damage can be particularly severe, as it damages the interior structure of your home. Roofs that have asphalt shingles can be prone to leakage. The shingles tend to curl up and tear as they get older allowing rainwater to enter the home. In addition, roof flashing that is bent or pulling away is often a cause of leaks. Rainwater can also seep into your basement at weak spots during a storm. This seepage may go unnoticed for a long time. You may initially discover that your basement is leaking because you smell mold and mildew. It is important to do periodic inspections to make sure you do not have any leaks. Appliances Not Working Appliances, especially the washing machine, water heater, and kitchen sink, may develop leaks during usage. These leaks may start out small, from an ill-fitting washer or gasket at a joint. Or they may be larger, from a compromised or weakened pipe that has a hole. When you’ve experienced this type of water damage, it’s important to service the appliance to make sure there are no wet electrical wires that could cause a short or shock to the user. Secondary Damage One of the biggest impacts of water damage is what happens after the fact. Secondary water damage occurs from residue water that has not been properly cleaned or high levels of humidity that are impacting drying. Drywall that has absorbed water will often grow mold or other fungus. Molds and mildews start to grow in only 24 – 48 hours and, when left unaddressed, can cause unhealthy respiratory distress. What To Do if You Have Water Damage When you’ve experienced water damage, it’s important to get the issue addressed as soon as possible. Over time, damage can lead to structural, health, and safety issues. DC Water Restoration serves clients in the greater Washington DC area and knows that you need help to arrive quickly. We will assess the damage and start removing water right away to minimize home damage. If you need water damage restoration, call us at 1-202-792-7445 or contact us on our website.
DC Pest Control: Pests and How to Fight Them How to Fight Pests DC pest control companies have to deal with a high volume of pests. Shockingly, many pest species in the DC area infest human habitations, making it difficult to live there, as wells as unpleasant and unsafe. This guide focuses on three of the most common causes of DC pest control calls. An infestation of any kind can become dangerous. As a result, you are forced to call in the professionals. However, you can prevent most of these at home as the first line of defense. Ants There are several species of ants in the DC area, and it’s difficult to get rid of most of them. Once they’re in a home’s soil or landscaping, they form colonies that contain tens of thousands of members. Ants come into your home searching for food, and it can be challenging to find out where they’re coming from or drive them out. Your first line of defense against ants is cleanliness. Regularly cleaning with chemical cleaners can wipe out an ant’s trail. This makes it difficult for other ants to follow them. Wipe down any area where you see even one ant ASAP to prevent others from following! Next, use an ant trap or poison bait. You can pick these up at a hardware store. Not every type is effective against every ant, but if you catch the infestation early enough, this can help. If the ant problem persists and you’re not able to fend them off, call a professional DC pest control company. Bed Bugs Bed bugs are difficult to fight on your own. If you see more than one, just call a professional right away. The alternative is washing everything in hot water, from clothes to bedding to carpets and rugs. Steam clean furniture, curtains, and mattresses. You have to heat the water because you have to kill the bed bug eggs. These eggs take a while to hatch, so you may think you’ve gotten rid of all the bed bugs just to discover a new generation biting you a few days later! Mice Mice contaminate everything that they touch. Because they carry diseases, anything that a mouse has come into contact with should be considered unsafe for humans. There are many methods to combat mice on a DIY basis, but they usually fail because they don’t address the root issue: how and why are mice entering your home. The most common advice for dealing with mice is to get a cat. Pet allergies aside, this is far from a perfect solution. Simply owning cats won’t drive mice away, and even a very hungry predator won’t catch them all. You can also purchase traps. These traps can be tricky for some people to use correctly. Emotions (even for a pest) can be unpredictable, and many adults don’t want their children to come across a sprung trap by accident. Mice enter a home looking for food, water, and shelter. Secure your food at all times, especially if you know you have a mouse. Contamination can be dangerous! Next, try to find out what drew the mouse to your home, and how you got in. DC pest control professionals can help you identify the source of your mouse problem. Pests can be a threat to your home’s value and your health. Combat pests as you can, but acknowledge when you may be in over your head. A DC pest control team not only rids you of your pests but finds the reason for the infestation in the first place.