Emergency Readiness Plan

 

Dispelling Misconceptions about Content Cleaning and Insurance

 Restore-it Restoration and Cleaning offers content cleaning and restoration services that El Dorado residents can trust. A fire damage disaster, catastrophic water damage, or storm damage disaster can affect most or all the contents of a home or business. Fire damage may be minimal, but the smoke and soot damage may impact every surface, including walls, ceilings, countertops, flooring, appliances, furniture, upholstery, electronics, artwork, books, personal documents, and clothing. The HVAC system and ductwork may need extensive cleaning, restoration, or replacement.

Homeowners often operate on inaccurate assumptions that can be financially devastating if acted upon. A widely held misconception is that water or fire-damaged contents cannot be restored but must be replaced. Some homeowners think replacement is the first option and assume that replacement is automatic. In contrast, homeowners believe they have the option to cash out without input from the insurance carrier. When a homeowner takes action without first consulting the policy and the agent, a financial disaster may occur. Premature action on the part of the homeowner can result in higher claim costs, negative customer service complaints, and possible loss of customers.

Misconception #1: It is preferable to purchase new items than to restore the original contents.

Some homeowners are willing and eager to spend the time and effort to search out replacement items for what was lost or damaged in a property damage disaster. However, a shopping trip of that magnitude requires time, and the chore of finding a replacement for every piece of clothing and furniture can be daunting.

Also, some items cannot truly be replaced. Insurance industry experts at Claims Journal explain: “Soft contents tend to hold more sentimental value than any other content category because they are often seasonal, purchased for a special occasion, gifted, or hold a special meaning. A homeowner may have an outfit worn to a daughter’s wedding or other memorable events, a flag symbolizing military service, or a quilt that grandma hand-stitched. These sentimental items are often irreplaceable.”

These items may be original, unique, rare, and irreplaceable because of what they are and the intrinsic and economic value they hold. In these cases, restoration is well worth the effort.

Misconception #2: Attempts to restore an item are not necessary for a replacement to be approved.

The replacement does not depend on a determination from the policyholder; instead, efforts to restore the item must come first. Restoration may be waived under two circumstances:

• The contents have sustained structural damage.
• A restoration professional has determined that the contents cannot be salvaged.

Cost savings are a benefit to the homeowner. The typical homeowner, and some carriers, are unaware that there is no charge if the efforts to clean an item fail. The homeowner is not at risk if restoration is unsuccessful or incomplete.

The homeowner has much to gain when cleanup and restoration are successful. Restoration costs are consistently less expensive than replacement costs and usually total about 15 to 25 percent of an item’s value.

Regrettably, many homeowners are underinsured with regard to content coverage. They may have failed to increase the limits of the coverage, or they may have decided to settle for less coverage to reduce monthly policy payments. Everything is fine until a loss occurs. At that point, the policy limitations can be devastating. Since restoration is much less expensive than replacement, some of the difference can be recouped by choosing to restore the damaged items.

Misconception #3: It is a good idea to cash out a content claim rather than wait on restoration.

Sometimes a homeowner may decide to accept a cash settlement from the carrier instead of waiting for the restoration to be completed. This cash-out of the claim does not enable a homeowner to cover the replacement costs of the damaged items. In too many cases, the homeowner underestimates the replacement cost, making the cash settlement look enticing. Unfortunately, the insufficient cash-out amount may only become apparent when the home’s contents need to be replaced but the money has run out. The resulting frustration is often vented on by the insurance carrier or the insurance agent.

The homeowner can avoid the traps associated with these misconceptions by taking the following steps:

• Accurately estimate the full replacement cost of the damaged items.
• Wait on the insurance company to evaluate the extent of the contents damage and present its breakdown of what items the company will seek to restore and what items will be immediately replaced.
• Obtain a guaranteed cash-out amount from the insurance carrier.
• Evaluate and compare each option.
• Choose the one that best meets the needs of the situation.

The Restore-it Restoration and Cleaning team is certified, skilled, and experienced in content cleaning. Utilizing industry-standard equipment, techniques, and cleaning products, the content cleaning and damage restoration specialists can restore most items to their original, pre-damage condition, saving potentially thousands of dollars for the customer or insurance company. Fast, thorough, and professional, Restore-it Restoration and Cleaning is a top choice for content cleaning services in El Dorado, AR.

For more information about property damage restoration services, including water damage, fire and smoke damage, sewage backups, mold remediation, and carpet cleaning, contact the Restore-It Restoration and Cleaning office by phone at (870) 417-4614 or visit the website to request an immediate follow-up.

Dispelling Misconceptions about Content Cleaning and Insurance

Dealing With Burst Pipe Water Damage at Businesses in El Dorado, AR

 Restore-It Restoration and Cleaning is dedicated to getting a business up and running as soon as possible after a burst pipe water damage disaster. Water pipes in a commercial setting are often under a wide range of stresses that can lead to a catastrophic failure of the body of the pipe, at joints, and where valves are located. Aging, negligence, accidents, vandalism, and other issues factor into the equation that adds up to a burst pipe in an El Dorado, AR, business. Once a pipe bursts, thousands of gallons of water can flood the office floor, the production area, or the warehouse.

Outlined below are six common reasons why pipes burst in a commercial setting, resulting in extensive water damage and loss if not quickly detected.

#1. Improper installation

One of the leading causes of burst water pipes is improper installation. Areas of weakness are created when pipes of two different materials, such as copper and plastic, are improperly joined. Using the wrong types of cleaners and cement when joining pipes can lead to serious water damage in the future. The installation of water pipes in such a way that undue stress is exerted on joints sets up conditions that can lead to a burst water pipe.

#2. Pressure buildup in the water pipes

A rise in water pressure in a water pipe is one of the most common causes of pipe ruptures. Often a result of clogging, the increase in water pressure continues to build as only a minimal amount of water flows through the pipe beyond the clog. The pressure will continue to increase until the pipe bursts and the pressure is relieved. 

If a faucet yields only a trickle of water when the tap is wide open, the issue may be a blockage somewhere in the line. The water release will most likely occur at a point where the pipe or a joint is compromised.

#3. Frigid weather

On February 16, 2021, much of Arkansas experienced sub-zero temperatures. Fayetteville, AR, saw a record-breaking temperature of -20 degrees Fahrenheit. The ferocious cold snap lasted for days, and thousands of people and businesses experienced both frozen and burst pipes.

Water can expand in volume by as much as nine percent and exert pressures over 14,000 psi. As long as the pipes can withstand the increase in volume and pressure, no catastrophe will occur.

A layer of insulation will prevent most pipes from freezing. Allowing water to trickle from faucets will also help avoid freezing since flowing water has a lower freeze point.

#4. Exposure to elements and other activities

Not all water pipes are buried underground. Some pipes, due to the commercial application, are exposed to the elements. Pipes for fire sprinkler systems, industrial manufacturing processes, or other applications often run along the ceiling. During cold weather, these pipes can freeze. Direct sunlight can degrade plastic pipes. When pipes corrode and crack, they are more likely to fail. Exposed pipes are vulnerable to impact damage from equipment such as forklifts, dollies, and mechanical lifts. Insulation can protect pipes from the harmful rays of the sun and harsh temperatures. Proper signage identifying exposed water pipes can increase awareness and reduce damage from human error or accidents.

#5. Pipes manufactured with inferior grade materials

Defective pipes are a liability from the moment they are installed. Careful inspection of pipes during the installation process can result in faulty materials being spotted and discarded.  Some of the issues may be directly related to inferior materials. Also, pipes may have been damaged during shipping or while in storage awaiting installation. A water damage disaster can be averted simply by visually examining each pipe before it is installed.

#6. Hairline fractures in pipes

Hairline fractures create future problems. Over time, the fracture lines enlarge until a catastrophic failure occurs. A close inspection at installation and a pressure test can reveal leaks before water is released into the pipes.

When burst pipes cause extensive water damage in a commercial environment, the business is faced with the cost of cleanup and restoration. The company must also weather the loss of revenue from the disruption of business operations. Regular maintenance and preventive measures are the best approaches to avoiding a water damage disaster from a burst pipe.

What to do when disaster strikes

When a water damage disaster occurs in a business setting, the immediate goal is to clean up the water, restore any damage, and resume normal business operations as soon as possible. The temptation is to utilize employees to do the cleanup. However, the lack of equipment, training and PPG puts employees at risk and exposes the employer to potential litigation if any personal injury occurs.

The team at Restore-It Restoration and Cleaning is well-equipped, thoroughly trained, and efficient. Restore-It Restoration and Cleaning complete the job promptly, allowing the business to resume normal operations as soon as possible.

For more information about Restore-It Restoration and Cleaning’s property damage cleanup and restoration services, including water damage restoration, fire and smoke damage restoration, sewage cleanup, mold remediation, and carpet cleaning, contact the office by phone at (870) 417-4614 or visit the website to request an immediate follow-up.

Why Is There Water in the Kitchen? Identifying Common Sources of Water Damage

 Restore-It Restoration and Cleaning provides water damage cleanup and restoration services 24/7, 365 days a year. This round-the-clock service from the team of professionals at Restore-It is always appreciated and highly valued by their customers, especially when a disaster such as a burst pipe water damage disrupts activities in the kitchen.

The Kitchen: A Hub of Water Damage Hazards

El Dorado, AR, kitchens are dotted with multiple water damage hazards. A recipe boiling on the stovetop for a prolonged time, a spill during cooking and cleaning, puddled water on the floor and countertop, or a leak under the sink can develop into a water damage issue. Below is a closer look at some of the most common causes of water damage in the kitchen and what can be done to prevent them.

1. The Refrigerator

The silent giant in the kitchen is the refrigerator. The water supply line to the ice maker and water dispenser increases the risk of a water damage disaster. A broken line can spill several gallons of water per minute onto the floor. Be very careful when moving the appliance to prevent the tubing from crimping, cracking, breaking, or coming loose.

2. The Kitchen Sink

One of the most important workstations in the kitchen is the kitchen sink. The risk hazard for water damage is elevated because of the faucet, sinks, and sprayer. Maintenance and prevention are crucial to avoid damage, especially burst pipe water damage. A well-designed and properly installed backsplash will contain the water in the sink area. Pay close attention to the puddling of water in the sink work area. Frequently take a dry towel or cloth and wipe up excess moisture that collects around the edges of the sink, around the faucet, and beneath the backsplash. To avoid water damage and to prevent the spread of bacteria and germs such as salmonella, keep the kitchen counters clean. The use of a non-toxic all-purpose cleaner will promote a sanitary cooking space.

A leaky sink faucet is a common source of water damage in the kitchen. O-rings, washers, and gaskets ensure the system works flawlessly. Time is the enemy of the faucet; the components wear out or degrade over time, even if usage is minimal. The sink sprayer can also contribute to water damage. Sprayer nozzle and hose connections can spring a leak when subjected to the rigorous use or the play of small children. Damage can occur both above and below the counter. The water released under the counter can cause the most damage because it goes unnoticed. To prevent water damage, inspect the faucet, connections, and sprayer by looking and by feeling around for water leaks. A quick repair can prevent serious water damage.

3. The Garbage Disposal

One of the most appreciated kitchen conveniences is the garbage disposal tucked invisibly under the sink. The gadget is not without its potential water hazards. The points of greatest vulnerability are where the unit connects to the sink above and the drain below. The deafening roar of the garbage disposal attests to its dynamic power. The intense vibrations from its operation can result in leaks at connection points with the sink, drain, and dishwasher. The garbage disposal gives and takes a beating. Its lifespan is relatively short, and frequent inspections can help avoid leaks and water damage.

4. Dishwasher

One of the most beloved and appreciated kitchen appliances is the faithful dishwasher. If not well maintained, this time-saver can spill water onto the floor, and leaks can occur at the door or underneath the unit. Some leaks are due to wear and tear over time. However, some spills and leaks are due to human error. The use of too much soap or the wrong soap can be disastrous. A dishwasher that is overloaded or improperly loaded can malfunction, resulting in extensive water damage in the kitchen.

Loose connections, cracked hoses, or gasket failure may account for leaks under the dishwasher. These overt, or hidden, leaks can go for prolonged periods before eventually being discovered. A musty smell, warping flooring, or water seeping out from under the unit may indicate that the dishwasher has suffered mechanical failure.

Water damage is not always avoidable, even with the proper maintenance of kitchen appliances. Any water damage disaster is disruptive, inconvenient, and stressful. A 24/7/365 response can avoid unnecessary and expensive advanced secondary damage. The team of professionals at Restore-It Restoration and Cleaning is IICRC-certified and ready to provide restoration and cleaning services to El Dorado and the surrounding areas.

Contact Restore-It Restoration and Cleaning to learn more about El Dorado, AR, water damage cleanup. The team can be reached by calling (870) 417-4614.

Restoration Company Offers Tips for Addressing Burst Pipes and Water Damage

 Two of the top three leading causes of water damage in the home are related plumbing issues and appliance failures or malfunctions. About four in ten homeowners will experience some type of water damage. Recent research from a group of property management experts reveals more stunning statistics about water damage and water damage disasters. “Water damage statistics indicate even a minor leak can increase the average household water bill by 10%. The average home insurance claim for water damage is $11,098. 98% of basements experience some sort of water damage. 14.6 million U.S. homes are at risk of flooding. On any given day, home water damage emergencies affect 14,000 people. Nationwide, household water damage costs up to $20 billion annually.”

Why a Home Is Vulnerable to Water Damage

A home provides shelter from the elements. When heavy rains rumble on the roof, the family stays dry and cozy inside the house. Yet, hundreds of feet of water pipes snake their way beneath floors, between walls, and under cabinets. The water is under pressure waiting to be released. In most cases, when the water is released, it serves a purpose such as quenching thirst, cooking, washing clothes and dishes, showering or bathing, and flushing the toilet.

However, the consequences can be catastrophic when the water release results from a damaged, aging, or leaking pipe. A slow leak of two drops per second under the sink discharges over two gallons of water per day onto the floor of the cabinet. If the sink is in the upstairs bathroom, signs of a leak will soon appear on the ceiling below.

Bronze stains, peeling paint, and warped sheetrock will soon become obvious to the occupants of the home. A musty, mildewy smell will become detectable in about a day or two when the water stagnates and mold begins to grow. If the bathroom is over the seldom-used downstairs spare bedroom, the only warning sign of a leak the family receives is the sound of water-soaked sheetrock crashing to the floor. The barely audible tick-tick sound the guest thought was a clock was the drip-drip of the supply line to the upstairs sink or toilet.

A slow drip can cause severe damage fast. After a week or two, the floor of the cabinet is warped and rotting. The baseboards are swollen, and the floor outside the cabinet door is growing soft and mushy. A leak detection sensor with a shutoff valve could have prevented the problem. Ninety-three percent of water damage disasters could be avoided with the installation of this inexpensive, highly effective technology.

The thin supply lines that feed a bathroom sink, the toilet, or the icemaker can release two or three gallons of water per minute. A brief leak can be mopped up once the water is shut off, but if the burst supply line free flows for a long, three-day weekend, nearly ten thousand gallons of water will flow into the house. A 2,000-square-foot basement will become a shallow pond about eight inches deep.

If the water release stems from a burst washing machine supply line or a ¾-inch water line, that same three-day weekend water damage disaster can flood the crawl space or fill the basement with 30,000 gallons of water.

Why Do Pipes Burst?

A slow leak can gradually become a faster leak that eventually becomes a spewing fountain if not caught early and repaired. During renovations, an errant nail can sometimes pierce a pipe, flood the home, and ruin the renovation project. Also, variations in water pressure can rupture pipes. A sudden, intense increase in water pressure can damage fittings, resulting in a water release. Finally, one of the main causes of a burst water pipe or supply line is age. By replacing supply lines with the dishwasher, washing machine, ice maker, and water filter, a major water disaster can be avoided.

When cleaning under sinks, around toilets, or behind the washing machine or refrigerator, inspect the water supply lines. Check the floors, baseboards, and walls for water stains, warping, and mold stains. A moldy, mildewy smell is a sure indication of mold and mildew. Search until the source of the water damage is located. This search may require a professional with advanced water detection equipment.

How to Handle a Water Damage Disaster

Small leaks and spills can be handled by the homeowner, but large spills need the attention of water damage cleanup and restoration professionals. The team at Restore-It Restoration and Cleaning has the heavy-duty pumps to clean up the deep waters flooding the basement. Powerful wet-dry vacuums remove the remaining water. Commercial dehumidifiers and rapid-spin fans work continuously to dry out a flooded home. The team of certified professionals knows how to quickly clean and restore water-damaged flooring, carpet, upholstery, documents, clothing, electronics, and wood furniture.

Delays can complicate the cleanup and restoration by allowing advanced secondary damage to occur. Items that could have been restored now must be discarded. If the mold gets a foothold, another layer of expense and time is added to the project.

Contact Restore-It Restoration and Cleaning to learn more about water damage restoration services. The team can be reached by phone at (870) 417-4614.

Content Cleaning for Homes and Businesses in El Dorado, AR

 Restore-It Restoration and Cleaning provides advanced content cleaning and restoration for rugs, carpet, upholstery, curtains, furniture, electronics, documents, antiques, heirlooms, and other items that have been affected by a fire, smoke, water, or flood damage disaster.

When property damage occurs, the temptation is to discard damaged belongings and replace everything. Most home or business owners lack the proper knowledge, equipment, and cleaning products to salvage damaged items effectively. However, replacement is costly and may not be fully covered by insurance. If property owners attempt DIY content restoration, they might accidentally ruin priceless antiques or irreplaceable heirlooms. The best approach is to entrust the project to trained and experienced content cleaning professionals.

Instances in which property damage restoration may be needed include:

• Fire and smoke damage
• Flooding and water damage with the potential need for mold remediation
• Sewage backup
• Biohazard or trauma scene cleanup

Property damage restoration will involve content cleaning and restoration when one or more of these disasters occur in a home or business. In some cases where the damage is limited to a small area of the home or business, cleaning and restoring contents can be successfully conducted on-site. When the fire, smoke, or water damage is extensive and has affected many items, the contents may need to be moved to a safe, secure, and clean environment. Sometimes undamaged items need to be put in storage to protect them during the cleanup, restoration and rebuilding.

The Content Cleaning Process

Content cleaning is important because it often involves personal belongings with great sentimental value. Some personal belongings such as art, jewelry, antiques, sports memorabilia, and rare historical documents or photographs may be valuable or even irreplaceable. The good news is personal contents can often be cleaned and restored rather than replaced.

The contents cleaning process is highly organized, well documented, and closely managed to ensure belongings are safe, secure, and protected from further damage.

Step 1: Inventory and pack-out

Technicians list and pack belongings designated to be removed from the damaged premises. Careful and thorough documentation is an essential component of this step.

Step 2: Cleaning and restoration

This step is where the belongings are carefully cleaned, repaired, and restored. Advanced equipment, state-of-the-art technology, and advanced cleaning techniques and products restore items to their pre-disaster condition.

Step 3: Storage

Once cleaned and restored, the contents are kept in a secure, climate-controlled environment.

Step 4: Return of restored items

Restore-It Restoration and Cleaning strives to return personal belongings when the home or business is restored and ready to receive the items. If the items are returned during the restoration process, they could become soiled or damaged.

Sophisticated Cleaning Equipment and Technologies

Damage restoration professionals are highly trained and certified to provide industry-standard cleaning and restoration that uses sophisticated technologies and advanced cleaning techniques. Equipment and technologies utilized in the cleaning and restoration industry may include:

• Aqueous electronics cleaning
• High precision ultrasonic cleaning
• Scientifically advanced deodorizing
• Precision drying
• Powerful EPA-approved, human-safe, pet-safe cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing products

The cleaning professionals at Restore-It Restoration and Cleaning know what technologies are most effective for cleaning various contents. Technicians also learn how to operate and apply these technologies to correctly and thoroughly wash items. The misuse or misapplication of a technology or cleaning product can damage or ruin a personal belonging, keepsake, or heirloom. DIY content cleaning can irrevocably damage personal belongings and may put the homeowner at risk of injury if the technology or cleaning product is improperly operated or applied.

What Can Be Cleaned and Restored?

Many items can be cleaned and restored and do not have to be discarded. Rugs, carpets, curtains, and clothing are some of the textiles and fabrics that can be cleaned, sanitized, and deodorized. Photographs, jewelry, antiques, fine china, and even golf clubs can be cleaned and restored. It makes sense to clean and restore some furniture, depending on the value and condition of the piece. Advanced cleaning technology enables specially trained technicians to clean and restore electronics such as televisions, computers, printers, gaming stations, and appliances.

Financial and medical records, books, legal documents, and private journals can be restored. Decorative items, toys, cookware, and glassware may be included in the pack-out, processing, and pack-back. The professionals at Restore-It Restoration and Cleaning utilize an array of content cleaning technologies, techniques, and products to clean, sanitize, and deodorize the contents in a home or business that has suffered from property damage.

For more information about property damage cleanup and restoration, including water damage, fire and smoke damage, sewage backups, mold remediation, and carpet cleaning, contact Restore-It Restoration and Cleaning by calling (870) 417-4614.