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How to Avoid Home Renovation Mistakes

rachaeleslao@gmail.com (Rachael Eslao) — Tue, 21 Dec 2021 20:05:23 GMT

How to Avoid Home Renovation Mistakes

Renovating your house improves its utility, increases its durability, and adds to its visual appeal. Regardless, remodeling on a budget might lead to a few challenges that must be avoided. Home improvement projects can consume a significant portion of your cash while yet going horribly wrong.

If you can make house renovations go more smoothly and efficiently, it might be one of the most satisfying experiences you'll ever have. However, a bad remodel may be a vexing experience, especially if you commit these five home renovation blunders.

Mistake #1: Failing to Vet Your Renovation Team

One critical home repair error you must avoid is hiring the first contractor you come across. Improper vetting of your remodeling crew might result in not just a bad but also a costly makeover. You want the appropriate team for your house, whether it's a simple alteration or a major makeover.

When screening your team, start with the fundamentals. Are they, for example, appropriately insured, certified, and licensed? Look for these elements even before you begin discussing the specifics of your project. Then, inquire about their previous experience with the sort of makeover you desire for your property.

What recommendations do they have to improve on your ideas? Is there a portfolio you can look at? How quickly can they supply what you require?

You want a design staff that is efficient, dedicated, and knowledgeable. It's also critical to document everything, including every detail you expect from the project. By verifying your team, you safeguard yourself against a possibly disastrous remodel as well as unregistered personnel.

Mistake #2: Miscalculating Your Budget

Most homeowners make the mistake of underestimating the total cost of the project. It's simple to find dream designs in magazines or on the internet, but it's another matter to pay for them. For example, an open-concept kitchen with copper fixtures may appear appealing until you get a quotation for the renovation price.

Consider probable problems in your property, since these will almost certainly raise the cost of your remodeling. Water damage, mildew, wind damage, hail, and leaks may all harm components of your property. These can raise the expense of remodeling, which is generally not noticed by the homeowner.

Set a reasonable remodeling budget that takes into account what you need, what you desire, and what you can afford. You'll almost certainly incur expenditures on any project you're working on. There will be several ways in which a seemingly minor activity might cost you an ungodly sum of money once you discover all the hidden problems.

Mistake #3: Taking on Too Many Projects

Taking on a large project with a scope that is too large for them is a regular problem for homeowners. If you have a mostly new room or have been longing for a remodel, things will most certainly start snowballing. ne refurbishment will result in two more, two to three, three to four, and so on.

As you pile on more jobs and projects, you'll find your house in a mess. Everything doesn't match, or you don't have enough time to do everything on time. You're unlikely to get the fulfillment you want, leaving you with frustration and in a lot of tears.

Begin by focusing on one assignment at a time and completing it before moving on to the next. Even if you are already working on several tasks at the same time, prioritize and accomplish one of them.

Mistake #4: Insufficient Planning

Schedules are extremely difficult to coordinate, and this is a typical problem among contractors. As a result, you need a construction staff that will work around your timeline rather than the other way around. Any remodeling company should be able to give a contractor that works around your schedule.

Create a project schedule that fits around your work schedule. Plan out every aspect of the project, from preparation to finish. Ensure that you have a precise timetable for the whole project and that you have an expected time from your construction crew.

Make sure you have a location to keep all of the items that the construction crew will need for the restoration. Keep track of all milestones for the length of the project, as well as what each subcontractor needs to do on-site.

If possible, adjust your timetable. Consider the weather as well as any prospective holidays. Your build team's detailed schedule might help you determine where you should make adjustments. Furthermore, it will distinguish actual professionals from those who are winging the entire procedure.

Mistake #5: Not Obtaining the Appropriate Renovation Permits

Another typical misstep for some people is failing to obtain permission for their renovation work. Many homeowners believe that they do not need a permit, especially if the work is being done on their own house. However, different states demand different licenses for house repairs, so you should stay on top of such things.

In most cases, contractors will manage the application and acquisition of permissions for a renovation. It's largely part of the service and what you pay for when you work with their staff. Finally, it is the homeowner's obligation to get permits for any house renovations. Make certain that all facts are included in the contract you sign.

If you do not get permission, local officials who smell the renovation will likely halt it and demand that the project be dismantled. Permits also assist in keeping everyone on-site safe, which is an important component of restoration.

Renovating without permission might reduce the market value of your home. If a contractor attempts to pass off a remodeling without the necessary permissions, demand them. There will be many hassles, especially if you need to chase after their shoddy job.

When you're remodeling your house, it's simple to make mistakes. It's difficult not to make mistakes, whether it's with the supplies, the contractors, or your budget. Unfortunately, all you can do is ensure that your remodeling is meticulous and methodical.

Consider the above-mentioned blunders and how to prevent them during your renovation phase. If you're going to hire a contractor, be sure they're respectable. If you're doing everything yourself, make sure you plan ahead of time. If your house has been touched by a disaster caused by water damage, a burst pipe, or another reason, and you require repair and remodeling, call Restoration 1 of Lake Havasu !

Reasons Why Your Smoke Alarm Goes Off At Odd Times

rachaeleslao@gmail.com (Rachael Eslao) — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 21:16:36 GMT

Reasons Why Your Smoke Alarm Goes Off At Odd Times

Smoke alarms are critical for keeping you and your family safe in the event of a home fire. However, they don't always sound when a fire threatens to spread throughout your home. Even though false alarms are common, you should not ignore the sound if you don't see or smell smoke. Smoke detectors can detect fires that aren't visible to the naked eye, such as electrical fires before you can. If an alarm goes off, assume there's a fire and take all necessary precautions. Here are the top causes of smoke detector false alarms to help you better understand how they work.

Why Does Your Smoke Alarm Go Off At Odd Times?

Burnt Food on Stovetop- If you don't keep an eye on the stove while cooking, your meal may produce smoke, triggering the smoke alarm. In some cases, smoke isn't even required to set off the detector; a whiff of burnt food can be enough to set it off. Also, make sure your smoke alarm is in the best possible location, such as the hallway leading to the kitchen rather than the kitchen itself.
Burnt Toast or Popcorn- It happens to the best of us when we leave bread in the toaster or popcorn in the microwave for too long. This releases heavy particles into the air, which your smoke detector detects. Keep your smoke detector a safe distance away from these devices to avoid this situation in the future.
Fireplaces- False smoke detector alarms can also be caused by fireplaces. Smoke from your fireplace can occasionally enter your home, triggering the alarm. However, this isn't the alarm's fault. It's possible that your chimney isn't clean, and the dampers aren't properly adjusted. If your fireplace is leaking smoke into your home, you should hire a chimney sweep.
High Humidity- Smoke alarms aren't always able to tell the difference between smoke particles and moisture content. As a result, even if the moisture particles are water particles, the density of the moisture particles can set off your alarm. If your home has a lot of humidity, use fans or open the windows to get rid of it.
Steam- When it comes to false alarms, dense water vapor is similar to humidity. Smoke detectors can detect steam and sound an alarm when you take a shower or boil water on the stove. To avoid this, make sure your bathroom and kitchen are properly ventilated.
Insects- Because small bugs like to hide in dark crevices, they may crawl into your smoke detectors, causing a false alarm. If you're not sure why an alarm went off, open the device and look for small insects. If insects were to blame, use pest control sprays around your smoke alarms.
Chemical Smells- Smoke detector false alarms can also be caused by painting or using harsh chemicals. Chemical odors are quickly detected by smoke detectors. To avoid the startling noise of your smoke alarm, ventilate areas where you paint or use chemicals.
Dust and Dirt- Smoke alarms may be set off by dust created by activities such as remodeling. To clean your smoke alarm, carefully open it up and inspect it for dust or dirt inside. To remove dust particles, use a vacuum attachment or an electronic aerosol cleaner.
Low Batteries- Smoke alarms typically make small chirping noises when their batteries are low or aren't properly connected. While this isn't the sound of smoke detectors, it is a signal that you should check your device. Replace batteries twice a year, at the beginning and end of daylight saving time.
Old Smoke Alarm- The average lifespan of a smoke alarm is about ten years. Smoke alarms that have reached the end of their useful life may emit false alarms. If your detector is more than ten years old, it should be replaced immediately.

Smoke alarms are designed to be sensitive. It's not necessarily a sign that a detector is malfunctioning if it sounds a false alarm. They're there to assist you in putting out a fire before it becomes life-threatening. Install your smoke alarms not too close to potential fire hazards, but not too far away either.

Smoke caused heavy soot damage to the property in the unfortunate case where the smoke detector did not sound an alarm. Professional disaster restoration technicians will have to deal with the heat / smoke damage. This is where Restoration 1 of Lake Havasu comes in handy. Find out more about our fire damage restoration services. Contact Restoration 1 of Lake Havasu for fire damage restoration and smoke cleanup.

Homeowners' Guide to Chimney Maintenance

rachaeleslao@gmail.com (Rachael Eslao) — Fri, 22 Oct 2021 15:13:49 GMT

Homeowners' Guide to Chimney Maintenance

Nothing is better than snuggling up by the fire on a cold winter night. The chimney has a crucial role since it directs smoke away from the home. Regular chimney maintenance is essential for the chimney to function properly. Below are some basic tips for chimney maintenance.

Regularly Inspect and Clean Your Chimney

Ideally, you should clean and inspect your chimney at least once a year. This will help prevent chimney fires or carbon monoxide poisoning. Having your chimney inspected by a professional is vital. Inspections are performed from top to bottom, looking for damage or anomalies. With a proper examination, you can ensure your family's safety and prevent costly repairs.

Invest in a Flue Liner

Flue liners protect the interior walls from heat exposure and corrosion. Different types of liners are available, such as clay tiles. Their affordability and ability to work well in open fireplaces make them the most common. The cost of a typical unit can be as low as $10, plus the cost of installation. However, the tiles do not absorb and disperse heat efficiently during a fire.

Another option used to replace or repair chimneys is stainless-steel flue liners. These liners are safer and more durable than other options. However, they may be more expensive. You can also use lightweight, cement-like cast-in-place liners. No matter what type you choose, make sure it fits properly on your smokestack.

Add a Chimney Cap

The chimney cap protects the flue from moisture, debris, and animals. Some chimney caps feature spark guards to contain embers. Vents without caps are vulnerable to the elements, such as heavy rain or snowfall. In addition, leaves can block your flue, causing carbon monoxide to back up.

Use the Right Wood

In your fireplace, you should only burn seasoned firewood. Wood of this kind has been dried for a long period of time and is less than 20% moist. Moisture content affects how fast the fire burns and how much smoke is produced. Also, mold is more likely to spread.

Inspect Your Bricks

The bricks and mortar of your chimney should be checked for signs of crumbling. Any weakness in the foundation can lead to expensive repairs. It will be necessary to replace the damaged bricks and repoint the mortar.

It is likely that you will need to hire a specialist with expertise in masonry and/or foundations to handle this. To find the right company, ask your friends and family for referrals, do your research, and talk to contractors.

Buy Smoke Detectors

Keep your family safe with smoke detectors. Choose a device that automatically calls the fire department if there is an emergency. Carbon monoxide detectors are also recommended. It can be difficult to detect carbon monoxide on your own since it is odorless. Make sure to test your smoke detectors regularly and replace any old batteries.

Give Restoration of Lake Havasu a call today if your home has been damaged by smoke or fire.

Damage Caused by Washing Machine Hoses

rachaeleslao@gmail.com (Rachael Eslao) — Wed, 22 Sep 2021 19:02:04 GMT

Damage Caused by Washing Machine Hoses

Calling a restoration company in the middle of the night because your washing machine has flooded your house is not as uncommon as you might think. Washing machine hose damage is one of the leading sources of water remediation for restoration companies.

There are multiple reasons why your washing machine might break down:

They are under a great deal of pressure.
Washing machine hoses are often squeezed and pinched when they are inserted into the machines.
Occasionally, rubber hoses can form bubbles and burst due to weak points.
In most cases, when installing the washing machine, the hoses are over-tightened, resulting in a ruptured connection valve.

It is frightening to watch how much water leaks from a washer hose when it bursts. It only takes a few hours for this entire home to fill up with standing water.

So How Do We Fix It?

Fortunately, there are experts who can handle these situations. After extracting all the standing water, leaving only moisture behind, the dehumidifiers and drying fans were used to establish a balanced drying system throughout the house.

Depending on how the equipment is set up, too little or too much equipment may compromise the drying process. Having too much equipment in the home will raise the temperature, which will slow down the drying process. Too little equipment and moisture in the air and in the materials would delay drying times.

You don't want to delay drying times since that is when mold will grow. Depending on how quickly certain materials release moisture or water, your home can be dry in three to five days.

Can You Prevent Washing Machine Hose Damage?

Here are a few tips to prevent this type of water loss:

Steel braided hoses should be used.
Check your hoses on a monthly basis. Check the hoses for cracks, bubbles, or weak spots.
Replace your hoses every four to five years.
Keep the washing machine away from the wall. Make sure there are at least four inches between the washing machine's back and the wall. If you have the space, six inches is ideal.
Be careful not to overtighten the connector. When using a wrench, a quarter turn will suffice after hand tightening as much as possible. Any more than that could result in both sides of the connector valve breaking.

Even when you do all the due diligence and take all the protective measures, accidents may still happen, and you may get flooded. If so, contact Restoration 1 of Lake Havasu . We work with all major insurance companies in the state of Arizona and are available at any time. It is our job at Restoration 1 to save and salvage your home and your property, so that you can return to your normal life.

The risks of Orange Mold

rachaeleslao@gmail.com (Rachael Eslao) — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 18:18:46 GMT

The risks of Orange Mold in Lake Havasu

Throughout our world, there are many different types and ways of describing molds. In a typical room, there are 500-700 mold spores on average, and they are microscopic and all over. Living in an environment with mold spores or colonies can have adverse effects on one's health. Mold is relatively common, though some species, such as orange colonies, are less well-known.

What is Orange Mold?

Colorful mold colonies like orange mold can grow in many places. Additionally, mold looks different depending on where it grows. Just as black mold describes a wide variety of mold species, orange mold does not actually belong to one particular species. It is used to refer to various strains of mold that are typically orange in color.

The orange mold name is misleading because some of them aren't always orange. Fuligo septica, for example, is classified as an orange mold, but it is typically yellow. This is also true of Acremonium, another mold that can turn pink or grayish in color.

Areas Where Orange Mold Grows

A variety of places can support orange mold growth. You are more likely to find this type of mold in your kitchen, specifically in your refrigerator. Milk and bread are the most common items to contain orange mold. Oftentimes, it can start growing outside of your refrigerator and spread to the food on your shelves or in containers.

In a refrigerator that serves water, mold can also contaminate the water supply. Ensure your water supply is not contaminated by routinely checking your fridge's water filter. If you discover this type of mold on food, it is best to throw it out immediately, as it can spread gradually throughout your refrigerator or house.

Your attic is another place where you might find this type of mold. Orange mold typically feeds on wood as its primary food source. The warm temperature and ample supply of wood in an attic make it a perfect environment for orange mold to grow.

Removing Orange Mold

Mold can be eliminated in a variety of ways, depending on where it is found. You can use a concoction of bleach, peroxide, or vinegar solutions if the outbreak is small.

Do not use bleach to kill orange mold on wood. Wood cannot be cleaned with bleach, since most of the water will absorb into the wood. This gives the mold colony more opportunity to feed and spread throughout the room.

When To Get Help

Orange mold colonies can be troublesome. Mold can cause certain ailments and illnesses, especially if it is inhaled in high quantities and for prolonged periods of time, as we stated above. This mold grows everywhere, it loves to feed off of wood, and it can embed itself into virtually any surface.

You should seek professional assistance if you notice a mold colony that extends over several feet. You may, however, be able to fix it yourself if it is a smaller issue.

Restoration 1 of Lake Havasu can assist you in removing orange mold and preventing further outbreaks.

Sewer Gas Smells

rachaeleslao@gmail.com (Rachael Eslao) — Wed, 21 Jul 2021 16:12:03 GMT

Sewer Gas Smells in Your Lake Havasu House and How to Get Rid of Them

The smell of your Lake Havasu home plays a crucial role in keeping you happy and comfortable! It is the right kind of fragrance that transforms a simple house into a relaxing haven -- better yet, the right scent can enhance your home life, enhancing your emotions, and satisfying your senses.

It is fairly easy to add perfume to the house; all you need is an essential oil diffuser, a scented candle, or a room refresher spray. It is sometimes difficult, however, to maintain a fresh-smelling home due to several factors.

What to do When Your Home Smells Bad

It would be nice if your home always smelled fresh, but this isn't always the case. Everybody would want to experience the sensation of entering a luxury hotel room and having that wonderful smell greet them. It is, however, more challenging than you might think to achieve something like this at home.

While the smell from your pet, garbage and dirty clothes can all be easily removed, the odor from your toilet or sink is more difficult to eliminate. If you smell a funny smell whenever you are in the bathroom, kitchen, or toilet, you might have a sewer gas problem, which calls for a more complicated solution.

Causes of Sewer Gas Smell

If you smell sewage in your home, there may be a deeper problem that may lead to fires or explosions, which would require a costly fire restoration. By detecting and fixing sewer gas smell right away, sewer gas smell can be prevented.

To avoid any accidents requiring disaster restoration, try these tips for detecting sewer gas smells and removing them:

Check Your Water Traps

Most water traps are located near floor drains and laundry tubs underneath the sink. These traps trap water and block gas from entering the house. In the event of drying out, the sewer smell will have a direct path to the sink which will lead into your home.

The sink may be the source of the sewer gas smell. If this is the case, run the water briefly. You may want to pour a pitcher of water down the drain if the problem is an odor coming from a floor drain.

Be sure to check the clean-out plug

In order to prevent sewer gas from escaping into the house, the clean-out plug needs to be in good condition. If you notice a smell, make sure you replace the plug.

Consider having a sewer or septic line examined by an expert

In addition to being more difficult to diagnose and harder to repair, sewer or septic lines one of the more complex causes of sewer gas leaks. The issue should be handled by a professional.

Pungent gases can also enter your home through loose connections along the sewer line or vent pipe. Unless you're an experienced plumber, you should not attempt to fix loose connections that are inside a wall or ceiling.

Gas smell from the sewer is more than just an unpleasant odor in the home. Depending on what caused it, the smell could indicate a serious problem that could lead to a fire! In order to prevent an unfortunate situation where you have to call for fire damage recovery, make sure that the problem is resolved as soon as possible.

Have you ever experienced a fire or explosion in your home? Let Restoration1 Lake Havasu restore your house to its original state! Give us a call today !

Changing Your Old Roof

rachaeleslao@gmail.com (Rachael Eslao) — Wed, 16 Jun 2021 16:08:38 GMT

What You Need to Know Before Changing Your Old Roof in Lake Havasu

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Best Time for Air Duct Cleaning

rachaeleslao@gmail.com (Rachael Eslao) — Fri, 21 May 2021 14:16:57 GMT

Why is Spring the Best Time to Clean Air Ducts in Lake Havasu?

There's a fresh spring breeze in the air in Lake Havasu, and you're spending more time outdoors in the sun and opening your windows to eliminate the stale, dry air of winter. Cleaning may seem like a good idea with these warm temperatures — your car, garage, closet, and air ducts?

Air duct cleaning in spring might not be at the top of your to-do list, but it's the best time of year. Here's why.

Moisture + Dust = Mold

Imagine what your air ducts look like after a year of use, since you know how often you have to dust the furniture in your home to keep them clean and shiny. However, that dust that accumulated in your ducts throughout the winter season can become sticky and cause mold when exposed to the warmer moist months. Cleaning your air ducts in spring is wise, especially if you have any respiratory issues in your family.

Giving Your System a Break

Many people take advantage of transitioning from winter to spring (and then to summer) by opening their windows instead of using their furnaces or air conditioners. Therefore, what better time to clean your air ducts than while you give your HVAC system a break from heating and cooling your home? This way, your home will not become uncomfortably cold or hot while your system is being worked on.

Air Quality Improvements

Trees sprout and flowers bloom in the spring, so many pollens and allergens permeate the air causing trouble for your family's respiratory system. To avoid this from happening, make sure your air vents are clean.

If you smoke, the chemicals from cigarettes can also stay in your home through the ventilation system, along with fur from your pet.

Cost-Efficient

No matter when you clean your air ducts, you'll save money because the system will work more efficiently, resulting in your home's systems being able to function for longer.

The Best Days to Get Duct Cleaning

Spring is indeed the best time to clean your air ducts. But when does it make sense to work on this project?

Rainy days — Rain keeps pollens from floating in the air, and, in some cases, washes them away completely. Cleaning your air ducts during a rainy day will mean fewer pollens will enter your home through your open windows.
Cool temperatures —Check the forecast. If cooler temperatures are predicted, you might want to consider scheduling an air duct cleaning.
End of spring — Spring is a great time for duct cleaning, but the end of the spring tends to be the best. Most plants are in full bloom, which means fewer pollen and fewer allergens are present in the air when your windows are open.

This is the perfect time to clean your air ducts, whether it's been several years or only a few. You'll have peace of mind knowing that your HVAC system is clean and efficient.

If your home has been exposed to mold, contact Restoration 1 of Lake Havasu City and get the problem resolved today!

Removing Cigarette Smoke Odors!

sherrie@eforceweb.com (Sherrie Howe) — Sun, 11 Apr 2021 20:33:33 GMT

Do you know how to rid your home of cigarette odors in Lake Havasu?

Cigarette smoking is now known as an unhealthy habit, and once you've smoked for a period of time in your home or office, the left over stale odors can linger for years.

Your indoor air quality can get stale pretty quickly from cigarette smoke odors. Over time that stale stinky air will contaminate your home and removing it demands patience, and the acidic smoke leaves resins and tars that permeate everything in the vicinity.

The severity of contamination will determine the process for eliminating smoke odor in your house. If someone smoked in the house for 10 years, then restoration may require a more invasive approach, such as throwing items out or even replacing the drywall and carpet. You should consider throwing out any items that are not considered sentimental if the room smells like an ashtray. Often times, it’s just better to replace items such as couches instead of trying to restore them if the smoke has permeated it for years.

Restoration 1 of Lake Havasu has a few tips to help you remove the cigarette odor from your house.

Hard Surface areas:

Always open the windows and doors to provide ventilation while you clean. Vinegar is a great neutralizer and cleaner, so begin by using a rag and spray bottle filled with a 50 / 50 solution of white vinegar and hot water. As an alternative, for stronger odors, you can try this mixture; 1/2 cup ammonia, 1/4 cup vinegar, 1/2 cup baking soda and a gallon of hot water.

Clean ALL surfaces and leave no surface untouched: Doors, walls, knobs, light fixtures (bulbs too), ceilings, fan blades, and everything the smoke

came in contact with. Don’t forget to clean such things as photo frames, knickknacks, decorations, appliances, lamps, etc. Easy to replace items such as throw pillows and lampshades may have to be thrown out. You may need a ladder or pole with a rag on it to reach high spots.

Fabrics and upholstery

Any fabric, upholstery and carpeting that can’t be thrown in the washing machine should be sprinkled with a generous amount of baking soda and left to sit for a few days. Over a few days, the baking soda will absorb the odor, then just vacuum it up. You may need to repeat this process if the odors were strong. Once you have a lot of the odor removed following this process, then the carpets should be steam cleaned. You can rent machines to do this and they come with upholstery attachments, to clean drapes or upholstered furniture too.

Couch-cushion covers, some drapes and curtains that are laundry safe can be washed in your washing machine. Start with a first wash using a cup of vinegar instead of detergent, and follow up with a wash using your preferred detergent. If possible, let these items dry outdoors to prevent shrinkage.

Air Circulation & Purification

If the weather is to your liking, keep as many windows and doors open for as long as It’s practical. Using fans will help with air circulation – use one to bring in fresh air and another to blow out stale air. Air purifiers with HEPA filters can also help remove odor-causing molecules. Once your home has been aired out, if there are remaining odors, they can possibly be removed by placing bowls of activated charcoal or white/apple cider vinegar around the rooms to absorb odors. The charcoal or vinegar should be replaced every few days. Avoid scented “odor removal” products, which may just mask the smell instead of removing it.

HVAC air filters also help remove odor-causing molecules, and they work best if they’re replaced every two to three months. Inspect your air ducts for any dust or debris that may contain smoke molecules that can contaminate the fresh air in your home as it travels down the ductwork. Hire a professional to clean your ducts if you find them dirty.

Ozone Generators

While ozone generators can rid your home of smoke odors, there are concerns that it may not be good for you or your pets, especially pet birds.

If you need your home or business to be smoke odor free, call Restoration 1 Lake Havasu to restore the freshness of your air quality.

Humidifiers, The Pros and Cons!

Fri, 19 Mar 2021 23:58:34 GMT

Can a humidifier help with the dry air in Lake Havasu?

When you’re experiencing uncomfortable allergies while inside of your home, your air quality may be lacking. If so, a humidifier may be the answer to your problems. They are quite affordable and easy to use and so much better than taking drugs all the time, so give it a try!

The Effects of Dry Air

In the Lake Havasu desert air, humidity adds much needed moisture to the air, which can relieve the stuffy dryness that causes sinus congestion, dry throat, nose irritation, bloody noses, dry lips and dry skin. Air can become dry as a result of using our HVAC systems.

Using a Humidifier is a great way to relieve these symptoms, but you must be careful not to overuse these machines. An overactive humidifier can cause issues with mold, dust mites and respiratory problems. It’s recommended that the humidity range be between 30 and 50 percent. If you need to measure it, you can purchase a hygrometer in your local hardware store.,

5 Types of Humidifiers

A Central humidifier - is connected to the home’s HVAC system. Central humidifiers work throughout the entire house, not just a single room, making it very convenient.

An Ultrasonic humidifier is a safe choice for children. It distributes a cool mist due to ultrasonic vibration. They are usually inexpensive, so this is a good option for a lot of people.

An Evaporator - uses a fan that blows air through a damp filter and are cheaper than central humidifiers, but they can only be used in one room at a time. Since the moisture distribution is poorly monitored, it especially affects people who suffer with asthma.

An Impeller Humidifier - is more affordable and is a low risk of any hazards as it only supplies cool mist. An impeller humidifier works with the help of high-speed rotating disks. He downside is it can only operate in one room at a time.

A Steam Vaporizer - is the cheapest and the most portable. You can find them in almost any large department or drug store. They are powered electrically and are safe to use around children.

What type or size Humidifier do I need?

The console style humidifiers are bulky but can typically be transported with the help of its attached wheels. Portable units can be picked up and placed anywhere. The tanks are usually smaller and require more filling or you may need several in your home to keep the humidity levels where you want them.

Water damage can occur from humidifiers as with any appliance that uses water. If you suffer water damage, call Restoration 1 of Lake Havasu for water damage cleanup.

Hard surface floors or carpeting?

Thu, 04 Mar 2021 21:32:19 GMT

What type of floor do you prefer in Lake Havasu?

The subject has caused many arguments in many homes, - carpet or hard surface flooring? There are many variables thanks to the variety of options and installation costs, and it can be hard to find clarity.

What’s do you think is the Best Type of Flooring for Your Home?

Do you want to cozy up to carpet?

Some Carpeting PROS…

Thanks to manufacturing techniques utilizing recycled nylon and polyester, today’s carpets are softer and greener than their predecessors. They also sport new looks from bold to subtle and sculpted to flat using new pile methods.

Carpet selections have always been more varied than hardwood, and take into consideration that installation and materials are typically less expensive.

Carpet is soft and tender on the toes and gives a warmer feel to floors, especially in colder climates so carpeting is great for walking around in bare feet.

Carpet offers a more inviting surface for families, and a softer, safer, material, especially those with babies and small children while providing comfort for daily life’s floor-based activities: crawling, playing, board games, and so much more.

Carpet can mute noise levels in every room throughout the home.

If you are prone to being clumsy, carpet can save your stuff when you drop it!

Some Carpeting CONS…

Carpet builds up and contains dirt and allergens if not properly maintained, but you can alleviate this by scheduling professional cleaning once or twice a year to reduce the presence of dirt, dust mites and other allergens.

Carpet needs to be replaced more often due to wear and tear, high traffic or damage.

Carpet can still get stained, although factory and additional overspray protection can minimize this situation.

Or should I go with hard surface flooring?

Some Hard surface flooring PROS…

Hard surface flooring such as hardwood flooring, tile, laminate and vinyl offer a different “look” than carpeting.

You can add area rugs to hard surfaces for ambiance and flexibility, but must be cleaned and maintained in the same fashion as wall-to-wall carpet.

It’s easier to move furniture on hard surfaces.

Some Hard surface flooring CONS…

Frequent sweeping/vacuuming is required of hard surface flooring so debris doesn’t stick to your bare feet.

In the morning and evening times, hard surface flooring can be cold to the touch.

To get the look/feel of carpeting, adding area rugs can get expensive.

Hard surfaces will eventually become worn or damaged just like carpeting and over time will eventually need to be replaced. Most often, laminate and vinyl flooring is more susceptible than true hardwood floors.

Excessive moisture will cause wood/laminate flooring to stain and bow.

Lifting and replacing vinyl and tile can be a difficult and time-consuming task while some hard surfaces, such as hardwood, can be refinished several times.

Any type of hard surface flooring amplifies noise in a room.

Surfaces may become scratched from furniture shifting on hard surface flooring.

If you are prone to being clumsy, if it hits the floor, the chances of your breakables surviving is minimal at best, and your floor could also be damaged.

No matter which type of floor you decide on, Restoration 1 Lake Havasu can professionally clean your carpets or restore your hard surface floors.

Can you improve your HVAC efficiency?

Sun, 21 Feb 2021 03:34:46 GMT

How much more efficient will your HVAC run with duct cleaning in Lake Havasu?

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Can warm weather cause your water pipes to burst?

Thu, 04 Feb 2021 20:02:06 GMT

Can Pipes Burst in Warm Weather in Lake Havasu, AZ?

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Moisture in your crawlspace!

Sat, 23 Jan 2021 03:44:21 GMT

Is there excessive moisture in your Lake Havasu crawlspace?

When you have a crawlspace, moisture is your biggest enemy! There are several types of moisture.

Primary or Direct Moisture

Puddles of Standing water

Standing water can get into your crawlspace for many reasons and can be a huge problem. Standing water can come from active leaks or condensation dripping on the floor. It’s Important to fix active leaks right away to avoid further water damage. If you routinely acquire a lot of standing water in your crawlspace, then maybe installing a sump pump to keep the water out would be a good investment.

Condensation drops

When the humidity reaches 100%, condensation can form and that excess humidity needs to go somewhere. When the humidity is this high outdoors, it’s called rain. Condensation can be remedied by removing the source of the condensation or adding insulation.

Humidity levels

Where there is condensation, there are high levels of humidity. If the source of the high humidity can’t be removed, then installing a vapor barrier may help and covering all doors and crawlspace vents. You can also add an energy efficient dehumidifier in the crawlspace.

Secondary Moisture problems

High humidity brings mold and mildew. Mold and mildew thrive in humidity levels higher that 60-70% AND the mold spores eat anything made of wood.

Insulation problems

If water gets into insulation, it ruins the ability for it to function properly. Once it’s been wet, it changes the airflow function by condensing and becoming heavy. This may lead to higher utility bills.

Wood rotting

Being similar to mold and mildew, wood rot is also a type of fungus but attacks your home in a different way. It also thrives in high humidity. If you see sagging soft wood, then you could be suffering from wood rot. It can eventually cause your home to collapse, under extreme conditions.

If you have high humidity levels where you live, then chances are you have some degree of crawlspace issues. Call Restoration 1 Lake Havasu for an assessment of your crawlspace and options for restoration.

Food Safety following a flood disaster!

Fri, 08 Jan 2021 03:18:57 GMT

Do you know how to handle food safely after a flood in Lake Havasu?

After any disaster, food contamination is a problem. Floods can carry oil or chemical wastes, silt, or raw sewage, as well as filth and disease-causing bacteria. Once these waters touch the foods, it is unsafe to eat. Exposure to heat, smoke or chemicals from a fire will also make foods unsafe to eat.

After a flood, foods must be examined carefully. Any water that has seeped onto, dripped onto or covered up food is not fit to eat. Some foods can be saved depending on the containers they are produced in. If in doubt, throw it out!

These food items need be thrown out if coming into contact with flood waters.

Lettuce, cabbage and potatoes from your garden. In some instances, root vegetable may be safe if not harvesting for a minimum period of two weeks after the flood waters have receded. To be sure, have the soil tested for harmful bacteria by a university extension or your health department.
Containers of spices, seasonings, flavoring and nuts.
Bags or canisters of sugar, flour, salt, coffee and tea.
Any cardboard, paper, fiber, cloth or plastic containers of food.
Cellophane or plastic bags of food such as pasta, rice, dried milk, beans, crackers, cookies or mixes, even if they seem dry.
Any screw top or crimp topped jars or bottles that have been touched by flood water, even if unopened, including any homemade canned items in glass, fruits, pickles, jams, honey, syrups etc. There is no such thing as a safe lid on glass or plastic if they are submerged under water.
Non-food porous items that are used with food such as hard rubber or plastic utensils and plates, wooden spoons, baby bottles and nipples and pacifiers.

Proper disinfecting of salvageable food and utensils.

Cans of food that don’t contain rust or dents can be saved following these directions.

Remove all labels and use a permanent marker for identification.
Scrub and wash the cans in a strong detergent solution.
Submerge scrubbed containers in a warm solution of bleach water for one minute.

6% bleach is 2 teaspoons per gallon of water

4% bleach is 1 Tablespoon per gallon of water

2% bleach is 2 Tablespoon per gallon of water

Remove from the bleach water solution and allow to air dry, then use the marker to identify the food. Use as soon as possible as the cans could rust.

Utensils and Dishes

Scrub all in a strong detergent solution, making sure to remove all filth.
Disinfect glassware and china in bleach water as described above.
Metal pots and pans need to be disinfected by boiling in water for 20 minutes.

Following the guidelines above will help you stay safe if the foods and dinnerware in your home are affected by a flood.

A bath is really a filthy habit!

Mon, 21 Dec 2020 18:41:38 GMT

Do you have a filthy bath habit in Lake Havasu?

There are only two ways to think about baths. You either love to relax in them or hate them because you are soaking in your own filth! Bath water is so filthy after a bath and loaded with germs that it's as bad as sewer water.

Science is on the side of people who hate baths. You can pick up more germs from soaking in a tub than touching your own trash can.

Just a note of disgust here - in just 1 square inch, - yes, I said 1 square inch, there’s about 200,000 bacteria lurking around. Based on a typical sized tub being (inside inches) 23” x 54”, that would be 1242 square inches X 200,000 bacteria = 248,400,000 or two hundred forty-eight million, four hundred thousand bacteria in your tub, every time you take a bath. Ewww. Can you imagine the bacteria if it were bacteria per cubic inch? These nasty these bacteria include E. coli, streptococcus and staph aureus (staph infection).

Now, since bathtubs rarely dry out, they have now become breeding grounds for these unseen bacteria, even when you aren’t sitting in “bacterial soup”.

If you really enjoy that bubbly feeling with a glass of wine and a good book, there are some precautions you can take to cut down on the bacterial overload.

If you are really needing that relaxing soak after a stressful day, simply take a shower first to remove the dead skin cells and bacteria that is already on you, then take your soak.

If you are taking a bath to get clean, then this in not good news. Even when using soap, you are not getting clean. The bacteria will remain floating in the water. Did you know that you lose about 30,000 skin cells per hour, so even a 15-minute bath will leave a minimum of 7500 extra pieces in the water – and that is added to the other bacteria.

Tub inspection is always a good idea before hopping in. If there are any cracks or crevices in the tub, they will be storing bacteria as well which will get into the water once the tub is filled.

Are there toys in your tub? Children almost always have tub buddies to paly with. Those air holes from the squeaky toys, they are a summer vacation for bacteria. Once the toy is squeezed, out they come, ready or not. They will quickly invade the environment. If there must be toys, at least kill the organisms on the outside of the by disinfecting them. If they are dishwasher safe, throw them in. The hot water will clean them and kill the bacteria.

Taking a minute or two to disinfect the tub before filling and hopping in will help remove the bacteria that is breeding in the tub when it’s been sitting idle.

Maybe it's time to think twice before filling the tub and just hopping in.

Water softener leaks - why do they leak?

Sat, 05 Dec 2020 20:11:59 GMT

Do you have a leaky water softener in Lake Havasu?

What actually causes a water softener to leak?

A water softener leak can create a lot more damage than just a water leak because of the salt content. Salt water also causes corrosion in addition to other water damages. Before attempting to look for the reasons your water softener is leaking, disconnect it from the power source, even if it means shutting off the circuit breaker.

The next step would be to disconnect the water supply. Most water softeners utilize a bypass valve. There are many types of water softener systems, so consult your owner’s manual to determine how to use the bypass. This allows your house to still use water while working on the leak. If you have no bypass valve, then shut off water to the supply line.

Common water softener top leak problems

The source of water for the softener comes through the rotor valve. This is a common leak in older water softeners. Inside the valve contains a seal. If your valve is not cracked, then the inside seal may be leaking. A professional should to be called that has access to replacement parts.

Your bypass contains O-rings and occasionally, they need to be professionally lubricated. Once the system reaches 15 years old or so, you may need to get them replaced. It’s best to call in a professional to make the repairs.

Common water softener bottom leak problems

Without a doubt, the brine tank is usually the problem. This is the area where you place the salt. Sometimes a salt bridge (a crust that has formed over the water) forms and over aggressive poking to clear it has led to a puncture. Once the brine tank is leaking, you may need to have it replaced. An epoxy may work, but is generally short term at best. If the brine tank leak wasn’t as a result of damaged caused by you, then check to see if it’s still under warranty.

Drain and hose Line Leakage

If your drain line that runs near the top of the water softener is leaking, it should be easy to see. This will need to be repaired by a water softener expert by replacing the faulty plumbing.

The water softener hose line connects at the top of the unit and normally leaks at the connection. You may be able to just tighten it. All hoses wear out over time and a water softener hose is no different. If the hose is leaking, you will need a professional to replace it.

Cleaning and filling the brine tank and running manual regenerations are maintenance protocols you can do yourself. A leaking water softener can cost you more money as its running inefficiently and losing water, possible causing water damage. When in doubt, call a professional to diagnose and fix the issue.

Being aware and ready for flash floods!

Wed, 18 Nov 2020 18:15:03 GMT

Are you ready and do you know how to react before, during and after a flash flood in Lake Havasu?

Being ready for a water emergency will save you a lot of distress if you have a flash flood. A flash flood happens very quickly and there isn’t always time to prepare. Flash floods happen quickly and often in dry environments like AZ. The ground is hard from the lack of regular rains and the consistent extreme dry heat. When a lot of rain water comes down fast, it has nowhere to go because the hard ground can’t absorb it fast enough.

These are things to prepare for ahead of a flash flood to ease the burden of recovery.

Before the event

Know what types of flood risks there are in the area where you live
If your community has a flood/flash flood warning system, sign up for it
Always be prepared to move to higher ground if you need to leave immediately
If you can, purchase a battery-operated radio to stay up to date on the changing conditions.
Make a family communication plan and emergency kit
Waterproof all of your important documents and create a digital copy stored off premises with strong password protection
Make sure to purchase or renew a flood insurance policy. It takes 30 days prior to a flooding event to be active, so plan accordingly

During the event

Always evacuate if told to do so and only drive where you are told to
It only takes 6 inches of moving water to knock you over. If you can, move to where water is not moving
Be aware of canyons, drainage ditches and other areas prone to flooding. Flash floods can happen fast in these areas
Do not drive in flooded areas, especially if you don’t know how deep the water is. If needed, abandon your vehicle and get to higher ground. Just as it only takes 6 inches of water to knock you down, it only takes 1 foot of water to carry your car away
If you become trapped in a building, move as high up as you can but not in a closed area such as an attic. Only go to the roof if necessary

After the event

Use your areas alert system to get updated information
Do not drive unless it’s an emergency
Listen for official instructions on when it may be safe to return home
Stay away from emergency workers, give them the room they need to help those in need
Stay aware of downed power lines to avoid electrocution.
Use caution when entering buildings that may contain hidden dangers such as weak foundations

Stay safe during a flash flood. Be prepared!

What causes a sewer to backup?

Fri, 06 Nov 2020 23:19:00 GMT

Do you know what causes a sewer to backup in Lake Havasu?

When the wastewater flowing from your home or business to the city sewer system is blocked, the sewage starts to backup into your home or business. There are many reasons for blocked sewer lines, such as:

Tree roots growing into the sewer lines
Aging sewer pipes, especially older lines made or cast iron
Too much melted snow or rain water entering the system all at one time
City Sewer system mains blocked
Sump Pump failure
Collapsed or broken sewer lines
Blocked pipes inside your building
Cracked sewer line laterals

Preventing a sewer backup

Toilet paper and human waste are the ONLY things that should be flushed down your toilet! Paper towels, cigarette butts, diapers, personal hygiene products (even if they say flushable) and facial tissues will cause clogs.

Coffee grounds, grease and other food products should never go down your sink drains.

Backflow (backwater) valves can be useful to keep water from coming back in if it flows backwards. All homes aren’t suitable, so you need to check with a plumbing professional to see if your home qualifies.

Signs of a sewer backup

There are signs that a potential sewer backup is in the way.
Slow flushing toilets and plunging is not helping
After you flush a toilet or empty a sink and bubbling occurs
Clogged drains in your home
Foul smells coming from your drains
Your basement floor drains are backing up

Some or all of these signs could mean that a major sewer backup is on the way. If you experience any of these signs, it’s best to turn off your main water supply until it can be checked out. Check your city government website to see if the problem may lie in their main sewer lines to see if they want to send an inspector.

Do you know how to protect yourself, your home and business Before and after a Flood? Part 2

Fri, 23 Oct 2020 21:30:06 GMT

Steps to take after a flood in Lake Havasu

Do you know how to protect yourself, your home and business Before and After a Flood?
Part 2. After the flood!

Flooding and water damage can happen in Lake Havasu, AZ. Be smart and prepared so you don’t suffer any injuries and always pay attention to the warnings coming your way. In part 1, we covered preparedness. Now comes part 2, after the flood.

If you can, turn on a radio or TV to find out where to obtain medical care if needed

At all costs, avoid handling any live electrical equipment in wet areas and have a professional check them before turning them back on

Do not use any foods that have come into contact with flood water unless the vessel can be cleans and sanitized, such as glass or cans.

Stay clear of disaster areas to allow emergency crews to do their jobs.

Stay out of flood water buildings if they have floodwaters covering the first floor.

Use only battery powered flashlights or lanterns to avoid explosion if there is a gas leak.

Before using water, check with your local authorities. Wells should be pumped and water tested before consumption.

Water should only be pumped out of basements at the rate of 1/3 per day to prevent/lessen the damage to basement walls and foundation.

Report downed utility lines and have your electric or gas company check your power before turning back on. You may have a gas leak.

Contact your flood insurance agent and let them know you have a loss. Keep a record of your losses.

Follow these guidelines to keep you and your family safe, After the Flood!

Do you know how to protect yourself, your home and business Before and after a Flood? Part 1

Fri, 09 Oct 2020 18:58:07 GMT

Be fore and after a flood in Lake Havasu

You don’t think of the desert as getting many floods, but there are plenty of floods that cause floodwater damage. Lake Havasu, AZ for instance, has its fair share of floods.

Do you what to do or how to prepare for before and after a flood?

This 2 part series will focus on how to prepare for and what to do during and after a flood.

Part 1, To Be Prepared, means to:

• Know your flood evacuation routes and location of emergency shelters and what the flood warning signals are.

• What is your flood risk elevation? Is your homes location in a flood plain?

• Keep your vehicle fueled up and and ready to go with emergency supplies.• Keep medicines and first aid supplies on hand.

• Have some canned or dried foods on hand that don’t require cooking or refrigeration.

• Have a portable radio on hand as well as flashlight, and emergency cooking equipment.

• Check with your insurance agent to make sure you have flood coverage on your homeowner’s policy.

• When you receive a flood warning, store clean drinking water. You can fill your bathtub for doing dishes, bathing or flushing toilets.

• Move important things to a safe location on higher ground if time permits.

• Do you know where your main power supply is located? If so, turn off the electrical units and then shut off the utilities at the main switch.

Flooding and water damage does happen in Lake Havasu, AZ. Be smart and prepared so you don’t suffer any injuries and always pay attention to the warnings coming your way.

Family PODs Increase Learning for Students Studying Remotely

kaneohemcas@gmail.com (poppy johnson) — Sat, 05 Sep 2020 18:24:25 GMT

A deep cleaning of the home-based classroom learning environment is a must in Lake Havasu!

Some parents, school administration districts and educators across the country are making the decision whether the students will return to school full time in the fall, or whether they will be utilizing the Internet and distance learning options. It seems that the latter is the rule right now, with most students planning to learn in some type of home-based learning environment either alone or with a group of similarly situated students in their community.

There are recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as to how cohort learning or POD based learning in the home setting can proceed carefully and safely for all participants. This idea of cohort or POD learning is a new term that was created by schools during the pandemic, to be able to accommodate students as they began to be schooled in the home setting.

Instead of going back to school to learn in traditional classrooms, students around the country will be educated at home this fall, as schools around the country decide if they will open their doors to students in November, or whether they will wait until after January 2021 to make that decision.

There are many reasons for schools allowing and encouraging cohort or POD learning, such as with the idea that POD learning:
•    Decreases opportunities for exposure to SARS and COVID-19 viruses and other communicable disease among students
•    Reduces contact of students with shared surfaces that are already contaminated
•    Helps remove threats of a virus if one student has a positive test result for a virus
•    Allows for targeting education for students in a safe home setting and environment to increase learning without threats of disease

Parents who are homeowners, apartment dwellers or anyone else involved in accommodating PODs this fall should schedule a deep cleaning of their home-based classroom, and follow up with frequent cleaning during the time that they are running the POD home-based learning classroom environment at their home. This regular cleaning will help to keep diseases, bacteria and viruses out of the home, and provide the safest possible learning environment for all students, siblings, tutors, parents and guests to your home.

If you are planning to include cohort or POD-based learning in your home, just give us a call for scheduling a deep cleaning now of your learning environment area. We can come to you to clean your home before school starts and during the school year as you help to accommodate students to help them continue their learning in remote learning-based environments. We will provide a deep cleaning and through cleaning of all rooms that you want cleaned, to allow for a safe and clean environment for students who will be a guest in your home for distance learning POD activities.

If your residential, commercial, organization, or public facility in Lake Havasu requires a deep cleaning for children who will be using the facility for distance learning as school starts in the fall, just give us a call today. We will clean the POD rooms and ensure that your guests to the facility, home or building have a safe and secured clean environment for remote and distance learning. We are also able to clean up any residual damage or water from a flooded basement, water damage, sewage spillover, water intrusion or other damage such as fire or smoke residual damages.

We are here for you 24/7, and can come to you to schedule service whenever you call. We offer remediation and restoration service for all businesses and non-profit agencies. Our technicians are highly trained, and we will come to you in a snap 24/7! Just give us a call Restoration 1 of Lake Havasu City right now! We are here for you any time that you need us.

Why Your Healthcare Facility Needs on Schedule Bloodborne Pathogen Cleanup Service

kaneohemcas@gmail.com (poppy johnson) — Sat, 05 Sep 2020 18:20:52 GMT

Cleaning up pathogens and contaminants in Lake Havasu are the first step to staying safe during a pandemic.

Public offices, medical building offices, schools, law offices, nursing homes, grocery stores, apartment complexes and restaurants are all open to the public once again in varying stages in our country, after the sweep of the pandemic in many areas. Following the new rules, protocols, practices, with new federal, state and local requirements, it is imperative that these public environments be cleaned with a deep cleaning to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, SARS or any other virus or readily communicable disease to other members of the public and the community.

In the event that your organizational, healthcare or commercial property requires a bloodborne pathogen cleanup , you will want a team who understands the IICRC rules regarding this type of specialized cleanup service. This is important because it is known that human blood wastes can pass on communicable diseases to anyone who is exposed to them. In these cases, diseases are spread from one person to another through direct or indirect contact with the blood an another individual. Healthcare facilities, and other environments that work closely with human blood products are most at risk, but this warning can also include any facility that has been frequented by the public within the last few months.

Likewise, pathogens are potential infections that cause diseases, and can be or come in the form of a bacteria, parasite or virus. The chain of infection usually starts with a blood product, that goes to a person, a transfer of the pathogen occurs, and the exposed individual can now pass that virus to other people too. Direct contact is when an infected individual passes bodily fluid or infected blood to another person, whereas indirect contact passes when touching agent infected with the blood or bodily fluid with a communicable disease or virus.

The OSHA, ANSI and IICRC 5540 Standard reviews the criteria and materials to be used by highly qualified technicians for cleaning up of trauma and crime scenes. The procedures detail the factors involved in this standard regarding:

•    Equipment and technology used to hold up all standards
•    Containment and disposal of all human wastes properly
•    Remediation of bloodborne pathogens
•    Principles of trauma and crime scene cleanups
•    Health and safety of all cleanup workers
•    The use of biocide and antimicrobial technology

Bloodborne pathogens are spread when a person who was in contact with known human infectious bodily fluids has contact with:

•    Blood
•    Cerebrospinal fluid
•    Pleural fluid
•    Amniotic fluid
•    Genital bodily secretions
•    Saliva (only during dental procedures)

It is important to note how these infections can actually be spread person to person. The bloodborne pathogens are spread through contact with blood, not by shaking hands or by standing too close to someone else in a crowd. Additionally, these infections are not spread by a person coughing on someone, sneezing in the area or with causal contact. A bloodborne pathogen is only spread with the direct exposure from the blood of an infected person to an open wound, or through direct contact with an infected person’s bodily fluids.

The three most serious bloodborne pathogens that causes diseases are:

•    AIDS/HIV
•    Hepatitis B
•    Hepatitis C

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are illnesses spread by a bloodborne pathogen, that is a failure of the individual’s immune system to defend itself against other diseases. Although there is no cure for AIDS/HIV, there are many medications and drugs that can improve the prognosis of this disease for individuals who have it today.

Hepatitis B (or Hep B) is a liver infection caused by the Hepatitis B virus. There is no cure for Hepatitis B, but there are various drugs to help prevent an individual from being infected and medications to help people who have already acquired this disease.

Likewise, Hepatitis C (or Hep C) is also a liver infection caused by the Hepatitis C virus. There are medications to help treat this disease (interferon) for people who have it today.

All of the above mentioned bloodborne pathogens could be present at a trauma or crime scene. For this reason, great care needs to be utilized to properly and safely remove these pathogens and clean up these areas after a trauma event has occurred.

Generally speaking, a disease transmission can only occur if four conditions are present. These conditions are:

1.    The pathogen must be in the area.
2.    There must be enough of the pathogen present to infect another person.
3.    The pathogen needs to have an entry site into the person to cause an infection.
4.    The individual needs to be susceptible to acquiring the pathogen.

For these reasons, it is critical that all protocols and precautions on how to clean up bloodborne pathogens at a residence or commercial property be followed to the letter. The OSHA, ANSI, and IICRC guidelines and recommendations will help keep all workers safe as they clean up bloodborne pathogens and viruses in homes or office environments.

If your residential, commercial, organization or public facility in Lake Havasu requires a deep cleaning for bloodborne pathogens, just give us a call today. We are also able to clean up any residual damage or water from a flooded basement, water damage, sewage spillover, water intrusion or other damage such as fire or smoke residual damages. We are here for you 24/7, and can come to you to schedule service whenever you call. We offer remediation and restoration service for all businesses and non-profit agencies. Our technicians are highly trained, and we will come to you in a snap 24/7! Just give us a call at Restoration 1 of Lake Havasu City right now! We are here for you any time that you need us.

Is Your Business a Certifiable Clean Workplace?

kaneohemcas@gmail.com (poppy johnson) — Tue, 25 Aug 2020 23:57:51 GMT

The pandemic is a reset of cleanliness in Lake Havasu, how does your company measure up?

Everyone has been affected in one way or another by the pandemic, and if employers want to allow employees to return to the workplace it has to be certifiably clean to prevent health issues for everyone involved. In this way, there needs to be new cleaning protocols in place to protect the safety of all workers, vendors, customers and clients who come to work and who visit to do business at the organization.

First, every business will benefit from a thorough and deep cleaning including fogging disinfectant to clean the surfaces at a company, before allowing employees to return to the job front. Also, all businesses need to be aware of their cleanliness status on a daily basis to keep their employees and workers, customers and vendors safe from communicable diseases, as well as the current COVID-19 virus.

As a business owner, it will be imperative to develop a new plan that includes a close and careful review of how your business is cleaned now and well into the future. Next, the employers need institute daily and weekly cleaning routines to protect the health of all employees, vendors and guests to the business.

Anywhere that the employer notes frequently touched surfaces in public areas, there needs to be a plan in place to wipe down and sanitize these items to protect the staff and the public from the effects of the pandemic. Areas that need special attention for daily, or even hourly cleaning are included in the high traffic areas of a business, such as the:

•    Door handles and knobs
•    Shopping carts and point of sale keypads
•    Tables, chairs, desks
•    Glass and windows (including glass doors)
•    Light switches
•    Countertops, shared breakrooms, kitchens, lobbies
•    Telephones, keyboards, computers
•    Restrooms, sinks, toilets, faucets
•    Rugs, carpets, drapes
•    Electronics, remote controls, touch screens, tablets, iPads (use wipeable covers)
•    ATM machines

• Launder clothing and towels (if serviced to the public)

It will be a good idea to follow the 6 steps to safe and effective disinfectant usage to clean all workplace surfaces, which are as follows:

7.    Use only EPA approved products for cleaning (check the registration number on the label).
8.    Follow all product directions for use.
9.    Pre-clean the surfaces with soap and water (to remove visible dirt).
10. Follow all necessary contact times for product use (time if necessary).
11. Wear gloves to protect your hands from cleaning solutions, use disposable or reusable gloves.

12. Store all disinfectants in a place for safekeeping.

There will also more than likely be new protocols per local, state and national standards as to how people are permitted to interact and frequent a business in relation one to another. For example, social distancing needs to be practiced even and especially inside of a business or workplace.

People coming into a public or private facility must be checked and verified that they are not currently sick with COVID-19, and do not have outward signs of the virus. Also, employers must educate employees to not come into work sick, and to wash and sanitize hands frequently to prevent the spread of the virus as well.

We are available to come to your business, residential or commercial property to perform an in-depth cleaning and disinfection for the return of your workers to the workplace. Just give us a call and we will come to you to perform a deep cleaning of our workplace environment to promote the safety and well-being of everyone who comes to work and does business at your facility.

Just give us a call at Restoration 1 of Lake Havasu any time that you have water damage, flood damage, sewage backups, stormwater damage, flooding or other problems related to water intrusion in Lake Havasu. We are here for you 24/7 and will come to you whenever you call us for assistance. We have crews in your area, call now! We are available to come to you whenever you need us, and we will give you the peace of mind that you deserve to know that your emergency will be managed and remediated right the first time. Call today, we are standing by and ready to assist you!

References
www.epa.gov

Why Are Floodwaters Considered a Hazard to Human Health?

kaneohemcas@gmail.com (poppy johnson) — Tue, 25 Aug 2020 23:49:47 GMT

Even clear looking floodwaters in Lake Havasu can harbor dangerous viruses, stand clear!

Floodwaters can intrude on a residential or commercial property at any time, and in any season. It need not be the rainy season, or formally in a storm, waters are able to rise fast and can seep into lower level basements, crawlspaces or low-level office areas in an instant. The floodwater or stormwater that hangs around after a flood can be much more than just devastating to the homeowner.

Those floodwaters are a hazard to health because they can carry bacteria, sewage or other microorganisms that can cause serious diseases. There is a special way to remove flood water, and that needs to be performed to preserve the safety of everyone living in the home. Just opening up the back door and shooing the water out to the backyard will not be the safest way to clean up after a flood event. This is important to note, and here are the reasons why this is critical to understand.

Our technicians at Restoration 1 of Lake Havasu City are highly trained and follow the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) guidelines for water damage restoration and cleaning of a home or building affected by flood waters, or water damage. We know how to effectively manage water damage restoration in the Lake Havasu City area, and can work to perform water damage restoration, sewage cleanup, flood restoration or the remediation of flooded basements in Lake Havasu City as well. We are experts at water damage restoration that includes:

•    Managing large and catastrophic disaster restoration projects.
•    Performing HVAC restorations.
•    Understanding structural restorations and applying strategies to restore structures safely.
•    Removing water from homes safely to protect human health.
•    Utilizing cutting edge drying techniques after water damage in the home.

• Neutralizing and preventing microbes from forming in water left by flood damage in the home.

It is important to remove floodwater and stormwater without contaminating the surrounding areas of the residential or commercial property within the home and building structures. We know how to safely remove any contaminated water from sewage cleanups in Lake Havasu City, or from any flooded basements or water damage events in Lake Havasu City. We identify any contaminants in water to reduce adverse health effects, and safely remove these hazards from the home.

In many cases, studies show that some water left over after a water damage event can contain a significant amount of contamination. Often this contamination is present but not seen with the untrained eye, and can include high levels of microorganisms or other chemicals as a result of overflows from washing machines or from toilet bowls. We are highly skilled professional water damage remediation experts, and we can safely remove any contaminated water that is a hazard to indoor living environments in the home.

Additionally, we will review and assess any water intrusion of wet and porous materials in the homes and businesses in Lake Havasu City with water damage, such as with wet carpets, insulation, textiles, plaster, wood, floors and concrete. We will properly remove and dispose of unwanted and contaminated substances and materials from these environments as part of our water damage restoration plan for homes and businesses affected by flooding or floodwaters in the Lake Havasu City area.

When you have water damage, need sewage cleanup or have a flooded basement in the Lake Havasu City area, we are your #1 resource for getting your home or business back to normal. We are Restoration 1 of Lake Havasu City, and we are here to serve you 24/7. Just give us a call, we are ready anytime to help and assist with water damage events in the Lake Havasu City area.

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