Homeowners: Quick Reaction Time is of the Essence During a Water Emergency

One must act fairly quickly during a water damage emergency to a commercial or residential property. If left untreated, water will continue to cause damage for weeks after the initial loss. The following is the destructive pattern that water tends to follow:

Less Than One Hour

• Moving water quickly spreads to other areas.
• Furniture may stain carpet permanently.
• Moisture-sensitive furniture may discolor.
• Paper goods are ruined.

One to 24 Hours

• Furniture delaminates or swells; legs can split.
• Pressed wood swells and disintegrates.
• Bacterial odor becomes apparent.
• Uncoated metal surfaces may tarnish.
• Normal household odors strengthen.

Two to Seven Days

• Mold and mildew may appear, accompanied by a musty odor.
• Musical instruments swell and warp.
• Drywall swells and disintegra
• Uncoated metal surfaces begin to rust.
• Door and window casings swell and distort or delaminate.
• Wood decking and studs begin to swell, warp, or split.
• Electronic components may malfunction.
• Occupants with respiratory problems or compromised immune systems can experience distress.

One Week and Beyond

• Mold and mildew may appear, accompanied by a musty odor.
• Wood components warp and split.
• Chemicals within wood dissolve, discolor, or destroy finishes.
• Claim costs escalate dramatically.
• Serious occupant health hazards may occur.

The dangers to a property and homeowner obviously begin to escalate the longer that water damage is not treated.

The Details That Go Into Treating Water Damage to Properties in Cleveland & Akron

Water damage restoration may include a few or all of the following:

* Work authorization agreements are layed out in detail and then signed.
* Moisture meters detect and determines the extent of damage to the structure. All structure surfaces are analyzed including walls, ceilings, carpets, sub-flooring, crawl spaces, etc.
* Water is extracted if the scope of the damage calls for it.
* Pack-up any contents within the affected area if needed. Move and block up furniture within the affected area if needed.
* Chemical application to affected surfaces & contents using odor removals, deodorizers, and disinfectants to prevent bacterial growth and mildew in carpets. Any area affected by moisture is a breeding ground for microbial growth.
* Setup the necessary drying equipment strategically within the affected area (air movers/fans, dehumidifiers, air cleaners, etc).
* Monitor daily the equipment and the results of the drying process by taking all required readings. Drying typically takes three to seven days, but at times takes longer.


Once the drying is completed and the structure is back to it's pre-existing state, some of the things that may occur are the following:

* Contents are cleaned and placed back into it's original setting.
* Necessary repairs are completed and carpet and pad is reinstalled if necessary.
* Carpeted areas are cleaned accordingly as well as all traffic areas that were used during the entire process.
* Move and reset furniture as necessary.
* Final inspection is completed and customer sign-off. Obviously, each water disaster is different and calls for different techniques and areas of expertise.


What I described above is the framework of a typical water loss claim that we see on the residential-side of the business. If you have any questions please let me know or visit our website at www.PuroCleanProServices.com

Water Damage Can Occur at the Most Inopportune Times

Water damage may occur as a result of fire damage, broken pipes, blocked drains, malfunctioning appliances, storms and other causes. The appropriate treatment depends on the nature of the damage. Some water carries contaminants and should be considered hazardous. Whatever the origin, the prospects for restoration depend largely on the speed with which your building and personal property can be dried. Even clean water can generate mildew and other bacterial growth if neglected.

Do's:

• Ventilate wet areas. In summer, turn on air conditioning to accelerate drying. In winter, alternate cycles of opened windows and heating.
• Remove standing water from flat surfaces by sponging and blotting.
• Take up saturated rugs and carpets when hardwood floors are at risk.
• Stay out of rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.
• Remove lamps, telephones and decorative items from wet furniture tops.
• Open drawers and cabinet doors for interior drying, but do not force open stuck drawers or doors.
• Freeze valuable books and documents to retard mildew growth until drying can be performed.
• Place aluminum foil squares, china saucers or wood blocks under furniture legs to avoid staining carpet.

Dont's:

- Operate TV's, vacuums or other appliances while standing on wet carpet or floors, especially not on wet concrete floors. Serious injury may result.
- Use heat to dry closed building interiors. Mildew and expanded moisture changes may result.
- Leave wet fabrics in place. Space them apart and dry as soon as possible.

Hopefully you haven't struggled with this type of hazard. If you have any questions please let me know or visit my website at www.PuroCleanProServices.com

Vandalism is Something Occurring in Vacant Homes: Quick Do's and Dont's

From our experience, vandalism often involves spray paint on walls, defacement of furnishings and the spread of noxious substances. Vandalism is one of the most difficult forms of damage to restore. Prompt action can often minimize the effect of vandalism and make restoration more successful.

Do's

• Hose down or wash egg damage from building exteriors as soon as possible.
• Vacuum glass particles from carpet and upholstery.
• Save containers and spray cans that may reveal the composition of inks and pigments.
• Save all wood chips and fragments from furniture, porcelain or art object.

Dont's

• Attempt to remove ink, paint or cosmetic stains; they can be permanently set if not handled properly.

Let me know if you experienced any of this yourself. If you have any additional questions or concerns, check out our website at www.PuroCleanProServices.com

What to Do ... and Not to Do in a Water Emergency

Nation’s Experts Advise Property Owners How to Reduce Damage from Water-Related Emergencies

According to the Insurance Information Institute, water damage related incidents resulting from leaks and other “wet” mishaps are the No. 1 reason homeowners file claims with their insurance companies. Property owners can actually minimize damage and significantly reduce safety risks by following expert advice from PuroClean, part of a leading national franchise that specializes in mitigation and restoration services for water, mold, fire, trauma events and other types of losses.

As the “Paramedics of Property Damage,” PuroClean arrives at the scene of a loss and takes the necessary steps to bring the situation under control, preventing it from becoming worse, and finally providing restoration services to help put the property back to pre-loss condition.

“No one thinks that a water damage crisis could ever happen to them, but the unfortunate truth is that every American is impacted by water damage at some point in their life,” said George Cruz, owner of PuroClean. “Most people don’t realize the magnitude of a water-related disaster, and that there are actually some measures they can take themselves before we arrive to protect themselves and their property from further loss.”

To help minimize loss, and prevent further damage while technicians from PuroClean are en route, Cruz suggests property owners follow these guidelines:

- Remove as much water as possible by mopping and blotting the saturated area.

- Wipe furniture to remove excess water

- Place Aluminum foil between furniture legs and wet carpet.

- Prop up wet furniture cushions for even drying

- Lift drapes off flooring, loop through a coat hanger and hang on curtain rod

- Remove wet area rugs

- Turn on air conditioner if damage occurs in summer

- Move valuable paintings, art objects and photos to a safe, dry place

- Open closet doors, furniture drawers and luggage to aid in drying

- Remove any wet fabrics and dry immediately.

- Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature

- Stay out of any rooms where the ceiling is sagging from trapped water

- Turn off the breaker before unplugging appliances

Do Not

- Use your household vacuum to remove the excess water

- Use electrical appliances while standing on wet flooring or carpets

- Enter a room where electrical cords are in water

- Wait to call for professional help. The longer you wait, the more damage will occur

Services provided by PuroClean include water damage restoration, odor control, fire and smoke restoration, sewage clean-ups, debris removal, water extraction, sanitization, crawl space drying, trauma restoration, emergency board-ups, structural drying, wind damage, disinfecting, mold removal and basement drying.

PuroClean’s technology allows people to repair their homes and regain their lives after a disaster. Quickly providing the insurance community and property owners with disaster restoration and mitigation services, PuroClean minimizes loss and prevents additional damage from mold, soot, smoke and odors to structure and contents.

About PuroClean

PuroClean is a leader in property damage restoration and has earned the trust of property owners, insurance professionals and home service providers throughout the United States and Canada since 2001. Backed by a comprehensive network of over 230 franchise offices and a national training and business support center, each PuroClean office responds promptly to property emergencies demonstrating a high degree of professionalism and compassion. PuroClean technicians are thoroughly screened, insured and trained in utilizing the latest in mitigation technology and procedures throughout the remediation process while operating under a strict code of ethics. In addition to serving the needs of property owners, PuroClean offers hundreds of continuing education classes each year to insurance professionals and property service providers nationwide. In 2007, PuroClean trained over 3,500 insurance professionals nationwide helping them earn their continuing education credits. For more information on PuroClean, please contact George Cruz at 866-944-PURO(7876) or visit http://www.purocleanproservices.com/

Cold Weather Can Lead to Frozen Pipes, Property Damage

PuroClean's Paramedics of Property Damage Provide Tips on How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

As winter weather sets in, and cold temperatures cause water to freeze and expand, homeowners are at a risk of damage from frozen pipes. Whether a pipe is plastic or metal, it cannot withstand the pressure caused by the expansion of freezing water.

According to the American Red Cross, pipes that freeze most frequently are those that are exposed to the severe cold, like outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, water sprinkler lines, and water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets. Also, pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation are also subject to freezing. Pipe freezing is a particular problem in warmer regions where pipes often run through uninsulated or underinsulated attics or crawl spaces.

PuroClean, known as “The Paramedics of Property Damage,” is a professional mitigation company specializing in property restoration and responding to water damage emergencies that can be caused by frozen pipes. George Cruz, owner of PuroClean serving Greater Cleveland and Akron, says, “This time of year, we experience an increased number of property emergencies due to frozen pipes.”

To help property owners reduce the risk of frozen pipes, Cruz provides property owners with the following tips:
- Make sure all pipes in unheated areas are insulated

- When it is extremely cold outside, let cold water drip from the faucet because running a small amount of water helps prevent pipes from freezing

- Keep the heat on if you are going away during cold weather

- Keep the thermostat set at the same temperature both during day and night

- Add insulation to basements, attics and garages to maintain higher temperatures

About PuroClean

PuroClean is a leader in property damage restoration and has earned the trust of property owners, insurance professionals and home service providers throughout the United States and Canada since 2001. Backed by a comprehensive network of over 230 franchise offices and a national training and business support center, each PuroClean office responds promptly to property emergencies demonstrating a high degree of professionalism and compassion. PuroClean technicians are thoroughly screened, insured and trained in utilizing the latest in mitigation technology and procedures throughout the remediation process while operating under a strict code of ethics. In addition to serving the needs of property owners, PuroClean offers hundreds of continuing education classes each year to insurance professionals and property service providers nationwide. In 2007, PuroClean trained over 3,500 insurance professionals nationwide helping them earn their continuing education credits. For more information on PuroClean, please contact George at 866-944-PURO(7876) or visit

www.PuroCleanProServices.com