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Storm Damage and Fallen Trees—Oh My!

oak tree storm damage

Fallen trees won’t add to your curb appeal—get one of these types of trees to avoid storm damage

Are you worried the trees next to your home will cause storm damage to your property when they come crashing down? These three trees are sturdy and can withstand high winds and driving rain while adding to your home’s curb appeal:

Oak Tree

The Oak can withstand serious wind and will not typically yield to storm damage

Oaks are slower growing trees that bow and bend with the wind when growing which adds to the structure inside the tree making it stronger over time.  Oaks offer great beauty and strength with sturdy branches that can withstand great pressure from winds. Planting a small oak will ensure its roots have time to go deep and spread wide, creating a more stable foundation than that of a transplanted larger tree. A deep and sturdy root system is the foundation for preventing property damage from a fallen tree.

River Birch

Loamy, well-drained soil and clay make this tree a great choice to weather high winds and avoid storm damage.

Since the river birch loves water, this tree is flood tolerant. The river birch can get up to 70 feet high making it a monster of a tree, but the limbs are fairly fine allowing them to sway and bend with the wind, not break. Trees can take a pounding during high winds causing roof damage that could result in water damage and more. For that reason, be sure to buy and plant trees that work with you, not against you.

Tulip Tree

Fluttering, narrow stalks with tulip shaped flowers laugh at the winds attempts to do harm

Tulip trees are beautiful and can get upwards of 120’ tall. Keeping the tulip tree on the slender side helps them to weather even the strongest winds and pelting rains. The larger the tree grows, the more chances it could topple and cause storm damage during particularly strong gusts.

Isn’t it interesting how choosing the right landscaping by way of a tree can protect your home from storm damage due to heavy rains and winds? Truly something to think about.

If you’ve suffered roof or whole home storm damage from fallen tree or any kind of damage to property from storm, water, or even fire—we’re here when you need us. Visit Advance Restoration for all your property damage restoration needs or call 866-505-3166 to make an appointment for service.

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They say nothing in life is Free. WRONG.

Chocolate Chip Cookie

Here’s where to get free or nearly free chocolate chip cookies on National chocolate chip day!

With all that’s going on in the world the team at Advance Restoration thought it would be nice to share the joy of a free cookie rather than disaster, pandemics, and pandemonium. That being said, today, May 15, is National Chocolate Chip Day. 

Nothing is quite as comforting or brings as much joy as a warm chocolate filled cookie—especially one that is FREE or well, nearly free in some cases. Here is a list of all the places and locations in Michigan that you can restore your faith in all that is good and sink your teeth into a chocolate chip cookie for next to nothing:

Don’t let the day pass you by without experiencing a little joy in the way of a free or darn near free cookie! If you get any extras, we won’t mind if you leave them on our doorstep!

At Advance, we see ourselves as first responders. When our customers have a disaster like flooding, sewage backup, storm damage, or fire—we’re there when they need us. As first responders we are also the first to lineup for cookies so bring em’ on!

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5 Bad Habits That Can Ruin Your Home

piggy bank savings

Keep more money in your pocketbook, break just one of these habits today

We all have habits. Some habits are good while others not so much. It’s the bad habits that are can ruin your home limiting your ability to be content, efficient and enjoy a bigger bank account.

Here are 5 bad habits you can break now to live a happier life, and have a fatter wallet!

#1 Stop taking Long Hot Steamy Showers

We all can agree there is nothing better than taking a long hot shower but doing so can cause mold to build up on shower surfaces such as faucets, grout, and the top of shower surrounds. That’s just icky! 

Did you know that more than half of all U.S. homes have mold? According to documentary titled MOLDY,  produced by Bulletproof Films, mold toxins are running rampant in our homes. Although mold and fungi are common in nature as they help to decompose leaves, trees, and dead plants they can become dangerous in the indoors and ruin your home. Mold thrives where there is moisture making your shower the perfect environment for mold growth. 

Always remember to turn on the exhaust fan while showering and wipe any moisture off the walls afterwards—using a squeegee is a great way to quickly accomplish this. Be sure to scrub the grout every few weeks to remove any mold seen or unseen. These tips will surely save you money on re-grouting or tearing out a moldy shower or tile surround which can be costly.

#2 Wasting Water with a Half-Full Dishwasher

Are you the type that prides yourself on your clean kitchen, no dishes in the sink, crumbs always swept away? If you like to stay on top of things then you’re also probably constantly filling the dishwasher and running it even before its full. Yup, been there, done that.  But about that: You are wasting water unless it is completely full. No matter how many dishes are in the machine it uses the same amount of water regardless. It can wait—just fill as the day goes on add your soap and press the start button before bed when the machine is full and voila! You’ll have clean dishes in the morning and you’ll feel good about doing your part for Mother Earth!

#3 Leaving Electronics on Overnight

Guilty! Do you also leave your computer, TV, or printer on overnight? 

You can save about $12 bucks a month by simply shutting these electronics off at night before bed. 

According to the experts, the electrical system in your home could become overheated if it’s expected to provide more power than it is capable of producing. Overburdening the electrical system can cause an electrical fire to cause serious fire and smoke damage to your home. Don’t plug too many devices into outlets or power strips. Unplug devices that are not in use, you will not only be safe from electrical fire but save money and even your life!

#4 Flushing Sanitary Wipes

Tissue is made to break down, but unlike ordinary toilet paper household cleaning wipes are made of woven fibers that do not breakdown and are more likely to clog your drainage system. Blockages in the drain lines of your home can mean costly repairs to your sewage system let alone the damage that can be done by sewage backup requiring water extraction from your basement. It’s costly and can ruin your home life. Just don’t do it!

 #5 Oven Overflows

Everyone of us has baked a pie or a gooey casserole that splatters, sputters, and drips into the bottom of the oven. The problem is that these crumbs and greasy messes can catch fire. Not only can it ruin your meal, but your entire kitchen could go up in smoke damaging everything in its path. To avoid costly fire damage repairs, wipe up spills immediately after the appliance cools and clean the interior of the oven multiple times a year. 

Bad habits are hard to break but when you consider the cost to your pocketbook it makes these habits all the more worth breaking.

Photo by maitree rimthong from Pexels

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Restoration Services Designated “Essential Business” during Coronavirus pandemic

Coronavirus

Advance Restoration is designated as an “essential business” during the Coronavirus pandemic as deemed by Homeland Security and CISA.

Currently, as of the date of this article, there is no CDC or EPA approved cleaning or disinfecting agent(s) guaranteed to kill the Covid-19 pathogen. Since we are a designated essential business, we are continuing service to customers in extreme emergency situations for water, fire and mold damage while using precautions to ensure their safety and the safety of our field staff according to government guidelines.

Here is what we are doing:

  • Following the CDC guidelines for employers to manage the spread of coronavirus in the workplace and in the businesses and residences we provide services for.
  • As always, following the IICRC standards for the cleaning and restoration industry.
  • Providing work for emergency services only, prioritizing highest need for customer health and safety first.
  • Emergency work we perform includes fire damage, water damage, wind damage, and mold remediation. We do not treat Covid-19 at this time.
  • Applying and cleaning surface touchpoints contaminated by toxins, mold or water using approved sanitizing agents.
  • Ensuring our cleaning and sanitization experts are healthy and properly outfitted with hazmat biohazard suiting, booties, and N95 masks before entering any commercial building or residence.

If you have an emergency for fire damage, water damage, storm damage or other residential or commercial disaster—we’re there when you need us. Our staff will be masked up and ready to solve your property restoration issues quickly and efficiently with as little disruption as possible.

Please don’t hesitate to call Advance Restoration at 866-505-3166 for help with your disaster emergency. One of our representatives are standing by to take your call immediately 24/7.

Stay Home. Stay Safe. Save Lives.

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Can You Get Sick From Mold In Your Home?

Allergies caused by mold

The short answer—yes. If you have allergies such as asthma or a compromised immune system, mold in your home can make you sick. Hiring a mold remediation expert for mold damage is the best possible way to identify mold types and eradicate them properly and avoid return. It is near impossible to get rid of mold without proper testing and treatment with custom commercial cleaning agents.  

Who is Most at Risk?

For people with allergies or sensitivities to mold, breathing in spores can cause severe reactions and pose risks to their health. Those most at risk include:

  • Infants and children
  • Elderly age groups
  • People with compromised immune systems
  • Those with chronic lung disease

Why does Mold Grow?

A type of fungus consisting of small organisms, mold is found almost anywhere. Whether it’s fuzzy patches on your basement floor, black spots on the shower curtain, or slimy orange goo that forms on your drain, mold in your home can harm your health. Mold can’t grow without the presence of moisture so you will most likely find mold in damp places such as kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, basements and crawlspaces.  it’s important to keep these areas dry to prevent or eliminate mold damage.

Tips for Controlling Mold:

  • Use dehumidifiers and air conditioners in humid areas to reduce moisture
  • Keep humidity below 60% if possible
  • Check drain lines for obstructions and proper flow
  • Air conditioning drip pans should be cleaned regularly
  • Add insulation to exterior walls, windows, and floors to reduce condensation
  • Check often for leaks and seepage at your roofline, around kitchen sinks, ice makers and other sources of water, repair if needed 

If you are experiencing mold growth on walls, ceilings, basement or elsewhere in your home and you need a mold remediation company nearby who can help, just contact Advance Restoration at 866-505-3166 and one of our friendly representatives will set an appointment with you for mold testing, cleanup and remediation.

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Flood Damage Warning Metro Detroit

Flooded street lakeshore

The National Weather Service has issued a flood damage warning for Metro Detroit. The Service is reporting an expanded period of heavy rain with the potential for 3 inches or more in some areas. The alert is issued for Friday thru Saturday. Rain, like this, in amounts of 3 inches or more can see very high run-off mainly due to frigid ground conditions.

Roads, rivers and creeks, and other low-lying areas could see widespread flooding according to the forecast. If you live in these flood damage warning zones, you should monitor weather forecasts. In addition, be alert and prepared for possible water damage due to flooding, especially along the lakeshore in St. Clair, Sanilac and Macomb counties.

What To Do in Case of Flood Warning

Everyone understands that tornadoes and hurricanes can destroy life. But when it comes down to it, the most dangerous weather event is definitely a flood. For instance, floods in the past 30 years have led to over $260 billion in damage and caused an average of 86 deaths a year in the United States. That number has escalated to over 100 deaths per year since 2015 alone. Climate change is increasing in heavy precipitation every decade and this trend is likely to continue.

A surprising fact about floods is that most of them (8 of 10) do not occur near the coastline. And, the odds are, you will face one long before any of your coastal friends. For instance, most flash floods occur as a result of heavy rains, storm surges, snow and even overflows from local dams or waterways. Pay attention to local alerts and National Weather Service warnings in your area to avoid life threatening events. In the event of a flood warning move to higher ground or a safer location nearby unless you are being ordered to evacuate.

If you experience flooded basement, roof leaks, or other water damage as a result of heavy rains and flooding Advance Restoration is available 24/7 to respond to your water damage repairs—877-363-7462.

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Weather Advisory—Prepare for Winter Storm Damage

winter storm damage

Although snow can be lovely to look at, it can also pose hazardous road conditions and threaten the safety of those we care about. Be careful today as you go about your travels and heed these cold weather advisories to avoid winter storm damage:

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory across Southeastern Michigan including Metro Detroit, Ann Arbor, Adrian, Monroe and Pontiac. Four inches of accumulated snow is expected based on up to six inches of snowfall forecasted. The advisory is in effect until midnight tonight. Plan on slippery road conditions and drive safely according to conditions. 

Temperatures will be steady in the upper 20s and low 30s in the early morning hours before slowly descending during the afternoon causing significant accumulations on area roads.

In addition to hazardous road conditions, heavy snow and ice can also pose threats to the roof of your home. Be sure to remove snow buildup to prevent winter storm damage leading to roof leaks and roof damage repairs. Ice dams can also be problematic, shifting ice can loosen shingles exposing roofs to water damage. Stay on top of snow and ice this winter with these preventative measures. If you find yourself in need of our services for roof damage or storm damage of any kind including roof leaks, foundation leaks, sewage backup, basement flooding and any other type of weather disaster give Advance Restoration a shout at 810-356-5923. 

Stay safe and enjoy the season, it’s here whether we like it or not.

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7 Tips For Winterizing to Avoid Homeowners Insurance Claims

Frozen burst pipes

Winter weather causes billions in homeowners insurance claims losses each year—it doesn’t have to.

Water damage, particularly the kind related to frozen or burst pipes accounts for the major share of homeowners insurance claims in Michigan.

Wrapping your pipes during winter months is recommended along with keeping your home at 65 degrees or more. Knowing where your home’s water shutoff valve is located will allow you to quickly shut off the water at its source in an emergency.

Following some basic maintenance steps can prevent catastrophic water damage from ruining your home and costing you money and grief. Be prepared by addressing problem areas around your home, here are a few tips: 

  1. Protect Indoor Pipes Burst pipes can cause up to $5,000 or more in damage. Pipe insulation costs a little as 50 cents per linear foot making it an inexpensive way to ward off frozen pipe issues. Insulation can be installed yourself around any exposed copper or PVC water pipes. 37% of all burst pipes occur in the basement so make sure to pay special attention to that area.
  2. Insulate Your Attic or Crawl Space
    By keeping your attic cooler, you can prevent ice dams from forming and damaging your roof. Insulating the attic with properly rated insulation will help to keep your attic cool and avoid any unnecessary pitfalls.
  3. Service Your Furnace and Chimney
    Heating equipment, fireplaces, and chimneys are some of the biggest culprits of home fires, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Having them serviced and inspected annually is a safe practice. Be sure to have the inspector examine the condition of the chimney—brick periodically needs maintenance to keep water from leaking in.
  4. Repair Loose Roofing & Shingles
    Doing a once-around your property to inspect your roof can go a long way to warding of potential hazards. If you notice loose, damaged, or missing shingles, have a licensed roofing contractor do a deeper inspection so and mend any damage before the first snow flies. It has been said that a single cubic foot of snow or ice can weigh 20 to 25 pounds—that kind of pressure can cause shifting of shingles, allowing water to penetrate your roof and leak into your home.
  5. Clean and Inspect Gutters
    Clogged gutters can cause water to back up and then freeze once temperatures drop. Keep gutters clear and properly connected to ensure that melting snow runs off your roof and through your downspouts.
  6. Prune Dead Branches
    Branches covered in snow can easily break and cause safety hazards aside from the potential to cause thousands of dollars of roof damage. Before the first snow, have a reputable contractor, remove dead or protruding branches that might compromise your property.
  7. Secure Outdoor Water Sources
    Drain and store garden hoses before the first inkling of frost to eliminate any chance they’ll freeze or burst. Shut off the water-supply valve to hose bibs, from inside your house or basement, then open the outdoor spigot  so any water trapped inside will drain free. Simply shutting off the spigot will cause trapped water to freeze and cause a burst pipe inside.

If you experience any kind of water damage to your home in Michigan don’t hesitate to contact us at Advance Restoration—We’re there when you need us.

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DO YOU NEED MOLD REMEDIATION IN MICHIGAN?

It’s crucial to pursue water restoration within 24 to 48 hours of a flood if you hope to avoid mold remediation in Michigan. That’s why Advance Restoration offers 24/7 emergency services—to minimize damage by providing the fastest possible response.

Failure to act quickly could lead to a mold problem. Here are the signs to watch for:

  • Large patches of discolored walls, ceilings, or floors
  • Persistent musty odor
  • Standing water in areas that should be dry
  • Mold spores discovered in the HVAC system

OUR CERTIFIED MOLD REMEDIATION COMPANY NEARBY IS READY TO HELP SERVE YOU

The team at Advance Restoration is certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) to perform water and mold remediation. You can take a few steps to clean up mold before the professionals arrive, but for your safety and to ensure the mold won’t return, it’s best to hire a professional. Let us do the brunt of the work for you.

Our certified mold remediation process entails:

  • Identify the extent of the mold problem – We send a professional microbiologist to your property to determine where the mold is growing, what type of mold it is, and how widespread the problem has become.
  • Contain the mold – We isolate the affected area to avoid contaminating the rest of your home during the treatment process.
  • Filter the air – Our team runs air cleaners with HEPA filters to rid the air of mold spores intent on landing, growing, and exacerbating the problem.
  • Remove mold from walls, ceilings, floors, and ductwork – Because mold penetrates surfaces as deeply as possible, it’s best to dispose of any moldy porous materials, including carpet, carpet padding, ceiling tiles, insulation, and drywall. Nonporous and semi-porous materials such as metal, glass, hard plastic, concrete, and wood are often salvageable using antimicrobial cleaners and sealants.
  • Restore mold-infested belongings – We take the contaminated contents of your building to our climate-controlled storage facility for mold treatment, deodorization, and drying. We use state-of-the-art content restoration techniques to recover as many of your possessions as possible.
  • Prevent mold regeneration – After cleaning up existing mold, it’s vital to address the source of the moisture that caused the mold growth in the first place. We identify that source and devise a plan of action to ensure the mold doesn’t return.

If you notice any of these signs of mold growth in your Michigan building, contact Advance Restoration at 877-581-9176 as soon as possible to begin remediation.

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Storm Advisory for Southeastern Michigan

60 MPH Winds, Hail, Tornadoes Possible According to Recent Storm Advisory Warnings

Threats of thunderstorms, damaging winds 60 mph or higher and hail one inch in size expected to affect Southeastern Michigan today according to storm advisory. The expectation is for strong winds, hail and the potential for tornadoes in the area. Hazardous weather conditions may cause property damage. It is highly possible that homes will experience roof damage and broken windows, leading to water damage. Furthermore, Flood damage due to storms may also cause basement flooding.  The storm advisory warning will impact Macomb, Wayne, Washtenaw, Monroe, Lenawee, Livingston, Lapeer, and St. Clair counties along with some northern regions.

How to Avoid Property Damage Before the Storm

Surveying your property before the storm is a good idea that will help you to avoid the pitfalls of property damage. For instance, you can store items not bolted down such as trampolines and bbq’s. Furthermore, patio furniture that is lightweight should be stored prior to a storm. Storage sheds can be anchored down with cables or chains. Branches that are dead or in need of pruning should be clipped and trees that are dead or dying should be removed to avoid disaster.

For those of you in the path of the storm, we are there when you need us. For instance, we specialize in flood cleanup, water extraction, hail damage to roof, and fallen tree services in Southeastern Michigan. Call Advance Restoration for 24/7 response. Our experts are always ready to serve day or night, 365 days of the year.