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3 Fall Preparation Tips for Avoiding Winter Property Damage.

Although it’s only fall…winter is looming whether we like it or not! Fall leaves can wreck havoc on our gutters and downspouts, add snow, ice and cold temperatures and you have a fine recipe for winter storm damage. Fall preparation is the perfect anecdote to winter hazards.

We love to hear from our customers, but we hope it’s just to say, “Hello, we miss you guys” rather than, “hurry, our roof caved in!”

Here are a few simple Fall preparation tips you can do to prepare for cold weather that will save you time, money, and a phone call to Advance Restoration—even though we love hearing from you!

• Frost proof your faucet-If the shut off valve to your spigot is outside, you are at risk of a leaky or frozen pipe that could potential thaw and crack in the spring causing water damage inside and outside your home. Insulate these pipes now to prevent from freezing or better yet, install a frost proof faucet that extends a pipe from the outside into the house so that the shut-off point and washer are on the inside and away from the elements.
• Invest in a roof rake-The average roof can hold up to four feet of fresh snow and as snow begins to melt or collect from multiple storms, the weight of the snow can become too much for your roof to handle. The combined weight of snow and water puts your roof at a higher risk of roof damage due to collapse. Invest in a roof rake now so you can be ready; it can be your best friend after a winter storm.
• Consider purchasing flood insurance-Consider purchasing flood insurance, if you live in a flood-prone area, to cover possible flood damage that may occur during the spring thaw. Homeowners’ policies do not cover damage from floods. Ask your insurance agent about the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) if you are at risk. More information on NFIP is available at Fema.gov.

If you prepare for the cold weather you will be in much better shape to enjoy time with friends and family by that cozy and clean fireplace. You might even have time to bake some cookies and drop them by Advance Restoration (just thought we’d sneak that in there!). If freezing temperatures have gotten the best of you— we’re just a phone call away and ready to serve with 24/7 emergency service. You can also check out our resources page for more tips and important disaster recovery information and links.

Because of their low-lying positions, basements and crawlspaces are prone to leaks, moisture, mold, and water damage.  Unfortunately water damage to home structures is common due to invasive indoor and outdoor water sources.

One of the most prominent causes of water damage is your landscaping. The grade of your property must be designed to slope away from your foundation as water always runs downhill. Flowerbeds, although beautiful, can also pose a danger if planted too close to your foundation.

The good news is there are preventative steps you can take to ensure that your landscaping doesn’t contribute to basement or crawl space damage.

• Check the grade of your landscape. Your landscape should slope away from your structure so that water flows away from, not toward your foundation.
• Be sure to use fill dirt rather than topsoil in the areas surrounding the structure. Topsoil is absorbent and will take in lots of water and become over saturated eventually seeping into the ground and potentially making its way into cracks in your foundation.
• Keep flowerbed plantings away from the foundation to keep water from traveling along your foundation’s wall.
• Use a heavier ground cover as opposed to wood chips, which can wash away during a heavy storm clogging drainage ditches and causing them to overflow. Rocks or heavier mulch will be more likely to stay in place and the good news is you will be raking less of it off your lawn.
• Shrubs and trees should be kept trimmed back away from the structure. Plantings that are too close to the home can cause water to run down the side of the structure making their way into cracks and crevices eventually causing moisture damage or serious leaks.
• Keep gutters clean and free of leaves and debris that can cause water to dam up and overflow.

If you find yourself with a wet basement due to flooding or leaks caused by landscaping, hard rains, or water overflow there is hope. Contact a water damage specialist who is knowledgeable about water extraction, structural drying, dehumidification, and mold damage.

You may be stunned to learn what your Homeowner’s policy doesn’t cover

Basic homeowners insurance policies cover your home and its contents if damaged or ruined. Hence, here is the complete list:

• Fire
• Lightning
• Hail (dependent on area)
• Windstorm (except in hurricane zones)
• Smoke
• Vandalism (excluded by some policies)
• Theft
• Explosion
• Volcanic eruption
• Riots
• Civil Commotion
• Vehicles (and airborne projectiles)
• Aircraft (and airborne projectiles)

Some states don’t sell these basic policies. As a result, ssome require upgrades to cover more damages.

The Dreaded Homeowners Insurance Upgrade

An upgraded policy or HO-2 adds additional protection to your home and its contents. Subsequently, the HO-1 covers all of the items listed above, with these additions:

• Weight of snow, ice, or sleet
• Floods from appliances, plumbing, fire-protection sprinkler systems, and HVAC mishaps. Electronics such as computers are not a covered item.
• Glass breakage
• Abrupt collapse or caving of building

And so, this list applies also to homeowner’s insurance for condominiums or co-ops and is commonly referred to as HO-6 rather than HO-2.

The aforementioned lists are exactly what is covered on HO-1, HO-2, and HO-6. Consequently, if there’s a world apocalypse and that’s not on the list…it’s not covered.

But wait! There’s always HO-3 Homeowner’s Insurance

HO-3 is the most comprehensive form of homeowner’s insurance coverage. Accordingly, HO-3 covers just about everything you can imagine. In what follows, there are some specific exceptions:

• Floods
• Earthquakes
• Wars
• Nuclear accidents
• Landslides
• Mudslides
• Sinkholes

The HO-3 policy also does not cover world apocalypse (War) but it does cover a lot.

What isn’t Covered by Homeowners Insurance

No one policy covers every possible type of damage that can destroy your property. Here’s what typical homeowners’ policies will not cover:

• Improper or neglected maintenance
• Hurricanes
• Floods
• Earthquakes
• Mudslides
• Landslides
• Sinkholes
• War
• Nuclear accidents
• Sewer backups
• Sump pump failure
• Ground movement and holes caused by mining
• Pollution

Additional policies can be purchased to cover some, but not all, of these disasters. Even if insurance was available for the most common disasters in your area, you may not qualify if your property has distinct features. These features cause your home to be more vulnerable such as a thatched roof in an area where wildfires are the norm.

Additional Items Covered by Homeowners Insurance

Here are four more items that are covered:

• Landscaping, hardscaping and outbuildings (up to 10% of your policy, 5% for plants)
• Damage or loss of personal belongings (laptops, computers, jewelry, etc.)
• Temporary living expenses if your home is unlivable (hotel bills and meals)
• Injuries or accidents at home (slip and fall, dog bites, etc.)

What if you have an Older Home?

That’s what HO-8 is for. 

When your home is older, and it is no longer reasonable to assume you could replace it to its original status. HO-8 steps in. Items such as electrical that could not be replaced as original and meet current code requirements.

A HO-8 policy covers many of the same disasters as the basic HO-1 policy. HO-8 will only pay repair costs to market value not replacement value.

It is possible to purchase a “Law and Ordinance” policy that covers the cost of rebuilding using current building codes.

That about covers the ins and outs of homeowner’s policies. If you experience damage to your home or property and you are not sure if you are covered under your homeowner’s policy, give Advance Restoration a call at 866-465-2409. One of our experts will walk you through your policy’s coverage.

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}

Water. It’s essential for life, but when it infiltrates where it shouldn’t, it can become a truly destructive force. From warping beautiful hardwood floors and crumbling drywall to jeopardizing vital documents and sensitive electronics, the aftermath of water damage can be significant and stressful.

At Advance Restoration, we understand the disruption and worry that unexpected water intrusion can cause. That’s why we want to shed light on some of the most frequent culprits behind these unwelcome events, along with some practical advice to help you keep your property dry and protected.

1. The Silent Saboteur: Aging Plumbing and Corrosion

If your home or business features older construction with copper or steel pipes, your plumbing system might be at a higher risk than you think. Over time, these materials can succumb to rust and corrosion. This internal buildup can not only restrict water flow but also weaken the structural integrity of the pipes themselves. As the rust takes hold, it erodes the pipe walls, eventually leading to pinhole leaks or even significant bursts.

Pro Tip for Prevention: Think of a plumbing tune-up like a regular check-up for your car. Having a qualified plumber inspect your pipes every 2 to 3 years can make a world of difference. They can ensure connections are secure, identify early signs of corrosion, and advise on necessary maintenance to keep your system in top shape.

2. The Temperature Tango: When Extremes Lead to Trouble

We often associate frozen pipes with harsh winter climates, and for good reason. When temperatures plummet, the water inside pipes can freeze and expand, creating immense pressure that can cause them to crack or burst. However, it’s important to realize that extreme temperature changes – even in warmer regions – can also put stress on your plumbing. Rapid shifts can cause materials to contract and expand at different rates, potentially leading to leaks.

Pro Tip for Prevention: Be mindful of your hot water settings. Excessively high temperatures can actually weaken your pipes over time. Additionally, taking the time to insulate exposed pipes, especially in unheated areas like basements or crawl spaces, can provide crucial protection against temperature fluctuations.

3. The Ground Beneath Your Feet: Natural Foundation Settling

The very ground your property rests on can sometimes contribute to water damage. Over time, the natural settling of a building’s foundation is almost inevitable. While often a gradual process, this movement can unfortunately lead to cracks forming in foundation walls. These cracks can then become pathways for groundwater to seep into basements and crawl spaces, resulting in dampness, mold growth, and even significant flooding. Furthermore, this settling can also put stress on nearby pipes, potentially causing them to weaken, crack, or even break.

Pro Tip for Prevention: Make it a habit to visually inspect your foundation walls at least once a year. Look for any new or widening cracks. If you spot anything concerning, it’s wise to consult with a foundation expert. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent minor cracks from escalating into major water intrusion problems.

Dealing with water damage can be overwhelming, but understanding the common causes is the first step towards prevention. If you do find yourself facing the aftermath of a leak or flood, remember that the experts at Advance Restoration are here to help. We have the experience and expertise to assess the damage, implement effective restoration solutions, and get your property back to its pre-loss condition. Don’t hesitate to reach out for professional assistance.

Searching for the best restoration company in Southeast Michigan?

If you suffering from water damage from flooding, ice daming, storming, or plumbing problems in Oakland County, Michigan? Advance Restoration is the best restoration company near Oakland County. They are a full-service, one- stop restoration company for water, fire, wind, mold and contents.

Advance Restoration offers comprehensive restoration services for all your restoration repairs. With 24/7 response time,  experts will respond quickly with the experience and equipment necessary to minimize the long-term damage to your industrial, commercial, or residential property. From the initial damage assessment to drying the structure and packing out its contents for secure storage and restoration. Advance can help through every step of the water damage restoration process.

With over 15 years in business and decades of practical experience in the field, this IICRC certified firm has what it takes to get the job done. Their stellar reputation speaks for itself. Advance’ restoration experts are IICRC certified—the gold standard for disaster restoration cleanup in the industry.

Rest assured the job will be done with expertise and care by the best restoration company in Oakland County and all of Southeast Michigan.

• Available 24/7, 365 Days of the Year for Emergency Service
• Quick Response Times
• Quality and Satisfaction
• Trained and IICRC Certified Experts
• Advanced Technology

If you are searching for “the best water damage restoration company near me?” Look no further, call toll free at 810-356-5923 for help or contact Advance Restoration today to set up an appointment. We offer fast response times throughout Macomb and Oakland County, Michigan.

While you wait for our team to arrive, follow these Water Damage Tips to mitigate the impact as much as possible.