Archive for the Home Restoration Services Category

Insulating your attic is an essential part of maintaining your home. The Department of Energy has estimated that home heating bills are reduced by 10 to 50 percent when the attic is adequately insulated. So, it’s a no-brainer that homeowners across the country ensure that their home has the proper insulation all year round, with particular importance in the cooler months. However, is your attic insulation safe? As we learn more about materials and their properties, it’s essential to understand the dangers associated with former commonly used materials for attic insulation. This blog will explore what attic insulation is safe and unsafe and why you should consider insulating your attic. What is Attic Insulation? Attic insulation is a necessary way to retain heat inside your home. It works by preventing inside air from escaping to the outside and from outside air coming in. It’s effective in helping reduce energy costs

We can enjoy fire pits and bonfires most months in Maryland, though there is a unique ambiance provided on crisp fall evenings that is hard to beat. But the heat, fire, and flames can pose real dangers to your family and home, so safety is a priority before you pull out the marshmallows and get cozy near the fire. Find the Perfect Spot Bonfires are usually more enormous and more challenging to control because they aren’t in a confined pit like a fire pit is. Of course, large gatherings and celebrations lend themselves exceptionally well to bonfires. With the intense heat generated by a bonfire, you should set it up at least 50 feet from any building. On the other hand, fire pits can be as close as 10 feet from a building, with 25 feet being the optimal length away from any structure, including fences. Avoid building a fire

Candles are great any time of the year, but especially during the holiday season. They offer mood lighting and ambiance and come in great scents that make candles a mainstay in many Maryland homes. But the downside to candles is their ability to start fires. Home candle fires are most common in December. They are caused most often by combustible materials left too close to the open flame. Candles cause more than $200 million in property damage per year in preventable fires. If you love the ambiance of holiday candles but don’t want to risk a house fire, consider these safer alternatives this holiday season. Flameless LED candles Flameless candles have come a long way over the years. They look like real candles but don’t have the danger an open flame brings. You can get flameless LED candles in all shapes, sizes, and styles, including tea lights and taper candles.

Mold is a difficult subject for any homeowner. Some molds are highly toxic, some are indicative of intense dampness in the home, but all molds are unsightly. You should remove them as soon as possible. Mold can also destroy the surfaces it grows on. It can lead to structural damage of the home and potentially cause health problems for people who suffer from respiratory issues or weakened immune systems. Many homeowners turn to bleach to help get rid of mold, but is this an effective method? This blog will explore whether bleach can get rid of mold, the risks associated with this removal, and whether there are better alternatives to this type of removal. How Does Bleach Kill Mold? Bleach can kill mold, but only on certain surfaces. It only works effectively on nonporous surfaces, like tiles and sinks. This means that any mold growing on wood or drywall cannot

Do you have mold growing in your home? Are you certain? Mold spores can be a common yet dreaded feature in our homes. They usually require sufficient moisture and a food source to grow and thrive and can also be referred to as mildew. While it can be stressful to have mold growth in your home, it might not always need to cause concern. This blog will outline the most common mold spores found in homes. Before we begin the blog, it’s essential to highlight the three categories that mold falls into: Allergenic – the mold isn’t toxic but can trigger allergic reactions like asthma. Pathogenic – the mold can trigger illnesses in immune-deficient people. Toxigenic – the mold is dangerous, creates its own toxins, and is sometimes lethal. Chaetomium This allergenic mold type is typically present in water-damaged homes. It is the most common mold type to grow in

Once your home has been damaged by a storm, fire, or another event, the restoration process can be a lengthy one. You may have prepped your home and still had damage occur that requires restoration before your home is livable again. The role of demolition in restoration is crucial to rebuilding your home. While homeowners can do some demolition, more extensive demolition—especially when it includes structural parts of the house—should be left to the professionals. The professionals at Allied Restoration in Gambrills, Maryland, are certified and licensed to perform all aspects of the restoration process. If you need restoration services after the damage has occurred to your home, call us 24/7 at 410-BUILDER to get a free estimate. What Can You Do to Limit the Damage? After a large storm has rolled through, the first thing you should do once it’s safe is survey the damage. Maybe some roof shingles

Some people may be unaware that mold is lurking in their homes. Mold that is left to grow will eventually release spores, which can easily travel around your home, where your family will inhale them. This can cause respiratory infections, allergy symptoms, skin irritation, and other health problems. People who are allergic to mold and immuno-compromised can experience even more severe reactions. The Dangers of Mold in Your Air Conditioning System Mold in your air conditioning system can allow spores to spread throughout your home more easily. As the cold air travels through the ducts, spores can attach to the ductwork, growing more mold. Over time, mold spores concentrate and replicate, which can cause spores to spread to every room in your home. You and your family could be inhaling mold spores during the day and while sleeping without even realizing it. How Does Mold Grow in Your Air Conditioning

We tend to think of our home as our refuge. Our safe place to live, rest, and relax. So, it can be one of the most devastating life events if home fires occur. One of the best ways to prevent a home fire is to know what potential dangers may be around your home. Identifying these dangers can help you keep your property and family safe before it’s too late. Cooking The number one cause of home fires is cooking, according to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA). Most residential fires start in the kitchen. They are usually due to unattended cooking, especially when using grease or oil on a stovetop. Once a grease fire has started, it can be quite difficult to extinguish. Some helpful tips when cooking: Always stay in the kitchen when conducting heat source cooking Keep flammables such as dish towels, oven mitts, and food packaging away

No one wants to walk down the stairs into their home basement and find it flooded. Seeing standing water in a home can cause almost anyone to panic. Most people are so focused on the water. They don’t think about the electrocution danger right in front of them. Entering a flooded basement can be hazardous and even fatal. Water and electricity can be a deadly combination. What do you do to keep yourself safe from electrocution when faced with a flooded basement? Cut the Power and Gas First, never step foot in a flooded basement, no matter how little water there may be. If just part of your basement is flooded and there are still dry spots, disconnect all gas and electric service to the entire property if it is safe to do so. Do not attempt to turn off the power at the breaker box if you must stand