Flooded Basement – Now What?

On August 20, 2021   /   Home Restoration Services  
Flooded Basement - Now What?

No one wants to walk down the stairs into their home basement and find it flooded. A flooded basement 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 in water to

Learn More Now! →
Back to Top

Asbestos Siding Mitigation

On July 26, 2021   /   Home Restoration Services  
Asbestos Siding Mitigation

If your house was built before the 1970s, chances are you could have asbestos siding on it. The dangers of asbestos are now well known. Many people develop lung cancer, mesothelioma, or asbestosis. When you disturb asbestors fibers, you can inhale them into the lungs. They remain there, increasing your risk of disease down the road. Maybe you’re planning to replace your siding. Or maybe you have noticed damage and think you may have this dangerous siding. In that case, you have options. However, only trained professionals in asbestos removal–like the ones at Allied Restoration in Gambrills, Maryland–can tell if siding contains asbestos or not. Suppose you suspect your siding may contain asbestos fibers. In that case, you must weigh the potential dangers of DIYing the asbestos siding removal. Asbestos Siding Mitigation – To DIY or Not? If the siding is damaged, leave it alone and call in the professionals.

Learn More Now! →
Back to Top

When Your Deck Falls or Fails

On July 18, 2021   /   Home Restoration Services  
When Your Deck Falls or Fails

Having a deck attached to your home is a great way to enjoy the outdoors. However, an exposed deck is subject to all the weather we face here in Maryland. Nobody want the risk involved if your deck falls. Over time, rain, snow, and sun can take their toll and cause the deck’s condition to deteriorate. The older a deck is, the more likely its condition can lead to failing and potentially falling. The last thing you want is to put your guests in danger while they are enjoying a beautiful Maryland day or evening. An overcrowded deck could collapse if not properly maintained. Here are a few problems that could arise and lead to deck collapse. Ledger Boards Pulling Away or Splitting The most common cause of deck collapse is a failure in the ledger boards, as the ledger boards attach most decks to the home. Depending on the

Learn More Now! →
Back to Top

The Truth About Asbestos Floor Tiles

On June 21, 2021   /   Home Restoration Services  
The Truth About Asbestos Floor Tiles

Having asbestos floor tiles in your home should not be a danger to your health until you have to remove them. If asbestos becomes airborne, it can cause asbestosis, mesothelioma, or lung cancer. Asbestos used to be a common substance mixed into building materials to make them stronger and heat resistant. If your vinyl floor tiles were put down before 1980, they most likely contain asbestos. Removing Asbestos Tiles Properly Because of the serious health hazard caused by airborne asbestos, it is not recommended for homeowners to remove floor tiles themselves. Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) only allows homeowners to remove non-friable asbestos floor tiles. If floor tiles are friable, hand pressure can crumble or pulverize them. In this case, a licensed asbestos contractor must handle the removal. MDE recommends using wet disposal methods and for homeowners to wear proper PPE, including a respirator and protective disposable clothing. Only

Learn More Now! →
Back to Top

The Case for Roof Repair

On June 8, 2021   /   Home Restoration Services  
The Case for Roof Repair

When you’re in need of minor roof repair, get it taken care of sooner, rather than later. Roofing replacement can be costly, with most homeowners putting it off until problems show up. Whether it’s a leak in the roof or shingles blowing off in high winds, there is a case for roof repair and replacement. The choice you should make depends on a few factors. The Age of the Roof The average lifespan of an asphalt shingle roof is between 15 and 30 years. If your roof is relatively new and in good shape, repairing just the damaged or missing shingles may make sense. However, if your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, it’s probably best to replace it. How Long Do You Plan to Live There? If you plan to sell your home in a few years and the roof is in good shape, you may consider

Learn More Now! →
Back to Top

Creating an Emergency Family Plan

On June 8, 2021   /   Home Restoration Services  
Creating an Emergency Family Plan

A disaster can strike without warning. If a fire, emergency, or severe weather were to occur, does your family have an emergency plan in place? If not, we’re going to help you with creating an emergency family plan. Gather the Family The first part of making a family emergency plan is to gather all your family members together. Walk through your house and inspect all windows and doors as possible escape routes and emergency exits. Once you’ve figured out the best escape route, move on to the next step. Sketch a Map Creating a map of the home and all emergency exits is a great way to visualize how to get out of the house safely during a stressful situation. This is especially useful if you have children. On the map, have your kids help you mark all the doors and windows and where the escape routes are. Including your

Learn More Now! →
Back to Top

Prepping for the Big Thunderstorm

On May 28, 2021   /   Home Restoration Services  
Prepping for the Big Thunderstorm

The Atlantic hurricane season begins on June 1st and is trending to be more active than usual. Therefore, it’s essential for you to prepare for any natural disaster, such as a severe thunderstorm, before it happens. Therefore, get organized and have a plan in place.  This will make it easier for you and your family when severe weather hits. Create a Thunderstorm Plan If you have not already done so, create a written disaster plan with your family and have them all review it. It should include: Marked emergency exits A meeting place near your home (building, known landmark, park, etc.) The location of emergency kits Your family may be separated during a big thunderstorm, hurricane, hail storm, or other weather events. In this case, have them meet at the designated location when it is safe to do so. Assign a relative or trusted friend as an emergency contact person.

Learn More Now! →
Back to Top

Smoke Damage Mitigation

On April 17, 2021   /   Home Restoration Services  
Smoke Damage Mitigation

Experiencing a residential fire is bad enough. Having to deal with the smoke damage left behind can be even worse. Depending on the fire’s severity, you may only have smoke damage in one room or throughout the entire home. Here are some things you can do to help with smoke damage mitigation and which items are better left to the professionals. Smoke Damage Mitigation What You Should Do If the weather is warm, open doors and windows to allow the house to air out and remove the odor from fire and smoke. If you have a forced-air furnace or heat pump, change the air filter to eliminate odors further. Throw away any open food containers or packages. Use a damp towel or piece of cheesecloth to remove soot from air vent covers and registers. Clean nonporous surfaces to prevent further damage and reduce odors, including: Aluminum Chrome Laminate Porcelain Clean out

Learn More Now! →
Back to Top

Basement Flooding – Management and Prevention

On April 16, 2021   /   Home Restoration Services  
Basement Flooding - Management and Prevention

Basement flooding is a common problem, and it can occur at any time of the year. Although most flooding cases occur during heavy rains, they can also occur in dry weather. The fact that most basements are partially or completely underground automatically makes them prone to flooding. What Causes Basement Flooding? Basement flooding can occur in both rainy and dry weather. It can also happen for a variety of reasons. Here are some common causes: Cracks in Foundation The water table can rise during heavy rain. If your foundation has cracks, water can enter the basement through these cracks in the foundation. When this type of flooding occurs, it is generally because your foundation needs inspection and repair or an older building with foundation problems. Sump Pump Failure Most basements are equipped with sump pump(s) to help keep up with the groundwater around them. However, when the pump fails, it

Learn More Now! →
Back to Top

A Guide to Swimming Pool Repairs

On April 16, 2021   /   Home Restoration Services  
A Guide to Swimming Pool Repairs

Owning a swimming pool can be so much fun, but it carries with it a lot of responsibility for maintenance. You should always make sure the pool is operating correctly by cleaning it regularly, keeping up with the repairs, and preparing it for seasonal changes. Generally, it is essential to understand everything you need to take care of when you own a pool. Remember, it is always best practice to seek expert help for your pool maintenance and repairs. The Basics of Swimming Pool Repairs Sometimes, it is easy to tell when your pool needs repair services. For instance, when a pump is not working correctly, it is obvious you should call in the pros. In most cases, it is not so easy to detect when the pool needs repair services, and you may end up in a panic situation. By keeping up with regular maintenance, it’s easier to tell

Learn More Now! →
Back to Top