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“If you have too much room in your big, open-plan space, you might be thinking about adding an island or a half wall. Conversely, your cramped, out-of-date kitchen or bath might be making you claustrophobic. But before you resign yourself to an updated version of the same floor plan, consider the possibility of a whole new layout.” Read more at Houzz!

Construction work, restoration and remediation efforts, and commercial cleaning activities are connected in a big way by a small thing: dust. Dust describes small particles, particularly those that settle out of the air. Until recently in history, most dust was only made up of natural, organic materials, such as soil, organic matter, insects, skin cells, hair, and clothing fibers. While these still make up a lot of dust, modern dust now contains measurable quantities of potentially harmful particulates. Working with plywood, particleboard, engineered wood, laminate flooring, and similar products produces sawdust that includes chemicals rather than just wood dust. Interior dust may also contain many natural materials that can cause problems. Asbestos, mold spores, fragments, and mycotoxins are natural but can be very detrimental. Bacteria and viruses are also recovered from interior dust. Health and medical specialists have learned that these microorganisms cling to dust particles to more easily travel around a building. Therefore, they focus on dust control as a key component of reducing infections. In order to make dust control part of the work process, this involves up to six different techniques: The erection of plastic barriers that separate the work area from other parts of the structure. Applying negative pressure inside the work area to keep dust generated during the project from moving place to place in the structure. Filtration of the air being removed from the work area or being collected in vacuums. Dust collection at the point of creation by utilizing shrouds on power tools or vacuum nozzles in the immediate vicinity of the work. Detailed cleaning of all surfaces in the work zone with products/techniques designed to capture small particles. The use of air cleaning methods — such as air scrubbing — during the detailed cleaning to ensure that small dust particles are captured and removed rather than resuspended in the air. As dust control continues to grow in importance, Absolute Flood Response and AFR Construction ensure the safety of your family and home on every job we do.

Can water damage to carpet be repaired? Some homeowners may think that this type of loss cannot be recovered. Fortunately, in many cases with the right process, the carpet can be restored. What should a homeowner do if this happens? The most important step is to contact a specialized technician that is trained to handle this type of situation. When a company is found, make sure that that business is associated with the Institute of Inspection Cleaning, Restoration and Certification, or the IICRC. The IICRC is a non-profit organization that sets the standards for the industry. This non-profit also provides certification to technicians. IICRC-certified technicians are highly skilled and know what to do when flooring in a home is in need of repair. Time is of the essence when water damage occurs. Mold can begin to grow if the water is left standing for long. The experienced technician will come out and assess the damage and determine whether or not the carpet can be salvaged. There are a number of factors that go into deciding this. One of the factors to consider is the source of the water. Is it clean and pure, or did sewage get mixed in during the incident? If the water contains harmful bacteria and is allowed to sit for an extended period of time, carpeting may need to be replaced. Only a trained technician can accurately assess the damage and determine what steps need to be taken. Water damage to your carpet is a frustrating situation. To ensure peace of mind, contact a certified technician that can handle this type of situation and get things back to normal. Special thanks to the IICRC for this information.

Determining your category of water loss on your next mitigation job is very important to everyone involved. So then how do we know what is a Category 2 Water Loss? The S500 says: “A Category 2 Water Loss contains significant contamination and has potential to cause discomfort or sickness if contacted by humans.” So what category of loss do we have? Thats hard to say and is going to take some investigation on your part. Each water restoration job will be unique with all of the different factors that come into play. When looking for possible contaminants to determine a category of loss you have to take into consideration the condition of the property you are working with and also the source of water. The condition of the property will influence your decision as to which category you are choosing. If the building is already not in the best state you have to make sure you take that into consideration based on where the water is going. If there is elevated bacteria in a building you are entering the first thing you may notice is the smell. If your nose is smelling it, then it is probably there. The source of water will play a role in determining the category. Where did it originate from? A washing machine, a dishwasher, a toilet, or is it from rain or flooding? All will coming into play when making your decision. Time and temperature will also help you come to a conclusion on this. Ask yourself? How long has the water been sitting there? Is there potential for mold growth based on the time it has been sitting and the temperature inside of the structure? As told to us from Jeremy Reets in our NEWEST ReetsTV Water Restoration Pro Series video he tells us to make sure when we are on our next water restoration job and determining the category of loss to: - Look for Significant Contamination - Adjust Our Process Accordingly - Make Sure That We are Throughly Cleaning Before we Begin to Dry

In Las Vegas indoor water damage is more common then you might think. Not by flash floods from heavy rains but from indoor pluming issues. Indoor flooding can happen for a number of reasons and sometimes it’s inevitable. But, for the most part, mishaps can be avoided by regularly maintaining your home’s plumbing fixtures and appliances. Common causes of indoor flooding: Broken pipes Malfunctioning dishwashers Leaking washing machines Frozen pipes Broken or backed-up toilets and sinks Burst appliance hoses Clogged sewer drain Burst water heater Luckily, most of these problems can be prevented. Never ignore a leaking pipe. Inspect that all pipes are in good condition, free of holes and that all fittings are snug. By replacing your washing machine hose every three to five years, you will reduce the odds of it bursting and flooding your home. You’d be surprised how much water can pour out of a hose in a small amount of time. Swap out your rubber dishwasher hose for a steel-braided one; they are much more durable and cost around $20. Don’t use your toilet as a wastebasket. Even though some products are labeled as flushable, it doesn’t mean they are. Things like paper towels, facial tissues, wipes, and feminine hygiene products all contribute to clogging your sewer drain. Use your garbage disposal wisely. Do not discard large amounts of food down the disposal and never pour cooking oil or fat down the drain. By doing so, you’re potentially creating a clog in your sewer drain which can cause sewage to back-up into your home. Blanket exposed pipes that are outside of your home. This helps to prevent the cold air from freezing the water inside the pipes. Flooding can cause a lot of damage, especially when you’re not home to get it under control. Don’t run your washing machine or dishwasher unless you’re home. You wouldn’t want to come back to a flooded house. Know where the water shutoff valves are in your home as well as where the main shutoff valve is. This can come in handy if a pipe were to break or your toilet started to overflow. Unfortunately, disasters still happen. That’s why it’s important to have homeowner’s insurance and a policy that covers flood damage. Repairing your home after a flood can be costly. Having a policy set in place is going to protect you from paying thousands of dollars out of pocket. As soon as a flood happens, don’t hesitate to call a flood restoration company; the sooner, the better. The longer you allow water to stand in your home, the more damage you’re going to encounter. The next step to take is starting a claim with your insurance company. Once your claim is started, Absolute Flood Response will work with your claim adjuster so you don’t have to. As you have learned, a broken water line in your home can be a big problem, but when a sewage line gets backed up or breaks, flooding your home, it comes with a lot of additional immediate hazards. Sewage is full of bacteria that are extremely dangerous to your health and it’s important that you call Absolute Flood Response as soon as it happens. It’s essential that the remediation process is started as soon as possible. No matter what time of day, Absolute Flood Response is there to help you. In sixty minutes or less, they will be at your door ready to reverse the damage. Don’t let standing water ruin your home and turn your life upside down. Do what you can to prevent flooding but in case it does happen, know that the professionals at Absolute Flood Response are there to help you, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Have you ever wondered how to get rid of common household problems? These handy tips and tricks should help with even the most stubborn of minor problems!

Indoor mold can begin to grow within 24-48 hours. This happens when spores settle on a surface that is moist such as cardboard, drywall or flooring. Cladosporium, Penicillium, Alternaria and Aspergillus are the four most common indoor molds. To prevent mold from growing in your home, it’s essential to control the humidity levels. This means having proper ventilation in showers, laundry rooms and kitchens. It’s also important to fix leaks as soon as they happen and to clean up after a flood, being sure to thoroughly dry any surfaces that came in contact with water. Replacing areas of drywall or flooring may also be necessary. The following are common symptoms of mold exposure: Sinus congestion and runny nose Coughing Wheezing, difficulty breathing, tightness of chest Eye irritation Skin irritation Headaches Nausea and vomiting Sneezing and sneezing fits Fever Mold is prevalent outdoors as well as indoors and has been around for millions of years. It assists in the decomposition of organic materials such as leaves, wood and plants, but is capable of breaking down synthetic materials such as paint and adhesives. If mold has started to grow in your home, it’s crucial to have it removed and the source of the moisture fixed. The process of removing the mold is called “ mold remediation”. This involves evaluating the area affected and determining the best and safest way to remove the mold. If it’s not taken care of, serious health issues can arise. If anyone in your family is experiencing these symptoms, call a mold remediation company right away to come out and check your home for mold. It is also recommended to seek medical attention to be sure that everyone in your household will recover from the exposure. Mold can appear a few different ways. Black, gray-brown, gray-green and white are common colors and mold growing behind vinyl wallpaper can be orange, pink or purple. It often looks splotchy and clustered but can also appear thread like. Aside from the health effects mold causes, other signs of an infestation include odor. When mold grows, it releases microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs) which are the reason for the strong “musty odor” associated with mold. The best way to avoid mold is to prevent it. Always clean up thoroughly after a flood and get leaks fixed immediately. Remember, where there is moisture, mold is bound to grow. References: EPA reference on Mold and Moisture

Why Is Mold Growing In My Home? Molds are part of the natural environment. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided. Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air. Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture. Can Mold Cause Health Problems? Molds are usually not a problem indoors, unless mold spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing. Molds have the potential to cause health problems. Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins). Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). Allergic reactions to mold are common. They can be immediate or delayed. Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold. In addition, mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people. Symptoms other than the allergic and irritant types are not commonly reported as a result of inhaling mold. How Do I Get Rid Of Mold? It is impossible to get rid of all mold and mold spores indoors; some mold spores will be found floating through the air and in house dust. The mold spores will not grow if moisture is not present. Indoor mold growth can and should be prevented or controlled by controlling moisture indoors. If there is mold growth in your home, you must clean up the mold and fix the water problem. If you clean up the mold, but don’t fix the water problem, then, most likely, the mold problem will come back. Finally, it’s important to remember that if a mold problem and it’s sources are not properly dealt with in the proper manner, it can and will return, which is why it’s important to contact a certified mold remediation specialist such as Absolute Flood Response, to ensure that it is done right the first time. Call today with any questions at (702) 243-5663! Remember: The key to mold control is moisture control. If mold is a problem in your home, you should clean up the mold promptly and fix the water problem. It is important to dry water-damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth. Many thanks to the EPA for this great information!

During a flood cleanup, the indoor air quality in your home or office may appear to be the least of your problems. However, failure to remove contaminated materials and to reduce moisture and humidity can present serious long-term health risks. Standing water and wet materials are a breeding ground for microorganisms, such as viruses, bacteria, and mold. They can cause disease, trigger allergic reactions, and continue to damage materials long after the flood. Children are different from adults. They may be more vulnerable to chemicals and organisms they are exposed to in the environment. Remove Standing Water Standing water is a breeding ground for microorganisms, which can become airborne and be inhaled. Where floodwater contains sewage or decaying animal carcasses, infectious disease is of concern. Even when flooding is due to rainwater, the growth of microorganisms can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. For these health reasons, and to lessen structural damage, all standing water should be removed as quickly as possible. Dry Out Your Home Excess moisture in the home is an indoor air quality concern for three reasons: Microorganisms brought into the home during flooding may present a health hazard. These organisms can penetrate deep into soaked, porous materials and later be released into air or water. Coming in contact with air or water that contains these organisms can make you sick. High humidity and moist materials provide ideal environments for the excessive growth of microorganisms that are always present in the home. This may result in additional health concerns such as allergic reactions. Long-term increases in humidity in the home can also foster the growth of dust mites. Dust mites are a major cause of allergic reactions and asthma. Be patient. The drying out process could take several weeks, and growth of microorganisms will continue as long as humidity is high. If the house is not dried out properly, a musty odor, signifying growth of microorganisms can remain long after the flood. Remove Wet Materials It can be difficult to throw away items in a home, particularly those with sentimental value. However, keeping certain items that were soaked by water may be unhealthy. Some materials tend to absorb and keep water more than others. In general, materials that are wet and cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried within 24-48 hours should be discarded, as they can remain a source of microbial growth. In addition, fiberboard, fibrous insulation, and disposable filters should be replaced, if they are present in your heating and air conditioning system and have contacted water. (If a filter was designed to be cleaned with water and was in contact with clean rainwater only, ensure that it is thoroughly cleaned before reinstalling.) Avoid Problems from the Use of Cleaners and Disinfectants The cleanup process involves thorough washing and disinfecting of the walls, floors, closets, shelves, and contents of the house. In most cases, common household cleaning products and disinfectants are used for this task. FEMA also suggests the use of disinfectants and sanitizers on the ductwork for the heating and air conditioning system, if it has been flooded. Disinfectants and sanitizers contain toxic substances. The ability of chemicals in other household products used for cleaning to cause health effects varies greatly, from those with no known health effect to those that are highly toxic. Read and follow label instructions carefully, and provide fresh air by opening windows and doors. If it is safe for you to use electricity and the home is dry, use fans both during and after the use of disinfecting, cleaning, and sanitizing products. Be careful about mixing household cleaners and disinfectants together. Check labels for cautions on this. Mixing certain types of products can produce toxic fumes and result in injury and even death. If possible, use an all natural cleaner; Absolute Flood Response proudly utilizes Benefect. Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that can be lethal at high levels. Carbon monoxide levels can build up rapidly if certain types of combustion devices (for example, gasoline-powered generators, camp stoves and lanterns, or charcoal-burning devices) are used indoors. Do not use combustion devices designed for outdoor use indoors. Avoid Problems from Airborne Asbestos and Lead Dust Elevated concentrations of airborne asbestos can occur if asbestos-containing materials present in the home are disturbed. Airborne asbestos can cause lung cancer and mesothelioma, a cancer of the chest and abdominal linings. If you know or suspect that your home contains asbestos, contact the EPA TSCA Assistance Information Service at (202) 554-1404 for information on steps you should take to avoid exposure. Lead is a highly toxic metal which produces a range of adverse health effects, particularly in young children. Disturbance or removal of materials containing lead-based paint may result in elevated concentration of lead dust in the air. If you know or suspect that your home contains lead-based paint, contact a certified remediation company, such as Absolute Flood Response, for detailed information or questions. Call and speak with a specialist 24/7, Pacific time (except Federal holidays) at (702) 243-5663. Special thanks to the EPA for this info!

We just want to take a moment to thank the people of Las Vegas and the surrounding cities of Henderson and Summerlin for making us among the top water damage restoration contractors in Southern Nevada, as posted by Expertise.com!

Harvey and Darren are joined by new guest Jason Johnson from Absolute Flood Response and AFR Construction. J takes his appearance as an opportunity to discuss water and sewer damage remediation, piggybacking off of Darren's previous disclosure discussion. What are the appropriate steps you should take in case of water or sewer damage to your home? Well, check out this clip and J will give you some details!