Mold can be found almost anywhere; it can grow on virtually any organic substance, as long as moisture and oxygen are present. There is mold that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, foods, and insulation. When excessive moisture accumulates in buildings or on building materials, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or unaddressed. It is impossible to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment. However, mold growth can be controlled indoors by controlling moisture indoors.

Since mold requires water to grow, it is important to prevent moisture problems in buildings. Moisture problems can have many causes, including uncontrolled humidity. Some moisture problems in buildings have been linked to changes in building construction practices during the 1970s, 80s, and 90s. Some of these changes have resulted in buildings that are tightly sealed, but may lack adequate ventilation, potentially leading to moisture buildup. Building materials, such as drywall, may not allow moisture to escape easily. Moisture problems may include roof leaks, landscaping or gutters that direct water into or under the building, and unvented combustion appliances. Delayed maintenance or insufficient maintenance are also associated with moisture problems in schools and large buildings. Moisture problems in portable classrooms and other temporary structures have frequently been associated with mold problems.

Source: http://www.ncsu.edu

The National Weather Service (NWS) is the only organization that has maintained a reasonably consistent long-term record of flood damage throughout the U.S. The NWS damage estimates do not represent an accurate accounting of actual costs, nor do they include all of the losses that might be attributable to flooding. Rather, they are rough estimates of direct physical damage to property, crops, and public infrastructure.

Source: http://www.flooddamagedata.org/

Before touring the vicinity of the property, turn off all utilities such as power, gas, and water by switching off their main valves. The reason for this is that even if they are knocked out, there is always the possibility of the utilities coming back on at any time. If you are caught unaware, you may experience accidents such as electrocution or further water damage.

To conduct the inspection properly, walk through the area in order to get a closer look. Take notes and photos to make a tangible and current reference for the insurance company. Insurers would need such a list in order to accurately assess the claim.

Do not just focus on the obvious or eye-level aspects of damage. Even damages that are not easily observed should be part of the inspection process. For example, check the roof of the property for missing or damaged shingles. Look for damage in or around the gutters or chimneys. Work the observation downwards to see if there have been changes in the exteriors of the house. For example, wet spots or warping on the sides of the walls or siding could indicate that moisture has seeped through and could need repairs.

Aside from the house itself, look at the property for additional signs of damage. Trees or branches that have been snapped may pose a danger to the home and its inhabitants. They should be removed as a safety precaution as soon as possible. Also, look at the pavement and driveway to see if any cracking has occurred. This could be a sign that the water has overly-saturated the ground and would have to be drained.

Even parts of the house that are not often visited should be inspected when checking the property for water damage. Go into the attic to see if any of the insulation materials have deteriorated. The attic is also a good place to start in order to determine whether or not the roof has any holes or damage. If you see sunlight from cracks or holes in the roof while in the attic, then chances are that repairs on the roof are in order. Make a careful check of the vents to see if any are damaged or missing. If so, schedule repairs or replacements right away.

Another area of the property that should be part of the inspection process is the basement. While some homes have basements that are not frequented by its occupants, basements are actually an important part of water damage restoration. Because of its low location, this is an area that tends to easily flood. Mold can grow and cause damage to the rest of the house.

When checking the basement, see if there are any puddles or standing water. This is obviously a sign that water is able to enter the home. Touch the walls and the items stored in the basement. If they are damp, then it could be an indication that moisture is not regulated properly.

Source: http://www.restorationsos.com

Erionite is a material that occurs in many parts of the Western United States. Typically found in gravel pits and gravel that is used to surface roads, it can become airborne once it is disturbed. There are presently no preventative measures or occupational exposure limits for erionite. It is currently being evaluated for exposure risks.

“Erionite-related disease has most often been reported in road construction and maintenance workers with potential occupational exposures to erionite-containing gravel used in road surfacing,” states the NIOSH report. NIOSH is a division of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Souce: http://www.asbestos.net

Overview

A disaster has just hit your home or business…what do you do? You have already taken the most crucial step. Whether it’s water, wind, fire damage or even a natural catastrophe such as an earthquake, Empire’s Emergency Response Team can respond and mobilize to your location 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Empire Construction &Technologies, Inc. will send out an Emergency Services Specialist to any given job site within our vast coverage area to consult and review an immediate solution for your emergency situation.

We also use the latest version of Xactimate estimating software, which allows us the ability to digitally write estimates using sketch, or the traditional method called “dimensioning”.

When Empire estimates a loss, we will include a picture of the front of the house or building, as well as pictures of all rooms affected and the resulting damages. We can email, fax or mail all estimates per your request. Empire is also trained to operate through Xact Analysis/Xactnet and can receive assignment, and upload estimates for mitigation and reconstruction within hours.

Insurance carriers know that Empire Construction is committed to working side by side with insurance carriers to expedite the loss process with the end result being: quality, reliability and outstanding customer service.

Our Emergency Servicers Include:

• Problem solving
• Trauma Scene Clean-Up
• Fire & Smoke Damage
• Water Extraction & Drying
• Mold Damage Restoration
• Structural Stabilization & board up
• Cleaning & Deodorizing
• Bio-hazard & Sewage Clean-Up
• Wind & Earthquake Damage
• Emergency Roof Repair
• Electrical & Plumbing
• Asbestos & Lead Abatement Removal Services
• Insurance Claim Intervention & Management

Empire is fully licensed, bonded, and equipped to handle and manage all of your Emergency Services related needs 24/7. Let us provide you with references of any number of our satisfied clients.

Get 24/7 Emergency Response With Our Empire Construction & Technologies Response Team. All Of Our Work Is 100% Guaranteed To Your Satisfaction, Call Us Today At (866) 724-6860!!!

Overview

Our priority is protecting your property and its contents. We maintain our high quality workmanship by conversing directly with you, the customer, and or by working directly with your insurance company.

We are proudly certified by all of the necessary environmental and state institutions and have received many prestgious awards, achievements, recognitions, and accolades. Insurance carriers and similar companies know that Empire Construction is committed to working side by side with insurance carriers to expedite the loss process, with the end result being quality, reliability and outstanding customer service.

All work is carried out by Emprie’s professional team of management and employees. This system maintains Empire’s unrivalled position in the restoration industry. Empire Construction & Technologies, was awarded “Excellence and Achievement” for our customer service and overall performance in 2007 and 2008. Let our award winning team and management come and get your home or business restored so you can get back to living!

Empire Construction & Technologies is fully licensed, bonded, and insured…and we are here to handle any of your emergency needs for property damage, whether it’s minimal, or catastrophic.

All Of Our Work Is 100% Guaranteed To Your Satisfaction… Contact Empire Construction & Technologies Today!!!

Empire Construction & Technologies truly is a “one call-one stop” solution, and can assist you with your project or required service in a wide variety of ways. Fill our out online request form below for your free estimate, you can also contact us at or visit us directly at our showroom (click here for location & hours).

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