Grill Safety
Each year, fire departments respond to an estimated 6500 grill fires. These fires account for 150 civilian injuries, less than 5 civilian deaths, and $27.6 million in property loss.
Grill fires occur most frequently during the summer months, with the highest portion happening in July. There is a correlation between warm-weather outdoor activities and a higher number of grill fires. Areas where grill fires commonly start are; lawns and other nearby open areas, exterior balconies, open Porches, courts, terrace’s, patio’s.
The main ignition factors are usually part failures, leaks, breaks, combustible materials being too close and lack of maintenance of the grill.
• Each year an average of 6500 grill fires result in nearly $27 million in property loss.
• Most grill fires are associated with residences.
• As the public increases its use of gas grills, the number of gas grill fires has increased significantly, with a corresponding drop in charcoal fires.
• Mechanical failure or malfunction is by far the leading ignition factor for grill fires.
• Most grill fires are preventable
At Paul Davis Restoration and Remodeling, we know how different materials react to fire, heat and smoke and what steps to take to minimize the damage. We perform the necessary services, required by your insurance company, to preserve, protect and secure your home from further damage. We also know how to work with your insurance representative, as a restoration expert not just as a remodeling or general contractor, an important difference when selecting a qualified specialist.
Learn more about us at www.pdrandr.com
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Water Damage is a Common Problem in Homes
Water damage is one of the most common problems that people experience in their homes. Water may come in from heavy rains through a leak in your roof, from appliance failures, such as washing machines, dishwashers or ice makers, or from major fire extinguishing efforts. And, most important to note, the longer the water sits over time, the worse the damage becomes. Having Paul Davis Restoration & Remodeling immediately address water problems can often save hundreds of dollars in damage repair costs.
The best way to deal with water damage is through prevention. Here are some tips:
• Replace washing machine supply lines annually. Replace rubber hoses with stainless steel braided hoses.
• Periodically inspect your ice maker supply line behind your refrigerator. If the line is brittle or leaking, have it replaced.
• Inspect your water heater for corrosion and leakage.
• Clean out your gutters at least once a year. Properly flowing gutters and downspouts help prevent water backing up under shingles.
• Inspect your roof annually for leaks. Replace missing shingles or tiles. Check flashing installed between surfaces, including chimneys, vent stacks or dormers; they are often the most common sites for leaks.
• In colder climates, make sure you have plenty of attic insulation and plenty of attic ventilation. These help prevent the formation of ice dams which can cause water to back up under roof shingles.
• Always remove hoses from any outdoor spigots. Freeze-proof spigots only work when hoses are removed.
• Inspect plumbed rooms, such as the kitchen, laundry room and bath for leaks or signs of leakage in water supply and waste lines.
• Make sure that shower walls and floor are structurally sound and that grout and joints are well sealed and in good condition.
• Inspect commode water supply lines for leakage. Check to make sure the fixture is properly secured to the floor and does not shift or rock when weight is applied.
• Inspect central air-conditioning systems annually for proper operation and drainage.
The best way to deal with water damage is through prevention. Here are some tips:
• Replace washing machine supply lines annually. Replace rubber hoses with stainless steel braided hoses.
• Periodically inspect your ice maker supply line behind your refrigerator. If the line is brittle or leaking, have it replaced.
• Inspect your water heater for corrosion and leakage.
• Clean out your gutters at least once a year. Properly flowing gutters and downspouts help prevent water backing up under shingles.
• Inspect your roof annually for leaks. Replace missing shingles or tiles. Check flashing installed between surfaces, including chimneys, vent stacks or dormers; they are often the most common sites for leaks.
• In colder climates, make sure you have plenty of attic insulation and plenty of attic ventilation. These help prevent the formation of ice dams which can cause water to back up under roof shingles.
• Always remove hoses from any outdoor spigots. Freeze-proof spigots only work when hoses are removed.
• Inspect plumbed rooms, such as the kitchen, laundry room and bath for leaks or signs of leakage in water supply and waste lines.
• Make sure that shower walls and floor are structurally sound and that grout and joints are well sealed and in good condition.
• Inspect commode water supply lines for leakage. Check to make sure the fixture is properly secured to the floor and does not shift or rock when weight is applied.
• Inspect central air-conditioning systems annually for proper operation and drainage.
Our Services
Our services include
* Emergency Water, Fire, Wind and Vandalism Services
* Remodeling & Interior Design
* Fire Damage and Smoke Damage Repair
* Water Extraction
* Water Damage Restoration
* Black Water and Sewer Overflow Clean-Up
* Mold Remediation and Prevention
* Removal of Toxic Mildew from Structures and Contents
* Content and Structural Drying
* Professional Cleaning
* Content Restoration, Cleaning and Deodorization
* Wind Damage Repair
* Structural Repair
* Storage of Property Contents
One Phone call to Paul Davis Restoration & Remodeling is all you will need. We take care of our customers from start to finish.
We are available for emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
* Emergency Water, Fire, Wind and Vandalism Services
* Remodeling & Interior Design
* Fire Damage and Smoke Damage Repair
* Water Extraction
* Water Damage Restoration
* Black Water and Sewer Overflow Clean-Up
* Mold Remediation and Prevention
* Removal of Toxic Mildew from Structures and Contents
* Content and Structural Drying
* Professional Cleaning
* Content Restoration, Cleaning and Deodorization
* Wind Damage Repair
* Structural Repair
* Storage of Property Contents
One Phone call to Paul Davis Restoration & Remodeling is all you will need. We take care of our customers from start to finish.
We are available for emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Paul Davis Restoration and Remodeling Locations
We have two convenient locations to serve you
Paul Davis Restoration & Remodeling of Northwest Massachusetts
480 Pleasant Street
Lee , MA 01238
413-394-9888
Paul Davis Restoration & Remodeling of Northwest Massachusetts
278 Main Street, Suite 206
Greenfield , MA 01301
413-774-9494
We serve the following counties, towns and surrounding areas:
Berkshire County
Adams, Alford, Becket, Cheshire, Clarksburg, Dalton, Egremont, Florida, Great Barrington, Hancock, Hinsdale, Lanesborough, Lee, Lenox, Monterey, Mount Washington, New Ashford, New Marlborough, North Adams, Otis, Peru, Pittsfield, Richmond, Sandisfield, Savoy, Sheffield, Stockbridge, Tyringham, Washington, West Stockbridge, Williamstown, Windsor
Franklin County
Ashfield, Bernardston, Buckland, Charlemont, Colrain, Conway, Deerfield, Erving, Gill, Greenfield, Hawley, Heath, Leverett, Leyden, Monroe, Montague, New Salem, Northfield, Orange, Rowe, Shelburne, Shutesbury, Sunderland, Warwick, Wendell, Whately
Paul Davis Restoration & Remodeling of Northwest Massachusetts
480 Pleasant Street
Lee , MA 01238
413-394-9888
Paul Davis Restoration & Remodeling of Northwest Massachusetts
278 Main Street, Suite 206
Greenfield , MA 01301
413-774-9494
We serve the following counties, towns and surrounding areas:
Berkshire County
Adams, Alford, Becket, Cheshire, Clarksburg, Dalton, Egremont, Florida, Great Barrington, Hancock, Hinsdale, Lanesborough, Lee, Lenox, Monterey, Mount Washington, New Ashford, New Marlborough, North Adams, Otis, Peru, Pittsfield, Richmond, Sandisfield, Savoy, Sheffield, Stockbridge, Tyringham, Washington, West Stockbridge, Williamstown, Windsor
Franklin County
Ashfield, Bernardston, Buckland, Charlemont, Colrain, Conway, Deerfield, Erving, Gill, Greenfield, Hawley, Heath, Leverett, Leyden, Monroe, Montague, New Salem, Northfield, Orange, Rowe, Shelburne, Shutesbury, Sunderland, Warwick, Wendell, Whately
You've suffered fire, smoke or soot damage. What should you do?
You've suffered fire, smoke or soot damage. What should you do? If you're reading this, you've already taken the first step. For over four decades, Paul Davis Restoration & Remodeling has been there to restore homes and belongings from losses ranging from furnace "puff backs" to major fires. Our Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration (IICRC) certified contractors have the expertise, experience and, above all, empathy for homeowners who have experienced these types of disasters.
At Paul Davis Restoration & Remodeling, we know how different materials react to fire, heat and smoke and what steps to take to minimize the damage. We perform the necessary services, required by your insurance company, to preserve, protect and secure your home from further damage. We also know how to work with your insurance representative, as a restoration expert not just as a remodeling or general contractor, an important difference when selecting a qualified specialist.
What can you do?
The following are some steps that you can take before we arrive. However, always adhere to the recommendations of your fire department or other responding agencies—your health and safety are more important than your possessions. Please do not take any unnecessary risks.
1. Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as possible. Most companies have a toll-free call center to take your information. Or you can always report the loss to your agent.
2. If you must turn off your water, take steps to prevent your plumbing and/or heating supply pipes from freezing.
3. If you have lost power and it is safe to do so, remove perishable foods from your refrigerator and freezer. The odor created by spoiled food is usually impossible to remove.
Our Values
At Paul Davis Restoration & Remodeling, we believe strongly in the importance of integrity, respect, and compassion. We strive to exceed client expectations, communicating consistently throughout the process.
The Repair Process
Our goal is to quickly and responsibly repair and restore your home with the least amount of inconvenience for you. From initial cost estimate through conclusion and follow-up, we are committed to your comfort and satisfaction every step of the way.
Understanding the Claims Process
For many years, Paul Davis Restoration & Remodeling has been working on your behalf and with the insurance industry to process your claim fairly and quickly. Let us help you understand and easily navigate the claims process.
Keep a listing of anything you have discarded and receipts for any expenses you incur in protecting your property. Most likely, your insurance claim representative will ask for these items. If you must relocate, even temporarily, give your insurance company a phone number where you can be reached.
You want your home back to the condition it was in prior to the fire and smoke damage. At Paul Davis Restoration & Remodeling, we know just how to do that.
How can you help?
Here are some important things for you to know to get back on track and face your claim more confidently.
• Appliances/Electronics: Do not use any TV, stereo or electronic appliances until they have been checked by a technician. If the electricity is off, empty your refrigerator/freezer completely and prop the doors open with a rolled towel.
• Carpets: Vacuum loose dry soot smoke particles from carpets. Make sure the vacuum cleaner has a HEPA filter to prevent redistribution of fine soot. Avoid walking or tracking on carpet if possible. Do not use “do-it-yourself” home carpet cleaners.
• Ceilings/Walls: Do not wipe or attempt to wash ceilings or other absorbent surfaces.
• Doors: Close doors on affected areas to localize smoke odors as much as possible.
• Food Items: Do not consume food items exposed to smoke or canned goods that have been subjected to excessive heat.
• Furnace: Change the furnace or air conditioner filter if the blower is operating. Tape double pieces of cheesecloth over air registers with masking tape.
• Furniture: If possible, avoid using upholstered furniture or handling drapes.
• Pets: Remove all pets to a clean environment.
• Plants: Wash plants with mild soap and water, cleaning both sides of the leaves.
• Plumbing: Call a plumber to drain and winterize the system if the heat will be turned off in the winter.
• Windows: If possible, open windows to ventilate.
At Paul Davis Restoration & Remodeling, we know how different materials react to fire, heat and smoke and what steps to take to minimize the damage. We perform the necessary services, required by your insurance company, to preserve, protect and secure your home from further damage. We also know how to work with your insurance representative, as a restoration expert not just as a remodeling or general contractor, an important difference when selecting a qualified specialist.
What can you do?
The following are some steps that you can take before we arrive. However, always adhere to the recommendations of your fire department or other responding agencies—your health and safety are more important than your possessions. Please do not take any unnecessary risks.
1. Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as possible. Most companies have a toll-free call center to take your information. Or you can always report the loss to your agent.
2. If you must turn off your water, take steps to prevent your plumbing and/or heating supply pipes from freezing.
3. If you have lost power and it is safe to do so, remove perishable foods from your refrigerator and freezer. The odor created by spoiled food is usually impossible to remove.
Our Values
At Paul Davis Restoration & Remodeling, we believe strongly in the importance of integrity, respect, and compassion. We strive to exceed client expectations, communicating consistently throughout the process.
The Repair Process
Our goal is to quickly and responsibly repair and restore your home with the least amount of inconvenience for you. From initial cost estimate through conclusion and follow-up, we are committed to your comfort and satisfaction every step of the way.
Understanding the Claims Process
For many years, Paul Davis Restoration & Remodeling has been working on your behalf and with the insurance industry to process your claim fairly and quickly. Let us help you understand and easily navigate the claims process.
Keep a listing of anything you have discarded and receipts for any expenses you incur in protecting your property. Most likely, your insurance claim representative will ask for these items. If you must relocate, even temporarily, give your insurance company a phone number where you can be reached.
You want your home back to the condition it was in prior to the fire and smoke damage. At Paul Davis Restoration & Remodeling, we know just how to do that.
How can you help?
Here are some important things for you to know to get back on track and face your claim more confidently.
• Appliances/Electronics: Do not use any TV, stereo or electronic appliances until they have been checked by a technician. If the electricity is off, empty your refrigerator/freezer completely and prop the doors open with a rolled towel.
• Carpets: Vacuum loose dry soot smoke particles from carpets. Make sure the vacuum cleaner has a HEPA filter to prevent redistribution of fine soot. Avoid walking or tracking on carpet if possible. Do not use “do-it-yourself” home carpet cleaners.
• Ceilings/Walls: Do not wipe or attempt to wash ceilings or other absorbent surfaces.
• Doors: Close doors on affected areas to localize smoke odors as much as possible.
• Food Items: Do not consume food items exposed to smoke or canned goods that have been subjected to excessive heat.
• Furnace: Change the furnace or air conditioner filter if the blower is operating. Tape double pieces of cheesecloth over air registers with masking tape.
• Furniture: If possible, avoid using upholstered furniture or handling drapes.
• Pets: Remove all pets to a clean environment.
• Plants: Wash plants with mild soap and water, cleaning both sides of the leaves.
• Plumbing: Call a plumber to drain and winterize the system if the heat will be turned off in the winter.
• Windows: If possible, open windows to ventilate.
Mold and Health Effects
Mold is a type of fungus that is present in our natural environment. Mold spores, which are tiny microscopic ‘seeds’, can be found virtually everywhere, including in homes, and are a part of the general dust found in homes. These spores can grow on building materials and furnishings if conditions are correct. Excess moisture is the critical factor in any indoor mold problem. Mold growth should not be tolerated in our homes. Eventually, the moisture and mold will damage what it is growing on, which may include both the building materials and personal belongings. The key to preventing mold growth is to prevent moisture problems.
Mold only needs two simple things to grow and multiply; Moisture and Nutrients (food).
Health effects from exposure to mold can vary greatly depending on the person and the amount of mold in their home. The types of health symptoms that may occur include coughing, wheezing, nasal and throat conditions. People with asthma or allergies who are sensitive to mold may notice their asthma or allergy symptoms worsen. Individuals with severely weakened immune system who are exposed to moldy environments are at risk of developing serious fungal respiratory infections.
If you think you have a mold problem, Contact Paul Davis Restoration & Remodeling to test for and clean up any mold in your home.
Learn More about us at www.pdrandr.com
Mold only needs two simple things to grow and multiply; Moisture and Nutrients (food).
Health effects from exposure to mold can vary greatly depending on the person and the amount of mold in their home. The types of health symptoms that may occur include coughing, wheezing, nasal and throat conditions. People with asthma or allergies who are sensitive to mold may notice their asthma or allergy symptoms worsen. Individuals with severely weakened immune system who are exposed to moldy environments are at risk of developing serious fungal respiratory infections.
If you think you have a mold problem, Contact Paul Davis Restoration & Remodeling to test for and clean up any mold in your home.
Learn More about us at www.pdrandr.com
Carbon monoxide (CO)
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas often formed in the process of incomplete combustion of organic substances, including fuels. It is dangerous because it interferes with normal oxygen uptake for humans and other living organisms needing oxygen to live.
CO is a gas that can build up to dangerous concentrations indoors when fuel- burning devices are not properly vented, operated, or maintained. Because it has no odor, color or taste, CO cannot be detected by our senses. It is estimated that unintentional CO exposure accounts for an estimated 500 deaths in the United States each year. Poisoning contributes annually to more than 2,000 deaths in the United States.
In addition, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that 8,000 to 15,000 people each year are examined or treated in hospitals for non-fire related CO poisoning. Breathed over long periods of time, low concentrations of CO may also contribute to other illness. Fortunately, simple measures can be taken to prevent CO problems. One such action is the installation of a CO alarm to detect potentially deadly conditions.
In general, CO is produced when any material burns. More is produced when there isn’t enough oxygen for efficient burning. Common sources of CO in homes include fuel-burning devices such as: furnaces, gas or kerosene space heaters, boilers, gas cooking stoves, water heaters, clothes dryers, fireplaces, charcoal grills, wood stoves, lawn mowers, power generators, camp stoves, motor vehicles and some power tools with internal combustion engines. Smoking is another common source of CO that can negatively impact indoor air quality.
Simple measures can be taken to prevent CO problems. Make sure that all your fuel burning appliances and heating devices are properly vented and maintained. Know the symptoms of CO poisoning. Finally, to detect potentially deadly conditions, install and maintain CO alarms in your home.
CO is a gas that can build up to dangerous concentrations indoors when fuel- burning devices are not properly vented, operated, or maintained. Because it has no odor, color or taste, CO cannot be detected by our senses. It is estimated that unintentional CO exposure accounts for an estimated 500 deaths in the United States each year. Poisoning contributes annually to more than 2,000 deaths in the United States.
In addition, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that 8,000 to 15,000 people each year are examined or treated in hospitals for non-fire related CO poisoning. Breathed over long periods of time, low concentrations of CO may also contribute to other illness. Fortunately, simple measures can be taken to prevent CO problems. One such action is the installation of a CO alarm to detect potentially deadly conditions.
In general, CO is produced when any material burns. More is produced when there isn’t enough oxygen for efficient burning. Common sources of CO in homes include fuel-burning devices such as: furnaces, gas or kerosene space heaters, boilers, gas cooking stoves, water heaters, clothes dryers, fireplaces, charcoal grills, wood stoves, lawn mowers, power generators, camp stoves, motor vehicles and some power tools with internal combustion engines. Smoking is another common source of CO that can negatively impact indoor air quality.
Simple measures can be taken to prevent CO problems. Make sure that all your fuel burning appliances and heating devices are properly vented and maintained. Know the symptoms of CO poisoning. Finally, to detect potentially deadly conditions, install and maintain CO alarms in your home.
Mold in coffee makers
Mold in coffee makers might seem like an innocuous subject, but nonetheless, we would like to share this small incident with you. The spouse of one of our staff was having reoccurring digestion problems every late morning. In an attempt to try to get to the bottom of her distress, she unraveled every part of her daily dietary routine. When she inspected the interior lower portion of the coffee maker at home she found that an insidious icky black/gel like mold growth had attached itself to the inner surface of the reservoir. She has since purchased a new coffee maker for her home, but what is surprising is that she has found the same conditions at the coffee maker at the office. If there was a moral to this story it would be that we need to be diligent in our daily routines and be conscious that there is a microscopic world, teeming with life, which can invade our bodies and homes at any time.
Mold
Mold is a Bio-aerosol, which is a heterogeneous, airborne mixture of particulate matter and/or gaseous components having a biological origin. Mold finds it way into homes in ways that are both obvious and unfortunately unapparent. Some means of mold intrusion in a home are wind, snow and rain. Areas of special concern in this geographic region are “Ice Dams”. If an “Ice Dam” occurs and is not properly mitigated ice could be left in a wall or ceiling. When temperatures rise, thawing occurs in these undetected areas and water damage can re-occur. These moist cavities become breeding grounds for mold spores. We at Paul Davis are rigorously trained and certified by the IAQ (American Indoor Air Quality Council), to mitigate these problems. Using sensitive infrared cameras that can “see” into these cavities, we develop a plan to eliminate the source of the problem and the mold itself.
Learn More about us at www.pdrandr.com
Learn More about us at www.pdrandr.com
Remodeling and Interior Design
We offer professional remodeling and interior design services to homeowners and businesses. We have an expert interior designer, Coco Black, as part of our team.
Our services our second to none. If you have a project in mind for your home or business, give us a call and let us make your dream become a reality.
Learn More at www.pdrandr.com
Our services our second to none. If you have a project in mind for your home or business, give us a call and let us make your dream become a reality.
Learn More at www.pdrandr.com
24 Hour Emergency Service
24 Hour Emergency Service Disasters don’t always happen during normal business hours. That’s why we are available 24/7/365. Calling Paul Davis Restoration & Remodeling of Western Mass, a certified restoration contractor, is certainly a good first step to consider when you experience damage to your home no matter what time it happens. We are available whenever an emergency arises. We are experts in the restoration industry and have the facilities, expertise, equipment and staff to efficiently handle any size loss. From chaos to calm, we can handle a job from the initial emergency through the repair and recovery of your property. If you need emergency service, give us a call. We will work to restore the property to pre-loss condition.
Wind, Hurricane and Tornado Damage
Wind, Hurricane, Tornado. Damage caused by windstorm, hurricane or tornado can run the gamut from being very minor to so severe that the home is rendered a total loss. On homes that can be repaired, it is extremely important that measures be taken immediately to minimize additional damage. From tarping your roof to boarding-up window openings, Paul Davis Restoration contractors are always available — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year — to provide emergency services to protect your property. Severe wind can also often cause damages hidden from routine inspection, such as split or twisted framing or misaligned walls. Regardless of the extent of damage, we are experts in providing emergency services and restoring your property with minimal disruption to your everyday life.
Water Damage
Spring Is Here and Summer is Just One Short Month Away! This means nice weather for everyone to enjoy! It also means that rainstorms and thunderstorms are going to happen as well. During these seasons your home could experience water damage. Water damage is one of the most common problems that people experience in their homes. Water may come in from heavy rains through a leak in your roof, from appliance failures, such as washing machines, dishwashers or ice makers, or from major fire extinguishing efforts. And, most important to note, the longer the water sits over time, the worse the damage becomes. Immediately addressing water problems can often save hundreds of dollars in damage repair costs.
If you experience water damage in your home, "Call Paul", Paul Davis Restoration and Remodeling, as soon as possible, and we will dry your home and repair any damage the water caused in a fast and professional manner.
If you experience water damage in your home, "Call Paul", Paul Davis Restoration and Remodeling, as soon as possible, and we will dry your home and repair any damage the water caused in a fast and professional manner.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Find us online - Website, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube
Find us online - Website, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube
Website - www.pdrandr.com
Facebook - www.Facebook.com/pdrleema
Twitter - www.Twitter.com/pdrleema
YouTube - www.YouTube.com/pdrleema
Website - www.pdrandr.com
Facebook - www.Facebook.com/pdrleema
Twitter - www.Twitter.com/pdrleema
YouTube - www.YouTube.com/pdrleema
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