Common Causes of Water Damage

Water is the most common causes of damage. This statistic comes from many insurance companies and is the highest reason for claims being filed. Without immediate attention, water and home flooding can cause all kinds of problems to the structure of your home and your health. It seeps into the carpets, the walls, the flooring, and the frame of your home, making your home nearly unliveable. Your home can be restored, if you hire the right water restoration company right away.

There are many causes for water damage to your home. Here are a few examples:

  • Freezing temperatures cause pipes to freeze, when they thaw, the pipes burst
  • Outdoor pools that leak and flood your yard, the water then moves to the underside of your home
  • Heavy rains can flood your basement and the main level of your home
  • Severe winds can damage your roof, which keeps the roof from keeping water out
  • Water heaters can leak, which will overflow into other parts of your home
  • Washing machines break and spew water all over
  • Dishwashers break down
  • Toilets overflow, which is a whole other issue in itself
  • Water from putting out a fire; this will send water everywhere in your home

All of these causes, and more, will cause damage to the contents of your home, including the flooring, the walls, your furniture, clothing, and personal belongings. It can cause problems with the wiring in your home. Flash floods cause rivers and lakes to overflow and if your home is near the banks, you could face a giant pool of water in your home.

Your only solution: NextGen Restoration. They are trained, experienced and knowledgeable in all facets of water damage clean-up, repair and restoration. They use specialized equipment to dry the contents of your home and remove hidden water from behind the walls. They will check the electrical wiring to make sure there is no fire hazard, they will inspect the structure of your home to ensure it’s stable, and they will help you with filing your insurance claim and talk to the adjuster on your behalf so you get everything you’re entitled to to get your home back to pre-damage condition.

Call NextGen Restoration TODAY! Don’t let water damage cause problems in your home. 813-962-6855

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About NextGen Restoration NextGen Restoration is a Tampa Bay-based company specializing in disaster recovery and restoration from water, fire, and/or mold in homes or commercial structures.  Our disaster response is 24/7/365.

Crime Scene Clean-up Professionals

The death of a loved on is sometimes unexpected and always traumatic. Taking care of the clean up after the passing of someone we love is not only emotional, but there are certain procedures that must be taken to do it properly. If you hire a trauma/crime scene clean up professional to do the difficult task of cleaning up after a death, it’s one less thing you have to worry about when you’re grieving.

NextGen Restoration provide bio-hazard waste clean-up services for natural and crime-related deaths. They are experts in the field and are skilled in the proper cleaning procedures. As an example, when a body begins to decompose, there is are risks with the environment of the home and the health of those living or working on the premises. The proper tools and specialized lighting will seek out blood, urine, feces, and other bodily fluids that need to be removed from the floors, furniture, clothing, etc. The biggest risk is these unseen hazards can produce diseases if not cleaned up correctly.

Gunshot wounds, on the other hand, means blood can spread on the walls and the floors. This is another reason why hiring a professional crime scene clean up professional is crucial. They know how to completely clear the home, as well as doing any necessary restorations. This also helps grieving family members who cannot emotionally handle the stress involved with being around the area where the death occurred.

NextGen Restoration maintains a professionalism when working with this type of situation. They use goggles, hazmat suites, rubber gloves and boots, and other protective gear to ensure a safe environment while working. These items reduce the risk of direct contact with blood and other body fluids and the debris left by a decomposing body. A requirement of a professional crime scene clean up professional is being vaccinated ahead of time so they are guarded against any health issues should they come in accidental contact with anything.

Crime scene clean up technicians are highly trained with emotional and mental consequences so they can handle these types of circumstances. They are trained in assisting with the family members by helping with insurance and investigations, or any other needs they may have.

NextGen Restoration will be a big help for you and your family if you are faced with the death of a loved one or a victim of a crime resulting in death. Their technicians are thoroughly trained and experienced in all aspects of crime scene clean up, as well as helping family members with important issues that come with death.

Call NextGen Restoration to help get life back in order. 813-962-6855

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NextGen is nationally certified and regionally recognized by clients and peers for our commitment to excellence. At NextGen, we prize innovation and are constantly employing new technologies, some even built in-house, to provide a better or more efficient approach to meeting our clients challenges. Our company goal is your satisfaction, so we offer only courteous service by highly-trained professionals. Our team is comprised of an exceptional group of individuals with backgrounds in information technology, construction, indoor air quality, thermography, and finance.  Our team has highly-trained staff members that have obtained the professional designations of Master Water Restorer, Master Smoke/Fire Restorer and Master Textile Cleaner. It is noteworthy to mention that this is a complement of designations held by only a handful of other individuals in the state of Florida according to the IICRC at the time of this writing. (www.iicrc.org)

Does Your Home Contain Chinese Drywall?

Chinese drywall was used during the rebuilding in states like Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida after the horrific hurricanes in 2005. Nearly five hundred million pounds of the Chinese sheet-rock that was used to repair damaged homes were defective and contained harmful toxins. Today, there is a nationwide ban on the use of Chinese drywall and homes that currently contain this material must be reconstructed and all of this drywall must be removed to prevent health hazards.

Why is Chinese Drywall a Problem?

State health departments tested this Chinese gypsum board (sheet-rock) and found that they contain large amounts of sulfuric and organic compounds, which are in higher concentration than American made drywall. The samples that were tested also contained high amounts of strontium sulfide, which gives off a sulfurous odor. This odor is a major health risk.

How to Tell If You Have Defective Drywall

  1. The sulfurous odor is constant.
  1. All metal materials that come in contact with this drywall will corrode, especially copper. All wiring in the walls will corrode, as well. The corrosion will be black.
  2. Your appliances and electronics will begin to fail for no apparent reason.
  1. If the drywall in your home is newer than 2001, there is a chance it is toxic sheet-rock from China.
  1. Close inspection of your drywall will show Chinese lettering or markings.
  2. An inspection of Chinese drywall will show evidence of toxins. Only a trained technician can find these toxins.

What To Do If You Have Toxic Drywall?

If you have drywall that was installed after 2001, it’s likely you have Chinese drywall, and it may be toxic. Your fist step is to call a professional restoration company like NextGen Restoration to do a thorough inspection of your drywall. They will use specialized tools to determine if your drywall was made in China and if there are any toxic properties.

Call NextGen Restoration and have the peace of mind that your home is safe. 813-962-6855

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To protect and serve our clients, health, safety, and financial liability, all of our work conforms to, or exceeds, the state and national standards listed on our certifications page. Our adherence to these standards ensures a quality work product. Additionally, we provide an extensive array of written, printed, digital & photographic documentation that protects all involved parties from questions arising as to the quality, quantity, and level of service provided. Our team is comprised of competent individuals who work hard, but know how to have fun. We enjoy a casual atmosphere, and also believe in continually training our staff so that they excel at their jobs.

Does Your Restoration Company Work for You?

Generally, the first thought people have when they come home to find their home has been flooded is “how do I fix this?” They are shocked and frustrated and wonder how it happened. Once the initial reaction has passed, it’s time to call your insurance company to file a claim. The questions you should ask your agent are: “How long will it take?” and “How much will it cost?” Your insurance adjuster will probably tell you that everything will be fine as they give you a list of their preferred restoration companies.

Be aware that the insurance adjuster works for the insurance company and it’s their job to pay out the minimum amount to restore your home, this is why they send you a list of their restoration companies. The companies they choose work on the insurance company’s behalf, not yours. It’s their job to do the job correctly, but with as little cost involved as possible so the insurance payout is at the minimum cost to the insurance company.

Insurance companies don’t want you to know that you have the right to hire an independent restoration company. You have the right to qualified and professional workmanship on the damage of your home. You also have the right to have your home repaired to its pre-loss condition, so you want a water damage restoration company who works in your best interest, not the insurance company’s.

Your best choice in restoration companies is NextGen Restoration. They work on your behalf. They work for you.

NextGen Restoration is in the business of serving the customer. They will work with you to fill out your claim forms and help your file them. They will also speak to the adjuster and the the insurance company on your behalf. NextGen Restoration knows all of the legal terminology and procedures to get you the maximum amount you are entitled to in order to bring your home back to pre-loss condition.

You don’t have to go through this alone. Not only will NextGen Restoration work for you with your insurance company, they are also experienced and qualified to completely and professional restore all of the damage to your home.

Call NextGen Restoration TODAY! 813-962-6855

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Emergency Restoration Checklist

Experiencing a house fire, water damage or natural disaster can be devastating. However, if you keep the following checklist in mind when you begin to restore your property back to original order, it will be much easier.

  • Contact your insurance company immediately. Your agent will be able to guide you through the process of filing your claim, as well as tips to begin restoration.
  • Take photos of the damage as soon as possible after the the catastrophe. By having photographic documentation of the damage, you can show your insurance company when filing your claim.
  • Find out if your home or business is structurally sound. If it isn’t, you will have to make other living or business arrangements until the property is safe to occupy.
  • Shut off the main power to your electricity and water supply. Make sure the power and water stays off until it is safe to turn them back on. This will ensure no further damage is done to the property.
  • Move all of your valuables and important documents to a safe, dry place. Anything of value may want to be stored in a safe place before a disaster strikes.
  • In the event of flooding, try to remove as much of the water as possible. Use buckets to remove standing water from your home; air your home out by running your air conditioner, dehumidifier or fan. WARNING: Standing water will begin to produce mold within 48 hours. An important suggestion would be to hire a water damage restoration company, such as NextGen Restoration http://www.nextgenrestoration.com/florida/water-damage to remove all traces of water from your home to avoid mold accumulation and other water damage. .
  • If possible, cover any damaged windows and doors. Use plywood or plastic to cover broken windows and doors, as well as any damaged areas of the roof to prevent more moisture from entering.
  • Inspect the property completely. Be sure to take notes of all of the damage you see. It will help with restoration once you have hired a restoration company. Check your roof for cracks, holes, missing shingles, etc. Look for damage to gutters, siding and chimney. Check all of your insulation for moisture or damage. Most importantly, inspect your foundation walls to make sure they are intact.

Most of the time, your insurance company will suggest a restoration contractor. You also have the option of seeking out your own restoration specialist. The following checklist will help you with that process.

  • Find a restoration company that specializes in fire, flood and natural disasters. This type of contractor has certified and specially trained technicians with specialized equipment.
  • Be sure the company is certified. You want to hire a restoration contractor that is licensed, bonded and insured in your state. Make sure they are also certified to use the proper equipment.
  • Don’t sign a contract without noted specifics. Be sure the contract states, in detail, what will be done, the estimated price and what materials, tools and equipment will be used.
  • Ask for references. Call the company’s references to make sure they are competent. You should also check with the Better Business Bureau to find out their rating. Also, take a look at their portfolio of before and after photos of the jobs the company has done.
  • Don’t hire a company that requires a large deposit to begin work. Unfortunately, there are some companies that prey on disaster victims. Do your research and find out what the average down payment is for restoration contractors. If yours is overcharging, look elsewhere.

Your best chance of getting your life back to normal after a fire, flood or natural disaster is to refer to this checklist. Not only will it help you to stay safe and focus on what needs to be done, it will also help the restoration contract you hire to get the job done quickly and completely. Once you have followed the steps and have begun to the restoration process, your life will be back to normal before you know it.

NextGen Restoration specializes in clean-up, repair, restoration and rebuilding after fires, floods, storms, and natural disasters. We offer dependable, 24/7 emergency services 365 days a year. Our team is trained, certified and experienced in all aspects of the restoration process.

Call us today so we can help you get your life back in order! 813-962-6855

 

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Has Your Home Been Properly Restored?

Removing all of the water and water-related damage as soon as possible after a flood or fire is critical. Most people don’t have the know-how or equipment to tackle this daunting task themselves, so they call a water restoration company to do the job. Most restoration companies do a thorough job, however, there are some whose results are less than acceptable. What do you do then?

You already have the headache of dealing with your insurance company when you file a claim. You don’t want, or need, to deal with a water restoration company that has not done the job properly. Your only choice is to do a thorough inspection of your home and note, in as much detail as possible, where there is still damage or residual water. Your next, and most important, step is to call a licensed and certified water damage restoration company like NextGen Restoration.

NextGen Restoration will use thermal imaging to find hidden water in your walls, your ceiling, your insulations, and your flooring. Once they have found the problem areas, they will use commercial equipment, such as a high calibur vacuum to remove excess water, and other equipment to eliminate and prevent mold from forming.

A major issue with having to hire a second water restoration company is that you will end up having to file another claim with your insurance company. This is not a task you should do alone. Your chances of getting much accomplished is pretty slim, unless you have the services of NextGen Restoration. They will work on your behalf to get all of the necessary paperwork completed and filed, so you have one less issue to deal with.

Water damage is not something you should take lightly. If it’s not done right the first time, you could be faced with serious damage to the structure of your home, which could cost a fortune. Hire the right company the first time, to avoid costly errors.

Call NextGen Restoration TODAY! 813-962-6855

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Preventing a Sewage Emergency

If you’ve ever been woken up in the middle of the night by the horrific stench of sewage, you know how awful it is. You’ve probably investigated your home, trying to find the source of the foul odor. You step in your bathroom and are faced with a massive overflow of wretched sewage spewing from your toilet and flooding your bathroom floor. A sewage emergency is nothing to take lightly. A clogged toilet can wreak havoc on your pipes and the plumbing in your entire home. The toxic waste (quite literally) and bacteria is a serious health hazard.

Accumulated waste can clog your main water line or septic system and a blocked line will back up into your pipes, moving into your toilet and even your bathtub. A sewage removal company like NextGen Restoration can pinpoint the obstruction in your pipes while removing the the harmful waste that ends up on your floors. If necessary, they will advise you as to where the problems lie in your pipes so they can be properly dealt with to avoid future sewer back ups.

Many people don’t realize that common household items are too large to flush through their pipes, so they inadvertently flush items such as diapers, cat litter, sanitary pads, and tampons. It isn’t surprising what sewage removal companies and plumbers find when they are removing debris from residential drains. Some have reported finding false teeth, jewelry and toys in the sewage lines. These items can sometimes cause damage to the pipes, which can become an expensive repair.

However, the most common obstructions that cause sewer backups are grease, fat and oils that solidify and cause massive clogs that block the sewer lines. Sewage removal companies and plumbers highly recommend that you don’t rinse your cooking grease down your sink when doing the dishes. Instead, put this in an old coffee can and throw it in the trash. By doing so, you will avoid costly repairs to your main sewage line and, if you have a septic system, you won’t spend thousands of dollars to have it dug up and repaired.

Call NextGen Restoration if you do end up with a sewage backup in your home. Avoid the health danger before it becomes one. 813- 962-6855

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Professional Restoration Equipment

Whether you have suffered a home loss due to flood, fire or other natural disaster, you need to get your home back to it’s pre-loss state quickly and correctly. Hiring a professional restoration company that uses only the highest quality equipment is your only choice. With the right restoration equipment, getting your home, and your life, back to normal, is a simple and efficient process. Not just that, but when you file your insurance claim, your agent will see that the job was done by experienced and train professionals and the payment of your claim will be a much smoother process.

Why do restoration companies like NextGen Restoration use this type of equipment?

The Financial Savings

Restoring water-damaged properties will run much smoother and cheaper with the use of air movers, dehumidifiers and flood pumps. The savings from having these pieces of equipment at all times will save the homeowner money in the long run. This equipment is efficient in the clean-up process which will quickly aid in getting your home back to its original state. In the long run, professional restoration equipment will save hundreds of dollars for everyone.

For a Safe Environment

Your floors, walls, ceilings, and furniture will become stained after water damage has occurred. A damp environment will also cause mold to form in places you can’t even see, which is a health hazard and causes further damage to your home. With the proper equipment, mold and mildew do not have a chance to grow. A professional restoration company like NextGen Restoration has the proper equipment to find and eliminate hidden moisture, mildew and mold that may be growing in your walls and flooring.

Your Home’s Structure

When your home has been restored with professional restoration equipment, its structure will remain stable, no matter the cosmetic damage. NextGen Restoration uses thermal imaging to find hidden moisture in the walls and has other specialized equipment that their technicians are highly trained in the use of to eliminate all traces of moisture, mold, mildew and other debris after water damage has take over your home.

Call NextGen Restoration TODAY! 813-962-6855

Have the right equipment with trained professionals handling the job.

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Putting Your Home Back Together

You need help cleaning up and rebuilding after a disaster. What you need is the professional services of a damage restoration company that has the experience and qualifications to put your home back together. NextGen Restoration employs only highly skilled technicians who are knowledgeable in fire and water mitigation and reconstruction.

When you have suffered through a major disaster in your home, like flooding, fire or a natural disaster, your first thought is probably how you’re going to get everything back to normal. Your first job is to call professionals to handle the job. No matter the severity of the damage, experience restoration specialists can and will return your home to pre-loss status while helping you with the daunting task of filing your insurance claim and talking with the adjuster on your behalf so you get the maximum payout you’re entitled to.

NextGen Restoration is the best and is truly dedicated to you. They are available 24/7, every day of the year. The truth of the matter is, a disaster can happen at any time, day or night, and it’s never convenient, so it’s crucial you hire the best in restoration; a company that guarantees their work and that will leave you satisfied with the job that was done. NextGen Restoration offers services that include:

Water Cleanup

They are experienced in water mitigation and reconstruction, as well as cleanup of all debris and damage. Their work is timely and efficient, which is critical for this type of job.

Smoke & Fire Cleanup

They are experienced with the repair, removal and replacement of destroyed belongings and structures. They will also remove all traces of smoke damage and smells and prevent it from returning.

Odor Control Services

They will remove all severe odors from smoke and fire damage using several specialized pieces of equipment and commercial-grade products. Other odor removing methods involve the elimination of mildew and other flood related smells.

Reconstruction Services

NextGen Restoration offers reconstruction services with building stabilization, consulting and design, project management, scheduling and planning, controlled demolition, estimating their services, and an array of other much-needed tasks. This type of job is done based on your home’s needs.

Trauma Cleanup

NextGen Restoration is also qualified to handle the cleanup of crime and accident scenes. In the event of death or an horrific occurrence, NextGen will be there every step of the way.

It’s not necessary to feel overwhelmed or frustrated by what a disaster has left behind. Let NextGen Restoration handle the cleanup 24/7 so you can get back to your life.

Call us TODAY! 813-962-6855

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The Effects of Fire Damage

No one is ever prepared for a fire in their home. When it happens, you’re faced with the lingering effects of smoke and fire damage, and that can be devastating to both your home and your emotions. Almost everyone has homeowner’s insurance to cover the repair and restoration of fire and smoke damage; if you don’t, get it now, before you are faced with this issue. Even if your personal belongings are salvageable, there is still smoke and water damage. With homeowner’s insurance and the right fire damage restoration company, you are more likely to be able to replace and restore your home back to pre-loss status.

Both homeowners and renters can be faced with a fire and the loss is just as traumatic no matter if you’ve lost your entire home or if you have lost the contents of your home. The smoke damage alone can be a huge issue and most insurance claims are filed because of the damage done by smoke damage. The outside of your home may have no, or very little, damage caused by the fire itself, while on the inside, nearly everything is lost because of the damage caused by the smoke. NextGen Restoration is an expert in fire and smoke damage restoration. They can do a thorough clean-up of any and all damage from debris from the fire, to the soot and odor from the smoke. Removing the smoke odors is crucial because the smells linger for years and there are health hazards attached.

By hiring NextGen Restoration, you are assured that you will have your home properly restored to pre-loss condition, as well as an advocate when you are dealing with insurance adjusters. They will work on your behalf and help you file your claim so your receive the maximum amount you’re entitled to on your claim. You will need the professionalism and experience of NextGen Restoration to remove soot and odors from all of the porous items in your home that holds onto smoke. They will clean out all of the residual damage such as rubble, wood, drywall, etc. from the fire itself. Once the dangerous and damaged items are removed, the restoration can begin.

Talk to the highly trained experts at NextGen Restoration right away. Get your life back together after a fire and let NextGen handle all of the tough rules and regulations surrounding insurance claims. 813-962-6855

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