Posts

Clean Water vs Grey Water vs Black Water — What It Means for Your Home & Health

The difference between Clean, Grey, and Black Water Damage determines how safe your home is for you and your family, how quickly you should perform clean-up, and the type of restoration you need. The source of the water leak or flooding is what determines which kind of water is present. All three types of water damage (clean, grey, and black) can ruin your home, but each will have a different impact on your home and your health. Clean Water Damage The term clean water refers to water from a clean or untainted source that does not have any harmful chemicals, bacteria, etc., present in it. If the amount of time between when clean water starts entering the home and when you begin performing clean-up is long enough, the water could become contaminated by bacteria or other contaminants from your home (this can be caused by leakage, flooding, etc., or even by human contamination). Broken connections in the supply chain (broken pipes, overflowing sinks) can create situations where rainwa...
Post a Comment
Read more

DIY vs Professional Water Damage Cleanup: Why Some Jobs Should Always Be Handled by Experts

Image
Water damage has become one of America’s most common types of damage to homes and businesses, as well as one of the most expensive. An average of $11,000 has been paid out by insurance companies for water damage claims within the last year, and nearly one-fourth of all claims against homeowners’ insurance policies in the United States were due to a water-related incident.  With South Jersey being a coastal state that is subject to heavy rains and flooding due to storms, the state is at a considerable risk for water damage throughout the year due to old plumbing systems and roofs, which can cause a great deal of damage to homes and businesses and lead to costly renovations or even loss of life because of mold or other deterioration caused by the accumulation of water. Why Does Water Damage Occur in South Jersey Homes? South Jersey’s geography presents a unique challenge to home and business owners because of the presence of water from many different sources, including rain, snow...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Unseen Costs of Fire Damage: Why Comprehensive Restoration Services are Important After a Fire

Damage caused by fire is one of the most financially damaging and emotionally difficult experiences a homeowner may have. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) , U.S. fire departments respond to more than 350,000 home structure fires every year, resulting in approximately $8.9 billion in direct property damage. In New Jersey, where small housing structures, old homes, and winter seasonal causes provide hazards, the results of a fire are often much worse than what you can see on the surface. Many homeowners think of fire cleaning as cleaning up charred debris and painting drywall, but it is nowhere near that simple. Fire presents challenges and liabilities with the structure of the home, air quality, electrical, plumbing, insulation, contents, and many long-term issues that may arise if the fire damage is not treated properly. Understanding these hidden costs is important to help the property owner select the best recovery method that effectively protects their ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Hidden Structural Damage in Hoarded Homes: What Cleanup Experts Often Discover

According to the American Psychiatric Association , 6.1% of Americans are believed to struggle with compulsive hoarding. In New Jersey, this means tens of thousands of households suffer quietly in the severe clutter of their own homes, mostly behind closed doors. While the visible conditions of hoarded homes may be alarming, what lies beneath these conditions can be even more shocking; exposure reveals hidden structural damage that poses a risk to the safety of these homes. Hoarding in New Jersey is much more than a problem with clutter; it can be a deadly premises for decay, pests, mold, and dangerous living conditions. When remediation experts enter a hoarded home, it is not uncommon for them to discover structural deficiencies a homeowner or family member would not have been aware of. This blog will outline the most common, shocking types of structural damage seen in hoarded properties and why it is necessary to trust a professional like Doctor Fix-It to restore these homes sa...
Post a Comment
Read more

How to Safely Restore a Child’s Flooded Bedroom: A Parent’s Guide

According to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection , over 20% of properties in NJ are vulnerable to flooding due to sea level rise, increasing rainfall, and outdated drainage systems. Nothing weighs heavier on a family than watching their child’s bedroom get flooded, which often brings on heaps of anxiety and uncertainty. As a parent, you are hardwired to protect, and when that protection feels out of reach because your child’s bedroom has been compromised, you need to act fast and smart. Not only does flooding damage furniture and bedding, but it also introduces pathogens, mildew, and structural damage. This blog will provide a safe course of action you can follow as you restore your child’s bedroom to its former glory while limiting the risk of health hazards and emotional trauma.  Step-by-Step Guide to Restoring Flooded Spaces Unwanted flooding is unfortunate, but the restoration process doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It doesn’t matter whether the flooding ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Emergency Sewage Cleanup Services in New Jersey: What to Expect

Dealing with a sewage backup is one of the most unpleasant situations a homeowner can face. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that more than 40,000 sewage overflows occur in the United States each year, most of which are due to aging infrastructure, heavy rainfall, and clogs.  For New Jersey homeowners, it’s important to be aware of the risks and understand the need for a professional response. In this article, we are going to discuss what to expect from emergency sewage cleanup services in New Jersey , the process, health risks, and how to select the right partner for the service. Why Emergency Sewage Cleanup Requires Immediate Action When sewage backs up into a residential or commercial property, it involves far more than an unpleasant odor or messy cleanup. Blackwater (sewage-contaminated water) contains bacteria, viruses, parasites, biohazards, and other hazardous materials. Even limited exposure can have serious health consequences for the occupants of ...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Delayed Disaster: Why Storm Damage Can Surface Weeks Later

In 2024, the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) reported that the US experienced 27 separate billion-dollar weather and climate disasters, with storms accounting for the majority. In Mount Laurel, NJ, residents routinely experienced heavy rain, high winds, and flash flooding multiple times that year. Nearly 35% of the damages appeared on properties weeks or even months after the storm had passed. A recent case in Bergen County, Mount Laurel, NJ, demonstrated this perfectly. After a major storm, one homeowner inspected their property with an insurance adjuster and found very minor shingle displacement. However, several weeks later, mold began to spread along the attic ceiling, drywall started failing on the upper floor, and the home developed a musty smell.  This roof leak, which had initially seemed so minor with slight shingle damage, ultimately led to water saturating materials, insulation, and interior framing, causing deterioration and mold. The result? No...
Post a Comment
Read more