Five Essential Steps to Remove Scary Pollution in Time for Halloween

airduct4_advcIt is almost Halloween and the indoor air quality (IAQ) in many Triangle homes and businesses can get downright frightful. This is especially true considering that a wide variety of sources of indoor air pollution are common and widespread at this time of year.

Pollutants such as dust, soot, small particles, mold, and chemical residues tend to accumulate indoors on surfaces and in HVAC systems, particularly when ventilation with outdoor air is infrequent and inadequate. Most buildings in North Carolina are tightly sealed from outdoor air during the hot summer months and the coldest winter months, which makes fall and spring the best times to ventilate with fresh air. Through awareness of the sources of IAQ problems and steps to minimize them, Triangle home and business owners can make big improvements. Finally, getting the HVAC air ducts cleaned is critical in preventing recirculation of accumulated pollutants and improving indoor air quality.

AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex recommends these five essential steps to eliminating indoor air pollution and improving indoor air quality:

  • AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/ Apex suggests removing and controlling the sources of indoor air pollution: Cleaning products, air fresheners, furniture and flooring materials can release toxic chemical fumes. Common household and business activities, including cooking, pets, printers, and copiers are sources of microscopic particles. Reducing the use of these certain products, along with using more effective cleaning methods, can go a long way toward improving IAQ.
  • Use a top quality vacuum cleaner: Traditional vacuum cleaners that use a bag will exhaust or recirculate significant amounts of dust and other small particles back into the air. HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) vacuum cleaners utilize filters that capture and prevent recirculation of nearly all fine particles. Vacuums with HEPA filtration are available in most stores and online, and are essential in removing the most prevalent sources of pollution.
  • Assess and adjust techniques for dusting and vacuuming: Commonly used cleaning methods tend to spread and recirculate indoor air pollutants rather than remove them. Widely-used cleaners can contain toxic chemicals such as fragrances, chlorine bleach, and ammonia, and introduce more pollutants than they remove. It is important to consider alternative cleaners and changing dusting approaches.
  • Ventilation with fresh air is important: Since many structures in the Triangle and surrounding areas are tightly sealed from outdoor air, mainly for energy efficiency, the indoor air can get increasingly unhygienic as weeks and months go by. Ventilation with outdoor air, by opening windows at least once a week, can allow pollutants to escape. In addition, HVAC systems can be modified to take in additional fresh outdoor air.
  • Call AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/ Apex to have HVAC air ducts professionally cleaned: Even after source reduction, effective cleaning, and ventilation are managed, the air ducts in a building will still accumulate dust and other debris over a period of time. The accumulated pollutants are then continually recirculated in the indoor air. This is because large volumes of air move through the system. AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex specializes in air duct cleaning, and uses HEPA vacuums in the process.

AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex are knowledgeable experts in the Triangle that identify and correct IAQ problems, whether it’s at a home or business. Our professional team finds the sources of indoor air pollution, odors, and mold, and works with owners to improve air quality by providing information and services such as NADCA certified air duct cleaning.

Winter is coming and it is important to assess air quality. Please call us today at 919 434 7249 for service in the Triangle, Southwest Wake County, Holly Springs, Fuquay-Varina, Angier, Lillington, Sanford, and Fayetteville-Fort Bragg.

To all of our friends and clients: Happy Halloween Everyone!

**

AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary and Apex is your environmental specialist in Wake and Johnston Counties. Our team of certified professionals is ready to address all your service needs.

WE are the air quality and restoration specialists in the Triangle!

Call 919 434 7249

AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex

Photo: AdvantaClean

 

5 Important Reasons for Air Duct Cleaning from AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex

public-domain-pixabay-allergiesIt’s been a long, hot summer across North Carolina. In July, it hit 90 degrees every single day. The air conditioning systems in Triangle homes and businesses have been working hard since May. In addition, the windows haven’t been open much at all, so outside fresh ventilation has been infrequent at best.  As large volumes of air are recirculated through HVAC systems over the hot season, it’s inevitable that dust, pollen, pet dander, chemical residues, cooking residues, smoke, and various other particles have accumulated in the air ducts.

It is also an important consideration that the recent heavy rains and flooding from Hurricane Matthew might have created mold in a variety of homes and buildings. This mold can get into and spread throughout the entire HVAC system. Our team of professionals at AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex is available to help home and business owners get their indoor air quality (IAQ) back to healthy levels with certified, expert air duct cleaning.

Five reasons why AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex should clean those air ducts now:

  • HVAC air ducts are visibly dirty:  If dust or other matter can be seen around HVAC intake and outflow registers and grilles, that same material in the ducts as well. If smoke, mold, or musty odors have been evident, they are also very likely in the air ducts. All of this accumulated matter is being recirculated in the air.
  • IAQ problems are made worse by lack of ventilation: The lack of fresh air forces dust, other small particles, and various pollutants, to stay indoors. The result is that such pollutants eventually get inside the HVAC system.  Air duct cleaning minimizes this problem and is often necessary in modern buildings that are tightly sealed from outdoor air and ventilation.
  • Sneezing, wheezing, and coughing may not be from seasonal allergies: Another cause of these respiratory symptoms is particles and other pollutants being recirculated by the HVAC system. If the air ducts are never cleaned, indoor air pollution increases over time. In that situation, accumulating dust, pollen, and mold are increasingly moving through the indoor air.
  • Our air duct cleaning process will remove indoor air pollutants:  AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex connects a powerful vacuum device to the HVAC system. In addition, special brushes and compressed air whips are inserted into different parts of the system to dislodge particles. Everything gets captured by the vacuum and is removed from the indoor air.
  • Our pricing is easy to understand and doesn’t contain hidden extras: Our competitors use a variety of special offers, free inspections, add-on fees, and other pricing approaches to get customers to pay more for air duct cleaning. It is important to note that AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex is an NADCA certified expert company with great customer service. Simpler is better.

AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex is certified by the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) to inspect and clean air ducts in homes and commercial buildings. We approach each job to according to the unique circumstances at hand, explain everything in detail to our clients, and provide the best possible customer service. Call AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex today for certified, expert air duct cleaning.

**

AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary and Apex is your environmental specialist in Wake and Johnston Counties. Our team of certified professionals is ready to address all your service needs.

Your air quality and restoration specialists in the Triangle!

Call 919 434 7249

AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex

Photo: pixabay, public domain

 

5 Reasons to Consider AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/ Apex for Restoration

pilostic_pixabayAfter observing the extreme flooding across the Raleigh area, Fayetteville and further east from Lumberton to the coast, Hurricane Matthew has left its mark in North Carolina history. Triangle home and business owners have been reminded again that disaster can appear unexpectedly even with warning.

Although the predicted path of Hurricane Matthew was solidified 24-48 hours before it arrived in North Carolina, the effects across Eastern North Carolina were still quite sudden and locally unpredictable. If a home or business was affected, chances are good that the owners are still frightened, worried, and tired. They are often challenged to figure out how to deal with the situation and find a restoration contractor. Extreme weather events can truly be unpredictable and harsh, and AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex can bring in the right team of experts and equipment to clean up the aftermath, ease the burdens, and protect personal and professional property.

AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex is the right restoration contractor for the following five reasons:

  • AdvantaClean is IICRC Certified: We meet the well-established standards of expertise and business ethics of both honesty and integrity. In addition, we undergo ongoing training and education, are licensed, bonded, and insured, and have an established complaint policy.
  • AdvantaClean will provide the best possible customer service: Dealing with a disaster such as Hurricane Matthew is stressful enough in itself. We understand and go above and beyond what is normally expected to make everything easier for our customers. We’re also experienced at working with insurance claims adjusters, and make that process go as smoothly as possible.
  • We are committed to informing and educating our customers: AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex knows the implications and potential lingering effects of water-related problems that affect buildings, especially the mold that can show up later. We’ll share this information with property owners so they can be confident the correct approach is being taken for their unique situation.
  • We receive positive customer reviews and testimonials: A contractor without easily located positive reviews may be hiding something; such as a history lacking in good results or customer service. AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/ Apex has established an excellent reputation in North Carolina.
  • AdvantaClean is expert in a variety of related issues: Our expertise include:  mold testing and remediation, odor remediation, and cleaning HVAC system air ducts. Chances are pretty good that the impacts of any water damage situation will be multi-faceted. Mold in particular is a common after effect of flooding, and we know how to get it under control and cleaned up.

In the Triangle region of North Carolina, one firm really is best when water damage cleanup and recovery is needed. AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex is properly equipped, trained, and experienced to handle any situation. When there is a widespread weather event such as a hurricane, AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/ Apex can also get assistance from our other teams in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, and other states in the Southeastern United States. Call us today for a speedy recovery from the storm.

AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex is a leader in the Triangle to handle fire and flooding clean up, mold detection and remediation, air duct and dryer vent cleaning, and removal of indoor air quality problems. Contact us today to fix a disaster and/or improve indoor air quality.

**

AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary and Apex is your environmental specialist in Wake and Johnston Counties. Our team of certified professionals is ready to address all your service needs.

Your air quality and restoration specialists in the Triangle!

Call 919 434 7249

AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex

Tags: hurricane, Hurricane Matthew, flood, flooding, water damage, flood damage, weather, extreme weather, restoration contractor, disaster, mold, mold remediation, customer service, correct approach, IICRC certified, Triangle, North Carolina, Apex, Cary, Wake County, AdvantaClean Environmental of Apex Cary, AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/ Apex, AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary and Apex

Photo: pilostic, pixabay.com

5 Important Services from AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex Offers for Commercial Buildings

pixel2013_pixabayProper maintenance of buildings for commercial, office, or institutional use in the Triangle requires a variety of specialized cleaning and other related services. Heating and cooling systems must be cleaned; moisture, mold, and odors must be kept under control, and fire hazards must be eliminated. In addition, achieving and maintaining high indoor air quality (IAQ) is essential for buildings that are occupied by workers or residents. Doing so maintains the value of the buildings and protects owners from work disruptions, loss of use, and even legal action.  In North Carolina, heavy rains, tropical storms, and hurricanes like Matthew can cause flooding and water damage. This requires prompt attention, proper equipment, and well-trained people. AdvantaClean of Cary / Apex performs all of these services with the focus on customer service excellence.

AdvantaClean of Cary/Apex offers five important services to help maintain commercial buildings:

  • Air duct cleaning: We are certified by the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) to inspect and clean air ducts in all types of commercial and institutional buildings. This is an important aspect of achieving high IAQ in office buildings, dormitories, and hotels.
  • Dryer vent cleaning:  A leading cause of fire in commercial and institutional buildings with laundry facilities and apartment buildings can be minimized by having the dryer vents cleaned on a regular basis. AdvantaClean uses special equipment to free dryers of lint and debris.
  • Air conditioner and PTAC cleaning: The coils on commercial air conditioning units and on the packaged terminal air conditioning units (PTAC) typically used in hotels should be cleaned regularly to enhance indoor air quality and maintain peak operating efficiency. AdvantaClean cleans many of these units on a regular basis.
  • Mold and odor remediation: AdvantaClean is the leading mold specialist in the Triangle. We are certified by the IICRC for mold remediation, use laboratory testing for mold types, and use special equipment including HEPA vacuums. Our experience and specialized equipment help find and eliminating odors. We’ve seen it all through years of training and experience, and know what to look for to fix a mold or odor problem.
  • Water damage restoration: Weather events like Hurricane Matthew and plumbing issues are the leading causes of water damage. These situations happen quickly and without a lot of notice, and both require immediate attention. Fortunately, AdvantaClean is available 24/7 to help reduce damage and loss of business.

AdvantaClean of Cary/Apex is the local Triangle firm to call when it comes to cleaning commercial HVAC air ducts, dryer vents, packaged terminal AC units (PTAC), and air conditioning coils. We are mold and odor remediation specialists as well for commercial, office, and institutional buildings including hospitals, hotels, and dormitories. We are known throughout North Carolina for great customer service, helpful advice, and results that are second to none. Call us today to help maintain a commercial or institutional building.

**

AdvantaClean of Cary and Apex is your environmental specialist in Wake and Johnston Counties. Our team of certified professionals is ready to address all your service needs. 

Your air quality and restoration specialists 

Call 919 434 7249

AdvantaClean

Photo: pixel2013, pixabay.com

 

4 Reasons Why AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/ Apex is Certified in Restoration

stockimages2-fdpDealing with situations like fire damage, water damage, mold, and odors is unpleasant for any Triangle home or business owner. All of these serious problems require the involvement of expert help to recover and get back to normal. If cleanup and remediation is not done correctly, there will be lingering effects such as odors and structural damage, reducing the value and usability of the property. Therefore, it’s essential to hire a remediation contractor that is certified and qualified to handle the job. Fortunately, Triangle residents and their insurance companies can call AdvantaClean of Cary/Apex, a Triangle, NC cleaning and restoration contractor that is certified and trained by multiple standards-setting organizations.

AdvantaClean of Cary/Apex offers these four reasons why certifications are important:

  • Certification means the best equipment and people: AdvantaClean has the knowledge, tools, and experience to handle tough jobs like mold remediation and sewage cleanup. An effective cleanup will prevent further harm to buildings and protect the health and safety of occupants. Our people are well-trained to make sure every outcome is the best achievable.
  • AdvantaClean offers certification training and information: We continue to be involved with   research and testing and the continual promote of best practices. That information is shared with employees which helps us do the best job possible when it comes to our cleanup and restoration work. That’s good news for our customers.
  • Certifications are important if an insurance claim is involved: Insurance companies are wary of price gouging, incompetence, and fraud, all of which are too common in our business. AdvantaClean is a contractor that can be trusted by both affected building owners and insurance companies. We work together in good faith and enable the claims process to go as smoothly as possible.
  • Our certification helps prevent future remediation issues: When we’re in the process of cleaning up water, fire, smoke damage or mold, we look for any potential future problems that could arise out of the current situation. Even though restoration is our business, we would prefer that property owners not have a repetitive issue.  Our aim is to work with clients and permanently solve the problem.

AdvantaClean of Cary/Apex is certified in several areas by multiple organizations. These include: National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), EPA Lead Safe Certified Firm, Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC), Mold Inspection Consulting and Remediation Organization (MICRO), among others. We also provide excellent customer service, which makes AdvantaClean of Cary/Apex the best option in the Triangle for home and business owners with cleaning and restoration needs. Call us whenever a certified contractor is important.

**

AdvantaClean of Cary and Apex is your environmental specialist in Wake and Johnston Counties. Our team of certified professionals is ready to address all your service needs.

Your air quality and restoration specialists

Call 919 434 7249

AdvantaClean

Photo: stockimages, freedigitalphotos.net

 

5 Reasons AdvantaClean of Cary/Apex is the Best in the Triangle

advantaclean_mold2First let’s tell the bad news. Many types of mold problems are found in Triangle homes and businesses. Now, the good news is that the methods for cleaning it up and keeping it from coming back are well-researched, time-tested, and very likely to remove it quickly and effectively. The process, called mold remediation, involves detecting the type of mold present. We determine the causes of the mold issue, and then we remove it.  For an experienced team like AdvantaClean of Cary/ Apex, it is a straight forward elimination. Unfortunately, there are too many mold remediation contractors that don’t get it right, aren’t properly trained, and are not committed to good customer service. There is the wrong way and the right way, and we do the job right, every single time.

Here are five reasons why AdvantaClean of Cary/Apex gets mold remediation done right every time:

  • AdvantaClean is IICRC certified at mold remediation: The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) provides training and certification of mold removal specialists. Our people are IICRC trained and certified to perform expert evaluation and treatment of mold problems. Anything less can lead to an inadequate cleanup, which can result in worse problems later.
  • AdvantaClean uses specialized equipment and cleaning agents: The correct approach to dealing with various types of mold in differing environments is not one-size-fits-all. The equipment and cleaners used makes a big difference in the effectiveness of the remediation. It’s also critical to keep mold from spreading in the process.
  • AdvantaClean works quickly and efficiently: Mold can spread very quickly and intensely if the right conditions exist. The more time spent figuring out who to call or what to do, the more severe the problem will become. For those reasons, getting the remediation underway immediately is always the best approach. We’ll respond as soon as possible to contain the problem and keep it from growing.
  • AdvantaClean keeps home and business owners informed about the mold status: Our team of experts uses laboratory testing to determine the type of mold present. We won’t use unnecessary terms like “black mold” unless that’s actually the problem. We’ll also keep clients informed about the equipment and process, and all of our findings will be communicated clearly and in writing.
  • AdvantaClean will contain and isolate the problem: The mold remediation site should only include the affected area, not an entire building. In addition, it’s very important that mold be prevented from spreading during the cleanup. That’s why we use HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) vacuums and seal any affected areas to contain the mold problem.

AdvantaClean of Cary/Apex is the team in the Triangle to call when it comes to correctly assessing and cleaning up a mold problem. We are mold specialists, using a network of laboratories and testing partners to identify mold problems. We also use specialized equipment with highly trained people to do the job right and keep mold from growing and spreading.

Call us today if mold in the problem.

**

AdvantaClean of Cary and Apex is your environmental specialist in Southwest Wake, Chatham and Johnston Counties. Our team of certified professionals is ready to address all your service needs.

We are the Triangle’s air quality and restoration specialist.

Call 919 434 7249

AdvantaClean

Photo:  AdvantaClean

5 Factors Triangle Residents Need to Know about Mold Problems

mold6-advantacleanIt’s been a very hot, humid summer in the Triangle, and local homes and businesses have been keeping windows closed for several months. Given the sealed environment, it can be apparent and noticeable if mold has been growing inside the structure and spreading somewhere. A musty or moldy odor that doesn’t go away can possibly indicate a mold problem. The fall allergy season in North Carolina can also get people sneezing and rubbing their eyes, but there can be other factors in the closed environment that can cause and even exaggerate these types of symptoms. A mold situation can never be ignored; it will never go away without professional help. And it can multiply in size and severity with some toxicity. Mold testing by our team at AdvantaClean of Cary/ Apex can determine the nature of the problem, and we can help formulate the right plan to fix it.

AdvantaClean of Cary/Apex offers five important tips for dealing with mold problems in Triangle buildings:

  • Dangerous and harmful mold problems can be hidden:  Mold can grow and hide in unsuspecting places in Triangle buildings, such as in the attic, behind wallpaper, or even in the ceiling of a finished basement. In the worst cases, mold gets into the HVAC system and spreads through the internal air. Professional testing may be the only way to find the mold.
  • Don’t wait to assess the problem; it needs to be remediated: Given the right conditions, a mold problem that starts out slowly can potentially grow quickly into a large area and create a lot of damage. The key ingredient for mold is usually moisture, and if that’s a plumbing leak it can continue to get worse. When that happens, the building will soon likely be uninhabitable.
  • Know that three effective types of mold testing are common: Air, surface, and bulk testing are the most effective approaches. Air sampling is a test for concentration of mold spores in the air. Surface testing checks for mold that has been deposited on surfaces such as shelving and furnishings. Bulk testing involves collecting carpet, insulation, fabrics, or other materials and testing them for mold.
  • There are different types of mold: Some molds are toxic and many others are not, other than to produce a bad smell and allergy symptoms. The so-called “black mold,” (stachybotrys) is known to release compounds that cause severe respiratory problems. The type of mold and its associated characteristics are identified through testing.
  • Hire AdvantaClean of Cary/ Apex: Calling in experienced professionals will ensure that a mold issue exists and is accurately diagnosed. Determining the type of mold present is also very important in formulating the right cleanup plan and preventing future mold problems.

AdvantaClean of Cary/Apex is the team of qualified professionals to call when it comes to mold inspections, testing, and remediation. We are certified mold specialists and we use a network of laboratories and testing partners to properly identify mold problems and recommend the correct, most effective remediation plan. AdvantaClean of Cary/Apex is also IICRC certified for mold remediation and uses HEPA vacuums.

**

AdvantaClean of Cary and Apex is your mold and environmental specialist in Southwest Wake, Chatham and Johnston Counties.

Our team of certified professionals is ready to address all your service needs.

Your air quality and restoration specialists

Call 919 434 7249

AdvantaClean

Photo: AdvantaClean

5 Key Reasons to Choose the Excellent Customer Service of AdvantaClean of Cary/Apex

cs-stuart-milesAs many Triangle home and business owners know, maintaining a building is hard enough without any extra problems thrown into the day-to-day mix of things to do. Some maintenance or repair items involving mechanical systems require experts or specialists to get them fixed right. Other situations can be the result of unforeseen incidents involving fire, flood, plumbing failure, storm damage, odors, or perhaps a mold problem; and these often require an immediate response. Whatever the case, good customer service, well-trained people, and quick response times make these challenges a little easier to assess and deal with when they happen. AdvantaClean of Cary/Apex is the restoration contractor in the Triangle that stands above all others for quickness and service. We are the one to call for both regular maintenance and disaster recovery. Our reputation depends on it.

We offer five important reasons AdvantaClean of Cary/Apex is best at customer service for both cleaning and restoration:

  • AdvantaClean has trained specialists in a variety of maintenance and recovery tasks: AdvantaClean performs expert air duct cleaning, air conditioner coil cleaning, and dryer vent cleaning. We also perform cleanup and restoration for fire, smoke damage, flood, water damage, and mold infestations.
  • AdvantaClean follow practices and standards established by leading research organizations: The standards set by the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, Restoration Certification (IICRC), Mold Inspection Consulting and Remediation Organization (MICRO), and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are always followed with each client need.
  • Our team approach is tailored to each individual situation: Since no two buildings or customers are alike, AdvantaClean technicians meet with our customers. We carefully assess the situation, and explain our approach with regard to methodology, time frame, and costs. This process happens before any work gets done. We want our customers to understand the process and experience the best possible outcomes.
  • AdvantaClean offers timely, effective, and reliable service when it comes to disaster recovery: We’re available to respond at all times, any day of the week, any time of the year. We are also experienced at working with insurance adjusters to ensure the claims process goes as smoothly as possible.
  • AdvantaClean of Cary/Apex is locally owned and operated: Owner Mark England is involved in every project and works hard to ensure timely response, outstanding service, qualified and helpful staff, and the right equipment is used for every project.

AdvantaClean of Cary/Apex specializes in fire, smoke, and water damage restoration, air duct cleaning, dryer vent cleaning, and mold inspection, testing, and removal. We deliver the best customer service and well-qualified advice, and work hard to get the best outcomes. People all over Wake County and the Triangle agree that AdvantaClean of Cary/Apex is the best contractor to call for cleaning and restoration needs.

AdvantaClean of Cary and Apex is the number one team of professionals in the Triangle to clean air ducts and dryer vents, inspect and remediate mold, and clean up from fire, flooding, or water damage. Contact us today to maintain buildings and recover from disasters.

**

AdvantaClean of Cary and Apex is your environmental specialist in Wake and Johnston Counties. Our team of certified professionals is ready to address all your service needs.

We are your air quality and restoration specialists in Apex, Cary and Southwestern Wake County.

Call 919 434 7249

AdvantaClean

Photo: stuart miles, freedigitalphotos.net

5 Important Strategies for Atlantic Hurricane Season Preparation

tpsdave_pixabayIt is September 1st and we live in the Triangle of North Carolina. Tropical Storm Hermine has formed over the coat of Florida and is heading our way with an increase in the speed of movement.  It is the annual Atlantic hurricane season in full swing. Although the hurricane season hasn’t been a busy or destructive one in the Triangle for at least five years, the potential always exists for the sever combination of wind and rain. Many Raleigh area residents remember the days of Hurricane Floyd in 1999 or Fran in 1996; both caused widespread flooding, property damage and power outages. If these storm levels happen again in 2016, preparation and anticipation will help make the water damage less severe for Triangle home and business owners.

AdvantaClean of Cary/Apex offers five important strategies that help home and business owners be better prepared for the 2016 Atlantic hurricane season:

  • Know the home or business location and its relativity to flood prone areas: The areas, most susceptible to flooding from major storms, are within the 100-year flood plain. These areas are specifically mapped by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and are available online by county. They can be viewed as aerial images or property maps.
  • Be prepared for the combination of torrential wind and rain: Wind or rain alone does not impact as both of them combined. Both can be very damaging. Also, check the property insurance policy to make sure the structure is covered for wind-driven rain. In any event, this phenomenon is common in hurricanes and can result in water damage from flooding.
  • Inspect roofing, flashing, and downspouts before the storm: Try to identify any loose roofing materials or problem areas where water is not draining off the roof and away from the structure. Wind can exacerbate these problems by tearing away roofing materials, and then wind-driven rain can penetrate the exposed sections.
  • Inspect siding and exterior seals around windows and doors: Any areas where caulk or other sealing is damaged or missing become vessels for wind-driven rain getting inside the walls or coming in through doors.
  • Know a certified restoration contractor before damage is done: Do some quick research, and place AdvantaClean of Cary/Apex in your smartphone. We are experienced at working with insurance claims as well as being IICRC Certified; and we are there when needed.

AdvantaClean of Cary/Apex offers a number or services to help clean up from heavy storms and hurricanes. We are certified by the IICRC to clean up water damage, and are available anytime, any day to respond. AdvantaClean would prefer that hurricane season be uneventful, but if not, we know how to get homes and businesses back to normal.

AdvantaClean of Cary/Apex is the number one team of professionals in the Triangle to perform IICRC certified flood and water damage restoration.  Contact us today in the unfortunate event there is flooding and water damage from storms or other causes.

**

AdvantaClean of Cary and Apex is your environmental specialist in Wake and Johnston Counties. Our team of certified professionals is ready to address all your service needs.

Your air quality and restoration specialists

Call 919 434 7249

AdvantaClean

Photo: tpsdave, pixabay.com

5 Preventive Tips for Eliminating Water Supply Line Damage

music4life_pixabayMany people in the Triangle have been busy over the past summer with graduations, vacations, road trips, outings to the North Carolina beaches and mountains, and enjoying the hot weather. This can mean time away from the home or business; and water-related mishaps can occur in absence. One of the leading causes of water mishaps is the water supply lines that connect various appliances to the main lines in the building. Washing machines, dishwashers, and refrigerator ice makers all use flexible plastic or rubber hoses and those hoses are constantly under water pressure. Problems can result because materials and connectors that wear out or fail. If left undetected, water can leak out for days or even longer, flooding the immediate area and beyond.

AdvantaClean of Cary/Apex offers these five tips for preventing appliance related water damage:

  • Take a look at the hoses behind washers, dishwashers, and refrigerators: Don’t just look at them for leaks or cracking, but make sure the connections are tight too. Look nearby for signs of water or mold, as mold may be a sign of a slow leak. Replace the hose if it looks worn or leaky.
  • Replace the supply hoses and lines to appliances based on age: Try to determine the age of various supply hoses and periodically replace them. If the age is unknown, consider replacing them. If the age is known, the general rule of thumb is to replace every five years. If the supply line is replaced, record the date on a piece of masking tape and stick it on the piping.
  • Check the water shutoff valves: The shutoff valves are usually located where the flexible hose connects to the main plumbing, often behind the appliance. The dishwasher shutoff is usually under the kitchen sink. These valves don’t last forever, and are prone to problems, especially where hard water is commonplace. A plumber can easily replace these, perhaps even as a preventive measure. It is much less expensive than water damage.
  • Ensure hoses and supply lines are not bent or kinked: Improper installation is a big issue. Moving the refrigerator or washer against the wall can cause supply hoses to become twisted, wedged into small spaces, or kinked at sharp angles. That can cause water supply hoses to fail before they are old enough to warrant replacement.
  • Appliances can leak from the inside: Any appliance that uses water has internal valves and mechanisms that turn the water on and off and some also have internal rubber and plastic hoses with water under pressure. Ultimately, the best prevention for water-related mishaps during an absence from home or business is to turn off the main water supply.

 

 

AdvantaClean of Cary/Apex offers a number or services to help clean up from water damage and the mold that often follows it. We are certified by the IICRC to restore water damage, and are available anytime, any day to respond. AdvantaClean would prefer that water damage be prevented, but if it happens, we know how to take care of the problem correctly and quickly with the right people, equipment, and expertise.

AdvantaClean of Cary/Apex is the number one team of professionals in the Triangle to perform IICRC certified flood damage restoration.  Contact us today in the unfortunate event you experience flood or water damage.

**

AdvantaClean of Cary and Apex is your environmental specialist in Wake and Johnston Counties. Our team of certified professionals is ready to address all your service needs. 

Your air quality and restoration specialists 

Call 919 434 7249 

AdvantaClean

Photo: music4life, pixabay.com