5 Common Places for Mold in a North Carolina Home or Business

With the heat and humidity of summer right around the corner across the Triangle and Southwest Wake County, mold can become a serious indoor problem and must be watched for in any increased wet conditions. Mold only needs warm temperatures to grow and thrive. It can be a problem during the winter months as well. Yet it is the warmer and more humid months of summer across our region of North Carolina that includes Fayetteville, Lillington, Sanford, Pittsboro, Cary and Apex, where it can grow at an even faster rate. Mold always grows best at temperatures between 60 F and 80 F, which is where most air conditioners are set during the summer.

In our last AdvantaClean of Cary/Apex Blog, we wrote about how mold can affect our indoor health and how certain allergic symptoms can lead our AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/ Apex team to look for an array of indoor mold situations. It is important to note that it can grow almost anywhere in our homes and businesses. There are common places where mold is most likely to be found as well. Now that spring is here, most owners usually do a good spring cleaning where they live and work. If mold, mildew, fungus or damp and dry spotting are found, it is important to call us to assess the home or building. Our certified and local AdvantaClean professionals can clean the mold and remove it properly with the least amount of disruption to home, life, and business.

AdvantaClean suggests five common places for find mold that could grow in a home or business:

• Behind bathroom walls: Walls in the bathtub or shower can be especially susceptible to mold around and under the shower head neck and faucets. Over the years, water can drip behind the ceramic tiles. Possible signs of mold behind the wall include holes in the tile grout, cracked tiles, or if tiles start to become lose and possibly fall off of the wall.  
• Window sills: During spring cleaning, mold might be found around and under the window sills. Condensation occurs during the winter because it is colder outside and warmer and more humid indoors. During the winter, condensation builds up on windows and drips down into the walls and window sills.
• Carpets and carpet padding: Carpets take a lot of abuse including spilled liquids, dirt and minor floods. Dirt can be food for mold and water of course is where it starts. Water can get onto and under carpets from any number of reasons that can include drips, weather and problems like a leaking hot water tank.
• Wallpaper: There are signs that could indicate mold behind wallpaper. These signs include torn wallpaper, damp spots, discoloration or peeling edges.
• Other common places: Check for mold under sinks, on shower curtains, around air conditioners, ductwork, and door gaskets on front loading washing machines. Areas like  attics, basements, crawl spaces, chimneys, cavity walls, refrigerator drip pans and ceiling tiles should be assessed too.
  

Mold can grow wherever there is water, dampness and condensation. If there is mold or the suspicion of mold, call AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex. Our local team of professionals can inspect and test for mold in a home or business. If mold is found we will safely remove it, following proper procedures to make certain the damage is contained and removed properly every time. AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/ Apex is IIRC certified and we serve a wide area of the Triangle and surrounding region. If concerned about mold, or if it is sighted; call us immediately at 919-434-7249 for an inspection today.

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

We are the premier air quality and restoration specialists in the Triangle!

Call 919 434 7249

AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex

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4 Important Signs That Mold is Present in a Triangle Home or Business

There are approximately 30 common types of mold found in North Carolina homes and businesses that can cause health problems, and there are thousands of mold spores in the air especially as we head quickly to spring. Sometimes the mold can be seen, but many times mold is hidden in walls, under bathroom tiles, and under the carpet.

It is important to note that mold can cause health problems and should be addressed when found. Thankfully, AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/ Apex has ways to detect and identify a suspected mold problem in the home or business.

The best and most effective way to take eliminate mold is to call AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/ Apex. Even if there is just a suspicion of mold, our professional team can inspect and test for mold and take care of any mold problem before it gets worse. If and when mold is found, we will take a culture of the mold and test it to determine the amount within a home or business.

AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/ Apex suggests four important signs that mold might be present in a home or building:

• Sickness and poor health symptoms: Many times, if mold is present, there will be health symptoms that include nasal and sinus congestion, cough, sore throats, chest tightness, breathing difficulties, asthma or worsening of asthma, nosebleeds, headaches, skin and eye irritations and upper respiratory tract infections.  Many of the mold symptoms resemble normal allergies or a cold. If people living in the home feel better outside or at work and the symptoms return when at home, that could be an indication of mold in the home.
• Musty odors: Mold usually has a smell to it, but that is not always the case; mold produces or gives off gasses known as microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOC). The smell that is most closely associated with mold is a musty odor. Some have compared it to the smell books get when they are wet. The wet pages are turning moldy. If there is an unusual persistent musty odor, there could be a chance mold is present.
• The physical appearance of mold: In the shower stall, mold looks different than normal soap scum. If you should see small black specs starting to form on the tiles or the shower curtain, that could be black mold starting to form. Under sinks is another place you might see mold.
• Other signs of mold: Are there continual damp spots on walls, ceilings or carpets? These areas could easily be places where mold could be growing. Other signs can include bubbling, peeling or cracking of the paint or wallpaper, or white patches under carpets, behind furniture and in cabinets.

Mold can be in plain sight or hide behind walls, under floor tiles and carpeting. Serving the entire Triangle area, Sanford, Lillington, Fayetteville and beyond, AdvantaClean of Cary/ Apex can test for mold with one simple call. If mold is found, we will safely remove the mold following proper procedures. Our experts will make certain the mold is contained and disposed of properly and on time. If mold is suspected, call us at 919-434-7249 for an inspection and test.

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AdvantaClean Environmental 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

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5 Critical North Carolina Winter Indoor Moisture Problems

Excessive indoor moisture and humidity are well-known problems North Carolina and throughout the Southeast summer. Lack of ventilation and the constant use of air conditioning between June and October enable very humid air to become trapped indoors; this can create mold growth and other problems. However, it is important to note that high indoor humidity and moisture levels can cause even more problems during winter. Condensation can occur on cold surfaces; walls, windows, and doors that are cooled by cold outdoor air as well. If the moisture is not corrected, this can eventually cause structural damage and poor indoor air quality. It’s important for Triangle home and business owners to know about moisture and all the problems it can cause, as well as how to get indoor moisture issues fixed.

AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex offers important advice on five very common indoor moisture problems during North Carolina’s winter months:

• Condensation on windows, exterior-facing doors, and walls: Moisture occurs when warm air comes into contact with cold surfaces inside a building. Poorly insulated windows, doors, and walls are common sources. Condensation causes water to accumulate in these areas and enable mold to grow, or if undetected or not corrected over a period of time, causes important building structural components to deteriorate.
• Mold growth in moist areas: The essential ingredients for mold growth are present in most indoor environments, as mold microbes are everywhere. They only need a food source and moisture to flourish. The food source, in the form of wood products and other cellulose-rich building materials such as drywall and furniture are abundant, and moisture is often the only missing ingredient. Remember, moisture accumulates indoors and mold can grow.
• Dust mites and insects thrive in elevated humidity levels: Dust mites are known to cause allergy and asthma symptoms for many people in homes and businesses. Even if mold isn’t present within an overly humid environment, dust mites will be plentiful enough to significantly reduce indoor air quality. And the problems become more serious when mold is present.
• Crawl space enclosures and dehumidifiers: Crawl spaces can be a source of excessive indoor moisture during winter months if the ground is moist. This moisture continuously evaporates and enters the indoor air, and mold can grow if the air is warm.  AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex can detect and resolve crawl space moisture problems with encapsulations. If the problem is not so severe, running a dehumidifier may be a solution.
• The key fact to solving indoor moisture problems: Moisture sources should be identified and controlled, and relative humidity levels should be maintained in the 40 to 60 percent range. Some common moisture sources are condensation, slow plumbing leaks, poorly ventilated bathrooms, damp crawl spaces, attics, and indoor activities such as cooking.

AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex specializes in helping home and business owners improve their indoor air quality, test, remediate and eliminate mold, and encapsulate crawl spaces. We offer the best available expertise certified by multiple standards-setting organizations. Add to this the best equipment and customer service available in the Triangle, and there’s no reason not to call now to solve building moisture and indoor air quality issues.

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May you and yours have the most joyous of Christmas Seasons and Happy New Year!

AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary and Apex is the regional environmental specialist in Wake and Johnston Counties. Our team of certified professionals is ready to address all regional service needs, from the Triangle to Sanford to Lillington to Faywetteville.

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

Call 919 434 7249

AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex

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Five Important Tips for Winter Home Safety

The Holiday Season is here in the Triangle, Fayetteville and the surrounding region, and the weather will be getting below freezing more and more frequently, with overnight lows in the 20’s and 30’s. These temperatures create a variety of challenges for maintaining homes and businesses, and keeping the occupants safe. Indoor air quality can decrease when the heating system runs every day, and those homeowners using natural gas or heating oil might have additional risks of carbon monoxide. Unattended homes and buildings over the holidays can create problems that can go unnoticed.  Basic prevention and assessment of indoor air is the best strategy for home and business owners in the Triangle. AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/ Apex can help with preventive measures such as air duct cleaning, and our team of professionals can also assist remediate mishaps like water, fire, or smoke damage.

AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex offers five important tips for preparing a home or business for the North Carolina winter:

• The HVAC system should have an annual inspection this time of year: A local and reputable HVAC contractor should make sure the system is operating safely and efficiently before it is used on a regular basis for the long winter season. If the heating system uses any fossil fuels, make sure carbon monoxide detectors are installed and working. An improperly operating or defective heating system can release colorless, odorless, and deadly carbon monoxide gas into the indoor air.
• Commercial and residential air ducts should be inspected and cleaned to ensure the best indoor air quality: The air ducts move vast quantities of air through the system, and over a period of time, dust and debris can accumulate in those ducts. A NADCA certified and experienced contractor like AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex can assess and clean them.
• Prevent pipes from freezing and bursting in extreme cold: Exterior and interior wall water supplies and drain pipes must not be allowed to get below 32 degrees or they can freeze. As water turns to ice, it expands and can cause pipes to break. Prevent freezing by keeping the indoor temperature at least 55 degrees. If leaving for an extended period, turn the main building water supply off, flush toilets, and run faucets dry.
• Check for exterior water leaks on the roof, siding, and around windows: While this is actually a good year-round inspection to do, it’s especially important if the building will be left unattended for any length of time. Minor leaks from these areas can enable mold growth inside walls and ceilings, which can spread rapidly if growing unnoticed in a tightly sealed building.
• Disconnect any appliances not being used during an extended absence period: Water lines to refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, and water heaters can begin leaking suddenly and spew a lot of water. Refrigerators, freezers and other electrical appliances left running can fail electrically, causing a fire. To eliminate the possibility of flood or fire, disconnect or shut off the water source and do not leave electrical appliances running while away for any period of time.

AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex specializes in helping home and business owners keep their indoor air clean and recover from fire, smoke, and water damage. We offer the best NADCA and IICRC Certified expertise, equipment, and customer service available in the Triangle. While remediation business is always appreciated, we also want all our friends and neighbors in North Carolina to avoid disasters and injuries.

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

Advanta Clean is the air quality and restoration specialists in the Triangle and surrounding region.

Call 919 434 7249

AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex

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Five Leading Causes of Triangle Home and Business Water Damage

The upcoming fall and winter temperatures can bring increased potential for water damage in Triangle homes and businesses. It is also one of the busiest times of the year for people in North Carolina. Kids in the Raleigh area can now take advantage of cooler weather and the Holiday Season. In combination with the busy summer and vacations, not much attention is usually paid to certain types of building maintenance.

It is important to note that water damage from to small leaks within structural and plumbing facilities is one of the leading causes of family and business disruption and financial losses. A few simple strategies can help prevent water damage disasters and the mold that often comes afterward in these situations. AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex is the local service specialist in water damage and mold remediation. Our team has managed a variety of water damage conditions over the years.

AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex offers these five important tips for preventing water damage and mold:

• Freezing pipes and hoses can burst and start leaking when temperatures are less than 32 degrees: It does not have to get to 10 or 15 degrees to create problems. Any pipes on the outside of a building, or in unheated attics and crawl spaces, need to be insulated to prevent freezing. Garden hoses should be disconnected and drained before freezing happens, or the potential result can be damage to the plumbing inside the building.
• Locate and seal any roof, window, or siding leaks: These types of leaks tend to develop slowly and go undetected for periods of time, especially during dry and cool weather. These leaks usually become apparent with a wind driven rain event, such as a heavy rain or winter storm. An undetected leak can result in mold growth in sources like attics, crawl spaces, and inside walls. The only prevention strategy is monthly inspections to look for evidence of leaks or excessive moisture.
• Water supply hoses to appliances, sinks, and toilets need to be assessed and replaced as needed: These hoses are present nearly with dishwashers, washing machines, refrigerators, sinks, or commodes. They can slowly develop cracks and start leaking small amounts, or they can suddenly burst and create damage everywhere. A widespread recommendation is to replace appliance supply hoses at least every five years. As for sinks and toilets, regularly inspect the supply lines and shutoff valves.
• Today’s modern appliances do not last like they used to and can fail earlier than anticipated: All appliances that use water, including washers, dishwashers, and refrigerators, have internal plumbing and water valves. Due to manufacturing defects or age, usually at seven to 10 years, this internal plumbing can fail and leak. The best prevention is to replace external supply lines and regularly inspect for water leaks.
• Anywhere there is moisture, mold can grow: Mold and its food sources are present nearly everywhere in the environment, both indoors and outdoors. Moisture is the missing ingredient and with an ample supply, mold can grow and spread. Mold, on many occasions is a derivative of an acute water damage problem. It can start growing within 48 hours of any moisture.

In the unfortunate event a Triangle home or business has water or mold damage, AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex is fully qualified and capable of remediating the situation properly and quickly with the right people, equipment, and training. In addition to years of experience across Apex, Cary, Southwest Wake and beyond, we are IICRC Certified in water damage restoration and mold remediation.

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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

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

After 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.

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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

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

Proper 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.

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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

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

Dealing 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.

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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

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5 Important Strategies for Atlantic Hurricane Season Preparation

It is September 1^st 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.

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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

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5 Preventive Tips for Eliminating Water Supply Line Damage

Many 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.

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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

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