A Fire Story in Yonkers, NY

   Currently, I am working on a fire job in Yonkers, NY. Unlike the other smoke, soot and fire restoration we usually see, this job is one that I will never forget. A child in the home had been playing with matches and a fire broke out. Thankfully everyone in the home was safe and as far as I knew, this was just another fire restoration job, but when my technicians and I arrived at the home, it was very clear that this was unlike anything I have ever experienced.

   The home had a typical amount of damage related to the size and cause of the fire but what I saw next was so truly shocking that my jaw hit the floor. The home was so cluttered with items, furniture, garbage, boxes, newspapers and the like that I couldn't possibly grasp how an entire family made it out of the home in one piece. The firemen had the hardest time out of everyone involved. Not only were their lives at risk due to the fire, but the condition of the home made their jobs nearly impossible. The clutter and debris covered the steps, blocked several entrances and exits, and the piles of stuff reached the ceiling in many rooms. There were only narrow passageways that broke through the homes contents, but they were dangerous and impassible at times. You can imagine how difficult it would be to close your eyes and maneuver through your home on its messiest day in the dark. Now, try to imagine moving through a house filled with piles of debris while smoke and flames burned your eyes and throat without a shred of light anywhere. This home was doomed even before the fire. It was the kind of house that you may have seen on those hoarding shows. A sad, unspeakably unsafe place to raise a family. Even though the fire had burned through quite a bit of the structure, the smell of the fire couldn't cover up the odor of mold and rotting materials.

   This was no ordinary fire restoration job. It became a clean out, mold remediation, water damage, demolition and reconstruction job. Because of the hoarded materials, the home had overdue repair and maintenance work that had never been addressed. There was water damage that was concealed by the clutter which turned to a severe case of mold infestation. After the home was cleared of all the debris, we discovered that the floors and walls were so soft that you could pierce them with the slightest pressure from one finger. As I looked around at the work that was ahead of us, for the first time in my professional career, I truly didn't know where to begin. I was assured that the family would receive the help that they so desperately needed. The home was a rental and I could only empathize with the landlord/homeowner. I assured him that I wouldn't walk away from this job. Thank goodness for insurance.

   The restoration process has only begun but I do have hope that there will be a finish line in the future. You can see that the obvious moral of the story is fire safety. We have to teach our children about the dangers of playing with matches. But just as important is that we recognize that illness can come in many forms. The illness that plagued these particular adults was hoarding. Their hoarding almost cost them their lives and the lives of their children. Keep your family safe by creating an escape plan in case of an emergency or fire. Be sure that your windows and doors are accessible to emergency personnel and of course to your family. Lastly, if you suspect that your family, friends or neighbors are in need of help, reach out to them in any way possible. The family in this situation were lucky but the story could have unfolded in a very different way.

 

Buying a New Area Rug? - Read This First!

For some, buying an area rug is strictly based on the pattern/color, size and price of said rug. But what is really important is often left off that list. When you're in the market for a new area rug, remember that educated buyers are smart buyers. Different types of area rugs can look very similar to an untrained eye and some tricky marketing strategies use descriptive adjectives that can be very misleading. So when you are ready to hit those stores to purchase an area rug, or two, or three, go armed with the information that could prevent an expensive mistake and remember to set a budget for yourself. As "they" say, knowledge is power. When you have finished reading this tutorial, you should be able to distinguish between the different types of area rugs....... and maybe even sound like an expert!

 ***Machine Made -vs- Hand Made... And How To Know What's Right For You!***

- Machine made rugs are, well, made by partial or total help of a machine. These rugs are not knotted. They are ""woven" using machines. Sometimes these rugs will be described as power-loomed. Machine made rugs can be made of wool fibers or man made fibers like Nylon and Olefin. These rugs tend to be less expensive but that doesn't mean their quality is by any means inferior to that of a hand made rug. An added benefit of   rugs that are made by machines is that they tend to be strong and durable. Your budget and needs will determine which rug is right for you.

- There are several terms that you will hear while shopping for a rug, like hand tufted, hand knotted and hand woven. Knowing the definitions of these terms is important. But lets start with the basics. Handmade rugs are knotted or woven by hand, without the use of machinery. Each and every single knot is made by hand. It is a very labor intensive process and can take very long periods of time to create. This is why handmade rugs are considered investment pieces. Typically, handmade rugs are made using wool, cotton and silk fibers. Ask the sales representative that is assisting you to show you the fiber component information, and remember this, if the sales staff cannot answer your questions, head for the door.

- There is another type of rug that uses both handmade elements as well as some assistance from machines, in particular a drill gun that has been modified. The tricky part about these types of rugs are the terms used to describe the differences. When you see the term "Hand-Hooked", the rug is made in the following way. The modified drill, that I mentioned before, is used to insert the pile into a cloth base which creates a loop pile which is then described as...... "Hand-Hooked". Sometimes, the loop pile rug is sheared off at the very top which creates a cut pile. These cut pile rugs are called "Hand-Tufted". These rugs have the look of a handmade rug without the price-tag. Remember that machine made rugs can be created quickly, so the price is typically lower. Rug collectors or those consumers that are looking to purchase a rug as an investment piece will usually bypass these rugs. If you have expensive taste but only a small budget, these rugs could be a beautiful fit. These skillfully made and labeled rugs have the look of a handmade rug without the sometimes hefty price-tag of a handmade rug.

 ***Identify The Type Of Rug With These 3 Factors.......Edges, Fringe & The Back Of The Rug***

- Edges - The way the edge of a rug is finished can be a useful indicator of how the rug was made. The edges of a machine made rug are created through binding or surging. Flip the corner of the rug to reveal the backside of the edge and look for uniform machine stitched "tracks". Handmade rugs or hand knotted rugs are finished on the edges by hand. You will not see those tell-tale machine tracks on the back of the rug and the edges will resemble surging. If you are unsure, ask the salesperson to show you the difference.

- Fringe - If the rug has a fringed edge, it can be very easy to determine whether the rug was handmade or machine made. Machine made rugs will have fringe that has been sewn on after the fact or the fringe will have a sewn line right on top in plain view. The fringe on a handmade rug should look like an extension of the fibers that were used to make the rug. It wont look like it was sewn on after.

- The Back Of The Rug - By far, the back of any rug is the easiest way for me to tell how a rug was made. I enjoy showing my clients this method of detecting the origins of their rugs. Handmade rugs have the distinct marks that any handmade item would have. The knotting on the back of a handmade rug will be a bit uneven. Some knots will be slightly smaller or larger than others. Handmade rugs will have slight imperfections or inconsistencies. That's what makes these rugs so special, it's "flaws" are actually a good thing. Machine made rugs are typically very uniform on the back. You wont see the same inconsistencies. Rugs that are called hand hooked or hand tufted will typically have a cloth backing which will immediately convey they their origin.

So there you have it! I know that it might seem like a lot of information but if you create a budget, you can clearly see what your options are going to be. Before you ever step foot in the store, measure the size of the space or the entire room so that you have an idea of the size, shape and price of the rug you need, or can afford. Think about the amount of foot traffic and the type of activities that will take place in and on your rug. Regardless of how the rug was created, when you do see the rug in person, flip over the corner and examine the back. The more intricate, detailed and pronounced the design, the better the quality. he more knots or weaves per square inch, the more durable the rug.

Last but certainly not least, don't forget to have your cleaned!!!!!

I hope this information is helpful and don't forget to have your rugs cleaned!

Michael Bowerman

What's That Smell?!

With all the rain we received a few weeks ago, it's no surprise to get phone calls from customers that have an "odd" odor in their home or basement. It is usally described as a musty or moldy smell. This smell is typically a warning that something is wrong. If you had water damage of any kind, and it was not addressed properly or at all, that smell is an indicator. It means that the area still has too much moisture and could be an indication of a mold problem. I blog about water and mold so much because I have seen the damage that it can cause to not only our homes, but our health. If you know your home was affected by water, and now you can smell a musty odor, it is better to be safe than sorry. Call a professional! Avoiding a water damage problem will not make it go away. It only creates more problems and expenses.

Michael Bowerman - President

Bowerman Restoration LLC - Experts in Disaster Recovery
Storm, Water, Flood, Mold, Sewage, Fire, Smoke & Soot Remediation

17 Jean Lane, Hartsdale, NY 10530

WEB:        http://www.bowermanrestoration.com/
E-MAIL:     michael@bowerman restoration.com
CELL:          (914) 804-5737
OFFICE:        (914) 674-1499
TOLL FREE:    (800) 638-4799

So Much Rain, So little Time

The past few weeks here in Westchester County have been quite, well, wet. Maybe its just me but it seems that April, the month that's supposed to be rainy, wasn't, and May and June were. Regardless, the rain was here and supposedly there is more to come. So I want to remind all of you to protect your property from the potential hazards that come along with heavy rains.

Making sure your gutters are in proper working order is a top priority. They should be cleaned every year to remove debris like leaves and sticks. The only way that a gutter can do its job is when its clear of obstructions. The gutters are supposed to carry water away from your house and foundation. So often I see gutters that have down-spouts that are pointed directly towards the foundation of the home. This will only lead to one conclusion, when heavy rains come, the water will find its way into your basement or first level via the porous concrete. Take my advice and do a proper walk through of your property. Make sure your down spouts are directed away from your home.

While we are talking about walk throughs, inspect the rest of your property for other red flags. If you see any broken or dead branches that could potentially damage your roof or home, have the branches removed. All it takes is one strong gust of wind, and that branch could wind up damaging your roof, windows, or worse. Once you have damage on your roof, water is likely to follow. Don't take a chance with the safety of your home.

The next time a heavy rain storm comes, take a walk around the perimeter of you house. Check the ground for any pooling water or heavy puddling around the foundation. Sometimes, if the ground has not been properly leveled or graded, the rain water will pool very close to your home. French drain systems and dry-wells are common solutions to re-directing water away from the foundation of your house.

If you have an underground sprinkler system, be sure to have it professionally checked. Faulty sprinkler heads can directly place water right at your front door. Broken pipes or underground lines can lead to massive flooding. Proper maintenance will keep your grass green and your house dry.

Be sure that if you do have a basement that is prone to water infiltration, you have a sufficient number of sump pumps. If you are concerned about losing power to your sump pumps, you might want to consider having an alternative source of power installed. Generators have become very popular since Hurricane Irene occurred in the summer of 2011. Many of us lost power for long stretches of time, rendering our sump pumps useless. Back up generators can be a lifesaver. They come in a variety of sizes, price-ranges and use several different sources of power.

Lastly, household maintenance is a sure-fire way to prevent water damage in your home. Having items like water heaters, air conditioners, heating systems, dishwashers, washing machines and dryers inspected and maintained by certified professionals is the only way to ensure their properly working. These items are notorious for causing damage to homes. There is no way to prevent complete accidents from occurring, but you can drastically reduce the potential with simple, regularly scheduled maintenance.

Water damage is the number one cause of damage for our customers in particular. It can destroy a lifetime of memories in a matter of hours. Please remember, water damage can lead to even more disastrous situations like mold infestation. Keeping your home and family safe from the elements of Mother Nature is the only way to reduce your risk for expensive remediations.

Flooded Basements and Wet Feet in Elmsford, NY

Yesterday and into today, we were given some much needed rain. But it fell pretty hard and fast, causing some  areas to get flooded. We received a call already from a client in Elmsford, NY who's basement has several inches of water in it. When your home or business is located in in low-lying areas like Elmsford, NY, you are at greater risk for water infiltration, even with a small amount of rain. And if you have a basement, you can assume that the water will be headed for it because when it comes to water, gravity rules.

If you cant afford a total home makeover, I suggest starting with the least expensive option, buy a sump pump, or two. The sump pumps should be placed in the lowest points of your basement and having more than one pump will provide back up in case the something goes wrong with the other. Two is always better than one. If water enters your basement, the sump pumps will turn on and do their job, removing the excess water and expelling it into a slop sink, drain, bucket or outside. But installing your sump pump properly is very important. As I saw too frequently during Hurricane Irene, many home and business owners lost power, thus, making their sump pumps obsolete. The solution is simple, have your sump pumps installed properly and have a backup power source. Even a small generator that runs on any alternative power will do the trick, as long as you do proper maintenance on a regular basis. The very last thing that you would want to happen is to have the power go out and get to your basement only to discover that your generator will not start.

A more advanced solution to flooding basements is to have a french drain system installed below the soil line around the perimeter of your homes foundation. These systems carry excess water away from your home and the ground surrounding it and expel it into the street or to an underground dry well. The perforated pipes can be a material as simple as PVC or more advanced materials depending on your needs. French drain systems can be installed professionally or by a savvy do-it-yourselfer. The choice is yours.

Finally, there are several professional companies that provide basement systems to prevent any water infiltration. These basement sealing systems have proven very effective, and many times are guaranteed for years by the company that installs it. Without getting into every step of the process, they seal out water from entering your basement, from floors to walls, interior to exterior. But each home is different and some companies have a variety of materials and methods.

Educating yourself about the options that are available to you can save you a headache in the long run. Preventing water damage in your home is essential. As my Dad always says, "An ounce of prevention is worth its weight in gold!"......... I think he just makes this stuff up out of thin air (LOL) ! Stay dry out there!

Sewage Backups....Don't Touch!

Contact with sewage is hazardous! Sewage contains a number of disease causing organisms and should ONLY be handled, removed and cleaned by a qualified professional! If your home has been contaminated or exposed to sewage, here are a few things you should know.

1- Call a professional as soon as possible. Companies, like my own, can provide service professionals to shut off or fix the actual cause of the sewage leak. Otherwise, contact your plumber immediately.

2- Call  a reputable disaster restoration company. Bowerman Restoration will respond to your emergency within one hour. We proudly service all of Westchester County, NY, Putnam County, NY, Rockland County, NY & Fairfield County, CT. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, just a phone call away, 1-800-638-4799. We work with homeowners, property adjusters and insurance companies to restore your property efficiently, with quality and care.

3- Call your insurance provider to report your claim. Being knowledgeable about your coverage will eliminate any surprises when an emergency arises. Your insurance company should provide you with a claim number and a property adjuster who will assess the damage to your home or business.

4- Keep a detailed list of any items, contents or personal property that was affected, damaged, contaminated or destroyed. If you had to replace or repair any of these items, save your receipts. Keeping an accurate log of all money spent will assist you during the claims process.

5- If anyone in the home or business has a compromised or weakened immune system, they should find other accommodations immediately. Those with compromised immune systems (infants, young children, elderly, sick) are especially susceptible to the dangers of contact with sewage. They should remain off the property until it has been deemed safe by a professional. Testing and sampling may be necessary to determine when or if the contamination has been eradicated.

6- Do NOT touch or use any item that has been contaminated or that you suspect has been contaminated. Even small amounts of sewage can cause severe illness. The items that are salvageable must be cleaned, sanitized and disinfected by an experienced professional.

7- If you suspect that you or someone in your home has had contact or is sick due to contact with sewage, see a doctor immediately. Sewage contains disease causing organisms and toxins that can cause very serious complications to your health. Professional restoration technicians have protective equipment and suits to reduce their risk when they are exposed to sewage. Never the less, the only way to completely eliminate the health risks associated with sewage is by having no contact with it whatsoever.

There are times when a home or business owner can handle small emergencies on their own but that is not the case when it comes to sewage. If your residential or commercial property has been affected by sewage, call Bowerman Restoration 1-800-638-4799, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year!

Don't Rip Up That Wet Hardwood Floor Just Yet!

A few months ago, we completed a fairly large restoration job in Scarsdale, NY. The homeowners had a significant amount of water damage to their home after several days of heavy rains. Because their house sits at the lowest part of a steeply inclined street, their house is the prime target for excess runoff from heavy rains, or any water for that matter. Being new homeowners, they had begun to update areas of the house to suit their personal tastes. One of the first things they did was installing beautiful hardwood floors throughout the basement. They were trying to create an upscale game room and the pictures that they showed me were really impressive. unfortunately, the heavy rainfall created alot of excess water, and water, as we know, seeks the lowest possible place to settle. It just so happens that the lowest point was their newly finished basement. They were devastated, to say the least. There was several inches of water covering their brand new hardwood floors when I arrived.
The clients assumed that their hardwood floors would have to be ripped out and replaced because of the warping they had begun to see after we extracted the water. It's actually not always the case. In this particular instance, we were able to successfully salvage their floors. Depending on how long the floors were exposed to the water, how much water actually penetrated the wood, and several other factors can determine if your floors can be saved. An experienced restoration company will have the tools to properly assess the damage and the equipment to properly fix it. The equipment that I use in scenarios where there are wet hardwood floors uses air that is directly injected under and in-between the planks or panels of wood. It can take several days of drying to properly salvage the floors, but only experienced technicians should be handling these types of repairs. It's important that flooring, among other fixtures, dry slowly, evenly and thoroughly. This principle actually applies to most damaged parts of the structure.
If your home suffers water damage, the best thing to do is to call a reputable disaster restoration company (preferably mine....shameless plug......I know). Next, take a deep breath and let the professionals do what you hired them to do. A great restoration company will have employees that can answer all of your questions and concerns, the proper equipment to do the job and a plan of action to properly handle the situation. If they don't, call another company!