How to Test a Roof Leak after an Arizona Storm

After a Arizona monsoon you may suspect your roof was damaged in the storm and is leaking. Before calling a certified AZ restoration company you can test your roof yourself.  If you put off leak detection, the leak will get worse and cost even more to fix the longer you let it go.

What you'll need:

1. More than one person
2. Ladder
3. Hose
4. Bucket
5. Chalk
6. Flashlight
7. Access to your attic

Follow these steps to test your roof:

1. Get into the attic and look at the ceiling for any water stains, discoloration or mold. Correlate the spots that you find inside the attic with the location on the roof. This will help the person on the roof quickly locate the area on the roof where they need to stand.

2. Open the windows in the attic if possible. This will help you communicate with the person on the roof. If not, set up a predetermined time limit for the person on the roof to spray water.

3. Place a ladder near the lowest point of the roof. Connect enough hose to an outdoor faucet to reach up onto the roof and turn on the water supply. You or a second person climb onto the roof with the garden hose and locate the areas where you need to focus water flow. Spray water on the roof until the person inside the attic tells you to stop or until you reach the predetermined time limit for spraying.

4. Using a flashlight, look for water dripping or streaming from the ceiling inside the attic. Hold a bucket to catch the water. If you notice water leaking, circle the area with chalk so you can easily identify it when you repair the roof.

If you have found a leak in your roof contact Seymore Builders to begin repairs and work directly with your insurance company. Visit our site for more information.

Smoke Detector Regulations for Arizona

To keep Arizona residents safe, lawmakers have specific smoke detector regulations.  New home builders must install smoke detectors in all their units, and Arizona residents must dispose of smoke detectors in a safe manner when the units need to be replaced.

General Information

The Phoenix Fire Department recommends that Arizona residents install a smoke detector on every level of their homes to prevent fire damage. Install a smoke detector outside of sleeping areas. For maximum protection, place one in each bedroom. The smoke detector batteries should be changed when the unit starts making a beeping sound, and the entire unit should be replaced every 10 years.

New Homes

Under Arizona law, all building contractors must install a smoke detector in new residential units. When home renovation work is performed on an existing property requiring a building permit for a sleeping area, the builder must installs a smoke detector as well.

Smoke Detectors and Rental Units

When a new tenant moves into a housing unit or a renovated living space, the tenant is required to maintain the smoke detector. The tenant informs the landlord in writing if the unit is malfunctioning. The landlord must repair the smoke detector if he is notified in writing that the unit is not functioning properly.


Child Care and Adult Care Facilities

Licensed child care and adult care facilities in Arizona must have a working smoke detector installed in all activity areas and the kitchen of the premises. The unit may be battery-operated or it may be hard-wired into the facility's electrical system. The hard-wired style smoke detector must be equipped with a battery back-up. All smoke detectors must be tested monthly.


Disposing of Ionization Smoke Detectors

To properly dispose of an ionization smoke detectors in Arizona you must send the unit back to the manufacturer. Since these products contain americium-241, which is a low-level radioactive material, the manufacturers must accept old units and dispose of them in a proper manner.

After Smoke and Fire Damage

If you do experience smoke or fire damage to your home, you need an emergency restoration company you can count on. Seymore Builders can alleviate stress after a catastrophic event involving your property. They work with your insurance company to get your property put back into better condition that it was before the damage. Visit their site for more information at www.seymorebuilders.com.

Trees can damage your home during a storm

Windstorms, fires, ice storms, lightning and even insect damage can cause trees or large branches to fall on your home and cause extensive property damage.

So how can you tell if a tree poses a danger to your property? What can you do if it does? Will your home insurance policy cover you if a branch or tree goes through your bedroom window? Where do you turn for repairs?


The warning signs

Pay attention to the trees on your property and your neighbor's property. Watch out for dead trees, trees with limbs that hang over power lines, trees with trunk cracks or hollows and trees with mushrooms growing on bark, the Institute for Business and Home Safety recommends. The shape of a tree's branches and forks also can be relevant. U-shaped forks are less dangerous than V-shaped forks, because V-shaped forks split easier, according to the home safety institute.


The damage

Trees and branches can damage your house in unusual ways:

• Branches can blow onto your property from a neighbor's yard during a windstorm.
• Tree-related damage can set off secondary damage.  A branch can crash through the roof during a natural disaster, splitting the roof and shattering some windows. Rain then pours in, causing leaking and mold damage, and perhaps even setting off an electrical fire.
• Tree roots can snap water lines and sewer lines, crack sidewalks and driveways, and split communications cables.

Insurance coverage

The good news is that your home insurance usually will cover tree-related damage. If a tree hits an insured structure (like your home), standard home insurance policies cover the damage to the structure and the contents inside, according to the Insurance Information Institute.

Even if the tree's roots were in your neighbor's yard, you should file a claim with your home insurance company. In this case, your insurance company may seek to collect from your neighbor's insurer.

However, your insurance may not provide coverage for removing debris, unless the tree or branch blocks your driveway or causes damage, according to the Insurance Information Institute. If the tree simply falls in your yard, causing no damage, you'll probably not be covered for removing it.

Trees themselves may be covered under your insurance plan. If lighting, vandalism or a fire destroys a beautiful old willow in your yard, you may be able to collect money for the loss. However, according to the Insurance Information Institute, home insurance companies usually limit coverage to about $500 for each tree.

Putting in back together

A Professional Restoration Company can help with storm damage to your home. They should have an Emergency Response team to arrive at your home or business to protect the property from the elements.

As a remodeling and reconstruction company, they can inspect your roof, siding, windows and all aspects of your home to insure safety.  They should board-up and tarp-cover any exposed areas to prevent further damage and loss, and begin clean-up and water removal as needed on any of the impacted interior areas.

Debris should be removed and your roof, siding, windows should be inspected, and all aspects of your home to ensure its safety. And if any of those things need to be repaired, the restoration and construction services can put your property back in good-as-new condition.

Fire Extinguisher Maintenance and Inspection

Always inspect fire extinguishers at least once a month.

For everyone's safety it is important to perform Fire extinguisher maintenance.

You must ensure that:

The extinguisher is not blocked by equipment, coats or other objects that could interfere with access in an emergency.

The pressure is at the recommended level. On extinguishers equipped with a gauge (such as that shown on the right), the needle should be in the green zone - not too high and not too low.

The nozzle or other parts are not hindered or damaged in any way.

The pin and tamper seal (if it has one) are intact.

There are no dents, leaks, rust, chemical deposits and/or other signs of wear or abuse. Wipe off any corrosive chemicals, oil, gunk etc. that may have deposited on the extinguisher.

It is recommended by some manufacturers to shake your dry chemical extinguishers once a month to prevent the powder from settling/packing.

Fire extinguishers should be pressure tested after a number of years to ensure that the cylinder is safe to use. Consult your owner's manual, extinguisher label or the manufacturer to see when yours may need such testing.

Replace your extinguisher immediately if it is damaged or needs recharging.

IMPORTANT: Recharge your extinguishers immediately after use regardless of how much was used.

What is the difference between a fire extinguisher inspection and fire extinguisher maintenance?

INSPECTION 

An inspection is a “quick check” to give reasonable assurance that a fire extinguisher is available, fully charged and operable. The value of an inspection lies in the regularity, thoroughness and frequency with which it is conducted. The frequency will vary from hourly to monthly, based on the needs of the situation. Inspections should always be conducted when extinguishers are initially placed in service and thereafter at approximately 30-day intervals.

MAINTENANCE 

Maintenance is a “thorough check” of the extinguisher. It is important to maintain your fire extinguishers at regular intervals (at least once a year), or when specifically indicated by an inspection. Maintenance of your extinguisher is intended to give maximum assurance that an extinguisher will operate effectively and safely. It includes a thorough examination and any necessary repair, recharging or replacement. It will normally reveal the need for hydrostatic testing of an extinguisher.

Seymore Builders is always here for you when it comes to Fire, Flood and Storm damage.

Safety tips for Arizona Monsoon and Thunderstorm season...

In Arizona, storm activity increases from mid to late summer. It is important to consider the devastation these thunderstorms and high winds can cause. Believe it or not, lightning kills about 80 people a year and injures more than 500 in the US. On average, this toll is higher than tornadoes and hurricanes combined.  Protecting yourself, your family and your home takes some knowledge and a little preparation.

Protect yourself and your family during a storm
If your inside when an Arizona thunderstorm hits avoid using corded phones and electrical equipment, such as computers or televisions. Electrical wires can be conduit for lighting. Metal pipes for plumbing can also conduct lightning, so try to avoid washing your hands, taking a shower, washing dishes or doing laundry during these storms. Stay away from windows, skylights and doors because high winds and hail can shatter and propel glass. It is a good idea to keep drapes and blinds closed to help prevent shattered glass from blowing inside and causing injuries.

If you are outdoors and cannot get to shelter for protection, avoid any carports or open garages and get inside a hard-top, all-metal car, truck or SUV. If you're in water, head for shore immediately and avoid close proximity to any metal objects. Water and metal can both conduct electrical current. Do not huddle up for safety, spread out. If you have no shelter or vehicles nearby, make yourself a smaller target by squatting down and putting your hands on your knees and keep your head down.

Protect your home or property during a storm
To protect your home or property from lightning during a thunderstorm remove dead or overhanging tree branches. They could fall on your house if the tree is struck by lighting or even in high winds. Always use surge-protectors throughout your entire house to prevent damage due to voltage spikes. Also, unplug all appliances and electronic equipment during any thunderstorm.

The integrity of a roof is always a major concern for homeowners during a hailstorm. No roofing material is hail-proof, so research for hail-resistant shingles that carry a Class 4 UL rating.  Learn what type or style of roof is appropriate for homes in your area and keep in mind that most roofing jobs are not something you can do yourself and may not be covered by your insurance.

In the even of storm damage to your roof or home, Call a professional damage restoration contractor in Arizona at 480-832-04087 or check online.

Fire Prevention tips for Homeowners

Prevent house fires | Space heaters high risk for fires | Heater Inspections
Arizona, Phoenix, Tempe, Peoria, Ahwatukee, AZ

Fire injuries and burns are the third most common cause of fatal injuries in the Arizona home, according the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. House fires often result from malfunctions in furnaces, appliances, cigarette smoking, and from cooking accidents in the kitchen. Regularly inspecting the most fire-prone areas of your home and taking steps to correct any problems can reduce your risk of an accidental fire.


Helpful tips to prevent home fires:

• Schedule an inspection of your heater/furnace every year before heating season starts. Regular inspections are important in detecting problems in your heater that could cause a fire. Keep newspapers, boxes and other combustible items far from your furnace.




• Be extremely cautious when using a space heater in your Phoenix area home. Always turn off the heater when you leave the room, and place the heater 3 feet away from anything that could burn such as drapes, bedding or furniture. Don't try to extend the reach of your space heater with an extension cord. If the cord overheats, a fire could occur.




• Always use a fireplace screen to prevent sparks from igniting carpeting, flooring, kindling, furniture or other items in the room. Before you begin to use your fireplace each year, have it professionally cleaned to remove creosote, a byproduct of wood fires that can cause a fire in your chimney.




• Get into a habit of removing lint from your clothes dryer after each load and make sure that your dryer is vented outside your home. At least once each year, clean out the lint that builds up under the lint trap, in the back of the dryer and in the dryer vent. Install a smoke detector in your laundry room and turn off your dryer before leaving your home.




• Avoid overloading outlets with power strips that can accommodate multiple items. Don't use a higher wattage light bulb than is recommended for the fixture. Don't use extension cords if possible, as they can easily overheat. Never use a frayed extension cord. Don't push your television up against the wall. If you don't allow air space around the TV, it can overheat and cause a fire.




• If you smoke, have your last cigarette before you go to bed. According to the National Fire Protection Association, smoking is the leading cause of home fire deaths. Don't smoke when you are tired, have been drinking or are in bed. Empty ashtrays every day and wet the contents before placing in the trash.


• 

Always store gasoline in red safety containers that are kept outside the house. Make sure you wait for your lawnmower to cool down before adding more gasoline, and don't add gasoline in an enclosed area.



• Never leave matches and lighters within children's reach, and don't leave kids alone when there is a fire in the fireplace or a space heater is running. Make sure your children know the escape plan if a fire should occur.



Mold Restoration in Arizona

Why is mold growing in my home?

Molds are a natural part of our environment that reproduce by means of tiny spores; these spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through both outdoor and indoor air. Molds play a important part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided. There are many types of mold, and they all require water or moisture in order to grow and thrive. Indoor molds may begin growing when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet or damp in any way.

Can mold cause health problems?

Unless mold spores land on a wet or damp area and begin growing, molds usually do not become a problem indoors in Arizona.  Most molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins) which have the potential to cause health problems. Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic reactions to mold are common and can include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). These responses to mold can be immediate or delayed. Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold. In addition, mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs. Symptoms other than the allergic and irritant types are not commonly reported as a result of inhaling mold. Research on mold and health effects is ongoing.

Mold Cleanup

There are a number of factors to consider when choosing a mold cleanup contractor. One consideration is the size of the mold issue. In most cases, if the moldy area is less than about 10 square feet, you can handle the job yourself by following the EPA guidelines. However, if the mold damage covers more than 10 square feet, consult a Mold Restoration Specialist in Arizona.

• When you hire a restoration contractor in Arizona to handle the mold cleanup, make sure they are qualified and experienced specifically in cleaning up mold. Ask the contractor to follow the recommendations in EPA's Mold Remediation, the guidelines of the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygenists (ACGIH), or other guidelines from professional or government organizations and check references.


• If you suspect that the heating/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC) system may be contaminated with mold, or there is mold near the intake to the system, consult a mold restoration contractor immediately. This situation presents a significant health risk - do not run the contaminated unit as it will spread mold throughout the building.


• When there is water and/or mold damage caused by sewage or other contaminated water, call in a restoration professional who has experience cleaning and fixing homes or businesses damaged by contaminated water or flooding.


• If you have health concerns, consult a health professional before starting cleanup. 

Click here to download the EPA's Mold Remediation Manual