THE FIRE DAMAGE RESTORATION PROCESS
Posted by Dustin Bates
4/8/21
Step 1: Having an Emergency Contact
The most reputable restoration companies offer emergency services meaning that they can come out immediately when contacted and give immediate support for your property. That is a critical feature, and you should always look for businesses that offer this when trying to find help for your situation.
Why do you need immediate assistance before you start the fire damage reconstruction process? Of course, it’s undoubtedly the emergency services and fire department’s job to put out the flames. Nonetheless, you may still need fire damage restoration services rather quickly to prevent damage from spreading throughout your home or business.
Let’s say a fire burns a hole in your roof, for example. Now you have a situation where you have rain destroying your property further. The longer you leave the inside of your home exposed, the more the damage will increase. Consequently, you must get immediate emergency services whenever possible rather than wait for the problem to become more significant.
Step 2: Assessment
Fire Damage Restoration Process
The next step is a fire damage restoration company will do in the restoration process is to assess the scope of the damage to your property. Determine how far the fire, the smoke, and the soot have spread as well as seeing how severely affected your walls and contents are.
A critical first step is only by recognizing the magnitude of the damage that the restoration company will be able to develop a strategy and giving you a precise quote for how much it should cost and a reasonable estimate of how long it will take.
Step Three: Tarp and Sealing Services
Fire damage restoration can also often go hand in hand with water damage restoration. Unavoidable if the fire has led to a burst pipe or water tank. In these circumstances, fire damage restoration services will act quickly to stop the water damage caused before it spreads more, causing more loss.
Step 4: Clean Up
Next, the restoration company will start the clean-up part of the process when they clean away smoke, dust, and soot from your surfaces. After a fire usually, you will notice that your property looks stained and charred.
When water damage restoration begins, standing puddles of water, extracted with submersible pumps, and areas will be dried and cleaned. Water damage can also cause health problems, including mold, so sanitization is especially significant here.
Throughout the fire damage restoration process, businesses will also guarantee eliminating any odors that can remain after the smoke has been in the room. Included services are carpet, rug, and upholstery cleaning and will often need to address nearby rooms and those directly affected by fire damage.
Eventually, the restoration process’s clean-up element will also involve removing and disposal of contents that are too severely damaged to be repairable. If you have furniture, for example, that has absorbed a lot of contaminated water, or if you have carpeting that has burned. In these situations, the best-case scenario is to throw these things away and replace them with new items. Fire damage restoration companies handle this for you so that you don’t have to.
Step 5: Repair and Renovation
Fire Damage Restoration Process Repairing
The next stage is to begin restoring furniture and repairing the damage caused by fire. For instance, if a fire has damaged cabinets, then fire damage restoration will either repair those cabinets or replace them with different ones. Carpets are installed, and walls can be repainted or replaced.
This stage aims to get your property looking as good as new so that you can go back to normal. The very best fire damage restoration companies will go one step further than this. That’s because they will offer not only restoration but also renovation. These companies can then repair your property and leave it looking better than it did at the beginning. If you feel stressed and upset because of your ruined furniture, you can turn this into an opportunity to renovate your home and enjoy a fresh new redesign.
Step 6: Consultation
Following the conclusion of your restoration services, you may find that.
You can stop leaks yourself-no experience required. We will show you how to hunt down and fix the most prominent types of roof leaks.
1. Age
Roofing materials, primarily asphalt shingles, get old and tired. Expansion and contraction with the change in temperatures cause aging roof protection to turn brittle and ultimately crack. Over time harsh rays from direct sunlight can melt the tar that holds composition shingles together. Father Time has not lost the fight yet, and when roofing materials run upon their life expectancy, it could be time to consider a brand-new roof at the first indication of a leak.
2. Brick Chimneys
While brick chimneys may seem durable, the mortar that unites the bricks together is nothing more than a hard-working compound of sand, water, and cement. Exposed to the weather, it can decay and crumble over a period. Examine the mud cap on top of the chimney for deterioration and investigate the mortared joints where the duct enters the roof. If patches are needed, it is a cheap and fast fix.
3. Flashing
Compromised flashing is a typical problem on a roof. Flashing is thin strips of metal placed at dangerous locations for leaks around a roof. They are bent at a 90-degree angle to connect to both the roofing material and the brick fireplace for a chimney.
Flashing must be accurately scaled to defend against water intrusion. It also needs to remain nailed into position, and yet if that is all squared away, the metal can rust or fracture.
Assume the cost of replacing worn-out flashing to run a few hundred dollars, depending on job scope and desired material. It may be intriguing to marshal the caulking forces and roof cement in the battle against faulty flashing; this is only a stopgap solution best reserved if you know the roof will soon be replaced.
4. Missing Shingles
If you find a shingle lying on your lawn, chances are the next rainstorm will be sending water into your house. Replacing a shingle is a matter of pulling off the nails from the course below and sliding the new shingle into position. Nail the new shingle down securely and then reinstall its neighboring shingles.
Do not anticipate attaining a flawless color match unless you have some leftover shingles from your existing roof that have been left out to weather as well. This procedure applies to damaged shingles as well, although you may not discover the cracked shingle until a leak has already happened. Depending on the angle of the roof, this can be a Do it your self-job or require an hour or two of a certified contractor’s time.
5. Vent Boot
The venting boot is a close connection to flashing. Manufactured from rubber, it slides over the plastic vent pipes that project from a roof to work with flashing to waterproof the intersection of the top and pipe.
Vent boots can be metal, plastic, rubber, or any mixture. When the gasket stops operating, the old boot must be removed, usually with the aid of a blade and a new one installed. Like shingle work, this is a situation that can be handled without a call to a contractor.
6. Holes
A hole can appear in a roof from a storm, wind damage, or creatures such as squirrels and raccoons. Roof holes can also be more tricky, living for years until an examination uncovers them. These tiny holes can result from misplaced nails.
The best fix is a tiny piece of flashing beneath the shingle and not just a bit of caulk. Here is another easy job for the homeowner or can be combined with a meticulous examination from a professional roofer.
7. Complex Roof Design
All those valleys and grades can be an invitation to disaster if they are not accurately scaled. Installing a leak barrier that prevents water from flowing off the roof and still looks beautiful is a job for specialists, and expect to pay for the complexity of your roofline.
Complex roofs can be problematic even when properly maintained. In icy areas, a roof’s shape may not work in helping snow slide off the tip of your roof. An ice dam might form from a mixture of melting from your attic’s temperature and refreezing on the frozen edges at the base of an incline.
Ice dams place uninvited weight stress on a roof and keep corrosive water in touch with the roof surface for extended periods.
If you cannot have the corners of your roof clear with a roof rake or ice melting solvent, an alternative would be roof edge heating cables. — These can cost anywhere from fifty to a couple of hundred dollars, not including the bump in your winter electric bill.
Metal roofing or metal ice belts can also be an excellent option to prevent many issues associated with the snow build-up.
8: Blocked Gutters
If your gutters are too cluttered with junk to permit water to flow away from your roof and foundation, that is an attraction for problems. Grab a ladder and some gloves and get the job finished — or pay someone to clean out those obstructed gutters.
An expert gutter cleaning cost will vary from $100 to 300 dollars, depending on the scope of your property and the quantity of debris needed to be removed.
9: Skylights
Skylights can immediately transform any room or interior space! Hopefully, yours was tailored and installed correctly.
Leaks can sprout down the sides of inadequately fitted skylights, and the rubber seal around the glass can weather out as well, breaking the water barrier.
Inspect for cracks in the flashing along the top and the sides of the skylight, as well as any missing or damaged shingles nearby it. Also, assure the skylight was fitted with proper pitch. Most skylight leaks happen due to flashing problems or incorrect installation, not the glazing breakdown that comes with the skylight.
Suppose you find cracks in the flashing around the skylight or any missing or damaged shingles. In that case, the skylight will require being professionally restored or replaced, with new flashing and shingles implemented. If the rubber seal enclosing the skylight has dried out, the skylight will need to be professionally repaired.
A temporary repair will involve applying high-quality caulk such as Vulkem or Lexel. — The cost of a temporary patch will be anywhere from $50 to $300.
To professionally re-shingle and re-flash a broken skylight will run anywhere from $300 to $1,000 depending on the ease of access (amount of stories and roof slope) and the amount of labor required. Replacing a leaky skylight altogether will cost from $1,250 to $2,500 for most roofs.
10: Shiners
Not every roofing nail finds its mark. If one has missed the rafters and protruded inside the attic, it has a good water damage chance. On chilly nights in an unheated attic, the exposed metal nail can frost up.
When the weather warms throughout the day, the frost will melt away and begin trickling. It may not appear like much until it occurs day after day after day, and you suddenly have a brown spot on your room ceiling. Your only short-term expense for this fix will be purchasing side-splitting pliers and a little bit of time.
Having moisture that creates shiners in your attic indicates that your attic space is not insulated nor ventilated correctly. This will need to be modified if you want to continue the longevity of your roof deck and help reduce the chance of ice dams growing on your roof.
Fixing any issues with your attic insulation and ventilation will also help upgrade your home’s overall energy efficiency and comfort and help improve your roof’s overall performance and durability.
PROPERTY CLEANING PROFESSIONALS
Posted by Dustin Bates
4/8/21
Cleanrite-Buildrite is more than your average fire and water restoration company. Did you know that we also offer
home and business cleaning services? Because we do!
When your home or office needs some deep cleaning, look no further than your friends at CRBR! With more
than 50 years of experience in the cleaning business, we’re Northern California’s trusted cleaning professionals.
From Sacramento to Redding, we’ve been handling our client’s residential and commercial cleaning for as long as
we can remember.
As a 24/7/365 days a year emergency service company, we understand the pressures of being busy and realize that while you wish you had the time and energy to clean your home or business, you might not have the time. That’s where we come in. Take a break, sit back and relax for a minute – let us do the hard work for you. Set up a one-time or regular appointment, and we will take care of all your property cleaning. From scrubbing floors to vacuuming carpets, we’re here for it all.
Got a party coming up? Are you about to have some important guests at your office? Give us a call! Our highly trained cleaning team will ensure that your property is looking its best. We invest in the most advanced cleaning equipment and the best training, so you can rest assured that we’ll get your property looking great. Cleanrite is here for all your home & office cleaning needs! Have any questions? Just ask.
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA FIRE & SMOKE DAMAGE RECOVERY
Posted by Dustin Bates
4.8.21
When an emergency hits, whether it’s wind, fire, or water – Cleanrite-Buildrite is here for you every step of the way. CRBR provides 24/7 emergency services because we understand the importance of getting in and out of one’s home as quickly as possible. When a fire hits, people often lose things they value and love most, but with CRBR by your side, we will minimize your loss and help bring life back to something you think is lost. Few things are scarier than when you see home going up in flames. At CRBR, we understand how stressful a fire can be, and we know that you want to get your life back to normal as quickly as possible. Working closely with your insurance company and adjusters, we can provide the 24/7 certified emergency fire response you need after a fire.
– Fire and smoke cleanup
– Deodorization
– Contents restoration
– Property repairs and reconstruction
– Cleanrite-Buildrite emergency services
CRBR offers fast, effective, and efficient emergency services working closely with your insurance company to take care of you, your home, and all of your belongings. The minute you call us, we’ll dispatch a team to your property and get to work providing thorough fire and smoke recovery services. We’ll clean up every bit of the damage, and then we’ll rebuild your home. We’re a single-source provider, which means we’ll be there for you every step of the way. When the unimaginable happens, let CRBR be here to help you through it all.
Your full-service property restoration experts
Our cleaning and reconstruction teams will work around the clock to restore your home. They’ll pack out all your belongings; they will clean up the residues from the smoke and soot, remove any debris left behind by the flames, deodorize your entire home, restore any damaged valuables. Then they’ll rebuild every damaged section of your home. CRBR is your first choice for fire and smoke recovery in Sacramento, Chico, Yuba City, Reno, and the surrounding areas!
CONTENTS RESTORATION
Posted by Dustin Bates
4.8.21
When an emergency hits, whether it’s wind, fire, or water – Cleanrite-Buildrite is here for you every step of the way. After a disaster, the last thing you want to deal with is a long and complicated recovery process that involves too many steps and working with multiple contractors. Fortunately, we understand many things are going on in your mind when our clients have a fire loss, and CRBR is a single-source disaster cleanup provider. CRBR will be with you through every step of the recovery process to ensure that everything goes smoothly and as planned. We even work with your insurance!
We’ll do more than just clean and rebuild your home after a disaster—we’ll also clean and restore any valuables or personal goods that were damaged. Our technicians spend a lot of time and training to know how to work with rare and antique items, ensuring that our team members can help restore all of your belongings, even your grandmother’s Victorian chair. Our sophisticated content cleaning equipment can clean everything from electronics to antiques. Here are just a few of the items we restore:
– Electronics (computers, televisions, video game systems)
– Antiques and heirlooms
– Documents and books
– Soft goods (bedding, clothing, toys)
Our team can take care of just about any damaged item, from computers to books. Whether they were burned in a fire or soaked by floodwaters, we can restore electronics, antiques, soft goods like clothing and bedding, furniture, and just about anything else you can imagine. Our highly trained restoration team uses the most advanced equipment, so you can know that your valuables will receive the best restoration possible.
You’ll be surprised by just how many different kinds of items our team can completely recover even after the most severe property damage. Call CRBR today!
CRBR has over 60 years of experience in the deodorization as well fire and smoke restoration business. Often when fire and smoke damage occurs, it’s more than just the physical damage that’s left behind—issues caused by fire damage that cause terrible odors both inside and outside your property. As the North States experts in deodorization, we pride ourselves in our ability to restore your home or business to the same condition before; sometimes, we even get it looking better!
When a fire happens on your property, it requires an extensive restoration process from packing out to cleanup to deodorization and beyond. Our highly trained professional team will go above and beyond to wash and disinfect all exterior and interior surfaces. CRBR can launder or dry clean affected clothing, wash, dust, and clean all household items. CRBR also has a disinfect and deodorizes all carpets, window coverings, and upholstery and clean and remove soot, ash, and smoke residue from all heaving ventilation and air condition units.
At CRBR, we pride ourselves on offering a full-service fire and water restoration company from beginning to end. We’re able to identify the cause of fire and odor quickly, allowing us to immediately remove and address all odor issues caused by fire and smoke. We’re here to help restore your home and put things back together again. We will work with your insurance company every step of the way to make this as easy as a process of possible. We’re open 24/7/365 days a year to ensure that we’re here when an emergency hits.
PROPERTY REPAIRS AND RECONSTRUCTION
Posted by Dustin Bates
4.8.21
When a disaster hits, it often does more than destroy your memories and household items; quite often, it eliminates your property as well. Whether it’s fire, smoke, wind, or water damage that accumulates property damage, at Cleanrite-Buildrite, we are here to help you with all your property repairs and reconstruction. At CRBR, we are a full-service restoration team helping to put people put their business and home back together again for
over 50 years.
CRBR offers a full range of new construction and maintenance, and repairs services to help you through the entirety of your fire and smoke restoration process. Our team will start by boarding up any windows or damaged property to secure it from weather, vandals, thieves, and other obstacles. Our crews will then help move and remove any salvageable items to restore and start to get things into gear. Whether your home or business was deemed a total loss and needs to be rebuilt entirely or to rebuilding parts of the structure, roof, and beyond, we’re able to help you with any property repairs and reconstruction.
Our team at CRBR has been leading the industry for over 50 years, from content restoration to property restoration and reconstruction. Our team of experts understands the need for a quick response and quick mitigation. We’re more than just your average construction team; at CRBR, we will work with you from beginning to end, including helping out with any water extraction and dry-outs due to water damage that may have occurred while attempting to put out your fire. We pride ourselves on putting your home back together again and working very closely with your insurance company to make that happen. Cleanrite-Buildrite is here for you 24/7/365 days a year; if there’s anything we can help you out with, please do not hesitate to give us a call.
WATER DAMAGE RECOVERY SERVICES
Posted by Dustin Bates
4.8.21
Northern California’s #1 water extraction and cleanup team When an emergency hits, whether it’s water, flood, or a storm – Cleanrite-Buildrite is here for you every step of the way. We know what it’s like to have a water loss; we’ve seen it all, so we understand the concern, the stress, and the inconvenience of this is on you and your family. That’s why we offer our 24/7 emergency services for you every single step of the way. Whether your home is facing a leaking pipe, a full basement flood, a dishwasher or washing machine overflow, or something else – the damage was done by the water can be extensive. No matter the extent of the damage, Northern California’s CRBR can take care of it. There’s no job too big and no job too small; we’re happy to handle them all. Our team will handle every aspect of the recovery process, from water extraction to mold remediation; we even do a lot of the hard part with your insurance.
Professional water extraction services
Did you know that something as simple as accidentally leaving a pipe on can cause hundreds of thousands of dollars of water damage? What about a dripping sink, leaking toilet, or a washing machine? You would be amazed by how easy it is for our simple, everyday things to break at a moment’s notice. Water loss can cause significant damage to your valuables as well as to your irreplaceable family documents and heirlooms. Furthermore, studies by the Environmental Protection Agency have shown that mold can begin to grow within hours of a flood. The last thing you want in your home, especially after water damage, is mold. When your home floods or has water damage, you need fast and highly effective restoration services such as:
Our 24/7 emergency services for water damage are available 24/7/365. Home and business owners in Chico, Yuba City, Sacramento, Reno, and the rest of the region should give us a call the moment they discover the damage to their property. We’re a full-service property restoration service, which means that we’ll be with you throughout every step of the recovery process. When your emergency hits, let CRBR be your first call.
AREA DRYING AND DEHUMIDIFICATION
Posted by Dustin Bates
4.8.21
Did you know that mold can grow within 24-48 hours after spores are attached to an item and begin to settle in 1-12 days? Mold problems are caused by water damage such as floods, pipe leaks, leaky roofs, swollen floorboards, and other water-stained type areas. That’s why when water leaks, water loss, or water damage occurs, and we must take fast action in drying out and dehumidifying the affected areas. For over 50 years the
the team at Cleanrite-Buildrite has been providing area drying and dehumidification services to the surrounding Northern California areas.
As water restoration and mold remediation contractors, we need to do our best to extract water and help control moisture temperatures as well. People often ask if extracting and removing wet areas is enough, and the short answer is it’s not. It’s essential to use a thorough dry out and dehumidification process to prevent the accumulation of moisture in the air, which, if not treated properly, could cause other collateral damage such as an infestation of mold.
Due to moisture levels and temperatures rising and changing, it’s important to have trustworthy and reliable water and mold restoration team on your side. At CRBR, we pride ourselves on having an available unit for all your water loss, area drying, and dehumidification needs. We will work with you and your insurance company to make the dry-out process as fast and easy as possible. We are here for you 24/7/365 days a year.
Basement floods are the dread of every property owner. The damage caused by basement floods can cost thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars to repair. Not only will the water damage the structure of your property, but it can also ruin valuable electronics, heirlooms, and other possessions.
Whether the flood was caused by a burst pipe, overflowing river, heavy rainfall, or water line break, the water damage recovery experts at Cleanrite-Buildrite will be able to restore your basement to its pre-flood condition completely.
Our highly trained property restoration crew can take care of any flood damage situation, no matter how large or small. We will use the most advanced equipment and techniques to extract all standing water, dehumidify the entire area, provide structural repairs, and restore damaged contents. By the time CRBR is through, your property will be completely fixed!
When a pipe burst occurs on your property, you’ll need help fast. Since pipe bursts can cause significant damage to your property if left unrepaired, it’s essential to call the burst pipe repair experts at Cleanrite-Buildrite the minute you discover damage to your property.
If you notice reduced water pressure after a freezing night or any water damage anywhere in your home, give CRBR a call. Our experts will arrive on-site within minutes to repair the pipe and clean up the damage. It’s essential to give us a call when a pipe burst occurs because long-term water damage left unattended could lead to more serious issues like mold. Whether it’s a broken pipe, pipe burst, dishwasher leak, or washing machine hose that has caused water damage, it’s imperative to get it looked at and dried out as soon as possible. Early detection can save your home and business from devastating damage. If you need help after a pipe burst or other water damage that may have occurred in your home, let us know. We’re here when you need us most, 24/7/365 days a year.
Sewage backup in your home or business represents a serious biohazard situation. The sewage itself can cause serious health problems for anyone who comes in contact with it, and it can also leave behind dangerous residues and contaminants.
Don’t try to clean up the sewage on your own—the minute you discover the sewage backup in your home or business, call Cleanrite-Buildrite. It’s never a good idea to clean up sewage or any other biohazard waste that may be lurking around your property because you never know what dangers might await. Our highly trained and fully equipped team members will clean up the damage quickly, safely, and effectively— taking special care to ensure that the contaminants are not spread any further in your home. They will remove any standing water, dry the area, and fully decontaminate every room affected by the sewage. When you call CRBR, you can know that your property will be safe and clean again in no time!
When dealing with sewage cleanup, it’s essential to handle contaminated items affected by floods or sewage spills with proper cleaning and disinfecting procedures. Sewage backups and dark water is gross, dirty, and often leave behind smelly deposits.
Trust us when we say that these substances can introduce more microorganisms into a structure if not appropriately handled. For over 50 years, the CRBR team has perfected the process regarding dealing with sewage cleanup. We’re here for you when you need us most, 24/7/365 days a year.
Did you know that mold can grow within 24-48 hours after spores are attached to an item and begin to settle in 1-12 days? Mold problems are caused by water damage such as floods, pipe leaks, leaky roofs, dishwasher overflow, washing machine leaks, swollen floorboards, and other water-stained type areas. It’s imperative to assess your water damage for mold to make sure that if you have mold, it doesn’t spread. Mold requires special containment and fast action to ensure that it doesn’t quickly spread into other areas of your home. Mold isn’t always preventable, but sometimes it is! It’s a good idea to keep your eyes and ears open for ways that you can prevent it. Mold is a type of fungi that can appear everywhere. When it comes to mold prevention, the number one way to avoid mold is to keep your eyes out for any water damage. Water damage might include leaking pipes, burst pipes, dishwashers, gutters, air conditioning condensation, and more! Recognizing signs of water loss and immediately addressing any water loss will help prevent mold from appearing. If you cannot catch water damage before a more significant water loss, it’s essential to get a water extraction team and water dry out the unit to remove moisture.
Here are a few more tips to help prevent mold:
– Clean out gutters regularly Immediately fix leaky pipes, dishwashers, and washing machines
– Make sure your property has proper drainage to allow for water to drain properly
– When taking a hot shower or bath, open a window or make sure to use a fan to avoid water collection and potential mold.
– If you see condensation or moisture collecting on windows, walls, or pipes, it’s essential to immediately dry the wet surface away and minimize the amount of moisture and water exposure.
These are just a few suggestions on how to help prevent mold. If you can see mold or suspect you might have mold, it’s crucial to immediately call the CRBR team to help with proper mold containment and removal. Attempting to do so incorrectly can cause the mold to spread. Trust the professionals to take care of your home and health; we’ve been doing it for over 50 years. If you see or suspect mold in your home, business or vehicle, give us a call so we can do a mold inspection and see what’s going on.
MOLD REMOVAL AND REMEDIATION
Posted by Dustin Bates
4.8.21
When an emergency hits, whether it’s water, flood, or a storm – Cleanrite-Buildrite is here for you every step of the way. We know what it’s like to have water, and we know that often water losses that are not adequately taken care of can lead to the need for mold remediation. Did you know that mold can start appearing as soon as 24-48 hours after water damage? We know what it’s like to feel all alone like there’s nothing you can do; that’s why we’re here for you every step of the way.
Recent studies by the EPA and various other environmental agencies have shown that mold can lead to poor indoor air quality in your home or business—which can lead to allergic reactions and long-term illness. That’s why you must call CRBR for professional mold removal at the first sign of mold growth in your home.
We offer:
– Mold assessment
– Containment and removal of mold
– Area drying and dehumidification
– Reconstruction
– Mold Prevention tips
Signs of Mold Growth
Are you wondering if your home even has mold? After all, you’ve never experienced it. Well, several signs indicate mold may be growing in your home. If anyone in your home has experienced long-term, unexplained allergy-like symptoms affecting the upper respiratory system, there’s a good chance mold is growing in your home. Another sign is a damp, musty odor anywhere in your home. If you think you might have mold in your home, it’s always best to leave it alone and call the professionals at CRBR. Mold and asbestos can cause severe and prolonged health damage, so please, listen to us, give us a call and let us take care of you.
What to Do About Mold
When you discover mold in your home, call CRBR. Our team will contain the growth, so it doesn’t spread any further, and then they’ll use all appropriate safety equipment as they altogether remove the growth. Improper removal techniques can cause you to become sick, so leave the mold removal to the professionals at CRBR!
MOLD CONTAINMENT AND REMOVAL
Posted by Dustin Bates
4.8.21
Did you know that mold can grow within 24-48 hours after spores are attached to an item and begin to settle in 1-12 days? Mold problems are most often caused by water damage such as floods, pipe leaks, leaky roofs, swollen floorboards, and other water-stained type areas.
When water damage occurs, or you suspect you might have mold in your home, it’s best to call us out to make an assessment and figure out the appropriate next step from containment to mold removal. With over 50 years of experience in the water damage and mold remediation industry, we know how to properly contain and remove your mold without causing it to spread or causing more damage.
Mold remediation begins with our water extraction process so we can safely eliminate the water and moisture problem. Taking care of the water issue will help prevent mold from reoccurring in the future. If we don’t fix the water damage, you take a chance of mold reoccurring. Once the water dry out and removal is handled, we’re able to test, contain and remove all mold-affected areas.
One of the most important reasons it’s imperative to reach out to a professional is that mold will generally only become more widespread the longer it is around, potentially increasing health dangers and the cost for removal. To properly remove mold, it MUST be contained and treated correctly in the area to ensure it doesn’t come back. Depending on the severity, we will either do a limited mold containment or full mold containment, and it depends on the size of the infestation.
If you have recently had water damage, leaky pipes, or suspect there might be mold in your home, please give us a call as soon as possible to make sure that you are living in a healthy and safe space. We’ll even work directly with your insurance company and adjuster to make this process as smooth of a process as possible.
MOLD INSPECTION, DETECTION, AND ASSESSMENTS
Posted by Dustin Bates
4.8.21
Did you know that mold can grow within 24-48 hours after spores are attached to an item and begin to settle in 1-12 days? Mold problems are most often caused by water damage such as floods, pipe leaks, leaky roofs, swollen floorboards, and other water-stained type areas. It’s imperative to assess your water damage for mold to ensure that it doesn’t spread if you have mold. Mold requires special containment and fast action to ensure that it doesn’t quickly spread into other areas of your home.
When water damage occurs, or you suspect you might have mold in your home, it’s best to call us out to make an assessment and figure out the appropriate next step from mold testing to containment. With over 50 years of experience, CRBR prides itself on its ability to assess the size of your mold and moisture problem as well as affected areas and plan the best remediation plan for your home.
If you have recently had water damage, leaky pipes, or suspect there might be mold in your home, please give us a call as soon as possible to make sure that you are living in a healthy and safe space. We’ll even work directly with your insurance company and adjuster to make this process as smooth of a process as possible.
Mold presents a significant threat to everyone in your home or business. If anyone in your home or at work has been feeling ill over an extended period, you should have your property professionally tested for mold growth.
Our mold remediation team can eliminate any mold growth, no matter how extensive. By the time we leave,
your property will be safe and secure once more!
For the best mold detection services in Northern California, call CRBR! We’re here for you when you need us most, 24/7/365 days a year.
WIND DAMAGE RECOVERY AND RESTORATION
Posted by Dustin Bates
4.8.21
We’ll be there for you, rain or shine! When an emergency hits, whether it’s water, flood, or a storm – Cleanrite-Buildrite is here for you every step of the way. That’s why CRBR is Northern California’s storm and wind damage cleanup contractor of choice. When your property is damaged by severe weather, our team can help! Give us a call, and in most cases, we will arrive at your home within minutes to begin the restoration process, which includes but is not limited to:
– Debris removal
– Roof repairs
– Water extraction
– Property repairs and reconstruction
Rain, snow, wind, and ice damage recovery
Our property restoration crew is ready to dispatch to your home at a moment’s notice. Call us any time of the day or night for the lightning-fast response you need after your property is damaged by inclement weather. We’re open 24/7, 365 days a year, to ensure that we’re here for you whenever severe weather and wind damage might hit. We understand the urgency of storm and wind damage and will work quickly to ensure that your home is completely restored.
Complete property restoration
The minute you discover the damage to your property, call the emergency services restoration team at CRBR. A fast response is vital when it comes to minimizing the current damage and preventing more significant repairs. We’ll be with you through the entire process, from cleanup to reconstruction! The next time the wind hits, let us be the first call. We’ll take care of you from beginning to end.
When it comes to your home, an essential thing to have is a roof over your head! Whether your home is damaged due to a fire, water damage, hail damage, a natural disaster, or something more, it’s essential to fix your roof when the time is present. At Cleanrite-Buildrite, we do more than just clean. We help rebuild your home or business and get you back in as soon as possible.
From shingles to tiles to repairs to new construction and framing, the crew at CRBR can assist in every aspect of rebuilding your home. We are here to help you put your home or business back together again, beginning with your roof. From commercial roofing to residential roofing, from metal to shingles, we can do it all.
With over 50 years of experience in construction and emergency services, we’re glad to offer our services to those in need. High winds, falling debris, and even pesky little animals can cause damage to your roof. Did you know that one minor leak could result in damage not only to your roof but also to your ceiling, paint, carpet, and other items inside your home?
If a tree falls through your roof, no problem! Not only will we remove the tree, but we will also repair your roof. When we rebuild your roof, we’re restoring your home and giving you the ability to protect your home from exterior damage.
From emergency roof repair to residential and commercial roof repairs and maintenance, we have the ability, the tools, and the knowledge to help get your roof on the right. CRBR is open 24/7/365 days a year for all emergency services.
Whether it’s wind, fire, hail, tornado, or something more damaged – at Cleanrite-Buildrite, we are here to help you out with all of your needs, starting from debris removal. If you’ve ever experienced a fire, flood, or wind damage, then you know that when something hits, it leaves debris on your property that can be quite a pain.
At CRBR, we pride ourselves on going above and beyond to ensure that we take care of you and your home or business.
CRBR offers complete debris removal of any kind, including but not limited to fire debris, water debris, tree removal, sand, gravel, building components, wreckage, and more. Failing to remove debris properly can end up causing more harm and damage to your property than doing so immediately. Debris removal is typically covered in insurance policies, and the CRBR team will work closely with your insurance company adjusters along the way. It is not just our job but our livelihood to ensure that we can restore our customers’ homes and make them feel whole again. Let us know how we can help you today. Remember, we’re here for you 24/7/365 days a year!
ENVIRONMENTAL CLEANING SERVICES
Posted by Dustin Bates
4.8.21
When an emergency hits, whether it’s water, flood, storm, or a trauma– Cleanrite-Buildrite is here for you every step of the way. Whether a natural disaster hits, vandalism occurs, or an unfortunate trauma happens in your home, the professionals at CRBR are certified to handle any situation.
Environmental contamination situations require an immediate response. The contamination may cause health problems if the problem is not taken care of right away. Fortunately, the professionals at CRBR will give you the fast and thorough recovery services you need after a disaster, including but not limited to the following:
– Vandalism recovery
– Trauma scene cleanup
– Crime scene cleanup
– Meth lab cleanup
Complete remediation services
Situations that require environmental remediation need to be handled by professionals. Improper cleanup is more than an inconvenience—it can be hazardous to your health. We know that when something happens in your home, it’s your instinct to want to handle it yourselves, but please don’t. Our employees go through extensive training and have the most sophisticated cleaning equipment, so you can know that they’ll get the job done correctly.
Emergency environmental remediation
CRBR offers 24/7/365 emergency response services whenever you might need them. If your property is contaminated anyway, call us for the quickest and most effective cleanup services. CRBR is here for you, and we’ll get the job done right the first time!
When vandalism occurs, it’s more than just vandalism; it’s a violation of your home or business. At CRBR, we’re here to put your home and office back together again. Our team of highly trained and certified
technicians are here 24/7 to help restore your property and make you feel safe again.
We know what it’s like when vandalism occurs; you’re angry and hurt, you feel violated, and often it can be overwhelming. That’s why at CRBR, we are here to make this process as easy as possible from beginning to end. We can help handle everything from coordinating directly with your insurance company to providing a wide range of services, including but not limited to boarding up broken windows or glass doors, graffiti removal, odor removal, deodorization as well as vandalism cleaning repair, recovery, and of course restoration.
If your home or office has suffered significant structural damage, that’s not a problem. Our Buildrite team can help with any building and structural repairs, including paint and finishing too. At CRBR, we know how stressful vandalism can be; that’s why we have a dedicated project manager to help you through the entire process. If there’s anything we can do for you now, please do not hesitate to give us a call.
When a crime happens to your business or home, we’re here to help put you together again. When a crime occurs, you never know what you might encounter. You might walk into a trauma, you might walk into vandalism, and CRBR can handle it all.
With over 50 years of experience in biohazard waste management as well as trauma, vandalism, and crime scene cleanup, we’ve got the expertise you need with the response time you deserve.
At CRBR, we will work with your insurance company to expedite your claim and work with local law enforcement to help restore your home and peace of mind. We can help you start to put your home or business back together, from board-ups to biohazard materials to deodorization and odor removal.
A crime scene can be emotional and overwhelming. Let us help you navigate through this challenging time and make it as easy as possible. Our remediation team is here to help you through those moments no one wants to go through; let us help you.
TRAUMA SCENE CLEANUP
Posted by Dustin Bates
4.8.21
Trauma scenes are some of the most painful and horrific scenes that can happen. Whether a trauma occurs in your home, business, or the home of someone you love, it can be an overwhelming and emotional experience. That’s why our trained team of technicians at CRBR is here to help you through the entire process.
When it comes to a trauma cleanup, two things are imperative, experience and response. We are fully permitted to handle hazardous materials such as blood, body parts, and other bodily fluids.
Why go through a traumatic experience repeatedly when you can have trained professionals handle the entire experience from beginning to end. We will work with your insurance company, local law enforcement, and anyone else to help restore your property.
As Trauma Scene Waste Management Practitioners, we’re here to assist in handling a trauma scene in a way that meets the department of public health’s requirements. All of our technicians are OSHA compliant. If there’s anything we can do for you, your property, or someone you know after a trauma in the home or business, please give us a call. We’re here for you 24/7/365 days a year!
RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION SERVICES
Posted by Dustin Bates
4.8.21
CRBR is Northern California’s premier choice for residential and commercial construction services. We have the workforce and the equipment to handle any size project—no matter the size or complexity of the project, our experts can take care of it!
Our team will be there from start to finish, ensuring that the project meets your exact specifications. When you need home or office construction services, look no further than CRBR!
From new construction to remodels to restoring your home after damage, CRBR should be your first choice when you need to put your home or business back together. When damage occurs to your home or business, we can go above and beyond to build anything you might want or need.
There’s no project too big, no job too small. We’re here to help build from the ground up, from remodels to new builds to damage restoration.
EMERGENCY PRIORITY PROGRAM
Posted by Dustin Bates
4.8.21
When a disaster hits, it hits. The last thing you want to think about when a disaster strikes is how to fix it, but it’s the first thing you should think about because prolonging proper care can often cause damage to go from bad to worse. When a disaster hits, chances are, your home and business aren’t the only ones devastated. When a disaster affects a large area, the waitlist for emergency services can become incredibly long in a short period.
Even a slight delay can mean the loss of thousands of dollars in profits for your business or home, as well as lost memories and memorabilia. Fortunately, Cleanrite-Buildrite offers business owners and homeowners in Northern California a guaranteed fast response. Our Emergency Priority Program (EPP) ensures that your home or business will get a quick response in the event of an emergency—no matter how many other people have called before you.
Members of our emergency priority program will relax, knowing that they are always our top priority, even during storm and fire seasons. The minute you call, the next available recovery crew arrives at your property.
As soon as you become a member of the program, we will collect any necessary paperwork and create a customized recovery plan for your home or business. That way, if a disaster strikes, we’ll be able to spring into action the minute you call without waiting for technicalities such as authorization forms.
Our priority program ensures peace of mind and fast recovery in the event of a disaster. Preparing for a disaster before it hits can help save you thousands of dollars, and the cost to join our program is FREE. What are you waiting for? Call CRBR today for information on how to join our Emergency Priority Program.
COMMERCIAL CARPET CLEANING
Posted by Dustin Bates
4.8.21
There’s no clean like Cleanrite clean! Are you looking for commercial carpet cleaning services in Northern California? Look no further than your friends at CRBR, the region’s premier property cleaning services provider since 1959. For over 50 years, we have offered our commercial carpet cleaning services to businesses throughout Chico, Redding, Sacramento, Yuba City, and other surrounding Northern California areas, recently expanding to Reno, NV, and hope to be around for another 50!
With more than 60 years of experience in the carpet cleaning industry, get the value you deserve with a company you can trust. At CRBR, we pride ourselves on getting the job done right the first time. Not only do we offer businesses the luxury of regular cleanings and maintenance programs, but we’ll even set it up around your schedule! There’s no need to get to the office early or stay late; with CRBR, we work around your schedule to get your carpets cleaned. If you sign up for our SmartCare program, you won’t even need to schedule the program because we will have a regular schedule already set up for you!
There’s no job too big and no office too small; call CRBR today for the best and most reliable commercial carpet cleaning services around!
BUSINESS LARGE LOSS RECOVERY
Posted by Dustin Bates
4.8.21
When a disaster hits, it hits and does then turn your gutters upside down; they can you’re your business upside down too. Disasters can be especially hard on businesses. A major fire or flood can destroy in minutes what it took years to build.
Fortunately, the fire and water restoration crew at Cleanrite-Buildrite is equipped and ready to deal with even the most extensive business disasters. CRBR has been open and operating since 1959, giving us the knowledge, the experience, and the equipment to clean up after any disaster and rebuild the damaged areas of your commercial property.
We offer 24/7/365 emergency response services, and we’ll dispatch one of our cleaning and restoration crews to your business the minute we receive your call. CRBR is certified and trained to deal with damage resulting from severe weather, fires, flooding, and just about any other disaster, you can imagine.
We understand the importance of a quick recovery in getting your business up and fully operating again as fast as possible. CRBR is a single-source provider of disaster recovery services for businesses, so you can rest assured that the recovery process will go smoothly and quickly.
When disaster strikes, call CRBR for extensive loss recovery services!
5 TIPS TO PROTECT YOUR HOME AGAINST FLOODING
Posted by Dustin Bates
4.8.21
It’s raining, it’s pouring – and now it’s flooding! Oh no, now what? We needed the rain, but we weren’t expecting the flooding. Being an El Nino season makes the rain especially heavy this year.
Did you know that flooding is the most common natural disaster? According to the National Flood Insurance Program, it caused 2.7 billion in losses between 2001 and 2010. YIKES! Floods are serious business.
Here are a few tips to protect your home against flooding:
– Make sure you have Flood Insurance
If you just bought a home and live in a high-risk area, chances are you didn’t have a choice when it comes to purchasing flood insurance, but just because you don’t live in a high-risk area – doesn’t mean flooding won’t be coming to you. Did you know that 20% of flood claims come from places where the flood risk is low? The cost of flood insurance is low compared to what it may cost in the long run – it’s an El Nino Season – better safe than sorry.
– Fix Leaks ASAP
We know we like to mention this a lot, but it’s because people neglect it a lot. If you see a small leak – it could be hardly noticeable – fix it ASAP. It’s easy for a small leak to transition to a more significant leak, leading to a large-scale water loss – don’t let this easy fix happen to you.
– Invest in high-quality roof protection
Many people opt out of investing in high-quality roof protection because they’re already shelling out the cash on the project. Still, the reality is that funding now to install better underlayment, a waterproof barrier, etc., can end up saving you thousands of dollars in the long run. It’s worth it to consider it.
– Battery-powered sump-pump
We hope you’ve got a good sump pump! It’s a great idea to invest in a battery-powered one that can function when the power is out. Who wouldn’t want an effective way to pump water out of your home?
– Check Valves
Consider installing check valves to help prevent water from entering your house during heavy rain or flooding. A check valve allows things to flow only in one direction, so it will help eliminate extra water from coming in.
These are just a few tips we have for protecting your home against flooding! It’s important to remember to be safe, have an updated inventory of your home, have an evacuation plan, and also have an emergency kit [ food, water, money, clothes, etc.] in case of an extreme emergency. Floods coverage requires special insurance, so make sure to check with an insurance agent today if you’re concerned about flooding in your home or business.
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR HOME FROM RAIN THIS SEASON
Posted by Dustin Bates
4.8.21
Rain here, rain there, rain is coming everywhere! Rain damage can be very costly as it can genuinely affect your home’s foundations and, if left unattended to may even cause mold damage. We’ve got some rain in our forecast for the upcoming weeks – so we thought it might be a good idea to talk about some ways to protect your house from rain and water damage.
Clean your gutters and downspouts to ensure good drainage
It may seem obvious, and we may have mentioned it once or twice but cleaning your gutters and downspouts is essential to doing your part to prevent water damage – especially during the winter season and rainy months. If you haven’t already done so – get on it! There’s no better time to get those gutters and downspouts cleaned. Easy drainage is critical.
Check your sump pump.
A sump pump collects and removes water that has been accumulating in a sump basin. If you don’t empty it and take regular care of it – it may be overloaded when you need it most. You want your sump pump to be ready for action when the water is coming.
Inspect and repair your roof and other water leaks
Have you inspected your roof lately? If you haven’t already checked this before the winter and rainy season – get to it! Not fixing your roof leaks and other small leaky areas in the home can turn a small leak into a large-scale water loss. No one wants that! If it’s not already raining in your area, an easy way to spot leaks is to run the garden hose over the roof or other sites you might suspect will let water in.
Install Sewer Backflow Valve
Do you live in an area that is prone to flooding? We have more than a few clients who do. Make sure to invest in a sewer backflow valve. With rising water, you may find your sewage backed up! No one wants their drainage to be affected by flooding – you probably have enough things to deal with as it is. This valve has an automatic open and closed.
Pro tips:
Have an updated inventory list of all personal possessions and investments – this could range from the new TV or diamond necklace you got for Christmas to the new kitchen remodel you just did! Having an itemized list and proof of purchases is a great way to make sure you’re covered with your insurance if something hits. Don’t forget to send your insurance company the most recent list. Many insurance companies even have apps for your inventory these days. So easy, even you can do it.
With El Nino in the air this season, it’s a great idea to secure your property and do your best to make preparations so that you minimize your chances of water damage. If water damage does occur, remember, CRBR is here for you 24/7/365 days a year.
Whether you have water, wind, fire, or another type of disaster – chances are you might need a water extraction. People hear fire and often think that there’s no way they would need water extraction after a fire job, but the reality is that often a fire can lead to water damage due to the amount of water required to put out the fire. You never know when you might need a water extraction service; water damage can happen at any time and any moment.
When disaster strikes, you need a company that you can count on for speedy and reliable service – then look no further than Cleanrite-Buildrite. For over 50 years, we’ve been doing it right regarding water damage, restoration, and extraction! From floods, broken pipes, and toilet overflow to rainwater, refrigerator leaks, water lines, and washing machine hose breaks to snow damage, dishwasher leaks, and hail damage – we’re the experts in anything and everything related to water extraction!
Whether you’ve got wet carpet, wet padding, wet walls, wet ceilings, and beyond – we can help with the water extraction and dry out process. We always use the latest technology to help ensure the fastest extraction process. Leaving water sitting for some time opens up the opportunity to cause mold and other hazards to your home. We accelerate the drying and water extraction process by placing powerful dry-out fans through affected areas and reduce humidity levels with a dehumidifier.
As you can see, the water extraction process is rigorous; that’s why we have a dedicated team for each project to check in and monitor during the times when we might not be at your home. We work closely with your insurance company and adjusters to get the water extracted and dried out as quickly as possible. CRBR has been doing it “right” for over 50 years because we’re the company that business owners and homeowners can get done right the first time.
When a disaster hits, remember that CRBR emergency services are here for you 24/7/365 days a year! We’ll work with you and your insurance company to get your home or business back to working order.
6 WAYS TO PREPARE YOUR HOME FOR WINTER
Posted by Dustin Bate
4.8.21
Winter is coming! Winter is coming! OH wait, winter is here. Here are six ways to prepare your home for winter. Please don’t wait until it’s too late; make preparations now!
Tune-up your heating system
Depending on where you live, you may or may not have needed to use your heating system in full force up until now. As Californians, it’s remained relatively warm with minimal heat usage – up until now. It’s a great time to check out your furnace, boiler, HVAC system and make sure they have a proper tune-up to make sure.
Reverse your ceiling fans
According to Energy Star, the fan will produce an updraft and push down the heated air from the ceiling to the bottom. As we know, heat rises, making many people wait a while before they’re able to enjoy the heat in their home. Utilizing this method allows the ceilings to help push the heat down towards you and keep you extra toasty! Not sure about you, but nothing is more frustrating than thinking the heater isn’t working than realizing it’s just gravitated at the top for a little longer than necessary.
Fix air leaks to prevent water damage
If you haven’t already fixed all these issues during fall-winter is time to check for leaks to prevent water damage. Our most recommended place to start is with the roof – look for damaged, loose, or missing shingles that may leak during winter storms. Fix these issues before the rain, snow, or hail starts to hit to help eliminate more severe problems like water damage that may come into the home and affect other areas.
Check all weather stripping around windows and doorframes.
Check weather stripping – replace when necessary, and if you need to do some caulking – get it done. Keep indoor weather in and outdoor weather out. Windows and doors let in more temperature than most people realize. If the gaps between the siding and window/door are more significant than the nickel’s width, I highly recommend applying exterior caulk to fix this.
Clean the gutters
If your gutters are full of debris, litter, or other “fun” stuff, it can cause water to back up!! The last thing you want is to cause roof damage or potential leaks, resulting in water damage! Clean those gutters!
If you haven’t already, turn off exterior faucets! [And drain your lawn-irrigation system ]
Most people start preparing their outside freeze during fall, but if you haven’t already done it, make sure you turn off exterior faucets to prevent freeze and pipe bursts. Include garden hoses and drip systems you may have outside. Make sure to let them drip out any extra water they may have in them – this will help avoid freezing. It may also be a good idea to turn your shut-off valve off in some instances, but this depends on the type of faucets you have. Make sure to store garden hoses or anything else that is removable properly. Depending on the weather where you live – it might be a good idea to wrap outside faucets [ just like you would with your plants ].
These are just a few ways that we recommend preparing your home for winter! It’s always a great idea to train at the start of winter – if not before. Please don’t wait until it’s too late to get things up and to move.
5 REASONS THE HOLIDAYS ARE A GOOD TIME TO REVIEW YOUR INSURANCE POLICIES
Posted by Dustin Bates
4.8.21
With Thanksgiving this week and other holidays right around the corner, we will all be traveling more, cooking more, away from home more, and because of these things, it’s a great time to review your insurance policies. Here are a few reasons why we think the holidays are a perfect time to review your insurance policies.
1. Cooking more leads to more chances of a kitchen fire.
Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, or another holiday this season – you’re sure to find yourself in the kitchen far more often. With more cooking [and probably more people cooking], there are greater chances of fires – make sure you have a good emergency plan and coverage to get you through the holiday cooking season. Here are some holiday turkey frying tips from the Chico Police Department and action news. Stay safe this holiday season: http://goo.gl/uKAohP.
2. More people using your bathroom, the higher chance of toilet overflow
We don’t know about you but with the holiday season is an influx of people visiting the home. An influx of people means our toilets are probably handling more than they’re used to, or in some cases, are set up to run. Besides having a different plunger around, make sure your insurance coverage includes the most common water damage causes.
3. New gifts means new inventory
Holidays mean lots of gifts right around the corner. There’s no better time to update your home inventory list with your agent than this time of year while the items are fresh on your mind! If you let a few months or even a year go by, these new items might fall into oblivion. Depending on what unique gifts you’ve gotten, high-cost gifts such as new jewelry or electronics may need separate coverage altogether.
4. People are gone a lot during the holidays
We hate to say it, but people are gone a lot during the holidays, so burglaries tend to happen. Now’s a great time to not only have an alarm system but to make sure you have the coverage needed for all your possessions.
5. Are you traveling a lot? Are you driving a lot? Check your travel and auto insurance too!
Whether you’re on the road or off to a foreign land, be prepared this season. Are road trips on the horizon? Ensure your car can deal with any unforeseen circumstances and that you have the insurance to fix any bumps in the road. Are you traveling abroad? It is a great idea to have travel insurance just if you have trip cancellation, lost luggage, flight accident, or other losses that happen while traveling.
5 TIPS TO GET YOUR HOME READY FOR FALL [ AND PREVENT WATER DAMAGE ]
Posted by Dustin Bates
4.8.21
The fall season is upon us, which means that the leaves are falling and the weather is cooling. As we start adjusting to cooler weather and preparing for the season – it’s a great time to do some regular maintenance to keep things running smoothly [ and in many cases – to help prevent water damage ]. Here are a few of our tips on how you can get your home ready for fall.
1. Get your mind in the gutters
Get your minds in the gutters and get your leaves out of them! There’s no better way to start fall than to make sure your gutters are clean. Remove leaves, debris, and anything else that may prevent them from helping capture the rain properly. Now is as good of a time as ever to make sure they’re not leaking! A properly working gutter is crucial to ensuring rain does not enter your home. Ready, set, get to those gutters!
2. Seal gaps and cracks around windows and doors
Now is the team to check for gaps and cracks around windows and doors. Find any? Perfect! Seal those babies up and get them fixed. Nobody has time for water damage coming into his or her home, especially with the holiday season upon us.
3. Fix those roof problems
We’ve said it before, and we’ll repeat it – get that roof inspected and fixed – before rain or snow starts to hit! People often don’t know about a leaky roof until it’s too late, but this fall, we encourage you to get it inspected and fixed before fall! A proper inspection will help keep you warm and safe during the cold season and help eliminate heavy water damage and losses associated with it. The last thing you want to do is come home to an inside pool. Are we right, or are we right?
4. Winterize your faucets and irrigation systems
Now is the time to winterize your faucets and irrigation systems! If you have a drip system – it’s time to turn it off and dry it out. If you have outside faucets – now is as good as time as ever to close shut-off valves and open the outside tap [ to drain the line – similar to the drip system ]. Protect your pipes and make sure they don’t freeze this winter.
5. Check for leaks and get them fixed
Whether it’s dishwasher, washing machine, indoor pipes, outdoor pipes – if it leaks, it needs a fix! Checking now can help prevent frozen and burst pipes. Naturally, these leaks can often lead to more significant issues, and our goal here is to prevent you from experiencing that.
Regular maintenance should happen all year long, but these are a few tips to get you going during fall. It’s always a great idea to do preventative care rather than reactive repairs. Need help? We can help. Did you know CRBR has its construction department?
WHAT TO KNOW WHEN IT COMES TO FLOOD INSURANCE
Posted by Dustin Bates
4.8.21
We’re not sure where you are, but after last night’s thunderstorm in Chico and with El Nino on the horizon, it’s become abundantly clear people should know and understand flood insurance. While home insurance covers a lot, it doesn’t cover flood-related issues. If you live in a high flood risk area or expect El Nino to hit, here are a few things you should know about Flood insurance. Need help connecting with an agent to discuss more? We can help refer one in your area. Here are a few things you should know and think about when it comes to flood insurance.
– Homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flood damage
A lot of homeowners don’t realize that their homeowner’s insurance doesn’t cover flood damage. What does this mean? Well, if your home gets damaged due to a flood, you’re not covered. It only covers water falling from the sky. Know your flood policy and what’s not covered. As a follow-up to homeowners insurance not covering flood damage, are you covered under flood insurance from building property to personal contents property and beyond? Did you know that coverage is often limited in basements regardless of zone or date of construction? Check to see what your flood damage insurance coverage will or will not include.
If you have a federally regulated mortgage or an insured lender and live in a high-risk flood area, you have to have flood insurance.
That’s right, and if your mortgage through a federally regulated or insured lender and you live in a high-risk flood area, you have to have flood insurance. Whether it’s a home, business, or commercial building, you are required. Did you know that there is a 1 in 4 chance of flooding in high-risk areas during a 30-year mortgage? Trust us; we know. We have a residential client who lives right by the orchards and has already had three floods within the last year. It’s worth the investment if you live in a high-risk flood area. Trust us, we’ve seen it. Please don’t wait until it’s too late.
Most flood insurance policies have a 30 day waiting period before coverage kicks in, so if you think El Nino will hit or live in a high-risk flood area, please don’t wait until it’s too late! There’s no time like the present to insure yourself. Often it costs only $400-700 yearly for coverage up to $250,000. It’s well worth it to protect your investment!
These are just a few of the things you should know when it comes to flood insurance. If you want to learn more about flood insurance, here is a great source that can help answer any questions more in-depth. It’s always a great idea to connect with a local insurance agent to get the facts.
4 FACTS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SMOKE ALARMS
Posted by Dustin Bates
4.8.21
Smoke alarms need to in every business or residence for your safety and the safety of others. We’ve got a few tips about smoke alarms to keep you and your loved ones safe. Trust us, and it’s worth the investment.
1. Have a dual smoke alarm. Most people don’t realize this, but there are two types of smoke alarms – an ionization alarm and a photoelectric alarm. Photoelectric smoke detectors are quicker at sensing a slower, smoky fire. An example of this would be an electrical fire. Simultaneously, an ionization alarm sounds more quickly when a flaming, fast-moving fire occurs. An example would be if your kid played with matches and accidentally caught on some material that started to spread soon. That’s why it’s always a good reason to have both alarms or a dual fire detector.
2. Install a smoke alarm in every room of your home or office. There should be a smoke alarm in every bedroom as well as outside each sleeping or open area. If you have a split-level home, you must have them on every floor. Smoke alarms might save your life; it is critical to have the right amount of alarms per room/sq. Ft.
3. Test your smoke alarm every month. It’s a good rule of thumb to test your alarms once a month to ensure they’re in working order. You don’t want to wait until a fire occurs to find out your notice is out of batteries or no longer works. It only takes a few minutes of your time – isn’t your life and those around you worth it? Test your smoke alarm; you’ll thank us for it.
4. If you’ve had your smoke alarm longer than ten years, it’s time to replace it. It’s simple, and if you had had your smoke alarm longer than ten years, you should replace it. You want to have an alarm that will work, that’s accurate, and that gets the job done.
HOW TO CREATE A WILDFIRE ACTION PLAN
Posted by Dustin Bates
4.8.21
Wildfires are an unfortunate part of life when you reside in California, and it’s crucial to be ready to handle whatever might come. Don’t know where to start or what to do? Planning can help you, even in the worst of situations. The information below will help you get started.
Put Together an Escape Plan
You need to know the best way to get out of your home in the event of a wildfire. It’s never good to assume you will figure something out when the event occurs. Don’t panic and make sloppy mistakes that will put your family in harm’s way. Choose a designated meeting location so you can find your loved ones should everyone get separated. Create a map of your house and find good escape routes. Keep these escape routes clear at all times – you don’t want to trip and fall in the middle of a crisis. Practice your escape plan so you won’t forget. If you have someone visiting, let them know about your program. Don’t forget to include pets.
Be Ready To Handle Various Scenarios
It would help if you were ready to tackle whatever could happen during a wildfire. Put together a kit that consists of medicine, flashlights, a charged phone, water, emergency money, and so on. It’s also essential to have a list of emergency contact numbers. You should have shelter in mind and know where your pets can go if they can’t stay with you. A portable radio will keep you updated when you can’t get to a phone, computer, or television. It’s a good idea to put things together when you move into a house and periodically check on your emergency kits to make sure everything is up-to-date. With all of the wildfires that have devastated Californians – virtually wiping out homes and businesses across the North State – it’s a good idea to know that at a moment’s notice, you may have 10 minutes or less to evacuate. You never know what might hit, so be prepared for anything.
Wildfires are never fun, but you could add fuel to that fire if you don’t prepare. The tips above will help you avoid disasters.
HOW TO HELP OTHERS AFTER A FIRE
Posted by Dustin Bates
4.8.21
California is on fire! Anyone who has turned on the news can see that. You probably have friends or family that have been affected; we do. Although there may not be much we can do, there are small, tiny, extraordinary things that we can do to help others after a fire. Here are a few of our tips on how you can help those in need right now! And remember: Thank a firefighter.
1. Open up your home.
Whether you live far or near, make sure your friends and loved ones know they have a place in your home. You may think they have other offers, you may believe they are comfortable at an evacuation center, but you never know until you offer. If you’re able to, open up your home to those who have lost everything. You never know what a simple gesture like this might mean to them.
2. Send a gift certificate
Find out what local businesses are available or, if necessary, commercial businesses and send them a gift card to fill up on clothes, food, animal, or supplies. A gift certificate is a great way to get them what they need without having to send cash or figuring out what exactly it is they need.
3. Make a meal
If you haven’t been affected by the local fire, consider making a meal or inviting friends, families, and even strangers over to fill their bellies. Many people have lost everything after a fire; the little things help, even if it’s “just” a meal.
4. Bring Groceries
Food. People need food. It’s one of those things that we need to function but often put on the backburner after a significant catastrophe. Bringing groceries helps make sure they get the food they need during an insanely stressful and burdensome time in their lives.
5. Donate to local rescue efforts
Whether you’re donating time, money, goods, or services, it’s always great to research the local rescue efforts and donate to organizations or businesses that will directly impact the needs of the local community. It’s always best to connect and give locally to your community when you can. Make sure when donating fiscally to organizations like the Red Cross to write a check in a neighborhood.
6. Help donate services, i.e., construction rebuilding
When the time comes, if you’re able to offer up services, any services that can help rebuild homes and businesses – do so! There’s nothing more essential than a community that is in it together. Communities often can’t rebuild without the help of others. If you have time and the ability to give, help out! Your friends, family, and strangers will appreciate it.
7. Connect them with others who may be able to help
This one is simple. If you’re not able to help, connect with people who can. Our hearts go out and break to those in California who have lost everything. Our hearts are with you.
