Sunday, February 17, 2019

10 Best Ways to Protect your Home and Establishment from Water Damage

Water damage is increasingly common and it’s one of the reasons why home insurance rates are what
they are today. Weather can be crazy and unpredictable, but you can take precautions now to minimize
the chance your home will sustain water damage from flooding or broken pipes and leaks. When water
damage occurs immediately call your one stop solution company at ServiceMaster by Lovejoy.


So here are 10 best ways to protect your home and establishment from water damage:


1.      While ServiceMaster by Lovejoy is checking water damaged tile, have them look at the sump-pit and
sump pump to ensure they’re working correctly and not blocked.


2.      Utilize the plumbing services at ServiceMaster by Lovejoy to install a backwater valve.   A
backwater valve is a device that stops water and sewage from coming back into the house during
times of heavy rainfall. A backwater valve should be maintained annually.


3.      Consider investing in water leak sensors and alarms that alert you to possible leaks in the home; some
of the more sophisticated models will even turn off the water coming into the house if a problem is detected.


4.      Keep your floor drains clear of obstructions.


5.      Seal cracks around windows and in the basement foundation and floors.


6.      Protect your AC / Heating HVAC system; if possible have a professional elevate the furnace and hot
water tank so that it’s not sitting on the basement floor.


7.      Consider installing shelves in the basement to keep items off the floor. Also, avoid keeping valuables
and important documents in the basement; store them upstairs where they are less likely to be damaged.


8.      Don’t pour fats, oils, and grease down your drains; they may solidify and contribute to a clogged
pipe—the last thing you need when your system is under distress from a storm!


9.      During heavy rainfalls, minimize your home water use.


10. Inspect your roof. After all, your roof is constantly exposed to sunlight and precipitation. If it begins to
deteriorate, roof leaks can develop without you noticing. But you can stay ahead of water damage by
inspecting your roof regularly especially after big storms.

Now that you know how to protect your home from water damage, all you’ll need to worry about during the next heavy rain is remembering your umbrella on the way out the door. Need professional water damage restoration service in Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Decatur, Stockbridge, Conyers, McDonough, Stone Mountain, Covington, Social Circle, and Dekalb County? Check out our page for services we offer at ServiceMaster by Lovejoy or contact ServiceMaster by Lovejoy at 678-293-0297 for all your water damage restoration and repair needs.

Wednesday, February 13, 2019

Benefits of Hiring Mold Inspection and Remediation Professional

If you believe you’ve found mold in your home, the optimal way to plan its removal is to hire
ServiceMaster by Lovejoy,  an experienced professional to conduct an initial mold inspection.
This inspection determines the type of mold and extent of damage in your home so that you
can implement the most effective cleanup methods.


Mold and dampness in homes may cause health problems.  Indoor mold and dampness can
also cause unpleasant odors and damage to building materials, contents, and structures,
which can lead to expensive maintenance or management costs. If the problem is large,
recurring or can’t be found (hidden mold) professionals like ServiceMaster by Lovejoy help
may be required.


Professionals may be required for identifying and cleaning the mold and for fixing the
underlying problem. Indoor environment experts or mold specialists may be required to
evaluate and remediate mold problems, plumbers may be needed to identify and fix plumbing
leaks, builders or roof specialists will be required to fix leaks in the building structure,
air-conditioning consultants/engineers may be needed for identifying problems with the air
conditioning system.   ServiceMaster by Lovejoy has all these services on staff.

What generally happens during a home mold inspection, what credentials you should look
for in a mold inspector, and common removal tactics and cleanup methods.


Visual inspection: A visual inspection checks for mold throughout your house, including hidden
areas like the HVAC system. That inspection is not limited to just the inside of your home.
The inspection also includes the building envelope and the surrounding landscape.  


Diagnosis: After inspection, the sources of moisture intrusion and/or relative humidity sources
are identified.


Fungal sampling: Air, surface, and bulk samples are taken to determine the type and level of
contamination. For example, air sampling can determine if the type of mold in your house is
the type that causes allergic reactions from inhalation.


Written report: The report will detail findings and recommendations to remediate problem
areas and prevent future occurrences of mold growth.


ServiceMaster by Lovejoy specializes in mold removal and mold remediation across Atlanta,
Sandy Springs, Decatur, Stockbridge, Conyers, McDonough, Stone Mountain, Covington,
Social Circle, and Dekalb County. Our mold removal process focuses on identifying the cause
of the problem and providing recommendations to find a permanent solution for our valued customers.


The team at ServiceMaster by Lovejoy offer a professional service and years of experience to
ensure you get the best possible results. ServiceMaster by Lovejoy offers a free no obligation
inspection report that provides you with a detailed analysis and cause of the issue and a detailed
quote for mold removal.

Contact ServiceMaster by Lovejoy at 678-293-0297 for your mold inspection and remediation in Atlanta and nearby Counties. Visit https://www.servicemasterbylovejoy.com/mold-inspection-remediation-atlanta-sandy-springs-decatur-stockbridge-conyers-mcdonough-stone-mountain-covington-social-circle-dekalb/ for more details and services.