There’s nothing like outdoor grilling in the summertime. From camping
and cabin living, to even just trying to escape the heat of your home, outdoor
grilling can be a great alternative to cook outdoors and beat the heat. But
beware; a BBQ placed too close to a home becomes a hazard for
burning.
Keeping your BBQ a safe distance from your property
Keeping a safe distance between your property and BBQ lowers your risk
of causing any avoidable fire and smoke damage to your property. Regardless of
whether your BBQ is charcoal or gas, it should be at least 10 feet away from
your property. That includes your garage, deck railings and any other
structures!
What is a grill flare-up?
If you’re a frequent griller, it’s likely you are familiar with
flare-ups. Grill flare-ups can creep up on you and grow quickly. If you combine
that with a BBQ that has a lot of grease built up, you have created the
potential to experience a catastrophic fire. Although grill flare-ups are
preventable, it’s still imperative to understand the characteristics of a
grilling flare-up and how to practice safe outdoor grilling.
Although a grill flare-up may appear like a grease fire, they are not
the same thing. A grill flare-up is a large burst of intense flames that
results from fat dripping onto hot coals. Although a flare-up could happen from
lack of maintenance, it usually starts when you place meat on
the grill. Typically, it dies down quickly. Rather than causing alarm, simply
move the food you are grilling onto a different location on your grill to
allow for the flame to settle.
Grill flare-ups most commonly occur on charcoal grills where the dripping fat pools down onto the hot coals and causes the dripping fat to ignite. Although many gas grills feature drip guards designed to divert the dripping fat from the heating element, that grease can build up over time and can risk accumulating into a serious grease fire.
How to prevent a grill flare-up
The main reason for a fire getting out of control is due to a dirty grill. Ensure you are brushing your grill to scrape off any remaining food. Another common way to prevent grill flare-ups is to trim off any excess fat from the edges before grilling or reduce the oil amount on the food you will be grilling. Minimizing the amount of oil you brush onto your foods will reduce the risk of a grill flare-up. Additionally, if you are planning on grilling marinated meat, make sure the marinade isn’t dripping onto the grill, especially if it is high in oil content.
Even though most grill-flare ups are preventable, if you happen to find
yourself in a situation where the flames are continuing to burn even after
moving the food, or they’ve spread into the grill, this likely means, your
grill-flare has evolved into a grease fire.
How to extinguish a grease fire
The number one rule when it comes to grease fires is to never put
water on a grease fire. Water causes the fire to continue spreading,
putting you and your property at risk. Instead you need to deprive the fire of
oxygen. If your grease fire is minor, simply close the lid and vents or dump
baking soda onto the fire. Baking soda can reduce a small fire
quickly.
Lastly, it’s always good practice to keep a fire extinguisher nearby in
case a minor fire advances into a more serious fire, but if the fire spreads
beyond your control or gets too hot, call 911 immediately and get far away from
the fire.
Fire and smoke disaster recovery and restoration
Following a fire, or any smoke related damage, Streamside Property
Restoration is here to get your life back to normal as soon as possible.
We are available for immediate response and inspection of your property
following a fire or any smoke related damage. We have the experience and
resources to restore your property back to its pre-loss condition, no matter
the level of damage.
Whether you notice a small water stain on your ceiling or a little drop under your sink, both can lead to bigger, more costly problems. Water damage has now become one of the leading causes of personal property insurance claims. What makes water damage especially problematic is that it can easily go unnoticed, and if it is left untreated it can cause extensive damage to your property. If you suspect you may have water damage on your property, keep reading for indicators to help detect if water damage is present on your property.
Ceiling discolouration
If
you start to notice brown stains or soft patches beginning to appear on your
ceiling it is likely due to an active leak or a build up of condensation coming
from your roof.
If
you suspect a hidden water leak, finding the source is the first step to
putting a stop to stains and soft patches on your ceiling. You may also see
similar stains or soft patches appearing on your walls.
Weakened flooring
The wood from your floor acts like a sponge so water damage to wooden floors can be very common. Due to wood being so absorbent, the longer you wait to take action with water damage, the more the moisture will continue to travel and spread out throughout your floors causing warping, buckling and loose flooring. If left entirely untreated, the wooden flooring may start to decompose and break apart altogether.
Damaged drywall
Drywall doesn’t need much exposure to water before it begins to crack and become brittle. If you notice cracking, peeling, or crumbling on your walls there could be moisture present. If the untreated water damage is left, mold-infested water will continue to damage your walls.
Musty odors
Trapped moisture due to undetected water can
cause odors to be present. Odors from water damage may be immediately
noticeable or may occur some time after the initial cause is resolved and the
water has been removed. Some odors are directly related to the source of water
that has inundated the property; while others are residual due to bacterial and
fungal growth that typically accompany water damage.
What happens if I leave the water damage untreated?
Any moisture or water will instantly weaken the structure of building materials that are not designed to be water-resistant. Any natural materials will begin to decompose and become weaker over time. This includes the building envelope that is the structure of your property. The dark moist environment inside your ceiling and walls will become conducive for mold and bacterial growth which can have devastating effects on your health and your property.
When to call a professional
If
you have any indications of water damage present on your property you can
contact Streamside Property Restoration to assist you. We have expertly trained
technicians and inspectors to immediately respond to water damage.
How
quickly do I have to take action after water damage or flooding?
When water damage occurs, fast action is
required to keep any property damage minimal. Mold can set in as early as 24
hours after the water damage has occurred, so it’s vital to take fast action
and ventilate the affected area. Using air flow aids, also known as drying fans
and dehumidifiers, can help reduce any water damage your property has
experienced.
About
air flow aids and dehumidifiers
Air flow aids are among one of the most
effective ways to eliminate moisture remnants as quickly as possible from
saturated walls and floors and any soaked articles. The science behind using an
air flow fan is quite simple. The air from the fan blows away the humidity-laden
air, and allows it to be replaced with dry air. The more air that circulates
the better. Dry air has the ability to absorb excess moisture in the process of
being blown away by the drying fan, therefore assisting in the process of
removing moisture from the air. Once the drying fan has extracted all of the
moisture from the floors, ceilings and drywall, the dehumidifier can be put to
use.
The dehumidifier will pick up any excess
moisture in the air and remove it. Dehumidifiers are an important step in
ensuring any excess water has been removed. Even if you can no longer see any
water, it doesn’t mean it isn’t present. The dehumidifier assists in condensing
the water vapor in the air and collecting the condensed water in a basin.
Additionally, the reduction in water vapor will promote the evaporation
process, in order to assist in removing any moisture in the air.
While using air flow aids and dehumidifiers
as a way to ventilate the affected area, it’s important to note that problems
can occur if you have too much or too little air movement and not enough
dehumidification. The same can be said for the reverse situation when you have
too much dehumidification. In order for
water damage to be properly taken care of, it’s important to contact a professional
property restoration team to ensure the main source of water has been properly
looked after, allowing a professional to evaluate and manage your situation.
Our expertly-trained technicians and inspectors will immediately respond to
water damage emergencies on your property. We will develop a recovery plan,
then reconstruct and restore your property back to its pre-flood condition.
How
long does it take for my carpeted floor to dry out after a flood?
Experiencing water damage can be an overwhelming process from the moment flooding occurs to days after the flood has taken place. Water damage can have serious effects on your property and belongings. When it comes to water damage, there are multiple factors when determining how long it will take to get your property back to its pre-loss condition. If water damage has occurred over a carpeted area, there are several aspects to consider when it comes to determining how fast your carpeted floor will take to dry out after a flood.
Determining
the substrate under the carpeted area
In order to facilitate with the drying
process, you first need to determine what the substrate is under the carpeted
areas of your home. The substrate’s material make-up will vary greatly when
determining how fast it responds to the introduction and removal of moisture.
Plywood
substrate
If
you have a plywood substrate, you may experience swelling and distorting when
exposed to moisture. Once plywood has become wet, it’s important to remove the
moisture as soon as possible with the combination of a dehumidifier and a
drying fan which usually takes a minimum of three full days. Plywood is
extremely porous and has the ability to absorb water very fast, but on the
reverse side, plywood also has the ability to dry out fast. It’s important to
note that plywood subjected to moisture is at risk for mold growth. You can
prevent this risk by taking immediate action at the first sign of any moisture.
Oriented
strand board substrate
Similar to plywood, orientated strand board
(OSB), is vulnerable to moisture and can become damaged very easily by
prolonged water damage. OSB can lose its strength and will warp, however it is
not as sensitive to small amounts of water and will absorb water slowly. If
your OSB substrate has been badly damaged by water exposure, it’s best to have
it replaced.
Concrete
substrate
Concrete can vary greatly in porosity due
to the materials used and whether any finishes or sealants have been applied to
the concrete. In most cases, when concrete gets wet, it can be recovered as
long as you have a restoration company deal with the moisture right away. Unlike plywood or OSB, concrete is not at
risk for mold growth, however it can be at risk for stress cracks which are
difficult to dry out. In order to properly dry out concrete, you will require
normal drying procedures put into place with dehumidification and drying fans.
Is
the carpet padding still in place?
Your carpet padding can be restored if it
has been wet from clean water for less than 48 hours, however if you notice
your substrate such as plywood, OSB, or concrete is wet, your carpet padding
should be removed and thrown out. Additionally, if your carpet padding has been
exposed to dirty water, it should also be removed and discarded.
If you notice only a small area of your carpeted
floor has water damage, you can cut away the wet padding from that area. It’s
important to note that you should not replace your carpet padding until the
subfloor is completely dry.
Take
Action after Flooding
Regardless of the type of substrate beneath
the carpeted area, you should still take immediate action to ensure any water
damage has been properly dealt with. Contact your Property Restoration Experts
to respond to any water damage, and restore your property back to its pre-flood
condition.
When you experience flooding or other water damage, is it necessary to restore your property?
We often associate water damage with flooding, especially since the 2013 Calgary Flood remains fresh in the minds of many Calgarians. However, leaks can be more common than you think. Even a small leak can cause large issues, especially if you’re living in a condo building.
Condo Buildings and Water Leaks
One of the main perks of renting in a condo building is that you can personally avoid dealing with any property upkeep, construction or renovation costs your building takes on. You will likely contribute financially for it indirectly through rent or condo fees, but usually someone else coordinates the maintenance and repair of your building envelope and common spaces.
How quickly will water damage start to affect my property?
Be aware that any water damage can result in the growth of mold. Mold can begin to form within the first 24 hours of the water damage so it’s important to take action and notify someone whether you notice water damage inside or outside of your unit. If water damage is left unattended, it can detrimentally impact the structure of the property, or produce other complications, including mold and mildew that pose a health risk to those residing on the property.
Does water damage have to be repaired?
Because each situation is unique, it is best to have a professional assess the situation. In many cases, if the leak or flood is caught right away, steps and actions can be taken to reduce the affects of the water damage and ideally maintain the integrity of your building. Again, because each situation is totally unique, in many cases, it will not be possible to just “dry it out” and leave the water damage untouched. If it is left unaddressed, your building can be put at risk for safety and health. If in doubt, there are experts who see and deal with water damage every day and can offer professional advice on your best next steps.
Do you know who is responsible if unexpected water damage occurs to your unit or building?
If you are a renter, it’s important to double check the details of your lease and have a thorough understanding of what you are agreeing to and what is covered when you sign your lease. Many landlords recommend tenant insurance to cover any damage to your personal belongings while occupying their building. While it’s up to the renter to contact the landlord if any issues occur in their unit, it’s up to the landlord to make sure their unit is liveable. This includes any upkeep and maintenance such as plumbing repairs due to leaks. We believe everyone deserves to live in a building that is properly maintained and therefore a healthy and safe place to live.
What should I do if I notice water damage in my condo building?
Regardless of whether you rent or own the unit in the building, condo associations maintain insurance and financial surpluses to cover unexpected and planned maintenance of common areas of the building complex. Often, individual condo unit insurance policies are responsible when covering the ceilings, floors, walls and contents of the unit. It’s best to contact your condo association or landlord if you notice any water damage occurring outside of your unit such as a ceiling leak, or an overflowing washing machine in a communal area.
When it comes to water damage in your unit,the area of responsibility can become a little murky. Determining the cause of the water damage will come into play when deciding who is liable for the repair. If water damage in your unit occurred due to a toilet overflow or a bathroom pipe burst, it is likely that the claim will go through your personal insurance. If you are the victim of water damage caused by an adjoining unit, your insurance company will make the decision of determining who becomes liable. When damage is to the building envelope such as unplanned damage to the roof, it is likely that the condo board or building owner will handle the situation. The bottom line is that the situation is unique every time, depending on the source of the damage, whether or not an insurance claim will be made, what the repair entails, and much more.
Is water damage more likely or less likely in a condo or apartment building?
When living in a multi-dwelling building, more water is used than living in a single-family house, therefore it puts more people at risk of water damage to the building. To avoid any water troubles, property owners need to maintain their buildings and seek professional help at the first sign of water damage.
If you become the victim of water damage at your property, Streamside Property Restoration can help. Our expert technicians and inspectors are trained to immediately respond to water damage emergencies, develop a recovery plan, then if necessary, reconstruct and restore your property back to its pre-loss condition.
Water damage can arrive at your property in many forms when you least expect it. Your response time is everything when you’re trying to alleviate the potential amount of damage water can have on your property. If you find yourself suddenly having to deal with water damage, you can take immediate preventative action to protect your property by following these steps:
1. Stop the water at its source. The first consideration when evaluating water damage is finding the source. If it’s safe to do so, cut the water off by shutting off the water at the source to prevent any further damage from occurring to your property. One of the most common sources of water damage originates from a burst pipe or leaking water pipes.
2. Remove the water. After you alleviate the source of the water, take the time to remove any excess water from the area. You can do this with the assistance of a mop, or a broom, or any other tool you may have on your property to assist in removing any excess water out of the area.
3. Ventilate the affected area to prevent the potential growth of mold or mildew. Mold can set in as soon as 24 hours after water damage has occurred, so it’s crucial to start the drying and ventilating process as soon as possible.
4. Inspect formildew and mold growth. You will need to check the walls, ceilings, and carpets for signs of mold and mildew. Visual signs of active mold growth mean moisture is still present. If you notice an odor, or see black or green spots building up, it’s important to contact a professional for help as you may have a mold problem.
5. Notify your insurance company of any water damage. Your home insurance will cover many types of water damage, but not all water damage. It’s important to review your policy if you are uncertain because different policies have certain conditions, restrictions, and exclusions. Whether your insurance company covers the water damage or not, it’s imperative to take immediate action to protect your property from water damage.
If water damage is left unattended, it can detrimentally impact the structure of your property, or produce other complications, including mold and mildew that pose a health risk to those residing on the property.
Whether your water damage is brought on by a pipe bursting during cold temperatures, or a basement flood caused by warm chinook winds, we have expert-trained technicians and inspectors to immediately respond to water damage emergencies on your property. We will develop a recovery plan, then reconstruct and restore your property back to its pre-loss condition.
