Care For Your Pipes To Avoid A Sewage Backup Be Careful What You Flush A majority of sewage backups are caused by drain clogs. While sometimes this is because the toilet can’t handle the quantity trying to be flushed, it can also be because. . .
Types Of Flood Damage Deterioration Of Drywall Flooding in your home can compromise the structural integrity of the drywall. When the drywall absorbs moisture, it may crumble or become soft. The insulation inside the wall may also become damaged. . .
3 Tips To Reduce Mold Growth 1. Avoid Moisture Buildup Mold needs moisture to grow. This makes damp areas especially susceptible to mold development. Humidity levels tend to rise in the summer and can increase the risk for mold growth in. . .
8 Steps For Deck Demolition 1. Prepare Your Deck For Demolition Before you can tear down your deck, make sure it’s cleared of all objects. Remove any patio furniture and place it far away, as you don’t want dirt or debris on it and you. . .
Materials That Can Be Damaged By Smoke Metal Smoke has been found to be acidic. The type of acids within the smoke will depend on what the fire was fueled by (for example, cooking oil versus wood), but typically the acids produced by smoke are. . .
Sewage Backups During Storms Heavy Rains And Sewage Backups When there are heavy rains (or large snowmelts), the municipal sewer system that is designed to take water away from the home can actually backup. The sewers can become overwhelmed. . .
The Danger Of Mold In Your Home Mold And Your Health Mold in your home will affect your indoor air quality. Mold has microscopic cells called mold spores that float through the air. These spores spread mold and they can carry chemicals called. . .
The Different Types Of Wastewater Blackwater This is wastewater from bathrooms and toilets. This water can contain feces, urine, or other bodily waste and is considered biohazardous. The more common name for blackwater is sewage, and this. . .
Asbestos: When It’s A Problem And How To Get Rid Of It Where Might Asbestos Be Found? If your business is undergoing renovations, the construction crew may suspect the presence of asbestos in: Insulation in walls and around water. . .
Limitations To DIY Cleanup Equipment Flood damage cleanup requires specialized equipment. Even if you have a wet dry vacuum to help get rid of the water, flood water can contain microbes and bacteria in it that can be dangerous to your health. . . .
Where To Look For Mold In Each Room The Bathroom The bathroom is typically the dampest room in the house and if it’s not properly ventilated mold can grow in a variety of places. Shower And Bathtub. In the shower and bathtub, mold likes. . .
Sewage Backups And Your Home Sewage Backups And Insurance Not every insurance provider includes sewage backup insurance on every policy. Many insurance companies will charge extra for sewage backup insurance and this cost is dependent on factors. . .
Alberta Requirements The province of Alberta has set out strict requirements for the management of asbestos in order to protect people and the environment. These requirements include 4 different ways the danger of asbestos may be neutralized to. . .
Which Items To Save Windows Depending on the age and energy efficiency of your windows, they can be very beneficial to keep. Older windows that don’t keep out the Calgary winters may not be worth keeping, but double or triple-pane windows are. . .
Mildew Versus Mold: What To Look For And Why Mildew The look: Mildew often appears dry or powder-like and is coloured white or grey. If the mildew sits and becomes old, it can turn yellow and eventually dark brown or black. The smell:. . .
Tips To Keep Water Out Of The Home Shovel Snow. As the days warm up and the snow in your yard begins the thaw, water near the house will start to pool. When snow is right up against the house it will block any drainage and the water can seep into. . .
Where You Might Find Asbestos In The Home Why Asbestos Was Used When it was first discovered and industrialized, asbestos was used in all sorts of products for its fire resistance. Because of its insulating qualities, asbestos was used in many. . .
What To Know About Sewage Backup Not All Waste Lines Are The Same. Sanitary Sewer Line. The drain lines in your home are not all the same: the tub waste line, the toilet waste line, the laundry waste line, the kitchen sink waste line,. . .
Everyday Occurrences That Can Cause Fires Cooking. It’s probably no surprise that most fires happen in the kitchen, but it’s an important reminder to pay attention while cooking and not to get complacent about your everyday safety. When. . .
Protect Your Home Against A Cold Winter Storm Protect Your Pipes. During a winter storm, pipes may freeze and burst. Pipes are most likely to freeze when it becomes cold in the house, potentially during a power outage. But pipes can freeze even. . .
What Causes Mold To Grow Even In Winter Mold needs three things to grow: Temperature. Although it can seem like extreme cold kills mold, what actually happens is that the mold deactivates, sometimes even freezing, but this doesn’t kill. . .
Tips To Avoid A Sewage Backup Don’t Pour Grease Down The Drain. This includes cooking oil, bacon grease, fat from cooked meats, or anything else that will congeal when it cools. Pouring grease down the drain, especially repeatedly, can easily. . .
4 Types of Winter Storm Damage 1. The Weight Of Snow Or Ice. When winter hits, Calgary can get bouts of snow, melting, and refreezing. This causes snow and ice buildup on roofs, pushing down on them with considerable weight. If a roof is older,. . .
What To Do When A Pipe Bursts Shut Off The Water. Pipes don’t always burst where the ice forms, they instead split where the pipe is weakest. When a section of the pipe freezes, the water is still flowing but has nowhere to go, and that. . .
Potential Damages Caused By Winter Storms. During a winter storm you may experience: A Collapsed Roof Or Roof Leaks. This can be due to heavy snow and ice on the roof. Collapsed roofs may also be caused by strong winds that blow trees or power. . .
Indications Of Damaged Pipes That May Cause Sewage Backup Changes In Your Lawn. If pools of odorous water appear on your lawn it may be due to sewage leaks beneath the surface. Swampy areas, sinkholes, or depressions in cement can all be. . .
Types Of Smoke Damage And Their Restoration Solutions 4 Types Of Smoke Damage Dry Smoke. This type of smoke damage happens when the fire burns very hot and fast and is typically fueled by paper or wood. It creates a powdery residue that. . .
Know And Avoid The Causes of Flooding Causes Of Flooding Snowmelts. When living in Calgary, you have to be prepared for the sudden snowmelts brought on by chinooks. When a heavy snowfall suddenly melts, it needs somewhere to drain; if the. . .
Where Lead Is Commonly Found In The Home And What To Do About It Lead Paint. If your paint is old and dry, you might be able to tell if it’s lead based by the way it’s peeling off, specifically if it has a wrinkly, alligator skin look to it. . . .
What Causes Sewage Backup Clogs. The most common cause of sewer backups is clogs. They can be caused by a buildup of material including hardened grease and hair. Because these build up gradually, you will likely notice the drain working less. . .
The Most Common Areas For Mold Growth In Your Home Any area that can remain damp like a basement, or a garage. Basements are below ground and are more susceptible to mold growth. Many garages are also primed for mold growth as they are often. . .
Asbestos in the Home: Where it Comes From Asbestos is a group of different minerals that are naturally occurring in the environment. These minerals were often used in the past to make a variety of products utilized in the construction of homes. . . .
What Are Puff-backs? Puff-backs are expelled soot and smoke from malfunctioning furnaces. They occur when undissipated fuel left in the combustion chamber is ignited upon starting the furnace. Puff-backs from a forced air heating system can be. . .
Potential Sources Of Lead In Your Home A building built before the late 1970s could contain the following sources of lead: Paint: The older your home, the higher the chance it contains lead-based paint. Adding new layers of paint has not. . .
Given the risks that come with demolition projects, 24/7 Restoration recommends that you hire a professional demolition cleanup crew to do the job for you. Our specially trained demolition workers can remove any structure or equipment in your home. . .
Your Sewage May Be Backing Up When… Prevention is the best way to deal with a sewage backup. Solving the problem before it gets out of hand can severely limit the damage it may inflict on your property一not to mention your health. In most. . .
Though the use of asbestos in residential homes has long been discontinued, a home built in the 1970s or earlier will often have been constructed with materials containing the substance. If you live in such a home, be extra vigilant for damage in. . .
How To Control Mold In Your Home If you carefully peer into the nooks and crannies of your bathrooms or basement, you will most likely find traces of mold. While you are correct that mold spores in small amounts are generally harmless, mold. . .
Water Damage Is Not Flood Damage When it comes to insurance companies, water damage is not the same thing as flood damage. Insurance companies consider water damage as damage caused by faulty plumbing, such as toilet backup, a malfunctioning. . .
When The Spillage Is Small Your toilet or sink backing up is not usually a cause for alarm. The spillage is likely limited and can be easily contained within the room. As long as you are taking proper precautions, you should be able to clean up. . .
A fire in your home, or business, is an unfortunate and devastating event. Not only do the flames damage everything they reach, but there are also major long-lasting effects that linger from the smoke. What many people don’t realize is that in. . .
Whether you are the ultimate DIY-er, or you have had the unfortunate experience of a flood or fire in your home, the cleanup is always bigger and longer than anticipated. The home renovation television shows never portray the entire story: the. . .
Are you constantly putting off your home renovations? Your apprehension is well-founded. Working with paint, among other activities such as drinking tap water straight from the faucet, can lead to irreversible lead poisoning. That’s why a. . .
Don’t despair if a storm has left your home in tatters. Broken beams, a dismantled roof, fire damage, a flooded cellar… All this can be fixed. What can’t be fixed is the injury you may sustain trying to make these repairs single-handedly. . . .
Has your home been recently damaged by water or flooding? Are you unsure of what to expect from the restoration process? Here are the 4 main steps to repairing and restoring your home after water damage. While not terribly common, water damage. . .
A flooded basement can be quite a harrowing experience, leaving you with more questions than answers, and worried for the safety of your property, possessions, and family. Here are our recommended steps to take when your basement floods. As. . .
Flooding in and around your property can cause serious, unfortunate damage, especially when the water source is unknown or is coming from a potentially toxic location. Keep reading to learn about all of the different water categories and what their. . .
Do you think you may be dealing with a leaky pipe? Don’t take this worry lightly! Burst pipes can cause thousands of dollars in flooding damage. Here are seven signs of a burst pipe leak. One of the most common yet hidden ways that your home. . .
The History of Asbestos Removal Regulations in Canada Asbestos is a serious health and safety hazard and both the Canadian Government and the Government of Alberta have taken the necessary legal precautions when it comes to asbestos abatement and. . .
Indoor mold growth problems can adversely affect many homeowners in Calgary. Mold remediation specialists state that mold can have negative health effects while also compromising the structural integrity of your property. If you have discovered. . .
If you live in a home that was constructed before 1990, you may be living with asbestos. However, while it is a matter for concern, in most cases the presence of asbestos shouldn’t pose any immediate health risks. However, asbestos removal. . .
People tend to think of mold as a minuscule issue that can easily be overlooked. When we think of mold, the first thought that comes to mind is typically rotten food followed by an immediate reaction to disposing of it. But when it comes to our. . .
If you plan on upgrading your home then the words "renovation" and "demolition" are common words that come to mind during your home project, but one word many people forget to consider is, "asbestos". The first question many people ask is. . .
High River residents breathed a sigh of relief this week as the town council approved the fourth and final round of forgiven taxes from the Property Tax Relief Program that was set up to help residents affected by the 2013 Alberta flood. This. . .
Blackwater and Greywater are both types of dirty water. However, they differ because they are contaminated with different substances, and thus pose different health hazards. If your home or business becomes flooded you could be exposed to either. . .
As many Calgarians remember, floods can cause extensive damage. When large portions of Alberta, including Calgary, were flooded in 2013, many people were caught unaware. Though as a home or business owner your first concern will be removing the. . .
Now that winter is officially upon us homeowners and landlords everywhere should be checking the exteriors of their homes and tenements to help them avoid water damage. Buildings in Calgary, with its freeze and melt cycles caused by chinooks, are. . .
Mold can grow in a variety of places in your home or business. Though moist areas like shower stalls, bathtubs and basements are the most common places for mold to grow, it can thrive anywhere that is humid. Drywall, carpets, furniture, ceiling. . .
Mold can cause a variety of health problems if allowed to flourish. To help keep your home and business free of mold here are a few telltale signs that you might have a problem on your hands. Though standing water is obvious, you may also have a. . .
Many Calgarians remember the 2013 flood which damaged homes and businesses costing millions of dollars and displacing over 100,000 people in southern Alberta. Though the water itself is to blame for most of the damage there were other health hazards. . .
Mold is a problem that many households and businesses will have to deal with at one point or another. There are thousands of species of mold in North America and most are harmless to humans. However, Stachybotrys chartarum (also called black mold. . .
Having your property damaged by fire can be devastating for any small business owner. This week Calgary lost 4 iconic businesses when the Stadium Shopping Centre went up in flames. Though the Hi-Ball Restaurant, the Cat House, Saigon Star and the. . .
The damage caused by water can be extensive depending on the amount of water involved and how long the water is allowed to stand. The extent of the damage and the amount of cleanup required also depends on what type of water is involved in the. . .
Fire and smoke tend to cause catastrophic damage, and repairs are typically extensive. To properly assess the damage of your home and conduct repairs safely you need a team of experts, like the ones at 24/7 Restoration. They provide the full package. . .
Water damage, even if it doesn’t result in flooding, can cause extensive damage to your home and possessions. Untreated water, such as rainwater or sewage water, can carry contaminants that can make you, your family, and your co-workers sick. Damp. . .
In a previous blog we wrote about a ski resort in the US that was fined for not safely removing building materials containing asbestos and now a museum in Yellowknife has done something similar. We know the dangers that asbestos fibers can have on. . .
It’s been 2 years since the disastrous Calgary flood. For some people it seems like yesterday and for others 2 years feels like a long time; nevertheless, many homes are still feeling the effects of the flood, especially with mold growth. At 24/7. . .
Moisture-Air-Food, individually they are harmless. In combination, those three elements can make you sick and even break down a house! Mold growth flourishes when there is ample moisture, air and food. It only makes sense that if you can control and. . .
If you’re renovating your home and are potentially handling asbestos embedded materials, you’re going to need more than household clothing and disposable masks to properly safeguard yourself from the hazardous material. From the pictures on our. . .
The dangerous effects of asbestos fibers on human health are well documented; the World Health Organization has stated that every form of asbestos is carcinogenic and that the hazardous material should not be used. With that said, imports of. . .
If you have mold growth in your home that exceeds an area of 1-meter square, you need to call the contractors at 24/7 Restoration. You don’t know it, but the mold has already gotten away from you. In cases of small growth around your home, there. . .
You’re not alone, even big ski resorts in North America have to deal with safely disposing of asbestos in building materials. Buildings that were constructed before the mid 1980’s probably have asbestos contained in them and now that those. . .
An article last month about asbestos and mold found in a Calgary hospital has prompted the contractors at 24/7 Restoration to raise the awareness of the dangers of these contaminants. News like this is a reminder of how mold spores and asbestos. . .
Fire, there’s nothing like it. Whether we’re using it to grill or just enjoying it at a campsite, controlling fire has been one of the greatest tools mankind has utilized. But even the smallest fire can cause major damage to your home or. . .
On most occasions, you’ll know if you have a mold problem. For example, your Calgary home floods and after the clean up, you discover that mold has reached DEFCON 1 level in your basement. In these circumstances, the contractors at 24/7. . .
Mold and mildew are habitual troublemakers, taking over and wreaking havoc in homes all over Calgary. We’re often asked, what’s the difference between mold and mildew? Both are part of the fungi family and are quite similar to one another, but. . .
Homeowners are always asking us for tips on spotting asbestos in their homes, but the bad news is, asbestos is not easy to detect unless you’re a contractor here at 24/7 Restoration. Calgary homes built before the 1980s more than likely have. . .
Time is of the essence when it comes to burst pipes in your home. The contractors here at 24/7 Restoration in Calgary advise that you act fast when it comes to water leaks, to minimize any potential damage. Even with preventive measures, the pipes. . .
Does your home have a musty odour that seems to just linger in the air? If the answer is yes, then there is a good chance that mold has taken up residence somewhere in your home. A damp-like smell should put your senses on high-alert, as even the. . .
Spilling a glass of water on your carpet or sofa can transform you into an Olympic athlete, sprinting to retrieve a towel and using all your force to dry up the spill. When it comes to flooding or major water leaks, a towel is not going to do the. . .
Overview: Water. The giver of life and at times, the destroyer of homes. Leaking water can cause major damage to a house and it can be a precursor to mold growth. 40% of all home-related insurance claims are a result of water damage. Read the. . .
Overview: Implosions and bulldozers are visuals we think of when a building needs to be demolished. However, it’s actually not that simple and as the City of Calgary prepares to demolish a building in Eau Claire the conversation has once again. . .
Overview: Mold is visible to the naked eye but the same can’t be said for the spores that are released into the air. The strength of your eyes would have to magnify by 400 times before you could begin to see the somewhat invisible mold spores. The. . .
Overview: There are more and more older homes that are getting demolished in Calgary in favour of infill projects. However, it’s been brought to light that the city really has no direct jurisdiction over asbestos abatement. Read the following blog. . .
Overview: For many, the danger of asbestos seems like a problem of the past, reserved only for those in demolition fields perhaps. But this is not the case. With DIY and home renovations spiking in popularity, the dangers of asbestos exposure may be. . .
Overview: Recent data obtained by The Globe and Mail states that asbestos is the single largest on the job killer in Canada. There is a continued misconception about the dangers of asbestos and its long-term effects on human health. Read the blog. . .
Overview: The flooding of 2013 in Calgary was a learning experience for the entire city. Many communities in Calgary and in High River are still experiencing the effects of the flood and issues like mold remediation are back in the news. Read the. . .
Overview: The damage the Calgary flood caused was enormous, besides making a mess in our beloved city, it dislodged materials that contain asbestos. It’s a reminder of how common the dangerous material was used in the past. Older facilities. . .
Overview: It’s another winter in Calgary. The weather outside might be frightful, but inside the home it’s pretty delightful, with Christmas trees, warm cozy fireplaces and steamy windows. Wait… steamy windows? As mystic as that may sound,. . .
Overview: Asbestos removal is one of our main specialties, and a hazardous material like asbestos doesn't just affect individuals at home, it can affect construction and labour workers too. In this blog we'll cover five steps you can take. . .
Overview: With Calgary’s recent flood and the popularity of home renovations, the dangerous material of Asbestos has become an important safety hazard that our city needs to address. Read the following blog to find out where Asbestos is hiding and. . .
Overview: Does your house need a mold removal expert? It's a substance that many consider to be limited to abandoned foods but the truth is mold can grow on many common places in family homes and is harmful to people. Read the blog below to get. . .
Beware of Mold – Some Signs and Symptoms to Watch Out For Mold is a fairly common problem in many homes and buildings and can be the cause of some serious health problems. The presence of mold causes mold spores to be released into the air. . . .
Overview: Lead poisoning is a dangerous condition but it is also very preventable. Lead was used in certain materials in the past and if these are disturbed you can put you and your family at risk. To find out more about what lead is, where it is. . .
Not properly disposing of your hazardous household wastes and disposing of them, for example, in your normal garbage, can be dangerous to your family, your neighborhood, and your garbage collector. Pouring hazardous chemicals down the drain can. . .
Overview: You probably already know that asbestos is a highly dangerous material, but what else do you know about it? In this blog we'll take a look at what asbestos is, why it is so dangerous and what you can do to protect. . .
Lead can be a very strong poison and unfortunately, it is fairly easy to come in contact with. When a person breathes in lead dust or swallows something with lead in it, the poison can stay inside the body and cause quite serious health. . .
PCBs are industrial chemicals that were commercialized and synthesized back in 1929. They are formally known as polychlorinated biphenyl, and although they were never manufactured in Canada they were widely used and distributed here. Up until the. . .
The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System, more commonly known as WHMIS, is the national hazard communication standard in Canada. The system has a few key elements. The first is cautionary labeling of containers of WHMIS “controlled. . .
Before any building or demolition permit will be released, the City of Calgary requires an Asbestos Abatement Information Form (AAIF) to be filled out. This requires an expert to conduct a survey of the building facility for any hazardous materials. . . .
You don't need to shoulder the burden of damage to your home or business alone. When you choose 24/7 Restoration, you can feel secure knowing that the most qualified, experienced team in Calgary is by your side every step of the way. Let's get started making it better than it was before, together.
If you want to learn more about what sets 24/7 apart from the competition, contact us at 1-403-247-4365 or fill in our online contact form below.