Think Twice Before Using Bleach to Kill Mold in Your Home!

In our last post, we reminded you guys of the mold issues that may come as a result of the summer storm season and flooding. It's important to be cognizant of preventing mold and flooding in the home, but it is also important to know what NOT to do in the event that you have a mold issue in your home. While many of us may think that the first thing we should reach for is the bleach, you may want to think again...

There has been lots of recent evidence to suggest that using bleach or a bleach solution to clean up mold in the home may not be the best idea. We immediately assume that because of its potency, bleach will kill everything and anything. It does not necessarily kill mold, rather it bleaches its color, making it look like its been removed or taken care of.

Further, while bleach is capable of killing a lot of different things, like bacteria and viruses, it is made mostly of water and will not kill mold, because mold needs the presence of water to survive. Mold lives in porous areas that bleach cannot access.

Bleach also gives off harmful odors and gases that may put the health of the residents in the area in which its being used at risk. It is best to avoid using bleach and call in mold removal professionals like the great techs at Paul Davis Restoration of Northeast NJ in order to ensure that your home is free of mold and your family is free from the harmful effects of mold.

Don't Forget! Save the Date!

The spring is such a busy time of year for all of us with home improvements, repairs, family events and everything else that goes along with it. So, mark your calendars early for a day full of networking, education and great company! We are running two continuing education courses in the month of April. The first one will be on Tuesday, April 17, 2012. It will cover the topic of "Insurance Coverage for Mold and Water Claims"- #88892113. This course is coming at a perfect time with the onset of the spring rain and storm season. Northeastern New Jersey has seen so much flooding in the past spring and summers, it is important to be educated on how to properly advocate for your clientele in the mold and water claims that may ensue as a result of flood damage.

The second course in April is on Wednesday, April 25, 2012 and will cover "Commercial Package Properties #88891749. Both courses will be offered at two different times, a morning session from 9AM-12PM and an afternoon session from 1-4PM. Breakfast and lunch will be served at each session respectively.

Space is limited and goes quickly so email dholm@pdr-usa.net to reserve your seat today!

Protect Your Home From Flooding This Spring!

It has been such a gorgeous week in Northeast New Jersey. We are all so excited to get outside and enjoy the warm weather. The one thing most of us probably aren't thinking about though? The storm systems that go hand in hand with weather changes like this.

This is the time to prepare your house for summer storms so you don't run into issues with flooding later on this year. Here are some easy suggestions for protecting your house from flooding this season!

Clean Your Gutters-

We just recently posted about how to clean your gutters yourself. It only takes a little bit of time and is a great way to protect your home from flood damage this summer. CNN's article on protecting your house from flooding states "The most important step you can take to prevent flooding is to make sure your gutters are free of leaves and dirt and sticks. Poor roof drainage is the number one cause of basement leaks and a clogged gutter will cause massive problems by concentrating roof runoff water at your house's corners, close to the foundation"

Check Your Downspouts-

Downspouts are tubes that extend from the end of your home's gutters and should release water about 3-4 feet from your home's perimeter. Downspouts should be pointed away from your home. To check your downspouts, run water through a hose through your gutters for 10-15 minutes. If your downspouts are dumping water less than 3 feet from the perimeter of your home, you may want to invest in extenders that you can obtain at any hardware or home improvement store.

Waterproof Your Walls-

The most basic way to keep water out of your home and protect yourself from flood damage is to waterproof your home's walls. The same article by CNN suggests the following, "You can apply special waterproof coating to the interior or exterior walls in your basement. This coating will penetrate several inches into concrete and close off chinks and minor cracks by forming crystal when water appears. Waterproofing paint is most effective when you put it right onto the cement and not on painted areas."

Clean Your Gutters This Spring: Avoid Water Damage This Summer!

It's a beautiful weekend here in Northeast New Jersey and it looks like the mild weather is about to continue with the weather man forecasting temps in the high 60's all week. It is the perfect week to get some tasks accomplished around your home to prepare for the warmer weather.

Many of us forget about our home's gutters each year- out of sight, out of mind, right? Well- not cleaning out your gutters each year could lead to build up that could lead to leakage in your home and further, to water or mold damage, especially as the summer storm season draws nearer.

Cleaning out your gutters is incredibly easy and can be done quickly yourself. Here's how:

-Clear out any debris- Start at the outlet at the lowest end, remove any loose debris using a trowel and working away from the outlet.

-Use a hose to clear the gutter- Use the highest pressure nozzle on your hose to spray out any remaining debris the entire length of the gutter.

- Clear any blockage- While spraying, keep an eye out to make sure none of the water is backing up and that it is constantly flowing freely. If there are obstructions, investigate what is causing them and clear them out if possible. If you cannot clear the obstruction, call a professional to take a look.

Mark Your Calendar! We've Added Another CE Class!

If you didn't make it to our most recent continuing education course for insurance agents and adjusters yesterday, don't worry! We are offering the same course, "Insurance Coverage for Mold and Water Claims- #88892113" again on April 17, 2012.

The course will be free of charge and as always, will be offered at two separate times. The class will be given in the morning from 9AM-12PM as well as in the afternoon from 1-4PM. Feel free to choose whichever time works best for you! We will also be offering a free breakfast at the morning class and a free lunch for our afternoon attendees.

There is still space available so register today by going to our Eventbrite page: http://pauldavisnenj.eventbrite.com and select theApril class or if you prefer, you may fill out the attached registration form and email it back to dholm@pdr-usa.net

We hope to see you there for a day full of friendly faces, learning opportunities and networking!