Monday, November 1, 2021

Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration

How To Deal with Smoke and Fire Damage - Hazard Soot Cleanup!

Avoiding Common Fire Hazards at Home

Keeping the property safe is typically a homeowner’s goal. Home fires cause millions of dollars in damage every year: About 30 percent of Smoke and Fire Damage in Canada happen at home, but they cause about three-quarters of fire-related deaths. Understanding the common causes of fires can help homeowners take steps to prevent them in the first place.

Heating Could Cause Fire Damage

Heating the home can be a typical source of fire dangers, simply because so many heat sources involve flame or combustion. Anything that produces heat, from a wood-burning stove to a furnace, needs plenty of clearance. Many buildings and homes have fireplaces that are either gas or burn wood. If something flammable sits too close to a space heater, fireplace or open flame, it might catch fire. Homeowners should ensure that all heating equipment they use is in good condition with regular upkeep. They must keep children, pets, and belongings at least a meter from the heat source. Furnaces and heat pumps are built to be used with or without an adult present, but other heating equipment should only be turned on or used with supervision.

Cooking Could Cause Fire & Smoke Damage

Fire Damage related to cooking are the most common. A fire could start when someone is cooking in a couple of different ways. First, the flame itself from a gas-powered range could burn skin or clothing. Second, even a range running on electricity could catch something else on fire. To avoid this problem, people need to be aware of the hot spots on their range and oven. Adequate ventilation can help to reduce the effects of smoke and odor accumulation and other emissions. People should avoid putting items that are not heat-safe on top or in the oven, especially if it is turned on or has been used recently.

Electricity Could Cause Fire Damage

Watching a lightning storm displays the awesome, raw power of electricity. Although the home can tame electric power to some degree, homeowners still have to take caution. Electrical outlets should only be used as directed. Parents need to keep children from using or playing with plugs and outlets. If people notice a problem, they should ask an electrician for assistance. A damaged plug, cord, or outlet could spark an electrical fire. Periodically checking all outlets and the circuit panel, and minimizing overuse of any one outlet, can help reduce the likelihood of a crisis.

Open Flame Could Cause Fire or Smoke Damage

Of course, the most obvious source of fire in the home is an actual flame. Although most people would not light a fire in the middle of the living room, they might not think anything of lighting a candle or a cigarette in the same space. Flame-less candles are an excellent way to provide ambient light without increasing the risk of fire. People should plan to smoke outside, or smoke with an appropriate ashtray nearby. In either case, homeowners must confirm that the flame is completely extinguished before they can safely leave the room.

Flammable Materials Could Cause Fire or Smoke Damage

Sometimes, the biggest
problem in the home is not the thing that starts the fire, but rather the item
that carries the flame. There are many types of materials in the home that
could catch fire and rapidly spread it from room to room. These include:

Wood Furniture Fire Soot and Smoke Restoration

Paper Soot and Smoke Damage Restoration

Clothing Fire Soot and Smoke Restoration

Cleaning Remediation and Restoration

Fire and Smoke Solvents Restoration

Anything that might be flammable should be kept at least a few feet away from an open flame, heat source, or equipment that can burn fuel. Although some of these items may be in a car garage for safe-keeping, they should keep in mind that a car can also spark a flame. Finding a safe place to keep flammable items, or disposing of them safely, is a homeowner’s best bet.

Compromised Supervision of Fire or Smoke Restoration

All of these fire dangers become significantly greater in the hands of someone who is ill-equipped to manage them. Adults who are very sleepy or under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medicine may be more likely to make a deadly mistake while cooking or cleaning. Young children need to stay away from (and not have easy access to) heat sources, electrical equipment, and candles, lest they knock something over and start a fire. Alert adult supervision is the best hedge against disaster.

In order to prevent home fires from damaging their property, residents must take preventive steps. With these tips, they can minimize their overall fire damage risk.

How to deal with fire and water damage Remediation in Toronto area!
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Sunday, October 31, 2021

Flooded Basement Remediation In Toronto by GTA Restoration!

Toronto Flooding – causing, restoration, and prevention!

A flooded basement is a condition where a large amount of water accumulates in the basement of the house caused by various reasons. The standing water in the basement can be a great threat to the safety and hygiene of your house. It can cause a lot of damages to your home and belongings for instance mold growth, damage foundations, ruin stored items and damage to furniture. Most of the time, the homeowners try to restore the flooded basement but results in further damage as the layman have not enough knowledge to restore flooded basement keeping in view all types of damage. No matter what is the quantity of standing water, the damage could be very serious even a small quantity of water can result in severe water damage. Hence the cleanup of the flooded basement is necessary quickly and properly by professionally trained contractors.

Causes of a basement flooding in Toronto!

There are many causes of a flooded basement with water sources both inside and outside the home.

1. Outside sources of Water Damage

The floods
are the obvious outside water sources of a flooded basement. The floods may be
caused by the melting of glaciers and snow, heavy rainfalls etc. It can damage
the home’s foundation.

2. Broken or leaking supply pipes

The leakage and bursting of water pipelines is the inside source of flooded water in basements. You can see if the water is coming from the ceiling and is clean, there are chances that the problem lies in supply pipes. You can stop water flow by turning off the valves to stop water flowing in pipes and hence leakage of water.

3. Sewage backup

In case you observe that flooded water is dirty with the stinky smell, there are high chances that the water is coming from the sewage system back up. To avoid further build-up of water, try not to flush, use a washing machine, or run water through the drain. It will add more dirty water to your basement. It could be extremely harmful to your health as it contains infectious entities and disease-causing bacteria, if not treated timely and properly. In such a situation, you need to call Emergency Plumber services to rescue.

Other causes of flooded basement include:

- Surface water seeping down the foundation of the house
- Groundwater from oversaturated soil which is being pushed up by hydrostatic force
- Stormwater from the sewer system
- Poor drainage

Things to do for remediation and restoring flooded basement in Toronto!

The very first thing you must do is to stay away from standing water. Don’t step inside standing basement water. You are at high risk of electrical shock.

Turn off
all the electrical appliances and power supply. Do touch the power or
electrical appliances while standing in water. To be safe you can call an
electrician for help.

Stop the flow of water if you can, by detecting the source of water. Sources of water can be broken or leaking pipes, sewage backup and groundwater. How you will do this, depends on the source of water flooding.

Ventilate the basement to remove odor and moisture to some extent by opening windows and ventilators.

Pump out the water as quickly as possible. You are unable to do this job by yourself so it is better to call professional services with modern tools such as high-power vacuum pumps to pump out standing water. The professionals will further work for the restoration and cleanup of all possible damaging substances.

Precautions to prevent Toronto basement flooding!

There are number of ways which you can adapt to prevent facing the flooded damage again.

- Insulate and secure your pipes

Insulating pipes to prevent thawing is the best option to prevent pipes leakage and bursting.

- Maintain sewage backwater valves

It will help prevent the seepage and coming of sewer wastewater from septic tanks to your home.

- Dumping and flushing with care

Dumping and flushing each and everything in the toilet can be a big issue for the blockage of the sewage system. Besides toilet paper and water, anything you dump in the toilet would be a great threat to the sewage system

- Resolve drainage problems

Drainage issues must be addressed from time to time so that the water drains out easily and no blockage occurs. Thus, in case of the flooded basement, there are many things you can do immediately but for proper cleanup to avoid later consequences, the best choice is to contact professional flooded basement restoration services.
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Saturday, October 30, 2021

How To Deal With Flood and Water Damage in your Toronto Home!

Water damage – effects, and restoration process!

Water damage includes any sort of destruction or loss caused by excessive water intrusion. The water damage can be instantaneous, fast, and destructive such as flooding or maybe slow such as damaging surfaces with water spots, rotting of wood, rusting of iron, the growth of molds, and delaminating of some surfaces. Water is the most destructive substance and causes loss of too much money on restoration. The destruction and damage become more serious if the water is contaminated, unsanitary, and delay in restoration services.

Causes of property water damage!

There are thousands of causes of water damage. Water is extensively used everywhere so it can cause damage at any time when uncontrolled. Water damage occurs when a large amount of water accumulates in the area where it should not in a normal situation. Floods, melting of snow and heavy rain are the reasons for sudden and catastrophic water damage. The excessive of water in any area can lead to further damages including accumulation of water in basement areas, destruction of homes, and offices. Leakage in pipes, pipes bursting, clogged toilets, leaky dishwashers, overflowing drainage systems, plumbing issues, foundation fissures, and leakage in roofs are the other reasons for water damage.

Effects from water damage!

If the water damage is not frequently and properly treated, the effects of water damage could be serious and threatening to health. The immediate water damage includes the soaking of furniture, electric appliances, and other items. If not quickly treated and restored, long term and damaging effects will be obvious. It can cause corrosion of steel and iron and rot of wood and furniture. Some of the severe and extremely damaging effects of water damage are:

Mold growth from water damage!

After any water damage, it takes only one to two days for molds to grow and spread on items that will contain moisture or wet. It can embed in the fine mesh of carpets, rugs, clothing, and even walls. The molds are highly toxic entities causing harmful and toxic effects on health and many breathing and allergic conditions to sensitive persons. Thus, it is extremely necessary to treat the water as soon as possible and in hours not in days and weeks. Only a team of professionals know how to best restore the water damage to prevent mold growth.

Damaged electrical appliances and wiring from a flood and water damage!

Whatever the reason and severity of water damage, you must turn off the electrical appliances and power source to avoid the explosion. If the wiring is damaged during water damage, the risk of electric shock and explosion will be higher. There must be a need for rewiring and installing new appliances if necessary to get back to a normal routine. This type of damage can leave you devoid of house utilities for a longer time. Even a small leakage of water in the basement can lead to destructive damage to your house appliances. The electrical appliance includes everyday use items such as refrigerator, air conditioner, heater, oven, dryer, washer, and light bulbs. As a result, you have to pay excessive money for the repair or replacement of all damaged electrical appliances.

How to deal with the flood and water damage process!

To avoid long term effects of water damage, it is important to hire a professional water damage team for complete restoration of flooded basement damage. If the home or office withstands water damage, it must be clean immediately without any delay to save your furniture, rugs, carpets, and other belongings from soaking up in unsanitary water. Timely clean up will also prevent you from pathogenic and harmful molds.

The professional water damage restoration services offer complete cleanup of the property and removal of all the damaged items. There are few steps adopted by the team to complete the restoration process. Here we briefly discussed these steps.

Inspection: Inspecting a flood, water damage, mold bacterials

After the arrival of the restoration team, the first thing done by the contractor is to inspect the whole situation. They inspect the affected area, the extent of moisture, and the type of damage.

Flooding water cleanup, removal, remediation and restoration!

The removal of standing water is an important step in the whole restoration process. The vacuum and pumps are used to remove any standing water at the location.

Drying Process after a Water Flood!

After the removal of water, the drying process is initiated. It is done to remove any moisture that remained after water removal.

Water Damage structural Cleaning and remediation after flooding in Toronto!

Only drying is not enough, all the items and personal belongings must be sanitized and cleaned to prevent mold growth. Carpets, clothing, and rugs are gone through antimicrobial treatments.

Flood and water damage restoration in Toromto and GTA Area!

Restoration involves the buildup and renovation of walls and floors. It could be easy if the damage is less or much time consuming if the damage is severe. Therefore, the complete cleanup and restoration are important by professional cleanup services after fire damage.
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Friday, October 29, 2021

Water Damage Cleanup Tips and Restoration Techniques!

Tips on Water Damage Restoration and Cleanup Techniques!

Water can seriously damage your house and expensive furniture if not taken care of immediately. Water damage usually occurs due to frozen and burst pipes and if you have been in such a situation, it may have definitely leaving you thinking about what should be done next? Water damage restoration is not an easy task and it should only be left for professional restoration companies such as GTA Restoration. With an experience of more than 19 years, GTA Restoration is fully capable of restoring your house to its original state after water damage and even guides you step-by-step to claim home insurance.

However, before the GTA Restoration team shows up at your doorstep, there are some important steps you can take to minimize the damage.

Shutting down the main water supply is Allaways a proper thing to do!

The first step to take once you notice the water damage is to shut down the home’s main water supply. If you don’t know how to shut it down, call GTA Restoration’s helpline and an emergency plumber will provide you with assistance.

Disconnect any electrical appliances in possible asap!

Water can severely damage your
electrical appliances and it is best to remove all the electrical items. If the
water level rises too much, it is recommended that you cut the main power
supply for safety. It is also important to remove any carpets or rugs which may
have been damaged.

Remove the water fast it's the answer!

Once you have moved the appliances and
shut down the power supply, it is crucial to remove any standing water. You can
use regular sized buckets to remove the water and drain it outside the house
while mops and towels can be used to soak up the remaining water.

Drying your property asap!

After getting rid of any standing water, it is time to dry the remaining residue. You can turn on the electricity supply and then switch on the fans to allow air circulation. You can also use a dehumidifier for faster results.

By the time you have taken the above steps, the GTA Restoration time would have arrived at your house. The highly trained professionals will fully inspect your house first and then take the necessary steps to make sure your house just as new as before. Give us a call today at 416-400-9638 and expect immediate help on several restoration services ranging from water damage, flood, mold removal, sewage cleanup to home improvement and renovation.
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Thursday, October 28, 2021

Occurrences of Sewer Backup in Toronto Home in Basement

Occurrences of Sewer Backup in Toronto!

There are a number of ways where your sewer system could end up compromised and set off a major overflow of unsanitary conditions.  For example, if your area received a large influx of rain in a short period, it can cause the runoff to overwhelm the sewer lines and start moving back out.

Common Contributors to Sewer Backups

If you have parents who will yell at you for pouring grease down the sink, then you should thank them.  This is one of the most common ways to clog your drains up and cause the sewer line to back up.  On the other end of common plumbing problems is the toilet and bathroom sink.  It can be easy to assume that it will take a lot of toilet paper alone to clog a toilet and cause a sewer blockage, but it’s all a matter of timing, where the pipe bends is where most clogging points happen.  Paper towels and baby wipes can cause a clog all on their own.

This is why sometimes a simple plunger won’t work and you have to go out and get a pipe snaking tool.  Liquid drainage solutions are highly discouraged as they are very toxic products that destroy our water table and any wildlife that comes into contact due to runoff.

One other common, but less obvious cause of sewer backup especially is pipe breakage from trees and shrubs that extend their roots across their paths. This can catch owners off-guard and result in a devastating situation if they do not have a sewer backup insurance plan.

Getting Proactive on Sewage Backup

One way to prevent having to deal with any exposure of sewage water in the event of a sewer backup is to install a backflow valve.  This can afford you the time needed to call an emergency plumber to fix the cause of the problem without getting caught with a flooded basement and no time to react.

Being aware of how old your pipes are in your home and around your property can help prevent the aforementioned plant root encroachment.  It’s probably a good idea to replace any old lead pipes with PVC for both health and safety reasons.

Better Safe than Sorry

Lastly, having a good drainage plan in-place can cover many different sewage backup scenarios.  Survey your downspouts to make sure that it is properly directing water out, not just finding a wedge for water to go.  The same goes for making sure your elevation around the home is not just allowing heavy rains to collect along the perimeter of your property.

If you do ever experience a sewer back and/or basement flooding, never try to go in and fix the problem yourself, if you don’t know exactly how it happened. Risking your health to try to save money on the clean-up is not worth it.  Sewage water is carrying more than your typical flora of bacteria and viruses as found on the surfaces of your bathroom or kitchen counters.
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Wednesday, October 27, 2021

Spring Temperature creates moisture and Mold Growth!

Mold removal and remediation companies know that spring and summer warm humid weather spawns musty odors from mold. Mold is a fungus that thrives in humid moist conditions inside and outside, on damp materials and various types of food nutrients like drywall and wood.

Mold growth and its development is affected by warmer temperatures, so in the spring and summer one can expect to see or smell mold. Hot weather encourages mold growth and while air conditioning will decrease your property’s interior temperature there often remains warm areas inside cabinets and closets that trap moisture and humidity with no way for the air to circulate out. Mold remediation companies will tell you that poor ventilation encourages mold growth. Without good ventilation in attics and roofs hot air can rise, get trapped and turn into condensation that can lead to water and mold.

Most of us are very familiar with mold and mildew in bathrooms or kitchens and regularly use extraction fans to increase air ventilation. As steamy temperatures rise mold is more likely to thrive.  However, in reality mold grows in a wide range of temperatures and will thrive in damp colder spaces with lower temperatures like basements too. Mold will grow in all four seasons, spring, summer, fall and winter, as long as it has moisture, (water).

Mold needs moisture to survive. Moisture is often created inside by condensation, as when warm steamy air from baths and showers meet up with cold surfaces like windows and countertops. Air from hot steamy kitchens or room humidifiers also create condensation whereby water vapor turns to liquid. Furthermore, there is another form of moisture that can arise. Water leaks from taps, toilets, baths, sinks, appliances, drains and pipes all score high as reliable moisture-makers for mold to grow and fester.

Whether moisture comes from high temperatures or low, from humidity or condensation, from a leaking tap or appliance, the water source must be found and fixed in order to stop mold from growing.

Sometimes the water leak and growing mold is not visible because it resides behind a wall. It could be from cracked pipes that sometimes are the result of insufficient insulation. Freezing temperatures in the winter can cause water in pipes to freeze and expand forcing internal pressure on the pipes that cause them to crack. When the freezing thaws the running water leaks out the cracks that have formed in the broken pipes offering a continuous and reliable source of moisture for mold to flourish unseen by human eyes.

Leaking pipes behind walls are situations that can easily go unnoticed until the unmistakable odor of mold reveals itself and the telltale signs of frothing mold stains the walls, floors or ceilings. It takes the skills of trained restoration and mold remediation experts to efficiently conduct a building inspection that will reveal the exact location of the water source that is causing mold to grow. GTA Restoration. is an experienced company that will conduct mold testing, mold removal and the necessary building contracting to ensure that problems with the building construction are no longer the source of moisture for mold to grow. Some mold companies will simply conduct an inspection and then provide you with a list of recommendations to help prevent mold from returning once it has been removed. This leaves you exposed and vulnerable to future mold growth and an ongoing source of continuous outbreaks because the structural problems resulting in water leaks have not been corrected.

Here is a list of suggestions that will help prevent mold from growing:

- Replace cracked pipes
- Wrap pipes with insulation
- Wrap water tanks with insulation
- Prevent melted snow and rainwater from pooling around the foundations and entering the home by making sure the ground slopes away from the property.
- Clean and repair regularly the eaves troughs, roof gutters and downspouts to ensure they are connected and working properly.
- Take rainwater and melted snow away from the property by installing downspout extensions.
- Allow warm air to circulate around exterior walls by positioning furniture and belongings away from the walls
- Check basement windows for leaks and prevent water from seeping through all windows frames by ensuring the seals and closures work.
- In the cold months check windowsills regularly for condensation or moisture and wipe dry the wet surface.
- Avoid drying laundry by hanging indoors.
- Use air conditioners and dehumidifiers during humid weather
- Keep your home warm and dry in cold temperatures and cool in hot weather while ensuring good air circulation and ventilation.
- Vacuum carpets and furniture often with HEPA filter vacuum cleaners
- Open blinds and curtains in rooms during the day to let the natural light in because mold thrives in dark spaces. Allowing sunlight in to reduce the chances of mold growing
- Rooms or areas that are cold and dark can become damp and moldy.
- Use a dehumidifier to reduce moisture from condensation
- Open windows to breezes and increased air ventilation
- Close windows during rain showers
- Keep exhaust fans clean to reduce dust and food particles
- Call GTA Restoration Inc. Tel. 416-358-6666 an expert in mold removal and restoration to identify the sources of mold growth
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Tuesday, October 26, 2021

FIRE Damage Restoration Company in Toronto!

The Importance of Hiring a FIRE Damage Restoration Company!

Think twice before you think it’s a good idea to undertake the smoke & fire damage cleanup on your property, without fire damage restoration professionals. Entering the building after a fire is not safe because there could be hidden dangers.  Without being obvious the stability of the structure may have been compromised, floors and walls might have been damaged and a medley of highly toxic fumes may be masked by the smell of fire.

Fire Damage Restoration

Water and chemicals used to extinguish the fire will cause additional damage that can continue long after the flames are extinguished. The fire may be out, but the water, ash, soot, smoke-odors and residue that remain can continue to do serious harm. As soon as the fire starts ash residue gathers and within hours it will discolour appliances, tarnish metals, and craze acrylic. It will permanently yellow walls, and permanently discolour upholstery and clothing within days. It will corrode metal and will cause wood to require refinishing or replacement. If more than a week passes before professionals enter to start fire decontamination and restoration the smoke damage may cause metals to corrode beyond repair, glass too etched to be salvaged and wood floors may become permanently discoloured.

When confronted with fire damage clean up, call an IICRC-certified professional.

An IICRC certified fire restoration company understands the urgent need for a quick response.  Immediate action is necessary because the longer the delay, the harder and more costly the job will be as damage to the materials can continue to occur. IICRC certified professionals use their knowledge of fire restoration to accurately identify the extent of damage, determine the treatment solutions and then apply the proper repairs according to IICRC procedures to bring the items back to pre-loss condition whenever possible.

IICRC stands for the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification. It is the main oversight agency in this industry. IICRC professional fire damage repair will remove the ash, water, chemical-fire retardant and smoke residue left behind. This will include treatment of every surface that is affected by ash and soot including cleaning down walls, floors, countertops, stairs, ceilings, and furniture. Ash and smoke will be present in the vents and ducts, as they are quickly taken up by the HVAC system. Fire restoration crews will access the property’s ducts to clean them out and prevent either from re-entering the property.

Fire restoration companies have trucks fully equipped with state of the art equipment used to mitigate damages and return a fire-damaged property to its original condition prior to the fire. The fire restoration process involves the repair of any structures damaged by fire, smoke, water or fire retardant chemicals. Wood floors and carpets undergo a chemical process to clean and remove smoke odour. Sub-floor materials undergo inspection for structural damage, or potential mold growth and may even need to be replaced. A hired fire restoration company and IICRC professional team that come in to do the job will establish the full extent of damage and then formulate a plan and set of protocols based upon IICRC standards.

Upholstery, furnishings and personal belongings like documents, photographs, jewellery, and clothing are carefully packed and taken to a separate location and then restored to pre-fire condition. Your property is aired and thoroughly dried-out using industrial fans and drying equipment that will eliminate the effects of odor, mold and mildew. Industrial decontamination and deodorization continues throughout the fire restoration process.

Building renovators with emergency plumbers and building trades may need to be contracted. IICRC certified companies like GTA Restoration Inc. ensure that the correct information and documentation are completed to meet the insurance industry standards for repairs, remediation or replacement of your damaged property. Insurance claims can be confusing and become time consuming. GTA Restoration also offers competitive pricing in the case you do not want to use a home or commercial insurance claim. They are experienced and qualified in a wide range of repair with their own tradesmen on staff. As an IICRC certified company GTA Restoration have all the health and safety certifications and insurance licenses to meet your needs and secure your confidence. They are available day and night 24 hours a day 7 days a week at (416) 500-0920.

Fire restoration should be implemented as soon as possible after a house fire is out. Making sure to contact a fire restoration company that has a certified seal from the IICRC can reduce costs and the risk of permanent loss of personal belongings and property. The longer the delay in contacting a professional fire restoration company, the greater the damages continue to grow.
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Monday, October 25, 2021

Frozen Plumbing Pipes Emergency Plumber Toronto!

Frozen plumbing pipes and how to prevent them from Freezing?

Don’t be left out in the cold! Even if your heat is on and you’re warm inside remember that when the temperature outside drops below freezing your pipes can freeze.

As the water inside your pipes freezes, it turns to ice and the ice expands. Pressure from expanding ice inside your pipes can cause them to form cracks, that leaked water behind your walls and floors or ceilings. In no time flat, cracked pipes can become burst pipes when they defrost, leaving you with a flooded basement and an on going threat of water damage.

Here Are Some Tips to Prevent Frozen Pipes:

- Locate your water shut-off valve
- Show everyone in the house including your tenants where to find the water shut-off valve and show them how to shut it off
- Position a couple of flashlights by the water shut-off valve in case you lose electrical power
- The outside water supply needs to be turned off before temperatures drop below freezing.  Let the taps drain and unscrew any hoses
- Prevent cold air from entering through your dryer vent, electrical wiring, windows and doors
- Turn on a cold water tap and run a pencil-thin stream of water in the lowest point of the house like a laundry room tub or sink to prevent the water inside the pipes from freezing

When you’re at risk of bursting your pipes because your pipes are frozen, and water is not running from the faucets, check for cracks and leaks in the pipes by listening for water sounds behind walls and look for water marks on ceilings and floors. If you think you hear water or see signs of water call an emergency plumber.

Follow these steps while waiting for your emergency plumber:

- Turn off the main water supply to the house. Look in the basement for the shut- off valve that supplies water to your house plumbing.
- Turn on a cold-water tap in the basement or a sink in the next lowest point in the house like the kitchen, to drain the remaining water in your pipes.
- Close the garage doors
- Turn the heat up in your house if your furnace is working and light your fire-place or wood stove
- Let the warm air circulate around the plumbing by opening the kitchen, laundry room and bathroom doors and cabinets.

If your basement is flooded you’ll need to safely remove the water and any mold that may have grown behind the walls, floors or ceilings. The rooms and your belongings need to be disinfected and dried out in addition to repairing and replacing the damaged pipes. Call a water damage restoration company like GTA Restoration, serving Toronto & the GTA, and they can assist you with water extraction, drying and restoration of furniture and belongings.

Professional restoration companies are properly equipped to pump out the water, clean, disinfect and, most importantly thoroughly dry and repair your space safely.

How to Thaw Frozen Pipes inside your Home or Commercial Property:

- Look for the water shut-off valve and turn it off
- Drain the remaining water inside the pipes by turning on a cold water faucet in the basement or the lowest point of the house
- Find the location where the pipe is frozen by checking where the service pipe enters the home and check the pipes near the exterior walls
- Warm the air around the frozen pipe by turning up the heat in the house, opening doors and cabinets to increase warm air circulation, and closing the garage doors
- Using a space heater, hair dryer, electric heating pad, or a warm towel, apply heat directly to the pipe
- Do no use any open flame like a welding torch to thaw a frozen pipe
- Do not use kerosene, propane heaters, or charcoal stoves
- Never leave an electrical heating device on and unattended
- Depending on the temperatures outside thawing might take several hours
- Once the pipes have thawed turn the water back on slowly
- Listen for water sounds behind walls and look for water marks, on ceilings and floors.

Call a licensed emergency plumber immediately if you think that your pipes have cracked and water is leaking. GTA Restoration Inc. has licensed plumbers ready to take your call at (416) 358-6666, 24 Hours a day, 7 days a week. With expert knowledge and industrial equipment, their restoration crews can repair your plumbing and your building structure, clean it up, disinfect, dry and restore your property like new.
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Sunday, October 24, 2021

Modern Lacquer Smart Kitchen Cabinets by GTA Restoration Toronto

Kitchen Design & Renovation in Toronto!

Get a head start on your dream kitchen and let the benefits of a kitchen renovation transform your life. Your kitchen is the most valued place in your home.  Here is a list of Fresh Kitchen Makeover ideas to think about.

Backsplash Kitchen Tiles Design by GTA Restoration Toronto

Kitchen Backsplashes

Classic white beveled edge subway tiles are still very popular and can quickly turn a drab kitchen sleek and stylish. For a bright bistro style look use kitchen tiles with rich colours and patterns for your backsplash.

Kitchen Island Design by GTA Restoration Toronto

Kitchen Islands

Keep family and friends close to you and stay in the conversation while you try out the latest celebrity chef recipe with a new kitchen island. Regardless of its size you can create the cool feeling of an open plan kitchen.  Expand its functionality to include counter eat-in dining. Add a stainless steel sink with sculpted faucet and dishwasher. Knock down a wall to annex space from the living room or open up the kitchen to the dining room to double-up the size. Ask your renovator how to expand your space to include a kitchen island and increase sightlines while maintaining structural integrity.

Kitchen Countertop Design by GTA Restoration Toronto

Kitchen Counters

Bold black granite counter tops are sleek and elegant. Marble counter tops are more porous than granite but both have to be sealed. Natural quartz counter tops are a good option because they are non-porous. New alternatives include quartz in combination with other raw materials that are extraordinarily hard and resilient. These characteristics create ideal surfaces for kitchen counter tops resistant to staining caused by wine or coffee. They offer a wide selection of colours and beauty similar to natural stone in a broad range of extraordinary textures.

Kitchen Cabinets Design by GTA Restoration Toronto

Kitchen Cabinets

Shiny lacquer cabinets or matt finish, there are kitchen design styles that span from traditional to modern and shaker to vintage. Storage-packed cabinets can transform your kitchen. White Shaker-style doors are always a solid choice. White lacquer horizontal European-inspired cabinets open upward, like garage doors. Complement the look with stainless steel pull handles, chrome or traditional brass pulls.

Modern Kitchen Lighting Design by GTA Restoration Toronto

Kitchen Lighting

Flood your space with light by opening walls and expanding sightlines. Include recessed mini pot lights on a drywall ceiling. Improve kitchen work area over island counters with a line of dropped pendants suspended from the ceiling using cables. You can add light strips under your kitchen cabinets as well as adding lighting inside glass-fronted cabinets. Try to make your lighting improvements early on in the renovation process. This will allow you to make your colour selections for cabinets, paint, flooring, and counter tops in the correct light.

Kitchen Wood Flooring Design by GTA Restoration Toronto

Kitchen Wood Flooring

The popularity of open plan kitchens with living, and dining space means todays biggest trend for kitchen flooring is wood. The wood-look is super hot because of the many options it offers in terms of materials, wood-finish colours, durability, ease of installation and price. Solid hardwood floors are beautiful, higher in price and just one option. Overall they require more care during installation and day-to-day wear.

Another very popular option is engineered wood floors. They have a thin veneer top layer of solid natural wood over a plywood or high-density fiberboard. Engineered wood flooring is highly durable and part of the fastest growing wood -look floors on the market. They look like real wood because they are real authentic wood, apart from their backing. They can provide a sleek expensive look to complement any number of kitchen design styles, from modern industrial to rustic bistro.

The other most popular and best selling kitchen flooring is WPC short for wood plastic composites. They are affordable, totally waterproof, mold proof and have a wear layer. These new-age vinyl kitchen floor strips are wood-grained textured finished in a wide selection of colours. They make for a convincing clean look and are easily installed using their adhesive backed vinyl strips.
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Saturday, October 23, 2021

Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Servcies in Toronto

Fire Damage Remediation & Restoration!

Experiencing a fire on your property is a stressful situation. After the firefighters leave you are left to deal with fire damage, soot and smoke damage. Fire and smoke damage cleanup can appear to be a simple process but it requires the knowledge, experience, professional equipment and manpower to be done right. That is my property owners should not try to clean and restore the damage themselves. GTA Restoration provides professional smoke and fire damage restoration services in Toronto and the GTA and we have over 15 years of experience.

Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Servcie in Toronto

Why Professionals Should Clean - Remediate Soot & Smoke Damage!

What fire leaves behind will continue to affect the property. Ash, soot and smoke will cause extensive discoloration and etching, corrosion and lingering odours. Fire damage restoration professionals can effectively clean fire and smoke damage and stop the corrosive process before it becomes a serious problem.

Ash can do more damage than you think. It can discolor most surfaces and if there is residue of burnt plastic that can start the discoloration of fiberglass and finishes on appliances within minutes. Metals will tarnish, clothing and upholstery will be covered by soot that is hard to remove, wood and vinyl will need to be refinished and metal will start corroding.

While researching for a restoration company, you should only consider companies that are properly trained and certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). IICRC requires its registrants to take extensive coursework and training before earning the certification.

To understand the risk you are taking by not contacting a professional smoke and fire restoration company, the costs for restoring your property properly will skyrocket after a few weeks. Carpets and furnishing will permanently discolor, glass will be severely etched and other belongings will permanently be damaged and need replacing.

If you have experienced a fire don't wait, call GTA Restoration now at 416-400-5061.
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Friday, October 22, 2021

Bathroom Renovations Toronto!

Bathroom Renovation, Design & Ideas!

Is your bathroom looking kind of old and sad? Time for a bathroom renovation? Great! So many things to consider. Tiles, maybe a jet bathtub, heated flooring, so many details that goes into a bathroom design. And what about your shower system? You can create a spa like relaxing experience right in your own bathroom!

Grohe Rainshower Home Renovations in a Toronto House!

Creating the perfect shower system!

When designing a bathroom shower system you need to first discover all the different options you have. From waterfall and rain shower heads, hand held heads with slide bar, jets and sprays, a tiled bench that allows you to enjoy the running water and steam. The options are endless!

To begin, lets look at a handheld shower head on a slide mounting bar. A handheld shower head is great for family members of different heights and ability. The slide bar allows to adjust the height of the showerhead and is great for bathing children and shower without getting your hair wet.

Grohe Triple Rainshower Home unit in Toronto House

Shower jets and body sprays are fantastic and turn your ordinary shower into your own private spa! Body sprays can be adjusted by angle and come in a variety of finishes, matching your bathroom fixtures.

And then we come to wall mounted or ceiling mounted shower heads. It all comes down to personal preference. Rain shower heads and waterfall shower heads come in all different shapes, sizes and finishes and allow the water to fall on the body giving the sensation of soothing rain coming down on you.

Bathroom Renovations in Toronto

No matter how you design your shower system it’s sure to turn the ordinary shower into the extraordinary.

For bathroom renovations call GTA Restoration @ 416-905-0000.
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Thursday, October 21, 2021

Structural Drying Restoration Equipments for Rent in Toronto

The 4 Principles for Drying after Water Damage!

So you had a flood in your home. A burst pipe? Maybe a drain backup? Or just forgot the tap on. Whatever the case, you are now surrounded by water, your carpets are wet, water is sipping in your hardwood floors, clothing, toys and furnishings are wet. Where do you start? Water should be extracted as soon as possible to limit damage to your boards and drywall or worst, buckle your hardwood floor.

Structural Drying Restoration Service in Toronto

4 Drying Principles!

Calling a water damage restoration company is the right decision. We have professional grade equipment like vacuums for water, pumps, driers, dehumidifiers, and more. A home should be completely dry within 4 days or the risk for bacteria growth increases exponentially. Don't take the risk of trying to remedy the situation yourself.

Water Clean up - Extraction!

The first step of the drying process is to remove all the excess water from the affected rooms. We use the latest technology of water extractors and vacuums. All excess water is extracted from floors and all wet furniture is moved from the affected areas. When it comes to carpets, even if the top appears dry, the layer below acts as a sponge, so if possible lift the corners to accommodate the water extraction from that layer also.

Water Extraction Service in Toronto

Evaporation

After a flood, your drywall, wood framing and subfloors are typically saturated with water which needs to be dried as to not cause further damage. This happens by evaporation. We use industrial air movers that move thousands of cubic feet of air per minute. We place one of these air-movers every 6-8 ft. of wall space to maximize evaporation.

Dehumidification

After turning water into vapors there is elevated humidity in the space, that is when industrial Dehumidifiers are used to remove moisture from the air and turn them back into water that is removed from the property.

Temperature

The temperature has a big effect to the drying process. Turning up the heat would be recommended. Proper temperature control will increase the drying rate. Restoration equipment also emit heat so that contributes to the drying  and evaporation processes.

Emergency Stractual Drying in Toronto 24 Hours

When you face a flood or water damage call GTA Restoration for 24/7 emergency restoration services in Toronto and the GTA. Call us @ 416-358-6666
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Wednesday, October 20, 2021

Wet Basement Causes Mold Contamination!

Wet basements are the ideal environment for mold to grow and to causes fungus contamination. Not all mold is harmful but depending how long you had a wet basement the risk of harmful or black mold growing increases. Besides the health risks, mold feeds on building materials, like wood, drywall, baseboards, etc. which leads to fast deterioration and the need for renovations.

Basement Waterproofing

Risk of Harmful Black Mold Growth

If you have a wet basement with mold growing then the first issue you need to address is waterproofing your basement. GTARestoration offers basement waterproofing services at competitive prices. Waterproofing includes sealing wall and floor cracks and window wells, repairing your foundation both exterior and interior, addressing plumbing issues and other moisture causes.

Causes of wet basement:

- Cracks to the foundation and supporting walls
- Rain runoff from rainwater or melted snow
- Leaky sewer pipe
- Malfunctioning sump pump
- Leaking window wells
- Not properly vented drier
- Humidity issues
- Wall and floor cracks
- Blocked floor drain
- Poor concrete wall and floor construction
- Water pipe leaks
- Floor and wall joint leakage

Mold Contamination Home Basement in Toronto!

After the basement has been repaired and waterproofed then mold removal and remediation should be the next step. GTARestoration offers professional mold removal services in Toronto and the GTA.
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Tuesday, October 19, 2021

Emergency Plumber Toronto

Prevent Water Pipes from Freezing in Toronto Winter!

Canadian winter has now settled in and temperatures below freezing are here to stay for the next couple of months. During these winter months, we deal with an increased number of calls regarding water damage and emergency plumbing due to frozen and burst pipes.

Tips: preventing frozen burst pipes on Toronto Cold Weather!

When water freezes in your pipes it expands and the pressure within the pipes increases, this can lead to burst pipes and in consequence water damage of your home or property. There are certain steps you can take to safeguard your plumbing system from frozen pipe damage.

HOW TO PREVENT FROZEN BURST PIPE DURING WINTER?

- First, you should disconnect all outdoor hoses and turn the water off all exterior faucets.
- Wrap pipes that are in the attic, crawl spaces and near exterior walls with pipe insulation or heating tape.
- Keep your garage doors closed during the winter if there are water supply lines in the garage.
- Keep your house temperature not lower than 15 Celsius degrees even if you are going away for an extended period of time.
- During an extreme cold weather event, you can turn your hot and cold water faucets and allow a trickle of water, the flow of water prevents from pipes getting frozen.
- Finally, locate the water valves to the water supply and water heater so you are prepared if a flood emergency happens.

WHAT TO DO WHEN FROZEN PIPE BURST?

- First, you need to shut off the water supply to your pipes and heater to minimize any water damage.
- Call us for an emergency plumber and water damage mitigation emergency response!
- Contact your insurance broker and inform them about the situation so you can start your claim.

GTA Restoration offers both water damage restoration and emergency plumbing services, we serve Toronto, the GTA and surrounding areas.
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Monday, October 18, 2021

Radiant Heating Floor Systems Can Prevent Bathroom Mold Contamination!

Radiant floor heating system can prevent mold contamination!

Bathroom mold is a real concern for home owners as it can cause health issues like allergic reactions and asthma attacks. Preventing bathroom mold has a lot to do with how good your bathroom fan is and that your bathroom vent leads all the way outside the home.

But there is another element that can reduce moisture and humidity in your bathroom and that is a heated floor system installed underneath your floor tiles. Besides the comfort of stepping on warm tiles and a warm bathroom, heated floors have a mold prevention function as it allows water and humidity to quickly dry and be removed by your bathroom fan. Heated flooring can also dry hidden moisture that has sipped in your moldings, cabinets and any other building materials in your bathroom.

If you wish to have a radiant floor heating system installed and a brand new tiled floor then we recommend  ProTile Installers that service Toronto and the GTA.

Heated flooring systems are installed below your tiles and come with a 25 year guarantee. They are energy efficient and can help you reduce your heating costs. They can be controlled by a variety of programmable and non-programmable thermostat options. Also radiant heating systems do not circulate air, dust or other allergens.

Radiant Floor Heating System in Toronto can Prevent Bathroom Mold Contaminations
Heating Floor System Designs!
Bathroom Mold Contamination Prevention!
Radiant Floor Heating System in Toronto Show!
Prevent Bathroom Mold Contamination!

If you already have bathroom mold do not attempt to remove it yourself. Call GTARestoration today for mold removal and remediation of your bathroom mold: 416-905-0000
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Sunday, October 17, 2021

24 hour Emergency Roof Repair Service in Toronto!

Prepare your roof for Fall & Winter in Toronto!

The summer just passed and the last thing you want to think about is the rainfalls of the fall and snowstorms of the winter. But when it comes to roof inspections and repairs, being proactive can save you a lot of money and headaches. Roof repair professionals, like GTARestoration, are at their busiest in late fall and winter, when snow or heavy rainfall damages roofs. Repairing your roof during those times will be costlier, due to the high demand of their services, and will take longer due to bad weather. GTARestoration also offers water damage restoration services in the case you do experience damage to your roof.

So seize the day and inspect your roof now before issues arise. GTARestoration offers both roof inspections and roof repairs. First, your roof has to be inspected for sunken spots and damaged tiles. A look inside the attic can also reveal signs of water leakage that haven't yet caused a serious issue, but could lead to damage when encounter with heavy snow on the roof or a rainstorm.

Inspecting the integrity of your rain spouts, and how they connect to your roof is another thing that should be inspected. Also, the ground grading from the wall of your house should be in a downward angle to make sure that water is lead away from your house.

Contact GTA Restoration today for a quote, we will be happy to answer all your roof related questions - 416-358--6666
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Saturday, October 16, 2021

Mold and Moisture Detection Home inspection in Toronto and the GTA!

Mold Inspection & Test in Toronto!

Buying a new house in Toronto? Preparing to sell your house? Did you have a home inspection and mold or signs of water damage were discovered?

REAL ESTATE TORONTO

When it comes to buying or selling a house being proactive helps. Having a mold and moisture detection property inspection can help you sell your house. If you are a buyer then requesting a property inspection for mold and water damage signs will give you peace of mind.

SELLING YOUR HOUSE

Finding mold in your house is not uncommon and most of the times it is affordably fixed. When it comes to water leakages and trapped moisture though that could potentially create a bigger problem. Detecting it early can save you a lot of money. Having a mold and moisture detection property inspection will identify any problem areas. Having a property inspection report from a professional and certified company like GTARestoration will help you sell your house faster and creates trust between the buyer and you. Call us today to find out more about our property inspection service and get a quote: 416-500-0920

BUYING A HOUSE

When buying a house you definitely do not want any surprises.  Mold and moisture can be hidden and not visible to the naked eye. Mold and hidden moisture can be a sign of an existing water leakage issue. Problems with plumbing, a leaking roof or drainage can create mold and hidden moisture. By requesting or even paying for a mold and hidden moisture property inspection you can determine if any of these issues exist with the house you want to buy.

Property inspections by GTARestoration are carried out to identify the following

- Condensation Problems
- Mold Problems
- Damp Problems
- Odour Problems
- Heat Loss Insulation Problems
- Building Defects
- Roof Defects
- Water Ingress
- Property Inspection
- Trace under floor heating pipes

Call us today to find out more about our property inspection service and get a quote: 416-358-6666
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Friday, October 15, 2021

What to do in a plumbing emergency Toronto!

What to do on plumbing emergency in Toronto!

Plumbing emergencies differ from regular plumbing issues. When a burst pipe or sewage leakage occurs you need an emergency plumbing professional. An emergency plumbing and restoration company, like GTA Restoration, can quickly respond and resolve your plumbing emergency to minimize the water damage to your home. We can also take care of the flood cleanup and restoration of your belongings and property.

There are some important steps you can take when facing a broken pipe. You can take these steps until the emergency plumbing crew arrives to help minimize damage.

- Turn off the main water stop valve. This will cut water supply to your home. Now the only water that can leak into your home is the water being held in your pipes and plumbing system, this controls the amount of water that can leak into your home.
- Turn on faucets around the home to drain any water that remains into your pipes and plumbing system. The more water you drain by this way, the less water will be there to come out of your broken pipe.
- Turn off your water heater. This is a precaution as you do not want hot water draining into your home and injuring someone. Also, this protects your water heater unit from trying to heat an empty tank and overheating.
- Turn off your electricity. This is a safety precaution to ensure the safety of your family from electrocution. Also, this will protect all appliances and electrical devices in the home from sorting out.
- Call an emergency plumber. After you have completed the steps above call a plumbing emergency company, like GTA Restoration, to address the main plumbing issue and assist in the cleanup and restoration of your home.

GTA Restoration is highly experienced in dealing with all kinds of emergency situations and can be on site in a moments notice. Our team has all the newest equipment and we are ready to help you. Call us at 416-358-6666 during any plumbing emergency.
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Thursday, October 14, 2021

Toronto Subsidy Program re Basement Flooding Protection!

Toronto Basement Flood Protection Program!

Basement flooding in Toronto is common problem for home owners. Due to the increasingly severe weather these past few years GTA Restoration has helped hundreds of clients in Toronto and the GTA with flooded basement cleanup and restoration. GTA Restoration can also help you take advantage of the city of Toronto subsidy to protect your basement from flooding.

Basement Flooding Protection Program Toronto Homeowners!

But there are some proactive steps that a homeowner can take to protect their property from basement flooding and the city of Toronto wants to help! The city of Toronto offers up to $3,400 per property to install flood protection devices including a backwater valve, a sump pump, and pipe severance and capping of the home’s storm sewer or external weeping tile connection. This is great news for home owners in Toronto and GTA Restoration can help!

To qualify for this subsidy it is important to choose the right contractor. GTA Restoration qualifies and is  licensed to perform the different types of eligible work. We hold a valid City of Toronto business license.

You can download the Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program application form here.

Basement Flood - Work that is eligible:

Backwater valve - Available subsidy = 80% of the invoiced cost up to a maximum of $1,250 regardless of the number of devices installed at the property, including eligible labour, materials, permit and taxes.

Sump pump - Available subsidy = 80% of the invoiced cost up to a maximum of $1,750 regardless of the number of devices installed at the property, including eligible labour, materials, permit and taxes.

Foundation drain (weeping tile) pipe severance and capping - Available subsidy = 80% of the invoiced cost up to a maximum of $400 including eligible labour, materials and taxes.

To apply for the subsidy you need to first obtain a permit from the City of Toronto Building Division. After you complete the installation you need to request an inspection by the city for the completed work. Your third step is to complete the Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program application form and mail the application in. City staff will review your application to determine if you are eligible.
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Wednesday, October 13, 2021

Condominium Restoration & Renovations in Toronto

Condominium Restoration & Renovations

When it comes to the common elements/areas of a condominium making an investment on condominium restoration and renovations improves a condominium's curb appeal and adds to property value. Attracting new investors and buyers is of great importance. The lobby, party room, common corridors, swimming pool area, basement levels and recreational facilities all impact how a condominium’s book is received.

Renovating and updating the design of common areas allows older condominiums to stay competitive in the market. Starting with the lobby which makes a statement and first impression an update of flooring, wall color, and quality of materials sets the tone and attracts buyers.

Corridors are another important elements that buyers and investors look at. Wall colors should be neutral, high traffic carpets should be clean and durable and lighting elements should offer functionality and can be a great design touch.

Refurbishing a lobby, painting, replacing carpet, upgrading lighting fixtures or increasing accessibility, each of these elements of a condominium restoration and renovation project will bring new investors, new owners, and market visibility in the ever-growing Toronto condominium market.

For your condominium restoration or renovation project contact GTA Restoration today: 416-358-6666
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Tuesday, October 12, 2021

Prevent Toronto Spring Floods!

Prevent House Floods from Spring Rains!

Spring is just around the corner and each year Canadians eagerly await the arrival of warmer weather. But along with the higher temperatures, homeowners must be aware of spring rains and spring run-off water from all the melting snow and frozen water in the ground. Spring floods are common at this time of year and going through a checklist of potential risk areas that can contribute to flooding is important. Water damage from spring floods or spring rains can be costly to repair so better be safe than sorry!

Prevent Water Damage from Melting Snow!

Here is a list of things that could cause a flood in your home:

- Poor drainage and blocked drains

- Cracks around your foundation and basement walls

- Blockage to the sewer system from your home

- Sump pump failure

Here is what you should do to avoid a flood and water damage:

- Clear all snow around the foundation walls of your home. Melting snow pilled up around the perimeter of your home will run down your basement walls. Make sure you create channels through the snow that melting water and rain water can escape, preferably leading to a downhill.

- Clean your gutters, drains and downspouts. Remove snow, ice, debris from the winter and anything that could create a blockage.

- Make sure your downspouts coming from the roof extends at least two meters away from your foundation.

- If your house is susceptible to flooding then the installation of a sump pump is a good investment.

- If you already have a sump pump installed then test it to make sure it is working properly.

- Check your basement walls for cracks or openings. Seal all cracks and make sure to seal around windows too.

- Make sure the grading of the soil around your home slopes away from your foundation. Remove dead plants and plant matter from around your home to ensure that the grading will be level to let water drain away from your house.

If you do experience basement flooding or a sewer backup then give GTA Restoration a call at 416-358-6666 to prevent further water damage. We specialize in water damage and flood restoration, structural drying, and sewer backup cleanup.
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Monday, October 11, 2021

Bathroom Renovations Toronto

Tips: Considering on Bathroom Renovation!

A bathroom renovation project is a big undertaking, it is a space that the whole family uses, and your bathroom design not only needs to be aesthetically pleasing, it should offer functionality and longevity of your investment.

Here are a few things to consider when planning your bathroom renovation:

Bathroom ventilation: To avoid mold, rot and moisture issues in the future it is very important that you choose a proper ventilation system for your bathroom. Spend a little more on your bathroom fan, depending on your square footage and if a window is also available in the room. Also consider that your bathroom ventilation system is better to be vented downwards through the basement and out through the rim joists if possible. Do not vent through to an attic or roof as moisture can build up there.

Build-in Shower Area: An open-concept build-in shower area offers more convenience and functionality to a family than a confined shower stall. Make sure that you have well designed drainage and if you opt for a shower area with no door or shower curtain you can install a ceiling mounted rain showerhead that splashes less water.

Bathroom Toilet: Invest in a high quality bathroom toilet. Size, height and fit should be the top considerations when choosing a toilet. Also, modern bathroom toilets offer features of saving water, built-in deodorizers and even self-cleaning models.

Bathroom Tub: When choosing a bathroom tub make sure you try it out for size before you buy. Although more and more people are opting out of having a bathroom tub and instead only having a shower, that can decrease your home value as bathroom tubs are essential for families with small children. If you like the idea of having a spa-like retreat in your home then a jacuzzi tub is the perfect choice for your bathroom.

Bathroom Flooring: When choosing your bathroom tiles make sure they are durable and installed by a professional. Because of the constant exposure to moisture your bathroom tile installation should be water-resistant. Ceramic, marble and stone tiles are the best choice for a bathroom floor. Also consider adding a heated floor system which offers both comfort and also can reduce your heating energy bill.

These are just a few things to consider when you are planning your bathroom renovation but the most important choice is choosing a qualified and professional bathroom renovation company. When it comes to bathroom renovations there are too many important elements that can go wrong, this is an investment that can increase the value of your house, trust a professional like GTA Restoration for a smooth and well built bathroom renovation project.
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Sunday, October 10, 2021

Bathroom Ventilation & Mold

Avoiding Mold growth with proper ventilation!

A properly installed bathroom fan is essential in avoiding mold growth in your bathroom.  Bathrooms are very common places for mold to grow because mold is attracted to moisture. When having a hot shower water vapors can sip into cracks, moldings, electrical outlets, and other surfaces that are made of organic material like wood, paper-faced wallboard, and insulation, etc. These organic materials when they get damp make an ideal mold growth environment in places that the eye can't detect. Mold and mildew are a problem on their own due to health issues they could cause, but keep in mind that they can also create damage to building materials including drywall and wood framing. Proper bathroom ventilation is important in keeping mold growth at bay. If you detect a musty odor in your bathroom but you cannot visually detect mold then you can have a non-invasive mold test performed by a mold removal & remediation company, like GTA Restoration.

A properly installed and working bathroom ventilation fan can be very effective in preventing mold. A fan works by moving the moist air away from the bathroom and outside the house before it gets the chance to penetrate into your walls and ceiling. Lots of buildings and homes now have bathroom ventilation fans installed but they are only useful if they are actually being used and turned on while someone is taking a shower. One method that many builders have been using recently to combat this, is having the fans turn on whenever the light in the bathroom is turned on.

Many builders also incorrectly install ventilation fans and instead of moving the moist air out of the home they move it into the attic, this will just cause mold in your attic which could be even harder to spot. A yearly attic inspection for visual signs of mold is important.

Another option to a bathroom fan is to install a heat-exchange ventilator fan. These fans use warm, outgoing air to heat cooler, incoming replacement air. Heat exchanger models sell for about twice as much as standard bathroom ventilation fans. There is also the option for a humidity sensing ventilation fans which automatically switch on when the unit detects high levels of humidity.
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Saturday, October 9, 2021

How to Prevent Household Water Damage in Winter!

Tips on how to check for potential problem areas in your home and avoid water damage when snow and winter weather arrives.

How to prevent house water damage in winter?

It has been a mild December so far in Ontario but every homeowner knows that eventually snow and winter weather is bound to arrive within the next month or so. This is a good time to check your home for potential water damage risks and avoid future costly repairs.  Before a flooded basement or a roof leak occurs you can survey your home's exterior for problem areas and weak spots that could potentially create a water damage issue.

CHECK YOUR GUTTERS

Cleaning your gutters of debris and dead leaves should be your first priority when it comes to preventing interior water damage. It is a tedious task and there are many products on the market that claim to accomplish the work with less effort but as water damage restoration experts we have seen quite a few cases of these products failing to clean all sediment build up properly and resulting in rain or snow water accumulating and finding its way into the house structure. Hiring a professional or doing the job yourself, make sure you use enough water pressure to remove all debris from your gutters and test them for blockages. The main downspout to the ground should also lead away from the foundation by going directly into a rain leader or drainpipe that leads to the sewer. If the downspout leads to close to your foundation water can find its way into your basement, or even create foundation issues through time. If your downspout is diverted into a rain barrel, then make sure you clean the screen and open the tap so that it doesn't fill up and freeze in the winter.

CHECK FOR POOLING WATER

An easy way to test if water pools close to the edge of your house and foundation is to use your garden hose and wet the surrounding of your house. If pools of water areas appear at the edge of your house walls then these are problem areas and you should address them by making sure the grading at the perimeter slopes away from the house.

CHECK YOUR ATTIC INSULATION

Besides gutters and ground grading another potential issue is inadequate insulation below your roof. Attic insulation prevents heat to escape under the roof shingles which can melt snow that will drip into your shingles and crack them when it freezes again.

In the case that you do experience an emergency roof leak or winter water damage call our 24/7 Emergency number: GTA Restoration 416-358-6666 - Serving Toronto & the GTA
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Friday, October 8, 2021

Flooded Home Flood & House Flooding!

Check your insurance policy if it covers Flooding!

In the past few years water damage claims have become increasingly common and cover 50% of all home insurance claims. Most people think that they are covered for all kinds of water damage, but not all water damage is the same, below we have written a few common sources of water damage and how it is most commonly covered in most standard insurance policies. Water damage is often expensive and time consuming to deal with so knowing what you’re covered for can help take a lot of stress off you if it ever occurs. GTA Restoration has a qualified team that works with many insurance companies and property managers to help them get past this stressful time, you can see some of the insurance companies we commonly work with on our insurance claims page.

Does your insurance company cover water damage?

Water Damage:

Most property insurance includes coverage for accidental or any sudden water damage in your home. This would include any appliances leaking or overflowing as well as any water line breaks. If wind or hail damages your home and water is able to enter it to cause more damage this would cover that as well. One way to figure out if the damage in your home is considered water damage, is to think of how the water got there. In most cases if the water damage was caused by “clean water” and not from sewage or the ground than it is considered water damage.

If you experience a burst pipe or other accidental plumbing failures in most residential insurance policies it should be covered as long as it is reported in time. It is very important to turn off your water main supply and have someone check on your home regularly if you are on vacation or away from home for a while. If this is not done your property insurance policy might not cover your, and could deny any water damage caused by a frozen or burst pipe. You can speak to a broker to get further details regarding this and how frequently you should have someone check on your home.

Sewage Backup:

Unlike water damage, sewage backup refers to damage caused by “dirty water” coming from pipes, drains, eaves troughs, down spouts or your septic tank. This usually will happen if the city’s sewer system is overwhelmed by rain or snow.

You should talk to your insurance company to figure out if you are covered for this, in many cases you can add sewer backup coverage to your insurance policy for a small amount, compared to how much it would cost to repair.

Overland Flooding:

Overland flooding is when there is water overflow from a body of water and damage is caused to your property and/or vehicles. Currently no insurance in Canada will cover overland flooding, due to it only affecting a small portion of the population. Since it affects so little people there is not enough property owners to share in the cost of coverage.

It’s important to know your own insurance policy, in this article we go over the types of water damage that is commonly covered but we don’t know your exact policy. If you need help dealing with any sort of water damage or sewage backup GTA Restoration can help you. Our team is experienced not only in dealing with the damage but dealing with the insurance companies to make sure that you are fully covered.

Flooded Basement Home Flood House Flooding!
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Thursday, October 7, 2021

Caution Biohazard Blog Image created by GTA Restoration Group in Toronto

What types of Bio Hazard waste is there?

Biohazardous waste can be very dangerous if it is not properly taken care of, it is known to potentially cause diseases like Hepatitis C, Hepatitis B, and HIV. GTA Restoration is fully trained in biohazard removal, our team knows how to safely remove any biohazard waste in the Greater Toronto Area.

Biohazard is occasionally called something else such as biomedical waste, infectious waste, or medical waste. Biohazard waste is any sort of waste that can contain infectious materials. Our expert biohazard removal team has written a few of the different types of biohazard waste below so that you can easily identify it.

Human Bodily Fluids: Any sort of human body fluids, this includes: saliva, amniotic fluid, peritoneal fluid, pericardial fluid, pleural fluid, synovial fluid, cerebral spinal fluid, semen.etc this also includes any fluids that may contain blood. As well as any body fluids that are hard to identify.

Animal Waste: Any animal waste including body parts, carcasses or bedding material from a known infected animal.

Pathological Waste: This includes all humans organs, tissues, body parts.etc

Human Blood & Blood Products: Any products that may contain blood and could potentially release it. As well as any bodily fluids or tissues that contain blood.

Microbiological Waste: Laboratory waste that could be infectious, this includes discarded viruses, blood, body fluids, serums.

Sharps Waste: Needles, broken mercury thermometers, syringes, scalpels, razor blades, broken glass.etc

Soot: After a fire there will be soot that needs to be cleaned. GTA Restoration has an expert fire damage restoration team that can help you with this.

Mold: Dangerous mold can cause serious health problems if not properly dealt with. GTA Restoration has a Mold Removal team dedicated specifically to taking care of mold.

Sewage: Sewage can be very harmful if not taken care of properly, if you experience any sort of sewage backup or problems with sewage the sewage backup team at GTA Restoration is experienced in dealing with sewage and can help you.

Asbestos can be crumbled, powdered, or pulverized. Small clumps of fibers may be released into the air as dust. Inhaling asbestos during its use is a health concern. That's why it is a well-known health and safety hazard.

The GTA Restoration Biohazard and Crime Scene Cleanup team is very well trained in dealing with any sort of biohazard waste and prepared to help you get past the toughest situations. Our team deals with these situations all the time and knows how to handle them properly. If you experience any sort of biohazardous waste do not hesitate to give us a call, it is very important that it’s taken care of quickly and properly to ensure everyone’s safety.
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Wednesday, October 6, 2021

Fire Sprinkler Water Damage!

How to avoid sprinkler water damage from fire?

A lot of property owners are worried about their fire sprinkler systems may be falsely triggered and cause serious water damage, this is a very understandable concern. Below we have compiled a few of the potential causes of a false trigger so that you can have some more peace of mind and avoid any possible water damage.

It is important to first understand how a fire sprinkler system works, fire sprinklers are automatically triggered when the sprinkler head reaches a temperature of 155-165 degrees.  In most cases less than three sprinklers will be enough to extinguish a building. In the past fire sprinklers were less reliable and were more likely to be set off accidently, but now they are much more reliable however it is still possible for them to be set off falsely.

Overheating:

If your sprinklers are located near a heat source such as a heater or skylight they might accidently discharge. If you are ever adding any new heat sources to your property it’s important to make sure that the sprinklers are adjusted.

Corrosion:

Over time older sprinklers and systems can experience corrosion which can cause parts to weaken and release water. The best way to prevent this is to make sure you are regularly checking for corrosion and inspecting your sprinkler system.

Freezing:

It gets cold in Toronto over the winter and it’s important that you make sure all your pipes are regularly checked and not frozen. If the water in your pipes freezes the expanding ice can cause fittings to be broken and valve caps to open.

Improper Installation:

If the sprinklers were installed incorrectly or forcefully it could cause the parts to loosen or work incorrectly cause damage in the future. It’s important that a professional installs the system with all the proper tools. Having the system inspected regularly is a good way to make sure that no problems will arise in the future.

If you do experience sprinkler water damage call GTA Restoration, our water damage restoration and emergency plumber team are always ready to help 24/7 we can assist you within the whole Greater Toronto Area and will be on site as soon as possible. GTA Restoration also provides Fire Restoration as well as Smoke & Fire Damage Cleanup.
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Tuesday, October 5, 2021

Water Damage from Forzen Burst Pipe in Toronto!

Plumbing Emergency Water Damage in Toronto!

If you are experiencing a plumbing issue in Toronto, it can sometimes be hard to tell if it is an emergency that needs to be dealt with right away or a simple problem that can wait. Our emergency plumbing team has written a few of the most common emergency plumbing issues below so that you can easily tell right away if you are experiencing them. These problems should be dealt with as soon as possible and can cause much larger issues if not dealt with immediately.

Burst Pipe in Toronto:

If you experience a burst pipe in your property and it begins to flood you should shut off your water valve and call an emergency plumber immediately. If this is not done as soon as possible it will likely lead to water damage which can cause damage to your belongings and more importantly encourage mold growth.

Leaky Pipe in Toronto:

A leaky pipe might not seem like a big deal at first, especially if it is a small leak but do not let it fool you. A leaky pipe needs to be taken care of as soon as possible, although it might not cause as much water as a burst pipe even a leaky pipe can lead to serious water damage over time. It is not uncommon for leaky pipes to go unnoticed and cause serious mold growth.

Sewage Backup in Toronto:

If you experience a sewage backup it is very important that you make sure that you and anybody else living with you, including pets stay away from the area affected. Sewage water carries lots of bacteria and can be very dangerous to your health. We recommend that if you experience a sewer backup you immediately call us as it can be very serious and should be taken care of properly.

Frozen Pipes in Toronto:

Usually, a frozen pipe will first be noticed when you have no water flow, or reduced water flow in your property. If you experience a frozen pipe it is an emergency and should be dealt with very carefully, often frozen pipes can turn into burst pipes which can quickly cause tons of damage to your home and potentially cause mold growth if not taken care of properly.

Basement Floods in Toronto:

Basement floods may happen due to one of the problems listed above, but no matter why they happen they are an emergency that needs to be taken care of quickly. Basement floods that are not properly taken care of can quickly lead to mold growth and other worse problems. It is very important that you call a company that has experience dealing with water damage like GTA Restoration to prevent mold growth.

Wet/Damp Areas:

If you have a wet or damp area in your home and are unsure why you should call an emergency plumber to help you find the cause. Damp/wet areas are often just the beginning to a potentially larger problem. GTA Restoration has emergency plumbers in Toronto and GTA available 24/7 and has been helping serve the community for years. Our team is highly experienced in dealing with all of the problems listed above and we are happy to help whenever our assistance is required. If you experience any sort of plumbing problem or water damage feel free to call us (416-358-6666) and we can help you.
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Monday, October 4, 2021

Tips for how to fix Low Water Pressure House in Toronto!

How to fix low water pressure in Toronto!

One common and very frustrating problem that most homeowners will have to deal with at some point is low water pressure. We rely on water for so many tasks, from simply rinsing our hair to making coffee and it should not be a source of frustration. Luckily there are many ways to fix low water pressure as long as you can find the cause. Below our Emergency Plumbing team has listed a few common causes of low water pressure.

- Debris: If your home has old pipes it’s possible that they have rusted and plastic particles from the broken pipes are causing a clog. It’s common for algae and debris to clog up valves and aerators.
- Mineral Deposits: Minerals can build up inside shower heads over time and cause faucets to clog up and prevent the flow of water.
- Poor municipal supply: In some cases, the city’s supply of water can be poor due to leaks and pressure.
- Water leaks: If you have damaged water pipes they can leak and cause lower water pressure. This happens because some of the water is leaking out of cracks and into the soil instead of to your home.
- Water valves: Lots of water pressure combined with wear and tear as well as other issues can cause damage to your water valves.

If you are able to figure out if one of these problems is causing lower water pressure in your home you can fix it! Below we’ve written a few tips on how to handle these issues:

- Clogged Aerators: You can check if your problem is caused by a clogged aerator by unscrewing it and checking if the water flow improves. If it does simply clean the aerator from any debris or mineral deposits and screw it back on.
- Poor municipal supply: In order to test the city’s supply of water you can purchase a test gauge with a hose connection. Screw it on the hose faucet and test your fixtures. Ideally, the pressure should be around 55-75. If it is lower you can fix it by installing a pressure boost system.
- Water Leaks: Water leaks are an incredibly common cause of low water damage so our emergency plumbing team has written a separate blog post dedicated specifically to spotting water leak, you can find it here: https://gtarestoration.com/blog/emergency-plumbing/how-to-find-small-leaks-in-your-home/

If after checking for all these problems you are still unable to find why you have low water pressure and it persists for a few weeks we highly recommend you call a professional plumber who has experience dealing with these issues and might be able to find something that you are missing. A majority of the time low water pressure problems will only worsen over time and the more you wait the harder it will become to solve. Low water pressure is also an annoyance that you should not have to deal with.

GTA Restoration has professional plumbers on standby 24/7 ready to help you at any time. Our plumbers are experienced in dealing with low water pressure and are prepared to help you. Call us at 416-358-6666 to get help today!
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Sunday, October 3, 2021

Top 10 Emergency Plumbers in Toronto

How to Prevent Plumbing Emergency in Toronto!

No matter what kind of building you look at, most have plumbing systems that function roughly the same way. Although one thing to keep in mind if you’re an owner or resident of a multifamily housing system such as an apartment building or condo is that one problem such as a backed up sink can cause lots of problems not just in your unit but for many of the residents living in the same building. No matter what your case it is always good to be aware of potential problems and how to avoid them in order to keep your home in good condition. Below we’ve listed three commons that our emergency plumbers regularly encounter.

Clogged Drains: Clogged Drains are a very common problem in all kinds of buildings, if you live in a property with multiple units it’s important to take care of it quickly as one clogged sink in one apartment can cause other sinks along the line to back up as well. In major situations, this could even lead to a flood in a lower unit.

Dirty Water: If you live in an older building it’s not surprising to experience dirty water. As soon as pipes and connections are installed they begin to deteriorate which after many years can cause corrosion and lead to dirty water. Having your property regularly inspected can help to make sure that water lines are not being contaminated from collapsed sewage lines.

Damaged Main Line: If you notice that your water bill is suddenly more expensive than it might be due to a broken main line. You may also notice a strange smell and standing water. Not only is this a concern because your water bill is higher but it could also be a health risk.Knowing about these three problems is good so that you know what to expect. Although it’s better to avoid them fully. Below we’ve listed a few tips to help prevent clogged drains:

Use your garbage disposal carefully: Garbage disposals might be handy but if they are not used properly they can cause a lot of headache in the future. It is very important that when a garbage disposal is used, it’s used for both the right things and the right quantity or you it can cause clogs.Use drain screens: If you do not have drain screen then you should install them, this is a simple tip that can help prevent a clog. Drain screens may not be able to stop all debris from going down your drain but they will do a good job at stopping most of it.

Have plumbing inspections: Problems are almost always taken care of best if they are caught early. By having a plumbing inspection done by GTA Restoration you can ensure that nothing is wrong with your plumbing system giving you peace of mind and if a problem is found then it can be quickly taken care of before it gets worse.

In a plumbing emergency you can always call GTA Restoration at 416-658-6666 we cover the whole Greater Toronto Area and would love to help you.
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Saturday, October 2, 2021

How to best avoid water damage in your condo!

How to prevent water damage in your Toronto condo?

Many Canadians are buying condos, either as first time home owners or in order to downsize. Talking with brokers and our customers we have found that water damage is a large concern for condo buyers. In order to help condo owners we have created this guide, with some tips and important information.

Before buying your condo

It’s important that before you buy your condo you make sure to understand your condo’s insurance policy as well as you own and how much protection you have. Some questions that you can ask your lawyer, property manager and real estate agent include:

What does the corporation’s insurance cover? And what does it not?

Does the corporation’s policy cover only the common areas and structure of your building? Or does it cover more, for example damage to your units walls.

If you building experiences major damage will you have to possibly pay an additional cost to cover the deductible on the condo corporation’s insurance policy?

How much is the deductible on the corporation’s insurance policy?

Who is responsible for paying the cost of repairing damage to another unit? Or for the deductible on the corporation’s policy, if you have a dishwasher leak or your bathtub overflows and damage the unit below yours?

What does you condo corporation define as a “standard unit”?

Are things like fixtures, floors and ceilings covered?

After buying your condo

Usually you will be responsible for insuring any of the improvements within your unit as well as any furniture, clothes, electronics and other contents. If there is a water leak who should you contact and what is their phone number?

Are you aware of where the main water shut-off is for your unit? You can also ask your condo board questions about what everyone in your building can do to better hand water damage problems.

In condo emergency

If a water damage emergency occurs like a burst pipe or leak, it’s incredibly important that you respond quickly. GTA Restoration is trained and ready to handle all kinds of situations. By fixing the problem quickly we’re able to prevent mold and minimize the damage to your belongings. Call us at 416-658-6666
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Friday, October 1, 2021

Flooded Basement and Water Damage Laminate Floor form Toronto Home

Water damage needs to be dealt with ASAP!

Water damage can be very devastating to your home and can cause a lot of damage to the things inside your home, as well as the home itself. Although some of the damage happens instantly, or within a few minutes of being flooded, some damage takes longer to happen and can be avoided if the situation is taken care of quickly and efficiently.

In many cases, with water damage, your belongings can get damaged and destroyed in under 24 hours, so it’s very important to contact a certified water damage expert if you want to save your belongings. Below we have written the different stages of water damage and how it can affect your home and belongings if not quickly dealt with.

The first hour of Water Damage:

Most damage that occurs within the first hour cannot be stopped as it will happen very quickly. On the bright side, most of the damage that is caused within the first hour isn’t as serious as the potential damage if the water is left unattended for any longer.

The flood water damage during the first hour includes:

- Moving water spreading rapidly to different regions all through a building

- Carpet & Drapes discoloration

- Damage to moisture sensitive furniture

- Damage to books, records, and paper products

The first day of Water Damage:

After the initial damage is done within the first hour, the next 24 hours will continue to further damage your home and belongings. This damage is usually more serious than the damage that occurs within the first hour but luckily it can be stopped if the right action is taken. Calling a water damage expert will help ensure that the right steps are taken and this damage is prevented as much as possible.

The flood water damage during the first day includes:

- Swelling and breaking down of furniture legs

- Swelling and breaking down of wooden decorations & structural items

- Bacterial odor will begin and regular household odors will strengthen

The first week of Water Damage:

If after the first day the water has still not been properly removed and taken care of, more serious damage will occur. At this point, if you have still not called a water damage restoration expert, it is incredibly important that you do as your belongings and home will begin to be permanently destroyed.

The flood water damage during the first week include:

- Structural damage to flooring and walls

- Development of microbial living beings including mold and a smelly odor

- Swelling and breaking down of drywall

- Rusting of uncoated metal surfaces

- Swelling, misshaping, and delaminating of wood entryways and window casings

- Swelling, distorting, and splitting of wood decking and studs

- Malfunctioning of electronic components

- Swelling and twisting of wooden musical instruments

- Development of an unforgiving and dangerous environment particularly for those with respiratory issues

As you can see it’s ideal to deal with any flooding or water damage as soon as possible in order to avoid more damage to your home and belongings. GTA Restoration has years of experience dealing with water damage and helping property owners get back with their lives as soon as possible. If you ever experience water damage feel free to call us at 416-358-6666
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Flooding Toronto and Water Damage Cleanup

Flooding Toronto and Water Damage Restoration

Toronto Flooding Cleanup

Toronto Flooding Cleanup Floods can cause extensive damage to your property. The flooding damage doesn't just occur during the flood ...