Ten things you can do to prevent Fort Myers water damage in your home

Sometimes Fort Myers water damage is inevitable but 95% of the time you can take steps to prevent Fort Myers water damage from occurring in your home or condo.

A very small number of Fort Myers water damages happen because of weather and wind. The majority of water damage losses happen because of plumbing leaks and Air Conditioning condensation problems.

First and foremost; know where the main water shut off is for the whole house. If there is a plumbing leak in a place where you cannot use an under sink or toilet shut off to stop the flow, shut the whole house off.

Second; when you leave the house for even a weekend shut off the Fort Myers water to the house. Be sure to shut off the power to you electric Fort Myers water heater also. If the water is off no plumbing Fort Myers Water Damage can occur. Check the supply lines for your washing machine. Be sure the drain line for the washer is clear.

Third; check under the sinks and behind the toilets to be sure Fort Myers water is not condensation or dripping. If there is condensation, wrap the pipes in an insulating blanket. If there is a drip call a plumber.

Fourth: If your home has copper piping for the Fort Myers water supply behind the walls and above the ceilings and your home is 15 years old think about a re- pipe. Plumbers will run new plastic lines above your ceilings to every fixture and leave the old pipes in place.

Fifth: Check the hose bibs, outside water spigots, to see if they are leaking. This kind of Fort Myers water leak can travel through the block structure and wet the drywall inside.

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Sixth: Check all the wall penetrations; electrical service, cable lines, Fort Myers main water entrance, water heater supply lines ect. If any of these is sweating or dripping follow the tip in Third.

Seventh: Drain the Fort Myers water heater through a hose with the supply line on at least once every two months. This will extend the life of the unit and prevent or delay a rupture of the inside tank. Also change the heating elements as recommended in the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Eighth: Inspect the A/C ducting in your attic to see if any cold air leaks may be causing condensation in the attic space. If you feel any lair leaks call you A/C repairman.

Ninth: Be sure the A/C pan drain lines are clear and that the pan has a limit switch shut off so that if the Fort Myers water level rises near the pan lip the switch will shut off the unit.

Tenth: Inspect and replace the rubber sweeps on the bottoms of your exterior doors and sliders. Clean and clear out the weep holes in your exterior windows so that blown rain will drain off and not seep into your home.

Be alert when you walk from room to room. Look for Fort Myers water stains on your ceiling and walls. Sniff the air for any musty smell. Notice if one room feels more humid than others in the house.

Finally, If you should have Fort Myers water damage from plumbing or wind-blown rain or flooding, call a professional Fort Myers Water Damage restoration company who has the knowledge and equipment to properly and completely dry out your home and the structural materials.

Dew point and air leaks can cause Fort Myers mold

How the dew point and air leaks can cause Fort Myers mold growth in your home

We have all seen dew on the grass in the morning or condensation on the outside of your windows in the morning. This condensation is caused when moist warm air comes in contact with a cool surface or cool dry air. This causes the Fort Myers moisture in the warm air to condense on the cool surface.
When this occurs, the air reaches it’s “DEW POINT”. The dew point is the temperature to which a given parcel of air must be cooled, at constant barometric pressure, for Fort Myers water vapor to condense into water. All this is fine in nature but when it happens inside our home or in our attic it can be a problem.

In your hot attic, a Fort Myers leak in the air conditioning ducting or a pealed back strip of duct tape will cause Fort Myers water to condense and drip through your insulation onto the top side of your csiling drywall. Over time this Fort Myers water will support Fort Myers mold growth. If there are cracks around your windows or wall penetrations the same Fort Myers condensation will occur and may support Fort Myers mold growth on wood trim or drywall. Stucco cracks will also let warm moist air into your walls and if that air contacts cool dry air in the wall cavity water will condense and mold may begin to grow within your walls. All of these situations are happening in thousands of homes in our towns each and every hot and humid day. The worst times of year are days with hot humid days and much cooler nights.
We have all heard the horror story about the part time resident who has an air conditioning failure while they are out of town, or their Humidistat fails or it’s batteries fail. The result is warm humid air inside their home in the day time and cooler nights that cause the humidity to condense on the walls, furniture and everything else. This causes a condition called a “Fort Myers humidity bloom. To prevent this, by pass the humidistat and have a qualified home watch check your home at least trwice a month while you are away.

Other simple fixes are:

- Caulk all windows and fill all wall penetrations with foam to prevent air penetration.

- Check your air conditioning ducting at the beginning of the summer season for tape peels and air leaks.

- Have your air conditioning unit serviced twice a year. Be sure the drain line and drain pan are clean and clear.

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- Be sure dryer vent and exhaust fan exterior vents close securely.

- Replace door sweeps, garage door seals and sliding door seals regularly.

- Install foam seals in all outlet and switch covers to prevent air leaks.

- Insulate cold water supply lines under sinks and in garages.

- Run ceiling fans on low to discourage mold growth if the A/C fails.

- Inspect the seal on your refrigerator door for air leaks.

These are some simple things that any homeowner can do to keep the dew point from causing condensation inside your home, attic and inside your walls.

Another great idea unrelated to the Fort Myers dew point is to shut your main water supply off when leaving your home for more than a weekend. Be sure to shut off the breaker to your electric water heater and shut off the breaker and gas to your gas water heater. I know relighting the gas pilot is a pain, but so is a plumbing flood.

If you should have Fort Myers mold growth or Fort Myers water damage in your home be sure to call a state certified, local Fort Myers mold remediation company who also can provide Fort Myers water damage assessment, repair and the reconstuction service. Do what you can to prevent a Fort Myers water damage but be prepaired with the number of the best Fort Myers water damage restoration and Fort Myers mold remediation company if the unexpected should happen.

Top Ten Fort Myers Hurricane Tips

The first time you prepare for a Fort Myers hurricane or Fort Myers tropical storm may be a hassle but after that it’s a snap.

Most things are usually on hand but should be stocked up and easily accessible. If it turns out the Fort Myers hurricane has changed its path, at least you will have known you were ready.

If Fort Myers is in imminent danger of a Fort Myers hurricane, most likely evacuation announcements have been made, and should be taken seriously. Here is a checklist to consider before you leave:

1. First, get important papers and special photos in order and secured in plastic. Identification is difficult and time-consuming to replace: so be sure to include social security cards, birth certificates, high school diplomas or GED certificates, titles or deeds to property. Photos of special occasions or loved ones cannot be replaced, so including these is important as well.

2. Think ahead and take video or photos of your Fort Myers property before you leave. This will help later on with any insurance checklist claims for Fort Myers damage that may need to be filed.

3. Gas up your car early. If you cannot stay with relatives book a room out of the projected path Make sure to get directions and put them in the car ahead of time. It is easy to forget that piece of paper in the rush out the door. A cheaper route might be to find temporary Fort Myers hurricane shelters. Usually nearby towns not in the direct path of the Fort Myers hurricane will provide these for people in need.

4. Unfortunately, it is unlikely that your pet will have a place in a motel or hotel. Keep this in mind and try to find alternate housing for your loved one until it is safe to return. Crate your pet.

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5. Designate a spot, in the hall closet or a central room to keep a bag of clothes for each person in the Fort Myers household. Make sure to include sleeping gear if you plan on going to a temporary shelter.

6. Along with overnight clothes, consider stocking your Fort Myers Hurricane Kit with the following: extra cash, batteries, flash lights, battery operated radio/television, bottled water, toilet paper, non-perishable foods such as cereal or crackers, canned goods, can opener, a small cooler, candles, prescription medicines and any over-the-counter remedies you use regularly; and if you have small children – diapers, baby wipes, formula, baby and pet food.

7. Count on the power being out for at least a day or two. No ATM’s, no air conditioning, no lights or refrigerator, possibly no cell phones, no water if you are on a well, no stove or microwave. Get a car charger for your cell phone. When TV and computer games no longer operate, board games or a deck of cards come in handy! Arts and crafts, crayons and downloadable coloring pages are always great distractions for the kids – so make sure you’ve stored some of these supplies in a tote bag or in the car trunk.

8. If you decide to tough out the storm, stay downwind in your Fort Myers home. This means if the wind is hitting the living room windows, go to the room opposite the living room. Fort Myers Tornados sometimes accompany Fort Myers hurricanes. Designate a safe room. The best place is the center of the house small or no windows. Bath tubs and closets can save your life. Cover yourselves with a mattress or blanket.

9. Plywood is a ‘hot’ commodity for those of who decide to stay. Boarding up windows that will take the brunt of the wind and rain is the wisest decision. Best option is Fort Myers storm shutters. Stay away from the windows and the wind side of the house.

10. Finally, STAY INSIDE. However tempting it may be to videotape or take photos of the Fort Myers storm, be sure to shoot from indoors – where it’s safe, and dry! Debris picked up by high winds can cut or impale people.

Finally do not take a Fort Myers hurricane warning lightly. Make a plan and stock up. Let your friends and family know your plan.

And lastly, if your Fort Myers home is victim of an Fort Myers hurricane be sure that you seek out an Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration, (IICRC), certified Fort Myers Water damage professional Remediation Company that follows industry guidelines for your safety and health.

Fort Myers floods or leaks in your home it require immediate attention

Anytime Fort Myers water floods or leaks into your home it requires immediate attention to minimize further loss and damage. You may be surprised to hear that people who call Southwest

Florida water damage restoration companies about a plumbing leak do not know how to shut off the water in their own home. Everyone, including renters, should know where the main shut off is for the

Central Florida water in your home. So the first step on a Fort Myers plumbing leak is to shut off the water. When the source of a Fort Myers plumbing leak is behind a wall or in the

ceiling call a plumber to fix the problem. Call a reputable local Fort Myers water damage extraction and drying company to remove the water and dry all building materials and personal

possessions that may have been wet by the Fort Myers leak. While you are waiting for the drying company to arrive move what you are able to into an unaffected room and protect valuables,

delicate items and important documents. Pick what ever you can up off the wet floors. Call your insurance company and report the loss. Take lots of pictures for your insurance adjuster.

Most important is that standing Fort Myers water must be extracted and wet materials must be dried out completely and as quickly as possible. Wet carpeting, wood and drywall are a breeding

ground for viruses, bacteria and Fort Myers mold. Fort Myers Mold can begin to grow on wet building materials and personal possessions in as little as 24 to 48 hours. The Southwest

Florida water damage extraction and drying company will remove most of the water by extraction and then complete the drying process with air movement and dehumidification. Once the humidity in a

wet home is stabilized at 55% or less, Fort Myers mold will not grow.

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Here are some tips to help the process:

- Towel up small amounts of water from tiled and wood floors

- Wipe moisture from wood furniture and table tops

- Remove pictures and breakables to an unaffected room

- Turn on the A/C to help dehumidify the indoor air

- If tiled floors are flooded squeegee the water out the door

- Remove area rugs to garage or lanai

- Put plastic wrap under wood furniture legs on carpets

- Punch tiny holes in sagging ceilings to drain water into a bucket

- Do not operate anything electrical while standing in water

- Take lots of pictures for your insurance adjuster

When the Fort Myers extraction and drying company has removed all the water and set up drying equipment do not shut the equipment off. The process pulls moisture out of the walls, floors and

furnishings by making the air very dry. This creates a static pressure difference that sucks the water out of wet materials into the air where dehumidifiers condense that moisture and pump it into

a drain. If you shut off the equipment the humidity level will rise and the drying process stops.

Only when all the materials inside your home are completely dry are you assured that Fort Myers mold growth will not occur. The expert Fort Myers Water Extraction and drying company

will also treat surfaces that were wet with microbial inhibitors. This is a further safeguard against Fort Myers mold growth.

Be sure that you employ an Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration, (IICRC), certified Fort Myers Water damage professional Remediation Company that follows industry guidelines for

your safety and health.

The function of air flow in the Fort Myers drying process

Whether drying a large scale commercial job or drying the walls between a home garage and the living space; air movement and reduced relative humidity are required.

Base trim should be removed to accomplish fast and complete drying of walls in homes. Newer homes also have drywall hung ¾ inch off the floor to provide an air space so that:

- In a small Fort Myers flood the drywall will not wet unless the water wicks through the base trim. When that trim is plastic the drywall is protected from indirect wicking. When the base trim is wood it takes time to wick up to the drywall.

- When drying wet drywall the ¾ inch air space allows fans to circulate dehumidified air to the back side of the drywall for drying.

When there is no opening to get air movement to the back of the drywall or the Fort Myers wet materials are overhead; an access hole should be cut in the drywall to allow air movement to the back of Fort Myers wet materials. In situations where the walls cannot be cut, such as tiled walls of faux painting, small holes can be drilled in the wall where they will be covered by the base trim when it is reinstalled. Specialty equipment called “Inject a Dry” uses a manifold fed by air movers and connects to many flexible tubes to push dry air to the back of the Fort Myers wet material surface.

The movement of air across a Fort Myers wet surface creates a “static” pressure at the material surface. This process speeds up the evaporation process and literally pulls the Fort Myers moisture out of wet material. The fan or air mover should be placed at a 15 to 45 degree angle from the wall. The faster the air movement across the surface and the dryer the air the faster the evaporation.

Whether drying a single Fort Myers room or a larger space, a drying envelope must be set up. This is a separation of the Fort Myers wet areas from dry non affected or outside areas to stabilize and control the temperature and humidity for improved drying conditions. A drying envelope can be as simple as 6 mil poly sealing a door way but it should be a small as possible. The dehumidifier will need to process all the air in the envelope to reduce the humidity. Once the Fort Myers moisture is pulled out of the wet materials through evaporation into the air the saturated air in the drying envelope is cycled through an LGR (Low Grain Refrigerant) dehumidifier to keep the relative humidity in the drying envelop as low as possible. This LGR dehumidifier can remove up to 62 pints of Fort Myers water from the air in 24 hours.

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The air movers should be set up so that a circular flow of air is produced in the Fort Myers drying envelope. This “Vortex” of air will maximize the static pressure across the Fort Myers wet surfaces and accelerate the lifting force at the surface of the wet materials.

The science of drying, known as Psychometrics, uses the air in a drying chamber like a giant sponge. The air movement pulls the Fort Myers moisture out of the wet materials as a vapor through evaporation into the air. The LGR dehumidifier wrings out the virtual sponge by passing the moist air over cooling coils. This condenses the Fort Myers water out of the air into a collection tank and this water is pumped through a tube into a drain. The process is repeated over and over until the materials are dry.

It takes training and skill to set up an effective Fort Myers drying envelope. The setting of the air movers and dehumidifier are critical to rapid drying. A typical Fort Myers wet room will completely dry in three to five days. Exterior walls may need insulation removed to speed the drying process. Kitchen lower cabinets should have toe kicks removed to allow air movement to the drywall behind the cabinet. In some cases cabinets should be dismounted to dry the wall behind. Linoleum over Fort Myers wet materials may need to be removed to accomplish drying of the floor beneath. Wood floors can be dried if done with skill and proper methods. Composite flooring or flooring mounted on cork or another absorbent material will need to be removed to accomplish complete drying.

A qualified Fort Myers Water Removal Technician “WRT” will also know how to monitor the drying process as it occurs. This technician will adjust the placement of air movers and take moisture readings with specialized equipment to maximize the speed and effectiveness of the drying process.

Always call a Fort Myers water damage company who hires and trains Fort Myers Water Damage Technicians. Look for IICRC accreditation and the designation “WRT” and “CMR” certified Fort Myers Mold Remediator. The best Fort Myers Water Damage Company will follow the industry guidelines and dry out your property quickly and thoroughly to minimize property damage. Also fast expert service is essential to ensuring that mold growth will not occur and for the health and safety of your family.

Be sure to hire the best Fort Myers Water Damage and Mold Remediation Company in your area.

Books and papers that have gotten wet by Fort Myers fire, flood, and broken pipe can be recovered. It is time-intensive and best left to the professionals, but if you’ve got one or two wet books that if not dried perfectly you would not fret about, and the time to spare, you can attempt to recover the books yourself.

The most important thing, upon which everything else hinges, is get the book frozen fast. Once the book dries out, the wrinkles and warping are set, and there’s nothing anybody can do about it. But

freeze it, and all damage stops. And the book can stay frozen until you’re ready to handle it.

Wrap the book in a U of wax or freezer paper, or in a plastic bag. It’s best to freeze it at -15F or lower, so if you can get access to a commercial freezer space, it would be a good idea. If

that’s not available, a home freezer will do in a pinch, but the results won’t be quite as good. If possible, freeze the book spine down, and supported so it won’t lean or fall over. If you have

to lay it on its side, make sure that the book is fully and flatly supported. If you have anything under it smaller than the book, the book can and will mold itself to that object. All you will

need is your freezer, a hair dryer and lots of time.

The recovery process is fairly simple:

1. Start with the cover. Open the cover (gently pry loose the inside page, if it’s sticking). Run the air stream from the hair dryer (I’d recommend top settings on both heat and fan) over the

cover, back and forth, top to bottom, and inside and out. When it feels dry and warm to the touch (not hot!) go on to the inside page. Same procedure. Smooth the page with your hand as you work.

Work page to page this way.

2. When the next page starts to feel wet to your fingers, that are not frozen, stop. Stick in a piece of paper as a bookmark, and put the book back in the freezer. Take out the next book (if

there’s more than one) and start on it. Leave the first book in the freezer for at least a day.

3. Covers may soak up more moisture than the pages, so you may have to do the cover several times. Just keep the book frozen, and work only so long as it’s frozen, quitting when it starts to thaw.

4. There are a few circumstances which are a little more problematic than the general procedure I outlined above. You may run into these:
- Art Books.
- Coffee table books.
- Books with a lot of pictures.
- This type of book relies on a particular type of clay-impregnated paper to print the sharp, clean colors of the pictures. The problem comes when this paper gets wet. The clay leeches to the

surface of the paper, and if the book even begins to dry, the clay will bond to itself and form a solid, irrecoverable block out of the book. Therefore, it becomes even more imperative than usual

that the book be frozen before it has a chance to dry. Once it’s frozen, you can proceed as usual, although you will probably have to exercise some caution in turning the pages as you dry them.

Have a sharp knife handy to open any edges that may have bonded.

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Moldy books and documents.

The specific chemicals usually recommended for treating mold are expensive to get, difficult to handle, and downright nasty to be around so let’s avoid them. If the book is still wet and starting

to mold, get some 99% isopropyl alcohol solution. It’s usually available at most drug stores. Put it in a spray bottle and spray the book down. Spray everywhere you see mold. Spray everywhere you

think mold might be. It’s already wet; it won’t hurt to get it a little wetter. Then freeze it. If you’re freezing it in your home freezer, and you’re keeping food in that home freezer, you’ll

definitely want to plastic bag the book. Use several layers. Then when you are ready to begin proceed as usual.

Mud or silt on books.

- In general, don’t bother to clean the book off. Getting it frozen quickly is the most important thing. The dirt will usually brush off quite easily, once the book is dry.

- Thick mud, silt, and toxic chemicals, however, should be washed off before the book is frozen. Mud will hinder freezing, and silt will not clean off easily after drying. Mud and gunk on the

cover can be washed off by holding the book closed, fore-edge down (that’s the side from which the book is opened), and hosing it down gently with a stream of clean water. Freeze immediately.

- Silt or toxic chemicals on the pages, however, require that the book be washed, and this can get tricky. The problem is that wet paper is surprisingly fragile, and great care has to be taken or

you’ll shred the book trying to save it. Immerse the book in a tub of clean water and gently riffle the pages. Do not scrub; do not apply any more pressure than you have to. The idea is just to

rinse the pages. When done, do not press the book together to get excess water out. Just hold is gently by the spine until the water stops flowing out, and then freeze sooner than immediately.

(These books will take a LONG time to dry.) I don’t recommend this procedure unless it’s absolutely necessary, and even then you might consider whether or not your time and trouble aren’t worth

enough to just let the damn thing go and get a new copy. Your call.

- And that’s it. You can do it yourself, if you’ve got the time and the determination. If you’ve got more than a couple books to do, though, I’d seriously recommend seeking out a professional.

You local Fort Myers water damage restoration and Mold Remediation company has the equipment and expertise to assist you.

A tale of two Fort Myers water losses.

Scenario #1

A condominium owner in your town has a unit that he rents out during the “season” to help pay his mortgage and insurance expenses. Last month his renter called him to say that the cold water supply hose on the washing machine burst during the night. Before he could wake up, find the main water shut off and stop the flooding there was 1 inch of Fort Myers water in the hallway to the front door, the kitchen and guest bathroom were Fort Myers flooded and Fort Myers water was beginning to soak the living room and guest bedroom carpets.

The owner had the condominium maintenance man pull out as much Fort Myers water as he could with a wet/dry vacuum, open the windows and run the ceiling fans to encourage the unit to dry out. This time of year the humidity is low and there was a nice breeze with temps in the mid 70’s during the day. At the end of the next day the carpets felt almost dry and all the tiled flooring looked as if nothing had ever happened. The renter went home the following Sunday.

The condo sat empty for two weeks before the next renter was scheduled to arrive and when he did arrive the owner got this call. “The condo smells really musty and the walls are black just above the baseboard”. The renter checked into a local motel and the condo owner called a Professional Fort Myers Water Damage Restoration Company.

The Fort Myers Restoration Company removed all the Fort Myers mold affected materials in a containment, made sure the structure was completely dry, cleaned and treated the structural components behind the walls and rebuilt the areas where building materials were removed. The Fort Myers Restoration Company then arranged for a Certified Indoor Environmentalist (CIE) to perform an air (clearance) test to document that the condo had no Fort Myers mold growing inside.

What Happened here?

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The original Fort Myers water damage was never properly dried out. Fort Myers Mold spores are present in the air inside our homes and in the outside air all the time. All that is needed for Fort Myers mold to begin to grow in your home is a Fort Myers water source. The food Fort Myers mold likes is cellulose. Cellulose includes the paper on your drywall and wood molding, trim and cabinets. If any of these materials stay wet for more than 3 days Fort Myers mold can begin to grow. The number one rule in the Fort Myers water damage business is to get it completely dry quickly. No moisture, no Fort Myers mold growth.

So…given that the Fort Myers flooding happened, what action should have been taken to lessen the expense and shorten the time to get this property back in rentable condition?

Scenario #2

A condominium owner in your town has a unit that he rents out during the “season” to help pay his mortgage and insurance expenses. Last month his renter called him to say that the cold water supply hose on the washing machine burst during the night. Before he could wake up, find the main Fort Myers water shut off and stop the flooding there was 1 inch of Fort Myers water in the hallway to the front door, the kitchen and guest bathroom were Fort Myers flooded and water was beginning to soak the living room and guest bedroom carpets.

The owner tells the condominium maintenance man to call the best local Fort Myers Water Damage and Mold Remediation Company. The one a friend recommended because of the way they handled his Fort Myers water damage. This Fort Myers Restoration Company responds 24 hours a day within 30 minutes. This Fort Myers Restoration Company performs free Fort Myers mold inspections and gives free estimates. This Fort Myers Restoration Company helped his friend deal with the insurance company and even helped to pay part of his deductable. This Fort Myers Restoration Company has technicians who are certified by The Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA).

The Fort Myers Restoration Company receives the call and responds to the Fort Myers flood within 30 minutes. The technicians extract all the Fort Myers water from the carpets and set up dehumidification and drying equipment. Base trim molding may need to be removed to insure that the drywall behind dries properly. The Fort Myers technicians monitor and adjust the drying process as the unit dries out. Typically 3-4 days later the unit is completely dry. The base is reinstalled and the condo unit is ready for the next renter.

The cost for drying this Fort Myers flood properly is less than half of the cost of Scenario #1 and the condo unit has minimal down time and in this case no loss of rental income.

Be smart and choose the best Fort Myers Water Damage restoration and Mold remediation Company in your area. Choose the Fort Myers Water Damage restoration and Mold remediation Company that knows what to do to minimize your costs and down time. Choose the company that operates with a company-wide sense of urgency.

Half an inch of standing water in our Fort Myers living room

A home owner writes; We had driven to Orlando for the long weekend with the kids. The house looked fine when we pulled into the driveway after our trip but when I opened the front door it hit me like a punch. There was half an inch of standing water in our Fort Myers living room, dining room and kitchen. We all walked in and stood in the puddle that was our home. As I walked to the bedrooms each one was soaked, the carpet squishing beneath my feet. I had no idea what to do.

Thank goodness my wife was still thinking and said where is the water coming from? I ran out the back door and shut off the main water supply to the house and felt momentary relief. Now what!

This is a much too common experience for Fort Myers Florida homeowners. Some think it is just bad luck but I say it is lack of preparation and planning. In this particular case the problem was a water supply line failure in the kitchen but there are many potential water lines and hose that can flood your entire home in a weekend.

First and foremost, do you know where the main water shut off is for your house? If a plumbing line failed, even when you are at home, it could cause substantial Fort Myers Florida Water damage before you could figure it out and shut the water off. Find your main water shut off and show everyone in your family where it is and how to operate the valve.

If you have a Fort Myers Florida flood in your home, be sure to call a restoration company that will dry your home properly. Drying a structure requires technical training and specialized equipment. Ask if your Fort Myers Florida Water Damage restoration company has technicians trained and certified by IICRC, The Institute of Cleaning and Restoration Certification. Restoration experts can often save cherished possessions and will speed your recovery time. Proper drying of your Fort Myers Florida home structure is the key to preventing mold growth.

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A simple visual inspection of the most common places where water leaks occur on a monthly or quarterly schedule will prevent most Fort Myers Florida plumbing source flooding episodes. Write it on your calendar and check your home for signs of possible problems.

They may include:

- Washing machine hoses. Look for bubbling in the hose lining and any sign of wetting or corrosion where the hose crimps onto the brass fitting. Replace the hoses as the manufacturer recommends.

- Water heater. Look for any sign of leaking or staining around supply lines and corrosion at the pipe joints and drain valve. Check the age of your water heater. If it is past its life expectancy replacing it will cost less than the water damage it may cause if it fails.

- Kitchen and bathroom sink fixtures. Look for wetness, corrosion and staining on the surfaces below the piping and valves. Make sure the shut offs operate properly. Replace the flexible supply lines if you see kinking or unraveling. Make sure the fittings are tight. Plastic plumbing fittings tend to loosen over time.

- Bath tubs and showers. Look for and signs of leaks around the valves like rust or drip lines. Check caulking for breaks or cracks. Look for loose tiles or crumbling grout. Re caulk cracked seals. Re grout to prevent water from getting behind your tiles. Run the vent fan when using the shower.

- Toilet supply lines and wax rings. Check the supply line for kinks and damage. Look for dripping or signs of previous leaks. Replace the lines if you see any damages. Check that the toilet fits tight to the floor and does not rock. Look for any leaking around the base of the toilet. The wax ring seals the waste line to the toilet fixture. A plumber should replace the wax ring if it is damaged.

- Dishwasher. Look for water on the floor after a wash cycle. Check the seals on the door. Condition the rubber seals. Look for staining inside the dishwasher.

- Ice Maker supply line to the refrigerator. Make sure the lines are securely fitted on both ends. There should be a shut off under the kitchen sink and sometimes on the back of the refrigerator. This can leak for some time before you notice.

- Air Conditioner drain pan and drain lines. Have you’re A/C unit serviced regularly. The service should include clearing the drain lines and insuring that the drain pan is clean.

- Outside hose bibs. Check around the hose fittings outside. Leaking bibs can cause water damage to the inside walls and house framing.

Spending 20 minutes a month inspecting areas of potential Fort Myers Florida flooding may save loss of personal property and many thousands of dollars. Just as important, if you do experience Fort Myers Florida flooding, hire the best Fort Myers Florida Water Damage restoration company in your area. This choice could also save you thousands of dollars and get your home back to pre flood condition quickly.

Do you live in an area that is likely to be affected by Fort Myers flooding?

Do you live in an area that is likely to be affected by Fort Myers flooding? If yes, then you need to purchase flood insurance. This is a requirement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

It is true that people who live in a relatively dry climate are still victims of flooding. It is important to but Fort Myers flood insurance to cover damages that may result from storms, melting snow, inadequate or overloaded drains or hurricane non-wind damages.

The regular home owners insurance does not cover your home and property against Fort Myers water damages. Statistics show that about twenty five percent of Fort Myers flood claims are filed by people that have low to moderate risk of flooding. You cannot add flood coverage to your home owner’s insurance policy as a rider. You must buy this Fort Myers Flood coverage from an insurer associated with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

This coverage can be purchased at any time unless the threat of flooding is imminent. There is a thirty day waiting period before Fort Myers flood insurance becomes active.

Fort Myers Flooding is defined by the National Flood Insurance Program as a general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of two or more acres of normally dry land area or two or more properties (at least one of which is your property from: Overflow of inland waters, unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from ANY SOURCE, and mudflows.

This can be brought on by landslides, a hurricane, earthquakes, or other natural disasters that influence Fort Myers flooding, but while a homeowner may, for example, have earthquake coverage, that coverage may not cover Fort Myers floods as a result of earthquakes.

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When you experience flooding call a local qualified Fort Myers Water damage company that also has mold remediation experience.

What to do yourself if Fort Myers water floods your home:

- Find the source of the water and shut it off if possible.

- If you cannot stop the flooding call a plumber.

- Call a qualified local water damage restoration company.

- Assess; if it is major flooding, standing water, shut off the power and leave. If it is minor:

- Gets air moving in the wet areas.

- Get damaged wet materials out of the house.

- Throw away non-valuable wet items.

- Move your treasured items to a safe dry area.

- Do not use electrical appliances while standing on a wet surface.

A qualified Fort Myers Water damage company will:

- Be licensed, insured and certified by industry associations

- Have years of experience in water removal and structural drying

- Have collateral experience in Mold removal, duct cleaning and reconstruction.

- Have trucks, equipment and staff to handle large losses.

- Have technicians who are trained and certified by an industry training agent.

- Hold advanced certifications in specialty skills particular to the Fort Myers Water Damage Industry.

- Have professional association with licensed Air Testing specialists.

- Offer 24 hour per day emergency services with on call technicians.

- Provide free inspections and estimates for prospect customers.

- Follow IICRC guidelines for water damage restoration.

- Follow IAQA guidelines for mold removal and remediation.

- Back up their service with guaranties and warranties.

Be sure to qualify and hire the best local Fort Myers Water damage restoration company available in your area. Ask for a written estimate and for the remediation and restoration of your Fort Myers water damaged property.

Finding the source of a water leak in your Fort Myers home

Finding the source of a water leak in your Fort Myers home can be a monumental challenge.

Here in Fort Myers Florida we have a sub tropical weather pattern. That means every year we have several months of torrential rains driven by high winds. During this rainy season we experience daily thunder storms. These wind driven rain storms create extreme conditions that may cause water intrusions into your Fort Myers home that are unique to this area.

There are several problem areas that are common to a typical concrete block construction home with a hip roof here in Fort Myers Florida.

The Fort Myers Roof: Asphalt shingle roofing is held in place with roofing nails and adheres to the neighboring shingle with asphalt sealant. This sealant degrades over time with the intense sun and heat of Fort Myers Florida. Hip roofs, though designed to resist lift in a hurricane situation, create more outside corners on the roof. These outside corners must be capped with cut shingles. This is a weak spot for water penetration. The high winds of a storm can lift a shingle and driving rain penetrates under the shingle to the roof sheathing below. Once water has penetrated to the plywood roof deck it may drip straight down or travel along a roof truss until an obstacle stops the flow and a drip occurs there. The drip penetrates the insulation in your Fort Myers attic space and shows up a spot on your drywall ceiling. If the paper on the drywall or the paper backing on your insulation stays wet more than a few days mold growth can begin. The same process can occur with tile roofing but tiled roofs are more water penetration resistant.

Fort Myers Roof Soffits and flashing: Extreme horizontal winds can drive rain through the roof soffits and into the attic space. Once into the Fort Myers attic space water will wet insulation and the drywall that is your interior ceiling. Similarly lifting of the bottom course of shingles past the flashing will expose the roof sheathing to wetting.

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Fort Myers Stucco Cracks: The stucco finish on a concrete block home will crack over time and with the settling of a Fort Myers home on its slab or foundation. Wind driven rain will penetrate stucco cracks and wet the structural materials underneath. In extreme situations moisture will penetrate to the drywall walls and wood trim materials inside the Fort Myers home.

Fort Myers Windows and Door Leaks: Exterior doors and windows are installed into a wood “Buck” opening. Then they are sealed with silicone or other water resistant sealants. If the sealants are improperly applied or crack over time water will penetrate when driven by high winds. Sealants and caulking should be checked and reapplied when necessary.

Stucco cracks around windows and doors will break the seal and allow water to penetrate. Once water penetrates it can affect the interior materials such as wood and drywall. Stucco cracks can be repaired with hydraulic cement.

Fort Myers Roof and wall penetrations: Various penetrations are necessary in your home.

- Roof penetrations for bathroom vents and vent fans.

- Wall penetrations for plumbing and electricity.

They are typically flashed and sealed with a boot or a sealant. Sun and heat crack these sealants and a homeowner should check for cracking once a year before rainy season.

When a Fort Myers home owner finds a water stain on the ceiling or a discoloration on the corner of a window how can you find the cause. It could be a roof penetration or a flashing problem or even a stucco crack. A good Fort Myers water damage restoration company will have an Infra Red camera, a qualified IR camera operator and state of the art meters to track the leak to its source. The infra Red camera creates an image that sees temperature differences. The principle being that a building material such as drywall or stucco will be slightly cooler when it is wet compared to the same material when it is dry. The Infra red camera sees this temperature difference as a color. Hot materials will show red or white. Cold materials will show blue or black. But…Infra red cameras can be fooled by metal objects or wiring which can be normally cooler or warmer than the surrounding materials. So moisture meters are used to confirm or disprove the findings of the Infra red camera.

The best Fort Myers water damage restoration companies will have an experienced Infra red camera operator who will be able to track a water leak to its source and recommend the repair to remediate the problem. The better Fort Myers water damage restoration company will also be a licensed Florida Contractor who will repair any damages caused by the Fort Myers water intrusion. The very best Fort Myers water damage restoration company will provide a free estimate and guarantee their work.