3 Tips to Prepare for Storm Season

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th with the peak usually occurring between August and October.  It has been nine years since a major hurricane has made landfall in Florida, but the threat comes with each new season.  These storms can cause catastrophic damage to your home. The daily, smaller storms we get can also cause serious damage.

1) Review your insurance policy
Now is the best time to review your homeowner’s insurance policy to see exactly what is covered.  Most policies cover damage from storms including wind, hail, tornado, or hurricane damage.  You may however be required to carry additional coverage for flood damage.  It is best to speak with your insurance agent about your policy exclusions and coverage limitations.  You do not want to wait until after you have experienced a loss to find out that you are not covered.

2) Check your trees
Many homes sustain damage as a result of a tree or limb falling onto the structure during a storm.  Check to see if you have any trees with branches near or touching your home.  Limbs that are too close to the house should be trimmed back.  You should also inspect your trees to see if they appear healthy.  Healthier trees will be more likely to sustain high winds during a storm.  It is best to consult with an arborist for help in preparing the trees on your property for storm season. REStar Services can refer a tree specialist in your area.

3) Clean the gutters
The purpose of gutters and downspouts is to carry the water away from your home.  If your gutters are not clear of debris, or the downspouts are not properly attached, water from storms can damage your roof or foundation.  Take the time to clean your gutters and make sure all of the downspouts are in place.  This is one of the easiest things you can do to help prepare your home for storm season.

If you have Water Damage, Storm Damage, or Flood Damage, call the experts at REStar Services: (844) RESTAR-1. Visit us: http://www.REStarServices.com

New Year! New Roof?

Water Damage Restoration in Central Florida - Roof Leaks

Roofs in Florida take a real beating, with the heat, rain and ever-present threat of storm damage. You might be noticing signs of aging on your roof, or even damage and leaks. Is it time to for a new roof? Here's what to look for and what to know:

Signs of Damage

A leak is one of the biggest signs you’ve waited too long to replace your roof. You want to catch problems before the leaks happen by looking out for these problems:

• Shingle problems - Missing or cracked shingles mean there’s an area of your roof that isn’t properly protected.
• Loose seams - Water can get under the edges of the shingles if they’re not adhering properly. Older roofs may have lots of these loose seams, which could indicate a replacement is in order.
• Granules in the gutters - Do you see small, pebble-like debris in gutters or downspouts? The shingles are deteriorating.
• Inside damage - You may not have a full-fledged leak, but some moisture may be getting through your roof into your attic or ceiling. Look for cracking paint or slightly discolored areas of the ceiling plaster or drywall.

Weather issues

Florida is known for the hot sun, steamy, rainy summers and extreme weather. Here are weather issues you should be aware of:

• Sun - The ultraviolet rays from the sun will wear down your roof materials over time. The parts of your roof that face west or south may see damage first.
• Rain and condensation - Water can get under shingles or into other layers of the roof, and if left to sit, can cause rotting and decay. Mold and mildew can also form from this moisture.
• Wind - High winds can damage shingles and expose the underlying layers to water. After extreme wind storms, check for damage caused by falling branches and other debris.

Happy Holidays from REStar Services!

Happy Holidays to you and yours from REStar Services.

We wish you the best this holiday season!

How to Avoid a Fire from a Turkey Fryer

Thanksgiving reminds us to be grateful for the good people and circumstances in our lives. It's also a time to eat a whole lot of food! And no other food is as prominent as the Thanksgiving turkey.

If you choose to fry your turkey this year with a turkey fryer, REStar Services would like to remind you of some helpful tips for avoiding accidental fires when using a turkey fryer:

Safety tips for deep-frying your turkey:

• Place the fryer on a level surface
• Don’t overfill the fryer with too much oil
• Peanut oil is a safer oil than other oils to use for frying
• Wear shoes!
• Use a very long thermometer to take the bird’s temperature
• Be careful when lowering the turkey into the hot oil
• Have a dry-chemical fire extinguisher handy while cooking

If you DO have a turkey fryer fire:

• Call 911 before putting the fire out or have someone calling 911 while you’re dealing with the fire.
• Don’t try to move the fryer once it’s caught on fire. It’ll just cause the oil to splash, spatter and spill.
• Do not use water! Oil fires do NOT react well with water.
• If you have one, try to smother the fire with a pan lid
• Use baking soda or a dry-chemical fire-extinguisher to put out the fire

Fry responsibly and have a Happy Thanksgiving!

If you have Fire Damage, call the Fire Damage Restoration Experts at REStar Services: (844) RESTAR-1. Our regular office hours are 8:30am - 5:30pm Monday through Friday. Visit us: http://www.REStarServices.com

Top 5 causes of Water Damage you should be aware of

REStar Services wants you to be aware of these top 5 causes of water damage:

1. Home Mismanagement - This is the number one cause of not just water damage but also other home-related damages. This could lead to mold damage and cockroach infestation. Always keep your house healthy, clean it regularly, fix problems as soon as they arise and do constant renovations.
   
2. Bad Weather - Constant rain and storms can cause water damage. Rainwater can seep into your roofs while it clogs the gutters and be absorbed into your windowsills. You cannot do anything about this natural phenomenon.
   
3. Constant Flooding - Caused by either rain, street sewage problems or river overflows. Flooding in the home is messy and can bring in toxins, pollutants and other impurities from outside.
   
4. Broken Fixtures - This could be in the form of overflowing sinks, broken dishwashers and bathtubs that are already leaking. If you do not get an expert to fix them immediately, molds and foul odors might come into the picture; not to mention suffering from a high water bill.
   
5. Loose and Rusted Pipes - not only damaging in terms of leaks but could also contaminate drinking water through deposits of metal particles.

If you have Water Damage, visible mold growth, or even suspect that you may have mold growth, call the Mold Remediation Experts at REStar Services: (844) RESTAR-1. Our regular office hours are 8:30am - 5:30pm Monday through Friday. Visit us: http://www.REStarServices.com

Wishing everyone a Happy Halloween!

From all of us at REStar Services, we hope you have a Happy & Safe Halloween!

 If you have damage to your property due to Storm, Flood, Mold, Fire, Smoke, or Water, call our team today: (321) 251-1887. Our regular office hours are 8:30am - 5:30pm Monday through Friday. Our 24 hour line: (844) RESTAR-1. Visit us: http://www.REStarServices.com.