by Brad Graves | Jul 18, 2024 | Uncategorized
Homeowners insurance is a vital safety net for unexpected damage to your home. However, it’s important to know that most insurance policies do not cover normal wear and tear, including mold and algae growth. Understanding mold exclusions in your insurance policy and the importance of mold inspections can save you from hefty repair bills.
First, let’s break down what mold exclusions mean. Simply put, mold exclusions are clauses in your insurance policy that state the insurer will not cover damage caused by mold. Most policies view mold as a preventable issue that results from maintenance neglect rather than an unexpected event. This means if greater damage to your home occurs because of regular wear and tear, your insurance won’t cover the repairs.
Mold can cause severe damage to your home and health. It thrives in damp, humid conditions and can spread quickly, damaging walls, ceilings, 
and floors. It can also lead to health issues such as allergies and respiratory problems. Regular mold inspections are essential to detect and address mold problems early.
By catching mold early, you can prevent it from spreading and causing more damage. Inspections help identify potential problem areas where mold is likely to grow, such as basements, bathrooms, and kitchens. This can save you money in the long run by avoiding extensive damage that your insurance won’t cover.
What you can do to protect your home from mold?
- Maintain proper ventilation in areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens. Use exhaust fans to reduce humidity levels.
- Fix any leaks or water damage promptly. Mold thrives in moist environments, so addressing water issues quickly is vital.
- Regularly clean areas where mold is likely to grow. Use mold-resistant products, such as paint and drywall, in areas prone to moisture. These preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of mold growth in your home.
If you suspect mold in your home, don’t wait. Contact professionals such as Universal Restoration for a mold inspection. Our experts will thoroughly examine your home for signs of mold and identify areas where mold is likely to grow. We can take steps to remediate the problem early before they become significant issues for you and your family later. We can also provide recommendations on how to prevent future mold growth.
Understanding your insurance policy and the exclusions it contains is crucial. Knowing that mold damage due to regular wear and tear isn’t covered by insurance emphasizes the importance of eradicating mold quickly.
If you have questions about what your policy covers, contact your insurance agent. They can provide detailed information about your coverage and any exclusions that may apply. And if you think you might benefit from a mold inspection, reach out to professionals like Universal Restoration. We can help ensure your home remains a safe and healthy place for you and your family.
by Brad Graves | Aug 30, 2023 | Uncategorized, Water Damage
Cleaning up flooding in your home quickly is essential to minimize damage. There is no substitute for a water damage experts to do the job right, but here are some quick tips to help you act fast in the meantime:
1. Assess the Situation: Before you begin the clean-up process, assess the situation to ensure it’s safe to proceed. Check for any electrical hazards, structural damage, or potential dangers in the water.
2. Turn Off the Electricity: Make sure to turn off breakers for outlets, appliances, etc in the flooded area to avoid electrocution.
3. Remove Water: Start removing the water as soon as possible. You can use a wet/dry vacuum, or just old-fashioned buckets to remove the water. The faster you can get the water out, the better.
4. Remove Damaged Items: Remove any damaged items from the area. This includes furniture, rugs, and other belongings. Make a list of damaged items for insurance purposes.
5. Dry the Area: Once the water has been removed, use fans, dehumidifiers, and open windows to dry the area as quickly as possible. Mold can begin to grow in as little as 24-48 hours, so it’s important to start drying the area, but call a professional to ensure no mold will develop.
6. Disinfect the Area: Floodwater can contain bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants. Make sure to thoroughly clean and disinfect all surfaces that came in contact with the water.
Call Universal Restoration to:
Prevent Mold Growth Mold can cause health problems and further damage to your home. We remove water quickly and efficiently as well as thoroughly inspect all areas of your flooded area to prevent mold growth on surfaces. Your damaged area will be clean and dry and safe for your family.
Check for Structural Damage: We Inspect your home for any structural damage in the area caused by the flooding. We have the expertise and resources to spot hazard areas that the average person may not see.
Remember, it’s important to act quickly in the event of water entering your home. The faster you can clean up the water and dry the area, the less damage you will incur. Contact the water damage and restoration professionals at Universal Restoration to make sure the job is done right and your family is happy and healthy.
by admin | Nov 2, 2020 | Uncategorized
There are many household problems that can be put off until later, but fixing a leaking roof is not one of them. In fact, it should always be prioritized no matter what the season. Here’s why.
1. Moisture Damage
The attic, ceiling and roofing support structure are mostly made of wood, which happens to be vulnerable to damage caused by moisture. While these components are treated for resistance to high humidity levels, they can be damaged by water coming from a leaking roof. This can result in rot that can later compromise the roof’s structure. Further issues like water stains, blistering paint and swollen plaster can also happen if the moisture makes its way towards other parts of the house.
2. Mold
Mold thrives in warm and humid places, away from direct sunlight. A leaking roof meets all three conditions, making it the perfect environment for mold growth. Mold causes more than just its tell-tale odor and hard-to-remove stains. Its spores can trigger like allergies and respiratory problems including rhinitis, asthma and nasal congestion. If it spreads throughout the attic, it may necessitate a premature roof replacement.
3. Electrical Hazard
Water from a roof leak may find its way into electrical wiring, power outlets or appliances, which can lead to shorted wiring. If you notice water dripping into these parts of your home, don’t touch the appliance or try to unplug it. Instead, turn it off from the panel, and call a local electrician as soon as possible.
4. Slipping Hazard
Water from a leaking roof can form puddles on the floor where you least expect it, making it a slipping hazard for anyone in your home. If you have carpeting that isn’t adhered to the floor, water can make its way under the carpets and make them slippery.
5. Damage to Attic Insulation
Most types of attic insulation form clumps when in direct contact with water. When this happens, the insulation layer forms holes that would defeat its purpose. Poor insulation can facilitate thermal transfer and allow heat to easily pass between your indoor and outdoor spaces. This results in higher indoor heating and cooling requirements, meaning higher energy bills.
Stonebridge Roofing, Waterproofing and Exteriors is one of the leading roofing companies serving communities in Jacksonville. Give us a call at (904) 262-6636. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.
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by admin | Jul 1, 2020 | Uncategorized
The roof is undeniably a valuable aspect of any residential structure. It is easily noticed by people who drive by your home and is a key factor in boosting curb appeal. But there is more to your roof than meets the eye. This component is also largely responsible for protecting your interior belongings from harsh weather elements like hail or heat, and promoting energy efficiency throughout your home. That being said, it is important to remember to take care of your roofing system, especially when the summer season is around the corner. Here are some tips from professional roofing companies:
Regularly Inspect Your Roof
Carefully inspecting the condition of your roof is one of the most essential steps of roofing maintenance. You can start by looking for common signs of water damage. These include leaks and other moisture-related issues like mold and mildew growth. If you deem it safe, you may climb a ladder to check the condition of your shingles and confirm if they have cracks or are loose or missing.
Do Not Put Off Roof Repairs
Putting off needed roof repairs to save money is actually counterproductive. If the small issue on your roof is left untreated for a long time, it will only lead to bigger problems that can be more costly and frustrating in the long run. Ask local roofers to provide assistance to make sure that your roof is working in optimal condition.
Update Your Old Roof
The typical lifespan of an asphalt shingle roof is 15 to 30 years, and that depends on how well it was taken care of during its entire service life. Having a new roof installed is a big investment and opens up new opportunities for your home. For example, if you wish to update your roof to make it more modern and eco-friendly, you may opt for a standing seam metal roof.
Ready to give your home an upgrade? Stonebridge Roofing, Waterproofing and Exteriors is here to assist you. We offer professional and superior quality exterior remodeling services, such as roof replacement and maintenance, and waterproofing and concrete restoration to residential owners in Florida. Call our team at (904) 262-6636, or fill out our contact form to start a conversation with one of our specialists.
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by admin | May 1, 2020 | Uncategorized
As consumers grow more environmentally conscious, the roofing industry has developed and utilized technologies that can improve the sustainability and eco-friendly features of their products. This is why CertainTeed® continues to manufacture green roofing choices for their residential and commercial customers.
CertainTeed® and Green Building Standards
CertainTeed leads the environmental stewardship movement in the home improvement field. It recycles the majority of internal waste produced during the manufacturing process and develops it into brand new products particularly designed to improve energy efficiency and reduce harmful power plant emissions and ecological footprint of homes and businesses.
In addition, CertainTeed encourages homeowners and contractors to reuse their old roofing systems that have completed their service life. The company’s patented products, namely Solaris™ shingle series and CoolStar® commercial products, are created with solar reflective surfaces to reduce heat absorption and help keep the interior of properties cool.
CertainTeed Green Roofing Facts
Along with the guiding principles of resource efficiency and promotion of energy-efficient building materials and processes, CertainTeed also gives emphasis on the well-being of the consumers. Here are several important facts about the company:
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CertainTeed roofing products are manufactured with recycled content, including slag, stone granules, corrugated mixed paper and sludge, meaning that landfill waste and carbon emissions are significantly reduced.
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250,000 tons per year of slag, stone granules, corrugated mixed paper and sludge from landfills are, in fact, recycled into roofing materials by CertainTeed.
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Because of the effort to lessen landfill waste, carbon dioxide emissions from the extraction and processing of raw materials are also greatly reduced.
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Other recycled content is used to construct roads and make packaging materials, such as paper and corrugated rolls.
Stonebridge Roofing, Waterproofing and Exteriors is a roof replacement company that promotes green awareness by using CertainTeed-manufactured products. We strive to deliver superior quality products and practices to our customers, no matter how big or small the roofing project is.
For your roofing needs, make sure to contact us. You may give our team a call at (904) 262-6636 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation.
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by admin | Apr 30, 2020 | Uncategorized
Since an emergency roof repair and replacement can cost you a significant amount, as the homeowner, it’s understandable if you want to know what exactly goes into your new roof’s overall price. While additional costs might be associated with your roof, some common components make up most of the budget.
