Archive for June, 2011

Floods in Toronto and Record Rain Falls

Monday, June 6th, 2011

As we’ve all seen from watching the news from around the world, flooding can quickly cause irreparable damages and emotional strife to its victims. Surprisingly, even in Toronto, flooding doesn’t always occur in spring or summer months. In February 2009, after record rains, the flood Toronto experienced interrupted daily life for many of its residents. As a result of record high rainfall, record high temperatures, and melting snow in the month of February, these unusual circumstances let to the flood Toronto citizens endured. Prior to 2009, the last flood Toronto experienced was in 1981 where 10 mm of rain fell on the city.

On this fateful day in 2009, the flood Toronto area residents saw included parking lots along the Humber River completely submerged underwater. And, according to Toronto city crews, immense ice churns in the Don River were capable of taking out trees as they rushed down the waterway. As a precaution, Etienne Brule Park was completely closed off to the public. They feared that the areas closest to the river could end up under more than two feet of water.

Another disruption that the flood Toronto citizens encountered was the closing of Union Station, one of the city’s largest transit arteries. As a result of a broken water main, serious flooding occurred and the station had to be evacuated just before 11:00 pm. Floodwaters poured down staircases in Union Station and water was even rushing out of elevator shafts. As if stolen straight from a movie, these unthinkable scenes became real occurrences in the flood Toronto suffered in 2009.

 

Toronto Water Damage Results

Monday, June 6th, 2011

Don’t fall victim to the unseen risks of water damage, Toronto! If your home does suffer from water damage, Toronto – as a result of a severe storm, flooding, or burst pipes, you may be at risk for toxic mold and mildew contamination, internal drywall rot, and even damage to your electrical equipment that is contained beneath the drywall. To avoid all the unpleasant and unhealthy risks that accompany water damage it is advisable to contact a professional water damage Toronto area cleanup service.

One of the benefits of employing a professional company that specializes in water damage, Toronto area specifically, is you will most likely get an immediate response by highly trained and certified personnel. When contacting a professional water damage Toronto specialist, ask for an itemized report and quote to repair any restoration work that will be required. You may also inquire into their specific procedures for drying and cleaning any of your furniture and furnishings that may have been affected by water damage in your home. Also, ask if the professional water damage Toronto area service includes disinfecting and deodorizing carpeting and other fabrics.

Knowing all of this information up front and being presented with a cost estimate will ensure that there are no surprise expenses or procedures during the cleanup process. A good water damage Toronto area service professional will also contact your insurance company (flood or homeowners) to determine what expenses can be covered so you don’t incur additional, unnecessary, out-of-pocket costs. Finding a reputable water damage Toronto area service specialist is the first step in restoring your home after a flood or storm.

 

Toronto Water Repair Services

Monday, June 6th, 2011

Flood and water damage should be handled immediately in order to avoid extensive and prolonged damage to your home or office. Once you have discovered water damage, you will need to contact a Toronto water repair service to assess and treat the affected areas of your home or building. Failing to properly treat and/or repair damage caused by flooding could result in internal structural issues and even health risks to humans.

Some important factors to know as to why water damage needs to be taken care of promptly include the following: buildings can take several weeks to dry out. If left untreated by a reputable Toronto water repair company, rot and deterioration could damage the foundation as a result of water residing under the flooring. Also, the wiring and electrical equipment inside the structure can become corroded and present a safety hazard if left undetected and untreated. Books, papers and other materials within the building can quickly deteriorate, cause the growth of mold and subject people to harmful contaminates in the air and water if ignored.

If your home or workplace has experienced water damage from a recent storm, contact a Toronto water repair service today. Many Toronto water repair companies provide twenty-four hour emergency services, because they know how serious of a problem flooding and water damage can be. For reasons discussed above, any kind of water or flood damage should be addressed promptly to avoid unfavorable conditions and health risks to you, your family and friends. It is much better to contract the services of an experienced Toronto water repair company than to suffer the unfavorable consequences that arise from improperly treating this potentially serious problem.

 

Home Water Damage

Monday, June 6th, 2011

If your home has ever suffered water damage from a severe storm or flooding, you may be at risk for toxic mold and mildew contamination. Even after you have dried out your belongings and the affected area or rooms appear to be dry, the aftermath from water damage may be present inside furniture, fabrics, carpeting and walls. If left untreated, this could potentially result in the presence of mold – especially inside drywall. Unseen mold and mildew is known be toxic and could be causing allergic discomfort throughout your home, even beyond the areas that experienced the water damage directly.

An important precaution you can take to make sure that your home does not suffer from water damage is to assess how water proofed your home is currently. If you have small leaks in the roof or cracked areas of foundation in the basement, your home may become victim to water damage during the next severe storm. It is better to take action and preventative measures to make small repairs now, versus the major expense that you will most likely incur if you wait until your home has experienced excessive water damage.

Since most water damage is preventable, it may be beneficial to hire a professional home inspector, contractor or repair specialist in your area to assess the current condition of your home and make any recommendations for improvements. In addition to keeping your home safe from water damage by making any recommended repairs, you will also be increasing your property value and creating a healthier, more comfortable environment for your family.

 

Water Proofing Thoughts

Monday, June 6th, 2011

Many homeowners store valuable keepsakes in their basements including photo albums, clothing and furniture. If your basement is in need of water proofing, you may be in danger of damaging or destroying irreplaceable items as well as eliminating potential living space. In addition to preventing damage of valuable items, water proofing your basement can eliminate mold, mildew, fungus, musty odors, and dampness.

There are many solutions on the market for water proofing basements, from do-it-yourself products to professional installation, and many helpful websites to help you determine the best type of water proofing system for your home. Basement water proofing can be done on the inside or on the outside of your home, depending on the type of construction. Websites that are dedicated to providing information on water proofing will help you understand why your basement may be leaking, what you can do to prevent water damage to your valuables, and how to choose the water proofing system that is right for your type of home and budget.

Depending on where and how your home was built and the climate you live in, you may also need a drainage system on the exterior of your basement, in addition to your chosen water proofing method. The combination of adequate water proofing and drainage systems will keep your basement and all your furnishings and valuables dry for years to come.

If you have already experienced basement flooding or water damage as a result of insufficient water proofing, contact a company which specializes in clean-up and restoration.