Whether you have a flood or an unexpected leak, we fully understand the urgency of getting the water out as soon as possible. Experts say that the worst water damage occurs when water has been standing for more than 48 hours, which means timing is everything when a flood occurs. Water damage can occur from a leaky or broken pipe, blocked drains, storms, malfunctioning appliances and fire damage. The appropriate treatment depends on the nature of the damage. Flood waters and raw sewage can be dangerous to humans and pets because of bacteria they may contain. These bacteria can be transmitted by the bottoms of shoes and by touching or moving contaminated objects. The real problem arises if water damage is left untreated. No matter how clean the water is, mildew and other bacterial growth may occur if neglected. Water can pose a serious threat to furnishings, walls, floors, and ceilings.
Mihalko’s General Contracting specializes in water & ice damage restoration and has the equipment and personnel needed to aid in a water & ice damage emergency.
Specializing In
- Removal & Protection of Furnishings
- Anti-microbial treatment
- Water Extraction
- Content Storage
- Deodorization
- Sewer Back-ups
- Roof Leaks
- Structural Repairs
- Dehumidification
- Top Down Drying
FROZEN PIPES
Water has a unique property that allows it to expand while freezing. This expansion puts tremendous pressure on the item containing it, including metal or plastic pipes, causing them to break. Pipes that freeze most frequently are those exposed to severe cold, such as; outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, water sprinkler lines, and water supply pipes in unheated interior areas. Also, pipes that run against exterior walls, that have little or no insulation, are subject to freezing.
SOLUTIONS:
- Wrap exposed pipes with insulation sleeves to slow the heat transfer.
- Seal cracks and holes in outside walls and foundations near water pipes with caulking.
- Keep cabinet doors open during cold spells to allow warm air to circulate around pipes.
- Improved attic ventilation and insulation is the best way to reduce damming. By keeping attic space cooler, the snow will melt slower.
ICE DAMAGE
As if snow wasn’t enough in the winter, we have slippery sidewalks, cold cars and, worst of all, leaky ceilings or water damaged walls and carpets. The biggest culprits are ice dams and bursting pipes. Mihalko’s General Contracting’s team of experts knows what to do during these cold winter months.
SOLUTIONS:
- Cleaning the gutters on your home can help prevent ice dams from occurring as quickly. Gutters will be as cold as outside and in some cases, full of frozen debris. Even without a soffit for the water to re-freeze in, the melted water will likely re-freeze when flowing into the gutters.
- Removing snow and ice is a quick fix, but can be dangerous and cause additional damage to shingles or rain spouting. Leave this dirty work to the professionals at Mihalko’s General Contracting.
- Improved attic ventilation and insulation is the best way to reduce damming. By keeping attic space cooler, the snow will melt slower.
- Keep the attic floor well insulated to minimize the heat rising through the attic.
- Install an ice and water guard underlayment between the roof deck and the shingles. This guard does not prevent ice from forming on your roof, but does create a weather tight barrier, protecting your home from melting snow or rain.
- De-icing cables are considered to be the last option only if previous solutions cannot be done.