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Author: Luke Armstrong

Expert in emergency fire and water restoration services, fire cleanup and water damage cleanup, mold removal, as well as commercial and residential cleaning services, including carpet, upholstery and furniture cleaning. Contributor to several restoration and cleaning blogs.
Removing Odors from Furniture Upholstery
Upholstery Cleaning

Removing Odors from Furniture Upholstery

Upholstered furniture can release a stink for numerous reasons. A pet may have urinated on the family sofa. Or the furniture may be brand-new and smell of chemicals. Whatever the source of the unbearable stench, removing the odors may be accomplished by using any of the following methods. What causes furniture upholstery to smell? Before launching an odor removal mission, it is important to diagnose the cause of the unpleasant smells. Pets may be the culprit when ammonia-based odors are noticed. Urine reeks like ammonia, and yellow stains clearly indicate that a furry friend has urinated on the couch. When a homeowner smells the urine but is unable to visually detect the stain, a back light can help. Shine the back light on the suspected area when the room is dark. (Back lights are av...
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Finding Hidden Mold in Your Home
Mold cleaning

Finding Hidden Mold in Your Home

We all know that mold can be lurking wherever there is moisture and darkness, such as basements and crawlspaces. But there are other places in which it could be growing that you may never even find until you search there yourself. But if you or anyone in your home is experiencing severe allergy or respiratory problems, check out the following hidden places where it can thrive in your home: Front-Loading Washing Machines: Because the gasket around the washing machine door is always wet after the door is closed, any lint added will quickly cause spores to develop and grow. Before you know it, you may see blackness around this area. To avoid this, either leave the door open when you are not using the machine or dry it off after each use. Wallpaper: Unless if you remove the wal...
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Common Sump Pump Problems and What to Do About Them
Water damage restoration

Common Sump Pump Problems and What to Do About Them

No matter whether a homeowner lives in a rainy part of the country or a drought-prone one, a sump pump is the first line of defense against basement flooding. Any of the following common sump pump issues should be handled promptly to ensure continual protection. Homes are especially vulnerable to plumbing leaks as well as storms. Water pipes can spring a leak, which will lead to significant water damage or a flood. On the other hand, thunderstorms have the ability to unleash a fury of moisture and cause flooding in the basement. Sump pumps drain floodwater via an external discharge pipe and keep the basement dry. As an important piece of emergency equipment, the sump pump should be properly maintained at all times. Mechanical problems must be resolved right away to avoid high water d...
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What’s a Slab Leak, Warning Signs, and What Should I Do About It?
Water damage restoration

What’s a Slab Leak, Warning Signs, and What Should I Do About It?

A ‘slab leak’ is a term used to describe a water leak that has developed in the water lines beneath the concrete foundation. Such leaks in the water lines are often a result of long-term corrosion, abrasion, foundation shifts, high water pressure, and poor installation. Slab leaks can start from any point. They aren’t necessarily visible on the top, but since water finds the easiest path, it often hits the reinforcement. When such leaks are present above ground, in the wall or ceiling, they are referred to as pinhole leaks. Be sure not to ignore a potential slab leak. The longer you wait the more extensive & expensive the water damage will be. Here are the top seven warning signs of a slab leak: Warning Sign #1 of a Slab Leak: Puddles of Water This one is among the...
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How to Remove Smoke Odors from a Room
Smoke Damage Cleanup

How to Remove Smoke Odors from a Room

Odors are a part of everyday life. From cooking to cleaning to simply being outside in nature, people encounter various smells on a daily basis. Not all smells are pleasing to come across, though. Smoke, for example, is not only unsightly, but it also produces a strong odor. When smoke is present, its particles will become absorbed by porous building materials, furnishings, and surfaces. Examples of such include clothing, carpeting, and even walls. This allows the smoke odor to linger well after the smoke has left the area, so you may be dealing with the stubborn smell for a while. In some situations, you may simply deal with the smell by spraying some air freshener. While this can help ease smoke odors, it is not enough to remove them. The odor needs to be treated below the surface ...
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What are the Classes of Fires and Fire Extinguishers?
Fire Damage Restoration

What are the Classes of Fires and Fire Extinguishers?

People should always take all precautions they can to prevent fires from happening because of the damage they cause and the danger they present. However, accidents do happen. If a small fire breaks out, it can be contained quickly if you take the necessary measures. Fire extinguishers are effective for putting out small fires and preventing serious damage. Because of this, it is important to have fire extinguishers readily available throughout your property, but especially in areas where fires are more prone to occur, such as the kitchen. If you are going to get a fire extinguisher, it is important that you are aware of the different classes of fires and the various types of fire extinguishers available. Each type of fire extinguisher is designed to extinguish a certain kind of fire....
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How Far Can Wildfire Smoke Travel?
Fire Damage Restoration

How Far Can Wildfire Smoke Travel?

Fires, in general, are a serious concern. The flames and high temperatures put people’s lives at risk and can ruin any and all surfaces and objects with which they come into contact. The fire also produces corrosive byproducts like smoke and soot, which will cause their own harm in addition to the initial fire damage. Knowing this, it is no question that wildfires are a severe danger. But unlike general fire emergencies, such as house fires, wildfires affect larger areas. They can even cause damage thousands of miles away from where they began. Even if you do not reside in an area prone to wildfires, you can still be affected by them ― notably by the smoke produced. Continue reading to learn more about wildfires, how wildfire smoke can travel long distances, the dangers of wildfire s...
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How to Dry Wet Wood
Water damage restoration

How to Dry Wet Wood

Water damage can occur in numerous ways. Weather can cause water damage by way of heavy rainfall and flooding. Internal issues can cause water damage by way of pipe bursts, leaks, and other internal property issues. No matter how water damage occurs, properties are in danger. Porous materials, like wood, are especially at risk for suffering water damage. What Happens to Water Damaged Wood? When excess water and moisture enter a property, porous materials and furnishings absorb it. As this absorption occurs, the materials become weaker. The more water these materials take in, the more damage they sustain. With enough time and absorption, damaged items may experience structural damage and are at risk for mold growth. Many homes and commercial properties are made using porous building ma...
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How to Know If You Have Hidden Mold
Cleaning and restoration tips, Mold cleaning, Mold remediation

How to Know If You Have Hidden Mold

Mold is a natural substance that is always present both indoors and outdoors. There are many types of mold, and some of them are even beneficial. However, mold can be problematic if it is found growing inside of your residential or commercial property. When mold forms indoors, it causes damage to the surfaces and materials it grows on. For example, mold that has grown on drywall is using the material as a food source, which results in eventual structural damage. The mold spores can also spread to different areas, exposing inhabitants to the fungus. Mold exposure can cause people to suffer from negative health effects. Because of this, you will want any mold you find indoors to be removed as soon as possible. Sometimes, though, cases of mold growth can be concealed. Albeit conc...
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What Should I Do After a Flood?
Safety Tips, Water damage cleanup, Water damage restoration

What Should I Do After a Flood?

All cases of water damage are considered emergencies, but flood damage, in particular, can be especially disastrous due to the large amount of water involved. The excess water will become absorbed by porous building materials and furnishings, allowing it to spread quickly. In turn, the water will cause rapid damage and continue to make matters worse until it has been removed. Therefore, flooding needs to be addressed right away. Otherwise, your property will suffer significant harm. After a flood has occurred in your home or business, refer to the following information to help with flood cleanup and to give your property the best chance at complete flood damage restoration. Contact Your Insurance Company As you should in any situation concerning property damage, get in touch with ...
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