ACCORD Restoration
7123 Windsor Mill Rd., Suite 100
Baltimore, MD 21244
Phone: 1-888-277-0651
Fax: 410-277-0632
ACCORDrestoration.com

BALTIMORE, MD. June 24, 2008 – Unwanted water can destroy any part of a property from wood to steel, causing mold growth and damaging essential structures such as walls and floors. And this damage can happen instantly with a big storm or slowly overtime from a leaky pipe, explained clean-up and restoration expert Frank Nemshick, president of ACCORD Restoration (ACCORDrestoration.com).

The most obvious causes of water damage and those that cannot be avoided are severe forces of nature, such as hurricanes or floods. Water damage also can occur when a fire is extinguished, from leaking pipes and malfunctioning washing machines and heaters, as well as leaks in roofing and siding and from defective gutters, Nemshick said.

Some of the signs of a water problem include peeling paint and wallpaper, splotches of mold, moisture and condensation, a musty smell and moisture in carpeting or other flooring.

Water Damage Prevention

Occasionally checking plumbing systems for leaks is an easy way to avoid water damage, Nemshick said. Also, the areas around water heaters and air conditioning units should be checked for wet spots. Sump pumps should be checked for problems a few times a year, too.  

Preventing and repairing small problems, such as a toilet leak, can save a lot of time and money in the long run. A leak left unchecked often requires the expertise of a professional to fix the damage, he said.

On the outside of a home or property, the roof and gutter systems should be regularly checked for trouble. Signs of water damage in a roofing system, for example, are broken or cracked shingles, damaged chimneys and vents and deterioration in roofing valleys.

Water Damage Clean-Up

Nemshick said that water damage is typically placed into one of three categories. These categories determine how the water will be removed from clean water, which is easy to clean-up, to black water, which is very unsanitary so that it must be taken care of with specialized equipment.

Before professionals arrive to repair or restore a property after water damage, there are steps that can be taken to start the clean-up process and possibly prevent further problems:

• Remove standing water from the interior of the property.

• Sweep it outdoors, if possible, then wet-vac the remainder.

• Relocate wet carpet and other water-logged items to a sunny area outside, if possible. If possible, run a dehumidifier to help prevent mold growth and speed the drying process.

• Move debris and other items damaged beyond repair outside for easy pick up by trash haulers.

• Transfer valuables to a safe and dry place.

• Document property damage in writing and take photos, if possible, for insurance claim purposes and for the restoration professionals.

• Hiring a professional restoration company can be important for ensuring that a property is returned to its pre-water damage state.

“Professional restoration companies will have available a list of industry organizations to which they belong and certifications they carry. These industry associations have strict guidelines and verify that members follow them,” explained Nemshick.

About ACCORD Restoration

ACCORD Restoration (ACCORDrestoration.com) specializes in clean-up, repair, restoration and rebuilding after fires, floods, storms or other disaster related property damage. Their extensive list of services includes: 24-hour emergency response, clean-up, board-up, assessments, water and flood damage restoration, fire and smoke damage restoration, mold prevention and remediation, storm and wind damage restoration and rebuilding. Contact by phone at: 1-888-277-0651, by e-mail at: info@accordrestoration.com or learn more at ACCORDrestoration.com.  MHIC #51366.

Press Contacts:

Frank Nemshick, President
ACCORD Restoration
1-888-277-0651
info@accordrestoration.com

Kris McCurry, Executive Vice President
Brave New Markets
410-902-0801 ext. 307
kmccurry@bravenewmarkets.com

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