Those living in Montana have come to expect big rain storms during the spring and summer. While these storms are important for our ecosystem, they can leave property damage in their wake without proper preparation. Le-Squeegee is here with a few helpful tips to avoid damage from the big rain storm.

Clear gutters and ensure they are draining away from the property – Clear all gutters and downspouts from debris. This can be a difficult task, so please stay safe by using a ladder properly. Also ensure downspouts are clear and do not drain right at your foundation walls. This could allow for water to oversaturate the ground and enter through any foundation cracks in the property.

Check the seal around doors and windows – A door or window without a proper seal can be a path for water to enter your property and cause water damage. These areas should be checked after every big storm to ensure they will hold up for the next one.

All pumps are operational – A big downpour is not the ideal time to learn that a sump pump is not working. It is a good idea to regularly check their status to know they will work when needed.

Pay attention to pets – A pet can get injured or stuck out in a big rainstorm if it is left outside. Also, a wet and muddy dog can ruin furniture, area rugs and more if it finds its way back inside before you have a chance to clean them.

Check roof for possible damage before and after a storm – Missing shingles, tiles or cracks can be a problem for a roof before a big storm. It is a good idea to visually inspect your roof after the winter snow melt. Checking for damage after a big storm is also another good idea.

And as always, if you find yourself in an unfortunate situation with water damage or mold, call the certified and trusted professionals at Newman Restoration to help remediate.

In addition to foundation cracks, groundwater issues can develop multiple times a year. They are common when the snow melts and the groundwater becomes saturated. They can also develop from irrigation issues or nearby flooding.

Many homes are built with defenses against groundwater. Whether it is a protective coating around the foundation, a drainage system or sump pumps, these measures can go a long way in defending a home from groundwater.

Make sure pump systems stay operational and drains remain clear. Without being able to work properly, these issues can prevent them from working. It is a good idea to test sump pumps and make sure they continue to work.

What to do if groundwater becomes an issue? The first step is to remediate any damage from the groundwater inside the home to prevent microbial growth. Afterwards, it may be necessary to consult with a structural engineer to develop a solution for groundwater issues. The amount of groundwater is impacted by multiple factors, including the source and current weather conditions. Not all solutions will be the same and often require the help of an expert to find the most appropriate defense.

Water damage, foundation cracks, poor ventilation and elevated humidity are a few ways mold can develop in a home or business. In some cases, microbial growth can begin to develop only 48 to 72 hours after excess moisture has been introduced to an environment.

The most important step to limiting microbial growth is to be on the lookout for signs of excess moisture. Increased humidity is a telltale sign of elevated moisture in a space. Crawl spaces and attics are areas that can be subject to mold growth from elevated humidity. It is a good idea to check these spaces a few times a month to make sure there are no signs of water penetration or increased humidity.

A tangy or mildew smell is a sign that water has settled somewhere in your property and is trapped. Water can get trapped between flooring and subfloor or in a wall. This will often lead to microbial growth and the development of a sour smell.

Either of these signs are a good reason to call the professionals at Newman Restoration. The damage from microbial growth can increase with time, so it is best to get on the issue right away. In some situations, an industrial hygienist can be required to test indoor air quality. They can determine if parts of the home have elevated spore counts and if they require a solution from a restoration company.

If there are signs of visible mold, it is time to get professional help right away. Mold can be white, green, blue and black, but no matter the color, it should be inspected by a restoration company. Newman Restoration & Cleaning utilized multiple methods for remediating all types of microbial growth. Trust Team Newman to ensure a healthy living environment.

As the weather gets warmer, attention turns to the outdoors for home improvement projects. This often includes using an outdoor spigot for the first time since winter. However, it is important to pay attention when turning on the water outside for the first time as it is a common spot to suffer damage from freezing and thawing.

The first step is knowing where the water shutoff to your home is located – If there is a problem with a damaged pipe, shutting off the water quickly will limit the damage. Water shutoffs are most often found near the water heater inside the home or close to the water meter outside of a home.

What to look for when turning on a water spigot – One of the main signs of a possible problem is a variation in water pressure. Sudden bursts of water or a sudden loss of pressure can indicate an issue. The most common place for a spigot to be damaged is where it exits the wall or right inside the wall. This is the place most susceptible to freezing. If you shut off the water from the spigot and can still hear water running, it is a major sign of an issue.

Check inside for any water leaks – When running a spigot for the first couple of times after winter, it is always a good idea to check the inside of the home for any signs of water damage. A broken pipe leading to a spigot will most often be located close to the exterior wall.

Monitor when sprinklers are turned back on – Another cause of water damage inside of a home is a broken sprinkler line. If these lines were not properly winterized, they can freeze and crack during the winter months. A cracked sprinkler line causes ground saturation and a possible water intrusion through a foundation crack. Damaged sprinkler lines can also fill basement window wells with water. When turning sprinklers back on, it is important to monitor for proper water pressure and check the inside of the home for any water damage.

Fluctuating temperatures and precipitation can allow for water to penetrate foundation imperfections. Water follows the path of least resistance which can push groundwater through a hole or crack in the foundation. It is important to check the exterior walls of a home or business for any moisture and a slow leak can turn into big damages. Discovering a problem with the foundation of a building can be an unsettling situation, but Team Newman is here with some helpful information so you can be educated about what to do with if you suspect water is coming through a foundation crack.

Vertical foundation cracks are the most common access point for water to enter a basement or crawlspace from the outside. These cracks occur as a home settles. If the ground around the foundation becomes saturated from rain or snow melt, it can penetrate the foundation through a vertical crack.

Water damage from a foundation crack can cause a large amount of damage in a short period of time, or it can be a slow leak which develops damage over a longer period of time. Regardless, this damage is often not covered by a home insurance policy and can be an expensive fix. Thankfully, vertical foundation cracks can often be filled with a waterproofing injection. When a crack is discovered, it is best to seal it right away. If a crack is left unattended, it can grow and lead to a more costly repair.

There are a few signs which can alert a property owner to water damage from a foundation issue. Water or added humidity in a basement or crawl space is a common sign that there is a foundation crack allowing for water penetration. Pungent or musty odors are also an indication that water is entering the property through a slow leak or foundation crack. Cracks in plaster walls and doors that no longer open easily are a sign that the foundation is settling in an uneven matter. These signs are a good reason to have your home and foundation inspected.

Water damage from foundation cracks may not be covered by insurance. Many homeowners are not protected from foundation cracks and the ensuing water damage. Because the water is coming from outside the home, many insurance carriers will deny coverage. It is always best to have an understanding of your liabilities or gap in insurance coverage. Often, a flood insurance policy can protect homeowners from water damage due to an outside source. However, it is important to cover the topic with your specific insurance company.

Homeowners should make sure standing water is kept away from the foundation walls. Gutter and drain systems need to divert water away from the home and not allow it to pool next to the foundation. Landscaping is also important to ensure water is draining away from a property. These factors can often prevent the ground next to the foundation wall from becoming saturated, which is a major factor in water penetrating a foundation.

Snowfall, freezing temps and successive fluctuating temperatures and sunshine cause the perfect conditions for an ice dam on your roof.

Ice dams are a buildup of ice and snow on a roof, often on the lower portion and extend over the edge and gutters. Snow on the roof melts and freezes creating an ice dam. An issue occurs when the melting snow is trapped and cannot release from the roof. It can penetrate through the shingles and create water damage on the interior of the home.

If it is safe to do so, keep your roof clear after a snowfall. Utilizing a roof rake to eliminate snow buildups is a way of preventing ice dams from occurring. Be cautious because snow can come down quickly and is quite heavy. It is also a good step to keep gutters clear of debris as it can impede the runoff when snow melts. Removing the snow is the best way to prevent a dangerous and harmful ice dam. Ice dams can occur from direct sunlight and, or heat coming from inside the home. If the attic or space below the roof is creating too much heat it can often be resolved with a few fixes. The first step is to improve insulation. This can be done by fixing holes or gaps in the insulation or replacing it with a higher value. This keeps the home warmer and the attic space cooler. Ventilating the space can also help if too much warm air is hitting the roof from underneath.

If an ice dam has formed, there are a few ways to fix it. Chip away the ice safely or hire a professional company to remove the ice dam. The majority of the issue with ice dams comes from the ice buildup. If possible, chip away the ice buildup or search for a local company to help with the removal of an ice dam. Another solution is to create a channel for the snow to melt with an ice melt product. The melting snow needs a path to escape off the roof. Creating a channel through the buildup with an ice melt product is one possible solution. Often this can be difficult with frozen and snowy roofs being too dangerous to access. You also have to be careful the ice melt product does not damage or stain the roofing material.

As Spring arrives, hopefully the snow stops and the warm weather stays. While it is nice to return to outside activities, the warm weather can lead to potential problems for a basement or crawl space. Le-Squeegee is here with some helpful hints to prevent damage to a basement or crawl space.

Manipulate snow piles to manage snowmelt and ground saturation – Melting snow can lead to heavily saturated soil and cause problems for basements and crawl spaces. A foundation crack can be the entry point for snow melt to cause water damage in a home. One way to manage snow melt is to remove snow from the foundation perimeter and from the roof of the property. If possible, push the snow to where it will melt away from the property.

Inspect foundation for cracks – It is a worthwhile investment to have an inspector check for cracks in the foundation. Foundation cracks are a common way for a basement to flood in the spring. Sealing a foundation crack may seem expensive, but it can save a property owner from a much larger bill.

Regularly inspect basement and crawl spaces – It is a good idea to check for water in the basement or crawl space during the spring. Every couple of days, make sure to inspect these areas that can flood. Sometimes the water may not be visible and the first indication of water damage can be a mildew or sour smell. If there is any indication of water in your property, call Team Newman right away to dry the area and reduce the chance of microbial growth.

Pay attention when using sprinklers and hose bibs for the first time – It is possible that hose bibs and sprinkler systems could be frozen or developed a crack over the winter. Pay attention when turning them on for the first and inspect for proper water pressure. A leak from the sprinkler system or a hose bib can turn into water damage for your property.

Fluctuating temperatures and precipitation can allow for water to penetrate foundation imperfections. Water follows the path of least resistance which can push groundwater through a hole or crack in the foundation. It is important to check exterior walls of a home or business for any moisture and a slow leak can turn into big damages. Discovering a problem with the foundation of a building can be an unsettling situation, but Team Newman is here with some helpful information so you can be educated about what to do if you suspect water is coming through a foundation crack.

Vertical cracks are the most common – As a home settles, it is typical for vertical cracks to develop. Vertical cracks are found most often in basement walls and are typically the easiest type of foundation crack to fix. The main issue that comes with vertical cracks is how they allow for water to penetrate the foundation. However, a foundation waterproofing injection can solve the issue and prevent interior water damage.

Diagonal cracks may point to bigger issues – If a foundation crack has an angle from 30-75 degrees, it is considered a diagonal crack. These can be caused from the foundation settling in an uneven manner. If water does not drain properly from one side of the house, it can cause the soil to compact more on one side and create a diagonal foundation crack. Along with fixing the crack, additional steps may need to be considered to ensure the cause of the uneven foundation settling is addressed. Landscaping and drainage issues often need to be addressed. A diagonal crack can also require a structural fix to ensure the integrity of the foundation.

Horizontal cracks can cause issues with structural integrity – This is the most serious type of foundation crack. Pressure on the foundation wall can cause it to bow inwards. This can lead to the failure of the foundation and collapse of the property. It is a very serious issue that needs to be addressed right away. Fixing a horizontal crack is often a major project. It can involve installing anchors or piers to prevent any further bowing to prevent the foundation from failing.

Fix it when you have the chance – When a crack is discovered, it is best to seal it right away. If a crack is left unattended, it can grow and lead to a more costly repair. A horizontal foundation crack may require that the property be evacuated until it can be fixed. Many vertical cracks can be sealed with a waterproofing injection. Horizontal and diagonal cracks may need a structural fix if recommended by a structural engineer.

Be on the lookout for signs of a structural issue – Water or added humidity in a basement or crawl space is a common sign that there is a foundation crack allowing for water penetration. Pungent or musty odors are also an indication that water is entering the property through a slow leak or foundation crack. Cracks in plaster walls and doors that no longer open easily are a sign that the foundation is settling in an uneven matter. These signs are a good reason to have your home and foundation inspected.

Water damage from foundation cracks may not be covered by insurance – Many homeowners are not protected from foundation cracks and the ensuing water damage. Because the water is coming from outside the home, many insurance carriers will deny coverage. It is always best to have an understanding of your liabilities or gap in insurance coverage. Often, a flood insurance policy can protect homeowners from water damage due to an outside source. However, it is important to cover the topic with your specific insurance company.

Newman Restoration is always looking to find the least intrusive ways to repair water damage in your home. This week, Le-Squeegee is highlighting some of the benefits of using heat drying when the conditions are correct.

1. Less Invasive Approach – Working with heat drying equipment can allow for more building materials to dry in place. The technology encourages heat to penetrate the building materials and eliminate moisture in interior walls. It is a powerful tool in returning a home to pre-loss condition after water damage.
2. Reduce Costly Buildback – The less invasive approach afforded by heat drying equipment saves on the overall cost of buildback after water enters a home. With fewer materials removed, less time and effort needs to go into returning a home to normal.
3. Quicker Drying Times – When heat drying equipment is utilized correctly, it can dry building materials faster when compared to conventional water restoration practices.
4. Reduced Chance of Microbial Growth – The faster water damage can be remediated, the fewer opportunities there are for microbial growth. Responding to water damage quickly and efficiently is the best way to minimize the chance of microbial growth occurring.

Le-Squeegee has a new blog this Friday with a few ideas for some cleaning resolutions for the New Year. So follow along and get some ideas for how to keep your home clean in 2023.

Create a cleaning schedule and stick to it! – From helpful apps to a physical calendar, a cleaning schedule can keep you on track! Some calendars can help you stay organized with daily, weekly, monthly, semi-annually and annual tasks. Or you can dedicate specific times of the week to clean areas of your house.

Plan yearly cleanings of any chimneys and dryer vents – A yearly chimney sweep and dryer vent cleaning is recommended to reduce the chance of a house fire. They also increase the efficiency of your dryer and help a fireplace or stove exhaust properly.

Plan regular professional cleanings of carpets and rugs – The IICRC recommends a normal cleaning cycle of 1-2 times a year. Special conditions may call for more frequent cleanings. Consistently clean carpet helps with health problems and illnesses as well as protects the longevity and life of the carpet itself.

Replace your furnace filter and check last air duct cleaning – Having a clean furnace filter is important for indoor air quality. If it has been more than three years since your last air duct cleaning, it is something you should do in 2023. An air duct cleaning has major benefits for indoor air quality.

Deep clean major appliances – inside, outside and underneath – The new year is a great time for a reset on your major appliances. Clean out the fridge and get rid of all unwanted leftovers and expired food. Did your oven get a workout from all the holiday cooking? Well now is a great time for a deep clean. If possible, slide out your oven and clean whatever has dropped underneath.

A break from the snow? Well use that time to clean up your yard – Le-Squeegee does not like having to go through his yard after the snow melts and clean up after his dogs. So whenever there is a break from the snow buildup, take the time to clean up after your pets so you do not have a huge job waiting for you in the spring.

Happy New Year from Team Newman!