Wildfires have become an increasingly urgent concern, wreaking havoc on ecosystems, properties, and communities. Understanding the causes of wildfires is crucial in mitigating their impact, and equally important is recognizing the need for professional fire and smoke restoration after such disasters.

Causes of Wildfires

Wildfires can be ignited by both natural and human activities, with the latter causing most fires. Understanding these causes can help in devising better prevention strategies.

The leading natural cause in our region is lightning. When lightning strikes a dry area, it can ignite vegetation and lead to wildfire.

Human Activities that cause wildfires are campfires, cigarettes, faulty power lines or electrical equipment, burning debris and fields, fireworks, and vehicles and equipment. Understanding the human activities that cause wildfires can aid in prevention efforts. Prevention efforts include, but are not limited to; extinguishing campfires and barbeques completely; not igniting fireworks around dry vegetation; ensuring conditions are optimal and under control when burning debris and fields; properly maintaining vehicles and equipment, making sure exhaust pipes are clear and nothing is dragging that can create a spark; and also, do not drive over dry vegetation if you can help it.

The Importance of Professional Fire and Smoke Restoration

When a wildfire has ravaged an area, the immediate response often focuses on extinguishing the fire and ensuring safety. However, the aftermath requires meticulous and expert attention to restore properties and environments affected by fire and smoke. Here’s why professional fire and smoke restoration is crucial:

1. Comprehensive Damage Assessment

Professionals conduct a thorough assessment of the damage, including structural integrity and smoke contamination. This assessment is essential for developing a targeted restoration plan that addresses both visible and hidden damage.

2. Effective Smoke Removal

Smoke can penetrate building materials and furnishings, leaving behind unpleasant odors and potential health hazards. Professional restoration services use specialized equipment and techniques, such as ozone generators and thermal fogging, to effectively remove smoke odors and residue.

3. Structural Repair and Safety

Fire can compromise the structural integrity of buildings. Professional restorers are trained to identify and repair structural damage, ensuring that the building is safe for occupancy. They also handle debris removal and repair or replace damaged materials.

4. Prevention of Secondary Damage

Water used to extinguish fires can cause additional damage, such as mold growth and deterioration of building materials. Professional restoration includes addressing water damage and preventing mold development, which can be a long-term issue if not managed properly.

5. Insurance and Documentation

Restoration professionals often work closely with insurance companies to provide documentation and support claims. They ensure that all damage is accurately reported, and that the restoration work is conducted to meet insurance requirements.

6. Restoration of Affected Areas

Beyond structural repairs, restoration includes cleaning and restoring personal belongings, furniture, and other contents that may have been damaged by smoke or fire. Professionals use advanced cleaning methods to salvage and restore items whenever possible.

7. Emotional and Psychological Support

The aftermath of a wildfire can be overwhelming for homeowners and communities. Professional restorers often provide guidance and support throughout the recovery process, helping individuals navigate the challenges and stress associated with rebuilding and restoration.

The summer is a popular time for home improvement projects. Safety Lifestyle is one of our Core Values and Team Newman has a few safety tips to help make sure your home renovation is a success.

Be on the lookout for hazardous building materials – Asbestos and lead paint can be harmful even in small doses. If you are renovating a building built before 1980, be aware of asbestos. Asbestos can be found in drywall, textured surfacing (popcorn ceilings), siding, insulating materials, laminate flooring, floor tiles and mastic. It is best to contact an asbestos expert before starting a renovation on an older home. Newman Restoration can help identify possible asbestos containing materials and conduct asbestos testing. Along with asbestos, lead paint can be found in older homes. At home lead paint test kits can work if administered properly. However, contacting a lead paint professional is never a bad idea.

Wear proper clothing to protect yourself – Use safety glasses when cutting or drilling. Wear a respirator when sanding. These are good steps to help keep your lungs and eyes protected. Be careful of baggy clothing which can catch on power tools. Also, if working outside, take frequent breaks to avoid dehydration and heat exhaustion.

Follow instructions and safety recommendations – Use power tools and equipment only in ways for which they have been designed. Improper use of tools and ladders is a common cause of injury. Having a first aid kit and knowing where it is located is crucial before starting a home improvement project.

Develop a plan first, don’t start with digging or cutting into walls – Home renovation can cause a big mess. Do not cut or tear walls without having a plastic containment system. It is very easy to create a large mess in only a few minutes. Be aware of possible electrical and plumbing built into walls, as a small cut can cause major damage. It is also a good idea to have a plan before digging. Even professionals can make a mistake when digging outside. If you aren’t sure what is underneath the ground, call 8-1-1 before you dig. Please look at the forecast before you start a major outdoor project. Loose dirt and gravel can wash away into window wells during a heavy rain storm.

Know when to leave it to a professional – their training, experience, and background knowledge are paramount. Many aspects of remodeling can be complicated and dangerous. While it may be an unwanted upfront cost, leaving some work to the professionals can often save time and money.

• It is important to be aware of the possibility of asbestos containing material during your home remodel (see our last blog). In addition to asbestos, lead paint can be disturbed during the demolition process. In general, drywall dust is a severe irritant and anyone around the removal of drywall should be using a respirator with a particulate filter.
• Drywall dust can cause severe irritation in a short exposure window. Asbestos, lead and mold can cause long term illness. Make sure everyone who is around a home remodel is taking the necessary steps to prevent exposure with respiratory protection.

• Using eye protection during a home remodel project is a must. Debris from demolition, flying debris from power tools and falling debris can all damage eyes. Most of these risks are continually present during a project, which means eye protection should be worn basically at all times.

• Are you planning on using chemicals to clean or strip paint during your home improvement project? If so, chemical resistant rubber or latex gloves must be used to prevent burns or irritation on the skin.
•  In addition to possible chemical irritants, cuts and punctures are a major concern. A pair of cut proof gloves are necessary for almost all home improvement projects.
• Another aspect of hand protection is for the glove to fit properly. Loose fitting gloves and clothing pose a significant risk. Loose material can get stuck in power tools and cause serious damage to the user.

• Reliance on PPE can make work more dangerous. Before starting a hazardous task, be sure to think about these questions. Is there a way the hazard can be eliminated? Is there a way to substitute for the hazard? Can you isolate yourself away from the hazard? Is there a way to change how people are working to avoid the hazard? The answers to these questions can drastically reduce the chance of a specific hazard harming a worker or homeowner.

1. Storm Damage: Summer storms can bring high winds, torrential rain, and lightning strikes, all of which pose significant risks to properties. From fallen trees to flooded basements, storm damage can range from minor inconveniences to major disasters. Disaster restoration companies must be prepared to respond swiftly to mitigate further damage and restore affected properties to their pre-loss condition.
2. Flood Cleanup: Heavy rainfall and flash floods are common during the summer months, especially in areas prone to flooding. Floodwater can cause extensive damage to structures, belongings, and electrical systems, posing health and safety risks to occupants. Disaster restoration companies play a crucial role in water extraction, drying, and disinfection to prevent mold growth and structural deterioration.
3. Fire Hazards: Summer heatwaves increase the risk of wildfires, particularly in dry, arid regions. Wildfires can spread rapidly, engulfing homes and businesses in their path and leaving behind a trail of destruction. Disaster restoration companies must be prepared to assist affected communities with fire damage cleanup, smoke odor removal, and structural repairs.
4. HVAC Failures: As temperatures soar, air conditioning systems work overtime to keep indoor spaces cool and comfortable. However, prolonged use and inadequate maintenance can lead to HVAC failures, resulting in indoor flooding, mold growth, and water damage. Disaster restoration companies can provide emergency services to restore functionality and prevent further damage. Homeowners and businesses are encouraged to schedule routine HVAC inspections and maintenance checks before the start of the summer season as preventative maintenance.

Rain storms can cause issues with egress windows and result in a water intrusion. Team Newman has a few tips and suggestions to prevent water damage from an egress window.

Safety first – It is important to have a covering over window wells to protect children and pets from failing. A covering can also stop debris from falling into the window well and causing damage.

Proper drainage – Drainage is one of the main issues regarding egress windows. Whether it is landscaping or a drain system, ensuring proper draining is of vital importance. If a yard is sloped towards a window well, it could cause problems and will often require a landscaper to divert the flow of water away from any windows. A flooded egress window will often lead to issues.

Prevent from getting submerged – When an egress window is submerged in water, it will often start to leak. When a window well fills with water, the water will find the path of least resistance, which is often through the window and into the home.

Proper gravel or drain system – Depending on the situation, all a window well needs to avoid flooding is the proper amount of gravel at the base. However, a drain system may be required to divert water out of the window well. If your windows do have a drain system, ensure it remains clear of debris so it can function properly.

A common spot for foundation issues – Foundation cracks often start off the corner of a window. If the ground below an egress window becomes saturated, water can force its way through the foundation crack.

Newman Restoration wants to help you prevent any flooding or water damage to your home or property. If you find any water or signs of water damage, call our certified professionals to help you get the problem mitigated appropriately.

Spring storms, characterized by heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and hail pose a significant risk to homes across Montana. The combination of torrential downpours and strong winds can compromise the structural integrity of buildings, leading to roof leaks, flooded basements, and other forms of water damage. Additionally, melting snow and ice exacerbates the problem by saturating the ground and increasing the likelihood of flooding.

Assessing Vulnerabilities: Before spring storms strike, it’s essential to assess your home’s vulnerabilities and take proactive measures to mitigate potential risks. Start by inspecting your roof for signs of wear and tear, such as missing shingles or damaged flashing, which can allow water to seep into your home. Similarly, examine your gutters and downspouts to ensure they are free of debris and properly channel water away from the foundation.

Protective Measures: To fortify your home against spring storms and water damage, consider implementing the following protective measures:

1. Maintain Your Roof: Schedule regular inspections and maintenance to address any issues promptly. Replace damaged shingles, seal gaps around vents and chimneys, and reinforce weak spots to prevent water intrusion.
2. Clean Gutters and Downspouts: Remove leaves, twigs, and other debris that can obstruct the flow of water and cause backups. Install gutter guards to minimize clogs and facilitate proper drainage.
3. Seal Windows and Doors: Check for gaps and cracks around windows, doors, and entry points. Caulk or weatherstrip these areas to prevent water penetration and improve energy efficiency.
4. Landscape Responsibly: Grade your yard away from the foundation to direct rainwater away from your home. Install French drains or swales to channel surface runoff and reduce the risk of flooding.
5. Invest in Sump Pump and Backup Generator: Install a sump pump in your basement or crawl space to remove excess water and prevent flooding. Consider installing a backup generator to ensure continuous power supply during storms and emergencies.

Despite your best efforts, water damage may still occur during severe spring storms. In the event of a leak or flood, act quickly to minimize the damage and protect your belongings. Newman Restoration has 24/7 emergency response and has certified professionals waiting to help with any water damage needs. Newman Restoration uses advanced techniques, products and equipment to thoroughly dry and disinfect flooded spaces to prevent mold growth and structural deterioration.

Spring is here, and with spring, usually comes rain. Now is a good time to take advantage and check for proper drainage throughout your property.

Complete a thorough check of the gutter system – Ensure gutters are clean of debris and blockages. Check that connections are tight and there are no gaps between the gutter system and the roof. Double check gutters have the proper slope that goes towards the downspouts. The gutter pitch or slope is very subtle and often needs to be checked with a level. A half inch of slope is recommended for every ten feet. Over time, pressure, wear and knocks from branches can mess with the pitch. It is important to check the gutter pitch to ensure water is able to flow easily to the downspouts without pooling.

Downspouts need to remain clear and have enough space to push water away from the foundation – A clogged downspout can be trouble for the entire system and lead to damage and repairs. Downspouts should drain at least five feet away from the property. If possible, have downspouts pushing water onto a hard surface which is sloped away from the property. If this is not possible, utilize splash pads or downspout extensions to properly divert the water.

Whether it is rain or snowmelt, check to see where the runoff is going – Controlling water runoff is key to avoiding water damage inside your home. If water is pooling close to foundation walls, it can saturate the ground and cause interior water damage. If water is consistently settling near the foundation, landscaping may be required to create proper drainage.

Here at Newman Restoration, we always want you to try and prevent damage before it occurs. However, if you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of having water damage, call the certified professionals on Team Newman to help you out!

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.