SEEPAGE AND HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE

If you are not sure what seepage is and how it is caused then you need to heck out this video.

This video breaks down what hydrostatic pressure is and how it causes water to leak into your basement through cracks in the foundation. Foundational cracks are NOT covered under your homeowners insurance policy and are your responsibility to repair. If your basement continues to leak you need to contact a waterproofing company to address these cracks and examine your drainage system. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbKXe9vyHdg&feature=youtu.be

Repairing Foundational Cracks

Note: Rainbow International is not a water proofing company. We are a property damage restoration company that cleans up water, but we do not address foundational cracks. We are happy to offer water proofing referrals if needed. 

                                                        

Local Restoration Company Wins Better Business Award Winner

Every day we see more and more stories about unethical business practices in news headlines. One industry that seems to be a steady target of these headlines are contractors. One contractor that breaks through and eliminates this negative view is Rainbow International of South & West Suburbs.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) Torch Award honors businesses that are committed to their customers. Receiving a Torch Award from the Better Business Bureau is an honor to select businesses. Rainbow International is one of these businesses.

The Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics honors companies that make a demonstrable effort to promote ethical business practices and Rainbow International has done this by adhering to their Code of Values.

Many people cringe at the word “contractor” and associate the restoration industry as being an unethical group. Sound familiar? Whether someone is a plumber, electrician, carpenter or restoration contractor, this stigma follows us all. “We conduct business above the line and it’s as simple as that,” states Rainbow International's President, John Gurtler.

The 2016 Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics for companies with 10-99 employees was presented to Rainbow International at the Better Business Bureau's luncheon that was held on November 19th at Lowe's Chicago O'Hare Hotel. 

This award is presented annually to outstanding businesses in recognition of their commitment to high standards in relationships with their customers, employees, suppliers, competitors, and the surrounding communities. Like the BBB Torch logo, the Torch Awards honor and help to illuminate the importance of a corporate conscience and the responsibility for creating a fair and honest marketplace.

"We are not the average contractor. Having the Better Business Bureau deem your company as an ethical one through the presentation of this award is truly a honor” states Rainbow International's Business Development Manager, Niki Ramirez. 

 

There are two types of restoration contractors in the restoration industry: some of them operate through ethical standards and work alongside the insurance company and the insured. The others favor unscrupulous acts that extort money from the insurance company and their insured. Because Rainbow International believes in developing long-term relationships with their business partners, insureds and customers, they have worked hard to differentiate themselves from those around them.

"Homeowners who have suffered a tragedy are usually in a vulnerable state of mind. We must prove ourselves through our actions in order to gain their trust during one of the most difficult times in their lives," states Niki Ramirez.  

The 19^th annual Torch Award produced two thousand nominations showing an increasing interest in businesses incorporating ethical business practices into their daily operations for self-regulation.

"Building a reputable brand doesn’t happen overnight. It takes years of dedication to show the community you are serving that you are committed to them and you are always going to do right by them. It is a rewarding feeling when homeowners do put their faith in you and entrust that you will get them back into their homes," states John Gurtler.

Thanksgiving Day Brings More Fires Than Any Other Day of the Year

On Thanksgiving Day, many families customarily spend the holiday preparing a feast that will be the highlight of the day. This holiday custom encourages families to get together which results in a whirlwind of commotion within the kitchen. With so much going on, it is easy to understand how safety precautions can easily be overlooked

Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate and give thanks but it is also the leading day for home cooking fires with three times as many occurring on Thanksgiving as any other day of the year according to The National Fire Protection Association(NFPA).

When most people are sitting down to eat, Rainbow International and their service professionals are standing by in preparation for what the night may bring. “While others are enjoying their holiday meal, we are responding to fires and performing emergency board-up security. Black Wednesday and Thanksgiving usually turn out to be busy nights for us.” says Rainbow’s President, John Gurtler.

Operating as a property damage restoration company, Rainbow International warns people to pay close attention in the kitchen during the holiday season to prevent becoming another fire loss statistic. “Over the last eight years we have seen all types of fire losses on Thanksgiving Day” John says. “Fires originating from in the oven, stove tops, overloaded circuits, and even fires that were the result of a candle being knocked over. Deep frying turkeys can also be risky if it is not done correctly. We usually end up responding to at least one or two fires caused by the misuse of deep fryers around the holidays as well.”

Rainbow International offers safety tips on how to deep fry a delicious turkey!

• Never leave a fryer unattended. 
• Place your fryer in an open area away from all any structures. 
• Never use your fryer in, on or under a garage, breezeway, porch, carport or any structure that has the ability to catch fire. 
• Have a fire extinguisher in place as a preventative measure. 
• Make sure your turkey is completely thawed before cooking. The USDA recommends that ittakes 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds. Turkey’s that are partially frozen can cause oil splatter when they are added to the hot oil. 
• One of the main causes of fire is oil splatter. Be sure to raise and lower food slowly to reduce splatter and to avoid burns. 
• Frequently check the oil temperature. If oil begins to smoke, immediately turn gas supply off. 
• Maintain the temperature of the oil at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Cook the turkey for 3 1/2 minutes per pound which turns out to be about 45 minutes. 
• If a fire occurs, immediately call 911 and do not attempt to extinguish fire with water. 

According to The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) the leading cause of fires are:

• Cooking 43% • Smoking 5%
• Heating Equipment 16% • Washer/Dryer 4%
• Intentional 8% • Candles 3%
• Electrical 6% 

Additional fire statistics:

• According to the American Red Cross, more fires start in the kitchen than anywhere else in the home.
• The National Fire Protection Association warns that fires can double every five to 10 seconds and can consume a room in just one minute.
• U.S. Fire Administration report that frying food is the greatest risk of cooking fires.

About Rainbow International®:

EMERGENCY SERVICE LINE: (708) 460-0911
Established in 1981, Rainbow International is a global franchise organization providing residential and commercial restoration and cleaning services. Recognized by Entrepreneur magazine among its “Franchise 500,” Rainbow International franchisees offer a broad range of damage restoration services such as water, smoke, mold and fire damage clean up. Rainbow International of South & West Suburbs was awarded the 2016 Torch Award for Ethics by the Better Business Bureau. For more information on Rainbow International visit www.rainbowrestore.net.

Rainbow International made the cover of R & R Magazine!

R & R Magazine is a well recognized restoration publication and is the leading resource in serving specialists within the restoration and remediation industries. Check out the story... Rainbow International of South & West Suburbs teamed up with Rainbow International of Ottawa to assist business owners  after a large loss fire.  When a Utica, Ill., neighborhood was recently hit by a large fire, a local restoration company responded quickly to restore multiple businesses. Dana Jennings, owner of Rainbow International of The Illinois Valley, said his team was called in as soon as firemen left the scene and began immediate fire mitigation, set up odor control equipment, and started the drying process. "When the owner of Skoog's Pub & Grill called Rainbow International at 5:30 a.m. the morning after the fire in May, we arrived on scene after the fire department cleared the scene," said Jennings. Local businesses, including Skoog's Pub & Grill, Flutterby Junction popcorn shop, and Joy & Eds suffered extensive smoke and water damage, said Jennings. In addition, he said several apartments above the businesses had smoke and water damage. Second Look Antiques antique store also suffered extensive fire, smoke and water damage. Fellow franchise owner, John Gurtler, from Rainbow International of South & West Suburbs and his team responded to the call for emergency assistance. Together, the two Rainbow International restoration companies took up the entire block with vehicles, manpower and equipment. The fire cleanup and mitigation on the multiple commercial buildings affected was split between the sister companies. "We all responded quickly and showed unity between offices," said Gurtler. "I was impressed by how all of our technicians and project managers came together as a professional large loss division." Both Jennings and Gurtler said the prompt response and joint effort was an over-the-top success to restore these local businesses and homes. Jennings added that knowing they were able to offer hope and the much-needed "everything is going to be okay" support to these business owners was rewarding. Do you....... Have fire or smoke damage?  Need your contents packed out, cleaned and stored during the restoration process?  Need a company to restore the structure to pre-loss conditions? Turn to Rainbow International for all of your fire & smoke needs: 708-460-0911.

FIND OUT IF YOU HAVE A CLAIM BEFORE YOU FILE ONE

The time to find out if property damage will be covered by insurance is BEFORE a claim is filed, not after. Consumers are contacting the 1 800 # too soon and hurting themselves and their C.L.U.E. Report. 

Here is an example of what your C.L.U.E. Report looks like when you file a claim. 

If you make an inquiry to the 1 8000 # aside from actually filing a claim you are still labeling yourself as a risk. You just called your insurance and told them "I may cost you money". Though we pay premiums and expect our insurance company to be there in our time of need we need to think before we act. Is it worth it to file a claim? 

This is where your insurance agent comes into play. Your insurance agent is there to do some of the strategic thinking for you. Because they know your coverage, deductible and claim history is it best to turn to the person who made sure you were protected before you turn to a stranger on the other end of the 1 800 #. Your agent has your best interest at heart because they want to keep you as a customer. They do not want to see your rates raised or even worse see that your policy is not up for renewal. If you have property damage contact your insurance agent before contacting the insurance company directly. Your agent is there to guide you and show you what is in your best interest. 

Keep in mind that when an insurance adjuster is sent out to inspect your home they are often looking for more than when they were called out for. Your adjuster may find the following when inspecting:

• Maintenance - damage is the result of wear and tear.
• Damage that is less than the your deductible.
• Insurance scam - damage is self inflicted to scam the insurance company.
• Additional damage(s) - inspection may be to look into the siding but the adjuster finds that the roof is in need of repair and is now an issue before renewal.
• Additional things that the underwriter should be notified about: Examples trampoline, dog(s)

Rainbow International can help you avoid unpaid claims by inspecting your property damage...for FREE!

• Call Rainbow's 24/7 emergency service line at (708) 460-0911.
• Provide your information (name, number, address & damage) and how you came upon our company.
• A Rainbow representative will set up an appointment to inspect your property damage that resulted in fire & smoke, water or mold damage. If we do not provide a service that is needed (water proofing) we would be happy to provide referrals for professionals that can address this damage for you.
• During our inspection we will help determine what caused the damage, the cost to repair it and if we feel it would be covered by insurance. Your coverage ultimately determines if property damage claims are covered so knowing what your policy consists of is important.
• Verbal quotes are provided to restore your property damage to pre-loss condition.

Please note that Rainbow International DOES NOT operate as a public adjusting company. You can view more information about our company at  http://rainbowintl.com/orland-park or at https://www.facebook.com/Rainbow-International-of-South-West-Suburbs-211496272371049/timeline/.

Why should you be taking advantage of this valuable service?

• Let's find out if you have a claim before one is filed. This will help you avoid a black mark on your C.L.U.E. Report. 
• Rainbow's inspection service can help you avoid an unnecessary rate increase. The more claims you file the more likely you are to see an increase in your insurance premiums. 
• Rainbow's inspection service can help you avoid being dropped by your insurance. Ever company has a max amount of claims that you are allowed to file. You can't expect to file a claim for every little thing that happens to your property and expect a company to want to retain you as a customer, you are a risk. If you allow Rainbow to inspect your property before you file a claim we determine if it is worth filing claim. If we find that it is not then you do not need to be on the hunt for a new insurance carrier. 
• It is not always in your best interest to file a claim. Example:​ Our inspection finds that you indeed have water damage but it only amounts to $1,100. Your deductible is $1,000. You can can indeed file a claim but since you have a prior unpaid claim on your C.L.U.E. Report you may just want to pay the extra $100 to avoid an additional claim and avoid a rate increase or being dropped.
• We find that 3 out of the 5 inspections we perform result in finding damage(s) that are not covered by insurance. This means we help a majority of customers avoid filing unnecessary claims. 

​Also check out "How do you know if you should file a claim": ​

http://blogsbynikiramirez.blogspot.com/2015/07/how-do-you-know-if-you-should-file.html

​.

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU SHOULD FILE A HOMEOWNER’S INSURANCE CLAIM?

“That’s what insurance is for” is what you hear many people say, but do you really understand when you should file a claim and when it’s really not in your best interests? Many consumers feel that they pay a monthly premium so they are entitled to something. This is true in some aspects, but there are deciding factors as to whether or not the insurance company will cover the loss you are claiming.

Up to Date

“I’ve been a customer for 20 years”! It does not matter how long you have been a customer with your insurance carrier if your payments are not up to date. Your insurance company does not have to cover your loss if you have fallen behind on your payments.

Underinsured

If you are underinsured your insurance company does not have to pay the difference in cost to cover your repairs. Your insurance company will only pay for the coverages that are stipulated in your policy. If you do not have a backup of sewer and drain endorsement or flood coverage your insurance company does not have to pay for water damage resulting from a sewer back up or a flood. Your insurance will not exceed your policy limits. If it costs fifty thousand dollars to replace all of your contents but you only have coverage for twenty thousand dollars then you are responsible for the difference.

Cost and Your Deductible

If your damages do not exceed your deductible your insurance company will not cover your loss. It is the policy owner’s responsibility to cover his/her insurance deductible before the insurance company pays out any money for the loss that occurred. This is sometimes paid directly to the contractor handling the repairs or it can be withheld from the insurance proceeds that are paid out by the insurance company. All costs must be factored in when deciding to file a claim: mitigation, damaged contents, cleaning and structural repair.  If your repairs cost less than your deductible it is not in your best interests to file an insurance claim since it will not be covered.

High Claim History/C.L.U.E. Report

If your loss will cost slightly more than your deductible you should still take your claim history into consideration before filing a claim. Even if your claim should be covered by insurance, you run the risk of seeing another rate increase or even being dropped by your insurance company. Insurance companies use claims and inquiries into the 1-800 number hotlines to determine what customers are at risk. If you are a high risk, meaning you have numerous claims or unpaid claims, then it is not in their best interests to insure you. Customers that are labeled a risk will cost the insurance company money. Insurance companies record and share your claims history using the Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (C.L.U.E.). Even though you called the 1-800 number to ask a question they are still pursuing your inquiry as a claim that is being filed. It is recommended that you seek advice from your insurance agent or Rainbow International before contacting the 1-800 number.

Maintenance

Many homeowners’ claims are often denied because they are considered maintenance as opposed to damage stemming from a direct peril. If you haven’t addressed your roof in 30+ years and it is now missing many shingles and water is leaking in you may want to think twice about filing a claim. You will most likely be told that your damage is due to wear and tear and it will not be covered. This scenario is different than finding you are missing shingles and water is now leaking in because a tornado came through and ripped them off. It is your responsibility to maintain your property to prevent damage.

Scams

It is not stated in your insurance policy that they cover stupidity, but accidents do happen. Many insurance scams are often caught so it is not worth trying to get one over on your insurance company. Claims that have slipped by only cause you and others to see a rate increase over time. Your insurance company may cover your fire loss if you accidently knock over a candle and it catches the house on fire but if they find that you intentionally started the fire then you have a lot more to worry about then your claim being denied. Insurance is not free money. Even if you receive money from your loss you will still find that depreciation is withheld from the insurance proceeds. You will have a house and contents that are destroyed and in need of repair, you will be inconvenienced until the repairs are complete, your insurance premium will dramatically increase or even worse, you will be dropped by your insurance company. Insurance adjusters are specially trained to detect real damage from intentional damage so it is not in your best interests to try and scam your insurance company.

There are many factors that you have to take into consideration before making the decision to file an insurance claim. Many consumers hurt themselves by filing a claim for every little thing that happens to their property. This scenario is similar to the boy who cries wolf. If you try to file claims for every little thing then your insurance company is not going to want to hear it when it comes time to address the real property damage at hand. Keep in mind that property damage is unpredictable. Be happy that you have never had to file a claim and see a rate increase or risk being dropped. Analyze the aforementioned aspects and proceed in filing a claim if every category has been thoroughly considered.

Rainbow International can assist you by providing you a free property damage inspection for any type of fire, smoke, water and mold damage. Contact 708-460-0911 to set up your free inspection.

WHY BLEACH IS NOT THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR MOLD
We often come across people who find mold in their home and think that bleach is the cure. This is a misconception. Bleach is not the best choice to kill mold and keep it from coming back.

There are some cases where bleach may be part of a restoration company’s protocol, but it is not the solution to cure mold problems. Bleach comes in handing for cleaning, sanitizing or disinfecting surfaces but will not kill mold and keep it from returning. Most bleach products are not registered with the EPA as an antimicrobial product. At one time the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) had recommended using chlorine bleach for mold abatement. OSHA was also the first federal agency to stop recommending the use of liquid bleach in mold remediation. Subsequently, The Environmental Protection Agency edited their release of A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home to exclude their once recommended use of bleach as a mold clean-up agent.

Many people turn to bleach simply because it is a low cost stain remover. It’s something that can already be found in most people’s homes. People see how bright it makes everything that it comes in contact with and has often been the bases for mold removal rumors. The truth is it is a corrosive product that can irritate and do harm to you and some of the surfaces in your home that you are attempting to clean. Chlorine releases gases (dioxins) that can be harmful to your lungs, skin and eyes. It can deteriorate surfaces that are porous and corrode metal and electrical components. If you examine the label on bleach it only makes mention of use for sanitizing hard non-porous surfaces.

If bleach is going to be used as a sanitizer, it must be used on clean materials and non-porous surfaces. Think of how bleach is added to laundry after the clothes have already been cleaned. It is not a cleaning agent like laundry detergent. There are many options that restoration professionals will choose before relying solely on bleach to sanitize. The IICRC teaches restores that they need to incorporate a certain level of sanitation into their cleaning. These products that are available to restorers are specifically developed for restoration projects such as sewage clean-up and mold remediation. One typical staple in the mold remediation industry is a solution known as Biocide. Unlike bleach, many sanitizing products developed for the restoration industry actually have a residual effect which prevents bacterial from regrowing. If you were to apply bleach to dry wall it would only lighten the discolored area and would not actually kill the mold. Mold remediation is meant to not only remove mold but make sure it does not return. Mold consists of deeply embedded mycelia, better known as its root system. The roots that have grown into the dry wall continue to grow causing the mold to reappear over time. Restoration companies will remove moldy drywall since it is a porous material.

Mold remediation involves the need to disinfect wood and wood-based building materials. All of these materials are considered porous materials. Because of this, chlorine bleach should not be used in mold remediation as confirmed by OSHA’s and EPA's recommendations and suggested guidelines. The use of bleach as a mildew disinfectant is best left for non-porous surfaces such as kitchens, bathroom countertops, tubs and shower glass. The EPA’s guidelines actually state that you should only attempt to remove ten feet of surface mold yourself. Anything past ten feet should really be addressed by a IICRC certified restoration professional. Restoration professional use many forms of mold removal; sodablasting, dry ice and blasting with crushed up wall nut shells. Rainbow’s preferred method typically leans toward sodablasting. Sodablasting refers to the use of high pressured air and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). This method is similar to sand blasting but the sand is replaced with baking soda. This cleaning method is not only used for mold remediation but is also used to remove soot after a fire, graffiti from brick, paint from cars and has even been used to revamp the statue of liberty. Wood surfaces can be restored by sodablasting the mold off of the wood opposed to gutting and replacing. The mold spores are then eliminated with the use of a HEPA filter that is placed inside of a containment chamber. Biocide is then applied to kill any residual mold and prevent any new mold from forming. As you can see there is a lot more that goes into successful mold remediation opposed to simply applying bleach to the contaminated area.

If you suspect mold in your home don’t reach for a bottle of bleach. Contact the IICRC certified mold remediation professionals at Rainbow International, (708) 460-0911. We will inspect the problem, offer a solution & estimate and remediate the mold.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR AFTER A STORM

The best time to find out if you have issues with your home or a home you are looking to purchase is when it rains or after a storm has hit. Weather can reveal telltale signs that your property has issues that need to be addressed. Water intrusion can wreak havoc on homes. If the source of the problem is not fixed the issue will continue. Even worse, water intrusion can lead to mold growth. If you see signs of water damage address the issue before it gets worse.

Things to look for:

• Check or test your sump pump to make sure it is in working order.
• Make sure there is no debris around the outside line that runs to your sump pump.
• Check your basement for water intrusion. This is a sign of a foundational crack or a bigger issue. Contact a water proofing company to have your foundation inspected. 
• Check your ceilings for water stains. This is a sign of a leaky roof. 
• Check your walls for stains, peeling paint or bubbles. This is a sign there is water intrusion. The most likely cause is a leaky roof or window depending where the damage is located. 
• Check the wood beams in your attic for staining or mold growth.
• Peeling paint or stained wood around the window is a sign that there is a water issue. The most likely cause is a broken seal.
• Check outside of your structure to make sure there are no gaping holes that water can enter through. Brick can separate and siding can form holes over time which cause water to enter the home.
• You should never see rotting wood. This is a sign that water has been leaking in for quite some time.

Take a look at these pictures that relate to water intrusion. You should NOT see this around your home.

  

If you think you have a property damage claim on your hands contact Rainbow International for assistance. We will inspect your property free of charge and offer a solution to resolve your property issues. Set up your free property inspection by contacting Rainbows service line at (708)460-0911.

To view pictures of Rainbows work visit: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.211518835702126.1073741830.211496272371049&type=3 or our website at http://rainbowintl.com/orland-park.

If you are looking to purchase a home contact a property inspector to have the property inspected for any hidden damages.

IS YOUR SUMP PUMP READY FOR THE RAINY SEASON?

Around this time of year we start experiencing unexpected bouts of rain. Is your sump pump going to sink or swim?

Sump pumps can quickly get overwhelmed from the massive amounts of water they are trying to keep up with. There are numerous reasons why sump pumps fail causing homes to take on water. 

• Size of the sump pump is too small to keep up with the amount of water it is taking on. 
• The sump pump is cheap and and gets overworked with the amount of energy it has to put out. 
• The home losses power from a power outage. 
• Cut off from electricity supply - power cord becomes loose or unplugged or the control switch is turned off. 
• The motor burns out.
• There is one one in the home and it becomes overworked because the home should have more than one. 

It is recommended that you inspect your sump pump before the rain comes our way. To ensure that your sump pump is working properly you can do the following things.

• Locate the outside pipe that catches water as it drains from the pump. This can often get clogged. Remove any debris to get the pipe from clogging. 
• Check the pumps cords. This pump cord plugs into the back of the float cord plug. Pull the plugs from the outlet and separate them. Fist thing to do is only plug the pump cord back into the outlet. You should hear the pump running after this is done. Unplug the pump and plug the cords back in the wall with the float first then the pump cord plugged into the back of the float pump. 
• Remove the sump pump lid cover. Slowly pour water into the crock while watching the switch. It should start to turn on as the sump takes on water. The sump will start to pump water from the crock. If it does not contact a plumber to inspect your sump and offer guidance. 
• You can also locate the float arm on the side of the pump. List the float arm and it should start pumping water. This is an indicator that your pump is running. 
• If at some point you hear a consistent humming noise when the pump is plugged into the outlet it can be an indicator that your pump is dead. Perform these test methods to verify and then contact a plumber for replacement. 

By purchasing a backup system you can keep the water from taking over your home in the event you loose power. There are a few types of backup systems you can choose from so do your research or contact a plumber to see which system is best suited for you. 

• Battery backup
• Generator powered backup
• Water powered backup

Though backup systems are helpful you can still take additional preventative measures by obtaining an alert system if the sump pump or backup system fails. 

• Alarm systems have a audible alarm that will sound off when water reaches rises to high. These can be found at your local hardware store or online. 

It is not a bad idea to keep a spare pump laying around in case of emergencies. Make sure your spare is the same fit for the current crock you have. 

To prevent an out of pocket expense be sure to have water backup coverage added to 

your insurance policy. Check out http://blogsbynikiramirez.blogspot.com/2014/03/understand-sump-pump-overflow-sump-pump.html

If your home takes on water contact the water damage professionals at Rainbow International to assist with your cleanup - 708-460-0911. Water can only be extracted after power has been restored. Because the overflowing water has contaminants it is best to have a restoration company perform the cleanup.Take a look at Rainbow's tips on what to do if your home takes on water:  http://blogsbynikiramirez.blogspot.com/2014/07/your-home-has-taken-on-water-after.html

FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE HOMEOWNER’S INSURANCE

There are several factors that influence the cost of your homeowner’s insurance policy. Speaking with you agent and having them point out the coverage's you can modify and add can keep you protected while still keeping your rates low.

Common factors that influence your homeowner’s insurance premium include:

Your credit score - Your credit score impacts the price of your policy.

Your claim history - If you have filed several claims you are more likely to pay a higher premium. Even though you filed a claim and the company did not pay out keep in mind that still reflects negatively on your C.L.U.E. Report. See more at: https://personalreports.lexisnexis.com/fact_act_claims_bundle/landing.jsp

Your deductible – Your choice of deductible plays a role in the price of your policy. When choosing a high deductible you will pay more out of pocket if a claim is filed. The benefit of a high deductible is that you are paying a lower premium. Many insurers are selling homeowners insurance policies with percentage deductibles for storm damage instead of the traditional dollar value deductibles that are used for other types of claims such as fire damage and theft.

Your coverage limit - The amount of coverage you need will play a role in the price of your insurance.

Age and type of construction of your home - If your home is older, there is a higher chance that there will be problems down the road and the home will need to be repaired.  Important structural components like roofing, plumbing, electrical wiring, and HVAC systems may need to be addressed at some point. Newer homes are built according to today’s building codes and typically have more energy efficient components.  

Location of your home - You can expect to pay more for your policy if you live in an area that is prone to natural disasters, has a relatively high crime rate or is located far from emergency services.

Risk factors on the property - If you have the following things on your property you are likely to pay a higher premium: a swimming pool, an aggressive dog, a trampoline or any other characteristic deemed as risky.

Minimize risks that are in your control to assist in keeping your premium low. Even though you want to keep your premium low don’t skip out on the coverage's that are recommended by your agent. Things like flood insurance, back-up of sewer and sump pump overflow are recommended for a reason.

It is a misconception that any type of damage caused by water is covered in you insurance policy. This is incorrect. Flood waters, water and sewage that backups through the drain and an overflowing sump pump are all things that are excluded from a basic homeowner’s policy. When it comes time to perform mitigation and make repairs people are often shocked they are not covered by their insurance for these types of damages. Choosing to keep your premium low by excluding these additional coverage's is not in your best interest. These coverage's are so important that many insurance agents make you sign a waiver stating that they were offered to you and you choose not to accept them. The out of pocket cost to resolve water damage can greatly exceed the minimal fees that you would pay monthly for these additional coverage's. If you cannot afford to address water damage in a timely manner then you may have a costly mold loss on your hands. Not accepting the coverages that are recommended to you is like flipping a coin. There’s a chance you may not have a loss but the risk you take by not getting accurate coverage is a lot more costly in the long run.

You can’t predict property damage. No one ever thinks they are going to have water in their basement or sewage overflowing from their toilet. Rainbow International services these types of losses every day and homeowners are never prepared for them. Those that have accurate insurance coverage have less headaches because they are not having to come out of pocket to pay for restoration services.

Choose the right coverage for your individual needs but do not cut corners to lower costs. 

HOW IS YOUR INDOOR AIR QUALITY?

Furnace Filer
Most houses with forced-air furnaces have a standard furnace that is designed to keep its duct work clean. This design does not actually improve indoor air quality. This is why furnaces require a furnace filer. Filter actually protect the furnace. They also contribute to good indoor air quality by cleaning the air circulating through the house. The filters job is to catch air borne particles such as dust, dander, lint, pollen, mold spores and bacteria. Filter designs and rating systems vary so some filers claim to filer more air born particles than others. 

The American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers has devised a rating system for filters. They use numerical values ranging from 1 to 12, with higher numbers referring to filers that capture more dust. Some filters remove large, heavy particles from the air but still allow smaller particles to flow through. Large particles are categorized from 6 to 100 microns in size. Medium sized particles are categorized from 0.3 to 6 microns in size. Small particles are categorized from 0.3 microns and below. Review your manufactures recommendations to make sure you are using the right furnace filers for your furnace. 

There are many types of filters out there: 

· Fiberglass or cellulose pad - usually held in a cardboard frame and capable of protecting the equipment. This catches most of the larger dust particles which tend to block the heating and cooling coils; low cost but least effective in removing small particles.

· Washable/reusable filter - uses a flat plastic or metal foil pad. This can be washed with a hose and reinstalled; should be washed monthly; may last 3 to 5 years.

· Pleated polyester filter - provides more filtering capacity than a flat filter; many are made with electrostatically charged fibers that attract small particles; lasts up to 3 months.

· Deep-pleated, high-efficiency air filter - about the same size as the ordinary filter but 4 to 6 inches thick. They do not fit in standard filter holders and require a special box in the duct system; electrostatically charged fibers can be used in the filtering media.

· Electronic filter - about the same size as the box for a deep-pleated filter; requires electricity to operate; air is directed through a high-voltage grid which applies a positive charge on particles in the air stream; particles are attracted to a negatively charged element; should be washed monthly; removes small smoke particles; high initial cost and maintenance are disadvantages as is the cost of repair if the power unit fails.

When it comes to changing your furnace filter is a general guideline that is should be replaced at least every three months to maintain maximum efficiency. Some types of filters may need to be washed or replaced more often so you should check it monthly. Change furnace filters according to the manufacturer's directions.

Duct Cleaning
Professional air duct cleaning is a way to improve indoor air quality. To find out if your ducts need cleaning, pull off some supply and return registers and take a look. If a new furnace is being installed, you should probably invest in a duct cleaning at the same time, because chances are the new blower will be more powerful than the old one and will stir up a lot of dust that has been hiding in there. Clean HVAC systems can perform more efficiently, which may decrease energy costs, and last longer, reducing the need for costly replacement or repairs. This will also benefit you if you suffer from allergens.

Air Cleaner
An air purifier is a device which removes contaminants from the air. These devices are commonly marketed as being beneficial to allergy sufferers and asthmatics, and at reducing or eliminating second-hand tobacco smoke. Commercial grade air purifiers are manufactured as either small stand-alone units or larger units that can be affixed to an air handler unit (AHU) or to an HVAC unit found in the medical, industrial, and commercial industries. A portable model is great for the bedroom while a whole-house unit removes contaminants from the air is it passes through the ductwork.

Chimney
Have the furnace vent and chimney flue examined regularly to ensure safe, proper exhaust. If the flue is not cracked that heat and carbon dioxide fill up the room. Carbon dioxide can cause headaches and ultimately death. 

VOC’s
Keep VOCs under control. VOCs are found in household products such as carpet, adhesives, composite wood products, paints, solvents, electronics, varnishes, upholstery and vinyl. Cooking, smoking, storing chemicals, cleaning and using photocopiers, also release them. Remove sources of VOCs when possible, ventilate rooms with new furnishings, and shop for low- or no-VOC paint.

Humidity
Decrease humidity to assist with indoor air quality. Mold, mildew and dust mites need plenty of moisture to thrive. Aim to keep relative humidity lower than 50%. This may require running a dehumidifier alongside the air conditioner in the summer. Make sure you have proper ventilation in your bathroom where you are most likely to see humidity.

Ventilation
Allow fresh air inside by opening the windows or running the exhaust fan, especially when cooking, cleaning or applying a fresh coat of paint.