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.

SNOW LEADS TO ICE DAMS

Chicago is a snow globe once again. As beautiful as our white landscape is outside this abundance of snow can lead to property damage - ice dams.

What is an ice dam?
Ice dams are formed when heat from the attic melts snow at the ridge or peak of the roof causing an “avalanche” of snow and ice to overflow the gutters. The melted water can then back up under the shingles and work its way into the house. This can continue over an over as the sun melts the snow and a drop in temperature refreezes the melted water. This can leave property damage behind. Older roofs with heat leaking attics are at higher risk of seeing water intrusion

Ice dams can cause numerous damages to your property inside and out:

• Damaged gutters, soffits and fascia
• Raised shingles
• Leaky roofs
• Moisture inside the home
• Moisture that is left untreated can lead to Mold

In order to prevent ice dams from forming try the following:

• Check for a build up of snow around the edge of your roof where it meets the gutter. Clear the snow away that accumulates 3 ft. up the roof from the gutter (This is where ice dams are most likely to occur.) It is best to do this while the snow if still light and has not yet hardened into a chunk of ice. You can use a snow rake to clear the snow away. A snow rake is an aluminum scraper that is mounted at a right angle on a telescoping aluminum pole. It can be found at most of your local hardware stores. It is not recommended that you climb the roof yourself to remove the snow. Note that raking may cause potential damage to the shingles so beware how hard you are raking. Picture of a snow rake is shown below in the gallery.
• Install heat cables before too much snow builds up around the gutters. Heat cables are high-resistance wires that are mounted on the roof edge in a zigzag pattern. They plug into an outdoor GFCI receptacle and melt the snow that builds up over time. This can be found at many of your local hardware stores. Picture of roof & gutter de-icing kit is shown below in the gallery.
• Roofmelt is a product that you can use to melt snow that is accumulating on your roof. It is similar to the salt we throw on the ground to melt snow. There are pet friendly versions of this product since it can fall off of the roof. This can be found at many of your local hardware stores. Picture of roofmelt is shown below in the gallery.
• Keep your roof cold. Close up attic bypasses by plugging any leaks that are allowing heat to escape. Winter is the perfect time to enter your attic to see where heat is escaping and cold air is entering.
• Install vapor barriers between the attic floor and insulation.
• Add roof and soffit vents to your home. Attic ventilation draws in cold outdoor air and flushes out warmer attic air, cooling the attic and the roof in the process.
• Vent exhaust from fans and clothes dryers through the roof, not into the attic.
• Seal openings where light fixtures and ceiling fans have been installed.
• Make sure you have an accurate amount of attic insulation. Insulating up to R-60 is recommended for our type of climate. R- then the value is the number given to insulation products that state their resistance to heat flow. The increasing value provides more insulation. R-60 translates into having approximately 21 inches of insulation in your attic. Homes built prior to 1970 have little to no insulation. Older homes will tend to have less insulation than modern homes that are built energy efficient. Overtime insulation can settle causing its density to decrease overtime. This then allows heat to escape. If you are unsure if you need more insulation contact a company that offers attic insulation services to see if you are in need or more insulation.
• Contact a roofer to remove the snow. Roofing companies can typically steam ice dams off of the roof. This steam method is like a pressure washer and can melt the ice away without damaging the roof. It is safer to remove icicles when they are starting to form opposed to when they are a large harden chunk of ice. Be careful when attempting to remove icicles. Chipping them away from the ice dam can break or puncture the shingles causing further damage.

Will your insurance pay to have ice dams removed?
Your insurance company is under no obligation to pay for the cost to remove ice dams. Ice dams themselves are not considered a covered peril on most insurance policies. You would need to verify with your insurance company to see if they would cover any costs to have ice dams removed.

What to do if you have interior water damage:
If you discover interior water damage then you probably have a leaky roof. An ice dam is the most likely culprit for seeing water intrusion. Your roof is not the only problem though, your attic is also the culprit.

An inspection is needed to determine the exact cause of the water intrusion. Do not ignore this water damage because it can lead to mold damage. This is a sign that you have a issue with your roof and/or your attic. You will need a restoration professional to inspect your damages. Roofers will only inspect your roof and will not address the water damage inside your home. Rainbow International is a full service restoration company that can perform your property inspection and assist you with your damage. Before a thorough inspection can be performed the snow on your roof will need to be removed by a roofer or it will have to melt. Rainbow International and most other restoration companies will not remove the snow for you.

During your inspection your restoration professional should discuss:

• How address the leaky roof
• How to address the heat escaping from your attic
• How to dry out the interior water damage (mitigation) to prevent mold
• The cost of this service, if the cost will exceed your deductible and if the damages would most likely be covered by your insurance company

Note that mitigation on the interior damage will not be performed until the snow is no longer an issue. If the interior damage is addressed before the roof and/or attic is fixed you still run the risk of allowing the damage to occur again.


Before you file a claim:
Speak with your insurance agent before filing a claim through the 1-800 number. The 1-800 number will automatically file a claim and you may not have a valid claim on your hands. This will affect your C.L.U.E. Report even if the claim is not paid out. If you are not sure what your C.L.U.E. Report is speak with your agent or check out https://personalreports.lexisnexis.com/fact_act_claims_bundle/landing.jsp


Your insurance agent can offer you guidance as to whether your damages would be covered or not and if it sounds like they exceed your deductible. They can also review your policy with you to let you know if there are any limitations. Your insurance agent will most likely recommend that you get a property inspection to verify this so they can inform you whether it is worth filing a claim or not. Rainbow International works with many insurance carriers by providing this information to them directly.

Will damage from ice dams be covered by your insurance company?
The answer to this question lies in the policy language describing the scope of the exclusion. Your insurance agent can notify you if there is anything in your policy that is specifically excluded or limited. In most cases, the insurance company will typically cover damages to the interior and exterior of the home that are a result of excess weight from snow and ice dams. There’s typically no exclusion on most policies that applies to damages caused as the result of an ice dam, so the costs associated with remediating the interior water and repairing the damage would most likely be covered.

After determining the extent of the damage it is important to file the claim in a timely manner. You are more likely to have your claim denied if you prolong filing which in turn can cause further damage. As the policy owner you are response for mitigating your damages.

Keep in mind that the insurance company will ONLY cover the areas of the structure that were damaged. This does not mean you will receive an entire new roof if only a few shingles were damaged. This is often a misconception when people file an insurance claim.




Rainbow International of South & West Suburbs works directly with your insurance provider if you have a property damage claim on your hands. Our team of experts can handle any type of property claim stemming from weather to fire, smoke, water or mold damage.

WINTER'S BACK AND SO ARE FROZEN PIPES

It’s that time of year again. We are slipping and sliding all over the roads. Our winter attire has us bundled up and made us immobile like little Randy from A Christmas Story.

The winter wonderland may be serene outside but inside pipes are bursting like party poppers on New Year’s Eve. In the colder months your homes pipes are at risk. Water damage is among the most common causes of insurance claims. In April of 2014 2013 claimsjournal.com stated that Illinois was ranked number 6 among the top ten states with the most water-related claims as reported by State Farm. This year alone 8,100 water-related claims were reported to State Farm just in Illinois. Frozen pipes winter greatly can have great impact on this total.

In general, water damage from a burst pipe can be covered by a standard homeowners or commercial insurance policy. Something you may run into is that some policies require the insured to maintain a certain temperature in buildings and homes while others may require homeowners to have a working alarm system in the event the heat turns off.​ Though your company may cover the water damage left behind they will not covered the damaged pipe itself. It is your responsibility to pay for the cost to repair, replace and pay the plumber for the service. Review your policy with your insurance agent to make sure you are covered if you had a frozen pipe loss on your hands.

To prevent frozen pipes try these tips: 

• Make sure your gutters are free of debris so melting snow and ice can flow freely through the gutter.
• Allow your faucet to drip slowly. Flowing water will prevent freezing.
• Do not allow your heat to drop below 55 in the winter months.
• Open cabinet doors below sinks to allow warm air to circulate.
• If you’re away for an extended period of time winterize your pipes by having them drained.
• If you’re away for an extended period of time have a neighbor check on your home.
• If you have an unoccupied rental property have some check on it in the winter months.
• Disconnect your garden hose and install covers on outside faucets.
• Wrap pipes near exterior walls and in crawl spaces with pipe insulation from your local hardware store. 
  

• Make sure heating vents are open in all rooms, especially the basement where itis the coldest.
• Consider weather sealing your windows to prevent drafts.
• Insulate outside walls and unheated areas of your home.

What to do if your pipes freeze: 

• Heat up the pipe with a blow dryer or a space heater until the water can freely flow through the pipe.
• Start thawing it nearest to the faucet. Open the faucet slightly so water can be released as it starts to thaw out.

What to do if the pipe bursts: 

• Locate your water shut off valve and turn off the main water supply. This will prevent water from continuing to pour out. View more info. on how to shut your water off here: How to Locate Your Water Shut off Valve
• Contact Rainbow International at 708-460-0911 to assist with water damage clean up.
• Contact your insurance agent to notify them of your loss.
• Contact a plumber to address the broken supply line. Water damage should be cleaned up after the source of the problem has been fixed to prevent more damage from occurring. 
• Take pictures if it will be some time before your insurance adjuster can get out to protect your property.

GET FAMILIAR WITH YOUR WATER SHUTOFF VALVE

Does everyone in your home know where the shutoff valve is to your main water supply? You should. The difference in knowing where it is and how to use it could save you.

If you have a broken pipe, leaky toilet or faulty water hose line it could continuously pour water until the main water supply line is shut off. It could cost you thousands of dollars in water damage if you don't know where the shutoff valve is or how to use it.

In some houses that receive city water there is an easily accessible valve where the main water pipe enters the building. Every home is built differently and all homes are built suitable to their climate. Some have basements while others do not. Your supply line is most likely located in your basement but may be elsewhere.The time to locate it is before an emergency occurs.

Once you have located your shutoff valve you can turn the valve off to stop the water flow by turning it to the right if you have a valve that looks similar to a round gear. Righty tighty lefty loosey. If you have a valve that looks like a thin handle turn the handle so that it is sticking out from the pipe. The valve remains open if it is inline with the pipe as shown in the picture below. 

However, not all houses have this valve. If this is the case, you will need to find the water meter valve located underground near where the water main that runs by your house. It is typically located under a heavy iron cover close to the curb. Some of these covers can be accessed if you have the right tools though many have special bolts to prevent people from tampering with them. If you are not able to access this cover contact your village or your local police station immediately.

If you live in a rural location then you receive your water from a well. To turn off your water supply simply shut off the switch or circuit breaker to the well pump.

If you have not had your shutoff valve checked in some time you should have a plumber look at it to make sure it is in proper working order.