Storm Damage: What to Do After a Loss

Heavy rains and winds recently pummeled the New York Metro area, causing major damage to many homes and businesses. If you experienced property damage, you need to know what to do after a loss.


If you suffer a loss, the first thing to do is to notify your insurance company or its agent. You can do this by telephone, although it is a good idea to follow up with written notification. Remember, if you give the notice to your broker, rather than directly to the insurance company, you still have a responsibility to make sure that the insurance company receives notice of your claim.

It is also important to notify your insurance company promptly after any incident takes place that might result in a claim at some later date, even though no claim was made at the time the event occurred.

For example, if your dog bites a neighbor or a guest falls on your property, it should be reported to the insurance company even though you don't know whether any claim is actually going to be made against you. Your failure to notify the company promptly might allow it to deny coverage in the event a claim if filed against you at a later date.

It is also important to protect your property against further damages. For example, if the windows are broken, have them boarded up to protect against further vandalism or burglary. The cost of this type of protection is covered by, and would be reimbursed by your insurance company.

However, no permanent repairs should be made until your company or its representative has inspected the property. The company has the right to inspect the property in its damaged state, and can refuse to pay you for any damage that is repaired before inspection.

An adjuster will be sent from your insurance company to examine the damage and give you an estimate of the cost of repairs or replacement. You should also get an estimate from your own contractor to compare with the insurance company's estimate. Your contractor will probably charge a fee for this service but might credit that fee to your bill if you hire that contractor to repair and/or replace your property.

If you need assistance, your agent, broker or insurance company sales representative should help you fill out the claim form and help gather the materials you need to substantiate your loss.

In the event you are unfortunate enough to experience a major loss such as a fire or severe windstorm which has badly damaged or destroyed your home, and you are not in a position to negotiate a settlement with your company, you may want to consult an attorney or call a licensed public adjuster to act on your behalf with your insurance company.

Public adjusters are licensed by the Insurance Department. They represent you and not the insurance company. They will help you in taking inventory of your loss, securing your home from vandalism, contacting your insurance company, advising you on the extent of your coverage and help you secure the services needed to repair or rebuild you home. They will negotiate on your behalf with the adjuster from the insurance company.

A public adjuster may not charge a fee more than 12.5% of the recovery amount and must get a signed compensation agreement from you in which the amount of compensation is clearly stated. Such agreement may be cancelled up to midnight of the third business day after the date on which you have signed the compensation agreement. In addition, public adjusters may not solicit your business between the hours of 6 p.m. and 8 a.m.

Another alternative to consider when an agreement cannot be reached between you and your insurance company is the appraisal process. Every homeowner, tenant, cooperative apartment and condominium policy issued in New York contains a provision whereby you and your company select a competent and disinterested appraiser. The two appraisers, in turn, select an umpire. Each appraiser must evaluate the loss and determine the value of each item. Any disagreements between the appraisers regarding the value of any items are submitted to, and settled by the umpire. The costs of this process are paid by the policyholder and the insurance company.



Source: NY State Insurance Department

Wind Damage to Your Home: New York Wind Advisory

Heavy winds are pounding Long Island today and the National Weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory for parts of New York.


During a severe storm or a hurricane, homes may be damaged or destroyed by high winds. Debris can break windows and doors, allowing high winds inside the home. In extreme storms, the force of the wind alone can cause weak places in your home to fail.

Some helpful tips regarding wind damage and preparing for storms are listed below:

The Roof
During a windstorm, the force of the wind pushes against the outside of your home. That force is passed along from your roof to the exterior walls and finally to the foundation. Homes can be damaged or destroyed when the energy from the wind is not properly transferred to the ground. The first thing you should do is determine what type of roof you have. Homes with gabled roofs are more likely to suffer damage during a hurricane. A gabled roof looks like an A on the ends,with the outside wall going to the top of the roof. The end wall of a home with a gabled roof takes a beating during a hurricane or wind storm, and those that are not properly braced can collapse, causing major damage to the roof.

Exterior Doors and Windows
The exterior walls, doors, and windows are the protective shell of your home. If your home's protective shell is broken, high winds can enter and put pressure on your roof and walls, causing damage. You can protect your home by strengthening the doors and windows.

Double Entry Doors
Most double doors have an active and an inactive or fixed door . Check to see how the fixed door is secured at the top and bottom. The bolts or pins that secure most doors are not strong enough. Some door manufacturers provide reinforcing bolt kits made specifically for their doors. Check with your local building supplies retailer to findout what type of bolt system will work for your door.

Double-wide Garage Doors
Double-wide (two-car) garage doors can pose a problem during storms because they are so large that they wobble as the high winds blow and can pull out of their tracks or collapse from wind pressure. If garage doors fail, high winds can enter your home through the garage and blow out doors, windows, walls, and even the roof.

Check the track on your garage door. With both hands, grab a section of each track and see if it is loose or if it can be twisted. If so, a stronger track should be installed.

Storm Shutters
Installing storm shutters over all exposed windows and other glass surfaces is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect your home. You should cover all windows, French doors, sliding glass doors, and skylights. There are many types of manufactured storm shutters available. For more information on manufactured shutters, check with your local building supplies retailer. If you install manufactured shutters, follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.

The recommendations discussed here are not intended to replace local building code requirements or to serve as the only options for protecting your home from hurricane wind damage. For more information on protecting your home from hurricane wind damage, contact your local building official; your local building supply retailer; or a building professional.

Advanced Restoration is a property damage restoration company that is trained and ready to respond to any disaster situation, including wind damage to your home or business. We are a preferred vendor for many insurance carriers and have been serving Long Island and the NY Metro area for 20 years.

Do you have a property damage situation you need help with?

Call us today at (800) 693-6263!

Fall Maintenance Around Your Home

Many areas have already had a taste of fall weather, and it’s not far behind for most others. Now is the time to make sure your house and heating system are ready for winter. Here is a brief checklist to guide you through some basic tasks before it is too late:



GROUNDS
Check window wells, dry wells and storm drains for debris or blockage.

Repair any driveway cracks and/or heaved or settled walkways.

Trim all trees and shrubs that are too close to the house.

Check (ideally during a rainstorm) for rainwater drainage away foundation.

Clean and put summer furnishings away.

Drain and store garden hoses.


EXTERIOR SURFACES
Check weathertightness of all exterior surfaces and components.

Check for deterioration of painted or finished areas. If too late for a full paint job, prime and touch-up bare wood surfaces.

Caulk and seal all joints in siding, around windows and doors.

Check and seal any foundation cracks.

Improve weatherstripping at exterior doors and windows as needed.

Reset storms and screens where required.

Look for any signs of insect or pest activity around the foundation and at wood components close to the ground.

ROOF (Use binoculars or hire a professional.)
Check for loose, damaged or missing roofing.

Check eave areas for signs of moisture build-up or damage.

Check the condition of chimneys.

Check flashings for signs of lifting or damage and repair as needed.

Check and clean all gutters (eavestroughs) and downspouts.

ATTIC
Check ventilation openings for nests or other blockage.

Check the position and condition of insulation for uniform coverage.

Look for any signs of excessive moisture or heat buildup.

INTERIOR ROOMS
Check all areas for signs of roof or plumbing leakage.

Have any fireplaces or wood stoves and flues checked and professionally cleaned.

Reset automatic timers for the change in daylight hours.

Check all smoke/carbon monoxide detectors. Replace batteries if over a year old.

Test Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupters (GFCI’s) using built-in test buttons.

HEATING/COOLING SYSTEMS
Clean all elements of the cooling system.

Remove (or winterize) room air conditioners.

Follow manufacturer instructions for the maintenance of your heating system.

Change or clean heating system filters on warm air systems (now and regularly).

Check heating and cooling systems for any evidence of water leaks.

If present, clean and test the humidifier.

Have your heating system serviced annually by a qualified heating serviceperson before the heating season to keep it functioning efficiently and properly.


PLUMBING
Drain exterior water lines and open taps (in cold areas).

Insulate water lines that are subject to freezing.

Check the condition and temperature setting of the water heater. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the temperature setting.

Check the plumbing system and fixtures for any evidence of water leaks or blocked drains.

Confirm proper operation of any sump pumps and free flow of the drain line.

Remember, these tips are only general guidelines. Since each situation is different, contact a professional if you have questions about a specific issue. More home safety and maintenance information is available online at http://www.longisland.housemaster.com/ or contact Matthew Kaplan at (800) 805-1122.
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Advanced Restoration Corporation is a family-owned and operated full-service property damage restoration company with a combined 75 years experience in dealing with Fire Damage Restoration, Water Damage Restoration, Flood & Storm Damage, Mold Remediation, Smoke Damage Restoration and Reconstruction. We service Long Island (Nassau County, NY; Suffolk County, NY) and the New York Metro area.

When disasters strike, Advanced Restoration is ready to respond 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Basement Flooding/Heavy Rains in NY

Source: Institute for Business & Home Safety

Heavy rains are pounding Long Island today, which will cause flooding throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties.



Basement flooding can be a problem in some homes, and there are steps to take to minimize potential damage. But since a flooded basement can result from a number of things, there is no single method for prevention. The most important things are to determine:

1) When is the basement flooding?

Does the basement flood every year at approximately the same time?
Does the basement flood during random intervals?



2) Where is the basement flooding?
If water is entering near the top of the wall in one location:
-An improperly sloped landscape angled toward the house could be the cause.
-Extend and re-direct the downspouts.
-Reshape the landscaping around the foundation of the home.


Inspect the location where water is entering:
Caulk any cracks on the interior.


If the entire wall is damp or water is entering through multiple wall surfaces, this may be a sign of a faulty or missing water proofing membrane.

Remove soil around the foundation.

Hire a licensed contractor to install a waterproofing membrane.

Consider applying an internal sealant that can be painted on interior surface of basement walls:

This is not an option for finished basement walls.

These products require constant maintenance or they will stop working.
If the water appears to be entering the home near the foundation or through a floor drain:



French Drainage


One solution is to install a “French Drainage” system around the perimeter of the home or at least in areas subject to frequent flooding.
-Remove the soil around the perimeter of the home.
-Waterproof the foundation wall with a waterproofing membrane.
-Install a French Drain at the base of the foundation:
-Ensure that the drain has a method for diverting the water.
-The drain should empty into the primary storm drainage system, a retention pond or other source.
-Backfill the area with gravel to provide adequate drainage.
-Install a sump pump with a battery backup:
-This requires demolition of a portion of the basement floor.



To be effective, the sump pump needs to be hooked up to a drainage system, usually installed around the perimeter of the basement foundation, or at least in areas subject to repeated flooding.
Because this is installed at the perimeter of the foundation, the flooring in this area will also face demolition to install the drainage system.



Sump pumps should be tested at least once a year, preferably in the early spring.



Test the system if a storm is approaching.
Make sure the sump pit does not contain any debris that will clog the sump’s inlet pipe.



Pour water into the sump pit until the sump turns on (about 5 gallons of water).
If the sump does not turn on contact a professional to diagnose the problem.





Advanced Restoration Corporation is a family-owned and operated full-service property damage restoration company with a combined 75 years experience in dealing with Fire Damage Restoration, Water Damage Restoration, Flood & Storm Damage, Mold Remediation, Smoke Damage Restoration and Reconstruction. We service Long Island (Nassau County, NY; Suffolk County, NY) and the New York Metro area.


When disasters strike, Advanced Restoration is ready to respond 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You are guaranteed to speak with one of our knowledgeable, caring team members, day or night. Our immediate response to a claim/property loss helps minimize the damages to the structure, contents, and ease the sometime catastrophic effect that a disaster may have on an owner or occupants. Please call us with any questions at (800)693-6263.

Disaster Kleenup International Is Hurricane Ready!

Disaster Kleenup International, North America's largest disaster restoration contracting organization is fully prepared to assist in hurricane preparation and disaster planning for the possible U.S. landfall of Hurricane Bill. Bill became the first hurricane of the season on Monday morning.


To aid with storm preparation, DKI has created an informational website, ww.hurricanecatastrophe.com.


The site, created in the wake of previous major hurricanes, offers numerous tips for property owners and managers on how to prepare weeks and months before a storm hits, what to do when a storm is identified as being on a path to potentially affect one's property, and how to protect one's own personal safety. The website also assists property owners and managers in taking inventory of their situation after the storm has left, and identifies sources of appropriate relief.

Additionally, there are helpful links to aid agencies and other resources, such as FEMA, the American Red Cross, and DKI, that can deliver necessary aid. In addition to the information on the website, DKI also has a 24-hour call center available to assist property owners who require emergency services. DKI's national catastrophe response unit maintains the industry's largest inventory of emergency services equipment and the largest labor pool in the U.S.

For those seeking to prepare before a storm, DKI also works collaboratively with property owners and managers to develop pre-disaster plans to further mitigate the costs of future catastrophes. For more information on DKI, visit www.hurricanecatastrophe.com, or contact our national account team at: 1.877.354.3566. To request emergency services in the wake of a disaster, call the DKI's Immediate Response Line 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at 1.888.735.0800. For a DKI member company in the New York Metro area, call Advanced Restoration Corporation at (800) 693-6263.

Advanced Restoration Corporation is located on Long Island. They are a full-service property damage restoration company with a combined 75 years experience in dealing with Fire Damage Restoration, Water Damage Restoration, Flood & Storm Damage, Mold Remediation, Smoke Damage Restoration and Reconstruction. Their service area includes Long Island (Nassau County, NY; Suffolk County, NY) and the New York Metro area.

When disasters strike, Advanced Restoration is ready to respond 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Their immediate response to a claim/property loss helps minimize the damages to the structure, contents, and ease the sometime catastrophic effect that a disaster may have on an owner or occupants.

Advanced Restoration is a preferred service provider for
insurance companies and real estate professionals.

For Emergency Service, call (800) 693-6263.

Rehab Your Foreclosure with a 203k Loan!

You are thinking about buying a home foreclosure on Long Island, but the properties you are looking at need serious rehabilitation.

What Can You Do?

You may want to apply for an FHA 203(k) restoration loan through an approved lender!

The purchase of a house that needs repair is often a catch-22 situation, because the bank won't lend the money to buy the house until the repairs are complete, and the repairs can't be done until the house has been purchased.

HUD's 203(k) program can help you overcome this obstacle by enabling you to purchase or refinance a property plus the cost of making the repairs and improvements in one mortgage. The FHA-insured 203(k) loan is provided through approved lenders nationwide and is available to persons wanting to occupy the home.

The downpayment requirement for an owner-occupant (or a nonprofit organization or government agency) is approximately 3.5% of the acquisition and repair costs of the property.

The 203(k) loan includes the following steps:

A potential homebuyer locates a fixer-upper and executes a sales contract after doing a feasibility analysis of the property with his/her real estate professional. The contract should state that the buyer is seeking a 203(k) loan and that the contract is contingent on loan approval based on additional required repairs by the FHA or the lender.

The homebuyer then selects an FHA-approved 203(k) lender and arranges for a detailed proposal showing the scope of work to be done, including a detailed cost estimate on each repair or improvement of the project.

The appraisal is performed to determine the value of the property after renovation.

If the borrower passes the lender's credit-worthiness test, the loan closes for an amount that will cover the purchase or refinance cost of the property, the remodeling costs and the allowable closing costs. The amount of the loan will also include a contingency reserve of 10% to 20% of the total remodeling costs and is used to cover any extra work not included in the original proposal.

At closing, the seller of the property is paid off and the remaining funds are put in an escrow account to pay for the repairs and improvements during the rehabilitation period.

The mortgage payments and remodeling begin after the loan closes. The borrower can decide to have up to six mortgage payments (PITI) put into the cost of rehabilitation if the property is not going to be occupied during construction, but it cannot exceed the length of time it is estimated to complete the rehab.

Escrowed funds are released to the contractor during construction through a series of draw requests for completed work. To ensure completion of the job, 10% of each draw is held back; this money is paid after the lender determines their will be no liens on the property. It is essential for a borrower to select a general contractor (restoration company) that is familiar with the 203k loan process, including the required forms and documents.

Streamlined 203k Loan

FHA's Streamlined 203(k) program permits homebuyers to finance up to an additional $35,000 into their mortgage to improve or upgrade their home before move-in. With this new product, homebuyers can quickly and easily tap into cash to pay for property repairs or improvements, such as those identified by a home inspector or FHA appraiser.

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Advanced Restoration Corporation is a full-service property restoration contractor with the ability and 203(k) knowledge to provide complete Rehabilitation & Restoration services to your new home or refinance! We service the New York Metro area (Nassau County, Suffolk County and the NY Boroughs).

For more information about 203(k) loans and mortgage professionals authorized to generate FHA 203(k) loans, please contact Gary Matzelle at (516) 903-4107.

Drowning in Water Damage?

Another wet weekend in New York and water is seeping into your basement! Heavy rain is just one way you may get wet when you least expect it.

Water damage arises from fire damage, broken pipes, blocked drains, malfunctioning appliances, storms and other causes. The appropriate treatment on the nature of the damage. Some water carries contaminents and should be considered hazardous.

Whatever the origin, the prospects for restoration depend largely on the speed with which your building/home and personal property can be dried. Even clean water can generate mildew and other bacterial growth if neglected.

Some "to do" tips to help you after water damage occurs:

• Ensure you ventilate wet areas. Turn on air conditioning for accelerated drying in summer (if there is no visible mold)); in winter, alternate cycles of opened windows and heating.
• Remove standing water from flat surfaces by sponging and blotting.
• Take up saturated rugs and carpets when hardwood floors are at risk.
• Stay out of rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.
• Remove lamps, telephones and decorative items from wet furniture tops.
• Open drawers and cabinet doors for interior drying, but do not force stuck drawers or doors.
• Place aluminum foil squares, china saucers or wood blocks under furniture legs to avoid carpet staining.
• As soon as possible, call a professional water damage specialist for emergency drying.

Do Not...

• Operate televisions, vacuums, computers or other electrical appliances while standing on wet carpet or floors, especially wet concrete floors. Serious injury may result.
  
• Use heat to dry closed building interiors, mildew and expanded moisture may result.


• Leave wet fabrics in place; space them apart and dry as soon as possible.

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24/7 Emergency Service
Advanced Restoration staff is On-Call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to respond to your water damage/flood situation. We understand that the sudden intrusion of water is not something that anyone can be totally prepared for. You will always talk to one of our knowledgeable, caring team members, day or night. If we are unable to assist you, we will offer you our best professional advice. At Advanced Restoration, we pride ourselves on immediate response to all types of water damage situations.

Advanced Restoration Corporation is a family-owned and operated full-service property damage restoration company with a combined 75 years experience in dealing with Fire Damage Restoration, Water Damage Restoration, Flood & Storm Damage, Mold Remediation, Smoke Damage Restoration and Reconstruction. We service Long Island (Nassau County, NY; Suffolk County, NY) and the New York Metro area.

When disasters strike, Advanced Restoration is ready to respond 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You are guaranteed to speak with one of our knowledgeable, caring team members, day or night. Our immediate response to a claim/property loss helps minimize the damages to the structure, contents, and ease the sometime catastrophic effect that a disaster may have on an owner or occupants.

CPSC Recall Alert: Battery Equalizer Fire Hazard

SmartSpark Energy Systems Recalls Battery Equalizers Due to Fire Hazard

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 18, 2009 Release # 09-249

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: BattEQ Battery Equalizers
Units: About 800
Manufacturer: SmartSpark Energy Systems Inc., of Champaign, Ill.

Hazard: The recalled equalizers can overheat, posing a fire and burn hazard to consumers.
Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received one report of an equalizer that overheated which resulted in fire that caused damage to the equalizer and batteries. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The recalled battery equalizers are charge balancing devices designed to increase the performance and longevity of rechargeable batteries.

Sold at: Authorized distributors and retailers from July 2006 through March 2009 for about $300.
Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using these recalled battery equalizers and contact SmartSpark for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact SmartSpark at (800) 905-6137 anytime Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at

www.batteq.com

CPSC is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about it by visiting https://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/incident.aspx

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Advanced Restoration Corporation is a family-owned and operated full-service property damage/disaster restoration company with a combined 75 years experience in dealing with Fire Damage Restoration, Water Damage Restoration, Flood & Storm Damage, Mold Remediation, Smoke Damage Restoration and Reconstruction. We service Long Island (Nassau County, NY; Suffolk County, NY) and the New York Metro area.

Water Damage, Floods & Heavy Rains Pummel NY!

The National Weather Service has issued a FLASH FLOOD WATCH for portions of New York and New Jersey from until 8 p.m. on Thursday.

A FLASH FLOOD WATCH means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation. One to two inches of rainfall is expected. Locally higher amounts are possible especially in areas affected by thunderstorms.

TRACK WATCHES AND WARNINGS
There is also an urban flood advisory for Nassau and Suffolk counties until 4:45 p.m.
Recent heavy rainfall has left soil conditions around the New York City metropolitan area and northern New Jersey saturated.

Forecasters are predicting one to two inches into early Thursday evening, with higher amounts from thunderstorms. Streams could rise, particularly along the Raritan and Passaic river basins.

Check your basements for water damage...

Water Source Categories

Category 1: Often referred to as “clean” waterA “clean” water source is one that does not pose substantial harm to humans. Examples of clean water sources may include, but are not limited to: broken water supply lines, tub or sink overflows with no contaminants, appliance malfunctions involving water supply lines, melting ice or falling rainwater – not that which flows over the soil or through multiple structural components- broken toilet tanks, and even toilet bowls that do not contain contaminants or additives. Once a clean water source contacts other surfaces and materials, its condition may change as it dissolves or mixes with soils and other contaminants, and as time elapses.

Category 2: Often referred to as “gray” water Unsanitary or “gray” water contains some degree of contamination. Potentially, it could cause substantial discomfort or sickness if consumed by humans, and it carries microorganisms or nutrients for microorganisms. Category 2 (gray) water examples may include, but are not limited to: discharge from dishwashers or washing machines, overflows from washing machines, overflows of toilet bowls with some urine (no feces), broken aquariums, and punctured water beds. All of these may contain chemicals or biocontaminants (fungal, bacterial, viral, algae), or other forms of contamination. Time and temperature aggravate Category 2 (gray) water contamination significantly. Water in flooded structures that remains untreated longer than 48 hours can change from Category 2 (gray) to Category 3 (black).

Category 3: Often referred to as “black” waterCategory 3 “black” water always contains pathogenic agents. Grossly unsanitary, “black” water sources are those that arise from sewage or other contaminated water entering a structure. Sewage contains the expected urine and feces; but it could also contain dangerous chemicals or medical wastes. Toilet backflows that originate from beyond the toilet trap are considered to be Category 3 (black) water situations, regardless of visible content or color. This category includes all forms of sea water, ground surface water, and rising water from, rivers or streams. They carry silt and organic matter into structures and create Category 3 ”black” water situations. In situations where structural materials and / or contents have been heavily contaminated with such materials as pesticides, heavy metals, or toxic organic substances; the water damage is considered to be Category 3 (black) water.

If you have flooding or water damage from the storms hitting the NY Metro area, contact a reputable property damage restoration company. Advanced Restoration Corporation is a preferred vendor for insurance companies and is available 24/7 to respond to any disaster situation. Call them today at (800) 693-6263, or visit them on the web at www.AdvancedRestoration.com.

Disaster Mitigation...Buying Insurance

DISASTER MITIGATION... BUYING INSURANCE
By Chris Floyd Disaster Services Director Capital Area Chapter American Red Cross

Even with adequate time to prepare for a disaster, you still may suffer significant, unavoidable damage to your property. That's when insurance for renters or homeowners can be a big help. Yet, many people affected by recent disasters have been underinsured- or worse- not insured at all. Make sure the insurance you buy protects against the perils you face.

If You Own a Home...

• Buy, at minimum, full replacement or replacement cost coverage. This means the structure can be replaced up to the limits specified in the policy. • Investigate buying a guaranteed replacement cost policy. When and where available, these policies can pay to rebuild your house, including improvements, at today's prices, regardless of the limits of the policy. • Have your home periodically reappraised to be sure the policy reflects the real replacement cost.• Update the policy to include any home improvements, such as basement refinishing. Annual automatic increases may not be enough to cover these. • Buy a policy that covers the replacement cost of your possessions. Standard coverage only pays for the actual cash value (replacement cost discounted for age or use). • Be very clear about what the policy will and will not cover, and how the deductibles work (the part you pay before the policy pays). • Check state-operated or federally operated insurance pools if you find it difficult to obtain private coverage because of a recent disaster. Premiums often run higher than market rates, but this is better than no coverage. • Conduct a home inventory, make a list, and use it to check that your policy's coverage matches the value of your possessions.

If You Rent...

• Buy renter's insurance, which pays for damaged, destroyed, or stolen personal property. Your landlords insurance wont cover damage to or loss of your possessions. Also, consider special coverage like flood insurance for your belongings. • Be clear about what a policy will cover. Some policies cover more than others. For example, will the policy pay for living expenses if you have to live somewhere else temporarily, or for damage from sewer backup? • Comparison shop for the best coverage at the best price. Policies vary from company to company. Policies in most areas are very affordable. Start with the company that insures your car. Discounts are often available if you carry more than one policy with a company.

You may also want to consider special coverage as insurance for renters and homeowners won't cover certain types of losses. Ask your insurance agent or financial planner about special or additional coverage for floods, earthquakes, home offices, and other potential problems.
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Advanced Restoration Corporation is a full-service property damage/disaster restoration company that has been serving Long Island and the New York metropolitan area for over 20 years.

The company offers the highest quality residential, commercial and industrial property restoration and remediation services available. Our qualified and professional staff is capable of handling all aspects of fire & smoke damage, mold remediation and water damage. Emergency response teams are available 24/7 to promptly execute the required services for a customer.

Advanced Restoration is a member of multiple industry associations, including NYARM, BOMA, PIA, YIP, IICRC, NARI, NIDR and RIA. We are licensed in Nassau and Suffolk County, as well as the five boroughs of New York City.

Please contact Gary Matzelle at (516) 903-4107 with any questions, or send an email to gmatzelle@advancedrestoration.com. Our corporate website can be viewed at www.advancedrestoration.com.

Purchasing a Foreclosure Needing Repairs?

You see the perfect home in a Long Island neighborhood, and the house is a foreclosure. The exterior of the home is nice, but the inside has water damage, structural damage and mold. You want to buy this house and the selling price is excellent...What are your options as a homebuyer? Will you be able to "close" on a home that is in disrepair?

Of course you can...

When a homebuyer wants to purchase a house in need of repair or modernization, the homebuyer usually has to obtain financing first to purchase the dwelling; additional financing to do the rehabilitation construction; and a permanent mortgage when the work is completed to pay off the interim loans with a permanent mortgage.

Often the interim financing (the acquisition and construction loans) involves relatively high interest rates and short amortization periods. The FHA 203(k) mortgage program was designed to address this situation. The borrower can get just one mortgage loan, at a long-term fixed (or adjustable) rate, to finance both the acquisition and the rehabilitation of the property.

To provide funds for the rehabilitation, the mortgage amount is based on the projected value of the property with the work completed, taking into account the cost of the work. To minimize the risk to the mortgage lender, the mortgage loan (the maximum allowable amount) is eligible for endorsement by HUD as soon as the mortgage proceeds are disbursed and a rehabilitation escrow account is established.

The types of improvements that borrowers may make using Section 203(k) financing include:

-Structural alterations and reconstruction
-Modernization and improvements to the home's function
-Elimination of health and safety hazards
-Changes that improve appearance and eliminate obsolescence
-Reconditioning or replacing plumbing; installing a well and/or septic system
-Adding or replacing roofing, gutters, and downspouts
-Adding or replacing floors and/or floor treatments
-Major landscape work and site improvements
-Enhancing accessibility for a disabled person
-Making energy conservation improvements

The 203(k) Program is somewhat complicated and you must deal with an FHA approved lender, however, the program will allow you to obtain a mortgage and incorporate the necessary repairs into one mortgage payment. In addition, when selecting a general contractor to perform the rehab, you need to ensure the company is familiar with the 203k process and appropriate forms required. Streamlined 203k loans are also available for rehab/ home repairs under $35,000.


Advanced Restoration Corporation is located in New York and is a general contractor/ restoration company that specializes in the rehabilitation of homes in disrepair. We partner with various mortgage companies and have experience with contractor requirements associated with a 203 (k) loan.

For more information on partnering with an experienced 203(k) company ready to rebuild your dream house, contact Gary Matzelle at (516) 903-4107. Our service area includes: Nassau County, Suffolk County, Queens, Manhattan, Staten Island, Brooklyn and The Bronx.

What is a Certified Restorer?

Fire Damage, Smoke Damage, Water Damage, Mold Remediation...

There are numerous Restoration companies throughout Long Island and the New York Metro area, but only a handful hold the title of Certified Restorer (CR). Disaster recovery is essential to any property structure, and Certified Restorers have the experience and ability to ensure all aspects of property damage are handled with the utmost professionalism. Advanced Restoration Corporation is one of the primary companies on Long Island with the CR designation.

Certified Restorer

The Certified Restorer program is a week-long master's course in damage repair offered to experienced contractors and restorers. The program's objective is to raise committed restorers to a higher level of professional ability.

The course addresses both buildings and personal property and is based on the structure and nature of materials, with the effects of various perils. A section on restoration theory addresses the mechanisms by which residue odors are removed. Toxic contamination, allergic response, water damage, contracts and insurance are also covered. The Certified Restorer course is widely recognized as the pre-eminent training program in damage repair.

Experience

All candidates to the Certified Restorer (CR) Program must be actively involved in restoration work at the time of application and have 3 or more years of active experience in disaster damage restoration as a technician, supervisor or estimator. The company or employer must be a member in good standing of RIA International.

Education

CR candidates must have attended one NIDR or WLI seminar or an RIA convention in the 12 months preceding the CR school.

Candidates must complete the Certified Restorer School and successfully pass the written examination with a score of 80% or better.

Ethics Quiz

Candidates must complete an Ethics Quiz administered by the course instructor or a designated member of the CR Committee. A thorough understanding of the NIDR Code of Ethics and the Certified Restorer Code of Conduct is required.

Formal Report

On completion of the class, candidates must prepare a formal report or a thesis on an approved research topic.

Maintaining Certified Restorer Status

Certified Restorers must participate in a recertification program and maintain current membership in RIA International in order to retain their CR status. All CR continuing education is based on a three-year continuous cycle. Cycles for newly inducted CRs begin on the January 1 following the date of induction. All CRs are required to participate, and all required points must be earned within the time frame.

For more information on the Restoration Industry Association's advanced designations: CR, WLS, CRS, CMH, CMP and CFS, please contact the RIA Education Department at 443-878-1000.

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Advanced Restoration Corporation is a family-owned and operated full-service property damage restoration company with a combined 75 years experience in dealing with Fire Damage Restoration, Water Damage Restoration, Flood & Storm Damage, Mold Remediation, Smoke Damage Restoration and Reconstruction. We service Long Island (Nassau County, NY; Suffolk County, NY) and the New York Metro area.

Advanced Restoration is also an expert in partnering with mortgage companies and families buying homes on Long Island. We are experienced in dealing with FHA approved 203 (k) loans associated with foreclosures, as well as streamlined 203(k) loans. For more information on having Advanced Restoration become your 203(k) contractor, please contact Gary Matzelle at (516) 903-4107.

Real Estate Deals & Mold in Homes

If the home you are thinking about purchasing has mold, do not panic!

You can remove unusual mold levels from the home, and bring it back to the original condition.
It is impossible to completely eliminate all mold and mold spores indoors. Mold will always be found floating in the air and in house dust. Indoor mold growth can be prevented by controlling water and moisture indoors.

The following may prevent or reduce indoor mold growth:

-Repair any water leaks.
-Provide good air circulation.
-All HVAC systems should have a good electrostatic filter on the return.
-Use bathroon, laundry and kitchen exhaust fans.
-Insulate and ventilate attic and crawl space areas.
-Clean, dry or remove items that are damaged by water immediately.

An integral part of the mold clean-up process is the clearance testing. This final testing procedure provides confirmation that the project has been satisfactorily remediated and that the contamination has not spread to other areas.

Remember...If there is mold growth in your home, you must clean up the mold and fix the water problem. If you clean up the mold, but do not eliminate the water problem, the mold will grow back! For more information, contact a restoration company that specializes in mold removal.

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Advanced Restoration Corporation is a family-owned and operated full-service property damage restoration company with a combined 75 years experience in dealing with Fire Damage Restoration, Water Damage Restoration, Flood & Storm Damage, Mold Remediation, Smoke Damage Restoration and Reconstruction. We service Long Island (Nassau County, NY; Suffolk County, NY) and the New York Metro area.

Advanced Restoration Corporation Joins Disaster Kleenup International

Disaster Kleenup International, Inc., North America's largest disaster restoration contracting organization, today announced that Advanced Restoration Corporation of West Babylon, New York, has joined the DKI network. Advanced Restoration Corporation has provided insurance restoration in the West Babylon marketplace since 1990.

By virtue of its DKI membership, Advanced Restoration Corporation can employ DKI's 24 hour call center, its DIAMOND claims tracking technology, and other tools to enhance their ability to serve their insurance and corporate customers. Advanced Restoration Corporation also gains access to DKI training seminars and workshops which ensure that they remain abreast of all changes in this rapidly evolving industry.

"We are delighted to welcome Advanced Restoration Corporation into the rapidly growing DKI network," stated Dale Sailer, DKI's President. "Advanced Restoration Corporation's commitment to quick response, superior workmanship and outstanding customer service reaffirms DKI's position in the marketplace as The Source for Quality Restoration. We look forward to a long and rewarding association."


Advanced Restoration Corporation President Brian G. Martin is pleased that the company is a part of the DKI network, giving them the opportunity to work in partnership with other quality firms. The DKI network will allow Advanced Restoration Corporation to expand their scope of service, introduce them to new markets and ensure the company's success long into the future.


In addition to the benefits of DKI's technology and training capabilities, Advanced Restoration Corporation will also be able to utilize the Disaster Kleenup branding in its marketing efforts, participate in its various coop programs, and leverage DKI's corporate marketing efforts.
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### About DKI Disaster Kleenup International, Inc., headquartered in Wood Dale, IL, is the largest disaster restoration organization in North America. DKI member companies provide full service restoration to their customers: emergency response, water damage mitigation, mold remediation, complete reconstruction and much more, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. DKI returns damaged property to its pre-loss condition quickly and efficiently, delivering complete satisfaction to our consumer, insurance, and corporate customers.


For more information about Disaster Kleenup International, Inc., visit our website at www.disasterkleenup.com or contact Dan Cassara at 630.350.3000 x254 or email at dcassara@disasterkleenup.com. Contact: Dan Cassara Phone: 630.350.3000 x254 Email: dcassara@disasterkleenup.com

Streamlined 203 (k) Loan: Repairs/Foreclosure

Foreclosures continue to dominate the real estate market and as a result, many homes are left in disrepair. If you are contemplating the purchase of a foreclosure requiring minor repairs, you may want to consider a "Streamlined" 203(k) loan.

The Streamlined (k) Limited Repair Program was developed to augment FHA’s existing Section 203(k) rehabilitation program for less extensive repairs and improvement.

What improvements are eligible under the Streamlined 203 (k) program?
The Streamlined (k) program is intended to facilitate uncomplicated rehabilitation and/or improvements to a home for which plans, consultants, engineers and/or architects are not required.

The Streamlined (k) program includes the discretionary improvements and/or repairs shown below:

*Repair/Replacement of roofs, gutters and downspouts
*Repair/Replacement/upgrade of existing HVAC systems
*Repair/Replacement/upgrade of plumbing and electrical systems
*Repair/Replacement of flooring
*Minor remodeling, such as kitchens, which does not involve structural repairs
*Painting, both exterior and interior
* Weatherization, including storm windows and doors, insulation, weather stripping, etc.
*Purchase and installation of appliances, including free-standing ranges, refrigerators, washers/dryers, dishwashers and microwave ovens
*Accessibility improvements for persons with disabilities
* Lead-based paint stabilization or abatement of lead-based paint hazards
*Repair/replace/add exterior decks, patios, porches
*Basement finishing and remodeling, which does not involve structural repairs
*Basement waterproofing
*Window and door replacements and exterior wall re-siding
*Septic system and/or well repair or replacement


What are the minimum and maximum amounts for repair costs under this program?
Given the need for homeowners to make minor repairs without exhausting personal savings, and in consideration of the increasing cost of materials, the minimum repair cost of $5,000 is eliminated and the ceiling is now raised to $35,000. This revised maximum repair/rehabilitation amount recognizes the cost of making older homes more energy efficient. When the repairs exceed $15,000, the mortgagee must perform or obtain an inspection to determine that all listed repairs were completed.

Can this program be used for repairs and improvements on purchases of HUD Homes?
Like the regular Section 203(k) program, Streamlined (k) may be used for single-family housing sold by HUD. REO properties that have been designated by FHA’s Management and Marketing contractor (M&M) as “insurable” with repair escrow ($5,000 or less in required repairs) or “uninsurable” (with more than $5,000 but no more than $35,000 in required repairs) are eligible for the Streamlined (k) program provided that the repairs qualify as eligible work items as outlined.

Advanced Restoration is a full service property damage restoration company that specializes in the rehabilitation & restoration of homes and businesses. The company is family-owned and operated with a combined 75 years experience in dealing with Fire Damage Restoration, Water Damage Restoration, Flood & Storm Damage, Mold Remediation, Smoke Damage Restoration and Reconstruction. We service Long Island (Nassau County, NY; Suffolk County, NY) and the New York Metro area.

For more information on how Advanced Restoration can partner with you, please contact Gary Matzelle at (516) 903-4107, or send an email to gmatzelle@advancedrestoration.com.
Please visit our Website: http://www.advancedrestoration.com/

Fire/Burn Hazard Recall Alert

FIRE HAZARD/BURN HAZARD RECALL ALERT
Have You Recently Purchased a Halogen Lamp at Staples?

Source: USPC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 10, 2009 Release #09-124
Firm's Recall Hotline: (866) 949-8567CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908


Catalina Lighting Recalls Halogen Clamp Lamps Due to Fire and Burn Hazard; Sold Exclusively At Staples Stores

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Halogen Clamp Lamps

Units: About 2,000

Manufacturer: Catalina Lighting Inc., of Miami, Fla.

Hazard: The UV glass lens on the lamp can crack, exposing the halogen bulb, posing a fire and burn hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: Catalina Lighting has received 65 reports of broken lenses. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The halogen clamp lamps, also known as architect’s lamp, have 150 watt halogen bulb, an articulating arm, and a clamp desk lamp that adjusts up, down and swivels. Only lamps with model number 13456-US and lot numbers C06081581V185, C06081582V185 and C06081584V185 are included in the recall.

Sold at: Staples retail stores nationwide from July 2008 through October 2008 for about $50.
Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumer should immediately stop using the recalled lamp and contact Catalina Lighting to receive a free replacement lens.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Catalina Lighting toll-free at (866) 949-8567 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at www.catalinalighting.com

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Advanced Restoration Corporation is a family-owned and operated full-service property damage restoration company with a combined 75 years experience in dealing with Fire Damage Restoration, Water Damage Restoration, Flood & Storm Damage, Mold Remediation, Smoke Damage Restoration and Reconstruction. We service Long Island (Nassau County, NY; Suffolk County, NY) and the New York Metro area.

When disasters strike, Advanced Restoration is ready to respond 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You are guaranteed to speak with one of our knowledgeable, caring team members, day or night. Our immediate response to a claim/property loss helps minimize the damages to the structure, contents, and ease the sometime catastrophic effect that a disaster may have on an owner or occupants.

Our company is dedicated to serving our clients with courteous and prompt service. We take the utmost pride in the craftsmanship of our work. As certified specialists in water mitigation and fire/smoke restoration, we have the knowledge, expertise and experience to deal with all types of property damage. Our professional staff is also trained in all aspects of mold remediation and damage appraisals.

If you have questions related to fire and smoke damage restoration, please call us at (800)693-6263.

Advanced Restoration: Emergency Response Partnership Plan (ERPP)

Advanced Restoration: Emergency Response Partnership Plan (ERPP)

Emergency Planning

Help Us Help You!

Knowing who to call for help when your company's Business Continuity Plan gets activated is just as important as having a disaster plan. At Advanced Restoration, we understand that an unforeseen event impacting a property structure can be devastating to the occupants of the structure.

That is why we offer our Emergency Response Partnership Plan (ERPP). When a property loss occurs, valuable time is usually lost from when the situation occurred to the subsequent time taken by occupants to determine how to proceed, or who to call. Having a plan in place saves crucial time, valuable belongings, and minimizes business disruption!

Benefits of Advanced Restoration’s ERPP:

There is no cost to partner with us.
We maintain your company information in the event of an emergency.
Most insurance carriers give you a discount if you have an Emergency Response Plan signed on file.
Reduced downtime/business disruption for your home or office.
Fosters business continuity.
Prevents fires or water damages from turning into mold problems.

Our Pledge to You:

Advanced will answer all emergency calls 24 hours a day, 7 days per week.

Guaranteed response to an issue. We will never put you on a waiting list.

Advanced will maintain set pricing throughout our partnership.

Advanced agrees to provide all necessary tools, equipment, and materials to perform emergency services including board-up, temporary repairs, water extraction and drying, and other loss mitigation as required.

Advanced agrees to provide fully trained and experienced Project Managers, technicians and laborers to handle the particular type of emergency.

Advanced agrees to maintain adequate commercial general liability, commercial automobile liability, environmental liability and workers compensation insurance.

Advanced agrees to keep all information pertaining to the emergency confidential unless otherwise required by law, or for the protection of public safety.

Flooding/Water Damage Restoration

Do You Have Flooding/Water Damage in Your Home, Office or Business?

When a pipe bursts, the damage to your home or business can be devastating. Knowing who to call for this type of situation is essential to ensure emergency water mitigation efforts are handled timely and properly by trained experts.

If you had recent storm or water damage from frozen pipes, one call to Advanced Restoration will ensure your property structure is mitigated properly. Our professional staff is ready to provide you 24/7 Emergency Service throughout the New York Metro area!

Reduce your claim costs by hundreds, even thousands of $$$. Our equipment allows us to dry wet hardwood floors (or any hardsurface floor) by using our Injectidry Systems. Injectidry's Vac-It Panels are placed directly over the wet area and the system (HP60) pulls the water out of the wood or hardsurface!

Injectidry's High Pressure drying systems are specifically developed to target high risk areas of hidden moisture such as: walls and ceilings, double-sheeted fire walls, party walls, sound barriers, insulation, walls behind cabinets and fixtures and floors.

Benefits of Using Advanced Restoration and Injectidry Technology

• In most cases, the floors will dry beneath refrigerators and stoves without moving appliances.
  Many of the floors do not even need to be refinished.


• Floors do not sit wet and cupped for 3-9 months while nails rust and mold grows underneath.
  Continue to use the premise (home, office, business) during the drying process.


• Reduced claim costs.

Advanced Restoration is available for all your property restoration and reconstruction needs.

Our staff is truly committed to Making Disaster Temporary and Restoration Permanent!

It's Cold Out...Stay Warm & Be Safe!

Arctic air is expected to hit the New York Metro area by tomorrow, and is expected to last until Sunday. Many Homeowners will be using various heating sources to stay warm, including electric heaters and fireplaces. Fire safety is essential to your family and should be discussed with all members of your household.

Heating equipment is among the leading causes of home fires nationally and in New York State. Very often heating related fires are the result of a lack of maintenance or simple acts of carelessness. Following the guidelines below will help to ensure that you reduce the possibility of experiencing a heating related fire.

Fire tips from NY State's Office of Fire Prevention and Control include:

Fire Prevention
To prevent fires, keep furnishings and other combustibles 36 inches from all heating sources. A heating source too close to combustibles is the leading cause of fires due to home heating. Store matches and other fire starting appliances out of the reach of children. Fires started by children often have tragic results.

Follow Proper Maintenance
Proper maintenance and an annual inspection of heat pumps, furnaces, space heaters, wood and coal stoves, fireplaces, chimneys and chimney connections by qualified specialists can prevent fires and save lives. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation, venting, fueling, maintenance and repair.

Review the owner's manual to make sure you remember the operating and safety features.

• Space Heaters – When using portable heaters, do not place them where it is possible for small children or pets to fall against them or to receive a contact burn. Avoid the use of extension cords with electric heaters. Always turn off space heaters before leaving the room or going to bed.

• Fuel Burning Appliances – When taking a heater out of storage in the fall, install batteries and inspect the shut off mechanism and wick for proper operation. Fill the tank with fresh fuel. Let the heater cool down before refueling. Adding fuel to a hot heater can start a dangerous fire.

• Wood Burning Appliances and Fireplaces – Do not burn trash in the wood stove or fireplace. Burn only well-seasoned hardwoods. Be sure the fire you build fits your fireplace or stove, don’t overload it. Be sure wood stoves are installed at least 36 inches away from the wall. Keep combustible materials well away from the fireplace, stove and chimney. Keep the area around them clean. Always use a fireplace screen to prevent sparks from leaving the fireplace and starting a fire. Never leave a fire unattended.

• Chimneys - Creosote accumulation is the leading cause of chimney fires. A chimney that is dirty, blocked or is in disrepair can inhibit proper venting of smoke up the flue and can also cause a chimney fire. Nearly all residential fires originating in the chimney are preventable. An annual chimney inspection by a qualified chimney sweep can prevent fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.

• Ashes – Keep wood stoves and fireplaces free of excess ash buildup. Excessive ash buildup prevents good circulation of air needed for combustion. When removing ashes, use a metal container with a tight-fitting cover. Always place ashes in an outside location away from structures. Ashes that seem cool may contain a smoldering charcoal that can start a fire.

Advanced Restoration is a full service property damage restoration company and is trained to respond to all aspects of fire, smoke damage and water damage that can occur after a fire. Call us at (800) 693-6263 for more information, or visit our website at www.AdvancedRestoration.com.

We are truly committed to Making Disaster Temporary and Restoration Permanent.

Winter Storm/Property Damage: Ice Dams and Your Home

Snow is expected this weekend on Long Island and the NY Metro area and the Weather Service has issued a WINTER STORM WARNING for the area. Whenever there is snow, you are guaranteed to have troublesome ice dams to follow. Ice dams can cause major water damage and flooding to your home, which requires immediate attention.

As winter advances through cycles of freezing and thawing, buildings and homes experience ice buildup and roof damage. In general, ice dams are formed when attic heat moves up to warm the roof and melts snow at or near the ridge. Snow melts, runs downward and hits the edge of the cold roof, resulting in re-freezing snow. These cycles cause ice to accumulate and back up under shingles. Damage appears in the form of soaked insulation, stained, cracked and damaged sheet rock, damp, smelly, rotting wall cavities and stained, blistered and peeling paint.

Preventing Ice Dams
To prevent an ice dam, don't heat the roof, keep it cold. That way, the snow on the roof eventually dissipates without making large amounts of meltwater. The underside of the roof deck should not exceed 30 F. The best way to maintain low temperatures is by ensuring that there is adequate insulation and sealing gaps that let warm air pass into the attic from the house. The attic must also be ventilated, so that cold air is introduced into it and heated air escapes rapidly. Some remodeling contractors are under the impression that heat passing through the attic helps prevent ice dams, when just the opposite is true. Although excess heat moving from the attic through the roof rapidly melts snow, once the meltwater touches the cold eaves, it quickly freezes and forms an ice dam.

If you have a furnace in the attic, it may not be possible to prevent ice dams. Increased insulation, however, should help. First, insulate the areas between the roof rafters. It is important to keep an air space between the roof deck and the insulation in order to prevent a condensation buildup that can delaminate the roof deck. Prior to insulating, install polystyrene rafter air channels, which are available at home centers. Next, lay insulation blankets over the furnace's heating ducts to help reduce the heat buildup in the attic. If there's a hatchway into the attic, build a cover for it out of rigid poly-styrene insulation.

If the gable and ridge vents do not generate sufficient air movement to dissipate the heat, you will need a motorized vent at one end of the attic to exhaust the heat, and an adequately sized vent on the opposite end of the attic to draw in cold air from the outside.

Check your home carefully when ice dams form. Investigate even when there doesn't appear to be a leak. Look at the underside of the roof sheathing and roof trim to make sure they haven't gotten wet. Check the insulation for dampness. And when leaks inside your home develop, be prepared. Water penetration often follows pathways difficult follow. Don't just patch the roof leak. Make sure that the roof sheathing hasn't rotted or that other less obvious problems in your ceiling or walls haven't developed. And then detail a comprehensive plan to fix the damage. But more importantly, solve the problem.

If you experience water damage that requires a water damage/flood restoration expert, please contact Advanced Restoration at (800) 693-6263. Advanced Restoration is a full service property damage restoration company that can respond 24/7 to your water damage situation. We use state-of-the-art equipment to handle structural drying. Our professional staff is also available to handle mold situations that may occur as a result of a water loss.

Our service area includes Nassau County, Suffolk County and the New York boroughs.

Enjoy the snowfall and stay dry!