Radon Tests High in the Region

1/3/2012

While the EPA recommends that all homes be tested for radon gas regardless of location, some areas have a higher potential for radon screening than others. Iowa (see map above) is one of those areas. Several counties in northwest Missouri and eastern Nebraska also have a high potential for radon gas. See the related article above for more information on radon testing.

EPA offers the Directory of Builders as a one-stop service to home buyers who are looking for builders that use radon-resistant construction techniques in new homes. The Directory contains the names of builders using RRNC who have voluntarily registered with EPA. EPA encourages all builders that use the recommended radon-resistant techniques to be listed in the Directory. Read more about Radon-Resistant New Construction.

What the colors mean*

Red             High Potential for Radon
Orange    Moderate Potential
Yellow   Low Potential

*The predicted average indoor radon screening level exceeds 4 picocuries per liter (high), 2-4 pCi/L (moderate), less than 2 pCi/L (low).

Protect the health of your family. According to the EPA, among nonsmoking Americans radon is the leading cause of lung cancer deaths, with an estimated 20,000 each year. Radon exposure is a preventable health risk. The key is to have your home tested for radon. If high levels are detected, you can fix the problem.

Choose a qualified contractor

If your home is found to have high levels of radon, a trained contractor with technical knowledge can help you pick the right treatment method. As with any home repair, it is a good idea to ask for references and get more than one estimate. Most homes can be fixed for about the same cost as other common home repairs. Advanced Restoration Services is certified by the Iowa Department of Public Health to test your home or business for radon. We are moving toward becoming your local radon mitigation specialist.

If you plan to fix your home's radon problem yourself, you should first contact your state radon office for guidance. See the EPA website for more information. Also, check out A Citizens Guide to Radon. 

Radon: Act Today to Protect Your Family

1/3/2012

Radon is a popular topic in the area. In fact, Iowa and Missouri have some of the highest radon-rate zones in the country. (See our related article here in Advanced Spotlight.) Advanced Restoration Services regularly receives calls from persons in the community who ask about radon testing.

Since January is National Radon Action Month, we want to do our part to help our community understand the topic.

Your home—a potential radon trap
Radon is a radioactive gas. Caused by the natural decay of uranium, it is found in nearly all soils. It moves up through the ground and can enter into the air above. Cracks and holes in the home’s foundation allow the gas to enter your home. Once inside, it can build up to dangerous levels. Any home is susceptible - new and old, well-sealed and drafty, those with and without basements.

Protect the health of your family. According to the EPA, among nonsmoking Americans radon is the leading cause of lung cancer deaths, with an estimated 20,000 each year. Radon exposure is a preventable health risk. The key is to have your home tested for radon. If high levels are detected, you can fix the problem.

Radon test kits
Radon cannot be seen, smelled or tasted. Short-term tests are the quickest way to test your home. Test kits can be found in most general stores and hardware stores. The test remains in your home for two to 90 days, depending on the type of kit. One test followed by a second can help determine whether your home has a radon problem.

Iowa counties have a predicted average indoor radon screening level greater than 4 pCi/L. Red zone has the highest potential for radon gas. (See our related article here in Advanced Spotlight).

Testing guidelines. Testing is easy. Set up takes only a few minutes.

• Keep windows and outside doors closed, as much as possible, during the test.
• Place the radon test kit in the lowest, lived-in level of the home in a room that is used regularly, but not in the kitchen or a bathroom.
• Place the kit at least 20 inches above the floor and away from drafts, high heat, high humidity and exterior walls.
• Leave the radon kit in place for the timeframe specified on the package.
• When finished, reseal the package and send it to the lab right away.

Test results should arrive within a few weeks.

Choose a qualified contractor

If your home is found to have high levels of radon, a trained contractor with technical knowledge can help you pick the right treatment method. As with any home repair, it is a good idea to ask for references and get more than one estimate. Most homes can be fixed for about the same cost as other common home repairs. Advanced Restoration Services is certified by the Iowa Department of Public Health to test your home or business for radon. We are moving toward becoming your local radon mitigation specialist.

If you plan to fix your home's radon problem yourself, you should first contact your state radon office for guidance. See the EPA website for more information. Also, check out A Citizens Guide to Radon. 

5 Winter Travel Survival Tips

1/1/2012

Midwest winters can be harsh, and storms can quickly drop inches of snow. If you get trapped in your car, a few items could save your life. 

You'll need a kit: candles, clothing, a flashlight, dried fruit and water and batteries. Keep items in a plastic bin with a top. 

Stranded in a Storm?

1. Provide heat. You can safely make a small fire to warm the inside of a stranded car. Place a large metal coffee can in the middle of the car and light a medium sized smokeless candle inside of it. Keep a small crack in the window to allow any smoke to escape and to maintain a fresh supply of air.
2. Add layers of clothing. Keep these items in your kit: extra jackets, blankets, hats, gloves, socks, and long underwear.
3. Signal for help. If you don’t have a cellphone with you, use a flashlight to signal for help in the dark.
4. Stay fueled and hydrated. Nuts, dried fruit, candy bars and bottled water will provide needed nutrition, energy and hydration.
5. Keep track of expiration dates. Make sure your flashlight has fresh batteries, and keep extra in your kit. Use dry matches or a new lighter. Keep track of expiration dates on packaged food and water.

We hope you never have to use your kit. But, you never know when storms may blow in. It’s best to be prepared.

More helpful information about emergency road kits.

Seven Tips for Rebuilding Soon after a Disaster

12/1/2011

Have you been ravaged by flooding after a river exceeded its banks? Did a thunderstorm release flash floods where you live and work? Did levees surrounding your town give way?

If so, you’ll want to begin repairing and rebuilding your property quickly. But to begin, you need to file a claim. Filing correctly, the Insurance Information Institute says, can save you time and money, and lead to a quality rebuilding process.

Tips to Expedite Claims Filing after a Disaster

1. Prepare a description of the damage.
2. Take photos of the damaged areas.
3. Prepare a detailed inventory of all damaged or destroyed personal property. For each item, include its description, date of purchase (or approximate age), purchase price and, if possible, its estimated replacement cost.
4. Canceled checks, invoices, and receipts can assist the adjuster in obtaining the value of the damaged or destroyed property.
5. Make whatever temporary repairs are needed to prevent further damage or personal injury. Wait until the claims adjuster has been to your home and assessed the damage before making extensive permanent repairs.
6. If you make any temporary repairs, save receipts for supplies and materials purchased. Your insurance company will reimburse any reasonable expenses incurred.
7. For permanent repairs, get an estimate from a contractor that details proposed repairs, costs and replacement prices. It should include details of the materials to be used and prices on a line-by-line basis.

Keep copies of any documents you submit to your insurance company.

For more information, see “Prepare For Disasters Before They Happen; Know The Claims Filing Process” by the Insurance Information Institute.

How to Protect Yourself Against Contractor Fraud

9/19/2011

When a natural disaster, like a tornado or flood, causes damage to your home naturally you want to get it repaired quickly. But, if not careful, you could fall victim to an unscrupulous contractor looking to profit from your loss.

Of course, most businesses offering help are legitimate. How can you protect yourself from those that are not?

Five Tips
The Insurance Information Institute says:

1. Investigate the track record of the company. Look for professionals with a solid reputation in your community. Use a local, licensed, bonded and insured contractor or service provider. Call your Better Business Bureau for help. Also, get references and never give a deposit until you have completed a background check.
2. Get a qualified referral. Ask your insurance agent or company representative for a list of reputable companies.
3. Do not be rushed into signing a contract with any company. Get more than one written estimate. Get everything in writing including cost, work to be done, time schedules, guarantees, payment schedules and other expectations that should be detailed.
4. Never sign a contract with blanks. Unacceptable terms might be added later.
5. Never pay a contractor in full or sign a completion certificate. Always wait until the work is finished and you are sure the work is up to current code.

For more information see the Insurance Information Institute.

Check IDs

1. Advanced Restoration Services understands you want qualified people working to restore your damaged home. Here’s how to tell if you’re dealing with an ARS employee:All of our employees have an official ARS ID badge.
2. All of our employees wear a shirt monogrammed with the ARS logo.
3. All of our employees drive a vehicle with the ARS logo (unless the vehicle is newly purchased and hasn’t yet been vinyled).
4. All of our technicians carry their certification card.

Occasionally, we partner with other contractors to help us. But, some companies have unscrupulously identified themselves with Advanced Restoration Services when, in fact, we have no working agreement with them.

If someone knocks on your door representing themselves or associating themselves with ARS, please call our office at 712-523-2057 for verification.