Water Loss

Water and flooding can cause extensive damage over time, including the deterioration of materials and an increased risk for mold and pests. If your home has experienced a leak, flooded basement, or any other type of water or flood damage, J. Bowers Construction has the experience and the tools necessary to ensure the water damage restoration process is fast, smooth, and effective in eliminating any signs of flood damage from your property.

Types of Water Damage

There are many possible causes of home flooding, including plumbing leaks, sewage backups, and storms or other natural disasters. While all water damage is bad for your property, the source of the water can play a role in whether your home is safe for you to inhabit before water damage cleanup is complete. The best water damage restoration plan for your needs often depends on the level of risk the waters flooding your home pose to your health.

1. Clean water comes from a faucet or plumbing supply pipe in your home. This type of water is free of potential contaminants, but it can still cause bacteria and mold growth if not addressed quickly.
2. Gray water may contain contaminants; sources of gray water include rainfall, sink drainpipes, and overflowing appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers. Although gray water is not clean, its risk to your health is usually low.
3. Black water poses the highest health risk. This water contains potential pathogens, such as viruses and bacteria, which could make you or your family ill. Black water may also contain harmful agents such as heavy metals, pesticides, and other chemicals. Common sources of black water include untreated wastewater and sewage, as well as floodwaters that emanate from a stream, river, lake, or reservoir.

The Link between Water Damage and Mold Growth

Water damage is always associated with an increased risk of mold growth. This is because mold and fungi can only thrive in an environment where moisture levels and relative humidity are high. Although ambient air contains mold spores, without the right conditions, they will not settle and grow. In a home that has been flooded, however, standing water and damp surfaces or objects contribute both moisture and humidity, which allows mold spores to take root and begin growing quickly, often within 24 hours. Without professional mold remediation, the spores will continue to multiply, compounding the damage to your property and posing an additional health risk.

If you are affected by a flood or fire, calling professional restoration services is the best way to protect your health and your property. You can reach J. Bowers Construction at 800-289-9050 any time to request more information or emergency restoration services.

Water Damage & Repairs (Emergency Services)

WE WILL REMOVE WATER WITHIN 24-48 HOURS OF YOUR CALL

Homes affected by water damage are one of the most common insurance claims. The loss must be handled properly or the work can be never ending. Whether your water damage is caused by a natural disaster, or by a sewer back-up, you’ll need to be prepared to move quickly to ensure your building is restored and there are no health risks that could potentially affect your family. Mold infestations and other risks can occur if you wait too long, such as electrical shorts or malfunctions that could electrocute someone or even start a fire. 
Using state of the art equipment such as moisture and humidity measure devices, our trained professionals are prepared to evaluate the damage. We will remove the water within 24-48 hours, document the claim with our claim management software, then sanitize the affected area and contents to ensure your family’s health and peace of mind.

BIG OR SMALL – WE TAKE CARE OF THEM ALL

Depending on how the fire originated in your commercial space, the clean-up and restoration procedure varies. We have the technical expertise and tools needed to assess the damage and organize the correct course of action. We have experience with commercial smoke and fire damage of all origins, including:

• Flooded Basements
• Leaky Roofs
• Busted Pipes
• Heavy Rain Damage
• Hidden Leaks
• Defective Rain Gutters
• Sewer Backups

Equipment used during extraction and dehumidification:

• High Volume Desiccant Dryers
• High Efficiency LDR Refrigerant
• Dehumidifiers
• The Latest Technology in Axial Air Movement
• Mobile High Volume Refrigeration & Heating Units

J. BOWERS CONSTRUCTION Water Damage Restoration Guarantees:

• Integrity on price and scope
• Seamless facilitation of insurance claims process
• Complete restoration to pre-loss condition
• Prevent future mold problems and structural damage
• 100% satisfaction with the end result

The Process

J. Bowers Construction Has Had Since 1959 To Perfect Our Water Damage Cleanup Process.

With the most experienced team of technicians in Ohio, we feel confident in taking your property into our care and minimizing the interruption to your lives. J. Bowers Construction continuously invests in the latest disaster cleanup technology, training and specialty equipment, to ensure we can provide your family with the highest level of care. We restore residential and commercial spaces, taking the following steps to facilitate Rapid Recovery:

• SECURE AND ASSESS

Upon arrival, we will obtain your written authorization to begin mitigation services on your property. We evaluate all affected areas, beginning with the source, to determine the initial scope of work. Our technicians will outline the best course of action for you.

• WATER EXTRACTION

We begin extracting any visible & non-visible water to stop the spread of moisture. In a carpeted area, the wet carpet padding may need to be removed and disposed of, along with wet insulation, ceiling tiles, and other materials that require immediate attention.

• MOLD AND MILDEW PREVENTION

We apply an EPA approved antimicrobial treatment to affected areas, inhibiting bacterial reproduction. Rapid Response reduces the risk of mold and structural damage. This solution deodorizes as it sanitizes, and is safe for children and pets.

• DEHUMIDIFICATION

We monitor moisture levels and strategically place industrial air movers to accelerate evaporation, and dehumidifiers to pull moisture from the air—significantly reducing drying time. It is critical to always leave the equipment running until completely dry.

• PERSONAL PROPERTY CLEANING

Bowers Construction has specialized facilities dedicated to disinfecting & cleaning your belongings, eliminating bacteria that causes odors and could lead to mold. From framed family photos to your child’s favorite stuffed animal, we understand that every item in your home is precious to you and will receive our greatest care.

• RESTORE AND REBUILD

Once we finish cleaning and decontaminating your property, our team of professional contractors restores walls, flooring, ceilings, structural elements, and woodwork to their original conditions. We want your home to match your memory of it.

Meet An Expert

In addition to finding a reputable company, it is important to spend some extra time researching the credentials of the individuals that will be in your home or business. Our highly skilled Estimators and Technicians have undergone extensive training from the construction and restoration industry’s most distinguished trade organizations.

Water Damage Tips

Our team of experts will be there soon to begin your Rapid Recovery process. To help maintain your health and safety, read through our advice on how to proceed after a flood or water related emergency:

Tips During A Water Emergency

• Know where your property’s water main is located. Make sure everyone in your family knows how to turn it off in case of a burst pipe.
• Turn off utilities at the main power switch.
• Move valuables, important papers, and clothing to upper floors. If you have only one floor, put items on shelves, tables or countertops.
• Sanitize your bathtub and sinks and fill them with fresh, clean water in case the water supply becomes contaminated.
• If you feel threatened by rising water, leave your home or move to upper floors.
• Never try to drive through a flood. Six inches of water can cause loss of control and possible stalling.
• If you’re in your car when the water begins to rise quickly, abandon it and seek higher ground.
• Don’t walk through flood areas. Just 6 inches of water can sweep you away. Stay away from downed power lines.
• For more detailed information regarding safety planning and flood safety, visit www.ready.gov/floods.

If you need assistance with water damage restoration or flood cleanup, call J Bowers Construction anytime. We offer free evaluation and emergency flood response. Call us day or night at 800-289-9050 or send us your contact information for a call back

Do’s And Don’ts

Do…

• Locate and turn off your water main to prevent further flooding.
• Once you are allowed back on the premises, check your insurance policy and get in touch with an agent for information on how to proceed with your claim.
• Turn off gas, water, and electricity when confronted by a flooded basement.
• If possible, take photographs of damaged items and property for your insurance claim.
• Open windows to ventilate the area.
• Contact the appropriate professionals immediately if you suspect damage to water, gas, electric, or sewer lines.
• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying (check for possible bleeding).
• Turn on air conditioning for maximum drying in summer; open windows to speed drying in winter.
• Place wood blocks covered in aluminum foil between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Open drawers and cabinet doors for complete drying (do not force).
• Throw away food that has come in contact with flood water.
• Remove valuable oil paintings and art objects to a safe place.
• Blot wet carpeting with clean white towels.
• Open suitcases and luggage to dry in sunlight, if possible.
• Punch small holes in sagging ceilings to relieve trapped water (don’t forget to place something to catch the water underneath).
• Contact a water damage cleanup and restoration company immediately. Wet carpeting, furniture, bedding, and any other items holding moisture or water inside the building can develop mold within 24 to 48 hours.

Do Not…

• Re-enter your home before checking for structural damage.
• If the fire department turns off your utilities (water, electricity, and gas) before they leave, it means they are unsafe to use. Do not try to turn them back on by yourself as this could be very dangerous and cause further damage to your home.
• Attempt to clean carpet and drapes. In many cases they will have to be removed. Drying without decontaminating does not remove mold spores.
• Turn on anything with an electric current if you smell natural gas, including telephone or light switches. Any small spark can cause a fire.
• Leave wet fabrics in place; dry as soon as possible. Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.
• Leave books, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpets or floors.
• Use your household vacuum to remove water.
• Use TVs or other appliances while standing on wet carpet or floors, especially not on wet concrete floors.
• Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings sag from retained water

If Pipes Are Frozen

1. Look and see if you can locate a break before thawing.
2. Increase temperatures in the home to help warm pipes.
3. Try to run the water, it may help thaw the pipes.
4. If you locate a break, immediately turn off your home’s water main to prevent further damage.
5. Never try to thaw a pipe with a torch or open flame, this could cause fire or further damage. A hair dryer or heating pad works well for thawing pipes.
6. Move boxes and items off of the floor so they do not get damaged if a pipe bursts.
7. If flooding occurs, unplug electric items, which may come in contact with water.
8. If necessary, call a plumber or restoration company for assistance.

Help With Claims

Understanding the Claim Process

For people experiencing a disaster for the first time, navigating through your insurance company’s claims process can be cumbersome.Since 1959 J. Bowers Construction has worked closely with property owners and insurance companies to complete the process quickly and efficiently. J. Bowers Construction offers the following five step guide to help simplify submitting and working through your claim:

Step 1: Submit your claim

You can submit your claim through your insurance agent and often through a select representative of your insurance provider. Typically you may submit your claim in several different ways, including over the telephone or over the internet. In most cases, you will talk to your agent who then provides you with direction and, in some cases, submits the claim on your behalf.

Step 2: Property adjuster assigned

Following the submission and filing of a claim, your insurance company will assign a property adjuster to assess your claim. While this is the most common scenario, your insurance company’s claims process may differ. The assigned property adjuster will usually meet you at your home or property to inspect the damage and then move forward with settling the claim.

Step 3: Look into your insurance policy

Understanding your insurance policy is a vital step to the process. One of the items often overlooked within a property policy is the necessity and responsibility of the property owner to prevent further damage to the property. With that said, it becomes the home owner’s responsibility to communicate with your insurance carrier, and if necessary, submit a claim without delay. Staying in your home may be unsafe, resulting in additional costs for food, lodging, etc. You will need to keep track of all associated expenses, as you may need to submit receipts as part of the claim for reimbursement.

Step 4: J. Bowers Construction takes it from here

Understand that in most cases, it takes time for your insurance company to process and settle the claim after submission. Several factors contribute to the length of processing time. Some claims may take as little as days, and others take months to go through from beginning to end.

Regardless of time frame, a J. Bowers Construction acts quickly to minimize the impact on your home and family. We work with your insurance provider on every aspect of your claim to save time and expedite the repair process. Our goal is to return your property to pre-loss condition as soon as possible.

Step 5: The work is finished – what’s next?

When the repair process winds down and restoration nears completion, you may wonder about how to handle billing. In most cases, the insurance provider will pay the restoration contractor directly. However, your insurance provider may work a little differently. In some instances, the provider issues a check to the property or home owner. In this situation, the homeowner would make the payment to the restoration contractor upon completion of the work.

Ultimately, your insurance provider may hold you responsible for paying your deductible, usually collected by the selected contractor before work begins. Familiarize yourself with your policy to ensure you pay the proper deductible, if required.

J. Bowers Construction since 1959 has the experience of working with insurance providers and homeowners. Feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have regarding claims. Call us at 800-289-9050 or send us your contact information for a call back.

FAQ’s

Is water removal covered by my insurance?

Insurance coverage depends entirely on your insurance policy. If your basement flooding is caused by a flooded toilet or broken pipe then the answer will most likely be yes. If the flooding is cause by rain fall, you may need a flood restoration policy. Your insurance company can provide you with a definitive answer.

How long will it take to dry?

Depending on a variety of conditions, most properties take an average of 3-5 days to completely dry. Continuous operation of professional drying equipment along with monitoring and adjustments made by a J. Bowers Construction team member will ensure the quickest drying outcome for your space.

How do you monitor the drying?

Our certified mitigation technicians will take moisture readings to determine moisture levels in the affected areas. Throughout the drying process, a representative from J. Bowers Construction will schedule periodic checks so they can monitor moisture readings and adjust equipment to accelerate drying.

Is it safe to stay on site during the drying process?

Noise and wind velocity created by air movers are sometimes bothersome. However, it is safe to stay on site unless instructed otherwise by your insurance company, your J. Bowers Construction representative, or your physician if you have unique medical circumstances. When in doubt, call us for advice.

Why is there a strange odor?

Even if the source of water that caused your flood is fresh, many property owners notice a strange smell following water damage. What you smell is bacterial off-gassing odor from building materials, furniture, dormant spills or possible pet accident areas. Most odors dissipate as the humidity drops back to normal levels. Additionally, we apply antimicrobial treatments to reduce bacterial growth and eliminate odors.

Will my floors need to be replaced?

The type of flooring, amount of moisture exposure, and severity of loss determine whether your flooring can be salvaged or will require replacement. We aim to restore whenever possible. Your J. Bowers Construction estimator and claims adjuster can help determine the most cost effective solution.

Should I be concerned about bacterial or mold growth?

With J. Bowers Construction Rapid Response, water removal and thorough drying process, there is very little chance bacterial organisms could turn into mold growth. On occasion, J. Bowers Construction’s personnel discover untreated water damaged areas where advanced mold growth activity is already in process. In these cases, we isolate the areas until a licensed environmental hygienist can evaluate and determine a plan going forward.

How will you match my carpet pad to the existing pad?

Our mitigation technicians will take a small sample of carpet pad, from an unaffected area, with them in order to match it to the newer section.

My ceiling and/or walls are wet. Why didn’t the emergency mitigation technicians remove the drywall?

Due to federal regulations, we cannot remove drywall materials from any building-regardless of age, without first testing for asbestos content. If the materials test positive it will be removed under containment during the reconstruction phase, ensuring no one is exposed to unhealthy contaminants.

What type of equipment does J. Bowers Construction use?

Air movers:

We use fans to create a frictional force against the wet materials. This accelerates evaporation and pushes the moisture into the air. Additionally, it keeps the air well mixed for dehumidification.

Dehumidifiers:

Dehumidifiers are used to pull moisture out of the air and condense them back into liquid form. You will notice a drain tube pulling water out of the dehumidifier and into your sink or toilet. This is the quickest process known to drying science in removing unwanted moisture.

Are your antimicrobial and disinfectants safe for children and pets?

Our solution is a natural green product made from plant oils and mineral extracts. It is a disinfectant and a deodorizer in one. The disinfectant helps prevent the spread of microbial growth and the deodorizer stabilizes odors released in humid conditions. Our product is registered with the EPA as a food grade disinfectant and will cause no harm to occupants or pets. If any occupants of your home have chemical sensitivities, please advise our technicians.

What can I do to help?

The most important thing you can do to speed up the drying process and ensure your structure dries completely is to leave the equipment running at all times and notify us immediately if it shuts off for any reason. Also, having available access to your property greatly reduces the time needed to finish the job.

Who is ultimately responsible for payment?

The property owner is responsible for payment. If you have filed an insurance claim, J. Bowers Construction will collect your deductible at the time of service. The day following your loss, you can expect a call from our manager of new accounts, making sure we have all the information to quickly and accurately submit your claim and set up your account. Your J. Bowers Construction estimator will take care of working with your insurance company, ensuring the claims handling process runs as smoothly as possible.

Water Damage Prevention

It is possible to prevent and mitigate water damage by taking the proper precautions before a flood. Safeguard your home against heavy rain, natural disasters, frozen pipes, and water dams by following the suggestions below.

Prevention Water Damage and Flooding Prevention

• Make sure gutters and downspouts stay clear by checking them regularly and removing any blockages.
• Anchor any fuel tanks.
• Install backflow valves or standpipes to prevent sewer lines from backing up.
• Elevate your washer, dryer, water heater, oil tank, furnace, and electrical wiring on concrete blocks. If you’re unable to raise an item, anchor it and protect it with a floodwall or shield.
• Install a sump pump system if you have below-grade floors.
• Landscape with plants and vegetation that resist soil erosion.
• Store irreplaceable family items and important documents in elevated areas of your home, avoiding the basement.
• Install a flood-detection device, usually in your basement, that sounds an alarm when it senses water.
• Create a safety kit with drinking water, canned food, first aid, blankets, a radio, and a flashlight.

For more detailed information regarding safety planning and flood safety, visit www.ready.gov/floods.

If you need assistance with water damage restoration or flood cleanup, call J. Bowers Construction anytime. We offer free evaluation and emergency flood response. Call us day or night at 800-289-9050 or send us your contact information for a call back.

10 Tips To Prevent Frozen Pipes

When water freezes, it expands. If ice forms in your water pipes, it can shatter pipe seals or the pipes themselves, sending water pouring through your home or business. If overnight temperatures outdoors drop below freezing, unprotected pipes can burst. To prevent that from happening, J. Bowers Construction suggests the following to prevent water damage:

1. Insulate pipes in basements, crawl spaces and the attic where the temperatures might drop below freezing.
2. Seal any openings that allow cold air inside – like those around dryer vents, electrical wiring or pipes.
3. In areas of potential freezing, have the water drip into the sink to keep the flow moving.
4. Open cabinet doors under sinks and closets where pipes are located to let in the heat.
5. Keep doors ajar between heated and unheated rooms.
6. Make sure water has been turned off and drained from the swamp cooler, and winterize it.
7. Disconnect all hoses from outside faucets. Cover outside faucets connected to the house.
8. Know where to turn off water to the house. Show everyone in the house where it is located and how to shut it off.
9. If the house will be unheated for a period of time, turn off water at the meter and open all faucets to drain pipes. Flush all toilets and add antifreeze to toilet tanks.
10. If on vacation, keep heat in your home no lower than 55 degrees and have someone check in daily.

Ice Damming Prevention

During the winter, J. Bowers Construction sees damage to homes and businesses caused by ice dams on rooftops. Ice dams occur when heavy snow buildup melts during the day and then refreezes when temperatures drop overnight. It is common for the melted water and ice to work its way under the shingles until the water eventually enters the attic, causing damage to the ceilings, walls, and furnishings.

1. Make sure soffits and attic spaces are properly insulated and vented.
2. Inspect gutters and downspouts; clean them out so water can run unimpeded.
3. Use electric de-icing cables on the roof to keep ice from forming.
4. Install de-icing cables in gutters and downspouts.
5. Call an electrical contractor for information on de-icing systems and proper installation.

Once Ice Dams have occurred, combatting the destructive effects becomes more difficult. For help removing ice dams and restoring any damage they might have caused, call a water damage restoration company, like J. Bowers Construction. In the meantime:

• Never use an axe or shovel to remove ice. You could cause damage to your roof.
• Avoid climbing on the roof to prevent accidental injury.

Hopefully you never fall victim to a flooded basement. However, it is one of the more common property damages we deal with in Ohio. Many things can lead to a flooded basement; here are a few of the most common causes:

• Rain Fall
• Snow Melt
• Leaky Pipe
• Burst Pipe
• Bathroom Leaks
• Improper Drainage or Grading
• Sump Pump Backup or Failure

If you notice a small leak anywhere in your home, take action to get it repaired. Waiting can lead to larger issues including water damage, structural damage, mold, and mildew. J. Bowers Construction handles everything from small leaks to large floods.

If you have any questions about flood prevention or remediation, give us a ring at 800-289-9050. We operate 24 hours a day and have expert technicians standing by in case of an emergency.

Commercial Water Damage Cleanup & Restoration

GET YOUR BUSINESS BACK UP AND RUNNING QUICKLY AND SAFELY

Besides the worry of getting your building repaired, you are more than likely also concerned with the money you could lose with your time out of production and or the safety of your staff. All of these concerns can be very stressful but J. Bowers Construction understands how important it is for business owners to reduce the loss of revenue after a disaster. Knowing that we work hard to get the job done fast yet safely while accurately documenting every step in our claims management software. So no matter if you are dealing with destruction from a storm, flood or fire damage, J. Bowers Construction is prepared to mitigate the loss ensuring confidence and trust.

Electronics Decontamination & Recovery

Case Histories have shown that 80% of fire and water damaged electronics and communications equipment can be successfully restored to pre-loss condition. Reviving your electronics, when appropriate, can save as much as 85% over replacement cost and can be completed within days.

Our Contents Restoration Team can restore a wide range of electronic equipment including:

• Computer Systems
• Control Devices
• Home Appliances
• Home Entertainment Systems
• Manufacturing and Testing Equipment
• Microwave and Convection Ovens
• Radio and Telephone Systems
• Robotics and Automation Components
• Security and Surveillance Systems
• VCR and Television Systems
• Medical Equipment

Electronics Recovery Process:

• Evaluate and Disassemble
• Cleaning and Decontamination
• Electronics Drying
• Inspection and Testing

J. Bowers Construction electronics cleaning and decontamination lab is designed to process and restore damaged and contaminated electronics and data. Once items arrive in the EDS lab, they are handled and processed in an engineered and controlled environment.

• EVALUATE AND DISASSEMBLE

Pre-evaluated electronics are first taken to the Disassembly Station, where they can be more closely inspected and a course of action determined. They are then disassembled and prepped for cleaning and decontamination.

• CLEANING AND DECONTAMINATION

Disassembled items are brought to the HP wash Bay where they are thoroughly cleaned and decontaminated in controlled conditions, solutions and environment.

• ELECTRONICS DRYING

Electronic circuitry are baked dry using radiant heating technology at precisely controlled temperatures.

• INSPECTION AND TESTING

Items are carefully reassembled, inspected, and tested for proper operation prior to repackaging for shipment.

Unfortunately, time works against recover. Once a disaster occurs, act fast by contacting an electronics restoration company like J. Bowers Construction to stop corrosion in its tracks. Our goal is to restore whenever possible, saving you and your insurance company money in the process. We also provide periodic cleaning and decontamination of electronic devices, significantly increasing reliability and longevity of the equipment.

We offer free evaluations at any time of the day. To receive an estimate, call 800-289-9050 or you may send us your contact information and we will call you.

Contact Us

When disaster strikes, knowing you have professional help can bring you peace of mind. Acting quickly is the key to preventing damage from worsening or putting your family’s health at risk. J. Bowers Construction is a disaster recovery company specializing in emergency restoration services in Akron/Canton, including water removal and restoration, fire damage clean up, and mold remediation for residential and commercial properties. Please call us anytime at (800) 289-9050 for an evaluation to get your property safely on the road to restoration.

Phone: (800) 289-9050

Address: 3113 Mogadore Rd. Akron, OH 44312