Why Skipping Professional Assessment Is a Costly Mistake

Many homeowners believe they can handle water damage on their own, especially when it seems minor. However, water has an uncanny ability to travel through hidden pathways, seeping into walls, under flooring, and through tiny cracks you never knew existed. A professional water damage assessment uses specialized equipment like moisture meters, thermal imaging cameras, and hygrometers to detect moisture in places you’d never think to check.

The financial implications of missing hidden water damage can be staggering. What starts as a $500 DIY cleanup can quickly escalate to a $5,000 structural repair job when untreated moisture causes wood rot, compromises drywall integrity, or creates the perfect breeding ground for mold. Insurance companies often deny claims when proper documentation of initial damage is lacking, leaving homeowners to foot the entire bill themselves.

Beyond the monetary concerns, there’s the health factor to consider. Mold can begin growing within 24-48 hours of water exposure, and once it takes hold, it becomes increasingly difficult and expensive to remediate. Professional assessors understand these risks and can identify potential problem areas before they become health hazards for your family.

What Happens During a Professional Water Damage Assessment

A thorough water damage assessment is far more comprehensive than most people realize. When professionals arrive at your property, they don’t just look at the obvious wet spots—they conduct a systematic evaluation that covers every potentially affected area. The process typically begins with a detailed inspection of the source of water damage, whether it’s a burst pipe, roof leak, or flooding from external sources.

Using advanced moisture detection equipment, assessors map out the full extent of water migration throughout your property. They’ll check behind walls, under carpets, inside cabinets, and even in your HVAC system. This technology can detect moisture levels that are invisible to the naked eye but high enough to cause serious problems if left untreated. The assessment team also evaluates the category of water damage—whether it’s clean water, gray water, or black water—which determines the appropriate restoration approach and safety protocols.

Documentation is another crucial aspect of professional assessment. Technicians take detailed photographs, moisture readings, and create comprehensive reports that outline the damage scope, affected materials, and recommended restoration steps. This documentation becomes invaluable not only for guiding the restoration process but also for supporting your insurance claim with concrete evidence of the damage extent.

The Assessment’s Role in Restoration Success

A professional water damage assessment serves as the foundation for an effective restoration strategy. Without accurate initial data, restoration efforts become guesswork, potentially leading to incomplete drying, recurring problems, or unnecessary demolition of salvageable materials.

Creating a Targeted Restoration Plan

Based on assessment findings, restoration professionals develop a customized action plan that addresses your specific situation. This might include strategic placement of industrial dehumidifiers, targeted removal of irreparably damaged materials, and specialized treatments for different types of affected surfaces. The assessment data helps determine whether materials can be dried in place or need removal, saving both time and money by avoiding unnecessary demolition.

Monitoring Progress Effectively

Throughout the restoration process, the initial assessment serves as a baseline for measuring progress. Daily moisture readings are compared against initial levels to ensure drying is proceeding as expected. If certain areas aren’t responding to treatment, the restoration team can adjust their approach before secondary damage occurs. This systematic monitoring, rooted in thorough initial assessment, dramatically improves restoration success rates.

Preventing Future Problems

Perhaps most importantly, a professional assessment often reveals underlying issues that contributed to the water damage. Maybe there’s inadequate ventilation in your bathroom, or your home’s grading directs water toward your foundation. Identifying these vulnerabilities allows you to address root causes, preventing future water damage incidents and protecting your investment in restoration work.

Maximizing Your Insurance Claim with Proper Assessment

Insurance companies require substantial evidence to approve water damage claims, and a professional assessment provides exactly that. The detailed documentation, including time-stamped photos, moisture readings, and expert analysis, creates an indisputable record of your loss that insurance adjusters need to process your claim fairly and efficiently.

Understanding Coverage Implications

Professional assessors understand insurance terminology and requirements, helping you navigate the often-confusing claims process. They can identify whether damage falls under sudden and accidental coverage or if it might be excluded due to long-term neglect. This expertise proves invaluable when communicating with insurance representatives, ensuring you present your claim in the most favorable light while remaining completely honest about the damage circumstances.

Avoiding Claim Delays and Denials

One of the most common reasons for claim delays or denials is insufficient documentation. When you have a professional water damage assessment report, you’re providing insurers with industry-standard documentation they recognize and trust. This credibility often translates to faster claim processing and fewer requests for additional information. The assessment report also helps establish the pre-loss condition of your property, which is crucial for determining appropriate compensation.

Negotiating Fair Settlements

Armed with professional assessment data, you’re in a much stronger position to negotiate with insurance companies. If an adjuster suggests a lower settlement than necessary for proper restoration, your assessment documentation provides concrete evidence to support your position. This objective, third-party evaluation often makes the difference between receiving adequate compensation and being left with out-of-pocket expenses for necessary repairs.

Taking Action: Your Next Steps

Water damage doesn’t improve with time—it only gets worse. If you’re dealing with any level of water damage, from a small leak to major flooding, the most important step you can take is getting a professional water damage assessment immediately. The cost of assessment pales in comparison to the potential expenses of undetected damage, failed insurance claims, and health risks from mold growth.

Don’t let visible water damage fool you into thinking you’ve seen the whole problem. Take action today to protect your home, your health, and your financial well-being. For expert water damage assessment and restoration services you can trust, visit Green Clean Water Damage Restoration to learn how their certified professionals can help you navigate this challenging situation with confidence and expertise.

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Four Common Sources of Water Damage in St. Paul Homes

Dishwashers

Dishwashers can cause significant damage when they leak. Damaged door seals, clogged drain lines, loose or broken valves, and pump and hose issues can all result in leaks. Water seeping under your cabinets and flooring often goes unnoticed until it causes warping, mold, and even structural damage. 

Washing Machines

Washing machines use a lot of water, which has the potential to cause a lot of damage if there is a problem. Damaged supply hoses, overflows, or clogged drains can lead to ruined flooring, mold growth, and soaked drywall. This problem can be particularly bad when a washing machine is located on the upper floor of a home or apartment building, allowing leaks to seep into ceilings or walls below.

Water Heaters

Water heaters also hold and handle a lot of water. As they get older, they can develop leaks on both tanks and connections. These issues can cause problems ranging from slow, steady leaks to a sudden burst. They can also be especially destructive when the leaks go unnoticed for a long time – this can happen with water heaters that are out of sight in a basement or closet. 

Refrigerators

Refrigerators with ice makers or water dispensers are common sources of damaging leaks. Similar to dishwasher leaks, they can damage flooring, cabinets, and even the structure of your home. Cracked, damaged, or clogged water supply lines, and ice maker issues are common sources of refrigerator leaks. 

How To Get Help With Water Damage From Appliances 

If your home, commercial property, or rental property contains water-using appliances, checking frequently for leaks and other maintenance issues is important. Make sure you inspect them on a regular basis, and know the age of the appliances in your property – replacing them regularly can prevent future problems. 

Even with careful prevention, water damage can still occur. Freezing Twin Cities temperatures, accidents that happen during moving or remodeling, and accidental misuse can all cause water-using appliances to leak. After water damage has occurred at your home or business, the best thing you can do is take quick action. The longer water damage is allowed to sit (and spread), the worse the problem will become. 

Contacting a professional water damage restoration company right away is critical. At Green Clean, we have been helping Minneapolis homeowners beat water damage for over 20 years. We can get our experienced teams and specialized equipment on-site right away to stop the damage and start getting life back to normal. If you need help with water damage at your property, contact us today to learn more. 

The post Four Common Appliances That Can Cause Water Damage in Your Minnesota Home appeared first on Green Clean | MN Water & Fire Damage Restoration Services.

If your basement is finished, this means that your drywall, flooring, furniture, and other property could be ruined. If the water issues aren’t dealt with quickly, the damage can spread, and mold can even start to grow. In this article, we will explain the most common sources of spring basement flooding, the problems it can cause, and how to get help restoring your property. 

Why Do Basements Flood In The Spring?

Although your basement can experience water damage at any time of year, there are a few leading spring-related causes of basement floods. Read for an explanation of each.

Thawing Spring Temperatures

A spring thaw occurs when temperatures are warm enough for the snow to melt. Compacted snow around your home and on your roof can contain many gallons of water. If it has no channel to drain away from your foundation, large amounts of water can seep into the foundation or cracks in the basement walls. 

Rainy Spring Weather

Late spring, in particular, can bring large amounts of rain to the Twin Cities. Heavy rains can cause flooding by oversaturating the ground, which is already wet from melting snow or previous storms.

Improperly Installed Downspouts

Your downspouts are meant to direct water away from your home and foundation. Downspouts should release water at least six feet away from your foundation and drain away from the home. If your downspouts are broken, missing, or clogged, water will pool next to the house, where it can lead to basement flooding. 

Clogged Gutters Due To Debris

Like the downspouts, gutters divert water away from your home, helping to keep the basement dry. However, your gutters may become clogged with leaves, twigs, and other debris. Cleaning your gutters in the fall can prevent problems with water collecting on your roof and near your home in spring.  

How A Flooded Basement Can Damage Your Property

Water Damage To Basement Finishes

The most obvious form of basement water damage is to the finishes in this area. Carpets can get soaked, and drywall will suck up water, getting swollen and stained. If the flooding is widespread, it is often tough to save any of these materials. 

Dangerous Mold Growth 

Mold can start growing in as little as 24 hours, so a basement that has been soaked with dirty groundwater needs to be dealt with right away. The longer you wait, the more mold can grow. Large amounts of mold can damage the structure of your property, and it is detrimental to the health of anyone in the building.

Structural Issues With Your Foundation and Walls

If you have a finished basement, it may be harder to notice cracks in your walls and foundation. Water can seep through damaged areas in your foundation walls. If this goes on for too long, it may cause bigger foundation cracks and the walls to cave in. This can happen year-round, but homes are more susceptible in spring when the amount of water in the ground may be excessive.

How To Get Professional Help With A Flooded Minnesota Basement

Rainy days combined with snowmelt can result in high groundwater levels. This excess water can find its way into any crack or opening in your basement foundation, bringing wet, flooded basements. 

If you had water issues in your basement last spring, it will probably happen again, so it’s important that you take steps to improve the drainage conditions inside and outside of your home.

 It’s also critical that you know who to call if your basement does flood. At Green Clean, we have over 20 years of experience helping Twin Cities residents. We can quickly restore your home or business, stopping water damage right away. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help get life back to normal – anywhere in your home. 

The post Basement Flooding In Spring: What Minnesota Homeowners Need To Know appeared first on Green Clean | MN Water & Fire Damage Restoration Services.

Water damage is, unfortunately, very common in Minnesota condo communities. In fact, it is the most common type of insurance claim made for this type of residence. Condo communities have so many pipes, toilets, sinks, washing machines, hot water heaters, and dishwashers…Countless opportunities for water leaks to occur!  

Water leaks can have a bigger impact in these situations because one leak can also cause destruction in the units adjacent to and below the affected unit. There is also potential for the building’s common elements, shared utilities, and structural elements to be damaged by a single leak. If you want to know more about how to protect your property, read on.   

What Are The Most Common Sources Of Water Damage In Condominiums? 

In order to prevent water leaks in your condo, you need to understand how they typically occur. Here are eight of the most common sources of water damage in condominium communities. 

Leaking and Burst Plumbing

Burst pipes and everyday leaks in condominium buildings have the potential to cause damage to multiple units, particularly if they go unnoticed over time.

Roof Leaks

The flat roofs that many condo buildings have are susceptible to water pooling and leaking through cracks or other damaged areas. 

HVAC System Leaks

Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) systems in condominium buildings can have large and complex designs that pass through multiple units. Air conditioning drain lines, in particular, often leak and cause water damage. 

Sprinkler System Issues

Many large condominium communities have sprinkler systems for fire protection that can leak slowly or accidentally discharge large amounts of water. 

Window and Door Seals

Particularly during rain storms with a lot of wind, water can enter sealed areas like windows and doors. 

Balcony Drainage 

If your condo has balconies on the upper floors, the balcony drain lines can get clogged and prevent water from flowing out. This standing water will eventually often leak into the units below. 

Appliance Leaks

Hot water heaters, dishwashers, washing machines, ice makers, and water filters can all leak or overflow and cause water damage. 

Poor Maintenance Plans

Condo building managers and owners need to complete regular inspections, scheduled maintenance projects, and prompt repairs in order to prevent water damage from growing or even occurring in the first place. 

Who Is Responsible For Water Damage In Condo Buildings?

If you overload your washing machine and it leaks, it’s pretty easy to understand that you will be responsible for the damage. What about water that comes from your upstairs neighbor’s bathtub or from the roof that is maintained by the community? Unfortunately, this simple question does not have a simple answer.  Some types of damage will be covered by the community or association, but other types of damage will be the owner’s responsibility:It all depends on where the water damage came from, how much damage was caused, and the condominium’s governing documents.

Generally speaking, the community or association will be responsible for repairing damage that comes from common elements such as leaks in roofs. Owners are typically expected to repair damage that occurred or originated within them. However, in cases where the leak started outside of a unit, responsibility may be shared among multiple parties. The best thing to do is to review your community’s governing documents carefully and make sure you have adequate insurance coverage to protect your home from all types of situations. 

How Do Get Help With Water Damage In A Twin Cities Condo

While you can take steps to prevent water damage that originates in your own unit, leaks and other problems coming from neighboring units may be out of your control. It’s important to develop relationships with your neighbors and participate in your homeowner’s association maintenance decisions. Preventing a leak elsewhere in your building may mean avoiding significant damage to your home as well. If you do find yourself faced with water damage in your individual condo or entire community, Green Clean is here to help. We have the team, tools, and fast response time needed to make quick work of big projects. We are experts at leak detection, moisture measurement and removal, and complete restoration services. Contact us today to learn how we can help you and your entire community.

The post Why Is Water Damage So Common In Condos? appeared first on Green Clean | MN Water & Fire Damage Restoration Services.

How To Spot Ceiling Water Damage 

Spotting ceiling water damage early on is critical – stopping the problem before it spreads can prevent costly repairs and even health problems for the residents of your property. Here is what you need to watch out for at your Twin Cities home, business, or rental property. 

Water Stains

Water stains can appear in many different colors and sizes, but what they all have in common is their source – a leak behind your ceiling. 

Ceiling Cracks 

Both straight and webbed cracks in your ceiling can be signs of moisture from leaks.

Saggy Ceiling 

A leaking roof or pipe will allow water to accumulate, making your ceiling sag, bow, or even collapse. 

Peeling Paint

Too much moisture in your ceiling can make the paint peel, and water can collect in small and even large bubbles.

Mold and Mildew

In wet ceiling materials, mold and mildew can grow quickly. If you see mold on your ceiling, it means there is too much moisture, either in the room or leaking from above. 

Musty Smells

Even if your ceiling looks fine, a musty, moldy, or rotten smell may indicate the presence of water damage.

Common Causes of Ceiling Water Damage

Now that you know how to spot water damage in your ceilings, let’s explain the common causes. Understanding these can help you prevent problems before they happen. 

Leaking or Burst Pipes

Freezing Minneapolis winter temperatures or everyday plumbing problems can cause pipes to have huge, sudden breaks or small, slow leaks. Both can cause major problems and can be tough to spot as most of your home’s plumbing is typically hidden.

Roof Leaks and Ice Dams

A leaking roof and winter ice dams that force water under your shingles and into your home can allow water to seep into your ceiling and cause major damage. 

High Humidity Levels

Bathrooms and kitchens often have higher levels of moisture than the rest of your home, so these rooms can experience ceiling damage caused by excessive humidity. 

Get Expert Local Help For Ceiling Water Damage 

While you should always keep an eye on the condition of your home, It’s particularly important to look for these signs of water damage on your ceilings after extreme weather like heavy rain, snow, or hail. Ceiling water damage is often a sign of issues hidden deep within your property, so getting professional help with finding the problem, stopping it, and repairing it is critical. 

At Green Clean, we have the knowledge and equipment needed to detect hidden leaks. We have advanced moisture mapping and leak detection tools to help us accurately identify the source of your water damage and ensure a complete and safe restoration process.
When you spot it early and take quick action to get help, water damage to ceilings is usually simple to repair. If you wait, it can spread and get much worse: Potential problems like dangerous mold growth and even structural damage to your St. Paul home can happen. If you have noticed any of the signs of ceiling water damage listed above, contact Green Clean right away. We can be on-site quickly to stop the problem, protect your property, and get life back to normal for you as quickly as possible.

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What are the different types of rug materials and fibers? Which is best for you? Read about each type and let Green Clean help clean them! Green Clean is your best local twin city cleaning and restoration company.

Natural Fibers

• Wool, Silk, and Plant-Based (cotton, seagrass, jute, coir, sisal)
• Require more drying time because of their absorbency
• Can be damaged easily by chemicals; they shrink, stain easily, water spot, fade and attract mold and insects
• Biodegradable and made from renewable resources

Wool is soft and luxurious with natural stain resistance and flame-retardant.  Although expensive, wool is the better value; when cared for properly, it can last 50+ years. Wool holds its shape and can be stretched up to 30% without breaking and will bounce back.  Wool rugs can also help purify the air by absorbing indoor air contaminants.

Silk is also soft and luxurious with a high sheen that can yellow with alkaline detergents.  Sunlight exposure can result in fading.  Dry cleaning is the best method to remove soils.  Real silk costs at least $50 per square foot, beware if it costs less.

Cotton is soft, but wears quicker than wool.  Stains and soils easily, can gray and doesn’t wear well in high traffic areas.

Seagrass naturally repeals stains and is the cheapest of all natural fibers.  Seagrass is a tough fiber with a casual look, but not scratchy.

Jute is the softest of all plant fibers, but less durable.  It works well in low to medium traffic areas.  Jute is naturally mold and mildew resistant, but consistent moisture and sunlight can cause deterioration.

Coir is scratchy and rough; durable and rot-resistant, Coir repels insects and is difficult to ignite.

Sisal is a durable carpet/rug and is ideal for high traffic areas.

Synthetic Fibers

• Strong fibers, often water, weather, stain and fade resistant
• Require more frequent cleanings, every 4-5 months
• Yellow with age, can flatten and dull with age

Nylon is the most popular of the synthetic fibers.  Nylon has excellent abrasion resistance as well as resistant to mildew, aging and sunlight fading.  It is poor in resisting stains; durable, often soft or coarse fibers.

Polypropylene (Olefin) is significantly less expensive than nylon.  It resists mold and fading from sunlight, but attracts oil-based stains. Abrasion (moving furniture) can permanently damage the fibers, but high traffic areas can cause abrasion as well.  Olefin has a waxy feel to the touch and the fibers crush easily.

Polyester (PET – Polyethylene Terephthalate) also has a poor resistance to high traffic areas as it mats quickly.  It also attracts oily soils, although it has an excellent resistance to mildew and aging.  High exposure to the sun can cause degradation.   Polyester is soft to the touch with a woolly appearance.

Green Clean can clean your wool, oriental and silk rugs as well as any synthetic blends.  We hand wash all wool, oriental and silk rugs with fiber-specific cleaning agents.  Synthetic rugs can be steam-cleaned or shampooed. We can clean in-home or in our shop as well as pick-up and deliver.  The next time your rug looks dirty and soiled, Call Green Clean at 612-789-9600

Which Rug Is Best For Me? Green Clean Can Help – Best MN Cleaning Company

Searching for the best rug? Here are brief summaries of all the different types of rugs you can purchase. From wool and synthetic to specialty and handwoven rugs, Green Clean in Fridley, MN, is here to help. Whether in our shop or at your location, we ensure your rugs are spotless. Contact us today for a FREE quote and experience the Green Clean difference!

The post Natural & Synthetic Rugs – What You Need to Know appeared first on Green Clean | MN Water & Fire Damage Restoration Services.

Cleaning your tiles and grout offers many benefits to you, a reason you should make a point of cleaning them regularly. In addition to enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your house, here are other benefits of cleaning your tiles and grout.

Prolong your floor’s life  

The buildup of dirt, dust, and liquids over a period of time can have devastating consequences on your house. It can lead to;

• Break down the structure of the flooring 
• Weaken its integrity
• Reduce its lifespan. 

Moreover, grout is porous and therefore quick to hold moisture, making it susceptible to stains and dirt. If these elements are left to accumulate, they can become difficult to clean and can even damage your flooring. 

Whether it is floor tiles or wall tiles, failure to clean them regularly can lead to cracking, discoloration, and fading. Make sure you use the right products for grout and floor cleaning to improve their appearance and prolong their lifespan. 

Safeguard your family’s health 

Your tiles are constantly exposed to dirt, no matter where they are located: Tiles and flooring at the doorways are exposed to dirt and pollen from outside, while tiles in the bathroom and kitchen may grow mold and mildew due to the humid conditions. This could lead to health issues for you and your pets if not addressed accordingly.

Cleaning your tiles properly can eliminate bacteria, dirt, and other substances that lead to diseases. This can go a long way in ensuring your family remains free of infections and illnesses that result from dirty surfaces in your home. 

Enhance your floor’s look  

After many years of service, your tiles begin to lose their authentic color and appeal, and the results are a dull floor and home. Your shower and kitchen may also start to look unattractive not only to you but also to everybody who visits your house. Even worse, your home can lose value, leading to potential buyers canceling a deal just because it appears unhealthy to live in. 

Cleaning the tiles and grout of your house can give your home a new look. At first, you may not realize that your floor looks diminished. But after it has undergone professional cleaning, you will be surprised by how accurately it reminds you of the first day the flooring was installed. 

Remove embedded grime

Properly cleaning your tiles and grout is a sure way to remove stubborn stains and embedded grime that has accumulated over the years, especially in vulnerable areas such as the kitchen and bathrooms. Besides discolored tiles, grime results in odors and bacteria that can make you and your loved ones ill.

Professional cleaners use proper scrubs and special cleaners to eliminate grime, ensuring your home is deep cleaned. They also work on areas that are often overlooked, such as the pantry and under the rags. This leaves your house looking clean and fresh. 

Cost-effective

Certainly, failure to clean your tiles and grout often could see you spend more on replacement once your tiles become totally damaged. However, regular cleaning and maintenance can save you the trouble since it won’t cost near as much. So, don’t wait until the flooring has been damaged beyond repair, as this will definitely spoil your budget and drain your finances down the road. Take care of dirty tiles and grout now to save your money later. 

For a total clean-up of your tiles and grout, you can seek the services of professional cleaners who are sure to get rid of all the dirt, dust, and grime from your tiles to give your house a new look once again.       

Green Clean employs just the right methods and tools to get your tiles and grout cleaned to your satisfaction. Contact us to schedule an appointment.

The post Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Clean Your Home’s Tile and Grout appeared first on Green Clean | MN Water & Fire Damage Restoration Services.

Water damage can be tricky – the place where you notice the damage might not even be near where the issue is coming from. Because of this, it can sometimes be tough to identify the cause of water damage on your property. Water always flows, drips, and seeps downward, so your floors are one of the areas of your home most impacted by water damage. Here are seven of the most common sources of flooring water damage in Twin Cities homes. 

The Four Seasons of Minnesota Weather 

Storms that bring heavy rainfall, snow melt, and issues with your local sewage drains can all result in flooding. This excess water can end up in your home and cause major damage. Sewage cleanup is particularly dangerous and requires professional help. 

Plumbing Leaks 

Plumbing issues are among the most common sources of water damage to Minneapolis homes. Make sure to regularly check your pipes and insulate or turn off anything exposed to freezing temperatures before winter begins. Pipes can freeze and burst in just a few hours, soaking your entire house. Also, keep an eye on your water bill, as any spikes in usage could be a sign of a hidden leak. 

Aging and Leaking Appliances 

Washing machines, dishwashers, and refrigerators can all have problems that lead to big spills or slow, often unnoticed leaks onto the floors. As appliances get older, their pipes can rust and their hoses can weaken or clog. A leaking washing machine can flood your home with up to six gallons of water per minute. Hot water heaters are only meant to last 1o to 15 years. Older hot water heaters can leak and cause large, messy floods. Air conditioner condensate drain lines can also become clogged, causing a water back-up into your home. 

Exterior Issues Like Windows, Doors, and Roofs

Windows or doors may need repairs if they have cracks that let rainwater or melting snow into your home. Damaged or older roofs can allow water to seep into your home, damaging the entire structure. 

High Humidity Levels

Areas of your home with too much humidity can eventually see moisture-related damage to flooring. In Minnesota, kitchens, bathrooms, attics, and basements can suffer from high humidity levels if they are not insulated, ventilated, and waterproofed correctly. Running a dehumidifier in your basement can remove excess moisture from the air, but make sure it drains correctly and does not turn into another leaky appliance. 

Spills and Accidents

Large spills or frequent smaller spills, such as from sinks, pet accidents, sloppy showers, or overflowing bathtubs, can cause water damage to floors over time. 

Sump Pump Problems

If your sump pump stops working or the drain pipes clog, you could end up with a flooded basement and ruined flooring. Keep your sump pump in good repair and drain lines cleared to prevent problems. 

Get Help From a Trusted, Local Water Damage Expert 

If you are dealing with water damage to your floors or any other part of your St. Paul home, contact Green Clean. We have the knowledge, experience, and equipment to stop the damage and safely and completely restore your home. We can even partner with your homeowner’s insurance company to ensure that your claim process is efficient and uncomplicated. Reach out today to learn more about how we can help you. 

The post The Seven Most Common Sources of Water Damage to Flooring appeared first on Green Clean | MN Water & Fire Damage Restoration Services.

In this article, we will explain the problems that water damage can cause on five common types of flooring, plus a few tips on how to spot it: This can be important because the source of the problem may be hidden. Read on to learn how to protect your home and your family. 

Wood Flooring 

There are many homes in the Twin Cities area that have hardwood floors. This flooring type is beloved for its warm character and historical charm. It is durable in many ways, but it can be damaged by prolonged exposure to water or excessive moisture.

Water damage to hardwood floors can cause numerous problems such as warping, cupping, discoloration, musty smells, or even rot that compromises the structural integrity of the flooring. When left untreated, too much moisture will not only stain and weaken the wood, but also can allow mold to grow. 

Carpeted Floors

If your carpet has experienced a large amount of water damage, or even a smaller leak over a long period of time, you are probably dealing with serious problems. Mold, mildew, fungi, and bacteria can grow quickly in wet carpet and on the layers underneath, leading to musty smells and even visual stains and colonies. Mold will release spores into the air, which can cause respiratory issues in people with allergies or asthma. Long-term moisture can also cause the backing and fibers of the carpet (and even the subfloor of your home) to rot. 

If your carpet was soaked with contaminated water, such as from a toilet, storm flood, or sewage back-up, you shouldn’t even consider salvaging that carpet and carpet padding: Contaminated water is full of dangerous organisms that can threaten your health. Only consider cleaning and drying carpets that were briefly wet with clean water. Full carpet replacement with a careful inspection of the subfloor underneath is the best option in most water damage cases. 

Tile Flooring 

While tile flooring is more water resistant than the types listed above, it’s not completely waterproof. Ceramic, travertine, stone, clay, or porcelain tile are all somewhat porous. Tile grout and the adhesive used to attach the tiles to your subfloor are porous, too. Too much moisture (particularly by a major flood that submerges the floor or by a long-term leak) will eventually penetrate your tile floor. Then, the subfloor under your tile and the tile adhesive can also be damaged. 

Water damaged tiles may be stained around the edges, loose, cracked, warped, or make a hollow sound when tapped. This hollow sound is a sign that the adhesive behind the tile is detached, often due to water damage and subfloor warping. 

Laminate Flooring 

Laminate flooring is a durable, affordable, easy-to-clean alternative to traditional hardwood floors. However, it is still made of wood fibers. If it’s exposed to too much moisture for too long, it can suffer from a lot of the same damage as wood flooring, like swelling, warping, cupping, and even cracking or splitting. Mold can also grow in and under water damaged laminate flooring. 

Vinyl Plank Flooring

Another attractive and durable flooring option is vinyl plank or luxury vinyl plank (LVP). LVP does have a water-resistant surface, but it is laid on top of the underlayment and subfloor, which can suffer from water damage. Water damage to vinyl plank flooring can cause the core material of the flooring to expand, resulting in warping, buckling, and even layer separation within the vinyl planks. The seams and edges of the flooring can be points where water can find its way underneath, soaking and damaging the subfloor underneath. Smelly, dangerous mold can also grow under water damaged vinyl plank flooring. 

Don’t Wait to Get Help With Water Damaged Floors

If your St. Paul home has been impacted by water damage, the most important thing you can do is to get expert help right away. The longer you let water damage sit, the worse it will get. Don’t let a small issue turn into a huge restoration project – contact Green Clean today. We are your trusted, local water damage restoration experts. We can get a team on site right away, and get your life back to normal as quickly and safely as possible. 

The post How Water Damage Impacts Different Types of Flooring appeared first on Green Clean | MN Water & Fire Damage Restoration Services.

Twin Cities Unexpected furnace puff-back

We Minnesotans know just how brutal winter can be—for us and our homes. Proper winterization keeps homes safe and warm throughout the season, and a little prep can prevent big problems. One often-overlooked task? Checking furnace vents for blockages that could lead to messy, unexpected issues.

Soot Puff-Back: Case-Study

For one Twin Cities family, Thanksgiving took a surprising turn due to an uninvited guest. A bird that had built a nest in their furnace exhaust pipe. When they turned on the furnace to warm their home, the blocked vent caused a major puff back. This then caused the house to fill with soot and smoke just with a few days from Thanksgiving. This quickly became an extensive cleanup project. This story highlights the importance of checking vents as part of winter prep to avoid costly and time consuming mitigation. Especially around the holidays.

When Green Clean received the call, our fire damage technicians responded swiftly. We arrived on-site, assessed the situation, and provided an estimate. We meticulously cleaned the soot and managed the entire restoration process, start to finish. This real-life incident highlights how easily unexpected fire loss can happen and the importance of keeping home areas clutter-free and having an emergency plan.

What is a Puff-Back?

A “puff-back” occurs when a furnace or boiler malfunctions due to blockages or equipment issues, causing an explosion of soot and smoke that coats the home’s interior. It’s a common issue in colder climates where homes are often sealed tight for winter, and any undetected obstruction in the exhaust pipe can lead to a backflow of dangerous soot.

4 Tips to Prepare for The Winter:

Preventing unexpected furnace puff-backs or fire loss starts, with taking small but critical steps. Here are a few essential fire safety tips every Twin Cities homeowner should follow:

#1: Schedule Regular Furnace Inspections

Consider scheduling a yearly inspection for your furnace, ideally before the heating season begins. (Like August – October). A professional inspection can help spot and fix potential issues, like blockages or nesting birds, so your furnace runs safely and efficiently.

#2: Test Smoke Detectors

Regularly test your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors to make sure they’re charged and working properly. Keeping these detectors powered on is essential—they play a crucial role in detecting dangerous gases and smoke, potentially saving lives in emergencies.

#3: Clean Exhaust Pipes and Vents

Keep your exhaust pipes and vents clear of debris and obstructions. Regularly cleaning these components helps prevent dangerous malfunctions, such as puff backs, and ensures your furnace expels exhaust gases properly.

#4: Prepare For Emergencies

Have a plan in place for handling smoke and soot damage. Know who to contact in case of an emergency, and consider having a professional cleaning service, like Green Clean, ready to quickly and thoroughly address any issues.

How Green Clean Can Help with Unexpected Fire Loss in Twin Cities Homes

When disaster strikes, Green Clean is here to help Twin Cities homeowners recover from unexpected fire loss or furnace puff-back. Our experienced team works quickly and efficiently to assess, clean, and restore homes damaged by fire, ensuring minimal disruption to your life.

From thorough soot removal to complete home restoration, our team is experienced in managing all aspects of fire and smoke damage, ensuring that your home is safe, clean, and comfortable once again.

We truly hope your Minneapolis property never experiences any kind of fire or smoke damage. However, if it does, Green Clean is ready to assist you immediately in getting your home back to normal. Contact us today to learn more.

The post Furnace Puff-Back: How a Bird’s Nest Turned Thanksgiving Upside Down appeared first on Green Clean | MN Water & Fire Damage Restoration Services.