Our Blog
8/20/14
Preventing Water Damage
Why in the world would we want to help you prevent water damage to your home or business? It's simply because we aren't terrible people! Although we love cleaning up water and get excited when we get a call on our emergency line, we hate to see people suffer and have to deal with issues like this one.
DID YOU KNOW that a nice vacation is one of the most coveted, relaxing events you can experience? That’s right… a relaxing time in a beautiful location, enjoying time with family and friends… it can’t be beat.
But that nice vacation becomes a disaster with all kinds of regrets if the family arrives home to a flooded house!
It is one of the absolute worst events in life. You didn’t want to come home. You wanted to extend your vacation, but you know you have to go to work on Monday. So you arrive home late Sunday night, and when you walk in the door, instead of nice, plush carpet awaiting your footsteps, you discover a squishy experience, and the first thing you hear is the sound of a pipe spewing water all over the place in another room.
Oh, if only you had been home when that pipe broke! If you had been home, you could have quickly shut off the main water supply and cleaned up the small mess. But Murphy’s Law dictates that if the worst can happen, it will. Pipes seem to break when no one is home. Sump pumps seem to fail when no one is home. The list goes on and on.
What can you do?
Here are some tips homeowners can use to ensure water damage does not occur:
1. Secure all windows and doors. Remember that a storm can drive water into your home if there is any type of opening, even a small one at a window.
2. Don’t turn off the heat! Keep the thermostat set at a level that ensures nothing inside will freeze. In winter months, you never know how cold it may get when you are on vacation.
3. Some hot water heaters have a vacation setting. Play it safe and take advantage of it.
4. This one is really important! Shut off all water supply sources to anything that might leak, like the washing machine. Even better? If appropriate, shut off the main water supply to the home, but leave instructions if anyone is going to visit or stay at your home while you are away.
5. Make sure your sump pump is in good working order. A failed sump pump means ground water is going to intrude and create havoc in your home.
6. Make sure all your supply lines (toilet, sinks, fridge, washing machine) are in good condition and even upgrade to the braided steel lines.
7. When possible, use a drain pan (and make sure it's connected to a drain line) under your water heater and washing machine.
8. Know where the water main shutoff is for your home and that it (and all shut off valves) work properly.
9. Keep your gutters and downspouts clear and in good condition.
10. Make sure the ground around your home slopes away from your house and not toward it.
So enjoy your next vacation, but don’t let coming home be a disaster. Follow these tips to make sure you don’t suffer from a water damage disaster.
(But if you do, call a US!!! We can help 865-804-7010)
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8/26/15
It's Not 'Just the Carpet'
At Master Construction Alliance, we have been called by good people in Knoxville just like you who need help “just sucking up the water from the carpet.”
This can be water from an overflowing sink, toilet, maybe a washing machine that got a little ambitious during the spin cycle… or it could be from something more serious, like a broken water pipe or roof damage from a storm.
No matter what, some homeowners only see and think about the squishy carpet and don’t know about all those other areas in the home where water has affected it.
That kind of thinking can get you into a lot of trouble.
While water can just damage the carpet, it usually goes other places as well… such as down the register vents into floors below, behind baseboards and then under the walls and then up the drywall, into other rooms, under furniture that you never move, and into all kinds of other areas. It can also get into wood floors you thought were watertight, creating all kinds of very expensive problems if you don’t get it all dried out quick.
Sucking up the water is just part of the job. Detecting where the moisture really went is important, as well as using professional tools and drying equipment to reach those areas and get them like they were before — bone dry, and safe for your family.
Calling Master Construction Alliance immediately and then listening to their expert advice is something smart consumers in Knoxville must do when water causes damage to your home. If you wait too long, you invite a host of difficulties, such as mold and odors that are challenging to remove.
Remember, it’s not “just the carpet” — it can be other areas of your home as well. Don’t take a chance. Call Master Construction Alliance TODAY!
24 / 7 / 365 Emergency help @ 865-804-7010
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8/31/15
Have you ever travelled down a road and came across a sign that said "Now entering a flood plain zone"?
If it was near your home, you might have panicked. But if it was somewhere far from your home, you felt safe.
A floodplain can be dangerous because any home in or near one is subject to flooding. If you have a basement, you have more to worry about.
Here is a link to the City of Knoxville Floodplain Information page.
But did you know that even if you live outside a floodplain, there are flooding issues that you must be aware of?
That’s right. According to some expert sources, up to 1/3 of flood damage occurs outside designated flood areas. A flood in your home can occur from outside sources… or even inside sources.
What can you do right now to be safe?
1. Ensure that your basement is moisture free. Ask for an inspection from an honest and reputable basement waterproofing company.
2. Talk to your plumber about sewer backflow valves. These can really protect your home in the event of a sewer flooding event in your neighborhood.
3. And while talking to your plumber, have him take a look at your sump pump. If that fails, you are in trouble!
4. When you travel, consider turning off the main water supply to your entire home. But even if you don’t do that, be sure to turn off both hot and cold water supplies to your washing machine. For some reason, those break first!
Play it safe. Talk to the local experts at Master Construction Alliance about how safe you really are and how healthy your current insurance plan is.
And keep your water damage professional on speed dial at 865-804-7010 just in case!
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9/8/15
DID YOU KNOW that every home and business in Knoxville has water pipes, sewer pipes and lots of other pipes?
Of course you do, and you also know that they can leak and break and create quite a mess.
One thing that you need when this happens is a company to come to your aid — fast! Thats why Master Construction Alliance has a dedicated 24 / 7 emergency number (865) 804-7010. When a flood happens in a home, there are many causes, such as a broken pipe, or maybe the hot water tank breaks, or sometimes the sump pump fails and the basement fills up with water. A flooded basement is not fun to come home to after a weekend away in the Smokies. Isn’t that when it seems things happen?
Have you ever thought of turning off your water source when you leave for a long vacation? You might consider doing it if you don’t have someone staying at your home. Even though water damage companies can quickly put things back in order for you, it’s best you don’t go through the experience at all!
But accidents happen. When you do have the unfortunate luck of a broken pipe or water coming into your home, you can, of course, clean it up yourself. But a professional water damage restoration company like Master Construction Alliance who specializes in flood cleanup jobs has the professional equipment to quickly remove the water and then dry out your house so you don’t have to worry about mold or mildew starting to grow.
Have you heard the horror stories about mold growing after a pipe breaks, a roof leaks or some other catastrophe? Some of these stories are true. Don’t let this happen to you. When disaster strikes, call Master Construction Alliance at 865-804-7010 to help.
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9/14/15
Knoxville is a great place to raise your family. It’s a place to feel safe and secure. So when an event occurs that takes it all away from you — even temporarily — it’s normal for a feeling of helplessness to overwhelm those in the family.
You need help. You need reassurance. You want everything to be back to normal and you can’t do it alone.
So you turn to your insurance company and your agent you have been paying faithfully for many years. All you want is for your valuable items lost in the disaster to be replaced.
That’s what insurance is for, right?
But then you discover the hassle of proving what you had in the home and the condition of the items. Sure, you may eventually get replacements for all your lost belongings, but it can take a lot of time as you haggle with the insurance adjuster.
How to avoid this
Now is the time to prepare. There are some simple steps you can take to ensure that if the unthinkable does occur — even if it is just your basement flooding from rain waters — you are prepared.
Step 1: Ask your insurance agent if he or she has a worksheet available so you can create an inventory of all your belongings. There are also online sites that have resources to document your belongings.
Step 2: Create the list of all your valuables, even those just valuable to you, and take video or photographs of everything. Be sure to scan all your paper receipts. If you don’t have a scanner, take close-up photographs of your receipts.
Step 3: You need to protect you documentation. Your lists, your photos, your scanned documents… all need to be put in a safe location. Most use the “cloud,” or an online file system that can be accessed from any computer.
You can contact Master Construction Alliance for the names of local Knoxville insurance companies that we can refer you to should you need help in creating an inventory of your personal belongings.
Protect yourself. Have the proof you need in the event of a disaster.
Master Construction Alliance
24 / 7 @ 865-804-7010
Water / Flood / Septic clean up and dry out
Fire - Mold Remediation - Hoarder Property Cleanup
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NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH
September is National Preparedness Month and is sponsored by FEMA. The goal of this program is to educate Americans to prepare for and respond to disasters such as tornados, flash floods, earthquakes and also potential terrorist attacks. Here in Knoxville, most of us can remember the big hail storm that swept through our area just a few years ago.
WHY YOU NEED AN EMERGENCY KIT
Following in the wake of a disaster, the best way you can be an asset to first responders in being able to take care of yourself and your family for a short period of time. If a community has a high percentage of prepared people, that community will recover more quickly.
FEMA encourages everyone to have an emergency kit prepped and ready in your home, office, car or all three.
WHAT TO INCLUDE IN A BASIC EMERGENCY KIT
-One gallon of water per person per day. A three day supply is recommended
-A three day supply of non-perishable food
-A radio that is hand crank, battery powered (fresh and spare batteries) and a NOAA weather radio.
-Cell phone with chargers, power inverter, solar charger, or battery boosters.
-A flashlight with spare batteries or a hand crank flashlight.
-Extra batteries or a solar charger for rechargeable batteries.
-A makeshift shelter. (large tarp, bungee cords, straps)
-First aid kit and prescription meds.
-Heat reflective emergency blankets.
-Moist towelettes, garbage bags (multiple sizes), hygiene items, zip ties.
-Local paper map books (not gps).
-Basic tool kit
-Can opener
-Whistle
ADDITIONAL ITEMS TO CONSIDER
-Change of clothes
-Solid boots or shoes for each family member
-Copies of family documents that are important or sentimental (digital copies, or put copies in a secure safe).
-Camping supplies (weather proof matches, tents, sleeping bags, lanterns, fuel stove).
-Pet items.
-Fire extinguisher
-Flares, flare gun, air horn, signaling mirror, hatchet, machete.
AFTER A STORM, FLOOD, OR HOUSEHOLD DISASTER INVOLVING WATER OR FIRE.
If a natural disaster or other incident occurs follow these tips before and while you enter your home even if the “all clear” has been given by first responders and law personnel.
-Observe the condition of the structure and look for damage.
-As soon as possible, contact a restoration professional to make an assessment.
*Master Construction Alliance @ 865-804-7010*
-Take pictures to document damage.
-Start an inventory of damaged items.
If water, storm, fire, or any other disaster has impacted your home, call Master Construction Alliance at 865-804-7010 to schedule a mitigation and restoration consultation. Master Construction Alliance offers disaster clean up and recover services 24 / 7 / 365.
Master Construction Alliance exists to offer our clients in the Knox County and surrounding areas a true one stop resource for everything remodeling. We strive to operate our company by the following set of values:
Respect Trustworthiness Team Focused
Giving Follow-Through People Focused
Quality Integrity Communication
We service the following communities as well as many others: Knoxville, Farragut, Sequoia Hills, Bearden, Maryville, Alcoa, Oak RIdge, Lenoir City, UT Campus, Downtown Knoxville, Karns, Hardin Valley, Concord, Northshore, Rocky Hill, and many others.
No matter if we are remodeling a kitchen or bathroom, building a new home, or restoring a home from a disaster, we follow our moto “Expect A Masterpiece”!
We offer Masterpiece level services in the following areas:
Kitchen Remodeling Water Damage Clean-Up New Construction
Bathroom Remodeling Fire Damage Clean-Up Light Commercial
Outdoor Living Mold Remediation Roofing
Storm Damage Clean-Up
Hoarder Property Clean-Up
Rebuild Services
With over 50 years of combined experience between our owners, we have the depth of knowledge you need to feel secure that you project is being handled by a team of professionals. Our team holds over eight different licenses and certifications so rest assured, we’ve done our homework.
Call our office today to schedule a consultation or to talk to one of our experts.
865-458-0416
We have a dedicated 24 / 7 emergency hotline for water, fire, or storm emergencies.
865-804-7010
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9/24/15
Are your gutters and downspouts clean? Fall is officially here and soon those leaves are going to be falling and clogging up your gutters. Keep those gutters and downspouts clean or when winter, freezing weather, and rain come you'll be in trouble. Here in Knoxville we have time to enjoy the leaves as they change color, but soon after that there will be piles of dead leaves everywhere. Just don't let one of those piles be in your gutters.
Remember who to call for water, fire, and mold emergencies. From broken pipes, to ice maker supply lines that leak in the middle of the night, and other home and business emergencies. Master Construction Alliance @ 865-804-7010!
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10/8/15
Prepping the House – Part 1
When the weather turns cold, it’s time to turn against the weather.
We don’t want to hear it, but colder weather is just around the corner.
Prepping your home for storms that are either predicted or that can occur at any time is the best defense against wind, water and related storm damages.
Without proper winter preparation of your home, you may end up inviting wind, rain and snow inside and then calling a restoration pro to clean it all up.
Here in East Tennessee, Knoxville mostly dodges the crazy snow that plagues areas to the north of us but we do experience higher levels of rain and often that rain turns to ice.
Tip #1: Inspect the windows
No, not in the glass itself (you can see that easily and would have already replaced broken windows.) Check the weather stripping, the caulking and edges of the glass. Ensure no air is getting in or out. This is easier to check on a windy day. Hold a tissue paper up to the areas you are inspecting to see if there is any movement. If so, repair that area. Replace the caulking or weather stripping if necessary.
Tip #2: Get climbing…
… up on the roof, that is. But keep it safe! Hire someone if you aren’t able to physically do this yourself or if there is any danger of falling. You (or someone) needs to inspect your roofing materials, areas around chimneys and vents… anywhere that water can intrude and cause problems. Be sure to repair any damage before the weather turns bad.
Here is a quick guide from OSHA on ladder safety
https://www.osha.gov/Publications/portable_ladder_qc.html
Tip #3: Clean the gutters
Dirty, cluttered gutters don’t do their job very well. Rain can easily turn into snow and ice, and debris in the gutters means they clog up and can cause all kinds of problems for your home. When the leaves stop falling, get out the ladder or hire a pro to ensure your gutters are ready for winter.
No matter what you do, occasionally water, wind and ice can damage your home. Do the right thing: Call your disaster restoration pros at Master Construction Alliance when those services are needed.
Office 865-458-0416
24 / 7 emergencies 865-804-7010
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11/12/15
DIY is great, just not when it comes to water damage!
If your Knoxville home is affected by water from a flood, pipe leak, sump pump failure, or sewer backup, call Master Construction Alliance for professional water damage restoration services. If the water damage is left untreated or the structure is not dried out properly, your home and belongings could be unsalvageable, resulting in safety concerns, health risks, and costly repair and rebuild expenses. Leave the cleanup to the experts and call Master Construction Alliance today.
Health Concerns
Mold is often a concern in East Tennessee. If the water damage is not treated and cleaned up properly, mold can start to grow on all the wet surfaces in your home. If the wet surfaces aren’t dried quickly, mold will begin to take over your home and belongings within 24 hours of the water damage. Restoration experts have the proper equipment to detect even the slightest bit of mold that could be growing inside the walls or ceilings of your property. Drying out a structure that has been impacted by water is more complicated than a shop vacuum, residential grade dehumidifier, and an old box fan. At Master Construction Alliance, our service technicians are trained for mold remediation. Cleaning up mold, mildew, or bacteria on your own could result in health problems from skin contact or inhalation. Flood water is dirty and often carries bacteria that could be harmful to you as well.
Safety First
When your home is impacted by large amounts of water, the walls and ceilings could be compromised. As the water begins to soak into the walls, your home is at risk of structural damage. When you enter your home and begin to remove the water, you never know what might happen. Your ceiling could potentially cave in, or a wall could collapse. Hidden issues such as slipping, tripping, or falling and even shock hazards from extension cords could come into play. It is important to think of your safety first and hire restoration specialists to handle all the water removal and damage cleanup. Restoration professionals have the proper protective equipment to avoid any safety or health hazards in your water damaged home.
Whenever possible we utilize green cleaning products that require NO protective equipment when being applied. Many of our products have no EPA warning label and utilize food grade plant extracts.
Return Home Quicker
Professional restoration experts will extract the water quickly to minimize the damage. Master Construction Alliance technicians have the proper training, tools, and equipment to dry out your property and belongings quickly. Trained technicians will remove any standing water in your property, extract excess water from your carpets and furniture, and then begin the drying process. It is important to remember that the faster you contact a restoration company after your home experiences water damage, the quicker the water will be removed and you will be able to return home. Not every incident requires a homeowner or business owner to vacate the property while cleanup is happening. Many times the structure can remain occupied while the work is going on. At Master Construction Alliance, we will take the time to craft a customized recovery plan with you regardless of the size of your incident.
Reduce Your Losses
If you call Master Construction Alliance restoration experts immediately after the water damage, you will reduce your losses and save yourself money. The longer the water sits in your home, the worse the damage will be. By calling for help immediately, it will take less time to restore, extract, dry, and clean your property. With a quick response time by our professionals, you might even be able to salvage some of your important belongings, furniture, and maybe even your carpet. Repairing your walls, ceiling, floor boards, and damaged structure is expensive. The quicker you call, the quicker your home will be restored, your belongings will be salvaged, and you’ll be able to return to your property.
Professional Water Damage Restoration
Hiring a professional saves you the stress of having to worry about the mess. With Master Construction Alliance’s disaster restoration, water damage restoration, mold remediation, and hoarding property cleanup services, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your property is in good hands.
Master Construction Alliance serves the entire Knox County community as well as, Knoxville, Hardin Valley, Karns, Lenoir City, Halls, Fountain City, Sequoia Hills, Downtown, Farragut, area.
If you have an emergency call us 24 hours a day at 865-804-7010
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11/24/15
It's the time of year when plumbers get excited! Why? Thanksgiving can often be one of the busiest times of the year for plumbing disasters. During the rush to prepare and cleanup the Thanksgiving feast we will put food into the garbage disposer that should never be placed there. In addition, the massive influx of guests can put our septic and sewage systems in our home into overload. We've provided a few tips from Reuters to help you avoid an expensive call to a plumber on Thanksgiving Day. If however the plumbing at your home decides to rebel and cause you trouble, give us a call. We'll answer and be on the way to save your Thanksgiving Turkey! 865-804-7010.
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12/1/15
Think of holiday home maintenance like cooking Christmas dinner. Although many of us in Knoxville are busy with the mashed potatoes, green bean casserole and sweet potato pie, it doesn't mean you can skip the turkey and hope nobody notices. The truth is between hanging decorations, writing Christmas letters, setting up the tree, shopping for presents and planning for guests, most folks bump home maintenance chores to the bottom of the to-do list. That's unfortunate, since basic home maintenance isn't only important for your home, but it also can make your life a lot easier during the holiday season. Here's our special recipe of home maintenance ideas most likely to help you have a happy holiday season!
Hire a Cleaning Service—As we mentioned before, you've got plenty on your holiday plate already. Throw cleaning the oven, dusting off the ceiling fans, waxing the kitchen floor and vacuuming behind the couch into the mix, and it's not unusual for homeowners to find they've bit off more than they can chew. Set a date just before your company is going to arrive to hire a professional cleaning service to come in and knock all those dreaded cleaning chores off your to-do list. Here in Knoxville there are many great cleaning services from which to choose.
Have Your Heating System Serviced—Nothing puts a damper on holiday fun like a sub-zero abode. If you didn't have your heating system serviced in the fall, there's no better time than the present to make sure it's in tip-top shape. One of my favorite local Knoxville HVAC companies is Rocky Top Heating and Air.
Have Your Chimney Serviced—In many a home Christmas is incomplete without a cozy fire burning. Unfortunately, the creosote buildup found in poorly maintained chimneys is a leading cause of dangerous house fires. If it's been a while since you checked it, you owe it to your guests to get the chimney cleaned.
Seal Door and Window Drafts—If you've been noticing your home is a little drafty, be sure to seal things up before your guests arrive. Caulking, sealing and weather-stripping windows and doors is inexpensive and an effective way to improve your home's overall comfort level and energy efficiency.
Check Snow Shovel and Snow Blower Status—If you live in a cold climate where snow is likely, be sure you've got a good snow shovel or a working snowblower in the garage. Remember, you might not mind tramping through a foot of snow, but you'll need to have your walks and driveway free of ice and snow when grandma and grandpa arrive.
Pick Up Some Ice Melt—Before the big ice storm hits and all the stores are sold out of ice melt, go ahead and stock up. In a pinch, water softener salt works just a well and is often a better value. If you drive a pickup truck, it’s a good idea to grab a couple of sand bags or water softener bags to provide some weight in the back for when slick roads happen.
Prepare Your Home for Freezing Temps—Last winter in Knoxville, we were hit hard with freezing temperatures and as a result many homeowners experienced a claim on their insurance due to major water leaks. Plan ahead and insulate any exposed pipes, remove your garden hoses and shut off your outdoor water faucets, take the extra step to cover the outdoor faucets as well, open cabinets that contain plumbing that are on outside walls. Pick up a few small electric heaters for those extra cold nights and run them near the coldest parts of your home that contain plumbing.
Call us today for emergency help. 865-804-7010 or 865-805-9714
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