The recent rain storms that we have seen in Indiana can cause mold damage to your property down the road. For those of you homeowners that have experienced water damage, it is extremely important to get it dried right away. The key to mold control is moisture control.

*All About Mold*

• There are many types of mold and none of them will grow without water or moisture
• Mold will not normally be found in furnace or air-conditioning ducts unless they were flooded because the heated or air-conditioned air is very dry
• Mold growth is in buildings, not just on your food
• Molds reproduce through small spores, which may contain a single nucleus
• Many molds can begin growing at 4 degrees C., which is the temperature within a typical refrigerator, or less
• Some molds produce mycotoxins that can pose serious health risks to humans and animals
• Symptoms caused by mold allergy are watery, itchy eyes, a chronic cough, headaches, or migraines, difficulty breathing, rashes, tiredness, sinus problems, nasal blockage, and frequent sneezing

Check out the pictures of mold growth from water damage!

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With the warm weather, we can expect a lot of tornado watches during the next few months. Michaelis Corporation wants to make sure that everyone out there knows all about this dreaded part of nature.

Tornadoes can come out of nowhere and hit one house and leave the one next door untouched. A tornado is defined as a violently rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground. When thunderstorms develop in warm, moist air in advance of eastward-moving cold fronts, they produce large hail, strong wind, and tornadoes.

Most people still get confused regarding the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning. We decided to clear this up for you

A tornado watch is telling you that a tornado is possible. Look up and the sky should be dark, large hail will be coming down, and you will hear a loud roar.

A tornado warning is when a tornado has been spotted by radar and you should take cover immediately.

Michaelis Corporation has provided you with some facts and information regarding tornadoes.

Did you know? (tornadodamage.org)

• There is an average of 910 tornadoes per year
• Indiana ranks #15 for frequency of tornadoes
• Every tornado has its own sound, shape, and color
• An average of 80 deaths and over 1500 injuries occur from tornadoes annually
• Tornadoes strike most frequently between 3 and 8 pm
• The average tornado measures 250 feet in width and travels approximately 1 mile
• Waterspouts are tornadoes that form over water
• Peak tornado season is March through May for the southern states and late spring through early summer for the northern states
• Texas has the highest number of tornadoes per year
• The Fujita Scale rates the severity of tornadoes as a measure of the damage they cause
• Tornadoes are not limited to any specific geographic location because it is part of a severe thunderstorm

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Michaelis Corporation was very happy to have some of our employees participate in FDIC’s Courage and Valor 5K Run at White River State Park.

We enjoy getting involved in the community, especially when it comes to supporting our firefighters!

Michaelis wanted to share some of our photos from the event with you

Sunday was the first day of Spring and that means we will be saying “hello” to the wonderful Spring weather! Michaelis Corporation has put together some helpful tips for all you homeowners to prepare yourselves for Spring.

• Check smoke detectors & carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are working properly.
• Ensure that air filters have been cleaned or changed.
• Check your roof for damage from the winter storms. The snow, ice, and/or wind could have destroyed many shingles on your roof or caused further damage and it is very important to have this repaired.
• You should clean up your yard to expose it to the sun and rain. The winter storms can leave behind debris as well as branches from the trees that have fallen from wind damage.
• Check your outside faucets for drips and damage from the winter weather. You will want to make sure they are working properly before it is too late.
• Your crawl space could have moisture or water problems, it is a great idea to have it inspected to make sure that everything is perfect for your home to endure the weather surprises that spring brings.
• Clean out your gutters and downspouts.

With Spring comes rain, and with rain comes hail. Michaelis has provided some helpful facts regarding this issue!

Did you know?

• Roofing systems must be inspected by a professional who has experience determining the extent of the damage. Inspecting the roof yourself is not the best idea when you do not have the proper training to determine deeper damage to your roof.
• Damage may not cause your roof to leak right away, but if not treated as soon as possible, your home will see the consequences of this procrastination. We have had homeowners with costly damage from something that should have been taken care of years ago.
• There is about 1.6 billion dollars worth of residental roof damage each year.
• Many insurance companies will not cover the cost of hail damage without a professional roof inspection.
• Even small hailstones can cause extensive damage to your shingles. Most people only think of the large hailstones to cause damage and are therefore, not too concerned.

*Remember to call 317-251-1935 for all of your restoration needs*

When you contact or do research on a restoration company, it is very important to make sure you are getting a certified professional. Michaelis Corporation has provided you with a list of important questions that should be answered before work begins on your property.

1. How long have they been in business?
2. Do they have a website? If so, make sure to check it out.
3. Do they have professional equipment to use that will ensure that the job is done right?
4. What is the company’s experience with fire restoration?
5. What is the company’s experience with water extraction and mold?
6. Check the BBB for reviews.
7. Does the company have the proper certifications?  Most companies will place these on their website where you can in turn click to see what the certification entails. This is very IMPORTANT to do your research on.
8. Ask how often their employees get recertified. The more they do this, the more updated everyone is on the correct procedures and techniques to use when doing restoration.
9. Most companies have testimonials on their website and it is a very good idea to read these. This will give you a better understanding of the work  that they have done and how well they completed the jobs.
10. Look at before and after pictures to ensure that you like the work that the company has completed. This can once again be found on the website or you can ask the company for some pictures of past work. Michaelis would be more than happy to provide you with these and we have plenty on our website.

*Most companies will allow you to tour their facility so you can see the equipment that is being used before work is started, if it will make you feel more comfortable.*

We hope that these questions will help you in getting the right company to complete your restoration. Michaelis Corporation is always available to help you get your property back to an equal or better state than its original condition.

Be sure to call us at 317-251-1935 today!

We are having a contest on our Facebook this week! The person who is the closest to guessing how many nails are in the jar will win a gift card

Be sure to check out our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/michaeliscorp and start guessing!

Indiana has experienced a few weeks of heavy rain spouts and a lot of flooding. For those homeowners that have received some water damage from the storm, have you ever wondered what the restoration procedures are actually for?

• They are designed for moisture removal and control
• To prevent or stop the growth of biological contamination
• To stop the growth of mold and mildew
• To remove and extract the maximum levels of spores caused by the biological contamination

We have provided some tips for homeowners who have experienced a loss and are waiting for a restoration crew to arrive, like Michaelis.

• Increase air flow with fans, open windows, air conditoiners, and dehumidifiers
• If objects are broken or begin to fall apart, place all broken pieces in open containers. Do not attempt to repair objects until completely dry, or until you have consulted with your restoration specialists
• Documents, books, or photographs may be extremely fragile when wet, use caution when handling. Free the edges of prints and paper objects in mat and frames, if possible. Rinse mud off wet photographs with  clear water, but do not touch surfaces. Sodden books and papers should also be air dried
• Remove wet paintings from the frame, but not the stretcher
• Rinse metal objects exposed to flood waters with clear water and dry immediately with a clean soft towel

*Call 251-1935 and Michaelis Corporation will take care of the rest*

On Wednesday, February 16th 2011, Michaelis Corporation participated in The Indiana Apartment Association’s Rebuilding Lives Bowling Event.

Michaelis Corporation was very excited to be able to get out and bowl for a great cause. As a company that works every day with customers who experience disasters, we know how hard it can be for these homeowners.

Richard, Tom H., Amanda, and Amy all took part in the bowling event. Check out the picture below of them getting ready to dominate the lanes

This past week, we were called out to an apartment fire that caused many families to lose their homes and personal belongings. Fortunately, they were able to relocate in vacant apartments in the building, but were still left with the heartache of losing their personal items.

Amanda and Tom V. drove all the way to Louisville, Kentucky on Friday afternoon to pick up furniture that UpScale lent to the families in need. Michaelis Corporation was very happy to help deliver and set-up the families in their new surroundings while their damaged property is being restored to its original condition by Michaelis.

Check out the pictures below.

For more pictures of the trip, check out our Facebook page

The recent winter storm of 2011 has brought many homes and buildings covered in ice. Michaelis has provided some helpful tips on what to do after the storm hits.

• If you have fallen tree limbs, be very careful when entering the home
• Make repairs to damaged property
• Avoid using sharp tools to clear gutters, this can cause more harm
• Call a professional, like Michaelis, to inspect your frozen roof
• Report possible claims to your insurance company ASAP

*Remember to call 317-251-1935 for all your restoration needs*