Courtesy Dallas Historical Society. Used by permission

Dallas Flood Reinvents City

The Commerce St. bridge near downtown Dallas was almost completely submerged.

The Kessler Plan

A locomotive engine moves freight cars away from flooded tracks at the Katy Rail Yards.

Dalworth Restoration Historic Dallas Flood of 1908

Ice dams develop as melted snow builds up behind a barrier of ice. Since ice blocks prevent melted snow drainage from the roof, the resulting pools of water leak into the home.

What Causes Ice Dams?

Ice dams form on a sloped, snow piled roof when there is insufficient insulation or when warm air leaks from inside the home into the attic. The air warms the roof and melts the snow above. The resulting water then flows to the colder eaves and gutters and refreezes again, causing water damages to the roof, gutters, attic, ceiling, walls, and the rest of the home, unless the problem is repaired promptly.

How to Prevent Ice Dams in Existing Homes

The root of the problem has to do with air leaks, so inspecting and sealing cracks, gaps and holes throughout the house, attic and basement or crawl space are essential. Furthermore, sealing air leaks in the duct system is integral to tackling ice dams. Adding insulation to the attic and making sure it does not block roof ventilation would complete the solution. In fact, repairing air leaks and adding insulation to the attic would not only solve ice dam problems, but would also make the home more comfortable and energy efficient.

How to Prevent Ice Dams in New Homes

Newly constructed Texas homes for sale must meet or exceed the state energy efficiency codes, which now must conform to international residential standards. These procedures spell out roof insulation requirements to prevent ice dams and resulting damages. Moreover, regulations discuss preventing air leaks from the home to the attic through tightening the home and making it more energy efficient. In fact, building components, such as kneewalls, ducts, soffits, joists, attic access doors and recessed lighting are outlined to require air barriers or sealing. These new codes do not affect existing homes, although following such measures will certainly lead to energy efficiency, lower heating and cooling bills and prevention of ice dams.

Dalworth Restoration Preventing Ice Dams

The coldest part of a wall is a glass window. In winter, as warm air in a heated home reaches that cold window, it cools and appears as condensation on the glass. Condensation is a process, where gas or vapor cools to change to a liquid form.

Window Condensation Problems

Window condensation causes water damage not only to the window itself, but also to the surrounding walls. Excessive interior window condensation can trickle to the windowsill and cause wood rot as well as peeling and blistering of paint on the walls near the affected windows. In addition, mold issues are not far behind, as they closely follow moisture problems that are left unrepaired.

Humidity Levels in the Home

Significant condensation on windows indicates higher than necessary humidity levels throughout the house. In fact, in wintertime, humidity levels in the home are optimal at about 40 percent. Higher humidity contributes to condensation and the growth of mold, bacteria and viruses, while lower humidity levels promote dry air, which has detrimental consequences on the health of family members, contributing to dry sinuses, nose bleeds and dry skin. In addition, low humidity levels have a drying effect on wood floors, furniture, musical instruments, and houseplants.

Excessive Condensation

High humidity is a concern as condensation in other, less visible, parts of the home can cause pretty significant damage and discomfort throughout the premises. Moreover, condensation, humidity and excessive moisture originating in one area of the house affect the entire home. For example, if attic insulation is wet or stained, there is moisture and condensation in an area of the house most people do not often monitor. Moisture in the attic can cause damages that are not as conspicuous as window condensation, but are nevertheless as undesirable and expensive to repair.

Excessive Condensation Solutions

To decrease condensation, controlling moisture and maintaining proper ventilation are important. One way to do this is to use exhaust fans in the laundry, kitchen and bathrooms. Insulating and sealing windows is an important first step in controlling window condensation. Additionally, installing storm windows or replacing older, inefficient windows with energy star alternatives would certainly help control some of the humidity in the home. For attic condensation, repairing leaky roofs, sealing ducts form air leaks, installing soffit vents and making sure these vents are not blocked should prevent many moisture problems.

Dalworth Restoration Reducing Window Condensation

Disaster Cleanup and Recovery Equipment

Disaster Cleanup Company

Dalworth Restoration is a residential and commercial disaster cleanup company. Although disaster recovery services were offered since 1976, Dalworth Restoration formally became a member of DKI in 1997 and has been a member in good standing since. This affiliation gave credence to the already excellent, high standard operations at Dalworth Restoration. In fact, the company has always insisted on employing experienced professionals, providing on-going training and education, rendering timely, dedicated and outstanding customer service, as well as performing the necessary work honestly and expertly.

Disaster Cleanup Services

Commercial disaster cleanup and recovery services encompass preventing, or at least minimizing, the damage of an oncoming disaster and also responding to the emergency in a precise and timely manner to mitigate its effects and commence with business operations as soon as possible. As a routine, Dalworth Restoration customizes such disaster recovery plans for its commercial clients. For example, a preparedness plan of action supports the economic recovery of a business. The plan outlines the key personnel in charge of various functions before, during and after the disaster. It also details those systems in the company that need regular testing, backups or special precautions in case of an emergency. Companies that practice education, planning, testing and disaster recovery assistance measures are better prepared to bounce back to regular operations.

In fact, business recovery can be relatively swift because anticipatory measures are taken to insure the heart and brain of operations are in tact, significantly cutting down on confusion and chaos. However, once a disaster strikes, there are still debris cleanup and structural repair and restoration issues that need to be addressed. Dalworth Restoration crews excel at these tasks, as the skills and expertise were honed repeatedly, not only in training, but also in numerous hands-on disasters, both natural and man-made. Disaster cleanup services include smoke, fire and water damage cleanup, content salvaging, debris removal, structural repair, rebuild and remodeling, electrical wiring, plumbing, and many other services that complement the restoration process in returning the property to its pre-loss condition.

Commercial and residential restoration work is similar in scope, but different in proportion. Although both require timely disaster recovery services following fire, smoke or water damages, commercial enterprises usually need restoration on a much larger scale and require more intricate and complex logistics. Each project requires a different game plan geared toward coordinating the minutest of details with the sequential tasks geared toward coordinating the minutest of details with the sequential tasks targeted at property cleanup and recovery.

Dalworth Restoration Disaster Cleanup and Recovery Services

Many homes experience room temperature differences, drafts and uncomfortably cold floors in wintertime. A home energy inspection can determine the problem as well as the corresponding solution in your case. However, often, these symptoms are likely caused by air leaks, insufficient insulation, poorly designed or malfunctioning HVAC or duct system, or lack of sun and heat protection for windows in the summer.

Seal Air Leaks

Solutions for the above issues include checking heating, air conditioning and duct systems to insure proper operation, and sealing air leaks in the ducts, if any are present. Next, sealing air leaks throughout the house is crucial to uniform indoor temperature and comfort in the home. Any cracks throughout the perimeter of the house, around windows and doors, in the attic, basement, and crawl space should be caulked. Moreover, basement waterproofing or crawl space insulation are solutions that would take care of wet, moist and humid space under the house that is likely contributing to temperature differences, cold floors and drafts in your home.

Add Insulation

Adding insulation to keep the house cozy during winter and cool in the summer may be the next necessary step, especially in the attic and basement, but sometimes behind walls as well. Different insulation levels may be required for different parts of the house as well as different regions of the country, so consulting with a qualified home energy contractor is highly recommended.

Cover Windows

For particularly hot rooms during summertime, window coverings, such as shades, blinds, shutters, and curtains can be used to help lower interior temperature. In addition, solar screens can be extremely effective at blocking up to 90% of the sun’s heat, thus yielding energy savings. Another option for reducing hot spots in the home and evening out temperature differences from room to room is the use of window film that blocks significant heat, while letting light into the room. Some of these newer window films are better than others, so take the time to research options.

Dalworth Restoration How to Even Out Temperature Differences in the House

Moisture problems cause mold.

Water Leaks

Homeowners can lessen moisture problems by reducing the possibility of water seeping into the home. For example, sealing and calking cracks and gaps around bathtubs, showers, toilets, sinks, baseboards, windows, and, doors inside the home help not only with water but also with air leaks. Sealing the foundation, siding, windows, and doors on the exterior of the house and repairing roof damage also minimize water damages. Furthermore, making sure no water pools around the perimeter of the house, and clearing gutters of leaves and other debris keep your home safe and dry.

Damp Basement or Crawl Space

Often, excessive humidity may be caused by a damp crawl space or basement. Moist air from the ground circulates throughout the house, causing mold, musty odors, wood rot, allergies, and a host of other troublesome issues. Basement finishing or crawl space insulation by qualified contractors will address the problem and make the home comfortable and healthy again.

HVAC Air Leaks

Humidity problems can also be due to a poorly operating heating and air conditioning system and leaks in the ducts. An HVAC specialist or home energy inspector can run diagnostics to make sure your system is working properly and your home’s relative humidity is in the range of the recommended 30-50%. In addition, either expert can seal any air leaks in the ducts that make the system inefficient and wasteful. However, the size and type of system determines how well it controls humidity in the home. For example, the size of the air conditioning unit should be right for the house. A bigger unit may cool the house down faster, but then shut off before removing excess humidity.

Ventilation and Condensation

Window condensation due to poor ventilation.

In addition, sealing air leaks in the attic is crucial to preventing moisture problems. There are many small gaps, holes and openings around the furnace, water heater flue, chimney, attic door, pipes and lighting fixtures, but they add up to major air leaks. Also, joints between internal walls and floors as well as dropped soffits are among the largest cavities in the attic and therefore account for the most serious air leaks and moisture problems.

However, adding insulation without plugging these gaps is not the answer, as air will leak through the insulation. Instead, gaps must be sealed first. Since insulation may cover up some of these holes, it is necessary to remove it, plug the cavities and then replace it back.

Proper Ventilation for Moisture problems

Although uncontrolled and excessive moisture in the home is damaging to the safety and stability of the home as well as the health of its inhabitants, proper ventilation keeps the home both energy efficient and healthy. Using exhaust fans that are vented outdoors in the kitchen and bathrooms is necessary to remove moisture that would otherwise cause paint to peel, doors to warp and mold to proliferate. A clothes dryer should also be vented outside and must not be clogged. Else, the moisture that is to be vented out, will instead remain indoors and cause mold and water damage.

As homeowners are more aware than ever about the importance of sealing air leaks and the need for moisture control, proper ventilation is becoming an important factor to having a comfortable home. In fact, it is necessary to good indoor air quality. With homes being built tighter for energy efficiency, innovation is certainly keeping pace. There are powerful, energy efficient vent fans, humidifiers, and heat exchangers on the market, all designed to bring balance to the home environment and minimize indoor air pollution. Home energy inspectors can recommend high-performing products for individual homeowner needs.

Dalworth Restoration Moisture Problems in the House

What Causes High Electricity Bills?

Heating and Cooling Contribute to High Energy Bills

Often, excessively high electricity bills are due to air leaks throughout the home. These can be due to poorly installed, defective or inefficient air conditioning or heating units (HVAC), inefficient or unsealed windows, and inadequately sealed or insufficiently insulated ducts. Inefficient appliances and lighting can also drain energy. Moreover, older water heaters are notorious for draining energy and wasting money. Any of these reasons alone can lead to high electricity bills. Combined, however, they really do affect the pocketbook.

Evaluating Your Energy Efficiency

Home energy inspection companies have the right equipment to conduct tests and find out the issues in each specific situation. A blower door test is a very effective method of determining the origin of an air leak. Of course, a detailed visual inspection is always employed in every professional assessment. Expert technicians know what to look for. Moreover, they pay attention to small cracks and gaps that might not alert most homeowners with little or no experience in energy efficiency and air sealing.

Once the problems are diagnosed, they can be addressed and solved. For duct air leaks, sealing and additional insulation may be the answer. If they are old and worn out, they may need to be replaced. Lighting as well as older water heaters and appliances may require replacement with energy star counterparts.

Energy Saving Measures

Home energy inspectors will work with you to implement reasonable solutions that work for your family’s needs, as cumulative small changes can still mean big savings. For example, many water heaters are heated with gas rather than electricity, but the result is the same: waste of resources, high gas bills and money out of your pocket. However, if replacing your water heater is not in the budget right now, inspectors may recommend lowering the temperature on the water heater as well as insulating it, as energy saving measures. Additionally, they may suggest that storm windows be installed and windows be caulked rather than recommend that inefficient windows be replaced outright.

Dalworth Restoration High Electricity Bills

Home energy problems are common to many households. They manifest themselves as high gas and electricity bills, temperature variations from room to room, excessive moisture in the basement and attic, and mold spores and musty odors originating in the basement, crawl space or attic. These and other common household issues are tell tale signs of problems that can be remedied by home energy inspection and repair professionals. However, to eliminate these issues and make them a thing of the past, it is imperative to find reputable assessment companies that will not only correctly pinpoint the origin of the problem, but also implement an appropriate and proven solution by trained, knowledgeable and experienced technicians.

Indications of Home Energy problems:

• High Electricity and Gas Bills
• Excessive Humidity
• Mold and Musty Odors
• Window Condensation
• Temperature Variations
• Drafts
• Cold Floors
• Ice Dams

Home Energy Solution

A home energy inspection by qualified professionals is a comprehensive first step in taking charge of various problems that plague many households. This inspection can shed light on a multitude of inconspicuous leaks and inefficiencies throughout the house.
Many of these issues are seemingly unrelated at first glance, but they drain resources as well as make the house uncomfortable, unhealthy and even unsafe.

Symptoms usually have root causes in air leaks from inefficient or defective heating, cooling, duct, or ventilation systems in the home. Older appliances and inefficient lighting also contribute to energy drainage. Also, damp, musty basements or crawl spaces are notorious for moisture, humidity and mold issues that contribute to wood rot, allergies and high electricity bills.

Correctly assessing and expertly repairing these problems brings tremendous relief and comfort to homeowners. In fact, half the battle is won when homeowners know what is causing a particular problem and what alternatives are available to them. The other half of the battle is won when the appropriate solutions are implemented successfully.

Dalworth Restoration Home Energy Problems and Solutions

Water Damage Repair

The homeowners rushed to get rags, sheets and towels to soak in the water. They worked feverishly for a couple of hours to clean the mess and remove the enormous amount of hot water on the tile and wood flooring. However, when they came downstairs in the morning, they discovered an unsightly bulge on the ceiling as well as a yellowing discoloration both on the ceiling and an internal wall. Apparently, the water seeped through the floor and into the ceiling below. From there, it trickled down onto one of the walls. The owners called us at Dalworth Restoration when they realized that their water damage was more severe than they originally anticipated.

Our crews were on the scene within the hour to inspect the damage and make recommendations. As it turns out, the water that was mopped up the night before damaged the flooring as well as the ceiling and internal wall underneath. Moreover, an extensive portion of the drywall was wet and needed replacing. Drying and repainting alone would not work in most water damage or flood cleanup situations, as the wet drywall becomes soft and spongy. In these situations, it is customary to cut the wet piece of drywall and replace it.

In this particular water damage repair scenario, our crews had to punch a drain hole and capture the water in the ceiling. Fans and dehumidifiers were set up on the second level to dry the flooring completely. In addition, our technicians tested the moisture level from the ceiling below and adjusted and repositioned the drying equipment accordingly. Drying the floor took several days and once our professionals were satisfied with the progress of the restoration effort, they replaced the cut out drywall both in the ceiling and wall and repainted both.

This Fort Worth water damage repair project was accomplished to the satisfaction of the homeowners, who were grateful the ordeal was safely behind them. They were especially relieved there were no mold issues to deal with, as our crews took care of the water damage situation quickly. Dalworth Restoration left the premises dry, livable and safe.

Preventing water damage situations is always preferable, but if you already have a flood emergency, please call us for a free estimate of your water damage repair.

Dalworth Restoration Fort Worth Water Damage Restoration

Do Finished Basements Add Value to the Home?

Dallas Basement Finishing

Basement finishing projects add value to the home, not only in terms of added space and function, but also from a financial perspective. Finishing a basement costs less than half of the amount necessary for a home addition of equal square footage. Yet, when selling the house, over 90% of a basement finishing investment is recoverable.

Usage of Healthy Basement

A healthy basement can be transformed into numerous functional purposes. Utilizing the basement as storage space, playroom, work studio, lounge area, guest bedroom, or media room is smart usage of already available space. However, the initial emphasis must be to control moisture and make the space tight, dry and warm. Only then comes the transformation of the usable space into whatever capacity your family needs the square footage for.

Basement Finishing Contractors

Professional basement finishing contractors understand the implications and consequences of a damp or wet basement. Skin-deep improvements will be less expensive but will not last long. In fact, cosmetic basement remodeling is useless as moisture problems will continue to plague the house continuously from bottom to top, literally.

Basement Moisture Issues Affecting Homes

Moist, humid air from the basement flows up through the house, affecting your home in numerous ways. If humidity is not controlled in the basement, the consequences are anything but pleasant and may include the following:

• Dampness and humidity throughout home
• Musty smells
• Rotting joists in attic
• Weakening of supporting beams
• Doors and windows that stick
• Cupping or buckling wood floors
• Peeling wall paint or discoloration of walls
• Damp walls
• Moldy, damp carpets
• Structural foundation damage
• Allergies and respiratory illnesses
• Higher energy bills

Costs of Not Finishing Your Wet Basement

Basement finishing is more than just a remodeling project in that, in addition to aesthetics and practicality, there is a large element of function and safety involved. It is difficult to make your home a cozy and livable space if your basement has moisture and humidity problems. Moreover, not waterproofing or finishing your wet basement will cost money in lost functional space, moisture problems and repair issues throughout the home, higher electric bills, and incremental damage to the structural integrity of the property.

Basement finishing has costs associated with it. However, not finishing moist and humid basements has important costs as well. Interestingly, it seems that the cost of finishing your wet basement may be significantly lower than not doing so.

• Cost of Property Damage
  Basement moisture related symptoms begin as an inconvenience, grow into unpleasant living conditions and continue to slowly destroy the house on multiple levels. In fact, the resulting structural damage can negatively affect property values. When time comes to sell the home, prospective buyers will take into account the cost of repairs and deduct those from their offer price, unless they walk away altogether. These deductions can end up being quite large. In fact, real estate experts estimate them to be at around 10% or more of the asking price.
• Cost of Unfinished Square Footage
  Doing the math suggests that in most cases, wet basement finishing and repairs add value in terms of cost per square footage. For example, if your 2500 square foot home cost $200,000 and only 1500 square feet are utilized as the rest is a wet basement, then your cost per livable square foot is as follows:
  $200,000 / 1500 usable sq ft = $133 / usable sq ft.

  However, investing about $7,000 to repair your wet basement will have your total house cost at $207,000. Now, the math suggests that your house is actually costing you much less per square footage while you utilize more of it, just as you can see below:
  $207,000 / 2500 usable sq ft = $83 / usable sq ft.

  When determining the cost of the house per usable square footage versus the cost of the house with added cost of repairs spread over the additional, newly repaired square footage, the math suggests that the cost is justified financially. Moreover, fixing your wet basement has benefits to the structural integrity of the whole house.

• Cost of Unfinished Basement Space
  When you leave your basement wet and unfinished, you end up storing items in the rest of your home, effectively minimizing your livable area and making it crammed. Basically, you have less livable space due to keeping upstairs what would ordinarily be kept in the basement. What is the cost of the lost livable space? Moreover, what is the cost of the unused basement space you already own, but cannot use?
• Cost of Impaired Health
  Wet basements may have adverse health effects for susceptible individuals. Some become allergic to mold that is present in the moist environment and develop symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and skin rashes. Others develop respiratory symptoms and illnesses such as sneezing, coughing, sinus congestion, or asthma.

Dalworth Restoration What Is the Cost of Basement Finishing?