FAQ Page
If you have service-related questions, check out this compilation that we have created with the most frequently asked queries to make your planning's a little easier. If a question is not listed here, feel free to reach out to us.
Air Duct Cleaning FAQ's
Air duct cleaning is not a service that everyone needs to have done every year. You can wait until your furnace or air conditioner breaks down, or you notice a change in the quality of air throughout your house such as dust and mold build-up.
You can also notice build-up on your walls and ceilings around the air vents.
The cost of air duct cleaning will vary, but it usually starts at $350 and goes up from there depending on the size of your home and how dirty the ducts are.
The first thing you should do is to find a qualified company that will provide a quality service. You should check the company’s reviews on Yelp, Google, and other sites.
A qualified company will have been in business for at least five years. They also won’t charge you more than once for a single service call or job, they’ll use up-to-date equipment that’s been fully vetted by safety experts like UL or NADCA, and they’ll show up when they say they will (or even earlier).
Count on TIP TOP Services when you need professional air duct cleaning near you.
Like most tasks around the home, cleaning your air ducts is not rocket science. You can do it yourself or you can hire a professional to do it for you.
One of the advantages of hiring a professional is that they will be able to identify any potential structural problems with your air ducts and give you advice on how to prevent them in the future. They also have the tools and equipment necessary to do an efficient job of cleaning your air ducts so it will take less time than if you were doing it yourself.
However, the biggest advantage is the peace of mind knowing that someone has gone over your work thoroughly with their expertise and professionalism.
If you notice any of the following, then you might need to consider having your air ducts cleaned.
– Your furnace is running too often, but the home is still cold.
– You can see dust on surfaces in your home that are usually dusty (such as the furniture or windowsills).
– You have a pet that’s been coughing or sneezing more than usual.
– Your allergies seem worse than they usually are.
– Vents have a black coating on them
– Your A/C is running, and the home is still warm
It’s been said that the best way to clean your air ducts is to have a professional do it for you. Nobody knows your home better than you, but a professional will go through all the nooks and crannies of your air ducts, which you may not be able to reach on your own.
Some of the risks include:
– Injuries from drilling through walls or ceilings
– Fluids from the air conditioning unit leaking all over your floors
– Inhaling toxic fumes from cleaning chemicals
-Ruining the duct material with improper cleaning
Attic Insulation Install FAQ's
Proper attic insulation is necessary to keep your house cool in summer and warm in winter. If you have a tightly-sealed home, your attic might be the only place where heat from inside escapes.
Different types of insulation provide different levels of protection that are ideal for different living situations.
Most people assume that the insulation in their attic is responsible for the R-value in their home. However, there are other factors that affect the final value. The most important factor is the type of insulation used and how well it was installed. Other factors include:
Type of attic: North-facing attics tend to have a higher R-value because they absorb more sunlight and provide more heat than south-facing attics.
Type of insulation: Some types of insulation such as fiberglass, cellulose or blown-in fiberglass can have an R-value as high as R38 per inch while others such as cotton batts only reach an R3 per inch.
Installation: Installing insulation increases its effectiveness at blocking heat flow by 50%.
Different types of insulation are essential for homes, offices, and even factories. But, there are many types of insulation you can choose from. Let’s take a look at some of these different types of insulation.
Types of Insulation:
-Fiberglass Insulation -Cellulose Insulation -Spray Foam Insulation
Fiberglass insulation is made up – you guessed it! – fiberglass strands that are bundled together to provide warmth and protection against heat or cold. Cellulose insulation is made from recycled newspaper or newspaper fibers that are mixed together with borate powder which provides strength to the material. Spray foam is made from two materials called polyurethane and isocyanate which creates a barrier against air movement through the ducting in the attic.
The cost of attic insulation depends on the type that you are trying to install. The cost can vary from $0 to $6 per square foot.
To get the best estimate, you will need to contact your local contractors. They will be able to give you an estimate based on your home’s insulation needs and construction type. Contact someone from TIP TOP Services Today!
A lot of people are not aware that their attic needs to be insulated. This is because they are not sure of the signs to look out for, so it’s hard to tell if they need insulation or not.
Luckily, there are some signs that can help you figure out whether or not your attic needs insulation.
You should first check the outside of your house. If the paint on your siding is peeling, then this could mean that there is no insulation in your attic, and you should get it fixed as soon as possible.
If you notice an increase in your heating bills, this could also be a sign that your attic doesn’t have enough insulation and isn’t properly sealed off from the outdoors.
The last sign is condensation on windows.
Chimney Cleaning FAQ's
A chimney sweep is a professional that inspects and cleans your chimney. It’s important to get your chimney swept on a regular basis because it can be very dangerous if not properly maintained. A sweep will remove soot, debris, and creosote from the inside of the chimney. They will also inspect for cracks in the brickwork and metal linings. The frequency of sweeps depends on how often you use your fireplace or wood stove. The frequency of sweeps also depends on how dirty the flue is and what type of fuel you burn.
The best time to have your chimney inspected is in October before winter starts when there’s enough natural light and during summer months when it’s not too hot outside.
A chimney sweep’s duty is to clean, maintain, and inspect chimneys.
The duties of a chimney sweep include the following:
– Cleaning: The chimney sweep will vacuum out the soot and creosote deposits from the flue.
– Maintaining: The chimney sweep will inspect for cracks and other possible defects in the interior and exterior of the chimney.
– Inspecting: The chimney sweep will inspect for any signs of potential fire hazards that could result from clogs or cracks in the flue or poor installation.
Creosote is a brown or black waxy, flammable mixture of hydrocarbons obtained from the destructive distillation of wood in the presence of air. It is found in different types of wood with differing chemical compositions, but mainly in pine wood because it has a high concentration of hydrocarbons. Creosote was used medicinally for skin diseases, ulcers and other ailments before being replaced with more effective remedies.
Creosote is harmful to human health because it is toxic by ingestion, inhalation and skin absorption. The main routes for its toxicity are through ingestion or inhalation into the lungs. These substances are carcinogenic to humans by inhalation, ingestion or dermal contact.
The answer to this question largely depends on the size of your chimney and how often you plan on sweeping it. The size of a chimney is measured in inches, with a 9-inch chimney being the smallest and a 12-inch one being the most common. In most cases, you should plan to pay between $225 and $400 for an annual service.
The time it takes to clean a chimney can be affected by many factors. For example, the type of fireplace or stove being cleaned, the amount of soot that has built up over time, and any obstructions or other materials that may need to be moved. There are typically two types of chimneys: dry and wet. The former requires little cleaning whereas the latter will need more attention due to its proximity to combustible materials.
Dryer Vent Cleaning FAQ's
The dryer vent is a ventilation duct that releases the moist, hot air from the dryer. Its purpose is to expel the moist, hot air from the dryer and to prevent this moisture from entering your home and creating mold and mildew or fire damage.
Dryer vents can become clogged with lint which can lead to fires. If the dryer vent has not been cleaned in over one year, it is recommended that you have it cleaned. A dryer vent cleaning should be done every 12-18 months.
We recommend having your dryer vent cleaned at least once a year in order to prevent fires and keep your dryer in good working condition.
Most of the time, clothes won’t dry quickly because there is a lack of airflow. This is because the vents for the dryer are clogged with lint or other particles, or they are blocked by something else, such as heavy items from being placed on top of them.
The vent itself can also be dirty. This can cause air to flow more slowly and not allow your clothes to dry as quickly as they should.
It is not safe to use plastic as a dryer vent pipe. Plastic can warp and crack, causing lint to build up and accumulate inside the tube and clog any air flow.
We all know that clothes dryers are an integral part of every laundry room. But what is not known to many people is how to clean the dryer’s vents. A dryer’s vent is more than just a pipe that chases away moisture from your clothes. It also allows heated air to escape the machine, which prevents fires and other dangers.
If you do not clean your dryer’s vent, this could lead to serious hazards like:
-A decrease in air flow will cause lint buildup and the system will become clogged.
-The accumulation of lint can lead to fires or explosions if it makes contact with an open flame or spark.
-Failure of the heating element due to excess heat buildup because sensible heat cannot
Fire Damage Restoration FAQ's
The role of fire and especially the aftermath of a fire is very destructive. The damage that it can cause to a property is extensive and sometimes irreversible. At the time, it’s critical that you take care of your family first by making sure there are no injuries or medical issues.
However, as soon as possible after the fire, you should contact your insurance company or property insurer to make a claim for damage and loss. Then you should contact TIP TOP services to assign a professional who will come to assess the damage and provide an estimate on what needs to be repaired.
Unfortunately, fire can be incredibly destructive. So definitely hire a professional like TIP TOP Services a cleaning company, we know how important it is to clean up after disasters like this. Our professionals are skilled at the restoration process and will work quickly to get your property back in shape so
Fire is a big deal and it can cause significant loss of property, as well as affecting the health and safety of those in its proximity.
A fire damages the structure of a building by causing smoke and flames to spread quickly through dry wood, paper, upholstery, carpets and other combustible materials. A fire can also severely damage electrical wiring or create poisonous gases such as carbon monoxide.
Many homeowners believe that they are not responsible for paying for fire damage restoration service because the fire was accidental.
However, it is the responsibility of the homeowner to take care of any damages caused by fire.
If they failed to do so, they can be charged with property neglect.
If you are interested in having us communicate with your insurance adjuster, we are more than happy to offer our help. Please just let one of our representatives know.
Mold Remediaiton FAQ's
Mold remediation is the process of removing mold and preventing it from returning. Mold can grow anywhere that has moist, warm conditions. If allowed to persist, mold can cause significant health problems such as respiratory issues and infections. The best way to remove mold is with a professional company that has the necessary equipment to clean your space effectively.
Mold remediation is a process used to clean up a site from mold. Mold can be an issue for your health and also your home or office’s value.
First, you need to identify the source of the moisture so you can control it. You should fix leaky pipes or anything else that may be wet inside your property.
The next steps is the remediation process that can be hazardous to your health, so it’s best to contact a professional. A technician from TIP TOP Services will start by ensuring the cause of the growth has been fixed. The next step will be removing any excess water.
The next step is removing the mold and cleaning the area. You may also need structural repairs due to stains or damage from the mold or excess moisture in the air. Our technician will follow the protocol report from your mold assessor to eliminate high spore count.
Mold is a natural phenomenon found in many different places, but it can be a hazard to your health if you have a mold allergy or sensitivity. Molds are also a common cause of illness in people with weakened immune systems.
People with allergies to molds have an increased risk of asthma exacerbations and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. Inhaling or touching mold spores may trigger allergic responses that range from hay fever-like symptoms to life-threatening asthma attacks, depending on the person’s sensitivity, the dose and length of exposure. Exposure to mold can also lead to memory loss and other cognitive difficulties.
Mold in homes and buildings may cause chronic health problems for people who are sensitive to mold or have suppressed immune systems due to medication use.
The first sign that there is mold in your home is the smell. Mold emits a musty odor. This varies according to where it’s growing. The second sign is seeing the mold itself, which can be on furniture, walls, or other surfaces in your home.
Mold isn’t always visible to the naked eye. You may not be able to see it unless its large colonies are starting to grow and take over furniture or walls. That’s why you need a mold test kit to identify whether you have any dangerous quantities of mold in your home.
Mold is a fungus that can grow in damp environments, such as bathrooms with shower curtains. Exposure to mold can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. It may also be toxic when ingested or inhaled.
Some ways to prevent mold include:
-Insulate your home
-Keep humidity levels at 30% or less
-Add a dehumidifier to your home
-Use an exhaust fan over the cooking stove
-Check the status of your roof
Water Damage Restoration FAQ's
Water damage restoration is the process of restoring property back to normal. This includes drying out the building and repairing any damaged areas.
When it comes to water damage restoration, it’s necessary for a professional company to come in and assess the damages before they can start repairing them.
A big question that is being asked right now is whether the water damage can be fixed with just a simple clean up or whether they will need professional help.
If you have a large amount of water in your house, then it is best to contact a contractor as soon as possible as they will know the best way to fix the problem. If it’s not too bad and you can easily dry up the area and mop it off, then you may be able to fix the problem yourself.
Water damage is the most common man-made disaster that could happen to your home. The source of water may be from a leaky pipe, overflowing toilet, or other plumbing malfunction. It can also be caused by rainwater, dishwasher overflow, dishwasher overflow, washing machine overflow and more.
Water damage can cause structural damage to your home like crumbling walls and foundations. It can also cause mold growth which could lead to serious health problems like lung infections and asthma. Water damage might also leave behind unpleasant odors which you could get rid of with the help of professional restoration services!
There are different types of water damage. The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration (IICRC) have developed the industry standard for water damage mitigation. The IICRC S-500 document categorizes the three types of water damage as Clean Water Damage, Gray Water Damage, and Black Water Damage.
Clean Water Damage (Category 1)
Clean water damage is that in which the source of the water is from a clean water source, such as a plumbing supply line, or that wet structure has not “become” contaminated.
Gray Water Damage (Category 2)
Gray water damage is that in which the source of the water may contain chemicals or other contaminants that could cause discomfort or sickness to the occupants. Some examples of this would be an appliance discharge, a broken waterbed or fish tank, or overflows from toilet bowls. Clean water damage can become gray water damage if left too long before appropriate drying efforts are implemented.
Black Water Damage (Category 3)
Black water contains pathogenic agents and is grossly unsanitary. Examples include toilet backflow that originates from beyond the toilet trap, flooding from seawater, ground surface water, or rising water from rivers and streams. Gray water that is not removed promptly is appropriately re-classified as black water damage.
When a sewage backup affects a structure, a unique set of restoration techniques must be implemented to safely handle the situation. Federal, state and local government agencies agree that the best protocol for restoration is to follow the published standards and guidelines developed by the IICRC.
Even if you remove all destroyed material, you will still need to sanitize the area correctly and dehumidify and dry the area if you want to prevent a mold infestation in your home. This is best done when hiring a professional water damage restoration company like TIP TOP Services. contact us today if you need water removal, water extraction and/ or water damage restoration services in Houston, TX.