Georgia rain can be a serious threat to your property’s foundation, crawlspace air quality. At First In Restoration we know one thing is for sure: prevention is cheaper than repair. Here are some tips so you’re ready for the upcoming Georgia rain to help prevent water damage.

Check Your Gutters Like Your Home Depends on It

Leaves and pine needle debris will block water flow very quickly. When gutters overflow, the water is looking for any place to go. The could end up behind your walls and all the way into your basement. Make gutter cleaning a regular chore (or let the professionals clean them for you), and double-check that the downspouts are pushing water away from your home.

Your Landscaping Might Be The Culprit

Water needs to move away from your home. Mulch too high? Flower beds sloping the wrong way? Maybe your azaleas are too close causing water to pool up. You need to keep rainwater shifted away from your home and away from your foundation. Don’t know where to start? We always recommend calling a landscape company or architect that can help with preventative measures. 

Smelly Basement or Crawlspace? 

If your basement or crawlspace smell musty or feels damp, that means that water is already getting in to your home. Seal any cracks and have your crawlspace encapsulated. You should also consider installing a sump pump which will really help during the next downpour.

Pro Tip: If you see bubbling paint in your home, warping floors, or smell something kind of weird and earthy you may have water damage and hidden mold.

We Respond Fast to Georgia Water Damage

First In Restoration is Georgia’s most trusted name in water damage restoration and mold remediation. We’re IICRC certified, offer 24/7 emergency plumbing and provide full-service restoration including crawlspace encapsulation. We are based in Gwinnett County but serve all of Georgia.

Call First In Restoration: 470-748-0225 or visit www.firstinrestoration.com

Here are three easy ways to make your home a little greener on Earth Day.

1. Fix Leaks & Dripping Faucets: That annoying dripping faucet is wasting thousands of gallons of water a year, not to mention thousands of dollars (yep, your bill is definitely affected by a dripping faucet). Repair leaky faucets and small leaks early to help prevent long term issues.

2. Install a water monitor: You can prevent major water damage to your home by investing in a Smart Water Monitor (Amazon, y’all!). These devices can detect leaks or even unusual water usage. The monitor will send you an alert directly to your home. It’s a small investment that will give you peace of mind and help prevent major water damage.

3. Clean those gutters: Water around your foundation or water backing up on your roof is a big no-no! You want to keep debris cleaned out of your gutters to protect your home. This also helps with storm water runoff.

Protect Your Home from Water Damage

At First In Restoration, we believe in doing things differently. From fast response times to eco-friendly cleanup First In Restoration will restore your space quickly. Whether it’s water damage, emergency plumbing or mold remediation our IICRC-certified team is ready 24/7, call First In Restoration today: 470-748-0225, www.firstinrestoration.com

It’s already frustrating to experience water damage in your home or business. Having a water damage insurance claim denied is your worst nightmare. While water damage restoration is necessary, it can be costly, especially the longer the water has been left to sit.

If you have to come out of pocket for water damage restoration, you may be left wondering how much everything will cost and how you’ll pay the bill? With First In Restoration you still have options, even if your water damage claim was denied.

Why Was Your Water Damage Insurance Claim Denied?

Insurance companies have strict guidelines on what they cover. It’s important to review your policy closely every year when it is up for renewal. Common reasons for insurance claim denial may include:

• Gradual Damage – If you had a leak for a long time (even if you didn’t realize it) or if you didn’t properly maintain your home and it caused a long-term leak, then this is considered homeowner negligence and will not be covered.
• Flood vs. Water Damage Confusion – If your home floods from heavy rains, storms or overflowing rivers and creeks you will need separate flood insurance for that. Typically standard insurance will not cover it.
• Late Reporting – Failing to report damage immediately to your insurance company make get your claim denied. Your insurance company may take the stance that the delay in calling to make the claim worsened the damage of your home (which will cost them more money).
• Incorrect or Insufficient Coverage – There is more than one type of water damage and your insurance policy may have exclusions you weren’t aware of. It’s best to talk to local insurance agent to make sure you’re covered.

What to Do If Your Water Damage Claim Is Denied

1. Review Your Policy 

Read every detail in your insurance policy regarding water damage coverage and the reasons for denial. 

2. Request a Written Explanation

If your claim was denied over the phone by the adjuster, consider requesting a formal written explanation by the insurance company. This will show you the exact reason for claim denial and you can determine whether you should challenge the decision.

3. Gather Evidence & Documentation

Your insurance company may have denied the claim due to lack of sufficient proof. You can help strengthen your case with:

• Photos and videos of the damage
• Repair invoices and written professional assessments and estimates
• Reports by plumbers or contractors outlining the issue

4. File an Appeal

Most insurance companies allow you to appeal a denied claim. Submit a written request with the following:

• Give an explanation (in detail) of why you believe the damage should be covered
• Add any additional documents or expert opinions (ie: from your plumber) supporting the claim
• Reference line items of your policy if coverage should apply

5. Consult a Public Adjuster 

A public adjuster has the authority to review your insurance policy as well as your case. They can represent you and negotiate with your insurer on your behalf. 

6. Consider Legal Action

If everything else fails you may have to take matters into your own hands and consider:

• Filing a complaint with the Georgia’s insurance commissioner.
• Hire an attorney that specializes in disputes with insurance claims.

How First In Restoration Can Help

Dealing with water damage AND a denied insurance claim is overwhelming. At First In Restoration, the best water damage restoration company in Georgia, we work directly with homeowners and businesses to assess and restore water damage. Call First In Restoration today at 470-748-0225 or visit www.firstinrestoration.com.

Your yard can either protect your foundation or cause major water damage.

If you have poor drainage, a sloped yard or have plants too close to your foundation it can direct water straight into your crawlspace or basement. Over time these issues can lead to structural issues to your home, mold damage and even a flooded foundation.

On the flip side, strategic landscaping — like grading your yard away from the home, using proper gutter extensions and planting water-absorbing shrubs — can help keep water far from your house to help prevent water damage.

Even your plant choices make a difference. Water-absorbing shrubs and deep-rooted native plants will help soak up excess groundwater, and mulched garden beds can reduce erosion and slow the flow of rainwater across your property.

When done correctly, your landscaping can guide water away from your home and toward safer drainage zones — keeping your foundation dry, your crawlspace clear and your risk of water damage low.

If you’ve experienced water damage in your home from landscape issues you need to call First In Restoration, Georgia’s number one rated water damage restoration company: 470-748-0225, www.firstinrestoration.com

Gutters are your first line of defense when it comes to water damage. For some reason, homeowners kind of put gutter maintenance off when really they should be top of mind. At First In Restoration, we’ve seen firsthand how clogged, damaged, or misaligned gutters can lead to major water damage headaches for homeowners. First In Restoration is Georgia’s #1 water damage restoration company and we want to help you prevent water damage before it even happens. The best way to stay ahead of water damage is with seasonal maintenance.

How Gutters Protect Your Home

Gutters are designed to collect rainwater from your home’s roof, but did you know that they also help with:

• Keeping water from seeping into your foundation and crawlspace
• Soil erosion around the perimeter of your home
• Preventing mold growth on your siding as well as roof edges
• Helps prevent basement flooding

Your Gutters Might Be Failing

Not sure if your gutters are due for some attention? Look for these indicators that water isn’t being properly channeled:

• Water gushing over the gutters during rainstorms
• A pool of water near the home’s foundation
• Gutters pulling away from the house (or if you notice they are sagging)
• If you see cracks, holes or rust
• Water stains on exterior siding or soffits (or if you start to see stains on your interior walls or ceiling)

Gutter Maintenance Tips for Every Homeowner

• Clean your gutters at least twice a year during spring and fall (or more often if you have a lot of trees in your hard)
• Install gutter guards which will reduce the amount of debris that builds up in your gutters.
• Check your gutter downspouts and make sure water is draining away from your home.
• Inspect after storms for clogs or visible damage.
• Trim overhanging trees to minimize leaves, pine straw and twigs that will fall into your gutters.

When to Call a Professional from Water Damage to Gutters

We love a good DIY project so we get it. But, sometimes, DIY just isn’t enough. If you are experiencing small issues it may be time for new gutters, and if water has already made its way into your home, it’s time to call First In Restoration to get it dried in and prevent toxic mold.

Why Choose First In Restoration?

First In Restoration is the top water damage restoration company in Georgia, IICRC certified in water damage cleanup and mold remediation. Our team is available 24/7. Call us today at 470-748-0225 if you have water damage, www.firstinrestoration.com

First In Restoration knows it’s not just about protecting your home’s structure from water damage—it’s also about your personal items inside. As the best water damage restoration company in Georgia, First In Restoration has seen how unexpected water damage disasters can put personal belongings at risk. The damage from a busted pipe can be devastating. That’s why it’s important to check your insurance policy and ask your local agent: “Are my high dollar personal items actually covered in my homeowners insurance policy?”

What Qualifies as a High Dollar Item?

Think of high quality or “big-ticket” items in your home such as jewelry, fine art, designer bags, antique furniture, expensive electronics and even musical instruments. Most of the time homeowners assume these items are protected through their standard insurance policy but unfortunately that isn’t always the case. 

Standard Coverage Limits Might Not Be Enough

Homeowners insurance policies have coverage limits for specific categories like jewelry or electronics. Your policy may only cover $1,500 worth of jewelry—even if you own $15,000 in diamonds and gold. That leaves a big gap in protection with your standard policy.

How to Know If You’re Covered 

• Review the Policy: Look at the section about personal property. Check for sub-limits or exclusions.
• Check for Riders or Endorsements: These are add-ons that increase coverage limits on specific items through your policy.
• Talk to Your Agent: Ask your local agent if your high dollar items are fully protected with your policy and if something happened, what documentation would be needed in order to file a claim.

What to Do if You’re Not Covered for High Dollar Items Under Your Current Insurance

• Scheduled Personal Property Endorsements: These are itemized lists of your valuables that you’ve insured at full value.
• Separate Insurance Policies: For very high-value collections, a standalone policy may be the better route with better protection.
• Regular Appraisals: Insurance companies often require updated appraisals to make sure your items are still properly valued.

Pro Tips to Keep Your Coverage Solid

• Take clear, dated photos or videos of your belongings
• Keep purchase receipts and appraisals in a safe (preferable water and fire proof)
• Update your insurance when you inherit something valuable or make a large purchase.
• A home inventory app will help you stay organized

Why This Matters After a Disaster

If a disaster hits your home, your claim is only as good as your documentation and coverage. Don’t wait until something gets ruined to realize your policy isn’t enough.

Why Call First In Restoration?

At First In Restoration, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners recover from unexpected disasters that threaten both their homes and their valuable possessions. As the top water damage restoration company in Georgia, we’re IICRC certified, specialize in emergency plumbing, and are always ready to respond when things go wrong. If your valuables are at risk due to water damage or mold, don’t wait—call us at 470-748-0225 or visit www.firstinrestoration.com today.

We are loving this beautiful spring weather in Georgia. Spring is a time for fresh air, blooming flowers… and finding surprise water damage? 

Unfortunately water has a way of hiding in odd spots in your home. 

Here are some areas you need to check this season for water damage to your home:

• Behind Your Walls – That small discoloration on your wall or ceiling might be hiding a major pipe leak.
• Under Appliances – This is a big one. We get a lot of calls regarding leaking appliance such as refrigerators (ice machine), dishwasher and washing machines. At least quarterly move them to inspect around the area and look for moisture (or mold). 
• Inside Air Ducts – Moisture in your HVAC system can lead to mold growth. We often see this in unconditioned crawlspaces that are also improperly encapsulated.
• Around Windows – Spring rain loves to find its way under old window seals and caulk that’s old and has dry rot. This can be easily fixed with new windows, seals or new caulk.
• In the Attic – Winters in Georgia are bizarre. Freezing rain, sometimes hail, sometimes a tornado, occasionally snow! Your roof may have formed a leak during the winter storms which could be causing damage you haven’t noticed yet. Another thing to note– your attic is hot, if you have mechanical items in your attic (such as an HVAC unit or ducts) they can condensate inside on the inside and outside of the duct work causing mold to form.

We know that surprise water damage is a homeowner’s worst nightmare, but keeping your eye out and catching it early can save you a huge headache (and costly repairs). If you start to notice musty smells, warped flooring, or stainingit’s time to give First In Restoration a call.

Why You Should Call First In Restoration

Water damage doesn’t wait for a convenient time that’s why First In Restoration offers 24/7 emergency service, fast response times and expert restoration to get your home or business back to normal as quickly as possible. Whether it’s a small leak or a major flood, we have the tools and expertise to handle it all.

Call First In Restoration at 470-748-0225 or visit www.firstinrestoration.com—because when water damage strikes, you need the best team on your side.

Plumbing problems ma start out small, but fixing them immediately will help prevent major water damage. Even a leaky faucet can cause a lot of damage if left unchecked. Here’s a guide on how to catch plumbing problems before they advance.

Detect Leaks Early

Initially leaks may be hard to notice, but if you can catch them early it will help you avoid expensive water damage. Here’s what how to spot leaks in your home:

• Wet spots: Look for water stains or damp areas. Where do you start? Check around bathroom and kitchen sinks, inspect pipes and appliances (make sure you look under the cabinets as well. If you find any suspicious areas you may have a leak.
• Water meter: Can’t seem to find a leak but you feel as though you have one? Use the shut off valve and turn off all the water in your house then check your water meter. If it’s still running, you most likely have a leak.
• Water bill: Notice a spike in your water bill lately? This could mean that you have a leak. Make sure you pay close attention to your bills so you can catch any changes in usage.

Prevent Burst Pipes

A busted pipe can cause a lot of damage very quickly, but there are ways to stop them from happening:

• Keep pipes warm: During the winter months consider wrapping your exposed pipes in unheated areas (like the attic or basement) with insulation. This helps keep the pipes from freezing and bursting.
• Keep your home warm: In the winter, make sure your house stays warm, even if you’re not home (Never turn your heating unit off even if you won’t be home). Freezing temperatures can cause pipes (even new ones) to burst.
• Check your pipes: Look for cracks or rust on pipes. If you see any, it’s time to call a plumber to repair or replace your pipes.
• Turn off water: If you’re going on vacation, shut off the main water supply to prevent any leaks or burst pipes while you’re away. No one wants to come home to a water surprise!

When to Call First In Restoration Versus a Regular Plumber

If you see a plumbing problem that’s bigger than you can handle, it’s time to call a professional. Here’s when you should get help:

• If you see water damage: If you have noticed wet spots, paint peeling, swelling around pipes or walls, you probably have a leak. It’s time to call First In Restoration.
• If a small problem keeps happening: If you continue to have problems with the same faucet or pipe, it’s best to call a regular plumber and schedule a non-emergency house call. They can fix the issue before it gets worse.
• If you see mold: Mold will grow in areas that have been wet for a long time. If you see mold, it’s important to have it immediately and properly remediated. It’s time to call First In Restoration.
• If you have a major water issue: If a pipe bursts or there’s a lot of water flooding your home, that isn’t the time to try to DIY. Call First In Restoration immediately to stop the water damage and fix the problem.

What to Do If You Have Water Damage from Plumbing

If you experience a plumbing emergency, begin with these steps to stop the damage:

• Turn off your water: Find the main water shut-off valve in your home and turn it off to stop the water.
• Move Personal Belongings: Move your furniture and electronics away from the water to prevent (or further prevent) damage.
• Call First In Restoration: After stopping the water, call First In Restoration to fix the problem and begin remediation.
• Take photos: It’s important to document water damage (as well as personal items that were damaged) for your insurance company. This will help when you file a claim with your insurance.

Why Choose First In Restoration for Water Damage?

If you’ve had water damage because of a plumbing problem, don’t delay. Call First In Restoration the best water damage company in Georgia. We are ready to serve you 24/7. First In Restoration will quickly fix the water damage, clean up and restore your home to its normal condition.

Call us at 470-748-0225 or visit www.firstinrestoration.com.

Happy National Gardening Day, Georgia! Whether you’re a master gardener or just starting out, today’s the day to celebrate. While you’re watering your plants and thinking about your yard, don’t forget—First In Restoration is the best in Georgia for water damage restoration and mold remediation. From Loganville to Gwinnett and beyond, we’re the pros you call when water threatens your home.

But what if you could prevent water issues before they even start? Let’s talk about a secret weapon: the rain garden bed.

What’s a Rain Garden Bed?

A rain garden bed is a great way to beautify your yard while making it utilitarian to help prevent water damage.

The goal is to plant deep rooted plants in areas that get a lot of rain. It helps capture and absorb rainwater runoff (especially from roofs, driveways and downspouts). Instead of water pooling near your foundation that can cause flooding, the rain garden plants will soak up the water and filtered it back into the ground. 

Why It’s a Win-Win

Reduces standing water

Helps prevent basement or crawlspace floods

Keeps pollutants out of storm drains

Adds natural beauty and curb appeal to your home

Helps local pollinators thrive (honeybees love flowers!)

What to Plant

You’ll want to go for native and deep-rooted plants that love getting their feet wet but can also handle dry spells (you know how dry Georgia can get!). Some of our favorite picks include:

• Black-Eyed Susans
• Switchgrass
• Blue Flag Iris
• Joe Pye Weed

Pro Tip:

We recommend placing your rain garden at least 10 feet away from your home’s foundation and watch it work its magic during the next storm. We also recommend contacting a local landscape company for a plan that best serves your property.

Garden Smarter, Not Harder

A rain garden bed is a simple way to enjoy your yard while protecting your property from water damage. However, if water’s already made its way into your crawlspace, basement or living area, don’t wait. First In Restoration is just a call away and is ready to mitigate and dry your space in.

Need help after heavy rain? First In Restoration is Georgia’s #1 water damage restoration and mold remediation team—serving Loganville, Gwinnett County and surrounding areas. 

Call First In Restoration 24/7: 470-748-0225 or visit our website: www.firstinrestoration.com

At First In Restoration, Georgia’s top-rated water damage restoration company, we’ve seen everything from busted pipes, to roof leaks. But some lesser-known threats can cause just as much, or even more water damage.

Here are three things you may not realize that can lead to water damage:

1. HVAC Drain Lines

If your HVAC drain line is clogged it can cause major issues. The air conditioning system takes the moisture from the air—and that moisture (aka: water) has to go somewhere. If the condensation drain line gets clogged, it will overflow and will cause damage behind walls or ceilings.

2. Washing Machine Hoses

How old is your washing machine? What about its hoses? Rubber hoses on older washing machines can crack (from dry rot) or burst and typically there’s not much warning. A small leak can flood your laundry room quickly, and it doesn’t take long for it to affect additional rooms (or the downstairs if it is located upstairs). 

3. Windows

Over time, caulk and seals around your windows breaks down (again, from dry rot and age). When rain hits old seals it can leak under the window and soak everything from the wood to the insulation and can even lead to mold getting behind the walls.

How to Keep Water Damage Out of Your Georgia Home

Stay proactive. Check these ares regularly and take action (like replacing the window, window seals or caulk) before a small issue turns in to a large water damage claim.

Why Call First In Restoration?

If water damage sneaks in to your Georgia home, don’t wait. First In Restoration is the #1 water damage restoration company in Georgia and your go-to for emergency plumbing, mold removal, and water cleanup. We’re IICRC certified and available 24/7. Call us at 470-748-0225 or visit www.firstinrestoration.com.