Winston Churchill once said, "We shape our buildings, and afterwards our buildings shape us." This statement can be true as you don’t simply go online, browse through the first property search, and readily purchase the first available option. You take utmost care in selecting your home and taking care of it. But there are some things that are not under your control, which will threaten to compromise the foundation of your home. A damage to your property is inevitable, and you must be ready to handle the situation and its challenges. Wind, hailstorms, torrential rains, and snowfall can result in the wear and tear of crucial components of your home. It is important that you know what should be done during such an emergency. One of the biggest threats can be the risk of water damage. From a simple faucet leak to excessive flooding due to rising water levels, severe water damage can compromise the structural integrity of your home and can even make it completely inhabitable. So, in difficult times, you will take the necessary steps and do everything you can to protect your home. The question then arises as to how can you protect your home from water damage? The answer lies in being fully aware of the process of water damage restoration. Understanding the process Water damage largely affects your primary source of usable water. It is one of the reasons why a prompt and efficient emergency water cleanup service must be hired. The first inspection is a step that will provide you with an estimate of the work that will be done, and help source services that tackle such repairs on a regular basis. A first inspection determines the type of service required as every repair job is unique depending on the category of water damage. A professional water mitigation contractor will conduct the first inspection to assess the category of water damage, the level of water intrusion, and the services necessary for a proper restoration. The contractor will give a quote or an estimate of the damage done and the cost of restoration on the basis of a report. Note that there are three main categories of water damage to assess the scale of restoration. Three primary categories of water damage

• A Category 1 classification indicates sanitary water damage where the source of the water leak is not contaminated. These include water leaks from broken tanks, pipes, and sources of clean water supply.
• A Category 2 leak is from toilet overflows or water containing detergents, and residue from your washing machine or dishwasher. The risk of contaminating the surrounding environment is fairly low in this case.
• A Category 3 leak is a major problem as the surrounding environment is contaminated with an unsanitary source of water. Sources include water from a sewage leak or flood damage due to bad weather. Key materials that make up the structure in and around your home including drywall and insulation must be replaced to restore your home.

There are four common levels of water intrusion applicable to individual damage categories. The contractor must assess both the level of intrusion and the category of damage to provide an approximate time period for the restoration. For example, a simple leak or burst pipe is a class 1 intrusion and can be fixed in a matter of hours. Classes 2 and 3 vary in terms of damage depending on the source of the leak. A class 4 intrusion due to major flooding damage requires a complete overhaul. Depending on the type of damage, both local and national water damage cleaning companies provide premium services. Here is a detailed overview for more clarity on each category of restoration. Category 1 restoration A Category 1 water damage is not so severe as a minimal amount of water leaks from a single point of entry. There is little mitigation necessary to inspect the damage and the containment area is relatively small. Common examples include a burst pipe, a burst hot water tank, or even toilet tank flooding. The loss originates from a sanitary source of water and does not pose any major health risks. However, a basic restoration is possible only after the source of the leak has been identified and plugged. Water vacuum removal, air mover drying, and water containment are some of the ways that can help prevent the water from leaking among the basic services. The extent of additional repairs and home improvements necessary to restore your home will depend entirely on the severity of the leak. Ensure to keep in mind that local water damage cleanup services can tackle this type if only if it constitutes residential damage. The cost of restoration will vary among services depending on a number of factors. The website of National Disaster Recovery can help you narrow down the top contractors in your area. Category 2 restoration Water discharge from household appliances primarily results in Category 2 water damage. Alternatively referred to as “gray water,” flooding due to inefficient plumbing can cause severe water damage. Due to high porosity, the amount of water absorption is high. Note that gray water also poses a significant health risk due to inherent contamination via exposure to chemicals and compounds used for washing and rinsing purposes. Basic services and cleanup for this type of damage is similar to that of Category 1. However, the technicians have to exercise caution as the cleanup involves removal of both biological matter and detergents from various appliances. Category 3 restoration A Category 3 restoration is nothing short of a logistical nightmare. It originates from a contaminated water source. We are talking about complete overhaul wherein everything has to go! Only a premium service can tackle this magnitude of restoration. Everything from leaking faucets to irreversible sewage water damage must be tackled in a timely manner. Here is a detailed overview of the services under Category 3 restoration and what to expect from each one. Content and document restoration The first thing that comes to your mind is the collection of important documents, paperwork, and any physical contents kept in and around the household. Damage from a steady water leak can affect walls and insulation. Does this mean goodbye to old photographs and those priceless first editions? Not necessarily as residential document drying services can salvage most of what was damaged. A team of experts uses advanced tools and techniques to sort moist documents, remove moisture, and chemically treat stains. Appliance leaks and repair Household appliance leaks can gradually cause wear and tear. Water heaters, in particular, pose a serious risk of damage that can incur high costs. You must look out for signs of water damage due to the corrosion of internal components of the appliance. If the heater lets water accumulate at the bottom of the apparatus, it is a clear sign of a water leak. A whistling sound and shortage of hot water despite turning up the heat settings in the appliance also indicate damage due to corrosion and wear. Professional services not only help reverse the damages but also help prevent the possibility of appliance failure. Regular inspection of the heating appliance, installation of a catch pan for efficient and safe disposal of wastewater, and automatic shut off valves collectively reduce the likelihood of appliance failure. Installing a premium quality insulation blanket around the water tank will keep the temperature in check and reduce the risk of damage due to extreme temperature changes. As a precaution, it is advisable to opt for energy-efficient tankless water heaters, eliminating the need for a storage tank. Professional water damage restoration services can help install these safety systems to further reduce the risk of a leak. Sewage and wastewater Inefficient plumbing can cause sewage and wastewater to leak into spaces in and around the household making it a very unsanitary place. The source of the leak can be an internal structural fault in the plumbing and sewage exit system. A simple block can cause contaminated water to back up the pipes and trigger unexpected flooding. In such a case, major sewer repair and flood damage control are required to clean up and restore spaces. A professional grade restoration will result in the removal of all contaminated water, furnishings, carpet, and even the flooring if necessary. Furthermore, air movers decontaminate the atmosphere in the affected area to help dry the space until repairs can be carried out. Experts also clean and sanitize the complete room to prevent the spread of deadly viruses and illness-causing microbes. Note that the process for a Category 3 sewage leak is time-consuming and can be expensive. The contractor has to plan and map out the individual services in the aforementioned sequence to contain the leak. Basement flooding Basements are the first areas to flood, and chances are it is the last place you will look for the source of a leak. Also, heavy flooding or rain damage can completely destroy a basement due to poor space allocation and inadequate plumbing. Groundwater saturation due to heavy rains or unexpected flooding can force the water to seep into the basement through foundation leaks. The leak increases the hydrostatic pressure and can compromise the structural integrity of a home. Here, experts identify the leak and plug it. The pressure should be brought back to normal by using industrial grade equipment. Quick response is key to manage even the worst possible Category 3 leak. Roof repairs and restoration The roof is one of the most vulnerable structures prone to water damage. Heavy rain, shifting winds, and multiple inches of snowfall can lead to failure of roof structure. Aging roofs, saturated roofing materials, wind damage, and the buildup of ice dams will compromise the structure. The risk of water damage is high, as rapid melting and cooling of ice forces the water to accumulate in the exit pipes. You must call for a residential roof cleanup service to fix the external source of the leak. Carpet and upholstery cleaning Often, heavy flood damage renders the carpet worthless. Professional services provide carpet cleaning, drying, and floor restoration services. Multiple factors must be taken into account before the carpets can be cleaned. These include the age of the carpet or upholstery, the duration of water damage, and the type of water damage. For example, it is easy to manage water damage caused due to a flood from a clean water source. The water damage also does not pose any significant health threat to humans. However, gray water sources include discharge from washing machines and overflow from dishwashers. In such cases, the carpet or upholstery will need complete replacement. A prompt restoration will reduce the risk of health complications due to exposure to unsanitary sewage and drain water for Category 2 and 3 leaks. Drying and dehumidification The walls, insulation between walls, space under the flooring, HVAC systems, and vents are common areas prone to water damage. For this purpose, drying and dehumidification is done to ensure the structural integrity of the surrounding support columns and drywall. One should remember that water removal is not possible without plugging the leak first. After the process, air movers help evaporate the remaining water quickly and efficiently. Powerful dehumidifiers help extract the moisture from the air after drying. The process is necessary for a Category 3 restoration owing to unsanitary water sources. Water vapors from the resulting spill pose a health risk to the people in the household. The technicians take periodic readings to ensure the moisture content in the air is minimum. Humidity also triggers the growth of mold within just a couple of days of water damage or a leak. Mold can grow out of control quickly and can cause structural damage if left unchecked. Popular franchises for various categories of restoration

• 911 Restoration The franchise caters to both residential and commercial customers providing a wide range of services that can tackle substantial Category 2 water damage.
• 1-800 Water Damage The franchise offers timely response and quick grievance redressal right from the first inspection to the final handover after restoration. It focuses on maintaining key partnerships with insurance companies, property management companies, and water-related services to help streamline the process.
• Servpro Servpro is one of the oldest and premier services providing a complete restoration for Category 3 damage. It is also one of the best disaster management response companies in over 647 locations across the country. The franchise is known for its award-winning quick response and great turnaround time for professional services in water damage restoration. It is important to note that the companies mentioned here provide services for all three categories of water damage.

Now that you know how the services work to help you rebuild your home, it is essential that you seek a quote first before starting any type of repairs. You must have an idea of how much the repairs and restoration will cost to make the necessary arrangements in advance. Owning your own home instills a sense of pride, and allows for personal freedom - keeping it in shipshape becomes your responsibility. So don't hesitate to call an expert if you face water damage.

Mold in your house can be very harmful to your kids. It can spread through tiny spores that come away with air. Mold can easily thrive at places with water and warmth. Mold is everywhere; all they need is a chance to grow. People often confuse between symptoms of mold allergy and common fever and cold. If your baby lives and plays in an area with lots of molds, he/she is more likely to have allergies and other health problems. Since mold allergy symptoms are often misinterpreted and parents remain indifferent towards them, it may later prove to be hazardous for your kid. To avoid such instances, parents should be well aware of the various mold allergy symptoms very well. Below are four such symptoms that an individual must know about. Irritations Irritation to the central nervous system and mucous membranes happens when a child is exposed to black mold. Nosebleeds, coughing, and dizziness are some other common symptoms when one is exposed to such mold. Respiratory problems If your child inhales mold spores, he/she may suffer from many respiratory problems like runny nose, coughing, sore throat, and wheezing. Since such mold allergy symptoms are similar to the symptoms of seasonal allergies, it becomes important for the parents to consult a doctor. Skin rashes When a child comes in contact with mold spores, irritation, itching, and rashes on the body are common. Eye irritations If eyes come in contact with the black mold, they can result in severe inflammations in the eyes. Itchy and watery eyes, soreness and redness of eyes are some of its symptoms. Rather than waiting for such symptoms to arrive, one should take certain proactive measures to avoid mold harbor. You should repair any leaks and should keep the room always free from humidity. Remember to keep windows closed when it’s humid.

Almost everyone wants to retire young and rich. That's why most people want to start investing so that they get a high return on the money that they have. This lets the money to continue to flow in. You can choose banks or financial institutions for this purpose. Here are some of the pros and cons of investing in conventional methods like Bank fixed deposits, versus financial institute mutual funds.

Fixed Deposits
Fixed deposit is an investment plan where you invest a sum of money in a bank for a set period (tenure) with a specific rate of interest. This is one of the most common investment approaches with banks.
Pros:
Low risk
The safest investment with a bank is a fixed deposit. It gives steady growth and provides maximum security to your principal amount.
Assurance
When you open a fixed deposit, the interest rate is predetermined and remains the same throughout the term. This means that the growth of your principal isn't subject to any other influencing factors.
Tax benefits
You can get tax benefits when you start a fixed deposit. Your taxable amount will be deducted according to the deposit you've made.

Cons:
Lower earnings
When compared to other investment plans, these have a very low rate of return. Although it's risk-free, the earnings are mediocre at best.
The effect of inflation
When compared to inflation, FDs don't offer returns good enough to beat the inflation. They're just a decent investment that offers security at most.
Taxable
In spite of having tax benefits, FDs don't entirely save tax. The returns you get after maturity are taxable. This means you won't get the full benefit of your investment. That's a major drawback.
Low liquidity
FDs come with a lock-in period. This takes away flexibility in your investments.
A premature withdrawal has two side effects. First, you'll be charged a fee for pre-closure. Second, the interest rate reduces. Both are losses that should be avoided.

Mutual Funds
Stock or equity is the ownership of shares in a company or business.
Pros :
Highest returns
From all investments option, equity/stocks are the best when it comes to returns. If invested properly, the average returns ranges from 12-15%. Some good investors can even reach numbers of up to 20%.
Liquidity
Another advantage with stock investment is that you can withdraw your money anytime you want.
This flexibility works better in the long run since it lets you keep control of your money.
Tax-free Dividend
Many companies give regular dividends on stocks. That's a great way to generate an alternate income. The best part is that is that it's not taxable.

Defeat Inflation
With returns being high, stocks are a great option to beat inflation significantly.
Cons:
Highest Risk
Equity is the least secure investment you can make. With some strategic planning and proper management, this can be avoided to an extent.
Reallocation
Equity funds don't perform all that well when you leave them to mature like FDs and PFs. They need to be monitored regularly.
According to market fluctuation, certain funds might not perform well. In those times, you should reallocate these funds to a more profitable organisation. This isn't easy and needs you to monitor the market regularly.

Whether you're investing with banks or financial institution, both have their own merits and demerits. You should take a call based on your current status and financial goals that you've set.

Abdominal pain causes extreme discomfort due to pain experienced anywhere between the lower chest and the groin. Abdominal pain varies from acute to chronic pain. It may be a dull sensation or a sharp, searing pain. There are several causes of the disease and it has many different symptoms. A few symptoms of abdominal pain include ulcers of the stomach, gallbladder disease, food poisoning, appendicitis, cysts, fibroids, STDs, cancer, and vascular problems. If you are suffering from pain in the abdomen for a prolonged period of time, it is absolutely necessary to visit a doctor and get it diagnosed at the earliest. Abdominal pain is generally described on the basis of the location of the pain, the type of pain, and its intensity. Location of abdominal pain

• Upper abdominal pain
• Lower left abdomen pain
• Right upper and pain in lower abdomen
• Pain in the pelvis

Types of abdominal pain The type of abdominal pain can go a long way in helping to determine the underlying cause of the pain. At times, it is difficult to categorize the kind of pain thus making it difficult to diagnose the disease. Here are a few common types of abdominal pain:

• Sharp pain
• Dull pain
• A stabbing sensation
• Tearing pain
• Experiencing cramps
• Twisting pain
• Extreme pressure
• Bloating

Causes of abdominal pain Abdominal pain is quite common, and it can be complicated and caused by a number of factors. To put it into perspective, abdominal pain is one of the top two reasons why Americans visit the emergency room. Here are a few of its most common causes:

• Stomach flu
• Gas
• Acid reflux
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Vomiting
• Gastritis
• Food intolerances
• Constipation
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease
• Crohn’s disease
• Stomach or peptic ulcers
• Celiac disease
• Strained or pulled muscles
• Menstrual cramps or endometriosis
• Bladder and urinary tract infections

While pain in the abdomen is a common problem in the country, there is no reason why you should not seek immediate treatment on contracting this ache. It is unpleasant and leads to a variety of different symptoms and aches. If you are suffering from any of the symptoms of the disease, visit a doctor immediately and get it diagnosed. Your health is solely in your hands. On a correct diagnosis, the doctor would recommend a treatment option or prescribe medications to help ease the pain and discomfort.

Colon issues develop due to unhealthy eating habits. Irregular food cycle is also one of the reasons people suffer from various colon issues. Some of these issues can take turn for worse and turn into a life-threatening condition. Hence, it is necessary that you follow proper diet and eat healthy food to keep colon issues at bay. The following food and habits can help you detoxify and keep the colon healthy, thereby reducing the risks of several colon issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), diverticulosis, and colon cancer. They can also help in reducing the discomforts of bloating, constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, and gas. Fiber-rich food Fiber-rich food can be helpful in maintaining a healthy colon. Foods such as raspberries, bananas, prunes, peas and broccoli, beans, celery, and whole wheat pasta are rich sources of fiber that helps to cleanse the body. Foods rich in fiber help in waste moving along the digestive tract. This, in turn, helps in keeping the intestine and colon clean and disease-free. Vitamin D Vitamin D is advantageous when trying to prevent colon cancer and maintaining a healthy colon. You can get vitamin D from a variety of sources including the sun. Around 15 to 20 minutes of exposure to the sun (preferably 8 am sun) is sufficient. Other sources of vitamin D include fatty fish (such as salmon), milk, and cereal. Vitamin D may also help in preventing osteoporosis. Exercising to maintain a healthy bowel Exercise can play an important part when trying to maintain a healthy bowel and keeping colon issues at bay. Exercising increases the blood flow and circulation throughout the body. More circulation gets more oxygen to the body. This may help ward off colon cancer and other colon issues. If time is of essence and you have a very busy schedule, stretching and yoga for at least 10 to 15 minutes a day is sufficient to keep the colon healthy. Don't let the fecal matter accumulate in the intestine If you feel a bowel movement coming, head for the bathroom. Holding it back can develop toxins in the intestine, which can eventually lead to developing colon issues like diverticulosis and IBS. Keep your body hydrated One of the reason a person might develop colon issues is insufficient water intake throughout the day. This increases the risk of bloating and constipation. Thus, drinking water before every meal helps in proper digestion of food and avoids developing toxins.

While all tires might look the same, they are different from each other. There are different types of tires made for various purposes and terrain. It is essential to know which kind of tire works best for your vehicle. If you live in cold regions, you'll need winter tires with soft rubber for better grip on slippery surfaces. For those living in tropical regions, opting for summer tires made with durable rubber is the best option.  Apart from these types, there are all-weather tires that function in all seasons. One must also consult a specialist before opting for a particular set of tires for the vehicle.  The penny test One of the important aspects to consider when buying tires is to know when to change them. Like any product or service, tires also have a shelf life, and knowing if they are old, worn out, or damaged will make your life safer on the road. Just try the penny test to check the condition of the tires . Take a penny and place it on the tread groove upside down, with the head of the figure going into the gap, toward the center of the tire. If the head is not partially hidden by the tire, it is time to replace them. It is recommended to speak to a professional to confirm and go ahead with your replacement. Replace or upgrade It is also important to now understand if you need to replace the same type of tire with a new set or upgrade them. While replacing is easy, upgrading tires is tricky. This requires a lot of research, analysis, and, most importantly, a professional opinion to know which tires will suit the best. Another aspect to consider is the tire size that would be compatible with your car or if they are even available and necessary. An upgrade does not always necessarily mean better. So speak to an expert before jumping to make any decisions. Tire size Knowing the right tire size and choosing the right ones is the next step in the buying process. The size is usually written in a series of numbers and letters. An example includes - 245/40-R18. According to this, the first set of numbers shows the width of the tire in millimeters, at the widest point of the tire; the number after the slash determines the aspect ratio, which includes how tall the sidewall is as compared to the width in percentage. It is usually understood that the higher the number, the taller the sidewall. The last set of numbers is the diameter of the wheel, measured in inches, on which the tire can be mounted. The letter "R" indicates radial; most of the tires available today are radial. Usually, SUVs and sedans have taller sidewalls, like 45-60, while sports cars have shorter sidewalls ranging from 30 to 40. Treadwear ratings This important information can tell you how long your tires will last after buying. Basically, it can calculate how many miles they can run before they start to wither and need a replacement again. It becomes crucial information, especially if you are buying expensive tires and need to understand how often you need to make that purchase to stay safe on the road. The tread wear rating is usually listed on the tire sidewall, so you can look at that to understand how well they will last on the road. However, sometimes the information may not be accurate. Instead of just relying on the rank, it is better to look at the tread life warranty that the manufacturer provides. While not all tires have this warranty, it is important to check for this, apart from the usual manufacturing quality or defect warranties. It is understood that, more often than not, the mileage listed in the tread life warranty is more accurate than the mileage that will be provided by the new tires. If the tires wear out before that, you can speak to the manufacturer for a credit that can be used to buy a new set of tires. Run-flat tires There are some automakers who fit run-flat tires as opposed to conventional ones. The benefit of having these tires is that the vehicle can continue to run at a low speed for short distances, which allows the driver to reach a repair shop or home to get it checked by a mechanic, instead of feeling abandoned in the middle of the road. However, the downside is that it becomes harder to navigate the vehicle when there is a puncture, especially on terrain that is not plain but rough. If you are buying some truck tires, be sure to maintain the tires well to avoid regular replacements. Rotate the tire regularly, get the wheels aligned, keep the tire pressure consistent, keep the wheels and tires clean and always perform pre-trip inspections to avoid any tire-related accidents.