What products are needed after a hurricane has caused water damage to a home?

When it comes to mother nature, she has a mind of her own.  There’s not much we can do to prevent a natural disaster from occurring.  But there are certain things we can do to be prepared for the aftermath.  After a flood or hurricane has damaged your home, you’ll need general cleaning supplies, tools/equipment for minor repairs, personal hygiene items, and a solid food/water supply.  

 These are the must-have items to keep on hand for the aftermath of a natural disaster.

 Cleaning supplies:

• Air freshener
• Bleach
• Bucket, 5-gallon, with lid
• Cleaner, household
• Clothes pins
• Clothesline
• Detergent, liquid laundry
• Disinfectant dish soap
• Gloves, latex
• Gloves, work
• Masks, N-95
• Scouring pads
• Scrub brush
• Sponges
• Towels for cleaning
• Trash bags, heavy-duty

Materials/Tools:

• Plywood – You can create a temporary fix for your walls, roof, floor, windows, or doors with pieces of plywood. 
• 2”x4” studs – These can come in handy for shoring up your home in the event of structural damage.
• Tarps – When plywood is not available, tarps can be used to cover anything that is broken, including roofs, windows, doors, and walls.
• Furring strips – These are thin wood strips that will keep your tarps from flapping when the wind is strong. If furring strips are not available, you can improvise by cutting strips from cardboard boxes.
• Clear plastic sheeting – This comes in rolls and can be used when a tarp is unavailable to keep your house dry and comfortable.
• Caulking – This can be used to fix different types of leaks. Having a caulking gun handy will make the process easy.
• Duct tape – Every homeowner should have this all-purpose repair material on hand.
• Wire ties – These are indispensable for holding things together.
• Extension cords – If your electrical system is damaged, cords can provide a temporary workaround.
• Hardware – Screws, nails, and fasteners, along with a hammer, wrench, and screwdriver.

What do I need for flood restoration equipment?

We hope you never have to deal with the aftermath of a flood on your property - it’s no fun.  But, should it occur, we want you to be prepared with the appropriate flood restoration equipment. 

Whether you’re purchasing for business or personal use, these are the most important items to have on hand to restore your home or business after a flood: 

• LGR Dehumidifier. LGR stands for low-grain refrigerant.  Although it dehumidifies similarly to a standard dehumidifier, it is much more powerful and works in a broader temperature range.  Our DriEaz F412 LGR 7000 XLI is highly rated and among the best dehumidifiers available. 
• Air Mover. Also known as air blowers, air movers work alongside dehumidifiers to quickly dry parts of a home like drywall, flooring, and carpet.  There are two main types of air blowers. Axial air blowers are used to dry materials like flooring from the top down. Centrifugal air movers (often referred to as snail shells) are used when guiding air to specific areas, like under cabinets or behind drywall because they can change the direction of the air they're blowing.
• Air Purifier. Air purifiers, also known as air scrubbers, play an important part in major jobs that include a lot of dust or mold. If there's category 3, or black water, damage, air purifiers are necessary to help remove the bacteria and harmful elements the water left in the affected areas.
• Moisture Detector. Moisture detectors are small handheld devices that identify water damage around drywall, flooring, trim, and other surfaces. They can also detect the severity of the damage.

Why are carbon filters better?

While traditional air filters have long been the most common type of air filter on the market, carbon air filters are becoming a popular option for people concerned about air quality and purification.  As homeowners and consumers have become aware of the pollutants in their homes, they are discovering the benefits of carbon filtration and its ability to pull specific contaminants out of the air. 

Take a look at the pros and cons of both traditional and carbon filters to determine which is best for your home: 

Carbon Filters - PROS:

• Eliminates odors
• Ability to neutralize harmful gases and VOCs
• Clears smoke and chemicals out of the air
• No harsh contaminants are released 

Carbon Filters - CONS:

• Not the best filter for removing allergens from the air
• Doesn’t trap microorganisms
• Only lasts around a month before needing to be replaced
• More expensive than traditional air filters 

Traditional Filters - PROS:

• Can trap and remove microorganisms, including bacteria and viruses
• Very effective at removing allergens, pollen, dust, and dander
• No harsh contaminants are released
• Can last up to three months before replacement 

Traditional Filters - CONS:

• Not ideal for odor removal
• Not able to remove some chemicals and gases from the air 

As you can see, traditional air filters are a perfectly fine choice.  But, if you’re looking for the most protection from volatile organic compounds (VOC’s), odors, smoke, and harmful gases in the air, carbon filters are your best bet. 

Check out our selection of carbon filters here.  Need assistance choosing the right ones?  We’re happy to help.

Return Policies

To initiate a return, you must follow our Return Material Authorization (RMA) process. Please note that this process is non-negotiable. If your return aligns with the manufacturer or publisher's guidelines, you can obtain an RMA number by contacting PaylessJanitorialNet through one of the following methods:

• Call: 954-533-6613 to speak with our Web Desk team.
• Email: Send an email to info@paylessjanitorial.net with "RMA REQUEST" in the subject line. In your email, include the following information: your name, invoice number, a description of the issue, and whether the packaging has been opened or remains manufacturer sealed.
• Alternatively, you can request an RMA through our Contact Us Page

Please be aware that a restocking fee may be applicable based on the manufacturer and distributor policies. Even if the manufacturer's policy exceeds an 18% restocking fee, we will not charge you more than 18% for this fee. However, if the return results from an error on our part, no restocking fee will be applied.

If an order placed on our site requires a return or re-routing due to an incorrect address, a 15% fee will be imposed. Additionally, any carrier-imposed fees will be your responsibility.

In the event that our error prompts a return, we will cover the freight fees to the return facility. For non-error-related returns, you will be responsible for return freight costs. Please choose a reliable carrier with tracking capabilities for your return at your expense.

Once you have obtained your RMA number, please take note of the following:

• RMA numbers issued by PaylessJanitorial.Net are valid for 10 business days, and the product must reach PaylessJanitorial.Net within that timeframe.
• RMA numbers cannot be extended or re-issued.
• Ensure that the RMA number is clearly marked on each address label of the package being returned. Please refrain from writing on the manufacturer's box.
• PaylessJanitorial.Net strongly recommends using a reputable shipping carrier that can provide proof of delivery. Properly pack and fully insure your return shipments.
• All returns must be 100% complete, including all original boxes and packing materials. Additionally, they must contain all blank warranty cards, accessories, and manufacturer-provided documentation. Incomplete returns may result in a return to sender or a minimum 18% restocking fee.
• Please be aware that all returns are subject to inspection upon receipt. No credit will be issued unless the return matches the condition described in the RMA or in correspondence received by the Customer. Returns exhibiting regular wear and tear upon inspection will not receive credit.