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A Message to Our Clients

A message to our valued clients:

As we navigate through this tough time with the recent outbreak of the Coronavirus, we want to communicate to you how our company has implemented steps to prevent the spread of the virus, while safely keeping our doors open to you, our valued client for any home or business damage needs.

First and foremost, we emphasize that safety of our clients and staff is our top priority. We recognize that there are certain concerns surrounding the virus, therefore we are implementing the necessary measures required to provide a safe environment.

The following are the precautions we are taking in an effort to help you feel confident about our team entering into your business or home.

· Cleaning precautions – We have enhanced the amount of cleaning and sanitation on all human touch points at our office, warehouse, restrooms, vehicles and equipment. This includes a daily sanitation of our office with a disinfectant solution.

· No hand shake policy – While we are firm believers of a good old fashioned handshake, at this time we have implemented a “No Handshake” policy for all employees.

· As an additional step to ensure we are doing our part in minimizing the spear of the virus, employees who do not feel well in any way are required to stay home.

· No visitors at this time – For the time being, our office is closed to visitors, and other non-staff individuals. Our phone line are open, and we are handling all transactions virtually.

· Use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) – Our technicians will wear PPE in the form of masks and latex gloves upon arrival. Additional PPE such as suits, boots, respirators, etc. may also be used depending on the situation.

As our staff and project managers visit your locations, please let us know of there are any specific instructions or policies your company may have put in place, in an effort to allow us to cooperate with your policies. While it is uncertain how long these precautions will be necessary, we will continue to update you regularly as the situation evolves.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us. We will continue to monitor the restrictions set forth and will make changes or adjustments to our policies accordingly. For up to date information regarding the Coronavirus Disease 2019, visit www.CDC.gov

Carlo Quintana
President, Lariat Builders Group, Corp, Lariat Restoration

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Protecting Your Commercial Roof: Spotting Roof Damage

commercial roof

commercial roof

Commercial roofs require continuous maintenance and repairs. Unfortunately, many times roof damage is far worse than it would have been if repairs were made months or even days in advance. The longer you put off routine maintenance, the more likely it is that your roof will see issues that far exceed normal wear and tear.

Whether you own a retail, medical, government, or educational building, there are steps you can take to keep your building’s roof protected. In many cases, looking for trouble spots goes a long way.

Here are a couple of things to watch out for:

Interior Water Stains

water stains

Water stains coming from the ceiling or walls often reveal a problem with commercial roofs. Some of the most common causes include a leaking pipe and a leaking roof. Finding the source of the problem is the first step. Once the source has been identified as a leaking roof, it’s imperative that the leak is fixed as soon as possible. Otherwise, you risk dealing with mold and rotting of other construction materials.    

Unusual Odors and Stains

Once water from leaks has set into the ceiling, you may start noticing odors within the building. Generally, if it is a leak and you haven’t had any repairs made, the water will seep in and create stains. Avoiding this scenario is your ultimate goal! So it’s best to contact a professional as soon as you begin noticing foul smells.

Missing Shingles or Curling Shingles

missing shingles

If your commercial roof has shingles, following a wind storm you may notice that some have been blown off or are curling, which means the edges are lifted. Sometimes all it takes is a 50 mph gust of wind to wreak havoc on your roof within seconds. Replacing and repairing shingles is imperative for avoiding leaks. Since it’s not always possible to spot missing shingles, you should consider having your roof professionally inspected following a major storm.

Standing Water on Flat Roofs

Flat commercial roofs come with their own set of issues such as water remaining for days or even weeks after a big rainstorm. If your roof doesn’t have a proper slope for the water to drain, it could cause damage. Thankfully, here in El Paso, the sun will peak out shortly after a rainstorm but when we get those back-to-back rainy days without any sun, that’s when you need to take caution. Also, following a hail storm, you’ll want to have your business’ roof professional inspected to have clarity knowing whether any damage was caused.  

Lariat Builders Offers Full-Service Commercial Roofing

The importance of a safe commercial roof should never be undermined. Your building depends on it. For that reason, we’re committed to ensuring your commercial roof is given the level of attention it requires to meet building codes and structural requirements.

To have your commercial roof professionally serviced, give Lariat Builders Group in El Paso a call today!

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Your Home Maintenance Guide

home maintenance

home maintenance

Home is where you rest your head. Home is where your family eats dinner. And home is where the best memories are made. The ways in which we value our home may differ but the common sentiment is that it’s the place where we feel most secure. Keeping that security alive often includes maintaining the areas that risk the potential of causing damage.

Whether you’re a new homeowner or are well into owning your third or fourth home, performing routine maintenance can be a tricky task. It’s not always clear how often one needs to check the kitchen’s exhaust fan. But it’s precisely those details that make a difference. So we thought it’d be a good idea to break down how often something needs to be inspected or replaced on a monthly and seasonal basis.

Your Monthly Checklist

  • Change out the air filters. Most manufacturers will say that HVAC filters need to be changed every 30 to 60 days. This will ultimately depend on a couple of factors. For one, if you own a cat or dog, you’re looking at an average of every 60 days. On another note, if you suffer from allergies, you’ll want to bump that up to every 20 to 45 days, depending on the severity of your symptoms. But if you’re hardly ever home or this is a seasonal residence, you can extend that length up to 90 days.
  • Check and/or replace the batteries of your smoke detectors. You’ll want to install a smoke detector on every floor of your home as well as the basement or attic. As a rule of thumb, be sure to check each detector’s batteries at least once a month. It only requires a couple of minutes and the difference a smoke detector makes is significant.
  • Clean the garbage disposal. There’s debate over how often the garbage disposal needs to be cleaned—some say once a week, others claim once a month. This will depend on how often you throw food waste down the drain. But at least once a month you’ll want to thoroughly clean it using baking soda and hot water. First, throw in a couple of ice cubes into the disposal then flush them down with baking soda and hot water.   

Every Three to Four Months

  • Check door and window locks. With everyday use, door locks can become loose or require some finetuning to ensure they’re performing optimally. A door lock that’s too tight or too difficult to open is not safe. The same applies for home windows. You want to make sure that you can open them without any trouble. Once March, June, September, or December roll around, be sure to perform a routine check on your doors and windows.
  • Check the exterior of your home. Look for any cracks in the walls, the chipping of paint, or any missing roof shingles. By inspecting the exterior of your home, you’ll uncover any potential damage that can be addressed early on or before the start of a new season, which may bring unpredictable weather. You should have a professional roofer inspect your roof.

Your Seasonal Home Maintenance Tips

Each Winter

  • Check the basement and/or attic for any leaks– By spotting leaks in the basement or attic, you can avoid the damage that’s caused when those leaks spread to the rest of your home, often leading to mold.
  • Clean the exhaust fan grill– Your stove and oven will see a lot of oil and different chemicals splattered throughout. It’s important to clean both the exhaust fan in order to rid it of the grease that will collect over time. Leftover grease can easily start a fire if you’re not careful.   
  • Inspect your roof– Have your roof professionally inspected just to be sure no repairs are needed.  

Every Spring

  • Remove leaves or outside debris from gutters- Keeping your gutters clean is important for your home’s exterior and interior. Since gutters control the flow of water, they also keep your roof and walls protected from water. Clogged gutters often leak to mold and the infestation of rodents and/or pests.  
  • Have your septic tank professionally inspected and cleaned- How often you have your septic tank cleaned may depend on the size of your household. Ultimately, you want to make sure you have it inspected once a year in the spring to make sure it’s functioning properly.
  • Flush the water heater– Doing so will help prevent the buildup of minerals and other harmful corrosion. It will also keep your water heater running as smooth as possible.

When Summer Rolls Around

  • Make sure your dryer’s vents are clean- When a dryer overheats, it can cause a fire. Lint is the culprit, which is why cleaning the lint filters is key. Unfortunately, those lint traps that we clean after each use isn’t able to capture all of the lint that’s produced. For that reason, you’ll want to make sure that the inside of the dryer is cleaned and free from excess lint.

Do Your Part to Avoid Property Damage

The value of your home comes in many different forms, from its financial value to the sentiment you and your family place on it as a means of shelter, security, and warmth. When the subject of potentially losing or damaging your home is brought up, it will ultimately raise feelings of fear and maybe even anger. Doing your part to keep your home protected is the best mechanism for challenging that fear. There are natural events that will occur such as a storm that may bring property damage but by focusing on preventable measures, you’ll find that your home will remain as secure as possible. As with any matter, taking precaution is always key!    

Contact Lariat Builders Group

At Lariat Builders, we do our best to inform you about all of the safety precautions that will keep your home as secure as possible. This includes tips that affect your home’s physical structure as well as your own health and safety. We’re always happy to answer any questions you may have regarding seasonal updates, repairs, and how to best restore an area of your home if property damage does occur. Please connect with us today if you have any questions!

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Keeping Your Home Safe During the Busiest Time of the Year

kitchen safety

It’s a sad fact but cooking-related fires are the #1 cause of house fires in the U.S. today. With so many El Pasoans spending more time in the kitchen this holiday season, we thought it would be wise to place attention on preventable measures. It doesn’t take much for a fire to erupt, which is why it’s especially significant that you share these tips with your family. This way, everyone can have a great time whipping up those classic holiday recipes!

Avoid Cooking When You’re Tired

When you’re surviving off four hours of sleep it can feel like the rest of the world is spinning and you’re simply trying to keep your balance. It may seem inevitable that you fit in more hours of sleep but if you plan on spending a good portion of time in the kitchen, make sure you’re not too tired to do so. Even if you’re used to getting minimal sleep, the added stress could make you more inclined to make a mistake, which may include leaving the oven or stove unattended or forgetting to turn it off. If your oven does catch on fire, here’s what you should do:

  1. Close the oven door.
  2. Turn off the oven.
  3. Call 911.
  4. If the fire doesn’t go out, leave your home immediately.
  5. If the fire does go out, open your windows.
  6. Once the fire has subsided, you may open the oven door and carefully remove the hot pan using oven mitts.
  7. Leave the oven door open and allow for all of the smoke to clear.

The reason for leaving the oven door closed? It seems counterintuitive but opening the oven door will cause the fire to spread. A fire, however, can’t survive without oxygen.

Pay Close Attention to Ingredients That May Result in Flames

Cooking without oil is unavoidable in many cases, but since it’s one of the leading causes of cooking-related fires, it’s important to be mindful of what you fry and how you’re frying it. Also be sure to wipe down any spills of cooking oil, as leftover grease can easily make a flame worse. If you happen to ignite a flame, throw baking soda on it, not water! Water will intensify grease fires. Here are a couple of ways in which grease can cause a fire:

  • Unattended frying pans
  • Grease splatters on a hot oven
  • An unattended pot overheats

In the event that a fire does erupt, use a lid to cover the flame. If you don’t have one nearby, throw baking soda on it.

One Final Tip: Keep Decorations Away

Decorations can really bring a kitchen to life, but when you incorporate those that are candle or flame-based, you want to make sure they’re nowhere near the oven or stove. Roughly 20% of cooking fires that take place in November and December are a result of holiday decorations. In addition to keeping your holiday decorations away from your appliances, make sure to avoid leaving hand towels and other non-holiday kitchen materials around your oven and stove.

Slow Down and Enjoy the Moment!

Amidst the holiday shopping, company parties, the family from out of town arriving, be sure to take some time to truly be in the moment! The holidays can be quite magical when you look around. Enjoy the company of your loved ones, thank them for all they do, and yes, cook those family recipes for everyone to enjoy.

From all of us here at Lariat Builders, we’d like to wish you a Happy Holidays and a safe and prosperous New Year! Thank you for your continued support in 2018, we look forward to serving you in 2019.

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The Best Way to Deal With Residential Water Damage and Why Timing Matters

water damage restoration service

From pipes bursting to cracks in your sewer line or the dreadful overflow of a toilet, these scenarios are never anticipated. But the reality is water damage is one of the most common causes of damage in homes. Generally, they tend to be a result of plumbing or appliance failures but can also result from natural disasters like a severe rainstorm. Since not all water damage is covered in your home’s insurance plan, taking action on your own is a must!

In this post, we’re going to focus on one of the most common problems in homes that results in water damage and why timing can make a difference in the severity of water damage.

A Common Problem: Water Heater Failures

There are a couple of signs to look out for when it comes to water heater failures. For one, you may notice that it takes longer than usual for your water to heat up or there’s a complete lack of hot water. Over time, the sediment (mineral deposits in the tank that create a barrier between the burner and water) in your water tank will build up causing the heater to work harder and eventually fail. This creates the potential for a water leak.

Another sign to look out for is cloudy water. If you happen to notice that your tap water looks cloudy or murky, it could be a sign of a water heater failure. Since the mineral deposits in your water will eventually build up and create a blockage, it will affect the flow of water and with enough time, damage your pipes. Pipes with corrosion tend to result in a leak.

Why Timing is Important

Every minute matters when it comes to a leak or overflow of water. Unfortunately, we’re not being dramatic! The important thing to realize is that when toxic water sits on a surface, such as your carpet or hardwood floor, it will eventually begin to evaporate. This is known as secondary water damage. Secondary water damage happens when the moisture from the leak, flood, or however the water got there, begins to evaporate into the air. With time, that moisture will make its way into your carpet, hardwood floors, cabinets, or any other area it can reach. Then comes the worst. The moisture will sit and turn into mold. By this time, the water damage has gone from bad to worse. That’s why calling in a professional as soon you notice a leak or overflow is detrimental.

Contact Lariat Builders Group, Inc. in El Paso

If you find yourself with a broken water heater, pipe burst, leaking sewer line, or dealing with the aftermath of a clogged toilet or sink, give us a call! At Lariat Builders, we understand the importance of providing swift service when it comes to water damage to your home. Our goal is to help you eliminate the risk of costly damage. The sooner we arrive, the sooner we can help ensure that your personal belongings and the rest of your residence is safe. Please connect with us today to learn more.

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Commercial Construction: Positively Anchoring the Community

commercial construction in the El Paso areaCommercial spaces are intrinsic to modern society. Every commercial building, from retail stores to medical facilities, plays a vital role in the betterment of the community. If you’re in the Southwest region and you require commercial construction services, Lariat Builders Group can help. But what goes into commercial construction and why does it differ from its residential counterpart? The answer may surprise you. Whether you require restoration services for unexpected damage or you’d like to renovate or improve your commercial space, we can help.

Differentiating Commercial Construction

Commercial construction is a facet of general construction that refers to any building in the private sector including offices, medical centers, and retail centers. Much like residential, state, and federal construction, commercial buildings can come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The construction aspect can refer to small projects, such as interior design, or larger projects, such as the addition of a new floor or building. Since commercial buildings see an almost constant amount of traffic on a daily basis, it’s necessary for the construction to be sturdy and reliable. This way, employees, guests, and owners alike can feel confident whenever they visit the commercial space.

How Commercial Construction Impacts the Community

Commercial buildings are no strangers to wear and tear. Even the most well-kept building will require restoration construction services at one point or another. If a commercial building faces damages due to unforeseen circumstances, reconstruction services become crucial. When commercial buildings face water, fire, or vehicle impact damage, the outcomes radiate negatively within the community that relies on said commercial building. When a commercial building shuts down due to damage, employees may be unable to work to support their families while clients may be unable to visit building as they would regularly. Since commercial buildings include medical facilities, religious institutions, hotels, and schools (in addition to retail) it’s easy to see how the ramifications of damage can radiate within the community that surrounds said commercial space.

How Lariat Builders Group Can Help

In order to have a reliable commercial space, it’s necessary to team up with a trustworthy builders group. This way, if an issue were to befall your building, you can rest easy knowing it will be taken care of in a swift and high-quality manner. Lariat Builders Group specializes in restoration, general construction, and roofing. Whether your commercial building requires a new roofing system, an upgrade, or a complete restoration, we can help. Contact Lariat Builders Group today to learn more about what we have to offer!

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What Property Owners Should Know About Commercial Roofing

a professional installing commercial roofing over a business centerWhen it comes to protecting commercial buildings in the Southwest region, it’s necessary for property owners to make sure their roofing is in tip-top shape. This is especially true for businesses in the Southwest region where temperatures tend to reach the high 90s on a daily basis. Harsh, scorching rays of sunlight aren’t the only hazards that bombard commercial roofs throughout the day. Commercial roofing is meant to protect buildings from heavy winds, rain, and hail in addition to extreme heat. If you require commercial roofing services, Lariat Builders Group can gladly help!

The First Line of Defense Against Natural Hazards

Maintaining a commercial roof in top shape is necessary in order for property owners to avoid serious consequences. The roof is the building’s first line of defense against natural hazards. Even though commercial roofing is strong and resilient, it is not invulnerable. For this reason, it’s necessary for property owners to keep their commercial roof in check. Regularly scheduled maintenance can save business owners thousands of dollars in damages. Through maintenance, your roof will be able to withstand any natural hazard.

Although the Southwest area is mostly known for high temperatures, other natural hazards, such as strong winds and violent hail, still exist. Strong winds can come out of nowhere, leaving business owners with little to no time to prepare. If a large branch were to fall on a weak or worn-out commercial roof, the damage may be incredibly detrimental. This is why reinforced roofing systems are so crucial.

What Happens If A Disaster Strikes Your Commercial Building?

Even though the Southwest region tends to be mostly safe throughout the year, a disaster may strike at any time. In fact, since this region doesn’t experience tornadoes, hurricanes, or earthquakes, business owners may fall into a false sense of security. The sun will shine tomorrow, after all. It is this false sense of security that will lead to disastrous consequences when unexpected weather strikes. As soon as a disaster occurs, it’s time to get to work. Lariat Builders Group offers high-quality commercial roofing services for business owners in the Southwest region. Whether your roof requires maintenance or restoration services, we can help. Lariat Builders Group specializes in roofing and damage restoration services. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do to restore your commercial roof!

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The Importance of Roof Maintenance for Property Owners in El Paso and Southern New Mexico.

Close up view of man using crowbar and saw to remove rotten wood from leaky roof decking. After removing fascia boards he has discovered that the leak has extended into the beams and decking.

When it comes to home maintenance and upkeep, the roof is often neglected. Even the savviest homeowner may lose track of their roof’s needs from time to time. Most roofs are designed to withstand whatever nature throws their way. So, if the roof is working as it’s meant to, homeowners won’t have to worry that much about constantly maintaining it. This doesn’t mean, however, that no maintenance is required. In fact, completely neglecting your roof can lead to disastrous consequences. The best way to avoid these issues is by seeking assistance from a roofing contractor. Lariat Builders Group is ready to help.

Neglected Roofs Can Lead to Leaks and Mold

Although it doesn’t rain too often in El Paso and Southern New Mexico, roofs can still face leaks. The sparsity of rain might actually lead to more negative consequences since the original leak may not be entirely noticeable when it first appears. As time goes on, however, the leak will expand and lead to more serious consequences such as structural damage and mold. The best way to avoid leaks is by making roof maintenance a priority.

Untreated leaks can lead to mold which is both dangerous and extremely difficult to get rid of once it sets in. Having a roofing contractor check for leaks periodically will allow homeowners to avoid these issues in the first place. If mold is present, a roofing contractor can remove it, and it is important to point out that the removal process can be costly, and in most cases is not covered by a Homeowners insurance policy. It’s best to make roofing maintenance a priority.

If Your Energy Bills Are Growing, It May Be Time for Roof Maintenance

Issues caused by a neglected roof can affect your home’s energy bills as well. Any leaks will result in drafts that allow air to exit your home. In the winter, warm air will exit through the leaks, leading to higher energy bills since the HVAC unit will have to work harder than it’s supposed to. The same scenario can take place during the warm summer months. These leaks will undoubtedly lead to higher electricity bills. Regular roof inspections from a roofing contractor can allow homeowners to avoid the negative ramifications of drafts and leaks.

It’s Time to Team Up with a Roofing Contractor

When it comes to maintaining a home, homeowners must always keep the roof in mind. Teaming up with an experienced roofing contractor can allow homeowners to avoid detrimental issues that will lead to expensive and burdensome repairs. Contact the Lariat Builders Group Team today to learn more about what we have to offer.

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How a Damage Restoration Contractor Can Help After a Flood

heavy rain falling on a home's roof leading to flood damageEven though El Paso is a desert city, homeowners can still be at risk of floods or water damage. The dry desert climate places homeowners into a false sense of security. But a flood or any other water problem can quickly wreak havoc in your home, damaging furniture, appliances, and personal belongings. It’s best for homeowners to be prepared to deal with water damage, but often homeowners don’t consider this until it’s too late. If you’re in need of assistance from a damage restoration contractor, Lariat Builders Group can help.

Even Desert Dwellers Have to Be Weary of Flooding

Even though it may not rain too often in El Paso, that doesn’t mean that homeowners are always completely safe from flooding. In 2006, El Paso was ravaged by a tremendous storm that went on for days. Entire houses were flooded and destroyed, forcing homeowners to seek expensive restorations or move into entirely new homes. Floods come in a flash and it’s difficult to prepare once it starts to rain. But what if you prepared before any flash flood warnings start to buzz on your smartphone?

Preparing Before the Flood

In order to prepare accordingly, you need to understand what a flood (or water damage) can do to your home. First and foremost, it’s paramount for your electrical components to be at least 12 inches from your home’s projected flood elevation. A trustworthy electrician can help you in this regard. If your home floods and the water is at the level of your electrical outlets, your home can become incredibly dangerous. Your loved ones can be at risk of electrocution.

Floods can also lead to backflow so it’s important to install backflow valves to prevent flood water from entering your home through your drains, toilets, or sinks. Although these steps may help you to avoid detrimental flooding issues, they may not completely halt the flooding process. In the event that your home floods, your home will suffer from damages that will require restoration services.

What to Do After a Flood

Even the most insignificant form of water damage can lead to unsafe situations. The flood water could have damaged much more than just the carpet in your living room. Water damage restoration requires your home’s walls, roofs, and flooring to be repaired. Depending on the level of the damage, your home may require more substantial repairs. Air ducts and sewage systems, for instance, may have also suffered from water damage. In order for your home’s repairs to be as complete as possible, it’s crucial to team up with a damage restoration contractor who can provide exactly what you need. Contact Lariat Builders Group today to learn more about how we can help you when the next big storm hits.