Water Damage to Hardwood Floors

6/6/2023 (Permalink)

While it is possible to save your water-damaged hardwood flooring, time is a critical factor.

How Water Warps Hardwood Flooring  

When water floods areas with hardwood floors, the material tries to absorb the water. Excessive moisture forces the wood to expand, which can cause warping or cupping. Here at SERVPRO, we always encourage water damage victims to extract as much water as possible while they wait for help to arrive.  

Saving Wet Hardwood Floors  

In some cases, we can save your hardwood floors. If the water is quickly extracted and there is not significant warping, then we can use a drying process specifically designed for hardwood floors. But if the flooring was exposed to moisture for a significant period and shows major signs of warping, then your hardwood will need to be removed and replaced.  

Call the Professionals Before It is Too Late  

While it is possible to save your water-damaged hardwood flooring, time is a critical factor. If you notice water damage in your home, call a professional cleanup and restoration company like our team here at SERVPRO. We offer 24/7 emergency restoration services and can get your floors back to preloss condition.

Roof Leak Prevention

5/8/2023 (Permalink)

Roof leaks happen, it is just what comes with being a homeowner.

We have all been told from time to time to “be thankful you have a roof over your head.” When you become a homeowner, you realize how the roof plays a vital role in safeguarding your home from rain, wind, storms, and extreme temperatures. Because of this, you should be paying close attention to your roof and making sure it is in great shape.    

Roof leaks happen, it is just what comes with being a homeowner. They are frustrating because of the damage it can cause to your home. It is also very common for roof leaks to go unnoticed for quite some time. Unfortunately, they are noticed when there is already a significant amount of damage done to your home.  

As a homeowner, you need to be alerted to avoid these situations. Follow these tips for prevention measures:  

• Have regular roof inspections – Have a trained professional inspect your roof. This is essential in spotting early signs of roof damage.  
• Pay attention to roof flashings – Without good, secure flashings around chimneys, vents, wall/roof junctions, skylights, water can enter a home and cause damage to your walls, ceilings, insultation and even electrical systems.  
• Maintain gutters and downspouts – Gutters and downspouts that are full of leaves and debris will cause water to back up under your roof shingles causing potential leaks and water damage.  
• Do not block ventilation – Proper attic ventilation will help prevent structural damage caused by moisture and increase roofing material life.  
• Keep trees and bushes away – Leaves and falling limbs can cause moisture problems from algae and rot, damage to roof tiles and clogged gutters.  

Prepare for Tornadoes

5/8/2023 (Permalink)

Tornadoes are nothing to mess with and it is crucial to act quickly if one comes through the area.

Tornadoes can quickly rip through communities destroying buildings and homes and can produce deadly flying debris. Tornadoes are nothing to mess with and it is crucial to act quickly if one comes through the area. Here are some tips to prepare for tornadoes in Michigan:  

Under a tornado warning? Find shelter immediately:  

• Stay away from windows, outside walls, and doors.  
• Find a safe and sturdy building.  
• Stay in a low and flat location.  
• It is best to go into a basement or storm cellar.  
• If you do not have a basement, go to a small interior room on the lowest level (avoiding windows).  
• Use your arms to protect your head and neck.  
• Watch for flying debris.  

How to prepare:  

• Know your area’s tornado risk. By living in the Midwest, we have a larger risk of tornadoes.  
• Sign up for your community’s warning system.  
• Know the signs of a tornado.  
• Funnel cloud  
• Cloud of debris  
• Loud roar like a freight train  
• Pay close attention to weather reports.  
• Choose a safe place and practice going there with your family to prepare.  
• Always keep a safe distance away from others in your safe shelter.  

What to do during:  

• Go to your safe shelter immediately.  
• Do not try to outrun a tornado in your car.  
• Cover your head and neck for extra protection.  
• Listen to your local alert systems for current emergency information. You can also listen to EAS and NOAA Weather Radio for information.  
• If you happen to be outside or in your car, cover your arms and body with a coat or blanket.  

What to do after:  

• Continue listening to your local alert system, EAS or NOAA Weather Radio for updates.  
• If you happen to be trapped, cover your mouth with a cloth or mask to avoid breathing dust.  
• Do not enter damaged buildings until they are safe.  
• Save your phone calls for emergencies.  
• Stay clear of fallen power lines.  

For more information, visit ready.gov on how to prepare for tornadoes.

Preventing Grease Fires

5/8/2023 (Permalink)

Grease fires are the most dangerous when it comes to cooking fires.

Grease fires are the most dangerous when it comes to cooking fires and are responsible for 1 in every 5 home fire deaths. Below are some tips on how to prevent and put out grease fires. These tips could help save your or a loved one's life.  

Prevention  

• Before you start cooking make sure the burner is cool and wipe up any spills.  
• Pay attention to heat ratings for cooking oil. Some oils can be heated more than others before catching fire so if you are cooking and notice the oil starts to smoke that means it is close to catching fire.  
• As soon as you start to see it smoke carefully remove the pan from the heat source.  
• Avoid heating grease before putting food into it because when you drop food in it can make the grease splash out which in turn can cause grease burns or it can also hit the heat source and catch fire.  
• Carefully clean spills as soon as they happen by first removing food from heat source, turning off heat source, and waiting for burner to cool.  
• When deep frying, make sure you use a pan or cooking container big enough.  
• Use a utensil that will allow you to put the food into the grease without dropping and without your hands coming close to the hot grease.  
• Use a screen that covers the pan to reduce the chance of splattering outside the pan.  
• If you are a new or inexperienced cook do not attempt to deep fry for the first time unless you have an experienced cook with you.  
• NEVER add water to grease.  

SERVPRO Insider – April 2023

4/12/2023 (Permalink)

Our newest issue of our quarterly newsletter is here!

Our newest issue of our quarterly newsletter is here! The SERVPRO Insider gives an inside look at what SERVPRO Team Miller has been up to!   

Winter Storm Elliott swept across the Midwest in late December 2022. The Team Miller Disaster Recovery Team was dispatched to Kentucky when suppression lines broke in multiple buildings throughout the University of Kentucky campus. Learn just how much equipment our team utilized to get the buildings dry within a matter of days.  

We are highlighting some of our amazing #GreenTeam events where we celebrated St. Patrick’s Day within our communities! Also featured are articles with helpful facts about surviving thunderstorms and maintaining a home to prevent flooding basements. 

Each newsletter comes with a special feature on the services that SERVPRO offers. The service of this quarter: Specialty Cleaning Services. SERVPRO is more than just fire, water, and storm damage restoration. Our team offers specialty cleaning services like carpet cleaning, hoarding house cleanup, odor removal, and more. Take a peek to learn more! 

If you’d like to subscribe to receive our full quarterly newsletters, send us a request at marketing@rdmhc.com. 

Common Culprits of Commercial Water Damage

3/1/2023 (Permalink)

Experienced water damage in your commercial building? SERVPRO of New Center/Highland Park can help you get dried out quickly.

Water damage is a major issue for businesses, and at its worst, it can cause the workplace to close for an extended period of time. Besides being a commercial disruptor, water can also lead to extensive damage that will only escalate with time.

The task of preventing water damage in commercial buildings can be overwhelming for business owners, but mitigation is simple if you know where to start! You can keep business running smoothly by being aware of the primary causes of commercial water damage.

Commercial Water Damage

2/1/2023 (Permalink)

We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity.

Flooding and water damage events in commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether it’s dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large-scale event, SERVPRO works quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility. 

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges 

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So, when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need. 

About SERVPRO 

SERVPRO specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a commercial water damage event. Our team has the training, experience, and equipment to handle large commercial flooding or water damage emergencies. Whether your water emergency occurs in a small office building or big box store, we will respond quickly to mitigate the damage and manage the restoration project through to its completion. 

Water Damage Can Leave Odors

2/1/2023 (Permalink)

You can’t always see water damage, but you can always smell it.

You can’t always see water damage, but you can always smell it. Most water damage odors are hard to ignore and alert you that there is damage in your home. Odors from water damage can be noticeable immediately or can occur sometime after the water is removed. Here are some common odors: 

• Muddy smell: If outdoor flooding has entered the home, you may notice an earthy smell associated with lakes. 
• Sewage smell: If water damage in your home is a result of a backed-up sewer, you will immediately notice the odor of raw sewage. 
• Musty odors: Musty odors occur after the fact. This is a sign that mold is growing in your home. 

Always remember to trust your nose. If it smells wrong, it probably is. The sooner you notice the problem, the sooner we can help. A highly trained SERVPRO professional can access the degree of your damage. To get rid of the odor in your home, our franchise professionals will find the source of the odor and determine the best methods to neutralize and eliminate the odor from your home.  

Snowmelt Safety Tips

2/1/2023 (Permalink)

Snowmelt flooding can damage the floors, walls, furniture and personal items in your basement.

Typically, you don’t think of floods in the middle of winter. But they do exist and happen more than you think. Snowmelt flooding happens when there is a quick change in temperature change. The temperature change can cause snow to melt and could potentially flood your basement. Basement flooding during the winter is mostly caused by melting snow entering the home because of faulty gutters, cracks in foundations and improper runoff. 

Just as an example, ten inches of snow can melt into one inch of water and it is already on soil, unlike rain. Obviously, the heavier the snowfall, the more snowmelt. A quick temperature change can cause a significant amount of water in the soil around your home. If the water cannot flow away from your home’s foundation, it can ultimately enter your home. 

Snowmelt flooding can damage the floors, walls, furniture and personal items in your basement. It also introduces potential water damage and mold in your basement as well. 

Snowmelt Safety Tips: 

• Shovel snow away from your home. 
• Keep snow and ice buildup off drainage areas. 
• Inspect basement walls for cracks 
• Check your roof for ice and snow buildup. 
• Inspect your gutters and downspouts. 
• Clear snow from your roof to prevent buildups. 

Learn About Sandbags

1/30/2023 (Permalink)

When faced with flooding, you may be considering the possibility of a sandbag wall to protect your business.

When faced with flooding, you may be considering the possibility of a sandbag wall to protect your business. It is recommended that taking steps to mitigate damage before it occurs to protect the property and reduce clean up times and costs by several restoration companies. A flood dam is one way to do this. Here is what you need to know about flood dams.  

Where to Find Them  

Sandbags can be purchased from local hardware stores or landscaping suppliers. During times of severe floods and storms, quantities may be supplied by your local council. You can contact your local council or visit their website for more information.  When there is significant flooding, sandbags may be in limited supply and may only be issued by the State Emergency Service. It is better to be prepared and purchase sandbags prior to or when made aware of a flood event.  

How They Work  

In most cases flood dams work by directing water flow away from the threatened area. Many people choose sandbags because they are easy to build protective barriers. Dry sand is loaded into the bag, and the bag is then folded and placed to create a wall. When the water reaches the wall, it is absorbed by the sand which then becomes heavier, harder to move, and creates a tighter seal.  

Where to Place Them  

When creating a sandbag barrier to protect your business it is recommended to construct it in a way that directs the flow of water rather than trying to block it. This will put less force on the wall and keep the water moving to a safe drainage location. Consider setting the barrier up so that the water flows downhill and away from the property, or into a drainage ditch or open field where it can disperse safely. Sandbags should also be placed over floor drains to prevent backflow of grey water entering the building. They can also be used in front of doorways/roller doors.  

When to Use Them  

One of the best ways to reduce flood damage is to know when to use a flood dam. In most cases you may want to consider the use of sandbags any time you believe flooding may pose a high risk to the property.  

When making a sandbag wall or using another flood dam type to protect your company it is important to understand how they work and where to place them to direct water flow. Using these tools properly may help you reduce the amount of damage your business could face in the next big storm.