How to Prevent Commercial Water Damage

8/1/2022 (Permalink)

Every day, hundreds of commercial buildings experience water damage. In fact, water is the most common type of damage that commercial buildings experience. When it is not dealt with promptly and effectively, the problem can rapidly grow from a minor issue to something costing thousands or tens of thousands of dollars. 

How can you best protect your business from water damage and minimize the fall-out when something does happen? Follow these steps:

1. Prepare an Emergency Plan

• Given how integral water is to all life and most industries, it is almost guaranteed that a commercial building will have to deal with water damage at some point. Thus, one of the best things a business owner can do is prepare for that inevitability ahead of time to keep losses to a minimum. Because water damage can grow exponentially if not addressed immediately, time is of the essence. 
• Your emergency plan should include:
  • A blueprint is showing where the shut-off points are for water, electricity and gas plus a set of instructions on how to shut them down fast.
  • A conveniently located toolbox.
  • A list of emergency phone numbers, such as the fire department, plumbers, SERVPRO of Catonsville, emergency personnel, and police.

2. Regularly Inspect Vulnerable Areas

• Inspect Your Roof Regularly
  • Check all rooftop penetrations, both interior and exterior.
  • Look for water stains.
  • Check all flashing, drains and seals. 

• Inspect Your Walls Regularly
  • Check wall joints around doors and windows.
  • Check flashing and sealant integrity. 

• Inspect Your Windows Regularly
  • Check for air seal integrity.
  • Test all locks and other mechanical parts.
  • Check flashing and joints.
  • Look for water stains or mold growth on window sills and interior walls.

Emergency plans and inspections are both measures to lessen any disruption to your commercial building. Questions about commercial water damage or how to prevent it?

Every day, thousands of commercial buildings experience water damage. In fact, water is the most common type of damage that commercial buildings experience. When it is not dealt with promptly and effectively, the problem can rapidly grow from a minor issue to something costing thousands or tens of thousands of dollars. 

How can you best protect your business from water damage and minimize the fall-out when something does happen? Follow these steps:

1. Prepare an Emergency Plan

• Given how integral water is to all life and most industries, it is almost guaranteed that a commercial building will have to deal with water damage at some point. Thus, one of the best things a business owner can do is prepare for that inevitability ahead of time to keep losses to a minimum. Because water damage can grow exponentially if not addressed immediately, time is of the essence. 
• Your emergency plan should include:
  • A blueprint is showing where the shut-off points are for water, electricity and gas plus a set of instructions on how to shut them down fast.
  • A conveniently located toolbox.
  • A list of emergency phone numbers, such as the fire department, plumbers, SERVPRO of Catonsville, emergency personnel, and police.

2. Regularly Inspect Vulnerable Areas

• Inspect Your Roof Regularly
  • Check all rooftop penetrations, both interior and exterior.
  • Look for water stains.
  • Check all flashing, drains and seals. 

• Inspect Your Walls Regularly
  • Check wall joints around doors and windows.
  • Check flashing and sealant integrity. 

• Inspect Your Windows Regularly
  • Check for air seal integrity.
  • Test all locks and other mechanical parts.
  • Check flashing and joints.
  • Look for water stains or mold growth on window sills and interior walls.

Emergency plans and inspections are both measures to lessen any disruption to your commercial building. Questions about commercial water damage or how to prevent it? SERVPRO of Limestone & Lawrence Counties/Decatur is here to help. Call us! (256) 233-4033

How do We Properly Handle a Water Damage?

6/1/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Limestone & Lawrence Counties/Decatur for help TODAY!

Water damages are bound to happen, whether from a deteriorated pipe, leaking refrigerator supply line, or one of a million other possibilities. When these damages do occur, it is important to handle them as quickly as possible to limit the amount of affected area and reduce the likelihood of secondary damages. One of the most frequent questions that we are asked when we take a call for a water damage is “how are you going to handle this?”  SERVPRO of Limestone & Lawrence Counties/Decatur utilizes industry leading technology, equipment, and practices to tackle even the most disastrous of damages, and here’s how:

• 24 Hour Emergency Response. The quicker that we can arrive on site and begin assessing the damages the better.
• Standing Water Extraction. Depending on the type of flooring, we have various equipment options to extract and remove any standing water present.
• Stabilization of the Property. There are many steps that can take place during this phase, including placement of containment barriers, setup of drying and dehumidification equipment, and contents manipulation to better access the affected area.
• Once these first steps have been taken, we will thoroughly assess the extent of the damages, formulate a plan for restoration and/or demolition, and begin coordinating all resources needed to take on the project.
• Communication is Key! Throughout the course of the project, we focus on staying in communication with the stakeholder(s) involved and providing them with progress updates. Along with these briefings, we will also extensively document our progress through photos, notes, and drying logs.

Planning of Traveling this Spring/Summer? Guard your Home Against Water Damage!

6/1/2022 (Permalink)

Returning from out of town just to find a water damage in your home? Call SERVPRO of Limestone & Lawrence Counties/Decatur TODAY!

The spring and summer months mean warmer temperatures, blooming foliage, and for many Limestone & Lawrence Counties/Decatur families, travel plans. Whether you are relaxing in the mountains, or spending time with loved ones in another state, the last thing you want is a phone call saying, “I’m so sorry, but there’s been a water damage at your home.”  Help safeguard yourself and your property against this scenario by prepping your home before heading out of town. How, you ask? SERVPRO of Limestone & Lawrence Counties/Decatur offers these tips: 

• Turn off the main water supply to your house before leaving. Since the water will not be in use, it may be beneficial to keep the water from flowing in case of a plumbing issue.
• Check your pipes for any corrosion, cracks, or leaks before heading out.
• Clear out debris from rain gutters. Clogged gutters can allow rainwater to back up onto your roof.
• Double check that all doors and windows are closed and locked. Not only is this imperative to keep your property safe from burglary but can also help limit water intrusion.
• Have a friend or neighbor check in on your home. Depending on the length of time you will be away, this approach may help limit the extent of damages if they were to occur.

In the unfortunate event that you do incur water damages at home while you travel, or at any other time, know that SERVPRO of Limestone & Lawrence Counties/Decatur is Here to Help. Our team of experienced professionals utilizes industry leading equipment and techniques to quickly address these damages and begin the mitigation process. Looking to learn more about our services, or in need of assistance? Give us a call at (256) 233-4033

Why Won't My Toilet Stop Running

6/1/2022 (Permalink)

Water Loss From Broken Toilet? Call SERVPRO of Limestone & Lawrence Counties/Decatur TODAY!

It’s a necessity in every residential and commercial building:the toilet. Proper toilet and plumbing maintenance are essential for helping to protect your property from the risk of water damage, but all too often, people find that their toilet just won’t stop running! Fortunately, a running toilet is often a simple fix, with one of these three most common causes:

1. A Broken or Dirty Flapper. The flapper is the rubber piece inside of the tank that stops the water from going down into the bowl. This flapper is regulated by the flushing handle, attached to a chain. If the flapper becomes damaged, warped, or soiled, the hole to the bowl will not seal properly, allowing the toilet to run continuously. By turning off the water to the toilet, draining the tank, and inspecting the flapper, you can determine if cleaning or replacement will be necessary.
2. Improper Chain Length. The chain between the flushing handle and the flapper must be the proper length to allow the flapper to seal properly after flushing. If the chain is too short, the flapper will not be able to settle into the proper position to seal the toilet tank from the bowl. Checking the chain for any damages, and adjusting the length if needed, can help correct any running toilet issues.
3. Float Out of Position. This float regulates the water level within the toilet tank and is often accompanied by a fill level indication on the tank. If the float is positioned too high, this will allow too much water into the tank, which will continually cause the toilet to run. 

Not only can fixing your running toilet help reduce the risk of a water damage, but it can also save quite a bit of money on you water bill. If your toilet, or any other commercial or residential appliance, does happen to cause your home or business a water damage, know that SERVPRO of Limestone & Lawrence Counties/Decatur is equipped and prepared to help!

How to Prevent Water Damage in Your Bathroom

6/1/2022 (Permalink)

Have a Water Damage in Your Restroom? Call SERVPRO of Limestone & Lawrence Counties/Decatur TODAY!

Your bathroom is probably the most vulnerable area in your home or business when it comes to damage from water, and that only makes sense. To prevent such damage from occurring, you will want to do regular assessments of pipes, faucets and fixtures, caulking, and more. If you can identify aging equipment and replace it before it fails, you will avoid the most common causes of water damage in your bathroom. 

Here is a great list of things to look for:

• You may notice wallpaper or paint peeling away or appearing discolored in your bath area. Check for bowing in the walls, which can be a result of long-term seepage. If the flooring is swollen or removed from the subfloor, that is another indicator of water seepage. If any of these signs appear, it’s important to find the source of the leak. 
• Look for cracks in window seals and door panes, as well. 
• Odors are a powerful indicator that there is an excess water problem. Oftentimes, it’s mold or mildew that causes those smells, so look in those hard-to-see places, such as under the sink, behind the toilet, and in the closet. 
• Make a regular inspection of pipes and hoses; if you see one that is getting old, replace it BEFORE it fails. Waiting until it breaks will mean a water damage event, which you want to avoid. 
• If you do experience flooding in your bathroom, such as from a toilet backing up or a bathtub overflowing, make sure you remove the standing water right away. Employ fans if you can (be sure not to plug them in until you know that there is no dampness in the wall); these will help to speed up the drying process. 

Call the professionals at SERVPRO of Limestone & Lawrence Counties/Decatur if the worst happens; we’re experienced and trained to remediate and repair areas that have extensive damage from excess water due to leaky pipes, flooding, etc. Our team here is here to help with cleanups after water damage or fire damage, and we handle mold invasions, biohazards, vandalism, and more. We can get your home or business Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, too!

Maintaining Your Smoke Detector

6/1/2022 (Permalink)

Have a Fire or Smoke Damage in Your Home or Business? Call SERVPRO of Limestone & Lawrence Counties/Decatur TODAY!

Smoke detectors are not something we pay much attention to during our day-to-day living, but they immediately become essential if a fire happens! Make it a priority to maintain your smoke detectors regularly so that they are always ready to alert you in the event of a fire. 

Making Sure Your Smoke Detectors Work As They Should

• Make sure you know how old your alarms are, and test them monthly using the provided test button.  
• Keep them clean and free of greasy build-up and dust, which could affect their performance. A scheduled cleaning will make sure your smoke detectors stay in good working order.
• Ensure that your smoke detectors are powered up and ready to go at all times and schedule battery changes so that they are always prepared to alert you whenever you need them.
• Your smoke detectors should all go off simultaneously in the event of a fire, so contact a professional to make sure they are all synced.
• Replace all smoke detectors, including those using 10-year batteries and hard-wired alarms, before turning ten years old. If they don’t respond correctly during a routine check, it’s definitely time for new units. 
• Save and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for testing and maintenance of your units. 
• A certified inspection entity should mark your smoke detectors. 

Install Smoke Detectors In All The Right Places

• Every room in your home or business needs a smoke detector, any place where people will be, and where a product is stored, as well. 
• Each unit should be securely fastened to its surface, whether it is a wall or a ceiling. 
• Ensure that smoke detectors are in all areas where people spend time, from the bathroom to the warehouse of your business, and remember that customer waiting areas and public restrooms need to be outfitted, as well. 

We care about your safety here at SERVPRO of Limestone & Lawrence Counties/Decatur so don’t hesitate to contact us for all your large-scale cleanup projects. We’re experts at handling water and fire damage, mold prevention and remediation, vandalism, and biohazards. Ask us how we can get your home or business cleaned TODAY!

Bonfire Safety Tips

6/1/2022 (Permalink)

Have a Smoke or Fire Damage at Your House or Business? Called SERVPRO of Limestone & Lawrence Counties/Decatur TODAY! (256) 233-4033

Cold weather is ideal for bonfires, and it is an activity that many people enjoy during the colder months. You may be planning a barbecue or a bonfire party, and we know you and your guests will have an awesome time, but we also know that accidents can happen if good safety practices are not observed at these types of events. With that in mind, we are going to share some bonfire safety tips with you today so that you can be sure that your event is memorable for all the right reasons. 

Never Leave Bonfire Unattended

Most bonfire accidents happen quickly, so don’t step away from the fire for even a few minutes. Keep a bucket of dirt or a hose nearby to deal with any incidents immediately. Being vigilant will let you address any problems before severe fire damage happens. We recommend that you wear hard-soled shoes around the fire, too, for protection from flying sparks.

Build In A Safe Location

Choose a location well removed from any flammable materials. Prepare a patch of bare dirt, dig a small depression, and surround the perimeter of your fire with stones; these steps will prevent your bonfire from spreading unexpectedly. Make sure there are no dry grasses, trees, shrubs, fences, sheds, cables, or wires around or above the bonfire. 

Choose Proper Materials

An ideal bonfire should be built only from wood, charcoal, paper, sticks, and other organic materials, and you should never use accelerants like lighter fluid or gasoline on the fire. These can cause the bonfire too quickly spread and even to explode. Once the fire is going, avoid throwing batteries, fireworks, and other combustible materials into the fire, and don’t burn items such as tires, furniture, or other things that are man-made, since the materials used in their construction can be toxic when burned. 

Extinguish Fire Properly

Even when a bonfire burns down, it still contains a lot of heat. Many fire damage incidents happen because a smoldering bonfire reignites long after everyone is gone. To put a fire out properly, spread the ashes out with a rake or shovel to let them cool, and gently pour water over the ashes until no burning or hot areas are left. If the fire is properly put out, you will not feel any heat if you extend your hand over the area above it. 

If you experience damage from fire, water, or a weather event, keep in mind that the team here at SERVPRO of Limestone & Lawrence Counties/Decatur is ready to help at a moment’s notice. We are disaster restoration experts, and we have all the skills and tools necessary for mold prevention and remediation, too.

Deep Cleaning Your House to Prevent Disaster

6/1/2022 (Permalink)

No matter what the state of your house looks like, when you set out to clean up, you know you’re in for more work than you bargained for. Exceptional presentation standards are great if you’re having people over, transitioning from winter to spring, or staging your house for a sale, but your home being free of what lies beneath — mold, mildew, foundation, or wall damage, etc. is something else.

After all, people have expectations of walking into a clean house. One of the most effective things you can do is to remove clutter. Not only will this let you evaluate what needs to stay and what can go, but it helps you see into neglected spaces that cover damaged areas.

With the clutter out of the way, you can then inspect and clean spaces that need to be well organized. Deep cleaning can be more complex than the routine you are used to, and it is important to get your home in the best shape possible.

A deep clean creates the most appealing living space possible. There might be some things you can live with, such as smudges on the appliances or a tiny stain on the rug, but you should inspect further. What’s under the appliances? Are the gas lines secure? Are the floors stained beneath the carpet?

In the worst-case scenarios, a deep cleaning session will identify areas in need of professional help. There might be mold or another serious issue behind the walls, and a remediation team can assess the problem before guests come knocking.

SERVPRO of Limestone & Lawrence Counties/Decatur offers emergency fire, water, and storm damage restoration for residential and commercial clients. Call us at (256) 233-4033

How to Prevent Freezing Pipes While You're Away

5/3/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Limestone & Lawrence Counties/Decatur TODAY for any Water Damage needs! (256) 233-4033

Did you know water pipe damage is one of the most common home damage claims?

Water pipes are more susceptible to freeze easily, especially when you have not been around to keep them going. Nobody really knows when they will be expecting a pipe damage therefore it is best to be prepared. If you are leaving home for a couple of days, there are a few things you can do to prevent pipe freezing.

These are a couple good tips to keep in mind before you head out:  

• Keep cabinets open where there are pipes exposed because warmer air flows through.
• Leave the faucet running with just a drip so that it keeps pipes clear of still water.
• Leave thermostat at a set temperature(50° minimum,) if not gone for too long.
• If you are leaving for more than a week, you can add insulation to where the pipes are located and/or you can add heating tape around the pipes.
• Make sure any hoses are disconnected from outside to prevent bursting. 
• Make sure your garage door is closed so that is stays warm. 
• Make sure small cracks and holes are covered so that cold air doesn’t flow through. 

Lastly, it is important that you and any other household members know where the main shut off valve is located, and learn how to turn it off in case of an emergency. 

SERVPRO of Limestone & Lawrence Counties/Decatur is available 24/7/365 for any water damage needs, residential or commercial!

Your Contents Affected by Water!

5/3/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Limestone & Lawrence Counties/Decatur today for any Water Damage needs! (256) 233-4033

When a water damage happens, it can be devastating. The flooring, walls, and sometimes contents can get wet and damaged. Unfortunately, if a water damage should happen, any contents in contact with the floor typically get affected as well. I’m going to give you tips on how to protect your home’s contents until help arrives.

If there is furniture sitting on wet carpet, place aluminum foil, tupperware lids, or unfinished wood blocks underneath the feet. This will help get the furniture out of direct contact with the carpet, and will help prevent further damage to furniture legs, and protect the carpet from furniture stains.

If there are affected contents that are nonporous (items that can not soak up water, such as plastics, glass, etc.) use a towel to wipe the items off. With fabric materials, get as much water out of them first. Then, if they are machine washable, run them through the washer and dryer. If there are contents that are porous (items that can soak up water, such as wood, paper, area rugs, etc.) it is best to get them laid out in an unaffected area so they can start air drying. Porous materials that contain organic materials need attention right away so the damage does not get worse. If allowed to stay wet, these materials have a high risk of developing mold growth.

Call SERVPRO of Limestone & Lawrence Counties/Decatur for any water damage needs TODAY! (256) 233-4033