Preparing for Natural Disasters: Safeguarding Your Home Against Water and Fire Damage

7/21/2023 (Permalink)

Natural disasters, such as floods, hurricanes, and wildfires, can wreak havoc on homes, leading to extensive water and fire damage. As a homeowner, it's crucial to be proactive and take steps to safeguard your property before disaster strikes. By implementing preventive measures and having a well-thought-out plan in place, you can minimize the potential impact and protect your home and belongings. In this article, we will explore effective strategies for preparing your home for natural disasters and mitigating water and fire damage.

1. Assess Vulnerabilities:

Start by identifying vulnerabilities in your home. Are you located in a flood-prone area? Do you have adequate fire-resistant materials? Conduct a thorough assessment to understand the specific risks your property faces.

2. Maintain Gutters and Drainage Systems:

Regularly clean and maintain your gutters and drainage systems to ensure water flows freely. This helps prevent water backup and flooding during heavy rains.

3. Reinforce Doors, Windows, and Roofs:

Strengthen vulnerable points in your home by reinforcing doors, windows, and roofs. Use impact-resistant materials and ensure proper sealing to protect against high winds and debris.

4. Create an Emergency Plan:

Develop a comprehensive emergency plan for your family. This includes establishing evacuation routes, designating meeting points, and ensuring everyone knows how to shut off utilities in case of emergency.

5. Secure Important Documents and Belongings:

Keep important documents, such as insurance policies and identification, in a secure, waterproof container. Additionally, consider digitizing important files and storing them in the cloud for easy access.

6. Invest in Home Insurance:

Obtain comprehensive home insurance coverage that includes protection against water and fire damage. Review your policy regularly to ensure it adequately covers potential risks.

7. Stay Informed:

Stay informed about weather conditions and emergency alerts in your area. Sign up for local notifications and install weather monitoring apps to receive real-time updates.

By taking proactive measures to prepare your home for natural disasters, you can significantly reduce the risk of water and fire damage. Assess vulnerabilities, maintain gutters, reinforce vulnerable areas, and create an emergency plan to safeguard your property and loved ones. Remember to invest in appropriate home insurance and stay informed about potential risks in your area. By being prepared, you can navigate natural disasters with greater resilience and protect your home from the devastating effects of water and fire damage.

Protect Your Home: Understanding the Leading Causes of Residential Water Damage and How SERVPRO of Bellaire Can Help

7/21/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage can have devastating consequences for homeowners, leading to structural issues, mold growth, and expensive repairs. Understanding the primary causes of residential water damage and taking proactive measures to prevent them is crucial in safeguarding your home. While preventative maintenance falls under the responsibility of homeowners, SERVPRO of Bellaire can assist in mitigating and restoring your home in the event of water damage. In this article, we will explore the top causes of residential water damage and how SERVPRO of Bellaire can provide professional restoration services when disasters occur.

1. Plumbing Failures:

Faulty pipes, leaking fittings, and burst water lines are common causes of residential water damage. Homeowners are responsible for hiring licensed plumbers to conduct regular inspections and address any issues promptly. If water damage does occur, SERVPRO of Bellaire can assist in the mitigation and restoration process, employing specialized techniques and equipment to restore your home to its pre-damaged condition.

2. Appliance Malfunctions:

Homeowners should schedule routine maintenance checks for appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, and water heaters to detect and address potential malfunctions. In the unfortunate event of water damage caused by appliance failure, SERVPRO of Bellaire can provide professional water extraction, drying, and restoration services.

3. Roof Leaks:

Homeowners should periodically inspect their roofs for damage and promptly hire qualified roofers for repairs or replacements as needed. In case of water damage resulting from roof leaks, SERVPRO of Bellaire can assist in drying out the affected areas, mitigating further damage, and restoring your home.

4. Foundation Issues:

Homeowners are responsible for identifying and addressing any cracks or vulnerabilities in their foundations. Implementing proper waterproofing measures, such as sealants and drainage systems, can help prevent water damage. If water intrusion does occur, SERVPRO of Bellaire can provide professional mitigation and restoration services.

5. Natural Disasters:

While homeowners cannot prevent natural disasters, they can take measures to minimize potential water damage, such as installing flood barriers and maintaining proper drainage systems. In the event of water damage caused by natural disasters, SERVPRO of Bellaire can respond quickly with emergency water extraction, drying, and restoration services.

Homeowners have the primary responsibility of ensuring preventative maintenance to minimize the risk of water damage. By hiring qualified professionals for inspections, repairs, and maintenance, homeowners can reduce the likelihood of water-related incidents. In the unfortunate event of water damage, SERVPRO of Bellaire can provide expert mitigation and restoration services to help restore your home. Remember, proactive measures taken by homeowners combined with the professional assistance of SERVPRO of Bellaire can significantly reduce the impact of water damage on your property.

SERVPRO: Helping Business Owners Get Back to Business After A Loss

8/11/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bellaire is committed to helping commercial customers get back to normal as quickly as possible after they have faced a loss. 

Types of losses commercial customers could possibly experience are, fire damage, water damage, storm damage, vandalism, biohazard contamination, and many others. It is imperative that business owners call experts in the industry to help them restore the property to the preloss condition. 

SERVPRO of Bellaire has helped many businesses in and around the city, when they have faced the unthinkable. The professional team is dedicated to providing the best possible service. Understanding the situation, the business owner is in, is important and the team knows they play a key role in that business reopening.

The faster a business is able to re-open after experiencing a loss the more likely they are to succeed. SERVPRO of Bellaire takes pride in helping business owners in Houston and the surrounding areas succeed even after experiencing a loss, "Like it never even happened."

How To Clean Up a Water Heater Leak

8/11/2022 (Permalink)

How to Fix a Leak in a Water Heater

Are you having trouble getting enough hot water? Do you notice strange sounds coming from the tank? Maybe you're seeing puddles or drips that haven't occurred before? These are signs of a leaking water heater. You deserve a warm shower without water damage. With that in mind, residents in Houston, TX, should act swiftly to remedy the issue. Here are five steps to assist in alleviating your water heating needs.

1. Seek Professional Advice
Where do you start? A water restoration company understands the importance of remediation and repair. Contact a reputable business within your area, asking for immediate arrival. They have equipment and experience, making the process smoother and more efficient.

2. Turn Off the Electricity
Your failed water heater is a hazard for you and the family. Therefore, as you wait for the professionals, protect your home and everyone in it by shutting off the electrical circuit to that zone.

3. Request Testing
Begin by determining the extent of property damage. This is important in ensuring that future complications don't arise. The crew can assess if the moisture invaded the foundation or the drywall, offering a complete picture of your replacement needs. They can also work on the leaking water heater, figuring out why the device broke. If possible, they can fix it. If they can't, they'll arrange for a new unit to be installed.

4. Remove Water
Lingering liquid can create a musty odor or damage walls. This fluid needs extraction, so the team should use dehumidifiers to draw out the excess humidity.

5. Restore the Area
Once the broken water heater is removed and the new piece is installed, specialists will begin to rebuild your room. This often includes putting in new baseboards and drywall. Painting or patching takes place to get everything back to normal.
A leaking water heater should be handled with care. Think about your safety by cutting the electricity off. Then, begin to work with a restoration team that can lead you through the appropriate remediation steps.

What to do when a broken pipe floods your home.

7/18/2022 (Permalink)

What to do when a broken pipe floods your home.

When it comes to water in the home due to a broken pipe, many homeowners think that they can fix it with just a few special tools and a little elbow grease. There are plenty of advice on how to handle the problem but you must consider things to avoid mistakes and get the job done right.

1. Shutting of the flow water is merely the first step. Time is very important. You need to get all the water out of your home as quickly as possible. Water damage remediation cannot wait until tomorrow.
2. When flow of water stops, don’t assume that the damage will end. Water is always on the move, it goes everywhere and damages almost everything touches like Harwood floors, subflooring, molding and walls, carpets, wooden furniture and cabinets. Untreated broken pipe can lead to a mold problem.
3. Don’t overlook the risk of electrocution. Water connecting with electricity increases the possibility of electrocution and fire.
4. Examine your water damage coverage. Call your agent. Don’t assume that your insurance won’t cover the flooding.
5. Don’t hesitate to call a professional. Water damage from a broken pipe is not just DIY matter, sometimes it can be a serious matter. There are skilled ad well-equipped water damage remediation specialists ready to come in and restore your home.

For comprehensive 24/7 water damage response, you can count on the experience of our team. Call SERVPRO of Bellaire  at (713) 266-9294.

THINGS THAT INFLUENCE THE COST OF A WATER DAMAGE

7/18/2022 (Permalink)

THINGS THAT INFLUENCE THE COST OF A WATER DAMAGE

Water damage continues even after the flood water is gone, unlike the kind of damage caused by wind or impact that’s why it has to be addressed as soon as possible. If your home is damaged by water, here are three factors that may impact the cost of damage repair.

1. Square footage

It will take more time, materials and labor to fix a large space, compared to a small bedroom. Drying time is particular importance here, as bigger room will take longer to dehumidify.

1. Type of Water

The type of water in your home can drastically affect the cost of repairs. For example, if the water in the area appears murky in color, this could indicate that the water is contaminated. Contaminated water is more difficult to clean due to potentially hazardous materials within the water, whereas water that is clear can cleaned with fewer safety precautions.

1. Damaged Building Materials

Some materials require more restoration work than others. Water damaged hardwood floors are often easier and take much less time to repair compared to carpets. The cost of replacement materials, as well as whether restoration requires an exact match can also be a factor.

If your house has experienced flooding, it’s essential to seek out help from a company that specializes in water damage cleanup in order to get an accurate estimate of the cost and to identify long term solutions.

For water damage restoration and cleanup services, please call us SERVPRO of Bellaire  at (713) 266-9294

What to do until help arrives

7/15/2022 (Permalink)

Title: What to do until help arrives

Category: Tips

Body: Title: Water Damage Tips while waiting for help to arrive

Category: Water Damage

Body:

 What to do until Help Arrives

If you experience a water damage in your home, our SERVPRO of Bellaire team is there for you at a drop of a hat. We understand the stress and sometimes, panic that is involved in these types of situations, and we will respond 24/7 to help. However, we realize you may not feel comfortable just sitting waiting for our team to arrive, so here are some tips you can do to get the process started:

• Find and shut off the water valve at the source if applicable to the water damage
• Remove and soak up excess or standing water by mopping and laying down towels
• DO NOT use a regular vacuum to remove water.
• Prop up and/or remove wet upholstery and cushions and place against walls for even drying.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks under furniture legs to help stop the water damage from affecting furniture
• Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting and flooring and place in a dry location
• DO NOT turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of areas where ceilings are sagging from retained water.
• Collect important papers. Pick up any loose paper items like books, magazines or other colored items on wet surfaces to avoid bleeding.

Although we hope you never have to deal with a water damage emergency, we hope these tips help while you wait for help to arrive. Remember you can call SERVPRO of Bellaire 24/7 at 713-266-929

Old Water damage VS New Water Damage

7/15/2022 (Permalink)

Old Water damage VS New Water Damage

Water damage is a nightmare for any homeowners. It is known to be the most common form of property damage because of the numerous ways that it can happen. It can happen everywhere. No matter how strong of cement your building or property has used in process, water damage can make anything and everything look bad.

Water damage restoration experts understand the issues that water damage presents, especially when it isn’t in your sight. When discovered, water spots are clues that indicate a leaky pipe or condensation that is generating the problem. Even though it impossible to know exactly how long your water damage issues have lingered, here are steps you can take if your water damage is old or new.

1. Review the house’s history

The first step of determining how old water spots are figuring out if your property has recently experienced any damage. When was the last time your home went through any storms or flooding? It is important to understand what is new and what is old because smaller leaks can take months to appear.

1. Touch the water spot

Newer water spots will be wet and yet when you touch them, you will be able to feel that your drywall or ceiling is strong. Water damage drywall or water damage ceiling spot will be mushy and squishy because material have soaked up a fair amount of water.

1. Inspect your home’s building materials

It is important to know what materials your walls and ceilings are composed of because thick paint or tiles trap water more easily than thin ones. Small water spot can indicate extensive damage.

We at SERVPRO of Bellaire, we can fix drywall water damage. For all your water damage restoration needs, get in touch with us. When there’s a leak that you cannot detect, it is crucial to contact an expert like us. Call us at (713) 266-9294.

What is Black Water Damage?

7/9/2021 (Permalink)

Black Water

Black water is grossly contaminated and could cause severe illness or death if ingested and any contact should be avoided. In addition, black water has come in contact with the ground or surfaces that contain: 

• raw sewage
• chemicals 
• bacteria

Do..

• Treat all water-impacted surfaces and furnishings as toxic, until properly decontaminated.
• Wash your hands frequently to prevent further contamination
• Keep children and pets out of contaminated areas. 

Do NOT...

• Attempt to decontaminate surfaces with sprays and over-the-counter germicidal products, which may not fully disinfect contaminated surfaces.

Call SERVPRO of Bellaire immediately at 713-266-9294 and let the trained and licensed professionals ensure proper clean up and decontamination. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Water Damage Event

7/9/2021 (Permalink)

Removing Any Water Damage

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Bellaire provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

“Faster to any size disaster.”

Flooding and water damage are very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.  SERVPRO of Bellaire arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – 713-266-9294

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

About SERVPRO of Bellaire

SERVPRO of Bellaire specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Water Damage Causes

7/7/2021 (Permalink)

There are many causes of water damage. Below is a list of common causes of water related loss:

• Broken PipeWasher Overflows
• Water Heater Overflow
• Rising Water from Flooding
• Roof Leaks
• Water from a Broken Window
• Toilet or Bathtub Overflow
• Air Conditioner Drip Pan Overflow
• Broken Appliance Hoses
• Fire Related Water Damage

These are a few of the many ways a SERVPRO customer may experience a water damage. SERVPRO of Bellaire customers know who to call when they experience a water loss. The team is specially trained to properly handle water loss damage. 

Until you experience a water related loss you may not realize how important it is to hire a water damage specialist, but SERVPRO of Bellaire is trusted by insurance agents and property owners across Houston, TX and they are always ready to help you get back to life, "Like it never even happened," after you experience a loss. 

Water Damage: Mold can Grow Within 24-48 Hours

7/7/2021 (Permalink)

It is extremely important to have a reputable company like SERVPRO of Bellaire handle water damage, as the threat of potentially hazardous mold can develop as soon as 24-48 hours after the original water damage. 

When a water loss occurs, humidity levels are high. The team at SERVPRO of Bellaire uses specialized equipment like dehumidifiers to dry properties and reduce the humidity levels. This is an extremely important part of cleanup after water damage. 

Normal drying methods are simply not enough to reduce the humidity levels in a home after a major water loss. Mold is able to grow behind cabinets, walls and under flooring quickly, so the threat has to be handled by professionals who know how to properly dry flooring, walls, and other fixtures in the property. 

Differences between Black Water and Grey Water damage.

7/6/2021 (Permalink)

Both grey water and black water are types of wastewater. It’s just that grey water is the result of water being used for household purposes, like cleaning and washing clothes, while black water contains feces and urine and other bodily wastes. Grey water can be easily recycled as doesn’t contain that much bacteria compared to black water. Black water is grossly contaminated and could cause severe illness or death if ingested and any contact should be avoided. Grey water and black water are also treated differently. Black water needs a more intensive treatment to kill the disease carrying bacteria present. Grey water can quickly degrade into black water if left untreated. If left untreated, mold can develop and create health effects above and beyond just the contaminated water!

What is "Gray" Water Damage?

7/6/2021 (Permalink)

Gray water is water that is slightly contaminated, either because of the nature of the source or because of neglect. For example, clean water can become “gray” water if it is left untreated for an extended period time. When a toilet or washing machine overflows, the resulting water would be considered gray because of its source. Any type of water that has been used or in any way contaminated is hazardous because of the microbes that may be present. If you want to begin the cleaning and drying process before the restoration service arrives, you should wear gloves in order to prevent your skin from touching the water so you do not spread any microbes. However, for best results, let the professionals at SERVPRO of Bellaire take care of work and put your mind at ease!