What Is Water Damage Restoration?

10/9/2022 (Permalink)

Blog Summary: SERVPRO of East Plano explains water damage restoration in this article. 

Water damage is a more common problem than people like to believe. But statistics say that water damage emergencies affect approximately 14,000 people every day in the US. It is also estimated that 98% of basements will experience water damage in some form or the other. 

Once water damage occurs, water damage restoration needs to be done. This is a time-sensitive requirement, as prolonged exposure to moisture worsens the extent of water damage. The risk of mold growth also increases when there is a delay to reverse the water damage. SERVPRO® of East Plano is a franchise of SERVPRO that has a history of 50 years and is a leader in the cleaning and restoration industry. SERVPRO of East Plano provides swift water damage restoration services by highly trained restoration professionals. In this article, SERVPRO of East Plano outlines the water damage restoration process.

Any loss to property, systems, and materials that get destroyed after water intrudes into a house or building, can be termed as water damage. The severity of water damage varies according to several factors. Water damage can result in metal rust, wood rotting, damaged fabrics, etc. 

Causes of water damage

Leaking Pipes

Faulty Appliances

Water Overflow (from sinks, tubs, toilets, etc.)

Leaking Roofs

Heavy Rain

Natural disasters that cause flooding

What to do immediately after water damage?

The safety of family members and inhabitants of the affected building.

You can take the following steps, only if you can execute them safely while waiting for help.

Contact SERVPRO of East Plano at (972) 578-1644 for immediate assistance. We are available 24/7 and are fully equipped to handle any water emergency. 

Stop the water if the source can be located and if it can be done safely.

If possible at all, safety circuit breakers can be turned off.

Excess water can be mopped, and objects can be removed to prevent further water damage, if possible. 

It is safe to avoid any use or contact with electrical systems or equipment.

Steps In water damage restoration

1. Emergency contact

Emergency services can be contacted as needed, or a water damage restoration specialist like SERVPRO of East Plano that handles water damage emergencies. On the call itself, a water damage restoration professional would understand the specifics of the situation and schedule an inspection as soon as possible. 

2. Inspection and assessment

Water damage professionals inspect the home and locate the source or origin of the problem. Specialized equipment like moisture detectors or hygrometers is used to assess the water damage and decide how much water damage restoration work is needed and how much time is needed. The water damage professionals classify the water damage and categorize the type of water causing damage according to industry standards.

3. Water removal

Standing water leads to further damage and can cause structural deterioration. So,  water removal needs to be done as fast as possible. Water damage restoration companies use industry-grade, high-powered pumps and vacuums to remove absorbed and standing water from the affected areas. Submersible pumps, truck-mounted vacuums, and portable wet or dry vacuums are all used to ensure quick and thorough water removal.

The water or moisture levels are reassessed after this step. Irreversibly damaged materials may be removed or disposed of.

4. Drying and dehumidification

Once visible water is removed, the drying process can begin. Water damage restoration companies like SERVPRO of East Plano have industrial-quality air movers or dehumidifiers that contain water. These may also be areas or objects that are difficult to access. The moisture levels will be monitored in walls, floors, furnishing, etc., to ensure that the home is as dry as required.

5. Cleaning, sanitizing, and deodorization

Since water damage restoration aims to preserve as much of the homeowner’s personal belongings and property as possible, cleaning and sanitization are very important. SERVPRO of East Plano uses specially formulated products, industry-leading equipment, and industry-accepted techniques that work in cleaning and sanitizing. Cleaning includes various forms like spray cleaning, dry cleaning, and wet cleaning. Cleaning techniques like foam, abrasion, or immersion cleaning are employed as indicated. 

5. Final restoration

After ensuring the property is dry and clean, the water damage restoration professionals work to return your home to a pre-damage state. While irreversibly damaged things are disposed of, restorable materials and objects are retained. 

Water damage can be very overwhelming emotionally and financially. SERVPRO of East Plano is a water damage restoration company that understands all these implications of a water-damaged home. The company's highly trained restoration specialists genuinely care about customers and their properties. The navigation of the insurance claims process is also better handled by such an experienced and recognized company. Homes or businesses who need water damage restoration in Plano, TX can contact  SERVPRO of East Plano at (972) 578-1644. They can be assured that with this leader in the cleanup and restoration industry, their properties are in safe hands.

Water Removal: An Essential Service

10/9/2022 (Permalink)

Blog Summary: This article by SERVPRO of East Plano describes why water removal is an essential service.

Water damage is one of the leading causes of property damage. The chances of water damage are very high, perhaps because of the numerous causes that can lead to water damage easily. The common causes of water damage include severe weather, leaking pipes, malfunctioning appliances, condensation in AC systems, clogged drains, etc. Data shows that 1 in 50 insured homes make water damage insurance claims each year. 

Once water damage occurs, steps must be taken to restore the property to a pre-damage condition. If the water damage is minimal, the homeowners may be able to clean up by themselves. But if water damage is more severe, it is best to get a professional water damage restoration company to handle the process of water damage restoration. This is because they are trained and experienced to handle water damage restoration faster and more effectively. Homeowners and commercial property owners facing water damage in Murphy, TX can contact SERVPRO of East Plano. This company provides property damage restoration and cleanup services. In this article, SERVPRO® of East Plano describes what water removal is. 

Water removal is a part of the water damage restoration process. The water damage restoration process involves multiple steps. The time taken for water damage restoration will depend on the class and category of water damage and the extent the building is affected. The steps of water damage restoration include:

Contacting emergency services

Inspection and Assessment of Water Damage

Water Removal

Drying and Dehumidification

Cleaning, Sanitization, and Deodorization

Monitoring to check the effectiveness of water removal and drying

Repairs and construction as needed

Water Removal

Water removal is the process of removing standing water and water absorbed by objects and materials from areas affected by water damage. The drying of the area and objects within is done after water removal is done. 

Why Is Water Removal Essential?

Water removal is a critical step to prevent structural deterioration. Standing water can damage the foundations of a building if water seeps into the grounds. Water and damp materials provide a favorable environment for mold to grow. Water removal can reduce the risk of mold growth. It also helps to speed up the process of drying. Water removal is an essential step and is best handled by water damage restoration professionals. This is because they have the expertise and experience to locate the source of water. Even hidden water damage is detected and managed by experts. Water damage restoration companies also have specialized tools and equipment to aid in quick and efficient water removal.

How Water Removal Is Handled By Professionals?

In situations where there is a significant amount of water or if the water is contaminated, it is better to immediately contact a professional service. Companies like SERVPRO of East Plano can conduct water removal efficiently. Water damage professionals are trained and certified to conduct water damage restoration in a safe manner using personal protective equipment and specialized tools. The process is handled efficiently and follows relevant safety considerations.

Water damage restoration professionals use meters like hygrometers and moisture detectors to measure the level of moisture in the building. They also use specialized equipment like infrared cameras which help them locate hidden water damage (within walls or ceilings). 

The technicians are trained and experienced in using heavy-duty submersible pumps and industrial wet or dry vacuums as required. Truck-mounted or portable pumps are used to extract water. Removal of excess water speeds up the drying process. There is also less risk of mold growing and secondary water damage when the water removal is done properly. 

Water damage must not be taken lightly. If water damage restoration is done inadequately, it can lead to further damage and complications that will cost more financially as well. A reliable water damage restoration company is able to restore your home to its original condition safely. Water damage restoration in Murphy, Texas can be entrusted to SERVPRO of East Plano. With decades of experience and being a leader in the restoration industry, this company can handle disasters of any size. Their technicians are highly trained; SERVPRO has robust employee certification training for franchise employees and a new franchise training program. SERVPRO is also an IICRC-approved training school offering training in various categories including water damage restoration. SERVPRO of East Plano can be reached by phone by dialing (972) 578-1644 for water damage restoration in Murphy, TX.

Flood Restoration 101: How to Check Your Home for Storm Damage

10/9/2022 (Permalink)

Blog Summary: SERVPRO of East Plano explains how to check for storm damage in homes. 

Homes and businesses across the US are increasingly at risk of flood damage in comparison to the past. Flooding is a very distressing experience and flood damage can be devastating for both families and businesses. Taking immediate action to limit flood damage is necessary for safety and to reduce additional costs incurred for worse damage.

Flood damage can be caused by severe thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, hurricanes, and adverse weather conditions. Flood water can rise due to remote events like snowcaps melting off mountains that are far away. Flooding can happen from causes within a building like broken pipes, faulty appliances, sewer backups, etc.

Storms are any type of disturbance in the environment or atmosphere that strongly contribute to severe weather. Storms are of different types and can include thunderstorms (heavy wind, thunder, lightning, hail), snowstorms, rainstorms, strong winds (cyclones, hurricanes, tornadoes), etc.  

The process of removing water, decontaminating the area affected, and making the building or property safe enough to carry out repairs, is flood restoration. Flood water is considered to be contaminated, and hazardous. People and animals must be kept away from exposure to it. This is why flood restoration is a job for a professional water damage restoration company that is equipped to handle storm damage and flood restoration. SERVPRO of East Plano has highly-trained professionals capable of providing flood restoration services in Parker, TX. Some ways to check for storm damage are shared in this article by SERVPRO® of East Plano for the benefit of homeowners who need flood restoration.

Stormy weather can bring heavy rains, strong winds, and lightning which are all capable of damaging property. Damaged windows and roofs are very common after storms,  and can lead to water damage. Even when a home appears intact after a storm, it is better to check for hidden storm damage. This will help start storm damage repair as early as possible, which is better for safety and keeping costs low. Storm damage can be identified by checking the following:

1. Roof Inspection

Roofs are at high risk for damage during storms. Heavy rains, winds, and airborne objects like tree branches, can all cause damage to this structure. The roof must be checked for signs of storm damage like broken, curling, or missing shingles, gaps between tiles, debris like leaves or twigs in the gutters or downspouts, and damage to the chimney. 

2. Exterior Walls Assessment

Walls must be carefully examined for signs that indicate storm damage that is not obvious. These include cracking that radiates from a point in a spider pattern, splitting or breaking, chipping of paint, small holes or dents, and discolored, damaged, or missing sidings. The walls must be checked on the inside and outside for damp patches.

3. Examine Windows

Windows can be shattered in storms causing interior damage by the broken glass and allowing water to enter the building. Though at a casual glance windows may not appear broken, they must be examined meticulously for small cracks, loose glass panes, and damaged window frames that have small dents or cracks.  Sturdy gloves can be used when inspecting windows to avoid injury. Boarding up windows temporarily with plywood will reduce further damage and protect the interiors from natural elements.

4. Check Entry Doors

Entry doors can be subjected to strain by heavy winds and water flow. This can cause them to fall off their hinges, break, or develop cracks and holes. A damaged door will expose the home to water and other unwanted elements. 

5. Inspect The Outdoor Structures

External wooden structures like decks, porches, and fences can sustain storm damage. The area surrounding the structures must be checked for dampness and water pooling. The structures must be checked for cracking, chipping, and other damages like warped boards. Check for missing planks, railings, steps, etc. Loose boards can be secured with screws and debris cleared. 

6. Inspection Of Crawl Spaces

Crawl spaces can harbor flooding and excess moisture after a storm. If left unattended,  this can cause costly damages. Roof leaks, leaky doors, pipe leaks, and condensation can all allow water to enter crawl spaces. Check for signs like musty smells, pests, saggy or sloped floors, etc., in the crawl spaces. These indicate flood restoration is needed.

7. Check Trees and Pylons On the Property

Pylons on the property and nearby must be checked for damage caused by the storm that can lead to a power outage. If broken cables or tilting pylons are noticed, the utility office must be notified. Trees must be checked for loose branches that can cause danger. 

Minor repairs may be handled by homeowners. But if there are signs like cracking on walls or signs of insulation damage that allow moisture in, experts will need to be called. If flooding has occurred, flood restoration needs to be done by professionals who have the experience and skills needed to handle it swiftly and efficiently. For storm damage repair in Parker, TX, homeowners or business owners can contact SERVPRO of East Plano. Whether the storm damage is minor or severe, this property damage restoration company is equipped and experienced enough to provide flood restoration services. They belong to the SERVPRO® network which is the number one choice in the restoration industry. SERVPRO of East Plano has highly trained restoration technicians available 24/7. They respond to emergencies like storm and flood damage immediately  and help speed up the insurance process for customers.