Why You Shouldn't Wait to Address Water Damage

8/5/2024 (Permalink)

Team Shaw truck at warehouse

Water damage can happen to any home or business, and it's important to address it immediately. At Team Shaw, a restoration company based in East Plano and serving the entire DFW metroplex, we know the critical role timely intervention plays in preventing further damage and high repair costs. Here’s why you shouldn’t wait to address water damage.

Immediate Effects of Water Damage

When water enters your property, it begins causing damage right away. Within minutes, water can seep into your walls, floors, and furnishings. This initial damage might not seem severe, but it's the beginning of a process that can quickly spiral out of control.

Mold Growth

One of the most serious consequences of water damage is mold growth. Mold can start growing within 24-48 hours after water exposure. Mold not only damages the structure of your home but also poses significant health risks, including respiratory issues and allergic reactions. By addressing water damage promptly, you can prevent mold from taking root and spreading throughout your property.

Structural Damage

Water can weaken the structural integrity of your home. It can cause wood to warp, drywall to deteriorate, and even affect the foundation of your building. Over time, this structural damage can become extensive and expensive to repair. Prompt action can help minimize this risk and maintain the safety and stability of your home.

Electrical Hazards

Water and electricity are a dangerous combination. Water damage can affect your electrical systems, leading to potential hazards like short circuits and electrical fires. By addressing water damage immediately, you can reduce the risk of these dangerous situations and ensure your home remains safe.

Cost of Delayed Repairs

The longer you wait to address water damage, the more expensive the repairs will become. Initial water extraction and drying might be relatively inexpensive, but if you wait, you could face the costs of mold remediation, structural repairs, and replacing damaged belongings. Acting quickly can save you a significant amount of money in the long run.

Insurance Complications

Many insurance policies require homeowners to take immediate action to mitigate damage. Failing to do so can complicate your claims process and even result in denial of coverage. By promptly addressing water damage, you can ensure a smoother and more favorable insurance claim process.

Peace of Mind

Dealing with water damage is stressful, but ignoring it can make the situation much worse. By addressing the problem right away, you can regain peace of mind knowing that your home is being properly cared for and that you're preventing further issues down the line.

Conclusion

Water damage is a serious issue that should never be ignored. At Team Shaw, we are ready to respond quickly to your water damage emergencies in East Plano and throughout the DFW metroplex. Our team of experienced professionals is equipped with the latest tools and techniques to mitigate damage, prevent mold growth, and restore your home to its pre-damage condition. Don’t wait – contact us immediately if you experience water damage in your home.

What Should I Do Immediately After Water Damage?

6/28/2024 (Permalink)

Mid Water Restoration Process

Water damage can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare. Whether it’s from a burst pipe, a leaky roof, or a natural disaster, water damage can cause significant destruction if not addressed promptly. Knowing what to do immediately after discovering water damage can make a big difference in minimizing the damage and starting the restoration process. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what you should do when you encounter water damage in your home.

Ensure Safety First

The first and most important step is to ensure the safety of everyone in the home. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination, so if water damage occurs near electrical appliances or outlets, it’s crucial to turn off the power to the affected areas. Avoid using electrical devices in wet areas, and if the water damage is extensive, it may be necessary to shut off the main power supply to the home.

Stop the Water Source

If possible, identify and stop the source of the water to prevent further damage. This might involve shutting off the main water supply valve or fixing a broken pipe. If the water damage is due to a natural disaster or severe weather, you may not be able to stop the water source, but taking this step can significantly reduce the amount of water entering your home.

Remove Valuable Items

Once the immediate danger is addressed, it’s time to move valuables and furniture away from the affected area. This will help prevent additional damage to your belongings. Items such as electronics, important documents, and sentimental items should be prioritized. If possible, move these items to a dry and safe location. For larger items like furniture, placing them on blocks or aluminum foil to keep them off the wet floor can help minimize damage.

Call Professionals

Contacting a professional water restoration service like Team Shaw immediately is crucial. Water damage can worsen quickly, and mold can begin to grow within 24-48 hours. Professional restoration services have the expertise and equipment to handle the situation efficiently and effectively. At Team Shaw, we respond quickly to water damage emergencies. Our team uses advanced equipment to remove water and dry out your property, preventing mold growth and further damage.

Document the Damage

While waiting for the professionals to arrive, it’s a good idea to document the damage for insurance purposes. Take photos and videos of the affected areas and any damaged items. This documentation will be helpful when filing an insurance claim and can help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Begin the Drying Process

If it’s safe to do so, you can start the drying process while waiting for professional help to arrive. Use fans, dehumidifiers, and open windows to increase airflow and help dry out the affected areas. However, be cautious not to use electrical appliances in wet areas, and avoid using your HVAC system if the ducts are affected by water.

Work with Your Insurance Company

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the water damage and begin the claims process. Provide them with the documentation you’ve collected and any information about the steps you’ve taken so far. Your insurance company may have specific requirements for the claims process, so it’s important to follow their instructions carefully.

Prevent Future Water Damage

Once the immediate water damage has been addressed, take steps to prevent future incidents. Regular maintenance of your home’s plumbing and roofing can help identify potential issues before they become major problems. Installing a sump pump, using water leak detectors, and ensuring proper drainage around your home can also reduce the risk of water damage.

Why Choose Team Shaw?

At Team Shaw, we understand the urgency of water damage situations. Our team is trained to respond quickly and efficiently to minimize damage and restore your home. We use advanced equipment and techniques to ensure thorough water extraction and drying. Additionally, we offer comprehensive restoration services, including mold remediation and structural repairs.

If you’re facing water damage in East Plano, Texas, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to help you through every step of the restoration process, providing the support and expertise you need to get your home back to normal. Contact Team Shaw today for prompt and professional water restoration services.

What types of water damage are covered by homeowners insurance?

1/18/2023 (Permalink)

Blog Summary: The types of water damage that homeowners insurance has coverage for are listed in this article by SERVPRO® of East Plano. 

Various losses in homes and businesses can be caused by water intrusion leading to destructive processes like rotting of wood, rusting of metal, swelling of composite woods, damage to electrical devices, mold growth, etc. All these effects of water intrusion are described as water damage. Water damage is one of the leading causes of property loss in the US. It is one of the most frequent reasons for home insurance claims. 

Water damage can be devastating and lead to considerable property damage, especially if neglected. Water damage restoration must be meticulously done without delay to ensure that the water damage is limited. A professional water damage restoration company will ensure that water damage is cleaned up and that the risk for secondary water damage is reduced. 

SERVPRO of East Plano offers fire and water cleanup and restoration services. Though the Plano area is a great place to live, the climate can put businesses and homes at risk for water damage. Whatever the cause, residents and business owners who need water damage restoration in Ridgewood, TX, can get prompt and expert service from Ridgewood, TX. This company is a trusted leader in the restoration industry that is owned and operated locally, thus ensuring clients get the best service from experts at any time without delays. 

SERVPRO of East Plano works with insurance companies to help clients who need water damage restoration in Ridgewood, TX manage the process and paperwork associated with an insurance claim. In this article, the company explains when homeowner's insurance covers water damage. 

What types of water damage are covered by homeowner's insurance?

Usually, water damage that is sudden and accidental gets coverage from homeowners' insurance policies. The water damage that homeowner's insurance covers usually includes:

• Bursting pipes: When a pipe freezes and bursts in winter, it is covered by insurance. But, there must be no neglect from the homeowner in adequately keeping the home heated for the claim to be granted.
• Accidental leaks: when there is a leak from the plumbing or faulty appliances.
• Fire cleanup, during which the water used to put out flames (from sprinklers or hoses) causes water damage.
• Roof leaks after a storm or mishap that damages the roof can lead to water damage. Steps must be taken to fix damaged roofs within a reasonable timeframe. Delays in such measures to limit water damage will mean that further damage is not covered by insurance.
• Hail storms or heavy rains that cause water damage.
• If ice dams form on roofs due to ice accumulating in gutters causing sudden water damage, it is covered by insurance, but it must not be due to poor maintenance by the property owner.

When is water damage not covered by homeowner's insurance?

• Flood damage: Home insurance policies will not cover water damage caused by floods. Flood damage can be due to hurricanes, storm surges, tsunamis, overflowing water bodies like rivers, etc. For flood damage coverage, separate flood insurance must be purchased. 
• Negligence and inadequate maintenance of home or business owners that cause water damage can lead to the denial of claims for water damage.
• Intentionally caused water damage, like when a home is set on fire or not repairing plumbing leaks for a long time. 
• A standard homeowner's insurance policy will not cover sewage backup and sump pump failure causing water damage, but a rider can be purchased for sewer backup or sump failure.
• Water damage caused by leaking from structures like swimming pools or seeping or leaking through cracks in the foundation.
• Faulty appliances that leak, causing water damage, will need to be repaired or replaced, and a homeowner's insurance policy does not pay for these costs.

Preventing water damage

It is always better for homeowners and business owners to protect their property from water damage. These measures include routine maintenance of appliances, roofs, plumbing, and building structures, and ensuring swift repair when any problem is noticed.

Regular maintenance and prompt repairs help homeowner's insurance claims for water damage are not denied on the grounds of negligence. Such measures as draining water heaters to prevent sediment buildup, inspecting hoses connected to appliances for leaks, periodic roof inspections for leaks, ensuring adequate heating in winter to reduce the risk of bursting pipes, etc., must be carried out diligently. 

A reliable professional water damage restoration service can make water damage easier to manage. With highly trained technicians who undergo initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO's Corporate Training Facility and have IICRC certifications, SERVPRO of East Plano ensures expert service. Their latest equipment ensures that water damage restoration is quick and efficient and the highest industry standards are followed. For reliable water damage restoration in Ridgewood, TX, property owners can call (972) 578-1644 and get help from SERVPRO of East Plano.

How long does it take to dry water damage?

12/9/2022 (Permalink)

Blog Summary: SERVPRO® of East Plano discusses how long it takes to dry water damage.

Water damage is a common cause of loss of property in the US. Though water damage can be sudden, it can result in long-term damage. The water damage restoration process requires time. There must be no delay in starting this process, as delays can worsen water damage and lead to complications.

SERVPRO of East Plano is a trusted leader in the restoration industry. This locally owned and operated company can respond to emergencies and provide water damage restoration in Ridgewood, TX, and surrounding areas. In this article, SERVPRO of East Plano explains how long drying water damage takes, and what influences drying time.

For people who experience water damage, one of the first thoughts is about how long their home or office will take to dry after water damage. Water damage can be devastating, and it affects the normal life of inhabitants of affected homes and disrupts business in affected commercial buildings. Typically, drying after water damage takes around 5 days. But, the drying time depends on the extent of water damage, the methods used for drying, the source of water damage, what materials and objects are affected, and how long the area has been exposed to water, etc. So, based on these factors, water damage can dry in as little as 2 days or take between 7 to 10 days. 

How can drying be done after water damage?

The water damage restoration process, including drying, can be handled better by water damage restoration professionals. It is especially true if more area is affected, the water damage is extensive (how much material is affected and how much moisture is absorbed), and the source of water damage is contaminated. Professionals will ensure that the water damage restoration is thorough but quick, following industry standards and safety precautions, and reduces the risk of complications from water damage.

1. Air drying: This is a simple and natural method of drying by increasing air circulation in the affected area. Opening windows and allowing air to move in and out will help water to dry. But, this method may not be effective in humid or rainy climates. Texas weather is not suitable for this method, and water damage restoration in Ridgewood, TX, and nearby localities can be handled more effectively by experts like SERVPRO of East Plano.
2. Drying equipment: There are types of equipment like fans, dehumidifiers, submersible pumps, and wet vacuums that can be used to speed up drying. But, homeowners or commercial property owners doing this must know that operating equipment near water can be dangerous. The outlets and plugs must not have been exposed to water. If there is any indication of danger from the electrical system being exposed to water, it might be better to approach an electrician and water damage restoration technicians for their service.

Why choose professional water damage restoration from SERVPRO of East Plano?

All steps of the water damage restoration process, including drying, can be done more efficiently by a professional. For reliable water damage restoration in Ridgewood, TX, SERVPRO of East Plano is always available. Their highly trained restoration specialists have initial and ongoing training from the company and IICRC certifications. SERVPRO of East Plano also has state-of-the-art equipment for the different steps of the water damage restoration process, like inspection, water removal, and drying. Industrial-grade dehumidifiers prevent secondary water damage, and high-speed air movers speed up moisture evaporation in carpets, walls, and furniture. Quick but thorough drying is important, as residual moisture can lead to mold growth. Residents and businesses who need water damage restoration in Ridgewood, TX, can contact SERVPRO of East Plano on the phone number (972) 578-1644.

Can carpets and carpet pads be saved after water removal?

11/10/2022 (Permalink)

Blog Summary: SERVPRO® of East Plano explains whether carpets and carpet pads can be saved after water removal. 

Water damage is an exceedingly common cause of property loss in the US. Water damage is estimated to affect 14,000 people on any given day across the country. Leaking pipes, clogged drains, malfunctioning appliances, faulty sump pumps, defects in the building, and flooding due to natural disasters can result in water damage. This can result in structural damage to buildings, destruction of building materials, and damage to any objects exposed to water, like furniture, furnishing, appliances, etc. 

Carpets are used in homes to bring warmth, improve the room's acoustics, and add to the aesthetics. Carpet pads are used below the carpets to add to the carpets' comfort, shock absorption, warmth, and durability. Carpets must be kept dry, as moisture can lead to mold growth. Once carpets get moldy, they can be smelly, unhygienic, and cause health problems. 

Water damage done by a water damage restoration professional is quicker and more effective. SERVPRO of East Plano is a franchise of a trusted leader in the restoration industry. They offer water damage restoration services in Murphy, TX, by highly trained technicians who follow IICRC standards and best practices. In this article, SERVPRO of East Plano discusses whether carpet and carpet pads can be reused after water removal.

Can carpets and carpet pads be saved after water damage?

It is advisable to restore and reuse things after water damage if possible. This saves money and is also a more sustainable choice. Several factors determine whether a carpet can be saved after water removal for further use. The age and quality of the carpet and how well it was installed will affect whether it should be saved. It may be better to discard an old, worn-out carpet rather than invest time and money in water removal and drying. Carpets that remained damp or soaked for more than two days are likely to have developed mold and may have to be discarded. The CDC cautions that mold growth occurs within 24 to 48 hours on surfaces left moist or wet.

Another consideration in deciding if the carpet can be reused is the type of water damage. If clean water is causing water damage, a carpet can undergo steps of water damage restoration like water removal and drying. However, water removal must be initiated as soon as possible to prevent the risk of mold growth. Heavily soaked carpets or carpets that have been wet for more than 24 hours may have mold growth already. 

If greywater has affected the carpets, there is a lower probability of saving carpets. The carpet padding probably needs to be replaced. Water damage repair experts can do water removal with specialized equipment. They assess how long the carpets were exposed to water and the extent of damage before attempting to salvage them. After water removal, the carpets are dried and disinfected before being used. 

Carpets and carpet pads that were affected by blackwater are discarded. Blackwater is highly contaminated, and it is too risky to attempt water removal and reuse of these carpets. 

If there is a slight dampness, and the damage is due to clean water, homeowners may attempt to dry the carpet themselves. This option is possible only within 24 hours of exposure to water. Any more extensive or contaminated water damage is handled better by water damage restoration professionals. 

Wet carpets undergo the process of water removal first. A submersible pump may be used for carpets submerged in water. High-power special wet vacuums can also be useful, but ordinary home vacuum cleaners are ineffective. 

Professional water damage restoration will use industrial-grade dehumidifiers and air movers to dry the carpets. This equipment will promote air circulation and enable faster evaporation of water. Since moisture that spreads from carpet to carpet pad causes mold growth easily, the carpet pad may need to be replaced even when the carpet is saved. 

Wet carpets are handled with care by water damage restoration technicians. Homeowners with water-damaged carpets that need water removal in Murphy, TX, and surrounding areas can get service from SERVPRO of East Plano. This company understands that each water damage situation is different. SERVPRO of East Plano has a step-by-step water damage restoration process that includes assessment, water removal, drying, cleaning and repair, and restoration. Trained technicians perform emergency water removal with specialized equipment that helps to reduce the drying time and prevent secondary water damage. They ensure carpet and carpet pad are inspected and removed if needed to protect the subfloor from water damage. Water damage restoration, including water removal in Murphy, TX, can be done with meticulous attention and without delay by calling SERVPRO® of East Plano on the phone number (972) 578-1644.

Water Mitigation Versus Water Damage Restoration

10/18/2022 (Permalink)

Blog Summary: SERVPRO of East Plano discusses water mitigation vs. water damage restoration.

With most property owners having to face water damage at some point, they would also need water damage restoration services. It is suitable for homeowners to know what water damage restoration is and why it is crucial. A basic understanding will ensure that they do not delay the process and that they do not do anything that would worsen water damage.

Water damage can happen suddenly without warning. The sooner that water damage is dealt with is better. Professional water damage restoration technicians assess the damage and see if just water mitigation services are enough or if to follow that with water damage restoration. The process of water damage restoration includes different steps. Though water mitigation and water damage restoration may be performed separately, they are both usually carried out by the water damage restoration team. In this article, SERVPRO® of East Plano outlines the difference between water mitigation and water damage restoration. SERVPRO is a leader in fire and water cleanup and restoration that performs water damage restoration in Plano, TX. When SERVPRO of East Plano is on the job, homeowners have the advantage of an expert with 50-plus years of experience in repair and property restoration.  The professionals at SERVPRO understand how water damage impacts families or businesses and strive to restore homes or businesses to a preloss condition as swiftly as possible.

What is water damage mitigation?

Water damage mitigation is done to prevent water damage from affecting property and belongings. This is done immediately after water damage is detected and involves the removal of standing water and drying of affected areas. Specialized equipment and techniques are used by professionals during water damage mitigation. The water damage mitigation process includes the following:

• Removal of damaged materials (like drywall and flooring) and furniture
• Cleaning and disinfection of salvageable objects and materials
• Using commercial-grade equipment to extract water and dry the area
• Boarding up windows, using tarps, and other measures to protect the home from water or other natural elements are also part of water damage mitigation. For instance, a damaged roof can cause water to enter and cause further damage, so using a tarp can help. Removing debris like broken branches and loosened shingles, plugging holes, and reinforcing weak structures to prevent them from collapsing are all parts of water mitigation. 

If water damage mitigation is not done correctly without delay, the expenses of replacing and repairing damaged objects will rise even more. 

Water damage restoration

The repairs and building work done after water damage to restore a home or business to a preloss condition is water damage restoration. This is done after water mitigation. SERVPRO of East Plano has highly trained water damage restoration technicians who use techniques and specialized equipment to restore the property. Reconstruction and repair are done depending on the damage sustained. Water damage restoration is a multi-step process. During water damage restoration, the following may be done:

• Damaged flooring and walls are replaced
• Replacement or repair of damaged roofs and ceilings
• Cleaning carpets, rugs, and upholstery that are not irreversibly damaged
• Cleaning and disinfection of the area
• Steps to reduce the risk of mold growth. 

In summary, water damage mitigation is done with the primary purpose of limiting the extent of water damage. The actions in water damage mitigation are to keep the property and belongings away from harm as much as possible. It is always done first. A failure or delay in water damage mitigation can lead to more damage. 

Water damage restoration is carried out after mitigation to repair the existing water damage that has already occurred. Though it is not as urgent as water mitigation, delay can still lead to secondary water damage. The water damage restoration process usually takes longer than water damage mitigation. 

There is a misconception that water damage mitigation and restoration services are costly. However, water damage mitigation and restoration cost less than what it would cost if everything were replaced. Professional water damage restoration technicians at SERVPRO of East Plano work to identify and safely save salvageable items and replace them only when it is absolutely necessary. For service from IICRC-certified professionals who understand the impact of water damage on homes, businesses, and the life of customers, SERVPRO of East Plano is the right choice. Home and business owners who have problems related to water damage in Plano, TX, can contact SERVPRO of East Plano on the phone number (972) 578-1644.

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.