Understanding Water Damage in Your Home: Prevention and Solutions

11/11/2024 (Permalink)

Water on hardwood floor

Water damage is one of the most common yet devastating issues homeowners face. Whether it's from a burst pipe, a leaky roof, or a flooding event, water can infiltrate your home quickly, causing significant damage to your property, belongings, and even your health. Understanding how water damage occurs and knowing the right steps to take can help minimize its impact.

What Causes Water Damage?

Water damage can stem from a variety of sources, including:

• Plumbing Issues: Leaky pipes, burst pipes, or faulty appliances can lead to sudden flooding or gradual water seepage.
• Roof Leaks: Damaged shingles, clogged gutters, or aging roofs can allow rainwater to infiltrate your home.
• Flooding: Heavy rains, storm surges, or overflowing rivers can cause water to enter your home and overwhelm its defenses.
• Appliance Malfunctions: Dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters are common culprits for sudden water issues.

Signs of Water Damage

Water damage can be tricky to spot in its early stages, but being aware of the signs can help you take quick action:

• Discoloration: Stains on ceilings, walls, or floors may indicate water has seeped into your home.
• Musty Odors: Damp environments can lead to mold growth, which often results in unpleasant smells.
• Peeling or Bubbling Paint: Water can cause paint and wallpaper to peel, bubble, or warp.
• Swollen Wood: Wood floors or furniture that appear swollen or buckled may be a sign of water exposure.

The Importance of Quick Action

When dealing with water damage, timing is crucial. Water can quickly spread, causing structural damage, ruining personal items, and fostering mold growth. That's why it's essential to take immediate action:

1. Stop the Source: If possible, turn off the water supply to prevent further damage.
2. Remove Excess Water: Use towels, mops, or a wet vacuum to remove standing water.
3. Dry the Area: Open windows, use fans, or employ a dehumidifier to speed up the drying process.
4. Call the Experts: SERVPRO’s water damage restoration specialists are trained to handle the most complex water damage situations. Our advanced equipment and years of experience ensure your home is thoroughly restored, preventing long-term issues.

Preventing Water Damage

While you can’t always prevent water damage, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk:

• Inspect Your Plumbing: Regularly check for leaks or corrosion, and fix issues promptly.
• Maintain Your Roof and Gutters: Clean gutters and inspect your roof for damage after heavy storms.
• Install Sump Pumps: In flood-prone areas, a sump pump can help keep water out of your basement.
• Seal Windows and Doors: Ensure that seals are intact to prevent water from entering during storms.

We’re Here to Help®

At SERVPRO, we understand how overwhelming water damage can be. Whether you’re dealing with a small leak or a major flood, our team is here to help restore your home to its original condition. We work quickly, efficiently, and with care to ensure the best possible outcome for your property.

If you experience water damage, don’t wait—call SERVPRO® for professional water damage restoration. We’re here to help make it "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO is a trusted leader in the water damage restoration industry. With over 50 years of experience, we’re always here to help you with 24/7 emergency service. Contact us today!

Building Services at SERVPRO® of Rochester

11/8/2024 (Permalink)

Restoring a structure back to its original state

SERVPRO Building Services: A Comprehensive Solution for Commercial and Residential Restoration Needs

When disaster strikes, whether due to a fire, flood, mold, or storm damage, the aftermath can be overwhelming. It’s not just about restoring the property to its original state but also ensuring that the structure remains safe, functional, and ready for the next chapter. SERVPRO, a well-known name in the restoration and cleaning industry, offers comprehensive building services to assist homeowners and businesses in getting back on their feet.

What Are SERVPRO Building Services?

SERVPRO’s building services are designed to address the structural and cosmetic repair needs of properties affected by disaster. Their range of services goes beyond the typical cleanup and drying services that SERVPRO is famous for. While water, fire, and mold damage restoration are core competencies, their building services ensure that damaged structures are fully restored and brought back to preloss condition.

The goal is to handle every step of the process—from cleanup and demolition to reconstruction and finishing touches—so that property owners can return to normal life with as little disruption as possible.

Key Building Services Offered by SERVPRO

Here’s a closer look at some of the key services provided under SERVPRO’s building services umbrella:

1. Emergency Board-Up & Tarping

After a fire, storm, or other catastrophic event, the immediate concern is securing the property and protecting it from further damage. SERVPRO offers 24/7 emergency board-up and tarping services to seal off openings in the building’s structure—such as broken windows, damaged roofs, or doors that have been compromised—preventing water, debris, or intruders from entering.

2. Structural Drying & Dehumidification

Water damage is one of the most common problems that property owners face, whether due to flooding, burst pipes, or roof leaks. SERVPRO’s expert technicians use high-powered fans, industrial-grade dehumidifiers, and moisture meters to ensure that the affected areas are thoroughly dried. This not only helps to prevent further damage but also mitigates the risk of mold growth, which can develop quickly in damp environments.

3. Reconstruction Services

SERVPRO doesn’t just stop at cleanup and drying. They offer full-scale reconstruction services to restore your building’s structure. Whether it’s repairing drywall, replacing flooring, or rebuilding entire sections of a building that have been destroyed, SERVPRO’s team of licensed contractors works efficiently to rebuild your property with quality materials and craftsmanship. Their reconstruction services include:

• Rebuilding Walls and Ceilings: After fire or water damage, walls and ceilings may need to be replaced entirely. SERVPRO has the expertise to handle both small and large-scale reconstruction projects.
• Roofing and Exterior Repairs: Whether your roof suffered from storm damage or you need a full replacement, SERVPRO offers expert roofing services. They also handle exterior repairs, including siding, gutters, and windows.
• Flooring Replacement: Whether hardwood, tile, or carpet, SERVPRO can repair or replace damaged flooring, ensuring a seamless finish that matches your property’s original aesthetic.

4. Mold Remediation and Structural Repairs

Mold can be a major concern following water damage, and it can significantly affect a building’s structural integrity. SERVPRO offers mold remediation services to safely and effectively remove mold from your property. If mold has already caused structural damage, SERVPRO will handle the necessary repairs to ensure that the building is both safe and livable.

5. HVAC System Cleaning & Repair

In the aftermath of a disaster, debris and contaminants can enter your HVAC system, spreading dirt, dust, and even bacteria throughout the building. SERVPRO offers comprehensive cleaning and repair services for HVAC systems to restore healthy air quality to your home or business. This includes cleaning air ducts, replacing filters, and ensuring the HVAC system is fully operational.

6. Content Cleaning and Restoration

In addition to structural repairs, SERVPRO offers content cleaning services to restore items such as furniture, electronics, documents, and personal belongings that may have been damaged by smoke, water, or mold. These items are carefully cleaned, deodorized, and restored using the latest technologies and techniques, so they can be returned to their owners in a condition that’s as close to pre-damage as possible.

7. Asbestos and Lead-Based Paint Removal

Older buildings may contain hazardous materials such as asbestos or lead-based paint, which can pose serious health risks if disturbed. SERVPRO is trained and certified to handle the safe removal of these materials, ensuring that the property is not only structurally sound but also safe for occupancy.

Why Choose SERVPRO Building Services?

1. Experienced Professionals

SERVPRO is backed by years of experience and a team of certified professionals who are trained to handle a wide range of restoration and reconstruction needs. Their technicians are equipped with the latest tools and technology to handle any type of damage, from the smallest leak to large-scale disasters.

2. Comprehensive Approach

One of the main benefits of choosing SERVPRO is their comprehensive approach to restoration. Many companies specialize in one area, such as water damage or fire restoration, but SERVPRO offers a complete suite of building services. From initial cleanup to final reconstruction, they ensure that every aspect of the restoration process is covered.

3. 24/7 Emergency Response

Disasters don’t follow a schedule, which is why SERVPRO offers 24/7 emergency response services. They are always ready to respond quickly, no matter when the disaster occurs, to prevent further damage and begin the restoration process.

4. Insurance Assistance

Dealing with insurance claims can be a stressful and time-consuming process. SERVPRO works with most major insurance companies and can assist with the claims process to help ensure that your restoration costs are covered. Their team is familiar with the paperwork and procedures, which can save you time and effort.

5. Nationwide Network

SERVPRO operates a nationwide network of franchises, meaning that no matter where you are located, there’s likely a local SERVPRO team ready to assist you. This ensures quick response times and efficient service, no matter the scope of the damage.

Conclusion

When it comes to restoring a property after a disaster, SERVPRO’s building services offer a one-stop solution that takes care of everything—from emergency response to complete reconstruction. With their extensive experience, advanced equipment, and skilled team, SERVPRO can help bring your property back to life and ensure that it’s safe and functional for years to come. Whether you're a homeowner dealing with water damage or a business owner rebuilding after a fire, SERVPRO is a trusted partner in the restoration process.

How Our Business Takes Care of Your Business | SERVPRO of Rochester

5/15/2024 (Permalink)

Let our team help your Rochester business sparkle with a variety of commercial services!

If you own a business in the Rochester community, you know just how much work it takes to be successful. There is so much to do on a daily basis while also planning for the future and keeping everyone on task to meet your goals. 

While owning and running a business is certainly more of a lifestyle than a simple 9–5 job, that doesn’t mean you have to do every single thing yourself. Relying on others and helpful companies to get you where you need to be can take some serious weight off of your shoulders.

SERVPRO of Rochester is here to help make your experience as a business owner that much more rewarding. We proudly offer our restoration and cleaning services to the amazing businesses in our community and we are here 24/7 for whenever you need us.  

We Help You Through Disasters

When you think of disaster situations, Mother Nature typically comes to mind. Severe thunderstorms, floods and tornadoes can certainly cause serious damage to your property and require immediate cleanup needs. 

Manmade accidents can also end in disaster and require a trained hand to recover from. Breakroom fires, chemical spills and water leaks from busted pipes can all cause serious damage in a short amount of time. 

Did you know that up to 25% of businesses do not reopen again after suffering from a disaster? That’s a lot of failed potential due to something relatively simple as business restoration! 

Call us as soon as you suffer from a disaster situation so we can get right to work on your recovery. We will assess the situation, designate a project manager for the job and help you repair your property from start to finish so you can open back up faster. 

We Can Help You Keep Your Business Clean

While you most likely have a janitorial staff that helps you keep your property clean on a regular basis, they probably don’t have the training or job description to handle the more niche cleaning jobs. Do the jobs of cleaning your upholstery and deep-cleaning your carpets land with you, then? 

It doesn’t have to be this way! Our commercial cleaning team can come out to your business to handle your carpet cleaning, upholstery and drapery cleaning, and we can even get into your air ducts and clean out your vents. Having a clean business is important visually for your customers, but it also ensures the health and safety of your staff that are under your roof every day.

Those Unexpected Situations

You probably plan for common disaster situations like fires, floods and the occasional water leak from rainstorms, but you most likely don’t have a plan for every single disaster scenario imaginable. If you find yourself the unfortunate victim of a crime, suffer an accident at work or come upon a sewage leak, it can be really overwhelming. 

Let our biohazard team handle any sort of cleanup when it comes to potentially toxic substances. Without the proper PPE, substances like blood, crime scene residue and sewage can be dangerous or even deadly. 

Our crew will arrive quickly, secure the situation and tackle your cleanup with confidence and with safety in mind. We can also handle repairs and reconstruction needs if your property suffered damage as a result of the situation. SERVPRO of Rochester is here for you for whatever you may need for your business.

We can help make sure your business runs smoothly no matter what. Contact SERVPRO of Rochester today.

Tips for Investigating Potential Water Leaks | SERVPRO of Rochester

2/15/2024 (Permalink)

Don't let water linger in your home, call SERVPRO of Rochester to get the job done!

You are going about your day and all of a sudden are hit with a musty smell when walking into your bathroom or your feet become wet as you step into a random puddle in your basement. While you deal with the immediate frustrating feeling of potentially discovering a water leak, you also want to make sure you find the source of it right away to prevent the situation from getting any worse.

Tracking down a water leak might take some work, especially if it started in a hard-to-reach space or an area of your home that you don’t check often. Prioritize these locations when looking so you can track it down and locate it faster.

Going on the Hunt

One of the first places that we suggest to check is anywhere that is directly connected to the outside elements. We see all kinds of rain, snow, sleet and ice throughout the year, and any of that can easily infiltrate our homes through hairline cracks around windows, doors and even small wiring holes. Run your hands over your window panes, check by your doors for new puddles and check your walls for signs of residual moisture.

Another common place for leaks are the pipes that are flowing water to and from our homes on a daily basis. A single worn seal or a connection that has loosened over time can quickly create a small drip that turns into a gush of water. 

The same is true for exterior water lines and spigots. A spigot that is left to drip can slowly form into a puddle near your foundation that will leak down into your basement and turn it into a watery mess. 

Investigating Your Appliances

How many appliances do you have in your home that use water to function? We all have at least one, and these handy appliances can unfortunately leak at any moment. 

If you discover a puddle near your dishwasher or your laundry room is starting to smell funny, it’s time to start pulling appliances away from the wall to check for signs of moisture behind and beneath them. 

If you do discover a water leak, water spot or mold growth, stay calm! Depending on how long the water leak has been happening, taking action quickly is important. Turn off the water connections to stop the flow of water and then give us a call right away. Our team will make sure to tackle your restoration with speed and confidence. 

Why Hiring a Professional Restoration Team Matters

Once water starts to leak where it shouldn’t, it can cause chaos in minutes. It will leak into every available crack and crevice in your home and can eventually get behind your walls or under your floors. This lingering moisture can be really hard to get at by yourself!

Over time, that can lead to structural degradation in your home as well as potential mold infestations. Our team will arrive quickly to tackle the standing water as well as focus on removing the water that you can’t easily reach on your own. 

After your space is dry, we will expertly tackle your repairs to help you make a full recovery. Don’t wait! Call us 24/7 for immediate water damage restoration assistance. 

Don’t let a water leak go unaddressed! Contact SERVPRO of Rochester right away.

Top Ways to Prevent House Fires | SERVPRO of Rochester

12/8/2023 (Permalink)

Help protect your home or business this holiday season with these fire prevention tip from SERVPRO of Rochester!

Suffering through a house fire is probably near the top of every homeowner’s list of worst nightmares. The sheer level of damage, not to mention the potential for danger or catastrophe, can keep anyone awake at night. 

While we all know that not every house fire scenario can be prevented, there are things you can do to reduce your risk of a house fire. The tips below can be incorporated into your daily routine to help keep your home and family safe and sound. 

Starting in the Kitchen

The majority of house fires start in the kitchen, but that should be no surprise! We use heat and flame to cook most of our meals, so that directly increases the chance of fire whenever we turn on the stove or preheat our ovens. Because of that, you should never leave your kitchen area when you are actively cooking or baking. Walking away for even a moment is enough time for a kitchen towel to catch on fire or for a grease fire to erupt. 

Stay close by, and keep a lid near you at all times. If a fire does break out, you can quickly throw the lid over your pot to smother the flames. You should also take the time to remove flammable materials from around your stove like wooden utensils, pot holders, oven mitts and even flammable décor items. 

Electrical Safety Tips
Another place for fires to break out is anywhere near your electronics or in your outlets. Electricity is a vital part of our daily life nowadays, but it doesn’t come without risks. Outlets can easily become overwhelmed and overheat, so try to limit what you have plugged in at any given time and consider investing in a surge protector for important spaces like your office or utility room.

You should also limit the amount of extension cords and outlet extenders. Plugging an extension cord into another extension cord is called daisy-chaining and that can be really dangerous, especially indoors. Unplug whatever you aren’t actively using and address loose or warm outlets right away. 

Candles and Space Heaters  

Who doesn’t love to be cozy? Candles and space heaters can warm you up and give your room the coziest feel, especially on those chilly winter nights. Blow out your candles completely before heading to bed or when leaving the room, and be sure they are always set up in a safe location away from kids and pets. 

If you utilize space heaters, set yours up on a level, nonflammable surface and keep a close eye on them. Space heaters are beneficial in the fact that they can easily be moved, but that means they can easily be tipped over. Only use them when you are present in the room and then turn them off before going to sleep. 

Preventing house fires is not always possible, which is why we are here. SERVPRO of Rochester will help put your house back together faster, and we will ensure to remove smoke odors and damaged debris with ease before tackling your repairs.

Suffered a house fire? Make SERVPRO of Rochester your first call after the flames are out.

We Can Handle Your Remodel With Confidence | SERVPRO of Rochester

11/27/2023 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO of Rochester help you with the home of your dreams.

One of the best parts about being a homeowner are all of the projects and changes you can make to your home to make it truly yours! You probably have a running list of all of the things you want done some day.

Once you have saved up the money and made your plans for that new addition or remodel, it’s time to get to work. You grab your supplies, gather your tools and take that confident first swing with a hammer. Halfway through your demolition, you quickly realize that you are in over your head. What do you do?

You call SERVPRO of Rochester, of course! Our talented team is not only a trusted leader in the restoration industry, but we are also a full-service construction and remodeling company that can take your dream and turn it into a reality. 

Taking Control of Your Construction
We are well-known for our ability to confidently help our community overcome disaster, but we can do so much more! We can take over a DIY project gone wrong or simply handle your entire remodel from start to finish. We will take care of creating the construction plans as well as the actual remodeling process. 

We will start by coming out to your house to see the space with our own eyes. We will listen to your design ideas, and then our team will take that vision and create a plan that fits your specific home design and budgetary needs.

Our team is fully trained to build entire rooms, hang up drywall, finish ceilings, add new cabinetry and even tackle wiring projects. 

We Take Care of It All
Think your project is too large or too complicated for our team? No way! We have the training and expertise to handle minor improvement projects all the way to marble floor repair and HVAC work.

Another benefit of working with our team is that we take care of it all! When you work with SERVPRO of Rochester, you will only ever be dealing with us during your construction. You can say goodbye to working with different contractors and navigating multiple confusing contracts. 

We will be with you every step of the way to ensure a smooth construction. Our team will even take care of pulling the right permits and following all necessary codes. 

We know that it can be scary to have people in your home that you don’t know, which is why we work hard to make sure we get to know you along the way. We will treat your space like it was our own, and we will always be on time and reliable. 

Ready for that remodel? Contact SERVPRO of Rochester today. 

Flooded Home? Here’s What to Do | SERVPRO of Rochester

11/27/2023 (Permalink)

Need help after a flood? SERVPRO of Rochester is here for you when disaster strikes.

The Rochester area is surrounded by water due to the different rivers that run through town and the lakes that are right on the outskirts of the community. While we love the easy access to the water, this close proximity raises the risk of experiencing flooding conditions from time to time. 

When the rain falls heavy and fast, it can raise water levels and cause that runoff to make its way down the streets and into our basements. If that happens, standing water can cause serious damage in a short amount of time. 

Responding quickly to a flood can help you stay in control and reduce your risk of extensive or irreversible damage. 

Responding First 

Floods can be large or small, but it is always overwhelming to have water in your home where it shouldn’t be. If you come home to a flooded basement or you are watching helplessly as rainwater is pouring into your home, try to stay calm and avoid walking through the water or touching it. 

Floodwater can be toxic, because it can pick up chemicals, storm debris or even dangerous substances like sewage as it flows from outside your home onto your floor. The rush of water can also cause electrical malfunctions, which can charge the water and make it dangerous or deadly to touch. 

Observe the situation from higher, drier ground, and then call us right away. Our team will ask many questions to help us better understand the situation, and we will ask you to take as many photos as possible to not only help us with your restoration plan but also to help make your insurance claim process smoother. 

What Happens When We Show Up

Our first priority will be to remove the standing water from your home. The longer it sits, the worse the damage can become and the higher the chance that mold will start to form. We will bring in our industry-leading drying equipment and extract all the water, including the hidden moisture behind your walls. 

Once your space is dry, we will get started on your repairs. Oftentimes, flood situations end in warped floors, soggy drywall or ruined carpets, so we will tend to these areas quickly to get your home returned back to its pre-flood condition. 

If this isn’t the first time your home has flooded, we can suggest changes to your property to help reduce the risk of this happening again. The installation of a sump pump can be a great solution as can grading your property to slope down and away from your house. 

Our team is here to help take care of you when floods strike. Call us day or night for immediate assistance. 

Floods can cause serious damage to your property. Call SERVPRO of Rochester for a faster recovery.

Preparing for Tornadoes in Southern Minnesota | SERVPRO of Rochester

7/27/2023 (Permalink)

Has your home been impacted by a tornado this season? Call SERVPRO of Rochester to get your home back in order.

We are in the heart of severe weather and tornado season here in Rochester, and while it has been a quieter season than usual at this point, severe weather can pop up at any time. This hot and humid time of year is known to produce warm and sunny mornings that quickly turn south as storm systems develop over the plains and roll toward us. 

Preparing for severe weather starts much earlier than after the weather warning is announced. By preparing your yard, family and home now, you can jump into action as soon as a tornado warning is issued. SERVPRO of Rochester’s team wants you to stay as safe as possible during this volatile time of year, so read on to learn how to prepare. 

Preparing Your Home

One of the most destructive parts of a storm is wind. Winds can easily reach over 100 miles per hour during a strong storm and they can pick up debris and objects along the way. Keep your yard tidy as often as possible by removing dead branches or limbs and pick up toys or yard equipment regularly.

If severe weather is predicted a few days out, take the time to tie down outdoor furniture and secure things to the ground like propane tanks or anything else you don’t want blowing or floating away. You should also clear out any debris from your gutters to help the rain flow down and away from your home.

Preparing Your Family

Tornadoes can be dangerous or even deadly if you are in their path, so the last thing you want to be doing is running around grabbing supplies and getting ready if one is on the way to your house. Ensure that your safe shelter location is in an interior room without any windows, and keep it clear during the entire season so you can get to it quickly if needed.

Your freshly restocked emergency kit should also be waiting for you there. Pack anything that your family would need to live comfortably during and after a storm. This includes fresh water, shelf-stable food, batteries and flashlights, and a weather radio. Don’t forget to check your kit at the beginning of every season to make sure nothing is expired or was used and not replaced. 

What to Do During a Tornado Warning

We know that many people’s first instinct when a tornado warning is issued is to head out to the driveway to chat with the neighbors about it and watch the storm come in. Storms are cool, that much is true, but don’t do that! Conditions can change in the blink of an eye, and the wind can quickly create projectiles.

Head inside and get to your safe shelter location right away. Don’t forget to grab your pets, too! Stay there and wait out the storm, and consider sheltering under a sturdy table or workbench for added protection. 

After the storm, take a walk around your property to assess the damage. SERVPRO of Rochester’s storm restoration team is trained to handle any sort of storm damage, and we are here for you 24/7 to help you recover. Don’t hesitate to call us!

Summer storm damage can be extensive. Call SERVPRO of Rochester for immediate assistance.

End of Summer Tips to Care for Your Home

8/29/2022 (Permalink)

If you are like us at SERVPRO of Rochester, it's hard to realize that the end of Summer is here!  Schools are starting, busses are on the roads again and soon it will be Fall. 

The time between the seasons of Summer and Fall is a great time to make sure your home is ready for a new season and in a few months that word...SNOW.

Here a few tips we recommend to help keep your home in good condition for a new season.

Outside your home:

• Clean your gutters. Remove any debris to ensure rainfall can go through the gutter. 
• Perform a visual inspection of the perimeter of your home. Look to make sure there is a positive grade going away from your home, not towards your foundation. 
• Look at trees, branches and limbs close to your home.  Are there any that could damage your home and windows if there were strong winds? 

Inside your home:

• Check your furnace filter. Do you need to change it? Make sure to write the date you changed the filter. 
• Check your smoke detectors. This is a good time to change the batteries. 
• Do you have a carbon monoxide detector? It's a good time to change the batteries or get a new one. 

You Must Deal With a Water Damage

7/22/2022 (Permalink)

Absolutely NO-ONE wants a water damage in their home, apartment, business or rental. Water damages happen due to different reasons from burst pipe, overflowing appliance or toilet, broken sump pump or water heater. 

It's always interesting when SERVPRO of Rochester arrives on site of a customer's home and are completing paperwork.  One of the questions is, "When did this loss occur?" You may be surprised to learn that the answer varies from an hour ago to six months ago.  Yes, you read that correctly....six months. 

So, what really happens if you wait to report a water damage to your insurance company and call us?  Waiting to start mitigation services from SERVPRO of Rochester is not a good idea.  The longer you wait to start the process the longer you could incur more damage to your home. 

What are some of the things that can happen to your home if you wait to do anything with your water damage?  Waiting may cause additional damage to your home and items in your home.  Water left standing can intrude in doors, wood trim, sheetrock, carpet, carpet pad, chairs, couches, pretty much any items that are not hard. 

If you find yourself with a water damage you should find the source of the water and stop it.  Then, call your insurance company, SERVPRO of Rochester and if possible move any items out of the water. 

SERVPROrochester.com