5 Essential Do's and Don'ts After Water Damage: A Guide to Minimizing Damage

3/12/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage can be a nightmare! Call the professionals at the first sign of water damage.

Water damage can be a nightmare for homeowners. It can happen due to various reasons such as floods, storms, burst pipes, leaks, and many more. Water damage can cause severe structural damage, mold growth, and other hazards. So, it's crucial to know what to do and what not to do after water damage to minimize the damage and prevent further problems. In this blog, we will discuss five do's and don'ts after water damage.

Do's:

1. Turn off the power supply: Before you start any cleanup process, turn off the power supply to the affected area. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination, and it's crucial to take precautions to prevent any electrical hazards. If you're unsure about how to turn off the power, call an electrician.
2. Call a professional restoration company: Water damage can cause severe structural damage, mold growth, and other health hazards. It's essential to hire a professional restoration company to assess the damage and perform the necessary cleanup and restoration. They have the expertise, equipment, and experience to handle water damage effectively.
3. Remove the water: Once the restoration company arrives, they will start removing the water from the affected area. It's crucial to remove the water as soon as possible to prevent further damage and mold growth. They will use specialized equipment such as pumps, vacuums, and dehumidifiers to remove the water and dry the area.
4. Document the damage: Take photos or videos of the damage and keep a record of all the items that have been damaged. This information will be helpful when you file an insurance claim.
5. Ventilate the area: After the water has been removed, it's crucial to ventilate the area to prevent mold growth. Open windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate. Use fans and dehumidifiers to dry the area thoroughly.

Don'ts:

1. Don't wait: Water damage can cause severe structural damage, mold growth, and other health hazards. Don't wait to call a professional restoration company. The longer you wait, the more damage will occur.
2. Don't enter the affected area without protective gear: Water damage can cause health hazards such as mold growth, bacteria, and viruses. Don't enter the affected area without protective gear such as gloves, masks, and boots.
3. Don't use household appliances: Don't use household appliances such as vacuums, fans, and dehumidifiers to remove the water. They are not designed to handle water damage and can cause electrical hazards.
4. Don't ignore the damage: Even if the water damage seems minor, don't ignore it. Water can seep into the walls and floors, causing severe structural damage and mold growth.
5. Don't forget to file an insurance claim: Water damage can be expensive to repair, and it's crucial to file an insurance claim to cover the costs. Don't forget to document the damage and keep all the receipts and invoices.

Water damage can be a nightmare for homeowners. It's crucial to know what to do and what not to do after water damage to minimize the damage and prevent further problems. Follow the above do's and don'ts to handle water damage effectively. Remember, the key is to act fast and hire a professional restoration company to assess the damage and perform the necessary cleanup and restoration.

6 Tips to Prep Your Home for the Spring & Summer

2/10/2023 (Permalink)

Spring Clean to enjoy the outdoors.

Spring is the time of year when we start to shed our winter coats and get ready to welcome fresh air and sunshine. But before you can open up the windows and let in some fresh air, there are a few things that need to be done outside of your home.

Spring cleaning starts on the outside of the house!

Spring cleaning is one of those things that everyone wants to do, but no one has the time for. You're busy with work and family commitments, so why bother spending so much time cleaning?

Well, spring cleaning isn't just about getting rid of dust bunnies under your couch cushions or organizing your pantry; it's also about preparing your home for the upcoming seasons.

So whether you're looking for an excuse to get into some exercise or just want to feel happy by seeing a clean house again; here are some tips on how best to tackle this task:

Clean the gutters

Gutters are important for your home's health and safety in the spring and summer months. It is common to see heavy rain during the spring months. The gutters help prevent water damage to your house, which can result in mold, mildew, and other issues. You should clean them out as soon as possible after winter ends so that you don't have any surprises come summertime!

Check your roof for damage

When the weather gets warmer, you may notice that your roof is leaking. This can be a sign that there's a problem with your roof or it could just be due to natural wear and tear. To ensure that you're ready for whatever comes this summer season, check for any loose or missing shingles. Shingles are made out of asphalt and will often come loose during storms or high winds. If you notice any loose shingles on the ground around your house, consider hiring an expert who can replace them before they cause any damage inside the house itself!

Perform HVAC maintenance

As you prepare your home for spring and summer, consider performing routine HVAC maintenance. Routine HVAC maintenance helps ensure that your heating and cooling systems are running efficiently, which can save money on utility bills.

Here's how:

• Check filters
• Check ductwork for blockages
• Inspect the system for leaks
• Clean out dust buildup
• Inspect chimneys/fireplaces regularly

If you are unsure how to properly perform HVAC maintenance, it is always best to call an HVAC company for assistance!

Test your smoke alarms

It's a good idea to test your smoke alarms once a month. This will ensure that they are working properly and alerting you of any potential danger.

If you don't hear anything at all when testing your alarms, it might mean that the batteries are dead. It is important to change the batteries as soon as possible to ensure that the smoke alarms are functioning properly.

Clean your yard

Spring is the perfect time to clean your yard, make it look nice, and prepare for any spring storms. You can use a pressure washer to get rid of dirt and grime on your driveway and sidewalk, then sweep with a broom or hose down any patio surfaces (like porches). If you have one, use a leaf blower in the yard to remove debris such as leaves and twigs that have collected over winter. Clean up any messes left behind by winter weather so that when spring rolls around, you'll be ready for it!

Spring is almost here, and with it comes the urge to do some cleaning. You may have thought about doing some spring cleaning before, but maybe didn't know where to start or what could be done outside of the house. Look no further than this article for tips on how to get your home ready for the spring in no time at all.

3 Ways to Protect Your Home Before a Flood

1/23/2023 (Permalink)

The best way to protect yourself from damage from floods is to make sure you're prepared before the storm hits.

If you live in a flood-prone area, it's important to think about what could happen in the event of flooding and plan accordingly. This would include installing a sump pump, securing your home's foundation and doors, and sealing cracks that let water into your house. 

1. Seal Foundation Cracks

You’ll want to seal any cracks or holes in your foundation. Sealants or waterproof paints are best for this, but you can also use foam sealants and concrete crack fillers. You can also use caulking to seal gaps in your foundation, but be sure to use a waterproof type of caulk. If you don’t see any cracks or holes in your foundation, you may want to consider adding a vapor barrier on the exterior of the walls. A vapor barrier will help prevent moisture from getting into your basement and causing mold growth.

2. Maintain Drainage Areas

Maintaining drainage areas is a vital part of protecting your home from flooding. You should keep these areas free of leaves and other debris to ensure that water can quickly flow into the storm drain and away from your home. You should also clear out any snow or ice buildup in these areas during the winter months so that they can function properly when it rains again.

Keep sandbags on hand for when heavy rains begin to fall. Sandbags are an effective way to keep water out of doors and windows until it recedes enough so that they can be opened again safely without risk of further flooding (and more potential property damage). If sandbags aren't available, use whatever materials available at home like blankets or towels instead—you just want something thick enough so that water won't seep through easily!

3. Install a Sump Pump

Sump pumps are installed in a basement and can be used to drain water out of the basement. Sump pumps are connected to a drainage system that allows them to easily move water out of the house or away from it. They're powered by electricity, so you'll need to make sure that you've got a backup source of power (such as a generator) if your home loses power during a storm. 

The best way to protect yourself from damage from floods is to make sure you're prepared before the storm hits. These are just a few tips to keep in mind while you’re preparing your home and property for a possible flood. SERVPRO of Carthage/Joplin is here to help you get your Joplin home back to normal! We are available 24 hours a day and can help with any issues that arise during this time of emergency and recovery!

How To Prepare Your Home For a Winter Storm

12/5/2022 (Permalink)

If you are expecting an ice storm, it is important to protect your pipes.

Preparing Your Home Before the Storm Hits

Winter can be a beautiful time of year, but it can also be unpredictable. Ice storms are one such example of a weather phenomenon that can cause damage to homes and disrupt services for days at a time. If you're planning on staying put during an ice storm or if you live in an area prone to these types of storms, here are some tips for preparing your home before the storm hits:

Inspect Your Roof

• Inspect your roof. Check for any loose shingles or tiles and look for any damage to the roof. Look at gutters, chimneys and other structural parts of the house that could be affected by ice accumulation.

• Check around the outside perimeter of your home for signs of leaks that may indicate water seeping in through cracks in windows or doors as well as around pipes and wires entering from outside walls; this could cause serious damage if left unchecked during an ice storm -- especially if it's not just rain but freezing rain!

Protect Your Pipes

If you are expecting an ice storm, it is important to protect your pipes.

Wrap exposed pipes in insulation. If a pipe is exposed and not insulated, wrap it with a towel or blanket—but don't use plastic as that can cause the pipe to crack and leak.

If you have leaking indoor plumbing due to freezing conditions outside your home—or if you're worried about potential leaks—use a dehumidifier to keep humidity levels down inside your house so that there will be less humidity available .

Install Storm Windows and Doors for Heavy Storm Events

Storm windows and doors are an easy way to protect your home from the elements. If you have older wooden storm doors that aren't weather tight, consider replacing them with newer ones. Make sure your kitchen and bathroom windows are also installed with storm windows. Storm windows should be slightly smaller than the window they are covering so that they fit snugly into place. Use caulk or plastic to seal any gaps between the two pieces of glass before inserting them into the opening of each window frame.

If you don’t have a storm door in your home, you can still install temporary protection by purchasing heavy plastic sheeting at a hardware store. Use duct tape along all seams on both sides of this sheeting to seal it against windy conditions while still allowing some light through while keeping out moisture during rainstorms and other inclement weather conditions

Prepare to Reconnect Utilities

If you have lost power and need to reconnect it, be sure to bring the right tools with you. If your home has been without power for more than a day, you may need a special device known as an electric line heater (found at hardware stores or online). You will also need to know how to use this tool properly so that it does not become damaged by the cold temperatures.

If at all possible, do not try to reconnect utilities on your own if you are not qualified. Seek professional help if needed.

As you can see, there are a number of simple steps that you can take to prepare your home for an winter storm. By following these tips, you will be better able to avoid the potential dangers associated with this type of weather event.

How To Avoid Freezing Pipes

11/2/2022 (Permalink)

Let water drip from faucets to keep the pipe from freezing.

Tips for Preventing Pipe Freezing

Freezing pipes are a pain. They can burst, causing water damage, and cost a lot of money to fix. To prevent this, you'll need to make sure the temperature in your home doesn't drop too low overnight, as well as maintain moderate temperatures throughout the day when no one is home. We've got some tips that will help prevent frozen pipes from happening!

Let Water Drip from Faucets

When the temperature drops below freezing, the water in your pipes will freeze and expand, which can cause the pipe to burst. To avoid this, let water drip from faucets served by exposed pipes, such as the kitchen sink or bathroom sink. If you have a flowing water faucet that is not on an exposed pipe, leave it open about half an inch for a slow drip of water to keep the pipe from freezing. Don't forget to turn off all faucets when you leave the house!

Leave the Heat on in your Home

If you are going away for more than a few days during cold weather, your best bet is to leave the heat on. You can also turn down the thermostat to 60 degrees if you will be away for only a couple of days. The temperature in your home does not need to be set below freezing; it just needs to stay above freezing for pipes that are exposed and outside walls.

Open Kitchen and Bathroom Cabinets 

Another easy way to prevent pipes from freezing is to open cabinet doors in both the kitchen and bathroom. This will allow heat from your home to circulate throughout the space, which will keep everything nice and warm.

Keep Garage Doors Closed 

If you have a garage door that opens into the house, make sure it's kept closed if there are water supply lines in the garage. Cold air can get trapped in the garage when it's opened up to let people and vehicles in and out. 

Maintain Moderate Temperatures in your Home

Maintain moderate temperatures in your home, even when away. This will reduce heat loss from your home and keep warm air inside as long as possible.

Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. Maintaining the same temperatures throughout the day and night can help prevent your pipes from freezing and bursting. Though it might cost you a bit more on your electricity bill, it is better than paying the price to repair your home after a water loss.

Hopefully, this article has given you some insight into how to avoid frozen pipes. If you have any questions about whether or not your pipes are going to freeze, please contact us. We’re always happy to help! If your home or business has suffered from a pipe burst, our SERVPRO team can assist you with all your water damage cleanup and restoration needs!

Who Pays For the Damage In a Rental Property After a Fire?

10/10/2022 (Permalink)

A home fire can leave people with a feeling of all is lost.

Who Is Responsible for Repairs After a Fire in a Rental Property?

If you're renting a home or apartment in Carthage, MO, that catches on fire, you might wonder who's responsible for the cost of repairs. The answer is complicated and depends on whether you're covered by insurance or not.

Tenants need renters insurance.

If you rent a space in a multi-unit building, then chances are you live in an area where renters insurance is not required. However, as we've discussed above, tenants are still responsible for any damage they cause to the property itself and its contents during their time in the apartment. Investing in renters insurance is crucial in order to protect yourself and your belongings.

In this case, it's important for tenants to be aware that they need renters insurance—and even more so for those who plan on renting out their homes or apartments. If a tenant does not have renters insurance and causes damage to another person's home or property, that person may sue them for damages suffered resulting from the accident (or series of accidents). In addition, if there is no coverage available from other sources such as homeowners' policies or other personal policies like auto liability insurance then this could lead to financial catastrophe for both parties involved!

Landlords need to pay for building damage.

This is why when there's a fire in a rental property, the landlord is responsible for paying for building damage. This includes replacing walls, ceiling tiles, and flooring.

The tenant is responsible for content damage—anything that's not part of the structure of the building itself. That includes kitchen appliances, furniture, and other belongings you'd find inside your apartment or house. 

Landlords should inform tenants about who covers what before signing any contracts, so everyone knows where they stand from day one! And remember to save receipts! In order to get reimbursed later on down the road you'll want proof that everything was replaced by someone else other than yourself.

Documentation is important

As mentioned previously, tenants should always have renters insurance, and document everything. If you don't have renter's insurance, you may be responsible for paying for repairs after a fire or other damage. Fortunately, many of the costs associated with those repairs can be covered by renter's insurance. A typical renter's policy will cover losses due to fire and lightning (including power surges), windstorm or hail, explosion, smoke damage, and water damage. Most policies also offer additional coverage for personal property like computers and furniture up to $2,000 in value—and this is usually limited only if there was loss due to theft or vandalism.

Even though landlords are responsible for the property, they can't be held responsible for everything that happens on it. It's important to have as many protections in place as possible so you're prepared when something unexpected happens. If your home or business in Carthage, MO, suffers from a fire, don’t hesitate and give our SERVPRO of Carthage/Joplin team a call for all your fire damage cleanup and restoration needs!

How Flood Insurance Helps Keep Your Business Afloat

8/27/2022 (Permalink)

No matter where your business is based, flooding is always a risk.

Three Reasons To Invest In Flood Insurance

Owning a business in Carthage, MO can feel like exploring uncharted waters at times. One thing you don’t want to complicate the experience is damage from actual water, which can add up fast. When the dust settles (and dries), you could be looking at a bill for over $50,000 from just one inch of water. Here are three reasons why investing in a flood insurance policy for your business is important.

1. It's Usually the Only Insurance That Covers Flood Damage

Most commercial property insurance policies do not cover damage from flooding, a fact that, unfortunately, many business owners learn too late. Insurance can be purchased anytime from the National Flood Insurance Program. It offers coverage for up to half a million dollars for both building and personal property.

2. There’s No Such Thing as "No Risk"

You may be wondering why you need a flood policy if your business is not in a high-risk area. Flooding can be caused by blocked sewers and melting snow; even wildfires can increase flood chances in your neighborhood. According to statistics from FEMA, insurance claims from low-risk areas make up over 20% of all flood claims.

3. Other Assistance Options May Be Limited

While there are federal aid programs available to business owners affected by flooding, the president must declare a state of emergency to activate those benefits. What's more, these loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration must be paid back with interest. Because of this, having commercial insurance that also includes flood protection is like a lifeboat that can keep you from drowning in water damage or debt. Your insurance company will work in tandem with your local water damage restoration specialists to help get your business back on track in no time.
No matter where your business is based, flooding is always a risk. Having a flood insurance policy and knowing it inside and out can be the difference between treading water and smooth sailing.

Ways To Keep Water out of Your Crawl Space

8/27/2022 (Permalink)

Check your rain gutter.

How Do I Keep Water Out Of My Crawl Space?

When it comes to flooding at home, basements, cellars and crawl spaces are among the most common places to find water. While you may not worry too much about a little water in this tiny part of your home, if you neglect the problem, it could lead to more serious issues in your Joplin, MO, home like mold growth. Make sure you take the proper action to help ensure you don’t end up with a wet crawl space.

How it Happens

As a homeowner, you have a host of matters you must deal with to keep your home safe. A flood can frustrate you because of the cleanup and repair costs, not to mention potential health and safety hazards. Here are some signs your crawl space may be at risk for water buildup:

• Broken underground lines
• Poorly graded property
• Broken or incorrectly installed downspouts and rain gutters
  
  

Pay Attention to Landscaping

One of the biggest culprits for a wet crawl space is when your property doesn’t have the right slope. Your lawn and other landscaping should slope away from your home so when heavy rain comes, it won’t build up on your property and find its way into your basement. Make sure water is draining away from your house.

Don’t Water too Much

If you’ve got a garden or flower bed close to your home, be careful about how much you water it. Overwatering can easily cause water to leak into your crawl space and cause flooding.

Check Your Rain Gutters

If a storm hits, you count on rain gutters and downspouts to guide water away from your home toward the street. Check these on your house to ensure they are collecting water near your foundation or window wells.

If you’re worried about a wet crawl space, get in touch with a professional to inspect your property. These technicians can also help you clean up after a flood.

Do I Have Mold in My Home? – Warning Signs You May Have a Problem

8/12/2022 (Permalink)

Don’t let a small problem in your Carthage, MO, MO home grow out of control.

Do I Have Mold in My Home?

The first thing we need to understand about mold is: yes, you do have mold in your home. Mold is ubiquitous, meaning it is found everywhere. Mold in normal amount is not necessarily unhealthy or destructive. When you have increased level of mold is when you have a problem.

What causes an increased level of mold? Molds thrive in areas with high moisture levels. In fact, all mold needs to survive is a food source which is anything cellulose and water. Typically, your home or business is kept well below the 60% relative humidity needed for elevated mold growth. But if you have any sort of water intrusion from a flood, roof leak, or seeping basement the moisture level in the air could increase to a level that is prime for mold growth. What do you need to look for?

Water Spots: Water spots on sheetrock, ceiling tiles, or basement walls typically indicate a water intrusion of some kind. As mentioned above a water intrusion can elevate moisture levels in the air to promote mold growth. You need to find the source of the water. SERVPRO of Carthage-Joplin can safely assist you in this area.

Discoloration: Not all discoloration is mold growth but many times it is a tell-tail sign of elevated mold growth. When you discover the discoloration ask yourself if there is a reason to believe the conditions are right for mold growth? Did you suffer a water intrusion lately? Is the discoloration near a water source like nearby plumbing that could have a small leak? Again, a professional is best suited to further investigate.

Foul Odor: Plain and simple, mold stinks! Literally stinks. Based on the type of mold, the amount of mold, and how good of a sniffer you have it could be a very faint odor or it could be quite pungent. If you believe the odor is mold related you should bring in a professional.

Mold is nothing to ignored.  It also can deteriorate you home value as it eats away at the structure and finishes costing you money to repair. Mold is a topic that many time makes people uncomfortable because they have seen extreme examples of how harmful mold can be when out of control. Remember every story of extreme mold clean up usually started small with one or more of the above listed signs. Don’t let a small problem in your Carthage, MO, MO home grow out of control. If you see the signs call SERVPRO of Carthage-Joplin for an evaluation.

Let's Get Prepared for Possible Severe Weather

7/24/2022 (Permalink)

Have a kit ready.

Severe Weather Reminders

In Joplin, MO, we have had an active spring weather wise but fortunately, we have not encountered much in the way of severe weather here in the four states. But as we all know we are no where near being out of the woods for possible severe storms. We try to help our neighbors be as prepared as possible for any disaster. Here are our annual spring severe weather reminders.

Be vigilant and aware.

There are a lot of ways to receive notice of the threat of severe weather these days. Weather radios (with properly charged batteries) are probably the most reliable but are sometimes impractical. Most people do not carry a weather radio around with them. Weather radios are also limited in accuracy for specific locations. The information released on weather radios covers entire counties. Cell phones are a better way to receive information about specific locations but they rely on a network of towers that can be damaged by strong storms. Television and radio are also great ways to receive updated information but they too can be interrupted by damage to their infrastructure.

Have an Emergency Kit ready.

We all have been reminded many times to have a kit ready. Standard items include food and water for two days. A first aid kit, flashlight, batteries, blankets, etc. The National Weather Service, the Red Cross, and FEMA all have detailed lists you can easily find online. Just don’t procrastinate! Get a kit ready and have it accessible.  

Have a rendezvous plan.

Don’t assume if a disaster strikes your family will all be together and accounted for. We all have busy lives and are going in different directions. Have a plan to meet up with loved ones. Start with meeting back at your home, but if that is not possible have a back up plan to meet. Many families use a family member or other contact out of the area to coordinate the rendezvous.

As severe weather season rolls on, please be safe!