The In's and Out's of Managing Your Avon Home's Flooded Basement
4/13/2023 (Permalink)
We take care of all of your water damage restoration needs in the Avon area!
Flooding and the subsequent water damage it causes can be a major pain for business and home owners. While you may hope to never have to deal with water damage, the fact is you may want to know a bit about the process surrounding floods. You can work with one of our residential water damage specialists to learn more about the damage and cleanup, or you can turn to this quick guide.
Why It Happens
Water damage can be caused by a myriad of situations, including the following:
- A burst pipe or other plumbing issues
- Water collection in basements, crawlspaces or attics
- Natural disasters
- Problems with a dishwasher, washing machine or other appliances
- Sewer backups
Understanding a bit about why water damage takes place may help you prepare for the problems.
How To Clean Up
The cleanup process after a residential flood may vary based on the source of the water damage. If it was a pipe bursting, for example, you may have to remove your belongings from the house to allow them to dry out. Carpets and other flooring may also have to be torn out to better clean up the damage done by the water. If the damage was done by a sewer backup, the cleaning process may require a few more steps. Because your needs may vary so much, it is important for you to work with a team that knows what to do no matter the situation.
What To Know About Restoration
After you have cleaned up the initial mess of the flooding, the work may not be over. Depending on the extent of the water damage, your home may need to be restored. For example, if some of the drywall had to be taken out to avoid mold growth, the restoration will include replacing the drywall. The size of the restoration can vary based on the source of the water. A water line problem, for example, could encompass a larger portion of your home than a leaky shower.
Learning more about water damage can help you better prepare for floods, a burst pipe, or other sources of excessive water. It's better to learn about the issues before you have to deal with them.
Making a Claim
The process for making a claim for water damage is pretty much the same for flood or non-flood damage.
- Stop the water flow or leaks if possible.
- Of course, if your home is flooded by a raging river, that is likely impossible until the water recedes. However, if you have a burst water pipe, you need to take steps to stop the leak. Turn off the water main or get the pipe repaired quickly.
- Contact your insurance company as soon as possible.
- Most insurance companies offer a 24/7 claims number. The customer service representative can help you get the claim started and tell you the exact next steps the insurance company will need you to do.
- Take pictures and/or video of the damage.
- You need to have a visual record of the damage to the building and its contents. This is critical for your claim.
- Make reasonable repairs to the property to secure it from further damage.
- This includes covering holes in the roof, securing windows with plywood, etc.
- Start getting the water out.
- If you have water remaining inside the building, you can start removing it. You can do this yourself or have a water extraction company do it. Keep all receipts since insurance may cover those costs.
- Don't throw anything away.
- The adjuster will need to see all damaged property.
- Write down all your interactions with the insurance company.
- This includes time, date, who you spoke with, and the details discussed. Always follow up in writing on important discussions.
- Keep a central file that includes your interaction log, documents received from the insurance company, copies of the photos taken, and copies any correspondence you send.
As a 24/7 business SERVPRO of Northern Lorain County is committed to responding to home and business owners' needs, in the case of emergency. Whether it is water damage from a broken pipe, flooding from a downpour, or any other type of damage to your home or business, SERVPRO of Northern Lorain County is ready to respond “faster to any size disaster.”
Why is speed so important when it comes to flooding?
Because, the sooner restoration begins, the less damage occurs. Given time, water damages become more complex as water flows in your structure and contents. Also, with time, water infiltrating your home or business can give mold the moisture it needs to grow.
Call SERVPRO of Northern Lorain County 24/7 to handle your water damage emergencies making them, “like it never even happened.”
(440) 597-4406
Know the Facts: US & Ohio Water Damage
4/11/2023 (Permalink)
We are "here to help" handle your home or business's water damage restoration needs!
It's no secret that April showers are the start of Ohio's rainy season. Despite the name, April is only the 4th rainiest month in Ohio, with May, June, and the rainiest, July rounding out the top three.
As we work our way through the wet season, it's important to understand the facts of water and storm damage.
National Water Damage Facts & Stats
- 14,000 people in the US are affected by water damage every day.
- The average insurance claim to repair a water damaged home is $11,605.
- 99% of US counties experienced a flood from 1996-2019.
- 98% of US homes will experience water damage in their basements at least once.
- Even the smallest leak can increase the average water bill by 10%.
- In 2020, almost 20% of home insurance claims were due to water damage and freezing.
Ohio Water Damage Facts & Stats
- In Ohio, 540,863 properties have more than a 26% chance of being affected by severe flooding in the next 30 years.
- In 2021, at least 142 people died in flooding incidents, 64 of which were driving.
Water damage, whether it be from flooding or a storm, can be a difficult process to deal with. Luckily, SERVPRO of Northern Lorain County is equipped to handle all of your water damage restoration needs! From the drying process to reconstruction, we work with all insurances to get your home or business looking "like it never even happened."
How to Prepare and Deal with Spring Water Damage in Your Avon Home or Business
4/3/2023 (Permalink)
When Mother Nature strikes, we're there to make it "like it never even happened!"
Preparation is Key
Dealing with water damage is a pain staking process, from the time it takes, the cost, and the hassles of dealing with insurance. We can all agree that it is much easier to take the steps to prevent water damage than to deal with the damage after the fact. If you have already suffered water damage in your home, the best thing to do is call the professionals at SERVPRO of Northern Lorain County. If you haven’t experienced water damage, take these three precautionary steps to avoid this stressor!
- Learn Where Your Shut Off Valve Is
You and everyone living in your household should know where the water shutoff valve is. This way, if something goes wrong, anyone can quickly turn off the water and prevent too much damage.
- Regularly Check for Leaks
Leaky taps may seem like a small amount of water with their methodical dripping, but they can leak up to eight gallons a day. That can become expensive very quickly, and it will also cause significant water damage to your home. Water damage like this can lead to mold. Every few weeks, it is important to check around sinks and appliances for leaking pipes or standing water.
- Check Your Roof
The easiest way for you to see if you’re suffering from a leaky roof is to go into your attic as it rains and shine a flashlight at the ceiling. Shiny spots indict a leaky roof. If you find a shiny spot, make sure to mark the area. It is best to contact an expert to come make repairs. You would not want to incorrectly work on your roof as this may risk injury or further damage.
Know the Facts in Case of Disaster
Even after taking preventative measures, disasters can still happen. Whether you love to fall asleep to the sounds of dripping rain and low thunder, or you cower under the table with your four-legged friend during a storm, it is always important to be prepared for any damages that may come with severe weather. After a storm, always check and make sure that your property is unharmed and water isn’t where it shouldn’t be. Untreated water damage or flooding could lead to mold.
What To Look For
- Standing water in the basement, attic, garage, or anywhere else it shouldn’t be
- Discoloration or water stains on the walls or ceilings
- Musty odors in the building
Water itself can cause foul smells and wood to rot, and it can cause mold to grow. Mold can cause serious structural damage, as well as negative health effects. If you have mold growing, you need to act fast for the sake of your customers, and your business.
Dry and Sort – Saving Your Belongings
If you’ve fallen victim to water damage in your home or business, you may feel like throwing in the towel when it comes to handling the aftermath. Not only do you have to worry about the damage your structure has faced, but you also have to deal with the potential damage your contents have suffered. You may think that trashing everything is the quickest and most viable option, but some of your assets are salvageable.
If a broken pipe is the culprit, you can have a little peace of mind that you don’t have to deal with the potential black water that comes with flooding. There is still the possibility that mold has begun to spread, so it is important to get everything affected by the water thoroughly dried out. Once you have completed this process, inspect and sort everything to determine what can be salvaged. Items that will likely need to be thrown out include any porous materials that can’t be dried or cleaned and fabrics that show signs of discoloration.
Clean the Damage
When faced with a flooded company or home, having your investments sorted will allow for a better understanding of the actual damage. Along with cleaning some things yourself, remember that dry cleaning is not just for clothes. Furniture, upholstery and draperies can likely be good as new after the services of dry cleaners. When it comes to the rest, considering the following tips to make the process easier:
- Organize items based on cleaning methods, such as hand or machine washing.
- Use a disinfectant on furniture, walls and floors to prevent mold growth.
- Wash items in the hottest water possible to remove potential contaminants.
- Use a professional water damage restoration service to ensure there is no interior damage to specialized items such as electronics.
Flooded property is a hassle, but it doesn’t have to result in a long-lasting impact on your home or business. Quick action, proper cleaning and the help of specialists can make it seem “Like it never even happened."
If your home or business experiences a water loss, know that SERVPRO of Northern Lorain County not only handles the restoration of your structure, but we also store and restore your belongings as well.
SERVPRO of Northern Lorain County is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.
We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - 800-293-9555
We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Northern Lorain County has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.
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