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Preventing Water Damage in Your Home Starts Here

5/3/2024 (Permalink)

Leaking ceiling. It’s important to educate yourself about home systems that are designed to prevent water from entering your home.

The perks of owning your own home are great but it also brings a lot of responsibility. Homes are built in a way to provide maximum protection from water intrusion but sometimes those methods fail. 

It’s important to educate yourself about home systems that are designed to prevent water from entering your home. Here are some of the most common points of failure in a home that could allow water to go where it shouldn’t:  

  • Faucets and Sinks. Faucets and sinks are places to check for leaks. Over time, the rubber gaskets in faucets can degrade which can lead to leaks. Sink drains are usually sturdy unless you have a clog and use too much plunger pressure to remove it. Too much pressure from plunging can damage seals, so always use caution.  
  • Disposals. Garbage disposals are one of the hardest working appliances, and they can spring a link. If you believe you have a leak, check out these tips for finding it.  
  • Gutters and Downspouts. Gutters and downspouts should be clean and free flowing. They should be inspected regularly and cleared of obstructions and debris. Downspouts should move water at least 30 inches away from the home, and the soil should also flow away from the home.  
  • Roof Damage. Falling limbs from trees are a real risk to roof systems. They can perforate the roof and damage or clog gutters. Shingles are especially susceptible to falling tree damage. Newer shingles are designed and constructed to be impact-resistant, hopefully reducing the need for expensive roof repairs. But shingles degrade over time, and a falling tree or limb can easily damage an aged shingle.  
  • Sewer Line Obstruction. This is a serious issue and usually takes a professional plumber to resolve it. Sewer lines can clog for a number of reasons, but two of the most common are root intrusion and grease buildup.  
  • Sump Pump Defect. A sump pump is designed to move water from a basement or crawlspace to outside the home into a drainage system. When a sump pump fails, water backups can affect your home quickly.  

Stop the Stink—Tackling Water Damage Quickly | SERVPRO of New Center/Highland Park

5/1/2024 (Permalink)

water dripping from ceiling into a large puddle on tile floor Trust our team at SERVPRO of New Center/Highland to provide comprehensive services for a full recovery for all your water damage restoration needs.

You come home from work and immediately step into a puddle. Your dishwasher finally gave out and malfunctioned while you were gone or you left a window open and an unexpected storm blew through.

No matter how it happens, discovering water on your floors is never fun. While you may think that grabbing a bucket and a mop will take care of the situation, oftentimes that is not enough in order to fully recover from a water disaster.

Dealing with water disasters right away by getting us on the phone is crucial if you want to avoid more damage in the form of rot, mold growth and stubborn odors.

The Path of Water

Water is flowing through our homes all the time, but it is usually tucked away in pipes or flowing through fixtures without much cause for thought. Unfortunately, the second water gets where it shouldn’t, it will start to leak and seep into the tiniest of cracks and crevices. This leakage will continue until the water has stopped flowing, which means it can find its way into some pretty hard-to-reach areas.

Stopping the flow of water and cleaning up the visible moisture will probably be your first reaction. However, even if you clean up all of the standing water on your floor, chances are that there is already moisture that has settled behind your walls and under your floors. These parts of your home don’t have proper air movement, which means that the water will linger without evaporating right away.

Over time, this water can start to impact your home’s internal structures, causing swelling to occur in important structural beams, rusted metal and even mold infestations. In fact, it only takes 24–48 hours for mold to grow from a few spores to an entire colony. You could be dealing with a serious mold outbreak on top of frustrating water damage if you don’t take action right away.

Following the Smell

If your water leak was relatively small and you decided to tackle the cleanup on your own, keep an eye out for any musty or earthy smells over the next week or so. If you missed even a little bit of the moisture, mold can start to grow and take over an entire space. Follow your nose to try and track down where it is coming from and then get us on the phone.

Our water damage restoration team will ensure the rest of the water is removed while our odor removal specialists will tackle those stinky odor particles. We will contain the room by shutting off your HVAC system and vents and then we will filter the air. Finally, we will clean and sanitize the entire surface so your space is fresh, clean and ready for normal living once again.

Don’t ignore signs of a water leak. Contact SERVPRO® for a full recovery.

Tackling Insurance Claims With Confidence | SERVPRO of New Center/Highland Park

4/15/2024 (Permalink)

team of servpro workers unloading a branded work van and entering a business for a commercial job SERVPRO of New Center/Highland Park is Here to Help® with your business' disaster recovery!

Disaster situations are almost always unexpected, which means that it is natural for chaos to ensue while your family reacts to the situation. While you focus on getting everyone to safety, it can be an overwhelming reality to watch your home suffer any sort of damage.

After the emergency is over, the recovery process has to begin. Picking up the pieces of your damaged home may seem really overwhelming! Thankfully, you don’t have to do it all on your own.

Our talented restoration team is trained to help restore your home after a disaster, but we can also help you navigate other aspects of disaster recovery, like your insurance claim.

The Recovery Timeline

Fires, floods and storms can cause a serious amount of damage in a really short amount of time. No matter your situation, focus first on keeping your family safe. Stay out of floodwaters, keep your family outside if your house is on fire and avoid downed power lines or unsteady walls after a strong storm.

Once you are all safe, consider checking on your neighbors if the disaster wasn’t just contained to your home. Contact any emergency services as needed and then get us on the phone right away so we can start working on your restoration plan.

We also want you to take photos of the damage that you can see. Fresh images will be a requirement of your insurance claim, so taking them as soon as the disaster situation is under control will give your agent the clearest depiction of what is going on.

Leaving the Rest to Us

Once our crew arrives, we will focus our efforts on securing your home. Our goal will be to prevent the situation from getting worse so we will board up windows, secure tarps over exposed sections of your house and remove your possessions from the affected space. While this happens, we will also start the documenting process that will help us create the best possible insurance claim for you.

We will go over your space with you and create an itemized list of your losses, noting as much as possible in terms of structural damage as well as damage to your possessions. We will also work within insurance inspection standards to lower your potential costs.

When you work with our team, we will make sure you are taken care of every step of the way. We are dedicated to your recovery now as well as your recovery down the road when your insurance claim is processed and finalized.

When a disaster strikes, call us to make your recovery process—insurance claims and all—simple.

Dealing With Stinky Sewage Leaks Safely | SERVPRO of New Center/Highland Park

4/1/2024 (Permalink)

sewage water pooling on a kitchen floor after a leak Let SERVPRO of New Center/Highland Park help you and your family recover from sewage leaks around your home.

If you had to list the top disaster situations that you would want to avoid in your home, we would bet suffering from a sewage leak would be a part of that list. The sheer gross factor, coupled with the potential danger, can be really frustrating to deal with.

Unfortunately, sewage leaks are a relatively common issue that homeowners face across the country every day! Because this situation could happen to you at any point, it is important to know what to do immediately upon discovery as well as what to do right after to help you stay in control.

Addressing the Situation

Sewage and wastewater is meant to flow down and away from our homes in designated pipes. However, that process doesn’t always happen the way it should. If some sort of clog or blockage stops the flow of water in your pipe, it can cause the sewage to be forced backwards into your sinks, toilets and tubs. Sewage can also leak directly out of your pipes if you have any loose connections or if the pipe is starting to experience wear and tear.

No matter how the stinky situation started, it is crucial that you avoid coming into contact with the water. Sewage is considered a toxic substance and you should always exercise extreme caution. Sewage can be harboring dangerous bacteria, different viruses and microbes that can make you really sick.

Stay clear of the situation while you assess your space, and if you can access the water shutoff valve from a dry location, do so right away to stop the flow of water onto your floors. After that, open up some windows and start ventilating the area. You should also get us on the phone right away!

Where Our Restoration Team Can Help

While you may think that cleaning it up yourself might be the easiest course of action, we really recommend that you don’t do that. Our cleaning and sanitization team is highly trained for situations like this, and we have the tools and proper safety gear to stay protected during the cleanup process. Once you make contact with us and we are on the way, start taking some photos of the situation. You will want them for your insurance claim, even though they will most likely never be framed or put into a scrapbook.

Our team will focus our efforts on locating the source of the leak and fixing any problems that we discover. At the same time, our cleaning crew will get to work to remove the sewage and standing water. We will also make sure to sanitize and deep clean the entire space to ensure it is safe to return to. Finally, we can employ our deodorizers to remove any lingering stinky smells from your space and your upholstery.

Don’t let a sewage leak derail your week! Contact us right away so we can take care of your home and remove the mess for you with ease.

Sewage leaks should always be cleaned up by professionals. Call SERVPRO and we will take care of you.

Start With What You Know: Preventing Flood Damage | SERVPRO of New Center/Highland Park

4/1/2024 (Permalink)

rain water pooling on a hardwood floor after a storm with a man in work boots walking through it SERVPRO of New Center/Highland Park is ready to help in a moments notice after spring showers leak in to your home or business.

When you get stumped with a problem, how do you tackle the situation? Do you jump in without having all of the details or do you break it down to the basics to make sure you have all your bases covered?

Of course you take the time to make sure you are getting it right! This concept applies to all kinds of scenarios, but especially when it comes to preparing for and preventing home damage. Starting with the basics can help your home avoid some pretty significant damage.

Unfortunately, situations like floods can happen unexpectedly, so doing these tasks below right now will help keep your home dry and your family safe no matter what is in store for you this season.

Knowing the Zones in Detroit

Flooding is often associated with Mother Nature, but that isn’t always the case when water begins pouring down from your ceilings or leaking onto your floors. Flooding conditions can also happen when water lines burst in the streets or if your washing machine finally gives out mid-cycle.

Even though we live in a relatively urban area, we can still experience flooding situations due to the weather. Strong storms and high water levels in the waterways around us can cause trouble unexpectedly. Knowing the risk level for your own home can help you stay in control as the conditions change around us.

You should still be on high alert even if your property hasn’t necessarily flooded in the past. If you live in a low-lying area or your yard slopes even a little bit toward your house, you could wind up with water where you don’t want it. Extend your downspouts if you can, add extra drainage to your yard or consider adding a rain garden to help give all that water a more productive place to go.

If you live in a neighborhood with trees, check your gutter system regularly to remove potential leaf buildup and consider installing gutter covers to help keep that debris out of your system.

Further Prevention Tips

While it is important to know your home’s specific risk ahead of time, dealing with flooding issues can actually teach you about your home so you can take measures to prevent the flooding from happening again.

For example, if your basement door lets water in often, it would be worth having your yard evaluated to see if a professional grading can help encourage the water to flow somewhere else.

If one of your window panes gets wet every time it rains, you can address this issue easily with some fresh caulk to seal off any gaps. Finally, having your sump pump inspected regularly can help alert you to any emerging issues so you can address repairs before the next time it rains.

When you start with what you know, you can set yourself up for success no matter the season or weather situation. Enjoy the spring weather and give us a call if you are in need of any home damage repairs.

Do you have water damage in your home? Contact us at SERVPRO® for fast recovery.

Storm Damage Services

4/1/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO truck in a flooded road. When water damage strikes, a fast response is critical.

Severe storms can cause heavy rainfall which can lead to flooding which can lead to unwanted water damage to your business in no time. SERVPRO® wants local residents to know that when a storm damages your commercial property, our highly trained professionals will respond to cleanup and restore your property to pre-damage condition. Our ability to immediately respond to a storm emergency helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.   

Here are Some of the Services We Provide:   

  • Emergency Contact 24/7/365   
  • Inspection and Damage Assessment   
  • Water Removal and Water Extraction   
  • Drying and Dehumidification Services   
  • Cleaning and Repair   
  • Odor Removal   
  • Restoration   

When water damage strikes, a fast response is critical. Day or night, business owners can expect our team to respond immediately to any storm emergency. 

Flooded Basement

3/18/2024 (Permalink)

Flooded basement. A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall.

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are at the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your Michigan basement could flood, including:  

  • A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe 
  • Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home 
  • Storm sewer backup 
  • Sanitary sewer backup 
  • Foundation drainage failure 
  • Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure 
  • And many more 

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get. 

The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. Let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals. 

Why Choose SERVPRO® 

  • We are available 24 hours/7 days per week 
  • We’re a preferred vendor to many national insurance companies 
  • We bill the insurance directly – one less thing for you to worry about 
  • Our technicians are highly trained in water restoration techniques 
  • We use s500 IICRC Restoration standards 
  • Advanced inspection and extraction equipment 

Sound the Alarm: Being Prepared for Spring Storms | SERVPRO of New Center/Highland Park

3/1/2024 (Permalink)

heavy rain pouring down on an outdoor metal roof in a storm Let SERVPRO of New Center/Highland Park help you get from April showers to May flowers.

The spring season is here, which means that spring storms will start popping up around our community. Thunderstorms with rumbling thunder and lightning, gentle rainstorms and severe storms with heavy rain and high winds are to be expected any day now!

The later it gets into the spring season, the more severe they can become, so it is crucial that you are prepared and ready to weather through whatever Mother Nature throws our way this season.

The first thing you need to do is make sure you have reliable ways of being alerted to a developing storm or emergency situation. Our team explains some easy, but effective, ways of staying connected and informed when severe weather comes to town.

The Power of the Internet

We are all on our phones and connected to screens throughout the day, so this is naturally one of the most common ways of staying connected when looking for a forecast or weather alert. Wireless Emergency Alerts can be issued automatically depending on the situation, or you can download a reliable weather app so you can receive alerts automatically based on where you are located.

Apps can be great, just be sure you are choosing a trusted source. Avoid the apps and websites that tend to exaggerate for likes or engagement and only stick with nationally recognized organizations. If you haven’t already, now is a great time to sign up for Detroit Alerts 365.

News stations on television are also trusted sources, so tune into our local weather reports if a system is forecasted and you can get real-time updates that can help you determine your travel plans or when you need to be finding shelter.

Non-Electronic Options

You should always have at least one backup alert system ready to use in case of a major power outage. Phones, TVs and laptops will only work as long as we have power or until they run out of battery, which can put you in danger if another system is on the way. This is where non-electronic alerts can come in handy.

Weather sirens that are positioned around town can be a great way to learn of different alerts without having to rely on power, but their effectiveness can depend on how close you are located to the nearest tower.

An NOAA weather radio is another great option. Hand-crank or solar-powered radios are really great choices as they will work even if the power is out. Having a weather radio on hand is one of the best ways to stay connected because you can take it with you wherever you go, whether you are sheltering in place or checking out your property after the first wave of a storm system rolls through.

Being prepared is essential to staying safe, but that doesn’t always mean your home or property will emerge unscathed after a serious storm or weather disaster. Call us right away so we can tackle any repairs or restoration needs so you can recover faster and more efficiently. We will help you get back to your regular life as soon as possible.

Serious storms can cause serious property damage. Call SERVPRO® 24⁄7 for immediate restoration assistance.

Tackling Your Recovery After a Workplace Disaster | SERVPRO of New Center/Highland Park

2/15/2024 (Permalink)

business man in office talking to female SERVPRO rep SERVPRO of New Center/Highland Park is here for your business every step of the way, from ERPs to disaster recovery.

Planning for disasters is simple part of the job when it comes to being a business owner. While your staff are busy taking care of your daily duties, it is your responsibility to be planning for the big picture things and the unexpected! After all, when disaster strikes, your staff will turn to you for guidance and direction.

Overcoming disaster situations can be really overwhelming, but not when SERVPRO of New Center/Highland Park is ready to help! Our crew will help you overcome any sort of disaster situation that you are faced with.

The Steps for Preparation

The best way to navigate disasters is by having a plan that encompasses multiple different disaster scenarios. If your team knows ahead of time what to do when disaster strikes, you have a better chance of making a quicker recovery or even avoiding catastrophic damage.

Start by outlining your communication strategy and creating a strong chain of command for who will notify the team and who is in charge of what when the situation is developing.

In addition, you should also be communicating where your emergency items and shut-off valves are located. Take a tour of your building and show your team where your fire extinguishers, emergency exits and water pipes and valves are.

Do you know where your employees could and should go after a disaster occurs at your business? Now is the time to figure it out! Set up your team ahead of time to be able to work remotely if possible, or have a backup location scouted out that you can move to in the meantime if in-person work is necessary.

The Recovery

Having a plan in place will set you up for long-term success, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that you will escape without any sort of damage to your property. That’s where we come in! Our restoration team will respond quickly and will help you rebuild and restore your building.

We are a full-service restoration company, which means we can handle your entire recovery no matter what kind of damage you have experienced. While we are working, you can focus on your staff and customers to keep them informed throughout the process. The more communication, the better!

In certain situations, it may even be possible to work in your space while we are cleaning and rebuilding your property. If you keep an open mind and are able to be flexible temporarily, we can work together to help you recover with minimal disruption.

The key to success lies in a good plan, and the key to a complete recovery lies in SERVPRO®. Give us a call day or night and we will make sure that your property is restored so you can get back to business as usual.

Has your business experienced a disaster, or do you want help building an emergency plan? Contact us to find everything you need.

Need Restoration? We Handle It All | SERVPRO of New Center/Highland Park

2/1/2024 (Permalink)

heavy rain pounding down on a blacktop surface SERVPRO of New Center/Highland Park is Here to Help® when any disaster strikes!

Disasters happen. That’s unfortunately just a fact that we can’t escape. Mother Nature can be incredibly destructive, accidents can happen in the blink of an eye and even something as simple as a slowly dripping washing machine can have a serious impact over time.

While we can’t always control the situations around us, we can control how we react to them. Reacting quickly in the face of a home disaster is crucial to your recovery timeline!

SERVPRO of New Center/Highland Park is proud to be your answer when it comes to disaster recovery. We are here to help you overcome whatever damage situation you are faced with.

Disasters in All Shapes and Sizes

Different disaster scenarios can take various tolls on our community and can leave us scrambling for answers and even support when the disaster is widespread enough.

Minor rainstorms can quickly turn serious when the rain becomes unexpectedly more intense and your basement starts to flood. A small house fire can quickly burn out of control or lead to smoke or soot damage in levels where the fire never even touched.

Over time, simple home damage situations can devolve into more serious damage like mold growth or structural damage, which makes your recovery timeline even more important.

That’s where we come into play! Our team will react quickly and will prioritize your recovery to help you overcome your situation confidently.

A Single Team for All the Work

When it comes to disaster recovery, every minute matters! We are proud to offer 24⁄7 emergency services to all of the homes and businesses in our community. We will help you recover from any sort of water, fire or storm damage disaster that you are faced with.

We are highly trained and ready to work, and we will get started as soon as you call us. Our team is locally owned and operated, which allows us to arrive at your home faster and ready to work whenever you need us to.

Our crew can do everything from laying tarps over your roof to protect your home from further damage to delicately removing smoke odors from your soft or fragile possessions. Our industry-leading equipment and skilled technicians will step up to the plate to take care of you every single time.

This also means that we will truly take care of everything! Our crew is a one-stop-shop for all of your restoration needs, so you don’t need to worry about navigating multiple contracts or agreements with other confusing companies.

We are ready to help you overcome disaster, all you have to do is call. Our team is proud to help you find the light at the end of the tunnel.

Have you experienced a disaster and need restorations? Make one call to our office to start recovery fast.