How to Choose the Right Water Damage Restoration Company

June 8, 2023 Water Damage Comments Off on How to Choose the Right Water Damage Restoration Company
emergency flood

Did you know that an estimated 14.6 million homes in the United States are at risk of flooding, according to iProperty Management? Emergency flood services need to be completed by professional companies with the proper training. If your home’s been flooded, then you’ll need to choose the right water damage restoration company. Here are a few tips on how to choose the company that’s right for the job.

Consult Your Insurance Company

Water damage remediation and other emergency flood services are often covered by your homeowner’s policy. If this is the case, then your insurance provider will often have a list of preferred professionals to hire. Some companies might even require that you choose a company from their list. Whenever you have work done on your home that’s covered by your policy, be sure to ask if there are any limitations to the companies you can hire.

Seek Recommendations From Your Friends and Neighbors

People in your social circle are a great resource when it comes to finding the best contractors in the area. They’ll be able to direct you to the best companies and, in many cases, also be able to tell you which service providers you should avoid. When you’re considering several different companies, be sure to ask for references. Doing so can be a helpful tool for determining which company will best meet your needs. Don’t be afraid to ask a lot of questions when you’re interviewing potential water damage restorers.

Check Reliable Sources

Online reviews can vary in their level of helpfulness. However, the Better Business Bureau or other consumer protection advocates can be very helpful. Check out the local providers in your area to get a better idea of the available options. This is an effective way to screen out undesirable companies and focus on interviewing those that are reliable. You’ll also want to ensure that any company you work with has all the necessary certifications and insurance policies in place. Taking the time to find the right company will pay dividends.

We provide emergency flood services that help to restore your home after a flood. Water damage can lead to other issues, such as mold, and needs to be remediated by a professional. Contact us today to learn more about our services and to keep your family and belongings safe.

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Tips for Preventing Floods in Your Home

May 10, 2023 Uncategorized Comments Off on Tips for Preventing Floods in Your Home
emergency flood services

A flood can have a devastating impact on your home. Floods can happen due to heavy rain storms, hurricanes, or accidents inside the house. A bad flood can ruin your foundation and make a home unlivable. According to Ruby Home Real Estate, about 14,000 people in the U.S. are affected by water damage daily. Read on for tips on how to prevent a call for emergency flood services.

Watch Forecasts

Pay attention to weather forecasts. If there is a serious likelihood of a heavy storm, especially a hurricane, take the time to prepare your home for the possibility of a flood. Quickly seal off any entryways, such as doors or windows. If you have a basement, inspect it for any vulnerable areas and make sure they are sealed.

Lift Your Home

If you live in an area with constant flooding or a high water table, you may want to consider lifting your home. When contractors lift your home, they raise it from its current foundation and make the existing one higher and stronger. Having your home on a higher foundation decreases the likelihood that the main house will flood. They can also make the new foundation as impenetrable as possible to avoid the need for emergency flood services.

Check Pipes

Sure, you stay on top of any plumbing inspections, but what happens if a pipe bursts? Have your local plumber check it out immediately. Even the smallest of leaks can eventually turn into a massive flood. Be aware of the weather as pipes can easily burst when they freeze over.

Seal Doors and Windows

Your doors and windows are easy targets for water rushing in from inclement weather. If a storm is approaching, you can immediately weatherstrip the edges. However, you should upgrade these entry points with storm doors and windows. Installing a steel or iron door may be expensive, but it can provide protection from intruders and weather. Double-pane windows are stronger than single-pane ones, so call your local window installers for an upgrade.

There are ways you can protect your property from floods. Use weather stripping, pipe inspections, or move into an area that’s not flood-prone. If you’re dealing with flood issues, contact us at ServiceMaster for our local emergency flood services today.

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4 Common Causes of Water Damage in Homes

April 11, 2023 Uncategorized, Water Damage Comments Off on 4 Common Causes of Water Damage in Homes

Your home is your sanctuary and a big investment, so the last thing you need is water damage. Understanding the common causes of water damage in homes is the first step in preventing it from occurring or having a devastating effect. According to Ruby Home Real Estate, about 14,000 people are affected by water damage daily. Read on to see how you can avoid being one of those people that needs a water removal service.

1. Faulty Appliances

It may surprise you, but your appliances can have a role in ruining your nice floors. A faulty hose in a fridge, washing machine, or dishwater can flood your floors and require action from a water removal service. An outdated water heater can leak as sediment builds up inside or it reaches its life cycle. Don’t sleep on regular inspections, and have a contractor make energy-efficient appliance updates to reduce the chances of leakage. You may even get a tax rebate for such appliance updates from the local or federal government at tax time.

2. Plumbing Fixtures

As water constantly moves throughout your pipes and drains, age, clogs, and other mishaps can result in leaks. Toilets can overflow due to a sewer backup or someone may accidentally forget they are running water in the plugged-up tub or sink. A small crack may turn into a busted pipe, often resulting in major leaks. That’s why you should make sure your pipes have the necessary padding, and inspections to make sure everything is in compliance.

3. Storms

Heavy storms mean wet weather and winds that may damage roofs and windows. This creates an ideal situation for water to find its way into your home through several entry points such as the basement, attic, windows, and more. Take preventative measures by checking for cracks or gaps, especially near entry points like windows and doors.

4. Roof Damage

A leaky roof is more common than many homeowners would like. The type of roofing material, the age of the roof, and the last time you had an inspection all affect how easily water can come in. You may not notice damage from looking at your roof from the outside of your home, but dark and wet stains may appear on the ceiling and upper wall area.

Water damage can ruin your home’s foundation and the valuable possessions you have inside. From weather and bad appliances to human error, water damage can strike anytime. Contact our local water removal service at ServiceMaster if you need help with this issue.

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How to Prevent Fires at Home

April 3, 2023 News Comments Off on How to Prevent Fires at Home

Keeping your home safe from fire damage is essential to protect your family, property, and possessions. According to The Zebra, an average of 358,000 house fires occur each year, so it’s important to take fire safety measures and fire prevention seriously. Here are some tips on how to prevent fires at home.

1. Check for Fire Hazards

Look around frequently and ensure that fire hazards like overloaded electrical sockets, frayed wires, and flammable materials are not present in or around your home. If fire hazards do exist, remove them immediately and contact a professional to assess the problem.

2. Install Smoke Alarms

One of the most important fire safety measures is to install smoke alarms throughout your home. These will detect fire and alert everyone if a fire occurs. Test the fire alarms regularly and replace batteries as necessary.

3. Practice Fire Drills

Hold fire drills with family members so that everyone knows what to do in case of fire. Have a designated fire exit and fire assembly area so family members can meet up if necessary. Additionally, ensure that everyone knows the fire safety rules such as stop, drop, and roll if clothing catches fire.

4. Use Flammable Items with Caution

Prevent fire damage by being cautious when using flammable items such as candles, matches, and fire starters. Keep them away from children and sparks or flames. When you use candles, put them out before going to sleep or leaving the room. Don’t leave fireplaces, stoves, and barbecues unattended when in use.

5. Check Your Home Appliances

Make sure that all home appliances like air conditioners and refrigerators are in good working order. The wiring should be in good condition, so check for frayed cords, faulty fuses, and exposed wiring. Don’t overload electrical sockets with too many items, as a fire could start when the wiring can’t handle the extra load.

6. Have an Extinguisher on Hand

Keep fire extinguishers in strategic places around the house and make sure everyone knows how to use them properly. Check fire extinguishers regularly and replace them if they are expired or damaged.

By taking fire safety measures and fire prevention seriously, you can reduce fire damage in your home. From having fire extinguishers on hand to being mindful of candles, you can keep your home and family safe. If your home has suffered damage from a fire, you want local professionals who handle the job efficiently. Contact our local team today for assistance.

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3 Signs You Need the Help of an Emergency Flood Service ASAP

March 6, 2023 News Comments Off on 3 Signs You Need the Help of an Emergency Flood Service ASAP

According to ABC News, about 14.6 million homes in America are at risk of flood damage. Emergency flood services are essential if your home has endured damage from a flood. Here are just three signs that you need to call an emergency flood service immediately.

1. Water Has Crept Into Your Home

Engaging an emergency flood service is essential anytime you have water seeped into your home, whether that water is due to storm damage or a broken pipe. Water damage must be cleaned up correctly or else you risk ongoing problems.

You may think you got all the water cleaned up from that broken pipe in the basement, but the water damage you see is only the tip of the iceberg. Any moisture that is left behind can facilitate the growth of mold and mildew, which can cause health issues for your family as well as structural damage to your home. Whenever you have water damage, do yourself and your home a favor and get professional help as soon as possible.

2. Your Ceiling Is Sagging

If you have had some water damage — even a small amount — and notice that your ceiling is sagging, it is a sign you need help, as water can pool in unexpected areas. When this pooling occurs, your home is at risk of serious structural damage.

Hiring a professional to manage the problem is important to the safety of your home. The right flood service can stop the damage from spreading. Call for help ASAP to minimize damage!

3. A New Odor Is Flooding Your Home

If you notice a musty smell in your home after a flood, it is time to call for emergency flood assistance. Many homeowners do their best to clean up the mess but don’t realize there could be trouble lurking behind the walls. Even small amounts of water that have seeped under the walls or the floorboards can have disastrous results for your home.

You should call an experienced emergency flood service whenever you have a flood problem in your home. The professionals know what it takes to restore your home to excellent condition. Don’t delay in getting the help that you need. Call ServiceMaster today to learn more about our emergency water damage repair services!

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Residential Flood Damage Prevention 101

May 25, 2021 Water Damage Comments Off on Residential Flood Damage Prevention 101
A house flooded with dining chairs and sofas destroyed

Imagine your expensive electronics, designer furniture, and bespoke wallpapers being washed away in front of you. Sounds horrific, doesn’t it? Residential flooding is a reality for homeowners. According to statistics, by 2050, 16.2 million US properties will be at a ‘substantial risk’ of flooding. But fortunately, there’s a list of some easy tips that can prevent your home from being flooded. Follow these 5 tips and save thousands of dollars.

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Top Causes for Commercial Water Damage

May 24, 2021 Water Damage Comments Off on Top Causes for Commercial Water Damage
A leaking pipe with a lot of residue build up

At Service Master, we know how calamitous commercial water damage can be towards your business. Statistics show that the total amount for water damage insurance claims was 13 billion in 2015. This number has since been rising. Therefore, prompt mitigative measures for water damage are vital. That’s why a business needs to be aware of the common causes of commercial water damage. This blog highlights 4 of them.

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Upholstery Cleaning: What Are The Benefits Of Professional Upholstery Cleaning?

May 21, 2021 General Comments Off on Upholstery Cleaning: What Are The Benefits Of Professional Upholstery Cleaning?
Upholstery Cleaning: What Are The Benefits Of Professional Upholstery Cleaning?

Chances are that you picked out your furniture because you liked it, so why not treat it like you still do?

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The Importance Of Carpet Cleaning

May 20, 2021 General Comments Off on The Importance Of Carpet Cleaning
The Importance Of Carpet Cleaning

Keeping your favorite carpets clean ensures their durability and keeps them looking as good as new.

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Early Warning Signs of Water Damage in the Kitchen

May 19, 2021 Kitchen Cleaning, Water Damage Comments Off on Early Warning Signs of Water Damage in the Kitchen
a clean kitchen

Your kitchen has more than a few water lines running through it. So, it comes as no surprise that there are many signs of water damage that can go unnoticed until it’s too late.

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