Why Use Outdoor Faucet Covers?

3/18/2022 (Permalink)

Why Use Outdoor Faucet Covers?

Styrofoam covers for your outdoor faucets may be unsightly, but they can be very useful. When freezing temperature comes and with them a long, cold winter, Styrofoam faucet covers can mean the difference between reaching springtime without a problem, and a frozen pipe flooding your home.

Your Pipes Need Protection

You don't need to be in an area with the harshest of winters.  One dip below freezing can be all it takes. A night of single-digit temperatures can easily freeze your interior pipes, causing them to expand and crack. While replacing the pipe is not a huge deal in and of itself, the water damage a broken pipe can cause can be catastrophic. It's definitely worth a few minutes of your time to put on Styrofoam faucet covers.

What to Do When Your Basement is Flooded

1/6/2022 (Permalink)

A flooded basement is no small hazard. Even a single inch of a flooded basement in a 1,000 square foot home can cause $10,000 worth of damage. Six inches of water can easily double that cost.

If you come down the stairs to find water in your basement, here’s what you should do.

The Dangers of a Flooded Basement

Be careful before you charge into a wet basement. There are a few hazards you should check for:

• Electrical Shock: Loose wires can conduct electricity through the water. Before going into the water, turn off your home’s breaker switches.
• Gas Leaks: Issues with your basement can lead to gas leaks. If you smell gas at all, then leave the home and contact your gas utility company.
• Pollutants: If your flood is a sewer leak, then be careful before entering the water. Sewer water can contain bacteria that transmit the disease. Wear protective items like suits, gloves, safety glasses, and face masks. And be ready to call in the professionals

If the Flooding is Caused by Plumbing

When the flood in your basement is caused by plumbing, it falls into two different types. Leaks will fill your basement with cleaner, mostly clear water. If you see this, then try to get to the water main to turn it off.

The other kind of plumbing flood is when the sewer backs up into your basement. One smell and you’ll know if it’s from a sewer. If this is the case, then you don’t want to use anything that uses the drain. Don’t flush the toilet, the washing machine, the dishwasher, or anything else. It will only add to the sewage backing up in your basement.

If you do have sewage backing up into your basement, then be sure to call your local utility company as soon as possible to report it.

If the Leak Is from Outside of Your House

Runoff, rain, snow, or heavy weather can easily lead to flooding in a basement if it's not waterproofed correctly. If this is the case, then try to find the source of the leak as soon as possible. This could be something simple, like a leaking vent window, or something complicated like a leak through the foundation.

If you can’t easily find the leak, then call in the professionals.

Call Your Insurance Company

Different insurance companies handle flooding claims differently. When you call to file a claim, your insurance company will go over any clean-up procedures, specific contractors to use, and other information.

If your home or business needs water restoration services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of King of Prussia

(610)-337-3330

Winter Do's & Don'ts

11/23/2021 (Permalink)

From frigid temperatures and piles of snow to burst pipes and icy sidewalks, danger can lurk around every corner of a Chicago apartment property during winter. But, with some advance planning and a focus on prevention, property managers can get through the winter season without incident.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, based on claims data, three of the top five causes of insurance claims for commercial properties were water and freezing damage, fire, and slips and falls. Clearly, here in Chicago and in other metros with severe winter weather, lack of due care on the part of a property manager could lead to injury from any one of these causes. But preparation gives managers the greatest chances of succeeding when things go wrong.

Here’s what property managers need to avoid doing in order to keep both apartment residents and the asset itself safe during the winter.

1. Don’t get caught unprepared

Managers must be proactive and have a plan in place well before bad weather hits. That plan should cover, at a minimum, snow and ice removal, roof safety, what to do in case of a power outage, smoke detector maintenance, and the use of space heaters by residents who want temperatures toastier than usual. Even Christmas trees could become a fire hazard if they are allowed to dry inside a unit, so policies should be in place to handle those as well.

But a plan is worthless unless team members receive training on implementation, so staff should be educated on all aspects of maintaining the property—even basics such as the location of utility shut-offs. And, of course, all preventive maintenance on the building—the boiler, plumbing systems, roofs, gutters, etc. —should be completed by August or September each year.

One last tip: Make sure you have enough ice melt on hand at the beginning of the season and that all snowplow contracts are in place by the end of September each year.

2. Don’t keep residents in the dark

Communication with residents is essential and a two-way street. Management must be able to reach residents, even if there is a power outage, and residents need to be able to contact management in case of emergency or even if they just have questions. Typically, several different communication channels are used, depending on the situation. We use Rent Café to blast out info to all residents and also display that same notice in the elevators, however, alternate means of communication need to be in place, whether it’s by hand-delivering notices to apartments, texting residents, contacting them by cell phone, or posting to social media.

Managers should provide residents with emergency numbers for police and fire departments, utility providers, and on-call maintenance staff. It might also be wise to send reminders to residents with cold-weather tips on the safe use of candles and space heaters, which could help prevent damage to the building.

Remember that while managers don’t go in apartments every day, residents do, so consider using them as your eyes and ears, to provide early warnings of systems that might need attention before they turn into a problem.

3. Don’t ignore common sense

Property managers should do their best to encourage residents to use common sense when taking care of themselves and their apartments.

For example, residents often travel during the winter holidays. They should be reminded to close windows and avoid turning the temperature down too low in their apartments—commonly done by residents eager to save on utility costs. A friendly reminder to leave thermostats on a specific temperature (which may vary by a management company, but 62 to 68 degrees is common) and to leave a faucet dripping to help reduce the possibility of pipes freezing and subsequently bursting, will help reduce the likelihood of property damage.

Managers should also use common sense as well. Routine maintenance, such as covering exposed pipes with insulated foam covers, turning off water mains, and sealing windows and doors, should be part of the ongoing maintenance program but definitely should be reviewed annually during the early part of fall.

4. Don’t forget to lookup

Property managers need to ensure that ground-level hazards, such as snow and ice, are eliminated. But the roof needs attention too.

To avoid a roof collapse or injury to residents, managers need to ensure that snow doesn’t build up on the roof. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the weight of one foot of fresh snow ranges between three pounds per square foot for light, dry snow and 21 pounds per square foot for wet, heavy snow.

How much snow a roof can bear depends on a host of factors, such as the roof slope, shape, the thermal condition of the building, and the roof’s wind exposure. It’s essential that managers know the roof’s weight limit so they can take action to prevent snow accumulation from reaching an unsafe level.

Managers also need to inspect roofs for the presence of icicles. According to the Snow & Ice Management Association, at least 15 people in the United States die each year from falling icicles. This is particularly common in garden apartment-style properties. Property managers can consider installing heat-trace wires in areas prone to ice buildup and warning residents with signs saying “Caution: Falling Ice.”

5. Don’t overlook the proper paperwork

Proof of renter’s insurance should already be on file, but make sure the policy is current. A renter’s policy covers not only the personal possessions of the resident but also provides liability coverage in the event the resident is negligent and causes damage to the property or injury to another person.

Why is this important? What happens if a resident of a high-rise escapes the brutal winter weather by going on vacation and accidentally leaves a sliding glass door open? If the unit gets cold enough and a pipe bursts, the damage could affect not only that resident’s unit but scores of units on floors below him or her, leading to massive losses. Since the resident was negligent, the building owner could make a claim against his renter’s policy, thus avoiding the expense.

With timely and proactive planning, multifamily property managers can ensure that not only will apartment residents remain safe during the winter season but that the asset itself will also be preserved through winter weather and into the spring thaw.

Commercial Water Damage Prevention

11/5/2021 (Permalink)

business owners everywhere should start thinking about how to prevent commercial water damage. Everything from maintenance checks to grading systems should be checked. So how do you plan on protecting your business from water damage? Read on to find out what you should be considering.

Building and Street Maintenance

When was the last time your storm drains were cleared? Annual inspections of your floor, storm, and roof drains can help you avoid drainage problems. If your floor drains haven’t been cleaned lately, take a vacuum hose and clear it or call a professional.

Sump Pumps

There are at least two sump pumps in each sump under your building. Sump pumps are used to keep floodwaters from building up and causing water damage. But are yours both working? When was the last time they were tested? Do they have battery backups in case of a power outage? Power outages were the cause of 18 percent of water damage incidents involving a sump pump. Because sump pumps run on electricity, power outages shut down the pumps allowing water to flood your facility. If these pumps are your main source of protection, you should consider a generator to keep them going.

Generator Fuel Tanks

In areas subject to flooding, it is important to relocate your generator fuel tanks out of the basement. Generator fuel can be contaminated in the event of a basement flood, prohibiting generator functions, and preventing power from reaching the pumps.

Runoff

Does grading lead away from your building? Grading helps to move water away from your building instead of moving towards it. Checking your grading system can help keep water from flowing into your building.

Clear the Floor

One of the leading causes of water damage is the items on the floor. You can avoid this by removing porous materials, boxes, and paper from the floor of your basement. Keep all of your electronics off the floor and make sure to turn off your electronics when you are expecting heavy rains.

Water Damage Equipment and Inventory

11/5/2021 (Permalink)

Some King of Prussia businesses survive water damage with only minor issues. Other damages risk the ruining of specialized machinery and extensive stores of raw materials and finished products. Finding a restoration company that is willing to learn about the challenges your industry faces from water damage is the key to recovery.

Your family business boasts several generations of satisfied customers, and you now need help to keep water damage from destroying this history and disappointing clients. A water main burst and gallons of water threaten to ruin your machines and your extensive inventory. Our fast-acting team of water damage experts commits to walking you through every step of the process from waterlogged to dry and restored for both the structure and contents of your shop.

SERVPRO crews arrive to assess the situation and plan for the recovery of your property as soon as possible. We outfit our vehicles with truck-mounted pumps and water extractors, allowing our technicians to begin water removal immediately, even if the power is off. Your equipment poses a risk of electric shock until the area dries, so our ability to evacuate the water without using your power sources is crucial.

Advanced training in material management supports the ability of our crews to pack out your contents quickly and with an accurate listing that identifies what we moved. We store supplies, and your paperwork either in a dry area of your building or offsite if water damage is pervasive. Throughout the process, we maintain an evidence chain so you can reconstruct customer orders and provide documentation for your insurance company. Our training in drying technologies helps us advise which materials respond to drying and what items may need to be discarded.

Electronic and other equipment needs expert evaluation before it can be cleared for future operation. SERVPRO works with professionals who are trained to determine whether and how water-damaged equipment specific to your industry can be dried successfully. We then take all steps necessary to reach that result.

While decisions are reached on your inventory and equipment, other members of the SERVPRO teamwork to dry out the structure of your business. Air movers and dehumidifiers achieve the drying goals after the standing water is removed, with constant moisture monitoring guiding the duration.

The technicians from SERVPRO of King of Prussia work persistently to restore your business after unexpected water damage. Call us at (610) 337-3330 to get our team in place and on task.

Pipe Break Damage

11/5/2021 (Permalink)

When the weather gets too cold in the winter up here in the northeast pipes tend to freeze up. Which can be an irritable situation that no one likes to deal with. Temperatures getting into the low twenties and teens can cause pipes to freeze up and halt utilities from traveling through the pipeline to where they need to go, especially water pipes. Frozen pipes can be bad, but the thawing of the pipe can be the most horrific part of cold weather affecting pipes. Heat and cold will cause the expanding and contracting which will then lead to a rupture in a pipe. Depending on how big the pipe is and what type of utility passing through it, you may have a major mess on your hands (and feet). If you experience anything similar to this you should call SERVPRO. We have the know-how, manpower, and equipment to get the job done right. We want our customer's water damage to be "Like it never even happened."®

How to protect your home from water damage

3/22/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage is one of the most common and costliest disasters your home can experience, costing billions of dollars annually. Safeguard your most important asset against water damage with the right insurance coverage and the following practical advice.

Water damage and insurance

Different types of water damage are insured by different types of policies.

Homeowners and renters insurance provides coverage for burst pipes, wind-driven rain, and damage resulting from ice dams on your roof. Generally speaking, water that comes from the top down—such as rainfall and burst sprinklers—is covered by a standard homeowner's policy.

Some policies cover sewer and drain backups, but many do not; however, you can purchase a sewer backup rider for your homeowners or renters coverage.

Typically, water that comes from the bottom up—such as an overflowing river—is covered by a separate flood insurance policy, which can be purchased from the federal government’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), and from some private insurers. If you live in a flood-prone area, learn more about appropriate coverage.

Properly maintaining a home is one of the best ways to prevent water damage from water disasters.

Prevent basement water seepage

• Reseal your basement. Water in the basement is often caused by cracks in building foundations or floor slabs. If you notice water seepage after heavy rain when you've never had a problem, it may mean that your once-waterproof cement floors and basement walls have deteriorated. Painting vulnerable areas with water sealant can prevent seepage.
• Make sure water drains away from the building. Seepage is exacerbated by soil that has settled in a way to make water flow toward the building. After a storm, and especially if the ground is already saturated, rainwater that flows towards the building goes down the outside of the foundation wall potentially through any cracks.
• Install a backwater valve. Though less common than other causes of basement water, sewer backups are messy. Learn more about your sewer responsibilities and install and maintain a backwater valve, which allows sewage to go out, but not come back in.

Maintain and understand your indoor plumbing systems

• Inspect appliance hoses and faucets. Make it a practice every year to check hoses leading to water heaters, dishwashers, washing machines, and refrigerator ice makers. You may also want to invest in a water leak monitoring and shut-off system that can alert you to any leakage issues. Immediately replace any hoses that have cracks or leaks, and replace them all every five to seven years.
• Inspect showers and tubs. Check the seal and caulking around showers and tubs to make sure they are watertight and reseal if necessary.
• When away on vacation, shut off the water supply to the washing machine and never leave the house while the washer or dishwasher is running.
• Know the location of the main water shut-off valve in your home. A damaged hose or a burst pipe can send water racing into your home. Being able to locate and shut off the main water supply quickly will save stress, money, and time.
• Install an emergency pressure release valve in your plumbing system. This will protect against the increased pressure caused by freezing pipes and can help prevent your pipes from bursting.
• Check plumbing and heating pipes. Look closely for cracks and leaks and have any necessary repairs made immediately.

Repair and protect your home's exterior

• Caulk and seal windows to guard against water seepage.
• Inspect your roof for missing, damaged, and aging shingles and make necessary repairs.
• Check your downspouts. Remove debris that may have accumulated in downspouts and rain gutters. Position downspouts so that they direct water away from the house.
• Check sprinklers and irrigation systems to be sure they are not creating water damage to the walls and foundations of the house. Turn off and drain outside faucets to protect against frozen pipes.
• Install gutter guards to prevent gutter clogs and keep water flowing away from the house instead of accumulating on the roof.

Protect your possessions

• Store off-season and other bulk belongings in waterproof bins, especially in areas where there are plumbing pipes or that are prone to dampness, such as basements and attics.
• Never store valuables or memorabilia where there is a risk of destruction from water. Water and dampness also bring with it the threat of mold damage.
• Keep belongings stored on shelving off the floor in basements. In case of water seepage or sewer backup, they're less likely to get damaged.
• Keep an up-to-date home inventory. Having a comprehensive list of your possessions will save time, trouble, and stress in case of loss from water damage.

Spring Showers Can Leave Lasting Damage!

1/7/2021 (Permalink)

Soaking up the sun in spring is ideal, however, April showers can leave you soaking up floodwaters instead. If you live in a high flood area, overwhelmed sewer drains can cause waters to rise around your property leading to potential water damage. Water damage is destructive and can leave lasting damage around your property. If you don’t act quickly, mold growth, rust build-up, and rotting wood may permanently damage your home. Here are a few tips on how to dry your home fast after it floods.

Electrical Safety First

Take precaution before entering areas of your home with significant amounts of water. Nearby electrical units, especially furnaces, can be dangerous and must be turned off immediately to avoid personal injury. Call the power company to disconnect electricity if needed.

Drying Up the Water

Once the floodwaters clear, dry your home as quickly as possible. Start by soaking up the water with towels, buckets, or a Shop-vac. Following this, use floor fans and open all doors and fans to improve air circulation in the house.

If needed, dehumidifiers are available to remove embedded moisture in wood floors and walls. In this case, it is important to close windows so that outdoor moisture does not enter the room.

Remove House Decor

Start by placing all furniture and rugs outside to be dried by the sun. After the furniture has been removed, it is important to check the drywall around flooded areas. Drywall may need to be cut and tossed to prevent mildew and other bacteria from growing within the walls.

The source of the floodwaters, like river water, may contain sewage or other bacterial contents. Once damaged items have been removed, make sure to disinfect all surfaces with an anti-bacterial solution or with a bleach and water mix.

Sometimes the water damage to your home is overwhelming. Insulation damage behind the walls can lead to mildew and mold. Electrical wires connected to furnaces, water heaters, or gas valves may need to be replaced if not inspected properly. Call your local SERVPRO if you are in need of professional Inspection.

If you have mold or water damage, call SERVPRO at 610-546-2484 to schedule a cleanup.  Your SERVPRO professionals have the training, certifications, and equipment to remediate mold.

Why You Should Hire a Professional to Find Your Leaks

11/25/2020 (Permalink)

Whenever you have a problem with your home, the first impulse is usually to tackle the problem yourself. Sometimes this can be the right choice, and the problem’s easy enough to solve on your own. Other times it’s much safer and smarter to call in the pros from the beginning.

Tracking down tricky leaks is one of those times. Sure, some leaks are easy to track down, but water has a way of traveling odd paths. So once finding a leak gets tough, then it’s time to call in some help. And here’s why:

They Know Where to Look

Water can travel strange paths before it finally comes out into your home, and you might be surprised how far it can come. That discolored spot on your basement ceiling could actually be caused by a leak in your roof or your wall on the opposite side of the house.

Professionals have tracked down hundreds, even thousands of leaks over the years. That experience gives them a wide variety of usual suspects to check, and a good number of unusual ones, too.

They Know What to Look For

That slight, turquoise line along your copper pipe? That’s where water has run along the outside and caused the copper to oxidize. It’s a sure sign that a leak is sending water traveling on the wrong side of the pipes.

Pros know these and dozens of other signs. What looks like a bit of dirt to you might indicate a serious leak in your roof, foundation, or wall. Or it might just be some dirt. A professional will be able to know the difference for certain.

They’ve Got the Right Equipment

Most of us can only use our eyes or sense of touch to lead us to water, but not the professionals. They have a wide variety of specialized equipment that can sense moisture and humidity through walls or probe underground for water deposits using ground-penetrating radar.

This equipment can be expensive to buy and tricky to use. They have years of experience using the equipment, and know-how to put it to good use.

They Know How to Fix It

Once a professional has found the leak, they’ll know the best way to fix the leak, and will usually be able to take care of the work themselves. The truth is, any professional who comes to repair the leak will have to track it down anyway, even if you have a good idea where the leak is.

By using a professional in the first place, you remove that step from the process, saving you money and getting the leak repaired sooner.

Broken Pipe Season

11/6/2020 (Permalink)

It comes as no surprise that when the temperatures drop, your home or business can experience problems that come with the cold.  In this blog we want to outline 6 tips you can do to help lower your chances of coming home to a disaster!

Tip 1: Keep the Heat On!

This can be a make or break to coming home to a burst frozen pipe.  Many people look to escape the winter months and go on vacations to a warmer destination.  Be sure to keep your heat on when you're away!  It doesn't need to be as high as it usually is, as you don't want to waste a lot of electricity when you're not at your home, so around 50º-55º F should keep those pipes warm enough.

Tip 2: Allow Faucet(s) to Drip.

If you're worried a pipe might freeze, allow your faucets to slightly drip.  Allowing the faucet to be open like this will relieve pressure in the system. If a pipe freezes, it is actually the pressure that is created between the blockage and the faucet that will cause the pipe to burst. Allowing the faucet to be open will prevent this pressure from building up and thus, keep the pipe from bursting.

Tip 3: Keep Inside Doors and Cabinets Open

Pipes are often located in cabinets, like under your sink. When the temperatures drop, it is a good idea to keep these cabinet doors open so that the heat from the rest of the house can keep the pipes warm as well. You should also keep all interior doors open so that the heat can flow throughout the home.

Tip 4: Seal Cracks and Holes

You should caulk any holes or cracks that exist near pipes. This should be done on both interior and exterior walls. Doing so can help keep the cold air out and the warm air in.  If you don't consider yourself a caulking extraordinaire, give SERVPRO of Eastern Main Line/Bala Cynwyd a call as we also have a construction side of the business and will happily walk you through the process :)  

Tip 5: Apply Heating Tape

For pipes that are easily accessible, the electrical heating tape may be an option to keep them from freezing. This tape can be applied directly to the pipe.  There are two types of heating tape. One type of heating tape turns on and off by itself when it senses heat is needed. The other type of heating tape needs to be plugged in when heat is needed and unplugged when not in use.  Much like a space heater, these products can be dangerous, so you must follow the product’s direction and safety procedures exactly.

Tip 6: Add Extra Insulation

Pipes that are located in areas that do not have proper insulation, such as basements or attics, may need extra insulation to keep from freezing. Pipes in basements or attics are not the only ones that may not be properly insulated from the cold. If you have had a problem with pipes freezing anywhere in your home, extra insulation could be the cure.

Pipes can be fitted with foam rubber or fiberglass sleeves to help decrease the chances of freezing. This can be an easy solution for pipes that are exposed but can get expensive if walls, floors or ceilings have to be opened in order to properly insulate the pipe. Additional insulation can also be added to walls and ceilings to keep the pipes warm.

There is no full proof way to prevent all pipes from getting damaged during these cold winter months, but anything you can do in advance to help prevent a disaster will always be a good bet.  If you do experience any disasters this winter give us a call at (610) 667-9080, we're available 24/7!

Plan for Disaster NOW to Avoid Delays LATER!

11/6/2020 (Permalink)

As many as 50% of businesses may never recover following a disaster, according to the latest industry research. Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place. Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind. By developing a SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business.

Are You Ready? Preparation is a key component for making it through any size disaster, whether it’s a small water leak, a large fire or an area flood. The best time for planning for such events is not when the event happens, but well before it happens. No one ever plans on a disaster, but you can plan for it. Now is the time to ask yourself, “Are you ready for whatever could happen?” The SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile is a start up approach that provides the critical information needed to begin mitigation and recovery services. It is designed to serve as a quick reference of important building and contact information. By working with SERVPRO’s Emergency READY Profile, your business will receive the benefit of over 40 years of experience in reducing the impact of any natural or man-made disaster. SERVPRO® is a leader in water and fire damage response and can help you quickly get your property back in working order.

• A no cost assessment of your facility.
  This means there is no need to allocate funds, giving you a great value at no cost.
   
• A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency.
  It will only take a little time to complete and will not take you away from current projects. But it will save a lot of time if ever needed.
   
• A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.
  This can help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive by having an immediate plan of action.
   
• Establishes your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.
  You have a provider that is recognized as an industry leader and close by.
   
• Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin.
  This saves time so we can begin the work of mitigating the damage which can save you time and money.
   
• Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information.
  Having a quick reference of what to do, how to do it and who to call provides solutions in advance of an emergency so that during the emergency you are "Ready for whatever happens."

Weekend Weather in Philly

11/6/2020 (Permalink)

Getting around the Philadelphia region on Saturday afternoon may be slow thanks to a winter storm that will bring snow.

We've issued a First Alert from noon until 6 p.m. Saturday for Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania suburbs and the Lehigh Valley.

The storm will move in midday bringing light snow. The precipitation should pick up as the afternoon continues.

When the storm begins, the ground will be cold enough for the snow to stick. That could create trouble on the roads so drivers will want to take extra caution.

The storm center will sit well to the north so warm air will be dragged across the area by the late afternoon melting snow and turning the precipitation to rain.

Snow totals will likely be 1 inch or less for most of the affected area. Towns in the Lehigh Valley may see slightly higher accumulations.

By Sunday morning the area should dry out and stay cold in the mid-30s. Highs only hit the upper 20s next week.

Minimizing Downtime and Damage

3/21/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage can be a significant problem for a business owner. Unfortunately, many business owners don't know how to handle this type of property damage. However, learning more about the issue can empower you to take the steps necessary to get your commercial property back in pristine condition.

Water Damage Basics

Some of the possible causes of water damage:

Poor Ventilation

Leaking Pipes

Excessive Condensation

High Humidity

Damp Utility Closets

Roof Leaks

Damp Carpets

Flooding

Fire Sprinklers

Once a water damage has transpired on your property, you'll need to determine the following three things:
Where the water came from?
What is the extent of the damage?
How long has the devastation been in place?

Now it's time to get the right team.

When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. SERVPRO® of Overbrook/Wynnefield professionals respond immediately and use advanced equipment and techniques to remove the water quickly. They closely monitor and document the drying process to verify your property is dried properly and thoroughly.

Your commercial property’s appearance speaks volumes to your clients. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services, SERVPRO® professionals have the training and expertise to help make it “Like it never even happened.” With over 1,700 Franchises nationwide, there’s a SERVPRO® expert nearby and ready to serve you.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources
As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO® of Overbrook/Wynnefield is strategically located to respond quickly to your water emergency event. We have been serving the Bradenton community for over 25 years! Call us SERVPRO® of Overbrook/Wynnefield at 215-877-6653.

Tips To Reduce Water Damages

2/10/2020 (Permalink)

A water damage can be devastatingly stressful to a homeowner. You can feel helpless and overwhelmed. Although calling a professional is the first step we always recommend, there are some things you can do to help reduce the damage while you wait for professionals to arrive.

DO:

• Shut off the water source if possible
• Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the home or building
• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping or blotting with towels
• Remove lamps and other tabletop items and wipe wood furniture with a towel
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying
• Place foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet flooring
• Remove any paintings, electronics or anything else that is sensitive to moisture and put in a dry area of the house

Taking the above steps can really help decrease the amount of damage to your home after a water leak. There are also a few practices that you should avoid after a water damage, because they can cause more damage or harm to yourself or your family.

DON’T:

• Enter rooms with standing water where electric shock hazard may exist, such as when electric outlets, switches or circuit breakers are exposed to water 
• Leave books, newspapers or other colored items on wet carpet or furniture
• Leave wet oriental rugs or other colored rugs on carpeting
• Use household vacuum cleaner to remove water because risk of electric shock
• Use TV’s or other electrical appliances while standing on wet floor
• Turn on ceiling fan in rooms where the ceiling is wet
• Enter a room where ceiling is wet and sagging
• Spread contaminated water by walking unnecessarily throughout the house
• Use personal fans if the water in the home is contaminated

The most important “do” is to call a professional, trained water mitigation specialist such as SERVPRO of King of Prussia at 610-337-3330

Winterizing Your Home to Prevent Burst Pipes

11/22/2019 (Permalink)

Montgomery County is still facing months of cold weather, which means months of potential dangers to your home. Winter’s heavy precipitation, freezing temperatures, and high winds can cause a great deal of damage, but the most costly and time-consuming winter home damage often comes from burst pipes. Luckily, taking a few small steps to ‘winterize’ your property can prevent future problems. Until spring, follow these simple tips:

1. Keep cabinet doors open during the coldest days of the month to circulate warm air around the pipes. Of course, be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals to a secure spot out of the reach of children.
   
   
2. Leave the water on at a very slow trickle through faucets, especially from pipes lacking heat or insulation. The slow flow can often prevent water from freezing in place in the pipe.
   
   
3. If you have outdoor faucets, consider turning them off. Shutting off the valve in the basement, or crawl space will prevent water from freezing in outdoor exposed pipes. Make sure to completely drain outdoor faucets, as well.  
   
   
4. If you leave for vacation, set the temperature in your home no lower than 55° F. Leaving the heat on ensures that all pipes will remain warm during your time away.
   
   
5. If there are water lines in the garage, keep the garage door shut! Open garage doors allow drafts to potentially freeze exposed pipes.

In the coldest days of winter, be sure to regularly check your water pipes and faucets. The earlier water damage is discovered, the easier it is to clean and contain—water leaks left unchecked for as little as 48 hours can easily result in mold growth.

If you have mold or water damage, call SERVPRO at 610-546-2484 to schedule a cleanup.  Your SERVPRO of King of Prussia professionals have the training, certifications, and equipment to remediate mold.

Call today for a free estimate, and mention this post and get 10% off all your cleaning needs.

Water Damage my not look as big as it is

11/18/2019 (Permalink)

When you experience water damage your choice is simple.  You can call SERVPRO and pay a little now or you can try to clean it up yourself and risk making a more expensive call later.   While It may not look like much water, the cleanup can be way over your head.  Any water damage in your home is bad, but trying to clean it up yourself can be a disaster.  Especially when the water is from a toilet overflow, sewer backup or other dark water source that contains potentially harmful bacteria that can affect your health and the value of your property.  So before you risk your health or the value of your home by cleaning it up yourself, call us.  We are your local water damage cleanup and restoration experts.  We can be reached at 610-337-3330 or 215-576-8887 or at SERVPRO5038@yahoo.com.

SERVPRO Water Restoration "Like it never even happened."

11/18/2019 (Permalink)

At one of the local neighborhood homes, a family’s young son went downstairs to their finished basement to play only to notice water gushing from their ceiling. When his parents came down to see what was wrong, they discovered a saturated carpet and steady water drip. The source of the water flow was the kitchen sink, which was leaking water down through the floor into the basement each time the faucet was turned on.

The dripping, dirty water from the kitchen drain drenched and damaged the cabinets, sink, and hardwood floors upstairs. In the basement, all of the walls, the ceiling, and carpets had to be removed and replaced.

Once they determined the source of the water damage, the homeowners knew the experts at SERVPRO of King of Prussia were the ones to help! SERVPRO professionals visited their home the same day we received the call, promptly uncovered a cracked pipe as the culprit, and cleaned up the damage. We also eased the headache of dealing with the insurance company by helping to ensure all of the paperwork was properly completed.

Water issues vary for each scenario based on the type and extent of damage, but our aligned approach is consistent. For every water damage restoration project, SERVPRO of King of Prussia goes through a standard remediation process:

1. Emergency Contact
2. Inspection and Water Damage Assessment
3. Water Removal/Water Extraction
4. Drying and Dehumidification
5. Cleaning and Sanitizing
6. Restoration

If you have mold or water damage, call SERVPRO at 610-546-2484 to schedule a cleanup.  Your SERVPRO professionals of King of Prussia have the training, certifications, and equipment to remediate mold.

Flooded House

11/8/2019 (Permalink)

A water line caused this home to the floor.  this picture shows the mess left behind.  SERVPRO Of King of Prussia was called in to clean up the mess.  The customer was thrilled, she said "this basement has never been this clean.

How to keep your home from water damage this summer

11/8/2019 (Permalink)

A Gutter that hasn't been clean and will result in water damage

As we hit the midway point in the summer and the temperatures continue to rise, the experts at SERVPRO want to make sure your home stays dry all season long. With vacations, landscaping, and outdoor use at its height right now, it’s important to be aware of the ways you can leave yourself and your home vulnerable to water and flood damage. We’ve put together some exterior tips to help you keep your water where it’s supposed to be this summer, keeping you hydrated and cool!

Clean out your gutters. Cleaning the gutters is one of those seasonal chores that are always on the list, but none of us want to hop on that ladder and tackle all of the gunk that settles in there. It’s time to stop putting it off! Gutters need to be clean and clear of any debris need to be free of debris and in good condition. Be sure to also keep all downspouts within ten feet of the foundation of your home empty, and all trees trimmed. Clogged gutters can cause water to overflow into various spaces of your home, causing significant damage. So break out those ladders, and be sure to hire a professional if your gutters are too high to safely reach yourself.

Take care of your roof. Spot check your roof for any missing or damaged shingles. While you’re scoping that out, keep an eye on any water stains along the bottom of the roof, at the sheathing, truss, and rafters. You also want to make sure all insulation is in good shape by looking for any holes in the attic. Any of these issues could leave the roof of your house vulnerable to a leak, and we know how strong those summer thunderstorms can be, yikes!

Be careful with your landscaping. We all love to give our yards some extra time and attention in the summer, but be aware of the location of some of your landscaping. Stay away from any designs that require bedding material or mound soil to be set up against your home, and don’t ever stack piles of leaves or compost in a place that’s touching the foundation of your home. You also want to avoid those pretty yet pesky vines that climb up the walls of the house, because that can result in cracks later down the road.

Make sure your house is “vacation ready”. Summer wouldn’t be complete without that family getaway, but don’t forget to create a checklist for the home so it stays in great shape while you’re gone! In addition to locking all windows and doors, be sure to close up any vents and skylights to keep the elements out. If you have window air conditioning units, it’s best to turn them completely off, because too much condensation can build up in the drop pans during hot days, causing it to overflow if the pan isn’t emptied regularly.

If you apply these tips, the chances are higher you’ll have a dry home to enjoy all summer long. However, if your house suffers from water or flood damage this season, SERVPRO is here to help. Contact our water removal and cleanup specialists when flooding or water leaks cause water damage. SERVPRO will quickly dry your property using state-of-the-art water removal equipment and advanced drying techniques, documenting the drying process to make sure your property is dry and the job is done right.

If you have mold or water damage, call SERVPRO at 610-546-2484 to schedule a cleanup.  Your SERVPRO professionals of King of Prussia have the training, certifications, and equipment to remediate mold.

Call today for a free estimate, and mention this post and get 10% off all your cleaning needs.

Spring Showers Can Leave Lasting Damage!

11/8/2019 (Permalink)

Soaking up the sun in spring is ideal, however, April showers can leave you soaking up floodwaters instead. If you live in a high flood area, overwhelmed sewer drains can cause waters to rise around your property leading to potential water damage. Water damage is destructive and can leave lasting damage around your property. If you don’t act quickly, mold growth, rust build-up, and rotting wood may permanently damage your home. Here are a few tips on how to dry your home fast after it floods.

Electrical Safety First

Take precaution before entering areas of your home with significant amounts of water. Nearby electrical units, especially furnaces, can be dangerous and must be turned off immediately to avoid personal injury. Call the power company to disconnect electricity if needed.

Drying Up the Water

Once the floodwaters clear, dry your home as quickly as possible. Start by soaking up the water with towels, buckets, or a Shop-vac. Following this, use floor fans and open all doors and fans to improve air circulation in the house.

If needed, dehumidifiers are available to remove embedded moisture in wood floors and walls. In this case, it is important to close windows so that outdoor moisture does not enter the room.

Remove House Decor

Start by placing all furniture and rugs outside to be dried by the sun. After the furniture has been removed, it is important to check the drywall around flooded areas. Drywall may need to be cut and tossed to prevent mildew and other bacteria from growing within the walls.

The source of the floodwaters, like river water, may contain sewage or other bacterial contents. Once damaged items have been removed, make sure to disinfect all surfaces with an anti-bacterial solution or with a bleach and water mix.

Sometimes the water damage to your home is overwhelming. Insulation damage behind the walls can lead to mildew and mold. Electrical wires connected to furnaces, water heaters or gas valves may need to be replaced if not inspected properly. Call your local SERVPRO if you are in need of professional Inspection.

If you have mold or water damage, call SERVPRO at 610-546-2484 to schedule a cleanup.  Your SERVPRO of King of Prussia professionals have the training, certifications, and equipment to remediate mold.

Call today for a free estimate, and mention this post and get 10% off all your cleaning needs.