Recent Water Damage Posts
What to Do After Water Damage | SERVPRO of Cudahy/St. Francis
9/18/2023 (Permalink)
If you discover water damage in your home or business, call SERVPRO of Cudahy/St. Francis right away.
You probably don’t think about water on a daily basis, but it plays an ever-present role in our lives. When we use it our homes, it’s usually harnessed—you can turn it on and off with a turn of the faucet handle.
Sometimes, though, you can see the raw power it possesses. Think about the last time you saw the ocean, with the water ebbing and waning in sometimes impactful waves.
It can have that same effect in our homes when a water disaster occurs. You want water inside your faucets and in some appliances, but you don’t want it filling the basement due to a busted water heater, sneaking into your attic from a leaky roof or seeping through windows and doors during a heavy rain.
Do what you can to prevent these things from happening, but when water damage occurs, knowing what to do next is important. Keep reading.
The First StepsWhen water is where it shouldn’t be, the faster you can respond, the better your outcome will be. Your first step is to find the source of the water.
Find a way to cut it off or stop it up, and use the water shut-off valve when needed. Since water coming in contact with electricity can be dangerous, you’ll also want to cut off electrical outlets in the area. Avoid walking around in puddles of water since you don’t know what might be lurking.
Your next step? Call SERVPRO® for the fast response you need to handle water damage.
Understanding Our Water Damage Restoration ProcessWhen you’re affected by water damage, minutes matter. Because we know that, our response is prompt. Once you call us, we’ll jump into action by first asking you a series of questions to gather facts about what’s needed.
We will ask that you snap a few photos of the damage. Those photos will capture the extent of the damage to your house and property, which will be helpful when we work with your insurance provider.
From there, we’ll get started. Our team of water damage restoration experts will use industry-leading drying equipment to get out every trace of water, even those that can’t be seen by the naked eye. We will also focus on removing and drying out soft materials and your personal belongings.
Whether your water damage incident was small, like a kitchen sink leak, or big, like a water heater explosion, we have the skills and expertise needed to completely restore your house to preloss condition. If you have more than an inch of water in your house, it’s important to call in the experts to complete the job professionally.
Do you have water damage in your home? Call us for fast and complete restoration.
What to Do When Rain Lands Where It Shouldn’t | SERVPRO of Cudahy/St. Francis
9/18/2023 (Permalink)
Water damage in your home? Not for long with SERVPRO of Cudahy/St. Francis on the case!
Rain can be beautiful and productive, helping flowers and gardens flourish and grow. It’s a great way to give a community a refresh!
However, not all rain is calm and idyllic. A heavy rainfall can bring strong winds, hail, and other disruptive forces to a community. If our homes aren’t fortified and prepared for the strength of a storm, rain can even lead to roof leaks.
Luckily, our SERVPRO® of Cudahy/St. Francis team is here to assist you in staying as safe as you can be during a big storm. Here are some of our top tips for getting ready and seeking shelter during storms:
What to Know About Intense Rain Fast and hard rain can result in flash flooding, which is when rivers overflow and roads can’t drain speedily enough. Flash flooding can lead to a host of other problems as ell, including landslides that affect trees, plants, cars, houses, and the ground.
It can be especially problematic for older areas with less drainage options, such as the Historic Third Ward. Flash flooding is also more likely in places with water close by, like the Riverwalk.
While we can’t take action to prevent all flash floods from occurring, we can know what to do if and when they arrive. Keep in touch with local authorities, and take action as soon as you know a flash flood alert is in place in your area.
Staying PreparedPreparing your home and family is always the most important step to take. If you’re caught outside during a flash flood, head home right away if possible and avoid any low ground, drainage ditches or roads that have a history of flooding.
If you have time, you can move anything indoors that you wouldn’t want swept away. This might mean pulling your car into the garage or moving deck furniture inside temporarily.
When it comes to your home interior, move any valuables or sentimental objects off the first story of your house. Consider turning off the electricity on the first floor, as well. Above all else, remember to stay calm and stay above the water line. Take special care moving through your home once the flood ends and avoid walking through any standing water. Now it’s time to give us a call to get your restoration underway!
Prepping for the FutureNo one can prevent weather scenarios, even with the most careful preparation! What we can do, however, is learn from our experiences.
After a flooding incident, think about the steps you can take to proof your property against future incidents. For example, you could consider getting your lawn professionally graded to help water flow away from your foundation.
You can also consider getting a sump pump, which is hugely beneficial during storms. Sump pumps remove water from your foundation and stops it from affecting other areas of your home, like your walls and roof.
Don’t forget that we’re your resource in any kind of disaster! Whether you need help recovering from a storm or flood, our water damage restoration specialists can dry out your space, repair any damage and fortify your home against mold growth.
We are ready to help with all of your water disasters. Contact us to schedule water damage restoration services today.
Keep an Eye Out for Sneaky Water Damage | SERVPRO® of Cudahy/St. Francis
5/9/2023 (Permalink)
Think you may have water damage in your home? Here are some tips from SERVPRO of Cudahy/St. Francis to find the source.
Water damage possesses many reckless qualities, like its ability to quickly worsen and create widespread problems. Besides these troublesome traits, water damage also has a knack of staying hidden until it reveals itself in the form of mold, leaks and major damage.
Knowing where water damage is most likely to keep well-hidden will allow you to catch issues like these before they get out of hand. There are plenty of areas in your home that you can watch out for to ensure water damage doesn’t progress before you can jump in and prevent chaos.
As you work to prevent sneaky water damage, be wary of these spots in your Milwaukee home:
Your roof. Water damage that occurs on your roof can be hard to spot for a few reasons, the first being that you probably don’t like to climb up there very often!
Water damage can also progress very slowly over time on your roof, so you might catch something like a small leak and think nothing of it, only for it to turn into a major issue as the hidden leak goes untreated.
Water damage that starts on the roof can also drip down into your attic, causing another concealed concern. Hidden leaks and excess moisture combined with a dark and humid environment make your roof and attic the perfect breeding grounds for mold growth.
In your bathroom. The bathroom is unsurprisingly a common spot that water damage likes to hide. With so many appliances using so much water in the bathroom, it’s easy for water issues like leaks to go undetected.
Check under your sink for puddled water and your faucet for any dripping water. Your bathtub and toilet could give off similar signs, like water building at the base, an increase in bathroom moisture and a slow drain.
These bathroom issues might seem obvious, but they can be hard to find without regular inspection! Be sure to inspect your plumbing on the regular so you can prevent water damage before it worsens.
Other appliances. Just like your bathroom fixtures, there are many other appliances around your Milwaukee home that can conceal water damage. These areas can be particularly hard to catch since water can sneak under the base or along the wall behind your appliances.
It can be hard to check for water damage around your appliances without moving them completely out of the way first.
It can also be helpful to do a quick check for hidden damage after any time you use your appliances. Be sure to replace your dated appliances as often as possible, too, since this can help you prevent issues in the first place.
Dealing with a water emergency? Our SERVPRO specialists can be on the scene of the disaster ASAP to restore your water-damaged home!
Our In-Depth Water Damage Restoration Process | SERVPRO® of Cudahy/St. Francis
1/22/2022 (Permalink)
When water damage strikes, make the call to SERVPRO of Cudahy/St. Francis for A-to-Z cleanup and restoration.
Each day, an unbelievable 14,000 Americans are hit with a water damage incident. If you happen to be one of today’s soggy lot, or you become one in the future, know that SERVPRO has your back when it comes to water removal, cleanup and restoration.
Here’s the in-depth process that happens when you call SERVPRO with a water disaster.
Emergency Contact. First contact will include some questions from our team, to give us a clear picture of your emergency. Then we’ll quickly set up and appointment to get someone on site to survey the damage in person.
Inspection and Water Damage Assessment. If water is still flowing, the first order of business will be to get that stopped. Then we can properly assess the damage, and warn you of any potential hazards it may have created. Once that’s done, we’ll come up with a plan for restoration, and determine what needs replacement.
Water Removal. No matter how much water is on site, we’ve got the tools to get rid of it. ?You’ll be amazed at the hundreds, maybe thousands, of gallons of water that will be removed by our industrial vacuums and pumps. We’ll do whatever it takes to get your home dry.
Damaged Material Removal. Some items may not be salvageable, and this will be the time for us to quickly remove those, to rid your home of hazards and aid in the drying process of the remaining items that are to be restored.
Cleaning, Sanitizing and Deodorization. Water damage can leave a real mess, and we’ll quickly get to work on cleanup duty. We’ve spent more than 50 years adopting and developing techniques to restore your home to its preloss state, and we’ll use as many as necessary.
Drying. Water removal is only the start. There’s a thorough drying coming to your carpets and other surfaces to remove all the excess moisture and prevent the growth of mold.
Monitoring. We’ll be watching over every step, to ensure maximum effectiveness and efficiency, and make any needed changes to equipment or methodology for your specific situation.
Repairs and Construction. Once everything is completely dry, we can go about the work of repairing damaged surfaces, walls, floors and more, and we can rebuild any areas that have been damaged to the point of replacement. From drywall to complete rebuilds, we’ve got you covered in every soggy situation.
Whatever the cause, and however deep the damage, SERVPRO is here to get you back in the dry after a water incident.
When water damage strikes, make the call to SERVPRO for A-to-Z cleanup and restoration. We’ll make your damaged property look “Like it never even happened."
Common Culprits of Home Water Damage | SERVPRO® of Cudahy/St. Francis
9/7/2021 (Permalink)
A water leak can turn into a big problem. Contact the SERVPRO of Cudahy/St. Francis team if you are dealing with any water damage.
We’re willing to bet you didn’t wake up this morning, fingers crossed, hoping to deal with a big water leak somewhere at home. Of course you didn’t. No one does.
But perhaps you woke up with wet carpet or a damp ceiling anyway, and we’re sorry about that.
Water is always in exploration mode, looking for new places to conquer, so it’s helpful to know some of the usual places you may want to look to find the source of a leak.
Toilets. Toilets are used constantly, especially in family homes, and everything from a worn flapper to condensation on the bowl can cause water to end up where it’s not supposed to be.
Appliances. Any appliance that uses water is a suspect for leaks, given the time and opportunity. Refrigerators leak from supply lines, washing machines leak from drain pipes, and oh yeah, sometimes water heaters literally explode.
Clogged gutters. Cleaning the gutters is a wearisome but essential task for homeowners to do a couple times a year. Otherwise, fallen leaves, debris and dirt get compacted over time, building a dam that sends water up in your roof and into your walls instead of down the spout.
Roof damage. After any major storm, you should inspect your roof for damage. You may be able to tell certain kinds of damage from the ground. You should always keep the age and condition of your roof in mind, as shingles are prone to breaking and bowing over time.
Pipes. Rusted or disjointed pipes are heavily suspect, and outdoors you may even have to contend with tree roots growing into a crack in outdoor lines, any of which can cause a big, wet mess at home.
Blocked garbage disposals or other pipes. Coffee grounds, paint or even onion skins can gunk up your garbage disposal and cause blockages or backups. And the plunging you may have to do to unstop the blockage could very well cause your p-trap to burst, spilling water and bits of food everywhere (it’s best not to even think about it).
All our modern conveniences have lifespans, even the best-made ones. But a little care and periodic inspection can make all the difference when it comes to stopping leaks before they get a chance to start.
If a water leak erupts into a big problem at home, you’ve got the best team in the business on your side. Contact SERVPRO today so we can get started.
The Top Signs of Water Damage in a Basement | SERVPRO® of Cudahy/St. Francis
5/28/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Cudahy/St. Francis is a restoration company. Our restoration experts are on call and ready to help you determine the best course of action.
A home’s basement is a great asset to the overall square footage and value of the space. An unfinished basement is a fantastic spot for storage, and a finished basement can even provide you with extra living spaces as well. Additionally, basements are a great storm shelter in the event of inclement weather.
All of these things are great, but unfortunately, there can be a downside to basements, too—namely, their predisposition for water damage. While many basements never have water damage over their lifetime, many basements will.
If you have a basement, it is vital to know the signs of water damage so you know what to look out for. If you ever suspect water damage in your basement, you can always get in touch with us right away.
Indicators That a Basement Has Water Damage
Unpleasant, musky odors. The water that gets into the basement could very well be clean water, but after it marinates and then evaporates, the scent can turn pungent and unpleasant. Many people have the misconception that all basements smell musty, but this really should not be the case. This smell will only arise when mold and mildew are present in the environment, and while these are often hard to see, they are easy to smell.
Flaking paint on masonry or walls. There is a common misconception that painting a water-damaged area will help “seal the water in,” but unfortunately, this is not the case. While paint can mask water damage for a time, it does little more than cover up the issue. Eventually, paint will begin to flake, bubble, crack or peel as evidence of the water damage that is actively occurring underneath.
Foundational cracks. It is normal for homes to shift and settle over the years, but serious cracks in the foundation can be a sign that there is water damage. Floors, ceiling and walls are all susceptible to cracking due to water damage. Hairline cracks are often nothing to be concerned with, but if cracks become any larger, you should look into the cause right away.
If you notice any of these signs in your basement, let us take a look. Our expert water restoration technicians can help you determine what is causing these issues and how to treat it properly. Contact us today to learn more.
We Focus on Restoration, Not Replacement | SERVPRO® of Cudahy / St. Francis
11/5/2020 (Permalink)
Have you sustained property damage and feeling overwhelmed? We are here to help, contact SERVPRO of Cudahy / St. Francis
We Focus on Restoration, Not Replacement | SERVPRO® of North Kenosha County
When an emergency or disaster strikes, the safety of your family is the top concern—but the safety of your home is a close second. Enduring a disaster such as a fire can be difficult to recover from, and working toward recovery can be a long-term process for you and your family members.
When you are ready to begin the recovery process, calling us for restoration can make it much easier. We are committed to a restoration-first mindset, meaning we will save all of your items we are able to instead of recommending costly and impractical replacements. Our main goal is to save you time and money while restoring your home to its pre-damaged condition so you can begin to heal.
We Are Committed to a Restoration-First Mindset
We can help you save money on your insurance. Depending on your insurance policy, many types of household losses can be claimed after a disaster—but they can often be quite expensive, which can result in higher premiums. By focusing on restoration of your home and belongings, we can reduce the overall cost of restoration, thus reducing the amount you have to file with insurance.
We can protect your sentimental items. When you have to quickly leave the home to preserve your family’s safety, there are many irreplaceable items that must be left behind in the process. Photographs, heirlooms and other sentimental objects could never be bought in a store, and while you may assume these items may be totally lost, our high-tech restoration equipment allows us to save many objects that have become damaged.
We make sure your home feels like home again. Returning home after restoration can be an emotional and nerve-wracking time, but when you trust us with your restoration, you can be certain you will be walking back into your home. We focus on restoring everything we can, from the paint color to the floorboards, to make sure you feel at home as soon as you walk in the door.
If you have damages and are feeling overwhelmed, we are here to help. You can call us as soon as you need to in order to begin the restoration process.
Broken pipes – Causes and ways to prevent them
11/12/2019 (Permalink)
If you have a burst pipe in your home or business, call SERVPRO of Cudahy/St. Francis. We are Here to help.
While we’re pretty sure it’s only November, the temperatures outside say otherwise. As our wind chills dip below zero, what comes to mind is how to protect our homes and businesses from those frigid temperatures.
When you have pipes in your home or business that are exposed to the cold temperatures, the water in them can freeze. When water freezes it expands, which causes wear and tear to your pipes over time. When the water thaws and full pressure is applied, that is what causes the pipe to burst. Water damage from a burst pipe can cause significant damage to your home or business. There are some things we can do as homeowners and business owners to protect our pipes that are most vulnerable to cold temperatures.
- Keep your heat on
- While this may seem pretty obvious, make sure your heat is set to at least 50 degrees. A lot of homes suffer this type of water damage when they are away for a long period of time. Also, it’s a good idea to have a friend or family member check on your home periodically while you are away.
- Allow your faucet to drip
- If temperatures have plummeted and you are concerned about a pipe freezing, let the faucet drip slightly as that will relieve pressure from the pipe.
- Keep interior doors open
- -If you have concerns that the pipes under your sink could be exposed to the cold temperatures, open your cabinet doors to allow the heat in your home to get to them easier and keep them warm.
- Seal up cracks and holes
- If you have any gaps or holes around pipes where they run through walls or floors, seal those gaps with caulk or spray foam insulation.
- Add insulation if needed, especially in basements or attics.
If you have a pipe burst in your home, know where your water shutoff is and turn it off as soon as possible to prevent additional damage. Give SERVPRO of Cudahy/St. Francis right away so we can get out to your home or business sooner than later so we can get the water cleaned up. Also, give your insurance agent a call and notify them of the damage and find out whether your policy covers the damage. We work with several insurance companies, agents and adjusters so we can help communicate between all parties involved. We will get your home or business back up and running “Like it never even happened.”
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