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Water Damage Locations Around Your Home | SERVPRO® of Allen
5/9/2023 (Permalink)
Think you may have water damage in your home? Here are some tips from SERVPRO of Allen to find the source.
Water damage can occur virtually anywhere in your home. Leaks, accidents or natural disasters have the ability to soak through walls and floors with ease. The unfortunate thing about water damage is that it often starts quietly and can cause widespread damage before it is even discovered.
In order to prevent these types of situations from occurring, it is important to understand the most common areas for water damage to occur in your Allen area home.
Check out our latest blog below so you can keep your home as dry and comfortable as possible.
Your roof. As our roofs protect us from the elements and help keep us warm, they can suffer wear and tear over the years. Small gaps or leaks can often lead to bigger problems, or a singular weather event could cause extensive damage to your roof.
Since we don’t often get up onto our roofs, these types of situations can go unnoticed and the water can continue to leak into our homes.
Once it starts to drip down your walls, it can seep into floors and can soak through your insulation. It can be hard to completely dry out the spaces behind your walls, which can lead to mold growth and eventually an infestation.
In your bathroom. No matter if you have a big family or you live alone, your bathroom is one of the most used rooms in your house. Since water is constantly running through the taps in this space, water damage is a constant threat.
The best way to catch any issues is to investigate signs right away. A dripping water line or a puddle under your sink should alert you to discover the cause. It is also important to help control the humidity and moisture levels in your bathroom.
Even though these tasks may seem obvious to do, they can go a long way to preventing troublesome water damage. Just be proactive and inspect your plumbing on the regular.
Other appliances. Another common location for water damage is anywhere near your appliances. Dishwashers, fridges with ice machines and washing machines all use water in order to function, so they could malfunction at any time. If you notice any new water spots or unexplained moisture near your appliances, check it out right away.
It might be harder to discover a water leak beneath or behind your appliances since they are so bulky and hard to move, but pull them away from the wall when you can to do a thorough check.
Another important homeowner tip that our SERVPRO of Allen team suggests is to replace outdated appliances regularly. Older or worn-out appliances have the ability to leak or malfunction more regularly than newer technology, so do your family a favor and keep only the best equipment in your home.
Dealing with a water emergency? Our SERVPRO specialists can be on the scene of the disaster ASAP to restore your water-damaged home!
Our Team Has the Training You Can Rely On | SERVPRO® of Allen
5/4/2023 (Permalink)
Is your home or business in need of restoration? SERVPRO of Allen is ready to help you recover.around the clock.
As homeowners, every decision you make for your home is important! While not all decisions have a major impact on your livelihood, they help make your house a home. When it comes to choosing who to trust to restore your damaged home after a disaster, the decision can be critical to your outcome.
If you were to experience a house fire or water damage in your ceiling after a burst pipe, would you want a highly trained and efficient team to handle your situation? Or would you be OK settling for a provider with fewer qualifications and less experience?
When you let SERVPRO of Allen handle your restoration, you know you are in good hands. We take the time to be properly trained on the most advanced restoration techniques, and we ensure our team has the certifications they need to make sure all procedures and policies are followed.
We Partake in Industry Training
We want to make sure we follow all required standards when it comes to cleaning and restoration. That’s why our team follows the IICRC standards and takes courses geared toward the work that we do. These courses we follow include topics like:
- water damage restoration
- fire damage restoration
- mold remediation
- carpet and upholstery and cleaning
We don’t stop there! We also offer Employee Certification Training to all of our technicians to make sure they have the knowledge and resource base they need to succeed. This training can be done at each individual’s pace, allowing our team the time they need to fully understand the processes and procedures.
Additional Learning Opportunities
Once our employees are trained and onboarded with our team, that doesn’t mean the learning has to stop. They all have access to continuing education classes and e-learning courses to help expand their knowledge base and stay informed on current best practices.
Our ultimate goal is to ensure everyone has the tools they need to help our community overcome any type of home damage. We can thank a lot of our training for our success in doing so!
Having the most up-to-date information and industry procedures allows us to change our processes to provide you with the most thorough restoration possible. Technology is changing all of the time, so we want to make sure we have the right materials and equipment to help you overcome your situation.
Why This Is Important for Customers
Having a company that you can rely on is crucial! Our training and certifications ensure that your restoration project is completed to the highest standards, and we guarantee your satisfaction when we are through.
Other companies may restore your home, but could overlook a hidden water leak or leave behind a lingering odor. Not with SERVPRO of Allen! We will take care of you and leave your home just the way it was before the damage occurred.
When you need help recovering from a disaster, SERVPRO is here for you. Get in touch 24/7 to start your disaster recovery.
Spring Is on the Way! Is Your Home Ready for the Rain? | SERVPRO® of Allen
3/24/2023 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Allen team is always here for you, if you experience any storm damage call us right away.
Spring is coming fast, and we are definitely looking forward to the return of those warm Texas days that we love so much. While you are busy with your spring-cleaning and getting ready for a spring and summer of fun, it is important to get your house ready for the change in weather as well.
Spring brings warm temperatures, but it also brings back our heightened risk of storms, heavy rain and tornadoes.
We want to help you keep any rain out of your home and help protect your home against storm damage! Taking the time to prepare your home and address any issues or damage now can help keep you safe when the first spring storm comes to town.
Clean Up Your PropertyThe winter season brought all kinds of things to us this year! Severe storms, wind, rain and even that crazy ice storm made our winter season very memorable. Because of all of this weather, it is important that you check your gutters to remove blockages or debris buildup. If your gutter system can’t function normally, any rain we get will have nowhere to go and will pool on your roof and leak into your attic.
It is also important to clear off any vents that are on the outside of your property. Any sort of debris blockages can make it hard for your appliances and HVAC system to work properly, which can cause malfunctions and even be dangerous to your family’s health. Focus on areas like your furnace and dryer vents.
With the dip in temperatures that we saw in late January, it is possible that your outdoor water lines froze. If you have any leaks or visible cracks along your outdoor water lines or water faucets, address the issue right away and repair the crack to prevent a larger water disaster from occurring.
Fixing What You FindHome maintenance can sometimes be forgotten or overlooked during the winter season. If you don’t spend as much time outside, it can be harder to notice damage if you aren’t looking for it! Now is a great time to inspect your your roof and siding to catch any issues before the first storm comes.
A single missing shingle or broken siding panel can introduce water into your walls that can spread quickly. The earlier you catch the damage, the greater chance you have of preventing a larger water leak or disaster.
Preparing for StormsNow it’s time to turn your attention inside your home! If you have a sump pump, make sure that it is working or have a professional come out to do an annual inspection on it. When the first spring rain storm comes through, you want your sump pump to be in top working condition to avoid a flooded basement.
Update your storm safety plan, clear out your safe shelter location, and repack your emergency kit. If you had used anything in it over the winter season, it is important that you replace what you took out. Also, throw in a couple extra fresh batteries, just in case. Finally, make sure you have multiple reliable ways of receiving weather alerts and update any contact information for your family and friends.
If your home still suffers water or storm damage this spring, don’t hesitate to give us a call. The team at SERVPRO of Allen is trained to handle any sort of home damage that you have. We will work hard to help restore your home quickly so you can get back to your regular life fast.
Got water damage? We are here to help 24⁄7 and can restore your home quickly.
Keep Water Damage Away From Your Commercial Property | SERVPRO® of Allen
3/24/2023 (Permalink)
Experienced water damage in your commercial building? SERVPRO of Allen can help you get dried out quickly.
Water is a common cause of commercial property damage. If you are a business owner, you know all too well what even a little water where it shouldn’t be could do to your property! Water damage can be costly to recover from, so it is important to investigate issues quickly to prevent a large-scale disaster.
The more you know about where common water issues begin, the better you can be at protecting your business and employees from an extended closure.
<h3common-areas-for-water-problems">Three Common Areas for Water Problems
You never want to close your business unnecessarily! Stay in control of your business operations by understanding the areas of your business that are prone to water damage. Have your maintenance crew check these spaces often to catch a problem as it emerges.
1. The roof. Roof leaks can happen slowly over time, or they can occur all at once due to something like a fallen tree or flying debris. If water gets into your attic, it can slowly leak down your walls and infiltrate your entire building. Have someone regularly get on your roof to look for damage, especially after a strong storm or windy day.
2. Bathrooms. Our toilets and sinks utilize water every day, so it is no surprise that a large amount of water troubles start here! In fact, commercial bathroom issues account for nearly 15% of water loss troubles in businesses across the country. If you have many bathrooms or a large building, have someone prioritize checking your pipes and fixtures at least once a month to catch any issues.
3. Water heaters/HVAC/boilers. Our utility rooms are responsible for all of the behind the scenes work for your business! These appliances keep your air comfortable and water warm, so taking care of them is crucial. If you notice any loose pipe fittings, clogged drains or mysterious puddles on the floor, investigate right away. A faulty appliance could lead to a widespread water disaster.
<h3steps-to-take">Action Steps to Take
Take matters into your own hands to stop these water disasters from occurring. Barring natural disaster or severe storms, many different water damage scenarios are actually preventable if you prioritize routine maintenance and inspections.
The first thing you should do is create a maintenance plan that outlines all of the work that needs to be done in your building. This can ensure every pipe and plumbing system is maintained and fixed as needed.
Another great way to support your business is to create an Emergency Ready Plan with your friends at SERVPRO of Allen! We can help create an outline for what to do following a disaster, making the whole concept feel a little less overwhelming.
We know you care about your business, and we do, too! In addition to being proactive and understanding what areas of your building to prioritize, know that we are always here for you. If you suffer a water disaster or even just a small amount of damage, our team will be there right away to help you fully recover.
Experienced water damage in your commercial building? Contact us to get dried out quickly.
Protect Your Home From Fire This Season | SERVPRO® of Allen
11/11/2022 (Permalink)
Should a fire issue pop-up during this holiday season, SERVPRO of Allen will be on call ready to assist.
The holiday season is here! Cozy homes full of glowing lights, fresh pies and cookies, and our closest friends and family make this time of year so wonderful. Unfortunately, though, the coziness of this season actually leads to more home fires than any other time of year.
While you are busy writing out your letter to Santa or prepping for your first-ever Turkey Trot, it is important to remember proper safety practices when decorating and celebrating around the Allen area.
Fire risk is all around us during this wonderful time of year, so staying safe should be in the forefront of your mind as you plan for the holidays ahead.
Seasonal Hazards to Watch For
House fires due to decoration accidents are actually quite common. In fact, about 790 structural fires each year are due to decoration mishaps. Don’t let your beautiful home fall victim to a preventable accident!
If you hang stockings or garland, be careful to avoid any source of heat like space heaters or fireplaces. The consistent heat and flame can start a fire or melt your decorations.
If a real tree is your family tradition, have a responsible person in your home water it daily and sweep or vacuum up any dead needles on the ground around it. Your tree’s lights and other lighted decorations should also be unplugged each night before you head to bed.
Steps to Take
While classic decorations like hanging your stockings over the chimney are common and super cozy, they can actually be a fire hazard if you are not cautious. Try not to let them hang too close to the flames or choose a spot nearby instead.
Also be careful about your candle use! Candles start about 20 home fires every day in the United States, so it is especially important to only burn a candle while you are home and in the room. They should also only be lit in an area out of reach of children and pets.
Outdoor lights and decorations are also a great way to celebrate the holiday season! However, before you set up anything outside, make sure it is tagged for outdoor use and can withstand the elements. Don’t pierce any cords while hanging up your decorations, and avoid hanging anything right over a brush pile or wood.
Once you are finished decorating safely, make sure that your smoke detectors have fresh batteries and are working properly! Review your safety plan with your family and make sure your children know how to get out of your home quickly.
Finally, keep us in mind if you do end up suffering fire damage. Your SERVPRO of Allen team is ready to help should you need us this holiday season.
Have smoke or fire damage in your house? Contact us today to get cleaned up fast.
Copyright © 2022 SERVPRO of Allen
Do You Have a Storm Safety Plan? | SERVPRO® of Allen
5/20/2022 (Permalink)
If you discover storm damage to your home or business, reach out to SERVPRO of Allen Heights right away.
The spring and summer seasons bring warm and sunny skies, but they also bring thunderstorms and severe weather! Seasonal thunderstorms can quickly turn severe when the unstable air produces heavy rain, damaging winds and tornadoes.
Plus, considering that there are around 100,000 thunderstorms throughout the United States every year, these severe weather events happen often in northern Texas, especially when we have one of the highest rates of confirmed tornadoes in the country.
We are off to a quick start this season so far in north Texas in terms of severe weather. We have had 17 reported tornadoes so far this year when our average for a typical storm season is 23. With the way that this storm season has begun here in Allen, being prepared will only help keep your family safe.
While we know that we cannot dictate the weather, we can do our best to be prepared for it when it occurs. By doing small things like building an emergency kit, developing a communications strategy and having a plan for how to deal with post-storm damages, you can be prepared to conquer severe weather and reduce the impact it can have on your home.
Your Severe Weather Communication Strategy
The first thing you need to do when bad weather is in the forecast is to come up with a communication plan with your household members. You also need to be able to receive communications and instructions from your local news and authorities.
It is important to know the difference between watches and warnings so you can understand when to stay vigilant and when to move inside and locate your safe area.
You must also have a reliable way to ** receive alerts** from officials, such as your cell phone or an NOAA weather radio.
Finally, having a storm strategy for your household is incredibly important in order to keep your family safe. Have a safe area in your home that everyone is aware of and is instructed to get to in the event of bad weather, and have a way to communicate with family members that are not home when the storm rolls through. That way everyone knows when and how to check in and mark themselves as safe, regardless of where they are.
Packing Your Severe Weather Emergency Kit
Your emergency kit should be packed with the basics that your family members need to comfortably live for at least 72 hours of sheltering in your safe area. That should include non-perishable food, water, flashlights and extra batteries, and a full first-aid kit. This kit should always be stocked and ready to use in your designated safe area location.
Your “After the Storm” Checklist
After the storm has passed, you should always do a recap of your safety plan and then check your property for storm damage. Once it is safe to do so, check your property for damage.
Make sure that your roof, doors and windows are your priority after any storm, as these areas are the ones that are susceptible to water damage most easily.
If you do find damage in your home, know that SERVPRO of Allen will be there to fix your problem. We provide quick responses from our trained technicians, and we have a passion for what we do.
When the storm is over and your household members have all been marked as safe, you should do one final audit of your safety plan. Gather feedback about what worked and what needed improvement, and make any necessary adjustments so that you are ready and more prepared for the next storm.
If you discover storm damage to your home or business, you can count on SERVPRO to handle the restoration. We’re here 24⁄7 to spring into action—get in touch with us today.
The Restoration Experts You Can Trust | SERVPRO® of Allen
4/21/2022 (Permalink)
No matter the damage sustained, SERVPRO Allen has the tools and team to help your home return to a normal state quickly.
Water Damage
Flash flooding happens in the blink of an eye. Whether it be an inch or a foot of water, any water damage at all can produce a serious impact. In fact, floods cause more than $10 billion in damages nationwide every year.
If you own your own home or are a business owner, unexpected flooding problems can cause major headaches to your family and your business. Thankfully, SERVPRO has the tools you need to tackle the damages and help you get back on track. We will help you understand the extent of the damage so you are able to take the proper steps towards full restoration.
We have the skills and tools to detect moisture and dry up standing water quickly. We also can assist you in developing a water damage restoration plan to ensure your home stays clean, dry and is restored to its preloss condition.
Fire Damage
A fire department in the United States responds to a fire every 23 seconds, and there was roughly $8.1 billion in direct property damage and losses nationwide in 2020.
If your home or business has sustained fire damage, we’ll jump right into action with our seven-step restoration process.
This process is a very thorough, step-by-step procedure to make sure we assess and understand the extent of the damage to help return your space back to its original condition.
Storm Damage
Storms can wreak havoc on our homes, especially when you aren’t expecting the severity or location of the damage. Our goal is to always be there for you and to help you bring your home back to its pre-storm condition as soon as possible.
With tornado season looming here in Texas, it is more important than ever to have a plan in place in case of a weather emergency. If a major storm hits Allen and overwhelms local resources, we have access to equipment and other materials from our other 1,950 locations to ensure a quick and reliable response to your needs.
Storm and water damage can damage the structure of your home, but storms can also damage personal belongings and possessions. SERVPRO specializes in content restoration, with the mindset of restoring rather than replacing. Your family heirlooms and fine furniture are important to us as well!
What Sets SERVPRO Apart?
We are here when you need us and are waiting patiently for your call. You can reach out to a SERVPRO expert via our 24⁄7 Emergency Line day or night and receive immediate assistance.
Our experts in the big green trucks are part of the No. 1 cleanup and restoration team in the nation with more than 50 years experience. We’re locally owned and operated, but we’re also backed by a network of more than 1,900 locations around the United States. You can count on us to have your home or business back to "Like it never even happened." status as quickly as possible.
Regardless of the type of damage sustained, SERVPRO has the tools and teams to help your home or business recover from its disastrous effects. Contact us anytime when you need a dependable team to help you rebuild your life.
A Partner Your Business Can Trust | SERVPRO® of Allen
3/28/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Allen are your local commercial restoration experts. Contact us today should you experience any damage.
Owning a business means that each day there will be new challenges, exciting opportunities and on occasion, there could be accidents or disasters. All these challenges fall on you, and you need to be prepared. As you know, any type of disaster or accident can become a devastating loss.
You can rest assured that with SERVPRO of Allen right here to help you, you will be better prepared for any of these events. We will work with you to restore your business or help you get it clean. We strive to see our community grow and thrive, so we have a vested interest in helping take care of your business.
Large loss recovery. Fires, storms and flooding are the top causes of financial loss for U.S. businesses. These things can cause much damage, especially if action isn’t taken quickly. You should know that when you call SERVPRO, we will handle the situation promptly and thoroughly.
Emergency Ready Plan. Recovery can start before a disaster strikes, as long as your business is prepared. We can work to help you establish an emergency plan, so that when the time comes, you can roll it out with ease. This plan should outline basics such as an emergency chain of command, alternative work sites and temporary vendors, along with so much more!
Cleaning of All Kinds. We can handle specialty cleaning needs such as trauma site cleanup and biohazard removal, along with more general cleaning needs such as carpet and upholstery cleaning. We have a solution for mess you may encounter
Restoration Services. There are things that happen in life that are beyond our control sometimes! Storms can flood your office, an electrical fire could break out in the kitchen or an appliance hose may leak. Regardless of the incident that happens, you will need to have your business restored and cleaned. You can trust SERVPRO of Allen to get it done.
Industry Specialization. We have spent decades learning the ins and outs of commercial enterprises so that we can provide business owners with the best service. Whatever specific needs you might have for your company, we can tackle the cleaning and restoration. We will also do our best to enclose our work area so that you can continue business as normal.
Spring Showers and Other Weather Hazards | SERVPRO® of Allen
3/28/2022 (Permalink)
Extreme temperature changes can lead to the possibility of severe weather. SERVPRO of Allen is a click away if you experience any damage.
We live in the one of the largest nations in the world. When you have such a large area, “seasonal weather” can mean a multitude of things. With everything so spread out, it means that certain areas of the country experience different weather patterns, as well as different weather threats.
With spring upon us, it’s safe to assume that warm and air will collide and can cause weather events all throughout the nation. That’s why you must stay prepared, and keep in mind the particular type of weather we experience here in Allen.
Take the Pacific Northwest, for example—it is prone to heavy rain over the spring months. This can cause flooding and water damage issues for area residents. The higher elevations will still be dealing with snow, which means that the snow melting and runoff can cause problems of its own.
When you think of the Upper Midwest and Northeast regions, you know it’s still quite cold there. People who live anywhere from Maine to North or South Dakota will expect cold weather to the point that they could still be dealing with snowstorms and blizzards! It’s as if their spring season doesn’t start until early summer.
Unlike the previously mentioned regions, the southern West Coast will already have to be on the lookout for excessive heat waves. These heat waves can be incredibly dangerous to the lives and safety of residents.
From where we are located, Texas, all the way to Iowa, residents will need to watch out for windstorms, derechos and the risk of wildfires. These can easily be spread by winds and dry season. This part of the country is also known as Tornado Alley, which is where tornadoes are particularly common.
Then you have the Southeast region, which will experience a wide range of severe weather. People in this area are likely to see everything from tornadoes and severe thunderstorms to dangerous rip currents or early-season hurricanes.
As you can tell, it doesn’t matter what part of the country you live in, hazardous weather is a real threat to every portion. While you may be experiencing a lovely spring afternoon, with the right amount of wind, your neighbor one state over could be experiencing the blizzard of a lifetime. That’s why you need to stay prepared and ready, because Mother Nature can’t be controlled.
If extreme weather leaves you with damage from water, fire or other elements, help is a click away. Contact SERVPRO for fast, expert recovery.
Where You Can Prevent Water Damage at Home | SERVPRO® of Allen
11/3/2021 (Permalink)
A water leak can turn into a big problem. Contact the SERVPRO of Allen team if you are dealing with any water damage.
Water damage usually sneaks up on you. We rarely get advanced notice of leaks, drips or flows. Once they happen, it’s too late, since the damage is already done.
The good news is that a little proactive maintenance can help you spot leaks before they start. Here are a few of the most common places for leaks:
Sinks and faucets. These fixtures are used multiple times a day, and over time, they can become fragile and wear out. The supply lines are under pressure, so if there is a problem, it usually sprays a stream of water and is easy to find. Drain system problems will show up as more of a small leak or seepage.
Refrigerators. Today’s modern refrigerators often have automated ice machines, which require a water source. Also, most refrigerators have a defrost cycle that happens at least once a day. You may have even heard a sizzling noise coming from your refrigerator. That’s the sound of the defrosted water hitting the evaporator coil. The evaporator coil usually dissipates the water before it hits the drip pan, a safety area that accumulates defrosted water droplets. But an improperly working defrost system can cause a water leak.
Clogged gutters. Are your gutters properly maintained? Gutters full of debris are one of the leading causes of roof damage. Overflowing gutters can cause soffit damage, and water can seep into the interior of the house from walls or around the foundation. Gutters should be inspected and cleared of debris as necessary.
Roof damage. Falling limbs can cause serious roof damage. If a limb perforates the roof membrane, it will turn into a costly repair. Many times, damaged roofs allow water to seep in, causing mold and rot to take hold. That’s why it’s important to inspect attics and roofs for damage.
Old copper pipes. If your house was built between 1950 and 2000, there is a good chance you have copper piping. House remodels are the perfect time to inspect and replace plumbing if necessary. Today, older copper plumbing supply lines are being replaced with PEX. PEX is made of cross-linked polyethylene and has great durability and strength.
Clogged sink drains. Many items can clog a drain in a sink. These drains can become clogged with food, grease or hair. Be careful if you decide to plunge instead of calling a plumber, since plunging creates significant pressure on the drain system. While most of the time it can push a clog through, sometimes you could damage a pipe connection and spring a leak.
Make sure to take care of the systems in your home that create a comfortable living space for you. Occasionally inspect and repair any issues you find with gutters, roof systems, supply lines or drains. This can potentially save you a lot of time and money!
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.
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