Recent Water Damage Posts
Dripping Dangers: Unveiling the Most Common Causes of Water Damage
1/5/2024 (Permalink)
A roof leak or water heater leak could have lead to this water damage stain on this ceiling.
Water damage can wreak havoc on homes, often stemming from preventable issues that catch homeowners off guard. The leading culprit is often plumbing failures, ranging from burst pipes to leaking fixtures. Roof leaks, often overlooked, allow water to infiltrate and compromise structural integrity. Appliance malfunctions, such as faulty water heaters or washing machines, can unleash torrents of water when least expected. Poorly maintained gutters and downspouts contribute to water accumulation around foundations, leading to potential flooding. Finally, natural disasters like floods and storms pose significant risks. Regular inspections, prompt repairs, and proactive maintenance are essential defenses against these common causes. Stay vigilant to safeguard your home against the silent threat of water damage.
If you uncover water damage to your home, contact your local SERVPRO.
Restore Documents and Upholstery
12/13/2021 (Permalink)
This is just my personal reading stash. Actually, it's just part of it. My comic books are on a different shelf.
Water damage for floors and walls is bad, but damage to documents and upholstery is worse! If the water isn’t cleaned up quickly, the damage could even be permanent! But you need more than just cleaning if you want your documents and upholstery safe--you need a company to restore your precious items. You need SERVPRO of Burlington!
We specialise in restoration of water damage, and we’re IICRC-certified for water damage restoration as well, so you can be certain you’re in good hands if your documents, upholstery, or other sensitive or fragile items get damaged by a water catastrophe.
So if you find yourself in the aforementioned conundrum, or something resembling it, give us a call at (336) 229-1156. We can make it “Like it never even happened.?”
How do you get Water out of the Basement?
12/7/2021 (Permalink)
Woof! You might wanna do a bit more than just clean up the water in here. Maybe get some natural light in here? Also, put some windows in!
What do a fist at a concert, a bodybuilder, a woman with one shoe, and your flooded basement have in common?
They all could use a good pump!
There, now that all the fun is out of the way, let’s get serious: a flooded basement is not a problem you can ignore and delay fixing. No, it’s not your very own underground pool, it’s a spawning ground for pathogens and insects, and it’s destroying your baby photos and birth certificates you’re storing down there, and if those are destroyed, you no longer exist!
So what should you do? Call SERVPRO of Burlington NC and we can be there in mere hours, ready to help you clean and restore your basement and get it back to as close to preloss conditions as possible!
Leaking Attic?
12/7/2021 (Permalink)
Yeesh! Water is the least of your problems! You must be going through half a bottle of loratadine a day with this dust!
The attic is the forgotten room at the top of your home, filled with priceless heirlooms and worthless junk. It’s also dark and warm half of the year.
What does that mean?
It means a leak in your attic could ruin your week. (If there’s a leek in your attic, though, you just have a delicious and nutritious snack!) Mold, water damage, and general “funk” can start to develop without you even realising it! Go up into your attic more than twice a year (before and after Christmas) and check for any leaking. Bonus points if you catch it before it puddles up and warps the wood up there! Do be careful not to fall through the ceiling, though. That’s always a horrible and hilarious way to visit the hospital.
But what can you do if you are too late, and a sixth Great Lake has formed up there, along with its own biome and new flora and fauna?
Call SERVPRO of Burlington NC. We specialise in repairing water damage in attics, basements, or whatever they call the thing in between the attic and the basement. I believe the popular nomenclature is “house.”
The first thing we will do is get all that standing water out of the attic. Then, we will get industrial dryers up there to get the humidity up there back to what is optimal for the room. Finally, we will get to work making sure your documents and books up there are safe from permanent water damage.
If you find yourself in this situation, call SERVPRO and we can make it “Like it never even happened.”
Need to Remove Standing Water Inside your Home?
11/8/2021 (Permalink)
I've heard of beachfront property, but this is ridiculous!
If your basement flooded recently, you might have standing water down there still. Even if you don’t have any carpet, furniture, or delicate items down there that were exposed to the water, you still need to get rid of it eventually (Unless you want a really “below-ground” pool)!
That’s where we come in.
SERVPRO of Burlington NC has franchise professionals, trained to remove water and dehumidify the rooms afterward.
What we do is drain the room first, pumping out what we can and sopping up what we can’t.
Then, we use high-tech equipment to control the temperature and humidity in your flooded room to minimize secondary damage while we dehumidify the area back to preloss conditions.
So if you need someone to remove standing water in your basement, call SERVPRO of Burlington NC at (336) 229-1156 and we can hop to it!
Water Damage can be devastating for your home or business. What are you doing to prevent it?
10/4/2021 (Permalink)
This should not be your work outfit. Call us to clean up your business before you sink to this level.
Water Damage can be devastating for your home or business. What are you doing to prevent it?
Of course SERVPRO of Burlington can help you cleanup and restore your property after water damage, but what if you could keep it from happening to begin with? Follow these tips to lower your chances of needing to call us for any reason other than a friendly chat!
- Check pipes frequently: Pipes can often start to drip small amounts of water before they burst. If you can get ahold of the issue early, you can tighten any connections or joints, or get a plumber to come help keep your pipes leak-free.
- Maintain your appliances: older appliances like refrigerators, freezers, washers, or dishwashers can start to wear out over time. Sometimes, that wearing-out means leaking water is imminent! Give your appliances a quick inspection and handle any maintenance that needs to be taken care of to prevent disaster.
- Make sure your roof is solid: Maybe this one isn’t something to handle yourself; after all, roofing is a dangerous business! Nevertheless, a busted-up roof from a storm or just general disrepair can cause a leak from your ceiling, soaking your attic with mold-causing water. Nip that in the bud before it gets out of hand!
- Landscape wisely: If you live at the top of a hill, you might not need to do this. If you’re at the bottom of a hill, it is crucial. Trees and shrubs and grass can help slow down large amounts of rainfall, and keep your yard from being overwhelmed with standing water which can slip into your house. This one can be fun if you get creative with the yard layout!
- Clean your gutters: Leaves and dirt can clog up your gutters, allowing gross, heavy water to build up in them, eventually causing a leak in the roof or wall, which won’t end pretty. Keep the gutters clean year-round, and remember to proactively clean before a big storm.
Follow these rules and you’ll be much less likely to encounter water damage. However, no system is perfect, and SERVPRO of Burlington is here to help if you still manage to sustain some water damage to your home or business!
4 Things To Do If Your Home Floods
2/15/2021 (Permalink)
Rain, rain, and more rain. They’re moments in the year, sometimes too many where our community goes days on end with rain. Then changing over to snow and ice in the winter if the temperatures manage to drop below freezing for a substantial amount of time. While snow is pretty to look at, what often accompanies it is a fearful weather condition. Ice can cause trees to topple over onto your roof creating a hole where water can seep into all areas of your home including the basement.
Falling trees can rupture the pipes of your home as well which may cause hundreds if not more gallons of water to spew out into your basement, flooring, walls, and ceiling. Any amount of standing water in your home may spell disaster if not mitigated promptly. Significant water damage can begin to warp your hardwood floors, stain your carpeting, and create a mold growth situation.
Calling an experienced water cleanup crew with IICRC Certification and experience in restoration is key to beginning the process of getting your home back to normal. Our team is trained in proper drying methods and mold testing to help keep your family safe. We’ll also reconstruct your house after it’s been restored to streamline the process.
When many customers call our office to request our services it’s critical you’ve already completed a few tasks beforehand. Listed below are a few key steps homeowners should take if they experience water damage.
- Shut Off The Water Source
- Locate the cut off valve in your home. It’s likely underneath your kitchen or bathroom sink.
- Do What You Can In Order To Mitigate The Damage
- Try to soak as much water as you can on your own using towels.
- Call A Water Cleanup Company
- Available 24/7 with 20+ years of experience and contractor license for repairs.
- Speak To Your Home Insurance Provider
- Save your insurance agent’s contact information on your phone, or write it down.
If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, or mold damage; perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Burlington, (336) 229-1156.
What Flood Damage Can Do To Your Basement
11/13/2020 (Permalink)
This year is expected to be one of the wettest years of record for Burlington, Alamance County, and the rest of the Piedmont Triad. With the number of tropical storms tracking through the area this past hurricane season, as well as rainfall, homeowners across Alamance County may be experiencing water damage. Caused due to rainfall or flooding which may lead to mold in the future if not remediated by a qualified and reputable water restoration crew.
Several inches of rain in your basement may not seem like a big deal, however, it’s quite the opposite. Water can begin to impact the foundation of your home impacting its integrity. Not mitigating and remediating the water damage may lead to mold growth in the future requiring a professional water cleanup crew to get involved if you are trying to resell your home. Along with impacting the integrity of your foundation through the basement; your personal items including furniture may also be damaged.
It’s critical when your home or business experiences water damage to reach out to the SERVPRO of Burlington team immediately. Our water mitigation crew is experienced and continuously trained throughout the year in industry-standard methods of water cleanup.
SERVPRO of Burlington serves the communities of
- Graham, NC
- Mebane, NC
- Glen Raven, NC
- Snow Camp, NC
- Elon, NC
- Gibsonville, NC
- Haw River, NC
If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, or mold damage; perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Burlington NC, (336) 229-1156.
Is Water Coming Out Of My AC Unit?
10/30/2020 (Permalink)
Blasting the AC feels like a great idea on a hot summer day in Mebane. But after lowering the thermostat the temperature of your home continues to rise. Running upstairs to the attic you find watermarks staining the walls caused by condensation and a pool of water around the HVAC system. Come to find out water has been leaking from your unit.
An overflowed drain pan, clogged drain lines, and a dirty evaporator coil are all potential reasons your air conditioning unit is leaking. Maintaining an AC unit and assuring it’s performing correctly is a homeowner’s responsibility. Checking in on your unit regularly is an important preventative measure as the cost to repair may need to come out of your pocket and not your home insurance company. A leaky AC unit located in your attic may also deplete the integrity of your roof adding to the cost overall, reinforcing the importance of upkeep.
Responding promptly to the water damage that has occurred includes hiring a professional water restoration crew. Waiting may increase the severity of the damage to your attic and the investment needed in order to remediate once production begins. Our team is experienced in both mitigating the water damage to your attic and effectively remediating the area impacted. We’ve also earned several certifications in water cleanup through the IICRC.
The SERVPRO of Burlington team serves the communities of
- Burlington, NC
- Graham, NC
- Mebane, NC
- Glen Raven, NC
- Elon, NC
- Snow Camp, NC
If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, or mold damage; perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Burlington, (336) 229-1156.
I Need A Mold Cleaning Company?
8/21/2020 (Permalink)
Preparing your home to be placed on the market can be an emotional occasion. For many, the feeling of selling their home includes a collection of memories that can never be replaced. Safeguarding each critical memory is vital for yourself. It’s also fundamental that you protect the investment you’ve made in the property.
Selling your home quickly is key therefore any mishaps can delay that from happening including water damage to the property. If you’re not currently living in the property the possibility of damage going unnoticed may increase. Flooding is a real concern especially if you live near a river. Mold may also spread more rapidly if you’re not regularly checking in on your property. Frequently reviewing your investment property is a necessary part of preventing severe water damage.
It’s essential you prevent water damage to your property, mitigate, and soon after begin remediating the damage done if it occurs. SERVPRO of Burlington partners with homeowners every year in mitigating and remediating damage done from hurricanes, storms, and flooding. Our experienced team understands the investment homeowners have made and take seriously the importance of completing the job effectively.
The SERVPRO of Burlington team serves the communities of
- Graham, NC
- Mebane, NC
- Glen Raven, NC
- Snow Camp, NC
- Elon, NC
If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, or mold damage; perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Burlington, 336-229-1156.
Hiring A Professional Mold Remediation Crew
7/17/2020 (Permalink)
Mold is that nasty word no one wants to say or even think about. It likely exists inside your home without you even noticing it. If there’s water flow in your home there is a chance of mold growth. Whether it’s your basement, attic, ceiling, or flooring. It will require intervention from a professional mold remediation crew.
If mold has corrupted part of your home it’s essential you respond quickly. Finding the cause of the mold. The leakage or crack in order to prevent the further infiltration of water. Also, it's critical to maintain the health and safety of your loved ones in the dwelling. By either cordoning off the compromised area or removing your family entirely from the house.
Calling in a professional mold remediation crew and not simply a mold removal crew is essential to a successful resolution of your current circumstance. The SERVPRO of Burlington team is expertly trained and experienced to meet your current needs.
SERVPRO of Burlington also serves the communities of
- Graham, NC
- Mebane, NC
- Glen Raven, NC
- Elon, NC
- Snow Camp, NC
If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, or mold damage; perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Burlington, (336) 229-1156.
Who To Call For Flood Damage?
7/10/2020 (Permalink)
Returning home from vacation this summer you walk through the front doors discovering your home is flooded. Several reasons could be the cause. Flash flooding from a recent storm. A faucet was not turned off. Whatever the case your happy demeanor has been replaced by despair due to the circumstances.
The first few days of your property experiencing water damage are the most critical in mitigating its effects. Standing water will continue to impair your basement and flooring the longer it’s left alone. Eventually leading to mold, increasing the level of remediation necessary for your home to become livable again. Asking a trusted relative or friend to check the exterior and interior of your home daily to remain aware of what’s going on inside your home.
Frightened and unsure of the next steps, taking a breath is a good starting point. Calling your insurance company to file a claim quickly is an essential part of the process. Searching for the right water damage cleanup company to mitigate and ultimately remediate the situation is an important decision. SERVPRO is a leader in resolving water damage incidents for the Mebane area completing multiple jobs every month. Confirmed as well through our relationship with the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification.
If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, or mold damage; perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Burlington, (336) 299-1156.
Stop Mold In Its Tracks
6/23/2020 (Permalink)
Mold is a dreaded term no homeowner or business owner seeks to hear. However, it’s critical that you do everything possible to reduce the risk of mold developing in your property. Not only for the integrity of your property but also for your health.
The damage to your property can be severe requiring quick action to mitigate and eventually remediate the threat mold poses. Protecting your investment for years to come. Noticing the signs of mold is critical as mold may damage walls, ceilings, and flooring depleting the integrity of the home.
Black sports growing together on a wall or ceiling may be a clear sign that mold is developing. A mildew smell as well is another sign that mold has taken hold in areas of your home. If your breathing is becoming difficult it may be the most apparent sign that mold is developing requiring an immediate resolution from an experienced mold remediation crew.
If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, or mold damage; perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Burlington, (336) 299-1156.
Basement Flood Mitigation Efforts
4/13/2020 (Permalink)
Basement flooding
Severe weather from thunderstorms which can be unpleasant. Lightning that may cause fright from the flashing lights outside of your window. High winds can throw you outdoor furniture around. Hail may cause damage to the roof of your property. Tornadoes may be the most dangerous of all due to their ability to caused such a strong amount of damage in a limited amount of time. Being aware and prepared when severe weather is going to move through is paramount to the protection of your family and friends.
Once the severe weather system moves through your region and it’s time to survey the damage. You’ll more than likely coordinate with your insurance company including an adjuster to assess the proper response to the matter. Some people opt for paying out of pocket while other property owners choose to allow the insurance company to take care of it all. Nevertheless responding quickly and efficiently in the restoration of your home may be key to mitigating the overall damage.
Excess rainwater from storms can come into your home and may cause severe damage to your home whether it’s in your basement, first floor, or second floor of your home. Basement flooding is a real danger that may open your space up to potential mold damage if not mitigated and remediated swiftly. These are matters best left to the professionals and your SERVPRO of Burlington crew is available to assist you during your time of need.
The SERVPRO of Burlington service area covers
Burlington
Graham
Elon
Snow Camp
Glen Raven
Your SERVPRO of Burlington team is readily available to assess your fire, water, mold, or storm damage needs if such events arise. We can be contacted at (336) 229-1156.
Mold Mitigation Before It’s Too Late
4/10/2020 (Permalink)
Mold on the ceiling.
Mold in your attic, basement, kitchen, bathroom, essentially anywhere on your property is bad news. Mitigating the effect of mold especially black mold when it occurs is critical to the health of yourself, love ones, and employees in the case of its a place of business. Mold is a terrible fungus that can devolve the integrity of your home making it potentially unlivable and also potentially lowering its value of the property altogether.
Mold can cause health effects and black mold can possibly cause even more damage. People who already have health issues may see them weather further if not resolved. Therefore the importance of evaluating your property for any standing water, watermarks on your walls, and if your ceiling is appearing to grow wet are potential signs that mold may be occurring. Also, a musty smell, a very unpleasant smell may be present in the home or office.
If you discover mold of any sort through your property you want to resolve it immediately through mitigation and remediation. Your SERVPRO of Burlington team has a staff of experienced and expert production technicians ready to provide above-average customer service during your time of need.
SERVPRO of Burlington is available 24/7 to respond to your fire damage, water loss, mold, and proactive cleaning situations and can be reached at 336-299-1156.
Measuring The Severity Of Your Water Loss
3/30/2020 (Permalink)
Flooded kitchen inside a residence.
Encountered a water loss can certainly put a damper on your plans for the weekend or the vacation you were planning for later on in the year. Whether the loss was caused due to factors from a severe rainstorm that battered your neighborhood earlier in the week. A sewage backup that you weren’t expecting to occur or an accidental overuse of a water output source. That water output source could be a sink, toilet, or bathtub that was left on and ran over caused your bathroom or kitchen to be flooded. In such trying times it’s quite easy to become overwhelmed with the situation.
SERVPRO of Burlington wants to serve you well and in our efforts to do will provide you an insight into several of the terms you’ll hear our crew use once we’ve arrived on the scene.
Category 1/Cat 1 - This is relatively clean water in the sense that the source was from a sink, bathtub faucet, or showerhead where the water has no measurable contaminants.
Category 2/Cat 2 - Water in this category does contain contaminants such as microorganisms which may cause sickness. Many cases result from an overflow of a toilet bowl.
Category 3/Cat 3 - Water is heavily contaminated with harmful bacteria and other toxic agents. This includes sewage, standing water, and water infiltration from rivers and streams into your property.
SERVPRO of Burlington is available 24/7 to respond to your water loss situations and can be reached at 336-299-1156.
Reacting Quickly To Water Damage In Your Home
3/26/2020 (Permalink)
Flooded living room in a home.
Experiencing any sort of damage to your property is a rough and often times stressful situation. Having to file a claim with your insurance provider, interact with an agent, and schedule a meeting with an adjuster are all scenarios people want to avoid in their lives. Unfortunately, these circumstances due occur although even in the midst of the craziness of property damage claim to be knowledgeable of the process and jargon utilized will do you well in the long run.
One of the most common causes of damage to an owner’s property is water infiltration. A storm rolling through the area may cause massive amounts of flooding. Floodwaters can invade your home and wreak havoc on your flooring. There are various types of flooring and some homes may have different types depending on the room. From carpeting to hardwoods and vinyl to tile each is assessed differently according to the severity of the damage. Having a basement flooded also requires further evaluation because it exists underground and is more susceptible to water damage.
In such situations whether through the storm, flood, sewage backup, or accidentally leaving a faucet on. It’s critical as an owner you react swiftly and not allow the water damage to take hold in your property. Failure to react efficiently may result in further water loss to your property.
SERVPRO of Burlington is available 24/7 to respond to your water loss situations and can be reached at 336-299-1156.
What to do When There’s Water Damage to Wood Flooring
8/9/2019 (Permalink)
Water Damage can cause cupping to your wood floors, especially if not taken care of quickly and appropriately.
Flooding can damage wood floors quickly. This is because wood floors have several permeable access points: between seams, breaks in top coating, under baseboards, and through heating registers.
When wood gets wet it swells and cupping can set in. Cupping is easy to spot: the sides of the boards will bow above the center. In many cases, cupping is a sign that flooring will require replacement. The goal though is to try and get to the problem before it can cause cupping or other damage to your flooring.
As much water as possible needs to removed as quickly as possible. This is where we at SERVPRO of Burlington come in. With our state of the art equipment we get up excess water, then dry the room and your flooring in an attempt to hopefully save your wood floors.
Depending on the size of the area and what’s available to you at home, towels, mops, and squeegees may be helpful to try and eliminate some water on your own. However, if the water source is unknown or the result of a sewage backup, do not attempt to remove the water on your own. Flood waters may contain dangerous pathogens, bacteria, and organic matter. Instead, call us at SERVPRO of Burlington to ensure a safe and thorough cleanup.
If you are able to entirely remove the water on your own, and want to try and mitigate the problem on your own, then the next step would be to vigorously scrub the same areas with a dry brush or broom to loosen any dirt or debris that remains. Next you’d want to clean and sanitize your floors before you can begin to dry them.
When cleaning your floors, make sure to avoid all soap-based (sudsy) cleaners, wax, or steam cleaners to disinfect your hardwood floors. Mix your preferred detergent according to package directions. Wash the floor in sections to avoid further water damage. Apply the detergent mixture to all affected areas. Remove any residual water as you go.
Even after all standing water has been removed, there’s still plenty of moisture left to cause damage. You’ll need a professional-grade dehumidifier to begin the drying process—a personal use dehumidifier will not suffice. You’ll have to call around to rent one or call in SERVPRO of Burlington. You may need more than one dehumidifier depending on the size of the space and the damage to it. They’ll need to be left on and running undisturbed for at least 24 hours.
Along with dehumidifiers, you can arrange several large fans to encourage more air flow. Direct the fans toward the floor and move them around as needed. If you have central AC, turn that on as well. Depending on the weather outside, open the windows. Don’t forget though that that the purpose of this step is to dehumidify. So, if humidity is high outside, open windows just a few inches. The drying process can take weeks, depending on several factors. The only way to know it’s completely dry is to buy a moisture meter and test the affected areas.
If you’re unable to successfully mitigate water damage on hardwood floors, you may need professional assistance in removing damaged flooring, mitigating mold and mildew, and restoring your property to like-new condition.
At SERVPRO of Burlington we make it “Like it never happened." Call us 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 336-379-1772 for immediate relief and emergency water damage services.
To Insurance, Is It Flood Damage or Water Damage?
7/27/2019 (Permalink)
Knowing if it’s flood damage or water damage makes all the difference in making your insurance claim
To an insurance company, there is a very big difference between what’s considered flood damage and what’s considered water damage. Your basement has flooded but is that considered a flood or will they consider that water damage?
Floods are caused by nature and generally effect more than one home (there are exceptions for large rural properties). Everything else, from broken pipes to leaking HVAC equipment, to drains not working properly, is water damage.
While most homeowners insurance policies cover water damage, not all policies cover flood damage. So it’s important to be very clear with your insurance company about which type of damage your home has experienced so that they can guide you to the right forms and provide you with the right coverage. If you aren’t clear you may not only receive the wrong forms but may also have your claim denied.
If you experience flood damage or water damage then give us a call at SERVPRO of Burlington at 336-379-1772. We are here for you 24/7 and 365 in order to assist you with restoration. We also photograph the damage for you so that it is recorded for you to provide to your insurance company.
Some Causes of Basement Flooding and How to Determine
7/26/2019 (Permalink)
Basement flooding can have many causes.
Basements can have a tendency to flood. Here are some ways to help prevent your basement from flooding and also tips to help determine the cause.
When you have a flooding problem in your basement you want to determine where it can be coming from, and the cause. Start first at the eaves troughs and downspouts, and then look at your landscaping and foundation drainage. You want to make sure everything is moving water away from your home and not gathering it into puddles or keeping it near the house. Next move on to check your sewer/sanitary drains and then finally check the interior plumbing. Take a look at your water heater.
- Always keep the gutters and downspouts around your home clean of debris, check for cracks (especially at the connections). Have the downspouts out 6’ from your foundation. If they still spill over in heavy rains replace them with a larger size. Check often to ensure water is moving away from your house.
- The ground around your home settles. When this happens it’ll slope towards your foundation. Fill it in and grade the lot so it slopes away from the house at least 6’. That’ll help prevent water from pooling in puddles around your home.
- It’s not easy to determine whether or not you have weeping tile problems, but if the source of the water can’t be found it’s probably time to hire a company with a camera to snake the drains and see if you have a crushed tile or plug. This would also determine if this is in the sanitary or storm drain. (Usually if water or sewer is coming up through your drains in the floor or through a basement shower drain this is external backup).
- Monitor, clean and maintain your Sump Pump. Make sure the discharge pipe is free of debris and discharged out into your property where it can be absorbed, such as your lawn or garden. Next, make sure the pit is cleaned each year as the weeping tiles can carry small amounts of sand or debris into the pit. Check and test your pump each and every spring (can check yourself by pouring water into the pit until the pump kicks on). Make it a point to remove and clean the pump once a year. Always disconnect the power source before you begin working on the pump to protect your safety. Check once a month for debris in the pit. A good back up for your sump pump is a battery backup that will kick on in case you should lose power from a storm. There are a variety of backups to choose from. Some even have an audible alarm or can call your phone to notify you of a power outage. There is also a backwater valve that prevents sewage from backing up into your basement, ask a plumbing company for more information about it.
- Look at your water heater for any cracks or leaks.
If your basement does experience flooding then call us at SERVPRO of Burlington at 336-379-1772. We are available 24/7 and 365 days a year to assist you with water damage in your home.
How To Monitor Your Home During Warmer Weather For Damage From Cooler Weather
6/24/2019 (Permalink)
Pipes can be damaged during cooler temperatures. Checking for damage can help prevent water damage.
While warmer weather is something many of us look forward to, it can bring with it some problems left behind and created by the cooler seasons before it. As seasons change, you should monitor your home and check to see how weather and cooler temperatures have affected it. Even after a very milder winter, it is still critical to assess your homes exterior to make sure the cold weather hasn’t left you with any property damage.
By monitoring your home for the signs of water damage, it allows you to make sure that any problems are resolved before significant damage occurs. Signs of damage include water stains, cracks, mold and mildew, or damp and musty smells. Should you find any signs of damage, it’s important to react quickly and take the necessary steps to prevent the damage from getting worse.
There are several common areas to inspect in which damage often occurs. Places to check for potential damage, include your roof and gutter system, foundation and yard, plumbing system and your homes exterior. From the top down these areas could see potential damage from the cooler seasons.
Roof and Gutter System Damage:
The purpose of your roof and gutter system is to remove excess water from your property to prevent damage. High winds, hail and winter storms can tear off or destroy shingles and ice can obstruct the flow of water in gutters and downspouts, allowing water to breach the structure. Winter weather elements can cause holes in your roof from wind or branches. Hail or other debris can cause indentations and divots that overtime can lead to ice and moisture damage. Heavy buildup of ice on your roof can cause your gutters and downspouts to separate from your roofline, disrupting the flow of water and cause water intrusion and damage to the inside of your home or business. Check your roof, gutters and downspouts for visible damage, debris and to make sure that they are functioning properly. Test your gutters to make sure they are functioning properly, and that they drain at least 10 feet away from your home.
Window, Door and Exterior Damage:
Cold temperatures, and the weather they bring, can take a toll on the structure of your home. Everything from your homes doors, windows and your homes exterior can be affected. Without proper repair to affected areas, peeling paint, cracks in sealant and other damage can lead to moisture and water damage. After winter passes, damaged paint should be removed, primed, sealed and repainted. Cracks and air leaks should be sealed and repaired to prevent more devastating damage later. Any missing exterior siding should be replaced before to prevent additional water and structural damages.
Foundation and Other Drainage Problems:
As crazy as it sounds, winter weather has an effect on your homes foundation and yard. Hairline cracks can develop naturally in the concrete of your homes foundation. Over time these cracks can expand, causing major structural damage if not properly taken care of, and quickly. Water can easily find its way into cracks, freeze and make them larger during the cold weather months. Getting your foundation repaired once warmer weather arrives, can help prevent more problems from developing as time goes by. The best way to avoid foundation damage to your home, is to keep moisture moving away from your foundation. Make sure the ground around your home is graded away from your foundation and consider adding a rain garden with rocks or gravel to your property surrounding your home.
Plumbing Damage:
Plumbing can be damaged by cooler weather. To adequately deliver water to and from your sinks, boiler, and spickets your plumbing system keeps the water forever flowing. However, during cold winter days and nights cracks and stresses can occur and eventually lead to leaks and pipe breaks that can have a damaging effect on your home. While leaving faucets dripping during the coldest weather can help to prevent cracks, it doesn’t always work. Check your homes plumbing pipes regularly for cracks and leaks. Pay attention most to the pipes that are closest to the outside elements or are in poorly insulated areas such as the basement or crawlspace, or outside walls and attics of your home. Take the opportunity while doing this, to add some additional insulation as a precautionary measure for the future winter weather to come.
At SERVPRO of Burlington, we are here for you should your home experience any water damage. Just give us a call at 336-379-1772. We are here for you and available to be reached 24/7 and 365 days a year.
Tips For Keeping Your Basement Dry
6/23/2019 (Permalink)
Water or moisture in your basement can lead to worse
A wet basement is one of the worst nightmares for a homeowner. Unfortunately, moisture promotes mildew and mold growth. Therefore, what may just appear to be just a tiny trickle or small puddle is actually a warning sign of a much bigger problem. In lieu of this, it is important to keep your basement dry.
Here are some tips on how to keep your basement dry.
- Even if your basement isn’t finished, paint your walls with a water resistant paint. By painting a water-resistant paint onto the interior walls of your basement, you’ll help to prevent water from seeping through your walls and into your basement.
- Make sure the ground around the exterior of your home slopes away from your foundation. If the slope is toward the basement, water can flow through the foundation and into your basement.
- Install gutters and downspouts around your home. Gutters help catch water flowing from your roof and guide it away from your home. This prevents water from falling off the roof and landing on the surface area directly adjacent to your foundation.
- Place rocks or gravel around the base or foundation of your home. Rocks or gravel help to absorb water, which can prevent excess water from seeping into your home.
- Lots of people have appliances such as water heaters or washing machines in their basements. It is best to constantly inspect these to make sure they are working properly and not leaking. It is also best to make sure all of your appliances such as washers and dryers vent to the outside. As appliances vent, they produce hot air. When the hot air they vent comes into contact with cool air in your basement, condensation can often form. By venting your appliances to the outside of your home, prevents this from happening, which keeps your basement dry.
- A great appliance to add to your basement is a dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers are great for keeping humidity low in a basement. It can effectively reduce the amount of moisture in the air, which will work towards preventing mold and mildew growth.
Keeping your basement dry will not only reduce mold and mildew growth, but will therefore also make it a safer area for you and your family. Even if your just using your basement for storage, you and your family are exposed to mold when it grows anywhere within your home. When water intrudes and gets inside, mold can accumulate in as little as 48 hours. If your basement is already wet or you notice mold or mildew growth, you need a professional to help you with clean-up. It needs to be done properly and safely. At SERVPRO of Burlington we are here for you 24/7 and 365 days a year. Just give us a call at 336-379-1772
Causes of Water Damage
5/21/2019 (Permalink)
Pipes can burst or crack
Of course, one of the biggest causes of water damage is due to major storms. However, water damage occurs when excess water begins to pool in areas where it shouldn’t. This can be caused in many ways as water can come from many different sources. It is good to be aware of common causes of water damage so that you can take precautions against it and to also be able to spot when you have a problem. The more you are proactive, and the sooner you take care of a problem once it arises, than the less damage it may cause. The less damage that is caused means the less damage that then needs to be fixed.
Other than storms, some common causes of water damage include:
Plumbing Problems
While at first thought you are probably thinking an overflowing toilet or bath, some plumbing issues other than those, actually occur within the walls. Lots happen because hoses and pipe joints are not fully attached.
Pipes
Pipes that burst or leak are common culprits of water damage. Too much pressure in the pipe, for instance if it becomes clogged, can then cause it to burst or leak. Old or rusting pipes are also more prone to leaking as they can often crack or thin out.
Appliances
Where it comes to household appliances, as they get older or if they are most often used, their pipes get worn. They begin to rust, and crack and with certain appliances their hoses can weaken. For instance, washing machines, refrigerators, water heaters and dishwashers are all susceptible to deterioration. Washing machines and hot water tanks specifically, are the most common culprits of water damage.
Air Conditioning units are another big one. They require regular servicing, and when not maintained properly they can cause moisture buildup.
Drains and Toilets
Drains and toilets can get backed up and blocked which in turn can cause undue pressure in the pipes. However, drains can also get backed up into the sink, or your tub, which will cause them to overflow with water which can cause minor to major flooding. Your toilet can also overflow with water when backed up or clogged causing minor to major flooding. Be wary too of garbage disposals that aren’t working properly. While a great convenience, they are another common reason for pipes to burst or for sinks to back up and flood.
Leaks
Aside from appliance leaks, water dripping through and into your home, can cause basement leaks. Be it that the water is coming through the concrete foundation of your home, or through an unsealed window, it will lead to a problem and can cause water damage. Water coming into your attic can lead to water pooling in your attic, and also to it then seeping through your ceilings causing it to affect rooms below.
If you suspect Water Damage in your home or if you have experienced Water Damage in your home, than call us at SERVPRO of Burlington at 336-379-1772. We are here for you 24/7 and 365 days a year. We are here for you to make it "like it never happened".
How SERVPRO Sucker Punches Storms
5/24/2018 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Burlington specializes in storm and flood damage restoration. Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.
Faster Response
Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.
Resources to Handle Floods and Storms
When storms hit Burlington or Alamance County, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.
Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today
When Storms or Floods Hit Burlington or Alamance County, SERVPRO is Ready!
5/23/2016 (Permalink)
Our highly trained crews are ready to respond for any storm or flooding damage in Burlington and Alamance County!
SERVPRO of Burlington specializes in storm and flood damage restoration. Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.
Faster Response
Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.
Resources to Handle Floods and Storms
When storms hit Burlington or Alamance County, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.
Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today at (336) 229-1156.
April & May Showers Bringing Lots of FLowers
4/17/2015 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Burlington (336) 229-1156
“April showers bring the May flowers.”
Are you SERVPRO ready?
While spring is a beautiful time of year, April showers can create flood conditions faster than you may realize. Knowing the difference between a flood warning and flood watch is important. A “Flash Flood Watch,” means there is possible flooding in the Burlington area. A “Flash Flood Warning,” means flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in the Burlington area.
Preparing Your Family for a Flood
Your family will be better prepared to withstand a flood if you have the following items available, packed and ready to go in case you need to evacuate your home.
3 day supply of water, 1 gallon per person per day – 3 day supply of non-perishable food items – Flashlights, extra batteries and multi-purpose tools – A first aid kit and a extra medications – Sanitation and person hygiene items – Extra pet supplies, food, ID and vet records – Extra clothing, blankets, sturdy shoes and rain gear – Sunscreen and bug repellent - Emergency contact information and copies of important person documents – A camera to take photos of flood damage – Extra charges for electronic devices.
Burlington Red Cross Emergency Number - (336) 226-2754
Burlington Red Cross Location - 511 W Davis St Burlington, NC 27215
Storm Damage Cleanup and Restoration – What to do after a Flood or Water Damage
Floods and water damage often occur with little warning and can be devastating to homes, business and entire communities. Taking immediate action after a disaster is vital. Communicating with your insurance company and calling upon the emergency response restoration experts at SERVPRO will help you move forward faster. Taking pictures, collecting items, extracting water and starting the ‘dry-out’ process can be helpful, but safety must come first. If your home or business is not sturdy, do not go in. Leave that to us!
Regardless of the storm, flood or water damage, SERVPRO of Greensboro North is here to help! Our team of highly trained water damage specialists is faster in any disaster. And with a national network of over 1,650 SERVPRO Franchises across the country, we have the resources to handle any storm or disaster.
Did you know?
50% of businesses may never reopen after suffering a disaster. Your friends at SERVPRO are the only restoration team to offer everything you need to best prepare your business for disaster at the palm of your hand. We do this with our FREE the Emergency Ready Profile app, also known as an ERP. The ERP app stores your business’s emergency contacts and your business’s venders (HVAC service, plumbers, emergency restoration company, etc.).
Click here to learn more - https://ready.SERVPRO.com/home/mobileapp
What to Do After a Flood or Water Damage
- Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
- Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
- Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
- Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
- Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
- Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
- Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
- Gather loose items from floors.
What NOT to Do After a Flood or Water Damage
- Don't leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
- Don't leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
- Don't use your household vacuum to remove water.
- Don't use television or other household appliances.
- Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.
24/7 Emergency Service
