Cracks in the Foundation: How Storm Damage Can Impact Your Home's Structural Stability

9/28/2023 (Permalink)

Storms can leave behind foundation problems.

Storms can bring significant damage to various parts of your home, including the foundation. While the focus is often on visible damage such as roof leaks and fallen trees, it's crucial to recognize the potential impact on your home's foundation. Understanding how storm damage can affect your foundation is essential for early detection and necessary repairs. In this blog post, we will explore the risks associated with storm damage and its effects on your home's foundation.

Soil Saturation

Heavy rainfall during storms can saturate the soil surrounding your foundation. When the soil becomes overly saturated, it expands and exerts pressure on the foundation walls. This pressure, known as hydrostatic pressure, can lead to cracks, bowing, or leaning walls. It's important to address any signs of foundation movement promptly to prevent further structural damage to your home.

Intense storms can cause erosion and soil shifting around your foundation. As rainwater rushes and flows, it can wash away soil from around the foundation, creating voids or gaps. These empty spaces weaken the foundation's support, potentially leading to settlement and uneven settling of your home. The shifting soil can also cause foundation cracks and compromises its stability.

Foundation Heaving

In regions where freezing temperatures occur during storms, foundation heaving can become a concern. When moisture in the soil freezes and expands, it exerts upward pressure on the foundation. This pressure can cause the foundation to rise or heave unevenly, leading to cracks and structural instability.

Storms can result in water infiltration into your home through foundation cracks, basement windows, or compromised waterproofing systems. If left unchecked, this water intrusion can cause extensive damage, including moisture-related issues such as mold growth, rot, and deterioration of building materials. Regularly inspecting your foundation for cracks and addressing any waterproofing concerns can help protect your home from water damage.

Compromised Drainage Systems

Storms can overwhelm your home's exterior drainage systems, such as gutters, downspouts, and perimeter drains. Improper drainage or clogged systems can lead to water pooling near the foundation. The prolonged presence of water can weaken the soil and contribute to foundation problems over time. Maintaining and ensuring the proper functioning of your drainage systems is essential to mitigate potential risks.

Tree Damage

Trees near your home can present a significant risk during storms. Strong winds can cause trees or large branches to fall onto your home, damaging the foundation and other structural components. Tree roots can also extend beneath your foundation, potentially causing damage and destabilizing the structure. Regular tree maintenance, including trimming and removal of hazardous trees, can help reduce the risk of foundation damage.

Understanding the potential impact of storm damage on your home's foundation is crucial for protecting your property's structural integrity. From soil saturation and erosion to foundation heaving and water infiltration, storms can pose various risks. Regular inspections, prompt repairs, and proactive maintenance are key to identifying and addressing foundation issues early on. By taking the necessary precautions and seeking professional assistance when needed, you can protect your home's foundation and ensure its long-term stability.

Understanding the Accuracy of Mold Home Testing Kits

5/30/2023 (Permalink)

The accuracy of mold home testing kits can vary widely.

The accuracy of mold home testing kits can vary widely depending on several factors, including the quality of the kit, the type of sample collected, and the interpretation of the results. Here are some important things to keep in mind when using a mold home testing kit.

Mold is everywhere

It's important to understand that mold is present in the air and on surfaces everywhere, and some mold spores are always present indoors. Therefore, even if a mold test comes back positive, it doesn't necessarily mean that there is a significant mold problem in your home.

Different kits have different levels of accuracy

Mold home testing kits can vary widely in their accuracy and reliability. Some kits may provide more detailed and accurate results than others. Before purchasing a kit, it's important to research the brand and read reviews to determine its reliability.

Sampling technique

The way you collect the sample can also impact the accuracy of the results. For example, if you don't collect the sample correctly, you may not get an accurate reading of the mold levels in your home.

Interpreting the results

It's important to interpret the results of a mold home testing kit carefully. Some kits may provide a visual indicator that can be difficult to interpret, while others may require you to send the sample to a lab for analysis. It's important to understand what the results mean and what actions you should take based on the results.

Professional mold testing

If you're concerned about mold in your home, it's often best to hire a professional mold testing company to perform an inspection. Professional mold testing companies can provide a more accurate and comprehensive assessment of mold levels in your home and recommend appropriate remediation measures.

Mold home testing kits can be a useful tool for homeowners to monitor the presence of mold in their homes. However, it's important to understand their limitations and potential drawbacks, including their accuracy and reliability. If you're concerned about mold in your home, it's often best to consult with a professional mold testing company to get a more accurate and comprehensive assessment of your home's mold levels.

5 Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Fire Restoration Company

4/10/2023 (Permalink)

dealing with fire damage can be stressful, give SERVPRO a call today.

Dealing with the aftermath of a fire in your home or business can be overwhelming and stressful. The process of fire restoration requires the expertise of professionals who have the knowledge, experience, and tools to restore your property to its preloss condition. But with so many fire restoration companies out there, it can be challenging to know which one to choose. In this blog, we'll discuss what you should look for in a fire restoration company.

Experience and Expertise

The first thing you should look for in a fire restoration company is experience and expertise. You want to work with a company that has a proven track record of successfully restoring properties after a fire. Look for a company that has been in business for several years and has experience working with properties of all sizes and types. Additionally, the company should have trained and certified professionals who have the knowledge and skills to handle all aspects of fire restoration.

Response Time

When a fire occurs, time is of the essence. The longer you wait to start the restoration process, the more damage your property may sustain. That's why it's essential to choose a fire restoration company that can respond quickly to your call. The company should have 24/7 availability to ensure that they can start the restoration process as soon as possible.

Insurance and Licensing

It's also essential to work with a fire restoration company that has the proper insurance and licensing. The company should be fully licensed and insured to provide fire restoration services in your area. Additionally, they should have liability and worker's compensation insurance to protect you and their employees in case of any accidents or damages that may occur during the restoration process.

Range of Services

Fire damage can be extensive and may require a range of restoration services. Look for a fire restoration company that offers a comprehensive range of services, including smoke and soot removal, structural repairs, content cleaning, and odor removal. Having a company that can handle all aspects of the restoration process can make the process smoother and more efficient.

References and Reviews

Before choosing a fire restoration company, it's essential to do your research. Look for references and reviews from previous clients to get an idea of the company's reputation and the quality of their services. You can check the company's website or review sites such as Yelp or Google to read reviews from previous clients. Additionally, you can ask the company to provide references and speak to previous clients directly.

Dealing with fire damage can be stressful, but choosing the right fire restoration company can make the process smoother and less overwhelming. When choosing a fire restoration company, look for experience and expertise, quick response time, proper insurance and licensing, a comprehensive range of services, and positive references and reviews. By choosing the right fire restoration company, you can rest assured that your property is in good hands and that the restoration process will be handled efficiently and effectively.

Water Damage. A Step-by-Step guide to follow

3/27/2023 (Permalink)

Prevent water damage in your home, give SERVPRO a call at the first sign of a water loss.

If you are concerned about water damage in your home, it's important to know what causes it and how to prevent it. Your risk of experiencing a water loss is much higher than most homeowners realize. This is especially true if you live in an area that gets hot or cold weather, or experiences fluctuations in temperature all year long. Some common causes of water damage include broken pipes and toilets, leaking roof tiles or gutters, and faulty appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines, ice makers and more. A proactive approach is the best way to prevent water damage in your home.

Water damage prevention begins with a proactive approach

Water damage is a very common problem in homes. Water damage can be caused by many different things including leaks, water pressure problems, overflowing toilets, and leaking pipes including water heaters.

Assess your homes water risk.

A water risk assessment is a process of identifying the risks in your home that could lead to water damage. This is generally done by professionals, but it can also be done DIY. A professional can help you identify and fix problems before they cause damage, while a DIY kit will give you some basic information on how to assess the risk of water loss in your home.

A professional will conduct an inspection of various areas around your house including roofing materials, gutters and downspouts, and attic vents.

If any issues are found during this inspection, they will be addressed by either replacing or repairing damaged parts so that they don't lead to future problems like mold growth due to moisture buildup inside walls/ceilings etc.

Monitor water usage and report any leaks.

It's important to know how much water you use in a day, week, month and year so that if you do have a leak or other problem with your system it can be addressed quickly and effectively. To test whether there are any issues with the plumbing in your home:

Check for drips from faucets and showers. If you notice any drips at all during these tests then there's probably an issue with either the fixture itself or its connections with piping under floors or behind walls. Give a professional plumber a call at the first sign of water damage.

Check Toilets

Toilets can be a source of major water damage. If you hear a toilet running, check for leaks by looking under the rim of each bowl as well as underneath where you would normally find the water damage. If there is any leakage, fix it immediately before secondary damages occur. Check the guts of the toilet to ensure there are no future leaks.

Plumbing Fixtures

The first thing you should do is check for leaks in your existing fixture. If there aren't any visible signs of water loss and no one has reported noticing any drips coming from their bathroom ceiling or floors then it's likely that your current fixture isn't causing any problems at all.

If you do find evidence of leakage around the base of your valve assembly, then its possible it is time to replace.

There are many things you can do to prevent water loss in your home. Don't let it be a problem in your home. Take action and pay attention when things don't seem right to help prevent water damage that can potentially be costly. Give SERVPRO a call if your in need of water restoration services, we are available 24/7.

Water mitigation vs. Water Damage Restoration

3/7/2023 (Permalink)

When your in need of water damage restoration, SERVPRO is here to help!

Water damage can cause major issues in your home, but it’s not always easy to determine how you should proceed. Most people assume they need water mitigation services, but what if they are actually experiencing water damage? How do you know which one is right for you? The difference comes down to timing and the extent of the damage.

Experienced Water Damage?

If you have experienced water damage, you may be feeling overwhelmed. It can be difficult to know where to start and what your options are. You might not know who to call or what the process is for getting things back on track after a leaky pipe or burst pipe has wreaked havoc on your home.

In this guide, we'll discuss what causes water damage and how it affects your property so that you can better understand the situation at hand and make more informed decisions about how to move forward. We'll also go over some tips for mitigating water damage in the future so that you don't have to deal with this issue again!

How to proceed?

When dealing with water damage, there are many factors to consider. It is important to know what you are dealing with and how much time you have. This will help determine your options. Additionally, it is important to understand the extent of the damage and whether or not it can be repaired or must be replaced.

It is crucial for homeowners who experience any kind of flooding, whether due to storm surges, high tides after heavy rains fall on coastal areas to contact a restoration company immediately at the first sign of water loss.

Water Mitigation or Water Damage Restoration

If you’re wondering whether you need water mitigation or water damage restoration, the answer is both. The best way to protect your home and belongings is through a proactive approach that includes both water mitigation and water damage restoration.

Water mitigation involves taking steps to prevent damage from happening in the first place. Water mitigation can include sealing off areas where leaks might occur, installing sump pumps, or using flood alarms to sound an alarm when it detects moisture buildup in certain areas of your home. Water damage restoration is a reactive measure which means that it takes place after the initial source of moisture has been removed. In this process, technicians clean and dry out your home so that any remaining moisture does not cause further damage

How do I know which one to Choose?

When it comes to water damage restoration vs. mitigation, there are some key differences. Both processes will help you get your home back to livable condition, but only one of them is a permanent solution. Your choice depends primarily on the type of damage present and how quickly you need to get things back in order.

Water mitigation is a temporary solution used to remove any standing or pooled water from your home so that it doesn't continue causing issues like mold growth or structural damage over time. This process typically uses air movers and dehumidifiers that dry out rooms with fans pushing air through them at high speeds while also extracting moisture using powerful vacuums designed specifically for this purpose

Water Damage Restoration is done AFTER Water Mitigation has removed all possible sources of standing water from your property after flooding events have already occurred.

The most important thing to remember is that this isn’t an either/or decision. You can work with a company that offers both water mitigation and water damage restoration services. It is often best if you do so because they have the expertise and resources needed to help you recover from any type of flood damage—whether it’s minor or major.

Top Safety Tips to Avoid Cooking Fires

12/5/2022 (Permalink)

Cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires.

Tips To Keep Yourself Safe While Cooking

Cooking is one of the great joys in life. But, it can also be dangerous if you’re not careful. Whether you’re using a stovetop, an oven/microwave oven/toaster oven/air fryer/instant pot etc. or even just keeping food warm on the stovetop, here are some tips to keep yourself safe while cooking:

1. Watch your cooking.

When you are cooking, don’t leave the kitchen. If you must leave, turn off the stove and unplug it from its power source. Don't cook when you're tired or have had alcohol (or drugs) before starting to prepare food. Don't leave small children alone in the kitchen while you're preparing food.

2. Keep things that can burn away from your stovetop.

The second tip is to keep things that can burn away from your stovetop. Keep pots, pans, towels, paper towels, prepared or raw food (that isn’t currently cooking), and kids away from the stovetop.

3. Clean up cooking messes right away.

You should always clean up cooking messes right away. If left on the stove, grease fires can be hard to extinguish and are very dangerous. You should also have a fire extinguisher in your kitchen and a smoke alarm that is in good working order.

4. Be alert! 

You wouldn't drive a car if you were sleepy, drunk, or distracted, so why cook? It's important to be alert when using your stove. If you're feeling tired, it might be best to wait until later in the day when you are more awake and alert.

It's also a good idea to avoid cooking when you have consumed alcohol because it can affect your judgment and ability to operate safely while cooking.

5. Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food.

The kitchen is the place where you should be when frying, grilling or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for a minute to check on your kids or answer a phone call, turn off the stove before you go. Leaving an open flame unattended is very dangerous and could lead to fires or even explosions.

6. If you have young children, use the stove’s back burners whenever possible.

If you have small children, it’s important to keep them as safe as possible. One way to do this is to use the back burners whenever possible. They are farther away from the edge of the stove and therefore safer than front burners.

Stove burners are generally easier for young children to reach because they are closer to their height. However, front-facing burners have a higher risk of tipping over when touched or bumped by a child. This can lead to spills and fires if not cleaned up quickly enough. If you must use front-facing burners for cooking purposes, be sure that your child has been properly supervised at all times while cooking with them in order to avoid potential accidents.

7. Keep pot handles turned inward on the stovetop.

Using pot handles that are turned inward on the stovetop is another way to prevent spills and avoid burns. If you drop a pot, it has a better chance of not spilling if the handle faces inwards, rather than outwards. Make sure that your cookware doesn't have sharp edges or points, which can cause injury if someone bumps into them.

To avoid potential fire hazards with your cooking utensils, make sure all items are stored neatly in designated spots (not scattered across countertops) and that they have no cracks or chips in their surfaces that could allow grease or other liquids to leak out onto hot surfaces:

8. Keep knives and other sharp objects out of the reach of children.

If you have small children in your home, it's important to keep knives out of their sight and reach. Try placing them in a drawer or on a high shelf where they can't be easily accessed without an adult's assistance. Similarly, never leave knives lying around on countertops or in sinks; if you're using one while cooking and need to put it down for some reason, place it back into its holder or put it away before doing anything else! Finally, never leave sharp objects such as screwdrivers and scissors unattended- even for just a second because someone could get hurt by accidentally bumping into them while performing another task (or trying to grab something from the sink).

9. Store matches and lighters out of reach of children – preferably in a locked cabinet.

One of the most common causes of fires in homes is the improper use of lighters and matches. The best way to reduce this risk is to store them out of reach, preferably in a locked cabinet. Keep in mind that some lighter fluid may be toxic if ingested, so keep it stored away from children even if you have an unopened bottle.

10. Always keep an oven mitt and lid nearby when you’re cooking anything.

If you see smoke coming out of your kitchen, immediately turn off all sources of heat (stovetop burners, electric burners). If there are flames, do not attempt to put out a grease fire with water! Instead, use baking soda or flour to smother the flames. Then call 911.

Cooking is a fun and rewarding pastime, but it can also be dangerous if you’re not careful. Cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires and injuries in the United States according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). In fact, cooking-related fires result in an estimated 2,500 deaths and 12,500 injuries each year. So what can we do to avoid these types of accidents? The best way is to follow our ten tips above – they include simple things like keeping your stovetop clean and making sure that you always have an oven mitt handy when working around hot oil or other flammable liquids. Plus there are a few more tips like always keeping young children away from knives!

If your East Naples, FL home experiences a fire from cooking, SERVPRO of East Naples is here to help! Give us a call!

I Found a Leak Under My Kitchen Sink

11/5/2022 (Permalink)

A leak under your kitchen sink can be a big problem.

A Leak Under the Sink

Consider this scenario: “I found a leak under my kitchen sink. I was doing some organizing when I saw that there was water coming out from underneath the cabinet. After investigating, I realized it wasn't just water; it was oily liquid as well. There were no other signs of damage in the house, so this must be an isolated incident that's not going to spread anywhere else.”

Now that we know what happened and why, let's find out what you should do if you have a leak under your kitchen sink!

A Big Problem

A leak under your kitchen sink can be a big problem. The water will gradually destroy the wood and other materials around it, and if it's not stopped soon enough, it could become an expensive problem.

It's hard to find the leak. There are a lot of places where leaks can occur - around pipes or faucets, in hoses or tubes that connect between different parts of your home. You may have found this out already if you've already searched for the source by turning off all of the water in your house and trying to locate where it's coming from. 

Stopping the leak takes time and effort while doing so properly requires skill or knowledge that many homeowners don't have readily available. If something goes wrong while fixing your sink then you could make matters worse rather than better as well as cause even more damage than before!

Tips When You Find a Leak

If you have a leak under your kitchen sink, here's what you should do:

• Shut off your main water supply
• Find the main shutoff valve under your sink and turn it clockwise to close it.
• Call your insurance company if you have homeowners insurance

Call Your Insurance Company

After you've shut off the water, call your insurance company if you have homeowners insurance. This is a great time to check on how much coverage you have and what's covered by it. It's also a good idea to ask about limitations, like whether there are any deductibles or co-pays that need to be paid before the claim can be processed.

Once they've confirmed their coverage and determined how much they'll pay out, they'll let you know what steps need to be taken next, such as getting estimates from contractors so that they can get reimbursed by the insurance company

Call the Professionals

SERVPRO of East Naples is the professional restoration company for you. We have the training and experience to fix your problem. We can handle any size job, from small to large. SERVPRO of East Naples is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including all holidays. We work in both residential and commercial buildings, and work quickly to get you back to normal! 

When you find a leak under your kitchen sink, turn off the water, call your insurance company if you have homeowners insurance, and then call SERVPRO of East Naples.

Fire Damage and Water Damage

10/13/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can quickly respond to any fire.

Fire and Water Damage Go Together

In the wake of a fire, your home or business may need both fire and water restoration services. These are two different types of damage that can occur during a fire. You should make sure that you know what fire and water damage are before calling a restoration company to help clean up after your fire.

Water Damage after a Fire

You may not think about it until it’s too late, but frequently fire in a home or business often leads to water damage in the building. Water damage after a fire is a serious problem. As you may have seen in the news, water and smoke can cause serious structural damage to buildings. Water also damages furniture, appliances, and other items in your home.

Water contains minerals that are harmful to building materials and electronics. This can lead to corrosion of metal components in your home as well as electrical damage due to corrosion of wires or circuit boards inside electronic devices like televisions, computers, and phones.

Mold spores need moisture to grow so if there is an excess amount of moisture present they will begin growing on any available surface within 24 hours of exposure - even if it's just dampness!

Fire and Water Restoration After a Fire

If you've experienced a fire, your home or business may need fire restoration and water restoration services. Fire damage is caused by flames, smoke, heat and soot that linger after the flames are extinguished. Water damage can occur when firefighting efforts involve heavy use of water to extinguish the blaze.

SERVPRO of East Naples provides 24-hour emergency service and is available 365 days a year to respond to your fire or water damage emergencies in your Naples, FL home or business. Our team of highly qualified technicians will respond immediately and work with you to develop an effective plan for restoring your property back to pre-disaster condition. We also provide mold remediation services as needed.

Damage from a fire hose can be extensive as firefighters often use large amounts of water during their response efforts in order to extinguish fires quickly and safely. There are several types of commercial buildings at risk for this type of damage including restaurants, grocery stores, and banks because they often contain large quantities of flammable materials. These items (like food products or electronics) can ignite easily if exposed directly to too much heat. This helps the fire spread rapidly through these types of buildings.

A fire can cause a lot of damage. If you’re experiencing water damage after a fire, it’s important to know what to do next. The first step should be to call the professionals at SERVPRO of East Naples. We will be there quickly to help restore your home or business after both fire and water damage. 

How SERVPRO Makes Damage Insurance Claims Easier

8/31/2022 (Permalink)

Disaster Relief Team

How SERVPRO Makes Damage Insurance Claims Easier

When a commercial property is damaged by a storm, plumbing issues, fire or another unfortunate event, the first priority is to get it fixed. Filing an insurance claim and getting subsequent repairs for any damage can seem like a daunting process, but the fire and water damage restoration professionals at SERVPRO can make it simple for any client. Here are some of the claim services and benefits offered for customers.

Fast Emergency Response to Any Disaster
No matter the issue facing a commercial property, SERVPRO's team of restoration experts is ready to tackle the project as soon as they are contacted. This quick response ensures the claim and restoration effort will be addressed and ultimately finished in a timely manner. Count on these crews to provide trusted service for any of the following issues:

Water damage
Fire damage
Mold remediation
Contents drying
Odor removal

Crews are available for 24/7 service and are certified in their field by the industry-leading Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification.

Use of Electronic Claim Services
There is easy access to any recorded information regarding the claim with SERVPRO's electronic filing system. This service guarantees accurate online information that makes it simple to stay on top of the damage restoration process.
Tracking Claims With an Inventory System
Dealing with insurance claims is made much easier thanks to SERVPRO's inventory system. This service tracks all the losses within a East Naples, FL, building and includes pictures of any important, damaged items. This inventory system lays out all the necessary damage information for clients to easily refer to at any point during the cleanup and restoration process.
Customers working with SERVPRO's restoration experts benefit greatly from their fast response to any building disaster, electronic claim services and helpful inventory system, making for a seamless rebuild of any commercial property.

Call the Professionals for Category 3 Water Damage

8/26/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage categories

Any water damage your Village Walk, FL, property sustains needs to be handled quickly to avoid future issues. When the damage is caused by flood water, it isn’t normal water that is being dealt with. Before diving in to clean up the mess, it’s important to understand the different categories of water loss.

Water Damage Categories

The IICRC classifies water damage in the following three ways:

Category 1: Considered clean water, this is the least severe and may usually be cleaned up without any concerns if there is a minimal amount of damage. This category is often caused by a broken pipe or overflowing sink.
Category 2: Known as grey water, it may have chemicals or bacteria in it. While not necessarily harmful, it still requires an extra level of detail during cleanup. Grey water comes from a urine-only toilet overflow or leaking appliances.
Category 3: If your water problem was caused by flooding, you likely have black water damage. This type has many contaminants from sewage and debris that require added levels of safety. When dealing with this type of water loss, it’s best to call water and mold damaged restoration

Flood Water Cleanup
Unlike clean water, black water must be handled with care. Prior to coming into contact with it, personal protective equipment is recommended. When using a certified company to handle the mess, its trained technicians will be suited up with the right gear and have specialized equipment to contain the area, extract the water and clean affected areas. They will be trained to prevent cross-contamination, as well as find hidden issues, such as mold growth. The team will also properly dispose of waste and unsalvageable items.
While no unwanted water in your property is good, flood water is considered black water and requires extra safety precautions to ensure it is handled right.