Water Damage Timeline

9/26/2023 (Permalink)

What happens when water is left unattended..... 

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants

Water Damage from Contaminated Water

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

What to DO:

-Avoid all contact with sewage and items contaminated by sewage.

-Wash your hands thoroughly after contact with contaminated items.

What NOT TO DO:

- Spread contaminated water by walking unnecessarily on damaged or wet areas. 

- Turn on the HVAC system in there is a possibility of spreading air.

- Use household fans to dry the structure and spread contamination.

-Use products for personal hygiene and cleanliness if exposed to the contaminated areas. 

          Harmful Waste 

(Sewage, bloodborne pathogens, etc.)

What to DO:

- Stay out of effected areas.

- Call emergency service personnel if the situation is life threatening.

- Treat all bodily fluids as if they are contaminated.

What NOT TO DO:

- Attempt cleanup of any kind.

- Touch or handle items that might be contaminated with bodily fluids. 

Facts About Storm Damage

2/28/2022 (Permalink)

Is Storm Damage Covered by Insurance?

Storm damage may be covered by your insurance policy, but you’ll need to reach out to your agent to get specifics about your particular coverage. It’s important to note that your home must be maintained to a reasonable standard. Otherwise, it could be hard to prove that the storm was the cause of the damage versus a lack of proper maintenance and general wear and tear.

Who Do I Call After A Storm?

SERVPRO provides many of the services you may need after a storm blows through your area. We provide emergency roof tarping and board-up services to help prevent additional damage from the elements and provide security to your property. This service may be needed immediately if your property was damaged by falling trees, hail, high winds, tornado debris or fire. A SERVPRO location near you offers 24/7 emergency service and is available to help.

How Long Does it Take to Fix Flood Damage?

The time it takes to fix flood damage depends on the severity of the flood. We’ll inspect your home or business and discuss with you the severity of damage and our plan to help return your property back to preloss condition. We’ll then work to remove the water that shouldn’t be there using pumps and water extracting equipment. Once the excess water is gone, we use dehumidifiers and other specialized drying equipment to help return the area to its normal moisture level. This is a closely monitored process, with our teams continually making adjustments to equipment to help ensure the area is recovering as quickly and as safely possible.

SERVPRO of Lapeer is Certified Storm Ready

2/6/2022 (Permalink)

When you get hit by a storm, there can be a lot of damage such as missing shingles, complete roofs torn off, blown-off siding, hail damage, doors blown off, power lines down, trees on buildings, or maybe all of the above. SERVPRO of Lapeer in Clarkston helps you with storm clean up, wind damage and more.

We do all of the temporary repairs, reconstruction, and cleaning with our own award-winning personnel. We are the only company that does that! You do not have to work with a lot of contractors.

What happens if we need you at night or on a weekend?

You can call us anytime at (810) 664-1000. We are available 24/7, to help you with these difficult issues. You can trust SERVPRO of Lapeer to restore your life and your peace of mind after your property has been damaged by a storm.

We offer storm damage restoration services including:

• Debris removal and full cleanup of affected areas
• Hail and roof damage repair
• Restoration of electric, natural gas, and heat (if needed)
• Window and door replacement
• Contents pack-out and storage during mitigation and restoration
• Complete reconstruction services
• Emergency water mitigation
• Temporary emergency plumbing repairs
• Emergency board-up to prevent theft and/or injury

SERVPRO of Lapeer specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Winter Wind Damage

2/4/2022 (Permalink)

Mid-Michigan has had allot of heavy winds lately, putting allot of pressure on the exterior of your home.  Wind can leave your roof exposed and that is especially dangerous when entering the cold winter months. Snow and ice can build up over time and cause further breakdown of the exposed area. When fall comes around and everything outside thaws, the water will begin to slowly leak inside. Water works very quickly and can make its way down the drywall and into the flooring before being detected. When water has a chance to sit mold begins to grow. At this point everything must be removed, cleaned, and replaced. Always inspect the exterior of your home after any type of storm and if you are in need or repairs, call SERVPRO of Lapeer 24/7, 365 days a year!

Generator Safety

1/18/2022 (Permalink)

With the high winds and constant snow fall it is so important to know how to properly own and operate a generator for your home.

- The first and most important thing to remember when using a generator is to keep it out of your home! Generators should never be used in your garage or basement and should be kept 20 feet away from your doors and windows. The exhaust from a generator contains a high amount of carbon monoxide, a poisonous and odorless gas that can kill a person in a matter of minutes.

- Second, keep your generator dry. Operate it on a dry surface that provides coverage and do not touch your generator with wet hands.

- Third, plug appliances directly into the generator or make sure that you are using heavy duty extension cords that have no visible tears or loose wiring.

When Storms or Floods Hit Lapeer County

11/1/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lapeer 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 Lapeer 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 SERVPRO of Lapeer Today 810-664-1000

Lets Talk Flooded Basements

7/27/2021 (Permalink)

With spring coming in the middle of summer this year, our team has been working around the clock to keep up with the overflow of calls we have received. Our team is one of the largest in the area and we are still struggling to keep up. 

Is your basement flooded?

Cant get someone out today?

Here is what you can do to minimize the damage..

Early cleanup after your basement floods is not only efficient but also important from a health standpoint. After you are certain the cause of the flood has been repaired you can start the cleanup.

Before you begin anything, be sure the situation is safe! With flooded basements sometimes comes sewage leaks, structural damage, or electrical hazards. 

If you have a flood contained in a small area, you can use a wet/dry vacuum to remove the water.

Larger floods require the use of your sump pump. Connect a garden hose to the pump with the opposite end running away from your house and preferably into a storm drain. DO NOT remove all the water at one time. Remove about 1/3 of the water at the time, marking the level each time to confirm the leak has been cared for properly. 

Why not remove the water all at once?

If the flooding in your basement is caused by heavy rain or snow fall, the water pressure in the ground is likely high. The water in your house may be stabilizing your foundation. Removing it all at once can lead to cracks in the foundation. 

Again, removing the water will you wait for the professionals to come in will make dramatic difference in the amount of damage you have.

If you or someone you know has experienced basement flooding, do not wait! Give us a  call today.

SERVPRO of Lapeer

810-664-1000

Types of Roof Damage

4/12/2021 (Permalink)

We have received a ton of calls for roof repairs after all of the high winds we have seen lately. 

If your home has taken a beating from high winds, the damage is not always obvious. Damaged shingles may look fine from the street and the issues may not reveal themselves until after some time has passed. 

Damaged shingles can lead to a leak in the roof. The leak will be small and hard to notice but may make its way through your homes siding or roofs waterproof material. These small areas allow moisture and pests to enter your home.

The wind can also cause the roof decking to lift away from the framing. Even the slightest lift can lead to loose screws and nails. If this happens it may take only one more high wind situation to completely lift the roof decking away from the home. 

The damage your home sustains will depend on several factors. These include:

• Direction of high winds
• Type of home construction
• Materials used for roof and siding
• Age of home

 When you have your home assessed for damaged by SERVPRO professionals, they will look beneath the surface to find the hidden damage.

Roof Health

12/9/2020 (Permalink)

Living in Michigan your home is bound to see its share of wind, rain, snow and ice. Replacing or repairing a roof usually comes with an expensive price tag. Keeping an eye on a few simple things will help you maintain a healthy roof and keep you from spending a fortune. 

Keep an eye on your shingles

Missing or damaged shingles are the cause of most major roof repairs because they are not attended to in time. Cleaning them on occasion to keep them free and clear of dirt, and replacing one or two missing shingles will help keep the integrity of your roof.

Roof Sealants

Replace your roof sealants once they show signs of wear or visible cracking.

Watch out for Rust

Rust spreads fast so if you have used any metal in the construction of your roof check it often. If rust does appear you should try to lightly brush it off. 

Trim Branches

keep nearby branches trimmed and away from your roof in the case they fall over during a storm. 

Tree and Down Power Line Damage After a Storm

11/30/2020 (Permalink)

Winter brings more than snow and cheer, it also brings ice and wind with home damage fear!

A large snow and ice storm comes through and leaves an accumulation of ice and snow, heavy enough to take down even some of the strongest and healthiest trees. 

if you find yourself in this situation call SERVPRO of Lapeer.

First our highly trained specialists will bring in a tree company to safely remove the tree, causing as little damage as possible in the process.

Next, we will cover the affected areas to save it from any additional damage.

We will then clean and mitigate your home with proper drying equipment to prevent any underlying issues.

Finally, we will work with your insurance company and get the approval needed to begin work on your home and to live up to our promise, "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO of Lapeer

810-664-1000

Storm Repairs with SERVPRO of Lapeer

11/6/2020 (Permalink)

When storms strike, SERVPRO of Lapeer is always ready with a 24-hour emergency response to aid residents and business owners. With one call to (810) 664-1000, SERVPRO of Lapeer in Oxford will be on site and work to mitigate the damage to your property. If you’ve been affected by fallen trees, tornado damage, flooding, road damage, hail damage or any other storm damage, SERVPRO is the damage restoration company to call in Oxford.

We offer a large variety of services to owners of damaged property from the storm, making sure that storm damage does not become permanent and irreplaceable damage.

Types of Storm Damage

• Hail will mainly cause damage to your roof, siding, and windows.
• Checking your roof each year for hail damage can help prevent future damage caused by rain.
• If you notice dents or holes on the siding, roofs, or screens of your home, call SERVPRO Restoration and your insurance company right away.
• After the storm, check for water stains around and under your windows, which may be a result of leakage. Also, be sure that you do not have any broken windows.

The sooner you receive help from SERVPRO of Lapeer, the sooner your home can return to its previous state. Our certified team of restoration experts can be on the job right away and help you prevent further damage and harm.

SERVPRO of Lapeer- Storm Dream Team

7/27/2020 (Permalink)

Storm and water damage affects not only the structure of your house but also your belongings. SERVPRO of Lapeer understands that your home is more than a structure; your family’s furniture, clothing, keepsakes, and other belongings help transform a house into a home.

If You Have Questions or Need Help,
Call Us Today (810-664-1000)

Contents Restoration

SERVPRO of Lapeer specializes in restoring contents damaged by storms and other water damage events. Our expertise and our “restore” versus “replace” mentality can help you save money while preserving precious keepsakes that can’t be replaced. They pretest your contents to determine what items can be restored back to their condition before the water damage. They utilize several methods of cleaning your contents, including:

• Dry Cleaning - Used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to cleaning.
• Wet Cleaning - An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues.
• Spray and Wipe -Effective for items that can’t withstand cleaning.
• Foam Cleaning - Used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if cleaned.
• Abrasive Cleaning - Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned. 
• Immersion Cleaning - Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product.

Move-Outs/Pack-Outs

If your home requires extensive restoration or cleaning, SERVPRO of Lapeer can conduct an organized, efficient move-out of the affected area. Move-out will provide several benefits, including:

•  A quicker remodeling process
•  Protecting items from potential damage
•  Protecting contents from further on-site damage

When restoration is completed, they will work with you to coordinate the move-in according to your needs. The services offered upon move-in may depend on your insurance coverage. For additional information, check out Contents Claim Inventory Service.

Roof Damage and Repair

1/28/2020 (Permalink)

Roof damage is always a major concern when big rain or snow storms come through. Usually the signs are very evident. Water spots on the ceiling,curled shingles, wet walls or winter ice damage are are all very easy ways to determine if your roof is in need of a little TLC.

Missing shingles are always a sure tell sign but you should also pay close attention to any possible damage done to the remaining shingles. 

Missing flashing at the edges of the roof, vents and chimneys should also be attended too in order to prevent unwanted water from entering your home during the next storm. 

pealing sealant can also cause problems so be sure to look for that as well.

SERVPRO of Lapeer is on call 24/7. We can restore or replace any issues with your roof.

Do not hesitate to give us a call today....

810-664-1000

What is a sump pump? What happens when it fails you?

1/12/2020 (Permalink)

Hundreds of Michigan residents are finding out just how important it is to have a battery back up for your sump pump in the case of a power outage. After the severe weather we experienced this weekend many basements have been left with standing water.

A sump pump eliminates moisture and prevents flooding by collecting excess water from drains and pumping it out and away from the building. You will find a sump pump sitting in a specially constructed pit that sits lower than the basement floor in homes that are susceptible to major rain and snow fall. 

If your pump stops working, water could get into your basement and foundation walls. This may cause mold and mildew to grow and if enough water builds up, the basement can flood. 

How do you know your sump pump is working?

You can check your sump pump tow different ways. Two separate plugs are attached to the unit. Unplug them both and then plug in only the one for the pump. If the pump does not immediately turn on then something is wrong. Your other option is to add water and wait to see if the pump turns on and properly evacuates the water. 

Things to Look for After A Major Storm

9/30/2019 (Permalink)

Storms of any size can cause major damage to your home. Obvious damage may include shingles being blown off the roof or flooding in the basement. 

More severe damage may be power line damage that leads to a fire or a tree falling into your living room.

SERVPRO of Lapeer has an extremely fast response time so no further damage will come to your home. Our trained professionals will quickly asses the situation, board up any broken windows and provide coverage for any exposed part of your home to keep rainwater out. 

No matter how big or small the damage may be SERVPRO of Lapeer understands how important your home is to you and we will work hard to make it "Like it never even happened."

810-644-1000

Why Choose SERVPRO of Lapeer for your Water or Storm Emergencies?

9/20/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lapeer is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage and that is why we are "faster to any size disaster!"

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Lapeer has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

Call SERVPRO of Lapeer

810-644-1000

What to Expect from your First Phone Call to SERVPRO of Lapeer

9/4/2019 (Permalink)

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of Lapeer

SERVPRO of Lapeer specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

How Can you Protect your Home from Storm Damage this Summer?

5/29/2019 (Permalink)

The frozen pipes have stopped and the storms will soon come. Follow these easy steps to keep your home safe from storm damage.

-After every winter you should check for missing or damaged shingles and replace them

-Keep your gutters clean -SERVPRO can help you with that

-Repair loose siding- We know someone for that too

-Ensure water can flow away from your home 

-Make sure your doors and windows are sealed properly 

-Make sure your sump pump is in working order before all of the spring rain hits

-Maintenance any trees near your home regularly

-Keep a generator on hand

-Lastly, walk around your home. Home owners are not always able to fix the problems they find around their property but that is why SERVPRO of Lapeer is available 24/7-365 days a year to answer your call. 

810-664-1000

Storm Damage Restoration

8/9/2017 (Permalink)

When you get hit by a storm, there can be a lot of damage such as missing shingles, complete roofs torn off, blown-off siding, hail damage, doors blown off, power lines down, trees on buildings, or maybe all of the above. SERVPRO of Lapeer in Clarkston helps you with storm clean up, wind damage and more.

We do all of the temporary repairs, reconstruction, and cleaning with our own award-winning personnel. We are the only company that does that! You do not have to work with a lot of contractors.

What happens if we need you at night or on a weekend?

You can call us anytime at (810) 664-1000. We are available 24/7, to help you with these difficult issues. You can trust SERVPRO of Lapeer to restore your life and your peace of mind after your property has been damaged by a storm.

We offer storm damage restoration services including:

• Debris removal and full cleanup of affected areas
• Hail and roof damage repair
• Restoration of electric, natural gas, and heat (if needed)
• Window and door replacement
• Contents pack-out and storage during mitigation and restoration
• Complete reconstruction services
• Emergency water mitigation
• Temporary emergency plumbing repairs
• Emergency board-up to prevent theft and/or injury

SERVPRO of Lapeer specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Storm Damage Repair

8/4/2017 (Permalink)

When storms strike, SERVPRO of Lapeer is always ready with a 24-hour emergency response to aid residents and business owners. With one call to (810) 664-1000, SERVPRO of Lapeer in Oxford will be on site and work to mitigate the damage to your property. If you’ve been affected by fallen trees, tornado damage, flooding, road damage, hail damage or any other storm damage, SERVPRO is the damage restoration company to call in Oxford.

We offer a large variety of services to owners of damaged property from the storm, making sure that storm damage does not become permanent and irreplaceable damage.

Types of Storm Damage

• Hail will mainly cause damage to your roof, siding, and windows.
• Checking your roof each year for hail damage can help prevent future damage caused by rain.
• If you notice dents or holes on the siding, roofs, or screens of your home, call SERVPRO Restoration and your insurance company right away.
• After the storm, check for water stains around and under your windows, which may be a result of leakage. Also, be sure that you do not have any broken windows.

The sooner you receive help from SERVPRO of Lapeer, the sooner your home can return to its previous state. Our certified team of restoration experts can be on the job right away and help you prevent further damage and harm.

Wind & Storm Damage Restoration

7/27/2017 (Permalink)

Hit hard by mother nature?

SERVPRO of Lapeer provides 24-hour wind and storm damage restoration service in Oxford.

To get help fast, call SERVPRO!

Property damage caused by severe weather can be devastating to your family or business, and repairing it can be a complex undertaking. To get storm damage repair completed quickly and safely, you need a restoration service company that specializes in bringing your home back to its preloss condition.

SERVPRO of Lapeer provides specialized emergency cleanup and restoration services in Oxford to bring your property back to normal with minimal interruption. We can handle any damage due to severe weather, including:

• Thunderstorms
• Lightning Strikes
• Hurricanes
• Tornadoes and high winds
• Hail and ice storms
• Freezing weather and ice dams

SERVPRO has successfully rebuilt tens of thousands of wind-damaged households through the years. It is in situations like these that our team’s specialized skill sets are required. Rebuilding part of a home is very different from a new construction facility. Building materials, design, and finishes must all be matched to the remaining structure, while moisture remaining in the building components may need to be addressed as well.

SERVPRO of Lapeer in Oxford is licensed and insured contractors that are available 24 hours a day. Call SERVPRO (810)664-1000 or find u on the web for your best storm damage restoration costs inspection estimate! Save money and time on Storm Damage Restoration Costs in Lapeer.

Get 24 Hour Emergency Storm Damage Service in Oxford

7/21/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lapeer provides 24-hour storm and wind damage restoration service in Oxford.

An unexpected tornado can bring wind damage and hail damage caused by a powerful hurricane can cause severe property damage and flooding. A wintry blizzard can cause wind damage and ice damming.

SERVPRO offers the services to commercial, residential and municipal customers.

SERVPRO of Lapeer offers immediate help to secure your property and prevent further damage from occurring. SERVPRO of Lapeer stands out with:

• Commercial, Residential & Municipal storm damage restoration.
• Expert Certified Storm Damage Restoration Professionals
• Quick Friendly Service
• Emergency Board-Up Service
• Emergency Security Personnel
• Affordable Prices

SERVPRO of Lapeer is your expert storm damage restoration constructors! Are you looking for Storm Damage Restoration Services in Oxford? Then count on the Storm Damage Restoration experts at SERVPRO of Lapeer who can solve all of these problems for you, simply by using the best Storm Damage Restoration Contractor in Oxford.

Storm Damage Restoration in Oxford is widely accepted as the best alternative to keep your system work efficiently. This type of repair is the modern alternative to Storm Damage Restoration in Oxford.

SERVPRO of Lapeer in Oxford is licensed and insured contractors that are available 24 hours a day. Call SERVPRO (810)664-1000 or find u on the web for your best storm damage restoration costs inspection estimate! Save money and time on Storm Damage Restoration Costs in Lapeer.

If your roof has been damaged then you should consider hiring a storm damage restoration.  SERVPRO will be able to assess which tiles need to be replaced and which ones only have surface damage. The professionals will also be able to help with most of the damage caused by wind and water.

Checking Your Home: Structural Elements

2/3/2017 (Permalink)