Recent Water Damage Posts
Water Damage from Contaminated Water
9/15/2023 (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.
If you're in a situation where you need a professional, give the team at SERVPRO of Lapeer a call at 810-664-1000!
Long Term Effects of Storm Damage
8/17/2022 (Permalink)
What You Need to Know About the Long-Term Effects of Storm Damage
Do you think that post-storm water damage dries without help? If you do not treat this potentially serious issue immediately, take a look at what you need to know about the long-term effects of water damage.
Flooring Failure
Water that seeps into your home and floods your flooring can sink through carpets and padding. The result is a damp rug that is slow to dry. But what happens if the rug feels dry to the touch?
In some cases, you can dry and restore storm-damaged or flooded carpeting. This does not mean you should attempt to save your carpets without help. Failure to properly dry the carpets or the padding underneath can cause additional problems for what lies underneath.
Your regular home vacuum can't pull water from under the carpet's surface. Likewise, a fan or other type of similar drier will not reach beneath into the padding. This means what may feel like a completely dry carpet can hide a wet, moldy, or dirty pad. If you have wood flooring under your carpets, a damp pad could cause serious damage over time.
The longer the moisture sits on the wood floor, the more likely the cellulose fibers in the material will soak up excess water. This can warp the wood and cause permanent damage. While other types of flooring, such as tile, may not warp, the constant presence of water can still cause problems.
To prevent warping and other related issues, contract a professional storm damage restoration company as soon as possible. If you do wait, the professional may still have ways to treat the area and restore your home's flooring.
Faulty Furniture
Your flooring is not the only part of your home that is subject to the long-term effects of storm-related water damage. If water sits on your furniture, it can also cause permanent damage. The type of damage your furniture sustains after a flood or storm depends on what it is made from.
Hard, non-porous plastic surfaces are relatively easy to clean and dry. Provided no evidence of mold growth or bacterial contamination exists, you can wipe the item with your choice of household cleaner and dry it with a towel. But if the furniture in question is made of wood or is upholstered, you will need a professional restoration expert's help.
What happens if you wait to call this professional? Like with carpeting, the water could soak through upholstered items and into the padding underneath. This can result in internal mold growth or damage wooden support frames. This destroys the integrity of the item and can cause complete failure.
Again, like with wood floors, wooden furniture can soak up water and warp. Water can also cause spotting on the surface or swelling. Even though the initial water damage may have happened days or weeks ago, a storm damage professional may still have the ability to restore these items.
Weak Walls
Water damage can extend from the floors and furniture to the walls of your home. Like with other types of water damage, the longer moisture sits on your walls, the higher the likelihood that your home will have permanent problems such as mold growth, warping, or other similar issues.
Like with flooring, a dry wall surface does not always mean everything underneath is free from moisture too. Long-term water exposure can result in seepage through drywall or plaster. The underlying wood and other building materials can warp or rot. This can cause serious or extensive structural issues. A restoration professional can evaluate the situation and create a treatment plan.
Steps in Water Damage Preparation
2/15/2022 (Permalink)
Emergency Contact
When you call, our specialist will guide you through several questions that will help us appropriately respond to your unique water emergency. Beyond understanding your situation, we will want to set up a time for your local SERVPRO professional to inspect the property and create a restoration plan for you. Fast response is critical, so we’ll want to schedule this as soon as possible.
Inspection and Water Damage Assessment
After our professionals arrive at your home, they will thoroughly assess the water damage and help you understand its severity, hazards that may be present, and determine what can be restored. If necessary, we will also assist with stopping the source of the water damage. All of this is a crucial step to creating an effective plan of action that will result in the successful restoration of your property.
Water Removal
Service work normally begins with a thorough extraction of water. This helps prevent the spread of water in the structure and reduces drying time. Typically, hundreds or thousands of gallons of water are removed using powerful pumps and extraction units during the water removal process.
Damaged Material Removal
If any materials cannot be successfully restored, this will be communicated to you. These materials are typically removed as soon as possible to expedite the drying of all restorable materials.
Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Deodorization
Water damage can create cleaning, sanitizing, or deodorization needs for floors, furniture, and other personal belongings. SERVPRO professionals use a variety of specially formulated products, industry-leading equipment, and proven techniques to accomplish this important aspect of restoration.
Drying
After the bulk of the water has been removed, our specialists use industry-leading drying equipment to remove the water you can’t see. This will target water within materials to bring these materials back to their normal moisture level. This equipment is normally placed during the first visit to your property. The type and amount of equipment is based on your unique situation and industry standards.
Monitoring
During the drying process, our specialists will want to visit your property daily to help ensure materials are drying properly, check drying equipment performance, and make changes as needed. This monitoring process is critical to effective and efficient drying of your property.
Repairs and Construction
After these initial steps, your home may need construction work to get your property back to its preloss condition. The repair step can be minor repairs or rebuilding entire areas of your home. We can simplify the restoration process by handling both the initial damage mitigation and rebuilding the affected areas. Having one qualified company for the entire process can save time and keeps costs low.
Water Restoration Services with SERVPRO of Lapeer
1/4/2022 (Permalink)
A mop and common household cleaning products may not be enough when your home or business floods. SERVPRO of Lapeer technicians are trained to safely and correctly clean and restore your home or business, utilizing the following procedures:
-Identifying the Source/Type of Water
-Measure the Temperature and Humidity for Drying Analysis
-Survey the Extent of Damage
-Perform Emergency Water Extraction
-Move and Block Furniture
-Inspect Carpet pad/Carpet
-Apply Necessary Treatments (Disinfectants/Deodorization)
-Utilize Drying Equipment and Monitor Drying to ensure
-Disposal of Debris
Abiding by OSHA guidelines and all applicable health regulations, SERVPRO technicians remove moisture, sewage, and contaminants, disinfecting and deodorizing as they safely clean your customers home and restorable belongings.
Emergency Tips
1/4/2022 (Permalink)
Water Damage From Contaminated Water
DO:
-Avoid all contact with sewage and items contaminated by sewage.
-Wash your hands thoroughly after contact with contaminated items.
DON'T:
-Spread contaminated water by walking unnecessarily on damaged or wet areas.
-Turn on the HVAC system if there is still a possibility of spreading contaminated air.
-Use household fans to dry the structure and spread contaminated areas.
-Use products for personal hygiene and cleanliness if exposed to the contaminated areas.
Vandalism Damage
DO:
- Hose or wash egg damage from building exterior as soon as possible.
-Vacuum glass particles from carpets and upholstery
- Save containers which reveal the ingredients of spilled inks, cosmetics and paints.
DON'T:
-Attempt to remove ink, paint or cosmetic stains.
- Operate damaged lamps or appliances.
-Discard furniture wood chips, broken pieces from porcelain, furniture or art objects.
Harmful Waste
DO:
- Stay out of affected areas.
- Call emergency service personal if the situation is life-threatening.
- Treat bodily fluids as if they are contaminated.
DON'T:
- Attempt to clean up any kind.
- Touch or handle items that might be contaminated with bodily fluids.
Remember that SERVPRO of Lapeer is here if disaster should strike!
810-664-1000
Critters in The Attic
12/30/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Lapeer responds to dozens of calls each year for home damage caused by a small critter. Raccoons, rats, and birds are all small animals that can set up camp on or even in your roof. This may seem like a small issue but in fact can lead to major issues.
These small animals can claw and chew there way through the layers of your roof until they eventually make there way through. This leads to massive roof underlayment damages followed by costly repairs. Once they are established, it is very difficult to keep them away permanently. An exterminator will need to come in and remove any scent of the animal and often that is just the beginning of the repair efforts needed.
Water Damage
If these animals do make it through the layers of your roof, water can seep through into your attic and make its way inside your home. That water can cause damage to your ceilings, walls, and floors.
Soffit Damage
Heavier animals can knock the soffit right off your home, giving them access to your attic.
If you find yourself in need of repairs after damage to your roof call SERVPRO of Lapeer today!
Winterizing Your Home
12/22/2021 (Permalink)
Make sure your home is protected for the long winter ahead by paying attention to a few simple but important things.
-Cleaning your gutters and assessing your roof for any loose, cracked or bending shingles can save you from a leaky roof and major repairs in the middle of winter.
-Protect your deck by sweeping any fallen leaves and apply a fresh coat of sealant. Keep your outdoor furniture in good working condition by cleaning and storing it in a dry basement or garage.
- keep your heating bill down by sealing all doors and windows that have gaps.
- Most importantly, keep your pipes safe! Pipes are most likely to freeze in the areas of your house that heat does not reach, such as the garage or attic. Make sure these areas are well insulated and always keep your house above 55 degrees. Keeping the garage door shut at all times is also a major factor in protecting your pipes.
As always SERVPRO of Lapeer is available should disaster ever strike your home.
24 Hour Emergency Services from SERVPRO of Lapeer
11/18/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Lapeer provides 24-hour fire and water damage restoration services to both residential and commercial customers.
What does SERVPRO of Lapeer offer?
- Quick Friendly Service
- Emergency Commercial Water Damage Restoration
- Fully Licensed & Insured Commercial Water Damage Restoration Contractors
- Expert Certified Commercial Water Damage Restoration Professionals
SERVPRO of Lapeer specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire or water loss. 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.
Water has the unique ability to affect properties with devastating results. In a short time, water can cause massive amounts of damage. Thus, preventative measures are important in order to control commercial water damage. Count on the experts at SERVPRO of Lapeer.
Signs of a Slow Leak
11/12/2021 (Permalink)
Does your home or business show signs of a leak?
- Musty Smell
Have you noticed an earthy or musty smell in your bathroom lately, even after giving it a good cleaning? Don’t ignore this crucial sign of a potential water leak. Keep looking for the hidden water leak, from inside your cabinets to behind your faucet, until you find the source.
- Mildew or Mold
Mold thrives in moist, dark areas. Pipes, which are typically hidden in a wall or under flooring, provide the perfect breeding ground.
- Damaged Paint or Wallpaper
If you see blistering paint or water stains on your walls, you could have a leak in the bathroom. Pay attention to the floorboards as well, when wet they tend to suck up the moisture and swell.
- Damaged Walls
Another sign of a hidden bathroom leak is wall damage. When drywall is exposed to moisture, it becomes soft and begins to bubble. Eventually, it will warp and break into pieces.
- Wetness in the Cabinet
Finding water or moisture in your cabinets is a sign of a hidden leak. It might be an easy fix, like tightening a nut, but it could also be a sign a valve needs replacing.
- Damaged Flooring
If your bathroom floor is buckling, cracking, or beginning to stain—and you didn’t let the bathtub overflow—odds are you have a leak. The water could be from a pipe directly underneath the floor, or it could have traveled there from another area.
- Rocking Toilet
A toilet shouldn’t wobble. If it starts to move when you sit down its likely the wax ring that keeps a water-tight seal between the base and the pipe below is worn. This will eventually lead to wastewater coming out under the toilet and an obviously foul smell.
- Faucet
If the bathroom faucet is loose in your hand, it can allow water to seep into the gaps. To fix the issue, it might be as easy as applying new caulking to make it water-tight again.
- Stains on Ceilings
If you have a bathroom on a second floor, check the patch of ceiling in the room directly beneath it for stains and signs of water damage. However, because water can travel a long distance, it's possible to find water stains on the ceiling further away.
Cell Phone Alerts
10/11/2021 (Permalink)
What are WEA cell phone alerts?
"Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) are emergency messages, usually less than 90 characters, that are sent directly to your phone by authorized government alerting authorities through your mobile carrier."
This alert system has been used more than 40,000 times to warn about incoming storms and local Amber Alerts.
The WEA system works by monitoring weather reports all over the country and cross referencing those reports with the cell phone towers that are located in the dangerous areas. The system then sends out a text message to anyone pinging off those towers.
With the help of SERVPRO of Lapeer, you can always restore or replace your home or business but you cannot replace your loved ones and your loved ones could never replace you. Keep your alerts on and active at all times.
SERVPRO of Lapeer vs Water Damage- Why you should choose us and what we can do for you!
12/21/2020 (Permalink)
If you are experiencing water damage from a failed sump pump, sewage backup or other plumbing issue, you have come to the right place. At SERVPRO of Lapeer Water & Fire Restoration, we specialize in water removal & restoration of all types and sizes and stand ready to solve your problem 24 hours a day – 7 days a week. With a full service restoration approach, we can handle everything from the initial cleanup & drying service, all the way through to the final restoration.
Water Damage Restoration Process at SERVPRO of Lapeer
Our process works through mitigating, or “minimizing the severity” of your loss. We do this through our emergency response crews that come equipped to extract all water, apply a disinfectant, remove any non-salvageable materials and use drying equipment to dry the materials that can be saved, and prevent mold. As response time is so critical, getting a free estimate as soon as possible is extremely important to reducing further damage and preventing mold.
Our specific procedures based on the cleanliness of the water source & conditions & amount of dwell time. If you have any questions about how your situation should be handled, please contact us at (810) 664-1000.
SERVPRO of Lapeer provide:
- Quick Friendly Service
- Emergency Commercial Water Damage Restoration Service Available
- Fully Licensed & Insured Commercial Water Damage Restoration Contractor
- Expert Certified Commercial Water Damage Restoration Professionals
- Commercial, Residential & Municipal Commercial Water Damage Restoration
Snow and Ice Build Up and The Damage it Can Cause to your Home
12/17/2020 (Permalink)
Winter is a beautiful and magical time of year. The snow fall makes for a picture perfect kind of day. But what happens if you leave all that snow on your roof and in your gutters to freeze?
Snow Damns- When snow falls on your roof and the temperature is above freezing, the snow melts and trickles down to a part of your roof that is colder and below freezing. The water then freezes and expands which can damage your shingles, open up cracks and create a snow damn. They may be beautiful to look at but they create an awfully expensive roof repair when not attended to properly.
Cave in's- if we have a bad snow storm, large amounts of snow can accumulate on your roof and if it is not removed in a timely manner, the weight of the snow could cause your roof to cave in.
SERVPRO of Lapeer are the experts in all things water. Call us any time-24/7- 365 days a year.
SERVPRO of Lapeer
810-664-1000
Stages of Water Damage Repair for your Lapeer County Home or Business
11/18/2020 (Permalink)
This basement experienced flooding after a bad rainstorm, and SERVPRO of Lapeer was on site to clean it up
If you experience water damage in your home or business, you will likely need to have water restoration done. What this entails can vary depending on the severity of the damage, but the general process remains the same. While your house is being worked on, you can expect a restoration company like SERVPRO of Lapeer to follow these fire restoration stages.
Inspection of the water damage
Before restoration can begin, the property will need to be inspected to understand the extent of the damage and how to address it. Our skilled production technicians and crew chiefs will look at each area of your home or business to determine the extent of the damage done by the water, whether it was from a storm or other flood in your building. This allows them to determine the best way to move forward with their work and create a water damage repair plan.
Mitigation against further damage
Once the inspection has been completed, SERVPRO technicians will move on to water mitigation. This step is essential to prevent the damage from getting worse. Unfortunately, many people miss this step and end up making matters worse by not preventing further damage from happening. For example, if there are holes in the walls from water seeping through or issues with the roofing or broken windows, these will need to be boarded up or covered with a tarp to keep the area safe and prevent further damage. Water damage will be removed as well, with each object treated based on what it’s made of. It will also include removing excess water and drying the building to prevent mold or mildew growth. Unpleasant odors will be removed as well. By identifying the odor's cause and determining the conditions where it contacts surfaces, the odor can often be removed over time without a trace, such as mold or mildew that has already started to grow.
Restoration of your home or business
After damage cleaning is complete, the final stage, the repair process, can begin. During the restoration, SERVPRO technicians will begin to return your home to its previous condition, endeavoring to make it "Like it never even happened." In the case of severe damage, this can include rebuilding walls, roofing, or even whole rooms. SERVPRO offers a variety of building services to address this. Smaller tasks, such as replacing carpets and repainting walls, will be done as well. All repairs will be covered with the home or business owner before starting. Once this stage has been finished, your house or business should look as good as it did before the water damage occurred!
Whether the water or flood damage was large or small, water damage restoration is a necessary part of returning your home or business to normal. A water damage remediation company like SERVPRO of Lapeer has the equipment and professional training necessary to do this quickly and thoroughly. We will be able to repair your home and can salvage many of your damaged belongings as well. If you’ve experienced any kind of water or flood damage, contact SERVPRO 24/7 at 810-664-1000
Three Tips to Avoid Freezing Pipes
11/18/2020 (Permalink)
Don't get caught with frozen pipes this winter
A slow leak in a pipe in your home in Lapeer County, may go undetected for a while, but there's no mistaking the sudden and extensive damage a pipe that has frozen can cause. Here are some pipe freeze prevention tips to help keep your home safe from busted pipes and water damage during the winter.
3 Tips To Avoid Freezing Pipes and Water Damage
1. Prevention
The best way to avoid extensive water damage from frozen pipes is to prevent the issue from happening in the first place. There are a few places in your home where your pipes are the most vulnerable to freezing:
- Right inside exterior walls
- Connected to exterior faucets
- Inside closed cabinets
- In unheated areas such as attics and crawl spaces
There are several things you can do to prevent pipes from freezing. Insulate your pipes, particularly the ones that are near exterior walls or in spaces cut off from the central heating in your living spaces. You can apply electrical heating tape to pipes as well. Be sure to keep your heater on, even when you are not at home, if temperatures outside are below freezing. During the coldest parts of the day, it's a good idea to open your cabinet doors or allow your water faucets to drip for reliable pipe freeze prevention.
2. Detection
If you can catch a frozen pipe before it bursts, you may be able to save the pipe and the area around it from damage. A telltale sign that you have a frozen pipe is a significantly smaller flow when you turn on a faucet. Turn the faucet off, locate the pipe and slowly warm it up, allowing the ice inside to melt. The faucet should then flow normally again.
3. Solution
A burst pipe leads to water damage that can only be properly repaired by water mitigation experts. The technicians must tear out all ruined materials and rebuild the area affected by the flooding. If your insurance doesn't cover the cost, you may be looking at a lot of out-of-pocket expenses.
These pipe freeze prevention tips can protect your home from water damage. Make pipe protection part of your regular winter maintenance plan. Should you find yourself in a wet and cold situation, SERVPRO of Lapeer is available 24/7/365 (yes, including holidays) to mitigate your water damage and get you back to normal. Call us at 810-644-1000 anytime to get started.
Bathroom Water Disasters
8/6/2020 (Permalink)
14,000 US citizens have a water related issue in there home every day. Allot of these issues come from a home owners bathroom. Anything from a leaky or overflowing toilet, a crack in the pipes, or an overflowing sink from faulty valves, can leave a home owner with a major loss on there hands.
These simple suggestions could keep you from being a statistic.
- Frequently test valves for your toilet, shower, and sink to ensure they are properly working.
- Check faucet supply lines hidden under vanities and replace when needed.
- If you notice a clog in your sink, call in a professional.
- Keep an eye out for rust or brown colored stains in the drywall. This may be a sign that something is wrong with the hidden pipes.
Document Restoration
1/22/2020 (Permalink)
Major water or fire damage can leave you feeling helpless over the loss of important family documents and photographs or books. SERVPRO knows that quick mediation is the key to recovering your damaged property.
What can we restore?
- paper documents
- books and magazines
- manuscripts and files
- photographs, films, negatives, and microfiche
- x-rays
- blueprints and maps
- parchment
How do we do it?
We use innovative vacuum freeze-drying techniques. Our vacuum freeze-drying process is the only method approved by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) and the General Services Administration (GSA).
With major water damage documents can we exposed to mold and bacteria. SERVPRO uses a gamma irradiation process to safely and effectively sterilize your documents. We are also able to digitize your valuable documents and photographs. It will save you space allow for easy and fast access.
Winterizing your Home
11/18/2019 (Permalink)
It has been the coldest November Michigan has seen in a very long time. Make sure your home is protected for the long winter ahead by paying attention to a few simple but important things.
-Cleaning your gutters and assessing your roof for any loose, cracked or bending shingles can save you from a leaky roof and major repairs in the middle of winter.
-Protect your deck by sweeping any fallen leaves and apply a fresh coat of sealant. Keep your outdoor furniture in good working condition by cleaning and storing it in a dry basement or garage.
- keep your heating bill down by sealing all doors and windows that have gaps.
- Most importantly, keep your pipes safe! Pipes are most likely to freeze in the areas of your house that heat does not reach, such as the garage or attic. Make sure these areas are well insulated and always keep your house above 55 degrees. Keeping the garage door shut at all times is also a major factor in protecting your pipes.
Refer to this article for more great tips and tricks to keep your home safe this winter.
As always SERVPRO of Lapeer is available should disaster ever strike your home.
Questions about a Basement Flood?
9/16/2019 (Permalink)
A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your NW Genesee County basement could flood, including:
* A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
* Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
* Storm sewer backup
* Sanitary sewer backup
* Foundation drainage failure
* Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
Have Questions about Basement Flooding?
Call Today - 810-644-1000
If floodwater is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.
We are Flooded Basement Specialists:
-We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
-We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
-We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
-Our Technicians are Highly-Trained in Water Restoration Techniques
-We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
-Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment
Dont Wait- call SERVPRO of Lapeer Today
9/4/2019 (Permalink)
We all get very busy with our day-to-day schedules and water damage can really put a wrench in your plans. As inconvenient and time consuming as it may be, leaving water damage for even 1 day can make things significantly worse.
Within Minutes water will spread throughout your property soaking into drywall, upholstery and other belongings.
Within the first 24 hours drywall will spread and break, metal surfaces begin to tarnish and a musty odor becomes present.
Within 48 hours to a week mold and mildew grow and spread, paint blisters, wood flooring swells and doors and windows swell and warp.
After 1 week of being untreated, the time and money needed for restoration significantly increase and the home or business may no longer be structurally sound.
If you travel south for the winter have a friend or family member check on your home every few days and if your business has a basement be sure to check it regularly.
Your Basement Flooded- What Now?
9/4/2019 (Permalink)
Few things are more stressful and disgusting than basement flooding. Whether it’s one inch or one foot of water, the effects can be detrimental to your home. And while damage to things like carpet, drywall, and furniture are immediately noticeable, something more serious could be lurking underneath your floors.
Five Things to Do After Basement Flooding
Whether it’s just a couple of inches of water or a few feet, you must respond quickly to basement flooding. Here are a few things you’ll need to do:
- Kill the Power
If there’s standing water in your basement, then you shouldn’t attempt to walk or wade through until you’ve shut off the power and made sure that open circuits aren’t covered by water. This can obviously be an electrocution hazard and isn’t something you want to mess with.
If you’re unsure of whether the electricity is cut off, can’t get to the circuit board, or simply don’t feel comfortable with the situation, then don’t attempt to go anywhere near the water.
- Get Rid of the Standing Water
The next order of business is to get rid of the water. The longer the water sits in your basement, the more damage it will cause. Make sure you put on a pair of sturdy shoes or boots and pants that cover your legs. You never know what’s lurking underneath the water and don’t want to risk hurting yourself.
If the standing water is high, your first step is to get a bucket and start manually removing the water (be sure to dump far away from the home’s foundation). Once you extract most of the water, you can use a wet vacuum to suck up the moisture from the floor.
- Call in the Professionals - Like SERVPRO of Lapeer
Once the standing water is removed, you should call in the professionals to take a look. Depending on the extent of the damage and how meticulous you want to be, this may include calls to an electrician, a flood cleanup crew, and a general contractor. Fortunately, a single call to our office at 810-644-1000 can handle all of those repairs
Any carpeting or absorbent materials that were affected will need to be ripped up or replaced. If appliances spent any time sitting in the water, they should be looked at by a professional before being used.
- Call Your Insurance Provider
Once all of the time-sensitive issues have been handled, take a few minutes to call your insurance provider to let them know about the problem. If the flooding happened as a result of one of your home’s plumbing systems, then your home insurance policy may cover some or all of the damage. However, if the flooding was the result of a natural disaster, then you’ll most likely need flood insurance. Regardless, place a couple of phone calls to see what can be done.
- Protect Your Home
As soon as everything gets repaired and restored, you should begin taking proactive steps to protect your home from similar issues in the future. The ground next to your basement and foundation should slope away from the home. Gutters and downspouts should slope away too while discharging water a minimum of five feet away from the home. All windows and vents should be sealed and your basement walls should be waterproofed with an appropriate product. If flooding is common, consider installing special French drains or even a sump-pump.
How Do They Get All of This Water Out of My Home?
5/29/2019 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Lapeer has highly trained professionals who have a precise plan of action when your home is affected by water.
First they organize a move-out/pack-out to protect all of your belongings.
Next the water removal begins immediately.
So how do they get all of that water out of there?
Depending on how much water you have, SERVPRO may use power submersible pumps along with industrial strength, wet/dry vacuums. This reduces drying time and helps to prevent mold.
The flooring needs to be inspected to determine if removal will be necessary in order to protect the subfloor.
Moisture detectors are then used to measure the extent of water and inferred cameras are used to find water that may be hidden behind the walls.
After this the dry out process can begin and you can begin and you will be one step closer to getting your home back!
Call SERVPRO of Lapeer any time you have a water problem and let one of our experts get you back into your home faster.
810-664-1000
Crawl Space Pool?
8/17/2018 (Permalink)
The basement that flooded as a result of the water in the crawl space.
Crawl spaces are typically small and difficult to maneuver through; however, there are those times when it can’t be avoided.
At a resident’s home in Grand Blanc, water was coming from the crawl space into the basement. The carpet was soaked, but the homeowner did not know where the water was coming from within the crawl space. A plumber came out and fixed the source, but our work was only just beginning. Our crew started by removing the carpet from the affected area. Once the carpet was removed, the equipment was ready to be set to start the drying process; however, the circuits kept popping. We learned that we were attempting to plug in more than the house could handle in that specific area. So, we regrouped and came back the next day to monitor and swap out some of the previously set equipment with some Ariel fans. This helped with the power restraint, while maintaining drying power within the affected area. After a few short days, the homeowner was able to take back their home, knowing that there was no water where it should not be!
That Sinks!
8/17/2018 (Permalink)
The basement under the sink where the supply line had broke.
Those darn sinks sure can make an unexpected mess in a home! One moment it is just sitting there and the next, there is water everywhere! What do you do? Who do you call? This customer called us and now their home is as if it never even happened!
At this Flint home, the kitchen sink caused a mess! The supply line under the sink broke, cause water to go everywhere. Our crew showed up on site and immediately started extracting the standing water. From there, they started the demolition process. The kitchen floor, base boards, sub floor, insulation under the sub floor in the basement and vanities were all removed. The equipment was set and we began the next stage of water losses, monitoring. Each day a member of our crew returned to the house to ensure that it was drying properly. After a couple of days, they home was dry, and reconstruction was able to come in and put their home back to normal.
Washing Machine Floods House
8/15/2018 (Permalink)
This is the laundry room after the floor was removed and the air movers were set.
We have all hoped that our washing machine will never turn against us and clean nothing more than the items that we put inside it; however, sometimes that is not case.
We recently completed a water loss in Grand Blanc where the hose for the washing machine broke, leading to water overflow. When we arrived on site, we learned that multiple levels were affected. Ben and Tracy and immediately started a hard surface extraction to remove the water from the flooring. It was after that process was completed that they noticed the vinyl flooring was starting to bubble and was reading 99% wet on the moisture reader. They are removed the flooring, set equipment and took the next couple days to monitor. Now the customer’s home is as if it never even happened.
Betrayed by the Ceiling
8/15/2018 (Permalink)
The exposed pipe that caused the damage.
The fourth of July is meant to be a day of celebration and remembrance of the journey that our country has taken to be where we are today. Unfortunately for one family, this year was not as joyous as years past.
Our on-call staff received a call the morning of the fourth. A home in Davison experienced a leak in their ceiling, from a plumbing issue in their upstairs bathroom. It was causing water damaging is various locations throughout the house. Ben and Josh were the first of our staff to arrive on-site and start the demo process. The house was carpeted, which means all of it, including the padding needed to be removed and disposed of prior to setting the drying equipment. In addition to the demoing the carpet, the crew also removed 18 square feet of drywall in the ceiling. Once demo was complete, we placed air movers and dehumidifiers throughout the affected areas to start the drying process. After a couple days of monitoring, the homeowner was able to reclaim their home with peace of mind.
Quick & Effective Water Damage Restoration
8/17/2017 (Permalink)
If you live in the Imlay City and are experiencing water damage from a failed sump pump, sewage backup or other plumbing issue, you have come to the right place. At SERVPRO of Lapeer in Imlay City Water & Fire Restoration, we specialize in water removal & restoration of all types and sizes and stand ready to solve your problem 24 hours a day – 7 days a week. With a full service restoration approach, we can handle everything from the initial cleanup & drying service, all the way through to the final restoration.
Water Damage Restoration Process at SERVPRO of Lapeer
Our process works through mitigating, or “minimizing the severity” of your loss. We do this through our emergency response crews that come equipped to extract all water, apply a disinfectant, remove any non-salvageable materials and use drying equipment to dry the materials that can be saved, and prevent mold. As response time is so critical, getting a free estimate as soon as possible is extremely important to reducing further damage and preventing mold.
Our specific procedures based on the cleanliness of the water source & conditions & amount of dwell time. If you have any questions about how your situation should be handled, please contact us at (810) 664-1000.
SERVPRO of Lapeer in Imlay City provide:
- Quick Friendly Service
- Emergency Commercial Water Damage Restoration Service Available
- Fully Licensed & Insured Commercial Water Damage Restoration Contractor
- Expert Certified Commercial Water Damage Restoration Professionals
- Commercial, Residential & Municipal Commercial Water Damage Restoration
Emergency water damage restoration
8/2/2017 (Permalink)
When every minute counts and customer satisfaction is critical, you want experienced people you can rely on. Emergency flood water damage restoration requires urgency and skill. Trained and certified to the highest standards in the industry, our professionals respond immediately – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – mitigate loss and meet every challenge with professionalism, reliability, compassion and respect.
SERVPRO of Lapeer provides 24-hour water damage restoration service in Oxford.
Recognizing that water damage causes a devastating setback to families or businesses; we do whatever it takes to give back that sense of security with minimal disruption. Our recovery and restoration process is aimed at property and people. We offer water damage repair solution; you can rely on to minimize the impact of flooding and water damage.
Take a Moment to Consider
Our commitment to customer excellence includes you, which means that you can expect effective, ongoing communication and reporting from us. We understand your requirements. We will provide a complete estimate within 24-48 hours.
SERVPRO of Lapeer offers the following emergency water damage restoration services:
- Emergency water extraction
- Removal and containment of odor caused by mold and mildew
- Drying and dehumidification
- Emergency Commercial Water Damage Restoration Service Available
- Fully Licensed & Insured Commercial Water Damage Restoration Contractor
- Expert Certified Commercial Water Damage Restoration Professionals
Call us immediately at (810) 664-1000 for water damage restoration services in Oxford.
Destructive Power of Water
7/21/2017 (Permalink)
Experiencing water damage? To get help fast, Call SERVPRO!
SERVPRO of Lapeer provides 24-hour fire and water damage restoration service in Oxford.
Water is the single most long-term destructive substance in the indoor environment. Excess moisture or flooding can cause structures and personal property to rapidly deteriorate. The problem becomes more serious when the water is unsanitary or clean-up services are delayed.
The harmful effects of water are sharply reduced by prompt and effective intervention, especially within the first 24-48 hours. Even though the damage may look severe, cleanup and restoration can produce amazing results. From furniture to family heirlooms, office computers to production machinery, SERVPRO has successfully restored water-damaged structures and property.
SERVPRO of Lapeer is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small to commercial, residential and municipal customers.
- Quick Friendly Service
- Emergency Commercial Water Damage Restoration Service Available
- Fully Licensed & Insured Commercial Water Damage Restoration Contractor
- Expert Certified Commercial Water Damage Restoration Professionals
- Commercial, Residential & Municipal Commercial Water Damage Restoration
From leaking faucets to burst pipes and flooding, water damage is one of the most common and potentially destructive problems you can face as a homeowner.
Save money and time on water damage restoration costs in Flint.
About SERVPRO of Lapeer
SERVPRO of Lapeer specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a 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.
Get 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service in Flint
7/18/2017 (Permalink)
Water Damage Services Lapeer
SERVPRO of Lapeer provides 24-hour fire and water damage restoration service in Flint
The Best Commercial Water Damage Restoration in Flint homeowners and commercial property owners need to choose from many Commercial Water Damage Restoration Contractors in Flint.
SERVPRO of Lapeer is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small to commercial, residential and municipal customers.
Contact us at (810) 664-1000 or on the web. However, SERVPRO of Lapeer stands out with:
- Quick Friendly Service
- Emergency Commercial Water Damage Restoration Service Available
- Fully Licensed & Insured Commercial Water Damage Restoration Contractor
- Expert Certified Commercial Water Damage Restoration Professionals
- Commercial, Residential & Municipal Commercial Water Damage Restoration
SERVPRO of Lapeer has the specific water damage training and experience to assist you through this tough time.
Commercial Water Damage Restoration in Flint is widely accepted as the best alternative to keeping your system working efficiently. This type of repair is the modern alternative to Commercial Water Damage Restoration. SERVPRO of Lapeer is licensed and insured contractors that are available 24 hours a day.
Save money and time on Commercial Water Damage Restoration Costs in Flint.
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.
Water has the unique ability to affect properties with devastating results. In a short time, water can cause massive amounts of damage. Thus, preventative measures are important in order to control commercial water damage. Count on the Commercial Water Damage Restoration Costs experts at SERVPRO of Lapeer located in Flint for the best prices on Commercial Water Damage Restoration Costs.
24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service
12/27/2016 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Lapeer & Grand Blanc provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in Lapeer, Genesee & Oakland Counties
SERVPRO of Lapeer & Grand Blanc 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.
We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - 810.664.1000
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 & Grand Blanc 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.
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 & Grand Blanc
SERVPRO of Lapeer & Grand Blanc 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.
Faster to your home's Water Damage Event
12/20/2016 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Lapeer & Grand Blanc provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in Genesee, Lapeer, Oakland, Macomb & St. Clair Counties.
Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Lapeer & Grand Blanc provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.
Faster To Any Size Disaster
Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more. SERVPRO of Lapeer & Grand Blanc arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.
Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – 810.664.1000
Water Damage Timeline
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.
About SERVPRO of Lapeer & Grand Blanc
SERVPRO of Lapeer & Grand Blanc 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.
Certifications
- IICRC Certified Firm
- SRT - Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technician
- WRT - Water Damage Restoration Technician
- RRRP - Lead-Based Paint Activities and Renovation
- ASD - Applied Structural Drying Technician
IICRC Certified Firm
12/19/2016 (Permalink)
We are an IICRC Certified Firm
SERVPRO of Lapeer & Grand Blanc is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.
IICRC Certified Firms must
• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.
• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.
• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.
• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.
• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.
The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry
The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.
Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.
About SERVPRO of Lapeer & Grand Blanc
SERVPRO of Lapeer & Grand Blanc 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 and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: 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.
Certifications
- WRT - Water Damage Restoration Technician
- RRRP - Lead-Based Paint Activities and Renovation
- SRT - Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technician
- ASD - Applied Structural Drying Technician
- IICRC Certified Firm
24/7 Emergency Service
