Why Water Damage in Older Homes Demands Special Attention

10/21/2023 (Permalink)

Regularly inspect and maintain the home's exterior, including roofs, gutters, and downspouts to prevent water damage!

Historical or older homes carry a unique charm and character, but they also come with their own set of challenges when it comes to water damage. With aging infrastructure and sometimes delicate materials, these properties require special considerations when addressing water damage to preserve their historical value. In this blog post, we will explore some important factors to keep in mind when dealing with water damage in historical or older homes.

Understanding the Structure

Historical homes often feature materials and construction methods that are no longer commonly used. Understand the age of your home and the vulnerabilities of its specific architectural elements, such as wooden beams, plaster walls, or stone foundations. This knowledge will help you assess potential water damage risks more accurately.

Regular inspections can help identify maintenance issues or signs of water intrusion early on. Pay attention to areas prone to leaks, such as roofs, windows, and basements. Look for signs of water stains, rot, or mold growth on surfaces.

Addressing Water Damage

When it comes to water damage in historical homes, it is advisable to consult professionals experienced in working with older properties. These experts will have the knowledge and expertise to understand the unique challenges involved and provide appropriate solutions.

Preserving the historic integrity of the property is crucial. Whenever possible, salvage and restore original materials, such as flooring, molding, or architectural features. Properly drying and treating these materials can help prevent further damage and maintain the authenticity of the home.

Create a restoration plan that addresses both the water damage and any subsequent repairs or renovations that may be necessary. Ensure that the plan adheres to local preservation guidelines and regulations to protect the historical significance of the home.

Protective Measures

Take proactive steps to prevent water damage in the first place. Regularly inspect and maintain the home's exterior, including roofs, gutters, and downspouts. Install appropriate weatherproofing measures, such as sealants and moisture barriers.

Depending on the age and condition of the home, consider implementing or updating drainage systems to redirect water away from the foundation. This can help prevent water infiltration and reduce the risk of basement flooding or structural damage. Controlling indoor humidity levels helps prevent excess moisture, which can lead to mold growth and deterioration of historical materials. Use dehumidifiers and proper ventilation systems to maintain a healthy moisture balance in the home.

By being mindful of the unique considerations surrounding water damage in historical or older homes, you can effectively protect these valuable properties from further harm. Working with professionals experienced in restoring and preserving historical structures ensures that the necessary repairs are done with the utmost care, maintaining the integrity and charm of these timeless homes for generations to come.

A Step-by-Step Guide: Making a Water Damage Claim to Your Insurance Company

7/18/2023 (Permalink)

Experiencing water damage in your home or business can be a stressful and overwhelming situation. Fortunately, having a comprehensive insurance policy in place can help alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with water damage restoration. In this blog, we will guide you through the process of making a water damage claim to your insurance company after a loss, ensuring a smooth and successful claims process.

Act Promptly

As soon as you discover water damage, it's crucial to take immediate action. Document the damage by taking photographs or videos to provide visual evidence of the incident. This step is essential for supporting your insurance claim.

Review Your Insurance Policy

Familiarize yourself with your insurance policy and understand the coverage it provides for water damage. Pay attention to specific inclusions and exclusions, deductible amounts, and any limitations or requirements for filing a claim.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Notify your insurance company about the water damage incident as soon as possible. Provide them with accurate and detailed information about the cause of the damage, the extent of the damage, and any temporary measures you've taken to prevent further loss.

Follow Documentation Requirements

Your insurance company will likely require specific documentation to support your claim. Keep records of all communication with your insurer, including claim numbers, names of representatives, and dates of contact. Compile a detailed inventory of damaged items, including their estimated value, purchase dates, and receipts, if available.

Mitigate Further Damage

Take immediate steps to mitigate further damage to your property. This could include temporarily repairing leaks, drying out affected areas, or boarding up damaged windows or doors. However, be sure to consult with your insurance company before initiating any major repairs.

Obtain Professional Assessments and Estimates

Contact a reputable water damage restoration company to conduct a thorough assessment of the damage. Their expertise and documentation will support your insurance claim. Request itemized estimates for the necessary repairs and restoration work to submit to your insurer.

Work with an Adjuster

Your insurance company may assign an adjuster to evaluate the damage and determine the claim's value. Be prepared to provide them with all necessary documentation, including the assessments and estimates from the restoration company. Cooperate with the adjuster and address any questions or concerns they may have.

Understand the Claims Process

Familiarize yourself with the claims process specific to your insurance company. This will help you understand the timeline for claim resolution, any required forms or paperwork, and the steps involved in receiving your settlement.

Keep Detailed Records

Throughout the claims process, maintain thorough records of all communications, documents, and expenses related to your water damage claim. This will help you stay organized and provide evidence if any discrepancies arise.

Making a water damage claim to your insurance company requires prompt action, proper documentation, and effective communication. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can navigate the claims process with confidence and increase the likelihood of a successful claim. Remember, it's crucial to consult with professionals, such as a reputable water damage restoration company, to ensure accurate assessments and estimates.

In the event of water damage, SERVPRO of Indiana County is here to assist you every step of the way. Our experienced team understands the complexities of water damage claims and can provide the necessary documentation and support to maximize your claim's potential. Contact us today for reliable water damage restoration services and expert assistance with your insurance claim.

How To Find Your Home's Main Water Shutoff Valve

3/12/2023 (Permalink)

Finding your home's main water shutoff valve is an important step in protecting your property from water damage.

As a homeowner, it's important to know where your home's main water shutoff valve is located. In the event of a water emergency, such as a burst pipe or major leak, shutting off the main water supply can help prevent costly damage to your property. Here's how to find your home's main water shutoff valve.

Locate Your Water Meter

The first step in finding your main water shutoff valve is to locate your water meter. This is typically located outside your home, near the street or sidewalk. It may be inside a meter box or a covered pit.

Check the Area Near Your Water Meter

Once you've located your water meter, check the surrounding area for any visible pipes. Your main water shutoff valve is typically located within a few feet of your water meter, either inside or outside your home. Look for a valve or lever that controls the water flow.

Look for Your Home's Curb Valve

If you can't find your main water shutoff valve near your water meter, it's possible that your home has a curb valve. This valve is typically located near the street, in a box or pit. To access the curb valve, you may need a special tool or key. Contact your local water department to find out more information.

Check Your Home's Inspection Report

If you're still having trouble finding your main water shutoff valve, check your home's inspection report. This report should contain information about the location of your main water shutoff valve. If you can't find your inspection report, contact your home inspector or a local plumber for assistance.

Turn Off Individual Water Valves

If you cannot find your main water shutoff valve, the first thing you should do is turn off individual water valves. These valves are usually located near plumbing fixtures such as sinks, toilets, and water heaters. By turning off these valves, you can isolate the area where the problem is occurring and prevent further damage.

Label Your Valve

Once you've located your main water shutoff valve, it's important to label it so that it's easy to find in an emergency. Use a waterproof marker or label maker to mark the valve with "main water shutoff valve" or "emergency water shutoff." Make sure that all members of your household know where the valve is located and how to shut it off.

In conclusion, finding your home's main water shutoff valve is an important step in protecting your property from water damage. Take the time to locate your valve and label it for easy identification in an emergency. If you're having trouble finding your valve, don't hesitate to give our SERVPRO of Indiana County team a call today! Our team can help shut off the flow of water and clean up the mess that was left behind. 

Tips for Preventing Water Damage While on Vacation

11/8/2022 (Permalink)

If you have a sump pump, be sure to test it before leaving.

Four Ways To Prevent Water Damage on Vacation

If you don't own a home, you might not ever have to worry about water damage. But if you do, whether it's your primary residence or a vacation rental property, the thought of experiencing water damage is probably terrifying. This guide will help you prevent—and be prepared for—the worst-case scenario: Water damage in your Indiana, PA, home while you're away on vacation.

Shut Off the Water

If you're going on vacation, it's important to be prepared for any eventuality. Water damage is one of the most common and costly problems homeowners face. If there's a possibility that you'll be away from home while your plumbing might spring a leak or flood, take these steps to prevent disaster:

• Shut off the water supply.
• Shut off the breaker for the water supply.
• Shut off the main valve for your house (usually located by either your meter or in an exterior wall).

Check for Pre-Existing Leaks

Before you pack your bags, make sure to check for leaks under sinks, toilets, and faucets. If there’s a leak in the supply line connecting either of these fixtures to the main drainage system, water may continue flowing even when you think it’s off. Check for any signs of mold or mildew on these surfaces as well—this can be an indication that there is some kind of leak underneath them. If you notice any signs of damage or mold growth underneath these fixtures, call a professional immediately so they can determine what the problem is before it causes more serious damage to your home.

Check for leaks around windows and doors, cracks in window frames, water stains on windows or walls, or signs of water damage on the outside of your home.

Take photos of everything. Take pictures of every room in your house to document any visible damage before you leave. You can use this as proof if you need to make an insurance claim later on.

Check Your Sump Pump

If you have a sump pump, be sure to test it before leaving. There are two ways to do this:

1. You can check the float switch by looking at how much water has accumulated in your sump basin (it should be somewhere between 4-6 inches of water). If the float switch has been activated, your pump will turn on automatically and remove the excess water from your basement floor.

2. Check that all of the power sources to your sump pumps are still working properly. This includes checking fuses or circuit breakers for any damage and inspecting any extension cords for fraying wires or broken plugs. The same goes for filters—if they're clogged with sediment from use, clean them out before leaving so that they don't stop up during an emergency situation!

Leave Your HVAC System On

The best way to prevent water damage on vacation is to keep your HVAC system running. This will keep the humidity levels down, prevent pipes from freezing and rusting and help you avoid expensive repair bills when you return home.

If you do find that the HVAC has been shut off while you were away—or if it breaks down later in your trip—remember that there are a few things that can be done to help minimize the damage. First of all, don't panic! Just like when an appliance breaks, don't waste time digging into problem-solving; instead, call for professional assistance immediately. Once they arrive on the scene with their tools and expertise, they'll quickly assess what needs to be done and let everyone know what steps should be taken next so everything runs smoothly again as soon as possible!

Water damage can happen anywhere and at any time, so it’s important to be prepared!

Friend, do not let water damage ruin your vacation. Use these tips to avoid such an unfortunate scenario next time around; they’re simple enough for anyone who follows them regularly at home—so there’s no reason not to follow them while away from home too!

An Overview of Category 2 Water Damage

6/30/2022 (Permalink)

Category 2 water damage comes from a dirty water source.

A Quick Guide to Category 2 Water Damage

Water damage in your workplace can have many causes and effects. You may need to do some water pipe repair or rebuild the entire building. What the water damages can be problematic. In addition, the type of water you have in your White, PA, building is worth noting. Category 2 water damage, for example, is more serious than Category 1. It is helpful to understand what this type of water damage is and the issues it can cause in your workplace.

1. The Basics of Category 2 Water
Category 3 water is flooded water from sewage sources that contain human waste. And while Category 1 water is clean water, Category 2 water is clean but sits too long. For example, when water floods through the building from a higher level to a lower one, it will be Category 2 water. When this occurs, the water passes through different building materials.

2. What to Look For
Category 2 water can come from broken pipes, washing machines, and dishwashers. It is often referred to as "gray water." This type of water can carry microorganisms and contaminants. If you have Category 2 water in your office following a flood, do not touch or ingest it.

3. Cleaning up and Doing Water Pipe Repair
If you do have this type of water in the workplace, shut off the source of the water if it's safe to do so. If a pipe breaks, call a plumber right away to fix or replace it. You'll also want to call a water cleanup company to address the damage following the flood. Technicians from the company will remove the water and clean up the damage it caused. This includes cleaning contents such as documents, flooring, furniture, and electronics. The company will also tear out damaged building materials and replace them. Water pipe repair is challenging enough, but cleaning up after Category 2 water damage can be extensive. Fortunately, there are ways to recognize this type of water and restore your workplace.

Why Business Insurance Is Essential for Protecting Your Investment

6/14/2022 (Permalink)

Water cleanup in a museum in Iselin, PA.

Faulty plumbing, structural problems, and natural disasters can lead to costly water damage that can pause operations at your business in Iselin, PA. However, business insurance can pay for the drying and restoration efforts to minimize your losses and prevent you from closing your doors. 

What Can Cause a Flood at Your Business?

Excessive amounts of water can quickly saturate your business's interior spaces when:

• A storm causes holes in your roof, allowing rain to enter
  
• A malfunctioning sprinkler system emits water without a fire to extinguish 
  
• Your old plumbing system has a broken pipe 
  
• The drainage system around your business's exterior is inadequate
  
• Toilets and sinks overflow
  
  

What Type of Water Damage Does Business Insurance Cover?
Commercial business property insurance policies cover many types of physical damage but will only cover water-related damage involving leaks and broken pipes. In addition, property damage due to flooding following natural disasters or negligent property maintenance is exempt from coverage unless business owners purchase separate policy riders to cover these circumstances.  

What Type of Coverage Riders Are Available?
You can still obtain insurance to help you pay for flood damage that your commercial property insurance does not cover. For example, commercial flood insurance will pay for water cleanup and restoration services to dry your business's interior environment and essential equipment, documents, electronics and furnishings when natural disasters lead to internal flooding. In addition, when the damage to your property leaves it unsalvageable, commercial flood insurance can help you meet replacement costs. 
Business continuation riders can help you pay your employees' salaries and the cost of relocating temporarily while disaster recovery services dry out your space and restore it to its pre-disaster condition. 
Business insurance protects your property and investment in Iselin, PA, from water damage following unpredictable disasters and frequent system failures. However, you must purchase the appropriate coverage that considers multiple risks.

What To Do After Water Damage

3/7/2022 (Permalink)

Air movers are being used to dry under the carpet after water damage.

Water Damage In Your Commercial Building

Any type of water damage to your commercial building in Loop, PA, can bring stress and confusion during the restoration process. Whether it is from broken pipes or a natural disaster, sometimes this damage is inevitable. However, knowing what to do in these emergency situations can not only keep yourself and others safe but help your building avoid lasting damages. Follow these five steps to figure out how to move forward and get your building back to its original state.

1. Shut Off the Water Source

When possible, it is important to find the source of the water and shut it off. This may mean turning off the main water source to your building. However, in cases of flooding, this may not be possible.

2. Remove Excess Water

After you have stopped the source, you should begin to remove any excess water. You can use a mop to do this or lay down towels to cover a larger area. If there is too much to handle easily, a water restoration service can help with removal.

3. Remove Furniture
If any pieces of furniture have been affected by water damage, it's important to remove them and get them professionally dry-cleaned as soon as possible to avoid lasting damage. This also includes any upholstery cushions. Any building materials that have been damaged by the water should be dealt with by a professional restoration company.

4. Place Wood Blocks Under Furniture Legs
By placing wood blocks or aluminum foil under furniture legs, you can lessen the amount of damage that the water does to these objects.

5. Be Mindful of Ceiling Fixtures
In the event that your building's ceiling has been damaged by water, be sure to not turn any ceiling fixtures on.
Water damage to your commercial building can be complicated and costly. Using these tips can help you deal with the damage quickly and make the water cleanup process easier.

Top Tips for Avoiding Secondary Flood Damage

2/21/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage can lead to mold growth in your property if not taken care of quickly.

Tips For Avoiding Secondary Damage

When water rises in your home, that can be scary enough. The water on the ground is not the only concern for homeowners dealing with flooding, however. You should also take steps to avoid secondary damage like black mold. While the water itself is the primary problem, other issues include:

• Mold on the walls and floor
  
• Mold in porous belongings, like furniture
  
• Mildew in any part of the room
  
• A musty odor
  
  

Quick thinking can save you from having to deal with these problems after a flood. Here are a few tips for avoiding secondary damage.

1. Call a Restoration Crew Immediately

There are professional restoration companies in Canoe Ridge, PA, that are open 24/7 and ready to help. As soon as you notice flooding in your home, you should give them a call. Every hour that passes until someone removes the water allows black mold to spread.

Why is it important to call immediately? As the water sits in the room, it causes high humidity. The water evaporates into the air and has nowhere to go so that it can get into the walls and other porous areas. This moisture can cause mold in places that the original flood never touched.

2. Remove Porous Belongings

Once the restoration crew has removed the water and says that it is safe for you to enter the room, you should remove clothing, upholstery, and any other soft items. Allow these belongings to air dry either outside or near an open window.

3. Clean Thoroughly

The restoration crew in Canoe Ridge, PA, should clean the room where the flooding occurred. However, you may need to ensure that mold and mildew are not on the items you removed. Once these belongings are dry, you can clean them with disinfectants. If you had any hard surfaces in the room, you might wish to clean those as well.

Flood waters are a problem, and the potential secondary damage can be a nightmare. Prevent the black mold from high humidity with these tips.

How Is Water Damage Classified?

1/4/2022 (Permalink)

Air movers in a kitchen after a water loss.

The Categories Of Water Damage

Restoration professionals classify water damage into three categories. The category corresponds to the degree of contamination. Category One water damage has the least contamination and requires the simplest cleanup process, even though damage from a pipe break can be extensive. Areas exposed to contaminated water must be disinfected. Learn more about the categories of water damage.

Category One

Category One water is not contaminated. This water originates from a supply line and has several distinctive qualities:

• Clean
  
• Treated
  
• May burst or spray
  
  

This category of water damage may involve large amounts of clean water. It is important to shut off the water supply and contact a plumber as soon as possible. Gather water and take immediate action to remove all standing water, as Category One water can degrade into contaminated water in as little as 48 hours.

Category Two

Category Two water is sometimes referred to as gray water. This category includes water from appliances, baths, or showers. This water may contain chemicals or microbes, but does not contain solid waste. It is still necessary to disinfect areas exposed to Category Two water.

Category Three

Category Three water is also known as black water. This water is highly contaminated and either contains solid waste or originates from outdoor flooding. There are a few common causes of incidents involving this category of water:

• Sewer backups
  
• Flooded toilets
  
• Heavy rain
  
• Rising bodies of water
  
  

It is a good idea to wear personal protective equipment while cleaning up Category Three water. It is also necessary to thoroughly disinfect any area exposed to this water.

These are the three categories of water damage used by experts. A homeowner may clean and dry minor leaks, but larger incidents or contaminated water may require the expertise of a residential cleanup and restoration firm in Homer City, PA. Professionals can properly treat primary damage and prevent additional damage.