Steps To Take When Your Basement Floods

6/30/2022 (Permalink)

Don't let a flooded basement ruin your week, call our SERVPRO Team today!

Even if you’ve taken steps to protect your basement from water damage, a burst pipe, broken sump pump, or heavy storm could cause your basement to flood, leaving you with a long cleanup and restoration project. Knowing what to do when disaster strikes can dramatically reduce the damage to your home.

First, the health and safety of you and your family is paramount to all else. Stay out of the basement until you’re sure the conditions are safe. As soon as you can and always before returning to basement, turn off all electricity and gas lines to that area. If you are unsure how to do this, call SERVPRO of Southern Lorain County for 24/7 emergency assistance.

If the flood is due to rainfall, wait until the storm passes before attempting any cleanup. If the flood is not due to rain, take action immediately. Locate the cause of the flood and take steps such as unblocking drains or shutting off water valves to stop waters from rising.

Once you are sure no more water will enter the basement, start by ventilating the area. Open windows and doors to promote airflow and speed up evaporation. Collect and move boxes, documents, and small items away from the flood. Leave electronics in place; they pose a risk of electrical shock even if the electricity is off.

To remove the water, you will need a wet-vac or pump. Never attempt to collect water using a household vacuum. If you haven’t already, call SERVPRO and let our highly-experienced team take it from here. We will extract the water from your basement and remove damaged items such as carpet and drywall.

After the area is 100% dry, disinfecting and mold prevention measures are taken to ensure no lasting effects. Finally, the damage is repaired and rebuilt so you can get back to normal. SERVPRO can also restore many electronic items and dry documents and photos to minimize the water damage to your possessions.

If your basement is flooding, you should consider it an emergency situation. Call SERVPRO of Southern Lorain County anytime for immediate service and the best name in water damage repair and restoration!

Restoring Carpet After A Flood

6/29/2022 (Permalink)

In some situations, only padding under a carpet needs replacing after incurring water damage.

Carpet replacement can be one of the costliest parts of a water damage cleanup process, but it does not always have to happen. While carpet can easily be damaged beyond possible repair, in many cases SERVPRO can restore your carpet without needing to replace part or all of it. The most important and deciding factor is the severity and type of water damage in your Cleveland home - storm flooding and some other forms of damage are typically irredeemable. If the flooding is benign, or if the damage is light overall, we can help save your carpet (and your wallet).

 
Rapid Drying
 
Our primary method of softening the impact of water damage in Cleveland is our time-tested strategy of mitigation. If the carpet is allowed to stay damp for too long, damage can become permanent, and mold can begin to grow. Within four hours of your first call to us, our personnel should be on-scene to evaluate and respond to damage.

Floodwaters can be extracted before they have time to settle in and cause more severe damage, and we can quickly set up powerful air movers to create powerful, water-removing air currents in your home. Finally, we then use dehumidifiers to take water back out of the air, leaving any scene of water damage completely dry within a short time frame.
 
Restorative Techniques
 
Once the carpet has been dried, it likely still needs some restorative processes to be back in top shape. SERVPRO specializes in this, with dedicated cleaning tools and techniques to help maintain color, texture, and integrity of carpeting. During this time, if we determine that a region of carpet is more seriously damaged or otherwise needs replacing, we can typically cut off that spot alone for replacement without removing the rest of the carpet.
 
SERVPRO of Southern Lorain County is available around the clock to respond to water damage emergencies in the local area. If water damage has hit your home or if you would like to learn more about our services, call us today at (440) 324-2620!

The First 48 Hours After a Flood Is Crucial!

6/20/2022 (Permalink)

Timing is everything! Don't wait to call our SERVPRO Team!

Act fast. The sooner you clear the contents out of your basement during a water incident, the more likely you will be able to restore the condition to your items and possessions.

When a finished basement experiences significant water damage, such as a basement flooding or a water pipe burst, timing is everything. Where the sooner you begin the disaster recovery process, the more likely you will be able to restore the condition of your possessions and the finished basement environment.

The first 48 hours are considered the most important time period to react, as it is crucial to preventing further damage to the basement and the items within, as well as preventing a wide spread mold problem. Below are the first steps to take, preferably within these first 48 hours.

1. Turn Off the Power. Never enter a flooded basement or touch the flood waters without cutting off the power.
2. Call your insurance company. Policies differ. Most require special flood insurance to cover ground water leaks, but homeowner’s insurance may cover damage from indoor plumbing and hot water heater leaks.
3. Get the water out as soon as possible. Call SERVPRO of Southern Lorain County to extract any standing water. If there isn’t a lot of water, you might try to get it out yourself, with a “floor sucker” or a shop-vac.

Dry everything out as quickly as possible

To prevent items and building materials from becoming ruined, dry your basement as soon as the water is removed. Ideally, the basement should be completely dry within 48 hours. After that, the potential for mold growth increases considerably. A professional restoration company might help expedite this process. Alternatively, you can consider acquiring a powerful basement dehumidifier.

EW! What's That Smell?

6/20/2022 (Permalink)

If you smell something funny in your home, don't wait! Call SERVPRO of Southern Lorain County today!

Do you know when to be worried about a funny smell? Most new homeowners are not water damage specialists, but the human nose is an excellent tool for sniffing out trouble. Your nose is not the only way to spot water damage in your new home. Our SERVPRO of Southern Lorain County technicians are IICRC certified and can help handle any moisture problems you may discover after moving in.

The sooner you notice a problem, the sooner you can call our team to help mitigate ongoing damages. With summer coming in northern Ohio, some water damage will be easier to spot. When you notice a problem, a highly trained SERVPRO professional can assess the extent of your damages. We can use our specialized equipment to remedy the issue fast.

What should you keep an eye out for when you do your spring cleaning? Start at the top. When looking for roof damages, obvious water stains aren't the only problem. Swollen insulation is usually an indication of water retention. Check your flashing (where the roof meets the walls) for cracks and look for missing shingles as well as more obvious signs like holes. Look at door frames and molding. Unusual stains or dark spots on the walls can mean trouble.

Inside, make sure you check your appliances after you move in to be certain they are not leaking where you cannot see easily behind them. Cracked hoses and loose connections can be tricky. Ripples, buckling, and changes in texture can tell you the flooring has a water problem. Remember to trust your nose. If it smells wrong, it probably is.

Outside water damages and mold are often caused by improper drainage. Check your spouts to see that they are clear and make sure you do not have water pooling around the foundation of your new home. At the first sign of damage, you can call SERVPRO.

No one wants to find water damages in their new home this spring. If you do, SERVPRO of Southern Lorain County is available at (440) 324-2620     24 hours a day. We can make things “Like it never even happened.”

Why Are Dehumidifiers Important?

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

Drying out flood damaged homes takes more than just clever tools and equipment.

Drying out flood damaged homes takes more than just clever tools and equipment. You need an expert restoration team, with high-level skills and knowledge of the most efficient techniques. This is what SERVPRO of Southern Lorain County can offer you if flooding has recently hit your property. We have access to state of the art drying machines, but we also know how to maximize their power.

Dehumidifiers are one of the most important drying tools when it comes to repairing flood damage in Cleveland. It extracts the moisture from of the air and returns it to dry air. This is an essential part of the restoration process because flooding does not just leave its mark in standing water. For successful repairs, all moisture has to be eliminated, whether it is in the air, on the ground, or caught in soft furnishings.

Keep reading to learn more about how SERVPRO sets up dehumidifiers and gets the drying process started quickly.

Type Of Materials
The first thing that our SERVPRO technicians do is carry out an inspection. They enter the flood-damaged area and determine the extent of the damage. Before dehumidifiers can be set up, they first need to know what kind of materials need drying. Porous items (curtains, sofas, carpets, wood, etc.) are the hardest to restore. If a lot of porous items are wet, a longer drying period is required.

On the other hand, if wet materials are non-porous (metal, plastic), the drying period will be quicker and fewer dehumidifiers may be used. Most homes contain a mixture of the two, which means that technicians have to find a careful balance. Too many dehumidifiers can cause the air to become overly dry. This may damage softer materials like wood. Often, air movers are combined with dehumidifiers to prevent this from happening.

Putting Together A Plan
For all of these reasons, it is necessary for flood repair teams to think very carefully about how they set up drying equipment. To homeowners, it may appear arbitrary, but many precise calculations are involved. For instance, to determine how many dehumidifiers are needed and of what size, the following information must be gathered:
- Size of the flooded area (in feet)
- Type of flood damage (based on porosity)
- Type of dehumidifying technology available
- Average amount of water to be removed per day (in pints)

Choosing The Right Experts For The Job
So, you can start to see why flood damage restoration is such a complex task, even if the damage is modest. You should seek the help of a professional company like SERVPRO of Southern Lorain County. We are a locally based service, so our technicians are perfectly placed to respond to emergencies. Call us 24/7 at (440) 324-2620.

Is Water Damage An Emergency?

2/17/2022 (Permalink)

Don't let water damage ruin your commercial property!

Having a water damage in your home or business is a very stressful situation. Many things can go through your mind, but how do you know if it is an emergency? If no one is injured, then by definition it is not considered a "true" emergency and 911 usually does not need to be called.

However, it could still be an emergency in regards to your property. The longer that water sits on the building materials, the more possibility there is that secondary damage will occur. Water can seep into wall crevices and down through the floors below. If it is not cleaned up and dried out properly, then the potential for mold growth is high. 

If you walk in and see water pouring into your home or business, step 1 is to find the main water shutoff, and to shut off the water.

Also be very aware of these other things that may be affected and could be a potential hazard, such as the electricity supply, gas supply, water damaged electrical appliances, contaminated water (gasoline, chemicals, etc.) or structural damage.

So if you don't call 911, who do you call?

• Local SERVPRO of Southern Lorain County Restoration professionals
• Insurance Agent
• Insurance Company 

We work hand in hand with your insurance company to act fast, so we can get your home or business back to normal. We are available 24 hours a day to address these water emergencies. When it comes to water damage, don't take chances. Call us today and get the damage taken care of, the right way!

Ahh! My Pipes Are Frozen!!

2/23/2021 (Permalink)

Cold temperatures can lead to frozen pipes, that's why our SERVPRO Team is always here to help!

The cold temperatures in Cleveland can lead to a number of problems for local homeowners. One of which may include frozen pipes. A hard freeze can even lead to broken pipes or water damage in your home. Here are some things you may want to know about what to expect when your pipes freeze.

What To Do When Pipes Freeze

If you have a frozen pipe in your home there are a few things you can do

• Call a professional, like SERVPRO for help
• Keep your pipes open so the water has a place to go when thawed
• Apply gentle heat, like a hot towel or blow dryer, to the frozen area of the pipe

Why Pipes Freeze

During a hard freeze the temperature outdoors can drop so low that the cold can permeate the pipes. Any water inside will then expand. If there is not enough room inside the pipes, then the pressure can cause cracks which will lead to leaks when the water thaws. A water damage professional can help with repairs to your home if the leak causes damage.

Preventing Frozen Pipes

Fortunately, there are a few prevention steps you can take to prevent the freezing of your pipes and subsequent water damage. These steps include draining the water from pipes that may freeze such as a sprinkler line, and disconnecting any hoses from your home. You may also want to close any indoor valves that supply water to outdoor lines. If the weather is especially cold you may want to let your faucets drip a little as moving water is less likely to freeze. It’s also a good idea to keep your home’s temperature above 55 degrees.

When a hard freeze occurs, the water in your pipes can freeze and cause some damage to your home. A professional can help with any repairs and cleanup you may need. If you know that the temperature is likely to get to freezing point, you may be able to take some steps to protect your pipes.

Different Types Of Water Damage

1/29/2021 (Permalink)

The water loss at this residential home was caused by a toilet supply line, flooding the floor with clean water which is the least harmful.

The moment you step on wet, soggy carpet your heart sinks knowing you have a water issue in your home. Water damages can cost homeowners both time and money to resolve. There can be many causes of water damage in your home from minor issues to major, costly problems. Water damage can start with a slow leak which takes months to notice to a broken pipe that results is massive amounts of water in a short time period.

No matter how your water loss happened, it is important to realize there are three categories for water which will determine how your loss will be remediated.

Clean Water – Is the least harmful form of damage and does not pose a threat to humans.

• Broken or leaking pipe
• Sink overflow

• Ice maker supply line
• Toilet supply line

Grey Water – Water will contain some microorganisms.

• Sink back up
• Sump pump
• Roof leak
• Leaking air conditioner
• Washing machines, dishwasher, water heaters

Black Water – This can be toxic and may contain bacterial diseases, chemicals, pesticides and microbes.

• Flooding
• Foundation problem
• Gutter problems
• Toilet Bowl overflow
• Sewer back-up
• Water damage that sat over 3 days

While you can not prevent all water damages, there are some precautions you can take to minimize your chances of a water loss as follows:

• Regular inspection and maintenance of your roof.
• Make sure your gutters are clean and installed properly.
• Address any foundation issues promptly. Yard should be sloped 6 inches over a 10-foot span away from your foundation.
• Test your sump pump twice a year by filling your sump pump pit with water to the float level. Make sure your sump pump turns on and the water level goes down.
• Have your air conditioner checked yearly.
• If you are leaving your home for an extended period, turn off your main water line and drain your pipes. This is most important in the winter months where your pipes could freeze if your home loses power.
• When you flush, make sure your toilet drains completely. If you do have an issue, turn the water supply line off and unclog your toilet.
• Inspect and replace worn pipe fittings and hose connections to household appliances once a year.

Call SERVPRO of Southern Lorain County at (440) 324-2620 if you have any questions regarding a water loss. We are always here to help!

Finding Your Water Shut Offs

1/29/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technicians help customers locate their water shut off valves in their homes to prevent unexpected flooding.

Do you know where your water shut-offs are located in your home? If you can’t answer that off the top of your head then take time to locate those water shut offs in case there is ever a serious leak. A serious leak can easily cause major flood damage to your home’s interior. Learn how to find and turn off your home’s water shut off valves.

Finding The Main Water Shut-Off Valve

The main water shut-off valve is typically located on the perimeter of your home since that is where the water enters your house first. No need to check the central areas or the upstairs, the water usually enters the home either on the ground floor or the basement. Also, search for the valve on the street side because your water main starts at the street and then heads straight to your home.

When you find the valve it will typically be either a knife style or round handle valve. A knife style valve is a straight handle that runs parallel to the pipe. Turn the knife valve a quarter to turn the water off. Knife style valves only turn in one direction, a metal stop prevents the handle from turning in the opposite direction. A round handle valve is similar to a hose faucet. It must be turned several times counter-clockwise to fully shut off the water.

Finding The Plumbing Fixtures Shut-Off Valves

Toilet: This small valve is located below the toilet, against the wall. This shut off will either be a handle that you will turn clockwise to shut off or a push-pull valve, if you are in an apartment, to turn on and off the flow of water to the toilet.

Sink: These valves are located under the sink in the cabinet. There will be two sets of tubes and valves connected to the sink. These valves will also either be handles or push-pulls. Both handles will need to be turned clockwise to shut off the water to the sink.

Washing Machine: Behind the washing machine there should be two valves, one for hot water, and one for cold water. Turn both of the valves clockwise to shut the water off to the washing machine.

Having a serious leak in your home, and knowing how to stop the water from coming in can help prevent extensive water damage. If you experience unexpected water damage in your home, call SERVPRO of Southern Lorain County at 440-324-2620, we are always here to help!

Certification is Key!

1/20/2021 (Permalink)

Here is an example of one of our technicians cleaning after a recent flood.

Flooding of any type will ruin some personal possessions (books, papers, and cloth) within minutes. In just a few hours, carpets and flooring can be destroyed as well as furniture. After only a day, walls can become damaged past repair and will have to be removed and replaced before a homeowner or renter can return to their house.

When it comes to water removal for our Cleveland neighbors, we require our personnel to meet the high standards established by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). SERVPRO also maintains an extensive inventory of specialized equipment built to extract flood water, regardless of the source and where it might be located in your home.

Each team member is trained on this equipment to quickly remove water. Since that is only the beginning, however, we also require them to become certified in five areas as determined by the IICRC. They are:

Water Damage - This overall course covers the many types of water damage and the effects it has on a home. Concentration is given to problems such as overflowing sewers and mold contamination.

Applied Structural Drying - This teaches each technician to use monitoring equipment, moisture extractors and specialized heaters and fans to dry walls and floors that have been under water.

Carpet Cleaning - Our team members learn to identify fabrics and the proper cleaning techniques required for each one. They also are taught to safely use the different cleaning chemicals available to us and how to use them with our vacuums and extractors.

Upholstery and Fabric Cleaning - Techs learn more fiber and cloth identification. Each person also learns about the specific cleaning issues needed to prevent fabrics from bleeding their colors, shrinking or otherwise becoming distorted from having been soaked.

Odor Control - Personnel learn to identify the source of odors caused by flooding or other water damage and the deodorization techniques available to combat them.

In addition to these areas, each technician is trained and qualified on every piece of equipment they might use on each job. Our inspectors also receive additional, specialized training to identify potential problems before they happen.

This is the ideal time to get ahead of those potential problems and call SERVPRO of Southern Lorain County to schedule an inspection. If you may have or suspect damage from previous flooding, call us today. We're ready to serve you!

Don't Wait! Procrastination Can Lead To Flooding!

1/20/2021 (Permalink)

These homeowners put off fixing a leaking water heater which lead to a significant flood.

Putting off repairs until another time can allow leaks in pipes to become larger. These drips can suddenly become much greater, flooding your home. A pipe with a small crack can instantly turn into a broken conduit, sending water by the gallon into your living space. The same goes for joints that are not sealed or soldered correctly and come undone.

If you live in Cleveland and this situation happens to you, here are a few things you should know about flood damage. Water can damage anything it comes into contact with, even if the water is clean. Pure water can easily become contaminated by things in your home. Flood damage, just like water damage, gets worse the longer it is allowed to remain present.

Water flowing down your stairway and gushing over the sides can accumulate in many different locations in your home. Water travels downhill, but it also can spread out and cover more surface area when covering something in a horizontal manner, such as it would on a table. Wood absorbs water much more slowly than your carpet, upholstered furniture, or mattresses can, but wood can still soak up enough to be damaged by it.

The water involved in a broken water line is clean, of course, but that does not mean that the water will remain clean. Carpeting, even in the most meticulously kept home, contains many contaminants. Water can whisk that up and carry it along, dropping different things here and there along the path of least resistance. When those same contaminants remained trapped in your carpet's fibers, they did little damage, but now they are free. Contaminants can include microbes such as bacteria and even parasites that may have been inactive until they were immersed in water.

Flood damage can happen with water of any type, clean or utterly filthy. Leaving clean water standing is obviously not conducive to remaining in your home, and SERVPRO can remedy that quickly with a pump truck. However, simply extracting visible water is not enough. Damaged walls must be replaced with new ones, and upholstered furniture must be completely dried and possibly aired out. Your carpeting may need to be removed, and new carpeting installed or, perhaps, cleaned extensively and then dried well. Most often, though, carpeting is usually destroyed by flooding, even if the water was from a clean source.

Because flooding creates a situation in your home that is hazardous to your health and safety in numerous ways, having professionals who are experienced in the complicated cleaning up this type of damage is critical. Incorrect methods, or incomplete ones, can create more harm, not less, in the future. Allowing flooded areas to remain contaminated because they cannot absorb any water, such as the undersides of cast iron tubs, puts your family at risk. Each SERVPRO technician treats your home with respect and care they would pay for their own, and we always take the time required to ensure that each job is complete and done correctly.

SERVPRO of Southern Lorain County is always ready, day or night, to help you take the sting out of flood damage. We know flooding happens without warning, that's why we are always ready to take your call.

Where Is The Water Hiding In Your Home?

1/12/2021 (Permalink)

An unknown water leak caused significant damage to this local Cleveland home.

Sometimes water damage is sudden and dramatic: a pipe bursting, an appliance malfunctioning. But sometimes it sneaks up on us in the form of a slow leak that can go undetected for long periods of time.

Areas that are prone to cumulative water damage include cabinets under sinks and the areas around AC units, appliances and wobbly toilets. Water can also creep in around exterior doors and windows and under siding. There are many areas in your home that are vulnerable to slow water accumulation and all of them can lead to damaged drywall and flooring, mold, and rot.

If you suspect your home may have a moisture issue, contact the restoration professionals at SERVPRO of Southern Lorain County. Our highly trained technicians have the state of the art equipment and hands on experience to find moisture where it is hidden and create a plan of action to make your home "Like it never even happened." Our SERVPRO Team is available anytime day or night. Call us today at 440-324-2620. 

How To Know If Your Walls Have Water Damage

2/27/2020 (Permalink)

These homeowners knew they had water damage when they noticed water stains on their ceiling.

Have you ever wondered if your walls have water damage? Sometimes it's not so easy to identify.  And, as you know, water losses don't typically happen during convenient hours of the day. It’s not always easy to identify if your walls are damaged, but here are some signs to look for.

Common Signs of Water Damage In Your Walls

1. Musty Odor: Water damage can often cause mold damage and/or mildew damage if left undetected. But unfortunately, mold isn't always visible. If you notice a musty odor, that's a sign there may be mold somewhere you don't see. You want to make sure both sides of your walls are checked and tested for mold damage. Most importantly, you'll want to find the source of your water issues so the mold doesn't return and cause more damage.
2. Visible Mold Growth On Walls And Baseboards: Always be on the lookout for visible mold growth, it comes in various sizes. Mold infestation can quickly spread throughout a home in 48-72 hours. But you want to be careful because mold may cause harm to you and your family's health, including your pet's. That is why it is very important to contact trained professionals who have the proper training and experience to remove and remediate mold.
3. Discoloration: Discoloration is a key indicator that your walls are damaged as a result of water damage. The common colors associated with discoloration are yellow, brown, or copper.
4. Peeling Or Bubbling Paint And Wallpaper: The peeling or bubbling of paint or wallpaper is another key indicator that your walls are damaged. It is important to contact trained professionals to access your walls, to prevent further damage from happening down the road.
5. Warped Walls: Inspect your walls carefully to see if you have any warped walls. When the sheetrock behind a wall absorbs too much water, it will start to bend and curve, which, in turn, can cause the wall to warp.
6. Water Stains: Inspect your walls carefully for any potential water stains. Water stains can easily be missed, especially if they are tiny in size. Since they can start out small, homeowners typically don't notice the water stains until they have increased in size, which, at that time, further damage may have occurred. It's a good idea to inspect around your windows and frames as well.

If you notice signs of water damage in your walls, don't hesitate to call our SERVPRO team! We are always here to help!

Smart Methods of Water Damage Remediation

1/22/2020 (Permalink)

This loss was caused by an unnoticed sink leak.

What You Can Do When Your Cleveland Kitchen Sink Leaks 

As time goes on, our appliances in our homes can begin to wear down, and some of them can even cause water damage. The water supply line attached to your kitchen sink began to weaken and eventually cracked one afternoon. The crack in the line allowed for water to spit beneath the sink, gradually making the white paint on the inside of the cupboard bubble. 

Fortunately, the water damage in your Cleveland kitchen is mild enough that you can handle the remediation of the damage yourself. However, if you feel unsure about fixing it yourself, or you merely want a second opinion, reaching out for professional help is always a good idea. It is always best to follow your gut instinct and be safe, rather than sorry. 

Here at SERVPRO, when it comes to water damage, we recommend that the remediation is done using devices that supply dry air and heat. For instance, our technicians could use heaters and dehumidifiers and minimize the access moisture inside of the cupboard. If you are confident that the water damage is minimal, putting a heat source, such as a space heater, inside of the cupboard, along with a small fan, could help evaporate the water inside. 

Our SERVPRO technicians follow the same principals, but with industry-grade equipment that has been designed for water damage restoration. In your own home, you can find some items that can work similarly, but on a smaller scale. Once the cupboard has been dried out, you can use sandpaper to remove the paint bubble and to file down the area. Afterward, you can apply new primer and then a fresh coat of paint to the water-damaged section of the cupboard. 

If the job can be done at home, it is always a good thing to learn how to fix problems yourself. However, always remember that We're Faster To Any Size Disaster. At SERVPRO, we always rush to any job, no matter how big or small, and we are happy to help you during your time of need. 

If you find your home needs water damage restoration services, reach out for help. Dial (440) 324-2630 to get in touch with SERVPRO of Southern Lorain County. We're always ready to take your call. 

Southern Lorain County 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Services

1/22/2020 (Permalink)

This loss was caused by a cooking fire.

SERVPRO of Southern Lorain County 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 - (440) 324-2620

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 Southern Lorain County 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 Southern Lorain County

SERVPRO of Southern Lorain County 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.

Timeline Of Water Damage

1/14/2020 (Permalink)

Don't wait! Call us right away if you experience water damage in your home or business.

When you experience water damage in your home or business, drying it out quickly helps keep the claim cost down.

Within Minutes:

• Water spreads quickly throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Walls, floors, upholstery, and personal contents are absorbed by water.
• Furniture in the path of the water may bleed, causing permanent staining on the carpet.
• Books, photographs and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1-24:

• Affected drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces start to tarnish.
• Furniture starts to swell and crack.
• Dyes and ink on paper goods bleed and stain.
• A musty odor lingers in the air.

48 hours to a week:

• Mold and mildew may start to grow and spread.
• Doors and windows start to swell and warp.
• Metal surfaces start to rust and corrode.
• Furniture on the affected flooring warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint starts to blister.
• Wood floors swell and warp.
• Bio-hazard contamination is possible.

More than a week:

• Restoration time and costs increase dramatically. The replacement of  contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth, and bio-hazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

Causes And Signs Of Water Damage In Your Home

1/7/2020 (Permalink)

These homeowners knew they had water damage from the water bubbles and the noticeable peeling on their ceiling.

SERVPRO of Southern Lorain County knows that when you experience unexpected water damage it can be costly and set you back. It can occur at any time. Here are some examples of situations that can cause water damage in a home:

• Problems with the HVAC system.
• Cracks in the foundation or walls.
• Severe storms, floods and other extreme weather.
• Leaky or busted pipes.
• Malfunctioning dishwashers or washing machines.
• Roof damage, such as missing shingles or cracked flashing.
• Leaks from toilets, sinks, and showers.
• Drainage problems on your property.

Water damage is recognizable when it’s caused by a flood, but with other causes, it is sometimes hard to spot. If you are unsure of what to look for, it can be easy to miss until it becomes a major problem. Here are the usual signs of water damage in a home:

• Paint peeling from your walls
• Mold growth (which can look like dark discoloration) on any surface
• Warping of your floors.
• A strong musty smell.
• Sagging in parts of your walls or ceiling.
• Stains or discolored patches on walls or ceilings.
• Water pooling in your yard after a storm.

Storms Can Cause Water Damage In Your Attic

1/7/2020 (Permalink)

Wet insulation in this home had to be removed due to water leaking into the home through the attic.

Severe thunderstorms that make their way into Cleveland put both commercial and residential buildings at risk. The combination of wind and rain can force you to have to call in a professional flood damage restoration company such as SERVPRO. During storms, winds can sometimes reach high speeds, and the affected area can receive wind speeds of 50 miles per hour or more, which can cause things like rocks or branches to become airborne and strike the exterior of your home, which can create a hole for rain to enter. High-speed winds can also cause your roof's shingles to blow off, which can cause your house extensive flood damage.

If your roof gets affected by wind, rain can then enter the interior of your structure very quickly. When roof shingles get blown off, the first area that receives flood damage in your home is your attic. When moisture starts to leak into this section above your living area, water can then pour into the structure coming from the ceiling and follow gravity to your floors.

If materials inside your attic get wet, mold growth can occur because organic substances are abundant. Having professional technicians like the team at SERVPRO mitigate the problems quickly, can help you prevent secondary issues such as mold growth.

When the source of moisture affecting your home has proven to be rainwater, we treat the problem as a category two or grey water situation, which means that there is a possibility that the water can be contaminated with harmful parasites or bacteria since it is coming from the outside. Most attics contain wooden trusses and insulation. If insulation gets wet, the material's R-value gets drastically reduced.

In many scenarios, the wet insulation must get removed and replaced. Once we remove the wet insulation, our SERVPRO team can set up drying equipment inside your attic and dry out the rest of the building materials. If you ever notice moisture inside your attic after a thunderstorm, call SERVPRO of Southern Lorain County 24 hours a day.

Why Is My Washing Machine Leaking?

1/3/2020 (Permalink)

If you experience water damage in your home from a washing machine, call SERVPRO of Southern Lorain County.

Over time, wear and tear on your washing machine can leak to internal problems that can result in water leaks. Here are some common reasons why your washing machine is leaking.

• Overloaded washing machine. Overloading a washing machine is the most common cause for it to leak water. Take a look at your user’s guide for load limits and make sure you’re not putting too much laundry in.
• Excessive suds. Putting in too much detergent can lead to excessive suds that can find their way out of your machine and lead to water damage. Water softeners can sometimes increase your detergent’s ability to produce suds.
• Worn out hose gaskets. If you have an old washing machine, or if you have relocated the machine but used the same hoses, the gaskets in those hoses can become brittle over time and leak.
• Problem with the air gap device. The air gap device stops water from back flowing into your home’s water supply. It can crack causing it to leak.
• The fill hoses to the machine are leaking. Be sure that the hot and cold water fill hoses are tightly connected at both sides of the incoming water lines. After a few years, they will become worn out and crack, likely needing to be replaced.
• Damaged incoming water tube. Once the water makes its way inside the washing machine, it is routed through the air gap device by an internal tube can crack and leak.
• Damaged inlet spout. A significant amount of water can leak out of the machine if the inlet spout is damaged or broken free from the mount.
• Blocked or leaking main drain hose. Inspect the hose leading water into the tub or receiving area. Be sure the hose’s connection to the back of the washing machine is properly secured. Ensure the drain hose is not clogged by disconnecting it and running a long wire through it.
• Cracked utility sink or the pipes are leaking. Check near the gooseneck pipes for punctures, cracks or leaks. If you discover rust or corrosion, that could mean trouble.
• Faulty main tub seal. This is the primary water seal between you washing machine’s outer tub and the transmission that turns the tub. The main seal can sometimes leak directly under the tub.
• Broken water pump. The water pump pushes water from the washing machine’s internal tube out. Inspect the drain hose to ensure it is secured to the pump and look out for signs of a loose hose clamp.
• Faulty water supply valves. Inspect the water supply valves connected to the hot and cold lines to ensure they are working. If you will be away from your home for an extended period of time, turn them off to be safe.
• Back-flow from the sewer. Your washing machine drains directly into the sewer if you don’t have a utility sink. When backflow is an issue, call a professional plumber to look at the issue.