How to Prepare for Flood Damage

5/16/2022 (Permalink)

How to Prepare for Flood Damage

The drainage system used by businesses can affect the extent of storm damage in the city. This is particularly true during or after flooding occurs. It is important to keep gutters and storm drains clear to help minimize overall flood damage.

Property Drainage

Your responsibility starts with keeping your commercial property’s drainage system clear, particularly during storm season. Storm damage restoration companies suggest the following tips to ensure proper drainage:

Check gutters and drain pipes at least once a week, especially before and after a storm.
Inspect your property for signs of erosion or shifts in the earth around it.
Plant vegetation with a strong root system to slow down the flow of water into the city’s storm drains.
Report any problems to the local authorities so that the issue can be remedied.

You can help minimize the effects of flooding on the foundation of your buildings as well as the properties adjacent to yours if you are vigilant.

Outlying Drainage

Your ability to help keep the city’s drainage system working properly does not stop at your property line. Avoid sweeping landscaping cuttings or trash into the street, because it can clog storm drains. In fact, it is a good idea to have grounds crew members clear debris off the storm drains near your property. They should not attempt to lift the grate or put their hands between its bars, even if they see a problem below it. Instead, you should report problems to city officials who can clear the storm drain safely.

Minimizing storm damage is everyone’s responsibility. You can help protect the water supply in St Michael, MN when flooding occurs by routinely keeping the drainage system on and around your property clear. Storm water runoff from roofs and parking lots is often contaminated, so it is necessary to direct it to the appropriate areas. You cannot always avoid flood damage altogether, but you can contribute to faster recovery and clean up if you keep gutters and storm drains clear of debris.

5 Damage Tips For Water Cleanup

5/16/2022 (Permalink)

Water can cause extensive damage to a commercial building within a matter of hours. Standing water and residual moisture should be extracted and drying methods used to avoid secondary damage, such as mold growth. Here are five of the most important damage tips for mitigation and cleanup.

1. Extract Standing Water
Eliminating standing water with portable pumps or a wet vac is the first step toward addressing water damage. Water damage mitigation professionals can perform a fast and thorough extraction and provide cleaning tips for building materials and contents.
2. Increase Airflow
Restoration specialists may recommend the use of ventilation equipment such as air movers or fans to promote drying. Ventilation is an ideal drying method after a pipe burst introduces clean water into a structure. Areas exposed to contaminated water for long enough for mold to start forming may be an exception, as circulating air can spread spores.
3. Consider Heated Methods
Heat may be helpful for expediting drying in some situations. The degree of contamination, duration of damage, and affected materials are essential considerations for determining the best drying methods. Restoration experts can offer case-specific damage tips.
4. Lower Humidity Levels
Reducing residual moisture levels in the air and porous or semi-porous materials is helpful after any type of water damage. Mold needs moisture and food sources to flourish. A combination of cleaning, disinfecting, and lowering humidity discourages fungi from growing.
5. Wait Until Drying Is Complete
Rebuilding or restoration should not begin until the portion of a structure that has suffered water damage has been cleaned, disinfected, and thoroughly dried. This includes replacing any building materials torn out due to contamination.
Lowering moisture levels within 24 to 48 hours after water damage is essential for avoiding mold. Trained water damage professionals can quickly extract water and recommend the best damage tips.

Frozen MN Pipes

5/16/2022 (Permalink)

As we know, overnight temperatures drop below freezing still here in March. SERVPRO of Northeast Minneapolis offers these cold weather tips:

Know the location of your water shut-off valve and test it regularly.

If a pipe breaks, you won't want to have to find it then or, worse, wait for someone to arrive at your place to find it for you. In most single-family homes, the shut-off valve is in the basement or the crawl space on a wall facing the street.

Turn off outdoor faucets, and be sure to disconnect hoses from them.

Ensure the faucet and the outside portion of the pipes are fully drained. A valve inside many houses will shut off the water's flow; then open and close the tap outside to release any water in the pipe. Disconnect the hose to ensure that freeze-proof faucets will drain and to avoid damage to the hose from freezing water.

Winterize unheated or vacant buildings.

If your vacant building has a fire protection system, make sure there is no danger that the water servicing this system might freeze.

Insulate water pipes that may be vulnerable to the cold or have caused problems before.

Pipes close to exterior walls or in unheated basements can be wrapped with pieces of insulation. Never put heat tape on the water meter to avoid damaging plastic components of the meter.

Call Us Today!

(612) 421-2040

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Water Heater Water Damage

5/16/2022 (Permalink)

Have you inspected your water heater lately? SERVPRO of Northeast Minneapolis has been restoring water damage for Minnesota residents for years, and we know that routine inspection and maintenance of water heaters and plumbing systems can prevent major water damage in many cases. Here are some tips from the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety for inspecting and maintaining your water heater:

• Inspect your anode rod every two years, or every year once the warranty has expired, to determine if it needs replacement
• Flush water heater tanks every six months to remove any sediment by attaching a garden hose to the valve at the base. For safety, first, turn off the power and run the hot water until it is cool.
• Get an annual inspection from a plumbing professional, including the shut-off valve and all piping. Signs of broken valves and loose or wet joints and rust are a sign that more severe damage is coming.

Call Us Today!

Water damage can happen at any time of the day or night. When you have a water damage emergency in your home or commercial business, we are Here to Help. The professionals at SERVPRO® of Northeast Minneapolis are here to restore your water damage, “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at (612) 421-2040Franchises are independently owned and operated.

How To Prepare Your Business For Hail Damage

5/16/2022 (Permalink)

Owning a business comes with many responsibilities, not the least of which is maintaining your commercial property. Along with regular building maintenance, have a plan in place in case of natural disasters, such as hail storms. Here are a few things you can do to prepare for possible hail damage.

Know the Common Types of Hail Damage

Think through potential types of damage so you can make sure you have each one covered. Here are a few common types:

Roof Damage: This is a very common area of hail damage. Be sure to have your roof regularly inspected and repaired, especially after a hail storm. Regular maintenance can help prevent severe roof damage.

Glass Damage: If you have skylights, be sure that they are impact-resistant. Windows can be at risk too, depending on the angle of the hail coming down. Consider using impact-resistant glass here as well.

Property Damage: Hail can also cause damage to the property surrounding your building. This could include trees, HVAC units, or even commercial vehicles kept on your property.

Make Sure You are Covered
Once you have reviewed potential sources of storm damage, make sure that you have adequate commercial property insurance. This type of insurance will cover the financial impact of storm-related damage, which is an important protection for the financial health of your company. In the event of storm damage, initiate a claim with your insurance company and request authorization for a Minnesota storm damage company to come in to do repairs. You don't want to be left with roof damage or other property damage impeding your ability to get back to business.

Protect Employees
Have an emergency plan in place to make sure employees stay safe in the event of a hail storm. Designate a gathering area safely away from windows, and communicate a procedure to follow with your employees. Consider practicing emergency drills.
No one wants to think about their business suffering storm damage, but early preparation can save a lot of hassle in the event of damaging hail. Make sure you have your bases covered to protect your property, your employees and your hard work.

Spring Showers

5/16/2022 (Permalink)

As we start to hear birds chirping and temperatures inching upwards, that means we are seeing the first signs of spring. What a wonderful time of year. Full of life and excitement. We are excited to be done with winter here at SERVPRO. 

While gearing up for Spring, there are some important things to be aware of regarding spring snows. Often, a Spring storm in Minnesota can bring with it snow, ice, rain, or a combination of all three. The high moisture content of the precipitation can cause issues in your home or business if snow melt has already saturated ground water levels. With the ground saturated, any new precipitation can cause issues with your sump pump or through foundation cracks and leaks. Be prepared for what Spring storms can bring. 

One Stop Shop

5/16/2022 (Permalink)

Can One Company Address All Northeast Minneapolis's Storm Aftermath Needs?

The last thing a reputable water damage restorer wants to do is abandon customers in the middle of a storm damage project. This concern is why SERVPRO combines our water damage and flood restoration expertise supported by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) training with our ability to arrange rebuilding services. Our approach invites you to depend on our skilled and experienced crews to streamline the journey from the severe exterior and interior damage to our goal of making it "Like it never even happened." We provide:

• Dynamic safety hazard assessment throughout the project
• Emergency services halting water damage
• Ceiling repairs from water damages
• Management of leaking roofs from storm damage
• Basement flooding cleanup
• Cleaning up after a sewer backup (standard when municipal sanitary systems are overburdened after torrential rains

Call today and let us take the stress out of your mess!
(612) 421-2040

Winter Checklist

5/16/2022 (Permalink)

Temperatures are just going to get colder and colder as we enter into the winter months. By following this checklist, you ensure that your family and you will be safe while spending more time in your home. 

Turning off the space heater

Alliant Energy has mentioned that customers should expect an increase in utility bills this winter as the gas price has increased since last year. Many consumers are looking at alternatives to counteract the rise by looking into other heating alternatives such as space heaters."

Cutting the bottom of the Christmas Tree's trunk

If you're like me, you might have a family tradition of going out to the local Christmas tree farm to pick out the best-looking tree. During our first year of having a real tree, my family learned the importance of cutting off a part of the trunk. This is critical because the sap will harden the bottom of the trunk, especially as it sits on the lot. When the sap hardens, the tree can't absorb any moisture from the stand. This causes the needles to dry out, making them very flammable. 

Blowing out candles

Don't you love going down the isles and smelling all of the new season scents; Bourbon Pecan, Pumpkin Pie, or Evergreen are some of the best. When you mix in these longer, cooler nights, all you really want to do is snuggle up the couch with all of your favorite scents. When you forget to blow out the candles, which is an accident waiting to happen. This is because pets, especially cats, are rebellious and knock things off the counter. When using candles, you should use a candle warmer to help lessen the chance of a fire-related accident. Another practice that you should keep in mind is the 3-foot radius rule, which means you should move anything flammable away from the candle when in use. 

Getting your chimney cleaned

Getting your chimney checked and cleaned is something that everyone likes to cut corners around. When a chimney settles during the summer, it becomes a perfect home for creatures such as birds, squirrels, and sometimes raccoons. Another risk you run into is that by not cleaning the chimney, there is a chance that gases can enter your home. 

By making it an effort to check off the list, you ensure that your home is prepared for the colder months ahead. 

The Aftermath of Flood and Water Damage

5/16/2022 (Permalink)

The Aftermath of Flood and Water Damage

Property damage due to flooding or another form of standing water is one of the most common repairs that homeowners have to account for, considering the myriad of ways in which this problem may occur. A supply line break, whether hidden or visible, may be the culprit and cost mitigation is necessary. Water damage can often result in costly repairs as the standing water may affect several areas of the home simultaneously with each area requiring a particular form of maintenance in order to return your home back to its previous condition. A flooded home must enter the drying process as soon as possible to avoid microbial buildup. When your home or business is affected by flood damage, there are several steps that are necessary to take in order resolve the issue in a quick and effective manner, particularly concerning drying as it is essential to the restoration process.

Contacting the restoration company of your choice is the first step involving water cleanup. The restoration company is usually equipped to handle multiple aspects of the cleanup process, including fire damage, flood damage, and backed-up sewage. While this may be the case, the job of the restoration company is only to remove the water, returning the home or business to a dry living environment, so contacting a separate company may be necessary in order to complete the necessary repairs. If the restoration company has acquired a license in the state that you are living in, they may be able to expedite the process by handling several, or all aspects of the water cleanup. Due to the fact that water damage may strike at any given moment, the majority of the restoration companies on the market are available 24 hours a day.

For the mitigation of further water damage in a flooded home, it is imperative that you seek professional care immediately, as the longer the standing water remains, the more expensive repair costs may be. When seeking professional help to alleviate the water damage, it is important that you list the most pertinent information, including insurance information, contact information, and the origin of the flood damage. When contacting your insurance company, it is probable that they may recommend a list of viable options regarding restoration companies, as they, along with the claims adjusters often have working relationships with those companies. In an effort to continue damage mitigation, it is important to review your personal policy with your insurance company which will keep all parties aware of their individual responsibilities. One of the most important factors to mention when addressing your restoration company is the presence of electricity, such as a live wire, on the premises. Unresolved electricity issues during a situation involving flood damage can be a serious hazard for those operating in the home or business, and should, therefore, be addressed immediately.

A detailed inspection must take place to kick off the restoration process in order to assess the damages and find the point of origin regarding water in the home or water in the business. Water in the home and water in the business can often bring about damages that result in separate water cleanup processes due to the nature of operations. Time is one of the most significant aspects to consider regarding water in the home or water in a business, as water in the business may lead to operational losses as well as increased costs. Drying is the next step in the restoration process.

The water extraction process is the first step in water cleanup. Whether your issues result from standing water in a business or standing water in the home, any objects that obstruct the drying process must be removed immediately to avoid exacerbating the issues. Industrial hardware, such as submersible pumps may be utilized in order to remove any standing water in the flooded home. A pipe break, such as the ice maker supply line break, are common issues that lead to a flooded home. The pipe break in a flooded home should be identified as a visible or hidden supply line break in order to quickly alleviate the issue. A hidden pipe break is normally more difficult to resolve than a visible pipe break, as the issue may not be a spontaneous occurrence, and therefore may have been damaging the home for a significant period of time before its discovery. For the mitigation of costs, identifying a supply line break as soon as possible is necessary.

Why You Need Professional Water Damage Restoration

5/16/2022 (Permalink)

Why You Need Professional Water Damage Restoration

Water damage is an important aspect to focus on once water in a home or water in a business has gotten in. Many home and business owners don't focus enough on mitigation once there has been a pipe break, supply line break, or other catastrophes. As such, water damage worsens. This can be avoided by calling a professional restoration company.

Avoid Heavy Flood Damage

It's hard to deal with a lot of water inside of a flooded home or business. Many people are not equipped to deal with it on their own. By calling in restoration professionals, they will help with the water cleanup. Buildings that wait too long to schedule water cleanup end up with more damage.

The mitigation is done to ensure that there is not a significant amount of flood damage. Through water cleanup, it's easier to see what has actually been damaged. Whether there was a pipe break, a supply line break, or something else, the water has to be cleaned up. Without professional assistance, it could take weeks for the water to dissipate on its own.

Salvage Various Items

There might be furniture, drywall, and other things damaged from water. If there was a pipe break or supply line break, the flood damage will be focused on where the problem occurred. Regardless, the water in a home or water in a business has to be out. Drying will help to salvage some items.

Professional drying techniques will ensure that water cleanup is made easier. Some drywall, for example, could be saved if drying happens quickly. Without the drying, then it's more likely that the water will continue to soak into materials. The flooded home or business will then need to be gutted more extensively to remove any items that have suffered flood damage. This could include carpeting, drywall, flooring, cabinetry, and more.

Learn About What Needs to Be Done

A long list of things needs to be done when there is water in a home or water in a business. If there was a pipe break or supply line break, the plumbing needs to be repaired. It's also important that a restoration company uses sensors and leak detection equipment to locate all levels of water damage.

A restoration plan should be created to determine what needs to be done. The plan is different for everyone. Restoration professionals will work to oversee the flooded home or business so that everything gets fixed. If there was a lot of mitigation done, the water damage might not be that bad. If there was very little mitigation done, then there might be a lot of water in a home or water in a business to overcome.

Whatever the situation, professionals can work to see that a flooded home or business is repaired properly. The plan might be a time consuming one based on the level of damage and what needs to be restored.

Rebuild What Has Been Lost

A lot might have been lost. The good news is that when working with a professional restoration company, it's easier for a home or business to rebuild. There might be the need to remove a lot of damaged items, repair some items, and rebuild others.

The time it takes to rebuild could take days or even weeks depending on the level of damage. This will be part of what is determined within the restoration plan.

Regardless of why water entered a building, professional services are important. The right restoration company can make it easier to rebuild so it's as if the water damage never even happened.

3 Give-Away Signs of Water Damage

5/16/2022 (Permalink)

Signs Of Water Damage

Even the smallest water leak is capable of costing you thousands of dollars in repairs and remediation, but the earlier you catch the issue, the sooner and more efficiently it can be fixed. Lucky for you, SERVPRO of Wright County, MN, is Faster to Any Size Disaster.
There are many causes of a water leak, including but not limited to:

• Pipe break
• The freeze/thaw cycle
• Broken seals
• High water pressure
• Clogged lines
  
  

But how do you know when you need to call your local water damage specialists?

1. Staining on Walls
Discoloration on walls or ceilings is one of the most common signs of water damage. Always look out for those mysterious-looking brown patches, and act fast if you spot one. Water staining doesn't develop overnight — the water may have been leaking for days or even weeks by the time the discoloration becomes perceptible.

2. Pricey Water Bills
If your water bill has been increasing even though your usage has remained about the same, you might be relieved to hear that this could be a sign of a pipe break or other water line malfunction. All that expensive water is going somewhere, and it's crucial to put a stop to it before it does too much damage.

3. Poor Water Pressure (or None at All!)
Another sign of a leaky pipe is a sudden change in your water pressure or no water coming out of the faucets at all. This is caused by the water draining out of the pipe break and not leaving enough water to be distributed to the rest of the system. If you encounter this issue, the water is likely gushing out in a place where you don't want it, so make sure to get help before it develops into a full-fledged flood.
By keeping an eye out for these three signs of a water leak, you might just be protecting your commercial building from a messy and costly disaster.

Sump Pump Failure Causes

5/16/2022 (Permalink)

Power Failure

Your primary sump pump should not be treated any different than any other appliance in your home - without power, it is completely worthless.  As a safeguard, invest in a high quality battery back-up sump pump.   A battery kept continually charged by the backup system operates a separate pump linked to the discharge pipe, providing you hours of protection until power is restored. Some backup pumps even monitor the condition of the battery and alert you when it needs to be replaced.

Frozen Discharge Pipe

If the discharge pipe is not installed pitched properly, water will collect and eventually freeze, causing a blockage. 

Switch Stuck in Place

There are several different types of sump float switches.  Vertical and tethered floats are the most common.  Vertical floats seem to work the best as tethered floats are known for  getting stuck on the side walls of the sump pit (resulting in a flooded basement). 

Over-worked / Under-Powered Sump Pump

Not all pumps are created equal.  Make sure you install the correct horsepower pump capable of keeping up with your flow of water.   

Old Age

It is generally recommended that sump pumps should be replaced every five to seven years in order to be reasonably safe. Don’t wait until it’s too late!

Have a water damage from a sump pump failure? Call SERVPRO of Northeast Minneapolis (612) 421-2040

24/7 Storm Services

5/16/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster in Minnesota. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
• Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
• A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
• Locally Owned and Operated
• Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment 

Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 –  (612) 421-2040 

Residential Storm Services

Whether your home needs emergency flood damage or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us.  Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best. Learn more about our residential services:

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Storm Damage Restoration
• Cleaning Services
• Building/Reconstruction Services

Commercial Storm Services

There's never a convenient time for fire or Water damage to strike your commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business. 

5 Tips for Drying Water Damage

5/16/2022 (Permalink)

Five Damage Tips for Mitigation

Water can cause extensive damage to a commercial building within a matter of hours. Standing water and residual moisture should be extracted and drying methods used to avoid secondary damage, such as mold growth. Here are five of the most important damage tips for mitigation and cleanup.

1. Extract Standing Water
Eliminating standing water with portable pumps or a wet vac is the first step toward addressing water damage. Water damage mitigation professionals can perform a fast and thorough extraction and provide cleaning tips for building materials and contents.
2. Increase Airflow
Restoration specialists may recommend the use of ventilation equipment such as air movers or fans to promote drying. Ventilation is an ideal drying method after a pipe burst introduces clean water into a structure. Areas exposed to contaminated water for long enough for mold to start forming may be an exception, as circulating air can spread spores.
3. Consider Heated Methods
Heat may be helpful for expediting drying in some situations. The degree of contamination, duration of damage, and affected materials are essential considerations for determining the best drying methods. Restoration experts can offer case-specific damage tips.
4. Lower Humidity Levels
Reducing residual moisture levels in the air and porous or semi-porous materials is helpful after any type of water damage. Mold needs moisture and food sources to flourish. A combination of cleaning, disinfecting, and lowering humidity discourages fungi from growing.
5. Wait Until Drying Is Complete
Rebuilding or restoration should not begin until the portion of a structure that has suffered water damage has been cleaned, disinfected, and thoroughly dried. This includes replacing any building materials torn out due to contamination.