Water leaks are Serious

2/20/2023 (Permalink)

If you experience water damage, give SERVPRO a call today.

Water leaks are a serious business. They may seem harmless at first, but they can quickly add up to thousands of dollars in damage if left unattended. If you think your home has a leak, here's what you need to know.

Costly problem.

Water leaks can be costly and damaging. A leaky pipe, for example, can cause mold and mildew to grow in your home. This problem can lead to structural damage as well as electrical problems. It's not uncommon for homeowners who suffer from water damage to find that they have no insurance coverage because their policy excludes "water intrusion" or "inland flooding." The good news is that there are steps you can take now so you're prepared if this happens.

Make an inventory of all the appliances in your home--kitchen appliances like stoves and refrigerators, bathroom fixtures such as toilets, laundry machines, dishwashers, faucets/spigots outside the house where possible access points may exist once water starts flowing.

Water damage can be costly, and it's not just your wallet that will take a hit. A small leak in your home can add up to tens of thousands of dollars in damage.

The most common issues caused by water damage include mold growth, structural problems such as warping wood floors or buckling drywall and electrical issues such as short circuits or flickering lights.

Property Damage.

Water damage can be caused by many things including, leaky faucets, broken pipes, leaking appliances (e.g., dishwashers, washing machines) Busted pipes or water main breaks in your neighborhood that lead to flooding in your home (this is more likely during winter months).

Other common causes of water damage, roofs that leak when it rains or snow melts, roofs should be repaired quickly before they cause major problems with mold and structural damage inside the house/apartment building. Windows that leak condensation over time--these can also be fixed before they become serious problems

Unattended Damages.

Water damage can cause serious problems in your home. If you have a leak, it's important that you address it right away. Water damage can lead to mold and mildew, structural damage, and electrical problems. Water leaks can also create financial problems for homeowners because they usually require extensive repairs or replacements that cost thousands of dollars.

Mold growth is caused by moisture build-up on surfaces like walls and floors. When this happens at a rapid pace (like from a burst pipe), it can be difficult for homeowners to detect before it becomes an issue.

Leaking water is a serious problem that can lead to major damage, but it's also an easy one to prevent. If you're not sure if your home has any leaks or needs repair work done on its plumbing, contact us today! SERVPRO of Summerlin North/ Sun City can come out and give you an estimate on what needs to be done so that your pipes are safe from future leaks.

Important Storm Damage Tips

2/8/2023 (Permalink)

After a storm, give the professionals a call today!

Storms can cause a lot of damage to homes. If you do not know how to recuperate from storm damage, then it is important that you hire a professional. At SERVPRO of Summerlin North/ Sun City, we have been helping people with their home restoration needs for many years. We will make sure that your home is taken care of after a storm and that you are back in your house as soon as possible.

Inspect your home for Damage

After a big storm, it is important to inspect your home for damage. The best way to do this is by doing a thorough walk-through of your property and checking every room. It's also helpful to take pictures of any damage so you can reference them later when claiming insurance or filing claims with the government.

Here are some things you should look for:

• broken windows or doors
• damaged walls, ceilings, or floors (cracks in drywall may indicate that there's been water damage)
• fallen trees/limbs/branches (make sure they haven't damaged anything on the inside of your house)

Check your Homes Exterior

After a storm, it's important to inspect your home’s exterior. This includes checking for missing shingles, damaged or missing gutters, damaged siding and windows and doors. You should also look at roof vents and chimneys to see if they were affected by the storm.

Inspect your Roof

You should inspect your roof to make sure there aren't any missing, broken or loose shingles. Look for discoloration and curling of shingle edges as well. If you find that there's damage to your flashing, this must be repaired before moving on to the next step in the inspection process. If you don't know what flashing is or how it works, ask a professional about this step in the inspection process so that you can properly evaluate and fix any damage that exists in your home.

Also check for missing or damaged gutters because they are an important part of protecting your home from water damage during storms like hurricanes and tropical storms.

Look for fallen trees and limbs

You should also look for trees that have fallen or are leaning toward your home. You will want to check them for stability, and remove any branches or leaves that could be potential fire hazards. Next, you should inspect your roof for damage from falling debris, such as branches and leaves falling from nearby trees. If you see any damage on your roof, it is important to repair this as soon as possible because leaving it unattended could result in further structural breakdowns within the house itself.

Check the interior of your home

Inspect the interior of your home for damage to walls, floors and ceilings. Check for leaks in plumbing or electrical systems and make sure that any damaged parts are repaired before you resume normal use.

Take care of any leaks ASAP

If you notice water coming into your home, it is important to take care of it as soon as possible. Water can cause mold and mildew to grow in your home. If you have any concerns about mold or mildew, call a professional immediately.

If you do not know how to inspect your home after a storm call SERVPRO of Summerlin North/Sun City

If you are unable to inspect your home after a storm, or if you would like someone else to do it for you, call SERVPRO of Summerlin North/Sun City. They are the experts in this area and can help you find out what damage occurred.

They have the experience needed to look for storm damage and know what to do next. If there is any water damage in your home, they will also know how best prevent secondary damages. They have everything needed for their service available at all times including rain gear and boots on hand in case they need them when working outside on your property during inspection.

The most important thing that you can do after a storm is make sure your home is safe and secure, and we hope that these tips will help you do just that. If not, call us at (702) 778-9461 or visit our website for more information about how we can help with your property restoration needs!

What Is the Water Damage Restoration Process?

1/4/2023 (Permalink)

During the water remediation process our team utilizes air movers.

Water damage is a serious problem for any business. When water enters your building and causes damage to the contents and structure, you may need professional help to restore it. The water damage restoration process can be complicated and time-consuming, but it's also an important step toward making sure that your business is operating as normally as possible. In this article, we'll explain the steps involved in repairing water damage and why it's so important that you hire a specialist if you find yourself in this situation.

What Is the Water Damage Restoration Process?

The water damage restoration process is a long and complex one that involves several steps. Each situation is different, but in most cases the process can be broken down into these stages:

Pre-Inspection and Assessment

Water damage restoration professionals will perform a pre-inspection of your property. The purpose of this inspection is to determine the extent of damage, assess what repairs are needed and see if there are any immediate hazards that need attention before they can begin working on the water restoration process.

They will check for structural damage, such as cracks in walls or floors. This can be caused by excessive moisture in the air, which causes freezing and thawing throughout your home every day during winter months.

They will also check for electrical issues related to power surges from water appliances (such as washing machines) that have short circuits when exposed to moisture in an electric space after a flood has occurred inside your home. This could cause further destruction if not addressed immediately!

Water Removal/Water Extraction

Water Removal/Water Extraction: The first step in the process of water damage restoration is to extract any excess moisture from your home or office. This is accomplished by using powerful vacuums and dehumidifiers, which suck the water out of your walls, floors and other structural components.

Structural Drying: Next, we'll begin drying out your home or business. We'll use high-powered air movers to remove moisture from cracks and crevices in a process called "dehumidification." Once this has been completed, we can begin repairing any damaged areas of your property that were affected by wet conditions such as mold growth or rotting wood.

Drying and Dehumidification

The drying process is not complete until the water has been removed and the humidity in your home has decreased to a safe level. This means that you may have to move out of your home while it dries, especially if you live in an area where mold and mildew are prevalent. Once you can return to your home, you will want to make sure that your belongings are completely dry before putting them back into storage.

Mold Prevention

Molds thrive in wet environments with stagnant air; therefore, one of our most important steps during restoration is keeping moisture from returning to what was once a wet area of your home or business. This can be done through dehumidification techniques like extracting excess moisture from walls or floors using special equipment designed for this purpose (such as portable air movers), installing temporary ventilation systems such as fans or portable air conditioners until permanent changes can be made to ventilation systems inside homes or buildings after they’ve been repaired by water damage repair professionals

Cleaning and Sanitizing

Once a thorough inspection is completed and the water damage has been assessed, it’s time to begin cleaning and sanitizing. This is the most important step in the restoration process. The goal here is to remove all traces of the water damage and restore your property to its original state.

The first step in this process involves removing any debris from your carpeting or flooring using heavy-duty vacuums that can handle such rough work. You may also want to consider using a shop vacuum if you have one on hand (if not, ask us about renting one). Next comes dry removal of any drywall that has been affected by flooding or leaks—this means taking down walls and replacing them with new ones where necessary. Once everything is dry and ready for repair, we'll clean up all areas before applying a fresh coat of paint or wall paper depending on what needs done at each location onsite!

Restoration

Once the water has been removed, the next step is restoration. Restoration is the process of making your property as good as new. However, depending on the severity of your flood, it may be best to hire a professional company that has special equipment and skills to perform this work.

• Cleaning and disinfecting walls, doors, floors, ceilings and furniture
• Replacing drywall where needed
• Picking up debris from yards or driveways (if applicable)

Restoration can be a lengthy process that requires special equipment and skills. In many cases you may need to replace items like carpeting or insulation because they're wet and cannot be salvaged by drying them out alone.

When to Consult a Specialist for Water Damage Restoration

You should consider hiring a water damage restoration company if:

• The damage is severe and widespread.
• You are unsure about the source of the water damage.
• You have questions about the restoration process.
• You have questions about your insurance claim, which may involve filing a claim or filling out paperwork with various parties (such as your insurer or mortgage lender).

In addition to these factors, you should also be aware that it may cost more money to hire a specialist versus doing it yourself.

The water damage restoration process is a complex one and requires expertise. If you have any signs of water damage in your home, contact us immediately. We can help determine what’s been damaged, how much it will cost to fix and whether or not you need professional assistance.

How to Prepare for Wildfires

12/1/2022 (Permalink)

With the right planning, preparation, and resources, wildfires can be survivable.

How to Be Prepared for Wildfires

Wildfires can be terrifying, but they're also natural parts of the ecosystem. And while they might not seem likely to happen, knowing how to be prepared for wildfires is important no matter where you live. If this is your first time dealing with wildland fires, take some time now to plan for the worst-case scenario if it does happen.

Know the signs and symptoms of wildfires.

If you smell smoke in the air, it could mean that a wildfire is nearby. You may also see ash falling from the sky or observe dry air and low humidity, as well as clear skies with strong winds and gusts. The smell of smoke should be your first sign that something is on fire nearby; if you don't smell anything but do notice other signs like those above, then it's likely that there is a wildfire nearby.

Have a plan for where to go if a wildfire approaches.

Planning ahead is key to reduce risk of injury or death. If you are at home, follow these tips:

• Have a plan for where to go if a wildfire approaches.
• Be ready to act quickly and leave if told to do so by local authorities.
• Be aware that there may be several ways out of your neighborhood, but not all roads are safe for travel during evacuations.

Providing enough water reduces risk of dehydration.

This is a crucial step. You can't live without water and having enough of it for each person in your household makes it less likely that anyone will suffer from dehydration. FEMA recommends one gallon of water per person per day, but the general rule is to always have at least one gallon per person per day on hand.

If you have tap water, boil it for at least 1 minute before drinking or use bottled water (but make sure to check expiration dates). Another option is to buy purifiers or filters that remove contaminants like bacteria and viruses from contaminated sources such as lakes or rivers.

You should gather the necessary supplies ahead of time, especially in dry weather. It is important to have enough food, water and medication for your family.

Plan for the worst and be prepared for it.

It is important to know what to do in the event of a wildfire as well as know your community's emergency plan and know how to respond in case of an emergency. Identify possible evacuation routes ahead of time so that if there is an evacuation order issued by local authorities. 

Have a supply kit ready to go with enough food, water and other supplies for at least 72 hours. Pack items that are lightweight and portable such as cans of tuna or spam, dry cereal, peanut butter and crackers. Be sure the kit has any medications you use regularly. Include things like flashlights with extra batteries and wind-up radios so that you can get information on where it's safe to go if wildfires threaten your area. Also include important documents like proof of identity cards or birth certificates in case there is an evacuation order issued by local authorities.

With the right planning, preparation, and resources, wildfires can be survivable. But it’s important not to get complacent when it comes to wildfires.  The key is being proactive about keeping your family safe from these natural disasters. By knowing what to do in case of a wildfire, as well as how they start and spread, you’ll be prepared if one ever strikes close by.

I Found a Leak Under my Kitchen Sink

11/7/2022 (Permalink)

Kitchen sink leaking

How to Repair a Kitchen Sink Leak

If your kitchen sink is leaking, there are a few simple steps you can take to repair it. It is important to stop the leak as quickly as possible in order to prevent further damage from occurring. Follow these instructions to replace or repair your faucet:

1. Make sure the water valve is off.

If the water valve is on, you will need to turn it off. It is important to stop the water from continuing to leak as quickly as possible. Once you have turned off the water valve, turn on the faucet to drain any remaining water from your pipes.

2. Check the drain stopper.

If the sink has a removable drain stopper, use a flashlight to inspect it and make sure there are no obstructions in the drainpipe beneath it. The stopper should also be checked for damage or missing parts—if any of these issues exist, you will need to replace your sink's drain assembly with one that includes a new rubber gasket (this goes for both types of drains).

3. Check the faucet is secure to the sink.

If it's loose, this might be the cause of your water leak. Tighten the faucet by removing and replacing the screws around it. Be careful not to overtighten! If your sink still leaks, there might be a bigger issue on hand.

4. Remove the faucet.

Disconnect the faucet handle by loosening the set screw that holds it in place and pulling out its stem. You may need to use pliers for this step; if so, be careful not to scratch or bend any parts of your faucet as you do so!

Remove any washers from underneath your faucet's base plate (if applicable) and clean out any debris from around them with a toothbrush before reinstalling them when putting everything back together again—this will help prevent future leaks from occurring due to clogs caused by dirt buildup around these components' gaskets or seals when used regularly over time.

5. Seal the faucet with plumber's putty and reinstall it.

Plumber's putty is a soft, putty-like material that is used to seal small leaks in pipes. It comes in either paste or rope form, so choose whichever one best suits your needs.

For this step, you'll need:

• Plumber's putty
• Tape measure and pencil (if you're using rope)
• Hammer

6. Reattach the faucet to the sink

Reattach the faucet to the sink, tighten it, and turn on the water to test for leaks. If your leak has been repaired, turn off the water and let everything dry overnight before using your sink again. If there are still leaks, it might be time to call a plumber.

If you follow these steps, you should be able to fix your sink leak. If the leak continues, it is important to call a plumber as quickly as possible. Waiting to call a plumber can cause water and mold damage to your kitchen cabinets, flooring, and walls surrounding the sink. If you are in need of water cleanup services, our SERVPRO of Summerlin North/Sun City is always here to help!

What To Do After a Fire

10/5/2022 (Permalink)

A fire can be devastating.

How to Respond to a Fire

A fire can be the scariest thing you’ve ever experienced. Fires cause so much damage that it can be difficult to know where to start with the cleanup. But don’t worry, we’re here to help! We have some tips on what to do after a fire.

Call Your Insurance Company

After you’ve dealt with the immediate damage and cleaned up your home, it’s time to call your insurance company.

The first thing you should do when filing a claim is figure out if your policy covers fire damages. If you have renter's or homeowner's insurance, there may be special clauses that apply when filing claims for damages from fire. Your agent will be able to guide you through this process and explain any differences in coverage between renters and homeowners or what types of claims need to be filed by whom.

Once it's been determined that the policy covers fires, begin documenting everything that needs repaired or replaced so that both parties—you and your insurer—are on the same page about how much money is needed for repairs after a fire has occurred. The documents will include photos of what was damaged as well as receipts for any items purchased while replacing damaged goods such as appliances or furniture (this can also be done online).

You need to get a claim started right away. The sooner you file a claim, the faster you can start putting your life back together. 

A fire can be devastating, but it's important to know that you don't have much time to file a claim. If you wait too long, your insurance company could deny your claim and refuse to pay for any damages or medical expenses related to the fire.

It's also important that you get in touch with an insurance agent as soon as possible after a fire occurs. After all, they're trained professionals who will be able to help guide you through what steps need taken next. 

• Your first step should be making sure everyone is okay and safe. Then call the police or fire department right away so they can collect evidence about how the fire started (and if it was intentionally set). Next contact friends and family members who may want help cleaning up their home afterwards - some people might offer free labor while others may donate food/clothing (or even money) if they're able -- but only accept if it feels right! Finally make sure everyone knows where they're going so there won't be any problems later on down road when trying figure out where exactly their belongings might've ended up being stored during this stressful time period...

Don't Touch Anything

The first thing you should know about fire damage is that it can be harmful, even dangerous.  Don’t touch anything that has been damaged by smoke or fire (including walls, furniture, etc.) until the room has been cleared out by professionals who know what they're doing! And don't try to clean up on your own—your home insurance may not cover any injuries sustained while trying to remove blackened debris yourself.

Try Not To Walk Through Smokey Areas

Have Fire Damage Restoration Professionals Restore Any Damaged Areas 

If you have suffered a home fire, it is important to have experts come in as soon as possible to inspect and clean the area. If damage has occurred, they can help you file an insurance claim so that you do not lose out on money that is rightfully yours. It is also important to call professionals because they will be able to assess the damage properly and know what they need to do in order to restore your home back to its original state.

If you wait too long before contacting restoration experts, there could be more damage done than originally thought and this could make it more difficult for them when trying to fix everything up again. The longer an area has been exposed since the fire occurred, the more likely it will take longer for someone like us at Chicago Fire Damage Restoration Incorporated (CFDRI) or another firm like us elsewhere across America who specialize in these kinds of situations because we understand how damaging fires like these can be especially if there was smoke involved which would cause even further complications down below where most people don't even think about until we tell them otherwise."

If you have experienced a fire, it is important that you take the right steps to protect yourself. You should call your insurance company right away and contact Fire Damage Restoration Professionals to help restore any damaged areas.

3 Necessary Storm Preparation Steps for Property Managers

8/30/2022 (Permalink)

Keep computer files backed up on an external hard drive or cloud.

Storm Preparedness

A key duty of a property manager is to be ready for severe weather. With storms there is always the possibility of property damage or destruction that may require a professional restoration service to repair, as well as the risk for less serious but still important weather-related setbacks such as power loss. Therefore, it is important to plan ahead for a storm even if one is not forecast. Here are three necessary steps property managers in Summerlin, NV should take for storm preparedness.

1. Create a List of Important Contact Information

One thing property managers should do is create and regularly update a list of important contacts and other information. They need to be able to get in touch with tenants, the insurance company, service providers, staff and general contractors. Before a major storm event, they should check all of the contact information on this list and make sure it is current and accurate. Information they should collect, if available, includes:

• Tenant names, phone numbers, addresses and email addresses
• Names and apartment numbers of elderly people
• Number of tenants, pets and children
• Contractor phone numbers
• Emergency service phone numbers
• Insurance agent phone number and email address
• Staff phone numbers, addresses and email addresses

2. Create an Emergency Plan

Another important step in storm preparedness is developing an emergency plan. This should include role assignments for staff and guidelines for ensuring the safety of the tenants. It should be reviewed with staff and communicated to the renters.

3. Create Backups of Important Files

There is a lot of important paperwork associated with property management. To ensure that this is not lost, back up all files, especially if they are currently in paper format. Even if you already have digital copies of your files, you should still have a second copy of each one stored off-site or in the cloud.

Being on top of storm preparedness can mitigate or even completely prevent disasters. Make sure you have what you need and know what to do ahead of time.

Essential Elements of a Fire Escape Plan

8/30/2022 (Permalink)

Practice makes perfect

Develop And Communicate A Solid Plan

While having smoke alarms in your Sun City, NV, home may be the first line of defense, having a fire escape plan is just as important. A fire damage and restoration company can repair and restore the damage from a home fire, but the safety of everyone in the household relies on developing and communicating a solid plan.

Key Elements
While every home is different, as are the people who reside in it, a basic fire escape plan should include the following vital elements.

Make a Map – The map should include every hallway, room, door, window and level of the house. This not only provides a visual of the home but also allows for the next step of the plan.
Designate Escape Routes – Every room needs at least two escape routes in case the effects of the fire blocks one of them. This is especially important for homes with more than one level. The ability to exit the door and go down the stairs may not be a viable option. It is a good idea to consider keeping fire ladders in each upper-level room to ensure a safe exit from a second-story window.
Communicate a Meeting Place – After everyone knows how to get out the safest way possible, they also need to know where to go for a headcount. A designated meeting place across the street or on the corner of your neighbor’s sidewalk allows for a safe distance from the flames.

Practice Makes Perfect
As important as fire preparation is, it only works if it is regularly revisited. Physically going through the plan on a regular basis, as they do in school, helps solidifies the process and may highlight areas that may need to be addressed. It’s also important that everyone in the household, including guests, have a copy of the plan.
A fire is often an unexpected event, so ensure you have made and practiced a fire escape plan to increase the chances of everyone safely getting out of the home.

What To Do When a Sump Pump Fails

8/25/2022 (Permalink)

A malfunctioning sump pump can cause a residential basement or crawlspace to flood

A malfunctioning sump pump can cause a residential basement or crawlspace to flood. Regularly test the pump at a home in Las Vegas, NV, as it is better to find out that a pump does not work when water is not accumulating on the lowest level of a structure. Here are three steps to take in the event that a pump does not activate or fails to drain water.

Check the Pump Function

The most reliable way to test pump functionality is to run water through the system. Take the following measures to check drainage capabilities:

• Fill the sump pit with water
• Check to see if the float raises
• Make sure the pump activates
  
  

A pump that does not activate as the pit fills may have a bad float switch, blown fuse or tripped breaker. Sump pumps should have a primary and backup power source to prevent storm damage in the event of power failure.

Identify Needed Maintenance
If a pump is slow to drain or is not functional, ensure the basin and drain lines are clear. The check valves on sump pumps tend to fail. Test valve function by pushing this component up and down to ensure it moves freely. More advanced maintenance may require a plumber.

Repair or Replace a Sump Pump
A malfunctioning or broken pump may necessitate professional repairs or replacement. With proper pump maintenance, most sump pumps have an operational life of at least 10 years. Depending on your needs, you may want to consider a column, pedestal, or submersible pump.
If a sump pump is in working condition and connected to reliable primary and backup power sources, the risk of failure should be minimal. The pump should automatically activate and drain water that is backing up into a basement or crawlspace. Contact a plumber if backups remain a problem at a residence in Las Vegas, NV.

How Business Interruption Can Help After a Fire

7/31/2022 (Permalink)

Interruption insurance can provide income protection for your business.

How a Fire Can Help With Business Interruptions

Good planning and preparation are part of running a strong business. This means being ready for all possible challenges, including disasters in your Sun City Summerlin, NV, workplace. If you experience a fire in the office, it could not only cause significant damage to the building but could disrupt your daily operations. Thankfully, interruption insurance can provide income protection for your business.

Working Elsewhere

Fires can destroy structures as well as business equipment and supplies. Smoke damage can also make it unsafe for people to work in the building. Interruption insurance can help cover the costs of temporarily relocating to another location. This coverage can help with the following:

• Transporting materials to the new location
• Paying rent at the temporary location
• Paying for equipment so employees can work remotely
  
  

Replacing Supplies

Your building may still be intact, but if materials such as computers, workstations, and office furniture were ruined, you may have to suspend operations until you have new equipment. This type of business interruption can be detrimental if you don't have the right coverage. Interruption insurance will help pay for items you lost in the fire.

Lost Income

One of the biggest concerns you'll have as a business owner after a fire is how it will affect your company's revenue. If you are unable to produce merchandise, fulfill orders or sell products, it'll be impossible to keep up with demand and maintain your income stream. The fire restoration process takes time, even if you hire an experienced disaster recovery team. The right insurance coverage will take care of the money you have lost by not being open for business after a fire. The insurance adjuster will help you determine the appropriate amount.
Recovering from a fire can be a long and difficult ordeal. However, if you have interruption insurance, you can have the peace of mind you need that your business can carry on even after a disaster.