Otsego, MI - Are You Winter Ready?

2/23/2023 (Permalink)

Help prevent your pipes from freezing and bursting.

Temperatures are dropping in Otsego and Allegan County.  In addition to regular home maintenance, in the winter months, protecting your pipes from freezing is just as important.  Even a small crack in a pipe can emit hundreds of gallons of water causing flooding, damage to your furnace, and serious structural damage.  It also presents an immediate potential for mold growth.

Three main causes of frozen pipes are quick drops in temperature, poor insulation, and thermostats set too low.  By taking the following preventative measures, you can help reduce the risk of frozen water pipes this winter.

• Insulate your pipes - exposed pipes are most susceptible to freezing.
• Seal any leaks that allow cold air inside - look for air leaks around electrical wiring, dryer vents, and pipes.  Use caulk or insulation to keep the cold out.
• Let water drip - let warm water drip from a faucet overnight.
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the pipes.

If your pipes still freeze and burst, call SERVPRO of Allegan / Barry County, 269-686-0664, or SERVPRO of Van Buren County, 269-6390464, as well as your local Insurance Agent, for immediate assistance

Hopkins Residents: We Specialize In Flooded Basement Cleanup

4/14/2022 (Permalink)

This flooded basement was caused by a hot-water tank failure.

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall.  Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level.  There are a number of reasons why your Hopkins basement could flood, including:

• A blocked or failed sewer pipe
• Heavy rain causing surface water to pool around your home
• Storm sewer backup
• Sanitary sewer backup
• Foundation drainage failure
• Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
• And many more

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home's structure.  Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home's integrity.  It's worth making a call to SERVPRO of Allegan / Barry County and let our trained, professional crew handle the situation safely and efficiently.  We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.

We are flooded basement specialists:

• Available 24 hours, 7 days per week
• A preferred vendor to many national insurance companies
• We can bill insurance directly - one less thing for you to worry about
• Our technicians are highly-trained in water restoration techniques
• We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
• We have advanced inspection and extraction equipment

Basement flooded?  Call us today - We're Here to Help® 269-686-0664

Sewage Backup Causes In Your Grand Junction, MI Home or Business

4/11/2022 (Permalink)

Damaged sewer lines are just one reason why you may experience a sewage backup.

Sewage backups can be an extremely devastating event that can happen to just about any business or home.  There are three main reasons why you may experience a sewage backup in Grand Junction.

• Clog - if you have a singular trouble area that experiences a backup, like a tub or sink, it most likely is a clog and can be fixed by cleaning the drain.  If all drains in your home or business are backed up, there is a blockage at the main drain that is causing the issue.  The overflow will continue and will cause extensive damage to your entire home or business until the blockage is removed.
• Tree Roots - roots of large trees in the area of a sewer line can often cause severe problems.  They can grow into the pipes and cause holes and blockages.  They can also wrap around the sewer line and crush it.
• Damaged Sewer Lines - older properties usually have older sewer lines that have not been upgraded.  All pipes and sewer lines in older homes were built using cast iron and clay which can wear with time, get rusty, and easily break down.  New sewer lines are made out of plastic and usually do not cause these issues.

Sewage backups can be hazardous to your health and cause a great amount of structural damage to your home or business.  If you experience a sewage backup, do not attempt to flush the toilet.  Do not use harsh chemicals to attempt to clear the drain.  Leave the clearing and cleaning to the professionals.  SERVPRO of Allegan / Barry County and SERVPRO of Van Buren County helps to ensure your damage is mitigated according to industry standards.

If you have experienced a sewage backup, call SERVPRO of Allegan / Barry County and SERVPRO of Van Buren County today, 269-639-0464, we are Here to help®

Wayland Residents - Common Mistakes Made With Water Damages

4/1/2022 (Permalink)

These stairs are from the "Waiting Too Long" mistake.

When encountering water damage in your home, many peoples first reaction would be to start cleaning the mess up themselves.  As it is good to stop the source and try to remove excess water, the most critical mistake would be to handle everything on your own.  Below are some common mistakes that homeowners make when a water damage happens in their Wayland home.

"I'll just put a fan on it."

Many of our mold jobs come from a homeowner or business owner that decided to turn their water damage into a DIY project.  SERVPRO of Allegan / Barry County has technicians specifically trained in water restoration through the standards and best practices of The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).  There is a science to drying, and SERVPRO of Allegan / Barry County technicians are experts in it.  We use advanced inspection and extraction equipment to dry and restore as efficiently as possible; finding hidden water that the naked eye cannot see.

Waiting Too Long

We understand, life is hectic.  But when water damage affects your home, immediate action is key.  The longer the water sits, the more damage to your home and belongings.  Taking care of the situation promptly can save you lots of time, stress, and money.

Not Understanding Your Homeowners Policy

Many homeowners don't even know which insurance carrier they have, let alone know what is included in their policy.  Make sure to get with your insurance agent before a disaster to know what type of coverage you have.  If you live in a high flood zone you should consider adding flood insurance since that is not covered by normal homeowners insurance.  Also, if you have a sump pump in your basement, look into an endorsement, or rider, for a sump pump failure.

Don't make these mistakes.  If you're dealing with a clean water damage, there are tips that you can do while waiting for SERVPRO of Allegan / Barry County to arrive.  Call us today, 269-686-0664

Three Categories of Water Damage That Can Affect Your Freeport Home or Business

4/1/2022 (Permalink)

This Category 3 - Black Water was caused by a main sewer backup.

Flooding in your Freeport home or business can cause serious damage.  Identifying the water damage category is the first step to water damage restoration, as not all water damage is created equal.  SERVPRO of Allegan / Barry County customizes our restoration process based on this information for an effective and timely recovery.

Category 1 - Clean Water

Category 1 water damage comes from broken pipes, an overflowing sink, or rainwater.  Health risks with category 1 water damage are low, provided you respond to the situation in less than 48 hours.

Category 2 - Gray Water

Some common sources of graywater are toilets, equipment discharges, chemical wastes like detergent, laundry, and soap.  Category 2 water damage can pose mild to severe contamination risks.  Gray water can promote microbial growth and the severity of the condition usually escalates with time.  Direct and indirect exposure to gray water damage can affect your person health and property.

Category 3 - Black Water

Water from sewer or water containing grease, oil, urine, etc are the main examples of black water.  This water type hoards bacteria, viruses, and other toxic allergens, which makes it contagious.  This type of water damage requires fast action to mitigate serious health risks.

No matter what kind of water damage you are dealing with, you can trust in SERVPRO of Allegan / Barry County to take care of your home or business quickly and efficiently.  Call us today, 269-686-0664

Winterize Your Bangor Home Before Heading South

3/11/2022 (Permalink)

This frozen puddle on the ceiling was caused by a broken bathroom pipe and the heat going out in the middle of winter.

If you are a snowbird heading south for the winter, there are several things you can do to help protect your home while away.  Following these tips will help reduce chances of a loss in your Bangor home when you are gone.

• Make your home look like it's occupied - forward or stop your mail, stop newspaper delivery, arrange for someone to remove snow from driveway and walkways, install motion detector exterior lights, and interior lights on timers.
• Protect your pipes - consider completely turning off the water supply if you will be away for an extended period of time.  If you turn the water supply off, drain your pipes by opening faucets, and flushing toilets to clear the water from the tank and bowl.
• Keep your home and plumbing warm - if you do keep your water supply on, keep your furnace running to help ensure the home stays warm and the pipes do not freeze.  Make sure to set the temperature at 55°F or higher.  Keeping room and cabinet doors open can also help heat to circulate and warm areas where pipes are located.  Shut off water to washing machines and dishwashers to avoid leaks or broken hoses.
• Perform routine maintenance before leaving - have your heating system inspected and serviced by a licensed professional before the cold weather hits.  Have your roof inspected and clean your gutters to help prevent ice build up.  Unplug unnecessary appliances, such as the stove and microwave.
• Be ready for emergencies - ask a trusted friend, family member, or neighbor to check-in on your home weekly and to be available in emergency situations.

If your home suffers a water loss while you're away, call SERVPRO of Van Buren County, 269-639-0464, we are Here to help®

Water Damage Prevention Tips for Hastings Residents

11/8/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Allegan / Barry County and SERVPRO of Van Buren County can provide a water shut off valve tag for your home.

SERVPRO of Allegan / Barry County and SERVPRO of Van Buren County have responded to many forms of water damage in Hastings over the years.  Many of these emergencies may have been prevented by taking some preventative measures.  The following are some tips from the Insurance Information Institute that may help prevent a water damage emergency in your home:

• Leaving for vacation? Shut off the water supply to the washing machines and never leave the house while the washer or dishwasher are running.
• Know the location of the main water shut off valve in your home.  A damaged hose or burst pipe can send water gushing into your property.  Being able to locate and shut off the main water supply quickly will save panic, stress, money, and time.
• Inspect showers and tubs.  Check the seal and caulking around showers and tubs to make sure they are watertight and reseal if necessary.

Also, make sure to reach out to your local insurance agent to see what your current homeowner's insurance policy covers to see how your home is protected.

SERVPRO of Allegan / Barry County and SERVPRO of Van Buren County are ready 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to make your damage look "Like it never even happened." 269-686-0664

Rental Property Water Damage in Covert

4/19/2021 (Permalink)

Rental property owners, we are Here to Help when your rental property suffers water damage.

Many homeowners are transforming their former homes into rental properties after relocating to a different city. It is a great way to bring in extra income, but managing a rental from miles away can come with some challenges. This out-of-town landlord learned the hard way after their tenants in Covert packed up and moved out without letting them know. No power and no heat caused pipes to burst at every fixture leaving the landlord with a complete mess. The following are some tips to overcome physical distance. 

1. Choose Trustworthy Tenants - since you won't be able to get your rental quickly. It's extremely important that you trust your tenants. When renting to someone you don't know. Make sure to thoroughly screen their rental history before allowing them to move in. Make sure to have them complete a rental application, and contact their references. 
2. Have a Handle on Maintenance - if you are renting a detached home, you may want to hire someone to regularly attend to yard work and keep walkways and the driveway clear in the winter. 
3. Ask Someone to Check-in - since a house offers more privacy this can lead to more mischief. Enlist someone you know in the area to be your eyes. If there is a problem, this person can let you know immediately and even act as your property manager and check-in if needed. 
4. Make Friends With Repair People - maintenance, repairs, and other complaints all come to the landlord, when you are out-of-town you have to find other ways of dealing with these situations. A handyman, electrician, and plumber are good people to have in your contact list. If there is ever an issue that needs to be fixed immediately, you can call on them to get the job done and bill you later. 
5. Communicate Often - as a landlord, it is your responsibility to establish regular communication with your tenants via phone, email, or text and maintain the line of communication throughout their tenancy. Provide them with various contact methods, as well as additional contacts, and ask the same from them in case of an emergency. 
6. Get Insurance Coverage - the type and amount of insurance you need depends on the type of property you are renting. There is insurance for hazards, flood, theft, equipment breakdowns, lost rental income, and liability insurance for damages. Ask you tenant to get renters insurance to make sure their belongings are protected. 
7. If All Else Fails, Hire a Property Manager - managing a rental property from afar requires excellent time management, communication, and patience. Attending to your property can save you money, but it also costs you time. Hiring a property management company to oversee your rental may increase overhead, but it can also be the right thing to do if you are not interested in dealing with tenants, managing the property directly, or do not have the time to invest in caring for the property yourself. 

If your rental property has experienced water damage, call SERVPRO of Allegan/Barry/Van Buren Counties today, 269-686-0664. We are Here to Help!

Water Damage Emergency Tips for Your South Haven Home

4/12/2021 (Permalink)

First call SERVPRO of Allegan/Barry/Van Buren Counties, then follow these water damage tips.

Pipe spraying out water, basement flooding, dishwasher overflowing? If you find yourself in one of these situations follow these tips after calling SERVPRO of Allegan/Barry/Van Buren Counties:

• Shut off the water source if possible. 
• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks under furniture legs.
• Hang furs and leather goods separately at room temperature. 
• Remove Oriental or other colored rugs from wet carpeting. 
• Do not use a regular vacuum to remove water. 
• Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of areas where ceilings are sagging from retained water. 
• Do not leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpeting. 

Follow these tips will help minimize or other damage to your South Haven home until help arrives. 

Have you experienced water damage? Call SERVPRO of Allegan/Barry/Van Buren Counties, 269-686-0664. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Understanding the Water Damage Timeline Saved this School in Martin, MI

4/6/2021 (Permalink)

This flooded office space was caused by a pipe break.

Water damage restoration requires some of the most in the restoration industry. This is due to the fact that water damage doesn't stop after things get wet. It can continue to cause increasingly worse damage the longer it's left without proper remediation. 

A Few Minutes 

• Water quickly spreads throughout the property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpet. 
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

1-24 Hours

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears

2-7 Days

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread. 
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible. 

More Than A Week

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive. 
• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants. 

This school in Martin, MI knew that time was of the essence after a pipe broke after hours and flooded an office area.  Our crew was able to be on-site in under two hours of the initial call to start extracting water.

Call SERVPRO of Allegan/Barry/Van Buren Counties to avoid worse damage to you property and belongings, 269-686-0664

Household Appliances Most Likely to Cause Water Damage

4/2/2021 (Permalink)

Call the experts when you experience water damage.

Certain appliances or systems in your home can actually increase your risk of flooding.  Below are the top sources of water damage in homes:

• Hot Water Heater - 69% of failures are due to a leak or burst.  A small investment in an annual inspection will help prevent leaks and the expensive repairs that come with it.  Be attentive to corrosion and other factors as your heater ages and replace it every 10 years.
• Refrigerator - the most common cause of a leaky refrigerator is the defrost drain having a freeze or clog.  You'll need to thaw the ice and flush your drain with hot water.  Improper sealing can cause excess condensation in an attempt to keep cool.  Check the rubber seals along the door to assure a tight close.  Also, your ice maker can become the ultimate mess maker, check the hose or waterline to assure they are connected properly.
• Washing Machine - leaks around or clamps in the water hose are a warning sign of future failure.  The six most common sites for washer leaks are the inlet connections, the hose connections, the center post gaskets, the outer tub seal, the air dome seal, and the pump.  Do a monthly personal inspection on your hoses to look out for cracking, dryness, or rust, leaving space between the machine and the wall for movement as the wash cycle is running.  Replace your hoses every five years despite their outward appearance.  Don't forget to follow your washing machine instructions and turn off the water supply when you leave home for vacation.

• Refrigerator - the most common cause of a leaky refrigerator is the defrost drain having a freeze or clog.  You'll need to thaw the ice and flush your drain with hot water.  Improper sealing can cause excess condensation in an attempt to keep cool.  Check the rubber seals along the door to assure a tight close.  Also, your ice maker can become the ultimate mess maker, check the hose or waterline to assure they are connected properly.
• Dishwasher - when a dishwasher overflows, often the cause is simply that someone put too much detergent, or the wrong type of detergent, into the dispenser.  In other instances, the malfunction may be due to a faulty float switch assembly, a strainer clogged with food and detergent debris, or one of many plumbing connections.  If your dishwasher is over nice years old it may be time for a replacement.
• Toilet- overflows happen because they have a clogged drain or because the float is malfunctioning, which allows too much water into the tank.  If plunging doesn't solve the problem, the problem may be in pipes outside, which would require a professional plumber.

If you experience water damage in your home, contact SERVPRO of Allegan/Barry/Van Buren Counties, 269-686-0664

Spring Thaw Can Lead to Water Damage

3/12/2021 (Permalink)

Be ready for the spring thaw

Homeowners in Allegan, Barry, and Van Buren Counties are hit with the harsh reality of winter every year.  Spring and warmer weather are things that we look forward to during the freezing months, but the thaw that comes with those things can lead to problems.  As temperatures rise, leftover snow and ice, as well as the frozen ground, begin to thaw out.  This thaw creates excess water that can cause water damage, in-home flooding, and other issues around your home.  Here are some tips that will help you protect your home from the effects of the spring thaw:

• Shovel the snow near your home - if there is snow still up against your home, shovel it away so it can melt somewhere away from your home.  You should also remove anything in your yard that may obstruct the draining of melting snow and ice.
• Clean out your gutters/drainage systems - ice, water, leaves, and twigs can build up over winter causing blockages in your drainage.  Before the spring thaw, make sure to clear your gutters and downspouts of debris.  Also check that the melting snow and ice is draining properly.
• Inspect your roof - check the condition of your roof to make sure there is no damage from the winter.  Hiring a professional to inspect your roof is the best and safest option.
• Protect items - move valuable or important items like personal documents, electronics, and paintings to upper floors.  Try to get everything in your basement off the ground onto a shelf or milk crate.
• Test your sump pump - early spring is the perfect time to test your sump pump.  This will ensure that it is working to prevent flooding in your basement.
• Consider flood insurance - homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage which is why you should consider flood insurance.  A flood insurance policy will protect your home in case of flood damage.

As the weather starts to get warmer, protect your home from water damage caused by the spring thaw with these tips.  Following these tips can help prevent basement flooding or water damage on your roof or foundation.

If you do experience water damage or flooding, contact SERVPRO of Allegan/Barry/Van Buren Counties to restore your home properly, 269-686-0664

Water Bill Excessively High?

12/16/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Allegan/Barry/Van Buren Counties Here to Help® 24/7!

Did you know that you can tell if you have a leak in your water pipes by examining your winter water use?  According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), if your family of four uses more than 12,000 gallons a month, you most likely have a serious leak problem.  Common types of leaks include a dripping faucet, showerhead, or a worn toilet flapper, and these types of leaks can be fixed fairly inexpensively.  However, you may have a leak inside a wall of under the house, and this type of leak may be causing hidden water damage that will become a costly repair if not treated quickly.

Thankfully, SERVPRO of Allegan/Barry/Van Buren Counties has a team of water damage restoration specialists available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Although every water emergency is different, we use this six-step approach for these kinds of jobs:

1. Emergency contact
2. Inspection and water damage assessment
3. Water removal and water extraction
4. Drying and dehumidification
5. Cleaning and sanitizing
6. Restoration

When you have water damage, SERVPRO of Allegan/Barry/Van Buren Counties is Here to Help® - (269) 686-0664

Frozen Pipe Facts

11/27/2020 (Permalink)

Water bursting through a thawing frozen pipe break

Water has a unique property in that it expands as it freezes.  This expansion puts tremendous pressure on whatever is containing it, including metal and plastic pipes.  Not matter the strength of material, expanding water can cause pipes to break.  Pipes that freeze most frequently are those that are exposed to severe cold.

During cold weather, take preventative action:

• Let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes.  Running water, even at a trickle, helps prevent freezing.
• Keep your thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and night.  You may incur a little higher heating bill, however, you can prevent a much more costly repair if a pipe were to burst.
• If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55 degrees.

To thaw frozen pipes:

• If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe.  Likely places include against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation.
• Keep the faucet open.  As you treat the pipe  and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area.  Running water will help melt the ice inside.
• Apply heat to the section of pipe like using an electric heating pad or hairdryer.  Never use an open flame.
• Apply heat until full water pressure is restored.  If you cannot thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber.
• Check all other faucets in your home to find out if you have additional frozen pipes.

Note - If in doubt about any of the above steps or if you do not feel comfortable with the situation, it is always best to contact a licensed plumber.

In the event that you incur frozen pipe damage, SERVPRO of Allegan/Barry/Van Buren Counties and our trained technicians are available 24/7 to assist with your cleanup and restoration needs, (269) 686-0664

Campfire Safety

4/23/2020 (Permalink)

The weather is warming up and it is officially campfire season. Whether it be just a casual campfire with the family or getting rid of some fallen brush from winter, campfires come along with their own set of dangers. We have received numerous calls over the years of homeowners who experienced severe fire damage resulting from a campfire gone bad. Here are some tips that you can follow to prevent a disaster:

• Dig a pit away from overhanging branches
• Circle the pit with rocks
• Never leave a campfire unattended
• Keep a bucket of water and shovel nearby
• Never put anything but wood in the fire
• Do not pull sticks out of the fire
• When it's time to put the fire out, dump lots of water on it, stir it with a shovel, then dump more water on it. Make sure it is cold before leaving it unattended. If it is too hot to touch, it is too hot to leave

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – (269) 686-0664

Check Your Pipes!

4/16/2020 (Permalink)

The weather is warming up and people are ready to start doing stuff outside again. Many of these outdoor projects such as washing the car, watering the grass, power washing the house, and more, require using your outdoor faucet. Many people do not take into account the dangers that come along with returning your home to "Warm Weather Mode". If you are turning your outdoor faucet on for the first time this spring, we highly recommend checking the indoor pipe that feeds the faucet as soon as you turn it on. Things can happen while the pipe sits over winter and leaks are not uncommon. The last thing that you want to realize is the whole time you have been power washing, your basement has been filling up with water. It is always good practice to check your pipes and basement regularly to ensure there are no problems that could result in costly damages.

Toilet Overflow

4/16/2020 (Permalink)

It is likely that you will experience a toilet overflow at some point in your life. However, here are some tips to stop an overflow the proper way:

1. Remove the lid from the toilet tank and reach inside the tank and lift up the bottom of the fill valve or float to stop the water from refilling. Rig the float to stay up to prevent it from refilling the toilet.

2. Turn off the water supply to the toilet. It is usually a valve located at the base of the toilet near the floor. If you cannot locate the valve or are unable to turn it off, proceed to step 3.

3. Turn off your home's main water supply.

If your toilet is overflowing, do not attempt to flush the toilet. If you believe that you have a plumbing issue, do not attempt to perform the work yourself. Hire a licensed plumber to check your pipes

Take Action With Water Damage

4/7/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Allegan/Barry/Van Buren County professionals handle water damage cases on a daily basis. Their prompt action is required to help prevent the possibility of mold growth. When there is ongoing moisture problems in a residential or commercial structure, be on the lookout for the following items:

• Visible mold
• Strong musty odor which can indicate that mold is present
• Evidence of past moisture problems that might have caused undetected mold growth
• Excessive humidity

Any of these conditions can be indicators of water damage problems and the potential presence of mold damage. Our SERVPRO response teams are trained in caring for both you and your property. By responding quickly with a full line of water cleanup and restoration services, SERVPRO of Allegan/Barry/Van Buren County professionals can help you get your home or business back up and running quickly. 

Call SERVPRO of Allegan/Barry/Van Buren County at (269)686-0664. We are Here to Help.

Spring Gutter Cleaning

3/18/2020 (Permalink)

It is spring and that means it is time to inspect your gutters. When gutters begin to become clogged, excessive weight can cause gutter fasteners to pull away from your house. The primary goal of a gutter is to properly direct the water that falls on your roof away from your home. Clogged gutters can lead to basement leaks, cracked wall foundations, moisture damage to your home’s siding and roof, as well as other problems. If that isn’t enough of a reason to keep them clean, clogged gutters also make a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. If your gutters are simply full of debris, it is easy to manually clear them. All you will need is gloves, a ladder, a hose, and time. Be sure to use a safe and sturdy ladder.

If regularly cleaning your gutters is a chore that you want to avoid, you can always invest in gutter guards. This will prevent leaves and sticks from jamming up downspouts and can save you time and money in the long run.

Winterizing Before You Head South for the Winter

12/16/2019 (Permalink)

It’s the holiday season. Thanksgiving has past and Christmas is weeks away. In Michigan the snow is beginning to fly, because of this many of our lucky residence are also flying south for the winter.

• Turn down the heat (but don’t turn it off)

You’ve probably heard horror stories about pipes freezing and bursting in the cold winter months. To avoid this fate, don’t turn your heat off during winter. If you’re leaving your house empty, setting the thermostat to 55 degrees is usually enough to keep your pipes from freezing. Leave cabinet doors open so heat can better circulate around your pipes.

• Clean the fridge!

It’s important to take the time to do a thorough fridge and freezer clean out, using, giving away, or tossing items. If possible unplug your refrigerator and empty it entirely, defrosting your freezer, wiping down doors and shelving, and leaving doors propped open to prevent mildew and mold.

• Repel rodents

The weather is cold which causes pest to seek warmth and shelter. Nonperishable food items should be kept in sealed, airtight containers with lids. Empty trash bins and remove any recycling before you leave the house. Vacuum and clean floors thoroughly, removing traces of food or debris that might attract vermin.

• Unplug inessential appliances

Enough said. There is no need to waste electricity.

• Drain your pipes!

Pipes that leak or burst in your absence can be a costly and destructive welcome home. If you live in a place that gets cold enough for pipes to freeze and you have pipes running through unconditioned parts of your house (meaning areas that aren’t heated), then you must take steps to protect them. Turn water off at the main supply, open all faucets, and drain pipes of water.

If you forget to take these precautionary steps to avoid damage while your away remember SERVPRO of Allegan/Barry is “Always here to Help”

 Call our Office! 269-686-0664

Restoring Hardwood Floors

11/25/2019 (Permalink)

If you live in a home with hardwood flooring the thought of a water damage is terrifying. If the floor is dried quickly and properly a finished hardwood flooring that is cupped or crowned often returns to its original shape. Wood needs space to expand and contract with changes in humidity. If the wood does not have the room for expansion, the wood will buckle at the joints. The amount of warping or buckling is determined by the amount of moisture that is absorbed and the type of wood. Warping and buckling is permanent. Floors are generally replaced if any irregularities cannot be removed by sanding or refinishing. This is why water on hardwood flooring should be extracted as soon as possible. 

Our Water Damage- Restoration Process

Every water disaster is different and requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate our process for the “typical” water damage emergency.

Step 1: Emergency Contact

Step 2: Inspection and Damage Assessment

Step 3: Water Removal/Water Extraction

Step 4: Drying and Dehumidification

Step 5: Cleaning and Repair

Step 6: Restoration

https://www.SERVPROalleganbarrycounty.com/water-damage-restoration

Have Questions? Call our Office! 269-686-0664

Freezing Temperatures Hazards

11/18/2019 (Permalink)

An example of our water shut off vale tag

Freezing Temperatures and Your Pipes 

Winter has arrived in West Michigan. As Michiganders we begin to prepare our homes for the freezing temperatures. Unprotected pipes are susceptible to cold temperatures because water expands when it goes from liquid to solid form. A gallon of water one frozen will expand to a volume 9% greater than the original gallon. Ice blockage becomes more likely one outside temperature drop to below freezing. A cold wind reaching unprotected pipes quickly remove heat and increases the chances of ice for mission. Water pressure that builds between the ice blockage and a closed faucet can burst the pipe. After a pipe break occurs a water damage begins.

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

Have Questions? Call our Office! 269-686-0664

Sump Pump Failure

4/19/2019 (Permalink)

What is a sump pump? What is a sump pump failure? A sump pump can be an essential tool if a dire situation occurs. Sump pumps help mitigate and prevent such situations by quickly draining flood water from the basement of a home through an external discharge pipe. Like most emergency equipment, it is important to make sure that your sump pump is well maintained and free of mechanical problems. Otherwise, you may one day find yourself with a flooded basement and a great deal of damages. We hope to make sure you avoid these potential problems by identifying 8 reasons that result in sump pump failure when it is most needed.

1. Power Failure
2. A Stuck Switch
3. Overwhelmed Pump
4. Frozen or Clogged Discharge Pipe
5. Lack of Maintenance
6. Old Age
7. Improper Installation
8. Product Defect

Have you had a sump pump failure?

Have Questions? Call our Office! 269-686-0664

Water Types and You

4/19/2019 (Permalink)

When water damage occurs at a residence or business it is important to know the source of the water damage. The source will help to determine the water type. It is crucial to understand water types so the cleanup will be performed properly. There are 3 standard types of water classification.

• Clean Water,
• Grey Water
• Black Water.

Clean water is as it sounds. A water loss from a source producing clean water. Grey water is slightly contaminated water. Clean water can become grey water if it is left to sit untreated. When left untreated bacteria can begin to grow. Black water is highly contaminated water. Black water is dangerous and should always be handled by a trained professional.

Our Water Damage- Restoration Process

Every water disaster is different and requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate our process for the “typical” water damage emergency.

Step 1: Emergency Contact

Step 2: Inspection and Damage Assessment

Step 3: Water Removal/Water Extraction

Step 4: Drying and Dehumidification

Step 5: Cleaning and Repair

Step 6: Restoration

https://www.SERVPROalleganbarrycounty.com/water-damage-restoration

Have Questions? Call our Office! 269-686-0664

Snow Melt Flooding

4/8/2019 (Permalink)

Spring has sprung! Snow is melting and the earth is saturated. The first day of spring is exactly a month away. You may be wondering what effect snow has on flooding potential. Well I'm here to let you know. As snow melts it adds to the ground just like rainfall. On average one inch of fresh snow is equal to a tenth of an inch of water. When snow begins to accumulate and compact throughout the winter season the ratio of snow to water changes. So ten inches of snow remaining as spring arrives may contain as much as 5 inches of water! As a result snowmelt flooding can occur. So what are the major contributing factors of snowmelt flooding?

• High moisture level in the soil in fall
• Ground frost
• Snow coverage with high water content
• Melting occurring at a rapid continuous rate
• Ice Jams
• Moderate to heavy rain during the melt down

If snowmelt flooding is causing you to have a melt down remember 

SERVPRO of Allegan & Barry County (269-686-0664) is always here to help 24/7!