Why do people file water damage claims, and how can they be avoided?

3/30/2022 (Permalink)

Why do people file water damage claims, and how can they be avoided?

difficulties with the piping

Plumbing issues frequently result in water damage. That's why it's crucial to check your home's plumbing systems at least once a year to make sure there aren't any hoses or pipe joints that need to be replaced. Remember that plumbing pipes have a lengthy lifespan. Copper pipes can endure up to 50 years, and brass pipes can last up to 70 years. Galvanized steel pipes have a 20- to 50-year average lifespan.

Cast iron (which can last up to 100 years) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are the most used materials for drain pipes (PVC). PVC pipes that are properly cared for can endure a very long time.

https://www.hippo.com/blog/top-5-reasons-water-damage-house

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

Rainwater is the most common source of bulk water.

3/29/2022 (Permalink)

Rainwater is the most common source of bulk water.

Rainwater damage is the most prevalent and destructive sort of water damage, and it can come from a variety of sources:

Seepage of water through basement walls.
Water seeps through cracks in the walls, particularly around doors and windows.
Roof leaks are most commonly caused by penetrations and improper flashing.
Plumbing leaks are an oddity, but they are important.

https://www.greenbuilt.org/the-top-3-ways-that-water-destroys-our-homes-and-buildings/

 SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your mitigation needs.

Remove any objects that have been soaked in water from the floor.

3/29/2022 (Permalink)

Remove any objects that have been soaked in water from the floor.

Water-soaked rugs and furniture will continue to absorb moisture into the wood. Wet furniture can also lead to the formation of mildew and mold, which can penetrate the pores and seams of your flooring. Remove all wet items from the room and place them somewhere where they can dry quickly without causing damage to the floor.

Attempt to absorb as much water as possible.

Small puddles and spills can be quickly absorbed using towels, mops, and clean rags. To remove larger water sources from the flooring, use a wet vacuum. Even if the water on the wood's surface is no longer visible, keep using the wet vacuum.

https://nydreeflooring.com/blog/1253

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your mitigation needs.

Water Damage and Gradual Damage from a Tree Falling on a Roof

3/29/2022 (Permalink)

Water Damage and Gradual Damage from a Tree Falling on a Roof

The insurance company fixed the opening and the roof after a water damage claim was covered due to a tree falling on the roof and causing an entrance through which water rushed into the residence.

The damage to the home was fixed, but the homeowners detected a strange odor or paint chipping near where the repairs were made some months later. They contact the insurance company that handled the claim, and they're told there's still dampness or, worse, newly grown mold where the damage occurred.

Reference:

https://www.thebalance.com/how-to-handle-water-damage-claims-3860314

 SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your mitigation, and restoration needs.

What is Gradual Damage, and how does it work?

3/29/2022 (Permalink)

What is Gradual Damage, and how does it work?

When something happens slowly over time and causes damage to your property, this is known as gradual damage. When it comes to insurance claims, gradual deterioration from water damage is a regular issue. When something happens slowly, such as paint chipping off a wall, it starts with a small chip and gradually exposes half of the wall.

There are many nooks and crannies in homes, as well as pipes, electrical cables, and ventilation systems. Homes are intricate constructions, yet the only parts we see every day in our homes are the walls, decorations, and our belongings. There are layers of activity behind it all, all of which contribute to the smooth operation of your home.

https://www.thebalance.com/how-to-handle-water-damage-claims-3860314

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs. 

Call Your Landlord, Renters!

3/29/2022 (Permalink)

Call Your Landlord, Renters!

Tell your landlord what happened as soon as you and everyone else in the house are safe. (Now is a good time to make sure your landlord's phone number is in your smartphone as well as written down and kept in the glove compartment of your car.)

Call Your Insurer, Homeowners!
Call your insurance company and inform them that your home has been flooded. Make sure you know if you need to wait for an adjuster to come to your house before you start cleaning and repairing.

Everything should be documented. Cleaning up is generally the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about what to do if your house floods.

https://www.safewise.com/home-security-faq/house-flood/

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

Do I need shelter now?

3/28/2022 (Permalink)

Are you in need of a place to stay? The United States has been split into four zones based on 40 years of tornado history and more than 100 years of hurricane history, which geographically represent the number and strength of violent windstorms. Zone IV has seen the most and the most powerful tornadoes. Zone III comprises coastal areas that are vulnerable to hurricanes and has seen a lot of tornado activity. Check with your local building official, meteorologist, emergency management official, or television weather reporter to discover more about the wind history in your area. Your home was most likely constructed in compliance with local construction codes that take into account the impacts of "code-approved" design winds in your location.

https://www.fema.gov/pdf/library/ism2.pdf

 SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

The Foundations of Shelter Design

3/28/2022 (Permalink)

The Foundations of Shelter Design

A shelter's objective is to provide a safe haven for you and your family to withstand a tornado or hurricane with minimal or no damage. The shelter cannot be built in a storm-prone area where it will be swamped during a hurricane. Your refuge should be easily accessible from all sections of your house and be clutter-free. The shelter must be adequately attached to the home foundation to prevent overturning and elevation in order to protect the residents during severe windstorms. The connections between all sections of the shelter must be robust enough to withstand failure, and windborne projectiles must not penetrate the walls, roof, or door.

https://www.fema.gov/pdf/library/ism2.pdf

 SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

Keeping your property safe from hurricane damage

3/28/2022 (Permalink)

Keeping your property safe from hurricane damage

A torrential downpour has finally subsided. Perhaps a long winter has finally come to an end, and the deep snows have started to melt.

While the pleasant weather may appear to be a welcome break, the risk of water damage may only be beginning. Flooding and property damage can occur when storm water runoff overwhelms natural and manmade systems.

When bad weather strikes, the efforts you take today to prepare your home and yard for adequate drainage will save you time and money in the long run.

Storm water runoff is absorbed by soil, evaporates into the atmosphere, or runs into bodies of water such as streams, lakes, and rivers in the natural environment.

https://www.travelers.com/resources/home/maintenance/protecting-your-home-from-storm-water-damage

 SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your mitigation needs.

Top Fire Safety Advice

3/28/2022 (Permalink)

Top Fire Safety Advice

Did you know that if a fire breaks out in your home, you may only have two minutes to get out? Early warning from a working smoke alarm combined with a fire escape plan that has been exercised on a regular basis can save lives in the event of a fire. Find out what else you can do to protect your loved ones!

Install smoke alarms on each level of your home, as well as inside bedrooms and sleeping places outside.

Smoke alarms should be tested once a month. Replace the batteries if they don't work.

Discuss a fire escape plan with your entire family and practice it twice a year.

GET OUT, STAY OUT, and CALL FOR HELP if you have a fire in your home.