Recent Water Damage Posts
Preventing and Managing Water Damage in Commercial Properties: Risk Assessment and Solutions
10/16/2024 (Permalink)
Water damage can have devastating consequences for commercial properties, impacting everything from structural integrity to business operations. Whether it’s caused by leaks, burst pipes, or severe weather, water damage needs immediate attention. Without proper risk assessment and preventive measures, the aftermath can be costly and disruptive. In this blog, we’ll explore the risks associated with water damage in commercial properties, how to assess vulnerabilities, and the critical role of preventive measures. Plus, we’ll highlight how SERVPRO® can help with water damage restoration.
The Risks of Water Damage in Commercial Properties
Water damage can disrupt business operations and lead to long-term issues if not handled properly. Some of the key risks include:
Structural Damage
- Water weakens the foundation and framework of a building over time. Saturated drywall, wooden beams, and flooring can warp, rot, or collapse, creating unsafe conditions.
Business Interruption
- Water damage often forces businesses to close temporarily for repairs, leading to a loss of revenue and potential customer dissatisfaction.
Mold Growth
- Standing water or excess moisture can encourage the growth of mold, which spreads quickly in damp environments. Mold can ruin building materials and lead to costly remediation.
Damage to Equipment and Inventory
- For businesses that rely on specialized equipment, water damage can lead to significant losses. This is particularly problematic for industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and retail, where equipment downtime affects revenue.
Risk Assessment: Identifying Vulnerabilities
Assessing your commercial property’s risk for water damage involves identifying potential problem areas and developing a plan to address them. Here are some critical areas to consider:
Plumbing Systems
- Commercial properties often have extensive plumbing systems. Regular inspections of pipes, drains, and water heaters are essential to spot leaks or signs of wear that could lead to water damage.
Roof and Gutters
- Roof leaks are a common cause of water damage. Regularly inspect your roof for damage, loose shingles, or blocked gutters that can lead to water pooling and eventual seepage into the building.
HVAC Systems
- Commercial HVAC systems generate condensation that, if not properly drained, can lead to leaks and water damage. Ensure the system is regularly serviced, and drain lines are clear to prevent excess water buildup.
Foundation and Basement
- Basements are particularly vulnerable to water intrusion, especially in flood-prone areas. Check for cracks in the foundation and install proper drainage systems to divert water away from the building.
External Threats
- Assess whether your property is in a high-risk flood zone or an area prone to heavy rainfall. Knowing external risks will help you take appropriate measures, such as flood proofing or installing water barriers.
Prevention Strategies: Protecting Your Commercial Property
Taking a proactive approach can help you avoid the costly consequences of water damage. Below are preventive measures to safeguard your commercial property:
Regular Maintenance
- Consistent maintenance of your plumbing, roof, and HVAC systems is critical. Scheduling routine inspections will help identify potential issues before they become major problems.
Install Water Detection Systems
- Water detection systems can alert you to leaks or moisture buildup in real time. These systems can be particularly helpful in high-risk areas like basements, utility rooms, and near water heaters.
Proper Drainage
- Ensure your property has proper drainage to prevent water from pooling around the foundation. Consider installing French drains or upgrading gutters to manage heavy rainfall more effectively.
Pipe Insulation
- Insulating pipes, especially in colder climates, can prevent them from freezing and bursting during winter months. This is a common cause of commercial water damage that can be avoided with preventive care.
Emergency Response Plan
- Develop a water damage emergency plan to outline the immediate steps your staff should take if water damage occurs. This may include shutting off the water supply, contacting your insurance company, and calling a professional restoration service like SERVPRO.
The Role of SERVPRO in Water Damage Restoration
When water damage strikes, swift action is essential to minimize losses and prevent long-term issues. SERVPRO is a leader in water damage restoration, offering services that cater specifically to the needs of commercial properties.
If water damage leads to mold growth, SERVPRO’s certified professionals can handle mold remediation safely and effectively, restoring your property to a safe, mold-free environment. SERVPRO specializes in restoring commercial properties, from repairing structural damage to salvaging water-damaged inventory and equipment. Their experience in handling large-scale restoration projects means your business can get back up and running faster.
Long-Term Solutions: Enhancing Your Property’s Resilience
Preventing future water damage requires more than just short-term fixes. Consider implementing long-term strategies that will make your commercial property more resilient to water damage. If your property is in a flood-prone area, consider adding flood barriers, installing sump pumps, or elevating critical equipment to higher levels.
SERVPRO of Lewiston-Auburn offers specialized water damage restoration services tailored to commercial properties, ensuring that when disaster strikes, your business can recover quickly and efficiently. Don’t wait for water damage to happen—take action now to safeguard your commercial property and its assets.
The Impact of Humidity on Water Damage and Mold Growth
6/12/2024 (Permalink)
As a homeowner, encountering water damage can be a nightmare scenario. Whether it's a burst pipe, a leaky roof, or a flooded basement, the consequences can be devastating. But did you know that humidity plays a crucial role in exacerbating water damage and fostering mold growth? Understanding this connection is key to mitigating potential harm and restoring your home to its former glory.
At SERVPRO®, we've seen firsthand how humidity can amplify the effects of water damage, leading to costly repairs and health hazards if not addressed promptly. Here's a closer look at how humidity impacts water damage and mold growth, along with some practical tips for managing moisture levels in your home.
The Relationship Between Humidity and Water Damage
Humidity refers to the amount of moisture present in the air. When excess water enters your home due to a plumbing issue or natural disaster, it raises the overall humidity levels indoors. High humidity creates the perfect breeding ground for mold, fungi, and bacteria to thrive, exacerbating the damage caused by water infiltration.
Moreover, elevated humidity levels can impede the drying process, prolonging the time it takes for affected areas to dry completely. This, in turn, increases the risk of structural damage and secondary issues like mold growth.
The Role of Humidity in Mold Growth
Mold spores are omnipresent in the environment, but they require moisture to germinate and proliferate. When humidity levels rise above 60%, it creates a favorable environment for mold to colonize surfaces such as drywall, wood, and carpeting. Once established, mold can spread rapidly, compromising indoor air quality and posing health risks to occupants.
Managing Humidity Levels to Prevent Damage
Preventing water damage and mold growth begins with managing indoor humidity levels effectively. Here are some practical steps you can take:
- Invest in a Dehumidifier: A dehumidifier can help regulate indoor humidity levels, especially in areas prone to moisture buildup like basements and bathrooms. Aim for a relative humidity level between 30% to 50% to deter mold growth.
- Address Leaks Promptly: Whether it's a dripping faucet or a cracked pipe, address leaks as soon as they're detected to prevent water from accumulating and raising humidity levels.
- Improve Ventilation: Proper ventilation is essential for reducing humidity indoors. Use exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms, and ensure that air circulates freely throughout your home.
- Monitor Humidity Levels: Invest in a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels regularly. This will allow you to identify potential issues early on and take corrective action.
Humidity plays a significant role in exacerbating water damage and fostering mold growth within homes. By understanding this relationship and taking proactive measures to manage humidity levels, homeowners can minimize the risk of damage and maintain a healthy indoor environment. At SERVPRO®, we're committed to helping homeowners navigate the challenges of water damage and mold remediation. Contact us today for expert assistance in restoring your home to its preloss condition.
Demystifying Water Damage Inspections: What to Expect
2/6/2024 (Permalink)
A water damage inspection is the first step towards restoring your home to its former glory.
Water damage can be a real headache, but understanding what to expect during a water damage inspection can make the process a lot less daunting. In this guide, we'll break down the basics, helping you navigate the initial steps of tackling water damage in your home.
Initial Contact
Once you reach out to a restoration company, expect a friendly voice on the other end. They'll gather essential information about your situation, such as the cause of the water damage, its extent, and any immediate concerns. This helps them determine the urgency of the situation and plan for the inspection.
Prompt Scheduling
A reputable restoration company values your time and will work with you to schedule a prompt inspection. Quick response times are crucial to prevent further damage, so expect them to prioritize your situation and set up a convenient time for the inspection.
Thorough Assessment
During the inspection, a trained technician will assess the affected areas thoroughly. They'll examine the source of the water damage, identify the extent of the affected areas, and evaluate the overall condition of the property. This step is crucial for developing an effective restoration plan.
Moisture Detection
Modern technology plays a key role in water damage inspections. Expect the technicians to use advanced moisture detection tools to identify hidden pockets of water. This step ensures a comprehensive understanding of the damage, preventing future issues like mold growth.
Documentation
The inspection process includes documenting the findings. This documentation serves as a foundation for the restoration plan and helps streamline communication with your insurance company. Expect the technician to take notes, photographs, and possibly videos to provide a clear picture of the situation.
Discussion and Recommendations
After the inspection, the technician will discuss their findings with you. They'll explain the extent of the damage, and potential risks, and outline a customized restoration plan. This is the time to ask questions and gain a clear understanding of the next steps in the process.
A water damage inspection is the first step towards restoring your home to its former glory. By knowing what to expect during this process, you can approach it with confidence. Quick response times, advanced technology, and clear communication are key elements of a successful water damage inspection, paving the way for a smooth restoration journey.
What TYPE of water has damaged your home or business?
3/23/2020 (Permalink)
When your home or business suffers a water damage, understanding what type of water you are dealing with is critical to ensuring proper cleanup. SERVPRO of Lewiston/Auburn is here to help!
There are three types of water. Clean water is water from a broken pipe, or other water source; rainwater is also considered clean. The term gray water is used to classify slightly contaminated water. Clean water becomes gray water when it is left untreated allowing bacteria and other contaminants to begin growing, making the water hazardous. Black water is highly contaminated and filled with fungi, bacteria, chemicals and more. Black water is typically caused by sewage damage, flooding or any type of natural disaster. Black water should always be handled by trained professionals. You should consider taking the following precautions to help minimize damage or prevent further damage while waiting for help to arrive.
Damage from Clean Water
- Shut off the water source if possible or contact a qualified professional to do so.
- Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building if access to the power distribution panel is safe from potential electrical shock. DO NOT enter rooms with standing water, as electrical shock hazards may exist.
- Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting. Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items.
- Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions to allow more even drying.
- Move any paintings, art objects, computers, documents and other valuable items that may be sensitive to moisture to a safe place.
- DO NOT leave books, newspapers, magazines or other colored items on wet carpets or floors as they may cause staining.
- DO NOT use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water as there is potential for electrical shock or causing damage to the vacuum cleaner.
- DO not turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet; DO NOT enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.
Damage from Contaminated Water
- Avoid all contact with sewage and items contaminated by sewage. Wash your hands thoroughly if you come in contact with contaminated items.
- DO NOT walk through contaminated areas, as you could spread damage to unaffected areas.
- DO NOT turn on the HVAC system if there is a possibility of spreading contaminated air.
- DO NOT use household fans to dry the structure, air flow could spread contaminants.
- Discard any food and/or products for personal hygiene and cleanliness if exposed to the contaminated areas.
When you have a water damage, don’t leave your property to chance. Call SERVPRO of Lewiston Auburn anytime at 207-783-2500.
Lewiston and Auburn Residents: We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration!
2/28/2018 (Permalink)
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 basement could flood, including:
- A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
- Heavy rain causes 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
Have Questions about Basement Flooding?
Call Today - 207-783-2500
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 Lewiston-Auburn and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.
We are Flooded Basement Specialists:
- We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
- We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
- We Bill The 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
- Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment
Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help 207-783-2500
24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service
1/29/2018 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Lewiston-Auburn is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.
We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - (207) 783-2500
We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Lewiston-Auburn has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.
What to Expect
When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.
Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:
- Your name and contact information
- Your insurance information (if applicable)
- The street address of the water-damaged home or business
- When did the flooding or water damage occur?
- What caused the water damage (if known)?
- Is there electricity available (on-site)?
The Science of Drying
7/6/2017 (Permalink)
Did you know there is actually a science behind the process of drying? Having the knowledge of psychometrics is essential to restoring a water damaged structure to its preloss condition. While your initial reaction may be to grab a few towels to mop up the mess and place a fan or two around the damaged area, SERVPRO of Lewiston Auburn is trained in the science of drying and follows strict industry-approved standards to help lower the chances of secondary damages, like mold. If your home or business suffers water damage, SERVPRO of Lewiston Auburn will:
- Inspect the building to detect every component that is wet, to help prevent secondary damage from happening.
- Measure how much moisture is in wet materials and monitor weather the materials are drying properly.
- Speed up Mother Nature by using professional drying equipment.
What exactly does it mean to help “speed up Mother Nature”? A wet building can often dry naturally because the environment always seeks equilibrium. When materials are we, moisture will naturally move to drier air at the surface of the material—but only if the air is, indeed, drier. The only problem is, nature takes too long and secondary damages may occur while the building is drying out.
SERVPRO of Lewiston Auburn has the tools and equipment to help Mother Nature along, including equipment to help dry hardwood floors, tough-to-reach spaces, inside walls (pictured below), and much more. SERVPRO also uses state-of-the-art monitoring equipment, and a proven scientific process to help speed the drying process of your home or business.
The bottom line? SERVPRO of Lewiston Auburn has the training and equipment to help make your water damage “Like it never even happened.”
Understanding Water Types
2/20/2017 (Permalink)
When your home or business suffers a water damage, understanding what type of water you are dealing with is critical to ensuring proper cleanup.
There are three types of water. Clean water is water from a broken pipe, or other water source; rainwater is also considered clean. The term gray water is used to classify slightly contaminated water. Clean water becomes gray water when it is left untreated allowing bacteria and other contaminants to begin growing, making the water hazardous. Black water is highly contaminated and filled with fungi, bacteria, chemicals and more. Black water is typically caused by sewage damage, flooding or any type of natural disaster. Black water should always be handled by trained professionals. You should consider taking the following precautions to help minimize damage or prevent further damage while waiting for help to arrive.
Damage from Clean Water
- Shut off the water source if possible or contact a qualified professional to do so.
- Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building if access to the power distribution panel is safe from potential electrical shock. DO NOT enter rooms with standing water, as electrical shock hazards may exist.
- Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting. Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items.
- Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions to allow more even drying.
- Move any paintings, art objects, computers, documents and other valuable items that may be sensitive to moisture to a safe place.
- DO NOT leave books, newspapers, magazines or other colored items on wet carpets or floors as they may cause staining.
- DO NOT use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water as there is potential for electrical shock or causing damage to the vacuum cleaner.
- DO not turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet; DO NOT enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.
Damage from Contaminated Water
- Avoid all contact with sewage and items contaminated by sewage. Wash your hands thoroughly if you come in contact with contaminated items.
- DO NOT walk through contaminated areas, as you could spread damage to unaffected areas.
- DO NOT turn on the HVAC system if there is a possibility of spreading contaminated air.
- DO NOT use household fans to dry the structure, air flow could spread contaminants.
- Discard any food and/or products for personal hygiene and cleanliness if exposed to the contaminated areas.
When you have a water damage, don’t leave your property to chance. Call SERVPRO of Lewiston Auburn anytime at 207-783-2500.
IICRC Certified Firm - Our Highly Trained Restoration Specialists can restore your home
1/31/2017 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Lewiston Auburn is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.
IICRC Certified Firms must
- Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.
- Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.
- Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.
- Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.
- Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.
The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry
The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.
Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.
About SERVPRO of Lewiston Auburn
SERVPRO of Lewiston Auburn specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: from initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.
24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service
1/25/2017 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Lewiston Auburn is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.
We Answer the Phone Ready to Help – 207-783-2500
We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Lewiston Auburn has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.
What to Expect
When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.
Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:
- Your name and contact information
- Your insurance information (if applicable)
- The street address of the water-damaged home or business
- When did the flooding or water damage occur?
- What caused the water damage (if known)?
- Is there electricity available (on-site)?
About SERVPRO
SERVPRO of Lewiston Auburn specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.