Water shut off valve

6/6/2022 (Permalink)

Prevent Flooding with a Water Shut Off Valve

To prevent flooding due to a leaking water heater, install an automatic water shut off valve that will detect the presence of water beneath the water heater and turn off the water supply before there is extensive damage.

How water shut off valves work— Automatic water shut off valves generally consist of a high-quality brass valve, an attached electric control box, and moisture sensors. The valve installs “upstream” of the water heater directly into the plumbing line.  The moisture sensors are placed on the floor under the water heater or in the drip pan.

If a leak is detected, the sensors transmit a signal to the control box, which shuts off the water supply and closes the valve. Until you manually reset the valve, the water will remain turned off.

The water shut off valve sounds an alarm if a leak is detected, alerting you that it has been engaged. When you are away, more complex units can be connected to a home alarm system or an auto-dialer to send you phone, text, or email notifications.

Finding a Restoration Company

6/6/2022 (Permalink)

While your insurance company may recommend restoration businesses, choose one with whom you feel at ease. Before you sign a contract with a restoration business, make sure you:

Check out the company's reviews. For instance, take a look at our SERVPRO restoration services evaluation.
Check with the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification to see if the company is certified. IICRC certification demonstrates that the company has insurance, a written customer complaint procedure, and that its technicians are educated and trained.
Carefully read the contract.
Determine which services are covered by your insurance policy. You are liable for paying for contractual services that are not covered by insurance if you sign the contract.
Make sure the restoration business can get started right away, at the very least by putting up tarps and covering openings.

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 North Arlington 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 North Arlington 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 North Arlington 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 North Arlington is here for all of you 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 North Arlington 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 North Arlington 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 North Arlington 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 North Arlington is here for all of your restoration needs.