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What to Know About Appliances and Water Damage
7/23/2024 (Permalink)
Have water damage in your home from an appliance or another source? Our team is here to help, so call us day or night.
A cold cup of water fresh from the filter in the fridge, the clunk of new ice cubes in the ice maker, clean dishes warm from the dishwasher, the smell of fresh laundry out of the washing machine…we benefit from appliances in our homes that use water all day long. While these appliances make life convenient, they can also leave your home at risk for water damage.
Water damage problems originate in so many different ways, but when it comes to appliances with a water component, it can be particularly challenging to catch an issue before it causes extreme damage.
The good news is that by learning what to look for and adding a few simple steps to your regular routine, you can protect your home and enjoy your appliances worry-free.
Regular Maintenance
One of the best ways to prevent water damage is to check for it often. This can be as simple as using your hand to check for moisture around your appliances.
Leaks can hide underneath your refrigerator or dishwasher, so keep an eye out for unexplained water drops or soft spots in the floor. Pull bigger appliances out away from the wall once a year to clean underneath them. Look for mold while you have them pulled out as another indicator of a leak.
While your HVAC system requires some special care of its own, it is still an appliance that could produce hidden water damage in your home. Along with having it serviced once a year to ensure it is working properly, regularly look for moisture on your vents or puddles near your unit. These are both indications of a problem that could lead to not only water damage, but mold growth and damage as well.
Don’t forget about your water heater—this large appliance is a common source of water issues. Treat it the same way as the rest of your appliances by checking it regularly for signs of leaks.
Yearly or Long-Term Maintenance
Keeping a close eye on your appliances weekly or even monthly can go a long way toward preventing extensive damage, but you should also have your appliances maintained according to the schedule recommended by the manufacturer. This may mean bringing in a professional, but there are also several things you can do on your own.
Check hoses and other tubing on your fridge, washing machine and dishwasher for holes, kinks and signs of wear and tear. Every appliance has a different lifespan, and deteriorated parts should be replaced in order to avoid issues.
Always choose high-quality parts, and replace appliances every 10 to 15 years in order to have the safest products in your home.
While an appliance leak can seem small, it can cause a lot of damage if it isn’t corrected quickly. Keep your home safe and enjoy life’s little luxuries by staying on top of potential problems and avoid costly repairs.
What to do after Smoke Damage | SERVPRO® of Billings
7/9/2024 (Permalink)
Don’t let your home and personal life get derailed by a fire. Call our fire remediation specialists at SERVPRO of Billings to remove all smoke & fire
We understand that dealing with the aftermath of a fire can be overwhelming and stressful. It's important to take things one step at a time and prioritize your actions. Here are a few steps you can take to address the issues surrounding fire damage:
- Contact your insurance company: Reach out to your insurance provider as soon as possible to report the fire and initiate the claims process. They will guide you through the necessary steps and provide information on what is covered by your policy.
- Document the damage: Take photos and make a detailed inventory of the items that have been damaged or destroyed. This will assist you during the insurance claim process and help ensure that you receive appropriate compensation for your losses.
- Secure your property: If your home has been damaged, it's important to secure it to prevent further damage or potential break-ins. You can consider boarding up windows, covering roofs, or taking other necessary precautions.
- Professional assessment and restoration: Contact a professional fire damage restoration company to assess the extent of the damage and develop a plan for restoration. SERVPRO of Billings has the expertise and equipment to properly clean smoke damage and remove soot, and eliminate the lingering smell of smoke. We can also help salvage any items that can be restored.
- Address health effects: After a fire, it's essential to address any health effects that may arise. Smoke damage can leave harmful particles in the air and on surfaces. Consider consulting with professionals to ensure proper cleaning and air purification.
- Seek support: Dealing with the aftermath of a fire can be emotionally and mentally challenging. Reach out to family, friends, or support groups for emotional support and guidance. They can provide a listening ear, offer advice, and help you navigate the process of recovery.
If you're worried about that persistent smoke smell, there are methods for cleaning smoke damage and removing the odor. When smoke damage services are performed by fire remediation specialists, like the team at SERVPRO of Billings, you can start breathing clean, safe air and leave the fire behind you.
Get Help from a Fire Restoration Company
After the fire, a fire damage restoration company can come to your home and perform specialized cleaning to clean smoke damage. The smoke cleaning process involves using specialized methods such as fogging to remove soot and smoke, ventilation, carpeting cleaning and more. Smoke damage lasts long after the fire has stopped burning. If you’re at a loss for how to clean up smoke damage, contact SERVPRO of Billings today. Our fire remediation services can help restore your home to its damage-free condition. Soon, your home will be back in order, and you can put the fire and losses behind you. Call us now at 406-252-0859 for better air quality.
We Are Ready When the Smoke Is Gone | SERVPRO of Billings
6/18/2024 (Permalink)
For quick repairs following a fire, get in touch with our team at SERVPRO of Billings.
There are lots of different disasters that can affect your home or business, but fire is one that can have completely devastating effects. Once a fire starts it can move quickly and destroy everything in its path.
Cleaning up after even a small fire can be an overwhelming experience for a homeowner or business owner. Fortunately, with SERVPRO® right in your backyard, you are never alone.
We are available day or night to take your call as soon as the flames are out, and we will walk with you through the entire recovery process.
Our Initial Move
Once you have gotten your family to safety after a fire emergency, make your next move calling us.
When we connect with you, we will begin by getting as much information as possible in order to create a plan that will meet your exact needs. Once we have worked with you over the phone, we will get a team out to your property with top-of-the-line equipment to start the initial cleanup right away.
Our team of experts will inspect not just the initial fire-damaged area but anywhere there could be smoke or soot issues so that your home will be completely restored.
Time to Get to Work
After the inspection, it’s time to get to work. A fast response is crucial to stop damages before they become more extreme, including boarding up busted window or tarping your roof to keep the elements out.
Fire can damage rooms far beyond the initial burn area as smoke and soot spreads. Our team has the equipment and training to remove smoke and soot damage from ceilings, walls and flooring. We can even clean up your furniture if it is needed. Once the initial damage is removed, we will ensure that everything is sanitized and odors are removed.
The Most Crucial Step
While we use the term “restoration” from the start, the actual act of restoring your home back to normal is the final step of the process. Once damage is removed, we can replace drywall, paint or add new flooring as needed.
If reconstruction is required, we can rebuild a room or other parts of your home. Even when you suffer a massively damaging fire, SERVPRO® can put your life back together. We are locally owned and operated, which means we are your neighbors—and we have the tools and experience to get everything exactly as it should be.
For rapid repairs following a fire, get in touch with our team at SERVPRO of Billings! We will work as quickly as possible to return you to a safe and fully restored property.
SERVPRO of Billings is Faster to Any Size Emergency
6/5/2024 (Permalink)
Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – (406) 252-0859
24/7 Emergency Service
It’s good to know that you’re aware of the importance of a fast response when it comes to water and fire damage. At SERVPRO of Billings, we take pride in our ability to respond quickly to any disaster. Our motto Faster to any size disaster™ reflects our culture of response and commitment to serving our community. We understand that disasters can happen at any time, which is why we’re always prepared to respond promptly and efficiently. Our goal is to help our neighbors and friends in Billings, Laurel, Broadview, and surrounding areas get back to their normal lives as soon as possible. If you need any assistance with water damage, fire damage, or mold, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help!
It’s true that in many cleaning and restoration situations, immediate action is crucial. With over 2140 U.S. and Canadian Franchise locations, SERVPRO® is well-equipped to provide a fast response to any emergency. We understand that water can be particularly invasive and cause extensive damage if not addressed promptly. That’s why our team at SERVPRO of Billings is trained to arrive quickly and start the water extraction process almost immediately. By doing so, we can help minimize the damage and reduce the overall cost of cleaning and restoration. If you’re facing water damage in your property, please don’t hesitate to contact us for assistance. We're here to help and provide a fast, efficient response to any size emergency.
Water Damage with Time
It’s important to understand the timeline of water damage and how quickly it can spread throughout a property.
Within minutes, water can saturate everything in its path this includes
- Walls
- Floors
- Upholstery
- Belongings
Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets, photographs, books and other paper goods that may start to swell and warp.
Within hours
- Drywall May begin to swell and breakdown
- Metal Surfaces may tarnish
- Furniture may also begin to swell and crack
- Dyes and Inks from cloth and paper goods can spread and stain.
- A musty odor may appear
Between 48 hours to a week
- Mold and Mildew may start to grow and spread
- Doors, windows, and studs may swell and warp
- Metal may begin to rust and corrode
- Furniture may warp and show signs of mold
- Paint may also begin to blister
- Wood Flooring may swell and warp
Serious biohazard contamination is also possible. If left untreated for more than a week, restoration time and cost can increase dramatically, and replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive. Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants can also pose serious risks to occupants. That’s why it’s crucial to act quickly when faced with water damage and contact a professional restoration company like SERVPRO of Billings for immediate assistance.
Avoiding House Fires | SERVPRO of Billings
5/21/2024 (Permalink)
Experiencing Fire Damage? We are available 24/7 to provide your family help. Call us Today!
Avoid House Fires in the Spring and Summer Time
Now that spring is here, we can finally enjoy more of those outdoor activities, such as hiking, swimming, and other sports! However, there are a number of risks that are associated with fires during this time of year. While you should not be too worried about these occurring on your property, you want to be mindful that accidents can still happen. Here are some potential contributors:
Fuel Containers
If you have any gas or paint cans that have a leak, be sure to throw them away immediately. If there is any gas or other flammable material in your yard, be sure to have it removed or cleaned right away, especially during hotter temperatures. Not only will you be preventing a property fire, but you will maintain a clean and healthy lawn.
Grilling
While you may be tired of using your fireplace, pulling out the grill to cook hamburgers and hotdogs sounds enticing. While nothing should stop you, just be careful when grilling on a wood deck. As sparks can fly or flames can shoot out when using too much fuel, always take proper precautions. Not only can this cause severe property damage, it can also cause serious injuries. In addition, be careful of flare-ups when grilling food with high amounts of fat as well as waiting to throw out the charcoal until it is completely cool. As long as you keep these tips in mind you can carry on with fun and safe family outings
Dryers
Many property owners are already aware of the hazards associated with dryers. As they are used repeatedly, lint can get caught within the vents, allowing the dryer to overheat and even cause a fire. The biggest issue in the spring and summer time, however, is that it may be used more often during this time of year. As you may be washing and drying more clothes as a result of sweating more often or washing swimsuits and towels, repeated use of the dryer will cause more lint to build up and increase the risk of a fire. Just be sure to clean the vents frequently.
Lightning
As thunderstorms are no stranger during the springtime, especially to the Midwestern states, lightning is one of the most common causes of property fires. While it is impossible to completely prevent lightning from striking a chimney or roof of a home, be sure to always have the phone number to SERVPRO of Billings to restore any fire damage.
Fire Damage Restoration
While there are a number of steps that you can take to avoid a fire, there are an overwhelming amount of factors that can contribute to a house fire. Others may also be out of your control, such as lighting. Contact SERVPRO of Billings when there is a house fire, we are available 24/7 to provide you and your family with some peace of mind during an emergency.
General Signs of Storm Damage | SERVPRO of Billings
5/7/2024 (Permalink)
Have Storm or Flood Damage?
Call Us Today
When you experience a natural disaster, like a tropical storm or hurricane, or even a severe thunderstorm, both wind and water damage can affect your property. It's not always easy to discern what natural effects caused damage, and you might have problems dealing with your insurance company.
The Signs
Smaller hail can create dents and holes in siding, damage windows, and destroy gutters. On the roof, you can lose shingles, which is your roof's first defense. Once you lose a shingle your roof is more susceptible to further damage.
You might not realize what the storm has done to your home until you look at your roof. Storm winds can have the strength to lift the edges of shingles, and with enough force can rip them away. This is especially true if your roof is older. If you don't get it repaired, the insulation or sheathing will be exposed, putting your home at risk of water damage underneath the shingles.
Your roof shingles don't have to be entirely missing to indicate storm damage. They can be lifted, dented, or even cracked.
- Water stains on your ceiling
If you see stains on your ceiling, you may have a leak, which could be caused by damaged shingles or even clogged gutters. Your attic could also have dark spots of damp insulation.
These can be easy to repair if you have aluminum siding or it's made of another soft material, but this needs to be done as soon as possible before water can seep into small cracks and gaps.
- Broken or clogged gutters
This leaves water with nowhere to go except down the side or your house then under the shingles, which can cause damage to the structural integrity of your roof.
We Can Help You Through the Process
When you’ve already experienced damage to your home and likely personal belongings because of wind, water, or storm damage. SERVPRO of Billings is dedicated to providing 24-hour emergency service. We have highly trained experts in not only water mitigation and fire restoration, but also mold remediation and emergency storm clean up.
Fire Extinguisher Basics for Your Business
4/23/2024 (Permalink)
Dealing with the aftermath of a commercial fire? Our SERVPRO specialists can restore your losses and return your workplace to its pre-fire condition.
You may not want to imagine an emergency occurring at work, but when you are not prepared for one, it can make the situation much worse. If a fire were to break out in your commercial building, you would want the reassuring knowledge that you and your crew know how to properly respond.
Starting with the basics of fire safety, including what to do with a fire extinguisher, is a great way to create policies and procedures for your building in the event of an emergency. Fire extinguishers do not take a lot of training to learn, but they are not innately known by very many either.
Train your staff in the fundamentals of fire safety, and rest easier knowing your property is protected.
Start With the Fundamentals
When you manage or own commercial property, it is crucial to ensure you have the right safety equipment in the right places. OSHA rules make it plain that any building that has a fire extinguisher must have someone trained to properly handle it.
That means it is your job to train your crew on not only how to use a fire extinguisher, but also on the different varieties of extinguishers.
Make the first part of your training be how to hold and aim an extinguisher. Instruct your employees to first get a solid grasp and direction, then to pull the pin and squeeze the trigger. Flames should be extinguished in a sweeping motion in order to cover a large area at once. Make sure your team knows to stand six to eight feet away from a fire in order to protect themselves from burns.
PASS is a great acronym that can be used to help your staff remember the basic steps if they do ever grab an extinguisher. Review the basics at least once a year with anyone that could potentially be present during an event, even if someone has been around a long time.
As you set your basic training up, you may also want to create more individualized trainings and assign particular staff members to certain areas of your building. This can ensure that every part of your property is covered during an emergency, and every kind of extinguisher has someone prepared to use it.
There’s a Time and a Place
An important part of creating your training plan should be including information on the specific threats your building could see.
If you work with flammable materials in a warehouse setting, training for the kind of extinguisher and how to respond to those particular flames is crucial. If you have a kitchen in your building, make sure your employees understand the difference between a grease fire and a fire started by a different source, along with how to respond to each.
Understanding when it is safe to use a fire extinguisher and when it is not is also essential training for every member of your team. While quick action with an extinguisher can save lives and property, sometimes it is better to leave the area. Fire can spread quickly, and the safety of your staff should always be top priority.
If a situation has become overwhelming, make sure exit paths are clearly marked and employees know how to get out.
The better your workplace fire safety plan is the more you can mitigate the possibility of a disaster. Make sure everyone knows the fundamentals, and practice for every emergency situation in order to ensure the best possible outcomes every time.
If you have experienced fire damage or want to learn more about our fire damage restoration services, contact us today. We’re here to act fast, 24⁄7
What Can Water Do To Your Home
4/9/2024 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Billings is always ready to help in a time of need, if you are experiencing any water damage call us!
Water damage can be devastating for any home. If a major leak or flood happens, it's important to take action immediately. SERVPRO of Billings can help you clean up and repair your property after water damage has occurred, but the sooner you begin the process, the less costly it will be.
If you're dealing with a leak or flood, it's important to act fast. In fact, water damage can ruin your home faster than you might think. Within the first 24 hours of a leak or flood, mold development, damage to floors, walls, and electrics, and even structural issues can occur. That's why it's always best to quickly hire a water cleanup pro near you for a consultation and repair.
How Bad is Water Damage?
First of all, there's water damage itself, which causes destruction to building materials, appliances, fixtures, and furniture as it sits and pools, with electronics being especially susceptible to damage. Also, mold thrives with water, and it is particularly concerning when moisture is hidden behind walls and in other difficult-to- reach areas. Even worse, depending on where the water came from, water damage leads to health concerns, as sitting water often features all sorts of germs and bacteria.
Quickly Does Damage Occur?
Even what seems to be a small harmless leak can cause damage. Water spreads rapidly and absorbs into everything such as walls, floors, furniture, and more.
Within the First 24 Hours
- As a leak or flood spreads, it will soak everything in the vicinity leaving wet dark spots on floors and walls
- Personal belongings, such as books and photos, can immediately bulge and warp beyond repair
- Furniture, walls, and floors will begin to absorb the water as well
- Drywall, wooden doors, and even window frames can swell
- Paint or wallpaper can peel or blister, and could impact electrical systems.
- If water is on your roof, the leak could come through the ceilings and create damage to insulation and wooden beams
- Mold can develop within this timeframe
Within the First Week
- Mold can spread rapidly and the site becomes a biohazard
- Any damage to wood surfaces and walls will intensify
- Metal surfaces will start corroding
More than a Week
- If you leave water damage for more than a week, the timescales, costs, and effort involved in any restoration work will increase significantly.
- The spread of mold increases dramatically
- Risks associated with structural damage are greater.
Where to Get Help
SERVPRO of Billings 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.
Regardless of the type of water damage sustained, SERVPRO has the tools and teams to help your home or business recover. Contact us 24⁄7 when you need a dependable team to help you recover.
Spring Showers Bring Flowers and Floods | SERVPRO of Billings
3/19/2024 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Billings team is always here for you, if you experience any storm damage call us right away.
Despite the ever-present chill in the air, spring is right around the corner. The change of the seasons can be incredibly exciting, as you switch out your closet for lighter clothing and start planning outdoor activities. It is also an important time to take measures to protect your home from the shift in the weather.
With our lengthy winters, there is a lot of indoor spring-cleaning you can do, but you should also start preparing to do some outside as well. Make a plan to take care of some of the most vulnerable places outside of your home as the weather changes to avoid damages when spring has finally sprung.
Clean It Out
As the winter season fades away, you will need to begin addressing areas of your home that debris could have been building up during winter. Heavy winds and snow can lead to blockages in your gutters. Ice dams are a common issue in our area, and if leaves or other debris are blocking the flow of water in your system or around your downspouts, it could lead to water on your roof or in your basement when the ice dam melts.
While you check the areas around your gutters, check your vents, too. This is something you should actually do throughout the winter to ensure snow and ice are moved away from furnace and dryer spouts to allow clean air flow and prevent fire risks. As the weather shifts, you should also make sure that melting snow won’t force a further blockage from leaves or other debris.
Since our winter season typically lasts longer than most, you shouldn’t uncover faucets or turn the outdoor water back on until the temperature consistently stays above freezing. Once you are able to safely use your outdoor water sources again, check for cracks and leaks to stop problems before they become extensive.
Fix Issues Fast
It’s likely you haven’t spent a ton of time wandering around your property this winter, which means that any issues that have started can be easy to miss, particularly with your roof.
Climbing on your roof isn’t a safe possibility until the snow and ice have cleared out, but you should visually look for any signs of damage. The weight of snow on your roof can create soft spots that could create moisture in your attic. If you have access, check it ahead of spring to have a better idea of what’s going on with your roof as well.
Minor issues can become big problems quickly, so correct issues as quickly as you can safely do so.
Get Ready for the Water
Along with inspecting your roof from the inside while winter presses on, you should also check your basement area for any visible signs of damage. If you have a sump pump, have it inspected before the big snow melt to ensure it is in good working order. Check for any clogged drains or other buildup that could prevent water from moving away from your home.
Check your emergency kit, and begin switching out seasonal items. Update your communication plan and safety plans with your family. Make sure you have two ways to receive alerts, including one with updated batteries you can use if the power goes out. Spring weather can turn severe fast, so ensure everyone in your house knows when and where to go if a warning is issued.
Even with the best preparations, water damage can still take you by surprise. The good news is that SERVPRO is available to start your restoration project around the clock. It is our goal to save as much of your property as possible while we dry out your home so you can get back to normal life.
Got water damage? We are here to help 24⁄7 and can restore your home quickly.
Common Causes of Water Damage in Commercial Building | SERVPRO of Billings
3/5/2024 (Permalink)
Experienced water damage in your commercial building? SERVPRO of Billings can help you get dried out quickly.
Water is one of the most common culprits when buildings are damaged, and even something as simple as a leaky toilet can leave behind an incredible amount of destruction.
When you own or operate a commercial building, catching every little drip or plumbing concern can be tricky. That’s why the more you learn about the most common causes of water damage, the more proactive you can be at preventing a total disaster.
3 Common Sources
There is no such thing as a good business interruption. Having to shut your doors because of a water disaster can not only cost you the loss of operating hours, but may also lead to thousands of dollars in needed repairs.
Make a habit of regularly checking these locations or having your maintenance crew do so in order to stop minor issues before they leave behind extensive damages:
- The roof. Roof leaks can happen all the sudden after a major storm, or could be the result of a slow leak. This kind of water damage can make its way from the top of your building to the bottom if left unchecked. Keep your gutters cleared and have your roof checked for missing shingles and other damage after every major wind or ice event.
- Bathrooms. Toilets and sink pipes can leak from a hole the size of a pinhead and account for nearly 15% of water loss in commercial buildings. If you have a large building, assign multiple staff members the task of checking pipes once a month or more to stop leaks before they become severe.
- Water heaters/HVAC/boilers. Any appliance that has a water line has the potential to leak, often as a result of clogged drains or loose pipe connections. Watch for puddles near your heating and cooling units, and keep an eye on your building’s water pressure. These are all indicators of a problem that can be stopped before your building is damaged.
Take Preventive Steps
Aside from a natural disaster that causes floodwaters to rush in, most water damage can be prevented when it is handled quickly. When you take the time to prepare, you can cut your losses dramatically.
Creating a maintenance plan is a great first step in ensuring your building avoids damage from plumbing or other pipes. Working with SERVPRO to create an Emergency Ready Plan for your business can help take the guesswork out of what to do when a water disaster strikes.
From there, you can also take other actions. Check fixtures and seals often, and train several people that access your building on how to shut off water in the event of an emergency.
Timing will always matter when it comes to controlling water damages. Respond to the immediate situation as quickly as possible, and then call us at SERVPRO of Billings. We can take your call day or night and start your restoration project right away so you can keep your business going.
Experienced water damage in your commercial building? Contact us to get dried out quickly.
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