How Water Can Seep into Your Home

1/7/2025 (Permalink)

If you experience any water damage inside your home or business, reach out to SERVPRO of Billings.

You may not notice it, but there could be water seeping into your home. If you have noticed a musty smell, stains on your wall or warped spots in the walls, you could have a leak that when left unattended could cause damage to your home’s foundation.

Extra moisture could also lead to rusty appliances. There are many different things that could indicate a moisture issue in your home, but the most obvious sign will be a puddle of water in the floor.

Any water intrusion can lead to extensive damages. Know what to look for and how to stop it in order to best protect your home.

Water Fixture Leaks

Sinks are a common source of water leaks. A hole or line of deteriorated caulk can lead to seepage and water spots near showers, toilets and bathtubs as well.

Make it a point to check around these areas during regular cleaning, and stop small leaks quickly before they can cause extreme damages. It only takes a tiny leak to waste thousands of gallons of water each year.

Water From Appliances

Large appliances are often sources of unknown leaks. A refrigerator that has a water line or an ice maker and a dishwasher are both at high risk for leaks that can cause serious damage to your floors and lead to a costly and extensive repair.

In order to check for leaks, unplug the appliance and move it away from the wall. Look for standing water and mold spots. If there is any sign of moisture, call us right away to correct the issue quickly and completely.

External Sources

Not all water damage will start inside the home. Weather related leaks can either cause slow moisture buildup or a flood that happens all at once.

Heavy rain and the Yellowstone River create a consistent threat for us throughout the year for flooding.

In the winter, we also contend with heavy snowfall and ice dams that create flooding when it melts. Wildfires that leave natural resources scorched create another hazard when the ground is unable to handle a drenching rain.

You can manage these outside water sources in order to protect your home. Prepare before a flood happens, and maintain those preparations year-round and you can rest assured your property will be safe.

The first step in preparing your home is taking care of your gutter, downspouts and roof. Overfilled gutters can lead to water spillage that may run through your ceilings, walls and into the foundation. Clear out leaves and debris regularly to keep water flowing exactly where it should be.

Check the seals around windows, doors and any other entry points as well. A loose or decayed seal allows water and moisture indoors that could lead to mold growth and damages.

The landscaping in your yard plays a big role in protecting your home as well. Create slopes away from your property to keep water flowing downhill and out of your basement. When you are prepared, you can rest easy knowing you are safe.

If you experience water damage inside your home or business, call us, 24⁄7. We have the experience and equipment to get your property back in working order fast.

Your Guide to Decorating Safely

12/23/2024 (Permalink)

Have smoke or fire damage in your house? Contact us today to get cleaned up fast.

A chill in the air, the soft glow of lights, sweet smells of yummy favorites—what a beautiful picture! This time of year in Billings brings concerts, family nights and festivals

The holiday season is certainly a magical one, but it also brings an increased risk of home fires with it.

This season, you can decorate carefully to protect your home and your loved ones. When your home is safe, you can relax and enjoy the magic of the season without the worry of a disaster.

Top Seasonal Hazards

Fire departments respond to an average of 790 fires that start in a structure due to some kind of decorations.

Often to blame are decorations that are placed too close to a heating source like a space heater or fireplace. Candles and Christmas trees, both real and fake, are also common causes of house fires that can leave your home in complete disarray.

If you decorate with a live tree, be sure to water it often and to clean up loose needles. If an artificial tree is your preference, ensure you own or buy one with a fire-resistant tag. Limit the amount of items you are plugging into your outlets, and turn your decorations off at night and when you leave the house.

Take Preventive Measures

We all know that line from the holiday classic, “The stockings were hung by the chimney with care.” This should be your motto when you decorate: Take care to avoid creating a fire hazard by never placing any decorations near an open flame.

On an average day, candles are responsible for 20 house fires, so enjoy those warm winter scents a reasonable distance away from all other materials. If your home has a fireplace, have it inspected once a year and swept of buildup.

Anything placed outdoors should have the proper rating to handle the weather. Lights outdoors should be hung securely to avoid brush fires using outdoor nails. If your neighborhood has guidelines for outdoor decorations, be sure to keep those in mind while you get festive.

Take the time to check your smoke detectors and ensure there are working ones on each level of your home and near every sleeping space. Practice your fire emergency plan with your family, and add SERVPRO® to your phone contact list so you can start restoration right away if your home is damaged during a fire.

When You Choose SERVPRO®, You Choose Your Neighbors

12/10/2024 (Permalink)

No Job is too big or too small. Call SERVPRO of Billings today!

Choosing SERVPRO as your restoration partner makes a lot of sense when you consider everything we have to offer. We can cleanup from any disaster, including water, fire or storms.

We can also handle mold remediation quickly in order to prevent damages to the structure of your home or business. We can even handle specialty cleanup, including graffitti removal or biohazard mitigation.

Even with all of these offerings, the best benefit we offer is that we are locally owned and operated.

3 Reasons Being Locally Owned Is a Difference-Maker

When you need restoration, you want to choose a company that is trustworthy and carries a good reputation. You should also look for someone that is nearby, because timing is crucial when it comes to recovery.

1. We Can Respond Fast

When you experience damage in a disaster, the last thing you want to do is wait to clean it up. If you delay the restoration process, things may get worse and you could be facing a costly and lengthy recovery.

Partnering with SERVPRO of Billings means that waiting is the last thing you will have to worry about. We are available 24⁄7 to start restoration right away.

2. We’re Prepared for Local Weather Conditions

We are your neighbors, and most of us have lived here all our lives. That means that we are watching the weather with the rest of you when storms are moving in. We are preparing ourselves and preparing resources so that we can get started with community recovery as soon as it is safe to do so.

Living in the community means that we know exactly what our weather can do and the damages it can cause. From summer thunderstorms and flooding rains to our drawn-out winters and heavy snowstorms, we have the experience to handle everything that comes our way.

<h4we-know-billings-front-and-back">3. We Know Billings Front and Back

There are restoration companies from area cities and even other states that travel in when you need a repair project completed, but they are often unfamiliar with the community and even the roads around our area.

We are familiar with how this community works and have firsthand experience working with the local government in order to keep your project moving forward at a steady pace. We also know how to get around the scenic routes and tourist drives and can navigate HWY 3 and HWY 87 well.

It is our goal to get you back into your home as quickly as possible.

3. An Extra Benefit

Most disasters our area faces can be handled with our onsite crew, but SERVPRO comes with the added benefit of being backed by a national brand.

When our community experiences a large-scale disaster, like some of our huge snowstorms we experience over the winter, we can call neighboring SERVPRO locations and have extra assistance in town within a few hours.

We have the experience and help to get our community back to normal fast.

When disaster strikes your home or your business, we’re the team you can trust—located right here, close to home. Get in touch today to get started!

Our Highly Trained Restoration Specialists Can Restore Your Home

11/19/2024 (Permalink)

We are an IICRC Certified Firm

SERVPRO of Billings 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 Billings

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 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.

Water Damage Can Hold Your Business Back

11/5/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Billings is your local commercial restoration company. We will always be here to help clean up and get you back in business.

A water intrusion in your commercial building can be devastating for business.

Flooding can start inside due to a plumbing issue or a leaky roof that results in lost inventory, closed-off floors or even the need to shut down for a while.

Natural causes of flooding are also a huge area of concern, too. Yellowstone River is a consistent source of flooding, just as the rainy season and snowmelt season are.

With so many risk factors for our area, it is essential to know what to do before flooding happens so that you can prevent and protect your business as much as possible. The more you are able to do before a disaster, the faster and safer you will bounce back afterwards.

Know Your Building’s Layout

One of the first steps you should take to prevent extensive damages to your property is learning the layout of your building. Find the shutoffs for the sprinkler system and the main water line so that you can turn water off quickly in the event of a failure or a leak.

Educate your staff or the businesses that rent your space with this information and make sure there are designated people in your emergency plan to handle shutting water off as needed.

Know the Types of Water Involved

If you do experience a flood or leak, understanding the kind of water you are dealing with is crucial in keeping everyone in your building safe.

White water. This is a common kind of water intrusion and typically originates from plumbing. This water is not considered contaminated and can be handled on your own when it is in small amounts.

Gray water. Gray water comes from sinks or toilets when they overflow. While this water is considered contaminated, it is not dangerous.

Black water. Flooding from storms or a sewage backup are considered black water, a form of flooding that is toxic and requires a professional cleanup response.

Take Action Quickly

Timing will always matter when it comes to water damage, so the sooner you can locate the source of water and shut it down, the better.

Once you have the initial water flow stopped, open windows and doors to get as much air flowing as possible. Let everyone in the building know to avoid the area.

Take pictures and note damaged areas as much as you are able to ease your insurance claim process. This documentation can also serve as indicators for where your building may need to be shored up during the restoration process.

Remember to Be Patient

Water damage is harder to see than you may think. Once the initial area is dry, there may be hidden damages such as wet wall studs, moldy framing and buckled floors. Keep an eye out for these signs of deep damages so you can address any issues quickly.

After water does intrude, call SERVPRO of Billings as quickly as possible. We will create a plan and walk with you through the entire process of drying out and restoring your business.

Sanitation and drying can take up to a week or more depending on the severity of the flooding, so stay patient throughout the process.

Our team has the experience, training and equipment to get your business up and running as fast as possible. We will have you back to normal before you could even imagine.

When disaster strikes your commercial property, we’ll be there to help clean up and get you back in business quickly. Reach out 24⁄7 to get started!

Types of Storm Damage

10/22/2024 (Permalink)

When you suffer storm-related damage to your home or business, make SERVPRO of Billings your first call.

When you own a home, you likely always feel a twinge of fear when severe weather is rolling through. While homes are typically built to withstand a good deal, when a crazy storm hits, any property could suffer damages.

Strong winds that can carry debris across entire communities, winter storms, freezing rains and even just a mild thunderstorm are all a threat to your property throughout the year. These events can sometimes be so strong the very structure of your home is affected.

Each weather system presents a different level of risk to your home, but there are other factors to consider as well. The geographic location of your property, your landscaping and the strength of the building materials are all indicators of how much damage you may or may not receive. Even with every consideration, sometimes weather has a mind of its own and how you fare in a storm simply comes down to luck.

While we have just about every variety of weather here in Billings, we commonly see thunderstorms that can drop large hail in the summer and intense snowstorms in the winter. This past July, several counties endured a storm that came with baseball-sized hail and left a wake of damages. Preparing our homes and our lives for these weather extremes is incredibly important.

If your home is damaged in a storm, make sure you seek a professional opinion when you decide to stay or go. While most storm damage is pretty obvious, sometimes the structure of your home could be unstable with little outward evidence.

Preparing for the most common kinds of storm damage will always be the best way to mitigate your risks and ensure your safety. “The more you know,” right?

Wind

Wind damage can happen quickly, particularly when violent sustained winds batter an object at a high velocity. Tornadoes and hurricanes will always come with extreme winds, but even a mild thunderstorm can produce gusts of up to 100 mph and induce damage.

Winds at this strength can fling debris into your home or vehicles and topple trees. If you are sheltering in place during a storm, make sure you are in an interior room away from exterior walls and windows. When limbs and rocks are picked up, they can pierce walls and break glass, so stay inside and stay safe.

You can take preventive action and avoid some damages caused by strong winds. Pick up and dispose of loose limbs on a regular basis, and make sure large rocks are far away from your home.

If you have furniture outside, find some way to secure it so that it can’t go flying. Trim trees and remove any that are dying before they can fall over. The less loose items a storm can pick up, the less damage you will receive.

Water

Water is one of the most common forms of damage that occurs across the United States. Even in an area that is not flood-prone, a heavy rain can cause accumulating puddles or flash floods that can enter through doors and windows.

If an extreme amount of water gathers, it can actually seep through your foundation, which over time will lead to structural damage. As our weather warms up late in spring, snowmelt can lead to ice dams and overflowing bodies of water that pose a risk to the properties in our area.

Fortunately, the area outside of your home can play a key role in protecting your property. Be strategic with your landscaping to ensure there is a slope away from your house so water flows where you want it.

You can also consider installing a rain garden that not only will add curb appeal to your home, but is also very effective in absorbing moisture before it has a chance to intrude into your property.

Keeping your gutters cleaned is another way to ensure that water flows away from your home without pooling up. When water is unable to flow cleanly, your gutter system can quickly become overwhelmed, which can lead to water entering your home through your roof. This can mean damage to every level of your home.

Impact

When a tree falls onto your home or other property or a piece of debris flies into something, it is considered “impact damage.” This kind of damage can bring down entire buildings and can be completely catastrophic.

The best way to prevent impact damage is trimming and removing trees that are no longer healthy or that have grown too close to your home. While this can be costly and time-consuming, it can also be life-saving.

In 2021 alone, weather caused nearly $145 billion in damages across the nation. The more you prepare yourself and your property, the more you can lower your overall risk and rest easy knowing your home is a safe environment no matter what Mother Nature throws your way.

If your home is damaged in a storm, call SERVPRO of Billings as soon as possible. Our professionals are available 24⁄7 and come with years of experience and top-of-the-line equipment. It is our primary goal to get your home back to exactly as it should be as fast as possible.

When you suffer storm-related damage to your home or business, it’s important that you know who to call! Contact us today to get your storm damage restoration started faster.

Flood Safety for the Inside & Outside of Your Home

10/8/2024 (Permalink)

Experienced water damage in your home? Call SERVPRO of Billings to get the restoration process started right away.

Regardless of where you live, it is important to make sure you are protected from floods. As little as an inch of water can cause damage and cost any property owner quite a bit in repairs.

If you do not live in an area that has frequent flooding, you may not qualify for a lot of financial help through insurance or other sources. This means that every preventive measure you can take is crucial.

Flooding is a fairly common occurrence for us in Billings and our surrounding areas. In the warmer seasons, the rivers around us are consistently challenged by heavy rains. This makes it essential to know your risks so that you can properly prepare your home and ensure your family’s safety.

Protecting Your Home From the Outside

Flooding cannot always be anticipated with a great deal of time to prepare. Pop-up storms can dump huge amounts of water in a short amount of time that causes puddles to form around your home and overwhelms your gutter systems.

Protecting your home starts with preparing from the outside.

Clean gutters are crucial in ensuring water flows away from your home. With the heavy rains we can frequently experience in June and July, adding an extended downspout to your gutter system could be helpful to prevent overflow and puddling.

You can also use landscaping to protect the bottom level of your home. Gardens pull water down into soil and roots, which means heavy rains are absorbed faster and puddles are avoided.

Organic materials like mulch are also helpful when added to the area immediately outside of your home. Create a slope with these materials to force water away and avoid wet basements or bottom floors.

There are a few upgrades you can consider to protect your home in extreme weather as well, including elevating electric outlets and anchoring fuel tanks if you use one. While those may seem like high-end additions, adding an inexpensive rain barrel that catches water directly from one of your downspouts can be a helpful way to prevent water gathering. And bonus: It means saving money when you water all your beautiful plants!

Flood Protection From the Inside

Two of the best ways to protect the inside of your home are sealing your basement and tackling any cracks in your foundation.

A sump pump in the basement that kicks in when water enters can also be a helpful tool in keeping your home dry. If you live in a high-risk area, a battery-operated pump might be the best idea so you are ensured it will work even if the power goes out.

For flooding that doesn’t start outside, there are a few ways to protect your home with basic home maintenance.

Plumbing is one of the biggest sources of water damage inside the home, particularly pipes that are aged or failing. If you have a leaky faucet, get it fixed quickly and make checking all of your plumbing a regular habit so that other leaks don’t start.

You can also consider adding a leak sensor that will tell you if water is suddenly somewhere it shouldn’t be. Home security systems will sometimes offer this as an add-on or upgrade, so if you were considering having a new system put in, spring for this addition and rest a little more peacefully.

No matter where it comes from, water will damage paper goods and photographs immediately. Store irreplaceable items on high shelves or in a water-tight container.

Make sure you also know where your emergency contacts are stored, and consider adding SERVPRO® to the list. The faster you call us, the sooner your recovery starts.

Experienced water damage in your home? Call SERVPRO today to get your restoration completed faster.

Safety Tips to Prevent a Backyard Fire

9/24/2024 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Billings if you are experiencing fire damage!

Fire Safety in your backyard is an important consideration, especially during dry and hot weather conditions when wildfires can easily ignite. Here are some fire safety tips to keep in mind for your backyard:

1. Clear flammable debris: Remove any dry leaves, twigs, or branches from your yard, as these can easily ignite in dry conditions.

2. Manage vegetation: Maintain a clean and manicured yard by trimming any dry or dead vegetation. Avoid planting highly flammable plants and trees near your home.

3. Create defensible space: Create at least a 30-foot buffer zone around your home by removing highly combustible materials like firewood, lawn furniture, and propane tanks. This creates space for firefighters to defend your home if a fire does occur.

4. Properly store combustibles: Store flammable items like gasoline, propane, and oil away from your home in secure metal containers.

5. Use fire-resistant materials: Use fire-resistant materials when designing or building structures in your backyard. This includes materials like metal, brick, and concrete.

6. Be cautious when using fire: Avoid lighting fires in dry or windy conditions. Always make sure to properly extinguish any fires, including bonfires and campfires, by drowning them with water and stirring the ashes.

7. Have a plan: Finally, have an emergency plan in place in case a wildfire does occur. This includes having an evacuation plan and knowing the quickest route to safety. Keep a “go bag” with necessary items in case you need to evacuate quickly.

By Taking these precautions, you can help protect your home and property from the risk of fires.

Why Should You Choose SERVPRO for Water Restoration Projects

9/10/2024 (Permalink)

Our Team is Ready to Help! Call Us at (406)252-0859

Here are the typical steps involved in the water restoration and mitigation process performed by SERVPRO of Billings:

1. Inspection and Assessment: Professionals from SERVPRO of Billings will assess the extent of the water damage and identify the source of the problem.

1. Water Removal: The team will use specialized equipment to extract standing water from the affected area. This step helps prevent further damage and reduces the drying time.

1. Drying and Dehumidification: SERVPRO of Billings uses industrial-grade fans and dehumidifiers to remove any remaining moisture from surfaces and the air. This prevents mold growth and further structural damage.

1. Cleaning and Sanitizing: The professionals will clean and sanitize all affected areas and belongings. This includes removing soor, smoke odor, and any contaminants that may have been present due to fire.

1. Restoration and Repairs: Once the cleanup process is complete SERVPRO of Billings can take care of restoring and repairing any damaged structures or belongings. This can involve minor repairs or more extensive renovations, depending on the extent of the damage.

SERVPRO of Billings aims to provide comprehensive services to ensure a smoother and more efficient restoration process after a fire or water damage event.

Choosing a one-stop-shop like SERVPRO of Billings can indeed be beneficial as it saves time and effort in coordinating multiple vendors for different services. Additionally, having one company handle all aspects of restoration can potentially result in cost savings.

If many insurance companies have already chosen SERVPRO of Billings as their preferred vendor, it may indicate that they have a good reputation and track record in the industry.

Ultimately, it is important to evaluate and compare various restoration companies based on their services, reputation, and customer reviews to make an informed decision that best suits your specific needs.

Water Damage in a Commercial Property

8/20/2024 (Permalink)

Does your commercial building have water damage? Let SERVPRO of Billings help you now.

When facing water damage or flooding in a commercial property, it is crucial to take immediate action to minimize further damage and ensure the safety of the building and its occupants. Here are some important steps to consider:

1. Safety first: Ensure that everyone in the building is safe and away from any potential hazards.
2. Shut off the water source: If possible, identify and shut off the source of water to prevent any additional flooding.
3. Call Professionals: Contact a licensed team of experts who specialize in commercial water damage restoration. They will have the knowledge and equipment to handle the situation effectively.
4. Assess the damage: The professionals will evaluate the extent of the water damage and identify affected areas within the facility. This assessment will help determine the scope of repairs and restoration required.
5. Water Removal: The team will use specialized equipment such as pumps, vacuums, and dehumidifiers to remove excess water from the affected areas.
6. Dry and dehumidify: Proper drying and dehumidification techniques are essential to prevent mold growth and further damage. The team will use industrial-grade air movers and dehumidifiers to remove moisture from the air and surfaces.
7. Salvage and cleaning: Salvage any salvageable items and remove damaged components such as carpets, drywall, insulation, or furniture. The team will clean and sanitize the affected areas to prevent mold growth and ensure a safe environment.
8. Repairs and restoration: Once the affected areas are dry, repairs and restoration work can begin. This may involve replacing damaged materials, repairing structural components, and restoring the aesthetics of the building.
9. Mold and microbial inspection: It is crucial to have a mold and microbial inspection conducted by professionals to ensure the long-term health of both the building and occupants. This inspection will identify any potential mold or microbial growth and provide recommendations for remediation if necessary.
10. Insurance: Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to report the incident and initiate the claims process. Provide them with all necessary documentation and information to expedite the process.

Remember, acting quickly and engaging professionals with experience in commercial water damage restoration is essential to minimize the damage and ensure a safe and healthy environment for everyone in the building.