Storm Damage Services

4/1/2024 (Permalink)

When water damage strikes, a fast response is critical.

Severe storms can cause heavy rainfall which can lead to flooding which can lead to unwanted water damage to your business in no time. SERVPRO® wants local residents to know that when a storm damages your commercial property, our highly trained professionals will respond to cleanup and restore your property to pre-damage condition. Our ability to immediately respond to a storm emergency helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.   

Here are Some of the Services We Provide:   

• Emergency Contact 24/7/365   
• Inspection and Damage Assessment   
• Water Removal and Water Extraction   
• Drying and Dehumidification Services   
• Cleaning and Repair   
• Odor Removal   
• Restoration   

When water damage strikes, a fast response is critical. Day or night, business owners can expect our team to respond immediately to any storm emergency. 

Flooded Basements

3/18/2024 (Permalink)

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall.

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are at the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your Michigan 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 

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. 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. 

Why Choose SERVPRO® 

• 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 

Mold Damage Tips

1/22/2024 (Permalink)

If you have a mold problem in your home or business, consider the following facts: 

• Significant mold growth can occur in 48-72 hours. 
• Mold may present a greater risk to children, the elderly, and anyone with respiratory problems. 
• A strong, musty odor may indicate hidden mold behind drywall or under carpeting. 

What to Do: 

• Stay out of affected areas. 
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans. 
• Contact SERVPRO® for mold remediation services. 

What Not to Do: 

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold. 
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth. 
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself. 
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold. 

If you suspect that your home or business has a mold problem, SERVPRO® has the training, equipment, and expertise to handle the situation. 

Sump Pump Maintenance Matters

12/27/2023 (Permalink)

If your sump pump does fail, call the trained and certified SERVPRO® technicians.

You probably don’t think about your sump pump often, but conducting simple regular maintenance can help prevent flood disasters. 

Once a year, disconnect the pump from the power source and remove the unit. Flush it thoroughly with water to remove impurities and debris. While you have the pump out, also clean debris from the sump pit.  Reinstall the pump and reconnect the power source. Test the unit by pouring a bucket of water into the pit and making sure the pump starts. 

If your unit has backup battery power, replace the battery every two to three years, or as directed by the manufacturer. Always refer to your pump’s instruction manual for specific information about maintenance and operation. More information about sump pumps is available from the Sump and Sewage Pump Manufacturers Association. 

If your sump pump does fail, call the trained and certified SERVPRO® technicians. Our mitigation crew will come out and dry any affected areas and perform any other cleanup to get your home back to preloss condition. 

Safety Tips for Holiday Lighting

12/27/2023 (Permalink)

Keep your holidays bright and your home and family safe by following these tips.

To help keep your holidays bright and your home and family safe, use common sense with candles and tree placement and follow home decorating guidelines. 

In addition to exercising caution with candles and heat sources, it is important to follow manufacturers’ guidelines for holiday lighting. According to the National Fire Protection Association, electrical distribution, or lighting equipment was involved in 44% of home Christmas tree fires. Though Christmas tree fires may not be common, they can be devastating to more than the house itself. They can destroy irreplaceable photos, mementos, and family heirlooms and even cost lives. 

• Only use decorations that are flame-retardant or not flammable.  
• Check holiday lights each year for frayed wires or excessive wear.  
• Don’t link more than three strands of holiday lights.  

In recent years, when so many of the things we take for granted have changed, we know people will still come together – in person or virtually – to celebrate family and holiday traditions. 'Stay safe' has become a common expression in the context of public health, but this holiday season, we urge all Mid-Michigan home and business owners to think about ‘staying safe’ in their homes as they prepare for and enjoy the holiday season. 

SERVPRO® Has All Your Commercial Needs

12/27/2023 (Permalink)

Ever wonder what SERVPRO® can do for your commercial business?

Ever wonder what SERVPRO® can do for your commercial business? No matter the disaster, we can make it “Like it never even happened.” 

• Fire, Smoke, and Soot Cleanup and Restoration: Pretesting helps SERVPRO® determine what type of fire has taken place. Knowing the types of smoke and their behavior patterns are vital to proper restoration. 
• Water Removal and Dehumidification: Our franchise professionals identify the source and type of water which determines the proper course of action. Drying equipment controls temperature and humidity, minimizing secondary damage. 
• Air Duct and HVAC Cleaning: Our franchise professionals can inspect your HVAC system and ductwork. Cleaning services can be provided to help restore peak energy efficiency, eliminate offensive odors and improve indoor air quality. 
• Carpet and Hard Floor Cleaning and Care: SERVPRO® franchise professionals use the latest IICRC training as well as state-of-the-art equipment to remove entrapped soils from deep within your carpet’s pile and backings. 
• Crime Scene, Biohazard and Vandalism Cleanup: Our franchise technicians are trained to safely and effectively clean biohazardous substances and prepare waste for proper disposal according to OSHA, EPA and state and local health regulations. 
• Stain Removal, Stain Resistance Applications: Using IICRC standards for carpet as a guide, our Franchise Professionals will show you what cleaning option would be best for your carpet’s level of soiling and explain the benefits of soil protection. 
• Mold Mitigation and Remediation: SERVPRO® works to control and remediate mold contaminants while protecting your health and safety. 
• Odor Identification and Deodorization: SERVPRO® franchise professionals will find the source of the odor and determine the best methods to neutralize and eliminate it. 
• Contents Claim Inventory Service: Accurate inventory helps keep costs low and reduces job completion time. We can provide an itemized, area-by-area loss inventory. 
• Upholstery and Drapes: Wet or Dry-Cleaning Methods: Fabrics are inspected and tested to determine the safest and most effective cleaning method. 

When you need commercial work done right and done fast, do not hesitate to call SERVPRO®. 

The Right Equipment for a Commercial Fire

12/27/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® understands that using professional equipment makes a measurable difference in reducing claims loss expense.

SERVPRO® understands that using professional equipment makes a measurable difference in reducing claims loss expense. When time matters, technology and equipment must be counted on to perform. We will answer your call with fast reaction, exceptional equipment, and trained, uniformed personnel. Certainly, the right tool for the job is vital to timely mitigation and restoration, but perhaps more important, our fire damage professionals are thoroughly trained in fire cleanup and restoration. For instance, knowing the different types of smoke and their behavior patterns is vital to proper restoration.  

Different Types of Smoke 

• Wet Smoke – Plastics and Synthetics 
• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary.  
• Dry Smoke – Paper and Woods 
• Fast burning, high temperatures, dry, powdery, no smeary residues.  
• Protein – Virtually invisible 
• Discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.  
• Fuel Oil Soot – Furnace puff backs 
• Other Types – Tear gas, fingerprint powder and fire extinguisher residue.  

Pretesting determines the proper cleaning method and allows us to focus on saving your precious items. Isn’t that what really matters?  

Deodorization Equipment  

• Ultra-Low Volume (ULV) Foggers will atomize liquid deodorizing agents, producing a fine mist that easily penetrates sites where odor-causing residues accumulate. The device can also be used to apply fungicides and disinfectants.  
• Thermal Foggers dispense solvent-based products in large volume, dense fog suitable for confined areas. The fog consists of tiny particles of deodorant solution that pair with and neutralize odor-causing particles.  

You have so much invested in your commercial property. Trust the SERVPRO® professionals to protect your most valuable asset! 

Winter Water Damage

12/19/2023 (Permalink)

With below freezing temperatures, snow, and ice, your home or business could be in jeopardy of water damage.

Michigan winters are known to be brutally cold and large amounts of snow are always expected. With below freezing temperatures, snow, and ice, your home or business could be in jeopardy of water damage. It is crucial that you are aware of the hazards and can prepare, prevent or act quickly if faced with winter water damage.  

FROZEN PIPES  

A frozen pipe can burst at the point where the ice blockage inside the pipe is located, but typically the rupture is caused by the backflow pressure between the water source and the blockage. A burst pipe can cause considerable damage to your property if not addressed quickly.  

ICE DAMS  

Ice dams can be a major problem during the winter season. They form when heated air melts roof snow downward into water dammed behind still-frozen ice. When the trapped water cannot safely flow or run into the gutter system, it can backflow under the roof ’s shingles and into the structure’s interior areas.  

Cold weather, snow, and ice storms can cause severe damage to your home or business. When these types of disasters strike, immediate action is necessary to prevent additional damage to your property. Our team has winter storm experience, expertise, and the resources to remediate damage caused by winter weather. If disaster strikes your home or business during the winter months, know that SERVPRO® has your back. 

Unexpected Fire Hazards in Your Home

8/31/2023 (Permalink)

Some of the most dangerous fire hazards in your home are things you might not think about on a daily basis.

Not all fire hazards are so predictable like leaving a candle unattended or smoking inside your house. Some of the most dangerous fire hazards in your home are things you might not think about on a daily basis. Here are some unexpected fire hazards in your home that you should pay attention to:  

• Dryer Lint – Excessive heat and lint buildup is just asking for trouble. It is important to clean the dryer vent and exhaust duct regularly.  
• Dust – Dust can be a fire hazard if it collects near floor heaters, electronics, and sockets. If sparks fly, dust piles can ignite and start a house fire. Be sure to look under appliances and remove dust buildup.  
• Gas Water Heater – Clothes piled too close to a gas water heater can ignite when the water heater comes on.  
• Laptops – Laptops running for long periods of time tend to get hot. A hot laptop that is left on a bed, couch, blanket, or other soft surfaces can prevent air flow in and out of the cooling vents. This can produce enough heat to ignite and start a fire.  
• Crumbs in the Toaster – Have you checked your toaster crumbs recently? As crumbs pile up on the bottom, a spark can easily catch fire and start a flame that catches on to items surrounding the toaster.  
• Leaves in Gutters – Allowing leaves to gather up in your gutters or bushes to over grow can cause a major fire risk. Be sure to clean your gutters and your lawn regularly to reduce the risk of a fire.

Removing Odors Yourself After a Flood

8/31/2023 (Permalink)

In some circumstances, odors will need professional help to fully be removed.

Any water damage that occurs when your home floods can often come with odors and mold growth that continue to seep into your residence long after the water has subsided. You can take care to eliminate odors and preserve the safety of your dwelling with the following measures:  

• Air Things Out - Open all doors and windows to allow air to circulate in your residence. This should help dissipate any lingering smells that remain and will also facilitate drying of the affected areas.  
• Dry the Wet Areas - You may install dehumidifiers to speed up the drying process. Removing moisture from porous and absorbent surfaces such as carpet and upholstery can greatly reduce the chance of foul aromas remaining after the flood and can mitigate the appearance of mold.  
• Deodorize Your Home - There are natural and inexpensive methods that you can utilize to expedite the deodorizing process in your house. Baking soda sprinkled into carpets or other absorbent surfaces can be vacuumed up and can get rid of foul odors. On less porous surfaces, vinegar applied liberally can aid in combating persistent smells.  

In some circumstances, odors will need professional help to fully be removed. That’s where SERVPRO® of West Sterling Heights can step in. If you need assistance with odor removal, our team has the training and the equipment that can get the job done right.

Potential Water Damage in a Home

8/30/2023 (Permalink)

From leaking pipes to defective appliances, it is crucial to recognize potential water damage causes in a home.

From leaking pipes to defective appliances, it is crucial to recognize potential water damage causes in a home. Read below to learn about the potential water damage hazards and learn how to avoid them. 

• Dishwasher - Your dishwasher can cause water damage if not properly sealed, the latch is broken, or if it is loaded with the wrong soap. Make sure any leaks are immediately addressed and your dishwasher is repaired or replaced if you see water pooling on the floor after running a dishwasher. 
• Air Conditioner - Your air conditioner removes moisture from the air and moisture can build up within the unit itself. If not properly drained, that water could slowly leak into your home and could potentially cause water to seep into the drywall and flooring. Allowing water to sit untreated can introduce mold, which requires an emergency water cleanup situation. 
• Clogged Drains - Clogged drains aren’t just annoying—they also cause water damage and mold growth if left unchecked. A clogged toilet can cause water to back up into the shower, sinks, or bathroom floor with potentially hazardous water. Sewer water is extremely dangerous because it contains raw sewage and bacteria, requiring help from water damage cleanup companies. 

If you experience water damage from any of these issues in your home, SERVPRO® of West Sterling Heights has the proper equipment and experience to get your home back to pre-water damage condition.

What to Do After a Fire

8/30/2023 (Permalink)

Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.

Below are things home and business owners can do after experiencing a fire in a property. 

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets. 
• Keep your hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls, and woodwork. 
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery, and carpet traffic areas. 
• If the electricity is off, empty your freezer and refrigerator and prop its doors open. 
• Clean and protect chrome with light coating of petroleum jelly or oil. 
• Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves. 
• Change HVAC filter. 
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers. 

To address the rest of the fire damage to a property, you’ll want a team of highly trained specialists who have the necessary equipment that can get your property back to preloss condition. Call us today at 586-480-2400.

Vandalism and Graffiti

8/29/2023 (Permalink)

Vandalism and graffiti can be very upsetting.

Vandalism and graffiti can be very upsetting. It can range from relatively minor pranks to malicious destruction of property. Often simple acts of vandalism, like breaking a window, can cause significant water and mold damage if not addressed in a timely manner. 

SERVPRO® will act quickly to remove vandalism and graffiti from home and commercial spaces. In addition to removing spray-painted graffiti from exterior walls, we can also clean driveways, walkways, asphalt, metals, wood, glass, plastic, and masonry. Our highly trained technicians can offer the following services: 

• General cleaning and graffiti removal 
• Brick, stone, and concrete cleaning 
• Odor removal and deodorization 
• Debris removal 

If you experience vandalism damage or unwanted graffiti on your residential or commercial property, SERVPRO® of West Sterling Heights can help get your property back to preloss condition. Call us today at 586-480-2400.  

Sewage and Toilet Overflows

8/28/2023 (Permalink)

Sewage backup should be considered an emergency and dealt with as quickly as possible.

Water from sewer system backups should be considered very dangerous. The water is grossly unsanitary and may contain bacteria and viruses that could cause serious illness. Special training and equipment are necessary to safely clean this type of contamination. 

There are three major types of contaminated water. SERVPRO® will inspect any contaminated water to determine the type of water and then plan the appropriate response to safely restore your home or business. 

The three types of contaminated water are: 

Category 1: "Clean Water" 

This is water from a clean source, such as a broken clean water supply line or faucet. If left untreated, category 1 water can quickly degrade into category 2 or 3 water depending upon such factors as time, temperature, and contact with contaminants. 

Category 2: "Gray Water" 

This water has a significant level of contamination that could cause discomfort or illness if ingested. Sources for category 2 water may include washing machine overflow; toilet overflow with some urine, but no feces; or dishwasher overflow. 

Category 3: "Black Water" 

This water is grossly unsanitary and could cause severe illness or death if ingested, and any contact should be avoided. Sources for category 3 water could include flooding from rivers or streams, water from beyond the toilet trap, water from the toilet bowl with feces, or standing water that has begun to support microbial growth. 

Sewage backup should be considered an emergency and dealt with as quickly as possible. We are water damage restoration specialists with specific training and expertise to safely restore your home or business. 

Air Duct Cleaning for Your Home

8/27/2023 (Permalink)

Make it a priority to inspect the ductwork of your home or business.

Ventilation systems are often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality. Make it a priority to inspect the ductwork of your home or business. If your HVAC has been operating for some time without attention, it could be circulating one or more of the following: 

• Dust 
• Pollen 
• Odors 
• Dirt and debris 
• Other contaminants 

SERVPRO® professionals routinely inspect the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit (HVAC).  Keeping them clean can extend the life of the equipment. This can in turn save you money and give you cleaner air to breathe. 

However, duct cleaning is not always necessary. We will make recommendations about the best way to address any indoor air quality concerns. This can save you money and provide peace of mind on the health of your system. 

The benefits of servicing your HVAC unit include: 

• Helps to restore peak energy efficiency. 
• May help to eliminate offensive odors. 
• Helps reduce the potential for mold growth. 

Cleaning Up Fire Damage

8/27/2023 (Permalink)

Fire and smoke damage can be the most devastating things to happen to your home.

Fire and smoke damage can be the most devastating things to happen to your home. Once the fire is put out and everyone is safe, it is important to act quickly on cleaning up the damage.

The first 48 hours after a fire can make the difference between restoring versus replacing your property and personal belongings. Our SERVPRO® team can help prevent fire damage from creating long-term problems. We provide timely response with mitigation services after firefighters extinguish the fire and work through the project to completion, including removing smoke and soot removal to contents. These services help to ensure your property, belongings, and memories are restored to preloss condition when possible.  

We understand that after fire damages your home, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and more than a little vulnerable. Our technicians will treat your family with empathy and your home with great care. Our main goal is to help your family or property as fast and efficiently as possible. Call our team today at 586-480-2400 if you need assistance with fire damage.