How To Minimize Fire Damage After It Occurs!

9/11/2024 (Permalink)

Fire damage can be overwhelming for both home and business owners, since it requires significant effort to restore the property to preloss conditions.  While the situation can be severe, there are steps you can take to prevent further damage before the fire damage restoration professionals from SERVPRO of Norristown arrive!

• Avoid fire-damaged areas.  This will help to prevent further spread of soot particles through the air.
• Turn off the HVAC system to prevent hazardous particles from circulating throughout the property.
• Cover furniture with cloths to stop additional smoke and soot infiltration.
• Refrain from cleaning soot-damaged surfaces.  Improper removal of soot can lead to further damage.  Soot is very difficult to remove and can often be left behind in areas where only our soot sponges can discover it.
• Do not attempt to salvage any textiles or electronics.  Our content restoration team utilizes the proper techniques when handling damaged content after a fire, and we work with specialty vendors when the need arises for particular circumstances.

To help reduce the damage after a fire, it is important to assess the extent of the damage and contact your insurance provider to start the claims process.  It is also crucial to prioritize safety by securing the property and following any guidelines or recommendations provided by local authorities.

SERVPRO of Norristown can assist you with the rest!  Our team has the resources and expertise to respond at a moment’s notice to your fire damage event!  We are 24/7 to assist you with any size disaster including with any questions you may have.  We will guide you through the process as we help to make your fire damage “Like it never even happened.”

Signs of Water Damage

9/11/2024 (Permalink)

Failure to address water damage promptly and effectively can lead to further issues.  Often, the signs of water damage are less obvious unless you know where to look.  Should you suspect a water damage issue, SERVPRO of Norristown can help you to assess the affected areas to determine exactly what you’re dealing with.  However, there are several issues that will help you to identify water damage on your own!

• Discoloration or staining on walls, ceilings, or floors.  This can mean that you have an ongoing water damage issue.
• Musty or damp odors.  Strange odors should be properly evaluated to identify potential issues.
• Peeling wallpaper, warped or buckling wood or sagging drywall.  These are significant concerns as they may indicate water infiltration from an unknown source.
• Mold or mildew growth.  The presence of mold or mildew on surfaces such as ceilings or walls may indicate a water leak.  Inspect your property for any signs of mold in additional areas such as in the corners of your property and in the attic which could suggest roof damage.
• Water pooling or standing in certain areas.  Cracks in your foundation can also signify that the stormwater exiting your drainage system is not properly flowing away from your property but instead pooling around and seeping back in.

If you notice any of these signs, it is important to investigate the source of the water damage and address it promptly to prevent further damage and potential health hazards.  Should you suffer any form of water damage, SERVPRO of Norristown is available to assist you in navigating your particular situation.  We assess the damage and determine the optimal course of action as we guide you throughout the water damage restoration process!

Improper Restoration Services Can Lead to Mold Damage!

9/11/2024 (Permalink)

Following a water damage incident, attempting to clean up the water on your own may appear to be a cost-effective approach.  However, this can result in potential issues later on.  Without the proper equipment and techniques, the small water droplets that you missed can travel into unreachable areas, leading to further water damage or mold growth.

It is important to fully dry a structure after water damage in order to help prevent further issues.  Often, our team is called to assist with mold issues due to improper water damage services.  Mold can grow quickly and in as little as 48 hours.  It is critical to promptly dry and clean water-damaged areas immediately as well as dispose of any wet materials that cannot be thoroughly dried.

Following a water damage event, SERVPRO of Norristown conducts a comprehensive inspection of your property and any damp materials.  We also assess the moisture levels in the air and those materials to gauge the extent of the damage.  Throughout the water damage restoration process, we employ air movers to facilitate complete drying of the structure within a minimum drying period of three days as per IICRC guidelines.  Each of these steps are essential in the complete recovery of your property after water damage.

Should you discover additional water or mold damage, SERVPRO of Norristown is here to assist!  Our mold remediation specialists are also available to assist you with any extent of damages through our specialized equipment and expertise!

Signs of a Leaky Roof

8/22/2023 (Permalink)

Learn the signs of a leaky roof to prevent indoor damages.

Signs of a Leaky Roof

Water damage can appear unexpectedly. Often, those damages can arise from pre-existing issues that we do not discover until the problem becomes much more extreme. As home and business owners, we do not always realize that our roof is leaking until water damage is present, making a once simple fix now a quite overwhelming dilemma. As water slowly makes its way into a structure through a leak, the risk of mold and structural issues grows as well.

SERVPRO of Norristown provides immediate water damage restoration services for when these circumstances arise. We encourage you to inspect your property for signs of a damaged or leaky roof in order to prevent water damage. Some of the signs to look out for include the following:

Wet walls or ceilings

This is one of the first signs that you have water entering a structure.

Attic issues

Cracks, stains and odd odors can appear due to the presence of water in those areas from the roof.

Broken or missing roof tiles

It is important to inspect your property before and after a storm to ensure no structural elements have been damaged. Broken tiles can allow water to enter your property slowly and often without being recognized for a period of time.

Damaged walls

Bent or cracked walls can mean water has been entering the structure for quite some time.

When your structure begins to show signs of water or mold damage with no prevalent cause, this could be a sign that your roof is damaged. We recommend that you call a certified roof specialist right away to assess the damage and complete any needed repairs.

Other preventative actions you can take include inspecting your property for signs of water collecting around the foundation, rather than away from the structure. This could mean that there is a problem with how water is flowing away from the property through the roof or your drainage system. Gutters and downspouts should be inspected as well as cleared of dirt and debris that can cause a blockage.

SERVPRO of Norristown provides emergency water damage services for when disaster strikes unexpectedly or through an ongoing issue. Our restoration team visits a site immediately in order to assess the damage and determine the best plan of action. Once the restoration process is complete, our professionals are also here to help guide you through the entire process of what to do next in order to prevent further roof or structural damage.

Electrical Fire Safety in Norristown

8/22/2023 (Permalink)

Learn about fire safety to prevent avoidable damages to your home.

Electrical Fire Safety

Fire damage can occur at a moment’s notice, and often those damages are unexpected or caused by a minor issue such as an electrical outlet. Electrical fires are one of the leading causes of a house fire. SERVPRO of Norristown recommends that you hire a professional to inspect your electrical systems regularly to ensure that they are working properly. Even a small electrical issue such as a spark can lead to devastating fire damage for your property.

SERVPRO of Norristown can handle any size fire damage event in our local area, but there are several actions you can take in order to help prevent an electrical fire in your home or facility.

• Outlets should not be overused.
• If a cord or outlet is broken, do not use it.
• Cords should not be left under flammable materials such as carpets.
• Ensure your appliances are working properly.
• Your HVAC system and ducts should be clear of dirt and debris that can build up and cause a fire.
• Check for signs of distress on your electrical system. If your lights flicker or your outlets feel hot, call an electrician immediately to perform repairs as well as routine maintenance. A professional can also check your wiring and ensure it has been installed correctly.

Should your property suffer an electrical fire, you should exit the premises immediately. Do not re-enter the building until officials inform you that it is safe to do so.

Once the fire has been extinguished, SERVPRO of Norristown can handle the entire restoration process in order to make any size disaster “Like it never even happened.” Our fire damage restoration professionals will visit the site right away to assess the damage, determine the best plan of action and help guide you throughout the project. We will work with your insurance provider to help speed things along and make the situation as less overwhelming as possible!

Document Restoration Services in Norristown

8/22/2023 (Permalink)

Learn more about our document restoration services.

Document Restoration

When you suffer a fire or water loss, the damage can be devastating. SERVPRO of Norristown understands that the contents inside your house are what makes it a home, but unfortunately not all items can be restored. When this occurs, our water and fire damage restoration team will both remove the affected content for storage and cleaning as well as dispose of the items that are non-salvageable.

While many items are not able to be saved after water or fire damage, quite a few are able to be treated through our specialty recovery procedures. This includes our document restoration process. When your artwork, books or critical files are affected by smoke or soot, or even minor water damage, SERVPRO of Norristown provides advanced restoration techniques to help fully restore those items to preloss conditions.

Document restoration can be completed using several methods. The most effective way to restore documents affected by water damage is known as vacuum freeze drying. The process of sublimation is used to transform the documents directly from a solid into a vapor. By skipping the liquid stage, less damage is caused while salvaging your sensitive materials.

In instances of sewage or other contaminated water, gamma irradiation is utilized to disinfect the bacteria in the affected documents involved.

When neither of these options will do, we also provide certified destruction services. Our team will completely destroy your documents to ensure your information is safe and secure. We recommend that you backup any important files digitally to avoid this.

SERVPRO of Norristown is proud to provide complete water and fire damage services after a disaster strikes. When you suffer through these types of losses, we work with your insurance provider to get everything back on track for you and your family as quickly as possible. We also can help with electronic restoration services for when your appliances are affected by smoke or water. SERVPRO of Norristown is here to help make every stage of the restoration process as less stressful as we can for our clients in the local area with 24/7 emergency service!

Hurricane Preparedness in Norristown

8/22/2023 (Permalink)

Learn more about hurricane preparedness.

Hurricane Preparedness

Hurricanes can cause significant damage to our area in the form of flooding, power outages and structural damage. Hurricane season runs from June through November, so it is important to remember to be safe and follow the proper safety procedures for when a severe storm strikes!

• Follow your local news sources for updates on the storm’s path and when to evacuate.
• Create a first aid kit and emergency plan for your family or business. It is best to be prepared for severe weather or power outages with items such as flashlights, non-perishable food and bottled water.
• Inspect your property for signs of damage both before and after a storm. Missing roof tiles or loose gutters are two examples of structural components that can cause a larger problem in the event of high winds.
• Be aware of flooding and other risks including downed wires. Do not attempt to drive near these areas.
• To prepare more drastically for hurricane damage, storm shutters can be installed.
• If a storm does occur, stay clear of the windows and move to the lowest possible room.

In the event of storm damage, it is critical to act quickly for both your safety as well as the structural stability of your property. SERVPRO of Norristown provides emergency storm damage services for when hurricanes, tornadoes or thunderstorms hit our area. Our immediate response will limit the downtime for your family or business and help to prevent further damage.

SERVPRO of Norristown is proud to assist those who need us the most in these devastating situations. Should your home or business suffer a storm damage event, we are always “Ready for whatever happens” in Norristown and the surrounding communities!

Protecting your home from water damages.

8/12/2022 (Permalink)

Prevent home water damage.

Water damage is one of the most common and costly disasters that can befall your home, costing billions of dollars each year. Protect your most important property from water damage with the right insurance coverage and the following practical advice. Water damage and insurance Different types of water damage are covered under different types of policies. Homeowners and renters insurance offers coverage for clogged pipes, wind-driven rain, and damage caused by ice dams on your roof. Generally, water that comes in from the top down—like rain and sprinklers—is covered under a standard homeowner's policy. Some policies cover sewer and drain backups, but many do not; however, you can purchase sewer backup to cover homeowners or renters. Water that flows from the bottom up—for example, an overflowing river—is usually covered by separate flood insurance, which can be purchased through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and some private insurers. If you live in a flood zone, learn more about suitable coverage. Proper home maintenance is one of the best ways to prevent damage from water disasters. Prevent basement water leaks Close your cellar. Basement water is usually caused by cracks in building foundations or floor slabs. If you notice water seeping after a heavy rain when you have no problems, it could mean that your previously waterproof concrete floors and basements are damaged. Coating weak spots with waterproofing will prevent leaks. Make sure the water drains away from the building. The drain is reinforced because the ground settles so that the water flows towards the building. After a storm, and especially if the soil is saturated, rainwater that flows into the building can pass through any cracks outside the foundation wall. Install the check valve. Although less common than other causes of basement water, sewer backups are messy. Learn more about your sewer responsibilities and install and maintain a check valve that allows sewage to flow but not back up. Maintain and understand your indoor plumbing systems Check equipment hoses and faucets. Get into the habit of checking the hoses that lead to water heaters, dishwashers, washing machines and refrigerators every year. You can also invest in a water leak monitoring and shut-off system that will alert you to potential leakage problems. Replace any hoses with cracks or leaks immediately and replace them all every five to seven years. Control showers and baths. Check the seals and gaskets around showers and tubs to make sure they are watertight and seal if necessary. When you are away on holiday, turn off the water supply to the washing machine and do not leave the house when the washing machine or dishwasher is running. Know the location of the main water shut-off valve in your home. A burst hose or burst pipe can send water into your home. Finding and closing a water line quickly can save stress, money and time. Install an emergency drain valve in your water system. This will protect against increased pressure due to frozen pipes and help prevent pipe bursts. Check water and heating pipes. Look carefully for cracks and leaks and make the necessary repairs immediately. Repair and protect the exterior of your home Close and seal windows to prevent water from escaping. Check your roof for missing, damaged or outdated shingles and make any necessary repairs. Check your drain. Remove debris that may have accumulated in downspouts and rain gutters. Place downspouts to direct water away from the house. Check sprinklers and irrigation systems to make sure they are not causing water damage to the walls and foundation of the house. Turn off and drain outdoor faucets to protect them from frozen pipes. Install gutter guards to prevent gutters from clogging and prevent water from draining away from the house instead of collecting on the roof. Protect your property Store off-season and other large items in waterproof containers, especially in areas with plumbing or moisture-prone areas such as basements and attics. Do not store valuables or memorabilia where there is a risk of water damage. Water and moisture also carry the threat of fungal damage. Store items on floorboards in basements. In case of water seepage or sewer backup, they're less likely to get damaged. Keep an up-to-date home inventory. Having a comprehensive list of your possessions will save time, trouble, and stress in case of loss from water damage. 

Pros of Outdoor Faucet Covers

8/1/2022 (Permalink)

Faucet with running water.

Why use outdoor battery covers? Styrofoam covers for your outdoor batteries may not look pretty, but they can be very useful. When freezing temperatures arrive and a long, cold winter comes with them, Styrofoam battery covers can mean the difference between a smooth spring and frozen pipes flooding your home. Your pipe needs protection You don't have to be in an area with the worst winters. The need may only be a dip below the freezing point. A night with single digit temperatures can quickly freeze your pipes inside, causing them to expand and burst. While replacing a pipe in itself isn't a big deal, water damage caused by a burst pipe can spell disaster. Putting on the polystyrene battery covers only takes a few minutes of your time. 

Why Choose SERVPRO of Norristown?

8/1/2022 (Permalink)

Trusted damage mitigation experts.

At SERVPRO of Norristown, we care about our customers. We're an emergency restoration company, so we know we need to get to work fast. Minutes can turn small damage into very dangerous structural damage. We are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and in the event of an emergency we provide the customer with someone to call at any time of the day. This is a huge advantage as many other restoration companies are not open 24/7. We are a trusted franchise with a 4.6 star rating online, and we strive to live up to that rating on even the smallest jobs. After work, we want reviews on Google, Facebook or Yelp. We appreciate that very much! SERVPRO of Norristown is here to help.