Water Damage Restoration: Responding Swiftly to Protect Your Property

4/11/2024 (Permalink)

Water damage can strike suddenly and wreak havoc on your home or business, causing extensive damage and disruption to your daily life. At SERVPRO of North Richland & Ashland Counties, we understand the urgency of water damage restoration and the importance of responding swiftly to mitigate further loss.

Here's why prompt water damage restoration is crucial:

1. Prevents Structural Damage: Excess water can weaken the structural integrity of your property, leading to costly repairs if not addressed promptly. Our team assesses the extent of the damage and takes immediate action to stabilize the structure and prevent further deterioration.

2. Minimizes Mold Growth: Standing water and excess moisture create the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew, which can pose serious health risks to you and your family. Our experts utilize advanced techniques to thoroughly dry affected areas and prevent mold growth.

3. Salvages Belongings: Water damage can cause irreparable harm to your personal belongings and furnishings if not properly addressed. SERVPRO of North Richland & Ashland Counties offers content cleaning and restoration services to salvage as much as possible and restore your possessions to their pre-damaged condition.

4. Rapid Water Extraction: Our team utilizes state-of-the-art equipment to quickly extract standing water from your property, minimizing the extent of damage and reducing downtime for you and your family or business.

5. Comprehensive Restoration Services: From water extraction and drying to structural repairs and reconstruction, SERVPRO of North Richland & Ashland Counties offers comprehensive water damage restoration services to address all aspects of the restoration process.

When water damage strikes, don't delay – contact SERVPRO of North Richland & Ashland Counties for swift and effective water damage restoration services. Our experienced team is available 24/7 to respond to emergencies and help you restore your property to its pre-damage condition.

Facts & Stats: Water Damage

4/11/2023 (Permalink)

We are "here to help" handle your home or business's water damage restoration needs!

It's no secret that April showers are the start of Ohio's rainy season. Despite the name, April is only the 4th rainiest month in Ohio, with May, June, and the rainiest, July rounding out the top three.

As we work our way through the wet season, it's important to understand the facts of water and storm damage.

National Water Damage Facts & Stats

- 14,000 people in the US are affected by water damage every day.

- The average insurance claim to repair a water damaged home is $11,605.

- 99% of US counties experienced a flood from 1996-2019.

- 98% of US homes will experience water damage in their basements at least once.

- Even the smallest leak can increase the average water bill by 10%.

- In 2020, almost 20% of home insurance claims were due to water damage and freezing.

Ohio Water Damage Facts & Stats

- In Ohio, 540,863 properties have more than a 26% chance of being affected by severe flooding in the next 30 years.

- In 2021, at least 142 people died in flooding incidents, 64 of which were driving.

Water damage, whether it be from flooding or a storm, can be a difficult process to deal with. Luckily, SERVPRO of Ashland/Richland is equipped to handle all of your water damage restoration needs! From the drying process to reconstruction, we work with all insurances to get your home or business looking "like it never even happened."

Understanding Water Damage: The Causes & How to React

11/21/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO will help make your water damage loss "like it never even happened!"

Flooding and the subsequent water damage it causes can be a major pain for business and home owners. While you may hope to never have to deal with water damage, the fact is you may want to know a bit about the process surrounding floods. You can work with one of our residential water damage specialists to learn more about the damage and cleanup, or you can turn to this quick guide.

Why It Happens

Water damage can be caused by a myriad of situations, including the following:

- A burst pipe  or other plumbing issues
- Water collection in basements, crawlspaces or attics
- Natural disasters
- Problems with a dishwasher, washing machine or other appliances
- Sewer backups

Understanding a bit about why water damage takes place may help you prepare for the problems.

How To Clean Up

The cleanup process after a residential flood may vary based on the source of the water damage. If it was a pipe bursting, for example, you may have to remove your belongings from the house to allow them to dry out. Carpets and other flooring may also have to be torn out to better clean up the damage done by the water. If the damage was done by a sewer backup, the cleaning process may require a few more steps. Because your needs may vary so much, it is important for you to work with a team that knows what to do no matter the situation.

What To Know About Restoration

After you have cleaned up the initial mess of the flooding, the work may not be over. Depending on the extent of the water damage, your home may need to be restored. For example, if some of the drywall had to be taken out to avoid mold growth, the restoration will include replacing the drywall. The size of the restoration can vary based on the source of the water. A water line problem, for example, could encompass a larger portion of your home than a leaky shower.

Learning more about water damage can help you better prepare for floods, a burst pipe, or other sources of excessive water. It's better to learn about the issues before you have to deal with them.

Making a Claim

The process for making a claim for water damage is pretty much the same for flood or non-flood damage.

1. Stop the water flow or leaks if possible.
   • Of course, if your home is flooded by a raging river, that is likely impossible until the water recedes. However, if you have a burst water pipe, you need to take steps to stop the leak. Turn off the water main or get the pipe repaired quickly.
2. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible.
   • Most insurance companies offer a 24/7 claims number. The customer service representative can help you get the claim started and tell you the exact next steps the insurance company will need you to do.
3. Take pictures and/or video of the damage.
   • You need to have a visual record of the damage to the building and its contents. This is critical for your claim.
4. Make reasonable repairs to the property to secure it from further damage.
   • This includes covering holes in the roof, securing windows with plywood, etc.
5. Start getting the water out.
   • If you have water remaining inside the building, you can start removing it. You can do this yourself or have a water extraction company do it. Keep all receipts since insurance may cover those costs.
6. Don't throw anything away.
   • The adjuster will need to see all damaged property.
7. Write down all your interactions with the insurance company.
   • This includes time, date, who you spoke with, and the details discussed. Always follow up in writing on important discussions.
8. Keep a central file that includes your interaction log, documents receivedfrom the insurance company, copies of the photos taken, and copies any correspondence you send.

As a 24/7 business SERVPRO of North Richland and Ashland County is committed to responding to home and business owners' needs, in the case of emergency. Whether it is water damage from a broken pipe, flooding from a downpour, or any other type of damage to your home or business, SERVPRO of North Richland and Ashland County is ready to respond “faster to any size disaster.”

Why is speed so important when it comes to flooding?

Because, the sooner restoration begins, the less damage occurs. Given time, water damages become more complex as water flows in your structure and contents. Also, with time, water infiltrating your home or business can give mold the moisture it needs to grow.

Call SERVPRO of North Richland and Ashland County 24/7 to handle your water damage emergencies making them, “like it never even happened.”

419-207-8449