Check on Your Trees!

7/1/2020 (Permalink)

Roots Exposed on Tree Due to Falling Tree

Summer storms can come on quick and swift leading to toppling trees, fires and major property loss.

Did you know that, when winds are sustained at 40-50mph, isolated wind damage is possible? Widespread significant wind damage can occur, causing major financial distress.

Recently in many parts of town, we had winds hitting the 40 mph. Streets were littered with debris and we witnessed branches and even trees tumbling. It is good house cleaning to get out in Springtime and analyze the roots of the tress on your property; if you see tree roots are getting too much water and not enough oxygen, it could lead to root rot, fungi or long-term tree stress. If roots are exposed and showing on the surface, this could mean they are dying. Also, prune and trim all branches. Limbs on trees with too much weight can cause breakage in storms.

Storms happen here in Oregon more off then not, so we suggest keeping on top of the care and wellbeing of your trees. If you do sustain damage from falling trees, wind damage, water damage due to storms. Call us here at SEVRPRO we are always here to help. 

Knowing What Your Insurance Covers Pertaining to Water Damage

7/1/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage due to washer machine over flowing.

It is very important to read your policy to find exactly what your insurance company provides when it comes to water damage on your property. Meeting with your agent can clear up the fine print, pertaining to water damage coverage what coverages your policy affords.

We are finding that water damage that is sudden and accidental is covered. Items that could be prevented by maintenance or are prolonged due to the initial cause of loss like mold are not covered.

We have found that you can purchase additional coverages for mold, for water and backup coverage for outside pipes, that there are maintenance policies available for you to purchase for your home electronics, hot water tank and major home appliances etc. as these are not considered sudden and accidental.

Flood and landslides/ land movement are typically not covered in polices either. To make sure you have adequate coverage for possible water damage, we suggest checking your insurance coverages.  

Common 4 Causes of Property Damage Due to Water

7/1/2020 (Permalink)

Mold growing due to water exposure.

4 Top Causes of Property Water Damage:

Plumbing Issues: old pipes can leak and break.  We recommend once a year having your pipes examined.

Home Appliances: malfunctioning of home appliances and leaky washing machines can cause build of water. Check behind and below appliances frequently to insure no standing water.

HVAC Systems: Air conditioners are another source of water damage in homes. Moisture can build up in walls creating standing water lines and mold issues.

Weather and Natural Disasters; storms can create water damage and expose parts of your home to potential additional hazards.

We suggest having a calendar or schedule to examine possible water damage exposure to prevent future property damage. In the event you discover water lines, broken pipes or mold from existing water  or if you need water extraction or mold remediation, call the experts here at SERVPRO.

Apartment Owners and Tenant Responsibilities

7/1/2020 (Permalink)

Water coming from roof within an apartment.

Leaks and water damage can be major cost for apartment owners. Water leaks and water damage have been highlighted as a common and major maintenance issue for apartment buyers and owners, which can cost thousands of dollars to repair. It is crucial that all maintenance is up to date and water issues are completed in timely matter.  Landlords are lawfully required to fix damage to the apartments affected; this includes rooms, doors, walls, balconies and utilities. Landlords are not required to pay for repairs of furniture or personal belongings, the only exception is if the tenant can prove the damage was due to the landlord’s negligence.  Tenants can purchase a renter’s policy from most insurance companies to cover their personal belongings in their residence. For both landlords and tenants, it is important to be very retroactive once water damage is known.  Being that mold comes from water, prevention is key as most stand insurance policies have exclusions for mold. Call us here at SERVPRO to have water remediation services started immediately.

Storm Season during the Summer Months

7/1/2020 (Permalink)

View of a hurricane from above satellite.

This time of the year we here at SERVPRO are gearing up for a time that we call STORM.  Summer months bring many natural disasters around the world and here in the States. SERVPRO is a first responder to hurricane’s, flooding and wild fries. As each state has its own natural disasters, it seems they happen during the summer months.  We here at SERVPRO have activated a team that is prepared to go and assist in other states. The past five years we have assisted our sister state of California in actively standing with homeowners during one of the most tragic times of their lives. After a fire has happened, we begin the regrowth with the client by; securing their property, assisting with knowledge on process of steps to take, providing machines to clean and restoring their property to its original condition. We here at SERVPRO look forward to helping fellow franchise owners when STORM seasons hit every year.

Flood Water and Deciphering the Risk

6/27/2020 (Permalink)

Flooding waters over take a house.

Flood waters only one foot deep can sweep you off your fleet. It is also unsafe to play in flood water as it is likely contaminated.

During heavy rains: Listen to the radio or news for warnings and directions issued by emergency management personnel. Follow directions carefully. If you are asked to evacuate please do so.  Meanings of potential floods:

  Flood Forecast: Rainfall is heavy enough to cause rivers to overflow their banks.

 Flood Warning: Flooding is occurring or are will soon occur.

Flash Flood Watch: Heavy rains are occurring or are expected to cause sudden flash flooding in specified areas.

Flash Flood Warning: Flash flooding is imminent or occurring at designated areas.

Water can cause huge damage in a matter of minutes. Be sure to have SERVPRO’s number on hand to assist with water mitigation services. 503-427-9535.

Busted Pipes Can Cause Unintended Damages

6/27/2020 (Permalink)

Pipe Busting

A single burst pipe can release 4-8 gallons of water per minute. This can be detrimental to your home or business if left unattended. One of the biggest concerns of fixing burst pipes is the plumber cost that comes along with it. Fixing a burst pipe can seem daunting, however, if left unattended, the burst pipe can create lingering problems.

Water damage can go deep into the walls and damage into the interior of the home. Without attending to the damage and treating the issue further damage can come about, such as mold.

Most mold damage is not covered by insurance companies and can create long lasting health issues. Creating costly expenses.

At the onset of any water issue, call your local SERVPRO to come out and detect the water damage. SERVPRO has the measuring tools to determine the depths of water damage. 503-427-9535

Protecting Your Commercial Building

6/26/2020 (Permalink)

Multi- Living Apartment Building

Commercial property owners are often tasked with an array of problematic possible emergency services. When a pipe breaks in a building, the water can go into multiple units causing a multitude of damage. The same may happen regarding a fire, smoke travels and causes soot damage. When this disaster happens, it is important to know all who may be involved. Tenants, property management companies, property owners, landlords, fire departments, insurance companies and SERVPRO. Emergency mitigation services help to minimize additional property damage. We can secure your property, investigate and provide a scope of work. With knowledgeable and accredited technicians, you will always have clear and transparent guidance.

We here at SERVPRO specialize in mitigation services and the process of reconstruction. With many years of experience in large loss our goal is to help and make it "Like it never even happened." Call you us for all your Commercial Property Emergencies, 503-427-9535.

How can SERVPRO help you with your Commercial Property?

6/26/2020 (Permalink)

Commercial Complex Property

From Carpets to Catastrophes, SERVPRO is available for all your commercial cleaning needs. Commercial Fire, Smoke, Soot Cleanup and Restoration. Commercial Water Removal and Dehumidification. Commercial Crime Scene, and Vandalism Cleanup. Commercial Mold Mitigation and Remediation. Commercial Contents Claim Inventory Service. Commercial Air Duct and HVAC Cleaning. Commercial Carpet and Hard Floor Cleaning and Care. Commercial Stain Removal, Stain Resistance Applications. Commercial Odor Identification and deodorization. Commercial Upholstery and Drapes; wet or dry-cleaning methods. Ready and available, no damage is too big. By responding quickly with a full line of clean up and restoration services our SERVPRO can help you regain control and quickly protect your commercial property and belongings from any catastrophe.

Why choose SERVPRO? Our SERVPRO professionals arrive quickly and are trained and equipped to help you or your customer regain control of their lives. With a smooth and transparent process. Call for your next service, 503-427-9535

Commercial Emergency Ready Profile

6/26/2020 (Permalink)

Are you Prepared Sign?

As many as 50% of businesses may never recover following a disaster, according to the latest industry results. Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place. Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind. By developing a SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile for your commercial business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to except in advance is key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your commercial property.

Are you ready?

Preparation is a key component for making it through any size disaster, weather it is a small water leak, a large fire or an area flood. The best time for planning for such events is not when the event happens, but well before it. Contact us for a free ERP, Emergency Ready Profile. We will help you be prepared for the unexpected. SERVPRO 503-427-9535