Sprinkler Water Damage

3/21/2022 (Permalink)

Picture of a commercial sprinkler head

A fire in a commercial business or a property-managed real estate complex can be devastating. Still, when you add in the additional damages from the sprinkler systems kicking on, the commercial damages are enormous. Businesses and apartment complexes cannot afford to close for a day; it affects many different individuals' lives. SERVPRO of Peterborough offers 24/7 commercial damage services to get commercial businesses back on their feet in as little time as possible.

Using SERVPRO of Peterborough commercial services is like a one-stop shop. Continuing with the example, if a fire burns through a commercial business and the sprinkler system turns on, there will be both fire and water damages. SERVPRO's commercial services are an umbrella term that extends our normal services into a commercial setting. SERVPRO can simultaneously treat fire and water damages. Our commercial services reduce the cost that businesses pay because they do not need to look for multiple companies. The other additional benefit to SERVPRO is that they are essentially a liaison between insurance companies and clients.

Unfortunately, disasters are not preventable, but companies like SERVPRO are there to make it "Like it never even happened," with their residential and commercial services. For questions regarding SERVPRO of Peterborough's commercial services, contact the office at (705) 761-7216, visit the website, or message us on Facebook!

3 Commercial Black Water Facts

3/21/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO staff unloading a SERVPRO van

Your Peterborough, ON, commercial building can be affected by flooding from several sources. Water damage can include warped flooring and moldy drywall, but the more immediate issue caused by flooding is the influx of contaminated water. If your business has recently been damaged by flooding, it can help you understand how this type of water can cause long-term damage and what you can do to mitigate it. 

1. It Can Contain Dangerous Chemicals 

Environmental experts often call contaminated water that stems from flooding Category 3 or “black water.” This means the water did not come from a sterile source and may contain various hazardous components, including harsh sewer and lawn chemicals that entered the water during flooding. These chemicals can make the water dangerous to touch, so calling in flood damage and cleanup service is the safest way to remove it. 

2. It May Cause Health Effects

Category 3 water damage can be dangerous in more than one way. For example, standing black water can grow microbes can cause health effects. Urine and feces may also be present, even if they are not immediately visible, so it is wise to avoid this type of water entirely and wait for professional cleanup services to arrive. 

3. Acting Quickly Can Be Essential 

Because contaminated water can become more dangerous the longer it sits, it is good to call in a cleanup crew right away. This can be important even if you believe the worst of the damage has already been done. Having the water removed may reduce the chances of long-term issues with your building’s affected floors and walls and prevent mold growth, which can be challenging to treat once it takes hold. 

Blackwater damage can harm your Peterborough commercial building in several ways. However, when you know its dangers and how to combat them, you may be able to prevent the worst of the destruction. Call SERVPRO of Peterborough.

Why Smoke Detectors Are Important

3/21/2022 (Permalink)

smoke detector

We learned fire safety throughout elementary and middle school and what to do when you hear a smoke detector. However, have you forgotten to change out the batteries? Or maybe you turned off your smoke detector because everything you cook sets off the alarm?

We know this is bad, and we should think twice before taking out the batteries. Why? Because fire detectors work. According to The National Fire Protection Association, 3 out of 5 homes without a smoke alarm experience deaths. Let smoke detectors help your family!

So, be sure to check your smoke detectors once a year, replace the batteries, and make sure each smoke detector is working in your home – they save lives, after all! For additional fire safety tips, visit The National Fire Protection Association.

For all your fire cleaning needs, call SERVPRO of Peterborough today at (705) 761-7216!

Five Ways to Avoid Kitchen Hazards

3/21/2022 (Permalink)

kitchen fire

Many people in Peterborough, Ontario, love to cook. But even seasoned chefs sometimes make costly mistakes. Here are five helpful ways to avoid kitchen hazards, such as a drain clog or grease fire.

1. Keep Your Vents Clean

It's essential to keep the vent screens above your stove clean. Otherwise, grease can build up on the screen and inhibit ventilation, becoming a contributing factor in a kitchen fire. The grease buildup could even make a fire worse.

2. Don't Leave Pans Unattended

Most cooks know never to lean a pan unattended on the stove. The pan could be knocked over, grease can splatter, or the food can be allowed to cook too long. Each of these things can be a fire hazard.

3. Don't Put Grease Down the Drain

When you're done cooking, it may be tempting to pour the hot grease down the drain. Build-up grease in the drain can lead to a drain clog and sink overflow. Instead, pour the grease into a container, allow it to cool, and then place it in the trash.

4. Wipe Out Greasy Pans Before Washing

You should wipe out any remaining grease and food particles before washing your pans. This can help prevent buildup that may lead to a sink clog.

5. Call a Professional to Service Appliances

If you're having problems with your stove or drain, it may be time to call a professional. They will know how to fix the problem without causing a potential electrical fire. These can come from attempting to fix a broken stove or clogged dish disposal without the correct tools. If fire or flooding does occur, then a fire and water damage restoration service may help.

Following these tips can help you prevent problems like a drain clog or grease fire. Never leave your stove unattended when it's on, don't put grease down the drain, and call a professional if your kitchen appliances need maintenance. If a fire or flooding does happen in your kitchen, then a restoration professional may be able to help.

How to Check for Roof Damage After a Storm

3/21/2022 (Permalink)

Roof with tree through it from a storm

After a significant storm, it's a good idea to inspect your property for storm damage. Your home's main line of defense is your roof, and it takes a beating. Pay attention to things like dings in your gutters or tears in your window screens, indicating hail damage. You may see missing tiles or other signs of roof damage from the ground, but most leaks don't represent a need for whole roof replacement. Usually, the leak is coming from something requiring minor roof repair. Find the source of the leak, stop it, and clean the water damage.

Find the Leak Source

During storms in Ontario, wind damage lets the rain into your roof. From the inside of your home, look for stains that indicate the leak source and areas needing roof repair. You may see water stains on your ceiling or coming down a wall. When you see that, get your flashlight and head to that area. Here are five familiar sources for a roof leak:

1. Vents and fans

2. Chimneys

3. Window dormers

4. Vent pipes

5. Unsecured nails and nail holes

Fix Water Damage

To complete your roof repair, start looking for materials damaged by water. Check for discolorations and rotting wood and wet drywall and insulation. When you find mold, remain careful and don't spread it during cleanup.

A mold remediation professional can help create a containment area while working on the water and mold damage. If you haven't found mold, be sure to start drying any wet materials immediately. Mold can begin growing on wet damaged materials in as little as 48 hours. Complete drying is critical to preventing mold, and it may take longer than you realize. Specialists have monitoring equipment that they use to ensure materials are dry.

Preventing Wind Damage

3/21/2022 (Permalink)

If you have storm damage, contact SERVPRO of Peterborough today.

Many areas of Canada have experienced heavy winds and storms this season, and the strong, powerful winds can cause significant damage to your home. Wind damage can cause a range of destruction to your property, from broken windows and fallen tree branches to more severe damage to the roof, garage, or car. It can happen from the strong wind or indirectly from the wind blowing debris into your house.

Wind Damage from Different Types of Storms

Thunderstorms are the most common source of wind and storm damage, but winds from hurricanes or tornadoes are stronger and can cause more severe damage. It can produce many types of bad weather, such as lightning, hail, tornadoes, straight-line winds, flooding, and more. Thunderstorms are responsible for most wind damage cases in Canada, but the storm damage repair may be more costly for hurricane or tornado wind damage. Billions of dollars are spent on wind damage repair and storm damage restoration each year; understanding the nature of wind damage can help you limit the amount of damage to your property and save on restoration and repair costs.

It's important to know when a storm is approaching your area and what type of storm it is so you know the potential and level of damage to expect. These wind damage facts will help you better understand the potential for wind damage and how to prevent it. Here are some steps you can take to minimize the risk of damage to your home when severe weather strikes.

Preventing Wind and Storm Damage

Most wind damage is caused by flying debris either from plants or other structures and objects that aren't secured. If a storm is approaching your area, make sure any potential debris around your homes, such as patio furniture, toys, garbage cans, and other objects, are either secured or brought inside. Secure your doors and windows to help minimize the potential storm damage to the home.

Roof damage can be reduced during the construction phase when the roof deck and the shingles or membrane is applied over the decking. A well-designed roofing system will firmly anchor the trusses and decking to the walls and foundation to keep the entire roof from lifting off the building in a strong wind. Roofing material must be fastened to the deck. Weakly connected shingles will lift easily from the deck.

The damage to your siding can be reduced at the construction phase as well. Properly fastened siding is less likely to lift off a structure in strong wind. Building codes will likely direct the minimum standards for connections. You, your architect, or your contractor may decide to exceed these minimums for a stronger and more storm-resistant structure.

Falling trees and tree limbs are another significant type of damage to structures in a windstorm. Tree maintenance to remove dead limbs or identify and remove weakened trees will reduce the likelihood of the structure being damaged.

Mitigating Damage After a Storm

Close any openings made in the structure by the wind. Roof openings and broken windows are the most common problem. Keep a roll of plastic sheeting that can be cut to size and nailed over the opening.

Keep your safety in mind and attempt such a closure yourself only if it can be done with little or no risk. Your insurance policy will likely cover the cost of an emergency close up. Contact your agent or claims center to report the damage and seek advice on how to proceed.

Falling trees and tree limbs can open a structure with sudden violence. A tree on a structure is a severe personal and structural safety issue. A tree may look like it won't shift position. But it can shift and cause serious injury to the unwary. Fallen trees may also mask other severe safety issues, such as downed electrical wires. The wires may still be alive, and the tree itself energized. Contact your agent or claims center to report the damage and seek advice on how to proceed.

Suppose your home or business sustains wind damage during a storm. In that case, it's essential to contact a storm damage restoration professional as soon as the storm is over to help limit and repair the damage. SERVPRO of Peterborough can respond immediately to storm and flooding conditions. Our quick response will help prevent secondary damage and help reduce restoration costs.

4 Easy Tips to Prevent Water Damage

3/21/2022 (Permalink)

Follow these tips to prevent water damage in your Peterborough, ON, property.

With the school year coming to an end, this means kids will be “flooding” into homes this summer. View these suggestions from SERVPRO of Peterborough for preventing water damage while your kids are home.

1. Be Careful Where You Plant.

Some plants and trees, like weeping willows, have pretty invasive roots. If you’re not careful, they’ll grow right into your sprinkler system, drainage field, pipes, and septic tanks. Plan before you plant to keep roots away from any water lines.

2. Clean Out Roof Gutters.

On a rainy day, a clogged gutter can send water spilling into your home’s foundation, through the roof, or down to your basement. That could cause some severe water damage! So next time you’re doing some seasonal cleaning, make sure those gutters are clean. If your gutters are too high, be safe, and get a professional to check them.

3. Use a Drain Snake Instead of Unclogging Chemicals.

Most folks don’t realize these chemicals are eating away at their pipes (and they might not be too good for you either). If you rely on them a lot, you could be setting yourself up for leaks. That’s why owning a drain snake is an excellent solution to clear away clogs. They’re pretty inexpensive, you can get them at your local hardware store, and they can cut through most any clog you’ll have without damaging pipes or making your eyes red and teary.

4. Never Pour Grease Down Your Sink.

It doesn’t matter if you flush it with hot or cold water; grease can still cling to your pipes and could even cause some severe damage and blockage. The safest thing to do is pour your grease in an empty can and either let it sit or put it in the refrigerator. Once it hardens, you can toss it in the trash and get rid of it. Done and done. However, we know that water and flooding emergencies can happen any time, so we’re ready 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – including holidays.

How to Locate a Bathtub or Shower Leak

3/21/2022 (Permalink)

If you suspect water damage in your property, contact SERVPRO of Peterborough.

Though some water leaks throughout your Peterborough, Ontario, home can be easy to spot, there're a vast amount of others that require more than a casual glance. A shower or bathtub leak, for example, can fall into the latter category, as they're a variety of places for leaks to emerge from in these areas. If you need help identifying a shower water leak, read how to locate one without much hassle effectively. Once the source has been identified, contacting a trained water restoration team can ensure your home removes any water damage, as well.

Check the Common Sources First

Before tearing into the tile work or uprooting your tub, it pays to investigate the more apparent areas first. After a shower, inspect familiar sources such as the:

• Showerhead face,
• The O-ring between the showerhead and arm,
• Faucet handles, and the areas surrounding them, or
• Caulking at the base or surrounding of a shower/tub combination.

Leak issues are generally noticeable in these spaces and can be detected by sight after running water through your shower.

Have a Professional Inspect Your Shower Pan

A shower pan leak is another usual spot for an issue, especially in tiled shower designs. These leaks can start from the pan being too old and faulty or merely due to a new one being installed incorrectly. Therefore, it pays to have someone inspect this space as a potential cause for any shower or bathtub leak.

Determine the Severity of the Issue by Searching the Levels Below

There's no more precise indication of a bad water leak within your shower floor than through the ceiling or flooring directly below the shower itself. Look for signs of water damage or condensation on the ceiling beneath a second-story shower or throughout your crawl space below a first-floor shower.

When eliminating a bathroom leak in your Peterborough, Ontario home, follow any of these efficient methods for a quick solo inspection before contacting a professional for further assistance. For additional questions, contact SERVPRO of Peterborough.

Ensuring a Smooth Insurance Claim Experience

3/21/2022 (Permalink)

If you have suffered a disaster at your home or business, the last thing you want is more worry. For this reason, our team ensures that the claim process is as stress-free as possible.

SERVPRO of Peterborough will help make it “Like it never even happened.” That way, you and your family or business can get back to what is important.

Our goal is to make the insurance process as smooth as possible. Therefore, we will:

• Create thorough visual and written documentation of the damage to your home or business.
  
  
• Document the condition of each item we remove for cleaning or storage.
  
  
• Work directly with your insurer, communicating with you at all times.
  
  
• Handle the paperwork to make sure the processing and payment of your claim is as fast as it can be.

We are very proud that so many insurance companies recommend SERVPRO to their clients. They are fully aware of the benefits that come with our partnership. We do everything we can to make the entire process as easy as possible.

Our team is here for you if you experience a disaster. Our technicians have specialized training and years of experience in water, fire, mold, and cleanup and restoration services.

Call us anytime at (705) 761-7216. We are available 24/7.

What to Look For in a Restoration Company

3/21/2022 (Permalink)

We can make it "Like it never even happened."

When choosing a restoration company in Peterborough, here are some features to look for. Choosing the right company for your property's restoration needs can make a difference. 

1. The Ability to Deal with Multiple Damage Types

Many professional restoration services like SERVPRO of Peterborough offer the ability to work with multiple damage types. This is because one kind of damage can lead to another. For example, fire put out by water can result in mold if the water is left too long. Most restoration companies can help fix smoke and fire damage, water damage, storm damage and can include mold remediation for this exact reason.

2. A Quick Response Time

Being faster to any size disaster means arriving with the right materials and equipment required to do the job. Locally owned franchises such as SERVPRO® have locations across the country, allowing them to be where they need to be when disaster strikes. Because they are a franchise, they also have access to corporate equipment and materials, which gives them the ability to handle large-scale jobs.

3. They Offer a Variety of Services

A restoration company such as SERVPRO of Peterborough also offers various services designed to help your agent process the insurance claim. These include an electronics inventory service and an online database that provides access to information such as photographs and progress reports for the damaged areas, estimates, filed paperwork, and many other details needed for a properly filed claim.

Whether you're choosing a restoration company because they're faster to any size disaster, or they can deal with multiple damage types, you may want to look at the other services they provide. Many companies can help you clean your damaged items and the structure and have services they can offer, which can make keeping track of the details needed by your insurance provider easier.

Having a company that can coordinate the whole process from start to finish makes your life easier and gets you back in your home or business faster. "Like it never even happened."

If you would like more information on hiring a team experienced in multiple types of restoration, call SERVPRO of Peterborough today (705) 761-7216.