Water Damage Tips Everyone Should Know

3/7/2023 (Permalink)

When your home suffers from a water loss, don't panic

When you're faced with a water damage disaster, it can be tempting to panic. But try not to! Instead, take a deep breath, follow these tips, and work with professionals to get your home back in shape as soon as possible.

Take a deep breath.

The first thing you should do when you notice water damage is to take a deep breath. Don't panic! Just because there's water in your home doesn't mean it has to be a disaster. The more calm and collected you are, the easier it will be for everyone involved (including yourself) to deal with the situation.

Turn off the power.

The next water damage tip is to turn off the power.

This is a crucial step that many people forget, and it's easy to see why: turning off the main electrical breaker can be intimidating, especially if you're not familiar with your home's electrical system. But there are several reasons why you should do it anyway:

• Turning off the electricity prevents further damage to your property and keeps you safe from electrocution or fire hazards (which could happen if water has entered into an outlet).
• Turning off the water supply prevents further damage from occurring to your appliances.

Don't use a vacuum to remove the water.

While it may seem like a good idea to use a vacuum to remove standing water, the reality is that this can do more harm than good. Vacs are designed to be used on dry surfaces, and they can cause damage to the electrical system and structure of your home if you try using one on wet carpeting and floors.

Additionally, vacuums have limited suction power--even high-powered ones won't be able to extract every last drop of moisture from your carpet or flooring. This is why it's important not just to get rid of standing water but also to call in professionals who know how best to remove moisture from each type of surface.

Take photos and videos of the water damage.

When you're dealing with water damage, it's easy to forget the details of what happened. Taking photos and videos will help you remember exactly what was damaged and how it should be repaired, which will make the insurance claim process easier for everyone involved.

Take photos of:

• The source of the water (if known)
• Affected areas (wherever there is visible damage)
• Affected items (things that aren't working because of their exposure to moisture)

Call a professional restoration company.

A professional restoration company is the best option for dealing with water damage. The most obvious reason for this is that they have the right tools and training to do the job safely--but there are other reasons as well. A professional restoration company, such as SERVPRO of Stone Oak, will take care of the entire insurance claims process for you. From start to finish, they will work with your insurance company to ensure that you receive the proper compensation. And finally, because of their experience with water damage (and other disasters), they'll know what steps need to be taken in order to minimize further damage after removing excess moisture from your home or office space.

Don't panic, follow these tips instead!

Water damage can be scary, but it's important not to panic and follow these tips instead!

• Take a deep breath. We know that sounds silly, but taking a moment to calm down will help you focus on what needs to be done next.
• Turn off the power to prevent the chance of electrical shock or electrocution
• Don't use a vacuum cleaner to remove any water.
• Call a restoration company.
• Take pictures of the damage.

We hope that this post has given you some helpful tips for dealing with water damage. While it may be scary, it's important not to panic and follow these tips instead!

How To Deal with Water Damage in My Attic

1/20/2023 (Permalink)

When water damage strikes in your attic, give SERVPRO of Stone Oak a call today!

Water damage in the attic can be a hidden problem. With proper home maintenance and regular inspections, you can spot water damage early and prevent further problems from occurring.

Leak in Roof

If you suspect your roof is leaking and you want to test it, you can use a spray bottle filled with water. Spray the area where you suspect a leak. If it’s dry when you come back, then there isn’t an issue there.

If it’s still wet after several hours or overnight, then that means there is moisture in the area and it may be time to remove some shingles or tiles and find out the source of the leak.

Once you have found the cause of your leaky roof problem, fix it right away! The longer this goes on for without being corrected, the more damage will be caused inside your home by standing water inside your walls or ceiling areas (this includes woodwork). If left too long without repair work done on them immediately after finding out what caused these leaks through inspection processes. Structural damages such as rot from water damage can cause a lot of money to repair. If you suspect your roof is leaking, give the professionals at SERVPRO of Stone Oak a call today!

Hidden Water Damage

Hidden water damage can be caused by a variety of sources and is often unnoticed by homeowners. For example, roof leaks are often not visible to the naked eye until they have caused enough damage to be noticeable. A leak in your plumbing system or HVAC system may only be detectable after significant damage has been done to ceilings and walls. If you suspect that your attic might contain hidden water damage, it’s important to inspect it thoroughly in order to confirm or refute this possibility.

Roof Damage Causes

Water damage in your attic can be caused by a number of things, including roof leaks and roof damage. Roof repairs are necessary to prevent water damage in your attic if water damage has been present. A damaged roof can cause problems such as cracking, crumbling, or becoming loose. Roof replacement is another option for keeping the water out of your home. Some roofing materials include asphalt shingles (cobalt blue), clay tiles (beige), slate shingles (dark green), metal roofs (silver) and wood shakes/shingles (light brown). Roofing contractors offer services such as installation and repair work on residential homes' roofs including: re-roofing services, maintenance services, emergency response calls, gutter cleaning & repair services.

Roof Inspection

A thorough inspection of your roof is a good first step, as there could be issues with the shingles or flashing that need attention. If you have an attic, check for water damage in the attic space and make sure its venting is sufficient.

First, determine if you have any leaks or water penetrations by checking all gutters, downspouts and roof vents. If any leaky areas are found on your roof surface, they should be repaired immediately to avoid further damage to both the roofing structure and interior spaces below it.

While attic water damage may seem like a daunting problem, the good news is that it's not hard to fix. The key is to recognize the problem as soon as possible and get started with repairs right away. If you're dealing with water damage in your attic, then give SERVPRO of Stone Oak a call today!

Does Homeowner’s Insurance Cover Tornado Damage?

1/18/2023 (Permalink)

Hopefully, this article has given you some insight into what homeowner’s insurance will cover if your home is damaged by a tornado.

It's hard to know what to do when your home has been damaged by a tornado. The damage can range from minor cracks in the foundation or siding to major structural damage and loss of property. If you're wondering if your homeowner's insurance will cover tornado damage, here are some important things to consider: 

Will Homeowner's Insurance Help Replace My Lost Possessions?

Homeowner's insurance will cover damage to your home and most of your possessions in the case of a natural disaster or fire.

How much coverage do you need? That depends on what you own and how much it's worth. Some homeowners choose less coverage so that they can save money on their premiums; however, this doesn't mean you're fully protected from losses in a disaster. Instead of paying more upfront each month for cheaper premiums all year long, consider opting for increased protection against natural disasters like tornadoes or hurricanes instead—the savings over time could end up being worth more than what would have been saved by getting lesser coverage at first blush.

Is There Anything I Can Do to Make Sure My Home is Safer?

Homeowners can do a lot to make sure their homes are safer in the face of tornadoes. To start, they should make sure the roof is in good condition, the windows are in good condition, the doors are in good condition, and any siding is also up to par. The last thing you want is for a tornado to blow right through your window or door and take down half your house with it! You’d be better off finding another place to take shelter if that does happen. 

If you have an extra room or closet on your property (or even inside), install a storm shelter there instead. It could be worth looking into one for your home if you have enough space available on-site already; otherwise, look into placing one off-site near your home. 

Tips to Prepare for a Tornado Before it Strikes.

If you're living in an area that has a high chance of being hit by tornadoes, it's important to know what steps you can take to protect yourself and your home. Tornadoes are unpredictable and can strike without warning, so you should be prepared for the worst. Here are some tips for preparing for a tornado before it strikes:

• Make sure your roof is in good shape. If it's not, have it repaired as soon as possible.
• Clear away any debris near your house—woodpiles and other objects that could get picked up by strong winds could cause structural damage or injury if they're allowed to remain where they are during a storm.

What Should I Do If My Home or Possessions are Damaged by a Tornado?

Do not try to repair the damage yourself. You may be tempted to patch up small holes in your roof or seal cracks in your walls, but this could lead to further problems for you down the road. If you have renter's insurance and the tornado damaged someone else's home that you are renting from, contact the landlord right away so they can file a claim with their own insurer.

If it was your house that was damaged by a tornado, make sure that you get an estimate on how much it will cost to repair all the damage as soon as possible so that both parties are on equal footing when dealing with their insurers later on down the line.

What Does Homeowner's Insurance Cover?

Homeowners insurance helps cover tornado damage to your home depending on where you live, the type and amount of coverage you have and what causes the damage. Most common homeowner insurance policies offer dwelling coverage, which can help cover the cost of repairing or rebuilding your house if a tornado's wind causes damage. 

If windstorm damage is not covered by your policy, it is likely that tornado damage to your home will not be covered by the cost of repairs. Trees may fall as a result of tornadoes, harming your home, vehicle, and the property of others. Depending on the coverage of your policy, your insurer may or may not contribute to the cost of damage brought on by a fallen tree.

Hopefully, this article has given you some insight into what homeowner’s insurance will cover if your home is damaged by a tornado. Now that you know the basics of how to get coverage and what questions to ask, it’s time to start shopping around for quotes! If your home or business has suffered from tornado damage, don’t hesitate and give our SERVPRO team a call today!

Where Does Black Mold Grow?

12/12/2022 (Permalink)

Mold growth in San Antonio, TX home

Everything to Know About Black Mold

Black mold is a term that is widely used, even though it is not always accurate. A more precise definition of black mold would be "a family of fungi that produces spores in the form of conidia." The fungus is called "stain fungi," because its hyphae stain dead plant material and wood, which then turns black over time. There are many species of stain fungi, but some are harmful to humans and animals. If you have found that your home has black mold growing in it, take the necessary steps to get rid of it before any other problems arise!

What is Black Mold?

You might be wondering what black mold is, and how it can grow in your home. Black mold is actually a type of fungus that grows when you have excessive moisture in the air. The mold produces spores that are spread throughout the house by air currents. These spores can then grow on almost any surface within your home, including carpets, hardwood floors and even drywall if there's no ventilation to prevent it from growing.

Identifying Black Mold

It's possible that you might have black mold in your home, but don't know it. Here are some signs of black mold:

• The smell of musty or dampness in the air. 
• An unusual number of insects in a room (such as ants, flies and roaches).
• Mold stains on walls or other surfaces.
• Water-damaged ceilings or walls.

Where Does Black Mold Grow?

Black mold can grow on the surfaces of many different materials, including wood and paper. In fact, black mold is actually not a single fungus but rather an entire group of molds called stachybotrys chartarum. These fungi thrive in dark, damp environments such as basements and crawlspaces. Black mold tends to be attracted to organic materials like drywall or cardboard boxes because they provide food for the mold growth (as well as moisture).

Black mold thrives when there's an excess amount of humidity in the air—a common problem in bathrooms or kitchens where hot showers or baths may lead to build-up of steam on surfaces. Some common surfaces for mold to grow include: 

• Tile grout lines on the shower wall or floor
• Shower curtains
• Wallpaper backing behind faucet handles (if the wallpaper has not been properly sealed).

Preventing Black Mold Growth

To prevent the growth of black mold, you'll need to maintain indoor humidity levels below 60%. Black mold thrives in damp, humid environments where the air is stagnant. If your home has a dehumidifier installed or can afford an energy-efficient one, use it regularly to lower indoor humidity and keep your home safe from black mold spores.

If you have carpeting or flooring that's been contaminated with water due to flooding or leaks, clean up any spills immediately using soap and water. A HEPA filter vacuum will help remove black mold spores from hardwood floors and carpets without spreading them further into the air of your home.

If you have mold in your San Antonio, TX home, you need to get a professional in to remediate it and get you back to normal. Call SERVPRO of Stone Oak. We are available 24/7 and can help you determine the best course of action.

Hopefully, this article has helped you better understand where black mold is most likely to grow in your home. If you think that your home may be affected by black mold, I encourage you to schedule an inspection with experts today!

Plan for Mitigating Water Damage

11/9/2022 (Permalink)

Residential water clean up

How to Clean Up Water Damage After a Water Leak

Water damage is one of the most expensive and time-consuming disasters you can experience. It's also one of the easiest to prevent: a little maintenance goes a long way toward keeping your home safe from water damage. This guide will walk through what you need to do in order to clean up after a water leak so that you can get back to normal life as soon as possible.

1. DOCUMENT AND MOVE

First, document the damage. Take photos of everything that was wet or damaged in any way. Also, if you can, take pictures of where the water came from and how it got there.

Next, move items to higher ground—or at least away from their current location on the floor—as quickly as possible. This will help prevent further damage and allow you to dry out your home more quickly later. Don't forget to move any valuables (like jewelry) out of harm's way too! After this initial step has been taken, remove all items that do need to be replaced due to water damage into a dry area (like another room), so they're not left sitting in puddles while they're drying out.

2. EXTRACT THE WATER

Once you've assessed the damage, it's time to start removing the water. There are several different ways to remove water from your property, it really just depends on the type of water and loss and the extent of the damage. 

Once you've removed all of the standing water, use your nose and eyes as indicators for whether or not there are still places where water has pooled. Remember: If a light bulb goes out in an area where there isn't supposed to be any power running, that could mean there's still moisture somewhere! 

3. CLEAN AND DISINFECT

Now that the area is dry, you can move on to disinfecting it. This will help to prevent mold and mildew growth, as well as other bacteria. It's important to note that not all disinfectants are safe for every surface—some can damage certain materials. So before buying a disinfectant, make sure you read the product label carefully so you know how much of the product to use and whether or not it will harm your floors or walls.

Another thing to keep in mind is that some disinfectants take longer than others to dry after application; most will dry within 24 hours but it's still best if you avoid walking on them until then.

4. SET UP DRYING EQUIPMENT

Use fans to circulate air. These will help speed up the drying process, especially in areas with high humidity. Set up dehumidifiers in your basement or garage to get rid of excess moisture and reduce odor. Place them on a timer so they turn off after they've sucked as much water out of the air as possible.

If you have a furnace fan, turn it on—it can pull in warm dry air from outside and push out old, damp air that's contributing to mold growth indoors.

5. INSPECT, REPAIR, AND REPLACE

You've got your water damage cleaned up. Now what?

It's time to inspect, repair, and replace items that have been damaged by the water. There are a few things you can do to help keep yourself on track when it comes to repairing things in your home:

• Make a list of damaged items.
• Keep it in one place so everyone knows what needs fixing and where they should look (remembering which rooms were affected by the leak).
• Take pictures of everything as well! You'll want to remember how bad it was before starting any repairs or replacements."

Takeaway:

With a little bit of time and effort, you can clean up your water damage. If the extent of the damage is serious, it is wise to call your local SERVPRO experts for assistance.

Hopefully, this article has helped you understand more about how to clean up water damage after a water leak. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them in the comment section below!

Content cleaning and fire damage

10/2/2022 (Permalink)

We use specialized equipment to clean smoke and soot from furniture, interior structures as well as personal.

Content Restoration and Fire Damage

After a fire, your most important job is to get the damage cleaned up as quickly as possible. SERVPRO of Stone Oak offers content cleaning services to help you restore the valuables inside your home or business after a fire incident.

Non-porous items, such as clothing, can be dry-cleaned

If your clothing has been near the fire, it is possible that they will smell like smoke. They might also be covered in soot.  In these instances, the clothes might feel like they are ruined. That is not the case! Sending your clothes to a professional dry cleaner can save your clothing.

The clothing should be dry-cleaned at least twice before being worn again. This will ensure that any residual odors are removed as much as possible before wearing them again.

High frequency sound waves are used to clean some items

Ultrasonic cleaning is an option for some items that are not porous. Porosity refers to the ability of an object to absorb moisture, so porous materials include clothing and carpeting. Non-porous objects include glass, mirrors, and ceramics.

The process involves placing the item in a tank with water and detergent solution, then vibrating it at high frequency with sound waves until dirt is loosened from the surface. This can be effective for removing dust from non-porous items like electronics or kitchenware, but it's not suitable for clothing or other textiles because they're too absorbent.

Content cleaning is an important part of fire mitigation

Content cleaning is an important part of mitigating fire damage because it reduces the amount of material that must be replaced. SERVPRO of Stone Oak can help with content cleaning and smoke damage.

Our SERVPRO technicians are highly trained to mitigate fire damage and clean up after a fire. We use specialized equipment to clean smoke and soot from interior structures as well as personal possessions, including clothing, furniture, and treasured family heirlooms. The goal of content cleaning is to restore your belongings to pre-fire condition as much as possible. If part of an item cannot be saved, we will work with you to replace those items within your insurance policy limits.

If you have fire damage, call SERVPRO of Stone Oak for help today.

SERVPRO of Stone Oak is a local company with many years of experience. We can help you get back to normal after a fire by assisting with insurance claims, content cleaning & storage, and cleanup & restoration. We are available 24/7, day or night. 

Our trained technicians will arrive on time to begin the process immediately. The sooner we start cleaning up your space, the more likely it is that we can save any important belongings from secondary damages, such as water damage or mold growth. 

While many companies might try and sell you on services they don’t actually offer (like water extraction), we at SERVPRO understand how important it is for our customers to trust us when they need us most — that’s why we only use certified professional technicians who are trained in both fire and water restoration services!

If you’ve recently experienced fire damage, SERVPRO of Stone Oak can help. We provide emergency cleaning services and work with insurance companies to ensure that the process is as smooth and stress-free as possible. Our goal is to restore your home or business to preloss condition as quickly as possible so that you can get back on track with your life. Contact us today to learn more!

How To Safely Use Candles in Your Home

8/30/2022 (Permalink)

Never leave a candle lit if you leave the room or go to bed

With the holidays approaching, people love to decorate with candles. The light they provide adds ambiance to any room of the house. Candles scented with pine or spices can also bring back memories of holidays past, especially if you have an artificial tree. To enjoy candles safely, there are a few tips to follow this holiday season to avoid a candle fire.

Where To Burn Candles

The location of your candles is one of the most important steps to remember.

Place the candle on a flat, stable surface that is heat-resistant.
Make sure there are no objects near the flame that are flammable, such as carpeting or curtains.
Don't place a candle near a fan or vent. This can cause objects to blow too near the flame.
Never burn candles if someone uses oxygen in your home.
Always burn candles in a room that is fairly large and well-ventilated.

How To Burn Candles Safely
To avoid a candle fire, never leave a candle lit if you leave the room or go to bed. When you extinguish the candle, use a snuffer. Blowing on hot wax can cause it to splatter.
Keep children and pets at a safe distance from the flame. In addition, make sure you tie long hair back when lighting the wick.

How To Clean Smoke From Belongings
If you are dealing with smoke after a fire, call a fire restoration service right away. Trained professionals will assess the situation and devise a plan to safely remove the soot and smoke from your home in Timberwood Park, TX. Smoke cleanup must be handled by an expert who uses specialized equipment to ensure all surfaces are thoroughly cleaned.
Candles are a fun and relaxing way to enjoy the holidays. If they aren't used correctly, however, they can cause a candle fire. Safely enjoy the holidays by following some simple safety tips when using candles.

Can Commercial Tenants Get Flood Insurance?

8/25/2022 (Permalink)

Call your agent to find out if you are covered

Flood Insurance

Renter’s insurance covers the contents of a space rented by a commercial tenant. A lessee can obtain insurance coverage that specifically applies to damage caused by flooding, which is often excluded from general commercial renters policies. The availability of National Flood Insurance Program policies varies based on the location of rented property in Stone Oak, TX.

Renters Policies May Exclude Flood Damage
Renters policies for commercial structures tend to cut out damage caused by flooding. Exposure to contaminated water can damage or destroy any of the following high-value contents:

• Appliances and devices
• Fixtures
• Inventory
  
  

While a property owner and lessor is responsible for restoring a structure damaged by flooding, a tenant or lessee is responsible for replacing damaged contents. For this reason, it can be helpful to seek out dedicated flood coverage for commercial renters.

The NFIP Offers Renters Insurance
The NFIP is administered by FEMA. While this program does offer renter's insurance, a tenant must see whether the NFIP is available in the area in which a property is located. In general, the NFIP is more likely to be an option in designated flood zones.

Private Insurers Provide Flood Policies
If the NFIP does not offer policies that cover a rented commercial space, a business owner may want to obtain a flood policy through a private company. Check the limits and terms of any policy to ensure that it covers the costs of replacing ruined commercial contents. It may be possible to obtain a rider on a general commercial property insurance policy for rented premises or a business may have to obtain a separate policy.
Flood insurance coverage may be available through the NFIP for business owners who rent property located in a flood zone in Stone Oak, TX. If an NFIP policy is not available, a private insurer may offer renter’s insurance for flooding in addition to general commercial insurance.

Performing a Successful Water Heater Flush

8/10/2022 (Permalink)

Performing a successful water heater flush is an excellent way to help maintain your device

Steps To Perform A Flush For A Water Heater

Performing a successful water heater flush is an excellent way to help maintain your device and prevent unnecessary damage or repairs. The process is very simple, even if you don't have any prior plumbing experience. Follow the steps below to perform a flush for the water heater in your home in San Antonio, TX.

1. Turn Off the Heater's Power.
This process varies depending on whether you have a gas or electric models. For a gas model, simply extinguish the pilot light. If you have an electric model, turn off the line in the circuit box that supplies the heater.

2. Designate a Proper Drainage Area and Connect the Hose.
You need to designate an area where you can drain the water. It should be a spot that can handle lots of warm water flow, without running the risk of flooding your property. Connect one end of your garden hose to the drain valve before running the opposite end of the hose into your designated drainage area.

3. Drain Your Tank.
Open your drain valve to let the water out. Allow it to flow for several minutes. During this time, head into your kitchen and turn on the hot water faucet in the sink. This helps the water run more smoothly. After a few minutes, shut off the supply valve. The water flow will gradually begin to slow before it stops altogether. Reopen the drain valve to perform one more quick flush before shutting it off again.

4. Refill the Tank.
Close the valves and turn the water supply back on. Keep an eye on the faucet in your kitchen. Once the water starts running smoothly, you'll know that the heater's tank is full.

5. Reactivate the Heating Element.
Refer to step one to reactivate the power in your heater. You have now performed a successful water heater flush.
Proper water heater maintenance is essential if you wish to keep your device running properly for a long time. For more assistance or information, contact water remediation experts.

What That Smell From Your Washing Machine Means

7/29/2022 (Permalink)

Does your washer machine stink?

What Your Washing Machine's Odor Means

Nothing is worse than getting ready to wash a large batch of dirty laundry and getting hit by an overpowering smell emitting from your washing machine. That's a mold smell, and it could mean mold is elsewhere in your home, including:

• The air
• The walls
• The pipes
  
  

It may be necessary to consult with a Timberwood Park, TX, mold remediation specialist to do the following:

Locate the Source
Finding the origin of the mold you smell is critical to containing its spread. Mold containment services can measure the number of mold spores in an environment and track their source by calculating their density. Infrared cameras can detect moisture in walls and ceilings, indicating the presence of mold in those spaces. Often, leaky pipes and clogged gutters are the cause of excess moisture.

Contain the Mold
Once you determine that mold is causing the odor in your washing machine, and you've located its source, you will want to prevent spores from spreading. Although mold-infested structural elements are not replaceable, state-of-the-art dehumidification methods can remove moisture from hard to reach places, inhibiting the spread of mold. Air filtration systems can be employed to address airborne mold spores that have likely spread through the air if you can smell them.

Mold Prevention
A mold remediation company can confirm that it is impossible to avoid mold entirely, but three conditions promote its spread:

• High humidity
• Poor airflow
• Low light
  
  

It may seem counter-intuitive to lower the humidity in a washing machine, but this is possible when the machine is not in use. Immediately remove wet clothes and keep the door open to prevents stagnant water and allow the interior chamber to dry thoroughly. Running a cycle with white vinegar followed by baking soda periodically will help get you back to clean, fresh-scented laundry.
If a mold smell suddenly occurs in your home, contact a Timberwood Park, TX, mold remediation service immediately.