How to Prevent Damage Before a Big Storm

9/14/2022 (Permalink)

Fallen tree on a home in Metro Detroit due to a major wind storm

Even a wind storm can have disastrous effects on your property. That’s why it’s important to make a plan in advance to limit storm damage. Follow these tips so you know what to do before, during, and after a wind storm.

What To Do In Advance: 

Wind damage comes from a variety of storms and each has its own ways to prepare. Be sure that everyone in your home or business knows what to do in case of the most likely storms for your area. If you operate a store, restaurant, or other business that deals with many members of the public at once, be sure your staff knows how to escort them to shelter.

• Stock up on emergency supplies. Be sure the first aid kit is stocked and the flashlights have working batteries. A generator can power a house and costs a few hundred dollars - which may be well worth your money when you are without it for an extended amount of time. Solar panels that can charge cell phones are available online for under $50 as well.

• Know how to turn off utilities or override electronics. Depending on any wind or flood damage, you may need to turn off the water or circuit box. If the power goes out, cars will be stuck inside a garage with an electric opener unless you know how to use the manual override.

• Give the roof a checkup. Be sure there aren’t any loose or missing shingles that could blow away during a storm or let in rain. It’s better to make repairs during good weather than to try to get a tarp over a hole in the roof during a thunderstorm.

• Check the perimeter. When you know a storm is on the way, do a quick check outside if there’s enough time. Put lawn furniture in the shed, pick up toys, put cars and bicycles in the garage, and fasten loose items, like patio umbrellas. Not only will these items blow away in a storm, but they can cause a great deal of damage in the process. A lawn chair can shatter a window, while a bike can put a huge dent in a car. Be sure to close any awnings too; even a mild wind storm can tear fabric from the frame.

• Back up your computers frequently. If your electronics suffer flood damage or any kind of storm damage, you’ll be glad you took the time to back up your files. Cloud backup services are available for free from Dropbox, Google, and other providers for a set amount of data and extra amounts of storage can be purchased for a nominal fee. The advantage of a cloud backup service is that you can access them from anywhere; if your home or business is damaged, you can use a computer or smart device anywhere that has internet access.

• Be sure you have a weather app on your smartphone and enable severe weather alerts. You won’t be near a TV or computer for every storm, so you need a way to check on the severity of storms and know when to take cover.

We do experience heavy thunderstorms in Michigan with very strong winds. so make sure you take the time to go over these precautionary steps. If you do suffer damage to your home or business call at SERVPRO of Farmington and Farmington Hills at (248) 427-1500

Tips to Prevent Water Damage From Summer Storms

8/29/2022 (Permalink)

Regular maintenance is key to protecting your home from water damage

1. Keep trees trimmed 

• Regularly trimming trees will prevent tree limbs from potentially damaging your roof during a storm with high winds or heavy rain. 

2. Keep gutters clean

• Making sure your gutters are clear of debris year-round is essential to preventing major damage to your home. 
• If gutters are full, water may not be able to flow away from your house causing water damage or mold. 

3. Keep your sump pump in working order

• Checking on your sump pump regularly can prevent flooding during heavy rains. 

4. Replace missing or damaged shingles

• During a storm with heavy rain, water will try hard to find a way into your home. In order to avoid the headache of a roof leak, check the integrity of your shingles. 

5. Repair loose siding

• Just like shingles, loose or damaged siding can allow water to get into your home and potentially cause mold. 

Following these basic home maintenance tips can help prevent damage from storms, however, things can still happen and if they do we are Here to Help. 

How to Deal With Damage After Heavy Rain Storms

7/20/2022 (Permalink)

Collapsed ceiling from heavy rain

With heavy, wind-driven rains over several days, water leaked into a bedroom ceiling in Farmington. SERVPRO of Farmington and Farmington Hills was called to clean up the damage. Our crew minimized the damage by putting a tarp over the leak on the roof. Contents needed to be moved out and cleaned from the room, and technicians could remove the affected insulation and drywall and dry out the ceiling. 

Damage to Your Roof?

Often leaks are due to defective or failing flashing or caulk, but it is possible that you may have actual damage to your roof. A fallen tree limb or shingles that have blown off from the wind can also be sources of the leak. 

Storm and flood damage require specialized restoration techniques and equipment. When a storm hits your home, you need a company with storm damage experience and expertise. SERVPRO of Rochester can respond immediately to storm and flooding conditions.

To GET HELP call SERVPRO (248) 608-2667

Moving Out Your Belongings After a Disaster

6/9/2022 (Permalink)

Contents boxed up and stored in our warehouse

SERVPRO of Farmington and Farmington Hills helped pack out a family of 6 after a broken pipe destroyed their main level and finished basement. SERVPRO of Farmington and Farmington Hills inventoried the items, prepared them for moving, and stored them until the home could be renovated from the water damage. Our team is organized and efficient in moving out your belongings from the area that is affected by water damage.

Our immediate response helps complete the job quickly and close your Claim faster which in turn will save you time and Money.

Our Contents department can provide:

Emergency inventory

Pre-loss inventory

Complete inventory of total loss items and restorable items

The accuracy of contents inventory results in complete replacement lists

Moving contents

Cleaning of furniture and belongings

Storage of contents

We pride ourselves in restoration vs replacement cost analysis on every item! We use a photo inventory system to ensure a detailed itemization.

Our team is organized and efficient in moving out your belongings from the area that is affected by water damage. If you are looking for a company to help you with your moving needs, Call SERVPRO of Farmington and Farmington Hills at (248) 427-1500.

The Importance of Moisture Meters

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO of Farmington and Farmington Hills crew ready to head out to a water loss

When your home or business floods our SERVPRO of Farmington and Farmington Hills technicians have the proper tools to make sure your space is dry and returned to a preloss condition as quickly as possible. 

The moisture meter is a very important tool we use called a moisture meter - this is how we detect where moisture is (what is wet) and how close we are to having it completely dry during our monitor appointments. 

This particular meter a non-destructive overall building inspection moisture meter which has the perfect features for our industry. It has many unique features that make moisture measurement and evaluation fast, precise and versatile.

Features

• Wide range of readings for wood from 5% to 30%.
• Deep signal penetration to over 1" into the materials being tested without the need to damage the surface. Signal penetration depends on the material being tested and meter setting.
• Three ranges of sensitivity: Wood & Timber / Drywall & Roofing / Plaster & Brick – making it ideal for testing moisture conditions in various building materials.
• Detects moisture through paint, wall coatings, drywall, ceramic tiles, floor coverings, wood, roof coverings, and ceiling tiles.
• High moisture audio warning tone.

You can trust that SERVPRO of Farmington and Farmington Hills will dry out your space with the proper drying equipment. 

Tips to Prevent Your Home From Storm Damage

6/2/2022 (Permalink)

Follow these tips to help prevent storm damage to your home

1. Keep trees trimmed 

• Regularly trimming trees will prevent tree limbs from potentially damaging your roof during a storm with high winds or heavy rain. 

2. Keep gutters clean

• Making sure your gutters are clear of debris year-round is essential to preventing major damage to your home. 
• If gutters are full, water may not be able to flow away from your house causing water damage or mold. 

3. Keep your sump pump in working order

• Checking on your sump pump regularly can prevent flooding during heavy rains. 

4. Replace missing or damaged shingles

• During a storm with heavy rain, water will try hard to find a way into your home. In order to avoid the headache of a roof leak, check the integrity of your shingles. 

5. Repair loose siding

• Just like shingles, loose or damaged siding can allow water to get into your home and potentially cause mold. 

Following these basic home maintenance tips can help prevent damage from storms, however, things can still happen and if they do we are Here to Help. 

National Preparedness Month - Building an Emergency Kit

9/15/2021 (Permalink)

National Preparedness Month 2021 - Phase 2

Being prepared for a disaster means having a kit accessible in your home or business. An emergency kit should include basic items that will keep you and your family safe in the event of an emergency situation. In this blog, you’ll find some useful suggestions that you can include in your kit. A comprehensive list of suggestions is available on Ready.Gov as well as additional resources on being prepared for disasters. Keep in mind that one new item that has been added to the list this year are masks.  

What to include:

• Water
• Food
  • Pet food, formula, medications, utensils, etc.
• Fire extinguisher
• Flashlight
  • Matches in a waterproof container
• Radio and cell phone with backup batteries
• First aid kit
  • Masks
  • Garbage bags, wipes for sanitation, etc.
• Pliers for turning off utilities
• Whistle
• Local maps
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape for sheltering in place

How to maintain your kit:

• Store in a cool and dry place
• Keep the kit in a tightly sealed metal or plastic container
• Update regularly with your family’s needs
• Replace foods and or medications when expired

Where to store your kit:

• In your home
• At your place of work
• In your car

For more ideas of what items to include in your kit, head to Ready.Gov where you can explore a list of personalized items for you and your family such as prescription glasses, feminine supplies, activities for children, etc.

Make sure to stay updated on our blogs to come for the third and fourth theme of National Preparedness Month 2021

Heavy Rains in Metro Detroit Cause Basements to Flood

8/25/2021 (Permalink)

Houses in a flooded Metro Detroit neighborhood

The SERVPRO of Farmington and Farmington Hills team works hard to clean up basements after a large amount of rain fell in the Oakland and Wayne County area. Unfortunately, we cannot control the rains and the sewers became overwhelmed causing contaminated groundwater into basements, crawl spaces, and foundations.  Having a professional assessment from a reputable flood recovery company is always recommended.

Calling SERVPRO of Farmington and Farmington Hills after a flood will increase the chances of a safe cleanup. The SERVPRO crews are ready to remove the contaminated water and dry out your home. If the water is left standing in your home, you could increase the risk for Mold.  It can take as little as 48 -72 hours for mold to grow and be visible.

Whether you are filing an insurance claim, or you are paying directly out of pocket, SERVPRO of Farmington and Farmington Hills can walk you through the job process and provide an estimate with industry-standard pricing for all the work that needs to be performed to clean up the water.

Call us at (248) 427-1500 we are here to help!

Ceiling Collapsed Due to Heavy Rains

7/19/2021 (Permalink)

Damage to the bedroom when a ceiling collapsed in a Farmington Hills home

With heavy, wind-driven rains over several days, water leaked into a bedroom ceiling in Farmington.  SERVPRO of Farmington & Farmington Hills was called out to clean up the damage. Our crew was able to minimize the damage by putting a tarp over the leak on the roof. Contents needed to be moved out and cleaned from the room and then technicians were able to remove the affected insulation and drywall and dry out the ceiling. 

Damage to Your Roof?

Often leaks are due to defective or failing flashing or caulk, but it is possible that you may have actual damage to your roof. A fallen tree limb or shingles that have blown off from the wind can also be sources of the leak. 

Storm and flood damage require specialized restoration techniques and equipment. When a storm hits your home, you need a company with storm damage experience and expertise. SERVPRO of Farmington & Farmington Hills can respond immediately to storm and flooding conditions.

To GET HELP call SERVPRO (248) 427-1500

Flooding From Storm Causes Damage to Many Homes in Metro Detroit

6/30/2021 (Permalink)

Wet belongings from the basement after a large storm hits the Metro Detroit

If disaster strikes causing damage to your home, call the Professionals at SERVPRO® of Farmington & Farmington Hills to Help you clean up the mess. We are ready to help you make it "Like it never even happened."

Whatever the storm, we will be there to help. We are faster to any size disaster that you may experience when unpredictable weather damages the Metro Detroit area. As storm season approaches, we encourage you to take all the necessary precautions.

If you do happen to experience damage from a storm, our experienced team will be there to dry out and clean up your home or business. As a customer, you have the right to choose who helps you with your water damage clean-up. We’re dedicated to responding immediately, which helps to minimize secondary damage.

Trust SERVPRO® of Farmington & Farmington Hills to help you clean up your disaster (248) 427-1500

Sump Pump Fails During Storm in Farmington Hills, MI

6/14/2021 (Permalink)

Sewage surrounding the sump pump after it backed up in a Farmington Hills basement after a heavy rainstorm

Sump pump failures are one of the most common calls we get during and after storm events. Although a sump pump is supposed to prevent basements from flooding, they can often fail when overloaded with too much water. Another reason why your sump pump might potentially fail is if there is a power outage during a storm.

In this case, the homeowner's sump pump failed causing the 4000 square foot basement to flood with an inch of water. There affected materials included carpet, pad, drywall, ceramic tile, and parquet flooring. Our crew was out there within an hour of receiving the call in order to prevent any further damage from occurring. Dealing with a sump pump loss during a storm can be stressful, know that you can trust SERVPRO of Farmington and Farmington Hills to get the job done quickly and efficiently.

Need an emergency flood clean-up? 

Give us a call - (248)427-1500

Freezing Temperatures Cause Pipe to Break During Winter Storm

6/10/2021 (Permalink)

Basement floods after pipe break during winter storm

When pipes freeze in extreme winter weather and then thaw out as temperatures rise, these pipes tend to crack and burst, causing leaking and flooding. 

A home in Michigan without a working furnace, even for a couple of hours can cause serious risks.  Recently, SERVPRO of Farmington & Farmington Hills were called out to a home that was for sale in the Metro Detroit area to mitigate a water damage.  Upon entering the home, the technicians discovered several feet of standing water in the basement. Moisture from the basement caused extensive damage to the upper floors.  Most of the materials including walls, ceilings, floors, and cabinets removed due to the water damage.

Prevent frozen pipes from damaging your home by keeping your home’s thermostat no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit.  If you will be out of the home for a lengthy period, consider shutting off and draining your water system. 

SERVPRO Professionals have the experience, expertise, and the resources to remediate damage caused by winter weather.

If you have damage due to bad weather, Call SERVPRO at (248) 427-1500

Emergency Do's and Don'ts

7/10/2020 (Permalink)

Storm caused major damages to finished basement in Northville

As Michigan is currently in a rainy season, here are some emergency water damage tips to help assist you in taking proper action until our SERVPRO of Farmington & Farmington Hills technicians arrive.

Emergency Water Damage Tips:

• Shut off the water source if possible or contact a qualified party to stop the water source.
• Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the home or building if you have safe access to the power distribution panel.
• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting or flooring.
• Move any artwork, computers, documents, and other items with sentimental value to a dry place.
• Don’t enter affected areas if electrical outlets, switches, circuit breakers, or electrical equipment are exposed to water. ALWAYS avoid electrical shock hazards.
• Don’t use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water, this could cause electrical shock or damage to the vacuum cleaner.
• Don’t turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet or enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.

If you experience a water damage call SERVPRO of Farmington & Farmington Hills at (248) 427-1500

If Insulation gets wet, is it still good?

6/18/2020 (Permalink)

After removing the drywall, SERVPRO of Farmington & Farmington Hills discovers wet insulation

There can be confusion about insulation that’s been soaked or damaged by floodwaters. Does it breed mold and mildew? Will it eventually damage other structures such as drywall or tile floors?

Insulation comes in a variety of materials and is installed in many ways. For instance, there is fiberglass, cellulose, foam board, cotton, and spray foam.  Each type of insulation must be treated differently after water damage.  Because each of these materials has different properties, they will react differently from each other when affected by a Water Damage.

There is also the risk of toxins in water-damaged insulation. Floodwaters can carry potential toxins that remain in the insulation after the water recedes. Some types of insulation can retain moisture for a long time after the flood is gone.

Assessing and repairing water damage needs to take priority for homeowners who’ve been hit by a flood or storm. It’s not just a matter of aesthetics, though the odors can be unpleasant, it is important to your family’s health and safety that the insulation is handled by an expert.

We help homeowners analyze all of the issues concerning the repairs, salvage, disposal, insurance, and restoration installed. We can help you decide whether to remove and replace insulation after we’ve begun the job of assessing the damage and drying out the structure.

Cleanup and restoration after water damage is a comprehensive job. It requires skills, tools, and experience. SERVPRO has many resources to restore your home or business.

To GET HELP call SERVPRO (248) 427-1500

Is My Sump Pump Working?

6/12/2020 (Permalink)

Sump pump in Finished Basement fails during Winter Storm

Tips to Avoid Water Damage

No power: If the power goes out during a storm, your sump pump won’t be able to drain the water

Wrong size: If your sump pump is too small a sump pump for your home’s size can mean too big a job for it to handle. On the flip side, running too large a sump pump can shorten its lifespan.

Old age: Just like any appliance, the years can reduce the efficiency and working order of your sump pump. The average lifespan of a sump pump is roughly 10 years. If yours is creeping up in age, consider replacing it with a more current model.

Clogged pipe: Debris can enter your discharge pipe and create a backup. With nowhere for the water to flow, your sump pump will come to a stop.

Lack of maintenance: Your home and the appliances that make it run require regular maintenance. Clean your sump pump three to four times a year to avoid blockages in your discharge line, vents, and floats.

Switch issues: When the sump pump shifts in the basin, the float that administers the switch can cause it to become jammed.

Product or installation problem: In addition to product defects, which are out of your control, improper installation can also cause sump pump failure.

Sump pump fails and causes water damage while you are out of town.

A Homeowner in Livonia came home from vacation he discovered that his finished basement had 2”- 3” of standing water covering the entire basement. SERVPRO was called out to a home in to clean up the water damage.  Upon inspection, Technicians noticed mold on the walls, floor, and contents, which lead them to believe that the water damage had occurred a while ago.  

Unfortunately, the homeowner did not have insurance coverage to clean up the mess the water left behind. SERVPRO worked with the homeowner to remove affected materials and dry out the basement.

 Call SERVPRO at (248) 427-1500

What to do When a Tree Falls on Your Home

6/9/2020 (Permalink)

Pictured above is a tree that fell on a home in Livonia, MI after a severe storm

Trees can cause a great deal of damage to roofs, walls, and windows.  Before a storm hits, it is a good idea to remove dead, diseased tree limbs. 

A recent storm caused a large tree to fall on a Livonia home causing damage to the structure and furniture in a bedroom.  Fortunately, no one was injured.  The damage was severe enough to cause the roof to leak.  After the storm, a tree removal company was able to remove the tree limbs from the roof, and then SERVPRO was able to provide emergency tarping of the roof to prevent further damage until repairs could be made. Once the structure was safe, SERVPRO of Farmington & Farmington Hills was able to go into the bedroom and inventory, pack out, clean the furniture, and other items. 

As a trusted leader in the restoration industry, SERVPRO of Farmington & Farmington Hills has highly trained technicians that are dedicated to responding faster to any size disaster. We provide 24-hour emergency service and have the training and expertise to handle your restoration and cleaning needs. We are faster to any disaster and will make it "Like it never even happened." 

Call SERVPRO (248) 427-1500

Ready to Rebuild After Storm Damage

6/5/2020 (Permalink)

Basement is destroyed from a broken pipe during a winter storm

Michigan can have some pretty crazy weather! No matter if it’s a summer storm or a winter storm, they can cause damage to many homes in the Metro Detroit Area.  SERVPRO Technicians were called out to a water damage only to find the entire home had water damage and was frozen.  The furnace failed, causing the pipes to freeze and break. Most of the ceilings, walls, and flooring needed to be completely removed after the water damage. The Homeowners are now ready to rebuild after the storm, they are in the process of adding drywall, flooring, cabinets, and fixtures.

When your business is damaged from a Water Damage, we will be there fast with the help you need.

Step 1 - Emergency Contact

The restoration process begins when you call us. Our representative will guide you through the crisis and may ask several questions to help us better understand the equipment and resources.

Step 2 - Inspection and Water Damage Assessment

We determine the scope of your water damage at this stage. We inspect and test to determine the extent of damage and how far the moisture has traveled to ensure proper and complete restoration.

Step 3 - Water Removal / Water Extraction

The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. We use powerful pumps and vacuum units to quickly remove hundreds or thousands of gallons from your property, which helps prevent secondary water damage and mold growth.

Step 4 - Drying and Dehumidification

We use specialized equipment to remove the remaining water that is harder to access. Our Professionals will use room measurements, temperature, and relative humidity to determine the optimal number of air movers and dehumidifiers needed to dry your home or business.

Step 5 - Cleaning and Sanitizing

We clean all of the restorable items and structures damaged by the water. We are adept at cleaning contents using a number of techniques. Our professionals are trained to provide sanitizing treatments and to remove odors and deodorize your property.

Step 6 - Restoration

Restoration is the process of restoring your home or business to its pre-water damage condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall and installing new carpet or may entail major repairs, such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

Call Us Today – (248) 427-1500

Ceiling Collapses After Heavy Rains

5/26/2020 (Permalink)

Damage to bedroom when a ceiling collapsed in a Farmington Hills home

With heavy, wind-driven rains over several days, water leaked into a bedroom ceiling in Farmington.  SERVPRO of Farmington & Farmington Hills was called out to clean up the damage. Our crew was able to minimize the damage by putting a tarp over the leak on the roof. Contents needed to be moved out and cleaned from the room and then technicians were able to remove the affected insulation and drywall and dry out the ceiling. 

Damage to Your Roof?

Often leaks are due to defective or failing flashing or caulk, but it is possible that you may have actual damage to your roof. A fallen tree limb or shingles that have blown off from the wind can also be sources of the leak. 

Storm and flood damage require specialized restoration techniques and equipment. When a storm hits your home, you need the company with storm damage experience and expertise. SERVPRO of Farmington & Farmington Hills can respond immediately to storm and flooding conditions.

To GET HELP call SERVPRO (248) 427-1500

Freezing Pipes causes Water Damage during winter storm

4/28/2018 (Permalink)

Basement floods after pipe break during Winter Storm

When pipes freeze in extreme winter weather and then thaw out as temperatures rise, these pipes tend to crack and burst, causing leaking and flooding. 

A home in Michigan without a working furnace, even for a couple of hours can cause serious risks.  Recently, SERVPRO of Farmington & Farmington Hills were called out to a home that was for sale in the Metro Detroit area to mitigate a water damage.  Upon entering the home, the technicians discovered several feet of standing water in the basement. Moisture from the basement caused extensive damage to the upper floors.  Most of the materials including walls, ceilings, floors, and cabinets removed due to the water damage.

Prevent frozen pipes from damaging your home by keeping your home’s thermostat no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit.  If you will be out of the home for a lengthy period, consider shutting off and draining your water system. 

SERVPRO Professionals have the experience, expertise, and the resources to remediate damage caused by winter weather.

If you have damage due to bad weather, Call SERVPRO at (248) 427-1500