Water Damage From a Storm can Wreak Havoc On a Home

5/11/2022 (Permalink)

Flooded Home? Call SERVPRO!

Water Damage From a Storm Can Be Catastrophic to your home or business

O.K., a St. Louis storm just hit and dumped 5 inches in an hour overwhelming the sewer systems in your community. The result is 3 inches of gray water in your finished basement. The longer you wait after having water damage from a rain event the more damage you are causing to your home.

When you have water damage the best thing to do is to mityigate the source that is causing the damage. It could be a clogged sewer line, debri clogged gutters or a sump pump failure. If the damage is coming from something you are unable to cut off, you may need to contact a plumber in your area. Once this is completed, you will want to call the professionasl here at SERVPRO of St. Louis Central & SERVPRO of Bridgeston/Florissant. No matter how big or small, we will be able to help get it under control. If not remedied rapidly, here is some of the damage that can happen:

• Water rings on your ceiling or walls
• Soft or sagging on your ceiling or walls
• Wet or soggy carpets
• Warping in your wood flooring
• wicking of walls the longer the water is present
• wet insulation inside the wall cavities

The best thing to do is call an expert right away before the problem gets worse. Our highly trained technicians are waiting for your call. We have our specialized equipment ready to use to get to your emergency mitigated as soon as possible. Don’t wait until the problem gets worse, call our team here at SERVPRO of St. Louis Central & SERVPRO of Bridgeton/Florissant at (314) 260-7177.

We Are Your Storm Damage & Reconstruction Specialist

5/11/2022 (Permalink)

Storm Damage? Call SERVPRO.

We Specialize in Storm Damage Restoration & Reconstruction!

SERVPRO of St. Louis Central specializes in storm and flood damage cleanup, restoration and reconstruction in the St. Louis region.  Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to mitigate the damage and then restore your property completely with our own in-house construction division to its pre-storm condition.

We Have a Faster Response Time

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost dramatically.

Resources to Handle Midwest Floods and Storms

SERVPRO of St. Louis Central is one of the only certified Disaster Recovery Team in the midwest region!  When storms hit St. Louis, Missouri, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster at a moments notice. 

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today (314) 260-7177.

Winter Storm Preparedness is Essential

1/5/2022 (Permalink)

2022 Winter Storm Preparedness

We are now into January and hopefully St. Louis businesses and homeowners have put a plan in place in the event of a winter storm. However, the middle of a blizzard or major snowstorm is not the time to wonder when your heating system was last serviced. By taking action now, you can head into the winter season comfortable in the knowledge that your home or business will be safe in the event of severe winter weather.

Before those nightly temperatures plummet, you’ll want to take preventative measures to keep your pipes from freezing, and help your home and business to retain heat by weather-stripping doors and windowsills and replacing your heating system’s filters and have your HVAC system checked before it fails you during a long strectch of winter weather. You might consider buying emergency heating equipment (and fuel) or a portable backup generator in the event of a magor snow/ice storm that could potentially knock out power. Also make sure your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detectors are in good working order! And in case you’re unable to leave your home for a prolonged amount of time due to weather conditions, having a stock of non-perishable food items on hand is always a great idea.

Try to avaoid venturing out into hazardous road conditions during a major winter storm, and in the event that you’re caught traveling or need to evacuate an area when a storm strikes, you also want to be sure your vehicle is winter-ready. The American Red Cross recommends having a maintenance check and tire evaluation in autumn so that any necessary maintenance can be completed before winter arrives, and having an emergency road kit with the following provisions: a windshield scraper, a small sack of sand (for generating traction), shovel, matches in a waterproof container, tire chains or traction mats, a bright red cloth to tie to your antenna, warm clothing, blankets, bottled water and snack foods, and a battery-powered radio.

Do you have storm damage due to a winter storm? Call the Winter Storm Damage Cleanup Specialists at 314-260-7177. 

Our Rapid Response to Storm Damage is Essential to Restoring Your Property

7/6/2021 (Permalink)

St. Louis Storms

When it comes to St. Louis County July storms, SERVPRO of St. Louis Central and SERVPRO of Bridgeton/Florissant is “Faster to any size disaster,” and due to the speed we get onsite can provide many benefits for homeowners and business owners with water soaked storm damage. When a roof has been breached from wind and rain, a sewer drain has backed up and overflowed into a finished basement, or water intrusion has entered the home or business from malfunctioning gutters, your home and business need to have that excess water removed as quickly as possible.

Homes and businesses in St. Louis, Bridgeton and Florissant that have excessive water damage from disasters brought on by storms need an industry leader in restoration when water removal services are needed immediately as the first step in restoring your property. Pumping out any water that is visible upon our arrival helps us gain a better visual so we can more easily assess the extent of the overall damage and put together a plan of attack to restore the damage.

Larger amounts of porous materials require more aggressive drying methods than materials that are less porous. Our experience benefits homeowners and businesses in all sorts of disasters by giving us insights into how best to proceed in almost any type of situation imaginable, not only in storm events but overflowing toilets and tubs, exploding water heaters, burst pipes, and flooding from natural sources are only a few of those catastrophes.

Removing water starts the mitigation process. Moisture can find its way into every part of your home or business and creates enormous problems later unless it is captured and removed. Dehumidifiers and air movers can work wonders when used together. Moisture meters provide us with initial readings of wet areas in your home or business that are compared to later readings, showing us our progress in the drying process.

When dry, remaining problems can still exist, such as unusual odors. This is because odors are caused by particles, that although tiny, produce smells when they have been disturbed. We can rectify this problem with odor control methods such as ozoning and the use of deodorants. Other problems that can remain behind include over-stretched carpeting, and we can fix that problem, also.

Because floors are always saturated in a situation where standing water exists, we take great care in ensuring that these surfaces are completely dry. This prevents warping of wooden floors and sub-flooring. Otherwise, walking in your home or business may soon become hazardous for your family and guests.

We can begin water removal efforts so that your home or business is once again as it should be, perfectly dry and back to its preloss condition. Storms and/or water damage can occur at all hours of the day and night, and because of this, we are available 24/7 to take your call. 

Trained Up for the Storm Season

5/19/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Trainer

SERVPRO of St. Louis Central are highly trained individuals in storm related property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s Corporate Training Facility to regular IICRC industry certifications, to our own in-house training refresher courses so rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property when a storm hits the region and damages homes and businesses. Our training program assures all of our team has the knowledge to restore your property right the first time and to preloss condition! We want our employees to get the "best in industry" training to make sure you choose SERVPRO of St. Louis Central each and every time when a storm disaster strikes the St. Louis region. Here at TEAM WOLFE, we know what we are are doing and we do it right each and every time we are called upon! Call us at (314) 260-7177 for all your restoration needs!

Don't Wait for An Adjuster Before Addressing Storm Damage

3/9/2021 (Permalink)

Do Not Wait On An Adjuster

Don't Wait For a Property  Adjuster to Arrive After a Storm Damages Your Property

With Spring just a few weeks away, the potential of heavy storms can start to form in the St. Louis region. With that elevated risk of a major storm sweeping through St. Louis, your home or business can experience wind, hail or water damage that will require immediate building stabilization to reduce the affects of secondary damage. By waiting for adjuster to arrive onsite which could takes days if the region received widespread storm damage, you might think it's to just wait for an adjuster to arrive to make any major decisions. However, this might not be the best decision. Here are just a few reasons why.

1. You May Be Waiting Several Days Before an Adjuster can inspect You Property

During a large storm or a disaster, there will likely be many people who have suffered major storm damage to their homes or businesses. Because of this, it might take a while before an adjuster is able to get to you. There will be quite a few people who are in the same situation that you are, so waiting around while your property is wet and/or exposed can create additional secondary damages that will escalate the cost of repairing it back to preloss condition.

2. Water Damage Only Gets Worse by procrastination

While you are waiting for an adjuster to arrive, the water will continue to affect your house and belongings. If the water is not removed and your property stays wet, you will end up with a much larger problem to deal with. When it is exposed to water for long periods of time, wood can begin to warp and may end up rotting which can affect the structure of the building. Mold damage can occur quickly as well and may begin to spread within 24 hours.

3. It Can Affect Your Insurance Claim by Thousands of Additional Dollars by Waiting

In some cases, doing nothing to prevent further damage can affect the results of your storm insurance claim. You might not be approved for as much as you would have otherwise, and your claim might be denied altogether. Paying for repairs on your own can be expensive, so you want to avoid this if possible.
Instead of waiting for your insurance adjuster, the best thing to do after a storm is to document the damage. Take pictures and make lists of affected areas and items to provide as evidence. Once this has been done, a cleanup and restoration service like SERVPRO can begin mitigation to prevent the damage from worsening while you wait to file your claim.

Call SERVPRO of St. Louis Central & SERVPRO of Bridgeton/Florissant for all your Spring Storm cleanup & restoration problems at (314-260-7177. We promise to make them disappear "Like it never even happened."  

Minimizing Secondary Roof Damage After A Storm

12/31/2020 (Permalink)

roof damaged from storm

When it comes to severe weather events like Thunderstorms along with high winds in St. Louis, these conditions are often the leading cause of structural damage to residential property and local businesses. While prevention and routine inspections are extremely helpful to avoiding a roof leak, sometimes mother nature is still often too powerful to avoid her visiting your home or business with a major blow to your property. If during or right after a catastrophic storm event causes damages to your roof, getting it taken care of immediately is necessary to avoid extensive water damage remediation and repairs. If the storm was big enough, unfortunately, you may not get instant relief.

Temporary Repairs:
Temporary fixes should be made to ensure the damage doesn’t spread. These include:

Tarps – Simple, inexpensive and easy, waterproof tarps can do wonders to keep more moisture from getting inside the property. From the interior of the building, since it is unsafe to walk on a wet roof, smooth the tarp out and attach it, ensuring the entire area is covered.

Caulk, Temporary Roof Patch – For small leaks, a little caulk or sealant can block the water from coming in. Even though it may be small, it can easily become a much bigger problem if not addressed immediately. These products can be found at your local home improvement store.

Replace Shingles – Depending on the structure, a roof leak often is a result of missing shingles or ones that are cracked or becoming unattached. Once it safe to go on the roof, it is important to repair or replace shingles to limit the damage. Loose shingles shout be smoothed and shifted back into place before being nailed or stapled. If shingles are missing but there are no replacements available, sheet metal or wood can be used as a temporary fix.

Professional Help
While these fixes are designed to limit the spread of damage, they are not permanent repairs. Regardless of the size of the leak, contacting a professional like SERVPRO of St. Louis Central and SERVPRO of Bridgeton/Florissant to inspect and repair the roof is vital to maintaining its longevity and protecting what it covers. Our company is a full service contractor so one call to SERVPRO of St. Louis Central and SERVPRO of Bridgeton/Florissant is all you need to do. We handle all aspects of the restoration and repairs needed to restore your property to its preloss condition. 

A roof leak is a hassle, but it can quickly become much more than that if gone unchecked. Taking immediate action and getting it properly repaired are keys to avoiding damage to the rest of the structure.

SERVPRO of St. Louis Central is your Storm Damage Cleanup Specialist

12/8/2020 (Permalink)

Thunderstorm Damaged Roof

SERVPRO of St. Louis Central is your Thunderstorm Damage Cleanup Specialist!

Severe thunderstorms and straight-line winds and heavy rainfall can cause severe of damage to your St. Louis home, and flooding is a major problem during these storms when rainfall totals several inches in a short period of time. For many families in St. Louis, flooding can become a reality after severe thunderstorm. Flood water carries high levels of raw sewage and other bio-hazards, so you should never try to clean it up on your own.

Severe Thunderstorms with high winds can generate large amounts of building materials debris, roofing and damage to personal property. When flood damage from heavy rainfall has affected your home, you should contact our professionals at SERVPRO of St. Louis Central right away so we can help get your life back in order.

Clean Up and Restoration

Before we can begin cleanup and restoration, we must remove all standing water. We do this with professional-grade, truck-mounted pumps. Once the majority of the water has been removed, we can inspect the home for the extent of the damages from the floodwaters.

Because floodwaters are contaminated, we must remove and dispose of any carpeting and padding in the home. If needed, we pressure wash structural components and disinfect surfaces with an EPA-registered disinfectant.

We continue to remove materials as necessary to decontaminate your home. Communication is paramount with SERVPRO of St. Louis Central by keeping in contact with you every step of the way! It's important to us and to ensure everyone is in agreement with our scope of services. Interior wall surfaces and other inaccessible areas that were contaminated by contaminated water are cleaned, dried and sanitized. Disinfecting steps are repeated for any newly exposed areas.

SERVPRO technicians then remove and dispose of any final debris and wastewater. Once cleaning procedures are complete, we place air movers and dehumidifiers in the home to speed up drying. These machines are monitored daily and moved or adjusted to ensure optimal drying.

Testing and Detection 

We also use moisture meters to detect any hidden moisture that could be lingering inside walls. All of this moisture must be taken care of to prevent the growth of mold. If any mold has started to grow, we also clean the affected area and sanitize it.

SERVPRO of St. Louis Central ensures that we have your home thoroughly & completely dry a before we say the job is done! We pride ourselves in our ability to make homes and businesses back to their preloss condition so give us a call at (314) 260-7177.

Flash Flood Warning!

7/30/2020 (Permalink)

Stay safe during a flash flood

Rain, rain go away, come again another day! Over the past few weeks, mother nature has decided to let loose of the rain in our area. To make sure you stay safe, here some suggestions to follow so you can stay safe in flash flooding situations.

If you are under a flood warning:

• Do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters. Turn Around, Don’t Drown!
  • Just six inches of moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
• Stay off of bridges over fast-moving water.
• Depending on the type of flooding:
  • Evacuate if told to do so.
  • Move to higher ground or a higher floor.
  • Stay where you are

Survive During a Flood:

• Go to the safe location you previously identified.
• If told to evacuate, do so immediately. Never drive around barricades. Local responders use them to safely direct traffic out of flooded areas.
• Listen to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio or local alerting systems for current emergency information and instructions.
• Do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters. Turn Around. Don’t Drown!
• Stay off bridges over fast-moving water. Fast-moving water can wash bridges away without warning.
• If your car is trapped in rapidly moving water stay inside. If water is rising inside the car get on the roof.
• If trapped in a building, go to its highest level. Do not climb into a closed attic. You may become trapped by rising floodwater. Only get on the roof if necessary and once there, signal for help.

Surviving After a Flood:

• Listen to authorities for information and instructions. Return home only when authorities say it is safe.
• Avoid driving except in emergencies.
• Snakes and other animals may be in your house. Wear heavy gloves and boots during clean up.
• Be aware of the risk of electrocution. Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water. If it is safe to do so, turn off the electricity to prevent electric shock.
• Avoid wading in floodwater, which can be contaminated and contain dangerous debris. Underground or downed power lines can also electrically charge the water.
• Use a generator or other gasoline-powered machinery ONLY outdoors and away from windows.

How to Prepare for a Storm

6/10/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of St. Louis Central is your local storm cleanup and mitigation company

Storm season is in full swing here in Missouri. As we all know, they can be very destructive to both your property and your own well-being. Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself when a storm hits.

Create a Storm Safety Plan

The first step takes place even before the storm happens. Creating a storm safety plan includes information about where you and your family will meet if separated in a storm. It sets up a plan that everyone will follow if there is a necessary evacuation of the property. The reason you create a plan is so that everyone in the home is informed and on the same page.

Create an Emergency Kit

An emergency kit can help you get out on short notice or survive if utilities are taken out by the storm. The bag should be a backpack or a smaller overnight sized bag. Everyone in the home should know where the bag is and what is inside.

Things to include in your kit:

• Battery powered flashlight
• Portable batter powered radio
• Extra batteries
• List of emergency phone numbers
• Prescriptions and essential medicines
• First aid kit
• Nonperishable emergency food
• Bottled water
• Non-electric can opener
• Disposable camera
• Credit cards and cash
• Change of clothing
• Sturdy shoes or boots
• Important papers, identification and bank information

As always, if you experience damage to your property due to a storm, give SERVPRO of St. Louis Central a call at:

314-260-7177

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Storm Damage?

5/13/2020 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of St. Louis Central today for help with your storm damage

It is storm season in Illinois which means your home could be at risk of damage. Do you know what your insurance policy does and does not cover?

Most homeowners insurance policies cover these types of damages:

• Water and ice damage
• Lightning strikes and power surges
• Wind, hail and fallen trees

Water and Ice Damage

Most homeowners' insurance policies help cover water damage if it is “sudden or accidental,” meaning a burst pipe or a failed fitting with a washing machine. The ice aspect comes into play with extreme cold weather damaging your roof causing leaks.

Lightning Strikes and Power Outages

Lighting coverage comes into play if your home is directly struck by lightning. A direct strike can cause fire damage, smoke damage or power surges. Power surges caused directly by a lightning strike, in most cases, will cover damaged electronics and appliances.

Wind Hail and Fallen Trees

Storms tend to have very high wind and hail which can be damaging to the exterior materials of your home. Under a normal homeowners policy, these types of exterior damages along with interior water damages are typically covered. Most policies also cover damage caused by a tree that is knocked over by the high wind.

If you are unsure of what is covered by your insurance, now would be a great time to call your agent and check your policy. It is better to know what is covered before something happens so that you can be prepared.

And as always, if you experience a loss related to storm damage:

CALL SERVPRO OF ST. LOUIS CENTRAL TODAY: 314-260-7177

Managing a Storm Damage

4/13/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of St. Louis Central can handle any size disaster caused by a storm!

Many things come along with a violent storm. We live in an area of the world where extreme weather happens every year. We have tornadoes, heavy rain, lightning, hail, etc. All of the acts of nature are powerful and can cause a lot of damage to our homes and businesses. Luckily, you have SERVPRO of St. Louis Central to help you make your storm damage “Like it never even happened.”

Let’s say that the windows at your property have been broken due to high winds or hail, we can handle that. What if your roof is partially or fully blown off by a storm? We are also capable of replacing your entire roof. SERVPRO of St. Louis Central is dedicated to making sure that the transition from preloss to post-mitigation is as seamless and easy as possible for the property owner.

Most storm damages are more than one kind of damage all in one. Thinking back to the roof example in the last paragraph, there is at minimum reconstruction to be done, but there will also be water damage from the rain involved in the storm. You can rely on SERVPRO of St. Louis Central’s highly trained professionals to make sure that all aspects of the damage are recognized and documented properly.

What We Offer:

• Reconstruction Services
• Water Mitigation
• Fire Restoration
• Cleanup Services
• Document Drying
• Move Outs and Contents Restoration
• Mold Removal and Mitigation

As soon as the damage occurs, it is important to get the opinion of a professional before moving forward. That way, secondary damage does not occur, and the proper procedures can be followed. For that professional opinion, you can trust SERVPRO of St. Louis Central!

Call Today: 314-260-7177

4 Reasons Why Sump Pumps Fail

3/9/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of St. Louis Central can handle any size water damage! We are your local water damage experts!

Let’s take a moment to talk about one the most important pieces of equipment in your home that is, more times than not, forgotten. The sump pump in your basement is a crucial piece of equipment that keeps your basement from flooding when heavy rains are coming down outside. The sump pump diverts water from your basement and foundation to a safer place where it can drain properly. Sump pumps have many moving parts and variables that make sure they run properly. If one of those variables goes bad, then the pump will fail.

4 Reasons Why a Sump Pump Can Fail:

1. Power Outage

A power outage is the most common reason for a sump pump failure. That is because sump pumps are not typically connected to their own power supply. They are most commonly connected to the home’s electrical system the same way lighting and the HVAC system is. Having a backup generator for your home in this case can be a lifesaver and prevent future headaches.

2. Sump Pump is the Wrong Size

Seeing this may make you think, “Let’s get the biggest pump so that it can handle any amount of water.” This thought can get you in trouble though, because sump pumps that are too big overwork and actually will wear out faster. While a pump that is too small will not be able to keep up with the waterflow that it encounters. The best course of action is to consult with a professional to make sure you have the proper sized sump pump.

3. Improper Installation

Installing a sump pump must be done exactly right. Manufacturer’s instructions must be followed carefully for the installation in order to avoid severe water damage down the road. Most manufacturers recommend or require a check valve to be installed on the discharge line. If not installed, the back-flow of water can cause the pump impeller to rotate backwards and unscrew off the motor shaft. In this scenario, you will still hear the pump motor running, but it would not be pumping any water.

Most manufacturers require the drilling of a small air relief hole in the discharge line between the pump and the check valve which is intended to prevent the pump from having to overcome the air pressure in the discharge pipe. The discharge pipe must be of the required diameter. 

Lastly, the sump pump pit should not be set in dirt or gravel. This causes debris to enter into your pump and can result in interference with the pump’s on/off switch or float arm.

4. Lack of Maintenance

Depending on the pump manufacturer, it is recommended that from every 2-3 months to once a year. To be safe, it is best if the pump is checked before rainy season starts. That way, you are not caught with a faulty pump when it is pouring down rain outside.

Like all equipment, a sump pump can also just unexplainably fail. This is the reason why preventative maintenance and routine checks are key so that you never get caught in a bad situation. Remember that even though a sump pump may seem expensive, but it doesn’t come close to comparing to how much a water damage can cost you both financially and emotionally after losing sentimental items.

Call SERVPRO of St. Louis Central today for any water damage needs!

314-260-7177

Winter Storm Hazards

12/6/2019 (Permalink)

Give us a call, we will assess the situation like it never happened.

Winter Storms can bring many hazards

Many destructive impacts can come out of a single winter storm. Are you prepared for the coming winter? The array of hazards that can come from a winter storm are sometimes countless.

• Ice: Accumulations of a half inch or more, because of it's weight can cause widespread destruction and power outages and can have a crippling impact. 
• Wet Snow: Much like ice accumulation, wet snow adds extra weight and stress, increasing the chance of damage. Moist snow sticks easily to trees and power lines.
• Snow on Roofs: Several feet from one or multiple storms accumulating on a roof can add stress, causing them to collapse.
• Flooding After the Snow: A rapid warm-up or rain following a winter storm with an expansive snow pack can set the stage for major flooding.

Melting snow and ice after a storm can also cause damage to the inside of your home or business. Call the professionals at SERVPRO of St. Louis Central to assess the situation and put you to Pre-Winter condition, "Like it never even happened."

Call us (314) 260-7177

Are you Prepared for Winter?

12/5/2019 (Permalink)

Make sure you are prepared for the winter weather!

Winter storm preparation can help to eliminate costly repairs caused when your home or office is not protected from severe cold, snow, and ice.

Protect your roof and inspect gutters, flashing, and even your chimney.  Snow on the rooftop sounds nice in a song but it’s not nice when the snow melts and causes an ice dam. Winter storm preparation can help prevent costly water damage.  Pipes may burst because they’re in unheated, unprotected spaces without being insulated.  Water damage can happen when your attic isn’t well ventilated or insulated.  Doing so helps expel the warm air from inside the house and refresh it with cooler outside air which helps prevent condensation from occurring that can lead to mold and mildew, structural damage and ice dams. 

If your St. Louis Central home or business is damaged from a winter storm , take immediate action to prevent additional damage to your property and call us! 

Frozen Pipes: A Winter Water Damage Emergency

11/6/2019 (Permalink)

Low Temperatures can freeze pipes, make sure you are keeping an eye on your home during winter.

We can’t control the weather frigid winter temperatures are here in the Midwest, the lower temperatures cause a new set of seasonal Missouri property disasters including frozen pipes, ice dams and other frozen water damage concerns.

Every winter our SERVPRO of St. Louis Central professionals help countless homes with the restoration, cleanup and repair of their property following a frozen water property disaster.

Why is a Frozen Pipe a Concern?

• When water begins to freeze, it expands. This can cause both plastic and metal pipes to burst, possibly leading to significant water damage to your home or business.
• Since water expands when it freezes, it puts unwanted pressure on pipes.
• As water freezes, the force exerted from the expansion can cause a pipe to burst, regardless of the strength of the material.
• You may not know you have a burst pipe as the water has turned to ice. Once the temperature starts to warm and thawing begins, leaking and flooding can occur.

FROZEN PIPE WATER DAMAGE TREATMENT AND RESTORATION

The key to avoiding costly secondary damage is to handle every water problem as a real threat to your property with proper mitigation. Our SERVPRO of St. Louis Central team has the equipment, training and experience to find and dry unseen water before secondary damages occur. We begin removing the standing water from your property with extraction methods, and rapidly dry your structure and contents with dehumidifiers that lower the indoor humidity levels, so your building dries out quickly. When time matters, technology and equipment must be counted on to perform. SERVPRO of St. Louis Central professionals will answer your call with rapid action and a full arsenal of drying equipment.

FROZEN PIPE PREVENTION

Short- and Long-term solutions for low temperature plumbing problems include:

• Locate and seal cracks and openings in the walls, attic, basement or crawlspace.
• Weather strip and caulk around crawlspace doors and basement windows.
• Make sure your home is properly insulated. Pay special attention to areas where pipes are located.
• Insulate unprotected pipes and don't leave gaps. Pipe sleeves simplify the process. Keep the pieces tight against each other and seal the slits and joints with duct tape.
• Install storm windows over basement windows or replace the old windows with energy-efficient alternatives.
• Find your main water shutoff so you can turn off the water quickly if needed. Locations vary — look in the crawlspace or basement where the water supply enters the house, inside a water meter box directly outside the house or near the water heater.
• Open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air flow around the supply lines. Move any cleaners or other chemicals out of the reach of children.
• Keep your thermostat at the daytime setting during the night. If you'll be away for several days during subfreezing weather, keep it set above 55° F.

April Showers Bring May Flowers

3/22/2019 (Permalink)

April showers help to bring us the most vibrant May flowers and we are so happy with this change of season.

However, when April showers are more like torrential, relentless downpours we could face a flooded basement and other water damage causing costly repairs. Flooding generally occurs in the springtime as the result of heavy rains that cannot be adequately absorbed by the still thawing earth. Particularly formidable are the flash floods resulting from thunderstorms, swiftly melting snow and ice jams in creeks. Consider if more than one of these circumstances happens at the same time, you have the potential for a catastrophe with flooding waters and raging mudslides.

Homeowners you can take some simple precautions to secure your property and keep your possessions safe.

Elevate: Keep your furnace, water heater, electrical panels above predicted water levels to protect yourself from costly home replacements.

Install check valves: These valves close to prevent the backward flow of liquid and prevent water from backing up into the drains in your home.

Build barriers: Use sandbags to create flood walls to prevent or reduce flow of water into your home.

Waterproof the basement: Use a waterproofing compound to seal the walls of your basement.

Clean: Clean gutters, drains and downspouts for proper water flow.

Purchase flood insurance: Most standard homeowners' and business insurance policies unfortunately do no cover flood damage. In the event of a flood, you would be responsible for covering the full cost of repairs and replacing items damaged.

We provide emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays. You can expect an immediate response time, day or night.

Staying Safe During and After a Flood

2/28/2019 (Permalink)

Do you know how dangerous flood water can be? A depth of 6 inches can sweep you away, and a depth of 12 inches can sweep your car away. Floods are fast-moving and aggressive, and if you didn’t heed the warnings to evacuate, then you need to know how to stay safe not just during the flood but after.

1. Staying Safe During 

During a flood, you should stay in a safe location, and it is best to discuss this location with others so that when/if you need to be rescued your family can give first responders the most accurate information. Your safe place should be an elevated location. If you choose your house, do not go into the enclosed attic. The level you want should have numerous exit points so that the rising waters do not trap you. Additionally, when the flood begins, stay at your designated location. Do not attempt to leave, unless absolutely necessary because you could be at risk of drowning. Essentially, staying safe during a flood comes down to remaining calm and trying to stay above the rising water.

2. Staying Safe After

Standing flood water can be potentially hazardous. Not only do possible downed power lines present the risk of electrocution, but the water itself may also be contaminated from sewage and other debris. While a building was your sanctuary during the flood, a flooded building now presents serious health risks. If it is not possible to stay in a dry area, it may be wise to wear heavy gloves and boots to prevent contact with any potentially hazardous materials, but it is best to avoid contact if possible. When the time comes, seek out restoration specialists SERVPRO of St. Louis Central, to restore your home from any lasting water damage and to help with any hazardous cleanup.

Flooding and the resulting flood water are dangerous. It is never wise to ignore a call to evacuate, but it is not always possible to leave. When you must stay behind, it is essential to find high ground and avoid contact with contaminated materials. 

Give SERVPRO of St. Louis Central a call today! 

Power Outages

2/19/2019 (Permalink)

Power Outages

Extended power outages may impact the whole community and the economy. A power outage is when the electrical power goes out unexpectedly. A power outage may:

• Disrupt communications, water, and transportation.

• Close retail businesses, grocery stores, gas stations, ATMs, banks, and other services.

• Cause food spoilage and water contamination.

• Prevent use of medical devices.

PROTECT YOURSELF DURING A POWER OUTAGE:

• Keep freezers and refrigerators closed.

• Only use generators outdoors and away from windows.

• Do not use a gas stove to heat your home.

• Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges.

• Have alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or using power-dependent medical devices.

• If safe, go to an alternate location for heat or cooling.

• Check on neighbors.

HOW TO STAY SAFE WHEN A POWER OUTAGE THREATENS: 

Prepare NOW

• Take an inventory of the items you need that rely on electricity.
• Talk to your medical provider about a power outage plan for medical devices powered by electricity and refrigerated medicines. Find out how long medication can be stored at higher temperatures and get specific guidance for any medications that are critical for life.
• Plan for batteries and other alternatives to meet your needs when the power goes out.
• Sign up for local alerts and warning systems. Monitor weather reports.
• Install carbon monoxide detectors with battery backup in central locations on every level of your home.
• Determine whether your home phone will work in a power outage and how long battery backup will last.
• Review the supplies that are available in case of a power outage. Have flashlights with extra batteries for every household member. Have enough nonperishable food and water.
• Use a thermometer in the refrigerator and freezer so that you can know the temperature when the power is restored. Throw out food if the temperature is 40 degrees or higher.
• Keep mobile phones and other electric equipment charged and gas tanks full.

Hurricane Michael

11/28/2018 (Permalink)

Hurricane Michael strenghtened to a CAT 4 strength with sustained winds at 155mph. As Michael made landfall it caused significant flooding and wind destruction in the Northern Gulf areas of the Florida Panhandle. High flood risks flash flooding and widespread wind damage is expected from Florida, across Georgia, North and South Carolina.

Our SERVPRO of St. Louis Central team had been deployed to help with the commercial restoration needs of the area. What we saw as a team down in Florida was devastating, and so unreal. We helped out as many companies, schools and others as much as we could.

Here pictured is some of the condos, and houses that we helped clean up. As you can see the roofs are damaged, siding, stair cases ruined and much more.

Prayers out to the people affected by Hurricane Michael.

What to do before help arrives

11/21/2018 (Permalink)

In the event of a storm water damage, SERVPRO of St. Louis Central wants our customers to stay safe.   Here are some important emergency water damage tips that SERVPRO encourages our customers to review:

Shut off your water source or contact a qualified person to do it for you.

Turn off circuit breakers when access to the power distribution panel is safe from electrical shock.

Mop up as much of the excess area as you can.

Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.

Move paintings, art objects, computers, documents, and other sensitive valuables to a dry place.

Don't enter affected areas if electrical outlets, switches, circuit breakers or electrical equipment are exposed to water.  You want to 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 ceiling is wet; and do not enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.

Have An Emergency? Call SERVPRO of St.Louis Central! 

 (314) 260-7177

Beware of Frozen Pipes

11/12/2018 (Permalink)

Winter is on its way, especially here in the Midwest we never know what to expect when it comes to stepping outside. Winter in the Midwest can be sunny, rainy and breezy, but in most cases is freezing cold weather with a lot of snow. During this time of the year frozen pipes become the biggest repair.

It is never a good sign to have a frozen pipe, because they block water flow to outlets. The bigger problem is that when the water freezes in these pipes, it expands which means a lot of pressure is applied and the interior part of the pipe. In most situations with all the pressure being applied to the pipe, it can cause it to burst directing freezing water and ice into other building structures like drywall.

Always be cautious about your outside appliances and make sure the water is shut off outside and double check any pipes that are easy accessible.

Stay warm this winter season, you never know when you’ll need SERVPRO St. Louis Central to come help you fix your pipes throughout this wintery season.

Call Us Today – (314) 260-7177