Storm Damage Brings Odor Challenges

9/7/2023 (Permalink)

As the monsoons are wrapping up, many office buildings experience flooding or water leaks from heavy storms. When water damage happens, there are steps to take to address not only the damage but also the odors that may arise because of water damage. Professional restoration experts can eliminate such odors from your property after an occurrence of commercial water damage in Phoenix. Here at SERVPRO® of Phoenix, we use a multi-approach method to fight odors after any kind of water damage. A variety of deodorants and odor-fighting techniques can eliminate the odors in no time. Here are a few methods that work the best.

Several methods for odor removal

Odors often come from various sources after a water damage incident. It can be challenging to find all the sources and determine a specific method to combat the individual, which is why businesses often struggle with odor well after they have cleaned their property. Whether the odor is from stagnant water or mold growth, SERVPRO knows it is best to use multiple methods that use various deodorants to get a better result. Our IICRC-certified SERVPRO® technicians use a combination of several types of deodorants that can combat the most common smells after a commercial water damage event.

Deodorizing to combat odors

A single type of deodorizing agent is not always sufficient to address odors from various sources. Different odors need different deodorants. Masking agents in time-release beads are also used to cover up unpleasant odors with a pleasant-smelling scent. Professionals use these agents to combat odors as well. There are some odors that only appear to remain after cleaning as occupants have become accustomed to the unpleasant smell; masking agents help address that issue. Pairing agents combine with the odor-causing particles in the air and neutralize them. Once these agents combine with the particles in the air, they cause them to fall to the ground, which can then be cleaned. These agents are often used in ultra-low volume foggers and wet foggers. Electrically generated deodorizing agents such as ozone gas are used after a move-out where odors linger. The Ozone is a reactive molecule that can combine with the odor-causing particle and neutralize it. The technicians use this method if the odors have penetrated deeply in the surfaces.

Let the odor removal expert  help

A combination of all these techniques and agents is essential to eliminate the odors from your commercial property after water damage. If you struggle with odors after experiencing water damage or flooding in your office building, call SERVPRO® of Phoenix today at (480) 503-2090 to discuss your restoration needs with one of our professionals.

Future Rainstorms May Uncover Summer Monsoon Storm Damage

9/6/2022 (Permalink)

Most Phoenix homeowners breathe a sigh of relief once the monsoon season has passed, assuming they have avoided storm-related damage. Most homes that suffer storm damage do so during the monsoon season when heavy rains and winds harshly impact buildings. The problem is that Phoenix does get storms in the winter months as well, so it’s important to know what to do after storm damage occurs. Regardless of the type of damage you incur, getting the repairs addressed is stressful and time-consuming. Preparation goes a long way to help with recovery, so keep these ideas in mind well before the next storm hits.

Check out your home, inside and out

It’s a good idea to take inventory of your home in and out after monsoons have passed each year, and snapping a few photos can go a long way. Having photographs of the “before” will help you recover during the “after.” When you experience storm damage, taking inventory of the damage needing repairs is your first step. Most insurance companies cover damages from the storm over the entire property, not just the structure on the property, so it’s better to document all damages just in case yours does. Document any damages from the storm to the outside of the house, like the walls, windows, doors, gutters, roof, and any major structural elements of the building. Look around the entire property, including the front and back yards, the side yard, storage areas, the garage, and any equipment kept outside. Note and take pictures of any damages you find. Also, examine any damages to any power or gas lines and anything else that serves power and water to the home, doing so safely.

Call your insurance agent quickly

Don’t jump in and try to address the damage on your own; patience is the key here. Call your insurance agent. The insurance company will likely open a claim for you, but it’s imperative to understand how your insurance company, in particular, works, so you know the process. Regardless of their process, you can save yourself some problems by educating yourself on the terms of the insurance policy regarding storm damage repairs, what is the deductible on the storm damage repair and the caps, and whether the insurance company has authorized vendors that you must contact or are you able to contact your own storm damage repair company. Knowing these, especially the ability to use a damage restoration company, is going to be very significant for the recovery process.

Work with a damage remediation company

Sometimes that monsoon damage storm doesn’t present itself until the next rainstorm hits in the winter. If that happens, and if your insurance company allows you to reach out to your own storm damage repair company, call the one you trust; SERVPRO of Phoenix, who has extensive experience repairing storm damage done to both the interior and exterior of properties. We are licensed, bonded, and certified, and our techs are well-trained in all kinds of disasters. Storm damage isn’t always unavoidable. If you experience after a storm, give us a call, and we’ll be happy to help you out. We’re available 24/7 and will help you recover, so give us a call at 480-503-2090 to get the help you need.

Prepare Your Home Now for Upcoming Storms

7/14/2022 (Permalink)

It’s no secret that with the monsoon season comes damage to some Phoenix homes. High winds tear off shingles, lightning can strike nearby trees, and dust can leave a coating of dirt everywhere. One of the more common damage challenges is water-related, as monsoons can dump a significant amount of water if very little time. While you can’t stop the rain, you can prepare your home to avoid or minimize damage.

Of the many issues that can cause flooding in your home or attic, an often-overlooked item is a clogged gutter system. This critical network of water diversion works to send runoff from your roof to areas away from your house's vulnerable foundation but can often get filled with leaves and other debris. When this system fails or does not work as it should, the results could be serious. Learn how to keep your gutters clean and what to do if you experience flooding.

Keep gutters clean

Of the many issues that can cause flooding in your home or attic, an often-overlooked item is a clogged gutter system. This critical network of water diversion works to send runoff from your roof to areas away from your house's vulnerable foundation but can often get filled with leaves and other debris. When this system fails or does not work as it should, the results could be serious.

The gutters surrounding the eaves of your home exist to help prevent flood damage from occurring. Unfortunately, many homeowners do not even know they have a water channeling problem in their gutters until it is full and causing a water backflow or overflow situation to arise. Gutters need to be cleaned at least twice a year – in the spring and in the fall when you’re most likely to experience leaves or needs dropping and clogging up drains. If you have pine trees near your home, needles need to be removed every three months to reduce the potential for clogging the gutters and downspouts. There are actually a few simple steps to prevent this from happening, so you don’t experience a flood in your home. Simply getting up on the roof near your gutters and manually cleaning out the blockage is a good start. Many homeowners use a power spray or hose with a narrow nozzle to get the blockage you’re unable to get by hand. There are also services that will come out and keep your gutters clean if you prefer not to do it or shouldn’t for safety reasons.

Keep your roof in good condition

The Arizona sun is tough on your roof. The intense, prolonged heat can dry things out, and monsoon winds can loosen tiles as well. It’s important to keep an eye on your roof and focus on any areas of weakness where water may come through. Whether you go up on the roof yourself to inspect or hire a professional to do it, it’s a smart idea to give your roof the once-over at least once a year to prevent water damage from a leaky roof. Depending on what your roof is made of a simple repair could do the trick, or you may need more substantial work. It’s always a good idea to get a professional opinion to ensure your roof is OK. Even the smallest water seepage can cause damage, including mold.

Keep good drainage surrounding your home

Some monsoon seasons are more damaging than others. Before you experience a heavy rainstorm, walk around your home to make sure you have good drainage all around your home. If you find water puddling next to your foundation or see the water moving toward your home instead of away, it’s important to fix this so that water doesn’t seep in and cause damage to your home. Water should drain away from your home, not towards it! Not addressing this problem can cause issues eventually, so if you spot it, handle it early, well before the storms arrive.

What do if you experience water damage

When you find monsoon stormwater making its way into your house, it’s time to call in professionals who can handle this situation as effectively as possible. From the moment that our SERVPRO team arrives at your home, we work to assess what needs to happen to prevent water from continuing to enter your home and allow for extraction and drying to occur successfully. Depending on the severity of the flooding inside of your home, our SERVPRO technicians might need to use portable pumps to remove the water. Larger quantities of water may require the use of a pump truck. Once the water is removed, we’ll dry the premises and work with any water-damaged items to restore or remove the materials. If clogged gutters, a leaky roof, or poor drainage cause flooding to your home, reach out to our experienced SERVPRO of Phoenix team of restoration specialists. We can help you remove the water and restore your home to pre-storm condition. Give us a call anytime, 24/7, at (480) 503-2090.

Many Homes in Phoenix Are at Flood Risk During Monsoon Season

7/1/2022 (Permalink)

People either love or hate monsoon season, but everyone agrees that the amount of rain that can appear in a short amount of time is nothing short of stunning. People love monsoons because with storms comes somewhat of a break in the high temperatures, while others hate them because of the damage monsoons can do. Your Phoenix home is more at risk to flood during monsoon season, so be sure to be prepared. SERVPRO of Phoenix can help if you do experience flood damage!

Monsoon season in Arizona

The summertime often provides the worst weather that Arizona has to offer, and many homes and businesses suffer the consequences of these hazardous conditions. The monsoon season typically occurs from June through September. The monsoon season brings about thunderstorms, heavy rains, dust storms, and even flash floods, all of which can be very damaging to properties. While many homeowners may take precautions to protect their property from these dangerous situations, others get caught by surprise when their property becomes flooded even after what might appear to be a small storm. Even with the best planning in place, it is crucial to have a plan in place to recover your house and keep your family safe.

Develop a plan to be prepared for monsoons

As with any kind of disaster, you should always have a plan when emergencies occur. Even if you do not prepare for the possibility of flooding, a conversation about what you expect your family to do and where you intend to meet up can work to protect them in this crisis. Decide on a mutual meeting place, determine who is responsible for what action items should an event occur, etc. The City of Phoenix offers several resources for being prepared in an emergency. A disaster can be a fire, flood, gas leak, or any number of emergencies. Regardless, develop a plan, and that includes one for monsoon season!

Know when it’s time to call in the professionals

It’s not uncommon for homes to suffer flooding after a monsoon. It may be a roof that finally gives in to years of damage, causing flooding in the home. It may be a seepage of waters surrounding a home that lacks proper drainage. It may even be a damaged wall or roof after gusty winds knock down a large tree onto your home. Our SERVPRO professionals respond quickly and remain prepared throughout the monsoon season to mobilize and help any residents affected by extreme weather conditions. Floods and storms do not wait for normal business hours, and neither do we. You can depend on an immediate response from our highly trained technicians, who are available 24 hours, seven days a week. We have premier equipment and products that can help us to overcome standing water. Our highly trained water damage specialists can also help address any flood-related issues you may have.

Keep your distance from damage 

It can be tempting to rush back into a flood damaged house to begin collecting the belongings you left behind. With the likelihood of damaged utilities, this could be dangerous to do so. Only re-enter a home when certified professionals like our SERVPRO team or any first responders deem it safe to do so. Besides damaged utilities, flood waters can bring unknown materials into your home, or weaken structures enough for a home to be unsafe. Keep your distance from the damage and let the professionals handle the situation to stay safe.

If you experience a flood, call SERVPRO

If you experience flooding in your home during monsoon season, contact SERVPRO of Phoenix immediately at 480-503-2090. We are here to help 24/7!

Understanding Flood Water Contamination After Damage

6/27/2022 (Permalink)

In the past few years, Arizona has seen extreme weather drop remarkable amounts of water in a short period of time. Such storms can overwhelm sewer and drain systems and overflow reservoirs created to hold rainwater. Besides the damage caused by substantial flooding, there is the challenge of contaminated water. Working with a water remediation specialist like SERVPRO can help alleviate any concerns regarding water issues.

Flood damage in Phoenix

Flood damage in Phoenix from storms brings the potential threat of contaminated water to homes and businesses. Soil is the most common contaminant, but other sources include something as simple as the water a flood pushes back through a washing machine, dishwasher, or garbage disposal. Of course, an overwhelmed sewage system can lead to more substantial water removal challenges, and may even require biohazard remediation. The additional risk to a home increases the cost of cleanup and makes the remediation and restoration services SERVPRO provides more critical than if the water was clean. Our professionals will come out and assess the water threat so they know how best to approach the remediation process.

Steps for dealing with questionable water

The first step our water remediation specialists take is to lift any off the floor to get it out of the water. When contaminated water is in the carpets, sofas and other furniture have to be placed on blocks or taken out of the home. It helps water to drain from the property items, increase airflow around the items and also prevents furniture from leaving stains on floors and carpets from wood stain or fabric dye. We start to clean Items with surface contamination immediately, and then we inspect all property again to determine the right method. We prefer to use brushes to remove as much of the contaminants as possible if it does not spread it or damage the surface. It is effective on hard surfaces but less effective on upholstered furniture or delicate fabrics like heavy drapes or curtains. To remove stains, SERVPRO technicians have a very broad inventory of commercial-grade detergents and anti-microbial agents that can clean heavy soils and neutralize the health threat of any contaminants. If the amount of soil is too thick or the item has been under water for an extended amount of time, we use an immersion tank that generates sonic waves to force cleaning agents through the property item.

Remediating the effects of a flood

Remediating the effects of a flood is challenging, but SERVPRO of Phoenix has the equipment, training, and experience to help you through the procedures, even if the water is contaminated. If you need our help or simply have a question, call us at (480) 503-2090.

The Time to Prepare Your Home for Monsoon Season is Now

3/2/2022 (Permalink)

Upcoming monsoon storms can leave behind plenty of storm damage so preparing your home or commercial property beforehand makes perfect sense; the sooner the better. Microbursts can uproot trees of any size, and outdoor furniture and play equipment can get blown up against the house, into the pool, or into a window. Monsoon season in Arizona is only a few short months away, so review your home and property now to protect your home. Below are things you can do to protect your property from storm damage.

Secure Trees to Prevent Storm Damages

One of the most common hazards that occurs during a monsoon storm is the uprooting of trees. We’ve all seen our neighborhood after a big storm with huge trees toppled over, often into brick walls or the side of houses. Even larger branches that snap off can do considerable damage. Not only can this cause more damages to your property, but it can also cause some serious danger if nearby power lines are affected. Be sure that all your smaller or newly planted trees are double staked, and your more mature trees trimmed to eliminate broken branches or possibly toppled trees.

Check Window and Door Seals

Now is a good time to go through your home and inspect all the windows and doors for any spaces or gaps where water and dirt can seep through. If you see any space within the frames where the seal is, it’s time to replace that weather stripping. Even the smallest amount of water can come in and cause mold growth which can spread around and will require professional mold remediation and removal. Replacing the weatherstripping will also prevent warping from water as well as dust from getting inside and settling in the house.

Inspect Your Roof for Issues

Get up on your roof (or have a roofing professional do it for you) and look for any loose shingles or tiles. This should be done regularly throughout the monsoon season even if you get the all-clear prior to the storms arriving. Strong storm winds often displace shingles and tiles which leave the property vulnerable to the storm elements that could cause even more damages, such as water seeping through into your home.

Check Around Your House for Issues

Sometimes the worst damage homes experience is from pooling water after an excessive storm. If large amounts of water tend to drain towards your home instead of away from it, or pools near your house’s foundation, it’s time to rectify that before storms hit to keep water away from your home. Also look around for larger items that can be upended during strong monsoon winds, which can be extremely powerful and capable of picking up objects from the ground and slamming them against your home. Make note of what needs to be secured or put away prior to storms rolling in.

SERVPRO Can Help with Storm Damage

If you end up experiencing storm damage despite your best efforts, SERVPRO of Phoenix is here to help. Our technicians are highly skilled, well-trained and are here to help if you experience any local storm damages during this upcoming monsoon season. We’re available 24/7/365 for any disaster. Contact us at 480-503-2090.

Winter Storms Cause Additional Damage After Impact of Monsoons

12/1/2021 (Permalink)

In general, most homes that suffer storm damage do so during the monsoon season when heavy rains and winds harshly impact buildings. However, Phoenix does get storms in the winter months as well, so it’s important to know what to do after storm damage occurs. Regardless of the type of damage you incur, getting the repairs addressed is stressful and time-consuming. Preparation goes a long way to help with recovery, so keep these ideas in mind well before the next storm hits.

Take inventory of your home, in and out

It’s not a bad idea in general to take inventory of your home in and out. Whether you experience harsh storm damage or even fire damage, having photographs of the “before” will help you recover during the “after.” When you experience storm damage, taking inventory of the damage needing repairs is your first step. Most insurance companies cover damages from the storm over the entire property, not just the structure on the property, so it’s better to document all damages just in case yours does. Document any damages from the storm to the outside of the entire house like the walls, windows, doors, gutters, roof, any major structural elements of the building. Look around the entire property including the front and back yards, the side yard, storage areas, garage, and any equipment kept outside. Note and take pictures of any damages you find. Be sure to examine any damages to any power or gas lines and anything else that serves power and water to the building.

Call your insurance agent

It’s tempting to jump in and try to address the damage as much as possible on your own, but patience is the key here. Once you’ve documented what needs to be repaired from the storm damage, the next step is to call your insurance agent. The insurance company will likely open a claim, but it’s important to understand how your insurance company in particular works so you know the process. Regardless of their process, you can save yourself some headaches by educating yourself on the terms of the insurance policy regarding storm damage repairs, what is the deductible on the storm damage repair and the caps, and whether the insurance company has authorized vendors that you must contact or are you able to contact your own storm damage repair company. Knowing these, especially the ability to use a damage restoration company, is going to be very important for the recovery process.

Working with a remediation company like SERVPRO

If your insurance company allows you to reach out to your own storm damage repair company, call the one you trust; a leader in the industry like SERVPRO of Phoenix who has extensive experience repairing storm damage done to both the interior and exterior of properties. We are licensed, bonded, and certified and our techs are well trained in all kinds of disasters. Storm damage isn’t always unavoidable. If you experience after a storm, give us a call and we’ll be happy to help you out. We’re available 24/7 and will help you recover so give us a call at 480-503-2090 to get the help you need.

Residual Damage from Storms Can Cause Issues if Not Detected

9/8/2021 (Permalink)

Phoenix experienced a fairly substantial monsoon season this year, with a torrential amount of rain dropped in a short period of time. Most homeowners will do a cursory review of their property following such big storms; if no damage is found, the storm is soon forgotten. Unfortunately, not all damage shows up right away, and going undetected can cause serious issues.

The damage we see after a storm
 

Storm-related flood damage in Phoenix happens to homes every year. Once the downpour is over, the effects can be mild, like soggy area rugs, to minor issues such as leaky windowsills, to devastating such as a loss of walls and floors. Since these are easily spotted, it makes sense to call remediation specialists like SERVPRO who are ready with a highly trained team of technicians and years of experience to restore each home to its original condition.

The damage you may overlook after a storm
 

Since the rain strikes so quickly, it’s difficult for the ground around our homes to absorb all of the moisture. Pair with that the heavy rains and high winds that can cause damage to our roofs, and you can see why monsoons can cause so much damage. Unfortunately, sometimes that damage is difficult to see. Perhaps just enough water seeped into your roof through a small crack to slowly accumulate in your attic. It may not be enough to see if it doesn’t seep through to your ceiling with those telltale brown spots. Nonetheless, if left untreated, those small leaks can cause big problems. Not only does the water cause additional weakness in walls and ceilings, but long-standing water can cause mold growth. You may also experience water seepage behind walls that go undetected until mold growth appears.

How to detect unseen issues

Telltale signs of water damage in attics and ceilings might be the brown water spots that appear on ceilings or walls. You might also see bubbling of paint or bulging of drywall. Another sign of unseen damage is odor. Mold growth over time can cause a musty odor even before you see any kind of mold growth. All of these indicate a problem that needs to be addressed immediately; ideally provided by a storm remediation specialist.

Get help immediately to address issues

By the time you spot damage that has been lingering, chances are the situation has been there for a bit. That is why it is so important to call us immediately at the first sign of a problem. Not only can we address the damage or mold growth, but we’ll also identify the areas of weakness can address those as well to prevent future damage.

 
At SERVPRO of Phoenix, we do everything we can to return your home to its original condition and to help you prevent as much of the damage as possible in the first place. If you want to reduce storm damage in your home in the future, call us today at (480) 503-2090 to schedule an inspection.

Drying Out Your Home Quickly is Crucial to Minimizing Damage After a Storm

7/14/2021 (Permalink)

Monsoons can drop a significant amount of water during a short period of time, which cause flooding in your home. Whenever a flood occurs, no matter how minor it may seem, it’s important to dry any property that sustains water damage as quickly and efficiently as possible. Drying out your home quickly is crucial to minimizing damage after a flood.

Excessive water promotes mold growth

Even if a small amount of water enters your home after a flood, simply grabbing a mop and some paper towels may not be your best option for several reasons. First, while you may get up the excessive water, you’ll be unable to thoroughly dry out materials like carpeting and drywall. Furthermore, there may be water you don’t see behind walls or on windowsills. It’s important to get everything dried thoroughly and quickly. SERVPRO professionals can assist with faster drying.

Why time matters when water is present

Faster drying means less time for existing mold spores to cause mold growth, which may weaken structural materials like wood framing and drywall to the extent that they have to be replaced. SERVPRO water remediation specialists are aware of this and are trained to address the situation. Using advanced dehumidification systems, SERVPRO can reverse any flood damage on your Phoenix property and thereby prevent mold growth. We have access to powerful water extraction equipment that is far more efficient at reversing flood damage than traditional vacuum units. These tools allow us to extract moisture from floors, pads, and carpets effectively, leaving the underlying surface as dry as before. SERVPRO’s water damage restoration experts use special procedures to help minimize the repair costs while accelerating the drying process. Rapid water removal after flood damage also helps prevent irreversible swelling in porous materials like wood and paper, rusting on metals, shrinkage in drapes and upholstery, and moisture damage to electronic equipment.

Use the experts at SERVPRO for storm damage

Each second counts when a flood comes knocking. Our technicians have IICRC certification so you can be sure of a thorough restoration process. SERVPRO is locally based so we can respond quickly to your emergency and begin work right away. We’re available 24/7 for any flood or storm damage situation you may experience. With many years of experience, SERVPRO of Phoenix is dedicated to ensuring that flood damage is addressed quickly, professionally, and thoroughly. For any restoration needs, call us at (480) 503-2090.  

How SERVPRO Addresses Flooded Homes After Monsoon Storms

7/2/2021 (Permalink)

Monsoons can come on fast and furious, dispersing a significant amount of water in a very short amount of time. This can result in homes being flooded unexpectedly. While the amount of flooding might change from one home to another, one of the defining traits of most flood damage is a need for water removal. Choosing the right tool for this task is one of the many obstacles that our SERVPRO of Phoenix team faces as we respond to the emergency.

Doing the job right with the right tools

Our decision on which tool might be best for a certain water removal task depends on several factors, including:

• Depth of the stormwater in the flooded areas
• Present hazards that might exist in or outside the home
• Debris in the standing stormwater
• The volume of water throughout the house

Knowing the best machine for addressing flood damage in homes can save customers time and money on the restoration work done to their property needs. Often water removal comes down to one of three primary extractors in our inventory or fleet.

Gas-Powered/Engine-Driven Pumps 

Many of the fuel-driven pumps in our inventory have larger intake and discharge hoses, making them better suited to flood water removal where debris and solids might exist. With natural flooding, such as that caused by monsoons, sediment and solids can get carried in with the water, so you need a solution that can address water removal as well as what’s in it for the best results.

Submersible Pumps

Electric submersible pumps are among the most versatile water removal tools in SERVPRO’s arsenal because they have long discharge lines. These powerful units don’ draw excessive electricity, making them ideal for recovery efforts where the power has gotten severed or is significantly limited.

Wet Vacuums and Wands 

When water depth gets below two inches in the affected area, submersible pumps are no longer effective. Wet vacuums are the staple of low depth water removal, as our vacuums can have numerous attachments that can help remove water from flooring and carpeting as well.

Call SERVPRO if you experience monsoon flood damage

Because monsoon floods can present several scenarios when it comes to water damage and flooding, having options for water removal is critical to the success in water remediation efforts. We strive to provide a fast response to these emergencies, ensuring that conditions do not worsen dramatically before we can get pooling water under control with extraction equipment and techniques. No matter how severe water losses might be after a flood, you can count on our SERVPRO of Phoenix for effective water removal solutions. Give us a call today at 480-503-2090.

Suffered Monsoon Storm Damage? Take These Steps To Recover Quickly

6/28/2021 (Permalink)

When monsoons arrive again this year, they’ll once again leave behind some severe storm damages to homes and commercial properties. Though you may already have flood or storm insurance, understanding the amount of damage to your home or commercial property will benefit you if you experience storm damage. It’s no surprise that insurance adjusters are busy during monsoon season, so being prepared prior to their arrival will save both of you time and headaches.

Call the pros when damage happens

If your first call is to your insurance company after damage happens, your second call should be to your local storm damage restoration company, like SERVPRO of Phoenix. Storm damage companies understand the process well and will help guide you through the process, letting you know what to expect. Contacting your damage restoration company will benefit you in the following ways:

1. You’ll receive an initial assessment of storm damages
2. There will be less time between initial damage and water extraction, preventing further damages
3. You’ll have an itemized list of everything damaged by the monsoon, which you will need for the insurance claim
4. You’ll have photos of any of noted damages, which will help improve your ability to get the claim accepted

Being prepared helps the process

Any monsoon season leaves adjusters overwhelmed which may impact their ability to get to you quickly. By preparing prior to their arrival with the storm damage documentation, along with having contacted the storm damage cleanup company, your adjuster will have an easier time getting things done and the process started quickly.

Another tip for any damage you experience is to take video of the property affected by the storm and collect any receipts for damaged items, if you have them available. Video is especially important if it has been a few days between when the storm hit and the restoration process because by then, mold may have started growing. Now you’ll need to have mold remediation and removal.

Call SERVPRO for storm restoration

SERVPRO of Phoenix is the leader in the storm damage restoration industry that you can trust. We take the services we provide very seriously and our customers are important always important to us. Up-to-date with the training and certificates, our techs are not only skilled and experienced, but they have a lot of compassion. Available for storm damage emergencies 24/7, SERVPRO of Phoenix responds quickly! Call 480-503-2090 if you experience any flood or storm damages this monsoon season.

Be Prepared for the Monsoons in Arizona

3/8/2021 (Permalink)

Monsoon season in Arizona is still a few months away, but it’s never too early to be prepared! Understanding monsoons, the damage they cause, and how to protect your home or business can help reduce the storm damage.

What are monsoons?

Arizona's monsoon season begins in June and typically continues through September. With it comes higher humidity, which can lead to thunderstorms, heavy rain, lightning, hail, high winds, flash flooding, dust storms and extreme heat. They typically come out of nowhere, virtually unpredictable, a rush of air known as a micro-burst. They’re quick and powerful, sweeping through the Phoenix desert in a whirlwind. Dust can be a real nuisance when it rolls in like a huge wall, known as a haboob, covering everything in a fine layer of hard to remove dirt. Though impressive to see, monsoons are damaging!

Why are monsoons considered damaging?

While initial dangers are obvious like poor visibility and dangerous driving conditions, your commercial or residential properties are also at risk from storm damages and even fire damages. Damage can include roof tiles being torn off, debris falling on your home, flooding in your home, or even lighting strikes that result in fire. It’s important to plan for these storms and follow a few safety procedures to keep your home as protected as possible. Close all doors, windows, and air vents. Be sure to secure anything outside that could potentially become a flying object within the strong winds. Also, it’s better to play it safe and don’t drive anywhere until the storm subsides.

What happens if your home experiences storm damage?

At SERVPRO of Phoenix, customer satisfaction is our top goal. We know that despite best efforts, storm damage can still happen. When it does, we dedicate ourselves to providing our storm mitigation, remediation, abatement, cleanup, and reconstruction services with genuine care. Our skilled and professional techs are trained and certified in property damage restorations for both residential and commercial properties. When the monsoon starts acting out, and should you have the unfortunate task of dealing with storm damages, call SERVPRO of Phoenix (480) 503-2090. We are available 24/7 for immediate response to your storm damage emergency.

Basic Home Maintenance Can Prevent Your Home from Flooding

12/2/2020 (Permalink)

Of the many issues that can cause flooding in your home or attic, an often-overlooked item is a clogged gutter system. This critical network of water diversion works to send runoff from your roof to areas away from your house's vulnerable foundation but can often get filled with leaves and other debris. When this system fails or does not work as it should, the results could be serious. Learn how to keep your gutters clean and what to do if you experience flooding.

Keeping gutters clean

The gutters surrounding the eaves of your home exist to help prevent instances of flood damage from occurring. Unfortunately, many homeowners do not even know about a problem with this network of channeling until it is full and causing a water backflow or overflow situation to arise. Gutters need to be cleaned at least twice a year – in the spring and in the fall when you’re most likely to experience leaves or needs dropping and clogging up drains. If you have pine trees near your home, needles will need to be removed every three months to reduce the potential for clogging the gutters and downspouts. There are actually a few simple steps to prevent this from happening so you don’t experience a flood in your home. Simply getting up on the roof near your gutters and manually cleaning out the blockage is a good start. Many homeowners will you a power spray or hose with a narrow nozzle to get the blockage you’re unable to get by hand. There are also services that will come out and keep your gutters clean if you prefer not to do it.

Keeping your roof in good condition

The Arizona sun can really do a number on your roof. It’s important to keep an eye on it and address any areas of weakness where water may come through. Whether you go up on the roof yourself to inspect or hire a professional to do it, it’s a smart idea to give your roof the once-over at least once a year to prevent water damage from a leaky roof. Depending on what your roof is made of a simple repair could do the trick, or you may need more substantial work.

Keeping good drainage around your home

Some monsoon seasons are more damaging than others. Before you experience a heavy rainstorm, walk around your home to make sure you have good drainage all around your home. If you find water puddling next to your foundation, or see water moving toward your home instead of away, it’s important to fix this so that water doesn’t seep in and cause damage to your home.

What do if you experience water damage

When you find this water making its way into your house, it is time to call in professionals who can handle this situation as efficiently as possible. From the moment that our SERVPRO team arrives at your home, we work to assess what needs to happen to prevent water from continuing to enter your home and allow for extraction and drying to occur successfully. Depending on the severity of the flooding inside of your house, our SERVPRO professionals might only need to use portable pumps to remove the water. Larger quantities of water may require the use of a pump truck. Once the water is removed, we’ll dry the premises and work with any water-damaged items to restore or remove the materials.

A clogged or damaged gutter system cannot divert the water away from your home, and it eventually allows it to pool by the foundation and force its way inside. If clogged gutters, a leaky roof or poor drainage cause flooding to your home, reach out to our experienced SERVPRO of Phoenix team of restoration specialists. We can help you remove the water and bring your home back to the way that it should be. Give us a call anytime, 24/7, at (480) 503-2090.

Monsoon Storm Damage Can Take Homeowners by Surprise

9/17/2020 (Permalink)

We’ve had a mild monsoon season, but we aren’t out of the woods just yet. When you think of all of the disasters that could impact your Phoenix home, many homeowners might not consider flooding, but a significant storm can cause damage, especially during monsoon season. Having the right plan in place could be the difference between irreparable damage and a much faster restoration process.

What to do if you experience a flood in your home
 

When a storm causes flood damages to your home, you want to ensure that you have the effects of storm damage remedied as quickly as possible. With the damaging effects that standing water can have on your home, fast reaction time at the first sign of a flood could save you money and heartache. Our SERVPRO professionals are available 24/7 for any water emergency that you might have. It’s imperative to call in the professionals as soon as storm damage occurs.

What happens once SERVPRO arrives
 

Once our water remediation professionals arrive at your home, our priority is first to determine the vulnerable point in your home that allowed for water penetration to occur and repair this damage to prevent further exposure to these external elements. This may include a leaky roof, old window casings, high water flooding through the door, or other issues caused by the storm. Once this process gets completed, we assess the full scope of the damage and formulate a plan to start restoring your home as thoroughly and efficiently as possible.

Getting the water out of your home
 

This process almost always requires water extraction. If there is a significant amount of water present, a truck-mounted pump from our SERVPRO fleet might get dispatched to the site to expedite the process. Drying follows this process, and once this has gotten accomplished, our team can identify any structural weaknesses or further damage that requires additional attention. The key is getting the water out quickly to keep damage to a minimum in the first place.

SERVPRO of Phoenix can help with storm damage
 

Storm damage to your home might not be the first thing that you think of in Arizona, but it happens more often than you might think with our strong monsoons. If your home experiences storm damage, you can trust in the experience and professionalism of SERVPRO of Phoenix to help you clean up the mess and work to get your home back to the way it used to be. Give us a call anytime at (480) 503-2090. We’re here to help!

Flooding from Storms Can Create Cleaning Challenges

7/16/2020 (Permalink)

Many storm-related floods carry large amounts of dirt, mud, and debris wherever they go, creating a mess should they reach your home. The damage a monsoon can do is quite stunning until it happens to your home. Mud is often one of the most visible signs of flood damage from monsoons: mud can coat floors, walls, furniture, and anything else in its path. Dirt may work its way into nooks and crannies in the home and certain materials, creating pockets of muck and grime that require deep and intensive cleaning to eliminate. Homes that are in areas that may see severe flooding are at risk of this kind of damage SERVPRO of Phoenix has all the tools and training needed to work through mud and all of its problems, providing local flood damage victims with accessible and affordable relief when they need it most.

Flood damage mitigation
 

Mud and dirt typically rank among our top priorities for removal whenever we respond to a Phoenix flood damage call. Response time is critical to keep damage at bay and remove it effectively. Given time, mud can harden and form dry shells that are difficult to break off and can leave behind significant additional damage. If you call us as soon as possible, we stand a better chance of arriving before the mud dries and hardens, becoming almost cement-like. If the sludge is wet enough, we may be able to remove most of it with much faster washing and scrubbing processes. Rapid moving water from flash flooding caused by severe storms like monsoons presents a challenge to homes and buildings to withstand and then to cope with the debris left behind.

Eliminating the signs of flood damage
 

However, to eliminate all signs of mud and dirt in the home, we usually need to use more in-depth cleaning procedures. We are stocked with an array of professional and efficient cleaning solutions, tools, and machines that bring industrial cleaning strength to homes and small businesses. Whether the dirt is stuck between floorboards, trapped in tile grout, or soaked into wallpaper, we have techniques to restore and repair many surfaces and materials without entirely replacing them. For delicate objects such as electronics and jewelry, we also have relationships with local experts to get your belongings the care they require without damaging them any further. We work towards eliminating the signs of flood damage from your home.
 
SERVPRO of Phoenix has served the local Phoenix community for years with residential flood damage and restoration solutions. Call us 24/7 at (480) 503-2090.

Preparing for Arizona Monsoon Storms

7/3/2020 (Permalink)

Monsoon season has arrived in Arizona.  Known by several different names, such as the Mexican monsoon, the Arizona monsoon or the Southwest monsoon, the season typically lasts in Arizona from June until the end of September. During the monsoon season, the Arizona desert experiences high winds, dust storms, and severe downpours that often result in flash flooding. Not only can strong storms allow structural damages and vulnerabilities to the construction of your property, but it can welcome disasters like flooding when portions of your home or business become exposed to the elements. SERVPRO of Phoenix has put together a few safety tips to weather our summer storms.

Tip for monsoon safety

1. Do not attempt to cross flooded washes or roadways.  Even if the water looks shallow, there is often a layer of mud beneath the water's surface that can disable your vehicle or cause costly damages.
2. If driving while it is raining, slow down!  The roads are very hazardous at the beginning of a downpour as oils and automotive fluids are washed off the asphalt.  This creates unusually slippery conditions and can easily cause wrecks. Driving slower can help you keep control of your vehicle.
3. Keep a safe distance from windows as high winds can blow heavy debris and shatter glass.
4. Flood water is often highly contaminated, so avoid entering floodwater if possible.

What to do if you experience monsoon storm damage

If flood water intrudes into your home or business from an Arizona monsoon, call SERVPRO of Phoenix to address storm damage issues. For emergency board up and tarping services, as well as reconstruction and repair, we have a dedicated team of contractors with experience to help. Recovering flood damage inside of your property falls to our qualified IICRC-certified disaster relief technicians to utilize equipment like our extraction machines and efficient drying units to reduce the spread and damaging effects of floodwater. Reach out to us 24/7 at 480-503-2090 or visit our website to get the help you need when storms strike.

Your Home is More at Risk to Flood During Monsoon Season

6/29/2020 (Permalink)

Monsoons in the Valley are often welcomed with a mix of relief and trepidation. Relief because with storms comes somewhat of a break in the high temperatures; trepidation because of the damage monsoons can do. Your Phoenix home is more at risk to flood during monsoon season, so be sure to be prepared. SERVPRO of Phoenix can help!

Storm season in Arizona

The summertime often provides the worst weather that Arizona has to offer, and many homes and businesses suffer the consequences of these hazardous conditions. The monsoon season typically occurs from June through September. Monsoon season brings about thunderstorms, torrential rains, dust storms, and even flash floods, which can be very damaging to properties. While many homeowners may take precautions to protect their property from these dangerous situations, others get caught by surprise when their property becomes flooded. Even with the best planning in place, it is imperative to have a plan in place to recover your house and keep your family safe.

Develop a plan to be prepared

As with any kind of disaster, natural or otherwise, you should always have the best interest of your family in mind when emergencies occur. Even if you do not prepare for the possibility of flooding, a conversation about what you expect your family to do and where you intend to meet up can work to protect them in this crisis. Decide on a mutual meeting place, determine who is responsible for what action items should an event occur, etc. The City of Phoenix offers several resources for being prepared in an emergency.

Know when its time to call in the professionals

Our SERVPRO professionals have a rapid response and remain prepared throughout monsoon season to mobilize and help any residence affected by extreme weather conditions. Floods and storms do not wait for normal business hours, and neither do we. You can depend on an immediate response from our highly trained technicians, who are available 24 hours, seven days a week. We have premier equipment and products that can help us to overcome standing water. Our highly trained water damage specialists can also help address any flood-related issues you may have.

Keep your distance from damage 

It can be tempting to rush back into a flood damage house to begin collecting the belongings you left behind. With the likelihood of damaged utilities, this could be dangerous to do so. Only re-enter a home when certified professionals like our SERVPRO team or any first responders deem it safe to do so.

If you experience flooding in your Phoenix home during monsoon season, contact SERVPRO of Phoenix immediately at 480-503-2090. We are here to help 24/7!

Recent Phoenix Rains Can Cause Unexpected Storm Damage

3/11/2020 (Permalink)

We’ve had some substantial rainfall lately in Phoenix. While this time of year may bring a sprinkle or two, this week’s rains were enough to cause unexpected storm damage to homes already soaked from last month’s record rainfall.

Roof damage

This is the time of year you start seeing homeowners replacing their roofs in preparation for the rough monsoon season only a few months away. Unfortunately, many were caught off-guard by the amount of rain that came down this week, and the result is storm damage to that partially installed roof. While you may be able to get your roofer to come out and address damage to the roof itself, you may have experienced additional storm damage from your unprotected roof.

Leaky window frames and casings

With the amount of rain, we’ve received, some window frames and casings may become compromised, allowing rain to seep into the home and interior walls. The result? Mold and mildew. Left unchecked, it can become a real issue, resulting in the need for mold remediation. Check those windowsills and casings after a solid storm to ensure you don’t have any unwelcome leaks or drips.

Flooded basements

Many homeowners experience flooded basements as a result of unusually wet storms. To safeguard yourself from that happening to your basement, once again check those windows! You may also want to look and see that exterior water from the storm isn’t puddling right up against the house which could ultimately cause mold or mildew. Last, check that sump pump and make sure it’s in good working order.

Here are a few tips to follow if you experience storm damage.

How to handle storm damage

If portions of your home experienced flooding from the recent storm, call SERVPRO of Phoenix immediately! Our storm damage cleanup and restoration services can help get your home back to the way it was before the storm. We can provide emergency board up and tarping services, as well as reconstruction and repair. Our qualified IICRC-certified disaster relief technicians can utilize equipment like our extraction machines and efficient drying units to reduce the spread and damaging effects of floodwater in your home. We’re available 24/7 to respond to your disaster so contact us at 480-503-2090 to get help for storm damage today!

Did November’s Torrential Rains Cause Storm Damage to Your Phoenix Home?

12/3/2019 (Permalink)

Unlike other parts of the country, Phoenix’s weather is fairly predictable….usually. We had a pretty tame monsoon season and yet we experienced a big rainstorm late in November that brought a lot of rain to the Valley. If your home experienced storm damage, it’s time to contact SERVPRO of East Phoenix!

Phoenix storms can be powerful and damaging

Monsoons can wreck havoc on a home of any size, but really desert storms in general can cause storm damage. The Thanksgiving weekend storm in Phoenix saw heavy rain and at least three tornadoes touched down in Phoenix. Even if your neighborhood was spared getting turned into tornado alley, rains pelted homes all across the Valley. This resulted in excess water, downed trees hitting homes and in some cases, damaged roofs; results you usually hear about during the monsoon, not in November. For many homeowners, the intensity of the storm took them by surprise.

Why it’s important to react quickly to storm damage

Water damage and flooding can cause structural damage that needs to be addressed quickly to maintain the integrity of the home. Working with a company such as SERVPRO which offers 24/7 emergency service insures that the issue will be dealt with quickly, efficiently and professionally. Even if the storm damage didn’t cause structural damage, the water damage caused by such an intense storm can cause issues including mold and possibly electrical damage (water and electricity don’t mix!). Here are a few water damage tips to follow after you experience storm damage:

• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
• Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
• Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
• Gather loose items from floors.

How SERVPRO of Phoenix can help

When you call the SERVPRO specialists, they’ll come out and inspect the damage, providing a full overview of what damage was done and how it needs to be addressed. We’ll check for contaminated water in the home to ensure the homeowner’s safety and do a complete safety inspection. Then we move to the water removal and water extraction stage. We’ll move out any belongings that need to be removed to get to all the water in the home. We’ll inspect the carpet and pad to assess how to best extract the water. We’ll follow that with our highly specialized equipment for water removal and extraction including moisture detectors, hygrometers, and other meters measure the extent of moisture saturation. We also use infrared cameras may be used to find “hidden” water behind walls and ceilings. We’ll leverage submersible and gas-powered pumps as needed for continuous pumping of high-level water and our truck-mounted and portable extraction units to perform efficient water removal.

We’re not done once the water is gone

After the water has been removed, there are still steps to be taken by our professional team. We turn our attention to drying and dehumidification to prevent more damage.  The floors and walls may appear dry, but a quick inspection will reveal they are wet to the touch. Nearly all building materials, like wood, drywall, and flooring materials, are porous and therefore retain water. This retained water can cause the materials to break down, warp, or cause mold damage.

The final step:  cleanup and repair

Once our team has the water under control and the drying process complete, we can assist with any items that need repair from water damage such as walls, flooring, etc. Our building services include:

• Drywall Removal and Installation
• Hardwood Floor Repair
• Tile Floor Repair
• Painting
• Carpet Repair and Installation

We’ll also focus on odor removal and deodorization if necessary.

If your Phoenix home suffered storm damage from the Thanksgiving weekend, contact us right away at (480) 503-2090. We’ll get the job done and get you back to like it never happened!

What to Do After Storm Damage in Phoenix

9/18/2019 (Permalink)

The monsoon season typically leaves behind lots of damages to both commercial and residential buildings and knowing what to do after storm damage occurs is not always that clear. Getting the storm damage repairs addressed is stressful and time consuming, however there are a few things you can do that can expedite the process and get the repairs completed effectively and efficiently, not to mention affordably.

3 Steps to Repairing Storm Damage

Taking inventory of the storm damage needing repairs is your first step. Something a lot of Phoenix property and homeowners don’t always remember is that most insurance companies cover damages from the storm over the entire property, not just the structure on the property. Not all insurance companies support this, but it’s better to document all damages just in case yours does.

Document any damages from the storm to the outside of the entire house like the walls, windows, doors, gutters, roof, any major structural elements of the building. Look around the entire property including the front and back yards, the side yard, storage areas, garage and any equipment kept outside. Note and take pictures of any damages you find. Be sure to examine any damages to any power or gas lines and anything else that serves power and water to the building.

Once you’ve documented what needs to be repaired from the storm damage, call your insurance agent. More than likely the insurance company will take the time to open a claim, but all insurance companies run differently with different processes and policies that need to be adhered to in order to have a successful claim. You can save yourself some hassle by asking the following questions:

1. What are all the terms of the insurance policy regarding storm damage repairs?
2. What is the deductible on the storm damage repair and the caps?
3. Does the insurance company have authorized vendors that you must contact, or are you able to contact your own storm damage repair company?

Finally, if the insurance policy allows you to reach out to your own storm damage repair company, call one you trust. A leader in the industry like SERVPRO of Phoenix who has a vast amount of experience repairing storm damage done to both the interior and exterior of properties. 

Taking Care of Your Storm Damage Repairs

We are licensed, bonded and certified and our techs are well trained and very empathetic to those experiencing all kinds of disasters. So after taking precautions to prevent future storm damage and you still fall victim, give us a call and we’ll be happy to help you out. Available 34/7 with an immediate response - 480-503-2090.

Ready for the Monsoon Storms

7/16/2019 (Permalink)

Being ready for the Monsoon storms is what SERVPRO of Phoenix is all about. We understand that when the elements hit, your business property or home will be affected. The fast moving storms leave behind damages that can leave you devastated. Our top priority is all about restoring the impact of the monsoon storms in as little time possible.

SERVPRO of Phoenix is available 24/7 as we understand that the devastation doesn’t have a schedule. When you find yourself in need, within the midst of monsoon storm damages, SERVPRO of Phoenix is ready and prepared for your emergency storm damage. 

When a monsoon storm rushes through, you may be left with broken windows, broken doors, uprooted trees, exposed exposed walls and a leaky roof. Our techs are ready to provide emergency board up services to keep out water. We offer tarps to prevent more water leaks if the storm continues.

Your business or home needs protection and we understand that. SERVPRO of Phoenix’s techs will come in and assess all storm damages and provide you with respective recommendations to get your property back to its pre loss condition. No matter what size damage, SERVPRO of Phoenix is here and ready to help. Call 480-503-2090, available 24/7!

Steps Before Storm Damage Adjuster Arrives

7/5/2019 (Permalink)

Some of the monsoon storms that hit your area in Phoenix, Az will likely leave behind some damages. Even with flood and storm insurance, eliminating the amount of storm damage to your home or commercial property will be in your best interest overall. Insurance adjusters are known for being busy during the monsoon season in Phoenix, so taking a few steps prior to their arrival will save time and a headache.

What to Do After Storm Damage

After initially speaking to your insurance company, you’ll want to call your trusted storm damage cleanup company, like SERVPRO of Phoenix. Storm damage restoration companies know the process very well and will help guide you through it efficiently. The benefits of a calling a restoration company directly after the call to your insurance company include:

1. Initial assessment of the damage from the storm
2. Less time from damage to water extraction to prevent more damage
3. An itemized list of all the damages (Needed for insurance claim)
4. Photos of any storm damages (The more evidence you provide of storm damages, the better the chance of getting your claim accepted)

Even with good storm insurance, a crazy monsoon storm can overwhelm adjusters, compromising their ability to get to you quickly. By taking the proactive steps of documenting the home or commercial property affected by storm damages and having the restoration company intervene preventing further damage will ultimately help you in the end.

Storm Damage Assistance

Storm damage companies are prepared and ready to go out to an emergency situation at any given moment, likely getting to your emergency faster than the adjuster. The adjuster will also appreciate being called after the restoration company because it makes their job easier when the storm restoration estimate is already to go.

It may even be beneficial to your claim if you take video of all of the damages in your home or property. Especially if it has been a few days, causing mold start growing and spread.

Storm Damage Restoration Company

SERVPRO of Phoenix is a trusted leader in the storm damage cleanup and restoration industry. Our customers are important to us and our certified techs feel the same. Available 24/7 for emergency storm damage emergencies, responding Faster to Any Size Disaster! Call 480-503-2090 if you find yourself in an emergency brought on by storm damages this monsoon season.

Phoenix Monsoon Potential Storm Damage

6/27/2019 (Permalink)

With some significant stormy weather headed to Phoenix within the next few months of monsoon, we expect to get a lot of calls for storm damages to residential and commercial properties.  

They typically come out of nowhere, virtually unpredictable, a rush of air known as a micro-burst. They’re quick and powerful, sweeping through the Phoenix desert in a whirlwind. Dust, in particular, can be a real nuisance when it rolls in like a huge wall, known as a haboob.

Prevent Storm Damages in Phoenix 

While initial dangers are obvious like poor visibility and dangerous driving conditions, your commercial or residential properties are also at risk from storm damages and even fire damages.

There are of course ways to prepare for monsoon’s personality quirks, which include ceasing any airflow going in or out of the property. Close all doors, windows and air vents. Be sure to secure anything outside that could potentially become a flying object within the strong winds. Also, it’s better to play it safe and don’t drive anywhere until the storm subsides.

At SERVPRO of Phoenix, customer satisfaction is our top goal. Local residents and businesses all over Phoenix continue to choose us for storm damage restorations. We dedicate ourselves to providing our mitigation, remediation, abatement, cleanup, and reconstruction services with genuine care.

Our skilled and professional techs are trained and certified in property damage restorations for both residential and commercial properties. While completing ongoing training at SERVPRO’s Corporate Training Facility, our techs stay up to date on all IICRC industry certifications.

When the monsoon starts acting out, and should you have the unfortunate task of dealing with storm damages, call SERVPRO of Phoenix (480) 503-2090. Available 24/7 for immediate response for your emergency.

When Floods Strike Your Phoenix Home, SERVPRO Strikes Back

3/11/2019 (Permalink)

Floods don't stand a chance when SERVPRO of Phoenix is involved!

Flood Removal Services in Phoenix Help Save Homes from More Extensive Damage

Sources that create flooding in Phoenix homes do not always require lakes and rivers, as clogged drains along streets can also cause minor incidents to happen in neighborhoods. Street cleaners attempt to prevent this, but large amounts of debris can cause overflowing to encroach lawns if water draining along the roadside pushes it into the drain's area.

When your home in the Phoenix area ends up with water from the street covering your floors, you need experts who know how to perform flood removal and extraction services to make your home safe and livable again. At SERVPRO, we train using a variety of materials found in homes to ensure we know how to manage any amount of flooding that might occur. Restoring our customers' properties to their preloss condition is our goal.

Extracting water faster than it can recede protects your home from the continual evaporation that standing water does inside your house. When flooding affects your home, immediate damage happens when walls become saturated. Carpets absorb not only water but also pathogens, chemicals, and organic matter. We remove these items from your home to make cleaning and drying can happen more efficiently.

However, we want to remove as little as possible, as replacement items almost always cost more than restoring those same items costs. Cleaning carpets to preloss condition and dealing with crumbling drywall are two exceptions to this. Cabinets in your kitchen and bathroom can sustain short periods in the presence of water before becoming damaged and require replacement. The same is true for hardwood flooring. We need to act quickly to save these from unnecessary damage by removing the excess water. Once we do this and start to restore dryness inside your home, we can check to see how extensive the damage became on these and other items.

Stairways made of wood can become warped when water invades, but drying the area can decrease any twisting to within acceptable limits. The same occurs with wood furniture, although any pieces made of particle board almost always become too swollen to remain safely in the home. Swollen areas can mean the glue that held the piece's boards together disintegrated. This can result in crumbling, which also leaves choking hazards that you want to avoid to protect any toddlers or curious pets.

Call us, SERVPRO of Phoenix, at (480) 503-2090 for flood removal and extraction specialists in the Lone Mountain and Paradise Valley areas. We care about the condition of your home and want to partner with you to make the restoration process as smooth and efficient as possible.

For more on Phoenix, click here. 

Floods from Monsoons and Other Causes in Phoenix Homes Get Help for Water Extraction from SERVPRO

12/4/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Provides the Skilled Technicians and Equipment to Mitigate Flood Losses in the Phoenix Area

Restoring Your Entire Phoenix Home After a Flood

Natural disasters including monsoons can befall Phoenix homes and commercial properties with little notice. Preparing for situations that result in flooding your property can help to protect it from the worst of the damages, but often does not prove effective enough to prevent it entirely. From widespread outcomes in your house to localized damages in certain rooms and areas, we have the expertise and equipment designed to restore it efficiently.

While it is clear to see the devastating effects of flood damage to your Phoenix home once you can get your first look at the situation, these visible damages are only the beginning of the impacts that your home has experienced. Finding the right professional restoration company immediately can secure services like our highly-trained SERVPRO technicians can provide in a time where many properties have been affected simultaneously.

Something that sets our franchise apart is our commitment to do our jobs in a way to exceed your expectation of the restoration industry. From the thorough nature of the extraction and drying techniques to our efficient equipment used to limit the time that restoration takes, our professionals can protect what matters most. This assurance extends to both structural elements and the precious contents of your property.

While our SERVPRO technicians have advanced tools to extract floodwaters quickly from your property like our truck-mounted pumps, it is often the damage that we cannot readily see that causes the most substantial concerns. We utilize moisture detection equipment like our thermal imagery cameras to identify moisture pockets that require attention from our professionals. When moisture gets located within wall cavities, our injectidry system can eliminate it. We remove the baseboards around the affected walls and drill holes along this newly exposed area for the hoses of this machine to get into the cavity and force hot air through the moist environment.

We have many techniques to eliminate the dampness and moisture in your home following damaging flooding scenarios. Our SERVPRO of Phoenix rapid response team can work quickly to secure your belongings and preserve structural elements of your home. Give us a call anytime at (480) 503-2090.

Local monsoon information here.

Flood Damage Experts Of Phoenix Talk About Specialty Drying Equipment

9/19/2018 (Permalink)

Anytime a storm hits Phoenix there is always a chance that moisture can enter your structure.

Specialty Drying Equipment

Anytime a storm hits Phoenix there is always a chance that moisture can enter your structure. All storms are different, and they can all cause various types of flood damage. When the rain gets heavy, flooding outside can occur which can push moisture into your home. Wind can make things like rocks and branches airborne, which can cause them to smash into your house and open up a hole for rainwater to enter. If the interior of your home ever gets affected by excessive moisture, the building materials and structural components may receive flood damage which can ruin items and force them to be replaced.

Once water enters your dwelling, if it is not mitigated quickly by a licensed company like SERVPRO, the issues can get worse and worse. Water itself can make items lose their structural integrity, sometimes to the point where reconstruction becomes a part of your flood damage project in Phoenix. If organic substances inside your home stay wet for more than a couple of days, then microbial growth can begin. Mold can cause health effects, so it is essential to get all water cleaned up and dried out within that 48-hour period.

In most cases, we start removing moisture using our advanced extraction equipment. Next, we manipulate the environment to make it more conducive for rapid drying. By setting up dehumidifiers and air movers, our SERVPRO technicians can speed up nature's evaporation and drying process immensely.

However, when some things in your house get wet, air movers and dehumidifiers may not be enough. For certain items, our SERVPRO team has various specialty drying equipment at their disposal. If we need to dry out your hardwood floor, we often set up specialized drying mats to pump air deep into the wood. If there's an excessive amount of moisture inside your wall cavities, then we can use an injection drying system that consists of several tubes that get poked into the drywall so air can move inside the wall cavity.

If Mother Nature decides to take a toll on your house during a thunderstorm, call SERVPRO of Phoenix at (480) 503-2090 24/7.

Click here for more about Phoenix.

Avoiding Scam Artists When It Comes to Flood Repairs in Your Phoenix Home

7/18/2018 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO for Storm Damage in Phoenix--Get Reliable and Honest Service

SERVPRO Offers Honest and Fair Professional Help After Monsoon Damaging Events to Your Property

With the monsoon season upon the residents of Phoenix, these severe storms can pass through causing flooding and substantial damages to homes. While reputable contractors and restoration companies in the area work to help those affected by these unfortunate circumstances, you should also be mindful of those looking to capitalize on your misfortunes.

Flood damage restoration in your Phoenix home is only part of the entire process when it comes to picking up the pieces following severe weather situations. Our SERVPRO professionals often find themselves spread out all over the area helping people get their homes back to preloss conditions and make sense of the damage they have seen.

As you might have noticed recently, some signs have gone up in areas most affected by the recent monsoons warning those residents to do their research before hiring anyone to help them restore their homes. More and more, fake companies or untoward contractors agree to do the work on your house to repair the damages it has sustained, but just never return actually to do the work. Contacting SERVPRO for swift help to secure your property means we can offer you much comfort and a stress-free restoration. We gladly cooperate with you and your insurance adjuster to assure a seamless transition of cleanup and restoration while staying within a budget.

One of the tell-tale signs that you might discover for contractors or restoration companies looking to capitalize on this situation is their need for full payment upfront. Even a large portion of the overall job cost is something that should throw up a red flag and have you questioning the professionalism of the company. Our SERVPRO restorers do not ask for these amounts before beginning work on your home, to show you how a reputable company operates in these circumstances.

The trouble is, these companies or individuals prey on families in their most desperate hour. You are obviously on a singular track towards getting the damage restored in your home, but that should not stop you from being forward enough to ask to see licenses and credentials before you agree to have someone work on your home. For area residents with flat roofs, the problem and need for a swift resolution to stormwater intrusion and water damage are greatly exacerbated.

If you are not clear about what companies offer legitimate services and can do the work correctly, you can always depend on the certified experts we employ at SERVPRO of Phoenix. We are available 24/7 when you call (480) 503-2090. Please contact us with any questions or concerns. 

Contact your local Phoenix Police Dep't if you are concerned about general contractor fraud.

Remediating Flood Damage In Phoenix

7/5/2018 (Permalink)

Remediating the effects of a flood is not simple, but SERVPRO of Phoenix has the tools, experience, and personnel to accomplish it.

Remediating Flood Damage

Phoenix homeowners rarely think about extreme weather or flooding until monsoon rains send tens of thousands of gallons into their neighborhoods. The resulting damage can cost an owner heavily.

Water drains quickly here after the rains, so Phoenix flood damage costs often result from the initial, physical destruction, rather than from standing water. Because of that, SERVPRO technicians spend more time drying and repairing property than removing water from each residence.

With no standing water, our restoration team can start work with water extraction wands. Although water retreats quickly, there is always some trapped inside carpets and wood floors. Specialists can adjust the vacuum speed, and heating element to match the type of carpet and not exert too much force on the nape, preventing secondary damage.

Quickly starting may also let us preserve the carpet pad. If that is possible, after using the wands, our technicians lift the carpets at two opposite points. At one end, they place an air mover to force warm, dry air under the carpet, and a box fan at the other to draw out the damp air trapped underneath.

Adjustable settings on the wands also allow us to draw water from out of and between floorboards. The quicker our personnel begins the process, the less damage there is from swelling or splintering of the wood. After that, SERVPRO specialists can remove minor damage with hand or power sanders. Once completed, team members can apply a new finish if the customer wants us to do so. For high-end flooring, the team leader may recommend using a professional service.

While team members dry the floors, others begin work repairing or replacing damaged doors and wallboard, and removing drywall panels that cracked when the floodwater entered the home. If the property merely absorbed a large amount of water, technicians set up additional air movers and direct the warm air across these surfaces to speed up the drying process. It prevents the panels from crumbling due to excess moisture and reduces the risk of mold expansion and growth.

Remediating the effects of a flood is not simple, but SERVPRO of Phoenix has the tools, experience, and personnel to accomplish it. Our goal is to return each home to its pre-flood condition as quickly as possible. To schedule an appointment, call us today at (480) 503-2090.

Click here for more about Phoenix.

Restoring Your Phoenix Home After Flood Damage

6/24/2018 (Permalink)

Flooding from a pipe or an appliance can fill your home with unwanted water. Contact SERVPRO right away for remediation services.

SERVPRO Technicians Effectively Remediate Water Damage Regardless of the Cause

When you think of all of the disasters that could impact your Phoenix home, many homeowners might not consider flooding to be at the top of this chain. However, there are several different ways in which your home could flood, and having the right plan in place for any of these occurrences could be the difference between irreparable damage and a much faster restoration process.
 
Regardless of the cause of flood damages to your Phoenix residence, you want to ensure that you have the effects of this disaster remedied as quickly as possible. With the devastating effects that pooling water can have on your structural components and construction materials used to build your home, fast reaction time at the first sign of a flood could save you a great deal of grief in the long run. Fortunately for you, our SERVPRO professionals are available 24/7 for any water emergency that you might have, and We're Faster To Any Size Disaster that you might get asked to endure.
 
Once our professionals arrive at your home, our priority is first to determine the vulnerable point in the exterior of your home that allowed for water penetration to occur and repair this damage to prevent further exposure to these external elements. Once this process gets completed, we assess the full scope of the damage that you face and formulate a plan to start restoring your home as thoroughly and efficiently as possible.
 
This process almost always requires extraction, yet the tools required for this step vary depending on the severity of the pooled water in the affected area of your house. If there is a high volume present, a truck-mounted pump from our SERVPRO fleet might get dispatched to the site to expedite the process. Drying follows after this process, and once this has gotten accomplished, our team can identify any structural weaknesses or further damage that requires additional attention.
 
Flood damage to your home might not be the first thing that you think of when you assess risks to a home in this area, but it happens more often than you might think. If you become a victim to such an occurrence, you can trust in the experience and professionalism of SERVPRO of Phoenix to help you clean up the mess and work to get your home back to the way it used to be. Give us a call anytime at (480) 503-2090.

Click here for more information on the city of Phoenix.

Better Understanding The Restoration Process For Flood Damage To Your Phoenix Home

3/28/2018 (Permalink)

Flood Waters and Extractions for Phoenix Properties to Mitigate Damages--Just Call SERVPRO

SERVPRO Takes Away Your Pressure After Flooding

While you might not always attribute Phoenix to having disastrous weather systems, it sees its fair share of high winds and heavy rainfall through spurts throughout the year. Flooding is not often a consideration for residents of this area, as the annual rainfall often falls short of anything that could remotely get deemed excessive. Even areas that have a much smaller accumulation on average can still get blindsided by a strong storm that puts down rain hard enough the ground cannot absorb it quickly enough.

Flash flood damage to your Phoenix home can happen very quickly and can spread out to many regions of your house. Initially, the damage might appear a little overwhelming, but with the right reaction to the situation, you can spare yourself irreparable damages and prolonged restoration. Our experienced SERVPRO team of specialists works to respond quickly to ensure that further issues do not result from your flooding.
 
From the moment that our technicians arrive at your home, our priority is to assess the full scope of the damage that you face. This process enables our team to create a tailored plan to restore these damages and to prioritize work in specific areas that pose the most significant threats to the structural integrity of your home or compounding disasters like mold growth.
 
Extraction is a critical component to flood damage restoration, and our SERVPRO team uses truck mounted pumps, wet-vacs with extraction wands and portable pumps to achieve the most concise removal of the excess water in the affected areas. Drying follows this step, which requires a great deal of our equipment depending on how far-reaching the spread of the moisture and water damage is.
 
Reducing the possibility of mold damage is crucial in the restoration process following a flood. With the excessive moisture present in the air, as well as dampness that persists until the drying process gets completed, the growth of mold colonies is a real threat. This assurance often gets provided with equipment like air scrubbers with HEPA filters to reduce active mold spores in the environment and dehumidification gear.
 
Flood damage might not be something that every homeowner in the area has on their mind, but if it does occur, it can be overwhelming to face alone. Trust SERVPRO of Phoenix to help you overcome the effects of a natural disaster and clean up the mess in your home. You can reach us anytime by calling (480) 503-2090.

Plenty of Information Regarding this City by Clicking

Severe Storm Damage Can Cause Flooding To Your Phoenix Home

1/19/2018 (Permalink)

Water and Wind Storms Can Damage Structures in Phoenix. Get Help from SERVPRO for Cleanup

Trust the Experience of SERVPRO to Mitigate Storm Damages

Your Phoenix home might be one of the last places that you might expect to flood, given that the average rainfall every year is far below the averages for other places around the country. Even with this fact, houses in the area get flooded year after year from storm damages that allow heavy rainfall to access a home quickly. The more severe the weather event, the more significant the water damage that results in the affected area of your home.

Preventative steps can be taken to reduce the risk of these occurrences, such as trimming back trees and cutting off dead limbs, but you cannot avoid the possibility entirely. Your best solution when unfortunate circumstances like these occur to your Phoenix property is to know whom to call to help you restore the damage and get the water extracted quickly to prevent further lasting damage to the structure of your residence.

Our experienced SERVPRO team has seen many storm damage incidents throughout the area and have a simple formula for restoring your home. Our first step is to remove the possibility of more damage occurring by boarding up the hole in your home or tarping over punctured portions of your roof. The process prevents additional water from being able to enter your home allowing the restoration process to continue to deal with the internal issues. Repairs to the damaged portions of your roof, siding or windows can be dealt with when the severe weather subsides, and the restoration process gets completed.

Extraction of the water is paramount to preventing further structural damages, and based on the location of the affected area, our SERVPRO team utilizes either portable pumps or truck-mounted pumps to address this primary concern. Drying efforts typically get achieved with the use of air movers. Infrared scanning is another part of our assessment, to make sure that further water damages are not persisting out of sight.

Flood damages might not seem like a natural threat to your home, but it can and does happen. If your home experiences storm damage that results in flooding, do not hesitate to call SERVPRO of Phoenix. Our experienced emergency response team can be reached 24/7 at (480) 503-2090.

Government information for this city by clicking

Understanding Flood Damage Contamination in Phoenix

11/10/2017 (Permalink)

Flood damage brings contaminated water into your home, SERVPRO works quickly to remove the water and restore your home.

SERVPRO Properly Removes Contaminated Water from Your Home after a Flood

This last year, Phoenix and the rest of the country has seen extreme weather drop incredible amounts of water in just a few hours. Hurricanes and thunderstorms have overwhelmed sewer and drain systems from Florida to California. Dams have burst and levees and rivers crested, wiping out small towns and causing billions of dollars in damages in major cities.

Flood damage in Phoenix from storms also brings the threat of contaminated water. The soil is the most common contaminant, but other sources include something as simple as the water a flood pushes back through a washing machine. The additional risk to a home increases the cost of cleanup and makes the remediation and restoration services SERVPRO provides more critical than if the water was clean.

The first step we take is to lift property off the floor. When contaminated water is in the carpets, sofas and other furniture have to be placed on blocks or taken out of the home. It helps water to drain from the property items, increase airflow around them and also prevents furniture from leaving stains on floors and carpets.

We start to clean Items with surface contamination immediately, and then we inspect all property again to determine the right method. We prefer to use brushes to remove as much of the contaminants as possible if it does not spread it or damage the surface. It is effective on hard surfaces but less effective on upholstered furniture or delicate fabrics like heavy drapes or curtains.

To remove stains, SERVPRO technicians have a very broad inventory of commercial-grade detergents and anti-microbial agents that can clean heavy soils and neutralize the health threat of any contaminants. If the amount of soil is too thick or the item has been under water for an extended amount of time, we use an immersion tank that generates sonic waves to force cleaning agents through the property item.

Remediating the effects of a flood is difficult, but SERVPRO of Phoenix has the equipment, training, and experience to help you through the procedures. If you need our help or simply have a question, call us at (480) 503-2090.

Visit https://www.phoenix.gov/ to learn more about the city of Phoenix.

Why Fast Drying is Important When Treating Flood Damage in Phoenix

9/28/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can quickly and thoroughly dry and restore your home after flood damage occurs.

Quick and Efficient Flood Damage Restoration

Whenever a flood occurs in Phoenix, it is important to dry any property that sustains water damage as quickly and efficiently as possible. Faster drying means less time for fungi such as mold to develop, which may cause health effects for you and your family. Organic decay due to mold contamination can also weaken structural materials like wood framing and drywall to the extent that they have to be replaced.

Using advanced dehumidification systems, SERVPRO can reverse any flood damage on your Phoenix property and thereby prevent mold growth. Our technicians have IICRC certification; therefore you can be sure of a quick and seamless restoration process. The fact that we are locally-based ensures that we can respond quickly to your emergency and begin work right away.

Today, SERVPRO has access to powerful water extraction equipment that is far more efficient at reversing flood damage than traditional vacuum units. These tools allow us to extract moisture from floors, pads, and carpets effectively, leaving the underlying surface as dry as before. Our water damage restoration experts use special procedures to help minimize the repair costs while accelerating the drying process. In the end, you can avoid such expenses as replacing new carpets or pads.

Rapid water removal after flood damage also helps prevent irreversible swelling in porous materials like wood and paper, rusting on metals (hinges and doorknobs), shrinkage in certain fabrics (such as drapes and upholstery), and moisture damage to electronic equipment. Severe damage to electrical equipment can occur from floodwaters contaminated with oil, sewage, chemicals, and other debris, which compromise the performance and integrity of the equipment.

When dealing with flood-damaged equipment, SERVPRO technicians consider the type of appliance involved, such as sealed, simple contact, and electronic. Power equipment, motor control, and electrical distribution, as well as electronic equipment, motors, cable trays, wiring, devices, conductor products, and transformers, have unique characteristics. These come into play when deciding whether to replace or repair the appliance, along with other factors such as the ability to remove all contamination, ease of repair, and cost.

Each second counts when a flood comes knocking. With many years of experience, SERVPRO of Phoenix is dedicated to ensuring that flood damage does not take over your life. For any restoration needs, call us today at (480) 503-2090.  

For more information about Phoenix, visit https://www.phoenix.gov/.

Flood Damage in Phoenix After a Storm

8/16/2017 (Permalink)

Clogged gutters fail to keep a large amount of water away from your home. Maintain your gutters and should you have damage, call SERVPRO.

SERVPRO Technicians Remediate the Aftermath of a Storm as Well as Offer Prevention Tips

Rain does not come our way often, but when it does, the results can be quick and disastrous. The landscape around our city is not conducive to run-off from sudden storms, so the local government has installed a drain system that normally deals with the aftermath effectively.
 
Even so, storm related flood damage in Phoenix still happens to homes every year. Once the downpour is over, the effects can be mild (soggy area rugs) to devastating (loss of walls and floors). SERVPRO is ready with a highly trained team of technicians and years of experience to restore each home to its original condition.
 
Since the rain strikes so quickly, it rapidly pools into any low area. It applies in particular to households in the pathway of the flood. As the water rises, carpets and floors become soaked. If it rises fast enough, drywall and other building materials are affected before the rain stops, and natural draining can begin to take place.
 
That is why it is so important to call us immediately at the first sign of a problem. Not only can we put our people in place to operate pumps, but we can also lay in sandbags before the rain stops to redirect the flood water away from home. Every gallon of water we can prevent from entering keeps it from affecting the structure and any personal property. Prevention reduces costs regarding manpower, hours on the job and the amount of equipment needed to finish the job.
 
Saving our customers money and perhaps even the sight of their home under water is also why we offer an inspection to head off problems. Some of the flood related problems are the result of poorly maintained rain gutters and home drain systems. By repairing these problems (or sometimes installing a new system) we can prevent small issues from becoming big problems.
 
It is hot and dry now, but there is rain expected later this week. At SERVPRO of Phoenix, we do everything we can to return your home to its original condition and to help you prevent as much of the damage as possible in the first place. If you want to reduce flood damage in your home in the future, call us today at (480) 503-2090 to schedule an inspection.
 
For more information regarding Phoenix, click here

Preventing Bathtub Overflows in Your Phoenix Home

7/16/2017 (Permalink)

Bathtubs are a wonderful place to relax in. But left unattended or clogged, they can overflow and create water damage. Call SERVPRO if that occurs.

SERVPRO can Remediate Flood Damage Regardless Whether it is From External OR Internal Sources

If you believe that the only drains in your home which can clog and overflow are your kitchen sink and toilet, think again. Your bathtub takes about the same amount of abuse every day with soap particles, water, hair care products, plus other solid objects passing through it to the sewers. Just like any other drain, your bathtub drain can clog and overflow, which results in major flooding inside your home which can cause damage to your property.
 
Preventing overflow and flood damage is not the most complicated thing to do. You must be careful not to let debris wash down the drain as you and your family enjoy baths in your Phoenix home.
 
When flooding does happen, it can cause significant damage. Not only is your bathroom affected, but the floor below it is as well if it is an upstairs bathroom. In a situation like this, you need to call SERVPRO, a certified flood damage remediation company, to help you clean up the mess.
 
Keep a drain cover on all the time, as this keeps solid objects out of the drainage line. Also, maintain a clean and hair-free tub as much as you can. The drain cover keeps most of the hair out. However, some eventually gets through, and over time the hair accumulates in your drain to make a clog.
 
Don’t dispose of oily fluids into your drain. Grease, oil, and fats can linger in your drain, getting larger as debris comes in and create a clog. You also should instruct your children on using the tub. They love to play in the tub, and sometimes they take off the drain covers and flush toys down the drain. If this happens, you have a clog which is hard to remove and it can need plumbing services.
 
If your bathtub does overflow, ensure the water is off and if you must, cut the water supply as well while you wait for our SERVPRO technicians to arrive. After an initial assessment, we extract all the standing water with special truck-mounted pumps and dry the affected areas out with industrial fans and dehumidifiers. We ensure that what caused the flooding in the first place is fixed, and any other repairs are done.
 
SERVPRO of Phoenix is thorough and efficient when it comes to cleaning up flood damage. Give us a call right away when a problem arises by dialing (480) 503-2090.

For more information regarding Phoenix, click here