SERVPRO Saves Bellevue Properties from Water Damage

9/8/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO's extensive inventory of water extraction and drying equipment mitigate the damage to your Bellevue home.

How SERVPRO Technicians Plan Water Damage Restoration of Bellevue Properties

Meticulous planning is a crucial step in the restoration of water damage to your Bellevue property. A well-thought-out plan can save time and resources and prevent any accidental secondary damage to your property. Hence, SERVPRO puts a lot of stock in proper planning and coordination during restoration work.

The process of water damage restoration of your Bellevue home begins with SERVPRO technicians thoroughly inspecting the property and identifying the problem areas. The next step is to prepare the worksite before the restoration activities begin. Technicians set up a staging area within the premises as a central hub for coordinating all activities. Some of the planned restorative activities might include-

• Extraction of accumulated water
• Detecting hidden moisture with the structural components
• Providing humidity control
• Controlled demolition to accelerate the drying or remove damaged material
• Deodorization

Extracting Excess Water from Your Property

SERVPRO technicians prioritize removing any standing water present on the property as water can damage structural components. The longer the water penetrates components, the more damage it can cause.

We use state-of-the-art equipment to extract water, such as-  

• Truck-mounted or portable extractors
• Trash pumps 
• Submersible pumps 

Water from carpets and subfloors is extracted using special tools called carpet wands and squeegee wands. Technicians dispose of the extracted water following applicable laws and regulations.

Detecting Hidden Moisture

Once the standing water from the property is removed, the technicians identify hidden moisture in structural components. Some of the most common moisture sensing equipment that SERVPRO technicians use in water damaged Bellevue homes include-

• Moisture Sensors: Technicians use these pieces of equipment to detect moisture present in carpets and padding. The moisture sensors have sharp probes penetrating the carpets and pads to detect dampness. Technicians can detect but not measure moisture using these sensors. 
• Thermal Imaging Cameras: Also called infra-red cameras, restorers use these to detect and monitor the moisture level in building materials. The cameras also allow the technicians to visualize how water traveled through the structure and detect moisture that otherwise would never have been discovered.   
• Moisture Meters: SERVPRO water restoration experts use moisture meters to measure the actual water content of various materials. 
• Thermo-hygrometers: Technicians use these instruments to measure the relative humidity and temperature of air masses. Some of the more advanced thermos-hygrometers that we use are capable of monitoring vapor pressure and dew point. 
• Inspection Cameras/ Borescopes: Allow the technicians to look into cavities for a visible inspection of the extent of water damage. We also use motorized cameras for use inside the ductwork. Cameras and borescopes can take still images as well as record videos. 

Where Are Moisture Measurements Done?

SERVPRO technicians use moisture monitoring equipment to determine the moisture content for five areas:

• Air in affected areas
• Air in unaffected areas
• The air outside the structure
• Air processed through dehumidifiers
• Air coming out of HVAC systems

After comparing these moisture readings, the technicians determine the best possible operating conditions and placements for dehumidifying equipment and air movers.

SERVPRO technicians work hard to leave your home restored “Like it never even happened.” We are just a call away if you need to deal with water intrusion in your Bellevue property. Call SERVPRO of Bellevue West at (425) 454-3900; We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.  

Water Damage Repair of Carpets in Bellevue Homes

7/4/2022 (Permalink)

Skip the DIY carpet drying--call SERVPRO to prevent water damage to your Bellevue home's flooring, "Like it never even happened."

Need Water Damage Repair in Bellevue? Call SERVPRO

Water removal and repair of carpets in your Bellevue home can be tricky as they tend to soak up a substantial amount of water and are notoriously difficult to dry. SERVPRO techs use several tools to remove water from the carpets and accelerate their drying.  

SERVPRO techs understand the importance of quickly removing the water soaked into the carpet fibers during Bellevue water damage repair. The longer the water sits in contact with the carpet, the more damage it can cause to the carpet and the floor underneath. The three most used tools to remove the water soaked into the carpet after water spillage include-

• Carpet wands
• Deep extraction tools
• Rider extractors

How do Deep Extraction Tools Work?

Deep extraction tools compress the carpet and pad to squeeze the water out and remove it using the vacuum system of a water extractor. SERVPRO’s water damage repair experts use two types of deep extraction tools in Bellevue homes-

• Self-propelled extraction tool: An independent motor helps this device to move over a wet carpet at a constant rate. Techs can adjust the speed of these devices and can maneuver them to move in both forward and backward directions. The amount of water the tool extracts depends on the weight to squeeze the water out. Consequently, these tools allow the restorer to "ride" on the unit to provide additional weight.
• Stationary tool: The device pulls water from the carpet through tiny holes at the unit's base. As there is no motor in these devices, the techs need to manually move them from one spot to another to extract water from the carpet.

If you need water damage repair services for your residential or commercial properties, call SERVPRO of Bellevue West at (425) 454-3900.

Water Damage Repairs in Bellevue Are Possible with the Right Technicians

6/3/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO water damage repair specialists have the training and experience for every size disaster. Call now!

A Leaky Shower Spells Trouble for Bellevue Homeowners

Not surprisingly, kitchens and bathrooms are frequently the cause of water damage in Bellevue homes. Plumbing and appliances can contribute to water incidents and their unwelcome repercussions. When water seeps through the ceiling or soaks floors and walls, calling a professional water restoration team is the best option to mitigate your loss and let daily life resume as soon as possible. Do-it-yourself solutions can be costly in the long run, while experts have the equipment and know-how to return your home to mint condition.

In Bellevue, water damage repairs are in great hands under SERVPRO’s care. Our certified water restoration technicians rely on state-of-the-art moisture detection equipment to assess where water has traveled and how extensive the damage is. In the initial inspection, our staff begins to draft a plan to extract water and clean surfaces, finishing off with disinfecting and deodorizing the home as needed. When water-causing repairs such as drywall replacement and controlled demolition are necessary, our team also coordinates to make them happen.

Water damage is unquestionable when a shower leaks and runs through the ceiling. There are, however, other less dramatic signs of damage that are just as important. Some telling signs to confirm that you need to call a water cleanup and restoration crew as soon as possible include-

• Discoloration in walls and ceilings
• A musty smell
• Unexplained increase in your water bill

Regardless of the size of the water damage that appears to be, SERVPRO of West Bellevue is there to help. Our expertise and professionalism are the foundation of our commitment to leaving your home in pristine condition. Call us at (425) 454-3900 and let us leave your home “Like it never even happened.”

Protecting Bellevue Homes Against Water Damage

6/3/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage restoration is no DIY project. Call the professionals at SERVPRO for fast and immediate service.

A Few Simple Solutions Help Prevent Extensive Water Damage to Bellevue Homes

Water damage can happen with little to no warning. Leaks and plumbing malfunctions invite water into your Bellevue home and leave you to deal with the aftermath as best you can. Water-related problems can escalate quickly in scope and cost, derailing your family budget and interrupting daily life. Finding certified water restoration technicians is critical to the water extraction and remediation approach when this happens. Taking timely action is the basis for success in mitigating your loss.

For successful water damage remediation in Bellevue, look no further than SERVPRO. Our staff’s credentials and certifications speak to their expertise in the water restoration field, and once you meet them in person, you will understand why we are leaders in the industry. Not only are we well-versed and well-trained on the principles behind a thorough water extraction, drying, and disinfecting job, but we have access to the latest equipment and techniques. We inspect each home we visit carefully to assess the extent of the water damage and develop personalized solutions to meet your needs. Not all homes are the same, and a one-size-fits-all approach can be detrimental.

Even before a disaster happens and you need to call our SERVPRO crew, there are some things you can do on your own to minimize the threat-

• Check doors and windows for leaks and add sealant as needed. When you reduce possible entry points for outside water, you help preserve your home’s interior.
• Be vigilant of wall discoloration, bubbling surfaces, and water stains. Acting immediately when you see telltale signs of leaks can help prevent bigger damage.
• Keep your roof in good shape and trim branches around your home that may damage it. Even a slight rupture in your roof can cause gradual but critical water entry into the house and cause major damage.

We hope you never face water damage in your home, but if you do, SERVPRO of Bellevue West is here to help. Call us at (425) 454-3900 and let us leave your home “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO Provides Water Damage Restoration Services in Bellevue

4/7/2022 (Permalink)

Call your local professionals at SERVPRO of Bellevue West to ensure your home is dry and sanitary.

Need Water Damage Restoration and Drying Services in Bellevue – Call SERVPRO

Residents of Bellevue are amazed at how quickly a water leak can spread to adjacent rooms, soaking carpets, underpads, and even the subfloor. These materials are very porous, absorb water quickly, and must be dried promptly before secondary damage occurs. Discoloration, delamination, and mold can occur if the water and moisture remain in place longer than twenty-four hours.

SERVPRO provides water damage restoration and repair services in Bellevue and surrounding areas. Our team is well aware of how important it is to remove water and moisture before it permanently causes damage. We respond 24/7 and are onsite within four hours of your call.

SERVPRO utilizes weighted water extractors, dehumidifiers, and large-capacity air movers to remove the water and moisture from carpets and underpads. In some situations, the carpet and underpad must be removed to dry the subfloor and verify structural integrity properly. Once the subfloor is completely dry, we install a new underpad and reinstall the existing carpet in most cases.

The underpad is inexpensive and is usually damaged while being removed. We check the carpet for water stains and delamination (separating the carpet fibers from the backing). We also install new tackless strips. We also stretched and installed the existing carpet in the room. As part of the restoration process, delaminated and stained carpets caused by the water leak are replaced according to the guidelines provided by your insurance company.

In addition to the above, SERVPRO provides the following services to cover all of your water restoration needs:

• Emergency service water damage cleanup
• Water damage repairs
• Ceiling repairs from water damage and water leaks
• Mold inspection, remediation, and removal

Call SERVPRO of Bellevue West and nearby areas for water restoration assistance. We can help 24/7. Call (425) 454-3900.

Simple Decisions Change Water Damage Mitigation Outcomes in Bellevue Homes

2/18/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Bellevue West at (425) 454-3900 for assistance from a professional remediation company.

For Ultimate Convenience During Water Restoration in Bellevue, SERVPRO Can Help

Water can leak from different sources in your Bellevue home, including overflowing or faulty appliances such as washing machines or dishwashers. On discovering the leak, taking immediate action helps mitigate any damages that result from moisture exposure. 

Although water damage mitigation in Bellevue homes counters the harmful effects of water exposure, results can vary greatly based on the actions taken. If you make errors or choose inappropriate actions, the intervention may not be as effective as you expect. SERVPRO can help you avoid mistakes, and poor choices since our decisions are based on technical skills and industry experience.

Some areas where errors and poor choices are common includes:

• Choice of drying approach
• Application of biocides
• Timing of restoration processes 

Moisture Management Decisions Have a Big Impact

Moisture control is one of the top priorities when mitigating water damage. You can accomplish your drying objective in many ways, but it is best to choose an approach that matches the conditions at your property. Some crucial decisions to make include whether to dry materials like carpets in place or remove them for offsite drying. In-place drying requires appropriate resources like:

• Weighted water extractors like water claws or rovers
• Cavity drying equipment with positive to negative pressure
• Special extractors such as drying mats 

Microbial growth is a common process in homes after a water intrusion, as signified by the mold that develops after some time. Controlling microbes takes both moisture management and the application of biocides. Since such products are readily available commercially, any problems mostly relate to the application processes since direct contact between the antimicrobial agent and the targeted microbes is necessary. For example, after extracting water from carpeted surfaces, our SERVPRO technicians apply disinfectants on the back of the carpet and floor surface.

SERVPRO of Bellevue West eases water damage mitigation, ensuring your home is dry and sanitary. Call us at (425) 454-3900. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

What Issues Must Water Damage Restoration of Bellevue Homes Address?

1/13/2022 (Permalink)

This Bellevue homeowner is about to call SERVPRO to mitigate the water damage to her property

SERVPRO Ensures Full Restoration of Daily Routines at Your Bellevue Home

Water intrusion causes many physical damages to property. It also affects other aspects, such as disrupting the daily household routines. Restoration is only suitable if it is comprehensive enough to manage all the issues, reinstating normalcy.

Identifying priority activities is essential during water damage restoration in a Bellevue property. Although the most focus is on removing the intruding water, paying attention to other issues is crucial. SERVPRO technicians evaluate the property comprehensively before starting restoration.

Some essential issues to address when mitigating water damage include:

• Identifying pre-existing issues
• Removal of any hazards
• Identifying any hidden problems

Water intrusion causes many problems, including staining or changing the physical structure of materials. Many of these issues can be eliminated or reversed. However, if there is an issue pre-existing the water intrusion, chances of fixing it are minimal and the effort wasted in attempting restoration can interfere with other crucial processes. Our SERVPRO technicians inspect structural materials and contents closely to identify pre-existing issues to avoid wasting opportunities.

A wet property has many hazards, including:

• Slick surfaces
• Trip hazards
• Electrical hazards
• Contaminated surfaces or air

Injuries from falls are inconvenient and traumatizing. Wet surfaces become slick while cords and hoses from restoration equipment can easily trip someone. It is easy to overcome these problems through proper management of the worksite. Our SERVPRO technicians use squeegee wands to extract water from hard surfaces ensuring they are not slippery. We organize cords and hoses by zip-tying them and keeping any equipment, not in use in a staging area.

SERVPRO of Bellevue West provides all the services that deliver adequate water damage restoration. Call us at (425) 454-3900 to help make any water intrusion "Like it never even happened."

What Is Black Water?

9/24/2021 (Permalink)

What Is This Water, and Why Is It Dangerous?

Black water is liquid presumed to house multiple contaminants. It’s a very common danger after floods especially from toilet or sewer related leaks. It could contain:

• Fecal matter
• Urine
• Used toilet paper

Sewage systems frequently become compromised and leak after water damage. Then, they pose health threats to those who encounter the dirty liquid.

It’s also important to be aware of gray water. That type often comes from washing machines, dishwashers, sinks and showers and is not immediately as dangerous as the black variety, but can become more hazardous after 48 hours of contact with building surfaces. These contaminated waters contain bacteria that could be harmful to your health.

How Can You Stay Safe From Contaminated Water?

The best way to limit your exposure to hazardous water from flooding is to limit your exposure to it. Instead of trying to handle the cleanup process on your own call on a flood cleanup company to assess the damage and tackle the steps necessary for a thorough restoration of your home. SERVPRO if Bellevue west is available 24/7.

Black water is a likely contaminant after a flood, and it’s a primary reason why you should not deal with the water damage on your own. Contacting a professional team to assist with damage from flooding gives you greater protection from possible risks and increases the likelihood of positive outcomes.

Odor Treatment Methods

9/24/2021 (Permalink)

Odor treatment is a science and cannot be treated as a “One size fits all”. SERVPRO of Bellevue West uses the best Odor Treatment Method necessary for your home or commercial building to remove the odor as fast and efficiently as possible. Between the 7 methods of odor treatment there are many differences and all of them that work in different ways. The differences between each of them are as follows  

Absorbents: Typically, they are solid materials made to keep the odor in place and smother it. By smothering, it captures and holds the odors on their surfaces. These solids can be cleaned up afterwards and take the odors with them.

Neutralization: Uses the equation “1-1=0” to eliminate the odor. This equation means that it uses a chemical to neutralize the odor and make it obsolete. This process is mostly used for halogens such as Chlorine, Bromine and Iodine.

Oxidation: Mostly used for organic decomposition or skunks. This process adds oxygen to the scent to control the odor. Oxygen is a great method to eliminate odors.

Biocides: Used to kill the growth of microorganisms. Killing the source of the smell is one of the most effective ways of odor treatment.

Counteraction: This means to work against the odor. It takes scentless odors and it combines with the odorous odor to eliminate the scent.

Masking: This process covers the bad smelling odor with a stronger, better smelling, pleasant scent.

Bioenzymatic digestion: Specially engineered bacteria are scent out to produce enzymes to consume and digest the odorous materials. Most often used while carpet cleaning.

If you have an odor issue call SERVPRO of Bellevue West at 425-454-3900.

The Importance of A Quick Response Time During Water Damage

9/23/2021 (Permalink)

When it comes to water damage, one of the worst things you can do is wait. The longer you wait the more damage is being caused, the longer it will take to fix and dry. Labor costs and job scope increase as the damage worsens. Within minutes of a water flood or leak, water quickly spreads in your home and infiltrates walls, floors and household items; becoming absorbed sometimes not visibly to the naked eye. Dyes in furniture may start to bleed causing permanent staining to other items. Also, pictures, arts and books can start to swell and warp. While this seems overwhelming, if you continue to wait the condition of your house will continue to get worse. Between 1- and 24-hours drywall, furniture and metal surfaces will begin to break down. A musky odor will start to become apparent around the affected area and start to take over your entire house. Days 2-7 is when mold and other biohazards start to appear. Metal can start to corrode, wood will start to swell and furniture starts to warp. If a week passes and there has been effort to mitigate then you may be facing a concern for structural safety, mold growth and more biohazards causing serious risks.

 Don’t allow you water loss to become much more than a water damage issue; mold and biohazard issues can be avoided with a responsible response time.  Bottom line, if you have water damage then call a professional and solve the problem as soon as you possibly can. SERVPRO of Bellevue West is trained, specialized and experienced for all the problems you may encounter during a flood or leak. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call us at 425-454-3900!

Insurance and Water Damage Contamination Levels

7/13/2021 (Permalink)

When flooding strikes a home, it is important for homeowners to have an idea of what to expect from an insurance repair and restoration standpoint. Insurance companies generally have three different ways of categorizing flood water. Each level corresponds with how dangerous the water can be and how it should be treated. The varying levels help to inform both insurance companies and water restoration specialists how to best address the contaminated water problem.

How Do Insurance Companies Categorize Water?

Insurance companies generally separate floodwater into three types of categories.

• Category 1 – Clean Water. This comes from a sanitary water source, such as your supply line and water heater.
• Category 2 – Grey Water. This is usually from your washing machine and dish washer.
• Category 3 – Black Water. This comes from the outside in storm and flood situations, or when a sewer line breaks.

How Dangerous Are Each of the Categories?

Category 1 water levels are not dangerous but can promote mold development if left untreated. For this reason, you want to ensure that you completely dry any flooded areas and follow a dehumidification process to discourage mold production.

Category 2 water levels can be somewhat toxic if consumed but are not dangerous if a person is only exposed to them. The risk of mold production remains intact, however, with this kind of water.

Category 3 is for contaminated water that is toxic to the point that the rest of the house needs to be barred from the affected area. It is crucial to take the utmost precaution with category 3 water levels, so be sure to call your local water removal specialists if you are dealing with black water damage.

Even the cleanest water can make its way to unseen places and later cause mold problems. Therefore, regardless of whether your home is flooded with clean or contaminated water, you can benefit from the assistance of emergency flood damage restoration professionals in Bellevue, WA.

Visit http://www.SERVPRObellevuewest.com for more information on water damage.

How To Recover From A Flood

6/25/2021 (Permalink)

After a flood the damage can be extensive and beginning the cleanup can be daunting. Where do you start? Commercial property owners in Bellevue, WA struggle with this question every year, but by removing water, discarding ruined items, and content cleaning, your business will soon be back to normal.

1. Eliminating Standing Water

Before you can determine what can be cleaned, there can’t be any water left in the building. The standing water should be professionally removed. Bacteria and mold that is often found after major flooding, it’s important that you don’t come in contact with the water itself. It’s easier for you do a full cleanup if there isn’t any water to contend with.

2. Removing Loose Items

Unfortunately, not all items can be saved. This is especially true for porous surfaces. Porous materials include certain types of tile, laminate and granite. These permeable materials don’t have a smooth surface and because of this, content cleaning is more difficult and complex. Certain pieces of furniture or appliances may have to be removed from the property entirely to properly disinfect the building. If you’re ever confused about what to keep or throw out, a professional can help.

3. Cleaning Contents

For hard surfaces, it is recommended that you use a mixture of water and detergent. While most non-porous surfaces are safe to clean, keep in mind that black water is a breeding ground for molds, so if you suspect or know there was waste water involved, be sure to get expert help.

It may seem like a long road to restoration, but it’s easier to consider if you break it up into simple stages. Clearing out the water, removing the items, and proper content cleaning should have your business back on track in no time and SERVPRO of Bellevue West can help! Visit http://www.SERVPRObellevuewest.com for more information on flood damage.

Water Damage Tips & Tricks

4/8/2021 (Permalink)

What You Need To Know About Water Damage

There are several ways you may fall victim to a water damage situation: a water supply line break, a pipe break or water damage after a fire rescue mission. All these situations pose a risk to the health of the structure and residents living in the property.

Steps to Take After Detecting Water Damage

Water related damage can be progressive. Do your best to isolate the issue and stop the source. Do you know where your water main shut-off is? Call a plumber if needed and call a trusted Restoration Professional that can utilize tools to give you an accurate description of damage.  

Shut Down the Electricity Supply

Any case of flood damage and live electricity poses a risk of a fire or loss of life due to an electric fault. To prevent this, shut down the primary power source.

Call a Professional

Trust the professionals and don’t attempt to DIY. Water Restoration professionals at SERVPRO of Bellevue West are experienced in drying structures efficiently and correctly. We also work with major insurance companies to figure your coverage and streamline the process. The best time to call a restoration company is when you notice any water collecting in an unnatural state. We can quickly provide an inspection and Assessment of Extent of Damage

There is no doubt that water related disasters can be catastrophic. Utilize the professionals at SERVPRO of Bellevue West to ensure proper dehumidification, drying and sanitation practices. Call us at 425-454-3900 with any questions!

SERVPRO of Bellevue West Helps Condominium Boards Effectively Prepare for Emergencies

8/20/2020 (Permalink)

If you participate in a homeowners association or condominium association board you are likely a very useful and knowledgeable resource for owners and tenants alike. As a board member it is important to discuss all relevant issues and concerns that affect the health and safety of a property. Many boards have their own policies and procedures for handling emergencies, but how often are they discussed and reviewed? SERVPRO of Bellevue West offers complimentary emergency preparedness planning AND is happy to speak at board meetings about common issues that may be of concern when handling an emergency. We speak on topics such as;

• How to mitigate water damage during an emergency
• Causes of mold and mildew
• Questions about insurance coverage and responsibilities
• Routine inspections that can minimize water damage risks
• Emergency and evacuation planning
• How to choose the right emergency service vendors for your property

We are happy to speak in-person or virtually about any issues pertaining to the restoration industry. Call us at 425-454-3900 to schedule with us!

The Importance of Quick Response Time Following Water Damage

8/7/2020 (Permalink)

Fast response is the single most critical factor in restoring water-damaged materials and is important is picking a quality, reliable company. SERVPRO of Bellevue West averages a maximum of 1 hour response time for all emergency service calls. The longer moisture is present means more time for building materials to absorb and consequently break down material structure. We pride ourselves on responding quickly with a large network of certified technicians.  

Materials like sheetrock and installation act like a sponge, unfortunately soaking up water and bacteria. The longer that sheetrock, installation sit the less likely they are to be able to be dried in place and could cause further problems such as microbial growth.

Carpet and carpet pad also act like a giant sponge and can take a long time to dry out. If you experience storm or flood damage to your home or business call SERVPRO of Bellevue West at 425-454-3900 for quick response time to minimize your water damage 24/7 365 days a year.

Water Restoration Step By Step Process

3/26/2020 (Permalink)

Steps in the Water Damage Restoration Process

Water damage can occur for dozens of reasons, including a pipe break, a sink that overflows, a supply line break, a flood or a large amount of rainfall. When water in a home or water in a business appears, it's time to take steps to prevent the spread and worsening of that water damage. Some property owners may wonder why they should call SERVPRO of Bellevue West instead of doing the work in-house. The simple answer is that our mitigation professionals will take all the steps necessary to repair any visible and not visible water damage and flood damage.

Assessing the Damage

The first step in the water cleanup process is a full assessment. Assessment involves looking at all the water in a home and finding out where that water comes from. In the case of a flooded home caused by a supply line break or pipe break, they can repair the pipe or hire a subcontractor to repair the pipe to keep it from leaking. Restoration experts will also shut off the pipe to prevent any more water from spilling out.

Extracting the Water

Extracting the water in a business is the next step. One of the best ways to get rid of that water is a pump. Though some homes may have a pump because the owners worry about flood damage, many people do not bother investing in a pump because they rarely see a flooded home in their area. A pump works well when placed directly on the floor in the basement or on the first floor. It pumps all the water out of the home or business and creates a dryer space.

Drying Techniques

Mitigation and restoration offer drying techniques during the water cleanup process. Proper drying removes any water from the space and creates an environment that repels the mold that might otherwise grow. Water in a home can impact any carpeting as well as the padding beneath the carpet. With water in a business, the owner needs to worry about the water causing tile and other types of flooring to peel off the ground. Drying methods remove every trace of water.

Mitigation Steps

A restoration company will also provide the property owners with mitigation help, which essentially refers to the process of offering help that keeps the water damage or flood damage from seriously impacting the property. Those who call their insurance company sooner after experiencing a flooded home have a greater chance of saving that home and spending less on the cost of repairs.

Insurance Claims

One of the most important things that a restoration company can do is provide owners with help filing water cleanup insurance claims. After a pipe break or a supply line break, that owner needs to call and find out whether their insurance will cover the water cleanup. The company may only agree to pay a certain amount or require that the owner go through a specific company. If an owner calls after seeing water in a business and already knows what water damage company to use, the process of filing a claim becomes much easier.

Call SERVPRO of Bellevue West if you ave questions about the restoration process, we are available 24/7 at 425-454-3900. Visit http://www.SERVPRObellevuewest.com for more information on water damage.

Frozen Pipes? Call SERVPRO of Bellevue West

12/30/2016 (Permalink)

Severe winter weather ranks third as a cause of insured catastrophic losses, after hurricanes and tornadoes, according to the Insurance Information Institute.  Losses from snow, ice, and freezing temperatures across the United States average about $1.2 billion a year, according to the New York Times.

Preparing your home for cold weather can help avoid potentially costly problems, like frozen pipes.  When water freezes it expands.  That's why a can of soda explodes if you put it into a freezer to chill quickly and forget it.  When water freezes in a pipe, it expands the same way.  If the water expands enough, the pipe bursts, water escapes, and major damage can begin.

Preventing Frozen Pipes

So what can you do to avoid frozen pipes?  First, make sure your heating system is working properly and that vulnerable pipes, like those that run close to your exterior walls, are insulated. 

If you go away for several days in the winter, make sure you leave the heat on.  The Insurance Information Institute recommends setting your thermostat at 65 degrees.

Have someone check your home and property, if you can.  If you expect to be away for extended periods - say, you go South for the winter - have your water turned off.

Other actions you can take to help prevent your pipes from freezing are:

• Seal air leaks surrounding or near your pipes
• Keep your garage doors closed if you have water supply lines in the garage.
• Disconnect all outdoor hoses and turn off water to exterior faucets and sprinkler systems.
• Open your kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing.
• Keep your heat at a minimum of 55 degrees at all times.  Keep it at 65 when you're out of town.
• During severe cold turn on both hot and cold faucets near outside walls to allow a small trickle of water to run during the night.
• Remove your outside hoses and store them inside during the winter.
• If you need to be away from home, consider draining your water system before you go.
• Identify the locations of shut-off valves so that you're prepared to stop the flow of water as soon as possible when a pipe bursts.

If a pipe bursts:

• Shut off water at the main valve. Your shut-off should be easily marked with a tag. Call SERVPRO of Edmonds, Lynnwood & Bellevue West if you would like one.
• If the break is in a hot water pipe, the valve on top of the water heater should be closed.
• Call a professional restoration expert such as SERVPRO of Edmonds, Lynnwood & Bellevue West to mitigate the damage. Keep an emergency number nearby for quick access!
• Call us anytime at 425-774-1148