How Wildfires Can Cause Increased Flooding Damage

7/19/2022 (Permalink)

Wildfire damage

If a fire occurs in or near your Salt Lake City, UT, home, you may think the worst is over once the flames are extinguished. Yet that is not the case. Fires can lead to flooding, as well. After a fire, your home will likely have holes in the roof and walls. Water from a storm could enter your house through these holes. Even if your home itself was not affected by a fire, a wildfire near your property could make it more susceptible to flooding damage.

Wildfire Damage and Floods

When wildfires burn through the terrain, they destroy vegetation that typically absorbs rainfall. As a result, the ground is left:

• Barren
  
• Unable to absorb water
  
• Charred
  

It can take up to five years for vegetation to re-grow after a wildfire. Until then, the areas surrounding the damage will be more at risk for flash floods. The rainwater from storms may also pick up sediment and soil as it moves across the charred ground. This could lead to harmful mudflows.
Unfortunately, most homeowners’ insurance policies do not include flood coverage. If your house floods, even if the flood results from a wildfire out of your control, you could be responsible for the full cost of professional restoration services.
This flood cleanup can be quite expensive, as well. In 2010, an average flood claim cost $28,000. In fact, just 1 inch of water in your home can lead to $25,000 worth of damage.
Thankfully, you can purchase separate flood coverage via the FEMA NFIP. The National Flood Insurance Program offers insurance to both renters and homeowners.

Getting Flood Coverage

If you live in one of the 23,000 participating communities, you are eligible for the NFIP. In fact, if you live in a high-risk area and have a mortgage from a government-backed lender, you are legally required to obtain flood coverage. Your insurance agent can help you purchase a flood policy through the NFIP. There may be a 30-day waiting period before the coverage goes into effect.
The cost of this coverage varies based on your property’s flood risk. If you want to lower your premiums, you can enact flood mitigation measures. For instance, you can elevate your utilities and fill in your crawlspace or basement.

Other Steps To Take Before the Next Flood

Once you have purchased flood insurance from the FEMA NFIP, you should take additional steps to prepare your home and family for the next major storm. Gather all necessary supplies so you will not have to drive to the store in the middle of a storm.
You should also keep an inventory of the various items in your home. This will be important information for the insurance adjuster. Any important documents, such as birth certificates, should be kept in a waterproof location.

In extreme situations, you may be asked to evacuate your house ahead of the storm. Plan a safe evacuation route, and make sure that everyone in your home understands it.
Thanks to the FEMA NFIP, you can purchase insurance that covers the cost of restoration after a flood. This is particularly important if you live in a community prone to wildfires.

3 Steps To Take After a Home Flood

7/14/2022 (Permalink)

Flooding can lead to severe damage.

Even if you don't live near a water source a home flood can happen to you. It is important to have a plan in place before a flood occurs so that you can minimize the amount of damage to your home. Consider including these three steps in your flood plan.

3 Steps to Include in Your Flood Plan

1. Contact Your Insurance Company

Most homeowners policies exclude flood damage; however, some types of storm damage may be covered. If you have a separate flood insurance policy, you should contact the insurance company to file a claim. Because floods can cause extensive damage that requires water restoration services, it is a good idea to purchase flood insurance, even if your home is not located in a high-risk area.

2. Begin Cleanup As Soon As Possible

You should not attempt to reenter your house after a home flood until local authorities say it is safe. However, as soon as you are able, you should begin the cleanup process. Avoid coming into contact with floodwaters. Most homeowners should contact a restoration company in Salt Lake City, UT, rather than attempt a do-it-yourself solution. Standing water can be a safety hazard and flood damage can be very difficult to clean without the right equipment and training.

3. Dry Out Your Property

The longer your property stays wet, the more likely you are to have issues with rot, mold and other damage. Anything that can not be completely dried out should be discarded. If it is safe to enter your home, you can begin removing wet contents and placing it outside to dry if the weather permits. Some amount of drying can be accomplished by using fans and dehumidifiers, but professional equipment may be necessary.

The damage that occurs during a home flood will continue to get worse the longer it takes to clean and dry the property. Taking the proper steps after a flood can prevent unnecessary additional damage.

How To Make a Flood Claim?

5/24/2022 (Permalink)

Learn how to make your Flood Claim by Following These Tips.

Floods can cause devastating damage to homes. The first step to restoring your property after a flood is to file a flood claim.

How To File a Flood Insurance Claim

Filling your claim for flood damage is a multi-step process:

1. Contact the Insurance Company

The first thing you must do is contact your insurance company. Most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage so your flood insurance may be with a different insurance company than your homeowner's insurance. If you aren't sure who your insurance carrier is, you can call the National Flood Insurance Program Call Center at 1-800-427-4661 to find out.

2. Provide Information

Your insurance company will need several pieces of information. This may include your policy number, a phone number and email address where your insurance company can contact you and the name of your mortgage company if you have one. If you don't know all of this information, your insurance or claims agent may be able to look it up for you.

3. Document Your Damage

It usually takes 24-48 hours for your insurance company to assign an adjuster to your claim. However, if flooding is widespread, it may take longer. While you are waiting, take photos and videos of your damaged property and the flood lines on the outside and inside of structures. Photograph the make, model and serial number of electronics and appliances. Do not enter flooded areas or structures until you have been told they are safe.

4. Discard Flood Damaged Items That Are Unsafe

After you take photos and keep samples of materials such as pieces of carpet, flooring, drapes or wallpaper, throw away flood-damaged items that are unsafe to keep, such as perishable food, cushions, clothing and pillows.

5. Contact Repair Services

If the electrical, HVAC or water systems of your home are damaged, contact repair services. However, talk to your insurance company about your flood claim before you sign any contracts. This is also a good time to schedule a flood remediation company in Park City, UT, to begin drying and cleaning your damaged home.

6. Meet With the Adjuster

When the insurance adjuster arrives, ask to see the adjuster's Flood Control Number card and other official identification. This protects you against scammers who may be posing as insurance adjusters. Review the adjuster's written report and estimate for any errors. A legitimate insurance adjuster will not ask you to pay your deductible, charge you a fee or ask for money for any other reason.

7. Receive Payment and Begin Repairs

Once the insurance company receives the adjuster's report and estimate, it will review the report, along with any documentation you have provided, to establish the value of your claim. If you disagree with the value the insurance company determines, you may need to submit additional supporting documentation to prove your claim. Once a settlement is reached, the insurance company will issue you a check and you can use the money to make repairs.

The flood claim process can be lengthy, particularly if there are many people in your area with damaged property. The faster you get the process started, the sooner you can expect to receive payment.

What Role Does the Federal Emergency Management Agency Play After a Storm?

5/7/2022 (Permalink)

Take into account these tips and Avoid Storm Damage in your Property.

Wherever you reside, the unthinkable could occur at any time. When a disaster devastates your property and others' in Salt Lake City, UT, you'll probably feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. If the loss is significant enough, the Federal Emergency Management Agency may be dispatched to the scene.

FEMA was formed in 1979 to "lead America to prepare for, prevent, respond to and recover from disasters with a vision of 'A Nation Prepared.'" For example, it assists survivors of disasters such as severe flooding in rebuilding their lives. It has helped with numerous tragedies in the past and continues to now. It serves several important roles, including the following.

4 Roles FEMA Serves After a Storm

1. Assessing the Affected Areas

First, it performs detailed assessments of the area in which tragedy has hit. It determines what type of assistance the victims require. These needs can vary depending on the kind of disaster. It basically operates as the "boots on the ground" for everything from hurricanes to wildfires to terror attacks."

2. Acting as a Liaison Between Federal and Local

It acts as a liaison between the affected area and the federal government. Various factors are controlled physically and financially by FEMA. It usually involves allocating supplies, maintaining resources and working with local and state officials.

3. Determining the Appropriate Response

It determines the required response and assembles the appropriate troops. Law enforcement, for example, may be needed. Hurricanes and other kinds of disasters can bear several types of significant losses. This can include damage from wind, flooding and even fires.

4. Coordinating the Response

Finally, it helps coordinate responses such as mobilizing troops to evacuate people, provide tarps for roofs and distribute food and water. It also locates and provides shelter and other basic needs for displaced victims.

Although FEMA takes significant control after a disaster occurs, their help is no substitute for insurance. If you have a flood or other kinds of loss, storm damage remediation experts will likely also be necessary. They can return your home to its preloss condition as quickly as possible.

How Much Damage Can a Winter Storm Do?

2/23/2022 (Permalink)

Prevent Storm Damage by following These Tips related to Winter Storms. For more information, just call us.

Homeowners are usually well aware of the potential hazards of a winter storm; they expect snowfall, ice accumulation, and the potential for slips and falls and car accidents. Still, most remediation specialists in Salt Lake City, UT, also warn of potential structural damage.

While homes in heavy snow climates will usually have the qualities and characteristics that allow them to withstand heavy snow and frigid temperatures, homeowners still need to be aware of their responsibilities to ensure quality home care.

There are several things you want to do to ensure your home is protected from the encroaching winter weather.

• Shovel and salt pathways
• Maintain a clear and clean roof
• Assess seals on all entryways and windows
• Check the HVAC system

Winter Storm Damage and Recovery

A blizzard can be a common winter storm, and it brings with it frigid temperatures and a tremendous amount of snow. While these storms present significant travel threats, they also present risks to your house. The weight of the snow can lead to extensive roof damage; the temperatures can result in cracked windows, and heavy ice might result in power outages.

While there are multiple threats to your property during a winter storm, it is necessary to focus on a quick recovery after the storm. Wintertime is no time to be without power or heat. You should contact a mitigation professional so they can provide a quick response and recovery.

Common Damages During a Winter Storm

Winter storms will often result in roof damage because of snow and ice buildup. Depending on the style of your roof and its integrity, the weight of the snow could cause minor to severe collapses. If the roof is strong enough to hold out, it is possible that it will succumb to water damage.

When ice builds along the edges of a roof, it creates ice dams. As the weather warms, these dams and the snow melt, forcing the water to find alternative exits. Unfortunately, the water will typically back up under the shingles and soak into the sheathing. If enough water makes it to the underlayer of the roof, it could rot the wood or cause mold.

Aside from roof damage, the cold and ice can lead to power outages and window and door damage. Depending on the style of your HVAC system, you could lose heat during a winter storm. If the heat is out for too long, the frigid temperature could cause windows and doors to crack.

Fundamental Recovery From the Storm

After a winter storm, you should assess your property. You want to look for cracks in windows and inspect the thickness of the snow on the roof. You should be careful if you get on a ladder in the snow. The steps can become slick, resulting in falls. It is better to call a remediation professional to the scene. These specialists have the right tools to make professional property assessments.

A severe winter storm is nothing to play around with. You want to remain sheltered during the storm, but you should assess your property afterward to assess potential damage. Contact a remediation company if you need help.

How To Prepare for Flood Damage

1/25/2022 (Permalink)

Consider these important tips if you experience Flood Damage in your Salt Lake City, UT property.

Damages from flooding exceed $40 billion worldwide every year. You can reduce the chance of suffering extensive flood damage by taking steps to prepare your property.

Tips for Preparing Your Property for Flood Damage

There are several steps you can take throughout the year and when flooding is imminent to help reduce your chance of damage.

1. Purchase Flood Insurance

Most homeowners insurance excludes coverage for damage caused by floods. Because even areas that are not in high-risk zones for floods can experience flash floods, it may be wise to purchase a separate flood policy. However, do not wait until storm damage is imminent to try to buy insurance. There is usually a 30-day waiting period from the time you buy your policy until it goes into effect.

2. Understand Your Flood Risk

Search for your address in Salt Lake City, UT in the Flood Map Service Center to get an idea of how likely you are to experience a flood. It may also be helpful to speak with neighbors who have lived in the area for a long time about how often their property has had flood issues.

3. Complete a Household Inventory

Capture videos and photos of all of your valuable property and store them in a safe place. This will help you if you need to file an insurance claim.

4. Store Important Documents Off-Site

While a water remediation company may be able to save some valuable documents, water damage can easily destroy these fragile items. Store important documents, such as birth certificates, medical records, passports and insurance documents in a watertight safety deposit box.

5. Anchor and Elevate Utilities

Protect important utility equipment, such as propane tanks, electrical panels, wiring, sockets, heating systems and appliances by elevating and anchoring them. You may need to hire a professional contractor to assist you.

6. Make Your Basement Water Resistant

Install a sump pump and water alarm in your basement. Install a backup pump that is battery-operated to protect you when the power goes out.

7. Clean Your Gutters

Debris, such as leaves, sticks and bird nests, in your gutters and downspouts can cause water to pool around your foundation, instead of drain away from your house. Clean out your gutters regularly and before any expected weather event. Consider installing guards on your gutters to keep debris out.

8. Elevate or Relocate Furniture

If you know a flood is imminent, move furniture and other valuable items to the attic or the highest floor in your home. If your home is on a single level, you can elevate your furniture by placing cinder blocks or similar materials under the legs.

9. Monitor Weather Reports and Make a Plan

If a flood becomes bad enough, you may need to evacuate your home. Make a plan for how you will get your family members and pets to a safe place. Use a weather radio to monitor weather reports and sign up for emergency alerts.

There is no way to eliminate your flooding risk. However, these steps can help protect your property, your finances and your loved ones.

Flood Safety Tips for Homeowners

10/19/2021 (Permalink)

Taking some preventions will reduce the storm damage to your Salt Lake City, UT home.

Storm season in Salt Lake City, UT, brings several possible challenges to homeowners. One of the main concerns is flood safety. You can't control the weather, but you can take some precautions.

Tips To Protect Your House.

Elevate Items for Flood Safety

Electricity and water don't mix. One of the most sensible safety tips starts with identifying the flood line. Once you know how far water is likely to rise, you can more easily safeguard the electrical items both inside and outside your home:

• Sockets
• Wiring
• Circuit breakers
• Air conditioner units
• Generators
  

These and other electrical appliances should be placed a foot above the flood line if possible. It also doesn't hurt to elevate the things in your basement that are likely to become a hazard if they get wet. By keeping electrical items out of the way of potential floods, you can minimize a lot of damage.

Maintain Sewer To Prevent Blockages

Regular sewer maintenance is always important, but it's especially crucial during storm season. Excess flooding from a heavy downpour can overtax municipal drains, causing a backup. If your home already has sewer problems, this can lead to some unpleasant results in your bathroom or kitchen.

One way to protect your home from a flooded city sewer is to install valves to prevent backflow. Check or flap valves provide a one-way seal that keeps wastewater flowing outward. Manually operated gate valves provide even better protection. No matter what kind of valve you choose, you need one at every point where your plumbing connects to the sewer line.

Maximize Water Flow Away From Home

The best way to ensure flood safety is to keep the water from coming toward your house in the first place. Flood restoration specialists recommend that you upgrade your landscaping to slope away from your house so that pooling water doesn't encroach on it during a heavier storm. Keep drains, downspouts, and gutters clean so that water flows easily off your roof and away from your foundation.

Sometimes water rushes toward your house because it floods the street and simply has nowhere else to go. If this happens, contact your county department that is in charge of street maintenance to report the problem and inquire about what can be done to fix it. After all, if it affects your house, it probably is a nuisance to your neighbors as well.

Protect Your Foundation from Flooding

Floodwater will seep into cracks in your foundation any chance it gets. This is one of the reasons it's so important to inspect your foundation and repair any damage found as soon as possible. You can also install valves that direct the flow of water through designated paths through the building so that it doesn't rise and cause damage.

Placing barriers around entryways and the perimeter of your foundation is another way to flood-proof your home when a storm is on its way. Sandbags and inflatable barriers can be used to block extra water.

Knowing how to protect your home from flooding empowers you as a homeowner. Follow these flood safety tips to prevent as much damage as possible during a storm.

Reasons To Steer Clear of Flooded Roads

8/19/2021 (Permalink)

Flood roads in Park City, UT, are dangerous for your vehicle.

Storm season in Park City, UT, often results in flooded roadways. While these conditions are inconvenient and can delay your schedule, that's no excuse to try to drive through a flooded street. It's better to stay at home and miss a meeting than to experience some of the consequences of choosing to leave before the storm has passed.

Extensive Vehicle Damage

Your vehicle was not made to drive through deep water. If you drive on flooded roads, your car may never be the same afterward. There are several common problems that occur when a vehicle is flooded:

• Hydro-locked engine
• Short-circuited electronics
• Contaminated fluids
• Rusted components

Flood damage can cost you a lot in repairs or total your car altogether. While it's possible that a great mechanic can fix what is wrong with the engine and certified water restoration experts can get the funky smell out of your upholstery, it makes more sense to just avoid the problem in the first place by staying off the road or choosing a safer route.

Obscured Vision

When a roadway is blocked by flooding, the water is often murky. This means you can't see what's happening beneath the surface of the puddle. It's difficult to gauge just how deep the standing water on a flooded street is, even if you try to use the curb or other signposts as clues. Floodwater can quickly cause damage to the road, resulting in cracks or sinkholes that make the stream flowing across it deeper than it appears.

Another potential risk hidden from sight is all the debris that washes into the road during a storm. It's unlikely that the only thing blocking your path is water. Tree limbs, rocks, and other obstructions are probably in the flooded road as well, making navigation even more treacherous. Rather than taking a chance on a street with standing water, tune in to travel tips on the radio to find a better path to your destination.

Loss of Control

The biggest hazard of driving on flooded roads is the possibility of losing control of your vehicle. If the engine seizes up and stalls, you may not even be able to steer it to the side of the road before it stops working completely. You then have to wait for someone to tow your vehicle out of harm's way, hoping that no one else loses control and crashes into it in the meantime.

If the floodwater is both deep and fast, it can carry large objects, such as your vehicle, with it. You may not be able to get your door open to escape, which leaves you trapped in a moving car that you can't steer, going whichever direction the flood takes you. No one wants to be in a position with such an uncertain outcome.

There's never a good reason to drive through a flooded street. If you must get on the road, choose a route with adequate drainage or higher elevation so that you can safely get where you need to go. If no such route exists, it's better to wait out the storm than face the peril of the flood.

Individual Assistance Grants From FEMA

7/15/2021 (Permalink)

Protecting your home in advance will prevent serious and expensive storm damage in the future.

After a major natural disaster affects your Salt Lake City, Utah, home, FEMA, or the Federal Emergency Management Agency, may be one of the first sources of help. You can seek this assistance as an individual, and one of your first steps should be registering with the agency as soon as possible after damage to your home. You'll need to have specific information and paperwork available:

• Address of your damaged property
• Current contact information
• Insurance information
• Social security number
• Banking information
• Annual household income

What To Expect From Grants

Whether your property has been affected by wildfires or flooding, the costs of recovery, including the work completed by property repair and reconstruction professionals, can be overwhelming. This assistance is particularly helpful for people without insurance or with gaps in their insurance. The grants may cover:

• Home repairs
• Temporary shelter
• Medical and dental expenses
• Childcare costs
• Funeral expenses
• Replacement of personal property

After registering, a FEMA representative will call to schedule an inspection before approving the assistance. It's important to note that scam artists may show up claiming to be official inspectors, so ask for an identification card. Do not provide your credit card or any bank account information because there isn't a charge for these inspections.

Information From Insurance Providers

If you haven't yet experienced a major disaster, it isn't too soon to learn as much as possible about surviving and recovering. Ask your insurance provider about the steps you can take to protect your home against damage from an earthquake, flood, wildfire, or landslide. The more you do beforehand to prevent damage, the better off you'll be.

An Offer of Help

It isn't always possible to emerge unscathed, however, so research the ways that the FEMA Individual Assistance Program could help you. After all, the experience of a natural disaster is scary enough without knowing where you'll be sleeping at night; it's comforting to have many sources of assistance available.

Common Causes and Remedies for Sewer Odor

6/24/2021 (Permalink)

Roof damage from storm in Sugar House, UT home.

Having a sewer smell in your commercial building is unpleasant. While the fumes may not be harmful, they can certainly be an unwelcome distraction. There are several reasons you may be smelling sewer gas in your building in Sugar House, UT, and most of them have pretty simple remedies.

Causes of the Odor.

Smelling sewer odor does not usually mean that you have raw sewage wreaking havoc somewhere in your building. The more likely cause is the failure of one of several apparatuses that function to direct the gas outside. There are three main causes of indoor sewer smell:

• Dry traps with no wastewater to prevent gases from coming back through the plumbing.
• Blocked vents with a clog or backup that is preventing the gas from escaping through the normal channels.
• Damaged drain lines that release sewage under the property instead of carrying it away.

To get rid of the smell, you must first locate the problem. It may have an easy fix that you can do yourself, but it's important to call a plumber or sewer remediation services if you need to do so.

Solutions for the Odor

The first thing you should try to do is pour clean water down the drain from whence the smell comes. Dry traps from underutilized drains are the most common cause of sewer odors in buildings and making sure that you use the drain frequently can help prevent the problem or help resolve it once it occurs. If that doesn't work, your drain may need to be cleaned. Disinfecting the drain takes care of any bacteria that may be causing the smell. If none of your efforts get rid of the smell, however, it is time to call in the professionals to assess a potentially larger problem.

Sewer smell can happen any time there is a backup or some other type of plumbing problem. If you can't get rid of the problem on your own, calling a plumber can help you get your building smelling fresh and clean again.

Three Steps for Safety as a First Responder

2/24/2021 (Permalink)

First responder's safety is important.

As a first responder in Park City, UT, your ability to keep others safe is dependent upon your own safety and well-being. This means that you have a responsibility to prepare yourself, as well as your home and family for possible flood disasters.

3 Steps for Safety

1. Develop Appropriate Handwashing Skills

As a first responder, handwashing is one of your most valuable means of avoiding illness and sharing illness with family members. Don't rush through this task:

• Use running water when possible.
  
• Lather enough soap to cover all parts of your hands, fingers (including fingernails), and wrists.
  
• Scrub your hands, between your fingers, under your nails, and over your wrists for at least 20 seconds.
  
• Rinse thoroughly under running water.
  
• Dry hands with a towel or allow your hands to air-dry.
  

Finally, avoid touching your face as much as possible.

2. Stay Up to Date With Vaccinations

Immunizations, such as a Hepatitis B vaccination and a new tetanus booster every ten years can help you avoid serious illness as you come into contact with a variety of contaminants, especially when you are part of a flood response. The CDC also recommends the rabies vaccine series in case of exposure to potentially rabid animals. As always, check with your medical professional for more information.

3. Personal Protective Equipment

When emergency restoration professionals arrive at your home to address necessary cleanup and repairs, they'll probably arrive in waterproof clothing, heavy-duty boots and gloves, eye protection, and protective masks. You should have access to the same. This type of PPE provides a barrier between your skin and contaminants in the floodwaters. After your work, remove this equipment in an isolated space and store it in a plastic bag away from your other clothes.

Just Three Steps

Take the time to thoroughly wash your hands. Get recommended vaccinations. Suit up in personal protective gear. These three simple steps can you stay safe as a first responder, so you are able to carry out your responsibilities on the job and at home.

What To Do After a Storm Damages Your Roof

10/28/2020 (Permalink)

Hail can damage your roof

High winds and hail can do a number on your roof. When a storm rocks Salt Lake City, UT, necessitating the need for roof repair, here are the five steps you should take first.

5 Steps To Repair Your Roof After Storm Damage

1. Stay Safe and Be Smart

If your roof is treacherous, or if you simply don’t feel comfortable climbing up there and looking around, don’t hesitate to contact a storm damage mitigation company. It will send somebody out to perform most, if not all, of the following steps for you and determine the best way to proceed with repairs and restoration.

2. Perform a Visual Assessment From the Ground

Walk around your house and take a good look at your roof from there, watching out for any signs of hail or wind damage. Inspect any roof accessories, too, such as flashing or downspouts.

3. Check Your Gutters

Look for dents in your gutters, viewing them either from the ground, from a window or from a ladder where possible. Ideally, any inspections conducted on the surface of the roof itself should be done by a roof repair specialist.

4. Inspect Your Windows

In addition to using them as a vantage point for assessing parts of your roof, gutters and other roof accessories, check your windows for broken or chipped glass, cracks, damaged screens and weather stripping that’s come loose.

5. Assess Your Attic and Other Interior Ceilings

Roof damage can also be evident inside your home as well. Look for signs of leakage on your ceilings, including ceiling-mounted light fixtures, even if the outside of your home seems perfectly fine. Hail and other debris can create small cracks in your roof that may, in turn, allow water into your home.

A thorough inspection of your roof is the first step toward managing a roof repair. If you notice signs of rain, hail or wind damage, don’t hesitate to contact a trusted roofing professional to perform a more thorough assessment and start the roof restoration process right away.

4 Ways To Prevent a Sewer Backup in Your Basement

9/17/2020 (Permalink)

Flooded home due to heavy storms.

The fall brings the worst storms of the years. If you live in places prone to flooding, then this is particularly worrying because it can lead to sewage backup. While you can have a sewer restoration company on speed-dial for sewer cleaning, it is often better to prepare your home for the inevitable storm damage that may occur. There are at least four ways you can prevent backups in your home.

4 Ways To Prevent Sewer Backups 

1. Drain Plugs

It is no secret that the most vulnerable entry point for sewage floods in the basement or lower level floor drain. You can install a floor drain plug as a cost-effective preventative. These easy to install devices are secured under your drain cover, and when water or sewage begins to back up the drain, a ball, teardrop-shaped, plugs the hole and prevents it.

2. Backwater Valve

A backflow prevention valve or backwater valve is installed away from the building. The valve is placed on the drainage pipe just outside of a residence. It is a one-way valve, which means that anything trying to flow back up the line will not be permitted to pass because the valve closes automatically. These devices should be installed by a professional plumbing service in Salt Lake City, UT. 

3. Overhead Sewer

An overhead sewer is likely the most effective tool against a sewage backup, but it is also the most expensive. The system works by using a sump pump to intercept sewage and force it to an ejector pump, which then launches the sewage to a check valve and pipe above flood level. The system keeps the sewage out of your basement and in the pipe system until the flood levels receded.

4. Standing Pipe

A standpipe is a simple preventive for minor floods. It is quite literally a pipe sitting in your floor drain and connected with a watertight seal. Any sewage flows into the line where it is held until sewage levels recede.

If you are concerned about the fall storm season causing a sewage backup, then contact a local mitigation company to discuss the above preventatives. While some are DIY friendly, most require professional help.

Ice Dams and the Damage They May Cause

8/27/2020 (Permalink)

Icicles hanging from the roof of a home.

Cold and harsh winters can result in significant property damage, especially for the unprepared homeowner. Storm remediation companies in Salt Lake City, UT, often express warnings of heavy snow leading to the development of an ice dam, which is an ice buildup that prevents water from draining off the roof as snow melts. There are five potential damages homeowners should worry about with this winter and cold weather structures.

1. Paint deterioration
   
2. Soft Siding
   
3. Wet Insulation
   
4. Roof Damage
   
5. Mold Growth

5 Potential Damages Caused By Ice Dams

Paint Deterioration

When a winter storm leads to the creation of a dam, residential property owners need to watch for signs of paint deterioration. If you see paint begin to bubble and peel, you need to take action and resolve the ice issue.

Soft Siding

When paint bubbles, it is likely a sign of water damage and soft siding. Unfortunately, if soft siding occurs, you may not receive ice dam coverage because dams are often considered preventable problems.

Wet Insulation

When an ice dam is left to sit, it is only a matter of time before the water from the roof makes its way beneath the siding and into the insulation. When the water reaches the insulation, it is paramount that homeowners act to mitigate any further property loss.

Roof Damage

As the dam can cause siding and insulation damage, it can also force melting snow underneath shingles, saturating the underlayment of the roof. If the water damage is not corrected quickly, you may experience several leaks in your attic and upstairs.

Mold Growth

As with any form of water damage, mold growth is a significant threat. Mold requires moisture to survive, and if the dam causes wet insulation or a leaky roof, you may only have between 24 and 48 hours before the first signs of mold occur.

An ice dam is a disaster that requires rapid mitigation to prevent interior and structural damage to your home. Contact a storm remediation specialist to assess your house and risks.

How To Prepare Your Commercial Building’s Exterior for Severe Weather

7/23/2020 (Permalink)

Protect the exterior of your building before severe weather hits.

While regular exterior maintenance is a smart way to minimize costs at your commercial property year-round, a thorough building inspection is crucial for preventing damage during a severe weather event. Next time a storm threatens your building in Salt Lake City, UT, remember these four tips.

4 Tips To Prepare Your Commercial Building From Storm Damage

1. Put Your Walls to the Test

Water and walls can be a dangerous combination if those walls are harboring unseen cracks, leaks or other defects. In addition to performing a simple visual assessment of your building’s exterior walls, you might also consider enlisting the help of a trained professional. He or she can test for a variety of issues that are otherwise difficult to detect, such as water and air leaks or malfunctioning gaskets.

2. Check In With Your Cladding

Cladding may exist to lower your energy costs and protect your building from extreme weather, but that doesn’t mean it’s invincible. Before the next storm hits, make sure the last storm — or even a weather event that seemed harmless at the time — didn’t dislodge any cladding or cause the need for any other exterior maintenance.

3. Pay Attention to Susceptible Spots

Your building’s exterior contains a variety of components. Some of them are more weather-resistant than others. A commercial property’s windows, for example, are particularly vulnerable to storm damage. As you perform your building inspection, be sure to check not only your windows' general appearance but also that their weather stripping and insulation are intact and free from holes. Leaky seals don’t just inflate your monthly energy bills; they can also give storm damage a convenient entry point.

4. Don’t Forget the Roof

It may be a hassle, but taking a field trip to your roof is a vital part of keeping your building maintained. In addition to removing debris and checking for leaks and dislodged shingles, make sure your gutters are clean and free from obstructions. Any trees that approach your roof should be trimmed regularly to avoid scratches and falling debris, too.

The first step in water damage mitigation is storm preparedness. Make it part of your regular exterior maintenance, and you can minimize time and expense when extreme weather hits.

Black Water Precautions for Safety

5/27/2020 (Permalink)

It's important to learn more about Black Water and compare it with oher categories.

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification sets standards for professional members of the cleanup and restoration industry. According to the IICRC standards, black water damage cleanup must involve specialized equipment, supplies, and techniques. Why is this so important?

Compare "black" to other categories.

• White water is clean and safe to consume. It is fresh from the tap.
  
• Gray water may contain soap, fats, oils, hair, and bits of human skin. It is what's leftover after cooking, washing, and bathing.
  
• Black water often contains hazardous chemicals, pathogens, human waste, and animal feces. Flood water is almost always considered black.
  

Once you know what's in the water, it's easy to understand why flood cleanup and mitigation professionals would take extra precautions. What do professionals do to keep your family and themselves safe while cleaning up the watery mess?

Assessment

Before any work begins, water damage cleanup and restoration professionals will inspect and assess the damages. This is a necessary step that helps technicians prepare the most appropriate supplies and equipment, as well as providing you with an idea of how long the job may take.

Containment

One of the next steps will be making sure that contaminants and other hazards from the water aren't spread throughout the rest of your home. This may involve laying down plastic sheeting, and the situation may also require some testing of your plumbing system to be sure your drinking water isn't contaminated.

Protection

Technicians may don personal protective equipment, including gloves, protective goggles, boots, and other clothing that prevents contact between the technician and contaminants in the water. It's important that you recognize the precautions that technicians take. Keep your family safe by staying out of contaminated areas of the home until it is safe to return.

When your Salt Lake City, UT, home is affected by flooding, make sure you take necessary steps to avoid coming into contact with black water. Contact professionals right away to clean up water damage and provide any necessary reconstruction services.

How To Stay Safe During a Flood

5/5/2020 (Permalink)

Prepare a portable flood kit in your Sugar House, UT property

Flooding poses risks to residents of Sugar House, UT, as well as first responders. The following flood safety guidelines are helpful when preparing for flood conditions.

Follow Evacuation Orders

Residents should stay apprised of flooding risks and prepare to evacuate as soon as an order is issued. Plan ahead by assembling a portable flood preparedness kit that includes the following items:

• First aid kit
• Non-perishable food
• Water
• Flashlights and batteries
• Sleeping bags
• Jumper cables
• Flares
  
  

If a homeowner plans to stay at home, he or she should gather most of these items and store a home preparedness kit above the anticipated flood level. Stock up on enough food and potable water for several days.

Protect Yourself

Flood water may contain chemicals, heavy metals and pathogens. People should avoid drinking or making direct contact with this water. One of the most essential flood safety measures involves exercising caution near moving water. A person can easily lose his or her footing in six inches of moving water and vehicles may float in 12 inches of water.

Tips for First Responders

First responders should take additional precautions. Here are three of the best safety tips:

• Avoid electrical components
• Get immunized
• Wear personal protective equipment
  
  

Responders can reduce electrocution risks by avoiding downed power lines and making sure that the electricity has been shut off in any flooded structures they enter. Exposure to disease is another preventable risk. The Center for Disease Control recommends a tetanus booster for all disaster relief workers and the Hepatitis B vaccine for medical care providers. Relief workers should wear insulated and watertight electrical hazard boots, hip waders, waterproof work gloves, and eye protection. Respirators may also be necessary.

These flood safety suggestions can help to keep residents and first responders safe. Homeowners should contact a damage mitigation and restoration company if flood waters breach residences located in Sugar House, UT.

Inspect Your Commercial Building and Keep It Weatherproof

3/5/2020 (Permalink)

Removing leaves from gutters can prevent water damage after a storm in Salt Lake City, UT.

Is your Salt Lake City, UT, business in a building that is comfortable, dry and weatherproof? If so, thank the heroes responsible for exterior maintenance. It is their job to keep your building maintained. Proper maintenance ensures that the weather stays outside where it belongs.

Damage to the exterior lets in the weather. Some, like broken windows, is obvious and demands immediate attention. Other damage starts tiny and grows into serious maintenance problems.

Examples of minor damage are:

• Small holes in siding
• Loose or cracked windows
• Gaps around vents, pipes and other exterior features
• Damaged masonry

Routine Inspections Are the Key to Preventive Maintenance

Every building has problems that are easy to overlook. They don’t interfere with the business operation, so they go unreported. The first step in fixing them is finding them. The best way to identify them is through a complete building inspection. Think of this as a close inspection of the building with the help of a checklist. Here are some of the tasks that an exterior maintenance inspection might include:

1. Inspect the roof. Look for areas where the roofing material needs repair. Check the vents, air conditioner and other features attached to the roof to make sure they won’t leak. Check the gutters and downspouts. Make sure that rainwater will flow down and away from the building.
2. Inspect the walls. Look for openings that might let water in. A structural engineer can help you determine if there is water damage.
3. Inspect the masonry. Areas that are failing might provide a path for water to get inside. Bring in a professional to check the situation.
4. Inspect the doors and windows. Make sure that they stop the flow of air and water.

Some exterior maintenance problems can’t wait.

One of these is water damage. There are local water damage restoration specialists ready to come to your aid. They are just a phone call away.

How To Keep Mold Growth at Bay After Residential Flooding

1/2/2020 (Permalink)

Flood cuts are performed to avoid mold damage after a flooding in a residential home in Park City, UT.

Recovering from a flood in Park City, Utah, can be a stressful experience as you work quickly to salvage and restore the affected parts of your home. While you race to save valuable items, mold can develop across the house and become an even greater problem. Some areas are especially prone to mold growth:

• Wooden furniture and other porous surfaces
• Microwaves, washers, dryers, and other home appliances
• Insulation and drywall

By prioritizing some steps of flood recovery, you can stop mold from becoming a nuisance, make the recovery process much easier to complete, and avoid a lengthy mold removal process altogether.

Steps to avoid mold growth after residential flooding 

Remove Standing Water First

Because any area with stagnant water poses an increased risk of mold growth, it is crucial to remove any leftover water from the house as quickly as possible. Ideally, you should clear the house of sitting water within 24 hours of the initial flooding to minimize mold damages and make the rest of your recovery work simpler.

Focus on the Floors

Flood water can easily seep below the surface of your floors and create large areas of mold beneath them if not properly dried. Depending on the type of floor affected, you may be able to save carpets and other porous surfaces if you can treat them quickly enough. A water damage restoration company can help you decide whether a floor needs repair or replacement.

Keep an Eye out for Growth

No matter how well you attend to water damage, your house will remain at a heightened risk for mold growth following a flood. As you settle back into your home, stay watchful for mold, especially in dark, warm places. If left untreated, these small patches of mold can quickly spread spores throughout other parts of the house, putting a damper on your restoration efforts.

If your home sustains water damage after flooding, work quickly to minimize the extent of the destruction. Eliminate standing water, treat flooring materials immediately, and watch for the growth of mold. Contacting a professional for help can make the recovery process easier.

How To Keep Mold Growth at Bay After Residential Flooding

10/30/2019 (Permalink)

This kitchen suffered storm damage after flooding with dirty water.

Recovering from a flood in Park City, UT, can be a stressful experience as you work quickly to salvage and restore the affected parts of your home. While you race to save valuable items, mold can develop across the house and become an even greater problem.

Where to Find Mold Damage

Some areas are especially prone to mold growth:

• Wooden furniture and other porous surfaces
• Microwaves, washers, dryers, and other home appliances
• Insulation and drywall

By prioritizing some steps of flood recovery, you can stop mold from becoming a nuisance, make the recovery process much easier to complete, and avoid a lengthy mold removal process altogether.

Remove Standing Water First

Because any area with stagnant water poses an increased risk of mold growth, it is crucial to remove any leftover water from the house as quickly as possible. Ideally, you should clear the house of sitting water within 24 hours of the initial flooding to minimize mold damages and make the rest of your recovery work simpler.

Focus on the Floors

Flood water can easily seep below the surface of your floors and create large areas of mold beneath them if not properly dried. Depending on the type of floor affected, you may be able to save carpets and other porous surfaces if you can treat them quickly enough. A water damage restoration company can help you decide whether a floor needs repair or replacement.

Keep an Eye out for Growth

No matter how well you attend to water damage, your house will remain at a heightened risk for mold growth following a flood. As you settle back into your home, stay watchful for mold, especially in dark, warm places. If left untreated, these small patches of mold can quickly spread spores throughout other parts of the house, putting a damper on your restoration efforts.

If your Park City home sustains water damage after flooding, work quickly to minimize the extent of the destruction. Eliminate standing water, treat flooring materials immediately, and watch for the growth of mold. Contacting a professional for help can make the recovery process easier.

What To Do With Your Belongings After a Flood

9/26/2019 (Permalink)

Flood cuts performed after this basement flooded in Salt Lake City, UT.

You likely know that a flood and the black water that comes with it can damage your home, but what about your belongings? While some things can successfully undergo content cleaning, others may need to be thrown away.

After significant flooding in Salt Lake City, UT, the task of cleaning up can feel overwhelming.

These tips can help you stay organized: 

• Take pictures of the damage before you begin, for insurance purposes
• Prioritize items that you want to save
• Call in a professional cleanup crew
• Put objects that you can’t clean immediately in open bags
• Take it one step at a time

Debris

Many storms can bring hazardous debris to your yard and into your home. Before you can work on your belongings, you may wish to throw out this debris. Not only can it cause disease and mold, but throwing trash away first thing can give you a sense of accomplishment that can drive the rest of your efforts.

Porous Objects

Porous belongings, such as mattresses and pillows, should be thrown away. The black water from the flood can contain toxins that may never come out of these items. It’s better to be safe than seriously sick.

Air Drying

Whenever possibly, you should air dry your salvageable belongings. When the weather permits, open your windows and allow the air to work for you. This gentle drying process can help save more delicate belongings.

If you cannot open a window, you can use dehumidifiers throughout your home. These devices pull moisture from the air and can help dry even delicate objects. For most things, you should not use a hair dryer or other heated devices.

Bleach

You can clean nonporous items with disinfecting solutions, such as bleach. Remember that the flood water likely carried bacteria, so you want something strong with which to wash. This isn’t the time for gentle cleaners like essential oils.

Content cleaning after a flood with black water is no small feat. Be sure to call in a professional team in Salt Lake City, UT, if you need to, and always be sure to breathe and take it one step at a time.

Temporary Roof Damage Mitigation in Four Steps

7/8/2019 (Permalink)

Set up tarps to cover holes in your roof

Temporary Roof Damage Mitigation

Roof damage mitigation is the work involved in reducing damage to the property during disasters. In some cases, the work you do to prevent wind damage to your Kimball Junction, UT, home before a storm hits leads to an insurance discount. Sometimes an inspection is required before you can qualify. However, if your roof has already been damaged, residential storm damage restoration professionals may complete temporary mitigation in a few steps.

Assessing and Documenting the Damage

The first step technicians take is inspecting the extent of the damage. You may also want to take photographs of the wind damage to the roof. The records from the technicians and your camera should be shared with the insurance company as evidence for y our claim. If possible, provide some pictures of the condition of your home before the storm.

Removing Storm Debris

If there are tree branches or other storm debris on top of your home, storm restoration technicians clean up the mess. They may also trim up any trees or bushes that pose further risk.

Setting Up Tarps To Cover Holes

Technicians work quickly to cover roof damage, such as holes, with tarps, plywood, and hardware. They'll lay out the tarp to provide a wide barrier that keeps moistures out of cracks and holes. The plywood is often used to secure the tarp, so further wind damage can be avoided.

Preparing a Restoration Plan

Once further storm damage is prevented, technicians create a plan for repairing the damage to your roof. In addition to carrying out the necessary permanent repairs, the home remediation experts may help you prepare a plan for preventing future wind damage.

Prepare Today

Many Kimball Junction, UT, homeowners are concerned when heavy storms hit their neighborhoods. You don't have to worry when you have taken steps to prevent roof damage. Don't wait until a storm hits to get professional advice on preparing your roof. Find the information you need and ease your concerns today.

How To Keep Moisture Out of Your Building During a Storm

5/7/2019 (Permalink)

Rain damage can occur without warning, it may be necessary to contact storm restoration experts

How to Prevent Moisture from Entering your Building and Causing Damage

Rain damage from a storm i`n Park City, UT, can result in costly damage to the interior and exterior of your business. In order to protect your business, it can be valuable to know how to prevent moisture from entering your building and causing damage.

1. Create a Physical Barrier

In order to decrease the likelihood of water and mold damage to your building, it can be helpful to put a barrier between your building and the elements. A building envelope acts as a water-resistant cover and protects your business from strong winds and heavy rains. In order for the envelope to be of use, it’s often important to make sure the envelope is securely placed around your building before a storm hits.

2. Inspect Your Building Before the Storm

Rain damage can occur seemingly without warning, and it may be necessary to contact storm restoration experts to fix the damage. However, it’s often preferable to prevent damage from occurring. By inspecting your building before a storm, you are likely to notice if there are any loose shingles, small holes or other areas where water may be able to enter your building. Inspecting the building frequently will allow you to make the necessary changes that can help to prepare your property for a disaster.

3. Clear and Reposition Gutters

If your property’s gutters are clogged or are positioned too closely to your business, the likelihood of water damage and mold growth increases. In order to avoid black mold growth and other issues related to water damage, it can be useful to clear your business’s gutters before a storm. Moving your gutters to ensure the flow of water is not directed at your building’s foundation can also be helpful.

Though storms have the potential to cause major issues for a business, preventing moisture from entering the building can make damage less likely to occur. By creating a physical barrier, inspecting your property before a storm and clearing and repositioning your building’s gutters, you can help to keep your business safe from rain damage.

Preparing For Storm Damage to Your Home

4/9/2019 (Permalink)

Are you ready?

Water is a necessary thing in any home. However, water can also cause problems. In some cases, flood water may arise unexpectedly and cause ice damage, roof damage and flooding. However, in other instances, it may be possible to prepare in advance for any potential wind damage, storm damage, roof damage and flooding. Hurricane damage is common. A hurricane's path may be apparent for days in advance. In that case, the homeowner can be prepared with help from a flood pump to help avoid flood damage, hail damage, contamination of ground water and issues like a roof leak. The same is true of issues during the winter. River flooding can cause problems such as ice damage, frozen pipes, a roof leak and even wind damage and hail damage. It's possible to minimize the problems from such issues and lessen the need for for roof repair, water restoration, home restoration and storm restoration.

What to do to prepare for Storm Damage in your property.

Consulting With a Professional

Consulting with a professional in advance can be helpful in the event of a problems such as ice damming, frozen pipes, ground water problems, hail damage, hurricane damage, roof damage, wind damage, storm damage, river flooding and a roof leak. A professional can suggest what to do in order to help speed up the process of water restoration, storm storm remediation, home restoration. In many instances, the professional can point out where steps can be taken to protect the ground water and avoid ice damage from flood water and ice damming. Professionals can also head off damage from frozen pipes, river flooding and an ice damn. With their help, it's possible to identify what issues may cause the need for roof repair from hurricane damage and even make sure that such issues are mitigated as much as possible so as to avoid additional problems from hail damage, an ice dam, roof damage, storm damage, ice damage, ice damming, a roof leak, storm damage and river flooding.

A Close Look 

It's always a good idea to have a look at all areas of the property. For example, flooding can result from nearby water that may otherwise go unnoticed. A nearby ice dam may cause ice damning that can result in flood water contaminating any ground water. Trees on the property can cause wind damage that can harm the entire house. All pipes should inspected periodically to avoid frozen pipes, ice damning and flooding. Flood water can get into all areas of the home in the event of hurricane damage. It's important to protect all areas of the home so that any storm remediation. home restoration, storm restoration, and ice damning repair can begin as soon as possible.

Securing the Property 

In the event of possible ice damming and other issues, the property should be secured well in advance. A flood pump can help avoid some problems that might otherwise need storm remediation, water restoration, roof repair, home restoration and storm remediation. Make sure any flood pump is working before the storm hits. This can help avoid an ice dam. Firmly secure all windows. Even the roof can be secured in order to help reduce the need for roof repair once the storm has passed. Tap the flood pump several times to be sure it's working. The pump helps keep excess water out of the home. The same is true of other potential issues with the property. For example, all doors should be firmly held in place. A door can cause problems that may mean the need for water restoration, storm restoration and storm remediation. Any excess water should be removed so as to keep away an ice dam from forming and keep the house fully safe. This allows the homeowner to reduce the need later for storm restoration and storm remediation. It also helps any homeowner feel secure in their own home once the storm has begun knowing they have taken the right steps.

SERVPRO of NE Salt Lake City/ Park City has the training and experience to help you prepare for Storm Damage and avoid further Damage to your home. 

Sewage Backup After a Flood

4/9/2019 (Permalink)

Sewage Backup after a Flood

Cleaning up and restoring a business property after a flood in Salt Lake City, Utah is a long and difficult process, especially if torrential rain water has caused sewer backup. The resulting black water can cause extreme damage to your building. For this reason, your top priority after a flood should be getting your building thoroughly cleaned and properly restored as quickly as possible.

Dealing with Sewage Backup after a Flood

Black water has fecal matter mixed in from sewage, and therefore should be dealt with appropriately. 

You should take the proper safety precautions when cleaning up the building:

• Wear safety gloves
• scrub down every surface with clean water and disinfectant
• dispose of any items that may have absorbed the dirty water.

Extreme Damage

Water can lead to mold growth in as little as 24 hours, causing many expensive repairs. When mold is present, carpet and flooring must be ripped up, sheetrock should be torn out, and insulation should be replaced. While any kind of flood results in water damage, black water is more dangerous and requires a longer cleaning process before restoration can begin. It is often best to contact a professional restoration service to deal with the problem.

Dealing with the aftermath of a flood in Salt Lake City, Utah is never easy, but when dealing with black water, the process gets even harder. When dealing with sewage backup, always take safety precautions. Clean the rain water from the building as quickly as possible to reduce the amount of damage, but do a thorough cleansing for complete restoration.

SERVPRO of NE Salt Lake City/ Park City has Special training and equipment necessary to safely clean this type of contamination.

Does This House Come With a Floaty: Understanding Flood Zones

9/13/2018 (Permalink)

Roof damage during a storm in Salt Lake City, UT

Many homeowners are not familiar with the idea of a flood zone, especially if they’ve never lived in a high-risk flooding area or an area prone to severe weather, and when searching in the Salt Lake City, UT area they may be shocked at the necessities of these zones. As a way of minimizing the shock, it helps to understand the zoning designations and some of the necessary requirements.

1. The Four Main Zone Types

There are four Main zone types, and if you have never heard of these zones, you likely live in a minimal flood hazard area. The four zone types are:

• Minimal Flood Hazard Areas: typically designated as Zone C or X, these areas are considered low risk.
• Moderate Hazard Flood Areas: typically designated as Zone B, these areas likely experience flooding but not frequently.
• Special Flood Hazard Areas: these are the areas with the highest risk of flooding, and they are typically designated as Zone V or A.
• D Zones: these are areas that FEMA has not given a designation to yet.

2. Zone Maps

Every flood zone is designated on maps readily available through the FEMA Map Service Center. FEMA created these maps to offer valuable insights for the creation of flood management plans as well as insurance coverage by compiling information from the statistical research of river flows, storm tides, rainfall, topographic surveys, and even hydraulic analysis.

3. Zones and Insurance Requirements

While many homeowners might be irked at the idea of paying for additional insurance coverage, it is necessary to keep in mind that in specific high-risk areas the likelihood of your home succumbing to a flood is significantly increased. Therefore, FEMA, the government, and insurance companies have your best interests in mind when they require this type of coverage in high-risk areas.

If the concept of a flood zone is new to you, it can be slightly intimidating, but the reality is that FEMA designates the zones to ensure that you and your property are protected. You can check FEMA’s website, your local municipality, or you can reach out to flood and restoration specialists in your area for more information.

Understanding a Flood Cut

7/28/2018 (Permalink)

Unless you have experienced past house flooding in Salt Lake City, UT, or are an experienced home renovator, there is a good chance that you do not have the phrase “flood cut” in your vocabulary. For the typical homeowner, many questions come to mind when the water restoration specialist uses this expression after assessing the storm damage in your home.

What Does “Flood Cut” Mean?

• A flood cut refers to the removal of drywall from the bottom portion of the rooms in your home that experienced water damage.
• Typically, this cut is made between 12 – 18 inches above where the water damage stopped.
• The restoration specialists then tear out the drywall below the flood cut line.

When Is a Flood Cut Necessary?

• After flooding, the excess water is removed from your house. However, there may be moisture behind the walls and the drywall may be damaged. Removal of the bottom portion of the wall allows the contractors access to the interior structures of your home.
• If there is contamination in the water that touches the drywall, such as from sewage backup, all affected walls require removal to prevent the spread of bacteria.
• When insulation is present behind water damaged walls, it is necessary to remove the drywall because insulation cannot be properly dried out or replaced with the wall intact.

How Does a Flood Cut Work?

• Restoration contractors begin the flood cut process soon after water removal to prevent the formation and spread of mold, which can occur within 24 – 48 hours.
• The flood cut line is measured and determined before a laser level marks the wall. A tarp is placed to catch the debris, and the cut is made.
• Once the restoration specialists inspect behind the drywall, another cut may be needed if the damage is larger than expected.
• Damaged materials are removed and adequate ventilation is put in place.

By knowing the meaning of “flood cut”, you are one step closer to understanding the terminology used in your home’s recovery from flooding in Salt Lake City, UT.

For more information, please visit us at http://www.SERVPROnesaltlakecityparkcity.com.

3 Tips for Maintaining Your Sump Pump

4/4/2018 (Permalink)

When flooding hits Salt Lake City, UT, your home’s sump pump can be the first line of defense in keeping your basement dry. The pump is designed to drain away water in case of a flood and send it to a designated drainage area. While you might not always need your pump, proper maintenance can keep it running at top tier and have it ready to go if flooding should occur.

1. Check the Float

Checking the float in your unit can help you gauge how effectively it is working. To do this, plug the sump pump into a power source and pour a full bucket of water into the well. If the pump is working correctly, the float will rise and the system will turn on. You can perform this check every few months and a few weeks before the rainy or thawing seasons.

2. Wash or Replace the Screen

During normal pump operation, your unit may draw in debris from flood water that might clog the inlet screen. Leaves, twigs and other small bits of trash are usually the most common culprits. After every few uses, it is a good idea to pull the inlet screen and give it a thorough washing. A clean screen may allow the pump to run with more efficiency and give the motor a longer life.

3. Have the Pump Professionally Inspected

A yearly inspection and testing by a qualified storm damage and restoration company can ensure that your unit is running properly and that no parts are damaged or need replacing. This kind of pump maintenance can give you peace of mind that your basement is guarded against flooding, especially if you live in an area that sees a lot of rain during the spring or fall.

Flooding in Salt Lake City, UT, can cause water damage to your basement and foundation. However, ensuring that your home’s sump pump is ready for action can help you avoid the time and cash it takes to deal with the aftermath of a flood.

For more information, please visit us athttp://www.SERVPROnesaltlakecityparkcity.com.

Tips for Preserving Personal Items After a Flood

1/19/2018 (Permalink)

Time is of the essence when it comes to safeguarding valuables submerged in flood waters. Mold formation can begin within 48 hours of immersion, and contaminated "black water" can carry dangerous chemicals and pathogens. It's a good idea for homeowners in City, State to learn about content cleaning before disaster strikes. Here are a few tips on what can and can't be salvaged, and how to minimize damage to precious belongings.

Unsalvageable Items

Unfortunately, most porous materials that have come into contact with black water cannot be saved during the content cleaning process. This includes:

• Furniture items
• Carpeting and padding
• Particle board cabinets
• Portions of drywall or insulation that have been immersed.

Microscopic toxic chemical compounds and fungal spores can pose a serious health risk to a home’s inhabitants. Non-porous items, on the other hand, may be able to be sanitized and kept.

Immediate Steps To Take

Legal papers, photo albums, artwork and other precious items that cannot be replaced might be saved, especially if you act quickly to minimize further damage.

Papers, artwork and photographs should be separated and removed from albums and frames and placed on plastic screens or hung using plastic clothespins (contact with metal or other types of materials could cause irreparable damage). Photos can also be gently rinsed in clean water before drying. To salvage important books, insert a paper towel every few pages to soak up harmful moisture.

It is recommended that you air dry items indoors. Open windows, air conditioners, fans and dehumidifiers can all help to increase airflow and reduce drying times. Avoid using heat during this process, such as irons or hair dryers, as they can cause further damage.

If the black water contamination is especially severe, or if mold is already present, you may want to leave the bulk of your content cleaning to a professional flood restoration team in Salt Lake City, UT.

Visit us at http://www.SERVPROnesaltlakecityparkcity.com for more storm information. 

Different Types of Storm Damage

10/23/2017 (Permalink)

Different Types of Storm Damage

Flooding and ice damming is one of the problems that are associated with storms. No one can estimate the amount of storm damage until it is over. Storm damage comes in different forms. Some of the effects of storm damage include roof leaks, hail damage, ice damming, hurricane damage, and river flooding and wind damage. The storm restoration process follows several certain steps which are listed below.

Flooding and water restoration

Flooding can be quite devastating. Places with large creeks are mostly affected by river flooding. Additionally, flood water can also lead to a roof leak.

Storm damage

The home restoration company will have to use a flood pump to remove the flood water. Using the right type of flood pump will help the water restoration firm to remove the flood water quickly. Furthermore, the company will do a check to find out that the hail damage is not severe. Roof repair will involve repairing the roof leak to ensure that the homeowner will be able to settle in the house within a short period. The first step in home restoration is to remove the flood water. It will not be possible to begin the storm remediation if the room is filled up with ground water damage.

Hurricane damage

The water restoration company will use the necessary equipment to remove the items that are blocking the way or which entered the house. Hail damage can cause roof leak which can easily be handled by home restoration company. The house will turn into an ice dam if the roof repair is not done on time.

Ice damage can wreak havoc on a home after the flooding. Ice damage can lead to frozen pipes, ice damming, and even roof damage. The only way to get rid of roof damage is to get the help of a restoration company. The ice damming can make the house not suitable for living. Therefore the company has to make the house ideal for living. Furthermore, the storm restoration company have the right equipment like flood pump that will help in removing the river flooding caused by the storm damage. A homeowner can rest easy knowing that their home will go back to its initial status because of the help of the storm restoration firm through storm remediation.
Visit http://www.SERVPROnesaltlakecityparkcity.com for more information on storm damage.