Recent Posts
What Items are Most Vulnerable to Water Damage in Hotels? | SERVPRO® of North Lilburn
10/2/2022 (Permalink)
Our certified technicians are experts in their field and have the latest equipment to remediate your hotel's water damage
Our Certified Technicians are Experts in their Field and Have the Latest Equipment to Remediate Your Commercial Water Damage
Flooding of any kind spells big trouble for businesses. Unfortunately, some buildings are at more risk than others. Hotels are substantially more vulnerable, for example, because they rely very heavily on their water supply.
Wherever there is a shower, sink, or toilet, there is a danger of commercial water damage in Pleasant Hill. The good news is that SERVPRO has the right tools and techniques to chase water damage right out of your business.
Keep reading for information on the most vulnerable areas of your hotel and why our technicians make them a priority.
Soft Furnishings
Usually, the most costly form of damage after flooding in a hotel is to carpets, curtains, and other soft furnishings. If there are several rooms on the ground floor, there is likely to be water intrusion in all or most of them.
Replacing all carpets is expensive, so our technicians try to dry and clean them if the liquid is Category One or Two. Sewage and liquids containing toxic chemicals render carpets unusable. They require speedy disposal for safety reasons.
In most cases, carpets are dried using dehumidifiers. Depending on the size of the rooms, SERVPRO activates 1-2 machines in each. The restoration team closely monitors how much moisture is extracted to reach the optimal relative humidity level.
Wallpaper and Paint
The other big problem after flooding is water stains in ground floor rooms. They typically only extend a few centimeters above the ground but are unsightly and require attention. If the plasterboard has been heavily saturated, we may need to cut the bottom section away.
It is replaced after the repair team has dried out the interior wall cavity. Stubborn watermarks are easy to cover with paint. We also make sure to seal the stains first so that no moisture rises through the new paint and becomes visible again.
Wallpaper tends to warp and become unusable upon contact with water. Normally, we recommend stripping damaged pieces and replacing them. It makes it easier to dry out the materials underneath, and we can arrange for a contractor to do the job for you.
At SERVPRO of North Lilburn, no job is too big to handle. We help businesses of all sizes to rescue their assets from water damage. Call us 24/7 at (770) 709-3266 for emergency repairs and restoration.
When Disaster Strikes Your Business, We Act Fast | SERVPRO® of North Lilburn
8/17/2022 (Permalink)
If you see any signs of damage at your business or facility, contact SERVPRO® of North Lilburn for a full breakdown of our restoration services.
SERVPRO offers businesses an array of commercial cleaning services, but do you know about our extensive restoration services? When disaster strikes, look for the big green truck to know your business will be taken care of by the best in the industry!
Wondering what restoration services we offer? We pretty much cover it all! When disaster strikes, we have the services you need.
Severe Storms and Natural Disasters
Preparing your commercial space for a natural disaster is a great way to prevent damage in the first place, but it is not foolproof. Natural disasters, such as severe storms, flooding and strong winds, can wreak havoc on any structure in their path.
If your office or store is damaged by a storm, make SERVPRO your first call. And even better? We can help you prepare before a storm by creating an Emergency Ready profile.
Fire and Water Damage Restoration
When a building experiences damage from a fire or a flood, quick action is essential. Waiting even a short time can lead to more damage. Lucky for your business, SERVPRO specializes in commercial water and fire restoration.
Every 23 seconds, a fire department in the United States responds to a fire. Fire damage can be especially devastating to a commercial building. In addition to direct fire and smoke damage, water damage can occur from firefighting efforts.
Whether water damage occurs in relation to fire damage or on its own due to a leak or a flood, it can wreak havoc on your business structure and anything inside.
Because time is money in business, we respond quickly and work tirelessly to restore your commercial property back to its pre-damage glory. When you face fire or water damage in your business, SERVPRO is the one to call.
Mold Remediation
When moisture is present, mold can grow. The best way to prevent mold from occurring in the first place is to clean up water damage quickly, before it has a chance to thrive.
While we often think of mold as an aesthetic problem, it can also cause structural damage, so it is important to remediate the problem as soon as possible. Acting quickly can prevent further property damage to your commercial building and help keep your staff safe.
When mold is an issue, SERVPRO’s highly trained technicians know how to remediate it and restore the structure safely and efficiently.
When you have fire or water damage or notice signs of mold in your business facility, contact SERVPRO of North Lilburn for restoration services! We’re available 24/7 to take your call.
The 3 Main Types of Storm Damage | SERVPRO® of North Lilburn
8/17/2022 (Permalink)
When you suffer storm-related damage to your home or business, make SERVPRO® of North Lilburn your first call.
Severe storms are every homeowner’s worst nightmare. While many modern homes are designed to withstand the effects of an extreme weather event, almost every home or property will see some level of damage when wild storms come through town.
Violent winds and wind-related disasters can blow debris all over the region, as well as cause freezing rains, snowstorms, lightning and flash floods, varying by the season and the storm—all pose a significant risk to your property and the structure of your home.
Depending on the type of storm and events occurring, your house may be exposed to varying levels of damage. Many factors come into play in determining the level of potential damage, including the landscape around your property, the geography of the region and the quality of your home’s foundation or building materials. (We admit, there’s also an element of luck involved.
You should make an effort to learn about general storm safety, and more specifically, the ones we see here in Georgia. In our state, we see between 54 and 90 thunderstorm days on average yearly. This means that one in five days of the week will be filled with high winds, heavy rainfall and potentially even damaging hail.
It’s never safe to stay put in a home that has been damaged from a storm unless safety experts clear you to do so. Many types of damage will be immediately visible, but you should always follow proper protocols to avoid any further disaster.
Let’s take a look at the three main kinds of storm damage so that you can be better prepared for them:
Wind
This type of destruction occurs when buildings are exposed to strong gusts of wind that blow at insanely high velocities. Tornadoes and hurricanes are the most common sources of intense winds, but even thunderstorms can cause winds of up to 100 mph.
Strong winds can pick up debris left on your property and fling it into your vehicles or your home, and the wind itself can also rip shingles off the roof and siding off the house. When storms roll through, it’s important to stay inside, away from any windows or external walls in case glass breaks or the walls are punctured by debris.
You can also take steps before the storm arrives to prevent excessive damage due to wind. Keep your property clear of any limbs, large rocks, untethered furniture or dying trees so that you can limit the amount of debris a storm has to work with.
Water
Damage from water is an extremely common occurrence both during and after a storm. Heavy downpours during even a minor storm can allow water to accumulate outside your home, which then leaks through the seals on your doors and windows.
When the amount of water is substantial enough, it can even seep into your foundation and cause serious structural damage.
In order to limit the amount of destruction that water can cause to your property, consider utilizing special landscaping techniques that allow water to flow away from your home rather than collect next to it. You can also install a rain garden, which is a beautiful way to brighten up your yard and prevent all that rainwater from causing a big problem.
Additionally, you should always keep your gutters clean so that they can work as designed and keep the weight of water off your roof. Clogged gutters can allow water to pool and push its way inside your home from the top, leaking its way down to ground level.
Impact
“Impact damage” is another common type of storm damage that can have catastrophic outcomes on your home. This damage is seen in the form of fallen trees or debris being blown by strong winds into your home. Essentially, impact damage encompasses any damage caused by an object that hits (or impacts) your house or property.
The single best way to avoid this kind of disaster is to trim trees around your home and make sure any dying tree is removed, instead of Mother Nature bringing it down on your house.
Weather-related disasters caused over $145 billion in damages in 2021 in the United States alone. These tips could help you save countless amounts of time and money and can keep your household safer by avoiding these frequent disasters before they begin.
If you do experience storm damage, you should give SERVPRO of North Lilburn a call right away. Our restoration experts come equipped with industry-leading technology and years of experience handling every kind of disaster.
When you suffer storm-related damage to your home or business, it’s important that you know who to call! Contact us today to get your storm damage restoration started faster.
Why You Should Select SERVPRO for Your Restoration | SERVPRO® of North Lilburn
8/5/2022 (Permalink)
No matter what type of disaster you face, SERVPRO® of North Lilburn is only a phone call away.
As an independently owned and operated SERVPRO location, we understand the struggles that business owners face on a daily basis. You have to consider a multitude of things as you attempt to run a successful venture, and the worst thing that could happen is a disaster that puts you off track.
However, while you can’t predict and likely can’t prevent a natural disaster, you can be prepared for them.
Beyond the damage that businesses can suffer, we understand the reality of sustaining damage to the home as well. Attempting to recover after a disaster can be overwhelming regardless of what kind of damage you’re facing.
To better prepare your household for dealing with the destruction, you should create an emergency plan as well. Creating an emergency plan begins with understanding the disasters that are most common in our area.
The American Red Cross has built an amazing website that gathers data from resources around the country to help you plan for whatever may come. In Georgia, we experience severe storms more than most, which means that we see a lot of impact damage and water damage. Check out these resources from the Georgia Emergency Management division to learn more about the disasters we face.
Whether you run a business or own a home or both, you’ll likely experience the effects of damage at some point. In every case, it’s crucial for you to undertake restoration quickly to prevent major problems from occurring. Here’s why we should be your go-to call:
<h2choose-SERVPRO">Why Choose SERVPRO?
We understand that no two situations are alike. While events that require restoration are extremely common across the United States, each scenario can be vastly different.
For instance, more than 14 million homes are at risk of flooding annually, but the damage done to each home will be varied. This is why we have experts who are trained to handle damage of any size and scope, so that you can feel better choosing us for your restoration.
We will examine the unique factors of your particular situation in order to provide an appropriate solution.
We are available 24 hours a day. When it comes to damage restoration, the most important thing to know is that you have to act fast. This is crucial for not only getting your home or business back to preloss condition but also to prevent the damage from escalating further.
When water enters the home, it can cause immediate damage to furniture, fabrics and paint. And if that water is left unaddressed for extended periods, an explosion of mold and mildew can occur that’s capable of weakening your home’s structure. That’s why we are always ready to respond to your call 24⁄7, 365 days out of the year.
We provide more than simply damage restoration. On top of restoring the damage that a disaster has inflicted on your home, we take over every facet of the process.
We help you pack things up to prevent further damage, and we’ll help you work with your insurance agent to get the most out of your claims. We always aim to provide assistance in any way possible throughout the painstaking process of recovery, hopefully making it a lot easier on you!
No matter the kind of disaster, your local experts at SERVPRO of North Lilburn have got you covered with years of expertise and training. Our restoration professionals have industry-leading equipment that can clean up and get your property back to its former glory before you know it.
When you suffer damage to your home or business, it’s important that you know who to call! Contact us today to get restoration started faster.
SERVPRO® Is Your Silent Business Partner | SERVPRO® of North Lilburn
8/1/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO® of North Lilburn is your local commercial restoration expert. Contact us today should you experience any damage.
Keeping a business going requires all the help you can get. When you own a business or manage a property, you know you need every hand available in order to keep things running smoothly. A major disruption to your company or a loss can be devastating.
The good news is that your retail space, rental property or manufacturing facility has a silent built-in partner right here in your backyard. SERVPRO is locally owned and are prepared to carry the burden of emergency planning and deep-cleaning for you. It’s like having an ally that is invested in your business and your business success plan.
Large loss recovery. Among the top reasons businesses suffer losses are natural disasters such as fire, storms and flooding. These events have caused crushing financial damages across the United States, something we have certainly felt in Georgia after a tornado has swept through. SERVPRO offers highly trained professionals who are ready to respond 24⁄7 with proven emergency recovery methods. We can reduce the time you are away from your business and get your company back on track.
Emergency Ready Plan. There is never a wrong time to plan, and when you have a clear emergency plan, your recovery time begins long before a natural disaster or other catastrophe strikes. We can write a plan tailored specifically to your company’s needs that can include everything from alternate work locations to temporary vendors and a detailed chain of command. Our plans are ready when you say go, keeping your company moving forward no matter what you may face.
Cleaning of all kinds. While you may know us as the disaster professionals, SERVPRO has been cleaning for a long time. Our professional cleaning service goes deeper than traditional cleaning services and covers your business from floor to ceiling. Whether you have general cleaning needs like carpets or high traffic areas, or specialty needs like trauma site cleanup and safe biohazard removal, we can clean it all.
Restoration services. Storms in Georgia can get severe pretty quickly, which can lead to flooding or a burst pipe in an extreme temperature drop. Or maybe your new coworker tried to make a nice warm lunch and caused a fire in the office kitchen. As a business owner or property manager, you will run into a variety of reasons for needing restoration services, and we can cover them all. SERVPRO of North Lilburn can remove water or reconstruct any damage that may have been done.
Industry specialization. SERVPRO has been around a long time, and we have studied all the ins and outs of the commercial enterprises around our area. We have learned all the unique needs that can occur and there isn’t a business we can’t help. In many cases, we can even restore an area while you keep your business moving, and in our small towns, we know how important keeping a company running can be.
Whatever your recovery need may be, and whatever your commercial property may require, trust SERVPRO to get the job done. Contact us today to get started on an Emergency Ready Plan or find out how we can serve your business.
Protect Your Home From a Potential Water Emergency | SERVPRO® of North Lilburn
7/29/2022 (Permalink)
If you experience any water damage, contact SERVPRO® of North Lilburn. We will create a custom repair plan to rectify any issue.
As a homeowner, the last thing you’d want to come home to after a long day at work or a day out with the family is an out-of-control water emergency! Water damage is never convenient and can sometimes be costly, but fortunately, there are ways to stop the water before it gets the chance to infiltrate your home.
Knowing what to look for and how to maintain your home can help you return home each day to a damage-free home! There are many factors around your property that help you protect your home from water and when these safeguards aren’t adequately maintained, you could be left with a water emergency on your hands.
Here’s what you can do to inspect and maintain the appliances and safeguards around your property:
Clear out your downspouts and gutters. These are the most effective tools that aid in directing rainwater away from your home. When these safeguards aren’t properly maintained, it can lead to clogged or overflowing gutters that can damage the exterior and interior of your home. Clear your gutters and downspouts of branches, leaves and debris frequently to keep them running smoothly.
Know how to spot leaks. Knowing how to catch a leak in its tracks before it can escalate to costly water damage can save you from some trouble. Understand the problem areas and appliances of your home that could create leaks. If you detect discoloration, wet spots or warping, it could be the beginning of a property leak.
Inspect your roof regularly. Your roof protects the foundation of your home by acting as a basin to redirect water away from your property. Regularly inspecting your roof or any damage and performing repairs on it when needed is a crucial step to preventing water damage inside your home. Check your roof for signs of wear and tear such as cracked flashing or broken shingles.
Check your appliances. The appliances you use every day are a common source of water damage. Equipment such as your water heater, washing machine and dishwasher are a few of the appliances that can create a water damage emergency. Be sure to regularly have these appliances repaired if you notice they aren’t functioning as normal, and replace them if needed.
Understand how to shut off your water main. As soon as you notice the warning signs of a leak, the first step you should take to prevent any further damage is turning off your water main. Locate where the main water valve is before a water disaster occurs to stay one step ahead of water damage.
When water infiltrates your home and leaves you with a problem on your hands, contact the professionals at SERVPRO. We can inspect the damage and execute an effective repair plan.
Stay Safe When Your Campfire Is Ablaze | SERVPRO® of North Lilburn
7/20/2022 (Permalink)
If you have experienced fire or smoke damage, contact SERVPRO® of North Lilburn today.
Everyone loves the classic scene of a campfire in your backyard, roasting marshmallows and sharing laughs with your family. The warmth of the fire keeps everyone comfortable as the sun sets, and it’s a great time!
Fires are used for numerous reasons and in a wide variety of locations, from yards to campsites and for comfort, fun or a meal. However, the fires that we think are safe and easily controllable are more dangerous than we believe.
According to our National Park Service, almost 85% of wildfires are started by humans.
In Georgia, we face a significant risk of outdoor fires spreading when we least expect it. Our area’s high heat combined with an abundance of foliage creates the perfect environment to sustain a fire and allow it to expand.
This does not mean that you shouldn’t burn your dead plants or have campfires around your home. Follow these safety measures every time you burn, so that you can relax and enjoy your low-risk fire.
Recreational Fire HazardsIt is true that any kind of flame can become dangerous, but the most common outdoor fires spread due to a campfire, grill or fireworks. On average, grills are responsible for 8,800 home fires every year, usually due to an operating error. It’s crucial to check that the flames are gone, and especially important that the propane is turned off before leaving your grill unattended.
When building a campfire, the most important decision is the location of it. Select a place that’s separated from structures or vehicles, and avoid using accelerants like gasoline to get it going. Once the fire is roaring, make sure to only use wood as fuel, and keep a watchful eye on where the embers are landing.
A backyard fire pit is one of the most common desires for every homeowner, but just because it’s part of your property doesn’t mean it’s always safe. You should follow every precaution like you would with a traditional fire, such as ensuring that you don’t place it under an overhang.
Many homeowners choose to get rid of home repair materials or household waste in their fires, but you should only burn approved firewood.
Fireworks are another common cause of outdoor fire spread, and while they are legal in Georgia, Gwinnett officials always advise us to attend firework shows instead of trying them ourselves. If you are going to be launching off fireworks, be sure to have an adult supervising at all times, and only launch them directly into the air to avoid collision with a home or a person.
Other Outdoor Fire HazardsAlthough they can be destructive, fires and combustible materials still serve a purpose. Areas like ours with a large number of dead leaves in the fall make burning one of the most effective ways to clean up our yards.
The Gwinnett County government has prohibited all debris burning from May 1 through Sept. 30, but you can still perform outdoor burns during the other months.
Removing dead foliage and debris from your yard is an important part of keeping your home safe from wildfires. There is also specialized landscaping that can help prevent fires from spreading around your property. Most importantly, knowing what to burn and adhering to standard fire safety procedures can prevent fires from becoming unmanageable.
Most people store gas in the shed or oil in the garage for a variety of reasons. Improper storage can cause destructive results, like the leakage of liquid or fumes that could ignite. Only use officially approved containers for gas and oil, and keep them away from any child’s grasp.
Before igniting a fire outside, check the local weather conditions and regulations to make sure that you’re in the clear. High winds and dry spells are a sign that you should pass on the fire and enjoy one another night.
If you do unfortunately experience a home fire, call SERVPRO of North Lilburn. Our experts are trained in every facet of damage cleanup and restoration. We maintain a primary goal of restoring as much of your property as soon as we possibly can!
Burn safely outdoors. And save some chocolate for us! If you have experienced fire or smoke damage, contact us today to get restoration started faster.
Stay Safe During Storms By Following Local Alerts | SERVPRO® of North Lilburn
7/14/2022 (Permalink)
If you suspect any damage to your home from a recent storm, call SERVPRO® of North Lilburn.
Our national weather service utilizes 42 different kinds of weather alerts, divided into seven distinct categories. This amount of information can be overwhelming for the average person, especially while you’re battening down the hatches for a potentially dangerous storm!
By understanding the difference between a warning, advisory and other alerts, you can spend less time trying to interpret the alert and more time getting ready for what’s coming. In addition, you can take steps to protect your home and property from storms before they arrive.
Everyone should have a foundation of knowledge about weather and the risks that every event can inflict. However, it’s most important to be aware of the weather that’s most likely to impact us here in Lilburn.
How Alerts Are IssuedBefore discussing what each alert means, we should talk about how they are used. A weather forecast is merely a prediction as we all know, so what tells us how severe, the specific locations and duration of a storm is? Well, that’s complicated, but there are multiple factors that can affect this.
The National Weather Service is responsible for weather forecasting and consequently issuing any necessary warnings. The NWS headquarters receives data from six regional offices, along with hundreds of sub-offices that can do highly localized predictions and alerts. We are covered by the Southern Region headquarters.
The NWS employs scientists, astronomers and meteorologists who work as a collective to gather data and create forecasts for each region. These men and women use information from satellite radars, weather tower sensors, ocean currents, and solar flare activity from the sun.
All of this data allows the National Weather Service to make fairly accurate predictions that can and do save lives each year.
The Most Important Alerts to UnderstandThe most basic knowledge that everyone should have is the key differences between “watches” and “warnings” for any kind of weather event. These terms are used frequently with thunderstorms, tornadoes and flooding.
When a watch is issued, this is a sign to start prepping for the incoming storm. These alerts mean that a storm could potentially be dangerous to people in your area. Watches will typically cover multiple counties, as they want everyone in the region to be ready for a disaster.
A warning is issued in smaller zones that may cover a single city or county. These alerts are red flags, meaning that danger is on its way, and you should take immediate measures to protect your home and family.
You should also be aware of the weather that we commonly see here in Georgia, and Lilburn specifically. Because of the mountainous region, storms seem to drop in from the sky and collect for days and weeks at a time. We see flooding frequently in this area because of how our geography flows rainwater right through our cities when the creeks overflow.
Protecting Your Home During a StormObviously, knowing what weather alerts mean is the best way to stay safe from severe weather. But there are a few things that you can do to mitigate the damage dealt to your home and property.
Clearing your gutters and securing your outdoor furniture are two very simple tasks you can complete before a storm arrives to help prevent flooding or destruction from debris.
It’s also a smart idea to create a safe zone inside your home with nonperishable food, water and an emergency exit plan for your family if things turn south.
Once the storm has passed, take pictures of any damage that your home may have suffered, and call us at SERVPRO of North Lilburn right away. We are proud to offer 24⁄7 availability so that we can be there to begin your restoration process immediately.
As you learn more about the weather we see in this community, the better prepared you can be for severe events. Learn what the commonly issued alerts for our community mean so that you can choose the next course of action to stay safe and keep your home standing.
Experienced storm damage to your home or property? Contact us today for a quick response!
Team Bowen Expands SERVPRO® Franchise Territory into Charlotte and Surrounding Communities
7/12/2022 (Permalink)
“Here we GROW again! Team Bowen is ready to make it “Like it never even happened®.”
Team Bowen is excited to announce our expansion in Charlotte, North Carolina, which will add to the existing SERVPRO franchise in East Mecklenburg/Matthews. East Charlotte, Northeast Mecklenburg County, and South Mecklenburg County are now a part of the Team Bowen franchise. This means over 250,000 additional households and 8,000 businesses will receive support when in need of emergency response due to fire, water, or mold damage.
These additions are part of our commitment to helping our local communities flourish. We are available 24/7, 365, and are ready to take your call. Although we can’t prevent a disaster, we are ready for whatever happens!
“We are humbled yet excited to continue to grow and expand our market presence in the Charlotte community,” Bruce Bowen, CEO of Team Bowen, commented. “Our team of quality people who focus on excellent service, fairness, and mutual respect, have allowed us to expand our footprint and still provide that same quality service throughout the southeast. These locations are key to our regional coverage. Whether it is a storm event or a complex commercial/industrial loss, quick response time is critical. Our team has the resources, manpower, and equipment necessary to respond to these specific situations. We are the National Disaster Recovery Team.”
About SERVPRO®
For more than 50 years, SERVPRO® has been a trusted leader in fire and water cleanup and restoration services, mold mitigation, and biohazard and pathogen remediation. SERVPRO’s professional service network of more than 2,000 individually owned and operated franchises spans the United States and Canada, responding to property damage emergencies large and small – from million-square-foot commercial facilities to individual homes. When disaster strikes, homeowners, business owners, and major insurance companies alike rely on SERVPRO® to make it “Like it never even happened.”
SERVPRO® Team Bowen
In 1977, Barry and Beth Bowen decided to follow their passion for service to others with their careers and set out on a mission to build a reputable and respected property damage restoration company in Tuscaloosa, AL. Having grown up entrenched in the family business, it was no surprise when the current owners, Bruce and Brian Bowen, took over in 2004. Now based in Montgomery, AL., the Bowen Team has franchise locations in Montgomery, AL., Norcross, GA., Charleston, SC., and Charlotte, NC. Today, due to their continued dedication and hard work, we are a leader and trusted name in mitigation, remediation, restoration, reconstruction, and premier cleaning throughout Southeast and U.S.
Our team has more than a century of combined restoration experience. Each team member is equipped with unique and practical skills to excel in every project and exceed the expectations of our customers. Furthermore, we have an extensive inventory of restoration equipment designed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of every facet of mitigation and reconstruction for damaged homes and businesses that we serve, no matter how big or how small.
Click below to find more information on our expansion:
SERVPROeastcharlotte.com
SERVPROsouthmecklenburgcounty.com
The Most Common Sources of Basement Flooding | SERVPRO® of North Lilburn
7/5/2022 (Permalink)
If your home should flood with water, we can come up with a solution no matter the source. Contact SERVPRO® of North Lilburn right away.
A flooded basement is a homeowner’s worst nightmare, and because there are so many different ways for standing water to infiltrate your home, it could be difficult to pinpoint the source right away. Understanding why flooding occurs easily in the basement and knowing where water can seep in from is the best way to protect your property.
Flooded basements are a typical household emergency. In fact, it’s estimated that 98% of basements will experience some level of water damage. So, why is this number so high, and what makes our basements so flood-prone?
Because your basement acts as your home’s foundation, the majority, if not all, of your home’s foundation is built underground. When it floods or rains, water from above seeps down your walls straight into your basement floor.
Understanding how to prevent and locate the most frequent causes of a flooded basement can save you from costly repairs. Here are a few common reasons water may invade your home’s foundation:
Weather conditions. As stated above, conditions like floods and heavy rain may lead to a flooded basement. Improperly sealed walls or flooring is a common way water can sneak into your home. Water pours through any cracks or openings, which leads to a basement filled with water.
The best way to prevent inclement weather from making its way into your home is by ensuring your home’s foundation is properly sealed.
Locate where the water is entering from and seal the entry point. Any plants or bushes grown around your home’s foundation should also be relocated, as water gathered in the soil can eventually seep into your basement.
Your home’s location. Where your home is located could influence your home’s flood risk. If your home is near a river, for example, a problem like overflowing can cause floods in your area. Homes located in coastal areas or at the bottom of hills are also great examples of high-risk flood zones.
Because a flooded basement can be caused by both the weather and the location of your property, knowing your home’s flood risk is the best way to identify what precautions you should put in place.
FEMA has a flood map tool that you can use to determine your home’s flood risk based on your unique location. After determining this, you can take steps such as elevating valuable documents or photographs located in your basement.
Faulty water supply lines. Your home’s water main is located underground and supplies water directly from the street to your home. Since these lines are so hidden, how are they able to flood your basement?
A water main can break when the ground or water temperature changes, resulting in a change of pressure that can create openings or cracks in the main. This leads to water making its way into your basement walls and floors.
Water main breaks aren’t the easiest to prevent, but there are ways to avoid them. When digging in your yard, keep an eye out for any pipes that may be hidden beneath the surface. Check your water pressure as well, because a water main break might result in low-pressure water from places like your sinks or shower.
If your basement becomes flooded with water, we can come up with a solution no matter the source. Contact us for any of your restoration needs.
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