5 Benefits of Regular House Plumbing Inspections

2/12/2023 (Permalink)

Having regular house plumbing inspections is a great way to manage and maintain your home or business.

A plumbing inspection is a great way to make sure your house is running smoothly. It can help you avoid costly repairs and major issues down the line. It also helps to ensure that your home or business stays in great condition and performs at its best. Here are some of the top benefits of regular plumbing maintenance.

Saves Money in the Long Run

Regular plumbing inspections can help you save money in the long run by reducing the likelihood of major plumbing issues, reducing the need for emergency plumbing services and expensive repairs, and reducing the need for replacement parts.

As your home's plumbing system ages and wears down, it becomes more susceptible to damage from wear and tear as well. Regular inspections can identify these problems before they become too serious; this saves you time and money on costly repairs down the line.

Improved Water Pressure

The quality of your shower, dishwasher, washing machine, and toilet depends on water pressure. Without it, you may feel like the water trickles rather than pours when you turn on your faucets. Regular plumber inspections can improve your home’s plumbing so that it delivers the amount of pressure needed to meet all your household needs.

Similarly, when drains are slow to drain or don't drain at all—and toilets flush slowly—this means dirty water isn't being evacuated from the home as efficiently as possible. This leads to unnecessary waste that could clog up drains over time, which then requires professional help.

Improved Water Quality

Water quality is an important part of any home. In order to ensure that your water stays at its cleanest, regular house plumbing inspections are essential. A professional plumber will check for leaks in your pipes, identify potential problems before they arise, and provide maintenance advice so that you can keep up with the proper functioning of all aspects of your house plumbing system.

Prevents Major Issues Down The Line

The plumbing system in your home is a complex, interconnected system. If an issue develops in one part of the system, it can affect other parts of the system and cause problems throughout your property. For example, if an older water heater or drain clogs up and causes a major blockage in a pipe, this could lead to a sewage back-up into other areas of your house or business. If left untreated, this backup can cause structural damage that results in costly repairs. Regular inspections by experienced plumbers can help identify these issues before they become major problems that require extensive repairs or replacement work on your part.

Maintains Excellent Performance

Regular inspections of your plumbing system are an excellent way to prevent problems before they arise. These inspections will help keep your plumbing system in good working order, preventing leaks and burst pipes, and reducing the risk of flooding, water damage, mold growth, and health problems.

What’s Involved in an Inspection?

When you hire a professional plumber to inspect your home's plumbing, they will do a lot more than just look at what is going on. They will examine the following:

• the water pressure
• the supply lines
• the drains
• the toilets
• the faucets
• appliances such as your dishwasher, washing machine, and refrigerator

Regular Plumbing Inspections are Important.

Having regular house plumbing inspections is a great way to manage and maintain your home or business. We hope that we’ve convinced you to consider a plumbing inspection. If you do, then you’ll be glad that you did!

Water Mitigation vs. Water Damage Restoration

1/20/2023 (Permalink)

You will generally need both processes to get your home back to normal.

Water mitigation and water damage restoration are two common methods used by professionals to restore water damage. Many people confuse the two terms, but they are different and serve different purposes. Water mitigation focuses on drying and sanitizing the affected area, while water damage restoration puts the property back to its pre-incident state. Here we will break down the two concepts and show how they are both essential for recovering from a water damage event.

Water Mitigation

Water mitigation puts your property back to its pre-incident state by removing any standing water and drying out the structure. The goal of water mitigation is to prevent mold from growing once it has been removed from a building or home. This may involve drying out wet carpeting and floors with fans or dehumidifiers; removing soaked drywall; cleaning up mold growth caused by excess moisture; etcetera.

During water mitigation, the technicians will work to build a temporary fix to the cause of the water damage. This will ensure the water does not continue to flow into your home or business. It will also ensure that the technicians can focus on getting the water out of the structure in order to minimize the damage as much as possible.

Water Damage Restoration

Water damage restoration is the process of repairing structural and cosmetic damage to a property caused by water intrusion. This is a very common issue, as water damage can occur in any residential or commercial property, for a variety of reasons. Water damage restoration is an important process to follow after a water loss incident because it ensures that your property’s structure has been properly restored to its original condition.

Often, the water damage restoration process needs to start with water mitigation. This process clears the way for the actual restoration to take place. When both processes are complete you will notice that your Boulder, CO home looks better than before because we have returned everything back as close as possible to what it was before your loss occurred (or even better).

The water damage restoration process involves implementing a permanent fix for the cause of the water damage. Whether it's a broken pipe or a hole in the roof, this is the stage where SERVPRO of Lafayette/Louisville will get to work to make sure the cause of the water damage will no longer be a problem.

Mitigation and Restoration Go Hand-In-Hand

In conclusion, water mitigation and water damage restoration are two distinct processes that are used to address the issue of water damage in buildings. Water mitigation is the process of reducing the amount of water damage that occurs after a water damage event starts, typically through the use of techniques such as drying out the water with fans and dehumidifiers. Water damage restoration, on the other hand, is the process of repairing and restoring a building or structure that has already been damaged by water. You will generally need both processes to get your home back to normal.

Fire Protection Tips for Your Valuables

12/6/2022 (Permalink)

If you’re serious about protecting your valuables from fire damage, you need to consider insurance.

Fire Protection Tips for Your Valuables

Fires are scary and can happen at any time without warning. Fire damage is also very costly. If your home has been damaged by fire, you may be wondering what you can do to prevent it from happening again. Thankfully, there are several things that both homeowners and renters can do to protect their valuables from the damaging effects of fire, and they don’t have to be expensive or difficult!

More Than Insurance

If you’re serious about protecting your valuables from fire damage, you need to consider insurance. You should make sure that your insurance policy is up-to-date and includes what it needs to in order to cover the right kinds of damages. If not, talk with your broker or agent about adding coverage for specific items or situations (like fires).

You should absolutely invest in proper insurance to protect your home and valuables from potential fire damage. If a fire does occur, it's easy to think that you're going to need everything replaced right away. But often, experts recommend waiting until the smoke clears before making any big purchases. Insurance provides you with time to think about what items are truly important for you, and which ones can wait until later on down the line when things have settled down a bit.

Fireproof Storage

A fireproof safe can keep your valuables safe from the heat of a fire. Fireproof storage containers are another option for protecting your belongings from the heat of a fire. These containers come in many shapes and sizes, so you can choose one that fits your needs best.

Fireproof storage cabinets are another great choice if you're looking for protection against extreme temperatures. They provide an extra layer of protection in case there's an emergency evacuation. 

If storing small items is more important than hiding larger ones, then look into getting some fireproof boxes instead! These boxes are small enough not only to fit on shelves but also under beds and nightstands so they won't be too noticeable but still provide valuable protection against disasters like floods that might cause water damage inside homes due all sorts things like leaks coming through windows/doors etcetera.

Choosing a Security C.

Another way to help protect your valuables from a fire is to work with a reputable security company that can alert you when a fire breaks out in your home. When you’re looking for a security company, it’s important to choose one that offers a variety of services—including home alarm systems, fire alarms and sprinkler systems. Make sure the company has been in business for at least five years and has at least three references from satisfied customers. Ask about their history and reputation as well as their customer service record. If there are any complaints against them, ask how they handled them. Also ask what kind of warranty the system will come with (some companies offer lifetime warranties).

You can prevent most fire damage by taking precautions and insuring your valuables.

The best way to prevent fire damage is by taking the proper precautions. If you take the time to purchase a few basic fire-prevention tools, they’ll pay off in the long run and can help you save money on insurance costs. The most important thing is to know what your valuables are worth, so you can make informed decisions about how best to protect them from potential fires.

Fireproof safes are a good option for protecting valuables because they offer multiple layers of protection through heavy-duty steel construction, high-tech insulation materials, and some models even offer reinforced walls that won't melt when exposed to heat sources like fires or ovens. These safes also have burglar alarms installed within them so that if someone tries breaking into one while it's closed up tight then they'll trigger an alarm at once! You never have to worry about anyone stealing anything since no one else knows where they're hidden away except yourself -- plus there won't be any smoke damage either since all these items have been stored safely inside without being exposed directly outside elements such as sunlight

We want you to be prepared for all types of fires by reading this article and being aware of the steps that you can take to protect your valuables. Your home is one of your biggest investments and we want it to last as long as possible. So start planning now!

How Do You Know if You Have a Roof Leak?

11/3/2022 (Permalink)

If you notice roof leaks call your local SERVPRO.

How Do You Know if You Have a Roof Leak?

Water leaks are a homeowner's worst nightmare. They can waste a lot of money, damage your home, and put you at risk for mold growth. If you think you have a roof leak that needs repair, here are some things to look out for.

Shingle damage

Shingles are designed to withstand a lot of abuse, but they aren't indestructible. Hail and high winds can cause shingles to be lifted and torn off the roof. Ice dams will do the same thing as well. A roof leak that was caused by a sagging or rotting deck should be repaired right away before it becomes worse and causes more damage to your home's structure. The longer you wait for this type of repair, the harder it will be for you when it comes time to replace your roofing materials.

If your shingles have been damaged, there's a good chance that there is some sort of water infiltration problem with your roof as well; otherwise, why would they have become damaged in the first place? Water leakage across seams and through layers of shingle will quickly lead to mold problems behind walls and ceilings - which could then lead further structural damage down the road if left untreated. Take care now so that later doesn't cost even more money (and stress).

Mold

Even if you don't see the leak right away, mold can still grow. Mold is a fungus that grows in damp areas. It can grow on wood, drywall, and other surfaces. Mold looks like spots or splotches of black, green, or white fuzz on your ceiling or walls. Repairing a roof leak quickly will help protect your Lafayette, CO home from mold damage.

Ceiling stains

If your ceiling has black mold, black streaks, or black spots that have been there for a while, this is likely the result of water damage. If you see pink or red discoloration in addition to these stains, it means that the wood under your ceiling has been damaged by moisture. The same is true if you see blue discoloration.

Spots on the ceiling

If you see spots on your ceiling and aren't sure why it could be because of a roof leak. However, it could also be due to condensation or even water damage caused by other issues like plumbing problems. Therefore, if you suspect that there's a leak in your roof but don't know for certain, it's best to call a professional.

Water in your light fixtures

Water in your light fixtures is a sign that you have a roof leak. When it rains, water will run down the edges of your home and can enter through cracks and crevices in your roof or around the attic vents. If you’re experiencing water damage, you may notice mold growing on the ceiling or walls in these areas.

Once you’re sure there’s a leak, take a look at how far back it goes: if only one area is damaged but everything else looks fine, chances are it just needs some minor repairs rather than an entire replacement.

• If you notice any of these signs, you should call a roofing professional right away to stop the leak before more damage occurs.
• If you notice any of these signs, you should call a roofing professional right away to stop the leak before more damage occurs.

• Water stains on your ceiling or walls—especially if they are in the same spot
• Raised spots on your ceilings or walls—these may be caused by mold and mildew
• Mold growth near windows or doors that have been left open for extended periods of time

If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to call a professional like SERVPRO of Lafayette/Louisville. We offer free inspections, so call us today at (303) 604-6607 to schedule yours.

How Do I File a Claim After a Fire?

10/11/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lafayette/Louisville is available 24/7, and we will make Fire damage “Like it never even happened.”

How Do I File a Claim Following a Fire?

If you have had a fire in your Valmont, CO home, there are many questions to ask and decisions to make. One of the most important things that you can do is file a claim with your insurance company. Here’s what you need to know about filing a fire damage claim:

Filing a Damage Claim 

After a fire, one of the first things you should do is contact your insurance company and file a claim. There are deadlines for all sorts of different types of claims, so it’s important to know when you need to make your claim. These deadlines will vary from state to state and from insurance company to insurance company, but they can be anywhere from 24 hours after the loss occurred up until 90 days later. It’s best not to wait too long before filing a claim because if you do, then it may be harder for them to investigate what happened. 

There are two types of claims: property damage claims and personal injury claims. Property damage claims include things like water damage cleanup services or structural repairs needed after fire damage has been done, whereas personal injury claims cover medical costs related directly due to injuries sustained during an incident. 

Call a Professional Restoration Service 

When it comes to fire damage, the best thing you can do is call a professional restoration company like SERVPRO of Lafayette/Louisville as soon as possible. Our certified technicians will be able to assess the extent of your fire damage and help you get it cleaned up quickly so that your home is ready for repairs.

If there is structural damage to your home, call a professional restoration company like SERVPRO of Lafayette/Louisville to help mitigate the damage while they wait for the insurance adjuster to come out.

File Your Claim as Soon as Possible

To begin with, contact your insurance company as soon as possible after a fire has occurred. Most policies do require you to notify them within a reasonable amount of time after the loss occurs, so call as soon as you can (if not immediately). Also check your policy or contact your agent for more information about how claims work and what types of claims will be covered under different policies.

Conclusion

If you are not sure what type of claim to file or how to do it, talk to your insurance agent. They will be able to help guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have.

Avoid Lingering Odors from Flooding

8/26/2022 (Permalink)

Flood damage in Louisville, CO.

When a business in Louisville, CO, experiences water issues, the problem isn’t just the wetness. Even after the issue seems to have been resolved, lingering odors mean there is likely mold growth happening. If the cause was flood water, there are likely other contaminants that could be left behind if not properly cleaned. Whether it’s a little or a lot of water, a water and mold remediation expert can ensure your property is thoroughly dried, cleaned and sanitized.

Residual Effects of Water Damage

A severe storm, pipe burst, sewage loss or roof leak are just a few potential causes of water damage. No matter what the source is, getting it repaired as quickly as possible is essential to preventing further problems. If the damage continues to spread, it can easily turn into more than just a moisture problem. Along with having to throw away damaged belongings, structural and long-term problems can begin to form.

• Mold growth can begin to happen with 48 hours. If the situation isn’t revolved, mold spores will begin to spread to unaffected areas.
• Drywall and ceilings can begin to sag and lose integrity.
• Electrical components can begin to corrode, creating potential safety hazards.
• Saturated insulation can increase mold growth, as well as loses its ability to resist heat.
• Wood floors can easily become warped, as well as be breeding grounds for mold.

Advanced Tools Eradicate Lingering Effects

In most of the above, mold is a key issue. Instead of hoping for the best or replacing items, which can get expensive, a restoration company can restore many things that are considered unsalvageable, repair affected areas, eradicate mold and deodorize to ensure those lingering effects aren’t able to linger. Depending on the type of damage, there are various cleaning methods to eliminate mold growth and odors, all of which use the latest technology to get your business back to new.

While dealing with water damage may seem like a hassle, leaving it unchecked will make it a much bigger problem. Getting the right help can help make it “Like it never even happened.”

3 Ways To Lower Mold Spore Counts

8/21/2022 (Permalink)

HEPA air filters capture and remove at least 99.97% of airborne particles larger than 0.3 microns

Three Ways To Lower The Concentration Of Mold Spores

Mold spore counts will rise as long as fungal growth continues unabated in a commercial building. Building owners are responsible for the removal and remediation of mold, which may involve running a high-efficiency particulate air filter and scheduling air duct and carpet cleaning. Here are three of the best ways to lower the concentration of mold spores in a building located in Lafayette, CO.

1. Run a HEPA Filter

The vast majority of fungus spores range from two microns up to 20 microns, with some measuring as large as 100 microns. HEPA air filters capture and remove at least 99.97% of airborne particles larger than 0.3 microns.

Connecting a HEPA filter to a building HVAC system or running one or more free-standing air filtration systems rated for the size of interior spaces can make quick work of filtering out spores once the source of an infestation has been eliminated.

2. Schedule a Carpet Cleaning

Mold spores may settle down on a carpet over time or due to use of ionizing or electrostatic air filtration systems. Cleaning carpet is an important part of mold remediation and prevention.
Cleaning a carpet is most effective after mold cleaning. Carpeting is porous and may contain cellulose, a plant fiber that fuels mold growth.

Spores in carpet can recontaminate a structure. For this reason, remediation professionals often recommend tearing out porous flooring, airing out the subfloor, completing mold cleanup and drying the area before replacing carpet.

3. Have HVAC Ductwork Cleaned

Scheduling air duct cleaning can keep mold problems from returning. HVAC equipment and ductwork can be inspected for any signs of fungal growth and cleaned to stop spore circulation.

After active growth has been removed, spore counts should be lowered to forestall the recurrence of mold growth. Air filtration, carpet cleaning and duct cleaning can significantly lower spore concentrations at a commercial property in Lafayette, CO.

When To Replace Bathroom Supply Lines

8/15/2022 (Permalink)

Bathroom supply line

Replacing Bathroom Supply Line

The network of pipes that bring clean water and remove dirty water in your home is critical to your enjoyment and health. Nowhere is this more apparent than your bathroom. The sink, toilet, bath, and shower all depend upon a functioning plumbing system. Supply line damage can quickly put a stop to this, not to mention create a water cleanup problem.

The majority of your supply lines are hidden behind walls so it can be hard to see what is going on with them. There are a couple of ways to determine if your pipes are in good shape. A sudden bathroom leak is one indication. A series of leaks over a couple of years is the second sign of trouble.

Replacing and Repairing

Supply line damage in your bathroom demands immediate attention. If the situation allows, you can get by with a quick repair that will stop the leak and replace a section of pipe or a connector. However, if the problem indicates a systemic failure, it might be better to replace all of the pipes at once. You have three excellent options for the type of replacement pipe:

• PVC pipe
• Copper pipe
• Stainless steel pipe
  
  

Plastic materials are easy to work with and are generally less expensive. Metal pipes cost more but are better for longevity and often come with lifetime warranties. New pipes will greatly reduce the likelihood of a supply line leak in the near future.

Cleaning Up Water Damage
Major supply line damage in your home in Lafayette, CO, calls for professional services. A water remediation franchise such as SERVPRO is always Here to Help. As soon as you call, a team of trained technicians will arrive at your home and get to work on minimizing damage. Workers will quickly remove water and dry out impacted areas to prevent primary and secondary damage.

Maintaining your plumbing system in your home and working with cleanup professionals can save you time and money.

What Causes Category 1 Water Damage?

7/27/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage in a Valmont, CO office

Discover The Causes Of Category 1 Water Damage

Restoration professionals categorize damage caused by a broken supply line as Category One water damage. Clean water is initially free of contaminants, but its condition can deteriorate within a matter of hours. Discover the causes of Category One water damage and how to prevent these incidents from affecting a commercial facility in Valmont, CO.

A Broken Supply Line
When a pipe breaks, a commercial building may rapidly begin filling with water. All of the following measures can limit damage:

• Turn off the building water supply
• Collect as much water as possible
• Try to prevent damage from intensifying

Water released by a broken line is clean and treated, its condition begins to degrade as soon as it is released into a structure. Water working its way between floors downgrades damage from Category One to Category Two. Water left standing for longer than 24 to 48 hours becomes Category Three damage.

A Pipe With a Leak
A leaky pipe can be a more insidious problem than a broken line, particularly in terms of the potential for major secondary damage. Clean water that drips from a pipe can sustain hidden mold growth and require a combination of water damage restoration and mold remediation.

A Leaky Appliance
Any appliance that has faulty or worn plumbing hardware or connection components may leak water. Repairing connections is essential for appliances to continue functioning properly and to reduce the risk of water damage.

Clean water from a broken pipe is the most common source of Category One water damage. Depending on the condition of the line, water may be either spraying or dripping. The flow rate or a timely shut off will determine the degree of damage to a structure. Turning off the water supply and taking measures to contain a leak can also limit how far water damage spreads through a commercial building in Valmont, CO.

Insurance Covers Damage from Neighboring Buildings

7/27/2022 (Permalink)

Smoke damage from a building in Gooding, CO

Insurance Covers Damage from Neighboring Buildings

Being prepared for anything is important to the success of your Gooding, CO, business. Even if you have developed a fire and storm evacuation plan, conduct regular maintenance and inspections, adhere to city codes, and maintain proper insurance, the unexpected can still happen. If a neighboring building catches on fire and your structure is affected by smoke damage, that preparation will go a long way.

Insurance Coverage
Whether the soot damage and smoke odor are minimal or severe, commercial property insurance will cover the damage. After the incident happens, immediately contact your insurer. Vital information to provide and questions to ask include:

• Date
• Location
• Details regarding the extent of damage
• Replacement and restoration options
• Timeline for repairs
• Options if temporary closure is needed
  
  

It is also important to document all the damage by taking videos and photos, as well as obtaining receipts for valuable items. If the damage is severe enough to require shutting down for a period of time, keep track of all expenses associated with the closure.

Professional Cleaning
Even if your building is minimally affected, soot and smoke damage is often difficult to clean. Soot can be dry or oil, the latter of which smears and can increase frustration. If not done properly, foul odors will linger long after repairs are made. To ensure your building is back to normal, fire damage and restoration professionals can handle all the needed repairs and restoration, as well as smoke cleaning services. With expertise and technology on their side, they can eradicate visible and hidden damage.

While the soot may be visible, smoke residue isn’t always noticeable. A certified professional uses various hard-surface cleaning techniques and air filtration devices to clean objects and the air.
Smoke damage can be a tricky problem to deal with. Regardless if the fire was in your building or an adjacent one, get help that is Faster to Any Size Disaster to eliminate any long-term effects.