How SERVPRO Takes Care Of Your Business After Water Damage

3/8/2023 (Permalink)

When your property suffers a water loss, SERVPRO is available to help return your property back to pre water conditions.

If a business is shut down due to water damage, it's nearly impossible to keep up with your bottom line. SERVPRO of North Central Austin understands this situation and has the experience to help your business get back on track as quickly as possible. We'll take care of the cleanup while you focus on getting back in business.

The Impact Water Damage has on Your Business

Water damage can be extremely costly to repair. Not only do you have to pay for the actual repairs, but you also need to factor in lost time and productivity while your business is closed.

Water damage can cause structural damage that goes beyond just the immediate area where it occurred, as well as business interruption due to temporary relocation or other factors related to repairing water-damaged areas of your building.

The SERVPRO water damage restoration process

SERVPRO is an industry leader in water damage restoration. We use a four-step process to ensure your business is back up and running as soon as possible:

• Inspect and assess the damage
• Remove the source of water or moisture
• Clean and sanitize
• Repair or restore your property

Contacting Your Local SERVPRO

The first step is to contact SERVPRO. Our team is locally owned and operated and services the greater Austin area. If your business has been affected by water damage, don't hesitate--our local offices are open 24/7 for emergencies like this one.

You can reach us by phone or email (or both!) at any time of day or night; we'll respond immediately and get started on your home or business restoration as soon as possible.

Inspection and Damage Assessment

When you call SERVPRO, we'll begin by sending a team of trained professionals to your home or business. They'll take an extensive look at the damage and document it with photographs and extensive documentation. This helps us understand exactly how much water is present, where it's going, and what areas are most affected--all important factors when determining how much time and effort will be needed to restore your property back to normal functioning condition.

We also need this information so we can give you an accurate estimate for repairs later on down the line as well as provide this information to your insurance company when assisting with the claims process.

Removing the Water

Removing the water is the first step in the restoration process. Our team will remove any standing water and then begin removing any materials or belongings affected by the water loss. Our team uses powerful extraction pumps to extract as much moisture from your property as possible so it can be dried out properly.

Drying Out the Property

Drying out the property is an important part of the restoration process. The longer you wait to begin drying, the harder it will be to restore your business to pre-damage condition and you may even have to replace some of your equipment or furnisher.

Drying out can take days, weeks, or even months depending on how severe the damage is. This is why it's important to call a restoration professional as quickly as possible after discovering a water damage event. The quicker the response, the less damage will occur on your property!

Cleaning and Sanitizing the Affected Area

After the water has been removed, it's time to clean the affected area. This process can be messy and requires special cleaning equipment, but it is essential for removing any remaining contaminants from your property that could cause mold or bacteria growth. Depending on the type of water damage you experienced, SERVPRO professionals may use different methods for cleaning and sanitizing your business.

Repair or Reconstruction

The last step is to repair or reconstruct the affected areas. This can be a time-consuming process depending on the extent of the damage, so it's important that you know what your options are.

If the damage is too extensive, a business owner may need to reconstruct a room or an entire building. Our SERVPRO of North Central Austin team offers reconstruction services, no matter the extent of the damage. So our team can take care of this process for you.

If your water damage was relatively minor, our team can handle the minor repairs for you. Minor repairs involve repairing any missing drywall or installing new flooring.

We hope this article has helped you to understand the process of commercial water damage restoration. If you're a business owner, we encourage you to contact our SERVPRO team as soon as possible after a flood or leak occurs. We will be able to assess the damage and determine the best course of action for restoring your property back to its original state.

6 Signs You Have Roof Damage

1/24/2023 (Permalink)

When inclement weather damage occurs, give SERVPRO of North Central Austin

A damaged roof can be a pretty serious problem. Not only is it unsightly, but it also causes problems with the ceiling, walls, and even floors of your home. If you're noticing any of these symptoms on your home's roof, the odds are your home is suffering from roof damage.

Inclement Weather Can Damage Your Roof

Wind, hail, and snow can cause significant roof damage. Not only will these weather conditions damage your roof, but they can also lead to leaks that could cause mold and mildew growth within your home. In addition to these environmental factors, there are many other reasons why you may need a new roof. Storms come in many forms: hurricanes, tornadoes, tropical storms, wintertime blizzards, or thunderstorms with heavy rainfalls.

Leaking Roof

Roof leaks are often a sign of roof damage. Roof leaks can cause serious problems inside your home, including water damage and mold and mildew growth. Leaks can also cause shingles to curl, which may eventually lead to more leaking as well.

Missing Granules

Typically, granules are the first to go. Granules are a layer of protection on your shingles that help protect your roof from UV rays and moisture. It's important to inspect your roof at least once per year during peak seasons, the spring and summer. If you notice missing granules, it is time to call your local roof company to come out before any further damage occurs on your property!

Clogged Gutters

Gutters are designed to channel water away from your home and prevent water damage. They should be cleaned out regularly so that they can do their job properly. If your gutters are clogged, this can lead to an accumulation of debris that prevents the proper flow of water leading to pooling, which in turn causes damage to your roof and home. Some common culprits include leaves, pine needles, and other plant matter; small rocks and pebbles; or even animal waste like bird droppings or squirrels' nests.

Damaged Shingles

There are several forms of damage that can occur to your shingles, they include:

• Broken or cracked shingles
• Missing shingles
• Curling shingles

These are the most obvious signs that you have roof damage. If any of these are present on your roof, it's time to look into getting them replaced.

Sagging Roof

If your roof is sagging and you're not sure why it's possible that you have a leak. A leak doesn't just cause damage to the ceiling in the room above it but also puts pressure on the rafters and joists below it. If left untreated for too long, a saggy roof can cause serious structural problems for your home.

Hail damage

If you've ever experienced hail, you know its destructive power. It can cause leaks, damage your shingles and even break them off. If you see any of the following signs on your roof, it's time to call a professional:

• The shingles are curled up or broken in places
• There are missing shingles
• Shingle granules are scattered around the base of the home

It's Important To Quickly Fix

Roof damage can be serious, especially if it's left unchecked. It's important to have a professional inspect your roof regularly and fix any problems before they become more severe.

Understanding Category 2 Water Damage

1/19/2023 (Permalink)

Category 2 water damage is one of the most common types of home water damage.

Water damage is a scary thing. It can be hard to tell if the water you're dealing with is clean or dirty. This article will go over some of the different types of water damage, how they occur, and what you need to do if you find yourself in this situation.

Gray water

Gray water is any water that is not clean enough to be used for drinking or cooking. This can include water from a toilet, tub, sink, or washing machine Gray water is also known as category 2 water damage. 

Gray water is not as dangerous as black water, but it can still cause serious harm to your home if left untreated. To make matters worse, you may not even notice that there is a problem until it's too late.

Cleaning Up from Category 2 Water Damage

To clean up from Category 2 water damage, you should:

• Remove all contaminated materials and dispose of them properly.
• Remove any remaining standing water on your property.
• Dry out your property properly.
• Clean and sanitize the affected areas properly.

Preventing Category 2 Water Damage in the Future

If you want to prevent category 2 water damage in the future, there are a few things you can do.

• Check hoses, faucets, and pipes regularly. Performing regular maintenance can prevent a water loss from occurring.
• Put in a sump pump in your basement. This will suck up any water that comes into your basement and keep it out of your house.
• Locate your main water valve. Knowing how to shut off your water can keep preventing any further damage from being done in the event of a leak.

Knowing what type of water damage you have is important for proper cleanup.

Knowing what type of water damage you have is important for proper cleanup. For example, if you have Category 1 Water Damage, we need to make sure that the carpet is completely dry before we can properly clean it. However, if you have Category 2 Water Damage and it's been sitting for more than 24 hours, we will not be able to save your carpet or any other items and will need to replace them.

Category 2 water damage is one of the most common types of home water damage. If you think you may have this type of water damage, call in a professional now before it spreads further through your home and becomes more costly to clean up.

Smoke Damage and Your Insurance

12/20/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Central Austin is here to help you through this difficult time.

Smoke Damage and Your Insurance

Fire and smoke damage can be devastating, especially if you weren't home at the time of the incident. The good news is that most homeowners’ insurance policies cover fire and smoke damage, so there's a good chance that you'll be able to file an insurance claim to help cover the cost of repairs. In this post, we'll go over what type of damages your policy covers and some common questions about filing a claim for fire or smoke damage.

Smoke Damage Basics

Smoke damage, like water damage and mold, can occur in a fire. Smoke damage can also occur in the aftermath of a smaller fire that does not cause structural damage. For example, if you have an electrical short in your home or apartment and it causes a small fire which burns itself out before causing much structural damage but leaves your walls blackened with soot and ash, then this would be considered smoke damage.

Fire and Smoke Damage Coverage

Any homeowner who has experienced a fire in their home will tell you that the costs of repairing damage to your home, replacing personal items lost in the fire, and paying for temporary housing while your home is being repaired can be staggering. While some insurance companies offer coverage for these expenses, it’s important to know whether or not your policy does.

The following are examples of what may be covered by a claim depending on your policy:

• Cost of repairs to your home - If your house was damaged by fire or smoke damage you may have to pay for repairs yourself unless you have replacement cost coverage. This type of insurance provides reimbursement up to an amount specified in your policy based on current construction costs (i.e., what it would actually cost today). The amount paid out on this type of claim depends on several factors including whether any improvements were made since last year's assessment and what those improvements were (elevation requirements increase over time).
• Replacement value - This type of insurance pays out according to current market value instead of actual cash value like some other policies do so there won't be any deductions for depreciation or wear-and-tear associated with aging property. For example: if someone buys another house after selling theirs four years later then sells again ten years later but keeps using same furniture throughout those years then even though they're just using older stuff now than when originally purchased--it'll still count toward their total contents list when determining how much money should come back from an insurance company if anything goes wrong at all during those 10 years!

Limitations to Smoke Damage Insurance

Let's be honest, the last thing you want to hear is that your insurance company has any sort of limit on claims. But like everything else in life, there are some limits to what they will cover.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Does your policy have a deductible? A deductible is the amount you have to pay before an insurance company starts paying for something. It can be a flat amount (for example $500) or it can be based on your coverage level (for example $250 for everything but car damage). If your insurer does not pay until after this deductible has been met then their obligation ends once the damage exceeds this amount. The higher your deductible, the lower your premiums will be but also remember that if you don't meet this threshold during an event then you may find yourself out of pocket for repairs yourself!
• How much does it cost? In general more expensive items are more likely than cheaper ones because they hold more value and therefore pose a greater risk if they're damaged or destroyed by fire or smoke damage events such as hurricanes etcetera; however even things like clothing could fall under this category depending upon how many articles there were lost due to water damage caused by flooding during Hurricane Matthew last year; when someone had all their clothes washed away along with other belongings then those items would no longer constitute as luxury items because they were wiped out completely without leaving anything behind whatsoever."

Fire vs. Smoke Claims

When it comes to smoke damage claims, there is an important distinction between fire and smoke. Fire refers to actual flames and can be covered by your home insurance policy, but smoke is different. While both types of damage will leave your property looking unsightly, a fire claim can include structural damage that requires rebuilding or replacing the damaged structure—which may not be covered under your standard homeowner's policy. Smoke damage simply involves cleaning up after the fires have been extinguished and does not usually require extensive reconstruction or replacement of damaged parts.

However, if you have a separate smoke damage policy for your property—which can be purchased as part of an add-on rider to your homeowner's insurance—you may be able to file an additional claim for this type of loss as well.

If you have questions about filing an insurance claim for fire and smoke damage, contact your local insurance agent. Insurance policies vary slightly by company, but most have similar coverage options. Your agent will be able to tell you if your policy has coverage for smoke damage and should be able to answer any other questions you might have about the claims process.

We know a fire in your home is not ideal. Between the flames and the smoke and the soot, there is bound to be a plethora of problems that need to be taken care of. SERVPRO of North Central Austin is here to help you through this difficult time. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about smoke damage and fire damage restoration. We can help you file an insurance claim for fire and smoke damage. Our agents are always ready to assist you in getting your Austin home back to normal, so give us a call today!

What To Know About Basement Floods

11/6/2022 (Permalink)

After a flood, it is important to hire an expert for cleanup.

What To Know About Basement Floods

After a flood, it is important to hire an expert for cleanup. If you don't hire someone with experience in water damage repair and mold remediation, you could be doing more harm than good. You also want to make sure that your home doesn't have any structural damage.

Sources and Types of Water Damage

It’s important to know what type of water damage you have so that you can determine how long it will take to dry out your basement. The following are some common types of basement water damage and how they occur:

• Foundation leakage -- Water seeping through cracks around windows and doors is most likely due to foundation issues and should be addressed immediately. This could lead to further structural problems if left untreated.
• Roof leakage -- If you notice water coming from your roof area it likely means there is a leak somewhere on your roof shingles or gutter system. You may also notice mold growing along any outside walls where this moisture collects before dripping down into your basement.

There are three different categories of water damage: 1, 2, and 3. Each of these categories requires a different kind of approach when it comes to mitigation and restoration. 

Consequences of Water Damage

Water damage is the leading cause of mold growth in homes. Mold can cause health problems, like respiratory issues and fever, so it's important to have your basement cleaned up as quickly as possible. When water saturates the flooring and walls, it can weaken the structure of your home and even cause it to collapse if not addressed expediently. Mold can grow on any surface or hidden area of your basement, including the floors, walls, and ceiling tiles. 

Call the Experts

If you are considering doing the clean-up yourself, it's important to know that a major flood is not something that should be taken lightly. Water has a way of seeping through cracks and crevices, into places where it can't be seen, and when it does so it often causes mold growth. Mold can cause health issues for you and your family if left untreated. If you're not sure what steps need to be taken after a basement flood, it's best to hire an expert who will make sure all of this gets taken care of in a timely manner. The experts at SERVPRO of North Central Austin have all the right equipment needed for cleaning out any sort of basement flooding situation as quickly as possible while ensuring they get rid of all mold before leaving your house or office space.

If you have a basement, you know that it can be a great place to store things. You may even have an old washer and dryer down there. However, if the basement floods and your things get ruined or destroyed, it's important to hire someone who knows what they are doing. If you do not hire someone who knows what they are doing, they or could make matters worse by not properly cleaning up the area. They may also leave behind mold which will require some sort of treatment in order for your family members to be safe again.

Call SERVPRO of North Central Austin for any flooding restoration needs you have! We will get your Austin, TX home or business back to normal as soon as possible!

Fire Sprinkler Safety

10/9/2022 (Permalink)

Keep your fire sprinkler system working at its best.

Fire Sprinkler Safety

If you're a business owner, it's important to know that your fire sprinkler system is working. If it's not, it could cause serious damage to your property and put people in harm's way—not to mention that it could cost you thousands of dollars in damages! Luckily, there are a few quick ways that you can check on the status of your sprinklers.

Fire Sprinkler Testing, Inspection, and Maintenance

It's good practice to test your fire suppression system at least once a month, even if it isn't required by law. This ensures that the system is ready and functional in case of an emergency, and helps identify any problems with the system before they get out of hand.

You should inspect your sprinklers for damage or corrosion. If you notice any signs of damage, corrosion, or wear on a sprinkler head (such as dents or rust), you should have the entire unit replaced immediately so that it can continue protecting your home from fires safely and effectively.

Inspecting for possible obstructions is also important in ensuring the safe operation of your sprinkler system. Make sure there are no items blocking access to sprinkler heads—including furniture or other objects—so that firefighters can gain access quickly if needed!

Fire Sprinkler Monitoring, Alarms & Call Lists

The next step is to set up your alarm monitoring, call lists, and fire sprinkler monitoring. Alarm monitoring refers to a third-party company that monitors your system for you. They are the ones who will contact you and/or the fire department in case of an emergency. Call lists are a list of people (your family members or close friends) who should be called in case of a fire. Lastly, fire sprinkler monitoring is a list of people who should be notified when the system is activated - usually, this is just someone at home when it happens but can also include neighbors and others close by (it depends on how far away they live).

Fire Sprinkler System Cleanup

Remove all debris from the sprinkler system. Check for signs of corrosion, leaks, and damage. Clean out your fire sprinkler system to maintain its functionality.

Fire Sprinkler Training and Certifications

As a sprinkler installer or technician, you need to understand the importance of training. Fire sprinkler training is required by law for the installation, inspection, and maintenance of fire sprinklers. Fire Sprinkler Certification is also necessary for many other positions within the industry.

Having a fire sprinkler system is only helpful if it's working - make sure your sprinklers are regularly inspected.

You have a fire sprinkler system installed in your home or business. You know that it's supposed to save lives, and property and reduce damage from a fire. But what if your system isn't working? How do you know?

Fire sprinklers are designed to operate when heat reaches a certain temperature. If the water supply runs out, there is no protection. The most common causes of sprinkler system failure are lack of maintenance and/or freeze damage. The best way to prevent another tragedy like the one at Grenfell Tower is by regularly inspecting and maintaining your fire sprinkler system so that it can function effectively when needed most.

We hope this article has helped you understand how to keep your fire sprinkler system working at its best. Call SERVPRO of North Central Austin when your home or business sprinkler system activates. We are here to help restore your Austin home to its original condition! 

Educational Facilities

8/16/2022 (Permalink)

AT SERVPRO® we believe learning shouldn’t be paused or canceled, even in the face of disaster. Disasters at an educational facility are highly complex and require a knowledgeable and  flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a small school or a campus of higher education, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area so that normal operations can continue while we restore your facility. Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area. Your job is to provide valuable lessons and information to the students; ours is to make sure you have a safe place to do so. Our experience in handling educational facilities cleanups has given us the ability to provide a variety of detailed services for the following educational facilities:

K-12 Schools

Colleges & Universities

Dormitories

Event and Sporting Arenas

Libraries

Daycares

Pre-K Facilities

Many businesses have an emergency contingency plan in place, but few have a detailed understanding of how to get back into their buildings following a disaster. To access all of the SERVPRO® capabilities, services and additional benefits, visit SERVPRO.COM/READY.

We utilize advanced equipment and training to dry your home

7/1/2022 (Permalink)

When your home has water damage from flooding or leaks, you need SERVPRO of North Central Austin.

Our highly trained technicians will immediately respond to your home, inspect the affected areas, and begin the cleaning and drying process.

Utilizing the latest technology, we will remove standing water and affected floor coverings, establish a scientifically based drying method, and monitor and document our findings daily until your home is SERVPRO dry.

We follow industry approved standards for the level of dry, which often means most homes will achieve a dry stage in three to five days, while larger flood or commercial sites may take longer.

As leaders in the water damage industry, we have advanced training and expertise, not to mention a tremendous amount of hands-on experience. We use this training and experience to quickly dry your home and restore it back to pre-water-damage condition.

Celebrate Summer Safely

7/1/2022 (Permalink)

Thank you to all armed forces members and their families.

Summer is synonymous with barbecues, parades,
and firework displays; but along with all the
festivities are plenty of visits to the emergency
room?especially during the month of July.
Each year, around 230 people are injured badly
enough to require medical treatment after fireworks related incidents, according to the U.S. Consumer
Product Safety Commission. In addition to causing
injury, fireworks are also responsible for thousands of
house fires each year with millions of dollars in property
damage.
There is nothing like firing up the grill during the
summer months! Did you know, July is the peak month
for grill fires? A backyard barbecue can become
dangerous quickly if proper safety precautions aren't
considered. SERVPRO of North Central Austin professionals
want you to have an enjoyable and safe summer.
Consider the following tips to help ensure your summer
celebrations are disaster-free.

• Propane and charcoal barbecue grills should only
  be used outdoors.
• The grill should be placed well away from the
  home, deck railings, and out from under eaves
  and overhanging branches.
• Keep children and pets away from the grill area.
• Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat
  buildup from the grill and in trays below the grill.
• Never leave your grill unattended.
• When using a charcoal grill, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal
  container.
• Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should
  wear protective eyewear.
• Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning
  fireworks. Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully
  extinguish fireworks that don't go off or in case of
  fire. Children should never pick-up fireworks that
  may be left over as they may still be active.
• The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a
  public display conducted by trained
  professionals.

If your residential or commercial property suffers
from structural fire damage, call SERVPRO of North Central Austin professionals to help make it "Like it never even
happened.®" 

Commercial Restoration and Disinfection Services in Austin, TX

6/2/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Central Austin is your local leader in both restoration and cleaning services in the Austin, TX area. From water, fire, and mold damage restoration to temporary mitigation after storm damage, our team is here to help. We offer 24/7, 365 service, so you know we'll be at your service no matter when disaster strikes. On top of our restoration and mitigation services, our team also specializes in cleaning and disinfection services. The CDC recommends the usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities. For more information on our products, protocol, and pricing, please don't hesitate to give us a call!

• Small Office Buildings
• Large Office/High-Rise Office Buildings
• Apartment Buildings
• Restaurants
• Hotel/Motels
• Small Retail Stores
• Large Retail/Big-Box Stores
• High-Rise Residential
• Manufacturing & Industrial
• Government/Military