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Fire Damage Tips!
6/14/2023 (Permalink)
SERVPRO your local fire experts
Fire Damage
Fire damage is something not to take lightly. People call SERVPRO of St. Cloud frequently to ask for advice on how to clean after a fire. Here are four of the best tips we give people who ask about fire damage restoration.
Consider whether you want to try these ideas on your own or whether you would be better off hiring highly trained restoration specialists who will guarantee their work.
1. Remove Smoke Damage
With any fire you will have a degree of smoke damage to your walls, wall paper and paint. If the smoke damage is not too serious, you should be able to scrub it clean with detergents and bleach. Soot from smoke damage is greasy, so always try to dust as much of it off from a surface before trying to scrub the surface clean.
2. Get Rid of Mold & Mildew
When the fire is gone, mold and mildew enter into houses as a result of the water used to extinguish the fire. SERVPRO of St. Cloud highly recommends you hire fire damage restoration professionals to deal with mold and mildew. It is difficult for a nonprofessional to know for certain if he has cleaned up all the areas affected by the mold and mildew.
3. Replace Carpets. Clean And Dry Your Floors
The floors and carpets end up absorbing the worst of the damage from all the water used to put out a fire. Depending on the severity SERVPRO of St. Cloud recommends that you pull up any carpets that have water damage and replace them.
Keep in mind that water can seep underneath vinyl flooring and into the cracks in hardwood. This needs to be addressed to prevent future issues.
4. Scrub, Soak & Cleaning Dishes
Dishes are also important items to clean thoroughly after a fire because they will be in contact with your food. Scrub all dishes, let them soak in a solution of bleach and water (2 tablespoons of bleach per gallon) for at least 20 minutes and scrub some more for safety. Some items may need to be thrown out.
Help Is Here
The team at SERVPRO of St. Cloud has specialized training and experience in fire restoration services, natural disaster prevention, water damage, chemical cleanup and natural disaster cleanup.
SERVPRO of St. Cloud is available for all fire damage needs! Call (320) 248-5400!
Stay Ahead of the Game
12/12/2022 (Permalink)
If you experience any water damage, contact SERVPRO of St. Cloud at (320) 248-5400! We are available 24/7, and here to help YOU!
Water Loss & Damage
With all the rainy storms we get in Minnesota, one should always be one step ahead of the game to prepare for any amount of rain or melting snow. If one does not have the proper set up around their home, it could lead to water damage.
An example of a set up that can be in place to help avoid water damage is a drain tile system. While some homes may never have need for a drain tile system, it is a good feature to have since you never know when a period of heavy rain or rapid snow melt might cause catastrophic water damage in your basement or crawl space.
SERVPRO of St. Cloud understands that water damage to your home may not just be a disruption in your life, but if not treated properly, can cause lingering effects. Lingering effects can be created from untreated mold damage.
SERVPRO of St. Cloud has trained employees to address the water damage that has occurred. We determine the source of loss, clean up the immediate damage, and assess if materials can be saved. It is our goal to restore your home by drying out the materials. If not, we are able to remove the affected materials such as flooring or drywall. As we have over 20 years of construction experience, that expertise is carried on in the job at your home.
If you experience any water damage, contact SERVPRO of St. Cloud at (320) 248-5400! We are available 24/7, and here to help YOU!
Interesting Fire Facts
12/12/2022 (Permalink)
Fire, water, or mold damage? Reach us 24/7 on (320) 248 - 5400!
Fire Damage Can Occur in 30 Seconds
Combustion or burning, in which substances combine chemically with oxygen from the air and typically give out bright light, heat, and smoke is known as a fire. Fires can occur in homes and outdoors, due to many causes.
Some interesting facts:
- There is a house fire every ten seconds in the U.S.
- Home fires can spread in as little as thirty seconds
- Cooking is the leading cause of house fires
- More than 15,000 fires a year are started by clothes dryers
- 21% of fires are caused by arson
It is very important that if there is ever a fire GET OUT, STAY OUT, and CALL FOR HELP!
Fires can cause severe damage; it is important to practice safe steps when preparing for a potential fire.
If you ever are presented with fire damage, call SERVPRO of St. Cloud at (320) 248 - 5400. Our crew will be there in a timely manner to help!
Fire, water, or mold damage? Reach us 24/7 on (320) 248 - 5400!
Colder Temperatures Ahead
12/12/2022 (Permalink)
We are available 24/7, and always here to help! Call us at (320) 248 - 5400!
Call SERVPRO of St. Cloud at (320) 248-5400!
These colder temperatures are known for bringing frostbite, higher heating bills, and burst pipes. That is why with the colder season approaching, residential and commercial owners need to get prepared.
Some Ways to Prepare -
- Prepare your pipes by insulating and sealing cracks and openings around pipes that are exposed.
- Set thermostats to keep interior temperatures above 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Ensure that windows are sealed properly inside and outside.
- Inspect the roof for loose or damaged shingles.
- Close off main water and drain water piping in unheated spaces.
All of these are tips and tricks to help prevent some of the disasters that come with the colder temperatures. However, these tips and tricks cannot guarantee that it will prevent damage from occurring.
If you are to experience any water damage from the colder temperatures, call SERVPRO of St. Cloud at (320) 248 - 5400! We will respond in a fast manner to begin the process.
We are available 24/7, and always here to help! Call us at (320) 248 - 5400!
Winter Weather Storm Damage
11/2/2022 (Permalink)
Water damage from a busted pipe? Call SERVPRO of St. Cloud at (320) 248 - 5400!
Call SERVPRO of St. Cloud at (320) 248 - 5400!
Why is Pipe Freezing an Issue?
Water has specific properties that causes expansion when it freezes. When it is expanding, it is putting pressure on the pipes surrounding it. This amount of pressure can cause the pipes to crack or break.
Pipes Known for Freezing the Most:
- Exposed to severe cold
- Water supply pipes
- Run against exterior walls
How to Protect Freezing Pipes?
- Drain water from pool and water sprinkler lines
- Remove, drain, and store hoses
- Add insulation to attics, basements, and crawl spaces
- Consider relocating exposed pipes
How to Prevent Frozen Pipes?
- Keep garage doors closed
- Open kitchen and cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate
- Leave heat on when traveling
- Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature throughout the day
All of these are tips and tricks to use throughout the winter weather but cannot guarantee anything.
If you are to experience water damage from a pipe burst, contact SERVPRO of St. Cloud at (320) 248 - 5400! We will respond in a quick manner to begin the process!
Our crew is available 24/7 at (320) 248 - 5400!
Commercial Building Tips
11/2/2022 (Permalink)
Call SERVPRO of St. Cloud at (320) 248-5400! We will arrive as quick as possible to begin the process!
Tips To Prepare Your Business For A Flood
Rain showers have been a very popular topic the last month in Minnesota! As we have all been experiencing heavy rain falls at least once a week. That is why SERVPRO of St. Cloud is here to leave you some tips to prepare your business for the excessive amount of rain. It is better to get ahead of the rain, than behind it!
Plan An Evacuation Route
If the excess rain is to cause flooding it is important to have a safe route out of the building and on the roads to get one away from the event.
Create An Emergency Kit
Some items that one could include in this emergency kit are containers of clean water, non-perishable food, and first aid kit. Whatever you feel is necessary for your business.
Protect Important Information
All important documents should have backup copies - they should be placed in another area that would not be experiencing the damage.
Keep Building Ready
To keep a building ready, one must keep the gutters and storm drains clean to help minimize damage.
Big Picture of the Idea
Create a comprehensive emergency plan to help prepare for an excess amount of rain and the damage it can cause. This way it will help to ensure that minimal damage will be caused.
All matters mentioned above are to help but have no guarantees.
Call SERVPRO of St. Cloud at (320) 248-5400! We will arrive as quick as possible to begin the process!
Dos & Don'ts
10/6/2022 (Permalink)
If you ever experience any fire, water, or mold damage call SERVPRO of St. Cloud at (320) 248-5400!
Fire Damage
Fires can be one of the most emotional experiences that comes with an overwhelming amount of questions. Due to this, it makes it tough to know what the next step is.
Who do you call? Where do you begin? Is it safe to go back in the house? Unfortunately, the questions are endless during the tough time. This is the time to reach out for help, you are NOT in this alone. SERVPRO of St. Cloud is here to make the process hassle-free.
Below are some Dos & Don’ts-
What to DO after a fire:
Receive permission from the Fire Department officials before re-entering
Check on family and pets – assuring that everyone is okay
Document all damages
Get belongings from the building when cleared
Work on replacing important documents and items if damaged
Call all utility providers to inform them of the fire
Call homeowners insurance company to begin the claim process
Call SERVPRO of St. Cloud at (320) 248-5400
What NOT to do after a fire:
Do not enter the home until you are given permission
Do not turn on gas, water, or electric utilities until you are told it is safe
Do not start or move your vehicle if it has been damaged
Do not try to clean any of the smoke or soot damage yourself
Let SERVPRO of St. Cloud help you during this difficult. We will respond in a timely manner to get the clean-up and repairs moving. Our goal is to get you back to normal as quick as we can.
If you ever experience any fire, water, or mold damage call SERVPRO of St. Cloud at (320) 248-5400!
Water Damage Can Occur Anytime
10/5/2022 (Permalink)
If you are to ever experience any water, fire, or mold damage call SERVPRO of St. Cloud anytime at (320) 248-5400!
Fun Facts
SERVPRO of St. Cloud deals with numerous water damage cases a year. They specialize in the restoration and re-builds of these cases.
Here are some water damage facts:
- Water is capable of dissolving a variety of different substances. That is why water is known as the “universal solvent” because it dissolves more substances than any other liquid.
- A sheet of drywall standing upright with its edge sitting in a ½” of water can wick water up to 6 inches in less than three hours.
- Mold is known for beginning to grow in 24 to 48 hours in an untreated moist environment.
All of these facts are proof to show that one should call SERVPRO of St. Cloud as soon as they experience any water damage. This will help to ensure that the matter is taken care of in a timely manner.
If you are to ever experience any water, fire, or mold damage call SERVPRO of St. Cloud anytime at (320) 248-5400!
Roof Maintenance
10/5/2022 (Permalink)
Call SERVPRO of St. Cloud for mold remediation service and flood water damage repair. We are available 24/7 and here to help!
Fall Season
To prolong the life of your roof and ensure water does not leak through, your home’s roof should be inspected twice a year. Once in late spring, and once during the fall. So do not prepare for Halloween just yet – make sure you do the following roof maintenance tasks first:
- Trim Trees: Dead tree limbs can fall on your roof and cause damage. Trees that are leaning towards your house could also fall on your roof or allow squirrels and raccoons to pay your roof a visit. Twigs, leaves, and other debris can cause rotting, gutter blockage, termite invasion, and roof damage. If you want to avoid these problems, remove overhanging branches and ensure that trees are not leaning towards your home.
- Check & Clean Gutters: One of the best ways to prepare for the cold season is to clean your gutters and ensure they are well-anchored. This allows rainwater and thawed snow to flow properly off your roofline, avoiding leaks and water damage to your home. Remove leaves and other debris from the gutters regularly throughout the fall. In addition to this, install gutter guards – these ward off any debris that would invade your gutters.
- Inspect Roof for Damage:
- Check the roof flashings – these cover gaps near vents and chimneys, and can be dislocated during a storm. Replace faulty flashing pieces.
- If you have an asphalt roof, replace shingles that have bare spots, are warping, or are curling at the edges.
- If you own a wooden shake roof, look for signs of warping. If at least 25 percent of your wood shingles are damaged, replace the roofing material.
- If you have a metal roof, look for signs of pitting, corrosion or gapping seams as these can lead to leaks or underlay damage.
- Get a professional roof inspection if you feel you are not up to the task yourself. Your roof might need adjustment and repairs.
Call SERVPRO of St. Cloud for mold remediation service and flood water damage repair. We are available 24/7 and here to help!
Reach us at (320) 248-5400.
SERVPRO of St. Cloud Knows Best
8/18/2022 (Permalink)
If you are to experience a water damage or loss call SERVPRO of St. Cloud to help! We can be reached at (320) 248-5400!
5 Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Water Damage
1. What can cause water damage?
Water damage can be caused due to numerous reasons. It can occur after natural disasters, from pipes bursting, appliance malfunctions, roof leaks, foundations leaks, septic tank overflows, poor drainage and MORE.
2. Why is water damage dangerous?
Damage can occur from water damage because floodwater that comes from outside and from sewage backups contains dangerous contaminants. Some of the dangerous contaminants include various viruses and bacteria. If the water is not drained within 24-48 hours, structural damage and mold growth can begin to form.
3. What should I do after a flood, or sewage, or water leak?
CALL SERVPRO OF ST. CLOUD AT (320) 248-5400 IMMEDIATELY! This should be done immediately to avoid potential mold growth, and damages to the wood, walls, and carpet in the affected area.
4. How do certified technicians handle water damage?
SERVPRO of St. Cloud will arrive in a timely manner to begin helping you through the process. One of the first things that they will do is go through the items to see which ones can be restored. After all of the items are removed from the area, we will being to dry out and disinfect the area.
5. Will my homeowners insurance cover water damage?
Notifying your insurance company is one of the most important things to do when experiencing water damage. This is important in helping determine what they will cover. SERVPRO of St. Cloud will work with your insurance company to help meet your needs.
If you are to experience a water damage or loss call SERVPRO of St. Cloud to help! We can be reached at (320) 248-5400!
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