Frozen Pipes can lead to Water Damage

12/10/2024 (Permalink)

Frigid temperatures can cause your pipes to freeze. When they begin to melt is when you may find water damage to your home or business.

When it’s freezing outside the ice inside the pipes can freeze and keep water from flowing out your affected faucet. That can be inconvenient and troublesome.

But it’s when your pipes thaw from the arctic freeze is when you must be most concerned. When this ice melts with variable temperatures, the pipe can begin to fluctuate in size due the changing volumes of liquid in the pipe, resulting in unwanted expansion, pipe cracks, leakage, or worse—a total pipe burst. The frozen water acts as a plug, preventing water from spilling out pipe cracks. When that plug thaws, water floods out.

It’s not so much when it’s frigid out that cause the big problems. Some frozen pipes don’t burst. But if one pipe does burst, it’s because water expands and shrinks when it freezes. This expansion and contraction causes significant pressure within the pipe structure. That pressure can cause a small leak at a connecter joint pivot. Or, pressure can cause a horizontal crack, the length of pipe, unleashing a tremendous water flow inside your home.

Preparation and planning are key, but if it happens and you find yourself stuck dealing with the mess, call SERVPRO of Medina County.  We are available 24/7 for your water remediation services.

Fireplace Safety in Medina Ohio

12/10/2024 (Permalink)

Fireplaces are beautiful and warm during the cold winter months, but can also be dangerous if not taken care of properly

Having a fireplace in your home can have many benefits.  Many home buyers look for a fireplace as an added amenity when looking for a new home.  There are many benefits to having a fireplace.

1. Fireplaces offer a cozy and warm setting for family gatherings or just getting cozy with a good book.
2. Fireplaces offer heat and light when the electricity goes out.
3. Fireplaces can help reduce the cost of electricity when using as a heating source.
4. A wood burning stove can offer heat, light and also a fire to cook on.

Fireplaces can also be a fire hazard.  It is important to have the chimney cleaned and inspected regularly. 

A chimney fire can be very hot and very dangerous.  Home fires caused by a chimney fire can spread very rapidly due to the intense heat.  Slow burning chimney fires might not get enough air or fuel to be a large fire, but because of the high temperature, can cause just as much damage as a blazing fire.

If you experience a chimney or fireplace fire in your home, call SERVPRO of Medina County to clean up the soot, fire extinguisher dust or even any water damage that may occur from putting the fire out.  Call us 24/7 at 330-722-4343.

Does Your Commercial Business Have A Mold Problem?

12/10/2024 (Permalink)

If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to rem

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.

• Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.

• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.

• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.

• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas. Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

 If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call SERVPRO of Medina County Today.

Broken or leaking pipes can cause water damage to your home

2/13/2024 (Permalink)

Every home has numerous pipes that can burst or break that can cause water damage to your home.

Broken pipes are one of the leading causes of water damage in homes, and many homeowners may experience a pipe burst or leak at some point.

Broken or damaged pipes are not always immediately found.  Sometimes they may leak for days, weeks or even months before they are found.  Leaking pipes can cause tremendous damage to your home and contents.  If left unattended for a long period of time, the water damage can also lead to health problems once mold and mildew set in.

Signs that may indicate a pipe leak would include reduced water pressure, a rise in water bills or even noticeable damage to the structure of your home. 

You may notice lumps or bumps in your carpet or hardwood floors which could lead to wood rot.  You may also notice mold or mildew beginning to grow, which can lead to health problems for your family.  Also paint or wallpaper pealing from the wall is an indicator that there may be a leak that is penetrating through the wall.

Every home has numerous pipes that can burst or break that can cause water damage to your home.  If you experience water damage to your home from a broken or leaking pipe call SERVPRO of Medina County, Gateway, and Western Lake County at 800-933-7179.

Sprinkler systems can cause water damage to your commercial property in Cleveland, OH

2/9/2024 (Permalink)

Damage from a sprinkler system can include: wet carpeting and flooring, drywall, other building materials and contents.

Fire sprinkler systems can help prevent property losses from fires. A properly installed and functioning sprinkler system is designed to put out a fire with limited amount of water used, but unfortunately they can also leave a mess from the water.

Damage from the sprinkler system can include: wet carpeting and flooring, drywall, other building materials and contents. In addition, if the water is not properly addressed, there could be development of mold.

When hiring a water remediation company such as SERVPRO of Medina County/Gateway/Western Lake County, you can be sure that the damage to your commercial building will be assessed and addressed properly. 

Depending on the size of the commercial building and the extent of damage, removing the water is usually the first plan of action.  The team will extract the water from the carpets and floors as needed.  They may need to use water pumps if there is a large amount of standing water. 

Drying out the area with dehumidifiers and air movers thoroughly to prevent mold or mildew from forming is also an important step in the drying process.  Sometimes drywall, baseboards or the carpet may need to be removed to help accelerate the drying process.

If your business is suffering from damage caused by a sprinkler system, or any other type of water damage,  call SERVPRO of Medina County/Gateway/Western Lake County because we will make sure your business continues as soon as possible.

Call us at 800-933-7179 today!

SERVPRO of Medina County/Gateway/Western Lake County is an IICRC Certified Firm. What does that mean?

2/7/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Medina County/Gateway/Western Lake County is an IICRC Certified Firm.  What does that mean? 

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is a non-profit organization that helps ensure that your cleaning is being performed by trusted and properly trained professionals.

 The IICRC's mission is to promote high standards of professionalism, technical excellence, and ethics for those working in the industry.

You can be sure that seeing the IICRC-certification means that you, as the consumer, will be receiving a high level of cleaning and restoration work performed by our technicians.

To qualify for IICRC-Certified Firm, a business must have proof of insurance and provide ongoing education and training for all of the technicians.  Some of the many Certifications available include Mold Remediation, Water and Fire restoration, carpet cleaning and repair, odor and Health and Safety.

To become an IICRC-certified technician you must complete training courses and pass the exams in the various areas available for certification.  You must also continue your education every couple of years to maintain it.

When calling SERVPRO of Medina County/Gateway/Western Lake County you can be assured that you will be getting our highly trained and qualified technicians to help with your cleaning needs.

Call us at 800-933-7179

Storm damage is one of the several possible causes of water damage to a home or business

2/5/2024 (Permalink)

Storm damage can occur at any time and can be destructive to your home. Storm damage can create hazards such as window damage and collapsed walls.

Broken pipes, clogged toilets, broken water lines, leaking dishwashers, overflowing washing machines, leaky roofs, and foundation cracks are just some of the possible causes of water damage.  Floods, heavy snow, and heavy rain are other possible causes of this type of damage and can lead to having water in basements. Once a home or business sustains water damage, it is important to start the water damage cleanup immediately.

Storm damage can occur at any time and can be destructive to your home.  Storm damage can create hazards such as window damage and collapsed walls.  Heavy rains can cause flooding and powerful winds can cause roof damage which can also lead to water damage.   

Most homeowners dread having any type of water damage.  It can cause thousands of dollars of damage not only to the structure of your home, but also to your furniture, electronics, appliances and other contents.   It may also lead to mold growth which is another problem to remediate.

Hiring a water damage restoration company such as SERVPRO of Medina County/Gateway/Western Lake County can make the cleanup process much easier for the homeowner to handle.  We have experienced and trained technicians that will take care of your water damage from a storm.

Call us at 800-933-7179.

Electrical Fires Can Be Dangerous

2/2/2024 (Permalink)

An electrical fire can be scary and extremely dangerous, but there are some guidelines to help keep your home safe from electrical fires.

Preventing Electrical Fires

• Be sure not to plug in too many devices into one outlet. If the wiring gets overloaded it can spark a fire.
• Check your outlets regularly for excessive heat, burn marks, and buzzing or crackling sounds.
• Make sure you have at least one smoke detector on every floor of your home, and test them regularly to keep them in good working order.

Common Appliances that Could Start a Fire

• Dishwashers contain heating elements that dry your dishes. Old or faulty elements can start a fire. Never turn on a dishwasher before leaving your home or overnight.
• Dryers need to have the lint trap cleaned often. The lint buildup in a dryer can start a fire.  Never run your washing machine or dryer when leaving your home or overnight.
• Microwaves can be very dangerous. There have been complaints in the past about microwaves starting on their own and causing a fire.
• Refrigerators can have an overheated compressor or an electrical short which can cause a fire.
• Toasters can fail or not turn off or have crumbs stuck to the heating elements which may start a fire.

If you have an electrical fire in your home or business, call SERVPRO of Medina County, Gateway, Western Lake County for your fire cleaning services.  1-800-933-7179.

Extreme weather such as storms - can cause damage to your home or business

6/1/2023 (Permalink)

Storms can cause a lot of damage to your home or business. Water can come thru walls, ceilings and even doorways.

Whenever a storm passes through, take time to check your home or business for signs of damage.  After any kind of stormy weather, do a walk-through inside your structure.

1. Ceilings

If your roof is leaking, you’re very likely to see the evidence on your ceilings. You might see wet spots, dripping or discoloration.

2. Walls

Walls can also show signs of moisture damage.  There could be water stains or streaks of water.  Flaking or cracked drywall or even spots of mold or mildew.

3. Floors

Floors can also show signs of leaks with wet spots or puddles.  The floors may even become uneven or sloping.

We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week

We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies

We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About

Our Technicians are Highly-Trained in Water Restoration Techniques

We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards

Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

Storm Damage? Call SERVPRO of Medina County Today – We’re Ready To Help 330-722-4343

Flood damage to your Cleveland OH business left unaddressed can lead to more damage

4/28/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can make sure your building materials are dried thoroughly, cleaned and disinfected to prevent secondary damage.

Water from Floods can cause extensive damage to your building. They not only have the ability to saturate and destroy the building and its contents, but can also threaten it with secondary damages such as mold damage. Once the water is gone, you may assume that moping and drying on its own is good enough but depending on the extent of the damage, your business may need more than that.   Quickly addressing water damage greatly reduces secondary damage from occurring.

Water damage left unaddressed may cause mold damage which can occur within 48 to 72 hours after water infiltration. Drywall and flooring are particularly susceptible to water damage due to their porous materials.

A professional restoration company can make sure that all building materials are properly dried thoroughly, cleaned and disinfected efficiently to minimize any secondary damage.  They may also need to be removed due to the extent of the damage.

SERVPRO of Medina County, Gateway and Western Lake County is able to accurately assess the damage and perform the proper mitigation to complete the drying process to your building.

Call SERVPRO of Medina County, Gateway and Western Lake County at 1-800-933-7179 to address your flood damage.