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Pinpointing Vulnerable Water Damage Spaces | SERVPRO® of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties
5/9/2023 (Permalink)
Think you may have water damage in your home? Here are some tips from SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Risk Counties to find the source.
Water damage is one home damage situation that can cause chaos without much warning. It can either happen in one major and obvious incident, or it can happen slowly over a long period of time. Both situations can be overwhelming and frustrating to deal with.
The best thing you can do for yourself and for your home is to know where to look for potential water damage. This can help you identify problems in your Rice Lake home before it is too late.
We highlight some of the most common areas for water damage below, so read on to learn more.
The roof. Santa is not the only person that should be on your roof! You should be inspecting your roof often for signs of damage or leaks along your roofline. Even a tiny leak could be problematic over time.
The longer you wait to address potential damage or a gap in your roofline, the more time the water has to infiltrate into other areas of your home.
Once water has entered the rest of your home, it can drip and seep into virtually every aspect of your home’s structure. It can soak walls, floors, ceilings and even the beams along your attic. If this happens, it not only becomes a structural issue, but it can also encourage mold to grow.
Bathroom spaces. This location is probably the most obvious one in your home. Our toilets, showers, bathtubs and sinks constantly are being used on a daily basis, and that makes it one of the most common places to suffer water damage.
If you notice any sort of dripping or leaking happening from a pipe or water line, check it out. It could be the beginnings of an issue or it could have been happening for a while and now you are just noticing it. It is also helpful to reduce the moisture levels in your bathroom.
Try to inspect your plumbing lines often as well. A simple inspection can help alert you to a developing problem, so you very well may stop a water leak before it even begins.
Your home appliances. Most homes have at least one appliance that relies on water to function. Dishwashers, fridges and washing machines all have the ability to leak or malfunction, leaving you with a puddle of water on the floor and a family full of frustration.
It can be particularly hard to notice water leaks when they come from our appliances because most of them are really heavy and we don’t pull them away from the wall often. If you suspect a leak or see water on the floor, it’s time to move them and check behind and around them for water damage.
Lastly, don’t let your appliances become outdated. There’s nothing worse than an unreliable dishwasher or washing machine! By keeping your appliances newer, you are reducing your risk of experiencing a malfunction or water leak every day.
Remember, if you do ever experience water damage, SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties is here to help you fully recover.
Dealing with a water emergency? Our SERVPRO specialists can be on the scene of the disaster ASAP to restore your water-damaged home!
Our Training Ensures Your Satisfaction | SERVPRO® of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties
5/4/2023 (Permalink)
Is your home or business in need of restoration? SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties is ready to help you recover.around the clock.
You are constantly making decisions all day long as a homeowner! As you go through your day, you are making choices that range from minor decisions all the way to major decisions. When it comes to choosing who to help you restore your home after a disaster, making the right choice is vital.
Would you rather choose a company that has fully trained its employees and encourages continual learning? Or would you be OK allowing a company to come in with minimal training and certifications?
We thought so, too. SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties is proud to serve you in your time of need! We use the latest resources and restoration techniques in order to help you completely recover. Our training and certifications set us apart from the competition!
We Prioritize Proper Training
Your home is important to you, so having your restoration project done correctly is vital. That’s why our staff follow the IICRC standards for our training. This training teaches the proper ways to clean and restore throughout your home through various informative classes:
- water damage restoration
- fire damage restoration
- mold remediation
- carpet and upholstery and cleaning
We also offer our Employee Certification Training program to our staff. This training helps them further their skill set and is able to be done at their own pace. We want to give our team the time they need to fully understand the material!
We Learn Throughout Our Careers
We love to learn, so that’s why we keep doing it even after we have been fully trained! We take continuing education classes and e-learning courses to develop our skills and learn new things throughout our careers.
Home damage is unique in each situation, so we focus our training to be as thorough as possible so that we can help you to the best of our ability.
By staying current with the latest technology and trends, we stay on the right side of innovation! This ensures that you only have the latest and greatest equipment and restoration materials used on your home.
The Benefits to Our Community
We train this way in order to directly benefit our wonderful community! Having a reliable restoration company in town ensures that every family and business in our counties is well taken care of.
We work hard to ensure your satisfaction for every project and we recognize the importance of a job well done. When you call SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties, you know you are in good hands.
When you need help recovering from a disaster, SERVPRO is here for you. Get in touch 24/7 to start your disaster recovery.
Take Charge of the Appliances in Your Home | SERVPRO® of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties
4/11/2023 (Permalink)
Have water damage in your home from an appliance? SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties is always on call ready to help.
Whether or not you think about it, you use water in your homes for almost every daily household task! Cleaning, cooking, washing clothes and dishes, and even making your child’s favorite lemonade require water.
Because we rely so heavily on our water systems in our home, there is always the chance of experiencing water damage.
Water damage can occur anywhere in our homes, but it is particularly problematic when it stems from our appliances. An appliance malfunction can lead to a major water issue in a short amount of time.
The good news is that it is possible to reduce your risk of experiencing water damage by ensuring your appliances are in good working order and by keeping a consistent cleaning routine.
Routine Maintenance TasksOne of the most reliable ways to stop water damage from occurring is to actively look for it. This can be as easy as using your hands and eyes to check for moisture around the appliances that use water.
Leaks are usually obvious if you discover a puddle on the floor, but sometimes they can occur underneath the appliance, making it much harder to notice right away. Try to pull your bigger appliances away from the wall on occasion to check for mold or moisture issues.
Another part of your home that requires a little TLC is your HVAC system! It could be the source of hidden water damage throughout your home. Checking the vents for moisture and for puddles on the floor can help you catch an emerging issue, and consider having it serviced by a professional once a year.
Don’t forget to check around your water heater! If this appliance malfunctions, you may notice it immediately when you go to wash some dishes or hop in the shower, but you also will notice when your basement is covered in water. Treat it the same and check it regularly for leaks.
More Maintenance TasksKeeping a close eye on your appliances is a great way to prevent extensive damage, and they should be serviced by a professional according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. In between maintenance checks, there are also things you can do on your own!
Check the hoses leading to and from your fridge, washing machine and dishwasher, and replace anything that looks worn or old. A kink, hole, or even just wear and tear can eventually lead to trouble. Deteriorated parts should always be replaced instead of repaired to ensure the problem doesn’t worsen.
Choose the highest quality parts that are designed for your specific appliance, and consider completely replacing your appliances every 10 to 15 years to ensure you always have the most reliable models in your home.
Don’t underestimate the potential for appliance leaks in your home. Even a small amount of water can cause a lot of damage in the long run! Keep your home safe by staying on top of any emerging problems.
Have water damage in your home from an appliance or another source? Our team is here to help, so call us day or night.
Arm Your Employees With Fire Safety Training | SERVPRO® of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties
3/28/2023 (Permalink)
Dealing with the aftermath of a commercial fire? SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties is your local restoration expert.
Dealing with an emergency at work is never fun, even if the situation is relatively minor. It can be even more troublesome if your staff doesn’t understand how to react to an emergency!
When it comes to fires in your business or commercial property, it is crucial that your employees understand what is expected and knows how to keep themselves safe.
Teaching basic fire safety to all of your employees is a great way to give them the tools they need to act quickly! Once you start training, you might even be surprised at how many people actually don’t know how to operate a fire extinguisher.
By taking the time to teach them about the differences between fire extinguishers and their use, you can greatly increase the chances of a situation being quickly handled by your team.
Start With the Fundamentals of Fire SafetyDid you know that if you have a fire extinguisher in your business, you are required to provide basic training on its use? That includes explaining how to operate one as well as instructing your team on the different types available to them.
Start at the very beginning by showing your employees where your fire extinguisher is located. Take it out and let them get comfortable holding it and aiming it. Once they have that down, have them practice putting out a fake fire by sweeping over the flames and standing back six to eight feet from the fire.
PASS is a great acronym to teach that can help better with memory retention in an emergency. This training shouldn’t only be done once, though! It should happen every year and be personalized to your business and your employees.
It is also a good idea to assign roles to your employees to ensure a trusted or confident member of your staff is in charge of fighting the fire or calling 911. Delegating tasks ensures that everyone is safe and allows them to focus on one goal instead of the entire emergency response.
Understanding When to Seek SafetyHave a conversation with your employees about the different fire threats that could happen in your business. A commercial business along Division Ave. in Barron will have a different fire response than at a restaurant or brewery in downtown Rice Lake. Knowing when a fire can be handled by a fire extinguisher and when to call the authorities can help keep everyone safe.
It is also important to remind your staff that it is OK if they do not feel comfortable staying to fight the fire. Their safety is the most important thing, so knowing when to back away and find a safe exit is vital to everyone’s comfort level.
By arming your staff with the knowledge they need to succeed in an emergency situation, your business and your employees can stay safe and secure.
Dealing with the aftermath of a commercial fire? Our SERVPRO specialists can restore your losses and return your workplace to its pre-fire condition.
Will Spring Showers Bring More Than Flowers? | SERVPRO® of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties
3/10/2023 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties team is always here for you, if you experience any storm damage call us right away.
Spring is fast-approaching, and we are excited about this change of season. While you dust off your spring and summer clothes and start planning out all of your upcoming activities, it is also important to prepare your home for the increase in rain, storms and any other weather event that could leave you with a large water issue.
In addition to your regular spring-cleaning inside your home, it is crucial that you focus on the outside of your house and around your property, too. We explain some of the key places to clean out and prepare ahead of the rainy spring season.
Clean It OutComing out of the winter season, it is important to address any areas of your home that could experience debris buildup in the winter. Wind, rain, snow and ice can all block up your gutters. If you have leaves or other debris blocking your gutters or downspouts, the falling rain will have nowhere to go but back up onto your roof and eventually into your attic!
In addition, now is an important time to walk around to make sure your property’s vents are free of blockages or clogs. Over the winter season, they can become compromised, which can be dangerous to your health as well as to your appliances. These include your furnace, dryer and even the vents in your attic.
While you are outside, take a peek at your outdoor faucets and inspect them for any leaks or cracks. This is especially important for us due to our long stretch of subzero temperatures. Frozen pipes can be a huge problem when the spring thaw comes around if they burst and leak water everywhere.
Fix Issues FastWe usually spend the majority of our time indoors during the winter season. Because of this, it can be easier to overlook or not notice an emerging problem happening on your roof or around your home until spring arrives and it is too late!
As soon as you can, it is important that you get on your roof to check for missing shingles, gaps between your gutters and roof and any other visible damage. Ice dams and heavy snow can cause all manner of damage to your roof, which can cause water damage. Avoid the literal trickle-down effect by inspecting your roof as soon as you are able.
Even minor drips or a suspicious-looking shingle can be the cause of a huge water leak when the first spring storm comes rolling through. The faster you address any issues that you discover, the greater chance you have of avoiding a disaster.
Get Ready for the WaterIf you have a sump pump, giving it a thorough inspection ahead of the rainy season is crucial. A sump pump works by pumping water away from your home’s foundation and basement, so it can give you a great peace of mind when the rain starts falling outside. A clogged or malfunctioning sump pump can lead to a flooded basement and extensive water damage really quickly.
It is also important for you to restock your emergency kit, review your storm safety plan with your family and double-check your methods for receiving weather alerts. Spring weather can become severe quickly, so make sure everyone in your home knows where the safe shelter location is in your home and has a reliable way of communicating with everyone in an emergency situation.
We are no strangers to water damage, so we understand that sometimes it can surprise you even if you do everything right! That is why our SERVPRO team is here for you day and night. We can help save your possessions and dry out your home quickly to prevent further damage and lasting structural issues.
Got water damage? We are here to help 24⁄7 and can restore your home quickly.
Be Proactive Against Water Damage for Your Commercial Property | SERVPRO® of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties
2/28/2023 (Permalink)
Experienced water damage in your commercial building? SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties can help you get dried out quickly.
We know all about water here in northern Wisconsin! All the lakes, rivers, snow, ice and rain make us experts where water is concerned. One place that you certainly don’t want water, though, is in your business or commercial property.
Water has the potential to cause widespread damage and costly repairs, leaving you with a huge bill and lots of questions about the future. Stopping water damage before it even starts can be easy! It just takes some preventive steps and attention to detail for your place of business to stay dry.
Areas Prone to Water DamageMinimizing any unnecessary downtime is important for any business owner, but especially if you own a small business or are responsible for any employees.
Prioritize checking these locations around your building or storefront frequently. This helps you identify any areas that have the potential to become problematic or you can catch a water issue at the source:
1. The roof. We rely on our roofs every day to keep us warm and dry! The moment your roof becomes compromised, your business is vulnerable to damage. Water can get in under broken or missing shingles, or a singular event like a falling tree can invite a lot of water into your space all at once. It is important to routinely check your roof for damage, but especially after a storm that brings heavy wind, rain or snow.
2. Bathrooms. Bathrooms are a common place where water damage occurs since the fixtures in these spaces have water running through them daily. Have someone on your maintenance team inspect the water lines to your toilets and sinks every month, and make sure you keep up on any deteriorating caulk lines to avoid a leak.
3. Water heaters/HVAC/boilers. Our utility rooms are another common space that experiences water issues! Any appliances that utilize water are vulnerable to malfunctions that can lead to widespread water damage. It is important to investigate any issues like a drop in water pressure or visible puddles right away.
Stopping Water Damage Before it OccursAside from the unpredictability of Mother Nature, most water damage can be prevented as long as you act quickly. By stepping in and addressing the situation right away, you can minimize your losses as much as possible.
Creating a maintenance plan is one of the best ways to stay on top of any emerging issues. By prioritizing routine maintenance and inspections, you can avoid malfunctions or issues from the start.
In addition, having an Emergency Ready Plan for the unexpected disasters can help you navigate through any scenario. Our SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties can help you do this! We can meet with you to create a plan tailored to your business and your employees so that you can be ready for anything.
Timing is of the essence when it comes to water disasters. The faster you can respond, the easier it will be for you to recover! Just call us the moment you discover the damage, and our water damage restoration team will be there for you.
Experienced water damage in your commercial building? Contact us to get dried out quickly.
Lean on SERVPRO After a House Fire | SERVPRO® of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties
2/9/2023 (Permalink)
For quick repairs following a fire, get in touch with our team at SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties.
Being a homeowner has many perks, but experiencing home damage is not one of them. While any type of disaster can be troublesome to deal with, experiencing a house fire can be life-altering. Fire can grow quickly and can consume entire rooms in minutes, which makes this type of home disaster particularly catastrophic.
Recovering from a house fire can be overwhelming and scary, but don’t forget about your SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties team! We have the personnel and expertise available to you that will help you completely overcome your home damage.
Read on to learn more about our response to fire damage and how we can help return your home to its pre-fire state quickly.
Contacting Us When the Flames Are OutOnce the flames are extinguished and your family is safe from danger, you can focus on your recovery efforts. In order to do this, you just have to give us a call! Someone is always here to answer your call for help, and we jump into action as soon as the phone rings.
This first conversation includes many questions to help us better understand the extent and severity of your fire damage. In order for us to be able to pack the right equipment and tools for your project, we need to know as much about the fire as possible.
When we arrive, our first step is to do a full walkthrough of your home to make sure our plan aligns with the damage we see.
Let’s Get StartedNow that we know what we are working with, we make sure the damage doesn’t get any worse while we are busy working on your home. We patch walls, board up windows and focus on closing off areas to prevent further soot and smoke from traveling around your house.
Our first goal is to clean up the surface damage, so we pull out our cutting-edge equipment to help remove soot, smoke and fire damage debris. When that is done, we can employ our odor-removing technology to help make sure every particle of smoke is removed from your home. Then we give your space a full sanitization.
Restoring Your HomeNow comes the best part! We turn our focus on restoring the affected section of your home. We can lay new flooring or carpet, replace drywall, fix ceilings and even paint your walls for you.
Our goal is to make sure that the entire recovery process is as smooth as possible for you. When you choose SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties, your home and your family’s possessions are in capable hands. Call us today!
For rapid repairs following a fire, get in touch with our team at SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties! We will work as quickly as possible to return you to a safe and fully restored property.
Heat Your Home Safely This Winter | SERVPRO® of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties
1/24/2023 (Permalink)
Call SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties if you experience any smoke, soot or fire damage.
The chill of the winter season has set in, so chances are you have cranked on your central heating or stocked up wood for your fireplace to prepare for the dip in temperature. While these tasks can seem easy to do, without the proper preparations, you could wind up being vulnerable to house fires!
We want you to stay warm and toasty all winter, so our team has laid out tips about how to safely heat your home all season long below.
Furnace BasicsMany homes are equipped with a furnace and an HVAC system that helps transport the heat around your home. In order for your furnace to work properly, it needs to be maintained regularly.
If you haven’t done so already this season, inspect your furnace for any issues and provide it with a thorough cleaning so it can function efficiently and avoid contact with excess dust or debris.
You should also take this opportunity to replace the air filter in your HVAC system. Ideally, this should be done every 90 days, and even more often if you have a busy household or have pets. A good habit to get into is changing your filter at the start of every new season.
Your air filter is crucial to protecting the lifespan of your HVAC system and furnace and can help keep dust, debris and allergens out of the air in your home.
Fireplace SafetyIf you have a fireplace, you probably enjoy the many benefits that this form of heating can offer! In addition to the efficient warmth it produces, the dancing flames can provide your home with a cozy feel.
However, fireplaces can also be a fire hazard if they are not cleaned often and maintained as well! Whether your fireplace is artificial or wood-burning, it needs to be cleaned and inspected every season.
For wood-burning fireplaces, clear out any buildup of ash, ensure that your chimney is free of blockages and wipe down any soot or smoke stains on the surrounding bricks. If you have an artificial fireplace, make sure to remove the glass and wipe down the logs and glass to remove dust buildup.
Portable HeatersIf you use space heaters in your home, they can be a great way to heat a single room or space quickly. However, they can also be huge fire hazards! Keep your space heater three feet away from any combustible materials, and never leave it on when you go to bed.
Space heaters should always be placed on a level surface where they won’t be easily knocked over, and they should be plugged into the wall directly—never into an extension cord.
If you have children or pets, keep an eye on them any time you light up your fireplace or use your space heaters. All it takes is a single accident for you to experience a widespread disaster during the winter season.
If you experience fire damage this season, give us a call at SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties for immediate assistance. We’re here 24⁄7 when you need us!
Stop Water Damage in Its Tracks This Year | SERVPRO® of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties
1/10/2023 (Permalink)
Have water damage in your home? Contact SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties for quick and professional restoration.
The start of a new year always feels so refreshing. In addition to dusting off your new resolutions, it’s also a great time to address any water damage threats to keep your home dry. Below we explain how to easily incorporate these ideas into your regular routine to avoid costly damages.
Since water is all around us, it is one of the most common causes of home damage. It doesn’t even take a full disaster to cause widespread damage!
Where Does Water Damage Start?Water leaks can happen virtually anywhere around our homes. Inside, our large appliances and bathrooms are common sources of water troubles while clogged gutters, rain water and melting snow are the main culprits outside of our homes.
If you live in an older home, watch out for any worn-out pipes or caulk lines that look like they are cracking. Moisture can leak through and cause water damage, mold growth and rotten wood over time.
The electronic components of your appliances could also be affected by water damage! If water gets into these areas, you could suffer from an appliance malfunction or damaging rust issues.
Prevent Damage From OccurringA little preparation can help prevent a large issue from forming! Catching any developing problem early can save you precious time and money.
You may have to go on a hunt, though, to find the source of the trouble. Check your bathrooms and kitchens often and try to dry out these spaces often to prevent moisture buildup and mold growth. If you notice a musty odor, follow the scent to catch any moldy or mildewy areas.
Getting up on your roof regularly (and after any major wind events) can help you catch any missing shingles or overlooked roof damage. If your roof has structural damage, it could invite water down into your attic and eventually down the walls of your home.
We know how heavy snow can get, so it is important to keep it off of your home to prevent damage or even a cave-in! Invest in a roof rake and pull the snow off of your roof after every storm and address any ice dam issues quickly.
While this step will have to wait until the ground thaws, grading your property can help encourage water to flow down and away from your foundation. Any of these steps can help your home stay dry all year long!
Have water damage in your home? Contact us for fast, professional restoration back to preloss condition.
Odor Can Be a Thing of the Past | SERVPRO® of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties
1/3/2023 (Permalink)
If you experience an odor or any other damage inside your home, call SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties day or night.
Our 24⁄7 emergency services ensure everyone who needs help can receive it at any time of day. In addition to our professional cleaning and restoration services, we also provide area homes and businesses with our high-quality odor removal services.
Water, storm, fire and mold damage can all create lasting odor problems in your home. The longer you wait to address the issues, the deeper the odors can set into your furniture, walls and carpets.
If this happens to you, we can help! Check out our latest blog all about our odor removal services below.
Addressing Your Odor ProblemSince many different things can cause lingering smells, it is important to call us right away so that we can investigate. Our step-by-step approach ensures we get rid of the problem every time.
We can help tackle your problem with:
Masking agents. This method is a great way to make your home more comfortable while we prepare our more in-depth odor removal methods. It can create a much more pleasant atmosphere!
Filtration agents. Filtering the air can help trap odor particles that are lingering, and our filtration agents can actually pull the odors directly from your furniture, carpets and walls.
Disinfectants and sanitizers. In order to make sure that the odor cannot come back, sanitizing the space is an important step. This kills any bacteria or fungus so that it cannot grow back and start to smell again.
How Our Process Works1. Remove the source. The first step is to fully understand what is causing the smell in the first place! Once we have determined what it is, we will remove the source and anything else that has been compromised by it.
2. Clean residue from surfaces. Next, we do a thorough cleaning to make sure the entire area is free of odor.
3. Recreate the odor-causing conditions. We have to be confident that we got the entire odor, so this step recreates the environment that will show us whether there are any lingering odor particles.
4. Seal exposed surfaces. If your problem is more extensive or harder to treat, we can seal off the affected area to stop the odor from traveling while we reassess our next steps.
In any case, we will get it figured out for you! Your home is in good hands with us.
If you experience an odor or other damage inside your home or business, call us at any time, 24⁄7. We have the training and equipment to quickly get your property back in operation.
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