No Such Thing as a Small Disaster

9/2/2022 (Permalink)

There is no such thing as a small disaster, especially when a small leak at the time could blossom into a big claim later. Unseen water can soak through walls, seep through carpet and pool on sub floors, causing major problems over time. You need help-fast. 

Whether it be day or night, contact SERVPRO of Bellaire, Kalkaska, Lake City & Grayling to begin emergency water mitigation. Emergency mitigation means under normal circumstances, a SERVPRO franchise professional can be on-site within four hours to begin drying your home and restoring your contents. The faster and the water is removed by a SERVPRO professional, the less chance of a serious damage to your facility. 

At SERVPRO of Bellaire, Kalkaska, Lake City & Grayling we are trained and understand how to professionally manage the drying process. By utilizing state of the art equipment and the latest technology, your structure will be quickly and thoroughly dried, which helps prevent secondary water damages. SERVPRO will remove moisture and any contaminants by disinfecting and deodorizing to safely clean and dry your building and contents. Help ensure the value of your property by calling your local SERVPRO today. 

As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration, we stand on over 50 years of experience and expertise to help ensure your home is taken care of. 

What to Do Until Help Arrives (Water Damage)

6/10/2022 (Permalink)

We are here to help with any of your water damage cleanup needs!

Until help arrives, there are a few things that you can do to help mitigate the damage to your property; however, you are encouraged to only attempt tasks that you feel confident that you can safely accomplish. 

1. Shut off the source of water if possible. If you don't feel confident doing this yourself, consider contacting someone to help stop the water source, such as a plumber. If you are uncertain where the water is coming from, don't stress; we'll assist you with determining the source when we arrive. 
2. Remove excess water by mopping, blotting, or wiping. This could include flooring and hard surface furniture which has standing water on it. Do not use your household vacuum to remove water, since it could cause damage to the vacuum. 
3. Protect carpet, rugs, drapes, and upholstered items from further damage. Place aluminum foil or parchment paper between furniture and wet carpet or rugs. Remove rugs that may be on wet carpet. Remove books, magazines, or other colored items from carpets and rugs. Hang draperies up with coated hangers to avoid contact with wet floors. Remove pillows or cushions from wet upholstered items. 
4. Avoid using electric or electronic items that may have come in contact with water. This may include items such as light fixtures, ceiling fans, televisions, or appliances. If there is a possibility that someone else in the property may turn on an electric item that has come in contact with water, consider turning off the power to individual circuits within the power distribution panel of the property. 

Different Types of Household Water Damages

5/13/2022 (Permalink)

We are here to help with all of your water damage needs!

Flooding is usually caused by rain or snow melting on top of impermeable surfaces like roofs and sidewalks, which causes these rare events when the water spills into basements or crawlspaces. Water can find its way into your home through cracks in foundation walls, gaps in utility lines, or leaky windows and doors. If you do not take pre-emptive measures to prevent flooding, you are putting your home at risk of lasting damage that can lead to significant expenses down the road. Here are some examples of flooding that can happen in homes:

1. Sewer Flooding

Flooding your basement can prove disastrous. Water might force its way into your basement through improper drainage or sewer lines that have become clogged. You have to be wary of possible damage to your pipes and appliances, such as water damage from broken pipes, rotted wood, and mold. Sewer flooding is more common in older homes with faulty septic systems or no septic system at all. This kind of flooding can often be prevented by scheduling regular maintenance on your septic system.

2. Rainwater Damage

Rain Water Damage also causes flooding in homes, particularly in areas with very heavy rainfall. Heavy rainfalls can lead to water seeping into foundations and walls, leading to a host of problems like mold, mildew, decay, and structural damage to your home. Overflowing gutters or faulty downspouts are usually the culprits of this kind of water damage. To avoid this type of flooding, make sure to clean out your gutters regularly, and have a rain gutter installation professional check for any possible damage.

3. Basement Flooding

Basement flooding usually occurs when water seeps through an area not properly waterproofed or drained, such as a gap in the foundation wall or roof, a leaky basement window, or an improperly installed sump pump. Water can also get into your basement through your toilet tank and pipes. The damage of basement flooding can be extensive. It can ruin your basement and its contents, plus do damage to other areas of your home. Basement flooding often requires expensive repairs that may be difficult to afford.

4. Water Intrusion

Water intrusion can be caused by a leaky sump pump or drain pipe that has become clogged with debris. Water can also find its way into your home through a small gap between the base of the foundation wall and the ground. This type of flooding is usually caused by poor drainage or overcrowding in your basement. Water intrusion can also take place during heavy building rainfalls. 

Flooding can be devastating to your home. If your home has suffered any kind of water damage, SERVPRO of Bellaire, Kalkaska, Lake City & Grayling is here to help! 

What Happens When There’s Water in My Crawl Space?

3/18/2022 (Permalink)

If you notice any water or mold in your crawlspace, give the experts a call at 231-564-4014!

Your home’s crawl space is often a neglected part of the house. In fact, you might not check it regularly. With this part of homes often going neglected, water can build up in your crawl space without your knowledge. This happens because the ground gets wet and dry through the seasons that can cause moisture in your crawl space. 

What Happens When a Crawl Space Is Wet

There are three ways water gets into a crawl space; a leak, water seepage from the soil, or condensation. When there are puddles of water in the crawl space, you should address them right away. Even though the water itself won’t damage your home, the water vapor that comes with it will. Moisture can cause rot, energy loss, and even attract pests to your home. 

Here are some of the major problems you’ll experience when you have a wet crawl space: 

• High Energy Bills: Having a crawl space means you have more space to heat and cool. However, when there’s wetness inside, the damp air will take more energy to heat or cool. With that said, you’ll use more energy which will translate into higher energy bills. 
• Mold: Undeniably, mold loves moisture, and it feeds on dead organic materials, such as paper, wood, and cardboard. When there’s mold in your crawl space, it will release airborne spores that can make their way upstairs. The spores aren’t good for your health and can cause health effects, while also having a detrimental effect on your property value. 
• Dust Mites and Pests: Dust mites love humid environments, which means they would love to be in your dirt crawl space. They can float in the air and trigger allergies and asthma. Dust mites can also attract pests, such as termites, mice, rats, and even snakes. 

Fix Your Crawl Space Problem

The most important thing you should do to fix your crawl space problem is to first understand where the water is coming from. Surface water that gets into the space comes from roof drainage, overflowing gutters, grading issues, or leaky basement windows. 

Another reason there’s water in your crawl space is groundwater. The soil that’s surrounding the foundation can be saturated after periods of heavy rain or snow. Finally, issues with your plumbing can also cause water into your crawl space. 

Always Keep It Dry

When you have identified the reasons water gets into the crawl space, you’ll be able to find ways to keep it dry. For one, a dehumidifier and sump pump system can prevent water and moisture damage. 

Now, if your crawl space leaks when it rains, you need to get it under control. The main goal here is to get rid of humidity in the crawl space to prevent moisture. 

Conclusion

Water in your crawl space can be a huge problem if you don’t address it immediately. That’s why it’s a good idea to have regular inspections to ensure that everything’s well. In the case that you notice moisture in your crawl space, call SERVPRO at 231-564-4014 right away before it creates more issues that can be costly. 

Post Storm Roof Leaks

12/17/2021 (Permalink)

A major storm in Northern Michigan can do serious damage to many properties, including the roof of your home or business. When it comes to a leaking roof, you will need a professional not only to fix the exterior but to repair your attic and ceilings. A roof leak may seem small, but it can potentially cause severe long term damage to your property. 

Here is what you can do once a leak has been discovered: 

Check the Roof 

If your property has a shingled roof, check for missing shingles. That may give you an idea of how water is getting in. If water is coming through, puncture a small hole that will allow the water to flow out freely. If you leave it intact, water will spread over the ceiling which could cause it to sag and possibly collapse. A hole gives the water somewhere to go. Put a bucket underneath to catch the water and move furniture and other items out of the way. 

Move Wet Items 

Once belongings are wet, they need to be dried and disinfected. If there are no electrical dangers, launder furniture covers, bedding, and other washable items. Air out and clean furniture and rugs. Check for irreparable damage. If something is in poor condition, throw it away. 

Dry Everything Well 

From the attic on down, everything needs to be as dry as possible. Run fans or heaters or open windows to get air circulating through the area. Once everything is completely dry, then restoration work for the roof leak begin. 

Call SERVPRO 

A roof leak can cause substantial damage in hard-to-reach areas. Call the experts to evaluate the safety of your building before you attempt any repairs yourself. It is important to have everything dry and disinfected to prevent future problems. A damaged roof can cause extensive issues for your property. Cleaning up properly after storm damage ensures that you have a safe environment to reside in. 

At SERVPRO of Bellaire, Kalkaska, Lake City & Grayling, we are available 24/7 so that when a disaster strikes, we are the experts you can count on!

Winter Water Damages

12/17/2021 (Permalink)

Northern Michigan winters are known to be brutally cold and accompanied by large amounts of snow. With below freezing temperatures, snow, and ice, your home or business could be in jeopardy for water damage. It is crucial that you are aware of the hazards and so you can be proactive in preparing, preventing and acting quickly if faced with any winter water damages. 

FROZEN PIPES 

A frozen pipe can burst at the point where the ice blockage inside the pipe is located, but typically the rupture is caused by the backflow pressure between the water source and the blockage. A burst pipe can cause considerable damage to your property if not addressed quickly. 

ICE DAMS 

Ice dams can be a major problem during the winter season. They form when heated air melts roof snow downward into water dammed behind still-frozen ice. When the trapped water cannot safely flow or run into the gutter system, it can backflow under the roof ’s shingles and into the structure’s interior areas. 

PREPARE YOUR HOME 

• If you own a home which is unoccupied during a cold period, ensure you have ample heating fuel and that the indoor thermostat, in all areas of the home, is minimally kept at 55 degrees and ensure that you have a trusted person check the home periodically during your absence. 
• Keep cabinet doors open during cold spells. This allows warm air to circulate around pipes. 
• Keep a slow trickle of water flowing through faucets, especially if the pipes for faucets run through unheated or uninsulated areas of your home. 
• Consider shutting off outdoor faucets. Find the shut-off valve in the basement or crawl space and turn it to “off.” 
• If you follow the previous step, then open the outdoor faucet to help ensure it drains completely and the inner valve is shut off. 
• Ensure gutters are clean and secure. Leaves and debris accumulate, causing a damming effect on gutters, which could lead to roof problems and water damage. 

PREPARE YOUR BUSINESS 

• Check your business property for downed tree limbs and branches. Weather, such as wind, heavy rain, ice, and snow, can cause branches to fall, which could cause damage to the property and potentially cause 
  personal injuries. 
• Inspect property, especially walkways and parking lots, for proper drainage to alleviate flood hazard potential. 
• Inspect all handrails, stairwells, and entryways to address and correct potential slippery or hazardous areas. Install mats or non-slip surfaces and post caution signs where water could be present. 

Cold weather, snow, and ice storms can cause severe damage to your home or business. When these types of disasters strike, immediate action is necessary to prevent additional damage to your property. Our team has the winter storm experience, expertise, and the resources to remediate damage caused by winter weather. If disaster strikes your home or business during the winter months, know that SERVPRO of Bellaire, Kalkaska, Lake City & Grayling has your back. 

After the Flood- Ways to Salvage Furniture

11/30/2021 (Permalink)

Here to help with any of your water or mold damage needs!

A water damage can be devastating. Whether a few inches of water filled your home or the flood was on a large scale, filling your home, once you’re back, you’re faced with the task of salvaging. The good news is that most solid wood furniture can be salvaged after water damage. Here are some simple steps from SERVPRO to follow after a water damage to salvage your furniture:

Take Photos

After any flood, it’s wise to take photos of the damage done to your home for insurance purposes. You can take general photos and then closeup pictures of your furniture and the most damaged areas.

Clean

Flood waters often come along with mud and dirt. Wipe your furniture down with a soft cloth or brush. Try not to rub in the dirt, instead use soft strokes to gently brush dirt away. You may need to use water to get any dirt that’s really stuck on to come off. Then, dry your furniture using a dry cloth.

Dry it Out

You need to try to dry out your furniture as soon as possible. Keep it in a shaded area as the sun can cause the wet wood to crack and warp. If you still have a bit of water in your home or your floors are wet, use bricks or blocks to hold your furniture up off of the floor. You can set up fans or dehumidifiers to help keep the air moving and speed up the drying process. Avoid using any sort of heat (hair dryers, irons) to dry your furniture as this will damage the wood.

To help your furniture dry out more quickly, open any cabinet doors and remove drawers. These may be stuck due to the wood swelling from the water. If they’re stuck, don’t force them out, but check them regularly as the swelling reduces so that you can eventually remove them while drying completes.

Manage Mold and Mildew

Unfortunately, the damp environment created by the flood water is the perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow. Mildew and mold spores are everywhere and begin to take hold whenever they find a nice, moist, warm environment. So, keep an eye on your furniture while it’s drying. If your furniture has been damp for more than about 48 hours, it’s likely you’ll deal with some mildew or mold. You’ll need to clean it off using a cloth dampened with a mild, soapy water solution. Alternatively, you can mix up some white vinegar and water, spray it on your furniture and then wipe it down.

For any of your water damage or mold remediation needs, give SERVPRO of Bellaire, Kalkaska, Lake City & Grayling a call at 231-564-4014!

Basement Water Damage?

8/2/2021 (Permalink)

Water Damage Specialists

Has your basement flooded with water due to the storms, rainfall, or failed sump pumps?

We can help with any of your water damage needs, call us today at 231-564-4014. We offer 24 Hour Emergency Services and can respond quickly!

Why Choose SERVPRO of Bellaire, Kalkaska, Lake City & Grayling?

• We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster and offer 24 hour emergency services when your basement floods. We provide services for Antrim, Crawford, Kalkaska, Missaukee, and Roscommon counties.
• We’re dedicated to responding immediately when you contact us due to a flooded basement. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces cost to your basement and contents that may have been affected. The fast response of mitigation lessens the possibility of secondary damages to your property.
• We’re Highly Trained Water Damage Specialists and experienced with contents cleaning if your contents have gotten wet due to the flooding.
• As water damage specialists, we have the experience, expertise, and advanced training that enables us to get your property dried quickly and thoroughly. We use scientific drying principles and provide validation and documentation that your property is dry and the job is complete. Learn about our water damage training and certificates.
• We Use Advanced Drying Equipment and Techniques.
• We invest in the latest technology and equipment because it helps us restore your home more quickly and to minimize cost. This equipment allows us to detect hidden moisture and extract standing water quickly and efficiently. We also utilize professional-strength cleaning, sanitizing, and deodorizing products for cleaning and sanitize the affected water damage area for your comfort and safety.

If you have experienced a water damage recently, we are the water damage specialists that can help you! Call us today to find out how we can help you in your time of need. 

231-564-4014

Flooding Do's and Don'ts

8/2/2021 (Permalink)

Water Damage Specialists

Flooding Do's and Don'ts 

Here at SERVPRO of Bellaire, Kalkaska, Lake City & Grayling we specialize in getting your home dried out and restored after any water damage event.

If the water is from a clean source, you can do some things to minimize the damage. 

DO: 

• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting. 
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items. 
• Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions. 
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting. 

• Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer. 
• Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting. 
• Remove art objects to a safe, dry place. 
• Gather loose items from floors. 

DON'T: 

• Don't leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods. 
• Don't leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors. 
• Don't use your household vacuum to remove water. 
• Don't use television or other household appliances. 
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging. 

As leaders in the water damage industry, SERVPRO of Bellaire, Kalkaska, Lake City & Grayling technicians have advanced training and expertise, not to mention a tremendous amount of hands-on experience. For any fire, mold, or water damages, call the experts who are available 24/7.

231-564-4014

Water Damage in Your Lake City Home?

3/26/2021 (Permalink)

Have you experienced a water damage to your home in Lake City?

Our highly trained and IICRC certified technicians are ready to respond immediately to your water damage to your home in Lake City.  We have the experience, expertise, and training to restore your home and mitigate quickly and properly. We use advanced inspection and extraction equipment to extract and find the water and what has been affected,  and remove it as quickly as possible. Our technicians will monitor the drying process daily with professional documentation to ensure your property is back to pre loss condiition.

After any water damage in your home, your primary focus should be safety first, please utilize these tips below:

• Is it safe to stay in the house?
• Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.
• Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
• Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!
• Where did the water come from, it can be contaminated.

Have any questions? Give us a call us at 231-564-4014

We offer 24 hour emergency services and will do a complimentary inspection!

Water Damage in Missaukee County?

3/9/2021 (Permalink)

Have you experienced a water damage to your home in Lake City?

Our highly trained and IICRC certified technicians are ready to respond immediately to any water damage loss to your home in Missaukee County.  We have the experience, expertise, and training to restore your home and mitigate quickly and properly. We use advanced inspection and extraction equipment to extract and find the areas the water has affected, and remove it as quickly as possible. Our technicians will monitor the drying process daily with professional documentation to ensure your property is back to pre loss condition.

After any water damage in your home, your primary focus should be safety first, please utilize these tips below:

• Is it safe to stay in the house?
• Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.
• Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
• Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!
• Where did the water come from, it can be contaminated.

Have any questions? Give us a call us at 231-564-4014

We offer 24 hour emergency services and will do a complimentary inspection!

Frozen Pipes- What To Do

12/17/2020 (Permalink)

With winter quickly approaching, don't forget these tips incase your pipes freeze over. 

1. Locate the water main shut-off valve.
2. Open the faucet so thawing water can flow freely & relieve pressure.
3. Warm the pipes with a space heater or hairdryer.
4. If you find leaks are causing water damage, give us a call right away.

For any water damage needs, call SERVPRO of Bellaire, Kalkaska, Lake City & Grayling to make it "Like it never even happened."

 (231) 564-4014. 

Water Damage in Lake City?

12/3/2020 (Permalink)

Have you had a water loss in your home in the Lake City area?

Our highly trained technicians are ready to respond immediately to your water damage at your home in the Upper Peninsula. We have the experience, expertise, and training to restore your home or business quickly and properly. We use advanced inspection and extraction equipment to find the water and remove it as quickly as possible. Our technicians will monitor and document the drying process to ensure your property is back to normal.

After any water damage situation, your primary focus should be safety first, please utilize these tips below:

• Is it safe to stay in the house?
• Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.
• Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
• Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!

Have any questions? Give us a call at (231) 564-4014

Frozen Pipe Bursts

11/9/2020 (Permalink)

Why Pipe Freezing is a Problem

Freezing temperatures, especially in winter, can sometimes subject water to below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. At such low temperatures, water normally turns into a solid, thereby blocking water flow. The considerable amount of pressure that accumulates at the point of blockage due to the expanded mass of ice subjects the pipes to tensional forces that rip the pipe apart. The water accumulated upstream from the blocked area in the pipe, therefore, leaks until appropriate repairs are done. That's where SERVPRO of Bellaire, Kalkaska, Lake City & Grayling comes in. We specialize in water removal, water damage restoration, and mitigation.

Pipes that freeze most frequently are:

• Pipes that are exposed to severe cold, like outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, and water sprinkler lines.
• Water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets.
• Pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation.

If you run into any problems with broken frozen pipes and water is pouring into your home. Give us a call and we can help you! 

If you have any questions - call us at (231) 564-4014

Basement Flooding

11/2/2020 (Permalink)

Has your basement flooded with water due to the storms and rainfall that we have recently suffered in Northern Michigan?

We can help, call us today at (231) 564-4014.  We offer 24 Hour Emergency Services and can respond quickly!

Why Choose SERVPRO of Bellaire, Kalkaska, Lake City & Grayling?
We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster and offer 24 hour emergency services when your basement floods. We provide services to Antrim, Crawford, Kalkaska, Missaukee, and Roscommon counties daily.

We’re dedicated to responding immediately when you contact us due to a flooded basement. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces cost to your basement and contents that may have been affected.  The fast response of mitigation lessons the effect of possible secondary damages to your property.

We’re Highly Trained Water Damage Specialists and experienced with contents cleaning if your content have gotten wet due to the flooding.

As water damage specialists, we have the experience, expertise, and advanced training that enables us to get your property dried quickly and thoroughly. We use scientific drying principles and provide validation and documentation that your property is dry and the job is complete. Learn about our water damage training and certificates.

We Use Advanced Drying Equipment and Techniques

We invest in the latest technology and equipment because it helps us restore your home more quickly and to minimize cost. This equipment allows us to detect hidden moisture and extract standing water quickly and efficiently. We also utilize professional-strength cleaning, sanitizing, and deodorizing products for cleaning and sanitize the affected water damage area for your comfort and safety.

If you are experiencing flooding in your basement due to the heavy rainfall and live in Antrim, Crawford, Kalkaska, Missaukee, and Roscommon counties, don't wait to call!

(231) 564-4014

Water Damage in Bellaire, Kalkaska, Lake City or Grayling?

9/17/2020 (Permalink)

Have Water or Flood Damage to your home and live in Bellaire, Kalkaska, Lake City or Grayling?

We offer 24 Hour Emergency Services

Our technicians are uniformed and trained.  Our Team at SERVPRO of Bellaire, Kalkaska, Lake City & Grayling is ready to respond immediately to flood or water damage at your commercial or residential property. We have the experience, expertise, and training to restore your home or business quickly and properly. We use advanced inspection and extraction equipment to find the water and remove it as quickly as possible. Our technicians will monitor and document the drying process to ensure your property is back to normal.

Please follow our tips outlined in the Water Damage Tips—Until Help Arrives Guide to protect yourself and your property.

What To Do After Flooding

• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
• Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
• Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
• Gather loose items from floors.

What NOT To Do After Flooding

• Don't leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
• Don't leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
• Don't use your household vacuum to remove water.
• Don't use television or other household appliances.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.

Call Us Today –

(231) 564-4014

Do you have water damage in your home in Lake City?

3/25/2020 (Permalink)

Have you experienced a water damage to your home in Lake City?

Our highly trained and IICRC certified technicians are ready to respond immediately to your water damage to your home in Lake City.  We have the experience, expertise, and training to restore your home and mitigate quickly and properly. We use advanced inspection and extraction equipment to extract and find the water and what has been affected,  and remove it as quickly as possible. Our technicians will monitor the drying process daily with professional documentation to ensure your property is back to pre loss condiition.

After any water damage in your home, your primary focus should be safety first, please utilize these tips below:

• Is it safe to stay in the house?
• Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.
• Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
• Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!
• Where did the water come from, it can be contaminated.

Have any questions? Give us a call us at 231-564-4014

We offer 24 hour emergency services and will do a complimentary inspection!