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When A Fire Destroys Your Omaha Home, You Need Help From A Professional Restoration Company Like SERVPRO!

10/3/2023 (Permalink)

Why Professional Fire Restoration Saves Omaha Homeowners Money

Disasters do not impact Omaha homes at convenient times, so overcoming the effects from an emergency needs skilled professionals with the equipment to make a difference quickly. Often after a fire, many homeowners struggle to find the right step to take to return their home to preloss condition, and restoration can fall to the wayside while a drawn-out negotiation ensues with the insurance company and fire-chasing, unlicensed contractors.

The first call after fire damage that an Omaha homeowner should make is to our dedicated SERVPRO professionals. Within a short time, we can have trained, certified personnel at your address to begin a thorough inspection of the property to identify and catalog the damage, take photos, and begin formulating an estimate of the cost to mitigate the damage. Documentation and estimation are key requests insurance providers require to process coverage claims on area properties, and we have an established reporting and estimation process with most insurance companies for seamless communication through our national accounts.

The professional mitigation that our SERVPRO team provides your fire-damaged home can help save you money. We arrive quickly to the emergency to provide premier cleaning services, water extraction necessary from the fire-fighting process, air quality improvement equipment, and the industry contacts which perform emergency board-up services on your home to prevent further elemental damage throughout the restoration steps to follow.

Be mindful of unlicensed contractors who prey on families affected by structure fires. These unprofessional outfits offer poor quality construction solutions designed to cost you more than the quality of the job, and without checking for credentials, you might have no way of recuperating that lost expense. Our franchise works closely with accredited and licensed contracting companies to provide our customers with an efficient solution when rebuilding is necessary.

Fire recovery is something that can be overwhelming to many homeowners. Without appropriate mitigation tactics applied early on, however, failure to act could result in a much higher restoration bill. Give our SERVPRO of Omaha Northwest fire restoration specialists a call any time disaster strikes at (402) 800-2134.

Click here for more about Omaha.

Prevent Water Intrusion from Snowmelt

10/3/2023 (Permalink)

The Perfect Weather Conditions

The areas of Omaha, Bennington, Fremont, Elkhorn, Valley, Waterloo, and Blair have seen heavy amounts of snowfall this winter. As spring finally approaches, the forecast of warmer temperatures and rain showers creates the perfect scenario for water intrusion in your home. Unfortunately, some leaks may or may not be immediately noticeable. It is wise to intentionally inspect lower-traffic areas on a regular basis—such as storage rooms in the basement or attic—for potential water leakage. Catching a leak early is important for minimizing long-term damage.

Some Tips

Leaks from snowmelt and trapped rain-water runoff can enter your home from both above and below. Frozen drain pipes, blocked drainage systems, and ice dams are common culprits. Raking the snow from the roof of your house is a first step in helping prevent water damage. Additionally, cutting channels through ice dams on the roof by applying calcium chloride is sometimes an effective option.

Snow removal on the ground is another important preventative measure. Clearing a 5-foot path around the perimeter of your home helps prevent snowmelt and rain water from seeping into your house at ground level. Many times, homeowners will discover water in their basement due to unknown leaks in the foundation. Removing packed snow from drainage areas allows water to run away from your home instead of into it.

The Inevitable

Sometimes water damage from a snowy winter season is inevitable. If you discover a water leak, it is important to start the drying process immediately. This will aid in preventing further damage to your home, such as a future mold problem.

Call Us Today

The team at SERVPRO of Omaha Northwest is trained in proper drying techniques. If you find water damage anywhere in your home, our team is ready to assist you. Call us at 402-800-2134.

Some Common Causes of Water Damage

10/3/2023 (Permalink)

Listed below are some of the main causes of water damage in a home:

Appliance malfunction-

            Some appliances that regularly malfunction include washing machines, refrigerators, and dishwashers. All three of these common household machines use water and leak on occasions, so it is good to be on the lookout to make sure they aren’t leaking. To prevent water damage from these appliances, inspect the area around these machines at least every month and be sure to keep up the maintenance of all household machines.

Leaky pipes/ plumbing valves-

            When a pipe starts to leak or break you may not always notice it right away. Sometimes a break results in a slow leak that eventually causes extensive water damage to your property and belongings. This problem may not seem very serious at first but can lead to major issues down the road. When you suspect something is wrong pay attention to these 7 signs. Changes in water pressure, changes of water color, sewage smell, puddles under sinks, hearing constant water, pipes making noises, and spikes in the water bill.

Roofing Leaks-

            Water damage from roof leaks can cause all sorts of problems if you don’t spot the issue soon enough. Some problems include mold, rotted framing, destroyed insulation and damaged ceilings. Some signs to look for are changes to flooring, walls, or ceiling.

Common Commercial Plumbing Issues

6/6/2023 (Permalink)

Plumbing issues can be very devastating to a business. It can cause leaks that turn into a water loss that could affect productivity in your business. With plumbing issues, it can happen with little to no warning, sometimes it starts with a small leak and other times it can happen suddenly. It is important to fix these issues before they become big problems with big expenses. Some problems include leaking seals and drain clogs.

Leaking seals

Seals can go bad at any moment, so it is important to inspect for small leaks around these areas, if you wait it could turn into a major water loss. Leaks can occur wherever two plumbing components meet. This means sometimes they aren’t always noticeable. Not only can this turn into a bigger leak but if the seal completely breaks off when you aren’t present you could cause thousands of dollars in water damage to your property.

Drain clogs

Drain clogs aren’t usually an issue in homes however in commercial buildings they seem to be more common. The reason for this is people are more cautious of what they put down their own drain or toilet vs public restrooms. This causes debris to get stuck in the pipes clogging up the system and slowing down the release of water. It may not cause any immediate issues but could contribute to a major backup down the road.

Summer Storms Can Lead to the Need for Water Removal in Omaha

6/6/2023 (Permalink)

Team SERVPRO Arrives Equipped to Handle Your Storm Damage Emergency

The humidity and energy of high temperatures during an Omaha summer can combine to generate storms and local microbursts that can expose your home to significant water intrusion. Extreme weather patterns can dump inches of water on your property in a short period, overwhelming the drainage system on your roof and attached gutters and downspouts.

Severe weather can completely change your daily routine, including forcing you to arrange for water removal inside your Omaha home. Water can flow into your home’s lower levels, requiring professional help from us to protect the integrity of your property’s structure.
 
Instead of the normally directed flow of water away from your foundation when rainstorms are moderate, torrential rain can force the excess water from your overwhelmed drainage system to seek drier areas immediately as it cascades from the roof. Water is attracted to surfaces and structures that are dry, including the materials making up your basement walls, slab foundation, or crawl space. We are familiar with this process, and our technicians receive training to respond to this phenomenon quickly and reliably.
 
Calling SERVPRO immediately after the water intrudes allows us to quickly extract standing water out of your home and disperse it away from your foundation. We have generators and our service vehicles have powerful pumps and extractors to evacuate water that is trapped inside your home. We can proceed with water removal even if the storm knocks out power. Our crew lead assesses the scenario and the crew members implement the plan created after the assessment.
 
Once the standing water is extracted from the lower levels or crawl space, our SERVPRO employees position air movers, and powerful dehumidifiers to remove the moisture that saturated the structural components of the affected area. It is crucial to reduce moisture levels to normal numbers within 48 to 72 hours. More extended periods of elevation can lead to microbial growth and allow porous materials like drywall, paneling, and insulation to deteriorate progressively. Our employees receive training and certification in moisture monitoring during IICRC courses, helping the crew chiefs to determine drying goals that the proper balance of air movement, and reduced humidity can accomplish.
 
SERVPRO of Omaha Northwest has the team, knowledge, and equipment to remove excess water and residual moisture left by seasonal storms. Contact us as soon as the problem presents. Our phone at (402) 800-2134 is answered 24/7.

Click here for more information on the city of Omaha.

Some of the Worst Flood Damage Remediation Mistakes in Omaha and What They Will Cost You

6/6/2023 (Permalink)

Flood Damage Concerns During Winter Storms In Omaha

Any given winter storm coming to the Omaha area can bring with it a variety of types of precipitation. Although snow is generally expected, sleet, and flooding rain are also common as storm fronts roll through. Regardless of the season, homeowners enduring the devastation of flooding need a remediation company with the trained technicians and up to date equipment capable of removing the water and thoroughly drying the structure to mitigate damage. We are up to the challenge.

The colder temperatures in the winter months make rapid mitigation of flood damage in Omaha essential. Because heating systems often have their base unit in the basement or lower level of a home, excess water can interfere with the climate control in your home. With freezing temperatures looming, a potential failure of your heating system exposes your home to even greater risk. Pipes can freeze, sending even more water into the house. Drying usually takes longer, and your family might need to relocate while the issue is resolved.

When SERVPRO arrives on the scene our experienced crew lead will plot out a course of action. The crew members work immediately, following the crew leader's plan. No delay is necessary because our service vehicles are fully stocked with our tools of the remediation trade -- pumps, extractors, air movers, heaters, and dehumidifiers as well as cleaning and sanitizing equipment and products.

Our goal is to remove the standing water, including any water that migrated into cavities between walls or other hidden spaces. SERVPRO crew members are trained to IICRC Standards, including the use of moisture detection equipment that assists us in finding even hidden flood waters. Once our pumps and extractors remove the water, we set up a drying perimeter. Achieving the proper balance of air movement, temperature, and relative humidity pulls water out of the structural components. The resulting water vapor is condensed and absorbed by our dehumidifiers, and for disposal.

The final steps SERVPRO completes include disinfection with EPA registered antimicrobials. We work quickly to remove and dry out the water to prevent mold from gaining a foothold, but the sanitizing steps help inhibit the risk. After our work crew wraps up the project your home is ready for any restoration needed by your chosen contractor.

SERVPRO of Omaha Northwest is ready to respond to flooding disasters 12 months out of the year. Contact us at (402) 800-2134 to schedule an assessment if you struggle with winter flood damage.
 
Click here for more about Omaha.

Prevent Basement Flooding from Snowmelt

6/6/2023 (Permalink)

Extreme Temperatures

Eastern Nebraska is known for extreme weather changes. Temperatures can vary 100 degrees between the summer and winter seasons. Even in the winter months, the climate can rapidly change. It is not uncommon to have a 60-degree day immediately following a heavy winter storm.

These extreme temperature changes make flooding a potential hazard in the Omaha and surrounding areas. The sudden melting of packed ice and snow can cause rapid runoff. If the ground is still frozen, snowmelt has no place to go and can find its way through the foundation of your structure. Homes and businesses located near creeks and rivers are at higher risk for flooding.

Some tips to prevent a flooded basement include installing a sump pump and making sure downspouts drain 20-30 feet away from your home or business. Hiring a company to professionally waterproof the basement is another option. Using a snow-blower around your home’s foundation and removing snow from the roof when safe are additional ways to limit water intrusion from snowmelt.

Call Us Today for Your Winter Weather-Related Needs

Even when preventative measures are taken, your Nebraska business or home may experience leaks and flooding. The team at SERVPRO of Omaha Northwest is trained in water extraction and structural drying. Our employees are IICRC certified and use the most up-to-date water mitigation practices. Rest assured, the team at SERVPRO of Omaha Northwest will help make any water damage “Like it never even happened.”

402-800-2134

SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile

5/3/2023 (Permalink)

As many as 50% of businesses many never recover following a disaster. A fire to a business is devastating and can cause it to completely to shut down. It is said as many as one in four business that suffer is some kind of major disaster do not reopen afterward. However, the ones that do survive usually have a preparedness plan in place. One-way SERVPRO helps business be prepared is with the ERP profile. Not only will this minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action, but it will help you plan in advance in the case a disaster does strike. Having this will ultimately affect how fast the cleanup process will be.

The SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile Advantage

  • A no cost assessment of your facility.
  • A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency.
  • A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.
  • Establishes your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.
  • Identification of the lone of command for authorizing work to begin.
  • Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information.

Call Us Today To Get Started! 402-800-2134

Yikes!! Water Loss in Your Valley Property!! Quick, Call SERVPRO

5/3/2023 (Permalink)

Efficient Water Removal Services for Your Valley Home

When it comes to a disaster that threatens your Valley residence, time is not on your side. From the moment that a water loss incident occurs, for example, damages spread quickly throughout your property and can prove challenging for a homeowner to contend with on their own. The best solution in these circumstances is to seek the experience and equipment available to our restoration technicians.

Much like with ground-water flooding, substantial water loss incidents that originate from inside of your Valley home require immediate attention and water removal services. Our SERVPRO technicians are available 24/7 to help you mitigate this situation and prevent it from getting out of control, causing irreparable damage to the structure of your house and the contents within it.

From the moment our experienced team arrives at your home, we work to determine the source of the damage and verify that it has been resolved.  Extraction is the primary component of our water loss mitigation process, utilizing multiple pieces of our industry-leading equipment. Portable pumps and wet-vacs can work to pull up most of the excess, then tools like our heated air movers and dehumidifiers can force saturated materials to relinquish their stored water. This approach can help to preserve materials in your home at-risk of degradation and weakening from prolonged saturation.

As with any substantial water loss incident, time is of the essence to get the problems addressed and to lessen the impact of the effects that come with it. With significant structural concerns and secondary effects like mold growth to worry about, proper removal and drying are invaluable. We typically complete significant water loss episodes with an antimicrobial spray and deodorization treatments.

 Our SERVPRO of Omaha Northwest emergency response team is available 24/7 to help you clean up the mess and set things back to the way that they used to be, "Like it never even happened." Our trained and experienced technicians are available anytime that you need us by calling(402) 800-2134.

WELCOME, to the City of Valley, NE

ERP- Emergency Ready Profile

5/3/2023 (Permalink)

As many as 50% of businesses many never recover following a disaster. A fire to a business is devastating and can cause it to completely to shut down. It is said as many as one in four business that suffer is some kind of major disaster do not reopen afterward. However, the ones that do survive usually have a preparedness plan in place. One-way SERVPRO helps business be prepared is with the ERP profile.

Is your business Ready? With SERVPRO's Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) you can make your business ready. The ERP is at no cost to you, and it's a guide to help you get your business back and ready to go after any disaster. It provides the critical information needed to begin mitigation and recovery services. It's considered a quick reference of all your building and contact information. With this plan you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action, knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is key to timely mitigation and how water or fire damage can affect your business. SERVPRO is a leader in water and fire damage response and can help you quickly get your property back in working order. Don't hesitate, just contact to set an appointment to get your free ERP.

The SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile Advantage

  • A no cost assessment of your facility.
  • A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency.
  • A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.
  • Establishes your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.
  • Identification of the lone of command for authorizing work to begin.
  • Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information.