Call a Pro When Storm Damage Hits Your Spokane Home

3/27/2023 (Permalink)

Even the strongest, best-built Spokane home can suffer significant damage after a storm. If you have damage, it is best to hire storm damage restoration professionals to provide support and cleanup guidance. Hiring a trained and certified team can help ensure the work is done properly so you can return to your home with confidence. What can a storm damage professional do for you?

Determine Where the Problems Are

Sometimes the damage from a storm is easy to spot. This may include larger holes in the roof or a flooded basement. In other cases, you may not see the damage initially. You may have foundation issues, problems with the siding, or damage to the drywall in your living room. Storm damage professional technicians are trained in how to spot concerns fast.

The Right Type of Drying

Storm damage often leaves a wet mess to clean up. Fast, reliable drying is a key component to protecting your home and minimizing mold risk. Technicians at SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane use scientific drying techniques and specialized equipment to ensure proper care and monitoring for mold growth or other risks. They also provide the necessary monitoring and documentation you need to know your home is safe.

Finding the Right Help Matters – Call Us First

At SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane, our team understands what you are up against when it comes to storm damage cleanup. That is why our IICRC certified restoration professionals are available to you anytime day or night. To get help, call us 24 hours a day for immediate support. Just call 509-474-9144 and we'll be there.

Let the Pros Help Restore Fire Damaged Property

3/7/2023 (Permalink)

When you have smoke damaged belongings, SERVPRO has the technology and equipment to make it "like it never even happened."

Is a House Fire Traumatic?

After damage from a fire, the process of packing up your contents can be complicated and traumatic. Our team at SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane takes that weight from your shoulders. You have enough to deal with so let us help with the moving process. Our restoration team is highly detailed and accurate in inventorying each item. When your contents are packed, they are then moved to a secure location at our warehouse for cleaning and safekeeping during the restoration process of your home or business.

What Is a Pack Out?

When it is time to begin the move-out process, you do not have to worry about packing materials as we come prepared with the essentials. SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane supplies strong boxes, bubble wrap, shrink wrap, and various packing materials to safely protect your contents.

Our teams set up packing workstations in each room while also identifying each box per room. Small to medium size objects are boxed accordingly to their size. Large items that can be disassembled to transport safely will be. If we cannot disassemble oversized items, our teams will wrap these with the necessary materials and place moving pads around them to not cause damage.

How Do You Clean Fire Damaged Items?

Electronic items and soft goods tend to need specialty cleaning. Therefore they are handled with extreme care and thoroughly checked for restorability. Unsalvageable items are items that have sustained severe damage from the fire. These are thoroughly documented for reimbursement as outlined in your insurance policy if applicable.

How Do I List Something Lost in My House Fire?

Documenting and tracking your contents is a high priority, and we do it digitally, ensuring a complete chain of custody through the process along with digital photographs of each item that attach to your customer file.

When the Repairs Are Complete

When the restoration and repairs are complete, and it is time to move back, our teams will move, unload, and unpack per room to their proper spaces your fresh cleaned contents "Like it never even happened."®

If you need fire damage restoration services or have questions and concerns, please give us a call at 509-474-9144. SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane operates 24/7/365 with emergency services available and is located at 5402 N Julia St, Spokane, WA 99217.

Water Damage in Your Business? Call Spokane's Best Team!

11/23/2022 (Permalink)

Understanding the threats that can cause damage to your business is one of the responsibilities of being a commercial property owner. Of such threats, water damage should be at the top of that list, and with so many ways that water can infiltrate your business, being prepared is essential.

The water damage professionals at SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane have the training and expertise to help assess, clean, and repair any damage from flooding or leaks. Take note of some of the common water damage problems businesses come across.

Plumbing Backup

Common reasons pipes back up are toilet paper, hair, soap scum, mineral deposits, and grease, causing toilets to backup or sinks to overflow. Water will usually take the shortest path out with a blocked pipe, typically where you don't want it.

Pipe Breaks

Older pipes, due to age and wear and tear, are more likely to loosen or crack. Long-term use and extreme heat or cold can result in pinhole leaks forming. Even a blocked pipe can build enough pressure causing it to burst and flood the surrounding area.

Weather

Extreme weather conditions can impact how pipes work or even cause them to break or burst.  Cold temperatures can cause the water in pipes to freeze and expand, putting pressure on the pipe, which over time may cause it to crack or even burst.  Be sure to have your pipes weatherproofed, especially if cold weather is approaching, ensuring you don't have water damage from a frozen pipe.

Foundation Cracks

Foundation cracks and slab leaks can allow water to seep through and pool in spaces if left unchecked, which could result in mold growth. A regular maintenance and inspection program looking for any and all cracks should be implemented to prevent more damage later on.

Our team of professionals at SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane is ready and experienced to handle any of your water damage needs in your Spokane, WA, commercial property. We are determined to keep your business running smoothly and safely. Give us a call at 509-474-9144, day or night.

Storm Damage Can Happen Often in Spokane

11/23/2022 (Permalink)

Storms happen many times without much warning, causing severe destruction of buildings and personal property. As a property owner, you must deal with wind damage, flood damage, hail damage, and ice damage caused by storms. All these situations regularly result in expensive water damage cleanup and repairs.

Water damage, especially from a storm, can be destructive. It can cause street flooding, river flooding, and a rise in groundwater levels. Floodwater can cause severe property damage if it is not cleaned and remediated fast enough. Under these circumstances, you most likely will need professional restoration services for storm remediation.

Storm damage can also involve destruction from strong winds, hailstorms, or even a snowstorm. If you are looking for storm restoration services, it is crucial to look for a professional company with a reputation for providing comprehensive home restoration services, repairs, and advice on storm remediation.

How Do You Stay Safe During a Storm?

Before a storm, there are things you can do to prepare to stay safe:

• Before heading outdoors, be sure and check the weather report.
• Postpone activities outdoors if storms are approaching.
• Make sure your electronic devices such as cellphones and tablets are fully charged so that you can get weather reports if the power goes out.
• Keep an AM/FM or NOAA Weather Radio handy if you cannot use your electronic devices.
• Check on other family members and neighbors who may need special assistance during and after the storm, i.e., those with infants, the elderly, and those with disabilities.
• Stock up on non-perishable food and water. In a refrigerator without power, food will only last two days at the most and then need to be thrown away to prevent foodborne illness.
• Spare batteries and flashlights should be kept on hand and in a place that is easy to find. Depending on the season, keep extra blankets for when it's cold, and handheld fans for when it's hot.
• A generator can also be helpful during a long-term power outage offering enough electricity to power a refrigerator, cellphones, small appliances, and computers, depending on the model.
• Be sure to secure outdoor items like trash bins and patio furniture that could blow away with strong winds.
• Remove items like hanging plants that could blow into windows or sliding glass doors.
• Ensure that propane and other fuel tanks are properly secured.
• Remove any dead or rotting trees and limbs that could fall and cause damage.

What Should You Do During a Storm?

• If you hear thunder head for cover.  You are close enough to be struck by lightning. Find a safe shelter immediately.
• Move to a sturdy building or car. Do not take shelter in small sheds, under isolated trees, or in convertible automobiles.
• If lightning occurs and sturdy shelter is unavailable, get inside a hard-top automobile and keep the windows up.
• Unplug appliances that are not necessary for obtaining weather information.
• Avoid using landline telephones or electrical appliances as telephone lines and metal pipes can conduct electricity.
• Get to higher ground if flooding is possible. DO NOT attempt to drive to safety. Most flash flooding deaths occur in automobiles.

How to Check Your Home for Storm Damage

Thoroughly Assess the Damage
Roof damage is the most likely result of a storm. Evaluate your roof for damage and roof leaks. If there was flooding, assess the floodwater level in your home, water damage on your walls.  Winter storms can cause frozen pipes and ice dams to form.

Common features of roof damage to check on are:

• Broken or cracked tiles or slate
• Roof leaks
• Dents on gutters and vents
• Split seams
• Ice dams
• Penetrations due to trees and other flying debris

Doors and windows are generally susceptible to wind damage also. Inspect cracks, holes, glass shards, damaged door and window frames. A professional damage restoration service provider can help you assess and estimate the restoration costs.

The Process of Storm Damage Restoration

After an assessment of the damage, a suitable restoration plan is needed. Damage caused by a storm can run deep and may not be easy to assess right away. However, a professional company can use specialized devices to probe and find out the affected areas. The first step of storm restoration is to clear and remove all the debris brought to your home during the storm. To avoid further wind damage and ice damage, the restoration crew will reinforce the affected house's weak structural walls and roof, helping it withstand ice dams and strong winds.

After these, several processes and services are undertaken. They include:

Water damage restoration and water removal using a flood pump.
Water damage restoration is essential if flood water finds its way into your home. Flood water can result from heavy rains, river flooding, or groundwater runoff. A flood pump can remove this flooding water. Stagnating water also needs to be cleared quickly using a flood pump to avoid the growth of mold.

Hail Damage Restoration
In addition to water restoration, hail damage restoration may also involve ice damage restoration. A hail storm can result in ice damming in your home. A professional company can remove the ice dams around your home by using equipment designed for this process. They can also fix the ice damage that follows a storm.

Roof Repair
Roof repair is among the most common home restoration services needed after a storm. Roof damage can be caused by strong winds or trees falling on the structure. Without repairing the roof, water damage restoration in the house will be in vain. Hail damage and heavy rains can cause flat roofs to sink or cause seepage and a roof leak. Therefore, roof repairs entail sealing the roof and reinstalling new tiles, and reinforcing the roofing frames. Gutters and frozen pipes damaged from ice damming also need to be repaired.

Storm Damage Remediation for Your Spokane Home

Elements like rain, wind, lightning, and hail can wreak havoc on your property if you don't seek professional storm damage cleanup services. Call our team at SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane at the first signs of storm damage to help prevent things such as mold growth and structural collapse. We offer various storm damage restoration services to help you deal with a crisis twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

Proper Maintenance of Your Sump Pump is Critical

11/23/2022 (Permalink)

Proper maintenance of your sump pump will insure smooth operation, keeping you safe from water damage.

How Does a Sump Pump Work?

The main objective of a sump pump is to carry water away from your home to a place where it won't cause any problems. It collects water coming into a building from rain, melting snow, etc., typically in a pit, leading it away from the building foundation. Sump pump devices are commonly found in basements or crawlspaces.

The principle behind the operation of the sump pump has not changed much in the past 50 years. Still, many improvements have been made in its design and construction to make it more reliable and efficient. The most common type of sump pump typically consists of an electric motor, an impeller, a shaft, bearings, seals, and an attached float switch. When the water reaches the float switch level, it activates the switch, which turns on the motor to pump water out of the flooding area.

The Importance of a Sump Pump in the Home and Proper Maintenance

A sump pump is used to remove water that has accumulated in a basement or crawlspace. The pump must be installed properly and regularly maintained to ensure it is working correctly. It is often used with a sump basin, which collects water from the ground and drains it into the pump. The pump then pumps this water outside of the home through a pipe.

A sump pump installation should be done by professionals who know what they are doing. This way, you can install the best model for your home and be sure that it works efficiently. The installation will include various factors such as choosing the right height, under-slab clearance, physical size of the piping, water depth in the pit, etc.

If you want to be sure that the pump works and works well, you need to take a few steps to keep it in proper working condition. After an installation has been done correctly, it is vital to maintain it by ensuring there are no problems with it after turning off your power or after a power outage from a storm. The sump pump needs to be plugged into a ground fault circuit interrupter outlet (GFCI) regular inspect the power cord for any signs of fraying or damage.

It's also a good idea to put the sump pump on a backup battery to ensure smooth operation should the power fail. Test the sump pump and the backup battery a minimum of once a year by slowly pouring a bucket of water into the pump area. It should activate when the water reaches a set level and pump the water out. If it doesn't turn on, there might be a power issue, a clog, or the unit may even need to be replaced.

Other Sump Pump Maintenance Tips:

• Keep the components of the pump clean for efficient operation. This can be done simply by opening the lid and looking inside. (You may need a flashlight for this.) Clear out any debris, dirt, or other gunk. Be sure to check all vent holes, discharge pipes, and incoming and outgoing drainage lines to ensure that water can flow freely.
• Update any old, worn-out parts. This step is critical if the sump pump has been used several times. The float switch is most likely to wear out and should be changed every two years, if not more often.
• Visually inspect the intake screen for clogs and damage. You should change this screen if you can see damage to it.
• Experts recommend that the backup battery be replaced every two or three years; refer to the owner's manual.
• Finally, the pump itself may need to be replaced if several years have passed. Most units last between seven and ten years, but some need to be changed out every five years because of heavy use.

Watch out for signs that your pump needs repairs. You may see rust forming on the pump itself or on any of the parts. If you can scrub away the rust, the pump will most likely still work correctly. If you cannot, contact a professional for repairs or replacement.

What Happens When a Sump Pump Fails?

Water is vital for our survival but can also be hazardous when it comes to home construction. When water gets into the basement or crawlspace, it can cause mold and mildew to grow and cause serious structural damage leading to costly repairs. The best way to prevent water damage in your home is to install a sump pump and adequately maintain it. You need to act fast if water has caused water damage in your home. If your sump pump fails and stops working, you should call a plumber as soon as possible. Then call SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane, where our team can inspect your home for water damage, extract standing water, and properly dry the structure to prevent mold growth from forming.

We are here to serve you and our phones are available 24/7. Just call and we'll be there. You can reach us at 509-474-9144.

What to Do After Fire Damage Strikes Your Home

11/23/2022 (Permalink)

If you have experienced fire damage at your home or office, dealing with your remaining belongings can be both emotionally and physically difficult. Our team at SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane takes that weight from your shoulders. Our restoration team is highly detailed and accurate in inventorying each item. When your contents are packed, they are then moved to a secure location at our warehouse for cleaning and safekeeping during the restoration process of your home or business.

What Is Pack Out?

When it is time to begin the move-out process, you do not have to worry about packing materials as we come prepared with the essentials. SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane supplies strong boxes, bubble wrap, shrink wrap, and various packing materials to safely protect your belongings.

Our teams set up packing workstations in each room while also identifying each box per room. Small to medium size objects are boxed accordingly to their size. Large items that can be disassembled to transport safely will be. If we cannot disassemble oversized items, our teams will wrap these with the necessary materials and place moving pads around them to not cause damage.

Cleaning Fire Damaged Items?

Electronic items and soft goods tend to need specialty cleaning. Therefore they are handled with extreme care and thoroughly checked for restorability. Unsalvageable items are thoroughly documented for reimbursement as outlined in your insurance policy if applicable.

How Do I List Something Lost in My House Fire?

Documenting and tracking your contents is a high priority, and we do it digitally, ensuring a complete chain of custody through the process along with digital photographs of each item that attach to your customer file.

When the Repairs Are Complete

When the restoration and repairs are complete, and it is time to move back, our teams will move, unload, and unpack each room with its proper, restored and cleaned contents.

If you need fire damage restoration services or have questions and concerns, please give us a call at 509-474-9144. SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane operates 24/7/365 with emergency services available.

FInd a Proven and Trusted Solution for Water, Fire Damage

10/25/2022 (Permalink)

What Do You Do After a Water Damage?

Have you ever thought about what you might do if water suddenly started spilling out of the toilet bowl after one flush too many?  Most people have never dealt with water damage, fire damage, or mold damage in their homes or business. Coping with such damage can be quickly overwhelming.

With So Many Restoration Companies, How Do I Know Who To Trust With My Water Damage?

Most have no idea whom to call when it happens or if they should even call anyone for that matter. Some call an insurance agent (a good option). Many people search the internet for such services (another good choice). The best option, though, is already having a company in mind that you know will take care of your home or business the right way the first time.

Imagine opening up your favorite internet search engine looking for "water in my basement," and hoping to pick someone reputable while dealing with the stress of the situation at hand. This situation happens often and more frequently than many people believe.

When choosing a restoration company to come into the personal space of your home or the business you have poured everything into, you want someone you can trust. You want a company that takes care of its customers and walks them through the process step by step. You want a company that is people-oriented and compassionate. You want a company with years of experience that is licensed and professional.

How SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane Can Help With Your Water Damage

Here at SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane, we have been family-owned and operated for nearly ten years. We are built with a strong management team with over 50 years of disaster restoration experience. Our technicians have certifications through the Institute of Inspection Cleaning & Restoration Certification (IICRC) as well as continual training and education through SERVPRO's continual training.  At SERVPRO, we are people-driven and proud of it. We call each other our teammates and consider ourselves "One Team." Our victories and success is celebrated, and our failures are examined, learned from, and corrected.

If you are looking for a local Spokane restoration company that is professional, polite, sympathetic, educated, passionate, and reputable within the community, don't ask yourself, "Why SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane?" Instead, ask yourself, "Why not SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane?"

Over the years, our team has grown, and our reputation for what is right and fair has spread throughout the community. In your time of need, we are proud to care for your family's home or your business. When you need us, we'll be there; we're always open 24/7/365 Here to Help!

Identifying the Source of Your Water Damage is Key to Cleanup

9/17/2022 (Permalink)

Analyzing the Source of Water Intrusion in your Spokane Home is Essential to Understanding Contamination Levels and Planning a Proper Cleanup Operation

Water can intrude into a home environment from a plurality of sources. Common factors across water restoration may include broken pipes, appliance malfunction, natural disasters, and structural insufficiencies. Cleanup of a water intrusion event relies on understanding the different types of contamination. 

Performing water cleanup in your Spokane home is a duty that requires unique expertise and training. There are three broad types of water contamination: clean water, gray water, and black water. Blackwater is the most severe type of water contamination and can be harmful to your health. 

• Carpet and carpet pads are frequently cleanable in clean and gray water emergencies, reducing claims expense.
• Blackwater contains biological hazards, which means any porous materials exposed to this type of water need replacing.
• Expensive textiles may have some cleanability following black water exposure by using a biocide and several cleans. However, these items must be confirmed sanitary by an Indoor Environmental Specialist.

Avoid water contamination problems in your home. Contact SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane for water cleanup at (509) 474-9144. We are standing by 24/7 to help you.

When Was the Last Time You Checked Your Smoke Detector?

9/6/2022 (Permalink)

When installed correctly and properly maintained, smoke alarms can dramatically reduce the risk of injuries and even death caused by fires. According to data by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA):

• Smoke alarms were present in three-quarters (74%) of reported home fires in 2014–2018.
• Almost 3 out of 5 home fire deaths were caused by fires in properties with no smoke alarms (41%) or smoke alarms that failed to operate (16%).
• When smoke alarms were present in reported fires considered large enough to activate them, they operated in eighty-nine percent of the fires, seventy-three percent of the deaths, and eighty-two percent of the injuries.
• The risk of dying in reported home structure fires is fifty-five percent lower in homes with working smoke alarms than in homes with no alarms or none that worked.
• When present, hardwired smoke alarms operated in ninety-four percent of the fires considered large enough to trigger a smoke alarm. Battery-powered alarms functioned eighty-two percent of the time. Power source issues were the most common factors when smoke alarms failed to operate.

If you'd like to read more on the report, you can do so here.  The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) also recommends the following:

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and in every bedroom. Do not install the smoke alarm where it could be blocked or damaged.
• Smoke alarms should be installed away from the kitchen and shower to prevent false alarms and should be at least around ten feet from a cooking appliance.
• Test smoke alarms at least once a month using a test button.
• Replace batteries in all smoke alarms at least once a year, though twice would be best. Daylight savings time can be good dates to set for this task.
• Replace all smoke alarms when they are ten years old.  Don't forget to write the date on the alarm when it was installed.
• Newer alarms on the market also offer carbon monoxide detection and voice alarms, which have shown to be more effective in waking children up.

Should fire damage happen in your home, our team of certified experts at SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane stands ready to help make it "Like it never even happened."®  Let us know how we can help at 509-474-9144.

Your High Water Bill May Mean You Have a Leak

9/6/2022 (Permalink)

A high water bill can sometimes indicate a hidden water leak.

What can you do if you think you might have a water leak but cannot locate the source?  There are some ways to narrow down the problem. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has some tips to help you determine if you have water leaks in your home:

• Pull out your water bill and take a look at the usage during a colder month, such as January or February. If a family of four exceeds twelve thousand gallons per month, there are serious leaks.
• Monitor your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter changes at all, you might have a water leak.
• Identify toilet leaks by placing a drop of food coloring in the toilet tank. If any color shows up in the bowl after 10 minutes, you have a leak.
• Examine faucet gaskets and pipe fittings for any water on the outside of the pipe to check for surface leaks.

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane has a team of highly trained water damage cleanup technicians on-call 24-hours a day to respond to water damage emergencies. Call us today at 509-474-9144 and allow us to help make your water damage "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO of Northeast Spokane is Independently Owned and Operated.