3 Types of Secondary Damage After a Flood

8/14/2019 (Permalink)

When a flood first occurs in your home you may experience some immediate damage, such as wet drywall and carpet. This damage is referred to as a primary damage. If water is left to sit for a long enough time secondary damage will often occur which can often cause more harm. The best way to prevent secondary damage, is to immediately contact SERVPRO of Winooski/Stowe. If the water damage is not addressed quickly enough you may encounter these types of secondary damage in your home. 

1. Deteriorating Drywall

While flood waters can immediately make their way into you walls, drywall will soon start to breakdown if not thoroughly dried. One common cause of rotting drywall is a leak by a broken pipe or leaky roof, which often goes unnoticed by homeowners.

2. Mold Growth

Mold loves moisture, which is why water damage often lead to mold growth in your home. Specific species of mold such as black mold, thrive on a constant water source. If left untreated mold will continue to spread and damage other parts of the house. 

 3. Warping Hardwood Floors 

If faced with high humidity or extended contact with water, hardwood floors will often experience warping. You can tell if floors are warped if they are visibly disfigured or rising off the ground. This can happen when an undetected leak makes it under your floors, or when flood water is not dealt with fast enough.ame

SERVPRO of Winooski/Stowe's 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

8/8/2019 (Permalink)

8/8/2019

Here at SERVPRO of Winooski/Stowe we offer 24 hour water emergency services. When dealing with water damage it is your best interest to take immediate action. Not calling as soon as possible can increase the severity of the damage, and can allow mold growth to occur. Waiting to call could cause the water to wick up into the walls, and spread to other areas that weren't originally affected.

Our technicians have years of experience and will help guide you through the process. Wherever we go we help to decrease the stress and confusion as much as possible. We have the experience, and extensive training in water restoration. 

What to expect? 

When calling the office they will ask you a series of questions, concerning the extent of the damage to the property. These questions will help determine how big the job is, the type of equipment to bring, and number of technicians needed. 

Our SERVPRO office will ask several pieces of information:

• Your name and contact information
• Address of affected property 
• Your insurance information (if applicable) 
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What was the cause of the damage? (if known)

Can My Carpets Be Saved?

8/8/2019 (Permalink)

8/8/2019

The most common thing we hear after a water damage to your home is "Can my carpets be saved?" Once the damage has occurred, the technician will evaluate the extent of the damage to determine whether or not the carpet will need to be replaced. 

Step 1: Call SERVPRO of Winooski/Stowe 

There are many reasons to work with us. Our experts have the equipment and knowledge to facilitate a quick and easy recovery. In most cases your insurance company will prefer that you work with professionals, and may provide coverage if you're not responding to a water damage promptly. Water damage restoration professionals will provide you with expert advice concerning water damage to your home. 

Stage 2: Take Note of Exposure Time 

If the carpets in your home or business have been saturated for longer than 72 hours, it would be in your best interest to replace them. Generally when carpets go under extreme saturation and are not dried properly, mold spurs will start to grow within the carpet. 

Stage 3: Where Did the Water Come From? 

One of the most important things to consider after a water damage is to find the source of the flooding. Depending on the type of water determines the course of action you would have to take. The most risk comes along with sewer or groundwater. Our technicians are trained in identifying the different types of water depending on their origin.

Step 4: Consider Your Course of Action 

When starting the remediation process, a few different options will be presented to you. You should consider the time, inconvenience, cost, and safety before making a decision. Often times carpet removal is an option, due to the extent and type of damage. 

Here at SERVPRO of Winooski/Stowe we can make the process much easier if you call us immediately to handle the situation at hand. Call Today at (802) 655-7797 for 24/7 emergency service! 

Preventing Water Damage to your Home

7/30/2018 (Permalink)

Whether it be a small leak or a big disaster, we are always ready to help, 802-655-7797.

Water damage can be a disaster - to your home, and your health. We're sharing the steps you can take to prevent its havoc on your home. Get prepared here.

Water damage — also known as the last two words a homeowner wants to hear when it comes to their home. There's nothing worse than walking into a flooding or leaking house.

And, with 40% of homeowners saying they have experienced loss from water damage and billions of dollars in property losses recorded every year, water damage causes a significant amount of loss that could have had the chance to be prevented.

However, don't panic just yet! Did you know that 93% of water damage can be prevented?

There are many things homeowners you can do to prevent water damage. It's just a matter of knowing what to do.

By staying on top of leaks and taking the proper safety measures, we can defend ourselves from the stress and money loss caused by water damage to keep us happy and healthy.

Ready to take some notes? Here are the 5 precautionary measures you'll need to keep your home free from the dangers of water damage.

1. Stay on top of leaks

If you come across a leaking water source in your house, it should be tended to as soon as possible. Trust us when we say the effort it takes to fix a little leak outweighs the amount of money and loss you'll experience when the leak gets worse.

It's usually not a matter of how but when. Leaks don't just magically go away.

Nothing is worse than putting it off and experiencing the consequences of mold, mildew, rot and insect damage that could result.

Putting this off could also jeopardize your homeowner's insurance coverage. Did you know that most companies won't cover you if the leak could have been avoided and taken care of?

So, be sure to inspect the following things regularly to ensure you're not missing a leaking spot anywhere:

Refrigerators 
Washing machines
Dishwashers
Toilets
Windows
Ice makers
Roofs/ceilings
Walls
Anything connected to a water line
Look for any discolored or brown spots under or around these areas. These are indicators for leakage. Also look for any cracked walls or loose shingles on the roof. These should be fixed quickly and are usually grounds for leaks and water damage to follow.

Doing a routine checkup around these places that have leak potential will prevent any long-term damage. It might be a hassle but it'll pay off in the long-run.

2. Inspect water sources regularly

Making sure that your water sources are working properly is key to the prevention of water damage. When talking about "water sources," we mean your irrigation system, sump pump, hoses, etc.

If you use an irrigation system for your sprinklers, land and/or crops, you'll want to inspect it routinely to make sure it's in top-notch working condition. Experiencing damage with these systems can result in gallons of water loss and hefty prices.

A sump pump is usually located in the basement of your home and it's purpose is to remove any excess water that has built up due to a storm or flooding. Performing checkups on your pump every year and during storms will limit any water damage from building up.

If it's working properly, the water will float and then you will see the water level recede. Kind of like how a toilet works. The whole point of a sump pump is to do the job of getting rid of any water build-up.

If you're having problems with your pump working slowly or not working at all, it'll be a good idea to invest in a dehumidifier for your basement. These keep the flooding and humidity down to a minimum.

3. Keep the correct water pressure

Water pressure is the force at which water enters your pipes. I'm sure you've heard of people talking about the difference in water pressure when taking showers at different places. This is where you can notice the difference.

But, did you know that too high of a water pressure in your home could cause major water damage?

Household water pressure should flow between 35 and 80 psi (pounds per square inch) and you can check this number by purchasing a water pressure gauge at a local hardware store.

When using the water pressure gauge, turn off any appliances or machines that use the water supply and attach it to the outside faucet connected to your main water supply. This will give you a reading of where your pressure is at.

If the pressure put on your plumbing pipes is too high, it could result in leaks and even worse, pipe breakage. High water pressure puts a strain on your appliances, so it should be taken seriously.

And, good news — once you have this gauge setup, you will be able to check it regularly. Fluctuations in your water pressure aren't always obvious, so catching it before it can start to do damage can fix major problems!

4. Educate yourself on your water devices

Many homeowners don't take the time to educate themselves about water devices contained within their home until they experience water damage first-hand and have no other choice. Which is understandable, it's usually not the first thing we think about when buying a new home.

However, it's a great idea to learn about where your water main lives. Your water main is a pipe that usually lives underground that connects your household's main water supply to the source.

Knowing the location and the details around your water main is important because if it cracks, the water will continue to flow to the surface until it is fixed. Resulting in lots of flooding, and depending on where the pipe breaks, your house could be experiencing the side effects.

Water hoses are also something you should be knowledgeable about. Standing water left in hoses have the potential to turn into ice, leaving you with water blockage. In turn, this could create a pipe to burst if not taken care of.

Be sure to disconnect your water hoses when not in use. Especially during the winter time in a cold climate, where there is a greater chance for the water to freeze.

5. Clean gutters and downspouts consistently

The maintenance of your gutters and downspouts is crucial in taking control of water damage. These are the contraptions on the outside of your home that carry the rainwater from your roof to the ground.

You can imagine the problems that would arise when these aren't working properly — for example, spillage onto the siding of your house and the roof that could cause rotting.

Gutter maintenance: Make it a point to clean your gutters a couple times a year, especially if you are experiencing heavy rain and snow. Clean any loose debris that may cause blockage and that could prevent the flow of water to the ground.

Downspout maintenance: Make sure water is able to flow through your downspouts and they are pointed away from your home. The water should be going at least five-ten feet away from your house to keep the water flow as far away as possible.

Next time it rains or snows, you won't have to worry about water damage if your gutters and downspouts are routinely taken care of.

Don't let water damage get you down

As you can see, water damage comes in a variety of forms. And, it usually happens when you're least expecting it.

Actively monitoring your water pressure, ensuring proper water drainage, educating yourself on water supply systems, and checking and fixing water leaks are five easy ways to keep water damage from wreaking havoc on your homes.

With water damage being the second most popular insurance claim filed in the U.S., it's clearly something all homeowners struggle with. Let's bring this number down by pursuing prevention tactics to be happy and healthy in our homes.

If you are experiencing water damage issues in your household, contact SERVPRO of Winooski / Stowe. We specialize in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property from water damage.

We can help water complications from interrupting your life with our 24-hour emergency service!

SERVPRO of Winooski/ Stowe 802-655-7797. 

Sewage Clean & Restoration

3/8/2018 (Permalink)

Water from sewer system backups should be considered very dangerous. The water is grossly unsanitary and may contain bacteria and viruses that could cause serious illness. Special training and equipment is necessary to safely clean this type of contamination.

Sewage Backup or Toilet Overflow? Call Us Today – (802) 655-7797

There are three major types of contaminated water. SERVPRO of Winooski / Stowe will inspect that contaminated water to determine the type of water and then plan the appropriate response to safely restore your home or business.

The three types of contaminated water:

Category 1: "Clean Water"

This is water from a clean source, such as a broken clean water supply line or faucet. If left untreated, category 1 water can quickly degrade into category 2 or 3 water depending upon such factors as time, temperature, and contact with contaminants.

• Water from a clean source like a broken water line
• If left untreated, can degrade into category 2 or 3

Category 2: "Gray Water"

This water has a significant level of contamination that could cause discomfort or illness if ingested. Sources for category 2 water may include washing machine overflow; toilet overflow with some urine, but no feces; or dishwasher overflow.

• May contain bacteria and viruses
• Can quickly degrade into category 3 if left untreated

Category 3: "Black Water"

This water is grossly unsanitary and could cause severe illness or death if ingested, and any contact should be avoided. Sources for category 3 water could include flooding from rivers or streams, water from beyond the toilet trap, water from the toilet bowl with feces, or standing water that has begun to support microbial growth.

• May contain untreated sewage, harsh chemicals, and microbes
• Water from flooding rivers or sewer backup

24 Emergency Service

Sewage backup should be considered an emergency and dealt with as quickly as possible. We are the water damage restoration specialists with specific training and expertise to safely restore your home or business.

Chittenden County 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

3/7/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Winooski/Stowe provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in several counties throughout Vermont.

SERVPRO of Winooski/Stowe is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - 802-655-7797

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Winooski/Stowe has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of Winooski/Stowe

SERVPRO of Winooski/Stowe specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Water Damage Cleanup & Restoration

2/26/2018 (Permalink)

Make your first call, the right call! 802-655-7797

The weather in Vermont changes often. Cold temperatures causing frozen and burst pipes. Snow on your roof causing ice dams. Warmer temperatures causing melting snow and ice which causes surface and ground water for many property owners. Immediate response will minimize damage to your property. SERVPRO of Winooski Stowe is ready and available to help with cleanup and restoration. 

When your Vermont home has water damage from flooding or leaks, you need the company that can respond immediately and has the expertise and equipment to properly restore your property. SERVPRO of Winooski / Stowe uses advanced water damage inspection and extraction equipment to help them find the moisture and to remove it as quickly as possible. Our highly trained technicians will monitor and document the drying process so that you know your property is back to normal.

Please refer to our Water Damage Tips—Until Help Arrives Guide and follow these tips to protect yourself and your property.

Have Water or Flood Damage?
Call Us Today – (802) 655-7797

5 Ways To Protect Your Home From Water Damage

12/5/2016 (Permalink)

Immediate Response available for water damage cleanup. Call our office anytime 802-655-7797.

Water damage can be a disaster - to your home, and your health. We're sharing the steps you can take to prevent its havoc on your home. Get prepared here.

Water damage — also known as the last two words a homeowner wants to hear when it comes to their home. There's nothing worse than walking into a flooding or leaking house.

And, with 40% of homeowners saying they have experienced loss from water damage and billions of dollars in property losses recorded every year, water damage causes a significant amount of loss that could have had the chance to be prevented.

However, don't panic just yet! Did you know that 93% of water damage can be prevented?

There are many things homeowners you can do to prevent water damage. It's just a matter of knowing what to do.

By staying on top of leaks and taking the proper safety measures, we can defend ourselves from the stress and money loss caused by water damage to keep us happy and healthy.

Ready to take some notes? Here are the 5 precautionary measures you'll need to keep your home free from the dangers of water damage.

1. Stay on top of leaks

If you come across a leaking water source in your house, it should be tended to as soon as possible. Trust us when we say the effort it takes to fix a little leak outweighs the amount of money and loss you'll experience when the leak gets worse.

It's usually not a matter of how but when. Leaks don't just magically go away.

Nothing is worse than putting it off and experiencing the consequences of mold, mildew, rot and insect damage that could result.

Putting this off could also jeopardize your homeowner's insurance coverage. Did you know that most companies won't cover you if the leak could have been avoided and taken care of?

So, be sure to inspect the following things regularly to ensure you're not missing a leaking spot anywhere:

Refrigerators
Washing machines
Dishwashers
Toilets
Windows
Ice makers
Roofs/ceilings
Walls
Anything connected to a water line
Look for any discolored or brown spots under or around these areas. These are indicators for leakage. Also look for any cracked walls or loose shingles on the roof. These should be fixed quickly and are usually grounds for leaks and water damage to follow.

Doing a routine checkup around these places that have leak potential will prevent any long-term damage. It might be a hassle but it'll pay off in the long-run.

2. Inspect water sources regularly

Making sure that your water sources are working properly is key to the prevention of water damage. When talking about "water sources," we mean your irrigation system, sump pump, hoses, etc.

If you use an irrigation system for your sprinklers, land and/or crops, you'll want to inspect it routinely to make sure it's in top-notch working condition. Experiencing damage with these systems can result in gallons of water loss and hefty prices.

A sump pump is usually located in the basement of your home and it's purpose is to remove any excess water that has built up due to a storm or flooding. Performing checkups on your pump every year and during storms will limit any water damage from building up.

If it's working properly, the water will float and then you will see the water level recede. Kind of like how a toilet works. The whole point of a sump pump is to do the job of getting rid of any water build-up.

If you're having problems with your pump working slowly or not working at all, it'll be a good idea to invest in a dehumidifier for your basement. These keep the flooding and humidity down to a minimum.

3. Keep the correct water pressure

Water pressure is the force at which water enters your pipes. I'm sure you've heard of people talking about the difference in water pressure when taking showers at different places. This is where you can notice the difference.

But, did you know that too high of a water pressure in your home could cause major water damage?

Household water pressure should flow between 35 and 80 psi (pounds per square inch) and you can check this number by purchasing a water pressure gauge at a local hardware store.

When using the water pressure gauge, turn off any appliances or machines that use the water supply and attach it to the outside faucet connected to your main water supply. This will give you a reading of where your pressure is at.

If the pressure put on your plumbing pipes is too high, it could result in leaks and even worse, pipe breakage. High water pressure puts a strain on your appliances, so it should be taken seriously.

And, good news — once you have this gauge setup, you will be able to check it regularly. Fluctuations in your water pressure aren't always obvious, so catching it before it can start to do damage can fix major problems!

4. Educate yourself on your water devices

Many homeowners don't take the time to educate themselves about water devices contained within their home until they experience water damage first-hand and have no other choice. Which is understandable, it's usually not the first thing we think about when buying a new home.

However, it's a great idea to learn about where your water main lives. Your water main is a pipe that usually lives underground that connects your household's main water supply to the source.

Knowing the location and the details around your water main is important because if it cracks, the water will continue to flow to the surface until it is fixed. Resulting in lots of flooding, and depending on where the pipe breaks, your house could be experiencing the side effects.

Water hoses are also something you should be knowledgeable about. Standing water left in hoses have the potential to turn into ice, leaving you with water blockage. In turn, this could create a pipe to burst if not taken care of.

Be sure to disconnect your water hoses when not in use. Especially during the winter time in a cold climate, where there is a greater chance for the water to freeze.

5. Clean gutters and downspouts consistently

The maintenance of your gutters and downspouts is crucial in taking control of water damage. These are the contraptions on the outside of your home that carry the rainwater from your roof to the ground.

You can imagine the problems that would arise when these aren't working properly — for example, spillage onto the siding of your house and the roof that could cause rotting.

Gutter maintenance: Make it a point to clean your gutters a couple times a year, especially if you are experiencing heavy rain and snow. Clean any loose debris that may cause blockage and that could prevent the flow of water to the ground.

Downspout maintenance: Make sure water is able to flow through your downspouts and they are pointed away from your home. The water should be going at least five-ten feet away from your house to keep the water flow as far away as possible.

Next time it rains or snows, you won't have to worry about water damage if your gutters and downspouts are routinely taken care of.

Don't let water damage get you down

As you can see, water damage comes in a variety of forms. And, it usually happens when you're least expecting it.

Actively monitoring your water pressure, ensuring proper water drainage, educating yourself on water supply systems, and checking and fixing water leaks are five easy ways to keep water damage from wreaking havoc on your homes.

With water damage being the second most popular insurance claim filed in the U.S., it's clearly something all homeowners struggle with. Let's bring this number down by pursuing prevention tactics to be happy and healthy in our homes.

If you are experiencing water damage issues in your household, contact SERVPRO of Winooski / Stowe. We specialize in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property from water damage.

We can help water complications from interrupting your life with our 24-hour emergency service!

SERVPRO of Winooski/ Stowe 802-655-7797. 

Chittenden County 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

11/29/2016 (Permalink)

Call anytime, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 802-655-7797

SERVPRO of Winooski/Stowe provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in Chittenden County and surrounding areas.

SERVPRO of Winooski/Stowe is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - 802-655-7797.
We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Winooski/Stowe has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect:
When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

Your name and contact information
Your insurance information (if applicable)
The street address of the water-damaged home or business
When did the flooding or water damage occur?
What caused the water damage (if known)?
Is there electricity available (on-site)?

SERVPRO of Winooski/Stowe specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

IICRC Certifications

Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (AMRT)
This four-day course covers mold and sewage remediation techniques and how to perform these procedures in the field while protecting the health and safety of workers and occupants on your property.

Applied Structural Drying Technician (ASD)
Technicians learn to dry water-damaged structures efficiently and effectively using monitoring devices, extraction systems, and drying equipment. This three-day course includes comprehensive classroom and hands-on training to develop technical and practical drying expertise.

Carpet Cleaning Technician (CCT)
This two-day course covers pre-inspection, fabric identification, cleaning chemicals and equipment, and proper cleaning techniques for residential and commercial applications.

Fire and Smoke Restoration Technician (FSRT)
Technicians will learn about types of smoke and fire damage, job planning, equipment, and practical cleaning procedures in fire and smoke settings. This two-day course also includes instruction on odor and deodorization concepts.

Odor Control Technician (OCT)
Technicians learn to address odors and deodorization techniques. This one-day course covers odor control caused by biological sources such as decomposition, urine contamination, mold, and other sources.

Upholstery and Fabric Cleaning Technician (UFT)
Technicians learn fiber identification and upholstery cleaning methods. This two-day course also covers identifying upholstery cleaning problems before fabrics shrink, bleed, crown, or distort.

Water Damage Restoration Technician (WRT)
This three-day course covers the concepts of water damage and its effects in residential and commercial settings. Technicians learn techniques and procedures to deal with water losses, sewer backflows, and contamination such as mold.

Water Cleanup & Restoration

7/25/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Winooski Stowe is always ready and available to help make it Like it Never Even Happened. 802-655-7797

The weather during summer months can change often. Heavy rain can cause basement flooding to happen even if there has never been a previous flooding incident. Immediate response will minimize damage to your property. SERVPRO of Winooski Stowe is ready and available to help with all your cleanup and restoration needs. 

Residential Water Damage Colchester, VT

7/31/2015 (Permalink)

Water Damage Colchester Residential Property

A burst pipe in the second floor caused significant damage to this entire home. Due to the owners being out of town on vacation, the water ran for several days. SERVPRO of Winooski/Stowe completed the entire job from start to finish. Water extraction, demolition of affected ceilings, walls and flooring, structural drying and replacement of all materials. 

SERVPRO of Winooski/Stowe specializes in: water damage, fire damage, flood cleanup, sewer backup, mold remediation, structural cleaning and decontamination. Give our office a call today for all your cleaning and restoration needs 802-655-7797.