Roof preparation when a storm is comming

1/26/2022 (Permalink)

Here in Eastern Idaho, storm season is a 2-3 month period every year that the residents must prepare for. Being unprepared can result in your home incurring large amount of damage. One very real issue you could have during a storm is water coming into your home through your roof and causing not only water damage but possible mold as well. If your roof has damage, missing shingles, etc. you should consider calling a professional to come asses any damage that you may have.

Here are a few things to do to prep your roof for an upcoming storm:

1. Get an inspection
2. Clean gutter and downspouts
3. Remove debris
4. Trim trees
5. Check large trees for age and weakness
6. Prevent ice dams
7. Buy some tarps
8. Secure or store loose items around your house
9. Check your insurance policy
10. Program a few important numbers in your home

If you suspect mold is in your home or business it is always a safe idea to call a professional. SERVPRO has highly trained employees who are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Storm season is upon us!

1/21/2022 (Permalink)

Storm season is here so that means its time to get those sprinkler systems blown out. If you live in a state where the weather goes below what they consider “freezing” then blowing out your sprinklers is a must! The reasoning behind blowing out your sprinklers is to prevent damage and cracking to your pipes as well as the components. Blowing out your sprinklers is the absolute best way to ensure they are dry and ready for the fast-approaching winter months.

If you forget or decide not to blow out your sprinklers you can be in for a world of damage to not only your irrigation system but also your lawn. If the water ends up freezing inside your pipes, valves or sprinkler heads you run the risk of completely destroying the system because when the water freezes it will expand the pipes and eventually burst. That will cause a remarkable amount of damage in your sprinkler system.  Once the warm weather comes back it can then dethaw and flood your yard and possibly get into the cracks of the foundation of your home.

If you have a fire, water, mold or asbestos disaster give SERVPRO a call today. We have highly trained certified professionals ready to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

Winter preperations

1/21/2022 (Permalink)

The winter months are upon us and everyone is hurrying to get all of their preparations complete! These preparations can be the determining factor with house your home will survive during the frigid months. One of the best ways to get your house ready is to look into heat cables for your gutters. Its definitely in your best interest to avoid ice dams as much as possible.

Ice dams Are a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof and prevents melting snow from draining off the roof. The water that backs up behind the dam can leak into a home and cause damage to the walls, ceilings, insulation and other areas. There are however tips and tricks to prevent this disastrous situation.

1. Keep your gutters clean
2. Cap the hatch
3. Caulk any penetrations
4. Insulation in the ceiling

If you suspect you may have an ice dams give SERVPRO a call today at (208)523-5365. We have trained professionals available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

Snowflakes, Sweaters and Hot Cocoa

1/20/2022 (Permalink)

• Snowflakes, sweaters, hot cocoa and fireplaces are all things that people may think of when thinking about winter time. But in states that receive many inches of snow every year there are far more hidden dangers to think about. Black ice is a very big reality and can become devastating very fact if you are not prepared for it. 
  
  What is black ice? Black ice, sometimes called clear ice, is a thin coating of glaze ice on a surface, especially on roads. The ice itself is not black, but visually transparent, allowing the black road below to be seen through it. 
  
  When driving try to: 

1. Avoid driving over black ice 
2. Know when to expect black ice 
3. Learn to deal with a black ice encounter 
   
   It is also a good idea to keep a driving safety kit in your car during winter. These items can include a small Shovel, gloves and winter clothes, blankets, emergency flares, first aid kit, bottled waters and rock salt. 

Beautiful snow fall

1/20/2022 (Permalink)

Snow fall can be beautiful and extremely dangerous all at the same time. Wet and heavy snow can possibly cause a lot of damage to trees and their branches by weighing them down and causing them to bend or bream. And in some case make the entire tree uproot and tragically call on your home or business.

A tree falling on your home can cause a great extent of damage that could be devastating to recover from. Thankfully there are ways to ready your home for the upcoming winter months with these tips and tricks.

1. Have a tree service company come assess your trees
2. Get an idea of branch sizes and which ones may be dangerous
3. Trim any limbs that may look dangerous
4. If you’re planning on planting a new tree, make sure to be aware of the placement

If you do have a disaster in your home or business give SERVPRO a call today! We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Lending a helping hand

1/20/2022 (Permalink)

This year our incredible employees were dispatched to Louisiana to help with the devastation that the hurricane had left behind. Hurricane Ida reared her ugly face in Louisiana in August of this year. Ida was a category 4 storm with winds reaching over 150 miles per hour. It was said to be one of the largest storms since hurricane Katrina.

At one point after the storm there were more than 1 million homes without power. They have also identified that over 90,000 homes and businesses had poor or severs roof conditions and ravaged through the inside of many homes and businesses. It is said to have cause $1 million in damage.

SERVPRO flew across the United States to lend a helping hand. We assessed the damage and got to work. It was absolutely devastating seeing all the families and business owners affected by Ida. But we are hoping that by us lending our help we brought a small glimmer of hope.

Oklahoma City

3/2/2021 (Permalink)

After the huge and unexpected storms hit Oklahoma City our SERVPRO team was asked to fly out and help assess and fix the damage. Oklahoma City was devastated by two major record breaking winter storms in February that caused a large amount of disasters for residential and commercial buildings. These storms caused hazardous driving conditions, rolling blackouts, water main breaks and a ton of other issues.

Our franchise owner Skylar along with a crew of guys flew and drove out there ASAP to see what we could do to help. The damage that the storms left behind was terrible. We have been working on everything from schools, to libraries, to hospitals. Water damage and water leaks were the two biggest issues we had dealt with. With water comes mold so extracting the water and controlling the leaks was extremely important. We had to work fast and efficient to get things under control.

If you have a fire, water, mold or asbestos disaster give SERVPRO a call today! We have trained professional ready to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

Dangerous weather in Idaho

1/7/2021 (Permalink)

Even in the worst stormy weather SERVPRO will travel near and far to be there in your time of need! Our franchise travels all over Southeastern Idaho and the weather out here can get pretty treacherous at times. Last year alone we saw an average of 38.9 inches of snow. The US averages at 27.8. So needless to say, our winters are pretty chilly.

Road conditions are not always the best so we always urge our employees to take these steps while driving in stormy weather.

1. Slow down. Even if you haveall-wheel drive, reduce your speed about 10 miles per hour below the speed limit
2. Beware of black ice
3. Avoid tailgating
4. Don't brake duringa turn
5. Turn into a skid

These tips can make a huge difference while driving in adverse weather conditions. If you do have a fire, water, mold or asbestos disaster give SERVPRO of Idaho Falls & Rexburg/Rigby a call today (208) 523-5365.

Steps to take after a storm

1/6/2021 (Permalink)

After a storm there are definitely steps to take to make sure your home is safe and secure and has not been affected negatively. Make sure you do the following after a major storm event:

• Check your home and property for damage.
• Keep clear of damaged buildings, powerlines and trees.
• Be aware of road hazards such as floodwater, debris and damaged roads or bridges.
• Do not drive through affected areas unless it is necessary.

Storms can happen almost any where at any time. Being prepared can give you a huge advantage if your city is hit by a dangerous event. Make sure that you and your family have a plan in place. Certain things like overnight bags, canned foods and non-perishable foods stored, escape plans, etc. can make things a lot simpler if something were to occur.

If you have a fire, water, mold or asbestos disaster give SERVPRO a call today at (208) 523-5365. We have highly trained professionals who are ready to be there for your home and business 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

How to secure your home before a storm

1/6/2021 (Permalink)

If a storm happens in your town there are definitely things you can do before and after to help get through it. Before any storm you should:

• Check that loose items such as outdoor settings, umbrellas and trampolines are safely secured.
• If it is safe to do so, check gutters, downpipes and drains are not blocked.
• Park your car undercover and away from trees.

 And after a storm you can:

• Stay indoors and away from windows.
• If outdoors, shelter away from drains, gutters, creeks and waterways.
• Be prepared for power outages.
• Floodwater is dangerous – never drive, walk or ride through floodwater.
• Floodwater is toxic – never play or swim in floodwater.

If you have a fire, water, mold or asbestos disaster give SERVPRO a call today at (208) 523-5365. We have highly trained professionals who are ready to be there for your home and business 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

What to do if a storm affects your crawlspace

1/6/2021 (Permalink)

Storms can affect your property all different kinds of ways. One of the ways that it can affect your home is by letting water seep into the crawl space. Water leaking in your crawlspace can cause a lot of issues in your home. These issues include mold, flooding, rot, and could attract pests.

If water leaks into your home the first thing you should do is assess the damage right away. Then you should always call your insurance and see what kind of coverage you will be covered for. You or your insurance will likely cause a restoration company to come and clean up and dry up the water and assess and fix any further damage.

If you have a fire, water, mold or asbestos disaster give SERVPRO a call today at (208) 523-5365. We have highly trained professionals who are ready to be there for your home and business 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Preventing cracking pipes

1/2/2021 (Permalink)

With cold winter weather comes low temperates. Gnarly wind chills can result in freezing or bursting pipes. If water in pipes turn to ice it can grow and expand and cause your pipes to crack.

Winter weather causes a lot of obstacles for homes and businesses. There are ways however to prevent the cracking inside the pipes. These are a few examples.

1. Make Sure Pipes Are Insulated.

2. Let Your Faucet Drip.

3. Seal Up Cracks and Leaks.

4. Open Those Doors.

5. But Keep The Garage Door Closed.

6. Watch That Thermostat.

7. Disconnect/Shut Off The Water.

If you have a fire, water, mold or asbestos disaster give SERVPRO a call today at (208) 523-5365. We have highly trained professionals who are ready to be there for your home and business 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Stuck in the snow

3/3/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO vehicle coming to the rescue to a vehicle that was stuck in the snow.

Last night on our way home from a new water loss in Rexburg our guys noticed 2 cars that slid off the road. Our guys were awesome enough to stop and see if everyone was okay and if there was anything they could do to help! We really do have the best SERVPRO Team!!!

With the weather being as stormy and unpredictable as it is it is always a good idea to be prepared for any disaster. That includes getting a vehicle stuck in the harsh winter weather conditions. Here are a few items to consider having in your car.

• Ice scraper/Snow brush
• Shovel
• Gloves and other warm clothes
• Blanket
• Flashlight
• Reflector or Flares
• Rock salt, Sand, or Kitty Litter
• First Aid Kit
• Extra Windshield Washer Fluid
• Chains or Ropes
• Cell Phone Charger
• Basic Tool Kits
• Water and Non-Perishable Snacks
• Jumper Cables

If you have a Fire, Water, Mold or Asbestos Disaster give SERVPRO a call today! We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Check your roof

1/15/2020 (Permalink)

Tree fell on house and damaged house.

There are many ways to properly secure your home for winter storms. Summer and early fall is the ideal times to get all of this complete before the terrible winter storms hit. The first thing to consider is making sure that all hazards are cleared away and you secure any and all openings so that water and any other elements don’t find there ways in.

1. Check your roof for stability. With high winds comes look shingles. Examine your roof for any loose or visibly damaged shingles. Or have a contractor determine what needs to be fixed.
2. Make sure that all of your drainage is aimed away from your house. If a storm should occur, the amount of water getting aimed at your home can become a water disaster very quickly.
3. Remove any trees or debris that can cause unneeded damage to your home. Trees are responsible for the majority of damage to homes during winter storms.

If you have a Fire, Water, Mold or Asbestos disaster, give SERVPRO a call today at (208) 523-5365.

How to prepare your home for a winter storm

1/7/2020 (Permalink)

How to prepare your home for a winter storm

While Jack Frost is nipping at your nose you may forget that there are some key things you should be prepared for if a winter storm should hit your city.

According to www.homeadvisor.com this is how you should prepare your home for a winter storm:

“If you live in an area with severe winter weather, you home should be winterized sometime during the fall season. There are many things that can be done to prepare your home for winter including insulating attics, basements, and walls to help heat your home more efficiently, and putting plastic over windows. Heating systems should also be cleaned and serviced each year before they are used to ensure they are safe and working properly. Any drafty areas should be caulked, or otherwise repaired and the roof should be checked to ensure that there are no leaks and it will be able to bear the weight of the snow.

Before cold weather approaches, you should also spend some time cleaning gutters and trimming any tree branches that could fall on your home in the event of a bad storm. Pipes should also be insulated to prevent them from freezing which can result in burst pipes and flooding.”

If you do happen to have a water disaster, give SERVPRO a call today at (208) 523-5365. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

When the storm has cleared

1/7/2020 (Permalink)

If it's safe you should always assess the damage after a storm.

After a storm it is always important to evaluate the damage, if any, that has occurred. With heavy rain and winds comes trees breaking and falling on roofs, windows or vehicles. A storm can also collapse a wall or crack the foundation allowing water to seep into your home in areas you may not be aware of.

Storms can really take a toll on our houses and it is best to keep a very detailed inventory and photographs of the damage that was caused. If it is safe to walk around your home and property it is extremely smart to make a detailed list of all the damage as well as pictures.

You should always contact your insurance company. They are there to help and will send out a professional right away to assess the damage so they can get started asap.

If you have a water, fire, mold or asbestos disaster, give SERVPRO a call today (208) 523-5365. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for all of your cleaning and restoration needs.

When the storm has cleared

1/7/2020 (Permalink)

If it is safe you should always asses the damage after a storm.

After a storm it is always important to evaluate the damage, if any, that has occurred. With heavy rain and winds comes trees breaking and falling on roofs, windows or vehicles. A storm can also collapse a wall or crack the foundation allowing water to seep into your home in areas you may not be aware of.

Storms can really take a toll on our houses and it is best to keep a very detailed inventory and photographs of the damage that was caused. If it is safe to walk around your home and property it is extremely smart to make a detailed list of all the damage as well as pictures.

You should always contact your insurance company. They are there to help and will send out a professional right away to assess the damage so they can get started asap.

If you have a water, fire, mold or asbestos disaster, give SERVPRO a call today (208) 523-5365. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for all of your cleaning and restoration needs.

Beware of Ice Dams

1/3/2020 (Permalink)

This image is of an ice dam forming on a roof of a house.

The storms are rolling into to Eastern Idaho and they are definitely coming with a vengeance. The weather is wet and cold and the roofs are beginning to get heavy. Ice Dams are a very serious issue that can cause a lot of different problems with your roof and home.

According to www.thespruce.com, the best way to prevent an ice damn is:

1. Ventilation under the roof deck, which keeps colder outside air circulation through the attic and prevents it from warming above the freezing point.
2. Insulation in the ceiling below the attic, which will prevent warm air from rising up into the attic space.
3. Blocking any hear sources that may be contributing to high temperatures in the attic.

If you have a Fire, Water, Mold or asbestos disaster give SERVPRO a call today at (208) 523-5365. Our highly trained professionals are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Flood Warnings

3/1/2019 (Permalink)

With the winter weather slowly drifting into spring, rain is sneaking right in. And with rain sometimes brings floods. Floods in the streets, yards, and even worse… your home or business. One way to prepare for a possible flood situation is to have a plan. On www.ready.gov they have a list of preparations you can use in case your area floods or there are flood warnings.

Prepare NOW

• Know types of flood risk in your area. Visit FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center for information.
• Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
• If flash flooding is a risk in your location, then monitor potential signs, such as heavy rain.
• Learn and practice evacuation routes, shelter plans, and flash flood response.
• Gather supplies in case you have to leave immediately, or if services are cut off. Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication. Don’t forget the needs of pets. Obtain extra batteries and charging devices for phones and other critical equipment.
• Purchase or renew a flood insurance policy. It typically takes up to 30 days for a policy to go into effect and can protect the life you've built. Homeowner’s policies do not cover flooding. Get flood coverage under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
• Keep important documents in a waterproof container. Create password-protected digital copies.
• Protect your property. Move valuables to higher levels. Declutter drains and gutters. Install check valves. Consider a sump pump with a battery.

If you have a fire, water, mold, or asbestos disaster give SERVPRO a call today at (208) 523-5365.

Stormy weather ahead

1/11/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is there for you 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. That means our crews drive in all sorts of different weather. The most dangerous though is the winter weather months. We travel all over Eastern Idaho and experience all the highs and lows of the weather patterns.

We are very big on safety and require our crew members to always drive safe and remember how stubborn the winter months can be. According to www.coverhoud.com here are some tips to keep you safe while driving in these harsh conditions.

1. Prepare your car
   Once the first few drops of water start hitting your windshield, you should immediately turn on your windshield wipers and your headlights.
2. Focus on the road
   When the rainwater first hits the dry road, it mixes with built-up oil and grease deposits, making the roads incredibly slick. This makes the initial moments of a rainstorm more dangerous than if it has been raining for a while, since the water will eventually wash away the build up.
3. Slow down sooner
   The rain will make the roads wetter and more slippery, which makes it take longer to come to a full stop. When approaching a red light or traffic, be sure you begin the braking process earlier and slower than usual to give yourself additional time to halt your forward progression without the car sliding.This reduces the chances of the vehicle hydroplaning.
4. Keep calm
   No matter how safely you drive, there is always a chance the car will end up hydroplaning. If this happens, don't panic and slam on the brakes or spin the wheel, since this could cause the car to spin out. Edmunds.com recommended slowly taking your foot off the brake pedal as you calmly keep steering straight and the car will eventually regain traction.
5. Avoid puddles
   Even the deepest puddles can appear shallow. If you approach a puddle, check to see if it approaches the bottom of the car doors. Don't take any unnecessary chances with deep water and either drive around it or find an alternative route. If you must drive through it, proceed slowly and cautiously. Getting any water in the engine can risk damage to the electronic cooling systems.
6. Steer clear of traffic
   Sometimes you cannot avoid the other cars around you. If there is considerable traffic on the road around you, maintain the three-second rule. If possible, extend this to five seconds. Stay away from buses and trucks, since their tires will spray up a considerable amount of water in their wake and reduce your visibility.
7. Pull over
   If the rain becomes too torrential to see anything, pull over and wait it out. The safest form of driving is not driving at all, and in situations where visibility drops to near zero, there's no need to risk trying to reach your destination.

Winterize before winter takes over

1/10/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO was called out to a job today that happened due to water damage from sprinkler system freezing. In regions like Eastern Idaho temperatures can reach the negatives very fast so preparing for the winter months are a must.

There are definitely ways to possibly help prevent this problem. www.Rainbird.com offers a step by step process on how they winterize their irrigation system.

1. Insulate your assets:

Shut off the water supply to the irrigation system. The main shut off valve for your irrigation system needs to be protected against freezing. Make sure it is wrapped with insulation (foam insulation tape and a plastic bag) to protect it from harsh winter temperatures and prevent it from freezing. If you do not have a main shut off valve, you might consider installing one as a preventative investment. Also, any above ground piping needs to be insulated. Self-sticking foam-insulating tape or foam insulating tubes commonly found at home supply stores are fine.

2. Stay in control: 

If you have an automatic system then you will need to "shut down" the controller (timer). Most controllers have a "rain-mode" which simply shuts off the signals to the valves. The controller continues to keep time, the programming information isn't lost (start times, valve run times, etc.) and the clock continues to run throughout the winter.The only change is that the valves will not activate. If your controller is responsible for activating a pump, as a precaution you should remove the wires that are connected to the MV (Master Valve) and common terminals. This will prevent the possibility of the pump being accidentally activated which could cause damage from overheating. An alternative to using the rain mode is simply to shut off the power to the controller. If you do, you'll need to reprogram the time and potentially all your other settings as well, in the spring.

3. Drain the pipes: 

Now you need to remove the water from the pipes and sprinklers so that it won't freeze/expand and break the pipe. There are several ways to drain your pipes: a manual drain valve, an automatic drain valve or the compressed air blow-out method. However, since there could be potential safety risks we recommend contacting your local irrigation specialist. Many offer sprinkler winterization services this time of the year.

4. Protect valves and backflow preventers: 

Insulate backflow preventers and valves if they are above ground. You can also use insulation tape for this. Be sure not to block the air vents and drain outlets on backflow preventers.

Winter is upon us

1/1/2019 (Permalink)

With the winter months up on us now is the perfect time to know helpful tips and tricks to stay safe while driving on these icy roads.

• Accelerate and decelerate slowly
• drive slowly if needed
• the normal dry pavement following distance of three to four seconds should increase to eight to ten seconds
• know your breaks
• don't stop while going up a hill

Another tip is to always keep your vehicle stocked with survival items. Some of these items may include...

• Ice scraper
• Shovel
• Gloves
• Blankets
• Emergency flairs
• Rock salt
• First aid kit

Preparing your vehicle for winter is also a great way to be ready for the cold winter months. These are a few things you can do...

• Check your engine coolant and antifreeze levels
• Check your tire pressure and tread depth-good tires are key to staying on the roads and keeping safe while the weather becomes questionable
• Use winter windshield wiper fluid - When winter comes switch out your fluid for winter fluid

It is always a good idea to know your environment and to check your local weather reports. This will help prepare you for road conditions and may prevent a bad situation.

Major Damage

1/1/2019 (Permalink)

When storm damage hits, it can wreak major havoc and cause horrible damage to your home and business. For those of us who live in states who experience all 4 seasons you know that winter weather can be very unforgiving. They can come fast and hard and it is always important to be prepared before and after when disaster may hit.

Some storm damage can even cause a hazardous unsafe situation. When it comes to your family’s safety, some things need to be taken care of quickly and efficiently.

Storms can cause all kinds of damage including fallen trees on your house, collapsed walls leading to standing water in your home or even basement, and window damage to name a few. 

Standing water is never a good sign and should be treated and taken care of as soon as possible. The moisture from the water can soak into the carpet, walls, and furniture and cause mold to grow. Mold can cause a lot of health issue and should be treated right away.

If you have a cleaning or restoration disaster call SERVPRO today at (208) 523-5365

Heavy rains

1/1/2019 (Permalink)

This homeowner found water seeping in from a recent storm right away because the damage occurred in a basement right at the bottom of a highly used stairwell. 

Water issues in a location that is a high traffic area allows owners to be more aware of a water loss sooner than in areas of the house where they don’t often go.

Right away the owner pulled up the carpet and pad to dry both of them with all the fans she had in her home.  By doing so she was actually able to dry out the carpet, but the pad still needed to be replaced.

By contacting SERVPRO we were able to give her an evaluation of the damage which helped her from having any secondary damages and prevented mold growth as well.

Upon inspection it was discovered that due to recent heavy rainfall a crack that was in the foundation of the wall allowed water and mud to seep into the house.  The crack looked as if there had been an attempt to repair it previously but it obviously wasn’t enough to stop the water and mud from coming through.

If you have any fire, water, mold or asbestos disasters give SERVPRO a call today at (208) 523-5365

Spring Waters Around the Corner

3/1/2018 (Permalink)

Heavy Idaho winter snowstorms are producing a large amount of snow pack in the mountains.  This will in all likely hood produce a heavy runoff in the upcoming spring months.

This heavy water saturation means there is a large potential for sub water to penetrate through homes and businesses by the way of foundation walls, basements and crawlspaces. 

This can happen in any age of building so whether you have a newer or older structure it is important to periodically check all underground levels for any water intrusion.

You may not be able to stop it entirely but catching it early and a call to SERVPRO can reduce further damage to structure and personal property.  SERVPRO will assist by using subpumps to remove the water, sandbags to help reduce further seepage, and dehumidifiers to control humidity until the sub water subsides.  So don't fret is you see water in your basement from an unknown source, simply call SERVPRO and let us help you determine the source of the water and give you best the idea for cleaning it up

Preparation is Best

12/22/2017 (Permalink)

This SERVPRO loss was reported in a home that is under construction and did not have any house wrap on it. This lack of preparation naturally exposed all of the framing and plywood to the elements

Recent storms in the area had dropped a large amount of rain during the building process and as such, the main floor had soaked up a significant amount of water.

As winter approached and temperatures became cooler the floor was unable to dry out. The combination of the wet flooring along with the crawlspace not having the proper ventilation needed encouraged mold to start to grow on the bottom of the sheeting.

The SERVPRO inspection showed that the whole main level had mold on the bottom side of the plywood.  Mold Remediation was necessary but the contractor was instructed to wrap the house correctly before any work began.

Help for Wet Basements

12/22/2017 (Permalink)

Do you find that your basement is always wet after a small storm? Are you having to deal with continuously drying your basement during snow season? You are not alone, the majority of homeowners have issues with excess water or moisture intrusion into their basements during poor weather situations and are looking for a solution to their problem.

SERVPRO can provide you with the services that you need to battle this type of moisture issue.
 
SERVPRO technicians understand that a wet basement can cause multiple problems. As a finished living space, any moisture intrusion into your basement can ruin carpet, drywall, insulation and framing. Water getting into a cellar you use for storage can warp flooring one level above and encourage the spread of mold to other areas of your home. 
 
Inclement weather events such as rainfall and melting snow have the ability to produce thousands of gallons of water and can cause major problems you simply aren't ready to handle. While rising groundwater situations present even more problems that could affect your property in various ways. Maintaining clean gutters and making sure that you provide the proper soil slopes in your landscaping can channel excess water away from your home. Correct R-rated attic insulation can help prevent ice damming on the roof and gutters leading to more harm.
 

Prepare Your Pipes for Upcoming Freeze

12/22/2017 (Permalink)

The truth is, living in this area can be rough and even though you take the time and effort to prepare for the worst, bad things can still happen. 

Temperatures can drop rather fast and take you and your pipes by surprise, leaving you with a rather dangerous and expensive mess to clean up.
 
At SERVPRO we recommend taking the time to insulate any piping exposed to outside elements, include adding heat tape or heat cables where frozen pipes are likely to happen, this will assist you in preventing this sort of damage. 

Other helpful suggestions:
 
1.) Disconnect and properly store any outside hoses.
 
2.) Make sure that your outside faucets are in good working order, no leaks or drips, and that they are prepared to resist the coming weather.
 
3.) Leave both your hot AND cold water dripping overnight to maintain a steady flow through your pipes.
 
4.) Leave cabinet and storage doors open to allow heat to enter into those areas to assist in heating uninsulated pipes running through them.
 
5.) Never shut off your indoor heat, maintain at least 65 degrees indoors at all times, even if you aren't going to be home.

Roofer causes Storm Damage

12/20/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is called to many homes where the roof is damaged and leaking but a recent storm showed that the cause of the leak was from a local roofing company.  

They had tarped the roof after removing the shingles because a storm was predicted for the next day.  However, the owner of the home woke up to find water running down the inside walls of the bathroom, garage and sunroom.

Upon inspection it was discovered that one of the roofing workers and put his foot through the roof and did not tell anyone, he simply covered it up with the tarp.  

The roofer did take responsibility for the damage and called SERVPRO to make the necessary repairs.

However, our inspection discovered more damage than was originally found, due to our excellent estimator.  He followed the water trail even into an attic crawl space where it was very evident that water had penetrated that area as well.

He sent our SERVPRO personnel out with the necessary equipment to get everything dried as quickly as possible.

An ounce of Prevention for Idaho Winter 2017

12/14/2017 (Permalink)

The 2017-2018 winter for the Rexburg, Idaho region will soon be unpon us. 

SERVPRO would like to offer a few suggestions in order to prepare your home for the upcoming season.

1. Invest in weather stripping. This is very inexpensive, but will help keep the warm air in and the cold air out.

2. Clean your gutters.  Filled gutters will be slower to drain and can cause water/ice build up resulting in ice dams.  Ice dams can cause a significant amount of water damage to a structure.

3. Evaluate roof to prevent ice dams.  

4. Buy a roof rake.

5. Prune trees around the house.

6. Stock up on supplies in case you need them!

7. Protect pipes from freezing.  Broken pipes are the leading cause of water damage through the winter.

For all your restoration needs, call SERVPRO

Backed Up Sewers on Labor Day Weekend

9/16/2017 (Permalink)

Removing Standing Water

Sewers backing up have kept SERVPRO employees busy this Labor Day weekend. The common culprit has been clogged main sewer lines which doesn’t allow the waste water to run into the sewer.

The waste water will then start to back up into the lowest point in your sewer line such has a basement bathroom. As you can image the smell is over powering and damage can be extensive. Sewer water is Category 3 water which means the materials it affects must be removed.

hat can mean flooring, sub-flooring, cabinets, trim, and drywall. If you don’t know the status of your main line, it’s worth the time and money to have a company come out and ensure that your drain lines are in working order.

Fire And Flood Damage Affecting The Entire Rexburg Area

3/8/2017 (Permalink)

Fire, Floods, and Natural Disasters Happen. Get Relief for Your Property in Rexburg and Call SERVPRO

A Double Whammy from Flood and Fire Damage Can Count on SERVPRO for Help

What are you going to do when coping with the hazard or disaster in front of you is your only option? Fires and flooding often go hand in hand, requiring you to prepare yourselves and your loved ones for a variety of situations.
 
Homes and businesses of all kinds face a variety of similar issues, in the Rexburg area combating fire and flood damage more often than you might think. Educating yourself and your loved ones on the appropriate steps to take during an emergency is a great start.
 
However, what happens to your property and belongings when you do not take the initial steps to prepare for recovery? Making contact with an IICRC certified professional restoration company, like SERVPRO, can assist you with making the preparations necessary to put a plan in place that can save you and your family a lot of heartache and pain.
 
There are enough fire and flood damage incidents every year that any of your neighbors or friends could be dealing with a situation like this a couple of times every day. This very minute, both homeowners and business owners could be battling electrical fires due to faulty wiring or having kitchen fires that leave smoke damage everywhere.
 
Situations that result in dozens of homes and businesses plagued by harmful soot and soiled residues, or extensive water damage that requires professionally trained technicians to correct the situation the right way.
 
SERVPRO can help resolve damage throughout your property that simply needs a professional touch. We have handled situations where movie theaters were dealing with water heater leaks and used diagnostic and extraction tools at our disposal to locate excess moisture within walls, helping return things to normal and preventing harmful mold issues from developing.
 
SERVPRO technicians also repair major water leaks and floods caused by washing machine failures, water lines bursting in our schools, as well as instances where suppression system lines flood local hotels. Single family homes are typically easily handled by our technicians.
 
All while using technically advanced drying tools and methods to pull moisture out of areas that it does not belong in and putting moisture detection to work. We even use direct drying procedures with air movers and dehumidifiers to force clean, dry air into many locations that are hard to get to on your property.
 
Trust your fire and water damage restoration services to a local company you can trust. SERVPRO of Rexburg - Rigby is ready to help, give us a call today. (208) 356-0263

Flooded Basement in Ashton Needs Quick Water Extraction

12/20/2016 (Permalink)

Ashton Flooding and Electricity Are a Dangerous Combination

Call on SERVPRO to Dry Out Your Basement and Home

Flooding happens here in Idaho every winter. In addition to the usual reasons such as a backed-up septic tank or a washing machine line splitting, the freezing weather can block a line or even cause one to break. Water lines in basements are particularly vulnerable.

As a locally owned franchise, SERVPRO knows exactly how damaging a flooded basement can be to an Ashton home. Our response team members are your neighbors and concerned about the same things. Once you call us in, we'll arrive in less than a matter of hours to help you put your home back to its pre-loss condition if at all possible.

Getting us in quickly is important. Even just the standing water from a broken water heater can rapidly destroy paneling, drywall, and carpeting as well as stored personal property.  Once our team is on the job, they will set up a pump to remove the water. If needed, our technicians will also bring a generator or run the pump off of one of our generator trucks for uninterrupted electrical support until they' re finished. We will transport to your job site whatever types of sump pumps and drying devices are required for a return to normalcy.

With the water out, our team will remove any property that may need to be dried out or require some minor restoration. Depending on how much there is, they will move it to another room in the home, remove to our facility as a Pack-Out for restoration or place it in storage for you.
Next, technicians will use water extractors to draw water from carpets and upholstered furniture. At the same time, dehumidifiers will be set up to draw water from the air, lowering the moisture to normal levels. The time needed for thorough drying and verification depend upon the severity of the damage. These actions serve not just to restore the property, but also help prevent the growth of mold in the basement and on possessions stored there. Although the colder weather helps to slow mold growth, it does not stop it.

There's a lot of cold temperatures and snow in this week's forecast. If you have a problem with water in your basement, call us today at (208) 356-0263 to start clearing it out. This is also a good time to call us for an inspection to prevent problems. SERVPRO of Rexburg / Rigby is here to keep you in a safe, dry home this winter and throughout the year.

Battling Frozen Pipes In Rexburg

11/19/2016 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO to Help Storm Damaged Frozen Pipes in Your Rexburg Property

SERVPRO Tips and Assistance for Winter Induced Plumbing Problems

It takes a lot to protect your home or commercial property from frozen pipes occurring during the winter months. You would need to have access to proper equipment, knowledge, and experience to tackle everything that needs doing. How many of you are laborers, plumbers, and carpenters all rolled into one? Do you even know what to do to protect your home?

Our professionally trained technicians can handle storm related frozen pipes in Rexburg. Doing this type of repair or preparation yourself could cause far more damage than if you wouldn't have done anything at all; call our offices today to get the expert assistance that you deserve.
 
SERVPRO is here to help you prevent frozen pipes from ever happening and is there for those of you who don't head this advice to prepare your home in advance. Preparing your home for the winter takes a little work. Water hardens and expands when it freezes, putting pressure on whatever is containing it. Regardless of the type of material, your container consists of; it will crack or break due to expansion during severe weather if you don't take the proper steps to protect it.
 
Our SERVPRO technicians check your outside hoses, swimming pool lines, water sprinkler system and water supply lines that get installed in open, unheated, areas such as your garage, kitchen cabinets, attics, basements and other crawl spaces throughout the home. These pipes are likely to have little to no insulation on them, and it makes them prone to freezing.
 
SERVPRO also highly recommends that you drain all of the water from your swimming pools, water sprinkler systems, and outdoor hoses before cold weather hits; you might end up with far more trouble than you wanted if you don't. It would also be beneficial to shut off inside valves that supply water to the external devices and leave any faucets open to prevent damage from expansion.
 
There are ways to properly install insulation on these exposed pipes that will assist them in preventing damage. With heat tape and cabling available to resist freezing on exterior faucets and piping as well.
 
Make sure that you keep your garage doors closed as much as possible, open your cabinets in your kitchen and bathroom storage areas to allow heat to enter and always maintain a constant temperature in your home, whether you are there or not.
 
We can assist you with your cold weather preparation. Call SERVPRO of Rexburg - Rigby today. (208) 356-0263

Steps You Can Take After Basement Flooding

8/7/2016 (Permalink)

Flooding Can Be Devastating - Call SERVPRO if you are dealing with flooding in your home or business!

SERVPRO Technicians are Certified to Remediate Flood Damage

Flooding is a serious matter, and can carry a number of risks not only to your home but also to your personal health. Whenever you're dealing with massive floodwaters, always make sure to confer with SERVPRO representatives on what you should and should not do to protect yourself. Make sure above all that you don't enter any deep water, or use any electronics in the home. Our technicians will handle most of the cleanup and restoration work on their own, but before they arrive on-scene there are a few things you can do to help out.
 
Hang Wet Fabrics, Furs, and Leather
 
Whenever you're dealing with a flooded basement in Island Park, you should, if possible, remove any fabrics, furs, and leather in the area. Hang them up to dry, preferably in sunshine or near a heat source. Don't try to use a hair dryer or other appliance to dry them. This is essential in preventing mold growth on potentially valuable items.

Wipe and Mop Up Excess Water
 
If you don't have thick floodwaters remaining in the area, chances are there is still excess water on surfaces and floors. If you can, mop and wipe these up, but be careful to wear gloves and boots while doing so. If the water has a consistent depth and requires pumping, leave it to us and don't risk yourself by wading in.
 
Remove Art and Books
 
Take any paper books or pieces of art in the area and move them to a dry area. These are easily lost in a flood, and may be time-consuming or costly to restore if they take on water. This also goes for loose items in general, but items perishable in water should be prioritized.
 
Turn on the A/C (in Summer)
 
If the flood strikes during the warmer months of the year, turning on the air conditioning in your home helps to start and quicken the drying process. We use heavy equipment to dry the room regardless, but cooler temperatures and faster airflow are always helpful.
 
Remove Cushions, Pillows, etc.
 
Removing cushions and pillows from furniture helps to expose more of their surface to the air, and thus helps them to dry faster. In addition, try to place metal foil or wood blocks between the legs of your furniture and wet carpets.
 
SERVPRO of Rexburg / Rigby has dealt with dozens of cases of basement flooding, and has trained technicians ready to respond fast to your emergency. Call us 24/7 for services at (208) 356-0263.