Essential Dos and Don'ts for Safely Using Generators During Storm Outages

9/10/2024 (Permalink)

When storms hit and power outages occur, generators can be a lifesaver, providing essential electricity to keep your home running. However, improper use of generators can pose serious risks, including carbon monoxide poisoning, fire hazards, and electrical shocks. This blog will outline the dos and don'ts of using generators during storm outages to ensure your safety and the safety of your household.

Do Choose the Right Generator

• Assess Your Needs: Determine the power requirements of the essential appliances and devices you need to run during an outage.
• Select an Appropriate Model: Choose a generator that meets or exceeds your power needs. Consider a portable or standby generator based on your requirements and budget.

Do Read the Manual

• Understand Operation: Thoroughly read the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines for safe operation.
• Follow Maintenance Tips: Adhere to the recommended maintenance schedule to ensure your generator operates efficiently and safely.

Do Install Carbon Monoxide Alarms

• CO Detectors: Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home, especially near sleeping areas, to alert you of any dangerous CO buildup.
• Regular Checks: Test detectors regularly to ensure they are functioning properly.

Do Use Outdoor Only

• Proper Ventilation: Always operate generators outdoors in well-ventilated areas, away from windows, doors, and vents.
• Safe Distance: Keep the generator at least 20 feet away from your home to prevent carbon monoxide from entering your living space.

Do Ground the Generator

• Prevent Electrical Hazards: Ground your generator according to the manufacturer’s instructions to reduce the risk of electrical shocks and surges.
• Use Appropriate Cords: Utilize heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cords with a sufficient gauge to handle the electrical load.

Do Keep Fuel Safe

• Proper Storage: Store fuel in approved containers, away from living areas, and in a cool, well-ventilated place.
• Refuel Safely: Turn off the generator and let it cool down before refueling to prevent fire hazards.

Do Perform Regular Maintenance

• Routine Checks: Regularly inspect and maintain your generator to ensure it remains in good working condition.
• Professional Servicing: Have your generator serviced by a professional annually or as recommended by the manufacturer.

Don’t Operate Indoors

• Avoid Enclosed Spaces: Never run a generator inside your home, garage, basement, or any enclosed or partially enclosed space.
• Prevent CO Poisoning: Operating indoors can lead to dangerous carbon monoxide buildup, which can be fatal.

Don’t Connect Directly to Home Wiring

• Avoid Backfeeding: Do not plug the generator directly into a wall outlet or connect it to your home’s electrical panel without a professionally installed transfer switch.
• Use Transfer Switch: A transfer switch isolates your home’s wiring from the utility grid, preventing back feeding and protecting utility workers from electrocution.

Don’t Overload the Generator

• Know the Limits: Be aware of your generator’s wattage capacity and avoid exceeding it by running too many appliances simultaneously.
• Prioritize Essentials: Use the generator to power only essential appliances and devices to prevent overload and potential damage.

Don’t Use in Wet Conditions

• Avoid Water Exposure: Do not operate the generator in wet or rainy conditions, as water can cause electrical shorts and shocks.
• Use Canopy: If necessary, use a generator canopy or tent designed to protect it from the elements while ensuring proper ventilation.

Don’t Forget Emergency Preparedness

Keep an adequate supply of fuel, oil, and necessary spare parts on hand for extended outages. Have an emergency kit ready with flashlights, batteries, first-aid supplies, and non-perishable food items.

Generators can provide vital power during storm outages, but their safe operation is paramount. By following these dos and don’ts, you can ensure the safety of your household and prevent potential hazards associated with generator use. Always prioritize safety, adhere to manufacturer guidelines, and be prepared to handle power outages effectively. Stay safe and powered up with the proper use of your generator.

The Importance of Clearing Gutters and Drains Before the Storm Hits

4/6/2024 (Permalink)

In this blog post, we will explore the importance of clearing gutters and drains before storm damage and provide some helpful tips to follow.

When a storm emergency hits, it's essential to have a storm damage plan in place to ensure the safety of your family and property. One crucial component of any storm damage plan is to clear gutters and drains before the storm hits. Neglecting this task can cause significant damage to your property and lead to costly repairs. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of clearing gutters and drains before storm damage and provide some helpful tips to follow.

Prevent Water Damage

Clogged gutters and drains can lead to excess water accumulating in and around your home, which can cause damage to your property's foundation, walls, and roof. When water accumulates, it can seep into your home's structure and cause dampness, rot, and mold, creating an unsafe living environment. By clearing gutters and drains, you can prevent water damage to your property and avoid costly repairs.

Reduce the Risk of Flooding

Clogged gutters and drains can cause water to overflow and flow towards the ground surrounding your property. This can lead to flooding, especially if the water accumulates in low-lying areas. Floodwater can cause significant damage to your property and lead to the need for extensive repairs. By clearing gutters and drains, you can reduce the risk of flooding and minimize the potential for storm damage.

Prevent Damage to Your Roof

Backed-up water in gutters and drains can put pressure on your roof, causing damage to the shingles, tiles, and other roofing materials. This damage can lead to leaks, which can cause additional damage to your walls and floors. By ensuring that gutters and drains are clear, you can prevent damage to your roof and avoid costly repairs.

Reduce the Risk of Pest Infestations

Clogged gutters and drains can create a breeding ground for pests such as mosquitoes, rodents, and insects. These pests can cause significant health problems and property damage. By clearing gutters and drains, you can reduce the risk of pest infestations and create a safer living environment for you and your family.

Helpful Tips for Clearing Gutters and Drains

• Regularly clean your gutters and drains before storm season to ensure they are clear of debris
• Use gloves while cleaning to avoid exposure to harmful bacteria
• Use a garden hose to flush any remaining debris from the gutters and downspouts
• Trim any trees or bushes near gutters to prevent debris build-up
• Consider installing gutter guards to prevent debris from accumulating
• Hire a professional to clean your gutters and drains if you are unable to do it yourself.

In conclusion, clearing gutters and drains is an essential component of any storm damage plan. It helps to prevent water damage, flooding, roof damage, and pest infestations and creates a safer living environment for you and your family. By following the helpful tips above and incorporating this task into your storm damage plan, you can protect your property and ensure that you are prepared for any storm emergency. At SERVPRO®, we are here to help with any storm damage cleanup and restoration needs.

Humidity: Primary and Secondary Damages Explained by Restoration Experts

6/21/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Montgomery County restoration experts today to mitigate primary and secondary damages due to storms, flooding, and water.

Different Types of Water Damage

Whenever excessive moisture gets inside a building, the problems it causes can be broken down into two categories: primary and secondary damage.

Primary Damage

When water leaks from a pipe or an appliance, it comes in contact with contents and building materials. Anything that happens due to direct contact with liquid water, such as the carpet's de-lamination, is considered primary damage. 

Secondary Damage

Once water gets inside a structure, it naturally raises humidity levels indoors when moisture from wet materials evaporates into the air. Elevated humidity levels can also cause building materials issues since water transfers from the air into dry materials to reach equilibrium. When water vapor causes structural problems, it is called secondary damage.

Extraction procedures help reduce primary issues, and structural drying helps mitigate both primary and secondary water damage. When our SERVPRO technicians deal with any water damage situation, we monitor both relative and specific humidity.

What Controls Humidity?

Controlling humidity levels in a structure helps speed up structural drying times. Wet materials dry out faster if the humidity inside a building is kept low using air movers and dehumidifiers. Monitoring and strategic placement of these devices optimize drying times. When we keep humidity levels low, we also reduce water vapor in the air, causing fewer secondary issues. 

Relative Humidity

Relative Humidity (RH) is a measure of how much water is in the air at any given temperature. RH is expressed as a percentage, so if the relative humidity is 100%, then the air is holding as much moisture as it can at that temperature. At this point, if not sooner, condensation can occur inside the building. "Raining" inside your home can only exacerbate the already water damaging effects. Air can hold more water at higher temperatures, so increasing the house's temperature will lower the relative humidity. That is one of the features of our HEPA filters. Not only does the filter suck the moisture from the air, but it also heats the air to dry the space quicker.

Specific Humidity 

The temperature has such a significant effect on relative humidity, but it's not always a good gauge of how much water exists in the air. Specific humidity is the actual amount of moisture in the air. When our restoration professionals measure specific humidity, they count the actual grains of moisture in each pound of air. To find specific humidity, we measure relative humidity levels and the room's temperature. We then put these numbers in a psychrometric chart that gives us the grains per pound (GPP) number. 

If you ever need help with issues related to water or humidity, such as flood damage, storm damage, or microbial growth, call SERVPRO of Montgomery County at (931) 645-1285, available 24 hours a day.

Storm Restoration Professionals Know How to Dry Your Property

6/9/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Montgomery County is a Leader in the Storm Restoration Industry for a Reason

Harsh weather conditions like flooding, wind, and storms cause devastating damage to homes and businesses. Property damage due to storm damage and flood water overwhelms many with concerns for personal safety and properties' security.

When this form of damage occurs to your home or business, the first step is to find safety, then contact a trustworthy storm damage restoration company.

An immediate restoration response reduces the extent of damage done to a property. Since roof damage is likely to be accompanied by water damage—a gaping hole is a recipe for moisture and storm water to make itself at home—a quick emergency response reduces the risk for internal and structural water damage and microbial growth.

When contacted, storm restoration experts will analyze the level of damage and make a judgment regarding how to begin. Professionals' main priority is to secure property before cleanup, repair, and restoration. Once a property's debris is removed from the exterior and roof repair is completed, experts move to drying and the internal cleanup of furniture, carpets, clothes, and other items. 

The Drying Process of SERVPRO of Montgomery County

Oozing groundwater, especially in places prone to flooding, could cause damage, especially if no flood pump has been previously installed. SERVPRO of Montgomery County has a thorough drying process.

First, our team sets up industrial-strength drying equipment such as air movers and HEPA filtered dehumidifiers. Special care is taken to thoroughly dry the area around the original leak or cavity.

If water has seeped to the surrounding areas, special drying equipment is used. It can take 3-5 days for traditional drying. However, hard-to-dry materials, such as wood floors and crawlspaces, can make the process longer.

After the property is dry, the restoration of any damaged materials can start. Restoration is the most time-consuming part, but is very important and the bulk of returning the property to its preloss condition. We strive to make a property look, “Like it never even happened.”

We are available 24 hours for emergency response. Call us at (931) 645-1285.

How Can SERVPRO of Montgomery County Help with Hazardous Waste?

5/29/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Montgomery County Helps with Hazardous Waste

Although SERVPRO of Montgomery County is well-known for fire and water restoration, you may not know that we offer hazardous waste disposal. Our highly-trained professionals can help you or your business with biohazard, vandalism, and crime scene cleanup. We specialize in removing and cleaning common hazardous wastes such as bloodborne pathogens, sewage backups, illegal drugs, hoarding situations, crime scene residues, and more. We are trained to safely decontaminate these situations in accordance with OSHA and CDC regulations. Our sanitizing agents, antimicrobial treatments, thermal foggers, and deodorization agents help us make your property “Like it never even happened.” 

When you experience a biohazard concern or have hazardous waste on your property, leave the responsibility of hard cleanup to us. Bloodborne pathogens, bodily fluids, and other contaminated waste can put you at risk. Follow these steps after contamination. 

• Call us immediately at (931) 645-1285 for biohazard cleanup. 
• Stay out of infected areas. 
• Call first responders if the situation is life-threatening. 
• Treat all areas and/or bodily fluids as if they are contaminated. 
• Turn off the HVAC system if there is sewage damage. 

Don’t wait to call us when you have a biohazard emergency. These situations can leave home and business owners feeling vulnerable, violated, and unsafe. SERVPRO of Montgomery County is here for you 24/7, 7 days a week at (931) 645-1285.

SERVPRO Secures and Restores Tennessee Residents' Contents After a Flooding while Mitigating the Structural Damage

5/23/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Packs Out Your Business’s Items After Storm Waters Flood Your Property

The chaos and stress of post-storm flooding at your business’s property is paralyzing. With water, debris, and quite possibly severe damage to your roof, windows, doors, and siding—you need fast, reliable help. Our team of disaster remediation experts has proven strategies to help you and your family through this difficult time. 

What is a Pack-Out?

We often recommend a pack-out after flood damage. A SERVPRO pack-out is when furnishings, household or office goods, documents, and personal possessions are moved to a dry and safe space on your property or transported to our production facility to be restored. Removing the items permits our crews to clean flooded areas in your home, unimpeded; extracting water, doing demolition if and where needed. This helps technicians dry out the structure faster without the need to work around belongings.

SERVPRO uses a detailed and secure Content Claims Inventory System (CCIS) to document and track the items we move out. Lists, digital pictures, and barcoding ensure we have a complete record of the articles. We collaborate with your insurance company to make sure the efforts we make to clean, dry, and restore the pack-out inventory are covered to the extent of your contract. It is typically less expensive to restore items than to discard and replace them. We help you save time, money, and memories.

Innovative Restoration

Our production facility technicians are skilled with innovative techniques such as freeze-drying for document and picture restoration. Floodwaters can be contaminated, so we work to ensure the packed-out items receive effective disinfectant treatment. SERVPRO provides temperature and humidity-controlled smaller chambers to dry out furnishings and electronics. Be advised that modern electronics often need precise cleaning from specialty companies. We have piston-driven Esporta washing equipment to clean soft items and immersion tubs and ultrasonic equipment to loosen flood debris soiling from blinds and intricately detailed decor and other items.

SERVPRO crews secure the exterior damage with boards and tarp, moving on to extracting, containing, and disposing of the floodwaters according to local regulations. We can spray and treat soiled areas with EPA-registered disinfectants before using commercial-quality air movers, heaters, and dehumidifiers to ready your home for the return of the packed-out items, "Like it never even happened."

Call Us Today

SERVPRO of Montgomery County awaits your call at (931) 645-1285. Contact us to evaluate your flood damage and rapid remediation of your home and a professional pack-out of floodwater-damaged items.

Storm Restoration Experts Know How to Dry Your Property

5/9/2022 (Permalink)

For additional information regarding storm damage, visit our service page or blog. We are available 24 hours for emergency response. Call us today.

SERVPRO of Montgomery County are Leaders in the Storm Restoration Industry for a Reason

Harsh weather conditions like flooding, wind, and storms cause devastating damage to homes and businesses. Property damage due to storm damage and flood water overwhelms many with concerns for personal safety and properties' security.

When this form of damage occurs to your home or business, the first step is to find safety, then contact a trustworthy storm damage restoration company.

An immediate restoration response reduces the extent of damage done to a property. Since roof damage is likely to be accompanied by water damage—a gaping hole is a recipe for moisture and storm water to make itself at home—a quick emergency response reduces the risk for internal and structural water damage and microbial growth.

When contacted, storm restoration experts will analyze the level of damage and make a judgment regarding how to begin. Professionals' main priority is to secure property before cleanup, repair, and restoration. Once a property's debris is removed from the exterior and roof repair is completed, experts move to drying and the internal cleanup of furniture, carpets, clothes, and other items. 

The Drying Process of SERVPRO of Montgomery County

Oozing groundwater, especially in places prone to flooding, could cause damage, especially if no flood pump has been previously installed. SERVPRO of Montgomery County has a thorough drying process.

First, our team sets up industrial-strength drying equipment such as air movers and HEPA filtered dehumidifiers. Special care is taken to thoroughly dry the area around the original leak or cavity.

If water has seeped to the surrounding areas, special drying equipment is used. It can take 3-5 days for traditional drying. However, hard-to-dry materials, such as wood floors and crawlspaces, can make the process longer.

After the property is dry, the restoration of any damaged materials can start. Restoration is the most time-consuming part, but is very important and the bulk of returning the property to its preloss condition. We strive to make a property look, “Like it never even happened.”

For additional information regarding storm damage, visit our service page or blog. We are available 24 hours for emergency response. Call us at (931) 645-1285.

How to Reduce Pet Stress During a Storm: Evacuation Plan

4/7/2022 (Permalink)

Follow these simple measures to reduce your pet’s stress.

Plan For Your Pets

Inclement weather or fires can happen with or without notice. Creating an emergency plan can help prevent damage to your home and belongings and protect you and your loved ones - including pets! When putting a plan together, it’s important to plan for their needs as well. 

Make an Evacuation Plan

Remember, if you must evacuate due to an emergency, the area is likely not suitable for your pets either. Your evacuation plan should consider where your pets will be taken, if not kept with you, and how best to transport them. Make a list ahead of time of pet friendly hotels or friends’ houses along your evacuation route and near your final destination. Know that some hotels and shelters do not accept animals. 

You also might want to build an emergency travel kit for your animals. This will save time and worry when you must evacuate. 

Items to include in your pet's emergency kit:

• A completed Emergency Pet Passport containing important information like your pets’ veterinarian contact info, medical needs, license/chip info, photos, etc.
• Leash, harness, and carrier with blanket to transport animals
• A few portions of a suitable non-perishable food, water bowl, bottled water, and can opener
• Cat litter and pan or bags for excrement
• Medications
• Toys

Don’t Have to Evacuate? 

If evacuation is not necessary, there are still some things you can do to reduce your pet’s stress in an uncomfortable situation like a thunderstorm.

Pet Stress Symptoms

Pets may exhibit signs of stress and anxiety that can be alleviated by simple measures. Some of these symptoms include whimpering, hiding, pacing, or shivering. These symptoms may be caused by a variety of factors including pets’ greater sensitivity to sounds and air pressure.

As stress increases, symptoms may become more severe. Follow these simple measures to reduce your pet’s stress:

• Remain calm as an owner
• Create a comforting space for them in a smaller room like a closet or under a blanket
• Close blinds and curtains
• Keep them in their normal routine, if possible

Read more storm and pet related articles here.

Why Clarksville Fabrication Plant Calls SERVPRO to Extract Water

3/13/2022 (Permalink)

We are proud to help businesses in this community with commercial water removal methods continue serving the public.

Flood water and storm damage events at commercial properties often involve numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we are dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large-scale event, SERVPRO of Montgomery County quickly assesses each unique situation and isolates the damaged area for cleanup. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility and make it, “Like it never even happened.”

Unique Challenges of Restoring Commercial Property

Our professionals at SERVPRO are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. 

Why Clarksville Fabrication Plant Calls SERVPRO to Extract Water

Once a factory or other assembly plant sustains water loss, drying the area to protect employee health and safety, machinery, and productivity is a priority. Drains are a simple solution to water removal or rerouting, but they can only do so much when massive amounts of water are present in multiple areas. For instance, overhead water sources can ruin machines and other equipment by forming pools of water in the depressions of equipment.

Water Extraction

Removing the water from where it would otherwise remain trapped prevents corrosion of metal and keeps microbial infestations from developing. When your equipment retains water, we suction it out with specialty tools like water and other material extractors, helping ensure that employees can continue their jobs with little interruption from us. Then, if the machinery's maintenance instructions call for it, we will even wipe machines with oil to prevent rust and protect equipment from possible problems. 

SERVPRO Equipment Enhances Air Quality

Air movers help us keep moisture from condensing on surfaces and direct water vapor toward desiccation machines. These machines draw moisture from the air and release dry, filtered air back into the area we are treating. This cycle cleans and dries the air.

Using our various machines and tools, we protect your equipment and building from harm. At SERVPRO, we are proud to help businesses in this community with commercial water removal methods continue serving the public. We want to ensure businesses stay afloat, operating, and contributing to the local economy; part of the way we do that is by getting involved to mitigate a storm or water disaster as soon as we can. Call us today to schedule a free estimate, (931) 645-1285. We are also available 24 hours for emergency service.

Storm VS Flood

7/6/2021 (Permalink)

Property owners in Montgomery County may have a hard time differentiating storm damage from flood damage. Commercial properties can sustain water damage from either source. There're a few significant differences to keep in mind that may help you manage these risks.

The most general distinction is that stormwater comes from above, whereas flood water overspills natural bodies or watercourses and covers at least two acres of ordinarily dry land.

Storm damage to a commercial property may originate from a variety of causes such as:

• High winds
• Heavy rain
• Hurricanes
• Snow
• Tornadoes

Most business insurance plans protect from storm damage. Property owners need additional coverage to offset the expenses of flood damage. If your property is located on a flood plain, you should make sure you carry the policies necessary to protect your investment.

Flooding occurs when water overflows a body of water or watercourse such as:

• Creeks
• Dams
• Lakes
• Storm-water channels

For water to be considered a flood, it must cover two acres and affect at least two properties. If a commercial property is located in a high-risk zone, and the owner has a mortgage from an insured and federally regulated lender, they must maintain flood insurance. Damage resulting from either flooding or storms can cause severe problems and should be planned for, prevented, and handled as soon as possible. Regardless of a moisture source, the risk of mold and other secondary damage within a building can be just as severe.

Restoring Damage From Storms and Floods

Restoration specialists can help property owners determine the precise causes of damage and the best solutions. If a commercial property in Clarksville, Tenessee, experiences flood damage or sustains damage during a storm, contact SERVPRO of Montgomery County as soon as possible.

Flood Damage in Clarksville from Damaged Roof After a Storm

7/1/2021 (Permalink)

If you have storm damage, contact SERVPRO of Montgomery County today!

When a storm comes into the Tennessee area, damage to your roof is relatively standard. Once a hole in your roof gets large enough, extensive flood damage can result. During a rainstorm, many elements such as wind or even hail can arise that can ruin your roof shingles. Wind can blow rocks or other objects into your home and create holes in your roof or exterior walls that rainwater can enter. Once the water starts entering your home, flood damage can occur from the top of your house to the bottom.

As soon as moisture enters your home from the outside, multiple issues can quickly arise. The best thing to do is call in a professional restoration company such as SERVPRO to mitigate the flood damage. Water coming from the outside is considered black water and may be contaminated with harmful bacteria. Rainwater can also bring microbes from the outside, increasing the chance of microbial growth; no one wants molds growing in their attics.

In many cases, the first place that retains moisture after your roof leaks in your attic. Elevated moisture levels inside your attic can ruin building materials if the area does not get dried out promptly. If the insulation inside the attic gets wet, the moisture can decrease the R-value of the material. Some types of insulation can get dry when wet, whereas others must be removed. 

After removing wet insulation, our SERVPRO team can then dry out the wet ceiling materials and roof trusses. To do this, we often create a containment chamber to control the environment in the affected area better and prevent harmful particles from entering the rest of the house. We then set up heated air movers to create a circular air movement inside the area. In addition to the air movers, we also set up dehumidifiers that remove moisture from the air. Once building materials are dry, we treat the attic with anti-microbial chemicals and sometimes spray the trusses with a specialized sealant paint to inhibit fungal growth.

If you ever have a problem inside your attic after a storm, call SERVPRO of Montgomery County at (931) 645-1285.

Preventing Wind Damage

6/29/2021 (Permalink)

Many areas of the United States have experienced heavy winds and storms this season, and the strong, powerful winds can cause significant damage to your home. Wind damage can cause a range of destruction to your property, from broken windows and fallen tree branches to more severe damage to the roof, garage, or car. It can happen from the strong wind or indirectly from the wind blowing debris into your house.

Wind Damage from Different Types of Storms

Thunderstorms are the most common source of wind and storm damage, but winds from hurricanes or tornadoes are stronger and can cause more severe damage. It can produce many types of bad weather, such as lightning, hail, tornadoes, straight-line winds, flooding, and more. Thunderstorms are responsible for most wind damage cases in the U.S., but the storm damage repair may be more costly for hurricane or tornado wind damage. Billions of dollars are spent on wind damage repair and storm damage restoration each year; understanding the nature of wind damage can help you limit the amount of damage to your property and save on restoration and repair costs.

It's important to know when a storm is approaching your area and what type of storm it is so you know the potential and level of damage to expect. These wind damage facts will help you better understand the potential for wind damage and how to prevent it. Here are some steps you can take to minimize the risk of damage to your home when severe weather strikes.

Preventing Wind and Storm Damage

Most wind damage is caused by flying debris either from plants or other structures and objects that aren't secured. If a storm is approaching your area, make sure any potential debris around your homes, such as patio furniture, toys, garbage cans, and other objects, are either secured or brought inside. Secure your doors and windows to help minimize the potential storm damage to the home.

Roof damage can be reduced during the construction phase when the roof deck and the shingles or membrane is applied over the decking. A well-designed roofing system will firmly anchor the trusses and decking to the walls and foundation to keep the entire roof from lifting off the building in a strong wind. Roofing material must be fastened to the deck. Weakly connected shingles will lift easily from the deck.

The damage to your siding can be reduced at the construction phase as well. Properly fastened siding is less likely to lift off a structure in strong wind. Building codes will likely direct the minimum standards for connections. You, your architect, or your contractor may decide to exceed these minimums for a stronger and more storm-resistant structure.

Falling trees and tree limbs are another significant type of damage to structures in a windstorm. Tree maintenance to remove dead limbs or identify and remove weakened trees will reduce the likelihood of the structure being damaged.

Mitigating Damage After a Storm

Close any openings made in the structure by the wind. Roof openings and broken windows are the most common problem. Keep a roll of plastic sheeting that can be cut to size and nailed over the opening.

Keep your safety in mind and attempt such a closure yourself only if it can be done with little or no risk. Your insurance policy will likely cover the cost of an emergency close up. Contact your agent or claims center to report the damage and seek advice on how to proceed.

Falling trees and tree limbs can open a structure with sudden violence. A tree on a structure is a severe personal and structural safety issue. A tree may look like it won't shift position. But it can shift and cause serious injury to the unwary. Fallen trees may also mask other severe safety issues, such as downed electrical wires. The wires may still be alive, and the tree itself energized. Contact your agent or claims center to report the damage and seek advice on how to proceed.

Suppose your home or business sustains wind damage during a storm. In that case, it's essential to contact a storm damage restoration professional as soon as the storm is over to help limit and repair the damage. SERVPRO of Montgomery County can respond immediately to storm and flooding conditions. Our quick response will help prevent secondary damage and help reduce restoration costs.

Preventing Flood Damage

6/21/2021 (Permalink)

According to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), flooding is the most common natural disaster in the United States. It caused $2.7 billion in losses between 2001 and 2010. Most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover flooding, so it may be necessary to buy a separate flood policy for your home.

Three Key Steps

Here are a couple of tips to keep water from entering your home during a heavy rain event:

• Fix foundation leaks that may allow water to enter your home.
• Make sure your roof is secure and protected.
• Clear gutters and drains.

If water ever floods your home, getting someone on-site as soon as possible is key to keeping the amount of damage to a minimum. SERVPRO of Montgomery County is ready to respond at any time and also provides a free assessment!

How to Check for Roof Damage After a Storm

6/15/2021 (Permalink)

After a significant storm, it's a good idea to inspect your property for storm damage. Your home's main line of defense is your roof, and it takes a beating. Pay attention to things like dings in your gutters or tears in your window screens, indicating hail damage. You may see missing tiles or other signs of roof damage from the ground, but most leaks don't represent a need for whole roof replacement. Usually, the leak is coming from something requiring minor roof repair. Find the source of the leak, stop it, and clean the water damage.

Find the Leak Source

During storms in Tennessee, wind damage lets the rain into your roof. From the inside of your home, look for stains that indicate the leak source and areas needing roof repair. You may see water stains on your ceiling or coming down a wall. When you see that, get your flashlight and head to that area. Here are five familiar sources for a roof leak:

1. Vents and fans

2. Chimneys

3. Window dormers

4. Vent pipes

5. Unsecured nails and nail holes

Fix Water Damage

To complete your roof repair, start looking for materials damaged by water. Check for discolorations and rotting wood and wet drywall and insulation. When you find mold, remain careful and don't spread it during cleanup.

A mold remediation professional can help create a containment area while working on the water and mold damage. If you haven't found mold, be sure to start drying any wet materials immediately. Mold can begin growing on wet damaged materials in as little as 48 hours. Complete drying is critical to preventing mold, and it may take longer than you realize. Specialists have monitoring equipment that they use to ensure materials are dry.

Restoration Services for Storm Damage

3/15/2021 (Permalink)

Water restoration services are needed in water damage caused by floodwater, roof leak, ice damage, oozing of groundwater, leaking or bursting of frozen pipes, and ice dam bursting. Like SERVPRO of Montgomery County, water restoration companies have various storm remediation services to ensure successful home restoration tasks. During the home restoration process, the storm restoration companies concentrate on storm damages such as roof damages that may cause a roof leak hence the need for roof repair. Hail damage and wind damage may, for instance, cause roof damage.

Ice damming is also problematic in cold places like the Tundra that forms an ice dam that can burst at any moment, causing ice damage to your property or home. When frozen pipes burst, they may cause flooding in homes hence the need to clean floodwater before any damage occurs. On the other hand, river flooding can be minimized by constructing a flood pump that helps in the water restoration process when conducting home restoration exercises.

Ice damage, hail damage, hurricane damage, ice damming (forming ice dam), groundwater bursting, wind damage, and floodwater occur naturally. As a result, wind damage can be resolved through storm remediation. Hurricane damage is widespread, and its impact may be overwhelming. These damages may result in roof damage that calls for roof repairs to avoid a roof leak. Call SERVPRO of Montgomery County at (931) 645-1285.