How to Minimize Damage to your Home after a Pipe Leaks.

3/28/2023 (Permalink)

Nobody plans to have a flood in their home, so they seldom learn about what should be done if their home becomes flooded. Knowing some crucial steps to take after water damage occurs can keep additional damage to a minimum. If your home experiences a significant water issue such as a burst pipe, the first step most homeowners take is to do whatever is needed to stop the water. Here are a few more tips to minimize damage to your home after a flood.

Move any items that can be affected by water

If there are rugs or carpets in the flooded area that you can pick up, remove them immediately. Take them outside and drape them over something sturdy to let the water drain out and the item air out to prevent any mildew.

Water can do a significant amount of damage in a short amount of time, especially to items that have a color of any kind. Shoes, bags, area rugs, pet gear, books, or magazines, should all be moved. Most items won't suffer significantly from water damage if handled quickly. If any items that are perishable in nature are saturated with water, simply dispose of the item to prevent the risk of contamination. This includes kids’ toys, food, chew toys, pet food, or anything that is quickly impacted by water.

Remove as much water as you can up until SERVPRO arrives

Once the floor is clear of at-risk items, you can focus on sopping up as much standing water as possible until help arrives. Towels or a mop may be enough to get the mess under control, or you may want to use a shop vacuum if you have one that accommodates water.

While the SERVPRO water remediation team will be able to help with water cleanup, the sooner you can remove standing water, the better, until professionals arrive with equipment designed to extract all water completely.

Prop up furniture and other larger unmovable items

Some larger items affected by water may not be able to get moved out of the water-impacted area by the homeowner because of size or weight. If that is the case, there are still steps you can take to minimize the damage until help arrives. Use aluminum foil or small wooded blocks to raise furniture off wet floors, especially carpeted ones, to minimize damage.

Doing this protects your furniture from prolonged water exposure and possibly reduces the risk of discoloration of carpeting or transfer of furniture coloring onto your carpet. Whatever you can do to get larger pieces as much out of standing water as possible will help. Wipe down any wood furnishing that has become damp to potentially minimize warping.

Water damage in a home is always unexpected. Act quickly to stop the water source, then contact SERVPRO of Far North Dallas and Carrollton at 972-446-0383 for water remediation.

We are available 24/7 to help with any water emergency you may have and will respond quickly to your call.

How to Prepare your Home for Spring Storms.

3/22/2023 (Permalink)

We’ve listed a few activities you can do to protect your property from the Spring Storm damage.

Prepare Trees for Storm Season

One of the most common hazards that occurs during a storm is the uprooting of trees. Not only that, but heavy branches being also ripped off tossed about can cause some damage too. The microbursts tend to uproot trees of any size and carry outside furniture and play equipment down the street or a neighbor’s backyard if you end up finding it at all!

Not only can this cause damages to your property, but it can also cause some danger if nearby power lines are affected. Be sure that all your smaller or newly planted trees are double staked; if you’re not sure how to do that, ask a landscaper to assist you in securing those trees. You want them loose enough to give enough room for the tree to bend with the gusty winds, but secure enough to prevent them from being ripped out of the ground or broken off by powerful winds.

You should also trim the more mature trees to eliminate the branches that are thinner so that the limbs will have less weight.

Check Windows and Doors for Sealing

Now is the time to go through your home and inspect all the windows and doors for any spaces or gaps where water and dirt can seep through. If you see any space within the frames where the seal is, it’s time to replace that weather stripping, or get a professional to come in and do it for you.

While a tiny gap might be tempting to ignore, even the smallest amount of water will come in through that opening and cause mold which can spread around and will require professional mold remediation and removal. Replacing the weatherstripping will also prevent the dust from getting inside and settling on all the furniture, floors, and carpet after a heavy windstorm.

Check Out Your Roof

Get up on your roof (or have a professional do it for you) and look for any loose shingles or tiles before the storm season begins. This should be done regularly throughout the monsoon season. Strong storm winds often displace shingles and tiles which leave the property vulnerable to the storm elements that could cause even more damages. Missing tiles are more than a cosmetic issue; they protect your roof so be sure to be diligent here.

Check Drainage Around Your Home

In the past, have you ever noticed any issues with the drainage patterns which cause all the water to collect into pools? If you have, get that professionally addressed before the storms come. Protecting your investment from any potential water damages is obviously in your best interest. It’s important that water drains away from your home, not puddle up against it.

Make Room in the Garage Before the Storm hits.

Unsecured items outside of your property leave everyone at risk. The monsoon winds can be extremely powerful, capable of picking up objects from the ground, and carrying them somewhere else. Just make sure to clear away enough space in your garage to put bicycles and whatever else you may have unsecured on your property, like patio furniture.

We're here to help with storm damage

Regardless of how careful you are, life still happens, and there will still be some flooding and storm damages each year. That is why SERVPRO of Far North Dallas is here if it happens to your home. Available 24/7/365 for any emergency disaster! 

Contact us at 972-446-0383. Our technicians are highly skilled, and well-trained and are here to help if you experience any local storm damages during this upcoming monsoon season.

What Steps Should I Take After Water Damage Occurs?

3/16/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage is one of the most frustrating and damaging events that can happen in your home. Water damage can result from a variety of different situations, like a leaking pipe from a second floor washing machine, broken appliance or a sewer backup. Each situation is a little different and can come with different clean up procedures. No matter what caused the water damage, there are some routine procedures that you must follow until a professional can assess the situation. Here is the ultimate water damage checklist to help you care for the short term and long term integrity of your home.

#1) Find the Source

The first thing you need to do immediately after you see standing water in any area of your house is to find the source of the water. To prevent further damage to your house and belongings, you should stop the water immediately. This may mean turning off all the water to your home or calling a professional right away. Stopping additional water entering your home is always the first step.

#2) Take Care of Your Home

To prevent further damage to your home, you need to take preventative steps to your house and your belongings. You should turn off the power in your home because if water gets into the outlets or reaches exposed wires, it could turn your home into a catastrophe. In addition, you will want to take all of your valuables to an area of the home that was not exposed to water or to a friend or family's house until your home is restored.

#3) Call Your Insurance Company

Once you have the situation under control and your home is no longer in immediate danger, you should contact your insurance company. Get the quote started so that you have an idea of what will and will not be covered. Ask them for companies that they may have contracts with to help you in your process. Be sure to take pictures of everything so that there is no question later about what was damaged or not.

#4) Start Repairing Water Damage

Water in the home can cause some of the most severe damage possible. Start the repairs as soon you can to prevent mold and structural damage to the home. You should contact a water damage restoration company to help you clean and repair your home properly. Professional companies have the experience necessary to fix the water damage issue and look for mold and other hazardous issues.

#5) Dry Your Home

You need to start drying out your home as soon as possible. This means removing water and using fans to get rid of the humidity present in the home. You can use a variety of different equipment like a wet-vac or dehumidifiers to help. You should let the fans run for a few days to remove all humidity and help get your home back to normal. 

#6) Look for Mold

Mold only takes about 24 hours to grow. If your home is not dried out and repaired in this amount of time, you are risking exposure to mold. You should thoroughly inspect your house for mold in the carpets, walls, drywall, flooring and more. You should contact a professional mold remediation company to look for mold and help you remove mold, if you do see it.

The Professionals at SERVPRO in Far North Dallas and Carrollton are always here to help.  We respond to emergencies 7 days a week and 365 days a year, 24 hours a day.

Call 972-446-0383 if you need assistance!

Faster to ANY size Disaster.

3/16/2023 (Permalink)

Faster to ANY Disaster! 

SERVPRO of Carrollton and Bent Tree respond 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to all emergency events that your home or business may be experiencing.  If a pipe breaks, the toilet overflows, sewage backs up, you have a kitchen fire, or any other disaster, we are one phone call a way. 

We pride ourselves in taking the absolute best care of our customers.  We have the training and the equipment to get your property back to "likeitneverevenhappened". We are locally owned and involved in the community.  Please reach out to us by calling 972-446-0383.

One Stop Shop for Commercial Restoration

3/14/2023 (Permalink)

7x24x365

SERVPRO is your one-stop shop for commercial construction. While running the daily functions of your business, the last thing you want to worry about when you have a need for restoration or reconstruction is contacting and managing multiple repair crews.

We’ll work with your insurance company to restore your commercial property to help make it “Like it never even happened.” Our goal is to complete your commercial restoration project on time and within the budget with as little downtime to your business as possible. SERVPRO has competent and experienced professionals that believe in delivering quality workmanship.

Our full-service process includes: inspection and estimating, mitigation, restoration and reconstruction. We also offer premium services for dust control and protection from COVID-19 and other contaminants using our proprietary, EPA-registered products.

How to reduce the fire damage risk associated with the use of a clothes dryer

3/9/2023 (Permalink)

Blog Summary: SERVPRO of Carrollton advises Carrollton, TX, homeowners on ways to reduce the risk of a dryer fire in the home.

The fire damage, smoke damage, and water damage restoration specialists at SERVPRO® of Carrollton offer this helpful advice on ways to lower the risk of dryer fires and fire damage in homes.

The first electric clothes dryer was patented in 1937. There are an estimated 89 million of these amazing, time-saving appliances in US homes. Most units are electric (75%), and the remainder (25%) is gas. Temperatures reach between 125 degrees Fahrenheit and 135 degrees Fahrenheit.

The National Fire Protection Association reported the following statistic on clothes dryer fires in the United States: “In 2014-2018, local fire departments responded to an estimated average of 13,820 home structure fires per year in which dryers were involved in the ignition. These fires caused an average of seven civilian deaths, 344 civilian injuries, and $233 million in direct property damage annually… One-third (32%) of dryer fires were caused by a failure to clean. This appears to be mainly lint build-up, as 27% of dryer fires started when dust, fiber or lint ignited.”

When given proper care and maintenance, these appliances operate efficiently and safely for anywhere from 10 to 13 years, depending on the frequency of usage per week. The typical family does about 7.4 loads of laundry per week, or about 5,200 loads over the course of 13 years, the maximum estimated lifespan of a residential clothes dryer.

Given that an estimated 266 clothes dryer fires are reported each week in the United States, fire prevention tips can help homeowners safely operate this appliance.

Tip #1. Clean the lint filter after every load

Some homeowners clean the dryer lint filter once a week or once a month, allowing the lint to build up and restrict airflow through the appliance. An enormous amount of lint can accumulate in the filter after only a single cycle when drying towels, diapers, or other lint-generating fabrics. Lint build-up creates a fire hazard and reduces the drying efficiency of the appliance due to the restricted airflow.

It literally pays to clean the lint filter after every cycle. The wet clothes dry faster. The stress on the appliance is reduced, adding to its longevity. The potential for fire decreases with the decrease in the amount of lint in the filter. Since the clothes dryer reaches temperatures of 135 degrees Fahrenheit, excessive strain on the system can elevate the operating temperature to dangerously high levels.

Some dryers have alerts to warn the homeowner that lint build-up adversely affects the appliance's performance. Some vent sensors are sensitive enough to detect partial blockages, while other detection systems only send an alert when the system experiences a total blockage. The more sensitive alert technology is superior, but not all appliances have this feature.

The best and safest practice is to check and clean the lint filter after every cycle. This habit ensures peak performance and safe operation of the appliance at all times.

Tip #2. Replace the collapsible accordion-style vent ducts with rigid, all-metal, smooth-walled ducts

Unlike the accordion-style ducts, which can droop and collect lint, the metal ducts allow air and lint to pass through the pipe with little or no resistance. If a metal duct system is installed, check for sheet metal screws that can snag lint, causing an eventual build-up. Use metal clamps or foil tape to connect sections of the ducts to ensure a tight seal and a smooth trip through the duct to the outside of the home.

Tip #3. Have a licensed, experienced professional inspect and clean the clothes dryer, and ductwork once a year

If drying time takes longer than usual, the culprit may be a blockage in the dryer vent system. A quick check of the outside vent should find warm air freely streaming from the vent. A thorough cleaning of the clothes dryer and vent system can be handled by a licensed professional, bringing peace of mind and a clean, efficient, and safe clothes dryer.

Bonus tip: Be very careful drying clothes that have been exposed to flammable liquids such as kerosene, diesel, gasoline, cleaning solvents, cooking oil, or other flammable chemicals. Wash contaminated clothing through two wash cycles. If weather permits, hang the clothing outside to dry. If the items must be run through the clothes dryer, set the appliance at the lowest heat setting for maximum safety.

For a fire, smoke, and water damage disaster caused by a clothes dryer clogged with lint, contact the professionals at SERVPRO of Carrollton. IICRC-certified technicians arrive at the client’s home in about an hour to begin the fire and water damage cleanup and restoration process. The rapid response and quick cleanup help return life to normal as soon as possible in Far North Dallas properties affected by fire damage disasters.

To learn more about water damage restoration in Carrollton, TX, call SERVPRO of Carrollton at (972) 446-0383 or email office@SERVPRO10952.com.

Pests: A potential cause of property damage and water damage that should not be overlooked

3/9/2023 (Permalink)

Blog Summary: SERVPRO of Carrollton exposes how pests can cause structural damage and water damage in the home.

SERVPRO® of Carrollton provides water removal and water damage restoration services when pests cause structural damage and water damage in the home. A home is often the largest single purchase most people will make in their lifetime. Taking care of this investment is vitally important. Proper maintenance, upgrades to keep the décor current, and replacing worn-out appliances are several ways to protect and even increase the value of this significant financial investment.

Hebron, TX, homeowners need to identify any factors that can compromise, degrade, or damage the home's structural integrity. When uninvited insects or other pests invade the house, the first concern is the health of the people in the home. These uninvited “guests” can also cause significant structural damage to any location in the house with an infestation or an intrusion. A full-blown pest infestation and the occasional pest “visitation” require immediate attention before the home's health and structural integrity are compromised. A call to a trusted pest control company can resolve most issues. If structural damage is inflicted on the house, the cleanup and repairs can cost thousands of dollars. A heightened awareness is the first step to preventing pests and the damage they can do to a home. Listed below are some of the most common areas of the house where pests cause damage.

Foundation damage

The structural integrity of a building rests upon its foundation. Any compromise of the foundation affects the entire structure. Warping, bowing, and shifting in the walls, floors, ceiling, and roof may be symptoms of foundation issues stemming from pest damage. Termites can weaken or destroy structural beams, and burrowing pests can undermine the ability of a piling to sustain the weight of a load-bearing wall. If a pest incursion allows water to flow under the home, portions of the foundation and supporting piers can settle or sink, putting the house under stress. Though the pests do not directly cause damage, their activities result in damage. At least once or twice a year, the homeowner should inspect the perimeter of the home and crawl space for evidence of termites, burrowing, unexplained moisture, settling, and cracks in the foundation. Foundation issues, when diagnosed early, can be remedied quickly. Delays and neglect allow the problem to grow and may impact the willingness of the insurance company to pay for remedies and repairs.

Hardwood floor damage

Any wood products found in the home are susceptible to damage from pests such as termites, carpenter ants, and beetles. Termites and carpenter ants are common culprits. Some of the wood-boring beetles common to Texas are:

• flat-headed borers
• bark beetles
• the old house borer
• wharf borers

Look for small bore holes in hardwood flooring and structural timers. Adult beetles also produce a powdery residue called frass when they bore into wood. Annual inspections and spot inspections when evidence indicates an outbreak will help avoid structural damage from these pests.

Roof damage

Damage to the roof often results in water damage to the home. High winds can damage shingles and underlayment, resulting in a roof leak. If a limb or tree falls on the roof during a severe thunderstorm, the attic can be flooded. Ceilings and walls beneath the damaged area may warp or buckle. If the water intrusion is severe, flooring can be ruined. The water will eventually make its way into the crawl space, where wood rot and mold infestation can occur.

High winds, heavy rainfall, limb and tree damage, and clogged gutters are common causes of water damage in the home. However, something as small as a squirrel, chipmunk, raccoon, skunk, or bird can also damage the roof, allowing for a water intrusion. Mice, bees, and termites, though they are tiny, can cause significant problems when their activities result in a roof leak and water damage. Some rodents will directly chew through water pipes, causing a water leak and water damage. Leaks in the roof can cause mold, mildew, and wood rot. Excessive water and moisture in the attic could cause wiring, outlets, and electrical components to arc and catch fire. Water damage from extinguishing the flames could easily exceed the expense of fire damage in repair costs.

What to do when water damage occurs

When water damage occurs, the team of water damage restoration professionals at SERVPRO of Carrollton responds in about an hour with the latest equipment, cutting-edge moisture-detecting technology, advanced cleaning techniques, and EPA-approved products. The team at SERVPRO of Carrollton can handle the insurance claims process from beginning to end.

For more information about Hebron, TX, water removal services, contact SERVPRO of Carrollton by email at office@SERVPRO10952.com. The office can also be reached by phone at (972) 446-0383.

The cost of hailstorms and storm damage in Texas

3/9/2023 (Permalink)

Blog Summary: SERVPRO of Carrollton reviews significant hailstorm events in the history of Texas.

SERVPRO of Carrollton offers flood restoration services when severe weather strikes. The insurance industry recognizes the devastating impact of high winds and hail on property in Texas. “Texas is known for its volatile storm season. It’s also the most hail-damaged state in the country, so it’s no wonder wind and hail are the most common perils homeowners face…Unsurprisingly, the most common home insurance claims in Texas are for home exterior and roof damage due to wind and hail. Nationally, 1 in 42 insurance claims involves hail and wind damage. The average in Texas is much higher. The category of wind damage includes damages from tornadoes, hurricanes, windstorms, and more.”

According to the experts, the cost of property damage cleanup, repair, and restoration for high wind and hail is staggering. “Hail is the costliest natural disaster in Texas. It’s not uncommon for hail damages to run into the billions of dollars every year in our state. Hail in Texas causes more property damage than tornadoes and hurricanes combined. These weather events are hard to predict. Many homeowners are caught unaware, and their homes suffer from severe roof damage, broken glass, and other hazards.”

The worst hailstorms in the recent history of Texas

An understanding of the power of hail to damage property underscores the need for preparation and readiness when severe weather strikes and causes storm and flood damage. The Lone Star State has experienced annual property damage from hail on a level with the costliest years ever recorded for hailstorm damage. (Dollar amounts are adjusted to reflect 2019 values.)

#10. Carrollton: June 6, 2018 - $639 million

Carrollton, Texas, experienced the worst of a hailstorm that caused over $639 million in property damage. Hailstones three inches in diameter pelted the greater Dallas-Fort Worth area.

#9. McAllen: March 29, 2012 - $670 million

During this storm, McAllen was rocked by the largest hailstone in recorded history to hit the Rio Grande Valley. Hailstones the size of baseballs pummeled the area, and winds registering 75 miles per hour accompanied the barrage of icy missiles.

#8. Plano: March 23, 2016 - $748 million

A band of severe thunderstorms which spawned one tornado slammed into northern Tarrant County. Northern Dallas and Southern Collin County received extensive damage totaling three-quarters of a billion dollars.

#7. Dallas-Fort Worth: April 3, 2012 - $866 million

In the mele of severe weather, 22 tornadoes descended on metro Dallas-Fort Worth and the surrounding region. The DFW Metroplex sustained severe damage from the large hailstones. Over 100 airplanes were damaged and had to be taken out of service until repairs could be made. Thankfully, thunderstorms, high winds, tornadoes, and large hail caused no fatalities. However, 24 people were injured.

#6. Denton: April 3, 2014 - $921 million

Denton received the brunt of the damage. Softball-sized hail caused nearly $1 billion in damages, and three tornadoes cut a swath of destruction through the area.

#5. Dallas-Fort Worth: June 13, 2012 - $995 million

Hail from several supercells pounded Dallas County during this weather event. Hail stones as large as 3 inches smacked some areas for up to 30 minutes. The unrelenting beatdown damaged tens of thousands of vehicles. Homes in the region experienced broken windows and extensive roof damage. The high winds and incessant hail left trees stripped of their leaves.

#4. North Texas: April 5, 2003 - $1.23 billion

Three large storm cells blanketed much of North Texas, including Dallas–Fort Worth, with hail. Siding, windows, gutters, roofs, aircraft, vehicles, and vegetation were punched and pelted by the frozen precipitation, and three people sustained physical injuries.

#3. Fort Worth-Waco: April 28, 1992 - $1.37 billion

This devastating weather event involved Fort Worth and Waco, nearly 100 miles from each other. Over five hours, residents on a path from Waco to Fort Worth sheltered as grapefruit-sized hailstones crashed through windows and smashed into roofs. The massive hailstorm became the worst-ever hail event in Texas history.

#2. San Antonio: April 12, 2016 - $1.5 billion

A dynamic weather pattern sent hailstorms rumbling across South Central Texas. A fierce hailstorm roared through the northern half of San Antonio, producing giant hail. One hailstone measured 4.5 inches, tying the record for the largest ever recorded in Bexar County. Approximately 125,000 homes and 136,000 vehicles sustained damage from the monster hailstorms.

#1. North Texas: May 5, 1995 - $1.85 billion

The famous “1995 Mayfest Storm” blanketed parts of southern Parker County with hail the size of golf balls. In some places, the hail was 18 inches deep. The storm intensified and moved into Tarrant County, hurling baseball-sized balls at vehicles, homes, livestock, and people. Softball-size hail was reported at many locations, including Mayfest, where an estimated 10,000 people were caught in the open. The fierce storm caused wind damage, hail damage, flood damage, and water damage.

Why choose SERVPRO of Carrollton for water and flood damage restoration

The team at SERVPRO of Carrollton has the training, expertise, and experience to provide water damage and flood damage restoration services when a disaster strikes. When a widespread disaster strikes, the SERVPRO family can scale to meet the challenges it brings. Equipped with industrial-strength pumps, technicians can remove large quantities of water from homes and businesses. The rapid response and quick cleaning minimize damage and return life to normal as soon as possible in communities like Indian Creek Carrollton, TX.

For more information about flood restoration services in Carrollton, TX, contact SERVPRO of Carrollton by calling (972) 446-0383 or emailing office@SERVPRO10952.com.

How to evaluate a kennel when boarding pets after a water damage disaster

2/17/2023 (Permalink)

Blog Summary: SERVPRO of Carrollton looks at the benefits of putting the family dog and other pets in a kennel or other pet care facility during the water damage restoration process.

SERVPRO of Carrollton specializes in fire damage, smoke and soot damage, and water damage restoration. Other cleanup and restoration services include storm and flood damage, mold remediation, biohazard cleanup, and crime scene cleanup. The SERVPRO team can manage the entire project from beginning to end, including project management for the repair and restoration of major damage to the structure. The insurance claims process does not have to be a hassle for the homeowner since the SERVPRO staff can handle the complicated process from beginning to end. Using industry-standard estimating software such as Xactimate ensures that the job starts on the right foot with a detailed estimate accompanied by images and video documentation.

A property damage disaster of any kind is intrusive, disruptive, stressful, costly, and sometimes fraught with sadness and grief over the loss of a home, family heirlooms, family photographs, important legal documents, artwork, or collectibles. When property damage is extensive, the occupants may determine to leave the residence for several days during the initial phase of the cleanup. Sometimes the insurance company will cover these living expenses. However, the homeowner should not make any assumptions about reimbursement for food, lodging, clothing, and toiletries without first consulting with the insurance company. If house pets need to be boarded off the premises, the expenses may or may not be covered by the homeowners' policy. Again, check with an agent about insurance coverage.

Reasons to remove pets from home during the restoration process

Pets, especially cats and dogs, experience the sights, sounds, smells, physical discomfort, anxiety, and emotional distress associated with disaster in much the same way as humans do. In fact, dogs can be easily overwhelmed by the sensory and emotional overload of a property damage disaster. Pet owners should take into consideration the following information when trying to decide whether to remove the family dog from the premises:

1. Dogs can smell from 1,000 to 10,000 times better than humans. The acrid, toxic smells of a fire damage disaster can be overwhelming for a dog.
2. Dogs can hear sounds such as sirens, horns, engines, machinery, blasts, and shouts four times further away than humans. Dogs can also hear almost twice as many frequencies as humans. The sounds of equipment are loud by human standards. The roar of a wet/dry vacuum, the hum from commercial dehumidifiers, and the sounds of hammering, sawing, and drilling can be painful for a dog’s sensitive ears.
3. Dogs (1,700 tastebuds) have much less discriminating taste than humans (9,000 tastebuds). Dogs hate the taste and smell of citrus (oranges and lemons), a fragrance found in many common household cleaners.
4. Dogs feel empathy for their humans, who are both stressed and distressed over the property damage disaster. These internalized canine emotions can leave the beloved pet depressed and confused.

From the vantage point of the dog, the best course of action is to take the pet to a trusted kennel until the hustle and bustle of the cleanup and restoration crew has settled down.

Evaluating a kennel for the family pets

If the family has a trusted and reliable kennel, it will be easy to relocate the family pet to a kennel after a water damage disaster or other property damage disaster occurs. Below are some vital points to consider when qualifying for suitable pet accommodations.

#1. To locate a short list of tried and proven kennels, ask local veterinarians, groomers, friends with dogs, neighbors, and family members.

#2. If possible, conduct a walk-through at the kennel. Take the dog along to observe its reaction and how the staff interacts with the new arrival.

#3. Check references and read plenty of online reviews. Is the business a member of a professional organization related to kenneling dogs?

#4. Living spaces should be clean, chemical-free, climate-controlled, and secure.

#5. Ask about immunization requirements. (e.g., Bordetella shot, current rabies, distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza)

#6. Are dogs also screened for ticks and fleas?

#7. Do the caretakers interact well with all the dogs? Do pet care providers have certifications?

#8. Is the exercise time adequate, well-managed, and active?

#9. Are bathroom breaks adequate?

#10. Does the facility have a well-defined protocol if a pet needs emergency medical attention?

#11. Is staffing adequate 24-7?

#12. What is the emergency evacuation plan?

#13. What payment methods are available? How do rates compare to other kennels in the area? What services are promised with this level of care? When do clients pay? Is there an additional fee for a late pickup? What is the cancellation policy?

#14. Know what items the pet owner is required to provide.

The American Kennel Club offers the following tip to make the return home calm, relaxed, and uneventful: “When you pick up your dog from the boarding kennel or dog watcher’s home, don’t feed or give them water for at least four hours after returning home. They will likely be excited, which can trigger food gulping, vomiting, and diarrhea. If they seem thirsty, provide a few ice cubes rather than water. Then, let your dog calm down and rest.”

For more information about water damage restoration services in Far North Dallas, contact SERVPRO of Carrollton by calling (972) 446-0383 or by emailing office@SERVPRO10952.com.

Garage water damage: How to mitigate disaster and the need for water removal services

2/17/2023 (Permalink)

Blog Summary: SERVPRO of Carrollton offers helpful tips for mitigating a water damage disaster in the garage.

SERVPRO® of Carrollton provides water removal and cleanup when a water damage disaster occurs in the garage. Technicians, certified by the IICRC, utilize powerful wet/dry vacuums to remove the water and heavy-duty dehumidifiers to remove excess moisture. The SERVPRO team offers these tips to mitigate a water damage disaster in the garage.

The garage never gets a break from the risk of water damage. Winter brings cold, wet spells that can last for days. Occasionally, thunderstorms rumble through North Texas dumping inches of rain on Carrollton and the surrounding communities. Spring brings an onslaught of moisture, which finally gives way to the much drier summer months. The solution is consistently applying water damage mitigating strategy for the garage. Procrastination can lead to thousands of dollars in water damage, foundation damage, and mold infestation.

The tips below can help mitigate flooding in the garage when storms bring the conditions necessary for flooding and water damage.

#1. Install weather stripping under the garage door

This preventive measure is very simple and should be the first step in executing a flood damage prevention strategy. Weatherstripping is the first line of defense against flooding in the garage. Properly installed weatherstripping can keep most water from entering the garage. However, degraded weatherstripping can allow large amounts of water to enter the garage, causing widespread damage to baseboards, structural timber, the garage floor, and whatever contents are stored in the garage. Moisture in the garage can cause mold in the bonus room above the garage.

Install best quality replacement weatherstripping designed for the specific door. The lower-quality adhesive weatherstripping solutions are inferior and will lead to problems not too far into the future.

#2. Install sandbags or flood barriers across the garage entrance

When meteorologists call for a stall low-pressure system with lots of rain or a severe band of heavy thunderstorms that can cause flooding, take immediate action to put down sandbags. Homes that are not in flood plains may still be at risk of flooding. A stalled thunderstorm can cause havoc in a cul de sac. Clogged storm drains will not be able to evacuate enough water to prevent flooding. Or, the downpour may be so heavy the drainage capacity is overwhelmed, resulting in only several homes being flooded. If localized micro-flooding has occurred in the past, be assured history will repeat itself. Sandbags and flood barriers can keep out most, if not all, of the water, preventing the garage and home from being flooded.

#3. Install one or more flood vents

A flood vent does not prevent flooding, but the vents do prevent the water from backing up in the garage and flooding the living space inside the home. When water floods the garage, it evacuates through the vents before becoming deep enough to flood into the house. The garage may sustain some damage, but the damage will be limited to only an inch or so at the most.

#4. Install multiple drainage solutions to direct the water away from the home and garage

The neighborhood storm drain system should be able to handle most heavy downpours. If the storm drain system cannot control the rainfall, steps can be taken to safeguard the home and garage. First, assess the slope around the house. If the ground slopes toward the home, flooding is inevitable. Some adjustments can be immediately implemented. The grade around the home can be improved to direct water away from the foundation and garage. Another solution is a French drain along the drive or in front of the garage. The system should effectively capture and divert water away from the garage and foundation.

Drainage issues can result in extensive water damage in a home or business. When dealing with water flow, elevation, topography, slope, grade, and municipal water management codes, the homeowner may need to bring in professionals with the training and experience to identify and implement a solution.

When adjusting slope and drainage, be aware that every action has a consequence. Excess water runoff caused by changing the topography or drainage of the yard could cause a flood damage disaster in one or more neighbor’s yards, and the offending party could be held liable for damages. Schedule a consultation with a certified landscape architect to inspect and assess the situation. A few simple changes in berms, swales, trenches, and drains can save tens of thousands of dollars in flood damage to the homes and businesses of neighbors.

What to do when the garage floods

When the garage floods from severe weather, a flash flood, or a burst pipe, contact the professionals at SERVPRO of Carrollton for a rapid response and a quick cleanup and restoration process. For more information about Valley Ranch Irving, TX, water removal services, call SERVPRO of Carrollton at (972) 446-0383. The office can also be contacted by email at office@SERVPRO10952.com.