SERVPRO of Carrollton is Family Owned.

9/13/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Carrollton and Far North Dallas is locally owned and operated, so we are part of this community too.

When you have a flooding or water emergency, we’re already nearby and ready to help. We take pride in being a part of the Far North Dallas, Josey Ranch, Carrollton, Preston Ridge and Bent Tree community and want to do our part in making it the best it can be.

Call us today if you experience any catastrophe in your home or office.

972-446-0383

Understanding the Insurance Deductible.

8/28/2023 (Permalink)

7x24x365

Home Insurance in Texas

In Texas, homeowners are not required to have Home Insurance but if you have a mortgage on your home, your mortgage company may require it.  Though it is not required, it is heavily recommended. 

What is a Deductible?

The most common reasons for a home insurance claim are wind and hail damage, water and freezing damage, fire damage, and theft. Home insurance is typically paid on a monthly basis and often for years before it is needed.   Deductibles can be a flat amount or a percent of the home value.  This can often range between $500-$2,000 or 1-2%.  The insured will pay the deductible amount, with the insurance company usually covering everything above and beyond that amount. For example, the average fire damage claim is around $80,000.  If the deductible was $2,000, the insured would pay that amount with the remaining $78,000 being paid by the insurance company.

When to Make an Insurance Claim

When an issue arises that may cause the need for water damage mitigation or fire damage restoration services, it is worth determining the cost to fix the issue before making an insurance claim.  Using the example mentioned above, if the cost to take care of the problem is below the deductible, a claim should not be made.  Often if the cost is slightly above the deductible, it may not be worth making a claim. 

Calling insurance to make a claim and not actually following through with the claim can cause what is known as a zero-dollar claim.  Though the homeowner did not officially get any monetary benefit from the insurance company, it is now on their record and typically results in an increase in the monthly insurance rates going forward.

 Who to Call for Help?

A call to a professional mitigation/restoration company like the experts at SERVPRO of Carrollton and Far North Dallas.  They can assist in surveying the damage, coming up with a plan and an estimate to help with your claim decision.

Do you have an emergency kit in your home?

12/27/2021 (Permalink)

One thing that really hit home during last Winter"s freeze was how quickly you may need items to keep warm and survive without power.  We compiled a small list to share:

1. Water, 1 gal per person per day
2. Food, 3 day supply per person 
3. Can opener (manual!)
4. Flashlight, batteries, back up phone charger
5. First aid kit, hygiene items
6. Matches
7. Cash
8. Emergency phone numbers
9. Candles and lanterns
10. Blankets
11. Long Underwear or Extra Layers of clothing
12. Generator available

We hope that the Winter Freeze of 2021 was a once in a life time event in Texas.  

If it isn't though, we will be ready!  

You can always call us if you need emergency assistance for a broken pipe, water leak, toilet overflow, and general clean-up.  We are available 7x24x365.

972-446-0383

Should I have my air ducts cleaned in our office?

10/22/2021 (Permalink)

Most homeowners are aware of the importance of air duct cleaning. Unfortunately, not all office building owners are as diligent as they should be when it comes to cleaning air ducts. Learn why cleaning ducts on a regular basis is a good idea.

What is air duct cleaning?

Duct cleaning generally refers to the cleaning of various heating and cooling system components of forced air systems, including the supply and return air ducts and registers, grilles and diffusers, heat exchangers heating and cooling coils, condensation drip pans, fan motor and fan housing, and the air handling unit housing. If not properly maintained and operated, these components may become contaminated with particles of dust, pollen, or other debris. 

Why air duct cleaning is important for office buildings

Ventilation systems are often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality. Making it a priority to inspect the ductwork of your business building is a good idea to prevent the accumulation of dust, pollen, and other debris in your ducts. If your HVAC has been operating for some time without attention, it may be time to inspect them to see if it’s time for a cleaning.

This is especially true if your system is running constantly during hot summer months, or if you recently did renovations that created a significant amount of dust. If you haven’t cleaned your system and its vents, it could be circulating one or more of the following:

• Dust
• Pollen
• Odors
• Dirt and debris

Cleaning your air ducts helps restore peak efficiency of your system, can prevent odors, and can help reduce the potential of mold growth. Not sure if you need a cleaning? If you see excessive dirt around your air returns, it’s a good idea to contact SERVPRO!

Contact SERVPRO for your air duct cleaning

SERVPRO of Carrollton can routinely inspect the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit (HVAC) in your commercial building.  Keeping them clean can extend the life of the equipment. This can in turn save you money and give you cleaner air to breathe.

When its time to clean your office building’s air ducts contact SERVPRO of Carrollton's cleaning professionals at (972) 446-0383!

Who you gonna" call? SERVPRO---

10/11/2021 (Permalink)

That’s got to be the biggest question, you may ask yourself, when you’re standing in front of a busted pipe in your kitchen or your husband tried building his own hot tub and now your whole living room is starting to look like a small kiddie pool? Who do we call??? SERVPRO!!

But, why? There’re multiple reasons why, but let’s start with the obvious.

Two words, 24/7. The fact that we are answering our phones no matter what time of the day it is, provides a relief to all our customers. That’s what were here for, to provide you a safe and restored home for you and your family!

Depending on the damage, taken by your home we take immediate action.

From clearing out your home; i.e., from all its interior belongings, cleaning and sanitizing.

To insurance claims, also! SERVPRO's claim services help us communication between the property owner, insurance company, and restoration professionals. The claims information is provided electronically, so it is available even after business hours.! Loss photographs, job cost estimates, necessary paperwork, and other important documents are all available electronically, making things easier to manage.

Your home is returned “Like it never even happened,” and I think that’s the best part for our customers! A fast quick process, in which you can claim your homes restoration process is done faster than ever!

Don’t think about it to much next time you ask, “why SERVPRO”? Being a family-owned franchise, the decision should come easy when choosing who to work in your home.

Join our team at SERVPRO of Carrollton and Bent Tree!

12/27/2020 (Permalink)

#HeretoHelp!

Do you want to help people? Are you a service driven professional looking for a career where you can help those that have been impacted by a water or fire loss?

If this is you, SERVPRO of Carrollton and Bent Tree is currently looking to fill positions in water and fire mitigation, content and structure cleaning and mold remediation.

We are also looking for construction professionals for our sister company Ciatto Restoration LLC with both full-time and sub-contract opportunities.

The requirements for this position:

• Must have a professional appearance and great attitude.
• Ability to pass a criminal background check with no felony convictions or misdemeanors involving violence or theft.
• Some night and weekend work is required.
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds.
• Must have a valid drivers license.
• Must have a high school diploma or a GED certificate.
  
  Please call 972-446-0382 for more information or email your resume to mciatto@SERVPRO10952.com.

Why is a flood cut a part of the restoration process during a water leak?

10/20/2020 (Permalink)

Call us today if you have a water leak in Dallas, TX.

Why is a Flood Cut a Vital Part of the Restoration Process?

Unfortunately, flooding is sometimes unavoidable in Far North Dallas, TX. The important thing is to be prepared to rebuild and repair. One very common tactic used when cleaning and repairing water damage after a flood is called a flood cut. It involves cutting out a large portion of the walls and replacing it with new material. You may be wondering why a flood cut is necessary, as it does tear out a large portion of a building. Take the time to learn all about the flood cut and why it is a vital part of the restoration process.

The Different Categories of Water

To understand flood cuts, you must first understand the different categories of water damage.

Category one water is completely clean. This type of water usually comes from broken pipes.
Category two water, which is sometimes called grey water, is contaminated with minor microbes and bacteria. This type of water usually comes from broken appliances, such as washing machines or showers.

Category three water, which is sometimes called black water, contains serious contamination. This water comes from flooding, septic failure, and other major events.

A flood cut is usually only employed when category two or three water is involved. Most of the time, the water in a flood falls into the third category, which makes it incredibly dangerous.

What Is a Flood Cut?

A flood cut is essentially a line drawn on the walls 12 inches above the highest point the water ever reached. Everything below this line must be gutted from the wall to protect against contamination and mold growth. Category three water can cause serious health problems, which is why a flood cut is so important after flooding. It may be more expensive, but not having a flood cut done is putting yourself at risk to save a few bucks. You should always choose a restoration company that values the flood cut technique.

We can help you take back control when water damage takes over!

10/6/2020 (Permalink)

7x24x365

According to the National Weather Service (NOAA), "Approximately 75% of all Presidential disaster declarations are associated with flooding." NOAA lists the most common flood hazards in the United States as: - Flash Flooding - River Flooding - Burn Scars/Debris Flows (caused by wildfires) - Ice/Debris Jams - Snowmelt - Dry Wash (caused by heavy rainfall in dry areas) - Dam Breaks/Levee Failure - Storm Surge and Coastal Inundation from Tropical and Non-Tropical Systems

Just because you haven't experienced a flood doesn't mean you won't in the future. In fact, 20% of all claims paid by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) were for policies in low-risk communities. On average, floods cost $3.5 billion in annual losses in the United States.

When catastrophic water damage happens to you, SERVPRO of Carrollton and Bent Tree (Far North Dallas) can help. We can help you prepare ahead of time with an Emergency Ready Profile, or respond to any size disaster to begin cleanup and restoration to get you back into your home as soon as possible. We are ready to help make it "Like it never even happened."

Call today---972-446-0383!

Preparing your Family for a Tornado

10/25/2019 (Permalink)

Be Prepared When Heavy Storms are in your Area.

Preparing for a Tornado

There’s not a lot you can do to prevent tornado damage to your home, but you can take steps to prevent injury to the people inside it.

Tips for tornado safety-

Pick a safe space

This should be a spot everyone can get to quickly. Or, consider a safe room for maximum protection.

How to pick a tornado safe space

• Home with basement – The basement is often your safest bet, if it’s not prone to flooding. Pick a space away from windows and under some kind of sturdy protection if possible, like a heavy table.

• Apartment building or home without a basement – Find a space away from windows on the lowest floor possible, like a small centered room, an interior hallway or under a stairwell.

• Mobile home – Find an underground shelter or sturdy permanent structure nearby.

Do a practice tornado drill at least once a year. Make sure your family also knows where to go during a tornado if they’re not at home, and pick a local place to meet if you’re separated during a tornado.

Create survival and first aid kits

Stow them in your safe space. Include things like non-perishable foods, bottled water, flashlight, batteries, phone chargers, first aid supplies, and medicines. Keep heavy blankets or an old mattress in your space too, for added protection.

Secure important documents

Use a fire box, safe, or safety deposit box to store things like contact information for family and friends, insurance information, passports, birth certificates, and marriage licenses.

Create a home inventory and schedule an insurance review.

A detailed home inventory can help make sure you have the right coverage for your belongings. And if you’re a homeowner, talk with your insurance agent to make sure your home is covered for its replacement cost value.

Watch or Warning

Educate your family on the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning, and know what to do during each. Make sure everyone knows how to spot a tornado too. Watch for a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud, an approaching cloud of debris or a loud roar that’s similar to a freight train.

Use this tornado preparedness checklist to keep your plan on track. And when severe weather is on the way, tune in to your NOAA radio station or your local news for the latest updates.

Steps for Cleaning Your Crawlspace

9/12/2018 (Permalink)

Water damage in this small space let to mold. Don't let this happen to you.

A home flood in Carrollton, Texas, can affect every inch of your home. Most of the storm damage is easy to see. Some areas, however, such as your crawlspace, may be flooded without your knowledge. After a thorough inspection, if you discover flood damage in your crawlspace, here are some tips for dealing with it.

How to deal with a flooded crawlspace

Remove Items

While the name indicates a certain need for openness, in most homes, a crawlspace is not just an open space. Sometimes insulation is added, particularly in colder climates. They may also house parts of your HVAC unit, plumbing or wiring. Some homeowners may even use it as storage for keepsakes or seasonal items. When it is flooded, however, the restoration company you hire to remediate the water damage will need to remove all the items to determine if they can be salvaged.

Remove Water

After the space is cleared of items and debris, the next step of home flood remediation is removing the standing water in the space. An industrial sump pump or trash pump is typically used to complete this process. It siphons the water out of the crawlspace into a tank in the technicians' truck. From there they can safely dispose of it in another location.

Dry Surfaces

Once the crawlspace is emptied, the remaining surfaces may still be wet. They cannot be left this way or the space may develop a mold problem. Mold can start to grow in as little as 24 hours, so the faster the area can be dried, the better. Technicians may use dehumidifiers to leach the moisture out of the air. High-powered fans can be used to increase air flow across the surfaces and evaporate moisture as the air moves outside.

Once the area is dry, it still has to be disinfected, as water from storm damage often contains bacteria that you wouldn't want in your home. Drying your crawlspace is an important factor in avoiding further water damage during a home flood.