Preventing Water Damage Caused by Frozen Pipes

3/9/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Provides Water Removal Services During the Winter in the Grand Island and Hastings area

As most people know, winterizing your home in the fall can help prevent issues in the winter when the temperatures drop and snow flies. Prevention is always the key to avoiding costly damage caused by cold temperatures or snowfall. 

When it comes to deterring frozen pipes and ice damming in the Grand Island and Hastings area, most homeowners know the basics of winterizing your home. However, for houses that seem to be prone to damage in the winter, there are several steps you can take to prevent issues related to cold weather. First off, it is always wise to remove outdoor water fixtures, including hoses and sprinkler systems.

If certain sections of your pipes have frozen in the past, you may need to take steps to keep them warm in the wintertime. One way is to wrap a UL-endorsed heater tape to your water lines with a thermostat to prevent overheating. A less expensive way is to cover all of your pipes with foam insulation. It is also wise to heat your sink drain lines with a lamp or leave your cabinets open, especially on cold nights.

If your power happens to go out during a storm, you should open both your cold and hot water faucets so the water keeps moving. You can also go through your hose and seal off any gaps or cracks near any of your water pipes. Other more permanent prevention methods are a thermal convection-powered hot water recirculation valve or installing a "RedyTemp" system that monitors the water temperature inside your lines.

But, if you still notice a leak caused by a pipe freeze or ice dam, our SERVPRO technicians can help in the following ways:

• Water Removal Services
• Water Damage Repairs
• Applied Structural Drying (ASD)
• Water Clean Up

Anytime you notice water inside your house where it is not supposed to be, call SERVPRO of Grand Island and Hastings at (308) 210-2960.

Continuing Education Classes

11/1/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Grand Island and Hastings offers both credit and non-credit courses for insurance agents, insurance adjusters, and Real Estate professionals. Our offered Continuing Education (CE) Courses provide you and your employees with information that will allow you to better service your customers.

These programs are designed to improve the knowledge of your staff regarding emergency mitigation. Our franchise has held Continuing Education Courses on various topics including:

• Biohazard Cleanup
• Understanding Mold in the Restoration Industry
• Restorative Drying for Water Damage
• Mitigation Awareness Response Seminars
• The Hazards of Hoarding

Our upcoming CE Course will be December 9th through our zoom link.

"Ethics"

The premise for this ethics course is that although we may have solid ethical foundations and usually make rational ethical decisions, ethical lapses are likely to come when we are stressed, angry, upset, worried, or otherwise disengaged. Each and every day we are faced with decisions that could cause harm to others or ourselves. Facing ethical decisions can be very difficult, especially when we make decisions that may seem correct at first, but we later find out were not so great. As we explore what "Ethics" is, you will be challenged to become involved in group activities. The group activities will help reinforce what has been learned, as well as increase your ability to better deal with ethical decision-making in your own life.

If you have any questions, please contact Nathan Koerner at nathan@goSERVPRO.com or give him a call at 712-253-3852 

Reviews and Why They Are Important

11/1/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Grand Island and Hastings has been restoring homes and commercial properties for awhile now.

SERVPRO strives to provide the highest quality and efficient work possible. No matter what your expectations are for fire and water damage, mold remediation, or COVID-19 cleaning, we strive to exceed them.

This is where YOU come in.

As a customer, we understand that you want to know how great the technicians are at SERVPRO of Grand Island and Hastings.

Check out our current testimonial page for a vast representation of what our customers think about us.

Have you been serviced by SERVPRO of Grand Island and Hastings but haven't left a review yet?

Whether we provided our restoration or remediation services a year ago or yesterday, there is still more than enough time to write about your experience. 

We want to know what you think about our services so we can continue our high quality and efficient work!

Have Questions? Call Us Today: 308-210-2960

Here For You!

11/1/2021 (Permalink)

Whether a small home gets hit by a flood or a commercial building needs mold remediation, we can handle it! Do you know who to call in moments of water damage, fire damage, sewage, and biohazard spills? SERVPRO of Grand Island and Hastings of course! Not only do we have a large crew of trained professionals, but we've got advanced state of the art equipment to match!

Time is money.

Natural disasters, fires, and floods an be one of the worst things to happen to your property. If you own a commercial property, it affects your employee's productivity and if your home is damaged, security feels lost. With our stellar technicians and equipment, we work as hard as possible for as long as necessary to get your business back in shape. 

A Five-Star Experience every time!

We're one of the top water and fire restoration companies in the entire U.S. We have our testimonials for proof - we pride ourselves in being open, honest, transparent, and informative to make difficult processes much simpler for you. If you aren't satisfied with our work neither are we! We want to make it right every time and ensure that you receive the same care and compassion that everyone else has.

We are IICRC Certified.

The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration is the most trusted independent name in the restoration industry. To receive IICRC certification, a technician must take special classes and exams that follow the requirements from the ICRC. 

SERVPRO of Grand Island and Hastings will make your disasters "Like it never even happened." Give us a ring today at 308-210-2960 with any inquiry.  

Faster to Any Disaster!

10/4/2021 (Permalink)

If a storm strikes your home or business, call SERVPRO of Kearney and North Platte at 308-535-1115. SERVPRO franchise professionals are leaders in fire and water cleanup and restoration.

Even minor water intrusion has the potential to cause major damages to a structure, if not treated quickly mold can become a concern as well.  

Why you should call SERVPRO

SERVPRO has over forty years of experience on restoring water damaged homes and businesses from coast to coast. SERVPROS' Disasters Recovery Team is trained and equipped to handle the largest storms and flood waters. 

Floods can strike anywhere

• The principle causes of floods in the western United States are snow melt and rainstorms. 
• Underpasses can be extremely dangerous during a flash flood especially at night.

If you have any water damage that is caused by storms call SERVPRO of Kearney and North Platte at 308-535-1115.

We're Here to Help

Storm Event Response!!

10/4/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Kearney and North Platte specializes in storm damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained and use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we can respond quickly and with all the right resources. A fast response will lessen the damage, limit further damage, and reduce the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Large Storms

When storms hit the Kearney and North Platte area, we have the resources to scale up our response to handle a large storm or flash flood disaster. When needed we can access equipment and personnel from a network of over 1,700 Franchises across the country and we have elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, SERVPRO^© Franchise Professionals are prepared for the unpredictable.

What Makes SERVPRO Stand Out

3/8/2021 (Permalink)

As a restoration company, our aim is to be the trusted resource among clients. We ensure that we follow industry standard protocols. Our staff members go through IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration) training to be best prepared for all the services we offer. They are also certified with OSHA, Lead, and Asbestos awareness. We maintain a large inventory of equipment for residential and commercial work. The extensive list was added to this past week with more equipment being sent to our team. Air movers, dehumidification equipment, air scrubbers, specialty drying equipment including desiccants and generators all help complete the work in a timely manner. Lastly, our team members utilize technology and client documentation to make sure that everything is recorded properly. Our proprietary software that documents and records all the essential information is needed to make sure that these pieces are easily accessible. 

Make sure that these pieces are easily accessible. Mold Remediation on a Roof Ice Dam

3/8/2021 (Permalink)

We are "Here to help" with any winter disaster. We can assist with any water or mold damage from an ice dam.

In the case of an ice dam, we are able to help with drying water damaged walls and floors and we can remove and clean up affected insulation. This image shows how an ice dam can lead to potential water damage. If the water goes untreated then it can produce mold spores that can continue to spread. We start by properly removing all saturated and affected insulation then the area can be treated and dried out if necessary. When working in older homes, we make sure to test for lead and asbestos per OSHA expectations. The goal of a mold remediation project is to return the indoor environment to a clean, safe, livable condition. With the build up of ice on the roof and gutter, the ice melts and can seep through to the dry wall and insulation. This can then be a source for mold. If you are in need of help, call our office and we will he there to make it "Like it never even happened."

Water damage to Carpet

11/11/2020 (Permalink)

Once the water migration edge is located, it is important to protect furniture from contact with wet carpet. Simple foam furniture blocks, foil, or plastic tabs accomplish this task. Blocking furniture accomplishes a number of important goals, including:

• the prevention of color transfer between furniture and carpet (which causes staining)
• the prevention of rust stains
• the facilitating of effective and efficient drying by elevating furniture (especially low or heavy furniture such as bookcases)

In some restoration projects it is necessary to remove the carpet pad. This process will require the Project Manager to disengage stretched-in carpeting. Because carpet loses 80%-85% of its strength when it is wet, it is vital to treat carpet as gentle as possible until it dries.

Whenever carpet must be disengaged from the tack strip, a knee kicker and carpet awl must be used. The knee kicker is used to release the tension on the carpet and move it away from the tack strip. Then, the carpet awl is pierced through the carpet's primary and secondary backing and used to lift it up and away from the tack strip. This method of disengagement effectively reduces the possibility of delamination.

Carpet is disengaged around the perimeter of the room, then rolled back in one direction to expose the pad beneath. The majority of pad has a skin or mesh on the top side. The purpose of this skin is to ease carpet stretching during installation.

Winterize Your Home

11/11/2020 (Permalink)

Protect your home from by cleaning your gutters.

Winter is right around the corner and from the looks of it so far it is coming quicker than expected. With this being said you have to be prepared before the real cold weather arrives. Most people don’t think about preparing their home for the winter because it isn’t something that we normally think about, but it should be. If you and your house are prepared this winter you most likely will avoid damage but if you don’t, you are putting yourself at risk for a variety of things that could happen. Today I am going to list a few things that you can check so you can be ready for winter and whatever it brings.

Trim Tree Branches

Make sure tree branches are trimmed before the snow comes. Keep tree branches at least three feet from your home to prevent them from breaking and falling on your home.

Check the Roof

• Inspect broken or missing shingles
• Inspect rubber boots around vent pipes
• Cracked caulk or rust spots
• Check for moss or any decaying part of the roof

If you suspect this could be happening and don’t feel comfortable checking yourself, consult a specialized roof inspector.

Check Gutters and Downspouts

Clean out gutters and downspouts, otherwise they could cause ice dams or damage your foundation due to improper draining. Late Fall is a good time to go up to make sure everything is clean and working properly.

Insulate Windows

It is always good to double check your windows before the winter, check if there is a draft coming through. If there is, you may need to seal up any cracks with rope caulk, shrink film, or weather stripping. Doing this can also lower your energy costs.

With Colder Weather Comes Fire Risk

11/10/2020 (Permalink)

Seasonal traditions like Thanksgiving and Christmas require adjustments to our daily routines as the thermometer drops in the region.  With these changes come unwanted risks including fire hazards from additional holiday lights, candles and cooking.  Below, we list some preventative measures you can take now in order to prepare for the colder seasons.

• Change the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. This process should be completed on an annual basis, preferably at Daylight Savings Time or the beginning of a new season to ensure your home and business is safe and prepared for potential emergencies.
• Check your heaters and HVAC systems for signs of failure and damage. Heating systems pose a significant threat of fire damage during the fall and winter months, so preparation and HVAC system inspections are critical in order to eliminate the risk of fire or lack of heat in your home. Any space heaters should be also be placed away from items that pose a risk such as clothing.
• Fireplaces should be inspected annually to ensure they do not pose a risk, and combustible materials should be kept a safe distance away.
• Clear your roof and gutters of debris that can collect and pose a risk if ignited.
• Do not leave a fire of any kind unattended.

As colder weather ushers in to the metro-east region of Illinois, so does the risk of fires in your home or business.  SERVPRO of Grand Island & Hastings wants to remind you about safe practices and safety precautions this fall and winter.  Along with many other preventative measures you can take, these steps are critical in helping to keep you, your family  safe.

If your home or business does experience a fire damage event of any size, our team is here for immediate assistance.  Our fire restoration professionals can handle the entire restoration and reconstruction process for you in order to help ease the stress that often comes with these types of disasters.  For more information, give us a call at (308) 210-2960.

Be ready for a Bio-Hazard

11/10/2020 (Permalink)

Sometimes life takes an unexpected turn and you are faced with situations you never could imagine. We will come out and perform an inspection with you to help determine the plan should a bio-hazard occur at your business. Our trained technicians will create a Ready Plan with you so that all your team members will know what to do and whom to call should a disaster strike. 

SERVPRO of Grand Island & Hastings specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!

Call SERVPRO of Grand Island & Hastings at (308) 210-2960.

Who You Gonna Call?

11/2/2020 (Permalink)

Call us today!

We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help during your time of need. When you call we answer even if it is 10 PM on a Friday, your call will be answered.  We understand that when you have water coming through light fixtures or sewage backing up into your shower and onto the bathroom floor that you cannot wait until business hours on Monday.

That is why when you call, we answer. We are able to speak with you, get details about what is going on and dispatch a crew as soon as possible.

SERVPRO of Grand Island & Hastings specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!

Call SERVPRO of Grand Island & Hastings today at 308.210.2960

Insurance Agents Choose SERVPRO

10/29/2020 (Permalink)

One stop shop for all your needs!

SERVPRO of Grand Island & Hastings has worked with many insurance agents and claim adjusters. We understand your situation. As an agent or adjuster, you have a responsibility to keep claim costs down while providing the best services possible for your clients. 

Call SERVPRO of Grand Island & Hastings today at 308.210.2960.-

Disaster Recover Team

10/29/2020 (Permalink)

Why SERVPRO?

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important in a disaster event. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

SERVPRO of Grand Island & Hastings specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!

Call us at 308.210.2960

We are Cleaning Experts

3/16/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff performs on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

SERVPRO of Grand Island & Hastings specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event; as well as mold remediation. We can handle any size disaster!

Call us today at 308.210.2960

Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-prevent-spread.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fguidance-prevent-spread.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-business-response.html

Fire Drills are a Good Practice to Get Into

3/9/2020 (Permalink)

Fire drills are not just for schools, they should be practiced by businesses and families alike. It is crucial to the safety of all that everyone knows more than one way to exit your building or home. Important things to cover are a designated meeting spot (a safe distance from the structure where a headcount can be taken to inform first responders of anyone left in the building), and what to do should you not be able to have an escape route. Here at SERVPRO, we suggest that customers regularly perform a “fire drill” so that everyone knows what to do and how to keep themselves and others safe. If disaster should strike your home, we are ready 24/7, 365. Call us at 308.210.2960 to help walk with you through the cleanup and repairs to help you make it “Like it never even happened.” 

SERVPRO of Grand Island & Hastings specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event; as well as mold remediation. We can handle any size disaster!

Call us today at 308.210.2960