Archived Storm Damage Blog Posts
Things In West Virginia Storms to Be Aware Of to Avoid $1,000's in Damages
11/5/2024 (Permalink)
How to prevent $1,000's in damages
Beware of Trees Near Your Home
Are there any large trees near your home? If they fell would your home be in potential danger? If heat lightning struck would your home be in danger of the tree being on fire?
These are all very important questions to ask right now because it can be dealt with now. Remember: it’s easy to do it now. It will be harder to deal with it when it’s lying in your living room.
Call a local arborist (tree surgeon) to evaluate the likely danger and they can help you with the best line of attack. Here are a few in the local Parkersburg Area:
Nova Tree Solutions, LLC (Parkersburg & Vienna, WV)
Kiddler’s Tree Services (Marietta, OH)
Are There Any Areas That Could Create Major Leaks?
Water is a very invasive liquid that easily causes tens of thousands of dollars worth in damages within no time. Water damage can be very frustrating because it lingers. It seeps into furniture, walls and carpets, and unless eradicated professionally it can open up breeding grounds for mold.
What to do:
Conduct a proper check of your home. Are there any areas in the roof that may be a high risk of leaking and leading to attic flooding (which can lead to ceiling damage and other structural damage)? Are there any areas around the edges of your home that may result in a basement flooding?
You can either do this on your own, or ask a professional to come and look. A professional will know what to look for, because sometimes all that is needed is a small crack that can turn into a large hole after a storm.
Power Outages
This is a common one that most of us are prepared for and thankfully not a major one of concern.
What to do:
Basically; be prepared. Have some flashlights, food and warm blankets on the ready.
Move all Loose Items and Furniture Inside
If there is a storm warning please do this immediately. We cannot tell you how many times we are called out after a storm because something small has blown through a window or wall of a family home or business. Hundreds, if not thousands of damage from water damage and/or broken items that could have been easily avoided.
What to do:
Please, immediately move all these item indoors, away from wind.
Have the Proper Insurances
Prevention is always better than cure. We agree, at times a lot of people don’t like “the insurance companies” but they’re so important to stick on the side of caution: “it’s better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.”
Everything is a risk verses reward system in this world and there are risks to our homes that (statistically) are more unlikely to happen than to happen. But the question of “what if” is always there.
We at SERVPRO always urge our community to lean towards being safer. Lean towards risk reduction because we see what happens when families are not prepared for the worst. It can be devastating.
What to do:
Investigate all insurance companies and their various policies. You can reduce your premium by increasing your excess for example.
It’s very important that you know all the aspects of your insurance as well. Some contain exclusions that may effect you and if the time comes that you need to claim, you do not want to be under an exclusion clause. Please be careful. There’s risk in not having insurance, but also risk in having the wrong insurance.
We hope that this has helped shed some light into the importance of preparing. Because prior preventions prevents poor performance (outcomes). Reduce the risk and enjoy the rewards it brings.
Stay safe,
The Team at SERVPRO of Wood, Ritchie & Pleasants Counties
Available areas include Parkersburg, Vienna, Harrisville, St. Mary’s, Williamstown, Pennsboro, Belmont and the wider Mid-Ohio Valley.
5 Things In West Virginia Storms to Be Aware Of to Avoid $1,000's in Damages
7/4/2023 (Permalink)
How to prevent $1,000's in damages
Beware of Trees Near Your Home
Are there any large trees near your home? If they fell would your home be in potential danger? If heat lightning struck would your home be in danger of the tree being on fire?
These are all very important questions to ask right now because it can be dealt with now. Remember: it’s easy to do it now. It will be harder to deal with it when it’s lying in your living room.
Call a local arborist (tree surgeon) to evaluate the likely danger and they can help you with the best line of attack. Here are a few in the local Parkersburg Area:
Nova Tree Solutions, LLC (Parkersburg & Vienna, WV)
Kiddler’s Tree Services (Marietta, OH)
Are There Any Areas That Could Create Major Leaks?
Water is a very invasive liquid that easily causes tens of thousands of dollars worth in damages within no time. Water damage can be very frustrating because it lingers. It seeps into furniture, walls and carpets, and unless eradicated professionally it can open up breeding grounds for mold.
What to do:
Conduct a proper check of your home. Are there any areas in the roof that may be a high risk of leaking and leading to attic flooding (which can lead to ceiling damage and other structural damage)? Are there any areas around the edges of your home that may result in a basement flooding?
You can either do this on your own, or ask a professional to come and look. A professional will know what to look for, because sometimes all that is needed is a small crack that can turn into a large hole after a storm.
Power Outages
This is a common one that most of us are prepared for and thankfully not a major one of concern.
What to do:
Basically; be prepared. Have some flashlights, food and warm blankets on the ready.
Move all Loose Items and Furniture Inside
If there is a storm warning please do this immediately. We cannot tell you how many times we are called out after a storm because something small has blown through a window or wall of a family home or business. Hundreds, if not thousands of damage from water damage and/or broken items that could have been easily avoided.
What to do:
Please, immediately move all these item indoors, away from wind.
Have the Proper Insurances
Prevention is always better than cure. We agree, at times a lot of people don’t like “the insurance companies” but they’re so important to stick on the side of caution: “it’s better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.”
Everything is a risk verses reward system in this world and there are risks to our homes that (statistically) are more unlikely to happen than to happen. But the question of “what if” is always there.
We at SERVPRO always urge our community to lean towards being safer. Lean towards risk reduction because we see what happens when families are not prepared for the worst. It can be devastating.
What to do:
Investigate all insurance companies and their various policies. You can reduce your premium by increasing your excess for example.
It’s very important that you know all the aspects of your insurance as well. Some contain exclusions that may effect you and if the time comes that you need to claim, you do not want to be under an exclusion clause. Please be careful. There’s risk in not having insurance, but also risk in having the wrong insurance.
We hope that this has helped shed some light into the importance of preparing. Because prior preventions prevents poor performance (outcomes). Reduce the risk and enjoy the rewards it brings.
Stay safe,
The Team at SERVPRO of Wood, Ritchie & Pleasants Counties
Available areas include Parkersburg, Vienna, Harrisville, St. Mary’s, Williamstown, Pennsboro, Belmont and the wider Mid-Ohio Valley.
Tips on Preventing Winter Storm Damage.
9/6/2022 (Permalink)
Snow falling to the ground.
Every year, winter weather can lead to frozen and burst pipes, ice dams, power outages and other damages that can result in very costly and disruptive claims. By taking proactive steps today you can help prevent a loss before it can occur & give yourself peace of mind.
1. Remove any snow with a roof rake.
2. Install gutter guards to prevent debris interfering with draining water away from the house and into the ground.
3. Install heating cables with thermostatic control for your gutters. Turn them on during freezing weather so the water drains away from your home.
4. Trim trees and remove any dead branches, Ice, snow and wind could cause weak trees of branches to break and cause damage to your property or injure someone.
5. Turn off exterior faucets from the inside of your home and drain the remaining water from the pipes to prevent exterior faucets from freezing.
Wood County Hit Hard with the Most Snowfall in (maybe) years
1/25/2022 (Permalink)
There have been numerous snowstorms and snowfall in the Wood County region the past week with 12 inches of snow falling in some areas on Tuesday 18th January.
Keep Safe on the Roads
With the dangerous black ice on many roads we please urge that you drive safely on the streets and beware.
Protect Your Home from Potential Issues
During snow storms and extremely cold winters like this one there are many things we urge you to look out for. These areas that we are about to list below (with proactive tips) will help you avoid disaster so that we (hopefully) are not needed to be called.
How to Safely Thaw a Pipe (PLUS Something You should Seriously Avoid)
A frozen Pipe Could Cost you $20,000! *Do this FREE thing BEFORE Winter* (also now if possible!)
What to do if Your Basement Floods (4 Steps)
Sublimation - Why it is the Best Way to Dry Vital Documents?
Keep Safe!
Sending cheer and positivity your way. Please keep safe during this crazy weather.
The team at SERVPRO of Wood, Ritchie & Pleasants Counties
Are you Covered?
10/26/2021 (Permalink)
Winter is on the way
It’s no surprise that winter is coming, and temperatures will be dropping before we know it here in West Virginia. Winter storms can come up, sometimes without a warning. Sometimes we have enough time to prepare, and sometimes we don’t. As a homeowner, it is important that you think about these moments before they happen.
Are you Covered?
Do you have the right insurance policy? Is your home going to be covered in the event of possible storm damage? Is the amount of coverage going to be enough to restore your home? Asking yourself these questions before the storm damage occurs can make your life after the storm much easier.
Before you do anything else, stop and make sure your home is covered for the following:
- Water and Windstorm Damage
- Sewer Backup Due to Flooding
- Sump Pump Failures Due to Flooding
- Debris or Tree Removal
- Additional Living Expenses in case a storm forces you to evacuate your home
Once you have the correct home insurance coverage for storm damage, it will give you a little more peace of mind when a winter storm occurs. Seeing the damage to your home after a winter storm can be taxing emotionally. The best thing you can do for you, your family, and your home is to begin the storm damage restoration as soon as possible.
We want you to know that our team is here to help after every storm! SERVPRO of Wood, Ritchie and Pleasants Counties is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year!
Contact us at: (304)428-7378
Winter Weather is Right Around the Corner
10/25/2021 (Permalink)
Winter Is Coming
It won’t be long before the leaves fall off the tree’s, the temperatures start to drop, and we have our very first snowfall here in Wood County WV. Your friends here at SERVPRO of Wood, Ritchie, and Pleasants Counties want to make sure you and your family are prepared for the freezing temperatures and the storms that come along with the winter season.
- Cut and Cover. Winter prep starts before the first snowflake falls. Make sure to cut all overhanging tree limbs and old limbs that could break off in the middle of a storm. Also, cover outdoor faucets to protect them from freezing.
- Seal and Caulk. Its time to get those windows and doors sealed tight. New weather-stripping can help fix many draft issues, especially if your old weather-stripping is wearing down. Also, small cracks can be caulked to help prevent moisture damage.
- Wrap Exposed Pipes. Temperatures can drop drastically and quickly during a winter storm. That can be bad news for pipes that are exposed and unprotected below or around your house. Especially if they are exposed to low temperatures outside. This could lead to frozen pipes and water damage. If it’s going to get extremely cold, you can wrap exposed pipes around the house in insulation to help protect them. Make sure to leave sink cabinets open to the warm air and turning faucets on a cold "drip." This can also prevent freezing pipes during winter storms.
- Plan a Second Method of Heating. Electricity goes out more often than not when a winter storm hits. Most furnaces require electricity. That means you need either a generator that can feed your home enough power to run your large heating appliances or another source of heating that doesn't need electricity. Example: a wood stove, wood fireplace.
- Buy Heating Fuel If Necessary. Make sure you have enough firewood if that is your alternate heat source. Or you may want to call your propane company to get an early refill to be prepared.
Check Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors. Homes tend to stay closed up during the winter. It’s important to make sure that your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working and have new batteries. This step can save your life, make sure you heck your detectors so you’re prepared!
Stock Up on Salt. When the ice or snow storm passes, you will want a way to melt the ice that forms on your driveways, sidewalks and patios.
Know where your Home Owners Insurance Documents are. You may not need them, but its important to check on your homeowner’s insurance documents and make sure you can get to them. That way if your home does end up with damage in a storm, you’ll know what is covered, and you’ll be make a claim as soon as possible.
Following these steps to prepare for a winter storm can keep your home and your family safe. It's the most wonderful time of the year, be sure to stay warm and stay safe!
Fall Gutter Clean-out
10/4/2021 (Permalink)
Time to clean out those gutters
Here at SERVPRO we so excited for the fall and everything it brings: sweater weather, football, hot cocoa, bonfires, the list goes on! Autumn is great for the soul.
With that being said don't forget to clean out those gutters. In the fall, we see leaves and needles dropping constantly. SERVPRO has been restoring storm damage for years here in Wood County WV. In some cases, clogged gutters have been the cause of damage from the rain from the storms.
Preventing damage
Gutter cleaning is extremely important to keeping your property in good condition all year. Rain gutters help protect your house from water damage, but if they’re not cleared out and leaves build up in the fall, they’re more likely to damage your home than protect it.
What are gutters and why do they matter?
Gutters are guards that protect your home from rain and water damage. They’re made to transport rainwater from your roof and drain water to the ground through a spout. The water is then carried away from your home onto your lawn so it doesn’t collect on your roof, which could lead to mold, rotting, and deterioration of shingles, etc.
In many cases, clogged gutters and downspouts have caused damage from storms/rain by directing the water into the home instead of away from it. When rain gutters are working properly, they will direct rain away from the roofline and foundation. Preventing damage, instead of causing it.
A late-fall cleanout also prepares your gutters for winter’s dropping temps, and winter storms. It will keep debris from freezing in the gutter. An autumn cleaning will also reduce the amount of work you will face in the spring. So, here is your friendly reminder to give your gutters some TLC this season. Happy Fall, from your friends here at SERVPRO of Wood, Ritchie, and Pleasants Counties.
Preventing Storm Damage
9/29/2021 (Permalink)
We're here for you.
Here at SERVPRO, our team is on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We're ready for whatever happens, whenever it happens. We have state-of-the-art training in water, fire, & storm damage restoration. We use our training and hands on experience to dry your home or business from any water damage and restore it back to normal; "Like it never even happened." With that being said, we want you and your family to stay as safe as possible.
Storm Damage Prevention
Here are some steps that you can take in order to help prevent damage to your home or business during a storm:
- Trim Trees & shrubs around your home or business. This can prevent branches from breaking in the wind and becoming projectiles.
- Secure fences. Make sure your fence is as secure as possible to help prevent it from getting blown up against the house.
- Secure outdoor furniture. Patio furniture and grills can damage the outside of your home during high winds. Anchor your furniture down or take it inside before a storm hits.
- Check gutters. Prevent damage to the inside of your home by having your downspouts pointing away from your house. Also, clear any dirt and debris from the gutters.
- Protect Windows & doorways. Adding a barrier in front of your windows and doorways can prevent damage from occurring from high winds.
- Protect anything of value. Keep valuables safe by putting them in waterproof containers. Put any important documents in a safe or fire safe box.
- Have an emergency kit. Prepare your emergency kit with enough food, water to last for three to four days. This should include water, food, a battery powered radio, a flashlight, a first aid kit, and a cell phone with a charger.
- Have an emergency plan. Having a backup plan is needed is very important. Make sure everyone knows the established plan and the place to go incase evacuation is needed.
3 Ways to Minimize the Need for Storm Damage Restoration Services
4/26/2021 (Permalink)
1. Inspect Your Roof on Regular Intervals
Something as simple as a cracked tile or a blown off shingle can cause real damage in a storm. The power of water is that it only needs a small area to enter, but it can get in and travel through the walls and other structures, damaging a much wider area. This can cost a lot!
Set up periodic checks on your roof (at least every 6 months) to make sure that your roof is still in tact. You can either do this yourself (but be very careful) or have a professional check. A professional checking may cost as little as $100 (or less), but damage can cost in the $1,000s!
2. Trim Dead Wood around Your Home on Regular Intervals
By far the most common cause of damage to a home is caused by flying debris. Trees are a big liability in our area.
Just like your roof, have regular intervals during the year that you check for, and cut, dead branches on nearby trees.
3. Consider Storm-Safe Windows
High-quality storm windows will help prevent unnecessary breaks of windows during a strong storm. In addition to breaks, it will also prevent leaks. Both of which can be very inconvenient and uncomfortable for your family.
For more tips on how to avoid the need for costly storm damage restoration services, contact our team from SERVPRO of Wood, Ritchie & Pleasants Counties at 304-428-7378 we’d be more than happy to help.
Do THIS to Avoid Snowfall Damage to your Roof
12/21/2020 (Permalink)
Article at a glance:
- The dangers of snowfall and how it can damage your home
- How to save thousands in restoration and cleanup
Everyone dreams of a white Christmas, but is your home prepared for heavy snowfall? Every year, family homes in West Virginia have to undergo restoration work due to damage caused by heavy snowfall. Take these few steps to making sure your home is ready for snow, and save thousands in restoration costs.
How does it damage my home?
- Water damage - When snow and ice on your home begins to melt it needs sufficient drainage for your home to avoid damage. At this time, clogged gutters and roof leaks will make themselves known as the water begins to come into your ceiling, or around the foundations of your home.
- Electrical damage - Water pooling is common in winter, and may go unnoticed at first. If water enters your attic, or the structure of your home, you’re likely to end up with damaged electrical appliances and circuits.
2 SIMPLE THINGS YOU CAN DO
Follow these two simple steps to ensure your home is ready for winter snowfall.
- Check your roof - Before snow begins to fall and the rain starts, check your roof for any cracked tiles or openings. Look for any cracks or openings that may have occurred during Summer and Fall. One small crack could create damages worth thousands if not fixed. SERVPRO advises seeking professional help if you are at higher risk of injuring yourself by performing this check.
- Clean the gutters - After Fall, it is common to have gutters filled with leaves and debris. This clutter will create many problems, minimizing water flow when the ice begins to melt. This water can effect walls, ceilings or even foundations of your home. Again, these damages could cost thousands to restore.
If you have any further questions please call us on 304 428 7378 or click here to contact us.
The Team at SERVPRO of Wood, Ritchie & Pleasants Counties.
Related Articles:
How To Fix Clogged Gutters
Avoid Frozen Pipes This Winter
After Storms Hit: These 3 Actions Could Save You Thousands
12/7/2020 (Permalink)
Article at a glance:
- 3 things that are often forgotten about after a storm
- How to save thousands in restoration costs
After a storm it’s easy to focus on the big problems like roof repairs, and basement flooding. There are 3 things that are often forgotten about, which can end up costing thousands in repair and restoration. We have listed them below to help you take care of them before the expensive bill arrives.
3 Things To Fix To Save Thousands:
- Sewage Cleanup - When storms hit, flooding is common in basements and around the foundation of our homes. Flooding can also cause sewage systems to clog, and begin overflowing. After a storm, it is vital to check your sewage systems are not spilling contaminated water in and around your home. If there is any overflowing sewage around your home, ensure you remove the waste, and keep children and pets at a safe distance.
- Carpet Cleaning - While our carpets may appear dry after a storm, there is often excess moisture. If this moisture is not attended to and properly dried, you may be left with nasty stains around your home. To ensure your carpet doesn’t need to be replaced, open doors and windows to allow for adequate airflow. It might also be helpful to reach out for professional help, as the SERVPRO team can dehumidify your home and remove any leftover water.
- Odor Removal - Leaving moisture in our homes won’t only result in nasty stains, but also odors that will deter any guests or family members. These odors commonly start in basements, or carpets where water has pooled or not properly been dried. Odors can easily be removed by creating air circulation in your home, and making sure flooring is dried adequately.
We hope that this has helped and you have found value. If you have any further questions please call us on 304 428 7378 or click here to contact us.
The Team at SERVPRO of Wood, Ritchie & Pleasants Counties.
Related Articles:
How To Keep Your Family Safe During Storms
Shave Thousands Off Your Storm Bill
3 Ways To Keep Your Family Safe During Storm Season
10/26/2020 (Permalink)
Article at a glance:
- The dangers of storms when you’re unprepared
- 3 ways to stay safe during storm season
Are you prepared for if a harsh storm hits your town? Storms can be extremely dangerous. Not just to our homes and possessions, but to our lives and family.
To help your family stay safe during this storm season follow these 3 tips for storm preparation.
3 Tips To Stay Safe This Storm Season:
- Turn off all electricals. Water damage brings expensive repair bills but the immediate danger to your family comes from sparking and short circuiting, which can be deadly if you’re nearby. If a large storm is forecasted, be prepared by ensuring you turn off all electrical appliances and power to your home. This will minimise chances of fires starting in the home from short circuits as well.
- Keep your garden maintained. Most of the damage from storms comes from the objects around the home. It is vital that large trees and plants are trimmed all year round, especially when storm season is approaching. By keeping your garden maintained, you may avoid damage from falling trees, or worse, injury to your family if they fall on your house.
- Check for leaks and cracks. It’s common to roof leaks when it is too late. Check your roof for cracked tiles frequently throughout the year (perhaps once every three months) and make sure any issues are fixed immediately. This will reduce chances of flooding/leaks in your home during a storm.
An easy way to make sure you remember these helpful tips, is to put them in your calender! By setting a reminder every couple of months to check your roof, or have a day of gardening, you can ensure you’re ready when a storm hits.
We hope that this has helped and you have found value. If you have any further questions please call us on 304 428 7378 or click here to contact us.
The Team at SERVPRO of Wood, Ritchie & Pleasants Counties.
These 3 Tips will Shave THOUSANDS off your Bill when Storms Hit West Virginia
10/19/2020 (Permalink)
Article at a glance:
- How the restoration process works
- 3 tips to shave thousands off your bill
Storms are even scarier when they end with a bill totalling THOUSANDS! We want to help you save money after the next big storm, and help you stay safe.
The Restoration Process
We all know that water restoration can be an expensive and time consuming process, but how does it really work? There are a few steps SERVPRO takes to ensure your home or business is restored as quickly as possible.
- Assess the damage - Before we get to work, we need to know how extensive the damage is, and plan how to fix it.
- Extract the water - Using large pumps, we remove (on average) thousands of gallons of water so we can begin replacing or drying the damaged areas. To reduce the risk of mold growth, and further damage, we start pumping out the water as soon as possible.
- Begin drying - After most of the water has been removed, the SERVPRO team uses equipment to get the remaining water from hard to reach places. The dehumidifiers allow our team to remove any remaining moisture.
- Cleaning up - To complete the process, we always clean and sanitise the affected areas. This will remove any odour caused by the moisture, and clean restorable possessions.
3 Tips to Saving Thousands
Water damage from storms doesn’t just affect your property, but it can also damage everything inside. Follow these simple tips to save thousands after the next storm!
- Don’t leave damp items on the floor. Hang them up and allow them to start drying immediately.
- Begin the restoration process by mopping and blotting the water affected areas. This will stop the water from damaging areas any further.
- Turn off all electricals as soon as the water enters your home. This will stop any of your appliances from getting damaged or destroyed.
We hope that this has helped and you have found value. If you have any further questions please call us on 304 428 7378 or click here to contact us.
The Team at SERVPRO of Wood, Ritchie & Pleasants Counties.
The 4 Expensive Dangers of Cluttered Gutters - How You Can Easily Avoid Them in Your Home
9/14/2020 (Permalink)
Article at a Glance:
- You will know 4 Dangers of Gutter Clutter can cause devastating damages to your home
- You will be given 3 Easy (and free) tips on how to avoid it
Gutter clutter can create a multitude of problems for your home. It’s a silent beast that hides in your gutters, slowly creating large, expensive problems. And these problems can cost upwards of thousands of dollars of damages to your home.
While the falling leaves look beautiful this time of year, it’s what you don’t see (or think of) that creates the devastating damage to your home. Thankfully, it’s easily avoidable. When you have finished reading this article, you will be better equipped to avoid the unnecessary damages.
First, we will take you through the problems (knowing how and why is the most important part, so read thoroughly). Then we will give you 3 easy steps to follow. These 3 steps are proven to be HUGE savers (and they’re free!).
Danger 1: Damage to Home Foundations
Cluttered today, deep water damage tomorrow. Clogged gutters are infamous for causing water overflow into the foundations of properties like yours. While this doesn’t sound so bad, the water flow can cause crack foundations, weakening them, which ultimately can become a huge safety risk to you and your family.
Danger 2: Damage to Roofs
Water leaking into the roof can be an expansive problem (meaning it starts small), but the water breaches deeply into the wood and plastering. Certain structural components such as; door frames, the inside of walls, and ceilings reach a critical point quickly. This critical point results in cracks, rotting and even collapsing of the roof or walls.
Danger 3: Electricals
Electrical corrosion is a common (and often silent) problem in the homes of West Virginia. While electrical corrosion can happen from a multitude of reasons, cluttered gutters are one of the causes you must be aware of. As water overflows, leading into the roof or foundations, the moisture (or even water) will corrode electricals, and repair of these can be costly (not to mention the fire danger).
Danger 4: Creepy Crawlies
Insects and parasites love water, they love the damp and they especially love hiding spots. Gutters filled with wet leaves are their equivalent of an island paradise. Flies, mosquitoes, cockroaches and termites carry many germs, into your home and creating a home for them in your gutter only brings more to your home.
(If you're unsure of insects in the home, or even want to have them gone, we recommend our local Pest Control Lamp Pestproof in Vienna).
The 3 Easy Steps to Avoid These Dangers
Follow these easy steps and the likelihood of the above dangers will dramatically decrease.
- Check your gutters regularly: Make it a routine to check your gutters at the beginning and end of each season. An hour or so every 3 months is worth the risk of tens of thousands of dollars of damage.
- Be on the look out for an unusual increase in insect activity: If you notice an increase in insects around your home, especially mosquitoes, check the state of your gutters.
- Maintenance of your garden and trees: Keep your trees and plants pruned. Don’t allow them to overgrow. A great suggestion is to keep this as part of the seasonal gutter check.
We hope that this has helped and you have found value. If you have any further questions please call us on 304 428 7378 or click here to contact us.
The Team at SERVPRO of Wood, Ritchie & Pleasants Counties.
Related Articles:
Silent Water Damage - 3 Things You Need to Know
Crawlspace Waterproofing - How It Can Help You Avoid $10,000+ in Damages
How You Can Avoid $1,000s in Damages with Crawlspace Waterproofing
6/15/2020 (Permalink)
Encapsulation Helps Avoid Water Damage
Water and Mold Damage causes $100,000s in damages to homes and businesses in Parkersburg, WV and surrounding areas each year. This damage can come from an array of different scenarios such as Storm Damage, spigot flooding or water heater bursts. Now here’s another area for water damage that you can prepare for and avoid A LOT of heartache: Crawlspace Water Proofing.
What is Crawlspace Water Proofing?
The crawlspace is the area of limited height under the floor or above the roof. This area gives access to wiring and plumbing.
Why is this important for waterproofing?
Your crawlspace can collect water from many ways such as small leaks or moisture build up. When this build up occurs you start developing mold or water damage that weakens the structural integrity of your home or business.
Waterproofing through encapsulation stops the water from penetrating or absorbing into the structural components.
What is Encapsulation?
Encapsulation is a process that uses 12mm thick sheets of poly to cover the surfaces such as walls, flooring and ground. This poly (thick plastic) acts as a non-penetratable surface, stopping water from absorbing into the surfaces. If the water absorbed into the surface it can deteriorate the structural integrity of your home and/or create toxic black mold. If this was to happen damages can be well above $20,000 in damages depending on how early you capture it.
Why Prevention is always cheaper than Cure
As we mention in all of these blogs, your prevention will always be much cheaper than fixing the problem when it occurs. Think of it like this:
- You notice you have a problem
- You call someone to look at it
- They notice there’s been a build up of water and mold, now you need to have this resolved.
- You need to pay over $20,000 in structure rehabilitation, as well as mold remediation (could be anything from $1,000-$10,000) to make your home free from mold.
- You are now concerned about it happening again, so you will get encapsulation to save yourself from future problems.
Now lets look at the prevention option:
- You pay for the encapsulation.
- You don’t have the issue of water damages or mold surprising you.
In the second option, you’re now saving a lot of money, heart aches and headaches.
Please, save yourself from the heartaches and headaches. Life is short and we at SERVPRO would love for you to not need to call us to solve water damages or mold.
Keep safe!
From the team at SERVPRO of Wood, Ritchie & Pleasants Counties
Other articles to read:
Black Toxic Mold - What You Can Do To Avoid This
How A Spigot Can cost you $10,000 in damages (and how to avoid it)
5 Things In West Virginia Storms to Be Aware Of to Avoid $10,000s in Damages
5/25/2020 (Permalink)
$10,000 of Damage in under 12 Hours
If Coronavirus has taught us anything it’s that we should be prepared for what can (or may) go wrong in life. While Coronavirus is perhaps a one in a lifetime event, major storms are common to West Virginia, even in the Summertime.
Unfortunately it’s often not until too late that we are reminded of how expensive storms can be to family homes and commercial buildings. This late response often leads to well over $10,000 of damages and a heartbreaking outcome that can devastate a family or business (or both!).
So that you can be best prepared to avoid, or a least minimise, the damage that may be caused by a storm, we have put together 4 major things to look out for so that you can be prepared and avoid (or minimise) the heart break.
Beware of Trees Near Your Home
Are there any large trees near your home? If they fell would your home be in potential danger? If heat lightning struck would your home be in danger of the tree being on fire?
These are all very important questions to ask right now because it can be dealt with now. Remember: it’s easy to do it now. It will be harder to deal with it when it’s lying in your living room.
Call a local arborist (tree surgeon) to evaluate the likely danger and they can help you with the best line of attack. Here are a few in the local Parkersburg Area:
Nova Tree Solutions, LLC (Parkersburg & Vienna, WV)
Kiddler’s Tree Services (Marietta, OH)
Are There Any Areas That Could Create Major Leaks?
Water is a very invasive liquid that easily causes tens of thousands of dollars worth in damages within no time. Water damage can be very frustrating because it lingers. It seeps into furniture, walls and carpets, and unless eradicated professionally it can open up breeding grounds for mold.
What to do:
Conduct a proper check of your home. Are there any areas in the roof that may be a high risk of leaking and leading to attic flooding (which can lead to ceiling damage and other structural damage)? Are there any areas around the edges of your home that may result in a basement flooding?
You can either do this on your own, or ask a professional to come and look. A professional will know what to look for, because sometimes all that is needed is a small crack that can turn into a large hole after a storm.
Power Outages
This is a common one that most of us are prepared for and thankfully not a major one of concern.
What to do:
Basically; be prepared. Have some flashlights, food and warm blankets on the ready.
Move all Loose Items and Furniture Inside
If there is a storm warning please do this immediately. We cannot tell you how many times we are called out after a storm because something small has blown through a window or wall of a family home or business. Hundreds, if not thousands of damage from water damage and/or broken items that could have been easily avoided.
What to do:
Please, immediately move all these item indoors, away from wind.
Have the Proper Insurances
Prevention is always better than cure. We agree, at times a lot of people don’t like “the insurance companies” but they’re so important to stick on the side of caution: “it’s better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.”
Everything is a risk verses reward system in this world and there are risks to our homes that (statistically) are more unlikely to happen than to happen. But the question of “what if” is always there.
We at SERVPRO always urge our community to lean towards being safer. Lean towards risk reduction because we see what happens when families are not prepared for the worst. It can be devastating.
What to do:
Investigate all insurance companies and their various policies. You can reduce your premium by increasing your excess for example.
It’s very important that you know all the aspects of your insurance as well. Some contain exclusions that may effect you and if the time comes that you need to claim, you do not want to be under an exclusion clause. Please be careful. There’s risk in not having insurance, but also risk in having the wrong insurance.
We hope that this has helped shed some light into the importance of preparing. Because prior preventions prevents poor performance (outcomes). Reduce the risk and enjoy the rewards it brings.
Stay safe,
The Team at SERVPRO of Wood, Ritchie & Pleasants Counties
Available areas include Parkersburg, Vienna, Harrisville, St. Mary’s, Williamstown, Pennsboro, Belmont and the wider Mid-Ohio Valley.
7 Ways to Prevent Ice Build Up on Your Vehicle Windscreen - from A Few Dollars to FREE!!
12/13/2019 (Permalink)
Prevention is always better than cure. This is definitely in the case of ice on your windscreen. These prevention measures take less than a minute verses up to 15 minutes to warm water and scrape ice off in the morning. Which is very handy when you’re needing to leave quickly in the morning for work or seeing friends.
We’ve listed 7 different options for preventing ice build up on your vehicle windscreen. Starting at roughly $20 down to something that is free. But before you skip down to the free option, make sure to read all of them. You might find out that 3 is a better option for you than number 7.
Option 1: Roughly $20 - A Windscreen Cover
Ice cannot develop on the windscreen if it is covered. A cover takes less than 30 seconds to apply each time you park and (when attached correctly) you will save so much time. Say that it takes 10 minutes each morning to remove the ice. That’s 50 minutes each week wasted cleaning your screen! That’s almost 4 hours a month spent on cleaning your windscreen! No thanks.
Option 2: Use another item as a windscreen cover
Sounds silly, but it works. As long you have something to cover the windscreen, the ice cannot easily set. Items that could work include carpet remnants, old table cloths or even shower curtains. Personally we’d just take option 1 over this, but sometimes people prefer something that can be re-used rather than purchasing another item.
Option 3: Rubbing Alcohol - roughly $2-5
Simply pour 2 parts rubbing alcohol, 1 part water into a spray bottle and mix thoroughly. Spray this all over the windows each night when you park. This will make it much harder for the water or snow to settle on the windscreen at night. This process takes roughly 2-3 minutes each night.
Option 4: Vinegar Spray - roughly $2
Similar to Rubbing Alcohol, mix 3 parts white vinegar, 1 part water into a spray bottle. Spray each night.
Option 5: Onion - $0.50 per use
This is a lesser known method. Because … well it sounds a little strange. But by cutting an onion in half and rubbing it on your windows at night actually stops the frost setting over night. Make sure to cut it length ways. The oil from the onion acts as a lining on the glass, coating it and working wonders. Personally we think you should save the 50c and make the onion part of your dinner. But there’s a lot of people who swear by this method (because it does work).
Option 6: Salt Water - A few pennies
Saline solution works wonders and the technique is similar to option 3 and 4. Create a saline solution (salt solution) by mixing it with water in a spray bottle. The more salt, the merrier. Add a little hot water with the salt first so that the salt blends thoroughly. Once it’s blended, add the cold water.
Option 7: Park Facing East - FREE
This little life hack blew our minds! Use God’s given life giver, the sun, to do some of the hard work for you. Because the sun rises from the east, it will start heating up the ice on your windscreen, making it easier to scrape off in the morning. We definitely suggest mixing this option with options 3 to 6 if you decide to use them. It’s a winning combination.
If this helped please let us know. As we would like to continue to bring value to you and the community.
Please email us at SERVPRO10649@gmail.com
Thank you from the team at SERVPRO of Wood, Ritchie & Pleasants Counties
How To Be Prepared For a Snowstorm In Under One Hour
12/10/2019 (Permalink)
If You're Prepared, It's a Walk in the Park
Snowstorms come in fast and can keep you grounded in your home for a few days. A common issue we hear locally within the Parkersburg, WV and surrounding areas is that people are not prepared.
Luckily being prepared isn’t as hard as people think. Plus it can be as fast as one hour to set up your small survival kit. Keep in mind though, that the best practice is to have all these preparations done well before a snowstorm is even a thought. So follow these steps, invest in one hour of your day today or tomorrow and go and prepare for the “what if” this winter.
What You Can Do Now - Build an Emergency Kit
Head to your local Sams Club or Kroger and grab all of the following:
- Cell phone and portable charger. Portable chargers are extremely useful when the power is out.
- Flashlights with extra batteries. Try and avoid using candles. While they are romantic and set a beautiful mood, it increase the likelihood of a fire. Now although the fire will not expand beyond the home, we’d rather you have no smoke or fire damage in the home.
- Water and snack food This is much cheaper than you think. You can get 40 x 16 fl oz. for only $5 and this will be enough for the family for a few days. Snack ideas include canned beans, chips, dried fruit, canned fruit and or nuts. Keep in mind that you want items that do not need to be cooked, because the electricity may be out.
- Pet food. Don’t forget your little ones! It’s very common.
- First aid kit with any necessary medications and a pocket knife. Keep it simple. This might already be in your bathroom, but be sure to have some bandaids, gauze and disinfectant.
- A bucket to flush the toilet. Old school trick. Fill the bathtub with water. The flush may not work in a snowstorm. For this reason you will need to fill your bucket and throw it at the toilet water to start it flushing.
- Fire wood. Keeping warm is important. And a nice, family fire in the living room could be a nice way to interact.
- Waterproof matches and a can to melt snow for water (if want to feel like Rambo). This is a little over the top, but we heard this from someone. If you do this, send us a video. We want to see it!
Have the Car Prepared
If you plan on driving during the snowstorm or blizzard first check all local weather warnings. But if you do, make sure to have all these items at your ready:
- Full tank of gas - for the generator of vehicle
- Windshield scraper
- Tow chains or rope
- Tire chains
- Canned compressed air with sealant for emergency tire repair
- Cat litter or sand to help tires get traction, or road salt to melt ice
- Booster cables with fully charged battery or jumper cables
- Road maps
- Shovel
We hope this helps. But more importantly, we hope that there isn’t a snowstorm this winter!
From the team at SERVPRO of Wood, Ritchie & Pleasants Counties.
Is Your Water Safe? The Three Categories that You Should Know
9/9/2019 (Permalink)
It's important to know if your water is safe
Water can carry many contaminants that be very harmful to your health. Water can be contaminated in all situations, from small leaks to large water damage such as storm. It's often overlooked by home and business owners and they opt to clean it themselves. Unfortunately some have become very sick as a result.
We want you to avoid this. So we are sharing the IICRC S500 Standard, called "The Three Categories of Water". This will help you determine whether the water spill, flood or damage is safe for you to clean.
Category 1: Clean (Clear) Water
This category is the cleanest of the three. Often it originates from the bath, sink or even falling rainwater. This is safe to clean and touch, in most cases. However it is important to know that some contaminants easily dilute into the water. So please consider the following:
- The Origin of the Water: Where did it come from? Was this origin contained and without contaminations?
- The Duration the Water Has Been There: Duration is very important. Stagnant water can become contaminated very quickly from external sources such as plants, dirt, air or animals.
Category 2: Grey Water
Water that is grey in colour (and also various shades of brown) are considered to contain contamination of some degree. This water may potentially have germs that can cause sickness and we recommend you act with caution. Correctly cover your skin (it's a big absorber into the blood stream) or alternatively call an expert to assist you with the best approach. They may even have to remove it for you.
Category 3: Black Water
We often are asked the question: "Is black water safe?" The short answer is: definitely not. Black water is extremely contaminated. Often as a result of faecal matter and sewage being throughout it. If consumed accidentally we recommend seeing a medical professional immediately.
Black water often occurs from sewage or toilet blockage and back up, as well as flood water. In the instance of black water being present, please call an expert immediately and remove all occupants, humans and animals, immediately from the area.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to call us of 304-428-7378 and we will happily assist you.
Hope this helps,
from the team at SERVPRO of Wood, Ritchie & Pleasants Counties.
SERVPRO owner and family evacuated for Hurricane Dorian
9/9/2019 (Permalink)
Hurricane Dorian is one of the largest hurricanes to hit the East Coast in a long time. Photo: express.co.uk
Hurricane Dorian has rocked the East Coast this week with devastating damage caused to our neighbours in the Bahamas, the state of South Carolina and the outskirts of Virginia.
The damage will be in the billions
Hundreds of homes and businesses have been effected by this category 5 hurricane with an estimated $1.5 to $3 billion total damage to all areas touched by Dorian.
One of our dear owners, Steve, and his family were directly effected by Hurricane Dorian, when visiting Florida. "Within two days of arriving for our family vacation we were ordered a mandatory evacuation. It was a scary time. We heard what this hurricane was capable of and we did not want to take any chances."
Thankfully no-one was injured or hurt and despite the worrying time, everything turned out all right for the family and their friends.
"We hope that anyone affected is able to get aid and is not financially hurt by this hurricane. Our prayers are with all the families affected by this." says Steve.
The team at SERVPRO of Wood, Ritchie & Pleasants counties reiterate Steve's words. Our prayers are with everyone effected, and we are happy that Steve and his family are safe.
Can we always predict a storm?
10/18/2018 (Permalink)
Having a well sealed home can save your home from damage.
Sometimes even the Farmer's Almanac can be wrong and miss a storm prediction.
Our high tech equipment, can miss a prediction when it comes to the weather as well.
Maybe your relying on the fact that the so-called "experts" predict a mild winter so your going to pass on getting your roof checked for cracks, or will wait another year before properly insulating your pipes. This could be a costly mistake.
The fact is that being prepared for storm damage will benefit you in the long run.
Having a well sealed home can save your home from damage.
If you do get storm damage though it's not recommended to try and do the mitigation yourself.
The experts at SERVPRO of Wood, Ritchie, & Pleasants Counties have the correct tools and equipment to help save your home when it looks like a total loss. We are the remediation experts in the MOV and that's a fact not a predication.
When Storms or Floods hit Wood, Ritchie, & Pleasants Counties, SERVPRO is ready!
10/17/2018 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Wood, Ritchie, & Pleasants Counties specializes in storm and flood damage restoration. Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.
Faster Response
Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.
Resources to Handle Floods and Storms
When storms hit Wood, Ritchie, & Pleasants Counties, 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.
Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 304-428-7378
24/7 Emergency Service
