Recent Posts
How Your Business Can Be Affected By Water Damage
9/21/2022 (Permalink)
When you think about commercial water damage, you might think of a large storm coming through and causing flooding. Many people forget that storms and severe weather aren't the only causes of floods and water damage wreaking havoc on your commercial property. Here are 4 ways your Wichita, KS business can be affected by water damage.
Malfunctioning sprinkler systems
While emergency sprinklers are an imperative component of fire safety, they can also cause commercial flood damage if they are faulty or need to be replaced. This could cause damage to your property, such as products, documents, and electronics.
- Damaged appliances
Most businesses have appliances that require water hook-ups. Such as refrigerators, ice machines, and even dishwashers. If these malfunction and/ or are damaged this can cause a water emergency. One thing we recommend is using metal braiding lines on your water hookups.
- Broken pipes and plumbing
The most thought of water emergency is a pipe bursting and breaking. Broken pipes can cause catastrophic damage to a commercial property. These situations can be so catastrophic because if the breakage happens when the building is empty the constant supply of water from the pipe will not stop until the water supply is turned off. This can lead to possible mold growth as well, if it’s not taken care of or found quickly.
4. Backed up sewer lines
This is another cause of water damage that isn’t often thought of. If the sewer line to your building backs up or becomes damaged, it can cause damage from both the backed up water and the level of contamination of that water. This water is what we would consider “black water” and requires a much different approach than other water damage situations.
Business owners tend to overlook these events, should your business suffer from water damage you can count on SERVPRO of Northeast Wichita, we have your back! We are available 24/7 for your commercial emergencies! Give us a call at 316-684-6700.
No Job Is Too Big!!
9/21/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of NortheastWichita not only handles residential jobs, we can tackle commercial jobs as well, no job is too big. We have the equipment and vehicles ready for whatever is needed to get your business back up and running again. SERVPRO has over 1,700 franchises that are ready to help with more equipment and people if needed, so you don’t have to be worried about the capacity of your job. The Federal Emergency Management Agency(FEMA)claims that nearly 40% of businesses that close due to a disaster fail to reopen. The businesses that can reopen normally usually have some type of emergency plan set up to ensure a fast and efficient shift back to normalcy. SERVPRO of NortheastWichita actually offers an emergency ready plan at no cost to you, check out ourblogto learn more.
SERVPRO of Northeast Wichita recently handled a job in a building that was over 6,500 square feet. This building was affected by a water fountain malfunction that caused standing water throughout the structure. Sometimes, with large commercial jobs we have to create the most effective environment in order to dry areas efficiently. Water damage doesn’t always happen close to drains, so we must be ready for whatever happens. We often bring large buckets to drain the dehumidifiers hoses in. Dehumidifiers can suck up to 125 PPD out of the air a day and that water needs to go somewhere so the dehumidifier can pump its reservoir tank.
We are ready 24/7 for any emergency that may occur where you would need our assistance. If you are experiencing a water damage loss of any size give us a call, day or night (316) 684-6700.
Dry VS Wet Smoke Damage
9/21/2022 (Permalink)
What is smoke?
Smoke is a collection of tiny solid, liquid and gas particles. Although smoke can contain hundreds of different chemicals and fumes, visible smoke is mostly carbon (soot), tar, oils, and ash.
There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of residues after a fire that SERVPRO of Northeast Wichita will assess when they arrive on scene. With the different types of residues, there is also different types of cleaning.
Wet Smoke Damage
Wet smoke is usually produced from items made of plastic or rubber, from a slow burning, low heat fire. Protein fires also create wet smoke, these types of fires are quite common, very difficult to clean, very greasy and quite pungent. Wet smoke damage will leave thick, black, and sticky residue with a lingering smell.
Dry Smoke Damage
Dry Smoke is created by a fast burning, high-temperature fire, usually started by paper or wood. This is one of the most common types of house or business fires and is one of the larger loss types of fires. Dry smoke is an easier to clean smoke as it has a powdery texture and won't smear when cleaning.
Each smoke and fire damage situation is different, they all need a specialized solution customized for the specific event. SERVPRO of Northeast Wichita has the specific damage restoration training, personnel, and equipment and can quickly restore your home to pre-fire condition. Give us a call (316) 684-6700.
Do You Have Hidden Water Damage?
8/20/2022 (Permalink)
If your Wichita KS home is affected by water damage, you will want to have it restored as quickly as possible, in some cases, water damage can go unnoticed until it is too late. The longer water damage is left unaddressed, the more destructive it can be to your home. It can be confusing to know the warning signs of water damage in your Wichita KS home, so here are a few signs to look out for!
- You have mold. Mold spores are everywhere but once they find moisture, humidity and consistent temperature mold will begin growing, reproducing, and degradating the materials they are growing on. Without water, mold spores would n be able to grow and spread, crazy enough mold can start growing in as little as 48 hours. Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. SERVPRO of Northeast Wichita recommends keeping indoor humidity below 45 percent. Mold is typically a sign of persistent water intrusion.
- Bubbling or discoloration in your walls, floors, and ceilings. One of the easiest ways to tell if you have experienced water damage is a visual cue. Your wallpaper may bubble, paint may peel, and hardwood floors may buckle or warp, checking for softened drywall is also something that is simple, but most people don’t think about doing that. Water can even get behind latex paint and bubble up like a water balloon.
- Unusually high water bills. An unusually high water bill can indicate that there is an unnoticed leak somewhere in your home. No one likes getting bills in the mail, and when we open it up and see a number double, or triple what we were expecting, it’s recipe for a heart attack. Check for leaks under the sink, in a crawlspace, or even a leaking toilet.
Water damage is never fun and often leads to other issues, which is why it is so important to call a disaster restoration company like SERVPRO of Northeast Wichita if you detect it in your home. Our team of professional technicians is always ready to help, so give us a call today! (316) 684-6700
Ways To Get Rid of Smoke Odors in Your Home
8/20/2022 (Permalink)
Fires in your home, no matter the size, can be truly devastating. The worst fires can completely destroy your home and everything inside. Smaller fires can still damage your valuables in your home or business. One of the major effects of fires is actually the smell. For weeks and months after your fire you may still have that lingering smell, let SERVPRO of Northeast Wichita help. We have some effective methods of removing the unwanted stench of smoke and the damage it can cause.
Do it Quickly
Even the slightest amount of smoke in your home can cause problems. It is important to immediately open windows and ventilate the house. Then, you should get right to work. Give SERVPRO of Northeast Wichita a call to come and assess the damage, we are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week, so when you have a traumatic event, such as a fire, you don’t have to wait. It is even more important to call us immediately if your structure is unsecured because we are able to provide board-up services.
Get The Materials Needed
You will want to make sure you have the right equipment and supplies to combat smoke damage. Some of the best smoke cleaning tools are the following:
- Dry Sponges
- Cleaning Productions designed specifically for fires
- Air filtration devices
- Ozone machines
- Thermal foggers
Air filtration, ozone machines and thermal foggers are designed especially for some of the worst smoke odors and damages from smoke. Here at SERVPRO we use these devices to help ensure a home is as close to its original state as possible, "Like it never even happened." If you experience fire or smoke damage in your Wichita, KS home or business please give us a call 316 –684-6700.
Preventing Commercial Fires in Wichita KS
8/20/2022 (Permalink)
Most of our blogs are all about residential fire safety. There are so many safety tips we can give you about fire hazards in and around your home, but one thing most people don’t think about are the fire hazards that are also at your place of work. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the five most common causes of fires in commercial buildings are cooking equipment, heating equipment, electrical and lighting equipment, smoking materials, and intentional fire setting. By learning the most common workplace fire hazards, you can better protect your commercial property and those working in it.
Circuits
Almost every commercial property is equipped with electrical circuits, which can have many electronic devices to which they must provide power. As a result, it is common for electrical outlets to be overloaded in workplaces. This can cause an overload on the circuit and as a result overheat and cause a fire. Making sure your extension cords aren't damaged and that your outlets aren’t overheating are great ways to help prevent electrical fires.
Dust
If dust sits on top of surfaces for extended periods of time, it can become a fire hazard. In a workplace environment, dust can accumulate on electronics and surfaces around the office, it can ignite quickly if heaters or electrical sockets cause a spark. In order to decrease your workplace’s risk of fire, be sure to regularly clean dust off of surfaces, including hard-to-reach areas.
Flammable Liquids and Materials
There are many flammable liquids and objects commonly found in workplaces for many different reasons. If there are flammable liquids inside of your workplace, be sure to contain them and limit their exposure to sparks of flames by keeping them sealed and located in a dry place. If a fire ignites, these flammable liquids or materials can spread the fire quickly and be a catalyst.
If your commercial property is affected by a fire, you can take comfort in SERVPRO of Northeast Wichita’s commercial services. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Give us a call at (316)684-6700.
Preventing Wind Damage in Wichita KS
8/20/2022 (Permalink)
Spring and summer storms in Kansas, bring the potential for severe thunderstorms, strong winds, and even tornadoes. Specifically, strong winds can cause trees to break and damaged shingles, which can compromise the safety of your home. According to FEMA, strong winds most commonly impact roofs, doors, windows, and garages. If you’ve lived here through the seasons in Kansas, you know that weather here can happen quick and without warning, there are several steps that you can take in order to protect your home from serious wind damage.
Maintain Landscape and Trees
Trees that surround your home can pose a big threat in a windstorm, the wind can cause tree branches to break off or the entire tree to fall, thus risking damage to your home if trees are located close enough. Being aware of how close trees and tree limbs are to your home and being sure to trim them if necessary is so important. One thing a lot of people don’t think about is over-watering trees, over-watering often results in shallow, weak root systems, facilitating the possibility of trees falling during gusty winds.
Inspect the Roof
Having your roof surveyed at least twice per year is ideal. We often don’t think about our roof condition until it’s too late. Watch for loose or missing shingles and water damage in the attic, as both can be signs of damage. Hiring a roofing professional to inspect your roof may also help in spotting underlying issues that can save your roof from further destruction during strong wind.
Reinforce Windows and Doors
Utilizing storm shutters on windows and doors can help protect them from flying debris caused by strong winds. There are many types of reinforcement such as storm shutters, plywood, and laminated security glass. If particularly strong wind is expected, garage door bracing kits can be purchased, which will help keep the garage door in place during the storm.
If your home or business is affected by a storm, whether it's water damage, or reconstruction that is needed, give SERVPRO of Northeast Wichita a call day or night 316-684-6700. We will make it “Like it never even happened.”
What Our New Employee Jamie Can Tell Us About Insurance
7/19/2022 (Permalink)
Home and business insurance can be a confusing and daunting process to understand. SERVPRO of Northeast Wichita recently added an amazing asset to their team, our new Marketing Rep Jamie Sigars. Jamie has worked in the insurance industry for many years. We asked her some of the top questions home and business owners have or should be thinking about insurance
How often should you revisit your policy and coverages?
The best rule of thumb is annually. 30 days prior to the next renewal. There are multiple reasons.
- Each year your policy coverage increases due to the cost of labor and materials and claims history. As those costs fluctuate from year to year, your policy may have increased more or less than what you truly need.
- If you carry a deductible that is based on a percentage of your coverage, then that should be discussed annually.
- Any improvements should be discussed at the annual review.
What should home and business owners know about roof coverage?
First and foremost, never file a roof claim until a roofer has determined the cause of loss. If the damage is weather related; it should fall under a named peril in the policy. If the cause of loss is due to age, neglect, or product failure, it would not be covered by insurance. Any claim, including a $0 paid out claim on record will increase your premium.
Upgrades on your policy, how often should people upgrade, an estimated price to upgrade?
Anytime there is a life change, increase in assets or improvements made to the home.
I mention life change because the liability coverage on a homeowner’s policy follows the insured off of the property. In today’s climate of easy lawsuits, protecting one’s assets is as easy as increasing the liability coverage on a homeowner’s policy for minimal cost. Next best thing would be to purchase a Liability Umbrella policy.
Sump-pump coverage, do we need it? Is it already a part of our standard policy?
Sump-pump coverage (or also known as back-up of sewer & drain) is not a common standard coverage on all policies. It is in most cases an elected endorsement. Most homeowners choose to add it to a policy. Sump-pump endorsement usually has its own limits and deductibles from the standard named peril.
Are mold damage repairs covered by our insurance?
Mold is rarely covered by a policy. If a company should offer an endorsement for mold, I highly recommend adding it to the policy.
Fine print of your policy, what do people usually miss?
Truth..... It is all fine print....
The best way to understand the policy is by conducting an annual review.
Most insures never read the policy and don’t see these parts
*Misuse and abuse
*Can’t be liable to yourself
*Named perils
*Losses not covered
*Neglect
Here at SERVPRO of Northeast Wichita our employees are our best asset. Jamie has added such value to our team. We hope you take this information and look at your own insurance policy. We have seen so many circumstances where things were missed and now the homeowner is responsible for far more than they should be. Give SERVPRO a call at (316) 684-6700 if you experience a loss and need help with the next steps.
Is My Water Loss Covered by Insurance?
7/7/2022 (Permalink)
Finding bursting pipes or a flood of water in your Wichita, KS home or business is a stressful experience, from having to get the mess cleaned, to trying to salvage your belongings, there are so many overwhelming things. Adding the worry about whether your insurance will cover water emergency restoration services is something that you should not have to do. Here are some tips for filing a successful insurance claim.
Types of Water Damage Covered by Insurance
Not all water damage is covered by your insurance. Typically, there will be at least some coverage for the following incidents:
- Overflow
- Storm damage
- Sewer backup
- Sudden discharge of water
Gradual Damage
Unfortunately, most insurance policies usually do not include coverage for gradual damage. Gradual damage includes harm caused by:
- Damaged wires
- Leaking pipes
- Improper repairs
- Basement or roof cracks
There can be some exceptions to this rule. For instance, your policy may not cover the cost to fix broken pipe issues that leaked over time, but insurance may pay to repair or replace items in your home that were damaged by water from this pipe. There are so many factors that can play into what is and is not covered by insurance but take comfort in knowing that SERVPRO of Northeast Wichita will work closely with your insurance company.
There are several things we recommend doing to reduce your chances of an insurance claim being denied in the future. Start by doing regular maintenance of your home, checking in crawl spaces, under cabinets, and being aware of any drastic changes to your water bill can really help you catch those small issues from causing gradual damage that insurance will not cover. Keeping detailed records of any repairs you do or any professionals you hire to work on the home will help you with insurance claims and who will be responsible. In addition, you should review your insurance policy and decide if you need to purchase any endorsements for additional coverage. Homeowners' insurance can cover a variety of water-related disasters, from bursting pipes to a toilet overflow. Give SERVPRO of Northeast Wichita a call if your home or business is affected by water damage (316) 684-6700.
Do Your Baseboards Have A Purpose?
7/7/2022 (Permalink)
Working in the water damage industry, our technicians see everything. They also are the ones that remove everything when it gets affected by water. Taking off baseboards is always a tedious task if we are trying to save them, but depending on the material it is made from, salvaging it may not be possible. Baseboards are usually thought to be installed purely for aesthetic purposes, but you may be surprised to find out that they actually serve many purposes;
- Baseboards help prevent the walls from getting damaged by moisture. Leaks, spills, and wouldn’t you know it, even mopping can cause the drywall to get wet if it isn’t properly protected. Dry wall is extremely porous and soaks up moisture quickly. Which adds to the drying time if you are affected by a water loss.
- Baseboards also protect against physical damage, being a much stronger material than your dry wall.
- With the correct installation, your walls should have slight spacing in some areas to allow for contraction during the changing temperature and moisture content. Baseboards help hide those gaps.
You see baseboards everywhere and know you know what their purpose is! If your home or business experiences a water loss give SERVPRO of Northeast Wichita a call. We want to be your trusted, local, and always there company when you need us (316) 684-6700.
24/7 Emergency Service
