The Best Way to Check Your House After a Storm

1/9/2023 (Permalink)

Storm and wind damage in Colorado Springs, CO.

After the Storm

It's a good idea to inspect your home after a storm. Unfortunately, there may be some damage that could make it difficult for you to stay in your home or worse—put your family at risk for injury or death. We hope these tips will help keep you safe and give you peace of mind after the storm passes.

Inspect the Roof

The roof is one of the most likely places to sustain damage after a storm. Here are some places to check: 

• Look for loose shingles.
• Check for holes in the roof.
• Look for torn or missing shingles.
• Check for damaged flashing (the metal or plastic that seals around chimneys and roofs).
• Check for loose or missing gutters and downspouts (metal bars used to divert rainwater).

Inspect the Siding

If the storm damaged any of your home's siding, be sure to inspect it for missing or damaged pieces. Check for loose nails or screws that could cause additional damage to your home, as well as any dents or holes in flashing that should be replaced. If you find any problems with the structure of your house, call a professional to inspect it further and make repairs if necessary.

Inspect Windows

Check windows for damage or missing storm windows. Storm windows should be firmly secured to the window by a lock, latch, or another fastening mechanism. If you find that any of the locks are missing or broken, have someone replace them immediately.

If you do not have storm windows in your home and one side of your existing window is glass and the other side is louvered wood blinds or energy-efficient material (such as plastic film), use nails or screws to secure these materials so they don’t blow away during high winds.

Check all screens for tears and holes in them. A screen can easily rip when it gets caught on debris flying around from high winds during a storm event. If there is any pressure on the screen from outside forces such as wind gusts from being left open too far; shutters being blown back into them; or heavy objects crashing into them like branches from trees falling down nearby then take appropriate measures like using duct tape over certain areas where tears have developed so water does not leak inside.

Inspect the Yard

After a storm, you should always do a walk-around of your property. This will help you check for any damage that may have occurred during the storm, and it can also give you an idea of what repairs are necessary in order to prevent further damage.

If you live in a storm-prone area, it's important to be aware of the trees on your property and whether they pose any danger. If a tree has fallen during a previous storm, examine its roots and branches:

• Look for loose or broken branches, which could fall again at any time.
• Check for dead or dying trees that might be more likely to fall in another storm.
• Make sure any leaning or weak trees are being propped up by supports so that they don't topple into your house during a future event.

Inspect your yard and any detached structures, like a storage shed or garage. Trees may have fallen on these structures and damaged them, so you need to check them carefully.

We hope this article has helped you understand how to check your house after a storm. If you do experience damage to your home or business after a storm, give SERVPRO of Northern Colorado Springs/Tri-Lakes a call! We will get your Colorado Springs, CO property back to normal as quickly as possible!

3 Ways To Stop Ice Dam Formation

11/20/2022 (Permalink)

Attic insulation can reduce the transference of heat to the roof.

Three Ice Dam Prevention Measures

An ice dam forms when the snow melts on a roof and runs down to the edge and refreezes. Maintaining consistently cool attic and roof temperatures and functional drainage are the best ways to prevent a dam from forming. Here are three of the most effective ice dam prevention measures for residences in Palmer Lake, CO.

1. Limit Heat Loss

Many homes lose one-third of interior heating to the attic through ceilings. Closing bypasses around ceiling penetrations and other cracks and gaps will increase heating efficiency and prevent elevated attic temperatures that lead to ice dams.

2. Insulate and Ventilate an Attic

Attic insulation can reduce the transference of heat to the roof. Most building codes specify 12 to 14 inches of cellulose or fiberglass insulation. An attic specialist can also eliminate gaps that allow heat to travel up, melt snow, and cause an ice dam. Venting is another effective way to maintain cooler attic temperatures. The best locations for roof vents are in overhangs and along or near the peak.

3. Use Prevention Products

A specialized roof rake can be helpful for removing snow. In addition to posing a risk of melting and refreezing, snow also adds excess weight to a roof during a winter storm. Areas, where dams tend to form, can be equipped with high-resistance heat cables that run through a downspout. If a dam has already formed, calcium chloride can melt ice without damaging roofing materials. Use this product according to the instructions and cover plants situated beneath drainage.

Resolving the underlying cause is the best way to stop ice dam formation. Maintaining consistently cool temperatures throughout an attic and across a roof eliminates the factors that cause snow to melt and refreeze. Roof rakes and products that promote melting are fallbacks that may reduce the risk of roof damage and water damage at a residence in Palmer Lake, CO.

3 Reasons To Mitigate Damage Before Restoration

5/25/2021 (Permalink)

Storm floods constructions site in Monument, CO.

3 Reasons To Mitigate Damage Before Restoration

Leaving damage intact until restoration starts can cause conditions to worsen. Here are three reasons commercial property owners and managers should contact a flood cleanup company to arrange for mitigation in advance of damage restoration in Monument, CO.

1. Mitigation Limits Primary and Secondary Damage
Mitigation involves quick action in response to flooding or storm damage. This measure may involve tarping over roof damage, boarding up broken windows or extracting standing floodwater from a structure. Buildings that undergo mitigation may have less extensive damage than damaged structures left standing for days and a reduced risk of secondary mold damage.

2. Mitigation Allows for Easier Cleanup
When a supply line bursts and floods a commercial building, this damage is considered Category One water damage. A compromised structural enclosure, such as a leaky roof or broken window, introduces Category Two water into businesses. Flooding is considered Category Three water damage and may require a flood cleanup company. Mitigating any type of water damage makes cleanup easier. It is important to act quickly as water can degrade to a lower category and require tearing out porous building materials in addition to disinfection.

3. Mitigation May Identify Restoration Options
A one-stop restoration company can recommend the best approach to restoration based on information gathered during mitigation. After a building owner or property manager reports damage, a trained technician will arrive on-site to inspect a structure and recommend mitigation measures. The service can provide an estimate including cleanup and restoration to facilitate making commercial property insurance or flood insurance claim.
An all-in-one flood cleanup company can offer mitigation and restoration services in Monument, CO. Look for a service that has the expertise and commercial-grade equipment necessary to safely extract water as soon as possible. This mitigation measure goes a long way toward setting up a building for successful storm damage restoration.

3 Tips for Conducting Effective Fire Drills at Work

4/20/2021 (Permalink)

Map out evacuation routes.

Having A Safe Workplace

As a business owner or manager, you care about your employees and their safety. Emergency preparedness against disaster is an important part of maintaining a safe workplace. Make sure that your employees are prepared for the event of a fire in Gleneagle, CO, by using these three tips to make your fire drills more effective.

1. Start with a Plan
Before jumping into a drill, make sure that you start with a detailed plan. Here are a few items to include:

Map out evacuation routes. Keep these posted in visible areas. Mark the location of fire extinguishers.
Designate an employee to act as fire warden. Assign other responsibilities as needed, such as shutting down equipment or helping at-risk individuals out of the building.
Decide on follow-up communication. Have a system for determining whether everyone has been safely evacuated. Identify a set meeting place outside the building.
Know who you will call for fire cleanup and restoration after the emergency has passed. Have a plan so that you can get back to business quickly and safely.

2. Set Fire Drill Goals
Set specific objectives for each fire drill. These could include improving evacuation time (assign someone to clock this, such as the fire warden) or efficiently shutting down necessary equipment. Make and keep a goal for the frequency of fire drills. Plan on at least two to three each year.

3. Evaluate After the Drill
After you've completed a fire drill, take the time to debrief with your employees. Discuss what went well and make specific observations about needed improvements. Ask for feedback from everyone involved to identify any hiccups that need to be worked out before the next drill.
Drills are an important way to prepare for potential emergencies in the workplace. Make the most of your time, and that of your employees, by ensuring that your drills are effective. Plan ahead, be specific in your objectives and take the time to communicate both before and after drills.

Expert Tips for Flood Protection

1/13/2021 (Permalink)

Flood protection sandbags in Palmer Lake, CO

When it comes to safety measures, people tend to think about matters such as fires, operating heavy machinery and treating firearms with respect. Subsequently, flood safety is often overlooked. As the most common natural hazard in the United States, awareness needs to be increased regarding what to do before, during and after an attack of raging waters.

Flooding Danger

Numerous actions can be taken to mitigate the danger caused by flooding, some of which include:

• Setting your phone to deliver flood alerts
• Creating an escape plan that allows access to higher ground
• Having an emergency kit on every floor of your home

What matters most is that you and your family remain safe. No matter how much your home in Palmer Lake, CO, is impacted, a residential water damage restoration expert can fix almost everything that gets ruined.

Flooding Safety Tips
Listen to officials and adhere closely to every flood safety suggestion they offer. Postpone outdoor activities and bring in personal belongings with the potential to be swept away. Unplug electrical equipment and move basement items needing protection to an upper floor. If you have a sump pump, turn it on to verify that it is still in proper working condition.
During a flood, continually listen to weather alerts. If authorities advise evacuation, only take what you need, such as medicine and essential documents. Pets should be brought along if taking them can be done so safely. Stay out of flowing water and always observe road barriers, as these impediments may be indications of a washed-out highway or structurally compromised bridge.
After negative weather has passed, use caution when returning to your home. Avoid touching wet electrical devices. Disinfect anything that has become damp and remove carpets, mattresses, and upholstered furniture that need to be treated. Beware of mold, as spores can quickly develop after flooding.
Flood safety guidelines are critical to keeping families in many parts of America free from danger. Be aware of what it takes to remain secure in the face of one of these threatening environmental catastrophes.

How To Prepare for Bad Weather

11/16/2020 (Permalink)

A snow storm can bring extreme cold, ice, and high winds

Have A Plan To Respond To Severe Winter Weather Before It Occurs

Extreme winter weather often increases the risk of various health emergencies, storm damage, and car accidents. A snow storm can bring extreme cold, ice, and high winds. They can last from a few hours to several days. Keep yourself, your business, and your employees safe by having a plan to respond to severe winter weather in place before it occurs.

1. Know the Risks
Winter storms greatly increase the risk of frostbite, hypothermia, carbon monoxide poisoning, and heart attacks due to overexertion. Icy roads, blowing snow, and decreased visibility all raise the likelihood of car accidents during severe weather. Loss of heat, power, and communication systems can make all the other risks even greater. Older people, young children, and people already in poor health are put further at risk during severe weather. Stay inside, and stay off the roads whenever possible.

2. Prevent Damage
When water freezes, it expands, often leading to an unexpected pipe burst. To minimize the chance of this happening during a snow storm, make sure your pipes are properly insulated. Inspect the pipes seasonally to check for any leaks or loss of integrity. Plan ahead and have a list of trusted and reliable plumbers, electricians, and storm restoration specialists in Colorado Springs, CO. Researching these trained professionals before you need them will speed up the process of any repairs if you do suffer damage after a storm.

3. Keep Employees Home
Watch the news and pay attention to all storm warnings and emergency alerts during severe winter weather. If possible, consider allowing your employees to work from home. This will keep them off the roads and away from the associated risks that go along with driving during winter storms. It will also keep their health and safety a priority. The health and safety of your business often relies on the health and safety of your employees.
A snow storm can be terrifying and life threatening. Being aware and respectful of the dangers they carry is vital for the survival of yourself, your employees, and your business.

Tips To Mitigate Roof Damage

10/20/2020 (Permalink)

Roof damage inspection in Tri-Lakes, CO

After a devastating weather event, roof damage is one of the most common issues that homeowners must deal with. If your roof in Tri-Lakes, CO, is in need of repair, there are some initial mitigation steps you should follow.

Conduct a Roof Inspection

Wind damage can wreak havoc on your home's roof. As soon as the storm has passed, look for issues on top:

• Check for damaged and missing shingles. If you spot holes or empty spaces between shingles, board them up with plywood.
  
• Examine the gutters as well and remove any dirt and debris. This allows water to drain off the roof properly.
  
• Look for leaks. If any water has leaked through the ceiling and into the house, call a water damage repair service as soon as possible.
  
  

Call a Roof Inspection Service
If roof damage is substantial, contact a professional roof repair person right away. The expert will inspect the roof by utilizing some or all of the following procedures, depending on the extent of the damage:

• Full visual inspection of the flashings and membranes – An expert knows how to identify problems that an insurance adjuster may miss.
  
• Survey of the moisture within the roof's system – Through the use of infrared thermography, the amount of water in the insulation can be quantified.
  
• Testing the roof's core – This test helps to determine the useful life of the roof's components, including decking and insulation.
  
• Weather event documentation – Through the use of software, specific weather events can be identified. Such things as the size of the hail, the strength of the wind and the amount of rain help to confirm that the weather event caused the damage.
  
  

It's a smart idea to establish rapport with a professional roof inspector before a weather event occurs. Getting a pre-event quote can help you save money and time in the event of a storm.
Since roof damage is common during a weather event, it is helpful to know how to mitigate the situation ahead of time.

What Is Flood Damage Remediation in Colorado Springs and How Does It Work?

10/8/2020 (Permalink)

Flood Damage Experts in Colorado Springs Define What 'Clean' Means

The fall season is officially arrived in the Colorado Springs region, which means that before you know it, outdoor temperatures will begin to drop drastically. Every year when temperatures start to drop below freezing, several homeowners suffer from flood damage due to their water pipes freezing. When the water inside the piping that makes up your house's plumbing system freezes, it expands. This liquid expanding can often cause your water pipes to burst.

Once a pipe bursts, it is only a matter of time before your Colorado Springs home suffers flood damage. Even a small break in your plumbing system can cause hundreds of gallons of H2O to flood the interior of your residence. Once things get wet inside any building, the moisture can cause a large number of problems with your structural components and contents. When items such as your drywall and carpets get saturated, they can lose their structural integrity which can force us to have to remove and replace them. If organic substances retain moisture for longer than 48 hours fungi can develop, and if not treated quickly, the contamination can spread to other areas that were originally unaffected.

Whenever our SERVPRO team mitigates moisture-related issues, we strive towards preventing secondary problems such as elevated indoor humidity levels and mold growth. To accomplish this, we implement procedures including extraction and applied structural drying or ASD. Removing all moisture present inside your home can both help prevent secondary damage from occurring as well as reduce the number of items we have to remove and replace.

After moisture levels inside your structure return to what they were before the pipe break through our extraction and ASD procedures, our SERVPRO technicians take further steps to return your home to its preloss state, "Like it never even happened." The final cleaning procedure is normally the last step we take when completing a project, and it often includes carpet cleaning.

When cleaning carpets, there are several definitions that describe the word "clean." For example, once the carpets have been shampooed, they should both look and smell clean. There should be no visible soiling or stains, and the carpets should give off a pleasant aroma.

The carpets should also feel clean and be soft and smooth and not sticky or matted. The carpeting should also stay clean after being shampooed, meaning that the fibers do not easily attract soils.

Any final cleaning process should make your home feel sanitized. For the best overall outcome in your restoration project call SERVPRO of Northern Colorado Springs / Tri-Lakes at  (719) 434-4626 24/7.

Click here for more information about the city of Colorado Springs.

Call Our Crew For Flood Damage Cleanup Services In Colorado Springs

10/8/2020 (Permalink)

Where To Get Flood Damage Cleanup Services In Colorado Springs

Inclement weather is a significant cause of flash flooding in Colorado Springs, and it tends to occur from May through September. Flooding can happen when runoff from the mountains causes the water levels of small creeks to rise to unsafe levels. The waters move fast and can reach heights of ten to twenty feet easily. When floodwaters end up in homes, they can cause severe damage to the structures and contents.

If your Colorado Springs residence has flood damage, you should turn off the utilities until emergency officials say that is it safe to turn them on. Also avoid weakened walls, floors, and roofs. Floodwater may contain chemical toxins, bacteria, mud, and sewage. Therefore, wear rubber boots, masks, and gloves before you begin cleaning up your home. If the floodwater has soaked items like upholstered furniture, carpet and pad, and mattresses, it is advisable to discard them because it is difficult to clean them adequately. You should also discard all the food that came into contact with the floodwater. If you have canned foods, wash the cans thoroughly before opening.

Calling SERVPRO franchise professionals to assist you with the cleanup efforts is also vital. We have competent technicians who can help you get back to your home within a short time. We're available around the clock for emergency call-outs. Whether working with your insurance company or directly with you, our Water Damage Restoration Technicians (WRTs) can assess the destruction to your property, offer an estimate, and handle the restoration process. We can provide your insurance company with images, videos, measurements, and other pertinent information using insurance-industry approved and preferred methods for resolving claims seamlessly.

We use advanced equipment to extract water from floors, basements, and crawl spaces quickly to expedite drying. We can remove water from many types of flooring using wet vacuuming. Our crew then dries the affected areas using air movers and dehumidifiers. Our professionals also use air scrubbers to filter the air. Using air scrubbers helps control the spread of air-borne mold spores and other harmful microorganisms.

We also use germicides and disinfectants to destroy microorganisms. They destroy up to 99 percent of the organisms they contact on the surfaces where we apply them. These products may or may not affect fungal or bacterial spores, which are typically dormant, reproductive bodies. The common disinfects we use include phenols, quaternaries, chlorines, and alcohols.

Flooding may also leave unpleasant scents in your home. Our SERVPRO crew can apply deodorizers to eliminate bad odors. We can also use deodorizers that remove wet material odors that you may misinterpret as mold. Our team can use an electric sprayer, pump sprayer, or mister to apply the deodorizers directly to the affected materials.

After a flooding incident, contact SERVPRO of Northern Colorado Springs / Tri-Lakes for help. We have the expertise to perform proper cleanup of your home to make the water intrusion seem “Like it never even happened.” Call us any time at (719) 434-4626.

For more about Colorado Springs click here.

Finding Assistance After a Storm

8/5/2020 (Permalink)

File a claim for all the damage you face

Steps To Start You On The Road To Recovery

In the wake of storms and flooding, many individuals find their homes have been severely damaged or uninhabitable. Fortunately, resources are available for homeowners and renters who need assistance. Here are several key steps to start you on the road to recovery.

1. Contact Your Insurance
If you have an insurance policy, contact the company, and file a claim for all the damage you face. Make sure to include all of your insured property that was damaged by the storm or flood.

2. Assess Your Home and Property
Make a list of all the damaged goods on your property and document these issues with photographs. You should keep your list and photos in a file and include any receipts that you have for these items.

3. Contact Local Organizations
After you have assessed your home in Colorado Springs, CO, visit the FEMA website to search for local organizations that are assisting in your area. This search may include federal, state, or voluntary aid groups that are providing immediate assistance.

4. Apply for Federal Assistance
Once you are safe from the storm, apply for assistance from FEMA. You can do so over the phone or online, and you will be contacted within a short period after you submit your registration. The person who contacts you will set up your home inspection. This visit involves an agent coming to your home and evaluating the damage to your property.
You will then receive a decision in the mail explaining what grants you have been approved for and a check. This letter explains how you have to use the funds you have received. You may get help with storm restoration and cleanup, temporary housing, or medical and dental expenses.
If you are looking for assistance in making your home safe, sanitary, and secure after a storm, filing a FEMA application can provide the help you are searching for. By following the steps outlined above, you can make sure that your registration and approval process go smoothly and with minimal stress.

A Property Manager’s Guide to Preparing for a Hurricane

3/30/2020 (Permalink)

Be prepared for potential storm damage in Monument, CO

Prepare For Potential Storm Damage

Hurricane season begins on June 1. As a property manager, it’s important to make sure that a storm preparedness plan is in place well beforehand for the safety of your residents, staff, and property. Prepare for potential storm damage by:

1. Developing a Procedures Handbook

A property management company should have a hurricane procedures handbook prepared before the hurricane season begins. Include emergency numbers and contact information for staff. Also, outline the roles of each staff member, as well as their responsibilities, indicating essential personnel. Collaborate with all staff and make sure that everyone is on the same page with company policies, emergency procedures, and staff availability.

2. Sharing the Plan With Residents

Have a reliable way of reaching out to residents of the property. Many property managers will update tenants via an automated alert system, sending text messages and emails. Give each resident storm preparedness information familiarizing them with shelter areas, pre-storm procedures for their property as a whole, as well as instructions on how to prepare their residences.

3. Reviewing Insurance and Contracts

Review the property’s insurance policies to make sure that it’s adequately covered. Also, make sure that contracts with landscaping, construction, and mitigation companies are in place so that work can begin immediately after storm damage is incurred.

4. Performing Outdoor Maintenance

When you first hear that a hurricane is likely, begin preparing the outdoor areas. This maintenance includes cleaning gutters, trimming tree limbs and securing outdoor items such as furniture, signs, flower pots and trashcans. Get residents to bring their belongings inside from patios and balconies. Take time-stamped “before” photos or videos of the property for insurance claims purposes. Make sure that important computer documents are backed up to the cloud or an off-site hard drive.
Your staff and residents are depending on you to have a storm preparedness procedure ready in the event of a hurricane. You can rely on storm cleanup professionals to return your Monument, CO, property to its preloss condition as quickly as possible.

We Are The Right Choice In Colorado Springs After A Flood

2/12/2020 (Permalink)

We have the personnel, experience, equipment, and training to restore your property to pre-damage condition. We are available 24/7 to help you.

Repairing Ceiling Materials After Colorado Springs Attic Flooding

Ceiling cavities can allow for the movement of high volumes of water during a storm loss incident to Colorado Springs properties. When roofs suffer substantial damage, they can allow direct rainfall, wind-driven rain, and runoff to enter the attic space unabated. Under different events, snow melt can also be the source of interior flooding. Because of the unfinished and often porous wood flooring standard in unused attics, water can begin saturating through the flooring without delays and reaching the living space below.

Recovering flood damage in Colorado Springs homes often entails both the experience and training of our SERVPRO water restoration technicians (WRT), but also the expertise of our in-house residential contractors. Mitigation after storm damages that lead to flooding involves the direct actions of both of these divisions of our team, as our contractors must seal up breaches and begin controlled demolition while our restorers roll out equipment like extractors and drying machines to begin recovery.

Water migration through structural cavities above the ceiling and below the flooring material in your attic space can be challenging to address directly. In many situations, the restoration of these areas is two-fold. The process begins with removing overly damaged construction materials and structural elements. Saturated insulation, for example, is less costly to replace rather than the time it takes to dry sufficiently. Removing damaged materials can also help trapped water in the cavity drain out to maximize later drying efforts.

Before our contractors can work to rebuild the deconstructed area of the house, our SERVPRO team can deploy our positive pressure systems to force dry air into the open cavity to expedite evaporative drying. We can also utilize air movers for this same purpose once structural fixtures like framing and joists have gotten exposed.

Flood damage can be a devastating force for area home and require the full measure of talent and cutting-edge equipment available to our SERVPRO of Northern Colorado Springs / Tri-Lakes team. No matter how we can help after a loss, you can reach our emergency response team 24/7 by calling (719) 434-4626. With our expertise and training, we can make flood losses “Like it never even happened.”