What to Do After a Flood | SERVPRO® of Lake Travis/NW Austin

5/19/2023 (Permalink)

Flooding can happen in an instant. When disaster strikes, call SERVPRO of Lake Travis/NW Austin to get your home and business back in order.

If you haven’t witnessed or experienced flooding at your home or business, chances are that you know someone who has. That’s because flash flooding situations are one of the biggest threats to the Austin area.

In fact, Austin is located in the heart of “Flash Flood Alley,” which is one of the most flood-prone areas in the entire country.

If you experience flooding on your property this year, taking action quickly is vital to reducing the extent of your damages. We offer some tips on how to react more effectively in the aftermath of a flood below.

Protect Yourself and Your Family

If a flash flood warning is issued for our area, take it seriously. It may just look like flowing water, but it can be dangerous.

Even just six inches of water is enough to knock someone off of their feet. Stay away from flooded roads and areas, and don’t go near any creeks or drainage areas.

Start preparing your home before the water even starts flowing in. Turn off your electricity if possible and move anything of value or importance off of the lowest level. Secure outdoor furniture, and tie down propane tanks if you can. If the water enters your home, seek higher ground and stay there until the water levels start to decrease.

What to Do First Afterward

Once the water levels stop rising and the warning has expired, use extreme caution if you have to walk through any of the floodwater. The water could have carried hazardous chemicals or materials into your home as well as sharp or heavy debris. Wear thick rubber boots or waders and gloves if you have to walk through it.

The first thing you should do before any sort of restoration is to take pictures and videos of the damage. Try to do this as soon as possible so you get the most accurate representation of the damage.

If you try to remove the water or save some of your possessions, you could actually end up making your insurance claim process harder and less accurate.

How SERVPRO Can Help

After you have taken photos and surveyed the damage, it can seem overwhelming to think about all of the water removal, repairs and mold cleanup that you have waiting for you. The good news is that SERVPRO of Lake Travis/NW Austin can handle your entire restoration!

We can remove the water, dry out your space and address the repairs needed to help you completely recover. Our team can even sanitize your space to help prevent mold growth. If your home floods, give SERVPRO a call right away.

If your home suffers from flood damage, we are here to help. Contact us day or night at SERVPRO of Lake Travis/NW Austin.

Why You Should Hire A Fire Damage Restoration Company

12/13/2022 (Permalink)

Home fire in Leander, TX

Fire is one of the most destructive forces in the world. It can destroy an entire home or business, leaving nothing but ash behind. But there's hope for those with fire damage, and it comes in the form of a restoration company. A fire damage restoration company has access to all sorts of specialized equipment that can clean up after a fire and restore your house or business to normal. 

The most important reason to hire a professional fire damage cleanup service is to prevent lasting damage.

Fire can be unpredictable and leave behind dangerous chemicals, so it’s important that you seek professional assistance as soon as possible. Professional fire restoration services are equipped with the proper equipment and trained professionals who know how to safely clean up after fires. They will also respond quickly, because they have the resources available to them that allow them to get there faster than an average homeowner would be able for their own home.

Fire damage restoration companies are properly equipped to handle all the aspects of fire cleanup.

If you're in the process of restoring your home after a fire, it can be overwhelming, but consider these benefits of hiring a fire damage restoration company:

• They have the equipment and expertise to handle all aspects of cleanup. Fire damage restoration companies have the tools and knowledge to clean up soot, smoke residue, water damage and other messes that often accompany fires. They also know how to remove damaged materials like carpeting or furnishings—and they may even be able to repair walls and ceilings if they were damaged by smoke or water.
• A professional can help with insurance claims. If you’ve had your home damaged by fire (or any other disaster), it's important that you take steps immediately so that you can submit an accurate claim for reimbursement from your insurance company.

A professional fire damage restoration company is trained to use specialized equipment for odor removal.

The unfortunate reality of fire damage is that it usually leaves behind a terrible smell. Whether the smoke wafting from your home is coming from old books or something more recent, the best thing you can do for yourself, and your family is to hire a professional fire restoration company.

This isn't just about masking the smell. The smell of burnt material is an integral part of any restoration process, as it indicates how long ago the fire took place and gives technicians an idea of what needs to be done to make sure that everything's been cleaned properly.

In essence, odor removal involves removing any lingering traces left behind by burned materials so that they don't continue smelling foul after their initial removal has taken place. This means using special tools like steam cleaners and other things designed specifically for cleaning up after fires—tools which are not only expensive but also extremely difficult (and dangerous) to use improperly without training or experience with them firsthand!

At SERVPRO, we can respond quickly when you call, often arriving on-site within hours.

Our team of professional technicians is trained to handle any type of fire damage. We have the equipment and resources to get the job done right the first time.

Additionally, we are available 24/7 and have a free online estimate form if you prefer to take care of things yourself.

We also have the resources to respond faster to any size disaster, so we can help minimize the damage and start the restoration process immediately.

We have a network of local professionals that can help with the restoration process, including construction workers who can quickly repair your property after fire damage. And because we're based in your community, we know which contractors and suppliers are best for restoring your home or business.

Conclusion

Don’t wait for the fire damage to worsen. The sooner you call a professional, the better off you’ll be. Don’t risk your home and belongings by trying to tackle this problem on your own. At SERVPRO, we have all the tools necessary to clean up after any type of disaster in your home or business—from fires and floods to mold and roof leaks. We also have decades of experience working with insurance companies so they can reimburse you for what is covered under their policies.

How Can SERVPRO Prevent a Catastrophic Property Loss After a Water Event?

12/3/2022 (Permalink)

Flood water cleanup

After a Water Disaster, How Can SERVPRO Prevent a Catastrophic Property Loss?

When a home sustains water damage, it’s imperative to begin the evaluation and repair process as soon as possible to limit the potential for catastrophic property loss. With 24-hour availability and over 1,700 locations in the U.S. and Canada, SERVPRO is the premier emergency restoration franchise that can contain the devastating effects of water infiltration and minimize the overall cleanup cost. By keeping some basic water damage facts in mind, you’ll be reaching out to your local SERVPRO office in Lago Vista, TX, the next time you’re tasked with handling a flooding emergency.

1. Water will begin to destroy property within minutes. When water makes contact with furniture, carpet, flooring, and personal possessions, it’s absorbed immediately. This can cause floorboards to bend and warp, furniture finishing to bleed onto carpets, and treasured heirlooms to form mold spores. Your dedicated SERVPRO professional will reply to a water emergency call within the hour. This fast response time can save a home from extensive flooding damage.

2. Water damage causes a musty odor to develop quickly. It takes less than a day after a catastrophic water event for an entire home to develop a stale, unpleasant smell due to water absorption. With 24-hour service available 365 days a year, your local SERVPRO franchise is always open to eliminate mildew odors by restoring affected materials such as drywall and wooden surfaces.

3. Waiting to address water damage will cost you. After about a week, a home affected by a catastrophic water event begins to deteriorate dramatically. Internal support systems such as floor beams can start to rot and become structurally unsound, and mold growth will likely accelerate rapidly. The restoration process for these serious issues can be exorbitantly expensive. That’s why calling a dedicated SERVPRO professional to assess damage at the first sign of flooding is so important.

While a major water event inside a home can be a source of stress and anxiety for everyone involved, contacting a local SERVPRO professional to assess the damage within a 24-hour time frame can typically reduce overall restoration cost and prevent a catastrophic loss of property.

When To Replace Your Toilet Supply Line

11/12/2022 (Permalink)

A toilet supply line is an important part of your toilet

When to Replace the Supply Line for the Toilet

It's not glamorous, but the toilet supply line is an essential piece of plumbing. It delivers all the water you need to flush your toilet and do your business. So, if you notice any of these signs, it's time to replace your toilet supply line.

When you hear a constant hissing or dripping sound

If you hear a constant hissing or dripping sound, it's probably time to replace the supply line. The hissing sound is caused by a faulty flapper that may be allowing water to always enter the bowl. This will eventually lead to the toilet tank being filled with water and overflowing into your bathroom.

The dripping sound can mean there is a leak somewhere in your supply line. If this happens regularly, it could be due to worn out O-rings and seals on your toilet valve or other internal parts of your plumbing system that need replacing as well as new pipes.

When the line is over 5 years old

Generally of thumb, plastic and rubber supply lines should be replaced when they have reached five years of age. This is because older supply lines are more likely to start leaking due to fractures in the material or simply wear-and-tear. If you are not sure how old your toilet supply line is or want a second opinion, consider contacting an HVAC professional for an inspection.

When it is damaged by freezing temperatures (or other factors). While steel braided supply lines offer lifetime warranties if properly installed, some homeowners are still concerned with replacing their existing plumbing systems before they experience any leaks or problems that could lead them down this path anyway. If this sounds like you, consider having our team perform routine inspections throughout winter months so that we can ensure that all systems remain functional without causing damage during freezing temperatures!

When you notice a leak in the tank supply line

If you see water being wasted, check the supply line for a leak. The supply line is the part that connects to the water tank and then extends out of your toilet's base (usually under the toilet). It can be made of plastic or steel braided material. If it's defective, you'll need to replace it with a new one if it's not too expensive and isn't damaged beyond repair.

If your tank is leaking despite not being full

There could be several causes, the first thing to check is whether the seal around the toilet bowl has become cracked or damaged and is letting water leak out of the base. If this is the case, replacing it will solve your problem.

Next, check for leaks from between the tank and bowl (the connection point where both connect). If you find that this part isn't secure enough, tighten it by turning on your faucet so that some water flows into both sides of your toilet at once—this should cause any loose parts to tighten up again. If tightening doesn't help, try replacing those parts with new ones; they're usually only available online or at hardware stores.

The supply line is cracked or damaged

If you notice that your toilet supply line is cracked or damaged, it should be replaced. The supply line is the part of your toilet that connects to the water shut-off valve and the tank. It’s important to keep an eye on this section of your bathroom because it can be damaged by many things, including:

• Tree roots growing through underground pipes
• Cracked or broken floor tiles
• Collapsing sinks due to plumbing problems

Know when to replace your toilet supply line to prevent problems and expensive repairs.

Know the signs of a damaged supply line: Look for cracks and leaks around the valves where they connect to the toilet.

Test for leaks in your toilet system: You can test for leaks using an inexpensive dye tablet that will turn blue if there is water flowing through it. The tablet should be placed in any part of your system that connects directly to fresh water—so if you're uncertain whether something is leaking, this is an easy way to find out!

Replace damaged components before they cause damage: It's easier than ever before with good quality materials available at hardware stores. Just remember not to remove anything unless necessary because there may be hidden parts behind what looks like one component (such as inside the tank itself)!

A toilet supply line is an important part of your toilet but it’s also one that can often be overlooked. The good news is that if you know what signs to look out for, you can catch problems before they become expensive repairs.

Using a Commercial Drying Specialist After Water Damage

11/1/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage restoration in Lago Vista, TX.

After flooding, water clean up in a commercial building in Lago Vista, TX, can be complex. A lot depends on the category of water that caused the damage and how much of your building was affected. A certified water damage expert can lead the mitigation process and ensure your property is professionally handled.

Water Categories

Water damage falls into three categories:

Category 1: Clean water. Examples are water from a broken pipe or an overflowing sink
Category 2: Gray water. Broken toilets and sump pumps are examples.
Category 3: Black water. Standing water and sewage are in this category.

First Steps of Water Clean Up
If you call a professional restoration service to respond, technicians come to your business any time of night or day. They survey the damage, stop the water source if necessary, explain the severity and create an action plan.
Technicians normally begin by removing and extracting excess water. They use industrial pumps and equipment to take out the hundreds or thousands of gallons of water that may be present.
The company determines what materials and belongings can be restored and what needs to be replaced. They help with the mitigation and remodeling procedure as required.

The Drying Process
It's good to work with a restoration company that has IICRC-certified technicians. The IICRC is a nonprofit organization that shapes industry standards and provides training. Commercial drying specialists have expertise in technical drying methods for industrial facilities and equipment. They also have training in inspection, evaluation and workflow surveillance.
During the commercial drying process, technicians remove unseen water. They use special equipment to complete this process and monitor progress, usually during daily visits.
A professional restoration service has the expertise and equipment to handle your Lago Vista, TX, water clean up after a flood or water damage event. Calling one is a good way to start the cleanup and drying process.

What Does Commercial Property Insurance Policy Cover?

10/11/2022 (Permalink)

Business property insurance is a wise investment.

What Is Covered by a Commercial Property Insurance Policy?

Business property insurance can be confusing. What does it cover? What does it not cover? And if you do need to file a claim, how do you know when that's the case? Here's a quick guide to business property coverage, including what it covers and what kind of factors affect your premiums. We'll also show you how to determine whether you need additional coverage.

Replacement Cost vs. Actual Cash Value

Replacing the property is an important part of any commercial property insurance policy. The cost to rebuild the property will be covered by your policy if it's destroyed, but the amount of money you'll receive is dependent on your insurance company and the type of coverage you have.

One option is replacement cost coverage, which pays for rebuilding a destroyed building with new materials and equipment. This type of coverage may cost more than actual cash value (ACV), but it provides a higher level of protection should another disaster strike. ACV does not cover all repair costs due to depreciation or obsolescence; for example, if your office building was built in 2020 and later suffered damage that required removal of asbestos insulation before repairs could begin, ACV would not cover these costs because they're outside what would normally happen over time without being damaged.

Loss of Business Income

• Business Interruption Insurance: This type of coverage provides compensation for the loss of income you may incur when your business is damaged or destroyed.
• Business Income Coverage: This type of coverage provides compensation for lost profits due to business interruption, as well as expenses incurred while the property is being restored/repaired (known as extra expense), providing financial protection during this time.
• Loss of Use Coverage: This type of coverage offers financial protection if your business can't operate because it's no longer possible or practical to use it—for example, because it’s been damaged by fire or weather-related events like windstorms or tornadoes. You'll receive a cash payment based on the value of what you had before this happened, which may help replace some expensive equipment that was lost in the disaster but not covered under other parts of the policy

Property Damage

Property Damage Insurance covers damage to the building itself, not to its contents. Examples of property damage include:

• Fire, wind, and hailstorm damage
• Damage caused by or relating to water or other fluids that are not your own
• Earthquake damage (if you're in an earthquake zone)

Extra Expense

Extra expense insurance can be confusing because it's an "umbrella" term for three different types of coverage: business interruption, property damage and extra expense. But what do these terms mean?

Business interruption insurance pays you a preset amount each month (called the "loss of use allowance") if your building is damaged or destroyed by an insured event, so long as you continue paying your premiums and comply with all policy requirements. This benefit typically includes equipment rental costs while losses are being repaired or replaced; however, some policies exclude certain types of equipment or require additional deductibles before coverage kicks in.

Property damage protection helps pay for repairs after an insured incident causes physical damage to a structure such as fire or windstorm but doesn't include any eventual loss of use associated with it (e.g., rent payments).

Business Property Insurance is a Wise Investment

In today's business climate, it's more important than ever to protect yourself from unexpected losses. Business property insurance offers coverage for your property and assets in case of a fire or other disaster. You can also get coverage for liability, which ensures that you're covered if someone is injured on your premises or if one of your employees causes an accident offsite.

Business property insurance can help you save money on taxes by allowing you to deduct the cost of insuring your property against damage caused by natural disasters like hurricanes and tornadoes.

If you are looking into buying commercial real estate, it's important to ensure that the building is properly insured before signing any contracts with tenants or buyers. This way, if something happens to the building before closing (like getting flooded), then its value won't decrease significantly due to water damage alone.

Business property insurance is a wise investment. It can protect you against unexpected losses that may cost you time and money.

The Importance of Supporting Insurance Adjusters and Their Clients Efficiently

10/1/2022 (Permalink)

Drying out a commercial building

The Importance of Supporting Insurance Adjusters and Their Clients Efficiently

If you have experienced a disaster, chances are you are feeling overwhelmed, and may not know where to start. While you may understand that you need assistance during this time, you may not realize just how much the right help can make a difference. If you live in Spicewood, TX, and have experienced a disaster, here are some things to keep in mind. 

1. Quick Response Makes a Difference
Whether you are an insurance adjuster or a client of one, getting a quick response during a disaster can make a significant difference in how straightforward it will be to repair any damage that has been done to a property. SERVPRO can help ensure that there is a quick response to a variety of disaster situations, and better storm damage repair services overall.

2. A Supported Insurance Adjuster Can Work More Efficiently
There can be a lot of information to obtain when there has been a disaster, there can also be many processes to undertake. While these things are important to do for an insurance adjuster, they can also take time. When an adjuster is supported and has the help they need they will be better able to complete their tasks more quickly, which can mean more efficient repairs for a property owner. 

3. Clients Have Better Outcomes With Quick Service
During a disaster, damage can escalate quickly, whether it is fire or water, or storm damage. Being able to get an insurance claim sent in in a timely manner can mean quicker storm damage repair service, and less damage to fix overall. This can also mean that the property owner can get back on track in a shorter time frame, as well. 
If you have experienced a disaster, you are likely feeling a lot of stress. The good news is, though, that there are ways you can help ensure that you are taken care of in a more timely manner so that you can get your life back on track. 

Commercial Roof Upkeep

9/30/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial roof inspection

Commercial Roof Maintenance

If you are a Spicewood, TX, business owner, you probably take a lot of pride in maintaining your business. Protecting it against roof damage is one way that you can show others how much you care about your company. Here are some tips to remember to keep your proof in its best shape all year.

1. Consider waterproofing. There are several options for waterproofing materials that seal your roof and protect it from sunlight, rain and other causes of cracks. Many can be used without professional help and are fairly easy to apply.

2. Complete some landscape work. Trees and branches can lead to wind damage or damaging debris if they are hanging too far over the roof. You do not want to run the risk of a fallen tree damaging your business and causing safety hazards. Get professional landscaping help if needed to keep your plants safely trimmed.

3. Make inspections a regular routine. Your roof should be given a thorough inspection by whoever knows the most about it at least twice each year. Damaged drainage pipes, cracks and other roof damage red flags should be addressed as soon as possible in order to avoid a complete roof rebuild.

4. Know where to get help. If the worst case scenario occurs and you are left with damage in the aftermath of a Spicewood, TX, storm, local commercial storm damage restoration specialists should be able to help you figure out a cleanup and repair plan to get your business back in the shape it was before the bad weather hit. If you need immediate help, there are many teams that are available to arrive on a 24/7 basis for emergency cleaning.

No one wants to think about the bad things that could happen to their commercial building, but taking care of your property before something urgent occurs can help you prevent any excessive roof damage from occurring in the future.

Fire Prevention Tasks for Your Business

9/23/2022 (Permalink)

Having a fire sprinkler system will provide fire protection for your business.

Work to Prevent Fires in Your Business

A fire can cause severe damage to business equipment, materials, and structures. As a business owner, focusing on fire risk assessment, fire prevention, and staff education can help reduce your chance of fire and smoke damage. Here are three tips to help:

Assess the risk of fire hazards : The National Fire Protection Association offers handbooks and other publications on the fire safety code in place for businesses. Have a local fire marshal visit to assist you in creating a plan or give you an assessment. Some local governments offer this. Ask your building’s property manager to give you a workplace fire risk assessment, if a marshal isn’t available.

Have fire protection equipment : Having an automatic sprinkler system in place will provide primary fire protection for your business.

Standard fire safety practices require smoke detectors and fire extinguishers on every floor. Multipurpose extinguishers are the best bet, dousing most small fires with ease, without shorting out your electronics.

Protect your people : Employees are your most important business asset. Follow these tips to prevent injuries:

• Fire Plan : Make sure your employees know what to do, where to find the evacuation protocol, and to call 911 immediately. Conduct a fire drill at least once a year to keep employees aware of your workplace fire safety protocol. 
• Evacuation Plan : In larger buildings, post a fire evacuation plan in several spots around the workplace. Do not include elevators in the evacuation plan; use the stairs instead. 
• First Aid : In case of fire injuries, keep a first aid kit where most hazards will occur, such as a kitchen, and ensure your employees are familiar with the locations of all first aid kits.

Fire damage is especially devastating for a business or commercial property. If your business experiences a fire loss, call the fire and water damage restoration experts at SERVPRO of Lake Travis /NW Austin. We’ll respond immediately to get you back to business, “Like it never even happened.”

What an IICRC Certification Means to You

9/1/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO restoration specialists are certified by the IICRC

What an IICRC Certification Means to You

When your insurance client in Anderson Mill, TX, has damage to a home or business due to flooding or fire, you need a professional who is certified according to rigorous standards. SERVPRO is certified by IICRC, standing for Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification. It's a certification you can trust.
The mission of the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification is to establish globally recognized standards for inspection and cleaning as well as restoration. Only the most highly trained and skilled experts can be certified by this group.

The Benefits of IICRC Certification
Certified technicians are rigorously prepared and take continuing education to ensure they provide the best services possible. They have the skills necessary to handle hazardous jobs safely and efficiently. Certified businesses work hard to earn and maintain the trust their clients have come to expect. SERVPRO restoration specialists are Here to Help.
SERVPRO provides the highest standards of restoration and cleaning by providing the following training programs for employees:

Employee certification training in the restoration of damages caused by fire and water.
Training in cleaning carpets and upholstery.
Continuing education for insurance agents and insurance adjusters as well as SERVPRO professionals and real estate agents in areas of emergency mitigation. Those who complete this course can earn a mitigation certificate.
Web-based continuing education that's self-paced for those who have taken any of SERVPRO's other courses.
Certification training in inspection and cleaning as well as restoration.

SERVPRO is certified by the IICRC to offer year-round classes on restoration and cleaning topics including fire and water restoration and applied structural drying.
When you need a professional restoration company to help your client recover from damages, trust those who have the education and experience and who are certified as the best in the industry. That way, your client's property will be good as new.