Post-Flood Safety: Essential Steps to Check Your Home's Structural Integrity

10/16/2024 (Permalink)

Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do for post-flood safety, with a focus on assessing your home’s structural integrity.

Floods can cause widespread damage to homes, impacting everything from the foundation to the walls and roof. Once floodwaters recede, homeowners are faced with the daunting task of assessing the damage and ensuring their homes are safe for habitation. It's crucial to prioritize structural safety, as unseen damage can compromise your home's stability. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do for post-flood safety, with a focus on assessing your home’s structural integrity.

The Impact of Floods on Home Structures

Floods are among the most common and costly natural disasters, causing billions of dollars in damage each year. In fact, according to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), just one inch of floodwater can cause up to $25,000 in damage to a home (FEMA). This staggering statistic highlights the importance of thoroughly inspecting your home after any flooding event.

1. Conduct a Visual Inspection

The first step in assessing post-flood structural integrity is a thorough visual inspection. This should include:

• Foundation: Look for cracks, shifts, or any signs of movement in the foundation. Floodwaters can erode soil beneath the foundation, leading to settling or even partial collapse.
• Exterior Walls: Check for cracks or bulges in the walls. Flood pressure and debris can cause structural shifts that may not be immediately apparent.
• Roof: Inspect your roof for any sagging or missing shingles. Water infiltration can weaken the roof structure, leading to potential collapse over time.
• Windows and Doors: Make sure windows and doors open and close properly. Warping from water damage can cause misalignment, which is a sign of structural stress.

If you notice any of these issues, it's crucial to contact a professional structural engineer or a licensed contractor for a more detailed inspection.

2. Assess the Foundation for Settling and Erosion

Floodwaters can destabilize the ground under your home, leading to soil erosion and foundation settling. One way to check for settling is to inspect the alignment of your walls, floors, and ceilings. Uneven floors, gaps between the walls and the ceiling, or doors that no longer close properly could indicate foundation issues.

To mitigate the risk of further damage, avoid entering the home if you notice any major structural issues such as large cracks in the foundation or severe leaning of walls. Instead, have a professional inspect it before you re-enter.

3. Inspect the Flooring

Flooring is often the most visibly affected by floodwaters. Check for any signs of warping, buckling, or detachment of tiles, hardwood, or carpets. These issues can indicate water has seeped into the subfloor, compromising its strength.

In the case of significant water damage, it's often necessary to remove and replace flooring materials, particularly if the subfloor is compromised. This is especially true for wood, which can rot or weaken over time after water exposure.

4. Check the Walls for Moisture Damage

Walls, particularly those made of drywall, can absorb significant amounts of water during a flood. This not only weakens the material but also poses a risk to the overall structural integrity of the home. Look for:

• Sagging or Bulging Walls: These are key indicators of internal damage.
• Cracks: Even small cracks can signify more profound structural issues.

If you observe any of these signs, consult a professional to determine whether portions of the walls need to be replaced.

5. Engage a Professional for a Detailed Structural Assessment

While a visual inspection can help you identify obvious signs of damage, it's essential to engage a professional for a comprehensive structural assessment. Professionals can use specialized tools to detect internal damage that may not be visible, such as moisture meters or infrared cameras to identify trapped water. A structural engineer can also evaluate whether your home is safe for habitation or if repairs are necessary to prevent further damage.

Final Thoughts

Checking your home’s structural integrity after a flood is crucial to ensuring the safety and stability of your property. From inspecting the foundation to evaluating the walls and roof, thorough assessments are vital. Always consult with professionals if you're unsure about the extent of the damage or if your inspection reveals concerning signs.

Remember, taking these steps not only ensures your home is safe but also helps protect your investment in the long run. By following these post-flood safety steps, you can minimize the risks associated with flood damage and restore your home’s structural integrity. If you need flood damage restoration services, contact our emergency team at SERVPRO®.  

Safety Measures During Lightning Storms

9/11/2024 (Permalink)

Remember, safety first – when thunder roars, go indoors!

As SERVPRO® employees, we understand the importance of staying safe during severe weather events, especially lightning storms. Lightning is a powerful natural phenomenon that can cause significant damage and pose serious risks if proper precautions are not taken. Here are some essential safety measures to follow during a lightning storm to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your property.

Stay informed

First and foremost, always stay informed about weather conditions. Pay attention to weather forecasts and alerts from reliable sources. When a lightning storm is predicted, it's crucial to take action early. If you hear thunder, it means lightning is close enough to pose a threat, so seek shelter immediately. A good rule of thumb is the "30-30 rule": if you hear thunder within 30 seconds of seeing lightning, go indoors, and stay inside for at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder.

Indoor protection

When indoors, avoid using electrical appliances and plumbing fixtures, as lightning can travel through electrical wiring and plumbing. Unplug devices and avoid using corded phones. It's also wise to stay away from windows and doors, as well as any metal objects that could conduct electricity. If possible, stay in an interior room on the lowest floor of your home.

For those caught outside during a lightning storm, finding a safe shelter is paramount. Never seek refuge under a tree, as trees can attract lightning. Instead, find a substantial building or a metal-topped vehicle with the windows rolled up. If no shelter is available, crouch low to the ground, with as little contact with the ground as possible, and avoid open fields, hilltops, and bodies of water.

Protect your home

Another crucial aspect of lightning safety is protecting your home. Surge protectors can help shield your appliances from power surges caused by lightning strikes. Additionally, consider installing a lightning rod system to provide a direct path for lightning to travel to the ground, reducing the risk of fire and structural damage. Keep trees and branches trimmed to prevent them from falling on power lines or your home during a storm.

Emergency preparedness

It's also important to have an emergency kit ready in case of power outages or other storm-related issues. Your kit should include essentials such as flashlights, batteries, a battery-powered radio, non-perishable food, water, and a first aid kit. Being prepared ensures you can weather the storm safely and comfortably.

Lightning storms require serious attention and preparedness. By staying informed, seeking proper shelter, protecting your home, and having an emergency kit ready, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with lightning. At SERVPRO, we're dedicated to helping our community stay safe and prepared for all types of severe weather. Remember, safety first – when thunder roars, go indoors!

Tornado Preparedness: Steps to Take Before, During, and After the Storm

5/15/2024 (Permalink)

Remember, SERVPRO® is here to help with any storm damage restoration and cleanup needs.

Living in an area prone to tornadoes requires preparedness and quick action to ensure the safety of yourself and your loved ones. Tornadoes can strike suddenly and with immense force, causing widespread damage and devastation. Here are some essential steps to take before, during, and after a tornado to stay safe and minimize damage to your property:

Before the Tornado

1. Create a Tornado Emergency Plan

Develop a family emergency plan that outlines where to seek shelter in your home or community shelter, as well as how to stay informed about tornado warnings and evacuation orders.

2. Identify a Safe Shelter

Designate a safe room or storm shelter in your home where you can take refuge during a tornado. Choose an interior room on the lowest level of your home, away from windows and doors.

3. Prepare an Emergency Kit

Assemble an emergency kit containing essential supplies such as non-perishable food, water, flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, and important documents. Store the kit in your designated safe room or shelter.

4. Secure Outdoor Items

Bring in or secure outdoor furniture, lawn decorations, and other loose items that could become projectiles during high winds. Trim trees and branches near your home to reduce the risk of them falling during a tornado.

During the Tornado

1. Seek Shelter Immediately

If a tornado warning is issued for your area or if you see or hear a tornado approaching, seek shelter immediately in your designated safe room or storm shelter.

2. Stay Informed

Monitor weather updates and warnings through a battery-powered weather radio or a smartphone app to stay informed about the tornado's location and trajectory.

3. Take Cover

If you are caught outdoors or in a vehicle during a tornado, seek shelter in a sturdy building if possible. If no shelter is available, lie flat in a low-lying area and cover your head and neck with your hands.

After the Tornado

1. Wait for the All-Clear

Remain in your safe shelter until the tornado has passed and local authorities have issued an all-clear signal. Be cautious when emerging from shelter, as additional tornadoes or severe weather may occur.

2. Assess Damage

Check your home for damage, taking care to watch out for hazards such as downed power lines, gas leaks, and structural damage. Use caution when entering damaged buildings and wear protective clothing if necessary.

3. Contact Authorities and Insurance Provider

Report any injuries or significant damage to emergency services and your insurance provider as soon as it is safe to do so. Document the damage with photographs or videos for insurance claims purposes.

By taking these proper actions before, during, and after a tornado, you can help ensure the safety of yourself and your family and minimize damage to your property. Remember, SERVPRO® is here to help with any storm damage restoration and cleanup needs. Stay safe and be prepared for severe weather events.

Weather The Storm With SERVPRO

6/29/2023 (Permalink)

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 North Texas, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,700 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 817-557-6895

Storm Season Is Approaching

6/29/2023 (Permalink)

24/7 we are here for you.

Approximate The Distance To Lightning Strike: Know How To Prepare for Storms

5/23/2023 (Permalink)

To approximate the miles a strike is from you, count the seconds between the flash and thunder, divide by 5!

Know How To Prepare for Storms

Lightning causes around 43 deaths in the U.S. annually (based on statistics from 1989-2018). Thankfully, this number is only 10% of the average lightning strikes, the other 90% are left alive, but with various degrees of disability.

Nationally, lightning ranks second only to flash floods in weather-related deaths. Lightning is the most frequent important weather threat to personal safety during the thunderstorm season. Since the threat of lightning is so common, it is typical that many have a lackadaisical approach to protecting themselves. The main reason is that people stay outside too long as thunderstorms approach or form nearby. 

For example, during the early part of the thunderstorm season, "dry" thunderstorms are quite common. With these types of thunderstorms, little or no precipitation reaches the ground and, as a result, people are less likely to seek shelter.  See lightning facts below for statistics on lightning events. 

Did you know?

• The air near a lightning strike is heated to 50,000 ° F, that is hotter than the surface of the sun!
• The average flash could light a 100-watt light bulb for more than 3 months.
• Lightning occurs with all thunderstorms.

While most lightning casualties occur at the beginning of an approaching storm, a significant number of lightning deaths occur after the thunderstorm has passed.  If thunder is heard, then the storm is close enough for a lightning strike.  DO NOT wait for the rain to start before seeking shelter, and do not leave shelter just because the rain has ended. 

A Cool Lightning Hack

You can approximate the distance of lightning!

Did you know you can approximate the distance a storm is from you but counting the time between the flash of lightning and the thunder sound that coincides with the lightning flash? That means you can, at your own home, with minimal supplies, figure out how far a lightning strike is from you!

What You’ll Need:

1. You Ears
2. Your Eyes
3. A watch with a second counter or a phone

From the time you see lightning, it will take the sound of thunder 5 seconds to travel 1 mile. To approximate the miles a strike is from you, count the seconds between the flash and thunder, divide by 5!

For example, if you see a flash of lightning, start a stop watch and hear a large crash of thunder 5 seconds after the flash, your lightning is only 1 mile away! Anything less than 5 seconds is definitely close, so seek cover!

It's not raining, is there still danger from being struck by lightning?

YES!  Lightning often strikes outside of the heavy rain area and may occur as far as 10 miles away from any rainfall.

Will the rubber soles of my shoes or tires on my car protect me from being struck?

NO! However, the steel frame of a hard-topped car provides a sort of Faraday Cage or Faraday shield. This increases protection if you are not touching metal. Although you may be injured if lightning strikes your car, you are much safer inside the car than outside. When skies darken, or thunderstorms are forecast, look and listen for increasing wind, flashes of lightning, sound of thunder, and static on your AM radio.  While no place is safe from lightning, some places are much safer than others. 

Where you can go…

• Get inside a house or large shelter
• Remain clear of tall, isolated trees and telephone poles
• If possible, move to a sturdy building or hard top automobile
• If you are caught outside, away from shelter, you need to get to a place of safety as quickly as possible. If safe shelter is not possible, lie down on low lying ground or in a ditch.
• If boating or swimming, get out of boats and away from the water, get to land and find shelter immediately

What you can do...

• Watch for signs of an approaching thunderstorm
• Postpone outdoor activities if thunderstorms are imminent. This is your best way to avoid being caught in a dangerous situation
• REMEMBER, if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to a storm to be struck by lightning

If your home or property has been damaged by severe winds, water, or storms—call SERVPRO of Lake Arlington for a free damage restoration estimate.

Storm Damage Cleanup & Restoration

5/4/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lake Arlington 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 can respond quicker with the right resources. This is extremely important because a fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

RESOURCES TO HANDLE STORMS

When storms hit Lake Arlington we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of over 1700 franchises across the country as well as our elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any Size Disaster
• A Trusted Leader in the Water Restoration Industry
• Locally Owned and Operated
• 817-460-7766

Restoring storm- and flood-damaged properties is the cornerstone of our business. Our highly trained professionals use specialized equipment and advanced training to quickly restore your Lake Arlington property to pre-storm condition. We’re dedicated to responding immediately, which helps to minimize secondary damage.

We are storm and water damage specialists who get started promptly to get your property dry and back to pre-storm condition. Using advanced equipment and scientific drying techniques, we document the drying process to validate your home or business is ready.

• Water Damage Restoration Technician
• Applied Structural Drying Technicians

Hurricane Preparedness Checklist

5/4/2023 (Permalink)

Hurricane Preparedness Checklist

Atlantic hurricane season runs roughly from June 1 thru November 30 each year, with September holding the spot for the peak hurricane month. While, technically, hurricanes can wreak havoc any time of the year, this is the time to be on your guard the most. With that said, there are several ways to prepare for these storms during the off-season so you are not caught unawares.

Stock Up on Essentials

You'll want to prepare for the loss of electricity and the ability to cook by stocking up on water, bread, non-perishables, and items you can eat without heating. Also, make sure you have:

• Extra batteries for flashlights or headlamps,
• Portable chargers and cables for cell phones,
• Candles with matches. 

Check Your Insurance

If you live in a hurricane-prone region, make sure your insurance covers flooding and other expenses you may incur because of a Texas hurricane.  

Make a Video of Your Home

If your home is damaged from hurricane winds and water, a home inventory video will help prove the pre-storm state of your home and make insurance claims processing easier. It would also be beneficial to make electronic versions of important documents related to your home and your personal information in case the originals are destroyed in the storm. Include digital files of documents such as your:

• Birth certificate
• Driver's license
• Home's deed
• Social security card

Protect Your Property

Install hurricane shutters or plywood of at least 3/4 inches in thickness. You may need to install hurricane clips to secure the roof of your home to the walls. This is important in areas that may receive a direct hit, and install foot and head bolts on all doors.

Make an Evacuation Plan

When it is time to evacuate, go. Make a plan for where you and your family will stay at least 50 miles from your Texas home. If you can, pre-pack a bag before the threat of an Atlantic hurricane is severe. Load it with clothes, blankets, food, water, electronics, and important papers or photos.

Use These Tips

Don't Take Risks. Ultimately, people are more important than things. People hurt in hurricane weather evacuate late or stay in their homes altogether. Be wise and get out early. Prepare in order to mitigate panic and this kind of risky behavior. 

We Help with Hurricane Recovery

We live and work in this community; we might even be neighbors. As a locally owned and operated cleaning, damage restoration, and construction business, SERVPRO of Lake Arlington is a proud and active member of this community and is ready to respond to your Orlando home emergency 24/7/365. Call us today at (817) 460-7766.

How to Reduce Pet Stress During a Storm: Evacuation Plan

4/8/2022 (Permalink)

Follow these simple measures to reduce your pet’s stress.

Plan For Your Pets

Inclement weather or fires can happen with or without notice. Creating an emergency plan can help prevent damage to your home and belongings and protect you and your loved ones - including pets! When putting a plan together, it’s important to plan for their needs as well. 

Make an Evacuation Plan

Remember, if you must evacuate due to an emergency, the area is likely not suitable for your pets either. Your evacuation plan should consider where your pets will be taken, if not kept with you, and how best to transport them. Make a list ahead of time of pet friendly hotels or friends’ houses along your evacuation route and near your final destination. Know that some hotels and shelters do not accept animals. 

You also might want to build an emergency travel kit for your animals. This will save time and worry when you must evacuate. 

Items to include in your pet's emergency kit:

• A completed Emergency Pet Passport containing important information like your pets’ veterinarian contact info, medical needs, license/chip info, photos, etc.
• Leash, harness, and carrier with blanket to transport animals
• A few portions of a suitable non-perishable food, water bowl, bottled water, and can opener
• Cat litter and pan or bags for excrement
• Medications
• Toys

Don’t Have to Evacuate? 

If evacuation is not necessary, there are still some things you can do to reduce your pet’s stress in an uncomfortable situation like a thunderstorm.

Pet Stress Symptoms

Pets may exhibit signs of stress and anxiety that can be alleviated by simple measures. Some of these symptoms include whimpering, hiding, pacing, or shivering. These symptoms may be caused by a variety of factors including pets’ greater sensitivity to sounds and air pressure.

As stress increases, symptoms may become more severe. Follow these simple measures to reduce your pet’s stress:

• Remain calm as an owner
• Create a comforting space for them in a smaller room like a closet or under a blanket
• Close blinds and curtains
• Keep them in their normal routine, if possible

Read more storm and pet related articles here.

Do You Have an Emergency Kit for Severe Weather?

2/6/2022 (Permalink)

Severe weather is unpredictable and safety is important, no matter the season! Be prepared, following these readiness tips to guide you, no matter what type of severe weather you may encounter.

Have a Weather Radio

Weather radios are the most reliable way to receive notifications of severe weather in your area in an emergency. Although cell phones, weather apps, social media, and wireless emergency alerts (WEA’s) are what the majority of us depend on for information, they can be interrupted during severe weather. Be sure to properly program your weather radio so you only receive the alerts you want for your county.

Keep an Emergency Supply Kit

An emergency kit can be a lifesaver. Most emergency management agencies recommend supplies for up to three days. The following is a list you can use as a guideline for mitigating disaster effects:

Personal Items:

• Water – 1 gallon per person per day
• Non-perishable food
• A simple, manual can opener
• Battery or crank operated radio—preferably a weather radio
• Battery or crank operated flashlight
• Extra batteries and matches or lighter in a waterproof case
• First Aid kit with whistle to signal help
• Clothing, blankets, hygiene items & dust masks
• Important documents. (Copy of insurance policy, bank account info, identification, etc.)
• Cash

Repair Items:

• Plastic sheeting, garbage bags, and duct tape for leaks
• Wrench or other tools to shut off utilities
• Fire extinguisher

Make a family plan

Make sure all members in the household are aware of where they are to go in the event of severe weather. If for some reason the family is separated in the event of a severe storm, have a meeting place established to aid in finding each other amidst the devastation.

Highly Trained with Resources to Handle Storms

SERVPRO of Lake Arlington specializes in severe weather restoration. Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition. We can also scale our resources to handle a larger storm or flooding disaster. 

Locally Owned & Operated = Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we can respond quicker with the right resources. This is extremely important because a fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost. Call SERVPRO of Lake Arlington today! We are here to help.

SERVPRO of Lake Arlington’s Storm Damage Cleanup & Restoration

2/6/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lake Arlington is:

• A 24-Hour Emergency Service

• Faster to Any Size Disaster™

• A Trusted Leader in the Water Restoration Industry

• Locally Owned and Operated

Restoring storm and flood-damaged properties is the cornerstone of our business. Our highly trained professionals use specialized equipment and advanced training to quickly restore your property to pre-storm condition. We’re dedicated to responding immediately, which minimizes secondary damage.

SERVPRO of Lake Arlington has:

• Water Damage Restoration Technicians

• Applied Structural Drying Technicians

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call us today at 817-460-7766.

When Storms Hit Lake Arlington, SERVPRO is Ready!

We Have Resources to Handle Storms

When storms hit Arlington, TX we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We have access to equipment and personnel from a network of over almost 2000 franchises across the U.S. and Canada as well as our elite Disaster Recovery Teams.

Clean up of Water Damage After a Storm

Water is particularly invasive, quickly spreading throughout your property and being absorbed into floors, walls, and furniture. SERVPRO of Lake Arlington arrives quickly to start the water extraction process almost immediately.

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

You can trust our highly trained professionals to quickly restore your property to pre-storm condition. Let us take this burden off of your shoulders. We assess the situation, clean up the mess, deal with insurance, clean and store your property’s contents, and walk with you through every step of the process. You don’t have to go through storm damage effects alone!

Storm Aftermath: What's Next?

1/19/2022 (Permalink)

Dealing with repairs and insurance companies after severe weather hits your property can be difficult. Homeowners can use the following tips to help tackle the storm damage caused by hard rains, flooding, or storm-related issues.

Safety First

If you and your family were away from home when the storm hit, do not return until it has been confirmed safe. Contact a storm damage expert like SERVPRO of Lake Arlington; we'll help you determine if your home is safe to return to.

Insurance

You will need to contact your homeowners' insurance adjuster as soon as possible. If your neighborhood has sustained widespread damage, find out if any special teams of insurance agents, relief workers, or contractors are coming to the area. Check your policy to determine what actions you need to take or talk to your agent to make sure you are following the proper procedures. Not following these actions correctly could result in a reduced claim. Inspect your property and make a list of all damages; take photographs of all noted damage if at all possible.

Recording And Documenting

Document your neighbor's damages, as well; this can prevent the insurance provider from downgrading your claim by saying the damage is from your neglect of maintenance or other unrelated issues by giving them away to compare. Keep a record of all the communication you have with your insurance provider and don't do any unnecessary repair work yourself. Hire a trusted storm damage restoration service provider such as SERVPRO of Lake Arlington to handle any repairs.

Be Scam Free

Always check the adjuster's identification. If you are evacuated, ask for money from your claim upfront. If they agree, you will be given a check for an amount deducted from your final settlement. Some providers will automatically offer a partial payment early on during the process. Review it carefully and decline it if you feel uncomfortable with any part of it. Never be afraid to ask questions and to expect an answer that makes sense or seems fair. 

Dealing with a storm's aftermath is stressful, but reacting quickly and effectively will prevent problems down the road.

SERVPRO of Lake Arlington is ready to help 24/7. Call us for your fire or water damage issues at (817) 460-7799.

3 Tips to Prevent Your Home From Wind Damage

1/19/2022 (Permalink)

Many areas in the United States have experienced heavy winds and storms this past year. The intense, powerful winds can cause significant damage to your home. Wind damage can cause a range of destruction to your property, from broken windows and fallen tree branches to severe damage to the roof, garage, or car. It can happen from the strong wind or indirectly from the wind blowing debris into your house.

Wind Damage from Different Types of Storms

Thunderstorms are the most common cause of wind and storm damage. However, winds from hurricanes or tornadoes are more robust and can cause severe damage. It can produce many types of adverse weather such as lightning, hail, tornadoes, straight-line winds, flooding, etc.

Thunderstorms are responsible for wind damage cases in the U.S. However, storm damage repair may be costly for hurricane or tornado wind damage. Billions of dollars are spent on wind damage repair and storm damage restoration each year. Understanding the nature of wind damage can help you limit the amount of damage to your property and save on restoration and repair costs.

It's important to know when and what type of storm is approaching in your area. You'll learn the potential level of damage to expect. These wind damage facts will help you better understand the likely wind damage and how to prevent it. Here are some steps you can take to minimize property damage when severe weather strikes.

Preventing Wind and Storm Damage

1. Flying Debris

Most wind damage starts with unsecured flying debris. If a storm is approaching your area, make sure any potential debris in your homes, such as patio furniture, toys, garbage cans, and other objects, are secured or brought inside. Secure your doors and windows to help minimize the potential storm damage to the home.

2. Roof Materials

Roofing material should latch to the deck. Loosely connected shingles will lift from the deck. Siding damage reduces at the construction phase. Fastened siding isn't as likely to lift off a structure in strong wind. Building codes will likely direct the minimum standards for connections. You, your architect, or your contractor may decide to exceed these minimums for a more robust storm-resistant structure.

Roof damage reduces during the construction phase when the roof deck, shingles, or membrane is applied over the decking. A well-designed roofing system will anchor the trusses and decking to the walls and foundation to keep the entire roof from lifting off the building in a strong wind.

3. Tree Maintenance

Tree maintenance to remove dead limbs or identify and remove weakened trees will reduce the likelihood of structural damage. Trees, at times, won't shift positions. If it does, it can shift and cause serious injury to the unwary. Roof openings and broken windows are the most common problem. Keep a roll of plastic sheeting that cuts to size and nails over the opening. Your insurance policy will likely cover the cost of an emergency close-up. Fallen trees may cause other severe safety issues, such as downed electrical wires. Contact your agent or claims center to report the damage and seek advice on how to proceed.

If your home or business sustains wind or storm damage, contact a restoration professional. SERVPRO of Lake Arlington can respond immediately to storm and flooding conditions. Our quick response will help prevent secondary damage and help reduce restoration costs. Call us 24/7 at (817) 460-7766.

Storm Damage vs Flood Damage: Know the Difference for Your Insurance

1/19/2022 (Permalink)

Property owners in Lake Arlington, Texas, may have a hard time differentiating storm damage from flood damage. Commercial properties can sustain water damage from either source. There're a few significant differences to keep in mind that may help you manage these risks.

The most general distinction is that stormwater comes from above, whereas flood water overspills natural bodies or watercourses and covers at least two acres of ordinarily dry land.

Storm damage to a commercial property may originate from a variety of causes such as:

• High winds
• Heavy rain
• Hurricanes
• Snow
• Tornadoes

Most business insurance plans protect from storm damage. Property owners need additional coverage to offset the expenses of flood damage. If your property is located on a flood plain, you should make sure you carry the policies necessary to protect your investment.

Flooding occurs when water overflows a body of water or watercourse such as:

• Creeks
• Dams
• Lakes
• Storm-water channels

For water to be considered a flood, it must cover two acres and affect at least two properties. If a commercial property is located in a high-risk zone, and the owner has a mortgage from an insured and federally-regulated lender, they must maintain flood insurance. Damage resulting from either flooding or storms can cause severe problems and should be planned for, prevented, and handled as soon as possible. Regardless of a moisture source, the risk of mold and other secondary damage within a building can be just as severe.

Restoring Damage From Storms and Floods

Restoration specialists can help property owners determine the precise causes of damage and the best solutions. If a commercial property in Lake Arlington, Texas, experiences flood damage or sustains damage during a storm, contact SERVPRO of Arlington at (817) 460-7766 as soon as possible.

Know How to Identify the Source of a Leaky Roof

1/5/2022 (Permalink)

Find Your Leaky Roof Source Quickly

After a significant storm, it's a good idea to inspect your damaged property as quickly as you can. Your home's main line of defense is your roof, and it takes a beating. Pay attention to dings in your gutters or tears in your window screens, which indicate hail damage. You may also see missing shingle tiles from the ground, but those don't always represent a need for whole roof replacement. Usually, the leak is coming from a more minor roof feature.

At SERVPRO of Lake Arlington, we:

• Find the source of the leak
• Stop the leak &
• Clean the water damage.

Find the Leak

During storms in Texas, wind damage can let rain in through your roof. From the inside, look for water stains on your ceiling and walls that indicate the leak.

Common places to see leaky roof damage:

1. Vents and fans
2. Chimneys
3. Window dormers
4. Vent pipes
5. Unsecured nails and nail holes

Dealing with Water Damage

1. Check for discolorations and rotting wood, wet drywall, and insulation.
2. If you haven't found mold, start drying any wet materials immediately. Complete drying is critical to preventing mold, and it may take longer than you realize. 
3. If you find mold, remain careful to not spread it during cleanup. Mold grows on wet, damaged materials in as little as 48 hours. A mold remediation professional creates a containment area while working on the water and mold damage. Specialists have monitoring equipment that they use to ensure materials are dry.

For more assistance, call a local construction, restoration, and mold remediation crew likeSERVPRO of Lake Arlington at (817) 460-7766.

When Storms Hit Arlington

2/5/2021 (Permalink)

When Storms Hit Lake Arlington:

Unexpected emergencies like severe weather call for immediate action! Your Lake Arlington SERVPRO knows that immediate reaction is important in helping to get life back to normal after storm damage has occurred. SERVPRO of Lake Arlington will always strive to contact our customers within 1 hour from the notice of loss to arrange for service! SERVPRO of Lake Arlington will be on-site within 4 hours to begin mitigation after storm damage has occurred. Our SERVPRO professionals will also provide a verbal briefing of scope to you within 8 business hours of on-site arrival. SERVPRO of Lake Arlington can also perform pack-out services, which is removing salvageable personal property from the affected area for off-site cleaning and storage. When disasters strike, SERVPRO of Lake Arlington is here to help! 

Lake Arlington SERVPRO Services Include:

Restoration:

• Fire, Smoke, and Soot
• Water Removal & Dehumidification
• Mold Mitigation & Remediation
• Catastrophic Storm Response
• Move-Outs & Contents Restoration
• Electronics & Equipment
• Document Drying
• Contents Claim Inventory Service

Cleaning:

• Air Ducts & HVAC
• Biohazard, Crime Scene, & Vandalism
• Carpet, Upholstery, Drapes, & Blinds
• Ceilings, Walls, and Hard Floors
• Deodorization 

Preparing for Tornado Season

2/3/2021 (Permalink)

Did you know Texas has the highest average annual number of tornadoes in the US? That's right, an average of 132 tornadoes touch Texas soil each year! 

Tornado season typically runs from March to June, however, tornadoes are capable of being produced year-round. Make sure you and your family get prepared ahead of time, as tornadoes can be unpredictable. 

Find the Safest Place in Your Home

It’s important to know the best place to go when a tornado hits. Find a space where there are no or few windows, away from breakables. If you have a basement, cellar or storm shelter, head there immediately. In one-floor structures, go to a small, interior space, such as a closet or under a stairwell. If possible, an interior bathroom in the tub could provide extra protection.

You should discuss where the safe place is with every member of your family, so they know where to go in the event of an emergency.

#2 Gather Supplies

Put together an emergency kit with these items:

• One gallon of water per person, per day, for at least three days
• Enough non-perishable food to last each person for three days
• A battery-powered weather radio
• Several flashlights
• Extra batteries
• Prescription medications
• First Aid kit
• Clothes and closed-toed shoes for every person