How to avoid sewage back-ups!

11/4/2021 (Permalink)

sewage back-up causing flood inside home

Have you ever encountered standing water in your home after a heavy rainstorm? If water has come up through plumbing fixtures or if you have standing water over a drain in the floor or bathroom, you may be experiencing a sewer backup. 

How to Prevent a Sewer Backup

You may be able to help protect your home from a sewer backup by taking the following preventive steps:

• Install a backup water valve: A plumber can install a water valve in sewer or drain lines. This valve lets sewage water flow out of the pipes, but not back in.
• Properly dispose of household waste: Items like paper towels do not decompose quickly and can contribute to plugging sewer lines if they are flushed down a toilet. And in the kitchen, be sure to properly dispose of cooking grease — if you pour it down the sink, it can harden in the pipes.
• Inspect and trim tree roots: If you have noticeable tree roots throughout your yard, you may need to have a professional trim them back to help reduce the risk of them growing into a sewer line.

While these safety tips can help minimize the risk of a sewer backup happening at your home, it’s important to remember that sewer backups aren’t typically covered by homeowners insurance policy. So, consider adding water backup coverage to your homeowners insurance policy which may help pay for repairs after a sewer backup.

Preparing for Colder Weather

11/4/2021 (Permalink)

insulating your pipes for colder weather

As the days grow shorter and the temperature begins to drop, it’s time to start getting your home prepared for the winter months ahead. Here's a checklist to make sure you’ve got everything all ready for winter!

• Get your furnace checked

A regular checkup for your furnace will extend its life, prevent carbon monoxide leaks and ensure everything is in working order.

• Keep pipes warm

Frozen pipes can burst, which can result in a major disaster. It may require complicated fixes and result in serious flood damage if you’re not careful. To prevent this from happening, don’t completely turn off your heat when you leave the house. Keeping the temperature around 55°F will be enough to ensure pipes stay sufficiently warm.

If you’re going to be gone for an extended period  turn off the water and drain the water pipes.

• Clean Chimney

When you burn wood in your fireplace, there’s a chance you’re creating a buildup of what’s called creosote. This can ignite when you burn wood in the fireplace and cause a dangerous chimney fire. Scheduling an inspection annually will help reduce this risk.

• Check your insulation

Check the seals around your windows and doors. If you find the seals to be lacking, use weather stripping or caulk to seal around the frame. You should also check to see if air is escaping through your outlets. You can purchase foam gasket covers that you insert behind outlet or switch covers.

Raging wind storms are no stranger to Northern MI

11/4/2021 (Permalink)

Tree fell from high winds.

Northern MI has grown accustomed to Mother Nature’s erratic weather. One day it can be sunny and 70 and hours later it can black skies and gusts of wind strong enough to blow a tree over. That tree that just so happens to blow over onto your home!

Roof damage is something you want to get fixed right away or damage from within could spread, causing a bigger problem! Patching the hole and removing the tree are the most crucial things that need to happen first. SERVPRO of Alpena is just a phone call away! 989-354-4940 We can help fix and dry the damaged area before other materials get damaged or worse- mold begins to start!

So, when the wind is blown and you hear a loud noise, don't be alarmed. SERVPRO of Alpena can assist you 24/7.

Alpena Wildfire Damage Event

5/24/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Alpena provides fire, soot and water damage restoration service in Alpena and surrounding areas.

The active wildfires here in Southern California are increasing their impact as growing Santa Ana winds add fuel to these devastating blazes that are encroaching in our area. According to the New York Times, new fires broke out in Malibu on December 7, with at least 96,000 acres already burned in the Ventura area and 116,000 acres in Los Angeles County. Evacuations have closed hundreds of schools and forced 200,000 of our neighbors to seek safety. The “Thomas Fire” in the Ventura area continues to burn with the aid of strong winds. This fire has caused the closure of the 101 freeway and a boil-water advisory was issued for Ventura County. Santa Ana winds The Santa Ana winds that are enabling the fires to rapidly increase their reach can have speeds in excess of 60 miles per hour. They are not expected to diminish until Friday into Saturday at the earliest. The National Weather Service has warned of “very rapid fire growth” in this area. SERVPRO Meteorologist Lela Davis said that the Santa Ana winds were already very dry when they reached the Southern California valley, allowing them to quickly pull moisture out of vegetation, increasing the risk for wildfires. For the first time ever, a purple wind warning was issued for today under the color-coded system used to advise about high winds. This purple warning pushed wind expectations from the “high” category to “extreme”. Ready to help Here at SERVPRO of Alpena we are monitoring this wildfire situation closely. Our thoughts are with those neighbors who may be put in harms’ way during this event. In many cases, a wildfire can result in a total loss for a home or business, but in others it may be a partial loss, or can result in mild smoke damage. If your home or business is affected by a wildfire, SERVPRO of Alpena is Here to Help®. 

About SERVPRO of Alpena

SERVPRO of Alpena specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Fire or Soot Damage? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help  989-354-4940

We are Cleaning Experts

5/24/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today SERVPRO of Alpena, 989-354-4940

Restoring Your Alpena Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

5/24/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial Water Damage Present Unique Challenges

Flooding and water damage events at Alpena commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of Alpena

SERVPRO of Alpena specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. Call 989-354-4940

For Immediate Service in Alpena & Surrounding Areas Call SERVPRO

5/24/2021 (Permalink)

Alpena & Surrounding Area Residents: We provide immediate service day or night!

SERVPRO of Alpena provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster in Alpena & Surrounding Area’s. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
• Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
• A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
• Locally Owned and Operated
• Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment 

Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 – 989-354-4940

Residential Services

Whether your home needs emergency flood damage or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us.  Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best. Learn more about our residential services:

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Storm Damage Restoration
• Cleaning Services
• Building/Reconstruction Services

Commercial Services

There's never a convenient time for fire or Water damage to strike your commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business. Learn more about our commercial services: 

• Commercial Water Damage Restoration

• Commercial Fire Damage Restoration

When Storms or Floods hit Alpena SERVPRO is ready!

5/24/2021 (Permalink)

Our highly trained crews are ready to respond 24/7 to storm or flood damage in Alpena!

SERVPRO of Alpena specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Alpena, MI we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 989-354-4940

Alpena Residents: We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration!

5/24/2021 (Permalink)

This home’s basement flooded due to heavy rains

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your Alpena basement could flood, including: 

• A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
• Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
• Storm sewer backup
• Sanitary sewer backup
• Foundation drainage failure
• Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
• And many more

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today - 989-354-4940

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

The bottom line: a flooded basement can endanger your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of Alpena and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

• We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
• We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
• We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
• Our Technicians are Highly-Trained  in Water Restoration Techniques
• We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
• Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help 989-354-4940

IICRC Certified Firm

5/24/2021 (Permalink)

We are an IICRC Certified Firm

SERVPRO of Alpena is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

IICRC Certified Firms must

• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.
• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.
• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.
• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.
• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry

The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.

Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.

About SERVPRO of Alpena

SERVPRO of Alpena, MI specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: from initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Conditions in Alpena Might Be Right for Mold

5/24/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Alpena cleans and protects your home from mold growth due to water damage.

It’s estimated that more than 1 million types of mold exist, yet less than 10 percent have actually been named. This means mold is very common in both indoor and outdoor environments. While mold and humans can sometimes co-exist without issue, there are certain species of mold that can cause health effects for some people.

If the right conditions exist, mold will grow.  Those conditions include:

• Water - Different mold types require varying amounts of liquid before growth begins.   
• Temperature - Normal indoor temperatures will promote mold growth.
• Time - Initial mold colonizers can take hold within one day after being exposed to an adequate water supply.

Mold growth can occur in any home, so it’s important to keep an eye out for situations that might promote mold activity. Roof/chimney leaks, wet basements, or condensation from ducts that dampen surrounding insulation are just a few examples of issues that make a house a prime target for mold growth.

If you suspect mold in your home, call SERVPRO of Alpena to assess the situation. We have the knowledge, tools and track record to effectively remediate mold in your home or business.

If you suspect mold, call us today at 989-354-4940