Recent Storm Damage Posts

The Essential Equipment Used for Storm Damage Cleanup

1/13/2024 (Permalink)

Green drying equipment on floor. When storm damage strikes, having the right equipment is essential for a swift and thorough restoration process.

When storms wreak havoc on your property, having the right equipment for cleanup and restoration is crucial. In this blog, we'll dive into the specialized tools and equipment utilized by our SERVPRO® team to efficiently and effectively restore your home after storm damage.

High-Power Extraction Equipment

One of the first steps in storm damage cleanup is removing excess water. Our high-powered extraction equipment, including pumps and vacuums, swiftly and thoroughly removes standing water, minimizing the potential for further damage and mold growth.

Industrial-Strength Dehumidifiers

After water extraction, dehumidifiers play a key role in reducing moisture levels in the affected areas. Our industrial-strength dehumidifiers efficiently draw excess moisture from the air, preventing secondary damage and ensuring a faster drying process.

Air Movers for Rapid Drying

Paired with dehumidifiers, air movers facilitate rapid drying of wet surfaces and materials. These strategically placed devices increase airflow, expediting the evaporation of moisture from walls, floors, and other structural elements.

Thermal Imaging Cameras

To detect hidden moisture pockets behind walls or in ceilings, our SERVPRO technicians use thermal imaging cameras. These tools enable us to identify areas that may require additional attention, ensuring a thorough and complete drying process.

Specialized Cleaning Agents

Storm damage often involves the presence of contaminants and microbial growth. At SERVPRO, we utilize specially formulated cleaning agents to disinfect and sanitize affected surfaces, ensuring a safe living environment.

Powerful Odor Removal Equipment

Persistent odors are a common aftermath of storm damage. Our professionals use powerful deodorization equipment, such as ozone generators and thermal foggers, to neutralize and eliminate unpleasant smells, leaving your home fresh and clean.

Advanced Monitoring Tools

Throughout the restoration process, SERVPRO technicians use advanced monitoring tools to assess progress continually. Moisture meters, hygrometers, and other monitoring devices help ensure that the affected areas return to their optimal dryness levels.

When storm damage strikes, having the right equipment is essential for a swift and thorough restoration process. At SERVPRO of Firestone, Platteville, we leverage cutting-edge tools to efficiently address water damage, prevent secondary issues, and restore your home to its pre-storm condition. I your property faces storm-related damage, our SERVPRO team is here 24/7 to provide professional restoration services!

When Do You Need Commercial Flood Insurance? Understanding the Requirements and Risks

6/28/2023 (Permalink)

Commercial flood insurance is a type of insurance that provides coverage for damage caused by flooding to businesses and commercial property. Many business owners may be unsure of when commercial flood insurance is required, and whether it's necessary for their particular situation. In this blog, we'll explore when commercial flood insurance is required and what factors business owners should consider when deciding whether to purchase this type of insurance.

When is Commercial Flood Insurance Required?

In some cases, commercial flood insurance may be required by law. For example, if a business is located in a high-risk flood zone and has a mortgage from a federally regulated or insured lender, the lender may require the business to purchase commercial flood insurance. This requirement is in place to protect the lender's investment in the property and ensure that the business can continue to operate in the event of a flood.

Additionally, some local governments may require businesses in flood-prone areas to purchase commercial flood insurance as a condition of obtaining a business license or permit. These requirements can vary depending on the location of the business and the local regulations.

Factors to Consider When Deciding Whether to Purchase Commercial Flood Insurance

Even if commercial flood insurance is not required by law, it's important for business owners to consider whether it's necessary for their particular situation. Here are some factors to consider:

  • Location

If a business is located in a high-risk flood zone, it's more likely to experience flood damage and may need commercial flood insurance to protect against this risk.

  • Building Type

The type of building a business occupies can also affect the need for commercial flood insurance. For example, a business located in a multi-story building may be less susceptible to flood damage than a business located in a single-story building.

  • Value of Property

The value of a business's property can also be a factor in determining whether to purchase commercial flood insurance. If the property is expensive to repair or replace, it may be worth investing in flood insurance to protect against potential damage.

  • Cost of Insurance

The cost of commercial flood insurance can vary depending on the location of the business, the value of the property, and other factors. Business owners should consider whether the cost of insurance is worth the potential benefits of coverage.

Commercial flood insurance can provide valuable protection for businesses and commercial property in the event of a flood. While it may be required by law in some cases, business owners should also consider their specific situation and the potential risks and costs associated with flood damage. By weighing these factors, business owners can make an informed decision about whether commercial flood insurance is necessary for their business.

How To Check a Commercial Roof for Hail Damage

4/24/2022 (Permalink)

A commercial building may incur roof damage during a major hail storm in Mead, CO. The type of roofing material used on a structure will determine the type of damage hail can cause. Building owners and managers should be aware of the type of roof on a commercial structure and may want to personally inspect roofing or contact roofers after a storm strikes.

Know the Risks to Roofing Posed By Hail

The type of roofing on a commercial structure will determine how susceptible materials are to getting damaged by hail. These are four of the most common commercial roof types:

  • Built-up membrane
  • Modified bitumen
  • Rubber membrane
  • Thermoplastic membrane

A built-up membrane commercial roof may experience hail damage around exposed areas such as flashing. Any type of membrane runs a risk of getting punctured. If the owner or manager of a building is not sure what damage looks like on a particular type of roof, it is a good idea to contact a roofing inspection and arrange for a post-storm inspection.

Check the Roof After a Hail Storm

Check a membrane for visible signs of roof damage after a hail storm. Large hail and small stones can both pose puncture risks. High winds can also tear off components that secure roofing and compromise the protection a roof provides.

Contact a Roofer About Signs of Hail Damage

If you see signs of damage from hail on a roof or suspect that damage may be present, it is a good idea to schedule an inspection. A roofer can identify problems before they result in leaks that damage a commercial building.
Hail has the potential to undermine the seal provided by any type of roofing membrane. Once hailstones cause roof damage, it is only a matter of time before water damage affects an attic and the ceilings of a structure located in Mead, CO.