How to Evaluate Your Home After a Storm

8/31/2023 (Permalink)

After a hurricane has passed, it is important to carefully evaluate your home for damage. This can be a daunting task, but it is important to be thorough in order to prevent further damage and ensure the safety of your home and family. Here are some things to look for: 

• Loose power lines and gas leaks. These are the most dangerous hazards, so it is important to stay away from them and call a professional to repair them immediately.
• Structural damage. Look for cracks in the foundation, walls, or roof. If you see any damage, it is important to have a structural engineer inspect your home to determine if it is safe to occupy.
• Water damage. This can be caused by flooding or wind-driven rain. Look for water stains on walls and ceilings, as well as wet carpets and furniture. If you see any water damage, it is important to dry it out as soon as possible to prevent mold growth.
• Damage to windows and doors. Wind can cause windows and doors to break, which can allow water and pests to enter your home. Make sure to repair any damage to your windows and doors to keep your home safe.
• Damage to the exterior of your home. Look for loose siding, missing shingles, or damage to your gutters and downspouts. These repairs can help to prevent further damage to your home during future storms.

• Take pictures of all of the damage, both inside and out. This will help you document the damage and make it easier to file an insurance claim.
• Be sure to get estimates from several contractors before making any repairs. This will help you get the best price for the work.
• Do not try to repair any damage yourself if you are not qualified. This could make the damage worse and could void your insurance coverage.

Be ready for Summer Storms!

5/9/2023 (Permalink)

Summer is a great time to enjoy the outdoors and spend time with family and friends. However, it’s also a time when summer storms can wreak havoc on your home. Our team has put together a few tips on how to prepare your home for summer storms and what to do if you need water mitigation from water damage. Preparing Your Home for Summer Storms

1. Check Your Roof: Ensure your roof is in good condition by inspecting for any signs of damage or wear and tear. Any leaks or damage can lead to water damage during storms. Hire a professional to perform a thorough inspection and make any necessary repairs.
2. Clean Your Gutters: Clogged gutters can lead to water damage as water can overflow and seep into your home. Make sure to clean your gutters and downspouts to avoid this issue.
3. Trim Trees and Shrubs: Trim any branches that may be hanging over your roof or near your windows. High winds and lightning can cause these branches to fall and cause significant damage.
4. Secure Outdoor Furniture: Strong winds can easily move or damage your outdoor furniture. Secure or store them away during storms.
5. Install Storm Shutters: Installing storm shutters on your windows and doors can provide an additional layer of protection during summer storms.

1. Contact a Professional: If your home suffers from water damage, it’s important to contact a professional water mitigation company such as SERVPRO Team Wilson. They have the necessary equipment and expertise to quickly and effectively mitigate the damage.
2. Assess the Damage: The water mitigation team will assess the damage and provide a plan of action to remediate the damage.
3. Begin Mitigation: The water mitigation team will then begin the mitigation process, which may include water extraction, drying, and dehumidification.
4. Restoration: Once the mitigation process is complete, the restoration process can begin. This may include repairing any damage, replacing any damaged materials, and restoring your home to its pre-damage condition.

SERVPRO Team Wilson Offers Commercial Restoration in Houston Area

2/23/2023 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Cypress, we understand that commercial property owners face unique challenges when it comes to restoration and recovery after a disaster. That's why we offer comprehensive large-loss restoration services to businesses throughout the Houston area. Our team of experienced professionals has the knowledge and expertise to handle even the most complex and extensive commercial restoration projects. We use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to quickly and effectively mitigate damage, while also minimizing business interruption and ensuring the safety of your employees and customers. Whether your property has suffered damage due to fire, water, or other disasters, we have the resources and capabilities to provide timely and effective large-loss restoration services. We work closely with you throughout the process to ensure that your property is fully restored to its preloss condition as quickly and efficiently as possible. In addition to our restoration services, we also offer a variety of other commercial services, including proactive cleaning and disinfecting, emergency preparedness planning, and document restoration. We understand that every business has unique needs and requirements, which is why we work closely with you to develop a customized plan that meets your specific needs and goals. At SERVPRO of Cypress, we are committed to providing the highest level of service and support to our commercial clients. We are available 24/7 to respond to emergencies and provide the necessary restoration and recovery services to help you get back to business as usual as quickly as possible. If your commercial property has suffered damage, contact SERVPRO of Cypress today to learn more about our comprehensive large-loss restoration services and to schedule a consultation. We are here to help you get back to business

Safeguarding Your Home from the Dangers of Frozen Pipes: A Guide to Water Freeze Damage Mitigation

2/2/2023 (Permalink)

Winter is a time of year when many homes experience the consequences of frozen pipes and other water damage issues. If not properly addressed, these issues can result in significant damage to your property and potentially costly repairs. However, there are steps you can take to mitigate water damage during a winter freeze in your residential home. 

1. Insulate pipes: One of the most important steps in preventing frozen pipes is to properly insulate them. Pipes located in unheated areas, such as the attic or garage, are especially susceptible to freezing. Make sure all pipes are properly insulated, including those near exterior walls.
2. Keep the temperature consistent: Maintaining a consistent temperature inside your home during the winter months is key in preventing frozen pipes. Keeping your thermostat set to at least 55°F will help prevent pipes from freezing.
3. Open cabinets: If your pipes are located in cabinets, such as those under a bathroom or kitchen sink, keep the cabinet doors open to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes.
4. Disconnect hoses: Make sure to disconnect all outdoor hoses from outdoor spigots to prevent water from freezing inside the pipes.
5. Know where your main water shutoff valve is: In the event of a burst pipe, it is important to know where your main water shutoff valve is located. This will allow you to quickly turn off the water supply to your home and minimize the damage.
6. Be aware of signs of frozen pipes: Be on the lookout for signs of frozen pipes, such as a decrease in water pressure or no water coming out of faucets. If you suspect a pipe may be frozen, you can try to thaw it using a hairdryer, taking care not to overheat the pipe.
7. Call a professional: If you are unable to thaw a frozen pipe, or if a pipe has already burst, it is important to call a professional to assess and repair the damage. A professional will have the tools and expertise to quickly and effectively repair the damage and minimize any further harm to your home.

 Taking these steps can help prevent water damage during a winter freeze in your residential home. However, if you do experience water damage, it is important to act quickly to minimize the damage and ensure the safety of your home and family. Call SERVPRO Team Wilson to assess and repair the damage as soon as possible. In conclusion, water damage during a winter freeze can be a major issue for residential homes. By taking steps to properly insulate pipes, maintain a consistent temperature inside your home, and being aware of the signs of frozen pipes, you can reduce the risk of water damage and minimize any damage that does occur. If you do experience water damage, it is important to call a professional to assess and repair the damage as soon as possible.

Sewage In Your Commercial Business

9/21/2022 (Permalink)

Sewage is a dangerous substance that just no one should ever handle.

• Safe removal of biohazards and water with specialty equipment.
• Removal of damaged items
• Discard items that cannot be salvaged.
• Disinfection of salvageable items off-site.
• Drying and dehumidification affected areas.
• Ventilating dangerous fumes and airborne particles.
• Disinfect flooring and surfaces within a contaminated area.

Water Damage and Residential Gutters

9/20/2022 (Permalink)

Lately, we have seen so much rain in the region which means the gutters on your home could potentially cause water damage! Heavy downpours fall straight into your home’s gutter system, making functional gutters essential to preventing costly water damage. When a home’s gutters are blocked, rainwater is unable to drain. As a result, the excess water travels down the siding and often finds its way inside. As moisture infiltrates the interior, what begins as a steady trickle eventually leads to substantial damage. Over time, water stains on the walls and ceiling are visible. As temperatures warm, the threat of toxic black mold growth is inevitable. The proven method to prevent water damage from gutters is to clean them at least twice annually, in Spring and Autumn. A Spring gutter cleaning removes the accumulated debris from winter and eliminates the threat of blockage. This ensures your gutters are functioning properly and will increase their overall longevity. Here are 5 Tips you can check out to make sure your home gutters are keeping you from having water damage: Regularly Clean Out Your Gutters

• Homeowners should regularly clean their gutters every few months to ensure rainwater can flow freely. Effectively cleaning your gutters means getting on a ladder and using a gutter trowel to scoop the leaves and debris out of the gutters. Once all the debris is out, use a hose to flush the gutters and test the water flow. If you do not feel comfortable getting on a ladder to clean your gutters, there are many companies that offer gutter cleaning services.

• In addition to cleaning your gutters, you should inspect your downspouts for clogs. When your downspouts are clogged with leaves, dirt, and other debris, the water has no place to go, which results in water backing up and spilling over the sides during rainstorms. If you can’t see into your downspouts, you can use a garden hose with a pressure nozzle to test the flow and clear out any clogs.

• Regularly walk around your home and visually inspect your gutters. Do you see any signs of rust or corrosion? Are your gutters dropping? Do you see any cracks? If you see small cracks, holes, or gaps, you may be able to seal the leaks with a gutter seal. If the damage appears to be extensive, or if your gutters are falling away from your home, you may have to call a gutter repair company to add gutter brackets and replace severely damaged sections.

• Gutters guards can help minimize the need to clean your gutters. These devices fit over or inside your gutters and are designed to prevent leaves, twigs, and other items from falling into your gutters. With gutter guards installed, all you have to do is brush the leaves and debris off the guards. There is no need to scoop and rinse the inside of the gutter.

• Many downspouts only contain splash blocks, which catch and funnel the water a couple of feet from your home. These devices can be displaced by heavy flows of water, which means if you do not regularly check your splash blocks and reposition them, water could pool around your foundation and/or enter your crawlspace. Instead of using the standard splash block, consider installing downspout extensions. These are flexible tubes that can be attached to your existing downspouts and placed so that the water flows away from your home and its foundation.

Contaminated Water Categories

9/20/2022 (Permalink)

Flooding can have a devastating impact on your commercial property or residence 

Different Types of Contaminated Water Categories

How to Keep Rain Water out of your Houston, TX Home

8/30/2022 (Permalink)

Here are 10 things you should do to keep rainwater out of your Houston, TX home. 

1. Increase Grade: The ground around your home should be sloped away from your property to divert water. It's a very simple process, borrow dirt from three feet away from the structure, and toss it against the side of the structure creating a slope.
2. Clean Rain Gutters: You should clean your gutters annually. A clogged gutter can send rainwater running down the exterior wall, which can result in water entering the interior walls. 
3. Divert Down Spouts: At the local hardware store, you can purchase a black plastic corrugated hose that fits around the base of the downspout. This hose carries water away from the structure, preventing water from seeping into the foundation.
4. Roof Maintenance: You should have your roof inspected every 5 years. Your roof is the first line of defense, with one tear in a rubber membrane or cracks in a tin roof, or a compromise in the plywood structure of the roof can be disastrous for the interior of your structure.
5. Window Repairs: Proper window installation and maintenance is very important. Modern windows are fitted with well drains to help guide water outside of the house. Improper caulking can be disastrous by sending water into the structure instead of draining it away.
6. Sweep Away Debris: During spring and fall especially, you should sweep outdoor surfaces weekly. Sweep patios and door well to prevent debris from clogging exterior drains. 
7. Expand Exterior Drains: By expanding the surface area of exterior drains decreases the likelihood of clogging the drain.
8. Construct a Swale Ditch: Constructing a ditch and filling it with landscaping rock can help divert water away from the structure, especially for yards that are extremely flat.
9. Exterior French Drain: For structures on a slope, an exterior French drain, including a subterranean ditch with a black perforated corrugated hose, can be used to divert surface water away from the structure.
10. Install a Sump Pump: When all else fails, installing a sump pump may be the solution. You will need to dig a well through the basement or slab of structure. The well may be up to 7 or 10 feet deep. As the water table increases, a sump pump activates and transports water away from the structure.  

What Should You Do After A Fire?

8/24/2022 (Permalink)

The unexpected has just happened and you've experienced a fire in your home! Few things are as devastating to any homeowner as a house fire. We understand there is so much emotion and stress that goes into a situation like this that sometimes you might forget to ask, "What is next?". That is where the team at SERVPRO of Cypress comes in to provide help! If your home catches fire, our team at SERVPRO of Cypress works to aid you in the process of rebuilding. However, a few things you must do after a fire has occurred apply to homeowners anywhere in the Houston area, or anywhere else.

Give Your Insurance Adjuster a Call

Calling in the Restoration Specialists

Sort Your Property

Tornadoes in the Houston Area

8/24/2022 (Permalink)

Did you know 1,200 tornadoes hit the US each year?

During a Tornado