24/7 Flood Damage Restoration in Southington, CT

1/25/2022 (Permalink)

When flooding strikes, SERVPRO of Meriden can provide immediate 24/7 flood cleanup in Southington, CT.

Flood Damage in Southington, CT? Get Help Now

When flooding strikes, your entire home or business can be affected. Because of the seriousness of flood damage, immediate cleanup services are required.

When you need emergency flood cleanup in Southington, CT, SERVPRO of Meriden is Here to Help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Call Our Office 24/7 For Immediate Assistance - 800-734-3213

Professional Flood Damage Cleanup in Southington, CT

• 24/7 Emergency Flood Cleanup

• Complete Drying & Dehumidification Services

• Advanced Moisture Detection Equipment

• Mold Remediation Services

• Complete Restoration

• Free Estimates

• Simplified Insurance Process

When storm damage, burst pipes, or serious flooding affects your property, our team is ready to respond to your call 24/7 to provide immediate services.

The sooner flood damage restoration in Southington, CT, is started, the more likely it is to minimize your damages and salvage building materials.

With over 15 years of experience with flood damage cleanup in Southington, CT, you can trust SERVPRO of Meriden to restore your home or business to pre-damage conditions as quickly as possible.

Our team also simplifies the insurance process by directly communicating and submitting all required paperwork directly to your insurance company.

Our goal is to provide expert and efficient restoration services to make your flood damage in Southington, CT "Like it never even happened."

Common Causes of Flood Damage

• Heavy rains
• Natural disasters
• Burst pipes
• Burst water heaters

Flood Damage Restoration Process

1. Emergency Contact

When you call your local SERVPRO in Southington, a representative will guide you through several questions that will help us respond to your flood damage emergency more quickly and efficiently. This initial contact is an important part of a fast, effective restoration.

2. Inspection and Damage Assessment

We determine the scope of your flood damage in Southington, CT to develop a plan of action. We inspect and test the damaged area to determine the extent of water damage and how far the moisture has traveled to ensure proper and complete restoration.

3. Water Removal / Water Extraction

The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. We use powerful pumps and vacuum units to quickly perform flood cleanup in Southington, CT which helps prevent secondary water damage and mold growth.

4. Drying and Dehumidification

We use specialized equipment to remove the remaining water which is harder to access. Our Professionals will use room measurements, temperature, and relative humidity to determine the optimal number of air movers and dehumidifiers needed to dry your home or business.

5. Cleaning and Sanitizing

Flood damage also affects your belongings, like furniture, clothing, and personal items. We can clean restorable items using a number of specialized cleaning techniques. We also disinfect with antimicrobial treatments and remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.

6. Restoration

Once flood damage cleanup in Southington, CT has been completed, our team can move on to restoration. Restoration is the process of restoring your home or business to its pre-water damage condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall and installing new carpet or may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

24/7 Flood Damage Restoration in Southington, CT - 800-734-3213

Water Damage From Snow in Meriden, CT

12/7/2021 (Permalink)

When snow leaks in to your home in Meriden, you can end up with severe water damage and mold growth that requires immediate attention.

Snow water damage in Meriden, CT is more likely to occur than most homeowners think. Snow can leak through your roof, seep into walls, or even leak into your basement. However, these damages can usually be easily avoided with the right preventative steps.

Here, we will go over the different ways that melting snow and ice can damage your home, and how to prevent it from happening.

Ways Snow Causes Water Damage in Meriden, CT

1. Ice Dams

2. Excessive Snow and Ice Melt

3. Roof Damage

Ice Dams

One of the most common causes of water damage from snow on your roof are ice dams.

Ice dams form when there's snow on your roof, and your attic temperature is high enough to warm the roof. Warm air may leak into your attic through exhaust vents, inadequate insulation, unsealed doors, or even recessed lighting in the ceiling below.

When your roof warms up, fresh snow melts and flows to the edge of the roof where it refreezes. It refreezes at the edge as this area of your roof isn't above the attic, and retains a cooler temperature.

Over time, this process creates a large ridge of ice on the edge of your roof which we refer to as an ice dam. Once an ice dam forms, it's likely for it to damage shingles, allowing melted snow to penetrate the roof and leak into your attic.

Once an ice dam causes a roof leak, snow water damage can quickly spread around your home. This snow and ice leak can cause water damage to walls, ceilings, flooring, saturate insulation, and even cause mold growth. When this happens, professional water damage restoration services in Meriden are required.

To prevent ice dams and water damage in Meriden from snow on your roof, you can:

• Install additional insulation to prevent warm air leaking in from living spaces
• Install a roof venting system which keeps it cool
• Use a roof rake to remove snow before it melts
• Use heated roof cables to melt snow off of the roof

Excessive Snow and Ice Melt

You may not expect it, but excessive ice and snow melt can actually flood your basement in Meriden, CT. When it's warm and sunny after a severe snowstorm, snow and ice can melt faster than the ground around your home can absorb, similar to after a heavy rainstorm.

This excess snowmelt causes groundwater levels to rise, which exerts a high amount of pressure on your foundation. If the pressure is high enough or there are cracks in your foundation, water will seep right through it and into your basement. The flooding may seem to come out of nowhere, but it's likely caused by the foot of snow melting right outside of your foundation.

To prevent flooding or water damage from snow melting, you should make sure that your gutters direct water away from your foundation and that you shovel snow away from your foundation, rather than on top of it.

Roof Damage

Perhaps the most obvious way that snow can cause water damage in Meriden, CT is by damaging your roof. When there's heavy snow and ice on the roof of your home, it can cause damages that are completely separate from an ice dam.

The weight of heavy snow can damage your roof structurally, causing gutters to sag and pull away from your home, damage flashing, exterior walls, or skylights.

When these parts of your roof are damaged by the weight of snow and ice, it opens up the possibility for water leaks. So, if you don't notice roof damage from snow right away, you can end up with serious water damage and mold growth inside of your home.

In order to prevent roof damage from heavy snow, you can take some of the same precautions as ice dams. Be sure to not let heavy snow or ice sit on the roof for too long, and have your roof inspected by a professional if you suspect it has sustained any damages.

Snow Water Damage in Meriden, CT? Call Us 24/7 For Assistance - 800-734-3213

How Snow Causes Water Damage in Southington, CT

11/16/2021 (Permalink)

When snow causes water damage in Southington, CT, you should take fast action to prevent the issue from becoming worse.

Snow water damage in Southington, CT is more likely to happen to your home than you would think. Here, we'll go over the different ways that snow can cause damage to your home.

3 Ways Snow Causes Water Damage

1. Ice Dams

2. Melting Snow and Ice Flood

3. Roof Damage

Ice Dams

Ice dams form when there's snow on your roof, and when your attic is warm enough to increase the temperature of your roof. Warm air may enter your attic through exhaust vents, inadequate insulation, unsealed doors, or even recessed lighting in the ceiling below.

When your attic warms your roof after a snowstorm, the snow melts and flows to the edge of the roof. Here, melted snow refreezes into ice as this area of the roof is not warmed by the attic.

Over time, this process creates the large ridge of ice that we refer to as the ice dam. As the dam grows, it allows water to get underneath shingles and leak into your attic. Once an ice dam causes a roof leak, snow water damage can quickly spread throughout your home, and even result in the growth of mold. The leaks from an ice dam require professional water damage restoration services.

To prevent ice dams and water damage in Southington from snow on your roof, you can:

• Install additional insulation in your attic to keep it cool
• Install a roof venting system which keeps it cool
• Use a roof rake to remove excess snow before it melts
• Use heated roof cables to melt snow off of the roof

Melting Snow and Ice Flood

You may never guess that snow can cause basement flooding in Southington, CT, but it's true. When it's warm or sunny enough after a snow storm, snow can melt faster than the ground can fully absorb, similar to a heavy rainstorm.

This causes groundwater levels to rise, exert pressure on your foundation, and allow water to seep through or get through small cracks. This flooding may seem like it's coming out of nowhere, but when melting snow water has nowhere to go, you can end up with snow water damage in your basement.

To help prevent excessive snow and ice melt from flooding your home, make sure that your gutters extend away from your home's foundation and that snow is piled away, not next to your foundation.

Roof Damage

When there's heavy snow and ice on your roof, it can cause serious roof damage completely separate from an ice dam.

The weight of snow on your roof can damage the roof structure itself, cause gutters to sag and pull away from your home, or damage flashing along chimneys, walls, or skylights.

When these components of your roof are damaged, it leaves it open for water leaks until repaired. This means that if you don't notice the damage right away, you can end up with not only water damage from snow on the roof, but also from regular rainstorms when the seasons change.

Roof damage from snow can be avoided in much of the same way as ice dams. Make sure that you remove excess snow with a roof rake, hire a professional to remove ice dams or excessive icicles, and have the roof inspected for signs of damage.

Snow Water Damage in Southington, CT? Call 24/7 - 800-734-3213

Ice Dam Water Damage Repair in Plantsville, CT

11/11/2021 (Permalink)

When you're dealing with snow and ice roof leaks in Plantsville, our water damage restoration specialists are ready to help.

When an ice dam roof leak causes water damage in Plantsville, CT, you need to take swift action to prevent the issue from becoming worse.

Ice dam leaks can cause damage to your roof, insulation, ceilings, walls, and even cause the growth of mold. In the winter, ice dams are one of the top 5 reasons homeowners file insurance claims.

When you need assistance with ice dam water damage in Plantsville, CT, the mold and water restoration specialists at SERVPRO of Meriden are ready to provide immediate service.

Call Our Office For Immediate Assistance - 800-734-3213

Ice Dam Water Damage Repair Services in Plantsville, CT

• 24/7 Emergency Response Services

• Complete Drying & Dehumidification Services

• Advanced Moisture Detection Equipment

• Mold Remediation Services

• FREE Estimates

• Directly Bill Your Insurance Company

A ceiling leak from an ice dam in Plantsville needs immediate attention. As your local water damage restoration company with over 15 years of experience, you can trust that SERVPRO of Meriden has all the training and resources to handle any size ice dam water damage repair in Plantsville, CT.

Our team of IICRC Certified restoration specialists work hard to provide expert and efficient services. Our team of insurance industry specialists also handle the insurance process for you.

When you're dealing with water damage and mold from a ceiling leak from an ice dam, our goal is to make it "Like it never even happened."

Ice Dam Water Damage Repair Process

SERVPRO of Meriden will create a unique cleanup and restoration plan for ice dam repair in your home or business, but the general process still remains the same.

1: Ice Dam Damage Inspection

A Project manager inspects the extent of damages in your home or business and creates a specialized plan for ice dam water damage restoration in Plantsville CT.

2: Emergency Response (As Needed)

Our team of restoration experts are ready to respond to your emergency ice dam ceiling leak in Plantsville 24 hours a day 7 days a week. We provide 24/7 emergency services to minimize the extent of damages and prevent mold, further water damage, or structural issues to your property.

3: Water Removal & Cleanup

Using commercial grade water extractors, and powerful pumps, our team works quickly to remove standing water from your ice dam roof leak in Plantsville.

4: Drying and Dehumidification

SERVPRO of Meriden utilizes advanced moisture detection and drying equipment to fully remove all traces of moisture from your property - Even moisture which may be behind walls or underneath damaged flooring. This step is essential to ensure all building materials such as drywall, insulation, or flooring are completely dried from your ice dam leak.

Before drying equipment is removed, a moisture check is performed to ensure the drying process is complete.

5: Cleaning and Sanitizing

Water leaks can leave behind dirt, debris, bacteria, and produce mold spores. Our team will clean and sanitize the affected areas to help restore it to pre-damage conditions and prevent the growth of mold.

If the water damage from your ice dam causes mold, our team of mold removal specialists in Plantsville, CT can help.

6: Restoration

Once the water mitigation and cleanup process is complete, it's time to restore your property back to pre-damage conditions. This can be seamlessly completed with our in-house construction division, which can handle anything from minor repairs to major renovations.

Ice Dam Damage: Common Questions

Does homeowner's insurance cover ice dam damage?

Your insurance company will cover the cost of ice dam water damage repair in Plantsville, CT, but they will not cover the cost of ice dam removal.

How do ice dams form?

Ice dams form when there's snow on your roof and your attic temperature is high enough to warm the roof and melt the snow.

As the snow on your roof melts, water flows to the edge of the roof and refreezes, as this area isn't warmed by the attic. Over time, this process results in a large ridge of ice buildup which we refer to as the ice dam.

After the ice dam forms, it causes water to backup underneath shingles and leak into the attic. From here, you end up with water damage and possible mold growth throughout your home.

How can you prevent ice dams?

Ways to prevent them from forming on your roof include:

• Better insulating your attic from your living space to keep it cool
• Investing in a roof venting system, which keeps the underside of the roof cool
• Using a roof rake to remove excess snow before it has the chance to form a dam

Ice Dam Water Damage in Plantsville, CT? Call Today - 800-734-3213

Ice Dam Water Damage Repair in Wallingford, CT

11/9/2021 (Permalink)

When ice dams cause roof leaks in Wallingford, the damages can become widespread and even lead to the growth of mold.

Ice dam water damage in Wallingford, CT occurs a bit more than most homeowners would like. When it does happen, the resulting ceiling leak from the ice dam can cause mold growth, sagging ceilings, damage walls, saturate insulation, and more.

In fact, The Hartford insurance company reports that damage from ice dams is among the top five reasons people make insurance claims during the winter.

When you need assistance with the water damage from an ice dam in Wallingford, CT, SERVPRO of Meriden is Here to Help.

Call Our Office For Immediate Assistance - 800-734-3213

Ice Dam Water Damage Repair Services in Wallingford, CT

• 24/7 Emergency Response Services

• Complete Drying & Dehumidification Services

• Advanced Moisture Detection Equipment

• Mold Remediation Services

• FREE Estimates

• Directly Bill Your Insurance Company

When you're dealing with an ice dam roof leak in Wallingford, you need immediate assistance to prevent the issue from becoming worse.

As your local water damage restoration company in Wallingford, CT with over 15 years of experience, you can trust that SERVPRO of Meriden can handle any amount of damage from ice or snow leaks into your home.

Our team of IICRC Certified water restoration technicians have all the training and resources needed to provide expert ice dam water damage repair in Wallingford, CT. Our team of industry specialists also handle the insurance process for you.

When you're dealing with roof leaks and ice dam water damage in Wallingford, our goal is to make your damage "Like it never even happened."

Ice Dam Water Damage Repair Process

SERVPRO of Meriden will create a unique cleanup and restoration plan for ice dam repair in your home or business, but the general process still remains the same.

1: Ice Dam Damage Inspection

A Project manager inspects the extent of damages in your home or business and creates a specialized plan for ice dam water damage restoration in Wallingford CT.

2: Emergency Response (As Needed)

Our team of restoration experts are ready to respond to your emergency ice dam ceiling leak in Wallingford 24 hours a day 7 days a week. We provide 24/7 emergency services to minimize the extent of damages and prevent mold, further water damage, or structural issues to your property.

3: Water Removal & Cleanup

Using commercial grade water extractors, and powerful pumps, our team works quickly to remove standing water from your ice dam roof leak in Southington.

4: Drying and Dehumidification

SERVPRO of Meriden utilizes advanced moisture detection and drying equipment to fully remove all traces of moisture from your property - Even moisture which may be behind walls or underneath damaged flooring. This step is essential to ensure all building materials such as drywall, insulation, or flooring are completely dried from your ice dam leak.

Before drying equipment is removed, a moisture check is performed to ensure the drying process is complete.

5: Cleaning and Sanitizing

Water leaks can leave behind dirt, debris, bacteria, and produce mold spores. Our team will clean and sanitize the affected areas to help restore it to pre-damage conditions and prevent the growth of mold.

If the water damage from your ice dam causes mold, our team of mold removal specialists in Wallingford, CT can help.

6: Restoration

Once the water mitigation and cleanup process is complete, it's time to restore your property back to pre-damage conditions. This can be seamlessly completed with our in-house construction division, which can handle anything from minor repairs to major renovations.

Ice Dam Damage: Common Questions

Does homeowner's insurance cover the damage from snow and ice dams?

When it comes to the cleanup and restoration of your ice dam water damage in Wallingford, CT, insurance will cover the bill minus any applicable deductibles. However, they will not cover the cost of ice dam removal from your roof.

How does an ice dam form on my roof?

Ice dams form with two conditions: snow on your roof, and a warm attic.

When your attic is warmer than temperatures outside, it warms the roof and melts the snow on the upper areas on your roof. As water flows down the roof and reaches the eaves, or edges of your roof, it refreezes. This causes a wall of ice to form, growing larger and larger over time.

Once ice dams form, they can cause serious damage not only to your roof, but inside your home. Over time, the water trapped underneath the dam backs up under shingles and leaks into the attic. From here, damages will spread.

Ice dam water damage can affect:

• Walls
• Ceilings
• Floors
• Insulation
• Electrical components

How can you prevent ice dams?

Ways to prevent them from forming on your roof include:

• Better insulating your attic from your living space to keep it cool
• Investing in a roof venting system, which keeps the underside of the roof cool
• Using a roof rake to remove excess snow before it has the chance to form a dam

Professional Ice Dam Water Damage Repair in Wallingford, CT - 800-734-3213

Ice Dam Water Damage Repair in Southington, CT

10/25/2021 (Permalink)

Ice dam roof leaks in Southington can cause serious water damage inside of your property, affecting walls, floors, ceilings, insulation and more.

Ice dams in Southington, CT are extremely common and can cause much more water damage inside of your home than you would think. Many think ice dam damage is isolated to your roof and gutters, but this isn't usually the case.

The Hartford insurance company says damage from ice dams is among the top five reasons people make insurance claims during the winter, averaging $7,000 each.

When you're dealing with water damage due to a ceiling leak from an ice dam, SERVPRO of Meriden is here to provide expert ice dam water damage repair in Southington, CT and the surrounding areas.

For Immediate Assistance, Call Our Office 24/7 - 800-734-3213

Ice Dam Water Damage Restoration in Southington, CT

• 24/7 Emergency Ice Dam Roof Leak Cleanup in Southington

• Complete Drying & Dehumidification Services

• Advanced Moisture Detection Equipment

• Mold Remediation Services

• FREE Estimates

• Directly Bill Your Insurance Company

Ice dam damage requires immediate assistance. As your local water damage restoration company in Southington, CT with over 15 years of experience, SERVPRO of Meriden is dedicated to restoring your home to pre-damage conditions as quickly as possible.

Our team of IICRC Certified restoration specialists have all the training, experience, and resources needed to provide ice dam water damage cleanup in Southington, CT. Our team can also answer any questions or concerns surrounding the work or the insurance process.

When you call SERVPRO of Meriden, our goal is to make your ice dam in Southington "Like it never even happened."

Ice Dam Water Damage Repair Process

SERVPRO of Meriden will create a unique cleanup and restoration plan for ice dam repair in your home or business, but the general process still remains the same.

1: Ice Dam Damage Inspection

A Project manager inspects the extent of damages in your home or business and creates a specialized plan for ice dam water damage restoration in Southington CT.

2: Emergency Response (As Needed)

Our team of restoration experts are ready to respond to your emergency ice dam ceiling leak in Southington 24 hours a day 7 days a week. We provide 24/7 emergency services to minimize the extent of damages and prevent mold, further water damage, or structural issues to your property.

3: Water Removal & Cleanup

Using commercial grade water extractors, and powerful pumps, our team works quickly to remove standing water from your ice dam roof leak in Southington.

4: Drying and Dehumidification

SERVPRO of Meriden utilizes advanced moisture detection and drying equipment to fully remove all traces of moisture from your property - Even moisture which may be behind walls or underneath damaged flooring. This step is essential to ensure all building materials such as drywall, insulation, or flooring are completely dried from your ice dam leak.

Before drying equipment is removed, a moisture check is performed to ensure the drying process is complete.

5: Cleaning and Sanitizing

Water leaks can leave behind dirt, debris, bacteria, and produce mold spores. Our team will clean and sanitize the affected areas to help restore it to pre-damage conditions and prevent the growth of mold.

If the water damage from your ice dam causes mold, our team of mold removal specialists in Southington CT can help.

6: Restoration

Once the water mitigation and cleanup process is complete, it's time to restore your property back to pre-damage conditions. This can be seamlessly completed with our in-house construction division, which can handle anything from minor repairs to major renovations.

Ice Dam Repair: Common Questions

What causes ice dams on your roof?

Ice dams form with two conditions: snow on your roof, and a warm attic. Warm air can enter your attic through vent fans, lack of insulation, unsealed doors, or even recessed lighting.

When your attic is warmer than temperatures outside, it warms the roof and melts the snow on the upper areas on your roof. As water runs down the roof and reaches the eaves, or edges of your roof, it refreezes. This causes a wall of ice to form, growing larger and larger over time.

Once ice dams form, they can cause serious damage not only to  your roof, but inside your home. Over time, the water trapped underneath the dam backs up under roof shingles. This allows water to reach the sheathing and roof deck, causing a roof leak and allowing water into your living spaces.

Ice dam water damage can affect:

• Walls
• Ceilings
• Floors
• Insulation
• Electrical components

How do you prevent ice dams in Southington?

Ways to prevent them from forming on your roof include:

• Better insulating your attic from your living space to keep it cool
• Investing in a roof venting system, which keeps the underside of the roof cool
• Using a roof rake to remove excess snow before it has the chance to form a dam

Are ice dam damage repairs covered by insurance?

Yes, the cleanup and repairs will be covered by your insurance company. But, when it comes to removing the ice dam, you usually have to pay out of pocket.

How do you remove ice dams yourself?

There are different tips for DIY ice dam removal, such as using calcium chloride in socks to melt snow and ice or getting on the roof and chipping away the ice with a mallet.

Here at SERVPRO of Meriden, we recommend calling a professional for removal instead. Chipping ice away is dangerous for both you and your roof, and calcium chloride can damage the yard below or the shingles themselves.

Professional Ice Dam Water Damage Repair in Southington, CT - 800-734-3213

Ice Dam Damage Repairs in Meriden, CT

1/22/2021 (Permalink)

Ice dam damages can spread across your entire home in Meriden, resulting in water damage, mold growth, and structural problems.

Winters in Connecticut create the perfect conditions for ice dams to form on your Meriden roof. Unfortunately, this buildup of snow and ice can hurt your roof and cause extensive ice dam water damage to the interior of your home.

For ice dam water damage repair in Meriden and the surrounding areas, call SERVPRO of Meriden 24/ 7- 800-734-3213

Our team can provide ice dam damage repair, detecting and repairing water damage inside your Connecticut home. When snow and ice causes roof leaks, homeowners should take fast action to prevent extensive roof damage, water damage, and mold growth in their homes.

What Causes Ice Dams?

Ice dams form with two conditions: snow on your roof, and a warm attic. Warm air can enter your attic through vent fans, lack of insulation, unsealed doors, or even recessed lighting.

When your attic is warmer than temperatures outside, it warms the roof and melts the snow on the upper areas on your roof. As water runs down the roof and reaches the eaves, or edges of your roof, it refreezes. This causes a wall of ice to form, growing larger and larger over time.

Ice Dams and Water Damage

Once ice dams form, they can cause serious damage not only your roof, but inside your home. Over time, the water trapped underneath the dam backs up under roof shingles. This allows water to reach the sheathing and roof deck, causing a roof leak and allowing water into your living spaces.

Ice dam water damage can affect:

• Walls
• Ceilings
• Floors
• Insulation
• Electrical components

It's important to address ice damming damages before they cause long term consequences for your home. In addition to water damage, they can cause mold growth, structural problems, and can even damage your gutters and the underside of your roof.

Ice Dam Water Damage Repair Services in Meriden

SERVPRO of Meriden's water damage restoration specialists can quickly assess your ice dam damage and begin the cleanup and repair process as soon as possible. With over 14 years of experience, you can trust SERVPRO of Meriden to restore your property to pre-damage conditions.

Ice dam damage repair services:

• Water Removal and Cleanup - The roof and ceiling leaks from can cause water to build up around your home. When SERVPRO of Meriden arrives on site, our team immediately begins cleaning up any excess water to help prevent further damages to your home.
• Structural Drying Services - Drying equipment is set up in the affected areas of your home to ensure it dries out. This includes air movers, dehumidifiers, or other specialized equipment as needed. Portions of walls, ceilings, or floors may be removed to ensure even areas of 'hidden' moisture are dried out.
• Cleaning and Sanitizing - Once all water damage is dried out, SERVPRO of Meriden cleans and sanitizes, treating the area with an antimicrobial spray. This helps ensure no dirt or bacteria is left behind and helps prevent the development of mold.
• Reconstruction - Our in-house construction team at SERVPRO of Meriden can provide any emergency repairs needed, such as tarping your roof or removing ice dams. Once the water damage repair process is completed, they can take over to provide repairs or reconstruction as needed in your home.

Why SERVPRO For Ice Dam Damage Repair?

Our Experience and Resources 

As a water damage restoration company with an in-house construction division, we can handle every aspect of your ice dam water damage repair.

Free Estimates 

If you're comparing quotes or aren't filing an insurance claim, a Project Manager can inspect your damages and provide an estimate free of charge.

Direct Insurance Billing

SERVPRO of Meriden communicates directly with your insurance company regarding authorizations and billing, making the process simpler for you.

24/7 Emergency Service 

Water leaks always seem to strike at the worst time, but that's why we're open 24/7 to provide immediate assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are ice dam damage repairs covered by insurance?

Yes, the cleanup and repairs will be covered by your insurance company. But, when it comes to removing the ice dam, you usually have to pay out of pocket.

How do you remove ice dams yourself?

There are different tips for DIY ice dam removal, such as using calcium chloride in socks to melt snow and ice or getting on the roof and chipping away the ice with a mallet. Here at SERVPRO of Meriden, we recommend calling a professional for removal instead. Chipping ice away is dangerous for both you and your roof, and calcium chloride can damage the yard below or the shingles themselves.

How do you prevent ice dams from forming?

Ways to prevent them from forming on your roof include:

• Better insulating your attic from your living space to keep it cool
• Investing in a roof venting system, which keeps the underside of the roof cool
• Using a roof rake to remove excess snow before it has the chance to form a dam

Ice Dam Damage in Meriden? Call SERVPRO 24/7 - 800-734-3213

How To Prepare For A Blizzard

11/23/2020 (Permalink)

Preparing for extreme weather at the beginning of the winter season can help you beat the crowds before a storm.

Living in New England, winter storms are nothing new. But, there are times when winter weather delivers blizzards that can last days - causing low visibility, extreme cold, power outages, and disruption to emergency services.

When you know a blizzard is coming your way, you should prepare to keep you and your family safe & warm during extreme weather. Following these preparedness and safety tips will keep you ready if you are snowed in this winter.

Preparing For A Blizzard: Checklist

• Prepare or double check your emergency survival kit. You want your kit to have all the proper supplies needed in the event of an emergency or major disaster. Your kit should be easy to carry in case you must evacuate your home. According to the Red Cross, your emergency kit should at minimum contain the following:
• Water - One gallon per person, per day
• Food - Non-perishable items that are easy to prepare, even without power
• Flashlight - Battery powered and hand-crank is best
• Radio - Battery powered or hand-crank
• Extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Stocked for all everyday medications
• A multi-purpose tool
• Personal hygiene items
• Copies of all important personal documents
• Cell phones and chargers
• Emergency contact information
• Extra cash
• Emergency blanket - These are brightly colors and heat reflective if you are stranded
• Pet supplies
• Prepare your vehicle in case of emergencies or evacuation. Fill your gas tank and be sure your car is ready to drive in winter conditions.
• Charge electronic devices. Your phones should be charged along with any portable chargers you may have. You may also want to charge laptops or portable game systems for something to do if the power goes out.
• Get your home ready. Ideally, you should storm proof your home to keep it better insulated from cold winds, especially if you lose power. You can apply weather-stripping to doors and windows and seal any cracks or air gaps. You should also be sure to insulate pipes, especially those on the exterior walls of your home so they do not freeze and burst.
• Prepare warm clothing. In case the worse happens, having warm, layered clothing is a must. Gather any winter hats or gloves you may also have around the house.
• Bring any outdoor animals inside or to a safe place. If you shouldn't be out in a blizzard - your animals shouldn't either. Make sure they have enough food and shelter to last the storm.
• Have a secondary heating source ready. If you have a fireplace, be sure to stock up on firewood. If using a portable generator, be sure to get fuel and store it in an airtight gas can.
• Test or install your fire and carbon monoxide detectors. This is especially important in case the power goes out and you utilize a fireplace, portable generator, or candles to have light or heat.
• Make sure you have a snow shovel before the snow starts. Without one, you may be stuck in your house for longer than planned. Getting ice melt, salt, or sand will also be helpful.
• Know where you can seek shelter. If your power goes out for an extended amount of time or tree weighed down by snow and ice falls on your home, you will want to know where the closest shelter is.
• Know the signs of frostbite and hypothermia. If the power goes out or you are stranded in the cold, it's important to know the signs of these so you can begin treatment right away.
• Frostbite: Causes loss of feeling and colors around your face, fingers, and toes. Skin may turn white or grayish-yellow. If you suspect frostbite, go to a warm room, soak in warm water, or use body heat to warm. Do not use a heating pad.
• Hypothermia: Unusually low body temperature, under 95 degrees. Signs of this are shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech or drowsiness. If you suspect hypothermia you can do the following: Go to a warm room, warm the center of the body first (chest, neck, head, groin), keep dry and wrapped in warm blankets.

During the Blizzard

When blizzards bring heavy snows, you should stay off the roads if possible. Visibility can be extremely limited, and it is easy to become stranded in areas where plows haven't gone by. If you are stranded in a car during a blizzard, try and keep warm as best as you can and call for help.

During the storm, you should also stay up to date with the latest weather reports. This way you can know when the storm will start, how much snow to expect, and receive any updates as to whether or not you should evacuate.

If you followed the checklist above, you and your family should be able to stay safe even if you lose power during a blizzard. Staying warm, hydrated, and eating enough should be enough until you can stay in a place with power or power returns to your home.

Basement Efflorescence: What It Is, Causes & Prevention

11/11/2020 (Permalink)

Efflorescence on basement walls appears as a white, chalky substance that is easily wiped away.

What is Efflorescence?

If you've ever noticed a white, powdery, or chalky substance on the concrete walls of your basement, you were likely left wondering what it was. Many homeowners worry that this white powdery substance is some sort of mold, but in fact this is efflorescence.

Efflorescence is simply salt deposits on materials like concrete, brick, stucco, or natural stone surfaces. 

This substance does not cause any adverse health effects, and is not cause for major alarm.

What Causes Efflorescence?

When hydrostatic pressure forces water through your basement wall, it dissolves minerals in the building material, whether that's concrete, brick, or any other type of natural stone. After water moves through the wall, reaches the surface and evaporates, it leaves behind a mineral deposit, bringing natural salts to the surface.

Does efflorescence mean the basement leaks? 

Unfortunately, yes. For this mineral deposit to appear, it requires some source of water - whether that is coming from inside or outside of your basement.

Efflorescence is most commonly caused by groundwater seeping into your basement after periods of heavy rains or melting snow, but can also be caused by plumbing leaks. If there are any issues or cracks in the foundation of your home, they will also allow water to seep through the wall.

So long as water moves through a porous building material which contains salt - it will leave behind a chalky white deposit.

How To Clean Efflorescence in Basements

The good thing about this mineral deposit is that it is harmless to humans and is very easy to remove yourself. Try the following ways to remove efflorescence on basement walls:

Use a stiff brush

Since these mineral deposits are dry and powdery, many times you can sweep it away with a brush. Be sure to wear a mask so to not breath the powder in.

Rinse with water

If just a brush doesn't work, try to rinse with water as well.

Chemical cleaning

If efflorescence has been on a wall for quite some time, brushing or water may not be able to get it off. As salt deposits sit, they will grow larger if moisture problems are not addressed and possibly crystallize, making it a challenge to remove. At these points, you may want to call in a professional to properly clean the deposits without damaging your basement walls.

Remove Moisture

After you remove efflorescence from your basement walls, be sure to not leave any moisture behind from cleaning. Set up fans to completely dry the area after cleaning to prevent it from immediately reforming.

Preventing Efflorescence on Basement Walls

To prevent this problem, homeowners must make sure that moisture is not present and groundwater is not seeping into the basement. If you've had efflorescence form in your basement, cleaned it, but did not take steps to address any water issues - your problem will only come back again. While these deposits are not harmful, they are an indication that you have a moisture problem to solve in your home.

To prevent conditions that produce efflorescence, you should consider basement waterproofing. 

There are many different forms of waterproofing, but all help prevent groundwater from entering your basement when it rains. Exterior waterproofing or internal drainage systems are best to prevent water from entering outside of your home. While sump pumps are also handy - they will not prevent the water seepage that causes efflorescence to form.

There are some steps you can take yourself to try and help prevent groundwater seepage and in turn efflorescence before waterproofing your basement:

• Clean gutters and downspouts to correctly navigate water away from your home.
• Buy downspout extenders so that water is let off further away from the foundation.
• Create slopes away from your foundation so water naturally flows away from your home.
• Set up a dehumidifier in your basement to help lower moisture levels.
• Set up a fan directed at wet walls when you notice water seeping in.

Why Is There Water In My Basement After Rain?

11/5/2020 (Permalink)

Figuring out why your basement floods every time it rains can be a challenge.

Finding your basement floor covered or damp with water after it rains can leave you scratching your head to figure out how it's getting there. When water is entering your basement where the wall meets the floor every time it rains, you're likely struggling with a hydrostatic pressure issue, which we will explain here.

Causes of Water Coming in Basement Where Wall Meets Floor

Hydrostatic Pressure

Hydrostatic pressure refers to water pressure. When the ground around your basement is saturated with water, it exerts pressure on the foundation and walls of your basement. One cubic foot of water weighs about 60 pounds - so when the ground outside your home is saturated, you may have thousand of pounds of water pressure looking for a way past your foundation walls.

Eventually, this hydrostatic pressure against your foundation will allow water to find it's way in and cause some sort of basement leak most likely due to the structure your basement, which we will review next.

Gap Between Basement Wall and Floor

This gap is commonly referred to as the cove joint, and is common in many basements. When your basement is dug out to build your home, a large slab of of poured concrete was made to support your home. This must dry before more concrete is poured, and since new concrete does not bond with the old you are left with a small gap, or the 'cove joint' where water under pressure can get through the wall.

Since most basements have cove joints (the gap between your basement wall and floor), things such as a high water table, clogged or failed drainage systems, and improper draining of surface water from your home can cause water to come in the basement after rain.

Preventing Water In Your Basement After Rain

When it comes to cove joints, hydrostatic pressure, and wanting to keep your basement dry and clear of water damage - there is a struggle. There are solutions to your basement water problems, but the permanent solutions can run upwards of thousands of dollars. Below are ways to prevent water in your basement after rain in order of cost:

• Navigate water away from the foundation - Do this by extending your gutters and downspouts and inspecting the ground around your foundation for any areas that slope towards your home rather than away. Then, take steps to raise the slope away from your home with sand or clay and top with gravel or woodchips.
• Clean your gutters - Clogged gutters don't efficiently allow water to navigate away from your home, and may instead cause water to flow directly down the siding of your home and along the foundation wall. This will allow water to collect in the ground and exert pressure on the walls of your basement.
• Waterproof your basement - There are many ways to accomplish this, but most should be done by a professional with the average cost ranging from $3,000-$15,000. Depending on your basement and your needs, you may install a sump pump, interior drain tile, exterior drain tile, or general basement waterproofing without a drainage system.

Winterize Your Home This Season: 2020 Checklist

11/1/2020 (Permalink)

Stay cozy during the coldest months of the year by winterizing your home.

As the leaves begin to change and cold air moves in, it’s the time of year to take steps to winterize your home to help prevent any winter-related disasters and keep your energy costs low. Winterizing your home is a task that can be finished in just a weekend, is low-cost, and will benefit you all winter. Follow these tips for winterizing your home to have a warm and prepared home all winter long.  

Winterizing Your Home: 20 Tips

1. Clean out gutters and downspouts of any debris, leaves, or branches.
2. Buy a snow shovel and ice melt so you're ready for the first snow or ice storm before it hits. This way, you can avoid the pre-storm crowds.
3. Bring all of your outdoor furniture inside your shed, garage, or basement.
4. Seal cracks and other openings around windows and doors to help prevent cold air from entering your living spaces.
5. Purchase and install door draft stoppers for all exterior, basement, and attic doors to keep heat in your living spaces.
6. Set ceiling fans to turn clockwise so that they push hot air from the ceiling down to the floor.
7. Put out area rugs or carpets to keep floors warm.
8. Replace the filters in your furnace and HVAC system to improve energy efficiency and keep up air quality.
9. Prevent water pipes from freezing or bursting: Insulate any pipes that run along outer walls or are in non-heated areas like attics or garages. During extreme cold, open up the cabinets under sinks to make sure they do not freeze. 
10. Winterize your hose: Fully drain the hose and the source pipe, bring the hose inside, and shut off the water to the hose valve to prevent any freezing or bursting. The shutoff is likely in your basement or garage, depending on where the hose is located. 
11. Seal windows to prevent cold air drafts: This can be done by putting up window insulation film or cling wrap (which doesn't look great - but will save you money) or by using weatherstrip tape to seal the edges of windows and doors.
12. If you don't plan on using your chimney and it doesn't have a way to close it up, purchase and install a chimney balloon. These help keep cold drafts from coming down through the fireplace and prevents warm air from escaping.
13. If you don't already have one, get a programmable thermostat. The newer ones can be put on an automatic schedule to turn down the heat when you leave and warm the house back up before you arrive home.
14. Be sure to check that all fire and carbon monoxide detectors are working and change batteries as needed.
15. Get out your thick, winter curtains and hang them to help prevent heat loss at windows or slider doors. 
16. Install storm doors or windows for an extra layer of draft protection if you don’t already have them.
17. Make sure furniture isn't blocking any vents, making it easier to keep your house warm.
18. If your property is plowed during the winter, put stakes in the ground around the driveway, mailbox, or anything else that you don't want run over by a plow.
19. Be sure your attic is completely and properly insulated. Heat escaping into your attic can drive up energy costs - but it can also warm your roof, cause ice dams to form, and cause roof leaks and water damage.
20. Check for any disconnected ductwork. This can happen over time, and results in warm air being let out into attics or basements instead of your living space.

Taking steps to winterize your home will keep heating costs down, keep your home warm, and make you feel prepared for whatever winter throws your way this season. 

Warning Signs of A Tornado

10/5/2020 (Permalink)

A tornado caused a tree to fall on this Connecticut home last year.

When a tornado strikes seemingly out of nowhere, it can cause intense damages - destroying buildings, flipping cars, and sending debris through the air. Knowing the signs of a tornado can help you get to a safe place before it hits.

Warning Signs of a Tornado

If you see these warning signs, go inside immediately and check your local weather announcements for watches or warnings.

• Dark, green tinted sky
• Wall clouds, or a cloud of debris
• A funnel-shaped cloud
• Large hail without rain
• Roaring noise, similar to a freight train
• Unusual calmness of wind

Tornado Watch Vs. Warning

A tornado watch means that the current weather conditions are right for generating a tornado. When these come through, you should keep an eye on the weather announcements for any changes and avoid going outside if possible until it has passed. 

A tornado warning means that a tornado has been identified in the surrounding area and that you should immediately find shelter and take cover.

What Should You Do When A Tornado Hits?

When you get notification that your area is under a tornado warning, you should do the following according to ready.gov:

• If you are near a building, immediately go inside.
• Find a safe room, basement or cellar. If there is no basement, take shelter in a small interior room on the lowest floor of the building.
• Keep away from any windows, doors, or outside walls.
• Keep away from bridges or overpasses - look for low, flat locations to take shelter.
• Be aware of any flying debris that could injure you while outside.
• Be sure to use your arms to protect your head while moving about.

During a tornado, you should do the following:

• Stay in your safe location and do not leave until you know it is safe to do so.
• Better protect yourself from flying or falling debris by putting your arms around your head and neck and barricading furniture or blankets around you to protect from heavy objects.
• Continue listening to your local emergency or weather station for updates.
• If not in a safe building, do not try to outrun tornadoes in a car. Find a relatively sheltered, low place where you can put your arms over your head and crouch.

What Do You Do After?

• Continue listening for weather updates to ensure the worst is really over.
• If you are trapped, cover your mouth to try and not breath in dust or debris. Try and send a text, bang on a wall or a pipe, or whistle rather than shouting for help.
• Stay clear of any fallen power lines or trees.
• Do not reenter buildings that have been damaged until you're told it is safe.
• When cleaning up debris, be sure to wear thick gloves and work boots.
• Call your insurance company if your home or business has been damaged by the tornado.

When a tornado comes through your area, it can be a scary experience and can become overwhelming when it damages your home or business. After making the call to your insurance company, you should also call a storm damage restoration company to clean up debris, handle water damage, and repair any structural issues caused by the tornado. 

Need Help After A Storm? Call SERVPRO- 800-734-3213

SERVPRO of Meriden is a 24/7 damage restoration company specializing in water damage, storm damage, fire damage, and mold remediation. Whatever the disaster, we work hard to make it "Like it never even happened."

What To Do After Storm Damage in Wallingford

6/29/2020 (Permalink)

A large branch went through the roof after a bad storm and heavy rains.

Heavy rains, hail and wind can cause many types of damage to your home and leave you at a loss of where to start. Here, we will walk through the different types of storm damage and what to do about each of them. If you are in need of immediate assistance, call SERVPRO of Meriden for 24/7 service at 800-734-3213.

Types of Weather Damage

1 Wind Damage

Strong summer storms, hurricanes, or tornadoes can produce winds that are strong enough to lift the shingles on your house and cause wind damage to your roof. Curling shingles are a sign that you should have a roof inspection done to ensure roof repairs are not needed. Wind damage may also pull the siding off your home and expose the soffit beneath to water from rain.

2 Hail Damage

Hail storms are most common in the summer and can spell trouble for your home depending on how large the hailstones are. Since hailstones have rough edges, they can easily crack the siding of your home or even puncture the shingles on your roof. Signs of roof storm damage includes split shingles, impact marks, or the roof felt being exposed. Keep an eye on these signs to help prevent roof leaks in your home.

3 Impact Damage

Impact damage is from events like fallen trees, branches or power lines. This damage from storms can be the most destructive. A single fallen tree can demolish an entire home or business and require extensive storm damage restoration. Impact damage is the most likely to create major damage to your home and can result in flooding and water damage as well.

It's important to deal with these different kinds of storm damage as soon as possible to help prevent further damage to your home. Many of these issues can lead to leaks in your roof or allow water in through openings in your siding. These areas where moisture is allowed in to your home can lead to larger issues down the line, such as water damage, mold, mildew, or pest problems.

4 Lightning Damage

When a thunderstorm rolls through and lightning strikes your home, you're at risk of damages resulting from fire or smoke. If the fire is large enough that you must call the fire department, you may experience water damage as well from the firefighting efforts.

Does Home Insurance Cover Storm Damage?

Homeowners insurance covers most types of weather damage. This includes, wind, hail, lightning, and impact damages like fallen trees. These kinds of losses are unpredictable, and there is nothing you could do as a homeowner to prevent them from happening - That's why they're covered by insurance.

The kinds of storm damage that may not be covered by your homeowner's insurance would be flooding or earthquakes. Flooding from storms is not covered because it is likely groundwater. Groundwater enters your home through basement seepage, cracks or unsealed areas, or because of sump pump failures.

These issues are considered preventable by your insurance company. For example, you could waterproof your basement to ensure there is no groundwater seepage when there's heavy rains, or seal cracks in doors or foundations to prevent flooding. If you want to ensure you're covered for all kinds of weather damage, you would likely have to purchase flood insurance in addition to your standard homeowners insurance.

What To Do After Weather Damage

1. Wait until the storm has passed. This is important for your safety - you should not go outside during a hailstorm to inspect storm damage to your home.
2. Assess the damages to your home. Take pictures for your insurance company before you do anything. Look for signs of water damage, cracks in windows, lifted shingles, opened siding, holes in areas of your home, or more.
3. If needed, turn off the power and gas in your home. This is applicable in major water damage or flooding situations to prevent danger to yourself or those who will help cleanup damages.
4. Contact your insurance company. Find out if your loss is covered and file a claim. Your insurance company will likely inform you of other steps you need to take.
5. Prevent further damage to your home. If there is a hole in your roof or a window, take steps to board it up to keep the elements outside of your home. Do your best with what you have on hand or call a contractor.
6. Contact a storm damage company. Companies like SERVPRO of Meriden can help you throughout the entire process of cleaning, repairing, and restoring your home. SERVPRO can even help you file your claim and handle the billing process with your insurance company.

How Can SERVPRO Help?

SERVPRO of Meriden offers 24/7 emergency services 365 days a year. If you find yourself in need of board up, water damage, or storm damage services - call us today! 800-734-3213

Sources:

https://www.travelers.com/resources/weather/hail/identifying-hail-damage-to-your-roof

https://www.allstate.com/tr/home-insurance/homeowners-insurance-cover-storm-damage.aspx#:~:text=Homeowners%20insurance%20may%20help%20cover,a%20standard%20homeowners%20insurance%20policy.

Evacuation when Medical Supplies Are Needed for your Well-being in Meriden CT

10/16/2019 (Permalink)

Nice kitty ready for a snooze

Storm Damage & Evacuation in Meriden CT.

Some of these items can be kept in a waterproof container (your emergency kit). Medications probably cannot, but you can have them ready to bring with you.

SERVPRO of Meriden suggests having these items prepared in the event you would need to evacuate your home in Meriden.

• Copies of medical insurance & Medicare cards
• Warm blankets
• Extra clothing, especially socks & undergarments
• Bottled water
• Batteries for your electronic devices
• Written contact list

Some people in Meriden will also need to consider the following:

• Make sure that at least one other person can get your medications & supplies
• Have at least a week-long supply of prescription medicines
• A list of all medications, dosages, and allergies
• An extra pair of glasses or extra contact lenses
• Hearing-aid batteries
• Games & activities for children

If you have pets in Meriden, consider these items:

• Pet food and toys
• Toys or comfort objects
• Vet information

Some shelters will not or cannot allow pets. Ahead of an emergency, find out which ones will allow your 4-legged loved ones. All shelters allow service animals. FEMA for more details.

Emergency Kit for Evacuation for the Deaf, Blind, and Service Animals in Meriden CT

10/11/2019 (Permalink)

German Shepard

Storm Damage & Evacuation in Meriden

Low vision or hearing loss may make a power outage more difficult in Meriden. Evacuation may also be more difficult.

SERVPRO of Meriden has these tips:

Have an evacuation emergency kit ready.  You can also use it at home.

For people who have low hearing or deafness in Meriden, consider the following:

• Extra batteries for hearing aids
• TTY
• If you Sign, have a pen and paper for people who do not know Sign
• Backup batteries for any augmentative communication devices

For people who have low vision or blindness in Meriden, consider the following:

• Use large-print or Braille on labels
• Magnifiers or other assistive devices
• White cane (if you use one)

Storm damage makes life more difficult for service animals too.

For people who have service animals in Meriden, consider the following: 

• Food, water, and other supplies
• Tell emergency responders that your service animal travels with you
• Shelters and other buildings may not refuse entry to a service animal

Be prepared for power outages from storms in Meriden CT

10/6/2019 (Permalink)

Tree Down

Managing Without Power in Meriden CT

SERVPRO of Meriden has seen storm damage lead to power outages.  

A power outage can:

• Disrupt communication
• Make transportation difficult
• Shut down water pipes
• Close businesses, grocery stores, gas stations, banks, ATMS, other services
• Lead to food spoilage
• Lead to contaminated water
• Disable medical devices

During a power outage in Meriden CT, 

be sure to:

• Keep freezer & refrigerator doors closed. It will reduce the chance of food spoilage
• User generators only outdoors and away from windows
• Disconnect appliances/electronics. Power surges can destroy equipment
• Have already set up a plan to refrigerate medicines
• For people who use power wheelchairs, have a backup battery. You may also need a manual chair
• The local power company should already know that someone in your home relies on medical devices
• Do not use a gas stove or oven to heat your home or business
• If travel is safe, go to another location for proper heating or cooling
• Check on your neighbors.

Plan ahead for evacuation in the event of a storm for you and your pets in Meriden CT

10/1/2019 (Permalink)

wheelchair

Storm Damage & Evacuation in Meriden CT

SERVPRO of Meriden has these tips for people in our community dealing with disabilities during an evacuation. You may want to consider, during times of flooding, to pack a bag to have ready in case the worst happens.

Plan for backup if you have your own car. A storm or flood may damage your car.

Ask your healthcare provider to suggest what specific devices you might need if you need to evacuate due to an emergency:

• Where can I get medical supplies?
• How I do get accessible transportation?
• If medical help is needed, where would I go?
• Does this facility have a disability ramp access?

Items to bring with you:

• Written list for emergency contacts
• List of all medications, dosages, and allergies
• Style & serial number of medical devices
• Supply of medical equipment
• Extra battery for a power wheelchair
• Any cushions or padding
• Wheelchairs, canes, braces, etc.
• Medical bracelets
• Medical insurance cards
• List and/or supply of prescription medications

Our service animals are also affected by storm damage. For people who have service animals in Meriden CT.

• Packing extra food, water, & other supplies for the service animal
• Tell emergency responders that your service animal travels with you
• Shelters and other buildings may not refuse entry to a service animal

Plan for individuals with special needs

Thunderstorm preparedness in Meriden CT

9/30/2019 (Permalink)

Thunder and lightning storm

Thunderstorms are beautiful, but they can also be dangerous.  They can cause severe damage to your home and property. Thunderstorms include lightning and can:

• Include winds over 50 MPH
• Create hail
• Cause flash floods
• Cause tornadoes

In most places, a thunderstorm can happen at any time of the year and at any time of the day.

You cannot prevent a thunderstorm, but you can prepare:

• Know the risk for thunderstorms in Meriden CT 
• Sign up for your community’s warning system
• Cut down or trim trees that may fall on your home or office
• Install surge protectors, lightning rods, or a lightning protection system

SERVPRO of Meriden repeats the warning, “When thunder roars, go indoors”.  You don’t have to wait for the thunder.

If there is a thunderstorm warning, go inside.

Once there:

• Unplug appliances
• Do not use landline phones in office or home
• Pay attention to alerts and warnings

If you can’t get inside a building:

• If you are swimming or in a boat, get to land immediately. Find shelter
• If you are in a car, don’t touch anything metal
• “Turn around. Don’t Drown.'' Avoid flooded roads. 6 inches of moving water can knock you down. One foot of moving water can sweep away your car.

A lightning strike during a thunderstorm can leave a wake of destruction in its path.

This can range from minor electrical issues to fire damage. Lightning is also a major cause of injury or death from weather-related dangers. 

Most people survive being hit by lightning, but they often have long-term problems.

A Year After the Connecticut Tornadoes

6/5/2019 (Permalink)

Photo from Cathy Finlayson, a Marketing Rep at SERVPRO Meriden

On May 15th, 2018 Connecticut residents experienced some of the worst weather since 1989.

As many as 4 tornadoes touched down, winds picked up to 110 miles per hour at their peak, and hail the size of tennis balls rained down throughout New Haven county.

For Connecticut residents, this was an unusual and catastrophic event.

Trees fell, homes flooded, and wind and hail did major structural damage. Luckily, SERVPRO was there to help make it Like It Never Even Happened.

We helped countless Connecticut residents recover from the damage that ensued following these storms - including pulling trees out of houses!

You can’t predict the weather and you surely can't predict when a tornado will strike in Connecticut but what you can do when disaster strikes - CALL SERVPRO. Give us a call and we’ll make your emergency Like it never even happened.

Lots to Do

5/7/2019 (Permalink)

Storm Damage from the roof into the living room

Soon after the trauma of severe damage caused by the unwanted water associated with
storms and leakage from normal wear and tear or frozen lines; several different things start to
happen...

It is important to get started on the restoration processes as soon after the event as possible

Some of the circumstances that entail are or can be as follows:

• Alleviating health problems caused by mol
• Cutting out and repairing dry-rotted wood and/or wet, damaged drywall.
• Stopping mold growth
• Repairing damaged roofing materials.
• Assessing and repairing structural damage
• Dealing with legal repercussions
• Patching/splicing water supply lines and drainage pipes

To take care of these and many other problems, we at SERVPRO of Meriden use only the newest hi-tech equipment available.

That's not all, along with a staff of top-notch professionals who are there to get your problem under control efficiently and with as little unnecessary stress as we can manage.

We’d like to make it “Like it never even happened."

Meriden Storm Damage Restoration

8/6/2018 (Permalink)

Meriden Storm Damage Restoration

Storms and inclement weather can bring wind damage, heavy rain, and flooding that can devastate any business in a matter of minutes. Severe storms including hail storms, tornadoes, floods and hurricanes cause billions of dollars in damage in the United States every year.

SERVPRO of Meriden has experience restoring homes affected by storms and flooding. We can respond immediately with highly trained technicians who employ specialized equipment and techniques to restore your home or business back to pre-storm condition. 

SERVPRO of Meriden Faster to Any Size Disaster

When a storm hits your Meriden home or business, you need help immediately. Our quick response will help prevent secondary damage and help reduce restoration costs.

The SERVPRO of Meriden Disaster Recovery Team can provide help whether you're dealing with a tornado, hurricane, blizzard or flood. 

SERVPRO of Meriden CT Disaster Recovery and Restoration Service in Meriden and surrounding, contact on 203-630-2273

Storm - Steps Before and After

8/6/2018 (Permalink)

Storm - Steps Before and After

Insurance companies encourage you to take precautions and be ready to take action following a major storm. Your safety and swift recovery are the top priorities for both you and your insurance company. Here are some tips to help you stay safe and return to regular daily life after a catastrophic event.

What should I do before a disaster strikes?

• Call or visit your insurance agent prior to a storm to discuss your policy.
• Keep the name, address, insurance policy and claims reporting telephone number of your insurer and agent in a safe and easily accessible place.
• Take inventory of your household items, especially valuables. Photograph and videotape items for verification and keep in a safe place such as a safety deposit box, and/or send copies of records to a trusted relative or friend who lives another state.
• Read your insurance policy and know what YOUR responsibilities are. Know what is and isn't covered, such as flooding, and know your general/specific policy limits and deductibles.

A storm has hit and my house is damaged. Now what?

• Find out the time limit on filing claims and notify your insurance agent in writing of the damage as soon as possible.
• If there are holes in your roof or your windows are broken, be sure to cover them as quickly as possible so that wind and rain do not cause further damage.
• Save receipts of what you spend and submit them to your insurance company for reimbursement.
• Don't throw away any damaged items until an adjuster visits your home.
• Photograph or videotape the damage for your records and the insurance company. Make a copy of your home inventory for your adjuster.

What kind of questions do I ask my insurance company?

• Does my claim exceed my deductible? Make sure you know the amount of your deductible. In many coastal areas, deductibles may range from 1 to 5 percent of your home's value.
• Will I need to obtain estimates for repairs or replacements? Before an estimate can be reimbursed, some companies may require an estimate to be approved first.
• How much insurance is enough? Check if your policy pays replacement cost or actual cash value for a covered loss. If you have increased the value of your property, be sure to increase the protection for your property.
• Does my policy provide reimbursement for additional living expenses when a property is determined to be uninhabitable due to damage? If you must evacuate the area, notify your insurance company and verify your insurance policy for coverage for temporary lodging. This provision helps pay for living expenses, restaurant food, overnight parking, and laundry services.

What should my insurance company be doing?

• Once you have made a claim, the company will send you the necessary claim forms. Properly fill the forms out to avoid delays.
• Your company will send out an adjuster to inspect your home. Make a list of structural damage to your home that you would like to show the adjuster.
• Once you and your insurance company agree on the terms of your settlement, state laws require that your payment is sent promptly.
• Damage to trees, shrubs and other plants during a hurricane or windstorm are not covered under a standard homeowners policy. However, insurance may pay to remove the debris from a fallen tree if it caused damage to a structure covered by insurance.

REPAIR YOUR HOME AFTER A STORM

5/18/2018 (Permalink)

REPAIR YOUR HOME AFTER A STORM

REPAIR YOUR HOME AFTER A STORM

Bad weather of all kinds can affect your home, and cause structural damage, roof damage, content damage, and many more. no matter whether it’s a thunder storm or a hail storm.

Stay out

Although you may be tempted to try and get your possessions, or to see just how bad the damage after a storm really is, it’s probably not safe.

Wait until a professional has had a look and deemed it safe for you and your family to return before going back in.

You’ll also need to think about transport if your car keys were in your home.

Call your insurance company

Call your insurance company as soon as you can, and let them know that your home has suffered significant damage after a storm.

Your insurance company will tell you what to do, and how to find a contractor to repair your home.

SERVPRO work with the majority of insurance companies, so we can help you file your insurance claim, and get started on cleaning your home quickly prior to construction company start work.

Find somewhere to stay

Whilst you might be able to stay with friends or family, if they don’t live locally, you may not be able to.

Knowing whether your insurance policy will pay for hotel rooms for your family is important. You don’t want to be left out of pocket.

Clothes and other essentials

You’ll need to speak to your insurance company and see what to do about clothes and other essentials like toiletries.

You may need to ask about food and sustenance too, so that you can all eat. Whilst eating out at restaurants might be fun for the first couple of days, it can soon get expensive.

Children’s entertainment

If you’ve got young children then you’ll want to make sure that they have plenty to keep them occupied.

Whilst a coloring book and some pens, a cuddly toy or something to read might impress younger children, older children are likely to want their creature comforts and electronic gadgets that they’re used to.

Trying to maintain your children’s routine can be nearly impossible if you’re not at home, so you’ll need to be prepared to compromise and to cut them some slack too.

Our advice

Once you’ve spoken to your insurance company, you’ll know what you can and can’t do, have some idea of how long it’ll take, and you’ll know what your policy does and doesn’t cover.

SERVPRO of Meriden work around Connecticut after the storm, so we’re able to help you.

Need help or advice? Contact us today on 800-734-3213

Storm Damage Restoration in Meriden CT

5/18/2018 (Permalink)

Storm Damage Restoration in Meriden CT

Storms and inclement weather can bring wind damage, heavy rain, and flooding that can devastate any business in a matter of minutes. Severe storms including hail storms, tornadoes, floods and hurricanes cause billions of dollars in damage in the United States every year.

SERVPRO of Meriden has experience restoring homes affected by storms and flooding. We can respond immediately with highly trained technicians who employ specialized equipment and techniques to restore your home or business back to pre-storm condition. 

We're Faster to Any Size Disaster

When a storm hits your Meriden home or business, you need help immediately. Our quick response will help prevent secondary damage and help reduce restoration costs.

The SERVPRO of Meriden Disaster Recovery Team can provide help whether you're dealing with a tornado, hurricane, blizzard or flood. 

SERVPRO of Meriden CT Disaster Recovery and Restoration Service  (800) 734-3213

Understand Thunderstorms 

5/17/2018 (Permalink)

Understand Thunderstorms 

On a hot summer day the surface of the Earth is heated by the sun. The Earth's surface heats the air just above the surface through the process of conduction.

The action of warm air rising and cold air sinking (convection) plays a key role in the formation of severe thunderstorms. If the warm surface air is forced to rise, it will continue to rise, because it is less dense than the surrounding air. In addition, it will transfer heat from the land surface to upper levels of the atmosphere through the process of convection.

Two of the most important ingredients for thunderstorm formation are instability (unstable air) and moisture.

There are three main types of thunderstorms; orographic, air mass, and frontal.

Supercell thunderstorms occur when very strong updrafts are balanced by downdrafts. This can allow the storm to persist for many hours. In a supercell, a moist, unstable body of warm air may be forced to rise by an approaching cold front.

The result is a strong, persistent updraft of warm moist air. Speeds in an updraft can be as fast as 90 miles per hour! The air cools as it rises. Water vapor condenses and forms cumulus clouds. When condensation occurs, heat is released and helps the thunderstorm grow.

At some point, condensation high in the cloud (now in the form of water droplets and ice) falls to the ground as rain. A cold downdraft forms as the rain falls.

SERVPRO of Meriden has experience restoring homes affected by storms and flooding. We can respond immediately with highly trained technicians who employ specialized equipment and techniques to restore your home or business back to pre-storm condition.

Have Storm or Flood Damage?
Call Us Today 800-734-3213

How to develop an emergency plan before tornadoes

5/17/2018 (Permalink)

How to develop an emergency plan before tornadoes

What types of emergencies could affect you or your property?

• Who will be part of the plan – adults, children, elderly relatives or others with special needs as well as pets and livestock.
• The location and layout of your property.
• At least two ways to exit your house.
• Where you will go if you are unable to get home?
• What will you do if there are road closures or blockages?
• Whether your insurance cover is adequate?
• Putting together an emergency kit, including important contact numbers for getting help and staying in contact with friends and neighbours.

Practising your plan to make sure everyone knows what to do. The middle pages of this booklet outline how to put your emergency plan together.

Why do I need a Home Emergency Plan? Emergencies can happen any time, and can have a big effect on your life. Many people think they don’t have time to make a plan, or that they don’t need one. Experience shows that those who plan and prepare for emergencies can reduce the impact of the emergency and may recover quicker afterwards. Taking the time to think about emergencies and making a plan helps you to think clearly, have a greater sense of control and make better decisions when an emergency occurs.

Storm Cleanup in Connecticut

7/28/2017 (Permalink)

Storm Cleanup in Connecticut

Storms and inclement weather can bring wind damage, heavy rain, and flooding that can devastate any business in a matter of minutes. Severe storms including hail storms, tornadoes, floods and hurricanes cause billions of dollars in damage in the United States every year. When big storms hit, many families find themselves disorganized and unprepared. When preparing for a storm, it is important to have a storm plan and make sure everyone in your home knows the plan, in case of emergency.

There’s never a convenient time for flooding or water damage to strike, and storms don’t just strike during regular business hours; that’s why SERVPRO of Meriden, CT offers 24 hour emergency service 365 days per year because we know that every hour you spend 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.
The SERVPRO Commercial Large Loss Division is composed of our best of the best in restoration. Our elite large-loss specialists are prequalified and strategically positioned to handle any size disaster.
Also, the SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team can provide help whether you're dealing with a tornado, hurricane, blizzard or flood. The SERVPRO System has a network of strategically positioned storm teams on standby should a disaster strike near you. Available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, SERVPRO professionals are prepared for the unpredictable.
At SERVPRO, the difference is our ability to dispatch trained production professionals and cut costs through the strategic placement and highly trained crews. Get the professionals, call SERVPRO.

Have Storm or Flood Damage?
Call Us Today (203) 601-6746

Storm Damage Repair in Connecticut

7/17/2017 (Permalink)

Storm Damage Repair in Connecticut

Storms and inclement weather can bring wind damage, heavy rain, and flooding that can devastate any business in a matter of minutes. There’s never a convenient time for flooding or water damage to strike, and storms don’t just strike during regular business hours; that’s why SERVPRO of Meriden, CT offers 24 hour emergency service 365 days per year because we know that every hour you spend 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.

The SERVPRO Commercial Large Loss Division is composed of our best of the best in restoration. Our elite large-loss specialists are prequalified and strategically positioned to handle any size disaster.

Also, the SERVPRO of Meriden Disaster Recovery Team can provide help whether you're dealing with a tornado, hurricane, blizzard or flood. The SERVPRO System has a network of strategically positioned storm teams on standby should a disaster strike near you. Available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, SERVPRO professionals are prepared for the unpredictable.

At SERVPRO of Meriden, the difference is our ability to dispatch trained production professionals and cut costs through the strategic placement and highly trained crews. Get the professionals, call SERVPRO of Meriden, CT.

What should you think before hiring a contractor?

6/6/2017 (Permalink)

What should you think before hiring a contractor?

It’s the contractor you pick that makes — or breaks — your remodeling project. Finding the right contractor for your job will determine the quality and timeliness of the work, and the amount of emotional and financial stress you’ll have to deal with. To make sure you’re getting the best work from a contractor, here are few guidelines.

• Check work history and references. Ask for a list of references to determine if the contractor is familiar with your type of project. A contractor should be able to give you names and phone numbers of at least three clients with projects like yours. Ask each client how long ago the project was and whether it was completed on time.
• Find out if the contractor is insured. Ask for copies of insurance certificates and make sure they’re current, or you could be held liable for any injuries and damages that occur during the project. The Federal Trade Commission recommends contractors have personal liability, worker’s compensation and property damage coverage.
• Prepare a written contract agreement with anyone you hire. It should specify the work to be done, techniques to be used, and the price breakdown for both labor and materials. An agreed-upon timeline is also a good idea.
• Never pay in full for all repairs in advance, and do not pay cash.
• Don’t be pressured into making an immediate decision with a long-term impact. Although you may be anxious to get things back to normal, avoid letting your emotions get the better of you. Make temporary repairs if needed. Storm/flood damage victims should never feel pressured to make a hasty decision or choose an unknown company. Always do your research!

Need Storm or Flood Restoration Service?
Call Us Today (203) 437-7895

CT Storm Damage Restoration

6/6/2017 (Permalink)

CT Storm Damage Restoration

In Connecticut property damage caused by severe weather can be devastating to your family or business, and repairing it can be a complex undertaking. To get storm damage repair completed quickly and safely, you need a professional restoration service company that specializes in bringing your home back to its preloss condition.

From tarping your roof to water removal and structural drying, SERVPRO of Meriden can help you.

Cleanup & Repair:

Whatever wind damage you have experienced, we are fully equipped to help. Contact us for:

• 24/7 emergency services
• Storm damage assessment
• Water damage repair
• Wind damage repair
• Emergency board up
• Tree Removal
• Structural stabilization
• Reconstruction services
• Insurance claim assistance

If your Meriden Connecticut property has experienced damage from a storm, call the experts. We work with a variety of home insurers and can help you determine whether your damage is covered. We can also help with filing paperwork to keep your costs down. Don’t let a storm damage your property value! Contact SERVPRO of Meriden!

Free no obligation Storm Damage inspection in Meriden CT

6/2/2017 (Permalink)

Free no obligation Storm Damage inspection in Meriden CT

Free Damage inspection, a detailed damage report. 

When it comes to storm damage, there are several types of damage for each area of your home. It is recommended that you act quickly and have a certified and experienced Storm Damage Specialist begin remediation services immediately. SERVPRO of Meriden will perform a full, home damage inspection to include moisture readings onsite. Many times, a homeowner is not aware of the affected areas especially roof damage.

You will learn a great deal about your home's condition, repair options and even how we work with your insurance company to provide the highest quality of repairs by professional contractors and installers.

Contact SERVPRO of Meriden today to schedule and learn more about our Professional Storm Damage Cleaning, Drying and Remodeling!

Steps to Take Immediately After Storm Damage!

5/17/2017 (Permalink)

Steps to Take Immediately After Storm Damage, SERVPRO of Meriden.

Storm damage can occur at any time and can cause an immense amount of harm to your home. Heavy rains can cause flooding, and powerful winds can cause roof damage plus downed trees on your property. Some post-storm damage can create safety and health hazards as well, so having a strategy to deal with damage will help you to be ready immediately after the storm.

Take Safety Precautions

Heavy winds and rain can create physical hazards such as collapsed roof materials, window damage, collapsed walls or standing water in the basement or home interior. In addition, moisture can soak into furniture, carpeting, and building materials making the perfect environment for mold growth that can cause health issues. Shut off the main gas line if you smell gas. Beware of broken glass, exposed nails, and other sharp objects on the property. Contact a reputable property restoration company to help secure your property and make it safe for your family’s use. If necessary, arrange for an alternative place for you and your family to live while your property is being restored to safe living conditions.

Photograph the Damage

If it is safe to move around your property, photograph the damage so that you have a record for your insurance company. This action will ensure that you are fully compensated.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Contact your insurance agent to notify them about the damage to your home immediately. The company will send out an adjustor to determine the extent of the damage so that payment for repairs can be made.

Look Into Federal Disaster Assistance

The federal government may have declared the area affected by the storm as a disaster area that is eligible for low-cost loans to help restore your property to back to pre-storm condition or better. You will be required to file documents to receive these loans.

When a storm-related disaster strikes, it may seem overwhelming, but these steps can help you to begin the process of restoring your home, and your life, back to normal.

At SERVPRO of Meriden, CT Storm Damage Restoration, we provide 24-hour emergency disaster service. We specialize in the stabilization and restoration of homes and businesses that have suffered a small or large loss from water, flood, wind, storm, fire damage, and smoke disaster.