Don't Let Frozen Pipes Ruin Your Holidays

12/19/2022 (Permalink)

The holidays are coming up. Keeping your home up-to-date is crucial to ensure that you can enjoy your holidays without any pipes bursting your bubble!

Begin the pipe burst cleanup. If any electrical outlets or equipment were disturbed, shut off electricity to the area. Use a wet vacuum or sump pump to remove any standing water and then clean, sanitize and dry any affected areas and items.

Keep in mind that an area that doesn’t dry quickly enough can develop black mold and lead to further damages to your property. To ensure the area is properly cleaned, sanitized and dried, you should work with a water cleanup company in Chattanooga, TN, that is experienced with commercial and residential pipe burst cleanup.

Our Technicians are certified in commercial and residential water damage cleanup. We are open 24/7/365 for you. Visit SERVPRO of Chattanooga for more information on water cleanup.

Here Are Five Tips To Avoid Water Damage In Your Home

12/5/2022 (Permalink)

Keep your gutters clean to avoid water damage in your home.

Five Tips On How to Avoid Water Damage

Water damage can cause serious problems in your home. You might not realize it's happening until the damage has already been done. Water that seeps into your house can cause mold and mildew growth, which can start to smell and cause structural damage. If you think you have water damage in your home, call a professional immediately—the sooner they discover where the leak is coming from, the better chance there is of fixing it before it causes too much damage. Here are five tips on how to avoid water damage:

# 01. Clean your gutters regularly.

There are many things that can cause water damage in your home, but the most common culprit is dirty gutters. The water from your roof collects in a gutter, which then drains down to the ground. If you don't clean the gutters regularly, debris can build up and clog them, so they spill over onto your foundation or back into your yard. This causes flooding inside and outside of your home and can lead to rot of wood structures such as decking or siding.

Fortunately, it's easy to avoid this problem by cleaning out your gutters at least twice per year (preferably during fall and spring). 

# 02. Pay attention to your sump pump.

Sump pumps are a necessary part of any basement or crawlspace, but they can also be the cause of water damage if they're not properly maintained. If your sump pump isn't working, you could be at risk for major water damage, but you can avoid this by taking care of your pump and doing regular inspections.

Here are some tips on how to inspect your sump pump:

• First, look at how much water is coming into your house and determine if it's normal or excessive. If there is too much water coming into the home and you can't find the source, it could be caused by a malfunctioning sump pump.

• Check the float switch on your sump pump to see if it's working correctly. If it's stuck in one position or not moving at all, then replace or repair it before using your pump again.

• Look at where you install your sump pump—is it near an outlet? If so, be sure that nothing has interfered with its ability to draw power from that outlet (such as nearby trees). Also check for any signs of damage from animals or insects getting inside the system; this can cause big problems with functionality over time!

If you suspect that something isn't quite right with your pump but aren't sure what to do next, call in some experts who can inspect everything thoroughly before recommending repairs or replacement parts.

# 03. Control the moisture in your bathroom and kitchen.

Bathrooms and kitchens are the most likely places to have water damage, so it's a good idea to take extra precautions in these areas. Water can cause mold, mildew and other problems that can be very expensive to fix.

Water damage can occur when there is excessive moisture in your home. Moisture comes from many sources:

• leaky pipes under sinks or tubs 
• leaking showers and toilets
• leaky faucets

# 04. Double-check your dishwasher and washing machine.

If you have a dishwasher or washing machine, you may be at risk of experiencing water damage in your Harrison, TN home. If you are not careful, these appliances can cause flooding and water damage. Here are some steps to take to make sure that your dishwasher and washing machine don't cause any damage:

1. Make sure that the hoses on your washing machine are connected properly so that they drain properly when the machine is turned off.

2. Check for leaks around the door of your dishwasher, as well as at all connections to the dishwasher itself.

3. Make sure that any leaks you find don't go unnoticed for too long; if they do, it could cause serious damage to your home!

If any of these issues exist with your current machinery, then it is best to repair or replace them before they lead to any major problems down the road!

# 05. Look for cracks in basements, foundations, and retaining walls.

The next time you are looking through your basement, foundation, and retaining walls, look for the tell-tale signs of water damage. Look for cracks in the flooring, or anywhere else water could seep through. If you notice any cracks or holes that would allow water to get into your home's foundation, act immediately. There are multiple ways to fix them: some can be patched up with cement filler; others may need more extensive repairs by a professional contractor.

Conclusion

Hopefully these tips can help keep you and your family safe from water damage at home. If your home or business suffers from water damage, don’t hesitate and give our SERVPRO of Chattanooga team a call today!

SERVPRO Chattanooga Fall Festival Fun CE Class!

11/2/2022 (Permalink)

Attendees at the CE Class playing Fall Festival Games.

This October I had my first major event, Continuing Education. I had never heard of these classes before and had no idea what to expect. Luckily, I had an amazing team that helped me through it. So, before I get into detail of our unique Fall Festival CE Class, I want to give a big thanks and shoutout to Sydney Parks. I could not ask for a better teammate and partner to work with. If you ever have the chance to work with this powerhouse, consider yourself very lucky. This post is dedicated to her. Thank you Sydney for everything you have done and do for me and the office!

We had a great turnout at the event! We had attendees from many different agencies, including: AAA Insurance, Hallmark Insurance, and Farmers Insurance!

CE budgeting and planning can be difficult. Especially when it comes to decorations and games for your attendees to participate in. We created many DIYs that helped us create a Fall-tastic Carnival Fall Festival during our CE Class. 

There was a variety of games we created for CE that participants did during the Lunch break. Our lunch was extended for a total of an hour and thirty minutes. This ensured people could eat, register for the next class, take a tour of our facility, network, and play all the games we had to offer. 

Games Offered:

• Mini Golf
• Basket Toss
• Ring Toss
• Target Practice
• Guessing Game
• Raffle for Gift Card

We made game tickets that all attendees received at check-in. They put all their game points on these cards and turned them in at the end of lunch. When the next class started, we tallied up the points and found our winners! We had a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winner for the Carnival games. They received Fall gift bags with various Fall themed items. The winner of the guessing game got a $10.00 gift card… and of course all 847 M&Ms! Our raffle winner won a $100.00 gift card. 

Our games were not professionally made, nor were they bought online. These were handmade. Sydney and I worked many hours to create decorations for the class and all the games. A lot of our materials, such as palettes and large/small boxes, were sourced from our Mitigation and Contents warehouse. We cut, painted, glued, and built these games using inspirations from Pinterest! They took a lot of time and effort, but it was well worth it! We will now be able to use these items at Trade Shows, future CE Classes, and so much more.

SERVPRO Chattanooga Fall Festival Fun CE Class!

11/2/2022 (Permalink)

Attendees at the CE Class playing Fall Festival Games.

This October I had my first major event, Continuing Education. I had never heard of these classes before and had no idea what to expect. Luckily, I had an amazing team that helped me through it. So, before I get into detail of our unique Fall Festival CE Class, I want to give a big thanks and shoutout to Sydney Parks. I could not ask for a better teammate and partner to work with. If you ever have the chance to work with this powerhouse, consider yourself very lucky. This post is dedicated to her. Thank you Sydney for everything you have done and do for me and the office!

We had a great turnout at the event! We had attendees from many different agencies, including: AAA Insurance, Hallmark Insurance, and Farmers Insurance!

CE budgeting and planning can be difficult. Especially when it comes to decorations and games for your attendees to participate in. We created many DIYs that helped us create a Fall-tastic Carnival Fall Festival during our CE Class. 

There was a variety of games we created for CE that participants did during the Lunch break. Our lunch was extended for a total of an hour and thirty minutes. This ensured people could eat, register for the next class, take a tour of our facility, network, and play all the games we had to offer. 

Games Offered:

• Mini Golf
• Basket Toss
• Ring Toss
• Target Practice
• Guessing Game
• Raffle for Gift Card

We made game tickets that all attendees received at check-in. They put all their game points on these cards and turned them in at the end of lunch. When the next class started, we tallied up the points and found our winners! We had a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winner for the Carnival games. They received Fall gift bags with various Fall themed items. The winner of the guessing game got a $10.00 gift card… and of course all 847 M&Ms! Our raffle winner won a $100.00 gift card. 

Our games were not professionally made, nor were they bought online. These were handmade. Sydney and I worked many hours to create decorations for the class and all the games. A lot of our materials, such as palettes and large/small boxes, were sourced from our Mitigation and Contents warehouse. We cut, painted, glued, and built these games using inspirations from Pinterest! They took a lot of time and effort, but it was well worth it! We will now be able to use these items at Trade Shows, future CE Classes, and so much more.

What Causes Toilet Overflow While Showering?

11/1/2022 (Permalink)

It is important to check your toilets regularly for signs of overflow.

What Causes Toilet Overflow While Showering?

When you're in the shower, you don't want to have to worry about more than just how clean you are. However, if your toilet is overflowing while you're showering, then there's a good chance that something is wrong with your plumbing system. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent this from happening again. In this article we'll discuss what causes toilet overflow while showering and what steps you can take to avoid it in the future!

Can be due to a clogged pipe or drainage problem.

The first thing to know is that toilet overflow often happens due to a clogged pipe or drainage problem. If the drain isn't working properly, the water won't be able to flow out of your pipes when you flush the toilet. This can cause excess water in your bathroom, which will begin to rise until it flows out onto the floor. If this happens while you're showering, an overflow can occur as well as cause severe flooding in other parts of your home.

Be careful of clogged drains and pipes.

It's an unfortunate reality that kids often drop toys into the toilet, but this can lead to clogged drains and pipes. If you have kids living with you, make sure they're not playing near the toilet or throwing plastic toys in there. Older children might need reminding of this fact every now and then when they've been busy with something else in their room—or just being children!

Can damage to your home's plumbing system.

If the overflow is not fixed, it could cause damage to your home's plumbing system and can cause sewage problems in your home. If you notice that your toilet has been overflowing, it is important to check out the problem as soon as possible. If you are unsure what is causing it, call a plumber so they can help with fixing the issue.

Overflowing toilets can cause sewage problems in your home, which is why it's so important to check them out as soon as possible. While some of these problems may be easy enough to fix yourself, others should be handled by a professional plumber. 

Call a plumber immediately.

If you are unsure what's causing your toilet overflow, it's always best to call a plumber. There are many possible causes that can be easily remedied by an experienced professional. A clogged pipe is one of the most common reasons for a toilet overflow, as debris from the pipes can become stuck and prevent water from flowing smoothly through them. Another cause could be a leaky joint or valve in your piping system, which may also result in an overflowing toilet.

It is important to check your toilets regularly for signs of overflow and clogged drains so that you can prevent problems from happening before they do! If you are noticing that your toilet overflows when you shower, call a plumber immediately to prevent your home from experiencing water damage.

Is Security Fencing Really Necessary?

10/10/2022 (Permalink)

Security fencing is a great way to protect your property in Chattanooga, TN.

What Is Security Fencing and Why Is It Used?

If you're looking to protect your property in Chattanooga, TN, then security fencing may be the right option for your business. However, there are some important considerations that you should make before hiring someone to install it.

You should always hire a professional

If you are going to use security fencing, you should always hire a professional for its installation. There are lots of examples of businesses using security fencing. For example, security fencing can be used by homeowners because they want protection from intruders who want to come into their house without permission like burglars and thieves! 

Hiring a professional fencing company to install your security fencing is important in order to ensure that it is done right and will give you the protection you want and need.

The Importance of Security Fencing for Commercial Properties

You might have security fencing in place to keep people out of your commercial property, but it can also be used to protect the property from vandalism and theft. If you own a construction site, for example, there are several factors that could make it more susceptible to criminal activity. The construction site is likely to be in a remote location which means that there aren't any passersby or other people around who might spot suspicious behavior. It's also possible that the materials on-site could provide opportunity for criminals looking for things they can resell or use themselves.

Security fencing may help deter these types of crimes by making it obvious that someone has put time into always protecting their property—even when nobody's around!

Who is Using Security Fencing?

Security fencing is a popular choice among property owners and managers for a variety of reasons. Some want to protect their property from theft, while others desire protection from damage caused by weather or fire.

If you are a commercial building owner who has experienced fire damage and need to keep intruders out, or if you're a landlord who wants to make sure that your tenants' belongings are safe, security fencing may be the right choice for you. It also could be useful for businesses that have experienced theft on their premises or want to protect their vehicles from theft.

Landlords who want to keep unwanted guests of their rental properties can find security fencing at hardware stores and home improvement centers throughout the country. If you own private residences in an area where crime rates are high, then having this type of fencing installed around each of them will ensure that no one enters without permission and stays after all hours (which could result in criminal charges).

Security fencing is often seen in the business world.

In the business world, security fencing is often seen. It can help prevent fire damage, water damage and other kinds of damage while also keeping unwanted people out of your premises. There are many different types of fences that can be used for this purpose.

Security fencing is usually made up of steel panels which are bolted together to create a secure barrier around your property. Some businesses also choose to install electrified wires or razor wire along the top of their fence as an additional deterrent for intruders or trespassers who try to climb up and over them without permission from management first (which should always be obtained before entering any area that's not public).

The bottom line is that security fencing is a great way to protect your property in Chattanooga, TN. It can be expensive and difficult to install, but it's worth it if you want to keep intruders out of your business. 

How To Address Mold in Your Air Conditioning Ducts

8/30/2022 (Permalink)

Air ducts are a common location for mold.

How to Take Care of Mold in Your AC Ducts

Air ducts are a common location for mold. They feed off the dust and moisture that is common in HVAC systems.
Musty odors and black dust near the air vents are signs of a possible mold problem. If the issue is not properly handled, the mold could spread and cause severe harm to your property.

Removing Air Conditioner Mold
Mold thus needs to be addressed immediately. Below are the basic mold cleanup steps:

• Have a certified inspector check the property for mold
• Replace the insulation, if necessary
• Disinfect the ductwork
• Find and address the source of the mold growth
  
  

Cleaning black mold improperly can just cause additional damage. Instead, you should use specialists who know how to remove the mold and prevent it from coming back.

Limiting Mold Growth
Because the black mold cleanup process can be costly and time-consuming, you should take steps to prevent an infestation before it starts. That means making sure your property has clean ducts. Bring in a technician at least twice annually to perform maintenance and fix any issues.
Dust and debris within the air conditioning vents can also promote mold growth. You should thus get the filters changed regularly.
There are also steps you can take to limit mold growth in the rest of your building. Be sure to dry wet areas immediately, clean clogged gutters and lower the indoor humidity.
Black mold can damage building materials and temporarily shut down your commercial property. Since mold often grows in damp places, you should regularly clean and inspect your air conditioner ducts. If you see spores or smell an unusual odor, mold remediation specialists can address the problem before it gets worse.

3 Major Causes of Home Fires

8/23/2022 (Permalink)

Age, faulty wiring, and improper use are all possible causes of a home fire.

Most Common Causes Of a Home Fire

There are many ways to protect your family and your East Brainerd, TN, home, especially when it comes to fire safety. Millions of blazes occur in the United States each year, and some of them cause catastrophic damage that require the services of a fire cleanup and restoration company. If you want to avoid this type of tragedy, it is important to know the most common causes of a home fire and how to prevent them.

1. Malfunctioning or Overheated Appliances

Your home’s stove, washer and dryer and air conditioning system can spark a fire if they fail to operate correctly or overheat. Faulty wiring, age and improper use might all contribute to such circumstances. To prevent this possibility, turn off or unplug appliances when you leave the house, keep your dryer’s filter and ducts clean and have your HVAC system maintained and checked annually.

2. Accidental Arson

The curiosity of children has often led to accidental fires that have raged out of control. Matches, lighters and hand-held units that light with the push of a button can present irresistible temptation to kids, even those who are old enough to understand that fire causes injury and damage. If you have children, keep all flammables out of reach or locked away and avoid leaving cigarette lighters or matches unattended.

3. Holiday Lights

A home fire caused by Christmas or other holiday lights can occur for several reasons. The lights may be old, have a faulty bulb or may overheat when left on too long. They might also be accidentally placed near flammable substances. Even smaller lights can cause a blaze, so you may want to ask a fire cleaning and restoration specialist about how to hang lighted decorations safely, especially if you have a smaller home where a fire might spread rapidly.

Preventing a home fire can be crucial to keeping your family and East Brainerd, TN, property safe. Understanding what might spark a blaze may help you eliminate risk factors around the house and practice fire safety tactics that can be beneficial to everyone who lives there.

5 Things To Expect From Damage After a Storm

8/18/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial cleanup in Ooltewah, TN.

Here Are Five Things To Expect As You Navigate A Restoration

If your business has experienced water damage after a flood or a storm in Ooltewah, TN, it can be overwhelming to know how to begin the recovery process. 

1. Remove Standing Water
The most important first step is to remove the standing water from the building. The longer standing water remains, the more damage it does to your property. To avoid needing to tear out every last bit of dry wall and flooring, use a water pump to remove water. For small problems, a shop vacuum might work, but for bigger floods, a more specialized pump will be needed.

2. Inspect for Safety
Once the water is gone, the entire building will need to be carefully inspected for safety. A storm restoration team will have the necessary tools to inspect the areas behind walls to see where water has infiltrated.

3. Salvage or Scrap
After a thorough safety check has been conducted, decisions need to be made about the materials in your business. Some furniture and hardwoods can be salvaged, while it is often necessary to scrap drywall and ceiling tiles. Work with professionals who can help you know what all can be salvaged before you start to tear out everything. Salvaging can save you a lot of money in repairs.

4. Dry Thoroughly
Now that you're down to bare bones, everything needs to be dried out completely in order to prevent mold growth and structural damage. Pay special attention to crawl spaces, attics, and spaces beneath porches or decks. Untended mold that grows in those areas can cause more damage down the road once you believe that the restoration process is over.

5. Restore and Restart
Finally, your property can be restored to its former glory and you can focus on getting back to work.
Don't allow a restoration to overwhelm you. Before you tear out everything, work with professional restorers to help you navigate the process.

3 Tips for Determining Whether You Should File an Insurance Claim After a Flood

7/27/2022 (Permalink)

Filing an insurance claim.

Should You File An Insurance Claim After A Flood

In the event that your Harrison, TN, home goes through a flood, one of your initial instincts may be to file a claim with your insurance company. Doing so can potentially alleviate any reparations costs. However, this may not be the best idea. You could be denied a policy renewal or receive a rate hike from your insurance company if you file too many claims. If you're unsure about what to do, here are three tips for determining whether you should file an insurance claim after a flood.

1. Examine the Nature of the Damage
The exact nature of your home flood claim usually plays a part in determining how it will affect your status. If you're the one at fault for the damage, it's highly likely that your rates will be increased. You should also consider the type of harm that occurred. Unfortunately, many kinds of damage claims aren't appreciated by insurance companies. These are some to be wary of:

• Water damage
• Mold
• Animal bites
  
  

If you file too many claims for this type of damage, your policy may not be renewed.

2. Study Your Policy
One of the most essential things to do during this process is studying your policy. Few companies handle claims the same way, so you'll need to do the research yourself. If possible, it may be best to speak with an agent directly. However, you should avoid doing so after a flood occurs. You can be negatively affected if you openly discuss not filing an insurance claim for recent damages.

3. Consider the Damage's Size
While you may be hesitant to pay for restoration efforts by yourself, it might be in your best interest. One too many filed claims could result in you losing insurance before a worse event occurs. After a flood takes place, get a sense of how extensive the damage is. If it's extreme, you'll probably want to file an insurance claim. However, you shouldn't waste your claims on smaller problems.
If you need the help of water damage restoration experts, you'll have to decide whether or not to file a claim. Stay calm and make the most informed choice possible.