Understanding the Facts & Stats on Water Damage

4/11/2023 (Permalink)

We are "here to help" handle your home or business's water damage restoration needs!

It's no secret that April showers are the start of Ohio's rainy season. Despite the name, April is only the 4th rainiest month in Ohio, with May, June, and the rainiest, July rounding out the top three.

As we work our way through the wet season, it's important to understand the facts of water and storm damage.

National Water Damage Facts & Stats

- 14,000 people in the US are affected by water damage every day.

- The average insurance claim to repair a water damaged home is $11,605.

- 99% of US counties experienced a flood from 1996-2019.

- 98% of US homes will experience water damage in their basements at least once.

- Even the smallest leak can increase the average water bill by 10%.

- In 2020, almost 20% of home insurance claims were due to water damage and freezing.

Ohio Water Damage Facts & Stats

- In Ohio, 540,863 properties have more than a 26% chance of being affected by severe flooding in the next 30 years.

- In 2021, at least 142 people died in flooding incidents, 64 of which were driving.

Water damage, whether it be from flooding or a storm, can be a difficult process to deal with. Luckily, SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest is equipped to handle all of your water damage restoration needs! From the drying process to reconstruction, we work with all insurances to get your home or business looking "like it never even happened."

How You Respond to Rain Matters

7/7/2022 (Permalink)

Whether you love to fall asleep to the sounds of dripping rain and low thunder, or you cower under the table with your four-legged friend during a storm, it is always important to be prepared for any damages that may come with severe weather. After a storm, always check and make sure that your property is unharmed and water isn’t where it shouldn’t be. Untreated water damage or flooding could lead to mold.   

What To Look For  

• Standing water in the basement, attic, garage, or anywhere else it shouldn’t be
• Discoloration or water stains on the walls or ceilings  
• Musty odors in the building  

Water itself can cause foul smells and wood to rot, and it can cause mold to grow. Mold can cause serious structural damage, as well as negative health effects. If you have mold growing, you need to act fast for the sake of your customers, and your business.   

What Can I Do About It?  

Pick up the phone and call us! When you call SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest,you can rest assured knowing our experts will act quickly, taking a methodical and systematic approach to identify your problem and eliminate it from your building as quickly as possible.   

Remember, the longer you wait, the more damage that could be happening to your property. Make sure you give SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest a call and let us get down to our business. That way, you can get back to yours knowing your building is safe, dry, and mold free.  

Contact us today at 567-368-8187

Drying Old Wood Floors in Maumee

6/14/2022 (Permalink)

Salvaging hardwood floors from water damage in Northwest Ohio by the experts at SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest

Salvaging hardwood floors from water damage in Northwest Ohio

While most insurance policies offer coverage for replacing floors, there are many situations where homeowners can save money by drying instead, especially with solid hardwood. Other types of flooring, including engineered hardwood and laminate, are more prone to structural damage, delamination, and other issues that make replacement preferable. Solid hardwood's durability makes it more salvageable and safer to reinstall.  The durability saves you time and costs when it comes to reinstallation, staining, and refinishing.

If a sudden pipe leak causes water damage to floors in your Maumee residence, professional disaster mitigation technicians at SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest can restore your flooring to its preloss condition. Commercial-grade equipment an eco-friendly, EPA-registered antimicrobial cleaners work in tandem to salvage floors, sub-flooring, and other structures in the home that are affected by water. Technicians always work with both homeowners and insurance adjusters to handle damages and restoration per local, state, and federal regulations.

SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest works fast not only to save flooring but also to preserve the layers of infrastructure that support it. Without proper mitigation, water damaged floors can become distorted and start cupping or buckling. These conditions can also become host to mold and wood rot that affect the safety and integrity of hardwood floors.  After dispatching a team to your home, they can use wand extractors and back-mounted pumps to collect any remaining standing water. Thermal imaging and penetrative and non-penetrative moisture measurement tools can be used to assess the extent of damage to floors and subfloors. We replace non-salvageable planks as needed.

Desiccant dehumidifiers are often necessary to tackle the remaining moisture in hardwood planks due to hardwood's low evaporation rate. These types of industrial dehumidifiers collect moisture from surrounding surfaces by passing it over desiccant materials like silica gel. Heat then evaporates the collected water into an air stream which vents outside of the home. If odors from water damage are evident, OSHA-approved cleaners and ultra-low-volume (ULV) fogging deodorizers can be used to eliminate odor-causing particles.

SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest serves the community by being Faster to Any Size Disaster. Call 888-915-1401 today.

Storms Hit Northwest Ohio Hard

6/9/2022 (Permalink)

Water can come in a home from all over after heavy rains. If you see it, dry it. Call SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest.

As you’ve probably noticed, it has been raining a lot the past few days, and the best thing you can do when it rains is to be prepared. After a storm, it’s good to check and make sure that your property is undamaged and there isn’t any water where there shouldn’t be, because that could lead to mold.   

What To Look For  

• Standing water in places where it shouldn’t be, such as the basement, attic and garage  
• Discoloration or water stains on the walls or ceilings  
• Musty odors in the building  

Water itself can cause foul smells and wood to rot, but it can also cause mold to grow. Mold can cause serious structural damage, as well as health effects, so when you have mold growing, you need to act quickly for the sake of your customers, and your business.   

What Can I Do About It?  

Pick up that phone and call us! When you call SERVPRO of Toledo you can rest assured knowing our experts will act quickly, taking a methodical and systematic approach to identifying your problem and eliminating it from your building as quickly as possible.   

Remember, the longer you wait, the more damage that could be happening to your property, so give SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest a call and let us get down to our business so that you can get back to yours knowing your building is safe, dry and mold free.  

Contact us today at 888-915-1401

SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest Certified and Trained

4/15/2022 (Permalink)

The IICRC is a nonprofit certification and Standards Developing Organization (SDO) for the inspection, cleaning and restoration industries. It sets the standards for the industry.

Each IICRC standard takes years to develop and the coordination of several experts in the field, including allied tradespersons; manufacturers; international, national and regional trade associations; individual or franchise professionals; cleaning, inspection and restoration industry organizations; insurance industry; training schools; contractors; and public health professionals.

These standards are reviewed and updated at least every five years. Many of these fields, such as the water damage restoration field, change rapidly and those who are certified keep up with the advancement of the science and generally accepted practices of the industry.

When you choose a company that is IICRC certified, such as SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest, you can be sure that you receive service from knowledgeable, certified technicians. 

Categories of water in the insurance and restoration business

4/15/2022 (Permalink)

Having a water loss in your home can be traumatizing.  In addition to the tips on preventing secondary damage it is helpful to know and understand the 3 categories of water associated with a water loss.  According to the IICRC guidelines, there are 3 categories of water in a water loss: Category 1, Category 2, and Category 3.  Let’s take a look at each category:

Category 1: This is clean, sanitary water.  Sources can be faucets, toilet tanks, drinking fountains, etc.  The category can quickly change to a Category 2 however.

Category 2: This category of water is typically referred to as “grey water”, and is described as having levels of contaminates that may cause you some sickness or discomfort if ingested.  Category 2 water can come from dishwasher or washing machine overflows and sink drains.

Category 3: This is the worst category of water, it is grossly unsanitary. It used to be called, and is still sometimes referred to as, black water.  Sources of Category 3 water can be sewer backups, flooding from streams and rivers, toilet overflows with feces, and liquid that has sat and became stagnant.  

My Carpet Got Wet, Can I Save It?

4/11/2022 (Permalink)

People around the Toledo, Ohio area have often asked "can my carpeting be saved after a water damage?" The answer has a couple of variables.

1. Did the water come from a clean source such as a supply line?
2. How long has the carpet been wet?
3. Age of the carpet?
4. Is the carpet Delaminated?

If The water source was clean water and you can it has not been sitting for an extended period of time chances are really god it can be saved. With that being said we then must make sure the carpets integrity will hold up when it is lifted to dry and then relayed.

First we carefully remove the carpet from the tact strips, unless of course it is glue down; If that is the case we can simply extract the carpet and dry it in place. Once the carpet is lifted from the tact strip the padding is typically removed due to the fact that it is very hard to dry properly and completely. We want to make sue the pad will not hold and grow bacteria. After the pad had been removed we then put air movers under the carpet and "float" the carpet to dry. once the carpet and sub floor have dried completely new pad can be installed and the carpet can then be relayed.

At that point SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest can then Clean the Carpet.

SERVPRO of Toledo South West is Here 24/7

7/16/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage is bad, but we can fix it! Call us today!

SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today!

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest

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

Carpet Cleaning after a Water Damage

12/14/2017 (Permalink)

People around the Toledo, Ohio area have often asked "can my carpeting be saved after a water damage?" The answer has a couple of variables.

1. Did the water come from a clean source such as a supply line?
2. How long has the carpet been wet?
3. Age of the carpet?
4. Is the carpet Delaminated?

If The water source was clean water and you can it has not been sitting for an extended period of time chances are really god it can be saved. With that being said we then must make sure the carpets integrity will hold up when it is lifted to dry and then relayed. First we carefully remove the carpet from the tact strips, unless of course it is glue down; If that is the case we can simply extract the carpet and dry it in place. Once the carpet is lifted from the tact strip the padding is typically removed due to the fact that it is very hard to dry properly and completely. We want to make sue the pad will not hold and grow bacteria. After the pad had been removed we then put air movers under the carpet and "float" the carpet to dry. once the carpet and sub floor have dried completely new pad can be installed and the carpet can then be relayed. At that point SERVPRO of Sylvania/West Toledo can then Clean the Carpet.

Water Categories As Defined By The IICRC

12/14/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Southwest Toledo An IICRC Company

Having a water loss in your home can be traumatizing.  In addition to the tips on preventing secondary damage it is helpful to know and understand the 3 categories of water associated with a water loss.  According to the IICRC guidelines, there are 3 categories of water in a water loss: Category 1, Category 2, and Category 3.  Let’s take a look at each category:

Category 1: This is clean, sanitary water.  Sources can be faucets, toilet tanks, drinking fountains, etc.  The category can quickly change to a Category 2 however.

Category 2: This category of water is typically referred to as “grey water”, and is described as having levels of contaminates that may cause you some sickness or discomfort if ingested.  Category 2 water can come from dishwasher or washing machine overflows and sink drains.

Category 3: This is the worst category of water, it is grossly unsanitary. It used to be called, and is still sometimes referred to as, black water.  Sources of Category 3 water can be sewer backups, flooding from streams and rivers, toilet overflows with feces, and liquid that has sat and became stagnant.  

What Is The IICRC?

12/14/2017 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Southwest Toledo An IICRC Company (419) 385-9245

The IICRC is a nonprofit certification and Standards Developing Organization (SDO) for the inspection, cleaning and restoration industries. It sets the standards for the industry.

Each IICRC standard takes years to develop and the coordination of several experts in the field, including allied tradespersons; manufacturers; international, national and regional trade associations; individual or franchise professionals; cleaning, inspection and restoration industry organizations; insurance industry; training schools; contractors; and public health professionals.

These standards are reviewed and updated at least every five years. Many of these fields, such as the water damage restoration field, change rapidly and those who are certified keep up with the advancement of the science and generally accepted practices of the industry.

When you choose a company that is IICRC certified, such as SERVPRO of Southwest Toledo, you can be sure that you receive service from knowledgeable, certified technicians. 

Water Damage in Southwest Toledo: What To Do First

12/14/2017 (Permalink)

When you have a water damage in your home or business, you need to know what to do NOW. The difference in waiting just a few hours can mean hundreds, even thousands of dollars worth on additional damage.

The Five Things You Should Do NOW

1. Find And Stop The Source. If fresh water plumbing is involved turn off the valve to the fixture that is leaking. If there is no cut-off valve or you cannot locate the break, then turn off the main water supply valve to the house.

2. If the water source was clean, remove as much standing water as possible. Use a wet/dry vac if you have one never a household vacuum. Use clean, white towels, linens, blankets, to contain the water and prevent it from entering unaffected areas. Do not attempt this if the water is contaminated such as sewer water, leave this to SERVPRO of Sylvania/West Toledo.

3. Remove all items that may be damaged by water and place them in an unaffected area. Move light furniture to an unaffected area. Place aluminum foil, blocks or plastic under the legs of furniture. Wipe any water from the legs.

4. In warmer months, turn on air conditioner no lower than 72 degrees. Open drawers on any wet furniture and remove contents and spread out to dry. 

5. Call SERVPRO of Southwest Toledo to do a dry out your structure. Don’t wait. SERVPRO professionals understand the critical nature of a water damage and respond quickly, even after business hours and on weekends.

Unexpected water?

12/14/2017 (Permalink)

When Water Shows Up!

We never expect to come home to a swimming pool in our basement, or a pond where our den used to be. Unfortunately a water damage can happen at any time. Whether from natural disasters, leaking roofs, frozen pipes, sewage backups, or flooding, water damage is a serious concern and a major threat to your commercial property.

Understanding the source of the water is essential for proper cleanup, as clean water from a broken pipe or a leaking roof during a rainstorm will be treated differently than floodwaters and sewage backups. Always protect your health, and let the commercial water damage experts at SERVPRO of Southwest Toledo handle the cleanup and restoration of your property. SERVPRO of Southwest Toledo Is an IICRC certified Franchise with the resources and knowledge to get the job done right. We are available 24/7, 365 days a year.   

How quickly cleanup begins will greatly affect the size of the loss by reducing the possibility of secondary damage. We understand the importance of preventing or mitigating mold growth after water damage in your commercial property. Mold growth can begin 24-48 hours after water damage, and starting extraction and drying as soon as possible after water damage is your best line of defense against mold.

With over 36 year of experience in the Toledo, Ohio area we understand the importance of properly removing the water and how to correctly approach the structural drying of the building. This is critical after a water damage and will prevent any long-term problems some experience after attempting water damage cleanup themselves.

For all your Remediation and Mitigation needs

Turn to the team you can trust!

Call SERVPRO of Southwest Toledo Today

(419) 385-9245

What to expect when your not expecting.

12/14/2017 (Permalink)

When a water loss occurs, the single most critical factor in defining the amount of potential damage is the amount of time the structure remains abnormally wet. It is for this reason that the most critical course of action in the restorative drying process is how quickly the damage is responded to. This is the time to call in your local SERVPRO professionals.

The goal of the restoration process is to bring an abnormally wet and potentially damaged structure back to its preloss condition in the most economical and efficient manner as possible.

In the beginning of the process your SERVPRO professional must identify all affected materials. Next comes documenting what type of materials are affected. Affected Materials are then evaluated against three criteria to determine if they should be restored or replaced.

  Things are taken into account are:

 Degree of contamination

 Damage to item

 Cost of restoration verses cost of replacement.

Once material has been identified and the SERVPRO professional has decided what needs to be dried and what needs to be replaced’ they will then measure the Temperature/ Humidity for drying analysis.

 Our next step is to remove as much water as possible from the affected area.

 Furniture will be moved and blocked as necessary. It may be necessary to remove carpet pad to protect the subfloor and speed the drying process.

 The carpet will be checked for restorability, delamination and mold growth.

 Sometimes it is also necessary to include the application of a EPA- registered disinfectant.

Drying equipment such as commercial dehumidifiers and commercial air movers may be used to dry the property. The purpose of the equipment is to remove excess moisture and bring the relative humidity levels back down to normal.

The equipment is then left running for approximately three days until all affected material left in the home are at or below a goal level set by your IICRC certified SERVPRO professional.

Throughout the drying process you can expect the Technician to visit the home daily to monitor the progress of the material and to adjust equipment as necessary.

Once the SERVPRO professional has deemed the structure dry, the process of putting the home back together is now ready to begin. Soon your home will be back to normal.