Recent Posts

Ice Dams-What are they and how do we help?

1/23/2024 (Permalink)

Watch out for winter dangers! SERVPRO partners with folks who can help with anything needed to bring your home to pre-disaster condition.

Winter is here. This means there's no better time than the present to stop ice dams - before they form. Ice dams are formed when the temperature of your roof goes above 32 degrees Fahrenheit, typically caused by a warm attic. At this higher temperature, the warm attic air melts the snow on top of the roof, causing water to travel down the slopes and valleys of your roof until it hits the edge, where the air is still below freezing. The water turns into ice, and as more melted snow follows its path, it builds, and an ice dam is formed. 

The key to prevention is to keep your attic and roof cold. 

1-Start in the attic, installing and adding proper insulation. If you're not sure if you have enough, check the depth of what's there. Building codes require 12 to 14 inches of insulation. If you have 8 inches or less, it's time to add more. It reduces conductive heat loss from your home into your attic, which warms the roof.

2- Look at your ventilation system. Attic ventilation is designed to let in outside air, which is beneficial during the winter months. It draws in colder air and removes the warmer air. Examine your attic to check your level of ventilation. Install any soffit vents required to reach the proper level of ventilation. 

3-Preventing heat loss through your ceiling is essential as well. One-third of your home's heat loss is through the ceiling into the attic. Close your attic leaks by raking back the insulation to locate leaks, and plug them with foam or caulk. Also, seal air ducts inside the attic, bathroom and kitchen fan vents if present, and the attic doors or hatches.

If you need to know how to prevent water damage from ice dams after you've already had a dam form, there are several steps you can take to stop the flow of water inside your home. 

If you're not sure whether you have water damage from ice dams, warning signs include:

    • Peeling paint
    • Sagging drywall
    • Stains on windows and doors

If you have an ice dam, it needs to be removed, whether it's causing water damage inside the home or not. Never try to pull the ice dam down off the roof, as it strongly adheres to your shingles and removal in this way will damage them. You also shouldn't try to remove the ice dam with a chisel and hammer for the same reason.

 Ice dams should be removed by a trained professional only.

If the water damage is there, contain the leak with a bucket and towels. 

-Next, change the temperature of the attic by opening the vents and windows. Making the attic cold allows the roof to refreeze. If it's safe for you to do so, lower the thermostat to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, close the attic doors or hatchways tightly and seal the edges with foam or tape, which encloses the cold air inside the attic.

If you have any of the warning signs of water damage from ice dams, take the steps above and stop the water from flowing. Next, call a water damage restoration company like SERVPRO.

A reputable company will provide mitigation and restoration to remove the water and dry out the affected areas. 

It only takes a small amount of water to create a lot of damage.

Prepare your home during the summer to prevent water damage from ice dams during the winter and call a professional as soon as you notice the intrusion.

Call SERVPRO of Eagan/Apple Valley for all your restoration, mitigation and reconstruction needs. 

We make it “Like It Never Even Happened”

Contact us today at 651.330.7271

What do you really need to know?

1/9/2024 (Permalink)

Fire Damage When this is what's left? Where do you start? Who do you trust?

What Does Basic Fire Restoration Really Involve? Do You Really Need A Professional?

Experiencing a fire can be devastating. The process involved in restoration of your property from one even more so. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), in 2019, direct property damage caused by fires in the United States was estimated at $14.8 billion. However, when taking into account indirect costs such as:  business interruption, medical expenses, loss of productivity, as well as property destruction-the total cost of fire damage can be much higher. 

Now, while you can’t predict a fire, one thing you can control is making your fire recovery process easier by fully understanding the processes involved in basic fire restoration.

The basic processes involved in fire damage restoration typically include the following:

Initial Safety Assessment and Inspection 

The first step in every fire restoration process is to assess the damage caused by the fire. Some of this you could do yourself, however it will be beneficial to have professionals inspect the property to determine the extent of the damage caused.

Safety and Containment

Once the damage has been assessed, the next step is to secure the property by containing the damage and making sure the after-effects don’t get any worse..

Water and Soot Removal

Your property might get damaged by water while the fire is being extinguished. Water removal will help prevent any further water damage and mold growth. Soot removal closely follows this to clean and remove soot and smoke residue from surfaces.

Cleaning

Cleaning and deodorizing the property is also necessary to remove any remaining smoke odor and restore the property to its pre-fire condition. This will also enhance the safety of your premises. 

Repair and Restoration 

Once all traces of fire damage have been removed, restoration begins. This process involves replacing or reinstalling all damaged functional and aesthetic components of your home.

Even if the fire damage to your property appears to be minimal, it’s important to have an expert handle the restoration process.

You need an expert for the damage restoration process for your safety first and foremost, because professionals know how to identify and address potential hazards to keep everyone safe.

Fire damage restoration requires specialized equipment and tools that most people don’t have access to. SERVPRO Of Eagan/Apple Valley has the necessary equipment to clean and restore your property to pre-disaster condition. The basic fire damage restoration isn’t a straightforward task, not to mention the process is quite time-consuming. You can save yourself time and stress by having a professional help to walk you through.

SERVPRO Of Eagan/Apple Valley is there to help.

Call 651.330.7271.

Avoid a House Fire in Eagan

3/13/2023 (Permalink)

house fire If you experience smoke, soot or fire damage, give SERVPRO a call.

It’s officially winter so furnaces are turned on and we are spending more time indoors. Sometimes we forget that winter house fires happen, and sometimes more frequently than other seasons. Each year fires affect around 375,000 homes a year. House fires can be devastating and will cause over 7 billion dollars in damages each year.

Take some time to review these important safety measures to ensure that you are reducing your risk of experiencing a house fire:

  • Avoid smoking while laying down. Surprisingly enough, people fall asleep while smoking and it is continuously a leading cause of fire related deaths.
  • Unplug appliances that are not in use. Some appliances have automatic features that will keep the appliance on at all times so they can be turned on right away. These appliances should always be unplugged when not in use!
  •  Make sure that nothing is laying on top of power strips.
  • Always unplug hair dryers, curling irons, and flat irons. Make sure these hair tools are always placed on a flat, hard surface. Soft surfaces or cloth can catch fire.
  • Make sure portable heaters are 3 feet away from any object. Portable heaters are the second leading cause of house fires.
  • When cooking food, do not leave the stovetop or oven unattended. Make sure to keep all pot and pan handles facing towards the wall and out of reach from children.
  • Use baking soda to extinguish grease fires, as water will make them spread.
  • Keep batteries in your smoke detectors and test them frequently.

Fire Prevention Week 2022, “Fire Won’t Wait. Plan Your Escape”

10/5/2022 (Permalink)

Fire Prevention Week is October 9-15 this year. Fire Prevention Week is observed each year during the week of October 9th in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire, which began on October 8, 1871, and caused devastating damage. This horrific conflagration killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures, and burned more than 2,000 acres of land.

This year’s theme is “Fire Won’t Wait. Plan Your Escape”. It is important for everyone to plan and practice a home fire escape. Everyone needs to be prepared in advance, so that they know what to do when the smoke alarm sounds. Given that every home is different, every home fire escape plan will also be different. Have a plan for everyone in the home. Children, older adults, and people with disabilities may need assistance to wake up and get out. Make sure that someone will help them!

Source: National Fire Protection Agency 2022

Storm Notifications in the Eagan and Apple Valley Areas

9/20/2022 (Permalink)

 

As we continue to see storms throughout our Minneapolis area cities, we at SERVPRO® of Eagan and Apple Valley want you to be aware of what the different threat levels mean so that you can be prepared for whatever happens. 

Flash Flood Watch

A Flash Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flash flooding. It does not mean that flash flooding will occur, but it is possible.

Flash Flood Warning

A Flash Flood Warning is issued when flash flooding is imminent or occurring.

Flood Watch

A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible.

Flood Warning

A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.

If your home or commercial building ever suffers flood damage, call the SERVPRO® of Eagan and Apple Valley experts.

3 Myths About Fire Restoration

9/20/2022 (Permalink)

 

Myth 1: Fire does the most damage

While the initial incineration from the fire can level homes and businesses in a matter of minutes, it is the aftershock of the smoke damage that in fact can be the most damaging. The aftershock of the residual water damage, soot, and smoke can continue to destroy structures and everything within them for days, weeks and months after the fire.

Myth 2: Just “air it out”

Once the initial fire event is over, the most frequent reaction for homeowners and business owners alike is to open all windows, doors and start the fans. Unfortunately, these initial reactions can often make matters worse as waterlogged furniture, flooring, and more can foster mold growth for years to come even if the surfaces do not seem wet anymore.

Myth 3: Everything must go

SERVPRO of Eagan / Apple Valley knows how important your possessions are.  We try our absolute best to salvage what can be salvaged. Adopting a “restore first” mentality is crucial to help lower costs and get you back in your home or business sooner. This process relies upon specialized training and industrial equipment to restore your property and possessions back to pre-fire condition; something in which SERVPRO of Eagan / Apple Valley specializes.

SERVPRO of Eagan / Apple Valley is available 24/7 and works easily with your insurance. Give us a call today: (651) 330-7271

How Quickly Does Mold Grow After Water Damage

9/13/2022 (Permalink)

 

The speed of mold growth

Maybe you had a water leak from a plumbing problem or from a leaky refrigerator. Maybe we had a major storm or tornado sweep through the Minneapolis / Twin Cities area. Either way, now your home has water damage. Depending on how severe the water damage, you are probably asking yourself, “Should I clean up the water damage myself or hire a professional?”.  The following are a couple things to consider. First, hopefully, the water damage will be covered by your insurance company. SERVPRO of Eagan / Apple Valley works with all insurance companies in the area and knows what each company is looking for (this will make things easier on you). Second, if the area is not properly and completely dried out, even in the areas you cannot see, the structure will more than likely suffer secondary damage. What is secondary damage? Mold growing in your home is known as secondary damage after a water damage event. Mold needs moister to grown and it can grow within 24-48 hours.  Time is a factor after a water damage. If mold is already growing in your home after a water damage, SERVPRO of Eagan / Apple Valley can remediate that as well. We are here to help. Give us a call today!

What is My Fridge Leaking Water?

8/30/2022 (Permalink)

Maybe your water alarm alerted you, maybe you see a puddle or some dripping, or maybe you see some signs of water damage (corrosion, water stains, etc.). Once you’ve discovered a leak, consider the possible causes.

Blocked defroster. A blocked defroster can stop defrost-cycle water from draining properly. Try clearing out the small drain by pouring hot water into it. Remove any debris with a pipe cleaner.

Drain pan. Sometimes the drain pan itself can leak. Check for cracks.

Filter. Refrigerators with filters can leak if the filter is the wrong size or not installed properly.

Water line. This is potentially the most problematic. Refrigerators with ice makers or water dispensers have water lines running between the main water supply and the back of the fridge. Feel to see if the water line is wet or dripping. Cracked hoses and loose connections are often the culprit.

Refrigerator leaks can damage the flooring and cabinets in your kitchen.  If you experience a refrigerator leak, please contact us right away to treat and help to prevent any further damage.

Source: ER Plumbing Online

Learning About Smoke Alarms

8/30/2022 (Permalink)

Here's what you need to know:

  • A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire. Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home. 
  • Smoke alarms should be interconnected. When one sounds, they all sound. 
  • Large homes may need extra smoke alarms.
  • Test your smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
  • Today’s smoke alarms will be more technologically advanced to respond to a multitude of fire conditions, yet mitigate false alarms.
  • When a smoke alarm sounds, get outside and stay outside.
  • Replace all smoke alarms in your home every 10 years.

To learn more about fire restoration from SERVPRO of Eagan / Apple Valley, click here.

Source: Nation Fire Protection Agency

Keeping Gutters Clear to Prevent Water Damage

7/19/2022 (Permalink)

 

Ideally, gutters clear the water from your roof and move it safely away from your home. Healthy gutters help prevent leaky roofs, water damage to the attic, and water coming in through your home’s foundation.

Twice a year, it is very important to clear your home’s gutters. Leaves, twigs, mud, nests, and other debris can clog the gutters and restrict the water flow.  When water has nowhere to go, it pools and can seep into areas it should not, which can cause water damage to your home. If you do not feel you can safely perform the job yourself, please hire out the job to a professional.

If your home has suffered water damage, please call SERVPRO of Eagan / Apple Valley today to remove the water and dry out the area in order to prevent further damage.