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Tracking Down Water Damage in Your Home | SERVPRO® of Rapid City
5/9/2023 (Permalink)
Think you may have water damage in your home? Here are some tips from SERVPRO of Rapid City to find the source.
One of the most frustrating things about water damage is that it can occur without much warning. Oftentimes, it can spread and create a major problem before it is even discovered by someone in your house.
Knowing where to look for water damage can help you identify a problem before it gets to that point. By being proactive and checking your home often, you can help save yourself time and money.
Our SERVPRO of Rapid City team wants you to check these spots around your home often for signs of water damage.
Your rooftop. Our roofs protect our entire home on a daily basis, but they are often forgotten about when it comes to home maintenance. If you have a water leak somewhere along your roofline, chances are you won’t immediately notice right away.
A tiny leak might be hard to spot right away, but the longer it goes unaddressed, the more damage and chaos it can cause in your attic and along your entire roofline.
Another frustrating thing about water leaks is that they drip! Water can seep into your walls and into your floors, which can be really hard to clean up on your own. Over time, a hidden leak can encourage mold growth, which is a whole other problem to deal with on top of the water damage.
Your bathrooms. This one is probably not surprising. With all of the different fixtures that use water on a daily basis in your bathrooms, it is so easy for something to leak or malfunction and cause water damage.
As soon as you notice a puddle of water that doesn’t have an explanation or you see a dripping pipe anywhere in your bathroom, it’s time to investigate further. Even just an increase in bathroom moisture can indicate a problem.
Inspecting your plumbing on the regular is a good way to catch issues or notice that a pipe fighting or seal is wearing away. You might even stop a problem before it starts!
Your appliances. We use many appliances in our homes every day to accomplish tasks, and many of them utilize water in order to function. When an appliance leaks, it can be particularly hard to notice because we often don’t just pull our appliances away from the wall for no reason.
You should get into the habit of checking for water damage beneath and behind them often! Try to do this every time that you deep-clean the rooms in your Rapid City home.
It is also a helpful idea to run your hand along your appliances on occasion to feel for moisture or slow drips. In addition, don’t let your appliances become dated. Old appliances can often become unreliable, and you deserve to have the most reliable equipment in your home.
Dealing with a water emergency? Our SERVPRO specialists can be on the scene of the disaster ASAP to restore your water-damaged home!
Our Team Has the Training and Reliability You Deserve | SERVPRO® of Rapid City
5/4/2023 (Permalink)
Is your home or business in need of restoration? SERVPRO of Rapid City is ready to help you recover.around the clock.
When it comes to your home, you do everything you can to protect it. You plan and prepare as best you can for every situation, knowing that every decision can have an impact on your home. Minor preparations like putting together an emergency kit can help keep you safe, while major decisions like who to choose to help you recover from a house fire can be life-changing.
Choosing the right company can often make all the difference! Would you want a team that has very little training and expertise to arrive at your house? Or would you prefer a highly trained professional crew?
When you decide to have your local SERVPRO of Rapid City team help you recover, you can relax knowing that you are in good hands. We dedicate our time to ensure we are trained in the latest and greatest restoration techniques, and we take the time to obtain certifications on proper processes and procedures in order to care for your home as thoroughly as possible.
We Follow and Implement All Industry Trainings
We make sure to follow all IICRC standards when it comes to training, and every member of our restoration team follows the guidelines laid out for cleaning and restoration. We take courses dedicated to this information, including classes on:
- water damage restoration
- fire damage restoration
- mold remediation
- carpet and upholstery and cleaning
In addition, we also offer our employees certification training to make sure they have the knowledge to succeed in this industry. We allow our employees to complete this training at their own pace, which gives them the time and confidence needed to make sure they thoroughly understand the material.
We Are Always Learning More
We fully believe that learning shouldn’t stop after the initial training, which is why we give our staff access to continuing education classes and e-learning opportunities throughout their careers. This helps sharpen their skills and can teach them new processes along the way.
Each house damage situation is unique, so we want to make sure we have the tools necessary for every type of home damage situation. That is why we are always learning!
Staying updated about the latest information allows us to change up our processes to align with the current best practices. Since technology is always changing and advancing, we want to make sure we can change and evolve alongside it.
Our Training Benefits You
When you choose a company that is fully trained and certified, you know that your restoration project will be completed as thoroughly as possible. We guarantee your satisfaction enough that we won’t leave until everything is exactly how you want it!
While you could certainly choose a company with less training, you don’t need to take that risk. The difference between companies could result in a roof leak that isn’t completely fixed or a lingering smell of smoke after a fire restoration. Choose SERVPRO of Rapid City, and you don’t have to worry about a thing.
When you need help recovering from a disaster, SERVPRO is here for you. Get in touch 24/7 to start your disaster recovery.
What to Know About Appliance Water Leaks | SERVPRO® of Rapid City
4/11/2023 (Permalink)
Have water damage in your home from an appliance? SERVPRO of Rapid City is always on call ready to help,
Water is vital to life! Not only do we need water to drink, but we also use it every day in our homes to make food, wash clothes and dishes, and even to make ice that chills our drinks. Because water is so essential, there is always the risk of experiencing water damage.
The large appliances that you have in your home are one of the main culprits for water damage. If they break, malfunction or experience a leak, they can cause everything from a minor puddle all the way up to a full disaster.
Learning what to look for and understanding how to maintain your appliances can help you reduce your risk of experiencing water damage in your home.
Maintenance NecessitiesMany water damage scenarios can actually be prevented if you are proactive about checking your appliances regularly. Whenever you walk by your fridge, dishwasher and washing machine, check around them for signs of water or an unexplained puddle.
If a water leak occurs underneath your appliance, it can be hard to spot until it is too late. Consider installing a water sensor underneath your dishwasher or washing machine, and pull them away from the wall at least once a year to clean and check for signs of water damage.
Your HVAC system also needs a little TLC regularly in order for it to function the way it should. Have it serviced by a technician once a year, and give it a routine inspection yourself whenever you are in your utility room. Check under and around it for signs of moisture or puddles near the vents.
Another appliance that is at risk of causing water damage is your water heater! Follow these same tips, and give it a thorough inspection and cleaning every year.
Maintenance You Can Do YourselfHaving a professional service your appliances every year is a sure-fire way to ensure your appliances are being taken care of and maintained. However, many simple tasks can be handled on your own with some basic homeowner skills!
Checking hoses and seals around your fridge, washing machine and other appliances for wear and tear is a good place to start. Any holes or kinked tubing indicates a potential problem and should be replaced.
Aim for high-quality parts to get the most out of your money, and always do your research to fully understand how to DIY so you don’t install them incorrectly. These simple steps can help prevent a larger issue from occurring—and your home can stay nice and dry!
Have water damage in your home from an appliance or another source? Our team is here to help, so call us day or night.
Facebook RSS Keeping Your Commercial Property Dry and Free of Damage | SERVPRO® of Rapid City
3/9/2023 (Permalink)
Experienced water damage in your commercial building? SERVPRO of Rapid City can help you get dried out quickly.
Water damage is always a threat to your business. Whether you own a small family-owned storefront or run a large warehouse, water damage can make your entire business grind to a halt.
In addition to the frustration that damage can cause, it can also be costly to recover from if the damage is widespread. Thankfully, SERVPRO of Rapid City is here to help!
Common Locations For Water IssuesYou never want to close your business if you don’t have to for any reason. The lost revenue, wages and expensive repair bill can be detrimental to everyone involved.
One of the best ways to stop a problem before it becomes a large issue is to regularly check these locations throughout your building. Oftentimes, water issues will give off signs of a problem, giving you the time you need to respond quickly:
1. The roof. Your roof is an invaluable part of your business! It offers your business and employees protection from the elements every day. It is important to get on your roof and look for damage on occasion, and especially after a heavy rainstorm, snowstorm or any sort of severe weather. Cracked shingles or a fallen tree can lead to water getting into your attic or top level, which can leak down your walls.
2. Bathrooms. Our sinks and toilets use water constantly, so it should be no surprise that water troubles commonly start in the bathroom. Even the tiniest of leaks can lead to unnecessary water loss and widespread damage. Check the pipes around your fixtures and make sure your caulk lines aren’t old or deteriorating.
3. Water heaters/HVAC/boilers. We rely on our large appliances like our boilers and HVAC systems to get us through every day. That is why it is so important to prioritize caring for these systems! A clogged drain, loose pipe connection or a faulty appliance can all lead to a water disaster. Your maintenance team should be performing regular maintenance and cleaning in your utility room often, and any mysterious puddles or drop in water pressure should be investigated right away.
What to Do to Prevent Water DamageThe best offense is a good defense when it comes to water damage! Other than natural disasters, most water damage can be prevented with simple steps and dedication to routine maintenance.
Start by creating a plan for how you will address any routine cleaning and inspections of your building. This can ensure your commercial property runs smoothly every day!
It is also important that you have a plan in place that outlines how to handle an emergency situation. Our team at SERVPRO of Rapid City can help you come up with the best comprehensive plan that fits your building’s needs.
Now that your plans are made and you are ready to tackle anything that comes your way, just keep up with your routine inspections! It is also a good idea to make sure all management staff know how to shut off your water valves in an emergency. If you do suffer water damage, just remember that SERVPRO of Rapid City can be there fast and we will help you fully recover in no time.
Experienced water damage in your commercial building? Contact us to get dried out quickly.
We Can Help You Recover After a Fire | SERVPRO® of Rapid City
2/11/2023 (Permalink)
For quick repairs following a fire, get in touch with our team at SERVPRO of Rapid City.
Any sort of house disaster can be overwhelming and hard to fully understand in the aftermath. If you are a homeowner, you certainly understand that worry! House fires in particular can be especially destructive and can make a large impact on your family’s lives.
Dealing with the cleanup and restoration on your own can be hard, but thankfully you don’t have to do that! Your SERVPRO of Rapid City team is here for you to help guide you through the process and take over the restoration for you.
Our Initial ContactDuring and immediately following a fire, prioritize making sure that your family is safe. Once you are sure that your loved ones are OK, it’s time to turn to us for help with the cleanup.
The first phone call you make to us will include many questions, just to ensure we fully understand the extent of the fire. This allows us to pack up the right gear and tools for your unique situation. Once the trucks are packed and a team is assembled, we are out the door and on our way to you.
The First CleaningOnce we arrive, we do a full walkthrough to better understand your home’s layout and the damage. Next, we secure areas of your home that are vulnerable to further damage, like boarding up windows and doors or laying tarps over exposed areas.
Now that your home is secure, we start by removing all of the debris and giving your home a deep-clean to remove residual soot and smoke. This also includes removing fragile possessions to avoid damaging anything else in your home! After the surface damage has been cleaned up, we sanitize the entire area and use our odor-removing techniques to remove any lingering smoke smells from your carpets, furniture and walls.
The RestorationNow comes the best part! Our restoration process involves full structural repairs to minor ones, and we can rebuild entire sections of your home, lay new carpet or hang new drywall for you.
We have the tools necessary for whatever your project requires, so you can rest easy knowing that when we are through, you would never know a fire tore through your home. Call us at SERVPRO of Rapid City! We are ready to help you recover today.
For rapid repairs following a fire, get in touch with our team at SERVPRO of Rapid City! We will work as quickly as possible to return you to a safe and fully restored property.
Keep Your Home Warm and Fire Safe This Winter | SERVPRO® of Rapid City
1/26/2023 (Permalink)
Call SERVPRO of Rapid City if you experience any smoke, soot or fire damage.
We are in the throes of the winter season here in Rapid City! With the subzero temperatures and a few snowstorms under our belts already, we are all definitely relying on our home’s heat sources to stay warm every day. House fires are more common in winter because of our increased reliance on our furnaces and fireplaces.
It is possible to reduce your risk of experiencing a house fire this season, though! It just takes some extra cleaning and precautions, which we have laid out below.
Your Furnace UpkeepThe winter season is your furnace’s time to shine! Your furnace and HVAC system work hard every day to heat your home, but they are often overlooked when it comes to maintenance.
Inspect your furnace regularly for issues, and give it a good cleaning in and around the mechanisms to remove any dust or debris buildup.
If you haven’t already done so this season, change your furnace’s air filter! It is recommended that all air filters be replaced at least every 90 days, so the change in season is the perfect time to do it. If you have a larger family or you have pets in your home, try to swap out your filter even more often.
While this task is simple to do, it can actually help extend the lifespan of your HVAC system and can keep your air cleaner throughout your entire home.
Clean Out Your FireplaceHaving a fireplace can be such a luxury at this time of year! It is an efficient way to quickly heat up a space and can provide your home with a cozy feel. However, your fireplace needs to be cleaned and maintained as well to ensure your family’s safety.
If your fireplace is artificial, remove the glass and clean the logs and surrounding walls to remove dust and other debris. For wood-burning fireplaces, regularly remove leftover ashes and ensure that your chimney isn’t blocked or damaged. Finally, wipe down the bricks to remove soot buildup.
Portable Heat SourcesSpace heaters can come in handy for small rooms or particularly chilly parts of your home. But it should be no surprise that they are fire hazards, too! Always keep your space heaters at least three feet away from flammable materials or furniture, and be sure to turn them off before going to sleep.
Before you turn yours on, plug it directly into a wall, not an extension cord. It should also be on a level surface to avoid it tipping over.
Whenever you turn on your space heater or utilize your fireplace, keep a close eye on your pets and children. Accidents can happen at any point and could leave you vulnerable to a widespread disaster!
If you experience fire damage this season, give us a call at SERVPRO of Rapid City for immediate assistance. We’re here 24⁄7 when you need us!
Keep Your Home Dry This Season | SERVPRO® of Rapid City
1/16/2023 (Permalink)
Have water damage in your home? Contact SERVPRO of Rapid City for quick and professional restoration.
The start of a new year is such a refreshing time. New goals and a brand-new outlook on the season can feel so motivating! In addition to your personal resolutions, adopting some new homeowner strategies can help you avoid the perils of water damage.
Since water damage can occur out of many different accidents or natural disasters, it is important to be prepared for a variety of scenarios.
Catching Water LeaksIf you can, preventing water leaks before they even begin can save you precious time and money. Take the time to keep your gutters clear, clean off your roof on occasion and encourage water to flow farther away from your home with long downspouts.
Inside your home, it is important to address any issues with rusty pipes or old caulking. These areas can spring a leak at any time! Even if the water itself doesn’t cause damage, any lingering moisture can cause mildew or mold growth over time.
Your appliances are also vulnerable to the dangers of unwanted water exposure! If water gets into the parts of the machine that aren’t waterproof, it could lead to rust or a full system malfunction. This could leave you with an even bigger water issue.
Steps to Prevent Water DamageEarly detection is key to preventing a large-scale problem from occurring. While you are doing your routine cleaning, do a thorough check of the areas of your home that utilize water to check for visible water, mold or water staining.
In your kitchen, pull back your appliances on occasion to check behind them for water damage. Also, open up your kitchen cabinets under your sink to check for condensation or water line leaks.
If your windows often condense when it gets really cold, wipe them down often and consider reducing the humidity levels in your home.
It is also crucial to check your roof often for damage or missing shingles. Any damage to your roof could introduce water into your attic that could eventually leak down your walls or cause a mold infestation.
We are always at risk of experiencing snow storms during the winter season, so it is crucial to prevent damage to our roofs if we get a lot in a short period of time. Snow can be heavy, and extra weight on your roof can impact its structural integrity.
While it may be too late for this step in the season, consider grading your yard when the ground thaws in the springtime. A professional grading can ensure that any rain that falls will flow down and away from your foundation.
Have water damage in your home? Contact us for fast, professional restoration back to preloss condition.
What’s That Smell? | SERVPRO® of Rapid City
1/4/2023 (Permalink)
If you experience an odor or any other damage inside your home, call SERVPRO of Rapid City day or night.
Recovering from a disaster is easy when you call SERVPRO of Rapid City! We can handle any home damage you encounter, and we work hard to ensure your project is completed to your satisfaction. In addition to our restoration services, we can also provide your home or business with odor removal!
In the aftermath of a home disaster, it can be easy to overlook any lingering odors. Some may be mild, and others may be hard to place, which makes them that much harder to successfully remove.
Regardless of the odor problem you have, your SERVPRO team is up to the task. Learn more about our odor removal process below!
Possible Odor Removal TechniquesHome disasters can produce a wide variety of odors from airborne chemicals, gasses or tiny particles in the air. In order to successfully remove the odor, our team tackles it with a few different approaches.
Some of these include:
Masking agents. While we work on identifying the source of the odor and focus on creating a plan, we can apply a masking agent that helps make the environment more pleasant for all of us.
Filtration agents. We can also use our filtration compounds that can actually suck the smell right out of your carpets, furniture and even the air you breathe.
Disinfectants and sanitizers. We can also tackle the smell with professional disinfectants to ensure that the space is free of bacteria or fungus that could encourage the smell to return.
The Steps of Our Odor Removal Process1. Remove the source. We can only remove the entire odor if we know exactly where the odor is coming from! Once we locate the source, we remove it from your home and also take out anything that it affected.
2. Clean residue from surfaces. The job is not complete without sanitization! Any part that is not fully cleaned could introduce bacteria back into the area and start the smell all over again.
3. Recreate the odor-causing conditions. This thorough step allows us to recreate the original environment that caused the smell in the first place. We employ deodorizers that help indicate if we have left any particles behind.
4. Seal exposed surfaces. Troublesome projects might require this step if the odor is really extensive or our other methods are not cost-effective. We can completely seal off the affected area to prevent the scent from traveling.
No matter what your odor problem is, we are here for you! No job is too big or too small for your SERVPRO of Rapid City team. Give us a call today to make sure your home returns to its cozy, fresh scent.
If you experience an odor or other damage inside your home or business, call us at any time, 24⁄7. We have the training and equipment to quickly get your property back in operation.
The Effects of Water Seepage in Your Home | SERVPRO® of Rapid City
12/9/2022 (Permalink)
if you need help allow us to get rid of your water damage
Water, water, everywhere! We are constantly surrounded by the threat of water damage in our homes, and sometimes it can be hard to pinpoint.
Some signs that you are experiencing water damage in your home include a musty smell, peeling wallpaper or bubbling paint. However, some water damage doesn’t show any signs at all right away.
Spotting a water leak in your home can be tricky if you aren’t sure where to look! We explain what to watch out for when it comes to water issues below.
Your BathroomsBathrooms are common culprits when it comes to water damage. Your sinks, bathtubs and toilets all use water every day in order to function. That leaves a lot of opportunity for water troubles to begin!
Routinely check the water supply lines to each of your fixtures and inspect the water seals frequently. Even just a minor amount of wear and tear on your seals could spring a water leak.
The Threat of Your AppliancesWe all know that appliances can cause major headaches as well. Faulty mechanisms, malfunctions or blockages can all cause your appliances to leak all over the floor.
Being proactive can help you stop a water problem in its tracks! Routinely unplug water-using appliances like your refrigerator, washing machine and dishwasher and pull them away from the wall. If you notice water damage, stains or mold growth, call us right away so we can help remedy the situation.
Water Damage From WeatherWater damage doesn’t just exist within our homes, unfortunately. We can also experience water troubles caused by Mother Nature.
Any instances of heavy rain during the spring and summer time can create flooding problems or soggy basements. We are also at risk of winter storms any time from now until mid-spring that can bring wind, rain, ice, snow or sleet. Sometimes, we are lucky enough to experience all of these elements in a single storm!
In order to prevent water damage from the elements in your home, work on controlling the moisture in your home. If you don’t, you could struggle with condensation issues or even mold growth.
Do your part in preventing water damage from even occurring by keeping your gutters free of debris and your roof clear of any dead vegetation or leaves. You should also do a routine check of your windows and doors to catch any gaps or drafts before the temperature cools down. This can save you time and money on your electricity bill if you are able to seal any gaps up right away.
If you experience water damage inside your home or business, call us 24⁄7. We have the experience and equipment to get your property back in working order fast.
The Arrival of a Winter Wonderland | SERVPRO® of Rapid City
11/28/2022 (Permalink)
If you experience damage due to a winter storm, call SERVPRO of Rapid City. We have the experience and equipment for any issue.
Can you believe we are entering the winter season already? It seems like we just conquered last winter’s snow and cold temperatures!
We aren’t strangers to the brutal weather that plagues the Midwest, so we certainly know how to stay safe and warm throughout the season here in Rapid City. It is important to prepare your home now so you are ready to tackle the snow, ice and sleet that is certainly headed our way soon.
<h3around-america">Winter Around America
Get ready because it is predicted to be a cold one this season! As usual, we are expected to experience a cold and snowy winter. Other parts of the United States may have a milder season than normal.
While these predictions can vary from time to time, it is always best to prepare for the worst and hope for the best! We can make it through this chilly season together.
<h3around-rapid-city">Winter Around Rapid City
We are grateful that we get to experience all four seasons here in the Midwest, even during the chilliest parts of the winter season. Our flatter landscape allows for quickly changing conditions and can produce whiteout and blizzard situations easily.
When that happens, travel can be affected and major roadways like I-90 are known to shut down for extended periods of time. Staying safe during these situations is always the most important part of this time of year.
<h3measures-during-wintertime">Protective Measures During Wintertime
Since there are so many different kinds of weather that can affect us here in Rapid City, it is best to be prepared for anything at any time. Blizzards, ice storms and snow can impact travel and work plans quickly.
You should have at least one reliable way to get weather alerts that doesn’t require electricity, like a battery-operated weather radio, stored in your safe shelter location. A fully stocked emergency and medical kit should also be there, along with some canned food.
You never know how long a particular winter storm will last, and it is important to have access to food while you wait for the roads to clear and power to come on.
Are your windows and doors weatherproof? If not, you can be exposed to unwanted moisture, mold growth and a higher energy bill.
Dedicate an afternoon outside to cleaning out your gutters, removing debris from your roof and shutting off water access to your spigots. If you leave them turned on, any water inside the piping system will freeze, expand and potentially burst.
We are ready for you, South Dakota winter! Know that we are just a phone call away if you need assistance. Our 24⁄7 emergency response ensures that your SERVPRO of Rapid City team is always here for you when you need us.
If you experience damage in a winter storm, call us. We have the experience and equipment to get your home back to normal.
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