Risks of Rainwater Damage

Fall bring with it a fresh new season with a wide variety of changes. Fall colors can be some of the best of any season. For the Bay Area however, it also marks a point where the rains slowly creep their way back into our lives. Having been in the Bay Area for over 33 years we at ServiceMaster Restoration & Recovery Services have learned that the weather does in fact impact our business as well as the lives of our clients. In most cases rain damage can be minimum, but in other cases it can causes larger amounts of damage to a person's home or business. In this posting you will find a few of the damages that can be caused by rainwater and also learn about some preventative measures you can put into place.

Some of the most common rainwater damages are:

1. Splash-up Damage to wood sidings

2. Water damage to roofs caused by puddling

3. Broken drain pipes caused by gutter blockage

4. Broken seals in window panes

5. Leaks into the interior of the house (mostly attics and other storage areas with poor insulation)

Of course there are many other risks that are not listed above that can affect a home or property. We have listed below a good resource for you to follow if you would like more information on how you can better protect your home again rainwater damage. 

As the rains and rain season approach, our team is standing by 24/7 to assist any clients who need emergency water damage mitigation services. To schedule our technicians simply call us at 1-800-439-8833 as soon as possible. Remember, QUICK RESPONSE = LOWER COST! 

http://inspectapedia.com/BestPractices/Siding_Splashback.htm

Preventing Water Damage: Rain Gutters

There are many areas of your home that can be affected by a winter rain or storm. One of the most common areas is that of your roof. Rain can gather and cause puddles that can increase the chances to water damage to your roof. This can lead itself to creating a large problem when it could have simply been prevented.

One of the most common reasons flooding and puddling occurs on a roof is due to poor gutter maintenance. A gutter gets very little attention from most homeowners and can be taken for granted many times. However, these simple fixtures provide protection and prevent disaster from occurring to your home every time it rains. The best way to ensure these fixtures perform their duties well is to inspect and maintain them on a regular basis. Here are a few quick tips on rain gutter maintenance to help prevent water damage and rain damage to your home:


1. Clean your gutters at least twice a year.

2. Check for any corrosion or holes

3. Ensure there are no leaks and that the drain runs straight (clear out the downspout for any blockage)

4. Lightly rinse through drain system with a garden hose to ensure clear flow of water

*For emergency response services related to roof damage or water damage contact our team at 1-800-439-8833. Technicians are standing by 24/7

Black Mold- Facts and Prevention

As we have spoken about mold in previous postings, there are a wide range of mold types caused by various conditions. Though there are similarities in the conditions that cause this mold, they are unique in their impact to each home and home owner. Through the various types of mold it is generally the case that "black mold" has the largest impact. The mold itself can be remediated and removed but it is also important to understand what causes the black mold and how it can impact your home.

1. What causes black mold?

Black mold is caused by the same conditions that cause many other kinds of mold. The cause is granted to moisture presence caused by leaks or drips on damp and cold places. Black mold spores can enter a home through open doorways, windows or screens. Once they have entered a home, if they are able to fall in an area affected with moisture, they will in fact be able to grow and reproduce. Black mold feeds on organic materials found in a home's building structure such as wood, paper and other organic products.

2. The impact of black mold:

Many people say that black mold has an effect on a person’s health, impacting their respitory system. This is true in most circumstances but can range quite a bit in its impact to each individual person. Some may be more sensitive to the presence of mold and can develop respitory problems with extended exposure to mold impacted areas. In addition to its health impact, black mold also negatively impacts the integrity of a home’s structural strength. Just is the case with other types of mold, black mold will eat away at the organic materials comprising of a home’s structure, such as its beams, floors and inner materials. Over time this can present a large risk to a home!

3. How do you remove black mold?

This answer is simple; have a PROFESSIONAL remove the mold growth. It is the case that we are called into many situations where a home owner has tried to remove a mold infestation on their own, only to have caused a larger problem. The best way to ensure a living environment safe from mold is to have a professional (such as us!) remove the growth the right way and provide all the appropriate readings to ensure that safe environment. In some cases your home insurance policy may even cover the cost of removal (consultant your insurance agent for more information).

For any black mold removal and remediation services contact us at 1-800-439-8833 or visit our website at
 http://svmrecovery.com/