How to file a water damage claim.

3/8/2023 (Permalink)

Filing a claim after a water loss or other restoration emergency.

Water damage can be devastating to your home or business. But if you are insured, filing a water loss claim is actually pretty simple. Here's what you need to know about the process.

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible.

If you have received water damage to your home or business, the first thing you should do is contact your insurance company. They will want to know what happened, how much damage there is and whether or not they need to file a claim on your behalf. If they do, they will send out an adjuster who can assess the situation and provide advice on next steps.

Talk to your insurance adjuster about your coverage and options.

If you have a water damage claim, it's important to talk to your insurance adjuster. Insurance adjusters are trained to help you and your family understand what's covered under the terms of your policy. They can also help guide you through the claims process, including negotiating with contractors and vendors on your behalf.

In most cases, insurance companies will require that any repairs be performed by licensed professionals who hold liability insurance themselves and if they don't meet these requirements, then it may be necessary for someone from the company itself to step in and finish the job instead of hiring someone else at an inflated cost just because he happened by first.

Document the damage with photos or videos.

Take photos of the damage. You can use your phone to take photos, but if you have the option, it's best to use a camera. The more angles and perspectives you capture in these images, the better. For example, if there's water damage on your ceiling and walls, as well as inside cabinets or closets and possibly even under rugs, take photos from each room so that you have documentation of how far-reaching this issue may be and how much work will be required to fix it all up again!

Get pictures from outside as well. It might seem obvious that one should snap shots from outside their home after experiencing any kind of severe weather event, like flooding. Many people forget about this step when trying to document their claim with insurance companies or other agencies involved in filing claims for homeowners' insurance policies.

A water loss claim can be complicated, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming

File a claim as soon as possible after discovering the damage. Your insurance company will want documentation of the damage and how it happened, so take photos and video of any affected areas before cleaning up or making repairs. If possible, keep a record of all your phone calls with adjusters and other representatives from your insurance company so that there are no misunderstandings later on. A water loss claim can be complicated, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming.

Make sure you understand what type of policy coverage applies in your case, theft vs vandalism or natural disaster, and whether or not any specific exclusions apply (like earthquake coverage).

Give SERVPRO a call for your water restoration emergency. Our technicians are ready to help 24/7.

Caring for Your Belongings After a Fire

1/24/2023 (Permalink)

In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about saving your home and your contents after a fire.

Fire and smoke damage can ruin a home, but many belongings and possessions can be salvaged. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about saving your home and your contents after a fire.

Fire, Smoke & Soot Damage

Smoke and soot are the most common types of damage caused by fires. Smoke can cause discoloration and staining, which can be difficult to remove. Soot is another type of damage that can cause discoloration and staining. 

If the fire is contained in one area, it's possible that some of your possessions can be saved. The first thing you should do is call the insurance company and let them know what happened. Once they have been informed, they will send their adjusters out to assess the damage and determine whether or not anything can be saved. Take pictures of all damaged items so that when your insurance company arrives at your home, they have a visual representation of what was destroyed to give you an accurate estimate on a repair total or claim value.

What Can be Cleaned

If you're wondering what can be cleaned after a fire, the answer is "a lot." There are plenty of possessions that will withstand the heat and water damage from firefighting efforts. However, some items may be damaged beyond repair by the time the flames have been put out. 

Once you've determined which possessions should be saved and which should be thrown away, it's time to clean them off! Keep in mind that any item that was exposed to heat or smoke needs special attention. Our SERVPRO team is highly trained and experienced in content restoration post-fire. 

Content Cleaning

Cleaning content after a fire is an important part of the restoration process. Soot, smoke, and odor can all be removed to prevent or reduce damage to your belongings.

When cleaning textiles, use the gentlest method possible, such as hand washing with cold water and a mild detergent designed for delicate fabrics. If this doesn’t work, it may be best to have them professionally cleaned by an expert who knows how to treat different kinds of fabrics. 

Ultimately, you don’t want to mess this process up. Your best bet is to contact a professional at SERVPRO of Schertz Central, Cibolo, Seguin, Gonzales.

Ozone Treatment for Odor Removal

Is a non-toxic, environmentally friendly, and safe for people and pets method that can be used to cleanse smoke odors from your property.

Fire damage is one of the most devastating events that can happen to your New Braunfels home. However, there are many things that you can do to recover from this tragedy. Contact your SERVPRO today for help restoring your home and your belongings!

Kitchen Hazards and What to Do

12/7/2022 (Permalink)

Burns are painful—and they can be serious if your wound isn’t treated properly.

Kitchen Hazards and What to Do

Cooking is a wonderful pastime and can be a very relaxing way to destress. However, this is also when many kitchen accidents happen. There are so many hazards in the kitchen that you may not even realize they're there, but they can lead to serious injuries or even death if not addressed properly. Here are some major kitchen hazards that you need to know about:

Fire

When a fire breaks out in your kitchen, it's important to know what to do. If you're able to evacuate the building immediately, that's the safest course of action. If you can't leave, however, stay low and get under the table or other furniture closest to you. If there is a fire extinguisher nearby (and ideally one for each person who will be working in the kitchen), use it on small fires—but never on grease fires! Never use water on grease fires because this will only spread them further and make them harder to control—instead spray with baking soda or salt instead.

Gas Leaks

A gas leak can be deadly. If you smell gas coming from your oven, stove or other appliance, immediately leave the kitchen and call the fire department. The best way to check for a leak is to use a chemical-sensing device, like one of those that come with a new home's natural-gas hookup. If you don't have one of these, soap bubbles will suffice. Place a few drops on all parts of the appliance where gas might escape (don't forget about your dishwasher!), then light them with a match or lighter—if they don't pop right away and burn off without leaving residue, there's probably no leak here!

Knife Cuts

Knife cuts are one of the most common injuries to occur in the kitchen, so it's important to know how to avoid them and what to do if you get one.

Here are some ways to prevent knife cuts:

• Always keep knives sharp and clean
• Keep handles dry, clean, and free of grease or food particles
• Wash hands before handling your knives (and don't lick your fingers while chopping!)

Burns

You may think you know what a burn is, but did you know that there are several different types of burns? Burns can occur from hot liquids, steam and grease, open flames (like the stovetop or oven), hot pans, and sharp or pointed objects. Electrical burns are also common in the kitchen due to improper grounding or circuit breakers not tripping properly.

Burns are painful—and they can be serious if your wound isn’t treated properly. If someone gets a burn on their face and hands, it can be difficult to do everyday tasks because they need to use these areas so much. That’s why it’s important to seek medical attention after sustaining any type of burn injury!

Broken Glass and Sharp Objects

Broken glass and sharp objects are major kitchen hazards, as they can cause serious cuts. Broken glass is often found in the garbage disposal, so be sure to clean out your garbage disposal regularly with a plumber's snake (a long metal tool that can remove food particles from pipes).

Rat and Insects Infestations

Rat and insect infestations can easily happen in your kitchen, and you will want to prevent them as much as possible. First, ensure that food is stored in tightly sealed containers. This will prevent mice and other small rodents from getting into them. Second, keep garbage in a tightly sealed container as well. Rats and mice love stinky stuff like old food scraps or leftover pizza crusts—and they'll eat just about anything if they're hungry enough! If you notice that a rat has gotten into your place (such as when it runs across the floor), it's important to clean up any spills immediately so that the rat has no reason to stick around after eating its meal of leftovers. Finally, use traps to catch any rats or mice that manage to get inside your house despite all these precautions! With proper care for keeping pests away from your home—as well as for preventing an infestation when one does occur—you'll be able to enjoy being safe from harm while still enjoying delicious food prepared by yourself instead of someone else at home :)

When it comes to cooking, there are many hazards that can be avoided. And while you might not think about kitchen safety too often, it’s important to consider these risks and take steps to avoid them. In this post we have covered some of the most common hazards in kitchens—including fire, gas leaks, spoiled food, knife cuts and burns—and shared some tips on how to avoid them. We hope that by reading through these 11 kitchen hazards you will be able to make your next meal safe for everyone involved!

If you have a serious disaster in your Cibolo, TX home, give SERVPRO of Schertz Central, Cibolo, Seguin, Gonzales a call! 

Unclogging A Shower Drain

11/10/2022 (Permalink)

To prevent clogged drains, use a drain cleaner regularly to keep the pipes clear.

Unclogging A Shower Drain

Clogged drains are one of the most common plumbing problems, and they can cause a lot of trouble. It's important to know how to unclog a shower drain before it becomes an issue. If you've got a clogged shower drain, don't let it sit for too long because this problem can quickly escalate into something more serious.

The main reason your bathtub or shower drain clogs is because it gets dirty.

The first step in unclogging a drain is to remove the debris that's causing it to become clogged. This can be done by using different methods, such as:

• Using a plunger with soapy water (do this every day)
• Using a chemical cleaner to break up any soap scum on the side of your tub or shower wall

You should also use these tips for preventing future clogs:

Moisture in the bathroom can lead to mold and mildew which can also clog your shower drain.

If you live in a humid climate, or if your Nixon, TX home is not well insulated, moisture may be building up in your bathroom. This excess moisture can lead to mold and mildew which can clog your shower drain. Clogged drains can cause damage to other parts of your home through water damage and mold growth. You should inspect your shower drain regularly for signs of blockage such as slow draining or standing water after use.

Blockages in the pipes can result from hair, bath products, soap and mineral deposits from hard water.

Blockages in your shower drain can be caused by a variety of things. Hair and soap scum buildup, or mineral deposits from hard water are common culprits.

To prevent clogged drains, use a drain cleaner regularly to keep the pipes clear.

If left untreated, your clogged drain could eventually lead to water damage, mold growth, and structural damage.

The bathroom is one of the most humid places in your home—which is why it's important to keep it dry. There's nothing more annoying than a slow-draining shower or bathtub that leaves you waiting for the water to drain away so you can step out with ease. If this happens regularly in your house or apartment then you may need to call an expert plumber who can unclog your drain without causing any further problems.

If left untreated by a professional plumber, clogged drains can result in expensive repairs down the line as they begin eroding away at pipes underneath your house or apartment building. This type of damage could potentially lead to leaks that would cause major problems down the road if not corrected quickly enough!

Your toilet flushing can also cause a clogged drain.

Another common cause of a clogged drain is your toilet flushing. The amount of water used during each flush can create enough debris to clog your drain, and the flushing itself does not always get rid of all the liquid. If you have a slow-draining toilet and an overflowing bathtub, it might be a good idea to check out this article on how to fix that problem!

We hope this article has helped you understand how to unclog a shower drain. If you encounter any issues with your clogged drain, please contact SERVPRO of Schertz Central, Cibolo, Seguin, Gonzales at (830)406- 2030 and we'll be happy to assist you!

Water Cleanup and Damage Tips for a Commercial Building

10/1/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage in Seguin, TX.

Tips for a Commercial Building's Water Cleanup and Damage

Water damage in a commercial facility may stem from various causes including storm floods or a dysfunctional sprinkler system. Whatever the case, it's imperative to take immediate action to prevent mold formation and structural disintegration. Here are some water cleanup and damage tips for your Seguin, TX, business.

1. Stay Safe
Leave the building if you believe it's unsafe. Otherwise, if it's safe for you to do so, shut off gas and power to your building to prevent electric shock hazards and fires. If a pipe bursts, avoid areas exposed to sewage due to possible waste contamination.

2. File an Insurance Claim
Contact your insurance company to file a claim and ask questions about the steps you need to take before submitting it. Before you clean or throw anything away, take photos of the damage and create a written record for your claim.

3. Hire Professionals
Bring in water mitigation experts to assess the damage to your facility and begin restoration work. They use special tools such as dehumidifiers and air movers to dry out your facility. These techniques help prevent mold formation and the breakdown of walls and floors. Some mitigation experts also offer claim services to help save you time and effort.

4. Follow These Cleaning Tips
Perform some tasks while you wait for help to arrive. Follow these cleanup and damage tips to start treating water exposure:

• Adjust humidity to a low setting. High humidity can damage structures and paper goods even if they were not directly exposed to water.
  
• Open windows to improve air circulation.
  
• Do not use fans, heat or air conditioning, as they may dry things out too quickly or worsen existing structural damage.
  
  

Recovering from water damage doesn't have to be a hard slog. Follow these cleanup and damage tips to safely get your commercial building back in business.

3 Ways That Pretesting Keeps Insurance Claims Low

9/1/2022 (Permalink)

Preparation is an important step in any procedure and a pretest is a form of that.

Pretesting Reduces Insurance Claims in Three Ways

Pretesting is a helpful procedure for your insurance career. Once the damage is reported by a client in Cibolo, TX, a team of restoration specialists will work with you to inspect the affected area before acting. They will perform a pretest that not only prepares the commercial building for the process but also keeps the insurance claim low.

1. Improves the Remediation Process
Preparation is an important step in any procedure and a pretest is a form of that. Checking the damage beforehand allows the technicians to see the type of damage, its effect on various objects and how it extends throughout the area. This information helps them plan better repairs since they can select the right equipment and tactics for the job. They will avoid making mistakes on the field that can delay remediation and lead to bigger expenses than necessary.

2. Identifies Repairable Items
Any insurance agent knows that one of the major goals is to repair or restore any damaged objects whenever possible since it is more expensive to replace them. Pretesting allows the damage professionals to enter the building and identify any object that can be salvaged. You can collaborate with them to repair as much of the commercial building as you can before the clean-up and replacements can begin, keeping the procedure affordable.

3. Detects Untouched Locations
Damage does not always affect all locations equally, as some parts are less impacted than others or even left untouched by an incident. A pretest helps you find these areas and consider them during the decision-making process. While you can control costs by avoiding repairs in these areas, remember that some fire and water damage can spread to them if left alone. Invest in some protection for these spots to reduce the claim costs.
Insurance agents like yourself need to balance a commercial property's effective remediation with affordable expenses. Pretesting conducted by restoration experts can assist you in accomplishing this goal.

5 Ways to Use Landscaping To Protect Your Home

8/3/2022 (Permalink)

A rain garden can be planted on a slope and helps to absorb excess water.

Landscaping Strategies

During a big storm in Schertz, TX, you take precautions to protect your home. You board up windows and place sandbags to divert water flow. Did you know that you can use your landscaping to protect your yard from outside flooding? Here are five ways to do it.

1. Extend Rain Spouts
The downspouts on your home are supposed to help move water away from your foundation, but only when they're correctly installed. Many rain spouts are too short, so rainwater pools next to the foundation. Extend rain spouts further into the yard to prevent flooding.

2. Choose Heavy Mulch
You can choose many types of mulch based on appearance or price. You can use mulch to protect your home during a rain storm. Heavy mulch such as shredded bark won't float away but will help the soil absorb excess water and keep it away from your home.

3. Plant a Rain Garden
A rain garden can be planted on a slope and helps to absorb excess water. You can divert rainspouts into a rain garden which protects your house and keeps your home beautiful.

4. Research Native Plants
The most effective way to plant a rain garden is to use native plants. Native plants thrive in your yard, develop deep roots, and help prevent soil erosion. If outside flooding has become a problem at your home, a storm restoration company can make helpful suggestions to prevent future flooding.

5. Level Your Yard for Rain Drainage
A more intense intervention is to correct the slope of your yard. If the ground slopes even slightly toward your foundation, you are more likely to have inside flooding during a storm. You can work with a professional landscaper to correct the slope and help water flow away from your home.
Outside flooding during a storm can cause inside damage. Use landscaping strategies to protect your yard and home from water damage.

Commercial Flood Insurance: 3 Important Facts To Know

7/16/2022 (Permalink)

It is therefore important to consider commercial insurance, specifically flood insurance.

Commercial Flood Insurance

Flooding may spring from a multitude of causes, including structural malfunctions (pipes bursting, waterlines leaking, etcetera), storm surges, overflow of existing water bodies and more. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc, climate change has exacerbated weather conditions around the globe. Floods, which are common and potentially devastating natural disaster events in the U.S., are projected to increase in both frequency and severity as sea levels continue to rise and storms worsen. With this, there will be a correlating spike in the need for the services of a professional cleanup and restoration service inSan Marcos, TX, and other expert contractors. It is therefore important to consider commercial insurance, specifically flood insurance.

1. Flood Coverage Is Usually Not Included in Property Insurance
Many individuals fail to realize that most standard commercial property policies do not include commercial flood insurance. This means damage from flooding (water damage) is not covered.

2. If a Business Meets Certain Criteria, Flood Coverage Is Required
Businesses must have it if they are located in a high-risk flood area and possess a mortgage courtesy of a federally regulated lender. An insured lender may also force them to buy coverage. To find out if a building resides in a high-risk flood area, the owner can look at the FEMA flood maps through the organization's Flood Map Service Center online portal. Letters denote the hazard level, with high-risk zones starting with either "A" or "V," where "V" signals coastal areas.

3. Flood Coverage Is Available From the Government or Private Insurers
Some private companies offer commercial flood policies. The NFIP is another potential source of coverage. Managed by FEMA, it was established by Congress in 1968 and offers insurance to business owners among others. This coverage must be obtained through a professional insurer — a business owner cannot simply purchase it from the government.
With the growing weather and climate change threats on the horizon, proper commercial coverage is more important than ever. All structures are vulnerable to the ravages of flooding. Having flood insurance is a vital precautionary measure.

4 Causes of Noisy Pipes and How To Stop Them

7/3/2022 (Permalink)

When the water pressure is too high, it might cause noisy pipes.

Why Pipes Are Noisy and How To Stop Them

When the plumbing in your house starts making noise, it may be a sign of an imminent pipe break. The water damage created by these unfortunate circumstances often requires rebuilding expertise provided by a home restoration professional. Here are four reasons for loud pipes and what actions can be taken before the conditions triggering the clamor develop into calamity.

1. Loose Fittings
Clicking or rattling may be signs of improperly fitted pipes. This condition, prone to worsening over time, must be fixed fast. If you have exposed plumbing, simply tighten the bolts and replace worn-out segments yourself. Should your pipes be hidden behind walls or otherwise difficult to access, have a plumber re-route your water delivery system before a pipe break develops.

2. Copper Pipes
Copper piping expands and contracts along with temperature fluctuations, making them particularly noisy. Luckily, a pipe burst should not be a concern under these circumstances. Remedy the situation by applying insulation or lowering the temperature of your water.

3. Water Hammers
Certain plumbing systems are protected by air chambers that prevent water from slamming into valves when taps shut off. Over time, water hammers are created when air gets replaced with water, thus reducing the chambers' stopping power and making pipes cranky. Replenish the air supply within your system by performing a full drain. If this fails, have a plumber come to your home in San Marcos, TX, to inspect the issue.

4. Water Pressure
Noisy pipes are also known to occur when water pressure is too high. Before you find yourself scrambling to fix broken pipe parts, adjust your boiler’s regulator. If the boiler in your home does not have a meter, seek guidance from a service professional.
Noisy pipes are an annoyance, but the frustration they cause pales in comparison to that of a pipe break. Listen closely to the sounds your plumbing creates and take action as soon as you suspect a problem.

6 Landscaping Ideas to Prevent Flooding

6/27/2022 (Permalink)

Plant new grass.

Reduce the Chances Of Water Damage In Your Home

People who live in New Braunfels, TX, know that outside flooding is always a possibility. While the effects of a heavy rainstorm may not be avoidable, rethinking your landscaping may minimize the potential and need for a professional water and storm damage restoration company. Below are six ideas to enhance the property and reduce the chances of water damage.

1. Apply Heavy Mulch
While there are many colors and types of mulch that add curb appeal, using a heavier mulch not only stays put better but also slows water that is quickly flowing. When laying it, keep it approximately six inches away from the siding.

2. Level the Slope
Since water takes the easiest path down, ensure your home is properly graded. After a rain, any areas that show signs of pulling will likely need to be raised with dirt. Afterward, rocks or mulch can be applied to provide a pleasing aesthetic.

3. Add Rain Drainage Swales
Outside flooding entering the home happens due to how water flows. A swale, which is basically a ditch, can be dug out to redirect the flow.

4. Build a Rain Garden
Plants love water, so use them to help absorb excess runoff with a rain garden. These should be created in a low-lying area where water naturally flows to. Be sure to use native plants that are known for high water needs to maximize the benefits.

5. Install a Rain Barrel
A rain barrel is a simple addition that collects water and helps redirect it from the home. Most include a spigot, which also lets you conserve water and use rainwater for other plants. These barrels are available in a range of sizes, colors and designs.

6. Plant New Grass
Plush grass not only looks good but also better absorbs water. If you have thin areas, look into denser grasses that easily grow.
Although outside flooding entering the home happens, reconsidering your landscaping is one way to minimize the issues.