Recent Storm Damage Posts

SERVPRO Storm Response

7/19/2021 (Permalink)

When it comes to fire & water damage, or specialty cleanup needs, it's the SERVPRO brand that comes to mind. Our TEAMS work endlessly to make sure our customers are happy, and have one objective in the aftermath of disaster, to make their loss "Like it never even happened." 

No matter the job size, our SERVPRO teams are ready to handle any size loss. With 1,700+ franchises nationwide, we have access to numerous highly trained personnel and thousands of pieces of equipment. Our SERVPRO Disaster Recovery teams are strategically placed throughout the country to respond when needed. Our Teams have a proven track record for success, assisting with cleanup of floods, tornadoes, wildfires, and damage caused from frigid temperatures. 

Whether it’s a major storm event, or faulty appliance, we will be there with one call.

SERVPRO of Carleton/Maybee 734-299-7006

Unpredictable Storm Damage

7/19/2021 (Permalink)

Bad weather can be unpredictable, and when it is, homes are at risk of suffering storm damage. The worry is that it’s often difficult to tell just how serious the damage is.

SERVPRO of Carleton/Maybee understands the process of water damage through the roof and has years of experience.

Homeowners often ignore what is seemingly minor damage, not knowing that it is actually causing major issues within the building’s structure. Remember, serious storm damage is not always immediately visible. It may seem like there’s nothing to worry about, but actually, mold growth and ceiling stains are very often signs of a more sinister problem.

Call Us Today at 734-299-7006

Schedule an appointment for us to come and take a look ASAP. If you wait for obvious signs of damage, you may be putting your entire home at risk. Moreover, if your roof or other structural elements have suffered storm damage, your insurance should cover the cost of repair and restoration.

SERVPRO of Carleton/Maybee is here in your community and here to help. We also offer 24/7 emergency home restoration services on mold, water, fire, smoke, and storm damage, as well as vandalism or any other disaster that may strike your home.

We are always ready to help and can handle any size job!

How Do Cleaning Experts Remove Flood Odors?

6/1/2021 (Permalink)

If your building floods during a storm in Southeastern MI, your primary concern may be the damage caused to the building. The odor left behind can be an unpleasant side effect, though. Whether the smell is caused by mold growth or some other element, storm damage remediation experts can help you not only get rid of the flood waters and the damage they caused but also the funky stench that they brought along.

Possible Causes of Odor

Many different smells can assail your nose when you walk into your building after a storm. It may smell musty or rotten. There are many things that can cause bad odors when you have flood damage:

  • Large patches of mold
  • Sewage loss
  • Bacteria growth

After technicians identify the source or sources of the odor, they are better able to address them. They may use a series of tests and inspections to discover exactly where the foul stench originates.

Possible Solutions for Odor

If the problem causing the smell is mold growth, technicians will often start by taking care of it before they disinfect the rest of the space that has damage. Large infestations of mold have to be mitigated by professionals to make sure you get rid of all of it. Otherwise, it is likely to return. If your building has sewage, the whole area has to be disinfected to get rid of the microbes in the contaminated flood water. Getting rid of the issue causing the smell is often just the first step, though. Air purifiers with HEPA filters or pre-filters with activated charcoal may be needed to filter odor-causing bacteria and spores out of the air.
Whether the odor in your commercial building is caused by mold growth, sewage or some other element, certified technicians can help you get rid of it. If you are plagued by bad smells after a storm, it's a good idea to hire someone who can identify and remove the smell completely.

Winter Storms and Frozen Pipes

12/7/2020 (Permalink)

Upon waking up and seeing the snow falling, it has become apparent that it is that time of year again. . . . 

The National Severe Storms Laboratory catagorizes a winter storm as having snow, freezing rain, or sleet.  As we are Michiganders, it is all too common for us to see any or all of these in a short period of time. 

When temperatures are frigid, and precipitation in in the forecast, that's when SERVPRO of Carleton/Maybee prepares for the flood of calls that they know are sure to come in. 

What Causes Pipes to Break?

A significant amount of winter storm damage occurs when pipes freeze and break.  When water freezes, it naturally expands, which causes pressure within the pipe, and can cause it to break.  Exposed pipes (quite often outside or under the home) are the most likely to experience this, however pipes within your home that do not have access to heat may be vulnerable as well (pipes underneath your kitchen cabinets or in your garage, for example).

How Can This Be Prevented?

  • Before temperatures reach freezing, check and make sure crawlspace vents are closed
  • Make sure exposed pipes are insulated and protected (this can be done fairly easily by wrapping them with pipe sleeves)
  • Keep the garage door closed to prevent cold air from coming in
  • Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to encourage warm air circulation
  • In extreme low temperatures, leave faucet (especially hot water side) on at a slow drip
  • Keep the temperature in your home above 55 degrees Fahrenheit

If you or someone you know experiences an issue with winter storm damage or frozen pipes this winter, call SERVPRO of Carleton/Maybee at (734) 299-7006 

Prepare Your Home for Winter Weather

12/27/2019 (Permalink)

Winter Weather banner Severe Winter Weather

Living in Michigan, you know how winter works. Winter is our longest season and we even started early with snow falls in November. Now, us Michiganders are looking at frigid, snowy weather for the next 5-6 months (maybe longer). You can be prepared for winter by bundling up in warm clothes and boots. But is your home prepared to face the bitter cold and winter weather for the next 5-6 months?

Here are Some Tips to Prepare your Home for Winter Weather:

  • Insulate walls and attics
  • Install a door sweep
  • Weather-strip doors and windows
  • Clean out gutters
  • Disconnect and drain outside hoses
  • Ensure your furniture isn’t blocking your home’s heating vents
  • Repair roof leaks
  • Remove tree branches that could get weighed down with snow/ice and fall on your house
  • If you have a fireplace, close the damper
  • Set the temperature manually and leave it
  • Seal furnace ducts
  • Insulate hot water pipes and hot water heater
  • Avoid ice dams by ventilating your attic and insulating the attic floor

It is that time of year where Michigan gets hit with brutal winter storms and it is crucial to prepare your home for it. Keep our number handy, 734-299-7006. If you suffer storm damage to your home or property, we can be there to take immediate action. We can help minimize secondary damages caused by severe storms.

Preparedness is Key; Tips for Monroe and Wayne County Residents

9/19/2018 (Permalink)

September is National Preparedness month, which begs the question whether or not you would know what to do if an emergency happened in your home.

Here are some helpful tips to keep you and your loved ones safe:

  • Come up with several evacuation routes out of the home and go over these routinely, especially with younger family members
  • Designate a meeting place if you get separated
  • Inspect fire extinguishers on a regular basis and know how to use them (see a below blog entitled Would You Be Prepared to find detailed instructions on how to test your fire extinguisher and know what class of fire it is intended for)
  • Ensure there are both smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors located in multiple locations in your home, and test them on a regular basis
  • Put together an emergency waterproof bag that includes, but is not limited to the following:
    • Water bottles
    • Matches and a lighter
    • Flashlight and batteries
    • A roll of toilet paper
    • Poncho
    • Cotton t-shirt (you can wrap this around your nose and mouth to help filter dangerous debris
    • Glow sticks
    • Durable rope
    • Box cutter
    • Spare house keys (clip on a whistle and Swiss army knife)
    • Non perishable food bars
    • A pair of gardening gloves
    • Duct tape
    • First aid kit
    • Toiletry necessities (medications, anti bacterial soap. . .)

      For more information on specific types of situations to prepare for, or for print out forms to help your family gather the proper information, visit ready.gov

      If you have experienced an emergency situation and need help, please contact SERVPRO of Carleton/Maybee at (734) 299-7006.

Knowing Your Weather Terminology

7/5/2018 (Permalink)

Here are a few weather terms and definitions that may make this storm season a little easier to get through.

With summer here, it is only a matter of time before we start to see some crazy Michigan weather, and that means that the meteorologist will be using terms that may be a little confusing.  Do you know the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning?  Here are a few weather terms and definitions that may make this storm season a little easier to get through.

Warning:  A warning is issued when a hazardous weather event is occurring, imminent, or likely.  A warning means weather conditions pose a threat to life or property.  People in the path of the storm need to take protective action.

Watch:  A watch is used when the risk of a hazardous weather event has increased significantly, but its occurrence, location, or timing is still uncertain.  It is intended to provide enough lead time so those who need to set their plans in motion can do so.  A watch means that hazardous weather is possible.  People should have a plan of action in case a storm threatens, and they should listen for further information and possible warnings especially when planning travel or outdoor activities.

Advisory:  An advisory is issued when a hazardous weather event is occurring, imminent, or likely.  Advisories are for less serious conditions than warnings, that cause significant inconvenience and if caution is not exercised, could lead to situations that may threaten life or property.