Broken or leaking pipes can cause water damage to your home

6/13/2024 (Permalink)

Broken or damaged pipes are not always immediately found. Sometimes they may leak for a long time before they are found.

Broken pipes are one of the leading causes of water damage in homes, and many homeowners may experience a pipe burst or leak at some point.

Broken or damaged pipes are not always immediately found.  Sometimes they may leak for days, weeks or even months before they are found.  Leaking pipes can cause tremendous damage to your home and contents.  If left unattended for a long period of time, the water damage can also lead to health problems once mold and mildew set in.

Signs that may indicate a pipe leak would include reduced water pressure, a rise in water bills or even noticeable damage to the structure of your home. 

You may notice lumps or bumps in your carpet or hardwood floors which could lead to wood rot.  You may also notice mold or mildew beginning to grow, which can lead to health problems for your family.  Also paint or wallpaper pealing from the wall is an indicator that there may be a leak that is penetrating through the wall.

Every home has numerous pipes that can burst or break that can cause water damage to your home.  If you experience water damage to your home from a broken or leaking pipe call SERVPRO of Gateway and Western Lake County at 216-575-1985.

Sometimes Fireworks can start fires in Cleveland and Western Lake County!

6/13/2024 (Permalink)

Fire prevention is important when fireworks are involved. Debris and sparks from fireworks and even a firecracker can start a fire.

Do you know that many reported fires on or around Independence Day are caused by Fireworks?

Fire prevention is important when fireworks are involved.  They can cause damage to homes and other structures, vehicles and even start forest fires.  The most likely cause is user error.  Debris and sparks from fireworks and even a firecracker can start a fire.  Also if a hot firework is improperly disposed of or dropped near flammable materials including dry grass or leaves, it could spark a fire.

Fireworks and firecrackers should never be ignited indoors.   They should always be set off in a safe area away from any buildings and houses.  Sometimes a fire will ignite in a trash can where the fireworks were lit.  A fire extinguisher should be kept nearby in case of an emergency.  The area where the fireworks will be lit should be hosed down and the ground, bushes and tree limbs should be wet.   Soaking down the area afterwards is a good idea as well.

If you experience a fire from fireworks this Independence Day or any day, call SERVPRO of Gateway and Western Lake County at 216-575-1985

Let us clean up the fire and water damage to your commercial building in Cleveland Ohio

6/13/2024 (Permalink)

Taking immediate action after a commercial fire is important to preventing further damage and getting your business back to work as quickly.

A fire is a tremendous disaster that no business owner ever wants to experience.   But it is easy to forget another major aspect of the fire cleanup process — water. Fire and water damage restoration go hand in hand.

After the fire is extinguished, water damage can occur due to the extensive use of a firehose or a fire sprinkler system. Water can flood the structure, causing walls, floors and ceilings to possibly be damaged.

Taking immediate action after a commercial fire is important to preventing further damage and getting your business back to work as quickly as possible.   The cleanup process can be extensive, but it needs to be done properly to avoid further damage from soot, smoke and water.  If left unattended, mold and mildew growth can occur and cause even more damage.

While fire and water damage can be overwhelming, hiring a restoration company that can clean up the soot and smoke and dry out the structure would be your best plan of action.  Our team at SERVPRO of Gateway and Western Lake County are experienced in both water and fire cleanup.  They can manage both types of damage as they encounter it.

Don’t delay the reopening of your business.  Call us at 216-575-1985 to address your fire & water cleanup for your business today!

Mold found in your Cleveland and Western Lake County, OH home?

6/13/2024 (Permalink)

When mold begins growing in places where we do not want it, that is when it becomes a serious issue that can negatively impact our health and safety

Mold is a common and necessary part of our world. This type of fungus is useful in decomposing organic material, and is part of nature’s garbage disposal system.

It is when mold begins growing in places where we do not want it (such as in our homes) that it becomes a serious issue that can negatively impact our health and the safety of our house. That is why it is important to regularly check and evaluate the mold risk in our homes.

Visually spotting mold is the most obvious way to determine if you have mold in your home. If mold is growing on walls, ceilings, in cabinets, etc.  you most likely have something going on that is encouraging the mold growth, such as a leak, or a humidity issue. The item that is causing the mold is important to fix, even before you begin to think about how to get rid of the mold, because if you don’t fix the source, the mold will inevitably return.

Here at SERVPRO of Gateway and Western Lake County we have Certified Trained Technicians that can Visually spotting mold is the most obvious way to determine if you have mold in your home.

Call us at 216-575-1985

Biohazard Cleanup Specialists in Medina

9/27/2019 (Permalink)

We don't wish our services on anyone. But we are here for when disaster does strike. Biohazards at work aren't always blood related. There are several different types of biohazard jobs we can help with at your Cleveland, OH business. 

SERVPRO of Gateway is recognized as a leading fire and water cleanup and restoration provider by hundreds of insurance companies. Our team provides quick and professional response when your facing crisis situations within your business. 

Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences for building occupants, employees, customers, and owners. 

SERVPRO of Gateways professionals in Cleveland, OH are trained to safely and effectively remove biohazardous substances and prepare waste for proper disposal according to OSHA, EPA, and state and local health regulations. 

SERVPRO of Gateway can help with the following issues:

• Bloodborne Pathogens
• Methamphetamine Labs
• Crime Scene Residues
• Arson
• Vandalism 
• Sewage Backups
• Black Water Intrusions
• Mold Mitigation and Remediation

If your business is in distress, give us a call! 

Flood damage in Cleveland, OH

9/27/2019 (Permalink)

Sometimes floods can hit Cleveland without warning, catching you off guard and cause you to do little more than stand by watching events unfold. In some areas, rivers or streams can be affected by storms hundreds of miles away. These storms cause water levels to surge out of control and wreak havoc on our community; leaving you wondering what to do to limit the damages that are sure to affect your property. You won't always get enough warning to move all of your belongings, or adequately prepare for every situation. However, having a plan in place to deal with these types of events is crucial for limiting the number of damages that may occur on your property. 
 
We have a locally owned and operated franchise near your home in Cleveland, OH. There is no reason for you to deal with these situations on your own, nor should you. We can help restore your property to a quality preloss condition, "Like it never even happened." Giving you the assistance you need to handle the situation properly and get things back to normal as soon as possible. 
 
We have many procedures available to help with restoring many of your belongings you thought may be lost to you forever and work hard to provide you with the services you deserve. 
 
Give SERVPRO of Gateway a call today 216-575-1985

We are your storm damage experts in Cleveland, OH

9/27/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Gateway provides you with emergency services to fit your unique circumstances. After your initial call to our offices, we determine the amount of equipment and personnel required to perform your repairs correctly and efficiently, arriving at your home within four hours, many times even faster, and beginning work immediately. Our technicians thoroughly explain what they intend to do and fully address your concerns before proceeding. 
 
Once SERVPRO technicians have had the opportunity to assess the situation correctly, we use a variety of scoping procedures to determine the extent of damage to your property and limit additional losses from occurring. We'll locate and eliminate the source of water, determine the type of water we're dealing with and reduce the possibility of safety hazards on your property. 
 
After establishing a safe environment, SERVPRO of Gateway technicians use quality water extraction equipment, such as portable extractors or truck mounted pumps. Depending on the size of your situation, large submersible pumps are available to remove water over two inches high, quickly and efficiently. We can safely remove standing water and additional moisture from every area of your home and set up a proper drying environment to assist with drying the structure and contents of your home efficiently. 

Water damage can seem overwhelming but we're here to help ease the stress of storms damage. If your property is in distress after a storm, give us a call! 

Smoke Alarms are critical in your Cleveland, OH home

9/14/2019 (Permalink)

Smoke alarms save lives when properly installed and maintained, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). In homes, smoke alarms should be in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level, including the basement. Extra smoke alarms may be needed in large homes.

Test smoke alarms monthly using the test button. Smoke alarms with non-replaceable batteries need the entire smoke alarm unit replaced every ten years. Other alarms need batteries replaced every year, and the unit replaced every ten years. If the alarm chirps signaling low battery, take the proper steps to replace the unit or the batteries immediately. Never disable or remove the battery from an alarm. Almost half of fires where smoke alarms were present but did not activate had missing or disconnected batteries (NFPA). If you need help installing, testing or changing batteries in your smoke alarms, contact your local fire department, an electrician or the American Red Cross. Be sure your home has a fire emergency plan in place and conduct regular fire drills with your family.

For more information on Emergency Preparedness, contact your local SERVPRO of Gateway at 216-575-1985

Water Damage can be different categories

9/14/2019 (Permalink)

Water Damage to your Cleveland, OH home can have a major impact on properties of all kinds, occurring very swiftly and often suddenly. It can occur due to a variety of conditions that include flooding, melting snow, failed appliances, or other natural disasters. Water damage can also range widely in severity. Allowing water to build up in basements and other areas of a home or business can quickly lead to complete destruction of the property. When water damage is imminent, property owners must take immediate steps to remove the water and restore any materials that have been damaged.

Water Damage can be broken down into several categories of severity, typically coming from a particular source. The first category for water damage includes the presence of clean water that poses no immediate threat to humans. Malfunctioning appliances and overflowing sinks usually cause this kind of damage. The next category of damage is often referred to as Grey Water. Category two indicates the presence of contaminated water that can cause illness to living creatures when ingested. The presence of microorganisms in water is typically the result of sewer leaks, damaged toilets, and malfunctioning sump pumps. The third category of water damage is referred to as Black Water. These unsanitary liquids contain bacteria and other forms of seriously dangerous microorganisms. This water can come from the contamination of standing water and leaks from municipal sewage systems.

All types of damage can lead to degrading property, including threats such as mold, rotting wood, and the destabilization of the foundation. Damage in classes two and three can allow furniture and walls to absorb a substantial amount of moisture despite the fact that the evaporation rate is very rapid. The most serious type of water damage can result from standing water that has the potential to soak into hardwood floors, concrete, and plaster. The restoration process and the success in cleaning up after water damage has occurred depend on acting quickly. 

The majority of cleanups following substantial water damage require professional assistance. Ignoring damp furniture and missing hidden damage in walls and other structural components can result in serious health threats. The mold exposure alone can cause allergy and asthma symptoms in persons of all ages or directly impact those people suffering with compromised immune systems. Professional restoration companies accurately assess the damage and use proven techniques in order to fully restore the property. Their techniques include thoroughly protective cleaning gear and cutting-edge, restoration equipment. 

4 classes of water damage to your Cleveland, OH home

8/27/2019 (Permalink)

Without warning, emergencies can strike. Immediate response is critical especially when water damage strikes. Did you know there are different classes of water that can cause a loss in your Cleveland, OH home? The classes of water are defined as the following:

Class 1 –A single room is affected, with little to no wet carpet, with water only on surfaces like wood or concrete.

Class 2 –This class effects and entire room, wetness along the walls (12” or more), and moisture still in the structure.

Class 3 –Ceilings, walls, carpet and insulation are all saturated with liquid or water. This is often due to water coming from overhead.

Class 4 –Water saturates in materials with very low levels of permeation, like hardwood or stone.

We understand that dealing with water damage is a highly stressful. Our trained technicians are equipped with the knowledge and equipment to restore your property to its preloss conditions. Do not hesitate to give SERVPRO of Gateway a call if you experience any kind of water damage. We are your local Cleveland water removal company.