Multiple Forms of Damage Handled by One Team | SERVPRO® of Dublin/Vidalia/Claxton

Name: SERVPRO of Dublin / Vidalia / Claxton
Address: 5264 Knox Mill Rd., Soperton, GA, 30457
Telephone: (912) 538-1323

2/1/2024 (Permalink)

heavy rain pounding down on a blacktop surface

SERVPRO of Dublin/Vidalia/Claxton is Here to Help® when any disaster strikes!

Have you ever felt like one disastrous event always leads to another? Even something small seems to lead to more and more issues—something as simple as a windshield wiper breaking can have you suddenly replacing the entire engine in your car.

The idea of “when it rains, it pours” isn’t a new one, and unfortunately, it is an idea that holds particularly true when it comes to a disaster. Mother Nature can deal a particularly damaging blow or an appliance leak can leave your home damaged, all while one kind of damage quickly adds up to another.

That simple cliché is the very reason why having a total restoration company like SERVPRO® right in your backyard is important. All it takes is a single phone call to get every kind of damage handled quickly in your home.

The Impact of Disasters

Disasters can take an enormous toll on your home or even your whole community. While sometimes you are able to prepare ahead of a storm, things can still become unpredictable and more destructive than anyone thought possible. A manmade problem happening in your home can also be destructive, especially as they can happen so suddenly.

When a storm moves into town with heavy rains, flooding can start and leave everything wet, which will later lead to intensive mold growth. High winds can happen with or without storms, and they can knock out power or cause damage to your roof. Fires lead to soot damage in rooms that never saw flames, widespread water damage from the effort to put the fire out and lingering odors that can be hard to get rid of.

The longer damage is allowed to sit, the more it will cause, too.

The physical toll of a disaster isn’t the only damage you will need to consider either. The mental toll can also be incredibly great. Getting your life put back together as fast as possible is crucial, which is why you need a team that can handle anything you face.

A Single Team, Total Restoration

When a disaster strikes, timing matters. Since disasters don’t happen when it is convenient, you need a team that is available no matter what time of day it is. SERVPRO is ready to take your call ²⁴⁄₇, 365 days a year. With one call, we will start your restoration. As we take your information over the phone, we will also put together a team and the tools to start recovery quickly.

At SERVPRO, our professional experts are trained in a wide variety of disaster recovery. Our team is certified and experienced—but we are also local. That means we have seen the natural and manmade disasters that have happened right here at home, and we have cleaned up after them all. We know and understand the homes and offices in our community, and we love living in this area as much as you do.

If you experience roof damage during a storm, we can respond around the clock to get it tarped and covered in order to keep the rest of the elements out. When a flood leaves standing water in your home, we will start drying things out immediately while we assess the rest of your home and dry out as much of your belongings as possible.

Our crew can even rebuild complete sections of your home when the damage is too great to repair. The goal of our team is to get your life back to normal as fast as possible. Whatever it takes to meet that goal, we’ve got you covered.

Approaching your project in order to completely restore things means that we won’t walk away until you are satisfied. If things don’t feel like they should or even smell like they should after a fire left things burned or mold tried to take over, we will keep working until you feel completely at home.

SERVPRO is the only call you will have to make, no matter the size of your disaster. Our highly trained staff that is available the moment you need them with industry-leading equipment will handle everything from start to finish when the pouring rain settles into your life. You will be dancing in the sunshine before you know it.

Have you experienced a disaster and need restorations? Make one call to our office to start recovery fast.

Spots in Your Home That Moisture Can Hide | SERVPRO of Dublin/Vidalia/Claxton

1/2/2024 (Permalink)

close up of condensation on window pane and ledge

Water damage can happen anywhere in your home. Call SERVPRO of Dublin/Vidalia/Claxton to restore water damage on your property 24/7, 365.

We rely on a lot of water in our daily lives. How many loads of laundry have you done today, and how many times have you washed dishes? Whether it is running in one of our appliances inside or hosing down the dog outside, being able to quickly access and use water any time we want is a blessing.

A blessing…until there is too much of it in all the wrong places. Whether Mother Nature has left our homes wet after a heavy rain or a crack in a pipe leads to a flood inside our homes, water can cause utter chaos when things get out of control.

Fortunately, you can take some steps around your home to keep things dry and safe and ensure water stays where it is supposed. Learning the most common spots where water can hide out is the best way to prevent potential damage.

Under Your Sinks

Sinks are one of the biggest spots where hidden leaks happen. With so many different water lines, connection points and what is probably too many cleaning products stored under them, you need to get in the habit of checking under your sinks at least once a week in order to stay ahead of problems.

Feel water lines for moisture, and make sure all the connections are tight. Check the seals to ensure they are fully intact, and replace anything that is showing signs of aging. Leaks under the sink can run into cabinets and under the floor even if the hole is the size of a pinhead. Catch problems fast to avoid costly repairs.

Beneath Appliances

Appliances can be another problem area when it comes to water leaks that are hard to find. As long as they appear to be functioning correctly, we likely don’t think about how much water passes in and out of them on a regular basis. Dishwashers, water heaters, refrigerators and washing machines are all susceptible to leaks.

Pull your large appliances away from the wall every few months, and give the wall and floor around them a good cleaning. Look for mold growth, puddles or soft spots in the floor that are indicators of a leak. Feel along water lines you can reach. The faster you are able to identify a problem, the less damage you will have.

Behind Your Walls or Floors

One of the dangers of hidden leaks is that they can seep into any tiny crack or opening, and they often lead to water damage behind your walls or under your floors. Even when you locate a leak and correct it, you could still have moisture that crept into the wrong places.

Don’t ignore musty odors, especially if you have recently located a leak inside your house. A new squeak in your floorboards near appliances or sinks is another indicator that something is wrong.

Around Your Windows and Doors

Have you ever woken up and found your windows all fogged up? Condensation on your windowpanes is common when the weather fluctuates in temperature, but it can also lead to water damage. When condensation lingers, it can work its way into cracks or openings and cause damage to the structure of your home.

Run your hands along window panes and ledges. Check the seal on your doors as well to see if there is moisture there when it shouldn’t be wet. Seals wear out over time, so make sure you are checking them regularly. The change of the seasons is a great time to ensure your home is well-sealed.

If you do find water damage in your home, the best thing you can do is stay calm and call us at SERVPRO®. We can take your call the moment you need us, and we always have a crew ready to start your restoration right away. It doesn’t matter if you are dealing with a flooded basement or damage left behind from a drippy faucet. We’ve got you covered.

Don’t ignore signs of water damage! Call SERVPRO for a quick restoration.

What to Do About Standing Water in Your Business | SERVPRO of Dublin/Vidalia/Claxton

12/1/2023 (Permalink)

concrete floor tiling with large cracks and water on it

Has water damage infiltrated your business? Give SERVPRO of Dublin/Vidalia/Claxton a call to get that resolved!

Ever walked into work ready to conquer the day, only to immediately notice a musty odor in the air? As you flip on the lights you can’t help but wonder if there is a leak causing damage somewhere in the building—not exactly how you wanted to start your day.

While this scenario is bad enough, imagine stepping through the doors of your commercial building only to find your foot fully immersed in water. Now you are in an actual nightmare situation.

Regardless of where it is coming from, standing water in your business will require fast action to prevent extensive damage. Learn how to handle things when water tries to take over so that you can get back to work.

One Step at a Time

Even when a flood is predicted and you are able to prepare as much as possible, finding water in your business can be incredibly overwhelming. In order to get things handled quickly, first take a deep breath.

All you have to do is take things one step at a time, and things will be cleaned up and back to normal before you know it.

1. Safety first. As with any disaster, make sure your first priority is safety. Find a dry place to assess the situation, and then call SERVPRO®. We will start taking your information over the phone while we put together a team to head to your property. While you wait, take some photos of the flooding.

2. Keep things controlled. The best way to avoid major disasters is by taking fast action. If you can, identify the source of the flood. Shut off water sources that are still flowing. If the source is an internal one but you cannot find the exact spot, use the main water valve to cut water to the whole building.

3. Dry things out. Floodwaters can quickly become contaminated, even when they originate from a clean source. The more you can stay out of the water, the safer you will be. If you can safely do so, open windows around the flooded area and remove anything in the path of the water to start the drying process.

Work With the Pros

When our crew of professionals get there, removing the water will take top priority. While we start clearing out the standing water, we will also complete a total assessment of everything your business will need in order to be fully restored. We work directly with your insurance agency as well. It is our goal to make your process as simple as possible.

As your recovery process progresses, you can turn your focus on getting your business up and running again. If the flooding was isolated to a small area and our experts determine you can safely do so, you may be able to open other areas of your building in order to keep working. We will close off the section that needs restoring and keep things as out of view of clients as possible.

While you handle your team, our team will make sure everything is getting completely dry. It is our goal to save as many of your belongings as possible so you have less to replace. We will make sure you understand every single step we take, and you will always be a part of the decision-making process.

Don’t let standing water ruin your day. Call us fast so we can help you get back to work.

Do you need repairs after a water disaster in your commercial building? Contact us to get dried out quickly.

When It’s Raining Inside Your House | SERVPRO of Dublin/Vidalia/Claxton

9/18/2023 (Permalink)

image of a large body of water during a rain storm with ripples caused by the heavy downpour

Water damage in your home? Not for long with SERVPRO of Dublin/Vidalia/Claxton on the case!

Have you ever stood outside and watched the rain, thinking how much your yard needed it? Rain can be a real blessing, especially in the heat of the summer.

Rain can also blow in fast and hard and bring with it strong winds that have you hoping everything is still standing once it has moved out. When rain gets especially heavy, your home becomes vulnerable to leaks through the ceiling, windows and even your very foundation.

SERVPRO® of Dublin/Vidalia/Claxton is here for you. We are locally owned and operated, and with ²⁴⁄₇ availability, we can respond to your home fast when severe weather leaves you wet.

Hazards of Intense Rain

Georgia weather can be a little all over the place, sometimes offering us a glimpse of all four seasons in a single day. Thunderstorms are regular throughout the year, with an increase in heavy storms, flash floods and sometimes tornadoes during the warmer months. With the Oconee River in our backyards, we know how fast flooding can take over entire neighborhoods.

Flooding has been a continuous problem in our area, with the summer of 2023 seeing lots of streets and neighborhoods overcome with water. Make sure you heed local news stations and weather warnings in order to get to safety quickly if flooding is predicted. Park your car somewhere safe, and bring in anything loose in the yard that could wash away.

If an evacuation order is issued, take action right away.

Staying Safe

With the constant threat of flooding being such a real possibility for us, keeping our homes prepared is the best way to stay safe. Make sure your family knows where to go if a flash flood starts or the river begins to rise, and keep your emergency supplies nearby that location. If you are not home, never drive through flooded roads.

Store important papers and irreplaceable items away from the ground or in watertight containers. If heavy flooding is predicted, clear out the lower level of your home as much as possible and cut the circuits to that floor.

If floodwaters start coming into your home while you are there, move to the highest location possible and stay out of the water if you can. Water moves faster than you think, and it can continue to flow even after the storm is over. Stay put as long as you are able in order to stay safe.

Future Prevention Strategies

You can’t always predict what the weather is going to do, and even a home with the most preparation possible could still end up wet. If your home took on floodwater, SERVPRO is going to work hard to ensure everything is dried quickly and your life is put back together.

Once your restoration has been completed, take a look at the exterior of your home and consider bringing in a professional to update your landscaping. They will make sure you have proper grading and replace any organic materials that may have washed away in order to keep water flowing away from your home during the next heavy rain.

If you don’t already have one, add a sump pump to your basement. This is designed to pump water away from your foundation when rain gets heavy. A sump pump can save your basement from a flood and prevent damage to the lower level of your home.

Make sure our experts at SERVPRO are in your contact lists so you can call us fast after an event. We make it our goal to dry as much of your possessions as possible. We will repair anything that was damaged, sanitize and seal your home to ensure mold doesn’t set up. We want to get you back to living as quickly as possible.

We are here for all of your water disasters. Contact us day or night for a quick recovery.

What to Do When Your Home Has Water Damage | SERVPRO of Dublin/Vidalia/Claxton

8/15/2023 (Permalink)

Pool of water sitting on top of a herringbone patterned wood floor with furniture nearby

If you discover water damage in your home or business, call SERVPRO of Dublin/Vidalia/Claxton right away.

Water is one of the most powerful things we will ever encounter. Even when it is controlled, pumping through our pipes and turning off and on with a flick of our hand, water can surge out at surprising strengths. If you have ever spent time near the ocean, you have seen water and felt the incredibly powerful nature that it is.

We can’t survive without water, but when it starts to seep into all the wrong places it can turn our lives upside down. While Georgia weather is often a mixed bag and certainly comes with its share of flash floods and heavy downpours, we have seen the Oconee River overflow and isolate parts of our town as well. Whether is it a natural disaster that floods your home or a leaky water heater drowning your basement, water can be very destructive and leave your home in utter chaos.

You can take a lot of different steps to prepare and protect your home from potential water damage, but there are some disasters you just can’t stop. With a team of water damage restoration experts right around the corner, no matter what happens you can get dried out and back to living quickly.

The First Steps

When your home takes on water unexpectedly, the quicker you are able to respond, the less damage your home will incur. Water can flow into some of the most hidden areas you would never think to check, so the first step to take after a water disaster will always be to locate the source in order to gain control.

After you have found where the water is coming from, take stock of what you can do to stop it. If the water is from a natural disaster, your only option might be to just wait it out in a safe space. Leaks from your plumbing can be shut off, though, so make sure you know where various valves are located around your home. Take a look at what electrical equipment might be under water as well.

Never step into water with live electrical wiring in it. Shut off your circuits before plunging into the flooded area.

The moment you can safely do so, call SERVPRO® . Our team is available around the clock, so it will never matter when your disaster strikes. The sooner you can call, the sooner we can start drying out your home.

How We Dry Your Home

After we have received your call, we will start your restoration process right away over the phone. As we gather your information, you might consider taking pictures of the flooded or damaged area. Part of our restoration process is working directly with your insurance to make for the smoothest recovery possible, and photos are a good way of documenting everything that has happened.

Once we have gathered basic information over the phone, we will get a team to your home with industry-leading equipment designed to dry out as much of your property as possible. We will tackle water removal and soft items immediately in order to salvage as much as we can. It’s our goal to restore everything so you are not left replacing your items. Drying your home means that not a drop of water is left, and your property is sanitized and odor-free.

If water has done enough damage to destroy an area of your home, we can tear it down and rebuild it to your specifications. Your home will be as good or better than new when we are done. It doesn’t matter where the water came from, our team is trained to handle every aspect of restoration.

Any time your home takes on more than an inch of water, you need to call our professionals at SERVPRO. Water from pipe failures and water from floods are handled in different ways in order to keep everyone safe and sanitary, and our team is well-versed in it all. With a crew of professionals in your neighborhood, you can get back to appreciating water and all it does for us without the worry of long-term damage.

Do you have water damage in your home? Call us for fast and complete restoration.

All the Places Water Damage Can Hide in Your Home | SERVPRO® of Dublin/Vidalia/Claxton

5/9/2023 (Permalink)

blue bucket in the middle of the living area catching water falling from the ceiling

Think you may have water damage in your home? Here are some tips from SERVPRO of Dublin/Vidalia/Claxton to find the source.

Water is powerful, and when it flows into the wrong places, it can do damage that goes deep and widespread quickly. Unfortunately, there are lots of places in your home that water damage can hide out, meaning you could be looking at costly repairs when you do find it.

Getting to know where water damage likes to play hide and seek in your home can help you prevent extensive damage and stop other issues like mold before structural problems set in. By adding checking some of the most water-prone locations to your regular maintenance routines, you can win the game and protect your home.

Get familiar with these three areas as a start:

The roof of your home. When water damage starts on the roof, it often starts small and slow. There are a lot of ways water can seep in with the various nooks and crannies, which can make it very hard to detect when there is a problem.

Living in this part of Georgia gives us an advantage, though, as the weather stays generally mild in the fall and spring. Use this time to get on your roof and check for missing shingles, loose spots and blocked gutters. We get a lot of rain in these seasons as well, so make sure to keep a close eye on things after big storms, too.

When your roof leaks, it can lead to damage on every level of your home and create a moist environment in your attic that is perfect for mold growth. With our humid environment, it is even more important to check often for damp spots and replace insulation as needed.

Bathrooms. It should come as no surprise that your bathroom is a common spot for water damage, but it often goes unnoticed because of how often water is present in the bathroom anyways.

Look under the sink for signs of drips or puddles, and make sure the tub and sink faucet turn off completely. Check around your toilet base weekly for moisture, and do the same around the tub.

Your bathroom should dry out completely after every use, so if it consistently feels or smells damp, there could be a bigger problem. Make sure your drains empty quickly, and always run an exhaust fan to help remove water.

Appliances with water lines. Any appliance that has a water line can leak, and these leaks can be particularly challenging to find. More often than not, leaks occur under or behind the appliance, which means heavy damages can set in before you ever find it.

Pull your large appliances, including your washing machine, dishwasher and refrigerator, out and away from the wall one or two times a year. Clean under and behind them, and feel for damp, soft spots in the floor. Look for signs of mold growth as another indicator that your water line is having issues.

Watch for signs of problems when you use them as well. If you hear dripping, or water is running slower than usual, it could be worth investigating to ensure there isn’t a leak. Replace your appliances periodically to prevent problems before they start, and call SERVPRO of Dublin/Vidalia/Claxton as soon as you do find damage.

Dealing with a water emergency? Our SERVPRO specialists can be on the scene of the disaster ASAP to restore your water-damaged home!

A Water Damage Timeline | SERVPRO® of Dublin/Vidalia/Claxton

4/29/2022 (Permalink)

a bathroom sink showing signs of a water leak

No matter the damage sustained, SERVPRO of Dublin/Vidalia/Claxton has the tools and team to help your home return to a normal state quickly.

One thing’s for sure, you don’t have time to deal with water damage. Unfortunately, that won’t stop it from affecting your home.

Something as seemingly insignificant as a leaky faucet or a small water spot could have a destructive effect on your home. This is because water could be lurking in places you can’t see.

An average household leak can waste up to 10,000 gallons of water in a year.

Water damage progresses rapidly, permeating your floors, walls and soft surfaces. That’s why it’s important to address the issue right away, rather than put it off. Here’s how quickly water can corrupt the integrity of your home:

In the First 24 Hours

If you live in a house, there is a one in four chance of a flood damaging your home within a 30-year period in a high-risk area. Knowing what to do next is essential.

You need to take steps within the first 24 to 48 hours after flooding or water damage in order to save your home from further damage. Unfortunately, some items will immediately fall victim to water’s disastrous effects. These include things like upholstered furniture, wood surfaces and personal belongings like books and photographs.

Luckily, SERVPRO of Dublin/Vidalia/Claxton operates with the mindset of “restoring vs. replacing” because we know how important these items are to you. This will help you save money while preserving precious keepsakes that can’t be replaced.

We will be sure to remove any salvageable items as quickly as possible, so they can dry. We will let you know if anything cannot be saved.

In a Week

After the first 24 hours, water damage will become much worse as mold sets in and spreads like wildfire. This, along with the excess moisture, will become to affect the structure of your home.

In addition, porous surfaces such as wood surfaces and walls will become increasingly compromised, and metal surfaces will start corroding.

Past Seven Days

When you left water sit in your home for over a week, it may get to the point of no return. By this point, the structure will be extremely compromised, and the costs and efforts to restore the structure of your home will be high.

How SERVPRO Can Help

Give SERVPRO a call as soon as possible, preferably within the first 24 hours. As soon as we hear from you, our experts will get to work to restore your home. We start by extracting any excess water in the home to prevent it from spreading any further.

It is likely your floors, furniture and other belongings will require cleaning, sanitizing and deodorization. After we have removed most of the water, our specialists will use industry-leading drying equipment to remove the water you can’t see.

After we have address all these areas, your home may still require some restoration work, and this could include either minor or major repairs.

Allow our team to simplify the restoration process for you by handling both the initial damage mitigation and rebuilding the affected areas. SERVPRO will keep you up to date on every step and have you back in your home or business in no time.

Regardless of the type of water damage sustained, SERVPRO has the tools and teams to help your home or business recover. Contact us ²⁴⁄₇ when you need a dependable team to help you recover.

Thorough Water Cleanup From the Pros | SERVPRO® of Dublin/Vidalia/Claxton

2/19/2022 (Permalink)

a house floating in a large body of water

When water damage strikes, make the call to SERVPRO of Dublin/Vidalia/Claxton for A-to-Z cleanup and restoration.

Here’s an unreal statistic—every day some 14,000 Americans encounter a water damage incident at home.

Now we certainly hope you’re never one of those 14,000. But should the day ever come, your expert friends at SERVPRO will be here to help.

Here’s a look into the in-depth process your elite team will kick into action when you click or call for help.

Emergency Contact. We want to get to work right away, and that starts with making a game plan. When you call us with your emergency, we’ll ask some guiding questions to get a good grip on what’s going on. Then we’ll make an appointment for in-person and inspection, to be fulfilled in short order.

Inspection and Water Damage Assessment. Once we arrive on site, we’ll make sure your water source isn’t still flowing, and put a stop to it if it is. Then we’ll assess the damage and make determinations about what is going to have to be replaced, and what can be restored. We’ll also warn you about any potential hazards resulting from the existing damage.

Water Removal. Depending on your particular situation, your home may be filled with hundreds, even thousands, of gallons of water. We’ll use all the considerable power of our industrial pumps and water vacs to get rid of the bulk of it quickly, so we can get to work on the restoration process.

Damaged Material Removal. Our goal is restoration first, but not everything will make it. We’ll remove the things that can’t be salvaged to keep a safe environment during the drying process, and their removal will promote the drying process of the things that are in line for restoration.

Cleaning, Sanitizing and Deodorization. We don’t have to tell you that water can make a real mess of your home. Once the water is cleared out, we can start scrubbing, getting rid of stains, toxins and odors all that water can leave behind.

Drying. This is drying like you’ve never seen—in fact, you probably can’t see the leftover moisture to begin with, but our HEPA vacuums will pull excess water molecules from every surface, reducing the opporunity for mold to begin or continue growing in your home.

Monitoring. All the while, we’ll be keeping a watchful eye over the whole process, making sure plans and equipment run smoothly, and making adjustments as necessary.

Repairs and Construction. Once drying is complete and moisture is managed, the healing of your home continues through repair, replacement and if needed, reconstruction.

When water is the issue, we have the solution. We’ve been practicing for more than 50 years, and we’re ready to tackle the need, whatever it may be.

When water damage strikes, make the call to SERVPRO for A-to-Z cleanup and restoration. We’ll make your damaged property look “Like it never even happened.”

Indicators That Your Basement Has Water Damage | SERVPRO® of Dublin/Vidalia/Claxton

6/22/2021 (Permalink)

a grey basement showing signs of water damage

SERVPRO of Dublin/Vidalia/Claxton is a full restoration company. Our restoration experts are on call and ready to help you determine the best course.

Purchasing or living in a home that has a basement is a great option for many families. Basements provide extra storage, supplemental safety from severe weather threats and can even add to the square footage of your home if they are finished living spaces.

Overall, a basement is a wonderful asset—but it is important that homeowners know how to care for it.

While many basements will last the lifetime of a home without water damage incidents, it is vital that homeowners understand what could possibly happen in case there are issues in the future.

Understanding what to look for early on will help you catch any water damage before it balloons into a major issue, making it much easier (and cheaper) to handle. If you do ever notice any of these indicators of water damage, it is important to contact us right away.

What to Watch Out for in Regard to Basement Water Damage

Unpleasant, musky odors. The majority of water damage incidents we see in basements involves “clean” water (i.e. rainwater or runoff), but even still, the water can become unpleasant and murky over time. As the water evaporates, it can leave behind a pungent odor that many people find to be synonymous with basements that is a result of mold and mildew developing at the site.

Flaking paint on masonry or walls. There is a common misconception that painting a water damaged area will help “seal the water in,” but unfortunately, this is not the case. While paint can mask water damage for a time, it does little more than cover up the issue. Eventually, paint will begin to flake, bubble, crack or peel as evidence of the water damage that is actively occurring underneath.

Foundational cracks. As a home settles and shifts with weather and age, it is not uncommon for small cracks to develop throughout the home. As long as these remain hairline cracks, there is no cause for concern. However, if larger cracks develop on walls, ceilings or in the floor that is a sign that there is potentially water damage and you should have someone come take a look right away.

If you notice any of these signs in your basement, let us take a look. Our expert water restoration technicians can help you determine what is causing these issues and how to treat it properly. Contact us today to learn more.

What to do if you find water in your light fixtures

5/11/2021 (Permalink)

Your roof is the crowning element of your home in Dublin,GA, and you expect that it will protect your family for the duration of your lifetime there. But sometimes a leak can occur because of lack of maintenance, a broken pipe in the ceiling or damage from a storm. A leak can cause all kinds of damage, but often the first indication of a problem is finding water in light fixtures.

What To do If You Find Water in a Light Fixture

Discovering that water is dripping through a ceiling fixture can be the start of a nightmare, especially if it is not handled correctly. Here are some guidelines to help you understand some of the steps that need to be taken.

If the damage is from a storm, you will need to have the roof repaired and have a water and mold restoration company come and check for wood rot or black mold in the crawlspace and have the roof repaired.

If you have water in light fixtures because of a broken pipe in the ceiling, the first thing you need to do is shut off the water main so it stops flooding.

Turn off the electricity to that light fixture so you don’t get electrocuted – electricity and water can be a lethal mix.

What To do Next

Once the power and water have been shut off, a specialist in Lenox Square,GA should inspect for ceiling damage and help determine what is needed for repair. The sheetrock will likely need to come down and the crawl space dried thoroughly. Insulation and sheetrock may need to be replaced and the wiring needs to be evaluated for safety. The light fixture may need to be replaced as well, rather than risking electrical danger.

Never overlook water in light fixtures, as it is a sign of something that needs to be checked out, Hoping it will just dry out and go away could be a serious mistake. Make sure your roof is in good repair and have your pipes inspected to help prevent future problems.

The 5 Most Common Reasons Behind Roof Leaks | SERVPRO® of Dublin/Vidalia/Claxton

5/4/2021 (Permalink)

Having a leak in the roof is a pain for homeowners and one that can cause serious damage with time. Many times, roof leaks are not noticed right away because they start initially damaging the attic before they are visible on the ceiling of the home.

Understanding why roof leaks happen can help you prepare for and prevent them from occurring in your home.

Common Reasons Why Roof Leaks Begin

Wear and Tear Resulting From Age. With every variation in temperature, roofs are designed to expand and contract—meaning every summer, winter and temperature variation in between, there will be a bit of movement involved, which can eventually lead to cracks and vulnerabilities in the tar below the shingles.
Breakdown of Flashing or Seals Around Features. Anytime a feature such as a chimney, dormer or vent intersects with your roof, a seal or a flashing will be installed to keep water out. Over time, these seals or flashing installations can begin to warp and wear, letting in water.
Missing or Loose Shingles. Shingles are your home’s first line of defense against weather, so if one becomes loose or goes missing, there is a good chance a leak might develop. Shingles can get torn off by debris or simply come loose with time, but it is easy to do a visual inspection to determine if they are all there.
Clogged Gutters That Cause Puddles. It is recommended to clean the debris from your gutters regularly, as roof leaks can develop otherwise. When water is unable to be drained away, it will sit in puddles on your roof and can eventually start seeping into the wood underneath.
Excessive Moisture Deposits. If your roof is designed with several levels and one level deposits moisture onto another, the bottom level can become oversaturated with moisture if heavy rainfall occurs. This can overwhelm the roof’s defenses and allow water to saturate the shingles and begin seeping in.

Have you experienced a roof leak in your household? If so, our trained water restoration technicians are here to help you. Contact us at any time to learn more.

Taking Preventative Steps to Keep Your House Dry

4/28/2021 (Permalink)

Taking Preventative Steps to Keep Your House Dry

Water damage can occur in homes in a variety of ways. Homeowners should check for leaks throughout their houses, inspecting pipes and connections in bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms. Look under and around sinks and around bathtubs for any discoloration. Do not ignore connections to dishwashers or to refrigerators with water and ice dispensers.

Make sure water is flowing properly down drains. If not, try clearing the drain with a plunger or an over the counter solution. If that does not work, call a professional for assistance.

To keep drains and pipes clear, follow some simple steps such as pouring cooking oil into a suitable container and disposing of it properly after it cools and never flushing diapers and other inappropriate items down toilets. In addition, backflow valves should be installed in sanitary and storm sewer lines.

Check the floors around water heaters for wet spots, which could indicate you have a rusted tank or other problem. If necessary, have the tank replaced as soon as possible.

A leak in the roof of your home and clogged gutters and downspouts can lead to significant water damage inside your house. As soon as you notice a leak in your roof have it inspected and repaired immediately. In addition, keep all gutters and downspouts free of leaves and other debris that could cause water to back up and leak into your house.

Owners of properties located in areas prone to flooding should give serious consideration to applying a waterproof coating or membrane to the exterior walls and installing watertight shields over doors, windows and other openings.

When winter hits, keep an eye out for snow accumulation on the downside of a higher- level roof, where blowing snow will pile up. For safe snow removal, ask a roofing contractor for a referral.

Remove snow from basement stairwells, window wells and all walls to prevent water or moisture from penetrating walls. Also, keep attics well ventilated to maintain temperatures close to the outside, which will minimize the risk of ice dams forming.

To ensure that pipes do not freeze and burst, keep the heat in your home at an acceptable level, cover exposed pipes with insulation sleeves or wrapping and open cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around pipes.

If water damage does occur in your home, immediately call SERVPRO of Dublin/Vidalia/Claxton (912) 538-1323 for restoration services. SERVPRO’s teams will:

Assess damage for restorability and safety.
Determine the extent of the moisture content in effected areas.
Move and prop up furniture on blocks if necessary.
Extract the water.
Remove carpets and carpet pads if necessary.
Spray to treat germs and bacteria in contaminated areas.
Start the drying process with air movers and dehumidification equipment.
Ensure rooms are completely dry and conduct a walk through with homeowners to guarantee customer satisfaction.

Preventative maintenance is key to avoiding a possible water, mold, of fire damage loss.

SERVPRO of Dublin/Vidalia/Claxton, we are always here to help! Call (912)538-1323 for all you restoration needs!

How to keep your home free from water damage