Vacation Season - Home Planning

12/9/2024 (Permalink)

If an event is to occur while you are gone, SERVPRO of Elk River, Becker and Big Lake will be ready to help! We are available 24/7!

Essential Things To Do Before Leaving For Vacation

It is that time of the year when everyone wants to escape the cold, and head to warmer weather. You have booked the trip, found the must-see attractions, and charged the electronics! It is time to head to the airport.

However, before you leave one must make sure their house is ready for them to leave.

See below for tips to help ensure that your house is going to be the way you left it when you return.

Tips Checklist:

1. Turn off main water supply

One should turn this off to avoid water damage if a leak is to occur while on vacation.

2. Unplug electronics

Unplugging the electronics that will not be in use while you are gone will save you money on your electricity bill - will also help prevent an electrical fire.

3. Adjust thermostat

Cooler Climate: Turn it down between 50 - 60 degrees F

Warmer Climate: Turn it up 5 degrees F higher than normal

4. Pour baking soda down drains and toilets

By pouring this it will help with clear clogs and keep a fresh smell.

5. Check insurance

Knowing what your insurance policies are will save you the headache when you get home if something does occur.

Once your checklist is all checked off, head out and enjoy that warmer weather on vacation!

All of these are tips that can help prevent matters from occurring, but are not a guarantee.

If an event is to occur while you are gone, SERVPRO of Elk River, Becker and Big Lake will be ready to help! We are available 24/7! Reach us at (612) 444-3336!

Winter Weather

12/7/2023 (Permalink)

We are available 24/7/365, and here to help you! We can be reached at (612) 444 - 3336!

Damages

When the cold winter weather gets more extreme, so do the damages and disasters. That is why it is important for all homeowners to be prepared in the event of any damages or disasters. SERVPRO of Elk River, Becker and Big Lake is always here for you, and here to help.

We Are Here To Help You

In the cold winter weather, emergency restoration needs to be a priority to all homeowners. SERVPRO of Elk River, Becker and Big Lake is a local company that has been in the business for several years, as well as the construction business. All of these expertise will be shown through the quality of work that will be conducted in your home by SERVPRO of Elk River, Becker and Big Lake. Our crew is always ready to help you and our community in any time of need.

Contact SERVPRO of Elk River, Becker and Big Lake!

If you are to experience any damages or disasters from the cold winter weather, call your local restoration crew at SERVPRO of Elk River, Becker and Big Lake. We are available 24/7/365, and here to help you! We can be reached at (612) 444 - 3336!

Water Damage

10/9/2023 (Permalink)

If your property suffers from water damages, contact SERVPRO of Elk River, Becker and Big Lake at (612) 444-3666!

Did You Know?

Did you know that about 40 percent of home insurance claims are due to water damage? This unfortunate event can result from plumbing leaks, natural disasters, and old appliances. Water damage is costly and inconvenient. Preventing it is much cheaper than paying for repairs.

Simple things like cleaning your gutters, repairing leaking pipes, and checking the roof can save your property from experiencing damage.

How Can Water Damage Occur?

Water damage can often be caused by old or poorly maintained appliances, leaking pipes, and sewer backup.

The best way to avoid these types of water damages is to check any sources of leaks in your home regularly. Items to check, but not limited to are hot water tanks, washing machine hoses, dishwasher hoses, frozen pipes, broken or burst pipes, and home appliances. Sewer and sump backups, water escape, and water seepage can also be common causes of water damage. The smallest issue can turn into the biggest problem if not addressed properly.

If you believe your property is experiencing water damage, call SERVPRO of Elk River, Becker and Big Lake. Our crew as special equipment to detect if there is water in any structural cavities. We will assess the situation, clean up and repair any damages. 

What to Do after Water Damage

When your house is flooded, the water can ruin its structure and your personal assets. It is essential that you clean up the area immediately to prevent mold and minimize losses. SERVPRO of Elk River, Becker and Big Lake will help you understand the process and clean the damages efficiently.

If your property suffers from water damages, contact SERVPRO of Elk River, Becker and Big Lake at (612) 444-3666. We would love to help you in your time of need!

Specialized Equipment

10/9/2023 (Permalink)

Suffering from any water damage? Call the experts at SERVPRO of Elk River, Becker and Big Lake for all your needs. We are always here to help 24/7.

Water Damage

The month of April in Minnesota can bring lots of cloudy and rainy days. With the cloudy and rainy days can come water damage. This water damage can occur to residential or commercial properties. It is important to keep an eye on all your properties to help ensure that you may catch the water damage earlier. By catching the water damage earlier, this can help to lessen the extent of the damages.

If you are experiencing water damage, call SERVPRO of Elk River, Becker and Big Lake. Our crew will respond to the damages in a quick manner. When we arrive at the property, we will bring our moisture meters. The moisture meters will help to determine where the water is present and the moisture percentage present. Some of the moisture meters we have can penetrate through materials to give us readings, and some do not need to penetrate materials to obtain the readings.

All materials have goals that they need to reach to ensure that they are safely dried. These goals are reached by using equipment like air movers, dehumidifiers, and more.

Suffering from any water damage? Call the experts at SERVPRO of Elk River, Becker and Big Lake for all your needs. We are always here to help 24/7. Reach us at (612) 444-3336!

Stay Ahead of the Game

12/12/2022 (Permalink)

If you experience any water damage, contact SERVPRO of Becker, Big Lake, and Elk River at (612) 444-3336! We are available 24/7, and here to help YOU!

Water Loss & Damage

With all the rainy storms we get in Minnesota, one should always be one step ahead of the game to prepare for any amount of rain or melting snow. If one does not have the proper set up around their home, it could lead to water damage.

An example of a set up that can be in place to help avoid water damage is a drain tile system. While some homes may never have need for a drain tile system, it is a good feature to have since you never know when a period of heavy rain or rapid snow melt might cause catastrophic water damage in your basement or crawl space.

SERVPRO of Elk River, Becker and Big Lake understands that water damage to your home may not just be a disruption in your life, but if not treated properly, can cause lingering effects. Lingering effects can be created from untreated mold damage.

SERVPRO of Becker, Big Lake, and Elk River has trained employees to address the water damage that has occurred. We determine the source of loss, clean up the immediate damage, and assess if materials can be saved. It is our goal to restore your home by drying out the materials.  If not, we are able to remove the affected materials such as flooring or drywall. As we have over 20 years of construction experience, that expertise is carried on in the job at your home.

If you experience any water damage, contact SERVPRO of Becker, Big Lake, and Elk River at (612) 444-3336! We are available 24/7, and here to help YOU!

Water Damage Can Occur Anytime

10/5/2022 (Permalink)

If you are to ever experience any water, fire, or mold damage call SERVPRO of Elk River, Becker and Big Lake anytime at (612) 444-3336!

Fun Facts

SERVPRO of Elk River, Becker and Big Lake deals with numerous water damage cases a year. They specialize in the restoration and re-builds of these cases.

Here are some water damage facts:

• Water is capable of dissolving a variety of different substances. That is why water is known as the “universal solvent” because it dissolves more substances than any other liquid.
• A sheet of drywall standing upright with its edge sitting in a ½” of water can wick water up to 6 inches in less than three hours.
• Mold is known for beginning to grow in 24 to 48 hours in an untreated moist environment.

All of these facts are proof to show that one should call SERVPRO of Elk River, Becker and Big Lake as soon as they experience any water damage. This will help to ensure that the matter is taken care of in a timely manner.

If you are to ever experience any water, fire, or mold damage call SERVPRO of Elk River, Becker and Big Lake anytime at (612) 444-3336!

Roof Maintenance

10/5/2022 (Permalink)

Reach us at (612) 444-3336!

Fall Season

To prolong the life of your roof and ensure water does not leak through, your home’s roof should be inspected twice a year. Once in late spring, and once during the fall. So do not prepare for Halloween just yet – make sure you do the following roof maintenance tasks first:

• Trim Trees: Dead tree limbs can fall on your roof and cause damage. Trees that are leaning towards your house could also fall on your roof or allow squirrels and raccoons to pay your roof a visit. Twigs, leaves, and other debris can cause rotting, gutter blockage, termite invasion, and roof damage. If you want to avoid these problems, remove overhanging branches and ensure that trees are not leaning towards your home.
• Check & Clean Gutters: One of the best ways to prepare for the cold season is to clean your gutters and ensure they are well-anchored. This allows rainwater and thawed snow to flow properly off your roofline, avoiding leaks and water damage to your home. Remove leaves and other debris from the gutters regularly throughout the fall. In addition to this, install gutter guards – these ward off any debris that would invade your gutters.
• Inspect Roof for Damage:
  
  • Check the roof flashings – these cover gaps near vents and chimneys, and can be dislocated during a storm. Replace faulty flashing pieces.
  • If you have an asphalt roof, replace shingles that have bare spots, are warping, or are curling at the edges.
  • If you own a wooden shake roof, look for signs of warping. If at least 25 percent of your wood shingles are damaged, replace the roofing material.
  • If you have a metal roof, look for signs of pitting, corrosion or gapping seams as these can lead to leaks or underlay damage.
  • Get a professional roof inspection if you feel you are not up to the task yourself. Your roof might need adjustment and repairs. 

Call SERVPRO of Elk River, Becker and Big Lake for mold remediation service and flood water damage repair. We are available 24/7 and here to help!

Reach us at (612) 444-3336.

SERVPRO of Elk River, Becker and Big Lake

8/18/2022 (Permalink)

If you are to experience a water damage or loss call SERVPRO of Elk River, Becker and Big Lake to help! We can be reached at (612) 444-3336!

5 Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Water Damage

1. What can cause water damage?

Water damage can be caused due to numerous reasons. It can occur after natural disasters, from pipes bursting, appliance malfunctions, roof leaks, foundations leaks, septic tank overflows, poor drainage and MORE.

2. Why is water damage dangerous?

Damage can occur from water damage because floodwater that comes from outside and from sewage backups contains dangerous contaminants. Some of the dangerous contaminants include various viruses and bacteria. If the water is not drained within 24-48 hours, structural damage and mold growth can begin to form.  

3. What should I do after a flood, or sewage, or water leak?

CALL SERVPRO OF ELK RIVER, BECKER AND BIG LAKE AT (612) 444-3336 IMMEDIATELY! This should be done immediately to avoid potential mold growth, and damages to the wood, walls, and carpet in the affected area.

4. How do certified technicians handle water damage?

SERVPRO of Elk River, Becker and Big Lake will arrive in a timely manner to begin helping you through the process. One of the first things that they will do is go through the items to see which ones can be restored. After all of the items are removed from the area, we will being to dry out and disinfect the area.

5. Will my homeowners insurance cover water damage?

Notifying your insurance company is one of the most important things to do when experiencing water damage. This is important in helping determine what they will cover. SERVPRO of Elk River, Becker and Big Lake will work with your insurance company to help meet your needs.

If you are to experience a water damage or loss call SERVPRO of Elk River, Becker and Big Lake to help! We can be reached at (612) 444-3336!

Water Damage Restoration Process

5/26/2022 (Permalink)

Reach us at (612) 444-3336!

Call Our Crew

When your home or commercial property has water damage from flooding or leaks, we have the expertise and equipment to properly restore your property. Our experience and scientific approach to water removal and water cleanup enable us to properly dry and restore your property.

Water or Flood Damage?
Call Today – (612) 444-3336

Every water damage event is a little different and requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. You can click on any of the steps below to learn more about that process.

Step 1 - Emergency Contact

The restoration process begins when you call us. Our representative will guide you through the crisis and may ask several questions to help us better understand the equipment and resources.

Step 2 - Inspection and Water Damage Assessment

We determine the scope of your water damage at this stage. We inspect and test to determine the extent of damage and how far the moisture has traveled to ensure proper and complete restoration.

Step 3 - Water Removal / Water Extraction

The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. We use powerful pumps and vacuum units to quickly remove hundreds or thousands of gallons from your property, which helps prevent secondary water damage and mold growth.

Step 4 - Drying and Dehumidification

We use specialized equipment to remove the remaining water that is harder to access. Our Professionals will use room measurements, temperature, and relative humidity to determine the optimal number of air movers and dehumidifiers needed to dry your home or business.

Step 5 - Cleaning and Sanitizing

We clean all of the restorable items and structures damaged by the water. We are adept at cleaning contents using a number of techniques. Our professionals are trained to provide sanitizing treatments and to remove odors and deodorize your property.

Step 6 - Restoration

Restoration is the process of restoring your home or business to its pre-water damage condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall and installing new carpet, or may entail major repairs, such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

Reach us at (612) 444-3336!

Water Damage

5/11/2022 (Permalink)

If your home suffers from water loss, SERVPRO of Elk River, Becker and Big Lake would love to help assist you! Reach us at (612) 444 - 3336!

Tips

After any water damage situation, your primary focus should be safety first:

Some questions/ tips to think about:

• Is it safe to stay in the house?
• Electrical "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most preventable concerns
• Wet materials can be very heavy. Be Careful!

Have A  Water Damage Emergency? Call (612) 444 -3336!

What To Do After Flooding

• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
• Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
• Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
• Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
• Gather loose items from floors.

What NOT To Do After Flooding

• Don't leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
• Don't leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
• Don't use your household vacuum to remove water.
• Don't use television or other household appliances.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.

If your home suffers from water loss, SERVPRO of Elk River, Becker and Big Lake would love to help assist you! Reach us at (612) 444 - 3336!

Cleanup & Restoration

4/25/2022 (Permalink)

Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help! (612) 444-3336.

SERVPRO of Elk River, Becker and Big Lake

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your basement could flood, including: 

• A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
• Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
• Storm sewer backup
• Sanitary sewer backup
• Foundation drainage failure
• Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
• And many more

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today - (612) 444-3336

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of Elk River, Becker and Big Lake and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

• We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
• We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
• We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
• Our Technicians are Highly-Trained in Water Restoration Techniques
• We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
• Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help! (612) 444-3336.

Pipe Burst

12/6/2021 (Permalink)

If you are to suffer any water damage, call SERVPRO of Elk River, Becker and Big Lake. Our crew can be reached at (612) 444-3336!

Water Damage

A home in St. Cloud, Minnesota suffered water damage after a pipe burst and water flooded into the wall cavities.

Due to this, the homeowners contacted SERVPRO of Elk River, Becker and Big Lake. SERVPRO of Elk River, Becker and Big Lake has moisture meters that show if any of the materials have suffered water damage. When the crew used the moisture meter at this home it showed that the wood was wet.

SERVPRO of Elk River, Becker and Big Lake does not rely on if materials "look" or "feel" dry; rather, we have the appropriate scientific tools and calculations that show when your home is dry. Our crew has the ability to monitor daily to determine when the materials become dry without over drying them which can cause secondary damage.

If you are to suffer any water damage, call SERVPRO of Elk River, Becker and Big Lake. Our crew can be reached at (612) 444-3336!

Do Not Let Snow & Icicles Ruin Your Home

12/6/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage? Call SERVPRO of Elk River, Becker and Big Lake at (612) 444-3336!

Call SERVPRO of Elk River, Becker and Big Lake at (612) 444 - 3336!

Now that old man winter is here to stay, it is time to think of the snow buildup that may be happening on your roof top. While roofs covered in fresh snow can make a pretty wintery scene, it can also do much damage under the blanket of snow and into your home. The snow starts to melt and then re-freezes which causes more stress to the roof of your home. As the ice slowly melts over time, water seeps beneath shingles and under the tar paper. Eventually it will also seep into the plywood beneath, causing damage to your roof, fascia, and soffit.

Ice buildup in your gutters prevents the flow of melted snow to your down spouts for proper drainage. The stacked up ice and snow causes the run off to flow over the lip of your gutters and create long icicles.

Clearing the snow the first 3 to 4 feet of the roof after every snow fall with a roof rake will go a long way in helping to protect your home this winter from the formation of ice dams.

If you do have any water damage to the inside of your home or need assistance in properly removing the snow on your roof contact SERVPRO of Elk River, Becker and Big Lake. The crew at SERVPRO of Elk River, Becker and Big Lake is prepared to help in anyway possible. 

Reach our crew 24/7 at (612) 444-3336!

Minnesota Cold Temperatures - Water Damage

10/25/2021 (Permalink)

Frozen pipes? Water damage? Call SERVPRO of Elk River, Becker and Big Lake at (612) 444-3336!

Cold Weather Near

Cold weather is in Minnesotan’s near future. The extreme cold temperatures that we experience can cause disasters to occur in one’s home or business. Here is some helpful information to prevent this from happening to you!

Why Pipe Freezing is a Problem        

Water has a unique property in that it expands as it freezes. This expansion puts tremendous pressure on whatever is containing it, including metal or plastic pipes. No matter the "strength" of a container, expanding water can cause pipes to break. Pipes that freeze most frequently are those that are exposed to severe cold, like outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool, supply lines, water sprinkler lines, and water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, or garages. Pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation are also subject to freezing.

During Cold Weather, Take Preventative Action

• Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children.
• Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.
• If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F.

If you are to have any water damage because of frozen pipes, please contact SERVPRO of Elk River, Becker and Big Lake for all your repairs! We will be faster to any disaster and make it "Like it never even happened."

Reach SERVPRO of Elk River, Becker and Big Lake at (612) 444-3336!

Water Damage - Be Prepared

10/7/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage? Call SERVPRO of Elk River, Becker and Big Lake at (612) 444-3336!

Why Time is of the Essence in Water Damage

Many home and business owners don’t realize the time factor when dealing with water damage. After the initial damage, water invades and creeps into the home structure as time progresses. With each minute that passes, the water may affect carpet padding, the walls, hardwood floors, and even grout lines in tiles. Unattended water damage in the ceiling is even more damaging because this can lead to the collapse of the ceiling.

Aside from structural damage, water damage can lead to serious problems like poor air quality, growth of mold and mildew, humid atmosphere, and an unpleasant smell that permeates walls, floors, and ceilings. These conditions result in health effects. More than that, when water sits for a long time, total reconstruction is often the only option left for homeowners and business owners.

In order to avoid further problems, it is important that you act quickly on a water damage problem and control the environment within the affected home or building.

Call in a Water Damage Expert

The first thing you need to do is to call in a water damage restoration expert to do assessment of the affected area. SERVPRO of Elk River, Becker and Big Lake can fully determine the extent of the damage. After the inspection and assessment, we can develop a comprehensive restoration plan. The plan shall include determining which items are worthy of restoration.

Control the Home or Building Indoor Environment

As water damage results in poor indoor environment, it is very important that you attend to this problem to avoid health effects. You can limit the bad effects of water damage through controlling temperature, airflow, and relative humidity. An effective way to control these conditions, high moisture environment in particular, is to use damage restoration drying equipment like air movers and dehumidifiers.

Drying the structure using drying equipment often eliminates the necessity of replacing walls, carpet, hardwood floor, and other affected area, which can be expensive. More importantly, you remove the bad odor and stain caused by mold and mildew. If drying the structure is not properly done, these problems will come back after few weeks.

Should your home or business suffer water damage as a result of a toilet leak, dishwasher leak, sump pump backup or from any other source, please contact SERVPRO of Elk River, Becker and Big Lake at (612) 444-3336. 

We are available 24/7 and always here to help!

Basement Flooding

5/17/2021 (Permalink)

Flooding issues? Call our crew at (612) 444-3336!

Reach our crew today at (612) 444-3336!

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are several reasons why your basement could flood, including: 

• A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
• Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
• Storm sewer backup
• Sanitary sewer backup
• Foundation drainage failure
• Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
• And many more

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today - (612) 444-3336

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It is worth making a call to SERVPRO of Elk River, Becker, and Big Lake and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

• We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
• We are a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
• We Bill the Insurance Directly – One Less Thing for You to Worry About
• Our Technicians are Highly Trained in Water Restoration Techniques
• We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards

00Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We are Ready to Help (612) 444-3336.

5 Frequently Asked Water Questions

4/28/2021 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Elk River, Becker, and Big Lake at (612) 444 - 3336!

Call (612) 444 - 3336!

1. What causes water damage?

Water damage can occur from natural disasters, pipe bursts, appliance malfunctions, roof leaks, foundations leaks, septic tank overflows, poor drainage and the list continues.  Flash flooding, pipe bursts, and sewage backups are especially dangerous as they can produce several inches of water in less than a day. 

2. Why can water damage be dangerous?

Floodwater that comes from outside and from sewage backups can contain dangerous contaminants such as viruses and bacteria.  If the water is not drained within 24-48 hours, structural damage and mold growth can occur.

3. What should I do after a flood, sewage, or water leak?

Contacting a professionally trained company, SERVPRO of Elk River, Becker and Big Lake, is one of the first steps. Waiting to complete this step can cause irredeemable and mold damage to the wood, walls, and carpet.

4. How do the certified technicians handle water damage?

SERVPRO of Elk River, Becker and Big Lake wants to be sure to answer all questions in hopes to help put your mind more at ease. The crew will then determine which items can be restored. If items cannot be restored, they will be removed. The drying out and disinfecting of all areas will then begin.

5. Will my homeowner’s insurance cover water damage?

It is important to notify your insurance company to determine your insurance coverage. The crew at SERVPRO of Elk River, Becker and Big Lake will work with your insurance company to help meet your needs. 

Experience water damage? Contact our crew at (612) 444 – 3336!