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!

Ice & Snow

11/21/2024 (Permalink)

Call us at (612) 444 - 3336!

When the winter weather gets more extreme, so do the consequences of not preparing for the worst. Small issues like an overhanging tree can turn into a tree in the living room after a cold-snap and strong winds. Pipes can burst in winter which could leave you without hot water or flood damages. Both which can be incredibly dangerous in cold weather. Regardless what kinds of damages you face, a disaster restoration plan is something that no homeowner should be without.

Below are some of the risks that you could encounter and ways to cope effectively.

Ice & Snow
Ice storms can lead to the formation of ice dams that tear roof shingles apart or make gutters fall. Also, they can have impact on the trees and power lines around your property. When these matters collapse, the aftermath may cause damages. 

In some cases, snow buildup can damage homes. This can be very concerning with older properties that may not be quite as structurally sound as they once were. Heavy snow that causes your roof to bend or warp can create weaknesses. That is why one should take needed precautions to help prevent damage. 

When it comes to the winter season, rapid emergency restoration needs to be one of your primary concerns.

If you experience any disasters or damages, contact SERVPRO of Elk River, Becker and Big Lake at (612) 444 - 3336!

We are always here to help!

Property Damages

4/8/2024 (Permalink)

Our crew is ready 24/7 to ensure that we are ready to help! Contact us at (612) 444 - 3336!

Commercial Losses

Water damage can occur in a commercial establishment due to several causes. Many times, this is occurring when it is least expected. Some damages can be evident on items and other properties like water-soaked carpet and furniture. However, some property owners should be aware that there are other hazards that would put the inhabitants of a property at risk.

This is exactly why water damage restoration is important. Water damage restoration is always beneficial whenever there has been water damage to your property. Calling in a team of experts ensures that the job to restore the damaged is done quickly and right. 

Structural Risks Associated with Water Damage

When the property is exposed or soaked in water for a prolonged period, it can cause certain negative effects and subsequent damages to the structure. These effects can include the following:

- Direct damage to the structural materials can result in structural instability. This includes weakening of the wall boards, weakening of the ground earth integrity, twisting, and tilting of the support columns, termite damage and more.

- Malfunctions in the electrical system can cause short circuits leading to shock or fires. Water can also cause considerable damage to electronics, electrical appliances, and other components.

- Prolonged exposure to water can cause corrosion to gas pipes, which eventually may result in leaks. Gas leaks can cause gas poisoning or even fires.

- Damage from water to possessions and other parts of the house including damage to items, peeling of paints, stains on furnishings and textiles, and damaged documents like books, photographs, and parchments.

When these damages continue unabated, it can  create further damage to other structural components. These damages can become very evident and will eventually lead to a significant decrease in the property/market value.

Effective steps are needed to tackle these structural hazards which come after water damage. It is better to prevent a problem than to solve it.

If you have any damages, call SERVPRO of Elk River, Becker, and Big Lake 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!

How To Test Your Smoke Detector & Fire Alarm

12/7/2023 (Permalink)

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

Important To Keep Family Safe

Testing smoke detectors and fire alarms is one of the most important items to help keep your family safe. They are meant to be early warning devices to alert your family of a fire or dangerous smoke. To ensure proper function, these items need to be tested periodically.

Why Do it?

Electronic devices can have batteries that die and other parts that the wear out overtime. By testing them periodically and replacing the batteries, it will help to ensure that your family will have those warning devices in place.

How Often?

U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), suggest that smoke detectors be tested at least once a month and batteries should be replaced at least once or twice a year.

Two Types of Smoke Detectors-

Battery-powered: This type can be susceptible to worn-out or defective batteries.

Hardwired: This type is powered by your home’s electrical system, but typically has back up batteries.

Tip Time: Change your batteries when you change your clocks for daylight savings time – when you spring forward and fall back!

How Do You Test It?

Check the manufacturer’s instructions for the proper method of testing your smoke detector and fire alarm.

Step 1: Alert family members and friends that you will be testing the alarm.

Step 2: Press and hold the test button on the smoke detector. You should hear a loud siren noise, this may take a few seconds. If it is weak or nonexistent, you should replace the batteries. Also, make sure that the smoke detector is clean.

All information and steps above are to help prevent matters from occurring, not a guarantee.

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

Potential Commercial Building Damages

11/6/2023 (Permalink)

If your commercial building is to experience any water, fire, or mold damage contact SERVPRO of Elk River, Becker and Big Lake at (612) 444 - 3336.

Commercial Water Damage  

SERVPRO of Elk River, Becker and Big Lake specializes in water damage whether it be in a residential or commercial building. They specialize in both residential and commercial buildings because water damage can be experienced in both types of buildings. Our crew at SERVPRO of Elk River, Becker and Big Lake will work in a fast and efficient manner to make the process go as smooth as possible. We understand that time is an important fact when it comes to water damage. Whether it be standing water or a flood. 

Understanding the factors that can cause water damage can be helpful in certain instances when dealing with the damage. Here are some causing factors:

1. Frozen Pipes

Temperatures are known to fall in Minnesota for a handful of months. Throughout this time, there are chances for frozen pipes. When the pipes freeze it causes the water inside to expand as it turns into ice, which can cause the pipe to burst. 

2. Corroded Pipes

Most corroded pipes occur due to the high levels of oxygen that they are exposed to. This is a very common occurrence which is why it is known as the second largest leading cause of damaged pipes. These damaged pipes can then lead to water damage. 

3. Sewage Back - Up

There are three common causes of sewage back - up that can occur in one’s commercial building. The three common causes are blockage, clogs, and broken lines. All of these can cause water coming up or being pushed into your building. 

4. Leaking Roof 

Roofs can begin leaking due to a large amount of causes. Some of the causes that the leak can be from are hail damage, clogged gutters, broken/missing shingles, and soffit damage. These are some common causes, but there a number of different causes.

If your residential or commercial building is to experience any water, fire, or mold damage contact SERVPRO of Elk River, Becker and Big Lake at (612) 444 - 3336!

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

Winter is Near

11/6/2023 (Permalink)

If you suffer any damage from a frozen pipe, contact the crew at SERVPRO of Elk River, Becker and Big Lake!

Chilly Minnesota Weather

Winter has been making its return to Minnesota. With colder temperatures and the buckets of snow that the Minnesota winter season can bring, one needs to be prepared for what could happen. These types of conditions can lead to a chance of frozen pipes throughout the winter season. This occurs when the frozen water in pipes starts to build pressure between the ice blockage and the closed faucet at the end of a pipe. Due to this type of pressure, it can lead to pipes bursting near their weak points.

To keep water in the pipes from freezing try taking these following precautions:

• Fit exposed pipes with insulation sleeves or wrapping to slow the heat transfer
• Seal cracks and holes in outside walls and foundations near water pipe with caulking
• Keep cabinet doors open during cold spells to allow warm air to circulate around pipes
• Keep a slow trickle of water flowing through faucets connected to pipes that run through any unheated or unprotected space
• Drain the water system especially if your house will be unattended during cold periods
• Keep house heated even when gone for periods at a time

These precautions cannot guarantee that the pipes in the house will not freeze over, but taking these steps will help prevent it.

If you suffer any damage from a frozen pipe, contact the crew at SERVPRO of Elk River, Becker and Big Lake! We are available 24 hours a day at and are here to help. Reach us 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!

Residential or Commercial

10/9/2023 (Permalink)

If you suffer a fire call SERVPRO of Elk River, Becker, and Big Lake. Reach us at (612) 444 - 3336.

Fire Damage

Fires in your home or business can be a disaster. They can destroy a multitude of contents and leave behind a strong odor, scorched belongings, and a tough process to endure. SERVPRO of Elk River, Becker and Big Lake is experienced in working through this process. Our team wants to ensure that the process is as smooth and as painless as possible. As we know that after experiencing a fire can be a very tough time for a home or business.

When we begin the process, we start by meeting with you at your home or business to determine the scope of work that needs to be done and contacting your insurance company so all parties are under the same agreement regarding what can be cleaned and what cannot. With our team, we can pack out, clean your home or business, and eliminate the odor that was left behind. 

As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of Elk River, Becker and Big Lake is strategically located to respond quickly to your smoke or fire damage event. When a major fire or disaster event occurs, we can call upon our national network of 1,700 SERVPRO Franchises and special Disaster Recovery Teams if we need additional resources or personnel.

If you suffer a fire, do not attempt to go down this road alone; call SERVPRO of Elk River, Becker, and Big Lake as we would like to work for you and reduce the fear and unknown in this process. 

We can be contacted 24/7 at (612) 444-3336!