Archived Blog Posts
How to Avoid Furnace Fires | SERVPRO® of Rockwall/Rowlett
11/3/2021 (Permalink)
If you experience any property damage due to a fire, we are here to help. Contact SERVPRO of Rockwall/Rowlett to learn more.
Wow! The temps have gotten cooler. With fall upon us, we may be thinking about cranking up our furnaces again. Waking up with toasty toes rather than a freezing nose has its temptations.
About 62 million houses in the U.S. use natural gas furnaces for heat. Other houses use wood furnaces, and a proud few still burn coal. These suggestions focus on gas furnaces, but it’s important to perform preventive maintenance on any type of furnace.
Clean-Up Time
Clean around the furnace. Do a quick clean-up, making sure no insulation, paper, boxes or anything else is stored within three feet of the furnace.
Clean the furnace itself. Dirt can cause motor overheating, and it can prevent you from seeing problems with wiring or other issues.
Look at Your Air Filter
Is your air filter clean? Dirty air filters can reduce air flow and lead to overheating, increasing the chances of fire.
Check Chimney Flues and Outside Vents
Check for buildup inside the vents, as well as outside obstructions such as birds’ nests.
Is Your Smoke Alarm Working?
It’s a good time to check both your smoke and CO alarms. If you don’t have them—get them.
For Some Things, You Need a Professional
Every year, it’s a good idea to have your furnace serviced by a professional. They can check for items such as a cracked heat exchanger, incorrect pressure in the furnace and even flame color, which can indicate how well your furnace is functioning. If you haven’t had your furnace serviced lately, this is a good time to make an appointment.
If your home has suffered fire damage, SERVPRO of Rockwall/Rowlett can help. Our agents are on call around the clock so we can start helping you get back to normal, fast. Contact us at any hour for assistance.
Growing More So We Can Help More | SERVPRO® of Rockwall/Rowlett
11/3/2021 (Permalink)
Climbing up and growing together!
With continued mold services, commercial emergency services, and an increase in residential involvement, SERVPRO of Rockwall/Rowlett has experienced a full circle of growth over the last year.
Our depth of knowledge and service has grown to incorporate new abilities to impact our communities in a positive way and, just in time.
The significant rains we have received this spring have created a higher demand for water damage restoration as well as mold remediation than we have seen in the past. Our team is ready to step in and help the members of Rockwall and surrounding communities.
From helping homeowners restore their properties after various types of damage, to assisting business owners in returning back to business "Like it never even happened," we celebrate our growth and look forward to continuing to grow in the years to come.
If you've experienced water damage in your home or business, please give us a call - we'd love the opportunity to help.
Finding a Restoration Company You Can Trust
11/1/2021 (Permalink)
You can rest easy knowing you’ve got the trusted leader in the restoration industry on the other end of the line, SERVPRO of Rockwall/Rowlett.
Disasters come in all shapes and size—there is no one size fits all! Whether you’ve experienced a tornado, severe thunderstorm, fire or a flood, odds are you’re going to need the services of a restoration company.
When the time comes, you’re going to need to act quickly to decide who is going to be your restoration partner.
There are some vital questions you need to ask when looking for a service and restoration company:
Are They Trustworthy?
Sadly, not everyone who shows up after a disaster is here to help. Disasters bring out scammers, and all they want is a quick buck without having to do the work. Local contractors with ties to the community are in it for the long haul.
We’ve been around the block, so to speak. We’re part of a national company that has been in business for over 50 years, and we’ve been helping people that entire time. We have millions of satisfied customers to prove it.
Moreover, national brands like the PGA Tour trust us to get their facilities and tour stops and restored should a disaster strike an event.
How Fast Can They Get to Me?
Speed is important during an emergency. You’ve got to reach someone right away, and they should have the resources to respond to your needs immediately. Especially if it’s a large local disaster.
When a storm rips through town and creates a mess, we’re on call 24 hours a day to respond to your restoration needs.
Is a Fleet Available If Local Resources Can’t Handle It?
SERVPRO of Rockwall/Rowlett is locally owned and operated, which means there’s always a team right here in town ready to act. But if there is a surge of activity at hand, your local franchise is backed by the full, nationwide network of SERVPRO franchises.
We’re experts at sending disaster response teams from across the region to support a franchisee that is experiencing significant demand. This ensures every homeowner gets the attention they deserve.
When you call SERVPRO, you can rest easy knowing you’ve got the trusted leader in the restoration industry on the other end of the line. When disaster hits home, contact us to get our local experts and nationwide network on your side.
Why SERVPRO® Offers the Performance You Need
9/12/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Rockwall/Rowlett is your local restoration expert. Whether you've had a fire, flood or other disaster we are here to restore and clean-up.
Ever heard of a triple threat? In the show-business world, that’s someone who can dance, act and sing…an all-around performer.
Well, in the cleaning and restoration world, we’re proud to be a triple threat. We perform in every aspect of the business: our expertise, our teamwork and our rapid, round-the-clock service. Let us tell you more.
The Science of Cleaning
If you’ve spent hours of your life toiling with a mop and bucket, you may think cleaning is anything but a science. However, there’s a lot to learn about cleaning.
Just in terms of chemistry alone, there’s a whole field of knowledge studying which products work against which germs, such as COVID-19. Industries such as the CDC set standards for cleaning—standards which we follow.
We don’t just throw soap and water at your business. We study the science, then obtain the necessary certifications, so you’ll know we’re cleaning effectively for your particular situation.
Our Team Includes You
In earlier blogs, we’ve told you about our dedicated crews. Now let us add one more person: YOU.
Whether we’re creating an ongoing plan for your business or meeting an emergency need, we consult with you before a project and then circle back to make sure we’re doing a great job.
24-Hour Service
Our workers are here for you around the clock. Whether you’ve had a fire, flood or other disaster, we show up when you need us to take care of the clean-up and restoration. Our highly trained technicians will take your call, assess your situation and provide advanced services to get you back in business again with minimal time lost.
Now that you’ve learned why we’re a triple threat, keep SERVPRO® in mind. Whether you want a regular Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned visit or have an emergency need, you can contact us at any hour for assistance.
Copyright © 2021 SERVPRO of Rockwall/Rowlett
Know What to Do No Matter Where a Storm Catches You
8/17/2021 (Permalink)
Have you been affected by a storm event? SERVPRO of Rockwall/Rowlett is available 24/7 and ready to assist you with any storm damage.
When you are making the most of your fun in the sun during the summer, you may not even consider the possibility of a sudden storm when the skies are clear. Unfortunately, storms are something you should always be conscious of, especially when the heat and the humidity are high—these create perfect fuel for storms, so they can start in an instant and leave people unprepared.
Be sure you know what to do no matter where a storm catches you with these tips.
Know your options for shelter. When you hear that a storm is a possibility and you are somewhere you can wait out the threat, this would be the ideal thing to do. That being said, when storms come up suddenly, this will not always be an option. You can set up shelter in your vehicle with the proper guidelines in mind, enabling you to wait out the storm anywhere you are.
Practice electrical safety. If there is a thunderstorm in the area, that means that lightning strikes are a possibility as well. Many times, lightning will strike from cloud to cloud instead of from cloud to ground, but it is important to practice electrical safety in any building just in case. Unplug everything around you if you can, and consider installing surge protectors at home and at the office for a solid solution that lasts.
Avoid direct contact with concrete. Though concrete provides a sturdy structure in which to seek shelter, it is also vital that you understand the risk of shock it presents. As most concrete is poured around metal bracers, if lightning strikes the building, the metal can become charged and dissipate this electricity through the concrete. This can cause shock to anyone directly touching the concrete, so it is wise to be aware of.
Stay indoors for at least 30 minutes. When a storm interrupts your otherwise peaceful day spent outdoors, getting back to what you were doing quickly is likely top priority. It is important to wait enough time before heading back outside, however—lightning can travel more than 20 miles, so waiting at least half an hour after the last thunderclap is advised.
If your home sustains damage due to a storm, you can count on us to help. Contact us at any hour to learn more about our storm restoration process.
Copyright © 2021 SERVPRO of Rockwall/Rowlett
Two Types of Smoke
6/23/2021 (Permalink)
smoke rising in black background
Did you know that there are two types of smoke? Well, there are!
The two types are wet and dry smoke:
Wet smoke comes from plastic and rubber, usually low heat or slow-burning fires. The smoke is black and thick with a strong odor and leaves a sticky and smeary residue on the walls, ceiling, and everything within the room. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean than dry smoke.
Dry smoke is usually fast burning, with high temperatures; the heat rises, which means the smoke does too!
SERVPRO of Rockwall/Rowlett are experienced in Fire and Smoke mitigation. We have the knowledge and training to get your home or business back to pre loss conditions. Give us a call, and let us help you with your fire or smoke damage!
Signs Your Home May Have a Water Issue | SERVPRO® of Rockwall/Rowlett
6/2/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Rockwall/Rowlett is a full restoration company. Our restoration experts are on call and ready to help you 24/7.
You’ve just settled in for the perfect quiet evening at home, when you hear it: an unfamiliar dripping sound.
You look to the kitchen; the sink is fine. Nothing is dripping in the bathroom or shower. You sneak around on padded feet until you finally come to realize the sound is…inside your wall? That can’t be good.
Unfortunately, it happens. And it’s just one of many worrisome indicators that you could have a water issue on your hands.
Around 14,000 Americans a day face a water damage emergency. It’s among both the most common and most costly repairs for homeowners.
So how can you catch a leak before it becomes a major emergency? Let’s walk through a few of the most common ways to catch a drip in the act:
Wet or dark spots in the ceiling. These indicate trouble above—if you’re on a top story of the house, it could be a leaky roof. If you’re on a lower floor, the first place to check is the bathroom above you.
Unusual or musty smells. If it suddenly smells like the back room of the comic book store, there’s probably some excess moisture gathering somewhere, and potentially mold as well.
Flaky or bubbly paint. Bubbling paint on your walls or ceiling could indicate a leak that’s causing issues underneath.
Dripping sounds. Follow that sound! If you suddenly hear a drip, search it out until you locate the source. A leaky roof could even produce a drip inside the cavities of your walls.
Increased utility bills. If there’s a sudden rise in your utility bill, it could be a simple toilet fix, but it could also be a sneaky leak somewhere. Check basements, crawlspaces and water heaters first.
You’re not alone. Water leaks in the United States waste an astonishing amount—up to a trillion gallons of water per year. The odds dictate that at some point you will have to deal with a water leak, but finding and dealing with it early will be key in determining whether it’s a small DIY fix or a full-blown home nightmare.
If you notice any of these signs in your home, 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.
Do You Have a Fire Extinguisher? Can You Use It? | SERVPRO® of Rockwall/Rowlett
12/11/2020 (Permalink)
Fire can strike even the best-prepared business. Contact SERVPRO of Rockwall/Rowlett to discuss a SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile for your business
You hear hollering from the break room. One of your employees comes running down the hall—he just caught a bag of popcorn on fire in the microwave, panicked and threw it into the trash can. What next?
Clearly, your first line of defense is to grab the fire extinguisher and use it. But do you have a fire extinguisher? And does anyone know how to actually use it?
You Need Fire Extinguishers in Your Business
In fact, you’re required to have a fire extinguisher in almost every location type, including health care, manufacturing and assembly, day care, hotel or other overnight-stay, shops and storefronts, storage, and more.
Accessibility. Your fire extinguishers have to be accessible, meaning someone can handily grab one.
Visibility. Your fire extinguisher also has to be visible. If it’s tucked under the kitchen sink, signs need to direct people that it’s in there.
Types of Fire Extinguishers
Different businesses may need different fire extinguisher types. These include:
Type A is used for “ordinary combustibles.” This is fine if you have a typical office or shop.
Type B is for flammable liquids, such as paints or cooking oils.
Type C is for areas where you may have an electrical fire.
Type D is for areas where you may have combustible metals.
How to Use a Fire Extinguisher
A fire extinguisher can look scary, but it’s actually pretty simple (though messy) to use. First, pull the pin to break the tamper seal. Then aim the nozzle toward the base of the fire and squeeze. Sweep back and forth until the fire goes out. You may need to watch for a flare-up and use the fire extinguisher again if needed.
Make sure your employees know how to use their office fire extinguisher. A diagram like this one by OSHA can help people master the basics.
Fire can strike even the best-prepared business. To discuss a SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile for your business, contact us at any hour for assistance.
How to Avoid Furnace Fires | SERVPRO® of Rockwall/Rowlett
9/25/2020 (Permalink)
If you experience any property damage due to a fire, we are here to help. Contact SERVPRO of Rockwall/Rowlett to learn more.
Wow! This summer has definitely been a warm one. But with fall upon us, we may be thinking about cranking up our furnaces again. Waking up with toasty toes rather than a freezing nose has its temptations.
About 62 million houses in the U.S. use natural gas furnaces for heat. Other houses use wood furnaces, and a proud few still burn coal. These suggestions focus on gas furnaces, but it’s important to perform preventive maintenance on any type of furnace.
Clean-Up Time
Clean around the furnace. Do a quick clean-up, making sure no insulation, paper, boxes or anything else is stored within three feet of the furnace.
Clean the furnace itself. Dirt can cause motor overheating, and it can prevent you from seeing problems with wiring or other issues.
Look at Your Air Filter
Is your air filter clean? Dirty air filters can reduce air flow and lead to overheating, increasing the chances of fire.
Check Chimney Flues and Outside Vents
Check for buildup inside the vents, as well as outside obstructions such as birds’ nests.
Is Your Smoke Alarm Working?
It’s a good time to check both your smoke and CO alarms. If you don’t have them—get them.
For Some Things, You Need a Professional
Every year, it’s a good idea to have your furnace serviced by a professional. They can check for items such as a cracked heat exchanger, incorrect pressure in the furnace and even flame color, which can indicate how well your furnace is functioning. If you haven’t had your furnace serviced lately, this is a good time to make an appointment.
If your home has suffered fire damage, SERVPRO of Rockwall/Rowlett can help. Our agents are on call around the clock so we can start helping you get back to normal, fast. Contact us at any hour for assistance.
Planning and Executing Workplace Fire Evacuation Drills | SERVPRO® of Rockwall/Rowlett
9/25/2020 (Permalink)
If your business experiences any fire damage, you can count on us. SERVPRO of Rockwall/Rowlett specializes in fire restoration.
Understanding your business’ risk levels from a market perspective is key, but it is important to also understand the risk levels you face from disasters and emergencies. Fires at businesses occur every year, and for those who do not focus on lessening their impact, they can be devastating.
While there are many elements to fire safety in the workplace, we highly encourage businesses to start with what will keep their staff as safe as possible by creating a system for evacuation drills. These drills will not take up much time and will help your staff know exactly what to do if the fire alarm sounds.
Create a System for Evacuation Drills at Your Business
Consult with your local fire officials. There are many online resources available for business owners to do their research regarding fire safety, but do not forget about community resources as well. The local fire squad will likely be able to schedule a visit and provide you with valuable counsel regarding the best evacuation routes to set up based on the specifics of your building.
Communicate and mark fire evacuation routes. After you have decided what evacuation routes suit your needs, be sure they are labeled clearly and your staff is aware of the upcoming drill. Keeping everyone looped in will create more transparency and be sure every one of your staff members are prepared when the drill begins.
Have fire drills frequently. While it is possible to have drills too frequently, we generally find that the problem is not scheduling them often enough to make an impact. You should have them with enough regularity that they are fresh in everyone’s mind, so that even if a fire does start unexpectedly, everyone remembers exactly what the protocol is.
Run different fire scenarios. Fires can start and spread in a multitude of ways, especially in a commercial or office space. Keep your drills dynamic by taking this into account—have the drill begin in different spots around the office, so your staff can become accustomed to using different exits with little notice just as they would need to in a real fire.
If your business has experienced fire damage, you can count on us. We specialize in commercial fire restoration and will be here for you at any hour—contact us today.
Navigating Storm Damage Insurance | SERVPRO® of Rockwall/Rowlett
9/23/2020 (Permalink)
If you are facing Storm Damage let us help you get back to your pre-Storm conditions. Call SERVPRO of ROCKWALL/ROWLETT for all your Storm Damage needs
Boom! Storms can hit at any time. They’re not just frightening and dangerous. Storms can be expensive. The Congressional Budget Office notes that American households experience about $34 billion in storm-related losses every year.
In those first hours after a storm, you may be scrambling to recover possessions, locate a missing pet or find a place to stay. At the same time, you may be looking at hundreds or thousands of dollars of repairs. Careful planning can help you cover those costs.
Plan Ahead
Check Your Coverage. United Policyholders, a nonprofit group that advocates for insurance policyholders, suggests everyone become familiar with their insurance policy before a storm hits. For instance, check the wording of your policy to see whether storm water that backs up from sewers or drains is covered.
Maintain Your Property. Your insurance claim may be weaker if your home was already in poor repair. Always make sure your gutters are clean. Keep your roof in good condition. Take care of any damage as it happens. To help prove your damage was due to a sudden event, keep “before” photos of your house in good condition.
Moving Forward
Safety Is No.1. After a storm, make sure you and your family are safe. Check for hazards, such as fallen power lines. You may need to move to a temporary shelter. Do what you can to limit ongoing damage. For example, you may need to place a tarp over a hole in your roof.
Look Into Federal Help. Your local FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Assistance) office may be able to help you find emergency shelter. If the storm has caused widespread damage in your area, FEMA may already have an agent on the ground where you live.
Take Pictures, Take Notes. If your home was damaged, make detailed documentation.
File Your Claim. First, look at your insurance policy. You may not want to file a claim that’s smaller than your deductible. When you’re ready to file, reach out to your company. They’ll assign an agent to help you through the process. Keep records of your conversations with your agent. With persistence, you should soon have your property in tip-top shape again!
We have deep experience working with insurance companies to get claims processed. If you experience storm damage, contact us at any hour for quick assistance.
How Can I Detect and Correct Leaky Pipes? | SERVPRO® of Rockwall/Rowlett
9/23/2020 (Permalink)
Quick—can you name the sources of water damage in your home? You might easily name storms, old roofing, floods and even leaky appliances. One source of water damage that often falls out of sight/out of mind…leaky pipes!
If you do have leaking pipes in your home or business, you need to promptly locate them. Unlike storm damage, slow leaks are not usually covered by insurance.
Maybe you’ve never done a plumbing of any size. The prospect can seem scary. But if it’s in an accessible place, you can often fix a leaky pipe by yourself. This video and many others like it show you the basics of fixing a leaky pipe.
Find It. Fix It. Or Get Help.
Where is the leak? What should you look for when you suspect a leak…or feel actual dampness around your toes?
- Ceiling stains
- Damaged flooring
- Loose, flaking caulking or grout
- Looseness of your sink faucet or handles
- Mold or mildew
- Puddles (of course)
- Tiles that keep coming up
- Toilet that moves when you rock it
Pinpoint the exact source. Saying, “My bathroom plumbing is leaking” is just the first step. Any number of pipes might be causing your bathroom tile to come up. Now, it’s time to narrow down. Check the access panel behind your tub. Look under countertops. Try partially filling your tub or sink. See if you can find water welling up around any pipe joints you see. (Small leaks can be detected by wrapping a dry paper towel around the joint.)
DIY, or call an expert? If you can see and get your hands around a leaky pipe, you can likely repair it yourself. But plenty of leaks are just hard to get to. Or maybe you still can’t pin down a source. Call in a reputable plumber to take it from there. Even for small leaks, early attention will save you money down the road.
I’ve Fixed the Leak, But It’s Looking Moldy
Now that you’ve fixed the leak, does the spot need a clean-up? Call SERVPRO®. In business more than 50 years, we’re experts at cleaning up after water damage.
We’re a local franchise of a national company. That means we have the sense of urgency of a small business, but we can draw on national expertise.
Need to clean up some water damage? Contact us at any time, round the clock for quick service and great results.
CPR and AED Awareness Week
6/4/2019 (Permalink)
Do you know how to use the emergency equipment in your home or office? Do you know what tools you have on hand?
Every year, from June 1st through June 7th, is National CPR and Automated External Defribrillator (AED) Awareness Week.
This awareness week was initially established in 2007 by the American Heart Association, the American Red Cross, and the National Safety Council. The idea of the week was to make more people aware of how these instruments can help in bringing life saving assistance to those who need it, as well as educating others in how to utilize this equipment in their homes or offices.
Given our line of work, SERVPRO of Rockwall / Rowlett works alongside many emergency organizations, assisting with restoration, cleanup, and the spreading of awareness beneficial in crisis situations.
For additional information, or to sign up for a training session in your area, visit heart.org or redcross.org
How to Handle Hoarding
6/4/2019 (Permalink)
When hoarding hinders your restoration, SERVPRO of Rockwall / Rowlett is ready to help!
As a property manager, insurance agent, or landlord, there are many various types of situations you might encounter when you deal with tenants; One of those is hoarding.
According to The Mayo Clinic, “Hoarding disorder is a persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions because of a perceived need to save them.” Majority of the people who struggle with hoarding don't recognize their tendencies to be problematic. Hoarding can lead to large amounts of accumulated items, which can range from regular household things, clothing, trash, furniture, and anything else the occupant doesn't want to get rid of.
A hoarding situation could be discovered when our franchise arrives on-site after being called to respond to a fire or water loss. Or, it could be that the situation is brought to the attention of the property manager or landlord. However it is discovered, we are able to communicate with the insurance company about contents coverage and, after receiving approval, contents can be packed out, cleaned (when possible), dried, and stored by SERVPRO of Rockwall / Rowlett so that work on the fire or water loss can begin.
Every situation varies, but we are passionate about showing compassion in the midst of difficult circumstances. If you encounter a hoarding situation at one of your properties, or with one of your insureds, call SERVPRO of Rockwall / Rowlett, and let us help make it “Like it never even happened.”
SERVPRO of Rockwall/Rowlett is Storm Ready
5/21/2019 (Permalink)
Storms will happen. We are ready. Are you?
When storms or floods hit, SERVPRO of Rockwall/Rowlett is ready!
We have seen an enormous amount of rain already this spring, and hurricane season started yesterday!
Our professional teams are ready to respond to your home or business following water damage.
Since we are locally owned and operated, SERVPRO of Rockwall/Rowlett is able to respond quickly to your loss. We know that, by getting on site faster, we are able to reduce the damage and prevent additional damage, which keeps restoration costs lower.
While we're located in Rowlett, we are ready to serve wherever we're needed. Through our nationwide network of franchises and elite Disaster Recovery Teams strategically located throughout the United States, we are equipped to handle any size disaster. We mobilized to help our neighbors in Houston when Hurricane Harvey hit. Whether the need is local or abroad, we are ready to respond.
Have storm or flood damage?
Call us today 214-607-1900
What Does Homeowners' Insurance Cover for Mold Damage?
5/20/2019 (Permalink)
Homeowners' Insurance coverage of mold can be tricky. Do you know what your plan covers?
You should check with your insurance agent as to the specifics of what your personal homeowner's coverage plan provides - this isn't extensive or a guarantee of coverage, just what is most common.
Homeowners' insurance usually covers mold if a "covered peril" caused the mold. In that case, your insurance policy will likely pay for repairs and clean-up.
Here are some of homeowners’ insurance covered perils:
- Fire
- Lightning
- Vandalism or malicious mischief
- Damage caused by vehicles
- Theft
- Falling objects
- Weight of ice, snow, or sleet
- Accidental discharge or overflow of water or steam from plumbing, heating, air conditioners, sprinkler systems, or household appliances
- Frozen pipes
Some real world examples when homeowners’ insurance will likely cover you in the event of a loss:
- An ice dam forms in a roof gutter during a rough winter, and water backs up under your shingles. The water leaks into your attic, soaks your attic floor and insulation, and creates mold.
- A pipe bursts in your home and dumps gallons of water on the floor and saturates drywall while you're at work. Mold begins to form before you call.
- A washer hose springs a leak and damages behind your washer. The washer hose isn't old, you stop the leak, and report the damage immediately, but not before mold forms.
These are "sudden and accidental" incidents. Insurance companies typically cover this type of damage. In fact, non-weather related water damage is one of the most common home insurance claims and one of the most expensive.
SERVPRO of Rockwall/Rowlett has experience working with insurance providers, and can help navigate the mitigation of your home damage with your insurance company.
What Doesn't Homeowners' Insurance Cover for Mold Damage?
5/20/2019 (Permalink)
Whether your mold damage is covered by insurance or not, we can help.
{You should check with your insurance agent as to the specifics of what your personal homeowner's coverage plan provides - this isn't extensive or a guarantee of coverage or lack thereof, just what is most common.}
Homeowners' insurance covers mold damage if it was caused by a "covered peril." [See our other blog, "What Does Homeowners' Insurance Cover for Mold Damage?"] Otherwise, an insurance company will likely not cover mold damage. There are exceptions, which we will get into later. Homeowners' insurance policies usually don't cover mold that resulted from a preventable water leak, flooding, or high humidity.
When homeowners’ insurance will likely NOT cover you:
Your basement pipes freeze and burst. You don't notice it for a few weeks. Now, you have a few inches of water on your floor and mold growing.
Broken shingles on your 40-year-old roof allows water into the attic. Water saturates wood and insulation and leads to mold in the attic.
Mold forms in your shower. You don't think much about it until one day you notice that it's really unsightly and you're concerned about whether it's making your family sick.
In these cases, an insurer will likely not cover the damage. Why? An insurance company expects you to take care of your house. That means properly ventilating the bathroom, replacing an old roof, and checking your basement regularly; An important reason to stay on top of home maintenance.
Also, the standard homeowners' insurance policy does not cover water damage caused by a flood. Thus, if a flood causes water damage that leads to mold, the resulting mold issue would not be covered by your home policy.
A separate flood policy may cover mold and mildew, as long as it’s not caused by the homeowner’s failure to inspect and maintain the property after the flood. That means that, once you can get back into your home, you need to start trying to clean up and keep mold from growing or spreading.
How do you know if my homeowner insurance policy covers mold?
As mentioned earlier, homeowners’ insurance companies usually don't cover mold damage unless it's directly related to a "covered peril." The good news -- there are exceptions.
Check your homeowner’s insurance policy to see if there is any language about mold claims. Some insurers offer limited coverage for mold claims. This may mean limiting how much the insurer will pay for a mold-related claim. An insurer may increase the cost of a home insurance policy if you have mold-related coverage.
If you don't have mold coverage, you can buy an endorsement to your insurance policy that adds mold coverage. An endorsement is when an insurance company adds additional coverage to a regular home insurance policy, for an additional fee.
SERVPRO of Rockwall/Rowlett has experience working with insurance providers, as well as with individuals. We can help navigate the mitigation of your home mold damage with your insurance company if it's covered, or help you navigate the remediation if it isn't.
Growing More So We Can Help More
5/20/2019 (Permalink)
Climbing up and growing together!
With continued mold services, commercial emergency services, and an increase in residential involvement, SERVPRO of Rockwall/Rowlett has experienced a full circle of growth over the last year.
Our depth of knowledge and service has grown to incorporate new abilities to impact our communities in a positive way and, just in time.
The significant rains we have received this spring have created a higher demand for water damage restoration as well as mold remediation than we have seen in the past. Our team is ready to step in and help the members of Rockwall and surrounding communities.
From helping homeowners restore their properties after various types of damage, to assisting business owners in returning back to business "Like it never even happened," we celebrate our growth and look forward to continuing to grow in the years to come.
If you've experienced water damage in your home or business, please give us a call - we'd love the opportunity to help.
Recent Rains Increase Demand for Mold Experts
5/13/2019 (Permalink)
Do you have mold in your house? SERVPRO of Rockwall/Rowlett is a licensed Mold Remediator in the State of Texas
Heavy rainfall amounts have impacted much of Texas recently. Many homes and businesses have been impacted by rising flood waters and leaky roofs.
SERVPRO of Rockwall/Rowlett has been on the scene to quickly handle water mitigation and flood cleanup for those who called us onsite. Some who tried to clean up themselves are now dealing with a much more serious mold issue.
If you suspect mold growth in your home or business, SERVPRO of Rockwall/Rowlett is certified by the State of Texas for Mold Remediation.
Here are some things to consider:
- Do not take for granted any unusual growth. Mold takes on many shapes, forms, and colors.
- Try to determine or recall what the source might be. Is it an unknown water leak? Is it from a previous, un-mitigated water damage?
- Do some inspecting. Are more than 25 square feet impacted? In the event that there are 25 or more square feet of affected surface, the state of Texas requires a Protocol from an Industrial Hygienist (which includes the types of mold present and clearance testing to confirm the mitigation is completed) and a work plan be submitted to the state prior to any remediation efforts begin. This is to protect customers from non-licensed contractors causing mold to spread throughout the facility.
- If you suspect you have mold, call SERVPRO of Rockwall/Rowlett. We can and will help you with any size project, no matter how big or small.
Overnight Leak Doesn't Dampen Business
5/13/2019 (Permalink)
Despite a water loss, SERVPRO of Rockwall/Rowlett worked quickly to ensure that this business was back in business.
SERVPRO of Rockwall/Rowlett responded to a call from a flooded restaurant supply company that rests in the suburbs of Dallas.
On the outskirts of Rockwall, bumped up next to Fate and Royse City, an unassuming building reported that nearly 4,000 square feet of office, showroom, and warehouse space had flooded due to a small sink supply line that ruptured sometime after 5:30pm the night before.
We dispatched a team immediately, who started pushing water out of the warehouse and used an on-site shopvac to extract what water they could from the office area and continued working until the rest of our team arrived.
Once our Crew Chiefs and technicians were on site, they promptly assessed the extent of damage, and put together an action plan to begin the mitigation process. Due to some specialty treatments on the wall, the drying process took a few additional days. However, the walls were dried, the carpet salvaged, and business was not disrupted for more than a couple of hours on the first morning. SERVPRO of Rockwall/Rowlett helped make it "Like it never even happened."
State of the Art Technology Elevates Customer Service
5/13/2019 (Permalink)
Have an emergency? We're Here to Help.
At SERVPRO of Rockwall/Rowlett, we utilize technology to better serve our customers all over the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex.
From iPads equipped with proprietary apps that allow our crew chiefs to input and analyze data at lightning fast speeds, to iPhones linked to e-mail and GPS, we have reduced response time to losses; and have the capability to get the right amount of equipment placed and running more quickly than ever before. Our mobile digital technology allows our on-site technicians and crew chiefs to share real, live-time data with our office staff.
Our ability to respond more quickly, process data faster, and start the remediation process of any fire, water, or natural disaster damage at record speed and efficiency boosts the performance of our crews and staff. Because of these advancements, we are able to:
- save clients money through restoration instead of demo and replacement
- close insurance claims in record time due to quicker turn around on estimates
- document and confirm drying reports and send them to all interested parties in a matter of minutes.
Here at SERVPRO of Rockwall/Rowlett, we are happy to find a balance in leveraging new technology and wireless connectivity to give back our customers their homes and businesses.
Flooded Four-story Apartment Building
5/13/2019 (Permalink)
No job is too big or too small!
A plumbing line malfunction on the 4th floor of this under-construction apartment complex caused flooding from the 4th floor all the way down to the 1st floor garage area. After only 12 hours of water migration, the water had already affected insulation, drywall, kitchen cabinets, and flooring throughout 12 separate units.
SERVPRO of Rockwall/Rowlett was called upon to dry out the structure. The picture shows our response team vehicles in front of the damaged structure. We immediately deployed our crews and provided a one-hour response time, eliminating further water migration and secondary damage to the building.
The contractor was thrilled and he said "We were very impressed with the response time of the crews and how well they took control of the situation."
24/7 Emergency Service
