Understanding the Dangers of Category 3 Water Damage: What You Need to Know

3/11/2023 (Permalink)

Understanding water damage is severe when it comes to damages and secondary damages it can cause to your property.

Water damage is a major concern for any property owner, and it can happen for various reasons such as floods, leaks, burst pipes, or natural disasters. When water damage occurs, it is categorized into three categories based on the level of contamination in the water. Category 1 is clean water, category 2 is grey water, and category 3 is black water. Category 3 water damage is the most severe type of water damage, and it requires immediate and professional attention.

Category 3 water damage, also known as black water damage, refers to water that is highly contaminated and carries harmful pathogens and bacteria that pose serious health risks. This type of water damage can be caused by sewage backups, toilet overflows, or natural disasters such as hurricanes or floods. Category 3 water damage can also occur when category 1 or category 2 water damage is left untreated, and the water becomes stagnant and contaminated over time.

The following are some characteristics of category 3 water damage:

Unpleasant Odor: Category 3 water damage has a distinct smell that is unpleasant and can be overwhelming. The odor is caused by the presence of organic matter such as feces, urine, or other contaminants.

Destruction of Property: Category 3 water damage can cause significant damage to property, including walls, flooring, carpets, and furniture. This type of water damage can also lead to mold growth, which can further damage property and pose secondary damages.

Difficult to Clean: Category 3 water damage requires specialized equipment and cleaning techniques to ensure that all contaminants are properly removed. It is essential to hire a professional water damage restoration company that has the expertise and equipment necessary to handle category 3 water damage.

If your property has experienced category 3 water damage, it is crucial to act quickly and contact a professional water damage restoration company. They will assess the extent of the damage, determine the level of contamination, and develop a plan to clean and restore your property. Restoration professionals will use specialized equipment such as industrial-strength dehumidifiers, air scrubbers, and HEPA filters to remove all contaminants and restore the property to its pre-damaged condition.

In conclusion, category 3 water damage is a severe type of water damage that poses secondary damages and requires immediate attention. It is essential to hire a professional water damage restoration company to ensure that all contaminants are properly removed and your property is restored to its pre-damaged condition. By taking quick action and hiring a professional restoration company, you can minimize the damage and protect your health and property.

Top Causes of Kitchen Fires

2/7/2023 (Permalink)

If your property suffers from fire damage, give SERVPRO a call today.

Fires in the kitchen are a problem that is often preventable. Kitchen fires often occur because of negligent cooking habits, such as leaving food unattended on the stove or overloading electrical outlets with appliances. In order to avoid these types of accidents, keep your kitchen clean and organized and follow proper safety procedures when cooking or using any type of equipment.

Cooking equipment

Use proper cooking equipment. The most common cause of kitchen fires is using inappropriate or unsafe appliances, such as a toaster oven that doesn't have an automatic shutoff switch. Don't leave cooking unattended. If you must leave your stovetop, turn off the burner(s) and keep pot handles facing away from the front edge of the range hood so they don't block airflow if there's a fire in progress. Don't use flammable liquids to start a fire, this includes gasoline and lighter fluid (which are both highly flammable). Instead, consider using matches or lighters to light candles or incense sticks safely indoors--and never smoke while doing so.

Heating equipment

Heating equipment is one of the most common causes of kitchen fires. The following are examples of heating equipment that can cause fires. Range hoods and fans. Microwave ovens, toaster ovens and coffee makers with heating elements. To prevent fires caused by these items, use approved extension cords and do not overload outlets with too many appliances.

If you suspect an electrical short, turn off power at the main breaker box before investigating further; never stick your hand into the outlet while it's live! If smoke comes out when you open up an electric panel box outdoors, don't try to fix it yourself--call 911 immediately so firefighters can ensure everyone's safety while they come out and repair whatever caused this problem in the first place."

Smoking materials

Smoking materials are a common cause of kitchen fires. Cigarettes, cigars and pipes are all considered smoking materials. Keep them out of reach from children and pets (and never leave them unattended). Never smoke near heat sources such as ovens or stoves; this includes warming drawers on refrigerators or freezers.

Kitchen fires can be caused by many things and should be prevented if possible. All fires have a cause, so it's important to know what causes them. Cooking on an open flame or stovetop without proper supervision is one of the most common causes of kitchen fires.

Appliance Maintenance

Poorly maintained or malfunctioning appliances are another major contributor to kitchen fires. Make sure that all of your appliances are working properly before using them. If you notice any electrical issues with an appliance (such as sparks), unplug it immediately until they can be repaired by a professional technician at least once every six months--or more often if necessary.

Fires in the kitchen can be caused by many things and should be prevented if possible. It is important to have working smoke detectors in your home and always be aware of what is going on around you while cooking. If you notice any strange smells or flames coming from your stovetop, immediately turn off the burner and call 911 before calling an electrician or other professional help. Give SERVPRO a call 24/7 for your fire emergency. 

Identifying Kitchen Water Damage

1/20/2023 (Permalink)

The best way to deal with water damage is to prevent it.

Water damage can be the result of any number of problems in your home. Whether it's a burst pipe, a leaky faucet, or even a sump pump failure, it's important to know how to spot the signs before the damage becomes too extensive. With some basic knowledge and precautions, you can avoid water damage in your own home.

Signs of Water Damage to Watch For

There are some signs of water damage that you should watch for:

• If you notice moisture on your ceiling or walls, it's likely that you have a leak somewhere in your home. This can be a sign that water has been leaking into the walls of your house, which will cause significant damage to them over time if not addressed immediately.
• Mildew and mold growth. If you smell mildew or mold near any water sources (such as sinks or tubs), this could indicate that there's some kind of moisture problem underneath your kitchen sink or bathtub—and it's possible that the damage is spreading throughout the rest of the house as well!

Locate the Source of the Water Damage

In order to begin the process of water damage repair, you first need to locate the source of the leak. This may be a pipe or faucet leaking underneath your sink or a crack in a wall that allowed water through. Once you've identified what caused the leak, use this information to determine where the water damage occurred and how extensive it is.

If you can't find any obvious signs of water damage on your own, it's time to call in a water cleanup expert. The experts have highly advanced technology to locate any hidden moisture in your walls, underneath your flooring, and above your ceiling. 

Prevent Future Water Damage

There are some things you can do to prevent future water damage events and mitigate the damage when it does happen:

• Check your home regularly for water damage. The most common cause of water damage is an unseen leak, so be sure to check your home for any signs of moisture or discoloration on the ceiling, walls, or floors.
• Repair any leaks immediately. Leaks can lead to serious problems if they aren't fixed quickly, so if you notice one in your kitchen, contact a professional right away. 
• Use a drip pan under the refrigerator. This will keep any spills from damaging floors underneath cabinets where they are hard to see until it's too late!

Act Quickly

Water damage can be expensive to fix, and if it's not addressed quickly, the problem will only get worse. As mold and mildew begin to grow in your home, they can cause problems for anyone living there and the structure of the home or business. 

To prevent this from happening to you or your family members, it's important that you identify water damage as soon as possible so it can be dealt with properly before the problem gets worse.

The best way to deal with water damage is to prevent it. Water damage can be incredibly costly and time-consuming. If you notice any signs of water damage in your home, take action immediately by calling the professionals at SERVPRO of Bath/Brunswick - Belfast/Camden/Rockland.

What is Smoke Damage?

12/7/2022 (Permalink)

Smoke damage can be a big burden, but it doesn’t have to be. SERVPRO of Bath/ Brunswick is the right smoke damage restoration company for you.

What is Smoke Damage?

Smoke damage is one of the most common types of property damage that occurs during fires. It can be difficult to remove, because smoke permeates into surfaces, walls and other materials. If you have smoke damage on your property, it's essential to act quickly—the longer you wait after a fire, the harder it is to repair the damage done by the smoke itself.  

Definition of Smoke Damage

Smoke damage is caused by a fire. It can result from a range of materials, including wood, plastic, and metal. Smoke damage can cause structural damage and odor problems.

The smoke settling on furniture or other items within the building will cause discoloration over time due to the material's exposure to high temperatures during combustion—and sometimes even after an item has been removed from its original location.

Types of Smoke Damage

Of all the people who experience smoke and fire damage, you're probably not the first. In fact, there's almost certainly someone in your neighborhood who has been through this before.

It's important to remember that every case of smoke damage is different. Even if you have had smoke damage before, it's still possible that what happened to your neighbor will be different from what happens with your Belfast, ME home. There are so many variables involved in a fire that it can be difficult to predict exactly what might happen when one occurs—but there are some commonalities between all fires and their resulting damages. 

Fire Damage Is Not Limited to Structures

This is one mistake many people make when thinking about how much damage was caused by a fire: they assume only buildings can get damaged by them. However, any structure or object that gets close enough to a fire—and even some things that aren't close enough but were exposed indirectly—can sustain significant amounts of smoke damage as well as heat-related destruction. Therefore, people should consider all potential types of structures when estimating how much repair work they'll need after an incident like this occurs at their home or business.

Categories of Smoke Damage

First, it's important to understand that smoke damage can be caused by many things.

It may seem obvious that a fire is the cause of smoke damage; however, there are actually many other instances when this type of damage occurs.

The three main categories of smoke damage are:

• Fire damage (from a smoldering fire or an actual flame).
• Appliance malfunctioning (whether caused by a mechanical failure or improper use).
• Cooking fire (whether accidental or intentional).

Smoke damage can be a big burden on your life, but it doesn’t have to be. SERVPRO of Bath/ Brunswick is the right smoke damage restoration company for you. With years of experience, high level of training, and state-of-the-art equipment, our team can handle any size smoke damage cleanup necessary. Our team will work hard to make sure everything is back to normal as soon as possible.

How Can Drain Cleaner Damage Pipes?

11/2/2022 (Permalink)

Drain cleaners are an effective tool, but you must use them carefully to avoid damaging your plumbing.

How Can Drain Cleaner Damage Pipes?

Drain cleaner is a useful tool in cleaning out drains that are blocked or moving slowly. Many drain cleaners are made of caustic or acidic substances that can etch and corrode some pipes. Most damage occurs when drain cleaner is left in a drain for too long. Drain cleaners can also cause damage to the septic system, especially if not all of the chemical is washed away into the sewage system.

Drain cleaner is a useful tool for cleaning out drains that are blocked or moving slowly.

In most situations, drain cleaner is used to unclog drains. The product contains chemicals that can help break down grease and grime in drains and pipes.

These chemicals also work to dissolve hair and other organic matter that may have accumulated in your pipes. However, if you don't use it properly or with care, drain cleaner can damage your pipes over time.

Some drain cleaners are made of caustic or acidic substances that can etch and corrode some pipes.

Most drain cleaners are made of caustic or acidic substances that can etch and corrode some pipes. To avoid damage, you should check the packaging before using a new drain cleaner on your pipes. Certain types of metal pipes are more prone to damage by these chemicals than others and should not be used with certain caustic materials in the first place. If you're unsure whether your pipe material is compatible with a particular cleaner, you may want to ask an expert at your local hardware store or call one of our representatives at [insert phone number here].

Some common examples of materials that will be damaged by caustic chemicals include cast iron, galvanized steel (with no coating), PVC plastic pipes that have not been treated for corrosion resistance against strong acids and bases (such as CPVC)

Most damage occurs when drain cleaner is left in a drain for too long.

Drain cleaners work by dissolving clogs in pipes and drains. When left in a drain for too long, they can cause damage to your pipes by corroding them or reducing their flexibility.

Additionally, some drain cleaners contain chemicals that will damage the septic system if not all of it is washed away into the sewage system. This is especially true if you are using a liquid chemical instead of a granular one.

Drain cleaners can also cause damage to the septic system, especially if not all of the chemical is washed away into the sewage system.

It's important to remember that drain cleaners can also cause damage to the septic system, especially if not all of the chemical is washed away into the sewage system. Septic systems are designed to handle organic waste, not chemicals. If too much drain cleaner remains in your pipes for an extended period of time, it could cause damage to your septic tank and/or leach field (the underground pipe that takes waste away from your home).

Drain cleaner is an effective tool, but you must use it carefully to avoid damaging your plumbing.

Drain cleaners are an effective tool, but you must use them carefully to avoid damaging your plumbing. Drain cleaner is not intended for use on frozen pipes, and it should not be left in the drain for too long. Additionally, drain cleaners should never be used on garbage disposals.

The best way to avoid damage is to use drain cleaner only when necessary, and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If you suspect that there is something blocking your pipes or that they are moving slowly, call a professional plumber or contact SERVPRO of Bath/ Brunswick at (207) 721- 8500.

Who Pays for Fire Damage in a Rental Property?

10/2/2022 (Permalink)

Renters' insurance is affordable and can provide protection against a variety of situations that could lead to damage or theft of your property.

Who Is Responsible for Fire Damage in a Rental Property?

Fire damage is a scary and intimidating event. When it happens, a lot of people ask this question: “Who is responsible in case of fire damage in a rental property?" The answer is that both the renter and the landlord are responsible for different parts of the building and its contents. Let’s dig deeper into the details.

The Landlord’s Responsibilities:

The landlord is responsible for all structural damages caused by fire or other natural disasters that occur on their rental property like hurricanes, floods, or earthquakes. The tenant has full responsibility for their personal belongings and can file an insurance claim through their renter's insurance policy if they have one. If you need help understanding what your rights are during this stressful time, please feel free to reach out to us anytime (619) 280-2377. 

Structural Damage to The Property

If the tenant's negligence was to blame for the fire, they will likely have to bear all the costs associated with repairs. However, if there were no known causes of ignition or negligence on behalf of the tenant and/or their guests or visitors, then it’s possible that your landlord may be held responsible for some expenses related to repairs following a fire at their rental property.

The first step in determining who pays for fire damage in a rental property is figuring out whether your landlord’s policy covers structural damages—the damage caused by fire spread through walls and floors rather than just flames themselves. Most insurance policies cover this type of structural damage if it is caused by external factors (like lightning strikes). 

Personal Belongings

It’s important to know that renters’ insurance covers your belongings. If you rent an apartment and want to make sure your personal property is protected, it’s a good idea to invest in renters’ insurance.

This type of policy can be expensive, and landlords aren't required by law to ask tenants what kind of coverage they have. But it's still worth considering—especially if you're replacing expensive items like laptops or jewelry.

You can buy renters insurance online or through an independent broker who specializes in this type of coverage.

The tenant has full responsibility for their personal belongings. 

If you are a tenant, your insurance should cover damage to your personal belongings. This is an optional service that is usually very inexpensive, and it is a good investment if you want to avoid paying out of pocket for damages.

Even if the landlord has insurance on the property, they are not responsible for damage to your personal belongings unless there was negligence involved (for example: someone else caused the fire at the house). In this case, the landlord's insurance will take care of anything that happened during their time of ownership and responsibility over the property. However, if there was no negligence involved in causing damage to one's personal possessions then tenants have full responsibility for their own things through their renters' policy or homeowners' policy with an endorsement stating content coverage while away from home.

Conclusion

The most important thing to remember is that both the tenant and landlord are responsible for certain parts of the building and its contents. If you need help understanding your responsibilities, contact us today!

Securing and Restoring Your Property After a Fire

8/26/2022 (Permalink)

Roof tarping in Brunswick, ME

Secure Your Business Property

If fire damage occurs to your Brunswick, ME, business, there will be a lot to do. One of the most important tasks will be protecting your property from further damage.

Securing the Property

What do criminals, wildlife, and inclement weather have in common? They can all wreak havoc upon a fire-damaged building. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to secure your business property.

• Install a security fence
• Tarp over openings
• Board up broken windows

When a fire department extinguishes a fire, they often break windows and cause other damage that leaves your building vulnerable to looting and other dangerous situations. Inspect the structure for openings and entry points, and block them off using either plywood or a tarp. A security fence can add a second layer of protection.

Remember that your business could be liable for injuries sustained on the property, even by someone who did not have permission to be there. Following these steps will help protect your business from further harm while you are busy repairing the initial fire damage. Additionally, if the insurance company finds you did not take adequate steps to secure the site, they may refuse to pay for any secondary damage that they deem occurred as a result of negligence.

Restoring the Property

In addition to outside factors, soot from the fire and water from the extinguishing efforts can also cause further damage if left too long. It is important to begin the fire cleanup process as soon as possible. Remove the standing water using either a pump or specialized vacuum. Use a dehumidifier to dry out any remaining water. Clean the smoke and soot from the affected surfaces using an appropriate cleaner and technique. There are a variety of products available on the market for this. Throw out all items that cannot be completely dried and cleaned. Finally, repair or replace all damaged items.

Protecting your property and restoring fire damage can seem like a Herculean task. Fortunately, a professional restoration team can help you get your business back to normal quickly and safely.

4 Ways to Minimize Business Interruption Claims

8/21/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial water damage in Brunswick, ME

Below Are Five Ways To Ensure Your Business Is Ready For Anything

For any business in Brunswick, ME, business interruption insurance is vital for navigating an unexpected event that requires temporarily closing down. If a broken pipe creates extensive flooding, most policies will help cover lost income, mortgage or rent payments, taxes, payroll and other potential expenses. While no one can eliminate overwhelming events from happening, being prepared provides a better chance at getting back up on your feet faster. 

1. Research Potential Risks

Understanding the highest risks your business may face is essential. Identifying and categorizing them on what may be preventable and what may not is essential. While weather-related risks may be unavoidable, knowing flood or storm risks makes it easier to set up mitigation measures to minimize losses.

2. Know the Cost

After the risks are identified and ranked, their potential impact should be calculated. Each item that is listed should be broken down to include the impact of lost income, added expenses, potential fines or penalties, and how it will delay business.

3. Minimize Hazards
Once potential hazards are known, the easier it is to determine ways to prevent, deter or mitigate them from happening. If flooding is a high risk, mitigation may be mean prepping the business with sandbags or other measures.

4. Create a Plan

A plan of action and communication plan are needed to ensure proper steps are taken and everyone is aware of what needs to happen in a loss situation. From safety and evacuation protocols to properly securing data offsite and communicating downtime to customers, having these elements already established is essential for a swifter recovery.
If flooding causes large water damage, the aftermath can be overwhelming. Being prepared and planning for anything can provide peace of mind while the water damage and restoration experts get your business back to “Like it never even happened.”

Why Tarps Are Necessary After Fire Damage

8/11/2022 (Permalink)

Talk to a restoration specialist to ask about tarps

Four Reasons To Use Tarps

Commercial property fires often result in significant damages despite having fire prevention systems in place. Often, damage accumulates on the roof because of rescue techniques implemented on the scene. While many fire cleanup companies in Brunswick, ME, provide roof repair services, as an owner-operator, you need to mitigate your losses before the repair. There are at least four reasons to use tarps if your roof experiences damages.

1. Weather
2. Animal
3. Vagrants
4. Liability
   
   

Weather
Most restoration companies offer tarp services for immediate mitigation. Weather is one of the leading reasons for using tarps on your roof, especially for large holes. Tarps are less expensive than plywood and can cover larger areas. These plastic sheets create a barrier between outdoor elements, such as rain, keeping the inside of your property dry.

Animals
While the cleanup may remove all debris from the fire, if you do not block holes, your property is vulnerable to wildlife. Birds may nest in your rafters. Squirrels may burrow into your insulation. Tarps can add protection against invasive animals looking for warmth or shelter. The last thing you need is a pest problem.

Vagrants
Tarps and plywood are the standards for sealing off a property after a fire. Renovation specialists use these materials to protect against natural elements, but they also help deter vagrants and other intruders from setting up camp in your building. You may also want to consider temporary fencing as an added deterrent.

Liability
After any disaster, you may need to notify your insurer to file a claim. The claim is an official document specifying the resulting damage from the fire, which is an important distinction. Any loss occurring after the fire, you are likely responsible for, meaning there is possibly a need for mitigation after a fire.

If you are amid a fire cleanup, consider securing your property against further damage. Talk to a restoration specialist and your insurer to ask about tarps and other mitigation standards.

3 Things You Should Have in Your First Aid Kit

7/23/2022 (Permalink)

If you own a commercial property, you should always have a first aid kit on hand

Here Are Three Items You Should Always Have Available

If you own a commercial property, you should always have a first aid kit on hand. While a serious accident may seem unlikely, a properly stocked kit can prove invaluable should an emergency strike. Everything in an aid kit has is a first line of defense for those helping someone in need of immediate assistance. 

1. Cleaning Agent

Before a wound can be treated, it needs to be cleaned. Bacteria present in dirt or other foreign substances can cause infection that can significantly worsen a straightforward prognosis. Before using a cleaning agent to kill bacteria, it is important to remove the buildup of any material in or around a wound.

2. Bandages

Bandages are ubiquitous in every first aid kit for a reason. These wraps come in many types that can address different kinds of abrasions and lacerations on different parts of the body. Bandages help to keep dressings in place, control bleeding, and hold splints or other supports. They are not a replacement for stitches or intensive medical care, however, so you should always seek medical help when dealing with a major wound.

3. Resuscitation Equipment

Resuscitation masks, bags, and airways are essential for serious incidents in which an individual requires manual ventilation. Because resuscitation equipment can save the life of an employee who has had an airway obstruction or a heart attack, you should routinely check that your emergency kit is stocked.

If the employees at your Bath, ME, business are dealing with a storm or other disaster, your first responsibility is to make sure everyone is safe and gets the medical attention they need. After you have done this, you can start thinking about the cleanup process. In addition to contacting storm restoration professionals to provide you with any equipment or expertise you may lack, be sure to restock your first aid kit to be ready for the next disaster.