Heavy Rainfall and Water Damage

5/1/2024 (Permalink)

lightning storm

While water damage is typically associated with events like flooding or plumbing malfunctions, heavy rain can also cause its own set of issues regarding water damage around the house.  Areas around Fort Worth are subject to potential downpours at any time of the year.

Heavy rain is considered rainfall at rates over 0.3 inches per hour and can work its way into much smaller vulnerabilities in your home. To help you better prepare and avoid water damage, we have put together a list of how these rapid rainfall rates can cause issues.

How Heavy Rains Cause Household Water Damage

Backup of clogged gutters

Clogged gutters can cause significant damage to your home after heavy rains. If there is debris in the gutters, it will be difficult for water to drain away, which can then result in leaks from puddles as the water is left standing against the roofline.

Leaks around windows and doors

Windows and doors are supposed to be sealed against the elements, but as their weatherproofing ages, it can deteriorate as well. When heavy rains roll through, water can find its way into minuscule cracks and cause damages.

Poor drainage around the foundation

If your home is at the bottom of a hill or does not have adequate drainage around the foundation, heavy rains can build up against the base of your home and lead to leaks in your basement or crawl spaces.

Leaks in and around the roof

Roof leaks are one of the leading consequences of heavy rains, and they can sneak up suddenly. All it takes is for a shingle to be scraped away or a weak spot to form and rainwater can begin seeping in as it falls.

Malfunctioning of a sump pump system

For homes with sump pumps, doing regular maintenance and checking for issues is key—otherwise, the pump system can get overwhelmed and will not be able to effectively move water away from the home.

Leaks around chimneys and skylights

Houses with chimneys and skylights tend to be more vulnerable to heavy rains than homes without them. While they are nice features to have, the seals where they meet with the roof can grow vulnerable over time and become overwhelmed when rainfall is heavy.

Remember to stay safe and get excess water cleaned up professionally to minimize the chance of mold growth. Our SERVPRO of North Fort Worth team is Ready to Help at a moment's notice with any of your water mitigation emergencies. Give our team a call at (817) 232-3333.

Commercial Water Damage Could Put Your Company on Hold | SERVPRO® of North Fort Worth

11/21/2022 (Permalink)

Water Damage On Wood Flooring

Water can enter your business building through internal leaks in the roof or faulty plumbing, destroying your property and damaging your equipment and inventory. Another frequent source of water damage is natural disasters, which can often be even more destructive depending on how bad the conditions are.

Your Fort Worth business could run into flooding from heavy rain, hurricanes or droughts. Since our state is commonly referred to as “flash flood alley,” it’s crucial that businesses work to protect their buildings from these natural hazards.

Knowing how to react when water seeps into your workplace could protect your building from substantial damage. This guide can assist you in understanding how to swiftly deal with the problem so that it doesn’t spiral out of control.

Protecting Your Northern Texas Home From Floods | SERVPRO® of North Fort Worth

9/7/2022 (Permalink)

Flood water surrounding homes

If you have ever discovered standing water in your home after a storm or flash flood event, you know how frustrating and overwhelming it feels. The cleanup process can be extensive and it can be expensive, depending on what the water damaged in your home.

Add to that the fact that not all homeowners insurance plans include coverage for floods! Knowing that unfortunate fact should be all the motivation you need in order to reduce your risk of flood before it is even a threat.

Fort Worth is actually located in the northern part of what is considered “Flash Flood Alley” in Texas. Our steep terrain and sloping hills put our city at risk of encountering quickly developing flash flooding situations. Safeguarding the home against flooding should be a particular point of interest to all of us.

Water Mitigation Process - SERVPRO of North Fort Worth

6/2/2022 (Permalink)

Drying equipment set up in a bedroom after the damaged portion of the wall and wet insulation were removed.

Many times, when a new customer calls SERVPRO of North Fort Worth, it is their first time experiencing a water loss as a homeowner. But you can feel confident that we will partner with you throughout the water mitigation process to minimize stress and provide the best outcome for your home.

Our crew members are trained to listen to the details you provide about the water loss, to learn more about your first-hand experience. What did you see, hear, and smell when you discovered the water in your home? What was going on at the time? What have you done up to this point?

They will carefully inspect the areas affected by water as well as the adjoining rooms because water can seem unpredictable. As it moves toward low spots and saturates porous materials, one part of a room may stay dry while the other side has standing water hiding under a cabinet. The technicians will identify all the wet materials such as flooring, walls, ceilings, and cabinets.

Next, our team will extract water as needed and create a drying plan. They will remove anything that is too damaged to dry properly, clean up the debris, and set up drying equipment. Usually, a combination of dehumidifiers and air movers will be placed in your home to dry the wet materials in a timely manner. Daily visits will be scheduled to check on the drying progress.

During the entire water mitigation process, thorough documentation is essential. The technicians take daily photos and notes while monitoring the drying progress of materials. The office team uses the project documentation to accurately invoice your insurance company.

At SERVPRO of North Fort Worth, we have a goal of great communication with our customers. Our team will provide explanations of what is needed and why. You can expect to be updated every day during the job process, which generally takes up to five days.

When the mitigation process is complete, many of our customers request an estimate for reconstruction and build back of the water damaged rooms.

Call SERVPRO of North Fort Worth at 817-232-3333 for expert help with water damage.

Water Damage is a Key Concern - SERVPRO of North Fort Worth

5/6/2022 (Permalink)

Day or night, if you experience a water loss at your home or business, call SERVPRO of North Forth Worth for a quality restoration experience.

According to insurance industry data, water damage claims are the second most common type of insurance claim. The most common type of insurance claim is damage due to wind and hail. As many as 1 in 50 insured property structures will have a water loss claim each year.

Key concerns of policyholders include:

Preventing the common causes of water damage - Since the cause of loss in many water claims is plumbing problems, it’s a great idea to have a qualified plumber inspect the plumbing regularly and replace aging valves, old rubber supply lines, and water heaters over 10 years old. Your plumber also may update the water supply lines and hook ups to your washing machine, dishwasher, and refrigerator.

Ensuring adequate insurance coverage - Check with your insurance agent to learn the details of what is covered under your homeowner or business policy. Your policy may contain limitations you are unaware of, and if so, you may be able to add coverage. Make sure your deductible is affordable in case you do need to file an insurance claim.

If you experience a water loss at your home or business, call your local water restoration experts at SERVPRO of North Fort Worth 24/7 at (817) 232-3333. We have the right tools and experience to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Water Damage & Its Effects | SERVPRO® of North Fort Worth

4/20/2022 (Permalink)

No matter the damage sustained, SERVPRO of North Fort Worth has the tools and team to help your home return to a normal state quickly.

A minor crack in a pipe or a little water spot might appear unimportant right now, yet keep in mind the disastrous impacts water can have on your home. The average home leak can waste up to 10,000 gallons of water in a year.

Water damage advances quickly, saturating floors and porous surfaces. It’s critical to resolve the issue immediately to get the best outcome.

This is what you need to know about how water damage progresses over time:

In the First 24 Hours

Assuming that you live in a house, there is a one in four chance of a flood harming your home inside a 30-year time frame in a high-risk region. Knowing what to do next is critical.

The initial 24 to 48 hours in the wake of flooding or water damage are pivotal. Certain things will succumb to water’s grievous effects.

Delicate items like upholstery will soak through, and wooden structures can expand from the moisture. Personal possessions like books and photos are particularly prone to warping beyond repair.

SERVPRO’s “restore vs. replace” attitude can help you save money and keep precious keepsakes. In the event that any materials can’t be restored, this will be communicated to you.

Within the First Week

After the initial 24 hours, water damage will advance further and rapidly. Mold can spread at an alarming pace and affect your home’s structure.

Furthermore, permeable surfaces will become increasingly compromised.

Following One Week

Avoid letting moisture sit for a long period since the effects might be devastating or irreversible. As time goes on, the costs and efforts to restore the structure will increase significantly, and the risks associated with structural damage are greater.

How SERVPRO Will Help

SERVPRO’s part begins with the first call, ideally in the first 24 hours, and normally starts with a thorough extraction of water. This helps prevent the spread of water in the structure and reduces drying time.

Generally, floors, furniture and personal effects will require cleaning, disinfecting and freshening up. After the bulk of the water has been removed, our specialists will use industry-leading drying equipment to remove the water you can’t see.

After these steps, your home may need construction work to get your property back to its preloss condition. This step could include anything from minor to major repairs.

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

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

Can You Identify the 3 Types of Flooding? | SERVPRO® of North Fort Worth

4/10/2022 (Permalink)

Regardless of the cause of the flooding, SERVPRO of North Fort Worth has the team to help you recover from any disastrous event.

Of all the natural disasters, flooding is the most common in the world. It causes more casualties in the United States per year than hurricanes, tornadoes or lightning, affecting everything from single residences to wide swaths of communities and cities.

Every single state and U.S. territory is affected by flooding, and there are actually similar types and causes of flooding. There are three common types of flooding, and they happen for four typical reasons.

3 Types of Natural Flooding

Flash floods are common, and they happen when heavy rain passes or sits over an area and overwhelms the ability of the ground to contain the moisture. Excess water runs off and takes garbage cans, cars and more with it.

River floods are exactly what they sound like. When there’s too much water for a river’s banks to hold, the water spills over the sides and causes destruction.

Coastal floods happen in areas next to large bodies of water, when storm surges or cyclonic activity causes ocean or gulf levels to rise to flood levels.

4 Most Common Causes of Natural Flooding

Heavy rainfall. Storms with excessive rainfall, or storms that sit and rest over an area for an extended period, can cause flash floods or river flooding. Urban areas are more at risk for rain floods, because the higher percentage of concrete and asphalt means there’s a lack of soil to soak up all that water.

The most deadly flooding in Fort Worth’s history occurred in 1949. As this article describes, there were “people in trees and horses on roofs.” The Carswell Air Force Base dispatched 100 military police officers to the flooded zones to discourage any criminal activity. The Red Cross estimated around 13,000 people were displaced or homeless as a result of the record-breaking flooding.

Oceanic activity. Storm surges, hurricanes and rising tides can cause water levels to rise in waves, which can invade coastal communities and wreak havoc.

Dams and levees failing. The most notable example of this in recent history would be the disastrous levee breaks during 2005’s Hurricane Katrina. Levees and dams fail when cracks occur or excess pressure overtakes the dam’s ability to contain the surge of water behind it.

Snowmelts and ice dams. In areas of the country where heavy snow and prolonged freezing temperatures are common, snow and ice can build up over a winter’s time, and when they start to melt, they cause rivers of water to flow through area communities. Ice dams or ice jams happen when rivers become blocked by built-up ice being carried downstream, causing the banks to overflow.

Regardless of the cause of the flooding, SERVPRO has the tools and teams to help your home or business recover from its disastrous effects. Contact us anytime when flooding or water damage makes a mess in your life.

Water Damage Caused by Fire Sprinkler Systems in Fort Worth, Texas

2/24/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Fort Worth is available 24/7 to assist you if your home or business is affected by water damage.

When our crews arrive on-site at a water damage job, they establish the source of the water as part of formulating a custom drying plan for your home or business. A cause of water damage that we have seen frequently is water from the overhead fire sprinklers. If there is a fire and the sprinklers turn on, that is a good thing because the fire damage is minimized, and the wet mess can be cleaned up and dried out. But other times, the water damage is unexpected. This can occur in many ways, such as:

• A burst pipe in the fire suppression system or leading to it, due to freezing or worn-out fittings.
• An error during installation or routine maintenance.
• Damage to the pipes or sprinkler heads from another source, such as during remodeling or from children playing.

Building codes require fire suppression systems to be installed in many commercial buildings and multi-family housing such as apartments.  Fire sprinklers can deliver up to 10-20 gallons per minute, so water damage can be considerable by the time the source is turned off. A properly designed and maintained sprinkler system will contain the fire and potentially save lives. If your apartment, condo, townhome, or business is damaged by accidental discharge of the fire sprinklers, call SERVPRO of North Fort Worth at (817) 232-3333. A trained crew will be dispatched right away to your home or business, ready to start mitigating the damage.

Mind-Boggling Water Damage Numbers | SERVPRO® of North Fort Worth

12/9/2021 (Permalink)

If water damage catches you off-guard and leaves you all wet, you’ve got help on your side. Contact SERVPRO of North Fort Worth.

There’s an intense battle going on in your home, wherein your pipes and plumbing systems are trying to keep water at bay, lest it come surging through your home in a flood of aquatic mess.

There are countless connections, valves and hoses that can create issues in your home, and any one of them can release a lot of water very quickly. That’s why it’s urgent that your plumbing and water-using appliances be well-equipped and maintained—so that you can keep the advantage you desperately need in the struggle to contain all that running water.

A few numbers will add context to the seriousness of this discussion.

24. This is the percentage of all U.S. home insurance claimsfiled due to water damage—a quarter of all claims! This equates to 2% of all homeowners filing a claim each year. That may not sound like a lot, but when you consider how many homes there are in this country…yikes.
25. You have this many hours to get water damage under control before mold starts growing, and you actually may have less time than that.
26. This depressing little digit set represents the percentage of basements that will flood or experience water damage at some point. If there’s one kind of water damage that’s almost impossible to avoid, it’s this one.

10,234. This is average cost, in dollars, of a water damage claim. This kind of disaster happens quickly in cases like flooding or burst pipes, and it can really wreak havoc.

14,000. Wrap your brain around this—some 14,000 water disaster events will happen in homes across the country today. That’s not a typo—a water damage scenario happens an average of once every six seconds.

13,000,000,000. All those zeroes represent water damage to a lot of homes, and more specifically the cost to repair them. This is the annual average of water-based insurance claims in the U.S.

Keeping water damage out of your home is a struggle, but you can put yourself in an advantageous position by keeping up with regular maintenance and upgrades in your plumbing, and by replacing appliances, seals and hoses before leaks become bigger problems.

If water damage catches you off-guard and leaves you all wet, you’ve got help on your side. Contact SERVPRO to see how we can quickly and fully restore water damage to your home or business.

What Is the Most Common Sign of Water Damage in a Basement? | SERVPRO® of North Fort Worth

6/3/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Fort Worth is a full restoration company. Our team of experts are on call and ready to help you determine the best course of action.

A basement is a great space to have in any home. These spaces can be used for additional storage, extra livable space and can serve as a safe place to go in the event of threatening inclement weather, which Cowtown is certainly no stranger to.

However, since basements are underground, the challenges they face are unique to this part of the house, especially when it comes to water damage.

It is a good idea to set up habits and practices that include regularly checking your basement for water damage over the course of your time in the home. Below, we will address some of the more common signs that water damage presents in the basement and how we can help in the event of said damage.

3 Most Common Signs of Basement Water Damage

Unpleasant, musty odors. Water that comes into your basement and remains stagnant for a long period of time before evaporating can leave behind a pungent and unpleasant smell. This smell is commonly associated with basements, but it is a misconception to believe that all basements have this smell by default. This smell can only happen when there is mold and mildew present in the environment.

Paint chipping on the walls or masonry. While waterproof paint is applied in many homes under good intentions, this paint is not completely impenetrable and can be broken down over time by a leaky basement. Water that seeps in can work its way through the paint and eventually lead to peeling, cracking or bubbling on the surface.

Cracks in the foundation. While some cracks can be caused by a number of reasons, cracks in the foundation of a home can be a sign of water damage and should be treated by a professional immediately if they are larger than a hairline crack. These cracks can appear in the ceiling, floor or the walls and can be a sign of water that is putting pressure on the structure in a way that is causing the cracking.

If you suspect you may have water damage in your basement, call us to see how we can help diagnose the problem and then determine a plan to restore your home. Contact us today!

Take the Right Steps to Protect Your Home From Heavy Rains | SERVPRO® of North Fort Worth

4/5/2021 (Permalink)

If you need help dealing with any damage caused by water, contact SERVPRO of North Fort Worth today at 817-232-3333.

Here’s an important fact for Fort Worth homeowners to consider. One out of every 50 American homeowners will likely file a water damage claim in 2021.

Depending on how many people you know, that means more than one of your friends, family members, coworkers or acquaintances might file a water damage claim. So if you find yourself dealing with home water damage, you definitely aren’t alone.

Water damage can come from a variety of sources. Most homeowners think about things like natural disasters or major appliance or plumbing malfunctions. But more common issues can also cause damage to your home.

Heavy Rains Can Damage Your Home

Heavy rains probably aren’t the first thing you consider when thinking about ways water can damage your home. But over time, rain can cause significant damage to your property if you don’t take the right precautions.

Thoughtful planning can actually go a long way toward protecting your home.

Control Your Risk for Rain Damage

Our team sees many water-damaged homes, so we have a lot of knowledge of some of the ways water can damage a home. That means we can offer tips that can help you avoid it, too. Here are some things experts recommend:

Understand how your yard drains. Knowing how your yard drains is key to protecting your home. If the water in your yard drains toward your home, then you may want to connect with a landscaping expert. They can help you find ways to protect your yard.

Consider using native plants. The flowers and shrubs you choose can do more for your home than add to the curb appeal. Landscaping can help protect your home from water damage, especially if you choose native plants. Talk to a local expert about native plants or visit a native plant sale.

Explore sealing your roof. Experts estimate that almost 95% of damage is caused by water finding its way through gaps in your shingles, which can be prevented with this step. Consult a roofing specialist.

If you need help dealing with damage caused by water, fire or any other issue, we’re here to help you restore your home. We have crews who are available ²⁴⁄₇ in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time to learn more about us and how we can help you restore your home to its original state.

Where to Look for Water Damage at Your Home | SERVPRO® of North Fort Worth

2/3/2021 (Permalink)

If you need help with water damage remediation, you can depend on us. SERVPRO of North Fort Worth is available 24/7 for emergency services.

Do you know where to find hidden water damage in your home?

Many homeowners don’t, even though water damage is the No. 1 reason American families need help restoring their homes. In fact, experts estimate that one in 50 homeowners will file a water damage claim this year. That means literally millions of homes will need water damage repair and remediation this year.

Finding Hidden Damage

Water damage can be hard to find, hiding in spots like the window panes. The good news is that you can find signs early and save yourself both time and money in repairs if you know where to look.

Here’s where you may want to look for water damage:

Around the window panes and door frames. These spots can hide the damage that can be particularly difficult to find an equally important to notice. Warped or compromised doors and windows can allow water into your home.

Behind your appliances. Check your cords and hoses in the kitchen regularly to ensure water damage isn’t hiding behind your refrigerator or dishwasher. While you’re inspecting your kitchen, tighten any hoses that are loose to help prevent leaks.

In the air. You can’t see water issues in the air, but you can generally smell them. The beginnings of mold and mildew have been described as having a musty, unique odor. If you notice that in your home, then it’s time to have your property evaluated.

If you see the signs of water damage, the smart thing to do is get the restoration process started as quickly as you can. Water damage worsens over time, and it lends itself to more extensive repairs if it’s left unchecked for too long.

If you notice these early signs, timely intervention can ultimately save you time and money. It will be easier to put your home back to its original state and protect your investment.

If your home is damaged due to water or any other cause, you can always count on us for restoration assistance. We have teams who are available ²⁴⁄₇ in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time to learn more about our restoration services and how we can help your family.

Heavy Rainfall Brings Water Damage

1/2/2021 (Permalink)

While water damage is typically associated with events like flooding or plumbing malfunctions, heavy rain can also cause its own set of issues regarding water damage around the house.  Areas around Fort Worth are subject to potential downpours at any time of the year.

Heavy rain is considered rainfall at rates over 0.3 inches per hour and can work its way into much smaller vulnerabilities in your home. To help you better prepare and avoid water damage, we have put together a list of how these rapid rainfall rates can cause issues.

How Heavy Rains Cause Household Water Damage

Backup of clogged gutters

Clogged gutters can cause significant damage to your home after heavy rains. If there is debris in the gutters, it will be difficult for water to drain away, which can then result in leaks from puddles as the water is left standing against the roofline.

Leaks around windows and doors

Windows and doors are supposed to be sealed against the elements, but as their weatherproofing ages, it can deteriorate as well. When heavy rains roll through, water can find its way into minuscule cracks and cause damages.

Poor drainage around the foundation

If your home is at the bottom of a hill or does not have adequate drainage around the foundation, heavy rains can build up against the base of your home and lead to leaks in your basement or crawl spaces.

Leaks in and around the roof

Roof leaks are one of the leading consequences of heavy rains, and they can sneak up suddenly. All it takes is for a shingle to be scraped away or a weak spot to form and rainwater can begin seeping in as it falls.

Malfunctioning of a sump pump system

For homes with sump pumps, doing regular maintenance and checking for issues is key—otherwise, the pump system can get overwhelmed and will not be able to effectively move water away from the home.

Leaks around chimneys and skylights

Houses with chimneys and skylights tend to be more vulnerable to heavy rains than homes without them. While they are nice features to have, the seals where they meet with the roof can grow vulnerable over time and become overwhelmed when rainfall is heavy.

Remember to stay safe and get excess water cleaned up professionally to minimize the chance of mold growth. Our SERVPRO of North Fort Worth team is Ready to Help at a moment's notice with any of your water mitigation emergencies. Give our team a call at (817) 232-3333.