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Will Spring Showers Bring More Than Flowers? | SERVPRO® of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties
3/10/2023 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties team is always here for you, if you experience any storm damage call us right away.
Spring is fast-approaching, and we are excited about this change of season. While you dust off your spring and summer clothes and start planning out all of your upcoming activities, it is also important to prepare your home for the increase in rain, storms and any other weather event that could leave you with a large water issue.
In addition to your regular spring-cleaning inside your home, it is crucial that you focus on the outside of your house and around your property, too. We explain some of the key places to clean out and prepare ahead of the rainy spring season.
Clean It OutComing out of the winter season, it is important to address any areas of your home that could experience debris buildup in the winter. Wind, rain, snow and ice can all block up your gutters. If you have leaves or other debris blocking your gutters or downspouts, the falling rain will have nowhere to go but back up onto your roof and eventually into your attic!
In addition, now is an important time to walk around to make sure your property’s vents are free of blockages or clogs. Over the winter season, they can become compromised, which can be dangerous to your health as well as to your appliances. These include your furnace, dryer and even the vents in your attic.
While you are outside, take a peek at your outdoor faucets and inspect them for any leaks or cracks. This is especially important for us due to our long stretch of subzero temperatures. Frozen pipes can be a huge problem when the spring thaw comes around if they burst and leak water everywhere.
Fix Issues FastWe usually spend the majority of our time indoors during the winter season. Because of this, it can be easier to overlook or not notice an emerging problem happening on your roof or around your home until spring arrives and it is too late!
As soon as you can, it is important that you get on your roof to check for missing shingles, gaps between your gutters and roof and any other visible damage. Ice dams and heavy snow can cause all manner of damage to your roof, which can cause water damage. Avoid the literal trickle-down effect by inspecting your roof as soon as you are able.
Even minor drips or a suspicious-looking shingle can be the cause of a huge water leak when the first spring storm comes rolling through. The faster you address any issues that you discover, the greater chance you have of avoiding a disaster.
Get Ready for the WaterIf you have a sump pump, giving it a thorough inspection ahead of the rainy season is crucial. A sump pump works by pumping water away from your home’s foundation and basement, so it can give you a great peace of mind when the rain starts falling outside. A clogged or malfunctioning sump pump can lead to a flooded basement and extensive water damage really quickly.
It is also important for you to restock your emergency kit, review your storm safety plan with your family and double-check your methods for receiving weather alerts. Spring weather can become severe quickly, so make sure everyone in your home knows where the safe shelter location is in your home and has a reliable way of communicating with everyone in an emergency situation.
We are no strangers to water damage, so we understand that sometimes it can surprise you even if you do everything right! That is why our SERVPRO team is here for you day and night. We can help save your possessions and dry out your home quickly to prevent further damage and lasting structural issues.
Got water damage? We are here to help 24⁄7 and can restore your home quickly.
Be Proactive Against Water Damage for Your Commercial Property | SERVPRO® of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties
2/28/2023 (Permalink)
Experienced water damage in your commercial building? SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties can help you get dried out quickly.
We know all about water here in northern Wisconsin! All the lakes, rivers, snow, ice and rain make us experts where water is concerned. One place that you certainly don’t want water, though, is in your business or commercial property.
Water has the potential to cause widespread damage and costly repairs, leaving you with a huge bill and lots of questions about the future. Stopping water damage before it even starts can be easy! It just takes some preventive steps and attention to detail for your place of business to stay dry.
Areas Prone to Water DamageMinimizing any unnecessary downtime is important for any business owner, but especially if you own a small business or are responsible for any employees.
Prioritize checking these locations around your building or storefront frequently. This helps you identify any areas that have the potential to become problematic or you can catch a water issue at the source:
1. The roof. We rely on our roofs every day to keep us warm and dry! The moment your roof becomes compromised, your business is vulnerable to damage. Water can get in under broken or missing shingles, or a singular event like a falling tree can invite a lot of water into your space all at once. It is important to routinely check your roof for damage, but especially after a storm that brings heavy wind, rain or snow.
2. Bathrooms. Bathrooms are a common place where water damage occurs since the fixtures in these spaces have water running through them daily. Have someone on your maintenance team inspect the water lines to your toilets and sinks every month, and make sure you keep up on any deteriorating caulk lines to avoid a leak.
3. Water heaters/HVAC/boilers. Our utility rooms are another common space that experiences water issues! Any appliances that utilize water are vulnerable to malfunctions that can lead to widespread water damage. It is important to investigate any issues like a drop in water pressure or visible puddles right away.
Stopping Water Damage Before it OccursAside from the unpredictability of Mother Nature, most water damage can be prevented as long as you act quickly. By stepping in and addressing the situation right away, you can minimize your losses as much as possible.
Creating a maintenance plan is one of the best ways to stay on top of any emerging issues. By prioritizing routine maintenance and inspections, you can avoid malfunctions or issues from the start.
In addition, having an Emergency Ready Plan for the unexpected disasters can help you navigate through any scenario. Our SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties can help you do this! We can meet with you to create a plan tailored to your business and your employees so that you can be ready for anything.
Timing is of the essence when it comes to water disasters. The faster you can respond, the easier it will be for you to recover! Just call us the moment you discover the damage, and our water damage restoration team will be there for you.
Experienced water damage in your commercial building? Contact us to get dried out quickly.
Lean on SERVPRO After a House Fire | SERVPRO® of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties
2/9/2023 (Permalink)
For quick repairs following a fire, get in touch with our team at SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties.
Being a homeowner has many perks, but experiencing home damage is not one of them. While any type of disaster can be troublesome to deal with, experiencing a house fire can be life-altering. Fire can grow quickly and can consume entire rooms in minutes, which makes this type of home disaster particularly catastrophic.
Recovering from a house fire can be overwhelming and scary, but don’t forget about your SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties team! We have the personnel and expertise available to you that will help you completely overcome your home damage.
Read on to learn more about our response to fire damage and how we can help return your home to its pre-fire state quickly.
Contacting Us When the Flames Are OutOnce the flames are extinguished and your family is safe from danger, you can focus on your recovery efforts. In order to do this, you just have to give us a call! Someone is always here to answer your call for help, and we jump into action as soon as the phone rings.
This first conversation includes many questions to help us better understand the extent and severity of your fire damage. In order for us to be able to pack the right equipment and tools for your project, we need to know as much about the fire as possible.
When we arrive, our first step is to do a full walkthrough of your home to make sure our plan aligns with the damage we see.
Let’s Get StartedNow that we know what we are working with, we make sure the damage doesn’t get any worse while we are busy working on your home. We patch walls, board up windows and focus on closing off areas to prevent further soot and smoke from traveling around your house.
Our first goal is to clean up the surface damage, so we pull out our cutting-edge equipment to help remove soot, smoke and fire damage debris. When that is done, we can employ our odor-removing technology to help make sure every particle of smoke is removed from your home. Then we give your space a full sanitization.
Restoring Your HomeNow comes the best part! We turn our focus on restoring the affected section of your home. We can lay new flooring or carpet, replace drywall, fix ceilings and even paint your walls for you.
Our goal is to make sure that the entire recovery process is as smooth as possible for you. When you choose SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties, your home and your family’s possessions are in capable hands. Call us today!
For rapid repairs following a fire, get in touch with our team at SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties! We will work as quickly as possible to return you to a safe and fully restored property.
Heat Your Home Safely This Winter | SERVPRO® of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties
1/24/2023 (Permalink)
Call SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties if you experience any smoke, soot or fire damage.
The chill of the winter season has set in, so chances are you have cranked on your central heating or stocked up wood for your fireplace to prepare for the dip in temperature. While these tasks can seem easy to do, without the proper preparations, you could wind up being vulnerable to house fires!
We want you to stay warm and toasty all winter, so our team has laid out tips about how to safely heat your home all season long below.
Furnace BasicsMany homes are equipped with a furnace and an HVAC system that helps transport the heat around your home. In order for your furnace to work properly, it needs to be maintained regularly.
If you haven’t done so already this season, inspect your furnace for any issues and provide it with a thorough cleaning so it can function efficiently and avoid contact with excess dust or debris.
You should also take this opportunity to replace the air filter in your HVAC system. Ideally, this should be done every 90 days, and even more often if you have a busy household or have pets. A good habit to get into is changing your filter at the start of every new season.
Your air filter is crucial to protecting the lifespan of your HVAC system and furnace and can help keep dust, debris and allergens out of the air in your home.
Fireplace SafetyIf you have a fireplace, you probably enjoy the many benefits that this form of heating can offer! In addition to the efficient warmth it produces, the dancing flames can provide your home with a cozy feel.
However, fireplaces can also be a fire hazard if they are not cleaned often and maintained as well! Whether your fireplace is artificial or wood-burning, it needs to be cleaned and inspected every season.
For wood-burning fireplaces, clear out any buildup of ash, ensure that your chimney is free of blockages and wipe down any soot or smoke stains on the surrounding bricks. If you have an artificial fireplace, make sure to remove the glass and wipe down the logs and glass to remove dust buildup.
Portable HeatersIf you use space heaters in your home, they can be a great way to heat a single room or space quickly. However, they can also be huge fire hazards! Keep your space heater three feet away from any combustible materials, and never leave it on when you go to bed.
Space heaters should always be placed on a level surface where they won’t be easily knocked over, and they should be plugged into the wall directly—never into an extension cord.
If you have children or pets, keep an eye on them any time you light up your fireplace or use your space heaters. All it takes is a single accident for you to experience a widespread disaster during the winter season.
If you experience fire damage this season, give us a call at SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties for immediate assistance. We’re here 24⁄7 when you need us!
Stop Water Damage in Its Tracks This Year | SERVPRO® of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties
1/10/2023 (Permalink)
Have water damage in your home? Contact SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties for quick and professional restoration.
The start of a new year always feels so refreshing. In addition to dusting off your new resolutions, it’s also a great time to address any water damage threats to keep your home dry. Below we explain how to easily incorporate these ideas into your regular routine to avoid costly damages.
Since water is all around us, it is one of the most common causes of home damage. It doesn’t even take a full disaster to cause widespread damage!
Where Does Water Damage Start?Water leaks can happen virtually anywhere around our homes. Inside, our large appliances and bathrooms are common sources of water troubles while clogged gutters, rain water and melting snow are the main culprits outside of our homes.
If you live in an older home, watch out for any worn-out pipes or caulk lines that look like they are cracking. Moisture can leak through and cause water damage, mold growth and rotten wood over time.
The electronic components of your appliances could also be affected by water damage! If water gets into these areas, you could suffer from an appliance malfunction or damaging rust issues.
Prevent Damage From OccurringA little preparation can help prevent a large issue from forming! Catching any developing problem early can save you precious time and money.
You may have to go on a hunt, though, to find the source of the trouble. Check your bathrooms and kitchens often and try to dry out these spaces often to prevent moisture buildup and mold growth. If you notice a musty odor, follow the scent to catch any moldy or mildewy areas.
Getting up on your roof regularly (and after any major wind events) can help you catch any missing shingles or overlooked roof damage. If your roof has structural damage, it could invite water down into your attic and eventually down the walls of your home.
We know how heavy snow can get, so it is important to keep it off of your home to prevent damage or even a cave-in! Invest in a roof rake and pull the snow off of your roof after every storm and address any ice dam issues quickly.
While this step will have to wait until the ground thaws, grading your property can help encourage water to flow down and away from your foundation. Any of these steps can help your home stay dry all year long!
Have water damage in your home? Contact us for fast, professional restoration back to preloss condition.
Odor Can Be a Thing of the Past | SERVPRO® of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties
1/3/2023 (Permalink)
If you experience an odor or any other damage inside your home, call SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties day or night.
Our 24⁄7 emergency services ensure everyone who needs help can receive it at any time of day. In addition to our professional cleaning and restoration services, we also provide area homes and businesses with our high-quality odor removal services.
Water, storm, fire and mold damage can all create lasting odor problems in your home. The longer you wait to address the issues, the deeper the odors can set into your furniture, walls and carpets.
If this happens to you, we can help! Check out our latest blog all about our odor removal services below.
Addressing Your Odor ProblemSince many different things can cause lingering smells, it is important to call us right away so that we can investigate. Our step-by-step approach ensures we get rid of the problem every time.
We can help tackle your problem with:
Masking agents. This method is a great way to make your home more comfortable while we prepare our more in-depth odor removal methods. It can create a much more pleasant atmosphere!
Filtration agents. Filtering the air can help trap odor particles that are lingering, and our filtration agents can actually pull the odors directly from your furniture, carpets and walls.
Disinfectants and sanitizers. In order to make sure that the odor cannot come back, sanitizing the space is an important step. This kills any bacteria or fungus so that it cannot grow back and start to smell again.
How Our Process Works1. Remove the source. The first step is to fully understand what is causing the smell in the first place! Once we have determined what it is, we will remove the source and anything else that has been compromised by it.
2. Clean residue from surfaces. Next, we do a thorough cleaning to make sure the entire area is free of odor.
3. Recreate the odor-causing conditions. We have to be confident that we got the entire odor, so this step recreates the environment that will show us whether there are any lingering odor particles.
4. Seal exposed surfaces. If your problem is more extensive or harder to treat, we can seal off the affected area to stop the odor from traveling while we reassess our next steps.
In any case, we will get it figured out for you! Your home is in good hands with us.
If you experience an odor or other damage inside your home or business, call us at any time, 24⁄7. We have the training and equipment to quickly get your property back in operation.
The Constant Threat of Water Damage | SERVPRO® of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties
12/9/2022 (Permalink)
If you experience any water damage inside your home or business, reach out to SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties.
No matter what season we are in, the threat of water damage is always around us. Water damage can occur because of Mother Nature, but it also can occur because of an issue within your home.
Spotting a water leak in your home can help you address a problem before it becomes a big issue. Read on to gain some tips on how to stop water leaks in their tracks!
<h3and-water-issues">Bathrooms and Water Issues
Our bathrooms are perhaps the most water-reliant spaces in our homes. Sinks, bathtubs, toilets and showers constantly have water running through them, which means that water damage could happen at any time!
The next time you are cleaning in your bathroom, take the extra time to inspect the water lines and seals around each of your fixtures. Any signs of wearing or deterioration should be addressed immediately to prevent a large leak.
<h3appliances-in-your-home">The Appliances in Your Home
Water heaters, dishwashers and washing machines are all wonderful inventions and can make our daily life much easier. This much is true until you come home one day to standing water in your kitchen or laundry room!
Appliances are a common reason for water damage, so it is important to routinely clean them and pull them away from the wall to check for damage or water spots. If you notice any staining or mold on your walls behind your appliances, pick up the phone and call us right away.
<h3nature-s-water-threats">Mother Nature’s Water Threats
We all know how varied the weather can be in Wisconsin. We can experience anything from heavy rain during thunderstorms to road-closing blizzards. In each instance, water damage is possible.
While we certainly can have humor when faced with the threat of water damage, it can be catastrophic if the water from a storm makes its way into our basements and foundations.
Work on weatherproofing your home this season to help protect yourself from excess moisture in your home. Seal up any gaps in your windows and doors, keep your gutters clear and your roof free of debris.
It is also a good idea to invest in proper landscaping techniques to keep your yard angled away from your home. If your yard slopes down into your foundation, any water that pools near your foundation can flow backwards into your basement.
If you experience water damage inside your home or business, call us, 24⁄7. We have the experience and equipment to get your property back in working order fast.
Wisconsin Winter Is Almost Here | SERVPRO® of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties
11/21/2022 (Permalink)
If you experience damage due to a winter storm, call SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties. We have the experience and equipment for any issue.
It seems like we just emerged from the cold winter tundra of last year, doesn’t it? The winter season is upon us once more, and that brings snow, ice and all things chilly to northern Wisconsin.
Winter weather here can be a minor nuisance, but it can also cause devastating damages and challenges to our homes and properties. Some simple preventive steps can help minimize some of these troubles this year.
Winter Across the NationOur experience with the upcoming season will vary greatly from other parts of the country. We can expect those brutally cold temperatures, instances of heavy snow and a wet season throughout. In other parts of the country, a milder and rainier season is expected.
No matter how the winter season develops here in northern Wisconsin, we can all do our part to prepare our homes and our families for the weather ahead.
Winter Around Barron, Dunn and Rusk CountiesIf you have lived here for a while, you know just how crazy the winter season can be. Heavy snowstorms, icy cold wind and copious amounts of slush on the roads is usually what awaits us each winter. We are tough Midwesterners, though!
We also are prone to experience whiteout conditions because of our flat landscape and extensive farmland around us. High winds can make even the smallest amount of blowing snow really dangerous to be out and about in.
Addressing Your HomeWinter weather can arrive in many different ways. Some storms can be gentle and produce quietly falling snow, and others can be intense and create hazardous conditions.
Have a reliable way to receive alerts, and consider having a weather radio stored in your emergency kit at all times. Also take the time to edit and replace anything in your kit before the snow falls so that you are ready for anything.
Next, make sure your windows are weatherproof, and check the seals around your doors. This prevents any chilly drafts and unwanted moisture from getting into your home.
Outside, clean out your gutters, inspect your roof and turn off your outdoor water faucets. With the temperatures consistently below freezing, any openly flowing water outside can freeze and expand in your pipes and create a huge and costly problem in the spring.
We know how to handle this chilly season, no doubt. If you do still end up suffering some type of home damage this winter, have no fear! Your SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties is here to help.
If you experience damage in a winter storm, call us. We have the experience and equipment to get your home back to normal.
The Hazards of Holiday Decorations | SERVPRO® of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties
11/7/2022 (Permalink)
Have smoke or fire damage in your house? Contact us today to get cleaned up fast.
‘Tis the season for holiday gatherings, fresh cookies and pie, and family traditions! All of this and more are combined to make this time of year wonderful for so many reasons.
While this season may be your favorite, though, it also means an uptick in the amount of house fires that occur in the United States.
The Risk of DecorationsHoliday decorations are beautiful, but they come with their own risks! Most decorations are flammable, which is one of the reasons why about 790 structural fires occur every year due to decorations catching fire.
If you practice the tradition of hanging stockings over the mantel, make sure that the stockings don’t hang too low or too close to any flames. All it takes is one spark to start a house fire!
If your family always buys a real tree to decorate, ensure it is freshly cut and don’t forget to water it every day to prevent excess drying. Any lights strung on it should also be unplugged at the end of every night.
Protect Your HomeWith the arrival of the holiday season also comes an increase in candle use! Who doesn’t love the cozy ambiance that candles bring? However, candles are responsible for 20 new home fires every day during this time.
Never leave a candle burning without supervision and keep them on a high table or shelf—away from small fingers and pets.
Having lights on your home or in your yard is also a great way to celebrate the season! Just make sure that the lights you use are tagged for outdoor use.
Using indoor-only lighting outside can be dangerous if the cords and bulbs are not able to withstand the elements. Hang them with the appropriate hooks, and avoid using a nail gun or piercing the wiring in any way.
Once you are all done decorating, it’s time to sit back and enjoy the season! Do one final check of your smoke detectors and replace any necessary batteries to ensure that they are working and ready to alert you to any flames.
We love this time of year in Wisconsin. We think the weather and the gently falling snow just adds to the magic. We hope that your holiday season is full of sight-seeing, memory-making, pageant-watching and hot cocoa-drinking! Rest easier knowing that you took precautions to prevent fires.
If you do end up suffering from some sort of fire damage, know that we are here for you at SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties. We are ready to respond to your call for help, and we will restore your home as fast as we can!
Minimizing the Risk of Backyard Fires | SERVPRO® of Barron, Dunn and Rusk Counties
7/26/2022 (Permalink)
If you have experienced fire or smoke damage, contact SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties.
When you think of summertime in Wisconsin, barbecues, bonfires and quality family time probably come to mind. There is something special about spending time around a bonfire or grilling your favorite food together.
We use fire to accomplish all kinds of things in the summertime. We light bonfires, grill and burn yard debris all the time. Even when we are being responsible with fire, though, anytime there is flame, there is an inherent risk of danger.
The National Park Service believes that the majority of wildfires are started by humans.
Even with this knowledge, you should still be able to enjoy a campfire in the woods at your cabin or a barbecue with burgers and brats. As long as you are adopting some safe fire practices, you can continue with the fun while reducing your risk of fire.
Recreation and Fire RisksWhenever fire is present, there is risk for an unwanted fire to spark. The most risk-prone activities seem to be the most fun ones as well!
Grills, bonfires and fireworks carry a higher risk of fire, mostly due to error during usage or neglect. Make sure you are doing a full inspection of your equipment before lighting anything and never leave flames unattended.
If you are a family that enjoys backyard bonfires, build your fires away from any buildings, vehicles or anything flammable. You should also only stick to matches or lighters to get your flames going. It can be very tempting to resort to a gas can if you are having trouble keeping your fire going, but that only increases your risk of starting an out of control fire.
If you are an owner of one of those portable driveway fire pits, they carry similar risk to an in-ground bonfire pit. These types of pits should only be set on a flat, non-flammable surface and should not be placed under an eave or in a garage.
Once you have used your matches or lighters to establish your fire, only use approved firewood to keep it going and be very careful to avoid storing your outdoor furniture close to your fire.
The 4th of July holiday is over for the year, but other kinds of celebrations sometimes warrant the use of fireworks! If you are planning to use any type of fireworks this summer, keep in mind that Wisconsin law prohibits the use of any mortars, roman candles or exploding fireworks. Sparklers and smoke bombs are the safest and only legal choice for the season.
Other Fire HazardsBefore you even consider starting a yard cleanup project or lighting a bonfire, check the DNR page to see if any burn bans have been issued for our counties. If we are currently in a lower risk period, it is still important to take the proper precautions when burning any kind of yard waste or piles of leaves.
Keeping your lawn clear of debris can actually reduce your risk of adding fuel to a wildfire! Keep your lawn free of leaves and implement intentional landscaping to help reduce the risk of contributing to the growth of a wildfire. Take the time to learn what can be burned and be careful to follow all regulations.
If you are a homeowner and mow or weed-whip your lawn, you probably have a gas can in your shed or garage that you fill frequently. Improperly stored gas is one of the major reasons that causes house fires.
Lastly, if you do decide to start a project that involves flame, make sure the weather conditions are appropriate for the task. Any windy day or under any dry conditions should prompt you to change plans and choose to do the activity on another day.
If you do find yourself with fire damage in your home, call us at SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn and Rusk Counties. Our trained crew of technicians have the proper training and equipment to fully restore your home and get you back to normal as soon as possible.
Burn safely outdoors. And save some chocolate for us! If you have experienced fire or smoke damage, contact us today to get restoration started faster.
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