Recent Posts
A Timeline of Water Damage
9/27/2023 (Permalink)
Don't wait for water damage to get exponentially worse. Call us today!
SERVPRO of Ozaukee County specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. We arrive quickly and start the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs. Here is some information on the timeline of a water damage event.
Within Minutes
Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.
Hours 1 - 24:
Drywall begins to swell and break down.
Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
Furniture begins to swell and crack.
Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
A musty odor appears.
48 Hours to 1 Week:
Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
Metal begins to rust and corrode.
Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
Paint begins to blister.
Wood flooring swells and warps.
Serious biohazard contamination is possible.
More Than 1 Week:
Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.
In the event you sustain water damage for any length of time, SERVPRO of Ozaukee County is here to help.
SERVPRO of Ozaukee County: Your Restoration Professionals
7/28/2023 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Ozaukee County will be here for you to make your property damage "Like it never even happened."
Why SERVPRO®?
SERVPRO has earned the reputation as #1 in the cleanup and restoration industry. SERVPRO of Ozaukee County specializes in fire, and water damage, specialty cleaning, mold remediation, and so much more.
24/7 Service
An emergency can happen at any time, and SERVPRO of Ozaukee County is ready to take your call day or night, holidays and weekends included.
Faster to any size disaster™
When you call SERVPRO of Ozaukee County, we can be to your location usually within two hours or less. Our certified technicians are ready to jump into action and take care of your restoration needs!
Should you find yourself facing a disaster on your property, don't hesitate to call us to learn more about how we can help you through your property damage! 262-242-8888
Ozaukee County Fire Restoration 101: Safety First
7/25/2023 (Permalink)
House fires can have many different sources. This was one was caused by a dishwasher malfunction in the kitchen.
After your fire has been put out you may be left with the question, “What should I do next?” SERVPRO of Ozaukee County can help. We will walk you through your next steps. Safety is our number one concern until help arrives, so here are some basic do’s and don'ts:
Do:
- Hire a reputable, insured company to board up your home or business to secure it from the elements, animals, and vandals.
- Limit the movement of damaged areas
- Keep your hands clean. Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork
- If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator completely and prop doors open to help prevent odor.
Don't:
- Touch contaminated surfaces
- Attempt to clean walls, carpet, contents, or other contaminated surfaces
- Use food, cosmetics or mediations exposed to soot.
- Send clothing to ordinary cleaner; improper cleaning may set odors
No one wants to experience a fire in their home or business. If you experience this and need help, please give us a call at 262-242-8888. SERVPRO of Ozaukee County has the expertise and experience to assist you in the cleanup and restoration of your property. We are here to help 24/7/365 with the board up and securing of your property.
SERVPRO of Ozaukee County: Your Commercial Property Restoration Professionals
7/6/2023 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Ozaukee County has certified technicians that will get your business up and running quickly and efficiently!
When disaster strikes a commercial property, the impact can be devastating. From water damage to fire damage, commercial properties can suffer significant losses that can affect their operations, reputation, and bottom line. That's where SERVPRO of Ozaukee County comes in. As a trusted leader in the restoration industry, SERVPRO of Ozaukee County has the expertise and resources to handle any commercial disaster. Our team of trained professionals is available 24/7 to respond quickly to any emergency, minimizing downtime and restoring your property to preloss condition. Here are some of the commercial services we offer:
- Water and Fire Damage Restoration
- Mold Remediation
- Specialty Cleaning
- Biohazard/Crime Scene
- Document Restoration
- Board Up Services
- Odor Remediation
- Vandalism/Graffiti
- Emergency Ready Profiles (ERP)
At SERVPRO of Ozaukee County, we understand the importance of minimizing downtime and restoring your property as quickly and efficiently as possible. That's why we offer 24/7 emergency services and work closely with your insurance company to ensure a smooth and stress-free restoration process. If your commercial property has suffered damage, don't hesitate to contact SERVPRO of Ozaukee County. With our expertise and resources, we can help you get back to business as usual in no time!
Grilling Safety Tips
7/5/2023 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Ozaukee County is your trusted fire damage restoration company!
Grilling season is in full swing here in the Midwest! Here are some helpful tips to keep your family safe this summer:
1.) Only use grills outdoors and away from the home. Grills that are used to close to the home or even indoors (yikes!), can heat up adjacent building materials and could start a fire.
2.) Make sure your grill is placed on a flat, level surface. A grill that is on uneven ground could easily tip over and start a fire.
3.) Check your propane grills for leaks. Check the gas lines to make sure that they are free of leaks before using your grill, and always open the lid of your barbecue before lighting.
4.) Clean your grill after every use. Frequent BBQing will allow grease to build up and over time will act as a fuel that will start a fire.
These are just a few tips to help keep you, your family, and home safe while enjoying grilling all summer long!
Should disaster strike and you find yourself facing fire damage, trust the professionals of SERVPRO of Milwaukee North to make it "Like it never even happened."
June historically brings the most storms to WI
6/14/2023 (Permalink)
According to the National Weather Service, June is typically the month that tornadoes and severe storms hit the Upper Midwest. When storms hit your area, trust the professionals at SERVPRO of Ozaukee County to restore your home should the rain become too much!
We are available 24/7/365 for all of your water damage mitigation needs!
Sump Pump Maintenance Checklist for Ozaukee County Homeowners
7/28/2022 (Permalink)
Maintaining your sump pump could potentially save thousands in water damage.
When was the last time you maintained your sump pump? Here are some tips to show your sump pump some love and keep your basement dry.
- Make sure your sump pump is totally upright. Your sump pump should be sitting on solid, even ground. Any sort of leaning can shift the water in the pump’s pit and put unnecessary pressure on its components.
- Open it up. Take the cover off the sump pump pit or basin and have a look inside. Clear any debris, mud or rocks that you find, as any foreign items can clog your sump pump and cause an overflow.
- Double-check the drain hose. Check to make sure the drain hose is connected, and that it’s not blocked or frozen. A clogged drain hose can cause your sump pump to run continuously, as it won’t be able to dispose of the water that’s filled its pit.
- Clear out the inlet screen. Make sure the inlet screen is allowing water to enter your sump pump’s pit. If your inlet screen is blocked, water won’t be able to make its way into the sump pump’s pit and could lead to a basement flood.
- Keep it afloat. Your sump pump’s float controls when it will turn on and pump excess water out. Make sure the float component can move freely and isn’t blocked. A malfunctioning float can cause your pump to not run when it’s supposed to, or run constantly, eventually burning out your pump’s engine.
- Make sure it’s flowing away from your house. The next time you hear your sump pump running, go outside and make sure its discharge pipe is pumping the water away from your home at a safe distance. If it’s too close, the water could seep back into your pump, causing your pump to run continuously and inefficiently. The more your sump pump runs, the more likely it is to burn out early in its life span. While you don’t want your discharge pipe too close to your house, shed, garage or other structure, make sure it does stay on your property. You’ll have some unhappy neighbors if your sump pump is pushing your excess water onto their lot.
- Give your sump pump a test run. Fill the pit with a bucket of water to turn your pump on. Watch it carefully to see if it’s getting rid of the water, then check the discharge pipe outside to make sure it’s disposed of properly. If the pump doesn’t run, make sure it’s plugged in and its power cord is in working order.
- Plan for the unexpected. Having a backup battery or generator can be crucial if a strong rain storm comes complete with a power outage. And eventually, your sump pump may give out without the help of a power outage. To avoid the stress of trying to buy and install a new sump pump while the water seeps closer and closer to your basement, have a backup sump pump handy — and be sure to test it regularly, too.
- Call a professional. You’ve checked the power cords, discharge pipe, inlet screen and every other piece of the pump, but still can’t figure out what’s wrong. It’s time to call a professional! Risking your basement and everything else in it isn’t worth maintaining your pride as a handyman or woman — get it fixed and fast!
If worse comes to worst, and you do have a backup and need assistance with damage from water or sewage, call SERVPRO of Ozaukee County for 24/7 help at (262) 242-8888.
Fire Restoration 101: Safety First
7/28/2022 (Permalink)
House fires have many sources. This one was caused in a kitchen by a dishwasher malfunction.
After your fire has been put out you may be left with the question, “What should I do next?” SERVPRO of Ozaukee County can help. We will walk you through your next steps. Safety is our number one concern until help arrives, so here are some basic do’s and don'ts:
Do:
- Hire a reputable, insured company to board up your home or business to secure it from the elements, animals, and vandals.
- Limit the movement of damaged areas
- Keep your hands clean . Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork
- If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator completely and prop doors open to help prevent odor.
Don't:
- Do Not touch contaminated surfaces
- Do Not attempt to clean walls, carpet, contents, or other contaminated surfaces
- Do Not use food, cosmetics or mediations exposed to soot.
- Do Not send clothing to ordinary cleaner; improper cleaning may set odors
No one wants to experience a fire in their home or business. If you experience this and need help, please give us a call at 262-242-8888. SERVPRO of Ozaukee County has the expertise and experience to assist you in the cleanup and restoration of your property. We are here to help 24/7 with the board up and securing your property.
Flood Insurance and Water Backup Coverage: What’s the Difference?
7/28/2022 (Permalink)
Water in your basement? The professionals at SERVPRO of Ozaukee County are here to help!
Spring and Summer in Ozaukee County is a happy time for so many home and business owners who are ready for warmer weather, and sunshine! We Midwesterners look forward to that first day on or in the water. So what happens when that water we love so much finds its way into our basements? How can property owners recover losses to their property from flood waters?
Water/Sewer Backup Coverage
Most homeowners insurance policies come with an optional endorsement for water backup and sump discharge/overflow which will cover losses, up to a certain limit, caused by the backup of water or waterborne materials through a sewer or through a drain. It will also cover water or waterborne material that overflows from a sump, even if the backup of water is due to the mechanical breakdown of the sump pump. Coverage includes damage to property but excludes the sump pump and any related equipment that has broken down. Contact your insurance professional for more information about this coverage and its limits.
The endorsement does not cover damages caused by a flood. A separate flood insurance policy needs to be obtained to cover losses due to flooding.
Flood Insurance
What is a flood? The dictionary defines “flood” as rising and overflowing of water onto normally dry land. For the purpose of insurance, “rising” is the key to distinguish flood damage from water damage. Basically damage that has occurred from water that has been on the ground at some point before causing damage to your home is considered flood damage, and would not be covered by your homeowners insurance policy.
Flooding can happen anywhere; even if your home is not in a flood plain. Flood insurance is available to all homeowners who live in a participating community, which must enforce floodplain ordinances and building requirements that meet or exceed FEMA guidelines. If your community does not participate in the NFIP, you can make a request for it to do so through your mayor, city council or county commissioner’s office. Contact your insurance professional for more information about this coverage and its limits.
In the event you do sustain property damage from any type of flooding, SERVPRO of Ozaukee County is here to help. We are available 24/7/365 at 262-242-8888 for your emergencies.
Fire Restoration 101: Pretesting
7/28/2022 (Permalink)
After a fire why is pretesting so important?
At SERVPRO of Ozaukee County, fire damage professionals use pretesting to determine the scope of the loss, type of fire loss, and the method of cleaning for areas that have been affected. This process also helps determine what items are restorable or repairable vs. those items that will need to be replaced.
Factors determined by pretesting:
- Cleaning Method
- Condition of Surface
- Level of Soil
- Type of Soil
- Pre-Existing Conditions
Pretesting helps to ensure our customers are back into their home as soon as possible, within a realistically accurate time estimate. For help 24/7/365, call on the professionals at SERVPRO of Ozaukee County today at 262-242-8888 for a no cost assessment of your unique situation. We are here to help.
24/7 Emergency Service
