Winter Weather

1/29/2019 (Permalink)

Winter weather can bring about more issues than just slippery roads and a sidewalk to shovel. If you live where temperatures sink below freezing level, you are also at risk for frozen pipes and ice dams, which can create a major disaster at your home or property. 

Frozen pipes are often those exposed to the cold weather, such as those outside your home, or in cold areas such as basements, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets. To prevent pipes from freezing, here are a few steps you can take, according to The American Red Cross:

• Be sure to completely drain water from swimming pool and sprinkler lines, as well as outside hoses
• Open kitchen cabinets to let warm air circulate near the plumbing
• When the weather is extremely cold, let water drip from faucets that may come from exposed pipes. 
• Keep your heat set to the same temperature both day and night

If winter weather causes water damage to your property, SERVPRO of Crofton/Odenton/Severn Professionals are only a call away, 24/7, ready to restore to preloss condition. 

Water Damage Timeline

8/22/2016 (Permalink)

When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial.

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 staining to 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
• A Musty odor appears

48 HOURS TO 1 WEEK

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp
• Furniture warps and show signs of mold
• Paint begins to blister
• Wood flooring swells and warps

MORE THAN 1 WEEK

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated and structural rebuilding may be extensive
• Structural safety, mold growth, and bio hazard contaminants pose serious risk to occupants