The fire and water damage restoration team at SERVPRO of Northeast Fort Worth understands how a major property damage disaster in the winter months presents many challenges. Less sunlight, frigid temperatures, icy precipitation, frozen pipes, treacherous roads, school and business closures, power grid failures, and supply chain interruptions complicate cleanup, restoration, and recovery. The best course of action is to follow prevention strategies that serve to avoid a catastrophe in the first place.
Below are some practical tips to help the residents of Arlington Heights, Fort Worth, TX, tackle water and fire damage this winter.
Tip: Strive to maintain a healthy HVAC system. Consistent distribution of heat throughout the home will prevent pipes from freezing. Walls, ceilings, and floors may begin to crack and separate if rooms are not kept at a reasonable temperature.
Tip: Ensure that all windows and doors that grant access to the outdoors are shut and tightly locked when not in use. The goal is to prevent moisture from entering the home. Excessive moisture can cause sheetrock to warp and buckle, and a mold infestation can result if moisture is not kept out of the house.
Tip: Reduce the thermostat by five degrees Fahrenheit. The lower temperature will help prevent moisture buildup in the home.
Tip: Allow faucets to emit a slow trickle or fast drip to prevent pipes from freezing when frigid temperatures are in the forecast. A burst pipe can spew 7 to 10 gallons of water per minute, while a fast-dripping faucet only allows a few gallons of water per hour to escape down the drain.
Tip: Identify and seal air leaks with caulk, weatherstripping, or spray foam sealant. Gaps around doors and windows and cracks in walls are some of the main culprits that allow cold air into a home.
Tip: Make sure the HVAC ductwork is sealed. Keep ductwork clean, and the filter changed on the HVAC system.
Tip: Have professional and certified chimney sweep services inspect and clean all parts of the chimney. Make any necessary repairs.
Pre-qualify a restoration company before disaster strikes
Pre-qualifying SERVPRO of Northeast Fort Worth as a dedicated property damage cleanup and restoration team will not prevent a winter water damage disaster. However, it will make dealing with a property damage disaster hassle-free, stress-free, simple, quick, and easy. Listed below are seven reasons why pre-qualifying SERVPRO of Northeast Fort Worth is so important.
- When disaster strikes, one phone call gets results. A cleanup and restoration team arrives on the scene in about an hour.
- There is no confusion regarding basic information about the home or business when the crew arrives to begin the cleanup and restoration. Technicians have access to a basic layout of the house, entrances, the water main shutoff valve, and any electrical panels, as well as contact information for the owner or property manager. The pre-qualification process for businesses, professional office buildings, manufacturing units, retail shops, and medical and dental practices facilitates a rapid response, a quick assessment, and a quick cleanup and restoration project. This proactive strategy can determine the trajectory of a business’s future when a property damage disaster has temporarily interrupted normal business operations, the flow of goods and services, and the revenue cycle, which are the lifeblood of the business.
- The customer is confident that the team members are trained, experienced, and IICRC-certified.
- Technicians have access to industry-leading equipment, cutting-edge technologies, advanced cleaning techniques, and EPA-approved cleaning products that are safe for humans and pets.
- There are no surprises once the work begins. Technicians take every safety precaution for themselves and the occupants in the home. The SERVPRO team treats the belongings of their clients with great care.
- A detailed estimate with images and video is presented to each client. This estimate is the basis for the work to be done and for the initial contact with the insurance company. SERVPRO of Northeast Fort Worth can handle the insurance claims process from end to end. The project progress and payment schedule run smoothly. The SERVPRO staff provides the insurance company with the documents required at the end of the job, validating that the project has been completed as contracted.
- Finally, the pre-qualification process gives the customer time to vet the damage restoration company. References can be checked, and social media reviews can be considered. After the stress and turmoil of a fire and water damage disaster, the call to SERVPRO of Northeast Fort Worth can bring calm, comfort, and confidence to the homeowner in distress.
For more information about water damage restoration in Fort Worth, TX, call SERVPRO of Northeast Fort Worth at (817) 741-5737. The office can also be contacted by email at office@servpronortheastftworth.com.
