Capturing the Damage: Essential Photography Tips for Water Damage Insurance Claims

10/16/2024 (Permalink)

We will provide valuable tips on photographing water damage for insurance claims and explain why thorough documentation is key.

Water damage in Fort Worth, TX, can wreak havoc on your property, and documenting the extent of the damage is crucial for filing a successful insurance claim. Whether it’s caused by a burst pipe, severe weather, or appliance failure, providing accurate and detailed evidence will significantly improve your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve. Knowing how to take the right photos can make all the difference in the claims process. In this blog, we will provide valuable tips on photographing water damage for insurance claims and explain why thorough documentation is key.

Why Documenting Water Damage is Crucial

When water damage strikes, time is of the essence, both in terms of cleanup and documentation. Insurance companies process thousands of water damage claims each year. In fact, water damage is one of the most common reasons homeowners file insurance claims, accounting for nearly 24 percent of all homeowner claims, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Without proper documentation, your claim might be delayed, reduced, or even denied.

Key Reasons to Document Water Damage:

• Proof of Loss: Photos serve as tangible evidence of the damage and the extent of the loss.
• Claim Accuracy: Proper documentation helps adjusters assess the situation more accurately.
• Speed Up the Process: Well-organized evidence can help expedite the claims process.

How to Take Photos for Water Damage Insurance Claims

Photographing water damage may seem straightforward, but there are best practices that can help ensure you capture all the details your insurance company needs. Follow these tips to create a comprehensive visual record of the damage.

1. Start with Wide-Angle Shots

Begin your documentation by taking wide-angle shots of the affected areas. These photos should capture the entirety of each room, showing both the damaged and undamaged areas. Wide-angle shots give insurance adjusters a clear understanding of the scale of the damage. Ensure that the photos include walls, ceilings, floors, and any items that were impacted by water.

Tip: Stand in the corner of each room to get the broadest perspective.

2. Focus on Details

Once you’ve captured the wide-angle shots, it’s time to focus on the details. Zoom in on the specific areas where water damage is most apparent. This could include water stains, warped floors, or damage to personal belongings. Make sure to document all types of water damage, whether it’s minor discoloration or severe structural issues. Detailed photos help substantiate the claim by providing clear evidence of the impact.

3. Include Multiple Angles

For each area of damage, take photos from multiple angles. Doing so ensures that you capture every detail and gives adjusters a full view of the situation. Sometimes, damage that looks minimal from one angle may appear worse from another. Multiple angles add depth to your documentation and reduce the risk of missing critical details.

Tip: Take photos from eye level as well as above or below, depending on where the damage is.

4. Use Proper Lighting

Good lighting is essential for clear and effective documentation. Whenever possible, take photos during daylight hours or use flash to eliminate shadows and highlight the damage. Poor lighting can make it difficult for adjusters to assess the damage accurately, potentially affecting your claim.

Tip: If natural light is unavailable, use lamps or other portable lighting to brighten dark areas.

5. Date Your Photos

Make sure your camera or smartphone settings are set to automatically timestamp your photos. Having a date stamp is an important piece of evidence that shows when the photos were taken. This helps establish a timeline of the damage and can prevent disputes with your insurance company over when the incident occurred.

Tip: Most smartphones allow you to easily set a date and time stamp in the camera settings.

Organizing Your Photos for the Insurance Claim

After taking your photos, organizing them is just as important as the photography itself. Create folders for different areas of the property, label them clearly, and make a backup of all the files. This organized approach will help streamline the process for both you and the insurance adjuster.

Additional Steps:

• Create a Photo Inventory: Make a list of each photo, detailing the location and description of the damage.
• Backup Your Photos: Save your photos on cloud storage, a USB drive, or another secure method to prevent data loss.

Conclusion: Why Proper Documentation Matters

When it comes to filing an insurance claim for water damage, the more information you can provide, the better. Taking thorough and accurate photos ensures that your insurance company has the evidence they need to process your claim effectively. By following these photography tips, you can make the claims process smoother and increase your chances of a successful outcome.

For more information about water damage claims, visit the Insurance Information Institute's water damage facts.

At SERVPRO®, we understand the importance of proper documentation during a stressful time. If you need professional assistance with water damage cleanup and restoration, our experts are Here to Help® you every step of the way.

The Top 3 Areas Prone to Water Damage in Your Home

6/19/2024 (Permalink)

By staying vigilant and proactively addressing potential risks, homeowners can protect their homes from water damage.

Water damage can be a homeowner's worst nightmare, causing expensive repairs and potential structural hazards. Being aware of the common areas in your home that are prone to water damage is crucial for early detection and prevention. Below, we delve deeper into the top three areas where water damage often occurs and provide practical tips for protecting your home.

Basements and Crawl Spaces

Basements and crawl spaces are inherently vulnerable to water damage due to their low-lying nature and close proximity to the ground. During heavy rainfall or snowmelt, water can seep into these below-grade areas through cracks in the foundation, inadequate drainage systems, or even hydrostatic pressure. Basement flooding can result in extensive damage to walls, flooring, furniture, and stored belongings. To prevent water intrusion in basements and crawl spaces, homeowners should consider implementing the following measures:

• Regularly inspecting the foundation for cracks and repairing them promptly.
• Installing a sump pump with a battery backup to remove excess water and prevent flooding.
• Ensuring proper grading around the foundation to direct water away from the home.
• Sealing basement windows and entryways to prevent water seepage.

Bathrooms and Kitchens

Bathrooms and kitchens are high-traffic areas that are prone to water damage due to the presence of plumbing fixtures and appliances. Leaking pipes, malfunctioning appliances (such as dishwashers and refrigerators with ice makers), and deteriorating seals around sinks, showers, and toilets can all contribute to water leaks and moisture buildup. Over time, these issues can lead to water damage to cabinets, countertops, flooring, and adjacent walls. To prevent water damage in bathrooms and kitchens, homeowners should consider the following precautions:

• Routinely inspecting plumbing fixtures for leaks and addressing any issues promptly.
• Installing water leak detection devices or smart water sensors to alert homeowners to potential leaks.
• Ensuring proper ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens to reduce humidity levels and prevent mold growth.
• Periodically checking the integrity of grout and caulking around sinks, showers, and tubs and resealing as needed.

Roofs and Attics

The roof and attic are often overlooked but critical components of a home's defense against water intrusion. Damage or deterioration to the roof's exterior, such as missing or damaged shingles, deteriorated flashing, or clogged gutters, can lead to roof leaks and subsequent water damage. Additionally, ice dams formed along the roof's edge during the winter months can cause water to back up under the shingles and into the attic space. To protect your home from roof-related water damage, consider the following preventive measures:

• Conducting annual roof inspections to identify and address any damage or vulnerabilities.
• Cleaning gutters and downspouts regularly to ensure proper drainage and prevent water from backing up onto the roof.
• Installing gutter guards to prevent debris buildup and clogging.
• Adding attic insulation and ventilation to regulate temperature and moisture levels and prevent ice dams.

By staying vigilant and proactively addressing potential water damage risks in these common areas, homeowners can protect their properties from water damage. If water damage does occur, it's essential to act quickly and enlist the help of professional restoration services like SERVPRO of East Forth Worth to mitigate the damage and restore your home to its preloss condition.

Signs of Mold?

9/18/2022 (Permalink)

A multitude of different types of mold spore varieties exists in today's world. Mold can be found in many homes and businesses.

Mold needs a unique environment to grow & thrive. It needs a food source, such as drywall, and it requires a water source, such as a water leak of sorts. If you have concerns about potential mold in your Fort Worth home or place of business, you may want to ask yourself the following questions. 

Do You Notice Water Damage?

Mold is created by moisture; without moisture, mold couldn't survive. Mold spores float in the air, and if they land on a wet surface, it can grow & may spread rapidly. If you see a water spot on the ceiling, wall, or floor. There lies the potential for mold growth. Water damage(s) can cause the paint to peel and cause staining to the ceiling's surface.  

Is There a Musky Odor?

Does your home smell like a basement or musky? Even if you don't see any signs of mold, if you smell water, then it's worth investigating further.

Do You Have Any Known Leaks?

Mold likes wet surfaces and needs moisture to grow. It's essential to know if you have any existing leaks in pipes or faucets. It's also a good practice & smart idea to check under your kitchen & bathroom sinks periodically for potential leaks. 

Has Flooding Occurred?

If the previous flooding has occurred, there's potential for mold spores to be present as well.   

If the answer is "yes" to any of the above questions, further steps will need to be taken by a certified mold expert or remediation company. Allow SERVPRO of East Ft. Worth to assist you as we are a certified mold remediation company. We'd be honored to provide you with a precise & honest assessment of any potential mold issues. Contact us immediately with any questions!

Does Your Fort Worth Business Have a Plan?

9/18/2022 (Permalink)

How quickly your company can get back to business after a hurricane, fire or flood often depends on the emergency planning done beforehand. The regular occurrence of natural disasters demonstrates the importance of being prepared for any emergency. 50% of businesses never reopen following a disaster. While each situation is unique, your organization can prepare better if you plan carefully, put emergency procedures in place and practice for all kinds of emergencies. The following are necessary measures business owners and managers can take to begin preparing.

Develop a Business Continuity Plan

Begin by identifying operations that are critical to survival and recovery. Then carefully assess your internal and external functions to determine which staff, material, procedures, and equipment are essential to keep the business operating.

Review Insurance Coverage

Understand what your policy does and does not cover. Check with your provider about things such as physical losses, flood coverage, and business interruption. Inadequate coverage can lead to significant financial loss.

Prepare Your Emergency Plan

Communication with your employees is central before, during, and after a disaster. Be sure to share emergency information with your staff.

Practice the Emergency Plan

The ability to evacuate workers and customers effectively can save lives. Establish evacuation producers and ensure your staff knows the route.

Secure Your Facility and Equipment

Install exit signs, fire extinguishers, and smoke alarms and detectors in appropriate areas.

Improve Cyber Security

Using anti-virus software, firewalls, and secure passwords will better protect your business’s data and information.

Locally Owned with National Resources

SERVPRO of East Ft. Worth is locally owned and operated, so we are part of the Fort Worth community. When you have a fire, flooding, or water emergency, we’re already nearby and ready to help.

As fire and water damage specialists, we have the experience, the expertise, and the advanced training that enables us to get your property restored quickly and thoroughly. Please call (817) 293-5553.

Green Means Clean

9/18/2022 (Permalink)

As a SERVPRO® Franchise, we have access to SERVPRO Industries, Inc. resources and technology. Part of this includes the extensive range of cleaning products SERVPRO has developed. Over the years, SERVPRO Industries, Inc. has strived to create green chemicals that are safe for your home and family as well as the environment. We have been members of the EPA's Design for Environment (EPA/DFE) initiative for a long time. This allows us access to resources that help form environmentally friendly cleaning products, known as "Green" chemistry. Our most notable green cleaning products are highlighted below. 

Carpet & Upholstery Green Clean #251: This product is designed for cleaning both carpet and upholstery. It is truly a "one product does all" that can be used as a spotter, pre-spray, and in-line cleaner for use with various equipment. 

All Surface Green Clean #250: This is an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional surface cleaners. The product is designed as one product that cleans all surfaces that can be wiped or mopped. It can safely be used on walls, ceilings, countertops, floors, etc. The exclusive formulation contains both ionic and non-ionic surfactants that are naturally derived and provide excellent multi-functional cleaning.

Window Green Clean #249: This cleaner is an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional glass cleaners. The product is formulated with soft water to eliminate spotting and streaking.

All three products listed are pH neutral and contain no dyes or fragrances. All components are safe, non-toxic, phosphate-free, Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) compliant, and biodegradable. Your home is our highest priority. We strive to use green products, like these, when possible. 

Despite our goal to use green products, many of our products cannot be classified as such. Our goal is to still use the safest products we can. Two areas the EPA/DFE does not address that are common in our restoration tasks are disinfectants and deodorizers. 

Disinfectants are "kill" agents and are not considered green per the EPA/DFE. The EPA does classify disinfectants by the overall toxicity. The lowest toxicity disinfectants get a rating of category 3. We use a product called Sporicidin® as a low toxicity disinfectant, and it carries the EPA's lowest toxicity rating of category 3. 

Deodorizers can be a problem because the fragrances used in these products can cause reactions in specific individuals. The EPA/DFE does not currently have green fragrances listed. We use air scrubbers with activated charcoal to serve as a green method of deodorization. This method scrubs the odor particles from the air and traps them in the activated charcoal filter.

If you have any cleaning needs for your home or business, call SERVPRO of East Ft. Worth. We don't only specialize in fire and water restoration and cleanup; we also specialize in the cleaning and deodorizing carpets, upholstery, draperies, hard floors, walls, ceilings, air ducts, and more. Call at 817-293-5553, and we'll make it "Like it never even happened."

How Fires Can Damage Retail Stock in Your Fort Worth, Texas, Business

9/12/2022 (Permalink)

When picturing a fire, most people think only of the flames themselves. However, in a real fire, open flames are often among the least of your concerns. Fires are multifaceted disasters that can cause damage in multiple ways, especially in retail merchandise. Between ash, smoke, burns, and water damage, fires can damage almost any merchandise type. SERVPRO of East Ft. Worth can clean and restore many of these, but understanding what might happen to your stock during a fire is essential for calculating financial loss and extra shipments. 

Burned Goods 

The most apparent damage for fires in retail locations is through direct burns. Flammable items may catch fire, in most cases becoming unsalvageable, and other goods may be exposed to flames that partially or wholly destroy them. We're able to restore some of the damage caused by direct burns, such as some discoloration or warping in items, but many victims of this type of damage are irrecoverable. 

Water Damage from Sprinklers 

Sprinklers help save a business from many larger fires, but they also have the unfortunate consequence of adding additional damage to a situation. Water can damage most unsealed goods, and whether or not they will need replacing depends entirely on how much water is sprayed and what types of items are affected. 

Ash 

Ash is a tricky substance, as it can work its way into deep recesses and mix with water to become a harmful sludge. Ash is particularly bad for electronics and food items, but thankfully, its effects can usually be mitigated by SERVPRO of East Ft. Worth.

Smoke 

The smoke has the highest potential to damage fabrics and clothing but can hurt other types of merchandise. We have many different methods of treating smoke damage, be it on an individual item or room at a time. Smoke is usually a more severe problem for the building itself than any merchandise. 

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

SERVPRO of East Ft. Worth is a locally-owned company with industrial-grade equipment and training capable of handling even the most severe retail fire restorations. Call us 24/7 at (817) 293-5553.

Do You Have a Back-to-School Family Emergency Plan?

9/12/2022 (Permalink)

As your child ages, changes schools, or your family moves, it's smart to update your plan.

No one ever likes to think that an emergency could happen to them, but the reality is that disasters can strike anytime, anywhere, including while your child is at school.

Even if you never end up needing your family emergency plan, it's best to be prepared just in case. Having a solid plan in place will give you everyday peace of mind and, in the event of an emergency, could save lives.

Emergency Contacts

Make a list of 1-3 trusted emergency contacts who can pick up your child from school in the event that you are unable. Be sure to notify these people and get their permission. Review the list with your child to ensure they're comfortable with these people, know how to contact them by phone, and know what their vehicle looks like. Including an emergency card in your child’s backpack could prove useful for ensuring your child has the correct, pertinent information.

Communicate with the School

Ensure your child's school is kept up to date about who is allowed to pick them up. They'll need correct contact information and sometimes require a form of identification for their records. Many schools have materials they distribute to indicate designated pick up areas and other important information.

Drop Off Location

It’s scary, but it could happen. If none of the emergency contacts can be reached by phone or they're unable to pick your child up in a timely manner, alternative transportation may have to be arranged. Be sure to have a designated alternative drop-off spot. This could be a friend or relative's house, or another trusted location. Be sure your child knows the location, their current address, and phone number so that they can accurately tell authorities how to get there safely.

Reevaluate Each Year

As your child ages, changes schools, or your family moves, it's smart to update your plan. 

Although we hope your family never experiences an unexpected disaster, if you do, SERVPRO is available 24/7/365 for emergency service.

Emergency READY Profile: How to Prepare Your Business for a Disaster

1/25/2022 (Permalink)

For additional information regarding SERVPRO's Emergency READY Profile (ERP), visit http://ready.SERVPRO.com or call SERVPRO of East Fort Worth.

Download SERVPRO's ERP app today at https://ready.SERVPRO.com/Home/MobileApp.

Being a property manager or landlord isn't a 9 to 5 job. Mishaps don't care if you're on vacation or out of the office. Problems can arise 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Be prepared before disaster strikes. Deal with unforeseen circumstances by implementing our Emergency READY Profile (ERP), as many as 50% of businesses have to shut down after a disaster.

Being Prepared is FREE

Your company's ERP profile is FREE and can help you in the event of a disaster. We simply take down a few basic pieces of contact information and we are at your door in case of an emergency.

What Does an Emergency Ready Profile Look Like?

• A no cost assessment of your facility.
  This means there is no need to allocate funds, giving you a great value at no cost.
   
• A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency.
  It will only take a little time to complete and will not take you away from current projects. But it will save a lot of time if ever needed.
   
• A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.
  This can help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive by having an immediate plan of action.
   
• Establishes your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.
  You have a provider that is recognized as an industry leader and close by.
   
• Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin.
  This saves time so we can begin the work of mitigating the damage which can save you time and money.
   
• Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information.
  Having a quick reference of what to do, how to do it and who to call provides solutions in advance of an emergency so that during the emergency you are "Ready for whatever happens."

Businesses that survive a disaster had a preparedness plan in place. Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind. ERP helps your business have a plan in place and helps keep you and your staff members informed on handling fire and water damage.

For additional information regarding SERVPRO's Emergency READY Profile (ERP), visit http://ready.SERVPRO.com or call SERVPRO of East Fort Worth at (817) 293-5553.

How to Restore Your Belongings After Water Damage

1/10/2022 (Permalink)

Water in home settings can be devastating, whether from leaking pipes or backed-up drains or toilets. While there may be nothing you can do to prevent your items from becoming waterlogged in the event of an unexpected water leak, there are some things you can do to restore your belongings after water damage occurs. Here are a few ways you can clean up various items in your Fort Worth, TX home.

1. Separate Items

Before you officially begin the cleanup process, separate your items into those that are porous and nonporous. Porous materials may include wood, paper, rugs, and other types of fabric. Generally, these are more likely to harbor mold and bacteria from broken pipe water, so it’s essential to clean them quickly. Nonporous items are usually much easier to clean since they don’t absorb water and are less likely to harbor bacteria and mold.

2. Dry-Clean Nonporous Items

Dry cleaning may be appropriate when removing light water residue from nonporous items in your home. Items can also be dry cleaned before floor restoration professionals come in and thoroughly clean your items. 

3. Air-Dry When Appropriate

If you’re not dealing with dangerous water, such as sewage, it may be appropriate to gently air-dry most of your belongings. If possible, do so indoors unless the weather outdoors is ideal. You can increase the airflow inside your home using open windows, air conditioners, and fans. 

4. Toss Dangerous Items

Depending on the nature of floodwater in home settings, it may be dangerous to keep saturated items. If there is a high likelihood of the floodwater containing harmful bacteria, it may be best to throw away contaminated objects. In other cases, professionals may be able to safely clean and salvage some of your valuables. 

While you may be able to clean some of your belongings that water has damaged in your home, safety should always be your top priority, whether you’re dealing with a broken pipe or a sewer backup. It’s best to wait for professional help to arrive for help with dry-cleaning or salvaging contaminated items. 

Call  SERVPRO of East Ft. Worth (817) 293-5553. for additional information regarding water damage. We can professionally clean and restore the contents of your home. We are experts in water damage restoration and have top-notch equipment to dry out your home and get your life back on track as quickly as possible.

Commercial Water Damage

1/6/2022 (Permalink)

Your Fort Worth business has been affected by flooding or water damage caused by a leak or sprinkler system going off, now what? SERVPRO of East Fort Worth is "Here to Help" 

Our crews are highly trained, and IICRC certified to help extract the water and help get your office back in working order. That doesn't mean just the carpet and walls, though. Here at SERVPRO of East Fort Worth, we know time is of serious importance. Every day your office or business is closed and costs you more in the long run.

We offer several services to minimize as much damage as possible and help you get your business's doors back open. Here are some of the services we provide to help get your business back to preloss condition.

Electronic Cleanup

Water-damaged electronics can present a severe hazard. Do not attempt to turn on or operate any electrical device that you suspect has been damaged by water. We will coordinate the restoration of your electronics, including:

• Television sets
• DVD players
• Computers
• And more

The key to restoring electronics is taking prompt action to prevent further damage. We start by cleaning the exterior of electronic devices to help stop further corrosion and damage. Electronics will be cleaned and inspected by a qualified electronics technician.

Document / Photograph Drying

When your valuable documents are damaged by water, extreme caution should be taken to help ensure the water damage does not destroy the document. Although some documents may not be restored to pre-water damage conditions, SERVPRO of East Fort Worth can save a great deal and help minimize additional damage. 

Depending on the type of documents and the level of water damage, we have five options for the restoration of documents:

• Air Drying
• Dehumidification
• Freezer Drying
• Vacuum Freeze Drying
• Vacuum Thermal Drying
  
  

Contents Claim Inventory Service

Contents Claim Inventory Service (CCIS) provides a detailed and accurate list of your belongings. We take a room-by-room inventory of your contents, including digital photos, and in some instances, barcoding. Our Contents Claim Inventory Service:

• Pre-loss list and value of contents
• A detailed and accurate report
• Better information to settle claims quicker
• Assistance with the burden of proof for claims
• Peace of mind when you need it most

SERVPRO of East Fort Worth has the ability to respond immediately to water damage so you can get back to business quickly. Our team of highly trained technicians is available 24/7 to assist with any size water damage emergency. Call us at (817) 293-5553.

What to do When Your Home Has a Water Leak

1/6/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of East Fort Worth equipment placed in a building after a water leak.

What Causes Water Damage? 

Water damage can originate from different sources such as a broken dishwasher hose, a washing machine overflow, a dishwasher leakage, broken/leaking pipes, floodwaters, and clogged toilets. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, 13.7% of all water used in the home today can be attributed to plumbing leaks. On average, approximately 10,000 gallons of water per year are wasted by leaks for each US home. A tiny, 1/8-inch crack in a pipe can release up to 250 gallons of water a day.

Left unfixed, these leaks can cause more severe problems in the future. Mold can grow, and structures can rot or become weak from the water's strain soaking into them, resulting in damage and possibly collapse. 

Removing Water Once an Incident Occurs 

Once a Water leak occurs, your priority should be removing the water and drying out the area to prevent further damage. Calling in professionals should be your first task before trying to deal with the water yourself. SERVPRO of East Ft. Worth is on call 24/7 and ready to help deal with any disaster day or night. We can arrive quickly and begin removing water from your home with our expert equipment so that the drying process can begin as soon as possible.

Different removal methods and measures are used depending on the category of water. Due to the destructive nature of water, chosen restoration methods also depend heavily on the amount of water and on the amount of time the water has remained stagnant. For example, as long as carpet has not been wet for longer than 48 hours, and the water involved was not sewage based, a carpet can usually be saved if it is relatively new; however, if the water has soaked for longer, then the carpet is probably irreparable and will have to be replaced. Water damage restoration can be performed by SERVPRO of East Ft. Worth as quickly and efficiently as possible. 

Beginning the Restoration Process

Water damage restoration is often prefaced by a loss assessment and evaluation of affected materials by our trained and certified technicians. The damaged area is inspected with water sensing equipment such as probes and other infrared tools to determine the source of the damage and the possible extent of the area affected. Restoration services would then be rendered to the residence to dry the structure, sanitize any affected or cross-contaminated areas, and deodorize all affected areas and materials. After the labor is completed, water damage equipment, including air movers, air scrubbers, dehumidifiers, wood floor drying systems, and subfloor drying equipment is left in residence. Our technicians take readings on the drying process as it progresses. 

No matter the time of day or night, we offer you the services you need. Call us 24/7 at 817-293-5553 for professional, timely service.

Remedy Sprinkler Water Damage from Commercial Business Fire

1/5/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Remedies Sprinkler Water Damage from Commercial Business Fires

A fire in a commercial business is devastating. Not only is the structural integrity of your building potentially compromised, but employees are out of work and your customers are not being served. 

And when you add additional damages from the sprinkler systems kicking on, the fire and water commercial damages compound quickly. A lot of companies cannot afford to close for a day, and SERVPRO of East fort Worth understands this.

That is why we offer 24/7 commercial damage services to get commercial businesses back on their feet in as little time as possible.

For Example:

If a fire burns through a building and activates the sprinkler system, there is now both fire and water damage. This is often the case with fires since flames are smothered with water—and that water can be just as damaging or more damaging than the fire. 

We are a one-stop-shop.

Since SERVPRO has the knowledge, equipment, and staff to treat fire and water damages simultaneously, our commercial services reduce the cost that businesses pay because they don't need to look for multiple companies to take care of the different types of damages. SERVPRO even acts as a liaison between insurance companies and clients which makes working with us that much easier.

Unfortunately, disasters are not preventable, but companies like SERVPRO are there to make fire and water disasters “Like it never even happened,” with residential and commercial services. For questions regarding SERVPRO of East Fort Worth commercial services, contact us at (817) 293-5553.

Does SERVPRO Fix Sprinkler Water Damage?

1/5/2022 (Permalink)

Installing a fire sprinkler system offers reliable and affordable fire protection to your Fort Worth commercial properties. Not only do sprinkler systems save lives and prevent property losses from fires, but they also save millions of dollars to business owners by way of tax deductions, code and ordinance compliance, insurance savings, and the ability to continue business as usual.

But for as beneficial as sprinkler systems may be in reducing the harm caused by a fire, the downside is the damp mess left behind after an incident.

Is the Damage Worth It?

To prevent a fire from spreading, the sprinkler system springs into action as soon as a fire is detected. This typically occurs during the "flash-over" stage, or when the fire transitions from the "growing" stage to the last stage–a fully developed fire. Sprinkler systems can address the specific area of the fire, preventing the spread.

This may seem as though you are trading one catastrophe for another–a flood versus a fire, but the reality is properly functioning sprinkler systems are designed to reduce the amount of water used to put out the fire. A sprinkler system may use hundreds of gallons of water to douse a fire, while firefighters will use thousands.

Sprinkler System Water Damage

With that said, any water used indoors means you are left with a moisture problem that needs to be addressed quickly. Sprinkler system water damage can include wet drywall, carpeting, and other building materials, not to mention the furniture and contents that will be affected and standing water left behind.

The first step after an incident is to make sure all water damage is addressed as soon as possible. The longer water sits inside; the worse all the affected materials will be. SERVPRO of East Fort Worth's skilled and trained technicians can assess the existing water damage and develop a strategy to return your property to its original condition, making it "Like it never even happened."

What to Expect

• Clearing out possessions: To avoid further damage to possessions made from wood, cloth, or other porous surfaces, they will be removed from the property and stored in a safe place until ready to return. Some items may need replacement depending on the level of damage and if they're restorable.
• Removing the water: Water extraction equipment, dehumidifiers, and air movers are used to remove water efficiently and effectively.
• Drying the area: After removing the water, dehumidifiers and fans will help make sure everything is thoroughly dry to avoid growth from forming.
• Repairing: When water damage ruins materials beyond repair or leaves permanent stains on carpeting and upholstery, restoring the property may require construction or additional cleaning services.