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SERVPROSERVPRO of West Littleton / Sheridan
Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration™
(303) 593-1374

Archived Storm Damage Blog Posts

Winter Storm Preparation

12/30/2019 (Permalink)

When the mercury drops in Colorado, it’s often a mad dash to batten down the hatches and prepare for the worst.

Winter storms in our state can be brutal. Between the high winds, freezing rain, hailstorms, and big-time snowfall, both home and business owners do themselves a favor by taking steps to prevent damage to their property. 

What can be done to help stem the damage caused by inclement winter weather in Colorado? Quite a bit, actually. The team at SERVPRO—the fire and water cleanup professionals serving Littleton and the surrounding area—is here to help with some tips. 

Actions to Take Before

As they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. To prepare for the worst that Colorado weather has to offer, do these five things now: 

  • Sign up for alerts from local news or weather agencies. The National Weather Service or your favorite news outlet are great places to start. Make sure you are a part of whatever email or text-based alert programs they have available. This way, you’ll be made aware of potentially damaging weather before it gets here.
  • Insulate pipes in your home or business. This can be tricky, as many of the pipes that serve water throughout a building can run behind walls and along difficult-to-reach crawl spaces. Locate whatever sections of pipe you can, and use things like old newspapers or insulation material to help protect them from freezing.

    Another great preventative measure is to allow taps to slowly drip the day before an expected freeze.
  • Cover windows with plastic sheeting. Large, plastic sheets with enough surface area to cover windows are available at your local hardware store. This measure can help to insulate the home or business, as windows are often the ‘Achilles heel’ for most buildings encountering freezing weather.
  • Ensure that your property insurance coverage is up-to-date. Check with your insurance provider to make sure that you have adequate insurance coverage in the event that winter weather does cause damage this season.
  • Stock up on supplies that might be necessary in the event of a power outage. Things like batteries, lanterns, blankets, and ready-to-eat food will make periods of power interruption much more bearable. Try to avoid using things like generators or propane heaters as these can be causes for fires.

Even though the public utility companies in Colorado do a fantastic job of getting to work after a winter storm has hit, taking the above-listed actions will go a long way in preempting property damage caused by such a storm. 

Actions to Take After

Even though you might have done all you can to prepare for a bad winter storm, sometimes, the brunt of it can be too much for your property to stand.

Do these things after the storm has hit:

  • Conduct a safety check of your building and land. In the aftermath of a strong winter storm, it’s not uncommon for there to be large accumulations of ice, snow, and slush. These hazards can post a significant post-storm danger. Walk your property and look for any potential safety risks.
  • Document any damage and contact your insurance company as soon as possible. The best time to begin taking account of damage done by a storm is immediately after it has passed. Get your camera out, start taking pictures, and begin the claim process sooner than later.
  • Monitor news sources for emergency information and/or alerts about more weather coming your way. Often, bad weather in Colorado is followed up with—you guessed it—more bad weather. Make sure you’re kept informed about whatever might be coming your way even after the worst of it seems to have passed.
  • Contact SERVPRO to get a jumpstart on fixing damages. Remember that your SERVPRO team is standing by to help restore your property to pre-storm condition. We are experts at working with insurance companies, too, making the entire process much less of a headache than it has to be. 

Whatever winter weather Mother Nature decides to send our way this season, it will pay to be prepared for the worst. Implement the advice contained in this article, and you’ll be doing your part to ensure that you ‘weather the storm’ the best you can. 

Stay safe this winter season, and don’t hesitate to contact your local SERVPRO office to schedule an on-site evaluation of damage caused by inclement weather.

Remember that, when harsh weather strikes, you always have a restoration resource available to you, no matter the damage and no matter the cause.

New Mexico Freeze

1/24/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO to The Rescue!

New Mexico was hit with a winter storm on December 31st, 2018. Rio Rancho, Sante Fe and Albuquerque were severely affected by the freezing temperatures.

          Since the last blizzard occurred in 2011 and residents were not prepared to handle the storm damages. Many homes with flat roofs faced excessive water leaks, whereas other homes were flooded by burst pipes from freezing temperatures.

           The three SERVPROs in New Mexico were overwhelmed with the volume of jobs they were facing. SERVPRO corporate invited SERVPRO of West Littleton/Sheridan to aide the local SERVPROs in providing service for those affected by the storm.

            SERVPRO of West Littleton/Sheridan wasted no time stocking their trucks with equipment, tools and supplies needed for the trip. After driving six hours straight, crews hastily unpacked and dispersed throughout the New Mexico Area.

         Every time a SERVPRO hero goes into "storm mode" they consider the fact that they have the ability and knowledge to change the outcome of an unfortunate situation and to ultimately be a beacon of light for those affected by unexpected storms and hurricanes. SERVPRO professionals know that response time is everything, and they will work around the clock to get you back in your home and your life back to normal.

        Our SERVPRO crews are still in the New Mexico Area and if your home was affected by the recent freeze please call us at 303-576-6868. 

More About The Services We Provide 

Whether you need emergency flood restoration or just need your upholstery cleaned, SERVPRO has over 1,700 Franchises ready to respond faster to any size disaster. SERVPRO has advanced equipment and highly trained technicians to make it “Like it never even happened.” We can help you with the following residential services:

  • Water Damage Restoration 
  • Fire Damage Restoration 
  • Mold Remediation 
  • Storm Damage Restoration 
  • Cleaning Services 

Are You Prepared for Winter?

11/6/2018 (Permalink)

Be Prepared

Prepare Your Business for Winter Weather

  • Check your business property for low hanging tree limbs and branches. Weather, such as wind, heavy rain, ice and snow, can cause branches to fall, which could cause damage to the property and potentially cause personal injuries.
  • Inspect property, especially walkways and parking lots, for proper drainage to alleviated flood hazard potential.
  • Inspect handrails, stairways and entryways to address and correct potential slippery or hazardous areas. Install mats or non-slip surfaces and post caution signs where water could be present .
  • Ask our highly trained SERVPRO professionals about starting an Emergency Ready Profile for your business.

Prepare Your Home for Winter Weather

  • Keep cabinet doors open during cold spells this allows warm air to circulate around pipes.
  • Keep a slow trickle of water flowing through faucets , especially if the pipes for faucets run through unheated or uninsulated areas of your home.
  • Consider shutting off outdoor faucets. Find the shut-off valve in the basement or crawl or crawl space and turn it to “off”.
  • If you follow the previous step, then open the outdoor faucet to help ensure it drains completely and the inner valve is shut off.
  • Ensure gutters are clean and secure. Leaves and debris accumulate, causing a damming effect on gutters, which could lead to roof problems and water damage

Prepare Your Home for Fall & Winter

10/9/2018 (Permalink)

Prepare & Prevent

1. Clean and Stow Your Mower

If you’re not familiar with fuel stabilizer, get to know it. If your mower sits for months with gas in its tank, the gas will slowly deteriorate, which can damage internal engine parts. Fuel stabilizer ($10 for a 10-ounce bottle) prevents gas from degrading.Add stabilizer to your gasoline can to keep spare gas in good condition over the winter, and top off your mower tank with stabilized gas before you put it away for the winter. Run the mower for five minutes to make sure the stabilizer reaches the carburetor.

Another lawn mower care method is to run your mower dry before stowing it.

1. When the mower is cool, remove the spark plug and pour a capful of engine oil into the spark plug hole.

2. Pull the starter cord a couple of times to distribute the oil, which keeps pistons lubricated and ensures an easy start come spring.

3. Turn the mower on its side and clean out accumulated grass and gunk from the mower deck.

2. Remove Garden Hoses From Faucets

Remove garden hoses from outdoor faucets. Leaving hoses attached can cause water to back up in the faucets and in the plumbing pipes just inside your exterior walls. If freezing temps hit, that water could freeze, expand, and crack the faucet or pipes. Make this an early fall priority so a sudden cold snap doesn’t sneak up and cause damage.

Turn off any shutoff valves on water supply lines that lead to exterior faucets. That way, you’ll guard against minor leaks that may let water enter the faucet. 

While you’re at it, drain garden hoses and store them in a shed or garage.

3. Drain Your Sprinkler System

Time to drain your irrigation system. Even buried irrigation lines can freeze, leading to busted pipes and broken sprinkler heads.

  1. Turn off the water to the system at the main valve. 
  2. Shut off the automatic controller.
  3. Open drain valves to remove water from the system.
  4. Remove any above-ground sprinkler heads and shake the water out of them, then replace.

If you don’t have drain valves, then hire an irrigation pro to blow out the systems pipes with compressed air. A pro is worth the $75 to $150 charge to make sure the job is done right, and to ensure you don’t have busted pipes and sprinkler head repairs to make in the spring.

4. Seal Air Leaks

Grab a couple of tubes of color-matched exterior caulk ($5 for a 12-ounce tube) and make a journey around  your home’s exterior, sealing up cracks between trim and siding, around window and door frames, and where pipes and wires enter your house. Preventing moisture from getting inside your walls is one of the least expensive — and most important — of your fall maintenance jobs. You’ll also seal air leaks that waste energy.

Pick a nice day when temps are above 50 degrees so caulk flows easily.

5. De-Gunk Your Gutters

Clogged rain gutters can cause ice dams, which can lead to expensive repairs. After the leaves have fallen, clean your gutters to remove leaves, twigs, and gunk. Make sure gutters aren’t sagging and trapping water; tighten gutter hangers and downspout brackets. Replace any worn or damaged gutters and downspouts.

If you find colored grit from asphalt roof shingles in your gutters, beware. That sand-like grit helps protect shingles from the damaging ultraviolet rays of the sun. Look closely for other signs of roof damage (#5, below); it may be time for a roofing replacement.

Your downspouts should extend at least 5 feet away from your house to prevent foundation problems. If they don’t, add downspout extensions; $10 to $20 each.

6. Eyeball Your Roof

If you have a steep roof or a multistory house, stay safe and use binoculars to inspect your roof from the ground.

Look for warning signs: Shingles that are buckled, cracked, or missing; rust spots on flashing. Any loose, damaged, or missing shingles should be replaced immediately.

Black algae stains are just cosmetic, but masses of moss and lichen could signal roofing that’s decayed underneath. Call in a pro roofer for a $50 to $100 eval.

A plumbing vent stack usually is flashed with a rubber collar — called a boot — that may crack or loosen over time. They’ll wear out before your roof does, so make sure they’re in good shape. A pro roofer will charge $75 to $150 to replace a boot, depending on how steep your roof is.

7. Direct Your Drainage

Take a close look at the soil around your foundation and make sure it slopes away from your house at least 6 vertical inches over 10 feet. That way, you’ll keep water from soaking the soils around your foundation, which could lead to cracks and leaks.

Be sure soil doesn’t touch your siding.

8. Check Your Furnace

Schedule an appointment with a heating and cooling pro to get your heating system checked and tuned up for the coming heating season. You’ll pay $50 to $100 for a checkup.

An annual maintenance contract ensures you’re at the top of the list for checks and shaves 20% off the cost of a single visit.

Change your furnace filters, too. This is a job you should do every two months anyway, but if you haven’t, now’s the time. If your HVAC includes a built-in humidifier, make sure the contractor replaces that filter.

9. Prune Plants

Late fall is the best time to prune plants and trees — when the summer growth cycle is over. Your goal is to keep limbs and branches at least 3 feet from your house so moisture won’t drip onto roofing and siding, and to prevent damage to your house exterior during high winds.

For advice on pruning specific plants in your region, check with your state extension service

10. Give Your Fireplace a Once-Over

To make sure your fireplace is safe, grab a flashlight and look up inside your fireplace flue to make sure the damper opens and closes properly. Open the damper and look up into the flue to make sure it’s free of birds’ nests, branches and leaves, or other obstructions. You should see daylight at the top of the chimney.

Check the firebox for cracked or missing bricks and mortar. If you spot any damage, order a professional fireplace and chimney inspection. An inspection costs $79 to $500.

You fireplace flue should be cleaned of creosote buildup every other year. A professional chimney sweep will charge $150 to $250 for the service.

/https://www.houselogic.com/organize-maintain/home-maintenance-tips/fall-checklist/

Hurricane Preparation Tips

8/20/2018 (Permalink)

Hurricane Season

Hurricanes

Hurricanes are massive storm systems that form over warm ocean waters and move toward land. Potential threats from hurricanes include powerful winds, heavy rainfall, storm surges, coastal and inland flooding, rip currents, tornadoes, and landslides. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. The Pacific hurricane season runs May 15 to November 30. Hurricanes:

  • Can happen along any U.S. coast or in any territory in the Atlantic or Pacific oceans.
  • Can affect areas more than 100 miles inland.
  • Are most active in September.

IF YOU ARE UNDER A HURRICANE WARNING, FIND SAFE SHELTER RIGHT AWAY

  • Determine how best to protect yourself from high winds and flooding.
    • Evacuate if told to do so.
    • Take refuge in a designated storm shelter, or an interior room for high winds.
  • Listen for emergency information and alerts.
  • Only use generators outdoors and away from windows.
  • Turn Around, Don’t Drown! Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters.

Prepare NOW

  • Know your area’s risk of hurricanes.
  • Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
  • If you are at risk for flash flooding, watch for warning signs such as heavy rain.
  • Practice going to a safe shelter for high winds, such as a FEMA safe room or ICC 500 storm shelter. The next best protection is a small, interior, windowless room in a sturdy building on the lowest level that is not subject to flooding.
  • Based on your location and community plans, make your own plans for evacuation or sheltering in place.
  • Become familiar with your evacuation zone, the evacuation route, and shelter locations.
  • Gather needed supplies for at least three days. Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication. Don’t forget the needs of pets.
  • Keep important documents in a safe place or create password-protected digital copies.
  • Protect your property. Declutter drains and gutters. Install check valves in plumbing to prevent backups. Consider hurricane shutters. Review insurance policies.

When a hurricane is 36 hours from arriving

  • Turn on your TV or radio in order to get the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.
  • Restock your emergency preparedness kit. Include food and water sufficient for at least three days, medications, a flashlight, batteries, cash, and first aid supplies.
  • Plan how to communicate with family members if you lose power. For example, you can call, text, email or use social media. Remember that during disasters, sending text messages is usually reliable and faster than making phone calls because phone lines are often overloaded.
  • Review your evacuation zone, evacuation route and shelter locations. Plan with your family. You may have to leave quickly so plan ahead.
  • Keep your car in good working condition, and keep the gas tank full; stock your vehicle with emergency supplies and a change of clothes.

When a hurricane is 18-36 hours from arriving

  • Bookmark your city or county website for quick access to storm updates and emergency instructions.
  • Bring loose, lightweight objects inside that could become projectiles in high winds (e.g., patio furniture, garbage cans); anchor objects that would be unsafe to bring inside (e.g., propane tanks); and trim or remove trees close enough to fall on the building.
  • Cover all of your home’s windows. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8” exterior grade or marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install.

When a hurricane is 6-18 hours from arriving

  • Turn on your TV/radio, or check your city/county website every 30 minutes in order to get the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.
  • Charge your cell phone now so you will have a full battery in case you lose power.

When a hurricane is 6 hours from arriving

  • If you’re not in an area that is recommended for evacuation, plan to stay at home or where you are and let friends and family know where you are.
  • Close storm shutters, and stay away from windows. Flying glass from broken windows could injure you.
  • Turn your refrigerator or freezer to the coldest setting and open only when necessary. If you lose power, food will last longer. Keep a thermometer in the refrigerator to be able to check the food temperature when the power is restored.
  • Turn on your TV/radio, or check your city/county website every 30 minutes in order to get the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.

Survive DURING

  • If told to evacuate, do so immediately. Do not drive around barricades.
  • If sheltering during high winds, go to a FEMA safe room, ICC 500 storm shelter, or a small, interior, windowless room or hallway on the lowest floor that is not subject to flooding.
  • If trapped in a building by flooding, go to the highest level of the building. Do not climb into a closed attic. You may become trapped by rising flood water.
  • Listen for current emergency information and instructions.
  • Use a generator or other gasoline-powered machinery outdoors ONLY and away from windows.
  • Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters. Turn Around. Don’t Drown! Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
  • Stay off of bridges over fast-moving water.

Be Safe AFTER

  • Listen to authorities for information and special instructions.
  • Be careful during clean-up. Wear protective clothing and work with someone else.
  • Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water. If it is safe to do so, turn off electricity at the main breaker or fuse box to prevent electric shock.
  • Avoid wading in flood water, which can contain dangerous debris. Underground or downed power lines can also electrically charge the water.
  • Save phone calls for emergencies. Phone systems are often down or busy after a disaster. Use text messages or social media to communicate with family and friends.
  • Document any property damage with photographs. Contact your insurance company for assistance.

What Can You Do When Your Home is Affected By a Flood?

8/16/2018 (Permalink)

A Description of Typical House Flood Damages and Cleanup Requirements:

When your house floods, the water can wreak havoc on the structure of the house, your personal belongings, and the health of the inside environment. Flood waters contain many contaminants and lots of mud. High dollar items can get ruined all at once, even with just an inch of water, for example: carpeting, wallboard, appliances, and furniture. A more severe storm or deeper flood may add damage to even more expensive systems, like: ducts, the heater and air conditioner, roofing, private sewage and well systems, utilities, and the foundation.

  • First call your insurance agent, they will let you know if you are covered or not.
  • When we come out to your home or place of business, we start by extracting water, then clean out any mud or debris.
  • After, we clean and disinfect every single surface, and remove any walls that may have gotten wet to help with drying out the area.

Call SERVPRO at 303-576-6868

Are You Prepared For a Flood?

8/16/2018 (Permalink)

Be Prepared For Any Disaster!

A Description of Typical House Flood Damages and Cleanup Requirements:

When your house floods, the water can wreak havoc on the structure of the house, your personal belongings, and the health of the inside environment. Flood waters contain many contaminants and lots of mud. High dollar items can get ruined all at once, even with just an inch of water, for example: carpeting, wallboard, appliances, and furniture. A more severe storm or deeper flood may add damage to even more expensive systems, like: ducts, the heater and air conditioner, roofing, private sewage and well systems, utilities, and the foundation.

  • First call your insurance agent, they will let you know if you are covered or not.
  • When we come out to your home or place of business, we start by extracting water, then clean out any mud or debris.
  • After, we clean and disinfect every single surface, and remove any walls that may have gotten wet to help with drying out the area.

Call SERVPRO at 303-576-6868

What Can You Do When Your Home Floods?

8/16/2018 (Permalink)

Be Prepared For Any Size Disaster.

A Description of Typical House Flood Damages and Cleanup Requirements:

When your house floods, the water can wreak havoc on the structure of the house, your personal belongings, and the health of the inside environment. Flood waters contain many contaminants and lots of mud. High dollar items can get ruined all at once, even with just an inch of water, for example: carpeting, wallboard, appliances, and furniture. A more severe storm or deeper flood may add damage to even more expensive systems, like: ducts, the heater and air conditioner, roofing, private sewage and well systems, utilities, and the foundation.

  • First call your insurance agent, they will let you know if you are covered or not.
  • When we come out to your home or place of business, we start by extracting water, then clean out any mud or debris.
  • After, we clean and disinfect every single surface, and remove any walls that may have gotten wet to help with drying out the area.

Call SERVPRO at 303-576-6868

Flooding in Des Moines, Iowa

7/13/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Arrived Just In Time!

Flooding in Des Moines, Iowa

SERVPRO traveled to Iowa, after it excessively rained, causing severe water damage to over 1,500 properties. Owner Nick and his dedicated Storm Team jumped on the opportunity to help the people of Des Moines. During a three week period the Storm Team provided restoration & mitigation services for over 40 properties. 

The Des Moines Register Update

More than 1,500 properties were reportedly affected by the weekend weather that dumped up to 9 inches of rain on central Iowa — a number authorities expect to increase.

Through Wednesday night, 15 properties in Des Moines have been categorized as majorly damaged and 350 received minor damage, Cody Christensen, permit and development administrator for Des Moines, told the Register Thursday.

Many homes and businesses had moderate damage, and others still need to be inspected.

Update: 29 homes suffered major damage, 520 with minor impacts

About 500 homes have been inspected for damage in Des Moines, Mayor Frank Cownie said Thursday, with another 500 inspection requests still needed to be finished.

He predicted tough times ahead for some homeowners if the federal government did not “see this as a national-level disaster.”

In the Fourmile Creek area alone, more than 230 single-family homes, 10 commercial buildings and six apartment buildings were damaged by flooding, Cownie has said.

For more about the flooding in Des Moines please visit the link below.

https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/2018/07/05/des-moines-flooding-polk-county-dallas-jasper-clive-fourmile-fema-weather-saylorville-iowa-reynolds/759108002/

The Most Likely Causes of Flood Damage To Your Denver Home

12/27/2017 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO for Storm and Flooding Problems in Denver

SERVPRO Advises on Water Diversion to Prevent Flooding of Your Home

Even though Denver might be the mile-high city, it has seen its fair share of torrential storms over the past few years. When the conditions got bad enough, it could tear down power lines and uproot trees. Out of all of these situations that could have caused severe damages to homes, and permit unrestricted access to high volumes of rainwater, perhaps the most common of circumstances behind this disaster was the improper maintenance of water diversion equipment.
 
Flood damage to your Denver home can be the result of some different scenarios that are out of your control, but one thing that you can always have direct control over is the functionality of your gutters, drain systems and stability of your foundation. Maintenance of these three areas can ensure that your home is the most prepared it can be for potential severe weather conditions.
 
One thing that our SERVPRO professionals often recognize when we are called out for flood damage restoration jobs is the condition of the gutter system. This equipment is the first line of defense that your house has against diverting excess water from your roof to an area well away from the foundation of your home. In many cases of flooding, however, the gutter system is clogged or disconnected, which allows water to flow freely against your house and into the critical area right around its foundation.
 
Another problem that our technicians often come across is faulty (or completely nonexistent) french drain systems. When water is allowed to get into the area closest to your foundation, this is a system intended to collect this water before the weight of the earth can build enough pressure to damage the structure or force the water through (and into your house). Our experienced SERVPRO team can help you to identify the functioning status of this system, or help you to determine if this is something that your home requires.
 
Your foundation should be adequately waterproofed. This process typically gets done through the use of a roll-on mastic or material to the exterior of your home, precisely where the structure rests below grade. Failure of this step could leave your wall vulnerable to penetration from the pressurized water.
 
If you are dealing with flood damage to your home, you can call SERVPRO of West Littleton / Sheridan. We are available at all hours of the day to help restore your home from the unforeseen disasters like this one. Call us anytime at (303) 593-1374.

Fall and Winter in the Mile High CIty click here

Avoiding Health Effects After Flood Damage in Denver

10/20/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO suggests supplying your emergency flood kit with watertight dressings to keep contaminated water out of wounds when needed.

SERVPRO Can Safely Mitigate Flood Damage and Help Keep You Safe 

Flood damage is a real risk for many homeowners in Colorado. Some terrible weather has blasted through the state this year, bringing to mind just how easy it is for mother nature to wreak havoc on communities. Being caught up in flooding is a frightening experience, even if you have prepared well. However, it is a good idea to think ahead and plan what to do in the event of a flood in Denver.

One thing SERPVRO recommends all homeowners to be aware of is the cause of health effects following flood damage in the Denver area. It is not a pleasant topic but it is an important one, and having some foreknowledge now could help you in the future.

Floodwaters have the potential to cause health effects. It is vital that you not expose injuries to contaminated water.

One way to protect yourself is by covering any scratches, cuts or rashes with a waterproof bandage. Include watertight dressings as part of your emergency flood kit, so you have them on hand if needed.

It is also important to keep wounds as clean as possible. Wash abrasions regularly with clean water (preferably bottled water) and unscented soap.

If you notice signs of health effects please seek medical attention straight away.

Do not attempt to tackle flood water removal on your own. We recommend calling SERVPRO as soon as you can – We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster. Our staff is on hand to help with flood water removal and damage cleanup.

Our IICRC-certified technicians have access to truck-mounted and free-standing pumps to get as much water as possible out of your property. We help you decide which possessions to save and which to discard. We clean all surfaces and disinfect where necessary, and can even help with odor removal after cleaning is complete.

For help with flood damage mitigation in Littleton, Columbine, Bow Mar, Denver and surrounding areas, call SERVPRO of West Littleton / Sheridan at (303) 593-1374 today.

For more information about Denver, click here.

An Answer to Flood Damage That May Occur on Your Denver Area Property

9/10/2017 (Permalink)

If you live in a flood prone area, talk to the technicians at SERVPRO for prevention tips. Contact us if flooding already occurred for remediation.

SERVPRO Technicians Remediate Damage After a Flood AND Help Prepare Your Home for Possible Flooding

Continuous rainfall, hail storms, and high winds can lead to some pretty significant damage to your Denver home. It takes a trained professional to spot all of the problems and help limit any losses you might experience as a result.  

If you are looking for help preparing your home to combat flood damage in Denver that may occur after a storm, it can be beneficial to have a pre-existing relationship with a quality restoration company. Having qualified professionals take a first-hand look at your property can save you from having to deal with many problems down the road.

In the past, most homeowners called a roofer, plumber, or electrician to handle problems in their specific fields. However, restoration companies, like SERVPRO, make it possible to gain access to highly trained professionals who are well versed in different types of repair, all in one place. This offers you full-service solutions to any problems that exists in your home.

Since it is no longer necessary to call and schedule multiple contractors to perform various services, you save time and get the most for your money. SERVPRO technicians are fully IICRC certified, which means that we have the training and experience to perform quality restoration services in your home. We handle everything from roof damage to yard grading, keeping your home safe and secure from top to bottom while also limiting any damages you might experience.

Our SERVPRO technicians can perform a full inspection of your property to help you search for potential problems and be there for you when disaster strikes. We respond, “Faster To Any Size Disaster,” and make damage disappear, “Like It Never Even Happened.” These might sound like simple statements to you. However, each of our employees makes every effort to deliver quality services to our customers, and we show it in everything we do for you.  

Give SERVPRO of West Littleton / Sheridan the opportunity to provide you with cleanup and restoration services you can trust. We look forward to being your answer to emergency situations that occur on your property, call today. (303) 593-1374

For more information regarding Denver, click here

SERVPRO STORM Response

3/23/2017 (Permalink)

When disaster strikes, SERVPRO STORM Team mobilizes!

Every year, all over the country, catastrophic natural disasters wreak havoc on communities large and small.

Whether its turbulent blizzards, or torrid flooding, the effects of these colossal events can be felt across the nation.

In the midst of the chaos and stress caused by these happenings, it is easy for business and home owners to feel overwhelmed and lost.

SERVPRO strives to put our customers at ease, guiding them and supporting them through the STORM emergency process while providing education and knowledge on how to best navigate the situation. 

From the initial damage assessment, to communicating with your insurance adjuster, to final billing and processing, SERVPRO supports our clients by providing superior customer service.

SERVPRO happily responds to local and outside STORM events. Nationwide, SERVPRO franchises mobilize and act fast, traveling cross country to assist in disaster clean up in communities across the US and Canada.

SERVPRO works in conjunction with all insurance companies, and is part of the Preferred Service Provider program for many nationally recognized insurance organizations.

For our self-pay customers, SERVPRO offers reasonable, competitive pricing and payment options. We understand that STORM cleanup is an unexpected expense, and strive to make reasonably priced restoration accessible to all our customers.

So in the event that your home or business is involved in a STORM, you can rely on SERVPRO to turn a stressful situation into a manageable, professional experience.

SERVPRO helps customers in Boise, ID

2/23/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO heroes to the rescue!

In early January, we received a call from our friends and colleagues at Storm Team Stone to ask if we could help with the overwhelming number of customers needing help from a freeze in Boise, ID. The city and surrounding areas had endured subzero temperatures and snowfall for several days. Customers had ice dams form on their roofs, pipe bursts and many other weather related water losses. We gladly accepted the call to help and loaded up our trucks. On board were our general manager, Matt, our production managers, Troy and Andrew, crew chief Dalton, and technicians, AJ and Ryan. They arrived in Boise and began the process of helping customers get their homes back to normal. They spent about 3 weeks in Boise. With the help of Kimber in the office back in Parker, the event was a complete success and our crews returned feeling like they had made a difference. We would like to extend our thanks to Storm Team Stone and SERVPRO Boise. We couldn't have done it without you! 

Preparing for a Blizzard in Littleton

12/8/2016 (Permalink)

Don't get caught in a blizzard without these tips!

When you live in Colorado, you can usually count on one thing - there will always be at least one blizzard during the winter season. Everyone knows the standard checklist when preparing for old man winter, including the dreaded run to a crowded grocery store to stock up on milk, bread and eggs. But here at SERVPRO West Littleton/Sheridan we have a few tips for things you may have forgotten or not thought of: 

  • Keep all electronics you may need, including cell phones, tablets and entertainment for the kids fully charged when you know a storm is coming. This way if the power goes out, you still have a full 100% instead of starting at 25%.
  • Keep one or more portable battery packs fully charged for when the juice runs out on your electronics. If you are in a pinch and need to charge an electronic device, remember that most can be charged in an automobile - Just remember to start it and let it run while charging so you don't drain the battery in your automobile. 
  • Keep extra coolers and empty your ice maker into large storage bags for a few days before the storm. This way if you lose power you can keep your refrigerator or freezer items cold as long as possible. 
  • Keep books, playing cards and board games easily accessible in case boredom sets in. 
  • Make sure to check your supply of items such as pet food, formula and diapers for children, toiletries and medications. 

Stay safe and remember that we are always here to help!

Preventing Ice Dams in the Winter

12/1/2016 (Permalink)

Taking precautions to prevent ice dams is an important part of preparing your home for winter weather. Knowing what an ice dam is, minimizing the conditions that allow one to form and removing an ice dam as soon as you spot one can help prevent serious damage to both the roof and the inside of your home.

Take Action Before Snow Starts Falling

An ice dam may develop during the cold winter months if warm air from your home or attic melts snow on your roof. In freezing temperatures, the melted snow may refreeze once it reaches the colder edge of the roof. Keeping the temperature of your attic at 32°F or below can help prevent snow from melting and ice dams from developing. The following are some steps you can take to help prevent the snow melting-and-freezing cycle that often causes ice dams:

  • Insulate your attic. Be sure your attic is properly insulated to help prevent warmth from escaping through ceilings. Whenever possible, an insulation value of R-40 is recommended.
  • Prevent air leaks. Check and seal any openings where warm air or heat could escape into the attic, such as insulating or caulking around vent pipes, exhaust fans, chimneys, attic hatches and/or light fixtures.
  • Improve ventilation. Increase the number or size of attic, roof or soffit vents that allow cold air to circulate and flush warmer air out during the winter.

  • Install a water-repellent membrane. When replacing the roof covering, install a water-repellent membrane underneath the shingles. This acts as an extra barrier
    that helps prevent water from seeping inside the building should an ice dam form.

Tips to Help Prevent Ice Dams Through the Winter

Ice dams can sometimes form despite your best efforts to keep your roof at the proper temperature. Be sure to monitor the weather and maintain your roof throughout the colder, winter months for additional protection against ice dams, such as:

  • Clear gutters and downspouts. Prevent water from accumulating and possibly freezing in your gutters by cleaning leaves, debris and snow accumulation from in and around gutters and downspouts. Making sure that your gutters are properly pitched can also help prevent the collection of water in low spots and help reduce the potential for ice buildup in gutters.
  • Remove snow accumulation from your roof after every storm. Whenever possible, use a roof rake to clear snow about three to four feet from the edge of your roof soon after each storm. Snow accumulation along the edge of your roof increases the likelihood of an ice dam developing, which prevents water from draining off the roof. This water can then back up underneath roof shingles and make its way into your home.
  • Remove ice dams as soon as you spot them. Check your roof often and know how to help identify and remove an ice dam.

CAUTION: Avoid using a ladder in snowy and icy conditions. This can be extremely dangerous and is best left to the professionals.

Source: https://www.travelers.com/resources/weather/winter-storms/how-to-help-prevent-ice-dams.aspx

Frozen pipes on the East Coast

3/10/2015 (Permalink)

Frozen pipes left homeowners iced in.

SERVPRO West Littleton/ Sheridan/ Castle Rock/ Parker traveled out to the east coast to assist in the clean up effort after a record breaking winter. 

Catastrophic Flooding in Boulder, Colorado

9/25/2013 (Permalink)

This homeowner's basement was engulfed in 11 feet of flood water. This is the muddy remains after SERVPRO pumped out the water.

We saw the rains coming down and were disappointed our normally sunny state was covered with clouds. Little did we know what the rains would bring to Colorado. Streets began to flood and creeks and rivers overflowed their banks. Suddenly our state was forefront in the news and epic floods were wreaking havoc on people’s lives and property. Our SERVPRO phones began to ring with frantic homeowners needing our help. We dispatched all our crews and brought in many workers, but we still needed help. Our Local Franchises were overwhelmed. Then the SERVPRO storm team mobilized and help arrived. SERVPRO teams from all over the country came to our state to work side-by-side with local crews. Our SERVPRO crews continue to work tirelessly, morning to night, to help those affected by the floods. Though these catastrophic floods have caused immeasurable damage, we have seen the strength of the human spirit as homeowners display gratitude, generosity and patience with each other and us.

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