Fall Home Maintenance: Prepare Your Property for Winter

9/17/2024 (Permalink)

A man and a women standing outside a home with a SERVPRO vehicle in the background. He is in a black shirt and she is wearing a orange shirt.

As temperatures drop and leaves begin to fall, it's essential to prepare your home for the upcoming winter months. While spring cleaning often gets the spotlight, fall is just as critical for preventative maintenance. By integrating seasonal upkeep into your routine, you can address potential hazards and fortify your property to handle whatever Mother Nature throws your way.

At SERVPRO of Milwaukee North, we specialize in helping homeowners protect their properties from fire, water, and storm damage. By following these fall maintenance tips, you can prevent costly issues before they arise and ensure your home is ready for the winter months ahead:

1. Inspect Your Heating System

Have your heating system cleaned and inspected annually by a qualified technician. Regular maintenance can prevent unexpected breakdowns and ensure your system is running efficiently throughout the winter.

2. Replace Furnace Filters

Make sure to replace your furnace filter according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Clean filters improve air quality and reduce the risk of furnace issues, especially during high-use seasons.

3. Insulate Water Pipes

Water damage from burst pipes is one of the most common winter issues. Insulate any water pipes in unheated areas to prevent freezing and potential water damage.

4. Clean and Inspect Gutters

Clogged gutters can lead to water damage as snow melts. Clear your gutters and downspouts to ensure water flows away from your home properly. Check for damage and make sure they’re securely fastened.

5. Caulk Windows and Doors

Examine caulking around windows and doors for any signs of deterioration. Properly sealed windows and doors help maintain energy efficiency and prevent drafts, which can strain your heating system.

6. Schedule Chimney Cleaning

If you have a fireplace, it’s essential to have your chimney cleaned and inspected by a professional before winter. Creosote buildup can lead to chimney fires, so regular cleaning is key for fire prevention.

7. Clean Dryer Vents

Lint buildup in your dryer vent can pose a fire risk. Clean the dryer exhaust duct and the area behind the dryer to prevent lint from accumulating, which can cause overheating.

8. Check Electrical Outlets

Inspect your home’s electrical outlets for loose plugs or potential overloads. Overloaded outlets can cause electrical fires, so it's essential to distribute power safely.

9. Maintain Fire Extinguishers

Keep a multipurpose fire extinguisher accessible, especially near the kitchen or fireplace. Ensure it’s fully charged and ready for use in case of emergencies.

10. Test Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors are your first line of defense against house fires. Test all smoke detectors monthly and change their batteries at least once a year. Make sure each bedroom and hallway has working smoke detectors, as well as each level of your home, including the basement.

Protecting Your Home from Winter Damage

By taking these preventive steps during the fall, you reduce the risk of damage and the need for emergency repairs when winter hits. From heating system failures to water and fire hazards, SERVPRO of Milwaukee North is here to help when the unexpected happens. If you need professional assistance or emergency restoration services, we're just a call away at 262-250-1101.

Get Back to Business Faster: SERVPRO's Commercial Fire and Water Damage Restoration

6/13/2024 (Permalink)

Commercial Fire

Disasters strike, disrupting your business and life. Whether it's a burst pipe or a kitchen fire, getting back to normal operations quickly is critical. Here at SERVPRO of Milwaukee North, we understand the urgency of commercial property restoration. We specialize in fast, thorough cleanup and remediation to minimize downtime and financial losses.

Why Choose SERVPRO of Milwaukee North for Commercial Restoration?

• Office Buildings
• Apartment Buildings
• Restaurants
• Hotels/Motels
• Retail Stores
• Manufacturing & Industrial Facilities
• Government/Military Buildings
• Universities/Colleges
• Schools

Don't Let Disaster Keep You Down

A water or fire emergency can be stressful, but SERVPRO of Milwaukee North is here to help. We'll take care of everything so you can focus on getting your business back on track.

Contact SERVPRO of Milwaukee North Today!

Call us at (414) 354-7566 for immediate assistance. Let our professionals handle the restoration, while you focus on what matters most - your business.

Fire Damage Restoration: Your Guide to Post-Fire Cleanup

5/1/2024 (Permalink)

House fire damage and soot

Fires can be devastating, causing significant property damage and emotional distress. According to the National Fire Protection Association's latest data (https://www.nfpa.org/en), property fires resulted in an estimated $14.3 billion in losses in 2021. No two fires are alike, and the appropriate restoration plan depends on the cause and type of fire.

SERVPRO of Milwaukee North understands the unique challenges of fire damage restoration. Our certified technicians are highly trained and experienced in handling various fire scenarios, ensuring a complete return to your property's pre-fire condition.

Understanding Different Fire Types and Their Cleaning Methods

Here's a breakdown of common fire types and the most effective cleaning methods for each:

• High-Oxygen Fires: These fires, fueled by oxygen-rich environments, produce a dry, powdery soot residue. Dry-cleaning techniques using specialized sponges are crucial for initial cleaning. Introducing moisture can worsen the situation by embedding soot deeper into surfaces. After dry cleaning, a low-pH detergent and rinsing are used for a thorough clean.

• Low-Oxygen Fires: These fires, often caused by smoldering materials, create a wet, sticky soot. Wet-cleaning methods are necessary here. Our technicians utilize high-pH detergents to remove soot effectively from walls and structural components.

• Kitchen/Grease Fires: Kitchen fires are notorious for their stubborn, greasy soot residue that's often difficult to detect. These fires require the most meticulous cleaning. Cabinets, appliances, and drawers may need removal for complete access and proper residue elimination to prevent lingering odors.

SERVPRO of Milwaukee North: Your Trusted Fire Damage Restoration Partner

SERVPRO of Milwaukee North is available 24/7/365 to assist you with fire damage restoration. Our team of highly trained and experienced professionals will handle the entire restoration process, minimizing your stress during this difficult time.

Contact SERVPRO of Milwaukee North Today!

We understand the urgency of fire damage restoration. Call us today at (414) 354-7566 for prompt and professional service. Let us help you get your life back on track.

Protecting Your Home from Water Damage: Ejector Pumps and Sump Pumps for Mitigation and Restoration

4/4/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Milwaukee North is here to help take the stress out of water damage clean up. We are available 24/7/365.

When it comes to safeguarding your home from water damage, two crucial players emerge: ejector pumps and sump pumps. Both serve distinct purposes within the realm of mitigation and restoration services.

• Ejector Pumps: Champions of Waste Removal

Ejector pumps, sometimes referred to as sewage pumps, tackle the challenge of waste elimination in basements or areas where plumbing dips lower than the main sewer line. By leveraging water pressure, they effectively grind and propel waste upwards, ensuring proper drainage into the sewer system. This prevents backups and the unpleasant scenario of sewage overflowing within your home.

• Sump Pumps: Banishing Basement Floods

Sump pumps, on the other hand, focus solely on mitigating water accumulation. Installed in a dedicated pit beneath your basement floor, they serve as a drainage point for excess water, particularly during heavy rain, snowmelt, or any flooding event. When water levels rise within the sump pit, the pump springs into action, discharging the water through pipes that lead to a safe external location, far from your foundation. Without a functioning sump pump, basements become susceptible to flooding, potentially leading to significant water damage and restoration needs.

Key Differences for Effective Mitigation

While both pumps play a vital role in water mitigation, understanding their distinctions is essential:

• Function: Ejector pumps handle waste removal, while sump pumps manage water removal.
• Waste Handling: Ejector pumps can break down and expel solid waste, unlike sump pumps which are designed solely for water.
• Drainage Location: Ejector pumps connect to the sewer line, while sump pumps discharge water externally.
• Debris Management: Sump pumps typically have a screen to prevent debris from entering the system, whereas ejector pumps can handle some solid waste.

The Importance of Proper Maintenance

Both ejector pumps and sump pumps are crucial safeguards against water damage. Malfunctioning pumps can lead to disastrous consequences, necessitating restoration services. To ensure optimal performance, regular maintenance is key. Consider scheduling inspections and servicing for your pumps to prevent potential problems.

SERVPRO: Your Partner in Mitigation and Restoration

If you experience water damage due to a failing ejector or sump pump, SERVPRO of Milwaukee North is here to assist you 24/7/365. Our team of professionals can provide a no-cost assessment of your situation and guide you through the restoration process.

Remember, a proactive approach to pump maintenance can save you from the hassle and expense of water damage mitigation and restoration.

A Timeline of Water Damage

9/27/2023 (Permalink)

Have water damage? Don't wait for the damage to get worse, call us today!

SERVPRO of Milwaukee North 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 Milwaukee North is here to help.

Grilling Safety Tips

6/22/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Milwaukee North 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. It is important to clean with frequent BBQing. Not cleaning your grill 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)

SERVPRO of Milwaukee North is your trusted storm damage restoration company.

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 Milwaukee North to restore your home should the rain become too much!
We are available 24/7/365 for all of your water damage mitigation needs!

Do you own a commercial property that has experienced a disaster??

5/2/2023 (Permalink)

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 Milwaukee North comes in. As a trusted leader in the restoration industry, SERVPRO of Milwaukee North 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 Milwaukee North, 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 Milwaukee North. With our expertise and resources, we can help you get back to business as usual in no time!

Milwaukee Fire Restoration 101: Reconstruction Services

4/3/2023 (Permalink)

Property fires are devastating events. At SERVPRO of Milwaukee North, we guide our customers through the complete process of restoring their property

Once the process of cleaning and restoring the structure and contents of your home or business that are salvageable has begun, it is time to plan the final phase of fire restoration which is the reconstruction and refinishing of structural elements that were not cleanable.  Depending on the damage sustained, there may be a little or a lot of work to accomplish.

Some common items that may need attention are:

Drywall, Sealing, and Painting

Flooring

Hardwood flooring and/or trim refinishing

Cabinetry repair or replacement

Exterior refinishing such as siding or roofing

Driveway repair (damaged from fire trucks)

Plumbing

Electrical

And more!  Every project is unique.

SERVPRO of Milwaukee North is uniquely positioned to work with our customers until the final completion of their fire reconstruction.  Our team has decades of experience in construction and understands what it takes to bring you home back to its preloss condition.  Only licensed professionals or direct employees are allowed into your home to perform work, and our standards are high.  

If you are in need of reconstruction after fire or other damage, don’t hesitate to call SERVPRO of Milwaukee North at 847-838-2954.  We are here to truly make it "Like it never even happened."

Providing an Outstanding Customer Experience in Glendale, WI

2/15/2023 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Milwaukee North, it is our goal to exceed customer expectations.

At SERVPRO of Milwaukee North, great customer service is of the utmost importance to us.  We work hard to train our emergency personnel to exhibit excellent customer service. When one of our customers is experiencing a water damage or fire damage emergency, we want to be there to help them recover their home or business to preloss condition with as little disruption as possible. 

One such example of this comes from a Google review written by a customer in Glendale, WI who experienced a flood in his home. Ben R. writes:

"Kevin was the best! He made our unfortunate water damage experience so much better. He really looks out for your best interests and went far and beyond in order to help us the most. Never a fun thing to have a fish tank explode but at least SERVPRO has the best crews to help you when you really need them. When disaster happens call these guys right away, don’t even think or give consideration to another company! 5 stars"

Here at SERVPRO of Milwaukee North, there is nothing that makes us prouder than knowing our customers are satisfied with a job well done.  We are here for your emergencies 24/7/365. Give us a call for help at 414-354-7566.