Recent Storm Damage Posts

The Vermont Voyage

3/19/2024 (Permalink)

DRT truck in vermont The Disaster Recovery Truck in the heart of Vermont ready for the day

On July 10th, 2023, catastrophic rain hit the State of Vermont causing flooding throughout.

Over the first 48 hours of rainfall, it was reported that up to 9 inches of rain fell in areas with no end in sight. Torrential rains, swollen rivers, and overflowing reservoirs converged, unleashing a deluge that tested the resilience of its residents. Towns were submerged, homes marooned, and roadways rendered impassable.

As the waters eventually receded, Vermont embarked on a journey of recovery, with organizations like SERVPRO at the forefront, aiding in the restoration of homes and communities.

4,000 homes and 800 businesses reported water damage - some being the notable State Capital buildings in Montpelier.

On July 13th, 2023, the SERVPRO Disaster Recovery team out of Columbus, Ohio headed towards the record-breaking devastation. With three semi-Tractor trailers packed with over 1200 Air Movers followed by 75 highly trained team members traveled 700 miles northeast to support with the States Cleaning efforts.

Our SERVPRO team was able to aid in 13 critical buildings by offering expert water extraction, thorough cleaning, and extensive restoration services.

The 13 buildings spanned from multi story to 150-year historic staples in the community.  

Throughout the next 9 weeks our crew’s dedication to restore Montpelier was unwavering. With each restored building, we helped rebuild dreams and history, embodying our mission to not merely clean up after disasters but to restore the heart of a district.

In each waterlogged room and beneath the layers of mud, we discovered the enduring spirit of a state determined to rebuild and restore the rich history of the state.

The community hadn’t seen these record rain falls since 2011 during Tropical Storm Irene. As the nation’s leader in water mitigation, we were there to assist and strengthen the area.

We are honored to be the trusted restoration partners to help mitigate the water damage, restore the history of Vermont, and revitalize the city of Montpelier. In time of the crisis, we hope our dedication shone through and the people of Vermont know they can always count on SERVPRO to help embark on the path to recovery.

How Can I Reduce The Level Of Flood Damage In My Home?

5/1/2023 (Permalink)

wet brown carpet The furniture had to be removed from the affected area to be cleaned separately.

For many Columbus residents, any storm-related flooding can be a traumatic event. While there are methods to prepare for flooding like reinforcing your roof or removing expensive furniture, there is little help in an emergency's immediate aftermath. Our SERVPRO technicians can help you overcome flooding by performing vital mitigation acts quickly after a storm event.

Flood mitigation in Columbus may include actions like removing standing water from the home, drying inner rooms, or temporarily storing possessions at our warehouse. Contacting a highly qualified restoration company immediately after discussing your coverages with your insurance carrier can go a long way to reducing the losses caused by a flood after the fact.

What preventative measures are useful for storm areas?
- Taking out a flood insurance policy
- Maintaining water disposal in the home such as basement sump pumps, gutters, and drainage
- Turning off water mains access ahead of time to avoid backups

Do floodwaters permanently damage furnishings?
Furnishings are frequently victims of flood damage for residents. We understand how many items may be difficult to replace in a home, so our dedicated SERVPRO technicians are expertly trained in contents restoration. Larger items like sofas may benefit from temporary removal to a dry area where they can be thoroughly dehumidified to remove any excess moisture. Our technicians can also apply an extensive range of cleaning products and techniques to return upholstery to its preloss condition. By pre-testing on discrete areas of the fabric, we can avoid lasting damages of color fade or spot.

What restoration is available for furnishings?
- Thorough drying of the affected furniture
- Special services for leather, satin, or other unique upholstery
- Buffering and mechanical cleaning of furniture fibers

An unexpected summer storm can lead to extensive damage to both your home and its contents. Contact our SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus Team at (614) 261-6666 for assistance.

What To Do When Filing A Flood Insurance Claim

3/15/2023 (Permalink)

water on concrete floor Don't wait to file a claim! Call your Insurance Agent and our SERVPRO Team!

Most homeowners’ insurance does not offer flood coverage. However, if you have a separate flood policy for your home, then you will want to file an insurance claim if your home has been damaged. The process can sometimes be frustrating or confusing, so use the following tips to help your claim go smoothly.

1. Call Your Insurance Agent

The first step in filing a flood claim is calling your insurance agent. In some cases, the company can deny your claim if you have waited too long to contact them. Getting the process started right away will prevent this.

2. Take Pictures

After you have contacted your agent to begin the process, you should take photos of any areas of the house that have been flooded. Be sure to photograph any affected items as well. This will help the insurance company determine the extent of the damage. Keeping a list can be helpful as well.

3. Set Aside Affected Belongings

Once you have taken pictures and documented the damage, you don’t need to wait for the insurance adjuster to arrive to begin moving your items. If you allow them to sit in the water, the damage will only worsen, so you should relocate them to a dry area quickly.

4. Prevent Additional Damage

If the insurance company does not believe that you have taken the necessary steps to prevent further damage, this can affect your flood claim. It is a good idea to call a water damage restoration company, like SERVPRO to do repairs, but you can start on remediation before they arrive. Along with moving affected items, you can board up areas and place tarps to prevent the water from spreading.
Making a flood claim may not always be the simplest process, but there are things you can do to make it easier on yourself. Following this advice will help move it along more quickly and ensure you get the most that you can from your policy.

Are You Covered By Your Insurance Policy?

12/29/2021 (Permalink)

insurance policy form SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus is prepared for the unexpected. Call our heroes today at 614-261-6666!

Bad weather can spring up without much of a warning. Most of the time when a flash flood or bad thunderstorm is threatening your area, you barely have enough time to find shelter. As a homeowner, it is important that you think about these moments before they occur.

Do you have the correct insurance policy? Is your home going to be covered in the event of a disaster? Is the amount of coverage going to be enough to restore your home? Thinking about these questions before the storm damage occurs can make your life after the storm much easier.

Before you do anything else, stop and make sure your home is covered for the following:

  • Water and Windstorm Damage
  • Debris or Tree Removal
  • Sewer Backup Due to Flooding
  • Sump Pump Failures Due to Flooding
  • Additional Living Expenses In Case A Storm Forces You Out of Your Home

Once you have the proper home insurance coverage for storm damage, you can feel safer during the event of a disaster. Seeing your home damaged after a major storm can be heartbreaking. The best thing you can do for your family and your home is to begin the storm damage recovery immediately.

Our SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus Team is here to help after every storm. We are available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year!

Classes of Damage

12/29/2021 (Permalink)

flooded basement Our SERVPRO technicians are trained handle any size and any class disaster!

If you have ever endured storm damage to your Columbus home, SERVPRO is here to help.  Our employees are trained and certified by the IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) to ensure that the technicians have the expertise in restoring your home. 

In cases where there is flood damage to your home, the IICRC categorizes four different classes of destruction as follows:

  • Class 1:  The lowest and easiest to deal with, this has a slow evaporation rate. Only part of a room or area was affected, there is little or no wet carpet, and the moisture has only affected materials with a low permeance rate, such as plywood or concrete.
  • Class 2:  With a fast evaporation rate, this level affects an entire room, carpeting, or cushioning, the wetness has wicked up the walls at least 12”, and there is moisture remaining in structural materials.
  • Class 3:  This class has the fastest evaporation rate, and ceilings, walls, insulation, carpet and sub-floors are all saturated. The liquid may have come from overhead. 
  • Class 4:  This class is labeled as specialty drying situations, which means there has been enough liquid and time to saturate materials with very low permeance, such as hardwood, brick, or stone.

If your home is ever in need of restoration services from flood damage, call SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus at 614-261-6666.

When Storms or Floods hit Columbus, SERVPRO is ready!

12/1/2021 (Permalink)

water damaged concrete basement Our highly trained crews are ready to respond 24/7 to storm or flood damage in Columbus!

SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Columbus, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today (614) 261-6666

What Are Ice Dams?

11/30/2021 (Permalink)

ice dam diagram If your home experiences damage caused by an ice dam, call our SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus team.

For homeowners in Columbus, winter can bring a number of problems, from burst pipes to leaky roofs. Another issue you may not be aware of is the formation of ice dams. While it may not seem like much of an issue on its own, it can cause extensive water damage to your home which can then create more problems. Here are a few things that you should know.

1. What Are They?

As you may be able to guess from its name, an ice dam is a formation that keeps water from properly moving from your roof. They occur when snow melts and then refreezes into harder ice. They often form on the edge of the roof which can make it difficult for water to drain properly but can also show up in other areas. When this happens, the trapped water can begin to back up and cause damage to the roof and ceiling underneath it.

2. How Do You Prevent Them?

These formations occur because of melting and refreezing snow, so one tip for ice dam prevention is to keep the temperature of your roof cold enough to prevent melting. This is most easily done by keeping the temperature in your attic low. Proper insulation can help as well. Another method of prevention is removing snow from your roof immediately after a storm.

3. How Can You Remove Them?

If you already have an ice dam on your roof, then you should remove it as quickly as possible to prevent it from causing any damage. One way to do this is by using an ice melt product. Hot water steaming can do the trick as well.


While a winter storm and cold weather can often create frustrating problems, you do not need to handle them all on your own. Our SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus team is always here to help!

Your Flood Damage Experts

11/30/2021 (Permalink)

water damaged carpet from sump pump Don't let a flood disrupt your life. Call our SERVPRO team!

If you’ve recently had a flood of significance in your home, you are probably experiencing some severe water damage to your home and possessions. It can be overwhelming for sure, and in this type of situation, it is important that you know professionals you can turn to, like our team at SERVPRO, to help you restore your property back to its preloss state.

Flood damage in Columbus of any kind can create quite the mess of things and will disrupt your daily routine. However, you can rest assured that the professionals at SERVPRO are trained to handle any situation like this properly so that they can have you back to normal as soon as possible. Water damage restoration is a process with multiple steps which need to be handled by our professionals who are licensed and certified water restoration contractors, both through corporate and IICRC training methodologies.

The Initial Visual Inspection
The first step will be to do an initial assessment to figure out the right action that is needed to reverse the adverse effects of the flood damage. After this is done, if there are no safety hazards, your contents will be secured, and the restoration can begin.

Extraction of Water
Containing the flood damage and getting rid of any standing water right away is the top priority. Anything that is wet such as pillows, throw rugs, toys, clothing, and the like are removed from the affected area. Our technicians will start to treat any wet surfaces such as ceilings, walls, or floors to help speed up the drying process. Baseboards may need to be discarded, along with any wet insulation. Cabinet drawers and doors will be opened to speed up the drying process. All wet surfaces will have to be treated.

Stabilizing and Drying
Once all the wet materials are removed, the drying process can begin. Technicians will use commercial grade equipment, including dehumidifiers, air movers, heaters and wood floor drying systems. Controlling the moisture is very critical in preventing the growth of mold and preserving your belongings and furnishings.

Reassessing the Damage
Once your home is dry, certified technicians will do another inspection to make sure there are no hidden moisture pockets which could result in further damage or mold growth. No guess work is involved because moisture sensors and thermal hygrometers will reveal hidden pockets of residual moisture.

Reconstruction
After the water damage has been mitigated and your home returned to a preloss condition, if there are any building materials which need replacement or structural damage, the last step is restoration. At the end of reconstruction, your home will be safe and secure once again for you and your family. "Like it never even happened."

Flood damage can be devastating. However, we at SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus have the knowledge and training to restore your home. Give us a call anytime at (614) 261-6666!

Who Should You Call After A Storm

9/28/2021 (Permalink)

water damaged ceiling This home experienced water damage due to cracks in the roof which lead to water making its way inside the home.

Who Do You Call?

When a storm comes down quick and fast, it often finds the cracks in the roofs, or the storm floods a part of your home and remediation is often needed. Most homeowners do not think about who their remediation company might be if needed. Most people may never experience something like this and the idea of a contractor coming into your home is sheer terror. With all the nightmare stories that exist about contractors, it is no surprise!

We Will Put You At Ease

Here at SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus, we want to put your anxiety about hiring someone to come and make repairs to your home. We are here to help you get your home put back together and walk you through the entire process. We want to make sure that you have the confidence when you hire us that we will get the job done efficiently and correct the first time. Things are going to happen, how we react to them and how we prepare for them is the difference.

Call our SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus Team today at (614) 261-6666 for all of your storm damage needs. We are always here to help!

Sump Pump Failures

11/11/2020 (Permalink)

equipment set after water loss This residential basement experienced water damage due to a sump pump back up.

Our SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus Team sees many flooded basements due to sump pump issues. If you have a sump pump, follow these steps.

First things first, check with your insurance agent to review your coverages! It is very frustrating for owners to find out they did not have any coverage or insufficient coverage.

How do you know if you need sump pump coverage or not?  Look at what you have in the basement. If you have an unfinished basement and just concrete floors, without any contents (or very few and not valuable), then you probably won't suffer much of a loss other than the cleanup effort from someone like us at SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus, who specializes in cleaning up floods and backups in homes and businesses. If you have a finished basement and contents that you would want to be replaced if ruined, then the cost of replacing and repairing everything grows very quickly, and insurance can be a good way to protect your investment (in your contents, and structure--walls, etc).

Take time today to reach out to your insurance agent for a coverage review--you may be surprised how under insured you are, not only for your home or business, but also your vehicles, health, and life. No, we are not insurance guru's, but we see their clients--YOU, and they are either very upset with the situation because of no coverage or under insured, or just a little frustrated with the situation, but feel better about it when they know it is a covered loss! 

Another precaution is to make sure you are paying attention to the weather and when we get a bunch of rain, then make sure you go downstairs to catch a problem as early as possible. Many times, property owners do not realize they have a water loss until they start to smell something and go downstairs to see. The longer the water sits, the more damage and discard items you can expect...including your carpet, pad, and drywall that was affected. 

How To Handle Winter Storms

11/11/2020 (Permalink)

ice on driveway Be ready this upcoming winter!

Winter weather in Ohio can be hard to predict.  Even though we have not any snow yet this year, it is a good idea to prepare your home, car and surrounding area for any upcoming storms

Follow these helpful tips

Salt pavement around your house: the city is pretty good with clearing the roads around your home, however any sidewalks and pathways are left up to the homeowner to clear.  To make things easier on homeowners, once you are aware of any storm headed your way spread street salt on your driveway and walkway. Placing salt down prior to any snowstorm can reduce the ice that forms underneath piles of snow. 

Keep a steady drip:  With snow comes freezing and sometimes below freezing conditions leaving your pipes vulnerable and likely to freeze and in turn burst.  Having a settle but steady drip of warm water flow through will help keep your pipes from freezing during these conditions. 

Create a winter ready emergency kit: In an event of a snow storm the strength of it is always unpredictable.  To keep you and your family safe, create and keep a winter ready emergency kit available.  A few things to keep in the kit; bottled water, batteries, a functioning radio, different layers of clothing, blankets and non perishable food items.


SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus has a 24/7 emergency response team that is ready to handle any storm damage you may have in your Columbus home.

Gutters Can Cause Flooding In Your Basement

11/10/2020 (Permalink)

leaves in a gutter It is critical to keep your gutters clean to prevent water from seeping into your basement and causing floods.

One of the biggest fears as a homeowner with a basement is your basement flooding whenever it rains. A valid and legitimate fear, this situation causes a myriad of repairs. All sorts of damage including ruined flooring and carpeting, rotted drywall, destroyed furniture, and the worst of all, mold growth can occur. These repairs can be time-consuming and costly, and your basement can even flood in dry weather.

Issues with your foundation drainage is a big cause for a flooded basement and flood damage in your Columbus home. However, the main reason for water in your basement is overflowing gutters. It is critical to keep your gutters clean to prevent water from seeping into your basement and causing floods. Quality gutter guards and even using an expert to clean your gutters out routinely keeps debris and leaves out of the gutters so they can function properly.

When your gutters do cause flooding in your basement, it can be quite overwhelming. You need to have professionals, such as SERVPRO, come to your home to help you get all the water out and repair the damages.

When your gutters are clogged with debris, the water has nowhere to go. It overflows over the gutters to the ground next to your house, only a couple feet from the foundation. As the ground is settling and moving, it stresses the foundation of your home which causes cracking, letting water enter your home. Hydrostatic pressure might force water in through the concrete. The main solution is to keep your gutters clean.

Flooded basements create not only a lot of possible damage but plenty of stress for you as well. At SERVPRO, we understand this, so we move quickly to get to your home after you reach out to us. We have the professional and industrial equipment to get all the standing water out of your home and use fans and dehumidifiers to finish the drying process. We have moisture meters to find any hidden water or mold growth as well.

When SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus is finished restoring your home after your basement floods, it is "Like it never even happened." Just give us a call at (614) 261-6666 so we can get started as soon as possible.

Signs of Storm Damage At Your Home

11/10/2020 (Permalink)

tree fallen on home This roof was damaged by a storm causing a tree to fall on the home damaging the roof and gutter.

After a storm rolls through, it is important to inspect your house for damage the storm may have caused. Listed below are areas you should be looking at.

  1. Roof: Look for shingles that have discoloration, tearing, or even holes in them. These can all be signs that your roof has been damaged. Another sign is if there are leaks in your roof or your ceiling.
  2. Gutters: After a hail storm, looking for dents or dings can also give you a better picture of what the storm did to the rest of your home. Your gutters can also give you insight to whether you have roof damage. Check to see if there are granules from the asphalt shingles in your gutter.
  3. Windows: Look at each of the windows on your homes and note any signs of shattered or broken window and frame damage. This is especially important after a hail storm or a strong wind storm.
  4. Exterior: Not only is it important to look at the siding of your home to check for damage, it is also important that you check all appliances. Inspect your AC/HVAC unit as well as items such as an outdoor grill.

After your inspection, if you notice any signs of storm damage follow up by checking the area for signs of mold, mildew, pests or other secondary damage. Our team is able to put an emergency roof tarp to prevent any further damage. Call SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus at (614) 261-6666 for any restoration needs you may have.

A Tree Falls On Your Home, What Now?

11/4/2020 (Permalink)

tree fallen on home A tree fell on this local home and damaged the roof!

When a tree falls on your roof, it not only damages your home’s structure, but it also exposes the inside of your home to outside elements. During certain times of the year, our SERVPRO Team gets a mass amount of calls from customers who have had trees fall on their roof and are unsure of what to do. It’s not a quick process, but there are a few steps you can take!

  1. Remove the tree. This might seem like an obvious first step, but we’ve had countless calls from customers who haven’t even removed the tree. Until the damaged area of your roof has been cleared, it can’t be covered. We recommend calling your local tree removal company.
  1. Tarp exposed areas. Unless you’re lucky, a fallen tree will likely cause damage to your roof, generally leaving it exposed. To ensure outside elements don’t get in and cause more damage to the inside of your home, you should have the affected area tarped.
  1. Contact your local SERVPRO Team. The tarp is only a temporary solution! After the damaged area is tarped, our SERVPRO Team will discuss next step repairs with you. If a storm hits before the affected area is properly tarped, you will most likely have water damage affecting the interior of your home. Our SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus Team can not only handle your water disaster but also fix your damaged structure of your home!

A fallen tree can cause a lot of damage and create a headache for you, but with the above steps, you can get your life back on track. If your home is damaged by a fallen tree, call our SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus Team today! We are available 24/7 to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Our SERVPRO Team Helps Out After Hurricane Laura

9/25/2020 (Permalink)

national disaster recovery truck We are always here to help!

SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus answered the call for help from the Storm Team at our SERVPRO corporate headquarters.  Our crews immediately began gathering the supplies necessary to get on the road quickly so we could begin helping those affected by the strong hurricane in Lake Charles.  

SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus is proud to be part of the Storm Team because we pride ourselves on helping others in their time of need.  Our technicians have been trained to go above and beyond to help ease the minds of our customers.  We do our best to save as many precious belongings as we can, and we make sure their home or business is dried out and cleaned up so they can get back to normal as soon as possible.  

Going on storm can be a large task to organize, but our SERVPRO team has been doing this for many years and we know what it takes to get on the road quickly and help as many people as possible. SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus loves helping others!

Wind Damage

11/7/2019 (Permalink)

tree fallen on house A tree fell on this home, causing extensive damage.

Thunderstorms are very common throughout the year, not only can they bring water damage to home, it can also bring wind damage.  Damage from severe thunderstorm winds account for more than half of all severe reports in the lower 48 states and is more common than tornado damage.

Follow these steps if your home is damaged by wind.

Documenting Damage:

  • Call your insurance company to report your damage.
  • Take pictures of any damage, from a safe location.
  • Inventory any belongings that may have been destroyed or damaged, identifying the brand, price, age, etc.
  • Include pictures of your home before damage with your insurance claim.

Preventing Further Damage:

  • If you suspect possible structural, electrical or gas-leak hazards, shut off electrical power, natural gas and propane tanks to avoid fire, electrocution or explosions.
  • Cover any broken windows and doors with tarps, heavy plastic or plywood to prevent further damage from happening. Save repair receipts for reimbursement. 

Repairs and Cleanup:

  • Until your property has been inspected by an insurance representative, don’t start permanent, major repairs or renovations. 
  • Hire a professional roofing contractor who is licensed and insured, if your roof needs to be replaced.
  • Fallen trees or large branches also are best removed by a professional tree service. This service may be covered depending on your policy coverage.

If your home suffers wind damage, please contact SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus at 614-261-6666 for any board up, tarp up, tree removal, or roof replacement services.

Our Storm Response

11/7/2019 (Permalink)

storm damage Call SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus at 614-261-6666 if you experience storm damage in your home or business.

SERVPRO Storm Response

Our team here at SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus is ready for whatever happens, no matter the time of day. Our crews are always on standby. When it comes to fire and water damage, our professionals work tirelessly to make sure our customers are satisfied and are explained each step of the cleaning process.

Highly Trained Storm Damage Specialists

As leading professionals in the storm and water damage industry, we have advanced training and expertise, along with a tremendous amount of hands-on experience. We use this training and experience to quickly dry your home or business and restore it back to pre-storm condition.

Faster to Any Size Disaster

If a storm hits your home or business, odds are you need help immediately. Our quick response will help prevent any secondary damage and help reduce restoration costs.

We Have the Resources to Handle Storms and Disasters

Our team has access to resources and personnel of over 1,700 Franchises to handle major storms and disasters. Along with the access to our exclusive  Disaster Recovery Teams strategically located to respond to catastrophic storms and events throughout the country.

Locally Owned and Operated

SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus is locally owned and operated. We are actively apart of the community with you as well. When you have a storm disaster or flooding emergency, we are in the area and ready to help you.

Lightning Safety

11/1/2019 (Permalink)

lightning strike Protect you and yourself against lightning strikes.

Lightning is a major cause of storm related deaths in the United States. Even though the chance of getting struck is small, there are factors that can increase your risk of being struck. Here are a few tips to keep you safe.

  • Avoid Water: Don’t shower, bathe, wash dishes, or have any other contact with water during thunderstorm. Lightning can travel through the buildings plumbing.
  • Avoid Electronic Equipment: Don’t use your laptop, computer, game system, washer, dryer, stoves or any other appliances connected to an electrical outlet. Lightning can travel through electrical systems, radios, TVs and any metal wires in concrete walls or flooring. To protect appliances, equip your home with surge protectors.
  • Avoid Corded Phones: During a thunderstorm, corded phones are not safe to use. Use a cell phone instead.
  • Avoid Windows, Doors, Porches, And Concrete: During a thunderstorm, don’t lie on concrete floors. Avoid leaning on concrete walls as well. Lightning can travel through any metal wires or bars in concrete walls or flooring.

If you think your home has been struck by lightning call 911 immediately and evacuate if you see fire or smoke. Ask your local fire department to check for hot spots in your walls.

Call SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus if you experience fire damage caused by a lightning strike.

Leave The Board-Ups And Roof Tarping To Us

11/1/2019 (Permalink)

Roof tarping on commercial building This building's roof was tarped due to a leak causing water to flood the facility.

Here at SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus we want to take the hassle and stress out of the board up and roof tarping of your home due to a disaster.

Whether your home or business was damaged by a fire, storm, or other structural disasters, boarding up or tarping a damaged property is a burden that you as a homeowner shouldn't have to handle. Incorrectly boarding up or tarping your home can result in further damage, making the situation worse. Whether the further damage be from moisture or animal intrusions.

Our dedicated team of professionals are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year to help with in case you come across unexpected damage to your home or business.

Our SERVPRO of Northwest trained and certified professionals are here to board up or tarp your damaged property, remediate the original damage and provide you with peace of mind while helping make it “Like it never even happened.”

Sump Pump Maintenance

10/31/2019 (Permalink)

sump pump Call SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus if you experience a sump pump backup.

A sump pump is one of the most important parts of basement plumbing equipment. It makes sure that any accumulated water in your home and around its foundation is promptly pumped out and away from your home to a storm sewer or containment pond, so it doesn't allow your basement to flood, damaging your possessions. At least, that's what it is supposed to do. If your sump pump is not regularly and properly tested, then you can't guarantee that it will come through when you need it most.

1. Inspect the pump and its outlet pipe

Start the inspection by listening. If there is excessive groundwater around the foundation, the pump should turn itself on, pumping out the water and turning itself off again. Next, remove the cover and look inside the sump pit. If the level of water is low, there is a high chance the pump is working properly. Examine the sump pump for any signs of external damage, as well as any obstructions or debris in the surrounding pit. You will also want to see if the outlet pipe that carries water from the pump to outside your home is free of any blockage. And the check valve is working properly.

2. Check the electrical components

Your sump pump should be plugged into a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter, which protects it from a potential short while it is submerged. Consider getting yourself a battery-based backup pump for your sump pump that will kick on if your primary sump pump fails.

3. Test the sump pump

Test your sump pump by pouring in five gallons of water. The pump should then turn on once the water level reaches a predetermined level below the basement floor. If the pump doesn’t turn on, it could be either clogged or damaged, and you should call a licensed plumber for help.

4. Clean and maintain your sump pump

The typical lifespan of a sump pump is 10 years but if your sump pump is running often, you should consider replacing it every 5 to 7 years. Inspect and test your sump pump at least once a year. To be safe, check your sump pump before a big storm hits your area.

Preparing Your Home For Fall

9/25/2019 (Permalink)

Leaves In roof Gutter Cleaning gutters now saves your home from future damage.

It’s fall y’all! As the season begins to change, so do our home needs. Even though summer is still hanging around, it’s a good time to do some seasonal maintenance to keep your home running smoothly. Follow these steps to prepare your home for the upcoming fall season.

Interior Maintenance

  1. Check For Drafts: Feel for any drafts around the edges of your windows and doors. A helpful tip is to use a lighted candle and if the flame flickers, there is most likely a draft. If you find a draft of air coming in, replace the seals and repair any caulking around door frames and windows.
  2. Inspect Your Furnace: Have an HVAC professional test your furnace for leaks, check the heat efficiency and change the filter.
  3. Winterize Your Air Conditioning: If you have a home with central air conditioning, you may need to cover your outdoor unit for the upcoming winter. If your home has window air conditioning units, remove or cover them to prevent air leaks.
  4. Thermostat: If you don’t already have one, buy a programmable thermostat. Setting your thermostat to different temperatures different times of the day can result in cost savings.
  5. Test Your Home Safety Devices: Replace the batteries in all of your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide devices and test them to make sure they are working properly.
  6. Clean Humidifiers: Replace any old filters and make sure to clean inside the compartment.

Exterior Maintenance

  1. Check The Roof: You can perform a visual roof inspection from the ground. To get a better look, grab some binoculars or a ladder to climb up for a better view.
  2. Check The Chimney And Fireplace: If you have a wood fireplace that you use often, have your chimney cleaned and inspected by a professional.
  3. Examine Siding: Check around your home’s exterior for cracks and holes. Hire a professional to fix them or repair them yourself.
  4. Clean The Gutters: Clean your gutters of any debris, nests, leaves that may be hiding in there.
  5. Inspect Your Water Drainage: Check your rainwater downspouts to ensure that there are no obstructions and direct away from your home.
  6. Inspect Trees And Landscaping: Check your yard for any damaged limbs or plants that may break off and cause damage to your home.

When Storms or Floods hit Dublin, SERVPRO is ready!

6/3/2016 (Permalink)

Our highly trained crews are ready to respond 24/7 to storm or flood damage in Dublin.

SERVPRO of NW Columbus specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Dublin, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel Disaster Recovery Team from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 614-888-5700