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Water Disaster Restoration Services in Greater Pittsburgh | How to Acquire Restoration Equipment

Posted on by Matt Nelson

With the right skills, you can perform DIY water disaster restoration; however, you may not have the right tools for the job. The easiest way to go about this would be to hire equipment, even though it is advisable to seek professional help in such instances.

 On this note, if you need water disaster restoration services in Greater Pittsburgh, ServiceMaster is a reliable company. Our team is trained and equipped for any damage.  

If you hire equipment for restorations, here are the tools you need to keep in mind. 

 

Water Damage Dehumidifier

 Dehumidifiers are designed to suck up moisture from water-damaged items and surfaces. When renting out one, make sure it is designed for commercial use to ensure it can handle extensively.

Air Scrubbers

 Also called HEPA filtration/negative air machines, air scrubbers are used to filter and get rid of airborne particles. They are essential for cleanup and can help eliminate mold spores in a water-damaged area.

Drying Fans

Your regular fan at home might not do the job in a water disaster. Commercial-grade fans are designed to circulate air in small to large areas while ensuring the effective removal of moisture in the process.

These are commonly used tools for DIY water removal in a water disaster. They can be helpful; however, you might not get the most use out of them, especially if they are all new to you.

 

At ServiceMaster, we advise letting professionals handle water disasters not only for your safety but also to prevent further damage to your home.  Our team provides water disaster restoration services in Greater Pittsburgh and comes with the right tools for effective and prompt restoration.

Water Damage Restoration in Greater Pittsburgh | Water Damage Timelines and What to Do

Posted on by Matt Nelson

Owning a home isn’t all roses, as water damage emergencies can occur anytime. But you can never be prepared for a flooded basement, a clogged toilet, or a leaking roof. In such a case, professionals for water damage restoration can come on board and restore your home’s functionality. 

Timeline

 Water damage happens in a second’s split. That’s why it’s crucial to start restoration on time. That way, moisture doesn’t get absorbed into porous material around the house, preventing structural damage at the very least.

How long a property is exposed to water damage will influence the extent of the damage—knowing that water damage happens fast calls for home and business owners to act promptly.

Within Minutes of Water Damage

Water damage happens within minutes of flooding a room. All the walls, floors, and furniture are saturated with excess moisture. Furniture finishes begin to bleed, resulting in carpet stains you don’t want to imagine.

Within Hours

Within hours of a dishwasher leak, the damage will depend on the number of hours it goes without restoration. Waiting up to 24 hours may leave you with swollen kitchen walls, table legs, flooring, and cabinets, if not tarnished metal surfaces, or a musty odor at worst.

Within a Week

A weeklong water damage from burst pipes can destroy your home’s components. After 48 hours to a week, you will be dealing with water damage, swollen and warped doors, windows, furniture, and floorboards that won’t open easily, wall paint blisters and mold spores in these spaces, and rusted metal appliances.

This kind of damage will require professional intervention. Service Master provides water damage restoration in Greater Pittsburgh, helping you clear the mess and get your home back to regular operation.

Beyond One Week

Suppose no one’s around for more than a week, and a home flood happens. In that case, grave water damage (oversaturation resulting in mold colonies) and restoration are inescapable. We’re talking about extensive structural rebuilding and replacement of damaged things here.

 

 ServiceMaster is a call away if you are looking for water damage restoration in Greater Pittsburgh. Our professional team will take charge of the situation and restore your home to functionality.

Water Damage Cleanup in Pittsburgh | How to Prevent Leaks in Your Commercial Building

Posted on by Matt Nelson

Commercial water damage is rampant, and the destruction it causes cannot be overlooked. The major causes of commercial water damage are damaged roofing systems, leaky roof vents, and burst plumbing lines. 

 

If you suffer commercial water damage, you should first reach out to a professional. ServiceMaster provides water damage cleanup in Pittsburgh and can come in handy to help you restore your premises. 

 

Here are ways to prevent leaks in your commercial building.

 

Regular Inspection

The same effort you direct to your business should equal the attention you give the building itself. Take time to run regular inspections of the entire premises to ensure all components are functioning as expected. 

Inspect the building’s plumbing fixtures, structure, and roof to ensure everything is in excellent condition. 

 

Professional Maintenance

During an inspection, you may find issues with the roofing system or anywhere in the structure. The best idea would be to get a professional to run maintenance. And, if water damage happens, consider ServiceMaster; they provide water damage cleanup in Pittsburgh and the environs. 

 

Timely Repairs

Timely repairs will save you a lot of money and time in the long run. If you notice a missing roof shingle or a leaking gutter, fixing it as soon as possible minimizes the risk of water damage in the future. Get professionals to perform repairs to ensure all components are restored to full functionality. 

 

Roof Cleaning

Leaks from faulty roofing systems are the leading cause of water damage in commercial buildings. But these can be prevented by cleaning the roof regularly and ensuring gutters and downspouts are clear and unobstructed. 

 

Finding the best professional is the first step to restoring your commercial building to order. ServiceMaster provides water damage cleanup in Pittsburgh and will come in handy to clear the mess and restore your premises to full functionality. 

Flood Damage Cleanup in Greater Pittsburgh | What to Do When Your Basement Floods

Posted on by Matt Nelson

The basement is highly prone to flooding, whether that is from rainstorms or burst plumbing lines. When it happens, you should call your water damage restoration company. ServiceMaster provides flood damage cleanup in Greater Pittsburgh, helping you restore your basement as soon as possible. 

 

What should you do when your basement floods? Below are helpful pointers. 

 

Remove Water

 

Once you have figured out the water source, you ought to remove it to prevent further damage to your valuables in the basement. You should use a wet vacuum to remove the water, and if that is not a viable choice, contact professionals for flood damage cleanup in Greater Pittsburgh. 

 

Dry the Basement

 

Use dehumidifiers and fans to dry the basement, paying attention to the most affected areas. This will discourage mold growth which can be a task to deal with after water damage. If the basement has air conditioning, run it to help drive the moisture away. 

 

Clean Up

 

Clean up the floors and remove any damaged items. Set valuables outside to dry and expose as much basement room as possible. Thorough cleaning will prevent foul odors from developing out of the moisture buildup. 

 

While at it, make sure you use protective equipment such as gloves, rubber clothing, and safety boots. Also, use cleaning solvents that are safe for the types of walls and floors you have in your basement. 

 

Fix The Problem

 

Where did the water come from? If a faulty pipe bursts and floods the basement, repair or replace it to prevent a similar problem in the future. Suppose the flooding was from broken downspouts and drains; repair or replace them immediately. 

 

Flooding in the basement can cause significant damage to your valuables, not forgetting the walls and the floors. If this happens to you, the best approach would be to hire ServiceMaster. They provide flood damage cleanup in Greater Pittsburgh, and with their practical tools and trained teams, they ensure quick restoration. 

 

Water Damage Cleanup in Greater Pittsburgh | How to Handle Mold After Water Damage

Posted on by Matt Nelson

Mold poses health risks such as asthma, skin irritations, and allergic reactions. It is therefore essential to clean it up promptly in the event of water damage. With the help of professionals for water damage cleanup in Greater Pittsburgh, you can manage the situation and restore your home to full functionality. 

Below are tips for mold cleanup that you can implement and prevent further damage and potential health risks. 

 

Use Personal Protective Equipment

As mentioned, mold can cause health issues with prolonged exposure. Before entering any moldy site, protect yourself using personal protective equipment such as respirators, gloves, and eye protection. 

 

Get professional Mold Cleanup Services

You can clean up mold by yourself; however, the process may be challenging or dangerous for you. The best approach is to hire professionals for water damage cleanup in Greater Pittsburgh and leave the job to them. 

 

Professionals have the right set of tools and skills to handle the most challenging mold cleanup job. They follow specific cleanup processes to ensure complete removal and treatment of mold to restore your property to full functionality. 

 

Safe DIY Mold Cleanup 

If you have to clean up mold by yourself, below are tips to guide you on complete removal of it to prevent further damage:

 

  • Wear protective equipment before entering a mold-affected area. 
  • Remove standing water and any wet materials.
  • Use a vacuum to extract water from floors, carpets, and other hard surfaces. Dry every surface as early as possible to prevent further damage. 
  • Open all windows and doors to allow air to flow in and help in moisture removal and ventilation. 
  • Once it is safe to use electricity, use dehumidifiers and fans to extract moisture. 
  • Use clean water and detergent to clear all the visible mold. 
  • Dry the affected area thoroughly and fix the water issue that caused the damage.
  • Get rid of items that cannot be cleaned or dried. 

 

These tips can guide you in handling mold in the event of water damage on your property. While they are helpful for DIY cleanup, it is best to seek the services of ServiceMaster. They provide water damage cleanup in Greater Pittsburgh, taking up the challenge to restore your home.