Archived Storm Damage Blog Posts
Is Storm Damage Tax Deductible?
2/10/2020 (Permalink)
Colorado storms—whether they bring heavy snow, rain, or hail—have the potential to cause millions of dollars in damages for home and business owners. And, because our weather patterns here are so unpredictable, damaging storms are often impossible to prepare for.
This climatic feature of our state can create a concerning scenario for anyone who has a vested interest in maintaining the condition of any real estate in Colorado, whether commercial or residential. Here among the Rockies, damaging storms are almost always just around the corner.
To be sure, Colorado roofing firms and general contractors are always hopping busy. It’s clear this is one of the most profitable places for restoration companies to thrive. And, because of the frequency of damaging storms, a common question arises: “Is storm damage a tax deductible loss?”
At SERVPRO of Parker/Castle Rock, we specialize in providing the advanced, comprehensive restoration services that are needed to fix the damage caused by storms in Colorado. We work with both businesses and homeowners, and we’ve seen just about the worst that storms can do (along with the most costly damages you can imagine).
So, we know a thing or two about the expenses associated with storm damage.
The Answer Is: It Depends
As you likely know, if you earn money in Colorado, you owe taxes both to the state and to the federal government.
When you incur a casualty loss—which is the technical, ‘tax term’ for storm damage—your deductions on your state taxes will likely not change. That is, unless you were affected by a national disaster, in which case you’ll want to complete a specific form when you file. More information on this unique kind of state tax deduction can be found here.
However, when it comes to filing your federal taxes, there are possible tax deductions for which you might be eligible. A few important conditions must be met, though, in order for your deduction to be legitimate:
- Your property must have suffered a loss to its fair market value (FMV) because of a casualty event. This could be much more than a storm, by the way—damage caused by landslides, tornadoes, and even falling aircraft can qualify as casualty losses.
- If your property was insured, you must complete a timely claim for reimbursement by your insurance company. Uncle Sam wants you to recoup your costs as much as you can before you file for any deductions. Any losses you incur that were not included in your insurance reimbursement would qualify for a deduction, minus a few ‘administrative’ subtractions.
- You must deduct $100 and 10% of your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) from the calculated loss. Let’s say storm damage destroyed your roof and you need a completely new one. But, your insurance company will only pay for $25,000 of the $30,000 bill. You would take the $5,000 difference, reduce it by $100, and then subtract 10% of your AGI in order to arrive at the proper deduction.
- You must file this deduction during the tax year when the damage occurred. The only exception to this rule is if your property was located in a designated national disaster area, in which case you have other options for what tax year you can file your deduction in.
For some property owners who work from home, it might be tempting to deduct any loss of income you might have experienced because of storm damage. Unfortunately, the federal government doesn’t consider this a qualifying condition for a tax deduction.
Commercial properties or income properties are treated slightly differently by the IRS, and it’s advisable to consult with a tax professional in the event your business or income property was damaged by a storm and that damage prevented your property from producing an income. Depending on the extent of the damage and how much income was lost, you could qualify for more than one federal tax deduction.
For Storm Damage Cleanup, Go with the Pros
Even though the tax code may be complex and confusing, working with SERVPRO to restore your storm-damaged property won’t be. We specialize in doing the ‘dirty work’ required to bring damaged property back from dereliction and destruction at the hands of Mother Nature.
Our team is expertly trained to swiftly and effectively restore damaged property so that the disruption to your life or business is reduced as much as possible.
Looking for top-tier storm damage restoration? Give SERVPRO of Parker/Castle Rock a call today, at (720) 842-1950.
New Mexico Freeze
2/1/2019 (Permalink)
We are ready for any size disaster!
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 Castle Rock/Parker to aide the local SERVPROs in providing service for those affected by the storm.
SERVPRO of Castle Rock/Parker 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
The Camp Fire in Paradise California
1/18/2019 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Castle Rock/Parker Cares
The Camp fire of Northern California was one of the most deadly wildfires since the 1918 Cloquet fire. Local restoration companies were swamped with fire restoration projects, and only able to schedule restoration appointments weeks out. The Disaster Recovery Team at SERVPRO of Castle Rock/Parker was invited to Paradise California in order to provide fire damage repair & restoration services for home and business owners. The Disaster Recovery Team eagerly accepted the invitation, prepared their vehicles and set out on the road to Paradise.
The residents of Paradise left a lasting impression on one of our Disaster Recovery Team representatives; Sarah C. shared her account of the time she spent in Paradise.
“I arrived in Paradise on December 16th, and the devastation was insurmountable! It was foggy and rainy that day with the eerie feeling of a town stuck in time from the evacuation over a month prior. Buildings and neighborhoods were completely burnt to the ground with only a few structures still standing, practically untouched from the flames. These would be the residents and business owners I would spend the rest of my time getting to know during my time in Paradise. Some folks lost their home and neighborhood, but their business was spared, or just the opposite, losing their business or place of employment and finding their house to be the only one standing. Getting to know the kind hearted people of this community was reassuring because I know they will bring it back to the beautiful town it once was. I was truly inspired by the stories and brave acts of the residents in Paradise who helped neighbors, animals, and strangers through this difficult time. I wish all the best to them in a time of stress, reflection, and rebuilding.”
The SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team send out their thoughts and prayers to the residents of Paradise. We know that the months to come may be difficult. Fire restoration, mitigation and rebuild is not always a quick and easy process, but we will do everything we can to make it “like it never even happened.”
“Our hearts go out to the residents of Paradise and those affected by the Campfire. Words cannot express what the residents of Paradise have experienced, and are still experiencing; we offer our deepest condolences.”
-SERVPRO of Castle Rock/Parker
Are You Prepared for Winter Weather?
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
Are You Ready 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.
- Turn off the water to the system at the main valve.
- Shut off the automatic controller.
- Open drain valves to remove water from the system.
- 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 Florence
9/22/2018 (Permalink)
Disaster Recovery Team
Hurricane Florence
Hurricane Florence made landfall causing major flooding and wind destruction in North and South Carolina. In addition to the 90 local Franchises in the Hurricane Florence affected areas, SERVPRO also has a national network of over 1,700 Franchises across the country. Our designated Disaster Recovery Teams have been deployed to the affected areas bringing hundreds of crews from across the nation to help.
SERVPRO
The Disaster Recovery Team at SERVPRO traveled to the Carolinas to provide restoration and mitigation services for homes and businesses affected by the aftermath of Hurricane Florence.
The Disaster Recovery team is IICRC WRT certified, and can handle any size job. Our team of dedicated professionals understand that time is crucial, and they will go to great lengths to get your home or business back up and running in a timely manner.
Services Include:
Residential Services
With over 1,700 Franchises in the U.S. and Canada, SERVPRO is a trusted leader in the restoration industry and is dedicated to providing quality service. Our highly trained technicians respond quickly, whether you need water damage restoration or simply need your upholstery cleaned.
You can depend on SERVPRO for these residential services:
Commercial Services
If fire or water damage sidelines your business, you need a professional restoration company to quickly restore your property. Every hour spent restoring your business is lost revenue and productivity. Commercial restoration presents unique challenges and we have the training, experience, and resources to handle any size disaster.
Learn more about our commercial services:
For more news on Hurricane Florence please visit: https://www.cnn.com/2018/09/19/us/florence-wednesday-wxc/index.html
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.
The Storm of July 2018 in Des Moines, Iowa
7/13/2018 (Permalink)
Flooding In Des Moines, Iowa
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/
Steady Precipitation can Lead to Indoor Flood Damage in Castle Rock
12/15/2017 (Permalink)
Heavy rainfall during a storm can wreak havoc on your roof and send a lot of water into your home. When facing such a situation, contact SERVPRO.
SERVPRO Technicians Thoroughly Dry Out Your Property Regardless of How the Flooding Entered Your Home
Flooding from the outside world that affects your Castle Rock home with substantial damage does not always mean the ground became saturated. Persistent precipitation in the way of rainfall or snowfall can both cause flooding conditions inside a home.
Whenever a homeowner calls us about flood damage in Castle Rock, we understand how they feel. Their home just sustained enormous damage, and the feelings of loss can remain high for extended periods. We want to assure our customers that we can restore their home, so it becomes “Like it never even happened.”
Our employees receive training that results in their IICRC certification. Added to this, our extensive experience in mitigating flooded homes ensures that we know how to implement the latest in technological advances, allowing us to serve our customers and their families better.
When heavy, persistent precipitation damages your home and creates a flood inside, the effects can outweigh those of a traditional, over-the-ground type flooding event. Water streams downward when pouring down from a leaky roof or upper area of a damaged wall. Anything from the water's entry point to the ground can become a target. Once the water settles, it then spreads out.
If precipitation enters your home from the roof, your attic can sustain immense damage, as well. Your entire home needs extensive drying work to commence as soon as possible. Without it, secondary water damage can begin developing. It is not sufficient to only dry your living area when situations such as this occur.
While a top-to-bottom flood like this means the microbial factor differs from other floods, infestation by rodents or other pests in the attic can contaminate otherwise pathogen-free water. Sanitizing your home after any flood remains crucial toward protecting your home and family's health. Insulation easily becomes impacted, requiring removal. This occurs in both the attic and walls. Without removing waterlogged insulating material, microbial growth can proliferate, and moisture can continually create problems.
SERVPRO of Castle Rock / Parker wants to help your family recover from any flood damage and help prevent the further spread of damage in your home. Our 24-hour service is available every day of the year by calling our local number, (720) 842-1950.
For more information regarding the city of Castle Rock, click here.
The Mess that Flood Damage Leaves in Homes Across Castle Rock
10/27/2017 (Permalink)
You can trust our SERVPRO team to restore your flood-damaged property "Like it never even happened."
When You're Left with A Castle Rock Flood Damage Mess, SERVPRO Can Help
Homes in the Castle Rock area experience weather-related problems year-round. Flooding, while mostly a Spring-time issue, can also become problematic at other times of the year such as winter. Soil cannot absorb snow that melts when a layer of ice exists between the two.
When a home in Castle Rock takes on water from the outside, flood damage happens. This water can contain debris of all sizes, including microscopic pathogens. SERVPRO technicians, experienced in many types of disaster recovery efforts, quickly mitigate all of the damage.
You may see the ground floor as ruined and beyond recovery. We can restore your home's interior structure and your personal belongings as well. However, we must work quickly to protect the areas well above the flood line from becoming damaged.
Humidity inside a flooded home rises quickly, placing delicate items, such as books, photographs, and older paintings, at risk. An increase in moisture throughout your home can also make it possible for mold infestations to develop in otherwise undamaged places in your home.
Because flooding causes many different problems all at once, it may seem like an insurmountable task to overcome. At SERVPRO, we understand entirely this overwhelming feeling brought on by flooding, and our technicians provide the guidance many people need to get everything back in order again.
Quickly removing larger items brought into your home and lawn area by flood waters, we get the area ready for the steps involved in removing the water, drying out your home, and sanitizing everything. Flooding infiltrates your home with living pathogens but also with chemicals from roads and streets, lawn enhancements, and even sewage. We remove everything, from the solid waste and debris to the plethora of microorganisms to the chemicals mixed together, and restore your home and possessions, so everything once again becomes “Like it never even happened.”
Locally Owned Company with National Resources
SERVPRO of Castle Rock / Parker hires dedicated personnel who make teamwork part of their job every time we restore a home. Working together ensures that our strengths and skills come together, so your home's disaster with flood damage quickly becomes a thing of the past. Contact us, 24/7 at (720) 842-1950 for our round-the-clock services.
For more information regarding the city of Castle Rock, click here.
Castle Rock Flood Damage After A Storm
9/2/2017 (Permalink)
SERVPRO Restores Water Damaged Furnishings in Castle Rock
Storm and Flood Damaged Articles Are Inspected by SERVPRO
Cleaning up after a storm is never a simple task. Homeowners and residents in Castle Rock have to make tough decisions about throwing out what was once a family heirloom, but now is a pile of broken wood or twisted metal.
Making these and other decisions after flood damage to a Castle Rock home is difficult, but a trained and experienced restoration company can help. SERVPRO helps make those decisions by providing an honest assessment of a property item’s condition, an estimate of what it costs to restore a damaged item to its original state or if an owner needs to dispose of it and put their effort into what is salvageable.
We base these decisions on our experience with damaged property and the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) guidelines. Take a dining room set as an example. If the storm water ruined the finish on the legs, then the time to remove and refinish the legs to match the original shade and color is worth the time and supplies.
If the same table and chairs are under water long enough for the wood to begin warping, the cost to restore them usually exceeds replacing the items. If an insurance company is involved, then there is a predetermined amount to replace, and that is what gets processed. If the dining room set has been passed down through several generations, and the owner still wishes to attempt restoration, we can try. The final say if a questionable belonging is to be tossed or salvaged is yours and your insurance adjuster. Our SERVPRO technicians use air movers and dehumidifiers to dry the legs and reverse the warping effects carefully. Once we have them back as close to their original shape as possible, we strip the last of the old finish. If needed, we sand down obvious defects to match the original shape and then apply a new finish to complete the job.
Our personnel is trained to IICRC standards when it comes to restoring your property. In those circumstances where the insurance company does not authorize the restoration of an item, preferring to replace it at a lower cost, it is our personal history with disasters in Colorado that allows us to examine tables, chairs, and appliances to determine what is worth saving. If you need our services, contact SERVPRO of Castle Rock / Parker at (720) 842-1950 today.
More about this community click
SERVPRO STORM Team 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!
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:
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
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