Tag Archive for: tips

Five Checks to Do Before the First Frost

The first frost always seems to catch you off guard. One week it’s autumn leaves, and the next your car windscreen is frozen solid, with the house feeling colder than ever.

Before winter properly arrives, take a few minutes for some simple winter home maintenance. These five quick checks can help prevent leaks, dampness, and heating issues when the cold hits.

1. Clear out the gutters
Leaves, twigs, and soggy debris build up fast in autumn. Once temperatures drop, that mess freezes, blocking water flow. The result? Leaks, damp patches, and sometimes even cracked guttering. A quick clean now saves a lot of frustration in January.

2. Inspect the roof
You don’t need to climb up there. Just step back and look for missing tiles, sagging areas, or anything that seems out of place. After heavy rain or wind, even a small gap can let water in. If something seems off, get it checked before the frost makes repairs trickier.

3. Test your boiler
Everyone forgets this one until it’s too late. Run the heating for a short while, even if it still feels mild outside. Listen for strange noises and check the radiators’ heat evenly. If anything feels sluggish, book a service before engineers get fully booked.

4. Check garden drainage
Water that can’t drain properly can freeze and expand, damaging patios, paths, and even pipes near the surface. Ensure drains and grates are clear of leaves and that rainwater flows away from the house.

5. Seal up draughty windows
Cold air sneaks in through tiny gaps you barely notice in summer. Run your hand around window frames to feel for cold spots or movement. A bit of sealant or new weatherstripping can make a big difference when the temperature drops.

A little effort now can save a lot of hassle later. Frozen pipes, leaks, and dampness are far easier to prevent than repair.
If you do spot damage or water getting in, don’t ignore it. ServiceMaster Restore can help fix the problem before winter makes it worse.

Why choose ServiceMaster Restore?

If you need a restoration specialist who can respond quickly and decisively in emergencies, and collaborate seamlessly with other service providers to deliver a safe, efficient, and comprehensive solution, contact ServiceMaster Restore on 0800 021 3970, or find your nearest ServiceMaster Restore business to see how we can help you today.

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Why you need professional leak detection services from ServiceMaster Restore

What is leak detection, and why do you need it?

At ServiceMaster Restore, we have over 65 years of expertise in working with both residential and commercial clients to provide expert damage restoration services.

Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord, loss assessor or adjustor, service provider or a commercial premises, we are here to help you deal with the fallout and recovery from incidents that have damaged your property, be it fire, flood, mould or a burst pipe.

We offer professional leak detection services to people and properties across the UK.

But what is leak detection?

Leak detection is the process of using non-invasive and market-leading technology to locate and address leaks in a property, therefore mitigating potential damage, stress, and repair costs.

When might you need leak detection services?

Leak detection is a crucial way to prevent unnecessary costs and damage to your property.

If you’ve noticed things like:

  • Unexpected increases in your water bill
  • Damp spots or discolouration on walls, ceilings and floors
  • The sound of running water when all faucets are off

You may have a leak that you can’t see.

If you suspect a leak in your property, please contact us immediately for a professional and non-invasive inspection.

As experts in disaster restoration, we know that a leak can occur at any time, which is why we offer our services around the clock.

Our team is always prepared to respond immediately, ensuring a swift initiation of the leak detection and mitigation process.

For a 24/7 rapid response to leaks and property damage, think ServiceMaster Restore.

How leak detection helps you

Professional leak detection services are an investment in the future health of your property.

Ignoring a suspected leak can lead to devastating consequences, including structural damage and expensive repairs.

ServiceMaster Restore uses cutting-edge and market-leading equipment to quickly and effectively identify leaks.

Our technology is designed to cause minimal disruption to your property and allows us to locate leaks without unnecessary destruction.

In doing so, it can:

  • Prevent Expensive Repairs by detecting leaks early and mitigating further damage. Thus, it reduces the overall cost of repairs.
  • Protect Your Property: Unresolved leaks can pose a serious threat to your property’s structural integrity. Our services aim to preserve your property’s condition, thereby protecting its value and appeal.

Suspect a leak in your property?

If you suspect your property may have a leak that you can’t see, don’t delay – contact the experts and get it checked.

Choose ServiceMaster Restore for all your leak detection needs, and experience the peace of mind that comes with knowing your property is in expert hands.

Our combination of professional knowledge, innovative technology, non-invasive methods, and a firm commitment to customer satisfaction makes us a trusted name in disaster restoration.

If you suspect a leak, whatever the time of day, contact us on 0845 762 6828 or find your nearest ServiceMaster Restore business now.

3 Crucial Home Fire Safety Tips

A home fire occurs every 15 minutes in the UK, the equivalent of approximately 93 per day, adding up to over 34,000 a year. These fires result in thousands of deaths and injuries each year, along with billions in property damage. While the numbers are alarming, some of the harm caused by residential fires is avoidable.

A strong home fire safety plan can improve your policyholders’ chances of escaping a fire safely and, in some cases, it may help them avoid one altogether. Share these three important tips on fire safety with your policyholders to help spread awareness.

The best way to stay safe from fires is to stop them from occurring in the first place. Start by implementing these fire safety tips from the experts at ServiceMaster Restore.

Home Fire Prevention

  • Keep flammable materials away from heat sources. If you’re using a portable heater, keep it at least three feet away from flammable objects like furniture, blankets, electronics, and anything combustible.
  • Don’t leave flames or smoking materials unattended, including fireplaces, stovetops, candles and cigarettes. Avoid smoking indoors, and never smoke in bed. The majority of avoidable deaths from home fires are caused by smoking in the UK.
  • Fix or replace frayed electrical cords or wires.
  • Don’t overload plug sockets or extension cables.
  • Have your chimney periodically inspected and kept in good working order.
  • Make sure everyone in the household understands the importance of home fire safety and observes fire-safe habits, including your kids.

Home Fire Safety Equipment

A good home fire safety plan includes having the right supplies and safety equipment on hand. These tools will be your first line of defence in the event of a fire, and they can dramatically improve your ability to react effectively.

  • Install smoke alarms on every floor of your home, in every bedroom, and outside each sleeping area.
  • Inspect and maintain your smoke alarms.
  • A fire extinguisher can keep small, containable fires from growing out of control. Have an extinguisher or fire blanket handy whenever you use cooking or heating equipment.

Fire Safety Planning

During an emergency, reaction time is critical. Beyond the equipment you need, everyone in your household should know what to do if a fire starts. Here are some tips to get you started:

Create a fire safety plan that establishes at least two escape routes and a safe location away from the home where everyone can meet.

  • Make an emergency communications plan to stay in contact during and after a fire.
  • Practice your escape plan twice a year so everyone can act quickly when it counts.
  • Teach children how and when to call 999.

Don’t know what to do next? We do.

Don’t let a fire catch your policyholders off guard. The right preparations and an effective home fire safety plan can mitigate the risk of injury or damage during a residential fire or help prevent a fire emergency altogether.

If disaster does strike, ServiceMaster Restore is here to help your policyholders through the traumatic event of a home fire. With over 65 years of industry experience, you can count on us to provide your policyholders with the peace of mind they need.

Find your nearest ServiceMaster Restore business or call our 24/7 response line on 0800 021 3970 to see how your local experts can help you.

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Navigating the Claims Process for Disaster Restoration

How to know when to claim on restoration work on your property.

When the unexpected happens, time is of the essence. Whatever the nature of the damage to your property, whether water and flood, fire and smoke or mould damage and vandalism, you need to be prepared to take the best course of action for the issue at hand.

But with so many variables and moving parts, it can be hard to know when, in the process of restoring your property, you need to claim on your insurance and what the restoration timeline is for your property.

In this blog post, the disaster restoration experts at ServiceMaster Restore, who regularly work with insurance brokers, loss assessors and adjustors to ensure swift and professional restoration work, walk you through the claims process for disaster restoration work and what to do when.

  1. Stay Safe and Conduct a Damage Assessment

Once you are safe, your first step to determine when to claim on restoration work will be to assess the damage promptly and/or professionally. An early and thorough assessment of the damage will help you know what you’re dealing with to prevent further deterioration, especially with water or mould issues and ensure accurate cost estimates later on, which are crucial for insurance claims.

At this point, you may want to engage restoration experts to conduct an accurate assessment and perform cost estimates, as they are more likely to have the tools and expertise necessary to identify hidden damages to your property.

  1. Make Contact

Whether your property is residential or commercial, the next step is to contact your building’s insurance company.

If you rent your property, inform your landlord about the damage, as they are likely responsible for the repairs. If you are the property owner, contact your insurance provider for any damage covered by your policy as soon as possible.

They are likely to advise you to take one of the following courses of action:

  • Contact their approved disaster restoration company
  • Send them photos for the insurance company to contact a disaster restoration expert
  • Find and contact a disaster restoration company

Logging the Claim with your Insurer

In some incidents, like a flood or burst pipe, which often occur out of hours or during high-demand periods, your insurer may not be able to immediately assist you.

Many restoration companies like ServiceMaster Restore operate 24/7 due to the unexpected nature of the majority of disasters property owners face. Therefore, we’ll be able to assist whenever you need us. In this instance, log a claim with your insurer and utilise their approved contractors or contact a restoration company yourself.

At ServiceMaster Restore, we understand that this aspect of the claims process can often be what hinders essential restoration work from happening as quickly and effectively as it should. That’s why, with ServiceMaster Restore Plus, we have streamlined the claims process. A service that understands the diverse needs across sectors, ensuring that everyone gets a tailor-made experience with a hassle-free add-on to your insurer’s existing cover, offer or policy, which allows us to act quickly 24/7, ensuring rapid response times, reduced costs and an exceptional service.

  1. The Claims Process for disaster restoration

Once the claim has been logged, your insurer is likely to provide a claim form, which you should complete accurately and keep for your records.

After the claim form and emergency repairs are done, your insurer may appoint a loss adjuster to investigate the cost of claims, the cause of the incident, and how much is covered by the insurance policy to agree on a cost.

A restoration expert will then likely provide a quote on restoration and reinstatement work for the property. This quote will then be sent to your insurer to agree on before work commences.

If you disagree with your insurer’s offer, utilise their complaints process if necessary.

When Not to Claim

There are a few reasons why claiming restoration work may not be in your best interest. Including…

  1. Policy Limits

If the damage is extensive and estimated repair costs exceed the maximum payout under your insurance policy, you may instead consider a partial claim or paying for the remaining costs yourself.

Even if repairs are underway, if the policy limit has been reached, the insurance provider might refuse to cover further costs, like alternative accommodation (AA), even if the property remains uninhabitable.

Your insurance provider will assess individual circumstances to determine if a property is truly uninhabitable or unsafe, considering factors beyond the availability of basic amenities.

  1. Lack of Coverage and Exclusions

Some policies might exclude certain types of damage, like certain events or to specific parts of the property. Be aware of any limitations or exclusions in your policy, as this may affect your ability to claim.

  1. Qualifying Repairs and Specific Schemes

Some schemes, like the Right to Repair Scheme, have specific criteria for repairs that are considered qualifying repairs.

If the damage doesn’t fall under the scheme’s definition of a qualifying repair, e.g.:

  • It’s beyond the cost limit
  • The local authority isn’t responsible

Then you won’t be able to claim under this particular scheme.

Furthermore, if the repair is considered an improvement rather than a restoration to the original condition, it might not be covered under certain schemes.

  1. Timing and Delays

When repairs take longer than expected and there are no undue delays caused by you, the insurance provider is likely to cover your alternative accommodation costs, even if the policy limit has been reached. However, if it is established that unnecessary delays were caused on your part, the insurance provider may appropriately refuse to cover additional alternative accommodation costs beyond the policy limit.

  1. Third-Party Claims or Disasters

In certain situations, property damage may occur due to factors entirely beyond your control. If a third party is responsible for the damage, pursuing a claim against them could be the most effective course of action instead of relying on insurance.

Additionally, if the property has been significantly affected by a natural disaster, considering rebuilding or renovating may be a better choice than attempting to restore it to its original state, particularly if the original structure is no longer feasible.

Need help navigating the claims process for disaster restoration?

At ServiceMaster Restore, we work closely with insurance companies to restore your property following most disasters, but if that aspect isn’t covered within your policy, we are happy to take on private cases.

No matter what disaster you’re facing, as a trusted provider for insurers across the UK, we’ll be on hand quickly to deal with the damage to your property.

Call 0845 762 6828 or 0800 021 3970 24/7 in an emergency, find your nearest ServiceMaster Restore business to see how we can help you today.

How to deal with rainwater flooding

How to prevent and repair rainwater flooding damage to your property.  

In your home or your business, flooding is a most unwelcome event.

Here’s how you can help protect your home and prevent flooding damage and what to do should the worst happen.

How to prevent rainwater flooding

  • Clear drains and gutters to avoid overflow
  • Keep windows closed (where possible)
  • Apply sandbags if you are near banks
  • Waterproofing

How to restore rainwater flooding

After experiencing water damage from flooding, you will be left cleaning up a watery mess.

Whether ripping up carpet or tiles or replacing furnishings, there’s a lot of work ahead to get your home back in order.

Follow these eight water damage restoration tips for cleaning up after water damage.

  1. Prepare for water damage insurance claims

Thankfully, many insurance policies cover unexpected water damage.

Contact your insurance company immediately and take the proper steps to prepare for your claim.

It is important to note water damage to your home is generally covered by a standard homeowner’s insurance policy.

If the damage is considered sudden internal water damage, your policy should protect you.

However, it usually does not cover damage done by lack of maintenance or neglect, nor damage resulting from a flood.

To prepare for your insurance claim, take the following steps:

  • Take photos of the water damage to keep track of household items and home conditions.
  • Keep damaged materials for proof of loss.
  • Be present if an adjuster needs to visit your home.
  • The adjuster will assess the damage to the house, providing you with a proof of loss statement to sign.
  • Additional damages can be added when identified.

  1. Disconnect the power and gas before entering the premises

Before any clean-up, you must shut down the electrical supply and the gas.

Turning off power leading into the affected area, particularly if water rises above electrical outlets, will help reduce the risk of electrical shock. Equally, turning off the gas will prevent harmful fumes from building up and seeping into your home.

  1. Remove important household items

Remove electronics, furniture, and any other valuable items immediately. The quicker you can get items out of the water, the better chance of saving them.

If you don’t have a lot of standing water around the house, you can also try pulling up your carpets and under-padding or even some sticky back tiles to see what you can salvage.

  1. Remove excess water

Removing excess water is the most challenging part of flood recovery.

If it is necessary to turn off the power, take the manual approach.

Gather buckets, towels, and mops to eliminate as much water as possible. This can be physically taxing, so take breaks when necessary.

If you can supply power or a backup generator for your commercial premises, you can hook up an automatic pump or a wet vac to remove the water. Either way, remove the excess water at the earliest possible time.

  1. Dry out the affected area

When excess water has been removed, move on to the drying stage urgently.

Use fans, dehumidifiers, and any open windows to improve air circulation and help dry out the damaged area and then continue to circulate dry air.

  1. Clean and disinfect the damaged area

After the damaged area has had time to dry, use a good disinfectant to remove any bacteria that might have come up through sewers, plumbing, or outside, depending on your water source.

Various affordable and accessible cleaning solutions can help clean the area, including bleach, ammonia, sodium tetraborate decahydrate, vinegar, and bicarbonate of soda.

  1. Take steps to stop mould growth

Once the damaged area has been dried and cleaned, it is time to take preventative steps to stop mould from seriously growing. Apply a mould control spray over the affected area according to the directions on the bottle.

Once the spray dries overnight, it will destroy any mould spores.

  1. Dispose of damaged items in a responsible way

To properly deal with water damage, you must stop the water from entering the premises and drying up as much as possible. Contact your insurance agent and prevent mould from growing. Remove and discard damaged items in the most responsible way that you can.

Need some help with flood restoration?

These are just the basics of flooding restoration. There is much more involved than extracting water from your property.

Stagnant water can prove deadly if ingested following ineffective cleaning and sanitisation following rainwater flooding. As well as extraction, our teams at ServiceMaster Restore will dry, clean and decontaminate your property to ensure no rainwater remains.

We can be on hand within 4 hours for a flooding emergency to help clear water from your property, followed by removal and decontamination from rainwater flooding.

To prevent lasting damage to your property or health, contact your nearest ServiceMaster Restore business to repair any rainwater flooding damage today or call 0845 762 6828 in an emergency.

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How Cold Temperatures Lead to Water Damage: How To Avoid It

How cold temperatures lead to water damage and what you can do about it.

With temperatures dropping in the UK, you’ll need to do a few things to keep your property safe.

But what does this mean for the safety of your property?

How the cold leads to water damage

During a cold spell, water damage is one of the biggest dangers to your home and business.

The cause of this is likely to be a burst pipe.

This commonly occurs when water in your pipes freezes and expands, leading to pressure build-up and causing them to rupture.

Flooding can also be a concern during the snow. This usually happens when frozen water thaws and leaks from pipes, gutters, or appliances.

This can damage your property in multiple ways, including causing unpleasant smells or odours, wearing away at walls and mortar, causing wood rot, and even fostering mould.

How to spot water damage

When expecting cold temperatures, look out for signs of water damage.

Keep your eyes peeled for:

  • Separations on the doors and window frames
  • Missing or cracked roof tiles
  • Intact guttering
  • Rings on the ceiling or walls
  • Signs of a leak
  • Soft or sagging spots within the flooring:
  • Cracked and warped flooring

How to prevent water damage in cold temperatures

When expecting cold temperatures and the water damage they may bring – there are some ways to optimise the safety of your property.

How to guard against damage:

  • Turn off outside water sources to prevent frozen or burst pipes.
  • Clear your gutters of debris so that any melting snow can flow away easily.
  • Inspect your insulation. Inadequate insulation could cause warmth from the house could rise into the attic, causing a damn of ice on the roof.
  • Keep windows closed where possible.
  • Lay sandbags to prevent flooding from melting snow.

How does ServiceMaster Restore help?

Should the worst happen and your property falls victim to water damage, your local ServiceMaster Restore technicians will be on hand to help with the restoration.

Our experts have the specialist skills and equipment to protect your assets and leave your property as good as new whenever possible.

And, if you choose to claim on your insurance, we work with your insurance company, broker, or loss adjuster on your behalf.

That way, you don’t have to lose sleep worrying about insurance claims when you already have enough on your plate, and we’ll keep you informed every step of the way.

Contact your local restoration experts by finding your nearest ServiceMaster Restore business or by calling 0845 762 6828 in an emergency.

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How to: Ways to keep your garden barbecue safe

How to have a safe and happy BBQ this summer with ServiceMaster Restore.

Now that the weather is warmer, you’ve probably considered firing up the barbecue if you haven’t already.

After all, nothing says summer like the smell of burgers, steaks, and hot dogs fresh off the grill.

Until something starts burning, that is.

While barbecue grills can cook up large amounts of delicious food, they are also a fire hazard.

But don’t worry! There are easy ways to prevent injury and keep your home safe.

Keep your property out of harm’s way the next time you smoke, sizzle or sauté outside by following a few simple BBQ safety tips from ServiceMaster Restore.

Practice Good Grilling Habits

Whatever kind of barbecue you use, there are a few simple things you can do to reduce your risk of fire or injury.

Here are some grilling safety tips to follow:

  • Set your barbecue away from structures and overhangs, including your main building, shed, garage, trees and other potentially flammable objects.
  • Never use your grill inside, in a tent, or under an outdoor awning. Doing so can pose a fire hazard and cause carbon monoxide poisoning using a gas barbecue.
  • Light any gas or charcoal BBQs using long-length lighters or long matches to avoid getting burned. Keep all ignition sources out of the reach of children.
  • Never leave an actively burning BBQ unattended.
  • Let the grill fully cool before you cover or store it.
  • Clean your barbecue thoroughly and often to reduce flammable build-up inside.

Be Aware of Proper Charcoal Barbecue Safety

Many swear by the taste of food cooked on a classic charcoal barbecue.

This method may be popular, but it also poses unique fire risks.

Keep these safety tips in mind if you own or use a charcoal barbecue:

  • Only add enough charcoal to cover the bottom of the barbecue. Don’t pile too much inside since it could cause ashes and sparks to become airborne, possibly catching nearby objects or your home on fire.
  • Store extra charcoal in a secure place away from other potential fire hazards, preferably in an airtight metal container.
  • Only use starter fluid designed for charcoal. Apply it to cold coals only, and don’t add extra once the BBQ is lit. Otherwise, the flames could get too high, resulting in possible burns or an unconfined fire.
  • Empty your used ashes only when they have cooled. Never store or dispose of them in a bin or leave them on the decking. Even when cooled, ashes can still cause a fire. Dump them on garden soil in a metal receptacle for proper disposal.

Use your Gas BBQ Wisely

Gas barbecue grills are convenient, easy to use, and require less refuelling than charcoal grills.

But they are also susceptible to fire risks. Remember these safety tips if you own a gas BBQ:

  • Open the lid before lighting the barbecue. This allows oxygen to escape and reduces the risk of fire or explosion.
  • Check the gas line and tank fittings regularly for leaks. You can do this by brushing soapy water around these areas. If you see bubbles emerge, there could be a leak somewhere. Replace damaged and leaking parts and make any other repairs before using the barbecue.
  • If you have spare gas cylinders, never store them under a stairway. Place them upright and outside, away from furniture or structures, to minimise fire risks.
  • Turn off your barbecue using the controls first, then close off the gas line at the tank to ensure gas can escape safely.

In need of fire damage restoration?

If the worst should happen and you experience a fire during the warmer months, the professionals at ServiceMaster Restore are always available to help.

We hope you never need to make that call. But if you do, we’ll be there to help with the recovery.

Find your nearest ServiceMaster Restore today or call 0845 762 6828 to see how we can help you in the aftermath.

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What to do after water damage in your home

The causes of water damage in the home, and how ServiceMaster Restore can help.

Water damage to your home can be devastating.

And at this time of year, in particular, the cold weather makes your home susceptible to damage.

At ServiceMaster Restore, we regularly see and help people whose homes are affected by water-related issues.

There are ways to protect against water damage, and knowing the common causes will help immensely.

But should the worst happen, and your home succumbs to water damage, it can be hard to know what to do next.

That’s where ServiceMaster Restore comes in. Our technicians have the knowledge and equipment to deliver a comprehensive and expert home restoration.

This blog post delves into the common causes of water damage and how we help should the worst happen.

How is water damage caused?

Damage can occur for many reasons, including (but not limited to) a burst pipe, flooding, or even issues with your radiators.

Even a small amount of water can cause problems if left unchecked, so act quickly.

If water is left, it allows mould and bacteria to breed. This can pose a severe risk to your health and cost much more to repair than if immediate action was taken against water damage.

So how can you repair water damage?

Water damage repair and restoration

When your home floods, time is of the essence. Acting fast is crucial to minimise water damage and maximise successful restoration.

If you are worried about any escape of water and need water damage cleaning and restoration, you can rely on ServiceMaster Restore.

Our technicians are on hand 27/4 and have the specialist skills and equipment to resolve things the first time.

We work to insurance industry standards and should you choose to claim on your insurance, we’ll sort everything out with your insurance company, broker or loss adjuster while keeping you informed every step.

Our first port of call however is typically…

Water extraction

The first goal we have when arriving at your home is to determine the contamination level of the water or liquid.

At ServiceMaster Restore, our top-of-the-range equipment initially restores your home to as close to its prior condition by extracting fluids.

The pollution levels tend to vary depending on the water’s origin. But generally, the longer the water has been left to stand, the more contaminated it gets.

We aim to remove the liquid and dry out the space fast.

We pride ourselves on fast, efficient and professional water damage restoration services, enabled through processes like ServiceMaster Restore Plus.

Water damage clean-up

When water damage has affected your home, all affected material must be removed from the property and disposed of safely.

In some cases, you may be able to salvage your belongings, but this will usually depend on the water’s contamination level.

Unfortunately, in most cases, water-damaged materials must be disposed of to prevent the spreading of mould spores.

Sometimes though, the damage isn’t noticeable until the mould has begun to spread.

In these unfortunate circumstances, we will be on hand to restore mould damage to your home by removing mould safely and effectively.

Drying

Mould spores require moisture to develop and spread, so it’s essential to dry the space affected by water as a priority before restoration can take place.

When restoring your home, we protect your assets, leave your property as good as new whenever possible, and are ready to reinstate decor and furniture in severe cases.

Furthermore, when drying, our modern equipment can run in quiet mode so you don’t lose sleep while it dries.

Contact ServiceMaster Restore today

If you’re struggling with water in your home, don’t hesitate.

Act as soon as possible by contacting your local ServiceMaster Restore experts by finding your nearest ServiceMaster Restore business or calling 0845 762 6828 in an emergency.

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Beware of water damage from cold temperatures

How cold temperatures lead to water damage and what you can do about it.

With temperatures in the UK dropping, you may already feel the cold snap.

But what does this mean for the safety of your property?

How the cold leads to water damage

During a cold spell, water damage is one of the biggest dangers to your home and business.

The cause of this is likely to be a burst pipe.

This commonly occurs when water in your pipes freezes and expands, leading to pressure build-up and causing them to rupture.

Flooding can also be a concern during the snow. This usually happens when frozen water thaws and leaks from pipes, gutters, or appliances.

This can damage your property in multiple ways, including causing unpleasant smells or odours, wearing away at walls and mortar, causing wood rot, and even fostering mould.

How to spot water damage

When expecting cold temperatures, look out for signs of water damage.

Keep your eyes peeled for:

  • Separations on the doors and window frames
  • Missing or cracked roof tiles
  • Intact guttering
  • Rings on the ceiling or walls
  • Signs of a leak
  • Soft or sagging spots within the flooring:
  • Cracked and warped flooring

How to prevent water damage in cold temperatures

When expecting cold temperatures and the water damage they may bring – there are some ways to optimise the safety of your property.

How to guard against damage:

  • Turn off outside water sources to prevent frozen or burst pipes.
  • Clear your gutters of debris so that any melting snow can flow away easily.
  • Inspect your insulation. Inadequate insulation could cause warmth from the house could rise into the attic, causing a damn of ice on the roof.
  • Keep windows closed where possible.
  • Lay sandbags to prevent flooding from melting snow.

How does ServiceMaster Restore help?

Should the worst happen and your property falls victim to water damage, your local ServiceMaster Restore technicians will be on hand to help with the restoration.

Our experts have the specialist skills and equipment to protect your assets and leave your property as good as new whenever possible.

And, if you choose to claim on your insurance, we work with your insurance company, broker, or loss adjuster on your behalf.

That way, you don’t have to lose sleep worrying about insurance claims when you already have enough on your plate, and we’ll keep you informed every step of the way.

Contact your local restoration experts by finding your nearest ServiceMaster Restore business or by calling 0845 762 6828 in an emergency.

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Types of Flooding

Different types of flooding and how to combat them.

When you think of flooding, it probably seems straightforward: rain, rain, rain, with nowhere to go… flooding.

However, it isn’t quite so simple.

There are various types of floods, and the damage each can do to your home can be different.

Knowing which types of floods could affect your home is essential to better prepare for the disaster.

Different Types of Floods:

  • Coastal flood
  • River flood
  • Flash flood
  • Groundwater flood
  • Sewage flood

Coastal Flooding

A coastal flood is an accumulation of water on land caused by waves, tides, storm surge, or heavy rainfall.

Coastal areas are prone to flooding because they are near the ocean.

Due to climate change, the risk is expected to continue to grow.

According to the Office for National Statistics, over 5.3 million residents live in coastal towns in England and Wales, of which 3.5 million live in seaside towns and 1.9 million in other coastal towns.

Coastal flooding can have dire consequences, from drownings and injuries to contaminated water-caused sicknesses to mental health problems.

Some of these include mental health issues caused by stress during the flooding, injuries while attempting to escape from the water or falling debris, respiratory illness due to damp environments that can lead to mould damage, and coming into contact with contaminated flood water.

There are three levels of coastal flooding:

  • Minor: Low likelihood of property damage and not directly life-threatening
  • Moderate: Elevated likelihood of property damage and possibly life-threatening
  • Major: Significant likelihood of property damage and seriously life-threatening

River Flooding

A river flood occurs when water rises over the top of riverbanks.

Any size of river and stream has the potential to flood, with rivers having an increased potential to overflow once every two years.

Typically, river flooding is caused by extreme rainfall, long-lasting thunderstorms, combined rainfall and snowmelt, and ice jams.

These pulses of melting snow or rain cause water to rise above the riverbanks and flood surrounding areas.

Though river floods can usually be predicted, there is potential for unexpected property damage if a dam or dike breaks.

However, most of the causes of river floods often stem from storms that allow enough warning for those in surrounding areas to evacuate safely.

Flash Flooding

Flash flooding begins within 6 hours of heavy rainfall and is often caused by severe thunderstorms and other weather patterns.

Flash floods can also be the result of a dam or levee breaking.

Several factors contribute to the severity of a flash flood, including:

  • The intensity of the rainfall
  • Location of the rainfall
  • Landscape
  • Soil type and condition

Urban areas are more prone to flash floods than suburban or rural areas, and the damage is likely to be greater with less soil to soak up the water.

However, the lack of soil is not the only reason for this increased risk of flash floods.

Areas that have soil but haven’t seen rain in some time are in similar danger since the water cannot be absorbed by the soil fast enough, leading to water quickly running off to lower areas.

The greatest danger with flash flooding is that it can occur quickly and leave little time to prepare.

Those in areas of heavy rainfall are urged to know the difference between flood watches and warnings to identify if an evacuation is needed.

Most flood-related deaths are the result of flash foods.

They can also lead to significant structural damage to homes, including foundation damage, damage to appliances, and long-term harm resulting from mould.

Groundwater Flooding

Groundwater floods are usually the result of inundated drainage systems by significant rain that causes water to overflow into streets and nearby properties.

They are equally likely to occur in urban and rural areas.

Fortunately, groundwater flooding happens gradually when the water levels are shallow, so homeowners often have time to remove their possessions.

However, this groundwater flooding can be troublesome because it may persist for weeks or months until the soil can absorb the standing water.

As a result, they can lead to significant danger to homes, with an increased likelihood of structural damage to properties and more risk to long-term risks such as mould.

Sewage Flooding

Sewage flooding is caused when unexpected heavy rainfall overwhelms sewage systems or treatment plants, causing them to break down and release untreated sewage into water bodies.

Sewage floods are arguably the most unpleasant, with sewage leaking through pipes or drains or coming up through toilets, sinks, or showers.

These floods are the most hazardous because the water is contaminated with harmful bacteria and chemicals that can cause infections, diarrhoea, fever, vomiting, and other diseases.

Fast response and a thorough and detailed clean-up by experts familiar with sewage cleanup services are vital in these situations.

Recover from Flooding Damage to Your Home

No matter the type of flood, the damage to your home can be severe.

Each home flooding situation is different and requires an expert to know the correct steps that need to be taken and how to best recover from the damage.

ServiceMaster Restore has qualified flood and water damage restoration experts who are highly skilled and can get your home back to normal as quickly as possible after a flood occurs.

See how your local experts can help you by finding your nearest ServiceMaster Restore business today.