When Pipes Freeze: Understanding Homeowners Insurance Coverage for Frozen Pipes

3/13/2023 (Permalink)

In conclusion, frozen pipes can be a major headache for homeowners, but they are preventable.

As the cold weather arrives, homeowners may find themselves facing the unfortunate reality of frozen pipes. Frozen pipes can lead to a number of problems, including property damage, water damage, and even the potential for bursting pipes. In this blog, we will discuss what causes pipes to freeze, how to prevent them from freezing, and whether or not frozen pipes are covered by homeowners insurance.

What Causes Pipes to Freeze?

Pipes freeze when the temperature drops below freezing and water inside the pipes begins to freeze. When water freezes, it expands, causing pressure to build up inside the pipes. This pressure can cause the pipes to burst, leading to costly repairs and property damage.

Pipes that are located in unheated areas of the home, such as attics, basements, or crawl spaces, are most susceptible to freezing. Pipes that are exposed to cold air, such as those located near exterior walls or windows, are also at risk.

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes?

There are several steps that homeowners can take to prevent pipes from freezing, including:

1. Keep your home heated: Keep your home heated to a consistent temperature, even when you're away. This can help prevent the temperature from dropping below freezing.
2. Insulate pipes: Insulate pipes that are located in unheated areas of the home, such as attics, basements, or crawl spaces. This can help prevent them from freezing.
3. Seal drafts: Seal drafts around doors and windows to prevent cold air from entering the home and coming into contact with pipes.
4. Let faucets drip: Let faucets drip slightly to keep water flowing through the pipes, which can prevent them from freezing.
5. Disconnect outdoor hoses: Disconnect outdoor hoses and turn off outdoor water supplies to prevent water from freezing inside the pipes.

Are Frozen Pipes Covered by Homeowners Insurance?

In most cases, frozen pipes are covered by homeowners insurance. However, there are some limitations and exclusions that homeowners should be aware of. For example, if the frozen pipes are the result of the homeowner's negligence, such as failing to keep the home heated or failing to insulate pipes, the insurance company may deny the claim.

Additionally, if the pipes burst as a result of freezing, the cost of repairing the pipes may be covered, but any resulting damage to the home or property may not be covered. Homeowners should review their insurance policy carefully and speak with their insurance provider to determine the specifics of their coverage.

In conclusion, frozen pipes can be a major headache for homeowners, but they are preventable. By taking the necessary precautions, homeowners can help prevent pipes from freezing and potentially bursting. If pipes do freeze and burst, it's important to understand the specifics of your homeowner's insurance coverage to ensure that you're protected. If you're unsure about your coverage, speak with your insurance provider to get the information you need to protect your home and property.

Different ways to Extinguish a Fire

2/9/2023 (Permalink)

At the first site of fire, use a extinguisher to put out a fire.

When you're faced with a fire, it's important to know how to put it out. But there are many different types of fires and extinguishers, each designed for specific types of fires. The type of extinguisher you need depends on the type of fire you're facing—for example, if your kitchen catches on fire, you'll need a different extinguisher than if your car does. Here are some common types of fires and how to deal with them:

Different types of Fire Extinguishers

When it comes to fire safety, there are a few things that you can do to make sure your home is prepared for the worst. One of these things is learning about different types of fires and what to do when they occur.

Here’s a quick rundown:

• Type 1 - Electrical
• Type 2 - Wood, paper, or fabric
• Type 3 - Cooking oil and grease (such as animal fats or butter)
• Type 4 - Dried vegetation (like leaves or dried grasses)

Know your extinguisher

As fire spreads the fire can become more intense. The key to identifying the difference between a fire and smoke is flame color. Red, orange, and yellow flames indicate that there are carbon compounds burning in the organic material. Blue flames indicate something with high carbon content (oil or wax).

The first thing you should do when you encounter a fire is determine what kind of fire it is. If the flames are coming from an electrical appliance or wiring, it's likely that an ABC dry chemical extinguisher will be your best bet. If the problem is caused by flammable liquids, gasses or combustible metals (such as magnesium), then a CO2 or water-based extinguisher may be required.

Once you've identified which type of extinguisher to use, locate the operating instructions to learn how to activate and use the device correctly in time of a fire emergency.,

As with many things in life, there are some risks associated with using these devices. If theres a case that involves improper usage rather than malfunctions themselves so don't worry too much about them malfunctioning on their own. Make sure not only yourself but anyone else nearby knows what they're doing before attempting to use the fire extinguisher.

Finally once all has been done safely assess the damage and call the professionals immediately to come and access the damages to see what is the next step in cleanup process.

When in doubt, give the professionals at SERVPRO a call for more information on fire extinguishers or fire and smoke damages.

The Short and Long-Term Effects of Water Damage

1/9/2023 (Permalink)

If you experience water damage in your home, immediately call a professional restoration company.

The Short and Long-Term Effects of Water Damage

Water damage can be one of the most devastating things that happen to your home. It's more common than one might realize, and it can cause long-term effects on your home, including mold growth and structural issues. Learn more about the short-term and long-term effects of water damage.

How can water damage happen?

Water damage can happen in many different ways. A leaky pipe or a faulty appliance can cause water to drip slowly into your ceiling and walls, causing mold to grow and damage the structure of your home. In some cases, water damage may be sudden and unexpected—a storm can cause flooding that damages your property. If you experience any of these things, it's important to take action as soon as possible.

What are the short-term effects of water damage?

You will find that the short-term effects of water damage are all around you. For example, you might have had to throw away your furniture or other belongings due to mold growth. The same goes for any materials that may have been affected by moisture seeping into your home's infrastructure, including wood and cardboard boxes containing dry goods like cereal and pasta.

If your home lost electricity for a period of time—this could be because it was damaged in some way or perhaps due to an outdated electrical system—you may have lost heat during cold weather months if no backup heating source was available (like space heaters).

Finally, if there were extensive leaks within your home or business and they weren't properly repaired, then mold growth could lead to extensive structural damage.

What are the long-term effects of water damage?

Water damage can also cause mold and other structural damage, which in turn can lead to property value loss. You may not be able to sell your home if the entire structure is damaged, or if it's been contaminated by mold. This could also mean that you've lost insurance coverage as well as unpleasant odors throughout your home.

If you experience water damage in your home, immediately call a professional restoration company such as SERVPRO of North Kansas City, Gladstone, NE Clay County. We'll help you get back to normal after a water damage event by removing all traces of moisture from your property and providing cleaning services that restore comfort, sanitation, and safety while repairing water-damaged areas with high-quality replacement products like flooring and drywall.

Water damage can happen at any time, even when you don't realize it.

Water damage is a common occurrence and can happen in many ways. You might think that you have avoided all of the possible scenarios, but some of the most surprising sources of water damage are less obvious than they seem. For example, if your washing machine breaks down or your bathroom pipes burst, it can cause major damage to your home—and result in significant costs.

Don’t be fooled by the fact that water damage can happen in an instant: it is not always easy to tell when this type of damage has occurred. Water damage can be costly.

SERVPRO is can help after water damage.

Water damage is a serious risk, and it can happen at any time.  While there are steps you can take to prevent water from damaging your property and belongings, there is no universal solution for everyone. The best thing you can do is educate yourself about the potential risks of water damage so that when an emergency arises in your home or business, you’re prepared and ready to respond quickly. 

Water damage could lead to expensive repairs and replacement costs that could easily add up over time. If you have questions about whether or not water restoration services are right for your situation, talk with a company like SERVPRO of North Kansas City, Gladstone, NE Clay County today!

Tips to Keep your Home Safe from Fires During the Holidays

12/4/2022 (Permalink)

Keep your Christmas tree watered! If you have a real Christmas tree, be sure that it is kept properly hydrated by regularly watering it.

Tips to Keep your Home Safe from Fires During the Holidays

The holiday season is full of excitement and joy. However, it's also a time when many fires start in homes across the country. In fact, statistics show that nearly half of all fires reported during this period are caused by cooking or heating equipment and decorations. That's why it's important to take some extra precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones from holiday fire hazards.

Holiday Decorations

Holiday decorations are a great way to bring cheer and a festive atmosphere to your home, but they can also pose a fire hazard. Many fires caused by holiday decorations start in the kitchen and bathroom. The most common cause of these fires is an electrical fault, such as an overloaded extension cord or faulty light bulb. Other causes include candles and incense.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Use LED or flame-retardant candles, and don't leave them unattended.
• Don't use flammable decorations, including draping your Christmas tree in tinsel or using live trees as centerpieces.
• Don't overload electrical outlets with too many lights (or even one extension cord).

Christmas Trees

When it comes to Christmas trees, we all know the basics. We should keep them watered, away from heat sources, and use fire-retardant decorations. However, there are some other safety tips that may not be as common knowledge:

• Keep your Christmas tree away from the fireplace. The heat of a fire could cause your tree to catch on fire or melt the branches enough that they come off and fall on you when you walk past.
• Keep your Christmas tree away from electrical outlets. If it falls over onto an outlet with any kind of plug-in, then those things can get damaged or lit on fire. 
• Don't put candles near your Christmas tree! Any kind of open flame is dangerous for burning down houses/apartments/condos.

Cooking Safety

It might seem unlikely, but a large majority of holiday fires occur due to cooking mishaps. Don't leave the stove unattended while you're cooking. Don't leave food cooking on the stove when you go to bed at night; turn off all burners and remove any pots or pans before leaving your home—even if it's just for a few hours!

Don't use the oven to heat your house, even if it's cold outside. Portable heaters can cause fires too; always keep them away from flammable materials like clothing, curtains and furniture and make sure they don't tip over or fall into anything that can catch fire easily.

Electrical Safety

It may seem obvious, but you should never overload electrical outlets. Holiday lights and other decorations require a lot of power, so it's best not to plug them in directly into your outlet. Instead, use extension cords that have their own ground fault circuit interrupter built in. This will prevent any water or other hazards from flowing through your Claycomo, MO home's electrical system and potentially causing a fire or electrocution hazard. If any of your holiday lights or decorations have damaged or cracked cords, make sure you replace them immediately.

Precautions to Keep in Mind 

Be careful with candles. Many people love to light up a candle or two during their winter holiday festivities, but they should be aware of the potential hazards involved. Candles can ignite easily if they are placed too close to drapes or other flammable materials. It's also important to keep an eye on candles, as they may burn down more quickly than expected and result in a fire if left unattended for too long.

Keep your Christmas tree watered! If you have a real Christmas tree, be sure that it is kept properly hydrated by regularly watering it. 

Holiday fires are a serious threat, but they’re also preventable. By taking a few simple precautions, you can enjoy your holiday season with peace of mind.

What Causes Toilets to Overflow?

10/17/2022 (Permalink)

Tree roots can grow into the pipe and cause clogs, cracks, leaks, or blockages.

What Causes Toilets to Overflow?

If you've ever noticed your toilet overflowing in your Kansas City, MO, home that's a serious issue. In fact, it's something you should call in a professional for as quickly as possible. In this article we'll cover what causes this problem and how to fix it — plus some tips on preventing future over-flows.

You have a clogged sewer line.

If you have a clogged sewer line, the water can't move through it. This means the water backs up in your house and overflows into the toilet bowl. There are different reasons for clogs, but there are a few things you can do to fix them.

You could have tree roots growing around the pipe.

Tree roots can grow into the pipe and cause clogs, cracks, leaks, or blockages. If you see any of these problems happening it is time to call a plumber before it becomes worse.

You have a broken or cracked sewer pipe.

It's possible that you have a broken or cracked sewer pipe. Sewer pipes carry wastewater from your home to the street, where it's treated and disposed of. If there is a crack or hole in the pipe, sewage can leak out into your home. It may also cause backups when it rains because water will collect in the pipe and create pressure on any cracks or holes in the line.

You have a clog in your septic tank.

You may have a clog in your septic tank. A septic system is the most common type of onsite wastewater treatment and disposal system, consisting of a series of underground tanks that are used to process household sewage. The first tank, known as a primary tank or primary sedimentation tank, receives raw sewage from your home through an underground piping network called an "underground drain field." The liquid flows into the bottom of this first tank where it is separated from solid waste and suspended solids that settle out to form sludge. This sludge then moves upward into another holding area called either a secondary or tertiary sedimentation tank.

The next step involves using microorganisms that are naturally present in soil and groundwater to break down biodegradable materials such as food particles and toilet paper in order to produce methane gas. This gas can then be burned off by incinerators located near each home's plumbing fixtures like sinks or toilets.

Fixing a sewer problem is something you can't afford to ignore.

Ignoring the problem will only make it worse. The longer you wait, the more expensive and time-consuming the repairs will be.

Call a professional plumber. Repairing sewer damage can be complicated and costly, so it's best to leave this type of work to professionals with experience in sewer systems and pipes. If your insurance policy covers sewer problems, don't forget to call them first!

If you notice a foul smell or that your drains are backing up, you should call in a professional. Don’t try to fix it yourself; trying to do so will only cause bigger problems and potentially result in a flood. The longer you wait, the more damage may be done.

What does commercial property insurance policy cover?

10/6/2022 (Permalink)

If you own a business in Kansas City, MO, you want to protect the assets that make it successful.

What is covered by a commercial property insurance policy?

If you own a business in Kansas City, MO, you want to protect the assets that make it successful. Whether you're in retail or manufacturing, a commercial property insurance policy can provide coverage for buildings and other physical assets. In this article, we'll explore what types of coverage are offered under these policies and what exclusions might apply.

Commercial property insurance policies are designed to cover the physical assets of a business.

Commercial property insurance policies are designed to cover the physical assets of a business. A commercial property insurance policy is a binding contract between you and your insurer, which outlines the terms and conditions of their coverage. The main purpose of commercial property insurance is to protect businesses from any damage or loss that might occur as a result of an accident, fire or theft. This type of coverage will typically not cover losses due to theft, vandalism, or malicious acts against your business by third parties like employees or customers.

Typically, this includes buildings, inventory, equipment, and furniture.

Typically, this includes buildings, inventory, equipment, and furniture. In addition to the standard property coverage that most commercial insurance policies offer, many insurers also offer endorsements to their policies that will insure specific items like jewelry or fine art. Most commercial property insurance policies do not provide coverage for these types of assets.

A few examples of what isn't covered by a typical CGL policy include:

• Household goodwill (i.e., customer relationships)
• Intangible assets such as patents and trademarks
• All other types of personal property owned by the business

Exclusions can vary by policy

Exclusions can vary by policy, but common exclusions include flood damage, earthquakes, and wear-and-tear. Flood coverage is not the same for all policies. Some policies may cover flood damage to your property if it's caused by fire or explosion. Other policies won't provide coverage for flooding, even if it's caused by fire or explosion.

You can find out more about the specific exclusions that apply to your policy in your insurance contract, which should be included with your policy documents when you buy commercial property insurance.

The best way to know what your commercial property insurance policy covers is to read the fine print. It can be difficult to understand all the details of your policy, if you have any questions, you should speak to your insurance agent.

How To Clean Your Business After a Storm

8/25/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial storm loss in Gladstone, MO.

Storm Cleanup

A flood caused by heavy rains, sewage backups, or another disaster can cause a lot of damage to your business that needs to be cleaned up. Here are some tips for how you can get started on cleanup safely.

Inspect the Area for Safety

Buildings affected by flooding in Gladstone, MO, can be dangerous. Before content cleaning can begin, you need to assess the area for safety. If you choose not to hire a storm cleanup crew, you need to take the following safety measures:

• Notify your insurance of the disaster
• Avoid stepping in standing water
• Examine the foundation before entering
• Ensure utilities are turned off
• Get utility systems checked by professionals
• Create an inventory of damaged items
• Wear protective clothing in case of sewage water
• Look for wildlife that seeking shelter in your building

Remove Damaged Contents

Remove any contents from your building, assess them for damage immediately, and take them to a cleaning service. Leaving them for more than 24 hours after the disaster will do enough damage that even a professional content cleaning service won't be able to repair them.

Clean and Dry Out the Building

Start your building clean-up by removing any mud or debris with a shovel and using water to wash hard surfaces. You should start this process as soon as standing water recedes to avoid mold growth. When it is safe to turn the power back on, use fans and dehumidifiers to dry out the air while waiting for your content cleaning to finish. During this time, you should also take aggressive measures to prevent mold.

Taking immediate measures to dry out and clean up your business after a disaster will ensure it is returned to normal as soon as possible. Take the proper safety measures to ensure you don't touch black water and start removing contents and cleaning within 24 hours for the best results.

Perfecting Your Home Fire Escape Plan

8/23/2022 (Permalink)

Be sure that you have a fire escape place and practice it often

Ways To Perfect Your Strategy

If a fire ever occurs in your Kansas City, MO, house, you do not want to be caught unprepared. That is why you should create a fire escape plan. This will help everyone in your homestay calm and know what to do during an emergency. Here are some ways to perfect your strategy.

1. Remove Barriers to Doors or Windows

A basic escape strategy involves identifying two ways out of each room in your house. You need to make sure those exits remain clear at all times. Do not let toys or furniture block doors or windows. You should also avoid nailing or painting over the windows of your home. Finally, if you have security bars on windows or doors, make sure they can be quickly released.

2. Consider Infants, Senior Citizens and Guests

As you make your fire escape plan, keep in mind any members of your household who have mobility issues. Assign one member of your home to assist babies or disabled adults during an emergency. You should also designate a backup person in case the primary individual given this task is not home during the fire.

Similarly, anytime you welcome guests into your home, make sure they know the details of your escape strategy. You should also find out the evacuation strategy for any other houses you or your kids visit.

3. Practice, Practice, Practice

While over 70 percent of Americans have a strategy for escaping a home fire, less than half of those people have practiced it. Emergency drills ensure that everyone understands the plan and help you identify potential faults in that plan. You should run an escape drill twice each year, with one of the tests occurring at night.

With a proper fire preparation strategy, you can keep your family safe during a major blaze. Make a fire escape plan and practice it regularly. In between your drills, keep all doors and windows clear of barriers. You never know when you will need to exit your home quickly.

Repairing Storm Damage to Your Home

8/11/2022 (Permalink)

A wet crawlspace can cause structural problems and attract pests.

Repairing Storm Damage to Your Home

A home flood in Gladstone, MO, can cause significant damage to the home, inside and out. Cleaning up the property as quickly as possible is the best way to prevent further damage.

Interior Damage

When dealing with storm damage inside the home, the first step is drying the property. Remember to keep the electricity off in wet areas. Remove standing water using pumps or wet/dry vacuums, and evaporate the remaining moisture from porous items using fans or a dehumidifier. Porous items are those that absorb water, including:

• Carpeting
• Upholstery
• Bedding
• Curtains
  
  

When everything is dry, you can begin cleaning and repairing items. Anything that cannot be completely dried should be thrown away. A certified restoration service can help with more complex repairs.

Crawl Space Damage

A home flood can also cause damage to the exterior of your home, particularly the crawlspace. A wet crawlspace can cause structural problems and attract pests.

There may be loose material in a water-damaged crawlspace. Throw this debris away, and then drain the standing water. If your crawlspace does not already have a sump pump, installing one now can speed the drying process and help prevent future flooding problems. Finally, set up fans or dehumidifiers to remove any remaining moisture from the area.

If mold has begun to grow in the crawlspace, you or a restoration company will need to address the problem quickly. Do-it-yourself methods, such as cleaning with bleach or vinegar, can work but may be difficult due to the dark, tight conditions in the crawl space. If it is not feasible for you to perform mold removal yourself, a restoration company can use soda or media blasting to take care of the issue.

If you experience a home flood, you may feel overwhelmed. However, taking the cleanup process one step at a time can minimize stress and help you get your home back to normal quickly.

The Most Successful Methods for Content Cleaning After a Fire

7/21/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damage in a commercial building in Kansas City, MO.

The Most Successful Methods for Content Cleaning After a Fire

After a fire sweeps through your commercial building in Kansas City, MO, you are left with an overwhelming mess. It can be hard to know where to start. Fortunately, fire remediation specialists have seen it all before and they know how to restore order to all of the chaos.

Technicians understand the best methods for cleaning the varied contents of a business. They know that dry-cleaning works best on clothes and fabrics, while ultra-sonic methods are more appropriate for items made of ceramic, metals, plastic and rubber. They will work to match the best cleaning method with each item damaged by fire.

Advanced Content Cleaning Techniques

A fire and smoke restoration technician has a full arsenal of tools at his or her disposal. The process often begins with pretesting to determine if an item is a good candidate for restoration or if it is too damaged to be cleaned. If an item can be restored, the technician will choose from a variety of cleaning techniques:

• Dry-cleaning
• Abrasion cleaning
• Wet cleaning
• Immersion cleaning
• Foam cleaning
• Spray and wipe

Some items require more intensive methods to clean out soot and smoke odors. Other items call for gentler methods that won't cause any additional harm.

Additional Methods

Sometimes it makes sense to remove damaged contents to another building for better care. Content storage has several benefits. It allows the crew to work more efficiently in your damaged building. It also keeps sensitive items out of harm's way. You can feel confident that these items will be moved with the necessary care, and they will be returned at the appropriate time. The option for this service may depend upon insurance considerations.

Whether your fire-damaged items need dry-cleaning or some other method, it is good knowing that trained technicians will be in charge. The job will be done to the highest standards of the cleaning and restoration industry.