Can Water Damage affect your HVAC unit?

6/12/2024 (Permalink)

Water damage can severely impact your Nixa homes HVAC system, leading to mold growth, rust, and compromised air quality. When water infiltrates these systems through vent registers in the floor, it not only affects the efficiency of your HVAC but also poses health risks due to potential mold and mildew development. SERVPRO of Nixa/Branson specializes in addressing water damage swiftly and effectively, ensuring your HVAC system is restored to optimal condition. Our trained technicians use advanced moisture detection equipment to identify and assess the extent of the damage. Our team will then employ drying and dehumidification techniques to prevent further issues. Additionally, SERVPRO of Nixa/Branson's comprehensive mold remediation services ensure that any mold growth is thoroughly remediated, safeguarding your indoor air quality. With our prompt response and meticulous approach, SERVPRO of Nixa/Branson minimizes downtime and disruption. We are the trusted choice for homeowners and businesses dealing with water-damaged. You can trust SERVPRO of Nixa/Branson with your home or business. Call us today at 417-724-0084. 

Springs Arrival in Southwest Missouri means Burst Spigot Pipes

4/29/2022 (Permalink)

Spring Time Brings Burst Spigots Call SERVPRO of Nixa/Branson at 417-724-0084

It's that time of the year, winter has left us the temperatures start to warm up and we are ready to leave winter behind us.  Unfortunately, many people have broken pipes left over from winter and don’t even know it yet.  SERVPRO of Nixa/Branson always sees an uptick of calls from customers that have been outside working all day and unbeknownst to them water was running in their basement or main level of their home all day while they were working outside.

Typically, these are caused by leaving the hose connected all winter, the leftover water freezes in the stem of the faucet spigot.   The best way to prevent this is to disconnect all hoses in the fall.  It is also a good idea to check inside your home if you plan to be working outside with the hose during that first spring day.  If this unfortunate event happens to you call SERVPRO of Nixa/Branson 417-724-0084 our trained professionals know how to take care of this quickly and efficiently to minimize damage to your home.

How to Determine If Water Damage is New or Old

4/4/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage is the most common form of property damage to your Springfield or Greene County home or business because of the many ways it can occur. Natural events like rainstorms and flooding may lead to water damage, but they can also happen with internal issues like burst pipes and sewage backups that let water flow into your residential or commercial property, damaging it in the process.

Sometimes, the damage can be hidden so you might not notice it right away. When you do, you may wonder how long ago the damage happened. As time passes, unaddressed water damage deteriorates and causes more harm. So knowing when an area has experienced water damage can give you an idea as to the extent of the damage as well as the urgency of having the damage restored.

If you come across water damage but aren’t sure when it happened, use the following tips to determine whether it’s new or old.

Touch the Affected Area

New water damage will still be wet, but the affected material will still be firm, not soft. Older water damage will create soft, mushy spots due to the amount of time the material has had to absorb the moisture.

For example, drywall that’s been affected by new water damage will be damp but still stable. It will not have lost its structural integrity yet because the water hasn’t had time to significantly harm it. Drywall with older water damage, however, will have a softer texture, since enough time has passed for it to absorb water and harm the drywall. To help you figure out how long drywall has been wet, know that standing water can wick up drywall at a rate of one inch per hour for the first 24 hours.

Look for Rings

Staining and discoloration are among common signs of water damage. More specifically, rings may develop on softer materials, such as drywall, when they’ve been periodically harmed by water.

If you see a darker spot with no rings around it, this shows that the water damage is new. Older, sporadic water damage (for example, a slow pipe leak) will have rings around it, and like a tree, more rings show age. Different shades and colors of rings tell you that the area has been soaked, dried, soaked, dried, etc.

Search for Mold Growth

Water damage and mold growth go hand in hand because water damage creates the ideal conditions for mold spores to grow and form colonies.

Mold needs moisture and an organic food source to grow. Once mold spores encounter both, this triggers mold growth. Mold damages materials it grows on, eating away at the surfaces. Mold damage can get so bad that it affects a building’s structural integrity.

So, if you find mold growing in your Greene County home or business, there’s a good chance water damage has occurred somewhere in the structure. Mold will develop within 24-48 hours of water exposure and will keep growing until the source of moisture is eliminated.

Professional Water Damage Restoration Services

If you discover your property has sustained water damage — whether old or new, large or small — address the situation as soon as possible! Water damage only worsens with time, and mold growth soon follows. With old water damage, the danger exists that affected materials could become so unstable that they collapse.

So call the professionals at SERVPRO of Nixa/Branson promptly. The sooner you get help, the less damage there will be to deal with – along with less cost.

After removing any excess water and moisture from your property, we will thoroughly dry out the affected areas and materials. From there, we’ll restore the damage and clean the space. If mold has grown as a result, then we can provide mold remediation services as well. With professional help, your property will be safe, clean, and restored to its former condition.

Helpful Tips for Preventing Water Damage in your Branson Vacation Home

3/25/2022 (Permalink)

Vacation or seasonal homes are at a greater risk of water damage due to prolonged periods of in-occupancy. Water is by far the top damage to homes each year, one in every 55 homes has a water damage each year. Many times, the water in a condo or vacation home goes undetected therefore the amount of water damage in a secondary home can be astronomical compared to your primary home.

With proper planning you can reduce your risk of experiencing a water damage.  Here are a few tips to protect your home while you’re away.

1. During winter months set your thermostat at no less than 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Hire someone to periodically look in on your property and inspect.
3. If your home is unoccupied for an extended time, consider shutting off the water, if it is in the winter drain and winterize your pipes.
4. Install a wireless programmable thermostat that you can monitor with your smart phone.
5. Inspect and maintain your sump pump.
6. Inspect and clean your gutters and downspouts.
7. Locate your homes main water shut off valve and turn it off when you’re away for extended periods.

 Many of the scenarios we see for water damages in Branson are out of a home or condo owner’s control—like a toilet overflow from an upstairs neighboring unit that allows water to leak through the ceiling to the condo below, most water damages could be prevented by taking preventative measures.  If this scenario happens the professionals at SERVPRO of Nixa/Branson can handle all the issues water damage can cause.  We will dry you out, repair the damage and make it “Like it never even happened.”  Call us today at 417-724-0084

SERVPRO of Nixa/Branson partnership covers Missouri.

3/6/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Nixa/Branson has partnered with other SERVPRO franchises in our area to better support our customers and to cover most of Missouri!   It is an exciting time to be a part of the SERVPRO family in Missouri.  Through this partnership we have been able to be the main sponsors at two Missouri wide tradeshows so far in 2022, as well as hosting a SERVPRO marketing teams Symposium last November. 

The franchises we have partnered with are:

• KC Midtown, Olathe/Lenexa, Blue Valley, Merriam/Greater Shawnee
• Lee’s Summit, Raytown/East KC, Harrisonville
• STL County NW, Afton/Webster Groves, Clayton/Ladue, Oakville/Mehlville, Arnold/North Jefferson County 
• Marshall, Columbia, Sedalia, East Independence/Blue Springs
• Lake of the Ozarks/Lebanon 

When you choose SERVPRO for your restoration needs you are gaining experience and knowledge that encompasses more than just us, you are gaining a team of professionals with the resources and knowledge to be able to handle any size disaster.  Call SERVPRO of Nixa/Branson today at 417-724-0084 for more information.

How to prevent Basement Floods

2/14/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Nixa/Branson today at (417) 724-0084 if you have a flooded basement.

Spring rains can bring out the worst in flawed grading and foundations, this could leave you with a mess in your home basement. With spring just around the corner, it’s a great time to assess your property before things go wrong. There are some measures you can take now to prevent flooding.

Keep your rain gutters clean and debris free, and make sure they’re pointed away from the foundation of your home.  You want to drain your storm water at least three feet away from your home, so consider running extension or troughs.

Periodically inspect the exterior foundation of your basement’s walls and floors.  Use epoxy to fill any foundation cracks and apply masonry sellers indoors. You might need to call a professional for more serious issues.

During a heavy rain, check around your yard to see where any water may be pooling.  If it is pooling around or toward your homes foundation you will need to call an expert to grade your yard properly.

Make sure your basement is equipped with sump pump with an automatic trigger to sense water in your basement.  This will protect your basement even when you are not home. We recommend that you check your sump pump periodically to make sure it is functioning properly, free of debris and connected to a power source.

Know when to call a professional. Calling a professional for help with a flooded basement is always a good idea. Quickly removing the water and beginning the drying process is essential to lessen the possibility for mold to form, which can greatly increase the damage and cost involved.

SERVPRO has the experience, qualifications and knowledge needed to help you quickly deal with a flooded basement cleanup, because we handle these types of jobs all the time. Let us deal with the stress and get your basement back in working order. Call SERVPRO of Nixa/Branson today at (417) 724-0084 if you have a flooded basement. 

Risks After Flood

2/11/2022 (Permalink)

Picking up the pieces of your home after a flood can be overwhelming.  You want to get back into your home as quickly and safely as possible but there are some things you need to know to keep yourself and your family safe.

 Only return home when authorities say it is safe. Wear heavy gloves and protective clothing and appropriate footwear such as heavy work boots during cleanup, it is also a good idea to wear appropriate face coverings such as mask to protect you from mold and other possible contaminants. If you have asthma or any other lung condition you should not enter buildings where mold growth can be seen or smelled. 

 Avoid wading in floodwater only return when the water has receded. Flood water can be contaminated and very dangerous.  Downed or underground power lines can electrically charge the water. There could be snakes and other animals in your house. 

 SERVPRO of Nixa/Branson is highly trained in water damage restoration including basement and crawlspace flooding. We have the experience, expertise, and equipment to remove the water and dry your basement properly.  Our water removal and drying process emphasizes monitoring and documentation to validate your property is dry.

Protecting your Branson Condo from Water Damage

3/2/2021 (Permalink)

From burst pipes to appliance leaks, to hot water heater and HVAC problems water damage is the number one cause of loss among condominium owners. 

Many of the scenarios we see for water damages in the Branson area are out of a condo owner’s control—like a toilet overflow from an upstairs neighboring unit that allows water to leak through the ceiling to the condo below, most water damages could be prevented by taking preventative measures.  

Appliance Malfunction

Appliances with pipes or water lines such as refrigerators, ice makers, dish washers, toilet and washing machines may malfunction and can quickly cause significant damage. Installing a leak detection sensor or an automatic water shut off device would be a good idea for properties such as vacation homes or condos that are unoccupied for extended periods of time. A simple drain pan under your washing machine can help prevent machine overflow or water line hose failures.

Frozen and Burst Pipes

Your condo is at risk for frozen or burst pipes when temperatures drop, set your heat at a minimum of 65 when you are away and it would be a good idea to have someone check in on your condo periodically.  

Regardless of where the water comes from, be rest assured that the professionals at SERVPRO of Nixa / Branson tackle all water damage problems in your Branson condominium. We’ll dry you out, repair the damage and make it “Like it never even happened." We are available 24/7 365 days a year.  Contact us at 417-724-0084. 

The Problem with Freezing Pipes

2/25/2021 (Permalink)

This building suffered a water damage from burst pipes, the water leaked out of the structure and refroze creating the frozen icicles you see.

Water is very unique in that it expands as it freezes. This expansion puts pressure on whatever is containing it, which includes pipes. No matter the strength of a container, expanding water can cause pipes to break.  Pipes that are most at risk are exposed to cold like your outdoor spigot for your water hose, water irrigation lines, unheated areas of your home like crawlspaces, basements and garages and attics.

Here are some ways to protect your pipes from freezing:

• Drain the water from your irrigation and pool systems. We suggest having a professional complete this.
• Unscrew and remove the hoses that you use outdoors.
• If you have a crawlspace close your crawlspace vents during winter and especially during freezing temperatures. You may even want to insulate around the crawlspace vents. Adding insulation to attics, basement and crawlspaces is also a good idea and will help maintain temperatures in these areas.

Some tips to thaw your frozen pipes:

• When you turn your faucet on and there is no water or only a trickle, you should suspect a frozen pipe, especially if the pipe is along an exterior wall or around your foundation, sometimes even under a cabinet that is alongside an exterior wall.
• Keep the faucet turned to the on position. As the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area. Running water through the pipe will help melt any ice that has formed inside of the pipe.   
• Attempt to thaw the pipe by applying heat to the section that you think may be frozen, you can use a hair dryer, a space heater or even a heating pad wrapped around the pipe.  Do not use items like a propane or kerosene heater, any open flame.  
• If you are unable to locate the frozen area or thaw the pipe then you need to call a licensed plumber.

In our experience many times if one pipe is frozen there are likely others so check the other areas in the home that are most vulnerable. Also unfortunately many times pipes will burst at night temperatures are the coldest, that is also when you are asleep and you might not be aware of the water problem until many hours later.  Hopefully if you follow these tips you will ensure water damage from a burst pipe will not happen to you but if it does, call SERVPRO of Nixa/Branson anytime and we’ll make it “Like it never even happened.”

When is Water Damage Not Water Damage?

8/20/2019 (Permalink)

If your home has suffered a water damage please contact SERVPRO of Nixa / Branson at 417-724-0084.

When is water damage not water damage? When your insurance company gets involved! You see, although losses caused by water can be identical no matter the source of the water, insurance companies differentiate between what they consider “water damage”, “flood damage” and “sewer backup”. So, to make sure ALL your assets are totally covered, you’ll need to have coverage for all types of claims.

Flood Insurance

Although it seems counterintuitive, the standard homeowner’s insurance policy does not cover damage caused by floods. You’ll have to purchase a separate policy for that. To be labeled a flood, insurance companies follow the legal definition set by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that it’s a "general and temporary condition where two or more acres of normally dry land or two or more properties are inundated by water or mudflow." Those conditions are caused by such things as overflowing rivers, heavy rains, overflow of tidal waters, and mud slides.

Water Damage Insurance

The good news is that in many home insurance policies, water damage is part of your standard policy. The main distinction from flood insurance is that water damage occurs before the water hits the ground. (An easy mnemonic would be, “Flood damage rises, water damage falls.”) Some examples of such a claim would be:

• Water damage resulting from the extinguishing of a fire
• Soaked floors following a storm that broke windows
• A leaking appliance
• Accidental cracking, burning, or bulging of a steam, heat or AC system
• Frozen pipes that have burst
• A leaking roof

Sewer or Water Backup Insurance                                                                                                

These problems are possible caveats to what’s considered flood or water damage. Most homeowners’ policies will not cover damage caused by a sewer or water backup (e.g., from a leaking in-ground swimming pool, koi pond or other subsurface water feature on your property). You’ll need to purchase separate insurance coverage as an add-on to your homeowner’s policy to be covered. Their payout limits usually vary between $5,000 and $25,000.

Please note: Even if the water came from beyond your property, such as a pipe maintained by the city, your insurer still won’t cover it unless you purchase the special coverage outlined above.

If you have questions about any of this, contact your insurance agent. If your home is located on a flood plain, your agent will likely recommend that you purchase additional flood insurance to reduce your financial risk.

But regardless of where the water came from, be rest assured that the professionals at SERVPRO of Nixa / Branson tackle all water damage problems. We’ll dry you out, repair the damage and make it “Like it never even happened."

Prevent Mold Growth in Your Branson Area Home

3/28/2019 (Permalink)

Mold in Southwest Missouri Home

SERVPRO of Nixa/Branson professionals handle water damages every day and know that prompt action is required to prevent mold growth.  Mold is more likely to spread when the environment has been subject to moisture for a long period of time.  If your property has seen a recent water damage, it is vital to remove excess water and dry structure promptly.  If there is an ongoing moisture problem in the building, it is important to be alert for: 

• The presence of visible mold.
• Strong musty odor which may indicate mold is present.
• Any evidence of past moisture problems that have caused undetected mold growth.
• Excessive humidity. 

These conditions may require the expertise of a qualified Indoor Air Quality/Environmental Professional to inspect the property for mold growth and water damage problems.  If you think you might have a mold problem don't panic call SERVPRO of Nixa/Branson today at (417) 724-0084

Two Story Water Damage in Branson Area Home

3/15/2019 (Permalink)

When severe storms and flooding hit your Branson area home, SERVPRO of Nixa / Branson is here to help. Our highly trained staff is available and read

During a recent cold snap a cold water supply line under a kitchen sink caused this Southwest Missouri basement home to have a major flood. 

This before picture shows the mess that was left behind in the basement as the water spread throughout the entire home and even into the garage. SERVPRO of Nixa/Branson was called to clean up the water damaged home. Our crews immediately began working to extract the water and removed the affected drywall and flooring and cabinets to get this home completely dry.  Construction repairs are under way to get this house back in order like it was pre water damage. If you have a water damage do not hesitate to contact us anytime day or night at 417-724-0084

SERVPRO of Nixa/Branson Offers 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

2/19/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Nixa/Branson is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small.

SERVPRO of Nixa/Branson is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - 417-724-0084

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Nixa/Branson has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of Nixa/Branson

SERVPRO of Nixa/Branson specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Meet Our Crew

Why SERVPRO

2 Critical Reasons Not to Delay Drying

12/10/2018 (Permalink)

This southwest Missouri home experienced extensive mold growth from an ongoing roof leak.

When flood damage strikes a property in Nixa, the results are usually far too serious for property owners to handle on their own. Professional restoration services like those provided by SERVPRO help to return a home back to the way it was before a flood. But many fear the costs and responsibilities associated with a full-scale restoration project. Unfortunately, few if any of the unpleasant consequences inherent in flood damage disappear without appropriate care and attention. To prevent long-term adverse effects from developing in your home or business, call for help immediately.

Here are two of the most serious problems that can develop when professional drying is delayed:

1. Weakened Foundations

Long-term exposure to standing water and the additional moisture that’s produced during flood damage events in Nixa can cause permanent and expensive damage to the very foundation of your home. Even the solid materials that foundations are made of, whether masonry, concrete or stone, can soak up small amounts of water through the cracks and pores in their material. Unless these pockets of water are removed, they can create defects in the building foundation that eventually weaken the entire structure. In the winter, water trapped inside those cracks will expand as it freezes, resulting in very serious structural issues that will be incredibly expensive to fix.

Fast and thorough drying processes are the only way to protect your home against these threats. SERVPRO of Nixa/Branson has the specialty equipment that’s designed to remove all unwanted moisture.

2. Mold Growth

Mold grows wherever there’s a lot of moisture, such as around leaks in roofs, around windows, or pipes, or where there’s been flooding. It can grow most anywhere, but especially where it finds food, such as on porous surfaces like paper, cardboard, wallboard and wood. Mold can also grow on many nonporous materials such as concrete and brick. And with the right temperature, moisture and food, mold will grow most anywhere. A rolling stone may gather no moss, but one sitting still sure can. Preventative treatments can help, but the only reliable solution to developing mold problems is rapid drying and dehumidification that SERVPRO offers.

Add to those two problems the fact that water, often called the universal solvent, can slowly dissolve, break apart and destroy most of the materials in your home or business and you can see why you need to call SERVPRO immediately should you experience a flood or water damage of any type.

SERVPRO of Nixa/Branson Certified IICRC Firm

10/17/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Nixa/Branson Certified IICRC Firm

SERVPRO of Nixa/Branson has been an IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification) certified firm since 2015. The IICRC sets the gold standards for the Cleaning and Remediation industry, of which SERVPRO is an industry leader. The following is from the IICRC official website (http://www.IICRC.org).

IICRC Certified Firms have earned the right to display the cleantrust logo as a symbol of quality. In order to achieve IICRC-certified status, firms must meet a rigorous list of standards in business ethics and expertise.

IICRC Certified Firms must:

• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.

• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.

• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.

• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.

• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

The IICRC actively pursues relationships with fiber producers, carpet and fabric mills, furnishing manufacturers and retailers, and others affiliated with the industry. The use of IICRC-certified service professionals is specified in leading manufacturers’ maintenance brochures and warranties.”

SERVPRO of Nixa/Branson is honored to be among the select organizations to receive this certification.