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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Archived Water Damage Blog Posts

How Storms May Affect Your Business

10/4/2023 (Permalink)

A combination of moisture in the air with rising warm air leads to lots of summer storms in Maryland. Our SERVPRO® of Glen Burnie team is specially trained to deal with the mess a storm can leave behind. Not only does our franchise have you, but our whole company does. SERVPRO®  has mobilization teams across the country to travel as needed to support large storm events. No matter what, you can always count on us to be faster to any size disaster.

After the tropical storm, check your home or building of damage. Make sure all electricity and outlets are working. Be aware if there is water damage by sinks pipes or toilets. There could be many possible damages after a storm. Below are a few of the types to look for:

Lightning Damage

If the home is hit by lightning during a storm it can burn through roofs, shingles, or gutters from the building and even tear into attics. Electrical damage can happen if appliances such as refrigerators were plugged into an outlet during the storm.

Wind Damage

Roof damage is possible with heavy winds or even worse a missing roof. Wind damage is seen the most when it comes to the after effects of storm damage. High winds can be anywhere from 50-60 mph and can ruin homes. Roof damage can lead to a roof leak which leads to bigger problems… water damage.

Flood damage can often bring in dirty, contaminated water into your home. The water has sediment that will contaminate whatever touches your home. Water damage is not an easy task to clean on your own. It should be cleaned up with more than just a mop to make sure there is no left over residue that could grow mold.

SERVPRO® of Glen Burnie wants you to stay safe from tropical storms and flood damage. Call us at 410-766-1110 if you experience storm damage!

How Your Appliances Might Cause A Water Damage Issue

9/26/2023 (Permalink)

Warped hardwood floor from water damage Warped hardwood floors are a sign that water is/was somehow affecting your home.

Our SERVPRO franchise, SERVPRO of Glen Burnie, is always looking out for home and businessowners in our local community. Throughout September, National Preparedness Month, SERVPRO is here to share useful tips that might save your property from disaster. Today, we are discussing appliances! To ensure that your appliances are in good working condition, we suggest you get the following appliances checked once a year:  

Washing Machine 

When a washing machine has a small leak, it can appear to be a small issue. Although a small leak seems to be a minor, it should not be ignored. We have experienced small pinhole leaks in a water supply line that have broken into an all-out basement flood. To prevent water damage, check the connecting hoses leading to your washing machine a couple of times per year. 

In some cases, you may want to install an automatic shutoff valve to the water supply line for their washing machines. Most water shut off valves on washing machines work because they automatically shut the water entering the washing machine once a full cycle is complete. The valve will remain closed until the next person is looking to wash the laundry.  

Refrigerator Water Line 

Everyone enjoys the convenience of an automatic ice maker. Did you know it can also be the culprit of household floods? Our SERVPRO of Glen Burnie crews have dried water damage caused by the water line that supplies an ice maker. When the water line gets damaged, they can leak or, worse yet, become completely unattached. We know it might be a hassle to get behind your refrigerator, but it is essential to waterline periodically for crimps and make sure the valve connection is secure.  

Dishwasher 

Your dishwasher has a supply line just like your refrigerator and washing machine. If a dishwasher water supply line bursts, your kitchen will be filled with water after a wash and rinse cycle. In some of our more severe water damage caused by dishwashers, we have seen a dishwasher back up. Backup typically occurs when debris clogs the drain, and the water has nowhere to go.  

SERVPRO of Glen Burnie recommends routine inspection of the hoses and connections to your water-based appliances. These are three of the most common home-owner water damage that our team sees.  

If your Glen Burnie property suffers water damage, call SERVPRO of Glen Burnie as soon as possible. Our team is available 24/7 at (410) 766-1110. 

Water Acts Fast, so You Need to Act Faster!

9/26/2023 (Permalink)

Don’t let a flood in your residential or commercial property go unattended! SERVPRO of Glen Burnie professionals handle water damages every day and know prompt action is required to prevent mold growth. The removal of moisture is crucial in stopping the spread and growth of harmful bacteria and microbes. Mold spores germinate quickly, and colonies spread unless dealt with swiftly. Because our technicians hold IICRC certifications, they know the early warning signs. Technicians use a combination of extraction and dehumidification to remove moist air and replace it with warm, dry air. The use of air movers works to pull moisture up and out of walls and flooring and are used in tandem with dehumidifiers.

 If there is an ongoing moisture problem in your building, be alert for:

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

These conditions may require the expertise of a qualified Indoor Air Quality/Environmental Professional to inspect the building for mold growth and water damage problems. Our mold remediation specialists are here to help and will be happy to provide an evaluation.

Three Appliances that can Cause Water Damage

9/21/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Glen Burnie wants local homeowners to avoid any potential water damage. To ensure that your appliances are in good working condition, we suggest you get the following appliances checked once a year:  

Washing Machine 

When a washing machine has a small leak, it can appear to be a small issue. Although a small leak seems to be a minor, it should not be ignored. We have experienced small pinhole leaks in a water supply line that have broken into an all-out basement flood. To prevent water damage, check the connecting hoses leading to your washing machine a couple of times per year. 

In some cases, you may want to install an automatic shutoff valve to the water supply line for their washing machines. Most water shut off valves on washing machines work because they automatically shut the water entering the washing machine once a full cycle is complete. The valve will remain closed until the next person is looking to wash the laundry.  

Refrigerator Water Line 

Everyone enjoys the convenience of an automatic ice maker. Did you know it can also be the culprit of household floods? Our SERVPRO of Glen Burnie crews have dried water damage caused by the water line that supplies an ice maker. When the water line gets damaged, they can leak or, worse yet, become completely unattached. We know it might be a hassle to get behind your refrigerator, but it is essential to waterline periodically for crimps and make sure the valve connection is secure.  

Dishwasher 

Your dishwasher has a supply line just like your refrigerator and washing machine. If a dishwasher water supply line bursts, your kitchen will be filled with water after a wash and rinse cycle. In some of our more severe water damage caused by dishwashers, we have seen a dishwasher back up. Backup typically occurs when debris clogs the drain, and the water has nowhere to go.  

SERVPRO of Glen Burnie recommends routine inspection of the hoses and connections to your water-based appliances. These are three of the most common home-owner water damage that our team sees.  

If your Glen Burnie property suffers water damage, call SERVPRO of Glen Burnie as soon as possible. Our team is available 24/7 at (410) 766-1110. 

Flood Basements Aren't Cool

9/21/2022 (Permalink)

Don’t let a flood in your Linthicum Heights property go unattended! SERVPRO of Glen Burnie professionals handle water damages every day and know prompt action is required to prevent mold growth. The removal of moisture is crucial in stopping the spread and growth of harmful bacteria and microbes. Mold spores germinate quickly, and colonies spread unless dealt with swiftly. Because our technicians hold IICRC certifications, they know the early warning signs. Technicians use a combination of extraction and dehumidification to remove moist air and replace it with warm, dry air. The use of air movers works to pull moisture up and out of walls and flooring and are used in tandem with dehumidifiers. 

 If there is an ongoing moisture problem in your building, be alert for: 

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

These conditions may require the expertise of a qualified Indoor Air Quality/Environmental Professional to inspect the building for mold growth and water damage problems. Our mold remediation specialists are here to help and will be happy to provide an evaluation. 

Water Damage? Don't Wait, Call the PROs

6/24/2022 (Permalink)

Don’t let a flood in your Linthicum Heights property go unattended! SERVPRO of Glen Burnie professionals handle water damages every day and know prompt action is required to prevent mold growth. The removal of moisture is crucial in stopping the spread and growth of harmful bacteria and microbes. Mold spores germinate quickly, and colonies spread unless dealt with swiftly. Because our technicians hold IICRC certifications, they know the early warning signs. Technicians use a combination of extraction and dehumidification to remove moist air and replace it with warm, dry air. The use of air movers works to pull moisture up and out of walls and flooring and are used in tandem with dehumidifiers.

 If there is an ongoing moisture problem in your building, be alert for:

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

These conditions may require the expertise of a qualified Indoor Air Quality/Environmental Professional to inspect the building for mold growth and water damage problems. Our mold remediation specialists are here to help and will be happy to provide an evaluation.

Water Damage Acts Fast! So Should You!

6/20/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage does not wait for an invitation. It has a destructive timetable that is as predictable for water restoration professionals as it is devastating for Annapolis homeowners. Some of the damage occurs just minutes to hours after the water event, and the severity of the consequences increases exponentially. Experts recommend contacting water restoration professionals immediately after the discovery of a water loss to arrange for swift removal of the damaging fluids and application of the industry’s best practices supporting structural drying.

How Fast Damage Occurs

First minutes to a few hours

  • Documents, pictures, books, and other papers become soggy, with pages weakening and sticking together, bindings and glues loosening, inks spreading, and images blurring.
  • Stain, varnish, and paints can transfer from wooden furniture legs and supports to carpeting, rugs, and floors.
  • Textiles stretch or shrink, depending on composition, and dyes can run and stain adjacent surfaces.
  • Electronics and electrical cords short out and expose occupants to the risk of shock.

Up to 24 hours

  • Pressed wood and particle board furniture and supports swell and warp.
  • Hardwood frames on furniture swell and distort.
  • Metal fasteners tarnish.
  • Drywall and ceiling tiles bulge and begin to crumble, increasing personal safety and property damage risk when significant quantities of collected water force a structural breakdown.
  • Insulation compresses, packing down between walls.
  • Carpets stretch and become prone to rips and delamination.
  • Laminate flooring peels and disintegrates.

48-72 hours to a week

  • Mold growth commences on all surfaces and contents.
  • Water quality deteriorates, with pathogen growth possible.
  • Door and window frames swell, preventing security issues due to improper closure.
  • Metals corrode, and fasteners break down.
  • Hardwood floors cup or crown, and planks or strips can buckle, pulling up from the subfloor.

7 days or more

  • Structural supports can fail.
  • Molds, mildews, and other hazards proliferate, affecting air quality and infecting surfaces.

When you notice water in your home, call the water restoration professionals, SERVPRO of Glen Burnie. We have over 40 years’ experience and we can make it “Like it never even happened.”

What To Do In The Event Of A Flood

10/26/2021 (Permalink)

Carpet stored in a warehouse ready for water restoration In addition to restoration services, we offer reconstruction services to make it "Like it never even happened."

Floods are one of the most common and widespread natural disasters in the United States. Even a minor flood can have the potential to cause major damage to a structure when not treated quickly and properly. If a flood strikes your home or business, give SERVPRO of Glen Burnie a call. Until then here are some tips from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for preparing your home or business for a flood. 

Before the flood: 

  • Have a qualified professional elevate your furnace, water heater and electric panel if they are susceptible to flooding 
  • Install “check valves” in sewer traps to prevent flood water from backing up into the drains of your property 
  • Seal walls in your basement with waterproofing compound to help avoid seepage 

During the flood:  

  • Turn off all utilities at the main switches 
  • Disconnect any electrical appliances 
  • Do not touch electrical equipment if your hands are wet, you are wet or you are standing in water 
  • Do not walk through moving water (Even six inches of moving water can be enough to make you fall) 

After the flood:  

  • Listen for news reports to learn if your community’s water is safe to drink 
  • Avoid floodwaters as they may be contaminated by substances such as oil, gasoline or sewage 
  • Stay out of any building surrounded by flood waters as you may not know the severity of the situation 
  • Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe 

Help Your Sump Pump

10/14/2021 (Permalink)

Is your home prepared for the fall season? Do you have a backup plan in case your sump pump fails? Sometimes, it can start out as a leak or a bathroom mishap but will often lead to extensive problems. Sump pump failure can happen for a variety of reasons including power failure, stuck switches, overwhelmed pumps and more. When your sump pump fails, it will most likely lead to water damage to lower areas of your home. 

If your sump pump fails, do not attempt to clean up the water for yourself as this could lead to further damage. Instead, call SERVPRO of Glen Burnie and we will assess the water damage and determine the affected areas. For most cases, our trained professionals will use the latest equipment to locate the source of the damage, detect moisture levels in your home and effectively dry all affected areas to meet industry standards when possible.  

Severe weather storms mixed with power outages can often lead to one dreadful combination which typically results in flooded basements across Anne Arundel County. This is caused by the combination of heavy rainstorms and power outages which completely immobilizes the sump pump’s ability to pump and drain water. Avoid this problem by buying and installing a backup generator for your sump pump. If installed, your backup generator can be manually turned out to ensure your basement does not flood the next time you lose power.  

Car Mold Remediation

9/22/2021 (Permalink)

On the scale of gross things that can happen to your car, mold definitely ranks way up there, and a moldy car can have an awful smell.  

The main cause of mold is damp conditions mixed with a warm environment, which can likely occur in a car if a window or sun roof is left open on a rainy day. Mold grows fast and needs only a few days before it colonizes. Unfortunately, once you have mold, it is extremely difficult to purge and can permanently damage your vehicle. 

Mold can grow almost anywhere and can spread quickly and easily. Not only is mold gross and smelly, but it can even be hazardous to your health. If you have mold in your car, or mold anywhere, it needs to be dealt with immediately. Luckily for you, SERVPRO of Glen Burnie has trained professionals who can not only remove the mold, but also detail the interior and shine the exterior of your car.  

Have You Checked Your Gutters?

9/22/2021 (Permalink)

overflowing gutters Overflowing Gutters Cause Damage

September 22nd marks the first day of Fall and if you have not already, you should check your gutters to make sure they are not clogged. It may seem unlikely, but clogged gutters can lead to water damage in walls and in some cases, a flooded basement.  

A clogged gutter can cause the water to hit a concentrated area on the ground, directly under the roofline. This overflow will create problems for the rest of the gutter system and the foundation surrounding the home. Over time, this excess water seeps into the foundation and  makes its way to the lowest point of the home, and damages the basement.  

If you notice your gutter system sagging or overflowing, or you notice a trench forming around your home’s foundation, contact SERVPRO of Glen Burnie.   

It’s Only Just Begun

6/25/2021 (Permalink)

We are barely into summer temperatures and SERVPRO of Glen Burnie has begun to get lots of calls from homeowners experiencing air conditioning condensation causing water damage to their homes.

So, what causes condensation or “sweating?” To begin with, there are a few reasons this happens. Things as simple as clogged ducts or dirty air filters. But it can also be caused by a leaking drip tray or a condensation tube clogged by dirt, algae or minerals or most serious, a frozen evaporator coil which freezes up on scorching days.

One homeowner did not realize her evaporator coil was frozen and when it started to thaw, days later her bedroom ceiling collapsed! Of course, she called SERVPRO and within hours we began to clean up the mess, including insulation and wet drywall. Once the HVAC company repaired the air conditioning, SERVPRO began the drying process using dehumidification, specialized air movers and daily moisture readings.

The lesson here: Utilize a reputable HVAC provider to perform important maintenance on your unit before you have problems. If all else fails, you always have SERVPRO of Glen Burnie to dry you out.

Mold Can Grow Quickly if Moisture Isn’t Eliminated

6/21/2021 (Permalink)

Don’t let a flood in your Linthicum Heights property go unattended! SERVPRO of Glen Burnie professionals handle water damages every day and know prompt action is required to prevent mold growth. The removal of moisture is crucial in stopping the spread and growth of harmful bacteria and microbes. Mold spores germinate quickly, and colonies spread unless dealt with swiftly. Because our technicians hold IICRC certifications, they know the early warning signs. Technicians use a combination of extraction and dehumidification to remove moist air and replace it with warm, dry air. The use of air movers works to pull moisture up and out of walls and flooring and are used in tandem with dehumidifiers.

 If there is an ongoing moisture problem in your building, be alert for:

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

These conditions may require the expertise of a qualified Indoor Air Quality/Environmental Professional to inspect the building for mold growth and water damage problems. Our mold remediation specialists are here to help and will be happy to provide an evaluation.

Three Home Appliances That Can Cause Water Damage

10/26/2020 (Permalink)

laundry room showing washer and dryer Check the Washing Machine Water Line

SERVPRO of Glen Burnie wants Pasadena homeowners to avoid any potential water damage. To ensure that your appliances are in good working condition, we suggest you get the following appliances checked once a year: 

Washing Machine

When a washing machine has a small leak, it can appear to be a small issue. Although a small leak seems to be a minor, it should not be ignored. We have experienced small pinhole leaks in a water supply line that have broken into an all-out basement flood. To prevent water damage, check the connecting hoses leading to your washing machine a couple of times per year.

In some cases, you may want to install an automatic shutoff valve to the water supply line for their washing machines. Most water shut off valves on washing machines work because they automatically shut the water entering the washing machine once a full cycle is complete. The valve will remain closed until the next person is looking to wash the laundry. 

Refrigerator Water Line

Everyone enjoys the convenience of an automatic ice maker. Did you know it can also be the culprit of household floods? Our SERVPRO of  Glen Burnie crews have dried water damage caused by the water line that supplies an ice maker. When the water line gets damaged, they can leak or, worse yet, become completely unattached. We know it might be a hassle to get behind your refrigerator, but it is essential to waterline periodically for crimps and make sure the valve connection is secure. 

Dishwasher

Your dishwasher has a supply line just like your refrigerator and washing machine. If a dishwasher water supply line bursts, your kitchen will be filled with water after a wash and rinse cycle. In some of our more severe water damages caused by dishwashers, we have seen a dishwasher back up. Backup typically occurs when debris clogs the drain, and the water has nowhere to go. 

SERVPRO of Glen Burnie recommends routine inspection of the hoses and connections to your water-based appliances. These are three of the most common home-owner water damage that our team sees. 

If your Glen Burnie property suffers water damage, call SERVPRO of Pasadena/Gibson Island/Lake Shore as soon as possible. Our team is available 24/7 at (410) 766-1110.

Does Storm Water Need To Be Removed Immediately?

10/21/2020 (Permalink)

drywall removed from wall with water damage Glen Burnie Water Damage

When it comes to water damage in a Glen Burnie home or at BWI Airport, it’s important to remove the water as quickly as possible in order to avoid additional damage. Water damage can quickly lead to mold damage within 48 hours, especially when combined with the heat and humidity that we experience here in Anne Arundel County.

SERVPRO of Glen Burnie is the cleanup team that is faster to any size disaster. Recently, Hurricane Isaias dumped up to 6 inches of rain on Maryland. A small leak from flood waters now could blossom into a big claim later.

No matter what time of day or night, water damage is an emergency. Emergency mitigation means under our SERVPRO of Glen Burnie can be onsite within 4 hours to begin drying your building and restoring contents.

Water from a hurricane or from a pipe leak needs to be mitigated quickly, trust our SERVPRO of Glen Burnie team to ensure your property is taken care of in a timely manner.