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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Archived Water Damage Blog Posts

Water Damage in Gresham

7/27/2023 (Permalink)

Water Damage can happen anytime in your home or business.

SERVPRO of Gresham & SERVPRO of Oregon/City Sandy is available to help day or night. 

Flooding, leaks, storms, and other water damage can strike at all hours of the day, leaving you with extensive damage. We understand time is of the essence when water damage occurs, which is why our team of professionals is dedicated to responding quickly with top-tier equipment to remediate your property.

Call our main line at 503-665-7752 and one of our office staff will help you through the process by:

  • Assess your property's water damage.
  • Explain the extent of the water damage and the restoration process so you're able to make an informed decision on how to proceed.
  • Use advanced equipment to detect hidden moisture and perform water extraction of any standing water.
  • Help ensure your property is clean, dry, and restored to its pre-damaged condition.

We’ve earned the reputation as a trusted leader in the restoration industry and specialize in fire and water damage, specialty cleaning, mold, and so much more. Call us today!

 

Water Damage in Troutdale

7/26/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage can strike at any time.

This time of year air conditioning units are working hard to keep homes and offices nice and cool and that can cause backups and water damages to occur that may go easily undetected with frosted lines. When your Gresham area home has water damage from flooding or leaks, a broken pipe or an appliance malfunction, a toilet overflow or sprinkler malfunction we have the expertise and equipment to properly restore your property. Our crews of trained and experienced technicians are ready to help you, no matter the time of day we always have someone on call to help you when water damage strikes. The water removal and water cleanup process are completed by our highly-trained technicians who will document the drying process with detailed paperwork, reports, and photographs of the damage and the state of your property. This documentation validates that your property has been dried properly and thoroughly ensuring that the work has been done correctly and to IICRC Standard allowing you to rest easy knowing we have made it "Like it never even happened."

Sewage Backup in Fairview

7/26/2022 (Permalink)

Water from sewer system backups should be considered very dangerous and handled with specific personal protection equipment and only by trained technicians. The water is grossly unsanitary and may contain bacteria and viruses that could cause serious illness. Special training and equipment are necessary to safely clean this type of contamination.

Our trained teams of technicians know and follow the industry standards to make sure that your property is treated with care and that the safety of inhabitants is ensured.

There are three major types of contaminated water. SERVPRO of Gresham and SERVPRO of Oregon City / Sandy will inspect that contaminated water to determine the type of water and then plan the appropriate response to safely restore your home or business.

If your property has been affected by sewage SERVPRO of Gresham & SERVPRO of Oregon City/Sandy has the team and the skills to help to make it "Like it never even happened." 

Learn more on our website.

https://www.SERVPROgresham.com/

Gresham Area Property Suffers Water Damage

3/7/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage can happen anytime and anywhere. When water is coming through your roof at two am, you don’t have time to wait for help. Our local team of professionals in Gresham knows that when you need help, you need it now. That is why we have teams who are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Our local team of trained professionals has the skills, experience, and equipment to help you make a property damage “Like it never even happened.” We promise to be on-site within four hours of you reaching out to us because we know that immediate help is the best to help you limit secondary damage like mold or mildew from forming after things like a pipe break or overflowing toilet.

If property damage strikes your home, trust the team located near you in Gresham/ Sandy and Oregon City, we are Here to Help.

Emergency Water Damage Service in Oregon City

1/3/2022 (Permalink)

Rain has been known to fall in Oregon City frequently during the Winter.  At SERVPRO of Oregon City, we know that our fast response time can help to minimize the damage water and flooding can do to your home or business. Here are some safety tips and some tips on what NOT to do after flooding from our website while waiting for help to arrive:

Safety First

  • Stop the source of water damage; call a plumber/or wait for the storm to end
  • Turn off the electricity
  • If it is not safe to stay in the house, evacuate everyone, including pets
  • Have all your relevant documents in one safe, dry place
  • If you have homeowner’s insurance, start the claims process
  • Document everything with photos, and wear protective gear
  • If you are a tenant, reach out to your landlord or property manager

What NOT To Do After Flooding

  • Don't leave wet fabrics in place 
  • Hang furs and leather goods
  • Don't leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors
  • Don't use your household vacuum to remove water
  • Don't use television or other household appliances
  • Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging

Call Us Today!

When your Oregon City home or commercial business has a flooding or other water damage emergency, SERVPRO of Oregon City is Here to Help. 

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated

Contents Restoration Services in Oregon City?

12/20/2021 (Permalink)

When my Oregon City home basement flooded, we were out of town, and the damage wasn’t discovered for a few days. Everything that touched the ground was damaged by water. All the furniture and cardboard boxes stored down in the basement were standing in water. My insurance adjuster told me to call SERVPRO of Gresham and SERVPRO of Oregon City / Sandy.

The SERVPRO of Gresham and SERVPRO of Oregon City / Sandy technicians arrived quickly, assessed the situation, and immediately began the cleanup and restoration process. They contacted my insurance adjuster and helped me with the insurance paperwork and process. Fortunately, they were able to clean and restore most of the items from my basement and return them to preloss condition. Here are the cleaning methods they used:

  • Dry Cleaning - used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to wet cleaning
  • Wet Cleaning - an effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues
  • Spray and Wipe - effective for items that can’t withstand wet cleaning
  • Foam Cleaning - used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned
  • Abrasive Cleaning - involves agitation of the surface being cleaned
  • Immersion Cleaning - contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product

Call Us Today!

 SERVPRO of Gresham and SERVPRO of Oregon City / Sandy has a team of highly trained technicians with the specialized training and experience to clean and restore your keepsakes. We’ll restore your water damage in Oregon City “Like it never even happened.”

Flooded Bathroom in Gresham.

12/19/2021 (Permalink)

Sinking Feeling in Gresham?

I was down in my office for a couple of hours on a conference call before I heard a funny dripping and splashing sound coming down the stairs. When I investigated, I discovered that my daughter had left the sink running in my Gresham home. There was a shallow lake in the bathroom, and water was running down the hallway. The stairway carpeting was saturated. My neighbor told me to call SERVPRO of Gresham and SERVPRO of Oregon City / Sandy and I’m glad I did.

I was amazed at how quickly the SERVPRO of Gresham and SERVPRO of Oregon City / Sandy technicians arrived. They quickly extracted the water and set up powerful air blowers and movers to dry the upstairs and downstairs areas that were flooded. Thanks to their fast mitigation, the floors were not warped or damaged, and there was no damage to the walls and baseboards. They documented the drying process and cleaned, sanitized, and deodorized the affected areas.

Step 1: Emergency Contact

Step 2: Inspection and Damage Assessment

Step 3: Water Removal/Water Extraction

Step 4: Drying and Dehumidification

Step 5: Cleaning and Repair

Step 6: Restoration

Call Us!

When you have a water damage emergency, SERVPRO of Gresham and SERVPRO of Oregon City / Sandy is ready to respond 24-hours a day.  We’ll clean and restore your water damage in Gresham, “Like it never even happened.” 

Water Damage in Gresham Area Property

7/12/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Gresham & SERVPRO of Oregon City/Sandy is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for all your emergency restoration needs.

SERVPRO of Gresham & SERVPRO of Oregon City/Sandy is not only a leader in restoration and mitigation from things like fire and water damage. But our team of skilled and trained construction professionals can help you with any new home or construction remodeling project. Our teams have years of experience helping customers make disasters and damage from things like appliance leaks or kitchen fires “Like it never even happened.” But our SERVPRO of Gresham & SERVPRO of Oregon City/Sandy also has the experience, skills, and teams to help with any remodeling or repair needs.

If water damage from a pipe break or soot from a kitchen fire has wreaked havoc in your residential or commercial property, we are Here to Help. SERVPRO of Gresham & SERVPRO of Oregon City/Sandy is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for all your emergency restoration needs.

When Property Damage Strikes Your Oregon City Area Home

7/12/2021 (Permalink)

Our teams of on-call technicians are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week when disaster strikes. Our teams are Here to Help.

Did you know that moisture can pass from a crawl space into a residential or commercial property through cracks in the walls, floors, and ceilings? This moisture creates conditions for potential mold or microbial growth. Along with identifying the source of water or moisture property owners can add vapor barriers to help reduce the moisture in those spaces.

SERVPRO of Gresham & SERVPRO of Oregon City/Sandy is qualified to help with any water or moisture mitigation needed in your residential or commercial property.

 Our teams of trained and experienced restoration professionals have the skills to help you make any property damage “Like it never even happened.” Our teams of on-call technicians are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week when disaster strikes. Our teams are Here to Help.

Different Types Of Water Damage In Gresham Area Homes

6/12/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Gresham & SERVPRO of Oregon City/Sandy is always Here to Help.

There are many different sources of water that can cause property damage in your home. Damage can happen from floor surges from strong storms, or heavy rains or sewage backups from a plugged-up toilet, or even a supply line failure from a refrigerator or dishwasher. Depending on the source of the water, it may be extremely unsanitary and exposure can lead to discomfort or disease?

So which source poses the risk?

  1. External Flooding
  2. Sewage Backup
  3. Laundry Hose Breakage

The answer is both A External Flooding and B Sewage backup. External flood water can be unsanitary due to the dirt, germs, and other debris that may be in the floodwaters as well as backed up city sewer lines. Sewage backups can be hazards due to the nature of where the contamination started, the sewer. No matter the cause of the damage SERVPRO of Gresham & SERVPRO of Oregon City/Sandy is always Here to Help.

Four Common Water Damage Areas

5/10/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Gresham & SERVPRO of Oregon City/Sandy is always Here to Help when disaster strikes.

Every home and property has unique challenges when it comes to extracting water and drying out the structure. These are four of the most common areas and why they prove to be so difficult. 

 Duct Work 

Some duct systems made of fragile and porous materials make it difficult to dry and set up drying equipment. 

Attic Space

Attic spaces can be hard to get equipment into and may have electrical hazards. Oftentimes attic spaces require that insulation is removed to properly dry the space. 

Crawlspace 

Crawlspace may be hard to work in and place drying equipment into. Low temperatures can make it difficult to warm the space and properly dry it. 

Basements 

Many basements are unfinished with lots of porous materials that would need disposing of due to possible contamination in water. 

No matter the space or the cause of damage, SERVPRO of Gresham & SERVPRO of Oregon City/Sandy is always Here to Help when disaster strikes. We have crews who are on call 24/7 because we know that when disaster strikes there is no time to wait. 

Water Damage In Gresham Home

4/9/2021 (Permalink)

Trust SERVPRO of Gresham & SERVPRO of Oregon City/Sandy.

When walls are wet, wallpaper acts as a vapor barrier and restricts our ability to dry it. Special drying measures may be needed when this barrier is present.

Here are a few tips on helping to dry out your home faster and more efficiently when sheetrock covered in wallpaper is wet

  • Peel away covering to expose wet drywall 
  • If mold or microbial growth is present behind the wall, air movement can spread mold or microbial growth spores throughout the structure 
  • Perforate the wall to ventilate 
  • Remove baseboard to ventilate the wall cavity 

If your home suffers water damage from things like an appliance failure, a pipe break, or storm damage, trust SERVPRO of Gresham & SERVPRO of Oregon City/Sandy to help you make the damage "Like it never even happened." 

Water Damage Impacts Insulation and Building Materials

3/22/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Gresham & SERVPRO of Oregon City / Sandy is Here to Help.

When water damage strikes the water can impact and damage the structure of your home, the contents, and the materials within your home. 

Insulation is one building material that can be greatly impacted by water. When some insulation gets wet, like fiberglass or expanded foam they can be dried out and possibly saved. But blown insulation that gets wet loses it's R-value or ability to insulate and should be replaced. R-value measures how well building insulation can prevent the flow of heat into and out of the home.

If your residential or commercial property is affected by water damage from things like a pipe break, appliance failure or secondary damages from firefighting efforts SERVPRO of Gresham & SERVPRO of Oregon City / Sandy is Here to Help. 

SERVPRO of Gresham is Ready To Dry Your Unexpected Water Damage

3/1/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Gresham & SERVPRO of Oregon City/Sandy is always Here to Help, 24/7, 365.

First, we determine the scope of your water damage. Then inspect and test to determine the extent of damage and how far the moisture has traveled to ensure proper and complete restoration.

We're prepared to quickly remove hundreds or thousands of gallons from your property, which helps prevent secondary water damage and mold growth.

With our industrial-grade dehumidifiers, they help to prevent secondary water damage like swelling and warping of floors, walls, and furniture. Our high-speed air movers create airflow across walls, carpets, pads, and furniture, which accelerates the evaporation of moisture.

Have Water or Flood Damage?

To learn more, about our restoration services and how SERVPRO of Gresham & SERVPRO of Oregon City/Sandy is always Here to Help, 24/7, 365 take a look at our before and after photos here

Water Treatment Room Leak in North East Commercial Building

2/15/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Gresham offers 24/7 emergency services and is faster to any size disaster!

SERVPRO of Gresham can help when your water treatment system leaks!

As business owners, one thing we can't do is predict when disaster will strike. One thing we can do however is prepare! Your business can be more prepared by adding SERVPRO of Gresham as a business vendor. That way if you have an emergency, we will have already exchanged important information which will make the restoration process smoother.

Keep our contact information so you can call as soon as disaster strikes. SERVPRO of Gresham offers 24/7 emergency services and is faster to any size disaster! 

SERVPRO of Gresham & SERVPRO of Oregon City/Sandy have crews who are on call around the clock to respond to your emergency property damage. To learn more about our mitigation and restoration, check out our before and after photos

Water Damage in the Gresham Area

2/10/2021 (Permalink)

If water damage strikes your home or office, give SERVPRO of Gresham & SERVPRO of Oregon City/Sandy a call today.

Water damage can happen in any home, office, or commercial building. Water damage can be caused by many different things like a leaking wax ring on a toilet, a pipe break, or an appliance failure. No matter the cause of the water damage, SERVPRO of Gresham & SERVPRO of Oregon City/Sandy is Here to Help. 

Often times when water damage occurs there is demolition that needs to occur so that wet materials are properly removed and new dry material can be installed. Often times a small pack out of a few rooms or even a whole house has to take place so that contents are not damaged and are out of the way for the work to happen. In those instances, SERVPRO of Gresham & SERVPRO of Oregon City/Sandy will pack out and inventory all items and safely pack them back to our secured, climate-controlled warehouse where we will keep them safe until you are ready to have them back. We pack out boxes of smaller content and wrap and protect larger pieces of furniture to keep them safe. 

If water damage strikes your home or office, give SERVPRO of Gresham & SERVPRO of Oregon City/Sandy a call today. 

Water Damage In Gresham Area Home Bathroom

2/8/2021 (Permalink)

If water damage strikes your home, SERVPRO of Gresham & SERVPRO of Oregon City/Sandy are Here To Help.

Water damages can happen throughout your home from various causes, like the ice maker line to your refrigerator in your kitchen, the washing machine in the upstairs laundry room, or a pipe break in the crawlspace. Bathroom water damages are a common cause of water damage in the home. 

An early sign of water damage may be a musty smell that is an indicator of hidden water damage. Three common issues in the bathroom that cause water damage can include; 

1. Cracked shower tile that traps water unable to go down the drain and cause damage

2. Leaky seals at the base of the toilet or a leaky wax ring

3. Damaged or old caulking and grout that allows water and moisture to enter wall cavity space and cause damage

If water damage strikes your home, SERVPRO of Gresham & SERVPRO of Oregon City/Sandy are Here To Help. 

Water Loss in Gresham Can Have Hazardous Materials

12/17/2020 (Permalink)

A water loss from things like a broken pipe, an appliance failure or a toilet overflow can cause lots of damage to your Gresham area home. Not only does the water cause damage to the structure and contents of your home, but it can also involve hazardous materials that require specialized experts to remediate. The two most commonly found hazardous materials in structures today are Asbestos and Lead. 

Asbestos and lead may be common in homes and when not distributed it is not hazardous, but when property damage like water losses happen it may have to be removed, and then it needs to be taken care of the correct way to keep everyone safe. SERVPRO of Gresham & SERVPRO of Oregon City Sandy are Here To Help when disaster strikes. 

Hazards from Water Damage in the Gresham Area

11/6/2020 (Permalink)

When water damage strikes, trust the leading experts in the industry, SERVPRO of Gresham & SERVPRO of Oregon City/Sandy.

Water damage can strike any home and any building at any time. Damage can happen from things like broken pipes, appliance failure, storms, and even human error. No matter what the cause of loss is, SERVPRO of Gresham & SERVPRO of Oregon City/Sandy are Here To Help. 

If you experience a major water loss or flooding, never turn on electrical appliances that have been exposed to water. repairs to electrical wiring must be performed by a pro. There can be several risks related to water damage, including trip and fall threats from wet surfaces. It is important to observe the area around you and identify potential risks. 

Our technicians are ready to respond to your property damage no matter the time of day or the day itself. 

What not to do when a flood strikes

10/1/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Gresham & SERVPRO of Oregon City/Sandy is Here To Help

When water damage strikes your home, there will likely be damage to the structure of your home and the contents. SERVPRO of Gresham & SERVPRO of Oregon City/Sandy is committed to helping you, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, no matter the time of day. We have crews who are on call around the clock to help you when disaster strikes. 

Here are a few tips for what not to do after a flood:

  1. Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
  2. Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting
  3. Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.

SERVPRO of Gresham & SERVPRO of Oregon City/Sandy is here 24/7, 365 days a year. We are just a call away, we are Here To Help. 

What Not To Do After A Flood Or Water Damage

9/24/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Gresham & SERVPRO of Oregon City/Sandy are here 24/7, 365 days a year. We are just a call away, we are Here To Help.

When water damage strikes your home, there will likely be damage to the structure of your home and the contents. SERVPRO of Gresham & SERVPRO of Oregon City/Sandy is committed to helping you, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, no matter the time of day. We have crews who are on call around the clock to help you when disaster strikes. 

Here are a few tips for what not to do after a flood:

  1. Don’t use your household vacuum to remove water.
  2. Don’t turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet
  3. Don’t leave wet fabrics up. Hang furs and leather goods.

SERVPRO of Gresham & SERVPRO of Oregon City/Sandy are here 24/7, 365 days a year. We are just a call away, we are Here To Help. 

Water damage in Portland area property

8/27/2020 (Permalink)

Finding ALL of the water in your Portland area home after a water loss is critical for drying and safety.

Even sanitary water or clean water left standing can become contaminated within days. The longer the water is able to sit and get soaked into materials the greater the damage and the more extensive remediation and repairs.  

Check these places for water or moisture: 

  • Ceilings of rooms under the source
  • Walls
  • Floors
  • Wet insulation
  • Duct systems
  • Crawl spaces
  • Basements 

We know that most people do not deal with property damage regularly as we do and the mitigation process can be incredibly overwhelming. That is why it is incredibly important to use a team you can trust, with nearly 30 years of experience in the mitigation industry. 

Toilet Backup in Gresham Area

8/17/2020 (Permalink)

When a toilet leak or backup happens, trust SERVPRO of Gresham & SERVPRO of Oregon City Sandy.

A backed-up toilet stinks. Harmful contaminants can pose serious health risks if not addressed quickly. SERVPRO of Gresham & SERVPRO of Oregon City Sandy professionals have the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to safely clean these messes. 

Follow these steps to stay safe: 

  1. Stay out of affected areas 
  2. Treat all bodily fluids as if they are contaminated. 
  3. Turn off the HVAC system if there is sewage damage 
  4. Call SERVPRO of Gresham & SERVPRO of Oregon City Sandy we are Here To Help 24/7

Our highly trained team of technicians at SERVPRO of Gresham & SERVPRO of Oregon City Sandy /  are ready to respond immediately to flooding from things like heavy rain or a broken pipe or when water damage is caused by an appliance failure or overflowed toilet at your Portland property. Our teams have the experience, expertise, and training to restore your home or business quickly and properly. We use advanced inspection and extraction equipment to find the water and remove it as quickly as possible. Our technicians will monitor and document the drying process to ensure your property is restored back to normal providing you peace of mind. 

Finding ALL the water in your Gresham home

7/17/2020 (Permalink)

Finding ALL of the water in your Gresham area home after a water loss is critical for drying and safety.

Even sanitary water or clean water left standing can become contaminated within days. The longer the water is able to sit and get soaked in to materials the greater the damage and the more extensive remediation and repairs.  

Check these places for water or moisture: 

  • Ceilings of rooms under the source
  • Walls
  • Floors
  • Wet insulation
  • Duct systems
  • Crawl spaces
  • Basements 

We know that most people do not deal with property damage regularly like we do and the mitigation process can be incredibly overwhelming. That is why it is incredibly important to use a team you can trust, with nearly 30 years of experience in the mitigation industry. 

April Showers bring May Flowers

3/31/2020 (Permalink)

We know that April showers bring May flowers but they also cause water damage to your residential or commercial property. Heavy rains can cause damage to roofs, flooding through foundations or low entry points like under garage doors or doors. 

It's important to know where the possible issue areas of your home area and how to stop or slow down the flow of water. Once the water has been stopped its important to call SERVPRO of Gresham & SERVPRO of Oregon City/Sandy to help you make it "Like it never even happened." 

Our teams of trained, professional and experienced technicians are ready to help you when disaster strikes 24/7, 365.  Call us when disaster strikes and let us restore your residential or commercial property. 

Water Damage in Gresham Area Home

3/23/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage can happen in any home anywhere. Common types of water damage are from appliance breaks, pipe leaks and human error. 

When people often think of a water damage or fire they normally think of rushing rivers, crazy rainstorms but most happen from other causes. 

When appliances break the leaks that cause water damage may have been happening for a while without being noticed meaning that materials are we and damaged. Pipe breaks can happen for many different reasons some being DIY home projects gone wrong, when pipes break lots of damage can be done very quickly because lots of water can pour out of the pipe in a short amount of time. 

Human error makes a large percentage of the cause of water damages from bad installation luckily for you SERVPRO of Gresham & SERVPRO of Oregon City/Sandy is ready 24/7, 365 to help no matter the cause.   

Water damage in Gresham

3/16/2020 (Permalink)

Are you a, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade!” type of person?

Are you the "Take charge" kind of person and nothing can get you down?

That must mean you’re just the type to tackle the hard problems without a second thought. That is a great trait to have! When it comes to water damage though, you don’t want to cut corners or try and solve it alone. Whether it is a pipe bursting, a storm bringing in flooding, or a leaky roof causing your ceiling to collapse, you can count on SERVPRO of Gresham & SERVPRO of Oregon City/Sandy to be standing by and ready to help. We understand that every situation is unique, so we have taken the liberty to remain flexible and to prepare ourselves in as many scenarios as possible so that we can give your structure the attention only a professional, up-to-date restoration company can give. Here’s the thing: we know cleanup and restoration, and we have the tools and trained technicians to implement that know-how. When these types of things confront you and you’re in over your head, don’t feel bad and don’t lose hope. At SERVPRO of Gresham & SERVPRO of Oregon City/Sandy, we’ve got your back.

Flooding from appliance breaks in your Oregon City area home.

3/9/2020 (Permalink)

Appliance breaks cause leaks and flooding, trust SERVPRO of Gresham & SERVPRO of Oregon City/Sandy.

When people think of damage in their home or office from flooding they often think of crazy heavy rains and flash floods. But flooding and water damage can occur with just an appliance break or a toilet overflow. As water runs and spreads around the property water is seeping in and soaking up into materials like sheetrock and insulation causing them to break down. Materials like sheetrock and insulation do not hold up well to water, especially for sustained periods of time. Our SERVPRO of Gresham & SERVPRO of Oregon City/Sandy team of skilled professionals will work to preform flood cuts of affected insulation and sheetrock from the floor up to four feet as needed, helping to make the repairs that much more smooth to patch in new installation and sheetrock.

Appliance Breaks in Your Sandy Area Home

2/25/2020 (Permalink)

Appliance leaks cause water damage often in homes and you may not even know its happening until damage starts to show.

Appliance breaks can happen even with new machines, often due to incorrect installation. Water damage from things like dishwasher leaks or washing machine overflows is commonplace even in apartments or dorms. This can be a hard place for property damage to occur because of the many parties involved like a management company and renters. If water damage occurs in your apartment it's important to know that your renter's insurance covers your contents, your furniture, clothes, electronics and so on. But the work that needs to happen to the structure will be the responsibility of your apartment building and that means your timeline will be up to someone else which can lead to frustration if things do not move along as fast as you think it should. SERVPRO of Gresham & SERVPRO of Oregon City/Sandy work to be your advocate in hard situations and is available 24/7, 365 to help you when trouble strikes. 

Water Damage in Your Troutdale Area Home from Broken Pipes

2/7/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage from broken pipes can happen anytime in your Troutdale area home.

Water damage can occur in your Troutdale area home due to nearly countless reasons; broken pipes, toilet overflows, appliance failure, roof leaks, and even human error. Lucky for you SERVPRO of Gresham & SERVPRO of Oregon City/Sandy has seen pretty much every time of property loss in our nearly 30 years as your restoration experts. That means that our team of skilled, well trained, prepared and professional technicians know how to help you when trouble occurs. We have the technology of advanced drying to help restore your home and property with less demolition and less interruption to your home and everyday life.

We know that even though property damage may be ever day life to us, it is not for you. So we walk with you step, by step. Answering all your questions and addressing any concerns you may have along the way.

12 Days of Safety, Day 1, Ladder Safety

12/13/2019 (Permalink)

Don't let property damage be a grinch this year, stay safe all Holiday season long.

This Holiday season we at SERVPRO of Gresham & SERVPRO of Oregon City/Sandy want to make sure that you and your family have a safe and festive season. Follow these steps to stay safe all winter long. Follow along during our 12 days of safety to make sure that this season is merry and bright! 

When using a ladder to hand holiday decorations make sure that you are being safe, follow these easy rules to help stay safe

  •   Always keep three points of contact on the ladder at all times. 
  • Have someone with you at all times 
  • Make sure the ladder is only used on level surfaces

If any property damage should affect your home or office this Holiday season and all year long, trust the team with nearly 30 years of experience serving customers in their hour of need, SERVPRO of Gresham & SERVPRO of Oregon City/Sandy. 

Prevent Toilet Overflows in Gresham Area Homes & Offices

12/2/2019 (Permalink)

Prevent toilet overflows in your home and office.

Overflowing pantries and gift baskets are delightful. Overflowing toilets --- not so much. Sometimes, the water in the bowl gets too high, and the next flush sends it gushing to the bathroom floor. The outflow could be a sudden rush of regular water. The outflow could be far worse. SERVPRO of Gresham & SERVPRO of Oregon City/Sandy is sharing tips to prevent such a mess.

Keep Gresham area Toilets from Overflowing:

? Shop towels, hunks of hair, cat litter, and other products can clog the toilet

? Even toilet paper can clog a toilet if there is too much of it

? Flush in large batches if there is a large amount of material

? Low-flow toilets save water and try patience – hold the handle down for a couple of extra seconds to make sure that there is enough water

? If the water in the toilet bowl is high, use a plunger to clear the drain

? Don't wait until the water is up to the bowl's rim – the water will have nowhere to go except the floor

? If a plunger doesn't work, call a plumber

Even the cleanest water will not stay clean for long. If there is any reason to suspect hidden water (musty smell, mold, wet ceilings in the rooms below), call SERVPRO of Gresham & SERVPRO of Oregon City/Sandy. We're always available, and we'll fix the damage “Like it never even happened.”

Frozen Pipes in Gresham

12/1/2019 (Permalink)

Frozen Pipes in Gresham

Cold weather is great for winter fun in the Gresham Area but not so great for the pipes. SERVPRO of Gresham & SERVPRO Oregon City/Sandy will remediate water damage “Like it never even happened”, but life is better if you can prevent the damage in the first place. Every year, over a quarter of a million homes and businesses, suffer water damage from frozen pipes that burst (Federal Emergency Management Association). SERVPRO of Gresham & SERVPRO of Oregon City/Sandy

is sharing these tips to prevent frozen pipes that may lead to water damage.

Keeping Pipes from Freezing:

• Check for exposed pipes, especially in unheated areas

• Wrap uninsulated pipes with pipe insulation

• Add insulation to attics, basements, and crawl spaces to keep cold drafts from freezing the pipes

• Keep indoor temperatures at 55 degrees F, even when no one will be at home or in the office

• If you will have several days of temperatures at or below 20 degrees F, let cold water trickle through an open tap

• Remove outside hoses from their taps

• Open cabinet doors in bathrooms and kitchens to let warmer area circulate around the pipes

SERVPRO of Gresham & SERVPRO of Oregon City/Sandy wishes you a winter free from water damage or storm damage.

Frozen Pipes Cause Water Damage in Gresham

12/1/2019 (Permalink)

When the temperature drops below freezing it is not uncommon for pipes to have ice blocks form and cause the pipe to break. Once temperatures rise and the block melts water floods into your home or office causing property damage. 

Follow these easy steps to minimize the potential for frozen pipes in your home or office:

  • Open cabinet or cupboard doors to keep warm air circulating around pipes.
  • Keep taps running by allowing a slow drip so that water is less likely to freeze. 
  • Remove hoses from an outside hose spigot and cover with a styrofoam cover.

If water damage from a frozen pipe or ice dame causes property damage in your home or office, make sure to call the team with nearly 30 years of experience helping you to make it "Like it never even happened." 

Rain, Rain go away.

10/10/2019 (Permalink)

We are ready 24/7, 365.

Cleaning gutters is a necessary job that’s easy to delay. Rain gutters get clogged with leaves and other debris over time, which can cause water damage to your home.

Gutter Maintenance at your Sandy Home

9/16/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Gresham is here to help when water damage from heavy rains causes damage.

All through out the month of September which is National Preparedness Month, we are working to bring you useful information that you can put into action to keep your home and office protected from disasters. Part of being prepared is ensuring that regular maintenance is completed around your property. 

Its important to make sure that you clean out the gutters of your Sandy area home and drains on your property to make sure that rain water can drain correctly and not pool up on the roof or near points of entry of your property. If damage from rain water or a broken pipe case damage in your home, make sure to call the SERVPRO with nearly 30 years of experience serving customer. We are ready 24/7, 365 to help you.

How many days of emergency supplies do you need to prep in your Oregon City home? Part 1

9/9/2019 (Permalink)

Are you prepared for any storms or disasters? If not, its time to get prepared.

When assembling your preparedness kit, it is important to include things like

  • Water
  • Canned food
  • Can opened
  • First aid kit
  • All weather gear
  • Jacket
  • Hat
  • Battery operated radio
  • Batteries
  • Keys
  • Cash
  • Important paperwork
  • Flashlights
  • Sleeping bag

When you are planning and preparing for your emergency kit it is important to include all members of your Oregon City house hold in both the process but also to make sure you will have enough supplies for everyone in the household.

Although here in the Pacific Northwest we do not get hurricanes or tornadoes really, we do get wildfires, wind storms that cause power outages and extreme rain that can cause flooding and of course the possibility of “the big one”. Being prepared can help to eliminate some of the worry and stress around a disaster.

A property damage can feel like really bad traffic

8/15/2019 (Permalink)

When your property loss is going as slow as traffic, make sure to call SERVPRO of Gresham for help.

Property damage can be frustrating it can occur from seemingly nowhere and “just a little bit of water” can create a ton of damage. It can be almost as frustrating as really bad traffic. It can feel like it’s taking forever or just stops for no reason. SERVPRO of Gresham wants to help you avoid such frustration during a property loss. We work with you and your insurance company to move along the process of a claim and keep it moving, all with the hope to make it “Like it never even happened.”

If your home should have damage from a kitchen fire that spreads and causes smoke damage or a broken pipe in the laundry room upstairs that you used to love causes an indoor water fall, make sure to call the team with nearly 30 years of experience serving customers like you in the metro area.

Toilet Leaks Can Seem Small but Create A Big Mess

7/19/2019 (Permalink)

Even what looks like a "small" property damage can cause a big issue.

A leak from a toilet may seem like a little issue; more of a headache then an actual issue, but even a small amount of water can call a big mess. Many people may see just the water on the floor around the base of the toilet and think that just mopping up the mess will take care of the problem, but damage can be much more excessive then is visible.

It is not uncommon for toilets to malfunction and leak or have a wax ring fail and cause a water damage, but it makes it no less annoying and frustrating when it happens to you, in your home. SERVPRO of Gresham has been helping with water damages from toilet leaks and pipe breaks for nearly 30 years and our trained and experienced crews of technicians are ready 24/7, 365 to respond and help you when disaster strikes.  We are ready to help you, 503-665-7752.

But what about my hardwoods?

7/9/2019 (Permalink)

Rescue mats used to dry out hardwood floors.

Your home is probably the biggest investment you will ever make, that is why we will do everything in our power to save and restore your home to pre- loss condition. That includes your hardwood floors. One of the most valuable pieces of equipment in our company is our rescue mat system. They allow us to remove moisture from hardwoods without having to preform demolition. The mats slowly extract water and moisture from the hardwoods and underneath. Sometimes floors will still need to be sanded and refinished but often once the rescue mats have dried the floors you would never be able to tell there was a loss at all that affected them.

If your home or office is affected by a water damage from a pipe break or sprinkler leak make sure to call SERVPRO of Gresham so that our team of trained and experienced technicians can help restore your property and we can show you first hand how we make it “Like it never even happened."

Heavy Rains Can Cause Flooding in the Troutdale Area

5/8/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Gresham Wants you to be prepared for an unexpected flood.

Restoring flood-damaged properties is the cornerstone of our business. Our highly trained professionals use specialized equipment and advanced training to quickly restore your Gresham property to pre-storm condition. We’re dedicated to responding immediately, which helps to minimize secondary damage.

Knowing how to prepare and deal with potential flooding in advance can affect how much of your property can be restored and how much has to be replaced. Below are prevention, mitigation, and restoration tips to follow until help arrives:

Here are some simple flood prevention tips:

  • Determine if your property is in a floodplain.
  • In any case, always listen to the emergency plan given by your local law enforcement.
  • Leaves are well known for clogging gutters, make sure to clean out your gutters and drainage downspouts at least twice a year.
  • Extend downspouts at least 10ft from your home.
  • Direct water flows from your downspouts away from your home.
  • Preventative landscaping can also prevent mudslides and flooding.

If you experience flood or water damage, call us today! (503)665-7752

Bathroom Leak Caused Water Damage to Local Troutdale Home

3/4/2019 (Permalink)

Any leak any size; SERVPRO of Gresham has your back.

Bathrooms are very common with experiencing leaks, and they happen more often than you think. If you’re finding water damage in your bathroom, there’s a high chance you’re dealing with a leaky toilet, sink, tub, or shower.

SERVPRO of Gresham is prepared to tackle any water leak that may occur. Don't avoid it; water spreads quickly and it’s important to contact us at the first sign of a leak.

We will conduct an inspection and damage assessment. This is where the water extraction process begins. This step removes the majority of the water. We use powerful pumps and truck-mounted vacuum units to quickly remove hundreds or thousands of gallons of water from your property.

If your home requires extensive restoration or cleaning, SERVPRO of Gresham can conduct an organized, efficient move-out to protect your belongings from further damage.

Call SERVPRO of Gresham today if you have an unexpected water leak! (503)665-7752 available 24hrs a day, seven days a week.

Multnomah County Flood in Business

12/4/2018 (Permalink)

Do you need help with a flood in your Multnomah County business? 

SERVPRO of Gresham is here to help.

There’s never a convenient time for flooding or water damage to strike your business. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

Water Damage or Flooding? Call Us Today (503) 665-7752

Commercial Water Restoration Presents Unique Challenges

SERVPRO of Gresham has the training, experience, and equipment to handle large commercial flooding or water damage emergencies. Whether your water emergency occurs in a small office building or big box store, we will respond quickly to mitigate the damage and manage the restoration project through to its completion. Learn more about Learn more about our training and certifications..

  • Water Damage Restoration Technician
  • Applied Structural Drying Technician
  • Odor Control Technician
  • Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning Technician

We are available 24/7.

Fairview Frozen Pipe Cleanup

12/4/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Gresham is here to help if you have had a frozen pipe in your building.

SERVPRO of Gresham is ready to respond immediately and work quickly to clean or restore your business. We understand that your property’s appearance is important and that every hour spent restoring is an hour of lost productivity. When you need a restoration or cleaning professional, SERVPRO of Gresham has the training and expertise to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

  • Small Office Buildings
  • Large Office/High-Rise Office Buildings
  • Apartment Buildings
  • Restaurants
  • Hotel/Motels
  • Small Retail Stores
  • Large Retail/Big-Box Stores
  • High-Rise Residential
  • Manufacturing & Industrial
  • Government/Military

Have Questions? Call Today – (503) 665-7752

Commercial Building Restoration Services

SERVPRO of Gresham responds quickly to your Gresham fire, water, or mold damage emergency, 24 hours a day. Whether the damage occurs in a small business building or a big box store, we have the training, experience, and equipment to handle the situation. Our national network of 1,700 Franchises gives us access to personnel and resources to respond to any size restoration emergency. Learn more about our commercial restoration services:

Whatever type of building you have that suffers a loss from a frozen pipe burst, we can help you. 24/7 

Determining the Category of Water Damage

9/24/2018 (Permalink)

IICRC S500 Standard Reference Guide for Professional Water Damage Restoration defines three categories of water. Category refers to the type of water affecting the structure.

A Category I loss is where water originates from a sanitary water source and does not pose substantial risk from dermal, ingestion or inhalation exposure.

A Category II loss is when water contains a significant contamination and has the potential to cause discomfort or sickness if contacted or consumed by humans. Category II water can contain potentially unsafe levels of microorganisms or nutrients for microorganisms. Examples of Category II are: Discharge from dishwashers or washing machines, overflows from washing machines, overflows from toilet bowls on the room side of the trap with some urine.

Category III water is grossly contaminated and can contain pathogenic, toxigenic or other harmful agents and can cause significant adverse reactions to humans if contacted or consumed. Examples of Category III water are: Sewage, Flood water, and other contaminated water entering or affecting the indoor environment, such as wind-driven rain from hurricanes, tropical storms or other weather-related events.

Have water damage?

SERVPRO of Gresham has the training and equipment to help make it “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at (503) 665-7752 available 24/7!

Call SERVPRO for Water Damage Repair Services in Wood Village

8/6/2018 (Permalink)

You never want to discover a water damage in your home, but the unfortunate reality is that many homeowners will have to deal with this problem at some point. How you handle the water damage is important because a fast response may minimize the chance of mold growth in your home. There are a few steps that you can take when you discover water damage in your home.

Stop the Flow of Water

In some instances, you will not be able to stop the flow of water into the property. For example, if there is a major flood related to a severe thunderstorm, floodwaters may rise all around the property, and you may not have any way to stop the flow of water. On the other hand, if the flood is related to a damaged pipe in the home, you may be able to turn off the main water valve to stop the flow of water. You can also call a plumber so that the repair work on the pipe can be completed and they can assist you in finding the source of the leak. 

Dry Out the Property


If you have water damage in your home, your next step should be to remove the water and dry out the property. These steps need to be taken quickly to help prevent the possibility of mold growth in the home. SERVPRO of Gresham offers professional remediation services to help you dry out the property the correct way. Our team of professionals will extract the water and place equipment to properly dry the property to its pre-damaged conditions.


Call for Professional Assistance

No one wants to deal with water damage in their home with moisture that can lead to mold growth. Professional water damage remediation is available to help you overcome the damage in your home quickly. SERVPRO of Gresham is the company to contact when you discover water damage in your home.

Your local SERVPRO has the training and equipment to help make it “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at (503) 665-7752  for 24-hour assistance!

Determining the Category of Water Damage

7/24/2018 (Permalink)

IICRC S500 Standard Reference Guide for Professional Water Damage Restoration defines three categories of water. Category refers to the type of water affecting the structure.

A Category I loss is where water originates from a sanitary water source and does not pose substantial risk from dermal, ingestion or inhalation exposure.

A Category II loss is when water contains a significant contamination and has the potential to cause discomfort or sickness if contacted or consumed by humans. Category II water can contain potentially unsafe levels of microorganisms or nutrients for microorganisms. Examples of Category II are: Discharge from dishwashers or washing machines, overflows from washing machines, overflows from toilet bowls on the room side of the trap with some urine.

Category III water is grossly contaminated and can contain pathogenic, toxigenic or other harmful agents and can cause significant adverse reactions to humans if contacted or consumed. Examples of Category III water are: Sewage, Flood water, and other contaminated water entering or affecting the indoor environment, such as wind-driven rain from hurricanes, tropical storms or other weather-related events.

Have water damage?

SERVPRO of Gresham has the training and equipment to help make it “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at (503) 665-7752 available 24/7!

Gresham Home Attic Water Damage

5/9/2018 (Permalink)

Ways to prevent your attic from water damage

Water damage and mold are most likely to occur in your attic. Most of us only go up to our attics when we need something. Be sure to check your attic frequently for leaks and other possible issues. During storms, your attic and roof take the brunt of it. Stains appearing on your ceiling is a sign of a leak in your attic.

Here are four steps to help you keep your attic water-free:

  • Check Your Attic Regularly

It is important to check your attic as often as your check the rest of your home. Your attic could be holding water, which will cause your ceiling to leak, as well as cause mold damages.  

  • Check your Roofing After Severe Weather

After a severe storm or heavy winds, it is crucial to check your roofing and ensure it is still intact. A missing shingle could cause water damages to your attic, which will eventually cause mold and major water damages.

  • Check for Leaks in your Attic

When in your attic, give it a once-over to make sure it doesn’t have any leaks or small holes that could allow water inside.

  • Make Sure Your Water Heater is Working Properly

If your water heater is old or isn’t functioning as well as it should, you should have it checked by a professional. If your water heater leaks, you will end up with a flooded home, and possible major water damages.

If you’re struggling with water damage in your attic or other parts of your home, give SERVPRO of Gresham a call at (503) 665-7752.



The Science of Drying Your Gresham Property

3/6/2018 (Permalink)

Do you know the science SERVPRO of Gresham uses to dry out your home or business?

Did you know there is actually a science behind the process of drying? The knowledge of psychrometrics is essential to restoring a water damaged structure to its preloss condition. While your initial reaction may be to grab a few towels to mop up the mess and place a fan or two around the damaged area, SERVPRO of Gresham Professionals are trained in the science of drying and follow strict industry-approved standards to help lower the chance of any secondary damages. If your business suffers from water damage, your local SERVPRO professionals will:

  • Inspect the building to detect every component that is wet, to help prevent secondary damage from happening.
  • Measure how much moisture is in wet materials and monitor whether that materials are drying
  • Speed up Mother Nature by using professional drying equipment.

What exactly does “speed up Mother Nature” mean? A wet building can often dry naturally because the environment always seeks equilibrium. When materials are wet, moisture will naturally move to drier air at the surface of the material- but only if the air is, indeed, drier. The only problem is, nature often takes too long and secondary damages may occur while the building is drying out. For this reason, the professionals at SERVPRO have been trained to use top-of-the-line equipment to help Mother Nature along, including equipment to help dry hardwood floors, tough-to-reach spaces inside walls, and much more. SERVPRO of Gresham also state-of-the-art monitoring equipment and a proven scientific process to help speed the drying of your home or business.

The bottom line? Your local SERVPRO have the training and equipment to help make it “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at (503) 665-7752!

Groundwater in Basement of Gresham Residence

2/12/2018 (Permalink)

How Groundwater Affects Your Home in Multnomah County

Picture this: you come home after a long, rainy day at work to find yourself standing in water that has flooded your basement. You look around and don’t see any leaks or broken pipes and can’t seem to figure out what the problem is. You may be experiencing groundwater entering your home. Groundwater is the water suspended in the dirt around your home. Groundwater getting in your home can cause all kinds of damage, money, and headaches. The first step to preventing groundwater in your home, most commonly the basement, is to ensure proper waterproofing. Without proper waterproofing, water damage can cause humidity, bacteria, and mold growth.

If you are experiencing water damage, no matter the cause, don’t hesitate to call SERPVRO of Gresham at (503) 665-7752! If you are looking for more information on our water restoration services, please visit our website.

Water Damage Affects Gym on the East Side

1/30/2018 (Permalink)

Any water damage in your facility is bad.

There is no such thing as a small disaster. Especially when the water you don’t see contains bacteria - or causes mold, rot, and other unseen damages. Water damage can affect the value of your property, so before you get out the mop bucket and box fan to try and clean it up yourself, consider how this will affect your property.

SERVPRO of Gresham understands how disruptive unseen water damage can be for your business. For this reason, we offer 24-hour emergency response and, under normal circumstances, will have a trained professional on-site within four hours to begin emergency mitigation services. By responding quickly with a full line of water cleanup and restoration services can help you regain control quickly while drying, deodorizing and protecting your facility and contents.

Before you risk further damaging the value of your facility by attempting to clean up the mess yourself, call your local water damage cleanup and restoration specialists at SERVPRO of Gresham at (503) 665-7752!

Frozen Pipes Prevention Tips for Your Downtown Portland Hotel

12/26/2017 (Permalink)

There is never a good time to experience a frozen pipe burst, SERVPRO of Gresham is here to help you prevent this from happening!

Winter weather can bring about more issues than just slippery roads and a sidewalk to shovel. If you live where temperatures sink below freezing level, you are also at risk of frozen pipes, which can create major disaster at your home or property.

Frozen pipes:

Frozen pipes are often those exposed to cold weather, such as those outside your house, or in cold areas such as basements, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets. A frozen pipe can burst at the point where the ice blockage inside the pipe is located, but typically the rupture is caused by the backflow pressure between the water source and the blockage. A burst pipe can cause considerable damage to your property if not addressed quickly.  To prevent pipes from freezing, here are a few steps you can take, according to The American Red Cross:

  • Be sure to completely drain water from swimming pool and sprinkler lines, as well as outside hoses.
  • Open kitchen cabinets to let warm air near the plumbing.
  • When the weather is extremely cold, let water drip from faucets that may come from exposed pipes.
  • Keep your heat set to the same temperature both day and night.

If you experience a water loss from a broken pipe, remember to call your friends at SERVPRO of Gresham!

Flood Tips and Action Steps in Multnomah County

12/6/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Gresham wants you to be prepared for a flood in Gresham! 

Floods rank as one of the most common and widespread natural disasters in the United States. Whether you live near a coastline, along city streets, in the mountains, near a river or even in the desert, there is a potential for suffering flood damage. In fact, nearly 25% of last year’s claims paid by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) were for policies in moderate to low-risk communities. On average, floods cost $6 billion in annual losses in the U.S. Flooding can also result from plumbing failures, frozen pipes and damaged structures. Flood damage can affect your business operation in a variety of ways and can range in size from being isolated to a single room to entire floors being fully submerged.

Knowing how to prepare and deal with potential flooding in advance can affect how much of your property can be restored and how much has to be replaced. Below are prevention, mitigation and restoration tips to follow until help arrives:

Flood Prevention Tips:

  • Determine if your property is in a floodplain.
  • In any emergency, always listen to the instructions given by local emergency management officials.
  • Carefully assess how your company functions, both internally and externally, to determine which staff, materials, procedures and equipment are absolutely necessary to keep the business operating.
  • Plan what you will do if your building, plant or store is not accessible. This type of planning is often referred to as a continuity of operations plan, or COOP, and includes all facets of your business.
  • Plan for payroll continuity.
  • Review your emergency plans annually. Just as your business changes over time, so do your preparedness needs. When you hire new employees or when there are changes in how your company functions, you should update your plans ad inform your people.
  • Visit: ready.gov/america/local/index.html for a comprehensive plan and to learn about emergency plans for your state.

What to Do When Your Commercial Property Floods in Gresham

10/9/2017 (Permalink)

Are you prepared for a flood on the East Side?

Floods rank as one of the most common and widespread natural disasters in the United States. Whether you live near a coastline, along city streets, in the mountains, near a river, or even in the desert, there is a potential for suffering flood damage. On average, floods cost $6 billion in annual losses in the U.S. Flooding can also result from plumbing failures, frozen pipes, and damaged structures. Floods can damage and affect your business in a variety of ways and can range in size from being isolated to a single room to entire floors being fully submerged.

Flood Prevention Tips:

  • Determine if your property is in a floodplain.
  • In any emergency, always listen to the instructions given by local emergency management officials.
  • Carefully asses how your company functions, both internally and externally, to determine which staff, materials, procedures and equipment are absolutely necessary to keep the business operating.
  • Plan what you will do if your building, plant, or store is not accessible. This type of planning is often referred to as a continuity of operations plan, or COOP, and includes all the facets of your business.
  • Plan for payroll continuity.
  • Review your emergency plans annually. Just as your business changes over time, so do your preparedness needs. When you hire new employees or when there are changes in how your company functions, you should update your plans and inform your people.

In the event your property does have a flood, remember SERVPRO of Gresham is here to help! We’re open 24/7 to help you when disasters strike! Call us today at (503) 665-7752!

What to Do Before and After a Flood in the Riverfront Area

10/3/2017 (Permalink)

With the rainy season making its way into town, have you given any thought to if your commercial property  is prepared for a flooding from heavy rain? SERVPRO of Gresham wants to make sure you’re prepared in the event a disaster happens. The following gives tips on what to do before and after a flood.

BEFORE A FLOOD:

If an advanced Flood Warning had been issued, there are several precautions that can be taken to help minimize damage to certain areas in your business:

  • Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so.
  • Disconnect electrical equipment and appliances.
  • Move vehicles out of low lying parking garages.
  • Raise elevators from bottom floor.

AFTER A FLOOD:

Safety first!

  • Account that all employees are safe by establishing evacuation plans in advance identifying areas outside the building that are designated meeting places. Assign select individuals to keep a list of their assigned team’s names and contact numbers in order to account for their whereabouts.
  • If water enters the building and evacuation becomes impossible, move to an upper floor, and wait for rescuers.
  • While evacuating, avoid attempting to drive through floods or rising water, nearly half of all flash flood fatalities are auto-related.
  • Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
  • Do not walk through moving water. Even six inches of moving water can make you fall.
  • Use no open flames (there may be gas escaping from ruptured mains).
  • Avoid floodwaters. Water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage. Water may also be electrically charged.
  • Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters.
  • Listen for news reports to learn if the community’s water supply is safe to drink.
  • Return only when authorities indicate is it safe.

In the event your property has a flood, remember to call SERVPRO of Gresham today at (503) 665-7752!

Commons Reasons Why Your Basement Floods Along the Columbia River

10/3/2017 (Permalink)

Have you inspected your home for these common basement flood causes?

Any disaster that hits your home can be devastating, that is why SERVPRO of Gresham is here to help! We are faster to any disaster and have highly trained technicians to help restore your home back to its preloss condition. The following are common reasons your basement can flood:

  1. Unsuitable Locations for Your Home: One of the most typical causes of basement flooding is that the house has been constructed on an unsuitable site. Houses are usually built on sloped terrains, allowing accumulated water to drain.
  2. Clogged gutters or misdirected water: Gutter downspouts should dispense water at least six to 10 feet away from your home, sometimes farther depending on the type of soil you have. If it is clay soil, you might be safe at five feet from the home. If your soil is sandy, consider going even farther than 10 feet.
  3. Groundwater: The complicated route of water runs in front of our eyes in rivers, lakes, streams and swamps, as well as out of sight beneath our feet.
  4. Heavy rains or melting snow: These weather events may seem obvious, but they can surprise homeowners because storm water and melting snow can travel hundreds of miles and come to affect local rivers and watersheds. You can reduce the surprise factor by tuning in to the regional weather reports. 
  5. Sump pump failure.When people live where there is lots of water in the ground, the homes often have a pump built into the basement floor. Pumps constantly work to move water out and keep it away from the basement. Like any piece of equipment, they fail or break and require regular inspection, maintenance and repair when needed.

If you ever have flooding in your basement, call the pro’s at SERVPRO of Gresham today at (503) 665-7752

Does My Home Along the Columbia River Have a Water Leak?

9/6/2017 (Permalink)

Water Alarm

Do you know how to spot a water leak? 

You never expect a water leak in your home, but it’s good to be prepared and know what to do in case it happens! Sometimes, leaks can go undetected due to where they happen in the home (inside walls, under floor, or in your crawlspace). The following tips can help you determine if a leak is present, whether you can see it or not!

  • Watch your water bill for unexpectedly high usage. High water usage could be a sign of a problem.
  • Use no water for two hours. Read your water meter before and after this period. If this reading is not the same, you likely have a leak somewhere.
  • Check your toilet by placing food coloring in the toilet tank. In 15 minutes or less, if the colored water is in the toilet bowl without flushing, there is probably a leak.
  • Fix leaks and drips as soon as you see them.
  • Use water leak alarms and automatic water shut off systems to catch leaks quickly.

In the event that you have a water leak and need mitigation, call SERVPRO of Gresham! Our highly trained technicians will be happy to help get your home back to its preloss condition.  

Common Reasons Water Enters Your Gresham Crawl Space

5/4/2017 (Permalink)

How moisture can make its way into your East side home or business crawl space 

Living in the Pacific Northwest, moisture problems can be a common with homeowners and businesses. Thankfully, SERVPRO of Gresham is here to help. The following are ways water can make its way into your crawl space

  • Sewer drain line leakage
  • Kitchen waste line leakage 
  • Flooding from a nearby river, brook or stream 
  • Sprinkler water coming through vents
  • Naturally-occurring high groundwater table
  • Gutter downspouts that are directed incorrectly 
  • Homeowners over watering plants and foliage 
  • Leaks in swimming pools (rare)

Properly restoring your home after a water damage event requires specialized equipment and products. This advanced equipment help us to remove the water, even hidden moisture, quickly and efficiently. We then dry the structure with powerful dehumidifiers. Finally, our technicians will clean the affected area with professional grade cleaning and sanitizing agents for your comfort and safety.

 

If you are flooded with crawl space issues at your home or business, call SERVPRO of Gresham today at (503) 665-7752

Bathroom Leak in Gresham Oregon?

3/1/2017 (Permalink)

When you have a toilet or sink leak on the east side, call SERVPRO of Gresham!

With all the water the flows through them, bathrooms are especially at risk for a leak. If you are finding water damage in your bathroom, there is a good chance you are dealing with a leaky toilet, sink, tub, or shower. 

Don't put it off; water spreads quickly so it is important to contact us at the first sign of a leak. SERVPRO of Gresham is faster to any size disaster because we know the importance of addressing water damage quickly. We can bring out a plumber to take care of the leak, then our technicians can address the water damage. Once these steps are completed our construction professionals can make the repairs necessary to make it "Like it never even happened."

 

If you are faced with any sort of bathroom leak in your home or business, call SERVPRO of Gresham today at (503) 665-7752

 

Frozen Pipe Burst in Gresham, Oregon Home or Business

12/9/2016 (Permalink)

When a frozen pipe in your home or business suddenly breaks, who do you call?

 

SERVPRO of Gresham of course! When your Gresham home has water damage from flooding or leaks, you need the company that can respond immediately and has the expertise and equipment to properly restore your property. SERVPRO of Gresham uses advanced water damage inspection and extraction equipment to help them find the moisture and to remove it as quickly as possible. Our highly trained technicians will monitor and document the drying process so that you know your property is back to normal.

This time of year pipes are especially prone to being frozen, bursting and leaking. Weather reports for the upcoming week say the temperature may even drop below freezing, brrr!  

 

If you are faced with water damage from frozen pipes, call SERVPRO of Gresham today at (503) 665-7752

 

An ERP may help prevent water damage.

9/28/2016 (Permalink)

ERP! Have you heard of it?

Emergency Readiness Preparedness! It has been around for years but most recently it is available as an app on your phone for easy access. Your staff can use this when you are on vacation, your family when a pipe breaks and you are not home, and for anyone that needs to know where shut off valves are located in your building or home. 

Ask one of our Sales and Marketing Reps to come show you this FREE service we do. Everyone at SERVPRO of Gresham recommends having an ERP done for your property. When a pipe breaks, you where know where to go to shut the main water valve off. This can save you a lot of water damage in the future. 

Call today to set up an appointment to schedule your ERP. It takes less than 30 minutes to complete. Visit the website to learn more ready.SERVPRO.com

What to do when you have water damage from a flood.

9/28/2016 (Permalink)

What to do when you have a flood. Here are a few quick thinking tips that may save your residence or commercial building from a lot of damage. This will help with repairs down the road...

  1. Check your pipes and your main water shut off in your home or building. If sewage backup occurs, don’t use any other sink or toilet.
  2. Call your insurance company as soon as you can. They can tell you what your policy covers. 
  3. Take pictures of the flooded areas. Do not throw anything away. Your insurance company may cover a replacement. When you speak with your assigned adjuster, you can ask them what is covered.
  4. Disconnect appliances that have had their power source exposed to water.
  5. Call SERVPRO of Gresham at 503-665-7752. We are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We can help walk you through what to do next. Our relationships with insurance agents and adjusters will help your mitigation go smoothly.

A Flooded Building! Now what Gresham?

9/28/2016 (Permalink)

Gresham has many residential buildings, commercial buildings, government buildings, etc. Whatever type of building you are in, SERVPRO of Gresham can help with water damage. When your Gresham building has water damage from flooding or leaks, you need the company that can respond immediately and has the expertise and equipment to properly restore your property. SERVPRO of Gresham uses advanced water damage inspection and extraction equipment to help them find the moisture and to remove it as quickly as possible. Our highly trained technicians will monitor and document the drying process so that you know your property is back to normal. Have a water damage or flood clean up need? Call us at 503-665-7752 or email us at jlee@SERVPROgresham.com. We have a ton of useful information on our website. Please visit our website at SERVPROgresham.com. You can also go directly to our water damage section by visiting SERVPROgresham.com/water-damage-restoration.

Let our trained technicians help you with your flooded building!

What Comes With Us To Your Flooded Room?

9/28/2016 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of Gresham we have many tools and machines that we bring out to your water loss. Here are some examples of what we may bring:

Moisture Detection and Measurement Equipment,Water Extraction Equipment, Drying Equipment, Odor Removal and Deodorization,Sanitizing Agents, Germicides, and Anti-Microbial Treatments

When our technicians removed some of these items from his or her truck you may not know what they are used for. Please free to always ask our representative to explain anything you do not understand. We have a lot of different things we use to help clean up your water loss. Our staff is fully trained and very knowledgeable in everything they bring to your home or commercial building.Our main goal is to dry and clean up any water loss you have as quickly as possible all while keeping you, the customer, informed of every thing we are using and doing.

Visit our website for more information: SERVPROgresham.com

Water Damage Timelines Can Be Important to Our Gresham Customers

7/18/2016 (Permalink)

Faster to Any Size Emergency

In many cleaning and restoration situations, immediate action is needed. SERVPRO of Gresham is strategically positioned to be faster to any size emergency. An immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Water is particularly invasive, quickly spreading throughout your property and being absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, etc. SERVPRO of Gresham arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately.

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

  • Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
  • Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
  • Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
  • Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

  • Drywall begins to swell and break down.
  • Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
  • Furniture begins to swell and crack.
  • Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
  • A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

  • Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
  • Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
  • Metal begins to rust and corrode.
  • Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
  • Paint begins to blister.
  • Wood flooring swells and warps.
  • Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

  • Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
  • Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

Do you have water damage? Call us today 503-665-7752

Basement flooding - what to do??

1/13/2016 (Permalink)

Basement floods are no fun

All basements are prone to flooding. Water always runs from high to low ground, and this means that under the right circumstances your basement becomes an unwanted swimming pool. But where does the water come from?

One common culprit behind basement flooding is rain. Excessive amounts of rain in a short period of time can overload basement waterproofing systems, saturating the earth around your basement and then pushing in through foundation cracks.

Properly waterproofed basements and homes should have a tar sealant on both the inside and outside of foundation walls, in addition to what's known as "weeping tile." This tile pulls water away from your home to the local sewer system. If these systems fail because they can't handle the incoming water load, your basement will flood.

The slope of your lawn, also called the "grade," can contribute to your basement flooding. Your lawn should always slope away from your house, directing rainwater toward the sewer system. To make sure your lawn isn't the problem, take a walk around your home when it's raining. If you see water pooling next to your house, you have a problem.

Sewer backups also cause basement flooding. Suburban homes usually have a sewer tie-in line that is lower than the floor of the basement, allowing dirty water from tubs, toilets and sinks to be carried away. If this sewer line becomes clogged or damaged and its waterline rises above that of your basement floor, expect water to come rushing back into your home.

If a flood occurs, remove any organic items such as bedding, towels and upholstery that have been damaged. If they don't dry within 48 hours, throw them away because they'll start to mold. Next, take a look at the basement structure. Any wet drywall needs to be completely removed, as does wet insulation or wood underneath. Water will spread through these materials quickly, and even slightly damp wood grows mold. Mold spores and contamination can lead to serious health issues, address any mold concerns immediately, as mold spreads quickly throughout a home.

If you have flood insurance, call your insurance provider. If you're not sure, check your plan. Some companies deliberately omit floods or "acts of God' and won't cover the replacement of any water-damaged items. Knowing this upfront is very important.

The insurance company will send out an adjuster to assess the damage, take a list of all the items and call in a professional. Whether you go with insurance or not, chances are you'll want to call an expert. You have several choices here. Basement waterproofing companies can get the water out and deal with any foundation issues, whereas disaster restoration specialists (like SERVPRO) will remove the water, deal with any mold and mildew issues and then return your basement to (nearly) its original state.

Floods

12/8/2015 (Permalink)

We made the news!

Our crews are having quite the busy week helping our community with the flooding.

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