Watching Water Levels

6/22/2023 (Permalink)

ProMaster

With all the rain that Leavenworth and the surrounding areas can get it is helpful to monitor how much rain we are getting and what the river levels are. A good resource is the National Weather Service's Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service.

The purpose of the flood forecast inundation map's they provide is to communicate flood risk based on best available information at the time of map development. The flood forecast inundation map on their site has been compiled using the best information available and is believed to be accurate; however, its preparation required many assumptions. Actual conditions during a flood event, such as natural phenomena e.g. sedimentation, erosion, debris build-up, cascading escalating risks or man-made interactions, e.g. flood protection measurements from sand bagging to exercising varying flood operation schema may vary from those modeled in the map. The limits of flooding shown should only be used as a guideline for emergency planning and response actions. Actual areas inundated will depend on specific flooding conditions and may differ from the areas shown on the map.

Stopping Water Damage From Spreading

6/14/2023 (Permalink)

Moisture meter

SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County knows that the faster you attend to a water damage, the better the chances of stopping any secondary damage such as mold. The quicker that materials are dried, the faster water damage stops. That is why we are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and employ highly trained technicians that know the best ways to stop your water damage from spreading and creating secondary damage issues. SERVPRO technicians know how to adjust temperature and humidity levels in affected areas to produce the fastest drying conditions to get your life back to normal. Between our employees knowledge and our equipment SERVPRO can make your water damage “Like it never even happened.” 

If you have a water damage at your house or commercial property give us a call at 913-772-1818.

Preventing Water Damage on Furniture

1/18/2023 (Permalink)

Preventing Water Damage on Furniture

SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County knows that when water damage occurs it can be hard to be prepared. That is why we are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with some of the quickest response times in the industry. However, if you are worried about immediate damage to your personal belongings and furniture there are steps you can take to help preserve your items. Below are some tips to help you out!  1) Move furniture from wet areas. Wooden table legs can absorb water, expand, and cause more damage.2) If deep standing water, try raising furniture above it with blocks.3) Even if the water is not deep you can still raise it with blocks or tupperware lids to prevent damage to the furniture legs. If the furniture is on carpet it also prevents damage to the carpet as well.

Preparing Your House for Winter

12/21/2022 (Permalink)

Preparing Your House for Winter

January is normally the coldest month across the nation. The national average temperature is 31 degrees Fahrenheit. This puts exterior pipes like hose bibs and irrigation systems at risk.

For houses without adequate protection the temperature alert threshold is 20 degrees Fahrenheit. At this temperature un-insulated pipes in unconditioned areas are at risk.

However, pipes can freeze in well insulated houses when the temperatures dip into the teens or below. Extended period of time with temperatures in this range can be dangerous, as heat within enclosed areas of a structure naturally dissipates.

Of course we all have heard the tip to open cabinet doors. It is a simple fix that can save you an immense amount of difficulty. Somehow though we are inclined to think, because it has not happened it will not happen. That is all good and well until it happens.

When pipes freeze hundreds of gallons of water can flow through the walls, behind cabinets and into ceilings. Water damage can cause cabinets to swell, ceilings to collapse, along with damage to furniture and belongings. Water damage also causes soaked carpet and pad. Hardwood and laminate floors can buckle and swell.

As cold spells move across the country make it a habit to open doors to enclosed spaces that contain plumbing. On a side note when you open those doors make sure to remove any hazardous materials to keep them away from children and pets.

If your pipes do freeze make sure to shut the water off at the source, call a plumber to fix the pipe and call SERVPRO of Leavenworth & NW Wyandotte County. Here at SERVPRO we have the training and equipment to make water damage in your home “Like it never even happened.”

913-772-1818

Storm Water Damage Clean Up

8/25/2022 (Permalink)

Faster

SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County knows that here in the Midwest you never know when a natural disaster is going to strike. Between the summer storms, tornado season, and the up and down temperatures in the winter (and all year long if we are being honest) it is hard to be prepared when disaster strikes. That is why SERVPRO is always here to help! We know that a fast response is a critical factor in reducing damage and restoring water damaged materials.

Not only does SERVPRO pride ourselves on our quick response times, we also have STORM Extreme Teams always waiting in the wings to help out in the event of a large natural disaster.

SERVPRO's STORM Teams are comprised of highly trained technicians ready to roll out to anywhere in the country in the event of a giant natural disaster. 

So remember, you can always count of SERVPRO to faster to any size disaster!

Watching Water Levels

6/16/2022 (Permalink)

Watching Water Levels

With all the rain that Leavenworth and the surrounding areas can get it is helpful to monitor how much rain we are getting and what the river levels are. A good resource is the National Weather Service's Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service.

The purpose of the flood forecast inundation map's they provide is to communicate flood risk based on best available information at the time of map development. The flood forecast inundation map on their site has been compiled using the best information available and is believed to be accurate; however, its preparation required many assumptions. Actual conditions during a flood event, such as natural phenomena e.g. sedimentation, erosion, debris build-up, cascading escalating risks or man-made interactions, e.g. flood protection measurements from sand bagging to exercising varying flood operation schema may vary from those modeled in the map. The limits of flooding shown should only be used as a guideline for emergency planning and response actions. Actual areas inundated will depend on specific flooding conditions and may differ from the areas shown on the map.

Stopping water damage from spreading

6/15/2022 (Permalink)

Stopping water damage from spreading

SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County knows that the faster you attend to a water damage, the better the chances of stopping any secondary damage such as mold. The quicker that materials are dried, the faster water damage stops. That is why we are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and employ highly trained technicians that know the best ways to stop your water damage from spreading and creating secondary damage issues. SERVPRO technicians know how to adjust temperature and humidity levels in affected areas to produce the fastest drying conditions to get your life back to normal. Between our employees knowledge and our equipment SERVPRO can make your water damage “Like it never even happened.” 

If you have a water damage at your house or commercial property give us a call at 913-772-1818.

Protecting Freezing Pipes

3/1/2022 (Permalink)

Protecting Freezing Pipes

SERVPRO knows winter is hard enough without worrying about your pipes freezing and bursting. Protect your wallet by protecting your pipes. Ensure your home or business's pipes stay warm with these tips from State Farm:

• Insulate your pipes: Exposed pipes are the most likely to freeze. The more insulation you use, the better protected your pipes will be.
• Let water drip: a trickle of warm water could be all it takes to keep your pipes from freezing. 
• Steady Thermostat: Keeping a consistent temperature puts less strain on the furnace.

If you do have a pipe break or any other kind of water damage we are here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help you. Give us a call at 913-772-1818!

Preventing Water Damage

12/28/2021 (Permalink)

Preventing Water Damage

SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County knows that when water damage occurs it can be hard to be prepared. That is why we are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with some of the quickest response times in the industry. However, if you are worried about immediate damage to your personal belongings and furniture there are steps you can take to help preserve your items. Below are some tips to help you out!  1) Move furniture from wet areas. Wooden table legs can absorb water, expand, and cause more damage.2) If deep standing water, try raising furniture above it with blocks.3) Even if the water is not deep you can still raise it with blocks or tupperware lids to prevent damage to the furniture legs. If the furniture is on carpet it also prevents damage to the carpet as well.

Preparing your house for winter

12/20/2021 (Permalink)

Preparing your house for winter

January is normally the coldest month across the nation. The national average temperature is 31 degrees Fahrenheit. This puts exterior pipes like hose bibs and irrigation systems at risk.

For houses without adequate protection the temperature alert threshold is 20 degrees Fahrenheit. At this temperature un-insulated pipes in unconditioned areas are at risk.

However, pipes can freeze in well insulated houses when the temperatures dip into the teens or below. Extended period of time with temperatures in this range can be dangerous, as heat within enclosed areas of a structure naturally dissipates.

Of course we all have heard the tip to open cabinet doors. It is a simple fix that can save you an immense amount of difficulty. Somehow though we are inclined to think, because it has not happened it will not happen. That is all good and well until it happens.

When pipes freeze hundreds of gallons of water can flow through the walls, behind cabinets and into ceilings. Water damage can cause cabinets to swell, ceilings to collapse, along with damage to furniture and belongings. Water damage also causes soaked carpet and pad. Hardwood and laminate floors can buckle and swell.

As cold spells move across the country make it a habit to open doors to enclosed spaces that contain plumbing. On a side note when you open those doors make sure to remove any hazardous materials to keep them away from children and pets.

If your pipes do freeze make sure to shut the water off at the source, call a plumber to fix the pipe and call SERVPRO of Leavenworth & NW Wyandotte County. Here at SERVPRO we have the training and equipment to make water damage in your home “Like it never even happened.”

913-772-1818

Water Shut Off Valve

9/15/2021 (Permalink)

Water Shut Off Valve

SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County knows that there are many ways you can try and prepare for when water damage occurs in your home or business. In this blog we are giving you our best tip for limiting water damage in your home. Raise your hand if you know where your shut-off valve is located?

Knowing where your water shut off valve is located in your home or business is EXTREMLEY IMPORTANT! If you have a pipe break or any kind of leak in your home or business, stopping the water is the single most important way to limit the amount of damage. 

If you know where your water shut off valve is, you can save valuable time when a break or leak occurs. Instead of potentially gallons upon gallons of water damage you could limit it to a small puddle. 

If a water damage does occur in your home SERVPRO is here to help 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

Cleaning up water damage

7/21/2021 (Permalink)

Cleaning up water damage

SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County has seen all kinds of water damage in almost every residential and commercial space you can imagine. And all homes and properties can present unique challenges when it comes to extracting water and drying. These 4 spaces are the most problematic, and here's why.

1. Duct systems: Some duct systems are made of fragile, porous materials making it difficult to dry.
2. Attics: They are hard to get equipment into, tend to have electrical hazards, and may require removing insulation.
3. Basements: Can be unfinished with lots of porous materials that would need disposing of in Category 2 or 3 water.
4. Crawl Space: They are hard to get equipment into and low temperatures require supplemental heat to warm the space and keep the equipment safe. 

Watching Water Levels

6/9/2021 (Permalink)

Watching Water Levels

With all the rain that Leavenworth and the surrounding areas can get it is helpful to monitor how much rain we are getting and what the river levels are. A good resource is the National Weather Service's Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service.

The purpose of the flood forecast inundation map's they provide is to communicate flood risk based on best available information at the time of map development. The flood forecast inundation map on their site has been compiled using the best information available and is believed to be accurate; however, its preparation required many assumptions. Actual conditions during a flood event, such as natural phenomena e.g. sedimentation, erosion, debris build-up, cascading escalating risks or man-made interactions, e.g. flood protection measurements from sand bagging to exercising varying flood operation schema may vary from those modeled in the map. The limits of flooding shown should only be used as a guideline for emergency planning and response actions. Actual areas inundated will depend on specific flooding conditions and may differ from the areas shown on the map.

The most likely places to find hidden water damage

3/30/2021 (Permalink)

The most likely places to find hidden water damage

SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County knows that it is not always the larger water damages that can negatively impact your home or business. It is, more often than you might think, the small issues. Such as a small ongoing leak under your sink or leaky seals at the base of a toilet. It is these smaller issues that often lead to bigger secondary issues, most commonly mold. That is why it is important for you to inspect areas in your home or business that are the biggest culprits for these kind of leaks. If you notice a musty smell in your bathroom could be a sign of hidden water damage. 3 common issues are:

1. Cracked shower tile
2. Leaky seals at base of toilet
3. Damaged or old caulking and grout

The Time Line for Water Damage

2/25/2021 (Permalink)

The Time Line for Water Damage

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more. SERVPRO arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call us at 913-772-1818

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.

About SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County

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

We can dry that!

12/28/2020 (Permalink)

We can dry that!

Did you know SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County has all kinds of specialty equipment to help restore your residential or commercial property back to preloss conditions! Whether it is a fire, water, mold, or other kind of damage we have you covered. One specialty piece of equipment we have is pictured with this blog post and is called an Injectidry. In the picture we are using the Injectidry system to dry the hardwood flooring in a residential property after a toilet bowl cracked and flooded this beautiful house. Some people think when hardwood floors get wet there is no saving them but with this piece of equipment we were able to save the floors and save the homeowners from the headache of tearing out and replacing the flooring. The panels on the Injectidry can also be used to dry plaster walls and other dense materials.

Winter is Coming!

12/16/2020 (Permalink)

Winter is Coming!

January is normally the coldest month across the nation. The national average temperature is 31 degrees Fahrenheit. This puts exterior pipes like hose bibs and irrigation systems at risk.

For houses without adequate protection the temperature alert threshold is 20 degrees Fahrenheit. At this temperature un-insulated pipes in unconditioned areas are at risk.

However, pipes can freeze in well insulated houses when the temperatures dip into the teens or below. Extended period of time with temperatures in this range can be dangerous, as heat within enclosed areas of a structure naturally dissipates.

Of course we all have heard the tip to open cabinet doors. It is a simple fix that can save you an immense amount of difficulty. Somehow though we are inclined to think, because it has not happened it will not happen. That is all good and well until it happens.

When pipes freeze hundreds of gallons of water can flow through the walls, behind cabinets and into ceilings. Water damage can cause cabinets to swell, ceilings to collapse, along with damage to furniture and belongings. Water damage also causes soaked carpet and pad. Hardwood and laminate floors can buckle and swell.

As cold spells move across the country make it a habit to open doors to enclosed spaces that contain plumbing. On a side note when you open those doors make sure to remove any hazardous materials to keep them away from children and pets.

If your pipes do freeze make sure to shut the water off at the source, call a plumber to fix the pipe and call SERVPRO of Leavenworth & NW Wyandotte County. Here at SERVPRO we have the training and equipment to make water damage in your home “Like it never even happened.”

913-772-1818

We can dry that!

12/16/2020 (Permalink)

We can dry that!

Did you know SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County has all kinds of specialty equipment to help restore your residential or commercial property back to preloss conditions! Whether it is a fire, water, mold, or other kind of damage we have you covered. One specialty piece of equipment we have is pictured with this blog post and is called an Injectidry. In the picture we are using the Injectidry system to dry the hardwood flooring in a residential property after a toilet bowl cracked and flooded this beautiful house. Some people think when hardwood floors get wet there is no saving them but with this piece of equipment we were able to save the floors and save the homeowners from the headache of tearing out and replacing the flooring. The panels on the Injectidry can also be used to dry plaster walls and other dense materials.

Tips for Cleaning Up a Water Damage in Your Home

11/9/2020 (Permalink)

Tips for a Water Damage in Your Home

SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County knows that when you have a water damage in your home it is often unexpected and stressful. Here are some tips for helping you out during this unfortunate time.

Finding ALL of the water after a water loss is critical for drying and safety. Even sanitary water left standing can become contaminated within days.

Check these places:

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

If you are planning on trying to start the mitigation process yourself please remember: 

-DON'T use your household vacuum to remove water

-DON'T turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet 

-DO turn on the air conditioning for maximum drying in the summer

-DO remove colored rugs from wet carpeting

And always remember we are here 24/7 to help! So please give us a call at 913-772-1818

Secondary Damage from Water

10/5/2020 (Permalink)

Secondary Damage from Water

Sometimes in the process of cleaning up a water damage, or really any kind of damage that SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County handles: fire, storm, general cleaning, etc, we find secondary damage from any number of sources. Sometimes it is mold damage from if the water loss was left untreated for too long. However in this case it is damage from a termite infestation. This is a rarer find than mold or asbestos but it does still happen. For some tips on how to prevent a termite infestation in your home please see the below information:

Keep all shrubbery near your home trimmed, allowing at least a 12 inch space between the plants and the exterior wall of your home. This will create an air flow and allow damp areas to dry out quicker.

Use pine needles instead of mulch. Pine needles are less appealing to termites.

Keep all sprinkler heads pointed away from your home’s foundation. Termites like moisture and a sprinkler pointing toward your home creates an ideal environment for them.

Watching the River Water Levels

6/4/2020 (Permalink)

Watching the River Water Levels

With all the rain that Leavenworth and the surrounding areas can get it is helpful to monitor how much rain we are getting and what the river levels are. A good resource is the National Weather Service's Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service. 

The purpose of the flood forecast inundation map's they provide is to communicate flood risk based on best available information at the time of map development. The flood forecast inundation map on their site has been compiled using the best information available and is believed to be accurate; however, its preparation required many assumptions. Actual conditions during a flood event, such as natural phenomena e.g. sedimentation, erosion, debris build-up, cascading escalating risks or man-made interactions, e.g. flood protection measurements from sand bagging to exercising varying flood operation schema may vary from those modeled in the map. The limits of flooding shown should only be used as a guideline for emergency planning and response actions. Actual areas inundated will depend on specific flooding conditions and may differ from the areas shown on the map.

Water Damage Time Line

2/24/2020 (Permalink)

Water Damage Time Line

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more. SERVPRO arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call us at 913-772-1818

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.

About SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County

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

Preparing for Winter

12/5/2019 (Permalink)

Frozen pipes are the worst!

January is normally the coldest month across the nation. The national average temperature is 31 degrees Fahrenheit. This puts exterior pipes like hose bibs and irrigation systems at risk.

For houses without adequate protection the temperature alert threshold is 20 degrees Fahrenheit. At this temperature un-insulated pipes in unconditioned areas are at risk.

However, pipes can freeze in well insulated houses when the temperatures dip into the teens or below. Extended period of time with temperatures in this range can be dangerous, as heat within enclosed areas of a structure naturally dissipates.

Of course we all have heard the tip to open cabinet doors. It is a simple fix that can save you an immense amount of difficulty. Somehow though we are inclined to think, because it has not happened it will not happen. That is all good and well until it happens.

When pipes freeze hundreds of gallons of water can flow through the walls, behind cabinets and into ceilings. Water damage can cause cabinets to swell, ceilings to collapse, along with damage to furniture and belongings. Water damage also causes soaked carpet and pad. Hardwood and laminate floors can buckle and swell.

As cold spells move across the country make it a habit to open doors to enclosed spaces that contain plumbing. On a side note when you open those doors make sure to remove any hazardous materials to keep them away from children and pets.

If your pipes do freeze make sure to shut the water off at the source, call a plumber to fix the pipe and call SERVPRO of Leavenworth & NW Wyandotte County. Here at SERVPRO we have the training and equipment to make water damage in your home “Like it never even happened.”

913-772-1818

Preventing Water Damage

11/11/2019 (Permalink)

Always Use a Licensed Plumber

SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County has responded to all different types of water damage. From a frozen water line that bursts during our crazy Midwestern winter weather, to a refrigerator supply line leak, to a sump pump failure in a basement. When it comes to water damage some types of losses are unavoidable, but there are some times when you can take preventative measures to insure a loss does not happen to you. One of the things you can do is make sure you always use a licensed plumber! In the picture that goes with this blog you will see a very noticeable crack in the pipe.  The two couplings on this pipe did not stop the crack from leaking sewage in the home. Hiring a professional with positive recommendations is always a good way to go to avoid this kind of loss happening to you.

Specialty Equipment for Water Damages

11/6/2019 (Permalink)

Some specialty drying equipment

Did you know SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County has all kinds of specialty equipment to help restore your residential or commercial property back to preloss conditions! Whether it is a fire, water, mold, or other kind of damage we have you covered. One specialty piece of equipment we have is pictured with this blog post and is called an Injectidry. In the picture we are using the Injectidry system to dry the hardwood flooring in a residential property after a toilet bowl cracked and flooded this beautiful house. Some people think when hardwood floors get wet there is no saving them but with this piece of equipment we were able to save the floors and save the homeowners from the headache of tearing out and replacing the flooring. The panels on the Injectidry can also be used to dry plaster walls and other dense materials.

Finding Hidden Damage

10/2/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Employee wearing a half face respirator and gloves is holding up a mirror and on the back is severe termite damage.

Sometimes in the process of cleaning up a water damage, or really any kind of damage that SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County handles: fire, storm, general cleaning, etc, we find secondary damage from any number of sources. Sometimes it is mold damage from if the water loss was left untreated for too long. However in this case it is damage from a termite infestation. This is a rarer find than mold or asbestos but it does still happen. For some tips on how to prevent a termite infestation in your home please see the below information: 

Keep all shrubbery near your home trimmed, allowing at least a 12 inch space between the plants and the exterior wall of your home. This will create an air flow and allow damp areas to dry out quicker. 
Use pine needles instead of mulch. Pine needles are less appealing to  termites. 
Keep all sprinkler heads pointed away from your home’s foundation. Termites like moisture and a sprinkler pointing toward your home creates an ideal environment for them.

How to monitor river flooding

5/30/2019 (Permalink)

With all the rain that Leavenworth and the surrounding areas has been getting it can be helpful to monitor how much rain we are getting and what the river levels are. A good resource is the National Weather Service's Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service. The page for the Leavenworth area can be found by clicking here.  

The purpose of the flood forecast inundation map's they provide is to communicate flood risk based on best available information at the time of map development. The flood forecast inundation map on their site has been compiled using the best information available and is believed to be accurate; however, its preparation required many assumptions. Actual conditions during a flood event, such as natural phenomena e.g. sedimentation, erosion, debris build-up, cascading escalating risks or man-made interactions, e.g. flood protection measurements from sand bagging to exercising varying flood operation schema may vary from those modeled in the map. The limits of flooding shown should only be used as a guideline for emergency planning and response actions. Actual areas inundated will depend on specific flooding conditions and may differ from the areas shown on the map.

In this Business Timing Is Everything!

2/21/2019 (Permalink)

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Leavenworth & NW Wyandotte County provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more. SERVPRO arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 at 913-772-1818

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.

About SERVPRO of Leavenworth & NW Wyandotte County

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

High Tides: How to minimize damage when your basement floods

12/19/2018 (Permalink)

Go down in to your basement regularly to check everything out. Especially during the rainy season!

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your basement could flood, including:

• A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
• Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
• Storm sewer backup
• Sanitary sewer backup
• Foundation drainage failure
• Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure

And many more! 

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?
Call Today - SERVPRO Leavenworth & NW Wyandotte Co (913) 772-1818

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to us and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
Our Technicians are Highly-Trained in Water Restoration Techniques
We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment
Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help (913) 772-1818

Preparing for a Midwestern Winter

12/5/2018 (Permalink)

With winter weather already upon us-one Snowmageddon down, who knows how many to go-and temperatures already holding in the low 30's it is time to look at preventing frozen pipes in your home.  When the weather is averaging 31 degrees it puts exterior pipes like hose bibs and irrigation systems at risk.

For houses without adequate protection the temperature alert threshold is 20 degrees Fahrenheit. At this temperature un-insulated pipes in unconditioned areas are at risk.

However, pipes can freeze in well insulated houses when the temperatures dip into the teens or below. Extended period of time with temperatures in this range can be dangerous, as heat within enclosed areas of a structure naturally dissipates.

Of course we all have heard the tip to open cabinet doors. It is a simple fix that can save you an immense amount of difficulty. Somehow though we are inclined to think, because it has not happened it will not happen. That is all good and well until it happens.

When pipes freeze hundreds of gallons of water can flow through the walls, behind cabinets and into ceilings. Water damage can cause cabinets to swell, ceilings to collapse, along with damage to furniture and belongings. Water damage also causes soaked carpet and pad. Hardwood and laminate floors can buckle and swell.

As cold spells move across the country make it a habit to open doors to enclosed spaces that contain plumbing. On a side note when you open those doors make sure to remove any hazardous materials to keep them away from children and pets.

If your pipes do freeze make sure to shut the water off at the source, call a plumber to fix the pipe and call SERVPRO of Leavenworth & NW Wyandotte. Here at SERVPRO we have the training and equipment to make water damage in your home “Like it never even happened.”

913-772-1818

Faster to your Leavenworth Kansas Water Damage Event

3/8/2018 (Permalink)

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Leavenworth & NW Wyandotte Co. provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.  SERVPRO of Leavenworth & NW Wyandotte Co. arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

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.

About SERVPRO of Leavenworth & NW Wyandotte Co.

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

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – 913-772-1818

Preventing Frozen Pipes

12/27/2017 (Permalink)

Cold temperatures can cause pipes to freeze and burst

January is normally the coldest month across the nation.  The national average temperature is 31 degrees Fahrenheit.  This puts exterior pipes like hose bibs and irrigation systems at risk.

For houses without adequate protection the temperature alert threshold is 20 degrees Fahrenheit.  At this temperature un-insulated pipes in unconditioned areas are at risk.

However, pipes can freeze in well insulated houses when the temperatures dip into the teens or below.  Extended period of time with temperatures in this range can be dangerous, as heat within enclosed areas of a structure naturally dissipates.

Of course we all have heard the tip to open cabinet doors.  It is a simple fix that can save you an immense amount of difficulty.  Somehow though we are inclined to think, because it has not happened it will not happen.  That is all good and well until it happens.

When pipes freeze hundreds of gallons of water can flow through the walls, behind cabinets and into ceilings.  Water damage can cause cabinets to swell, ceilings to collapse, along with damage to furniture and belongings.  Water damage also causes soaked carpet and pad.  Hardwood and laminate floors can buckle and swell.

As cold spells move across the country make it a habit to open doors to enclosed spaces that contain plumbing.  On a side note when you open those doors make sure to remove any hazardous materials to keep them away from children and pets.

If your pipes do freeze make sure to shut the water off at the source, call a plumber to fix the pipe and call SERVPRO of Leavenworth & NW Wyandotte.  Here at SERVPRO we have the training and equipment to make water damage in your home “Like it never even happened.”

913-772-1818

Don't let winter weather wreak havoc on your home

12/14/2016 (Permalink)

Winter weather can cause unforeseen damage to your Leavenworth property. Snow, Ice and other issues can be a huge problem this time of year. Here are a few tips to avoid property damage this winter.

Protect your Pipes

Frozen pipes can cause major issues. When water freezes it expands. When frozen in a pipe it can cause the pipe to burst, water escapes and serious property damage can be had.

Make sure all pipes that are outside your home, near exterior walls or in unheated spaces are insulated.

Be sure to keep the heat on so pipes in other areas of your home don’t freeze. In extreme conditions open cabinet doors to let warm air under the kitchen or bathroom sinks.

Keep Gutters Clean

Make sure there is no debris in your gutters and they are attached securely to your home. Snow and Ice can build up in your gutter making them heavy and if not properly attached can cause damage by the weight pulling them down.

Ventilate your Attic

Making sure your attic is properly ventilated can prevent ice dams in the winter. An unvented attic can generate an excessive amount of heat. When the snow and ice melts it can refreeze along the edge of your roof causing ice dams to form. It can also lead to structural damage to exterior walls by getting into cracks and holes. When vented properly your roof can remain cooler through the winter and thereby avoiding potential ice dams from forming.

Trim Trees

Cutting back dead tree limbs before winter weather is best. The weight of snow and ice can cause them to break easily and can cause damage to your roof, windows, vehicles and even people below.

Fall in Leavenworth Kansas is a great time of year

10/22/2015 (Permalink)

A Frozen Hose can Cause Major Damage to Your Home.

The leaves are turning, the days are cooler and fall is in the air.  Air conditioners are idle and the furnace has not kicked on yet.  While we are enjoying this transition remember, it is never too early to begin projects that get our homes ready for winter.

One easy task that is often overlooked is unhooking the garden hose from the outside spigot.  A hose left attached during freezing weather can cause pipes to burst as ice works its way up the hose into the home.  Because of the recessed valve in frost free hose bibs, many times homeowners are unaware of the damage until they use their hose in the spring.

The spring ritual of washing your car in the driveway can have disastrous effects as water jets into your home.  At SERVPRO we see major damage in home after home every spring as this avoidable scenario plays out.

A few seconds to keep your hose unhooked after use, especially in the fall can possibly save you time, money, and a lot of stress.

No worries, if you happen to forget and end up with a wet basement remember, we are always here to help! 

Fort Leavenworth Water Damage

7/17/2015 (Permalink)

Heavy rain brings flooding to post