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Common Causes of Basement Flooding in Milwaukee

11/26/2024 (Permalink)

Flooded basement in Milwaukee Flooded basement in Milwaukee

Heavy Rainfall and Storms

Milwaukee’s seasonal rains can lead to excessive groundwater buildup around homes, especially when the soil becomes saturated or when sump pumps are overwhelmed. Heavy storms can also cause water intrusion through small foundation cracks or improperly sealed windows. SERVPRO’s team quickly removes floodwater using high-capacity pumps and industrial-grade extraction units. We then deploy powerful dehumidifiers and air movers to eliminate remaining moisture, ensuring the basement is thoroughly dried to prevent mold growth and structural damage.

Sump Pump Failures
Many Milwaukee homes rely on sump pumps to keep basements dry, but these can fail due to power outages, mechanical issues, or inadequate capacity during high-volume storms. SERVPRO® is prepared for sump pump failures with high-powered extraction units and industrial drying equipment. We also provide guidance on sump pump maintenance and emergency backups to prevent future issues.

Sewer Backups
During intense rain events, city sewer systems can become overburdened, forcing wastewater back through basement drains. This sewage backup can cause significant health hazards and damage. SERVPRO handles sewer backups with specialized protective equipment and industry-approved disinfection methods to safely extract and dispose of contaminated water. After cleanup, we sanitize all affected surfaces, providing peace of mind with comprehensive cleaning and odor removal.

Burst Pipes and Plumbing Failures
Winter freeze-thaw cycles in Milwaukee can cause pipes to burst, especially in poorly insulated areas of the basement. Plumbing failures, such as a malfunctioning water heater or washing machine, can also cause unexpected flooding. SERVPRO quickly addresses burst pipe water emergencies by shutting off the water source, extracting water, and drying affected areas. We use moisture-detection technology to ensure that hidden pockets of water are removed, reducing the risk of long-term damage.

What are the Common Causes of Fires in Milwaukee Homes?

11/26/2024 (Permalink)

Milwaukee Kitchen Restoration from Fire damage Milwaukee Kitchen Restoration from Fire damage

Milwaukee Christmas Tree Fires

During the holiday season, dry Christmas trees, combined with faulty or overheated lights, can ignite and cause rapid fire spread. SERVPRO® specializes in fire damage cleanup and restoration, including soot removal, odor elimination, and structural repairs. The team ensures that damaged areas are cleaned and restored while salvaging valuable items when possible.

Christmas Lighting Fires

Overloaded electrical outlets, frayed wires, or poor-quality holiday light sets can cause electrical fires. After extinguishing the fire, SERVPRO assesses fire and smoke damage, cleans affected surfaces, and uses advanced deodorization techniques to eliminate lingering smoke odors. We also ensure electrical safety by collaborating with licensed electricians for inspection and repairs.

Kitchen Fires

The most common type of home fire, kitchen fires, often occur due to unattended cooking, grease fires, or faulty appliances.SERVPRO promptly cleans soot from walls, ceilings, and appliances. Using specialized equipment, we remove grease residues, restore cabinetry and countertops, and mitigate water damage caused by fire extinguishment efforts.

Fireplace Fires

Improperly maintained chimneys or embers escaping the fireplace can ignite nearby materials like rugs, curtains, or furniture. SERVPRO addresses fireplace-related fires by cleaning soot-covered areas, restoring damaged structural components, and removing odors caused by smoke. For fire prevention, we may recommend regular chimney inspections and cleanings.

Electrical Fires

Faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, or outdated electrical systems are common culprits for fires in older homes in Milwaukee. SERVPRO ensures all areas affected by electrical fires are thoroughly cleaned and restored. We work alongside certified electricians to address underlying electrical issues, ensuring a safe environment for residents.

How SERVPRO Reassures Customers

  • Expertise: SERVPRO's IICRC-certified technicians are trained to handle a variety of fire damage scenarios, no matter the cause.
  • Advanced Equipment: Using state-of-the-art tools for soot removal, odor control, and structural drying, SERVPRO restores homes to their pre-fire condition efficiently.
  • 24/7 Response: Fires can happen anytime, and SERVPRO provides rapid response to minimize damage and start restoration promptly.
  • Comprehensive Services: From emergency board-ups to full restoration and rebuilding, SERVPRO offers end-to-end support, ensuring homeowners feel confident in their recovery process.

Water Damage Restoration Services In West Allis

8/22/2024 (Permalink)

Water Damage Restoration Services in West Allis, WI

Water damage is one of the most common and potentially devastating issues homeowners and businesses in West Allis, WI, can experience. Severe weather and plumbing failures are some of the main examples that can cause water damage and lead to significant property loss, mold growth, or structural problems if not addressed promptly and properly. Fortunately, SERVPRO of West Milwaukee are available to help West Allis property owners recover quickly from these situations.

Understanding Water Damage and Its Impact

Water damage can occur in various forms, from minor leaks to catastrophic flooding. The severity of the damage often depends on the source and duration of the water exposure. Common causes include burst pipes, leaky roofs, overflowing appliances, and natural disasters like heavy rain or snowmelt. In West Allis, the region’s seasonal weather patterns, including the risk of heavy rainfall and freezing temperatures which can burst pipes, make it essential for property owners to be vigilant about potential water damage.

Immediate action is crucial when dealing with water damage. Water can quickly seep into building materials, weakening structural integrity and leading to the growth of mold and mildew within 24 to 48 hours. 

What Is The Process I Should Expect To Happen?

Water damage restoration services addresses the problem from start to finish. The restoration process typically involves several key steps, such as:

  1. Inspection: A prompt response is vital in minimizing damage. Our restoration team is available 24/7 in the west Ellis and Milwaukee area to assess your situation, identify the source of the water, and determine the extent of the damage. We use advanced equipment like moisture meters to detect hidden moisture in the affected areas.
  2. Water Removal and Extraction: The next step involves removing standing water from your property. High-powered pumps and industrial-grade wet vacuums are used to extract water quickly and efficiently. This step is critical in preventing further damage and reducing the drying time.
  3. Drying and Dehumidification: Once the water is removed, the drying process begins. Commercial-grade air movers and dehumidifiers are used to dry out walls, floors, and other affected areas. Monitoring equipment ensures that the drying process is thorough, preventing moisture from lingering in hard-to-reach places.
  4. Cleaning and Sanitizing: After the area is dried, the restoration team will clean and sanitize the affected areas to remove any contaminants. This includes disinfecting surfaces, cleaning carpets and upholstery, and using specialized treatments to eliminate mold spores.
  5. Restoration and Repairs: The final step in the process is restoring the property to its pre-damage condition. This may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall or carpeting, or more extensive reconstruction work, depending on the extent of the damage. Our restoration professionals work to ensure that the property is fully restored and safe for occupants.

Water damage can be a serious threat to your property and your health, but with the help of professionals and experts like our SERVPRO® team in West Milwaukee, homeowners and businesses can recover quickly. By acting fast and choosing a reliable restoration partner, minimize your extended damage, prevent mold growth, and restore your West Allis home back to its original condition.

About West Allis, WI

West Allis, WI, takes its name from Edward P. Allis, a key figure in 19th-century American industry. His company, the Edward P. Allis Company, was a prominent manufacturing firm during that time. In 1901, the company evolved into Allis-Chalmers and, by 1902, established a large new facility to the west of its original location. This expansion led to the formation of the Village of West Allis, which gained city status in 1906. Today, West Allis is known for landmarks like the West Allis Center.

In recent years, West Allis has experienced a resurgence in development, with efforts focused on revitalizing its downtown area. These initiatives have attracted new businesses, restaurants, and housing developments, blending the city’s historical charm with modern amenities. This ongoing transformation is making West Allis an increasingly appealing destination for residents.

Prepping Your Team For Weather Emergencies | SERVPRO of West Milwaukee

9/18/2023 (Permalink)

Business man holding an umbrella and briefcase with a dark thunderstorm behind him. If your home or business was damaged in a storm, call SERVPRO of West Milwaukee to get you back in action.

As a business or commercial property owner in Milwaukee, it is your job to have a plan in place for virtually every situation. While the majority of your plans probably revolve around day-to-day tasks or overcoming work-related obstacles, you also need to take the time to plan out your weather response.

Severe weather in Milwaukee can pop up at any time and if your employees are not prepared, it can turn into a chaotic situation quickly. Keeping your employees safe should be a top priority no matter the situation.

Don’t let your crew become vulnerable during a weather emergency! Follow these tips to help create a solid weather emergency plan that all your staff can follow.

<h3your-risk">Recognizing Your Risk

Weather threats look different during each season. Extreme cold and blizzard conditions can occur any time from the late fall to mid-spring, and the summer heat and humidity can produce severe storms and even tornadoes here.

We are also vulnerable to flooding, so understanding your flood risk can help you prepare ahead of time. Other methods, like staying current on the weekly forecast can help you make plans in advance and communicate them with your team.

<h3your-plan">Sharing Your Plan

If poor weather is in the forecast, don’t keep that information to yourself! Communicating with your team ensures that everyone is on the same page and you can all work together to figure out what needs to happen. Be sure to have everyone’s contact information in your phone or in your email.

This can help you easily fire off a group text or a mass email if quick action needs to be taken, like moving to your safe shelter location or explaining the evacuation routes.

<h3to-stay-in-or-get-out">Plan to Stay In or Get Out

Weather situations can warrant different responses based on what they are. If you have enough lead time, evacuating your team might be the best course of action. Be sure your employees understand where the emergency exits are and what the evacuation routes are on each level of your building.

In other circumstances, staying put might be the best choice for everyone’s safety. Pick a safe shelter location in an interior room in your building and prepare it now with food, water and emergency supplies. If a weather warning is issued, ensure everyone gets there quickly and stays there until the threat has passed.

Once you have all of these plans in place, it’s time to practice! Your team will react much more seamlessly and calmly during a true emergency if they know what to expect.

Don’t let extreme weather take control! If storms strike your business, SERVPRO® can help you restore your losses.

Getting Ready for the Summer Storm Season | SERVPRO of West Milwaukee

9/18/2023 (Permalink)

Empty parking lot with lots of greenery shown during a heavy downpour of rain. Have you been impacted by the unusual summer storm season? SERVPRO of West Milwaukee has your back when you experience flood and water damage.

Wind, rain, floods, hail and tornadoes…surprise, it’s summer in Wisconsin! The list is long when it comes to potential weather threats to your Milwaukee home, and each threat can vary when it comes to severity.

Owning a home takes a lot of work. In addition to everyday maintenance and chores around your house, you also need to protect your home from seasonal weather threats.

At this point in the season, tornadoes and severe storms with wind and hail typically cause the most home damage. That is why you should start preparing your Milwaukee area home now for any incoming weather.

Starting with the outside of your home can help ensure your property and house are ready to weather the storm.

<h3task-list">Seasonal Task List

If you take care of your property and stay current on routine maintenance, we have good news for you! Many of these tasks also count toward protecting your home from storms.

Trimming your trees and removing dead branches from your property can help reduce the amount of projectiles tossed about in a high-wind event, and cleaning your gutters ensures that there is a space for the rainwater to collect and flow away from your home.

You should also take a look at your windows, doors and roof whenever you are outside. Gaps around window panes or rotten wood can easily invite water inside your house, and a missing or broken shingle can cause extensive damage to your roof and walls. Make any necessary repairs right away.

<h3upgrade-options">Home Upgrade Options

Preparations for storms may take a bit of time, but thankfully, many of these tasks can be done for free! If you do want to take your preparations to the next level, there are a few home upgrades that you can invest in.

Storm shutters are an easy upgrade to make that can be installed directly over your windows and can quickly be pulled shut when needed. If your property has trees that drop their leaves in the fall, invest in some gutter guards to help keep debris out.

If you have a detached garage or backyard shed, reinforcing the roof or adding gutters out there can help make sure everything inside stays safe and dry.

You can still do all of these preparations, but you might still suffer home damage anyway. Mother Nature is anything but predictable! Call SERVPRO® of West Milwaukee for immediate assistance.

Was your home damaged in a storm? Call us at SERVPRO of West Milwaukee to start restoration, 24⁄7.

Safe Grilling Practices to Prevent a Fire | SERVPRO of West Milwaukee

9/18/2023 (Permalink)

Man holding tongs above grill preparing food outdoors Have you had a barbeque gone wrong? Call SERVPRO of West Milwaukee to get your space back in shape.

Summer time is cherished by all midwesterners—and for good reason! The warm and sunny days invite everyone to step outside and enjoy the weather. What better way to do that than to tie on your favorite apron and host a family BBQ in your backyard?

Did you know that July is the peak month for grill fires? Before you light your charcoal or turn on your propane grill, you need to set yourself up for success. Our SERVPRO® of West Milwaukee team wants you to stay safe and enjoy your event without the risk of fire, so read on to learn more about proper grill safety.

Setting Up Your Work Area

You are in charge of your grilling area, so you need to be sure the grill is in a safe location. Make sure it is outside and far away from your garage or any overhangs along your roof. Your grill needs to vent properly to avoid the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, and it also needs to be positioned away from anything combustible above it that could catch on fire.

It also needs to be far from your home, siding and deck railing. A good rule is to aim for a 10-foot barrier around anything that could start on fire. This barrier should also include kids and pets, so be sure everyone in your party understands the grill zone.

If you have a charcoal grill, clear away ash buildup, check the drum for cracks or obvious dents and make sure the vent covers work and slide easily. If your family prefers a gas grill, take the time to fully inspect your gas lines. They should be secure against your tank and your grill. A single gas leak could lead to serious consequences and can create a dangerous situation in seconds.

Responsible Grilling Tips

Once the grill is hot and your food is on, stay close by! A grill fire can erupt at a moment’s notice, so you always need to be prepared. Keep a spray bottle filled with water ready to help tame flame flare-ups, and you should have your hose or fire extinguisher on standby as well.

After everything is done cooking, hand off the plate for someone else to bring in because you aren’t done with your grill duties just yet. Scatter the coals and close the vents on your charcoal grill, or turn off the burners and close the propane tank. If you have leftover ash or embers, wait until they are cooled and then move them to a metal can nearby. Once everyone has left and you are about to head in for the night, take one last look at your grill to ensure everything is off and cold to the touch.

Happy summer in the Milwaukee area! We wish you a great rest of your season, but remember that SERVPRO of West Milwaukee is here for you if a fire gets out of hand and you are left with home or property damage.

Don’t let fire damage linger in your home. Call us at SERVPRO of West Milwaukee for a fast restoration.

Responding to a Water Disaster at Home | SERVPRO of West Milwaukee

9/18/2023 (Permalink)

Pool of water sitting on top of a herringbone patterned wood floor with furniture nearby If you discover water damage in your home or business, call SERVPRO of West Milwaukee right away.

Water plays an incredible and vital role in our lives, and oftentimes we don’t even think twice about it on a daily basis. It is constantly flowing behind our walls and through our pipes to help us cook dinner, wash the dog and clean the dishes.

While we certainly rely on the ease of access to water in our daily lives, that access also increases our risk of experiencing water damage. Busted water heaters, leaky appliances and flooding in your home during a severe summer storm can all impact your house in a big way. These strong storms in the Milwaukee area can cause chaos in a moment’s notice.

Even though it is ideal to avoid water damage altogether if you can, sometimes that is just not possible. Thankfully, SERVPRO® of West Milwaukee is here to help you recover quickly and efficiently.

The First Thing to Do

If you come upon a water disaster or damage situation, the first thing to do is to act quickly to stop the flow of water. Water could have leaked and seeped throughout a large area of your home by the time you discover the problem, so stop it at the source to stop it from getting any worse.

If the water situation was caused by an appliance malfunction or burst pipe, turn off the water valve and shut off electricity to the area. If the leak was caused by damage during a storm, you may just have to set out a bucket to catch the dripping until the storm passes and you can investigate further.

Remember, standing water has the potential to be really dangerous, so don’t walk through it if you don’t have to. Live electrical wires or sharp objects could be lurking beneath the surface. After that, pick up the phone and call us for immediate assistance!

Our Efficient Drying Process

We will start crafting your recovery plan from the minute you call us. Our team will ask a lot of questions, and we will probably ask you to take a few photos of the damage. These fresh images help us work directly with your insurance company to ensure the easiest insurance claims process possible.

Once we arrive at your home, a few things happen at once. We locate the source of the leak and get to work repairing the damage and drying up the excess water with air movers and industrial blowers. We will also work on removing your soft and fragile possessions from the area. We always try to restore rather than replace your items, so we will work on drying out everything we can as safely as possible.

Now that everything is dry, we will clean, sanitize and deodorize the area before we start on the repairs. Our team is highly trained on different repairs and we can handle anything from a minor wall repair to an entire rebuild of your room or levels of your home.

Dealing with water in your home where it shouldn’t be is always frustrating, but we are here to make the recovery process smooth and easy. Call SERVPRO of West Milwaukee for a complete restoration day or night.

Do you have water damage in your home? Call us for fast and complete restoration.

The Steps to Follow After a Storm Passes Through | SERVPRO of West Milwaukee

9/18/2023 (Permalink)

image of a large body of water during a rain storm with ripples caused by the heavy downpour Water damage in your home? Not for long with SERVPRO of West Milwaukee on the case!

Destructive storms are just a part of the summer season here in the Milwaukee area. Thankfully, tornadoes don’t pop up as often as they do in the South, but strong winds, heavy rain and hail can all come together to create one forceful and dangerous situation.

Preparing your home and family before the storm hits is always ideal, but sometimes damage still occurs anyway if the conditions change rapidly or the storm becomes stronger than originally predicted.

Your top priority is always your family’s safety, so get inside and stay away from the windows until you are confident that the storm has passed. Use this blog as a guide to help walk you through the next steps after suffering any kind of storm damage.

<h3the-storm-passes">After the Storm Passes

No matter what kind of storm passes through, it is important to stay connected to the forecast and local authorities before, during and after a storm. Storms can come in waves, so be prepared with your weather radio and make sure your safe shelter location is easily accessible if you need to get back inside quickly again.

Connecting with friends and family can help set your mind at ease after a storm, and check in on your neighbors after you are confident that the storm has passed on for good. Even if your own home hasn’t suffered any damage, it doesn’t mean your neighbors are damage-free as well!

Call SERVPRO® of West Milwaukee, and start taking photos of any damage you see right away. We are locally owned and operated right in the Milwaukee area so we are experiencing the same storms you are, and we are preparing to respond to your call for help as soon as the forecast is issued.

<h3recovery-process">The Recovery Process

No home damage situation is exactly the same, so take care walking around your home as you investigate the extent of your situation. Loose nails, damaged boards and other hazards can cause serious injuries if you aren’t on the lookout! Wear sturdy boots and gloves if you need to walk through the damage or handle anything, and keep your cell phone on you in case of emergency.

One of the tasks we prioritize when we arrive at your home is securing the area with tarps and boards to prevent further damage. Feel free to do this on your own if it is still raining to protect your belongings while we are on our way to you.

We know that suffering storm damage can be overwhelming and scary, but we promise that our restoration team can handle any situation that you are faced with and we will take care of you. We will clean and restore your entire home, and we will even work alongside your insurance company to help you get the most out of your claim. Call us for a complete restoration day or night.

If a storm leaves your home damaged, contact us for fast recovery. We’re here 24⁄7 when you need us.

The Hazards of a Flash Flood | SERVPRO of West Milwaukee

9/18/2023 (Permalink)

image of a large body of water during a rain storm with ripples caused by the heavy downpour Summer storms affecting your property? Call SERVPRO of West Milwaukee to restore your space in no time!

We all know and love those classic summer rainstorms that allow us to slow down and rest inside as the rain falls. It can be refreshing to watch our community calm down and watch our gardens and lawns get a much-needed drink!

However, we also know that not all storms are like this. Serious thunderstorms can blow into town quickly and bring heavy rain, strong winds and even damaging hail. While we are grateful that our homes can withstand moderate storm conditions, sometimes the rain can be intense enough to leak into our homes.

Our SERVPRO® of West Milwaukee team wants you to stay as safe and dry no matter what is going on outside, so read our tips for preparing for intense rain below.

The Possibility of Intense Rain

When the rain falls hard enough, it can cause the nearby lakes, rivers and streams to overflow. We are grateful to be a bit farther removed from Lake Michigan in these instances, but any sort of low-lying area can be negatively impacted by heavy rain, which can cause flooding really easily.

While we unfortunately cannot prevent this type of situation, we can certainly prepare for it! Staying connected to the local authorities and taking action quickly as soon as a flood watch or warning is issued can help you be ready when the rain starts to fall.

How to Stay Safe

Head for home right away to start preparing. Your family’s safety and your home should always be your top priority. Avoid drainage ditches or any roads that you know tend to flood when it rains. Move things around in your garage so you can pull your outdoor equipment and cars inside, and tidy up your yard. Secure things like your propane tanks or lawn furniture so they don’t get swept away by any moving water.

If you know that your home is prone to flooding, move anything fragile or soft out of your lowest level and consider turning off the breakers to those rooms to be on the safe side. When the rain starts to fall and the water starts flowing into your home, stay high above the water line and don’t panic. Eventually the water will stop rushing in and then you can call us right away.

Things to Do in the Future

Even if you do your best to prepare, weather has a mind of its own and it can leave you with some significant damage. In each instance you can learn something, though! For example, if you find that your basement always gets wet during a heavy rain, it may indicate an issue with your property. Getting it professionally graded can stop this problem for good if the rain has somewhere else to go other than backward into your foundation.

Another investment that can pay off in a big way is a sump pump. Sump pumps are able to pull any excess water away from your basement and pump it back up to the surface, where it flows down a gutter-like system. This can come in handy in any rain situation to keep your basement nice and dry.

Remember, our team is dedicated to helping our community when flood conditions are present. Pick up the phone and call SERVPRO of West Milwaukee for immediate restoration assistance!

We are here for all of your water disasters. Contact us day or night for a quick recovery.

The Basics of Outdoor Fire Safety | SERVPRO of West Milwaukee

9/18/2023 (Permalink)

campfire-style fire pit with flames emerging from the top of the logs on the dark green grass Bonfire season is upon us! SERVPRO of West Milwaukee has your back with these helpful fire safety tips.

Oh, how we love the fall season here in the Milwaukee area! The air has a certain crispness to it, the Packers are back on our TVs and the fall decorations are out. We also love spending more time outside enjoying the warmth and coziness of an outdoor bonfire.

Bonfires at this time of year can be a lovely way to enjoy the changing seasons, but they still carry a risk when it comes to the possibility of starting an out-of-control fire.

Our SERVPRO® of West Milwaukee team explains more about fire safety below and offers some easy ways to maintain your fire so you can avoid any dangerous situations.

Steps When Lighting Your Fire

Do pick a safe spot for your bonfire pit. Bonfire pits that are permanently in the ground may not be moveable, but you can ensure log piles or flammable objects aren’t anywhere near it. If you have a portable pit, place it on a level surface that is far away from outbuildings, sheds or the side of your house.

Do have a way to put out the fire quickly. A hose that is unraveled and lying nearby or a full bucket of water can easily be used to douse the flames. If you are in a remote area without access to water, keep a shovel nearby that you can use to pile sand or dirt on the fire in an emergency.

Do watch the weather and obey any burn bans. Windy days or current drought conditions can increase the likelihood of starting a dangerous fire, so watch the conditions and pick a different day to burn if necessary.

Tips for Maintaining Your Blazing Fire

Don’t use an accelerant to keep the flames going. Matches, lighters and tinder are the only things you should be using. Gas or lighter fluid may light on fire quickly, but they are unpredictable and can start an overwhelmingly large fire in seconds.

Don’t let your kids play around the flames. Accidents can happen in seconds and cause serious injury or a dangerous situation that leads to a spreading fire.

Don’t let your fire get too big. It can be fun to sit around the flames and feed them with whatever is nearby, but a large fire is unpredictable and it can lead to sparking or spreading flames easily.

Don’t go to bed or inside until you are sure the fire is out. You are responsible for any fire on your property, so be sure the flames are extinguished and you have run water over the logs until they are cold to the touch.

Wildfire Facts

Wildfires can start at any time and for a variety of reasons, but most wildfires are usually started by human error or negligence. Do your part to maintain your flames, and be aware of any changing conditions that would increase your risk of starting a wildfire.

If your home or property is damaged by fire, get us on the phone right away. Our team will help you recover faster and more efficiently.

Fire can cause a lot of damage in a short amount of time. Contact us day or night for immediate assistance.