Recent Storm Damage Posts

Stay Safe and Dry During Rainstorms

5/10/2023 (Permalink)

open ceiling after affected materials have been removed Roof leak from heavy storms allowed water inside causing damage.

Our home is to protect us from the elements, but heavy rains can weaken that protection. With a little maintenance and a lot of vigilance, it’s not hard to stay safe and dry.

'April showers bring May Flowers'. This is a saying we all grew up with and that we continue to teach our children. Spring rainstorms are unavoidable and are an essential part of keeping Washington green. However, as the rain gets heavier remember to think of the impact all that water might have on your home. The first step is finding and fixing any immediate problems as soon as it’s safe to do so. Then, you’ll want to take measures to prevent those problems from happening during the next downpour!

Where is all that rain going?
Your roof and gutters form a key line of defense for your home - and in a storm, they’re vulnerable, because so many things can damage them. Trees, hail, and other objects can create weaknesses that might lead to leaks in your roof, so check for missing shingles and other issues. And keep your gutters clear so all that water drains properly.


Are you checking everywhere?
Water dripping from the ceiling is hard to miss. Water in your crawl space, however, can easily go undetected because hardly anyone ever checks there. Don’t forget to look down there after a storm (or have a professional do it) to make sure everything is nice and dry. If you do see moisture, you’ll want to get it out with a sump pump as soon as possible.

And don’t just look up - another place to check is your home’s exterior, whether it’s siding, brick, or another material. Weak spots can be hard to see, so look at various times of the day in different lighting conditions.

Of course, you’ll want to make sure your doors and windows are properly sealed to keep the elements out, too.

What about around your property?
Storm water has to go somewhere, and if your property doesn’t drain well, or if runoff goes toward your foundation, you could have problems. So watch for patterns, and grade property so it drains away from your home if possible. Always be wary of hillsides and tilting trees after heavy storms, because the land might not be stable.

And don’t forget to keep storm drains clear of leaves and other debris. This can prevent flooding both on the streets and your own property.


What should you do during the storm?
During powerful storms, stay inside. This is not the time to check your roof, your exterior, or your property unless there’s an emergency and you know it’s safe to go out. Monitor your interior, making sure no water is getting in. If it is, do what you can to alleviate the situation in the moment, even if it means just placing something under a leak to collect the water. For more serious problems, though, remember that safety is the most important thing. If your basement is flooding, for example, don’t go down there - you could be trapped and even drown.

Thankfully, powerful storms only hit once in a while. Preparing for them should be on your mind a lot more frequently, because the next one could be tomorrow.

When Storms or Floods hit Kirkland, SERVPRO of Kirkland is ready!

2/3/2023 (Permalink)

Before and after photo of a home affected in the Kirkland December 2019 heavy rain storm.

SERVPRO of Kirkland specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Kirkland, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today (425) 820-0080

WINTER IS HERE! PREPARE. PROTECT. PREVENT.

11/2/2022 (Permalink)

Kirkland This is a before and after photo of a room with a large pipe in the wall that froze and cracked during the Kirkland Freeze.

As temperatures drop there are many things to consider in how you manage your home. With heavy rains and freezing temperatures, this check list will help you prepare, protect, and prevent potential damage to your home. 

Drains, Gutters, Downspouts

Winter comes after fall, some might say the two intertwine for a period of time. Regardless, fall creates a lot of debris that often creates blockages in our drains, gutters, and downspouts. This is one way outside water finds its way into our homes because it does not have a proper path to flow out and away. Be sure to clear any debris and check for any cracks or other damage. You want to make sure these systems can properly do their job to protect your home in leading all water away from the structure. 

Exterior Inspection: Roof, Siding, Faucets, and Trees

Protecting your home from winters mayhem starts with an evaluation of the exterior of your home and the surrounding factors. Think of it as your first defense when it comes to winter. Your roof and siding take the blunt force of winter at its best. Be sure to check the shingles on your roof, look for cracked, damaged, loose, or missing ones. This will prevent moisture from finding its way in or giving heat a way out. Shingle repair is far more affordable than an entire roof replacement. Do the same for the siding on your house. Again, repairs on both are easier and more cost efficient than the damage that could occur as a result of not checking. 

It is also very important to remove any hoses connected to exterior faucets and get those covered for the winter to prevent freezing and any damage that could occur from that. Lastly, do a quick evaluation of the trees surrounding your home. All the inspections and preventive measures mean nothing if a branch falls right through your roof. 

Preparing for the Freeze Inside

While the exterior of your home is your primary defense, there are many things to consider inside as well. Frozen pipes can cause thousands of dollars in damage to a single home. Take time to insulate your pipes or check existing insulation and look for any leaks. One way to prevent pipes from freezing is to let the water drip when temperatures plummet.

Next you want to check all doors and windows. You want the cold to stay out and the heat to stay in. This can help with costs for heating in the winter. Caulking is great and inexpensive way to seal any leaks. Shrink film is another great inexpensive solution to keeping the cold out. Both are available at your local hardware store.

Another thing to keep in mind is issues with heating equipment can cause a buildup of Carbon Monoxide in the home. Carbon Monoxide is known as the silent killer because it is virtually undetectable without a detector, sharing the same symptoms as the common flu. So be sure to get one for your home or test and replace the batteries frequently if you already have one. That being said, it's a good time to have your heating system serviced, this should be done annually.

Kirkland & Other Eastside Residents: We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration!

11/2/2022 (Permalink)

Pipe burst in a local daycare Pipe Burst in Local Daycare. Extraction Process on a hard surface area. SERVPRO of Kirkland is here to help you make it like it never happened.

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 Kirkland 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 Us Today - (425) 820-0080

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 SERVPRO of Kirkland 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
  • We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
  • 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 (425) 820-0080

Pet Safety During Storms

7/18/2022 (Permalink)

Daisy Daisy knows a thing or two about emergencies. SERVPRO of Kirkland is here for your emergency services 24/7, Call 425-820-0080.

We all know what we should do when a storm strikes or is about to strike – have an emergency kit ready, know the safest structure in your home, avoid electrical equipment, etc. Nonetheless, have you thought about what to do with your pets when a storm arises? Thorough emergency preparedness is important, particularly in areas where you may be forced to leave your home. As we all know Washington weather is sporadic and unpredictable.

Here are five tips from ASPCA (American Society for the prevention of Cruelty to Animals) Center that you can use to help keep your beloved pets safe during storms:

  • Shelter – During severe storms it may be easier to take shelter in a basement or small interior room like a bathroom. Make sure pets are acquainted with – and comfortable in – that area of your house and will go there with you easily if need be.
  • Poisons – Make sure the shelter inside your home is free of dangers for pets. Many people keep pest poisons in the same basement where they may be sheltering during the storm. Unfortunately, pets are very good at finding baits and many are all too eager to eat it.
  • Anxiety – Many pets have storm or firework anxiety and may be prescribed medication to help them cope. Remember, it is always in the best interest to give pets a dose of medication prior to the storm to see how he or she will react – and pets should always get trial runs of medication during periods when the veterinarian is available in case questions arise.
  • Evacuation – Among your belongings and in your emergency kits you should have leashes and/or carriers handy, food, medication and water. Pet owners should know where favorite hiding places are for pets so they can easily found during emergencies.
  • First Aid – Help keep your pets safe by having a pet first aid kid handy.

SERVPRO of Kirkland is here for all your storm damage need call us at 425-820-0080

5 Pet Safety Tips for Storm Preparedness: https://www.aspcapro.org/resource/shelter-health-poison-control/5-pet-safety-tips-storm-preparedness

Pet First Aid Kit: https://www.aspcapro.org/resource/saving-lives-shelter-health-poison-control/how-make-pet-first-aid-kit

Tips for Preventing Storm Damage in Your Apartment Community

7/1/2022 (Permalink)

This was hidden behind drywall until it sprung a leak. This was hidden behind drywall until it sprung a leak. This is what we found behind the drywall. Exterior inspections are needed in Washington.

Sometimes there are situations you cannot be prepared for, and an emergency situation may occur. As a property manager, it is best to be prepared before an emergency occurs. Looking out for your residents not only makes them feel safe, but also makes you look like a superhero. Take these measures to prevent Storm and Water damage to get ahead of the game. 

  1. Check On Aging Appliances Regularly– If the property you manage includes a fridge, dishwasher, and/or washer/dryer in unit, you should closely monitor the age of the appliances as well as routinely checking them for cracked or damaged hoses or connections. Washer hoses should be replaced about every five years. It’s a good idea to replace washers and dryers before there’s a problem. It may cost more money now, but it could save you a lot of money and a headache or two in the future.
  2. Repair Old or Damaged Roofs When It’s Dry – Don’t wait for a big rainstorm to find out that the roofing at your unit(s) needs replacing. Make routine checkups to monitor the condition of the roof(s) at your property. Make time and room in the budget to make any replacements or upgrades necessary during the dry season so that you can avoid water damage in the wet season.
  3. Stay in Touch with Your Residents and Know When they’re Traveling – Many people go on vacations during the summer. Talk to your residents about having their water shut off while they’re gone or, alternatively, having someone check on their apartment from time to time while they’re gone. If a water leak occurs while they’re away and no one is checking in, a small problem could potentially turn into something much worse.
  4. Clear Downspouts Consistently – This is especially important here in the Kirkland area if there are a lot of large trees throughout your apartment community. When leaves, branches, and other debris clog the gutters, the risk of flooding is increased. Clear all debris from the gutters frequently. If you know a storm is about to hit, make sure everything is clear and that water is being effectively carried away from the building.
  5. Apply Dry-Proofing Methods – One cost effective way to prevent large scale water damage in low-lying areas is to apply waterproofing coatings and sealings. You can also elevate electrical equipment at least three feet off of the floor and install waterproof structures around circuits and electrical breakers.
  6. Check For HVAC System Blockages –If the line that moves condensation from the HVAC system is backed up, it can create serious water damage. Backed up water can seep through ceilings and through light fixtures or in between walls. When water leaks between walls, it can go undetected and result in mold damage in addition to water damage.

SERVPRO of Kirkland is here to help when a Storm has caused Water or Fire damage. We are here to take your calls 24/7/365. Give us a call at (425) 820-0080!