Recent Posts

Preventing Ice Dams on Residential Roofs in Eastpointe, MI?

1/21/2025 (Permalink)

Ice dams block the flow of snowmelt on a roof. We restore damage caused by ice dams in Macomb County.

Our local team in St. Clair Shores has been restoring ice dam damage in Eastpointe for many years. Ice dams pose a significant risk of water damage during winter for homeowners in Eastpointe. Preventing these icy barriers is key to protecting your home from costly repairs and maintaining its structural integrity.

The first step to prevention is proper attic insulation and ventilation. Insulation prevents heat from escaping into the attic, while ventilation helps maintain a consistent temperature on the roof, reducing the likelihood of snow melting and refreezing at the roof’s edge. Upgrading or repairing insulation in your attic can go a long way toward preventing ice dams.

Clearing gutters before winter begins is another essential task. When gutters are clogged, melting snow has nowhere to drain, leading to ice dam formation. Consider adding gutter guards to keep leaves and debris out.

Use a roof rake to safely remove snow from the roof’s edges during heavy snowfalls. This minimizes the weight and amount of snow that could contribute to ice dams. Avoid using salt or de-icing chemicals directly on the roof, as they may damage shingles.

Taking these steps to prepare your roof for winter can help homeowners in Eastpointe avoid the damaging effects of ice dams, keeping their homes safe and dry all season.

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business has ice dam damage, our local St. Clair Shores team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 586-741-5050.

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

Frozen Pipes Cause Water Damage Emergency in St. Clair Shores, MI?

1/6/2025 (Permalink)

Frozen pipes are seen outside a home. We respond to water damage emergencies 24/7 in Macomb County.

Winter temperatures in St. Clair Shores, MI, can drop well below freezing, making frozen pipes a significant risk for homeowners. When water inside pipes freezes, it expands, putting immense pressure on the pipe walls. This pressure can cause pipes to crack or burst, leading to extensive water damage once the ice thaws.

Pipes in unheated areas such as basements, garages, and crawl spaces are especially vulnerable. A burst pipe can flood rooms, ruin flooring, damage walls, and even weaken a home’s foundation if not addressed promptly. Additionally, standing water increases the risk of mold growth, which can spread rapidly in damp environments.

To prevent frozen pipes, homeowners should insulate exposed plumbing, keep their thermostats consistent, and allow faucets to drip during extreme cold to maintain water flow.

If a pipe bursts, our local St. Clair Shores team offers emergency water damage restoration services to mitigate and restore the damage. Our team uses advanced water extraction and drying techniques to minimize the impact on your home and prevent further issues. Fast action protects your property and ensures peace of mind during St. Clair Shores’ frigid winters.

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in St. Clair Shores has burst pipes and needs emergency water damage restoration services, our local St. Clair Shores team is Here to Help®. Call us today.

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

Advanced Technology Used to Detect Hidden Water Leak in Roseville?

12/30/2024 (Permalink)

Water drips from a pipe. We are water damage restoration leaders in Macomb County.

Our local St. Clair Shores team responds to water damage emergencies in Roseville 24-hours a day, 365 days a year. We use advanced technology and techniques to detect hidden water damage. If you hear water dripping inside your walls, there are ways to verify a leak without opening up the wall. Certain tools can detect moisture and temperature changes to confirm if water is present. Here are some examples:

  1. Moisture Meters: A moisture meter measures moisture levels within walls, floors, or other materials. There are two types:
    • Pin-type moisture meters insert small pins into the wall to measure moisture content directly.
    • Pinless moisture meters use electromagnetic sensors to detect moisture just below the surface without penetrating the wall, which is ideal for painted or finished walls.
  2. Infrared (Thermal) Cameras: Infrared cameras detect temperature variations within the wall. When there's a leak, water cools the surrounding materials, and the camera picks up these cooler areas as distinct colors, often blue or purple. This method helps locate the leak's source without any wall damage.
  3. Acoustic Leak Detectors: For sounds of dripping or running water, acoustic leak detectors can amplify faint sounds inside the wall to help pinpoint the exact location of the leak. Professionals often use these to locate hidden leaks accurately.

Call Us Today!

When your home or business in Roseville needs water damage restoration services, our local St. Clair Shores team is Here to Help®. 

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

Holiday Candle Safety Tips: Creating a Cozy and Safe Ambiance in St. Clair Shores?

12/17/2024 (Permalink)

A child blows out candles on a cake during the winter holidays. We perform all phases of fire damage restoration services in Macomb County.

Our local St. Clair Shores team wishes everyone in St. Clair Shores Happy Holidays!

Candles bring warmth and charm to holiday festivities but can also be a fire risk if not used carefully. Always place candles on sturdy, heat-resistant surfaces away from flammable materials like curtains, decorations, or paper.

Keep them out of reach of pets and children, and avoid placing candles in high-traffic areas where they can be easily knocked over. Never leave candles unattended, and extinguish them before leaving the room or going to bed. For added safety, use candle holders that shield the flame or flameless LED candles.

If you’re using traditional candles, opt for those with self-extinguishing wicks, which are designed to reduce fire risks. In homes with a high volume of holiday decorations, the extra precaution of flameless candles can keep everyone safe.

Finally, keep a fire extinguisher nearby, particularly during holiday gatherings, and remind guests of safe candle practices. These simple candle safety steps protect your home from potential fires and ensure that your holiday gatherings remain warm, cozy, and safe for everyone.

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business is damaged by fire, our local St. Clair Shores team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 586-741-5050.

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

Why Furnace Puff Back Cleaning is So Challenging in Eastpointe?

12/3/2024 (Permalink)

Soot from a furnace puff back covers a wall. We professionally clean and restore furnace puff damage in Macomb County.

Our local St. Clair Shores team is leader in furnace puff back cleaning services in Eastpointe. Cleaning up after a furnace puff back can be daunting due to soot's oily and widespread nature. A puffback occurs when a furnace misfires, sending soot and smoke throughout the home, often through the HVAC system. The soot is typically sticky and greasy, clinging to surfaces like walls, ceilings, furniture, and fabrics, making ordinary cleaning methods ineffective. Special cleaning agents must dissolve this oily residue without spreading it further.

What makes puff back cleaning even more difficult is that the soot can travel through air ducts, reaching every room in the house. This requires thoroughly cleaning the HVAC system and replacing filters to prevent recontamination. Additionally, puff backs leave a strong, unpleasant odor that can linger in fabrics, carpets, and other porous materials, necessitating professional deodorization techniques.

Sensitive materials, such as electronics and fabrics, are particularly vulnerable to soot damage, requiring careful handling and specialized equipment. Without proper cleaning, soot can cause permanent stains and damage. Due to the extensive, labor-intensive process, professional cleaning services are often needed to effectively remove puff back soot and restore the home to its pre-damage condition.

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Eastpointe has puff back damage, our local St. Clair Shores team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 586-741-5050.

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

Cooking Grease Fire Erupts in Roseville Kitchen?

11/19/2024 (Permalink)

A pan on a stovetop containing hot greasy smoke is catching fire. We are fire damage restoration leaders in Macomb County.

Our local team in St. Clair Shores restores fire damage in Roseville every year. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), cooking fires are a top cause of residential fire damage in the United States. Grease fires are a common occurrence, typically igniting when unattended cooking oil overheats and catches fire. Once a grease fire begins, it can quickly spread, leading to substantial damage in the kitchen, including lingering smoke, soot, and intense odors.

When a grease fire erupts and causes fire damage, our highly trained technicians will inspect and evaluate the extent of the damage and ensure that all dangerous fire residues are safely removed, helping restore the affected area. Soot and smoke can spread throughout your home, settling on walls, ceilings, and furniture.

Our technicians use advanced techniques and technology to thoroughly clean and deodorize affected surfaces after a grease fire. Since such fires can harm countertops, cabinets, and appliances, we will restore the damage and remove any materials that cannot be salvaged.

No matter how extensive the damage may be, you can rely on us to restore the damage "Like it never even happened."

Call Us Today!

When your Roseville home or commercial business sustains fire damage, our local St. Clair Shores team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 586-741-5050.

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

Professional Furnace Puff-Back Cleaning Services in St. Clair Shores?

11/5/2024 (Permalink)

Drapery coated with soot from a furnace puff-back is shown. We are trained and certified to restore furnace puff-back damage in Macomb County.

Our local St. Clair Shores team is a leader in soot damage restoration services. A furnace puff-back is an unfortunate and messy event that occurs when a malfunction in your heating system causes an explosion of soot and smoke throughout your home. This problem typically happens in oil-burning furnaces or boilers when unburned fuel accumulates in the combustion chamber and ignites simultaneously. A "puff" of soot, smoke, and residue spreads through the ductwork and into every room.

The soot from a puff-back can be extremely difficult to clean, as it is sticky and oily and can stain walls, furniture, carpets, and fabrics. Depending on the severity of the puff-back, the soot can settle into hard-to-reach areas, making it challenging to remove without specialized equipment. Sometimes, even the HVAC system can become contaminated, requiring thorough cleaning.

Because of soot's complex nature, trying to clean up after a puff-back on your own can often lead to further damage. It's best to hire our team of professionals who have years of experience in restoring soot damage. Our team knows how to properly clean soot residue, preventing long-term damage caused by the oily residue left behind by the puff-back.

Call Us Today!

When your St. Clair Shores home or commercial business needs furnace puff-back cleanup services, our local St. Clair Shores team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 586-741-5050.

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

Common Causes of Soot Damage and How to Prevent It in Your Home in Eastpointe?

10/29/2024 (Permalink)

Soot covers an electrical outlet and wall. We are trained and certified to restore soot and fire damage in Macomb County.

Our local St. Clair Shores team has years of experience cleaning and removing soot from homes and commercial businesses in Eastpointe. Here are a few common causes of soot damage in homes:

  1. Fire Damage: A house fire is the most obvious cause of soot damage. When materials like wood, plastic, or fabrics burn, they produce soot, which can spread throughout the home, even in areas unaffected by flames.
  2. Cooking Accidents: Grease fires or burnt food in the kitchen can release soot particles into the air, causing them to settle on surfaces like walls, ceilings, and countertops.
  3. Furnace Malfunction: A malfunctioning furnace, especially an older one, can emit soot into the home due to improper fuel combustion. This is sometimes called "puff-back" and can leave fine black soot on walls, furniture, and vents.
  4. Candle Burning: Candles, particularly scented or poorly made ones, can burn and release soot over time. This soot can accumulate near vents, on walls, or in the corners of rooms.
  5. Fireplaces and Wood Stoves: Improperly ventilated fireplaces or wood stoves can release soot and smoke into the home, leaving residue on walls and ceilings.

Regular maintenance of heating systems, proper ventilation, and careful use of open flames can help prevent soot buildup in homes.

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Eastpointe needs soot cleanup services, our local St. Clair Shores team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 586-741-5050.

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

Why Every Home Needs Working Smoke Alarms in Roseville?

10/15/2024 (Permalink)

A smoke alarm is shown. We are fire damage restoration leaders in Macomb County.

Our local St. Clair Shores team restores fire damage in Roseville every year and wants everyone to know about smoke alarm safety. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has declared “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!” as the theme for Fire Prevention Week 2024, which will take place from October 6 to 12. This theme underscores the importance of having functional smoke alarms in every home, as they significantly reduce the risk of fire-related fatalities.

Smoke alarms are a proven, life-saving tool. They can cut the risk of dying in a home fire by more than half, yet many homes either lack these alarms or have units that don’t work. The NFPA’s campaign is focused on ensuring that all homes are equipped with properly installed and maintained smoke alarms. This includes placing alarms in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every level of the home.

Regular testing and timely replacement of smoke alarms are key to maintaining their effectiveness. Fire Prevention Week is an annual reminder to check your smoke alarms and ensure they are working correctly. This small effort can make a huge difference in the safety of your home and family.

Call Us Today!

When your Roseville home or commercial business has fire damage, our local St. Clair Shores team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 586-741-5050.

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

Halloween Party Electrical Fires: Avoiding Hazards with Cords and Outlets in St. Clair Shores?

9/30/2024 (Permalink)

Electrified Halloween decorations sit in front of a home. We are fire damage restoration leaders in Macomb County.

Our local St. Clair Shores team wants everyone to have a safe and fun Halloween celebration. Halloween parties often feature elaborate displays that require a lot of electrical power, but overloading outlets and extension cords can lead to dangerous fires.

When too many lights, fog machines, or other decorations are plugged into a single outlet or extension cord, the electrical load can cause overheating, which may ignite a fire. This risk is heightened if the electrical cords are damaged or worn.

Always use heavy-duty extension cords rated for the electrical load to prevent such hazards and avoid daisy-chaining multiple cords together. Spread your electrical devices across different outlets to prevent overloading a single circuit.

It’s also essential to inspect all cords for damage before plugging them in and replace any that show signs of wear, such as fraying or exposed wires. Keep cords out of high-traffic areas to prevent tripping and accidental disconnection, which can also cause sparks and lead to a fire.

By following these safety tips, you can ensure that your Halloween party is not only spooky but also safe from the dangers of electrical fires.

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in St. Clair Shores has a fire damage emergency, our local St. Clair Shores team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 586-741-5050.

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.