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  • Home
  • REMEDIATION SERVICES
    • Water & Flood Damage
    • MOLD Removal & Remediation
    • FIRE & SMOKE Damage
    • Toilet Overflow Cleaning Services
    • Sewer Backup Cleaning
    • HURRICANE & STORM Damage
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    • Covid-19 Cleaning & Disinfection Services
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News & Blogs of the Restoration Industry

Our Flooding Story in Manayunk, philadelphia, PA

2/26/2021

1 Comment

 
We all remember last year's tropical storm Isaias and the destruction left behind.

As Isaias was storming over Philadelphia, people in Manayunk were literally life-rafted out of their homes by black water.
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​A black water damage means that water is grossly contaminated.

​In the case of Manayunk, the gutter system is tied to the sewer system, so rising water brings toxigenic organic materials in the event of rapid floods.

​It is one of the worst unhealthy messes to say the least. Hence, it is the most dangerous event that can cause disease upon exposure.
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Also called "category 3," black water soaks right into the building materials and fills surfaces with bacteria that will breed and feed on those materials.
Higher temperatures, higher humidity levels, and stagnant air create the best conditions for bacteria to thrive.
So, imagine what the people from Manayunk had to go through.
Keeping the safety of the inhabitants and our staff first in our minds, it was essential to act fast, remove what had to be removed, clean, sanitize, and rebuild. In these circumstances, we know too well that there is no place for second best.
It took us seven days a week for two months and multiple crews on site to restore the property.

​Ultimately, we did it, and we helped people move back to their normal lives faster than we anticipated.
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How to Avoid a Winter Storm Damage Panic?

2/22/2021

1 Comment

 
Winter storm damage is a potential nightmare for homeowners and businesses.

​Wind, ice, snow, and cold temperatures may impact your building’s structure and cause severe damage. 
Although it is difficult to predict the severity and the impact they may have on your home or business, there are ways you can prepare to avoid losses and navigate insurance claims.

Why?
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In 2021, we have had a few days of winter storms in the Greater Philadelphia area. Only in a few days have we received many emergency calls for restoration jobs involving:
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  • Burst pipes due to colder temperatures
  • Water damage caused by leaking roofs
  • Roof collapse due to the weight of snow, ice, and sleet ​
If experiencing these events is stressful, frustration adds to the reality of the situation, especially when interacting with the insurance company.

Winter Storm Damage and Your Named Perils

Let’s be clear. This list is not universal. 

It varies between insurance policies and insurance companies.
​

Named Perils cover the specific causes of damage or injury. 
Your Named Perils clause may cover against some perils like fire, smoke, wind, and more, but they may not cover all perils or only cover perils in some instances. 
​

Therefore, it is always a good idea to read your Named Perils clause carefully.
In the event of winter storm damage, check if your insurance policy includes coverage for:
​
  • The weight of snow or ice or sleet 
  • Falling objects 
  • Freezing
The number of Named Perils varies between insurance policies. Depending on your insurance company and the insurance policy you bought, separate endorsements may be necessary to cover additional perils that may not appear in your Named Perils. ​
As always, make sure you understand exceptions clearly. 

​To avoid unnecessary frustration and stress with an insurance claim, determine what your policy covers ahead of time, in fact, well before discovering it the day of the loss:
  • Check what your insurance covers under “sudden & accidental.”  
  • Determine what is included and excluded from the Named Perils.
  • Check if you need a separate endorsement to include perils not covered by your insurance policy.
Ultimately, winter storm damage will happen during a homeowner or renter’s lifetime. Therefore, know what to look for and expect.

The Most Common Winter Storm Damage

In terms of winter storm damage, the most common property damage types are roof damage or collapse. They are usually caused by the weight of snow, ice, or sleet.
Another typical winter storm damage is burst pipes caused by freezing temperatures. Damage caused by frozen pipes is 'sudden and accidental,” assuming that you maintained heat in your home and applied best practices of your home or building's water supply.
Finally, ice dams are the third category of winter storm damage. They can cause water damage to walls and ceilings. An ice dam that forms at the edge of a roof can prevent melting snow from draining off the roof. Typically, this would not be covered by a basic Named Perils policy. ​

There are Preventative Measures to Avoid Winter Storm Damage

Although you might have the right coverage, maintaining your property is the best way to anticipate winter storm damage and insurance claims. ​
Therefore, before and during winter, take the time to check your property periodically:
  • Evaluate your roof. Flat large roofs are more prone to damage in case of snow or ice build-up.
  • Verify your vents to avoid leaks
  • Check your insulation materials 
  • Protect your pipes with foam
  • Disconnect hoses from your faucets, and drain the water from exterior faucets
  • Cover your exterior faucets with protective materials
  • If there is an accumulation of snow on your roof during the winter, safely remove it.
Your Takeaways
As always, preparation is essential. Therefore, know what your insurance policy covers and do your due diligence with the insurance company. Make sure you understand what is covered and not covered. 
Always evaluate your property before and during the winter season. If your area faced an episode of snow or ice, check how your property is impacted and take precautionary steps to maintain a sound structure. ​
1 Comment

    Author

    Mike McCullough is the owner of County Action Restoration

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​1313 West Chester Pike
West Chester, PA 19382
info@countyservicesinc.com

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