Local Water Damage Restoration Company Provides Emergency Tarping

5/1/2020 (Permalink)

Here to Help

Summary: SERVPRO of North Garland provides disaster services, including emergency tarping for homes and businesses.

On occasions, the weather in North Texas can be stormy. In October 2019, tornadoes touched down in Garland and Dallas, damaging or destroying thousands of structures. The Garland tornado was an EF-1 with winds of 100 mph, while the Dallas twister proved to be more severe as an EF-3 with winds reaching 140 mph. Some of the structural damage caused by these storms would not be discovered for months.

A Stormy Scenario

For an unfortunate homeowner, it seemed that all the rain for the two wettest months of the year – April and May –  would fall in the span of a week. Each soggy day, the homeowner discovered a new water spot in the ceiling. First, it was the area above the oven hood. Next, a grayish outline appeared around the bathroom exhaust fan. A streak etched its way alongside the chimney. The last straw was the dripping leak around the perimeter of the skylight in the den. The ceiling sagged. The carpet sloshed underfoot. The bathroom smelled musty and moldy. The situation was becoming more serious as the minutes passed, and circumstances called for more than a roof inspection.

The homeowner called on the expertise and equipment of a water damage restoration specialist who could come right out and inspect the damage. The team covered the roof with emergency tarping to prevent any more water from leaking into the home and causing more damage.

The Immediate Solution: Emergency Tarping to Stop the Leaking

Roof leaks can become a breeding ground for black mold, ruin insulation, rot wooden framing, and damage interior ceilings and walls. While stopping the leak does not solve the problem of the leaky roof or repair the damage to the home, emergency tarping brings immediate peace of mind to the homeowner. No more water will pour through the roof. Once the situation is stabilized, the roof issue can be permanently resolved, and the water damage restoration process can begin.

Homeowners need to know that although their insurance does not cover the roof repair, it may still cover damage caused by the leaky roof. Often, the water damage repair and restoration process is covered by insurance, saving the homeowner thousands of dollars.

What the Homeowner Can Do Until Help Arrives

After any water damage situation, the primary focus should be safety:

• Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.
• Only do activities that are safe to perform. Leave emergency tarping to experienced professionals who have the needed materials and safety equipment for a job this dangerous.
• Wet materials can be very heavy. Be careful when lifting debris.

What To Do After Flooding

• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
• Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
• Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
• Gather loose items from floors.

What NOT to Do After Flooding

• Do not leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
• Do not leave books, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
• Do not use a household vacuum to remove water.
• Do not use turn on the TV or other household appliances.
• Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.

A leaky roof can be a dreaded problem for a homeowner, especially if the leak is severe, it continues to rain, and the homeowner does not have the means to tarp the roof. Emergency tarping is an effective short-term strategy to stop leaks and curtail the potential damage. Stopping the leak as quickly as possible and beginning the recovery and restoration process can be quick and simple if the homeowner turns to a competent professional with a demonstrated track record of resolving emergencies quickly.

For more information about emergency tarping, call SERVPRO of North Garland at (972) 496-2441.