Understanding the Most Common Causes of Water Damage in Your Home or Business

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Water. It’s essential for life, but when it infiltrates where it shouldn’t, it can become a truly destructive force. From warping beautiful hardwood floors and crumbling drywall to jeopardizing vital documents and sensitive electronics, the aftermath of water damage can be significant and stressful.

At Advance Restoration, we understand the disruption and worry that unexpected water intrusion can cause. That’s why we want to shed light on some of the most frequent culprits behind these unwelcome events, along with some practical advice to help you keep your property dry and protected.

1. The Silent Saboteur: Aging Plumbing and Corrosion

If your home or business features older construction with copper or steel pipes, your plumbing system might be at a higher risk than you think. Over time, these materials can succumb to rust and corrosion. This internal buildup can not only restrict water flow but also weaken the structural integrity of the pipes themselves. As the rust takes hold, it erodes the pipe walls, eventually leading to pinhole leaks or even significant bursts.

Pro Tip for Prevention: Think of a plumbing tune-up like a regular check-up for your car. Having a qualified plumber inspect your pipes every 2 to 3 years can make a world of difference. They can ensure connections are secure, identify early signs of corrosion, and advise on necessary maintenance to keep your system in top shape.

2. The Temperature Tango: When Extremes Lead to Trouble

We often associate frozen pipes with harsh winter climates, and for good reason. When temperatures plummet, the water inside pipes can freeze and expand, creating immense pressure that can cause them to crack or burst. However, it’s important to realize that extreme temperature changes – even in warmer regions – can also put stress on your plumbing. Rapid shifts can cause materials to contract and expand at different rates, potentially leading to leaks.

Pro Tip for Prevention: Be mindful of your hot water settings. Excessively high temperatures can actually weaken your pipes over time. Additionally, taking the time to insulate exposed pipes, especially in unheated areas like basements or crawl spaces, can provide crucial protection against temperature fluctuations.

3. The Ground Beneath Your Feet: Natural Foundation Settling

The very ground your property rests on can sometimes contribute to water damage. Over time, the natural settling of a building’s foundation is almost inevitable. While often a gradual process, this movement can unfortunately lead to cracks forming in foundation walls. These cracks can then become pathways for groundwater to seep into basements and crawl spaces, resulting in dampness, mold growth, and even significant flooding. Furthermore, this settling can also put stress on nearby pipes, potentially causing them to weaken, crack, or even break.

Pro Tip for Prevention: Make it a habit to visually inspect your foundation walls at least once a year. Look for any new or widening cracks. If you spot anything concerning, it’s wise to consult with a foundation expert. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent minor cracks from escalating into major water intrusion problems.

Dealing with water damage can be overwhelming, but understanding the common causes is the first step towards prevention. If you do find yourself facing the aftermath of a leak or flood, remember that the experts at Advance Restoration are here to help. We have the experience and expertise to assess the damage, implement effective restoration solutions, and get your property back to its pre-loss condition. Don’t hesitate to reach out for professional assistance.

Who’s the Best Damage Restoration Company?

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Searching for the best restoration company in Southeast Michigan?

If you suffering from water damage from flooding, ice daming, storming, or plumbing problems in Oakland County, Michigan? Advance Restoration is the best restoration company near Oakland County. They are a full-service, one- stop restoration company for water, fire, wind, mold and contents.

Advance Restoration offers comprehensive restoration services for all your restoration repairs. With 24/7 response time,  experts will respond quickly with the experience and equipment necessary to minimize the long-term damage to your industrial, commercial, or residential property. From the initial damage assessment to drying the structure and packing out its contents for secure storage and restoration. Advance can help through every step of the water damage restoration process.

With over 15 years in business and decades of practical experience in the field, this IICRC certified firm has what it takes to get the job done. Their stellar reputation speaks for itself. Advance’ restoration experts are IICRC certified—the gold standard for disaster restoration cleanup in the industry.

Rest assured the job will be done with expertise and care by the best restoration company in Oakland County and all of Southeast Michigan.

  • Available 24/7, 365 Days of the Year for Emergency Service
  • Quick Response Times
  • Quality and Satisfaction
  • Trained and IICRC Certified Experts
  • Advanced Technology

If you are searching for “the best water damage restoration company near me?” Look no further, call toll free at 810-356-5923 for help or contact Advance Restoration today to set up an appointment. We offer fast response times throughout Macomb and Oakland County, Michigan.

While you wait for our team to arrive, follow these Water Damage Tips to mitigate the impact as much as possible.

Trees —Never Plant One Next To Your House

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Those first warm days of spring are exhilarating. Warmer weather has us thinking of all the possibilities for our yard’s landscape. Off we go to the local nursery where brightly colored packages of flower bulbs call our name and young sapling trees come tagged with the promise of blossoms or fruit. “We’ll plant the tree just outside the window where we can watch it grow for generations”, you say. It all sounds great. Until the tree grows up.

Planting a tree too close to your house can be dangerous. In addition to the risk of falling branches, roots from mature trees can weaken your homes foundation and cause basement water leaks not to mention potential clogged plumbing and sewer pipes that could lead to water damage and repairs. When the roots of trees infiltrate your pipes, costs can go upwards of $5000 for repairs.

Plant trees that will grow medium to large size at least 30 to 50 feet away from the house. Smaller trees (30 feet or less) at least eight to ten feet away. Following these planting tips should protect you from fallen tree mishaps, and water damage due to rogue root growth around sewer pipes and plumbing.

If you experience water damage due to foundation leaks or broken pipes, call the professionals at Advance Restoration—We’re there when you need us.

Restoration Services Designated “Essential Business” during Coronavirus pandemic

Coronavirus

Advance Restoration is designated as an “essential business” during the Coronavirus pandemic as deemed by Homeland Security and CISA.

Currently, as of the date of this article, there is no CDC or EPA approved cleaning or disinfecting agent(s) guaranteed to kill the Covid-19 pathogen. Since we are a designated essential business, we are continuing service to customers in extreme emergency situations for water, fire and mold damage while using precautions to ensure their safety and the safety of our field staff according to government guidelines.

Here is what we are doing:

  • Following the CDC guidelines for employers to manage the spread of coronavirus in the workplace and in the businesses and residences we provide services for.
  • As always, following the IICRC standards for the cleaning and restoration industry.
  • Providing work for emergency services only, prioritizing highest need for customer health and safety first.
  • Emergency work we perform includes fire damage, water damage, wind damage, and mold remediation. We do not treat Covid-19 at this time.
  • Applying and cleaning surface touchpoints contaminated by toxins, mold or water using approved sanitizing agents.
  • Ensuring our cleaning and sanitization experts are healthy and properly outfitted with hazmat biohazard suiting, booties, and N95 masks before entering any commercial building or residence.

If you have an emergency for fire damage, water damage, storm damage or other residential or commercial disaster—we’re there when you need us. Our staff will be masked up and ready to solve your property restoration issues quickly and efficiently with as little disruption as possible.

Please don’t hesitate to call Advance Restoration at 866-505-3166 for help with your disaster emergency. One of our representatives are standing by to take your call immediately 24/7.

Stay Home. Stay Safe. Save Lives.

Flood Damage Warning Metro Detroit

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The National Weather Service has issued a flood damage warning for Metro Detroit. The Service is reporting an expanded period of heavy rain with the potential for 3 inches or more in some areas. The alert is issued for Friday thru Saturday. Rain, like this, in amounts of 3 inches or more can see very high run-off mainly due to frigid ground conditions.

Roads, rivers and creeks, and other low-lying areas could see widespread flooding according to the forecast. If you live in these flood damage warning zones, you should monitor weather forecasts. In addition, be alert and prepared for possible water damage due to flooding, especially along the lakeshore in St. Clair, Sanilac and Macomb counties.

What To Do in Case of Flood Warning

Everyone understands that tornadoes and hurricanes can destroy life. But when it comes down to it, the most dangerous weather event is definitely a flood. For instance, floods in the past 30 years have led to over $260 billion in damage and caused an average of 86 deaths a year in the United States. That number has escalated to over 100 deaths per year since 2015 alone. Climate change is increasing in heavy precipitation every decade and this trend is likely to continue.

A surprising fact about floods is that most of them (8 of 10) do not occur near the coastline. And, the odds are, you will face one long before any of your coastal friends. For instance, most flash floods occur as a result of heavy rains, storm surges, snow and even overflows from local dams or waterways. Pay attention to local alerts and National Weather Service warnings in your area to avoid life threatening events. In the event of a flood warning move to higher ground or a safer location nearby unless you are being ordered to evacuate.

If you experience flooded basement, roof leaks, or other water damage as a result of heavy rains and flooding Advance Restoration is available 24/7 to respond to your water damage repairs—877-363-7462.

Weather Advisory—Prepare for Winter Storm Damage

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Although snow can be lovely to look at, it can also pose hazardous road conditions and threaten the safety of those we care about. Be careful today as you go about your travels and heed these cold weather advisories to avoid winter storm damage:

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory across Southeastern Michigan including Metro Detroit, Ann Arbor, Adrian, Monroe and Pontiac. Four inches of accumulated snow is expected based on up to six inches of snowfall forecasted. The advisory is in effect until midnight tonight. Plan on slippery road conditions and drive safely according to conditions. 

Temperatures will be steady in the upper 20s and low 30s in the early morning hours before slowly descending during the afternoon causing significant accumulations on area roads.

In addition to hazardous road conditions, heavy snow and ice can also pose threats to the roof of your home. Be sure to remove snow buildup to prevent winter storm damage leading to roof leaks and roof damage repairs. Ice dams can also be problematic, shifting ice can loosen shingles exposing roofs to water damage. Stay on top of snow and ice this winter with these preventative measures. If you find yourself in need of our services for roof damage or storm damage of any kind including roof leaks, foundation leaks, sewage backup, basement flooding and any other type of weather disaster give Advance Restoration a shout at 810-356-5923. 

Stay safe and enjoy the season, it’s here whether we like it or not.

Storm Advisory for Southeastern Michigan

60 MPH Winds, Hail, Tornadoes Possible According to Recent Storm Advisory Warnings

Threats of thunderstorms, damaging winds 60 mph or higher and hail one inch in size expected to affect Southeastern Michigan today according to storm advisory. The expectation is for strong winds, hail and the potential for tornadoes in the area. Hazardous weather conditions may cause property damage. It is highly possible that homes will experience roof damage and broken windows, leading to water damage. Furthermore, Flood damage due to storms may also cause basement flooding.  The storm advisory warning will impact Macomb, Wayne, Washtenaw, Monroe, Lenawee, Livingston, Lapeer, and St. Clair counties along with some northern regions.

How to Avoid Property Damage Before the Storm

Surveying your property before the storm is a good idea that will help you to avoid the pitfalls of property damage. For instance, you can store items not bolted down such as trampolines and bbq’s. Furthermore, patio furniture that is lightweight should be stored prior to a storm. Storage sheds can be anchored down with cables or chains. Branches that are dead or in need of pruning should be clipped and trees that are dead or dying should be removed to avoid disaster.

For those of you in the path of the storm, we are there when you need us. For instance, we specialize in flood cleanup, water extraction, hail damage to roof, and fallen tree services in Southeastern Michigan. Call Advance Restoration for 24/7 response. Our experts are always ready to serve day or night, 365 days of the year.

Southeast Michigan Storm

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Michigan Storm Brings Hail, 50 MPH Winds and Power Outages

 

Power outages for thousands due to southeast Michigan storm today.  Beware of hail and high winds reaching 50 mph.  Storms may also cause basement flooding in Monroe, Michigan and surrounding areas as well as  property and water damage from hail.

The wrath of the southeast Michigan storm will likely center on Monroe and Lenawee counties with hail to a half inch in diameter and wind gusts up to 45 MPH. The storm has the potential to cause flooded basements, flooded property, and water damage due to loss of shingles causing roof damage. To avoid potential property damage and injury, it may be wise to secure outdoor outbuildings with chains and cables and store things like patio furniture, trampolines and basketball hoops to keep them from becoming airborne.

An approaching cold front is to blame for continued showers early this afternoon gradually clearing with a high near 78 and breezy. Rain forecast calls for 50-70% precipitation throughout the holiday weekend.

For those of you in the path of the storm in high flood areas, we are there when you need us. Call Advance Restoration for 24/7 response to water damage due to flood. We provide immediate relief with water extraction pump out and drying. Our experts are always ready to serve.

First Frost Forecast For Michigan This Weekend

The Detroit Free Press reports that a blast of cold air will push temps into the mid-30’s. The cooler air will see metro Detroit experiencing its first frost around the first week of October, according to the report.

It’s official. Fall is here. Northern lower and parts of the Upper Peninsula are expecting lower temps beginning Friday evening producing the first frost of the season.

The fall season officially begins September 22. Changes in the length of daylight along with cooler temperatures will promote visible signs that fall is here as leaves turn to vivid shades of yellow, orange, and red.

News of our first frost brings to mind the need for winterizing our homes. It’s much easier to winterize before bad weather sets in. Frozen gutters can cause the fascia to pull off the house and ice dams can wreak havoc on your shingles causing roof damage.  An ounce of prevention can go a long way, here are some tips for winterizing your home.

First Frost Preparedness for Your Home:

  • Winterize your sprinkler system
  • Unhook hoses and insulate hydrants
  • Seal up any foundation vents
  • Change your furnace filters and turn on thermostats
  • Check weather-stripping around doors, windows, and garage doors
  • Clean out and apply heat tape to gutters, downspouts and eaves.

All too often, Advance Restoration sees the results roof leaks due to winter storm damage that could have been avoided. While temps are still fairly accommodating—there is no time like the present to winterize.

Michael Jordan Donating $2 Million

Former NBA basketball legend, Michael Jordan donating #2 million to aid in Hurricane Florence relief efforts of residents in North and South Carolina. Jordan, who played high school hoops in Wilmington, North Carolina, gave $1 million each to the Foundation For The Carolinas’ Hurricane Florence Response Fund and the American Red Cross, according to recent press releases.

Advance Restoration is mobilizing manpower, water extraction and dry-out equipment now to the east coast—we hope to see you there, Michael Jordan!