How to Minimize Damage from Melting Snow in Covington, GA

Winter has arrived, and as temperatures rise, will your home or office withstand the thaw?

The melting of snow and ice can lead to significant water damage if you haven't taken precautions, potentially resulting in costly repairs and restorations. While it's best to prepare your property before winter sets in, there are still several simple measures you can take to protect your property as the snow begins to melt.

1. Insulate your pipes.

To prevent frozen pipes from bursting as temperatures change, make sure that your pipes, especially those in unheated areas like attics, basements, and crawl spaces, are insulated well.

2. Inspect your roof.

Check your roof for leaks and damages, and have a licensed roofer repair them before they cause roof water damage or destroy your attic, ceiling, or drywall.

3. Clear gutters and downspouts.

Water from melting ice will not be able to flow or drain properly if your gutters or downspouts are clogged or filled with leaves, branches, and other debris. A snowmelt tab could be used to break down snow and ice stuck in gutters.

To prevent water from snowmelt runoff from pooling near your property, it would be best to attach a sloped ladder to your downspouts to carry water farther away from your building, minimizing the risk of basement or foundation seepage.

Winter can be damaging to your property, so make sure you know who to call for water damage restoration and mold remediation in Covington, GA. Call ServiceMaster by LoveJoy at (678) 293-0297 or connect with us online for a FREE quote. We are on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to respond to your needs immediately.

How to Navigate Frozen Pipes and Home Insurance in Covington, Georgia

 

Understanding how homeowners insurance covers frozen and burst pipes, coupled with effective damage restoration strategies, is crucial for protecting your home and finances. This article tackles the essentials of managing frozen pipe water damage restoration and burst pipe repair.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Frozen Pipes?

Homeowners insurance policies in Georgia typically cover water damage caused by frozen and subsequently burst pipes. However, it’s important to note that this coverage often hinges on the homeowner’s diligence in maintaining their property’s heating and plumbing systems.

Insurers expect homeowners to take preventive measures to keep their homes heated and insulated adequately against freezing temperatures. Failing to do so might lead to denied claims, especially if the damage results from negligence.

3 Steps to Mitigate Frozen Pipe Damage

1. Insulate Pipes — Before the cold season hits, ensure that all pipes, especially those in attics, basements, and exterior walls, are well-insulated. This prevents them from freezing as temperatures drop.
2. Keep the Heat On — Maintain a consistent indoor temperature, even when the property is unoccupied. The heat helps prevent water inside pipes from freezing.
3. Let Faucets Drip — Let a trickle of water flow through the faucets to relieve pressure down the line and prevent pipes from bursting even if they freeze.

For more tips, please read the full article on our website.

Experiencing frozen or burst pipes? Don’t wait for water damage to escalate. Call ServiceMaster by LoveJoy at (678) 293–0297 for expert burst pipe repair and water damage restoration in Covington, GA, and nearby areas.

We provide 24/7 emergency response to tackle any disaster, ensuring your home’s swift and thorough recovery. For non-emergency cases, schedule an appointment online.

Why You Should Not Delay Fire Damage Restoration in Sandy Springs, Georgia

The National Fire Protection Association reports that in 2020, local fire departments in the United States responded to 1,338,500 fire incidents. Further, these fires resulted in "3,500 civilian deaths, 15,200 civilian injuries, and $21.9 billion in property damage" (Ahrens and Evarts, NFPA's "Fire Loss in the United States During 2020").

Fires are unfortunate and unforeseen events that can raze your home or business. To prevent further damage from smoke, soot, and odor, you have to secure professional services whether the damage is small or extensive. Fire damage restoration in Sandy Springs, GA is a complex process that should be worked on immediately with the proper tools and knowledge.

Learn about fires and why it is important not to delay fire damage restoration from the experts of ServiceMaster by LoveJoy.

Classes of Fire

Fires come in different types, any of which can burn your building and valuable possessions. These are the different classifications of fire as per the United States standards:

Class A

• Class A fires utilize common flammable materials, such as wood, paper, fabric, and plastic, as their fuel source.
• Class A fires can be put out by water or monoammonium phosphate.

Class B

• Class B fires come from flammable liquids and gases, including petroleum and gasoline, propane, and butane.
• Smothering is a common method to put out Class B fires.

Class C

• Class C fires are electrical fires, originating from electrical components, energized equipment, motors, appliances, and electronic transformers.
• To extinguish electrical fires, cut the power off and use non-conductive chemicals as an extinguisher.

Class D

• Class D fires use combustible metals, such as aluminum, magnesium, potassium, and titanium, as their fuel source. They are a danger in laboratory environments.
• To extinguish a Class D fire, use a dry powder agent to absorb the heat the fire requires to burn and to smother it as well.

Class K

• A Class K fire is combusted from liquids used in food preparation. Technically a type of liquid fire, Class K fires are distinct enough to warrant their classification. 
• Class K fires can come from greases, cooking oils, vegetable fat, and animal fat. They can be put out by wet chemical fire extinguishers. Never use water to put out a grease fire!

Why You Should Never Delay Fire Damage Restoration

• If you ever experience a fire, it’s important to know what to do and what’s involved in the restoration process—whether you want to tackle the task yourself or decide that you need the help of professionals. We would always recommend that you seek professional advice before attempting to clean fire damage by yourself. 
• After a fire, call your insurance company to report the incident, then let them know that you’ll be working with a fire restoration contractor in Sandy Springs, GA as soon as possible.
• It’s important to understand that fire damage restoration isn’t something you can do on your own. Not only can you miss important signs of damage that can make your home unsafe to occupy, but you can also endanger yourself when trying to work with damaged materials or areas in your home. 
• A licensed and insured restoration company in your area can help restore the effects of a fire. Unlike ordinary home contractors, the best fire damage restoration experts specialize in finding and repairing damage rather than just improving your home's appearance.
• Smoke and fire restoration professionals will visit your home as soon as possible after you contact them. They understand that the longer they wait to visit and assess your property, the more advanced the damage becomes. This makes it more difficult for them to reverse the effects of a fire in your home. 
• After an initial inspection, the contractor’s team will remove your personal belongings and salvage what they can. They will then begin the repair process and communicate it to you, working quickly to prevent damage like smoke stains from getting worse.

Contact Us for Emergency Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration in Sandy Springs, GA

Don't know what to do next? We do. Call ServiceMaster by LoveJoy at (678) 293-0297 for fire damage restoration services. You may also connect with us online to schedule an appointment. Our wide range of fire damage restoration services includes residential and commercial fire repair services, smoke and soot removal, and content cleaning. 

• Georgia's trusted general contractor since 1999
• Locally owned and operated with national resources
• Licensed and fully bonded technicians
• Advanced training and technology

Our efficient and qualified fire restoration and repair experts have the experience and know-how to handle any problem due to a fire. Give us a call today! 

Garden Hills Property Damage Restoration & Cleaning

 

Comprehensive Water, Flood, Mold & Fire Cleanup, Restoration & Repair Services

Disasters, whether natural or manmade, can leave devastating damages in their aftermath. When the unforeseen happens, it is for your best benefit to rely on a dependable company to mitigate losses. ServiceMaster by LoveJoy works around the clock to provide professional mitigation services to residential and commercial properties in Garden Hills, Georgia and surrounding areas. For over 25 years, we are the trusted leader in water damage restoration, fire damage restoration, mold remediation and cleaning. 

ServiceMaster by LoveJoy is recognized by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), an organization which maintains a standard of professionalism in the industry. Our technicians are licensed, certified and fully bonded and utilize state-of-the-art equipment and cleaning materials to serve our customers better. We work closely with some of the top insurance carriers in the state of Georgia, helping policyholders navigate the uncertainty after a disaster strikes.

Call ServiceMaster in Garden Hills, Georgia at (770) 983-6665 or message us online to schedule an appointment.

Free Onsite Inspection and Estimate

Our certified Estimator or Project Manager will conduct a comprehensive assessment of the damaged area, create a plan customized according to the customer's needs and budget and work around the specified schedule to bring the property back to pre-loss condition after fire, water, storm or mold damage.

We provide restoration and repair services to all types of properties, including, but not limited to:

• Apartment Complexes
• Churches
• Condominiums
• Hotels and Resorts
• Medical Facilities
• Office Buildings
• Restaurants
• Schools and Educational Facilities
• Small and Large Homes
• Restaurants
• Warehouses and Other Industrial Properties

Don't Know What to Do Next? We Do. 

Call ServiceMaster by LoveJoy at (770) 983-6665 or connect with us online to schedule an appointment in Garden Hills, Georgia. Our Emergency Response Team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

West Paces Ferry/Northside Property Damage Restoration

 

Comprehensive Water, Flood, Mold & Fire Cleanup, Restoration & Repair Services in West Paces Ferry / Northside, Georgia

ServiceMaster by LoveJoy is a full-service property damage restoration and cleaning company servicing clients in West Paces Ferry/Northside, Georgia and the surrounding areas. We offer a wide range of residential and commercial restoration and cleaning services following water, fire, storm and mold damage.

Our expertise and professionalism have been trusted by customers across West Paces Ferry/Northside, Georgia for over 25 years. ServiceMaster by LoveJoy is certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification, meeting and upholding globally recognized standards that give us a competitive edge over other restoration companies in the area. Our team of licensed, certified and fully bonded technicians have the experience, skill and equipment to restore residential and commercial properties fast.

Contact ServiceMaster in West Paces Ferry/Northside, Georgia at (770) 983-6665 or message us online to schedule an appointment.

Preferred by Insurance Companies in Georgia

Whether the problem is water, fire, mold, or a combination of all three, ServiceMaster by LoveJoy solves residential and commercial disasters quickly. Our staff is continuously equipped with the latest disaster restoration techniques, procedures and best practices with Continuing Education (CE) course options from ServiceMaster Restore.

We Offer Free Inspections and Estimates

ServiceMaster by LoveJoy certified estimators perform thorough inspections and assessments, create customized plans and begin restoration projects right away. We evaluate client needs and budgets and work around busy schedules.

We provide restoration and repair services to all types of properties, including, but not limited to:

• Apartment Complexes
• Churches
• Condominiums
• Hotels and Resorts
• Medical Facilities
• Office Buildings
• Restaurants
• Schools and Educational Facilities
• Small and Large Homes
• Restaurants
• Warehouses and Other Industrial Properties

Don't Know What to Do Next? We Do. 

Our Emergency Response Team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call ServiceMaster by LoveJoy at (770) 983-6665 or connect with us online to schedule an appointment in West Paces Ferry/Northside, Georgia.

What You Need to Know About Water Damage Insurance Claims

Water damage incidents at home could prove stressful. The Insurance Information Institute reports that one of the most common causes of home insurance claims is water damage, coming second to wind and hail damage claims. Dealing with the insurance claim process can be overwhelming, but you are not alone.

ServiceMaster by LoveJoy has compiled some water damage insurance claim tips to help you understand the claims process better and keep the stress to a minimum.

What Types of Water Damage is Commonly Covered by Home Insurance?

Standard homeowners insurance covers the following types of water damage:

• Accidental or sudden water discharge, such as burst pipes
• Water overflow as a result of faulty appliances
• Water damage as a result of severe weather, such as roof damage from fallen trees during a storm

However, standard home insurance policies do not usually cover the following:

• Flood damage
• Gradual damage as a result of poor routine maintenance, such as a leaky toilet or pipe
• Septic back-up, sewer back-up and sump-pump overflow

Take note that basic homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage and other types of water damage, so it is a proactive step to purchase a separate flood insurance policy as well as coverage for broken pipes, failed drainage tiles or sewer backup. You can learn more about flood insurance claims process.

Before Filing an Insurance Claim

Take these steps before you file a claim to make sure that no further damage happens to your property.

• Ensure the safety of the people inside your home
• Shut off the main water supply to avoid further damage
• Remove all surviving valuables from the water-damaged area
• Prevent water entry by boarding up doors or windows
• Remove standing water if it is safe to do so
• Dry the affected area as best as you can
• Document the damage through photos or videos

Minor damages still require the services of a trusted water damage restoration company to take precautions to ensure that further damage doesn't happen to the affected area.

Don'ts When Filing a Water Damage Insurance Claim

Throwing damaged items away

• The insurance company will analyze the evidence of your water damage claim during the inspection process, so do not throw away damaged items unless you have received a written authorization from the insurance company.
• Disposing of these items may mean that you will not be compensated for them during your claims process.

Making repairs before you have the approval

• Beginning repairs without prior approval from your insurance company will put you at risk of not having these repairs covered.

Using the vendors suggested by the insurance company

• While the insurance company may present a list of the vendors they work with, it's important to perform your own research to find a company that is best equipped for the job, has extensive experience, and is reliable, such as ServiceMaster by LoveJoy.

How to File a Water Damage Insurance Claim

Here are the steps to filing a water damage insurance claim:

1. Review the declarations page of your homeowners or renters insurance policy to check your coverage, deductibles, limitations, exclusions and filing deadlines.
2. Document the damage (photos, videos, etc.) before any cleanup or restoration work.
3. Once the affected area has been inspected, hire a professional restoration company like ServiceMaster by LoveJoy for assessments, estimates and restoration. We will perform complete water extraction, drying and dehumidification, pack-out and content storage, board-up and mold remediation as necessary.
4. Request written estimates at each stage of the process to provide to your insurance agency.
5. Gather necessary information needed to file a claim, including, but not limited, to:
   • Date and location of the damage
   • Contact information of the property owner or your contact information if you do not own the property
   • Cleanup and restoration estimates
   • Receipts for cleanup, repairs, lodging and meals if your home is uninhabitable or if you have to leave before or during cleanup and repair, and other related costs
   • A complete list of all damaged items and building materials
6. Keep a detailed record of every contact or communication you've made with the insurance company. Include the date and time of the call, the name of the representative, and a short description of your conversation. Keep copies of written communication with the insurance company, including files for digital communication like emails.

You will be contacted within a couple of days after you have filed your water damage claim. You will be provided with a detailed description of the process, including your responsibilities and documentation you need to complete. After this is done, your claim will undergo investigation. Upon approval, you will receive reimbursement for the damaged property and a direct payment to the company in charge of the restoration work.

What Will Cause Coverage to be Denied in a Water Damage Insurance Claim?

• In most cases, your claim may be denied because your policy may not have had the coverage necessary to cover the damage that has happened to your home. You will have to clarify why that certain coverage was not added to your policy.
• If the coverage you need is not offered by your current company, you may consider switching to another company who provides that coverage for future purposes.
• You may ask your insurance agent or a licensed professional for a review if you are still confused why your claim was denied or why an item was not covered. It will help you become more informed about how insurance policies work even if you may not receive any compensation.
• If you performed proactive steps before the water damage event happened, such as practicing regular maintenance, mitigating damages, or preventing the damage from becoming a bigger problem, and the insurance company claims otherwise, ask for a review or a second opinion. Evidence will be required, so prepare your receipts and communications saved to support your claims.
• Insurance adjusters, agents and contractors each have different roles in the claims process. Clarify things to better understand who issued the decision, why the claim was denied and ask for a formal decision in written form for your records.

Avoiding a Denied Water Damage Claim

Take the following steps to ensure the likelihood of your claim being approved in the future.

• Ensuring that you understand policy exclusions and that your homeowners insurance policy has the coverage you need
• Performing regular home maintenance to avoid costly expenses in the future
• Keeping a record of repairs done in your home in case of another disaster
• Hiring a professional like ServiceMaster by LoveJoy to prevent further problems

Make an Appointment With a Trusted Professional in Georgia

If your water damage emergency can't wait, ServiceMaster by LoveJoy is on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. We service residential and commercial properties in Atlanta, Roswell , Sandy Springs, Marietta, Decatur, Stockbridge, Conyers, McDonough, Stone Mountain, Covington, Social Circle, Dekalb County, Fulton County, Georgia and surrounding areas.

• Contact us at (678) 293-0297 for customers near Conyers, GA, and (770) 983-6665 for customers near Roswell, GA.
• We offer a FREE inspection and estimate.
• You may connect with us online to schedule an appointment.
• Check our offices in these areas:

Conyers, GA: 700 Blacklawn Road Southwest Conyers, GA 30012
Covington, GA: 4905 Highway 20, Covington, GA 30016

Comprehensive Water, Flood, Mold & Fire Cleanup, Restoration & Repairs in Carey Park

Disasters can strike anytime and anywhere. Rely on a solid company to provide restoration and cleaning services. For over 25 years, ServiceMaster by LoveJoy has delivered premier water, fire and mold remediation services to Carey Park, Georgia and the surrounding areas. We are a locally owned and operated full-service restoration and specialty cleaning company, backed by a national network of 1,900 franchises, committed to rebuilding and restoring our communities after disasters strike.

ServiceMaster by LoveJoy is an IICRC-certified firm servicing Carey Park, GA with licensed and fully bonded restoration specialists who are extensively familiar with the latest procedures and industry practices. Our team is equipped with the experience, skill and toolset to deliver top-tier restoration services to customers. We work closely with the leading insurance companies in Georgia to help policyholders navigate the uncertainty after water, fire and mold damage events.

For additional information, call ServiceMaster by LoveJoy in Carey Park at (770) 992-1575 or connect with us online to schedule an appointment.

We Offer FREE Inspections and Estimates

ServiceMaster by LoveJoy’s services always start with a free on-site inspection and assessment conducted by a certified Estimator. After a comprehensive assessment of the area damaged by fire, water or mold, we work with clients to create customized cleaning and restoration plans suited to unique needs, schedules and budgets. Our technicians offer advice and deliver constant project updates.

We provide restoration and repair services to all types of properties, including, but not limited to:

• Apartment Complexes
• Churches
• Condominiums
• Hotels and Resorts
• Medical Facilities
• Office Buildings
• Restaurants
• Schools and Educational Facilities
• Small and Large Homes
• Restaurants
• Warehouses and Other Industrial Properties

Don't Know What to Do Next? We Do.

Call ServiceMaster by LoveJoy of Carey Park, Georgia today at (770) 992-1575 or connect with us online to schedule a free inspection and assessment. Our Emergency Response Team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.