Catastrophic Restoration Specialists

3/31/2023 (Permalink)

When your commercial property is suddenly hit with damage due to a storm, flood, fire or other disaster, it can leave you, your employees and customers in shock. It’s important to know that you have professional large-loss specialists to handle the restoration process as quickly as possible so that you can get back to business. SERVPRO’s Disaster Recovery Team is an elite team of highly trained technicians. We’re strategically located and prequalified to respond Faster to any size disaster.  

Your Business and Water Do Not Mix

3/27/2023 (Permalink)

No matter the cause of flooding, water damage can have a detrimental effect on your commercial building. Whether a pipe burst in a bathroom overnight or floodwaters from torrential rains caused your building’s basement to flood, you may believe that since the damage is already done, there is no rush to have the water drained. However, floodwater can cause damage quicker than you might think, and there are several benefits to having it removed as soon as possible.

1. Mold Can Form Rapidly After a Flood

The environment indoors changes quickly after a flood. Water might be absorbed by carpeting and drywall, which can increase a room’s humidity. In fact, humid conditions can contribute to mold growth and cause this fungus to grow as soon as 24 hours after a flood. Having a professional water damage and mold remediation company come in right away to drain away flood waters and perform mold cleanup may reduce overall repair costs.

2. Humidity May Warp Wood

After a flood, the humidity that builds indoors can cause any wooden building materials to warp if mitigation does not take place within at least a day or two. If standing water is not removed, it can increase the amount of water vapor in the air and cause considerable damage to wooden furniture, molding or flooring. It is wise to remove furniture as soon as it is safe to do so and store it in a cool, dry room, away from sunlight, until affected rooms are repaired and restored.

3. Clean Water Floods Can Cause Damage

If flooding in your building was caused by a plumbing mishap, the results can be just as detrimental. For example, if a pipe burst in the break room, the water can affect electrical systems and equipment or short them out, which can increase the risk of fire. Draining away standing water can reduce these potential hazards.

Flooding in your commercial building can create a variety of problems for you as a business owner. However, whether the flooding was caused by a pipe burst or by a storm, acting quickly can prevent the worst of the damage and lower repair costs. SERVPRO is always here to help! We are here to make it "Like it never even happened," for you!

We Can Help You With Your Storm Damage

3/22/2023 (Permalink)

When disaster happens you can depend on SERVPRO to have the resources you need. We don't tell our customers that call in that we are too busy. We are Ready For What Ever Happens! We have the training, equipment, and vehicles ready to head out whenever the time calls to help our community. Our team of trained professionals helps with mitigation to reconstruction. We give you information and tips to help minimize damage and keep the storms away. We can't stop a storm or tornado from happening, but we are here to help when it does. Take the time now while there is no threat of rain to prepare for future storms.

Why Do You Need to Act Fast?

You need to act quickly when storm damage strikes. The cleanup process should begin as soon as possible because the longer you wait, the more damage will result. Our Certified Technicians with our IICRC Team will perform every step to get you back on track!

Appliance Fires

3/8/2023 (Permalink)

Most of us use household appliances on a daily basis. After all, these machines help to improve our lives with convenience and efficiency. Whether it be a washer and dryer, stove, dishwasher, refrigerator, or other cooking appliances, these items are used routinely. Although convenient, these machines can often malfunction and lead to home or apartment fires. Even so, these fires often happen while a homeowner is away and leaves an appliance running or leaves a cooking appliance unattended. SERVPRO can be there to restore a commercial or residential property following fire and smoke damage and is always Here to help. To prevent a possible fire due to a household appliance and protect your property, here are three things you can do.  

1. Never leave an appliance running while away. Coming home to clean dishes from the dishwasher may sound nice after being away, but electrical issues may stem from heating elements which can cause fire. 
2. Do not overload your washer or dryer, and always make sure to clean out the lint trap. 
3. Never leave heated cookware on overnight such as crockpots. Use of these appliances should be supervised in case of a heating element or wiring malfunction.  

Damage from a Leaking Toilet

3/1/2023 (Permalink)

A toilet leaking or overflowing can lead to water damage and possible containments in your residential or commercial space. A situation like this requires swift action and the right team doing the job. Luckily, SERVPRO offers emergency services 24 hours a day and is committed to making a fire, water or storm disaster “Like it never even happened.”   

There are various reasons why a toilet may leak, and steps should be taken immediately to prevent further damage. The supply line, which brings new water into the tank and is part of the flush mechanism, may become worn or cracked which leads to leaking. A malfunctioning flapper or valve could also be the culprit. If this happens in your property, make sure to turn off the water supply to prevent further damage. This can be found behind the metal supply line with the valve near the wall's connection point. Then, remove all the water from the tank.   

Our SERVPRO team has the skills needed to handle a job of this type. We are able to safely clean an affected area and restore it after damage. We are here to help! 

Don’t Forget That We Clean Carpets!

2/27/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is a trusted name in carpet cleaning services. You may not know that, because we are known for being the number 1 choice in cleanup in restoration. 
Your home or business carpets get the most use and abuse. You can keep your carpet looking good for years with carpet cleaning services from SERVPRO.

A professional carpet cleaning can remove deep down dirt and grime to keep your carpet looking it’s best and extend the lifespan. Our technicians use their knowledge and experience to clean the dust, dirt, pet hair and daily traffic from your carpet or upholstery. We use a variety of cleaning methods that is tailored to each situation. Our goal is to clean and restore your carpet to its original appearance. 

Driving In A Storm

2/22/2023 (Permalink)

Since we are entering into spring showers and severe storm weather season, here is a refresher on driving in the rain!

Did you know nearly half (47%) of all weather-related car accidents — more than 700,000 a year — are due to rain? Read below for our tips on how to drive safely in the rain.

Here are 10 tips for driving in the rain:

Step 1. Exercise caution. Engine oil and grease build-up on roads and highways over time, and when combined with precipitation, you’ve got the equivalent of an automotive Slip ‘N Slide.

Step 2. Slow down. Wet pavement causes tires to lose traction and vehicles become more difficult to handle.

Step 3. Use headlights. Always use headlights in the rain – even if it’s just a sprinkle. Headlights help you see and be seen in wet weather.

Step 4. Keep your windshield wipers in tip-top shape. Summer can wreak havoc on your blades, so get them checked before fall’s showers arrive.

Step 5. Defog your windows. Precipitation can cause your windshield to quickly fog up, so use the front and rear defrosters to maximize visibility.

Step 6. Avoid pooling water. By splashing through puddles you can impair your vision and other drivers’. Additionally, standing water often shields potholes and debris from view and it can reduce the effectiveness of your vehicle’s brakes.

Step 7. If your car begins to hydroplane, do not brake or turn the wheel abruptly as this may cause your vehicle to go into a skid or spin. Take your foot off the gas and keep the wheel straight until your car reclaims traction.

Step 8. Increase your following distance. Slick roads, wet brakes and reduced visibility can lead to collisions. Give other vehicles plenty of room and brake early with reduced force.

Step 9. Don’t use cruise control. It can cause your car to accelerate when hydroplaning and reduces driver attentiveness.

Step 10. Drive in the tracks of the car in front of you. This allows the vehicle ahead to displace any standing water that’s on the road.

By employing these safe driving techniques you can keep yourself and your passengers safe during spring drizzles and downpours. Rainy roads can be dangerous, but if we all slow down and use extra caution, rainy days might actually be a little brighter.

Smelly Office?

2/21/2023 (Permalink)

How many times have you walked into the kitchen at work and it smells like burnt death?  Someone cooked something that lingers but you are pretty sure they cooked up some sort of roadkill or tried to burn the building down.  Did you know that SERVPRO can get rid of those and many other smells for you? 

Trained Experts

As experts in deodorization, SERVPRO Professionals are trained to identify and eliminate offensive odors. These odors can come from a number of sources both inside and outside a structure.

SERVPRO teaches IICRC technical classes in the proper removal of odors. Masking and other shortcuts don't work when your odor problem is serious or persistent.

We have the training and equipment to identify and eliminate these offensive odors. By identifying the cause of the odor and determining the conditions in which it contacts any surfaces, the odor can often be removed over time without a trace. Our technicians have access to several odor-removal products.

The science of identifying and eliminating odors can be a tricky thing, so give us a call, and leave the restoration to us.

Fire and Smoke Damage Do's and Don'ts

2/15/2023 (Permalink)

While fire damage restoration is better left in the hands of professionals, there are some things you can do on your own. Take note, however, that DIY fire restoration is something you want to do only when the severity of the fire and smoke damage is small.

Fire damage can be a devastating experience both for home and business owners. Fire damage is difficult to overcome and repair, but there are simple things you can do to motivate the process. When you’re wondering what to do after a fire, here’s a look at things to do (and things not to do) during the fire restoration process.

DOS FOR FIRE DAMAGE RESTORATION

Your checklist for after a fire should contain certain non-negotiable tasks, including:

• DO contact a certified restoration specialist: Make sure you immediately contact a certified fire and smoke restoration professional for remediation services.
• DO turn off utilities: Turn of water, electricity, gas, and any other utilities until a professional can evaluate if any of these systems were damaged during the fire.
• DO break out the vacuum: A professional should provide service, but you can enhance the professional’s chances of success by doing the first pass on your own. Use a vacuum with a brush attachment and go over your upholstered furniture. Your furniture will look better as soon as the soot is removed. Also, cover your furniture with a sheet if you need to sit on it while waiting for professional help. This will prevent the soot and ash from grinding into your upholstery.
• DO address your carpets, floors, and countertops: Give similar treatment to your carpets. Vacuum them for an immediate and superficial improvement over the damaged state. It will help prevent soot from grinding deeper into the carpet’s roots. Countertops and hardwood floors should be wiped clean to prevent the soot from deeply staining and clinging to the surfaces.
• DO check your appliances: Your utilities should be off. Make sure to empty your freezer and refrigerator, and leave the doors open to prevent mold and mildew. Likewise, winterize your plumbing and drain your hot water heater and boiler. In the absence of heat during the fire damage restoration process, fluids can freeze and cause burst pipes and other damage.
• DO take care of pets: Remove pets from your fire-damaged home. Lingering soot and smoke can be harmful to them.

DON’TS FOR FIRE DAMAGE RESTORATION

Your checklist should also include several things to avoid at all times, including:

• DON’T use your AC, heater or electronics: Wait until a professional arrives on the scene — same with electronics like the television, computers and DVD players. Turning on electronics can create greater damage.
• DON’T clean walls or clothing: Also, do not clean walls, ceilings and other similar surfaces, and wait to clean your clothing and similar garments. A professional should examine them first and provide advice.
• DON’T eat leftover food: Never eat anything that was in the home during the fire. It is most likely not safe to consume due to contamination from smoke, soot, or contaminants introduced to the environment when the fire was being extinguished.
• DON’T wipe away powder from extinguishers: Forgo trying to clean up any staining from the powder discharged by a fire extinguisher. It is best to let professionals guide the cleanup of these areas.

ALWAYS CALL AN EXPERT

If you’re wondering what to do after a fire, it’s always tempting to start the cleanup process immediately, and do as much as possible. The best course of action is to hire a certified professional, like those at SERVPRO, to provide expert knowledge and service. The situation requires specialized tools and knowledge that only a professional can provide. A trusted professional will offer an after-fire checklist that will help speed along the fire and smoke damage cleanup process. Consulting a professional will help you restore your property back to like-new condition as quickly as possible.

Why is there water in my basement?

2/6/2023 (Permalink)

You walk down to the basement and turn on the lights — and you see water coming in. This is a challenge that is most likely to occur during springtime, so don’t be surprised if you have this experience in March, April or May when the weather is rainiest. This can happen in an unfinished basement, but cleanup and the related challenges are even more intensive when you have a wet basement that’s also finished with wet carpet, wood or tile.

When you do have water coming in a basement, it is important first to identify the reason for a wet basement floor — which will help you prevent it from happening again. It is equally as important to know how to clean up water in a basement so there’s no lasting damage.

REASONS YOU SEE WATER IN YOUR BASEMENT

When you have water coming in a basement, there is a long list of places to check for the leak. Here is what you should look for first:

• Window Well: It is always nice to have windows in your basement, so you can enjoy a little bit of natural light. Groundwater and rainwater can accumulate, though, and make it more difficult for the integrity of your window wells to hold up. Examine your window wells for signs of leaks, and also check your gutters and downspouts. Overflowing gutters and downspouts can often lead to leaky window wells as water collects around the foundation of your house.
• Honeycomb: If poorly mixed concrete was used to create your basement walls, honeycomb-like air pockets could form and allow water to leak in. You should be able to see these honeycomb formations, and they are relatively easy to treat as part of your basement waterproofing process.
• Water Pipe Conduits: Water pipes need holes to get into your basement. These holes are typically sealed with a water plug, but those plugs only go so deep — about two inches on average. There may be a gap between the plug and the opening that allows for water to gather and leak into your basement.
• Floor Drains: Water backups related to your own drain system or even the municipal water supply may lead to flooding up through your floor drain. Your basement’s waterproofing system should include a filter that draws this type of water away from your home. If you have one, and you are still experiencing water backups in your basement, it may be time to have the system serviced and checked for problems.
• Wall Leaks: This is a challenge mostly in older homes. Water gathers in low spots after the soil settles over time. This lower settling level allows for water to begin leaking over the top of the wall of your basement. Water may also leak in through cracks in the middle of your walls, which is one of the more severe basement leaks. Middle-of-the-wall leaks appear because of massive pressure buildups in the ground and water pushing against the wall over time.
• Sewer Pipes: Smaller sewer pipe leaks are the most difficult to deal with because they can go undetected for so long. You may first notice a sewer pipe leak of this variety by seeing stains on walls below the drain, ceiling staining or even signs of mold formation.
• Floor Cracks: Basement floor cracks are often the result of a home settling over time. As your home settles, water begins to collect in spaces underground, applying pressure to your basement floor. Water can then leak into your basement through these cracks, or it can even enter as humidity that creates mold and mildew.
• Sump Pumps: Sump pumps can fail for a number of reasons, including but not limited to poor installation, maintenance needs, clogged or frozen discharge lines, power failure, etc. A backup sump pump can help prevent leaking in most cases.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU CALL A PRO

A professional can arrive at your home, assess the damage and make recommendations about the best course of action. A professional also has the experience and tools needed to navigate the situation safely and ensure you get the quickest, most effective solutions for your unique situation. Not only will SERVPRO know how to dry a wet basement, but they can also provide solutions that help prevent future issues and long-term damage.