Embracing the Beauty of Spring: Protecting Your Home from Seasonal Challenges

3/6/2024 (Permalink)

Heavy spring showers can bring lots of unwanted water. If any water causes interior home damage, call your local SERVPRO.

As the cold grip of winter gradually loosens, nature awakens with vibrant colors and the sweet scent of blossoming flowers. Spring is a season of renewal, but it also brings its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to potential damage to our homes. In this blog post, we will explore the unique weather patterns of spring and offer valuable tips to safeguard your home against the seasonal elements.

One of the hallmark features of spring is the increase in rainfall. While rain is essential for nourishing the earth, it can pose a threat to our homes if not managed properly. Ensure that your gutters and downspouts are clear of debris, allowing rainwater to flow away from your home's foundation. Consider installing a sump pump in the basement to prevent flooding, and inspect your roof for any leaks that may have developed during the winter months.

The combination of warmer temperatures and increased moisture creates an ideal environment for mold and mildew growth. Inspect your home for any signs of water damage, such as discolored walls or musty odors. Proper ventilation in bathrooms, basements, and attics can help reduce humidity levels and discourage mold formation. Clean and repair any damaged caulking or seals around windows and doors to prevent water infiltration.

Spring is notorious for unpredictable weather, including sudden hailstorms. These ice pellets can cause significant damage to roofs, windows, and siding. Consider investing in impact-resistant roofing materials and reinforced windows to mitigate the impact of hail. Regularly inspect your roof for signs of damage, such as missing or loose shingles, and address any issues promptly.

Spring is a season of rejuvenation and growth, but it also requires homeowners to be proactive in protecting their properties from potential weather-related damage. By taking the time to inspect and address vulnerable areas of your home, you can enjoy the beauty of spring without the worry of costly repairs. Embrace the season with confidence, knowing that your home is prepared to weather the elements. Should you experience any sort of storm damage, call your local SERVPRO. 

Cold Weather's Assault on Your Pipes

1/4/2024 (Permalink)

A burst pipe has caused damage to this man's wall and hardwood flooring as he calls SERVPRO for help.

As winter weather swings into full force, homeowners often focus on protecting their properties from snow and ice, overlooking a huge threat—cold weather-related water damage. Freezing temperatures can wreak havoc on pipes, causing them to freeze and potentially burst. The expanding ice within pipes exerts immense pressure, leading to cracks and leaks upon thawing. This damage can go unnoticed until water seeps into walls, ceilings, and insulation, causing structural issues and mold growth. To safeguard your home, insulate pipes, seal gaps in doors and windows, and maintain a consistent heating regimen. Prevention is key to combatting cold weather's subtle but destructive impact on your property's water infrastructure. Should you have a pipe burst, call your local SERVPRO at 704-793-1488.

What is Concord’s Risk of Flood Damage?

1/11/2022 (Permalink)

This is the most important map of your day. Memorise it in case we get hit with an EMP.

Floods can be some of the most rapid and damaging natural disaster that can happen pretty much anywhere there is standing or running water. However, not all neighborhoods are the same when it comes to flooding. If you live near a lake or a creek, you’re obviously more vulnerable to flood damage, but flood zones can stretch far further than the border of the water formation!

If you would like to find out what your risk of flooding is, follow this link and punch in your address: Concord Flood Map.

Regardless of what you find out your risk to be, know that SERVPRO of South Cabarrus is ready and available to arrive on the scene if your home is damaged by a flood. We’re IICRC-certified in water damage cleanup and restoration!

Turn off your Pipes!

1/11/2022 (Permalink)

Those are some nice pipes you've got there. It'd be a shame if something happened to them!

Winter Weather is coming weekly at this point, which means it’s finally actually Wintertime. (No more of that false winter we get each year!) That also means it’s time to make sure the pipes that lead to your garden hose are turned off. When the temperature gets too low, the water left inside them (there’s always some unless it’s turned off and drained) can freeze, causing it to expand (water is less dense as a solid than a liquid, unlike most elements!), and bursting those pipes, causing a flood.

Floods are no fun--just ask anyone who’s woken up to a swimming pool in his basement! Prevent that headache by turning off those pipes while you still have the chance, otherwise you’ll need to hire a plumber and SERVPRO to come clean things up.

We all Love Water, but not when it causes Mold!

1/11/2022 (Permalink)

Mold can be dangerous and cause health effects in some cases

Black Mold is more than just a smelly eyesore--it can be hazardous to our health! Numerous issues can arise from living in a home with copious amounts of mold or working in a business with a similar mold problem. People who go from living in a home infested with mold to a home that’s been properly cleaned and restored are often shocked at how much better they feel afterwards! SERVPRO of North Rowan is IICRC-certified in mold remediation, and we adhere to the industry’s professional standards for the entire process.

But what if your home isn’t growing black mold… yet? One important way to prevent it from ever happening is to handle standing water and water damage in general as soon as it happens, and verifying it’s entirely cleaned up so that black mold never gets a chance to take root. Good news! SERVPRO of North Rowan is also IICRC-certified to handle water damage cleaning and restoration! No matter what you need, SERVPRO’s got you covered! 

When your House has a Flood, you Need Cleanup FAST!

1/11/2022 (Permalink)

Me and the boys going down to the basement to get a can of beans from the cellar

When your basement floods from a burst pipe, or your bathroom floods due to an overflowing toilet, or your living room floods due to a tub spilling over into the upstairs shower room, you need to act fast.

Some things can be ignored and avoided, like a searing pain in your chest, your car rattling and shaking, or frequently coughing up blood, but you can’t ignore and avoid a flood in your home or business. It takes quick action from experienced professionals to avoid permanent water damage in your floors, ceilings, walls, and furniture, otherwise the damage might be irreparable, and you might end up with a mold problem.

Both of these issues can be handled by SERVPRO of South Cabarrus, so if you find your home flooded, call us today!

How to Clean Furniture after Flooding

10/25/2021 (Permalink)

Why would someone buy a painting like this?

If you’ve just been the unfortunate victim of a flooding incident in your home, you likely know you need to call a restoration company. If you’re reading this blog post, you likely also know you should call SERVPRO of South Cabarrus. However, you may not know what you should do with your furniture while you’re waiting for the cavalry.
First thing’s first--do NOT enter any room with standing water until you can verify there aren’t any electrical hazards in there. We can fix your house; we cannot fix you! Once you’re certain the pathway there is safe, go turn off the circuit breaker in the wet areas of the building.
Now, the next step should be obvious, but in stressful situations, you might forget to do it (I wouldn’t, but you might): turn off the water source, if it’s still running. You can’t bail water until you patch the hull!
Then, move all fragile/sensitive items (art, electronics, upholstery) out of the room, and start mopping! (But only if it’s clean water. If it’s biowaste, stay the heck outta there!)
Finally, get some fresh air and have a diet soda, and we’ll be there in a few hours to rescue your home from the ole menace, dihydrogen monoxide. You’ve done your part, now let us do ours.

A tree fell on your house, what's next?

2/18/2021 (Permalink)

Do you know what to do if a tree falls on your home? After evacuating and calling the authorities and your insurance, who would you call first? It is often suggested to call a tree removal service, a plumber, a roofer, and an electrician. If you contact us first and we can find all of them for you. We don't stop there either. We have a pack-out system each technician is trained to follow. Your belongings are well taken care of and secured until your home is repaired, and we can pack your things back into the home exactly where we got them from. Our priority is to take the stress of this loss off your shoulders. If you experience a tree crashing through your roof, contact us, and we will make it "Like it never even happened."

Step to take after your pipe bursts.

12/9/2020 (Permalink)

Owning a home is a considerable expense, especially if the house is older. Having a pipe burst in your home is also considerably expensive. The water damage from a pipe bursting is extensive! Your possessions can be ruined, and if not cleaned up quickly and adequately, your health could be at risk. If a pipe should burst in your home, your first step should be to turn off the water to the house. This should be done especially if you are unsure of exactly where the water is coming from. The few places you can turn your water off are under the sink, behind the toilet, or outside of your home under the main water shut off lid typically found in the yard. If you set up a free Emergency Ready Plan with SERVPRO, we offer Emergency Shut Off Valve tags so that everyone knows where these shutoffs are. After turning off the main water supply and the water heater, drain the pipes by running the hot and cold water separately.
Make sure to flush the toilets to clear their waterline as well. Once all the lines are cleared, the leak will also stop. Your next move should be to locate where the leak is coming from. If you can repair it yourself, that is great; otherwise, call your plumber that was listed in your Emergency Ready Plan you put together with SERVPRO. Last but not least, to save all of your valuable items and the structure of your home as well as maintaining your health, call SERVPRO, your professional drying crew. Trying to dry your things with a fan or open windows is an open invitation to mold and mildew. SERVPRO will take the water damage caused by a burst pipe “Like it never even happened.”

How to know when your pipes may freeze.

12/7/2020 (Permalink)

Freezing pipes are a common inconvenience during the winter months. Your home's insulation typically protects your pipes from the freezing temperatures outside your home. This means that even though it is 32 degrees outside does not mean your pipes will freeze necessarily. It's important to know that 32 degrees Fahrenheit is the freezing temperature of water. House pipes begin to freeze when it is at least 20 degrees out for a total of at least six hours consecutively. Depending on the house's geographical location and how deep inside your home your pipes are, some pipes are preinsulated to handle colder temperatures. For example, a house in Michigan will have better-insulated pipes than a house in Florida. All of these factors can be used to calculate how long it could take your pipes to freeze, allowing you just enough time to run to a hardware store to buy pipes insulation.

If your pipes burst, call SERVPRO of South Cabarrus County, and we will work hard to make it "Like it never even happened."

Water Damage from a fire loss

7/24/2020 (Permalink)

If you've ever experienced a fire loss in your home then you know water damage comes with that. You may wonder how or why the damage can sometimes be pretty extensive. To answer that question, it is because when the fire department enters your home during a fire they bring their hoses. They spray in the general area of the fire and usually, they try to tarp off some of your items to avoid damage. Of course with nearly 900 pounds of water spraying out its nearly impossible to keep it all in one single area. Water travels freely and will flow through any porous material it can. With insurance, most broken items are covered and will be replaced therefore there is no reason to stress over any broken items. 

Vapor Diffusion

7/15/2020 (Permalink)

The movement of water vapor through vapor-permeable materials is the definition of Water Vapor Diffusion. Vapor diffusion happens through a solid material even when the material has no holes. A typical example of vapor diffusion occurs when a material separates two zones, such as sheetrock. Moisture will diffuse through drywall if one side of the wall is arid, but the other side is very damp. Sheetrock acts like a sponge if it is left in a highly moisturized area. If a room is dry, a sharp knife could easily cut through sheetrock and snap it; however, if a room is humid or damp, the sheetrock absorbs that moisture and becomes limp, much like a noodle. The difference in vapor pressure on either side of the wall could be the driving force for vapor diffusion. Moisture will look for dry areas to invade by diffusing through sheetrock from a damp region to a dry area on the other side of the sheetrock.

Water under tile

7/15/2020 (Permalink)

What happens when water gets under tile? If water gets under tile and goes unnoticed, mold could quickly begin to grow. If you notice any gaps in the grout, moisture may have already traveled under the tile. In some cases, the water can actually pop the tiles out of place. If you have noticed this happen, your best course of action is to notify your insurance you have a water and mold loss. Once your insurance has been notified and gives you approval to begin mitigation, calling us will ensure the repairs are done correctly. If no mold is detected, the drying process is much easier. We set dehumidifiers and air movers to draw out the moisture. If there is excessive mold, we remove the tiles, clean the mold, and begin a drying process to be certain the ground is dry before replacing the tiles. If the tiles are on a slab, we use a non-penetrating meter to determine if the concrete is still wet. If the tile is on a subfloor, a penetrating meter better detects moisture in wood at various levels. Do not let water or significant moisture sit for longer than 24 hours as mold can begin to grow, and mold spores may cause health effects.

What happens to sheetrock?

7/13/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage is a common reason for drywall replacement. Although sheetrock is a lowcost and versatile material, it is not water-resistant. Under certain circumstances, sheetrock can withstand limited amounts of water. If sheetrock needs to be replaced, it should be done by professionals. Replacing sheetrock in a house does not affect the structure of the home and can be done without any consequences. Some examples of different possible scenarios are:

-Minor incidents, which would be if an appliance has a small leak that you noticed quickly. This means the water did not get absorbed into the sheetrock and was wiped dry with absorbent towels. It is important to point a fan at the affected area and run it for at least 24 hours to ensure dryness.

-Heavy soaking, which would be if a room floods and the water has moved into other rooms. In a case like this, the sheetrock would have absorbed a significant amount of water and will likely need to be replaced. Once sheetrock has been penetrated by water and is then dried, the gypsum core loses its ability to be totally solid and will crumble easily. It will be evident that the sheetrock needs to be replaced by signs of sagging, bulging, collapsing, or any other form of warping.

-Mold contamination is occasionally noticeable immediately. In many other cases, mold will not be detectable until a portion of the sheetrock is cut out and examined on both sides. It takes mold 36 to 48 hours to grow and typically appears as dark spotting or blotches on the exterior or interior of the sheetrock. We use Benefect to decontaminate mold if it is only on the surface of the sheetrock. However, once mold has penetrated below the surface into the porous gypsum material, replacement of part or all of the affected panel is usually the most practical recourse.

More about Air-Transported Moisture

7/23/2019 (Permalink)

Air-transported moisture is water in the form of vapor carried through the air allowing the water vapors to leak into, or out of, buildings. There are several factors to be considered when decreasing the effects of air transported moisture. Independent pressure sources (such as wind or stack effect) and controlled sources (fans and air handlers) can move substantial amounts of moist air past a building's envelope through holes. Leaky ductwork can cause moisture problems by increasing the level of infiltration, and by drawing air in from a humid crawlspace or basement area. As this moist air travels through a building, moisture will condense on any surface with a temperature that is below the dew point. The amount of condensation that forms depends on several factors: inside versus outside temperatures, the relative humidity, and the speed of the air moving across the condensing surface. Windows and poorly insulated walls are colder surfaces that condense moisture more easily. Air moving more slowly allows more time for condensation to form. There is more moisture available when the relative humidity is higher.  Effective sealing against infiltration, sealing the ductwork, and pressure-balancing the HVAC system are the best defenses against outside air carrying moisture. Exhaust fans in all bathrooms and kitchens help to remove indoor air moving moisture at its source when used correctly. Remove potential sites for condensation by heating and cooling areas at temperatures above the dew point. 

More in depth information about Capillary Action

7/18/2019 (Permalink)

Notice how water is seen to be moving up the brick wall.

Capillary action refers to water’s ability to travel up against the pull of gravity through porous materials. Water “wicking” up through a paper towel is one typical example of this action. The water follows the direction of the paper fibers. Capillary forces are both powerful and somewhat secretive, since they often work in the dark of a crawlspace, causing significant damage to a building without the occupant’s knowledge. Evidence of capillary action can be seen on many older brick foundations as a white line visible a foot or so above the ground, caused by a process known as efflorescence. This occurs when water that is drawn up by capillary action evaporates, leaving behind a residue of salts, minerals, and other materials. Capillary action prefers small holes or pores such as those found in concrete and brick, rather than larger ones. The concrete footings wick the water up from the ground, where it then travels up the foundation wall. Plastic sheeting placed in footing holes before pouring concrete can help to prevent groundwater wicking. Large pore sizes, such as pea gravel and coarse sand, serve to “break” the flow of capillary water. Even two nonporous materials can provide a channel for capillary action to occur if placed close enough together. Lapped wood siding is an example. Rainwater striking the side of the house will run down the siding to the edge allowing a bead of water to get sucked up behind the siding, wetting the backside of the siding. It can be hard to observe such forms of capillarity until severe damage has already happened. Capillarity can be controlled by providing a capillary “break” like plastic, metal, a damp-proofing compound. Adding another impermeable material or air spaces too large for capillarity to occur can also control capillarity.

A few ways water travels

7/15/2019 (Permalink)

Have you ever wondered how water moves through a structure? Listed below are the definitions of the different ways water moves through a structure.

• Bulk water movement- Typically thought of as rain or snow; bulk moisture movement also includes flowing groundwater.
• Capillary action (capillarity)- is the ability of water to travel up against the pull of gravity through a porous material.
• Air transported moisture- water in the form of water vapor hitchhiking on air can leak into, or out of, buildings.
• Vapor diffusion- Even without leaks, small amounts of moisture in the form of water vapor can pass directly through a building’s envelope, through a process called diffusion.

These different ways water can travel through a building may seem minuscule, but over extended amounts of time can cause serious damage. In some cases the moisture can turn into mold, making it a very different but severe problem.

What happens after water damage?

7/10/2019 (Permalink)

It is imperative to clean and dry a structure after a water loss for many reasons, potential mold growth is one. There are some cases when nothing can be done to the structure for various reasons, one being insurance issues. However, in some cases after a water loss, mold may not grow in the structure even though water was left sitting for longer than the usual window of time it takes mold to grow. If there were any signs that mold was beginning to grow, it was usually a “musty” odor, which we know are microbiological volatile organic compounds (MVOCs). Based on guidance documents collected from various jobs, we can deduce that mold can begin to grow in 24 to 48 hours. Mold generally grows well within the same range of temperature that makes you feel comfortable, around 60-80 degrees. Many indoor environments have 40 to 50 percent relative humidity, or atmospheric moisture content, once the temperature is around 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Different molds prefer different amounts of wetness, usually called moisture content, but is correctly referred to as water activity.

How to prepare for floods

5/22/2019 (Permalink)

Flooding can occur in several ways, including the following.
- Rivers and lakes cannot contain excessive rain or snowmelt.
- Excessive rain or snowmelt cannot be fully absorbed into the ground.
- Waterways are blocked with debris or ice and overflow.
- Water containment systems break, such as levees, dams, or water or sewer
systems.
- Strong winds from tropical storms or hurricanes cause a storm surge by pushing
seawater onto land.

If flooding in your area is possible. You should leave or be prepared to move to higher ground
immediately upon short notice. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately. If the danger is significant, local authorities may issue an evacuation notice to alert residents that flooding will be or is occurring and it is important to leave the area. Evacuation orders vary by state and community and may range from voluntary to
mandatory. When authorities issue a mandatory evacuation notice, leave the area
immediately.

Follow the link below to get more information.

https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/98102

Residential Water Damage, Be Proactive

6/14/2018 (Permalink)

Water is used and useful in our homes, providing hydration for our family, friends, and pets, and also assisting with household tasks like cleaning,  laundry, and food and beverage preparation and cleanup. Personal care would be impossible without tubs, showers, and sinks. Many homes also use water-supported heating and cooling systems, and outdoor areas benefit from sprinkling.

External forces such as floods, storms, and aging municipal infrastructures can threaten homes with unwanted water incursion. Inside, if water migrates away from the pipes, hoses, radiators, appliances, tubs, and sinks, severe consequences to the structure and contents of homes follow.

Insurance statistics show water damage to be second on the list of claims made overall losses. At one time or another, 37 percent of homeowners find themselves asking for loss coverage from their insurance carrier. Because water damage can be such a common occurrence, putting together a plan together to prevent the damage from happening at your home is an excellent decision. Even if some water damage is unavoidable, preparing for the devastation water brings can minimize its effects. The following are common sense strategies to prevent or limit water damage in your house.

- Your roof, gutter, and downspout systems are the first line of defense, keeping water from storms and even just gentle drizzles from entering your home and foundation.

- Clean gutters and downspouts regularly, at least twice yearly. Make sure they are correctly attached and replace damaged parts. Attention after the autumn leaves fall is critical. In many areas of the country spring tree flowering and seed dispersal clog both gutters and drains, requiring cleaning.

- Inspections after heavy rains or other precipitation make sense. Twigs, branches, and granular debris from the roof are another common cause of gutter system fails. The roof itself needs to be evaluated periodically.

- After storms or just high winds, flashings and shingles can dislodge. Tiny leaks in a roof become significant water problems in your home over time.

- Landscaping is great and beautiful. If done improperly it can send water flowing into your home. The ground around your home must slant away from the foundation, avoiding pooling of water that invades basements, crawl spaces, or slabs. Trees and bushes planted should be chosen and positioned to avoid sending roots into utility pipes.

- Gardens and plantings near the structure of your home should not drip or deposit water into the lower levels or the siding of the building.

- Faucets, hoses and sprinkler systems need regular evaluation for leaks that can saturate the soil next to the foundation. In the cooler months, the faucet needs winterized to avoid a freeze-up that can burst pipes inside the home as water in the pipe expands in below freezing temperature. Take care to water judiciously, and maintain and monitor automatic sprinkler systems so that they do not over water or direct their spray against buildings.

- Locate and educate yourself on how to turn off the main water source in your home. Also find the shutoffs near sinks, water heaters, showers, and appliances, so a minor overflow does not become a flood.

- Everyone has Appliances in there home. Monitor the hoses and connections on appliances that use or produce water regularly. Drip pans and drains beneath and around freezers, refrigerators, and air conditioning units and venting all have the potential to collect and spill water, often in a hidden area. Replace hoses regularly and check drains within appliances like dish and clothes washers to make sure a leak or burst pipe does not surprise you.

- Take care of small leaks promptly before significant problems follow. If the repair is beyond your skills, arrange for a professional to help. The minor cost to fix a leak early is much more manageable than major water damage restoration later.

- Do not ignore small leaks and loose connections. If you do not spot a leak, there are other ways to discover hidden water loss. Fluctuations in water pressure should be investigated. The problem may be inside your home or in piping entering your home from the public water source.

- Water pressure meters are available, and you can test on an outdoor faucet. Low pressure signals a potential leak and too high pressure can risk breakage of pipes and connections.

- Check and chart your water bill. Seasonal changes are to be expected, and adding or subtracting inhabitants using water also cause the bill to change. If you note a jump in water cost that cannot be otherwise accounted, a hidden leak can be the culprit.

When Your Water Heater Ruptures

6/4/2018 (Permalink)

How can you turn a bad experience into a good Experience? No time is a good time, especially for a water leak. Quick action is needed to prevent major damage. We understand, your home, time and day-to-day schedule is  as important to us as it is to you. We try to help you cope with the aftermath. Leaking water can seep into all your flooring, baseboards and walls while moving throughout your property, potentially creating mildew and staining.

What You Can Do: 

-Before doing any maintenance on your water heater, shut off the power at the service panel.

- Once every two years, have water heater serviced.

- Once every three months, drain a gallon of water from your tank. This can reduce sediment collecting in the bottom of the tank.

- Once every five years, have a service technician replace the anode rod.

Toilet Problems

4/3/2018 (Permalink)

Water Damage large or small can be a huge inconvenience. Toilet overflow to ruptured pipe can cause a water loss. When water begins leaking, even small leaks in areas you can’t see can be a large hazard. The possibility of harmful mold, rot or unseen damage may effect your home and the long term effect of loved ones.

SERVPRO professionals understand how disruptive water damages can be. Your family is very important so it is a top priority to identify the source of the water loss, regardless of where it hides. With top of the line equipment and highly trained professionals we have the expertise to help make your house feel like a home again. 

A mop and common household cleaning methods may not be enough. Always call the professionals. 

-Identify the source or water loss

-Measure Temperature & Humidity

-Servey extent of damages

-Inspect premises 

-Perform emergency water extraction 

-Move & Block furniture and belongings 

-Provide floor service

-Apply necessary treatments

-Disinfect & deodorize 

-Putout drying equipment & moniture 

This would be the appropriate steps that should be taken during this time.

What is water damage

4/3/2018 (Permalink)

What to Do About Water Damage

Water damage and flood damage are two of the most challenging conditions to overcome when they happen inside of your home or office. Major breakdowns can occur when you get water in home foundations and water in business equipment. A flood, hurricane or overflowing appliance can end up costing you thousands of dollars if you don't handle it properly. The following are some tips that can help to protect you from trouble that comes along with water in home properties and flood damage:

Protect Yourself With Water Damage Insurance

If you don't have insurance to protect yourself from water in home structures or water in business foundations, then you will need to secure a policy now. A flood damage or water damage policy can protect your finances during times of turmoil. The insurance company can pay for most of the repairs that are necessary because of the water in home components. It will pay for water in business structures, as well. You will need to have someone come to the home or business and perform work such as water cleanup, air movement, drying and mitigation. A water damage restoration company can help you to clean up the mess.

Shut off the Electricity

The first thing you will need to do when you realize that your property is experiencing aftereffects of water damage is turn off the electricity. Electricity and water don't mix. Therefore, you don't want to inspect the property until you shut off the electric and prevent it from mixing with the water and electrocuting someone. You can go in the building and assess the damages once you're sure that all electrical lines have been dismantled or disabled. The goal is to clear the way so that some professionals can come in and help you. They understand that speed is important if you are running a business. They will try to eliminate water in business equipment.

Clean up as Much as Possible

Next, you can clean up as much of the water as possible before the water damage restoration even arrives. You can use paper towels, blankets, regular towels and the like. You don't have to do a perfect job. You're only setting the stage for the company that has to come in and perform a task like mitigation, drying, air movement and water cleanup. Mitigation is a process by which the water cleanup company reduces the severity of the problem. Air movement is a process that someone may use to push the water out with air. Drying is what you want the specialists to do to your entire house.

Contact a Reliable Water Cleanup Company ASAP

Finally, you must contact a reliable water cleanup and flood damage company that can give you a fair estimate for the work that the specialists do. A reputable company will give you a fair estimate for processes like:

Water cleanup
Mitigation
Air movement
Drying

Water damage restoration companies are available seven days a week and 24 hours a day to provide you with a quote that you can afford. They understand that you want to get your home or office back to normal as quickly as possible. Because of that, they will do their best to aid you with water damage restoration as soon as you call. Visit http://www.SERVPROsouthcabarruscounty.com for more information on water damage.

A Guide to Professional Water Damage Restoration

6/26/2017 (Permalink)

A Guide to Professional Water Damage Restoration

Water in unwanted places can damage your valuable items. However, quick water cleanup can significantly minimize flood damage and possibly save some of your precious items. The extent of flood damage depends on the water damage restoration period. If water cleanup begins immediately, you can save some pieces of furniture or even a carpet. In most cases, any electronics hit by the flood is irreparable. Never treat water in unwanted places lightly. Even an inch of stagnant water in business premises can be a perfect breeding ground for mildew. Similarly, water in home facilities can damage your flooring, walls, carpet, and furniture. Before calling your insurance company, follow these few tips to guide you through the process of water damage mitigation.

Remove Items Out of Water

The faster you get items out of the water, the more likely you can protect them from water damage. Start by disconnecting the primary power source and unplug any electronics. Next, pull up any carpets and under-padding. You can save your carpet by disinfecting it. However, if it shrinks, you can use it as a rug someday.

Get rid of the Water

You can use power or manual flood damage restoration techniques to get rid of water in home facilities. Use mops and old towels to soak as much water as you can. If sewers in your neighborhood aren’t swollen, pour the water down the drain. If otherwise, pour the water onto your lawn. You may also use a wet or dry vacuum for water cleanup in business premises. However, you need to be cautious. Plug the vacuum cleaner into power sockets far away from the water. If floods are overwhelming, consider hiring a flood damage restoration company in your neighborhood. After mopping up all the water in the business premises, dry out the affected area. That is the most efficient way you can prevent mold growth.

Drying out the affected area

Once you get rid of all the water, use dehumidifiers and fans for drying out the affected area. Once it stops raining, open windows to allow air circulation. Drying out the affected area prevents mold growth. If some parts of your drywall contacted water, you would probably have to cut away the affected areas. Crumbled drywall can be a perfect breeding ground for mold. If your baseboard trim is wooden, it’s possible to save it. However, it might not be salvageable if it's made from pressboard.

Disinfect

After drying out the water in business premises, use a good disinfectant to kill any bacteria that might have come up through sewers. Don’t forget to clean any walls, wood, or furniture that contacted flood water in home facilities.

Dispose of the Damaged Items

You might be tempted to throw all damaged items into a dumpster. However, it would be wise to organize damaged items into piles and recycle the reusable ones. As such, you can alleviate the pressure on your local landfill site and ease water damage restoration process. You can visit your city’s waste management website to find out where you can recycle your toxic liquids, old paints, broken electronics, and furniture. Earth 911 can also help you find recycling centers and water damage mitigation professionals in your neighborhood.

Mitigation of Flood Damage

Use Plastic Storage Bins

If your business space is limited, use rubber and plastic bins for storage. Plastic and rubber containers are a cheap and clutter-free option for storage. It’s important to ensure your bins have tight tops to protect your goods from leaking water in business premises.

Put Items up High

Boxes and items can easily get destroyed once water in home facilities starts to rise. Use plastic or metallic shelves to store your valuable items. Solid wood shelves can also be a good option. Getting your stuff off the ground can help in mitigation of water damage in the future.

Water Cleanup

Basements often become a perfect breeding place for mosquitoes and mold. It is, therefore, important to take time at least once a year to thoroughly clean your basement and get random clutter and old clothes to the recycling bin.
Visit http://www.SERVPROsouthcabarruscounty.com for more information on water damage.

How to Handle Water Damage in Your Home or Business

5/19/2017 (Permalink)

How to Handle Water Damage in Your Home or Business

There are many types of water damage events that can impact your home or business. For example, your home may suffer from flood damage related to a severe storm that passes through your area. Perhaps you are dealing with water in home because of a fridge or washing machine leak, or you may have water in business because of a plumbing leak. These are issues that can impair your ability to live in the home or to complete regular operations in the business. You must find a way to quickly and effectively deal with the damaging issue, and hiring a water restoration team for mitigation, drying out and water cleanup is imperative if you want to enjoy the best results without delay.

What You Can Do to Prevent Additional Water Damage

Your water restoration and mitigation team can often arrive at your home or business very quickly after you set up service. However, minutes matter when you are dealing with a water damage issue. You can typically stop more water from entering your space during these minutes by taking a few simple steps. When dealing with flood damage, the level of water in business or home may continue to rise until the rain stops. With other water issues, you may be able to turn off the plumbing line’s main valve, disconnect appliances or take other steps to prevent additional water from entering the space. This can save considerable time and effort during the water cleanup process. Some broken components, such as pipes and appliances, may require specialized repair service as well. You can call these professionals to your home before contacting a restoration team for the water cleanup process.

Why Professional Mitigation Service Is Needed to Dry Out Your Space

Regardless of the type of water damage you are dealing with, water in home or water in business can lead to significant property damage. The water itself may cause staining on hard surfaces, and it may warp or deteriorate porous surfaces. It can also lead to mold growth if the drying out process is not completed promptly. Your water restoration team will assist with drying out the home as soon as possible. Some types of water and flood damage may leave several inches or more of standing water in home or business. Professional extraction equipment will be used to remove the standing water, and dehumidifiers will be used for drying out the space quickly.

How the Team Will Restore Your Home or Business

When you are dealing with water in business or in your home from flood damage or other related issues, drying out the space is only the first step. After the water has been removed from the space, you will likely have a considerable mess to deal with, and water cleanup efforts must begin. Your restoration and mitigation team will complete the water cleanup phase of the process quickly. Water damage can cause drywall, wood and other surfaces to deteriorate, and these surfaces may need to be removed from the home or business. Replacement materials may be installed. When you have water in home or business, professional cleaning and deodorization steps must also be taken in many cases. This is a critical step in the water cleanup process because water can stain the area and leave behind a musty, unpleasant smell.

Water in home or business properties can be devastating in many ways. While there is the financial aspect to consider, it can also be disturbing to see a property that means so much to you in a state of chaos. While you may understandably be feeling emotional and stressed because of the water event, rest easy knowing that the restoration process will be completed soon and that the home or business will be returned to its previous conditions. All traces of the water event can be permanently erased, and you can continue going about your days as usual. Visit http://www.SERVPROsouthcabarruscounty.com for more information on water damage.

Water Loss in The Home

4/24/2017 (Permalink)

Water Loss in The Home

Water in home is very necessary in our lives. Water in home and water in business has a myriad of functions that are both secondary and primary in our lives. Despite this, countless of lives and properties have been lost as result of water-related tragedies such as floods. Water damage refers to a variety of losses that are incurred as a result of flood damage thus making water damage restoration necessary. Stagnant water in homes and water in business or water in place of business will then facilitate destructive processes such as rusting of steel and rotting of wood thus making mitigation a necessary action.

Water damage in our homes and business

Flood damage in our homes results to various destruction such as leaking drainage pipes, clogged pipes, and broken dishwashers. For instance, a leaking water in home and water in business will not only cause rotting of wooden floors but also the growth of molds on the floor. To correct this, you have to consider mitigation.

Water damage restoration in our homes can be done by unclogging water pipes and mitigation. Mitigation helps to reduce further problems that may develop such as flood water. Mitigating water flow may also involve contacting technicians.

Water damage in our place of business can result in dire consequences as it undermines the customer retention policy of the business.Wet and slippery floors often lead to accidents of employees and even customers.Furthermore leaking water in our business may cause the destruction of electronic gadgets in our place of business.

Most electronic devices are irreparable once water has trickled in and therefore it is essential to confirm there is no leaking water in our place of business. In case there is water; water flow has to be mitigated to eliminate the problem of flood water in our areas of business.

Warning signs – slippery floors- should also be placed around the office to avoid accidents that may occur due to slippery floors. Drying of wet floors and regular water cleanup will also help reduce these accidents.

Water damage as a result of floods water

Flood water always results in catastrophic losses in our homes and businesses. Despite causing damages, most insurance companies barely cover the losses incurred as a result of flood damage.To losses, it is important to stay away from areas prone to flooding.

However, in case you are affected by floods, getting assistance by applying to the FEMA program can help. Water cleanup as a result of flood damage is done by technicians skilled in current procedures. The use of rapid structural drying is an example of a method that is used in water cleanup due to floods.

Air movement in water damage restoration

Air movement is vital in water damage restoration.Air movement is a method used to enhance the drying process in floors. Air moving on the surface of water frees the floor from water and therefore enabling the drying process.Air movement can also be used to dry walls from the outside to the inside. This process is used especially in ceramic titles.

Apart from these, air movement can also be used to prevent the growth of molds on the floors and walls Moving air does not allow the spores produced by molds to settle on the floors and walls and thereby germinate and grow. Using this method of water cleanup is reliable and highly efficient. Visit http://www.SERVPROsouthcabarruscounty.com for more information on water damage and the restoration process.

Handling a Water Loss in Concord NC

3/24/2017 (Permalink)

Water Damage in Concord, NC

Handling a Water Loss in Concord NC

Residents of Concord NC and Midland NC know the devastating effects of flood damage. Heavy rainfall on the creeks in Cabarrus County, in recent storms, forced the North Carolina Department of Transportation to close some of the roads in both Midland NC and Concord NC due to flooding.
In addition to natural disasters, water loss is caused by broken pipes and damaged appliances. You should have a plan of what to do if you experience a loss due to water in home or water in business. Here are ten things to consider in the case of a home or business water loss.

1. Determine the cause of the damage
When you discover damage from water in home or water in business that is not caused by a weather-related event, you must determine the source. If a pipe burst was the cause, shut off the main water line for your home or business. If the cause is an appliance, such as a dish washer or washing machine, turn off the appliance and disconnect the power. If you are unable to determine source of the water, call a professional plumber or some other expert.

2.        Ensure that everyone remains safe
No one should be allowed to go inside of a home or business until it is safe to do so. Look for live electrical wires. Make sure there are no live electrical wires lying in the water. Wear personal protective gear, such as masks, gloves and rubber boots. Small children and pets should be kept away from the area of any standing flood water.

3.        Ensure that the electrical power is shut off
If the flooding is caused by an appliance that is overflowing, you may be able to simply disconnect the power to the appliance. If the problem is more extensive, then the electricity to the entire building should be turned off. Also, shut off the gas from the main source. Prior to turning the power back on, the wiring should be examined by a certified electrician.

4.        Remove excess water
All excess water must be removed. The longer the water remains the more damage it will cause. Natural flood water levels will have to recede below your house before water can be removed from the house. For a small amount of flooding, a wet-dry shop vacuum may be all that is needed to remove the water. A household vacuum should never be used to remove water. Also, remove water from the wood and furniture.

5.        Remove wet or damaged contents

Remove damaged contents from the home or business. Pieces of furniture, office desks and chairs, or other items may need to be set out to dry or temporarily stored in another location. Use caution when lifting wet materials like floor rugs. These items will be much heavier than they are when they are dry. Even if you hire a professional water loss mitigation company, they will do this for you. However, the more of this clean-up that you can do on your own, the more you may be able to reduce the cost.

6.        Remove valuables from the area

In a natural disaster one of the most heart-breaking things is the loss of valuables and irreplaceable sentimental items. If you locate these items, you should remove them as soon as you find them to prevent further damage or to keep them from disappearing. Depending upon how extensive the damage to your home or business, you may be forced to temporarily relocate. Therefore, you will want secure all of your important items.

7.        Dry out the area

The area should be dried out as quickly as possible. Drying the area will prevent mold from forming and spreading. Window should be opened if the humidity outside is lower than inside. Fans can be used for drying and removing moisture, if no mold is present. Otherwise, fans should not be used, because the air movement can spread mold spores to other areas. The air movement of the fans will help get the water granules into the air through evaporation. A dehumidifier will help remove the humidity from the air.

8.        Clean and Disinfect
Once all of the furniture and items are removed from the area and everything is dried out, then the entire area should be cleaned and disinfected. This includes all of the floors, walls and anything else remaining in the area. Either bleach solutions can be used to clean with or other green products on the market made for that purpose.
9.        Take Preventative Measures
No one can prevent natural disasters. Likewise, no one can altogether prevent other types of flood damage. However, steps can be taken to lessen the possibility of damage occurring in the home or business by conducting regular home maintenance. Small water leaks and other maintenance issues can be discovered while they are small before they have the opportunity to cause a major problem.

10.        Know Your Limitations
Do only what you can do and leave the rest up to the professionals. A water loss in a home or business is a serious matter. Sometimes, the situation may not be that severe and the home owner or business owner can take care of the clean-up themselves. However, most of the time, it is recommended that a water damage mitigation specialist be consulted. If flood water is from a contaminated source, it can contain a deadly bacteria, viruses and fungi that are harmful.

The certified water damage restoration specialists in North Carolina are specially equipped to handle this type of situation. For businesses owners, the amount of time lost due to not being able to operate, the use of a professional company could be the difference in whether or not they are able to stay in business. Hiring a water damage mitigation company to take care of a water loss is the best way to ensure that a home is safe for a family to live, and that a business is a safe place for employees to work. Visit http://www.SERVPROsouthcabarruscounty.com for more information on water damage.

Flood Safety Awareness Week

3/13/2015 (Permalink)

March 15-21 is Flood Safety Awareness Week. Use this week to learn more about some of the many ways floods can occur, the hazards associated with floods and what you can do to save a life and property. Visit the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service website at http://www.floodsafety.noaa.gov/ for more information.