The Storms Brewing

6/21/2023 (Permalink)

After a storm passes, it’s important to stay safe while waiting for help to arrive. Here are some tips to help prevent further damage after a storm:

Storm water damage

Shut off water source

Shut off water source is possible or contact a qualified party to stop the water source.

Turn off circuit breakers

Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the home when access to the power distribution panel is safe from electrical shock.

Remove excess water

Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting.

Prop up wet upholstery

Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying. Do not put cushion covers in the washing machine.

Use aluminum foil for barrier

Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.

Move paintings or art

Move any paintings, art, objects, computers, documents or other sensitive valuables to a dry place.

Hang furs and leathers

Hang furs and leather goods separately at room temperature.

Don't Enter affected areas

Don't enter affected areas is electrical outlets, switches, circuit breakers or electrical equipment are exposed to water. Always avoid electrical shock hazards!

Don't use household vacuum

Don't use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water; this could cause electrical shock or damage to the vacuum cleaner.

Don't turn on ceiling fixtures

Don't turn on ceiling fixtures is ceiling is wet or enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.

For emergency fire damage

Limit movement

limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into carpet and avoid tracking.

Keep hands clean

Keep hands clean. Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork. 

Empty freezer and refrigerator

If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator completely and prop doors open to help prevent odor.

Wipe off soot

Wipe soot from metal kitchen and bathroom faucets, trim and appliances.

Don't wash walls 

Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first contacting SERVPRO.

Don't shampoo carpet or upholstery

Don't attempt to shampoo carpet, rug or upholstered furniture without consulting SERVPRO.

Don't clean electrical appliances

Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances (TV sets, radios, etc.) that maybe been close to fire, heat or water without first consulting an authorized repair service.

SERVPRO is here to help when disaster strikes. 

Water Damage tips and tricks

6/20/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage is no fun! After any home emergency, the safety of your family is most important. In the case of water damage, the actions below are some things you can do while waiting for assistance. However, it’s best to do only those things you know you can do safely. Once we arrive, we’ll help you assess the situation further and take action to prevent additional damage to your property.

Shut off the water source if possible or contact a qualified party to stop the water source. 

Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the home when access to the power distribution panel is safe from electrical shock. 

Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting.

Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying. DO NOT put cushions covers in the washing machine.

Place aluminum foil or wood blacks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.

Move any paintings, art, objects, commuters, documents or other sensitive valuables to a dry place. 

Hang furs and leather goods separately at room temperature.

Don't enter affected areas if electrical outlets, switches, circuit breakers or electrical equipment are exposed to water. Always avoid electrical shock hazards!

Don't remover your household vacuum cleaner to remover water; this could cause electrical shock or damage to the vacuum cleaner. 

Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet or enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water. 

SERVPRO's professionals specialize in residential water damage restoration, with training focused on restoring salvageable items, accelerating drying time while documenting the entire restoration process.

Fire Damage tips and tricks

6/20/2023 (Permalink)

After any fire damage situation, your primary focus should be safety:

• Is it safe to stay in the house?
• Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.
• Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
• Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!

What To Do After A Fire

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
• Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
• Clean and protect chrome with light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
• Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.
• Change HVAC filter.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.

What NOT To Do After A Fire

• Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting your local SERVPRO.
• Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water without consulting an authorized repair service.
• Don't use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.
• Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

Restoring your home or business after fire damage to its pre-fire condition is SERVPRO's main goal. As a leading fire damage restoration company, we specialize in fire damage cleanup and fire damage restoration, smoke damage cleanup, and removal of smoke odors. Our team will deep-clean and remove soot from walls, carpets, and upholstery.

Be Ahead of the Storm

6/19/2023 (Permalink)

With SERVPRO we proved 24/7 emergency storm service. We are the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration, that includes residential and commercial storm restoration. We have highly-trained storm and flood damage cleanup technicians. We have an easier insurance claim process and we are faster to any disaster. 

Residential Storm Damage Restoration

When a storm damages our community, we're ready 24/7. Our service professionals are prepared around the clock, on weekends and holidays to service your residential and commercial storm damage needs.

• Local Storm Cleanup Company
• Residential Flooding and Storm Cleanup
• Severe Weather Damage Restoration
• Wind Damage and Wildfire Cleanup
• Flood Water Removal and Cleanup

Roof Tarp and board-up services

If a fire damages your roof, walls, or windows, its critical to secure and protect your home or business from further exposure to the elements.

• Our quality roof tarp service helps protect your property from further damage.
• Our board-up services help to secure your property from weather, animals, and illegal entry.

Fourth of July and Fire Damages

6/16/2023 (Permalink)

With summer upon us, comes holidays such as the 4th of July, usually celebrated with the bright balls of light we call fireworks. While this holiday can be a lot of fun, we need to make sure that we are creating a safe environment, especially when it comes to using fireworks.

The National Safety Council advises everyone to enjoy fireworks at public displays conducted by professionals, and not to use any fireworks at home. In some locations around the US, fireworks are illegal to purchase, but, if consumer fireworks are legal to buy where you live and you choose to use them, be sure to keep the following safety tips in mind:

• Never allow young children to handle fireworks. Older children should use them only under close adult supervision. 
• Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol. 
• Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear. 
• Never hold lit fireworks in your hands. 
• Never light fireworks indoors. Only use them away from people, houses, and flammable materials. 
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person. 
• Maintain a safe distance after lighting fireworks. Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks. 
• Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that do not go off or in case of fire.  

Why are fireworks dangerous?

Fireworks can be very unpredictable. FIreworks can explode unexpectedly at any time and can even go off in the wrong direction sometimes. It is also very difficult to gauge exactly how large an explosion may be, especially with illegal fireworks. 

SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties is ready to help this upcoming holiday, with trained technicians and the right equipment for your restoration.

Water Damage and your First Response

6/16/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage from the ceiling

Water damage is no fun for anyone 

But what should your first response be when dealing with water damage? Call SERVPRO! A storm, flood, or plumbing problem can leave your home with extensive water damage. Immediate water removal is necessary to mitigate the damage. SERVPRO’s professionals specialize in water removal and water damage cleanup, then providing water damage restoration to your residence. Our customer-focused professionals will assess the residential water damage to your property. Then, we’ll help you understand the severity of the property damage so you’re able to make the best decisions for the restoration of your home. Our top-notch people use the most advanced equipment to detect hidden moisture and perform water extraction of any standing water. We have more than 50 years of experience in repair and property restoration so you can trust us to help you develop a restoration plan to help ensure your home is clean, dry, and restored to its pre-damaged condition. 

Water Damage & Restoration for businesses

If you’re a business owner, any kind of water damage to your facility needs to be remedied quickly with the least amount of downtime to your daily business functions. A call to SERVPRO will help you get water damage repaired and restored in order to minimize downtime and prevent loss of revenue. Whatever size the water damage is to your business, we have the experience and equipment to deal with it. Our professionals will work closely with you and the other occupants of your building during the restoration process to have as little disruption as possible to your daily business activities.

Commercial could be crucial

6/16/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO helps commercial customers with a wide variety of cleaning, construction and restoration projects, both large and small. When it comes to minor mishaps or major losses, we can help restore your business. 

Larger loss

As the #1 choice in the cleanup and restoration industry, we can help you every step of the way. From immediately after the disaster to returning your property to its preloss condition, we want to make the process as smooth as possible. Some benefits of choosing SERVPRO for large loss events include: 

• Available 24/7
• Commercial Large Loss Division
• Strategically located 
• Personal Attention
• Easier insurance claims process

Emergency Ready Plan

You can stay a step ahead of unexpected events by having a plan of action in place before you need it with SERVPRO’s Emergency Ready Plan. When disaster strikes your business, having a plan in place ahead of time for what you will do can make all the difference in whether your business survives the event. The majority of businesses that come out stronger on the other side of an emergency are the ones that pre-planned for one. That’s where SERVPRO’s Emergency Ready Plan (ERP) can help give you, your employees and customers peace of mind. You can trust that whatever might happen to disrupt daily business will only be temporary. With our Emergency Ready Plan, your business will be able to minimize interruption because you’ll know what to do and what to expect if any-sized disaster strikes. This is important to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business.

SERVPRO Storm Preparation Team

1/3/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO's Storm Response Team was developed to help organize a larger chain of command in the event of a catastrophic storm event. Our dedication during these types of of unpredictable events is undeniable. Our team braves dangerous and disgusting messes to help communities recover. Our green trucks can be seen in the background of news feeds from almost every major storm over the last three decades and it is in no small part because of our ability to grow our workforce and equipment stockpile quickly and mobilize.

When called upon, our franchises will mobilize and bring equipment and an experienced workforce thousands of miles to help in recovery efforts after a natural disaster. Within our own ranks are some of the most experienced storm restoration project managers and technicians. . 

Similarly, when major storms are projected to come into our area we are steadfast and forward thinking and will mobilize our team to the area of need. We provide pre-storm services like board-up services, pump and sandbag placement and more. After the storm we jump into action and provide restoration services to commercial and residential properties in need. 

We will be tracking all major storms this hurricane season and will be ready to help in the event of an emergency. If you are aware of that your building has a tendency to flood call us today. A project manager is available to document your property and will be even more prepared to manage your restoration in the event of a major storm.

If you have any questions please give us a call at (919) 533-6776. 

SERVPRO Restoration - We are experts in fire, water, and mold removal

1/3/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lee and South Chatham Counties is a leader in the industry of disaster recovery and cleaning services in North Carolina. We understand the importance and urgency of property restoration. we offer our clients a variety of restoration services, including water damage repair, fire damage repair, and storm damage restoration and construction. Our well-trained staff is ready to tackle any job.

For a quick response, call SERVPRO's emergency services.  SERVPRO can help with any size restoration project, no matter if it is a small or large-scale emergency. SERVPRO has the experience and training to manage all types of property damage from sewage overflows to upholstery and furniture cleaning.

SERVPRO of Lee and South Chatham Counties specializes in the restoration of fire, water and mold damage. SERVPRO also offers document restoration services. Our technicians use sophisticated equipment to find moisture in your home and ensure your belongings remain safe. After the SERVPRO restoration team arrives they will evaluate the extent of the damage and give you an accurate quote. They will clean the house thoroughly and remove all traces of odors. 

When Fire Damages Your Lee and South Chatham Counties Building, We Can Help

1/3/2023 (Permalink)

Fire damage to a property can immediately affect your ability to live in it or work there. Other than the obvious structural damage, there could be other factors that render the home or commercial property uninhabitable. Soot and smoke damage are two of the most common causes. It is easy to underestimate the damage caused by smoke and soot after a fire. This type of disaster requires special products and equipment. It is best to contact SERVPRO immediately if you have suffered this type of property damage.

SERVPRO project managers have the ability to assess your property's damage after a fire, and provide transparent restoration processes. You or your insurance company, or both depending on the circumstances surrounding the loss, will be contacted directly by them. They will also provide daily communication about project progress reports and information so that you are always up to date on what is happening in your property.

We can also help with odor, soot, and smoke damage. After completing the restoration and cleaning, our team of construction professionals is ready to begin your project and rebuild your home.

We hope that your property is not damaged by fire. However, we are available 24/7/365 to assist you in the event of such damage.

It is important to have a plan in place for when your Lee and South Chatham Counties home suffers water damage

1/3/2023 (Permalink)

Bathroom backups are a frequent source of water damage. These are the most expensive in terms of damage because they are a category three biohazard. Items that are saturated often have no restoration possibilities.

A homeowner in Lee and South Chatham Counties suffered water damage from water coming from a backup. To absorb as much moisture as possible, the homeowner laid several towels on the flooring before SERVPRO technicians arrived.

Ventilation and Scoring

To prevent aspiration of moisture during water loss, techs should wear protective clothing. Another standard measure is to confine the pungent smell to the work area. This will prevent cross-contamination. The strong odor of the backup caused the techs to set up air scrubbers in order to capture the airborne particles. The techs then use their advanced moisture detection equipment, which determines if the subfloor needs drying.

Water Extraction Techniques

The equipment showed that water didn't seep into the tile flooring. It is common for techs to make several passes when removing water. This ensures that the tile flooring does not absorb as much moisture as possible. To speed up drying times, the more moisture that is collected before drying helps to reduce drying time.

No Controlled Demo Required

It is common to have the toe kicks removed from cabinets and baseboards surrounding walls when there is a sewage backup. This homeowner contacted SERVPRO techs immediately after the water loss. It helped to keep the loss down.

Odor Control

To ensure that the bathroom is safe for family members to use, it must be cleaned with antibacterial and antimicrobial cleaners. Techs can use a variety of odor control methods to eliminate any residual odors.

There is more risk of loss if water damage continues to build up in your home. SERVPRO Lee and South Chatham Counties can be reached at (919) 533-6776. The certified technicians will arrive quickly to restore your home to preloss condition.

Commercial Property Restoration is A Phone Call Away in North Carolina

1/3/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lee and South Chatham Counties offers many services to commercial property managers, particularly after disasters such as flood damage, fire damage or storm damage. We can also help with mold removal and years of neglect.

Our leadership team has over two decades of combined experience in disaster recovery and construction. SERVPRO's unparalleled systems/protocols, equipment and experience in disaster restoration make us the best choice when disaster strikes.

Commercial properties receive a range of services, including emergency services such as flooding or fire, and long-term services such as construction management, cleaning, and other services. We aim to establish relationships with city property managers to give them direct access to our services, expediting the process and giving them an opportunity to make requests.

You are a property manager in Lee and South Chatham Counties. Give our office a call today (919) 533-6776. 

SERVPRO Storm Preparation Team

9/1/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO's Storm Response Team was developed to help organize a larger chain of command in the event of a catastrophic storm event. Our dedication during these types of of unpredictable events is undeniable. Our team braves dangerous and disgusting messes to help communities recover. Our green and orange trucks can be seen in the background of news feeds from almost every major storm over the last three decades and it is in no small part because of our ability to grow our workforce and equipment stockpile quickly and mobilize.

When called upon, our franchises will mobilize and bring equipment and an experienced workforce thousands of miles to help in recovery efforts after a natural disaster. 

We will be tracking all major storms this hurricane season and will be ready to help in the event of an emergency.

Call us at 919-533-6776. 

Duct Work Cleaning

9/1/2022 (Permalink)

Is the ductwork in your building clean and ready for the winter months? As forced hot air systems are turned on all over the city for the cold winter months we are reminded that it is important to make sure the ductwork that supplies that warm air is clean. Clean ductwork makes for a healthier environment inside your home, office or business. Clean ductwork also makes your heating system more efficient and reduces your fuel costs. There are some factors that make cleaning your ductwork a necessity, one such factor is if you have recently had flooding, water damage or mold within your building. Mold in ductwork can lead to health issues for anyone within your building and regularly having your ducts cleaned is the easiest way to avoid this type of disaster.

Causes of Water Damage in Lee & South Chatham Counties

8/2/2022 (Permalink)

When business owners visualize water damage, they often picture a massive storm wiping out power lines, flooding offices, and shutting down businesses for days at a time. It is true that commercial water damage is often the result of floods and water that stems from weather events and storms. However, many entrepreneurs and business space renters forget that storms and severe weather are not the only causes of floods and water damage. Here are some of the typical causes of water damage to commercial buildings. 
 
1. Malfunctioning sprinkler systems 
Some older office and retail buildings still have outdated sprinkler systems that work in conjunction with fire protection systems. While such sprinklers can come in handy during a fire emergency, they can also cause commercial flood damage if they are faulty or in need of replacement. This could easily damage inventory and business assets.

2. Damaged appliances and equipment 
This cause of commercial flood damage is more common in restaurants and catering facilities, as well as any business that has appliances and equipment that make use of water. If the appliance fails and sends water across your building, especially during late hours when no one is around, you may come back to work and face a water emergency. 
 
3. Broken pipes and plumbing 
Just like in a residence, if the plumbing system in your workplace fails a water damage could be the result. 
 
4. Backed up sewer lines 
This is another cause of commercial water damage that often catches business owners by surprise. Should the sewer line to your building back up or become damaged, realize the potential dangers of contaminated Black Water which can cause health effects and ruin products and office furnishings. 
 
If your business has suffered commercial water damage, SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties will get you back up and running again "Like it never even happened." Give us a call at 919-533-6776.

Don't Turn The Drying Equipment Off!!

8/2/2022 (Permalink)

This is an air mover that could be placed in your home for drying after a water damage.

When you call SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties to help restore your property after suffering a water damage, our professional technicians will place the appropriate equipment to dry out the area as quickly as possible. It is important to always follow our instructions and keep the equipment running at all times. We realize that the equipment is noisy and can become bothersome if you remain in your home during the restoration process, however, turning off the air movers and/or dehumidifiers can delay the drying time and can cause further damage to your property such as mold growth. It is also important to note that oftentimes your insurance coverage will only pay for the drying equipment for a specific length of time, depending on the category of damage. Your SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties project manager will monitor the moisture readings of the equipment daily to determine the appropriate time for removal. If you have any concerns or questions about the drying equipment, be sure to speak to any of our crew members.

Flooding can happen ANYWHERE

8/2/2022 (Permalink)

According to the National Weather Service (NOAA), “Approximately seventy-five percent of all Presidential disaster declarations are associated with flooding.” NOAA lists the most common flood hazards in the United States as

• Flash Flooding
• River Flooding
• Storm Surge and Coastal Inundation from Tropical and Non-Tropical systems
• Burn Scars/Debris Flows (caused by wildfires)
• Ice/Debris Jams
• Snowmelt
• Dry Wash (caused by heavy rainfall in dry areas)
• Dam Breaks/Levee Failure

Just because you haven’t experienced a flood doesn’t mean you won’t in the future.  In fact, 20% of all claims paid by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) were for polices in the low-risk communities.  On average, floods cost $3.5 billion in annual losses in the U.S., and commercial flood claims average more than $75,000 (NFIP).

When Catastrophic water damage (or any water damage) happens to you, SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties professionals can help. It is always best to call SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties directly at 919-533-6776. 

Soot & Smoke Damage Clean Up

8/1/2022 (Permalink)

The 2022 heat waves have broke temperature records across the globe. Forest fires in Europe and in the US have forced many people to leave their homes and businesses behind.

Commercial and residential properties that are in danger of being destroyed by a forest fire have little chance of survival. However, properties far away from the fire can still be affected by smoke, fire, and soot. SERVPRO can help with smoke and soot damage as well as clean-up and repairs to buildings directly affected by fire.

Our team has the ability to handle and resolve any issues that may arise from soot and smoke damage, including:

• Sanitizing & cleaning of all surfaces
• Eliminating odors
• Clean HVAC/ductwork
• Cleaning textiles (clothing, rugs and curtains)
• Furniture restoration
• Electronics restoration
• Reconstruction

SERVPRO is the best choice for fire damage restoration. We offer a complete product from start to finish that will save you both time and money. We are available 24/7 to help you if your residential or commercial property is damaged. Our team is available 24 hours a day and will get to work immediately in order save and restore as much property as possible.

Prevent a Home Fire by Cleaning Your Dryer Vent Regularly!

7/26/2022 (Permalink)

Did you know that 34% of home fires are caused by failure to clean the vent in a clothe dryer?

A lint fire is a dangerous possibility. To avoid the hazard on lint buildup, occasionally pull out the vent and clean. Thoroughly dry the lint screen with a clean towel. You can also use a vacuum to clean the lint trap filter. SERVPRO® Lee & South Chatham Counties can help clean dryer vents and ducts that may have lint buildup.

The National Fire Protection Agency suggests we clean the lint filter before and after each load. It is vital to clean your dryer vents every so often to ensure your safety.

Here are some signs that your dryer vent may need to be cleaned:

• Drying times are taking longer.
• Your dryer is getting hot when you’re using it and your clothes are being damaged.
• You can’t see any steam or hear any noise outside your house at the wall vent when you run the dryer.

If you do experience a fire caused by your dryer or any other appliances in your home, call SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties at 919-533-6776. Our teams stand ready 24/7 to clean up and restore your property from fire, smoke, water and mold.

Critical First Aid Tools Lee & South Chatham Counties

7/8/2022 (Permalink)

First aid kits, also known as emergency kits, are much too essential to wait until the last minute. Any company should have one on hand at all times. Since accidents tend to happen unexpectedly, make sure your Lee & South Chatham Counties business is prepared by stocking at least one first aid kit ahead of time.

What To Include

Having an emergency kit on hand is necessary, but what goes in it is more important. The products listed below should be kept in your kit at all times for a team of two to three people. Check the list against your supplies to ensure you have everything you need.

Medical items to keep in a first aid kit

• Gloves
• Adhesive bandages: box of Band-Aids; at least two triangular bandages
• Gauze pads: small – 4 x 4 inches; large – 8 x 10 inches
• Roll of gauze bandages – 2-inch width
• Equipment for resuscitation
• Splint
• Sealed towelettes to clean wounds

Additional Items:

• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Blanket: minimum of one
• Minimum of elastic wraps
• Adhesive tape

The list above is intended only for small teams, so prepare accordingly if your team is larger. To optimal insurance, it is best to have more than one kit in a company. Within the kit, provide guidelines for contacting external medical services, such as an ambulance, if necessary.

Where To Keep It

Staff members should have access to the emergency kit at all times. Keeping staff aware of its position will make any emergency easier to handle for anyone concerned.

Fire Damaged Business In Lee & South Chatham Counties

7/7/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damage is a risk for any business. No matter what type of business you have, the problem is, a fire can quickly destroy your building and put your staff in danger. Flames can damage costly equipment and vital paperwork.

Below are four top damage risks for local businesses:

Outdated Fire Safety Equipment Up to date fire safety equipment is a must. Having the correct tools on hand means you can act faster in the event of a blaze. Every office needs a fire alarm system and appropriate fire extinguishers on every level. Different extinguishers are suited to different types of fire, so SERVPRO recommends contacting a local fire extinguisher company to come onsite and do an assessment of your facility. Remember to test fire alarms and sprinklers regularly.

Electrical Equipment

Offices have plenty of electrical equipment including computers, copy machines, phones, fax machines, and servers just to name a few. Electrical equipment is vital to the running of an office, but it is also a severe fire hazard. It does not take much for electronic items to spark and start a fire.

Damaged or frayed cords, or worn out devices, are also a common fire source. It is a good system to all keep all electric devices in good working order.

Lack Of Training

Your employees need to know how to avoid fire damage risks, for example by being careful with flammable liquids and not overloading sockets. Your staff also needs to know what to do in the event of a fire. SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties recommends every local business have an Emergency Plan and we can provide you with our Emergency Ready Plan at no cost. Emergency Ready Plan is free that helps you plan what to do in the event of an emergency or disaster.

Combustible Materials

Every office has combustible materials such as paper and cardboard. Paper waste and old boxes seem like harmless junk, but they quickly burn once alight. Put a protocol in place for regular emptying trash receptacles to outdoor trash bins.

Our SERVPRO Professionals are highly trained in property restoration. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

Hidden Water Damage and Mold in Your Home

7/1/2022 (Permalink)

If you have mold please give us a call at 919-533-6776!

There are a number of things that can cause water damage in your home. Leaky pipes that you can't see, broken appliances, and even rain and flooding. What is important to remember is to call the professionals at SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties if you have water damage or suspect mold. There are some things to keep in mind until help arrives.

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.

What to Do:

Stay out of affected areas.

Turn off the HVAC system and fans.

Contact SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties for mold remediation services (202) 737-8776.

What Not to Do:

Don’t touch or disturb the mold.

Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.

Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.

Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO of Lee and South Chatham Counties specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business. Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today 919-533-6776.

Professional Restoration After Residential Fires

7/1/2022 (Permalink)

In the wake of a residential fire, the primary focus is on repairing the damage done to the inside of the house. However, moderate to severe incidents can lead to visible marks and blemishes on the outside of the building too. It is why SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties  conducts a full inspection of fire-damaged properties before we start any restoration work.

The good news is that stains on masonry, concrete and other structural materials are almost always superficial. While brick and concrete are not impervious to fire damage in homes, they are extremely sturdy and don’t succumb easily to heat. It means that, in most cases, we can use straightforward cleaning techniques to restore the outside of the property.

Light Stains

If there is no structural damage to the masonry, the SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties technicians use mild cleaning agents to wash soot and smoke deposits from the surface. Where the staining is very light, dry sponging is enough to wipe away grime on block, brick, and concrete. Stubborn marks get lifted with alkaline detergents and direct scrubbing. Sodium hypocrite is highly effective when it comes to soot removal, and it leaves no residues.

Moderate Stains

The difficult thing about soot is that it can be highly acidic. If it is not removed quickly, particularly from structural materials, there is a chance of corrosive residues becoming embedded deeper and deeper into the masonry. It is why SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties specialists pay close attention to cracked joints.

They are delicately cleaned and re pointed to dislodge any soot deposits which may be trying to move into the capillaries. Once this is complete, larger areas are dry sponged and vacuumed. Then, they are jet washed with a high powered pressure cleaning device.

Heavy Stains

The most severe staining occurs when heavily combustible materials have caught fire and burned for some time. In some cases, jet washing is still a suitable method of cleaning. We can add soot dissolving formulas like high PH degreasers, dry ice, or soda ash to increase optimal results.

Damaging Storms Can Leave Behind Dangerous Flood Water

7/1/2022 (Permalink)

Storm Damage and Understanding What's in Flood Water

Water damage is classified into three categories.

Category One water is clean.

Category Two water, or gray water, is contaminated, but does not contain solid waste.

Category Three water, or black water, is severely contaminated. This water originates from a flood or sewer backup.

Find out more about why it is necessary to disinfect any building materials and contents exposed to Flooding

Contaminants

Category Three water may contain a variety of contaminants. When flooding occurs, surface water may carry any of the following contents:

• Bacteria

• Chemicals

• Hazardous waste

• Heavy metals

• Sewage
  
  

When a body of surface water overflows or heavy rain accumulates, this water may mingle with overflow from sewer mains.

Water accumulates more contaminants as it flows. For this reason, it is important to extract standing water before cleaning and disinfecting any parts of a commercial structure exposed to this type of water damage.

Protective Equipment

Building occupants should take measures to limit exposure to contaminated water. It may be helpful to keep the following personal protective items on site:

• Goggles or safety glasses

• Heavy work gloves

• Hip waders

• Watertight boots with electrical insulation
  
  

All of these pieces of equipment can be useful if a building occupant needs to move through flood water for any reason. Individuals should factor in the depth and speed of the water when deciding whether to cross.

Cleanup Procedures

There are several stages to cleaning up flooding. A commercial restoration company will extract black water with a pump or other specialized equipment. It may be necessary to tear out damaged building materials. Afterwards, the area should be cleaned, disinfected and dried. Once the area is totally dry, restoration can proceed.

SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained, and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

3 Reasons You Might Smell Mold in Your Home

6/21/2022 (Permalink)

Catching a whiff of foul odors in your Lee & South Chatham Counties, home can be distressing. Certain odors can be caused by wet weather, old carpeting, and pet accidents that were not cleaned up properly. However, one common cause is mold growing somewhere in your home, out of sight. Black mold can give off a particularly strong odor because it can spread quickly where moisture is present. There might be several reasons that mold is growing inside your home and understanding why can help you target and destroy it.

1. A Leaky Roof

Small leaks in your roof may be difficult to detect. However, when it rains and water gets into your attic, the humidity there makes for a fine mold breeding ground. If you continuously find mold in the attic, you may want to have your roof inspected by a contractor who can find the source of the leak. The moisture problem may be something as simple as a missing shingle or damaged flashing.

2. Cracks in the Basement Walls

If you have an older home, your basement walls may be suffering from minute cracks that are letting in moisture each time it rains. This problem may be compounded by poor drainage around the perimeter of your home. The basement may be breeding black mold because instead of draining away from your home, rainwater seeps in, finds its way into the cracks, then puddles in corners where you do not notice it. You may want to call in a mold cleanup and remediation service to dry out your basement and remove the existing mold before you address the drainage issue.

3. A Dirty Washing Machine

Wet, musty smells can emanate from your washing machine over time as moisture allows mold to grow inside the drum. Run a mixture of baking soda and vinegar through a cycle to break up hidden mold.

A fresh-smelling home is probably a priority for you as a Bethlehem homeowner. Black mold and other fungi can create foul odors, but when you know where they might be hiding, you can find and destroy them quickly.

Commercial Property Managers Trust SERVPRO

6/16/2022 (Permalink)

If you own or manage large commercial properties such as hotels, schools, multifamily residential homes, industrial or retail shops, venues, transportation hubs and other large facilities, you should know that SERVPRO has a disaster recovery specialist who is available to help you get your property back to its original condition. SERVPRO is the nation's leading provider of water damage restoration and fire damage restoration services, as well as mold remediation. Our services are unmatched.

Our team works with property owners and managers throughout Lee and South Chatham Counties to give them the assurance that we will immediately start mitigation services in case of an emergency.  We provide the necessary manpower and equipment to help you restore your property following water damage, fire damage or any other disaster-related cleaning services.

Call our office to learn more about our large-scale property restoration services. A Project Manager will reach out to you to further discuss your property protection plan.

Flood Damage & Restoration

6/16/2022 (Permalink)

After hitting land, Tropical Storm Alex formed as the first named storm of 2022 Hurricane Season. It dumped record amounts of rainfall on southern Florida before forming into a Tropical Storm. Tropical Storm Alex has now passed without causing further damage to land and is making its way into the Atlantic. At the same time that this tropical depression gather strength, the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration updated its prediction for storm activity in the Atlantic to be more active than originally predicted. Colorado State University scientists and the Administration now predict that there will be 20 named tropical  storms, 10 hurricanes, 5 hurricanes that could reach category 3 or higher.

Flood damage and repair should be your top concern during a major hurricane or rainstorm. While people worry about the impacts of wind and fallen trees, flooding can have a much greater impact on property and make it more costly to repair. More recently storms have produced more property damage after large hurricanes make landfall and weaken, but continue to pour large amounts rain traveling across land. Millions of dollars in property loss is caused by flash flooding each year.

We are prepared to help 24/7/365 in the event of any major storms, call us when your property requires immediate restoration and water damage clean up services.

Let SERVPRO help with your residential fire damage.

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

Candles add a pleasant look to rooms and add a pleasant aroma. If left unattended, candles can cause fire damage to homes.

After leaving a candle lit, a homeowner unintentionally set fire to the bedroom of his daughter. A fan also blew a piece of paper into the flames. Although firefighters quickly extinguished the fire, smoke damage was extensive in the room.

Removing Charred Items

The room where the candle was placed had too much damage to be cleaned and needed to be removed. The techs will not dispose of items without the approval of the homeowner/ adjuster. This ensures that property owners are fully informed about the restoration process and that SERVPRO®'s actions do not fall outside of their insurance coverage.

Testing before Cleaning

It is important to test any smoke residues before using any solution. This will ensure that the right agents and methods are used. The residue may vary depending on the temperature of the fire or the objects that were burned by the flames. Dry and wet smoke can be found in the same space.

Techs use dry cleaning sponges to remove the fine, dark smoke that is often found on walls. Wet smoke can often be removed from surfaces by using solvents.

Odor Control in the Bedroom

The removal of charred objects can help reduce the fire odors. Because hot air expands in the fire, it can push odorous smoke into porous items. Many times, the smells can be removed by using the same odor control methods, such as thermal fogging.

Duct Inspection

Although the fire occurred in the room of the daughter, the family still used the HVAC. There was a high possibility that the soot could have spread throughout the house via the ductwork.
SERVPRO® technicians removed all traces of odors from the ducts.

SERVPRO® restores fire damaged properties to preloss conditions.

Flood Damage Restoration Services

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technicians are always watching the weather and when forecasts look grim we are prepared with our trucks loaded and ready to go, at a moments notice. 

If damage does occur it is typically water damage. Flash flooding from intense rain, overflow from storm and sewer drains, overflow from rivers lakes ponds or of course the ocean are also contributing factors when we consider water damage during a storm. When this type of damage occurs it is smart to call us quickly. The faster we are able to respond to your call the faster we can begin clean up and the more likely we are going to be able to restore much of the wet/saturated property.

If a future storm has you concerned about your home or commercial property don't hesitate to call us our innovated project managers can offer several solutions to help flood prone homes and building escape large scale damage in a storm.

A Flooded Basement Can Lead To Structural Issues And Mold

5/25/2022 (Permalink)

Heavy Rain Can Mean Big Problems For Your Basement 

A basement can flood at any time, although Washington DC flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level.

There are a number of reasons why your Lee & South Chatham Counties basement could flood, including:

A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe

Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home

Storm sewer backup

Sanitary sewer backup

Foundation drainage failure

Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get. Mold is also a threat if the water damage isn't treated.

If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us 919-533-6776.

A flooded basement can jeopardize your  safety, and your home’s integrity.

It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties and let our trained crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week

We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies

We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About

Our Technicians are Highly-Trained in Water Restoration Techniques

We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards

Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

Professional Restoration After Residential Fires

5/24/2022 (Permalink)

In the wake of a residential fire, the primary focus is on repairing the damage done to the inside of the house. However, moderate to severe incidents can lead to visible marks and blemishes on the outside of the building too. It is why SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties conducts a full inspection of fire-damaged properties before we start any restoration work.

The good news is that stains on masonry, concrete and other structural materials are almost always superficial. While brick and concrete are not impervious to fire damage in homes, they are extremely sturdy and don’t succumb easily to heat. It means that, in most cases, we can use straightforward cleaning techniques to restore the outside of the property.

Light Stains

If there is no structural damage to the masonry, the SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties technicians use mild cleaning agents to wash soot and smoke deposits from the surface. Where the staining is very light, dry sponging is enough to wipe away grime on block, brick, and concrete. Stubborn marks get lifted with alkaline detergents and direct scrubbing. Sodium hypocrite is highly effective when it comes to soot removal, and it leaves no residues.

Moderate Stains

The difficult thing about soot is that it can be highly acidic. If it is not removed quickly, particularly from structural materials, there is a chance of corrosive residues becoming embedded deeper and deeper into the masonry. It is why SERVPRO of Washington DC specialists pay close attention to cracked joints.

They are delicately cleaned and re pointed to dislodge any soot deposits which may be trying to move into the capillaries. Once this is complete, larger areas are dry sponged and vacuumed. Then, they are jet washed with a high powered pressure cleaning device.

Heavy Stains

The most severe staining occurs when heavily combustible materials have caught fire and burned for some time. In some cases, jet washing is still a suitable method of cleaning. We can add soot dissolving formulas like high PH degreasers, dry ice, or soda ash to increase optimal results.

SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties is ready to help, with trained technicians and the right equipment for your restoration.

Talking to Your Family About Fire Prevention and Safety

5/17/2022 (Permalink)

Understanding Residential Fires 

Talking to your family about fire safety can be a challenge. It can be difficult to explain the dangers to children without causing them unnecessary worry.

The American Red Cross provides the tips to help you have a conversation with your family about fire prevention and safety. According to the American Red Cross, you and your family have about two minutes to get out of your home.

If a fire occurs in your home, GET OUT, STAY OUT and CALL FOR HELP. Never go back inside for anything or anyone.

Talk with all family members about a fire escape plan and practice the plan twice a year.

Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas.

Test smoke alarms every month. If they’re not working, change the batteries.

SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week if you have fire damage in your home. We specialize in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event.

From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

3 Things To Do Before a Flood Hits

5/3/2022 (Permalink)

During the storm season, business owners in Lee & South Chatham Counties need to consider the risk of flooding. If the winds and rain pick up too much, it's possible that rivers, oceans, or sewer lines could overflow, making their way into the property. Proprietors, should this happen, would have a lot to deal with including a ruined structure and lost valuables. While no one can control nature, people can adopt preventative measures to ward off the catastrophic effects of unexpected events. It's best to understand and know what to do before the water rises.

1. Review Your Policy

Are you covered for flood damage? Many people have a hurricane or water clause; however, it doesn't always cover a flood. Therefore, it's best to spend some time now ensuring that your policy has everything you need. Locate the paperwork, have a copy with you at all times and be aware of your agent's procedures. The following are a few questions to which you should know the answers:

• Who do you call?
• How do claims work?
• What is your deductible?
• Do you have property loss?
  
  

2. Secure the Structure

Minimize the impact of flooding by taking precautions early. This includes moving items to higher ground, keeping them safe and dry. Locate someplace in your building, either a second story or stacking boxes. Anything of major value should be shifted for protection. Gather documents or contracts that you can't afford to lose. Floodwater is contaminated. You won't have immediate access to them. It might be best to backup files on a server or cloud, so you can access them elsewhere. Finally, establish an external barrier with sandbags.

3. Understand Restoration

If storm damage happens, it's important to seek immediate assistance. The black water contains microbes that could further ruin the premises and is not acceptable for personal repair. Rather than waiting to find someone when it happens, do some research ahead of time, locating a reputable water restoration company in Lee & South Chatham Counties.
Protect your establishment from flooding. Have phone numbers and paperwork handy and safeguard the structure as much as possible.

If you have any questions or are ever in need of emergency restoration services, SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties is available to take care of your needs 24/7.

No Job Too Small

5/3/2022 (Permalink)

Cleaning and restoring commercial properties require a unique blend of training, experience, and equipment. Our team at SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties has the resources and expertise to give you excellent results while minimizing disruption to your clients. We can help make it “Like it never even happened.”

• Small Office Buildings
• Large Office
• Apartment Buildings
• Senior Facilities
• Hotel/Motels
• Small Retail Stores
• Large Retail/Big-Box Stores
• High-Rise Residential

Why SERVPRO?

• FASTER: With more than 1,900 U.S. and Canadian Franchise locations, SERVPRO is strategically positioned throughout the nation to be faster to any-sized disaster.
• READY: SERVPRO is always ready to help when disaster strikes but also knows the importance of ensuring home and business owners are “Ready for whatever happens.”
• PROOF: The science of Drying was developed out of the need to further validate the drying process and use more precise documentation on defining when a structure is dry.
• HERE TO HELP: Communication is the most important part of the process to keep everyone informed during cleanup and restoration.  We accomplish this through the Here to Help Connection process.

Our team responds quickly to your Lee & South Chatham Counties area fire, water, or mold damage emergency, 24 hours a day. Whether the damage occurs in a small business building, a senior facility, an apartment complex, or a big box store, we have the training, experience, and equipment to handle the situation. Our network of 1,900+ Franchises gives us access to trained restoration technicians and resources to respond to any size restoration emergency.

Creating Ozone

5/3/2022 (Permalink)

Ozone generators are one of the most common ways to quickly remove airborne contaminates and odors from homes, offices, and even cars. The same molecular process that makes ozone generators so effective is also what makes them dangerous.  When inhaled, ozone can damage the lungs. It can take up to 60 minutes after the generator cycle ends for the ozone to be neutralized, making it safe to breathe.

What is ozone? Ozone is a molecule composed of three atoms of oxygen. Two atoms of oxygen form the basic oxygen molecule. Ozone generators create O3, (ozone) which disburses into the space to be treated. Nature creates O3 as a natural cleaner during thunderstorms, and from sunlight striking the earth’s atmosphere. Have you ever taken a walk after a thunderstorm and experienced the clean, fresh smell in the air? That's O3, or ozone cleaning the air.

After removing the source of the odor, use the ozone machine to oxidize remaining organic odors. Ozone can be especially helpful in fire or smoke damage restoration. We here at SERVPRO Lee & South Chatham Counties use our ozone machines in these type of jobs, large and small. After drying the area fully and removing any organic matter, set the unit as a high as possible. Ozone is heavier than air and will fall. Set up an air mover to help circulate the ozone. Once completed, you must ventilate thoroughly for it to be safe.

Introducing Our Submersible Water Pumps

4/1/2022 (Permalink)

When it comes to repairing and restoring water damage, submersible water pumps are an integral part of the water extraction stage. Submersible water pumps are a key piece of equipment thanks to their powerful pumping abilities and range of sizes and capacities – no matter your specific needs, there will surely be a submersible water pump that’s right for the job.

If you’d like to learn more about that submersible water pumps that highly trained professional restoration specialists use, you’ve come to the right place. Read on for a quick summary of what submersible water pumps are and how they work.

What Are Submersible Water Pumps?

As its name might suggest, a submersible water pump is a type of pump that can be fully submerged in water. This is achieved by constructing the pump such that body of the pump is firmly coupled to the motor, and keeping the motor fully sealed with an airtight seal. There are plenty of different types of submersible pumps, each with a different application.

Submersible pumps are designed to prevent one of the most common problems associated with removing water called pump cavitation, which is when an air bubble forms due to different elevations of the pump and fluid surface. Furthermore, submersible water pumps are more energy-efficient than other types of pumps like jet pumps; they use water pressure to push fluids to the surface for removal, whereas jet pumps pull fluids downwards to be removed.

Submersible pumps are also quieter and less prone to overheating than other water pumps since they are fully submerged under the water surface. The full submersion of the pumps also means that they never need to be primed as well, making them a great investment when it comes to water removal.

How Submersible Water Pumps Work

Submersible water pumps first pull water into the pump via the foot valve, and the water then strikes the blades of the impeller in the pump. The speed of the water flow increases as it hits the blades of the impeller.

The rotations of the impeller then push the water into the diffuser, which converts the kinetic energy and speed of the water into pressure, causing the water to be pushed to the surface as it is discharged from the outlet valve of the submersible water pump. Once the water has reached the surface, it can be safely and quickly removed.

Uses of Submersible Water Pumps

Thanks to their versatility, different types of submersible water pumps are installed for different use cases. Single-stage submersible water pumps are suitable for uses like sewage pumping, draining, and other industrial uses. Multiple-stage submersible water pumps, which are typically lowered down into a borehole, are commonly seen in residential, commercial, and industrial water extraction.

With all these points in mind, we hope that you have a clearer picture of just how useful submersible water pumps are when professionally repairing and restoring water damage. If you’d like to learn more about water damage repair or any of the professional restoration and cleaning services we offer, SERVPRO Lee & Chatham Counties is here to help! Please get in touch with us today and we’ll gladly answer any questions you might have.

Common Air Duct Contaminants

4/1/2022 (Permalink)

Most residential and commercial property owners take their air ducts for granted. So long as cold and hot air is emitted when desired with no chemical or burning scent, most people are content. However, air duct contaminants can become a real problem and it must be addressed. 

Pests

Ductwork is the perfect conduit for warm air during winter and cool air during summer. This makes it an attractive nesting spot for many insects and rodents, some of which might spread pathogens and cause other damage. Unless you enjoy rats, mice or roaches suddenly showing up in your property, you’ll probably want to have your ductwork cleaned regularly. 

Dander, Dirt And Dust

These are the most frequent contaminants that you’ll find in typical ductwork. Textiles such as furniture and carpets often generate dust and dirt will gain entry through windows and doors that are opened. Dander is the result of hair and skin cells that are shed by both animals and people.

The good news is that the majority of dirt, dust, and dander are removed during standard vacuuming and cleaning. The bad news is that because they consist of particles that readily become airborne, your air ducts will suck them in. While HVAC systems have filters that are capable of capturing the particulates in varying quantities, there is still plenty that will end up in the ducts, accumulating as the months and years go by. 

Mold

Mold can be found in virtually every home, from studio apartments to penthouses and mansions. However, most forms are relatively harmless to humans and pets. They result from condensation within ducts which frequently occurs because of insufficient insulation. Once mold colonies form, they will contaminate the air of the interior each time the HVAC system is activated. There is also rare black and green mold that is considered a biohazard and if they appear in your home you’ll need to evacuate so the property can be professionally cleaned.

Allergens And Pollen

Both airborne allergens and pollens behave similarly to dirt, duster, and dander, appearing within air ducts. While some of it comes from outside the building, others will be generated from within. Either way, both will compromise the quality of your indoor air and can cause some serious effects on your health.

As you can see, there are at least five contaminants that can appear in your building’s ductwork. Commercial property owners, in particular, must be careful because businesses are required by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) to create a safe working environment for employees. If your commercial building is found to have contaminants in the ductwork that is harming employees or customers, it can threaten your business and potentially lead to fines and litigation, not to mention a loss of reputation.

This is why regular cleaning of your ductwork is so important, but because the task can be tedious, it is best to hire a professional like SERVPRO that has the expertise, equipment, and credentials needed to get the job done right.

How to Prepare for a Storm

4/1/2022 (Permalink)

Storms can be as unexpected as the damage they cause. Often, with the right preparation, much of the storm damage can be minimized or prevented altogether. Here are some tips to help prevent the damages storms may cause.

Clean Your Gutters

When it rains, and your gutters are clogged, it could cause the overflow to run down into your home. Often, this water can go undetected and sit. Over time, mold can grow in these areas that remain wet. Having clean and sturdy gutters before the rain comes can minimize the damage a storm may cause.

Landscaping and drainage

Depending on the land your home is built, water runoff can accumulate around your foundation, and flood your homes. Fortunately, there are solutions with the right landscaping. Better pathways can be created for water runoff, guiding the water away from your home. If you have noticed puddles or water accumulation near your home when it rains, contact a professional to help, before a storm comes. That can make the difference in whether your home is damaged or not.

Damaged or Dead Trees 

Storm damage often occurs when a tree or limbs break off and falls onto a home. Snow and rain can weigh down trees, while wind can make them bend. If this happens to trees and limbs that are dead or damaged, there’s a high chance that they will break. Before the storm season comes, be sure to trim your trees, and remove all dead limbs.

Dirty Water Cleanups

4/1/2022 (Permalink)

Did You Know There Are 3 Varieties of Water Damage?

If the disaster seems manageable you may be tempted to handle it yourself, unlike a large flood or burst pipe. While this may seem like a cost saving idea in the short run, the hazards and future problems can become very costly. In reality, cleaning up and restoring a water damage isn’t always as straightforward as it seems.

Below we have highlighted three major things you need to be aware of when addressing water damage from a small to big water loss.

1) Know What You’re Dealing With

Water damage can be caused by  the three types of water listed:

• Clean water (Category 1)
• Gray water (Category 2) 
• Black water (Category 3) 

It’s crucial to understand the differences between each of these categories, Category 2 and Category 3 water both present risks to you, your employees, customers and loved ones. And all three categories need to be handled in a different manner to be done properly.

Clean Water-

The most common sources of clean water normally come from a pipe, water heater, steam lines or even rainwater after a storm. The basic rule of thumb- it should look and smell like tap water. These types of water can be handled with normal water loss procedures, however recovering from Category 2 and Category 3 water damage involves additional considerations.

Gray Water-

A Category 2 water loss, or “grey water” refers to a source of water which contains a large degree of chemical, biological, or physical contaminants that can cause health effects. 

Black Water-

Category 3 water loss involves water that is contaminated and can contain pathogenic, toxigenic, or other harmful agents. Such water contains things like silt, organic matter, pesticides, heavy metals, regulated materials, or unsafe substances.

2) Make Sure You Investigate All of the Damage

The challenging thing about recovering from water damage from something like a broken pipe or storm damage is that you can typically only see the visible surface damage. The majority of the moisture is actually hidden in walls, floors and more, making it necessary to identify and thoroughly dry all of the affected areas to prevent mold growth. If the wall has insulation, we will use flood cuts. We may even need to remove your base molding and flooring materials depending on damage, these are things that can become overlooked doing it yourself.

3) Establish Proper Airflow and Keep the Windows Closed When Drying

Once moisture becomes present, your first thought may be to open windows to assist in the drying process, in reality this may not be your best move. For example, if your building is mechanically ventilated, the systems need constant pressure levels to work correctly. You should avoid excess heat, cold, and humidity, or you may end up slowing the drying process. After we remove wet materials and create necessary cuts in the walls, we begin placing down drying equipment. This process continues until moisture meters read safe levels again.

No matter what type of water damage you’re dealing with, don’t hesitate to call us at 919-533-6776. 

Dealing with the Cleanup After a Fire

4/1/2022 (Permalink)

What's next?

Few things are as devastating to any homeowners as a house fire. If your home catches fire, our team at SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties works to aid you in the process of rebuilding. However, there are a few things you must do after a fire has occurred that applies to homeowners anywhere in Manhattan, or anywhere else. 

Give Your Insurance Adjuster a Call

You must call your insurance company promptly after. Your agent will help you figure out what happens after the fire has been put out, and they will walk you through the process of finding the proper contractors. Your adjuster should assist you in finding a place to stay in New York while your home is no longer livable, and they can help you figure out the financial situation you are now in. 

Calling in the Restoration Specialists

SERVPRO is a restoration company that helps people with their homes following a fire throughout the US. What makes a restoration company imperative is that you cannot just head back into your home after there has been a fire. There are numerous hazards that must be cleaned, boarded, and a variety of other issues that must be handled first. For example, the water used to put out the fire can cause water damage, a whole other problem to add to the list following a fire. 

Sort Your Property 

Once you have a restoration specialist handle the details inside your home and you’re cleared to enter, it’s time to sort your property out from what can be saved and what you must part with. There may be undamaged items in your home that you can salvage. There are many more that are unsalvageable, and those items will need to be sorted and disposed of. 

Being the victim of a house fire is heartbreaking. It’s also a scary process to deal with, but you are not required to go through this alone. The people you hire at SERVPRO are there to help you with your new needs, we are here to make sure you know what to expect and how to handle it!

Emergency Water Service

3/29/2022 (Permalink)

Disasters know no time frame. Unfortunately, many occur in the overnight hours, especially in the commercial market like hotels and nursing homes. In many cases, these types of emergencies with water dripping from a ceiling happen at night rather than during regular business hours.

It's comforting to know that SERVPRO responds 24/7/365 to meet the water damage needs of our commercial clients. We understand that working with commercial properties like hotels and nursing homes demand attention simply due to the population they serve. Whether it be a vulnerable one like nursing homes and senior living centers, or transient ones like hotels; safety is an upmost concern.

A SERVPRO certified water technician's first task on any job is to assess for safety. Standing water, buckled or hanging ceilings, the type of water (Category 1,2 or 3)?All these decision are made first before a plan of action is implemented.

Having a trained and certified water restoration company like SERVPRO ensures that the job of restoring your commercial property will be done by IICRC standards. SERVPRO is "always here to help".

Appliance Water Damage Repair

3/28/2022 (Permalink)

It is amazing how quickly things can change when an appliance such as a dishwasher or a refrigerator begins to leak. Many times the leak can go unnoticed for days and weeks until it is too late and there is permanent damage to floors, baseboards, cabinets and more. This is where SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties can help. We are available to repair the damage caused by a leaking appliance and can work with you and in some cases your insurance company to repair the damage and restore our home. 

Our team is available 24/7 when this type of water damage occurs because if the flow of water cannot easily be stopped and is significant you may need immediate help. As water begins to permeate surfaces such as particle board, drywall, laminate flooring and carpets the materials quickly become unsalvageable and must be removed and replaced, this includes insulation behind sheetrock walls. Our team is trained to measure humidity levels in these materials to determine if the can be saved or if removing them will be better to prevent structural damage. 

If your home or commercial property are damaged by water from a leaking appliance, water supply or waste pipe, call us today. We are prepared to help 24/7!

24/7/365 WE RESPOND

3/25/2022 (Permalink)

Our crew getting ready to respond.

No one can ever predict when a disaster will occur. Whether it be a broken pipe causing major water damage or a fire causing destruction and displacement. They certainly don't always occur between 9:00-5:00 o'clock. Unfortunately, most occur when either the business is closed or the family is away. Holidays and winter are the most common seasons.

One of the key elements to mitigating any disaster (especially water damage) is speed of clean up. Mold from water can begin to grow in as little as 48 hours and make a bad situation worse. Extraction and drying are paramount to avoiding this hazardous situation. But also the quicker the professional restorer begins the more likelihood they are able to "save" your belongings.  For all these reasons SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties is available 24/7/365 to meet any disaster head-on. Call us at 919-533-6776. 

What to do After a Fire

3/7/2022 (Permalink)

Fires are devastating. Even a small fire can cause major damage. Knowing what to do after a fire is one key component of both safety and mitigating damages. 

Here are a few tips of what a fire victim could do:

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
• Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
• Clean and protect chrome with light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
• Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.
• Change HVAC filter.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.

By following these guidelines you increase the odds of "saving" your belonging and mitigating any further damage.

Sewage Backups Pose Risks

3/2/2022 (Permalink)

Call your local SERVPRO!

Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences. A failure to properly remove such substances can contribute to unhealthy and dangerous environments.

SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties certified technicians are trained to safely remove bio hazardous substances and dispose of them properly in accordance with OSHA and health regulations.

Sewage backups and dark water intrusions are more than nasty, smelly deposits – these damages also introduce harmful microorganisms into a structure. SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties certified technicians remove the sewage, contaminants, and moisture, and help ensure the structure is properly cleaned, disinfected, and deodorized

Equipped with the necessary safety apparatus and cleaning products, SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties help turn unsafe environments into clean, safe homes and offices.

SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties is the areas premier sewage cleanup company. Don't take the risk of doing it yourself. Call us for all your cleanup needs: (919) 533-6776.

We are proud to serve our local community.  We are "Here to help".

Checking For Weather Damage

3/2/2022 (Permalink)

Spring has arrived. The days are getting longer. The birds are returning, and the fruit trees are flowering. Pretty soon we will be cutting grass, weeding gardens, and moving our lives outside.

So now is the perfect time to do a quick assessment of your home to make sure the winter weather didn't remove any shingles, blow any siding loose, crack an exterior water spigot, or displace any crawl space vents.

Water intrusion is one of the main contributors to building damage that can decrease the value of your property. This can include structural damage, rot, termites and other unwanted pests, and microbial problems that can lead to sick building syndrome as well as the potential liability associated with a decline in indoor air quality.

Regular home inspections can show early indications of potential water intrusion. Look for peeling paint, discolored caulk, open seams, airflow in areas that should be sealed, etc. If you have water intrusion from any source, remove wet material and get the structure dried as soon as possible so the water doesn't create additional problems.

If you have experienced water intrusion and suspect there may be lingering moisture issue, call SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties at 919-533-6776 for 24/7 emergency service.

Checking your new Home

2/18/2022 (Permalink)

Mold on ceiling.

Water damage signs can be left in plain sight at times if you look. Grab a flashlight when looking at a home to buy .

Water damage can be hiding anyway but check the high risk areas at least.

Check the walls for spots and stains. Don't forget to look around doors and windows.

Check the floors for warping and buckling especially in the basement. Look for white or dark stains on wood floors, damp carpeting and a general smell of dampness and mold.

Check the piping in the kitchen, bathrooms, laundry room, and basement for corrosion around the pipe connections, leaks, or water stains. Inspect the caulking around the bathroom fixtures. Missing or loose caulking could be caused by water seepage. Look for missing grout or signs of mold. Check the water heater for wet spots on the floor and rust on the tank.

Check the attic for stains, mold, and other signs of leaks. The insulation should be dry and in good condition. 

Don't forget to check the outside of the house.  Check the roof for damaged flashing and missing, cracked, or curled shingles. If you see standing water anywhere outside the home, it could be the sign of a problem. The house should be situated on the highest point of the property, with the ground sloping away from the house.

Make sure your Employees are Fire Ready

2/14/2022 (Permalink)

Smart Fire Prevention Practices for Maryland Businesses

• Hold meetings to educate your employees on emergency evacuation plans.

• Familiarize and train employees on how to use fire extinguishers and other fire-fighting tools.

• Stage a fire drill at least once a year.

• Clearly mark emergency exits and escape routes, and keep them unobstructed at all times.

• Provide a minimum of one 2A 10BC-rated fire extinguisher for every 75 feet of travel distance within every 6,000 square feet. Mount fire extinguishers on the wall, three to five feet from the floor.

• Provide quarterly maintenance and 5-year certification of your fire sprinkler system.

• Remove trash and waste paper from the office on a regular basis.

• Keep the furnace room, electrical rooms, and spaces below stairwells clear—never use them for storage.

• Place heat-generating appliances such as copiers, heaters, and coffee makers away from combustible materials.

• Keep your workspace and equipment well ventilated and clean—especially clear of oil and dust.

• Do not use electrical equipment when flammable gases, vapors, liquids, dust, or fibers are present.

• Check to make sure your circuits are not overloaded.

• Maintain free access to all electrical control panels. Material or equipment stored in front of the panels will slow down power shut-downs in an emergency situation.

• Use extension cords ONLY for temporary wiring.

• Replace any damaged or missing electrical components, including the covers on all plates.

• Identify each circuit breaker in an electrical panel and install blanks for missing circuit breakers.

• Clearly label the contents of all compressed gas cylinders. Chain or nest cylinders to prevent them from falling over.

• Contact SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties at 919-533-6776 to have us do a complete ERP (Emergency Response Plan) for your business.

No Business is out of our League

2/6/2022 (Permalink)

If you are a Commercial Property Manager you want to know if your large building can be handled if a large loss occurs, rest assured knowing that SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties ready and able to handle any type of loss in any type of building!

SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties is proud to be part of the large loss division of SERVPRO. The SERVPRO Commercial Large Loss Division is composed of our best of the best in restoration. Our elite large-loss specialists are pre-qualified and strategically positioned throughout the United States to handle any size disaster. Every large loss is supervised by a commercial operations manager to help ensure seamless communication and timely mitigation. 

Contact the Commercial Fire and Water damage experts at SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties when you discover damage at your business. Call 919-533-6776 for any questions that you may have. 

Winter Storms Can Cause Long Term Damage To Commercial Properties, Be Prepared With A SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile

2/1/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO's Emergency Ready Profile lets businesses register their properties with the local SERVPRO project manager free of charge. This profile lists the property/properties for your local SERVPRO manager, so that we can be prepared in case of an emergency. This profile can help you save thousands on damages caused by a storm or other severe weather event.

Large snowstorms in winter can cause damage to power lines, causing power outages and reducing heat supply for homes and businesses throughout the region. Many commercial properties can be left empty when this happens. The cold temperatures can cause equipment damage and water supply lines to burst. A company with a current SERVPRO ERP (Emergency Ready Profile) will know exactly where to find water, electricity, and other vital areas in order to turn off the water supply.

Call us to find out more about our free preparation service. The project manager will schedule your property walk-through before the next winter storm.

What Other Choice is There?

2/1/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has been around since 1967. Wow, right? That's 54 whole years of operation!

We all know those companies that come and go. They get a truck and put their name on the side and seem like a reliable enough company. Just because they have a name and a truck doesn't mean they have the background and expertise you want working on your home or business.

SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties proud to be one of over 1,700 SERVPRO franchises Nationwide. SERVPRO has won more awards than we can even begin to list in this blog post, but please feel free to go to the company website and check it out.

SERVPRO has the trust of all the top Insurance Companies and is a trusted name all across the nation. We can help with your claim to make your situation as seamless as possible.

The real question should be "Why NOT use SERVPRO?" We're confident it won't be easy to add a reason to that list!

Why SERVPRO - Odor Removal

1/25/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties  offers many services to the community, such as cleanup after both large and small disasters and mold prevention/remediation. But did you know that we are also experts in odor removal? 

Here at SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties, we are experts in deodorization and trained to identify the source of unpleasant or offensive odors and eliminate them. These kinds of odors can come from a number of sources both inside and outside a structure, and masking them or using other shortcuts won't work when your odor problem is serious or persistent. By identifying the cause of the odor and determining the conditions where it contacts surfaces, we can often remove it over time without a trace. Our technicians have access to several odor removal products capable of penetrating surfaces to neutralize any unpleasant odor thoroughly.

Odors that can make life miserable can be caused by the following sources:

Rot- You may be dealing with rot in your structure, perhaps from a previous flood or a wet season. The framework or foundational areas of your home could have become wet and stayed wet, and what you are smelling is wood that is decomposing. 

Mold- You could be smelling mold, which is very unpleasant and can cause health effects. If you are experiencing that familiar musty odor, call the professionals right away. We can find the colony and start the remediation process to handle the issue and its odors.

Animals- You may have some visitors on your property who are living in your walls or your attic. When that happens, odors can result, especially if an animal dies. SERVPRO of East Evansville can come and discover what you may be dealing with, and once Animal Control comes to remove the creatures, we can begin the cleaning process to get you back to normal. 

Smoke- If someone in your house smokes, that can create a very unpleasant situation. We are able to come in and alleviate this issue using our specialized methods. Or perhaps you have experienced a fire event that left smoke residue behind; this is one of our specialties, and we’re happy to help. 

Call and let us get started to making it “Like it never even happened.”

Winter storms are storms too..

1/19/2022 (Permalink)

Winter storms are storms too…

Just because spring and summer is in our review mirror does not mean that we do not have to worry about storms.  Winter storms can be devastating to your home and you need to prepare for them just as aggressively as other storms.

Here at SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties we want to help make sure you have a safe winter.  Below is a few things to help prepare your home for winter

Do These 5 Tasks to Winterize Your Home

1. Check roof tiles, shutters, siding, and other exterior materials to ensure they’re secure
2. Make sure gutters are clear
3. Seal air leaks around the home to keep it warmer (and save energy costs)
4. Insulate all exposed plumbing pipes to prevent burst pipes
5. Trim tree branches away from your roof to prevent roof damage

Clean your gutters. If you don’t, you risk an ice dam.

What’s an ice dam? Ice dams occur when ice melts off the roof during the day and then re-freezes as it drips into a clogged gutter. This can force water back under the roofline and cause serious leaks, often thousands of dollars (!) in damage.

While you’re insulating your pipes, remind yourself where all water shut-off valves are so you can turn off the water supply in case of any leaks.

Overgrown tree branches are a risk to your home, vehicles, and loved ones. But trimming and removal can be dangerous, too, so don’t attempt it on your own. Best to hire a pro.

Now you’re ready for a snow day!

Items That Can Be Contaminated By Fire Damage

1/17/2022 (Permalink)

Household fires can result in extensive damage to your home where you might have to end up engaging fire damage restoration services. Despite the ability to restore your home to almost as good as new with professional fire damage restoration services, other important items in your home such as documents and personal items would be devastated by the fire. Although suffering from household fire may not mean that every single thing in your property is destroyed, there may be some things inside that fortunately have been salvaged. However, some things that remains seemingly unscathed after a fire should still be thrown out due to contamination from fire damage. It is important for you to sort through all your belongings and throw out some things that might have been contaminated by fire damage.

Food

Whether it is perishable items or non-perishable food, all food items must be disposed of after a fire. Although some food items may appear to be in a good condition, it is impossible to tell what is present or growing in the bottles or cans after they have been exposed to high heat. Food could still be dangerous despite looking, smelling and tasting normal. Conversely, heat could also have activated bacteria and you may end up with food that taste bad and is dangerous when consumed. Food packed in foil, plastic or cardboard would absorb smoke and chemicals. The toxic fumes from the fire could also have contaminated foods in cans and jars even though they are sealed.

Medications

Many people are usually tempted to keep medication that have survived after a fire because they can be costly even if they are prescribed or bought from the counter. Like food, medications also can absorb smoke and contaminants from the fire which makes them potentially dangerous. The heat from the fire might also impact the effectiveness of the medications. Other than medications, cosmetics should be disposed of as they also easily absorb smoke and chemicals.

Burnt Textiles

Although a good restoration company is usually able to save textiles following a household fire, these textiles would usually have absorbed too much smoke to be sage to use. It is possible to remove the smell of smoke from clothing, bedding, furniture and rugs, but if such textiles have actually been burnt, they need to be discarded.

Paper Goods

Paper has a high ability to absorb smoke and chemicals not just from the fire but from fire extinguishers. If paper goods including paper plates and cups are used, the users might suffer from poisoning.

What You can do to Recover from a Fire

Every property owner should be well-prepared to not just prevent household fires from occurring but also to know what to do in the event this happens. Our team of experts and professionals here at SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties are licensed and well-trained to assist you in fire damage restoration services. Don’t suffer alone, let us help you to bring back your home even after suffering a household fire. Contact us now for any queries or to simply book an appointment with us today!

Why Are There Water Streaks On Your Walls?

1/12/2022 (Permalink)

Water streaks on your walls can look unsightly. However, the problem is often bigger than just an eyesore as they could indicate mold growth, rot, and water leakages behind the wall. It is thus important to have this problem resolved as soon as possible. Water streaks on your walls could also be signs of inadequate drainage of water and condensation. Here are some of the reasons for water streaks on your walls.

Inadequate Home Ventilation

Proper home ventilation will help to remove pollutants, control heat and remove excess moisture in the environment. If your home has a persistent moisture problem and water streaks on your walls, you should try to increase your ventilation to fix the problem. For example, you can use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom or other humid areas to increase air circulation and ensure proper ventilation. Do remember that exhaust fans should be vented to the exterior and not the interior.

Condensation

Condensation occurs when there is a large temperature difference between the air outside and the air inside your home. This causes condensation on interior surfaces in your houses such as walls and windows. Over time, this condensation can contribute to water streaks on your walls.

The good news is those condensation problems are relatively minor and easier to fix as compared to water leakages. You can use dehumidifiers, improve your ventilation system or exhaust systems to fix condensation issues, thereby preventing excess moisture from building in your house and on surfaces.

Roof Leaks and Ice Dams

If your roof has a leakage, water can thus seep into your home or inner walls. Cracked masonry, walls, or other damaged building structures may also contribute to the excess build-up of moisture. If you frequently observe wet patches or water streaks on your walls after heavy rain or storm, the likely culprit would be roof leaks.

It is thus important to get your roof repaired and to seek professional help as your roof may deteriorate over time. Roof leaks may also occur due to damaged roofs from improper installation and damage from heavy weather such as storms.

Ice dams can also cause roof damage and leaks in colder climates. This is because heavy snowfalls, paired with damaged roofs, or inadequate roof structures, insulation, and ventilation would contribute to ice dams. Ice dams occur when the snow on the roof melts and seeps or leaks into the roof, or your interior walls via a crack or crevice on the roof. If you observe water streaks occurring on the walls in the top of rooms which are located on the highest story, it may be due to an ice dam and roof leakage.

SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties Can Assist You with Water Damage Restoration

SERVPRO is a trusted leader in the restoration industry and possesses numerous advanced restoration and cleaning equipment. We can identify the source of your leakage and properly address the water damage on your walls.

Commercial Property Clean Up Company

1/11/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties can provide commercial property managers many helpful services, especially after a disaster such as water damage, fire damage, storm damage, mold removal or simply years of neglect, we can help!

Our leadership team has years of experience in disaster restoration and construction. Our experienced combined with SERVPRO's unmatched systems/protocols and equipment for disaster restoration should make us your number one call when disaster strikes.

We service many commercial properties in Lee & South Chatham Counties. We provide these properties a variety of services from one-time events like flooding and fire, to long term services like construction management, cleaning and more. We look to develop relationships with property managers throughout the city, giving them a direct line to our services when they are needed and expediting these processes. 

If you are a property manager in the Lee & South Chatham Counties area. Give our office a call today. We can have a representative meet with you to discuss your needs right away.

Mopping Up Mold After a Flood

12/28/2021 (Permalink)

Safety First

If you are going to enter a home that has suffered flood damage, there are several precautions you should take:

• Check gas and power. Before entering any structure, make sure the gas and electricity are both turned off and look for any damaged gas or power lines.
• Check for structural damage. Make sure there are no sagging ceilings or other structural damage that would make it unsafe to enter the home.
• Cover your hands. If you are going to be handling things that may have mold growth, cover your skin with thick rubber gloves.
• Cover your mouth. Using a handkerchief may not be enough to keep out mold spores. It is best to use a face mask with a respirator to protect your lungs.
• Cover your eyes. Goggles that fit snugly around your eyes can help keep out dust and other small particles. Avoid goggles with air vents, as they will not provide the same protection.

Clean Up

One of the first things homeowners need to do after a disaster is to assess the damage to their homes. Documenting the disaster may be helpful for insurance purposes, so photograph each room before beginning cleanup activities.

Next, determine how much of your home was affected. The Environmental Protection Agency says that areas smaller than 10 square feet can often be addressed by the homeowner but suggests that anything larger may be best dealt with by remediation professionals.

Time is essential, as bacteria can grow quickly in standing water and mold may grow in as little as 24 to 48 hours. Qualified professionals in Lee & South Chatham Counties are often the best resources for remediation following a flood because of the tight timeframe and potential for hazardous health conditions if not handled properly.

After a flood, prevent mold growth by cleaning up quickly. Take appropriate safety precautions and contact professionals for expert help.

Keep Your Bathrooms Free From Mildew

12/17/2021 (Permalink)

No homeowner desires bathroom mildew. At best, its presence is unpleasant. At worst, you need a residential mold removal service to get rid of it. Thankfully, there are easy ways to reduce the odds that mildew develops. Practice the following tips to keep your lavatories in Lee & South Chatham Counties free from mildew.

1. Run the Fan
People normally turn off their ceiling vent as soon as they're done bathing. Leave yours running for at least half an hour after washing. Install a timer so you don't need to worry about forgetting to shut it down.

2. Dry the Shower
You may be reluctant to assume another chore, but scrubbing shower walls with a squeegee or dry towel after you've stepped out is a must. This brief duty has the potential to reduce an enormous amount of moisture that may contribute to the growth of bathroom mildew.

3. Ventilate the Room
Summer months may create a humidity problem that increases the odds of mildew's appearance. If your home's interior becomes particularly steamy, open the windows during bath time. Standalone fans can be used to further increase airflow. The strength of the fan you need is determined by your bathroom's square footage. Your blower's instruction manual will tell you its power in cubic feet per minute.

4. Fix the Leaks
A leaky faucet is more than just an annoyance. It's also a potential source of mildew. Contact a plumber to remedy the matter as soon as it's noticed. The longer you wait, the greater the chance of a fungal nuisance surfacing.

5. Wash the Towels
Used towels are vulnerable to mildew. Pick them up off the floor and place them in a laundry basket. Clean them regularly. Remind yourself to handle this chore by setting a customized phone alert or designate a specific day for completing the task.
Prevent bathroom mildew from taking over. A few non-taxing steps could stop the arrival of an unsightly and inconvenient situation.

How to Prepare Your Commercial Property for a Winter Storm

12/15/2021 (Permalink)

Call us at 919-533-6776

Keep Your Commercial Property Safe From A Storm

A winter storm could cause devastating damage to commercial buildings in Lee & South Chatham Counties. Freezing temperatures affect the construction materials of buildings by corroding, expanding, and tearing them. Materials that are affected by below-freezing temperatures include:

• Pipes
• Windows
• Roofs
• HVAC units
  
  

You can keep your property safe from bad weather by maintaining and updating your building as needed. Here are a few things you can do to keep your commercial property safe from a storm.

1. Maintain Your HVAC System
An HVAC unit has the power to heat your building and keep colder temperatures out. You will need to crank up the heat when temperatures drop. To keep your system maintained and functional before a winter storm, change the filters regularly and have the unit professionally cleaned at least once a year.

2. Check That Your Windows Are Properly Sealed
In older buildings, the sealant around windows becomes corroded with time. Make sure your windows are sealed well enough to keep out unwanted moisture. This prevents storm damage from ice and higher humidity levels in the building. It can also save you money on your electrical bill and ensures the HVAC system is not working harder than it needs to.

3. Insulate Around Your Plumbing
One of the main reasons insurance companies receive calls in the aftermath of inclement weather is damage from bursts or broken pipes. A burst pipe occurs when water freezes inside of the plumbing, causing the pressure to increase and pipes to burst. To prevent a pipe break, insulate around your pipes to keep the cold air out. Remember to allow warm air to circulate around indoor water supply lines by opening cabinet doors. Any outdoor pipes should also be well insulated.

Prevent unwanted damage by keeping your property well maintained year-round. If you have experienced a burst pipe from a winter storm, contact a storm damage restoration service to aid in cleanup and repairs. 

Check the Nearest Stall, This One’s Flooded: How to Stop an Overflowing Toilet

12/10/2021 (Permalink)

How to Stop an Overflowing Toilet

Before summoning a professional to your business for a toilet overflow, you may want to follow the following steps.

1. Stop Use of Surrounding Area

If you want to stop a toilet flood, it may be necessary to stop using the faucets and toilets in the surrounding area and stalls. Any additional pressure put on the plumbing system in the surrounding area can exacerbate the issue for the single stall.

2. Close the Water Valve

While it may be necessary to stop the immediate use of the restrooms in the surrounding area, it does not have to be halted permanently. You can resume use of other stalls after you close the water valve to the problem toilet. This valve is typically located on the vertical or horizontal pipe running up the back of the toilet and can be identified by the flathead screwdriver slot. Close the valve by using a screwdriver to turn it off.

3. Use a Plunger or Check the Gasket

Once you have shut off the influx of water, you can see if the toilet overflow is due to a clog or a problem with the gasket. To see if it is a clog, you can use a plunger and attempt to flush the toilet. If the toilet flushes, then you may have a clog. If you suspect the gasket, remove the flange cover followed by the gasket, and then clean the gasket, making sure that the weep hole is clear of any buildup or debris.

4. Consult an Expert

If you have used a plunger and cleaned the gasket, but the system is still not working correctly, it may be time to consult an expert in the Lee & South Chatham Counties area. While some plumbing issues are easy enough to fix on your own, others require the investigative skills of experienced professionals.

A toilet overflow can be a nuisance, but it doesn’t have to be costly. Most issues can be resolved with a plunger or a gasket cleaning; however, in those instances where simple fixes won’t cut it, you may want to seek out a professional before the potential water damage becomes expensive and burdensome.

Three Reasons to Install a Fence After a Fire

12/7/2021 (Permalink)

After a fire in your commercial building, your first thought is likely going to be about your business or property. You're going to think about what you lost to the flames and the damage you have to repair. You might even think about how long it is going to take to get your business back up and running. A commercial fire damage repair team can help you deal with the restoration after a fire. However, damage isn't the only thing you have to worry about. Safety and security should be top concerns as well. A temporary security fence may be the tool you need to use after a fire.

1. Warn People About Structural Instability: A fence around the perimeter of your building can help warn your employees and customers to keep out of the building. Some fires only affect internal parts of buildings, so people may not realize what happened until they are in the building. You may want to put signs up to let everyone know that the property is still being repaired after a fire.

2. Reduce Liability: Owning a building that could hurt someone makes you quite liable. When you put up a fence, however, you may help alleviate some of that liability by trying to keep people out.

3. Increase Security: The best reason to get a security fence is to help beef up the protection of your building. Vandals may try to enter the property to have parties or put up graffiti. If any valuable belongings are left in the building, looters may be drawn to the space. Whether you're trying to keep out loiterers or thieves, this type of fencing can help you achieve your goal.

A fire can change the way you use your commercial property in Lee & South Chatham Counties . Eventually, the building will be fixed back up, but for now, it sits empty when not being repaired. A security fence can help you ensure only professionals are going on the property.

How to Prepare for a Storm

11/24/2021 (Permalink)

Interior

- Stock up on food, water, first aid kit, flashlights, batteries, portable phone chargers, toiletries, food, and medication for your pets. It is best to over-prepare for a storm than run out of supplies. 

- Make a clear exit path in case of an emergency. 

- Organize all your important paperwork in a waterproof bag or safe. Make sure that you are prepared for any damages to your important belongings. 

Exterior 

- Bring in your outdoor furniture and contents. Move your contents into a shed or your garage. 

- Make sure that the trees near your home are trimmed and maintained. Branches can snap during a storm and cause your home of thousands of dollars in damage. 

- Have your roof inspected to make sure there is no damage. Even the smallest roof leak can cause your home a tremendous amount of damage. 

-  Have a professional board up your windows to prevent further damage and water to enter your house.

Your HVAC System Is a Black Mold Superhighway

11/22/2021 (Permalink)

Your HVAC System Is a Superhighway for Black Mold

Mold spreads by releasing its spores, letting them float through the air and land where they may. If the spores end up somewhere warm and moist that makes it easy for them to grow, then you could have black mold building up in your facility relatively quickly. You can't always do much about the moisture itself, but you can inhibit mold's mobility and potentially control the source of your water damage problem by taking the following steps:

• Stop the flow of air between rooms
• Turn off the HVAC units
• Switch off your water
  
  

Mold Travels

There are many things that could contribute to the transmission of black mold spores throughout a building. Some of them are unavoidable:

• Foot traffic
• Water damage or mold cleanup activities
• Construction
  
  

In a normal situation, even major renovations shouldn't spread mold excessively. Unless there's heavy airflow, spores don't travel very far when they go airborne. However, a powerful HVAC system could potentially suck up a significant amount of mold. These spores could then become trapped in the crevices of your ducts to periodically recirculate them throughout your entire facility.

Counterintuitive Solutions

It might seem like dealing with a mold and moisture problem would include cranking your ventilation system all the way up to dry out your rooms. However, that could cause more problems. It's often best to let mold cleanup professionals in Lee & South Chatham Counties  handle the issue. The difference is that the pros use equipment designed specifically to be tough on moisture and mold, while your HVAC system is engineered for a completely different purpose.

Cleaning the Ducts

It's a point of some debate in the black mold remediation community whether or not duct cleaning has a major influence on mold problems. Even the EPA is still undecided on the subject. However, it is a good idea to inspect your ductwork after you discover a mold problem. If you have mold populations lurking in your HVAC system, they're likely to spread.

What You Need to About Fall Fire Safety

11/19/2021 (Permalink)

We don’t know about you, but we’re ready to welcome the cooler fall weather!

But like all the other seasons, autumn brings about safety risks. Taking a few minutes to learn about those risks now can help you prevent a fire later.

Campfire Safety

Did you know there’s a right and a wrong way to build a campfire? Seriously, when building a campfire, you need to stay aware and alert from beginning to end.

Knowing where and how to build a campfire is the first step. Make sure you keep it in an open area and away from anything flammable. Also, remember to use dry logs or limbs.

As you’re preparing to ignite the campfire, only use a match or lighter, never an accelerant like kerosene or lighter fluid.

And before you are ready to call it a night, you must ensure that your fire has been completely extinguished. If you aren’t careful, all it takes is a small gust of wind to help reignite the fire. To be safe, you can slowly douse your campfire with a bucket of water to help ensure all the embers are put out.

Space Heaters

As most of you know a portable space heater can become quite handy. This is true at all times of year, especially when you’re working in a chilly office environment. But space heaters are also a significant fire risk, especially during the fall and winter.

Make sure to keep your heater away from anything flammable. It’s also imperative to keep it on a level surface, because even though most come with an automatic shut-off, it’s better to be extra cautious.

You should also plug the heater directly into an outlet rather than into an extension cord. Using an extension cord to power your space heater creates a fire hazard.

The Return of the Mold: How To Minimize Your Risk of Repeat Growth

11/12/2021 (Permalink)

The Return of Mold: How to Reduce Your Chances of Recurring Growth

It is impossible to have a completely mold-free home. Mold is in the air. It hitches a ride on your clothes and hair when you come in from outside your home in Lee & South Chatham Counties and it seeks out any moisture source it can find. Black mold growth can appear in areas that have water damage from leaks or malfunctioning plumbing. Mold remediation experts can resolve the problem, but unless you take certain precautions, the mold could return, even after professional cleanup.

1. Maintain Your Home.

Vigilant maintenance is the key to preventing the need for future mold cleanup. Take note of the places in your home where condensation tends to gather or leaks often occur. Fix the problems causing the leaks. This not only prevents unsightly water damage but also denies black mold spores a place to land and thrive.

2. Ventilate Stagnant Areas.

Your attic gets stuffy quite easily, so you must make sure that it is properly ventilated. Moisture is more likely to gather in areas lacking in air flow. Giving the stale air in these places a place to escape outside your home can be an effective mold growth deterrent.

3. Control the Humidity.

Your indoor humidity should stay within a range of 30 and 50 percent. Humid rooms are prone to mold issues. Exhaust fans in your kitchen, laundry room and bathrooms can help prevent the need for mold cleanup.

4. Hire Professionals.

If you do discover a mold problem in your home, don’t try to clean it up yourself. Certified technicians are trained to assess the problem and resolve it thoroughly. If your mold issue is not resolved completely, it is likely to return again.

Mold remediation specialists can resolve a problem with black mold in your home. Your responsibility is to do everything you can to keep the problem from recurring by making your home a place where mold feels less welcome.

What is the best extraction tool for flooding in my house?

11/10/2021 (Permalink)

Truck-Mount Pump

SERVPRO professionals have access to a wide range of water removal tools that can be used in any flood situation.

Flooding can cause a lot of water to remain on your property. If you don't act quickly to eliminate this water risk, the conditions could worsen such as structural deterioration and saturation. Our SERVPRO team can quickly take action to restore your property. Our professionals will assess your situation and determine the best equipment or products to help you achieve this goal.

Like every aspect of flood relief for businesses and homes, there are many ways to restore and recover the structure. There are many tools that can be used to extract water from a structure. The severity of the situation, depth of standing water and materials that are affected by flood water will all play a role in deciding which equipment is used. Our technicians have many tools available to them when mitigation starts. However, the most commonly used are:

• Submersible Electric Pumps
• Trash pumps
• Truck-Mount Pumps
• Wet Vacuums
• Specialty Extractors

Recovering a flooded home can feel like an insurmountable task when property owners first see the damage to their residence. Our team can help with efficient water removal, drying, and cleaning, to make all flood losses “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call today! 

How Do You Dry Electronics After A Water Leak?

10/13/2021 (Permalink)

Call us at 919-533-6776

SERVPRO® professionals have the experience to help you save these resources in your home.

Leakages can cause havoc in a home. Water leaks can cause damage to electronics throughout a home. Homeowners often use their phones and tablets in multiple rooms. Experts who are familiar with how to protect your equipment and data can save you money.

What type of damage can a water leak usually cause?

A water leak can cause power problems with various electronics in your house. It is important to remove electronics from harm as soon as possible.

What are the first steps when electronics become damaged?

First, ensure there are no electrical hazards. All electronics must be unplugged and backup batteries disconnected. Fuse breakers and trip breakers also need to be removed.

What are the other steps?

All electronics should be removed from any exposed areas if possible. To prevent further water damage, electronics should be covered with plastic if possible.

What about the water leaking from the leak?

SERVPRO® professionals are skilled in removing any standing water. You should wipe away any water remaining from your electrical equipment after the water has been removed. Do not turn on the equipment until you have thoroughly evaluated it. Otherwise, further damage could be caused by running an electric charge through electronics.

What equipment can we use in addition?

SERVPRO® professionals may use dehumidification equipment to stabilize electronics. As this can lead to corrosion and condensation, electronics should not be allowed to cool to the room's dew point.

What happens if you need more specialized knowledge?

We may need to use an electronics restoration specialist in order to finish the job and ensure the integrity of the electronics.

24/7 Emergency Service

10/9/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties operates locally allowing us to respond immediately to emergencies in our community.  Our quick response lessens the damage and reduces the cleaning and restoration cost.

We provide unmatched services for water damage, fire damage, storm damage, mold removal, and commercial services such as COVID-19 cleaning.  Our community first mindset allows us to respond faster to any disaster all over Lee and South Chatham Counties. 

SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties Professionals have the training and equipment to quickly restore your property - "Like it never even happened."  When unexpected disasters strike, you need exceptional service from a company that you can trust.  When your home or business is damaged,  we'll be the first to arrive! For a stress free claim process, SERVPRO can help manage the insurance paperwork and process.

Faster to Any Size Disaster - call today 24/7: (919) 533-6776. 

What To Do After A Fire Disaster?

10/7/2021 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties at 919-533-677

Fire damage can cause emotional turmoil and make it difficult to see the work involved in restoring a home or business. Your first call for fire damage restoration should be to your local SERVPRO.

Once the damage is done, we will quickly arrive at the scene to assess the situation and provide you with a quote for the restoration of your property. You will receive regular updates about the progress of the project that will allow you to understand the steps required to restore your property.

You can be sure that your property will be restored to its original condition by our professional contractors. Our 'Start to Finish' approach makes us an affordable choice for restoration projects of any size. Contact our office for more information at 919-533-6776.

Not all Storm Damage Is The Same

10/4/2021 (Permalink)

Storm Damage is a very broad category. There are many different types of storms that cause very different damages.

 Here are a Few examples:

• Water Damage: Rain storm damage can effect your entire home. Heavy rains and flash flooding can cause basement flooding due to seepage  or sump pump malfunction. A leaking roof could cause severe interior damage.
• Wind Damage: Heavy winds could cause damage to roofing, siding, fencing, and other areas of your property. Wind could also cause flying debris resulting in more damage.
• Hail Damage: Although hail is more common in certain parts of the country it could happen anywhere. Hail effects roofs, siding, fencing, cars, and many other things. Large hail can break windows and skylights in homes and buildings.     

These are just a few examples of Storm damages. No Matter what the damage  SERVPRO is Always here to help our Lee & South Chatham Counties homes and businesses recover and get things back to normal.

Commercial Restoration Services

10/4/2021 (Permalink)

We are here to help.

When emergency water or fire situations arise in your business,  SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties is here to help!  NO job is too large!  We will be there fast to assure you don't lose any more productivity and revenue than you have too. 

Services we Provide

• Commercial Water Damage Restoration
• Commercial Fire Damage Restoration
• Commercial Mold Remediation 
• Commercial Storm and Major Events
• Disaster Recovery Team 

Certified: SERVPRO cleaned, ensures that your business will be clean and safe for you, your employees and customers.  Whether you need odor removal or a deep clean due to water and fire damage, SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties is here 24/7 to help you get back to business. When disaster strikes your business give us a call at(919)533-6776. 

Can Wood Furniture Get Restored After Fire Damage in Lee & South Chatham Counties Home?

9/19/2021 (Permalink)

Soot damage

SERVPRO Techs Have Specialized Training to Handle Fire Damage to Both Lee & South Chatham Counties Properties and Contents

After a fire occurs in a home, it is not unusual to find all the room's possessions piled in the center and drenched, which is a common tactic used during fire fighting to control the blaze, and in some cases, it saves items from permanent damage. 

SERVPRO technicians work hard for Lee & South Chatham Counties residents with fire damage in their homes. Not all wood furniture gets created equally, and the construction materials can determine the outcome after exposure to the high heat and water. The techs inspect each piece and look for:

• Irreparable damage to the joints from heat.
• The need for cleaning away soot and smoke damage.
• Swelling from water damage with potential to get corrected through drying.
• Deterioration in composite wood furniture.

Once inspected, the techs use their proprietary cleaning agents and methods to restore the furniture with restoration potential. Any item ruined beyond the point of repair only gets disposed of with the homeowner's approval. 

Give us a call at 919-533-6776. 

Water Removal Services

9/17/2021 (Permalink)

Call us for your water removal needs.

Water Removal 

For large amounts of water, our team members start with pumps and other extraction devices. Our commercial pumps can remove the majority of the water in a day or two, depending on the size of the home. This initial action stops much of the damage and prevents any further issues from happening.  

Next, technicians use other devices to draw water off floors and out of carpets. For closets and other small areas, they use extraction wands. They can adjust the vacuum rate on these portable devices to quickly remove the water without causing secondary damage to carpet fibers or wood floorboards.  

In living rooms and other large areas, team members use extractors that move slowly under their power while SERVPRO professionals ride on or walk behind to monitor the results and adjust accordingly. If there is a pad underneath, our personnel detach the carpet from the floor, roll it up and remove the soaked foam rubber pad for disposal.  

Water Clean Up

As specialists finish the carpets and floors, other team members examine the walls for damage. Drywall panels are excellent material for interior walls, but they can soak up an incredible amount of water in a short period. Even just an inch or two of flooding can cause panels to crack and crumble. If there are no visible signs yet, they can use a combination of air movers and exhaust fans to force warm air across the surface, pushing out moisture into the air and push it outside the home.  

Since there is often some water behind the walls, team members remove the floor trim and drill several small holes into affected panels behind it. That allows water to drain, and then other specialists insert a hose attached to an air mover to force warm, dry air into the wall cavity to dry the panels and the wall framing.  

At SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties, our task is to return every flooded home to its owner in a dry condition and safe to live in once more. It is not a simple or even a quick process in some cases, but we ensure the owner understands everything we do to place their family back into their residence as quickly as possible. If you need us, call 919-533-6776 today to get started.

Mold In Commercial Buildings

9/9/2021 (Permalink)

Call us at 919-533-6776

Just like in your home, you also need to be concerned with mold in commercial buildings. Mold can be found almost anywhere and can grow on virtually any organic substance, as long as there is moisture and oxygen present. When excessive moisture accumulates in buildings or on building materials, mold starts to grow, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or unaddressed. Although it is impossible to completely eliminate all mold and mold spores, but you can control mold growth by controlling the moisture indoors.

In commercial buildings, moisture problems may include:

• Roof leaks
• Landscaping or gutters directing water into or under the building
• Unvented combustion appliances
• Delayed maintenance or insufficient maintenance

As mentioned before, the key to mold control is moisture control. Follow these mold prevention tips:

• Fix any leaky plumbing and leaks in the building as soon as possible.
• Look out for condensation and wet spots. Fix sources of moisture problems as soon as possible.
• Prevent moisture due to condensation by increasing the surface temperature or reducing the moisture level in the air.
• Keep heating, ventilation and air conditioning drip pans clean, properly flowing and unobstructed.
• Maintain a low indoor humidity, below 60% relative humidity, 30-50% is ideal.
• Have your building and HVAC inspected and maintenance regularly.
• Clean up and dry out wet or damp spots within 48 hours.
• Never let foundations stay wet.

Call our SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties for all of your mold remediation needs! 919-533-6776

Fire Restoration in Lee & South Chatham Counties

9/7/2021 (Permalink)

It is difficult to restore a home or business after a small fire. Even a small cooking stove can cause serious damage to the surrounding area and leave a lingering stench. SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties is a skilled disaster recovery team in the area. Our crew members have years  of experience and we train every member of our team to use proven techniques and properly manage drying equipment. We at SERVPRO, have access to the latest technology, equipment and methods, which are tested and backed by the most trusted disaster relief franchise in America. We hope you won't need our services but we are available to help you if you have a fire in your commercial or residential property.

If A Disaster Strikes, Will You be Ready?

9/2/2021 (Permalink)

Consider the following steps to help
you better prepare for an emergency
situation:
? Sign-up for local alerts and
warnings, download apps and/or
check access for wireless emergency
alerts.
? Develop and test emergency
communication plans.
? Assemble or update emergency
supplies.
? Learn about local hazards and
conduct a drill to practice
emergency response actions.
? Participate in a preparedness
discussion, training or class.
? Collect and safeguard critical
documents.
? Plan with neighbors to help each
other and share resources.
? Document property and obtain
appropriate insurance for relevant
hazards.
? Make property improvements
to reduce potential injury and
property damage.
Emergencies can happen anytime
to anyone. Take action now to protect
yourself and your property.  

Credits to Restoration Newsline Volume 32, issue 9; Editor: Casey Watkins

Ductwork Cleaning For The Upcoming Events!

9/2/2021 (Permalink)

Give our office a call if you require seasonal ductwork cleaning for your building.

It is difficult to imagine the cold winter ahead after a hot summer and the start of a very warm autumn. It is still in our thoughts, with just 100 days until Christmas. It is important to inspect your heating system before it gets cold. It is a good idea to clean and replace any filters in your ductwork before you turn on the heat.

Give our office a call if you require seasonal ductwork cleaning for your building. We offer commercial and large residential cleaning services in New York City.

SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties works with almost all major insurance providers and have the resources to manage and complete large-loss projects. Contact our office today, 919-533-6776. 

Power Outages Can Cause Damage To Your Home or Business

8/6/2021 (Permalink)

A summer thunderstorm can be fun to watch from a safe distance. The warm air, the rolling sound of the thunder in the background and the streaks of lightning that light up the night sky is like natures version of fireworks. But of course, with a thunderstorm, the chance of a power outage is always a possibility.

Normally, a short power outage is no big deal, but the longer the power is out the potential for damage to a home or business increases. For example, homes that take on water during storms generally, have a sub-pump that removes the water from the basement before damage can occur. Without power, this pump will not work allowing water to fill up the basement. Or if you rely on air conditioning to keep your home or business from getting too humid, a power outage can quickly lead to mold growth.

If you do run into any of these issues contact us at 919-533-6776. We can help you to repair water damage and remove mold.

What Can Happen if a Water Intrusion Isn’t Cleaned Properly?

8/5/2021 (Permalink)

Expansion on wood floor because of water damage.

SERVPRO understands the water damage that can happen to Lee & South Chatham Counties homes and knows how to provide professional mitigation

Problems occur every day that leads to water intrusion and potential damage to your home. It can be something as simple as an appliance failure or plumbing issue. Complete water extraction and drying are crucial to avoid secondary damage.

Common Issues from Inadequate Water Removal 

When moisture is not mitigated immediately, water damage in your Lee & South Chatham Counties home can be serious. DIY clean up can lead to:

• Musty smells, which can indicate mold
• Buckling sheetrock
• Warped floorboards
• Compromised structural elements
• Sagging ceiling tiles
• Discolored walls

Professional IICRC certified water damage services ensure secondary damages are kept to a minimum, if not avoided altogether. Our technicians use a combination of commercial equipment and state-of-the-art technology to make sure your home is thoroughly dried and restored to preloss condition whenever possible. The crew will:

• Trace the migration path of the water
• Use controlled demolition if necessary
• Employ the right pump for the job
• Restore instead of replace when possible
• Make sure you are completely satisfied

If you have water damage, no matter how extensive, give SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties a call at 919-533-6776. 

Commercial Fire, Flood, and Mold Damage

8/3/2021 (Permalink)

Why SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties?

SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties specializes in the cleanup and restoration of fire, water, and mold. SERVPRO knows the importance of running a business and understands the stress that weighs on property managers and business owners when disaster strikes.  When your commercial building is undergoing an emergency SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties is ready to respond in a timely manner with expert service.  Our crew members are trained through online and person to person courses so you will be confident that SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties will handle your loss the right way, the first time. With over 50 years experience and training in the cleanup industry, owners and managers can feel comfort knowing that SERVPRO is on site. SERVPRO also has specialized equipment for commercial use only which means we can save more materials which will minimize build and get the business back up and running in a shorter amount of time.

Fire Damage Can Cause Hazardous Residue

8/2/2021 (Permalink)

Call us at 919-533-6776

Fire can damage more than just structures affected. 

A fire can be scary and devastating to a family or business in Lee and South Chatham Counties.  Not only are contents and structures lost, but the residue left behind from a fire can be hazardous.  This is especially the case if electrical outlets, wiring, or appliances are the source or have been affected by the fire.  

Toxic smoke particles must be properly remediated prior to family or workers returning to the property. That is where we come in!  SERVPRO of Lee and South Chatham Counties will pretest the environment (structures, contents, and air quality) to determine the extent of damage, and then use the specific equipment and cleaning products required to clean and protect the different types of surfaces found in your structure. 

Our goal after a fire is to restore and remediate what we can, create a safe environment for you your family or business again, and help you rebuild what you have lost. 

Call SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties at 919-533-6776 for more information. 

Commercial Restoration Services in Lee & South Chatham Counties

8/2/2021 (Permalink)

Call us at 919-533-6776.

When emergency water or fire situations arise in your business,  SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties is here to help!  NO job is too large!  We will be there fast to assure you don't lose any more productivity and revenue than you have too. 

Services we Provide

• Commercial Water Damage Restoration
• Commercial Fire Damage Restoration
• Commercial Mold Remediation 
• Commercial Storm and Major Events
• Disaster Recovery Team 

Certified: SERVPRO cleaned, ensures that your business will be clean and safe for you, your employees and customers.  Whether you need odor removal or a deep clean due to water and fire damage, SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties is here 24/7 to help you get back to business. When disaster strikes your business give us a call at 919-533-6776. 

How Does an Ozone Generator Remove Odors?

7/26/2021 (Permalink)

First off, you may be wondering, “What is an ozone generator?” An ozone generator is an industrial machine that produces ozone. So now you’re probably asking yourself, “What is ozone?” Many of us may remember learning about the ozone layer in school. The ozone layer is a layer in the Earth’s stratosphere that has trace amounts of ozone.

Up in the stratosphere, the ozone protects us by absorbing most of the ultraviolet radiation that reaches the Earth from the sun. While that might sound great, ozone in high concentrations is actually very toxic to humans.

What is Ozone?

Ozone is a colorless, highly reactive, toxic gas with powerful oxidizing properties. It is comprised of three atoms of oxygen rather than the two atoms of oxygen that we breathe. Ozone is naturally occurring as well as man-made. An ozone generator is a man-made way of creating ozone.

So why would we want to create ozone if it is toxic to humans? Because ozone is very good at removing the particles in the air that cause odors. It is the ultimate air purifier which is why it is used by industrial clean up companies like SERVPRO of Indianapolis West.

How Does Ozone Remove Odors?

Smells from house fires, molds, decaying organic materials, trash, cigarette smoking, and other sources are present as small molecules, particulates, and bacteria that float through the air and attach themselves to carpets, walls, ceilings, furniture, and other surfaces in a home.

Ozone removes the smell and odors by reacting and destroying the offensive smelling particulates, molecules, and bacteria. The ozone chemically reacts with them breaking them down into molecules and particulates and bacteria that don’t smell.

When Should Ozone Be Used?

An ozone generator is recommended for professional-use only, due to the dangers of high concentrations of ozone. Ozone generators and ozone are used to remove odors that seem impossible to remove. They can be used to remove the smell of cigarette smoke from a home that has been heavily smoked in.

They can also be used to remove the smoke odors from homes and businesses that have experienced a fire. Ozone is highly effective at removing odors due to the fact that it can penetrate anything that oxygen and smoke can penetrate. This can include fabric sofas and carpets in a home that has experienced smoke damage.

Due to the toxicity of the ozone gas, ozone generators are only used in spaces that are unoccupied and sealed. This means that if they are used in a home or business, they space usually needs to be evacuated while the ozone generator is in use. That is why it is highly recommended that you rely on professionals who are trained on how to safely operate an ozone generator.

Struggling to Get Rid of Strong Odors in Your Home or Business?

If you have strong odors that you have been battling for months and even years to get rid of, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties to get rid of them. They’ll be able to determine the best actions to take including whether an ozone generator is needed.

The experts at SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties have helped remediate the odors from fires, flooding, mold damage and other sources for years. They have all the tools and experience to handle any disaster and any smell. Contact SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties online or call us at 919-533-6776.

Thunderstorm preparedness in Lee & South Chatham Counties

7/15/2021 (Permalink)

Thunderstorms are beautiful, but they can also be dangerous.  They can cause severe damage to your home and property in Lee & South Chatham Counties. Thunderstorms include lightning and can:

• Include winds over 50 MPH
• Create hail
• Cause flash floods
• Cause tornadoes

In most places, a thunderstorm can happen at any time of the year and at any time of the day.

SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties knows you cannot prevent a thunderstorm, but you can prepare:

• Know the risk for thunderstorms 
• Sign up for your community’s warning system 
• Cut down or trim trees that may fall on your home or office
• Install surge protectors, lightning rods, or a lightning protection system

SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties repeats the warning, “When thunder roars, go indoors.”  You don’t have to wait for the thunder. If there is a thunderstorm warning, go inside. Once there:

• Unplug appliances
• Do not use landline phones in office or home
• Pay attention to alerts and warnings

If you can’t get inside a building:

• If you are swimming or in a boat, get to land immediately.  Find shelter
• If you are in a car, don’t touch anything metal
• “Turn around. Don’t Drown. '' Avoid flooded roads. 6 inches of moving water can knock you down. One foot of moving water can sweep away your car. 

A lightning strike during a thunderstorm can leave a wake of destruction in its path. This can range from minor electrical issues to fire damage. Lightning is also a major cause of injury or death from weather-related dangers.  Most people survive being hit by lightning, but they often have long-term problems. 

Don't Let Your Commercial Enterprise Be Closed Up Because of Water Damage

7/8/2021 (Permalink)

When a commercial property suffers from a flooding issue, the business loss isn't just measured in how much water is standing in a manager's office or covering a showroom floor. Every minute that the doors aren't open for customers is lost income and opportunity to grow that business.


Today, as the economy recovers from COVID, a business that closes its doors for even just a few days risks closing them permanently. Businesses in Sanford, Siler City, Pittsboro, and surrounding areas with water damage rely on SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties to get their doors back open as quickly as possible.

Consider this; flooding on a commercial property usually happens (and isn't noticed) overnight. When your manager or employees arrive to open up, that's when they find the problem. This day and its profits are already lost. To even have a chance to reopen the next day or the one after that, you need to get a professional from SERVPRO in your workplace immediately to find and close off the source of the damage.  If you have done so, that will mitigate secondary water damage and increase the speed of drying out the business.
Our team of trained, IICRC certified technicians begins clean-up within the quickest time possible.

Many state and local laws require that walking areas affected be completely dried off before allowing employees and customers to return. It's a matter of both health and safety issues. If your business can show that there is no other damage that puts either group at risk, then an inspector will gladly allow you to start serving and supporting customers again.

Getting the doors quickly reopened, even if the water damage is minor, can mean the difference between life and death for a business today. If a disaster or a broken pipe has closed your shop or offices down, call our technicians here at SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties at 919-533-6776 today to get you cleaned up and open again.

Experienced Water Damage Restoration

7/7/2021 (Permalink)

Call us for more information at 919-533-6776

SERVPRO water damage restoration services are second to none. We have seen almost every type of water damage in commercial and residential buildings in Lee and South Chatham Counties and we can quickly identify and quote a water damage restoration loss when we see one. This is essential as the sooner we are able to diagnosis the issue the faster we are able to begin drying and restoration. Our team of trained techs and project managers have worked throughout Lee & South Chatham Counties and are prepared for water damage restoration services 24/7. 

SERVPRO of Lee and South Chatham Counties work with almost all major insurance providers and have the resources to manage and complete large-loss projects. Contact our office today, 919-533-6776. 

Fireworks Safety for Lee and South Chatham Counties residents.

7/2/2021 (Permalink)

Summer is synonymous with barbecues, parades, and fireworks. The National Safety Council advises everyone enjoy fireworks at public displays conducted by professionals, and not to use any fireworks at home. They may be legal, but they are not safe. If consumer fireworks are legal to buy where you live and you choose to use them, be sure to follow the following safety tips: 

• Never allow young children to handle fireworks. Older children should use them only under close adult supervision. 
• Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol. 
• Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear. 
• Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands. 
• Never light fireworks indoors. Only use them away from people, houses, and flammable materials. 
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person. 
• Maintain a safe distance after lighting fireworks. Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks. 
• Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that do not go off or in case of fire.  

Credits to SERVPRO Restoration Newsline:  Volume 32, issue 7 

Does Water Damage Lead to Mold in your home and business?

7/1/2021 (Permalink)

Mold developed after a water damage.

Water Damage in Lee and South Chatham Counties Can Lead to Mold

How can I avoid mold?
Whenever a water incident occurs, acting swiftly is the most critical step. It takes less than three days for mold to begin multiplying in your home if the water is left standing. When you call our SERVPRO crew, we assess the extent of the damage and jump into action as soon as it is safe. With our industry-grade tools, we can determine where water is hiding beneath your cupboards, inside wall cavities, and under flooring. We can also decide which pieces of furniture, if any, need a deep cleaning and which we need to remove from your home. So, what do we use to measure humidity in your home?

    •    Thermal imaging can show us water behind walls and under cabinets.
    •    Moisture sensors can report relative humidity in furniture and fixtures.
    •    Borescopes let us reach hard-to-access corners to verify moisture within them.

With a complete suite of equipment informing us of our progress, we can work to eliminate excess humidity in your home. By acting swiftly, you will significantly reduce the risk of mold growing in your home. SERVPRO of Lee and South Chatham Counties is your ally in an emergency. Call us at 919-533-6776 and let us leave your home, “Like it never even happened.”

For more about SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties click here. 

Why Chose SERVPRO

6/21/2021 (Permalink)

Give us a call at 919-533-6776.

Why Bring in a Professional Cleanup Crew? Can’t I Just Research the Best Cleanup Approach Online?

When dealing with fire restoration in a Lee & South Chatham Counties apartment or other multiple-household residences, it is understandable that you might want to avoid the disruption of recovery experts. The reality is that you acquire two significant problems when you try a DIY approach: 

• Adequate response time is limited to hours because of the relentless and corrosive nature of the protein-based soot from the grease fire.

• The residues and odors might not find the walls of your unit much of an impediment, moving into common areas and adjacent units over time.

Why Is SERVPRO the Answer?

Our crews have experience eliminating smoke and soot residues and odors in confined spaces. Our Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) training is the industry standard, and our state-of-the-art products, tools, and equipment are the precise match required for the challenges of kitchen fire damage restoration.

Call (919) 533 - 6776 to reach our highly-qualified team when you cope with the aftermath of an apartment fire. Familiarity with the research that informs best practices is why SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties is the obvious choice.

Removing Flood Damage

6/16/2021 (Permalink)

Extracting Flood Damage from a Lower East Side Condo

If your Lee & South Chatham Counties requires emergency-response flood damage mitigation, SERVPRO technicians can come to your home with their own power sources ready to restore your home. These technicians coordinate closely with you and your insurance adjuster throughout the restoration process with emails, phone calls, and extensive documentation to aid you in the claims filing process. SERVPRO teams are licensed to handle flood-related disaster cleanup per Institute of Inspection Cleanup and Restoration Certification (IICRC) guidelines with EPA-registered antimicrobials.

What is the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)? This program was founded in 1968 by the United States government to bring flood coverage to citizens living in flood-prone areas. The highest-risk zones are referred to as Special Flood Hazard Areas. NFIP coverage is a must-have because federal assistance does not always cover the massive costs that come with flood damage mitigation and repair. The NFIP also advocates for adequate disaster management and prevention protocols.

How SERVPRO Extracts Floodwaters & Contaminants Extraction tools are essential in minimizing flood damage. However, due to the high amounts of contaminants that floodwater can bring in, it may be necessary to remove large solids before implementing submersible pumps or truck-mounted extractors. Flood cuts are used to remove portions of drywall or sheetrock that have been affected by floodwaters. These areas can be replaced during SERVPRO's reconstructive efforts.

SERVPRO Lee & South Chatham Counties provides mitigation services that can make a disaster look, “Like it never even happened.” Call (919) 533 - 6776 any time of the day or night for your cleanup needs. 

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How Can I Restore My Home after it Floods?

6/11/2021 (Permalink)

Call us at 919 - 533 - 6776

Call SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties to return your Sanford home to a dry, safe condition

Water damage in your Sanford home can be a real disturbance. It can stop all your plans in a moments notice. Water can cause a lot of damage if it isn't cleaned up properly.

Why can’t I just rent a water-vac and do it myself?

SERVPRO uses commercial-grade equipment to restore your Sanford home and business from water damage with more power and options than anything available at a DIY or retail store. Our technicians also follow a careful process that ensures we do not miss anything and provide a safe environment once again.

• Inspection and Assessment – Team members examine the home to make certain we understand the damage extent and have the equipment needed for restoration.
• Water Removal & Extraction – Here, we use pumps and smaller vacuum units to draw out the majority of the water in your home.
• Drying the Structure – Technicians use air movers and dehumidifiers to lower humidity and draw moisture out of structural property like wall framing and drywall.
• Cleaning and Sanitizing – Specialists clean off any debris that may have been brought up by the water and deodorize restorable items.

Is there anything else that needs to be done?

Now technicians physically restore affected property. This includes replacing floor trim, drywall, and other paneling, as well as installing new carpeting, wood flooring, tile, and linoleum.

If you have water in your home, contact SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties (919) 533 - 6776 immediately. We are here to help you restore your home and business to a dry, safe condition.

Detecting Water

6/9/2021 (Permalink)

Call us to for more information at 919-533-6776

SERVPRO Technicians Are Experienced Commercial Water Detectives, Ready to Find and Arrange for Water Removal Regardless of the Source 

No matter how diligent you are to maintain your retail property in Lee & South Chatham Counties, the proximity of other buildings and units within the same building, unfortunately, can cause your neighbor’s watery misfortune to affect your shop. In a particularly cruel twist, your store might be hit harder with water damage than the space featuring the leaky pipe or malfunctioning appliance depending on where the water flows.

How Can Water Meanderings Be Traced?

Commercial water removal in Lee & South Chatham Counties is made more straightforward when trained technicians employ sensitive tools to locate the water. Finding wet building materials or fixtures in your shop can shock if the “event” that caused the flow was elsewhere. Our technicians trained to use the following devices to outline the extent of the damage and identify building cavities or other spaces where the water collected and needs removal:

• Moisture detectors -- pronged or flat-faced, used to find wet areas.
• Moisture meters -- must be appropriately calibrated for the materials tested. Some are “penetrating” and use probes to evaluate moisture levels among several layers. In contrast, non-penetrating meters use sensors that seek to determine how “conductive” materials are (can be a sign of moisture or a false positive when metal interferes).
• Thermal imaging -- temperature fluctuations interpreted by a trained technician can signal trapped expanses of water.
• Thermo-hygrometers -- measure temperature and relative humidity, particularly useful during the drying phase.
• Boroscopes--allow our SERVPRO team to peer inside cavities and nooks and crannies

After Water Migrates, How Does It Make Its Exit?

SERVPRO crews arrive at your door with water removal and drying equipment stocked in our service vehicles. We position pumps for water deeper than two inches and use truck-mounted extractors for the bulk of the remaining water. Portable extractors help in confined spaces and, with the use of extenders and sometimes strategically placed holes or drywall removal, can suction the water lingering in cavities. Air movers and dehumidifiers team together to dry out wet materials.

You need fast water removal and comprehensive structural drying when your business is swimming in unexpected fluids. SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties is ready to accomplish both for you with one call to (919) 533 - 6776. 

SERVPRO Handles Soot during Fire Damage Restoration in Lee & South Chatham Counties

6/6/2021 (Permalink)

Soot on a banister

Using Unique Approaches Helps Ease Smoke Remediation in Sanford Homes and Business Premises

After a fire incident at your Sanford home and business facility, soot residues can be a nagging issue to address. There is rarely a one-size-fits-all cleanup or remediation method.

When SERVPRO takes over fire damage restoration at your Sanford home and business premises, we try to establish the best ways to handle all areas with fire and smoke damage. Testing various surfaces and items establishing their physical properties and the type of residues accumulated on their surfaces. Soot varies depending on the type of materials burnt and the intensity of the fire. Tests reveal whether the visible soot contains a high percentage of dry or wet residues. 

Probing Helps Provide a Clearer Picture of:

• Fire and Smoke Damage
• Smoke Damage
• Smoke Remediation

Our SERVPRO technicians use the test results to determine what resources to use when cleaning various property sections. For example, we do not use the same cleaning agents on chrome accessories to clean stone surfaces such as counters.

Smoke damage may extend beyond the surface of materials since the heat from the fire opens up pores on various materials. Deep cleaning solutions help remove such residues. Various methods, including vacuuming and blast cleaning, help remove such embedded soot residues.

SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties readily addresses any challenging aspect of fire damage restoration in commercial establishments. Call us at (919) 533 - 6776. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Drying Principles - Structure and Contents

5/25/2021 (Permalink)

When working within a residence, it is often the case that those who are performing the water damage restoration must work with and around the contents of the home. This includes, but is not limited to, furniture, electronics, books, and any other materials that may have been affected by the water damage. The moving around of the said contents is often referred to "contents manipulation." Water damage restoration firms often bill content manipulation on a per hour basis.

Contents may also require treatment due to the effects of water damage. This may include, but is not limited to, sterilization, sanitization, deodorization, drying, and storage of said contents. Other contents may simply be unsalvageable, or the cost of having them salvaged would exceed its current value.

Monitoring

After the water has been extracted and any non-salvageable materials have been removed, water damage professionals should place drying equipment according to industry guidelines for capacity in the affected areas. Industry standards state that drying vendors should return to the residence at regular time intervals, preferably every twenty-four hours, to monitor the equipment, temperature, humidity, and moisture content of the affected walls, contents, or other affected materials. Should one area be dry and another affected area still wet, the firm will relocate or remove equipment accordingly.

Completion

Once temperature, humidity, and moisture content are deemed acceptable according to industry standards, drying equipment is removed and the drying process is complete. There are defining criteria and methods to be used for assessing water damage and establishing restoration procedures, but because of the unique circumstances of every water damage restoration project, it is impractical to issue blanket rules that apply to every situation. In extenuating circumstances, deviation from standard practices is appropriate.

Step-by-step process

Though the water seepage will stop once the source of water has been identified and plugged, the problem does not end there. It is essential to determine the appropriate water extraction method, which may range from the use of a wet-dry vac unit to more heavy duty equipment like submersible pumps. Once this has been completed, the process of drying and dehumidification should start. Oftentimes, affected surfaces and areas look dry once the water has been extracted and removed, but there remains hidden water and moisture.  This would call for the use of drying and dehumidifying equipment. As such, carpets, walls, and flooring require removal, drying, cleaning, and disinfecting.

SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties 919-533-6776...We are here to help! 

Time is Critical Even After the Fire is Out

5/24/2021 (Permalink)

The cost of smoke and fire damage restoration depends on a few variables even after the source is subdued.

Soot when left on surfaces can corrode and permanently discolor in the span of a few hours. If left for days, the issues can become irreparable and require the replacement of furniture, floor coverings, counter tops and much more.

Beyond soot; Burnt smells frequently linger, which make odor neutralization another important part of the process.

What many people don't consider until they’ve experienced a fire first hand is the affects of the water used to put the fire out. Parts of the structure and the contents that weren’t damaged by the fire itself may be adversely affected by the water and if not cleaned and dried quickly will need to be discarded and run the risk of mold growth.

In order for smoke damage restoration to be most effective, the job should be approached as soon as possible by a professional in mitigation. Trained technicians can remove and neutralize odors, and quickly identify which items may be able to be restored.

Smoke, ash, and water all contribute to the devastation, so having someone with the proper training is crucial. SERVPRO technicians with certifications in Fire and Smoke Restoration, Water Damage Restoration, Fabric and Upholstery Cleaning, Odor Control, Mold Remediation and Prevention, and Applied Structural Drying will have all the skills necessary to salvage and return homes to previous state.

SERVPRO have earned the trust of the insurance industry by serving thousands of their policy holders and clients with respect and integrity. The more we restore the less that needs to be replaced. This helps our clients save millions of dollars each year and helps lower your insurance rates too!

24-Hour Emergency Service; in our business, you need us fast! Professionals are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year.

It doesn’t matter where you live in the United States, our trained, uniformed mitigation specialists are equipped to restore your property to preloss condition whenever possible and will walk through the process until the work and your satisfaction are complete. 

From large commercial to small residential losses, SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties understands your loss is the job that matters most! 

Why Choose SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties for Residential or Commercial Water Damage

5/17/2021 (Permalink)

We are here to help.

SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties knows that one of the risks that local residents deal with is water damage related to storms and disasters. While many of the homes in the area do their best to make sure preventative measures are in place, no precaution is ever foolproof.

Whether the flooding comes from a natural disaster, busted pipe, or leaking washing machine, it is crucial to act fast to prevent significant damage to your home’s structure, your home’s contents, and prevent the start of mold growth.

SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties is here for you 24 hours and day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Your emergency needs are important to us as is your property and we are here for you! We will be there for you in your time of need and fix the situation at hand "Like it never even happened." Our technicians get trained in the highest standard of water damage restoration with the best equipment on the market to be able to make your home "Like it never even happened."

Call us today 919-533-6776. 

HVAC & Air Duct Cleaning

5/15/2021 (Permalink)

It’s spring cleaning time again! As we clean inside and around our homes and businesses in Lee and South Chatham Counties let’s not forget about our HVAC and Air Ducts system. These can easily be overlooked.  The HVAC system in any building is like the lungs in the human body. You should pay attention to the air you breathe. HVAC and Air Duct cleaning is extremely helpful to make sure the air is kept clean and safe.  In addition to normal accumulations of dust and dirt found in all buildings with air ducts, there are several other factors that can increase the need for regular HVAC system cleaning:

• Pets
• Pollen 
• Occupants with allergies or asthma
• Cigarette or cigar smoke
• Water contamination or damage to the home or HVAC system
• Home renovation or remodeling projects 

  Call SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties  today to schedule an appointment at 919-533-6776. 

Preparing for wind storms

5/4/2021 (Permalink)

Strong winds caused the branches to fall on the roof of this home.

If you live in a place prone to windstorms or you know one is coming, then pay close attention to what it takes to prepare. If you currently have a damaged roof or any sign of a roof leak, then your home may not be sound enough to withstand a windstorm. You need to take proper precautions. This may mean repairing any weak areas or covering them so they do not get worse. Here is a list of what you should look out for:

• Broken skylights
• Cracked windows
• Damaged siding
• Missing shingles

Wind Damage

A windstorm may cause a variety of problems to your home and business. On one hand, it may blow off shingles, throw debris at your home or lead to damaged siding. You need to be prepared for just about anything. Not only can the wind cause damage, but the debris the wind brings with it can also. Hard objects can knock shingles off, and large trees may break through your roofing entirely. All of this can lead to a roof leak and further damage.

Cleanup Process

Once the wind has done its damage, it’s time to pick up the pieces. For any damage done to the roof, tarps can be used to cover gaps created by the missing shingles. These tarps will help keep rain from entering your business and home while you work on restoration. You want to make sure that you do not have any further water damage. Additionally, you can use plywood to cover the holes on the roof. While repairing the building is one thing, you also want to make sure no other issues arise.

A windstorm can cause costly, extensive damage to your Lee & South Chatham Counties  home and business. The best course of action is to reduce the risk wind can cause. Whether you have a roof leak or something more dangerous, don’t let any problems sit until they get worse. In some cases, a professional service may be helpful.

What You Should Understand About Mitigation and Restoration

5/4/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial sewage loss

If you’re preparing your business to deal with emergencies such as floods, fires, and other potential problems, you should take the time to ensure you know about the services you’ll need in the aftermath, specifically mitigation and restoration. While these two services are often performed in close proximity to one another, they are not the same thing. These are the main differences:

• Mitigation is completed before restoration can commence.
• Restoration is often a much lengtheir process than mitigation efforts.
• However, both may be completed by your chosen flood cleanup company.

Mitigation

Mitigation consists of efforts made by your restoration company to prevent further damage from occurring to your building in the aftermath of a disaster. For example, after a flood, a flood cleanup company in New Orleans, LA, will often dry out carpets and personal belongings before getting to work on actual repairs. This is so that standing water and waterlogged carpets won’t cause further damage to floors, walls and other parts of your business premises while restoration is underway later.

Restoration

Restoration can only be done after mitigation is complete, during which your restoration company removes damaged materials from your building and replaces them entirely. While mitigation work is to prevent further damage, restoration gets rid of materials and belongings that could not be saved and helps to get your business back to normal. Depending on the amount of work that needs to be done, this step can take weeks.

Of course, none of this is possible without selecting a reliable cleanup company to take care of your business. The best way to ensure you’ll have the services you need on hand when you need them the most is to contract a company for your business. This means professionals will be at your business as soon as possible when flooding, fire or storm damage does occur, so you’ll experience less downtime and can get business booming again in no time.

Visit us at https://www.SERVPROleesouthchathamcounties.com/ or call 919-533-6776 for more information.

How to Address a Chirping Fire Alarm

4/14/2021 (Permalink)

Ensure the correct kind of battery has been installed in your smoke alarm

Keeping your Lee & South Chatham Counties  home and the people in it safe is important, which is why you rely on a fire alarm as the first line of defense to avoid the need for fire damage and restoration professional. While these devices are designed for early detection, they still require general maintenance. If an alarm starts chirping on its own, consider the following to determine if a fix or replacement is needed.

Inspection Steps

In most cases, a fire alarm that won’t stop beeping is a result of a battery issue. Below are steps to verify if that is the issue.

• Ensure the correct kind of battery has been installed.
• Verify that battery has not passed its use-by date.
• Inspect fitting to verify nothing is loose and the battery can be properly snapped into place.
• Take out the battery and put back in to check the connection is stable.
• Look for any loose wires that could be creating an echo.

Clean, Reset, Replace
Like with many other electronics in the home, dust and other particles can settle in an alarm’s sensing chamber. If the battery doesn’t seem to be the issue, it may be time to clean the alarm. This is an easy process that involves removing the alarm, cleaning the interior with compressed air and wiping down the outside with a damp cloth. After cleaning, press the silent test button to see if it beeps. If it continues to make steady noise, remove the batteries and test it again. If the problem persists, the best bet is to replace the smoke detector. If you know the alarm is more than 10 years old, it should always be replaced.
A fire alarm is an essential safety tool for every home. When a problem arises, such as steady beeping, addressing the issue is a much better solution than risking extensive fire and smoke damage in your home.

Why Commercial Carpet Cleaning Is Essential For Floors

4/14/2021 (Permalink)

Carpet Cleaning Services for Commercial Clients

Thorough commercial carpet cleaning is the single best way to preserve and extend the life of carpeting, but proper treatment requires careful planning and extensive training. It’s the kind of training that a professional would receive through an organization like the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), and it is essential for a professional to integrate quality practices into their own firm.

But how much goes into proper commercial carpet cleaning? It starts with keeping soil and debris from entering the building to begin with. By placing entry mats in entrance and high traffic areas and maintaining the walking surfaces outside of the building, there will be less soil to deal with inside the building. Inside, frequent vacuuming is the first line of defense, and may be needed daily in areas that receive a lot of traffic. Vacuuming ensures deposited soil does not penetrate deeply into the fibers and cause damage.

Spot and stain control is essential, even if the flooring is colored in a way to make stain detection difficult. Stains will degrade the integrity of the flooring and alter its texture, so professionals will have to respond quickly to any problem areas. Formulated detergents and targeted agitation will normally do the trick. Finally, deep treatment, usually through hot water extraction or encapsulation methods, will need to be done several times a year to remove soils that have become embedded in the carpeting’s fibers.

Again, a customized plan works best for a company, and a certified firm will make sure to include these processes in a plan they create for the client.

Call your local SERVPRO at 919-533-6776 for more information.

Water Damage Emergency Tips

4/11/2021 (Permalink)

When an emergency happens people tend to panic and sometimes do not have the proper tools to calmly deal with the situation. When water affects your house whether it be due to a heavy storm or a broken water heater it is always good to be informed on what to do next.

As in any emergency, safety should be you number one concern, and a water damage situation is no different!

• “Is it safe to stay in the house?” This should always be the first question you ask yourself. If the water damage has any potential to put you or your family at risk, then leave the house.
• Electrical and “slip and fall” hazards are some of the most common concerns. Be sure to shut off an power source it is safe to do so safely.
• Wet materials can be very heavy, so be careful when moving them.
• Be sure to only do things to your house that are safe for you to do and leave the rest to the remediation crew.

Content by: SERVPRO Corporate

Fire Sprinklers: Facts For Your Business

4/8/2021 (Permalink)

Fire departments typically use 10 times as much as water as a fire sprinkler would use to contain a fire. Often, the water damage from putting out these fires cause even more wreckage than the flames; that is why it is always important to take the necessary precautions to avoid fires from getting out of hand.

Fire sprinklers are also environmentally friendly; they can reduce the amount of water run-off and pollution, decreasing the amount of fire damage by up to 71%, as well as lowering water usage to fight a home fire by as much as 91%. All of which saves money, limits damages, and is better for the environment!

Furthermore, a home fire sprinkler system is easy to maintain; just inspect your home to make sure the sprinklers are not blocked by something that would prevent the water from coming out, such as paint, and be sure the main control valve is never turned off.

Home fire sprinklers are effective in cold and warm climates; being that is the case, there are certain guidelines that have been created for the proper installation of systems to avoid pipes freezing. Additionally, home fire sprinkler systems should be winterized around the same time as you would winterize a domestic water supply.

For more information, please visit the NFPA website!

Lee & South Chatham Counties are You Prepared for Flooding?

4/8/2021 (Permalink)

Flooding can happen fast in many environments. The American Red Cross recommends having the following list of items packed and ready to go in the event of an evacuation due to flooding.

• Water—3+ day supply; one gallon per person per day
• Food—3+ day supply of nonperishable, easy-to-prepare food
• Flashlight
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
• Extra batteries
• First Aid kit
• Medications (7-day supply) and medical items (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, cane)
• Multi-purpose tool
• Sanitation/personal hygiene items
• Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, deed/lease to home, birth certificates, insurance policies)
• Cell phone with chargers
• Family and emergency contact information
• Extra cash
• Emergency blanket
• Map(s) of the area
• Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)
• Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl)
• Tools/supplies for securing your home
• Extra set of car keys and house keys
• Extra clothing, hat and sturdy shoes
• Rain gear
• Insect repellent and sunscreen
• Camera for photos of damage

4 Hidden Damages Storms Cause to Roofs

4/6/2021 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties at 919-533-6776

4 Hidden Damages Storms Cause to Roofs

After a storm hits your commercial building in Lee & South Chatham Counties , it's important to contact a professional cleanup and restoration service. There are several issues professionals look for when assessing if a roof needs repairs — issues that an inexperienced eye can easily miss. For example, locating a roof leak requires a trained eye, and wind damage can appear minor on the surface. Here are four hidden damages that storms cause to shingled roofs.

1. Missing Shingles
Strong winds and heavy rain can cause shingles to detach. This leaves an opening in your roof. As shingles are the main protection from rainwater infiltrating your building and causing severe damage, it's important to have a professional survey your roof for missing shingles after a severe storm.

2. Damaged Protective Layers
The shingles of your roof are covered in a layer of a tar-like substance that assists in keeping water out of your building. When this layer is battered by storm debris such a loose branches or other objects, the covering can wear away and leave your building vulnerable to a roof leak.

3. A Building Alignment Shift
As repeated storms batter your building, the alignment of the structure can begin to shift. If you notice that windows are hard to open or doors are sticking, this may be the culprit. This is a serious issue that also affects the integrity of your roof.

4. Flashing Tears
Flashing is the sealant that covers gaps and cracks between joining sections of a roof. High winds can lift this protective sealant and cause it to tear. When the storm passes, these tears would not even be visible from the ground.
Storm damages such as a roof leak can quickly become a much bigger issue. It's essential that you call a professional storm cleanup team to inspect your roof so an insurance claim can be filed. Otherwise, as a commercial building owner, you risk losing more time and money the longer you wait. Don't wait; storm and wind damage are serious issues that can catch you unawares.

Where Is Reconstruction Needed After Water Disasters in Lee & South Chatham Counties home?

4/1/2021 (Permalink)

Water leaks can quickly cause damage in your home. Call SERVPRO today to avoid additional water loss of your property.

The repairs and rebuilding necessary after water emergencies can be vital in making losses “Like it never even happened.”

Water disasters vary considerably from one Lee & South Chatham Counties home to the next, making elements like emergency services and mitigation vital for saving customers time and money. Among these emergency services is controlled demolition, which seeks to remove only severely damaged and unsalvageable construction materials from the drying zones. This removal and discarding of components often occur before job scoping and other mitigation tasks.

The term water damage repair for Lee & South Chatham Counties homes can describe many of the actions and approaches that our technicians, contractors, and trusted third-party vendors must accomplish. Because so many areas of the property can become compromised and damaged after a finite timeline, many of these restoration projects require some degree of controlled demolition and build back. Some of the most sensitive materials and elements include:

• Roofing
• Drywall
• Insulation
• Framing
• Carpet
• Wood Flooring
• Light Fixtures

What Can Controlled Demolition Do Before Mitigation? 

After the exposure of construction materials to standing water, pooling, and high moisture content, they can experience oversaturation that compromises their composition. Instead of widespread demolition and tear out of all materials exposed or near the water damage, a calculated approach can prevent higher costs and longer restoration times. The advantages of removing portions of damaged construction materials include:

• Remove Saturated Materials – The removal of oversaturated structural components reduces the possibilities of microbial growth and continued damage of nearby porous matter. 
• Access Damaged Utilities – When plumbing or drains become a source of water damage in the house, demolition can directly access these breaks.
• Provide More Efficient Drying – With openings leading to the whole of the structural cavities, machines like centrifugal air movers can be more effective in evaporation. 
• Prevent Collapse – Removing damaged materials prevents them from falling or giving out on their own where they could injure occupants of the house or technicians. 

When Does Utility Repair Occur? 

With the bulk of the wall system exposed, we can gain immediate access to any damaged utilities that might exist. Because plumbing can often be one of the primary origin points for considerable water damage, repairing these pipe breaches should be a priority. Once the drywall has gotten removed and discarded, and wet insulation has been vacuumed out of the wall system, our building trade professionals can locate the plumbing damage and replace/repair it. The exterior elements cannot be reinstalled after mitigation until water service has been restored to the house by fixing any vulnerabilities in the service lines.

How Likely is Mold After Water Losses? 

Prolonged water exposure can often be a threatening situation for materials and contents in your home. Microbial growth can result when moist conditions persist, and suitable organic materials like drywall, flooring, ceiling components, insulation, and more are nearby to become hosts for colonization. 

The likelihood of mold is even higher when DIY restoration has taken place, as these drying and extraction efforts are often only superficial. When water migrates beyond the surface to impact structural cavities and underlying layers of flooring, dampness can facilitate mold growth in places inaccessible and out of sight to the occupants of the house. For as widespread as these damages can become before they breach the surface layer, remediation efforts often consist of controlled demolition and reinstallation. 

Some facts about mold growth include:

• Mold can develop after only 48 hours of moist conditions
• High humidity can cause microbial growth
• Inadequate drying of water emergencies can facilitate fungal growth
• Mold deteriorates organic matter like drywall and wood

Are Third-Party Contractors and Vendors Required for Rebuilding? 

A combination of our competent restoration professionals, in-house contractors, and third-party companies can work towards the most efficient reconstruction and repair. While we can manage controlled demolition and most build-back for a property on our own, we also rely on specialty contractors and experts to conduct things like environmental testing for properties once remediation and reconstruction complete. This independent testing of the structure can ensure that you received the most thorough remediation and water restoration available, including the reinstallation of discarded materials. 

Water damages can often leave your house in need of repairs and build-back. Despite our commitment to restoring over the replacement of exposed materials and items in the home, controlled demolition and reinstallation of these elements is often unavoidable with widespread, prolonged exposures. No matter how we can help after water disasters, we have professionals capable of providing a comprehensive solution. Give our SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties  team a call anytime at 919-533-6776.

How to Salvage Water Damaged Items

4/1/2021 (Permalink)

If you have experienced a flooded company building in Lee & South Chatham Counties  then you will likely be dealing with a lot of damage. Along with the structure of the building, many of your belongings may have been affected. Replacing everything can be costly, so it is important to salvage what you can.

1. Curtains, Rugs and Other Small Items

For smaller belongings, cleanup may be fairly simple. Curtains and other items such as decorative pillows or rugs can sometimes be cleaned in a washing machine. Depending on the type of water damage that has occurred, they may need pretreating first to remove bacteria and stains. For items that cannot be put in a washing machine, dry cleaning is another option.

2. Furniture

Items such as furniture will need to be handled differently. For some of these, you may have no choice but to replace them if they absorbed a large amount of contaminated water. If the damage is from a clean water source, such as a broken pipe, then you may be able to save them. Non-porous furniture will be easier to clean and will likely need only a good scrubbing with an anti-bacterial cleanser.

3. Electronics

When it comes to electronics, you need to be extra careful. Turning them on while they are not completely dry can be unsafe and can cause irreversible damage. If you have damaged computers or equipment, a professional service can have them inspected and cleaned by a technician to ensure the best results.
It can be frustrating to deal with everything that comes from a flooded company building. You may have lost profits, costly repairs and damaged belongings. A cleanup and restoration service can help reduce the negative effects by restoring your items and property.

Hurricane and Hail Damage

4/1/2021 (Permalink)

Hurricane damage can include wind damage and roof damage. Additionally, hurricane damage can include a roof leak, standing ground water, and intense flooding. If you have a hurricane in your area, make sure you check for roof damage and a roof leak. You may notice flooding and ground water in your home, but the evidence of a roof leak could be more discreet and may present itself as stains on your ceiling. A roof leak is something you shouldn't ignore. Always contact a professional as soon as you realize you may need a roof repair. Hail damage may also require a roof repair. Roof damage can occur when hail hits your roof during a particularly bad storm. In addition to a roof repair, hail damage can require siding repair for your home, as well. Hail damage is easy to notice because it causes such visible marks. Hail damage presents immediately after a storm and may be accompanied by ice damage and wind damage and typically requires roof repair. 

Visit https://www.SERVPROleesouthchathamcounties.com/ for more information on storm damage.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned – a defensive cleaning program

3/27/2021 (Permalink)

Our defensive cleaning program gives your business a way forward by providing your employees and customers ongoing safety and assuredness.

Let us help you get back to business

As our communities re-open in Lee and South Chatham Counties, we’re all moving back toward a new kind of normal. The expectations of visitors, customers, and employees who come into our establishments have evolved, and staying safe and well is a top concern. The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean, and we’ve developed a program to help your business meet the new higher standard of clean that is now expected.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a defensive cleaning program we’re offering to businesses and commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. This proactive viral pathogen cleaning program goes well beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. By choosing Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you, your employees, your customers, and your community can rest assured that you’ve selected a higher cleaning standard – you are Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Extensive training and specialized products

As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration*, we stand on more than 50 years of experience and expertise to help your business become Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.  Beyond fire & water, SERVPRO professionals are trained and experienced in biohazard decontamination and chemical spills – always adhering to the cleaning and decontamination standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local authorities. 

From formulating and creating our proprietary cleaning products, like SERVPROXIDE, at our headquarters in Gallatin, TN, to taking the utmost care while disinfecting, we will ensure you and your business are set up to inspire consumer confidence as the economy continues to reopen.

3 C’s – Consult, Clean, and Certify

When the stakes are this high, you want a partner who has developed an industry leading, proprietary training program, cleaning solutions, and remediation processes over decades. We’ve cleaned up some of the most challenging biohazards imaginable. Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned reflects our unique experiences and capabilities. The program is grounded with our unique 3 C’s: Consult, Clean, and Certify.

• Consult – Every business is different, which is why you’ll be assigned a Cleaning Protocol Consultant who understands your business and will create a cleaning program to meet your specific needs. This program will be developed based on your business type, size of space, amount of high frequency touchpoints, foot traffic and congestion points.
• Clean – Based on your specific business needs, your location will undergo a thorough, deep clean, using exclusive cleaning products, according to protocols set forth by the CDC. Our employees have years of experience, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for cleanup process, and disposal of hazardous materials.  In the event of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 event, we will be there cleaning within 24 hours to ensure you get back to business as quickly as possible. 
• Certify - Once your business location has been Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you will gain access to proprietary signage, digital emblems, and other collateral that communicates that you’ve selected a higher standard of clean available to help protect your employees and customers. And because we add the day, month, and year to that proprietary stamp of clean, your guests will know that not only did you choose Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, but that your location is being cleaned regularly at this standard.

Call today for a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation

We’re Here to Help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – until life is back to normal in the communities we all call home.

Call SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties  today at (919) 533-6776 for your Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation.

* #1 Choice in cleanup & restoration based Commercial Attitude & Usage Tracking study. Polling 816 commercial business decision makers on first choice for future needs related to cleanup & restoration work. Study conducted by C&R Research: October 2019

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned means professionally trained SERVPRO franchises perform the requested cleaning, sanitizing and disinfection services according to proprietary SERVPRO protocols and recognized industry and CDC standards with EPA approved cleaning products to deliver a SERVPRO certified cleaning experience.  Each SERVPRO franchise is independently owned and operated.

The Phenomenon of Soot Webs

3/8/2021 (Permalink)

This is an example how soot tags look. You can see how easy it is to assume they are spider webs covered in soot.

Being fire restoration specialists we have seen a lot of fire damaged homes and businesses in Lee & South Chatham Counties, over the years. Sometimes the extent of the damage is very evident especially when the damage is on the walls and ceilings of homes. Other times the most extensive part of the damage is in the attics, or trapped between walls where it is unseen until we dig in with our inspection. 

One of the most common visible instances of fire damage are the black spider webs that seem to spring out of nowhere after a fire. These spider webs are actually called “Soot Tags” and actually don’t have anything to do with spider webs. So you can put your worries to rest because there is no such thing as “fire spiders” as one of our customers put it. 

Soot Tags form in areas of low circulation when petroleum/synthetic based sources burn. In a fire the heat of the fire moves into colder areas since the air seeks to create equilibrium. Since that soot is riding the air with that heat soot particles follow the air into those colder areas with low circulation and are able to concentrate. Since that soot is a product of combustion the particles themselves are charged which makes it quite easy for them to create long chains of soot or soot tags. So while it looks like a lot of soot got stuck on pre-existing spider webs it is actually a whole new structure. 

If your home or business in Lee & South Chatham Counties is affected by smoke or fire damage give us a call so we can start making it “Like it never even happened,” at (919) 533-6776. 

What is Biohazard Cleanup and Restoration?

3/5/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO provides biohazard cleanup and restoration when a home or business has been affected by a trauma, sewage back up, chemical spill, hoarding, or human and animal wastes. A trauma clean up may consist of a suicide/death, homicide, blood clean up, or accident clean up.

Our technicians have received Blood Borne Pathogens Training and know how to properly clean and remove biohazard materials from the affected area. We provide the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for our technicians to keep them safe from exposure to biological and chemical contaminants.

When cleaning an area affected by biohazard, we start by cleaning the area completely. We remove any biological materials, blood or chemicals in the area. This step may consist of wiping surfaces or removing materials that cannot be completely cleaned and disinfected such as fibrous materials. Then we sanitize and disinfect affected materials to stop the spread of biological and chemical contaminants. If necessary we deodorize the area so there are no remaining odors.

Restoring Your Lee and South Chatham Counties Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

2/8/2021 (Permalink)

Flooding and water damage events at Lee and South Chatham Counties commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of Lee and South Chatham Counties 

SERVPRO of Lee and South Chatham Counties specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Meet our Crew: https://www.SERVPROleesouthchathamcounties.com/employee-photos

  Certifications

• AMRT - Applied Microbial Remediation Technician
• ASD - Applied Structural Drying Technician
• CCT - Carpet Cleaning Technician
• ECTP - Employee Certification Training Program
• IICRC Certified Firm
• OSHA - Other Training
• RRRP - Lead-Based Paint Activities and Renovation
• RRT - Carpet Repair & Reinstallation Technician
• WRT - Water Damage Restoration Technician

When Storms or Floods hit Lee and South Chatham Counties, SERVPRO is ready!

2/1/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lee and South Chatham Counties specializes in storm and flood damage restoration. Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Lee and South Chatham Counties, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams SERVPROleesouthchathamcounties.com that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 919-533-6776 Lee and South Chatham Counties

What Type of Water Emergency do I Have?

1/31/2021 (Permalink)

Water Emergencies Vary Depending on the Source of Intrusion; SERVPRO Restorers Identify Water Types Quickly to Provide Viable, Time-efficient Solutions

What are the categories of water intrusion?

Water intrusion has three distinct categories that can influence the method of water in your Lee & South Chatham Counties home. Clean water emergencies pose no threat to human health and have minimal impact on the home environment, while greywater emergencies have moderate contamination levels in the water and pose a minor risk to our health. These contaminants may include fungus and bacteria. Blackwater emergencies are the most contaminated type of water damage and pose a high-level threat to human health. These require significant removal and disposal of building materials that contacts blackwater. Water categories are fluid and can become increasingly severe over time- moving from clean water to blackwater in as little as seventy-two-hours.

How can I identify the water-threat level in my home?

• Cleanwater usually comes from a clean source. These may come from sources like drinking water pipes and rainfall.
• Greywater emergencies are most likely to occur from your plumbing system that transports wastewater from the property. These may include kitchen sinks, showers, or bathrooms. Greywater does not include sewer backups.
• Blackwater emergencies come from exterior flooding, sewer backups, septic tanks, or when greywater emergencies degrade over-time. These require personal protective equipment (PPE) to restore safely.

Do I need qualifications to restore water spillage in my home?

In all but the most minor of water spills, having expert experience is helpful. Drying a property may take several days and involve complex equipment. During the drying procedure, maintaining the right atmospheric conditions is essential to prevent water degradation or secondary damage. SERVPRO achieves the right atmospheric conditions by measuring them consistently using a thermal hygrometer. We can use portable heaters, drying tents, dehumidifiers, and air-movers to maintain the ideal drying conditions, reducing the time it takes to restore your property to its original condition.

To identify and restore all types of a water emergency, contact SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties 919-533-6776.

Let me tell you why you should choose us!

11/24/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham County employees lined up in front of SERVPRO vehicle. We can service you!

We are known in our area and even outside of our area by the word of mouth. We have a strong reputation. We first opened our franchise’s doors in 2017 with just 4 employees including the two owners. In the 3 years since then, we’ve continued to serve all of our customers at the highest level possible.

Our employees determination is outstanding! We believe the best way to give our customers the best possible service is to build up the best possible team. For starters, we ensure our employees are certified—both by the IICRC and SERVPRO. We also encourage our employees to seek higher levels of training and to pursue professional development.

If you are in need of professional help with cleaning fire, water, sewage or mold then we are the ones for you to call. We will be here for you 24/7. We are available in Pittsboro, Chapel Hill, Siler City, Sanford and surrounding areas!

Call us today, 919-533-6776.

Turkey Safety!

11/23/2020 (Permalink)

Sweet potato pie with reasons why fires happen on thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving is a day of gratitude, family, and feasting…what’s not to enjoy! We have come up with a few tips to help keep you and your family safe while preparing your meal! Avoid holiday upset by practicing fire safety this holiday season! (T)haw your turkey safely by placing it in a leak-proof plastic bag in a sink full of cold water (replacing the water every 30 minutes) (U)se different cutting boards and utensils for meats and vegetables to avoid the risk of cross-contamination. (R)emember your oven should never be below 325 F when cooking a turkey, to ensure your turkey cooks evenly and any harmful bacteria have been destroyed. (K)eep a fire extinguisher handy and all smoke detectors functional. (E)nsure someone remains in the kitchen when food is actively cooking. (Y)oungsters and pets should be kept at least 3 feet away from all hot surfaces! Most importantly have fun & cherish these moments as a family together. Be grateful & enjoy your feast!

We are here for you! We are available in Pittsboro, Chapel Hill, Siler City, Sanford and surrounding areas!

THANKSGIVING FIRE PREVENTION

11/20/2020 (Permalink)

Let us help you!

Many of you may have seen the numerous videos of turkey fryer explosions and fires publicized online. Don’t run the risk of property damage or injury – make sure you take the proper precautions when menu planning this season; especially if you are taking on a deep-fried turkey. - Turkey Fryers can easily tip over, spilling hot cooking oil over a large area. Consider the placement of the fryer, is it flat, sturdy, out of reach from children? - An overfilled cooking pot will cause the oil to spill when the turkey is put in and a frozen or partially frozen turkey will cause cooking oil to splatter (sometimes with great force) when putting in the pot. - Even a small amount of cooking oil spilled on a hot burner can cause a considerable flame or fire. - Without thermostat controls, some turkey fryers can overheat oil to the point of starting a fire. Make sure it’s not too hot. - The sides of the cooking pot, lid and handles can get dangerously hot. Protect your hands when maneuvering to prevent injury or spillage. Your friends at SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties wish you a Happy Thanksgiving and remind you to stay safe. Remember, our team is on call 24/7 365 days a year, no matter what holiday or time of night. If you experience a fire then we will come to your rescue, don’t hesitate to call 919-533-6776. We are available in Pittsboro, Chapel Hill, Siler City, Sanford and surrounding areas!

Don't let water damage control you!

11/10/2020 (Permalink)

According to the National Weather Service (NOAA), "Approximately 75% of all Presidential disaster declarations are associated with flooding." NOAA lists the most common flood hazards in the United States as: - Flash Flooding - River Flooding - Burn Scars/Debris Flows (caused by wildfires) - Ice/Debris Jams - Snowmelt - Dry Wash (caused by heavy rainfall in dry areas) - Dam Breaks/Levee Failure - Storm Surge and Coastal Inundation from Tropical and Non-Tropical Systems

Just because you haven't experienced a flood doesn't mean you won't in the future. In fact, 20% of all claims paid by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) were for policies in low-risk communities. On average, floods cost $3.5 billion in annual losses in the United States.

When catastrophic water damage happens to you, SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties can help. We can help you prepare ahead of time with an Emergency Ready Profile, or respond to any size disaster to begin cleanup and restoration to get you back into your home as soon as possible. We are ready to help make it "Like it never even happened."

Call today! 919-533-6776

We are available in Pittsboro, Chapel Hill, Siler City, Sanford and surrounding areas!

We want YOU to be Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned!

7/28/2020 (Permalink)

We want you to be Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned!

COVID-19 is still active throughout our state of NC! Let us help you with disinfecting and sanitizing your home and business. Our technicians have a high degree of training and experience performing hazardous type work, whether its bio-hazard or even our typical mold work. Our people definitely make a difference! Our process follows CDC and specific product recommendations. We own the correct equipment to do the job. Using a fogger is not a beginner's task and we have a long history of utilizing PPE too. We have SERVPROXIDE! We have some other great products that are available but we like to warn people about the dangers of using bleach. Mixing bleach with other products may cause serious health problems especially when mixed with ammonia, vinegar, or any other acid type cleaning material. Bleach can be toxic to every living being and our environment.

We are available in Pittsboro, Chapel Hill, Siler City, Sanford and surrounding areas!

We are here to let you know what to do! :)

7/27/2020 (Permalink)

Flooding occurred in local commercial building.

It doesn't take much water to cause problems in your office. Some water damage can start and persist without you even knowing it. You may not be able to salvage everything in your building or prevent all water-related issues. However, with prompt, decisive action, you can minimize the problems and effectively clean up the mess and recover.

Safety First
Your first responsibility after a flood is the welfare of everyone in your office. Before you begin the water cleanup process, take these following steps:

Get everyone in your building away from any standing water.
Find the source of the flooding and stop it, if possible.
Turn off the power to your building.

Save What You Can
Move any items away from the water and get them to higher ground. This should include belongings such as furniture, documents, and clothing. You can pull up wet carpet and leave it out to dry. Even items with water damage can be salvaged.

Call the Professionals
Minimal damage from a slow leak may not be a big concern, but widespread flooding from broken pipes requires the expertise of a professional flood remediation team. technicians have the skills and tools to not only remove the water from your facility but to clean and dry wet items and rebuild damaged materials. The professionals also have the equipment and tactics to safely and quickly restore your office.

We are available in Pittsboro, Chapel Hill, Siler City, Sanford and surrounding areas!

Initial Fire Damage Process

7/23/2020 (Permalink)

Home in Durham, NC suffered from a fire loss. It was an electrical fire and it was a newly constructed home. We are here to help you!

When there is fire in a home or business, it can make you feel like your world is falling apart. Soot damage, water damage, and smoke damage can make you wonder if fire damage restoration is even possible. After the fire trucks leave and you're left with the smoke smell that has seeped into everything, you will have no clue where your fire cleanup will begin. Water damage has taken its toll as well after the efforts of the fire department to save as much as possible. You're grateful for their part in stopping fire damage from going to far, but you don't know what to do other than board up the windows and walk away. Don't give up on your home or business. 

Don't Try to Do it Yourself

As you are surrounded by the smoke smell and you stare at the soot damage that is everywhere you look, you might be tempted to get out a soap and bucket in order to get to work. Smoke damage and fire damage require the skills and expertise of professionals if you want the job to be done properly. You have your own obligations to take care of after a fire in the house or a fire in the business. When residential or commercial fire damage takes place, you still have to carry on with work, family, and other responsibilities. You don't have the time or the resources to erase the signs of fire damage yourself. 

Begin with an Initial Assessment

In order to address fire damage that includes smoke damage and soot damage, we will perform a comprehensive evaluation. They'll look at the results of fire in the home or fire in the business in order to decide what must be taken care of first. Beneath the smoke smell, your carpeting, flooring, and walls have all been affected by fire damage. You'll need more than to have someone board up the property. It will be necessary to have a fire cleanup that will bring your property back to the way it was. Fire damage restoration is a step by step process. Residential and commercial fire damage require an extensive fire cleanup plan. Our representatives take a walk through after a fire in the house or fire in the business, they'll board up any broken windows. Trust your restoration company to board up any windows that have been destroyed and cover the roof with tarps if necessary to prevent looting or further damage. 

Let the Fire Cleanup Begin

We perform a fire cleanup process that erases soot damage, eliminates smoke damage, and puts your fire damage behind you as the fire damage restoration begins. The smoke smell is difficult to deal with, therefore proper chemicals are used. With excellent cleaning skills, top notch equipment, and the experience to be thorough, you'll soon forget there was fire damage.

We are available in Pittsboro, Chapel Hill, Siler City, Sanford and surrounding areas!

Choose us and you'll be in great hands.

7/22/2020 (Permalink)

Pictured is a technician ready to go with our readiness equipment! We are ready to take on any task.

There is no such thing as a small disaster – especially when a small leak now could blossom into a big claim later. Unseen water can soak through walls, seep through carpet and pool on sub floors, causing major problems over time. You need help – fast!

No matter what time of day or night contact your local SERVPRO franchise professionals to begin emergency mitigation. Emergency mitigation means under normal circumstances, a SERVPRO franchise professional cam be on-site within four hours to begin drying your building and restoring contents. The faster the water is removed, the less chance of serious damage to your facility.

We are trained and we understand how to manage the drying process. By utilizing state of the art equipment and the latest technology, your structure will be quickly and thoroughly dried, which helps prevent secondary water damages. Help ensure the value of your property by calling us today!

We are available in Pittsboro, Chapel Hill, Siler City, Sanford and surrounding areas!

Water intrusion is just frustrating!

7/22/2020 (Permalink)

This picture is indicating that our SERVPRO can handle any size job and we ready to help you!

Water intrusion in a home or business is a traumatic event. Effectively restoring a water-damaged building and its contents is a valuable service to a homeowner or business owner, as well as to the insurance industry. In residential homes, the normal lifestyle of residents is severely disrupted.

This type of disruption creates stress and uncertainty for many individuals. You can help. In commercial properties, business interruption can be devastating and costly. A professional water restorer can provide guidance and assistance to help business owners make the best decisions through these difficult times. These are many of the factors that drive SERVPRO professionals to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Often in a water damage project, only a portion of a building was impacted. To dry the wet areas most efficiently, drying zones are established within the building. A drying zone is an area where you control the humidity, airflow, and temperature to speed the drying of wet materials.

We are available in Pittsboro, Chapel Hill, Siler City, Sanford and surrounding areas!

Be ready with our ERP's!

7/20/2020 (Permalink)

We are ready for whatever happens, we can provide you with an ERP so you are ready too!

During a storm event - we panic but we are here so you will have a plan in place! 

Timing is everything! By developing a SERVPRO ERP, you can minimize the amount of time your business is inactive by having an immediate plan of action. 

We want you to know what to do, who to call and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation. 

Why should you choose us? 

You should choose SERVPRO because are the experts. We are prepared for anything. 

An ERP is perfect for you and your facility. 

- It is at no cost to you or facility. Therefore you do not need to allocate funds, giving you something SO useful at no cost. 

- It was purposely designed to contain only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency.

- It will take a little time to complete, however it will save you a lot of time if ever needed.

- You will then have us as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider. 

- You will receive a piece of mind that should you ever need cleanup or restoration services, you have a trusted local provider that is there for you 24/7! 

- Identifies the line of command for authorizing work to begin. This saves times so we can begin mitigation faster. 

- Provides facility details, such as shut-off valve locations, important areas and priority contact information. 

- Provides a quick reference of what to do, how to do it and who to call provides solutions in advance of an emergency so during the emergency, you are "ready for whatever happens." 

Pool party in your house or outside of your home?

7/17/2020 (Permalink)

A daycare in Raleigh, NC had a water loss. This picture depicts a water damaged rug and we were able to resolve the water loss.

The month of July is so hot. Everyone seems to love water events but let's keep the water on the outside of your home!

We classify water as categories. Category 3 is the highest category. It is normally brown water such as sewage. For Category 3, we determine if any potentially at-risk people are in the building or home and advise our client that those people need to be evacuated. While processing this job - we will have a full face respirator equipped with the appropriate filters. We are very particular with protection of our employees and our clients.

We are trained to perform emergency services in water damage situations safely. We only practice safe measures while in buildings and customer homes. During the safe measures, we involve the personal protective equipment. This includes many items. Chemical resistant gloves are worn to protect hands from substances and becoming contaminated. We also use heavy duty gloves and that protects the hands during demolition and removal of structural materials. At certain jobs, we also use splash goggles. During this unprecedented time, we use respirators while this virus is still active. We want our customers and employees to be and stay safe! Call us today! We can help you!

We specialize in water, fire AND mold. We can also accommodate other services. 919-533-6776

We are available in Pittsboro, Chapel Hill, Siler City, Sanford and surrounding areas!

Pictured: A daycare in RALEIGH, NC had a water loss. We were on site soon after we received the call. We were ready to take action and to restore!

SERVPRO Storm Response

7/17/2020 (Permalink)

We are SERVPRO ready whenever a storm happens.

Our SERVPRO has been exploring the Storm Response Team avenue. We are in a flooding zone and have knowledge in how to accommodate such jobs. 

Below are some flood tips and necessary actions that need to take place. After a flood, we want to have safety first. 

These tips are for businesses and home owners. 

- Account that all employees or family members are safe by establishing evacuation plans in advance. We can provide this plan for you! Call us to have an ERP. (919)-533-6776! We recommend that select individuals are able to keep a list of everyone in the home or business and also contact numbers. 

- If water enters the building and evacuation becomes impossible, move to an upper floor, and wait for rescuers. 

- Do NOT touch electrical equipment if you are wet or in water. 

- Do not walk through moving water.

- Avoid floodwater. Water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline or raw sewage. 

- Listen for news reports to learn if the community's water supply is safe to drink. 

- Return only when it is safe. 

- Secure the property. 

- Contact local emergency officials. 

- Secure main entrances to building.

- Stabilize the property.

- Open the basement or low-level windows to equalize water pressure on the building's foundation and walls.

- Begin water damage mitigation steps only if local emergency officials deem the structure safe to enter. 

- Notify your insurance agent or risk manager to determine insurance policy guidelines and steps to take. 

- Throw away all foods that have come into contact with flood waters.

- If your home has a crawlspace, be aware excess moisture in this area can often foster mold growth. 

Mitigation tips after a water damage.

7/17/2020 (Permalink)

A water loss occurred in Chapel Hill, NC. We were there in record time to access and start the mitigation project.

SERVPRO is here to help. This is what we specialize in. We want to help and ease your mind about a terrible event that has happened. 

We do not want anyone to experience a water loss but we do HIGHLY recommend to have an emergency plan or call list. If something happens with an exploding pipe - have a plumber's number close to your phone. You always want to have a plan in case something does happen. 

We recommend the following: 

- Takes photos or video to record all previous conditions and structure. Make sure images clearly record the pre-existing structure.

- Once water damage has occurred, remove as much excess water from furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items. 

- Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for drying purposes. 

- Once we are on site, we will place fans. Do not reset or change orientation.

- Do not leave books, newspapers or magazine on wet carpets or floors. It can cause staining. 

- Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet or enter room where ceilings are sagging from retained water. 

- Do not turn on heat unless required for human comfort. 

- Do not move objects or collections without documenting their conditions.

We are willing to help you in this unforeseen event. We understand that the process is not easy. Emotions take over and they are not always easy to deal with. We are here to help and to ease your mind. 

Call us today for an incredible experience and an even better understanding of the work that will be performed. 

- 

Some ask the question why? Choose us!

7/17/2020 (Permalink)

We are here for you. We want to help! 919-533-6776

We want to capture attention. 

We want to build a strong relationship with the community and our client. 

We want to improve engagement. 

We want to improve brand recall! 

We want to tell you the why? Why this brand? Why this company? Why this service? 

Our brand is outspoken! Our brand is legendary. We have established a great relationship with the community around the United States. 

Why this company/service? We have the key to success. We are experts on mitigation. We restore and resolve situations that the ordinary business may not have the knowledge or man power to do so. We train our guys effectively and thoroughly.

Testimony from a customer: I had a water leak in one of my bathrooms in December, and SERVPRO was amazing. Ryan came over quickly and assessed the damage, started drying the area and under the house, removed damaged materials without leaving a mess, and accommodated my work schedule. He was also very helpful explaining timelines of events, insurance coverage as I had never used my insurance for other issues, and finding professional contractors who did a fabulous job remodeling the bathroom. Could not be happier.

This customer resided in Chatham County. We were so happy to receive this review! We try our best on every single job to achieve greatness. We love getting feedback and that includes the bad as well. We want to become better than we were yesterday. Reviews, communication and constructive feedback help us all in this process. 

Call us if you are ever in need. If you have any questions, concerns or want more knowledge about our franchise! 919-533-6776

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

7/10/2020 (Permalink)

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned! We are here to make it "Like it never even happened." :)

Have you heard of Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned? If not, we are here to enlighten you! Certified: SERVPRO cleaned is a defensive cleaning program that we offer to commercial and residential locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. This program will give patrons across our area a peace of mind that the space has been protected by SERVPRO, the authority on what it means to be clean.  The first step in the program is to consult. Not all businesses are the same, which is why we will assign you with a consultant that understands your business or home and will create a specific plan.  The second step is proactive and COVID-19 emergency response cleaning. Based on the needs of your location - your location will undergo a thorough, expert deep clean rooted in the pillars of People, Process and Product.  The third step is to certify a commitment to clean for your employees and consumers. We're going to extend our credibility to give you reassurance. We also want to extend that to your employees, friends and community. This is a level of cleaning that goes far beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. This IS a proactive viral pathogen cleaning. When you choose us, you, your home, your employees, your customers and your community can rest assured that you've selected a higher cleaning standard. We are here to help you and others around you. Let us come and disinfect your home or commercial location. Call us today to schedule your services! 919-533-6776

Water loss at RALEIGH daycare.

7/10/2020 (Permalink)

Water heater had burst in this RALEIGH daycare facility.

This daycare in Raleigh suffered a great loss in their facility. It occurred after hours and we were the ones to be called to salvage this place. We empathized with them but we were excited that we were there to be the ones to help. Upon arrival - we received the information about the job. Unfortunately, their water heater burst causing an ample amount of water to overflow into their facility. We are trained professionals that have the techniques and power to cover any job that comes our way. We want our customers to be heard, valued and supported through this unprecedented time.  

This job started with an initial call. That initial call was made to get all needed information and that included the point of contact. 

After the call - our crew has the opportunity to meet and greet the customer. We always want to look professional as well as speak that way. 

Once we are on site then we will perform a thorough walk-through with the customer and/or the adjuster. We will then set up the expectation of needs to happen and we will complete the consultation.

After the consultation is finished - we will then continue with the scope. As our process with SERVPRO, we will have DAILY quality assurance calls. Our office staff or our production manager will be the one to reach out and that will be our customer's point of contact from start to finish. 

If you or someone that you know have experienced a water, fire, mold loss - call us! We are professionals and want to do the best job possible. 919-533-6776

WATER TIME! THREE TWO ONE!

7/8/2020 (Permalink)

Daycare in Raleigh had an extreme over flow.

WATER WEDNESDAY!

Did you know that there were two primary ways to remove water from a residence or building? The two ways are extraction and evaporation.

Extraction is the more effective way of removing water!

Evaporation is used mainly on crawlspaces, stairwells and basements.

We like to handle water jobs in a specific manor. We want to take care of our customers and want them to feel safe with us. We have a process that follow and it is efficient. 

We get to know the job and what it consists of. We also get to know the customer and make sure their understanding is accurate. After that - we will then schedule an appointment. Once we are on site then we conduct a walk through where many things will be addressed. Anything that we are able to see - we will let the customer know as well as the adjuster if applicable. Once we speak to the customer then we will have an emergency action plan in place. They then will know what to do if this happen again and they'll know who to call. After we speak to our customer and fain authorization - we will then make appropriate calls in order to start the mitigation process. If demolition is needed then that will be addressed as well during the mitigation process. Our main goal throughout this is to dry the home and also keep the customer with happy thoughts and positive feelings about our crew and the process. 

Let us help you! Did you have an unexpected leak or an overflow? Call us today! 919-533-6776

How to Prevent Your Pipes from Bursting in Winter

5/25/2020 (Permalink)

Three forms of water which can all "hurt" your home.

How Does Ice Burst Water Pipes?

• Keep your garage door closed!
• Open cabinets under the sink and in the bathroom, so that they can be reached by the warm air in your home
• Insulate pipes
• On exceptionally cold nights below freezing leave your taps dripping slightly. This might waste a small amount of water, but the wasted water will cost you less than having to replace busted pipes

If your pipes have burst or you notice them leaking, then it’s best to go ahead and turn off the water at your main line.

Then you’ll want to call a plumber, depending on the severity, you’ll also need to call a Water Damage Restoration Company. 

While we hope you never experience a disaster in your home, we do know we are ready to help you restore it in the event of one. Just give us a call any time  24/7 we are always here to help.

SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham 

Great information about fires!

5/25/2020 (Permalink)

Home in Robbins, NC experienced a kitchen fire and we were there to for them!

In just two minutes, a fire can become life-threatening. In five minutes, a residence can be engulfed in flames.

Learn About Fires

• Fire is FAST! In less than 30 seconds a small flame can turn into a major fire. It only takes minutes for thick black smoke to fill a house or for it to be engulfed in flames.
• Fire is HOT! Heat is more threatening than flames. Room temperatures in a fire can be 100 degrees at floor level and rise to 600 degrees at eye level. Inhaling this super-hot air will scorch your lungs and melt clothes to your skin.
• Fire is DARK! Fire starts bright, but quickly produces black smoke and complete darkness.
• Fire is DEADLY! Smoke and toxic gases kill more people than flames do. Fire produces poisonous gases that make you disoriented and drowsy. Asphyxiation is the leading cause of fire deaths, exceeding burns by a three-to-one ratio.

SERVPRO CLEANED!

5/15/2020 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties, we’re dedicated to inspiring confidence in our local communities of Pittsboro, Sanford, Siler City, Cary,

As Chatham and Lee Counties get back to business, we all have a new sense of what it means to be clean. In fact, 89% of consumers are uneasy about going back to brick-and-mortar locations*. At SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties, we’re dedicated to inspiring confidence in our local communities of Pittsboro, Sanford, Siler City, Cary, Apex, New Hill, Chapel Hill and Durham as we find our way to a new normal. And we’re doing just that with Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, our new defensive pathogen cleaning program, goes way beyond standard janitorial cleaning practices. This is proactive viral pathogen cleaning. With over 50 years of experience in biochemical spill remediation and decontamination, you can trust SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties to bring a higher standard of clean to the places we gather.

So how does it work? It’s grounded in our unique 3 C’s:

• Consult: Not all businesses are the same, so we’ll tailor a bespoke cleaning program based on the unique needs of each facility.
• Clean: Based on the agreed plan, an expert deep clean is initiated using our proprietary EPA-Approved Hospital-Grade cleaning solutions and always adhering to the leading level of cleaning and decontamination standards set by the CDC.
• Certify: You’ll know a business is Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned by the shield posted on their front window. Along with digital emblems and other collateral, this beacon represents their commitment to the comfort and security of their employees, customers and community.

So when you see the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned shield, you can walk in with confidence. Because you’ll know the #1 choice in clean up and restoration was there.

Have Questions? Call Today 919-533-6776

We want to help you!

4/15/2020 (Permalink)

Say HELLO to one of our Production Managers and two of our Technicians. They are always ready for whatever the day throws at them. :)

At SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties, we emphasize daily the importance of connecting with our customers. Unfortunately, in our line of work we encounter people when they’re often under a lot of stress - a family that has experienced a fire in their home or water sitting in their basement with their prized possessions floating around. That makes us alter our approach when dealing with those who call on us. We understand that each person who calls our office has chosen us and instilled trust in our company to remediate the circumstances they’re facing. We also know that we must work diligently to maintain that level of trust, to reassure them and communicate with them every step of the way.

Our technicians can spend anywhere from a few hours to several months at a property working to make their home “Like it never even happened.” Spending any amount of time in someone’s personal space creates a unique connection. Our staff are encouraged to get to know the individuals they interact with on a personal level, to become more than just a logo they might recognize down the road. At the end of the day, we’re simply people helping people. We leave our franchise each day to assist those in our community that are in need. If you chose SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties, don’t hesitate to hold a conversation with any of our staff about matters other than work being done for you! We truly care about each person we come in contact with and hope that is displayed by our actions.

Damage Remediation in Chatham County

4/15/2020 (Permalink)

Our team did an amazing job with this home. The fire originated from the basement and then the smoke made it's way to the main level.

Cleaning is a vital element to the recovery of your Tucson home after a fire. As challenging as existing in the residence can feel after even mild structure fires have occurred, effective cleaning and restoration practices can make you homeowners more comfortable. Our SERVPRO professionals have practical techniques and potent products to return damaged surfaces in your home to their preloss condition.

Cleaning is a necessary component to making fire losses “Like it never even happened.” Despite how devastating these disasters can be, our SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties team has the training and the cleaning agents to help. Between our cleaning techniques to break residues loose from surfaces to foam, wiping, and abrasive methods, we can restore the look and feel of many damaged materials after a fire. Give us a call anytime at 919-533-6776

Reasons To Let SERVPRO Help With Your Commercial Sewer Backup

4/14/2020 (Permalink)

Commercial sewage system backed up and our SERVPRO was there to help. :)

When a business or commercial building has sewage back up into their working area, it presents a few issues.  These range from business interruption to unsafe working conditions. Getting the problem fixed quickly is important to resolving both of those issues. This leads some Bridgeport business owners to address the problem themselves, in the interest of time and money.  This is a bad idea for a few reasons:

Hard To See

We have encountered many people who try to clean sewage themselves, and then end up calling us down the road due to bad smells and discolored and warped walls and floors. Sewage, like regular water, will soak into any material it comes into contact with. This damage will not be evident right away, so it is often missed.  SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties has the equipment and techniques to detect and extract all sewage in the beginning, so no problems arise in the future.

Cost

It may seem like tackling the issue yourself is a less costly option. But it can cost far more if the job is not done properly the first time around.  If you do not adequately address the problem, mold can develop, which will need to be cleaned.  This will be an additional cost on top of the initial cleanup that many business owners do not consider. 

Danger 

Raw sewage carries an incredible amount of harmful bacteria.  If contact is made during cleanup, you can become ill. Additionally, if the sewage dries, that harmful bacteria can become airborne, causing further illness, even when there is no sign of damage remaining.

Taking preventative measures against fires.

4/10/2020 (Permalink)

Let's be proactive when we talk about fires. Here are some tips from your SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties.

Spring Cleaning and Fire Safety

Spring Cleaning is upon us! And though deep cleaning floors and dusting shelves are important, don’t forget about fire safety. Below are some ways for you to do some preventative cleaning in your own home.

Replace batteries in your home.

Start with replacing the batteries in your Smoke Detectors, Carbon Monoxide Detectors and Flashlights.

Clean dryer vents routinely.

Other than routinely cleaning your lint filter out before and after loads, you should also be making sure that the outdoor dryer flaps are not blocked by build-up, animal nests, etc.

Check on any extension cords.

Check to make sure that extensions cords are not overloaded as they aren’t meant to be permanently used. This is also a good time to make sure that none of your cords are frayed or cracked. Replace where needed.

Propane/charcoal grills should remain outside.

Your propane/charcoal grill should be stored and used outside only. Make sure that grill is routinely cleaned. And most importantly, make sure someone is always tending the grill.

Clean up leaves and trash from around house.

Make sure to clean up dead leaves and trash from around your house. These items may be dangerous if exposed to heat.

SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties is here to help with any preventative cleaning needs. If emergency services are needed due to a fire or any other disaster give us a call 24 hours a day. (919) 533-6776

SAY NO to moisture in your crawlspace.

4/10/2020 (Permalink)

The most common cause of crawl space flooding is rain water.  When excessive rain water accumulates in the soil next to your foundation it will over-saturate the soil.  Unable to be soaked up by the soil, it will seek another place go.  The path of least resistance will be through your foundation, especially if there are any cracks in the walls.  But, you can protect yourself from crawl space leaks and flooding by taking a few preventative measures.  

Keep rainwater away from your foundation. Make sure your gutters, especially your downspouts, are working properly.  Clear out any clogs and repair any significant leaks.  Make sure your downspouts are draining rain water five feet away from your foundation.  If your gutters and downspouts are set up and working correctly, but you still notice water pooling near your foundation, you probably have an issue with the grade of your yard and may need to have a landscaper fix the problem.  

Use vapor barrier.  Crawl spaces are most commonly located where water runoff is common. They are also often designed with dirt floors.  This makes crawl spaces an ideal breeding ground for moisture and mold.  Vapor barrier can keep crawl space moisture/mold at bay.

Use a sump pump in your crawl space.  Sump pumps move water away from your foundation, and moving safely away from your house.  And of course, they work just as well in crawl spaces as they do in basement.  Be sure you have a backup power source for your sump pump and check its operation periodically.  

Let your SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties help you! :) Call us today. 

Water loss - DO and DON'T

4/9/2020 (Permalink)

If you have a Category 1 or a "Clean Water" Water Damage at your home or business here are some tips to follow: 

DO:

• Shut off the water source of water if possible, or contact a qualified party to stop the water source.
• Turn off circuit breakers for wet ares of the building, when access to the power distribution panel is safe from electrical shock.
• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpet.
• Remove to a safe, dry place any paintings, art objects, computers, documents and other materials that are valuable or sensitive to moisture.
• Use wood clothes pins to keep furniture skirting off damp floors.
• Hang draperies with coated hangers to avoid contact with carpeting or floors.
• Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature. 

DON'T:

• Enter rooms with standing water where electrical shock hazards may exist. 
• Enter affected areas if electrical outlets, switches, circuit breakers or electrical equipment  are exposed to water. Always avoid electrical shock hazards.
• Leave books, newspapers, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpet to cause staining. 
• Leave Oriental rugs or other colored rugs on wet wall-to-wall carpets to cause staining.
• Use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water possibly causing electrical shock or damaging the vacuum cleaner.
• Use TVs or other appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors, especially not on wet concrete floors.
• Turn on ceiling fans if ceiling is wet, or enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water. 

SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties is available 24 hours 7 days a week. Please call us today if you have a water damage at your home or business at 919-533-6776.

We are here to help you!

4/6/2020 (Permalink)

Chatham County seems to flood. We are the home of Jordan Lake.

Lately there has been flooding all over the United States: if you are unfamiliar with the difference between a flash flood warning, flood warning, and flood advisory; then read below! 

What is the difference between a Flood Watch and a Flood Warning issued by the National Weather Service?

• Flash Flood Warning: Take Action! A Flash Flood Warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or occurring. If you are in a flood prone area move immediately to high ground. A flash flood is a sudden violent flood that can take from minutes to hours to develop. It is even possible to experience a flash flood in areas not immediately receiving rain.

• Flood Warning: Take Action! A Flood Warning is issued when the hazardous weather event is imminent or already happening. A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.

• Flood Watch: Be Prepared:A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for a specific hazardous weather event to occur. A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible.

• Flood Advisory: Be Aware: An Flood Advisory is issued when a specific weather event that is forecast to occur may become a nuisance. A Flood Advisory is issued when flooding is not expected to be bad enough to issue a warning. However, it may cause significant inconvenience, and if caution is not exercised, it could lead to situations that may threaten life and/or property.

Can we clean your hotel?

4/6/2020 (Permalink)

Can we help you, your family and other people surrounding you? Let us come clean the hotel that you own!

Dirt and germs that are tracked in by foot traffic and baggage accumulate on your hotel carpeting, accelerating the breakdown of fibers and matting. The clean and classy impression you want your hotel guests to experience is going to be negatively affected by unkempt carpeting. Today, we would like to share a few simple tips and reminders that can help you maintain your carpet to the highest standards possible. 

SPOTS AND STAINS. There isn’t really much difference between spots and stains. All that it takes for a spot to become a stain is to forget about it for a while! Any spot should be immediately soaked up with a paper towel or another absorbent material to soak up as much of the spill as possible. This should keep the spot from becoming a more unsightly stain. 

PRE-TREATMENTS. Carpet cleaning chemicals can leave behind residue that will actually collect even more dirt. The next thing you know, your carpeting is a dingy mess. Only properly diluted chemicals that break down these stains and rinse clean should be used for spots. Allow your pre-spray to penetrate the spots for a while so that they can do their work. 

REGULAR (DAILY) CARE. Regular cleaning, such as daily vacuuming, can vastly reduce your need for deep cleaning when it is done with high-quality equipment. Shop for properly dated filters and backpack-style vacuums, and remember that correctly completing periodic deep carpet extraction cleaning in your hotel is essential to keep carpeting dry, which prevents mold growth. Daily vacuuming removes dirt and dust quickly before it has time to get wet and become embedded in your carpeting. 

TEAMWORK. Make sure your team knows how to clean your hotel carpets correctly, using all the established machinery and cleaning solvents as per manufacturer’s directions. The most efficient way to ensure that your carpeting lasts is to establish a routine maintenance plan that is executed by properly trained cleaners. 

DEEP CLEANING. Call a professional cleaning company to come in and help you when it’s time for large-scale deep cleaning of your hotel carpets. Here at SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties, we have the expertise to ensure that your carpets are looking like new in a timely manner. 

We are cleaning experts.

4/2/2020 (Permalink)

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties. 919-533-6776

SERVPRO is 'Here to Help' during this time of need!

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties. 919-533-6776

Trusted fire restoration leaders.

3/31/2020 (Permalink)

We were there to help this family after they suffered a home fire.

SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties is prepared to go into action when a fire strikes in Pittsboro, NC. If your home or business has been damaged by fire and smoke, we know how shocking the event can be. SERVPRO is sensitive to the emotional stress property owners feel during this time. Our trained crew will work diligently to return your home to pre-fire condition as quickly as possible, keeping you informed all along the way.

Let us help – Call (919) 533-6776 and we will get started on your home restoration right away.

As water and fire damage specialists, we have the experience, the expertise, and the advanced training that enables us to get your property restored quickly and thoroughly. Learn about our fire damage training/certificates.

Praise from one of our customers.

3/31/2020 (Permalink)

Room cleaning for a customer in Chatham County, NC.

"A death put me in the position of executor of an estate. The house I needed work on would require extensive cleaning inside.

I called 4 contractors, all claiming expertise in this type of a cleaning job. SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties was one of the contractors, and Luke, the owner came to do the estimate. Contrary to all the other estimators, he was very professional and with clarity but not with excessive drama he informed me of the type of jobs they do, and how they would do this one. 

I chose SERVPRO, and have not regretted it for a moment. Luke and his crew did an exceptional job, including returning multiple times for follow-up work, some suggested by me and some by themselves, and delivering a truck load of items directly to my house, carefully boxed. Every person I worked with, managers, staff, accounting, were professional and friendly. The owners of this location have clearly done a great job choosing their staff. 

My highest recommendation."

- Jill O.

Have you experienced water damage in your commercial buidling?

3/30/2020 (Permalink)

Let us help you! We are experts at mitigating water damage.

These issues can leave unwelcome and defiantly unwanted odors in the air. This odor is most always displeasing to customers, employees or yourself. Based on the source of the issue, we have 5 tips to help solve the problem: 

1. Ventilate the Building and Evaluate the Situation - Allows any lingering scents to disperse through a window, if possible. You can then work to identify and locate any centralized, problematic scents. If sewage loss is causing the odor, it’s best to stay away from the contaminated water and contact SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties to mitigate. 

2. Dry Wet Carpeting and Flooring - Carpet holds moisture and it could be the source of the scent. A wet and dry vacuum, which can be rented if needed, can shampoo the carpet and then dry it afterward. This sanitizes the area to potentially remove some of the smell. 

3. Scrub Moldy Surfaces - Mold growth left alone will continue to reproduce and spread along with its musty odor.

4. Spray Furniture and Upholstery - Furniture can be sprayed and scrubbed. Porous materials are likely not able to be fully cleaned this way since the fungus settles within. 

5. Consult Professionals for Extensive Cleanup - There are many instances that commercial-grade machines will need to be used to remove the malodor. An expert SERVPRO technician can help remove problems caused by floodwater and/or other water damage. When dealing with flood odors, most do-it-yourself remedies will fix only the symptom. Trust the help from SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham where we can assist you to remove most of the unwanted smells alongside any mold growth or other nuisance.

When will we have a dry day?

3/30/2020 (Permalink)

Flooding happened very quickly at Jordan Lake located near Apex, NC.

North Carolina weather has been pretty wet in 2020. We have seen what feels like 40 days and 40 nights of nothing but rain and rainstorms. From downpours to flooding, its safe to say, North Carolina is pretty soggy. Are you prepared to handle these rainstorms that we just can not seem to get away from?! In the event of a rainstorm, which we know is going to happen, here are several tips to help keep you safe. 

1. If you’re driving during a rainstorm put on your headlights, hazard lights, and drive slowly to prevent hydroplaning.

2. Get out of boats and stay away from large bodies of water in the case of lightning striking.

3. Most importantly, Take shelter! We know that emergency situations are never an enjoyable time, but we strive to make life get back to normal quickly and smoothly. If you have a flooding emergency that takes place in your home or commercial business, we are here to help!

Why we are the ONE for you!

3/27/2020 (Permalink)

Why SERVPRO? 

Real Quotes from Real Customers. 

I had recently been assigned a moderate size residential water loss job where the water supply line in the attic ruptured, flooding the home. The responding contractor was, in short, a nightmare. 

In any case, I needed help to get the claim on the right track and luckily ended up calling SERVPRO. They arrived on the scene within a few hours and began mitigation work immediately. Your crew turned a nightmare into a well managed project, making me look good in the process. 

I've handled countless clams throughout the years working with a bunch of different contractors. It's pretty rare that a cleanup and restoration vendor leaves such a great impression in my head but SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties did just that. 

All too often, the only feedback we ever get is when things go wrong, but I think it is vitally important you also hear about when things go really well. Thank you for your prompt service and excellent work! 

- Gina. S Chapel Hill, NC

Destroy odors with deodorization.

3/27/2020 (Permalink)

Fire damage? Let us come and restore your home!

A fire can leave behind soot, smoke damage and a house of other problems. Ceilings, walls, woodwork, carpeting and floors will often need a thorough professional cleaning. If your home or business suffer a fire, it is important to take the appropriate steps to prevent further damage until we, your SERVPRO, arrive. 

Even a small fire can cause odors for years to come if the affected areas are not properly cleaned and deodorized. Fire, smoke, and soot damage in your home or business can create unpleasant and potentially permanent problems. Our technicians are certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration. We can provide specialized services that can rid your home or business of offensive odors left by fire or smoke damage. We do NOT cover up lingering odors with a fragrance; we see seek out and remove the source of the odor. Any restorable item in affected areas will also be professionally cleaned and deodorized, including furniture, draperies and upholstery, electronics, art, flooring, walls, ceiling, HVAC air ducts and more! 

Commercial or Residential? No job is too big for us!

3/27/2020 (Permalink)

Rather you are the owner of a residential property or a commercial building - we are here for you! Call us today. 919-533-6776

Our team at SERVPRO can help you! Let us come disinfect and sanitize your home/business. We love being a part of the community and would like this opportunity to help. We want families, faculty and others to not be at risk of the COVID-19. The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and tables at a minimum. These same surfaces are mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces as well, including: • Kitchen/Food Areas• Bathrooms• Schools/Classrooms• Offices• Retail Spaces• Water Fountains• Shelving and Racks• Sales Counters• Carpets and rugs• Stair Handrails• Elevator Cars• Playground Equipment• Fitness Equipment  Call us today for a proactive cleaning!919-533-6776 We are here to help!

Flatten the curve - COVID19.

3/27/2020 (Permalink)

We are trained and excellent at what we do. Let us help you, your family and community by becoming PROactive against this COVID19.

Cleaning and disinfecting are part of a broad approach to preventing infectious diseases. 

Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences. A failure to properly remove such substances can contribute to unhealthy and dangerous environments. SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties is trained to safely remove bio hazards and dispose of them properly in accordance with OSHA and health regulations.

1. Know the difference between cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing

Cleaning removes germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces or objects. Cleaning works by using soap (or detergent) and water to physically remove germs from surfaces. This process does not necessarily kill germs, but by removing them, it lowers their numbers and the risk of spreading infection.

Disinfecting kills germs on surfaces or objects. Disinfecting works by using chemicals to kill germs on surfaces or objects. This process does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs, but by killing germs on a surface after cleaning, it can further lower the risk of spreading infection.

Sanitizing lowers the number of germs on surfaces or objects to a safe level, as judged by public health standards or requirements. This process works by either cleaning or disinfecting surfaces or objects to lower the risk of spreading infection.

2. Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that are touched often

Typically, this means daily sanitizing surfaces and objects that are touched often, such as desks, countertops, doorknobs, computer keyboards, hands-on learning items, faucet handles, phones, and toys. Some schools may also require daily disinfecting these items. 

Immediately clean surfaces and objects that are visibly soiled. If surfaces or objects are soiled with body fluids or blood, use gloves and other standard precautions to avoid coming into contact with the fluid. Remove the spill, and then clean and disinfect the surface.

Need Bio-hazard Cleanup Services?

Call Us Today

(919) 533-6776

3. Clean and disinfect correctly

Always follow label directions on cleaning products and disinfectants. Wash surfaces with a general household cleaner to remove germs. Rinse with water, and follow with an EPA-registered disinfectant to kill germs. Read the label to make sure it states that EPA has approved the product for effectiveness against whatever you are trying to clean.

If a surface is not visibly dirty, you can clean it with an EPA-registered product that both cleans (removes germs) and disinfects (kills germs) instead. Be sure to read the label directions carefully, as there may be a separate procedure for using the product as a cleaner or as a disinfectant. Disinfection usually requires the product to remain on the surface for a certain period of time. 

Use disinfecting wipes on electronic items that are touched often, such as phones and computers. Pay close attention to the directions for using disinfecting wipes. It may be necessary to use more than one wipe to keep the surface wet for the stated length of contact time. Make sure that the electronics can withstand the use of liquids for cleaning and disinfecting.

4. Use products safely

Pay close attention to hazard warnings and directions on product labels. Cleaning products and disinfectants often call for the use of gloves or eye protection. For example, gloves should always be worn to protect your hands when working with bleach solutions.

Do not mix cleaners and disinfectants unless the labels indicate it is safe to do so. Combining certain products (such as chlorine bleach and ammonia cleaners) can result in serious injury or death.

5. Handle waste properly

Throw disposable items used to clean surfaces and items in the trash immediately after use. Avoid touching used tissues and other waste when emptying waste baskets. Wash your hands with soap and water after emptying waste baskets and touching used tissues and similar waste.

Where did winter go?

3/27/2020 (Permalink)

Snow in Chatham County 02202020

This winter season has been quite calm here in the Chatham & Lee County areas. That was until last week when the area received its first measurable snowfall in over a year. Yes, that’s right, over a year, Chatham County, as well as the rest of the central region of North Carolina, has gone without snow since December 10, 2018. With the impending snowstorm as many people were perceiving it began being forecasted on the local news. It went back and forth between several inches to barely inch if everything predicted, came to the past. 

Fortunately, when the snowstorm did arrive in Chatham County, it was not as terrible as it could have been. Public school systems, of course, took upmost precautions to protect the most vulnerable. For the most part, though, the winter storm turned out not to be as disastrous as previous storms that have impacted the area. Regardless, the SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham County team is available 24/7 to assist you with any storm damage to your property whether impacted by snow, wind or any other sort of storm damage. 

The SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham team can be reached at (919) 533 - 6776

Water and Hardwood Floors DO NOT mix well and here's why.

3/27/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage occurred to these hard wood floors. We have equipment in place to try and reverse the damage and to reduce cupping.

Water damage is never a good thing for your home but it’s especially true for your hardwood floors. In fact, one of the most common questions we’re asked is whether or not a customer’s wet hardwoods can be saved. The answer to that depends, but it helps if you understand why it’s bad to begin with.

How Water Warps Hardwood Flooring

When water floods areas with hardwood floors, the material tries to absorb the water. Unfortunately, excessive moisture forces the wood to expand, which can cause warping or cupping. This is why we always encourage water damage victims to extract as much water as possible while they wait for help to arrive.

Saving Water Wet Hardwood Floors

In some cases, we can save your hardwood floors. If the water is quickly extracted and there isn’t significant warping, then we can use a drying process specifically designed for hardwood floors. But if the flooring was exposed to moisture for a significant period of time and shows major signs of warping, then your hardwoods will need to be removed and replaced.

Call Professionals Before It’s Too Late

While it’s possible to save your water-damaged hardwood flooring, time is a critical factor. If you notice water damage in your home, call a professional cleanup and restoration company like our team here at SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties. We are available for 24/7 emergency services, so if you need help, call us any time at (919) 533-6776

SNOW is so pretty but can be so dangerous.

3/27/2020 (Permalink)

Even though snow can be a beautiful sight, it could do damage to your home or commercial building. Take preventative measures!

Snow brings a sense of wonder and excitement. While you and your children may look forward to a winter wonderland, snow does bring risk to your home. If you don’t take the necessary precautions, you may end up with water damage or worse. Fortunately, there’s a couple of things you can do to mitigate the risk of melting snow!

1. Ensure your gutters are cleaned out. You may not be excited about cleaning your gutters, but they serve as the first line of defense against water damage. When snow begins to melt, the resulting water can quickly pool up and overwhelm your home. Your gutters can redirect the water and protect your property.

2. Repair cracks and structural issues. Melted snow can also enter your home through weaknesses in your home’s structure, which can lead to mold growth and further complications. If you know of any issues, you should have them addressed immediately. Even if you don’t know of any, we encourage you to inspect your home anyways.

You should be able to enjoy the winter weather without worrying about water damage. We encourage you to do the above and prepare your home for any type of storm event. If you do have damage, though, know that our team is always available to help!

Keep your family and business safe during the COVID-19 outbreak.

3/13/2020 (Permalink)

COVID-19 alert and cleaning special

As stated directly by the CDC when it comes to routine cleaning and disinfection of households, we’d like to address the hot-topic of keeping safe during the outbreak of COVID-19.

Community members can practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces like: tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks, with household cleaners and EPA-registered disinfectants that are appropriate for the surface, following use by labeled instructions. The labels are important because they contain instructions for safe and effective cleaning using the product. It also includes precautions to take when applying the product, like wearing gloves and making sure to have good ventilation during product use.

The best offense and defense against this outbreak is having a good understanding of what you’re up against.

That's why it's important to focus on keeping your family HEALTHY and SAFE during this time. 

If you own a business you should ensure it is CLEAN and SANITIZED properly.

If you are interested in having our professional team visit your home or business to offer a complete clean, top-to-bottom, including air PURIFICATION with a state-of-the-art electrolysis system, please contact us immediately by calling us, or click here to contact us via email. 

How to clean and disinfect:

To properly clean and disinfect surfaces, wear disposable gloves. They should be tossed after each cleaning. If you decide to use reusable gloves, they should be dedicated for surfaces for COVID-19 and should NOT be used for other purposes or surfaces. Once you remove the gloves, immediately wash your hands afterwards. If a surface is dirty, they should be cleaned using a detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.

For effective disinfection, diluted household bleach solutions, alcohol solutions with a minimum of 70% alcohol, and most EPA-registered household disinfectants are effective.

Clean your hands!

Wash your hands often, including right after removing gloves and after touching an ill person. Follow the 20-second rule when washing your hands. If soap and water are not available and your hands are not visibly dirty, using hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol may be used. If your hands are visibly dirty, always wash them with soap and water.

Key times to clean your hands include:

•  After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
•  After using the restroom
•  Before eating or preparing food
•  After touching animals or pets
•  Before and after providing care for anyone who needs assistance

If you’re looking to have your home or commercial space cleaned from top to bottom by our professionally certified bio-hazard team, please do not hesitate to contact us ASAP by clicking here.

We offer a full-service clean including bringing specialized atomizers to disinfect the air-space so you can live and breathe healthy with confidence.

For more information and additional resources, please visit the following links:

OSHA COVID-19 Website
CDC Home Care Guidance

A STORM'S AFTERMATH CAN BE DETRIMENTAL

2/12/2020 (Permalink)

This is the aftermath of a storm in Pittsboro. We were able to come out and access this issue then figure out a solution.

In our area, we experience many different seasons in a short amount of time. With that being said, we truly do not know what to be prepared for daily. Cold temperatures, warm temperatures, flooding and snow could all occur in the span of four days. It is hard to be prepared for all types of weather especially when you are in a certain season that isn't supposed to have temperatures over 60-70 degrees.

We want you to be prepared for it all. We are more than capable of fixing your home or commercial building "Like it never even happened." SERVPRO is trained in many aspects. We want you to be satisfied with our work and also be comfortable as the process takes place. We are here for you!

COMMERCIAL BUILDING EXPERIENCES EXCESS WATER

2/12/2020 (Permalink)

This commercial building experienced an excess of water from a toilet backup.

As as company that specializes in water mitigation, we understand the emotions that go along with having a pipe burst or flood waters come into your home. We want you to know that we are here for you. We do offer a service for commercial buildings and that service is an ERP. An ERP is also known as an emergency ready profile. This ensures that you know what you to do, who to call and what to expect if this every happens to your building or business place. This initially increases the speed of recovery efforts. By having an ERP - you will have an idea and ease of mind. That is our goal for you when you decide to work with us. Knowing the statistic, 50% of businesses never reopen following a disaster, is crucial when you own your own. Let us help you! 

WE WANT TO BE YOUR NUMBER ONE CHOICE!

2/12/2020 (Permalink)

We are beyond ecstatic that we were able to satisfy this customer. Let us do the same for you.

"Had a super-tough carpet stain on a VERY VALUABLE carpet from the foothills of Pakistan. Took it to SERVPRO here in Pittsboro to see if they could get a stain out; they did and at a very reasonable price compared to other competitors in the area. I will use SERVPRO for all my cleaning needs and other projects in the house that they specialize in. I can only say this bluntly--they were great in hearing my needs, quoting me a very reasonable price, and then completing the job on time and in a FANTASTIC manner. Who else in the area would you need to go to? No one. SERVPRO is simply the best." 

- Charles F.

This customer was satisfied with our services. We are ecstatic to get this type of review! We expect nothing less. We are your SERVPRO. 

WATER DAMAGE CAN CAUSE A FLOOD OF EMOTIONS

2/12/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage turning into mold damage.

Water damage is definitely on a spectrum. A spectrum of the high and low. It could be that your refrigerator is leaking and you received a small puddle on your floor. It could also be that your shower pan has had a small leak for years causing it to seep through the material into your floor causing rot and mold. Neither is to blame yourself for. I would just pay attention to the smaller details especially when it is dealing with water. An excess of water being left for over 24 hours is subject to start growing mold on the material that was in contact with said water. Water damage is easier to handle than water and mold combined. On this particular job, the homeowner knew there was a leak but was not aware of how long it was going on. We then pulled up the shower pan and discovered extreme damage alone with fungal growth. 

Call us today for any needs! We are here for you. 

Storm Related Damage In Sanford Home

1/24/2020 (Permalink)

A roof leaking due to very serious weather conditions.

We're a leader in giving control back to homeowners, property managers, and even entire communities after the ravaging effects of water or fire.

Frigid winter weather can cause BIG problems for Chatham and Lee County homes and business owners; restore your property damage with our SERVPRO cleanup and restoration team.

Whether it’s a burst plumbing pipe or your water heater, an electrical fire or your furnace or fireplace has a puff back, winter poses a serious threat to your home or business from a fire, smoke, water or sewage property damage event.

So whether you're responsible for 1,000 square feet or 100,000 - be ready for the worst with the very best: Your trusted & LOCAL SERVPRO. We will be there for you through it all at any time of the day. 

Pipe Freeze in Chatham and Lee County Homes

1/23/2020 (Permalink)

If you experience this unfortunate event then call us so we can make it "like it never even happened".

If winter weather causes water damage to your home or property, we are only a call away!

Frozen pipes occur when exposed to cold weather, such as those outside your house, or in areas such as basements, attics, garages or kitchen cabinets. A frozen pipe can burst at the point where the ice blockage inside the pipe is located, but typically the rupture is caused from the back-flow of pressure between the water source and blockage. 

Water is one of the strongest forces on the planet. It can wash away homes and office spaces in a single, powerful flood, or makes a home unlivable with tiny drops over several years. Water damage may take many different designs and forms.

Let US serve you and make it "Like it never even happened." 

Fire Safety for Chatham and Lee County Residents

1/23/2020 (Permalink)

If a fire happens in your home or place of work - contact us to restore the property!

We have been experiencing a lot of fire losses. With that being said, we want you to have a few tips to make sure a fire does not happen in your home. A fire can cause a lot of damage. Please practice the tips below to lessen your chances of a fire occurring.

Check the pilot light. Some older gas stoves are equipped with pilot lights which stay lit when the stove is not on. If the pilot light is out, your stove may be slowly leaking gas into the room.

Clean the burners regularly. Accumulated grease and oil can ignite on the stove top if not cleaned.

Keep handles to the side. Pots and pans should have their handles turned so they don't hang off the stove top. This helps prevent people accidentally snagging pots of spilling boiling water or children reaching up and grabbing handles.

Inspect your smoke alarm. Your smoke alarm is the first line of defense for detecting and preventing a stove top fire, so make sure it is functioning and equipped with fresh batteries.

Install a carbon monoxide detector. Burning any kind of fuel creates poisonous carbon monoxide. This gas is colorless and odorless, which makes a good CO detector a necessity.

Keep a fire extinguisher close. Grease fires cannot be put out with water. Keeping a small fire extinguisher at hand gives you the ability to control small kitchen fires.

We RESTORE and make it "Like it never even happened."

1/23/2020 (Permalink)

Commercial properties are normally not small jobs but no job is too big for SERVPRO.

When water intrudes into your property, mold growth can start in as little as 48 hours. Consider the following mold facts:

Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.

Mold spores are microscopic, float along in the air, and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.

Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants and have the potential to cause other health effects.

Working with SERVPRO, we want you to know that we are able to restore many commercial properties. Rather it be a mold, water or fire issue. We want to make it "Like it never even happened." 

Mold Grows Fast But We Can Be There Faster

1/14/2020 (Permalink)

A mold infestation can flare up quickly and spread like wildfire. Contact US to investigate and remediate the damage.

We offer effective solutions for homes threatened by mold growth, and this begins with our commitment to respond quickly to the problem.

With the speed in which mold colonies can spread and thrive, having a team of professionals available at a moment’s notice is critical to preserving affected elements of your home from the destructive nature of this spreading organism. As the colony moves through the affected area, it erodes and degrades materials like drywall. Our 24-hour response to these situations allows our SERVPRO technicians to set up advanced equipment like our air scrubbers or negative air chambers to significantly slow or stop the spread of active mold spores throughout the property so that removal efforts can be effective.

A reason that our franchise is a wise choice for these circumstances is our advanced equipment designed to make the entire remediation process more efficient. Our commitment to our customers is to limit the impact we have on their life, and that begins with machines and tools that can get the job done quickly.

Understanding that mold is a serious occurrence within your home can help you to see the benefits of professionals who are continually trained to be the top remediation specialists available. Give our SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties rapid response team a call today at (919) 533-6776.

First To Any Size Disaster - Let Us Help You

1/14/2020 (Permalink)

Be Observant to Home Mishaps and Fires

Our SERVPRO professionals set out to take care of the structural concerns right away, which often have affected the cabinetry, flooring, ceiling, and walls of the room. We can use controlled demolition techniques to prepare the room for rebuilding to follow, removing only the damaged portions to limit the amount of time reconstruction takes.

Removing the smoke and soot damages often means contending with residue matted to surfaces and contents throughout the affected area. Premier cleaning solutions with advanced equipment and industrial-grade solvents help to break this buildup loose and prevent staining of surfaces otherwise unaffected by the fire.

Fire damage is something that homeowners should not face on their own. With our SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties experienced fire restoration technicians, we can get you back into your house quickly. Give us a call anytime at (919) 533-6776.

Pittsboro Can Benefit from SERVPRO's Rapid Water Removal Efforts

12/2/2019 (Permalink)

Lacking a Shut-Off Valve Can Cause Severe Water Damage in Pittsboro Homes

The older Pittsboro homes may not always have the modern conveniences in areas like plumbing and construction to help keep them protected in case something goes wrong. For example, many older homes got constructed without the installation of a shut off valve inside of the house to prevent flow from the main water line outside through the water meter and into the plumbing network. If something should occur that ruptures or damages any portion of this plumbing line, you then have to wait until workers can arrive to shut off the flow through the meter itself to prevent more water from spilling into your house.

While it might be simple to suggest that you should have a shut-off valve installed in your Pittsboro home to help prevent water loss, many homeowners do not realize this fact until disaster strikes. With no time to react to the situation, the best solution is to contact our SERVPRO rapid response team to get our Green Fleet rolling out to your address. We have the advanced equipment to help dry up the damage and to make minor repairs to the plumbing network as well, which can help to preserve construction elements within your home from requiring replacement. 

The faster that our IICRC certified technicians can arrive at an emergency like this, the easier it becomes to mitigate the damage that has occurred within the structure. Regardless of the severity of the problem, waiting too long for water removal and restoration work can allow for secondary effects like mold growth to begin. This situation of intrusive water requires industry-leading equipment and techniques to reduce the damages. We strive always to restore and not replace whenever possible.

We have truck-mounted pumps in our SERVPRO Green Fleet to rapidly extract water from affected areas of your home. We can combine the efforts of our air movers that force moisture into the air and our dehumidifiers which pull that vapor out of the environment, for fast drying efforts to protect your home. 

Our SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties rapid response team is available 24/7 for any emergency that your home faces. We have the advanced equipment and highly-trained technicians to make a difference quickly. Give us a call anytime at (919) 533-6776.

Pittsboro is right here.

Fire Safety Tips

6/3/2019 (Permalink)

Fire Safety Tips:

• Test all smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
• Today’s smoke alarms will be more technologically advanced to respond to a multitude of fire conditions, yet mitigate false alarms.
• A smoke alarm should be on the ceiling or high on a wall. Keep smoke alarms away from the kitchen to reduce false alarms. They should be at least 10 feet (3 meters) from the stove.
• People who are hard of hearing or deaf can use special alarms. These alarms have strobe lights and bed shakers.
• Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.
• Smoke alarms are an important part of a home escape plan. 

According to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 96% of American homes have at least one smoke alarm, no smoke alarms were present or none operated in two out of five (41%) of the reported home fires between 2003-2006. Almost two-thirds of home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.

We Are Ready To Help - (919)

5/31/2019 (Permalink)

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties has  specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

Steps To Take in Order To Reduce Water Damage Within The Home.

5/29/2019 (Permalink)

How we help to remediate the issue:

1. Stop the flow of water. If you haven’t been able to for any reason we will do it immediately upon arriving on the property. 

2. We start removing any standing water. Depending on the amount of water we bring various pieces of equipment. We bring extractors for multiple surfaces and inspect the floors, carpets and walls. 

3. We draw out any remaining water trapped on carpets and floors as long as there is no permanent damage. 

4. We lower the moisture readings in the air after the water has been removed. To do this we use dehumidifiers to draw moisture out of the air. It’s also used as a preventative of rot and possible mold growth in walls and on the floors.

Commercial Flooding

5/29/2019 (Permalink)

If you’re suffering with the smell of a recent flood, here are a few tips on how to disinfect and deodorize.

1. Treat Carpets and Flooring

 One of the main culprits behind bad odors left behind is the floor itself. If your carpet is installed over cement, you’ll have to remove the carpet to clean it. Then, before you reinstall the carpet, it’s suggested that you seal the floor with an antibacterial spray. This will help combat the mold growth that caused the odor to begin with.

2. Use Household Cleaners

 In case of the odor left behind after a flood, you have a few different tools that you can utilize. First, consider fabric refreshers and a combination of vinegar and baking soda for bad smells. In addition, consider disinfectant sprays. Disinfectant sprays can beat the smell at the source and create an environment that is conductive to mold growth.

3. Invest in Air Purifiers

An air purifier can help rid your building of more than just the odors caused by recent flood waters. With an air purifier, you can completely change the quality of your air. While it eliminates the cause of the odors, your house will smell beautiful in no time.

If your commercial property has a bigger challenge with odor after flood water has been removed, you can rely on a restoration specialist to help you. Recovering from a flood in Lee & South Chatham Counties can be intimidating, especially when you have a smell that just won’t go away. However, with these 3 simple tips you will be on your way to a sweet-smelling building.

Safety Tips Concerning Fire Damage

5/28/2019 (Permalink)

In 2018, the most recent year statistics are available, 1,319,500 fires were reported in the United States. These blazes caused 3,430 deaths and 14,670 civilian injuries while costing more than $23.6 billion in damage! Though some fires are unavoidable acts of nature or unpredictable accidents, many fires in the home and workplace are avoidable. The following tips, courtesy of the National Fire Protection Association, can help reduce the likelihood of a fire in your business or home.

1.) Watch your cooking - Stay in the kitchen if you are frying, grilling or broiling food. Never allow young children around the stove or oven, especially if they are not closely attended.

2.) Give space heaters space - Keep space heaters at least three feet from anything that can burn.

3.) Smoke outside - If you must smoke inside, have a sturdy, deep ashtray. Never smoke in bed.

4.) Keep matches and lighters out of reach - Keep matches and lighters in high cabinets, preferably under a child lock.

Water Damage Needs Attention Too

5/27/2019 (Permalink)

Water heaters work hard for you, providing warm baths, clean clothes, and sparkling pots and pans. So show your water heater some love by following a routine maintenance schedule that will keep it running for its 15-year expected lifetime, and perhaps beyond.

Adjust the thermostat to 120 degrees. You’ll save up to 5% in energy costs for every 10 degrees you lower the temperature, plus you’ll reduce the risk of scalding.

Always maintain 2 feet of clearance around the appliance unless the manual specifically states otherwise.

Drain about a quarter of the tank a few times a year to remove sediment and debris. Turn off the cold water supply, hook up a garden hose to the drain valve, then run into a bucket until the water is clear. If the water remains cloudy, briefly open the water supply valve to stir up remaining sediment, and drain the tank again. This also makes the unit operate more quietly.

SERVPRO - Lee & South Chatham Counties

Key Attributes That You Will See In Our SERVPRO

5/23/2019 (Permalink)

Even when you make an effort to keep your home clean, there will be times where the workload may be too much. Travel, illness, or hosting large events may require some extra help. A professional service can help you focus on what is most important and not worry about cleaning. Here are five qualities to look for if you are thinking about hiring cleaning services.

1. Professionalism

Cleaning service employees should maintain a level of professionalism. Not all companies require their employees to wear a uniform, however, their appearance should be neat and clean. Employees should also carry a form of identification linking them to the service, as well as respect your home and your family.

2. Equipment

Always call ahead to verify if the service company will provide cleaning equipment such as sponges, brooms, mops, detergents, vacuum cleaner, and all other equipment necessary. If you prefer that the service providers use the products that you have, let them know ahead of time so there isn’t any confusion.

3. References

Search for testimonials online and look for references from previous clients. Try to look for clients who had needs similar to your own. Check for feedback such as turn-around time, effectiveness, and employee attitude.

4. Attention to Detail

Focus on details is what differentiates a professional cleaning service. A service where employees know to clean under the furniture, corners, baseboards, in between shelves, among others makes your house look and feel cleaner.

Emergency Plans Are Important.

5/22/2019 (Permalink)

Planning for any emergency requires considering all likely scenarios that could result when things that you rely on daily- such as electricity, water, heat, air conditioning, telephone services and transportation- are disrupted or lost for a considerable amount of time. Consequently, you should plan on having food, water, and other essential goods to get you through the emergency. Most emergency management planner suggests having enough supplies to last you and your family for three to five days for weather -related events. However, many things may affect you decision, including storage space, special needs, number of people I the household and available resources.

The basic items that should be stored in your home include water, food, first aid supplies, clothing and bedding, tools, emergency supplies, and specialty items. Keep the items that you would most likely need at home in one easy-to-carry container such as a plastic storage bin, backpack, or duffel bag. Store it in a convenient place and put a smaller version in your car. Remember to change the stored water and rotate the food supplies every six months (place dates on the containers). Check the supplies and re-evaluate your needs every year. Consult your physician or pharmacist about storing medications, and maintain a current list of your family’s prescription needs.

Does Your Building Have SBS?

5/22/2019 (Permalink)

SBS is also used interchangeably with "building-related symptoms", which orients the name of the condition around patients rather than a "sick" building. Sick building symptom (SBS) causes are frequently pinned down to flaws in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. However, there have been inconsistent findings on whether air conditioning systems result in SBS or not. Other causes have been attributed to contaminants produced by out gassing of some types of building materials, volatile organic compounds, molds, improper exhaust ventilation of ozone, light industrial chemicals used within, or lack of adequate fresh-air intake/air filtration.

We, SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties, want to help you! We are here to help in any unfortunate situation. Let us be there for you in your time of need. 

How SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties Can Help With Loss Due To Fire Damage

4/6/2019 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Us Today – (919) 533 - 6776

3 Facts About Fire Damage At A Rental Property - Lee & South Chatham Counties

4/1/2019 (Permalink)

Rental property owners and tenants may be unsure about the limits of their responsibilities for fire damage. Here are three helpful facts about liability and insurance coverage in the event of an apartment fire in Lee & South Chatham Counties.

1. Property Owners Are Responsible For Structural Damage A landlord is responsible for covering damage caused by fire to the property itself. This includes building materials, systems, and provided contents, such as carpeting. A homeowners insurance policy should cover the cost of cleaning, restoring, or replacing damaged materials and items. 2. Tenants Are Responsible For Their Contents Tenants are responsible for restoring or replacing their own possessions following an apartment fire. These contents may include clothing, furniture, electronic devices, and personal effects. This is likely to be the case regardless of the cause of a fire. Renters insurance can help to offset costs that accrue due to a fire at a rented residence. Tenants should make sure that that the policy they choose will cover replacement costs and not actual value with depreciation. 3. Renters Insurance Can Cover Additional Costs Renters insurance policies may also provide a limited amount of liability coverage for negligence as well as injuries or property damage suffered by third parties. These policies may also help to offset a variety of expenses associated with loss of a use of a residence, such as additional living costs or the cost of temporary relocation for the duration of the mitigation and restoration process. After an apartment fire has been extinguished, renters should document damage to contents and make a list of items in need of restoration, repair, or replacement. Try to locate proof of purchase if possible. Property owners should also document structural damage to support a separate homeowners insurance claim. Renters and landlords can both benefit from the expertise of a fire damage cleanup and restoration company in Lee & South Chatham Counties.

Storm Coverage - Lee & South Chatham Counties

3/31/2019 (Permalink)

When many homeowners think about storm coverage, they usually think about flood protection. Your home in Lee & South Chatham Counties, NC, can just as easily suffer wind damage, though. Flying items can break windows and cause holes in your roof. There are several factors that affect whether your homeowner’s insurance covers damage to your roof and, if so, how much it covers.

Prevention Measures

Most insurance companies want to make sure the damage listed on your claim was indeed caused by wind and not the neglect of routine maintenance. There are several steps you can take to increase the likelihood that the damage will be covered:

• Quarterly professional inspection
• Impact-resistant shingles
• Regular maintenance and repair
• Proper landscaping to minimize debris during a storm

Being able to show that you have taken the appropriate precautions to minimize roof damage in the event of a storm improves your chances of being covered by your policy.

Documentation

One of the first calls you will make after wind damage occurs is to your insurance company. An adjuster will come assess the damage detailed in your claim. You probably want storm mitigation experts to start repairs before the adjuster arrives, however, to prevent further issues. It’s important to take pictures or videos of the original damage and to list all the repairs that need to be done. Document everything you list in your claim.

Value of Roof

As parts of your home age, they depreciate in value. If your roof is more than ten years old, the insurance company may not foot the entire bill, especially if you need total roof replacement. You may get partial coverage for its current value. Even if the roof is newer, the insurance company may not pay the full cost of repairs or replacement if it was significantly worn before the most current damage happened. The best way to know how much of the wind damage repairs your insurance company will cover is to ask. Your agent can detail the factors involved in making decisions about claims.

4 Steps For Water Restoration (Sanford Business)

3/28/2019 (Permalink)

Regardless of your building’s age, broken pipes and water damage may be serious concerns. Because excessive moisture can cause secondary mold contamination, it’s essential to respond to leaks and flooding quickly. To help ensure a timely and efficient water cleanup, you may want to consider consulting a professional restoration service. To safeguard your facility’s integrity, the team you hire should complete four key steps during the process.

1. Document Damage Most commercial property insurance policies cover damage resulting from leaking pipes. To file a complete claim, you may need to provide evidence of destruction. For this reason, you should ensure someone takes photographs or videos before cleanup efforts commence.
2. Remove Saturated Items Any standing or pooled liquid should be promptly drained from the premise. It’s also essential to remove every saturated item from your building. This includes office equipment, upholstered furnishings and carpets. Water can also seep behind walls and soak insulation. For this reason, you should also remove and discard wet drywall.
3. Dry Affected Space Water damage can result in substantial mold growth. To help reduce this risk, it’s important to thoroughly dry the affected area as quickly as possible. Your water cleanup team may open windows and employ fans and dehumidifiers to expedite the process.
4. Verify Absence of Moisture Depending on the severity of flooding, it may take several days before the site is dry. Because mold is adept at growing within hidden areas, it’s critical to verify the absence of moisture before replacing destroyed flooring and drywall. Your restoration crew can utilize moisture meters to ensure the site is adequately dry and ready for the final phase of reconstruction. Recovering from broken pipes and extensive water damage can be a daunting experience for any Sanford business. By completing these four critical steps, a professional cleanup team can help you efficiently evaluate and address the situation, allowing you to focus on vital business operations.

How SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties Can Help During Loss Due To Water Damage

3/27/2019 (Permalink)

Call the experts to help with your commercial water loss!

As a business owner, you are always thinking about the future, and you know that disasters are something you need to be prepared for. When disaster strikes, possessions are often ruined, and the structures of businesses can be negatively affected. Staff can become injured or find themselves in dangerous situations, and these are scenarios you want to be able to prevent or at least be ready for. A professional damage restoration company can be an important and welcomed resource during times like these; such companies are able to complete all necessary repairs in a timely and efficient manner as well as keep you and your workforce out of harm’s way.

While disastrous situations can rarely be foreseen, planning ahead in preparation for any possible commercial water damage will help you be prepared to handle such an event. During extreme weather, some areas of your business are going to be more apt to experience damage than others. For example, low-lying areas like basements, cellars, and parking lots are most likely to experience storm damage.

Planning ahead in these areas will help:

• Basements and cellars should be inspected ahead of wet weather since they have a number of easy entry points for water. If there is heavy rainfall during inclement weather, or if the building is near a body of water such as a lake or river, they are going to be in danger. Let the SERVPRO of Boise professionals look for cracks in the foundation, ceiling, and walls of these areas. Handling the aftermath of flooding and storm damage can be very expensive, but is an event that can be avoided if you plan ahead by enlisting the help of our team.
• A damaged roof, either from weather or fire, is susceptible to water damage, and the areas underneath it will suffer. If rain gutters have not been properly maintained, you may experience some problems stemming from standing water, as well. SERVPRO is skilled and experienced when it comes to maintaining our clients’ property, and we can help you be ready in the event of large loss water damage.
• If areas such as entryways, windows, and doors are not properly sealed against extreme wet conditions, large loss water damage is a definite danger. We can help you make sure they are free of standing water and debris, as well, if flooding occurs. Proper planning in this area can prevent injuries and costly repairs.
• Our professionals can help ensure that all areas around your buildings are kept free from flammable materials and that all plants and trees are trimmed well on a regular basis to prevent fires from spreading if they occur.
• State law requires that you post an evacuation plan in a visible place for your staff and customers. Make sure that your employees understand it and know how to carefully guide clientele to safe areas should a disaster occur. Have a phone tree established so that all employees are alerted to important information whether they are at work or at home.

Our team here at SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties is ready to help in case of disaster and large loss water damages, and the repairs your business may need in the aftermath. We are also experts in fire damage restoration, mold remediation, commercial restoration, and much more!

Storm Damage And Water Leakage Can Lead To Mold

3/20/2019 (Permalink)

After a heavy storm and a significant amount of mold growth, our SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties was called in for mitigation that was needed. Our SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties removed and disposed of all contaminated material and completed a heavy cleaning.

Our SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties was able to complete the mitigation and subsequent work in a timely manner so that this facility was not disrupted for any longer than needed. 

Our SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties is ready to help anywhere in the community at any given time. Our team helps with any type of commercial, storm, fire, or water loss.  Our trucks are loaded and ready to head out to help your business resume normal operating procedures as soon as possible.

Is Faulty Drainage Causing Flooding in Your Pittsboro Crawlspace?

3/12/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties is ready to tackle your water restoration needs.

Damaged Gutters Can Flood Your Pittsboro Crawlspace

Water diversion elements like your gutters and french drain systems around your Pittsboro home can help to keep elements like your basement and crawlspace dry, especially during the rainy seasons. While flooding can prove to be a common threat to residents here from the severe weather that can often pass through the area, ensuring that these diversion elements are intact and functioning properly can help to avoid catastrophes. When your gutter system fails or becomes damaged during a storm, water can pool against the home or find its way into the crawlspace area to allow an array of potential damages.

By the time that homeowners realize there is an issue with their gutter systems, flood damage has already likely occurred to the crawlspace of their Pittsboro home. Our SERVPRO team has a fast response to flood emergencies, offering efficient extraction tools and drying equipment that can help the damage in this crawlspace from reaching the main floor of your home.

We arrive with many machines and tools ideal for fast extraction, such as our portable sump pumps and extraction wands fitted to wet-vacs. In more severe cases, we also have gas-powered trash pumps that can remove the excess water at a faster rate to free up space for drying efforts to come. It is vital to get exposed supports, beams, and the underside of flooring dried to acceptable parameters to prevent secondary effects like mold growth from beginning.

Our contracting division of the team can also help in repairing the damaged gutter system that has allowed the flooding to occur throughout the restoration process. This repair ensures that the appropriate precautionary measures are in place to prevent the same flooding from happening the next severe storm that passes through.

While you might not be able to determine the condition of your gutter system easily and when it can fail, our SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties rapid response team can arrive quickly to help you deal with the effects of this situation. Give our team a call anytime that you need us at (919) 533-6776.

Read about Pittsboro here.

3 Ways Water Can Damage Your Home After a Fire - Pittsboro, NC

3/7/2019 (Permalink)

Pittsboro home had severe fire damage.

A fire can wreak havoc on your home, but the flames aren’t the only things that can cause destruction to your property. Often times, water can cause as many or, in some cases, more problems as the fire damage itself. If you own a home in Pittsboro, NC, then you should be aware of the ways that water can cause further devastation after a fire.

1. Ruptured Pipes

During a fire, temperatures in your home can become extreme, and the intense heat can cause burst pipes and plumbing malfunctions. Falling debris can also lead to warped or broken pipes. Even if parts of your home are spared from burning, flooding can cause water damage throughout your residence, especially to walls and flooring.

2. Storm Damage

Fire damage often includes structural problems to the roof and windows. This can mean that water will be able to enter the home during any inclement weather that occurs before repairs can be completed. Placing tarps on the roof and boarding any broken windows can help mitigate these potential problems.

3. Water From Fire Hoses

When firefighters go to work to extinguish a burning house, their biggest ally is water. While absolutely necessary, the thousands of gallons that can come from a fire hose can leave behind a great deal of residual water that will need to be cleaned and removed. The longer this water sits stagnant, the greater the potential for incurring more damage and costly repairs. Fire extinguishers used by emergency responders can also contain compressed water, which can also leave behind destruction.

If you are dealing with the heartbreak of a fire in your dwelling, you are probably preparing to combat the fire damage you have suffered. However, you should also make a plan to deal with the destruction that water may have caused to your property, as well. Contact an emergency restoration specialist for more information to help you restore your home to the safe haven you deserve.

3 Document Needed For A Commercial Fire Damage Claim - Lee & South Chatham Counties

3/7/2019 (Permalink)

Experiencing a fire at your office building in Lee & South Chatham Counties, NC, can be taxing on you and your business. Filing an insurance claim after the incident may also seem like a daunting task without the right guidance. However, you can help your fire claim process smoothly by keeping documentation of the following items.

1. Evidence of Damage

Having proof of the fire damage is crucial when filing a claim. If it is possible, request a report of the fire from the police or fire department. Make sure that you have photographs of all the damaged areas and items. It is also handy to have pictures of the property before the damage occurred so that the insurance company can make a comparison of the property before and after the fire. Fire restoration service personnel may also assist in photographing the damage before cleaning up and restoring the space.

2. Temporary Repairs

If you must wait for an insurance adjuster to inspect the damage first before processing your claim, you should prevent the property from getting further damaged in the meantime. This may involve storing equipment in a safer area, boarding up windows and putting tarp over exposed areas. Remember to keep the receipts of any purchases made for these temporary repairs, as you may get reimbursed for them through your fire claim.

3. Business Value and Income

Submit copies of any records that show the value of your property, inventory and equipment, such as receipts and financial statements. For business income coverage claims, include all financial documents that prove your projected net income before and after the fire. The insurer will use the information to determine whether there was a loss of income due to fire damage and may compensate you accordingly.

Having insurance can help your business recover faster after a fire. When submitting a fire claim, the more documentation you have, the better your chances are at getting a fair amount of coverage for your repairs or income loss.

Water Restoration Tips - Pittsboro

3/7/2019 (Permalink)

What To Do After Flooding

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

What NOT To Do After Flooding

Don't leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
Don't leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
Don't use your household vacuum to remove water.
Don't use television or other household appliances.
Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.

Pittsboro Properties, Water Loss, and Yeah for SERVPRO!!

3/4/2019 (Permalink)

Some of SERVPRO's Arsenal of Drying Equipment to Rescue Water Damaged Pittsboro Homes

SERVPRO - Water Removal Actions For Pittsboro Homes

While pictures of Pittsboro surrounded by a flood make good news, area homes usually suffer water dropping into their residences from more mundane sources like a split water line leading into a washing machine or a poorly insulated inlet pipe that cracked in the winter weather.
 
Pittsboro water removal needs accomplishing quickly and efficiently to eliminate the effects of flooding in a Pittsboro home. SERVPRO restoration teams have years of experience and training in Central North Carolina to accomplish that.
 
Drawing outstanding water is our first step. If the water is more than two inches deep, our technicians begin with commercial grade pumps that can remove hundreds of gallons per day, depending on the size of the pump required for the job.
 
After the pumps, or in cases where the water is about two inches deep or less, team members begin with smaller extraction wands. They can adjust these devices to quickly remove water off floors and out of carpets without harming the surface of either. If the power is out in the home, our teams can bring generators to provide power 24/7 until they complete the task.
 
Now, SERVPRO specialists examine the sub-flooring and crawlspaces. If they find any standing water, team members lift several floorboards off the framing or drill spots normally under furniture or behind floor trim to remove it. Personnel uses air movers with hoses to force warm, dry air into these cavities to speed up the evaporation process. When there is no more visible water, they use moisture meters to check the space and ensure the air moisture content is normal.
 
Team leaders also use thermal hygrometers to check the humidity levels in each room. If the levels test over 40 percent, specialists set up dehumidifiers to draw water from the air; up to 20 gallons over 24 hours where the humidity is very high. Lowering the humidity not only provides a more comfortable environment but also reduces the risk of mold spores expanding and growing in areas like the bathroom or laundry rooms.
 
These first actions help our SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties teams return your home to livable condition after water forces you out. Our goal is to provide a dry, safe residence as quickly as possible. If you need us, call (919) 533-6776 today.

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SERVPRO Is Ready To Handle Your Flood Restoration In Pittsboro

2/25/2019 (Permalink)

Our team is available 24/7 to help you with your flood restoration. We have the right equipment to handle any job big or small so call us today.

Contamination of Your Pittsboro Home from Natural Flooding

Natural flooding can occur in your Pittsboro home without much warning, especially when storm systems move into the area quickly. Those in lower lying areas have likely already had close calls or experienced flooding in the past, but each experience offers new hurdles to overcome and can prove costly to repair and restore without home insurance coverage that protects the homeowner against natural disasters like this. Whether you have this coverage or not, it is critical to get trained professionals to your home immediately following the emergency to prevent the spread of damage to unexposed areas of your home and to reduce the spread of bacteria and contamination carried in with the invading water.

One concern about flood damages in your Pittsboro property is the contaminants and hazards that it could present within your property. Many homeowners do not realize the risks of chemicals, sewage, bacteria, and other potential biohazardous materials that could enter their home with floodwater. Our SERVPRO team has gotten prepared for flood recovery, beginning with our extensive training in safety and the use of personal protective equipment.

Each of our team members dispatched to the flood damage emergency has IICRC training and certifications in water restoration and disaster recovery. We can quickly assess the full scope of the damage and work to extract the water quickly from the exposed areas with equipment like our truck-mounted pumps capable of removing floodwater at 300 psi.

Many of the exposed materials must get removed to eliminate the potential spread of bacteria and to prevent contaminated structural elements from allowing secondary effects like mold growth from forming. Our team is available 24/7 to provide the fastest possible response to emergencies that threaten your home and to limit the spread of the flood damage that can increase the cost of restorations.

While you might not think of floodwater as a contaminant for your home, this is one of the primary concerns for our SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties rapid response team. We have the tools and expertise to make flooding “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call today at (919) 533-6776.

Learn about the history of Pittsboro click here for more information.

When It Comes To Restoring Your Water Damaged Sanford Business, You Need Help From The Professionals At SERVPRO!

2/12/2019 (Permalink)

Our goal at SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties is to help every business in our area reopen to customers with a clean, healthy environment.

Commercial Water Cleanup Actions For Sanford Businesses

In a small, unincorporated area like Sanford, every business is vital to the community. Here, the General Store is a community hub for residents just like they were for hundreds of small towns across the county only a few decades ago. If the owner has to close the doors due to water from a failing freezer case or a broken inlet pipe, everyone can suffer.

At SERVPRO, we know that rapid water cleanup is vital to the Sanford area. Our cleanup and restoration teams can move in quickly to remove the water, dry the facility, and take care of other issues created by the flooding.

To start the process, team members turn off water to the source of the problem and bring in commercial grade pumps to remove the standing water from inside the structure. Depending on the amount of the water on the floor, personnel can draw off this majority of the water in only a day or day. To complete removal, team members use extraction wands to draw off the remaining amount and then use long-handled squeegees to push the last traces of it out the nearest exit.

If the water source is the result of a minor issue, SERVPRO technicians can fix it. That includes split water hoses, some pipes, and replacing a broken toilet. If there is a major problem, our team leader always recommends bringing in a licensed contractor to perform the repairs.

With a variety of display racks, freezer units, and other equipment to dry, additional team members begin the cleaning and drying process as others remove water. Most of these items are metal, so there is no concern about paint or finishes leeching onto the floor, staining it. Specialists can wipe down these surfaces with dry sponges and perhaps only a mild detergent or another cleaning agent.

If the flooding caused equipment to fail, then there is an issue with melted and spoiled food. Cleanup is fairly easy, but then team members need to clean the floor and inside of affected cases with a strong cleaning agent to eliminate any health threat.

Our goal at SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties is to help every business in our area reopen to customers with a clean, healthy environment. If your business flooded recently or not so recently, call us at (919) 533-6776 to schedule an appointment with one of our inspectors or have a team arrive to begin the cleanup and restoration process. We're here to help you support your customers.

Click here for more about Sanford.

How Sump Pump Failure Causes Water Damage in Pittsboro Basements

2/11/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties is ready to restore your home after a water loss incident.

Sump Pump Failure Can Allow Flooding in Pittsboro Basements

Basements and crawlspaces are common elements to both older and modern Pittsboro homes. While these areas are perpetually affected by underground moisture and groundwater, many homeowners have taken to the installation of sump pumps instead of more costly and unguaranteed drainage networks to pull water away from these areas of the property. However, when these sump pumps fail to do their job, the resulting flood could quickly damage structural elements of your house.

While sump pumps often excessively work when posed with potential flood damages for your Pittsboro home, many of these diversion devices serve to constantly keep moisture and rising groundwater threats at bay when flooding conditions are not present. When the pump fails, water can entirely submerge the equipment on its path to the floor of the basement or the ground’s surface to begin wicking up structural materials and creating a moist and damp environment to face.

The SERVPRO Franchise professionals that we dispatch to your home amid a potential emergency like this have the equipment and expertise to begin working on restoring the water damage immediately. While many homeowners might want the equipment replaced as promptly as possible, allowing water damage to persist can open the door to even more detrimental conditions such as mold growth and possible biohazards.

Once the waters have gotten extracted and the affected materials dried as much as possible, our SERVPRO Franchise professionals must look at removing your old sump pump and replacing it with new equipment. This pump protects the house from perpetual flooding and damp conditions, so allowing this steady flow of water far from the structural elements of your home can be more cost effective and ultimately less short-sighted than digging up the property to run drainage lines elsewhere.

Your sump pump in the basement or crawlspace of your home can help to remove pooling water from underneath your house, but only so long as the equipment continues to work. When it malfunctions, you need the fast response and reliable skills of our SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties technicians. Give us a call anytime at (919) 533-6776.

Pittsboro is named for William Pitt the Younger.  Read more here.

Call The Experts To Restore Your Pittsboro Home After A Fire

1/22/2019 (Permalink)

Our experts can remove smoke residue from your home after a fire.

Inspection and Cleaning Of Ventilation Systems after a Fire Damage Event in Pittsboro

After a fire damage incident, a cleanup process is undoubtedly inevitable. Among the places that our technicians inspect is the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning systems (HVAC). If not cleaned, the system can spread air with soot within the structure. Before we determine whether it is necessary to clean your HVAC system, we conduct tests on the system to look out for smoke residues. However, cleaning your ventilation system is determined by the extent of the fire. Cleaning for moderate to massive smoke damages on your Pittsboro property.

Our fire damage cleaning services in Pittsboro ensure that the smoke residues in your structure after restoration. The inspection process is conducted through questions like: was the fire damage near the HVAC vents or furnace unit? Did the smoke enter the supply or return side of the system? How long did the fire take? Was the system's blower operational during the time of the fire? Even with the blower not being operational, we must conduct inspections since the air pressure created by the fire may force residues into the system.

Cleaning the duct system in some portions may not be possible. For that reason, our SERVPRO experts conduct duct sealing. The steps we adopt in cleaning the duct include: removing and cleaning the ventilation registers and air intakes. Removing the air handling filter and replacing it. Vacuuming the dust and soot from the open surfaces is also an option. Washing all accessible interior surfaces using a disinfectant. Inspecting the mechanical components and cleaning them. We can also reinstall outlet and inlet covers after the cleanup process.

SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties goes a long way towards ensuring that your entire ventilation system is refurbished to eliminate smoke residues. Call (919) 533-6776 to work with our highly experienced technicians.

Learn more about Pittsboro, NC by clicking here.

SERVPRO, Water Loss in Pittsboro, and a Reliable Partner

1/8/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Removes Water and Restores Losses in Pittsboro

A Quick Guide to Water Cleanup in Pittsboro

Imagine getting a call from a neighbor regarding your winter home in North Carolina only to find out that water has seeped into your home and you are miles away from the problem. Regardless of what the culprit is, a broken pipe, a faulty window or another structural issue, you must react quickly to avoid further damage and to return your home to its preloss condition as quickly as possible. Knowing whom to call in case of emergency is key in keeping damage to a minimum.
 
Water cleanup in Pittsboro can be entrusted to our SERVPRO technicians who have been trained to act quickly and effectively to mitigate damage caused by water sources to your home. Our ability to respond to emergency calls 24/7 gives great peace of mind to our clients, even when they are miles away from home. Our thoroughly trained technicians jump into action as soon as the call is received and they report to your property prepared to address the immediate need for water extraction all while protecting and safeguarding the structure and contents of your home.
 
Even though our SERVPRO team arrives with the latest equipment for water cleanup, it is not only our technical training and technology that sets us apart. When homeowners contact our staff, they can be assured that we will be a resource every step of the way, including any necessary documentation required by insurance companies. They can also be assured that we will be deliberate in the techniques we use during the water cleanup and drying process. Through experience, we know that the process for drying a solid oak table is not the same process to be used for drying other pieces of furniture. Knowing the difference can be crucial in preventing the proliferation of bacteria that can happen should unnecessary moisture remain in your property.
 
If you are far away when a disaster happens, having a professional adviser available can be of great value. Our SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties office is equipped to respond to emergency calls at all times, and our teams are standing by ready to act in case of an emergency. We can be reached at (919) 533-6776 at all times so your home receives the quick attention you are expecting.

Where exactly is Pittsboro? Here

When Water Damages Your Pittsboro Restaurant Call Our Team

1/5/2019 (Permalink)

Resulting water damages from roof weaknesses above your restaurant can immediately thwart your ability to serve your customers.

Roof Weakness Can Allow Water Damage In A Pittsboro Restaurant

For all of the severe weather systems that Pittsboro and its surrounding areas can expect to see throughout the year, finding the right professional restoration team that can help resolve damaging situations quickly is critical to keeping a business going. With the traffic to your restaurant, you need to make sure that structural concerns get repaired immediately to prevent worse conditions like water damage and flooding that can often result from roof erosion.

Resulting water damages from roof weaknesses above your restaurant can immediately thwart your ability to serve your customers and require professional restoration before you can return to serving your customers. Our SERVPRO team understands the severity of the situation and can work quickly to ensure that your doors do not stay closed any longer than is necessary to restore the property to its original condition and resolve the threat of persisting water damage in Pittsboro.

Our SERVPRO professionals arrive at your restaurant quickly to begin our assessment of the damage and start the process of drying out the damaged elements saturated by the penetrating water. In these situations, we can do emergency board up services to allow our technicians the opportunity to tidy up the mess and begin drying out the area without the threat of further elemental damages.

Our contracting division can work to fully repair the damage to the roof caused by the storm to prevent moisture penetration into the building while the restoration team continues work to clean up and recover damaged contents and remove saturated materials from the restaurant. Upon completion of any necessary demolition, our contracting specialists can reconstruct the formerly damaged portions of the property with new materials to make the situation “Like it never even happened.”

Roof damages and degradation over time can allow water penetration to occur. Restoring these effects promptly can prevent significant damages to the building and long spans where you cannot serve the customers of the community. Call our SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties rapid response team today at (919) 533-6776.

Click here for more about Pittsboro.

How a Storm Can Cause Pittsboro's Sewer System to Overflow

12/20/2018 (Permalink)

Flood waters contain contaminants and bacteria. Avoid contact with flood water.

Plumbing systems in this community date all the way back to the 1950s. In the advent of heavy rainfall, these systems can back-up causing road overflows with water that contains raw sewage or other pathogens. Unfortunately, these events can cause damage to your property, posing significant risks to your health and well-being. Professional mitigation is the only way to be sure of bringing your property back to preloss conditions.

The difficulty with flood damage in Pittsboro properties is down to the pathogens that the water picks up en route. These can range from animal carcasses to raw sewage or even herbicides and pesticides in rural areas. We commonly refer to this type of contamination as Black Water. SERVPRO has developed specific procedures to help our community remove Black Water entirely and make it "Like it never even happened."

Our first advice to all homeowners is to avoid all contact with flood water. SERVPRO technicians are IICRC certificate holders and have extensive training in how to safely remediate Black Water. It is imperative that you trust us by allowing us to take care of your possessions and property.

Our fully submersible gas-powered pumps and truck mounted water extraction units can remove standing water fast. Once the removal of excess water is complete, we are ready to begin restoring your home. SERVPRO work with a restore over replace mentality although we may need to remove and dispose of drywall that comes into contact with contaminated water. Doing so is the only way to ensure your health and safety.

Restoring your possessions may require advanced, and expensive equipment. Calling SERVPRO, a company with access to national resources, could help you to restore heavily soiled fabrics. We own external cleaning facilities that house industrial Esporta washing machines as well as Ultrasonic cleaning equipment. We can restore many of your possessions to preloss conditions by utilizing a pack-out procedure and sending items to these facilities.

Black Water can cause widespread damage and needs professional remediation. Contact SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties at (919) 533-6776 now.