Recent Why SERVPRO Posts

Equipment & Safety Precautions to use for Water Removal

2/24/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage can spread throughout your property quickly causing damages.

When you have water damage, the last thing you want to do is wait for it to get worse. You need someone who has the experience and knowledge to remove your water safely, so that way you can prevent further damage from occurring within your home or business. Here are some tips on how a professional will handle any flooding situation:

Professional Inspection

The process begins with a professional inspection of the affected area. They will determine if the water is safe to remove. If not, however, they will take safety precautions to ensure their safety and your safety as well.

Safety precautions include using a containment system to control the spread of mold and mildew. This includes keeping any materials within the room or area that has been affected by water damage so that it doesn't spread into other areas of your home or business. Also, they will use specialized equipment such as HEPA vacuums to clean up all sources of moisture which may cause additional damage if left unattended for too long after removing wet carpeting or wood flooring in order

to avoid potential health hazards from exposure during cleanup activities such as those where harmful chemicals may be present.

Removing Water Safely

Protecting the worker from injury or illness due to exposure. Rubber gloves are used to prevent contact with dangerous substances and materials. It is also important to protect the environment from damage caused by contaminants in the workplace and any chemicals that may be spilled during cleanup efforts. This includes keeping waste water out of storm drains and avoiding direct contact with food crops such as berries or vegetables that could be harmful.

Ensuring customer satisfaction by making sure all work areas are clean before leaving your property so nothing gets left behind. Make sure your home is safe while being cleaned up by using specialized equipment like vacuums (extractors).

Removing Water Quickly

Removing water quickly is important. If the water is not. cleaned up properly it can cause serious structural damage to your home or business. Professionals use submersible pumps and extractors to remove water from your home in minutes so that you can get back on track as soon as possible.

In addition, professionals use containment systems to control the spread of mold and mildew while they are working on removing the water from your property. They know how to protect themselves against harmful chemicals that could be present in the water, which means there will be no need for special equipment or safety procedures for any workers who come into contact with them during a job.

Water damage can spread throughout your property quickly causing damages. If you are in need of a restoration company, we are here to help after a loss. Give SERVPRO of Southwest Raleigh/Holly Springs a call today.

Mold Cleanup Tips

8/30/2022 (Permalink)

Mold damage

From time to time, business owners in Boylan Heights, NC, are startled to find they're facing a mold problem. Mold flourishes in moisture, warmth, and darkness, which may make some spaces candidates for mold growth — poorly-ventilated basements or supply and storage rooms, for example.
In dealing with fungus cleanup, several questions are likely top of mind: Should I do the job myself, or bring in professional mold experts? What solutions should I use to clean up mold? What techniques? Here are some rules of thumb:

Do-It-Yourself Mold Cleanup

Consider a DIY cleanup if the moldy area covers fewer than 10 square feet:

Check for a plumbing or roof leak that's causing mold. Fix the leak and dry the water-damaged area before attempting any cleanup.
Scour mold off hard surfaces with detergent (vinegar, borax, hydrogen peroxide, ammonia, baking soda) and water.
Don't use toxic chlorine bleach, which is ineffective on porous surfaces like insulation, drywall, ceiling tiles, and wood. Bleach can't penetrate the deep, extensive root system mold entrenches in porous surfaces.
Remove any mold-damaged items and cut out and replace moldy areas, such as ceiling tiles.
Invest in an air filtration system to ensure proper air circulation and control moisture and humidity.

Fungus Cleanup Requiring Professional Remediation
Certain circumstances call for advanced remediation techniques. Bring in the services of mold experts, if:

The mold covers more than 10 square feet and features large swaths of heavy infestation.
The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system appears contaminated (mold is near or on the registers). Turn off the HVAC system to prevent mold from spreading throughout your building.
The mold damage results from a sewer backup or other contaminated water, such as street flooding.
After heavy rain or a plumbing leak, you smell mold's distinctive musty odor but can't locate its source.

Mold, if left untreated, can lead to property and structural damage. If an infestation is substantial, the fungus cleanup usually requires mold remediation experts with the training and equipment to safely rid your business of mold at its source.

Top 4 Places Mold Can Hide

7/18/2022 (Permalink)

Mold growth in Garner, NC.

Four Top Places Mold Can Grow

Mold, like other types of fungus, is different from plants because it doesn’t need sunlight to grow. It prefers dark, damp places that have organic material, such as wood or fabric, as a food source. Here are the top four places mold growth likes to hide, so you can keep an eye out and protect your home.

1. Under the Sink
Pipe leaks and condensation are ideal catalysts for mold. Running hot water can get your dishes clean, but it can also cause humid conditions that mildew loves. Regularly clean out under your sink and wipe down the surfaces with a cleaning solution containing bleach or hydrogen peroxide.

2. Behind Walls and Wallpaper
Mildew can easily grow beneath paneling and wallpaper. Water can seep around bathroom tiles and saturate the wall underneath. Pay attention if you sense a musty smell or see condensation on the walls. Be careful when removing wallpaper on moldy drywall. You don’t want to spread spores through the air.

3. In Basements
Mold growth can be a big issue in these spaces. You may have a leak in your foundation that’s letting moisture in. Pipes and ducts in the basement are common areas where water can build up and lead to mold.

4. In Attics
Heavy storms can damage shingles, soffit vents and gutters, which can let water into your attic. Exhaust from your kitchen or bathroom may vent into the attic, sending moisture and heat to the area. Regularly inspect your attic for signs of damage, such as water-stained storage boxes and mold on wood.
One way to prevent mildew is by reducing the humidity in your house to 30% to 50%, through weatherization methods or a dehumidifier system. Repair leaks quickly and cleans up areas of standing water. If you think you have mold growth in your home, contact a certified mold remediation company in Garner, NC.

Pros and Cons of a Mold Inspection Prior to Purchasing a Commercial Building

6/5/2022 (Permalink)

Man wearing protective gear and mask while observing top of the ceiling with mold growth

Mold inspection in Middle Creek, NC.

When you're ready to establish or expand your business in Middle Creek, NC, you need to start shopping for real estate. Once you've found the perfect site, you have to decide on which inspections to have done. One of the less obvious inspections is for mold. Inspections can be pricey, so here are a few pros and cons to consider when deciding whether to get a mold inspection when purchasing a commercial building.

Pros

1. Certainty
For better or worse, once the inspection is done, you know if there's a mold problem. The age of the building, prior water damage, or structural issues could all contribute to the presence of mold in the building. An inspection helps you know if there is a little mold that can be resolved with a little effort or a lot of mold that might make you decide to pass up the site.

2. Safety
You want to have a safe environment for your business. If there is visible mold during a walk-through, getting an inspection done will help you to understand the extent of the problem. The perfect site loses appeal when thousands of dollars of mold remediation needs to be done for the safety of everyone who might enter the building.

3. Remediation
If you're comfortable with the outcome of the mold inspection, you can work with a commercial remediation specialist to resolve the issues immediately. Even when it seems that mold is only present in a small amount, proper restoration by a professional will lower the chance of mold growing again in the same spot in the future.

Cons

1. Cost
There is really only one con to inspecting a real estate property for mold—the cost. The inspections themselves can run a little on the high end, and remediation could cost you even more if work needs to be done or if it turns out that the project is bigger than you thought.
A mold inspection, despite the cost, can really only work in your favor when deciding whether to buy a commercial space for your future business venture.

The 4 Components of a Damage Assessment

4/26/2022 (Permalink)

Restoration of a business. There is a scaffolding, there is no ceiling.

Commercial water damage in N.C State University, NC.

A Damage Assessment's Four Components

If your business in N.C. State University, NC, suffers water damage, seek a capable cleanup and restoration company to get your property back in shape. During the initial inspection, known as pretesting, the company associate assesses the damage done to the property to determine what can be restored. This reduces the cost of your insurance claim by preventing the unnecessary replacement of repairable damage. You should expect the assessment to consist of these four steps.

1. Inspection of Damage
The associate assesses how much damage the water has caused, inspecting the affected areas to determine whether restoration or replacement will be needed. Additionally, the professional will check for any dangers in the area, such as lead, asbestos and unsafe electrical outlets.

2. Addressing Ongoing Leaks
If there is still water leaking on the property, it is necessary to identify the source and stop its flow. The associate should check for any sources of contamination of the water as well.

3. Testing the Water
Pretesting involves classifying the water contamination into one of three categories:

White Water – Water with no substantial contaminants
Gray Water – Water containing microorganisms, as found in septic water
Black Water – Water containing dangerous bacteria or fungi

If the water is coming from an overflowing sink or broken supply line, it is most likely to be white water. Gray and black water can be the result of contamination from standing water, sea and river water, or sewage.

4. Preparing the Area for Water Removal
Before moving forward in the restoration process, the area needs to be cleared of any furniture or carpets in the way and subject to water damage.
Once the pretesting has been done, your property is ready for the next steps of restoration. It’s a good idea to discuss this process with your insurance agent so that you can be prepared in the unfortunate event of water damage.

Why SERVPRO: Disaster Claims and Vendors

2/23/2022 (Permalink)

Floor mats and air movers placed on wooden flooring in a bathroom area

SERVPRO of Southwest Raleigh/Holly Springs is Faster to Any Size Disaster

Finding the Best Restoration Company When Disaster Strikes

As an insurance agent in the Dorothea Dix, NC, area, you want to help your clients find the best restoration company when disaster strikes. With the number of companies in the field, it can be difficult to make just one suggestion, but the answer is simplified when you consider reputation and certification. SERVPRO is an industry leader in restoration and for a variety of reasons, but the top four are likely dependability, training, vendor compliance and their claims assistance services.

1. Dependability

With some of the fastest response times and 24/7 emergency services, they are Faster to Any Size Disaster. Your clients will be able to have their property correctly mitigated within a few days, depending on the severity of the disaster, meaning that you and your client can accurately identify damage and loss.

2. Training

As an insurance agent, you understand the importance of training. All of SERVPRO’s technicians are trained and certified through the IICRC – the industry standard in mitigation and restoration practices.

3. Vendor Compliance

Additionally, all vendors used must adhere to the standards of the vendor program. This expectation of compliance and professionalism means that you can trust that your clients and their homes are only being cared for by approved contractors, meaning reduced risk of project continuity issues.

4. Claims Assistance

Beyond the client benefits, you will experience high levels of claims assistance through the Claims Information Center and the Managed Dashboard. These programs make it easy for you to manage current claims and their progress all from the comfort of your computer. If a client calls to request an update, it’s as easy as logging onto the system and checking your dashboard.

An insurance agent serves a pivotal role in the disaster remediation process. It is up to you to make sure that claims are accurate, and projects are on track. This pressure can be significantly reduced by finding an experienced and certified restoration firm to assist both you and your client through the process.

Understanding How to Maintain Emergency Sprinklers

1/1/2022 (Permalink)

Automatic ceiling Fire Sprinkler at the Office

You need to have regular emergency sprinkler maintenance.

How to Keep Emergency Sprinklers in Working Order

As a commercial building owner in Holly Springs, NC, you have to perform a lot of maintenance. From cleaning your HVAC unit to repairing your roofing system to performing emergency sprinkler maintenance, you're expected to do everything you can to keep your property up and running. Because the emergency system rarely gets used, you may wonder why this maintenance is important. Regular maintenance ensures the following:

Sprinkler heads are not plugged.
Sprinklers do not have accidental activation.
System has proper power.

Your commercial remediation expert may be able to help you better understand why this maintenance is important. The professional may also be able to go over what is involved in the maintenance.

Clean the Heads

Dirt and dust can build up around the sprinkler heads. This gunk may stop your fire sprinklers from properly releasing water in an emergency. A non-corrosive cleaning agent should be used to remove the buildup. If any of the heads have been painted over, your cleaning crew may need to find a way to remove the paint film.

Check Valves and Gauges

One important step of sprinkler maintenance is checking that the valves and gauges of the system are in the proper position. Depending on the style of your system, most valves should be open to ensure water can travel throughout the piping system. The gauges should show there is water pressure in the pipes. Without water pressure, the sprinklers may be unable to send out a forceful spray of water. Checking valves and gauges can also tell you if your system is currently getting the power it needs to run.

Have Annual Inspection

While you may want to look at the system yourself, it is often best to have a fire service professional look over the fire sprinklers. This expert can look for signs of wear and make sure the system can function in an emergency.

If you want to be prepared for the unexpected, you need to have regular emergency sprinkler maintenance. Without this maintenance, you may not discover your sprinklers are broken until there is a fire.

What's Involved in Fire Restoration Work

11/26/2021 (Permalink)

chair and furniture in room after burned by fire in burn scene

Fire damage in Cameron Village, NC.

Fire Restoration Work

Whether a fire destroys your home, or the damage is limited to a small section of one room, the fire restoration process usually follows the same pattern in Cameron Village, NC. Emergency personnel will give you permission to begin; a professional restoration company will assess the necessary work, mitigate existing damages, and then, finally, rebuild the areas affected by the fire.

1. Assess the Damages

After firefighters and your insurance company have given you the go-ahead to begin reconstruction on your property, you'll want to get restoration professionals to the site as quickly as possible. The sooner those professionals can get to your home, the better they'll be at preventing further damages. Did you know that smoke damage can continue to cause trouble after the flames have been put out? The water and chemicals used by firefighters may also lead to more damage. Get in touch with professionals as quickly as possible.

2. Stop Further Destruction

After completing their assessment of the damages, fire restoration professionals will begin the majority of their work. One of the primary goals is to mitigate further destruction. If there are holes in the roof, for example, the company will make sure rain water doesn’t lead to water damage. Putting a stop to any further water, smoke, or fire destruction is one of the top priorities at this point.

The extent of fire damage cleaning and reconstruction isn't limited to burned materials and the removal of charred possessions. The cleanup work often involves drying areas where water was left standing and resolving odors left by the smoke. It may also involve removing items that can't be repaired.

3. Renovate Your Property

After all of those cleanup efforts, it will be time to rebuild. When repairs and complete fire restoration are finally possible, the professionals will probably leave your property looking better than it did before the fire. Just make sure renovation costs are fully covered by your insurance policy.

What Do You Need to Do When You Have a Mold Emergency

10/18/2021 (Permalink)

Black mold can be a serious issue in your Boylan Heights, NC, home.

What Should You Do If You Have a Mold Emergency?

Mold damage can sneak up on you. Sure, your Boylan Heights, NC, home may show some early signs of mold growth, but as someone unfamiliar with this fungus, you may miss the initial clues. By the time you realize what you’re dealing with, the fungus may have spread to large portions of your house. Whether you find mildew or black mold growing in your residential space, you need to take quick action to ensure this mold emergency is taken care of.

Calling in a local remediation team should be your first step. These experts can help you make sure everything is done correctly. In case they can't get there right away, keep these tips in mind to address your mold emergency immediately.

• Stop airflow. Mold spores can hitch a ride in the air to get to new parts of your house. When you notice a patch of black mold, you may need to turn off your HVAC unit to make sure the spores can’t spread to new areas.

• Turn off water. A moisture problem may be the cause of your sudden catastrophe. If you want to get rid of the fungus, you need to cut off the water supply. If you have a leaky fixture or a burst pipe, you need to turn off your home’s water until the damage can be assessed.

• Schedule an appointment. Plumbers and mold cleanup crews may have busy schedules. Even if no one can make it out to your home today, you still want to get an appointment on the books. Call the professionals you need for your emergency and make an appointment as soon as possible.

Black mold can be a major problem for your Boylan Heights, NC, home. Depending on when you find this growth, you may already be in the throes of an emergency. Acting quickly can help you clean up your house and make it livable again.

That Sure Isn’t Charlie’s Chocolate Factory: Four Steps to Take After a Sewage Backup in Your Bathroom

9/27/2021 (Permalink)

Two SERVPRO team members posing for a photo in front of van.

Once your restoration is complete, you will likely want to update your plumbing system with preventative tools.

Sewer backup from extensive rains or clogged pipes can contaminate and infect your home, making it and its contents unsafe. While it’s easy to assume that the laundry room is the most vulnerable area, a bathroom, with its multiple drains and direct connection to waste lines, is equally if not more susceptible, and a bathtub backup is equally as likely as a toilet or floor drain backup. The question, then, is what do you do when a sewer backs up in your home?

1. Safety First

When there is sewage in your house, it’s necessary to take all safety precautions because there may be damaged wiring, mold, and hazardous pathogens; therefore, you should avoid contact with the contaminated area, turn off the power, and turn it off the water. If you must enter the area, then be sure to wear appropriate protective clothing.

2. Prevent Damage

To prevent further damage from a sewer backup, you should turn off your water, remove any contaminated objects, and ensure that clean areas remain clean. It is also a good idea to ventilate the area by opening windows and doors, preventing the buildup of humidity and further moisture. If the contaminated area is not contained, it is better to allow restoration specialists in the Raleigh, NC, area to handle any questionable materials and processes.

3. Begin Cleanup

The cleanup process may be extensive depending on the volume of sewage and the level of contamination. Essentially, you or the experts you hire will want to remove the excess water quickly and contain any contaminated objects to ensure minimal exposure. Depending on the extent of the damage, your insurance company or local municipality may require a professional crew, specializing in hazardous material, to clean your home.

4. Install Tools

Once your restoration is complete, you will likely want to update your plumbing system with preventative tools like an overhead sewer or a backwater valve to protect you from this type of damage in the future.

A sewer backup can be a dangerous thing, and, while the above steps may seem simple enough, the potential health risks may make it more prudent to ask for help.

FAQs About Mold Odor

6/15/2021 (Permalink)

Mold in your Dorothea Dix, NC home is a problem.

The mycotoxin released by mold can give your home a musty odor that is annoying. The good news is that you can remove this smell from your home and clothing, leaving you with a fresher scent.

Why Does Your Home Smell Musty?

Your home smells musty because mold or mildew is releasing a mycotoxin into the air. This distinctive scent can be enhanced by:

Lack of ventilation
High humidity
Extensive mold growth

What’s the Difference Between Mildew and Mold?
Mold and mildew are different things that both release mycotoxin when they grow. Mildew, the more common culprit, grows flat against a surface and can generally be treated at home, while mold will be raised and needs to be removed by a mold cleanup company.

How Does Mold Affect Your Home?
When left untreated, mold can cause serious damage to the structure of your home. This is because mold eats the organic materials it grows on. Therefore, any wood or other structural materials will slowly start to disappear as the growth eats it.

How Do You Find the Source of the Smell?
Mold and mildew are the likely cause of the musty smell, so you need to be on the lookout for them. You can often see them growing in small patches. The best thing to do is to perform a thorough inspection of the most likely areas. These include your bathrooms, kitchen, bedrooms, living room, attic, basement, and garage.

What Do You Do if There Is Mold on Your Clothing?
While mold in your home in Dorothea Dix, NC, is a problem, it can be even worse when there is mildew on your clothing. After all, you don't want to walk around smelling musty. Thankfully, washing the affected clothing with vinegar will remove the smell.
Musty smells can happen anywhere, and you need to know how to react. The key step is to identify the infected area so you can hire a mold remediation professional to take care of the problem.

Water Damage Requires a Fast Response

2/23/2021 (Permalink)

wet carpet, flood cuts performed on drywall

Water damage in Wilbon, NC.

An emergency situation can arise in a Wilbon, NC, commercial property at any time. Whether faced with water, mold, or fire damage, a fast response is imperative to ensure the problem doesn’t spread to minimize losses and claims. That is why it is important to rely on a restoration company that has 24-hour availability and a trusted network of certified professionals to back it up.

Timeline for Help

Whether it’s the middle of the night or Sunday morning, you need reliable help that is always open. The right company will have a 24/7 call center that can dispatch help fast. When choosing an established company with 1,700 franchises nationwide, you can expect a fast response regardless of the disaster.

Within one hour of making the call, the client will be contacted to coordinate an on-site visit.
In under four hours, a certified professional will arrive on location to begin the process. This will include an assessment and inspection of the losses, as well as pretesting the restorability of the structure and damaged contents.
After the initial consultation, the insurance provider will be contacted within eight hours and be given an overview of the damage and plan to address it.

Trusted Service
When choosing a provider that has 24-hour availability, you also want the expertise to back it up. A company dedicated to serving insurers and their clients will be certified and adhere to IICRC standards. It will also be up to date on the latest tools and techniques through ongoing training. After the plan of action is approved, a team of professionals will get to work. The process includes:

Water removal and extraction using high-grade pumps and vacuums.
Fast-drying through the use of industrial-strength air movers and dehumidifiers.
Salvageable items will be itemized and taken to a safe, secure location for proper cleaning.
Structural components will be repaired or replaced, ensuring the property is returned to preloss condition.

While no one wants a water emergency to happen, it is a relief to know that 24-hour help is available to quickly stop and fix the problem.

The Top 3 Places Mold Can Hide

11/23/2020 (Permalink)

Mold growth in a bathroom

It might feel like a disturbing fact, but mold is everywhere. Because of its destructive nature, the one place you don't want to find mold is in your home. If you want to inhibit mold growth on the inside of your home in Dorthea Dix, NC, you need to know where it is most likely to grow.

Where Does Mold Grow

Mold doesn't need much in order to grow. The only criteria for its growth is moisture. If you've every seen moldy drywall, then you know somehow the drywall became exposed to moisture or water. There three most common areas mold growth occurs in your home are:

The bathroom: areas around the toilet, bathtub, sink and tiles.
The kitchen: seals around appliances and under the skink.
The laundry room: seals around the washing machine.

What all these locations have in common is they are the areas of your home where you voluntarily allow water to enter. To keep mold at bay, it's important to regularly clean these areas, including the hard to reach places.

Lesson Common Areas
While these are the common areas, if you have a roof look, moisture can get trapped behind walls. If you have a pipe burst, it can also collect under carpet and laminate flooring. You can even find mold on wood. Always act fast to stop unwanted water and moisture from entering your home.
If you do discover mold has invaded your home, never attempt the cleanup yourself. Contact a licensed restoration specialist who has the tools and expertise to safely remove the mold and repair your home.
Mold growth can endanger the structural integrity of your home. It should be taken seriously and you should inspect your home regularly to ensure you aren't providing the right environment for it to take root. Remember, as long as there is no moisture, then mold will not have the ability to grow.

How To Fix Moldy Air Ducts

8/31/2020 (Permalink)

Remove mold from your air ducts

How To Remove Mold From Your Air Ducts

As a business owner, you know it's important to keep your building safe and clean. You're responsible for resolving issues as soon as possible to protect your employees and clients. If you suspect black mold is growing in your building, time is of the essence. You may have mold living in your ducts if you experience any of the following:

Black residue appears around your air vents
The residue is hard to clean up and returns after it's removed
A musty, unpleasant odor in your building
This odor is especially noticeable when you run the air conditioning

These issues can indicate that you need to have your property's ducts professionally cleaned. Mold thrives in areas with high humidity levels and organic matter to feed on, so ducts are prime locations for infestations to grow.

How Mold Gets Into Air Ducts
Your ducts can become home to black mold colonies if they haven't been cleaned in a while or if there is a leak somewhere in the system that's trapping water and moisture. Mold spores are naturally in the air at all times, and they aren't always a concern. However, when the spores land in an area that's hard to see and provides them with a food source and a water source, problems can develop.

How To Clean Mold From Air Ducts
If you suspect a mold issue in your Raleigh, NC, building, contact experts in mold damage remediation as soon as possible. The process for removing mold from air ducts is complex. It involves disassembling the air conditioning system and sanitizing the parts with powerful cleaning agents. The mold can return if the cleaning isn't performed to industry standards. The process must be thorough, and professionals have the proper training and tools to complete the job effectively and ensure you have clean ducts.
Take any suspicion of black mold seriously. Call in the pros to make certain you have safe, clean air for your employees and clients.

Wake County Cleaning Experts

3/27/2020 (Permalink)

If you have a fire or water emergency, please call us now at (919) 944-4002