Why Should I Hire a Restoration Company for Water Damages Caused by Flooding?

2/11/2022 (Permalink)

This flooded basement in Charlotte, NC was caused by a recent storm.

Invading water is a destructive force for a structure, especially when the moisture contains contamination such as waste or chemicals.  Water from sewer lines and rivers contain contaminants that can cause disease, sometimes even life-threatening. Contaminants from floods may include waste from animals, fuel, fertilizers – just to name a few. Floodwater can create an ideal environment for fungi, viruses, bacteria and parasites.  Injuries or even fatalities can occur due to causes such as structural problems and wet electrical wiring in a flooded building.  The technicians at SERVPRO of South Charlotte the threats present in a flooded building and have the equipment and training to negotiate or eliminate them.

We follow a standard remediation process that includes removing large items from a building to assess the damage. Standing water is extracted.  Items such as insulation, baseboard, carpeting, drywall and paneling are typically beyond repair and are removed for disposal.  Our technicians can install air movers and dehumidifiers to dry materials and reduce humidity.  We will monitor moisture and humidity levels with meters to ensure items dry quickly to help avoid mold growth.  The drying process requires several days to complete.  After a building is dried, it is possible to rebuild interior structures with new drywall, insulation and baseboards. 

SERVPRO of South Charlotte provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any size disaster. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

Call us today at 704-333-7737

The Unthinkable: Trauma Cleanup

2/9/2022 (Permalink)

We are just a phone call away, even at the worst times. SERVPRO of South Charlotte 704-333-7737.

Today, we’ve decided it’s time to talk a little bit about the most difficult service we provide, trauma cleanup.  It’s frankly a topic almost no one wants to think about, never mind discuss.  Unfortunately, it’s something that many people will have to deal with at some point in our lifetime.  If the worst happens, you do not have to handle the situation yourself. 

SERVPRO of South Charlotte does provide trauma cleaning and remediation of biohazard materials.   When we receive a call into our office, we will have to ask for some information, so that we have a general knowledge of what our employees will encounter and what supplies they will need to bring.  We will let the caller know what money will need to be collected.  However, we do try to keep the conversation and questions brief as we do not wish to cause further distress to someone who may be experiencing shock and grief. 

Our staff will arrive and provide professional and confidential cleanup services for traumatic events such as death, suicide, homicide, accidents, and similar situations so that family members do not have to. 

SERVPRO of South Charlotte: Here to Help with Hoarding

2/9/2022 (Permalink)

Hoarding is more common than we think. SERVPRO of South Charlotte can help. Call 704-333-7737

Hoarding is more common, and more serious, than many people think.  Compulsive hoarding is more than just keeping your old baseball trophies, awards, yearbooks from high school.  While it’s true that the most common things for people to hoard are clothes and books, often the stockpiling extends to include items that should likely be discarded: junk mail, food packaging, shampoo bottles, magazines, newspapers, varied trash... compulsive hoarding is different than living with clutter. 

While the stockpiling (hoarding) of one’s stuff is nothing new, hoarding is becoming a big issue.   Only recently has hoarding received the attention of professionals including researchers, social workers, psychologists, fire marshals and public-health officials.

Hoarding can increase the risk of injury, due to falls and falling items; hoarding can contribute to high levels of insects in a home as well as unsanitary conditions. However, the most serious concern of hoarding is likely the potential for fire.  Many people die in fires in hoarding homes due to both the number of flammable materials and because passage through and out of the home may be severely limited.  Firefighters are Also put at much greater risk due to obstructions. Hoarding makes fighting fires and searching for occupants much more difficult.

If you need help cleaning and remediating a hoarding situation in the greater Charlotte area, please call us at 704-333-7737.

Water Damages Risks as Time Passes

2/8/2022 (Permalink)

Bright green, professional drying equipment. Let SERVPRO of South Charlotte help with your water loss. Please don't wait, call us today, 704-333-7737.

Here's what happens over the life span of a water damage.  It truly is best to have us out in 24 hours or less. 

Minutes

• Water is fast to spread through your home or business.  Water travels to places you’d never imagine.
• Water is absorbed into building materials and your contents.
• Furniture on wet carpeting could cause staining. 

Hours 1 - 24:

• Drywall can swell and starts to break down.
• Metal can begin to tarnish.
• Furniture can begin to swell, crack, split or disintegrate.
• A musty odor can begin occurring.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold may start to grow.
• Building materials, such as doors, windows and wood, can get swollen and warped.
• Furniture could start showing signs of mold.
• Wall finishes could start to blister and peel.
• Hardwood flooring can start cupping, buckling, warping. 
• Even a standard, clean water loss turns into a biohazard type loss after a few days.

SERVPRO of South Charlotte has been specializing in cleanup and restoration for over 20 years. Our staff have many different certifications in restoration work.  You can trust us to dry and restore your property.   Please call SERVPRO of South Charlotte at 704-333-7737.

SERVPRO of South Charlotte: NC Lead RRP Certified

2/4/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Charlotte: Committed to Safety

SERVPRO of South Charlotte is proud to announce that they have once again renewed their NC Lead RRP certification.  SERVPRO of South Charlotte remains committed to safety and has maintained continuous certification through the North Carolina Health Hazards Control Unit since the program started.  

Since January 1, 2010, under the North Carolina Rules 10A NCAC 41C .0900 - Lead-Based Paint Hazard Management Program for Renovation, Repair and Painting, dust sampling technicians, firms, and individuals performing renovation, repair and painting projects for compensation that disturb lead-based paint in housing and child-occupied facilities built before 1978, must be certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination. Child-occupied facilities include, but are not limited to, child care facilities and schools with children under the age of 6 years of age that are built before 1978.

Charlotte Water Damage? 24 Hour Service

2/4/2022 (Permalink)

Your 24 hour water damage professionals. Call SERVPRO of South Charlotte 704-333-7737.

SERVPRO of South Charlotte is always available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small.

When you are dealing with water damage, quick action is critical. Delaying drying service can increase damage caused to your property and cause mold and rot.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help.  Call Today:  704-333-7737

When you call us, you may feel confused, stressed, and overwhelmed. You need professionals to clean up the mess and help you through this crisis. SERVPRO of South Charlotte has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration— it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask many questions regarding the water damage, the building, and insurance information. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources will be needed.

Questions the SERVPRO Representative will likely ask:

• 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)?
• What year was the building built?
• What rooms are affected?
• Is your home on a concrete slab, crawlspace, or basement?
• What type of flooring is in the affected rooms?

SERVPRO of South Charlotte specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or 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.

Don't Stress Much Over Fire Damage -- SERVPRO of South Charlotte Can HELP!

2/4/2022 (Permalink)

Experienced a fire?? Call SERVPRO of South Charlotte 704-333-7737

In just hours after a fire occurs, metal fixtures, including faucets and handles on doors, can be permanently ruined by fire damage in Matthews if it is not immediately treated properly. Our technicians at SERVPRO have both the compassion and knowledge needed to perform your fire damage restoration the right way the first time. Our team of technicians is licensed, fully trained and certified in smoke and fire damage restoration. We realize that these times are stressful and emotional, and treat you accordingly, guiding you through each step of the restoration. We realize that each fire emergency needs:

Sensitivity and Urgency
Timing is critical once the fire is out. Your repairs for fire damage need to be started fast to maximize their effectiveness. We will answer your call and move into action right away, 24/7. We recognize the trauma and emotional upset which occupants suffer, and work fast and considerately to mitigate any damage to property that is salvageable, like fixtures, household items, metals and other items. Our techniques are state-of-the-art, and our cleaning processes will many times stop you from having additional costs of replacement. Smoke and fire damage restoration needs special skill and knowledge, and our SERVPRO professionals have the expertise that is needed to do the job correctly.

Accurate Assessments and Explanations
Our professionals will figure out the full extent of your fire damage, which includes the impact of the heat, smoke, and residues from smoke and fire. We will keep you as the business or homeowner informed, helping you to overcome your loss and give you back your hope by showing you what we can save and how we will do it. We will explain in terms you will understand, what you can expect, and what you can do as well. We then employ our emergency fire damage repair services.

Respect and Thorough Treatment
Treatment could include odor and smoke removal when needed, plus total sanitation and cleaning, professional deodorization and duct and air vent cleaning. During our treatments, we always handle your property respectfully, as if it was our own, and take extra care and the steps needed to protect your personal belongings and the flooring. Our emergency fire damage repair services are comprehensive and can reverse a lot of the effects of smoke and fire damage. Fire damage repairs and restoration with our cleaners can make a time that is very trying a lot less unpleasant. Our techniques and cleaning solutions will dramatically increase how likely we can save your property instead of needing to replace it. We have an emergency response service that works around the clock, saving you and your insurance company valuable time and money.

Our fire mitigation services include the following:
- Pad and carpet removal when needed
- Odor and smoke removal
- Professional deodorization
- Total cleaning and sanitization
- Temporary protection

A fire damage in your Matthews home can be a very stressful time for you, but letting the professionals at SERVPRO of South Charlotte can ease a lot of your worries and stress. Give us a call anytime at (704) 333-7737 so we can get started on assessing and fixing your fire damage right away.

SERVPRO of South Charlotte: An IICRC Certified Firm

2/3/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Charlotte is an IICRC Certified Firm.

Rest assured you have certified professionals performing services in your home! 

SERVPRO of South Charlotte is an IICRC firm in Mecklenburg County, NC.  

What is the IICRC and what do they do?  The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry

The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.  These standards are extensively reviewed and updated every five years.  

Be On Alert for Water Damage

2/3/2022 (Permalink)

Leaking pipe behind wall caused water damage and mold. Remediated by SERVPRO of South Charlotte.

When most people think of water damage, the mind automatically goes to a flood from outdoor water.  Unfortunately, many water damages are occurring without your knowledge.  Save yourself a huge headache, and possibly a lot of money, by checking the following areas regularly for signs of water intrusions. 

HVAC:  Buildings can experience water damage courtesy of their HVAC system.  While the cooling system is running, humidity is removed from the air and gets drained out of the home.  Unfortunately, many things can go wrong, including clogged drains, that cause water to back up and cause a damage that takes quite a while to be seen.   Check around your HVAC and call a repair service if you see any buildup of water, especially in the pan. 

APPLIANCES:  Appliances in our homes (water heaters, refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machine, humidifiers, etc) utilize water and can cause water damages.  Make a habit of checking around these appliances to try to spot small leaks before it gives way or mold occurs. 

PIPES:  I think, everyone has, at some point, reached into the cabinet under the sink to retrieve something and found that everything is wet!  Check under your sinks and around drains regularly to head off a major hassle.  Also, monitor your water and sewer bills for drastic changes in usage.  If there is a siggen huge spike, call the city and / or a plumber to investigate.  Pipe leaks can not only cause large bills, but also issues with your structure and foundation.  With leaking pipes, you reach in under the sink in your bathroom or kitchen and notice that items are all wet or that there is a pool of water. It may be an easy fix like tightening a loose pipe. However, it could mean something more. Pay attention to your water usage and your water bill. If things are not adding up, then you may have other pipe leaks around your home. This can lead to foundation and other structural issues.

GUTTERS:  Believe it or not, some water damages are caused by gutters that are clogged.  Make sure to clean your gutters regularly (especially around leaf season) and inspect for holes or cracks.  Clogged gutters can cause water to actually go to the side and enter the ceiling or wall of your home. 

As you move around your home, keep an eye out for these potential issues.  If you do come across something, SERVPRO of South Charlotte is always here to help!  We can be reached at 704-333-7737.

Fire Damage to Home in Charlotte, NC

2/3/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damage to utility room in Charlotte, NC. Cleaned by SERVPRO of South Charlotte.

If a fire damage has impacted your home, please call fire damage restoration professionals. Doing so can help limit structural damage, prevent mold, and get your home back to normal as quickly as possible. For fire damage restoration services, you can trust SERVPRO of South Charlotte. 

1. Emergency Response. Once you call us for service, we will respond quickly.  We'll ask the questions necessary to ensure that we can address the challenge you're facing, then we'll send the people and equipment needed to face the task.  

2. Inspection And Assessment. Upon arrival, we'll assess the damaged areas to determine the extent of the damage and make a plan to properly clean the fire and smoke damage from your property.

3. Water Removal. If water was used to extinguish the fire, we will work to remove the water as quickly as possible using specialized equipment, such as extractors, air movers, and dehumidifiers.  This step minimizes the risk of additional structure damage and mold growth.  

5. Soot and Smoke Removal. Our people are skilled in removing soot and smoke using specialized equipment and techniques. 

6. Cleaning and Deodorizing. All restorable items will be cleaned and deodorized.  Deodorization is typically accomplished utilizing air scrubbers and foggers.  

We live and work in this area -- we might even be your neighbor!  SERVPRO of South Charlotte is locally owned and operated.  We're ready to respond to almost any fire damage you might have, so please call us for help!  704-333-7737