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

Congratulations David Honeycutt!

2/3/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Charlotte Crew Chief, David Honeycutt, holds up the WRT certificate he earned from IICRC.

SERVPRO of South Charlotte has rising stars!  Please join us in congratulating one of our fabulous technicians, David Honeycutt, on successfully obtaining his IICRC WRT (Water Restoration Technician) Certification.  David displayed passion for his craft and his understanding of the material presented by scoring a 93% on the stringent examination.  We are extremely proud of this gentleman.  

The IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification) offers this course of study to ensure personnel that perform remediation work have a better concept of water damage, the effects of water damage, as well as give them proven techniques for the drying of structures. The course gives technicians a greater understanding of the procedures necessary to deal with water losses, sewage backups, and other contamination, such as mold.

I have a water damage! How do I handle this?

10/15/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage? Better call SERVPRO... 704-333-7737

Step 1 – Stop the Water, if possible

Step 2 -- Call SERVPRO of South Charlotte at 704-333-7737

In order to get help on the way, call us at 704-333-7737.  We will ask for:

• Your name.
• Address (please let us know if your mailing address is different than the property address).
• Telephone numbers.
• How did you hear about us?
• What type of damage occurred (water, fire, etc) and what caused the loss?
• How many rooms are affected and the type of flooring in the affected rooms?
• Is your home on a concrete slab, crawlspace, or basement?
• Year your home was built.
• We will ask what company your homeowners’ insurance is with. If you have a claim number and / or adjuster information already (if not, no worries).
• What your deductible amount is?
  • The deductible is the amount you pay before insurance starts to pay. We generally collect this amount at the start of service, but this can vary depending on the insurance company.  We accept checks, Visa, Mastercard, and Discover.  Please let us know if it is not possible to pay that amount right away – we will try to come up with a workable alternative.   

Step 3 – Call A Plumber, if needed

Step 4 – Call Your Insurance Company

In order to get things under way quickly, contact the Claims number for your insurance company.  They will ask for some information about the loss and what damages there are.  If you’re unsure what your deductible amount is, they will be able to tell you.  If they assign a claim number and / or adjuster, please take that information down and give it to us.  Tell them you have SERVPRO of South Charlotte on the way.  Some people like to speak to their agent, which is fine, but the agent isn’t typically available at all times and many times there’s a delay before the agent has some time to file the claim. 

We will extract the water and move any necessary contents when we get there.  Just keep yourself safe, it's very easy to be injured during a water damage situation.  

Finding Hidden Water Damage

10/14/2020 (Permalink)

Are hidden water intrusions harming your home?

For many, our homes are our largest asset.  Unfortunately, so many issues can rear their ugly heads before we have any clue there’s a problem. 

A home maintenance issue I dread is water damage.  At this point, most of us are aware that we can’t ignore a water damage or we risk structural problems, including mold.   However, how are we to know about hidden water damages?  Well, we’ve asked that question and received some clues pointing to possible hidden water damage. 

Check Your Flooring
Almost every type of flooring will show some sign of water damage if you know what to look for.  Ceramic tile may start cracking.  Hardwood and laminate might start showing signs of warping, boards appearing raised or wavy.  Damp spots or a damp, moldy smell might indicate issues under carpeting.  Vinyl flooring might start showing stains appearing from underneath the vinyl. 

Inspect for Water Stains
Be on the lookout for water stains, especially water staining near sinks, toilets, and bathtubs.  Other less obvious staining on ceilings or walls could indicate a leaking pipe or drain inside the wall, as can areas in drywall that are soft, bubbled or cracked.  Peeling paint can also show water issues within your walls. 

Keep an Eye Out for Mold or Rust
Water heaters can slowly cause big problems.  Check the tank and pain underneath for dampness or rust.  Slow leaks are rather common in water heaters.  Active mold growth indicates a moisture issue.  Moldy, musty, damp unpleasant smells can also indicate there’s an issue requiring further investigation.

Take a Good Look at the Exterior
Make sure to take a close look at your homes exterior.  Make sure you don’t see pools or puddles of standing water.  Be sure you don’t have any broken vents or siding.  Walk away from the house a bit so that you can see the roof; look for missing, or curling shingles.

Avoid Damages by Inspecting Appliances

10/14/2020 (Permalink)

Oh NO! Better call SERVPRO of South Charlotte.

Being in the Charlotte, NC area, we're slightly less susceptible to some natural disasters.  However, our homes and businesses are still very much at the mercy of appliance failures, which can lead to leaking, flooding, or fire.  SERVPRO of South Charlotte is committed to helping you learn more about minimizing these risks. 

Shut Your Water Off
Take a few minutes now to locate your water shut off valve so that you'll know where to go in an emergency.  Your first step when you realize that there is flooding is to shut off the water source, usually at the main water line shut off in your home.  There are usually separate shut off valves at sinks and toilets that can be used for these items. 

Kitchen appliances are known for causing water loss: 
• Periodically check around the sink, dishwasher and refrigerator for leaks where the water supply connects to the hose. If you have an ice-maker or water dispenser, check the water supply line connector.
• Inspect the cabinet under your kitchen sink for warped materials or water staining and pooling, which indicate probable water damage. 

Washing Machine:  Who knew that we should change out the water hoses on our washing machines regularly?  It seems they should be replaced every four or five years!  Replacement is important because the hoses can become damaged if the washing machine moves or vibrates during the wash cycle. Make sure that the drain tube is secure in the housing on the wall.

Clothes Dryer:  Of course, we should clean the dryer's lint trap following each load.  However, we also need to check the exterior vent occasionally as it can clog with lint, leaves, even birds nests!  If a clog occurs, the dryer can start to function inefficiently, costing more and more money to operate. A malfunctioning dryer could also start a fire.  Of course, fire damage would also lead to water damage as fire fighters extinguish the blaze.

Water Heater:  Experts say most water heaters should be drained once a year to prevent sediment from forming at the bottom of the tank.  Also, check to make sure your overflow line is clear and that your water heater is sitting on a pan that will contain smaller leaks.

Being aware that faulty appliances can lead to damage and checking said appliances may prevent expensive issues. 

If you do have a water damage or fire damage in the Charlotte, Mecklenburg, Union County area, call SERVPRO.

SERVPRO of South Charlotte is locally owned and operated. When you have a water or flooding emergency, we’re already nearby and ready to help.  Call us. (704) 333-7737

We Are Prepared For Flood and Storm Damage Whenever!

10/5/2020 (Permalink)

Storms can happen anytime. We are always here to help!

SERVPRO of South Charlotte specializes in storm and flood damage.  We have highly trained crews and workers that can help turn your home back to what it was. 

Being locally owned and operated, SERVPRO of South Charlotte is always able to respond as quickly and efficiently as possible to help stop further damage and reduce cost.  We have specialized equipment that is meant for cleaning water and flood damage.  In addition, we can coordinate your repairs so you don't have to run around finding several different contractors.   

Because storms are prevalent here in the Charlotte area, we are always prepared and have the resources of over 1700 franchises around the country, as well as Disaster Recovery Teams that are placed in certain locations across the country.  No job is too big or too small.  

We coordinate and work with all insurance companies so our customers usually do not have to worry about paying much money upfront.  We also accept personal checks, Visa, Mastercard, and Discover card.  

Different Types of Water Damage and How to Prevent Them

10/1/2020 (Permalink)

A recent water damage at a warehouse in Charlotte, NC.

Water damage is a problem that most property owners fear.  When rain and snow melts, the risk  of damage increases. Water can cause thousands of dollars worth of damage by damaging wood furniture, upholstery, electronics, household appliances, and equipment. Water damage also increases the risk of mold growth, which is a very expensive problem to restore.

Assessing the type of damage is important to determine what is needed to start water damage repair and water removal. There are several different types of water damage and how to prevent them.

Clean Water

This water does not pose a threat to human health if exposed or consumed.  Overflowing sinks, tubs, or a broken incoming water line would be examples of Clean Water.

This is the easiest type of water damage to handle, since there will not be too many microorganisms living in the water. However, if the damage is not properly remediated, this can result in mold growth.  It is best to contact SERVPRO of South Charlotte.

Grey Water

Grey water is slightly contaminated because of the source. Clean water turns into grey water if left untreated. This type of water contains microorganisms. Broken toilets, broken sump pumps, and seepage may cause grey water. This may cause sickness if ingested. If you want to begin the cleaning and drying process before the restoration service arrives, you should wear gloves in order to prevent your skin from touching the water so you do not spread any microorganisms.

Black water

Black water is the most hazardous type of water damage. It is usually a result of natural disasters or sewage damage. Black water can include toxic materials such as bacterial diseases, chemicals, pesticides, and microorganisms. If your home or business is suffering from this type of water damage, it is best to contact SERVPRO of South Charlotte to handle remediation and disinfecting.  It is truly better to be safe than sorry. 

Experiencing a water damage disaster causes enough stress on its own. Always seek professional advice for water damage. If you experience these kinds of emergencies, please call SERVPRO of South Charlotte.  We are always here to help. 

We Remain Open & Ready to Serve!

9/30/2020 (Permalink)

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned - SERVPRO of South Charlotte

WE ARE OPEN! As an essential service, SERVPRO of South Charlotte has remained open, just a call away.

We understand some people have risk factors and some people are concerned about having people in their home or business.  Therefore, during these trying times, we will utilize protective equipment to provide an extra layer of safety during this pandemic.  In addition to utilizing PPE, we will be happy to provide other contactless options, such as sending the customer a link so they can pay online using a credit card.  If needed, we can provide paperwork via email so you do not have to touch our iPads to sign documents.  We can also install a lockbox so you wouldn't even have to be home while we are there.  

We remain here and ready to provide service for specialized cleanings, water damage, fire damage, smoke damage or mold remediation, and biohazard cleanup.

NC Lead RRP-certified Firm

9/30/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Charlotte: Latest NC Lead RRP Certificate

SERVPRO of South Charlotte, always committed to safety, is proud to announce that they have once again renewed their NC Lead RRP certification.  SERVPRO of South Charlotte 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.

Why Hire a Restoration Company in Charlotte?

3/26/2018 (Permalink)

Got water damage?

A Charlotte restoration company is essential for repairing your home or business when it is affected by a flood, storm or plumbing disaster. Invading water is a destructive force for a structure, especially when the moisture contains contamination such as waste or chemicals. The moisture entering a building cause more destruction the longer it remains, so it is vital to call a professional remediation company as soon as possible. 

Why is a Water Damage Restoration Company Hired for These Problems?

The overflow from sewer lines and rivers contain life-threatening contaminants that people should avoid. Some of the contaminants from floods include organic waste from livestock, petroleum products or fertilizers. All of these contaminants and floodwater create the perfect environment for deadly microbes such as fungi, viruses and bacteria. In addition, flooding conditions make it easier for parasites and wildlife to invade a building, creating an additional danger. Fatal injuries due to structural problems, wet electrical wiring and fire are also a possibility for anyone entering a flooded building. 

The technicians working for water restoration companies understand the environmental problems inside a flooded building and have the equipment and training to eliminate hazardous threats. Because mold begins to grow on moist materials within 48-hours, it is essential to contact a remediation company with the technicians and tools to dry and clean surfaces quickly. 

How Do Water Damage Restoration Companies Perform Repairs?

Water restoration companies follow a standard remediation process that includes removing large items from a building to assess the damage. Items such as insulation, baseboards and carpeting are typically beyond repair and are removed for disposal. Organic materials, including drywall and paneling are often also removed due to mold growth that constitutes a health risk. 

After standing water is removed with sump pumps, technicians can install dehumidifier and fan systems to reduce humidity and dry materials. Restoration technicians will monitor humidity levels with moisture meters to ensure items dry quickly to avoid additional mold growth. 

The drying process requires several days to complete with technicians immediately beginning a cleanup process to return a building to its original condition. After a building is dried and cleaned completely, it is possible to rebuild interior structures with new drywall, insulation and baseboards. 

The Charlotte water damage company’s goal is to have technicians’ complete repairs as fast as possible to enable a customer to return to a safe building and normal life. 

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.

Our highly trained technicians are ready to respond immediately to flood or water damage at your Charlotte property. We have the experience, expertise, and training to restore your home or business quickly and properly. We use advanced inspection and extraction equipment to find the water and remove it as quickly as possible. Our technicians will monitor and document the drying process to ensure your property is back to normal.

Do You Have Water or Flood Damage?
Call Us Today – (704) 333-7737 

Types of Businesses with Added Benefits from SERVPRO ERP

2/16/2017 (Permalink)

The ERP system allows you to create customized profiles for each business location so that we can respond appropriately and calculate damages.

SERVPRO ERP Benefits Commercial Businesses 

One of SERVPRO's newest innovations is its ERP (Emergency Ready Profile) system, which enables a business owner to upload individualized portfolios of each business and location under his or her jurisdiction to our servers. With easy access to this information, we can obtain critical info before technicians arrive at the site, saving precious time in sensitive situations such as floods. Most businesses benefit from the system simply due to our faster response times and expanded knowledge of the situation, but these types of businesses may see added bonuses from utilizing the system.

Franchise Companies or Multiple Locations

Flood damage in retail stores or restaurants in Mathews can be tricky to manage because different sites with different layouts and specifications may be caught in the same disaster, but with varying levels of damage. The ERP system allows you to create customized profiles for each location your business has so that we can respond appropriately and calculate damages for multiple stores simultaneously. This bonus helps service industry businesses to avoid the confusion and technical challenges of dealing with disasters in multiple locations efficiently.

Buildings with Complex Layouts

Businesses with unusual or complicated building layouts can sometimes suffer from delayed water extraction and treatment as our technicians struggle to establish safety baselines and find critical points in the building. With SERVPRO ERP, we can store blueprints and layouts remotely, cutting time spent on navigating and searching for points such as water mains and electrical breakers.

Older Buildings

The Charlotte region contains many older commercial buildings. While these add some old-timey charm to the cityscape and are often overall healthy for business, they can also be more susceptible to water damage if floodwaters are not drained quickly. Elevated response times are imperative for these structures, making the ERP system a massive boon for older flooded buildings.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

SERVPRO of South Charlotte has dealt with floods of all varieties for years, helping local businesses to overcome damage large and small to their locations. Call us 24/7 at (704) 333-7737.

Living Room Fires in a Pineville Property

2/1/2017 (Permalink)

Protect Your Home in Pineville From Fire Damage Caused by Chimneys and Candles

Flames Are the Cause of Many Home Fire Damaged Related Incidents

Although fires in living and family rooms are less frequent than those in more hazardous kitchen areas, they can grow to large sizes more readily and more often than those in kitchens. Many living room fires start with an accident in the fireplace, when a candle is knocked over, or when an electronic device comes into contact with water or otherwise severely malfunctions. Regardless of their cause, these fires quickly find sufficient fuel in the surrounding area. If the fire is not extinguished quickly, it can create some of the biggest restoration projects SERVPRO finds in residential developments.

How They Start
Fire damage in Pineville living rooms typically starts from one of three sources: the hearth, candles, or electronic malfunctions. Fireplace accidents are easily created if proper safeguards such as containment bars are not in place, and can produce heavy amounts of smoke in addition to larger blazes. Clogged or unclean chimneys lead to many flare-ups and roof fires. Candle fires are often relatively benign if they start while someone is in the room, but can sometimes start silently when the room is left unattended, blossoming into a large disaster. Electrical fires usually require some accident on a resident's part to start up, so while those can become large very quickly, they are typically hit with fire extinguishers before they get out of hand.
 
Problems Faced in Restorations
The main challenge SERVPRO faces in restoring these fires are in their size. Living rooms may contain fabric carpeting and furniture, flammable bookcases, and numerous small objects that quickly spread fires out from their origin. Also, when dealing with hearths, large volumes of smoke may present additional hurdles. Before we begin any work beyond standard mitigation, we develop a clear action plan to tackle significant problems that arise. Through our expert training and superior equipment, we can deal with fires of any size given time.
 
SERVPRO of South Charlotte has battled many fires since its founding. If your home has taken fire damage, call us anytime at (704) 333-7737.
 

Drying Out Water Damaged Documents In Your Matthews Law Office

1/26/2017 (Permalink)

Restoring the water damage to documents from your law office involves several steps, some of which may be very surprising to you and your staff.

Water Damaged Documents

Even in this age of computers and off-site storage, water damage to a law firm’s files could mean devastation to clients and the attorney’s reputation. Specialized training prepares SERVPRO technicians to halt the damage caused by water saturation, and then to dry the important documents. Prompt action on the part of you and your management staff transfers irreplaceable paperwork into the hands of our skilled and educated workforce. We store the papers and books properly while the next actions are discussed with key personnel from your office.

Restoring the water damage to documents from your Matthews law office involves several steps, some of which may be very surprising to you and your staff. Freezing paperwork is the initial part of the recommended protocol, which often requires moving the files to a remote location. We then meet with responsible members of your firm to determine a hierarchy of importance as we prepare to dry the materials. Restoring papers and books is time-consuming and expensive. It is your decision as to what will be dried to the best possible condition, and in what order. Although fast action will result in recovery of many items, water damage is almost never completely reversible for papers and books. We use the industry’s best practices to take paper from frozen to dry using a process called sublimation. This procedure rapidly dries the documents without allowing the moisture to return to a liquid state, clearly a job for our trained team.

You can rely upon our staff’s discretion and a thorough inventory of what is removed and precisely where we are storing it during the restoration. If particular documents are needed sooner than expected or planned, just ask. Our SERVPRO employees will be able to find them and return them to the best possible condition when requested. We recognize just how difficult this situation is and will do all we can to make the transition easier. All is not lost if your law firm's file room is water damaged when you have SERVPRO of South Charlotte. Call (704) 333-7737 immediately after the damage is discovered to ensure the best restoration outcome.

Restoring Your New Hardwood Floors After Flood Damages Your Cotswold Remodel

1/9/2017 (Permalink)

Now that flooding from a burst cold water pipe has saturated the newly laid flooring, depend upon the expertise of SERVPRO to dry out the hardwood.

Restoring New Hardwood Floors After A Flood

You spent many hours deciding upon just the perfect hardwood and spent a pretty penny on its purchase and installation when remodeling your home. Now that flooding from a burst cold water pipe has saturated the newly laid flooring, depend upon the expertise of SERVPRO to dry out the hardwood with minimal warping or buckling. Once the floor and its support are dried properly, under the watchful eyes of our highly qualified technicians we will assess any damage to the integrity of the wood and take steps to restore it to its pre-loss condition, including refinishing if necessary.

The hardwood you picked for your house was a great addition, even after the flood damage when a pipe burst during freezing temperatures in Cotswold. Hardwood survives a bit of moisture well as long as standing water is removed quickly. We pride ourselves on a fast reply time and quickly assess the extent of the damage to your new flooring once on site. Industrial strength water extractors will make quick work of removing the obvious moisture. Then our technicians will set up a proper balance of air movers and dehumidifiers to dry the wood, based upon training received upon employment and renewed at regular intervals.

Careful attention must be paid to any vapor barriers, including those on subfloors and the actual finish of the hardwood. SERVPRO technicians are trained to identify these as barriers to proper drying. Air movers may be placed so that the flow is at least partially under the planks to effect drying. In some cases, we may strategically pierce the finish to dry from the top. Only after the moisture content of the hardwood, properly measured by our staff, is down to 12 percent and the subflooring is 10 percent it is safe to assume the floor is dry enough to refinish. This can take weeks or months to achieve, so the restoration of a hardwood floor is a lengthy process. As the wood continues to dry, we will look for cupping, a result of too much water on the top, or crowning, a more serious problem when the subflooring was too wet for too long. Cupping can be sanded out in many cases, but crowning may require the replacement of affected pieces of wood. Once repairs are completed, we will refinish the wood to match surrounding areas.

Do not despair if a plumbing breach appears to ruin your new hardwood floors. Contact SERVPRO of South Charlotte at (704) 333-7737 to arrange for a flooring water damage specialist to visit and design an effective restoration plan.

The Dangers of Mold in Pineville

12/15/2016 (Permalink)

Quick action can prevent mold from spreading! Call SERVPRO today to investigate!

Mold Can Spread Quickly and Cause Extensive Damage if not Remediated

Exposure to mold and repairs after damage related to mold can be quite costly both to the health of you and your family, plus your home itself. If you know the warning signs and what kind of damage to look for, however, it is possible to catch a mold problem before it causes property damage that is widespread, or even serious adverse health effects.

Warning Signs of Mold Damage

Mold needs the right conditions to start growing and creating mold damage to your structure in Pineville. The growth of mold will begin when a spore reaches an area which has enough moisture, the right temperature range, and a food source. Paper sheathing, insulation, wood moldings, carpeting or ceiling tiles all can act as sources of food for mold.

If you believe you have a mold problem, the earlier you contact a professional remediation company such as SERVPRO, the better chance you have at preventing or reducing widespread damage. There are several physical warning signs that can lead you to have your home checked for a possible mold infestation. These can include:

• Visible growth of mold
• Water stains or discoloration on internally facing ceilings or walls
• Water stains or discoloration on externally facing walls
• Musty odor
• Areas of condensation or standing water on walls, floors or window sales

Damages from Mold Exposure

If mold is left untreated, it will grow and spread, creating a variety of problems including physical damage to the structure itself, plus the contents of your home.

Structural components and building materials: Mold can cause major structural damage to your home since it feeds on and breaks down matter of organic origin. When mold infests insulation, walls, carpeting, or paper backing, these materials, therefore, need to be removed. Clean up, and removal can be a big inconvenience, but our staff at SERVPRO will work thoroughly and quickly so your home is back to normal as soon as possible.

Personal property: Besides causing structural damage, mold could destroy property inside your home. When mold adheres to personal property, it can be quite difficult or even impossible to clean. Many times, the item must be disposed of since the spores cannot be totally removed.

Ventilation and heating systems: Mold might also enter ventilation and heating systems. A lot of sections of the system could be inaccessible for a visible cleaning or inspection, so that is again where our technicians at SERVPRO can help. It is very important that ventilation and heating systems be thoroughly cleaned since spores can use the systems as ways to get to other areas of your home. If it cannot be cleaned or a moisture problem cannot be fixed, the entire system might have to be removed and replaced.

Mold can become a serious problem, so if you suspect you have a problem, you should let our staff at SERVPRO of South Charlotte know right away. We are available to help you out whenever you need us when you dial (704) 333-7737.

Flood Damage Cleanup and Restoration in South Charlotte

12/8/2016 (Permalink)

Flooding can be devastating. Call SERVPRO to help!

Quick Response Can Save Your Property From Secondary Damage

Coming downstairs in the morning after a massive storm can present you with unique circumstances that you have to deal with immediately. Stepping into a foot and a half of water at the bottom of your stairs will prove to open your eyes up a little bit. The faster you make the call to begin water removal the better chances you will have of returning things to normal quickly.
 
Our professionally trained flood damage technicians in South Charlotte can assist you with recovering from the damages and safety issues caused by this sort of event. We have the experience and knowledge to get the job done right for you the first time; while limiting the interruptions to your daily routine as much as possible.
 
Begin the process at SERVPRO by calling our 24/7 emergency helpline. We will respond to your request quickly and give you the support that you need to overcome the situation you are facing. Our office staff works with you and your insurance company to ensure proper handling of your claim and the paperwork that is required to submit to expedite the procedure.
 
SERVPRO technicians have access to premium equipment that is used to extract any excess water within minutes and begin proper drying procedures that will prevent additional damages to your property and belongings. We work fast and efficiently provide you with a detailed action list. Offering only the services that are required to complete the job in a proficient manner.
 
The onsite crews from SERVPRO will handle your belongings with respect and save as many of your valuables as possible using professional techniques to clean and restore everything to a quality pre-damage condition that you will enjoy. Make the most of our services and take a minute to explain to our site manager the value of specific items that you would like saved. It will help us prioritize our efforts and produce the highest quality results for you.
 
Remember that staying safe and keeping yourself out of harm's way is important. There is absolutely no reason for you to attempt to perform any of these repairs yourself. We can handle everything for you and are willing to go the extra mile to ensure that you are satisfied with our services.
 
Our offices at SERVPRO of South Charlotte are waiting for your call. Don't hesitate to contact us today. (704) 333-7737

How Restaurants Often Take on Water Damage in Pineville

11/10/2016 (Permalink)

Pineville Water and Fire Damage in a Restaurant

SERVPRO Can Restore Commercial Water Damage to Your Restaurant

Restaurants tend to use a lot more water than most other businesses, and for a good reason. Restaurants need water to cook, to clean, to make beverages, and for a much higher degree of sanitation than is necessary for most other companies. With how much water the average American restaurant uses, it's no surprise that they are hit by water damage at a relatively high rate. Here are a few of the most common ways that your restaurant may take on water damage in the future.

Sprinklers
In the interest of safety, SERVPRO highly recommends that commercial establishments have an automated sprinkler system to douse any flames that may start up quickly. In a restaurant, fires can start more often, thus leading to more commercial water damage from sprinklers in Pineville. Kitchen fires, even with high-quality equipment and sufficient safety measures, are not uncommon. Furthermore, many restaurants still allow smoking outside, which can contribute to another fire hazard. Sprinklers can cause excessive damage to carpeting, tablecloths, and other fabrics, as well as ruining food stock.
 
Busted Water Mains
Water main troubles are a big problem for restaurants, as the business just can't function without running water. Water mains can crack, especially in older buildings, creating a massive leak which can ruin anything around it. In some cases, it may take serious construction work to replace a water main (although many buildings' are easy to access). SERVPRO technicians can follow after major water main repairs to begin the water extraction process.
 
Water Overflows
Whether it's in the restroom or the kitchen, water overflows can create all sorts of problems for a restaurant. If not dried quickly, floors may develop mold growth, sometimes under tiles or behind paneling. Rugs and carpeting may bleed out their colors, and wall materials may become stained. Proper plumbing maintenance is key in keeping these issues to a minimum.
 
SERVPRO of South Charlotte is ready and prepared to handle any commercial water damage you can throw at us. For fast and cost-saving service, call us at (704) 333-7737.

Water Damage: A Safety Hazard in Your Pineville Home

10/27/2016 (Permalink)

Water can cause many problems in a home. Call SERVPRO today to prevent secondary damage and stay safe!

Many Secondary Problems Can Be Caused By Water Damage

When you are in your home, you expect things to be safe for both you and your children. The utilities provide heat, lights, and clean water. When there's a problem, you call the utility company. However, when the problem is located on the inside of your home, you are often deemed the responsible party. For repairs that are scheduled, most companies will turn off the utility, and then return once the work is completed to restart the service. This is true for water, but the company will not help in an emergency when a pipe has burst, or the sewer is overflowing into your basement.
 
In Pineville, water damage is only a part of the problem when water has caused problems. Safety issues from the immediate electrical shock risks to mold issues months in the future can affect your family's health and safety. When you have water where it should not be, it is more than just a slick floor. It is also a wet and soggy underlay that your floor sits on. If this is not allowed, or more often than not, forced, to dry properly, your floor can begin to sag as it slowly rots away. Weakened floors should be a serious safety concern to you, as they can give way unexpectedly. The same is true of other parts of your home.
 
We can remove any traces of excess moisture and restore your home's structures that are damaged by water. When water causes problems such as this, there are other issues we will take into consideration when we inspect your home. We will advise you on anything that we find that can be detrimental to your home or your family's safety and health. Because water is so versatile, it also often causes various problems that may seem to be unrelated to each other.
 
Removing the water prevents damage from happening. This damage can affect your home in many ways - your floors, of course, but also walls that came into contact with the water directly.  Carpeting can become discolored as well as begin to give off unpleasant smells. Clothing, upholstery, and other textiles such as curtains can begin to show mold and mildew spots, and disintegration of concrete areas can be just the beginning signs of severe water damage.
 
Taking care of this problem when it has just developed is an excellent way to stop the damage, save on more expensive repairs later, and protect your family's health. SERVPRO of South Charlotte is committed to helping you do exactly this and more. Contact us at (704) 333-7737, at any time. We are ready to get started on undoing the water damage present in your family's home and return it to a safe, livable condition.

Smoke Odors and Fire Damage Often Act in Tandem

10/10/2016 (Permalink)

Rely on SERVPRO to Restore Your Fire and Smoke Damaged Property in Arboretum

SERVPRO's Many Proven Techniques Mitigate Smoke Odors and Fire Damage

Following a fire, early deodorization is essential as a follow-up to cleaning and odor removal procedures. Deodorization gives a clear indication of how effective an odor removal process is working. Deodorizing usually requires multiple techniques to produce the proper results. As a multi-step process, this helps to reduce cross-contamination of smoke residue. Odor removal should begin in the area where the fire originated.

Fire odors are caused by different sources such as soot, flames, contaminated materials that become damaged, all of which require different methods of deodorization. For a fire damage event in Arboretum, your home or business may need a water-based deodorant treatment.
 
The purpose of this method is to counteract gas smells at the floor level and to keep them from becoming airborne. A compression sprayer is used, which is filled with a water-based deodorant and is then applied to the floor along with a safe odor counteractive chemical for the smoke.
 
Another deodorant process involves a time-release granulated deodorant that is applied to the floor. These specialized granulants release odor counteractants to reduce the intensity of smoke odors. Granule treatment should only be performed by SERVPRO because of the particular care that should be taken on different floor surfaces.
 
The last emergency deodorization procedure used is an odor counteractive spray or fog. This method is called “thermal fogging,” to recreate the conditions that exist during a fire. Tiny particles become deeply embedded into surfaces, just like smoke particles during a fire. Odor counteractant vapors will continue to work throughout the SERVPRO restoration project.
 
Of the varied deodorizing techniques, the first step of any odor removal treatment is to remove the source of the odor. The second basic step is to clean the area of residue. Removing odor sources and cleaning residues is perfunctory in every deodorization methods. During a fire, odors can come from some sources, both indoors and outdoors. Of course, HVAC systems must not be activated during these procedures, and quite often a thorough and comprehensive duct cleaning are needed.
 
SERVPRO of South Charlotte technicians are trained to identify and eliminate offensive odors. We have the training, tool and industry approved equipment to deodorize and remove offensive odors from a fire, water damage or mold. Acting fast can save your property even after fire damage. We are available 24 hours a day, give us a call - (704) 333-7737 and let us help restore your property to a pre-loss condition.

Sources of Mold Damage

10/2/2016 (Permalink)

Be careful when you see mold. Dormant mold spores can result in Mold Damage. Call SERVPRO today!

Mold Spore Activity and Subsequent Damage

As a homeowner, you may have noticed that the concern about mold growth has become more and more talked about. It is known that mold can cause adverse health effects for you and your family, but understanding more about mold and how it grows is important to truly knowing how important it is to get rid of this danger to your family quickly if you ever notice that it is growing in your home.

The professionals at SERVPRO understand that mold damage in Arboretum can occur from several different sources of moisture. Mold typically begins life as a minuscule spore, which acts as a seed, but smaller. A mass of spores of mold can number into the thousands, however still be smaller than a pinhead. When the spore mass is disturbed, thousands of the mold spores break free. They are carried off by airflow and stay in the air until they settle due to gravity. A very gentle movement of air is all that is needed to lift the spores again and to keep them in the air. A mass of mold spores is much like a dandelion seed head, because when the seeds are released, they float all over the place.

The airborne spores will eventually settle onto a surface, and since they are built for survival, they could lie dormant as they await the right growth conditions. This includes temperature, moisture, and food. As the spores absorb water, they will swell and start to grow by sending out a network of structures, known as hyphae. This network of structures grows like roots into the material under the spores. More hyphae could grow across the surface, and more can grow upright.

You should also understand that in order to grow and multiply, mold will need the correct temperature and a source of food. A majority of molds grow best between sixty-eight and eighty-six degrees Fahrenheit, but some kinds of mold like cold temperatures as low as thirty-two degrees Fahrenheit, and others like hot temperatures as high as one hundred twenty-two degrees Fahrenheit. Molds will feed on materials that are organic, and a lot of materials in your home can be used for food. Drywall, wooden floors, tackless strip, walls, cellulosic carpet fibers like wool, jute, and rayon, plus cotton are all good sources of food for mold. Any surfaces which are exposed to air can accumulate mold spores. When such materials get wet or damp, the settled spores will start growing into molds.

To properly take care of a mold problem in your home, you need a professional restoration company such as SERVPRO which is trained how to handle it correctly and has the experience needed. If you think you are experiencing a mold problem, you should call us at SERVPRO of South Charlotte any time you need by dialing (704) 333-7737 so we can take a look and get rid of the mold thoroughly and properly.

SERVPRO Water Removal

9/26/2016 (Permalink)

Regardless of the source, call SERVPRO to remediate damage!

Certified Technicians can Remediate Damage in your Flooded Home

The primary source of flood damage in Pineville is nearby Sugar Creek. When it rises past its banks, the water can come right through Jack D. Hughes Memorial Park and pour into the rest of the town. The southeast area has to deal with the effects from Little Sugar Creek when it floods.

SERVPRO can't stop the creeks from rising, but we do have the experience and training in water removal here in Pineville to help you lessen the effects of flood damage. Our personnel are among the most skilled in the field of disaster restoration, and we maintain an extensive inventory of specialized equipment to return to its original state as quickly as possible.

Since water damage can occur within minutes (paper goods and some fabrics), we maintain a 24-hour removal team that can arrive in under an hour to begin the process. Our technicians will first set up a series of pumps that can remove most standing water in several hours although larger, commercial jobs will take longer. If the power has not been restored or if your electrical system has been compromised, we also have a large number of generators at our disposal to keep the water flowing out of your residence.

When the standing water has been removed, there is still the problem of trapped moisture. Our recovery team will deploy a set of blowers and fans to forcibly circulate air through your home. Once that has started, dehumidifiers are placed in key areas to increase the effectiveness of the fans. To ensure carpet pads are dried completely, we may also use a number of heaters designed to not burn carpeting. These heaters are also excellent to help prevent wood floors from warping.

Like all of the company franchises, SERVPRO of South Charlotte is locally owned and operated. Residents aren't just our customers, they're our neighbors and family. Call us today at 704-333-7737 for a free, one-time inspection to identify flood damage and to get the jump on preventing damage in the future.

Served By Flood Damage Professionals

8/21/2016 (Permalink)

Flooding after a storm can be a federal disaster. Call SERVPRO quickly to minimize secondary damages!

SERVPRO Technicians Handle the Entire Remediation Process

North Carolina's federal and state weather agencies report that floods and hurricanes are becoming more intense. Flooding is the state's second most common natural hazard. The physical and economic damages to communities are also increasing. Between years 2000 and 2015, 17 federal disasters were declared for floods and severe storms which exceeded $456.3 million in total state assistance.

If you experience any flood damage in Charlotte, you need experts on hand who are experienced in getting you back to a pre-flood condition. SERVPRO can handle all types of water emergency events with advanced removal equipment and techniques. Whether your flooding is the result of a storm, sewage problems, HVAC failure, residential appliance problems, etc., we are available to help with removing excess water levels, flood clean up and damage restoration.
 
You don't have to worry about using several different contractors. We are your one-stop shop for all your water removal and drying-out restoration services. As your flood emergency specialists, we aim to promptly get your property dry and back to a healthy semblance. We begin with a detailed inspection of your property, including an expert assessment, so that an appropriate plan of action can begin.
 
Next, the extraction process starts. This involves removing most of the flood water with our powerful pumps and vacuum units. If you require additional restoration or cleaning, SERVPRO can conduct a move-out, roof tarp, temporary fencing, board-up or a temporary warehouse space to keep your belongings safe.
 
We then use specific equipment to determine the optimal number of air movers and industrial-grade dehumidifiers needed to thoroughly dry out your property. Professional cleaning, repairing, deodorizing and sanitation is required. We can expertly perform all of these projects before our final step which is restoration to get you back into your home and to get your business up and running again.
 
SERVPRO of South Charlotte can handle both the initial water damage mitigation and rebuilding the affected area. We simplify the restoration process for the entire project which can save you time and keep costs low. Call us at (704) 333-7737 to introduce you to our wide range of emergency services which will bring your property back to full functionality.

Water Removal of Floodwater in Your Office Should be Conducted by Professionals

7/27/2016 (Permalink)

Flood Prone Areas: Need to Have Flood Insurance

SERVPRO Technicians are Certified to Remove Water After a Flood

Partially removing flood water in any type of building isn't good enough. Floodwater can carry pathogens that can cause illnesses. Floodwater can also include chemicals that can damage items in your office. Oil and other liquids can create a sludge-like mess when waters recede, as well. You need complete removal of the floodwater that has invaded your office and the substances that were carried in with it.
 
Water Removal Sometimes isn't Enough – Clean Up is Often Required, Also

When your Matthews area office needs water removal services, it's a good idea to find professionals who are trained in not only the removal and extraction of water, but also in the cleaning up process that should follow. Once water has been extracted, residues of both the liquid and solid kind are deposited on the surfaces throughout the flooded area. These need to be cleaned up quickly and thoroughly to minimize any additional damage. 
 
We have our own trucks that we can fill with floodwater that is pumped out of your office. We use high powered pumps that quickly remove water from flooded areas. We can do this at any level of your office or home. In cases where flooding occurs because of a broken water line, we can also shut the flow of water off, and then repair the broken pipe by replacing that section.
 
After water extraction is completed, we will begin working on the subsequent steps needed to make it “Like it never even happened.” These include cleaning, repairs, and restoration. Carpeting can often be saved if the water is removed quickly enough. Cleaning carpets before they have a chance to dry should be done whenever possible. This can keep liquid substances from reaching down farther into the carpet's fibers. Walls and floors can also be cleaned at this stage, and then drying procedures can begin.
 
Structural Drying Needs to be Completed Before Repairs can Begin

We dry structures by the use of heaters that cause moisture that has seeped into the porous and semi-porous materials used in your office to evaporate into the air. With fans that circulate the air, the moisture does not have a chance to resettle and be absorbed elsewhere. When interior structures are dry enough, we can inspect for damage and then begin repairs and restorative work.
 
During this time, we will also be taking an inventory of damaged items, and classifying them according to their condition, and this form can assist you later. While you might not be able to claim this on your insurance unless you had specific insurance that covers flood waters, you may be able to claim the damages as a loss on your federal tax return. We can also pack up and remove to a secure location any, or all, of the items in your office. This can prevent additional damage and prevents theft that often occurs in buildings that may be unoccupied at times.
 
We want you to be able to return to your normal work schedule and activities as soon as possible. Floods are traumatic enough, and we know that when you don't have access to your office, you're losing income. Call SERVPRO of South Charlotte at (704) 333-7737. We're available 24/7 to take your call and will arrive at your earliest convenience. 

Preventing Charlotte Residential Water Damage

5/25/2016 (Permalink)

Water damage in your Charlotte home can be devastating.

Preventing Residential Water Damage in Charlotte

When you think about residential water damage in Charlotte, you might dream up images of torrential rain, hurricanes or other natural catastrophes. However, the reality, unfortunately, is that damage which is caused when regular appliances in your home stop working properly, this can be just as destructive as a weather event which is severe. Water damage makes up for losses to renters and homeowners in the billions of dollars each year. It is responsible as well for around twenty-five percent of all insurance claims. Water is ten times more likely to damage your home than a fire.

There are fortunately steps you can make to help avoid water damage from appliances and keep your home protected. Understanding some of the common causes of water damage is helpful, and these can include leaking air condition condensation drains, baseboard heating, and failed washing machine hoses, water heaters, and plumbing.

There are not always warning signs offered by these household appliances until the damage has happened already. This is why it is important to check them regularly. The steps below are simple and can help protect your home from the causes of water damage which are most common.

-Know first where your main water supply is in case of an emergency
-If you’re going away for an extended amount of time, shut the water supply off and drain the pipes. If your house has a fire sprinkler system, however, do not turn the water off, and keep enough heat in the home to avoid any freezing up.
-Think about getting your air conditioning system regularly inspected by a professional. The drain lines should be checked annually and clean them out if they get clogged.
-Inspect showers, water heaters, toilets, tubs, dishwashers and sinks annually, and get them repaired if there are any signs of corrosion or leaks. Install water heaters when possible in areas with floor drains to lower damage if leaks do occur.
-Check the caulking around bathtubs, showers, toilet bases and sinks, and if needed make repairs.
-If there is an ice machine or water dispenser on your refrigerator, the hose between the refrigerator and wall should be constructed of braided copper, since this has a greater resistance to corrosion and cracking.
-Check your pipes for leaks and cracks. Have any damage to pipes, immediately fixed to avoid repairs in the future that are even more costly.
-Check plumbing fittings and appliance hoses for crimping, breakage or bending.

Sometimes, even after all your precaution, Charlotte residential water damage can still occur. If this happens to you, speak with our professionals at SERVPRO of South Charlotte by dialing (704) 333-7737 right away so we can take care of our problem as quickly as possible.

Four Fire Damage Restoration Factors for Charlotte

12/8/2015 (Permalink)

Never Leave a Flame Unattended Says SERVPRO

SERVPRO Steps to Restore Your Charlotte Fire Damaged Home

A serious situation is a given with heavy Charlotte fire damage. If you try to complete the remediation process on your own, you will often expose yourself to health and safety hazards that may lead to injury. For these reasons and more, calling a professional fire damage restoration team like SERVPRO is the most prudent course of action when disaster strikes your residential property. Learn more about how remediation experts can assist you with the property restoration process by reviewing this short outline:

Fire Damage Remediation Techniques. There are many factors and services involved to restore your property following a fire. Some are drying the property, cleaning the HVAC system, rebuilding the damaged structures of the property, and removing unsalvageable goods.

Drying Your Home. Drying your property following a fire is important. Typically, firefighters perform extinguishing work that leaves excessive water in your living space. This standing and hidden water create the perfect breeding ground for mold if left unattended. To prevent a mold infestation--starts with 48-72 hours after water intrusion--SERVPRO will extract volumes of water using powerful pumps, and wet vacs. Now additional drying and moisture removal can begin using specialized equipment like air-moving machines and dehumidifiers.

HVAC System. Residual particulates from a house fire coat the coils and filters of HVAC systems with debris and soot. Soot is not smoke, but an oily by-product of partially combusted materials like plastics and vinyl. The ductwork must also be cleaned and deodorized. Special techniques, along with IICRC and corporate training enable our technicians to complete successfully this wipe down and clean up stage. If this process is done properly, staining, painting, and replacement of drywall and ceilings are minimized, along with your costs.

Structural Repair. When fire damage has compromised structural materials such as trusses, floor joists, drywall, and the electrical or plumbing systems, then the affected areas may have to be replaced. When feasible, repair is done before replacement. Our fire damage restoration experts can complete this work, or we can work and instruct your building contractors on your behalf.

Removing Unsalvageable Materials. SERVPRO utilizes a corporate level developed technology called Contents Claim Inventory Service--CCIS-- that inventories all household content. Categorizing of these items is then made as salvageable, non-salvageable, or questionable. The CCIS benefits you regarding the claims process with your insurance adjuster. We will help and cooperate with your okay. Fire damaged items beyond repair must be disposed of properly. If not, these items could contaminate other areas of the property.

Don't Delay-Get Great Fire Damage Remediation Services Today!
In many cases, Charlotte property fires send homeowners into a panic. Don't let this happen to you. Instead, recognize that hiring a top-notch fire damage restoration company is the key to restoring your property to pre-loss condition while maintaining your emotional equilibrium. SERVPRO works for you to keep costs down, treat you with empathy, and get you back home ASAP.

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

SERVPRO of South Charlotte is locally owned and operated, so we are part of this Charlotte community too. When you have a smoke, soot or fire damage emergency, we’re already nearby and ready to help. We take pride in being a part of the Charlotte, Matthews, and Ballantyne communities and want to do our part in making it the best it can be. Call us for immediate assistance. (704) 333-7737

Tips to Prevent Mold in Your Pineville Property

11/7/2015 (Permalink)

Mold Remediation in Pineville Is Treated By SERVPRO

Pineville mold remediation should not be delayed. Mold growth in your home can be a reality that shouldn't be taken lightly. In addition to compromising the integrity of your residential property, mold may cause health issues. And if you do not address a mold invasion quickly and correctly, you could wind up paying high fees for mold remediation services. To learn more about mold and how to prevent it from becoming a problem in your home, refer to the quick reference guide found below:

Mold Basics. Molds are fungi that come in various colors (that do not indicate danger or toxicity), including black, green, blue, white, and orange. While mold grows naturally in the outdoors, its presence in your home is quite problematic. 

Mold Prevention Strategies. In recognizing that a mold infestation can cause serious health issues, it's important to know how to prevent the fungus from spreading inside your home in Pineville. By implementing the following tips, you may avert issues requiring mold remediation.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

We live and work in Pineville too. As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of South Charlotte is ready to help with your mold-damaged property. For mold remediation call: (704) 333-7737 

Fire Damage Restoration for a Matthews Property

11/4/2015 (Permalink)

Fire Damaged House Can Be Restored By SERVPRO

SERVPRO's Fire Damage Restoration Steps for Your Matthews Home

After fire damage in Matthews has impacted your home, it's important to call a team of professional fire damage restoration experts. Doing so can help limit structural damage, prevent mold infestation by rapid water removal, save money on repairs, and enable you to maintain your emotional equilibrium. For thorough, effective fire damage restoration services, you should trust the professionals of SERVPRO. Each fire will require a unique approach and plan; these are the steps we typically implement to restore your home to its pre-loss condition.

1. Emergency Response. Once you call us for fire damage restoration services, you can count on us responding quickly. Under normal circumstances, we can be at your home in about one hour. We'll ask the questions necessary to ensure that we can address your issues quickly while also bringing the required equipment and resources necessary to expedite the restoration process.

2. Inspection And Assessment. One of the first things our experts will do upon arrival is a thorough inspection and assessment of the damaged areas. This work will enable us to determine the extent of fire, smoke, and soot damage. Once we complete the inspection and assessment, we'll be able to devise a customized action plan to restore your property.

3. Securing The Property's Structure. To prevent more damages from transpiring on your property, we make a point to secure the structure. The depth of this step is dependent upon the extent of the fire damage to your Matthews property. This may include putting tarps on the roof, shoring up damaged walls, and boarding up your broken windows or simply securing the perimeter against vandalism and for safety concerns.

4. Water Removal. If standing water is present due to the efforts of the fire extinguishing, we work immediately to remove the water. To expedite the process, we make use of specialized equipment like water pumps, wet-vacs, air movers and dehumidifiers. This water extraction mitigates warping and damage to furnishings and very importantly, limits the chance of mold growth.

5. Soot and Smoke Removal. Our professionals are highly skilled in removing soot and smoke through the use of specialized equipment and techniques. We'll work with speed to eliminate all smoke and soot from your walls, ceilings, hard surfaces and HVAC system.

6. Cleaning and Disinfecting. All items that can be restored will necessitate cleaning and disinfecting. We use a variety of sanitizing products and cleaning techniques to accomplish this objective. Typically, we'll remove odors with air scrubbers and foggers.

7. Restoration. The last component of the remediation process is restoration. Our professionals will work hard to complete small repairs, install new carpet, replace drywall, etc. At SERVPRO, we believe that limiting your expenses is a primary concern. Thus, we attempt to restore items and materials rather than replacing them. In some cases, though, your property may require major construction.

As a team of fire damage remediation experts, the professionals of SERVPRO excel in restoring your property in Matthews quickly and correctly following a fire. All of our IICRC-certified technicians will offer you the customized, client-centered services that remove the burden of restoration from you and get you back home "like it never even happened."

Locally Owned, with National Resources 

We live and work in Matthews too; we might even be neighbors. As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of South Charlotte is close by and ready to respond to your fire damage. We are proud to be an active member of the Matthews community. Call us for assistance. (704) 333-7737

Appliance Failure And Water Damage in Charlotte

11/2/2015 (Permalink)

Check and Replace Appliance Water Lines to Prevent Water Damage Says the Experts from SERVPRO

SERVPRO Recommends Appliance Inspections to Prevent Water Damage to Your Charlotte Property

Charlotte water damage to your home can be the result of appliance failures leading to leaking or flooding. For this reason, it is important that you access tips and tricks that will help you keep your home safe from water damage. Learn more about how to decrease susceptibility to water damage by reviewing the following strategies offered by SERVPRO.

Shut Your Water Off

Your first step when you realize that there is flooding is to shut off the water source. There should be a main water line shut off in the area where your water line enters the residential property. Take a moment to learn where this water shut off valve is located right now so that you'll be prepared in the event of an emergency. SERVPRO strongly recommends this tip.

Dishwashers and Refrigerators are the two kitchen appliances known for causing flooding. Here are some simple tricks to use with these appliances:
• Periodically check under the sink for leaks where the water supply connects to the hose. If you have an ice-maker or water dispenser, check the water supply line connector on the cold water line.
• Search the base cabinet of your kitchen sink for warped flooring materials, leaks, or underlays that have moisture or water pooling resulting in possible visible water damage.

Washing Machine. Make sure that you're replacing the cold and hot water hoses of the washing machine regularly. Ideally, they should be replaced every four or five years. These replacement efforts are important because the hoses can become damaged if the washing machine moves or vibrates during the wash cycle. Make sure that the drain tube is secure in the housing on the wall.

Clothes Dryer. Simply cleaning the dryer's lint trap following each load will not be sufficient for keeping the vent line free and clear of lint. Also, check the exterior port occasionally for clogging from leaves or other foreign material. If the ductwork and air vents become clogged, the dryer can start to function inefficiently. A malfunctioning dryer could also initiate a fire. Fire damage could lead to water damage if firefighters need to extinguish an extensive blaze with water. Make sure that you're using your vacuum cleaner's nozzle to clean the lint line once each month.

Water Heater. Make sure you drain your water heater once each year. This will prevent sediment build up from forming at the bottom of your tank causing rusting (oxidation) and calcified buildups leading to clogging. Check that your emergency overflow line is unobstructed and that your water heater is sitting on a catch pan for retaining initial leaks. A slow drip into this pan may save your ceiling from drywall repairs if your water heater is installed in the attic.

Although faulty appliances can lead to serious water damage, being aware and periodically checking your appliances, may prevent any large, expensive issue. If you have water damage in your Charlotte home, call SERVPRO. Our assessment and recommended strategy to dry the water damaged areas, will immediately begin thus limiting water-damaged furnishings, carpeting, and structural materials by following guidelines of the IICRC.  Our goal is to limit your expenses and make it like it never even happened.

Locally Owned and Operated

SERVPRO of South Charlotte is locally owned and operated. When you have a water or flooding emergency, we’re already nearby and ready to help. We take pride in being a part of the Charlotte community and want to do our part in making our community the best it can be. Call us. (704) 333-7737

Why Hire A Charlotte Restoration Company?

6/23/2015 (Permalink)

After water damage, a restoration company in Charlotte can restore your home to pre loss condition with their licensed technicians.

A Charlotte restoration company is essential for repairing your home or business when it is affected by a flood, storm or plumbing disaster. Invading water is a destructive force for a structure, especially when the moisture contains contamination such as waste or chemicals. The moisture entering a building cause more destruction the longer it remains, so it is vital to call a professional remediation company as soon as possible. 

Why is a Water Damage Restoration Company Hired for These Problems?

The overflow from sewer lines and rivers contain life-threatening contaminants that people should avoid. Some of the contaminants from floods include organic waste from livestock, petroleum products or fertilizers. All of these contaminants and floodwater create the perfect environment for deadly microbes such as fungi, viruses and bacteria. In addition, flooding conditions make it easier for parasites and wildlife to invade a building, creating an additional danger. Fatal injuries due to structural problems, wet electrical wiring and fire are also a possibility for anyone entering a flooded building. 

The technicians working for water restoration companies understand the environmental problems inside a flooded building and have the equipment and training to eliminate hazardous threats. Because mold begins to grow on moist materials within 48-hours, it is essential to contact a remediation company with the technicians and tools to dry and clean surfaces quickly. 

How Do Water Damage Restoration Companies Perform Repairs?

Water restoration companies follow a standard remediation process that includes removing large items from a building to assess the damage. Items such as insulation, baseboards and carpeting are typically beyond repair and are removed for disposal. Organic materials, including drywall and paneling are often also removed due to mold growth that constitutes a health risk. 

After standing water is removed with sump pumps, technicians can install dehumidifier and fan systems to reduce humidity and dry materials. Restoration technicians will monitor humidity levels with moisture meters to ensure items dry quickly to avoid additional mold growth. 

The drying process requires several days to complete with technicians immediately beginning a cleanup process to return a building to its original condition. After a building is dried and cleaned completely, it is possible to rebuild interior structures with new drywall, insulation and baseboards. 

The Charlotte water damage company’s goal is to have technicians’ complete repairs as fast as possible to enable a customer to return to a safe building and normal life. 

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.

Our highly trained technicians are ready to respond immediately to flood or water damage at your Charlotte property. We have the experience, expertise, and training to restore your home or business quickly and properly. We use advanced inspection and extraction equipment to find the water and remove it as quickly as possible. Our technicians will monitor and document the drying process to ensure your property is back to normal.

Do You Have Water or Flood Damage?
Call Us Today – (704) 333-7737