Recent Posts
Three Ways We Support Local Businesses
10/9/2024 (Permalink)
In addition to our primary cleanup and restoration services, our team also offers professional HVAC cleaning services!
Many people are aware that we assist homeowners with fire, water, and mold damage restoration, but they may not realize that we also extend our services to businesses and commercial properties. While fire and water damage restoration remain at the core of our work, we offer a wide range of other services that support businesses in our community!
Sewage Cleanup: Sewage backups can be a significant issue for any business, especially for those in the food service and healthcare industries, such as restaurants and hospitals. Maintaining a clean and sanitary environment is essential in these spaces. Our team is equipped to clean up sewage backups and treat affected areas to prevent the growth of harmful microbes.
Biohazard Cleanup: Biohazard incidents vary widely, from crime scenes and bodily fluids to hazardous chemical spills. These situations require specialized cleanup and disposal procedures, which our trained and certified team is fully prepared to handle, ensuring a safe and compliant environment.
HVAC System Cleanings: Over time, dust and other particles can accumulate in a business’s duct system, compromising air quality and causing the HVAC system to work harder than necessary. Our team offers comprehensive HVAC cleaning services, helping to improve air quality and system efficiency.
Even if a business doesn’t experience a major disaster, they may still require our services. We’ve proudly supported hundreds of commercial property owners in the Lenoir area since we began operations in 2009. If your business needs our assistance, know that we are available around the clock, every day of the week!
How HVAC Issues Can Lead to Water Damage and What You Can Do
9/10/2024 (Permalink)
Monitor your HVAC system for damage that can lead to the development of problems.
As the seasons shift from summer to fall and then to winter in North Carolina, we rely heavily on our HVAC systems to keep us comfortable. During these transitions, we switch from cooling to heating, making it essential to monitor our HVAC systems for any potential issues that could lead to serious damage.
One common issue is a clogged condensate drain pipe, which can cause the HVAC system’s drain pan to overflow. This is a frequent problem in areas like Stony Point, where drain pipe fittings can become disconnected, allowing water to leak from the unit and potentially cause water damage to ceilings and floors. Additionally, a malfunctioning or dirty pump can lead to water leaks, which may go unnoticed until they cause significant damage.
When the drain pipe gets clogged, water backs up into the line and fills the drain pan, eventually leading to an overflow. If the condensate pump isn't working correctly, this can cause even more extensive water leakage, flooding basements or attics. Persistent water exposure can also encourage mold growth within the HVAC unit, leading to further clogs and damage.
Some of the other common issues caused by HVAC systems include soaked carpets, collapsed ceilings, or damaged drywall. Water damage may also occur due to low refrigerant levels, improper drain line traps, or condensate buildup in ductwork that isn’t properly insulated.
To avoid these costly issues and ensure your HVAC system is working efficiently without risking water damage to your home, it's essential to schedule regular maintenance. If you’re concerned about potential problems with your HVAC system, SERVPRO® is Here to Help®.
At SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties, we offer expert HVAC maintenance and repair services. Locally owned and operated, we provide 24/7 emergency service. Call us today at (828) 396-1070 to prevent water damage and keep your home comfortable year-round.
Essential Fire Prevention Tips to Protect Your Home
8/1/2024 (Permalink)
Fires can be devastating, but many are preventable!
Fires can be devastating and cause immense stress, but the good news is that many are preventable. As fire damage cleanup specialists, we've encountered numerous fires and have learned valuable strategies for reducing fire risks.
One key prevention tip is to keep heat sources away from anything flammable. During the colder months, we frequently see fires sparked by space heaters or candles that were placed too close to combustible items. To minimize the risk, always maintain a safe distance of at least 3 feet between heat sources and flammable materials.
Another crucial safety measure is to avoid smoking indoors. While we don’t endorse smoking, if you do smoke, it's vital to do so outside. The National Fire Protection Association reports that from 2012-2016, smoking-related fires were the leading cause of home fire fatalities. Always extinguish smoking materials in water and ensure they are fully out before disposing of them.
It's also important to address any frayed wires in your home. Many people continue to use cords until they completely fail, but exposed wires can generate enough heat to ignite a fire. Regularly inspect your wires and replace any that show signs of wear.
As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. The physical and emotional toll of a fire is significant, so taking steps to prevent them is crucial. However, if a fire does occur, remember that SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties is ready to help you recover.
Understanding Mold: Removal Versus Remediation
4/4/2024 (Permalink)
Mold growth like this can get out of hand, but mold remediation services would take care of the problem!
Dealing with mold in your home or business is a top priority to halt its growth and prevent further damage. However, confusion often arises when people seek assistance and encounter companies offering "mold removal" services. Unfortunately, this term can create misleading expectations and may lead to unnecessary expenses. It's crucial to understand the distinction and seek out a mold remediation company instead.
Mold Removal
The concept of mold removal typically entails two goals:
- Eliminating existing mold growth.
- Eradicating mold spores from the property.
However, the challenge lies in the ubiquity of mold spores, which are present both indoors and outdoors. Even though these spores are invisible, they can remain dormant until activated by moisture. Given their sheer abundance, it's practically impossible to entirely eradicate them from a property. Moreover, attempting such complete removal would be exorbitantly costly.
Mold Remediation
In contrast, mold remediation focuses on addressing active mold growth effectively. Since mold becomes problematic only when it's actively spreading, the primary objective is to target and halt its growth. Besides treating the mold itself, reputable mold remediation professionals, like ourselves, also tackle underlying moisture issues that contribute to mold proliferation.
To gain insights into our meticulous remediation process, visit our mold remediation page.
Restoring Your Home
Mold is a common issue faced by many households, but with prompt professional intervention, it can be swiftly resolved. If you reside in the Lenoir, NC area and suspect mold growth in your property, don't hesitate to reach out to SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties at (828) 396-1070. We're here to help!
When SERVPRO Is Called, Flood Water Damage Is Reduced
10/31/2023 (Permalink)
Be Prepared For Storm Damage in the Hickory, Newton, or Conover area.
At SERVPRO, we pursue an aggressive strategy of mitigation, meaning we send out crews 24/7 as quickly as possible to respond rapidly to a scene and stop further damage from occurring. Some disasters rely on mitigation more than others, and flood damage is one of the more significant mitigation topics. We urge homeowners who have fallen victim to a flood to contact us as soon as possible, as a speedy response makes a big difference in how much time and money the situation ends up costing you.
When water floods an area, every nook and cranny are susceptible to significant water damage. If we can't respond quickly to a case of flood damage in Hickory, Newton, Conover, or the surrounding area, water will begin to work its way through cracks and corners into deeper regions of your home. In the worst cases, when the homeowner is away or unaware of the damage, it can even seep into and damage the building foundation.
Floodwaters breed mold, fungi, and present an environment for insects and microbes to expand in great numbers quickly. Early removal of floodwater is critical in stopping the growth and reproduction of these unwanted consequences. We will also need to initiate a thorough drying process to free the area from mold's grip, and pumping out water quickly is a vital first step to diminishing these effects.
Floods tend to open up areas to conditions that propagate further damage to the home, manipulating factors such as temperature, humidity, and air flow in the home. If we can respond quickly enough, we can set up equipment to control these variables before the flood ever gets a chance to disrupt the internal elements of the structure.
SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties employs a strategy of mitigation to help prevent as much damage as possible to your home in the event of a disaster. If your home has been flooded, call us right away 24/7 at (828) 396-1070 so that we can respond quickly and begin to mitigate damage.
Water Damage in Your Business? SERVPRO is Here to Help.
10/26/2023 (Permalink)
Count on SERVPRO for any Hickory area Water Damage Help
It's a regular part of many employees' work duties to maintain and clean their work area, and at times, the areas of other employees. Some situations fall outside of normal working conditions, and these need to have special rules. Allowing, or requiring, employees to clean up spills and messes is expected to a certain degree, but some situations surpass this.
If your Hickory business has a case with commercial water damage, there are several reasons why you should bring in outside help, instead of having your employees rectify the watery mess. First is their safety during the task of cleaning up, but you should also keep in mind their experience in dealing with hazards such as this. Many times, it isn't only water that is causing problems, but microscopic organisms and inorganic compounds that the water might contain. These contaminants can create health and safety concerns and possible risks. Any injuries or illnesses resulting from cleaning up will be your responsibility.
You also have an obligation to your company. Having unskilled and unqualified people cleaning, restoring, and repairing commercial water damage at your site can leave the building lacking on many different levels. Some of these can become serious risks to the safety of others later. SERVPRO has the certified IICRC training and water damage restoration technicians to restore your structure.
Work done by unqualified or unlicensed people can also create havoc with not only your insurance agent but also with local code enforcement officers. Not only might you find that your employees are unable to complete even small portions of the work required to keep you in business, but you will be unable to provide the necessary paperwork to document the repairs that were needed, and performed, for your business to be re-approved by code enforcement. The same is also true with your insurance carrier when it comes time to file a claim for reimbursement. Better to call a business to keep you in business.
It's better to call an expert and experienced professionals with the required licensing and certifications who can handle any size disaster. When you have commercial water damage, it's time to call us, SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties at (828) 396-1070. We'll get your business cleaned up and functional again.
Fire Damage? Here's What You Have To Do.
9/28/2023 (Permalink)
A house fire can destroy the structure and your possessions, but a fire damage restoration team like SERVPRO can help you recover!
If your home has a fire, attaining high-quality fire damage restoration services is strongly recommended. If you don't take this important step, you could risk subjecting your property to structural damage and unwanted mold growth. There is a broad range of restoration services that these experts offer to get your home back in great shape.
The Four Major Fire Damage Restoration Techniques
In general, fire damage restoration companies in Lenoir will utilize four processes to restore your residential property. These methods include drying the home, the removal of unsalvageable materials, completing structural repairs, and thoroughly cleaning the HVAC equipment. Learn more about each process below.
Drying Your Home
One of your first priorities after a fire should be to dry the water damage left behind by the firefighters. Unfortunately, damp furniture, moist drywalls, and standing water all create the perfect setting for mold to grow and thrive within. Restoration specialists know this, and they use equipment like air movers and dehumidifiers to quickly dry your property.
Discarding Unsalvageable Materials
After a fire, many items are unsalvageable and have to be discarded. This is necessary to prevent further contamination and for your own health and safety. Your local disaster restoration company will check all materials in the affected areas and properly dispose of items deemed unsalvageable (always with the property owner’s permission, of course).
If you choose to use our team here at SERVPRO, we can also store and clean items that are considered salvageable. This allows you to save many sentimental items and eliminates the costs associated with direct replacement.
HVAC System Cleaning
During a fire, smoke and soot particles cover affected areas, including your HVAC system. Before you even consider turning on your system, it’s essential that your ducts are thoroughly cleaned. This prevents particles from recirculating through your home and reduces strain on your system!
Structural Rebuild
In many cases, fires do substantive damage to the structure of a home. As such, many homeowners need repair services to get their property back to its original condition. Luckily, some fire damage specialists—like our team in Lenoir, NC—may offer this service as a part of the restoration process.
Locally Owned Company with National Resources
If your home has a fire, you might face a difficult road to recovery. But calling a team of fire restoration experts can make the process easier to manage. If you live in the Lenoir, NC area, SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties is your professional team. Now celebrating our 10th anniversary, we have the experience and expertise to make any fire damage “Like it never even happened.” If your home has a fire, call us today at (828) 396-1070!
Top Causes of Water Damage and How to Fix Them
8/21/2023 (Permalink)
This is not where you want to see water!
As many water damage restoration experts know, there are numerous situations that can expose your Hickory, NC home to the effects of water damage. Irrespective of which situation arises—a weather event or a mechanical breakdown—it's crucial that you hire a top-notch water damage restoration company, such as our team at SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Counties.
Basements or Crawl Spaces
Basements are a very common place to have water damage. If your back and sideyard slopes have a negative grade, you can find your property subjected to water damage. In this case, excess lawn water or rain will flow toward your foundation rather than drain away from the base. Correctly grading your lawn can help prevent the need for extensive water damage repairs.
Pipes that leak or burst can also generate substantive water damage. To prevent this, the plumbing in the basement area should periodically be inspected for leaks.
Appliance Leaks
Broken or leaking appliances can generate unwanted water damage, such as dishwashers, toilets, or washing machines that leak or overflow. In some cases, this can be waste-filled, chemical-laden water which would make water removal the number one priority. Additionally, a refrigerator containing a water filtration system and ice maker may develop hose leaks from the water supply line. If these leaks remain unnoticed for extended periods of time, they can give rise to mold growth and damage to the walls, floors, and the foundation.
Other Causes and Effects Of Water Damage
In addition to water intrusion from the above instances, water damage can result from excessive humidity and leaky roofs. Water that enters your property from the roof indicates that quick repairs are necessary to stymie further issues. Similarly, excessive humidity can cause warping in your window frames, ceilings, flooring, floor joists, furniture, and walls. In a crawl space, it may be necessary to install permanent dehumidifiers and plastic poly to establish a vapor barrier.
It's important to minimize the effects of any water damage in order to prevent mold and structural damage. When moisture issues are not addressed, the structure can deteriorate, and mold growth can transform into an infestation. That's why a company with the knowledge, equipment, and experience—such as SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties—should perform both water damage restoration and mold remediation.
A Recognized Water Damage Solution
If you find that your Hickory or surrounding area property experiences water damage, the most effective solution is to hire a water damage restoration company to begin the cleanup, repair, and restoration process. In our case, we offer 24-hour emergency services, excellent customer service, and expedient remediation work that will return your home to a safe, sanitary condition.
As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties is close by and ready to respond to your water and flood damage emergency. If you need help, call us immediately at (828) 396-1070.
Meet Ingrid Lainez, Crew Chief at the Textiles Department at SERVPRO
2/13/2023 (Permalink)
Meet Ingrid Lainez, Crew Chief at the Textiles Department at SERVPRO
We recently spent some time talking with employees at SERVPRO Alexander, Burke, Caldwell and Catawba Counties to find out why they work for SERVPRO and how they feel they can help customers.
https://youtu.be/DL7gXFnv0Tg
In this video, meet Ingrid Lainez. Ingrid joined our team in 2014. Ingrid serves a unique role as the manager of our textiles department. She leads a team that cleans, deodorizes, and returns damaged soft contents to our customers.
At SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties, our cleanup and restoration team is always available to help you recover from water, fire, or mold damage. If you have an incident at your home in the Alexander, Burke, Caldwell or Catawba County area, give us a call at (828) 392-7985!
Meet Kisha, Business Development Rep at SERVPRO
10/7/2022 (Permalink)
Kisha Edwards, Business Development Rep at SERVPRO
We recently spent some time talking with employees at SERVPRO Alexander, Burke, Caldwell and Catawba Counties to find out why they work for SERVPRO and how they feel they can help customers.
Click to watch the video of Kisha Edwards!
In this video, meet Kisha Edwards, our Business Development Rep. Kisha hit the ground running with us in June 2021. Kisha is enjoys building relationships with our customers and teams in Alexander, Burke, Caldwell and Iredell counties.
At SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties, our cleanup and restoration team is always available to help you recover from water, fire, or mold damage. If you have an incident at your home in the Alexander, Burke, Caldwell or Catawba County area, give us a call at (828) 392-7985!
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