Know the Categories Of Water Intrusion

9/19/2022 (Permalink)

The scope and intensity of the repairs depend on how much water is inside the house and which materials are already wet.

At SERVPRO, we like to remind our customers that no restoration job is impossible. While severe flooding can lead to complete destruction of some items, there are always others that are salvageable. In fact, as long as repairs get started within two days of the original incident, the chance of full remediation is high.

Nevertheless, the scope and intensity of the repairs depend on how much water is inside the house and which materials are already wet. When handling flood damage in the Hickory area, our technicians carry out an inspection first to determine the level of water intrusion. The assessment adheres to official guidelines from the IICRC. Keep reading to learn more about the categories of water intrusion and what they mean for Hickory area residents.

Class One
Class one involves minimal water intrusion, which means that this is the least serious type of water damage. Most items affected are non-porous (concrete floors, appliances, etc.) In this case, only limited repairs are necessary. Pumping is enough to extract most of the liquid, after which a small dehumidifier can be used to complete the job. Typical Scenario: a toilet overflows onto a sealed tile floor.

Class Two
There is a significant volume of water. Several porous items are affected (curtains, carpets, etc.) The extraction takes longer, in this case, because more water is absorbed. Dehumidifiers are used (for longer periods) to draw water vapor out of soft materials. Typical Scenario: a burst water pipe inside a gypsum board wall.

Class Three
Substantial amounts of standing water remain after the incident. Many porous items have absorbed flood liquids. The most intensive rates of evaporation are required to extract it in a timely fashion. The SERVPRO technicians probably need to lift carpets and (in some cases) make holes in the walls to increase ventilation. Typical Scenario: natural flooding causes rapid water intrusion, which quickly soaks the ground floor.

Class Four
The most severe type of flood damage involves water that gets trapped between building materials. It is tough to handle, takes a long time to restore, and it does cause lengthy disruptions to regular routines. The drying process is complex and requires the use of considerable vapor pressure differentials. Typical Scenario: a severe sewage overflow or backup which soaks through the walls.

At SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Catawba and Burke Counties, we approach every emergency with a unique strategy. Our repair methods are tailored to fit the needs of your home and guarantee a fast, effective restoration. Call us 24/7 at (828) 396-1070 today.

SERVPRO Dries Out Businesses After Storm Related Water Intrusion

9/6/2022 (Permalink)

Businesses like a bakery needs SERVPRO for extracting storm water

Businesses can suffer much less damage from a severe storm than a residence and still have to close their doors permanently. Each hour and day of clean-up are more important to saving not just a building, but an income and a contributor to the community as well.

A  building like a warehouse, manufacturing facility or office building can lose its functionality and close its doors permanently after a few days of water damage has ruined equipment beyond repair. SERVPRO has the training not just to respond quickly, but to properly clean and restore a facility to bring it back in line with city health codes, if at all possible. Storm-induced flooding does not have to have a lasting effect on your business.

The first step is getting rid of the water. For standing water, even in a large kitchen and customer service area, our technicians use commercial grade pumps to remove inches and even a foot of water in a matter of hours. With the visible water gone, our response team can tackle the next two items: drying out property and hidden water extraction.

Expensive industrial items such as commercial ovens are usually above most high water points but can suffer damage in a massive plumbing failure. Technicians must completely dry the electronics and heating elements before allowing the owner to use them again. Since it is not possible to disassemble these industrial appliances without violating warranties or possibly damaging them further, our technicians use commercial space heaters and dehumidifiers.

Both equipment items draw out moisture from the surrounding air and off of nearby surfaces. These techniques leave a dry surface without the chance of threads from towels or pieces of sponge accidentally being left behind to contaminate any of your goods or supplies.

As this happens, other technicians dry out the building itself. Water extraction tools draw out moisture from floors, walls, and property items such as display cases. We accomplish this using commercial grade extraction wands that combine heat and vacuum to pull water droplets from between and underneath floor tiles and sections of concrete. Response team members also use the same heaters and dehumidifiers in corners to speed up drying walls, cabinets, and underneath counters.

SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties understands that every hour your business is closed means income lost and customers go un-served. Count on a strong effort from a component of the SERVPRO large-loss storm team. Despite an improving economy, small business owners are still operating on narrow margins and even a weekend lost can mean not making payroll or loan payments. To prevent this from happening, call us at (828) 396-1070 to restore your business and your livelihood.

Kitchen Fire Damage Prevention Tips

8/22/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damage in Lenoir kitchens occurs too often

Hickory fire damage often occurs in the kitchen. According to the most current research by the National Fire Protection Association, 2 out of every 5 home fires start in the kitchen. Kitchen fires are also the leading causes of home-fire-related injuries. Prevent kitchen fires with the following safety tips:

Watch What You Are Cooking
Unattended cooking is the primary cause of cooking fires. Mitigate fire risks by: 
- Always remaining in the kitchen when you grill, broil, or fry
- If you exit the kitchen, even for a second or two, turn off the heat source
- Using a timer when cooking
- Checking food regularly to make sure it doesn’t overcook

Be In The Right Condition To Cook
According to the NFPA, kitchen fires can happen when you are inattentive and impaired. Therefore: 
- Avoid using your stove if you are sleepy

Remove All Cooking Surfaces
Keep flammable items such as paper towels, potholders and wooden spoons clear of the stovetop. You should clean your oven often to remove any spills and food debris. Additionally, clean stovetops frequently to remove grease and oil.

Use Your Appliances Wisely
According to Consumer Reports, kitchen appliances were the cause of over $547 million in fire damages in 2006-2008. Safeguard your home by doing the following: 
- Always read and adhere to manufacturer’s instructions/safety warnings for all appliances
- Immediately register all new appliances to receive recall information
- Always act on product recalls
- Review product safety complaints about appliances in the kitchen to evaluate potential hazards
- Store small appliances unplugged
- Inspect all the power cords you use on appliances -- replace them if frayed
- Avoid using extension cords. Directly plug appliances into outlets

Maintain Personal Safety
According to estimations by the University Of Rochester Medical Center, maintaining personal safety helps prevent injuries to both yourself and others from kitchen fires. Do the following: 
- Keep pets and children from cooking surfaces
- Tuck in long shirts before cooking
- Roll up your sleeves to prevent them from being close to cooking surfaces
- Secure long hair

Take the above precautions and prevent fire damage in your Hickory kitchen. A safer kitchen protects your family and home. If you experience a fire damage emergency, feel free to call SERVPRO of Alexander, Burke, Caldwell & Catawba Counties on (828) 396-1070. They are trusted and prominent leaders in the restoration industry. These fire damage Hickory professionals work round the clock to attend to any emergency. Whether you have cleaning or restoration needs, talk to them today.

Why Your Employees Should NOT Try to Clean Up Water Damage

8/10/2022 (Permalink)

Count on SERVPRO for Bethlehem Water Damage Help

SERVPRO is the Answer to Water Damage in Your Business

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, Newton, Conover, or surrounding area's 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. 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, Burke, Caldwell and Catawba Counties at (828) 396-1070. We'll get your business cleaned up and functional again.

The Importance of Mitigating Flood Damage

7/25/2022 (Permalink)

If a storm leaves your home with flood damage, call SERVPRO for professional water removal services.

Water Damage Is Reduced from Flooding When SERVPRO Is Called for Help

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.
 
Stopping Seepage and Penetration
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 the Hickory, Newton, or Conover areas, 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.

Preventing Mold Growth and Further Infection
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.
 
Keeping Conditions Under Control
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, Burke, Caldwell & Catawba 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.

3 Ways SERVPRO of Alexander, Burke, Caldwell and Catawba Counties Serves the Community

7/11/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO delivered bicycles and other gifts to needy families in the Alexander, Burke, Caldwell and Catawba County area.

As a member of the Unifour community for almost 14 years, we’ve witnessed and been part of amazing things. And because all of our employees reside in the area, we’ve contributed to numerous events and organizations that our company supports. We love our community and try to serve it in many different ways.

• We sponsor many local events. If there’s a major event in the area, you’ll almost definitely see SERVPRO listed as one of the sponsors. We set up booths at local golf tournaments, participate in Christmas gift delivery for needy families, and even sponsor the blackberry-eating contest each year at the NC Blackberry Festival.
• We serve on many boards. Several of our employees have roles beyond their normal day-to-day responsibilities. They also serve on advisory boards and boards of directors for many events and nonprofits. We often play an active part in some of the events we sponsor!
• We donate to many nonprofits. There are some organizations in our area that are doing amazing things, and we love to help them when we can. We regularly donate to the causes we see making the most impact!

We strongly believe in our community, and we show that each and every day. It’s also why we are committed to serving homeowners and businesses after they have water, fire, or mold damage. It’s our goal to make it “Like it never even happened!”

Meet Beth Lawrence, Project Manager at SERVPRO

6/28/2022 (Permalink)

Meet Beth Lawrence, Project Manager 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.

In this video, meet Beth Lawrence, our Project Manager, as she tells us how SERVPRO of Alexander, Burke, Caldwell and Catawba Counties can work to help customers restore their home or business after they have a disaster. Beth has worked with SERVPRO since 2013 and has served multiple roles during her tenure.

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!

SERVPRO Helps Reduce Water Damage from Storms and Floods

6/20/2022 (Permalink)

Be Prepared For Storm Damage in the Hickory 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.
 
Stopping Seepage and Penetration
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 Taylorsville, 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.
 
Keeping Conditions Under Control
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, Burke, Caldwell and Catawba 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.

Fast Action Can Save Important Documents with Water Damage

6/18/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Alexander, Burke, Caldwell and Catawba Counties has the ability to stabilize and reserve your wet documents!

Whether it affects your home or business, water damage can leave a soggy mess behind. Paper files, documents, books, photographs, and paper-based artworks can be ruined if quick action is not taken. Fortunately, SERVPRO of Alexander and Caldwell Counties can immediately respond to your call and begin the process of preserving and stabilizing all of your irreplaceable papers. 

Freezing Your Documents

If you have wet documents, your first step should be to freeze them. The most important thing to understand about wet papers is that no damage can be undone; they can only be stabilized and preserved. By immediately placing them in a freezer, you’re stabilizing the documents and preventing additional damage until they can be dried. If you don’t have access to a large enough freezer space, let our team know upon initial contact so they can make arrangements.

Saving Your Documents: The Vacuum Freeze Drying Process

There are a few ways you can attempt to dry and save your documents, but as of now, the most efficient method is by vacuum freeze drying them. (Other processes can leave your documents brittle or in an otherwise less-stable condition.) As a SERVPRO franchise, we have access to such a chamber at our corporate headquarters, which is monitored 24/7 and is staffed by HIPPA Master-certified personnel.

In this chamber, your documents will undergo a process known as sublimation to achieve dryness without returning the water to its liquid stage; this ultimately prevents additional deterioration. In the event that the documents are contaminated or odorous, the Document Restoration Team can address those issues as well!

Managing Expectations

It’s important to remember that no matter how much our team might try, it’s impossible to fully restore a document back to its original condition. If ink smears or the paper has started to warp, those effects will last even after the drying process. We aim to return them in a usable condition, not necessarily pristine. That’s why it’s imperative that you freeze your wet documents as soon as possible—to mitigate the lasting effects.

Your Document Drying Solution in Hickory, NC, and Newton, NC

If you reside or work in Hickory or the surrounding areas, you need a disaster restoration team you can trust. Fortunately, our local team at SERVPRO of Alexander, Burke, Caldwell and Catawba Counties has 10 years of experience restoring homes and businesses after they’ve suffered from a disaster. So if you have wet or otherwise-damaged documents you need to preserve, call us now at (828) 396-1070!

Our Highly Trained Restoration Specialists

6/17/2022 (Permalink)

We are an IICRC Certified Firm

SERVPRO of Alexander, Burke, Caldwell and Catawba Counties is an IICRC firm. 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.

IICRC Certified Firms must

• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.

• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.

• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.

• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.

• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

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.

Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.

About SERVPRO of Alexander, Burke, Caldwell and Catawba Counties

SERVPRO of Alexander, Burke, Caldwell and Catawba Counties specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: from initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Why is Water Damage So Destructive to Your Home?

5/24/2022 (Permalink)

Water damages in the Caldwell County and surrounding area can occur from numerous sources.

At some point, many homeowners will be faced with the task of handling water damage issues on their property. Unfortunately, these incidents can have negative impacts on your home’s structure. However, learning more about water damage and how to deal with it effectively can preclude you from experiencing anxiety and economic losses.

Common Causes of Water Damage

From our 10 years of experience, water damages in the Caldwell County and surrounding area can occur from numerous sources. Appliance leakages, for example, occur when water heaters, washing machines, and other appliances malfunction or fail due to age. Flooding can occur when pipes burst or when rain intrudes in your home through structural weaknesses. Regardless of the source, your home is still at some level of risk!

Structural Damages Caused By Excess Water

Water damage can negatively impact your property in numerous ways. For example, if a home is flooded and the property owner did not have flood insurance, the damages may be too expensive to repair. It's important to note that water damage often results in damage to personal belongings, documents, furniture, drapes, and clothing. Water damage can also compromise or destroy the functionality of electrical appliances and connections. Finally, wooden items like structure beams and flooring are susceptible to serious rotting.

Calling Your Local SERVPRO Professionals

Once water damage affects your property, it's time to call the professionals of SERVPRO. Our IICRC-certified water damage restoration experts will work to provide you with the fast, effective services necessary to get your property back in pristine condition. Additionally, our technicians recognize that water damage can be a difficult experience to grapple with. For this reason, they consistently offer excellent customer service to keep you calm and comfortable throughout the restoration process.

As a locally owned and operated business in the Caldwell County, NC area, SERVPRO of Alexander, Burke, Caldwell and Catawba Counties is strategically located to quickly respond to any water damage. Call us today at (828) 396-1070.

Meet Kim & Randy Williams as they Share SERVPRO Customer Success Stories

5/13/2022 (Permalink)

Kim and Randy Williams are the owners of SERVPRO of Alexander, Burke, Caldwell and Catawba Counties and SERVPRO of Iredell County.

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.

In this video, meet Kim and Randy Williams, owners of SERVPRO of Alexander, Burke, Caldwell and Catawba Counties and SERVPRO of Iredell County. Kim and Randy share some stories about their customers and how SERVPRO can help people and businesses in their time of need.

Click to watch the video.

After years in the restoration and cleanup industry, Randy and Kim decided to start their own SERVPRO franchise and incorporated in January 2009, just after the recession hit. While it was a slow start, they took every job and treated their customers with empathy and respect. Today, they have over 70 employees and operate four franchises that serve the entire Unifour region, including Lenoir, NC; Morganton, NC; Hickory, NC; Newton, NC; and Conover, NC. Their employees take to the streets 24/7/365 to meet the disaster restoration needs of 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!

Fire Damage Remediation 101

5/9/2022 (Permalink)

Residential fire services provided by SERVPRO.

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 the Alexander County area 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 the Alexander County, NC area—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, Burke, Caldwell and Catawba 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.

2 Companies To Call After a Fire

5/2/2022 (Permalink)

If you've had a fire, it's time to make some important calls so you can get your life back on track!

House fires are one of the most stressful things to live through. Many belongings are destroyed, lives can lose a sense of normalcy, and the whole process is just overwhelming. Now having served the community for 10 years, SERVPRO of Alexander, Burke, Caldwell and Catawba Counties has worked with countless Mooresville homeowners to restore their properties. During that time, we’ve learned that customers often aren’t sure what the next steps are after the fire’s been put out!

Know Who To Call

1. Call Your Local Disaster Restoration Company. Once the fire is out, the cleanup process should begin as soon as possible. A restoration company like SERVPRO can board up the home, extract standing water, clean your contents, and more. Once you call our office, we’ll dispatch a team to walk you through the cleanup process we use to get you back to normal.

2. Call Your Insurance Company. Your insurance company will play a large role in ensuring your home and possessions are cleaned and restored. In fact, our team will be working closely with your insurance adjuster to make sure you get coverage for the services you need. Your insurance company can also help you with other questions, such as temporary lodging and some next steps.

Your Local Cleanup and Restoration Company

If you’re like most people, house fires aren’t a common experience for you. So when the flames die out, it’s important to call the companies above and get professional help. Experts like our team at SERVPRO of Alexander, Burke, Caldwell and Catawba Counties know exactly how to get your Hickory, NC home back to its pre-disaster condition!

Common Causes of Commercial Water Damage

5/2/2022 (Permalink)

A SERVPRO employee cuts out a section of drywall so he can dry hidden moisture in this water-damaged building.

Each year, dozens of businesses in the Newton, NC area have water damage. At best, these incidents are a minor inconvenience; at worst, they can halt operations and cost the company thousands of dollars. Over the years, SERVPRO of Alexander, Burke, Caldwell and Catawba Counties has helped hundreds of commercial properties recover from water damages, so we’re sharing some of the most common causes!

Why You Have Commercial Water Damage

1. Sprinkler system malfunction. A sprinkler system is a great investment as far as fire safety is concerned. After all, these systems have the ability to control a fire before it gets out of hand! But they also have the potential to cause unwanted water damage, like when there’s a leak or if they discharge prematurely. While we encourage you to install a sprinkler system at your place of business, it’s equally important that you conduct regular maintenance and inspections.

2. Pipe burst/leak. Your plumbing system contains pressurized water, so when there’s a break in the system, dozens of gallons can burst into your building. Many businesses in the Newton community have faced this issue, though for varying reasons. Some incidents, for example, are caused by a workplace accident; others are the result of age and/or a lack of maintenance. Regardless, your property’s pipes should be protected and inspected at all costs!

3. Structural leaks. Your building does more than just home your place of operations; it also protects it from the outside. Rain can cause a lot of damage, which many people have experienced during past floods, but the building’s structure prevents that from happening. If there’s a crack or other deficiency in the structure, however, it can allow rain to infiltrate your space. In fact, we’ve seen several buildings that were flooded because of some sort of structural damage.

Water Damage Professionals Serving Newton, NC

As we’ve illustrated above, water damage can occur in the most unexpected ways. While it’s not possible to know when and how you’ll have a disaster, you can prepare for yourself for potential scenarios. If you regularly inspect your building and its water systems, you can hopefully identify issues before they occur. But if you do have water damage, know that SERVPRO of Alexander, Burke, Caldwell and Catawba Counties' water mitigation professionals are always here to help!

SERVPRO Supports the 2022 Construction Rodeo

4/20/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO was happy to serve as a sponsor of this year's Construction Rodeo in Burke County

The 2022 Construction Rodeo was a success, held by Western Piedmont Community College! 

The students, along with students from Caldwell, McDowell and Catawba county schools, competed in several different tasks including blueprint reading, hammering, measuring, drilling, driving heavy equipment simulator and much more!

During this excited event, students tested their skills in timed competitions and got the chance to network with sponsors.

Students also had the chance to meet and connect with local employers.  Different companies sponsoring the event came to speak to student about their services and what type of skills their employees need.

SERVPRO was happy to serve as a sponsor of this year's Construction Rodeo in Burke County.  Check out the video below to see more about the event!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kw7Zlyz1f5w

Meet Mike Richey, Commercial Business Development Representative

4/20/2022 (Permalink)

Meet Mike Richey, our Commercial Business Development Representative at SERVPRO of Alexander, Burke, Caldwell and Catawba Counties.

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.

In this video, meet Mike Richey, our Commercial Business Development Representative, as he tells us how SERVPRO of Alexander, Burke, Caldwell and Catawba Counties can help restore your home or business after an emergency.  He tells us how the SERVPRO team works to help make peoples' lives easier when faced with challenges.

Click to view this video

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!

Smoke and Soot Damage Can Cause a Pervasive Odor in Your Alexander County Home

4/19/2022 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Alexander, Burke, Caldwell and Catawba Counties will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – 828-392-7294

Restoring Your Hickory Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

4/11/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO was fast on the scene to start the mitigation and restoration of this commercial water disaster.

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

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

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

About SERVPRO of Alexander, Burke, Caldwell and Catawba Counties

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

Catawba County 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

3/28/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Alexander, Burke, Caldwell and Catawba Counties is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - 828-396-1070

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Alexander, Burke, Caldwell and Catawba Counties  has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of Alexander, Burke, Caldwell and Catawba Counties

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

Meet Tonya Hughes, Quality Assurance with SERVPRO

3/28/2022 (Permalink)

Tonya Hughes, Quality Assurance with 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.

In this video, meet Tonya Hughes as she tells us why she works in Quality Assurance with SERVPRO of Alexander, Burke, Caldwell and Catawba Counties.  She tells us why she enjoys working with customers and with other members of the SERVPRO team to help those in need.

Click to view this video

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!

What to Do When You Have Water Damage

2/22/2022 (Permalink)

Not sure what to do if you have water damage? We've got you covered!

Every week, dozens of Morganton, NC property owners call us because their home or business has been affected by flooding, leaks, or other water damages. Fortunately, many people go years without having one of these incidents, but that also means these same people aren’t as prepared for when they do. At SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties, we’ve helped thousands of water damage victims clean and restore their properties. That’s why we’re reviewing what you should expect and the steps you should take if and when your property is affected.

Steps You Can Take to Protect Your Property

If you have water damage, you don’t have to deal with it on your own. Below are three things you should do to get the help you need.

1. Deal with the water source. If you have water damage, you should first determine what’s causing the damage and address it at the source. If you have a broken pipe, for example, you’ll need to shut off the water and call a plumber. In some cases, like flooding from a storm, you’ll have to wait until the event is over before you get help.

2. Call a water damage cleanup and restoration company. Water damage—if not adequately addressed—can cause mold growth and compromise your home’s structural integrity. That’s why you should contact a water mitigation company as quickly as possible. They will be able to extract the water, dry affected materials, and apply antimicrobial to discourage mold growth. If you do have mold, companies like SERVPRO can also perform mold remediation!

3. Call your insurance company. Water damage incidents can be costly, but if you have insurance, that’s where it comes in handy! Contact your local representative and review your coverage; it may save you a lot on out-of-pocket expenses. If you contacted a local water mitigation company, they will typically work with your insurance company on your behalf.

We’re Water Cleanup Professionals

Water can do significant damage to your home, but if you follow the above steps, you can stay in control. At SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties, our cleanup and restoration team is always available to help you recover from water damage. If you have an incident at your Morganton, NC home, give us a call at (828) 396-1070!

Why You Should Have Your Air Ducts Cleaned

2/15/2022 (Permalink)

A duct cleaning removes contaminants and improves your system's performance!

When was the last time you had your home’s duct system cleaned? If you’re like most people, it’s been a long time — if it’s ever been done! A professional duct cleaning isn’t something many homeowners think about, but it can do wonders for your system. That’s why the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) recommends you have your ducts cleaned at least once a year. SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties has cleaned hundreds of duct systems, so if you’re on the fence, below are some things you should consider!

The Benefits of Getting a Duct Cleaning

1. You can reduce strain on your system. Over time, your air ducts accrue dust, dirt, and other contaminants, which can disrupt the airflow. To compensate for the reduced airways, your HVAC system has to work harder, which can result in higher energy bills and operational issues. A duct cleaning can clear the ducts to allow for a more efficient system!

2. Improve air quality. Nobody likes to breathe in stuffy, dirty air. A professional duct cleaning removes these particles from your system so it doesn’t continue to redistribute them around your house. This is particularly helpful if you have pollen, pet dandruff, or other allergens in your system.

3. Reduce or eliminate odors. Sometimes odors linger throughout your home no matter how much you clean. In such cases, the problem may stem from your duct system, which continues to circulate contaminants throughout your home. If you have this issue, a duct cleaning can either help or remove the problem.

Duct Cleaning Service in Hickory, NC

Your HVAC system is an essential part of your home, so without regular maintenance, it can experience problems when you need it most. If you do need a professional duct cleaning in the Hickory area, know that SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties is a NADCA-certified facility. We use industry-standard practices to make sure your system is fully cleaned!

Why Businesses Choose to Be Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

2/1/2022 (Permalink)

Our Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program will give your customers the confidence they need!

Nearly two years since COVID-19 became a pandemic, every local business in the Newton, NC area has had to take precautions to protect themselves and their customers. While many consumers have returned to their pre-pandemic shopping habits, most are still concerned about their health and safety.

Back in 2020, we launched a new viral cleaning initiative—Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned—which was designed to disinfect local businesses while instilling confidence in consumers. Since we launched the program, we’ve helped many local businesses keep their customers and their employees safe.

SERVPRO is a Trusted Brand

Although SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties has operated in the Unifour area for more than a decade, SERVPRO itself has been a leading expert in the cleaning and restoration industry for more than 50 years. We’ve developed proprietary cleaning products that we use every day, even when we clean and disinfect local businesses. We’re also one of the top restoration brands in the country, which gives customers assurance when they see your business has been disinfected by SERVPRO.

Give Your Customers Peace of Mind

Although most businesses have reopened to partial or full capacity, many consumers aren’t on the same page. In truth, your business likely has to go above and beyond the government recommendations before you begin to win your customers’ confidence. When you choose to be Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you’re signaling to customers that you’re taking extra precautions to ensure their safety. We even provide special signage so you can show customers the last time your property was professionally cleaned and disinfected.

Choose to be Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

If your local business has any type of foot traffic, you’ll need to clean and disinfect your property. Don’t do it yourself—get it professionally done so you can show your community that you’re taking special care to keep them safe. SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties has helped many businesses in the Newton and Conover, NC areas, so if you would like a free consultation, call us today at (828) 396-1070!

4 Types of Storms We Have in Catawba County

1/18/2022 (Permalink)

Storms affect hundreds of local homes each year, so prepare now!

Each year, bad weather damages hundreds of homes and businesses in the Hickory, NC area. These incidents can cause broken windows, damaged roofs, water damage, and more, which is why our team is often called to clean up the mess. At SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties, we’ve seen first-hand how destructive the weather can be, so if you’re trying to prepare your property for potential storm damage, here are some storms you should be ready for.

Common Types of Storms in Our Area

1. Thunderstorms. Typically a summertime phenomenon, thunderstorms—while usually mild—can cause a lot of damage, such as downed trees, heavy rains, and even start fires.

2. Hurricanes. Hurricanes generally occur in the second half of the year, and they can be quite destructive, such as Hurricane Florence. We don’t usually sustain as much damage as the coastal region, but we still often feel the effects in the form of rain and wind.

3. Tornadoes. Tornadoes aren’t a frequent occurrence in the region, but they aren’t uncommon, either. Unfortunately, they are highly destructive and can cause tree damage and expose homes to the elements.

4. Winter Storms. Each year, we typically get one or two winter storms, such as snow, sleet, or some type of wintery mix. They might be pretty, but they can create problems such as collapsed roofs and burst pipes.

Cleaning Up Storm Damages

Storms can cause a significant amount of damage, but if you’re aware of the potential dangers, you can take preventative steps. If you’re not sure where to start, Ready.gov has a dedicated page for each of these phenomena. But if you do suffer from storm damage, you can call us at (828) 396-1070 to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Why Our Customers Choose SERVPRO

1/4/2022 (Permalink)

Our customers sometimes send us cards or online reviews to thank us for the work that we do!

For over a decade, SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties has helped Hickory, Morganton, and Lenoir residents recover from fire damages, flooding, mold, and more. We’ve invested a lot into this community, and we are always honored to serve those in their time of need. This is why it’s rewarding to hear from our customers — whether it’s an online review, a letter, or directly from the customer. If you’re unsure why you should call us to clean and restore your damaged home, here’s what some of our past customers have had to say!

Our Customers’ Feedback

We called SERVPRO when we had a little fire in our home. They came to our home immediately and could not have been more professional and knowledgeable. Machines were brought in to get rid of smell, A/C ducts were cleaned out, and they did a fabulous job with cleaning my home.

— Lauren G. of Lenoir, NC

Jerry with SERVPRO came out twice to inspect my water damage. I’m a disabled veteran and short on funds. He gave me advice on how to manage it on my own, and he was respectful and kind, which is hard to find today. For this terrific service, I will give my future business loyalty and referrals locally. Highly recommended!

— Carolyn D. of Hickory, NC

SERVPRO is a fantastic company! Very efficient and responsive to my situation. Job was completed in a reasonable amount of time! Jonathan was very professional and great to work with throughout the entire process.

— Sean Y. of Morganton, NC

Your Local Cleanup Professionals

At SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties, we do everything we can to ensure our customers have a positive experience. Our team is friendly and professional, our quality assurance department makes sure you’re happy, and we’re fully transparent about our process and everything we do. If you need a local cleanup and restoration company, know that SERVPRO is available 24/7 to make any disaster look “Like it never even happened.”

How SERVPRO Can Serve Your Morganton Business

12/28/2021 (Permalink)

Sewage and other biohazard incidents can strike without warning, so call for professional help when it does!

Every business tries to address its customers’ challenges and pain points. For example, SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties is known for its fire and water damage cleanup services, so when a business has a disaster, they call us so they can resume operations as quickly as possible. But we know Morganton businesses face other challenges, and that’s why offer services to address those problems.

How We Can Help

1. We create Emergency Ready Profiles. Most businesses acknowledge that a disaster would cost them a lot of money, but many of them don’t have the time or resources to prepare. That’s why SERVPRO offers free Emergency Ready Profiles (ERPs). One of our representatives will visit your location, gather some information, and create a custom ERP for your business. These profiles detail contact information, emergency shut-off locations, and more, so your staff knows exactly what to do in an emergency!

2. We clean up biohazard incidents. Biohazards can cause negative health effects and require proper gear and disposal methods to clean up. Depending on your business and the nature of the biohazard, you may not be equipped to handle such an incident. Fortunately, our team is trained and equipped to handle these types of situations! We can even clean and sanitize affected areas so you don’t have to worry about being exposed to pathogens.

3. We clean commercial HVAC systems. You might know that we clean residential HVAC systems, but our NADCA-certified staff is also trained to handle commercial systems! A duct cleaning can improve air quality and reduce stress on your system, which can preserve its life and save you money. Most importantly, it can help reduce allergies and other issues that may be affecting your workforce.

Professionals You Can Rely On

Our team knows that your Morganton business has more than fire and water damage to contend with. That’s why we aim to be a one-stop shop for all of your cleanup and restoration needs, including contents cleaning, odor removal, crime scene cleanup, and more. If you need our services (or want to just see if there’s something we can do), call SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties anytime at (828) 396-1070!

Keep Warm with These 3 Fireplace Safety Tips

12/14/2021 (Permalink)

Fireplaces are great when it's cold, but if you don't use them safely, they can pose a significant threat to your Lenoir, NC home.

Imagine sitting in front of your fireplace while holding a cup of hot cocoa. For many, this is a cherished moment that we look forward to each fall and winter. Now imagine losing control of that fire and much of your home in the process. As difficult as it may seem, fireplace-based house fires are relatively common. Since many Lenoir homes have fireplaces, you should know how you can safely use yours!

Keep Flammable Materials Away

Any time you have an open flame, you should keep the area around it clear. Unfortunately, a lot of homeowners keep decorations, furniture, and other items around their fireplace. All of these objects pose a potential fire risk, especially if they are highly flammable (such as Christmas trees). Any time you plan on using your fireplace, be sure to create a clearing of at least 3 feet.

Open the Flue While in Use

When you use your fireplace, you probably prefer the smoke went out the chimney instead of through your home. That’s what the flue damper is for — to open and close the flue so you can control what goes in and out of your chimney. Before you start the fire, make sure the flue is open so the smoke can travel through the chimney; otherwise it will have nowhere else to go and force its way into your living room.
It’s just as important to close it once the fire has been fully extinguished — you don’t want heat to escape!

Never Abandon Your Fireplace

One of the worst things you can do with a fire is abandon it. Any fire can get out of control within seconds, so it’s a bad idea to leave your fireplace unattended. If you’re going to leave the room for any amount of time, be sure to put out the flame or have somebody else monitor it!

Don’t Let Your Fireplace Ruin the Season

As temperatures continue to drop, we’ll find ourselves spending more and more time indoors. While we certainly encourage you to keep warm, we also encourage you to do so safely. If you do have a house fire, though, don’t fret! SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties is available 24/7 to clean up soot and smoke damage, so if you live in Lenoir, NC, call us any time at (828) 396-1070!

Why You May Need Disinfecting Services at Your Commercial Property

11/30/2021 (Permalink)

Professional cleaning and sanitization services can keep your work space safe for customers and employees!

The COVID-19 Delta variant has once again highlighted the importance of keeping your workplace clean and sanitized. We’ve been offering cleaning and disinfecting services to local businesses that want to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus at their property, but we’ve actually offered this service for years. There are multiple reasons why you might want professional disinfecting services beyond this pandemic.

Localized Outbreaks in Schools and Gyms

Flu and stomach pathogens were prevalent issues long before COVID-19. Some schools have had to temporarily close to address outbreaks that were affecting many of their students. If your school, gym, or high-traffic business wants to get ahead of the problem, call us for a proactive cleaning. This won’t completely eliminate the problem since pathogens can be reintroduced into the environment, but it will help reduce the spread.

Sewage or Biohazard Incident

If you had a sewage backup or a biohazard incident at your place of business, you’re potentially exposing your employees and your customers to viruses and bacteria. In fact, that’s why OSHA has laid out specific protocols for handling these types of incidents. Fortunately, our team has the training and expertise to not only clean these incidents but also disinfect the affected areas. This can help limit the overall damage and keep your people safe!

Your Cleanup Professionals

SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties understands the risks that pathogens can present. That’s why we follow safety protocols and regulations to clean and disinfect businesses that might have a problem. If you need a professional cleaning or want to learn more about our Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program, call us at (828) 396-1070!

3 Storm Preparation Tips

11/16/2021 (Permalink)

Storm events happen multiple times a year, so take steps to prepare now!

Each year, weather events damage homes in our local community. In the last two years, for example, we had periods of flooding, and in 2018, we had bad freezes, the outer bands of Hurricane Florence, and heavy snowfall. We also had tornado damage in Hickory near the end of 2017. These events usually result in numerous homes and businesses suffering from some sort of storm damage. Because you never know how these storms will play out, it’s important you take steps to prepare in advance.

How to Prepare for A Storm Event

1. Always have a fully stocked emergency preparedness kit. An emergency preparedness kit is an essential tool for any type of disaster. Your kit may include several things, but there are usually staple items, such as a First-Aid kit, food, and water. For a full checklist, we recommend you visit Ready.org.

2. Prepare your home for potential damage. Each type of storm brings its own set of threats. An ice storm encourages pipes to freeze and burst. Hurricanes and tornadoes can down trees and turn unsecured objects into dangerous projectiles. Once you know what kind of storm you have, visit Ready.org to learn the types of damages you can expect, as well as how you can prepare.

3. Track the storm. It’s always a good idea to know when and where a storm is going to strike. Not only does this give you a timeline, but it can also help you understand the potential impact and whether you need to evacuate. Today’s phones will alert you of impending weather threats, but periodically checking on your local weather station can give you ample time to prepare.

When You Need Storm Professionals

Because storms can be destructive, they involve a lot of preparation. But if your Hickory, NC home or business does have storm damage, we’re your local disaster restoration company. Our IICRC-certified technicians can clean up after flooding, burst pipes, and more, so if you need help, call SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties!

What is A Puffback?

11/2/2021 (Permalink)

Soot can damage your belongings and leave a lingering odor. If you have a puffback, call our cleanup professionals today!

Imagine coming home one cold, fall evening to discover your living room is covered in soot. This is a reality many Morganton residents face in the cold seasons, often catching them by surprise. These incidents are called puffbacks, and they are more common than you might think. Fortunately, our team at SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties has helped hundreds of residents clean their soot-damaged homes, so we're all too familiar with these types of incidents.

Understanding Puffbacks

A puffback occurs when a furnace or boiler backfires and shoots soot into your home. These backfires occur because the heaters do not ignite properly and allow fuel to build up in the chamber. Once they do ignite, it can create anything from smoke to a small explosion, which pushes smoke and soot into the home and damages belongings.

Generally, puffbacks can be prevented with a little maintenance. For example, you should regularly check for oil leaks or soot, and you should make sure your heating system is clean and free of dust.

Cleaning Up a Puffback

Puffbacks are very messy and can be a major disturbance in your Morganton home. Although soot is very difficult to clean, our expert professionals here at SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties have both the techniques and the experience to clean and remove soot. If you have a puffback or any other soot-related incident, know that our team is always here to help!

How Your Toilet Can Damage Your Hickory Home

10/19/2021 (Permalink)

If your toilet isn't properly maintained, you can have water damage and other issues!

Loo. John. Commode. Whatever you call it, the toilet is an important feature in every home, yet most homeowners aren’t aware that these fixtures can cause a lot of damage. In fact, toilet-related damage can be some of the most expensive kinds of water damage to clean up and restore. That’s why it’s vital to understand how yours can create a disaster in your home. As your local cleanup and restoration professionals, our team here at SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties is sharing some of the ways your toilet can damage your Hickory, NC home.

Toilet Overflow

Nothing makes your stomach sink more than a toilet that backs up and overflows. While this can sometimes be a minor issue, it can also become a much larger problem. In situations where it’s only a low volume of clean water, you can likely dry it up yourself. But if there’s a lot of water or it’s contaminated (i.e. you just used it), that’s where you have a problem.

For starters, dirty toilet water contains bacteria, which we strongly recommend you call a professional to clean up. Even if you’re not worried about touching your own waste, the remaining bacteria can thrive and cause future health effects for you or your family if it's not properly cleaned up.

The other problem is that even if the water is clean, it can be too much for someone to handle if there's enough of it. Water will enter porous materials like drywall, which can cause them to warp and/or hold the moisture and foster mold growth. So even if the water appears to have been dried, it can eventually become a problem.

Toilet Leak

Your toilet isn’t likely to last forever. Like most things in your home, they eventually wear out and parts can fail. Whether it’s from the base, the supply line, or anywhere else, a toilet can cause a lot of water damage, especially if it goes unnoticed for an extended period of time. While this water is generally potable, it still poses a major threat to your home in the form of structural damage and mold growth.

Sewage Backup

Nobody wants to discover their main sewage line clogged and backed up their toilet. Yet this is a problem that plagues many homeowners each year. Like any case involving biohazardous materials, professional cleanup is required because they pose a major health risk. In addition to sewage cleanup, there will likely need to be extensive restoration work, depending on the extent of the damage.

Prevent Toilet-Related Damages

As we’ve demonstrated, your home’s toilet can be a potential source of unwanted damage. Because we often take these fixtures for granted, it’s important you remain alert to any changes and perform routine maintenance. But if your Hickory home does have a disaster, be sure to call our team here at SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties!

Signs Your Home Has Water Damage

10/5/2021 (Permalink)

If you see mold, you either have or have had ongoing water damage. You'll want to find cleanup professionals near you!

No Morganton homeowner wants to discover their home has water damage, but if they do, they'll want it to be shortly after it occurred. That’s because the longer water damage is left unaddressed, the more destructive it can be to your home. Unfortunately, it’s not always obvious that water’s present, so how do you know if your home’s been affected? SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties has dried and restored thousands of water-damaged homes, so here are a few signs to look out for!

Water Damage Symptoms

1. Bubbling or discoloration in your walls, floors, and ceilings. Short of seeing the incident yourself, one of the easiest ways you can tell you’ve had water damage is by noticing changes to your home’s walls, floors, and/or ceilings. For example, wallpaper may bubble, paint may peel, and hardwood floors may buckle. These and others are signs that you’ve had water damage.

2. You have mold. Mold spores are everywhere — even in your home — but they don’t pose a threat until they’re exposed to moisture for extended periods of time. Without water, mold spores wouldn’t be able to grow and spread their colonies, so if you notice mold around your home, you’ve more than likely had water damage.

3. Unusually high water bills. Paying attention to your water bill can help you save money, but it can also warn you of potential leaks in your home. An unusually high water bill indicates that — short of a billing error — more water is being consumed than usual. Oftentimes, this extra usage is caused by a pipe leaking somewhere in the home.

Your Water Damage Professionals in Morganton, NC

Water damage is problematic and often leads to other issues, which is why it’s crucial to call a disaster restoration company like SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties if you detect it in your home. Our professional team is always ready to serve any Morganton, NC resident, so give us a call today!

Understanding Flash Floods

9/21/2021 (Permalink)

Creeks and other bodies of water can quickly overflow, causing flash flooding to local homes.

Flooding can be a major problem, even here in the Unifour area. If that seems unlikely, recall that both Caldwell & Catawba Counties declared a state of emergencies due to flooding for the past two years. Because these incidents don’t happen very often, we’ve discovered many aren’t aware of how destructive flooding can be, or, in the case of flash flooding, how fast it can occur.

What is a Flash Flood?

While flooding can gradually occur over a long period of rain, it can also happen very quickly. Known as a flash flood, this type of flooding occurs within 6 hours of rainfall, but according to the National Weather Service, it often happens in as quickly as 3 hours. This type of natural disaster can happen anywhere — in a creek, your neighborhood, or even the main roads.

Driving & Flash Floods

Flash floods are a major problem when it comes to roadways, and they are responsible for many accidents. These waters are unpredictable, which is why it’s strongly recommended that you avoid driving when a flash flood warning is issued. So be sure to adhere to any warnings, and avoid driving at night, when it’s harder to see flooding.

Being Aware of Weather Events

Weather can cause a lot of damage to both you and your property. In fact, during each of the last few flood events, we received more than 300 calls from customers who had damage to their homes. While not all disasters can be avoided, having advance warnings can help you mitigate the effects. That’s why it’s important to regularly keep up with weather news, such as on Ray’s Weather. If you do have a disaster, though, be sure to call our professionally trained team here at SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties to make it “Like it never even happened.”

The Flood Cleanup Process

9/7/2021 (Permalink)

We extracted water in this Lenoir, NC apartment building after it had flooding.

Flooding can happen to anyone for a number of reasons. Storms, for example, can cause heavy rains to infiltrate your home. Frozen pipes are another problem because they can burst as they thaw. Regardless of how it happens, flooding can cause significant damage to your home — and that’s not even considering the eventual mold growth. Fortunately, disaster restoration professionals such as SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties in Lenoir, NC can clean up and restore flooded properties using an industry-standard process!

Step 1: Assessing the Damage

Once our crews arrive on the scene, their priority is to assess the damage. They’ll need to identify the cause of the incident, make sure it’s addressed, and identify which rooms have been affected. At this point, they will also get initial moisture level readings. All of this information is essential for our team to develop a customized game plan for your home or business.

Step 2: Extract the Water

Once our crew has finished assessing the damage, they’ll start extracting the water. We have different extraction machines — both truck-mounted and portable — that can suck up large volumes of water from carpet and other types of flooring. Once we’ve removed all standing water, we’ll begin drying out your property!

Step 3: Drying Out Your Home

Once the excess water has been extracted, we’ll set out air movers and dehumidifiers to dry out your home. These machines work collaboratively by pulling moisture into the air and then cooling it and converting it back into water — this time into a controlled container! This process exponentially speeds up the drying process, which can prevent structural damage and lowers the risk of mold growth.

Step 4: Cleaning Your Belongings

Your belongings have sentimental value, which is why we do everything we can to protect them. Our team will remove all furniture and other possessions from affected rooms and safely transport them back to our warehouse to be cleaned and stored. If items have been completely ruined and cannot be salvaged, we will properly dispose of them — always with your permission!

Step 5: Restoring Your Home

Once the drying process is complete, our technicians will remove the equipment! If you also decide to use us for the repairs, our reconstruction team will assess the damage, provide a quote, and then begin the final step of the process. And of course, we’ll return all of your salvageable possessions—cleaned and restored!

Your Local Disaster Restoration Team

SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba County has helped thousands of homes and businesses recover from disaster since we opened our doors in 2009. We’ve seen how devastating floods can be, but we’ve also seen how homes can be cleaned and restored. If you have flooding at your Lenoir, NC property, call our team today!

Grilling Safety Tips

8/24/2021 (Permalink)

Grilling can be fun and rewarding, but it's important that you do so safely!

Grilling is an American pastime that anyone can enjoy, especially during the summer and as we enjoy time with our friends and family. While a grill can be a great tool to prepare your favorite foods, it can also be a fire hazard. If you plan on grilling, there are a few safety tips you should keep in mind.

How to Use Your Grill Safely

1) Grill at least 10 feet away from your home. It doesn’t matter how careful you are — accidents can happen. That’s why you should keep your grill at least 10 feet away from your home and other property. Otherwise, a small flame could quickly get out of hand.

2) Never leave your grill unattended. Fires can get out of control in a matter of seconds, so you should never leave a grill unattended while it’s still in use. If you need to leave the area for any reason, have another adult keep watch, or turn off the grill until you can return.

3) Keep a fire extinguisher within close proximity. If you have an incident, you can potentially keep it from getting out of control with a fire extinguisher. Always keep one within a couple of steps so you can quickly access it if needed. If you need to use one, be sure to follow the PASS method.

4) Clean your grill regularly. Grease makes a great fuel source for a fire, which is why a clean grill is a safer grill. Always clean your grill after each use to prevent grease buildup.

Fire Damage Professionals in Hickory, North Carolina

Last year was especially difficult, but now that things have returned to some level of normal, you don’t want to make life any tougher by having an out-of-control fire. The above tips can help mitigate your risk, but it’s still possible you’ll have an accident. If your home has fire damage, you’ll need professional cleanup and restoration services. Fortunately, if you live in the Hickory community, SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties is available 24/7 at (828) 396-1070!

3 Ways to Prepare Your Hickory Business for Disaster

8/10/2021 (Permalink)

Fire and water damages can disrupt your business operations, but you can plan ahead to mitigate the disruption!

There’s no telling when—or if—your Hickory, NC business will have a disaster. You could have a fire, your pipes could burst and flood your office, mold can disrupt your operations, and so much more. Unfortunately, more than 40% of businesses that endure a disaster don’t reopen their doors, and many that do, close down a short time later. But if you’re prepared for the inevitable, you can mitigate the risk and increase the odds of your business’ survival.

How to Protect Your Business

1. Make sure your business is properly insured. For many people, insurance is one of those things you don’t want until you really need it. Even though it’s an extra expense up front, if you ever do have a disaster, it can save you thousands of dollars in the long run. While you have the opportunity, call your insurance representative and review your policies — and discuss other options that might be beneficial!

2. Develop an emergency plan. Do your employees know what to do if you have flooding or a fire? Do you? If not, work with your team (including other executives, HR, and marketing) to devise both an operational and a PR strategy in the event of a disaster. Once the plan is devised, it should be regularly reviewed and updated, so if something does happen, you can immediately respond and mitigate damages.

3. Keep backup copies of all documents and data. Equipment can be replaced, but not all documents can. Vital records can be damaged or destroyed in a disaster, so be sure to back them up and store them in a safe location. Generally, it’s recommended to keep digital copies of everything and have them backed up in the cloud.

Your Restoration Professionals

The last thing any business owner wants is to have a disaster on their property. Although disasters can’t always be prevented, you can take steps to mitigate the damage. If your Hickory-based business does have a disaster, though, our team at SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties is always here to help!

3 Steps You Can Take to Prevent Rain Damage in Hickory, NC

7/27/2021 (Permalink)

Rain can cause a lot of damage, but you can take steps to prevent it!

Rain is great for our grass and plants, but it can be problematic for our homes. Each year, rain causes flooding and other damages in homes in Hickory, NC and the surrounding areas. While there’s nothing we can do to stop the precipitation, there are at least 3 steps you can take to prevent damage to your home.

How to Prevent Rain Damages

1. Regularly clean your gutters. We get it—nobody likes to clean their gutters, but they’re not just for decoration. This important system redirects rain away from your home and prevents it from pooling. Fallen leaves, bird nests, and other debris can cause blockage, which can ultimately result in leakage or other complications.

2. Grade your yard away from your home. Your yard should be sloped away from your home; otherwise, gravity will redirect rainwater back to your property. This is especially problematic for homes with basements, but this can affect any home. If you aren’t familiar with grading, it’s always best to hire a landscape professional.

3. Install and maintain a sump pump. Basements tend to be the most susceptible to flooding, but a sump pump can mitigate the damages. This device is installed into the floor of your basement, where it captures and redirects water away from your home. As long as it's maintained, it can save you the headache!

Your Flood Professionals

Rain might be nice to watch from your back porch, but it can lead to unwanted water damages. If rainwater does disrupt your peace, you’ll want a water damage cleanup company to clean up the mess. Fortunately, SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burk and Catawba Counties is available 24/7 to serve the Hickory, NC community!

How We Train Our Team

7/13/2021 (Permalink)

We also hold training sessions to keep our technicians current on the latest trends and best practices!

At SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties, we have a team of more than 70 well-trained employees. We believe that in order to provide the best possible customer service, we need to invest in hiring and training the right people. To accomplish this, we have our employees go through multiple programs, such as through SERVPRO HQ, the IICRC, and, in some cases, NADCA.

SERVPRO’s Training Program

At our corporate headquarters in Gallatin, TN, we have a state-of-the-art training facility where SERVPRO employees can experience the mitigation process first-hand. We have a dedicated house that is intentionally flooded so crew chiefs and technicians can learn how to extract water and dry out a home. When possible, we send our crews to this special facility to get the full SERVPRO training experience.

IICRC and NADCA

In addition to SERVPRO’s rigorous training program, we also have our field staff get relevant certifications from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). This organization sets the standards for training and certification in our industry, and we encourage all our employees to get their certification.

Some of our employees also have certifications from the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), which sets the standards for the duct cleaning industry. This allows our technicians to be knowledgeable and use the most current methods for cleaning HVAC systems!

A Team of Quality People

SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties’ mission is to develop a team of quality people who focus on excellent service, fairness, and mutual respect. That’s why we push our team to be knowledgeable in the services that we provide. If you want professionals to help you clean and restore your Morganton, NC property, call us at (828) 396-1070 today!

3 Digital Resources for Storm Events in Newton, NC

6/22/2021 (Permalink)

When there's a storm event, there are several online resources to check!

In the age of information, there are thousands of resources available at your fingertips; conversely, that means there are thousands of resources to sift through. At SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties, we've seen how storms have caused significant damages to homes in the Newton, NC community, and it’s not always obvious where to look when you need help. That’s why we’re providing 3 of the top online resources for nearly any weather event.

Where to Find Help and Information

1. National Weather Service. The National Weather Service is a government agency that provides weather forecasts, warnings, and other related information to organizations and people across the nation. Their website offers in-depth information and forecasts for any region, including our own here in Newton. If you’re looking for reliable weather updates, this is the place to go.

2. FEMA. The Federal Emergency Management Agency is responsible for helping people before, during, and after disasters. Their website is particularly great if you are looking for information on dealing with many different types of disasters, such as flooding or hurricanes. If you are eligible for federal assistance, you can also visit their site for more information.

3. Catawba County Government. When Catawba County declares a state of emergency, they put all relevant information on their website. In fact, residents were able to file claims if they needed assistance. If there’s any kind of major event, be sure to check their site for news and updates.

Storm Damage Professionals Serving Newton, NC

If there’s a storm event, it’s a great idea to get information from sites you can trust. And if you need cleanup and restoration services, that site is here at SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties. We’re available 24/7, so call us anytime at (828) 396-1070!

3 Ways Water Can Damage Your Conover, NC Home

6/15/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage caused this commercial property to have mold growth and other problems!

If you spill some water on the floor, you can probably just dry it with a cloth or paper towel. But if your dishwasher has been leaking for the past few hours, you’re going to need a certified, water mitigation team. In general, people tend to underestimate how water can affect your home, especially in large volumes. The reality is that it can be quite destructive.

How Water Damages Your Home

If your home Conover property has water damage, you should be aware of how it can affect both your home and your belongings.

1. It can ruin wood. Wood is a very porous material, so when it’s exposed to water, it absorbs it, which in turn causes warping and expansion. If you’ve seen wood flooring buckle, that’s because it has absorbed too much water and can no longer fit into place. This is why wood tends to be one of our top priorities when drying a home.

2. It causes mold growth. Although mold spores are everywhere—including in your home—they don’t generally pose a problem until they’re exposed to moisture. When this happens, the spores activate and begin growing in colonies. When we visit a water-damaged home, we apply an antimicrobial treatment to help prevent mold growth.

3. It can be a health risk. Water is a great breeding ground for many bacteria, which can pose health risks, especially for people with compromised immune systems. Even if the water is initially clean, it can deteriorate within a couple of days. And if the water was already contaminated to begin with, it’s even more important you stay away from affected areas until our team has it cleaned up.

Your Cleanup and Restoration Professionals

Water damage isn’t something to ignore, especially as time goes on. If you have water damage in Conover, NC, our professionally trained team is available 24/7. We can take care of any size disaster, so give us a call today!

3 Ways We Take Care of Our Morganton, NC Customers

6/8/2021 (Permalink)

Our quality assurance department checks on customers and makes sure they're satisfied and kept up-to-date!

When many of our Morganton customers call us, they are experiencing one of the worst days in their lives. Because of the nature of our business, we put a lot of effort into optimizing our customers' experience. From beginning to end, we want our customers to feel assured that our professionals are helping them get their lives back to normal. There are many ways we accomplish this, but below are 3 of the most important steps we take!

Serving Our Morganton Customers

1. We communicate with our customers. When you have strangers in your home, you want to know what they’re doing and when. Our crew chiefs offer regular updates, explain processes, and answer any questions you may have. We also have a quality assurance team that makes sure you're satisfied both during and after the job. After all, we want you to know and trust that you’re in good care!

2. We immediately respond to disasters. If you have a disaster, you don’t want to wait hours for somebody to help you clean up your home. That’s why our staff is available 24/7 and will respond as soon as possible. Even if you have an incident at 3 a.m. on Christmas morning—we’ll be there to help.

3. We make the restoration process as stress-free as possible. Property damage can be very stressful, so our team does everything we can to help you navigate the process. We’ll help you work with your insurance, restore your belongings, and make sure you understand the next steps in the process. We’re both your helpers and your advocates!

Local Cleanup and Restoration Professionals

It’s not enough to just hire any disaster restoration company—you need to hire one that makes you feel like you’re in good hands. At SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties, we do everything we can to provide the best customer service.  We're based in Lenoir, NC, but service the entire Unifour region, so if you have fire or water damage and need professional help, you can call us anytime at (828) 396-1070!

Why Do I Need a Water Removal Company for My Hickory Home?

5/25/2021 (Permalink)

Our team can detect hidden moisture and take steps to dry it!

If you’re like most people with water damage, you want to take care of the cleanup process on your own. After all, who wants to pay for a service when you can just do it yourself? In some cases, that might be the best thing to do, but it’s also important to consult a professional when you truly need their services.

As a water mitigation company, we’ve had many potential customers call us back and decide to clean up the mess themselves. Sometimes we don’t hear from them again, but many have called back with mold growth or worsening conditions. So why exactly do you need a water mitigation company? To prevent additional damages.

Benefits of Using a Water Restoration Company

1. We take care of hidden moisture. When it comes to water damage, there’s often more than meets the eyes. Many materials, such as hardwoods and drywall, are porous, so they absorb water. This can cause the materials to expand, or it can trap the moisture, allowing it to foster mold growth. A water mitigation company, however, has the equipment to both detect and dry these materials.

2. We can prevent mold growth. Mold spores are everywhere, but they don’t pose much of a threat until they are exposed to moisture. When water damage isn’t adequately addressed, it can increase the chances of mold growth. Our team can extract and dry the water, plus we apply an antimicrobial to deter mold.

3. We’re equipped to handle contaminated water. Not all water damage is equal. Some water can be extremely contaminated (such as sewage or flood waters) and poses health risks. In these cases, you’ll need protective gear and specific processes for cleaning up the damage. Our staff is both equipped and certified to handle these situations!

Water Damage Professionals in Hickory, NC

Water damages can come in many different forms and may not require professional help. But it’s also important to know when things are beyond your control. No matter how much damage your home has, SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba County is always here to help!

3 Facts Every Hickory Homeowner Should Know About Fires

5/11/2021 (Permalink)

House fires can quickly get out of hand, so be alert and practice fire safety!

Each year, dozens of Hickory, NC homes have some level of fire damage. In many instances, they occur unexpectedly and can result in thousands of dollars worth of damages. As a fire cleanup and restoration company, we’ve helped hundreds of local homeowners recover from these types of disasters, which is why we want to share some facts you should know about house fires.

Important Facts About House Fires

1. Most fire-related deaths are due to smoke inhalation. Believe it or not, burns aren’t the cause for the majority of fire-related deaths—it’s actually from breathing in the smoke. A combination of heat, carbon monoxide, and a variety of vapors make smoke deadly to inhale. That’s why it’s important to keep low and escape as quickly as possible!

2. Cooking-related fires are the leading cause of home fires each year. Cooking is a major pastime in many Hickory homes, especially around the holidays. But most home fires actually start in the kitchen! So while you should continue to cook, you can mitigate your risk by never leaving the kitchen unattended while in use.

3. A flame can become a major fire in just 30 seconds. Most people think you have a considerable amount of time to escape from a house fire. In reality, you have just a few minutes—at best. Newer home materials burn a lot faster than they used to, so a fire can quickly grow and spread. The moment you spot a flame, you need to act immediately!

Your Fire Damage Professionals

House fires can be extremely destructive, and they shouldn’t be underestimated. If you practice fire prevention and quickly react to hazards, you can mitigate your loss. Fortunately, if your Hickory home does have a fire, our team at SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties has experience cleaning and restoring fire-damaged homes!

Common Causes of Commercial Water Damages in Morganton, NC

5/4/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage can happen to any business at any time. Fortunately, our team can clean it up!

Each year, dozens of businesses in the Morganton area have water damage. At best, these incidents are a minor inconvenience; at worst, they can halt operations and cost the company thousands of dollars. Over the years, we’ve helped hundreds of commercial properties recover from water damages, so we’re sharing some of the most common causes!

Sources of Commercial Water Damage

1. Sprinkler system malfunction. A sprinkler system is a great investment as far as fire safety is concerned. After all, these systems have the ability to control a fire before it gets out of hand! But they also have the potential to cause unwanted water damage, such as if there’s a leak or if they discharge prematurely. While we encourage you to install a sprinkler system at your place of business, it’s equally important that you conduct regular maintenance and inspections.

2. Pipe burst/leak. Your plumbing system contains pressurized water, so when there’s a break in the system, dozens of gallons can burst into your building. Many Morganton businesses have faced this issue, though for varying reasons. Some incidents, for example, are caused by a workplace accident; others are the result of age and a lack of maintenance. Regardless, your property’s pipes should be protected and inspected at all costs!

3. Structural leaks. Your building does more than just home your place of operations; it also protects it from the outside. Rain can cause a lot of damage, which many people experienced over the last couple of years, but the building’s structure prevents that from happening. If there’s a crack or other deficiency in the structure, however, it can allow rain to infiltrate your space. In fact, we’ve seen several buildings that were flooded because of some sort of structural damage.

Your Water Damage Professionals

As we’ve illustrated above, water damage can occur in the most unexpected ways. While it’s not possible to know when and how you’ll have a disaster, you can prepare for the most common kinds. If you regularly inspect your building and water systems, you can hopefully identify issues before they occur. But if you do have commercial water damage, know that our team of water mitigation professionals is always here to help!

How Our Morganton, NC Team Cleans Up Fire Damages

4/27/2021 (Permalink)

After the firefighters finish their job, our team will come in to clean up the damages!

After your Morganton, NC home has a fire, your priority is to get your home—and your life—back to normal. Our team at SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties knows that the process isn’t easy, but we’ve helped thousands of homeowners recover from disaster. If you or somebody you know is going through this process, it can be confusing. That’s why we’re outlining the general fire restoration process—from start to finish.

How We Clean Up Fire Damage

The restoration process can somewhat vary depending on the circumstances, but you can generally expect to experience the following process.

1. Assess the damage. The first thing our team will do is come out to your home and inspect the damage. From here, we’ll have a better sense of what needs to be done, and we can develop a tailored restoration plan. 

2. Extract and dry the water damage (if applicable). In most cases, if you have fire damage, you also have water damage. That’s because the fire department doesn’t help you dry your home after they extinguish the fire. If that’s the case with your property, we’ll take care of the water first. 

3. Pack out and restore salvageable items. We know how important your belongings are, which is why our team does everything in our power to clean and restore them. Our team first sorts and boxes all of your items, which we then send to our cleaning facility. From there, we use a variety of tools, equipment, and cleaning methods to attempt to restore your belongings to their pre-fire condition. 

4. Clean your home’s interior. Except in extreme cases, our team will clean soot and smoke damage from your furniture, walls, and ceiling. We use dry chemical sponges and proprietary cleaning products to remove as much soot from affected areas as possible. We even clean your HVAC system, which will likely be overloaded with soot particles and other contaminants. 

5. We return your belongings. Once we’ve finished cleaning and repairing your home, we’ll return all of your belongings we stored during the restoration process. All of your items are inventoried in our system, so you can rest assured everything will be returned!

Fire Damage Professionals in Morganton, NC

A house fire is not something you’ll want to experience. At best, one will briefly disrupt your life; at worst, it can turn your life upside-down. Fortunately, our Morganton team is experienced and knows how to handle the restoration. If you or somebody you know has a fire, our cleanup and restoration specialists are always here to help!

3 Ways We’ve Improved Our Newton, NC Services

4/13/2021 (Permalink)

Our crews can clean your air ducts, giving you cleaner air and a more efficient HVAC system.

When we opened our doors in 2009, we were a 3-person team and had the bare minimum we needed to start our own SERVPRO franchise. As we’ve grown over the years, we’ve strived to improve our processes, services, and equipment so we can continue to offer the best service to our Newton-area customers. There are several ways we’ve enhanced our services, but today we’re going to share just a few!

New and Improved Cleanup and Restoration Services

We believe in providing fast, efficient services, which is why we've made some of the following changes.

1. We have our own in-house dumpster service. In many situations, our crews have to dispose of debris and unsalvageable items. In the past, we used a 3rd-party dumpster service to provide and remove garbage containers for our crews, but these proved to be costly and had slow turn-around times. In some cases, it could take days before we could get a dumpster to a site for our crews to begin. Now we manage our own dumpsters, which keeps our costs down and allows our team to work more efficiently!

2. We have our own textiles cleaning facility. There aren’t many disaster restoration companies in the Newton area that can claim to be a one-stop shop for your restoration needs, but we do! We have a state-of-the-art textiles cleaning facility that we use to clean your damaged clothes, linens, and more. You don’t have to worry about where your belongings go—we take care of everything in-house!

3. We perform duct cleanings. Your HVAC system plays an important role in your home, which is why it needs to be constantly maintained. Excessive dust, soot particles, and other debris in your system can lower its efficiency and cause it to overwork. Fortunately, we offer duct cleaning services to the Newton and Conover, NC areas, both as part of the restoration process and as a standalone service!

Your Newton-Area Professionals

It’s our mission to offer best-in-class customer service to Newton and the surrounding areas. As we continue to grow, we’ll continue to improve our processes and the ways we can serve the community. If you have a disaster, know that our team at SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties can truly make it “Like it never even happened.”

3 Types of Businesses We’ve Served in Conover, NC

4/6/2021 (Permalink)

We've served a wide range of local industries, including this flooded manufacturing warehouse!

Many people know we can clean up and restore disasters in your Newton, NC home, but did you know we’ve also helped many businesses as well? Over the last decade, our team has served hundreds of businesses in and around the local community. At SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties, we've worked with many different industries, but here are just a few!

Hotels and Hospitality

Nothing ruins a nice stay at a hotel like a broken water pipe or mold. Over the years, we’ve helped dozens of hotels and businesses in the hospitality industry recover from a variety of issues—from flooding to fire damage to mold. We always work quickly to ensure our customers’ businesses are able to resume operations as soon as possible.

Emergency Services

Nobody is immune to disasters—including fire departments, law enforcement agencies, and other emergency services! We have helped numerous such agencies with disasters at their facilities, such as a burst pipe at a Conover-area fire department. Our team has also helped clean up biohazards and crime scene trauma.

Manufacturing

Manufacturing warehouses often have a lot of activity, which makes them more prone to accidents. Because of these and outside factors—such as weather—we often respond to calls from businesses in this industry. We’ve extracted water, cleaned up fire and smoke damage, and even cleaned HVAC systems!

Commercial Restoration Services in Conover, NC

Since 2009, we’ve learned to navigate the complex nature of commercial disasters. In fact, we’ve helped with minor cleanups all the way to million-dollar damages. Regardless of your business category, we have the expertise and the experience to help. If you need professional cleanup and restoration, call SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties today!

Can You Restore My Burnt Documents?

3/30/2021 (Permalink)

Your documents may be damaged in a fire, but it's possible we can salvage and restore what's left!

If you have a fire at your Hickory, NC home, your house's structure may not be the only thing that's damaged. Your furniture, possessions, and even your documents are all susceptible to fire damage. We’ve helped many people recover their burnt or otherwise-damaged documents, but it’s not always clear to customers what that means. SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties is your local fire damage restoration company in the Hickory, NC area, and we know exactly what you should expect!

Restoring Your Fire-Damaged Documents

While it’s true that SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties can clean and deodorize your fire-damaged documents, it’s important you understand that we can’t undo any existing damage. That's why it’s not always possible to truly restore your documents to their original condition.

Still, we take every possible step to clean and preserve your belongings. If you have a document with only light damage and is still mostly or completely legible, we can sanitize, deodorize, and even digitize them!

Fire Damage Restoration Professionals in Hickory, NC

For years, we have helped hundreds of local homeowners clean and restore their fire-damaged property. If you have burnt documents, soot-damaged belongings, or even damage to your structure, you should call our expert team today. We serve the Hickory, NC area 24/7, so call SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties any time at (828) 396-1070!

3 Ways to Prevent Water Pipe Damage in Your Morganton, NC Home

3/16/2021 (Permalink)

Pipes can burst or leak, causing costly water damages. You can prevent this with a few different steps!

Leaks and ruptured pipes are a problem that many Morganton homeowners have faced at one point or another. We rely on these pipes to carry water throughout our home, but that very same water can lead to thousands of dollars in damage. Fortunately, this kind of water damage isn’t a foregone conclusion—there are a few steps you can take to prevent damage to your water pipes.

Preventing Pipe Damages

If you want to prevent water pipe damage, you'll want to focus on regular maintenance.

1. Install a water softener. Believe it or not, hard water (water with high concentrations of dissolved minerals) is a problem that many homes in the U.S. face, including here in Morganton. This abrasive water can cause particular damage to your pipes, which can weaken over time. One possible way to mitigate the damage is to install a water softener, which helps filter out these minerals!

2. Regulate your water pressure. High water pressure is one of the most common culprits of pipe damage, as the extra pressure can overwhelm pipes and lower the life expectancy of your appliances. If you see signs of high water pressure, contact your local plumber to install or replace your pressure reducing valve.

3. Insulate them during the winter. When temperatures drop below freezing, pipes tend to freeze, which can cause undue pressure on the system and lead to ruptures. To help prevent freezing, insulate the pipes, especially if they are exposed or in areas that aren’t otherwise well-regulated.

Your Local Water Damage Professionals

Water damage can be expensive and stressful to clean up. At SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties, we have highly trained professionals who can help you navigate the process and get your home back to normal. If you have water damage in the Morganton, NC area, call us anytime at (828) 396-1070!

How We Provide Great Customer Service to Our Hickory, NC Customers

3/9/2021 (Permalink)

Pre-COVID, our employees would meet to review current jobs and address any concerns. Nowadays, this is done virtually!

Disaster Restoration Specialists with a Customer-Centric Focus

For more than a decade, SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties has helped thousands of Hickory-area residents clean and restore their damaged properties. As we’ve continued to grow, we’ve put a lot of emphasis on offering high-quality customer service. We understand that in many cases, our customers are reaching out on one of the worst days of their lives, so we take care to provide a positive and seamless experience. There are many steps we take to provide this level of service, but we’ll share a few below!

Top-Tier Customer Service in Hickory, NC

Customer service comes in many forms, such as having an expert team, listening to feedback, and offering excellent communication. At SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties, we have put particular emphasis on these three areas.

1. We train and certify our employees. One of the most important ways we can serve our customers is by ensuring our team is trained and knowledgeable in the services we provide. We have our employees maintain updated certifications through the IICRC and NADCA, as well as through programs from SERVPRO HQ!

2. We receive and implement feedback from our jobs. Since we began our local operations in 2009, we have helped thousands of homes and businesses recover from disasters. After each job, we ask customers to complete a brief satisfaction survey, which we use to improve services and the overall experience. We read each and every response!

3. We emphasize communication. Communication is extremely important to our team, which is why our employees update our customers every step of the way. We explain processes, answer questions, and provide progress reports. We want our customers to feel in control and in the know!

Your Hickory-Area Professionals

When you’re looking to hire a disaster restoration company, you want to find somebody trustworthy and knowledgeable. If you live in the Hickory, NC area, you don’t have to look far—SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties is one of the top restoration companies in the area. If you have an incident and need professional help, you can call us any time at (828) 396-1070!

Water Damage Q & A: Can I Shut Off the Drying Equipment?

2/23/2021 (Permalink)

Air movers can be noisy, but they do play an important role in mitigating water damage!

If your Newton, NC home has water damage, water mitigation companies like our team here at SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties will need to set air movers, dehumidifiers, and other equipment. Our equipment is essential in drying out the affected areas, but they can be as noisy as any machine. If water damage equipment is disturbing your peace, our experts have the answer.

Can I Turn Off the Drying Equipment?

In most situations, you should refrain from turning off the equipment. These machines are necessary to dry out your Newton home as quickly as possible. Our crews follow IICRC guidelines to determine the appropriate amount of equipment and the necessary placement needed to dry your home quickly and efficiently. The longer the affected areas remain wet, the higher your risk of mold growth, warping, and other issues. Even if you aren’t concerned about these potential complications, if the damages are covered by your insurance, disrupting the mitigation process could lead to unintended consequences from your insurance company.

Dealing with Noisy Drying Equipment

Our air movers and dehumidifiers can be loud and shouldn’t be turned off except in emergencies, but that doesn’t mean you need to suffer. If you’re staying in your home during the mitigation process, consider buying earplugs or staying in a different room, if possible. If you have other living arrangements, you may want to consider them as well.

Our team always checks on your home’s drying progress, so as soon as the affected materials reach their drying goal, the equipment will be removed from your property. Then you can enjoy quiet in your newly cleaned and restored home.

3 Ways We Take Care of Our Hickory, NC Customers

2/16/2021 (Permalink)

Our team has worked hard to build up a great customer experience!

Professional Service When You Need It Most

When many of our customers call us, they are experiencing one of the worst days of their lives. Because of the nature of our business, we put a lot of effort into our customer experience. From beginning to end, we want our customers to feel assured that our certified professionals are helping them get back to normal. There are many ways we accomplish, but below are 3 of the most important steps we take!

1. We communicate with our customers. When you have strangers in your home, you want to know what they’re doing and when. Our crew chiefs offer customers regular updates, explain processes, and answer any questions. We also have a quality assurance team that will follow up during and after the job to ensure we've met your expectations. After all, we want you to know and trust that you’re in good care!

2. We immediately respond to disasters. If you have a disaster, you don’t want to wait hours for somebody to help you clean up your home. That’s why our staff is available 24/7 and will respond as soon as possible. Even if you have an incident at 3 a.m. on Christmas morning—we’ll be there to help.

3. We make the restoration process as stress-free as possible. Property damage can be very stressful, so our team does everything we can to help you navigate the process. We’ll help you work with your insurance, we’ll help you restore your belongings, and we’ll even make sure you understand the next steps in the process. We’re your helpers and your advocates!

Certified Professionals Serving Hickory, NC and Beyond

It’s not enough to just hire a disaster restoration company—you need to hire one that makes you feel like you’re in good hands. At SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties, we do everything we can to provide the best customer service we can. If your Hickory home has fire or water damage and need professional help, you can call us anytime at (828) 396-1070!

What to Do if Your Hickory, NC Business Faces Disaster

2/2/2021 (Permalink)

Your business might suffer from disaster, but hiring a high-quality disaster restoration company can drastically improve recovery times.

Nobody really likes to think about it, but what do you do when your business suffers from disaster? If you’re like most Hickory business owners, you’ll probably stress yourself out and worry about getting everything back to the way it was before. 

We can offer prevention tips all day long, but ultimately, your business is still at risk for all kinds of disasters. If that time comes, you’ll certainly be looking for answers, and fortunately, we’re here to provide them.

Consult Your Emergency Readiness Plan

If you don’t know what an Emergency Readiness Plan (ERP) is, it might be too late to explain. An ERP is a detailed document that outlines everything you need to know to respond to an emergency. It includes emergency shut-off locations, contact information for emergency personnel and other relevant people, and much more. It’s an essential outline for any business to have.

If you have one and you’re in an emergency situation, locate it and act accordingly. If you don'thave one and you’re not in an emergency situation, contact us and we’ll put together an Emergency Readiness Plan for you free of charge!

Contact Your Insurance

This information should be in your Emergency Readiness Plan, but if not, then find their information and contact them immediately. Besides getting the ball rolling on the process, your representative will also provide you with other important information for you to get your operations running again.

However, be aware that although your insurance representative will make recommendations about who you should use for services, you ultimately get to make those decisions, so feel free to use somebody you know and trust!

Call Your Local Cleanup & Restoration Company

You want your business to be up and running again, but if your place of operations has severe water, fire, or storm damage, then you’ll have to address that first. There will likely be several different cleanup and restoration companies in your area, but consider looking for these qualities in a company:

• They have a great reputation
• They have the people and resources to handle the job quickly
• They are responsive, patient, and friendly

If you haven’t called anyone yet, our team at SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties has all of the qualities listed above and is ready at a moment’s notice, so we encourage you to call us now at (828) 396-1070!

Make Alternative Arrangements

Depending on the amount and type of damage your business has endured, it’s possible that you’ll have lost a lot of assets. So while that might mean you can’t operate from your building or use damaged equipment/machinery, it doesn’t mean you have to sit around and wait! While there’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, there are a few different options to consider:

• Use an alternative space while yours is being restored. This isn’t possible for every business, but consider temporarily using a different space so you can keep operations running. For example, one baker rented out a local church’s kitchen while she waited for hers to be restored. If you’re a retail location, it will be difficult to set up in a temporary new space, so consider selling your merchandise online!

• Contact your customers (if applicable). If you get routine business from customer orders, let them know upfront what happened. Depending on your current relationship with them, they may be willing to wait for a new order or pay upfront to help you out. At the very least, communication with your customers will let them know that you care.

• Look for outside help. The sad reality is that about 40-60% of small businesses will never reopen their doors after a disaster, according to FEMA. It’s for this reason that we encourage you to utilize all available resources—including family, friends, and community members. There’s no shame in asking for help!

Focus on Reopening

There are a lot of obstacles that arise after a disaster, but it’s not impossible to reopen your business! Take things one step at a time and work with your staff and customers as much as possible. Between you and your staff, your insurance, and your local cleanup and restoration company, your Hickory-area business can be back open in no time!

3 Ways to Prepare for Winter Storms in Hickory, NC

1/19/2021 (Permalink)

Winter can be a beautiful season, but it also brings potential danger. Always be prepared for the worst!

Winter brings a sense of wonder and enjoyment. It also brings freezing temperatures, snow, and ice storms. Although many of us look forward to seeing some precipitation this time of year, winter storms can cause damage to you and your Hickory home.

Each year, these events bring down trees, increase the number of car accidents, and result in several water damages. Fortunately, you can take some preventative steps and still enjoy the winter season.

How to Prepare

1. Insulate your pipes. When temperatures drop below freezing, your pipes are at risk of freezing. When the ice begins to thaw, the increased pressure often causes these pipes to burst. To help avoid such an incident, ensure your pipes are well-insulated, especially if they are exposed!

2. Equip your vehicle with an emergency kit. We strongly advise that you keep off the roads when conditions are poor, but sometimes you just can’t help it. In any case, pack your vehicle with an emergency kit in the event you get stuck or injured. Prepare a blanket, a first-aid kit, and even some food!

3. Check your home’s structure. When snow and ice melt, they transition back into water. Unfortunately, if there are cracks or any other deficiencies in your home’s structure, that can lead to intrusion. This relatively slow leak can lead to long-term structural damage in the form of mold growth. In preparation, have your home’s structure inspected, and have any known issues addressed!

Storm and Water Damage Professionals in Hickory, NC

While we hope you have fun this winter, taking some time to prepare can go a long way in the future. If you do have water damage, however, know that our team is available to serve the Hickory community 24/7!

How Much is an HVAC Cleaning in Hickory, NC?

1/5/2021 (Permalink)

Our Hickory, NC experts are trained to do thorough duct cleanings. We even show before and after photos!

At SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties, we offer many services—mold remediation, textiles cleaning, and odor removal, just to name a few. Many customers are surprised to learn we also perform duct cleanings! Our employees are certified by the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) and have cleaned hundreds of homes in the area.

But when our Hickory customers call us, they usually have one pressing question: how much does it cost? Well today, we’re going to explain our pricing!

Disclaimer: The pricing discussed in this post is strictly for a residential HVAC cleaning. Commercial cleanings are usually more involved and require more catered pricing, so if you have questions about that, please call our office and speak to one of our duct cleaning specialists!

The Cost of a Duct Cleaning

If you need your home’s HVAC system cleaned, the price can vary based on certain factors. However, we often give customers a quote based on the information they provide. At a minimum, a duct cleaning will cost $500, but in some cases, it will cost more. Here is our pricing breakdown:

• $38 for each vent
• $45 for each return
• $100 for air handlers located in a basement or closet
• $150 for air handlers located in an attic or crawlspace

Here’s an example: If your home 9 vents and 2 returns ($432) and the air handler is in the attic ($150), then you could expect to pay about $582.

Here’s another example: Let’s say your home has a total of 6 vents and 1 return ($273) and the air handler is in one of your closets ($100). Although those two add up to $373, you would pay $500 because that is our minimum price.

However, these are estimates and are not indicative of the final price. If our technicians find additional (or fewer) vents/returns, for example, the price may lower or increase accordingly. If there are any complications that we discover (such as mold), that may also affect the price.

Hiring Hickory HVAC Cleaners

If your air ducts need to be cleaned, it’s important that you can call professionals you can trust. Our NADCA-certified employees are thorough and transparent about the cleaning process. Plus, we always show before and after photos to our customers. So if you need expert duct cleaners at your Hickory, NC home, call SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties at (828) 396-1070!

3 Major Plumbing Disasters to Avoid

12/22/2020 (Permalink)

Sewage backups are generally unexpected, but there's usually an underlying reason.

Plumbing incidents are some of the most common reasons that Newton-area homes have water damages. Some of these problems can seem abrupt and random, but there’s usually a rational explanation. Because water damages can be stressful and expensive to clean up, we’re sharing 3 major plumbing incidents and how they’re caused.

Plumbing Problems You May Experience

1. Your pipes burst. Your plumbing system carries gallons upon gallons of water throughout your Newton home, so the last thing you want is for one of your pipes to burst. Unfortunately, pipe damages can occur for a variety of reasons, but some of the top causes are high water pressure, having hard water, and allowing pipes to freeze. If you suspect you have any of those conditions, have them corrected immediately.

2. Sewage backs up your system. Sewage is gross and unsanitary, and it belongs in your septic tank or sewer system. But every year, thousands of homeowners find it backed up in their bathrooms and surrounding areas. This can happen because of clogging, blockage from nearby tree roots, or from broken lines.

3. Your water heater leaks. We all love hot water, but not when it’s all over our floors and walls. Your water heater’s structure weakens with age, and this can lead to leaks or even ruptures. Fortunately, these types of incidents can typically be prevented by replacing your heater every several years.

Water Damage Professionals in Newton, NC

We've served the Newton, NC community for more than a decade, so we’ve seen how a home’s plumbing system can do considerable damage. Fortunately, you don’t need to be a professional plumber to prevent these types of incidents. If you perform regular maintenance and take care of your system, you can enjoy your plumbing without the drawbacks. If you do have water damage, though, know that SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba is always here to help!

What SERVPRO Can Do For Your Morganton, NC Business

12/1/2020 (Permalink)

As part of our Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program, our team is cleaning and disinfecting local businesses!

For more than a decade, we’ve helped local property owners clean up and restore their homes and businesses after they’ve had disasters. While many people in the community know we can clean up fire and water damages, there are many who don’t know we can do much more. If you have a business in the Morganton, NC community, here are some things our team can do for you.

Duct Cleaning

The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) recommends you have your HVAC cleaned every 3 to 5 years, but we’ve found many local businesses have never had it done. Over the years, your building’s duct system accrues dust, dirt, and other contaminants, which can reduce the air quality and overwork your system.

Our NADCA-certified team has the experience to fully clean your air ducts so you can keep employees healthy and keep your system optimized. We use the latest technology and techniques to keep your HVAC clean.

Mold Remediation

In addition to being unsightly and causing potential health effects, mold can damage your building’s structure. If you have a restaurant or service-based business, there is even more reason to address your mold problems as soon as possible.

Our team is certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) to remediate mold growth in your business. We can set up a containment zone and remove the affected materials so you have one less thing to worry about.

Cleaning & Disinfecting

Since the COVID-19 breakout, there has been a lot of discussion about keeping businesses safe for their customers and their employees. To help provide a safe environment, we have rolled out our Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program.

Businesses that participate in this initiative can display special signs and decals that show their property has been professionally cleaned and disinfected. This keeps your employees safe and gives your customers peace of mind!

Commercial Cleaning and Restoration Experts

With dozens of employees and more than a decade of experience serving the Newton community, our team is capable of handling any commercial job. From biohazard cleanup to document restoration, there is a wide range of services we can offer. If you need help or would like to see how else we can serve your business, know that SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties is available 24/7!

3 Frequently Asked Questions About Fire Damage

11/17/2020 (Permalink)

Our team works diligently to clean up after your home's fire damages.

We've cleaned and restored homes and businesses in the Conover, NC area for more than a decade. Over that time, we’ve helped hundreds of homes and businesses recover from fire damages. For many customers, this is a one-off experience they've never had to navigate. If this describes you, here are the answers to 3 of our most commonly asked questions.

What To Know If Your Conover Property Has a Fire

1. How long will the restoration process take? It’s hard to say exactly how long the fire damage restoration process will take. If the damage is relatively minor, it could take a few days; if the damage is more extensive, it could take months to make the necessary repairs. We understand how stressful this process can be, so we work quickly and provide updates along the way.

2. What will happen to my belongings? When possible, our goal is to restore your damaged possessions. At our Lenoir office, we have an on-site textile cleaning facility, and we have access to several propriety cleaning products and equipment that can clean most items. If an item is beyond saving, we always discuss this with you before disposing of anything.

3. Can you get rid of the smoke smell? The lingering odor after a fire is notoriously difficult to get rid of. Fortunately, yes, we do have a variety of products and processes we can use to remove the smell from your home. Our goal is to actually eliminate the odor as opposed to masking it or using other deceptive techniques.

At SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties, we aim to make any fire damage “Like it never even happened.” If your home or business has a fire, know that our team serves the Conover community 24/7!

3 Reasons Why Your Morganton Business Should Prepare for Disaster

11/3/2020 (Permalink)

A disaster can completely disrupt your operations and even put you out of business.

Our team helps dozens of Morganton businesses recover from disasters each year. Sometimes these incidents are relatively minor, but in other cases, there are thousands of dollars in damages. While it's not always possible to prevent these incidents, it's a good idea to take precautions. If you're not convinced you need to invest in planning and preparation, we've outlined a few things you should consider.

Why You Should Prepare for Disaster

1. More than 40% of businesses never reopen their doors after a disaster. According to FEMA, many businesses never reopen after a disaster, and those that do reopen have a good chance of shutting down within a year. Part of this is because many businesses don’t prepare for a potential disaster, and it ultimately leads to their end. The COVID-19 pandemic will likely lower your odds of success even further.

2. Disasters can slow—or even halt—operations. Even if your business survives a disaster, your operations can be severely impacted. As a result, this can cost you money and even affect your business relations!

3. Disasters can be costly to clean up and restore. In addition to potential revenue losses, disasters can be expensive to clean up. Most businesses have insurance, but if you don’t have the proper coverage, you could find the expenses will have to come out of your pocket!

Your Commercial Cleanup and Restoration Team

Whether your business has fire or water damage, disasters can cause major problems. While you should do everything you can to prevent an incident from occurring, if you do have a disaster, know that SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties is professionally trained and certified. We offer commercial cleanup and restoration services in Morganton and the rest of the Unifour area, so call us any time at (828) 396-1070!

3 Ways to Keep Your Hickory Basement Safe from Flood Damages

10/27/2020 (Permalink)

Heavy rains can flood your basement and damage your belongings. If your Hickory home has a basement, be sure to take steps to keep it safe!

Every year, hundreds of local homeowners have flooded basements and other significant damages. Furniture and belongings are ruined, mold begins to grow, and they have potentially gallons of water to remove. Many Hickory homes have basements, so it’s important to understand how you can keep your basement safe when it floods.

Install a Sump Pump

There are several precautions you can take to prevent flooding in the first place, but it’s a good idea to have a backup plan in place. This is where a sump pump comes in handy. A sump pump is a machine that traps water into a basin and redirects it away from your home. If you have a basement, it’s practically an essential tool for mitigating water damage. It does require routine maintenance, so make sure it's ready when you need it!

Keep Belongings Off the Floor

If your basement floods, furniture and other possessions are at risk of being damaged. You can avoid this by keeping them off the floor at all times. Place items on shelves and skids, and use pads to keep furniture from touching the ground. Now if you do have flooding, you're likely to have minimal damages.

Keep Your Gutters Clean

Perhaps one of the simplest ways you can help prevent flood damages is to keep your gutters clean. Your gutters act as your first line of defense against flooding, so keeping the lines clear will keep them functioning. Otherwise, water can pool around your home and seep into your basement. They should be cleaned at least twice a year—in the spring and in the fall.

Overcoming a Flood Incident in Hickory, NC

If your basement floods, the last thing you should do is panic. While it’s a stressful situation, you have local professionals who can help you clean it up. SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke, and Catawba Counties has helped hundreds of flood victims reclaim their Hickory, NC homes. If you do have flooding, you can call us any time at (828) 396-1070!

What to Do After a Morganton House Fire

10/22/2020 (Permalink)

If your Morganton home has a fire, don't panic! If you take the necessary steps, your home can be restored to its pre-fire condition!

There are few things more stressful than having a fire damage your Morganton home and belongings. It can disrupt your life, dissolve your peace of mind, and destroy precious mementos. Unfortunately, people are often unprepared for these situations and aren’t sure what steps to take to begin returning their lives to normal.

That’s why at SERVPRO Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties, we’ve created this guide — so you can begin the road to recovery.

Making Important Phone Calls

After a house fire, there are plenty of people you’ll want to contact, but there are some that will be extraordinarily helpful in giving you back your peace of mind:

• Your Insurance Company or Agent. If there’s anyone who’s going to help you reclaim your life, it’s your insurance representative. Call them as soon as possible because they will be able to advise you on any necessary actions regarding safety and recovery. If you have an agent, they will be able to help you file a claim. Depending on your policy, you may even be entitled to financial support while you get back on your feet.

• Disaster Restoration Company. Your insurance representative is going to walk you through the process, but your local fire damage cleanup company is the one who will actually do the work to restore your home and belongings. Your insurance will generally recommend their preferred restoration company, but you are legally entitled to choose your own. Be sure you choose one with a solid reputation and a wide range of services to make sure they can handle all of your needs. Your restoration provider will also have experience working with insurance companies during moments of crisis, so they will be able to help you take care of any necessary steps. If you live in Morganton, NC, consider our team at SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties.

• Family and Friends. Once you’ve contacted your insurance and a reputable disaster restoration company, call your loved ones and update them on the situation. If you do not have a safe place until you can occupy your home, consider asking somebody if you can temporarily stay with them. (If you do stay with friends or family, consider talking to your insurance about reimbursing them for putting you up.)

• Disaster Relief Programs. If you need the help, consider contacting your local disaster relief program, such as the Red Cross or the Salvation Army. They might be able to provide necessities like food, shelter, and other resources.

• Your Physician. If you evacuated without essential medications or devices, call your physician as soon as possible to review your options. Medications left in the home should not be consumed because they will likely have been contaminated by smoke and gasses.

• Your Creditors. Call any lending institutions you deal with (such as your mortgage, credit cards, utilities, etc.) as soon as possible. While you might not have to make any payments in the immediate future, most companies will work with you during moments of crisis. It’s possible they will reduce or defer payments.

Re-entering Your Home

After the fire’s been extinguished, you’ll probably want to run in and check on your belongings. Before you do, there are a few warnings:

• Do not re-enter your home until the fire department has given you an explicit OK. Structural damage and reigniting flames are highly probable immediately after a house fire, so do not enter without that permission.

• Do not consume anything that has been near flames, smoke, soot, or the water used to put the fire out. Even if food or water has been sealed in a jar or bottle, most consumables will be spoiled or contaminated due to extended exposure to heat or toxic fumes. This includes food in the refrigerator and freezer, which do not have airtight seals.

• Do not turn on any utilities if you’ve been instructed not to do so. Your local fire department will have advised you whether or not it is safe to use your utilities. If you’ve been told they are unsafe, do not turn them back on.

Once you re-enter and assess the damages, follow any instructions your insurance representative gave you. If your chosen disaster restoration company is there, they will likely be able to assist you in that process.

Restoring Your Home and Belongings

Depending on the size of the damage, you might feel that your home will never be the same again. But by working with your insurance and a disaster restoration team, your home and belongings can be restored to their pre-disaster state.

If you live in Morganton, NC or any of the communities in the Unifour area, our team is always here to help. If not, here are some things you can expect a quality disaster restoration company to do to restore your home after a house fire:

• Assess your home for damage. To make sure the team can perform the appropriate services to make your home as good as new, your house will be given a comprehensive assessment. This information will be especially useful to your insurance representative.

• Store your belongings. Instead of worrying about where you should store your non-vital belongings until your home is restored, some restoration companies (like us) will pack and store these items until you are equipped to take them back.

• Board up holes. The fire likely caused window, wall, and roof damage, which leaves your house exposed. A good restoration team will board up affected areas to prevent any further damage.

• Remove and dry water damage. If your home is wet from the firefighters’ efforts, this will be addressed immediately. A drying process will remove visible and hidden moisture to ensure you don’t get mold growth or additional structural damage.

• Remove soot and smoke from surfaces. Your disaster restoration company will use an array of tools to remove the fire’s residue from your walls, floors, ceilings, and any other affected surface.

• Clean and sanitize your home and belongings. You don’t want to return to your home just to be reminded of what happened. A good company will thoroughly clean, disinfect, and deodorize your structures and belongings to get them back to their pre-fire condition. In addition, they will use equipment to eliminate any lingering odors. Depending on the company, they may be able to restore and preserve damaged photos, documents, and other sensitive belongings.

• Restore your home. After everything else is complete, the team will make any necessary cosmetic or structural repairs. In the end, it should be “Like it never even happened.”

Returning Home

Finally, after working diligently with your insurance and your local disaster restoration company, your Morganton home and belongings will be back in pristine condition. Make sure you continue to work with both parties to complete any necessary paperwork and payments, if applicable. Once you move and settle back into your home, you can resume your life as normal.

3 Ways to Prevent Water Damage While You’re on Vacation

10/5/2020 (Permalink)

Vacations are a great way to take a break from reality, but water damage problems can disrupt that peace.

If you go on vacation, the last thing you want is to come home to find water damage. Unfortunately, this is a fairly common problem, and because you weren't home to stop it in the act, the damages are much worse than if you were. Even though our water mitigation team is available 24/7, the experience can be both stressful and expensive. You can potentially avoid these types of incidents by taking a few different precautions before you leave.

Keep Your Home Safe While You're Away

1. Shut off the water. If you know you’re going to be gone for a few days, eliminate the risk by shutting off your home’s water before you leave. This simple step can give you complete peace of mind!

2. Install water detection devices. In some cases, you may need to keep the water on while you’re gone. If so, you can keep tabs on potential incidents by installing water detection devices around your washing machine, hot water heater, and other similar appliances. If these sensors detect moisture, you’ll get an alert, so you can call a friend or neighbor to look into it before it becomes a major issue. 

3. Consider having a friend or family member check on the house. If you have somebody local you can trust, consider having them periodically check on your home. Just make sure they know where the main shut-off valve is — if you have an incident, they can stop it from getting worse!

Water Damage Professionals Serving Lenoir, NC

We go on vacations to refresh and take a break from the real world, but water damage incidents can abruptly bring you back. If you do have an incident, reach out to your local water cleanup company to address the issue. Fortunately, if you live in the Lenoir, NC area, SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties is always here to make any damage look “Like it never even happened.”

3 Tips to Help Prevent Water Damage

9/21/2020 (Permalink)

One of our technicians removed water from carpet after it had been soaked.

Our Lenoir customers are almost always caught off-guard when they have a water damage incident. Leaks and flooding aren't something most people worry about, and even if they did, most people don’t know what steps they can take to minimize their risk. Our team at SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties has seen firsthand the types of accidents that can flood your home. If you’re a homeowner concerned about water damage, here are 3 things you can do to help prevent an incident.

How to Prevent Water Damage

• Shut off your water when you’re leaving for an extended period of time. If you’re going on vacation or are otherwise going to be away from the home for more than a day or two, consider shutting off your water until you return. A lot of water-related incidents occur while homeowners are away, which can result in greater damages than if they were home to detect it. It’s also one less thing you have to worry about while you’re gone! 

• Install water detection devices. An undetected leak can cause a lot of damage if given enough time. Get additional eyes in your house by installing a water detection device. This sensor will alert you when it comes in contact with moisture, which can allow you to step in before it gets out of hand! 

• Check your water pressure. You might like a little kick to your shower, but if your home’s water pressure is too high, it can actually lead to major plumbing issues. Elevated water pressure can knock the pipes out of alignment and cause gallons of water to pour into your home. Have your pressure tested, and if it’s too high, install a regulator to keep it in check!

Call a Professional Cleanup Team

Water damage is one of the last things you want to experience, so take the above precautions to minimize your risk. If you do have an incident, however, know that SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties in Lenoir, NC, is available 24/7 to clean up and restore your damaged property. Call our professionals today at (828) 396-1070!

3 Ways You Can Help Prevent Flooding

9/8/2020 (Permalink)

Flooding can cause signficiant damage, but there are some steps you can take to minimize your risk.

Our community has had a lot of rain in the past few weeks, which has caused several Hickory homes to have flooding incidents. While SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties is available 24/7 to clean up these disasters, it’s always a good thing if you can avoid them altogether. There is no definite way to prevent flood damage, but there are a few steps you can take to mitigate your home’s risk.

Flood Damage Prevention

1. Make sure your gutters are clean. Your home’s gutters are your first line of defense against flooding, but only if they are clear of obstructions. Be sure to clean them on a regular basis as they direct water away from your home!

2. Identify and seal cracks in the foundation. If your Hickory home has cracks or crevices, rain will find a way into the interior. Check for these issues during your annual maintenance inspection and have them sealed before it rains and leads to water damage.

3. Grade the lawn away from your home. The last thing you want is for rain to pool on the edges of your home, but if your yard isn’t graded properly, this may happen. The next time it rains, identify areas where water collects and then have your yard professionally graded so that it leads away from your home.

Cleaning Up Storm Damages

There’s no way to control the weather, but there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of having flooding. If you do have water damage, however, know that SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties is always available to clean up and restore your property.

3 Ways to Mitigate Wind Damage

8/25/2020 (Permalink)

Wind damage can vary in strength, but if you take precautions, you can mitigate its impact on your home.

After nearly every storm event in our area, we get calls from customers whose homes have wind and water damage. Even mild storms can cause destruction if the conditions are right but fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to mitigate your home’s risk of having wind damage. SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties has served the Hickory, NC area for more than a decade, so here are some tips we've learned along the way.

How to Prevent Wind Damage

1. Remove trees close to your property. Storms and downed trees go hand-in-hand, but that doesn’t mean your home needs to be at risk. If you have any trees within range of our house, consider having them trimmed or removed — especially if they are sick or dead.

2. Secure or remove furniture and debris in your yard. Nearly any unsecured object — including furniture, toys, and debris — on your property can be transformed into a projectile. Either fasten these objects or have them temporarily relocated into your home until the storm passes.

3. Install storm shutters. Even if you completed the above steps, there’s still a possibility something could smash into your windows and cause damage inside your home. Professionally installed storm shutters are an excellent way to prevent this potential damage.

Wind Damage Cleanup Professionals

While there are several ways you can mitigate your home’s risk of having wind damage, there’s no sure way to prevent it completely. Fortunately, if you do have damage, our team at SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties is always available to clean and restore your property. We’re available 24/7, so give us a call at (828) 396-1070!

How to Maintain Your Smoke Alarm

8/11/2020 (Permalink)

A smoke detector can save lives and mitigate damage, but you have to properly maintain it!

Although not every home has a smoke detector, most do. A properly functioning smoke alarm can detect a fire before you do, giving you a faster response time, which can possibly lead to saved lives and limit overall damages. But just having a smoke detector isn’t enough — you need to make sure each unit in your home is maintained and functioning. Fortunately, maintenance isn’t difficult once you know what to do!

Testing Your Smoke Detectors

To ensure your systems are working and operational, you need to test them at least once a month. Testing is actually a straightforward process. On most devices, there is a small test button, often found on the face of the device. If you press the button once, it will beep once; if you hold it down, it will beep intermittently for a few seconds. If you hold the button down, all alarms in the home should sound; if they, don’t the system may not be set up properly or a unit(s) may need a new battery.

Replacing Your Smoke Alarms

Unfortunately, smoke alarms don’t last forever, and they do need to be replaced over time. The batteries will be the first to go, as they should be replaced once a year. (Pro Tip: An easy way to remember to replace your batteries is to coincide it with an important day or holiday, such as every New Year’s Day.)

The units themselves last for a longer period of time (about 10 years), but they do need to be replaced. If you’re not sure when yours were installed, the manufacturing date is usually printed on the back of the device.

Cleaning Up After a Fire

Smoke alarms don’t prevent fires, but they can help you respond quickly so you can mitigate the damage. If you do have a fire, you’ll want to call SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties to clean up and restore your property. Our team is available 24/7, so call us anytime at (828) 396-1070!

Cleaning Water Damage in a Lenoir Apartment Complex

7/28/2020 (Permalink)

Our team extracted water from this local apartment by using our truck-mounted extracting equipment.

The problem with multi-level apartment complexes is that if an upper floor has water damage, the lower floors probably do as well. In fact, any person living in a shared housing unit is at their neighbors' mercy — whether it's a fire, water damage, pests, or some other problem.

Recently, a Lenoir apartment complex called our team to extract and dry water that had overflowed from a bathtub in an upper unit and made its way down to the unit below. Fortunately, SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties has experience dealing with these kinds of situations, so we were able to immediately respond.

Cleaning Up Water Damage in Multiple Apartment Units

Although each commercial damage situation is unique, these types of water damages are cleaned up exactly the same way as a residential water job. In this situation, we had to work with both the property manager and the two tenants to coordinate the cleanup process.

Once we did the initial inspection and squared away the paperwork, our team began to extract the water from both floors and set air movers and dehumidifiers to speed up the drying process. Once everything was dried out, it was “Like it never even happened.”

Available to Clean Up Any Size Disaster

In this instance, the water damage was confined to only two smaller units, but we've helped apartment complexes clean up dozens of rooms at once after they’ve had fire and water damages. If you have an incident at your apartment property, SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties has more than 70 experts who are available 24/7. Give us a call any time at (828) 396-1070!

What You Need to Know About Flood Insurance

7/14/2020 (Permalink)

Flooding can be quite destructive, but flood insurance can help you mitigate the overall cleanup and restoration costs!

Flood damages aren’t as rare in Lenoir as they might seem. Back in both June 2019 and February of this year, we had two major storm events that caused flooding here and in surrounding communities. In both events, our team at SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties received hundreds of calls from customers whose homes or businesses had been overwhelmed by rain.

Unfortunately, most of these callers didn’t have flood insurance; many didn’t even know they needed it. Without flood insurance, you’re fully responsible for cleanup and restoration costs — an expense that could easily go into the thousands. But if you’ve never had or heard of flood insurance, there are some things you should know.

Waiting Period

With many types of insurance, you can expect coverage to start almost immediately after you purchase it (barring certain exceptions). Flood insurance isn’t one of them. In almost all cases, there's a waiting period before your flood insurance coverage kicks in. This is mainly to prevent people from refusing to buy it until a storm is on the way.

If you purchase flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), there's usually a 30-day waiting period. Private insurance policies, on the other hand, may only make you wait as little as 14 days.

Regardless, if you’re thinking about buying a policy, it’s best to go ahead and do it. Otherwise, you may still be on the hook for the damages.

Flood Insurance is for Everyone

A common misconception is that only people living in designated flood zones need to buy flood insurance. After all, if you don’t live in a flood zone, you can’t have flooding, right?

Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Many of the calls we received during the two recent flood events were from customers who didn’t live in a flood zone. Heavy rains, faulty sump pumps, and even structural damages can all lead to flooding no matter where your property is located. So before you write it off as unnecessary, consider getting flood insurance, just in case.

Recovering from Flood Damages

Flood insurance will help you keep your out-of-pocket expenses to a minimum, but if you have flooding, you’ll still need to hire a cleanup and restoration company. Since 2009, SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties has helped thousands of homes and businesses recover from fire and water disasters. We’re available 24/7 to clean up and restore flood damages, so call us today at (828) 396-1070!

Why We Restore Your Belongings

7/6/2020 (Permalink)

Our textile cleaning facility in Lenoir, NC can clean most damaged soft goods. We take every precaution possible to save your damaged belongings!

We recently had customers whose entire home was damaged by an electrical fire. In fact, our repair team had to completely rebuild most of their house. For the homeowners, the recovery process was long and stressful.

But for the wife, it was particularly difficult because her cherished cabinet — passed down from her grandmother — had been lost in the fire. Or so she thought.

Our team had actually managed to locate a specialist who was able to completely restore the cabinet. The moment we finally revealed the restored item was one that many of our employees still remember.

At SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke & Catawba Counties in Lenoir, NC, we put an emphasis on restoring your belongings — not replacing. We believe this approach is often cheaper and helps you keep the items you hold valuable.

Restore vs Replace

You can’t replace sentimental value. That’s one of the reasons our team takes every measure we can to try and restore your belongings. If you replace an item, you may get a similar — or sometimes better — version of the one you had before, but that’s often not enough for customers.

For example, if the aforementioned customer had purchased an exact replica of her grandmother’s cabinet, it wouldn’t be the same one that her grandmother had given her. It would be an identical copy, but the customer would know it wasn’t the same. And because it was an antique, it may have been hard to find a comparable replacement.

Even if sentimental value isn’t a concern, restoring an item can often be cheaper. If the insurance company had paid for an identical cabinet, they might have had to pay $3,000, for example. But if it only cost us $1,000 to have it restored, then the insurance company would have saved $2,000.

This matters because your policy will have a coverage cap, so once your insurance company pays a certain amount, you'll have to pay for the rest out of pocket. The cheaper it is to have things replaced/restored, the more items you can potentially save.

The Restoration Process

Although we had to hire a specialist to restore the cabinet, we can actually restore most items ourselves. Our team is IICRC-certified, plus we have a variety of specialty equipment and products we can use to restore your valuables.

Surface Cleaning

If your belongings only have surface-level damage, we have a few different options for cleaning them. In some cases, we wipe items with rags and dry sponges. If the damage is heavier, we will use proprietary cleaning products to help remove residue.

Ultrasonic Cleaning

Some items require more substantial cleaning that can’t be done by hand. In these cases, we may have to use our ultrasonic cleaning equipment. During this process, qualified items are placed in water or a specific solvent and agitated by sonic waves, which helps remove contaminants from the items. This works especially well for jewelry, electronics, and other sensitive objects.

Textiles Cleaning

SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties is one of the only restoration companies in the region with a dedicated textile cleaning facility. At our facility, we are able to clean most damaged textiles, including clothing, linens, and even stuffed animals. We even have an Esporta, which is a machine capable of cleaning more than 90% of soiled soft items!

Odor Removal

Depending on the incident, your belongings may have a distinct odor. We have proprietary products and equipment that are capable of removing any odor. If your belongings have an offensive smell, we can take care of that through our ozone chamber, CLO2 treatments, or other options.

Calling the Restoration Experts

At SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties, we care about you and your valuables. Although some items are beyond saving, we exhaust every option available. If your Lenoir home's been in a disaster, don’t assume your belongings are lost forever. Call us at (828) 396-1070, and see what we can do to have them restored!

Disinfecting Our Local Fire Departments

6/22/2020 (Permalink)

Our team has cleaned multiple businesses in the area, including some of our local fire departments!

Once COVID-19 spread to North Carolina, most of us were asked to stay home with few exceptions. Although many of those restrictions have been lifted or relaxed, our local first responders have continued to serve our community through it all.

While we rely on their services, this unfortunately puts them at risk of being exposed to COVID-19. In fact, the Sawmills Fire Department recently had 6 confirmed cases on their force. While the department has been able to continue serving the community, it has highlighted the risk these men and women face.

SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties has always supported our local fire departments. That’s why we have offered to disinfect our local departments for free. We started with Sawmills Fire Department after their confirmed cluster, but we have also begun to clean and disinfect others throughout the community. Our cleaning process involves fogging and wiping down high-traffic areas with EPA-approved products!

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

At SERVPRO, we believe in supporting our community—especially during times of need. Our Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned initiative is a defensive pathogen cleaning program that is aimed at building confidence in business owners, their employees, and their customers. Even if you’re not a first responder, you can call us today at (828) 396-1070 to get a quote for a professional cleaning!

Tornado Watch vs Tornado Warning

6/8/2020 (Permalink)

Tornadoes are extremely dangerous, so you should follow local advisories!

Meteorologists use a lot of different terms to describe weather patterns and conditions. In many cases, however, these terms convey important safety information to local audiences. As we approach summer, we might hear more about tornadoes and other storm systems. That’s why it’s important you know the difference between a “tornado watch” and a “tornado warning.”

Tornado Watch

Authorities issue a tornado watch when conditions are right for a tornado to form. While there isn’t an imminent threat in this situation, the conditions could worsen. In any event, when a tornado watch is issued, move indoors and keep an eye on the local news for updates.

Tornado Warning

A tornado warning is a more urgent alert that's only issued when a tornado has actually been spotted or when one is imminent. When this has been issued, you should move to a safe place in your home or shelter and wait there until it’s been deemed safe to do so.

Your Disaster Cleanup Professionals

Tornadoes are extremely powerful storms, so even if you and your family are safe, your home may not be. Fortunately, if you do have storm damage, SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties is available 24/7 to clean up and restore your home!

The Water Damage Cleanup Process

6/1/2020 (Permalink)

During the water damage cleanup process, our team applies an antimicrobial treatment to your home to prevent mold growth!

The first time you have water damage, you’re likely going to be caught off-guard. Most people aren’t prepared to handle these types of incidents, and it can seem overwhelming. Your first step will be to call a water cleanup company, but what does that process entail? If you call SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties, you can expect a quick but thorough cleanup.

Assessing the Damage

When our techs first arrive on-site, they will conduct an initial inspection. During this assessment, they will:

• Identify and stop the water source
• Determine the category and class of the water (based on the amount of contamination)
• Assess the extent of the damage and check for safety concerns

Water Removal & Extraction

After the assessment phase, our techs will begin extracting water. In addition to removing excess water, this phase helps us prepare for the drying process. The steps in this phase can vary based on the extent and severity of the damage, but in general, you can expect our crew to:

• Inspect and remove carpet (only if necessary to protect the subfloor)
• Move or block furniture to prevent rust or stains from wet carpet
• Pack out and transfer your belongings to our cleaning facility (if necessary)
• Vacuum & extract as much excess water as possible
• Cut out 2 feet (or more) from the base of affected walls to access and remove wet insulation and hidden moisture

Antimicrobial Treatment

Depending on the extent of the damage, it may be necessary to apply an antimicrobial spray to the affected areas. This treatment is necessary to prevent mold growth, which is highly probable in water-damaged areas. Additional treatments may be applied during and after the job process if the water is highly contaminated.

Drying & Dehumidification

This final phase is the longest but one of the most important parts of the restoration process. During this stage, our techs will strategically place air movers (high-powered fans) and dehumidifiers to speed up the drying process and mitigate the damage. These machines will need to run uninterrupted until the techs have determined the area is sufficiently dry, which is based on drying goals established during their initial inspection.

Cleanup and Completion

Our techs will routinely return to the property to check on moisture levels by using a moisture meter. Once the affected areas have met the target drying goals, our techs will remove the equipment and present you with final paperwork. The job is then complete!

How We’ve Helped During the COVID-19 Pandemic

5/18/2020 (Permalink)

We set up a containment unit at a local healthcare facility so their staff could safely change out of PPE!

We’re more than a month into the governor’s stay-at-home order, and each of us has been impacted to varying degrees. Due to the virus’ threat, menial tasks — such as going to the grocery store — have now become a coordinated event. At SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties, we’ve taken some steps to help make things easier on the community.

Near the end of March, we implemented safety policies to keep our customers and our employees safe. These policies have allowed us to continue serving customers that have had fire and water damages. But we’ve also done some work in the community to help slow the coronavirus’ spread.

Commercial Cleaning and Disinfecting

Since the virus made its way into North Carolina, we have had dozens of local businesses call us for cleaning and disinfecting services. While we cannot kill the coronavirus, we are following CDC guidelines and using EPA-approved cleaning products to target known hot spots. This process helps slow the spread and provides peace of mind to a business’ employees and customers. If you are interested in having us clean and disinfect your business (either proactively or because of a known case), call us any time at (828) 396-1070.

Helping a Local Healthcare Facility

When we work with mold, our team sets up a containment chamber to keep mold spores contained. A local healthcare facility reached out to us and asked us to create a similar containment unit so their staff would have a safe place to disrobe their PPE after working with patients. We happily designed a custom unit — one with multiple zones so they could disrobe and change without putting themselves at risk.

Always Here to Help

At SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties, we believe in helping during times of need. We’re continuing to serve our customers when they have disasters, and we’re continuing to identify other ways we can serve the community. If you need our services during these difficult times, know that we’re always here to help!

Water Damage and Mold: What You Need to Know

5/11/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage can lead to mold growth, just as it did in this home!

Water damage incidents can be expensive to clean up, which is why many people try to handle it on their own. While this is doable in some cases, it can also lead to additional problems. In our 11 years of service, we’ve seen many cases where people have canceled our services, only to call back weeks later with mold. In fact, water damage is one of the most common reasons that homes have mold problems.

What Causes Mold Growth?

A little-known fact is that mold spores are virtually everywhere. Although you can’t see them, spores can even be found all throughout your home. Fortunately, they don’t typically cause issues until there’s a very high count — generally a sign that you have active mold growth in your home or business.

Spores generally have access to food (organic material), so it’s when they're exposed to moisture that they begin to activate and grow. Water damage incidents are especially great for mold because they supply plenty of needed moisture.

Why Can’t I Take Care of Water Damage Myself?

Water tends to permeate porous objects, such as drywall, wood, and carpet. Unless you have the equipment and the know-how to dry this hidden moisture, you’re likely setting yourself up for mold problems. If materials aren’t sufficiently dry, it can give mold spores the needed moisture to begin growing. One of the main advantages of hiring a professional water mitigation company is that they will be able to completely dry affected areas and deter mold growth.

Hiring a Disaster Restoration Company

Flooding, leaks, and other water damage incidents can seem daunting, but a professional restoration company will be able to quickly handle the problem. If you live in the Lenoir, NC area and need cleanup services, know that SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties is available 24/7!

Services You May Need if You Have Fire Damage

4/29/2020 (Permalink)

Our team can clean your damaged items after a house fire!

Fires can cause a lot of damage, and the cleanup and restoration process can be extensive. Over the years, we’ve had to help many homes and businesses recover from fire damage, so we know the many pain points our customers face. There are actually several different problems a fire can create, but we offer many services that can alleviate those issues.

Fire Damage Services

1. Odor removal. Besides bringing up bad memories, the smoky smell that lingers after a fire can cause headaches and other discomforts. This odor can be extremely difficult to get rid of, but we offer odor removal services that completely eliminate any offensive smells. 

2. Duct cleaning. After a fire, soot and other contaminants will settle in every corner of your home—including your duct system. These particles can lead to health issues and should be immediately addressed with a professional duct cleaning. Our NADCA-certified technicians perform HVAC cleanings that remove and seal contaminants, which keep your ducts clean and your air fresh! 

3. Carpet and upholstery cleaning. Soot and smoke can soil your carpet, curtains, and upholstery. Improper cleaning can actually lead to more permanent damage, which is why our team offers professional cleanings. We use industry-standard products and techniques to remove soot and return your belongings back to their pre-fire condition. 

4. Contents cleaning. Your belongings are what turns a house into a home. Fire and smoke can cause seemingly irreversible damage to your possessions, but our team has both an on-site textile cleaning facility and a contents-cleaning warehouse. We use cutting-edge technology and techniques to clean your belongings and make it look “Like it never even happened.”

Call In the Professionals

SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties has proudly helped the Lenoir and Taylorsville communities since 2009. We have seen first-hand how devastating house fires can be, which is why we are available 24/7 to help you and your home recover. If you have fire damage and need professional help, call us anytime at (828) 396-1070!

How SERVPRO is Keeping Your Business Safe During the COVID-19 Pandemic

4/20/2020 (Permalink)

Our employees are required to wear masks and gloves when they are working around other people!

The last few weeks have been a difficult and unprecedented time for many of us. The coronavirus outbreak has slowed or halted most local businesses, which has been a strain on everyone — us included. In addition to serving local homes, we are committed to continuing to serve local businesses. We have taken several precautions to keep our employees and our customers safe!

We Perform Commercial Cleaning and Disinfecting Services

Although we have always offered cleaning and disinfecting services to local businesses, the COVID-19 pandemic has stressed its importance. Dozens of businesses have already contacted us to either schedule proactive cleanings or to prepare for the potential of a confirmed case.

Our team follows CDC guidelines to target hotspots that are known for spreading pathogens. Although there is no product that has been tested against this particular strain of coronavirus, the CDC has recommended the use of labeled hospital-grade disinfectants with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. We have several EPA-approved products that meet those standards.

We Have Implemented Safety Policies

Safety is top of mind at SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties. We believe it is our responsibility to protect our employees and the customers we serve, so we have implemented several policies designed to prevent the spread and exposure of the virus.

For example, we are requiring all employees to wear masks and gloves when they are working around other people. Our employees are also required to disinfect their vehicles in between jobs. We have asked employees to keep 6 feet away from each other, and we have closed some of our warehouses to prevent our employees from congregating.

In a previous blog post, we outlined more of our safety policies in detail.

Getting Professional Help

Despite the circumstance, we are committed to serving our local homes and businesses. Disasters will continue to happen, so if you need professional help, we are available 24/7. Call our team any time at (828) 396-1070!

How to Use a Fire Extinguisher

4/8/2020 (Permalink)

We had our team learn how to use fire extinguishers from our local fire department!

Every week, we respond to calls from panicked customers who have had fires in their homes. Our team is specially trained to clean up these disasters, but the process can be lengthy and stressful. In many cases, the fire damage is worse than it needed to be. While you should always call your local fire department, there are times when you can take action yourself. If you don’t know how to use a fire extinguisher, now’s your chance to learn!

The PASS System

Using a fire extinguisher is as simple as following a four-step process, conveniently known as PASS. If you witness a small fire and have access to the correct fire extinguisher, use the PASS system to extinguish the flames!

• Pull. Fire extinguishers have a pin in the handle that keeps the locking mechanism in place. Pull this pin to unlock the mechanism.

• Aim. Hold the nozzle and aim it at the base of the flames.

• Squeeze. While aiming, squeeze the trigger to release the extinguishing agent.

• Sweep. At the same time, sweep the nozzle from side-to-side. You will continue this until the flames have been fully extinguished.

Professional Fire Damage Cleanup Services

Even if you act quickly, you may still have fire and smoke damage in your home. Fortunately, our team at SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Counties is certified and has years of experience cleaning all types of disasters. If you have fire damage, call us anytime at (828) 396-1070!

Our Safety Policies During the COVID-19 Pandemic

4/1/2020 (Permalink)

Our employees are taking extra precautions to protect themselves and others from the spread of COVID-19!

We Value Our Customers and Our Employees

The coronavirus outbreak has caused major disruptions in both our communities and the world. SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties is still fully operational and is available 24/7 for your cleanup and restoration needs. However, the presence of COVID-19 and the potential threat it poses requires that we make some changes. We have adopted several new policies that are designed to protect you and our staff from the risk of infection.

Sick Employees Must Stay Home

It’s important that our employees take care of themselves and prevent the spread of any sickness to others. We have required that any employees who show symptoms of an acute respiratory illness stay home. They must be symptom- and fever-free for at least 24 hours before they are allowed to return to work.
Additionally, any healthy employee who lives with a family member with a confirmed case of COVID-19 is also required to stay home.

All Customers Will Be Pre-Screened

Our services require our employees to enter homes and businesses. That’s why we now ask screener questions to all customers before we start services. Specifically, we’ll be asking customers if they or somebody in the home has recently been sick, and we’ll ask if they have recently traveled outside of the country.
If the customer answers “yes” to either of our questions, we will still serve them. However, we will require our employees to wear additional protective gear and to take extra precautions to reduce the risk of exposure.

Mandatory Social Distancing

Social distancing is an effective way to reduce the spread of pathogens, so we’re limiting the amount of contact our staff has with each other. For starters, we have eliminated all in-person meetings and have moved them online. We have also asked all capable employees to work from home.

We’ve also placed restrictions on the number of people allowed in certain buildings, and we’ve asked that they stay at least 6 feet away from each other when possible.

Our Team Is Here to Help

SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties is well-equipped and ready to handle any disaster during the coronavirus outbreak. If you need emergency services or would like a deep-cleaning of your business, call our team anytime at (828) 396-1070!

We Professionally Clean and Disinfect Businesses

3/27/2020 (Permalink)

Our team is Here to Help when your place of business needs our services!

SERVPRO is Here to Help

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a lot of uncertainty and disruption both around the world and here in our community. We’re here to remind our customers that we’re cleaning experts who adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards. Although the coronavirus outbreak presents a challenge, our team at SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties has more than a decade of training and experience.

Local Cleaning Experts

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your business in adherence to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Our staff has more than 11 years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will provide deep cleanings that go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

We also consider the health and safety of both you and our employees. Our team will wear full PPE to reduce the risk of contamination.

We Clean High-Risk Areas

We work carefully to follow the CDC’s recommendations for cleaning and disinfecting. They encourage the cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

There is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, but we are following all guidelines as approved by the CDC and local authorities. The CDC recommends the usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. As additional guidelines are made available, we will continue to adapt our cleaning process so that we adhere to the highest standards.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your place of business needs deep cleaning services, call SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties at (828) 396-1070 today!

Avoiding Fire Hazards in Your Hickory Home

3/19/2020 (Permalink)

Fires can be devastating, so try to avoid hazards while you're stuck at home!

Fire hazards are present in every part of the home. Nearly every week, we get phone calls from panicked customers whose Hickory, NC home has had some degree of fire damage. Since COVID-19 has everyone mostly confined to their homes, we felt it was important to point out common fire hazards and ways you can avoid them!

Common Fire Hazards

1. Cooking equipment. There’s no better way to pass the time stuck indoors than to cook. Unfortunately, cooking-related fires are one of the leading causes of home fires in the nation. That’s why you should never leave the kitchen unsupervised while it’s still in use! 

2. Electrical outlets. Electronics are a staple of entertainment, but if you abuse your electrical outlets, they can become a fire hazard. Avoid overstuffing outlets and ensure that no cables are broken or exposed! 

3. Smoking. Smoking cigarettes in or near the home is a major fire risk, and it attributes to many fire-related deaths. If you do smoke, do so away from the home. It’s also important that you properly extinguish them in water; don’t abandon still-lit cigarettes.

Cleaning Up Fire Damages

While you’re staying home during these uncertain times, it’s best to avoid disasters. There are many fire hazards in the home beyond what was listed, but these are some of the most common ones we encounter. If you or somebody you know has a house fire and needs professional cleanup services, you can call SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties anytime at (828) 396-1070!

Why Water Damage is Bad for Hardwood Floors

3/9/2020 (Permalink)

Above is an example of the system we use to dry wet hardwood floors!

Water damage is bad for any part of your home, but it’s especially true for your hardwood floors. In fact, one of the most common questions we’re asked is whether or not a customer’s wet hardwoods can be saved. The answer to that depends, but it helps if you understand why it’s bad to begin with.

How Water Warps Hardwood Flooring

When water floods areas with hardwood flooring, the material tries to absorb the water. Unfortunately, excessive moisture forces the wood to expand, which can cause warping or cupping. This is why we always encourage water damage victims to extract as much water as possible while they wait for help to arrive.

Saving Water Wet Hardwood Floors

In some cases, we can save your hardwood floors. If the water is quickly extracted and there isn’t significant warping, then we can use a drying process specifically designed for hardwood floors. But if the flooring was exposed to moisture for a significant period of time and shows major signs of warping, then your hardwoods will need to be removed and replaced.

Call Professionals Before It’s Too Late

While it’s possible to save your water-damaged hardwood flooring, time is a critical factor. If you notice water damage in your home, call a professional cleanup and restoration company like our team here at SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties. We offer 24/7 emergency restoration services, so if you need help, call us any time at (828) 396-1070!

SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties Supports the Community

2/26/2020 (Permalink)

We participate in various events in the community, such as the Lenoir Christmas parade!

Since 2009, we’ve helped customers in the Lenoir and Taylorsville communities recover from fire and water damages. In fact, we’ve experienced significant growth since our early days, and have become one of the top SERVPRO locations in the country. But all of that success comes from the support we’ve had from the community. That’s why we believe in giving back to the places and people that have helped us come all this way.

We Participate in Local Festivals

If you’ve ever been to the NC Blackberry Festival or the Lenoir Christmas parade, then you’ve almost certainly seen our team. Each year, several of our employees attend and participate in various community events. For example, we host the annual blackberry eating contest and send teams to local golf tournaments!

We Donate to Charities and Nonprofits

Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba counties are rich with charities and nonprofits aimed at improving the lives of our fellow neighbors. We frequently contribute money and resources to many of these organizations. We’ve seen first-hand how some of these donations have contributed to the betterment of our community, so we’re proud to continue the tradition!

We’re Members of Civic Organizations

Some of our employees are involved in various civic organizations in the area. We believe that our employees should donate some of their time back to the community, which is why we encourage them to volunteer. These relationships help us learn more about the members of our community while also discovering new avenues to support them!

We’re Here to Help

We’re known for our ability to help victims of fires and flooding, but we’re also eager and available to help the community in other ways. Now in our 11^th year of service, SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties is excited to continue our services to everyone in need.

Why Your Business Should Call SERVPRO

2/12/2020 (Permalink)

Fire and water damage can affect any business, but our team at SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and CatawbaCounties is here to help!

Disasters can strike anyone—including both you and your business. Over the years, we’ve helped hundreds of local businesses recover from fire to water damages and everything in between. If you have an incident and need to clean it up, hiring a reputable restoration company is important. Finding such a business can be difficult, but if you live in Hickory, NC, there are a few reasons you should consider calling our team at SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties.

Why SERVPRO?

1. We have more than 70 trained employees. We're committed to hiring and training a professional team. Our staff have collectively helped thousands of customers and are capable of handling large, complex disasters. So no matter how much of your property was affected, we have more than enough people to make it “Like it never even happened.” 

2. We offer many services in-house. Our goal is to offer a one-stop shop for all of ur customers' restoration needs. This is why we do many of the services that would traditionally be outsourced to a 3^rd party. For example, we can clean affected textiles, clean air ducts, remediate mold, and more! 

3. We try to get your operations back up as soon as possible. As a business ourselves, we know that any time your operations are down, you're losing precious time and money. That’s why we do everything in our power to get you back on your feet as quickly as possible. Our team is very flexible and tries to work within your parameters!

Trained and Certified Professionals

If you have a disaster as your place of business, it’s your priority to recover as quickly as possible. SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties is experienced in commercial disaster restoration, so if your Hickory business has an incident, call our team today!

How to Protect Your Hickory Home from Melting Snow

2/6/2020 (Permalink)

Snow is pretty, but it can cause problems once it melts.

Snow brings a sense of wonder and excitement. While you and your children may look forward to a winter wonderland, as with any weather event, snow isn't without its potential dangers. If you don’t take the necessary precautions, you may end up with water damage or worse. Fortunately, there’s a couple of things you can do to mitigate the risk of melting snow, and as your local restoration professionals, our team at SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties has some tips!

Avoid Melting Snow

1. Ensure your gutters are cleaned out. You may not be excited about cleaning your gutters, but they serve as the first line of defense against water damage. When snow begins to melt, the resulting water can quickly pool up and invade your home. Your gutters can redirect the water and protect your property. 

2. Repair cracks and structural issues. Melted snow can also enter your home through cracks and other weaknesses in your home’s structure, which can lead to mold growth and further complications. If you know of any issues, you should have them addressed immediately. Even if you don’t know of any issues, we encourage you to inspect your home anyways.

Storm Cleanup Services in Hickory, NC

You should be able to enjoy the winter weather without worrying about water damage, and in most cases, you can. But as always, we encourage you to do the above and prepare your home for any type of storm event. If you do have damage, though, know that SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties is always here to help!

Why You Should Choose SERVPRO

1/21/2020 (Permalink)

We have a large and experienced team ready to handle any size disaster!

When you have a disaster—whether it's fire damage, sewage backup, or even water damage—you have an important decision to make: choosing a disaster restoration company. If you don't know where to start, you'll want want to hire a company that’s reputable, capable, and professional. After all, why would you want anything less for your Lenoir home or business? Fortunately, our team at SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties is all three!

Strong Reputation

We first opened our franchise’s doors in 2009 with just 3 employees (including our two co-owners). In the 11 years since then, we’ve continued to serve all of our customers at the highest level possible. Our customers consistently leave us high marks and leave us great Facebook and Google reviews. Many of our customers are from repeat business or referrals from a previous customer!

Capable Team

Although we started with a small team more than a decade ago, we’ve now grown to more than 60 employees, a total of 5 franchises, and have hundreds of units of equipment. We have worked on thousands of jobs over the years—ranging from small residential work to large, million-dollar commercial jobs. No matter what kind of work or how extensive the damage is, our team is capable of cleaning and restoring any disaster.

Highly Professional

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

Get High-Quality Help

If you need professional help to clean up water and fire damages, know that SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties is available 24/7. Our team aims to restore your home or business to its pre-disaster condition, so if you live in the Lenoir, NC area, call us anytime at (828) 396-1070!

What to Do if You Have Water Damage

1/6/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage can happen to anyone at any time. Pictured above, water burst from a kitchen sink pipe and flooded the home.

Water damages can happen to anyone, and it’s often when it’s least expected. Since SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties began serving customers in 2009, we’ve learned that most customers aren’t sure how to navigate the cleanup and restoration process. That’s why we’re going to outline the steps you need to take if water damage strikes your Morganton, NC home!

Taking Care of Water Damage

1. Address the damage’s source. If you know the cause of the damage, you should address that first. After all, if the water is still coming in, there’s not much point in trying to extract and dry what’s already there. This may require calling a plumber, but if you don’t know the source of the damage, then you can skip to the next step. 

2. Call a disaster restoration company. A disaster restoration company—such as ourselves—is going to assess the water damage and begin the cleanup and restoration process. If the company is experienced, they’ll also be able to help you navigate the insurance process. And in case you haven’t identified the cause of the damage, they can help you determine that and provide you with the next steps. 

3. Call your insurance company. Depending on the extent of the damage, if you have adequate insurance coverage, you should consider calling your local agent and making a claim. Disasters can be costly, so if you’re covered, your insurance can drastically reduce your out-of-pocket expenses!

Your Local Cleanup and Restoration Company

There are a lot of moving pieces involved in disaster restoration, but if you contact the right people, they can help you navigate the process. We’ve worked with thousands of affected customers over the years, so if you have water damage in the Morganton, NC area and need a disaster restoration company, contact SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties today!

What to Do If Your Frozen Pipes Burst

12/23/2019 (Permalink)

When burst pipes caused water damage to this commercial building, our crew dried it out!

Each winter, we get calls from customers whose pipes have frozen and burst. When temperatures drop below freezing, water freezes and expands, which builds up pressure in the plumbing system. And when the pipes begin to thaw, this added pressure can cause the pipes to burst, sending gallons of water into your home. These incidents are certainly stressful, but a few simple steps can help you navigate the situation more successfully.

1. Turn off the water. First, you’re going to need to stop the water from gushing into your home. Locate the water shut-off valve in your home and shut the water off. This won’t undo the damage, but it stops it from getting any worse.

2. Call a plumber. Now you’re going to need to fix the source of the issue. A plumber will fix the pipe damage, plus they can identify other issues you might not have yet noticed. If nothing else, you’ll need them so you can turn your back on.

3. Call a disaster restoration company. Finally, you’re going to need the water damage cleaned up. A good disaster restoration company will assess the damage, extract the water, and set equipment to accelerate the drying process. When you’re looking for a company in your area, we highly recommend you find one that’s IICRC-certified!

It’s never fun to discover your pipes are frozen, but if they do burst, the above steps should put you in a good position. If you need a disaster restoration company to clean your home’s water damage, know that our team is available 24/7 and is an IICRC-certified firm!

3 Ways We’ve Helped Local Businesses

12/16/2019 (Permalink)

Our crew can perform HVAC cleanings in addition to our core cleanup and restoration services!

Most people know that we help homeowners recover from fire, water, and mold damage, but they don’t always know we also help businesses and other commercial properties. In fact, we do more than just fire and water damage restoration—though it is the core of our operations. We offer other services that have helped many businesses in the community!

1. Sewage cleanup. Sewage backups are a problem for anyone, but this is especially true for restaurants and hospitals. These spaces need to be clean and sanitized since they work directly with people. Our team cleans up sewage backups and treats the affected areas to prevent microbial growth.

2. Biohazard cleanup. Biohazardous accidents can come in all shapes and sizes. There could be a crime scene incident, bodily fluids, or even an accidental spill of hazardous waste. These types of incidents require special cleanup and disposal procedures, which our team is trained and certified to handle!

3. HVAC cleanings. Over time, a business’ duct system accrues dust and other contaminants, which can reduce air quality and cause the system to overwork. Fortunately, our team performs thorough HVAC cleanings to mitigate issues and improve your system’s efficiencies.

Many businesses will eventually need our services, even if they don’t have a disaster. Fortunately, we’ve helped hundreds of commercial property owners in the Lenoir area since we opened our doors in 2009. If your business has a need for our services, know that our team is available 24/7!

3 Most Common Causes of Fires in Lenoir

12/9/2019 (Permalink)

Cooking-related fires are one of the most common causes of house fires—both in Lenoir and in the rest of the U.S.

Since we opened our doors in 2009, we’ve helped hundreds of customers in the community recover from fire damage. While some house fires are relatively minor, they generally destroy belongings and disrupt lives. We’ve seen first-hand how stressful it can be to have a fire, which is why we’re advocates for fire prevention. Below are some of the most common causes of house fires in the Lenoir area!

1. Cooking-related fires. We all love to cook, but did you know cooking-related fires are the number one cause of house fires in the entire U.S? We certainly encourage you to continue cooking, but practice kitchen safety and don’t leave the kitchen unattended while it’s in use!

2. Electrical fires. In today’s society, electronics and appliances are an essential part of our lives. They can be a great convenience, but electrical fires are a problem that many homes face each year. Electrical fires can occur for a number of reasons, and this article offers some great prevention tips!

3. Heating equipment fires. Now that the cold seasons are here, most homes will start using heating equipment. While these are great for staying warm, the heat they generate can cause nearby flammable objects to catch fire. Whether it’s your fireplace or a space heater, keep this equipment at least 3 feet away from flammable objects!

The above are some of the most common causes of house fires in the area, but they are by no means the only ones. If you do have a house fire, know that our team at SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties is available 24/7 to clean up and restore your home’s fire damage!

3 Common Disasters that Lenoir Businesses Face

12/2/2019 (Permalink)

Electrical fires are a common problem that businesses in Lenoir face. Unfortunately, fires can destroy halt operations or destroy building completely!

Since 2009, our franchise has helped thousands of homes and businesses recover from a disaster. Over the years, we’ve seen the many ways that our customers have been impacted by crimes, accidents, and storms. While you and your employees might not be prepared for every possible incident, you should at least be prepared for the most common ones. If you own a business in the Lenoir area, you should be aware of some of the most common disasters fellow business owners have faced!

1. Electrical fires. There are many reasons a commercial property could have a fire, but from our experience, electrical fires are one of the main culprits. Ensure your employees understand that outlets can be overheated, and other safety tips as it pertains to electricity. It’s also important you have the appropriate types of fire extinguishers (a Class C extinguisher for electrical fires) and that your employees know how to use them.

2. Roof leaks. We can’t tell you how many times we’ve had business owners call us because rain flooded their office through the roof. Your building’s structure is—among other things—designed to protect your interior from the elements. But as it ages or is impacted by outside forces, it has the potential to let rain seep through. Ensure your building has routine inspections, and immediately address any known issues.

3. Sewage backups. Unfortunately, sewage backups are a problem many businesses in the community have faced. These typically occur because the lines are clogged and the waste backs up, though the source of the clog can vary. For your part, make sure your employees don’t place inappropriate objects down the drains and consider having your lines cleared every few years.

It’s unfortunate, but most businesses will have some kind of a disaster at some point. However, with the proper precautions, you can mitigate both the risk and potential damages. If you do have an incident and need professional help, our team at SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties is here to help!

What To Do if a Tree Falls On Your Roof

11/24/2019 (Permalink)

This tree fell during a storm and damaged part of the front of this house!

When a tree falls on your roof, it causes two problems: it damages your home’s structure, and it exposes your home to the elements. Each year, we get dozens of calls from people who have had trees fall on their roof and are unsure of what to do. It’s not a quick process, but there are a few steps you can take!

1. Remove the tree. This might seem like an obvious first step, but we’ve had countless calls from people who haven’t even removed the tree. Until the damaged area of your roof has been cleared, it can’t be covered. We recommend calling your local tree removal company.

2. Tarp exposed areas. Unless you’re lucky, a fallen tree will likely cause damage to your roof, generally leaving it exposed. To ensure outside elements don’t get in and cause more damage, you should have it tarped. In some cases, the tree removal company will do this for you, but if not, you will need to contact a roofing company.

3. Contact a roofing company. Even if the roof is tarped, you’ll need to contact a roofing company to determine the next phase of repairs. After all, the tarp is only a temporary solution!

4. Call a disaster restoration company (if applicable). If the tree fell because of a storm (or if a storm hits before the damage can be properly tarped), you’re likely going to have rain damage on the interior of your home. A water mitigation company will dry the affected areas and treat it with an antimicrobial treatment to prevent mold growth!

A fallen tree can cause a lot of damage and headache, but with the above steps, you can get your life back on track. If you have water damage and need a disaster restoration company, our Lenoir-based team is available 24/7 to make it “Like it never even happened!”

Holiday Fire Prevention Tips

11/19/2019 (Permalink)

Candles are often part of the holiday tradition, but they are a potential fire risk!

Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other holidays are right around the corner. While it’s a great season to spend with friends and family, it’s also a time where most house fires occur. We’ve seen first-hand how a fire can unexpectedly upend people’s lives, which is why we’re sharing a few tips to prevent a holiday fire disaster!

1. Don’t leave the kitchen unattended while cooking. Cooking is a popular pastime during the holiday season, but it’s also one the largest causes of home fires in the U.S. Whenever you cook, don’t leave the kitchen attended while it’s still in use—not even for a second. Fires can occur quickly and without warning!

2. Keep your heating equipment away from flammable equipment. When it’s cold outside, we go inside and heat up. But space heaters and fire places can pose a fire hazard if precautions aren’t taken. When you decide to keep warm, keep heating equipment at least 3 feet away from flammable objects.

3. Be careful with candles. Candles account for more than half of home fires in the month of December. Although they are popular (and often part of culture and tradition), they can put your home at risk if they aren’t properly handled. Keep them away from children, don’t leave them unattended, and keep them away from flammable objects.

The holidays should be a time for celebration and camaraderie, but a house fire can ruin all of that. This holiday season, we hope you’ll practice fire safety and have a disaster-free time. If you do have a fire, though, know that our team at SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties is available 24/7, even during the holidays!

Why Water Damage Should be Handled By Professionals

10/10/2019 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO team is always here and ready to clean up water damage!

Back in June, heavy rains caused significant flooding, and we received over 300 phone calls in a 3-day period. Many of those customers decided to turn down our services because they opted to do the work themselves. Unfortunately, if water damage isn’t properly dried, it can cause additional problems in the future. In fact, many of those customers that had previously canceled are now calling back because of mold problems. If you have water damage, professionals can help you prevent a couple of different issues.

Potential Mold Damage

Nobody wants to have mold in their home. While it’s true that mold spores are found in and around your home, they don’t pose a problem until the spores are activated. What causes them to activate? Moisture. So if you have water damage and it’s not properly addressed, it can lead to mold growth.

Hidden Moisture

We can’t always see the damage water causes. A lot of materials in our homes are porous—such as drywall, carpet, and wood. When they come into contact with water, the water is absorbed and trapped. As a result, these materials can either become warped or create a breeding ground for mold. Fortunately, our technicians have the technology to both detect and dry this hidden moisture! These crucial abilities are essential in preventing lasting or additional damages.

We’re Your Local Water Mitigation Team

Since 2009, SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties has helped thousands of homes and businesses recover from water damage. All of our employees are certified, and we have access to some of the best equipment in the industry! If you have water damage, call our professionals today at (828) 396-1070!

We Cleanup Your Water Damage

9/24/2019 (Permalink)

We use state-of-the-art equipment and drying techniques to clean up water damage in your home or business!

Nearly every day, our team receives calls from homeowners and business owners who have water damage in their home. These incidents can occur for a number of reasons: pipe leaking, the water heater bursting, or even just rain waters flooding their basement. We’ve found it can affect any person in any number of ways.

Fortunately, as a water cleanup and restoration company, we’re experts in cleaning up water damage. After more than 10 years, we’ve helped thousands of homes recover from disasters.

The Mitigation Process

At SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties, we believe it’s important that our customers understand the restoration process. Our certified professionals follow standards set by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). Although these steps can vary in certain circumstances, we generally use the following process:

1. Assess the damage. The first thing our technicians do is evaluate both the damage and its source. Our team will check moisture levels and decide on the best approach to completely dry affected rooms and materials.

2. Extract standing water. After assessing the situation and ensuring the source has been addressed, our technicians will begin to extract any standing water. We have state-of-the-art equipment that allows us to efficiently remove water.

3. Set drying equipment. Next, our team will accelerate the drying process by using high-velocity fans (known as air movers) and dehumidifiers. The equipment will increase the evaporation rate and allow wet materials to thoroughly dry out.

4. Evaluate affected areas to meet drying goals. During subsequent visits, our crew will check on the status of the drying process. Once drying goals have been met (which were determined in the initial visit), we will remove all of the equipment from your home!

Ready for Any Size Water Damage

Our team at SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties is always available to clean up water damages. We have hundreds of air movers and dehumidifiers, dozens of vehicles, and more than 60 employees. If you have water damage in your area, know that you’re in capable hands. Call us any time at (828) 396-1070!

Our Storm Response Team

9/11/2019 (Permalink)

Our team is always ready to help, even if we have to travel!

A year ago, Hurricane Florence utterly devastated the Carolinas. Last week, Hurricane Dorian struck the areas as well. While it had weakened considerably from its peak as a Category 5 storm, it still caused significant damage. That’s where SERVPRO comes in. Although we primarily service Alexander & Caldwell Counties, our team has and will aid areas affected by catastrophic storm damages.

Why We Help Other Areas

We’ve mentioned in other blog posts that we can handle any size disaster. This is true—in part—because we are a large loss franchise, but it’s also true because we have the support of more than 1,700 other SERVPRO franchises across the nation. Conversely, we also support other franchisees in need, such as those in hurricane-affected areas.

But this isn’t some obligation—our team truly believes in helping others in need. When we announce our plans to travel, many of our employees are eager to volunteer, even knowing they will be in less-than-ideal conditions.

Should We Stay, or Should We Go?

One of the most challenging aspects of responding to storms outside our area is deciding if we should go. Our top priority is to make sure that our local community is taken care of first, so when we are considering a response, we have to take that into consideration.

Fortunately, as our team has grown over the years, it’s been easier to take some of our team without affecting our customers at home. In some cases, we will hire temporary workers to assist us with our storm response.

Our Team is Ready

Fortunately, our services were not needed this time, but our team was packed and ready to go. Regardless, we’re here to serve the Lenoir community and surrounding areas, so if you have damages of your own, you can call our team anytime at (828) 396-1070!

What is a Soot Web?

9/3/2019 (Permalink)

This soot tag formed on the ceiling of this home's porch!

If you’ve ever been in a home or building that had recently had a fire, you may have noticed several webs hanging in ceiling corners. At first glance, they appear to be cobwebs covered in soot. In fact, most of our customers will make comments about their poor cleaning skills. Fortunately, these “webs” aren’t actually webs at all.

Also known as soot tags, soot webs are features that form when ionized soot particles cling and stick together. These soot particles are generally found in ceiling corners—where air and surfaces are cooler. If you see soot webs in your home, refrain from touching them because they are very sticky.

While we hope you never encounter a soot web in your home, rest assured you it’s not the sign of the sneaky spider. Instead, call our fire damage restoration team to make the fire “Like it never even happened.”

Signs Your Business Might Have a Mold Problem

8/23/2019 (Permalink)

Mold growth can affect any commercial property, including this school.

Mold can be a major problem for your business. In addition to disrupting your employees’ productivity and potentially causing health effects, active mold growth can destroy your building, furniture, and more. Many business owners respond to mold once they’ve identified it on their property, but how do you know if you have mold? There are a few signs to look out for.

1. You can actually see mold. One of the most obvious signs you have a mold problem is that you can actually see it. In fact, once you’ve spotted it, testing usually isn’t necessary; you simply need to contact a mold remediation company.

2. You notice a musty smell. Mold doesn’t always grow in visible places, such as under the sink or inside your HVAC system. It does, however, give off a musty smell. If you detect the odor in your business, it’s best to have a professional test your business for mold.

3. Your business recently had water damage. Mold can begin growing within 24-48 hours after it’s been exposed to moisture. While quick drying and an antimicrobial application can deter mold growth, water damage is often undetected or unaddressed until it’s too late. If you notice you have water damage, immediately call a disaster restoration company like us!

Mold growth can disrupt your business, but it can be addressed by a mold remediation company. Our team at SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties has remediated hundreds of mold-affected homes and businesses since 2009. If your business has mold, you can call us anytime at (828) 396-1070!

2 Things to Know About Flooding

8/12/2019 (Permalink)

Flood damage isn't covered by your standard homeowner's insurance, so be sure to purchase flood damage!

Although we don’t have severe flooding very often, it is possible, as we learned back in June. Besides the obvious destruction it causes, we’ve discovered that many of our customers aren’t aware of how floodwaters can be a major problem. In reality, flooding can potentially be one of the most expensive types of disasters your home or business can have.

1. Flood damage is not covered under your standard homeowners’ insurance.

Back during the June flooding, hundreds of customers called us for our services. Unfortunately, flood damages can be costly to clean up and restore, and it quickly became apparent that many homeowners incorrectly assumed their properties were covered under their insurance.

Insurance companies flood policy to protect your home from flood damages, but these are separate from your homeowners’ policy. There’s also a 30-day waiting period for your benefits to kick in, so you can’t buy it a day before you expect to need it. That’s why we highly recommend you call your insurance company and see what flood insurance policies they have available!

2. Floodwaters can be dangerous to your health.

There are 3 categories of water damage; each determined by the health risk it poses to humans. Clean, potable water is classified as Category 1 water damage, grossly unsanitary water (such as water from the septic system) is classified as Category 3 water damage. Damages involving floodwaters are also considered Category 3 water damages.

When our team deals with this type of water damages, we have to take extra precautions to protect our health. For example, we have to wear personal protective equipment (PPE), porous materials must be removed, and those with compromised immune systems must evacuate.

Why is floodwater so dangerous? Because it likely carries sewage and chemicals, which in turn brings a variety of pathogenic agents. It’s never a good idea to underestimate the health risks floodwaters can bring.

Restoring Your Flood-Damaged Property

Despite the dangers that flooding presents, your home or business can be restored. Our team here in Lenoir has 10 years of experience helping customers recover from disaster. If your home has flood damage and you need professional help, call us any time at (828) 396-1070!

Packing, Cleaning, & Storing Your Possessions

7/29/2019 (Permalink)

Our team makes sure every item is inventoried and carefully packaged before being sent back to our warehouse for cleaning and storage.

Floods, fires, and other disasters usually affect an entire area of your home or business. So it’s not just the floor and the walls that are damaged—it’s also your furniture, your clothes, and your valuables.

We’ve served the Lenoir, NC community for 10 years, and we’ve learned that it’s sometimes the sentimental items that mean the most to our customers. That’s why our team of professionals performs packout services as part of our restoration process.

The Packout Process: Salvageable vs. Unsalvageable

Our packout service is a process by which our team “packs out” your property’s contents to be temporarily relocated for the duration of the restoration process. When you have a disaster, one of the first things we do is send a team to sort and box your belongings. To ensure every item is accounted for, we scan and catalog every item into our system before placing them in labeled boxes. This process also ensures customers get all of their belongings back!

Unfortunately, some items—either due to the nature of the item or the amount of damage it sustained—won’t be able to be saved by our team. Known as “nonsals,” these unsalvageable items are cataloged the same as all of the other belongings, but they are generally disposed of instead. However, before we take any such action, we always meet with you to review the unsalvageable items so you can make a final decision!

We Clean Your Belongings

The packout process is usually just the beginning. Once our technicians have relocated your belongings to our warehouse, they will be expertly cleaned. We use a range of cleaning techniques and proprietary products to restore it as close as we can to the original condition. Any textiles—including clothes, linens, and stuffed animals—will be sent to our on-site state-of-the-art textiles cleaning facility. Our facility is also equipped with an ozone chamber to eliminate any lingering odors!

Contact Us to Recover Your Damaged Contents

We know how important it is to save sentimental items. Our technicians work hard to restore your home’s contents to their pre-disaster condition. If you have a disaster and need a team of local professionals, call us today at (828) 396-1070!

Our Textiles Cleaning Service

7/22/2019 (Permalink)

This is just a small part of our textiles cleaning facility!

Imagine your child’s favorite teddy bear was scorched in a fire. Or perhaps the quilt your grandmother sewed was contaminated with floodwaters. Disasters often affect the items we cherish the most, but they’re not always lost.

Now having served the Lenoir, NC and Taylorsville, NC communities for 10 years, we’ve helped countless customers recover their damaged textiles—ranging from stuffed animals to firefighter jackets. As part of our restoration services, we have a full-service textiles cleaning facility capable of restoring most damaged textiles.

When a customer has damaged contents in their home, we sort them and take them back to our warehouse for cleaning and storage. In the case of textiles, we take them to our special cleaning facility. The process may slightly vary, but the typical cleaning process is as follows:

1. We tag all of the items to ensure each customer’s textiles stay together. It’s important to us that nothing is misplaced or given to the wrong customer.

2. Textiles are washed and dried using our state-of-the-art equipment. For fragile contents or those that need extra attention, we may clean them in our ESPORTA, which has the capability to clean nearly every textile.

3. Any textiles with a lingering odor are placed in our ozone chamber. This chamber eliminates any unwanted smells.

4. We carefully store cleaned textiles until we are able to return them to the customer.

If you’d like to see the process in action, watch our textiles cleaning video!

Get Professional Help

Our goal is to be a one-stop shop for your disaster restoration needs. All of our technicians are highly trained and certified, which is how we’ve been able to restore many items once thought to be permanently ruined by a disaster. If your home or business has been affected by fire, water, or any other disaster, call our team today at (828) 396-1070!

Be Prepared for Thunderstorm Damage

7/17/2019 (Permalink)

Thunderstorms might look cool from a distance, but they can cause a lot of damage to your home!

Summer is a favorite for many people. Vacations, days at the park, s’mores, and more—each cementing a role for the season. But summer is also populated with thunderstorms, which occur more frequently as the weather conditions shift in their favor. Moist, rapidly rising warm air breed these storms, which can cause a number of damages. Because thunderstorms tend to be underestimated, it’s important to know how they can affect you and your home.

Flash Floods

A lot of rain in a short period of time can cause flash flooding. As we all learned last month, most people in the area are susceptible to flooding, even if they aren’t in designated flood zones. These incidents can occur unexpectedly and can close roads or even ruin parts of your home. If you live in an area prone to flooding, it’s a good idea to take precautions if you know a thunderstorm is on the way.

Wind Damage

Dark clouds and strong winds are a sure sign a storm is approaching. Some thunderstorms can even have winds stronger than 50 miles an hour! Of course, storms have been known to knock down trees, which can damage roofs and expose your home to rain. Before a storm arrives, tie down outside objects that could become airborne and—if you act well in advance—cut down sick or dead trees.

Lightning Strikes

Where there’s thunder, there’s lightning. Everyone knows that being struck by lightning can be fatal, but your home can be damaged too. For one, a direct strike to your home can start a fire, though because it often starts in places like the attic, it can go unnoticed until it’s too late. And even if it doesn’t start a fire, if lightning uses your home’s electrical wiring as a path to the ground, it can destroy electrical devices connected to the system.

To prepare, when a storm approaches, stay away from electric devices (and perhaps unplug them) and be wary of any direct hits to your house. You don’t always know there’s a fire until it’s too late!

Your Local Disaster Restoration Company

Storms have the potential to cause a lot of damage to your home. Whether it’s flooding or fire damage, thunderstorms pose a serious threat. Fortunately, our team here in Lenoir are ready and experienced to any property with storm damage, so if your home has storm damage, call our team immediately!

Mold Remediation Resource Page

7/12/2019 (Permalink)

Nobody wants to discover mold growth in their home. In addition to the musty odor and the unsightly appearance, mold can contribute to health effects and structural damage to our property. Yet we’ve found many property owners have misconceptions about mold and how it should be treated.

After 10 years of serving the Lenoir, NC community and surrounding areas, we’ve learned what property owners need and want to know about mold and the remediation process. That’s why we’ve put together this resource page to help you find the information you need!

Mold Remediation Process

The process for mold remediation—like any other restoration service—can vary depending on the extent of the mold’s growth. Regardless, it’s a good idea to be familiar with the general process so you have a better understanding of what will need to happen at your property.

• The Mold Remediation Process
• “Mold Removal” vs. Mold Remediation
• What is Black Mold
• Mold Damage Tips

Mold Blog Posts

Understandably, most homeowners have a lot of questions about mold. Having heard many of them over the past 10 years, we’ve dedicated our blog to answering some of your most burning questions. Below you’ll find a list of some of our most popular mold-related blog posts.

• What Homeowners Need to Know About Mold
• The Issue with Take-Home Mold Tests
• Why Do I Have Mold Growth in My Home?
• Do I Need a Mold Inspection?

Mold Before & After Photos

We believe it’s important for customers to see what we can do. That’s why we’ve compiled some before and after photos of some of the mold we’ve successfully remediated!

• Mold Before & After Photo 1
• Mold Before & After Photo 2
• Mold Before & After Photo 3

Contacting Your Local Mold Remediation Company

Mold growth is a problem many homeowners will encounter at some point in their lives. Fortunately, our team of mold remediation experts have over a decade of experience and can restore your home. If you need our professional services, call us today at (828) 396-1070!

Water Damage Restoration Resource Page

7/10/2019 (Permalink)

Water damages often happen when you least expect them. Whether you have a burst pipe, a leaky appliance, or even rain intrusion—the effects can be disastrous. But unless you’ve experienced water damage in the past, you’re likely unfamiliar with the process and are looking for guidance.

Now having served the Lenoir, NC and Taylorsville, NC areas for 10 years, we have learned what customers want and need to know when it comes to water damage. As a result, we’ve put together this resource page for you to learn more about the restoration process and what to expect!

Water Damage Restoration Process

Depending on the extent and the category of water damage at your property, the restoration process can vary. But unless you’ve gone through the experience before, you likely aren’t sure what to expect. Below are some resources that can help you understand what exactly goes into the water damage cleanup and restoration process.

• The Water Damage Restoration Process
• Water Damage Emergency Tips

Water Damage Blog Posts

When we write our blog posts, we consider what it is that our customers need and want to know. That’s why many of our water-related blog posts are educational and help you understand what to expect when you have (or want to prevent) water damage.

• Water Damage Frequently Asked Questions
• Why Water Damage Should Be Dried By a Water Mitigation Company
• 3 Categories of Water Damage
• How We Can Dry Your Wet Documents

Water Damage Videos

It’s one thing to read about water damage, but it’s an entirely different matter when seeing it. We’ve created several videos that range in topics—from the mitigation process to a walkthrough of our warehouse.

(NOTE: You can find the rest of our water damage videos on our sister sites: SERVPRO of Burke County, SERVPRO of Catawba County East, and SERVPRO of Catawba County West.)

• Water Damage Warehouse Tour

Water Damage Before & After Photos

What does it mean when we say we can make it “Like it never even happened?” We have a series of before and after photos to help you understand exactly what that means!

• Water Damage Example 1
• Water Damage Example 2
• Water Damage Example 3

Contacting Your Local, Water Damage Mitigation Company

In most situations, if you have water damage, it’s highly recommended that you contact your local disaster restoration company. Fortunately, our team at SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties has a decade of experience cleaning and restoring water-damaged homes. If you need professional help, please call us today at (828) 396-1070!

A Word from Our Customers

7/3/2019 (Permalink)

Some of our customers send us "Thank You" cards!

In our 10 years of service, we’ve helped thousands of home and business owners recover from disasters. Over that time, we’ve proudly built a strong reputation in the community as a fast, reliable company. It’s because of this reputation that we’ve been able to grow into one of the top 100 SERVPRO franchises across the nation.

But don’t take our word for it! Many of our customers have been vocal about their experience with us, and we’d like to share some of those with you.

Our Customer Testimonials

“Our project was very large, but everyone we worked with was very professional and work with us on our schedule. We are very pleased with the work that was done. You can't even tell there was damage.”

—Philip A., Google

“We needed help with clean up and smoke removal after a small fire in our home. I spoke to a few companies about the job before calling SERVPRO. We chose SERVPRO because of Tammy Gragg. I had so many questions/concerns about ozone vs. hydroxyl machines and wanted green environmentally safe products for our family. Tammy knows her stuff and quickly eased my concerns explaining it all to me from a professional side, She also knows what people need in crisis! Her integrity and sincere care for others came through the phone and I called her a lot throughout the process and she was always there for us to answer questions. She really is the face of SERVPRO for my family. Now, I would not dare leave a review without saying how WONDERFUL EVERY SINGLE PERSON that worked in my home was. They are very hard workers and I was thankful for each of them. Ingrid and Maricruz especially wonderful through this process. I am very picky about my belongings and family and SERVPRO gets it and they made sure I was 100% HAPPY. Thank you ALL! God Bless!”

—Belinda C., Facebook

“Extremely impressed with the recent [work] your team did. They were efficient, friendly, and took great care with our property.”

—Lynn Marie B., Customer Satisfaction Form

Our Reputation

Our team strives to build a positive reputation in the community. That’s why our employees participate in continuing education and performance reviews. If you’ve been uncertain about using our services, we hope our past customers speak for themselves!

Water Damage Q&A: Do You Have to Remove My Flooring?

6/18/2019 (Permalink)

Carpet doesn't fare well against a ton of moisture, and it will likely need to be removed.

Last weekend, Caldwell County declared a state of emergency after heavy rains flooded the community. On our end, we received over 300 calls from affected home and business owners in the Unifour area. Our team responded to each call and answered lots of questions, as many of our callers had never experienced water damage before. Today, we’re answering one of the most common questions we were asked!

Do You Need To Remove My Flooring (Carpet, Hardwoods, etc.)?

Water doesn’t do very well with most types of flooring. In cases where it doesn’t actually ruin the material, it still poses a threat to your subfloor. Whether or not your flooring needs to be removed ultimately comes down to two things: the flooring material and the extent of the water damage.

Some materials hold up against water better than others. Generally, the more porous a material is, the more likely it will need to be removed when exposed to enough moisture.

Carpet, for example, will most likely need to be pulled up because water will seep through to the subfloor, which will, in turn, become a breeding ground for mold. A similar result would occur with hardwoods, but the planks themselves would also be ruined because of the excess moisture it would absorb. Concrete, on the other hand, would be essentially unaffected because water would not be able to permeate the material.

Water Damages & Your Floors

If your floor endures a lot of water damage, you can generally expect it to be stripped to the subfloor (barring certain flooring materials). Still, it’s a necessary step to prevent mold or structural damage in the future. Should water damage become an issue at your property, contact our team at SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties for help!

SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties Can Clean Up Any Commercial Damage

6/7/2019 (Permalink)

Our team is ready to respond to any disaster at any time!

Now celebrating our 10^th year in the Lenoir, NC community, we’ve worked with many local homeowners to restore their home after a disaster. But did you know that we also have both the resources and the experience to clean and restore commercial properties as well? In fact, we’ve helped many commercial owners recover from fire damage, flooding, and more!

Responding to Business’ Disasters 24/7

When we say we’re a 24/7 disaster restoration company, we mean it. We have on-call staff who are ready to respond to fire or water damages at any moment—whether it’s late at night or on Thanksgiving morning. In fact, we recently received a call at around 3 a.m. for a flooded commercial property that needed extraction. Our team arrived within the hour and took care of the issue!

We Can Handle Any Size Disaster

It might seem hard to believe, but there’s no amount of damage that we can’t handle. For starters, SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties is a Large Loss Response Team (LLRT). This designation from our corporate office indicates that we have the skills and resources to handle large-scale disasters. In fact, we have experience with several of these types of incidents, such as the fire at Lees-McRae College or the flooding at Martinsville Speedway.

What about extreme situations? In instances where all of our resources are tapped, we can call in other franchises (over 1,700!) to assist.  No matter how extensive the damage is, SERVPRO can make it “Like it never even happened!”

Cleaning and Restoring Your Commercial Property

Our team at SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties can take care of any type of damage your property endures. After a decade of serving the community and building our franchise, we are confident in our ability to restore your commercial property. But don’t take our word for it—our customers proudly speak for themselves!

If you have a disaster—regardless of whether it’s at your home or your business—please call our team today at (828) 396-1070!

Fire Damage Restoration Resource Page

5/17/2019 (Permalink)

What do you do if you have fire damage? Unfortunately, once a fire is extinguished, your problems aren’t over; in fact, they’ve likely just begun. You have to work with your insurance, call a disaster restoration company, potentially figure out temporary living arrangements, and so on. It’s an overwhelming process that provokes a lot of questions.

After 10 years of helping the community recover from disasters, we’ve learned what our customers need to know about fire damage. As a result, we’ve created this resource page to help you learn more about the things you want to know—from the restoration process to preventative tips!

Fire Damage Restoration Process

Unless you’ve had the misfortune of having fire damage before, you’re likely unfamiliar with the restoration process. While it can vary depending on the extent of the damage, it’s never a bad idea to know what you might expect.

• The Fire Damage Restoration Process
• Fire Damage Emergency Tips

Fire-Related Blog Posts

Our blog is full of tips and information to help you understand what to expect when you have a disaster. The above link will take you to an overview of all of our fire-related blog posts. But if you want a look at some of our most popular posts, consider reading the following:

• Why SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties Should Clean Your Fire Damage
• Fire Damage Q&A: Can I Clean the Damage on My Own?
• 5 Things You Should Do After a Fire
• 3 Kitchen Fire Prevention Tips

Fire-Related Videos

We’ve worked at numerous fire-damaged properties over the years, and we’ve had the opportunity to record footage of the process. From walkthroughs to testimonials, we have a range of fire damage videos to help you understand what we do!

(NOTE: You will find our other videos on our sister sites: SERVPRO of Burke County, SERVPRO of Catawba County East, and SERVPRO of Catawba County West)

• Lees-McRae College Fire Damage Walkthrough
• Lees-McRae College Customer Testimonial

Fire Damage Before & After Pictures

One of the best ways for a potential customer to know about our capabilities is to see our before and after photos. This is just one of the ways we show that we can make it “Like it never even happened.”

• Fire Damage Cleanup Example 1
• Fire Damage Cleanup Example 2
• Fire Damage Cleanup Example 3
• Contents Packout

Contacting Your Local Fire-Damage Cleanup Team

If you have fire damage at your property, it’s generally best to hire professionals to clean it up. If you live in the Lenoir or Taylorsville, NC areas, we encourage you to contact SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties. Now serving the local community for 10 years, we have the experience to clean and restore any fire or smoke damage you may have. Contact us anytime at (828) 396-1070!

How SERVPRO Can Help

5/16/2019 (Permalink)

Our team has 10 years of experience cleaning and restoring damage from any kind of disaster.

You’ve likely seen our green vehicles—whether on the road, at your neighbor’s house, or at your favorite local business. You may even know us by our name: SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties. But do you know what we do? Most people will tell you we’re a fire and water damage cleanup and restoration company. While this is true, it fails to cover the full breadth of our services.

Having served the entire Unifour region—including Taylorsville, NC and Lenoir, NC—for 10 years, we offer services for all of your restoration needs.

Fire Damage Cleanup & Restoration

Whether you actually have a fire or just have a lot of soot that backed up from your fireplace, you’re going to need cleanup services. Our fire restoration team has the capability to clean and sanitize any fire and smoke residue in your property. This cleaning process includes both the property’s structure and any of your salvageable belongings.

Water Damage Cleanup & Restoration

Water damage can lead to structural damage and encourage mold growth—or it may just be biohazardous. Our water mitigation experts can extract excess water and accelerate the drying process, which helps prevent further damage to your home or business. Our goal is to dry and restore your property as quickly as possible!

Mold Remediation

Mold can cause structural damage and potentially cause health effects in some people, which is why it’s generally best to have a professional mold remediation company address the issue. Our team has a decade of experience helping homes and businesses tackle their mold problems. We focus on containing the mold spores and treating the affected areas. We’ll also make sure any moisture problem is addressed so growth is discouraged in the future!

Odor Removal

Imagine returning home to the smell of smoke or even skunk. There are numerous scenarios that could arise that could give your home, business, or vehicle an unbearable odor. Some smells might seem impossible to get rid of, but we have access to cutting-edge technology that can eliminate virtually any odor.

Biohazard Cleanup

Some biological and chemical materials can be harmful or contaminated and need to be cleaned up using procedures in accordance with OSHA and health regulations. Our team is equipped with the knowledge, gear, and cleaning supplies to properly clean up and dispose of biohazardous materials. Depending on the situation, our technicians can be as discreet as you need them to be.

Textiles Cleaning

Disasters often affect more than just the structure of your home or business—they also damage your valuable possessions. Fortunately, we have a state-of-the-art textiles cleaning facility that can remove soot, sewage, and other contaminants from your textiles. Whether its clothes, towels, or even your child’s favorite teddy bear—we can clean and restore nearly any textile damaged by a disaster.

Contents Packout

Do you know what happens to your belongings in the event of a disaster? As long as they’re salvageable, we can pack up, clean, and store your damaged possessions for the duration of the cleanup and restoration process. We separate and organize your contents so that at any time, we can tell you which box and from which room an item came from. Our goal is to give you peace of mind knowing your valuables are safely stored!

Contact Your Local SERVPRO Professionals

SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties has served Lenoir, NC and the surrounding areas for 10 years. If you aren’t familiar with our story, we encourage you to learn more about who we are and what we believe in. And if you have a need for any of the above services, please contact us today at (828) 396-1070.

Why SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties Should Clean Your Fire Damage

4/30/2019 (Permalink)

Our team at SERVPRO can respond to any size disaster, such as when we responded to the large fire at Lees-McRae college in 2017!

Fires can be one of the most devastating types of damages we have to clean up. At best, only some structural cleaning is needed; at worst, families are displaced and valuables are lost. Oftentimes, we arrive on the worst day of our customers’ lives. But after 10 years of cleaning and restoring fire-damaged homes, we've learned what it truly takes to make it “Like it never even happened.”

We Preserve Your Valuables

In 2018, a car caught fire inside a garage and ruined the attached home. The family was fortunate enough to escape, but they had to leave their home. What’s worse is that many of their valuables were damaged—some to the point that they seemed unsalvageable. When we arrived, the customers were surprised to learn we had a textiles cleaning facility in addition to our contents cleaning crew. As a result, we were able to save many of their valuables—including their children’s cherished toys. Today, the same family is now back in their home! You can hear about their experience here.

We Can Handle Any Size Disaster

No matter how large and extensive a fire is, our team is capable of cleaning and restoring the affected areas. In 2017, for example, Lees-McRae College had a fire that effectively ruined their athletics building. Of course, with the facility being a crucial part of their operations, they needed it cleaned and restored as quickly as possible. We sent a crew of over 60 people, more than 100 units of equipment, and more than 10 trucks to respond to the disaster. After a few months, we were able to get their building back open! If you want to see more of this process, check out our video.

We’re Your Local Disaster Restoration Company

Even though we’re part of a national franchise system, SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties is locally owned and operated. In fact, all of our employees live, shop, and engage in the Unifour area. So if you have a fire in Lenoir, NC or the surrounding areas, know that you have access to a local disaster restoration company. For fire and smoke damage cleanup, call us today at (828) 396-1070!

What to Do if Your Small Business has Water Damage

4/9/2019 (Permalink)

One of our crew chiefs extracts water from a business that had water damage!

The last thing any small business owner wants is to discover they have water damage. Because they’re working with finite resources, it can be difficult to spend time and money on an unexpected issue. It’s even worse when it affects operations. If you’re a small business owner and want to mitigate the impact of potential water damage, it’s a good idea to know exactly how you should address it.

1. Address the water source. It’s natural to panic during stressful events, but it’s important to address the water source. Depending on the cause of the damage, you may require a plumber, but before any other action is taken, it’s vital that you ensure you’re not dealing with an ongoing issue. This should be addressed immediately for two reasons:
   • The more water involved, the longer it will take to restore.
   • Your local disaster restoration company can’t begin the drying process until the water source is no longer an issue.

2. Call your local disaster restoration company. More than likely, you’re going to need help, and the best people to call are your local disaster restoration professionals. Upon arrival, they will extract water (if necessary) and complete any required steps before they begin the drying process. They will walk you through the process and make sure you can be operational as soon as possible!

3. Call your insurance agent. Water damages can be expensive, so if you’re adequately covered by your insurance, be sure to call them and make a claim. This is can potentially reduce your out-of-pocket expenses and help you get back on track much quicker!

4. Begin removing excess water from the building. When it comes to water damage, time is of the essence. The longer water is left alone, the more likely you’ll have mold growth and structural damages. That’s why—even though your local disaster restoration company is on the way—it’s vital that you begin extracting excess water as soon as possible. Once help arrives, you’ll be able to turn it over to them to finish!

Water damage is stressful for any small business owner, but with the help of your insurance and your local disaster restoration company, it can be overcome. If you live in the Lenoir or Taylorsville, NC areas, you can call SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties to make any water damage “Like it never even happened.”

3 Fire Prevention Tips

3/29/2019 (Permalink)

Fires can be destructive, but they can often be prevented!

Fires can be both destructive and stressful. While some fires are out of your control, in many cases they can be prevented. As fire damage cleanup experts, we’ve seen countless fires and have learned some ways to prevent them.

1. Keep heat sources away from flammable objects. Especially in the winter, we often hear about space heaters or candles that start destructive fires. In nearly all cases, these objects were left too close to flammable objects. It’s recommended that you keep these objects at least 3 feet apart!

2. Never smoke indoors. Although we are not advocating for smoking in the first place, if you do smoke, never do so indoors. In fact, smoking-related fires were the leading cause of home fire deaths from 2012-2016, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Regardless, you should always dispose of smoking materials in water and ensure it is no longer lit.

3. Replace frayed wires. While many people tend to use wires until they stop functioning, it’s important to address any signs of fraying. Heat from exposed wires have the potential to start a fire, so be sure to replace them as necessary.

They say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Due to the physical and emotional costs a fire can create, being aware of how to prevent fires is important. But if you do have a fire, know that SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties is here!

Water Damage Frequently Asked Questions

3/18/2019 (Permalink)

Customers tend to have a lot of questions about the water damage restoration process, especially when it comes to our equipment!

Nobody plans to have their home or business damaged by a burst pipe or an appliance leak. That’s why many of our customers are completely unprepared for the steps that follow. If you have water damage, below are some frequently asked questions (FAQ).

How long will the drying process take?

One of the first things people want to know is how long it will take to fully extract and dry any water damage. There are several factors that can affect the mitigation process, but you can expect anywhere from one to several days. Our technicians check on the status of your property daily to ensure drying goals are being met.

I don’t see the water. How do you know it is wet?

Because water makes its way into porous materials, it’s sometimes difficult to tell if an area is completely dry. For example, water tends to wick up the backs of walls where it can’t be seen. So in order to ensure our technicians have completely dried your home, they will use a device known as a moisture meter. This device reads the relative moisture levels of an affected area to inform the technician whether or not they’ve achieved the necessary drying goals.

Why do you cut out parts of my wall?

In situations where the water is highly contaminated or if there are signs of wicking, it’s necessary to cut out sections of affected walls to treat and dry the wet materials so we can prevent mold growth and structural damage. In general, we will cut at least 12 inches from the base of the wall, but in some cases, we may have to cut out more. We cut in 1-foot intervals because it is easier to replace a foot of drywall than it is to replace a few inches.

Can I turn off the air movers and/or dehumidifiers? They are loud.

Unfortunately, our equipment can be noisy, but they should not be moved or turned off for any period of time except in the event of an emergency. Turning off our equipment slows down the drying process and increases the chance of mold and structural damage.

Who pays for the electricity your equipment uses?

Our equipment requires power to operate, which means we generally have to tap into your power. Unfortunately, we are not liable for any increase in your electricity bill as a result of our services. However, if your insurance is paying for the work, you may ask them if they will cover electricity usage as well!

If you have any other questions that weren’t answered above, please feel free to call our office at (828) 396-1070!

Why SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties Should Do Your Duct Cleanings

2/28/2019 (Permalink)

Our duct cleaning professionals are here to help!

Most people know that it’s a good idea to clean your HVAC system (at a minimum of every 3 to 5 years, according to the National Air Duct Cleaners Association). Over time, air ducts accrue a buildup of dust, dirt, and other contaminants, which can diminish air quality and negatively affect the performance of your system. That’s why our team at SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties provides professional duct cleanings!

But what sets us apart from other duct cleaning services in the Lenoir, NC area? We’re up-front about our costs, we conduct a thorough cleaning, and we walk you through the process.

We Don’t Have Hidden Costs

We believe that customers should know exactly what they should expect to spend when they call us for an HVAC cleaning. When we give a customer a quote, we give a fixed price based on the number of vents and returns the system has. Barring any unexpected issues (such as excessive mold growth in the ducts), we can give our customers a price upfront.

While this might seem like the standard process, some duct cleaning companies have “hidden” fees. They might initially offer a low estimate to get their foot in the door, but they will begin adding costs once they begin the work. Be wary of companies who attempt to do this!

We Offer Thorough, Professional Duct Cleanings

In order to make it “Like it never even happened.” we make it a point to offer thorough cleanings. Our highly trained staff use high-powered vacuums to clean your entire HVAC system. For contaminants that don’t come free, we seal them in place to prevent them from becoming an issue. We believe it’s important that the system is fully cleaned and the customer is satisfied with the results.

In some cases, duct cleaning companies will offer low prices but perform fast, less-than-satisfactory results. A good telltale sign a company is cutting corners is if they aren’t at your home or business for at least a couple of hours (though usually longer).

We Provide More than Before & After Photos

Any decent HVAC-cleaning company will show their customers before and after pictures. After all, it’s one of the simplest ways to prove to a customer that their ducts have been properly cleaned. But we take that one step beyond. Our technicians will gladly explain the duct-cleaning process and answer any of your questions. We believe in offering friendly customer service and reassurance in our professionalism!

Your Duct Cleaning Professionals in Alexander & Caldwell Counties

If you’re in the market for a duct cleaning, it’s important you feel you can trust the company to enter your home or business. After 10 years in the community, we believe we have the reputation and the professionalism to meet your needs. So if you’re looking for a duct cleaning service in Lenoir, NC, you can call SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties today!

Why SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties Should Handle Your Commercial Loss

2/15/2019 (Permalink)

Our team can respond to any size disaster, such as when we sent a team to aid with the aftermath of Hurricane Florence.

There’s nothing more threatening to a business’ long-term success than a disaster. Most businesses fail to reopen after having some kind of disaster; those that do, tend to close after a brief period of time. That’s why it’s important to have the right people help you get back on your feet. If you’re undecided about which disaster restoration company to call when your business has damage, here’s our case for why it should be us.

1. We’re celebrating 10 years of service. Our franchise came from humble beginnings, just at the height of the recession. Despite the many hurdles, we’ve continued to grow and have now served countless homes and businesses in this community for a decade. During this time, we’ve established our reputation as one of the premier disaster restoration companies in the area.

2. We’re a Large Loss franchise. When a SERVPRO franchise meets certain requirements set by our corporate office, it becomes a Large Loss franchise. This title indicates our size and ability to handle large-scale disasters. As a Large Loss franchise, we have responded to disasters such as the fire at Lees-McRae College, the flooding at Martinsville Speedway, and the aftermath of Hurricane Florence in Wilmington. We’re truly capable of handling any size disaster!

3. We offer a wide range of services. Even though we are known for water and fire damage cleanup and restoration, we offer services you likely won’t find at our competitors. We offer duct cleanings, odor removal, textiles cleaning, and more. Our aim is to be a one-stop shop for your disaster restoration needs.

Commercial property damages are often time-sensitive and need extra attention. Fortunately, we have the experience and capacity to address both of those issues. If your commercial property has damage, call SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties today!

3 Tips for Enduring a Winter Storm

2/6/2019 (Permalink)

When temperatures drop below freezing, pipes are at risk of freezing and bursting, such as in the image above!

This winter has seemed particularly brutal with its record-breaking snowstorm, below-freezing temperatures, and the occasional ice storms. These events have caused distress and induced damage on properties throughout Alexander and Caldwell Counties. While a winter storm can be disruptive, there are some things you can do to minimize the impact and endure it.

1. Assemble an Emergency Survival Kit. You never know how long a storm could keep you cooped up, which is why it’s best to prepare for the worst. Your kit should plan for all sorts of contingencies—lack of heat, power outages, and more. You can find a helpful inventory list on the Center for Disease Control’s official website.

2. Stay Off the Roads. In some cases, it might not be feasible to stay home, but if the roads are treacherous, it’s best to stay off the roads. If you must drive, go slow and avoid backroads.

3. Be Wary of Frozen Pipes. When temperatures drop below freezing, exposed or poorly insulated pipes are at risk of freezing. Know how to thaw frozen pipes and be prepared to react should they burst. They’re more than just an inconvenience—they can lead to some significant damage.

Although spring is approaching, weather can be relatively unpredictable. In the event of another winter storm, be sure to follow the above tips and be prepared to wait it out. But if your property sustains storm-related damage, you can call SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties at any time!

Celebrating 10 Years of Service

1/22/2019 (Permalink)

Owners Kim & Randy Williams pose in front of one of their SERVPRO vehicles—one of many they've acquired over their 10 years in business.

When a business first opens its doors, there’s always a degree of uncertainty—uncertainty about success, the future, and whether or not it was the right thing to do. Owners Kim and Randy Williams had those same feelings when they decided to start their own SERVPRO franchise at the beginning of 2009. When SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties first opened its doors, it just was them and one other employee at the height of a devastating recession.

Although it was a slow start, they took every job and treated their customers with compassion and respect, and later that year, they hired another employee. Their efforts then began to take shape, and after some momentum, they had the opportunity to purchase the franchise in Burke County in 2011. A similar opportunity presented itself in 2015 when both franchises in Catawba County were up for sale.

Now this year, SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties is celebrating its 10 anniversary. After overcoming many obstacles, we have grown into a large team of around 50 employees that has the capability to respond to any size disaster.

To those who have used our services in the past, we thank you for trusting us during a stressful time in your lives. And for those who are considering us, we hope we can earn your business should you ever need us.

Thank you to everyone who has helped us become the business we are today. We hope to continue serving you for many years to come!

3 Common Places to Find Mold in Your Home

1/9/2019 (Permalink)

A burst pipe heavily affected many walls in this room. When it was left unattended for a few months, mold colonies grew exponentially.

Mold spores are everywhere—both in and out of your home. These spores aren’t often an issue, however, until they come into contact with moisture and begin to grow into colonies. Once this growth occurs, the colonies produce more spores and begin to consume the organic surfaces they reside on. Because moisture is essential for this growth, there are several places that commonly have mold growth.

1. Window Sills. You’ve probably seen it before—moisture on your windows. As a result of condensation, water often collects along windows and drips down to the window sill. Unless this is addressed or dried consistently, it opens the opportunity for mold growth to occur.

2. Bathtubs. Bathtubs are one of the most common places to find mold. Water—logically—is ever present, and when bathrooms are not well-ventilated, the moisture does not escape, which gives mold exactly what it needs.

3. Location of Recent Water Damage. Water damages can occur to anyone—pipes burst, water heaters leak, toilets overflow, etc. But unless these damages are quickly addressed and properly handled, they can encourage mold growth.

Mold growth can be concerning, but it can be quickly remediated with the help of a professional mold remediation company. If you have or suspect you have mold, call SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties today at (828) 396-1070!

Why Water Damage Should be Dried by a Water Mitigation Company

1/7/2019 (Permalink)

One of our crew chiefs uses a moisture meter to detect moisture levels, which allows us to find hidden moisture!

Water damage is both an inconvenience and a destructive force, often causing a lot of damage. Of course, it can also be expensive, even with insurance. While many would opt to clean and repair water damage on their own if they could, it’s quite the risk. That’s why we urge you to call your local water mitigation company.

Mold Growth

One of the main reasons you should have a professional disaster restoration company dry your water damage is because remaining moisture can encourage mold growth. The faster water damage is dried, the lower the odds you’ll have mold. That’s why our technicians will also apply an antimicrobial spray—to inhibit potential mold growth.

Hidden Moisture

Depending on where water damage occurs, it’s possible that water was absorbed or got behind materials. For example, in many instances, water will get behind walls or under flooring where it cannot be seen by the naked eye. A professional disaster restoration company, however, can use moisture meters and other specialized equipment to detect high levels of moisture and determine areas that need to dry.

Your Local Disaster Restoration Company

Water damage can disrupt lives, but by calling in professionals immediately, you can mitigate the impact it has over the long term. If you have water damage and live in the Lenoir, NC area, call SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties at (828) 396-1070!

Easy Ways to Prevent Rain Damage

12/28/2018 (Permalink)

Rain might be a natural part of life, but it can cause a lot of destruction!

Rain happens all the time, and while it’s sometimes needed, it can also cause major damage. In fact, we often get calls from home and business owners after a rainstorm because their property has sustained flooding. Fortunately, a little preparation can prevent a lot of damage!

1. Clean out your gutters. Your gutters are your first line of defense against flooding, but if they are not cleared, rain can overflow and become a problem. Regular cleanings will help prevent this buildup and allow your gutters to work properly.

2. Repair any roof damage. In many instances, rainwater gets in through cracks in the roof, which creates a major problem. If you notice or know of any weaknesses in your roof, have it addressed immediately.

3. Ensure your doors and windows are closed. This may seem like one of the most obvious steps you can take, but it’s commonly overlooked. Before a storm arrives, ensure all openings are shut so rain cannot easily enter your home or building.

There are many steps you can take to prevent rain damage, but the steps above are some of the simplest. If you do have flooding from rain, we can make it “Like it never even happened” if you call us today at (828) 396-1070!

Why Do I Have Mold in My Home?

12/26/2018 (Permalink)

Mold can grow in many places, but it only becomes a problem once moisture is present!

Many homeowners take care of their home to ensure they don’t have damage or other issues. So some are surprised to find mold growing in their bathroom, on their food, or in other places around their home. In case you’ve ever wondered how mold got in your home, we’ll explain!

Why is Mold in My Home?

The truth is, mold spores have always been in your home. In fact, mold spores are found virtually everywhere—indoors and outdoors. But because they are so small, they cannot be seen by the naked human eye. They are also dormant in this state, meaning they are not actively growing.

But these spores can activate under the right conditions, which is what causes the mold colonies you might see in your home. In order for the conditions to be right, mold needs moisture and organic material (food). Because organic material is usually readily available, spores usually activate once moisture is present. That’s why mold remediation specialists will look for a water source to both determine the cause of the growth and ensure it is no longer fueling the mold.

If you have mold but don’t know of any water damage issues, you likely have one of these issues:

• Hidden water leak
• High humidity levels
• Condensation

Contacting a Mold Professional

If you have mold, it’s best to contact a mold remediation company as soon as possible. While you might not have any health effects, it can cause structural damage over time. If you live in the Lenoir, NC area and need mold remediation experts, call SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties.

3 Alarming Statistics Every Business Owner Should Know

12/19/2018 (Permalink)

According to FEMA, more than 40% of small businesses never reopen after having a disaster.

As a business owner, you have a lot on your plate—bills, maintaining operations, etc. While those are important, it’s also important to prepare for potential disasters that might impact your business. In fact, disasters can—and often do—strike when they’re least expected. So whether or not you’re prepared, you’ll want to keep these statistics in mind!

1. According to FEMA, more than 40% of small businesses never reopen after having a disaster. As we mentioned, disaster often strikes when we least expect it. That’s why many businesses don’t have contingencies in place. As a result, many businesses fail or are unable to reopen at all.

2. In a study conducted by the NFPA from 2007-2011, wet pipe sprinklers worked 90% of the time, and they were effective in 88% of those instances. Fires can occur at any time for a number of reasons. While there’s no guarantee how much damage one will cause, a sprinkler system can dramatically mitigate its impact. Be sure to install one if it’s feasible!

3. FEMA reports that from 2006-2010, the average commercial flood claim was over $85,000. Disasters can be quite costly, which is why it’s recommended that you get the appropriate insurance. Even if flood insurance might not seem necessary, it’s highly recommended; you never know when you might need it!

There are a lot of facets to consider as a business owner, but if you can dedicate a just a little bit of your resources to disaster prevention, you are more likely to keep it running even after a disaster. If you do have a disaster, call SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties today at (828) 396-1070!

Mold Removal vs Mold Remediation

12/18/2018 (Permalink)

Mold growth like this can get out of hand, but mold remediation services would take care of the problem!

When your home or business has mold, it’s your priority to address the issue and stop the growth. The issue is that when most people call companies to address the problem, they are solicited “mold removal” services. As a result, customers are set with false expectations and could end up paying more for services that are ineffective. That’s why you should be searching for a mold remediation company.

Mold Removal

The basic premise of mold removal is twofold:

1. Your mold growth will be killed
2. Other mold spores on your property will be removed

But the main problem with that premise is that mold spores are virtually everywhere—both indoors and outdoors. Even though we cannot see them, mold spores can remain dormant until they are activated by moisture. Because of the sheer number of them, however, it is impossible to completely remove them from your home. Even if it were, it would be incredibly expensive.

Mold Remediation

On the other hand, there’s mold remediation, which simply aims to treat and stop active mold growth. Because mold only becomes an issue when it’s active, the objective is to focus on growth. In addition to treating the mold, most mold remediation experts (such as ourselves) will also address any underlying moisture issues that might be instigating the growth.

For a look at our process, check out our mold remediation page.

Restoring Your Home

Mold is an issue many homes face, but it can be resolved fairly quickly with professional help. If you live in the Lenoir, NC area and know or suspect you have mold growth, call SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties at (828) 396-1070!

3 Resources to Help with Fire Prevention

12/14/2018 (Permalink)

If you take precautions before a fire breaks out, you can prevent a lot of damage!

Nobody wants their home to have a fire, but it happens virtually every day in Alexander & Caldwell Counties. Fortunately, fires can be prevented if precautions are taken, and these resources are dedicated to helping you do just that!

1. Safehome.org’s Fire Prevention Guide. This brief guide is a nice, short resource for homeowners. It features quotes from experts, fast facts, and a few fire prevention tips. It’s a great guide for anyone curious about fire prevention!
2. Ready.gov’s Home Fire Page. Ready.gov is honestly a great resource for any disaster-based event. They provide helpful information that covers everything from before, during, and after a fire breaks out. Be sure to check out their other pages as well!
3. NFPA’s Resource Page. The National Fire Prevention Association has plenty of resources on their website. They have fact sheets, community toolkits, and more! If you need to learn about fire prevention, this is the place to go.

At SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties, we believe that fire prevention education is important in our communities. But if you do have a fire and need our assistance, you can call us any time at (828) 396-1070!

What is an Emergency Ready Profile?

12/13/2018 (Permalink)

An ERP can help your business recover and resume operations quickly and efficiently!

According to FEMA, around 40% of businesses fail to reopen after a disaster. And to make things worse, the United States Small Business Administration found that over 90% of businesses close within 2 years of a disaster. But despite these alarming statistics, you can mitigate the impact of a disaster if you make preparations in advance. One of the easiest ways you can begin preparations is by creating an Emergency Ready Profile.

All of Our Business’ Vital Information

An Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) is a document comprised of all of your business’ vital information. It includes emergency contact information, utility shut-off locations, and other information you or your employees might need in an emergency situation.

Your local SERVPRO franchise will create an ERP for your business—free of charge! A representative will come in and ask a few questions, then get the necessary information regarding shut-offs and emergency exit points. The whole process should take no more than a few minutes of your time!

After your representative complies the documents, they will present both a physical and a digital copy of the ERP. And in some cases, they will give a copy to your local fire department to have for their own records.

Recovering Your Business

After a disaster, your priority should be to get your business back to its normal operations. Fortunately, an ERP allows you the opportunity to quickly respond and take crucial actions. So if you want to get an ERP for your business in the Lenoir or Taylorsville area, call SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties today at (828) 396-1070!

3 Types of Damages a Thunderstorm can Cause

12/10/2018 (Permalink)

Storms can cause all kinds of damage, but we're here to make it "Like it never even happened!"

Thunderstorms—at least in the Lenoir area—are generally pretty mild, and they aren’t often something we worry about. But after most storms, we get calls from customers whose homes have been damaged. That’s why it’s important to understand how a storm can impact your home or business!

1. Flooding. One of the most common issues homeowners face after a thunderstorm is flooding. This is often caused by an open door/window, cracks in the structure, or a leak from the roof. It’s important that you regularly inspect your home for places water can intrude and seal them before it ever rains.

2. Wind Damage. Depending on the strength of the wind, your property could suffer heavy damages. Make sure that any unrestrained objects or sick/dead trees near your home are removed before the storm ever arrives!

3. Fire Damage. Although less likely than the other two, fire damage is still a real possibility during a thunderstorm. Whether due to a power surge due to lightning or some other factor, fires can occur during a storm. If you notice lightning, keep appliances and other devices unplugged unless it’s necessary!

Storms can cause a lot of damage, but preparedness can mitigate the potential impact. If you have storm damage and need a professional to restore your home or business, call SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties at (828) 396-1070!

Fire Damage Q & A: Can I Clean the Damage on My Own?

12/7/2018 (Permalink)

One of our employees uses specialized cleaning chemicals to remove soot from a soot-covered door!

After a fire, you’ll want to clean your home and get your life back to normal. While your insurance and others may advise you to get a professional disaster restoration company (such as us) to restore your home, you may have some reservations. In fact, you may think that it would be best if you just cleaned it yourself. But that’s not always the case.

Can I Clean Up Fire Damage on My Own?

The short answer is that we highly advise against it. Though in some cases—depending on the type and extent of the damage—we may instruct you on how to clean the damage yourself, it’s incredibly unlikely. The soot produced by a fire is sticky and tends to slip into porous materials. If you attempt to clean your walls or furniture on your own, you are likely to make the damage worse; in some cases, we won’t even be able to fully restore the areas or materials you attempted to clean yourself.

If you have smoke or soot damage, we highly encourage you to refrain from touching anything until we’ve arrived and begun the cleaning process.

Faster to Any Size Disaster

At SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties, we have helped many homes and businesses recover from fire damage over the last nearly 10 years. Our staff is qualified, and we use numerous techniques and chemicals to make it “Like it never even happened!”

SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties at the Lenoir Christmas Parade

11/19/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO will be at the annual Lenoir Christmas Parade this year!

Before you know it, Christmas will be in Lenoir! In fact, you can mark your calendars for November 30—that’s the date for the annual Lenoir Christmas Parade! Every year, well over 100 Christmas-themed floats flow through downtown Lenoir, followed by the man of the hour: Santa Claus himself. And just like we’ve done for the past consecutive years, SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties will join in the festivities.

This year, however, we’re not bringing our Large Loss trailer due to the size of the parade. Instead, we’ve invited a green celebrity and his animal friend to operate this year’s SERVPRO vehicle! We hope to see you at the parade, and we hope you have a very Merry Christmas!

Why You Should Hire SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties

11/8/2018 (Permalink)

We have a team of over 50 employees who are ready to respond to any-size disaster!

When disaster strikes, you want to restore your home or business to its pre-disaster condition, which is why you hire a disaster restoration company. But in Alexander & Caldwell Counties, there are multiple restoration companies to choose from, one of them being SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties. Why should you hire us? Below are just 3 reasons!

1. We are the largest disaster restoration company in the region. There are multiple disaster restoration companies in the area, but after nearly 10 years, we have secured ourselves as the largest and most efficient. We have over 50 employees, hundreds of units of equipment, and we can handle anything from small damages to large-scale disasters!

2. We have a full-scale textile-cleaning facility. If a fire or flood damages your clothes, rugs, or other textiles, they’re in good care. At SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties, we have a fully operational, state-of-the-art textiles cleaning facility where we can completely restore damaged textiles. And our ESPORTA can clean even the softest materials, such as stuffed animals and blankets!

3. We can handle any-size disaster. Sometimes major disasters can strike, causing large-scale damage to a home or business. Fortunately, SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties is a Large Loss franchise, which is a status given by SERVPRO corporate that indicates our franchise has the size, skills, and capacity to clean large disasters. We’ve restored many commercial jobs, most notably Lees-McRae College after the fire in 2017 and some schools in Wilmington after Hurricane Florence!

We do our best to satisfy our customers and to contribute to our community. If you have fire damage, water damage, mold, or any other type of damage, you can call SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties at (828) 396-1070! We’ll make it “Like it never even happened!”

What is a Large Loss Response Team?

11/1/2018 (Permalink)

As a Large Loss franchise, we are capable of making any large-scale disaster "Like it never even happened!"

SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties has been around for nearly 10 years. During that time, we grew from a 3-man team to a growing, 50-employee operation. As we’ve grown in size, we’ve also gotten better at responding to disasters and helping customers get back on their feet even faster than before. That’s one of the reasons our franchise is part of the Large Loss Response Team.

What is a Large Loss Response Team?

SERVPRO is a large (and growing) franchise chain that is comprised of over 1,700 different franchises nationwide. As a result, when large-scale disasters strike, SERVPRO can deploy as many franchises as necessary to make it “Like it never even happened.”

But some franchises are capable of handling large disasters on their own—those designated as being part of the Large Loss Response Team by corporate. These franchises have the size, equipment, and capacity to handle large disasters by themselves or alongside a local franchise.

SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties is one such Large Loss franchise. We’ve responded to the 2017 fire at Lees-McRae College, flooding at Martinsville Speedway in Virginia, and many large disasters, including Hurricanes Harvey and Florence. Our team brings in our Large Loss trailer, equipped with over 100 units of equipment, a generator, a fully equipped mobile office, and more. We pull as many of our resources as possible to present the best customer experience possible.

Your Local Large Loss Franchise

No matter the extent of the damage, SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties is capable of responding to any size disaster. If your home or business needs cleanup and restoration services, call us today at (828) 396-1070!

3 Steps to Take After You Have a Water Damage

10/22/2018 (Permalink)

Before SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties arrives, you should already begin extracting water and moving your belongings!

Even though flooding, leaks, and other water damages are common, most homeowners don’t deal with them on very frequently. So when disaster does strike, most property owners don’t know what to do or who to call. Fortunately, because we clean up and mitigate water damages daily, we can outline some important steps to take if you’re unfortunate enough to have this experience.

1. Make sure the water source is shut off or otherwise resolved. Before any water mitigation can begin, the very first thing you need to do is make sure the situation isn’t getting worse. For example, if the source is a leaky or burst pipe, make sure the water has been shut off and the pipes have been fixed. Otherwise, any mitigation work will be quickly undone.

2. Begin extracting as much standing water as possible. Even though your local disaster restoration company will begin extraction upon arrival, the faster this is completed, the less damage you will have overall. The objective is to get as much water out of our house as possible so the restoration company can begin drying as quickly as possible.

2. Move furniture and belongings out of the affected room(s), if possible. If you have a way to safely move the affected room’s contents to a drier area, do so. When furniture, textiles, and other objects sit in water for too long, they can be affected by mold growth, staining, or worse. Once they are moved, you can do your best to dry them while help is on the way.

Water damages can be extremely stressful situations for property owners, but as long as you take a few simple steps while you wait for your local disaster restoration company to arrive, you’ll have the situation under control. If you have water damage in the Lenoir or Taylorsville, NC areas, call SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties at (828) 396-1070!

3 Ways SERVPRO of Alexander and Caldwell Counties Serves the Community

10/19/2018 (Permalink)

We go to many ribbon cuttings and other community events, like this one at Planet Fitness in Hickory!

As a member of the Unifour community for almost 10 years, we’ve witnessed and been part of amazing things. And because all of our employees reside in the area, we’ve contributed to numerous events and organizations that our company supports. We love our community and try to serve it in many different ways.

• We sponsor many local events. If there’s a major event in the area, you’ll almost definitely see SERVPRO listed as one of the sponsors. We set up booths at local golf tournaments, participate in the Christmas parades, and even sponsor the blackberry-eating contest each year at the NC Blackberry Festival.
• We serve on many boards. Several of our employees have roles beyond their normal day-to-day responsibilities. They also serve on advisory boards and boards of directors for many events and nonprofits. We often play an active part in some of the events we sponsor!
• We donate to many nonprofits. There are some organizations in our area that are doing amazing things, and we love to help them when we can. We regularly donate to the causes we see making the most impact!

We strongly believe in our community, and we show that each and every day. It’s also why we are committed to serving homeowners and businesses after they have water, fire, or mold damage. It’s our goal to make it “Like it never even happened!”

3 Common Sources of Water Damage

10/16/2018 (Permalink)

After heavy storms, this roof was damaged and allowed this building to flood!

Though it often happens when it’s least expected, water damage is a problem that many homeowners face. And while it’s not always the case, in many instances, water damage is preventable. We’ve found that while there are many different causes of water damage, there are a few sources that tend to be the most common offenders.

• Water Heater Leaks. While water heaters are essential in any modern home or building, they are also one of the most common sources of water damage. In many cases, they leak either due to old age or faulty parts and connections. The best way to prevent water damage from this important home appliance is to regularly inspect and perform routine maintenance.

• Pipe Damages. Water pipes—though great for transporting and supplying water—are another major source of water damage. Over time or due to certain factors, these pipes either leak or burst, which can cause flooding (and possibly mold growth). If you notice any pipe damages, address them immediately!

• Roof Damages. We’re often called by homeowners whose roofs have been damaged and allowed rain to pour into their homes. There can be many reasons for this roof damage, but it’s important that you regularly inspect it and quickly take care of any cracks or holes before it begins to rain!

Nobody wants to have water damage, but disaster rarely goes easy on us. While you’ll remain at risk, if you keep eyes on your home and ensure damages are immediately repaired, you can significantly lower the chances of flooding in your home. But if you do face disaster, you can call SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties any time at 828-396-1070!

SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties Deploys a Storm Response Team

9/21/2018 (Permalink)

When storms or other major weather events strike, SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties is ready to make it "Like it never even happened."

Hurricane Florence doled out major damage to the Carolinas, causing significant flooding and wind damage. As a result, several lives were lost and many have been displaced from their home. In fact, the coastal town of Wilmington was considered an island—largely inaccessible by car. Nevertheless, SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties is committed to helping our fellow North Carolinians.

On Sunday, September 20, we deployed an envoy of SERVPRO heroes to Wilmington, NC to assist with cleanup and recovery. Our large loss trailer—which is equipped for such occasions—was fully stocked with air movers, dehumidifiers, a makeshift office, and a generator to power our equipment. Our Storm Response Team will continue to help as Wilmington gets back on its feet.

In the meantime, we’re still fully operational at our Lenoir, NC office to help our local communities should disasters arise. If you need help with fire or water cleanup and restoration, please call SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties at 828-396-1070!

3 Kitchen Fire Prevention Tips

9/18/2018 (Permalink)

Kitchen fires are the leading cause of home fires each year! Take the necessary precautions and prevent one from happening to you!

Did you know that kitchen fires are the number one source of house fires each year? Despite this statistic, many people continue to have kitchen-related fires despite most of them being completely preventable. But it only takes a few simple precautions to dramatically lower your risk!

• Do not leave your kitchen unattended while it’s in use. If you’re like many people, you probably leave your kitchen for a few minutes while your oven is running. But oftentimes, that’s when fires start, and if they aren’t addressed immediately, they can become a major problem. That’s why it’s highly advisable that you or somebody else is in the kitchen while it’s still in use.

• Regularly clean off your stove. Speaking of ovens, be sure to clean yours every time it and your stove is used. When grease is allowed to stain and build up near heat sources, it poses a major fire risk. In fact, one of the most common kinds of fires we are called in for is grease fires!

• Keep flammable objects away from the stove. When most people cook, they focus on the task in front of them. However, they often fail to notice objects like paper and oven mitts that might be close to heat sources. Be sure to move them away so they don’t accidentally catch on fire!

Kitchens are an essential part of any home, but they can also be very dangerous. If you take the necessary precautions, though, you can prevent a kitchen fire from starting in the first place. But if a fire does break out on your property, call us at 828-396-1070 to make it “Like it never even happened.”

3 People to Call After a Water Damage

9/18/2018 (Permalink)

Water damages can be stressful, but if you call the appropriate people, you can mitigate the overall damage!

It always happens when we least expect it, but it does happen—water damage. Whether it’s due to flooding, a broken pipe, or some kind of leak, water damage can be a nuisance, or in some cases, a real disaster. And if you’re unfortunate enough to have one in your home, you probably aren’t prepared to handle the situation. Fortunately, we’ve compiled a list of 3 people you should call after you have a water damage.

1. A plumber (if applicable). If you have some kind of leak or broken pipe, a plumber is essential for repairing the issue. In fact, if the issue has not been addressed before you call the other two, they will instruct you to call a plumber anyway.

2. A local disaster cleanup and restoration company. The faster your water damage is addressed and treated, the less damage you are likely to have overall (especially when it comes to mold growth). Your local disaster restoration company will also work with your insurance to make the process as smooth and painless as possible!

3. Your insurance. In most cases, your insurance will cover water damages in your home, so it’s a good idea to reach out to them. They will also refer you to contractors or other resources if necessary, so they are a great tool!

Water damages can be very stressful, but by calling the right people, you can get back on your feet with as little stress as possible. If you do have a water damage and need a disaster restoration company to perform water restoration work on your home, now that we are always here to make it “Like it never even happened.”

3 Signs Your Business Needs Its Ducts Cleaned

9/17/2018 (Permalink)

HVAC systems need regular cleanings and maintenance to run efficiently. Fortunately, our team has a high-powered vacuum to do just the trick!

HVAC systems are an essential part of any building, but most property owners neglect to perform regular maintenance. When a system doesn’t undergo cleaning and maintenance for an extended period of time, it tends to overwork and becomes less efficient. If you’re not sure if your business’ ducts need to be cleaned, check out the 3 indicators below.

• You can’t remember the last time it was cleaned. According to the National Air Duct Cleaners Association, your ducts should be cleaned every 3-5 years. If nobody in the building can remember the last time a cleaning was performed, you likely need to do so.

• Your staff notices increased allergy symptoms. Over time, your HVAC system will build up debris and dust particles. When the system is running, it recirculates these contaminants through the building, which can prompt allergies and other problems.

• You have verified mold growth in your ducts. When mold is actively growing, it releases spores. When these spores are in the duct system, they can be circulated throughout the building, which could lead to growth in other areas. It’s best to have a professional apply an antimicrobial and clean your system.

Most people don’t mess with their duct system unless they have to, but regular cleaning can maintain the system’s efficiency. If you believe your duct system needs to be cleaned, call SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties at 828-396-1070!

Mold Q & A: Do I Need a Mold Inspection?

9/13/2018 (Permalink)

Eric Hershberger--one of our team members--uses an infrared camera to detect signs of moisture, a key ingredient for mold growth.

Nobody wants to find mold growth in their home, but it’s a common problem that affects many Americans at least once. Of course, once a homeowner does discover mold growth, they often want to perform a test or inspection so they can begin treatment. But most homeowners will be surprised to learn that step may not be necessary at all.

Do I Need to Perform a Mold Inspection?

The short answer is that it depends.

If you can actually see mold growing in your home or property, then no test is needed. That’s because the mold remediation process is the same no matter what species of mold is growing your home. So if you can see it, a test will only confirm what you already know. Instead, skip that step and address it yourself (if the growth is small and shallow) or call a mold professional to begin the remediation company.

On the other hand, if you do not see mold growth but suspect you have a problem, an inspection would not be a bad idea. This inspection will identify high levels of mold spores or other issues that might need to be addressed.

If you have a have or suspect you have a mold growth issue, call SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties at 828-396-1070!

5 Essential Items You Will Need to Prepare for Hurricane Florence

9/11/2018 (Permalink)

Hurricanes are natural disasters that can cause a significant amount of damage. Don't wait--start preparing for Hurricane Florence now!

Hurricane Florence has dominated headlines lately, but that’s no surprise—it’s set to be one of the worst hurricanes on the East Coast in decades. At the time this was written, the storm was classified as a Category 4 and was set to hit North Carolina. While it’s still not certain how much damage the western part of the state will see, officials are saying to prepare for the worst. So if you still haven’t prepared Hurricane Florence, make sure you at least have the 5 items below.

• Water. Whether you’re on well or city water, it’s never a guarantee that you’ll always have running water during a hurricane. It is recommended that you have at least 1 gallon of water per person per day for a minimum of 3 days. (For example, if you have 3 people in your home, you should have at least 9 gallons of water.)

• Non-perishable Food. As with water, it’s never a guarantee that you’ll always have power in your home. That’s why it’s important that you have enough non-perishable food to last for at least 3 days. This includes, but is not limited to, canned meat, crackers, trail mixes, peanut butter, and more!

• Non-electric light source. When the power goes out—especially at night—you’re going to wish you could see. Some options include candles, flashlights, and battery-powered lanterns. Just be sure that you have the items to fuel them (either batteries or matches).

• First-Aid Kit. When wind and road conditions begin to deteriorate, it will be important that you stay indoors. But when there is an injury or accident, you’ll want to be able to react. In addition to bandages, your kit should also include sterilizing pads, antiseptics, hand sanitizer, necessary medication, and more!

• Battery-powered TV or Radio. We now rely on our phones to remain connected with the world, but when the power goes out and cell towers are damaged, you won’t have any way of remaining current with formal weather updates. That’s when a battery-powered TV or radio becomes essential. Just make sure you’ve bought enough batteries!

The jury’s still out on what kind of damage Hurricane Florence will cause in Lenoir and other areas of western North Carolina, but there’s no reason why you cannot start preparing now. After all, they say an ounce of preparation produces a pound of cure!

What’s the Difference: Flood Warning vs. Flood Watch

8/31/2018 (Permalink)

Knowing the difference between a flood watch and a flood warning will let you know when you need to prepare versus taking action!

When there are heavy rains in our area, we might hear the words “flood warning” or “flood watch.” For many of us, either phrase tells us that we need to be alert to flooding. But did you know that there’s a significant difference between a “warning” and a “watch?”

Flood Watch

A flood watch is an alert that indicates the conditions are right for flooding to happen. However, it does not mean that flooding will necessarily occur. When you see this alert, you should prepare for flooding since it is a strong possibility. Monitor the local news or other reliable sources for updates.

Flood Warning

A flood warning is announced when flooding is either impending or already occurring. When you get this alert, you should take immediate action and monitor official channels to get updates on the condition. If you’re unsure what to do during a flood, check out the resources at Ready.gov!

Monitor News or Radio Stations

Because weather can be unpredictable, always keep an eye on your local news or radio stations. Many of them will also have apps or websites that offer real-time updates. As long as you are familiar with the phrases they use, you’ll be able to act accordingly when they issue alerts. In fact, they just might save your life.

3 Fire Safety Tips for Homeowners

8/14/2018 (Permalink)

Fires can be extremely destructive, but your adherence to these fire safety tips can help protect your life!

Fire Prevention Week is still a couple of months away, but the importance of fire safety lasts throughout the entire year. Because fires often happen when we least expect it, we usually aren’t prepared for the various situations that might arise. That’s why we’re going to share 3 simple fire safety tips for homeowners to learn and memorize!

1. If the door handle is hot, don’t open it. Door handles are quick to heat when a large fire is nearby. That’s why closed doors with hot handles should stay closed, and you should seek a secondary exit.
2. See smoke? Stay low. Smoke is extremely difficult to breathe, especially with all of the gasses, particles, and chemicals that it’s composed of. In many cases, the reason people die in fires isn’t from the fire itself, but from the asphyxiation caused by the smoke. If you see smoke, stay low to the ground to get the best air possible!
3. Stop, drop, and roll. You probably had this ingrained into your head when you were a child, but it’s one of the most important things to remember should your clothes catch fire. If you try to run or make a lot of movements, you’ll end up exacerbating the problem and the fire will grow!

There are plenty of steps a person can take both before and during a fire, but by remembering these tips, you can save yourself and/or others. Once you manage to escape a burning structure and get to a safe place, immediately call 911!

And if you need help with restoring your property to its preloss condition, call SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties at 828-396-1070!

The Issue with Take-Home Mold Tests

8/2/2018 (Permalink)

Is this mold or paint? Most take-home mold tests only check for mold spores, which are always present. Call a mold expert instead!

When possible, most people would rather take care of home-related issues on their own than call for professional help. There are certainly benefits to doing that in some situations, but there some occasions when it’s a waste of time and money. One such situation is when a homeowner tries to test for mold by using a take-home mold testing kit.

Take-Home Mold Tests: A False Positive

In general, the process for a take-home mold test is straightforward. Depending on the kit, you will either collect an air sample or use a strip to collect microorganisms off a surface. These samples are then sent to a lab for testing, which will then send you results based on whether or not they detected mold spores in your sample.

The issue with those kinds of testing is that you will almost definitely get a positive result. The reason is that mold spores are everywhere—indoors and outdoors. These spores are only an issue if they activate and begin to grow; otherwise, you will never know they are there.

Take-home mold testing kits are generally accurate in that they can detect mold spores, but they don’t actually help the homeowner determine if there is any mold growth, which is when actual issues are present. For this reason, it’s a much better investment to call a professional either to test for mold growth (if you’re uncertain you have any) or to remediate the growth (if you know it is present in your home).

The Truth About Mold

There are a lot of companies and individuals out there who spread misinformation about mold to scare up business, but in most cases, the fear is exaggerated. This is why we wrote a blog post to help ease some of the concerns many homeowners have about mold.

If you have (or suspect you have) mold in your property, please call SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties at (828) 396-1070 for quick and effective mold remediation!

The 3 Categories of Water Damage

7/31/2018 (Permalink)

If Category 1 water damage is not addressed quickly, it can eventually become Category 2, which can have cause some potential health effects.

Not all water damages are created equally. We are called each day to clean up and dry after a water damage, but the work involved varies not just by the amount of water involved, but also the category it falls under. These categories—determined by the number of contaminants in the water—inform our technicians of the work and equipment necessary to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Category 1 – Little to No Contaminants

Water damage that falls under this category comes from “clean” water and poses very little risk of causing adverse health effects. This type of water damage is easiest to dry and follows normal drying procedures. Category 1 damage usually comes from malfunctions or breakage involving water supply lines.

However, when it is not addressed in a timely manner, Category 1 water damage can become Category 2.

Category 2 – Significant Contamination

Category 2 water damage has significant levels of contamination and has the potential to cause some health effects when left for an extended amount of time. In this case, the technicians’ first priority should be to employ cleaning processes before beginning the drying process. Some sources for this category type include aquarium leaks, dishwasher discharges, or untreated Category 1.

For water damage in this category, an antimicrobial spray will be applied to help prevent the growth of microorganisms.

Category 3 – Substantial Contamination

Category 3 water is extremely contaminated and comes from unsanitary sources such as sewage backups and flood waters. Because this category poses strong adverse health risks, several forms of PPE gear are required and those with compromised immune systems must be evacuated. Porous materials that were affected must be either removed or undergo very strict cleaning and drying (a very expensive process). Even stronger cleaning methods than employed for Category 2 water damages must be used.

SERVPRO and Water Damage Categories

Our team at SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties is certified by the IICRC to handle your water damage regardless of its category. Our goal is not just to dry the damage; it’s to make sure that you can occupy an environment without facing ill health effects. If you have a water damage, call SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties today!

Why You Shouldn’t Hire a Company to Perform Mold Removal

7/26/2018 (Permalink)

A good clean-up & restoration company would focus on mold remediation; not mold removal!

Nobody wants mold in their home, which is why many people hire companies to remove it. After all, when mold growth is left alone, it can cause significant structural damage. But the issue is that mold removal companies don’t actually do what they claim to set out to do: remove mold.

Mold Removal vs. Mold Remediation

There’s a fundamental issue with the phrase “mold removal,” namely that it’s impossible to do. The term implies that the all of the mold spores will be removed from the property, which some companies claim they can do. Mold spores, however, are virtually everywhere—indoors and outdoors. In fact, you will not find an area without mold spores unless you live inside a bubble. Therefore, any claim that mold has been “removed” or “eliminated” is false.

Fortunately, the spores themselves do not cause an issue and are not even detectable by the human eye. What homeowners are actually concerned about is mold growth, which occurs when the spores activate and begin to form colonies. This is when you should hire a mold remediation company.

Conversely, mold remediation focuses on stopping and preventing future growth, as well as returning your property to its original condition. Mold remediation companies are aware that it’s impossible to remove the spores, but instead know that it’s possible to eliminate growth. For this reason, it is strongly recommended you choose a remediation company.

SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties – Mold Remediation

It should be no surprise that we know so much about mold remediation; SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties has years of experience as mold remediation experts. We work with a local 3^rd party mold inspector to provide our customers with full evaluations both before and after the remediation process. So if you have mold in your home, call SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties today at (828) 396-1070!

3 Tips for Keeping Your Business' HVAC System Efficient

7/5/2018 (Permalink)

Most business owners don't think about it, but your building's air ducts need regular cleanings and maintenance to maintain efficiency!

Summer has officially started, which for many of us means watermelon, swimming, and traveling. It also means it’s going to be hot—well, hotter. Air conditioning is vital during this season, but many business owners fail to properly maintain their unit. This equates to higher energy bills, more stress on their system, and potential breakdowns. If you plan on using your HVAC system this summer—we assume most of you are—you’ll want to check out these 3 tips for keeping your business’ HVAC system efficient.

• Replace your air filters. You’re probably aware of this tip, but when’s the last time you replaced yours? The filters, found in the return vent, capture dust and other particles and prevent them from running through the system. Over time, however, they can reduce airflow and lead to overheating. It’s recommended that you replace them every month or two during the cooling season.

• Conduct regular duct cleanings to preserve airflow. Even if your air filters are brand new, airflow can be restricted once it’s inside the system. In addition to dust and other particles that manage to pass through the filters, you’d be surprised by what we’ve found inside duct systems. Small toys, coins, and other objects have a strange way of finding themselves in HVAC systems; one person even found a snake! If you need somebody to clean your system, know that we’ve cleaned many commercial duct systems!

• Clean the coils. The condenser and evaporator coils in your system (found outdoors and indoors, respectively) work together to transfer heat from your inside home to the outside. However, as with the two parts listed above, the coils will gradually build up debris and become inefficient. Fortunately, they can be easily cleaned by spraying them with commercial coil cleaner and following the product’s directions. We advise doing a light cleaning every time you change your filter so you will remember to do both!

This summer has already started off extra hot, which means you’ll definitely run your air conditioning. A clean and well-maintained HVAC system can significantly reduce energy usage and help you stay cool! If you need your ducts cleaned, we’re happy to help; just call us at 828-396-1070!

Why You Shouldn’t Clean Up After a Fire Yourself

5/29/2018 (Permalink)

When a fire destroyed much of this Lenoir home, our team was quickly dispatched and began the cleanup process.

There’s no doubt that home fires are devastating and bring a lot of negative emotions. So it’s no surprise that many homeowners want to clean up their home as quickly as possible so they can get back to their lives. And especially when your home is your personal space, it’s completely understandable that you don’t want somebody else inside.

But since homeowners often aren’t aware of all the necessary processes that go into fire damage cleanup, they create further damage, skip over important elements, and increase their overall costs.

Creating Additional Damage

Before you take a rag to your soot-covered walls or a vacuum to your carpet, consider this: you’re about to cause even more damage. Soot particles are difficult to remove, and when you try to remove it with the proper tools and chemicals, you’ll only further embed the soot particles. Especially with carpet and upholsteries, it can be extremely difficult to remove these stains, even with professional help.

Skipping Important Cleaning Elements

It might seem obvious to cleanup soot-covered walls, but what about the soot and debris hiding in the ducts? Professional restoration companies go beyond cleaning the damage you can see—they also restore your home in other ways. They offer odor removal, content cleaning, and much more!

Increasing Costs

Considering the likely amount of damage, it makes sense that most home fires incur heavy costs. But unless you have the technology, chemicals, and the skills, you’ll likely have to dispose of many different belongings that could otherwise be cleaned. Good professional restoration companies will focus on the actual restoration rather than replacing—this keeps costs down and allows you to keep your cherished possessions.

So if you or somebody you know has a fire-damaged home that needs to be cleaned up and restored, we strongly recommend hiring professionals!

3 Services SERVPRO Offers Commercial Businesses

5/24/2018 (Permalink)

Our team is capable of responding to commercial disasters of ANY size!

Commercial property jobs are generally larger and more nuanced than residential properties. Because of this, we offer a more precise set of services to make sure we fully address the customer’s needs. If you own a commercial property, check out 3 of the services we offer!

Disaster Cleanup and Restoration. Considering this is what we primarily do, this would seem obvious, but what’s not obvious is our skill and capacity to handle large-scale jobs. For starters, our franchise is considered one of SERVPRO’s Large Loss Response Teams (LLRT), which means we have been certified by headquarters to have the number of people, equipment, and certifications to handle large disasters. If a job is still too big, we have access to over 1,700 different franchises to bring in additional people and resources. We can truly say no job is too big to handle!

Commercial Cleaning. We know that it’s important to have clean facilities, whether it’s for health and safety reasons or to prepare for an inspection. Our team has access to high-quality, proprietary chemicals and equipment to bring your facility to expected standards!

Emergency Ready Profile. Many businesses—especially small businesses—suffer unfortunate ends after facing disaster. Our Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) is a free service we offer businesses so they can be ready to respond if disaster were to strike. Somebody from our team will take a few minutes to speak with you or a representative, and they will be able to complete the rest themselves. The result is a complete document (and app) with a list of emergency contacts, utility shut-off locations, and more. We offer this invaluable resource at no cost to you!

If your commercial property needs a professional’s help, call SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties today!

5 Things You Should Do After a Fire

4/17/2018 (Permalink)

If you have a home fire, keep movements to a minimum and call SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties immediately!

Fires can happen anywhere to anyone. In most cases, however, people aren’t aware of the proper things to do after the disaster subsides. As fire and water cleanup professionals, we wanted to share some of the tips we’ve learned from years in the industry!

• Call a fire cleanup and restoration company. This might seem self-promotional, but it really is important. A professional company will not only do the cleanup (which is not as simple as it might seem), but they will also be a great asset in making sure you get your life back to normal as soon as possible.

• Change out your HVAC filter. The smoke a fire produces contains a mixture of particles and chemicals that infiltrates the air. This heavy gas takes a toll on your HVAC system and makes it run less efficiently. Replacing the filter will allow fresh air to pass more easily through your home.

• Keep your hands clean. Besides maintaining your hygiene, clean hands will keep them free from soot. If you touch anything with soot-covered hands, you are likely to soil your furniture and belongings even more.

• Minimize movement in your home. When you walk around, you disturb soot particles in the carpet. By moving around, you risk the particles settling into your carpet and upholstery, which makes them much harder to remove.

• Clean both sides of indoor plants. While your plants might not survive the fire, the ones that do will likely be suffocated by the residue left from the smoke. Clean both sides of the leaves to ensure that the plants can survive and flourish!

Fires are stressful and come with a lot of hardships. But if you review these tips and call SERVPRO of Alexander and Caldwell Counties immediately, you’ll be able to get back on track in no time!

How SERVPRO can Dry Your Wet Documents

4/2/2018 (Permalink)

If your documents get wet, call SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties so we can save them before it's too late!

Nowadays we tend to store vital information in a digital format where they are more likely to be recovered in the event of a disaster. But what about the documents that haven’t been digitized either because it’s too expensive or you’ve been putting it off? If they become water-damaged, you are likely to lose them.

Fortunately, SERVPRO has a document-drying process that can recover your damaged paper goods. In fact, it uses the same technique that the Library of Congress uses to dry water-damaged books!

Freezing Your Documents

SERVPRO uses vacuum freeze-drying to achieve sublimation, which is a process where the moisture in an object is frozen and dried by being converted directly into a gas (bypassing the liquid stage) by using various vacuums and pressures. This process avoids additional damage that water would create.

Since it’s important to stabilize your papers, your local franchise’s first priority will be to freeze and stabilize the damaged documents. The documents will be stored in a frozen state until they are able to be properly shipped to SERVPRO’s corporate headquarters. Your local franchise works with corporate to make sure everything can be done to preserve your assets.

Undergoing the Drying Process

Once your documents arrive at SERVPRO’s headquarters, they will be transferred to the state-of-the-art Drying Chamber Facility. The HIPAA Master-certified staff will carefully transfer the items to the chamber where they will undergo the process mentioned above. The building is secured and monitored 24/7, so you can rest assured your items are safe. Drying time is typically about 7 to 10 days, but that depends on the amount of moisture and backlog. Fortunately, the staff is available around the clock to offer updates and answer questions.

Beyond Document Restoration

SERVPRO offers more than just a top-of-the-line drying process. In addition to drying the water-damaged documents, the Document Restoration Team offers the following services upon request:

• Scanning and digitizing documents
• Gamma irradiation (cleans contaminated documents)
• Certified destruction of sensitive materials
• Deodorization
• Trimming after fire damage
• Refile jacketing

Always Here to Help

SERVPRO and its franchises understand how important it is to preserve important documents. Our line of services ensures that you don’t have to worry about what happens to your paper assets when disaster strikes. After all, we’re “Here to Help!”

4 Services You Probably Didn't Know SERVPRO Offered

3/26/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties has the skills and equipment to handle any size or type of disaster!

When people think of SERVPRO, they often think about cleaning up and restoring water and fire damages. We often get calls to take care of flooded basements, backed toilets, smoke-damaged rooms, and much more. While we excel at those types of jobs, there are a lot of other services that most people don’t know we offer.

1. Biohazard Cleanup. Most people don’t like to think about it, but what happens at a scene after the evidence has been removed? Often times, families and/or property owners are left with the residue that’s left after a death or accident. SERVPRO understands how important and emotional these moments can be, so we handle the situation with immense care and professionalism. Our biohazard cleanup service also extends to toxic chemicals and sewage backups.

2. Deodorization. Some odors seem impossible to get rid of, but SERVPRO uses specialized equipment and chemicals that can eliminate almost any odor. Whether its skunk spray, cigarette smoke, or any other lingering odor, we have the tools to make your home or business smell like it used to (unless that’s a bad thing, of course)!

3. Document Drying. What would you do if your birth certificate, medical records, or other vital documents were accidentally soaked with water? Since papers can quickly deteriorate when wet, it might seem like a lost cause. Fortunately, SERVPRO has the ability to preserve (and digitalize) any wet documents by using a drying process that is also used by the Library of Congress. If you call SERVPRO quickly, you can rest assured that your documents are in good hands!

4. Emergency Ready Profiles. If you own a business, you know how important it is to plan and prepare. Yet most business owners do not have an emergency plan in case of a disaster; after all, it’s time-consuming and not often a priority. But did you know that nearly half of all small businesses will never reopen after a disaster? SERVPRO understands the importance of emergency preparation, so we offer to create FREE Emergency Ready Profiles for any business that wants one. We only ask for a few minutes of your time to go over some essential questions, and then we’ll take care of the rest!

SERVPRO offers a wide range of services that are often overshadowed by our more prominent services. When you or somebody you know faces disaster, know that we have a highly trained, well-equipped team to make take care of it and make it “Like it never even happened.”

3 Ways to Prepare for Thunderstorm Season

3/16/2018 (Permalink)

Thunderstorm season is quickly approaching! If you take a few preemptive steps, you can ensure you and your family stay safe!

Have you noticed the budding flowers and the buzz of insects lately? Those are early signs that spring is approaching! While it’s one of the more colorful seasons, the warmer temperatures also bring the threat of thunderstorms. In North Carolina, there are an average of 40-50 storms each year!

Although most storms in our state aren’t severe, there’s always the possibility of disaster. If you’re not prepared for the storms ahead, we’ve got you covered. Here are 3 ways you can prepare for the approaching thunderstorm season:

1. Discuss a safety plan with your family. Like any natural disaster, the best way to protect yourself and your belongings is to develop and discuss a safety plan with your family. Make sure to identify where you should meet, what is expected of everyone, and any other details you think are important for the situation. Preparation is key!

2. Build an emergency kit. There’s no way for you to know how much damage a storm will cause until it’s too late. In case you or your family are trapped for an extended period of time, you’ll want to have an emergency kit already assembled. These kits should include basic necessities as well as anything else you expect you might need. For a good checklist, look at the list at ready.gov.

3. Remove dead or rotting trees and branches. While you have the opportunity, take care of potentially hazardous trees and branches near your home. During a storm, they have a higher chance of falling into and damaging homes or other valuables, which in turn leaves them open to water and mold damage. Don’t put off this important task, or it might be too late!

While most people get through thunderstorms without incident, there’s no guarantee that every storm will be the same. Because disaster can strike at any time, it’s important to prepare well in advance so you can focus on taking action if the occasion arises. If you take a few moments to prepare for this upcoming thunderstorm season, you just might thank yourself!

What Homeowners Need to Know About Mold

2/19/2018 (Permalink)

Mold growth might seem scary, but our guide will make sure homeowners are prepared!

Many homeowners know only one thing about mold: get rid of it. But with stories and false information floating around on the Internet, there are many misconceptions that often exacerbate problems or create unnecessary fear. In the following sections, you will find general information that every homeowner should know when it comes to dealing with mold.

What is Mold?

Mold is a variety of fungus that grows and spreads from spores. These spores are so small and light that they can be picked up and travel by air. In fact, mold spores travel so easily that they are found virtually everywhere—indoors and outdoors. (Yes, mold is always present in your home.) When the spores find a suitable home, they grow and spread, often consuming the surfaces they land on. This is when mold really becomes a problem.

How Do I Know if I Have Mold?

It’s difficult to take care of mold if you don’t know that you actually have a problem. While you don’t necessarily have to be an expert to identify any growth, knowing some of the telltale signs might help you notice a problem before it’s out of control.

You can see it. This isn’t always the case, but the most obvious sign you have mold growth is if you can see it. You might expect to see greenish/blackish patches or slimy areas, but sometimes mold will appear like specks of dirt or soot. Regardless of appearance, it should be addressed immediately.

You smell it. The second-most obvious sign (and the one you’ll most likely encounter) is a musty odor. Even if you don’t necessarily see any, musty smells are almost always accompanied by mold growth, so be sure to thoroughly inspect your home if you notice the odor!

You’ve had a leak/water damage. Moisture is an essential ingredient for mold growth, so excess moisture in your home is a good indication that you probably have a problem. If you suffer any water damage, be sure to regularly inspect your home for signs of growth. In ideal conditions (generally in a lab), mold growth can start within 48 to 72 hours; in many cases, it will be present after a couple of weeks or more.

Mold is Growing in My Home. Help!

If you suspect that mold really is growing in your home, then it’s time to take action. Because mold can cause negative health effects and damage the surfaces it grows on, it’s best to respond immediately to minimize effects. Depending on whether or not you can confirm the growth, you can take a few different actions.

You can visually confirm mold growth. If you can actually see mold growth, then you already know you have a problem. Instead of spending money on testing, you can go ahead and call a mold remediation company. They will address moisture issues, treat the growth, and advise you on ways to prevent future growth.

You cannot confirm you have mold growth. When you cannot visually confirm you have a mold issue, it’s best to call in a professional mold inspector. An inspector will collect samples and provide a report that compiles their findings. If they confirm you have mold growth but think it is small enough to handle yourself, they may offer advice. If it is large enough, they will refer you to a mold remediation company.

NOTE: Do not use take-home testing kits. They are largely unreliable and will likely confirm you have spores (remember, spores are everywhere) but not actual growth. If you want to test for actual mold growth, call a reliable mold inspector.

How do I Prevent Mold Growth?

Whether you just had mold growth remediated or you have never had an issue to begin with, you probably want to know what you can do to prevent it from happening in the future. Here are a few steps to keep your homes mold-resistant:

Control your home’s humidity. As we’ve already said, moisture is a key ingredient in mold growth, so it makes sense that you want to keep your home’s humidity low. According to the EPA, you should keep levels below 60% (though 30-50% is ideal), which you can monitor with a moisture meter.

The simplest way to lower humidity is to constantly run fans and/or your HVAC system to let the air circulate. Leaving doors between rooms open will also help with circulation.

Dry wet areas immediately. If you have water damage or condensation builds on susceptible surfaces, you should attempt to dry them immediately. This will reduce or eliminate the moisture mold needs and prevent it from growing. Depending on the extent of the water damage, you might have better results with a professional water damage restoration company who has the capabilities to locate and dry hidden moisture.

Clean and dust regularly. Sometimes mold can appear to grow on inorganic substances like glass and aluminum. Since it cannot feed on those structures, it eats dust, which is organic. If you clean and dust on a regular basis, you can deprive mold of the food it needs to grow.

Don’t Let Mold Stress You Out

Despite the many horror stories people like to share online, mold is a natural occurrence that lives around us all the time. As long as you address any issues quickly and appropriately, you can prevent or eliminate mold growth before it becomes a major problem.

If you are still uncertain or need professional help, contact a mold inspector or a mold remediation company. Either one will get you started on the process and help you make it “Like it never even happened.”

What to Do When Your Pipes Burst

1/9/2018 (Permalink)

When your pipes burst, you'll need to react quickly. If you do, you can minimize water damage.

This time of year, we get many calls from panicked customers whose pipes have frozen and burst inside their homes. While there are some preventative measures you can take before that ever happens, not everyone is lucky. So what do you do when your pipes burst? We list the steps below.

• Shut off your water immediately. Don’t let the damage be worse than it needs to be. By shutting off water to your home, you’ll be able to minimize damage until repairs and restoration services can be performed. If you live in an apartment and cannot turn off the valve yourself, call your property manager right away.

• Call a plumber. You might have stopped the water, but your pipes are still damaged. Unfortunately, due to high demand during this time of year, it can be difficult to get a plumber on short notice. You may be put on a waiting list.

• Call a water damage restoration company. Now that the problem is fixed, what do you do about all the damage? While you should begin clearing out water, you’ll want a restoration company to speed up the process and make sure you won’t have additional problems, such as mold.

It’s always stressful when your house is flooded with water, but by equipping yourself with the knowledge to react, you’ll feel in control and be able to minimize damage.

Things to Know about Restoring Your Fire Damaged Home in Kings Creek

12/24/2017 (Permalink)

Don't let devastating fire damage keep you out of your home for long. Contact SERVPRO for remediation and restoration efforts.

Professional SERVPRO Technicians Arrive With a Plan to Quickly Remediate Fire Damage at Your Home

Many things can destroy, or nearly so, a home in Kings Creek. Fire can be one of the most destructive causes of property damage, especially in winter. While some cause slight damage, perhaps to a curtain, others can reduce a home to barely anything except charred timbers and streams of wafting smoke.  

Property owners should know about the process of restoring their fire damaged homes in Kings Creek. While a fire can cause extensive damage, we at SERVPRO know that we can restore your home to preloss condition. We have restored many homes and businesses in the past after fire, flood and other disasters created a disaster for property owners.

No restoration company can restore the charred portions of your home or belongings. However, we can remove these so that restoration work begins more quickly and in safe conditions. Charred wood, such as the wooden beams that create the support network in your home, cannot safely hold the weight they should hold. They also pose risks such as exposed nails, slivers and splinters, and spread soot through the slightest contact.

Carpeting holds both soot from the fire and water from firefighters' hoses. Both can render a carpet more expensive to restore than to replace. The possibility of odor-causing soot particles remaining after a large fire makes it a very poor choice to keep. Replacing the floor covering ensures that no problems exist while renewing the carpet's guarantee.

Another flooring may become saturated during the fire department's visit, making it crucial for us to remove the moisture left behind. Water coming out of the hoses creates a very hot steam when it comes in contact with burning materials. This steam penetrates easily into drywall, paneling, and other semi-porous materials. These need to be inspected for damage also and replaced wherever damage occurred.

Cleaning after a fire includes windows, walls, all hard surfaces, and much more. Elimination of the visible soot cuts down on the amount of perceptible odor remaining in the home. When fire damage is not as extensive, deodorizing can help save otherwise undamaged carpets. While the carpeting might have remained dry, soot still penetrates deeply, leaving an ongoing source of odor in your home. Our Odor Control Technician (OCT) knows how to handle smelly odors so they no longer offend your family.

SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties knows that fire damage comes from a very traumatizing event. We can help you restore your normal life and your home. Call us at our local number, (828) 396-1070, at any hour, and on any day of the year.
 
For more information regarding Kings Creek, click here.

5 Tips for Preparing for a Winter Storm

12/14/2017 (Permalink)

Don't let a winter storm take you by surprise! Think ahead, and be prepared.

Winter is quickly approaching, which brings on the potential of snow and ice like we saw just recently. Especially in Alexander and Caldwell Counties, where towns are less equipped to handle snow and ice than their northern counterparts, it’s important that you are as prepared as possible in case disaster strikes. To help you get a head start, here are 5 tips you need to prepare for winter storms:

• Always keep plenty of food stocked. As you probably know, it’s dangerous to travel on icy roads, especially since most vehicles in the South are not equipped to handle them. Avoid the need to leave by making sure you are fully stocked on food.
• Remove any troublesome trees. Trees often fall during ice storms because of the stress from the extra weight. Be sure to cut down or otherwise handle any trees that may become a problem during an approaching winter storm.
• Make sure your car’s tank is full. Although you should avoid driving icy roads, sometimes you don’t have much choice. In case you get stuck in traffic or on the side of the road, you’ll be glad when you can keep your car warm until help arrives.
• Know how to shut off water valves. When temperatures drop really low, pipes are at risk of bursting. The sooner you can shut off your water valve, the less damage you will likely sustain. It’s important that every household member knows how to do so. If your pipes do burst, call us immediately to help mitigate any water damage.
• Stock up on plenty of blankets. Because ice and snow can eventually overwhelm powerlines, you should prepare for time without power. Unless you have a working fireplace, you’ll find that a blanket will be your best friend.

Since winter storms can come without warning, it’s best to prepare as far in advance as possible. Buy a good emergency kit, review safety plans, and ensure your home is in excellent condition. You can’t control weather conditions, but you can be ready.

Saving A Digital Disaster From Water Damage To Your Bethlehem Office

12/8/2017 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO technicians have the tools and manpower to take care of your office space and restore it "Like it never even happened."

Our SERVPRO Team Can Save your Bethlehem Office From Water Damage

Office buildings in Bethlehem are not impervious to water emergencies such as service line ruptures. Given the higher volume of electronic equipment and physical/digital files kept on the premises, even a smaller scale incident is one that restoration and water removal specialists should handle. As you know, the worse a problem gets, the more the business is going to be impacted as a whole.

Water damages to your Bethlehem office can spell all manner of trouble for your business as a whole. First and foremost, you have to consider the equipment that you have within this space, whether it is in the room that is currently experiencing the brunt of the water damages or not. Not just the electronics themselves are essential, but all of the software that you have installed on each system is in jeopardy. Company-specific programs need to be reinstalled, and saved data for use in these programs is lost forever if a growing water problem is allowed to breach their shell.

These damages do not even account for the files that you have stored in some regions of the office building. Since it is slowly becoming more customary to make these files into a digital format, what happens when the server supporting your office cloud space or the large external hard drive to store sensitive client files becomes irreparably damaged when water that could have been removed from SERVPRO professionals reaches it?

We at SERVPRO can appreciate that your business is important. Keeping your doors open and your staff able to work is critical to success. That is why our team works quickly to remove the immediate threats to your productivity while simultaneously employing our water restoration techniques to bring your affected area back to its prior conditions. When contacted quickly, there is a high probability that your business does not need to close its doors at all.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

While your business cannot afford a lengthy stoppage in production, it is unlikely to experience one if you put the right restoration team on the job. Call us at SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties; we can be reached anytime at (828) 396-1070.

For more on Bethlehem, click here. 

What To Expect During Mold Damage Restoration In Your Bethlehem Home?

11/14/2017 (Permalink)

Mold is one of the most significant problems that a homeowner faces after water damage.

What To Expect During Mold Damage Restoration

Mold is one of the most significant problems that a homeowner faces after water damage. If the moisture is not promptly and efficiently removed from the property after flooding, mold damage is almost inevitable. Apart from jeopardizing the structural integrity of your Bethlehem property, the mold may also pose a health risk.

It is essential to act fast and take steps to control mold damage in your Bethlehem home as soon as possible. Mold remediation is a complex process that should be carried out by professionals. Thankfully, here at SERVPRO, we have a team of mold remediation experts that can help you tackle this problem. We use a state-of-the-art, multi-step process to contain and eliminate mold as safely and efficiently as possible. Here are the steps involved in a typical mold remediation process.

1. Containing The damage
The first step toward restoring mold damage is to contain the mold and prevent it from spreading to the unaffected areas. Installing containment barriers, establishing a negative air pressure in the containment area and sealing HVAC vents are some of the crucial steps during this phase of the process.

2. Removing The Mold Contamination
SERVPRO professionals have expertise in removing mold contamination safely and efficiently. We use vacuum pumps equipped with High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters to remove mold from non-porous surfaces. If the mold has contaminated porous material such as carpet, drywall, and insulation, our technicians eliminate the mold by removing the source of contamination itself.

3. Cleaning And Eliminating Settled Spores
The settled spores are removed by HEPA vacuum. The HEPA filtration system can remove microscopic mold spores with an efficiency of up to 99.97% to prevent secondary growth. The cleaning of settled spores takes time and is usually performed in multiple stages to ensure complete elimination.

4. Drying
Drying is perhaps one of the most critical steps to prevent further mold growth. Once the cleaning process is complete, and spores have been eliminated, drying can begin. SERVPRO experts use state-of-the-art air movers and dehumidifiers to get rid of the moisture from the mold.

Mold remediation is a delicate process that requires a lot of skill and expertise. Make sure that you are seeking professional help as soon as you spot damage to limit the extent of damage and prevent it from spreading.

Call SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties at (828) 396-1070 to schedule an inspection today. Our experts can help you devise a plan to combat mold damage and restore your home to preloss conditions in no time.

For more regarding the wonderful city of Bethlehem click here.

Be Mindful of Leaking Windows After Flood Damage in Bethlehem

11/10/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO suggest regularly inspecting your windows for damage after a storm to prevent mold growth or other damage to your home.

Checking Your Windows Regularly Can Prevent Flood Damage

Winter storms and inclement weather carry with them a real risk of flood damage to your home. Floods might cause damage ranging from minor leaks to major structural problems. One area of your house that requires extra care is your windows. Window leaks let water into your home, and if the damage goes unchecked, the wood around your windows is at risk. There is also a potential for mold growth when water pools in dark areas with a suitable fungal food source such as wood or drywall. SERVPRO recommends all Bethlehem homeowners check their windows regularly for signs of damage.

The best way to prevent potential window leaks after flood damage in Bethlehem is regular checks. We suggest that every time the weather is rainy or there is snow or hail, you check your windows afterward for signs of water. You do not need to wait until a significant flood or storm; in fact, it is better if you do not wait, because by then it is too late to take action.

The location of a leak gives you a clue as to its source. Visible water on the window frame or the area where the jamb meets the sash suggests the problem is with the window itself. However, leaks in the area surrounding the frame such as the walls or ceiling may point to a problem elsewhere in the house.

There are some steps you can take to protect windows, such as caulking around them or installing a weather strip. However, if you suspect the problem is with the actual structure around the window, it is a good idea to call in a window specialist to take a look.

If a leaking window causes pooling water or even mold growth in your home, give SERVPRO a call straight away. Our IICRC-certified technicians are waiting to offer assistance. We have all the equipment necessary to extract water from your home and remediate any mold growth situation. We dry the area thoroughly to reduce the risk of mold growth.

For help with leaking windows in Adako, Bethlehem, Bailey Camp, Ellendale and surrounding areas, call SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties at (828) 396-1070 today.

For more information regarding Bethlehem, click here.

Quick Action Saves Water Threatened Inventory at Bethlehem Store

11/1/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO's IICRC certified technicians remove water from wood flooring then use a variety of techniques to restore them "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO's Thorough Drying and Restoration Process

Unique products and a quirky approach to selling make a repurposed historic house the perfect place to display home furnishings and décor in Bethlehem. Interesting and eclectic surroundings come with the unpredictability of an aging building. When water damage develops from leaks in old pipes, we have the experience and strategies to save your room stagings from a soaking.

Creating an inviting atmosphere in the various rooms used for display, the 100 plus-year-old radiators in your retail space also create havoc as their rusted valves begin to leak. The water at first was unnoticeable, drops at a time, but then rugs and carpeting nearby became sodden. The designer furnishings are next, but we have other and much more constructive ideas.

Even before we arrive, you can help avoid water damage in your Bethlehem retail space by lifting furniture up and place blocks or foil covered towels under the legs. This keeps water from wicking up the wood or rusting metal fittings. Roll up area rugs for evaluation and potential specialty cleaning, and also to prevent dyes from staining other flooring. SERVPRO crews assess the scene upon arrival, and a plan for drying and restoring the antique wooden floors and the modern carpeting takes shape.

The water source to the radiators must be shut down and arrangements for repairs made. Once that is secured, SERVPRO technicians begin water extraction. Care is taken when using vacuum extractors on the wall to wall carpet to minimize stretching and prevent tearing at seams. Delamination, where the backing pulls away from the fiber layer, is a risk reduced when IICRC trained workers complete the task. The padding, if left in place, must be dried through the carpeting as well, which requires weighted wand techniques to force all moisture out. Air movers and dehumidifiers speed the process by moving moist air away from the areas affected, allowing the drier air to absorb water vapor given up by the carpeting.

Wood flooring is resilient if treated fast. After standing water is removed, SERVPRO technicians use a variety of techniques to resolve the remaining moisture issues. Drying the subfloor is critical, as the top layer wicks up any dampness, resulting in cupping -- where the planks rise on the edges, leaving a valley. Surface dampness left unresolved can cause crowning, where the center of the boards swells up. Buckling happens when the floorboards curve up from the subfloor after prolonged water exposure.

Drying mats lie directly on the floor and pull up moisture. We may pull up a few sections to aim air movers at both the main and the subfloor. Small holes drilled or, in severe cases, finishes removed, allow the wood to release trapped moisture, helped by dry air provided with dehumidifiers and air movers. Throughout the process, SERVPRO workers measure and monitor the progress of moisture reduction.

SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties has the highly qualified technicians and powerful drying equipment to reduce moisture to normal levels in floors and other surfaces. Call (828) 396-1070 to help with water damage due to any source.

Click here for more information regarding Bethlehem.

Neutralizing Smoke Odors in Your Bethlehem Home After a Fire

10/24/2017 (Permalink)

If your space heater causes a fire, big or small, call SERVPRO to repair your home and remove the odor left behind.

Cleaning, Repairing and Deodorizing Your Home After Fire Damage

With the cold weather coming in Bethlehem, space heaters are coming back out. They are a popular choice due to their portability and small size, making them easy to reposition. When carefully used, these appliances can be one of your most valued pieces of equipment all winter long. If not used safely, however, these little heaters can pose a fire risk in your home.

If your Bethlehem home has suffered from fire damage due to a space heater, you want to repair the damage as soon as possible, even if it was small. At SERVPRO, our technicians are expertly trained and experienced to handle fire damage of any size, including cleaning up any soot and smoke residues the fire leaves behind.

Removing the smoke odor of a fire-damaged home presents a challenge. Our technicians are more successful at removing them because we understand how odor molecules permeate a structure and how to use various methods of odor removal. We also understand that customers perceive odors in different ways. Our task is to neutralize the odors that you consider unpleasant.

As SERVPRO techs attempt to deodorize, we deal with two kinds of odors – ones real, and ones imagined. The real odor is the sensation of smell caused by a real substance. Odor molecules interact with olfactory nerve cells in your nose. These nerves send messages to your brain which are interpreted by the olfactory lobe. Psychological or imaginary odors are what people believe they are smelling.

Deodorization requires a combination of techniques for it to be successful. Doing so results in all the odors being neutralized in the end. The first step is to get rid of the source causing the odor, and then we clean up the residues. After cleaning, ventilation or air scrubbing to get rid of odor molecules from the air indoors is next.

SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties has the experience you need to not only clean and repair your home after fire damage, but remove the odors from smoke as well. Residents in the areas of Bethlehem, Sawmills, or Lenoir should not hesitate to call us at (828) 396-1070 after a fire.

Click here for more information about Bethlehem.

Water Removal Linked to Clogged Downspouts in Stony Point

10/10/2017 (Permalink)

When debris and leaves get logged into your gutters and downspouts, water can pool around your foundation and cause damage. Call SERVPRO for help.

SERVPRO Technicians Check Many Points at Which Water can Enter Your Home and Cause Damage

Your Stony Point drainage system that begins with a well-shingled roof, properly canted gutters, and adequately maintained downspouts impacts the foundation of your home if any portion of the configuration fails. Heavy rains due to severe storm patterns need to drain away from your home. If water collects inside instead, you may need professionals to remove the water.
 
Seasonally torrential rains gush from your gutters and pound a depression around your house, resulting in an urgent water removal need in Stony Point. During the autumn, falling leaves join any storm debris clogging your downspouts and causing your gutters to pull away from your roof edge. This disrupts the carefully constructed pipeline that should allow water to flow down the gutters, into the drains, and finally deposited on a downslope away from your foundation. Inches of water build up in your utility room or crawl space because of the clogs, and our trained technicians and specialized equipment are ready to evacuate the moisture to avoid water and secondary damage.
 
Over the period of a few days, North Carolina can experience several waves of soaking storms. The ground around your home becomes supersaturated as the water fails to drain away, permitting the water to build up. SERVPRO water removal teams arrive with submersible pumps and high-efficiency water extractors to pull water out of your structure. Failing to remove this accumulation is a mistake as the ground cannot absorb more, and any insulation becomes waterlogged and prone to mold growth. Vapor barriers might need repair or reinstallation if they deteriorated.
 
Any plumbing or HVAC venting near the water incursion risks compromise if the level is not reduced or eliminated. Once we remove the water, SERVPRO workers inspect the ductwork and any other mechanical systems to ensure continued operation is appropriate. If a breach is identified, we add cleaning and sealing the venting to the water removal plan. If even small amounts of moisture remain, structural materials and fixtures risk continual deterioration.
 
Post-water removal, SERVPRO technicians will review the gutter and downspout issues and recommend repairs that avoid future water accumulation crises. Throughout the process, we work with your insurer to limit your out of pocket expenses.
 
SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties offers local residents the equipment and skilled crews to eliminate water retention problems. One call to (828) 396-1070 sets all of our services in motion on your behalf.

For more information about the City of Stony Point, North Carolina visit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stony_Point,_North_Carolina

Look for Mold Damage in These 3 Hidden Places in Your Bethlehem Home

10/6/2017 (Permalink)

It is important to rinse your dishes immediately after use before setting them in the sink to prevent mold growth.

Regularly Checking Your Home for Mold Can Prevent Further Damage

Mold damage is the bane of all householders. The fungi are present in most homes which makes it impossible to eradicate. Often mold appears to have vanished when in fact it has merely gone dormant, ready to resurface once more as soon as it has moisture and enough organic material to grow. Bethlehem homeowners are most likely aware of the typical places mold likes to grow, including damp areas such as bathrooms or laundry rooms, or cold, wet places like basements or porches. The telltale black or green patches alert you to the fact that the spores have taken up residence in your house.

Mold damage in your Bethlehem home gets worse when it is left unchecked. Colonies release new spores which travel to other areas of your house – they travel through the air, or even on your clothes or boots, or household pets. Keeping on top of the mold is important to stop it from spreading, which is why SERVPRO recommends you check out these three unexpected places spores settle in your home.

1. Air Conditioners Air conditioners are the perfect breeding ground for mold because they draw in moisture, which the fungus needs to grow, and pollen, which makes an ideal meal. Check your AC unit regularly for signs of growth and call in SERVPRO at once at the first sign of a problem. Our IICRC-certified technicians have specialist equipment and tools to clean even hard to reach nooks and crannies.

2. Dishes After you wash your dishes, you think of them as clean – and that is a good thing! However, dirty dishes are an ideal breeding ground for mold. Stacks of dirty, damp dishes provide both the moisture and the food source fungus needs to grow. Prevent mold growing on your crockery by running it under a tap immediately after your meal. Do not leave dirty dishes standing around, and always dry plates and bowls completely before storing.

3. Window Seals Window ledges and surrounds typically collect dust and dirt, which provide a food source for fungus. Add condensation or even leaks from rainfall, and you have an ideal breeding ground for mold. Keep window surrounds clean and dry at all times. Invest in a dehumidifier to reduce humidity, and replace worn window seals.

Our IICRC-certified technicians are ready to help with mold remediation. We clean and scrub visible mold, vent contaminated air from your home, and reduce humidity to discourage regrowth.

For help with fungus in Taylorsville, Kings Creek, Sawmills and surrounding areas, call SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties at (828) 396-1070 for assistance today.

Click here for more information about Bethlehem, North Carolina.

Bethlehem Residents Receive Professional Flood Damage Restoration Services

9/28/2017 (Permalink)

Dealing with flood damage to your Bethlehem property can be a lengthy process, especially if you attempt to do things alone.

Professional Flood Damage Restoration Services

Recent storms have left many Bethlehem residents reeling from more damage than expected. Some are looking for temporary housing while others show a strong desire to get back home as soon as possible. If you find yourself suffering a similar situation, help is not far away.

Dealing with flood damage to your Bethlehem property can be a lengthy process, especially if you attempt to do things alone. Giving us a call gives you access to IICRC-industry certified technicians, advanced equipment, and the resources needed to get you back on track. Our crew is available to answer your call 24/7, 365, giving you the help you need, today.

After calling your insurance company and before returning to your flood-damaged home, call SERVPRO. Our technicians can make your return home safer, eliminating any hazards that may exist, and getting started on your home’s flood damage restoration immediately. You might be surprised by how many electrical, fire, and safety hazards are present after a flood. It takes a qualified professional to identify them all and to keep your family safe. At SERVPRO, we provide you with full-service solutions and work hard to mitigate any damages or reduce any losses you might experience. Our technicians manage your entire restoration from beginning to end, informing you of our progress and communicating all issues with your insurance company to ensure you receive the results you deserve.

SERVPRO technicians train hard and work harder so that you never have to worry about getting qualified help again. Whether you have your entire home or a single room flooded after a storm, it is easy to get the help you need to recover fast. We have water extractors and drying equipment of all shapes and sizes, along with the ability to identify, clean, and restore hazardous areas to make your home safe again.

By contacting SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties, you obtain access to local, highly-trained professionals who understand your circumstances and want to help you recover quickly. We provide you with quality cleanup and restoration services throughout Lenoir, Adako, and Stony Point in the quickest, most efficient manner possible while maintaining a safe, secure site. Call our emergency service line, today (828) 396-1070.

To learn more about the city of Bethlehem visit https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethlehem,_Alexander_County,_North_Carolina.

Why Homeowners Trust SERVPRO's Emergency Water Removal Services in Taylorsville

9/25/2017 (Permalink)

Flooding happens but your quick call to SERVPRO after a storm can make all the difference in the remediation and restoration processes.

Our Team Responds Quickly When You Call After a Storm

Whether your home has been completely flooded by a major storm or has much more limited patterns of damage, removing water from the building is likely one of your top priorities. SERVPRO is ready and standing by after any catastrophe to help get your home dry as quickly as possible. Our water removal strategy in Taylorsville is designed to be as timely and efficient as possible to spare work and expenses later, while still being effective at drying out your home even while the rest of the neighborhood remains drenched.
 
Lightning-Fast Response Times
 
The core of SERVPRO's Taylorsville water removal strategy is comprised of our mitigation tactics. We have personnel ready around the clock to respond to calls and ensure that as little damage as possible happens in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. Within hours, we show up on the scene with water extractors and air movers to start removing moisture immediately, getting standing and voluminous water out of your home in as little time as possible.
 
Thorough Work
 
Getting done quickly is far from the most important aspect of what we do. Above all else, we make sure our work is thorough, so that you can have peace of mind and so that we can continue to provide our services to other homes in need. Machines such as dehumidifiers and deodorizers help to mop up the last vestiges of water in your home and erase any traces of what once happened. We also work closely with insurance companies, who often come to inspect the site and evaluate our performance. Hundreds of insurers across the country prefer SERVPRO because they never find our work lacking. In fact, if a flood or storm has impacted your home, your insurer may have expressly recommended us for restorations.
 
If your home has been hit by a flood or major storm, be sure to call SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties right away at (828) 396-1070 for our 24/7 emergency services.

For more information about the Taylorsville, North Carolina visit: http://www.taylorsvillenc.com/

Handling Water Damage After a Heavy Storm in Taylorsville

9/8/2017 (Permalink)

If a storm leaves your home with flood damage, call SERVPRO for professional water removal services.

Steps to take if you experience flood damage in your home

Tornadoes, hurricanes, and quick summer thunderstorms can all create significant damage to your home. Even though the wind causes damage such as downed trees or torn shingles, heavy rains can lead to flooding, even if you are not along the water. There are some helpful steps you can take after your home in Taylorsville is damaged by water from a storm before help arrives.

Before water damage professionals, such as SERVPRO, arrive, you can remove as much excess water as possible from your Taylorsville home by blotting and mopping. Wipe water from wooden furniture after lamps and other tabletop items are removed. If cushions or upholstery are wet, take them out and prop them up so they can evenly dry. If there are any books or magazines which have gotten wet, pick them up, since the colored covers can stain whatever they are lying on.

During the summer, you run your air conditioner to get rid of the excess water in the air. Since winter is dryer, you may not need to do this in colder months. If the air seems heavy with moisture, you should think about running the AC unit, even if it is colder outside. You can also purchase a dehumidifier if you would rather not run your air conditioner in the colder weather. Also, keep in mind that our technicians at SERVPRO have industrial fans and dehumidifiers that they use to help dry your home out faster.

If whole rooms are flooded, turn off circuit breakers to these rooms to avoid water contacting any electrical appliances. Do not use your vacuum to remove water. Instead, utilize a wet-dry vacuum, or even better, is letting our IICRC-certified technicians use our truck-mounted pumps to remove any standing water after they arrive at your home.

Do not turn on any appliances in a flooded room, and if the water has saturated the ceiling, do not use ceiling lights or fans. If the ceiling is sagging from moisture, do not stand in or walk through the room, since the ceiling could collapse.

When your home is severely flooded, your first step should be to call SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties, as it is not safe for you to perform the water removal yourself. Our experienced staff can take care of everything for residents of Bethlehem, Taylorsville, and Lenoir when they call us at (828) 396-1070.

Click here to learn more about Taylorsville, North Carolina.

Taylorsville Funeral Home Survives Water Damage

8/25/2017 (Permalink)

Keep your doors open for the families and loved ones who need your services when SERVPRO restores water damaged areas of your funeral home.

Water Damage To A Funeral Home

A town relies upon its funeral homes, needing their services especially in times of disaster. Like any business, however, a funeral home can suffer from roof leaks, pipe breaks, or other ways water intrudes and damages property. Restoration professionals help put the business back to rights and serve to preserve access to a critical service community members need.

Elegant and historical, the classic architectural lines of your family mortuary mask water damage that threatens this Taylorsville institution. Aging pipes slowly leaked, discoloring plaster and causing paint to peel. Bulges in the ceiling tiles reveal the problem grows incrementally. An inspection by our experienced project manager pinpoints areas of concern. We outline the steps needed to restore this place where treasured memories and celebrations of lives occur to its previous glory.

SERVPRO technicians use sophisticated technology to locate leaks and pockets of water causing the evident damage. Arrangements for repair of the older plumbing infrastructure take initial precedence. Then our team begins the work of removing residual water and reducing moisture in the structure and contents of your funeral parlor. Pumps and extractors pull water out, operated by certified technicians to avoid further damage to your property.

We take precise measurements of moisture levels to establish drying goals. Then we position powerful air movers and dehumidifiers to reduce moisture in walls, ceilings, and floors to normal levels. Carpeting and furnishings saturated by water receive expert attention including evaluation as to whether any mold damage is present. Moldy materials may need to be removed and replaced, but we focus on restoration of all other items so the community can turn to you in their time of need. Restoration is less time consuming and costly than tear out and replacements, thus much less disruptive to your essential business.

SERVPRO offers document restoration services as part of our water damage recovery options. Business or client records damaged by the leaking plumbing often respond well to a freeze drying method also called lyophilization. We work with you to determine which articles may profit from this relatively costly process. An inventory of items removed is created and maintained as we work through your documents.

Keep your doors open for the families and loved ones who need your services when SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties restores water damaged areas of your funeral home. Call us at (828) 396-1070 to arrange for a consultation.

Click here to learn more about Taylorsville.

Fire Precautions To Keep You And Your Family Safe In Your Taylorsville Home

8/9/2017 (Permalink)

Home fires may be more common than you think, so being aware of possible fire dangers in your home is essential.

Fire Precautions

Home fires may be more common than you think, so being aware of possible fire dangers in your home is essential. When you have prepared ahead of time and know some fire prevention tips, you can do a lot in preventing these catastrophes which plague thousands of homes each year.

Cooking related accidents equate for forty percent of fires reported annually. It takes just seconds for a blaze to begin in your kitchen and cause fire damage to your Taylorsville home. Unattended stoves and ovens or distractions are the main reason.

SERVPRO is a professional fire damage remediation company who can assist you in a timely fashion after you have experienced a kitchen fire. We clean up all damages, including water, soot, and smoke, and even help you with speaking to your insurance agent.

During the winter months, fires from fuel-based or electrical heaters are quite common. These heaters need to be kept three feet or more away from anything that is easily flammable like clothes, furniture, and curtains.

Bedroom fires from smoking account for over seventy percent of fatalities from house fires. If not disposed of properly, a cigarette butt can remain lit for hours. Ensure that you do not fall asleep with a lit cigarette in your hand.

Old wiring is a common problem in older homes, having been worn out over time. Inadequate installation of wires also causes electrical fires. If your circuit breaker trips often, you need an electrician to look at your wiring, as this goes a long way in preventing fires.

Many fires are caused by electrical wiring or equipment such as dryers, washers, irons, oven ranges, and water heaters. Ensure you know the rating of an appliance before you plug it into an extension. Do not overload an extension or circuit, as they can overheat or malfunction, and have a certified electrician do a yearly check-up of the wiring system in your home.

Other things to be careful with are candles, barbecuing too close to your home, and children playing with matches or lighters. When you teach your family the dangers ahead of time, they can be more aware of their surroundings when handling these things so you can remain safe in your home.

When accidents do happen, SERVPRO understands how stressful the situation can be, which is why we work quickly to come up with a remediation plan for you and go over it with you before we begin. SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties should be notified as soon as your kitchen fire is out. The sooner you contact us at (828) 396-1070, the more damage we can prevent from water, soot, and smoke left behind.

Click here for more about the city of Taylorsville, North Carolina.

Water Removal Services in a Lenoir Property

7/29/2017 (Permalink)

Don't Wait to Call SERVPRO for Water Removal in Your Lenoir Home

Count on SERVPRO for Rapid Water Damage Restoration Services

A homeowner can become confused after his/her home suffers the effects of a broken pipe or appliance. Standing water in the hallway, bedroom, or other area of your house can eventually lead to severe damage and consequently, expensive restoration.
 
If water damage occurs to your Lenoir property, stopping the flow is critical. Cut off the leak if you can, and then contact our trained technicians from SERVPRO to deal with the water damage problem. Our expertise includes inspection & water damage assessment, water extraction, drying & dehumidification, cleaning & sanitizing, and finally, restoration. Until we arrive, remember that safety comes first and only turn off your main power supply if no electrical hazards are present. Once you shut down the water source, wait for our staff to come and commence the water removal process:
 
Protecting the Furniture
Our priority is to move your furniture away from wetted areas to allow for drying. To prevent staining and damaging the wooden legs of larger furniture, we place them on small blocks or aluminum foil. SERVPRO water damage restoration experts can also treat your books and important documents that have been affected.

Eliminating Residual Moisture
When moisture from the water gets into your walls, carpets, and furniture, it can become a breeding ground for mold. As such, it is important to remove the moisture as soon as possible. We have industry leading dehumidifiers, air movers, axial fans and techniques for rapidly extracting moisture from the air and affected elements.

Checking for Mold
As our team extracts the water and dries out your home, we are always aware of the possibility of mold growth. Our reasoning of restore before replacing means we attempt to salvage water damaged carpets and padding. This type of flooring is conducive for mold proliferation. By quickly removing the moisture, the chances of mold spores developing into colonies is greatly reduced.
 
In a water damage situation, it is important to act fast to get the water removal services you need. SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties is strategically located to respond quickly to your emergency. Call us anytime at (828) 396-1070.

Visit Lenoir right here.

Mold Is Sneaky -- Hire Professional Mold Detectives To Catch It in Taylorsville

7/16/2017 (Permalink)

Whether mold is visible or you can just smell that something is not quite right in your home, SERVPRO can find the source of the mold and remediate.

SERVPRO Technicians Use the Latest in Detection Tools to Locate Moisture and Mold in Your Home

Homeowners are often driven crazy by a musty, funky smell without finding the source of the underlying mold growth. Just because you cannot see mold colonies does not mean they are not hiding, possibly damaging the structure of your home and making individuals reactive to molds uncomfortable. Contact SERVPRO if you suspect mold is present and we do our best to locate and remediate.
 
Certain areas of your home hold a musty smell. You notice it most clearly on an outside wall, sometimes stronger if you sniff at a light switch or electrical outlet. To manage mold damage to your Taylorsville home you need to find it and then hire a reliable mold remediation firm that follows Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) protocols. We inspect for signs of mold in all the likely places, and some not so likely, to find and remediate mold growth in your home.
 
When the moldy smell confines itself to exterior walls with no visible evidence of microbial growth, SERVPRO is likely to suspect an outdoor source of moisture. The mold may be growing in the recesses between the exterior and interior walls. If your home is insulated, the materials used possibly are contaminated as well.
 
Expect SERVPRO technicians to inspect the exterior of your home. We seek areas of siding that appear warped or bulging. Other signs include paint peeling unevenly or much sooner than is reasonable given when the house last received a new coat. If your home features stucco or brickwork, we look for cracks or missing pieces. Leaky or poorly hung gutters or loose flashing may have been the areas of ingress for rain, snow, or other forms of precipitation.
 
We may also remove plaster or gypsum board in the interior of the house near the smell to investigate whether mold colonies exist between the walls. When we find the infestation, the EPA protocol of containment, removal, and disinfection removes the current problem. We remove wet and moldy insulation as well, replacing it after remediation finishes. Remediation is not complete until the moisture source is removed, so gutters, flashings, and siding or brick/stucco need repair to limit the recurrence of the mold problem.
 
Call on SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties at (828) 396-1070 if you fear mold colonies hide in your walls. Relentless detective work finds the mold and EPA directives followed remediate the outbreak.

For more information regarding Taylorsville, click here

Take Control Of Water Damage Happening In Your Bethlehem Area Home

6/27/2017 (Permalink)

We explain our services in detail, communicate with your insurance company, and help with any paperwork associated with your claim.

Protect Your Property When The Unexpected Happens

Having a plumbing leak or broken appliance does not need to cause extensive damage to your home. With help from a qualified professional, you can reduce any losses you experience and get everything back to normal fast.

Dealing with water damage on your Bethlehem property often requires help from someone who understands how water works. You want access to a trained company with years of experience, not someone who just got started in the business, a brother-in-law, or friends.

SERVPRO technicians can help you avoid secondary damages that develop over time. The issues often left behind by someone with less training and experience. It only takes a small water leak getting into an area behind your wall or in your floor to start causing damage that leads to warping, swelling, cracking, and more.

Mold only needs 24 to 48-hours to begin spreading throughout your home. Without the proper experience, small pockets of water give mold the perfect environment to grow. An expertly trained technician, like those offered at SERVPRO, use infrared moisture detectors, water extraction equipment and attachments of all sizes to get the job done right.

With someone like SERVPRO on your side, you never have to wonder if the person working to provide your loved ones with a clean, comfortable living environment has the right skills, tools, or experience. We work hard to ensure you receive the results you deserve and make every effort to make you comfortable while we perform your water restoration.

We explain our services in detail, communicate with your insurance company, and help with any paperwork associated with your claim. Our technicians take control of your entire restoration process, making the experience as stress-free as possible. You have more to worry about, let us help you straighten things out.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties provides you with IICRC certified technicians, with several years of experience and access advanced industrial-grade equipment. Give us the opportunity to address water intrusions occurring in your home, today. (828) 396-1070

For more information regarding the city of Lenoir, click here: http://www.cityoflenoir.com

SERVPRO - Taylorsville Mold Damage

6/14/2017 (Permalink)

When a mold infestation strikes your home, our SERVPRO crew strikes back!

Dealing with Mold in Your Taylorsville Home?

Summer has arrived, and with it hot weather. That does not mean, however, that water and mold are no longer a concern in your home. As priorities change to yard work and outdoor activities, many residents forget to check their basements and laundry rooms for any possible problems.

Since most types of mold grow just fine at 85 degrees, Taylorsville homes still need to be checked for mold damage. It is not enough to wait for that tell-tale musty odor since certain types of mold do not even emit an odor. If you have waited too long, SERVPRO can still help you recover and return your home to its condition before the spores began to expand, grow and form masses. We have developed a four-step method that best uses our local personnel with a nationwide network of equipment and experience to get the job done in North Carolina.

First, we isolate the contaminated area. Technicians hang plastic sheeting over doorways, windows, and other openings to establish physical containment and ensure the mold does not spread to the rest of the home. They also seal HVAC vents to prevent accidental contamination of the ductwork. The final component is to create negative air pressure using air movers and fans. With particular airflow direction, this forces loose spores out of your home.

Next, our restoration team wipes down and cleans surfaces to remove the contaminating mold. We wipe down nonporous surfaces like glass and metal with a dry or wet cloth, depending on the thickness of the mold. If it is very thick or is growing in a layer of dust and dirt, technicians apply an anti-fungal agent to loosen and break up the growth so it can be wiped down. After wiping, team members vacuum surfaces using HEPA filters which can trap a single mold spore. Porous surfaces such as drywall and carpets are tough and costly to try and clean; we recommend disposing and replacing them in most cases.

The third step is to let dust and mold spores in the air to settle. After enough time, technicians wipe down all surfaces again. We do this from top to bottom and in the direction of the negative air pressure to help force loose spores out of your home.

The fourth and final step is to lower the humidity level of your home to stop growth and return spores to a dormant state. We do this by placing dehumidifiers and specially designed heaters in the affected areas to raise the temperature while removing moisture from the air. These devices are also effective in drying structural and personal property.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

Stopping mold and restoring your home from the damage is not a quick and easy procedure. At SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties, we work hard to help put you back in your home as quickly and safely as possible. Call us today at (828) 396-1070 to schedule an inspection if you suspect there may be a problem.

For more information regarding the city of Lenoir, click here: http://www.cityoflenoir.com

When Your Home has Fire Damage in Sawmills

6/1/2017 (Permalink)

Regardless of the size of the damage after a fire, call SERVPRO for best remediation efforts. You will be very happy with the results.

SERVPRO's Technicians Provide Thorough Remediation Services In Order to Prevent Finding Secondary Damage Later On After a Fire

After a small fire, you usually clean up the mess, soak up the water, and hope for the best. That water can create future problems, though, and the fire has created hidden risks, behind walls, in the ceiling, or below your floor.
 
Sawmills homeowners should know that not all fire damage looks like charred, crumbling wooden beams from a gutted house. Damage can also come in smaller sizes, from smaller, more contained fires. Kitchen fires are a good example of this, as are those that happen in a bathroom or bedroom when a candle begins to burn a curtain or linens. However, when these smaller-sized fires are not extinguished quickly, they can quickly become larger blazes which can damage the entire home.
 
SERVPRO is prepared and qualified to handle any size disaster involving fire damage in your home or apartment. If you rent your dwelling and there is evidence of fire damage when you move out, your landlord might keep your deposit to pay for the damages and cleaning costs. Having the damage repaired before an inspection can help you regain your deposit money.
 
For homeowners with fire damage in their homes, insurance policies usually provide coverage for this type of situation. Repairing the damage can prevent other problems from developing into full-fledged situations that need additional, and much more costly, damages in your home. Many problems that could have been prevented by timely repairs are often precluded from payments by most insurers, making it even more important that repairs are made as soon as possible.
 
Our technicians are ready to help you and your family remain in or return to your home after a fire. Our training includes courses in all aspects that are pertinent to recovery post-fire, in addition to our extensive experience. Calling us, SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties, at (828) 396-1070, can help get your home restored quickly and professionally. Because we know fires happen at any time, we are always available to take your call, at all hours, every day of the year.

For more information regarding Sawmills, click here

Possible Causes of Roof Leaks to Your Taylorsville Commercial Building

5/8/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Says Prevent Commercial Water Damage in Taylorsville, Maintain Flat Roofs

Physical Breakdown of Membranes on Roofs Can Close a Business

When you own a commercial building, there are several causes for roof leaks to occur. Any leak or water problem can cause serious damage to your frame shop and your merchandise. You should schedule regular inspections of your roofing system to avoid the most common issues.
 
While many problems are identifiable, many areas which are prone to leaks require challenging repairs, and if they are not done correctly, make Taylorsville commercial water damage many times worse. Your business needs routine inspections, therefore, so you can keep a close eye on these problem areas and save significant costs with proactive management.
 
If you do experience a water damage loss, however, SERVPRO can come to your rescue to clean up all the water and repair damages. For major roof repair work, they collaborate closely with trusted and skilled contractors to get your building in good condition again.
 
Sometimes, understanding possible causes for roof leaks helps to prevent major damages.
 
Clogged Drainage or Ponding Water
If you have a flat roof and there is no way for it to drain properly, it can begin to look like a swimming pool. Ponding water is one of the most common reasons for commercial roof leaks and water damage, adding a significant strain to your roofing system since one square foot of water weights about five pounds per inch.
 
You need to make sure water is freely and properly flowing off your roof between the gutters, drains, downspouts, and scuppers. In some cases, the current drainage system might not be routing water correctly, requiring roof repairs.
 
Damaged Perimeter Flashing
Roof leak repair is many times most needed at the outer edges or at inner parapet walls where flashings are installed to protect the roof membrane cover edges. If the flashing is installed improperly, damaged, or becomes loose due to storms or the wind, the edges of the cover can be exposed, letting water and moisture seep into the building and roofing system.
 
Open Roof Penetrations
Penetrations include drains, pipes, vents, HVAC units, hot stacks, conduits, gas lines, and other objects that puncture the membrane of the roof. These are prone to leaks and must be properly secured to make sure the roofing system is protected from water damage.
 
SERVPRO can step in to clean up any standing water and damage that is done from one of these penetrations on your roof causing a leak inside your building. They also can restore and repair many of your items inside your building to reduce your losses.
 
Damage to Roofing Membrane
As the membrane ages, it can blister, split, shrink, crack, or puncture, giving way to water and exposing the insulation of the roof under the membrane.
 
SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties understands that any water damage from your commercial roof can be devastating to your business, which is why we are available to you any time of the day, any day of the week. Just contact us at (828) 396-1070, and we can take care of the damages done by water so your business can be up and running like normal again.

Overwatered Spring Plantings Mean Damp Basements In Taylorsville

4/21/2017 (Permalink)

Slowly seeping water is a benefit to mold spores, moisture taking them to a full-blown colony in 48 to 72 hours.

Water Damaged Basements

The warmer weather has everyone ready for flowers and the bright green leaves of your next vegetable crop. Many gardeners use irrigation systems like drip hoses to ensure the baby plants get the best start. Forgetting to shut off the water to plantings near your house is a common reason for water to collect in your basement or under a slab foundation. SERVPRO has techniques to turn back the page on this mistake and restore the water damage.

Water damage from soaker hoses gently dripping onto the ground around your Taylorsville home goes unnoticed until your basement is humid or the slab is wet, with widening pools of moisture spreading. Quick action from our water damage abatement team is a necessary part of the solution. Waiting even for a few hours increases the chance of mold development.

Overwatering near the foundation of your home is just as or even more destructive than a heavy spring rainfall. A rainstorm's water diverts through gutters and downspouts, hopefully away from your home's foundation. The targeted flow of moisture from a drip or other irrigation setup goes right into the lower reaches of your home. When SERVPRO arrives, our crew pumps out any standing water and extracts puddles and surface moisture with high power vacuums. Moisture level monitoring occurs periodically, informing our staff as to the positioning of air movers and the need for heaters and dehumidifiers.

Drywall and insulation evaluation is crucial; our employees are always on the look-out for possible mold growth. Slowly seeping water is a benefit to mold spores, moisture taking them to a full-blown colony in 48 to 72 hours. Lack of microbial growth permits us to attempt drying of floor coverings, walls, and even insulation if we direct airflow and heat appropriately. After we establish drying targets, we help homeowners plan for foundation plant watering in the future. The beds planted next to your home need to have the proper pitch to drain water away from the foundation. Timers or automatic shut-off valves are a good investment to avoid future water damage.

If good intentioned gardening practices cause water damage to your home SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties is in your corner. Call (828) 396-1070 to schedule a consultation.

Getting Back To Normal After Fire Damage In Taylorsville

4/4/2017 (Permalink)

Smoke Odors & Fire Damage in a Taylorville Property

Your Taylorville Property Gets TLC from SERVPRO After a Fire

A home fire is something that homeowners dread. We all hope it will not happen to us, but sometimes fires do occur. The aftermath of a fire is distressing for anyone. Your home and belongings may be damaged. Life can feel strange and stressful, and you are desperate to get back to normal life.
 
SERVPRO is here to help you get back to normal after fire damage to your Taylorsville home. Our IICRC-certified technicians have the skills and know how to clean your home and belongings and leave things “Like it never even happened.”
 
The first step in fire remediation is assessing the damage. Our teams are trained to inspect your home and possessions so we can determine the extent of the smoke and fire damage. Various materials react to fire differently, and so the type of loss differs from item to item and from surface to surface.
 
The next step is to devise a cleaning plan that restores your house and belongings as well as possible. Every element has different cleaning needs. Some of the cleaning options we have at our disposal include:
 
•Using towels and brushes to clean surfaces
•Employing water or air pressure to help lift and clean soot
•UV machines that use sonic vibrations to get materials clean
•Cleaning chemicals and solutions
 
Our technicians know which cleaning action is best for each type of fire damaged surface or item. No matter how long it takes, we see every cleaning job through to the end. A thoroughly cleaned home helps you feel more normal after a fire. However, some smoke odor can remain, and this is an unpleasant reminder of the fire. SERVPRO staff is trained to use a variety of methods to remove smoke odors from your home. For example, we have access to air scrubbers, thermal foggers, hydroxyl generators, and ozone machines for the deodorization and disinfecting of your home. We also place air movers and axial fans in the right positions to help dispel odors.
 
The proper cleaning schedule and careful attention to deodorization are vital for restoring your home so you can get back to normal life as quickly as possible.
 
If you need help restoring your home after a fire, SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties is here to help. Call us at (828) 396-1070 for the help you need.

Mold Damage in Your Taylorsville Home Needs a Fast Response

3/24/2017 (Permalink)

Don't let the mold spread. Call SERVPRO quickly to remediate.

Timely Professional Mold Remediation Will Lead to Success

Mold is the real danger of water damage, as it is something we might not be able to see physically. However, once it finally shows itself, it is only a matter of time before your entire home could be covered with the stuff. Usually, if your home is not completely dried and correctly ventilated in twenty-fours or less from the initial water damage incident, additional damage occurs, bringing mold along with it.
 
One of the biggest hazards that is found during water and flood damage restoration is mold infestation plus the infestation of other potentially dangerous microbes. Mold damage in your Taylorsville home, therefore, needs mold remediation as quickly as possible. The areas which have been wet for longer than forty-eight hours start to sprout mold.
 
Molds are a part of the natural environment and reproduce using tiny spores. These spores are not visible to the naked eye and float through air both indoors and outdoors. Mold can start growing indoors when the spores land on surfaces which are wet. There are several types of mold, but none will grow without moisture of some kind.
 
At SERVPRO, we realize that long term exposure to mold and mold spores causes health effects to you and your loved ones. We also recognize that if mold remediation and mitigation is not performed in a timely fashion, mold has the potential to damage your home severely, therefore causing its market value to fall dramatically, amongst other detriments.
 
When you call a SERVPRO technician to your home, you can expect a fast response. An estimate of the damages is drawn up after your home is properly inspected. We find what started the mold infestation, and we explain to you that just cleaning or bleaching these visible areas of infestation is not the solution. Unless all of the moisture is eliminated, the potential for the mold to grow back is high. Mold spores will always be present, but mold will not grow or spread if it does not have the moisture and the right environment to feed off of. You can also do things such as using exhaust fans while cooking, turning on air conditioners and dehumidifiers in warmer weather, and increasing ventilation in your home.
 
We also figure out what the extent of the damage is and how much time elapsed before we were called in. We take you through each step of the way during the restoration and mitigation of the mold, so you can have peace of mind and fully understand all that is happening.
 
Time is of the essence with a mold infestation and inspection for mold and remediation. At SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties, we realize this and that the longer it takes to tackle the outbreak, the more damage you have. Therefore, as soon as you call us at (828) 396-1070, we make arrangements to have technicians to your home as soon as possible.

Commercial Water Removal in Taylorsville

3/13/2017 (Permalink)

Don't let water damage close your auto repair shop for good. Call SERVPRO for remediation services today!

SERVPRO Technicians can Get Your Shop Opened Quickly After Damage

In a residential neighborhood, standing water usually means the loss of some personal property, time in a motel for the residents and a limited amount of restoration costs. It does not usually affect the person's ability to go to work or draw a paycheck. This limitation is not the case when disaster strikes a business.

Quick commercial water removal for a Taylorsville structure such as an auto repair shop can mean the difference between reopening for business and closing the doors permanently. SERVPRO has decades of experience in helping our communities and local businesses get back to work and back to normal as well.

Since most of the water in commercial flooding is from damaged plumbing or faulty sprinklers, the water involved is usually clean. That means the water is free of sewage and other contaminants which make removal and clean-up more difficult, time-consuming, and expensive. It also means that our technicians use a checklist of actions that is designed to help you reopen your doors and begin servicing customers as soon as we can safely do so.

First, we secure your facility. This step includes not just protecting your structure from further water damage or trespassing, but also looking for electrical hazards, deteriorating floors and sub-floors as well as falling ceilings if the source of the water leak was from a sprinkler, an upper floor, or the roof.

Next, technicians remove standing water. They use industrial pumps along with generators if the power is still out. Once the water is gone, the response team examines crawl spaces, under floors and behind walls to ensure we have not missed anything.

If everything checks OK, the next step is to lower the humidity levels of the building itself and the surrounding air. Technicians determine levels with moisture meters and then set up a combination of air movers and exhaust fans at exit points in the shop. These commercial machines rapidly exchange damp air for drier air from the outside, and we maintain a scaled inventory of them for use in small areas like storage rooms to larger, multi-bay areas like the shop floor. For smaller rooms with carpeting (e.g. a manager's office), we may also set up a dehumidifier to speed up the process to prevent pulling up and replacing the carpet or the pad underneath.

Reopening the doors after a disaster is a time-consuming and often expensive, process. SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties is here to make sure it is not a frustrating one as well. Our technicians walk through every step with you and even assist with your insurance company if it is helpful to do so. Call us at today at (828) 396-1070 to get started.

How To Know If The Flood Damage In Your Taylorsville Home Is Serious

3/9/2017 (Permalink)

The scope and intensity of the repairs depend on how much water is inside the house and which materials are already wet.

Categories Of Water Intrusion

At SERVPRO, we like to remind our customers that no restoration job is impossible. While severe flooding can lead to complete destruction of some items, there are always others that are salvageable. In fact, as long as repairs get started within two days of the original incident, the chance of full remediation is high.

Nevertheless, the scope and intensity of the repairs depend on how much water is inside the house and which materials are already wet. When handling flood damage in Taylorsville, our technicians carry out an inspection first to determine the level of water intrusion. The assessment adheres to official guidelines from the IICRC. Keep reading to learn more about the categories of water intrusion and what they mean for Taylorsville residents.

Class One
Class one involves minimal water intrusion, which means that this is the least serious type of water damage. Most items affected are non-porous (concrete floors, appliances, etc.) In this case, only limited repairs are necessary. Pumping is enough to extract most of the liquid, after which a small dehumidifier can be used to complete the job. Typical Scenario: a toilet overflows onto a sealed tile floor.

Class Two
There is a significant volume of water. Several porous items are affected (curtains, carpets, etc.) The extraction takes longer, in this case, because more water is absorbed. Dehumidifiers are used (for longer periods) to draw water vapor out of soft materials. Typical Scenario: a burst water pipe inside a gypsum board wall.

Class Three
Substantial amounts of standing water remain after the incident. Many porous items have absorbed flood liquids. The most intensive rates of evaporation are required to extract it in a timely fashion. The SERVPRO technicians probably need to lift carpets and (in some cases) make holes in the walls to increase ventilation. Typical Scenario: natural flooding causes rapid water intrusion, which quickly soaks the ground floor.

Class Four
The most severe type of flood damage involves water that gets trapped between building materials. It is tough to handle, takes a long time to restore, and it does cause lengthy disruptions to regular routines. The drying process is complex and requires the use of considerable vapor pressure differentials. Typical Scenario: a severe sewage overflow or backup which soaks through the walls.

At SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties, we approach every emergency with a unique strategy. Our repair methods are tailored to fit the needs of your home and guarantee a fast, effective restoration. Call us 24/7 at (828) 396-1070 today.

Storm Waters Can Damage A Bethlehem Bakery

2/13/2017 (Permalink)

A Bakery in Bethlehem Loves SERVPRO For Extracting Storm Water

SERVPRO Dries Out Residents and Businesses After Storm Related Water Intrusion

Businesses can suffer much less damage from a severe storm than a residence and still have to close their doors permanently. Each hour and day of clean-up are more important to saving not just a building, but an income and a contributor to the community as well.

A  building like a Bethlehem bakery after a storm can lose its functionality and close its doors permanently after a few days of water damage has ruined equipment beyond repair. SERVPRO has the training not just to respond quickly, but to properly clean and restore a facility to bring it back in line with city health codes, if at all possible. Storm-induced flooding does not have to have a lasting effect on your business.

The first step is getting rid of the water. For standing water, even in a large kitchen and customer service area, our technicians use commercial grade pumps to remove inches and even a foot of water in a matter of hours. With the visible water gone, our response team can tackle the next two items: drying out property and hidden water extraction.

Expensive industrial items such as commercial ovens are usually above most high water points but can suffer damage in a massive plumbing failure. Technicians must completely dry the electronics and heating elements before allowing the owner to use them again. Since it is not possible to disassemble these industrial appliances without violating warranties or possibly damaging them further, our technicians use commercial space heaters and dehumidifiers.

Both equipment items draw out moisture from the surrounding air and off of nearby surfaces. These techniques leave a dry surface without the chance of threads from towels or pieces of sponge accidentally being left behind to contaminate the next batch of cupcakes.

As this happens, other technicians dry out the building itself. Water extraction tools draw out moisture from floors, walls, and property items such as display cases. We accomplish this using commercial grade extraction wands that combine heat and vacuum to pull water droplets from between and underneath floor tiles and sections of concrete. Response team members also use the same heaters and dehumidifiers in corners to speed up drying walls, cabinets, and underneath counters.

SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties understands that every hour your business is closed means income lost and customers go un-served. Count on a strong effort from a component of the SERVPRO large-loss storm team. Despite an improving economy, small business owners are still operating on narrow margins and even a weekend lost can mean not making payroll or loan payments. To prevent this from happening, call us at (828) 396-1070 to restore your business and your livelihood.

Returning to Normal Life After Fire Damage in Taylorsville

2/8/2017 (Permalink)

If damaged wiring caused fire and smoke damage in your home, call SERVPRO quickly to remediate.

Certified SERVPRO Technicians are Skilled in Remediating Fire Damage Down to the Smell

Returning a sense of safety and normalcy as quickly as possible is the key to moving past the fear and unease many feel after fire damages their home. It is understandable to wonder “which restoration company near me should I try?” SERVPRO has the background and skill necessary for success.
 
When your home experiences fire damage from damaged wiring in Taylorsville, you and your family need an experienced and professional restoration company. Fire smoldering behind the wall creates issues only experts in smoke and odor reduction handle appropriately. Even if the visible damage appears minor fire that burned slowly and combusted insulation, wiring and treated wood sends noxious compounds throughout your entire home. Thorough knowledge of what structural materials and components are unsafe to retain inside your home is critical in a fire damage restorer. Our staff is very aware of how smoke and soot infiltrate porous materials. We follow appropriate protocols to ensure dangerously contaminated items no longer remain in your home. If the hazardous items remain, they must be sealed off to avoid secondary contamination.
 
SERVPRO fire damage restoration staff inspect your home top to bottom after any fire to determine all the abatements necessary for your and your family’s safety and your structure’s integrity. We scrape and scrub charred and residue-covered surfaces, testing for structural strength before sealing or replacing. Smoke and soot migrate everywhere, including into attics and crawl spaces. Odors in these areas create a long term problem. We remove and dispose of some smoke-filled items and use proper deodorants to reduce and finally eliminate the smell when dealing with components we retain.
 
Our odor removal specialists evaluate how the smoke and soot spread and use techniques that mimic these processes to mitigate the smell. Only technicians trained and certified in advanced deodorization meet the criteria for specialized tactics like thermal fogging and the use of an ozone machine. Our staff works with you and your family to eliminate the smell based on how the fire spread and how each resident perceives the lingering smoke odor. The goal is to return the indoor ambiance of your home to a smoke-free, odor-free state.
 
Count on SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties to restore your home after fire damage. Call (828) 396-1070 as soon as the fire marshal permits for a consultation and recovery plan.

How Mold Can Damage Your Home in Sawmills

1/16/2017 (Permalink)

Mold in Sawmills Gets Cleaned Up by SERVPRO

Remediation Done Quickly Mitigates Mold Damage

There are many different substances in the air we breathe in addition to the oxygen we need. These things include microorganisms such as mold, bacteria, and viruses, plus water vapor and dust of all types. Occurring naturally, these substances are impossible to eliminate from a home, no matter how clean it is kept.

Sawmills homes can often have signs of mold damage that are sometimes ignored by homeowners. A very common warning sign of mold growth is a musty odor that rarely goes away completely, although it may seem to decrease at times. This ebb and flow of this odor do not mean that the mold is going away or dying off.
 
Dusting is one way that dust and mold spores can end up in the air after having settled on surfaces. When the mold is left on these surfaces, though, it has the time needed to ruin many of your belongings. Items made of organic matter, particularly cellulose, are favorite targets of mold. Books, especially older ones, can provide a treasure trove for mold to survive on. Because of the vast surface area of the pages of even just one book, mold has room to grow. The absorbent nature of paper adds to the situation in mold's favor by capturing moisture from the ambient air.
 
While mold spores are circulating in the air, they can travel anywhere in your home. When they settle on something, they are inactive and not growing. A small amount of moisture, along with some time in low-light conditions, and mold can soon begin to flourish. Before long, newly established colonies send off their spores. Colonies can take on various patterns on the surfaces they grow on. Sometimes it is a solid dustiness covering a wall or ceiling (like mildew). Other displays of mold growth can be much more dramatic. Different colored round areas in a variety of sizes happen with high frequency. While they may seem colorful, the mold is damaging the underlying drywall, disintegrating the materials. This mold growth and hyphae penetration cause drywall to crumble easily. It can also mean that mold is growing inside of the walls, affecting supporting wall beams.
 
When spores land on clothing and other textiles, spotting and staining of these items is almost unavoidable without some intervention. Washing regularly can help prevent this from happening, but once the mold has started to grow, special equipment must be utilized. SERVPRO has used the ESporta system with excellent results to remove stains that were otherwise permanent. Clothing, stuffed toys, draperies and curtains, furniture cushions, and bedding are among some of the many items that we have been able to restore.
 
When mold damage is threatening your home and your belongings, call us, SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties at (828) 396-1070.

Commercial Water Removal Services Help Stony Point Factories Remain Operational

1/5/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Helps Insure Your Commercial Property's Restoration

SERVPRO's Vast Experience Does the Heavy Lifting to Keep Your Plant Operational Following Water Damage

Industrial settings such as factories and assembly plants require consistent environmental conditions. Standing water, in any area, from any source, can immediately halt production and affect not only worker safety but also company profits, for months to come. SERVPRO has the skilled professionals who can work as a team to reduce downtime, working around your employees, if needed, to return your operations to full speed again.
 
Stony Point area business owners will always have emergency commercial water removal services available for whenever situations with invasive, problematic water issues threaten to halt normal business operations. SERVPRO is known nationwide as a trusted name in emergency situations of any type or magnitude. Our water removal professionals that care about your employees' health, your business, and the general public can make it “Like it never even happened,” and quickly. We know time is money. Our goal is to help you stay open, operational, and in business.
 
Starting with the appropriate-sized extraction equipment for the situation, we quickly remove any visible water from the site. When this stage is complete, our experts will start the process of returning your factory to an adequately dry state again. Air movers and commercial-grade heaters will decrease the overall drying time by substantially increasing the rate of evaporation. For Large Loss emergencies, we can utilize large refrigerated dehumidifiers that can draw up to 30 lbs of moisture from the air quickly. Concrete floors, after returning to a dry enough state, can be treated under larger pieces of manufacturing equipment with anti-fungal sealants that are quick drying. This application protects these areas from mold growth in the future.
 
Depending on the type of water, and its source, we may not be able to save all of a business's inventory. Our efforts can largely prevent metal mesh floors and staircases from peeling and corroding, equipment cases from rusting, the wiring of components in tools and machinery from developing shorts, and other, common effects of water damage to industrial equipment and structures. Hand-cleaning of the details in your machinery, molds, and lines, including tubings, basins, and other affected areas will ensure that your finished goods are not affected in the future.
 
For any size water emergency involving any category of water, call SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties at (828) 396-1070 to get dried out and back in business. We're always available to assist in any emergency situation your factory may require for help.

Avoiding Health Hazards and Responding to Flood Damage in Lenoir Homes

12/15/2016 (Permalink)

Safety First with Flooding in Lenoir

Safety and Mitigation of Storm Damaged Possessions Are Crucial

When natural floods occur, the essential boundaries between humans and the elements are broken down. The pressure and force of moving water are often enough to cause serious damage to purification and sewage systems. In the most extreme cases, chemicals and toxic waste end up in the floodwaters which infiltrate homes.

This is why it's really important for homeowners to seek professional advice. At SERVPRO, we deal with incidents of severe water damage on a daily basis. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster. Our job is not just to reverse the Lenoir storm damage and restore your home to its original condition; we'll also make it safe again. This means eliminating all traces of toxic materials in the water and your home.

If your home has recently flooded, there are a few things that you can do to keep yourself safe until the SERVPRO team arrives.

Find Alternative Shelter
If possible, find a clean, dry place to stay while the flooding in your home is being repaired. It isn't healthy to remain among damp furniture, carpets, or drywall, even if there is no standing water. There may be bacteria, pathogens, and chemicals on the walls and floors. Call SERVPRO, explain the severity of the flooding and we'll make our way to the property as quickly as possible.

Keep Your Hands Clean
If you have had contact with floodwater, you need to wash your hands thoroughly. Do this every time you get your hands wet and then leave the site. Don't prepare or touch food until you've washed with soap and water. If the flooding isn't too severe, you may be able to move items outside of the property and away from the saturation points. Where possible, store them away from unaffected possessions, as they may need disinfecting.

Drink Bottled Water
SERVPRO strongly advises you to steer clear of the main water supply, until we have verified (in conjunction with local authorities) that it is safe to drink. Flooding can infect the water supply with chemicals and toxins. All homeowners should drink bottled water or, at least, boil their water before drinking.

Reach Out for Help
Flood repair and restoration experts from SERVPRO provide more than just practical help. We are a valuable source of information and support. Our technicians can tell you everything that you need to know about flood damage restoration. They will be frank and honest about what can be salvaged (usually a lot) and what is too degraded to be saved. They will work closely with you to inventory your possessions and clean, restore, and repair as many items as possible. If you have insurance coverage, the final disposition of storm damaged items is your decision to make.

All forms of flooding can be stressful, but natural flooding has a tendency to make homeowners feel helpless. With the support of SERVPRO of Alexander and Caldwell Counties, you don't have to be. We can help you take back control and get repairs started quickly. Call us 24/7 on (828) 396-1070.

When a Wildfire is Approaching, Remain Safe and Cautious

11/23/2016 (Permalink)

Wildfires in Alexander and Caldwell Counties Get Help from SERVPRO

Local SERVPROS Are Ready to Help Your Property Thwart the Affects of a Wildfire

A warmer, longer and dryer than typical autumn in western North Carolina has increased the risk of wildfire spreading into your community. Thousands of residents have been evacuated in anticipation of the danger to property and life while tens of thousands of acres of woodland, commercial and residential property have been put in harm's way. If you are a homeowner in one of the affected counties you need SERVPRO at your side in case the unimaginable happens. As a leader in the fire restoration industry, we are capable of advising you as to the best and most effective plan to protect your family and restore your home if you must leave for safety or if your premises are damaged.

With so many residents of our area in a similar situation, it is critical that you choose the most capable and trusted company offering restoration of fire damage in Stony Point. The best outcome for your property is assured if we are given your trust as we will swiftly respond to your disaster no matter how many of your neighbors are also experiencing distress. We have a solid reciprocal relationship with over 1,750 fellow franchises nationwide, all staffed as are we with highly qualified technicians who are certified to manage even complicated wildfire damage scenarios. Our countrywide scope means we can build capacity to help all our clients quickly even with a catastrophic level of damage and a large number of households affected. As we need it in our community support will stream in, equipment, supplies, and personnel, resulting in no noticeable delay as we plan your recovery and execute the steps necessary to get your home back to pre-fire condition.

When coping with wildfire damage of this scale, it is crucial that you engage SERVPRO as your restoration company. Our strict adherence to industry protocols means your personal fire damage, whether sadly significant or mercifully minor, will be assessed and attended to with all due speed and the ultimate in professionalism. Many of the nation’s premiere casualty insurers prefer their insured homeowner's contract with us for fire repair, replacement, and restoration. Check with your agent to see why our services will guide you to successful fire damage restoration outcomes. We have the staffing, the equipment, and the zeal to deliver the services necessary to complete your fire recovery completely and safely.

Our reputation as a full-service wildfire restoration service supports your decision to contact SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties for your needs after disaster strikes. Contact us at (828) 396-1070 to schedule your wildfire damage inspection and restoration.

Why You Shouldn't Have Your Employees Clean Up Commercial Water Damage in Bethlehem

11/5/2016 (Permalink)

Count on SERVPRO for Bethlehem Water Damage Help

SERVPRO is the Answer to Water Damage in Your Business

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 Bethlehem 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.

Bethlehem Mold Damage--How Mold Grows and Spreads

10/20/2016 (Permalink)

Moisture Invites Mold Damage in Bethlehem

SERVPRO Expertly Remediates Mold Damage in Homes and Businesses in Bethlehem

One of the first questions we get whenever we find a mold infestation is "How did I get that?" Many homeowners get offended, thinking that we are accusing them of keeping a dirty house. In reality, housekeeping has little to nothing to do with getting mold.

Mold damage to Bethlehem homes starts with tiny spores smaller than even a mustard seed. Even a mass of these spores can still be smaller than the head of a pin and be hidden away in the corner of a basement or on the back of an air vent. If something disturbs the mass, then the released spores can spread through a home very quickly. When that happens, SERVPRO is ready to deal with what comes next.

The mold spores will eventually find a surface to settle on. If the conditions aren't good for growth, the spores can lay dormant for a very long time. What they need to start growing is moisture, a high enough temperature, and a food source. Lack of sunlight also helps.
Enough moisture is the first step. With it, the spores begin to swell and send out hyphae which can act as a type of root or grow across a surface looking for food and producing more spores. For most molds, the ideal temperature range for growth is between 68 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. There are though that can grow at 32 degrees or in an area as hot as 122 degrees.

When it comes to food, mold likes any organic material in your house. The paper material in drywall is usually the largest food source and why mold growth tends to show up there first. That said, the wood in floors and every type of carpet is equally at risk considering that these are the hardest areas to dry to prevent mold growth properly.

SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties is dedicated to getting our fellow Carolinians back into their homes as quickly as possible. If we can't clean it for you, we'll remove it in the safest manner possible. If you suspect that you have a mold infestation, call us at (828) 396-1070 today.

Water Damage Caused By Your HVAC System

10/13/2016 (Permalink)

With the constant use of our heating and air conditioning systems, they should be monitored for any potential damage that can lead to problems.

Water Damage and Your HVAC System

In the North Carolina area, we are approaching season changes from summer to fall, then winter. Our present use of an HVAC system is to keep us cool until we switch over to our heating environment. With the constant use of our heating and air conditioning systems, they should be monitored for any potential damage that can lead to significant problems.

For instance, a clogged condensate drain pipe can make an HVAC system drain pan to overflow. The drain pipe is one of the most frequent causes of water removal repairs in Stony Point. Drain pipe fittings can become disconnected from the unit and allow the condensate to drain through the ceiling to the floor. A malfunctioning or dirty pump can also cause extensive water leakage.

When the drain pipe becomes clogged, the water will quickly back up the line and then into the drain pan. The water fills up the pan until it overflows. A malfunctioning condensate pump can cause water leakage from heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, flooding the basement or attic. Due to the continuous presence of water, mold can grow inside the unit, causing it to become clogged.

Additional damages caused by heating and air conditioning units, involves wet soggy carpets, ceiling collapse or drywall damage. Other issues that can create water damage from an HVAC system includes low refrigerant, no-trap and air vent in the drain line and condensate buildup in a ductwork system that is not properly insulated. If you want to make sure that your system is operating well and is not about to flood your home, give SERVPRO a call to prevent any risk of water damage issues.

When properly maintained, your HVAC system provides a comfortable indoor environment year-round. But, if your HVAC system does present problems, call the experts - SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties. We are close neighbors because we are locally owned and operated. Our professional technicians are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call us today at (828) 396-1070.

The Importance of Mitigating Flood Damage

9/20/2016 (Permalink)

Be Prepared For Storm Damage in Taylorsville

Water Damage Is Reduced from Flooding When SERVPRO Is Called for Help

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.
 
Stopping Seepage and Penetration
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 Taylorsville, 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.
 
Preventing Mold Growth and Further Infection
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, and to your health, as some of these organisms may cause health effects. 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.
 
Keeping Conditions Under Control
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.

How the Esporta Wash System Assists Us in Serving Our Customers

8/16/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO's Esporta Washing Unit Saves Money for Lenoir Firefighter Gear

SERVPRO Saves Customers' Irreplaceable Possessions with Our Esporta Equipment

Cleaning things may seem like it would be a low-tech task, but the reality is that cleaning items after a disaster are very high-tech. The Esporta Wash System is an excellent tool for getting materials clean and free of contamination, including items that look too far beyond hope. If you've had fire damage or flooding in your home or business, you might be very interested to find out what this new system can do for you.

Fire damage resulting in soot or water damage causing potentially hazardous pathogens on fabric calls for a sanitizing and powerful cleaning at your Lenoir home. The contamination level found on any particular item can be extremely high. Contamination is measured in RLU's or Relative Light Units. High numbers may seem benign because it's 'light' but what is reflecting the light back to the measuring device is what we are concerned with – the higher the number of contaminants on an item, the more light will be reflected back into the device. When items are removed from the Esporta, they don't just look clean, they are clean, deodorized, and sanitized, as well. The much lower number of RLU's will indicate how clean an item is after being removed.

The Esporta Wash System is designed to eliminate the soot from fires and the bacterial deposits from floods and other disasters, such as storm damage, from a variety of items. These can include children's toys, leather items such as shoes, purses, belts, boots, and headgear, clothing, draperies, among others. Its design and means of functioning is extremely effective, but it is still gentle enough to be used on stuffed toys and clothing.

The effectiveness of the Esporta is substantial enough to handle even firefighters' Turnout Gear, leaving them looking like new again. The SERVPRO Esporta Wash System saves many municipalities from constantly purchasing firefighter Turnout Gear. When it comes to businesses in the retail clothing industry, when your inventory has suffered smoke damage or has become moldy, the Esporta might be exactly what you need to save your business financially. Large amounts can be cleaned at one time, saving you time, and money, simultaneously.

Families who have been through a traumatic incident can often find that what might have otherwise needed to be thrown away such as their children's playthings, can be restored and in a condition clean and safe enough to be handled by their children again. This can greatly decrease stress experienced by children when a traumatic situation has happened.

To find out more about the Esporta Wash System and what it can do for you in your particular situation, call SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties at (828) 396-1070. We can answer any questions you may have and also schedule an appointment during which we can begin to restore your items to a pre-damaged state "Like it never even happened."

Homes Impacted by Water Damage

7/27/2016 (Permalink)

A Faulty Water Fixture Damages a Bathroom in Taylorsville

Taylorsville Water Damage

Water damage can happen under many different circumstances, but the worst ones are those that occur because of harm to the exterior of the home during a storm. Trees and even downed power line poles can cause extreme damage to your home, and allow water to enter. This water can create hazards immediately. Even after the danger has passed from electric shock, water can seep throughout your home, creating the right conditions for future damage to develop.

Unresolved Water from Storms can Create Future Problems through Water Damage
When water damage affects your home in Taylorsville, the damage may appear slowly. While you may have noticed the water on the exterior surfaces on the interior of your home, as on walls and floors, water may have settled on the interiors of these structures. Walls made of drywall can crumble after being saturated with water and allowed to dry naturally. Water left on drywall weakens it considerably, even if the damage is not visible. Hardwood floors and stairwells made of wood can buckle, causing carpeting to become rumpled and hazardous.

In addition to these issues, mold can also begin to grow within 48 hours, only two days, from the time the water was deposited by the storm. Our experts in reparative work can ensure that future storms don't have a chance to place more water inside your home before repair work can be completed. We can also pack up your belongings for removal to a dry location so we can clean and sort through them. Sorting involves categorizing salvageable and non-salvageable items, with unsalvageable ones being listed (CCIS) on an inventory sheet for your insurance needs.

We Know How to Prevent Future Problems in Your Home's Structure
In addition to cleaning your belongings and restoring those we can to their original state, we can also set up equipment that is designed to prevent mold from getting a foothold in your home. Water extraction to dry those structures that have become saturated by storm and rain water, in addition to drying heaters and high-powered air circulation fans will stop mold from growing. If water were allowed to stand for extended periods of time, as is common when there are major storm cells passing through an area, we would use additional types of equipment. These can include air scrubbers that will remove any mold (spores) that has already begun to spread throughout your home. If your heating or air conditioning unit ran during this time, we highly recommend that we scrape the interior of your ducts and then vacuum the debris away with our HEPA vacuums. We want to get your home back to pre-damage condition, “Like it never even happened” so you and your family can get back to your normal routines.

If you own a home that has been damaged by storms or suffered other types of water damage, please call us at SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties at (828) 396-1070. We are available 24/7 to assist you. We respond quickly and can answer any questions you have about your particular situation.

Homes Impacted by Water Damage

7/22/2016 (Permalink)

Taylorvilles Water Damage by Flooding Restoration by SERVPRO

Taylorsville Water Damage Restored By SERVPRO

Water damage can happen under many different circumstances, but the worst ones are those that occur because of harm to the exterior of the home during a storm. Trees and even downed power line poles can cause extreme damage to your home, and allow water to enter. This water can create hazards immediately. Even after the danger has passed from electric shock, water can seep throughout your home, creating the right conditions for future damage to develop.

Unresolved Water from Storms can Create Future Problems through Water Damage
When water damage affects your home in Taylorsville, the water damage may appear slowly. While you may have noticed the water on the exterior surfaces on the interior of your home, as on walls and floors, water may have settled on the interiors of these structures. Walls made of drywall can crumble after being saturated with water and allowed to dry naturally. Water left on drywall weakens it considerably, even if the damage is not visible. Hardwood floors and stairwells made of wood can buckle, causing carpeting to become rumpled and hazardous.

In addition to these issues, mold can also begin to grow within 48 hours, only two days, from the time the water was deposited by the storm. Our experts in reparative work can ensure that future storms don't have a chance to place more water inside your home before repair work can be completed. We can also pack up your belongings for removal to a dry location so we can clean and sort through them. Sorting involves categorizing salvageable and non-salvageable items, with unsalvageable ones being listed (CCIS) on an inventory sheet for your insurance needs.

We Know How to Prevent Future Problems in Your Home's Structure
In addition to cleaning your belongings and restoring those we can to their original state, we can also set up equipment that is designed to prevent mold from getting a foothold in your home. Water extraction to dry those structures that have become saturated by storm and rain water, in addition to drying heaters and high-powered air circulation fans will stop mold from growing. If water were allowed to stand for extended periods of time, as is common when there are major storm cells passing through an area, we would use additional types of equipment. These can include air scrubbers that will remove any mold (spores) that has already begun to spread throughout your home. If your heating or air conditioning unit ran during this time, we highly recommend that we scrape the interior of your ducts and then vacuum the debris away with our HEPA vacuums. We want to get your home back to pre-damage condition, “Like it never even happened” so you and your family can get back to your normal routines.

If you own a home that has been damaged by storms or suffered other types of water damage, please call us at SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties at (828) 396-1070. We are available 24/7 to assist you. We respond quickly and can answer any questions you have about your particular situation.

How to Prevent Mold from Growing in Your Home

6/14/2016 (Permalink)

Don't let mold damage your Bethlehem home! Let SERVPRO of Alexander and Caldwell Counties get rid of the mold infestation for you.

Preventing Residential Mold damage 

 In Bethlehem, mold damage cannot only compromise your health, but it can also be costly. Fortunately, there are things you can do to prevent mold from forming in your home. Here are several tips to help you get started.   

• Monitor the humidity levels for any potential Bethlehem mold damage problems. Indoor humidity monitors can be purchased at your local home improvement store. Ideally, levels should be between 35% and 50%. However, in the middle of the summer, you may have readings that reach as high as 55%. Anything higher and you need to investigate and repair the source of the extra moisture. 

• Get rid of clutter. Clutter can block airflow in your home and prevent your HVAC system from properly circulating air. In addition to getting rid of any excess items, be sure that furniture and curtains are not blocking any vents or grilles in your home.

• Be sure your thermostat is set to the right temperature. If a thermostat is set too low, your home is prone to cold surfaces that result in water condensation. However, thermostats that are set at too high a temperature often prevent your air conditioner from dehumidifying the air properly and create mold in the Bethlehem home. To combat moisture, it is suggested that you set your thermostat to 78 degrees F during the summer months. When you are away from home, set it to 80 degrees F, but don’t go any higher. 

• When the air is running, shut the windows and doors. Open windows and doors to allow humid air into your home, which often causes condensation.  

• SERVPRO suggests addressing any standing water immediately. Take the time to check for dampness or puddles around basement doors, freezers, hot water tanks, windows, and hot water tanks, while also inspecting crawl spaces for foundation leaks or groundwater dampness. If you identify a potential Bethlehem mold damage problem, call the appropriate service person to take care of it. 

• Invest in a dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers are designed specifically to remove extra moisture from the air. Both portable and whole-house systems are available. 

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of Alexander and Caldwell Counties is ready to respond to your mold damage emergency. Our highly trained technicians have access to top quality equipment and are ready to help residents of Lenoir, Stony Point, Bethlehem, Granite Falls, and the surrounding areas. Call us at (828) 396-1070 today! 

Fire Damage Top Tips To Prevent Kitchen Fires

5/20/2016 (Permalink)

Fire damage in Lenoir kitchens occurs too often

Kitchen Fire Damage Prevention Tips

Lenoir fire damage often occurs in the kitchen. According to the most current research by the NFPA, 2 out of every five home fires start in the kitchen. Kitchen fires are also the leading causes of home-fire-related injuries. Prevent kitchen fires with the following safety tips:

Watch What You Are Cooking
Unattended cooking is the primary cause of cooking fires. Mitigate fire risks by: 
- Always remaining in the kitchen when you grill, broil, or fry
- If you exit the kitchen, even for a second or two, turn off the heat source
- Using a timer when cooking
- Checking food regularly to make sure it doesn’t overcook

Be In The Right Condition To Cook
According to the NFPA, kitchen fires can happen when you are inattentive and impaired. Therefore: 
- Avoid using your stove if you are sleepy

Remove All Cooking Surfaces
Keep flammable items such as paper towels, potholders and wooden spoons clear of the stovetop. You should clean your oven often to remove any spills and food debris. Additionally, clean stovetops frequently to remove grease and oil.

Use Your Appliances Wisely
According to Consumer Reports, kitchen appliances were the cause of over $547 million in fire damages in 2006-2008. Safeguard your home by doing the following: 
- Always read and adhere to manufacturer’s instructions/safety warnings for all appliances
- Immediately register all new appliances to receive recall information
- Always act on product recalls
- Review product safety complaints about appliances in the kitchen to evaluate potential hazards
- Store small appliances unplugged
- Inspect all the power cords you use on appliances -- replace them if frayed
- Avoid using extension cords. Directly plug appliances into outlets

Maintain Personal Safety
According to estimations by the University Of Rochester Medical Center, maintaining personal safety helps prevent injuries to both yourself and others from kitchen fires. Do the following: 
- Keep pets and children from cooking surfaces
- Tuck in long shirts before cooking
- Roll up your sleeves to prevent them from being close to cooking surfaces
- Secure long hair

Take the above precautions and prevent fire damage in your Lenoir kitchen. A safer kitchen protects your family and home.
If you experience a fire damage emergency, feel free to call SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties on (828) 396-1070. They are trusted and prominent leaders in the restoration industry. These fire damage Lenoir professionals work round the clock to attend to any emergency. Whether you have cleaning or restoration needs, talk to them today.

Fire Damage Bethlehem - Getting Rid of Bethlehem Fire Damage

4/8/2016 (Permalink)

When you have fire damage in Bethlehem, you already know who to call. SERVPRO is here.

Getting Rid of Residential Fire Damage in Bethlehem

Incidents of fire damage in Bethlehem can happen frequently. Fires are not just to be put out. All of the damages that come from fires should be checked. They could be easy to miss without the right equipment. This is why it is better to call a professional who is experienced in fire damage in Bethlehem. They have the equipment and the skills needed to figure out the extent of the damages and then do the work necessary to restore the property. It is also important to call a company immediately when there is a fire because smoke damage, as well as fire damage, progresses quickly. 

It only takes minutes for Bethlehem fire damage to progress throughout the home. For one thing, any soot turns certain plastics yellow due to the acid content in the soot.  Individual objects could become completely discolored because of the soot if it is not taken care of immediately. The next set of damages come hours later. The soot's acid stains the grout in the kitchen or bathroom. Other things that suffer are furniture, metal, and appliances. After a few days, soot makes it way to the painted areas. The areas turn yellow and then gives way to corrosion of items like metals. You may also need to refinish your wood so that you can continue to live in a safe home. 

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

The extent of the damage goes further in the weeks to come. The soot permanently discolors the carpet. Silver possessions can also be stained permanently. Fortunately, you can call professionals to help you take care of the issue. SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties is a professional restoration company that has experience. They have the equipment needed to take care of the fire and smoke damage. They are a company that is trustworthy for all of their clients. They are available 24/7 to manage any damages in the home. Give them a call at (828)396-1070  

Water Damage & the Mitigation Process

3/26/2016 (Permalink)

A burst pipe in can cause a lot of damage, but if you live in Lenoir, Bethlehem, or even Patterson, NC, call SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties!

(Updated April 18, 2019)

Water can quickly intrude, often when you least expect it. For example, water can flood through your front or back door, through improperly waterproofed basement or crawlspace walls, or even from a burst pipe. In fact, water can even leak from old or faulty appliances, such as dishwashers and water heaters. What’s worse is this water can damage your home before you have time to fully react.

Water Damage is a Destructive Force

Water can get into everything between it and the lowest point in your home. It can go through ceilings, floors, and subfloors—even behind drywall, where it is not visible and can encourage mold growth. Often, this can happen in just a matter of moments.

Depending on the water’s class, it can cause even more damage. Gray or black water, for example, are unsanitary and contain pathogens that can cause illness. Once waters of those categories infiltrate materials, it can be extremely expensive to restore and may require the materials to be discarded. That’s why it’s imperative that you have a professional water damage restoration company come out as soon as possible to mitigate the impact of any water-related incidents.

The Water Mitigation Process

The mitigation process may vary depending on the volume and the category of water, but there is a general process. First, before anything else is done, a technician will assess the damage to understand the breadth of the damage and to create a plan of attack. The strategy will be affected by the aforementioned factors.

When there’s a lot of water, it’s important to extract the water so it can eventually be dried. Technicians will use water extracting equipment to limit the amount of water in the affected areas; the faster this is done, the faster it can be dried. The extracting equipment can be used on all carpets, throw rugs, and hardwood flooring, as well as some walls.

After the water has been extracted, dehumidifiers and powerful air movers are strategically placed to accelerate the drying process. The duration of this process can vary, but it’s best to expect at least a few days. To ensure the drying process is on track or completed, the technicians will then evaluate the moisture levels of materials by probing drywall, carpets, and voids with moisture meters. Once everything is complete, you will be given documentation stating your home is dry, within normal moisture levels, as we complete the final walkthrough with you. This is to ensure that you are completely satisfied with the condition of your water-damaged home. Your home will be safe, dried and restored with minimal cost and time, "Like it never even happened."

We’re Highly Trained Water Damage Specialists

Water damage can cause a lot of stress, but professional help can make the restoration process easier to manage. So whether you live in Lenoir, Bethlehem, or Hudson, if you need a water damage restoration company, call the professional team of SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties at (828) 396-1070!

Three Types of Water Damage in a Property

2/25/2016 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO if you have water damage in your home, regardless of its category!

(Updated April 18, 2019)

Most homeowners in the Lenoir and Taylorsville areas think that all water damages are the same. In reality, there are three different water categories, each ranked according to their risk factor associated with cleanup. Due to the varying safety risk factors, each category of water damage requires a different treatment and restoration method. To better understand the water restoration process, let’s examine each of the water damage categories.

Category 1: Clean Water

Category 1 water damage is clean water—potable water that has escaped from its containment. This type of water can result from a burst water pipe, a damaged water supply line to the fridge, or an under-the-sink pinhole leak. The damage can be significant if it goes unnoticed, but it does not often pose health risks or require intense cleaning efforts. Once the source of the water is repaired, it is generally the easiest category of water damage to clean up. However, if the water is left standing for an extended period of time, the water may degrade into gray water.

Category 2: Gray Water

Category 2 water damage—also known as gray water—caused by gray water can be contaminated and dangerous to handle without safety gear. Gray water refers to water that is from a source such as a washing machine, dishwasher, leaky HVAC system, or water heater. It contains soap products or other chemicals that originated from piped-in drinking water. This water becomes contaminated and contains microbial bacteria, which will cause the water to become more and more unsanitary. Drinking this water can make you ill or uncomfortable. 

Category 3: Black Water

Category 3 water damage—otherwise known as black water—is the worst and most destructive type of water damage. This is water that intrudes a highly unsanitary source or carries pathogenic agents, such as flood water and discharge from a sewage/septic system. This kind of water damage requires the most intensive treatment from our water damage professionals, requiring equipment such as PPE and several types of cleaning agents. In fact, those with compromised immune systems should evacuate from areas affected with category 3 water damage.

Your Local Water Damage Professionals

Regardless of the classification, water damage should be addressed by professionals immediately. Fortunately, after serving the Lenoir and Taylorsville communities for a decade, our team has the resources and the experience to take care of any water damage. Day or night, you can expect us to respond immediately to your water emergency. So if you need professional help, call SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties today at (828) 396-1070!

Water Damage: Fast Action Saves Irreplaceable Documents

2/16/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties has the ability to stabilize and reserve your wet documents!

(Updated April 12, 2019)

Whether it affects your home or business, water damage can leave a soggy mess behind. Paper files, documents, books, photographs, and paper-based artworks can be ruined if quick action is not taken. Fortunately, SERVPRO of Alexander and Caldwell Counties can immediately respond to your call and begin the process of preserving and stabilizing all of your irreplaceable papers. 

Freezing Your Documents

If you have wet documents, your first step should be to freeze them. The most important thing to understand about wet papers is that no damage can be undone; they can only be stabilized and preserved. By immediately placing them in a freezer, you’re stabilizing the documents and preventing additional damage until they can be dried. If you don’t have access to a large enough freezer space, let our team know upon initial contact so they can make arrangements.

Saving Your Documents: The Vacuum Freeze Drying Process

There are a few ways you can attempt to dry and save your documents, but as of now, the most efficient method is by vacuum freeze drying them. (Other processes can leave your documents brittle or in an otherwise less-stable condition.) As a SERVPRO franchise, we have access to such a chamber at our corporate headquarters, which is monitored 24/7 and is staffed by HIPPA Master-certified personnel.

In this chamber, your documents will undergo a process known as sublimation to achieve dryness without returning the water to its liquid stage; this ultimately prevents additional deterioration. In the event that the documents are contaminated or odorous, the Document Restoration Team can address those issues as well!

Managing Expectations

It’s important to remember that no matter how much our team might try, it’s impossible to fully restore a document back to its original condition. If ink smears or the paper has started to warp, those effects will last even after the drying process. We aim to return them in a usable condition, not necessarily pristine. That’s why it’s imperative that you freeze your wet documents as soon as possible—to mitigate the lasting effects.

Your Document Drying Solution in Lenoir, NC, and Taylorsville, NC

If you reside or work in Lenoir or the surrounding areas, you need a disaster restoration team you can trust. Fortunately, our local team at SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties has 10 years of experience restoring homes and businesses after they’ve suffered from a disaster. So if you have wet or otherwise-damaged documents you need to preserve, call us now at (828) 396-1070!

An Important Timeline Regarding Smoke And Fire Damage Restoration

12/9/2015 (Permalink)

It's important to respond quickly to fire damage. Fortunately, SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties is here for anyone in the Lenoir, NC area!

When your office or home is subjected to a fire, the property will probably be covered in smoke or ash. However, learning more about how smoke damage progresses as well as where you can obtain restoration services can prevent these issues from becoming problematic for you. Get the information you need to make to reduce the lasting impact that fire damage can have.

How Smoke or Ash Damage Progresses

• During the first few minutes of smoke damage, the soot’s acidic nature will start to yellow several types of plastics, including your small appliances. If not restored quickly, porous materials such as marble or alabaster can become permanently discolored.

• Several hours later, the acid from the soot will stain the grout in your kitchen or bathroom. It can also tarnish metal, yellow your fiberglass, discolor your furniture, or damage your major appliances.

• Within several days, your painted surfaces will be subjected to acidic soot. They will then start to yellow. Additional forms of deterioration include the corrosion, rusting, and pitting of metals. Your wood may also be in need of refinishing. Finally, you may have to replace your vinyl floors.

• Within a few weeks, the damage deepens. For example, your carpets can be permanently discolored. Additionally, your silver-plated possessions can be subjected to irreversible corrosion. Also, items like glass and china may become etched in the soot’s acid.

The Importance of Attaining Professional Smoke Damage Restoration Services

As made plain by the above, smoke and fire damage can have a profoundly adverse impact on your property. Moreover, time is of the essence. The longer you allow the smoke damage to set in, the more complications and deterioration you will see. For this reason, finding a high-quality fire and smoke damage restoration company is important. To ensure that you attain the excellent, expedient services you need, look for a restoration company that possesses the following attributes:

• 24/7 emergency response
• IICRC-certification
• Excellent online reviews

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

If you’re looking for a disaster restoration company in the Lenoir, NC, or Taylorsville, NC areas, SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties should be your first stop. After 10 years of serving in this community, we have the skills and experience to respond quickly to any smoke or fire incident. In fact, our technicians are skilled in cleaning soot and smoke damage from most surfaces and belongings. Call us today at (828) 396-1070!

Why Water Damages Are So Destructive

11/19/2015 (Permalink)

Water damage can be destructive, but your team at SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties can help you get your life back on track!

At some point, many homeowners will be faced with the task of handling water damage issues on their property. Unfortunately, these incidents can have negative impacts on your home’s structure and your health. However, learning more about water damage and how to deal with it effectively can preclude you from experiencing anxiety and economic losses.

Common Causes of Water Damage

From our 10 years of experience, water damages in the Lenoir, NC area can occur from numerous sources. Appliance leakages, for example, occur when water heaters, washing machines, and other appliances malfunction or fail due to age. Flooding can occur when pipes burst or when rain intrudes in your home through structural weaknesses. Regardless of the source, your health and your home are still at some level of risk!

Structural Damages Caused By Excess Water

Water damage can negatively impact your property in numerous ways. For example, if a home is flooded and the property owner did not have flood insurance, the damages may be too expensive to repair. It's important to note that water damage often results in damage to personal belongings, documents, furniture, drapes, and clothing. Water damage can also compromise or destroy the functionality of electrical appliances and connections. Finally, wooden items like structure beams and flooring are susceptible to serious rotting.

Water Damage: Acknowledging the Health Risks

There is a wide range of health risks that can result from exposure to water damage. For example, standing water can give rise to bacterias that cause various illnesses. This is even more of an issue if the water comes from a contaminated source (such as sewage, flood waters, or even dishwater discharges). Additionally, when water is left alone for too long, it can encourage mold growth. Mold can cause health issues for anyone, but people with asthma, weak immune systems, or other conditions are more susceptible.

Calling Your Local SERVPRO Professionals

Once water damage affects your property, it's time to call the professionals of SERVPRO. Our IICRC-certified water damage restoration experts will work to provide you with the fast, effective services necessary to get your property back in pristine condition. Additionally, our technicians recognize that water damage can be a difficult experience to grapple with. For this reason, they consistently offer excellent customer service to keep you calm and comfortable throughout the restoration process.

As a locally owned and operated business in Lenoir, NC, SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties is strategically located to quickly respond to any water damage. Call us today at (828) 396-1070!

Fire Damage Remediation 101

11/3/2015 (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 10^th 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!

Mold Myths and Mold Remediation for Your Property

10/21/2015 (Permalink)

There are a lot of misconceptions about mold, but the truth is less scary than you think!

Many, if not most, homeowners in Taylorsville and Lenoir will have to deal with a mold infestation at some point. This being the case, it's important for property owners to get the facts about mold remediation. Homeowners are inundated with false information about mold that precludes them from acting appropriately and effectively when it begins growing in their home. Today we’re sharing 3 mold myths you should be aware of!

Myth #1: Black Mold is Toxic.

When people discover they have mold, they often ask if they have black mold, which they know to be toxic and dangerous. Fortunately for them, even if the mold is black, it doesn’t necessarily pose more of a threat than any other species of mold. For starters, no species of mold is toxic, a claim supported by the CDC. Second, molds are generally only a potential health threat for those with respiratory or immune system issues, those with severe allergies, and the young and elderly. While it’s not recommended to expose yourself to mold-infested environments over long periods of time, you’re certainly not exposing yourself to toxic materials.

Myth #2: Bleach is an Effective Mold Killer.

It’s commonly believed that the easiest way to kill mold is to simply pour bleach on it. While bleach certainly can kill mold, its effectiveness is limited. For example, if you have mold growing on non-porous materials—such as glass, plastics, and metal—bleach would likely kill the growth (this is ignoring any corrosion or lingering fumes). The issue, however, is that bleach is unable to kill mold inside porous materials, which is where many mold growth issues occur. If you have anything other than surface mold, you’re likely going to want a mold remediation company.

Myth #3: Mold Companies Can Eradicate Mold.

It’s a common misconception that mold companies can eradicate all of the molds in a home. The truth is that mold spores are found in virtually every environment—both indoors and outdoors. However, unless there’s active growth, the spores are generally in low concentrations and are unlikely to bother you. Instead, mold companies aim to remediate active mold growth, which contributes to the increase in spore counts. Any mold remediation company that tells you they’re going to get rid of all the mold is one you probably don’t want to trust.

Your Local Mold Remediation Company

If you live in the Lenoir or Taylorsville communities and notice mold growth, rest assured you have a local mold remediation company nearby. After 10 years of service, SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties has the experience and the resources to treat any mold issues. Call us anytime at (828) 396-1070 to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Causes of Water Damage and Who to Call in Lenoir, NC

9/16/2015 (Permalink)

Not the Right Place for Water

As many water damage restoration experts know, there are numerous situations that can expose your Lenoir, 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 Lenoir 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. 

Business After Hours hot dog eating competition

7/25/2013 (Permalink)

We recently held our first annual hot dog eating competition at the Caldwell County Chamber Business After Hours Event. We had 14 people sign up to see who would get bragging rights for eating the most hot dogs in 5 minutes, and our very own Jessie Johnson was the winner. Jessie ate a total of 7 hot dogs, but the competition was fierce! We had folks who had never entered a competition before to seasoned veterans, which made the event all the more fun to watch! We had an esteemed panel of judges including the Lenoir Mayor, Lenoir Fire Chief, Chamber Director, and Granite Insurance Agents, among others.

Jessie won the prize money, and front page photo in the News Topic, and all competitors walked away with a SERVPRO t-shirt that has the SERVPRO Hero's, Stormy and Blaze, holding hot dogs.

We are looking forward to next years competition, and appreciate all the support we received from the community.