Recent Water Damage Posts
How HVAC Issues Can Lead to Water Damage and What You Can Do
9/10/2024 (Permalink)
Monitor your HVAC system for damage that can lead to the development of problems.
As the seasons shift from summer to fall and then to winter in North Carolina, we rely heavily on our HVAC systems to keep us comfortable. During these transitions, we switch from cooling to heating, making it essential to monitor our HVAC systems for any potential issues that could lead to serious damage.
One common issue is a clogged condensate drain pipe, which can cause the HVAC system’s drain pan to overflow. This is a frequent problem in areas like Stony Point, where drain pipe fittings can become disconnected, allowing water to leak from the unit and potentially cause water damage to ceilings and floors. Additionally, a malfunctioning or dirty pump can lead to water leaks, which may go unnoticed until they cause significant damage.
When the drain pipe gets clogged, water backs up into the line and fills the drain pan, eventually leading to an overflow. If the condensate pump isn't working correctly, this can cause even more extensive water leakage, flooding basements or attics. Persistent water exposure can also encourage mold growth within the HVAC unit, leading to further clogs and damage.
Some of the other common issues caused by HVAC systems include soaked carpets, collapsed ceilings, or damaged drywall. Water damage may also occur due to low refrigerant levels, improper drain line traps, or condensate buildup in ductwork that isn’t properly insulated.
To avoid these costly issues and ensure your HVAC system is working efficiently without risking water damage to your home, it's essential to schedule regular maintenance. If you’re concerned about potential problems with your HVAC system, SERVPRO® is Here to Help®.
At SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties, we offer expert HVAC maintenance and repair services. Locally owned and operated, we provide 24/7 emergency service. Call us today at (828) 396-1070 to prevent water damage and keep your home comfortable year-round.
Top Causes of Water Damage and How to Fix Them
8/21/2023 (Permalink)
This is not where you want to see water!
As many water damage restoration experts know, there are numerous situations that can expose your Hickory, NC home to the effects of water damage. Irrespective of which situation arises—a weather event or a mechanical breakdown—it's crucial that you hire a top-notch water damage restoration company, such as our team at SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Counties.
Basements or Crawl Spaces
Basements are a very common place to have water damage. If your back and sideyard slopes have a negative grade, you can find your property subjected to water damage. In this case, excess lawn water or rain will flow toward your foundation rather than drain away from the base. Correctly grading your lawn can help prevent the need for extensive water damage repairs.
Pipes that leak or burst can also generate substantive water damage. To prevent this, the plumbing in the basement area should periodically be inspected for leaks.
Appliance Leaks
Broken or leaking appliances can generate unwanted water damage, such as dishwashers, toilets, or washing machines that leak or overflow. In some cases, this can be waste-filled, chemical-laden water which would make water removal the number one priority. Additionally, a refrigerator containing a water filtration system and ice maker may develop hose leaks from the water supply line. If these leaks remain unnoticed for extended periods of time, they can give rise to mold growth and damage to the walls, floors, and the foundation.
Other Causes and Effects Of Water Damage
In addition to water intrusion from the above instances, water damage can result from excessive humidity and leaky roofs. Water that enters your property from the roof indicates that quick repairs are necessary to stymie further issues. Similarly, excessive humidity can cause warping in your window frames, ceilings, flooring, floor joists, furniture, and walls. In a crawl space, it may be necessary to install permanent dehumidifiers and plastic poly to establish a vapor barrier.
It's important to minimize the effects of any water damage in order to prevent mold and structural damage. When moisture issues are not addressed, the structure can deteriorate, and mold growth can transform into an infestation. That's why a company with the knowledge, equipment, and experience—such as SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties—should perform both water damage restoration and mold remediation.
A Recognized Water Damage Solution
If you find that your Hickory or surrounding area property experiences water damage, the most effective solution is to hire a water damage restoration company to begin the cleanup, repair, and restoration process. In our case, we offer 24-hour emergency services, excellent customer service, and expedient remediation work that will return your home to a safe, sanitary condition.
As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties is close by and ready to respond to your water and flood damage emergency. If you need help, call us immediately at (828) 396-1070.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
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 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!
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 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!
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
- 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!
- 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.
- 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!
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:
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!
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!
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!
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!
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!
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.
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.
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.)
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!
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!
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!
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 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!
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 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!
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.
- 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.
- 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!
- 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.”
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!
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!”
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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