Archived Blog Posts

Need Mold Damage Remediation in Raleigh – Call SERVPRO

Name: SERVPRO of Cary, Morrisville, Apex
Telephone: (919) 754-8160

12/4/2022 (Permalink)

Whether the patch of mold is large or small, team SERVPRO can help. Contact us for knowledgeable technicians and the necessary equipment to help.

SERVPRO provides Mold Damage Inspections and Remediation in Raleigh

The robust and musty mold odor is never welcome in Raleigh homes and businesses. Many consumers only realize they have a water leak or moisture issue once they notice this odor. Mold spores are everywhere, and a mold colony can begin growing in as little as twenty-four hours after surfaces are exposed to moisture in warm conditions with lots of organic food sources available.

SERVPRO provides mold damage inspections and removal services in Raleigh and surrounding areas. As long as there is a moisture source, mold will continue to grow, damaging contents and structures in your home or business. The strong, musty odor will persist without proper cleaning, removal, and drying.

Our IICRC-certified mold technicians arrive onsite within four hours of your call to inspect the mold infestation and propose the best approach for removal. If there is a persistent moisture issue, we can help with repairs to plumbing and other conditions causing moisture in the area of the mold colony.

Large infestations must be contained to avoid spreading mold particles and spores to other areas of the building. We install containment barriers, create negative pressure rooms, and bag all materials in place before removing them for disposal. Once the site has been cleaned and disinfected and the moisture source removed, SERVPRO can coordinate our extensive building services team to make repairs.

Repairs and restoration of damaged structures, including drywall, plumbing, electrical, and flooring, along with many additional building services, are available to assist our clients in bringing their premises back to full functionality.

SERVPRO provides the following mold-related services to our clients in the area:

Mold inspections, remediation, and removal
Attic mold removal
Black mold damage removal

Call SERVPRO of Cary / Morrisville / Apex for mold damage restoration services. We provide service to Raleigh and nearby areas. We can help 24/7. Call (919) 615-1160.

Needed Inventory for Water Restoration in Raleigh Offices

11/3/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO provides commercial damage restoration 24/7 365 days a year. Call now!

Tools Likely Used During Raleigh Water Restoration

Leaks and plumbing breaks in your office building can have far-reaching implications for the structure, requiring immediate cleanup and repairs. By choosing SERVPRO's Large Loss recovery team, you can have a combination of IICRC-Certified technicians and a general contractor license to get you back in business as soon as possible.

Extraction Equipment

Extraction is an important part of water restoration in Raleigh businesses, especially office buildings where short pile carpeting and concrete subflooring can allow deeper pooling after leaks and burst pipes. There are many tools that SERVPRO can use to eliminate standing water throughout commercial structures, including:

Submersibles
Trash pumps
Vacuums
Light wands

Supplies for Surface Cleaning

However, water damage restoration can mean more than removing surface water and starting the drying process. Water migration in the office can impact several surfaces like drywall, carpeting, furniture, and more. The resulting absorption can discolor and stain surfaces, leave mineral deposits that create films and residues, or introduce contaminants or mold spores. Effective cleanup will involve strong detergents, chlorine-based cleaners, and potent botanical agents that leave a pleasant aroma behind in the active office setting.

Tools for Drying Wet Materials

In Large Loss applications, drying the structure requires specific tools and equipment. We have trailered machines like generators and desiccant dehumidifiers with lay-flat, quick-connect hoses to promote effective drying in multiple office rooms simultaneously. We can utilize thermohygrometers and moisture sensors to track the progress of managing moisture in the structure.

Keeping the Office Mold-Free

Preventing mold can be one of the priorities of water restoration services. The presence of microbial threats must be treated with urgency, preventing normal operations in these areas of your office. During the water cleanup, we can treat surfaces with mold-inhibiting products and thoroughly inspect once-wet materials that could support colonies to ensure no such threats exist.

When your office needs water restoration services, you can count on the fast response of our SERVPRO of Cary / Morrisville / Apex professionals to help. Give us a call today at (919) 615-1160.

SERVPRO Manages Electrical Hazards During Fire Restoration in Raleigh

9/4/2022 (Permalink)

If fire damage affects your home, contact SERVPRO immediately. Our certified technicians are here to help form a remediation and mitigation plan.

SERVPRO Provides Emergency Power for Fire Damage Restoration Activities in Raleigh

In addition to structural, slip, and fall hazards, electrical hazards represent a real danger to homeowners in Raleigh after a fire. The fuse or circuit breaker panel may have been turned off or even disconnected after a fire to protect the work site from dangerous electrical currents in damaged wiring. Once the fuse panel is reconnected, electrical wires damaged during the fire are again live and pose a significant danger to anyone entering the home or the work site. The water inside electrical outlets and switches poses a hidden risk.

SERVPRO provides fire damage restoration of homes in Raleigh and the surrounding areas. We are very cautious around electrical wiring that could carry electricity in wet conditions. We turn off all circuit breakers in damaged areas. Power can be drawn from undamaged rooms in your home to operate water pumps, high-capacity fans, and dehumidifiers to dry and clean your house. We also provide temporary power solutions until the damaged wiring and fuse panel or circuit breaker systems are repaired by licensed electricians.

We remove all the fire-damaged material, including personal items and structures that cannot be recovered or restored. We clean all surfaces, removing smoke residues and odors from the fire. Our building services team can arrange repair and reconstruction of damaged structures, including electrical, plumbing, ceilings, flooring, and walls. SERVPRO coordinates all these activities to keep costs low and facilitate a rapid return to your home.

Our fire restoration services cover a broad spectrum of services, including:

Fire and smoke damage restoration and cleanup
House fire clean up
Controlled demolition, repair, and restoration of structural components in your home

Call SERVPRO of Cary / Morrisville / Apex for fire damage restoration services. We provide service to Raleigh and nearby areas. We can help 24/7. Call (919) 615-1160.

SERVPRO Completes Flood Damage Restoration in Raleigh Homes

8/2/2022 (Permalink)

Storm and flood damage restoration services by SERVPRO are top-notch. Call now for the help you need.

Can SERVPRO Repair Concrete Floors in Raleigh After Flood Damage?

There are many different flooring types in Raleigh homes, and flooding can impact each one differently. Floodwaters may contain bacteria and viruses along with sand and silt, leaving deposits inside your home after it has flooded with water during a storm.

SERVPRO can assist with flood damage restoration of all types of flooring materials in Raleigh homes. The most important concept to remember is quickly removing water and debris, cleaning and disinfecting all surfaces, and drying the house to remove all humidity. Failure to act quickly can lead to mold colonies, warped or buckled hardwood flooring, delamination of carpets, and loss of structural integrity of the subfloor. SERVPRO responds in less than four hours after your call to begin cleaning and restoring your home.

Concrete floors may flake or blister and require repainting once the concrete has dried. All surfaces must be cleaned to remove dirt and deposits before repainting. Allowing the concrete to dry correctly avoids chalk-like calcium deposits from water wicking from the concrete.

Hardwood floors absorb moisture causing cupping or buckling of the floor. Wood strip flooring may loosen and form hills and valleys on your floor. Carpet over hardwood floors should be removed to avoid damage to the hardwood floor. Carpets should be dried to prevent delamination and mold formation. Particle board, plywood, and oriented strand board absorb moisture at different rates. Plywood may delaminate, and particle board materials may disintegrate.

SERVPRO can help clients in Raleigh after a storm causes flooding and damage to their homes. Call immediately to avoid long-term permanent damage. Our services include:

Water removal services
Water cleanup services
Flood damage restoration and repairs

Call SERVPRO of Cary / Morrisville / Apex for flood damage restoration services. We cover Salem and nearby areas. We can help 24/7. Call (919) 615-1160.

SERVPRO Provides Water Mitigation Services and Removal in Cary

8/2/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage restoration for your home is a job for SERVPRO. We are ready 24/7 365 days a year.

Can SERVPRO Water Mitigation Efforts in Cary Avoid Removal of Insulation?

Our homes in Cary are insulated utilizing various materials depending on when they were constructed, and the building codes followed at the time. Fiberglass insulation, Cellulose, and Rockwool are common insulation materials used by many builders inside walls and ceilings to keep our homes cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Water leaks from broken plumbing or roof leaks affect these products differently. Early water detection inside walls or in the attic can reduce the total damage.

SERVPRO provides water mitigation services to residents of Cary and surrounding areas. Our mitigation services are focused on being on-site quickly to prevent the further spread of water and humidity that can damage structure and contents if left in place for an extended period. Many materials absorb moisture; however, we can save many materials if they are dried quickly. In addition, materials close to the water leak can be saved from exposure.

Fiberglass insulation is non-porous, does not break down or become matted, and can often be dried without losing its insulation rating. However, many fiberglass bats include a vapor barrier that prevents or slows drying. In these situations, we may need to remove the insulation bats to access the structure and dry it properly to avoid mold inside walls or in your attic.

Cellulose and Rockwool insulation materials tend to mat when wet and lose their insulation properties. Fire resistance and antimicrobial qualities are also affected. In most cases, we must replace these types of insulation once exposed to water to avoid mold formation and maintain insulation effectiveness in your home.

Our water mitigation services include:

Water cleanup
Ceiling repairs from water damage
Water damage restoration and repair

Call SERVPRO of Cary / Morrisville / Apex for water mitigation services. We cover Cary and nearby areas. We can help 24/7. Call (919) 615-1160.

Benefits of SERVPRO Rapid Mold Remediation Action in Raleigh

8/2/2022 (Permalink)

Mold remediation for your home is no DIY project. Call SERVPRO for fast and immediate service.

SERVPRO Provides Rapid Response Mold Remediation Services in Raleigh

Residents of Raleigh sometimes notice the pungent, musty odor of mold in their homes. They avoid dealing with the issue, believing that it will dissipate and cause little problem for them. Once mold settles in, especially if there is a moisture or high humidity source, the mold colony will continue to expand and penetrate porous materials like fabrics and even structural components of their homes. The odor becomes more prevalent and noticeable in all areas of the house.

SERVPRO believes a rapid response to mold infestations and applying mold remediation techniques in Raleigh homes are important. Taking action immediately and removing mold-infested materials, contents and structure can avoid more expensive mold removal efforts if the mold colony is allowed to grow and thrive in your home.

SERVPRO responds within four hours of your call to inspect the mold infestation and identify the source of moisture. Depending on the size of the infestation, state law may require specific inspection and documentation protocols to be followed. We can provide advice concerning this process and help you with the mold remediation process. Our mold remediation technicians establish barriers to the rest of the home and negative pressure rooms to avoid the distribution of mold spores to other areas of the house.

Early detection of mold colonies, inspection, and removal significantly reduces the total effort, the cost, state-mandated documentation protocols, and inconvenience to your family. Identification of the moisture source and removal also helps prevent additional occurrences of mold. SERVPRO can assist homeowners and businesses dealing with mold infestations and provides the following services:

Mold inspections, remediation, and removal
Attic mold removal
Bathroom mold removal

Call SERVPRO of Cary / Morrisville / Apex for mold remediation services. We cover Raleigh and nearby areas. We can help 24/7. Call (919) 615-1160.

Raleigh Residents Often Need Water Cleanup Services

7/3/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO techs can set up special drying systems after an appliance leak in your Raleigh home. "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO Is Raleigh’s Go-To Water Cleanup Firm

Water leaks are a common occurrence in Raleigh homes, as they are in most other residential areas. These troublesome issues can have varied causes, resulting from weathering, age, poor maintenance, or even defective appliances and plumbing. Regardless of what prompts a water leak, rest assured that there are ways to limit and repair its damaging effects.

Raleigh water cleanup firm SERVPRO has dealt professionally with water leaks and their effects for several years. Our water damage remediation crews have provided local homeowners with high-quality water removal services and water damage repairs, addressing such things as ceiling leaks, burst pipes, and malfunctioning appliances. Over time, our technicians have found that the need for water cleanup services often arises from:

Poorly maintained roofs, debris-clogged gutters, and storm-related damage that gradually or rapidly leads to ceiling and wall leaks
Windows that allow rainwater or melting snow to enter your home because they have deteriorated seals are cracked or are otherwise damaged
Old, defective, or temperature-compromised piping that either catastrophically ruptures or develops slow drips
Aged or malfunctioning washing machines and dishwashers, and other appliances that have worn-out seals, valves, or water intake/outlet lines
Corroded water heaters that have rusted through, enabling water to pass out of them and into the surrounding area

Remaining mindful of these common leak sources and diligently working to prevent them is key to protecting your residence from water-related damage. However, whenever water problems do occur, it is reassuring knowing that a company like SERVPRO can help.

So, if your home ever suffers a damaging water event and needs water cleanup services, remember your friends at SERVPRO of Cary/Morrisville/Apex. We likely have all the training, experience, and equipment necessary to effectively remediate even your most demanding water problem. Contact us at (919) 615-1160 whenever you need our help.

Deodorization Is Crucial to Effective Fire Restoration in Raleigh

7/3/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO restores your fire and smoke damaged business in Raleigh back into great preloss condition, "Like it never even happened."

Raleigh Fire Cleanup Crews Expertly Deodorize

Whenever your Raleigh area business experiences a fire, its facilities are generally fouled by smoke and related odors. These troublesome smells originate from fire residues and airborne particles and can be quite challenging to neutralize. With that said, there are local remediators like SERVPRO that can effectively eradicate them from your business.

SERVPRO, a trusted commercial fire restoration firm in Raleigh, routinely cleans up the odorous effects of major fire damage. Our skilled technicians are expertly trained and equipped with the latest high-tech tools so they can return your shop, store, restaurant, or hotel to its normal operations sooner than other fire restoration companies can. In performing their deodorization work, SERVPRO’s fire and smoke damage experts:

First, inspect your property, starting at the fire’s origin and working outward, and determine what is causing persistent odors
Then, work to mitigate further smoke damage and the spread of unpleasant odors by employing HVAC cleaning systems to remove smelly particles from air-circulation ductwork
Next, employ state-of-the-art smoke remediation equipment like air scrubbers and ozone machines to remove or neutralize airborne odor particles
After that, they use high-tech foggers to treat impacted areas with industrial-grade deodorants and injection devices to counteract odors in furnishings and other possessions
Concurrently, workers use dry, wet, abrasive, or innovative methods to clean smelly fire-related residues off of interior surfaces
Finally, your business is checked one last time to ensure that its odor issue has been fully dealt with and deodorizing pellets are left in critical locations to freshen interiors

Whenever you need commercial fire restoration work done, know that your neighbors at SERVPRO of Cary/Morrisville/Apex can help. Our skilled crews are knowledgeable in all aspects of fire damage remediation and adept at odor elimination. So, call us at (919) 615-1160 when you need fire damage recovery assistance.

Coastal Storms Bring Flood Damage to Cary Every Year

7/3/2022 (Permalink)

When that seasonal flood dampens your spirits, call SERVPRO for floodwater removal and restoration for your Cary property.

SERVPRO Helps Cary Overcome Its Flood Damage

The Atlantic hurricane season brings storm-related damage to the Cary area every year. Between June 1st and November 30th, tropical storms, hurricanes, and their remnants pummel local homes with powerful winds and drop feet of flooding rains into North Carolina waterways. Fortunately, services like SERVPRO can clean up and restore the devastation left behind.

SERVPRO, a Cary flood damage remediator, has completed countless mitigation and repair projects. Our flood restoration specialists perform water removal services, biohazard remediation, and water damage repair and effectively deal with the effects of everything from ceiling leaks and burst pipes to basement flooding. Some examples of the type of damage they have cleaned up and restored are:

Feet of standing floodwaters, contaminated by sewage, chemicals, and other types of dangerous wastes, have inundated basements and first floors of residences
Bacterial or fungal blooms that have spread foul odors and caused the discoloration and deterioration of structural components, building materials, and contents
Severely damaged structural elements like ceilings, walls, and floors that have experienced long-term water saturation, dry rot, and other destructive issues
Weather-related damage like ceiling leaks, clogged or otherwise impacted gutters and drainage networks, missing ceiling tiles, broken windows, water-compromised foundations, and backed-up sewage systems
Interiors suffering from excessive airborne moisture that may cause future harm to structural elements and household contents

In professionally addressing these issues, SERVPRO limits further problems and reduces overall long-term expenses. Therefore, in the long run, we work to save homeowners both time and money.

Keeping all of this in mind, Cary residents can rest assured that their helpful neighbors at SERVPRO of Cary/Morrisville/Apex are always ready and able to assist them. So, if you ever need flood damage cleaned up and restored, don’t hesitate to call us at (919) 615-1160.

Skilled Water Mitigation Service Saves Cary Residents Time and Money

6/5/2022 (Permalink)

When excess water enters your living space, team SERVPRO can help. Contact SERVPRO immediately for effective water removal and drying services.

Call SERVPRO in Cary for Professional Water Damage Mitigation and Restoration

Homeowners may run into various water emergencies at any time, but how you address them and the speed at which water removal services get performed that count most. Rather than handling burst pipes or ceiling leaks on your own, skilled water restoration technicians (WRT) from SERVPRO get the job done fast. We use proven mitigation strategies to help lessen damage and the time it takes to complete your project. When you want your Cary property back to pre-water loss condition, we are here to make it “Like it never even happened.”

How does water mitigation in Cary work? Whether you have a spill that created water damage to your carpeting or it seems as though water migrated behind your baseboards and walls, we get in to lessen the damage. SERVPRO has warehouses filled with all the equipment we need to restore versus replace whenever possible.

Water removal services begin after the initial assessment so that we can quickly pull up as much standing water as possible. This gets followed by specialized drying measures and dehumidification so that we can restore your flooring, belongings, and other materials to like-new condition.

How do different surfaces get cleaned?

When we get called for water remediation service, some of the following techniques might get used throughout your interior:

Damp wiping
Spray and wipe
Shampooing
Hot water extractions
Immersion cleaning and more

Moisture management is imperative with water-related projects

SERVPRO technicians are well-versed in all restorations, including moisture management during water incidents. We strategically place and adjust all of our air-flow management equipment and dehumidifiers as time goes on to best achieve our goals.

You can always look at SERVPRO of Cary/Morrisville/Apex when you want specialized drying and prompt water mitigation. Contact us 24/7 by calling (919) 615-1160, and we will send our Green Fleet out as soon as possible.

Raleigh Skilled Emergency Water Damage Repair 24/7

6/5/2022 (Permalink)

Finding that a burst pipe has dumped a large amount of water into your home can certainly cause stress. Call our technicians for repair services.

Call SERVPRO in Raleigh for Emergency Restoration and Water Damage Repair

Whether you have burst pipes or a failed water heater, you could be in for immense water damage that has to get addressed quickly. Skilled water restoration technicians (WRT) like our team at SERVPRO can get there fast to begin water mitigation efforts so that building materials and contents take on less water and moisture. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster, arriving within just four hours or less of the time that you make initial contact with our customer care team. We come to your Raleigh property with all the best equipment for the job, help with pack-out services, and all of the reconstruction work necessary to make it “Like it never even happened.”

We have proven methods and the latest industry trucks to get you the best results when you need someone for water damage repair in Raleigh. Some of the equipment that we have access to for various projects include:

Truck-mounted extractors, free-standing pumps, and weighted rovers to facilitate water removal services.
Moisture sensors and thermos-hygrometers to ensure no hidden moisture lingers that could lead to musty odors, secondary damage, and mildew or mold growth.
Debris removal/disposal and controlled demolition services to replace materials deemed unsalvageable due to water saturation. All controlled demolition is carried out by trusted area contractors and vendors with whom SERVPRO has working relationships.

Why would pack-out services be necessary?

There are several reasons we may utilize our pack-out/move-out services. In some cases, our team must pack up and relocate items to have room to work in the water-impact zone. Other times, things get moved off-site for further drying and cleaning. Everything gets logged for inventory using our trusted system to ensure your belongings get back into their proper places after restoration is complete.

Contact us at SERVPRO of Cary/Morrisville/Apex if you require residential or commercial water damage repair assistance. You can request help online or call (919) 615-1160.

Let Pros Handle Your Fire Damage and Restoration Needs in Raleigh

6/5/2022 (Permalink)

Dealing with fire damage is certainly stressful when you want it done right. Contact SERVPRO to assess and start the fire damage restoration process.

Raleigh Property Owners Trust SERVPRO for Reliable Fire Damage Restoration

Fire-damaged homes and commercial properties could have a great deal of charred debris and varying levels of smoke damage, even with a smaller blaze. To address the powerful odors that soot residues bring, you need skilled fire and smoke restoration technicians (FSRT) to get the job done right. Failing to handle corrosive soot could mean costly secondary damage and pungent odors that remain as a reminder of the fire. SERVPRO is locally owned and operated. They are here to help all Raleigh residents get the results they need. Once we get done, your interior will be “Like it never even happened."

Once you contact us for house fire cleanup, we are there within hours to begin fire damage restoration in Raleigh. SERVPRO’s IICRC-certified technicians have access to all of the best equipment for smoke remediation and odor control, including:

Venting box fans that use high-velocity circulation to ventilate your home or business. We often use these fans before and after deodorization takes place.
Thermal fogging technology uses a fine mist of deodorizing solution to penetrate surfaces and pull out odorous particulates.
Air scrubbers with onboard HEPA filtration, perfect for pulling airborne particles from the fire zone to remove odors.
Ozone generators are great for particular circumstances. These units create ozone, made from unstable oxygen molecules, which chemically react with odor molecules, oxidize residues, and help remove odors. Important: While the ozone process occurs, all occupants and pets must be out of the property for safety purposes.

Let us be your trusted insurance liaison!

When you are going through all the motions of dealing with a fire, having someone to work with your home insurance provider can be a tremendous relief. SERVPRO ensures all documentation is filled out correctly and ready for your insurance claim to go as smoothly as possible.

Request help online or call (919) 615-1160 when you need fire damage restoration services. You can count on SERVPRO of Cary/Morrisville/Apex to be available 24/7.

What Fire Damage Restoration in Raleigh Businesses Involves

5/19/2022 (Permalink)

From a small Raleigh retail shop to an immense warehouse, SERVPRO provides rapid fire and smoke cleanup service to keep your business in business.

SERVPRO and Rapid Raleigh Fire Restoration

Fire creates many problems for Raleigh commercial establishments, including disrupting daily operations even with minimal physical damage. Therefore, fire damage restoration must address the changes in materials while resolving any issues that can interfere with work operations.

Evaluating the situation before taking any action to facilitate fire damage restoration in Raleigh properties is essential since it reveals the true extent of the loss. For example, it is only possible to distinguish whether a surface is charred or caked with residues after wiping with something like a cleaning sponge. SERVPRO prioritizes inspection because we believe it helps expedite the entire renovation exercise.

How inspection expedites restoration

Early identification of unsalvageable materials
Easing choice of restoration resources
Optimum planning of renovation tasks

The necessary actions are based on what the evaluation reveals and the unique situation at your establishment. The layout of the premises is part of the uniqueness. For a massive property such as a warehouse, access to elevated areas and vast surfaces to clean can complicate what would otherwise be a simple remediation process. Residues and soils from the combustion process also vary greatly, thus requiring specialized tools or cleaning agents.

Choosing fire restoration resources

Fires are accidental, so one has no choice in determining how they turn out. Mostly, they ignite from malfunctioning appliances, improperly stored wastes, or negligent actions such as leaving tools powered on when not in use. However, restoration is a matter of choice once the damage is done.

Typical choices to make include

Selecting access tools
Deciding where demolition is necessary
Deciding how to finish

Our SERVPRO crews are equipped with tools such as extension poles, ladders, or cherry pickers to handle tasks like cleaning high walls and ceilings. When dealing with fire damage, the last step is to refinish the affected areas to their preloss state. Some types of finishing influence fire restoration processes. For example, if walls need repainting, cleaning effort is minimal.

SERVPRO of Cary / Morrisville / Apex facilitates thorough fire damage restoration. Call us at (919) 615 1160. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Simple Steps That Ease Water Mitigation in Cary Properties

5/11/2022 (Permalink)

We provide industry-grade formulations for cleaning products to mitigate water-damaged belongings in Cary homes.

SERVPRO Skills and Water Restoration in Cary

Damage readily happens when pipes burst or house appliances malfunction. Repairs can be very costly and time-consuming. Mitigation can help limit the negative effects water intrusion triggers. However, completing water mitigation at your Cary home can be as challenging as doing repairs if the approach is inappropriate.

The most critical aspect of water mitigation in Cary properties is limiting the level of moisture contact with materials. Therefore, no matter how minor, any action qualifies as mitigation if it inhibits such exposure. SERVPRO focuses on strategies like repositioning materials, removing water, and manipulating airflow.

Some specific actions include:

Removing wet fabrics
Mopping and blotting
Tenting accessories like cushions
SERVPRO cleaning products

Even though fabrics are resilient against water damage since they dry fast, they can develop long-term issues if no action is taken after water intrusion. Stubborn or permanent staining is common because of running dyes or rust. Steps separating different fabrics, such as lifting drapes from carpeted areas or removing furniture standing on carpeted surfaces, are a viable defense against staining. Our SERVPRO technicians remove area rugs and pull up wet carpets where necessary.

Importance of Water Removal

Removing any water stagnating in the property helps limit the level of deterioration for exposed materials. It also minimizes moisture migration to other house parts initially unaffected by the leak.

Water removal methods include:

Extraction with wet vacuums
Wiping surfaces
Blowing dry air over wet areas

The chosen method depends on many factors, including the immediate mitigation goals, the amount of water involved, and the type of materials affected. An extractive process is essential for significant water volumes stagnating on surfaces, especially if the surface is porous. Carpeted floors require deep extraction equipment. On the other hand, you can wipe hard floor surfaces to dry. Our SERVPRO technicians also use air movers to boost water removal through evaporation.

SERVPRO of Cary / Morrisville / Apex can significantly improve your water mitigation efforts with our vast wealth of knowledge. You can reach us at (919) 615 1160. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Essential Information About Flood Damage Loss in Raleigh

5/2/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is always here to help our Raleigh neighbors after storm damage.

Resources from SERVPRO Ease Raleigh Flood Restoration

Flooding is known for its devastating effects on homes. However, abiding by this general outlook can mislead you about the level of flood damage left at your Raleigh home. Consulting a professional to help with restoration creates an advantage since you can get accurate information about all the issues you face.

When an experienced team handles flood damage losses in Raleigh properties, decisions are based on technical information and inference from past restoration jobs. That way, fair judgment is possible, ensuring valuables are not disposed of unnecessarily or time wasted trying to save unsalvageable materials. Better information also helps SERVPRO complete the renovation faster.

Flooding characteristics

Flooding is invasive but not always terminal
The most outstanding issues may be easiest to handle
Widespread soiling is common

When flooding is severe, structural components like frames and wall panels cannot survive the immense physical strain and deterioration from exposure to significant moisture levels. However, since most flooding situations do not reach extreme levels, terminal structural damage does not always develop. What is highly likely is deep soiling since floodwaters sweep materials outside and deposit them inside properties. In contrast, dyes, resins, and other materials released from contents and structural areas internally stir soiling.

Flood damage patterns

Although disorganization is one of the outstanding characteristics of storm damage, some issues tend to recur in most incidents and can be regarded as flooding patterns. Some are visual, while others are hidden. For example, the level where rising water reaches is visible along wall surfaces, indicating where mitigation is required. Invisible issues include the deep contamination of porous materials that even a thorough cleanup cannot eliminate.

Factors influencing damage

Whether water is fast-moving or slow rising
The amount of water involved
The period property is submerged

Flood water exerts significant pressure on structures since even 6 inches of moving water can knock down a person. When the water is fast flowing, the pressure is extreme enough to knock down entire structures. The amount of water involved matters since it determines how deeply house sections are submerged.

SERVPRO of Cary / Morrisville / Apex is fully equipped with information and tools to handle flood damage. Call us at (919) 615-1160. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Essential Information About Flood Damage Loss in Raleigh

5/2/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is always here to help our Raleigh neighbors after storm damage.

Resources from SERVPRO Ease Raleigh Flood Restoration

Flooding characteristics

Flooding is invasive but not always terminal
The most outstanding issues may be easiest to handle
Widespread soiling is common

Flood damage patterns

Factors influencing damage

Whether water is fast-moving or slow rising
The amount of water involved
The period property is submerged

SERVPRO of Cary / Morrisville / Apex is fully equipped with information and tools to handle flood damage. Call us at (919) 615-1160. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Essential Information About Flood Damage Loss in Raleigh

5/2/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is always here to help our Raleigh neighbors after storm damage.

Resources from SERVPRO Ease Raleigh Flood Restoration

Flooding characteristics

Flooding is invasive but not always terminal
The most outstanding issues may be easiest to handle
Widespread soiling is common

Flood damage patterns

Factors influencing damage

Whether water is fast-moving or slow rising
The amount of water involved
The period property is submerged

SERVPRO of Cary / Morrisville / Apex is fully equipped with information and tools to handle flood damage. Call us at (919) 615-1160. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Safe and Effective Flood Damage Cleanup for Raleigh Properties

4/20/2022 (Permalink)

We're Faster to Any Size Disaster, well-trained, and outfitted with cutting-edge equipment to salvage Raleigh properties following flood damage.

SERVPRO Offers Demolition and Rebuilding Services for Raleigh Homes Post Flooding

Home flood damage claims paid out by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) pay an average of $52,000. A Raleigh property with just one inch of floodwater inside may cause $25,000 worth of damage. Fortunately, there is a mitigation team that can assist when these disasters impact a home's comfort and safety.

Raleigh flood damage cleanup technicians at SERVPRO perform 24/7 cleanup, restoration, and rebuilding services for property owners after a flood. Having one firm provide comprehensive cleanup services while coordinating with homeowners and insurance adjusters can considerably streamline the claims filing process.

Controlled demolition saves structures and aids in drying

In many cases, flood damage impacts property to the degree that some materials may necessitate safe removal by trained technicians. Items like carpeting and mattresses, for example, cannot be guaranteed clean after mitigation and typically require disposal to keep property residents safe. Wet drywall can house mold, sewage, and other contaminants that affect structural materials. SERVPRO remediates these risks with controlled demolition practices.

Flood cuts several inches above the highest visible waterline on wet drywall allow technicians to thoroughly sanitize and dry wall cavities before installing new wall surfacing and repainting it. This practice can save insulation, electrical wiring, and even plumbing from potential damage
Carpet and flooring removal provides technicians with access to subfloors and home foundations, which can prevent warping, cracking, and mold growth that might impact a property's structural integrity
Careful demolition of wet ceiling cavities allows technicians access to these areas for remediation and drying and typically does not entail full removal of the ceiling drywall

Residents can call SERVPRO of South Cary / Apex at (919) 615-1160. After disaster strikes, the team can return impacted homes to a "Like it never even happened," state.

Heavy-Duty SERVPRO Fire Restoration for Cary Kitchens

4/12/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO uses dry ice blasting and ultrasonic tank submersions to remove soot from fire damaged belongings in Cary, "Like it never even happened."

Char and Soot Removal for Fire-Damaged Cary Properties

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) data indicates that 26 percent of reported fires across the United States were home structure fires between 2015 and 2019. Fire departments around the country responded to an average of 346,800 of these residential fires each year. Even small-scale fires, like kitchen flare-ups, can impart hard-to-clean odors and residues in Cary homes.

SERVPRO fire restoration services in Cary respond to small and large-scale disasters alike. Technicians focus on remediating stains and odors and returning property to a clean, pre-damage state. This firm also performs rebuilding services for structures heavily impacted by fire damage.

Addressing heavy damages after a kitchen fire

Even small fires can leave heavy char and debris that require more extensive cleanup. Fortunately, SERVPRO has cleanup strategies that cover more in-depth cleaning needs for various soot-affected surfaces. In a kitchen fire, for example, technicians may:

Use abrasion blasting to provide effective char removal with minimal effect on the material. Some blast media, like soda ash and dry ice, can also mitigate odors to a degree
Perform manual cleanup of unfinished wall framing with scrapers and wire brushes to remove char
Deploy immersion cleaning solutions, like alkaline cleaners or ultrasonic cleaning to remove soot particles from heavily soiled items. Ultrasonic cleaning is especially effective for more delicate items like dishware, glassware, and chandeliers
Use dry cleaning sponges and gentle manual agitation to dislodge loose, dry soot soils before remediating more challenging stains. Technicians use HEPA-filter vacuums to collect soot particles. Air scrubbers and containment measures can prevent soot and odor-causing particles from traveling to other rooms during restoration

SERVPRO of South Cary / Apex wants homeowners to know that We're Faster To Any Size Disaster and can be reached at (919) 615-1160.

Preventing Raleigh Home Damage with Mold Remediation

4/1/2022 (Permalink)

Moisture encourages mold growth in damp, hot Raleigh attics. SERVPRO can remediate the damage, "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO Tools Thoroughly Clean Mold-Damaged Raleigh Homes

Mold is one of the most common residential disaster concerns. Some estimates put the number of homes affected by these microbes at 70 percent. So long as a home harbors a humid space with adequate temperatures and ample organic material, mold can continue to thrive and potentially create health effects for property occupants.

SERVPRO mold remediation services halt Raleigh home mold concerns with 24-hour availability and effective mitigation tools operated by trained technicians. SERVPRO-certified professionals follow Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) best practices for handling residential mold concerns.

SERVPRO's repertoire of mold remediation tools

One of the key elements to successfully remediating mold in a given home, especially in hard-to-reach areas like wall and ceiling cavities, is having the right tools. SERVPRO professionals can:

Remove unsalvageable debris and dry spore clusters with personal protective equipment (PPE)
Use duct, window, and doorway-sealing procedures to minimize the potential for mold to spread to other rooms. HEPA-filter air scrubbers can also be used to reduce local air pressure, making it more difficult for spores to become airborne and migrate to other areas of the home
Remediate relative humidity and moisture on surfaces with extraction equipment, including carpet wands and truck-mounted units. Air movers and dehumidifiers work together after extraction finishes to dry the space. Mold growth is effectively halted when moisture levels are kept below 40 to 50 percent.
Perform odor control for surfaces after mold spores have been remediated to pre-contamination levels with the help of ultra-low volume (ULV) foggers, which use water- and solvent-based solutions to remediate mold-related odors at the particle level.

Homeowners can call (919) 615-1160 for assistance from SERVPRO of South Cary / Apex. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster and can respond 24 hours a day.

Smoke Damage Can Impact a Raleigh Office Building

3/17/2022 (Permalink)

Raleigh offices rely on SERVPRO to mitigate fire and smoke damage in their buildings

Fire and smoke damage happens in many ways for Raleigh businesses

Because of how many ways a fire can occur in businesses and commercial properties, it is important to recognize how these events can impact the structure. Fire and smoke damage both spread quickly after extinguishing the blaze, making it critical to have experienced professionals get started with mitigation as soon as possible to prevent greater harm to the structure.

Air Quality Threats

One of the first ways fire and smoke in Raleigh businesses can damage the structure is by compromising the environment. Circulating soot and smoke solids are carcinogenic and hazardous to the health of those exposed, making it vital to begin air filtration efforts early. We have several HEPA products to trap and contain particles and microbes after a fire, improving indoor air quality.

Soot and Smoke Residues

Soot residues and smoke solids present challenging obstacles as well. We can evaluate what materials have become impacted by soils and residue deposits. By removing loose debris with vacuums and mechanical actions, we can often eliminate soot and smoke damage on the surface without ruining the underlying substrates. When the material is too heavily damaged, controlled demolition might be required.

Harsh Odors in Open Areas

Odors are another way that smoke can damage an office building. Malodors make comfortable working conditions impossible, so we determine early what tools and deodorization products are needed to help and eliminate offensive smells. We must also address materials likely to absorb smoke odors like:

Drywall
Carpeting
Wood construction materials
Ceiling tiles

Fires are a violent and destructive situation for businesses and can sweep through office buildings fast. We appreciate the urgency of mitigation and restoration of these disasters, so our SERVPRO of South Cary / Apex team works fast to get qualified professionals to your doorstep to help. Our experienced and certified team is available 24/7 at (919) 615-1160.

Removing the Signs of Flooding in Cary Homes

3/9/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can mitigate flood damage in Raleigh properties with rapid water and sludge removal

Storm damage restoration can be challenging when flooding results in Cary properties

Storms can impact homes in several ways, beginning with structural damage that allows for water penetration. Regardless of how a home might be damaged by intruding water, it is critical to start early mitigation stages to overcome flood damage as rapidly as possible. We have powerful extraction and drying approaches to complete this process.

Standing Water Concerns

An important element of storm damage restoration for Cary properties is removing standing water after flooding. Substantial storm systems produce enough water to flood homes, and this intruding water can overwhelm the property and spread quickly to several rooms. We use powerful extractors capable of removing both water and debris to manage multiple concerns simultaneously.

Solids and Debris

One of the services we can provide after flood loss in your home is the removal of debris and solids from the floors. Standing water events bring in solids and matter, which can overwhelm the structure in the early stages. Beyond removing standing water, we must also address the issue of debris through muck-out cleaning and restoration services. Some threats to the home include:

Insects
Mud
Silt
Solids
Decaying matter

Potential Contaminants for the Property

Contamination is a considerable concern for structures after flooding, as natural disasters such as these can introduce pathogenic microbes and biohazard substances into the environment. From sewage backup out of drainage pipes to decaying matter entering the property, you must thoroughly clean services and affected contents to prevent the spread of health hazards.

Flooding can be a heavily destructive event for your home or business. Despite how quickly this can overwhelm a structure, our SERVPRO of South Cary / Apex team has multiple professionals ready to mobilize quickly to help when disasters strike. We prioritize the mitigation of flood loss events using powerful extractors and vacuums. We also have capable professionals to overcome potential contaminants "Like it never even happened." Call today at (919) 615-1160.

Three Focal Points of Efficient Water Mitigation in Raleigh Homes

3/1/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can rig specialized devices to dry water from floors in Raleigh homes. We mitigate the water damage.

Thorough water mitigation services target specific issues in Raleigh properties

The arrival of our experienced professionals happening quickly can ensure that vital mitigation services get started when they should. Emergency services often play the biggest part and ensure that later restoration is as efficient as possible by resolving immediate pressing issues with the property early. This process typically focuses on three areas.

Structural and Utility Repairs

We quickly respond to a water damaged Raleigh property and determine whether structural repairs and controlled demolition will be necessary. We must also consider the need for plumbing repairs when leaks or pipe breaks cause damage to the house. Because we have a contractor license, we can perform necessary repairs seamlessly during the mitigation process to start restoration as soon as possible.

Removing Standing Water

Yet another critical aspect of the mitigation process is removing any standing water found in the house. Between structural cavities and open areas of the property, standing water is one of the major concerns for saturation and structural degradation. We have a combination of extractor tools to overcome these pooling effects where they exist.

Clearing At-Risk Contents

Many homeowners would suggest that their personal belongings and valuables are as important as the house itself. With this in mind, it is our priority to provide efficient solutions for content management when we arrive at damaged properties. We can relocate or clean up impacted items, which can help with:

Prevent deterioration
Make cleanup easier
Avoid costlier mold damages

There are many steps to mitigate water damage in homes and businesses throughout the greater Raleigh area, so our professionals need to move quickly when disasters strike. We have teams ready 24 seven to mobilize with our green fleet to reach compromised structures fast after water damage events. Our SERVPRO of South Cary / Apex team is prepared to help now at (919) 615-1160.

Can Soot Damage Be Removed from Flooring in Raleigh Homes?

2/18/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damage can leave many lasting effects on your home. For smoke and fire cleanup services, contact SERVPRO 24/7 - 365 days a year.

Types of floors and soot soils impact the smoke and fire cleanup of Raleigh properties.

Partial combustion of building materials and contents can create challenging smoke particles and soot soils that circulate in the house. With many surfaces like flooring covered, it is up to our experienced SERVPRO team to implement the appropriate cleaning and restoration strategies to help.

Cleaning Up Loose Debris on the Surface

Before much of the smoke and fire cleanup in Raleigh homes can get underway, we must consider the needed step of removing debris and soot buildup from the house. The presence of thick residues on multiple surfaces is formidable and challenging to remove. We have numerous strategies to help reduce or eliminate loose debris, including:

Shovels
Vacuums
Brushes
Brooms
Filtration Equipment

Solvents for Clearing Soot on Hard Surfaces

Wood is a semi-porous material, meaning that if restoration steps are taken fast, it is possible to preserve and protect these flooring elements from requiring replacement. Dry solvents are preferred choices when the team must overcome oily residues or damp soils without adding more moisture to the equation.

Carpet Cleaning Solutions for Homes

Carpets can be among the more challenging aspects to care for after a fire. Because of the magnetism of this type of material to absorb and trap fire debris and soot, the method for cleaning carpets becomes critical to prevent a full replacement of these materials. Deluxe conditioning and bonnet cleaning can immediately impact removing set-in soils and preserving the colorfastness of the fibers.

Various flooring materials can be impacted by migrating soot and smoke residues. Clearing the elements and protecting underlying layers like subflooring involves a fast response by competent and qualified professionals. Our SERVPRO of South Cary / Apex team can help when you need it after a fire. Call us today at (919) 615-1160.

Are Burst Pipes a Concern for Raleigh Restaurants?

2/11/2022 (Permalink)

A burst pipe can cause several problems in your home. For remediation services you can count on, call SERVPRO immediately after an event.

Rapidly changing storm conditions can impact plumbing and fixtures in Raleigh properties.

With the impact that winter storm Izzy had on the Greater Raleigh area, many homes and businesses suffered the effects of the freezing conditions and the heavy snow and ice precipitation. With many having lost power with poles and lines being dropped, those without backup power were at the mercy of steeply cold conditions and circumstances like:

Freezing pipes
Ice damming
Snowmelt flooding

Cold Snaps and Severe Temperature Drops

While water damage cleanup in Raleigh businesses is inevitable after situations like burst pipes or flooding, the conditions that allow this are more frequent than many realize. Restaurants rely on consistent warmth and upkeep to keep any exposed fixtures from suffering freezing conditions. Many plumbing elements were directly exposed to compromising cold without heat and suitable warmth.

Cleaning Up After Water Damage

Much of the plumbing system exists in a restaurant's kitchen and prep areas, so standing water might not be as costly and damaging as you think. Burst pipes can dispel more than 100 gallons of water a minute, pooling on the tile floors common to the work areas of the eatery. We can remove this standing water by using squeegee wands, wet vacuums, and submersible pumps as soon as possible.

Repairs and Reconstruction Needed After Burst Pipes

With a general contractor license and years of experience in the Triangle, we can help with the repairs and reconstruction often needed for post water damage and flooding cleanup. After burst pipes, it is imperative to repair plumbing, ruined fixtures, and other compromised elements. Our experienced roster ensures we move fast between mitigation, restoration, and reconstruction.

Even without rapidly moving winter storm systems, the effects of this season on area businesses and restaurants can cause substantial water damage. Our SERVPRO of South Cary / Apex is Here to Help when you call (919) 615-1160.

How Are Needed Mold Damage Repairs Identified in Raleigh Homes?

2/6/2022 (Permalink)

Mold damage in your home is an issue that has to be dealt with quickly. Contact SERVPRO 24/7 for remediation and mitigation services.

Our experienced remediators work to manage microbial threats fast in Raleigh properties.

A mold organism spreading in moist conditions within a house can be widely destructive. Many types of materials can serve as hosts for active colonies, providing a food source until the material is degraded to the point it is no longer salvageable or cleanable. While many structural elements and contents can fall into this category, several affected areas include:

Drywall
Fabrics
Upholstery
Cardboard
Wood

Clearing Surface Mold Damage if Possible

One of the main methods of mold remediation in Raleigh homes is surface cleaning and treatments. In the earliest stages of mold development, it is still possible to treat an organism on the surface before greater penetration and threats exist. With a collection of antimicrobial and biocide products that can destroy mold colonies on contact, this is a highly effective mold removal tactic if further seating and penetration have not yet occurred.

Controlled Demolition for Damaged Materials

Because many severe mold damage situations ultimately require some level of controlled demolition, experienced professionals that perform these actions from our roster can protect the remaining structure as much as possible and limit the need for build-back and reconstruction however they can.

Experienced Contractors for Reconstruction

One of the clear advantages of choosing SERVPRO to help after mold damage is our knowledge and general contractor license. The expertise of these professionals allows a fast transition between the remediation process and the build-back needed. With years of experience and training in these fields, we can quickly rebuild from the controlled demolition points and rapidly make these situations "Like it never even happened."

Mold can be an underappreciated concern for area homes, especially those battling poor circulation and ventilation. Our SERVPRO of South Cary / Apex team has experienced AMRT-Certified technicians ready 24/7 to help clean up and restore the damage that mold colonies can do. Give our team a call today at (919) 615-1160.

Need Raleigh Bathroom Electrical Fire Damage Restoration?

1/19/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can restore this soot and smoke-damaged Raleigh bathroom back to its preloss condition, "Like it never even happened."

Fire Damage Restoration from SERVPRO Includes Raleigh Structure and Contents Cleanup

Bathroom fire damage can be distressing to tackle, especially compared to other forms of fire damage on a Raleigh property. The amount of moisture in a bathroom can make soot removal particularly challenging without access to professional-grade solutions. Worse still, this smoke residue can potentially turn acidic and corrode appliances exposed to soot after a fire.

SERVPRO fire damage restoration for Raleigh properties is a comprehensive process that includes cleanup, demolishing unsalvageable surfaces with homeowner’s and insurer’s permission, and rebuilding structural materials. This team’s repair-when-possible approach provides cost-effective service with minimal replacement needs.

Soot Cleanup After Bathroom Electrical Fire Damage

SERVPRO professionals carefully remove large soot deposits and fire damage debris in thick plastic bags to prevent secondary damages from smoke damage particles or residues. Personal protective equipment is a must for keeping surfaces clean and streamlining the mitigation process.

Fire cleanup entails:

Structural drying with air movers and dehumidifiers to remove moisture before performing soot removal
Demolition of irreparable drywall and other materials with the permission of homeowners and insurers
Thorough manual cleaning of bathroom contents with equipment ranging from dry cleaning sponges to heavy-duty alkaline cleaners, with lipophilic and hydrophilic options available to target various residue types
Odor control with thermal fogging, EPA-registered biocide solutions, hydroxyl generators, and abrasion blasting with dry ice or soda ash on charred surfaces

SERVPRO cleanup services can also clean and restore ventilation with specialized agitation tools and cleaning solutions. Flex duct is more cost-effective to replace, but sheet metal ventilation is often salvageable after a home fire.

SERVPRO of South Cary / Apex responds to residential disaster restoration needs 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call (919) 615-1160 to kickstart the process.

Window and Skylight Leak Storm Damage Requires Fast Cleanup

1/11/2022 (Permalink)

Skylights eventually leak causing water damage to Raleigh homes. SERVPRO has skilled techs to mitigate the storm damage as depicted in this Photo

SERVPRO Storm Damage Cleanup Crews Restore Raleigh Residential Structures

According to some estimates, window water damage can account for almost 25 percent of moisture found on and inside walls. All it takes is a small amount of degradation of the framing or seals to allow water into a property. Skylights, meanwhile, can impact roof ventilation and introduce condensation into a given room, especially during rainy and wintery weather, which can also affect the seals on these structures.

Raleigh SERVPRO storm damage cleanup professionals use sophisticated technologies to root out weather-related water damage in a structure and return the affected property to a pre-damage state. Whether the culprit is a leaky window or a damaged roof, SERVPRO tools and technologies are tailored to many mitigation scenarios.

How SERVPRO Dries Storm Water Damage Leaks in Windows

Water damage technicians can remediate home water damage leaks in windows with extraction tools, careful demolition of drywall where necessary, and structural drying equipment. Air movers and dehumidification units work in tandem after moisture extraction to return surfaces to appropriate moisture levels.

Exterior wall insulation can be temporarily removed, dried on-site, and replaced if it is made from fiberglass. Porous, biodegradable materials like cellulose or cotton are more likely to require replacement after window leaks seep into wall cavities, even if a vapor barrier is present. Technicians can take similar steps with skylight water leaks.

SERVPRO handles additional services after storm damage, such as roof tarping, window board-ups, and other temporary repairs that may prove necessary for the restoration process. Unsalvageable baseboards, windows, and sheetrock can be removed, replaced, and repainted to return the affected property to a pre-damage condition.

Homeowners can contact SERVPRO of South Cary / Apex at (919) 615-1160 for mitigation and restoration from highly-trained technicians.

Raleigh Water Damage Cleanup Saves Businesses Time and Money

1/4/2022 (Permalink)

Rely on SERVPRO to rescue Raleigh area offices from water damage with a rapid extraction from the commercial-grade carpeting

SERVPRO Water Damage Mitigation Gives Raleigh Businesses Sanitation and Peace of Mind

Water damage impacts Raleigh businesses year-round, regardless of weather conditions. Pinhole-sized pipe leaks can affect drywall, ceiling tiles, electrical components, and other essential components of brick-and-mortar businesses by allowing gallons of water to seep into the property. Worse still, mold growth can accelerate and impact indoor air quality in as little as 24 to 48 hours.

Raleigh SERVPRO water damage cleanup technicians respond to calls 24/7 to ensure that businesses recover quickly after disasters of any scale impact their property. SERVPRO provides staff with extensive education and further self-paced learning opportunities to keep technicians up-to-date on mitigation and restoration standards for commercial properties.

Commercial-Grade Odor Control Measures After Water Damage

SERVPRO Odor Control Technicians (OCTs) utilize a wide array of malodor mitigation tools tailored to the scale of the disaster at hand.

Salvageable carpet and pad, for example, can be treated with the following:

EPA-registered biocide solutions
Time-release gel pellets
Odor counteractant beads
Deodorizer-filled injection systems
Thermal or ultra-low volume (ULV) foggers

Sanitation with OSHA-approved antimicrobials is beneficial for odor control, but this process is not always sufficient for addressing odors. SERVPRO’s access to various malodor cleanup solutions accelerates the restoration of safe, comfortable spaces in commercial facilities.

High-powered ventilation box fans also help by circulating over 3,000 cubic feet of air per minute before and after deodorization to cycle air more quickly through a commercial space. This air is exchanged over 40 times before and after odor control to minimize smells from mitigation and restoration solutions while restoring indoor air quality to pre-disaster conditions.

Commercial property owners can contact SERVPRO of South Cary / Apex at (919) 615-1160 for around-the-clock mitigation and restoration.

Is it Safe for Property Owners to Perform Mold Remediation in Raleigh Homes Themselves?

12/20/2021 (Permalink)

We have innovative products at our disposal that can assist us in remediating your home's mold damage.

It is Better to Hire a Restoration Company like SERVPRO to Perform Mold Remediation in Raleigh

Mold can occur outdoors indoors in areas with moisture such as basements, behind drywall, attics, and under carpets. It also quickly proliferates on ceiling tiles and wooden items and wallpaper, upholstery, and insulating materials. Delaying remediation can cause health issues for you and your family. When you contact professional restorers like SERVPRO, we can help prevent this problem from worsening.

If mold remediation in your Raleigh home is not done quickly enough, the mold might spread to other locations where there is moisture. SERVPRO technicians quickly respond because we know how fast mold can develop and the health effects it can cause. We start by performing a systemic inspection to determine the extent of mold damage in your property. We rate mold contamination based on the size of the affected area. Our SERVPRO team of highly trained restorers can use thermal imaging cameras to check for moisture in areas that can be costly to repair, such as the duct line. We choose the equipment because:

It does not damage the building.
It allows us to inspect more places in a shorter amount of time
It allows us to examine hard-to-reach regions

We have innovative products at our disposal that can assist us in remediating mold from the damaged region. Our SERVPRO team of technicians can use vanquish, a disinfectant that kills fungal and bacterial spores. We also use drying technology to decontaminate and dry the affected areas within a short time, ensuring the least disruption to your home. Our expertise allows us to return the areas that mold has affected to their usual condition cost-effectively.

Do not expose your family to mold damage. Contact SERVPRO of South Cary / Apex for the effective mold remediation to make it "Like it never even happened." Our helpline is (919) 615-1160.

How Can Homeowners Perform Stormwater Removal in Raleigh?

12/13/2021 (Permalink)

Floods can cause substantial damage to your home within 24 to 72 hours. SERVPRO is always available to handle your storm damage restoration.

To Perform Stormwater Removal in Your Raleigh Home, Contact Certified Restorers Like SERVPRO Immediately

Stormwater can inflict substantial damage to your home within 24 to 72 hours. Warping of your timber floor, electrical risks, and lingering odors are all possibilities. It is essential to call SERVPRO right away to repair your home.

Property owners may be motivated to perform stormwater removal in their Raleigh homes themselves to avoid spending on professional services. However, without the necessary expertise, and advanced equipment and tools, that move may lead to more damage than expected, including but not limited to:

Compromised structural integrity
Mold growth
Contaminated drinking water
Depreciated home value
Compromised structural integrity

Moisture in your flooded house can cause wood to rot and weaken its ability to hold up your home's weight. Our SERVPRO water restoration technicians (WRT) can dry affected surfaces thoroughly through ventilation and dehumidification.

Mold growth

Mold releases harmful spores, which can cause health issues. Our SERVPRO professionals have a variety of chemicals that can remediate mold effectively and safely. For instance, we can use vanquish, a disinfectant that kills 99 percent of the germs it contacts. We can dry your home thoroughly to prevent mold infestation.

Depreciated home value

A flood can make your home less valuable by creating hazardous living conditions. Our SERVPRO team can reduce the loss by properly cleaning and drying out your home. Our specialists can use an indirect fired furnace to dry the affected building materials, based on the scope of the water damage. A heat exchanger is used in the apparatus. It warms the dry outside air before introducing it into the drying zone. The equipment absorbs the water that has evaporated from moist items, raising the air's humidity ratio.

Do not allow storm damage to affect your ability to enjoy your home's comfort. Contact SERVPRO of South Cary / Apex at (919) 615-1160 for efficient restoration services. We can make the storm damage seem, "Like it never even happened."

Where Can Business Owners Get Commercial Fire Damage Repair Services in Raleigh?

12/1/2021 (Permalink)

Soot residues remain after a fire. We can remove it from display cases, shelving, and flooring and help get you open for business!

They Should Hire SERVPRO to Perform Commercial Fire Damage Repair in Raleigh

When a fire impacts a business like a clothing store, it can be overwhelming to deal with the aftermath. You risk losing customers and income every hour that your business remains closed. Furthermore, the destruction does not cease after firefighters put out the fire. Toxic chemicals, water damage, odors, soot, and smoke remain. External factors, including content damage, and vandalism can bring additional losses if you do not manage them promptly.

To prevent further destruction, you can hire SERVPRO to perform commercial fire damage repair in your Raleigh business. The smoke that infiltrates a building after a fire combines with humidity to create corrosive residues that can collect on and damage clothes and other items. Our fire and smoke restoration technicians (FSRT) can help you clean up the affected structures and contents.

At SERVPRO, we know the techniques required to clean up and salvage your contents and property effectively. Our crew can remove soot from chrome and aluminum shelving, tile, and wooden surfaces. We use advanced products, equipment, and procedures throughout the fire and smoke damage repair process, which may include:

Removing ruined materials that are considered unsafe.
Evaluate structural framing, including support beams and subflooring, to ensure that the structure is sturdy.
Eliminating contamination and odor caused by soot and smoke.
Replacing affected building materials.

Our SERVPRO team tests and inspects the property for smoke residues to determine the extent of the destruction and the cleaning procedures required for restoration. By pretesting and inspecting, our technicians locate residues, identify the residues present and determine the types of surfaces requiring cleaning.

It is necessary to capture residues before removal. Our SERVPRO technicians use fluids and air to release and carry soils away. Fluids and air have suspended particles within them on contact. Dissolving and vacuuming are two methods we can use to contact residues and carry them off for disposal. We can also remove unpleasant smells using products like odor counteracting beads, water-based wet mist deodorizers, and solvent-based thermal fog deodorizers.

SERVPRO of South Cary / Apex is ready to help you repair your business premises after a fire. Call us any time at (919) 615 1160.

Does the HVAC System Need Cleaning After a Cary Housefire?

11/18/2021 (Permalink)

Homeowners have to deal with many things which may include fire damage. Contact SERVPRO right away.

Our Experienced Professionals Can Clean Ducts and Air Units in Cary Homes After a Fire.

While we prioritize many types of fire restoration like debris removal and deodorization, when aerosolized particles find their way into the HVAC system, it could be damaging to the house in several ways like:

Moves fire damage to other rooms
Distributes soot through ducts
Coats vents and returns with debris/soot

Inspecting the HVAC Unit

Among the important fire and smoke cleanup in Cary homes that is necessary is clearing buildup and debris trapped in the HVAC system. To determine the extent of this damage, we use borescope cameras and other visual aids to see inaccessible areas and choose the best remediation and cleaning approach to resolve the particles trapped along the walls of the ducts.

Vacuuming and Clearing Soot

Among the first things that our technicians must do is to remove the vent covers, returns, and registers on the floors and ceilings to provide access for the cleaning equipment. With the information gathered through scoping these sheet metal pathways, we can focus our bristled brushes, whips, and high-powered vacuums on specific problem areas.

Sealing the Ductwork of an HVAC System

There are instances where duct cleaning of the system is impossible or too challenging for even our experienced remediators. Instead, sealing can help deodorize and protect the rest of the attached HVAC system from harsh effects like soot and odors.

Clearing soot and smoke debris from the HVAC system is necessary to protect the entire house after a fire. These pathways allow odors and airborne particles to reach new rooms and areas of the property. Our SERVPRO of South Cary / Apex team has powerful equipment and cleaning products to help. Call us today at (919) 615-1160.

What Are the Three Main Objectives of SERVPRO Water Mitigation in Raleigh Homes?

11/12/2021 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO technicians can show you exactly what you should look for to indicate a possible water intrusion in your home. Give us a call today.

These Focuses of Our Restoration Technicians Ensure that Recovery is More Efficient for Raleigh Properties.

Mitigation describes a series of actions that our certified technicians take to clean and restore a damaged home after a water leak or flooding. The fast response of our SERVPRO team allows us to prioritize three main objectives with almost every water damage event we restore.

Creating a Safe Work Environment

The earliest actions of water mitigation in Raleigh homes are designed to make the house safer for responding technicians and the occupants if relocation of the family was not needed. Making the work area safer means taking the extra time to scope possible risks like:

Structural integrity of building materials
Contamination concerns
Health and safety hazards

Removing Standing Water from the House

Extraction and water removal services are often needed, especially after greater damage events like burst pipes or appliance failures. When standing water is a concern in the house, it must be resolved as soon as possible to protect materials like wood flooring and carpeting from irreparable damage and overexposure. Depending on where the water is and the severity of the situation, we have multiple extraction devices to help.

Protecting Contents from Overexposure

Content relocation describes the efforts made to reposition the personal belongings, furniture, and loose items from a damaged area of the house to a safe and dry space. This process prevents excessive moisture exposure that can result in mold damage. Containment can also serve to limit the migration of water into areas where more contents could be affected.

Understanding the focus of water mitigation and emergency services shows our commitment to both the house and its contents. Water disasters range considerably, so prioritizing specific objectives makes the entire restoration process more efficient. Our SERVPRO of South Cary / Apex team is ready to help the Greater Raleigh area right now when you call (919) 615-1160.

Cleaning Fixtures and Wood Structures in Raleigh Homes After a Fire

11/4/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has experienced technicians with the equipment and expertise your home needs after a fire mishap. Give us a call right away.

Our Experienced Team Has Specific Strategies for Cleaning Wood Surfaces in Raleigh Homes After a Fire.

With a range of surfaces and building materials that make up a property, understanding the damage that smoke and fire damage effects can have prioritizes the recovery efforts needed. Wood framing, finished wood, and even hardwood floors can be greatly damaged by soot and smoke, so we determine the best remediation strategies based on the specific material affected.

Identifying the Type of Wood Exposed

Knowing the type of wood material affected can ultimately help our technicians determine the ideal fire damage restoration in Raleigh homes required. There are three main types of wood common to modern homes, including;

Unfinished Wood – Without a finish, wood can be highly porous and sensitive to moisture, odors, soot particles, and other airborne and microscopic threats present after a fire gets extinguished.
Finished Wood – Finished wood is a common staple to your home’s construction, from installed cabinets to flooring. In many ways, the varnish or lacquer finish can prevent permanent staining and damage to the wood after soot exposure.
Simulated Wood Grain – This thin material often more simulates wood than embodies its characteristics. Laminates like these are a combination of pressed wood or particleboard. While they are capable of wet cleaning, excessive moisture could ruin this material.

How Does Unfinished Wood Get Restored?

Situations like discoloration or odor absorption may happen quickly with unfinished woods. Light residues can often be cleaned with dry practices and sponge cleaning, but heavier residues on these surfaces might require denatured alcohol or even sanding to resolve.

Is Finished Wood Difficult to Clean?

As one of the more common elements to see in the kitchen, finished wood can be cleaned in multiple ways. While excess residues can be removed with a vacuum or dry-cleaning approach, wet cleaning is among the most efficient methods for removing intrusive soot damage.

SERVPRO of South Cary / Apex (919) 615-1160.

Who Can I Call for Water Damage Remediation in Raleigh after my Window Breaks During a Storm?

10/22/2021 (Permalink)

One quick call to SERVPRO gets you certified technicians to tackle the storm damage situation in your home. We are here 24/7 - 365 days a year.

SERVPRO Provides Water Damage Restoration in the Raleigh Area

During most storms over the summer season, several people have the luxury of sitting back and watching it pour from the indoors. However, thunderstorms in North Carolina can often be unpredictable. One minute you could be sitting there listening to the sounds of rain, and then your window suddenly shatters. When storms come in, they often bring about high-speed winds that can send debris flying into your glass.

Once there is a hole in your structure, flood damage in your Raleigh home is likely. And depending on how much it rains while moisture can get in from the broken window, the issues could quickly go from minor to major. Fortunately, our SERVPRO technicians can help with any type of disaster, large or small. We are available 24/7, and we can provide the following services:

Emergency Services for Water Damage
Flood Restoration
Repairing Ceiling Leaks After a Storm
Fixing a Leaking Roof from Storms
Water Clean Up
Water Damage Repairs

Our SERVPRO technicians know that the most important step is the inspection phase when dealing with flood damage restoration. During this first step, our team checks out your entire structure to determine what contents and building materials were affected by moisture. We can do this by starting at the source (your broken window) and then use penetrating and non-penetrating moisture meters to follow the water.

We can also test how wet materials like your drywall and wall studs are to determine if we can dry them out or if they will have to be removed. Since moisture entering your home from the outdoors could be contaminated, we can remove any porous materials such as your carpet and pad that got affected.

If your window ever breaks during a storm and water gets inside your house, call SERVPRO of South Cary / Apex at (919) 615-1160.

What Should I Do When My Pipes Burst After a Freeze in Raleigh?

10/15/2021 (Permalink)

Don’t let frozen pipes surprise you. Take precautions and contact team SERVPRO to assess and remediate the water damage.

SERVPRO Can Help you with Water Removal Services in Raleigh

Now that the fall season is officially here, the weather all across the country will be changing, and temperatures will slowly start to drop. Unfortunately, fall is the season where pipe freezes are most likely to occur. For instance, the weather may be warm, and you have not yet turned your furnace on, but suddenly the temperature drops below freezing overnight. Or, you could be out of town when the cold weather arrives and come home to a mess.

If your pipes freeze early in the season, it is wise to call a company that specializes in water damage restoration in Raleigh, such as SERVPRO. When water freezes inside a pipe, the ice expands and can cause a crack in the plumbing. It only takes a small break to douse hundreds of gallons into your structure. Once this occurs, our highly trained team can help you by providing the following:

Water Damage Restoration
Water Removal Services
Water Damage Repairs
Basement Flooding Cleanup
Sewage Cleanup

Once one of your pipes bursts, how much damage you incur will depend on where the break occurs. If it is on your ground level, then the moisture may have just filled your crawlspace. When water builds up in your crawlspace, we can use a submersible pump to pull it out. We can then set up dehumidifiers and air movers to dry the bottom part of your subfloor.

However, if the leak occurs on an upper level or your house has a basement, the problems could become more severe. For instance, if moisture leaks down from the ceiling of your basement or ground level, your ceiling materials, walls, and flooring could all get negatively affected.

If your pipes ever freeze early in the fall season, call SERVPRO of South Cary / Apex at (919) 615-1160.

Who Can I Call If I Need Mold Specialists in Cary?

10/10/2021 (Permalink)

Finding mold on your property is not a situation where you can delay. Call our mold damage remediation team to assess and restore.

SERVPRO Can Offer you a Mold Inspection in Cary

Different species of fungi exist all over, but they mainly stay outdoors. However, black mold developing inside your home can occur if it has an organic food source, elevated moisture levels, the right temperature, and the right amount of time. Therefore, the most common place to find a fungus inside your building is anywhere that has a small leak. If a small amount of moisture leaks into your structure, the problem could go unnoticed until a fungus forms.

A good portion of mold damage in Cary develops from a slow leak in an area that people do not look at every day. For instance, if there is a small leak in the sink drain in your bathroom's vanity, you might not notice the moisture. But, fungi could be growing in the very back corners of your vanity, and then it could spread to other parts of your home.

Whenever our SERVPRO technicians get called out to a mold damage project, we start by fixing the source of the moisture leak. Our highly trained team can provide fast 24/7 service. We can utilize the industry's most advanced technology to help you with the following:

Bathroom Mold Remediation
Attic Mold Remediation
Black Mold Damage Repairs
Water Damage Repairs
Mold Inspections

After we figure out where the water is entering your structure, we can then determine where the fungi spread. Once we figure out where the contaminated area is, we can then seal off the affected regions. Next, we can set up an air scrubber and attach it to the sealed chamber to cause negative air pressure that can cleanse the air of spores. Then, we can remove your vanity, drywall, and other materials that contain black mold.

Since mold can cause health effects, call SERVPRO of South Cary / Apex if you ever think you see it at (919) 615-1160.

What Are the Three Main Objectives of Water Mitigation in Raleigh Homes?

9/21/2021 (Permalink)

Our team has a variety of water damage restoration tools available for water extraction and drying your home.

Mitigation Involves Many Practices, All of Which Provide Efficient Pathways for Restoring and Recovering Raleigh Homes

For restoration professionals, mitigation is one of the most crucial phases of restoration. During these initial emergency services, we can determine the damage to the property and protect the house from more significant damage and destruction. Even with the overwhelming and stressful conditions that often follow water damage, direct action taken with the arrival of our SERVPRO team can make the restoration process more thorough and efficient.

What Are the Main Objectives of Water Mitigation?

Understanding the objectives and goals of water damage mitigation for Raleigh properties can show why specific actions happen when they do. With excellent customer service being a defining characteristic of our restoration team, we take the time to ensure that affected homeowners understand mitigation actions and the desired outcomes. Some of our initial goals include:

Content Protection - Personal belongings caught in the path of migrating water can be irreparably damaged, making it an essential service to relocate and dry these contents where necessary.

Standing Water Removal – Pooling water of any kind can damage exposed porous materials and contents, making the removal and disposal of standing water a critical element of efficient mitigation. We use a combination of vacuums and pumps to achieve this.

Eliminating Moisture Pockets – Trapped water can be a damaging presence, especially in materials like flooring. We have extraction and drying tools to pull free water from materials like wood plank flooring.

Preventing the scope and severity of water damage incidents in your home hinges on how our SERVPRO of South Cary / Apex team implements mitigation actions. Emergency services for water damage vary considerably from one property to the next, so we tailor the ideal solution to suit your home. Give us a call today at (919) 615-1160.

Can Floodwater Get Removed from Raleigh Crawl Spaces Easily?

9/14/2021 (Permalink)

Inspect your crawlspace often for signs of water and moisture, especially after storms and heavy rainfall.

Extraction of Crawl Spaces Requires Specific Water Removal Tools for Raleigh Properties

Flooding can develop quickly in the Raleigh area, affecting dozens of homes or more at once. Our fast-responding storm team can help with efficient water removal tactics and cleaning options to protect exposed properties. It is our objective to get you back into your home as quickly as possible.

Removing Pooling Water in a Crawl Space

As you might expect, standing water is one of the main obstacles to flood removal for Raleigh homes. Because many of these natural disasters are category three losses where contaminants exist, extraction and safe disposal must begin immediately.

Eliminating Debris and Solids from this Damaged Space

Flood damage can be a substantial concern, especially when you consider the solids and debris that can be carried into the damaged area along with the water. Natural flooding collects loose solids as it moves through the region and infiltrates crawlspaces and basements. Extraction can be a challenge when these obstacles exist, requiring water removal tools capable of managing solids such as:

Organic matter
Mud
Silt
Debris

The Benefits of Encapsulating a Crawl Space

One of the main preventative measures that you can consider after repeated flooding situations is encapsulating the crawlspace becoming damaged. These measures seek to provide water diversion and prevent pooling underneath the main floor of the house. Encapsulating covers most exposed surfaces with thick plastic sheeting to inhibit mold growth in moist conditions as well. This vapor barrier also improves the indoor air quality (IAQ) of the living space above. Under extreme conditions of persistent moisture, our SERVPRO team can install a dehumidifier to regulate the relative humidity of the crawl space.

Overcoming the detrimental effects of a flood on your property can be a significant undertaking, even for experienced restoration professionals. When flooding infiltrates the crawlspace of your residence, this is a situation that should be taken seriously and acted on quickly. Our SERVPRO of South Cary / Apex team is here to help at (919) 615-1160.

Removing Harsh Odors in Raleigh Businesses After Mold Damage

9/3/2021 (Permalink)

Mold can leave a musty smell. SERVPRO can remove the odor. Call us today!

During Remediation of Raleigh Commercial Properties, Several Approaches are Necessary to Eliminate Harsh, Musty Odors

While there are pressing concerns with possible mold growth in your business or office building, one of the most formidable obstacles after microbial threats is a lingering musty odor. Comfortable working and environmental conditions for your staff and customers need achieving as fast as possible after a mold event.

Identifying Mold Growth and Remediation Needs

Mold remediation in Raleigh commercial properties begins with identifying the extent of the damage. Knowing where mold colonies exist, and the scope of the damage provides data to implement the ideal mold removal tactics as soon as possible.

Deodorization and Filtration Equipment to Help

Removing odors can often be a process that involves several tools and techniques. While odor removal might be one of the final stages of remediation, several pieces of equipment are necessary, including:

HEPA Air Scrubber – Air scrubbing is one of the most direct methods of managing airborne threats like odors and microbes. Membrane filters trap particles as small as 0.3 microns.

Hydroxyl Generator – Using UV, these devices can clean the environment of airborne threats and contaminants. Onboard HEPA filtration can also trap microbial particles to reduce the spread of mold colonies.

ULV Foggers – These units can often be ideal for reducing the present odors rather than eliminating them. These portable devices are an extension of placing counteractant beads and granules at high-airflow locations.

Mold can be a formidable presence in offices and commercial buildings in Raleigh, especially in the rainier times of the year. As challenging as these organisms can be to remove, lingering odors can also be a significant obstacle in returning the building to pre-mold conditions. Our SERVPRO of South Cary / Apex team can help with efficient remediation and cleanup when you call (919) 615-1160.

Removing Different Soils from Fire-Damaged Raleigh

8/18/2021 (Permalink)

Not matter the size of the fire, smoke and soot are difficult to remove. Call SERVPRO for effective fire damage restoration.

Quickly Identifying Fire Damage in Raleigh Homes Allows the Appropriate Cleaning to Begin as Soon as Possible

Partial combustion can generate hazardous aerosolized effects like soot and smoke particles. When these come to rest on surfaces and contents, specific cleaning methods are necessary to restore to the preloss condition.

What Types of Soils and Residues Threaten Raleigh Homes?

To begin fire damage restoration for Raleigh homes, restorers must first determine the type of smoke damage that exists.

Dry Smoke – Chemical sponges or other dry-cleaning methods can often wipe away the chalky film.

Wet Smoke – Moist conditions and smoldering fires work together to create a thick and formidable residue on surfaces. While these fires are not often as widespread, the residues are challenging to remove.

Furnace Puffback – Many homes use oil furnaces for heat in the winter months. Without proper maintenance and upkeep, blockages can occur that cause microexplosions in the ignition chamber and leave soot deposits in several rooms.

Protein Residues – With kitchen flare-ups, a leading cause of fire damage in area homes, protein residues and grease deposits can be stubborn soils to overcome. Solvents are necessary to break down the residue.

After a loss, identifying the type of smoke damage and soils present in your fire-damaged home can make restoration and cleanup more efficient and thorough. Our SERVPRO of South Cary / Apex team can help. Give us a call at (919) 615-1160.

How Is Water Removed from Subflooring Materials in Cary Homes?

8/11/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage often causes flooring to be removed for drying. Our techs are trained to thoroughly dry your home.

Underlying Elements Beneath Surface Layers of Flooring in Cary Homes Can be Damaged by Migrating Moisture

With several types of flooring installed throughout every home, elements like the subflooring are often changing. Circumstances like burst pipes or plumbing leaks can saturate carpets, hardwoods, and other materials to soak into the subflooring beneath without immediate action.

How Can Water Get Removed from Specific Subflooring Materials?

All affected materials and elements must be part of the restoration equation when considering the need for water removal in Cary homes and businesses. A thorough evaluation combined with moisture monitoring can identify the type of flooring and subflooring installed and the required approach to prevent further water damage. Some of the common subflooring materials include:

Carpet Padding – While an additional layer of subflooring is present, we must dry the padding with practices like floating the carpet with air movers. Often, it is more efficient to replace the water damaged padding.
OSB Board/Plywood – When plywood and wood subflooring becomes wet, careful drying approaches like mats and tenting are necessary to prevent deterioration.
Concrete – As a non-porous subflooring material, cleaning and restoring this base can be done wet when necessary.

Water removal services often mean much more than the standing water concerns in areas of a property after water damage. Our SERVPRO of South Cary / Apex team has multiple extraction devices and evaporative drying tools to protect underlying materials. Call us today at (919) 615-1160.

Clearing Standing Water from a Damaged Raleigh Bathroom

8/4/2021 (Permalink)

Bathrooms are common places for water damage. No matter the source of the leak, SERVPRO is ready to restore your home.

Many Materials Can Become Impacted by Water Exposure After a Leak in a Raleigh Home

The bathroom is a common area for water damage to form. When standing water is present, our mitigation strategies start with effective extraction from the tiled bathroom floors.

Removing Water from Tile Flooring in the Bathroom

Water damage cleanup for Raleigh homes begins with the most heavily damaged house areas and works out. With the bathroom often being a centerpiece for many flooding and heavy water damage scenarios, there are many situations where water removal and cleaning are required for materials like tile flooring and other exposed elements. Removing standing water on tile floors happens with several extraction units ranging from wet vacuums to squeegee wands.

Removing Trapped Water from Exposed Building Materials

Beyond cleaning up tile flooring common to the bathroom area, other materials can also be impacted by standing water before cleanup, such as wood trim, drywall, and the structural cavities beyond. Drying and removing trapped moisture to these areas involves several tools like:

Wet vacuums
Positive pressure systems
Low-profile centrifugal air movers

After leaking ceilings or damaged plumbing, a persistent leak in the bathroom of your home can lead to considerable damages. Our fast response to these emergencies can ensure that appropriate mitigation services get underway to protect installed elements. Call our SERVPRO of South Cary / Apex team today at (919) 615-1160.

Where Should Business Owners Seek Commercial Fire Damage Restoration Services in Raleigh?

7/27/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial fire damage needs to be handled quickly and effectively after an event. Call SERVPRO for the tools and technicians to handle the job.

They Should Hire a Restoration Company Like SERVPRO to Carry Out Fire Damage Restoration

Fire is a great threat to commercial property because it can bring business to a halt. It is unrelenting and can ruin possessions and assets of incredible value. If a fire has inflicted your business, you can trust SERVPRO to help you recover.

Commercial fire damage restoration in Raleigh can be a complex process. If a fire has occurred in an office building, the property can sustain fire, smoke, and water damage. When we arrive at a fire-damaged property, we take our time to analyze the extent of the fire loss. We take a multi-step approach which factors in the severity and type of destruction a property has sustained. Our SERVPRO team quickly generates a customized solution to prevent further damage from taking place.

We can remove smoke, soot, smoke odors from salvageable items, repaint the walls, and rebuild structural components to get your office to its preloss state. When performing the cleanup, four essential elements are required to suspend residues to remove them. They include:

Temperature – Heat raises the speed of chemical reactions in cleaning products. We choose the right temperature based on the material being cleaned and the cleaning solution.
Agitation – Our SERVPRO restorers agitate surfaces using brushes, towels, water pressure, and air and sonic vibrations in an ultrasonic machine.
Chemical action – Professional cleaning products work via several chemical reactions with surfaces and residues.
Time – The amount of dwell time required for professional cleaning and deodorization products to work varies based on the type of residues and products.

Once the structure is clean, our crew can rebuild the ruined sections of the building to return it to its preloss condition.

When a fire occurs, call SERVPRO of South Cary / Apex at (919) 615-1160 for efficient and fast restoration to make the incident seem, “Like it never even happened.”

Water Damage Restoration in Raleigh is Best Handled by Professional Restorers

7/20/2021 (Permalink)

Plumbing leaks can happen out in the open or behind walls. Call SERVPRO to investigate the situation and remediate the water damage.

Property Owners Can Trust SERVPRO to Perform Water Damage Repair in Raleigh

Water can invade your property within no time due to plumbing problems and the resulting destruction can be severe. The devastating effects of leaks can range from destruction to your plumbing and electrical systems, the structure of your home, or mold infestation. It is therefore essential to react fast and hire SERVPRO to handle all the aspects of the repair.

To perform water damage restoration in your Raleigh residence, we can assess your property to determine the severity of the damage. We can then take the necessary steps to make sure that repairs are completed accurately and safely. Every situation is unique, but we can take care of the following water-related problems:

Detecting mold and removing it to prevent health problems.
Removing contaminated furniture or other belongings
Drying carpet and wood flooring
Overseeing repairs like drywalling

We offer efficient water removal services using high-pressure pumps, self-priming trash pumps, or electrical submersible pumps that can extract several thousand gallons of water. This helps in minimizing drying time, preventing secondary water damage, and reducing the risk of mold infestation. Our SERVPRO team often uses centrifugal pumps. These pumps convert rational energy from a motor to energy to move particular types of fluid.

To determine if your property is dry, we can use specialized moisture meters to detect moisture in hard-to-access areas and moisture that building materials might have retained. Our SERVPRO team can locate the areas of the building where water has intruded and define the extent to which contents, and structure have absorbed moisture. We can then use venting techniques to minimize moisture to acceptable levels.

When you need water removal services, call SERVPRO of South Cary / Apex at (919) 615-1160 for efficient restoration. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Homeowners Should Not Worry Much About Storm Flood Damage in Raleigh Homes

7/15/2021 (Permalink)

Is flooding keeping you out of your home? Contact our SERVPRO flood damage remediation team 24/7 for water removal.

Involve Professional Restorers to Avoid the High Costs of Repairing Your Property after Flood Damage in Raleigh

Floodwater can weaken your house, and harm your valuable items if it seeps into various surfaces and is left unattended. Professionals can prevent the secondary effects of flood damage from arising if you deal with them promptly. As a result, it is critical to involve an experienced and professional restoration company like SERVPRO to restore your home to its pre-damage state.

We are a trustworthy storm flood damage restoration company in Raleigh with a team of certified technicians. SERVPRO's crew of highly trained restorers has undergone extensive training in:

Mold removal using approved methods and products.
Drying structures with innovative equipment to reduce damage.
Deodorization using a variety of items.

How long does it take to dry the excess water?

We employ innovative technology to speed up the drying process to ensure effective drying of surplus water in your business. We can drain excess water from your carpet and pad with self-propelled extraction equipment. We can also use a vacuum to remove surplus water from the surface. The machine leaves moisture only behind, which our SERVPRO restorers can remove using heavy-duty fans and dehumidifiers.

Experienced flood damage restorers can protect you from the secondary damages of flooding on your property. Contact SERVPRO of South Cary / Apex to get your property back to its preloss state and your life back to normal “Like it never even happened.” Talk to us today at (919) 615-1160.

How Essential Are Building Skills During Flood Removal from Raleigh Homes?

6/18/2021 (Permalink)

You can rely upon the professionals of SERVPRO completely during a flooding disaster cleanup in your home.

SERVPRO Combines Controlled Demolition with Other Water Cleanup Steps in Raleigh Properties

It might be hard to consider building skills essential when trying to dry a flooded house. However, some flood removal processes require deconstruction to reach water and deteriorated materials confined in various cavities. A professional restorer like SERVPRO takes care of all aspects of flood restoration.

The process of flood removal from Raleigh properties is greatly influenced by how the damage develops. Flooding can be caused by rising groundwater or entry of rainwater from other access points such as openings in walls or missing shingles on the roof. Elevated entry points can leave water in vast sections of concealed areas, including the ceiling and wall cavities. Rising groundwater, on the other hand, heavily contaminates all porous materials in the cavities below the waterline. SERVPRO performs controlled demolition to access the damaged materials.

Building skills also help take care of other problems like:

Leaking roof from storms
Ceiling repairs from water damages
Water damage repairs

When done properly, controlled demolition eases access to both the flood water trapped in cavities and the deteriorated materials. It also helps preserve salvageable materials. Our SERVPRO technicians rely on many things, including simple techniques such as cutting wall panels at least 2 inches above the visible water lines. We strip down walls to the studs providing access for drying and sanitization. Once through with the removal, our technicians put everything back together, eliminating traces of the loss, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of South Cary / Apex handles flood removal from properties conveniently. Call us at (919) 615-1160. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

How Different Is Fire and Smoke Cleanup in Raleigh Properties after a Grease Fire?

6/10/2021 (Permalink)

Our IICRC certified technicians are prepared to assist with any level of fire damage in your home. Call us right away.

SERVPRO Chooses Strategies that Simplify Residue and Odor Removal during Raleigh House Fire Cleanup

The challenge of fire and smoke cleanup varies depending on the items the fire burns or the type of fuel involved. Grease fires produce significant smoke and leave sticky residues even when physical damage such as charring is minimal. Cleaning takes several approaches to restore the soiled areas and eliminate odor.

Prioritizing some fire and smoke cleanup steps in Raleigh properties helps improve the outcomes. For instance, quick removal of burned or charred items helps mitigate pungent odors. Our SERVPRO technicians wheeled trash cans to collect damaged materials from your loss site, moving them outside the house. Eliminating the charred remains paves the way for the other cleanup processes.

Removing Soiled or Charred Materials is Necessary Whether Performing:

Water and fire damage restorations
Fire restoration
House fire clean up

Addressing smoke damage requires cleaning residue deposits on surfaces and addressing any materials lodged beyond the surface. As a fire burns, the heat opens up pores of various materials, increasing the difficulty of cleaning such surfaces.

Our SERVPRO technicians use different approaches to combat the challenges. For instance, heating cleaning agents improve their efficiency in cleaning residues. We can also use specialized fire restoration techniques such as soda blasting, which helps strip off wet smoke residues and other stubborn soils faster. Deodorization helps finish any traces of pungent odor.

Typical Fire Deodorization Techniques Include

• ULV fogging

• Thermal fogging

• Activated oxygen

SERVPRO of South Cary / Apex completes fire and smoke cleanup fast and efficiently. Call us at (919) 615-1160 when you need assistance. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Mold Remediation Planning in Raleigh Properties Depend Only On The Visible Signs?

6/1/2021 (Permalink)

Mold spreads quickly when the conditions are right. Contact SERVPRO to investigate the cause and remediate the damage on your property.

SERVPRO Performs Mold Inspection to Reveal the True Extent of Infestation in Raleigh Homes

After discovering mold in your Raleigh house, it is possible to underestimate the true extent of the infestation. For example, one of the early signs that might prompt you to seek bathroom mold removal is staining along tile grout lines. However, if you focus on the surfaces, you can overlook a significant underlying problem.

Mold remediation in Raleigh homes should address visible and invisible problems since the hidden mold can cause health effects. For the tiled surfaces, controlled demolition like the one done by SERVPRO helps remove tiles which can be a barrier to reaching the underlying materials in-wall or floor cavities. Without access, it is impossible to carry out the necessary renovation work.

Renovation in the case of mold takes various steps, including:

Mold inspection
Mold removal
Black mold damage repairs

Before SERVPRO embarks on mold remediation in your property, we perform some inspections to determine the true extent of the problem. Since we cannot drill holes or demolish tiles haphazardly, we opt for non-invasive inspection approaches. For instance, using thermal cameras, we can find out whether there is trapped moisture in the wall cavities.

On identifying the problem areas, our SERVPRO technicians look for ways to perform the renovation seamlessly. We start with preparation processes such as deconstruction before embarking on the actual remediation, whereby we remove the moldy or wet wall fillings. We also dry surfaces and apply antifungal agents to prevent further growth. Rebuilding the wall or floor surface helps eliminate the problem, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of South Cary / Apex has extensive experience handling mold remediation. Call us at (919) 615-1160 for convenient renovation, restoring its preloss state.

Fire Damage Restoration at your Place of Business in Raleigh

5/21/2021 (Permalink)

Dealing with the aftermath of a fire can be overwhelming. Contact SERVPRO and we'll be there for you during the entire process.

SERVPRO Can Provide Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration Cleanup for your Raleigh Business

Anywhere electricity runs, there is a possibility that a short could ignite a fire. Your company's warehouse could suffer from an electrical short that causes a blaze to ignite. The flames can then use your warehouse's contents and building materials as fuel and cause smoke and fire damage.

During commercial fire damage cleanup in Raleigh, our SERVPRO technicians can help with structural issues caused by the blaze and problems created by smoke. If a fire ignites inside your warehouse, we can conduct the following services to return your structure to its preloss state:

Fire Restoration
Smoke Remediation
Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration and Cleanup
Water & Fire Damage Restorations
House Fire Clean Up

Before any fire damage restoration work can begin, our crew first secures the working area by eliminating any possible hazards such as electrical issues, trip, and fall hazards. Next, we can address structural problems such as boarding up broken windows or temporarily supporting burnt structural components. Then, we can remove and replace any charred structural elements such as your warehouse's roof trusses as a part of the fire restoration process.

If your warehouse ever happens to have an electrical short that results in a structural blaze, call SERVPRO of South Cary / Apex at (919) 615-1160.

Flood Restoration Services Available in Raleigh

5/15/2021 (Permalink)

Storms can bring floodwater and storm damage. The professionals at SERVPRO are always on call to handle your water damage restoration needs.

SERVPRO Can Help With Water Damage Repairs in Raleigh

Now that it is getting closer to summertime, rainstorms are on their way. During May, it is possible to see a vicious thunderstorm that floods out your neighborhood and causes you to have to conduct water damage restoration procedures. If enough rain pours down in a short period, muddy waters could leak into your house from the ground.

Whenever our SERVPRO team conducts flood water removal in Raleigh, we know that there is a chance that the water is contaminated by harmful bacteria, parasites, viruses, or fungi. Therefore, we conduct our water removal services differently than if the source of the damage was clean water from burst pipes. If muddy water comes into your house from the ground, we consider it a category three scenario, and we can conduct one or all of the following operations depending upon the situation:

Repair Leaking Roofs from Storms
Ceiling Repairs from Water Damages
Water Damage Restoration
Flood Restoration
Basement Flooding Cleanup

When dealing with category three or "black" water situations, we take several steps to reduce the spread of contamination, such as setting up containment chambers and using virucidal products.

If you ever notice water leaking into your house from the ground after a thunderstorm, call SERVPRO of South Cary / Apex at (919) 615-1160.

Have you Ever Needed Water Damage Repair in Raleigh?

5/3/2021 (Permalink)

You can rely upon the professionals of SERVPRO completely for fast and effective water cleanup.

SERVPRO Can Help With Cleaning up After a Sewer Backup in Raleigh

Raleigh, North Carolina, is the state's capital, known as the "City of Oaks." The town gets its nickname from the many oak trees that line the downtown part of the city.

The town itself has a population of close to half a million people, and it's part of the Research Triangle region that is home to around 2 million. The triangle encompasses Raleigh, Chapel Hill and Durham, which houses four large universities. North Carolina State University (NC State) is in Raleigh, Duke University, and North Carolina Central University are in Durham. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is also in the triangle.

Free Things to do in the Raleigh Area

Since the city was established in 1792, it offers a vast amount of history. Along with visiting museums and learning about history, there are the following fun things to do free of charge:

Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park at North Carolina Museum of Art: In this park, people can walk, cycle, or jog on the many trails and pathways. The 164-acre park gives people the chance to traverse through natural areas and enjoy several commissioned works of art.
African American Cultural Center: The center's main goal is to promote appreciation and awareness of everything African American. The center contains an African American Library where visitors can read materials on site. The center also has a Cultural art gallery where people can see the works of prominent African and African American artists.
JC Raulston Arboretum at North Carolina State University: This plant collection is internationally recognized as one of the best tree and shrub collections. The garden contains over 6,000 different plant species from across the world. The nursery also includes several themed gardens where people can walk through and enjoy the extension plant collection.
Buckhorn Disc Golf Course: This course was established in 2001, and now it is known as one of the most challenging disc golf courses in the area. The course will test the players' accuracy with many out-of-bounds areas, tight fairways, and water hazards on six holes.
Bass Lake Park: This park is open year-round every day from 8 a.m. to sunset. The park features a hiking trail, free bank fishing, a wildlife observation platform, and the option to rent canoes and Jon boats.

SERVPRO Can Help You With Sewage Cleanup in Raleigh

Sometimes after age, the seals on a toilet will become worn, and water will leak into the toilet, causing the water to keep turning on to fill the bowl. If your toilet gets clogged and this occurs, you could wake up in the morning to a major mess that requires extensive water cleanup.

Luckily for you, SERVPRO has the industry's best equipment and a highly trained team that can conduct the following services:

Emergency Services Water Damage
Water Clean Up
Water Removal Services
Water Damage Repairs
Basement Flooding Cleanup
Sewage Cleanup

Whenever we conduct water damage remediation, we first check the source of the water. If the source is a backed-up toilet, we take extra precautions since the water most likely contains harmful bacteria, parasites, and viruses.

If you ever notice wet floors after your toilets clogs and leaks all night, call SERVPRO of South Cary / Apex at (919) 615-1160.

Cary Homeowners Can Call SERVPRO for Fire Restoration Services

4/23/2021 (Permalink)

Call our experts after you experience a fire disaster, we have the training your home needs after a fire occurs.

House Fire Clean-up Efforts in Cary are Easy and Effective with SERVPRO’s Help

Allowing a professional water and fire damage restoration crew into your home after a house fire is a decision you will not regret. When accidents happen, SERVPRO is ready to apply its specialized knowledge to reverse smoke damage and make the incident just a thing of the past. All you have to do is call our staff, readily available 24/7, and let us take charge of the fire restoration process.

Fire restoration in a Cary home may extend well beyond the point of ignition. Take, for instance, a kitchen fire, where the resulting soot spreads through the HVAC system reaching other rooms, and its smell permeates every surface in the home. It takes industry-grade cleaners and equipment to neutralize the odor and clean every item without damaging them. The SERVPRO staff understands these nuances and works diligently to achieve the best results while minimizing your loss. The average homeowner may not realize that fire-damaged homes usually require several cleaning methods to erase the fire’s impact. Two of the most basic techniques include-

Mechanical- Usually involves agitation to loosen soil from each surface and make its removal easier.

Chemical- This method involves cleaning substances to interact with the residue and eliminate it. Improper use of chemical solutions can damage the surface permanently and result in a total loss. SERVPRO staff works within the risks and benefits of each cleaning solution available to the team.

Do not underestimate the value of a knowledgeable fire restoration team like SERVPRO of South Cary/Apex. Call us at (919) 615-1160 and let us apply our expertise to your situation. We look forward to leaving your home “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO Partners with Businesses in Raleigh to Eliminate Mold

4/16/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO will get to the root of your mold problem and work to eliminate and prevent further growth. Call us today for assistance.

Raleigh Business Owners Can Rely on SERVPRO for Mold Inspection, Remediation, and Removal

Raleigh businesses and commercial buildings may have mold without anyone noticing. Once a mold inspection, discoloration in the ceiling, or an odd smell makes mold known, quick action is the most crucial step. Every minute mold is left unattended, the situation worsens. Mold can cause health effects in humans, and it is every business owner's responsibility to remediate the issue.

Raleigh mold remediation services are easily accessed by placing a call to SERVPRO at our 24-hour hotline and letting our certified mold specialists assess the situation and recommend a course of action. Every step we take, we do it with safety in mind and to mitigate your loss.

The significant steps recommended for mold remediation include-

Containment- this step is essential in preventing the spread of mold to uncontaminated areas. We achieve that by installing barriers, typically in the form of plastic sheeting, and by introducing negative air pressure into the contained area.

Mold removal- our cleaning methods will vary based on the surface we are cleaning but will most likely include the removal of porous material where mold can proliferate, as well as HEPA vacuuming and the use of abrasive cleaners.

Drying- controlling excess humidity, and applying antimicrobial solutions are typically the last steps in the mold remediation process.

Raleigh business owners can count on SERVPRO of South Cary/Apex for its mold remediation needs. Call us at (919) 615-1160 and leave your business in our capable hands.

A House Fire Clean Up Job in Raleigh is Made Easier by a Team of Fire Restoration Technicians

4/2/2021 (Permalink)

You can depend on our SERVPRO teams to cleanup and restore your property and personal belongings after a fire takes place.

SERVPRO Helps Raleigh Homeowners Face Fire and Smoke Damage

Raleigh, the “City of Oaks,” is growing quickly and continues to be attractive to those wishing to live in the Research Triangle. Despite the prevalence of technology and innovation businesses, the city retains its historical nature in its homes and visible landmarks. Some of the challenges of older homes may include electrical issues that could spark a home fire and threaten the structure itself as well as your belongings.

In Raleigh, SERVPRO is ready to provide fire cleanup services to its residents, whether the home is new or old. The downtown area houses many historic buildings, including the City Market and the Fayetteville Street area, where financial institutions coexist with museums and government buildings. When water and fire damage happens in this sector, our team is aware that hardwood restoration and specialty drying services may be needed. The same can also be said for Inside the Beltline neighborhoods dating back before World War II.

The needs of Midtown Raleigh homes with fire and smoke damage may be very different given the new construction in this community. Just north of the beltline, buildings are more recent and boast more modern materials when compared to traditional downtown structures. In contrast, North Raleigh is a mix of established communities with the growth of newer subdivisions. Regardless of the age of a home, fire and smoke damage can be highly detrimental if left unattended. For the best protection, call a service like SERVPRO. Our technicians are certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) and up-to-date in the fire restoration industry's latest techniques.

What Does Smoke Remediation Mean?

When our SERVPRO clients think of fire restoration, they do not always know what it involves. More often than not, the process includes water restoration services following firefighters' efforts to extinguish the flames. When you walk into your home and find sludge, wet flooring, and layers of soot on every surface, you may not know where to start, but our team has the expertise to guide you through it.

When we work at a fire-damaged home, we try to save your contents as much as possible. Generally speaking, restoration is less costly than replacing your things, and we rely on various methods to salvage them when we can.

Some of those methods include-

Wet cleaning- This method uses water to clean the surface and may include potent cleaning agents depending on the item. In the process, we saturate the surface and remove heavy residue.

Abrasive cleaning – As its name implies, the cleaners are abrasive and powerful. They are often applied with agitators and other mechanical devices to loosen up the residue and remove it. We make sure to pre-test each surface to ensure the cleaning agent won’t cause unnecessary damage.

Spray and wipe- Light residue can be cleaned by spraying a cleaning solution and wiping it down with a clean wipe. This method helps us protect surfaces that could suffer under complete saturation and those where our technician needs to control the sprayed amount.

Whether you live in a historic home or a new development, you run the risk of fire and smoke damage in your home. Call SERVPRO of South Cary/Apex at (919) 615-1160 and let our expert staff work for you and your home when you need it most.

Water Mitigation Services Near Me in Raleigh?

3/16/2021 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO remove the water from your Raleigh bathroom and prevent damage.

SERVPRO of Raleigh Is Here for Your Water Damage Remediation

An overflowing sink can cause many issues for your home and leave you in need of water mitigation services. Here at SERVPRO, we are water damage experts, and our team is filled with IICRC-certified technicians (Institution of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification.) Trust us to restore your home to its preloss state.

While an overflowing sink might not seem like such a big mess once the water is turned off, it would still be a good idea to contact SERVPRO for Raleigh water removal and drying. While a mop and towels might be tempting, water can:

Seep between walls
Wear away adhesive on vinyl floors and soak the baseboard below
Pool underneath your vanity and cause mold growth

Ceiling leaks from burst pipes?

Here at SERVPRO, we are experts in water mitigation. Trust us to find hidden pockets of water in your bathroom and save you from future headaches. We can use advanced technological devices to:

Set up air movers to circulate warm air
Drill small holes in your wall by the baseboards and force warm air with the use of tubes connected to an air mover—injecti-dry to eliminate hard-to-reach moisture
Set up dehumidifiers to condense airborne water vapor into a canister for disposal outside of your home

If water damage strikes your home, call us today. Dial (919) 615-1160 to work with SERVPRO of South Cary / Apex. We are available 24/7.

Where to Find Fire Damage Repair Companies?

3/9/2021 (Permalink)

Yes We can! Call SERVPRO for Raleigh Fire Damage Cleanup and Restoration

SERVPRO can Repair the Fire Damage in Your Raleigh Home!

Going through a house fire is incredibly stressful, but many people never consider the aftermath until they're experiencing it. There are many issues a blaze can leave behind, and it can feel overwhelming to face all of them by yourself.

Here at SERVPRO, we can provide you with local Raleigh fire damage repair services. We specialize in remediating fire damage from the beginning to the end. Some of the after-effects of fire damage you might not consider could be:

Smoke-damaged electronics and appliances
Clothing that smells strongly of smoke
Charred carpets and melted plastics
Water damaged possessions from the extinguishing efforts

House Fire Clean Up

Fortunately, here at SERVPRO, our technicians are trained to handle every aspect of fire damage remediation. We can clean up soot and send washable smoke-ridden clothing to be cleaned in our facilities. Furthermore, we bring advanced equipment right to your door, designed to break up soot for easy removal. When the fire and smoke effects are pervasive our technicians can:

Box up electronics for inspection
Move furniture to our facility to be cleaned
Store your possessions in a locked storage area while we remediate your home
Dry water damaged items from the fire extinguishing efforts

We have your back during your most trying home-emergencies. Call (919) 615-1160 to speak with SERVPRO of South Cary / Apex today! We are ready to help you.

Where Can I Find Fast Groundwater Removal Services?

3/1/2021 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO for stormwater removal and restoration for your Raleigh residence--"Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO Can Quickly Provide You with Raleigh Groundwater Extraction Services!

Raleigh is the capital of North Carolina and was established in the early 1800s. It is known for the oak trees that line the heart of the city. As of 2019, the city is estimated to be home to almost 500,000 people.

Raleigh Trivia:

Every capital city has a interesting history. Since Raleigh was established more than two-hundred years ago, it has quite a lot of past events. Some facts about this city include:

Raleigh's official flag and seal both contain an oak tree
North Carolina State University is in Raleigh
The city was named after Walter Raleigh
Raleigh is an early example of an attempt to plan cities

Things to See in Raleigh

Capital cities throughout the states draw in tourists from all over the world. Though there are thousands of things to do in Raleigh, the following list of places are particularly special:

The Library of the Future, considered to be one of the most advanced libraries in the world
Pullen Parks is one of the world's oldest amusement parts, established in 1887
Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve is a family-friendly park filled with trails to explore
The Juniper Level Botanic Gardens have over 27,000 different native plants and fauna for people to explore

Local Groundwater Removal Services:

Sometimes accidents happen, and a local might find themselves in need of Raleigh-based groundwater removal services. At SERVPRO, our technicians specialize in removing water damage of any kind. Picture a scenario where a severe storm ends up draining groundwater directly into your home, through the front door. Our technicians can help you by:

Being Faster To Any Size Disaster
Bringing advanced technological equipment to your location, designed for water mitigation
Bringing house-made cleaning agents, designed to exterminate microbial growth

Groundwater is never safe to be around. For this reason, it is a good idea to get professional help if you're unsure of the extent of the flooding. Professionals have the training to handle black and grey water safely. Black water can contain:

Biohazards, such as human waste and disposed of medical supplies
Gas and other fuels
Leeched chemicals

Here at SERVPRO, our technicians have protective equipment designed to keep us dry and away from the potentially harmful toxins in black water. Allow us to handle the groundwater on your property, so you do not have to worry about what is safe and what is not. Once inside your home, we can:

Remove the groundwater with equipment such as extractors, wet/dry vacuums, and other drying devices
Tear up any carpet that has been exposed to the black water and dispose of it through municipality garbage removal services
Make flood cuts and remove sodden drywall, to help prevent microbial growth and to cut back on wasted materials
Thoroughly clean your home with cleaning agents designed for the job
Application of microbial agents

If your home requires flood mitigation services, call us today! Dial (919) 615-1160 to speak with SERVPRO of South Cary / Apex. Our technicians are happy to help you!

Is Mold Hiding in Your Raleigh Home?

2/15/2021 (Permalink)

Mold in your home is not healthy. Call the professionals of SERVPRO to give you the mold remediation services to have your home safe again.

SERVPRO can help you address mold damage in your Raleigh home

Homeowners should not let their guard down as far as mold is concerned. Close attention to leaks or excess humidity can make the difference between a slight threat and the widespread presence of mold in your home. Sealing windows and doors and making sure attics and basements are in good shape is essential to prevent significant problems.

If you find mold damage in your Raleigh home, reach out to SERVPRO as soon as possible. Our team is certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), and we carry our expertise to your home as soon as we arrive.

Our technicians employ detection equipment and techniques to identify mold hiding under flooring, behind wallpaper, or in rarely used spaces. Some of the equipment you may see us use includes-

State of the art moisture-meters
Industrial grade dehumidifiers and air movers
HEPA vacuums

Our goal is to eliminate the mold and the risk factors that encourage its growth. With our help, you can mitigate your loss and promote a healthier environment in your home. SERVPRO of South Cary/Apex is available to you around the clock by calling (919) 615-1160. Welcome us into your home and make mold a thing of the past.

Rental Units in Raleigh May Need Help from a Fire Restoration Company

2/9/2021 (Permalink)

A fire in your commercial building will stop business. Call SERVPRO and their IICRC certified technicians for any size fire job.

SERVPRO provides restoration services in both residential and commercial settings in Raleigh

Investors may own one or several rental units in a complex that suddenly faces fire damage. Whether the flames happened in your units or neighboring ones, soot and the smell of smoke may permeate all surfaces. Rather than relying on household cleaning methods, it is best to reach out to a professional restoration company for the most effective cleanup effort.

In Raleigh, fire damage needs are met by our certified crew at SERVPRO. Once you call our 24/7 hotline, you can rely on our team to arrive and assess the situation for safety and appropriate follow-up steps. Fire damage is sometimes compounded by the consequences of sprinklers and extinguishing agents, so water extraction, drying, and disinfecting are all necessary to return the space to its previous condition. In the course of our work, you may see us do the following-

Water extraction with pumps and handheld devices
Specialty drying solutions methods by using drying mats or Injecti-dry technology
Soot removal with EPA-approved cleaning products
Application of anti-microbial solutions

It does not matter how big or small the fire is. Its impact needs to be addressed. Call SERVPRO of South Cary/Apex at (919) 615-1160 for the best in the industry, and let us take care of your needs.

Can Water Damage to a Basement in a Raleigh Home Affect Other Rooms?

2/4/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage is no DIY project. Call the pros at SERVPRO and let their technicians handle the job for you.

Water damage in the foundation of a Raleigh house can have consequences throughout the whole home.

Raleigh, also known as the "City of Oaks," is considered one of the fastest-growing communities in the U.S. It owes its name to Sir Walter Raleigh, an English gentleman of the Elizabethan era. Along with Durham and Chapel Hill, the city is pivotal to the Research Triangle and home to North Carolina State University. Its metropolitan area reaches across Durham and Wake County and houses nearly 1.5 million people.

In 1788 Raleigh was established as the state capital and was incorporated four years later. Its location away from the coast was chosen intentionally. It is considered one of the earliest examples of a planned city, set up as a grid with the State Capitol at its center. Although its economy was deeply affected by the American Civil War, no significant battles were fought in Raleigh. Years later, the Research Triangle Park yielded significant employment opportunities and set the stage for continued growth.

Like much of the United States, Raleigh has had its ups and downs throughout history, but in recent years the city has been recognized as one of the best places to conduct business and to live. Financial services, telecommunications, and pharmaceuticals are among the top industries, but biotech and textiles also play a prominent role in its economic landscape. Technology and IT, and advanced manufacturing are also present, fed by a well-educated cadre of people, typically associated with the academic institutions in the area.

The Performing Arts in Raleigh

Raleigh's weather makes its venues usable virtually year-round, and a vibrant artistic community continues to flourish. The city is home to some of the most famous professional arts organizations in the state, most notably the North Carolina Symphony and the Opera Company of North Carolina. Numerous performing arts spaces offer programming, as do those located within the colleges and universities in the area. Some of the most famous landmarks include-

Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts
Red Hat Amphitheater
Dorton Arena

As expected, museums and art galleries also grace Raleigh's streets, including the North Carolina Museum of Art, Art Space, and Visual Art Exchange. Diversity of thought and culture throughout the city makes it ideal for exploring and learning for all its residents.

Upkeep of Raleigh Homes

Many homes in Raleigh are spacious and enjoy bonus rooms and basements. Naturally, water events occur, including leaks and plumbing mishaps. When this happens, your basement may capture water creating the need for water extraction services. At SERVPRO, we have the necessary equipment and expertise to arrive into your home and extract excess moisture and humidity. Among the tools you may see, you can find

Submersible pumps
Truck-mounted pumps
Air circulators
Injecti-dry technology

Regardless of your specific circumstances, SERVPRO of South Cary/Apex has the know-how necessary to restore your home and prevent unfortunate consequences. Do yourself a favor and call us at (919) 615-1160 as soon as you detect the issue. With our help, our home will be in top shape in no time.

Need Some Help Sharpening Your Focus on Work and Home Tasks in Cary?

1/18/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is looking forward to seeing what the online event has to offer for Cary residents!

Pick Up Some Hints During an Online Event Available to Cary Residents -- “How To Improve Your Focus and Limit Distractions” Raleigh

Now more than ever, Cary residents can benefit from some pro tips to help banish the tendency to get sidetracked when you need to be productive. You have a long to-do list -- let’s work on ensuring your eye is on the prize. Perfect for busy parents, stressed students, overwhelmed professionals, and anyone who feels a little “foggy” these days.

The training is free of charge and online.

Date and time: Wednesday, January 27, 2021

2:00 to 2:30 pm

Learning Targets:

Become more productive through increased focus.
Use online tools and apps geared toward enhancing concentration.
Practice tricks that result in being on task and attentive.

Register through Eventbrite Cary

Count on the deodorization professionals at SERVPRO of South Cary / Apex to hone in on effective fire cleanup for smoke odors. We are available for a consultation at (919) 615-1160 so you can focus on other tasks while we eradicate post-fire malodors.

What Should a Reliable Fire Damage Restoration Firm Offer Raleigh Residents?

1/10/2021 (Permalink)

When your home office is faced with fire damage, don’t panic. SERVPRO can get a handle on the situation fast. Call 24/7 for emergency services.

SERVPRO Commits the Time and Investment Needed to Restore Fire Damage Regardless of Cause or Intensity

One of the worst fires in Raleigh history can trace its roots to an even more massive conflagration in an urban area 65 miles away. During Sunday morning services on May 29, 1831, most Fayetteville residents congregated in their respective churches. As the church members and ministers streamed out on their way home at noon, they noticed a fire gaining force in the town center.

What Caused the Fayetteville Fire of 1831?

As is common in many household fires, the Fayetteville blaze began in a kitchen just off Market Square. The community came together to battle the blaze, but the flames leaped from one wooden structure to the next. Fayetteville did have a fire engine, but it could not keep up with the rapidly spreading fire. Eventually, those operating the fire engine gave up, and the heat and flames consumed the equipment. Men and women tried to control the raging fire with buckets and fire blankets but to little avail.

What Historic North Carolina Buildings Fell to the Fire?

Raleigh was a planned community and eventual capital of North Carolina, but the Capitol was not built until 1792. The State House where the North Carolina Assembly met and finally ratified the United States Constitution on a second try was located in Fayetteville. Debate raged like the 1831 fire in Fayetteville from November 16 through 23, 1789, about accepting the U.S. Constitution and joining the new federal Union, but ratification prevailed. As the wind gusted and embers flew through the air in May 1831, the Old State House caught and burned to the ground. After four hours and despite the hard work of the townspeople, 600 buildings met their ends in Fayetteville:

Hundreds of homes
A school
Two hotels
More than a hundred stores
Two banks
All the town's houses of worship save the Methodist church

How Was the Fayetteville Fire Finally Stopped?

Ultimately the townspeople fought fire with gunpowder, blowing up homes and other buildings to remove fuel sources that would permit the fire to continue its destruction. It was nearly a miracle that no one died, and as it was spring moving into summer, the community also had time to recover. Most property owners were uninsured. Word spread throughout the country of the catastrophe, and contributions came in from all over. Rebuilding proceeded.

What Does the Fayetteville Fire Have to Do with Raleigh?

Because of the May 29, 1831 fire, North Carolina state leaders focused on considering whether the governmental buildings in Raleigh were exposed to the same kind of risk as happened to the north. In Raleigh, the State House had a wooden roof that concerned officials after the terrific amount of fire damage suffered in Fayetteville. Thomas Bragg, a general contractor, accepted the job of fireproofing the capitol building, charging $1940 for the project.

When Was the Work Done on the Raleigh State House?

Just weeks after the Fayetteville fire, crews began the process of retrofitting the roof in Raleigh. After assessing the situation, a reckoning to install sheets of zinc plate on the roof to prevent the kind of opportunistic fire spread seen in Fayetteville in late May occurred. Wood-framed, clad, and roofed buildings were very vulnerable to sparks and embers, and government officials were eager to protect the Raleigh State House's wood roof for the present and into the future.

What Could Possibly Go Wrong During the Raleigh Roofing?

Then-Governor Montfort Stokes observed the re-roofing and felt a step was missing. The Governor's concern was that the zinc sheets fastened with nails. He wondered and worried that the holes created by the nails would permit water to leak through the roof into the Raleigh State House. Governor Stokes talked with Bragg about what he noted. He suggested to the contractor that each nailhead needed soldering to prevent roof leakage.

The early morning of June 21, 1831 (5 am) saw three workers climbing the Raleigh Capitol roof to complete the zinc installation.
Workers passed iron pots with live and burning coals onto the roof to permit them to heat the driven nail heads and solder them to the zinc plates.
During a breakfast break, the workers left the hot iron pots on the roof surface.
The pots caused the roof to catch fire.

What Were the Consequences of the Raleigh State House Fire?

Much like the old State House in Fayetteville, the Raleigh State Capitol burned, with failed attempts to save essential records and the Canova statue of George Washington, a marble work stylizing the first President as a Roman general. The statue was a complete, headless ruin after the fire. For a time after the crisis, the chance that Raleigh would lose its standing as North Carolina's state capital was a definite possibility. More than a year later, in December 1832, the General Assembly relented and appropriated $50,000 for the Capitol's reconstruction on Raleigh's Union Square.

How Can Homeowners Avoid the Total Destruction of Their Raleigh Abodes?

The building and firefighting industries have come a long way since the tinderbox roofs of 19th century Fayettevill and Raleigh allowed fires to skip from building to building with abandon. Fire damage restoration provided by SERVPRO has advanced as well, offering the chance to transform smoke and flame-derived harm back to the cozy home you and your family enjoyed before the fire.

What Does SERVPRO Do in the Aftermath of a Fire?

Our Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)-trained managers and crews arrive ready to assess the safety hazards and the damage. Once we control safety issues at the scene, SERVPRO swings into gear:

Removing and appropriately disposing of the water used to knock down flames
Planning for the products and techniques needed to clean residues
Implementing the professional plan, employing personal protective equipment (PPE) and containment strategies to keep your loved ones safe
Deodorizing
Arranging for repairs and rebuilding

Fire damage restoration is vital to the mission of SERVPRO of South Cary / Apex. Our highly-trained and well-equipped team of fire loss recovery experts await your call at (919) 615-1160. Let's partner together to make it "Like it never even happened."

Where Can Trivia Fans Find a Challenge in Downtown Raleigh?

1/10/2021 (Permalink)

It will be exciting to see the community competing at the trivia night!

Trivia Night at Southern Charred Is a Monday Night Must in Raleigh -- See You January 18, 2021

Triangle’s Talented Trivia Emcee Lee Jones awaits challengers Mondays at Southern Charred! Thirst-quenching drinks, delicious food, and fun prizes make the experience a night to remember. Show off your knowledge and enjoy some time with friends at Trivia Night on January 18, 2021, and dates ongoing.

Date and time: January 18, 2021 7:00 pm

Groups welcome: Up to 8 at a table

Location: Southern Charred

510 Glenwood Avenue

Suite 101

Raleigh, NC 27603

Free admission

Find the leader among Raleigh water companies without playing twenty questions when you hire SERVPRO of South Cary / Apex. Our crews are pros, nailing any query you have -- your concerns are never trivial to our managers or technicians. Call (919) 615-1160 for a prompt assessment and practical intervention.

Raleigh Water Damage from Storm-Related Flooding

12/15/2020 (Permalink)

Raleigh Has a Good Local Government backed by SERVPRO for Storm Damage Restoration

SERVPRO Supports Raleigh, A Community with A History of Looking Forward

Raleigh, and North Carolina as a whole, is unique both in history and geography. Our region is home to three of the East Coast’s major Native American peoples; the Algonquian, Iroquois, and Siouan. The area is also home to Virginia Dare, the first child born of settlers in the first attempt to establish an English colony. North Carolina was the first of the thirteen colonies to call for independence from England in 1776 with the Halifax Resolves.

In the next decades, Raleigh became one of the centers for our state’s early industrial operations, distinguishing it from the other Southern states. It also maintained a larger number of yeoman farmers (small landowners) rather than seeing a small group of families owning large estates (i.e. the Gentry) and therefore controlling the lives of a large share of the poorer population.

A Place for Higher Education

This attitude and outlook also fueled the appreciation for higher education. Throughout the 19th and early 20th century, local and state officials laid the foundation for what is our nation’s finest community college network and a public school system that regularly outperforms a majority of the other states. To help fund them both, Raleigh and North Carolina officials developed a network of paved state roads to ensure fast, efficient transportation that helped our state continue to thrive even in the dark days of the Great Depression.

The diverse number of people at Raleigh’s beginning is still reflected today in the composition of its city council. Local representatives still have that appreciation for higher education and the ability to look ahead for what our capital city needs in the future and not get lost in short-sighted efforts rarely even meet short-term goals.

Raleigh City Council – Representative Local Government at Its Best

The Raleigh City Council consists of eight area citizens elected for two-year terms. The Mayor is also a member of the Council and is one of three council members elected at large. Each of the other five is elected from within their home districts. The Raleigh City Council establishes City policy, enacts local laws, and adopts the municipal budget annually. Current Council members include the following:

Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin - Chair of the Safe, Healthy, and Vibrant Community Committee and a member of the Economic Development and Innovation Committee. Previously, the Mayor served as Raleigh’s liaison to the State General Assembly and worked extensively on both the Public Works and Transportation Committees.
Nicole Stewart, Mayor Pro-Temp and At Large Council Member – Chair of the Growth and Natural Resources Committee and member of the Transportation and Transit Committee. Member Stewart is also the Development Director of North Carolina Conservation Network, which combines the efforts of more than 60 groups to protect North Carolina’s environment.
Jonathan Melton, At Large Council Member – Chair of the Economic Development and Innovation Committee and Member of the Transportation and Transit Committee. Member Melton is a family law attorney helping Raleigh families find solutions that resolve custody and other issues. He is also a founding member of Stonewall Sports Inc., an LGBTQ sports league.
Patrick Buffkin, District A Council Member – Vice-Chair of the Transportation and Transit Committee and member of the Safe, Healthy, and Vibrant Community Committee. Member Buffkin is a staff attorney with North Carolina Utilities Commission and previously served on Raleigh’s Parks, Recreation, and Greenways Advisory Board.
David Cox, District B Council Member – Council Liaison to the Environmental Advisory Board, Human Relations Commission, and Stormwater Management Advisory Commission. Member Cox is also the Vice-Chair of the Safe, Healthy, and Vibrant Community Committee and volunteers with the National Kidney Foundation and Transplant Recipients International Organization (TRIO).
Corey Branch, District C Council Member – Chair of the Transportation and Transit Committee and member of the Economic Development and Innovation Committee. Member Branch also serves as the Regional Leadership Chair with a Summer leadership program that hosts high school students from North Carolina and six other states.
Stormie D. Forte, District D Council Member - Advisory to N.C. Independent Colleges and Universities Ethics Bowl and a Commissioner on North Carolina Commission for Racial and Ethnic Disparities. Member Forte is also a licensed attorney in North Carolina and with the Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts of the North Carolina Federal Court.
David Knight, District E Council Member – Vice-Chair of the Economic Development and Innovation Committee and member of the Growth and Natural Resources Committee. Member Knight has previously served as Chair of the Wake County Water Partnership and the Raleigh Water Conservation Task Force as well as Assistant Secretary of Natural Resources for the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

What Does SERVPRO Do to Support Raleigh Flood Restoration?

Raleigh residents still have to deal with the weather though. Hurricane season may be short, but thunderstorms can happen every month of the year. To help restore neighborhoods after flood damage, SERVPRO specialists quickly remove standing water, dry the structure, and clean both the structural and personal property.

Water Removal – Team members use equipment that ranges in size from backpack model water extractors to truck-mounted pumps that can clear everything from a closet to clearing out Mayor Baldwin’s home.
Drying The Structure – Specialists use a combination of box fans and air movers to draw out the damp air inside a residence and replace it with a warm flow of air that increases the natural rate of evaporation and forces moisture out of wood and drywall.
Cleaning Property – Teams utilize an extensive chemical cleaner inventory to remove the soils, stains, and odors left behind by the contaminants in floodwater. Quick action can return much of the affected property to its pre-flood condition.

If your Raleigh home needs restoration or repair from flood damage after a storm, call SERVPRO of South Cary / Apex at (919) 615-1160 today. Our office is a proud supporter of our community and treats every customer like a neighbor. We are here for you.

Keeping Raleigh Employed and Safe for 2021!

12/14/2020 (Permalink)

Community Entities in the Greater Raleigh Area Work to Up the Employment Number--Meanwhile--SERVPRO Can Restore Water Damaged Properties

Drive-Thru Employment Fair for Raleigh Residents

In nearby Greensboro, on December 18^th, NC Works, along with Goodwill Industries and the City of Greensboro, is sponsoring a Drive-Thru Career Fair for Raleigh and other area jobseekers. The Mt. Zion Baptist Church is proudly hosting the event in their sanctuary parking lot on 1301 Alamance Church Road.

Keeping the Faith and Finding Work in the Raleigh Area

Mt. Zion strongly believes in community service and Bishop Pierce has gathered his flock to help anyone who is seeking to better themselves through the blessing of employment. The Fair is assisting anyone who drives up from 10:30 am to 2:00 pm. The first half-hour has information specifically geared for our area’s Military Veterans.

All volunteers will be masked for the event and wearing other PPE as needed to safely support everyone seeking assistance.

As Mt. Zion Church helps our neighbors in Raleigh and other communities, SERVPRO of South Cary / Apex is dedicated to keeping our neighborhoods safe when it comes to water mitigation and helping residents through other disasters. To schedule a service call or an inspection, call us at (919) 615-1160 today. Happy Holidays Everybody!

Mindfulness Meditation in Raleigh

12/4/2020 (Permalink)

You can meditate and contemplate the great job of Mold Remediation being done by SERVPRO at your Raleigh home

Helping Raleigh Residents Reduce Stress

On December 7^th, Charles A. Francis is hosting an online Mindfulness Meditation group. The session begins at 7:00 pm. Charles has designed this to be useful to those experienced in meditation as well as friendly to a person trying mindful meditation for the first time. This makes the session an ideal time for families to try a new activity in this stressful time.

Charles begins with a discussion of Mindfulness Meditation and how it can be useful to everyone, regardless of their job, background, or economic situation. Then, he teaches new participants the basics while helping more experienced attendees advance

Details for Attending the Session

There is no fee to attend and there is no restriction on the number of people who wish to participate. All virtual attendees must be respectful of others in the topic discussion or will be asked to leave the session. Anyone continuing to disrupt the session will be blocked.

When it comes to mold removal companies, Raleigh residents need trained professionals. That is why SERVPRO of South Cary / Apex should be your first call. Contact us today at (919) 615-1160 to begin removal or to schedule an inspection.

Conflict Management Classroom Training in Raleigh, NC

11/22/2020 (Permalink)

We hope to see you at the Conflict Management and Communication Skills Virtual Classroom!

Raleigh Professionals Can Benefit from Valuable Insight on Conflict Management in the Workplace and Beyond with this Virtual Class

When you put many personalities into one workplace, there will inevitably be conflict from time to time. With the Conflict Management and Communication Skills Virtual Classroom, participants have the chance to learn a variety of techniques for managing a dynamic team with both firmness and sensitivity. Each participant will receive a Vistaedutech Course Completion Certificate.

   •   Date: November 27, 2020, from 9 am to 5 pm
   •   Where: Virtually through the Conflict Management Classroom Training program at Vistaedutech
   •   Cost: The training fee is $599 for the online classroom

This is eight hours of an intensive and interactive workshop guided by industry experts. Course instruction includes demonstrations, brainstorming sessions, case studies, and more.

SERVPRO of South Cary/Apex always supports our local communities regarding enrichment activities and ongoing learning opportunities. If your business requires prompt, reliable fire cleanup and restoration, we are the team to call. We offer emergency service every day of the week, including nights, holidays, and weekends. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster - have a crew dispatched to your business when you need us by calling (919) 615-1160.

Cary Residents – Don’t Miss the FS Series 2020 Inside-Out Sports Turkey Trot!

11/15/2020 (Permalink)

We hope to see you at The 2020 Inside-Out Sports Turkey Trot!

Enjoy a Series of Races for the Entire Family to Kick-Off this Season in Cary, NC

The 2020 Inside-Out Sports Turkey Trot offers several unique opportunities to get out and enjoy the fresh air with an in-person 5k or virtual 1 mile, 5k, and 8k races. This year, due to local guidelines and safety precautions surrounding COVID-19, Cary residents have various options for taking part in the Annual Turkey Trot.

   •   The 5k in-person event and 1-mile Fun Run will be taking place at WakeMed Soccer Park on November 21, 2020.
   •   Walk-up registrations and packet pickups will take place at Inside-Out Sports on November 18, 19, and 20th from 10 am to 8 pm.
   •   Virtual packet pickups take place November 23 to November 30 from 10 am to 8 pm, and the race wraps up on November 30

For further details about this event, feel free to contact the team at Inside-Out Sports in Cary, NC.

SERVPRO of South Cary / Apex would like to wish everyone in the area a safe and happy Thanksgiving holiday. When it comes to handling flooding clean up after a severe storm, it is best to work with the experts. Get in contact with us by calling (919) 615-1160, and we can send a crew out quickly to get to work.

Raleigh, NC, Business Owners Can Trust SERVPRO for Water Restoration Results

11/8/2020 (Permalink)

Call the crew at SERVPRO when your property is damaged!

Certified Water Restoration Technicians (WRT) Ensure Raleigh Business Gets Back on Track Faster After a Water Emergency

There is a lot that sets Raleigh, NC, apart from many cities within the United States. With a family-friendly atmosphere and growing opportunities for up and coming businesses, it is no wonder why this region thrives. Being touted one of the top places to live within the State of North Carolina, as well as the largest city located in the Southeast, it is easy to see why so many happy residents love to call this area home.

Often referred to as a quaint yet modern town, there is a whole lot more than meets the eye when taking a closer look at Raleigh. Not only is it a large technology hub that is steadily growing, but it is also home to some of the finest nightlife, arts, and cultural destinations within the state.

Raleigh has a population of over 460,000 people and spans across 146 square miles. Founded back in 1792 as the state capital of North Carolina, the city got its name from Sir Walter Raleigh. The namesake is known for attempting to establish the very first English colony in the 1580s along the shores of this new-found world.

You will find over 9,000 acres of amazing parkland throughout this awe-inspiring region with about 1,300 acres of water. Due to the landscape, this area is a hub for a broad range of year-round recreational activities, from hiking trails and jogging areas to watersports and more. Some of the main points of interest in Raleigh, NC include:

   •   A national historic landmark, which is known as the North Carolina State Capitol.
   •   The historical neighborhood that is known as Historic Oakwood, which is listed in the Historic Places National Register and home to many 19th century Victorian homes.
   •   Notable shopping locations, including Cary Towne Center, Beaver Creek Commons, White Oak Crossing, and a large selection of upscale stores and specialty shops.
   •   A diverse selection of dining spots, including everything from brewhouses and Southern cooking eateries to bakeries, wineries, and craft beer hotspots.

In addition to the vast list above, Raleigh is also well-known for being home to three incredible free museums for history, natural sciences, and the arts. These three locations are The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, The North Carolina Museum of Art, and finally, the North Carolina Museum of History. There is also the Marbles Kids Museum for the young or young-at-heart, which is a popular destination for special exhibits, role-playing and hands-on adventures, and a massive 3D iMax theatre.

Understanding Common Causes of Commercial Water Damage in the Raleigh, NC Area
While many people associate water damage with storms and flash flooding, there can be many incidents that commercial property owners face that call for prompt action. You may notice the onset of water damage from areas such as:

   •   Broken appliances
   •   Faulty machinery
   •   Issues with bathroom fixtures
   •   Leaking roofs
   •   Corroded or frozen pipes
   •   Poor drainage
   •   Storm damage
   •   Malfunctioning water heaters
   •   HVAC system problems, and more

With skilled water damage restoration and recovery services, you can stop the moisture in its tracks before it has the chance to turn into secondary damage. Some of the most-used processes when SERVPRO gets called to handle Raleigh commercial water damage include:

   •   Water cleanup and damage repair
   •   Document drying
   •   Structural drying
   •   Furniture drying and restoration

When looking at commercial water restoration, each job is unique and must get treated as such. Skilled water restoration technicians (WRT) work quickly to inhibit mold and mildew growth while addressing the potential for foul odors due to lingering moisture. Whether you had a burst pipe in your retail space or a slow leak behind employee bathroom walls, SERVPRO of South Cary/Apex has proven methods and equipment to get the job done.

Top-Notch Water Restoration for Raleigh Businesses and Commercial Locations of All Kinds
SERVPRO of South Cary/Apex strives to bring local businesses the prompt response and high-quality services that they need when faced with a water-related emergency. Being local-owned and operated, our focus on the betterment of our local community shines through with our dedication to restoration and continually staying up with all of the industry's latest trends.

With a simple telephone call, you can count on:

   •   Highly-trained technicians with certifications through the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC).
   •   We offer our services seven days a week, 24 hours a day – this means you have a crew at your door and ready to work within hours of your call.
   •   Our crew is Faster to Any Size Disaster, which ensures your business is back up and running without costly downtime and hefty damages.

Whether you happen to be in charge of a small eatery with just a few tables or a property manager running a large production facility with over 100 employees, you need to know that you have restoration professionals to restore your interior to preloss condition, fast.

How Does SERVPRO Handle Water Restoration when Called to Commercial Property Incidents?
Whenever a water emergency occurs, the quicker that you call in help from professionals to your Raleigh business, the better. The faster you act, the easier it will be to salvage your building's contents while also limiting damages as we restore your business to preloss condition.

Once you contact our skilled team for commercial water restoration in Raleigh, we will:

   •   Arrive on-site and ready to get to work within hours of your call.
   •   Bring our unique techniques and advanced equipment to the job to facilitate water cleanup and drying.
   •   We take added measures to ensure mold does not overtake your commercial space.
   •   If necessary, we perform controlled demolition to remove any unsalvageable building materials and replace them with all-new materials.

Even a small leak within your commercial property can mean costly damages. We always work to repair rather than replace and move quickly to limit the onset of secondary damage.

SERVPRO of South Cary / Apex is the team to call when you have tough decisions to make regarding water restoration. To have our Green Fleet dispatched to your commercial building to begin the assessment phase, give us a call 24 hours a day at (919) 615-1160.

Is it Better to Throw Everything Away Inside a Burned Raleigh Residence?

10/29/2020 (Permalink)

Call us at (919) 615-1160 for knowledgeable, efficient cleanup assistance.

Cleaning and Restoration of A Fire-Damaged Home in Raleigh is Often Less Expensive than Replacing the Contents

Property owners often need assistance in determining how likely restoration efforts might provide suitable results, making items usable again after a disaster occurs to a home in Raleigh. Replacing belongings is only one option. However, it may cost homeowners more and create additional confusion and hardship than other available possibilities.

The type of disaster influences the overall costs involved in restoring your family's belongings, as well as the amount of damage inflicted inside a house. The team from SERVPRO uses their comprehensive training in smoke and fire damage cleanup to help Raleigh homeowners put such a horrific situation behind them. Although the process might seem complicated because of the varied approaches we use, we follow specific protocols to create a uniform, organized environment. This makes our cleaning methods even more efficient.

The way SERVPRO organizes a family’s belongings after a fire helps minimize the number of things they must replace. Because some items need extensive restorative work carried out at our facility, determining this can shave weeks off the final date. We package these items in boxes. We wrap them securely, creating an inventory sheet as we work. We also take items that require cleaning with ultrasonic technology to our facility, also. Other items that we can clean and restore on-site go through a categorization process.
•   Heavily soiled, non-porous items,
•   Fabrics and other textiles that might need laundering after vacuuming, and
•   Personal items your family needs as soon as possible.

Your previously tidy Holly Springs, NC home, most likely gave you and your family members a horrible shock after a fire. Still, SERVPRO of South Cary / Apex knows how to erase the ugly effects of smoke and destruction and save you money in the process. Call us at (919) 615-1160 for knowledgeable, efficient cleanup assistance.

Where Can Property Owners Get Help After Water Damage Occurs?

10/19/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage in your Raleigh residence? Call SERVPRO now.

To Get their Raleigh Property to its Pre-loss State, Homeowners Should Hire Water Restoration Companies Such as SERVPRO.

A water intrusion incident in your Raleigh residence can have lasting effects if the restoration process takes longer to begin. Odors may linger in the property, and wooden surfaces may start to rot. Getting your property back in order can be daunting, but professional restorers can help with the recovery process.

How long do I have before additional damage occurs?

When water seeps into your property, damage begins to occur in less than 24 hours. Acting fast by hiring restorers from SERVPRO, which is among the leading water restoration companies in Raleigh, can help save as much property as possible. The sooner we begin the restoration process, the better. We use approved techniques and innovative equipment and tools for effective restoration. Our team of restorers has decades of experience in handling water damage.

Do I have to leave the house during restoration?

That depends on the severity of the water damage. If water flooded many rooms in your property, you could leave for a day or two. Also, our equipment can be noisy and create a lot of air movement making the property unlivable. Suppose the damage extends to your kitchen, bathroom, or bedroom. In that case, you can consult your insurance company to see if it can meet the cost of alternate accommodation until your property is restored fully. However, if the damage did not cover a big area, you do not have to vacate your residence.

What are the effects of water on a wooden floor?

Warping and buckling: When wood absorbs water, it expands. The boards can wrap and buckle at the joints due to expansion. The longer the wood absorbs water, the more it buckles.
Cupping and crowning: Cupping occurs when wood absorbs water from the bottom and sides, causing the edges to rise slightly. While crowning happens when the top of the wood holds more moisture than the sides.
Wood rot: This occurs when wood stays submerged in water for an extended period.

Can you dry the affected carpet and pad?

SERVPRO technicians can remove water from your carpet using deep extraction tools. The period it takes to dry a carpet and pad depends on various factors, including:

The pad’s weight
Overall pad thickness
The pad’s density

We can use thermal imaging cameras to determine how far the water traveled. If water has seeped under the padding, we can use a knee kicker, seaming iron, power stretcher, carpet shears, and latex adhesive to remove your carpet and pad without damaging them. We can then use air moving and dehumidification equipment to dry the area.

Experienced professionals can handle water damage restoration best. Contact SERVPRO of South Cary / Apex at (919) 615-1160 for effective restoration. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

How Does Water Get Removed from Hidden Cavities in a Residence?

10/8/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has the experienced technicians with the equipment and expertise your home needs after a water catastrophe. Give us a call right away.

SERVPRO Uses a Variety of Techniques to Detect Moisture and Dry Homes in Raleigh.

Raleigh is the capital of North Carolina and a college town. It can trace its history back to pre-Revolutionary War days. Raleigh was one of the very first planned cities in the U.S. Today, it is where a diverse group of people live, many of whom own homes. A lot of planning goes on in the city today, but one thing you cannot plan is water damage. When appliances malfunction or supply lines in the home burst, hundreds to thousands of gallons of water can pour into a home. This water can travel into wall cavities, down stairwells, and through ceilings into lower levels.

Why are Water Location and Moisture Levels Important?

Seemingly small problems such as leaking pipes under the sink can quickly become large problems if the homeowner is away or sleeping when it happens. Where water removal in your Raleigh home takes place can depend on the water movement direction. If it ends up behind walls or other hidden cavities, you can end up with more damage in those places than to the original location of the water intrusion. SERVPRO technicians use advanced equipment to locate water and identify moisture levels to ensure proper drying. Water can become trapped in many places in residential properties, including:

Behind walls
Cabinets
Under floors
Ceilings
Crawl spaces

What Equipment is Used to Detect Moisture?

Our technicians use several methods when looking for water damage. They do not depend on just one technique. Our crews employ all available resources to make sure the job gets done thoroughly and professionally. One of the tools they use is moisture meters. There are different types, including penetrating and non-penetrating models. We have meters that are precisely calibrated to detect the moisture content of specific types of material.

Moisture sensors are another type of device that gets used. These are often used to probe carpet and padding. The moisture sensors help technicians to discover where the saturation levels are and where the water has migrated to in terms of depth. They can provide input into whether the subflooring is damaged.

Thermal imaging cameras, or infrared cameras as they are often called, are convenient for finding hidden moisture. They are portable detection devices that help evaluate moisture levels in building materials. They can also be used to check levels as the drying process is taking place.

What Role Does Controlled Demolition Play?

When water ends up in places like behind a cabinet, letting it dry on its own is not a wise idea. Moisture damages building materials progressively. Secondary damage such as mold can occur in as little as twenty-four hours. Water extraction is key to efficient structural drying, but the techs need to access the areas. Controlled demolition involves removing or modifications to the impacted material, such as drywall, permitting that access. Several methods used to release water and allow the warm, dry air to flow into the cavities are:

Flood cuts – cutting and removing a portion of drywall. The cuts get made two to three feet above the water level. Drywall and insulation are removed and replaced in those spaces.
Weep holes – punched into bulging walls and ceilings allows trapped water to be released before they collapse.
Removing toe kicks – Built-in cabinets have toe kicks, which can be removed to allow access to the space behind the cabinet.
Baseboard or beadboard drilling – This allows water pooled at the base of the wall to drain.
Injecti-dry equipment – uses positive or negative airflow into the void for better drying. Often we place tubes inside the baseboard weep holes to force in warm air for positive air pressure or suction out residual water using negative air pressure.

SERVPRO technicians are trained and experienced in making the proper cutaways and drill holes in drywall, ceiling tiles, painted or wallpapered walls, and mortar joints. When done correctly, these tactics allow for minimal damage, complete water removal, and optimal drying of the structure.

Professional Water Removal Prevents Damage

With water intrusions, it is best to let professionals assess the situation. Just because you cannot see a problem does not mean it does not exist when it comes to moisture and where it can migrate. When SERVPRO mitigates water damage by providing expert water removal and drying procedures, it saves the homeowner time and money. Restoration rather than replacement, when possible, saves money. Fast mitigation means less damage to the home and content, saving you both.

We are water removal experts and can have your home restored to preloss condition before you know it, if at all possible. Do not risk costly repairs due to hidden water damage. Contact SERVPRO of South Cary / Apex at (919) 615-1160 for quality water removal service. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Why Does My Business Premises Smell Musty?

9/14/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO's Professional Mold Containment Is a Crucial Factor in Remediation and Removal for Raleigh Area Commercial Sites

Musty Odors Are a Symptom of Mold Infestation. SERVPRO is a Commercial Mold Remediation Company for Raleigh Businesses.

Are my staff and clients safe in premises with mold?

Microbial organisms can have health effects on members of your Raleigh staff or clients. However, health issues associated with mold are usually minor. What can be concerning is the type of working environment you are providing. Mold can make a work environment unsanitary. Using a professional remediator to solve microbial growth issues in your business is the best long-term solution. Qualified technicians can act quickly to inhibit mold growth, remove infested materials, and try to prevent microbial problems from returning. SERVPRO works with commercial clients regularly and can arrive on-site in as little as four hours from receiving notification of loss.

What are the initial stages of mold remediation?

Providing a safe working space for technicians and reduce the chances of disturbing molds, including isolation barriers
Document and record the conditions within your workplace as well as the extent of the infestation
Contain the source of the issue to prevent further infestation

Are long-term mold issues harder to restore?

When a problem grows to a specific size and requires commercial mold remediation in your Raleigh business, we may have to replace the affected materials altogether. Physically removing mold-infested materials can cause spores to become airborne. To ensure that your business remains free from further infestation, our technicians can apply negative air-pressure when physically removing damaged materials. These air scrubber machines help to capture any spores that may become airborne when physically removing materials like drywall. Outfitted with HEPA and charcoal filters, indoor air quality can be significantly improved.

What are the late stages of mold remediation

Removing contamination from your business, including more extensive materials
Protecting surfaces using anti-microbial chemicals
Correcting the initial issue that causes mold growth (usually a moisture problem)

If a microbial growth issue affects staff and customers in your business premises, contact SERVPRO of South Cary / Apex at (919) 615-1160.

Does a Pipe Leak in My Home Cause That Much Damage?

9/13/2020 (Permalink)

Bursting pipes in your home can cause a lot more damage than you think. Contact SERVPRO 24/7 for professional remediation services.

Pipes Breaking or Defective Home Appliances in Your Raleigh Home Can Cause Extensive Damage

Believe it or not, a pipe bursting, or a water line from a toilet breaks, your Raleigh home can become flooded quickly if unnoticed. A broken water pipe can leak out up to 160 gallons or more per hour. Pipes can freeze and burst, break from age, or appliances may falter, causing excessive water in your home, potentially causing a great deal of damage.

Does the Source of the Water Matter?

Water Sources Are Critical in Determining Contamination Levels in Your Raleigh Home

Technicians determine water removal procedures for your Raleigh home based on several factors, including the water contamination levels. Contaminated water creates a set of unique challenges and can cause dangers to human and pet health. Water that comes from an unflushed toilet needs to be removed with the appropriate protective gear, while clear water coming from a dishwasher may not require the same amount of care.

What are the Different Categories of Water?

Clean Water (Category 1): Treated, non-contaminated water may have come from a broken appliance or overflowing bathtub or sink. The easiest way to think of category 1 water is that it is unused and does not cause potential harm to other humans.

Gray Water (Category 2): Used water with waste products but does not have human waste. An overflowing toilet without solid waste is considered gray water.

Black Water (Category 3) Water containing human waste or water that has moved across the soil, such as floodwater. Blackwater is not necessarily black but considered contaminated.

How is the Cleanup Handled Differently for Each Category?

Category 1: Standard removal with extraction equipment, carpets and pads typically do not require replacement.

Category 2: Since it does not usually carry the threat of disease, however, technicians use PPE (personal protective equipment) and place emphasis on antimicrobial cleaning. Carpets and pads must be thoroughly cleaned.

Category 3: Technicians wear full PPE gear and often require that residents and pets vacate the home throughout the cleaning procedures. Carpets need replacement.

For 24/7 assistance with water removal, contact SERVPRO of Cary / Morrisville / Apex at (919) 615-1160.

Click here for more information about Raleigh.

Can One Company Repair Roof Damage and Attic Flooding in Raleigh Homes?

9/1/2020 (Permalink)

When storms come, often damage follows. We can help! SERVPRO has the manpower and equipment to restore your home.

With In-House Contractors and Knowledgeable Restoration Professionals, our SERVPRO Team can be a One-Stop-Shop for Flood repairs and Drying

With torrential storms like Hurricane Florence that impacted the Raleigh area in recent years, homeowners were awakened to how unprepared many structures were for torrential rains, damaging winds, and other compromising conditions. Roof damages were among the most commonly experienced structural condition, but these situations were rarely only superficial. Once vulnerabilities exist with your roof during a severe weather event, the property becomes susceptible to disasters like flooding. Because this same destructive storm loss level is possible every spring and summer from the coast, our SERVPRO team must stay prepared to respond with efficient mitigation and repairs.

Flood damage in Raleigh homes and businesses is rarely as simple as it sounds. Especially in situations where a damaged roof allows for water penetration, flooding in your home's attic space can be challenging to track and restore. Because the property remains vulnerable to continued flood damage and other threats when the roof damages are not resolved, these temporary construction solutions must occur before any mitigation in the house's attic.

How Bad is the Roof Damage?

As tempting as it might seem to assess your property's damage exclusively, this might not always be the best option. Many homeowners do not recognize smaller concerns that might develop into more significant threats. A combination of several strategies is often advisable, including looking over the property before calling experienced building trade professionals. Because your home already requires flood restoration, you can save time and money by making our SERVPRO team your one-stop-shop for recovery and reconstruction after storm and flood losses. Our competent contractors can help with a property inspection that identifies roof vulnerabilities that can allow water penetration into your attic. The various potential methods you can use to identify roof damage includes:

Visual Inspection – It is possible to identify noticeable damage from a safe vantage point. However, it is not recommended to get on your roof if you believe any portion to be compromised. Your weight could cause the roof to collapse.

Professional Evaluation – Professionals like our general contractors have inspection methods to conduct a thorough evaluation of roof damages without making the present loss worse.

Flood Damage – There are instances where roof damage can be assumed by the presence of water in the attic or the lower living spaces of your home.

Can Emergency Services Help Reduce Costly Flood Damage?

Because contractors get dispatched along with our SERVPRO restoration technicians, we can offer several immediate actions to resolve the property's water penetration in Raleigh. Temporary construction solutions can often be among the most significant of these offerings, as flood restorers cannot begin mitigation efforts like water removal, drying, and cleaning without first stopping the flow of water into the structure from the penetration points. Some of the immediate actions that the combined roster of restoration technicians and experienced general contractors can implement include:

Roof Tarping
Board Up
Content Relocation
Extraction

What Tools Remove Floodwater from the Attic?

Flooding in the attic space can be destructive to the entire house, especially when the flooring is unfinished and even more susceptible to water penetration. Leaks and free-flowing runoff from the damaged roof can pass quickly through materials like insulation and ceiling drywall to impact the lower living levels where your family is. Water can pool in the attic space in more damaging situations and penetrate more slowly through hardwood flooring to the living space. Removing standing water and trapped moisture in wood and structural cavities involves a combination of several tools, including:

Wet Vacuums
Submersible Pumps
Weighted Extractors
Positive Pressure Systems

Can SERVPRO Repair the Damaged Attic?

More than the roof's damaged portions must be removed and replaced with substantial water damage to the attic space. Because we have experienced building trade professionals performing build-back and reconstruction for the house, these same professionals can replace discarded or overly damaged materials like wood framing, underlayment, and insulation when these repairs and renovations are necessary after flooding.

As quickly as flooding situations can develop for both your roof and the attic space after a severe weather event, it is critical to know how to identify the damage and restore it as soon as possible. Our SERVPRO of South Cary / Apex professionals can help with a fast and reliable response after storm losses. Contact us anytime at (919) 615-1160.

What Happens to My Interior and Belongings During a Flood?

8/20/2020 (Permalink)

Our water damage experts are trained in a wide variety of restoration needs, even upholstery and fabric cleaning and odor control. Call us today.

Regardless of the Level of Flood Damage, SERVPRO Has a Contents Restoration Team to Bring your Raleigh Home and Belongings Back to Normal.

As a homeowner, it is imperative that you know that storm flooding impacts both the structure of your house at all infiltration points but also the contents within. Our SERVPRO technicians understand that your home has numerous working parts. This is why we have specialized techniques to care for and clean furnishings, picture frames, clothing, and other keepsakes throughout the interior of your Raleigh home. We have IICRC-certified water restoration technicians (WRT) to handle each phase of the cleanup, ensuring that no stone is left unturned.

How Does Contents Restoration Work?

When handling your flood damage in Raleigh, our technicians always work under the promise to restore versus replace whenever possible. This not only helps preserve your belongings but also helps you to save money on your restoration project. We take the time to carefully pre-test all of your contents so we can determine what gets restored and what calls for disposal.

Some of the methods that we use for content cleaning and restoration include:

Wet Cleaning – helpful for handling residue from moderate to heavy
Dry Cleaning – suitable for light residue and pre-cleaning
Spray and Wipe Cleaning – best for items that can’t handle rigorous cleaning measures
Foam Cleaning – best used on fabrics and upholstery that could be prone to bleeding or shrinkage with traditional cleaning measures
Abrasive Cleaning – works by way of agitation
Immersion Cleaning – involves dipping items in a bath where a cleaning product and tiny bubbles work in unison

What is Pack-Out?

There are some instances when packing up your interior within the area of the flood damage is best. We carefully organize and log all items being packed up and moved to another location for safe storage or off-site Cleaning. This allows us to speed up the project, protect your possessions, and allow for more on-site room for our crew to work.

SERVPRO of South Cary/Apex is the team to call if you have flood damage that calls for prompt, reliable cleanup. Call us at (919) 615-1160, and we will make it “Like it never even happened.”

Learn more about Raleigh.

What Products or Tools Help with Odors from a Fire?

8/13/2020 (Permalink)

Fire and Odor Damage is Something We Specialize in at SERVPRO – Call Us When You Need Us for Restoration of Your Raleigh Home.

After a fire within the home, many people concentrate on debris removal and planning for material replacement. However, the odor is a significant issue that must be addressed so that there are no foul smells that linger after the bulk of the cleanup is complete. SERVPRO has the latest state of the art technology and equipment to ensure your Raleigh interior is fresh, clean, and back to it was before the fire took place.

Our IICRC-certified technicians understand best practices for removing charred debris from your home. We devise a tailored plan that allows us to work most efficiently to help with fire and odor damage in Raleigh so that everything is left “Like it never even happened.” Once we identify areas of the home where odors are coming from, we remove them without a trace using a range of odor-removal tools and specialized techniques, including:

Odor counteracting beads
Deodorant granules or pellets
Water-based odor counteractants and wet mist deodorizers
Thermal fogging technology
Sealants
Air scrubbers
Ozone generators, and more

There are many options that SERVPRO has to address the damage to your home, including:

Scrubbing and disinfection of a range of surfaces, including walls, windows, staircase rails, screens, and more
Carefully clean cabinetry, drawers, closets, and other hard surfaces impacted by smoke and soot
Dust or wash household items, including pictures and knick-knacks
Address your ductwork and HVAC system to handle any lingering foul odors
Perform specialized cleaning, drying, and sanitization as needed to restore your home to preloss condition

Tough odors after a fire in your home are no match for SERVPRO of South Cary/Apex. Once you call us at (919) 615-1160, we can send a team to get started on your fire and odor damage needs. We have crews available 24/7 to handle your emergency service!

See more about Raleigh.

Is Professional Restoration Necessary for All Disasters In Raleigh?

8/7/2020 (Permalink)

Disasters can strike quickly, but our SERVPRO of South Cary / Apex team can respond fast to help

Hazardous Conditions Can Develop Rapidly After A Disaster In Raleigh

Hazardous conditions can develop rapidly after disasters strike Raleigh homes, making it wise to trust the experience and cutting-edge equipment of professional restorers.

From Cary to Raleigh, we have helped many of our friends and neighbors through the challenging experiences the disasters like fire and water losses can present. Even homes and businesses damaged by hurricanes over the past decade have benefited from the prompt response and expertise of our SERVPRO team. With a full-service general contracting division of our roster, we can offer a comprehensive solution for restoration and recovery, beginning with emergency services and repairs through mitigation and build back. Our commitment to our customers has helped to elevate our reputation in the area to be considered among the top franchises in the country, along with many of our sister franchises within our large loss recovery network.

Water

One of the primary callouts that our team receives throughout the year our water loss incidents. The frequency that these situations occur in Raleigh and surrounding areas has encouraged our professionals to leave trailers and production vehicles stocked with our recovery tools to provide a fast rollout when disasters strike. This preparedness ensures that we reach your home within hours of the first notice of loss in most situations so that mitigation Efforts can begin as soon as possible.

Protecting Your Belongings After a Water Loss

Your personal belongings often suffer the worst from water loss incidents because you cannot remove these items from the damaged areas quickly enough during an emergency. Part of the mitigation and emergency services that our SERVPRO team provides Raleigh homes and businesses focuses on protecting your personal belongings, possessions, and other vital items that could be in the path of migrating loss effects. We have multiple solutions for preserving these belongings. In some situations, relocation on-site can be sufficient, while in others, we must remove the items altogether and provide focused cleaning and restoration at our facility.

Extraction and Drying Solutions

The management of standing water and the drying of your Raleigh home is critical in returning the property to its preloss condition. Drying is ineffective until standing water and surface moisture concerns have been appropriately addressed with extraction tools. While air movers and dehumidifiers can be capable for evaporative drying solutions, water removal must first take place with numerous pieces of equipment in our inventory, including:

   •   Submersible Pumps
   •   Wet Vacuums
   •   Carpet Wands
   •   Light Wands
   •   Floor Mat Drying Systems

Fire

Fires are among the few emergencies where most homeowners understand that cleaning and restoration should get completed by competent and qualified restoration professionals. This is accentuated by the insurance provider's demands, given that many fire loss incidents get covered by Raleigh homeowners' insurance policies. As a preferred vendor for many of these companies, we understand their needs in the documentation and cataloging damage to ensure as few delays in starting the restoration.

What is the Pack-Out Process?

Much like water loss situations, we focus heavily on content management when our team arrives for fire restoration in Raleigh and Apex homes. Many of the damaged belongings in the path of moving fire loss effects must get removed from the house and transported to our SERVPRO facility for focus cleaning and restoration processes. In our care, damaged personal belongings can expect:

   •   Surface Cleaning
   •   Soot Removal
   •   Deodorization
   •   Drying

Mitigation and Restoration Solutions for Fire-Damaged Homes

Recovering your fire damaged property can happen in multiple stages, and much of the early tasks involve providing a safe environment for our professionals to work in. This focus allows for efforts such as air quality control with air scrubbers and hydroxyl generators as well as the removal of soot and smoke residue from walls, ceilings, and floors within your Raleigh property.

Commercial

We offer a free service to area businesses called the Emergency READY Profile Plan (ERP) that can help determine the layout of structures, the location of essential elements like shutoffs and storage, and the business priorities when disasters strike. By providing our SERVPRO team with this information before emergencies occur, we can more efficiently reach your property and began administering the appropriate mitigation tactics safely.

When Do Cleaning and Restoration Occur?

It can be challenging to see your Raleigh business in disarray after a fire or water loss incident, especially if it has forced your doors closed. Cleaning and restoration are often the vital steps to get these doors open again, and this happens as soon as mitigation and other emergency services have completed. In many ways, this involves both our contractors and our restoration professionals working simultaneously.

Getting Your Business Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

A clean and safe work environment has never been a more pressing need throughout Raleigh and other cities that we serve. Our latest defensive cleaning program (Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned) ensures that your business gets the top products, practices, and equipment available to our team to provide a sanitary space for your staff. This program focuses on surface cleaning and applying disinfection products to communal areas, heavily touched objects and spaces, and other points that could be hotspots for the transference of viral pathogens and bacterial microbes.

Storm

Substantial storm systems can have disastrous effects on Raleigh homes and businesses, especially after severe weather events like hurricanes or tropical storms. As a coastal state, North Carolina can see many damaging systems coming off the Atlantic Ocean. Despite our service area being inland, we can still experience many of the same destructive hurricanes and storm events that make landfall on our coasts.

What Steps Prevent Flooding from Getting Worse?

Acting quickly after structural damages occur, or in situations where flooding has become a widespread threat for communities, ensures that we can help Raleigh homes through damaging conditions. One of the most effective routes to prevent flooding from getting out of control is implementing extraction solutions as soon as possible. Many of these water removal tools that our professionals use includes:

   •   Submersible Pumps
   •   Trash Pumps
   •   Truck-Mount Pumps
   •   Wet Vacuums

Does SERVPRO Rebuild?

One of the distinct advantages of choosing our team over other restoration companies is the inclusion of general contracting professionals on our roster. We offer a comprehensive and full-service solution after storm losses, including full-scale build back when necessary in Raleigh homes.

Disasters can strike quickly, but our SERVPRO of South Cary / Apex team can respond fast to help. Give us a call anytime at (919) 615-1160.

https://raleighnc.gov/

My Raleigh Restaurant Ceiling Is Peeling And Discolored – Could I Have A Leak?

7/26/2020 (Permalink)

Contact SERVPRO of South Cary / Apex at (919) 615-1160 for expert water damage service.

SERVPRO Can Assess The Damage to Your Raleigh Business and Provide the Needed Mitigation

Minor damage to a Raleigh business can become big trouble quickly if left untreated. If you think your ceiling is showing signs of water intrusion, call the experts at SERVPRO immediately.

Can I Simply Repaint My Ceiling?

If there is water damage in your restaurant in Raleigh, repainting the ceiling may hide the discoloration for a time, but it will return. Shutting down your business for a major water restoration problem is the last thing you want to do. Our trained technicians can come during off-hours and assess the situation. They will:

   •   Look for the source of the leak.
   •   Check the HVAC system for any water damage.
   •   Use moisture sensors to find hidden water.
   •   Clean and repair any damage the leak may have caused.
   •   Clean and repaint the ceiling.
   •   Deodorize and sanitize if needed.

Taking Care of Local Businesses

Your restaurant is a vital part of the local economy, and we want to help you stay in business. We work with your insurance company and keep you abreast of everything we do. As a commercial restoration company, we handle any water remediation needs. You may be a small mom and pop diner or a large high-scale restaurant – it doesn’t matter. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

Available Around the Clock

SERVPRO understands your need to work around your operating hours, if possible. Our Green Team is available 24/7. And yes, we work weekends too. Keep your restaurant open for business by letting our professionals nip the small problems in the bud before they become big headaches.

Contact SERVPRO of South Cary / Apex at (919) 615-1160 for expert water damage service.

What Steps Are Crucial During Flood Damage Cleanup in Raleigh?

7/26/2020 (Permalink)

Storms can bring in floods and damage your home. This can be hard to handle by yourself in your own home. Call SERVPRO for storm damage remediation.

Superior Skills and Equipment Help SERVPRO Expedite Cleanup of Your Flood-Damaged Property

Of all the damages that storms cause in Raleigh properties, soiling, and contamination of surfaces and materials are the two most prevalent. The level of soiling or contamination varies on a case-by-case basis, so you might not be sure what is expected of you after your house floods. SERVPRO has skilled technicians ready to respond to your distress call in case there is an incident at your Raleigh home.

How fast should flood damage cleanup start after Raleigh homes are affected?

Ideally, you should clean up and dry your home within 24-48 hours after a flooding incident because once this period elapses, unnecessary secondary damages develop including:

Material deterioration from moisture exposure
Microbial growth including mold development
Moisture migration beyond the initial loss areas

Can SERVPRO help clean up within the 48-hour window?

Unless there is a major storm incident where external factors such as downed power lines or blocked roads interfere with the response, in other situations, our technicians can achieve the stated goal. We commit to reaching your property within 4 hours after notification about the incident.

How does the cleanup progress?

Various aspects, including the severity of the flooding and the layout or size of your property, can influence the cleaning process. However, some steps are typical for most incidents, including:

Scoping the loss
Material and content removal from affected areas
Water extraction and removal of debris
Cleaning and disinfection of affected areas

Some of the materials we remove during cleanup include sodden drywall, carpets, and pad. We also shovel out mud and silt deposited by the floodwater. Once the debris is out of the way, we can pressure-wash or use other cleaning methods to cleanse soiled areas. We also apply disinfectants and antimicrobial products on the cleaned areas to remove contaminants.

A thorough cleanup is essential in the restoration of flood damage. Call SERVPRO of South Cary / Apex at (919) 615-1160 to help remove all traces of soiling from your property, "Like it never even happened."

Click here to learn more about Raleigh.

What signs indicate hidden water damage at my Raleigh home?

7/24/2020 (Permalink)

Whatever the source of the water loss event, SERVPRO is equipped to help. Call us today!

Advanced Training, Experience and Equipment Help SERVPRO Identify Hidden Water Damage in Raleigh Properties

Water intrusion into a house can lead to various forms of damage. Wet patches and surface discoloration are two visible signs that there is a problem, but there are other more subtle signs, such as your home developing a musty smell. What is even more worrying is that unaddressed damages continue to worsen, and so you may end up spending a fortune to restore your Raleigh home. Consulting water restoration companies like SERVPRO helps in faster identification and fixing of problems.

Can professionals notice damage if there are no visible signs?

Several factors affect the ability to detect hidden water damage in your Raleigh home, including the tools used to investigate, and the sections of the property considered. Our SERVPRO technicians check both inside and outside your house for indicators or likely causes of water damage. Some of the signs outside the house that might indicate a hidden problem include:

Landscaping sloping towards the house
Clogged, leaking or poorly attached gutters and downspouts
Cracked or missing roof shingles
Separation or soft spots in door and window frames

The problems noted in the house's exterior can help our technicians understand where to focus when scoping for damage. For instance, if there is a missing shingle, we focus on the ceiling or attic. In case of landscaping or downspout issues, we focus on the floor or foundation.

What signs indicate a leak inside the house?

Water rings on walls or ceiling
Sagging or soft spots on the floor
Cracking, buckling or cupping of hardwood floorboards
Musty smell in the air

Although the signs may seem negligible, they might signify an ongoing problem in the plumbing systems or utilities such as the HVAC systems. Our SERVPRO technicians can probe affected areas using sophisticated tools such as thermal cameras and borescopes to identify the water intrusion's extent without tearing everything down.

Don't let hidden moisture problems fester for long. Call SERVPRO of South Cary / Apex at (919) 615-1160 to identify and fix them. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

More about Raleigh.

I Can’t See It, But I Sure Can Smell It -- How Do I Cleanup Fire Odors in My House?

7/17/2020 (Permalink)

Odors along with smoke and fire damage in your Raleigh home? SERVPRO has many mechanical solutions to make it "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO Offers Professional Strategies to Cleanup Both Fire Residues and Their Odors in Raleigh Residences

The aftermath of a Raleigh household fire presents a huge learning curve for a homeowner, including coping with residues, both seen and invisible, unlike anything you have experienced before. Engaging our services is the perfect way to ensure cleanup of the soot and odors lingering can be effective and complete.

What Is the Relationship Between the Soot and Odors of a Household Fire?

Fire and odor cleanup for your Raleigh home go hand in hand. Our highly trained technicians appreciate the connection, knowing that without top-notch and complete cleaning, odors linger. We also understand that some odors are relentlessly persistent, and we seek innovative techniques to eliminate even the most intractable stenches.

How Do Restoration Technicians Approach the Challenges of Cleaning and Deodorization?

Science is the foundation of all the services SERVPRO offers. As we review the damage in your home, we perform the following evaluations to manage the soiling and odors:

Matching the type of soot and surface affected with the appropriate cleaning products and techniques
Implementing the cleaning regimen
Checking in with the homeowner post-cleaning to discuss whether odors are still bothersome
Employing advanced deodorization equipment if needed to eradicate any lingering smells
Thermal fogging -- deodorizing aids combust to recreate the conditions of the fire and disperse to pair with and neutralize the unpleasant smells
Ozone machines -- the malodorous substances are oxidized, although a brief evacuation of the house is required
Hydroxyl generators -- hydroxyl molecules created using UV light seek out the odor-bearing soot particles and change them at a molecular level into innocuous and odor-free substances

The trained team at SERVPRO of South Cary / Apex is poised to help residents of our community conquer the dual enemies of soot and odors after a home fire. Contact us at (919) 615-1160 as soon as practical after the firefighters relinquish your house's control.

Water Emergency: Is My Business Responsible for Premises Upkeep?

7/15/2020 (Permalink)

Should yoru business need water damage restoration, call SERVPRO!

SERVPRO Commercial Water Damage Restoration Professionals are Available to Help your Raleigh Business Find its Feet After a Water Emergency

What are the effects of a water leak?

Water intrusion in your Raleigh business can have both short-term and long-term consequences. In the short term, the sanitary condition of the building may degrade or become unsafe. These issues may force a temporary closure of your business until you can return it to hygienic premises. In the long-term, untreated water damage can lead to expensive mold issues and rot or affect the assumptions' structural framework. Structural damage can occur by water absorption, increasing pressure on frame joints, which can affect the building's overall integrity. SERVPRO can mitigate the immediate and lasting effects of water intrusion in your business.

What are commercial restoration services?

If your business is affected by flooding, leaks, or water intrusion in Raleigh, you may need to enlist commercial water damage restoration in Raleigh. Commercial restorers can help ensure that your business property remains professionally safe and sanitary after a water emergency. SERVPRO has both human resources and equipment that allows us to work on any -size disaster from small, independent service businesses to large office blocks or tenements. You can communicate with our crew chiefs directly throughout the service to stay in the loop throughout the facility. Once we finish, we can pass our paperwork onto your insurer to complete a stress-free claim.

When should a business enlist commercial restoration?

If you suspect or witness a water leak occurring in your business premises
If there are noticeable musty odors in some areas of your business
If areas of your office are wet or damp following a period of heavy rainfall

Businesses need restoration services with the necessary resources to work in large spaces, on-time, and on-budget. If you think there is a water issue in your property, contact SERVPRO of Cary / Morrisville / Apex at (919) 615-1160.

More about Raleigh.

Does Hiring A Fire Damage Restoration Company in Raleigh Offer Any Evident Advantages?

7/12/2020 (Permalink)

Better skills and equipment can help deliver satisfactory results when restoring the fire-damaged property.

Better Training and Preparation Ensures that SERVPRO Restoration Teams Can Deliver Efficient Results in Raleigh

After fire guts your home, many people might advise you to consult a fire restoration company since engaging one lifts the burden of handling all the tiresome restoration work involved. However, you may have doubts about whether there are sufficient benefits to hiring one. When SERVPRO crews restore fire loss sites in Raleigh, property owners enjoy many gains apart from a minimized workload, including getting services from a better-prepared team.

What Unique Preparations Do Fire Damage Restoration Companies Make In Raleigh?

Unlike what you might do on your own, professional restorers do thorough preparations exceeding what basic restoration requires in anticipation of challenges, as well as to take advantage of any unique opportunities that arise. Our SERVPRO crew chiefs prepare resources such as:
   •   Adjustable or specific height ladders
   •   Floor protection
   •   Unique packing supplies
   •   Specialty cleaning tools

Preparing the resources in advance ensures minimal time wastage during restoration. For instance, if we need access to elevated sections of the property for demolition, cleaning, or refinishing purposes, we can proceed with the task immediately since we have the appropriate ladders on site. We can also limit the chances of unnecessary secondary damage such as scratches on tiles or wooden floor surfaces, especially when manipulating contents since we bring floor protection supplies.

Does professional restoration offer benefits beyond better tools?

Although having the right tools plays a crucial role during the restoration of fire damage in Raleigh, other circumstances can influence the outcome of such an exercise. The process is a combination of several procedures, including:
   •   Moisture control
   •   Odor management
   •   Mixing cleaning products
   •   Management of different materials

The proper mix of skills is as necessary as the tools used in the restoration process. Our SERVPRO crews include technicians certified in different fields, including Fire & Smoke Restoration, Carpet Cleaning, and Applied Structural Drying, among others. The crew chief assesses the strength of individual members of the team and coordinates them to ensure the best outcomes.

A skilled team takes both reactive and proactive approaches when restoring fire damage. For instance, on arrival at the loss site, technicians can set up hydroxyl generators for proactive odor management as they perform other restoration processes. Another proactive step is pre-cleaning and applying protective oil to surfaces that soot might damage permanently. Such a step ensures metallic items do not develop rust, while granite and other stone surfaces do not stain from extended exposure to smoke residues. Running dehumidifiers from the start can also help prevent moisture leftover from firefighting efforts from causing secondary damages.

Do off the shelf cleaning products need further mixing to clean fire residues?

The variety of cleaning products in the market is almost endless. However, not all products produce the right results, especially when you have other factors to consider, such as large surfaces to clean and the need to finish the process promptly. Our technicians receive regular training to update them on the active compounds that help in cleaning different types of soils found in a fire loss site. When we choose cleaning products to purchase in the market, consider more than just the brand name – we consider the active ingredients and the concentration percentages, ensuring that we get a product that works with utmost efficiency.

Apart from ready to use products, we might also need to mix different products to deal with the different soils generated during combustion. For instance, when a fire is quelled with chemical fire extinguishers, corrosive residues are left within the property. Removing such residues requires several steps, including neutralization with other active agents such as isopropyl alcohol or sodium bicarbonate before cleaning the area with regular detergent and water. Firefighting chemicals vary, so evaluation of the residues at your loss site is necessary before choosing the neutralization product.

Sometimes mixing different products can lead to chemical reactions, which produce harmful fumes that can lead to injury. For instance, when using bleach to remove stains, it is essential to avoid mixing it with anything else apart from water. Ammonia and bleach produce chlorine gas, which is harmful to the user while a combination of hydrogen peroxide, and vinegar results in corrosive peracetic acid, which can break down the materials it, is intended to clean. With assistance from SERVPRO technicians, you do not have to worry about the unintended consequences of using cleaning products.

Better skills and equipment can help deliver satisfactory results when restoring the fire-damaged property. Call SERVPRO of South Cary / Apex at (919) 615-1160 to provide a skilled crew to resolve most any damage, “Like it never even happened.”

How Can I Tell if I Have Hidden Water Damage in Raleigh?

7/12/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage can impact you and your family’s daily lives within the home. Take this burden off your family and contact SERVPRO for remediation servic

SERVPRO Can Locate and Address Any Water Damage That Might Be Lurking in Your Raleigh Home

Although bathrooms and kitchens are designed to handle a great deal of moisture and water, there can be a time when you need to call in professionals to tackle water removal. If you suspect there has been a leak, but you cannot find it, SERVPRO has the right moisture detection tools and methods for restoring your Raleigh home. Once you call us, we send out our crew to get to the heart of the problem.

There are several telling signs that you may have water damage hidden behind walls, including:

Paint that seems to be discolored, peeling, or bubbling
Drywall that seems crumbly, moist, or spongy when you touch it
Unexplainable musty odors

Failing to address hidden water issues can bring on costly structural damage to your home. Our team will handle the water mitigation while using a broad range of tools. The trucks in our fleet bring devices such as extractors and pumps that remove standing water. We also have wall cavity drying equipment and moisture sensors that allow us to find hidden pockets of moisture to eliminate them.

Once we locate and extract moisture, the remainder is wicked off or evaporated with centrifugal air movers and industrial-grade dehumidifiers. Depending on the area where water damage is present, our team may also use polyethylene sheeting to create a drying chamber that will amplify drying. Everything is finished with proper sanitation and disinfection so that your interior is just “Like it never even happened.”

Water damage is no match for our skilled crew at SERVPRO of South Cary/Apex. Once you call us at (919) 615-1160, you will have the reliable, efficient restoration services you need at your door within hours.

Click here to learn more about Raleigh.

What Causes Your Cary Attic Fire Damage to Spread?

6/28/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Cary / Apex provides 24/7 service that is Faster to Any Size Disaster.

SERVPRO Technicians Remove Attic Fire Damage from Cary Homes & Perform Restoration Services

Every year, an average of 10,000 attic fires happen in the United States, causing a whopping $477 million in structure and property damages. Attic fires in Cary and elsewhere can spread quickly and create more loss than other types of residential structure fires without fast action.

SERVPRO technicians are certified in restoration industry best practices to remove fire damage in your Cary home’s attic. This firm’s restoration-first approach focuses on helping homeowners save while mitigating the short- and long-term effects of a disaster.

What in My Attic is Most Vulnerable to Fire?

• Cardboard boxes. If you use your attic primarily for storage, consider switching to plastic bins. Not only can this lessen your fire risk, but plastics and other oil-based products burn more slowly and at lower temperatures than paper and cardboard.
• HVAC systems. Attic fires typically occur due to electrical malfunctions and problems with your ventilation. Dust, dirt, and lint clogging up filters and vent shafts are also fuel for a home structure fire.
• Insulation. Fiberglass and mineral wool are naturally fire-resistant. While more flammable materials, such as cellulose, can be treated with fire-resistant chemicals like boric acid, it may be more cost-effective to select attic insulation with a natural resistance to fire.

Can SERVPRO Preserve Fire-Damaged Documents?

Depending on the condition of essential documents after fire damage and suppression, SERVPRO can take steps to preserve as much as possible. Documents are typically treated through sublimation–that is, the transition from a solid to a gaseous state without turning liquid. This process is accomplished by freezing documents and then drying them with one of the following methods:

• Freezer-drying
• Dehumidification
• Air-drying
• Vacuum thermal-drying
• Vacuum freeze-drying

SERVPRO of South Cary / Apex provides 24/7 service that is Faster to Any Size Disaster. Call (919) 615-1160 to start the mitigation process within hours of your initial contact.

Contaminated Water in My Raleigh Home Sounds Scary--How Can I Protect My Family from the Hazards of Flood Damage?

6/28/2020 (Permalink)

Don’t panic when flooding affects your home. Contact the certified technicians at SERVPRO for water removal.

Hazardous Substances Are Present in Raleigh Flooding--SERVPRO Can Put Your Fears to Rest by Containing and Disposing of Flood Damage and Fluids Fast

It is terrifying to Raleigh homeowners to realize that the water rising in a basement or crawl space after heavy thunderstorms or a tropical storm or hurricane passes can be injurious to a family’s health and well-being. As overland flooding moves across ground and pavement, it picks up an astonishing range of chemicals, industrial waste, dead creatures, muck, and even sewage when the municipal drainage system is overwhelmed. Then the muddy mess pours or seeps into the lower levels of your home.

What Is the Answer to Recovering from the Dirty Water?

Storms are expected, but the timing is unpredictable. One thing you can count on when flood damage strikes your Raleigh house is that our crews are ready immediately to rise to the challenge. Within hours of your call, a well-trained and provisioned crew of experienced technicians arrive, prepared to turn back the page on the devastation:

Initial Safety Assessment

Look for slip, trip, fall risks, and the presence of caches of water in cavities (walls, ceilings) that could cause structural collapse.
Ensuring electricity is off (avoid shock and electrocution).
Evaluating the water category -- flood waters are always Category 3 (most contaminated) by definition, but our team is alert to specifics including human pathogen risk and exposed biohazards such as asbestos and lead.

Emergency Services

Pumping out water deeper than two inches
Using truck-mounted extractors for residual water
Containing the pumped and extracted water for disposal under local regulations as hazardous substances

After Extraction, Then What?

SERVPRO technicians clean up residues and use EPS-registered antimicrobials to inhibit the rebound of molds or other pathogens. Moisture readings inform our Applied Structural Drying (ASD) technicians as they determine drying goals and implement best practices to return wet building materials to their typical moisture content.

Storm-related flood damage requires the professional assistance of SERVPRO of South Cary / Apex to contain and remove. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster. Call us at (919) 615-1160 when flooding begins.

Click here for more information about Raleigh.

What are the Signs of Water Damage in My Home?

6/23/2020 (Permalink)

After your home suffers water damage, you need a team of professionals to assist you with cleanup. Call SERVPRO right away! We are always available.

Call SERVPRO at the first sign of water damage to your Raleigh structure or contents to lessen the loss.

If you do not already have a regular check-up plan for your home, it is a good idea to do monthly inspections and look for the early warning signs of water loss. Things to look for are:

Water stains on sheetrock
Sagging ceilings
Warped floorboards
A musty odor that does not diminish
Loose tile

Can Carpets Get Saved From Water Damage?

Putting carpet in a home is often a significant investment, and it can be gone in a flash when water damage happens in your Raleigh property if the water loss does not begin within 24 hours or contains contaminants such as sewage.

SERVPRO technicians test the water and the fiber to determine the best restoration actions for the optimum outcome. The equipment the techs use works even to pull out deeply embedded moisture within the carpet and the pad. After they reduce the water removal down to doing "dry" passes where little to no further moisture comes up, they move on to the drying phase.

Special techniques such as "floating" the carpet assist with drying it from the bottom up and ensures that no residual moisture remains to cause issues such as foul odors or deterioration of the carpet. Another frequently used method involves putting plastic over the wet area, known as "tenting," and directing the airflow from the drying equipment into the damp carpet. The connected dehumidification equipment captures the moisture and ports it away, resulting in progressively drier conditions inside the tent. Afterward, final touches include:

Spot cleaning to remove water spots
Treatments for stains that may be present
Steam cleaning to remove any residual musty odors

SERVPRO of South Cary / Apex at (919) 615-1160 is ready 24/7 to handle any size water damage in your home. The certified technicians have extensive training to turn around the loss and restore your home to its preloss condition.

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How Do I Choose the Best Extraction Tool for My Cary Bakery?

6/23/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can help keep your bakery open by remediating unexpected water damage quickly.

SERVPRO Has the Tools to Remove Water Damage from Cary Businesses

Standing water is an undeniable threat to yourCarybakery and can damage many pieces of equipment, structural elements, even the dry ingredients that you keep in the shop. Many property owners still initially attempt to dry and restore the damage on their own despite how quickly water can move from the damaged area throughout the building. Our SERVPRO team has a prompt response to water loss emergencies that threaten your business.

Water damage in your Cary bakery can happen with little warning from a damaged portion of pipes to a broken appliance in your kitchen area. With pooling becoming such a considerable threat with continual water flow, there are some initial steps that you can take to make later restoration more efficient and cost-effective. Shutting the main supply of water to the building can stop the steady stream of damaging water rising on the floor. When our technicians arrive, they can set their sights on extraction, which often involves sophisticated water removal tools such as:

Wet Vacuums
Submersible Pumps
Squeegee Wands

What Are the Best Methods for Drying Out Wood and Tile Flooring?

Because water can pool along with flooring materials, these areas of your bakery can often become some of the worst affected by the migrating water loss effects. Engineered wood flooring is a common material installed in the shop where customers come in and out. When these materials become saturated, we can utilize drying tools like our floor mat system to provide a controlled draw of moisture from the planks to restore this flooring to its original condition. Tile, frequently used in the kitchen area, is often less affected by pooling water. Grouted joints can be penetration points. If our technicians use water removal tools like wet vacuums with squeegee wands, we can often prevent water penetration to the mortar bed under tile work.

Water damage can threaten your business. Our SERVPRO of South Cary / Apex team can help when you call (919) 615-1160.

More about Cary.

3 Ways a Claims Inventory System Can Help Your Insurance Agent

6/11/2020 (Permalink)

A claims inventory system can help your agent process your insurance claim in a number of ways

Ways A Claims Inventory System Can Help Your Insurance Agent

When you have an insurance claim after a flood or fire at your Morrisville, NC, business, your agent may recommend a preferred restoration provider like SERVPRO. A preferred provider has a number of systems that can help the agent process your claim. One of these is a claims inventory system which can do the following:

1. Keep Track of Documentation

A claims inventory system can also help keep track of the various documentation that may be needed to process the claim by storing it in one place. This can include any scanned paperwork, lists of damaged items, photographs of the affected area, the restoration plan, and progress reports on repairs as they are completed.

2. See Regular Progress Reports

Another important benefit for your agent is the ability to see regular progress reports. This way as they process your insurance claim they can more quickly answer any questions about what the repair process is and what parts of the restoration still need to be done. Progress reports may also include more specific information about what types of damage were found, which your agent may also need to know.

3. Remote Access

The ability to have remote access to the inventory system can help your insurance agent more efficiently process your claim. Remote access means that they can get into the database from any location they might be working from, whether it’s their office, or a tablet while they visit the damaged location. This access can reduce the time it may take to find answers to any questions they may have regarding damaged items, areas, and repair progress.

A claims inventory system can help your agent process your insurance claim in a number of ways. These include keeping track of documentation, the ability to see regular progress updates on the repairs, and the ability to access the database remotely. All of these can be beneficial to your insurance agent.

Hold the High Waters: 3 Flood Scenarios You Should Know

5/27/2020 (Permalink)

Storm overflow can produce a Category 3 flood

Three Common Flood Scenarios

You know the ones: the jeans that, for whatever reason, are just too short, but you kept them anyway. You may occasionally throw on your “floods” for yard work, but in a real flood, it’s better to avoid contaminated water. Here’s what to do in three common flood scenarios in Cary, NC.

1. Clean Water
If the supply line to your refrigerator’s ice dispenser has ever ruptured, you’ve experienced a Category 1, or clean water, leak. A water damage repair specialist should make the official diagnosis, but water leaking from a source you’d drink from or bathe in is most likely Category 1. Here, you should shut off the water main to your house and turn off the electricity at the breaker box; then call for assistance. Opening the windows or turning on a fan can also help mitigate mold growth while you wait for help to arrive.

2. Contaminated Water
Storm runoff, agricultural pollution, and untreated groundwater are all common types of Category 2 water. Contaminants such as lawn fertilizers, ice melt, and other chemicals also create Category 2 water. While these substances have their purpose, you don’t want them leaking into your house through a broken pipe in the ground. This may cause irrigation drainage to seep into the house’s foundation or basement. If it’s safe to do so, turn off the irrigation water main. Otherwise, bypass the area and get help.

3. Sewer or Outside Flood
A ruptured sewer line, storm overflow or other catastrophic event can produce a Category 3 flood. Depending on the severity of the surge, this water (also known as black water) could contain physical, chemical or biological contaminants. It’s important to avoid wading or swimming in such water, especially if you have open wounds. If you’re at home when this happens, go to a secure place (such as a top floor) and call an emergency restoration service as soon as possible.
Experiencing any level of flood can be stressful. With these tips, you’ll be better prepared to navigate contaminated water — with or without your high water jeans.

3 Things You Should Know About Renters Insurance

5/27/2020 (Permalink)

Renters insurance covers the personal property of renters but not the home that they rent

3 Things You Should Know About Renters Insurance

Fire can not only cause extensive damage to the home you live in but destroy the personal property you have in that home. Renters insurance can help you replace your personal property damaged or destroyed in a fire at your rental home. Most renter's policies are similar in what they cover, but there can be some differences, so it is wise to familiarize yourself with your policy before a loss occurs.

1. Policies May Cover Actual Cash Value or Replacement Cost
Most renter's policies cover personal property at replacement cost, which is the cost of replacing your property with a new item of like kind and quality. However, some policies cover property at actual cash value, which is the replacement value less depreciation. If you have an actual cash value policy, you will probably pay less in premiums but could also receive less money than it will cost you to replace or repair your property.

2. Your Renters Policy Does Not Cover Your Rental Home Itself
Renters insurance covers the personal property of renters but not the home that they rent. Your landlord should have a policy to cover any fire restoration services needed to repair damage to the building you are renting. Building owners are also usually also responsible for hiring a fire cleanup service in Apex, NC if one is needed to restore the building to livable condition.

3. Some Property May Have Specific Limits
Most of your personal property is covered for fire damage up to the limits of your policy; however, some types of property may have specific limits that you should be aware of. Categories of property that frequently have limits include electronics, musical instruments, jewelry, plants, and cash. Your policy should state any limits on specific types of property.
Renters insurance can provide financial protection for your personal property that has been lost or damaged in a fire. However, it is wise to familiarize yourself with your policy and know exactly what is covered, and for how much, before a loss occurs.

The Post-Fire Cleanup Process

5/25/2020 (Permalink)

The Post-Fire Clean Up Process

Tackling the cleaning after a fire in Raleigh, NC comes with a host of new concerns: Can you restore items with smoke damage without further damaging them? Can you remove soot damage without weakening the structure of your home? Fortunately, the answer to both questions is positive: smoke cleaning and soot removal can restore many items to their pre-fire condition, though some types of restoration may require the aid of professional services.

Pre-fire Inventory

Careful documentation should be the first step of your cleanup process, but you may not be in the state of mind or have the necessary tools to compile an inventory on your own. Often, your insurance and restoration company can aid with inventories, walking you through each area of your home to compile an inventory that reflects the past and present.

Documentation methods may include

Bar coding
Digital photography
Digital video
Itemized lists

Individual Inspection

Because a fire often brings multiple types of damage, including water, soot and smoke damage, each of your belongings will need to be inspected individually during inventory to determine what is viable for restoration. Some items, such as stainless-steel cookware and glass, can be deodorized with consumer-accessible cleansers, while others, like clothes and photographs, are likely to need more specialized applications for restoration.

Specialty Cleaning

For items that cannot be cleaned through conventional means, a content cleaning company may offer more extensive services. Ultrasonic machines can be used to deodorize nonporous items and return them to their original state, while dry cleaning can be used to remove odors from cloth items and restore your wardrobe. If you’re working with professionals, they’ll guide you through each step of the fire cleanup process and inform you which of your belongings, if any, require their specialty services.

Returning Normalcy

Finally, although a fire can cause both physical and mental stress, it need not permanently halt your life. By smoke cleaning your belongings and removing soot and smoke damage, you’ll be one step closer to returning a sense of normalcy for your family and recovering from the fire, which is the last, but most imperative, part of the cleanup process. Visit http://www.SERVPROcarymorrisvilleapex.com for more information on fire damage.

3 Water Catastrophes That Call for Professionals

5/12/2020 (Permalink)

Three water catastrophes that call for professionals

3 Water Catastrophes That Call for Professionals

How should you handle pipe burst cleanup that destroyed your working space? As a business owner, reopening soon is a priority. Ensuring the building has been properly cared for also tops the list. Therefore, it's important to understand when you shouldn't go it alone but need the support of a professional crew. Here are three times you want to pick up the phone.

1. You Have Category 3 Contamination
If flooding happens to occur from sewage lines or external water, such as an ocean, lake, or river, then you need to contact a sewer cleanup company in Cary, NC. These liquids are highly polluted, filled with organisms that now want to inhabit your business. Because of the level of microbes, you should not touch anything in the establishment. Instead, allow the trained specialists to use high-tech equipment to salvage some of your possessions and advise on appropriate restoration methods.
2. You Have a Strange Odor and Notice Black Spots
The plumber took care of the pipe burst cleanup. Did you ensure walls and flooring dried up as much as possible? Mold spores love moisture and the dark. If humidity lingered, the microbes reproduced, creating a fungus growth. When this happens, you may notice discoloration and a musty scent. Bleach does not penetrate into porous items. To effectively eliminate the infestation, you'll need the aid of a mold remediation team.
3. You Have Structural Changes
A broken pipe could leak for quite a while before it's noticed. If you're staring at walls and flooring, observing unusual alterations, then water may have accumulated. The walls may show signs of peeling paint, bubbling, or swelling. Your tiles may begin to crack or loosen; grout may wear away. Laminate and hardwood begin to shift. Have a water restoration crew evaluate the area to determine the extent of the damage.
Toilet overflows and pipe burst cleanup need more than a towel and household chemicals. When you experience excess fluid buildup or suspect something is off, call the experts for advice.

Dry Climates Not Immune to Mold Growth

5/12/2020 (Permalink)

Any shingles that are cracked or missing can slowly let moisture seep in

Dry Climates Not Immune to Mold Growth

Businesses in dry, arid climates like Apex, NC, may think that mold won’t be a problem. Since mold’s main necessity for thriving is moisture, it may seem that any spores will just remain dormant. Although the outside air may be dry, that doesn’t mean inside your business doesn’t have the necessary conditions for black mold to grow.

Damage Sources
Common causes that can create an ideal mold environment include:

Roof Issues: Any shingles that are cracked or missing can slowly let moisture seep in. If there are skylights or other equipment on the roof, the seals around them can become brittle and lose their integrity. Flat roofs may also be prone to standing water, which will slowly damage the roof and allow moisture in.
Equipment: Hot water heaters, HVAC and air-conditioning units are all prone to developing condensation. If the catch-pans overfill or the units leak, this can quickly lead to mold growth if it goes unnoticed.
Plumbing: The hardware associated with sinks, toilets, and piping, in general, can deteriorate, creating the potential for steady leaks.
Spills and Flooding: While a small spill may be no big deal, if a large number of liquids are absorbed into carpeting or other porous materials and not thoroughly dried, it can lead to needing to do mold cleanup.

Quick Cleanup
Even if it isn’t visibly noticeable, black mold has a unique smell that is hard to miss. At the first signs or smell, of mold, it is vital to find the source and call a mold remediation and restoration specialist to eradicate the problem. If the conditions are right, it can take less than two days for mold to grow. The spores can colonize with days. Once that happens, the spores can spread within hours, floating in the air in your business and finding a new place to start the process.
While black mold may seem like a rare problem, the right conditions can turn it into an immediate problem wherever a business is located.

What Not to Do After a Flood

4/29/2020 (Permalink)

Storm in Raleigh, NC

What Not to Do After a Flood

Thunder rumbles. The air chills. Your windows begin to rattle from the swift winds, and raindrops fall upon your rooftop. The drops fall delicately at first, but they begin to hit your home as sheets of water, relentlessly drenching your dwelling and surrounding outdoor spaces. What was once a protected structure is now being infiltrated by flood water.
A devastating storm has throttled your neighborhood in Raleigh, NC. Now what?

1. Don’t Panic
Panicked homeowners may experience lapses in judgment and rushed decision-making when responding to storm damage. In order to stay safe and avoid brash reactions to the flooding — i.e. “We need to rescue my laptop in the other room! Grab the kayak and start paddling, Grandma!” — it is important to keep a cool, calm, and collected state of mind. Take a deep breath, be mindful of your safety, and stay away from standing water.
2. Don’t Forget Your Allies
You are not alone. Call on restoration service superheroes to save the day. These professionals have the knowledge, tools, and experience to rescue your home from flood water.
You can also reference emergency flood guidance online to stay informed, prepared, and safe. Be ready to rely on your family and friends, too, as you may need to find accommodations away from your flooded home for the time being.
3. Don’t Delay
Acting quickly can help ensure that your flooring, furniture, baseboards, and wall material recover from water-related damage as optimally as possible. The less time these items are exposed to standing water, the better. Although some of your possessions and materials may need to be discarded after exposure to flood water, fast and efficient cleanup by professionals can help mitigate the risk of mold and structural concerns.
Water damage happens. It can be a stressful time for any homeowner, but with proper support from remediation experts, the situation will pass and the storm will subside.

3 Fire Preparation Tips Your Business Should Take

4/20/2020 (Permalink)

Your employees should know how to properly use a fire extinguisher

Things To Consider When Planning Out Safety Protocols For Your Company

When you have a company in Wilbon, NC, preventing a business fire can be an important safety step to protect both your staff and the property. There are a few things to consider when planning out safety protocols for your company. Here are a few you may want to consider.

1. Have a Safety Plan

It’s important to have a safety plan in place in case an emergency like a fire should occur. This type of fire preparation will help you ensure that your business has all the proper safety equipment needed to protect your staff, that safety training materials are available and that every employee knows what's expected of them during an emergency. You may also want to include the location of emergency exits, a meetup location outside the building and the number of a restoration service you can contact for help with repairs after the fire is put out.

2. Know the Emergency Tools

It’s important that every employee knows the location of safety tools and how to use them in order to help protect them from a business fire. This includes how the alarm system works, if there are any hand pulls and where emergency escape exits are located. They should also know the location of any fire extinguishers and how to properly use them.

3. Follow Safety Procedures

Another way to help prevent fire damage is to always follow the recommended safety practices for any tools or equipment your business may use. This may be as simple as properly maintaining the breakroom microwave to knowing the emergency shutdown procedure for onsite manufacturing equipment. Having your staff trained in these safety procedures can help them spot problems in time to make repairs or replace damaged equipment before a fire occurs.

When it comes to preventing a business fire, consider having an emergency plan made ahead of time. Know where emergency tools like alarm pulls and extinguishers are stored, and follow all safety procedures with any equipment you may use. Remember, if a fire does occur, a restoration service can help with cleanup and repairs.

Why Flood Insurance Might Be Right for You

4/9/2020 (Permalink)

Why flood insurance might be right for you?

As a responsible business owner in New Hill, NC, you have cared for your property by working with an agency to have policies for the unexpected. How much, though, do you really require? Is an investment in additional policies really worth it? After all, you'd think the primary paperwork would suffice. For many proprietors flood insurance could be well worth the money, eliminating a great deal of headaches and providing fiscal protection.

What Is Covered Under a Primary Agreement?

The initial commercial insurance you purchased helps when you have water damage from pipes, roof leaks, or sewage overflows. For example, if fluid penetrates from something in the building, most often the agent attends to the claim and pays for the cleanup and restoration.

Why Add Something More?

There are times when a primary agreement is not enough. Should a natural weather system occur and water rises from an ocean or river, your contract may not be sufficient. Claims could be made that you didn't pay for the service. It may not seem fair if you had hurricane coverage; however, flood insurance takes care of this occurrence. Without it, you'll pay for the rebuild and the loss of property. The following are possible events that could be problematic:

Inhibited Storm Drains
Overflowed Rivers
Excessive rain
Busted Dams
Melted Snow

Even though not in your control, these occurrences could impact anyone at any time.

What Do You Gain?

When you weigh the cost, consider the benefits. Commercial insurance isn't enough at times, and flooding can ruin merchandise and structure, accrue quite the bill, and put a halt to your work. With the right safeguards, you can file a claim requesting a water restoration company's immediate assistance. The crew can mitigate the damage, dry out the property, and work to avoid mold damage. In addition, you may be able to request compensation for what you lost.

Do you think flood insurance isn't worth it?

Life is uncertain and you can't control water. A little expense now could get you back up and running quickly.

Understanding When You Need To Seek Mold Removal – and the Cost

3/29/2020 (Permalink)

Mold damage in bathroom tile in Fuquay- Varina, NC

Dealing with mold removal can be a delicate situation for any homeowner. If you believe that your home in Fuquay- Varina, NC requires mold cleanup, it's important to know how to tackle the situation. Seeking assistance from professionals is essential since they will know the best ways to deal with removing mold and can also tell you if you need black mold removal. Here are a few things to know when learning about how to spot mold, and how to deal with the removal and the cost.

Know Where Mold Occurs

Mold is commonly seen in areas with lots of moisture or where water can easily be trapped. With that in mind, know that you might find mold damage around:

Bathrooms, particularly ceilings
In or under carpets
Inside drywall

Think about any areas that are either constantly exposed to water or have dealt with water damage. These are areas of your home that are most likely to require mold remediation, although that doesn't mean you shouldn't look elsewhere. The cost will vary depending on how much mold there is and how many rooms are affected.

Understand the Cost of Mold

Although it is not considered an airborne form of mold, black mold can and does grow rapidly. That means having mold removed as soon as possible is important in order to keep it from spreading to other parts of your home. Although you might be concerned about the cost of black mold, it is necessary to have professionals step in to manage it. This can help you feel confident that the mold is removed the first time so that you can avoid repeat cleanings. This, in turn, can help you save money in the long run. By working with a black mold cleanup team, you can ensure the mold is safely removed. You can rest assured that the team is Here to Help.

How can I protect my business during an outbreak?

3/20/2020 (Permalink)

We are her to help! 24/7/365

How can I protect my business during an outbreak like Coronavirus?

With the recent outbreak of the Coronavirus, many people are scrambling to ensure their property is protected. There is a consistent rise in business owners/parents/caregivers interest to ensure that facilities are taking every precaution to prevent any widespread outbreaks. In this article, we will cover what the Coronavirus is, how you can protect yourself, and how SERVPRO can provide assistance with cleaning and disinfection.

So, What is the notorious Coronavirus and how does it spread?

Coronaviruses are zoonotic, which means they are transmitted between animals and people. This virus can cause a variety of symptoms and can lead to a more serious prognosis when introduced to infants, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Once transmitted to humans, other humans can spread the virus through respiration such as coughing and sneezing.

How can I protect myself, my family, my employees, and my customers?

Pathogens can rarely be seen or detected with the naked eye; but surfaces, toys, furniture, door knobs, etc are often carriers for communicable disease. When it comes to decontaminating surfaces and airborne Infectious diseases, it’s important to call on a professional that is trained & certified in biohazard remediation including the disinfecting of infectious disease. Surface cleaning is not enough these days, and unfortunately the average consumer does not fully understand the products and the chemical components behind the products intended usage. So many products we use and are familiar with are not used properly, and thus get rendered ineffective which is not the case.

How can SERVPRO help during the Coronavirus?

SERVPRO of South Cary/Apex offers thorough cleaning and disinfection services for schools, hospitals, and commercial properties. We have a passion for the prevention of illness through proper cleaning and sanitization. Our crews are always ready to go in their PPE to ensure the buildings in our community are safe to enter.

Our disinfectants & virucides are EPA, FDA, and OSHA compliant, they have a very low toxicity rating, and are effective against the most common disease and odor-causing organisms, including MRSA, HIV-1 (AIDS virus), Influenza A2, Avian Flu, VRE, TB, Herpes, to name a few. The CDC is recommending a labeled Hospital Grade disinfectant with claims against similar type organisms to COVID19. SERVPROXIDE has demonstrated effectiveness against viruses similar to COVID19 on hard non-porous surfaces. This product can be used against COVID19 when used in accordance with the directions for use against Norovirus Feline Calicivirus** and Canine Parvovirus, Strain Cornell-780916, ATCC VR-2016** on hard, non-porous surfaces. In addition, SERVPROXIDE currently has EPA approved claims for Feline Coronavirus (Strain WSU 79-1683, ATCC VR 989**) and Canine Coronavirus (Strain 1-71, ATCC VR-809**). More product specific information can be obtained on the TDS & SDS.

Call SERVPRO of South Cary/Apex today to ensure you have a proper disease control prevention strategy moving forward to help support a healthy and safe atmosphere. (919) 754-8160

We are Cleaning Experts

3/18/2020 (Permalink)

We can help you take preventative measures!

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

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

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, you know who to call!

Why Your Business Needs Flood Insurance

3/5/2020 (Permalink)

Floods can be devastating, but the right insurance can get you back to business

Why Your Business Needs Flood Insurance

Being prepared for disasters is part of being a responsible business owner. If you have a business in Holly Springs, NC, then you need to know about flood insurance. Emergencies don't keep schedules, so you need to have a disaster preparedness plan in place at all times. Here are some ways that flood coverage can help keep you and your business afloat during an emergency.

Covers destruction to your building and building's contents.
Covers mold or mildew damage caused by a flood.
Covers losses resulting from broken water retainers, overflowing bodies of water, blocked storm drainage systems, and storm surges.

Flood Insurance
You may assume that your standard insurance includes coverage for floods, but this is not the case. Floods are defined as situations in which water covers at least two acres or affects two properties. Protection from flood damage requires a special and separate policy, which can be purchased from the federal government’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) as well as from some private insurers. The policy will cover damage to your commercial building and the contents of your building - generally, up to $500,000 of coverage for your building and up to $500,000 for the contents. If you need additional coverage, you can buy excess insurance coverage that includes business interruption protection.

Commercial Property Insurance
Commercial insurance covers some water damage scenarios, but not floods. Your commercial policy will protect you if the water comes from above, usually. These are instances such as heavy rain or snowmelt that clogs gutters and then drips into your building. If you have a Commercial Package Policy (CPP) or a Business Owners Policy (BOP), then you do not have flood protection, so you should contact an insurance professional who is knowledgeable about these types of policies.
If your business suffers water damage, contact experts in emergency restoration as soon as possible. Floods can be devastating, but the right insurance and a good team of professionals can have you back in business as soon as possible.

Reducing Your Risk of Home Fire Due to Lightning

2/26/2020 (Permalink)

Take the steps to reduce a lightning fire in your Morrisville, NC home

Reducing Your Risk of Home Fire Due to Lightning

A lightning fire is a frightening event, but thankfully lightning strikes are not a common occurrence, igniting an average of 22,600 home fires each year nationwide. The greatest number of fires occur during peak rainy seasons when lightning is more prevalent. Naturally, you may want to take every precaution possible to help prevent one from starting in your home in Morrisville, NC.

Things To Do To Help Prevent a Home Lightning Fire

Knowing how to cut your risks of experiencing a house fire can be very useful, especially if you live where serious storms are common. The following are a few tips that may help.

Cut back any branches or trees that are growing near your home to reduce the risk of fire spreading to the roof or siding if they are hit.
Install a lightning rod on top of your home to divert the dangerous energy safely into the ground.
Make sure your electrical system is properly grounded.
Turn off many of the electric devices, such as the television or computers, so they are not a draw during an electrical storm, and avoid using the phone, shower or tub.

What To Do if Lightning Strikes Your Home

When a lightning fire happens, it can be a hot and fast-burning fire. The first and most important priority is to get the family out safely. Because lightning usually occurs during a rainstorm, it is possible that rain water may continue to come in through damaged roof areas even after the fire is extinguished. Fire and water damage specialists in Morrisville, NC, can help with boarding up any exterior holes caused by the flames or firefighters, and help make decisions as to the cleanup and restoration of the home.
If you have taken steps to reduce the risk of a lightning fire, you need not worry excessively about a blaze, but you would also benefit from putting a family escape plan into place. Preparation is the greatest prevention in most cases, and you may rest easier if you know you have done everything possible.

Some Types of Insurance Claims Are More Likely to Raise Your Rates

2/14/2020 (Permalink)

Flooded room due to water loss in Apex, NC

When you have damage to your property in Apex, NC, you naturally should consider making a homeowner’s insurance claim. However, before you do, it’s best to evaluate if the claim will raise your premiums more than the amount you receive for repairs.
This can be a little tricky since insurance companies don’t typically share their algorithms for rate increases. Yet you can make an educated guess based on available information. For instance, four items stand out as most likely to raise rates:

Dog bites
Slip and fall injury claims
Water damage
Mold build-up

Dog Bites Are a Big Concern for Insurance Companies

Insurance adjusters hate to see dog bite claims. They represent about one-third of payouts overall – around $500 million each year! Once a dog is a known danger, it’s a big red flag. You should take all possible precautions to prevent dogs from biting humans.

Water Intrusion Can Indicate Poor Maintenance of a Home

Water damage is also something insurance companies look for when considering raising your rates. Homeowners are expected to maintain their plumbing, and leaking pipes can indicate a home that isn’t kept in good condition. Mold damage from leaky plumbing or a roof also makes insurance companies nervous.
A home flood may be indicative of a long-standing problem. If it turns out that you are in an area prone to flooding, your rates can be dramatically affected. Most flood damage isn’t included in basic homeowner's insurance. Water damage from an isolated storm, however, may not be a problem.

Slip and Fall Claims Are Also Common

The National Safety Council states that falling causes about one-third of all non-fatal injuries. Studies show that falls are also one of the most common claims on homeowner's insurance, and adjusters look for patterns, especially if you’ve had a second claim for a fall.
If you are unsure about whether or not it’s in your interest to make an insurance claim for damage to your home, your best bet is to talk with your local experienced restoration company. They can give advice about repair costs and may be familiar with the causes of premium increases in Apex, NC.

How a Remediation Company Handles Category 3 Water Damage

1/29/2020 (Permalink)

Water cleanup in Cary, NC

Finding contaminated water in your business’s building in Cary, NC, is an emergency situation that needs to be handled with extreme caution and speed. Category 3 water is grossly contaminated water that can contain hazardous chemicals, pathogenic substances, mold, or microbes. Common sources this type of water damage include:

Sewer backup
Toilet overflow containing feces
Flood water from a stream, ocean, or river
Water that has been left stagnant for several days

It is important that you never try to handle Category 3 water on your own. Instead, you will need to contact sewage cleanup and restoration professionals to rid your business of all contaminants and to address any water damage that has occurred.

The Sewage Cleanup Process

Here are the steps the restoration specialist will take to sanitize and remediate the area:

Clear the Area: Since Category 3 water cause extreme sickness or even death, the specialist will first ask everyone to leave the area.

Wear Personal Protective Equipment: The specialist will put on protective overalls, sturdy gloves, respirators, rubber boots, and safety goggles before entering.

Address any Hazards: If electrical hazards are present or the structure is unsound, the specialist will first make sure the area is safe to work in.
Find the Source: The source of the flooding is addressed to prevent more polluted water from entering.

Containment: A temporary structure may be put up to avoid spreading contamination.
Water and Sewage Removal: An industrial pump is often used to completely remove the area of all the flood water and hazardous waste.

Sanitation: Items that are beyond repair are disposed of and all salvageable items and surfaces are sanitized using professional equipment.

Drying: The area is dried to remove excess moisture.

Remediation: Damaged items and structures are restored to their original condition.

An experienced water damage cleanup crew will know how to best remove and clean Category 3 flood water from your business. In this situation, it is important to simply leave the area and wait until help arrives.

6 Places Mold Lurks

1/23/2020 (Permalink)

Mold can form under carpets

Six Places Where Mold Hides

While water damage may be a top concern for mold growth, this pesky fungus can grow anywhere in your Wilbon, NC, commercial building if the conditions are right. To flourish, it only needs nutrients, moisture, and the right temperature, especially high humidity.
If you think hidden mold may be an issue, below are six main places check.

1. HVAC Systems

Condensation pans can easily become clogged and overflow if not properly maintained. This is especially true for areas with hard water. Clean and inspect units once a year, as well as regularly check around bases to ensure condensation isn’t building up.

2. Ducts

As warm and cool air flows through the ducts, moisture and debris can begin to collect. If there is a leak, moisture can circulate into areas that it shouldn’t. Keeping ducts clean and flowing properly can keep mold growth at bay.

3. Carpeting

Carpet may be durable, but spills and tracking in moisture can eventually begin to be absorbed into the pad. If there isn’t poor circulation, the moisture can spread and create a prime environment for mold to form.

4. Ceilings

It can be easy to forget that ceilings hide a lot. From ducts to water pipers, a lot is happening in your building without being seen. Since they are often porous, any roof or pipe leaks or can quickly absorb and spread. Any signs of a stain indicate there is a problem that needs immediate attention.

5. Walls

Like ceilings, walls can hide mold within and go undetected for a long time. If your building is older, it may not have proper vapor barriers to keep moisture levels in check.

6. Electrical Equipment

While somewhat surprising, electrical components are a main concern for mold damages. Fixtures, outlets, and equipment create a warm environment. If any moisture is introduced, spores can quickly attach themselves and start to grow.
Mold growth doesn’t have to be a persistent, mysterious problem. Knowing hidden areas to check and getting help from a mold remediation expert can eradicate the problem.

What To Know About Preferred Vendor Qualifications

1/23/2020 (Permalink)

Insurance providers recommend SERVPRO because they know what to expect from these professionals

What To Know About Preferred Vendor Qualifications

When a business in Raleigh, NC, sufferers fire, storm, flooding, or mold damage their insurance agent may recommend a preferred vendor to conduct the repairs. One of the main reasons for this is that they know a preferred vendor has met all the qualifications required to do the job up to the insurance provider's standards.

1. Know What To Expect

Insurance providers recommend companies from their preferred vendor program like a local SERVPRO because they know what to expect from these professionals. This includes employing reliable professionals on their restoration teams, following all safety guidelines, and making sure all restorations meet IICRC guidelines. In fact, there are 21 different standards these professionals have to meet on every job to maintain their status as a preferred vendor.

2. High Standard of Work

Working with a preferred vendor recommended by an insurance agent is one way to ensure that the team restoring a business property meets a high standard in every aspect of their work. This includes having the proper equipment no matter the size of the job, a quick response time, and the ability to handle a variety of types of damage.

3. Top Quality Results

When working with a SERVPRO team clients can feel confident that they will receive quality results. These teams strive to restore the damaged area so it looks like the disaster never occurred. This includes items and document restoration as well.
One of the main reasons an insurance agent may recommend working with a company from their vendor program is that these preferred vendors meet the standards needed by the insurance provider. They know what to expect from each vendor in their program, know that these standards mean they can expect a high quality of work in all aspects of the job and that this will show through in the results. Working with a preferred vendor like SERVPRO can help ensure that the repairs leave the damaged area looking “Like it never even happened.”

Dealing with a Clog Between the Toilet and the Sewer

12/13/2019 (Permalink)

Clogged toilet in New Hill, NC

Dealing with a Clog Between the Toilet and the Sewer

When you're taking your morning shower, the last thing you expect to see is the toilet overflow. Unfortunately, this issue is not unique, and it is typically indicative of a clog somewhere between the toilet and the sewer. See, because of the clog, when your shower runs, the water has nowhere to go, so it diverts back up into the wastewater lines and causes an overflow. Fortunately, you can often remedy this situation without a thorough sewage cleaning by using a plumbing snake in a couple of areas.

Clog in the toilet
Clog in the drain cleanout

Clog in the Toilet
You should try using the snake in the most natural and most accessible location first, which is in the toilet. There are two ways to do this. First, you can push the snakehead into the toilet and through the drain. Second, you can remove the toilet and push the head into the pipe directly. In either case, you will push the line into the drain until you feel resistance, at which point you will crank the handle, hopefully pushing through the blockage.

Clog in the Drain Cleanout
If clearing the clog did not work from the toilet, then you are a step closer to requiring sewage cleaning and professional inspections. The next thing you can try is to locate your drain cleanout, which is likely in your basement or crawlspace. Remove the cap with a pipe wrench and feed the snake into the drain. Repeat the steps above.

Other Problems
Unfortunately, if you were unable to either reach or clear the blockage from the toilet or drain cleanout, then you might have more significant concerns than a clogged pipe. Therefore, contact a plumbing specialist in New Hill, NC, to bring out more robust tools and detection equipment, which will help identify and resolve the problem.
Sewage cleaning is not always necessary when a toilet backs up because of a running shower. Sometimes a simple snake or auger will work to clear the problem. However, if it doesn't, then contact a professional for assistance.

Expert Mold Remediation for Quality Results

11/27/2019 (Permalink)

When you recognize the signs of black mold, it's time to contact professionals

Expert Mold Remediation for Quality Results

It doesn't take long for black mold to establish itself in your Fuquay- Varina, NC, home, and within just 48 hours, you could have an expensive problem on your hands. Unfortunately, mold cleanup isn't a good project to tackle yourself. Here are a few of the facts that make it difficult for homeowners to safely and effectively handle this issue:

Mold exists naturally and is nearly always present inside and outside of your home.
Microscopic spores travel on the air, on pet fur, on clothing, through air conditioning and heating systems, and through open doors and windows.
The only requirements for mold colonies are moisture and a bit of organic matter.
Even high levels of humidity can support colony growth.
The widespread evidence of trouble can only be fully addressed if the initial source is found and remedied.

Within these facts in mind, it's impossible to completely remove mold from your home. Instead, you should contact a mold remediation professional.

Identify the Cause of Mold Trouble

As soon as you suspect that black mold is present in your home, contact a professional with the training and expertise to track down the source of trouble, such as a seeping pipe or a leak in the foundation. After identifying the cause of mold damage, the technician can begin mold remediation in earnest.

Complete the Steps of Remediation

Personal protection gear is used as part of the containment process, so technicians don't track spores throughout the rest of your home. Other containment steps may include covering and taping off openings to limit airflow. Damaged materials, such as drywall and carpeting, may be removed and replaced. If the materials can be saved, professionals run them through a cleaning and disinfection process. Of course, one of the main steps in mold remediation is thoroughly drying out all wet materials and rooms.

Act Quickly

When you recognize the signs of black mold or even suspect its presence, it's time to contact professionals from Fuquay- Varina, NC, who are familiar with the area's environmental conditions. Don't wait for mold to spread; stop this intruder from affecting your home and family.

Types of Contaminated Water and How To Fix It

11/27/2019 (Permalink)

Category 1 Water Damage comes from a clean water source, a fresh water line for a refrigerator

Types of Contaminated Water and How To Fix It

Any homeowner in New Hill, NC, knows that a leaking pipe or flooded basement is a problem that needs to be addressed immediately. Water and flooring do not mix, and it can cause any number of issues if left unchecked. There are several types of contaminated water and your response to cleanup depends on which is in your home.

1. Category One: Clean Water

If you have to have water in your home, this is the type you want. Category one refers to moisture coming from a clean source of water, like a leaking faucet or supply line. Although you still obviously have to address it, it is not something that will cause immediate health concerns.

2. Category Two: Contaminated Water

This type of water is not completely clean, such as leaks from toilets or washing machines. This does have the potential to be a threat to you or your pets’ health, and it therefore needs to be addressed by a water restoration specialist. If you are confronting this situation, first stop the leakage by shutting off the water. Contact a professional to determine what you need to do and when they will be able to help.

3. Category Three: Sewage or Outside Flood

Category three is the most dangerous type. Sometimes referred to as black water, this is not something you can clean up yourself. There are bacteria and potentially toxic chemicals that can get attached to materials in your home. Professionals will wear the appropriate clothing and breathing gear, as well as use the most effective cleaning tools to make sure your home is fully recovered.
Contaminated water in your home is never expected, but you need to deal with it immediately. If you are lucky and have only category one clean water, you need to make sure it hasn’t had the opportunity to seep into walls and flooring to cause mold growth. If it falls into category two or three, you must contact a professional right away. You’ll then have the peace of mind that your home is safe.

How Business Owners Can Prepare for High Winds

11/27/2019 (Permalink)

Keep computer files backed up on an external hard drive or cloud in case of fire damage

Here Are Some Steps Business Owners Can Take Before a Storm Hits

Many small business owners fail to properly plan for hurricane damage. According to National Hurricane Survival Initiative, as high as forty percent of all small business owners never open their doors again after sustaining storm damage. Therefore, it’s critical that businesses prepare ahead of time. Here are some steps business owners can take before a storm hits:

Make a Business Plan

One of the most important things you can do before high winds develop is make a business plan. Your plan should contain all the details necessary to increase employee safety and protect your Wilbon, NC, property. Your business plan should include the following three areas:

Protect Your Property
Protect Your Information
Maintain a Checklist

Protect Your Property

Even though hurricane damage is imminent, there are some things you can do to lessen the injury. First, it’s important to brace large furniture items, secure water heaters and strap electronics before high winds begin. You should also shut off all utilities if possible before a hurricane makes landfall. On the outside of your property, sandbag any areas that are prone to flooding and have a professional inspect your roof.

Protect Your Information

In addition to protecting your property, it’s critical to protect your information. You can prepare your files and documents for hurricane damage by backing them up in the cloud or on hard drives that are stored at another location. You also want to make sure you have a list of important contacts such as banks, accountants, insurers, etc. that you can contact after the storm.

Maintain a Checklist

To assist in keeping everyone safe, it’s imperative that you regularly train your employees on emergency procedures. Part of the training should include a checklist of what needs to be done before, during and after a hurricane. Each business will need to tailor their checklist to meet the needs of their property and employees.

High winds are certain when it comes to hurricanes. Prepare your business before the storm and contact a commercial storm professional after the hurricane to assist in storm cleanup.

3 Ways To Keep Your Pets Safe If a Fire Occurs

11/22/2019 (Permalink)

Place a Window Cling to alert firefighters about pets within your home in case of a fire

Ways You Can Protect Your Pet if a Fire Occurs

Many homeowners in Holly Springs, NC, consider their pets part of their families. However, when it comes to planning for a fire emergency, few people know how to involve them. There are several ways you can help to protect your pets if a fire occurs.

1. Create a Plan That Considers Your Pets

Many people don't think about pet safety when planning for disasters. However, it's often wise to consider your pets when you are planning to deal with the effects of a fire. Purchasing and safely storing items your pets may need after a fire, such as food, water and proof of vaccinations, can be useful. However, you shouldn't go back inside your home to gather these items if your home does catch fire. Remember, fire restoration experts can help restore your home, so safety should be your priority.

2. Keep Your Pets Near Exits

If you let your pets roam freely throughout your house, you know that you can't always control where they go. However, it can be important to make an effort to keep your pets near exits when you leave your house or at nighttime. If a fire emergency does occur, firefighters will more than likely be able to reach your pets quickly if they are in a room close to the home's exterior.

3. Place a Pet Alert Sticker on Your Front Window

In an emergency, seconds often matter. Though it can be helpful to verbally communicate with firefighters about your pets, it can also be wise to place a pet alert sticker that contains information about the number of pets in your home and their names on your front window. This way, firefighters will know how many pets to look for if you are not home when a fire occurs.
You love your pets like family, and it's often helpful to focus on pet preparation when prepping for a fire emergency. You can help keep your pets safe during and after a fire by including them in your planning, keeping them near exits and placing pet alert stickers on your front window.

Avoid These 3 Actions After Your Home Becomes Flooded

11/16/2019 (Permalink)

The best way you can avoid direct contact is by wearing protective clothing

Avoid These 3 Actions After Your Home Becomes Flooded

Powerful storms and the flooding resulting from them can leave a devastating impact in your Apex, NC home. They can deeply affect you and even motivate you to act. However, it is important to step back and think carefully about the situation. Any careless interactions with flood water or premature repair attempts can injure you or delay the house's repair process. If your house floods, avoid the following actions.

Staying To Salvage the Building

During a heavy storm or a flood, your priority might be to find a safe location. There is little you can do to save the building, since there are no resources or equipment available. Not to mention the natural disaster is still taking place, so it will be difficult to determine the full scope of the water damage and how to fix it. Prioritize your wellbeing, go to an emergency shelter and wait until the event passes.

Making Direct Contact With the Water

It is not only pointless to try to prevent damage in the middle of flooding, but it can also be harmful. Flood water caries a variety of hazards you will need to avoid.

Sewerage and dirt contaminants
Hidden debris
Electricity from exposed devices
Other dangers

The best way you can avoid direct contact is by wearing protective clothing, particularly long rubber boots and gloves.

Removing Mold and Mildew

A flooded home is very likely to develop mold and mildew. These organisms thrive in the warm and humid environment that a flood creates. The removal and repair process can be too complicated and dangerous for you to attempt alone. Install, contact mold remediation specialists and let them handle the issue before it continues to spread and leads to a greater property loss than before.
Even though a flood may tempt you to act fast, you might need to think carefully about your actions. Seek immediate shelter, avoid touching the flood water and allow the specialists to handle the repair process.

3 Steps To Follow After a Fire Affects Your Home

10/7/2019 (Permalink)

Fire damage in a Cary,NC home

3 Steps To Follow After a Fire Affects Your Home

After a fire has damaged a home in Cary, NC, homeowners can begin to feel overwhelmed with worry and uncertainty about the fire restoration process. Many don't know what they should do in order to begin the path toward restoration. If a fire has damaged your home, however, there are several useful steps you can take to make restoration easier.

1. Begin the Claims Process

It's often important for homeowners to make a claim with their insurance company to move the restoration process forward. The majority of home insurance policies include fire insurance, so long as the cause of the fire wasn't arson. After making an insurance claim, your insurance provider will send out an adjuster to assess the damage. After the assessment, your insurance company can compensate you for your losses.

2. Avoid Touching Your Belongings or Going Into Your Home

After the blaze has been extinguished, you may be tempted to enter your home. While it's understandable that you want to look around and assess the damage yourself, entering your home and touching belongings affected by the fire can have a negative impact on the fire restoration process. Only if firefighters or a fire marshall has said it is safe to go into your home should you go inside your house after a fire is extinguished, and even then you should generally avoid touching any damaged items.

3. Contact Restoration Services

Though you shouldn't enter your home in order to gather your damaged items, it's often wise to contact emergency restoration services. Professionals know how to safely enter homes and can help to mitigate the damage that has already occurred. After damaged items are removed from the home, experts can also help with smoke cleaning and odor removal before rebuilding begins.

As terrible as a home fire can be, there are several key steps homeowners can follow in order to improve the fire restoration process. Filing a claim soon after a fire, not entering your home without clearance from firefighters and contacting restoration services can often make restoration a quicker, less stressful ordeal.

3 Differences Between Mold and Mildew

9/25/2019 (Permalink)

Mildew often occurs on living plants and crops

Distinctions Between Mold and Mildew

If you have water damage or high levels of moisture in your home in Raleigh, NC, then you may eventually discover that your house has developed a fungus growth. However, there are several varieties of fungus that you could be dealing with. It is important to determine whether you have mildew or mold damage since they should be handled differently. The following are a few distinctions between these types of fungus.

1. What It Looks Like

An easy way to determine whether you have mold or mildew growth is to examine the way it looks. Mildew is often white or gray and tends to grow flat. It usually has a powdery appearance. On the other hand, mold comes in a wide variety of colors, from black to white to green. Mold can be either slimy or fuzzy depending on the variety.

2. Where It Grows

While both mildew and mold growth are more likely to occur in areas with a lot of moisture, there are some differences. Mildew often occurs on living plants and crops though it can sometimes be found in other areas. Mold is more likely to grow on other surfaces and can be found in a variety of places. It may be hiding behind your walls, inside your air conditioner or on your shower tiles.

3. How Easy It Is to Remove

Because of the way it grows, mildew is often easier to remove than mold damage. Mildew remains on the surface of an object, so it can be scraped or scrubbed off. Mold, however, penetrates porous materials, so removing it from the outside will not always get rid of the growth.
Whether you have mildew or mold damage, it is important to have the fungus removed from your home as quickly as possible. Doing so will prevent it from spreading and causing further problems. A mold remediation company can inspect your home to determine the location, cause and type of growth and then perform cleanup to remove it.

What to Expect During Water Damage Mitigation

9/25/2019 (Permalink)

Leaking water heater causes water damage in Cary, NC

Water Mitigation Process

If your commercial building in Cary, NC, has suffered water damage from a burst pipe or a supply line leaking, it is important to have it repaired as quickly as possible. Doing so will allow you to continue doing business as usual. However, before repairs can begin, mitigation will need to be done. This will include cleanup and other preparations. The following steps will be performed during the process.

1. Inspection

Before anything else can be done, the building will need to be inspected. The restoration company will locate the source of the damage and stop the flow of water in this area. They will also determine the extent of the damage that has been done. During this step, the type of water will also be identified. Doing so will help them figure out how to move forward with the pipe burst cleanup.

2. Removal of Water

After the building has been inspected, all excess water will need to be removed. Letting it sit will increase the amount of damage that occurs and can result in warped or rotted wood as well as the growth of mold. The restoration company will have professional equipment that can quickly remove large amounts of water. In some cases, carpeting or other materials may need to be removed as well.

3. Drying

The final step before water cleanup is drying. Like water removal, this step is necessary to reduce the amount of secondary damage. Equipment such as dehumidifiers and industrial air movers are used to shorten the time it takes for items to reach an acceptable moisture level.

4. Cleanup

After drying, pipe burst cleanup can begin. This includes cleaning and sanitization of both the structure of the building as well as any affected belongings. Odor removal may also be done to reduce any unpleasant smells caused by water damage.
Once these steps have been completed, then the company will start on restoration. While mitigation and pipe burst cleanup may seem like a lengthy process, the water damage remediation company will finish as quickly as possible to reduce further damage, saving both time and money during repairs.

A Brief Guide to Storm Shutters

9/9/2019 (Permalink)

Roll- down shutter

Brief Guide To The Five Main Types Of Storm Shutter

Whether you regularly experience hurricanes in Wilbon, NC, or not, storm shutters may be a wise investment in your home. After all, virtually every community is subjected to high winds. Here's a brief guide to the five main types of storm shutter.

1. Storm Panel

Storm panels are usually made from metal. They attach to your windows and doors using bolts, tracks, or both, and overlap one another for maximum protection. The main drawback to this inexpensive type of shutter is that they need to be stored somewhere when not in use, which, hopefully, is most of the time.

2. Accordion

Accordion-style barriers are exactly what they sound like. They're permanently fastened beside your windows and extended when weather gets rough. The upside of an accordion shutter is that it's easy to use and can be equipped quickly by one person. The downside is that it's attached to your house year-round, so you better like the way it looks.

3. Colonial Hurricane

Colonial hurricane shutters are also permanently affixed to your house, next to your windows, but they're decorative. Instead of operating like an accordion, they fold open and shut. While they look great, they can take 45 minutes or more to deploy when high winds threaten.

4. Bahama Hurricane

Popular in — you guessed it — the Bahamas, this type of shutter also folds over your window. Unlike the colonial style, however, it's permanently attached above the window and folds downward. For that reason, it's an easy shutter for one person to operate, and it provides shade, whether you want it or not.

5. Roll-Down

Like the name says, this type of shutter rolls down over your window and offers the best protection on the market today, with the price tag to match. When not in use, these shades are rolled back up into a permanent fixture above the window using either a crank or push-button operation.
When it comes to combating high winds and avoiding a call to your local storm damage recovery service, storm shutters can be a valuable addition to your residence. Before you invest, be sure to consider your home's aesthetics, your storage options, and your budget.

Get a Solid Estimate for Fire Restoration Work

8/28/2019 (Permalink)

Fire restoration in Wilbon, NC

If your company has experienced a business fire in Wilbon, NC, there will be a lot for you to think about and all at once. The greatest concern, no doubt, will be the safety of everyone involved, but once that has been established your thoughts might turn to costs. You will want to get an estimate of how much the cleanup process will cost you. It's important to understand that not all estimates are equal. Some companies may offer a quick, non-binding price that sounds too good to be true. However, when the time comes to pay the bill it will be much higher than stated. Look for a guaranteed price from a reputable company, preferably one that handles all aspects of a fire restoration.

The Steps for a Thorough Restoration

When fire damage happens, your building has gone through a big event. It's not just the fire you have to worry about, but also soot and smoke damage and likely water damage from the fire crews or sprinkler system. The fire restoration team will go through the following steps as needed:

Boarding up the building to make sure it is safe
Replacing the roof if needed
Removing debris from the site
Addressing smoke and fire odors
Cleaning of upholstery and fabrics
Filing a damage claim with the insurance company

A commercial fire is a major event and there are a lot of moving parts to the cleanup process. A solid estimate is just the beginning of your relationship with the restoration professionals. Make sure it gets off on a good foot with a price that is fair, thorough and honest.

A business fire in Wilbon, NC, can be managed effectively by working with professionals. They have the training and equipment to handle big projects safely and quickly. It all starts with an estimate of the costs and the time needed to complete the job.

3 Tips for Protecting Your Commercial Roof From Storm Damage

8/28/2019 (Permalink)

It’s a good idea to regularly inspect and maintain your roof cover when preparing for water or wind damage

Maintenance Tips To Protect Your Roof From Storm Damage

When there’s a storm in the forecast, it’s crucial to shield your Raleigh, NC, business from potential damage. The best way to be prepared ahead of time is to regularly maintain and inspect your commercial roof. Whether you notice cracks or a roof leak, actively searching for problem areas and resolving them can help you equip your business for severe weather. Here are some simple maintenance tips to protect your roof from storm damage.

1. Check Drainage System

Your roof’s drainage system must be examined at least twice a year. Be sure to do the following:

Inspect system
Clean out any debris (twigs, tree leaves, etc.)
Look for cracks around roof drains

If you notice any cracks, it’s vital to have them repaired as soon as possible. Every part of your roof’s drainage system should be in good condition to prevent debris and other materials from causing clogs.

2. Maintain Roof Cover

It’s also a good idea to regularly inspect and maintain your roof cover when preparing for water or wind damage. Be sure to check for debris and any loose materials during your inspection. Additionally, you may need to replace the cover if you notice any bubbling or peeling. Taking proper care of your roof cover can help you avoid issues such as clogging or a roof leak.

3. Clean Gutters

Maintaining clean gutters is a critical part of caring for your roof. By cleaning out your gutters before a storm, you can prevent water from building up inside them and causing damage. Failing to clean your gutters may also cause the materials on your roof to rot. Don’t neglect basic gutter maintenance when preparing for storm or flood damage.
Don’t wait to call a storm damage restoration company if you’re facing any kind of damage to your business. Requesting the professional services you need can help bring your business back to life, whether you’re dealing with a roof leak or wind damage.

4 Factors That Can Cause Your Toilet To Leak When You Flush

8/28/2019 (Permalink)

Leaking toilet after flushing in Cary, NC

Consider These 4 Factors When Troubleshooting Your Leaking Toilet

If your toilet leaks when you flush, there are a few possible explanations. It's important to troubleshoot a toilet leak as soon as possible. If undetected or unresolved, a leaking toilet can wreak havoc on your home and cost you in water damage repair. As a homeowner in Cary, NC, check for these factors when troubleshooting your leak:

1. Dry Wax Ring. Check the integrity of your wax ring, the component between your toilet's base and the flange. If it has dried out over time, it can crumble and cause water to leak from the toilet's base onto the floor and surrounding area.

2. Improper Wax Ring Installation. Installing the wax ring can be a tricky task, especially for someone with little plumbing experience or know-how. If improperly installed, the wax ring can create breaches and allow water to escape. A foul odor is another symptom of improper wax ring installation. Don't forget to use your nose when investigating your bathroom leak!

3. Broken Flange. The toilet flange is a pipe fitting that mounts the toilet to the floor and connects it to the drainpipe. A broken flange compromises the drainage of water after flushing and can force water out of the toilet's base onto the bathroom floor. In addition to a leaking toilet, a toilet that rocks back and forth may also be a sign of a broken flange.

4. Loose Tank. The bolts that connect your toilet and its tank can come loose over time. This disconnection can cause the tank gasket to move, allowing water to bypass the gasket and head for your floor!

Consider these four factors when troubleshooting your leaking toilet. With a little time and attention, you can quickly pinpoint the source of the leak and put a plan in place to resolve the issue. The sooner you pinpoint the source, the sooner you can fix it and save money and time over the long run.

Can You Spot Smoke Damage?

7/29/2019 (Permalink)

Smoke damage

Whether fire damage has affected your entire home or just a small area, there's a good chance that damage has occurred. Lingering odors, ashes, and soot can indicate and perhaps cause unseen destruction. Even if you can't see a lot of damage, it's important to contact smoke cleaning professionals to quickly address the problem.

Damages must be documented right away.
Your insurance may cover destruction related to fire, smoke, ash, and soot.
Professional cleaning has safe and effective results.

Your home should be a safe and comfortable place to live. A quick response is the best way to be sure that all damages have been addressed.

Signs of Smoke Damage

Smoke damage isn't always obvious and sometimes it's hard to see the need for hiring a team of professionals. If your New Hill, NC, home has been affected by fire, and you haven't addressed the possibility of unseen damage, watch out for the following signs that you need to take smoke cleaning steps.

One: Stains on the Walls and Ceilings

Plastic surfaces absorb the particulates carried by smoke and hang onto the oily residue left by soot. Stains may be obvious right away, or they may become more apparent as time goes by.

Two: Rust and Corrosion on Metals

It doesn't take very long for copper in your home to succumb to fire damage, but other metals take longer to show harm. Usually, discoloration and deterioration can be seen within several hours. If you aren't looking, you may not notice trouble until it has spread.

Three: Discoloration of Draperies and Upholstery

You should also watch out for discoloration on your window treatments, furnishings, and even clothing. As smoke, ashes, and soot are left untreated, residue and smoke odor are absorbed into the fibers. Smoke and fire cleanup professionals can address these issues quickly and thoroughly.

After the flames have been put out, you may think that there's no more risk of damage. However, smoke cleaning services are just as important to the well-being of your home and fire damage cleanup.

How the Standards for Mold Cleaning Have Changed

7/29/2019 (Permalink)

Mold should be treated by a reputable company in Wilbon, NC

How thew Standards for Mold Cleaning Have Changed

For a lowly fungus, mold (and mold cleaning) has received a lot of attention in recent years. This is in part because people like to hear a good mold story every now and then, and partly because a few things have changed recently. The main reference guide for professional mold remediation, the S520, has updated the mold standards that the industry must follow. This change affects professional mold remediation companies, as well as insurance coverage for businesses. It also makes it more important that companies that clean up mold have well-trained and certified employees. To get out the correct information, a number of workshops are being offered to educate cleaning companies on the new standards.

How This Affects You

As a business owner or property manager, it pays to be informed. If you need a mold cleanup, it's important to ask the company you hire in Wilbon, NC, if it is aware of the new mold standards and if its employees are trained in this process. The new standards are important for the following reasons:

They set guidelines for professional mold remediation
They are based on reliable remediation and restoration principals
They guide technicians in real situations
They were developed with the help of scientists, industry professionals, public health workers and others

In short, you want to hire a company that is using the latest techniques and the best equipment to clean your building. A company that doesn't have properly trained workers may not fix the problem.

How To Deal With Mold

Whether you building is infested with black mold or some other type, it's important to know that mold is an irritant and allergen to many people. Therefore, it should be treated by a reputable company in Wilbon, NC. The technician will know that mold spores thrive on moisture. The mold remediation process works to make sure the right amount of moisture or humidity is present. A trained technician will be aware of the published mold standards.

5 Things You Should Avoid After a Flood

7/11/2019 (Permalink)

Flooded home in Fuquay- Varina, NC

Things Not to Do During After a Flood

If you have experienced a flooded home in Fuquay- Varina, NC, it is important that you follow the proper procedures to keep both your home and yourself safe. The following are several things that you should remember not to do in this situation.

1. Do Not Remain in an Unsafe Environment

While you may not want to leave your home, if there is flood water in the building, you may need to relocate to somewhere safer. Once you have done so, you can start thinking about what you should do to salvage your home.

2. Do Not Use Electricity

Until your house has been inspected, you should avoid using any electricity, particularly if the building has been flooded. Use the breaker to turn off the power as even something as simple as turning off the lights can be hazardous.

3. Do Not Forget to Call Your Insurance Agent

If you have flood insurance, you should call your agent right away to begin working on filing a claim. Waiting too long after the damage has occurred may cause your claim to be denied.

4. Do Not Allow Water to Sit in Your Home

Because water damage becomes worse the longer it sits, you should contact an emergency restoration service right away to begin work on your home. They will be able to perform mitigation to prevent further damage before beginning any necessary repairs.

5. Do Not Come Into Contact with Flood Water

Water from a flood is considered Category 3 or black water. This means that it is highly contaminated and may contain harsh chemicals, harmful bacteria and sewage. You should avoid contact with this type of water and dispose of any food or beverages that it touches. If you have black water in your home, it will need to be cleaned and sanitized thoroughly.
If there is flood water in your home, you should remember to make your safety a priority. Then you can focus on taking the necessary steps to begin repairs on your house.

How To Clean Items Damaged in a Commercial Fire

6/28/2019 (Permalink)

Restoring belongings after a fire

After experiencing a fire in your building in Holly Springs, NC, there will likely be a lot of resulting damage. If you come across items that have been damaged by smoke, it is important that they are cleaned appropriately, whether you use dry-cleaning services or call a professional. Here is a helpful guide on cleaning fire-damaged items in your commercial building.

Furniture and Textiles

Before fire-damaged items can be cleaned, all of the residual soot must be removed. Soot that remains untreated can stain your belongings and become more difficult to remove. Some items that can be cleaned after accumulating soot include:

Carpets
Upholstery
Blinds

You can attempt to remove some of the soot by using a vacuum cleaner nozzle on the surface of the damaged object. However, relying on a professional to perform the content cleaning process can help your items become restored in a more thorough manner.

Clothing

Soot-damaged clothing should be cleaned in a different way than furniture. The best way to ensure that clothing damaged from smoke is properly cleaned is to have it dry-cleaned. Not only does dry-cleaning help to thoroughly cleanse your clothing items, but it can also remove the lingering odor from the smoke. If the smoke odor isn’t eliminated as soon as possible, it can become embedded in the fabric.

Vents and Ducts

Smoke particles from the fire can spread throughout your commercial building and cause the odor to become trapped in vents and ducts. If smoke has become lodged in your ducts or vents, fire restoration services can clean them properly and prevent the smoke from continuing to drift through the air. These professionals can also place any items that have been damaged by smoke particles in content storage so they remain protected.
A fire is a devastating event, but making sure you have peace of mind can help the recovery process go more smoothly. In addition to helping repair structural damage, a professional fire remediation company should be able to help with dry-cleaning, ultra-sonic deodorizing and other services to restore valuable business assets.

4 Reasons Why Your Commercial Building May Suffer From Water Damage

6/21/2019 (Permalink)

Roof damaged by weather

Common Causes of Water Damage you May Encounter

There are many reasons why your commercial building in Fuquay- Varina, NC, may become flooded, such a a bad storm or broken pipe. It is a good idea to know what can cause this type of problem, but you also may want to have a plan in place for if the worst does happen. Here are a some common causes of water damage that you may encounter.

1. Roof Damage

Many times a small leak doesn't seem like a big deal, but left untreated, it can lead to some serious flooding. Your roof can become damaged from the weather, or it can wear down with age. Having it repaired right away may help you to avoid needing a new roof, which can be extremely costly.

2. Busted Pipes

Although a broken pipe can occur at anytime, they are more likely to burst when the temperature drops. In order to prevent the need for water repair, you should try to keep the pipes running continuously when the weather is cold.

3. Plumbing Issues

Overflowing toilets is one of the most common causes of damage in commercial buildings. Patrons often try to flush items that they shouldn't, which can lead to a clog. You can take precautions to help prevent this from happening by installing waste baskets next to the toilets and putting up signs asking people to properly dispose of feminine products and other trash.

4. Broken Appliances

Many commercial buildings are home to appliances, such as washing machines, dishwashers and water heaters. Just like in a home, these can malfunction and lead to water damage. Performing regular maintenance on these can help you avoid major issues.

Always take care of water damage right away. If you are unsure of how to handle the problem yourself, consider calling a professional water restoration company in Fuquay- Varina, NC. They may be able to help you locate the source, repair a broken pipe and cleanup the contaminated area.

Residential Water - How To Identify the Cause of Noisy Pipes

6/14/2019 (Permalink)

High water pressure can cause damage to your washing machine

Common Causes of Loud Noises Coming from Your Pipes

If you’re unable to get a good night’s rest because of noisy pipes in your Morrisville, NC, home, it’s time to figure out what is causing the problem. A noisy pipe must be addressed as soon as possible because it may lead to a pipe break, which can cause severe water damage in your home. Here are some of the most common causes of loud noises coming from your pipes.

High Water Pressure

If you notice a humming sound coming from your pipes, it could be the result of high water pressure. Too much water pressure doesn’t only affect your pipes, however. It can also cause damage to various water-supplied appliances, including the following:

Dishwashers
Washing machines
Icemakers
Water heaters

In order to fix a problem concerning your water pressure, it’s best to simply adjust it using a pressure regulator. If a regulator isn’t present in your home, having one installed can help reduce the costs and damage associated with high water pressure, as well as the risk of having a pipe break.

Trapped Air Bubbles

Your pipes may also be making a banging or hammering sound. This is likely because there are air bubbles trapped in your pipes, which can occur if there is a problem with the water line. If you hear the banging noise when you turn on a faucet, it’s safe to conclude that the sound is a result of trapped air. In this situation, calling a water restoration specialist immediately is the most effective way to fix the problem before a pipe burst occurs.

Water Hammer

A loud thudding sound, also known as a water hammer, could be another culprit. You likely hear this sound when you abruptly turn off a faucet, causing the running water to bang against the shutoff valve. Over time, a water hammer may disrupt important connections in the water line, which can leave you struggling to fix broken pipe. Taking immediate action is key because noisy pipes can lead to a pipe break and cause water damage in your home.

Surprising Facts About Mildew and Your Houseplants

5/30/2019 (Permalink)

Plant mildew can also occur on outdoor plants

Surprising Facts About Mildew and Your Houseplants

One of the keys to energy-efficient homes today is that they are well-insulated and airtight. This keeps them cool during the hot months and warm during the cold months. Unfortunately, these designs can sometimes lead to high indoor humidity. If houseplants are present, plant mildew may not be far behind. You may be surprised to learn that mildew:

Does not grow in your bathroom or on any interior surfaces of your home.
Is always white or light-colored.
Is a parasite that lives on your plants without killing them.

Everyone Thinks They Know About Mildew

The average homeowner believes that any discoloration in a bathroom’s tile grout is mildew. The truth is that it’s mold. Mildew grows only on plants. Houseplants are the most common victims of mildew infestation.

Plant mildew can also occur on outdoor plants. Unhealthy plants in areas with poor air circulation are the best candidates for outdoor mildew.

You Can Treat Mildew Growth With Chemicals

The hardware store is a good place to get a product to treat your mildew problem. Visit the gardening department. There you will find fungicides and mildewcides that can safely treat your plants. Store associates are often excellent sources to help you select a product and application method.

You Can Also Treat Mildew Growth Without Chemicals

Today, many people frown on solving problems with chemicals. If you want to avoid bringing them into your home, here are some things to try.

Move your plants temporarily outdoors so that they can get some sun and fresh air.
Wash the leaves with clean water using a spray bottle.
Cut away the heavily infected and unhealthy leaves to promote new growth.
Find a way to water the roots and keep the surface dry.

Plant mildew does not pose a serious problem to your home. That mold on your bathroom wall or anywhere else is your home does. It’s important to act quickly. In the Apex, NC, area you will find mold remediation experts who are ready to evaluate your situation and perform the cleanup. They are just a phone call away.

If You Rent, Who Is Liable for Fire Damage?

5/28/2019 (Permalink)

Fire Damage in local appartments in Cary, NC.

When tenants occupy a rental property in Cary, NC, and that property is subsequently damaged by an apartment fire, it can be confusing to work out who’s liable for any damages and items lost in the fire. The tenants don’t own the building but they do still pay to occupy it, so if there’s a fire, who’s responsible for covering the damage?

Understanding Building Liability vs. Content Liability

The difference is determined by who actually owns the property that’s been damaged in an apartment fire. The proprietor owns the building and thus is liable for any structural damage to the building – that means damage to the walls, roofing, fixtures, pipes, and so forth. The tenant owns the contents of their apartment and is liable for those items. Items that tenants may be liable for include:

Electronics such as televisions, stereos, and DVD players
Clothing
Furniture
Personally owned kitchen appliances
Art and other decorations
Books
Pet care items
Vehicles or bicycles damaged during the fire
Personal belongings with or without sentimental value

There may be some confusion regarding appliances, as some appliances will be owned by the tenant and some by the property owner. For example, a refrigerator or stove that was installed before a tenant moved in belongs to the property owner, and thus the owner is liable for any fire damage. However, a coffee maker or toaster likely belongs to the tenant, and the tenant is liable. Determination is made purely on who covered the cost of purchase/ownership.

So What Happens After the Fire?

After the fire, damages are usually assessed by both damage remediation companies and insurance companies. Building owners should have adequate insurance to cover any damage to their properties in the event of an apartment fire. Many tenants do not invest in renter’s insurance, but renter’s insurance usually covers the cost of replacing any destroyed or fire-damaged items that tenants are liable for.

Cooking Safely With Oil and Grease

5/27/2019 (Permalink)

After you've experienced a grease fire, it's difficult to know what to do next.

Fried foods have become increasingly popular in Raleigh, NC. As home chefs attempt to recreate their greasy restaurant favorites, sometimes things get out of hand. If oil or grease is overheated, it begins to smoke. If the temperature continues to rise after that, it will quickly catch fire. A grease fire is among the most dangerous types of house fire because it’s often not handled properly, and nothing ruins a good dinner party like a full-scale home evacuation. Here are some ways to prevent, extinguish, and handle the aftermath of a grease fire.

Grease Fire

Prevention

The easiest ways to prevent your cooking oil from overheating are to take these precautions:

Never leave oil/grease unattended on or near a heat source
Use a thermometer to prevent overheating

These simple practices will ensure your time in the kitchen is safe and flame-free.

Extinguishment

In case your oil does get too hot and catches fire, turn off the heat source if you can do so safely. Do not attempt to put water or other liquids on the fire as they will only feed the blaze. Instead, here are a few ways to safely extinguish it:

Cover the pan with a metal lid or a cookie sheet
Smother it with baking soda or salt
Us a Class B or K fire extinguisher

Remember that your safety is the most important thing. If the fire gets out of hand, don't hesitate to leave the house and call 911 for help.

The Aftermath

After you've experienced a grease fire, it's difficult to know what to do next. The best option is to find an experienced fire restoration company to help repair your home. The professionals will be able to handle the fire cleanup, help salvage your possessions, remove any harmful byproducts from your ventilation system, and restore your kitchen to its former glory so you can give that dinner party another try.

3 Types of Home Damage You May Have After a Fire

5/22/2019 (Permalink)

Fire restoration requires the professionals

Types of Damage You Might Have in Your House After a Fire

You know that a fire in your Cary, NC, home can cause a lot of fire damage. However, you may not consider all of the different ways your home will be affected. The following are a few types of damage that you might have in your house after a fire.

1. Damage From Fire

The most obvious type of damage you will have is fire damage. This is primary damage and comes directly from the flames. It can spread quickly, affecting a large portion of your home. The high levels of heat can irreparably damage your belongings, burning fabrics and melting plastics. It can also weaken the structure of your house, sometimes causing whole areas to require rebuilding. Some items may be lost to the fire, but a fire restoration service can repair the damaged areas of your home.

2. Damage From Smoke

Because it does not seem quite as devastating as fire damage, smoke damage may sometimes be overlooked. This secondary damage can, however, affect your home just as much. The surfaces of your home may be covered with soot, and smoke can leave a lingering odor. Because of the acidic components contained in smoke, it can corrode metals and plastics if not removed.

3. Damage From Water

Depending on the severity of the fire, you may end up with damage from water as well. If a fire hose is required to put out the flames, your home will likely be flooded with water. If left to sit, this can cause warping to walls and flooring and may contribute to the growth of mold.

Because damage from a fire can be extensive and can include quite a bit of secondary damage, such as smoke and water damage, as well as that from the flames, it is a good idea to hire professionals to take care of it quickly. An emergency service will be able to remediate and repair your home to bring it as close to its previous condition as possible.

5 Ways To Prepare Your Business for Storm Season

5/11/2019 (Permalink)

It is best if storm cleanup happens quickly so you can avoid secondary damage

5 Ways to Prepare Your Business to Weather the Storm

Businesses that survive fierce storms are the ones that are prepared ahead of time. When flood water rises in Raleigh, NC, you must take certain steps to make sure your business is ready. Here are five of the ways you can prepare your business to weather the storm.

1. Business Continuity Plan

If your building sustains a lot of flood damage, you may not be able to work out of it for a period of time. If that happens, you will need a plan in place that identifies critical functions, key personnel and vital equipment and information. Having a plan helps you stay afloat.

2. Evacuation or On-Site Safety Plan

It is important to know how you are going to keep your employees safe when flood water invades your building. Create, post and practice what you want everyone to do in the event of an emergency.

3. Data Protection

It’s always a good idea to back up your data, even when your building isn’t in danger of storm damage. Having a backup, preferably in a remote location, secures the information you need so that you don’t lose it in your flooded building.

4. Communication Focus

When all the regular means of communication are down, you may have to get creative. Plan to send messages along multiple channels during flood cleanup so that employees can keep up with the progress.

5. Fast Mitigation

It is best if storm cleanup happens quickly so you can avoid secondary damage. Have water damage specialists listed with your emergency contacts so that they can arrive quickly to assess the problems and get started on restoration.

Flood water doesn’t have to shut your entire business down. If you plan how to get everyone to safety and how to proceed while restoration is in process, you may be able to minimize the effects of storm season on your business.

How to Handle Sewer Backup

5/5/2019 (Permalink)

Flood Damage caused Sewer Backup in Raleigh, NC.

Of all the dirty jobs you have to do as a homeowner, sewer cleanup is going to take the cake. When there’s a flooded toilet involved, or when a storm triggered a sewer backup, it’s time to start weighing your options.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, here is what happens during a cleanup effort:

Pump It Out and Dry It Out

All the gunk that comes along with a sewer cleanup has to be taken out. You or your cleanup professional will have to start the process right away. Often, sump or trash pumps will be used to clear the water from your home. Then, with the use of fans and dehumidifiers, your residence will be dried.

Restoration and Carpet Repair

Carpets have to be considered in the sewer cleanup. Most of the time, carpets are not able to be saved, they have to be replaced after coming in contact with sewer backup. However, there are cases where they may be able to be salvaged. In these instances, the carpets have to be removed and scrubbed thoroughly. Remember that moisture is a breeding ground for mold, and when it comes to porous belongings, there are places for the mold to hide. Everything must be disinfected and cleaned.

Odor Elimination

The problem after sewer cleanup is that sometimes you still have to figure out what to do about the smell. The cleanup process will remove most of the scent, but not always all of it. If you find that the odor is lingering in your home, you can utilize HEPA air filters to clean the air and air fresheners to make the situation tolerable. Over time, the smell should fade.

No one wants to have to go through a sewer cleanup. It can be a difficult task, but when taken seriously and with the help of specialists in Raleigh, NC your home can be clean again in no time.

Freeze Up a Grease Fire With These Unusual (but Effective) Tips

4/30/2019 (Permalink)

Grease Fire can be very dangerous.

A grease fire is probably one of the worst-case fire scenarios you can encounter in your own kitchen, as grease fires aren’t combatted like normal fires. Instead of snuffing them out, water can aggravate a fat fire and cause a small stovetop flare-up to quickly turn into a raging inferno. If you ever encounter a fire caused by grease, it is important that you know what to do to put it out, and quickly.

The fire cleanup experts in Raleigh, NC, provide these tips for you to implement in the event of a stovetop fire caused by animal fat:

Do NOT throw water on the fire.
Turn off the heat source ASAP.
Remove all the oxygen from the flame, which you can do by covering the flame with a pot or pot lid.
If covering it up is not an option, dump baking soda on it, and lot of it!

Salt Works, Too

If you don’t have an abundance of baking soda on hand (because, let’s face it, not many people do), salt works too. Depending on the size of the grease fire, you may need to dump a cup or more of salt over the inferno to squelch it. Salt works by sucking the heat out of the grease so that it simply cannot sustain its combustion anymore. In fact, it is so effective that experts recommend keeping a tub of salt on hand whenever you plan to cook with grease.

Do Not Pour Any Other Baking Ingredient on the Flame

Flour, sugar, salt, baking soda…they’re all white powders, so they should work the same, right? Wrong. Baking soda is effective for small fires, while salt is best for larger ones. Accidentally (or purposefully) dousing the flames in flour or sugar could spark an inferno.

A grease fire can get out of hand very quickly, especially if you don’t know the best way to put one out and accidentally use the wrong methods. Use the tips from the National Fire Protection Association to freeze up a kitchen fire fast and before it causes too much damage.

FAQs About Solar Panels and Storms

4/25/2019 (Permalink)

Many people in Holly Springs, NC, are considering the installation of solar panels to their homes. However, few people know about panel damage that can occur during a storm. Understanding more about these panels can help homeowners decide if solar energy is right for their homes.

What Are Common Causes of Damage to Panels

Storms can cause damage to various parts of a home. The following issues can affect panels during a storm:

• Large hail that makes direct contact with the panels
• Strong winds that may cause panels to bend or break
• Tree limbs, shingles and other pieces of debris making contact with the panels

What Happens to Panels During Storms?

As the name suggests, panels that use solar energy need the sun to function, but that doesn’t mean that they will only work when the sun is shining brightly. The panels will continue to work during a storm unless a power outage occurs, in which case the panels will not function. In the event that major panel damage and other substantial destruction to your home occurs, such as roof damage or flooding, it can be useful to contact emergency restoration services.

How Do Panels Compare to Other Energy Sources?

Though damage to panels is certainly possible, there are benefits to choosing them over other sources of energy for your home. Panels are durable, long-lasting sources of power that can generally withstand winds and heavy rains. Panels can also help you save money on your energy bills long-term. Since the panels require sunlight rather than fossil fuels to function, homeowners may choose them because they are typically considered a cleaner source of energy that is beneficial to the environment.

Having an in-depth understanding of how solar panels hold up during storms can benefit homeowners who are considering installation. Knowing what causes panel damage, how they function during storms and how they compare to traditional energy sources can help homeowners make an educated decision about the sources of power in their homes

The Danger of Black Water

4/24/2019 (Permalink)

The Dangers of Black Water Floods

According to the ANSI/IICRC Standard S500, there are three categories of severity when it comes to the different types of liquids as they pertain to water damage. Using the right techniques and materials is crucial for speedy restoration.

Category 1 consists of clean water from a sanitary source, such as drinking fountains, faucets, and toilets. When left sitting too long, damage from these sources can quickly become worse.
Category 2 is sometimes referred to as grey water. It contains contaminants such as bacteria and viruses that can cause illness. Sources include toilet overflows of liquid only and dishwasher water. Restoration plans typically include large air movers and carpet and upholstery cleaning, depending on the severity of the damage.
Category 3 is grossly unsanitary and can cause serious bacterial growth in your home. This type of water damage is also known as black water, and it can be the result of flood waters.

When there is an overabundance of water in usually dry areas, sewers can back up and spew the raw sewage into the open. This could mean it is expelled up through toilets or into the streets and parking lots. Flooding is less centralized than other types of overflow water. As a result, it may be unpredictable and difficult to clean up Category 3 water.

Safety Is a Priority

Mishandling black water in Raleigh, NC can be hazardous to humans and animals. Mold can grow in small areas and spread quickly. Bacteria and fungi can take hold on wall boards, carpeting, and upholstery. Commercial sewage and mold remediation can present unique challenges. The class of destruction is as important as the category of liquid involved when it comes to cleanup procedures and techniques.

Professional water damage restoration services can come into the flood area to dry and repair substructures in addition to cleaning up the mess, from drywall and plaster to concrete and metal surfaces. Trained technicians can assess the damage and create the best plan for repair. Visit http://www.SERVPROcarymorrisvilleapex.com for more information on water damage.

Storm Preparation Tips

4/22/2019 (Permalink)

When your business is in danger from rising flood water in Raleigh, NC you can’t afford to risk your investment to water damage and a flooded building. There are many ways you can prepare your commercial property for an oncoming storm and minimize damage as much as possible.

1. Have a Plan

Your number one priority should be a disaster response and recovery plan. This plan should have clear steps outlined to define what to do in the event of an emergency, allowing you to respond as quickly as possible as soon as you learn of an impending threat. This plan should include how to protect your building’s structural integrity, how to safeguard your inventory and equipment, and the first steps to initiate immediate recovery.

2. Protect Your Investment

Be ready to minimize damage with weatherproofing. This can include sandbagging the exterior of your building, installing weather stripping, moving your equipment and inventory to higher ground, and sealing any leaks. Minimize as much damage as possible by preventing flood water from encroaching on the building.

3. Make Backups

One of the most important things you can do is back up your data. Whether you have cloud data backups or offsite disaster recovery, ensure that the most current images of your entire data repository are sufficiently backed up before the flood arrives.

4. Know Your Evacuation Routes

When the flood comes, your first instinct may be to stay as long as possible to ensure your building is appropriately protected. Instead, you should be focusing on safety, including knowing your evacuation routes. Lost inventory, equipment, and data can be recovered. Restoration professionals can repair your building. Your safety should be the utmost priority.

Include timely evacuation in your flood planning, and always have alternative evacuation routes. Be prepared to support customers in finding evacuation routes as well should any flood water rise too rapidly for them to leave the building in an appropriate amount of time. Visit http://www.SERVPROcarymorrisvilleapex.com for more information on commercial storm damage.

Removing Odor After Storm Damage

4/18/2019 (Permalink)

Removing Odors After a Flood

Flooding can cause a lot of damage, and air quality can be one of the biggest casualties of this type of disaster. You can pump water out of a flooded area, clean obvious mold growth and set up drying machinery, but it takes a lot of work to rid your Raleigh, NC commercial property of offensive odors. Here’s a look at the process used by experienced remediation contractors when working to restore a scent-free environment to buildings in the aftermath of a flood.

The Causes of Odors

Before addressing the problem, your contractor will first need to determine the cause of the offending scents. The most common reason for musty odors is excessive moisture that encourages mold growth, which is why it’s important to fully extract all fluids before rebuilding. Besides spores, there are a few other common causes of smelly conditions:

Bacteria growth in clean standing water
Black water from sewage loss
Chemical spills

The Deodorizing Process

Once the underlying causes of the odors have been identified, technicians will get to work deodorizing the entire area. After setting dehumidifiers up in the space, the workers will use appropriate chemicals to remove odor-causing spores so they won’t grow back. If the affected region is small enough, you might be able to handle it on your own, but anything larger than 10 square feet should probably be cleaned by a professional.

The Importance of Odor Removal

In the wake of flooding, you want your employees and customers to think of your building as a safe place to visit, and musty odors from mold growth could work against you. The unpleasant scents that often follow after flood water recedes are an indication of a problem, but they can also be used to track down stubborn spores that would otherwise evade detection. By hiring a team of experienced remediation professionals to address these issues, you can get back to business with the flood’s destruction safely in your rear-view mirror. Visit http://www.SERVPROcarymorrisvilleapex.com for more information on flood damage.

What Is Gray Water?

4/18/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage on carpet in a Cary, NC commercial building

Restoration professionals refer to contaminated water that does not contain solid waste as Category Two or gray water. This water may originate from an appliance or shower overflow. Clean Category One water can also degrade into Category Two water damage if it is left standing for days before or after water pipe repair. Find out more about gray water and how to differentiate between the three categories of water damage.

Sources of Gray Water

Gray water may contain chemicals, microbes or other contaminants. There are several common sources for Category Two water damage:

Appliance overflows
Shower overflows
Broken aquariums
Degraded water

Category One water from a broken pipe can degrade to Category Two if left standing for longer than 48 hours before or after water pipe repair. Standing water can become highly contaminated Category Three water within a few days.

Gray Water Risks

Gray water does not contain solid waste like Category Three water, but may contain bacteria and other biohazards. It is important to disinfect any area flooded with contaminated water as well as building materials and contents.

Gray Water Cleanup

Water damage mitigation experts can extract gray water from a structure. Once standing water has been removed, restoration specialists can determine whether the following building materials should be torn out and replaced:

Carpet
Drywall
Insulation

Porous materials or contents can be difficult to disinfect and may increase bacteria or mold growth risks. After damaged materials have been removed, the affected area should be cleaned, disinfected and dried.

Gray water damage may not be as severe as damage that involves black water, but Category Two water is still contaminated. A property owner or manager should contact a plumber to clear a blockage or perform water pipe repair. A mitigation and restoration service can assess and clean up any category of water damage present at a building in Cary, NC.

3 Myths About Mold Cleanup

4/12/2019 (Permalink)

Our team was called in to take care of the mold and moisture removal. If you have mold, call SERVPRO!

3 Myths About Mold Cleanup Methods That May Not Only Fail But Also Make The Problem Worse

When you find mold growing on a surface in your commercial building in Raleigh, NC, your first instinct is probably to find a sturdy rag and a strong chemical to get rid of it. Unfortunately, there is often more to fungus cleanup than you may realize, especially if it covers a large area. Here are three myths about mold cleanup methods that may not only fail but also make the problem worse.

1. Bleach Kills Mold

If you use a chlorine-based solution to scrub mold off a surface, you may see a change that seems to indicate the fungus has gone away. What you don’t see, however, is what is going on beneath the surface. While the growth on top has been scattered, the water in the bleach seeps down into the item’s pores where the hyphae grow. Since water encourages mold growth, this exacerbates the issue. You are likely to see more growth on the surface within a couple of days.

2. Covering Mold Suffocates It

Many people believe that if they just caulk over the mold between restroom tiles, the problem is resolved. This method does not work. Fungus cleanup involves more than simply hiding the visible evidence. Mold can thrive even if it is covered up by paint or caulk, and it will eventually grow through the cover-up, revealing patches once again.

3. Scraping Gets Rid of Fungus

Some business owners will try to get rid of mold by scraping it off the surface where it grows. This can be problematic. You may remove the growth on the surface, but the action can release thousands of mold spores into the air, which can then spread throughout your building through your HVAC system. To prevent the spreading of spores, you want to hire certified mitigation experts to clean up mold in your building.

If you need fungus cleanup, it’s best to call in the professionals. They are trained to use techniques that stop the problem and keep it from returning.

What Makes Adjusters and Clients Agree On a Restoration Service?

3/25/2019 (Permalink)

For restoration services in your commercial building call SERVPRO

It is important for commercial clients and insurance adjusters to come to an agreement on a restoration service. This can make it easier to settle an insurance claim in a manner that is satisfactory to all parties. Whether you are an insurance adjuster or a property owner, you should seek out a restoration service with the following features.

An Outstanding Track Record

Adjusters and clients both stand to benefit from hiring a reputable restoration service. There are several factors that make these services stand out:

In operation for decades
Satisfied customers
Claim and job information available

SERVPRO provides information about claims, job costs and response times to insurance agents and adjusters through the Claims Information Center. Clients can also look up reviews and testimonials to determine whether a franchise meets their standards.

Fast Response Times

An insurance adjuster and a client both have an interest in mitigating and restoring damage as quickly as possible. Services that can provide fast response times may meet this need. SERVPRO sets high corporate standards:

Call response in one hour
On-site visit within four hours
Verbal briefing within eight hours

These features can satisfy the demands of clients and make an estimate available to insurance representatives in a timely manner. Independent services may not be able to guarantee these times, particularly in the event of large losses caused by a disaster or storm.

Mitigation and Restoration Services

Adjusters and clients should also seek out a company that is capable of performing mitigation and restoration work. This allows for all work to be covered in a single estimate, which simplifies the insurance claim process.

These are several points on which a commercial client and insurance adjuster should agree when it comes to choosing a restoration company. Clients and adjusters can work together to make sure their needs are satisfied when selecting a service in Raleigh, NC.

Dealing With Insurance After Broken Pipes

3/15/2019 (Permalink)

Flooding from a broken pipe in a Wilbon,NC home

Dealing With Insurance After Broken Pipes

After a flood in your home, your mind is probably racing with thoughts of your damaged keepsakes, furniture, and electronics. If your flooding is due to structural damage, you’ll likely have to fix a broken pipe or two as well. Follow these three tips to make dealing with insurance, home repair, and safety after this overwhelming experience easier.

1. Contact Your Insurance Provider

The repair and claims process will likely be a long and tedious one, so it’s essential to understand the details of your insurance coverage as soon as possible. When you do that, you’re better prepared with information that will help the process run more efficiently.

2. Reach Out to Professionals

While dealing with insurance, you still have a home to repair. There are several emergency steps that you can and should take on your own after a flood. They include tasks such as the following:

Wipe away water from wood furniture to minimize swelling.
Pick up loose items from the floor; they may be able to be dried and saved.
Move upholstery and cushions from furniture to let them dry.

Besides these actions, your next step should be to contact water damage repair specialists in Wilbon, NC, to handle larger issues in the safest, most efficient way possible. Additionally, these specialists can work with your insurance to make the coverage process easier for you.

3. Put Safety First

During this stressful time, it’s important not to neglect your personal safety. Remember to keep your distance from electronics — don’t attempt to use them, even if they seem functional. Another thing to remember is not to use ceiling fixtures, and to stay out of rooms with sagging ceilings.

A flood in your home is an incredibly stressful experience, but by following the above steps you’ll be on your way to getting everything back in tip-top shape.

What To Do If Your Paintings Have Mold Damage

3/7/2019 (Permalink)

Whether it is a priceless classic or a sentimental piece of art, discovering that your painting has started to grow mold can create many concerns. You may wonder if there is anything to be done.

Can Mold Cleaning Really Help in This Case?

Here are the answers to a few questions that you might have concerning mold and artwork.

1. Why Do Paintings Develop Mold?
Because they are created on porous surfaces such as paper and canvas, it is easy for paintings to trap moisture. When this happens, mold damage can occur. Mold spores grow and spread quickly in moist areas, so if your painting has gotten wet, whether it is from a small spill or severe storm damage to your New Hill, NC, home, it might be at risk.

2. Are They Beyond Repair?
You might assume that, because it is a delicate product, mold remediation is not possible for your damaged painting. This is not the case. Professional mold removal specialists can clean paper documents, photographs and paintings to restore them to their previous condition.

3. What Can Be Done?
If your item has been damaged by water and has grown mold as a result, you can have mold cleaning done by a professional service. They will make sure that the painting is properly dried and will remove any visible mold before sanitizing the item to prevent mold from returning. Once they are finished, you may not be able to tell that the painting was damaged at all.

While any damage to your property can be upsetting, it can be especially so if the items affected are of high value, whether it is sentimental or monetary. However, in many cases, mold cleaning is effective and can be enough to save the item. If your home has suffered water damage and your paintings have begun to grow mold, using a professional mold remediation service can leave them looking good as new.

Trust SERVPRO and Its Fire Restoration Process

2/18/2019 (Permalink)

For your fire restoration needs, trust SERVPRO

If a fire starts in your Fuquay- Varina, NC, home, you know it’s vital to get out safely and call the fire department as soon as possible. If the fire was extensive and ruined or damaged parts of the structure or your belongings, you need an experienced fire restoration team to help. The best companies have qualified professionals who will follow thorough steps to help ensure you get back on your feet soon.

Tried and True Steps

There are many benefits to enlisting the talents of a fire cleanup company. When you get SERVPRO on the case, you can have confidence that the employees will follow the most effective process to salvage or replace those items the fire affected. These key steps are as follows:

Inspect and evaluate
Tear out, tarp and board
Clean and sanitize
Replace, if necessary

Inspection

The first thing the team will do is complete a thorough, meticulous inspection to assess the extent of the damage. Technicians will come up with a plan of attack based on how much of the home suffered damage, what portions of the home and what items need attention, and what they can salvage and what they must replace using rebuilding services.

Tear-Out and Boarding Process

If fire and smoke completely ruined areas beyond repair, the team will remove these items to prevent further problems. Company representatives will also mitigate holes and gaps in the roof or walls by boarding up and tarping the problematic places.

Cleaning and Sanitizing

Smoke damage can make fire restoration difficult, but SERVPRO has the necessary equipment and methods to clean just about anything, including electronics. The team will do its part to make your home livable once more.

Restoration

In a fire rebuild, SERVPRO will repair and restore drywall, flooring, roofs and other places that the fire ruined. The team will replace items as a last resort.

For your fire restoration needs, trust SERVPRO. The team has what it takes to ensure a successful repair and rebuild of your home.

What’s In Flood Water?

2/13/2019 (Permalink)

Flood water contains bacteria

What’s In Flood Water?

Water damage is classified into three categories. Category One water is clean. Category Two water, or gray water, is contaminated, but does not contain solid waste. Category Three water, or black water, is severely contaminated. This water originates from a flood or sewer backup. Find out more about why it is necessary to disinfect any building materials and contents exposed to flooding.

Contaminants

Category Three water may contain a variety of contaminants. When flooding occurs, surface water may carry any of the following contents:

Bacteria
Chemicals
Hazardous waste
Heavy metals
Sewage

When a body of surface water overflows or heavy rain accumulates, this water may mingle with overflow from sewer mains. Water accumulates more contaminants as it flows. For this reason, it is important to extract standing water before cleaning and disinfecting any parts of a commercial structure exposed to this type of water damage.

Protective Equipment

Building occupants should take measures to limit exposure to contaminated water. It may be helpful to keep the following personal protective items on site:

Goggles or safety glasses
Heavy work gloves
Hip waders
Watertight boots with electrical insulation

All of these pieces of equipment can be useful if a building occupant needs to move through flood water for any reason. Individuals should factor in the depth and speed of the water when deciding whether to cross.

Cleanup Procedures

There are several stages to cleaning up flooding. A commercial restoration company will extract black water with a pump or other specialized equipment. It may be necessary to tear out damaged building materials. Afterwards, the area should be cleaned, disinfected and dried. Once the area is totally dry, restoration can proceed.

It is important to exercise caution during flooding in Holly Springs, NC. The owner of a commercial building should contact mitigation and restoration professionals as soon as possible to start the water damage cleanup process.

How To Remove Smoke Odor From Your Home After a Fire

2/5/2019 (Permalink)

Ozone generators are used for removing smoke odor

How To Remove Smoke Odor From Your Home After a Fire

If you have had a fire in your Morrisville, NC home, then it is likely you will have some smoke damage along with the fire damage. Because the smell of smoke can linger in your home long after a fire, you should hire a fire remediation company to help remove any odors. Here are some things that can help get rid of the smell.

1. Cleaning Your Belongings
An important step in smoke cleaning is to wash any smaller items that might be holding odor. This can include clothing or soft objects such as stuffed animals. You can have these items professionally cleaned and restored to their pre-fire condition.

2. Using Air Filtration Systems
While smoke particles can enter your belongings and make them smell, they can also linger in the air. Using an air filtration system for smoke cleaning can remove these particles and make the air in your home fresh again. These systems pull air through filters that catch impurities, including smoke particles, removing the odor from the air.

3. Using Thermal Foggers
Because smoke particles are small and can embed themselves into your home, a filtration system likely won’t be enough to completely remove the smoke odor. In this case, a thermal fogger can help. It uses a deodorizing treatment to counteract the scent of the smoke. Small particles of the treatment are created using heat and pressure which allows it to enter the same spaces as the smoke particles to effectively remove the odor.

4. Using Ozone Machines
Another piece of equipment used in smoke cleaning is the ozone machine. As its name suggests, this machine produces ozone to remove smoke odor. Ozone has three oxygen molecules, one of which can detach and alter the composition of other substances, allowing it to neutralize the smoke particles in your home.

While smoke damage can be a frustrating problem, a professional fire damage repair specialist will have the necessary equipment to remove the odor from your home.

5 Effective Bathroom Mold Prevention Tips Every Home Owner Should Know

1/25/2019 (Permalink)

Bathrooms with a shower should be properly ventilated to prevent mold growth due to humidity

Check Out These Five Great Tips!

Mold loves to grow in the most wet, humid places in your home, which makes it no surprise that bathrooms often serve as a breeding ground to various kinds of bathroom mildew and mold. Dealing with a serious mold issue in Apex, NC, is certainly the last thing you want to have to deal with. To keep every part of your bathroom mold-free, check out these five great tips!

1. Keep It Ventilated

Often a humidity issue in a bathroom is due to a lack of ventilation. Make sure to turn on the exhaust fan every time you shower and let it continue to run until all the steam is gone. Keep the door open after you leave as well, and open the window if you have one.

2. Clean Up Excess Water

Leaving puddles of water on the floor or dripping down the tub walls is a great way to invite bathroom mildew into your home. If you want to avoid having to call a mold remediation specialist, mop up puddles and use a squeegee to remove excess water from tiles.

3. Let in the Light

Mold thrives in dark environments, so go ahead and let in the light! If you have a window in the room, keep the blinds open and consider leaving on the bathroom light for a bit longer after you shower.

4. Keep It Clean

Clean your bathroom often to discourage the growth of mold. Take special care when cleaning the shower and replace shower curtains and washing sponges often.

5. Reseal Grout Lines

Grout is porous and soaks up a lot of moisture. Make sure to reseal grout lines at least once a year and deep clean them regularly.

While it is easy to forget to take good care of your bathroom every time you take a hot, steamy shower, following these tips will save you time and effort by keeping your home clean of bathroom mildew!

How Long Do Supply Lines Last?

1/18/2019 (Permalink)

Stainless steal supply line vs PVC supply line

Supply line damage is one of the most common bathroom leak causes. Homeowners should select line materials based on the distance of the run and other installation requirements. Learn about the lifespans of four popular supply line materials as well as the risk of a supply line leak.

Braided Stainless Steel

Braided stainless steel supply lines can be easier and faster to install than rigid lines. These lines stand out for several reasons:

Durability
Ideal for short runs
No crimping or kinking

Steel braided lines may be covered by one-year to five-year warranties. Some manufacturers may offer longer warranties.

Copper

Copper is a top-of-the-line material. Several styles are available, such as chromed, flexible, or rigid lines. Copper pipes have many desirable qualities:

Bendability to minimize joints
Corrosion resistance
Durability and recyclability

Solid copper pipes can withstand most supply line damage. These lines are also up to three times more expensive than plastic alternatives. Copper lines are backed by a 50-year manufacturer's warranty.

CPVC

Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride piping is relatively new to the market. CPVC is considerably less expensive than copper, but it is also brittle. A broken or degraded line can cause a major bathroom leak. This material does not corrode, pit, or scale, and can safely supply acidic water. Some manufacturers offer a 10-year warranty.

PEX

Crosslink Polyethylene is flexible and can be combined with other pipe materials with the right adapters. PEX lines require fewer fittings, which may reduce the likelihood of a supply line leak. This material also expands, which may prevent bursts. PEX lines have a 50-year average lifespan for plumbing uses, and most manufacturers provide 25-year warranties.

Homeowners should consider the look they want for visible supply lines as well as the properties and lifespan of materials. If you experience supply line damage at a residence in Cary, NC, contact a mitigation and restoration company.

The 6 Roles To Assign for Your Office Fire Escape Plan

1/12/2019 (Permalink)

Every commercial business in Raleigh, NC should have a first aid kit grabber

Emergency Escape Plan For a Commercial Business

Unless you are a firefighter, odds are that you rarely think about what to do in the event of a fire at work. Alas, creating and practicing a fire escape plan is a terrific way to ensure a sense of security and unity among staff members. There are several roles to consider when creating an emergency escape plan for a commercial business:

1. Door Shutters
Shutters should be responsible for closing interior doors on their way out of a burning building. This helps to slow the spread of flames and indicates to others when rooms are empty.

2. Space Checkers
A select few may visually sweep hallways or less-crowded work spaces along their escape route to ensure that all coworkers are moving. This assignment would include checking break rooms or bathrooms for stragglers.

3. Progress Reporters
Administrators may be responsible for communicating progress across the building as a fire escape plan is unfolding. Walkie-talkies can help ensure that route adjustments, injuries or obstacles are reported in an effective way.

4. First-Aid-Kit Grabbers
Select employees may be in charge of retrieving first aid kits during their escape. Once outside, they can offer help to injured parties while waiting for emergency services to arrive.

5. Attendance Takers
Managers should take roll call outside, noting any people still missing or badly hurt. Walkie-talkies can help locate missing people if they managed to escape at another exit point.

6. 9-1-1 Caller
Most importantly, a point person should be in charge of dialing 9-1-1 as soon as possible. This ensures that the task isn’t overlooked or presumed finished during the excitement.

After everyone is safe from the blaze, there will be time to consider what happens next. Some emergencies require trauma therapists in the weeks that follow. Others require that a fire damage assessment be performed for insurance purposes. As the aftermath evolves, you will be thankful for the immediate precautions handled in your emergency plan.

Safety is one of the most important gifts a person can receive at work. When fire escape plan roles are assigned, communicated and practiced, employees across Raleigh, NC, can feel more confident in the workplace.

The Fire Restoration Process

12/23/2018 (Permalink)

Fire damage in a Cary,NC home

The Fire Restoration Process

After you've had a fire in your Cary, NC, home, the harm to the structure as well as the soot and smoke damage can seem overwhelming. That's why it's important to call a fire restoration company as soon as possible for damage cleaning and repair. They have the experience, know-how and equipment to efficiently take care of the problem. Following the steps outlined below, they can work to get your life back to normal as soon as possible.

1. Initial Services

Once contacted, the restoration experts will come out to do any needed emergency repairs. Exposed areas can be boarded up, any pooled water from fire hoses removed, and security fencing installed.

2. Assessing the Damage

As soon as the emergency repairs are completed, the fire restoration technicians can take a close look at the situation. They check to see what structural damage has occurred, and examine any smoke or water damage to know how to best address the problem.

3. The Cleanup Process

Once the correct course of action is determined, the restoration team begins the cleanup phase. If there is water damage, the affected areas are thoroughly dried out and sanitized. Smoke damage is addressed using specialized equipment and techniques. Anything too damaged to be salvaged is removed from the structure.

4. Repairs and Restoration

At this point, any structural repairs can take place. Holes in the walls or roof are fixed, broken pipes are mended and leaks from water tanks sealed. After the structural repairs are completed, the final restoration process begins. Wallpapering, carpet replacement and painting are done during this phase.

5. Preventative Consultation

After the work is completed, the restoration specialists may want to consult with you concerning measures you can take to prevent fires in the future. This can include things like installing an alert system or storing materials more safely.

Hopefully, this outline gives you a good idea of what's involved in the fire restoration process. Calling a restoration expert right away is essential after you've had a fire in your home, both for your peace of mind and for getting your property back to normal quickly.

When Your Toilet Floods, Act Quickly

12/23/2018 (Permalink)

Contact a commercial building restoration service in Apex,NC to safely clean up contaminated water

Use the Following Steps as A Guide

There is nothing worse than when you need to use the bathroom only to step through the door and see that there is water pooling on the floor. Sewer damage can strike at any time, causing substantial amounts of both superficial and structural damage. The key to dealing with a flooded toilet is acting quickly and knowing the right steps to take to deal with the situation effectively. If your building in Apex, NC, is flooded, use the following steps as a guide.

1. Turn Off the Water

The first and most important step will be to stop the flow of water. This can be achieved in two ways. The first is to lift and secure the float inside the toilet to stop the tank from refilling and causing further flooding. The second step is to shut off the water valve, stopping the water at the source.

2. Stay Safe

Sewer damage can be classed as an emergency and should be dealt with by a sewage company, as the overflowing water can contain harmful bacteria. Take measures to avoid contact with any contaminated water; this can include wearing rubber gloves and boots. You also want to be wary of any structural damage that may have occurred. If the water has flooded through multiple floors, the structure may be unsafe. When mixed, water and electricity create another hazard, and this must be taken into account before entering the flooded area.

3. Call a Professional

When there is structural damage and potential bacteria from flooding, it is best to bring in the professionals. Commercial building restoration services can provide all the equipment and skill necessary to safely clean up contaminated water and remove and repair damaged walls and floors. Industrial fans may be used to make sure that all areas are thoroughly dried before being disinfected and ready for repairs take place.

Flooding can be a major inconvenience, but by following these steps, the hindrances caused by sewer damage can be dealt with quickly and effectively. Having the knowledge to act quickly can minimize the damages caused by a flood.

Does Filing an Insurance Claim Raise Your Rates?

12/23/2018 (Permalink)

Flooding from water loss in Raleigh, NC

Homeowners considering whether to file an insurance claim may be concerned about rate hikes. In general, filing claims is likely to result in higher rates. Find out more about why this is the case and a few possible exceptions.

Number of Claims

The number of claims a homeowner files will impact their insurance rates. It is usually the case that:

The more claims that are filed, the higher the rates
Some types of claims may result in higher rates or policy changes
Too many claims may result in policy termination

A policyholder should consider whether filing an insurance claim for minor damage is worth raised rates or changes in coverage.

The Type of Claims

Rates will generally rise whether the losses claimed are partial or total. Factor in the following considerations:

If the policyholder is at fault, rates are very likely to rise
If the policyholder is not at fault, rates may or may not rise
Some types of claims may raise rates and cause policy cancellation

Certain claims, including water damage or mold, may be more likely to result in significant rate hikes or policy changes. A separate flood insurance policy is necessary to cover a home flood.

The Insurance Provider

Some insurers are more forgiving of certain types of claims. Inquire about an insurer's rules regarding:

Forgiveness or limitations
Rate increases
Reporting consultation for potential claims

A homeowner should be aware of policy terms and insurer practices. This information may increase the likelihood that coverage will offset damage cleanup and restoration costs.

A homeowner may want to set aside money in a savings account. Lower insurance rates by raising the deductible to match this amount. The homeowner can use these funds to cover minor damage instead of filing an insurance claim. If a residence sustains damage, obtain an estimate from a mitigation and restoration company in Raleigh, NC.

What To Do If Mold Is Growing In an Apartment

11/29/2018 (Permalink)

Crawlspace mold in Morrisville,NC

Three Mold Cleanup Measures

Mold can quickly spread throughout an apartment complex. If a tenant or facility manager reports that mold is present, it is necessary act quickly to protect residents and contain the problem. Apartment owners should take these three mold cleanup measures to resolve a mold contamination issue as quickly as possible.

1. Schedule a Mold Test or Inspection

As soon as a tenant or facilities manager reports seeing visible mold or smelling a moldy odor, a property owner should promptly schedule an inspection. Once he or she determines whether mold is present and the extent of the problem, the owner can schedule remediation. In general, tenants are responsible for the contents of their unit, and owners are responsible for the structure.

2. Make a Plan for Remediation

Depending on where mold is growing and how extensive the problem is, mold cleanup may be required in one or several units. If mold is growing between walls or in a centralized HVAC system, more extensive remediation may be necessary. If mold has not spread throughout the building, it is important to encourage tenants to prevent mold growth by keeping apartments clean and dry.

3. Determine How to Accommodate Tenants

Tenants living in areas affected by mold may need to move into uncontaminated units. It is important that they take measures to prevent the spread of mold spores from contaminated apartments to uncontaminated apartments, and that the new residence has equipment, such as a dehumidifier, that can discourage mold growth.

Depending on the extent of the mold problem and where mold is growing, it may also be necessary to take measures to contain the problem with either simple containment or more advanced measures such as a negative air chamber and decontamination chamber. Mold cleanup experts can suggest the best ways to limit the severity of mold contamination in an apartment complex in Morrisville, NC.

Actions to Avoid After a Storm

11/21/2018 (Permalink)

Mold damage caused by a moisture issue in a Raleigh,NC basement

Three Activities to Avoid When Dealing With Flood Water Inside Your House

Do you know what to do with a flooded home after a Raleigh, NC, storm? If not, you may accidentally participate in some dangerous activities that you think are completely safe.
Here are three activities that are some of the most important to avoid when dealing with flood water inside your house.

1. Walking Through Standing Water

If standing water is present in your home, avoid wading through it. This could be a very dangerous step to take due to possible contamination. Let water damage professionals help you because it is often better to delay the cleanup process than to risk your safety.

2. Cleaning Mold Yourself

If you find a lot of mold in your wet home, you may want to leave and wait for the remediation specialists to arrive. Don’t attempt to clean up a moldy area that you are not knowledgeable about, as you may do more harm than good to your home’s structure. A specialist can have a better idea of what to do in your particular situation.

3. Ditching Protective Gear

Wild animals and contaminated flood water are just two hazards that you may want to consider before entering your home. If you are not wearing heavy-duty gloves and sturdy rubber boots, reconsider going inside. Once again, if you are not confident about the safety of the situation, it can be best to wait for the help of trained technicians.

It can be difficult to stand by and do nothing when your home may be at stake, but you owe it to yourself to use sound judgment and not make any hasty decisions that can be dangerous for you or your home. Flood water can be complicated, and the emotional aftermath of a storm often makes it even more so. Using calm logic by avoiding the actions above can help you stay safe during, and after, a flood.

What to Include in a Fire Contingency Plan for your Business

11/21/2018 (Permalink)

Including fire alarms in your Cary,NC business can help you and your employees in a situation

Many Plans Contain the Following

Many business owners in Cary, NC, have included a contingency plan in their safety operations and employee handbooks. These plans can not only help save lives in the event of an emergency, but may also contain important information a company may need quick access to.

1. Locations of Alarms and Extinguishers

One important thing to include in your plan is the location of all alarms and fire extinguishers. This can help ensure that your employees know where these important tools are if they ever need them.

2. Escape Route and Meeting Places

An essential part of any evacuation plan is the locations of exits and a meeting place. There should be at least two possible escape routes from every point in the building, in case one is blocked, and all employees should know to gather at the designated location. The meeting place should be in a safe area outside the building.

3. Who Can Access Medical Information and Emergency Contacts

One thing many people don’t consider including in their contingency plan is who keeps track of the emergency contact or medical information needed for their employees. While the information itself should be kept private, you may want to state which staff members should be contacted if access is necessary. For example the head of HR or a department manager.

4. After Fire Procedures and Cleanup Information

In addition to emergency procedures you may want to include some information for what to do afterward. This can include insurance information or the number for a fire damage restoration service that can help with cleanup.

Including this information in a company’s contingency plan can help ensure that everyone knows the safety procedures before an emergency takes place. Including emergency information is also a good way to keep it easily accessible. These things can both save time and keep everyone safe.

Understanding Key Smoke Detector Distinctions

10/24/2018 (Permalink)

A smoke detector is an essential fire safety device for every home in New Hill,NC

A smoke detector is an essential fire safety device for every home in New Hill, NC. Like most other items, your home’s smoke alarm does not have in infinite lifespan and should be replaced approximately every 8 – 10 years. When it’s time to purchase a new device, it’s important to understand key differences so that you select the best model for your home.

Smoke detectors can sense smoke using two distinct methods. Because of design variations, each system also responds best to different forms of fire.

1. Photoelectric Devices

A photoelectric device uses light beams. When smoke reaches the detector, it scatters light. The disturbed light hits the unit’s sensor, triggering the alarm.

Not all fires burn in the same manner. Because of its design, a photoelectric detector works best in smoldering fires that produce a significant amount of noxious smoke, such as electrical fires.

2. Ionization Detector

Ionization is another detection method utilized in some smoke alarm models. Instead of a light, this method uses ions, or electrically charged particles. Ionization models are well suited for fast-flaming fires sparked by ignited wood, paper or flammable liquids.

3. Dual-Sensor

Every home is potentially susceptible to both smoldering and fast-flame fires. To help ensure your family’s safety, you may want to consider purchasing an efficient dual-sensor device that contains both detection methods.

4. Units That Detect Both Smoke and Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is a deadly, odorless gas that may seep into your home because of faulty appliances or gas leaks. If your home uses a gas stove, furnace or water heater, you should own a carbon monoxide detector. Some smoke detectors also contain carbon monoxide detection technology, making them an ideal choice for gas-energized homes.

Because of their ability to efficiently detect multiple types of fires, fire safety professionals often recommend dual-sensor smoke alarm models. However, every functioning detector is a potentially life-saving tool. Although it cannot eliminate the risk of your home sustaining extensive fire damage, a functioning detector can provide peace of mind that your family will be promptly alerted of danger in the event of a fire.

What to do When Sewer Backup Threatens Your Business Property

10/17/2018 (Permalink)

Flooding from sewer backup can cause problems in your Raleigh,NC business

If your business is located in Raleigh, NC, it may be at risk for flooding and sewer backup during the next storm. Knowing what preventive measures to take, and what to do if your business does flood, can help you in the event flooding does occur.

Reasons Backup Occurs

There are a number of factors that can play into sewer backup. These may include:

Excessive storm and rain water which can cause overflow
Recent construction that changes the landscape and redirects water into the sewer
Fresh pavement with a new drainage grade can change the runoff flow
Failure to regularly clean a septic system can cause backup

If you think there’s a chance your business might face sewer backup with the next storm, it’s best to take preventative measures.

Take Preventive Measures

Flood water is classified as black water because some of it can come from contaminated sources such as a sewer. This means clean up can require extra sanitation steps. Taking preventive measures beforehand may help mitigate the damage. Ensure than trap plugs are clean, snug and secure as these can filter debris that may back up in your pips. Some buildings may also qualify for a backwater check valve.

Conduct Cleanup as Quickly as Possible

In the event you do find flooding it’s best to take care of the cleanup process as quickly as possible. Remember to turn off the electricity to the flooded area before entering. Remove items from the flooded area and be sure to clean and dry them. Because flood water is classified as black water, everything should be sanitized as well. You will also need to clean, dry and sanitize the flooded area after the water has been removed. A professional service may also be able to help.

Flooding from sewer backup can cause a number of problems for your business. This is why it’s important to take preventive measures beforehand. If excessive rain water does lead to sewer flooding at your business, knowing what to do beforehand can help save valuable time.

What To Do When Water Gets In Your Crawlspace

10/10/2018 (Permalink)

Water damage on a crawlspace in Cary,NC

Water in a crawlspace can come from a variety of sources. Some of these causes are preventable, whereas others call for quick action to eliminate standing water caused by flooding. Here are three methods for fixing a wet crawl space and preventing the issue from recurring.

1. Identify the Source

A crawlspace may flood for a variety of reasons. Conditions brought about by overflowing surface or subterranean water can be difficult to prevent, but should be cleaned up as soon as possible. Grading problems, clogged gutters, and improperly installed downspouts can also lead to crawlspace and foundation issues. A broken water line or sewer backup can also cause water to collect in a crawlspace.

2. Pump Out Water And Dry

Residential water damage restoration services have all of the expertise and equipment needed to quickly restore a wet crawl space. Professionals rely on pumps to get rid of water and blowers and dehumidifiers to speed drying. This equipment can limit the extent of damage and mitigate mold.

3. Fix the Cause

You may be able to prevent water from collecting in a crawlspace by adjusting the grading of your landscaping and carefully monitoring watering in beds near the foundation of your home. Clear your gutters and make sure that downspouts direct water away from the foundation and have a two-foot splash block. Have plumbing regularly inspected to prevent pipe breaks and take measures to prevent bursts due to freezing temperatures by heating your home and allowing a faucet to drip.

Mold may have already started to develop if water has been standing or moisture has lingered in your crawlspace for 24 to 72 hours or longer. Conditions in a wet crawl space are ideal for mold growth. You may want to hire a water damage restoration service with certified mold prevention, testing, and mitigation experts on staff in Cary, NC.

Five Things To Know To Be Prepared for a Flood

7/20/2018 (Permalink)

By following these five flood safety tips, you should be able to stay calm and make the best decisions in an emergency.

Are you prepared for a flood in Cary, NC? This preparation advice may not include conventional flood safety tips, but one of the biggest dangers in any emergency can be panic. With a few simple safety tips, you can mitigate that risk.

1. Know Your Home

Be sure you know what parts of your home may be vulnerable to flooding, such as a basement, and what you can do to mitigate the risk. Keep valuables on higher levels if possible, or make sure you have a place to move them when a storm is approaching.

2. Know the Risk

Is a flood likely in Cary, NC? Do some research to understand the likelihood of a flood in your area and what type of flooding to expect. Different types of floods may carry different risks for your home and family.

3. Know Where To Go

Check with your town or surrounding communities to find out where storm shelters are usually set up. Once you know the locations of the shelters, practice safe evacuation routes so you know how to get there. One of the most important flood safety tips is knowing how to travel during a flood, including never walking or driving through flood waters and avoiding bridges over swollen waterways.

4. Know What To Bring

Make a list of valuables, documents and other important items such as medicine that you would need to bring in the event of an evacuation. Store important items and documents you don’t plan to bring in a watertight container on an upper level if possible.

5. Know What To Do Next

Research proper cleanup techniques and safety precautions for when you are able to return to your home. Find the number of a remediation specialist to assist with proper cleanup, and contact the company as soon as possible.

By following these five flood safety tips, you should be able to stay calm and make the best decisions for your family and your property in an emergency. Proper preparation can go a long way toward reducing risk and easing recovery when disaster strikes. For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROcarymorrisvilleapex.com/.

How To Rid Your Home of Cigarette Stench

7/19/2018 (Permalink)

No matter how long it takes, an ozone machine can help remove the stench of cigarettes in your home.

Cigarette smoke can be one of the hardest smells to get rid of in your home. Professional remediation experts in Cary, NC, can apply home deodorization techniques that eliminate odors and leave your home smelling fresh. The process of using an ozone generator can be time-consuming, but it's fairly straightforward, and having a home free of cigarette stench is well worth the time it takes.

1. Isolate Area

The deodorization process is most effective when the ozone particles created by the generator are forced into a specific area. The technicians, therefore, will probably start the process by closing off the area that is to be treated.

2. Place Ozone Generator in Area

An ozone machine can be left in the area where the smell of cigarette smoke is the strongest during home deodorization. Once it is turned on, the machine starts to create ozone particles and releases them into the air. These particles neutralize the stale odors in much the same way that ozone created by a storm refreshes the air.

3. Leave Machine Running

After the machine is turned on, technicians can leave the area while it keeps running. Depending on how concentrated the odor is, the machine may need to run for a long time to eliminate the smells in the room. The amount of time it takes is usually proportional to the number of time cigarettes were smoked in the area. A high concentration caused by years of smoking may take days to resolve, whereas the odors lingering from the previous night's party may only take an hour or two.

If the ozone treatment is insufficient during the first round, technicians may have to repeat it until all the cigarette odor is gone. If the problem is more widespread, leaving the HVAC fan on can help the home deodorization process by spreading the neutralizing ozone throughout the house. No matter how long it takes, an ozone machine can help remove the stench of cigarettes in your home. For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROcarymorrisvilleapex.com/.

How To Avoid Mold Buildup

7/14/2018 (Permalink)

Mold is not an issue you can afford to let get out of hand.

An unmistakable musty smell normally associated with basements and attics permeates a building. A stain on the floor lingers even after carpet cleaning. Both are unpleasant and provide a poor impression, especially if it is in a high-traffic area where customers enter. These smells and stains are often signs of mold problems. To avoid mold and its negative effects on a building in Cary, NC, including unpleasant odors and structural damage, consider the following.

How To Recognize the Presence of Mold

Remember that mold is natural, and it occurs everywhere; however, the over-abundance of mold in buildings can have both unpleasant and damaging effects, so it needs to be controlled. Look for these signs:

• A lingering musty, damp smell inside the building
• Stains on the ceiling and floor that are difficult to remove
• Overly saturated indoor air
• Positive results with a testing kits for mold presence

Why Water Leads to It

The presence of water in any form encourages mold growth. Some common situations involving water that increase mold presence in buildings include insufficient or delayed maintenance, poorly vented or unvented appliances, improper carpet cleaning, flooding, storm damage, water getting into or under the building because of landscaping or faulty gutters, overly saturated air in basement area, and roof leaks.

What To Do About It

If you discover it in your building, mold remediation and containment can be critical. Indoor mold growth can be controlled by controlling moisture. This often begins with shutting off and cleaning the HVAC system to prevent further spread of mold spores inside the building.

How To Help Prevent It

Preventing mold growth can begin with simple steps, including minimizing moisture, maximizing air flow, and regularly cleaning the facility. This includes commercial-level carpet cleaning and air duct cleaning. This is often much more effective when done by professional commercial cleaning and mold control providers.

Mold is not an issue you can afford to let get out of hand. To help contain and prevent mold problems in your commercial building, act quickly to minimize damage and ensure effective cleanup. For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROcarymorrisvilleapex.com/.

Tips To Tame a Leaky Toilet

6/22/2018 (Permalink)

Repairing a leaking toilet may seem easy, but water damage caused by the leak can be more extensive.

As a homeowner in Cary, NC, nothing can be more frustrating than a leaking toilet. Finding water at the base of your toilet every time you flush is no laughing matter. Left unrepaired, even the smallest leak can lead to water damage.

Tighten the Bolts

The plumbing connecting your toilet to the floor is the most likely cause of the leak. This consists of a metal flange and a wax seal pressed together by bolts at the toilet’s base. Tightening those bolts may fix the seal and stop your bathroom leak. Alternate between each bolt until your toilet is again firmly secured to the floor, being careful not to overtighten and cause damage to the fixture.

Replace the Seal

If there is still water seeping from the base, then the wax seal or metal flange might be at fault. You can contact a plumber to handle the repair or attempt to fix the leaking toilet yourself following these steps:

1. Turn off the water running to your toilet, remove the tank’s water supply, and flush to drain the tank and bowl.
2. Remove bolts and lift the unit by the bowl, setting it aside, and look for water damage.
3. Scrape away the old wax seal, checking the flange for cracks or breakage.
4. Install a new wax seal (and metal strap if needed) and lower the toilet back into position.
5. Tighten the bolts firmly to ensure a good seal, and reattach the water supply.

Check the Flange

While replacing the wax seal, see if the metal flange is damaged; if that is the case, it needs replacement. Place a rag into the sewer pipe to prevent gases from entering your home, and remove the old flange. Bring it with you when purchasing a new one to ensure it’s the proper size and type for your toilet. Remember to remove the rag before replacing the bowl.

Repairing a leaking toilet may seem easy, but water damage caused by the leak can be more extensive. Call a local professional in Cary, NC, to assess the situation and prevent further, more costly damage down the road. For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROcarymorrisvilleapex.com/.

Common Steps of Sewage Cleanup

6/20/2018 (Permalink)

The sewer cleanup process can be a large ordeal.

When you own a commercial building in Cary, NC, you have to be ready to handle all sorts of disasters. Whether your renters are late on their payments or you have to repair major storm damage, the brunt of the work is in your hands. If your toilets back up, you may have to initiate a sewer cleanup. Even if you're trusting a commercial water restoration professional, it can be helpful to know the common steps of this cleanup process.

1. Get an inspection. Responding quickly to a sewer backup is a necessity. You should have a plumber and a cleanup specialist come in to inspect the backup to better understand the extent of the damage and the types of contamination you're dealing with.
2. Call your insurance company. Depending on the coverage you have, your insurance may pay for the cleanup. You need to call your provider to figure out if they'll help or if you'll be responsible for all of the fees.
3. Remove content. Whether the furnishings and flooring can be salvaged or not, you need to remove them from the space. This allows you to dry out the items and clean them. It also gives you more space to clean the commercial area.
4. Use confinement techniques. Closing doors, using plastic to seal off entryways, turning off the HVAC and using negative air can help keep the sewage contaminants in a single part of your commercial building. If you skip this part of the sewer cleanup process, you may have to clean a larger portion of your building.
5. Replace damaged building materials. When you have a flooded toilet, some of your building materials may have gotten destroyed. If you had to remove drywall, insulation or other materials, you need to replace and repair them.

The sewer cleanup process can be a large ordeal. You have to make sure your commercial space has been properly cleaned and the contaminants removed, so you can return to business as normal. For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROcarymorrisvilleapex.com/.

Important Items in a First Aid Kit

6/15/2018 (Permalink)

First aid kits, or emergency kits, are too important to leave to the last minute. Every business in Cary, NC, should have one ready to go at all times. Because the nature of emergencies is that they happen suddenly, make sure your business is prepared by having at least one first aid kit set up in advance.

What To Include

Having an emergency kit handy is important, but it’s what goes in it that matters most. Below is a list of the minimum items you should have in your kit at all times for a team of two to three people. Check the list against your supplies to make sure you’re ready to go.

Medical items to keep in a first aid kit include the following:

• Gloves
• Adhesive bandages: box of Band-Aids; at least two triangular bandages
• Gauze pads: small – 4 x 4 inches; large – 8 x 10 inches
• Roll of gauze bandages – 2-inch width
• Equipment for resuscitation
• Splint
• Sealed towelettes to clean wounds

There are other necessary items to include as well:

• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Blanket: minimum of one
• At least two elastic wraps
• Adhesive tape

The list above is intended only for small teams, so if your team is larger, plan accordingly. It is wise to have more than one kit in a business just to be safe. Make sure you also have instructions for contacting additional emergency assistance, such as an ambulance, inside the kit, as it could be necessary.

Where To Keep It

The emergency kit should be accessible at all times by all employees. Keeping employees informed about its location can make any emergency more manageable for everyone involved.

A first aid kit isn’t just a means of protecting your company; it’s also a way to protect your employees. Don’t let an emergency catch you off guard – be sure to call a professional emergency kit service in Cary, NC, to help you prepare.

Is It Possible to Get Rid of Mold Odor After Water Damage?

5/14/2018 (Permalink)

Even after dealing with a mold infestation in your Cary, NC, home, mold remediation may not have been enough to get rid of that mold smell.

Even after dealing with a mold infestation in your Cary, NC, home, mold remediation may not have been enough to get rid of that mold smell. That smell is pervasive and often sickening, with a sort of dry, musty odor that can seem almost impossible to get out of porous materials. So how can you get rid of the odors for good?

Take It Step By Step

The stench of mold is caused by mycotoxins, which mold releases into the air; as long as you still have even the smallest amount of mold, you’ll have mycotoxins. There are a number of steps you can take to ensure you free your home from the smell of mold, including:

• Make sure you’ve actually eliminated all the mold. You might think your home is mold-free, but it’s never truly gone; spores remain in the air at all times. Even if you’ve cleared out most infestations, it’s possible a new one has taken root – or you’ve missed an existing patch. Mold specialists can help you find hidden areas where mold may grow.
• Remove the causes that lead to fresh outbreaks. Check for leaking roofs, pipes, and anywhere else you might have standing water or condensation. Make use of dehumidifiers to remove moisture in the air.
• Make liberal use of baking powder. Baking powder is great for lingering odor elimination, and it’s safe for use just about anywhere. Scrub previously mold-affected areas with a solution of baking soda and water; you can even use it on curtains and upholstery. Sprinkle it on carpets before vacuuming, and more.
• Use HEPA air filtration devices. Air filtration devices help get rid of that musty odor by sucking the mycotoxins out of the air and reducing the number of active mold spores in your environment; as the name implies, they filter the air to remove toxic and harmful substances. Many off-the-shelf filters are affordable and highly effective. For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROcarymorrisvilleapex.com/.

How To Identify a Mold Issue

4/26/2018 (Permalink)

Mold is an invasive and pervasive opportunist. It thrives in moist and damp places and seeks to take advantage of any chance to grow and spread. Mold can be hard to manage and often requires the services of an indoor environmental specialist. Here is what you should know to identify and rid your building of mold.

Where Water Flows, Mold Grows

Mold is hearty and may capitalize on every opportunity to grow, proliferate, and disperse microscopic spores into the air. Mold growth can be found on many items and surfaces in a building or place of business:

? Carpet
? Wood
? Upholstery
? Paper and cardboard
? Ceiling tiles
? Drywall
? Insulation

It develops in wet areas after flooding or sewer overflow. It flourishes in damp areas where windows, roofs, or pipes have leaked. If moisture persists in areas where water is typically found, such as in bathroom facilities and water fountains, or if higher-than-normal humidity causes condensation to form on indoor air conditioners or on building walls and surfaces, mold is likely to make an unwelcome appearance.

A Test Can Prevent a Mess

Determining if mold is present can be tricky. A musty smell is often indicative of the presence of mold. Quite often, it’s visible in the form of black or colored spots, but not always. If you suspect mold is a problem in your building or place of business in Cary, NC, you can have an indoor environmental specialist conduct a mold test. Generally, a professional has experience in mold sampling, knows how to interpret the test results, and is trained in remediation techniques.

Don’t Wait, Remediate

Minute mold spores are everywhere and are unavoidable in outdoor and indoor environments. While this makes complete mold removal impossible, levels can be normalized through remediation. Each situation requiring mold cleanup in Cary, NC, is unique. No matter the extent of the issue, the expertise of an indoor environmental specialist can be exactly what is needed to prevent a mold problem from escalating. For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROcarymorrisvilleapex.com.

Category 1 Water Damage Defined

4/22/2018 (Permalink)

If you’ve had flooding at your place of business in Cary, NC, one of the first things the insurance company will likely want to know is the category of water damage. The IICRC, or Institute of International Cleaning and Restoration Certification, defines water damage based on the degree of contamination it causes. The degree of contamination is classified into three categories, determined by the source of the water. Category 1, also called “white” water, is water damage that originates from a clean water source, which presents minimal risk of exposure to contaminants through skin contact, inhalation, or ingestion. Water damage can come from several different clean water sources.

1. Broken Pipes

A supply line can burst when temperatures fall below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, causing flooding once the temperature rises and the water thaws. This can result in significant damage to carpets, wood flooring, and walls. Corrosion and severe water pressure changes can also cause a broken pipe.

2. Broken Appliances

Certain appliances that use water have a water supply line, such as dishwashers, ice makers, or washers. If one of these appliances malfunction, water damage can occur to the surrounding areas.

3. Overflow

Water left running from a sink or shower—or even a broken toilet tank—can overflow. This can cause water damage.

4. Rain or Snow Damage

Excessive rain or melting snow and ice can result in significant water damage from water seeping through the roof and leaking into walls, ceilings, or insulation. The sheer weight of snow and ice left on top of a roof can be heavy enough to cause structural damage, which can lead to extensive water damage.

Once it is determined that the water damage is from a clean water source (category 1), your insurance company will typically want to use a professional cleanup and restoration service to get your business back up and running as quickly as possible. For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROcarymorrisvilleapex.com/.

Don't Get Carried Away by Flooding

4/17/2018 (Permalink)

When looking for travel tips pertaining to Cary, NC, you may have come across the advice to avoid driving on a flooded street. This is more than simply good advice; it may save your life, as well as prevent costly damages to your vehicle. Here are some reasons not to drive on flooded roads.

Swept Away

Most of the flood deaths that occur in cars happen because the driver of the car misjudged the depth of the floodwater. However, even a little bit of water on a flooded street can cause a big problem. Here's what can happen at specific water depths:

• 6 inches: Water up to 6 inches deep can cause your tires to lose traction with the road. When this happens, your vehicle can skid. While you probably won't drown in this situation, losing control of the vehicle may cause you to crash.
• 12 inches: A foot of water can cause small and midsize vehicles to float. If the water is moving fast, your car can be carried away by the current—with you still inside.
• 24 inches: Even large pickups and SUVs can be swept away by 2 feet of water on a flooded street. Worse yet, as the vehicle is carried along, it may tip over, trapping you inside with the floodwater still rising.

Stalled and Stranded

On most vehicles, the engine air intake is near the ground. Driving on flooded roads can cause water to be sucked up from the air intake into the engine, which can cause severe damage. Floodwater also poses a hazard to the electrical components in your vehicle, which can cause it to stall, stranding you in the middle of the flood. Even if you and your vehicle make it through the flood waters safely, your vehicle may still sustain damage from the water that will likely be expensive to fix later.

When there is flooding in the area around Cary, NC, plan alternate routes and keep abreast of the changing weather conditions. It is generally best to avoid driving on flooded roads if at all possible. For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROcarymorrisvilleapex.com/.

Mold's Wrath and Your Belongings

3/27/2018 (Permalink)

A leaking pipe created a moisture problem that caused the mold you see in this crawlspace to grow.

There are many aspects to consider when combating a mold problem in your Raleigh, NC home. For example, you may have fungus growing underneath walls that need close inspecting or extensive water damage that calls for a complete renovation. Whatever the case, mold cleaning is no small task. As shown in the following information, there are some materials that hold up better than others when it comes to mold damage and your belongings.

Porous Materials

If the part of your home that has become mold's new living space contains items such as pillows, rugs, or other porous items, chances are you'll need replacements. Mold can easily cling to these items, and, unfortunately, the fungus tends to claim them for good. Mattresses and box springs are other common targets for mold and can contribute to a necessary mold remediation.

Food Items

That loaf of bread may have been a great deal at the grocery store a few days ago, but it is likely rendered useless if it's suffered from mold's takeover. While throwing damaged food items away may seem like a no-brainer when mold cleaning, even utensils and other food preparation items may need replacements. It may be hard to let go of a beloved blender, but if you keep it inside, you could raise your chances of having another infestation.

Paintings and Art

Unlike permeable objects and food items, paintings may not always be so vulnerable to mold damage. In fact, just because a painting has become one of mold's victims does not necessarily mean it has reached its end. If addressed quickly, paintings can be restored without allowing any further spreading of mold. However, it is usually wise to let the restoration professionals take on this potentially challenging task.

Not all Raleigh, NC residents appreciate the value of a true work of art, but those who do know all too well that their preservation is crucial. Learning that your artwork – no matter how much the cost – is affected by mold growth can be upsetting, but there are proper mold cleaning tactics to keep the art and kick the fungus to the curb. Visit http://www.SERVPROcarymorrisvilleapex.com for more information on mold.

Can Carpeting Be Saved After a Flood? 3 Factors To Consider

3/22/2018 (Permalink)

When flooding occurs in your Raleigh, NC home, the results can be disastrous. From dealing with a pipe break to a burst water heater, assessing the water damage afterward may take some time as you sort through wet items and consider the cost of repairs. However, one item you may be unsure about replacing is wet carpeting. Before you make this decision, there are a few factors you might want to consider, as they can affect the well-being of anyone who lives in your home.

1. How Old Is the Carpeting?

A carpet's age can affect the level of damage that occurs during a flood. If the fibers are already worn, they may not absorb as much water and the carpeting may be easier to dry. However, older carpeting may shed more fibers after a flood and leave thinning or bare patches. In this case, you may want to replace it.

2. What Kind of Flood Was It?

Before you decide to remove your home's carpeting, you may want to consult a flood cleanup and restoration company. These professionals can advise you on what types of flood water may be hazardous to your health and whether your carpets can recover. For example, sewage water or flooding that occurs in your home after a heavy rain may contain pathogens and microbes that can cause serious illness. A carpet saturated with outdoor flood water cannot be salvaged, so you may want to have it torn out as soon as possible.

3. Has Mold Set In?

If it takes more than a few days to fix a pipe break and your carpeting remains wet, mold can set in quickly. Mold typically grows on the padding underneath carpeting first, so you may need to have it inspected. If no mold is present, you may be able to save affected carpeting with proper drying.

Carpeting in your Raleigh, NC home can be affected by flood waters from a pipe break or torrential storm. Asking yourself a few questions about the extent of the damage can help you make the best decision possible. Visit http://www.SERVPROcarymorrisvilleapex.com for more information on water damage.

What You Should Know About Mold Damage

2/20/2018 (Permalink)

Mold is likely a common problem in Raleigh, NC, commercial properties, and it has the potential to develop after any incidence of water damage. Any porous material that has been damaged by water can become a site for black mold growth, including these examples:

• Drywall
• Wood
• Plaster
• Stucco
• Paper

This type of mold can be a serious problem for property owners and managers, so professional mold cleanup may be required in order to adequately address the problem. Property managers can take steps to prevent the spread of mold throughout their building.

Mold Spores Can Be Spread by Airflow

The natural flow of air through a commercial building can be enough to begin the spread of black mold and other mold varieties following the occurrence of a moisture problem. This natural air flow can be accelerated by the use of air conditioning and other ventilation systems. Ceasing HVAC use for the time being can prevent mold from spreading to other parts of the facility. Property managers are sometimes surprised that a single instance of mold has spread to distant, seemingly unrelated parts of the building; the air conditioning system connecting distant parts of the building can be responsible for such an occurrence.

Mold Damage Can Require Professional Remediation

Black mold can be a serious problem that may require professional remediation services to fully correct. Working with an experienced team of technicians is often a good idea; trying to address mold problems on your own has the potential to simply make the problem worse. Professionals typically have access to tools and techniques beyond what property managers have available; this extra level of expertise helps address stubborn mold problems that result from water damage. Different surfaces may require different approaches, so widespread water damage is best handled by the experts.

Prevent Mold With These Tips

These are just two sound strategies that can help you prevent the growth of mold in your Raleigh, NC, commercial property. By putting these tips to work, you can take valuable strides against the spread of mold where you work.

3 Strategies for Saving Your Electronics After Fire Damage

2/13/2018 (Permalink)

Dealing with the resulting damage after an electrical fire in Raleigh, NC doesn’t have to end in a pile of unusable devices. In some instances where restoration services are quickly called upon and your electronic property hasn’t been completely destroyed by the flames, giving new life to your devices is possible. When you’re in need of computer cleanup or the salvaging of other electronic items such as televisions, DVD players and more, there are three strategies to both prevent further damage and help save your electronics after the disaster has ended.

1. Don’t turn electronics on after a fire has occurred. Though you may be tempted to see just how many of your belongings can be saved right away, it’s highly dangerous to both you and the items to attempt to turn them on. Leaving them off is crucial to ensure that any water present doesn’t lead your electronics to short out (or potentially electrocute you), and that any layers of soot or residue won’t further harm their interiors. Having restoration professionals work to dry them out first is the best solution to proper recovery.

2. Even if they’re not turned on, unplug all electronics and appliances. Despite whether your items were inactive during the blaze, a small current of electricity still runs through them if they’re plugged into a wall socket. Unplug your electronics to protect yourself and your home from greater damage, including any water leaks that could ruin the devices or damage to the utilities that could potentially start another electrical fire.

3. Utilize your warranties. If you believe irreversible damage has been inflicted on your electronic devices, look to their warranties for added assistance. Experienced technicians with knowledge of the specific brand-name products could have suggestions for last-resort recovery ideas — or they could simply offer you replacements if the time limit hasn’t passed.

When you’re in need of computer cleanup or other electronic maintenance after an electrical fire, following these simple strategies could potentially save your belongings from outright replacement.

Advanced Training

2/3/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Cary/Morrisville/Apex's Devron Anderson traveled to Melbourne Florida to participate in advanced Mitigation Training. During his training he was able to advance his Commercial Mitigation knowledge and network with Mitigation industry professionals.

Equipment Used in Basement Water Removal

1/10/2018 (Permalink)

There’s nothing worse than waking up in the morning and taking a trip down to the basement only to find out that it’s filled with two feet of water. Whether it’s rain water or a broken pipe, the result is the same: Your basement in Raleigh, NC is flooded. The next questions that you probably have are how do you get rid of the water and what equipment can you use. The first thing you should do is look for an expert who can help you out with the following equipment used for deep water removal:

Truck

Most home restoration experts use a truck to carry their equipment. A sump pump or trash pump may be mounted to the vehicle.

Sump Pump

This type of pump is used for simple water removal. If a pipe breaks or your basement floods with water, an expert may use this kind of pump to remove it. These pumps are designed for the following:

• The removal of water
• Draining a flooded basement
• Not generally used for water containing large debris

Trash Pump

A trash pump is similar to a sump pump in that they are both centrifugal pumps. However, this type of pump can be used to pass solids in the volume of water. This can help when you have gray or black water filled with sludge or twigs. Typically when a sewer backup or a flood from a storm enters your basement, there is going to be a lot of debris in the water. In this case, a trash pump may be the right kind of equipment for your situation.

At the end of the day, you should never leave standing water in your home. When it comes to water removal, oftentimes sump or trash pumps are the equipment that specialists employ to take care of the flooding problem and dry out your dwelling. Visit http://www.SERVPROcarymorrisvilleapex.com for more information on storm damage.

4 Tips To Prevent Water Damage During the Holidays

1/10/2018 (Permalink)

As the owner of commercial property in Raleigh, NC chances are you are going to shut down your operations during the holidays or be away from your building to go on vacation. If you don’t want to come back to a flooded property and have to deal with water pipe repair, there are certain things you need to do that can help prevent a broken pipe. Bear in mind these four tips for preventing water damage during the holidays.

1. Shut Off the Main Water Valve

This is the most important thing to do as it prevents water from coming into your building. Doing this can prevent extensive damage, floods and major pipe leaks. When shutting off the valve completely, open up all tabs to release water pressure. Be sure to also check for any standing water and leaks before abandoning your property.

2. Set the Temperature

It might be tempting to turn off the air conditioning and heating completely, but it’s not recommended. A consistent temperature is necessary to prevent frozen pipes. Furthermore, this also helps with humidity and condensation. You don’t want to risk mold growth. A minimum of 55 degrees Fahrenheit should be maintained.

3. Insulate Pipes

You will also want to insulate pipes with sleeves and wrapping in vulnerable areas such as attics and unheated basements. Doing so can prevent a broken pipe, water pipe repair and lots of headaches.

4. Install a Leak-Detection System

Install a monitored leak detector for the main water line and in specific areas of the building. That way you at least know when something’s not right.

These four steps can go a long way in preventing water damage to your property during the holidays and saving you the hassle of water pipe repair. Should things go wrong though, a restoration company can remove excess water and start the cleanup process of your flooded building.
Visit http://www.SERVPROcarymorrisvilleapex.com for more information on commercial water damage.

New Ownership

9/15/2017 (Permalink)

Bill Shook, New Owner and Operator for SERVPRO of Cary, Morrisville, and Apex

SERVPRO of Cary, Morrisville, Apex is excited to announce that we have a new owner and operator. Bill Shook recently took over all operations this month and has a vast knowledge and experience in the restoration industry. He served many years working for SERVPRO Industries and excited to own and operate a franchise.

Bill says, "We are excited to serve the Cary, Morrisville, and Apex area. What excites me most is all the new jobs and opportunities we will be creating for locals."

You can visit www.SERVPROcarymorrisvilleapex.com for more information on the services that SERVPRO offers. Bill brings a strong culture of outstanding customer service and will make sure every client receives the best service available. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out at anytime.

If you have a fire or water emergency, please call us now at (919) 754-8160

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