Seasonal SERVPRO Tips!

11/25/2024 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO, we are thankful for many things, our amazing team, but most of all, you! Our customers come first every step of the way, Happy Holidays!

As the crisp air settles in and the leaves begin to fall, it’s time to prepare for the colder months ahead. At SERVPRO®, we know that seasonal transitions can bring a host of challenges for homeowners and business owners alike. From potential fire hazards to frozen pipes and mold growth, there are several things you can do now to safeguard your property. 

Here are some essential fall and winter tips to help protect your home or business and avoid costly damage: 

1. Check Your Heating System

Before you turn on your furnace for the season, make sure it's in good working condition. A malfunctioning heating system can lead to home fires if clogged with dust and debris. Have a professional inspect and clean your furnace to ensure it runs efficiently and safely. If you use a fireplace be sure the chimney is clean and checked for obstructions.

2. Prevent Frozen Pipes 

As temperatures drop, the risk of frozen pipes increases. Burst pipes can cause extensive water damage and be expensive to repair. Insulate exposed pipes particularly those in unheated areas like basements, the garage, and attics. Let Faucets drip slowly during extreme cold spells to keep water moving and prevent freezing. If you plan to be away during the winter, consider shutting off your water supply to prevent potential leaks. 

3. Inspect Roof and Gutters

Winter weather can be hard on your home’s roof and gutters. Fallen Leaves and debris can block gutters, leading to water buildup and potential ice dams that can cause water to back up into your home. Clean your gutters thoroughly and inspect your roof for any loose or damaged shingles that could allow water to seep through during a storm. 

4. Prepare for Snow and Ice

Snow and ice can be beautiful, but they can also cause significant damage. Make sure to salt or sand walkways, driveways, and stairs to prevent ice buildup and slip hazards. If you live in an area prone to snowfall, make sure you have a snow shovel or snowblower on hand and ready to use. 

5. Inspect and Maintain Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

With the increased use of heating systems and fireplaces, the risk of fire and carbon monoxide exposure rises in the colder months. Test your smoke detectors to make sure they’re operating properly. Replace the batteries and consider updating dated heating systems to newer models. 

6. Watching for Signs of Mold Growth 

Mold thrives in warm, damp environments, making fall and winter an ideal time for mold to grow, particularly when you have excess moisture from rain or snow. Check areas like basements, crawl spaces, and around windows for visible mold growth or a musty smell. If you suspect mold, act quickly, and address the issue, as mold can spread rapidly,\ and cause damage to your home and health.

7. Fire Safety During the Holidays 

The holiday season brings with it the potential for increased fire risk. Keep candles away from flammable materials, never leave them unattended, and make sure to extinguish them before leaving a room. If you use space heaters, keep them at least three feet away from furniture, curtains, and other combustibles. Always plug space heaters into the wall socket alone and never in an extension cord to avoid electrical fires. 

8. Have Winter Emergency Kit Ready

Being prepared for winter storms and power outages can make all the difference in the event of an emergency. Keep an emergency kit in your home with essential items like flashlights, batteries, bottled water, blankets, a first aid kit, and nonperishable food. Having these items on hand can help you feel safe and comfortable in case of an emergency or power outage. 

9. Plan for Storm Damage

Heavy rain, snowstorms, and even flooding can occur this time of year. If you’re in an area prone to flooding, consider sandbagging or installing sump pumps to mitigate water damage. Review your homeowner's insurance policy to ensure you have adequate coverage for storm-related damage.

Why SERVPRO?

Even with all the preparation, sometimes disaster still strikes. When they do, SERVPRO is Here to Help®. Our team specializes in water, fire, and mold damage restoration, and we’re ready to respond quickly to any emergency. Whether you’re dealing with a burst pipe, a fire caused by a malfunctioning heater, or mold after a winter storm, we’ve got the experts and equipment to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Don’t wait till disaster strikes- take proactive steps now to protect your property this fall and winter season. And if the unexpected happens, SERVPRO is just a call away.

7 Reasons to Choose SERVPRO

9/6/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO professionals are ready 24/7 to help restore your property when disaster strikes with cutting-edge equipment.

Whenever disaster strikes, whether it‘s a fire that leaves behind smoke and ash or water damage from a burst pipe, it's important to find reliable restoration services to help you get back to normal. Among the many restoration companies out there, SERVPRO® consistently rises to the top. Here are 7 reasons why SERVPRO® should be your go-to choice when your home or business needs restoration.

1. Decades of Experience and Proven Expertise

With over 50 years in the industry, SERVPRO® is a household name when it comes to disaster restoration. Their extensive experience has equipped us to handle virtually any fire damage, water damage, and even biohazard scenarios. SERVPRO’s® knowledge of the industry and best practices ensure you get reliable and professional service every time

2.  24/7 Availability and Emergency Response

Time is critical when dealing with fire or water damage. Whether disaster strikes in the middle of the night, during a holiday, or on the weekend, SERVPRO® is ready to respond promptly. With the ability to mobilize quickly to help prevent existing damage from worsening. The longer you wait, the worse the damage becomes, leading to higher repair costs and further complications like mold growth. SERVPRO keeps costs low by arriving as soon as possible. 

3. Highly Trained and Certified Technicians

All SERVPRO® Technicians are highly trained and certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). This rigorous training ensures that each team member is skilled in the latest fire and water restoration techniques, guaranteeing that your property will be restored efficiently and effectively. SERVPRO® teams also undergo continuous training to stay updated on the latest technology and methods.

4. Advance Technology and Equipment

One of SERVPRO’s® biggest advantages is its use of state-of-the-art equipment. We Employ the latest technology, such as industrial-grade dehumidifiers, air movers, and moisture detection tools to thoroughly dry and restore your property. Their advanced cleaning and sanitizing solution ensures that lingering smoke odors or water damage won’t be a problem, leaving your property safe, clean, and comfortable. 

5. Trusted by Insurance Companies

SERVPRO® has built strong relationships with many of the leading insurance providers, which helps streamline the claims process. Their teams are familiar with the documentation and requirements that insurance companies need, making it easier for you to file and settle your claim quickly. SERVPRO’s® reputation for quality and transparency ensures that both you and your insurance provider are satisfied with your restoration work.

6. Focused on Customer Satisfaction 

At the heart of SERVPRO’s® operations is exceptional commitment to exceptional customer service. From the moment you make that first call, the SERVPRO® team works diligently to keep you informed and involved throughout the entire restoration process. They understand how stressful damage done to your home or office can be, and go the extra mile to minimize disruption to your life while restoring your property to pre-damage conditions, like it never even happened.

7. Nationwide Network, Local Expertise

SERVPRO® combines the strength of a national brand with the personalized service of local franchises. With over 1,900 franchises across the U.S., you can rest assured knowing you’ll receive consistent, high-quality service. At the same time, each SERVPRO® franchise is locally owned and operated, meaning the team you work with understands your community and the unique challenges of your area. 

With decades of experience in property damage restoration, SERVPRO® is a top choice for homeowners and businesses across the United States. Whenever disaster strikes, SERVPRO® is ready 24/7 to respond with a highly trained team of professionals armed with cutting-edge technology to ensure that your property is restored quickly and efficiently. In an industry where time and expertise are everything. SERVPRO® stands head and shoulders above the competition.

Water restoration done the right way

10/20/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage restoration, the SERVPRO way!

When disaster strikes it is important to act fast to avoid secondary damage, like mold. It is also very important to find the right restoration provider that will do the job the correct way the first time.

When choosing a provider, find a provider that is IICRC certified. The IICRC is the organization that oversees the restoration industry standards. When dealing with residential water damage, the pertaining certification is WRT.

Our team is certified and experienced to assist with all categories and classes of water damage. If you experience any type of water damage, call our office, we can walk you through what needs to happen and take care of it right away. Always remember that our team is always here to help and make it "Like it never even happened!"

Frequently asked question- Does water damage dissipate on it's own?

9/30/2022 (Permalink)

Don't wait, call us right away!

When water damage occurs in a home or business we frequently ask ourselves, will the water dissipate on its own? The short answer to this question is no. Water travels to a place it can be absorbed and can cause subsequent secondary damages to your home such as microbial growth, also known as mold. To avoid secondary damages you must mitigate the initial water damage properly and in a timely manner. You may ask yourself- Where does water travel? Well, water can be absorbed by the insulation behind a wall or any other nearby porous materials or textures. Finding the right professionals to assist can save you time and more damage to your personal belongings and home. Our team will help you put together a game plan that fits your situation. In many scenarios, our team must remove drywall and insulation due to it not being salvageable and preventing secondary damage. If you are experiencing water damage give us a call, we are always here to help and make it “Like it never even happened.”

What is the life expectancy of a tank water heater?

8/10/2022 (Permalink)

Did you know that the life span of a tank water heater is between 8-10 years?

Replacing appliances can be either daunting or gratifying, or both. When the need to replace a major appliance, like a tank water heater, arises it’s best to take care of it prior to them malfunctioning or failing. The typical life span of a tank water heater is between 8-10 years, however, it may be recommended to replace it prior to then. One thing is for sure, you do not want to replace a tank water heater unexpectedly. Residential tank water heaters can hold between 30-80 gallons of water, depending on how many people live in the residence. Can you imagine the catastrophe that amount of water can cause in your home should your water heater go out?

If you are experiencing water damage due to water heater failure or malfunction, feel free to contact our experienced team. Our staff will walk you through the water restoration process and make appropriate recommendations. Remember that your local SERVPRO of Poolesville/Clarksburg/Damascus is always here to help and make it “Like it never even happened!”

What you should know regarding stormwater intrusion!

5/24/2022 (Permalink)

Stormwater damage? Give us a call!

The DMV area has received several showers and storms in the past two weeks, leaving behind property damage. With that, here is some helpful information that you should know should you have stormwater damage. First things first, should you have stormwater intrusion know that it is considered contaminated and you should not come in close contact with it. Stormwater is considered category 3 water, or grossly contaminated, and should be mitigated properly to avoid further damage. To avoid stormwater intrusion we recommend that homeowners check the water drain regularly. If they are clogged with leaves or debris remove it so that water has a proper pathway to channel away from the home.

Another important fact to know for preparedness purposes is your insurance deductible and insurance coverages for water damage. Have that conversation with your insurance agent, also get an idea of how the claim process works should you ever need to file an insurance claim.

We hope that this information was helpful. Feel free to reach out should you have damage due to storm, our team will happily provide a free water loss assessment which will help you determine the next steps. Your local SERVPRO of Poolesville/Clarksburg/Damascus is always here to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

A prompt response to water damage is key!

4/26/2022 (Permalink)

Prompt response to a water disaster is key!

When a water disaster strikes the emotions can be overwhelming but you must always remember that your prompt response will be very detrimental. Here are three reasons why beginning the water mitigation process will make all the difference in how promptly your home or business will return to its pre-water damage condition.

3 Reasons why a quick response is important

1. If not mitigated quickly, wooden floors buckle and become permanently damaged.
2. Mold will grow in places with dampness or moisture.
3. You can prevent damage to porous materials such as insulation by properly mitigating water damage quickly.

We are happy to explain the water mitigation process for a better understanding of what it will take to properly mitigate your home. Every water loss is different and unique in its own ways, our approach is a customized one to fit your specific needs. Feel free to reach out for a free water loss assessment if needed. We are always here to help and make it “Like it never even happened.”

3 benefits of a duct cleaning

4/11/2022 (Permalink)

Call us for more information on our duct cleaning services! (301)933-2425

Are you considering duct cleaning to complement your Spring cleaning plans this season? Well, you are in luck, not only are we offering a discounted rate this month but we are also sharing three reasons why you should have a duct cleaning performed in your home this Spring.

 3 reasons why a duct cleaning will complement your spring cleaning 

1. Better air quality- When you clean out your ducts, you are essentially cleaning the system that filters the air throughout your home. If you do not clean this periodically, you will continue to collect dirt and debris over time. When purchasing a home, this is a service you want to consider, especially because you do not know when the last time the previous owner had this service performed. Once you have a duct cleaning you will notice the difference drastically, in some cases it helps with allergy symptoms.
2. A cleaner home- Have you ever noticed a thin layer of dirt in your home and wondered why you have to dust it off so frequently? Well, it is possible that your ducts are distributing this dirt throughout your home due to them not being cleaned in quite some time. A simple remedy to this is having a duct cleaning service. 
3. HVAC efficiency- If your HVAC system is cluttered with dust and debris, it will perform accordingly. This means it will work overtime to reach your temperature goals, however, it will cost you more money in energy bills and it strains your HVAC unit. 

During the month of April, we are offering 10% off of our duct cleaning service. This offer does not include dryer vents or antimicrobial fog treatment. This is a limited-time offer and spots are limited. Feel free to reach out to take advantage of our special April 2022 offer.

What classification of water does stormwater fall under?

3/10/2022 (Permalink)

Storm damage? We can help!

Our home is our safe haven from many things, storms, work, a pesky neighbor. When a natural disaster, like a storm, strikes we have to know what we are dealing with in order to properly access it and restore our safe haven.

 When a storm strikes in your community it is important to know how to react if you have unexpected water intrusion. The first thing is to know that if your home is affected by stormwater, you are dealing with a category three water loss, per the IICRC. Here is more clarification on what category three water damage is:

Category 3 – Black Water: This water is grossly contaminated and may contain pathogenic, toxigenic, or other harmful agents. Elderly, children under the age of 2, and people with respiratory issues should not occupy the facility until the facility is safe. Examples of Category 3 water are all forms of flooding due to sewage, flooding due to seawater or rainfall (rain, natural disaster), and colored water.

  If your home experiences a category three water loss after a storm, give us a call. Our team will walk you through the restoration process and restore your home quickly.

Commercial Water Restoration Services

2/16/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial Water Damage? We can help!

From residential to commercial, we can help! The water damage shown in this photo was due to a broken sprinkler system. Water trickled 3 stories down causing damage in its path. The homeowners from each unit had different needs and extents of damage, which we catered to.

Soon after we arrived, we accessed the damage and quickly put together a drying plan. We began extracting water and followed by strategically setting up equipment in affected areas. Throughout the following days, we monitored the drying process. Our team also applied our certified green antimicrobial product, this will help prevent microbial growth and is safe in commercial and residential spaces.

Our team also took the time to educate the property manager and homeowners. We answer any questions they may have regarding our equipment and products. We understand that this is an unforeseen difficult time and patience is key.

Every water disaster is different, we pride ourselves on catering to our client’s needs and making certain that they are set for a smooth restoration experience. If you are a property manager looking for a mitigation company to service your needs, look no further, we can help! We are a 24/7/365 emergency restoration service with the ability to take care of water, fire, mold, or bio-hazard restoration needs. Our team is ready to make it “Like it never even happened.”