Recent Posts

The Role of Technology in Commercial Water Loss Mitigation

3/11/2024 (Permalink)

In today's digital age, technology plays a pivotal role in every aspect of our lives, including commercial water loss mitigation. As a restoration and mitigation company, embracing technology is essential for staying competitive and providing efficient services. Our team of experts have put together a comprehensive list of ways that technology is changing our industry so that we can serve our customers better.

Advanced Monitoring Systems

One of the most significant advancements in water loss mitigation is the use of advanced monitoring systems. These systems allow for real-time monitoring of commercial properties, helping to detect water leaks and other issues promptly. Some key technologies include:

Smart Leak Detection Sensors: These sensors are strategically placed in areas prone to water leaks, such as near pipes, water heaters, and appliances. When they detect moisture, they send alerts to property managers or restoration companies, allowing for rapid response.

Building Automation Systems (BAS): BAS can integrate with water detection systems to automate responses. For example, if a leak is detected, BAS can shut off the water supply to prevent further damage.

Remote Monitoring Apps: Property managers and restoration companies can use mobile apps to remotely monitor a property's environmental conditions, including temperature and humidity. This helps in early leak detection and reduces the risk of mold growth.

Advanced Drying Equipment

Technology has also improved the equipment used in commercial water loss mitigation. Modern drying equipment is not only more efficient but also environmentally friendly. Some of these innovations include:

Desiccant Dehumidifiers: These dehumidifiers use desiccant materials to absorb moisture from the air. They are highly effective in drying out large commercial spaces and are energy efficient.

Thermal Imaging Cameras: These cameras help identify hidden pockets of moisture by capturing temperature variations. This technology ensures that no moisture is left behind during the drying process.

Moisture Meters: Advanced moisture meters provide accurate readings of moisture levels in building materials, allowing for precise drying strategies.

Data Analytics and Reporting

Technology enables restoration companies to collect and analyze data, providing valuable insights to both the company and the property owner. Key features of data analytics in commercial water loss mitigation include:

Historical Data Analysis: We can analyze historical data to identify recurring issues, enabling property owners to take preventive measures.

Customized Reports: Our team can generate detailed reports for property owners, insurance companies, and regulators. These reports can include information on the extent of the damage, the mitigation process, and the cost of restoration.

Predictive Analytics: Some systems use predictive analytics to forecast potential water damage events, allowing property owners to proactively address issues before they become significant problems.

In conclusion, technology is revolutionizing the commercial water loss mitigation industry. Restoration and mitigation companies that embrace these technological advancements can offer faster response times, more efficient mitigation processes, and better communication with clients. By staying at the forefront of technology, we can provide top-notch services and help property owners protect their investments from water damage.

Understanding Contaminated Water Categories

3/7/2024 (Permalink)

Contaminated water can pose significant health risks and property damage. As a restoration company, it's essential for us to understand the different categories of contaminated water to provide appropriate cleanup and restoration services. In this blog post, we'll explain the various categories of contaminated water and their implications.

Category 1: Clean Water

Category 1, also known as "clean water," refers to water that originates from a clean and sanitary source. It poses the least risk to human health. Common sources of clean water include:

  • Broken water supply lines.
  • Faucet or sink leaks.
  • Malfunctioning appliances (e.g., a dishwasher or washing machine).

While clean water may not be immediately harmful, it can become contaminated as it interacts with the environment. If not addressed promptly, it can progress to a higher category of contamination.

Category 2: Gray Water

Category 2, or "gray water," represents water that is contaminated to some degree. Gray water can contain chemical, biological, or physical contaminants that may cause discomfort or illness if ingested or exposed to. Sources of gray water include:

  • Washing machine or dishwasher overflow.
  • Sink and shower drains.
  • Sump pump failures.
  • Minor toilet overflows.

Gray water requires careful handling and should not be allowed to remain stagnant, as it can worsen and become more hazardous over time. If not properly treated, it can escalate to Category 3 contamination.

Category 3: Black Water

Category 3, often referred to as "black water," is the most severe category of contamination. It contains harmful pathogens, toxic substances, and unsanitary agents that can pose significant health risks. Sources of black water include:

  • Sewage backups.
  • Flooding from rivers or streams.
  • Toilet overflows containing feces.
  • Contaminated standing water.

Black water is highly hazardous and should be addressed by professionals equipped to handle the associated health risks. It can lead to severe property damage, mold growth, and long-term health problems if not properly mitigated.

Restoration and Cleanup

Restoration companies play a critical role in addressing water damage and contamination. The approach to restoration varies depending on the water category:

Category 1: Clean water is the easiest to remediate. Our restoration experts focus on water extraction, drying, and disinfection to prevent contamination progression.

Category 2: Gray water may require more extensive cleaning and disinfection. Porous materials like carpets and upholstery may need to be removed and replaced, as they can harbor contaminants.

Category 3: Black water poses the greatest challenge. It necessitates complete removal and replacement of porous materials and thorough disinfection to ensure the safety of the affected area.

Regardless of the water category, prompt action is crucial. The longer water damage goes untreated, the greater the risk of contamination, structural damage, and the proliferation of mold.

Understanding the categories of contaminated water is essential for restoration companies and homeowners alike. By identifying the source and category of water damage, our expert professionals can develop effective restoration plans to mitigate health risks and prevent further damage to the property. If you ever encounter water damage, whether it's clean water, gray water, or black water, don't hesitate to contact SERVPRO to assess and address the situation promptly.

Understanding Commercial Water Loss and Its Impact

12/4/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage can wreak havoc on commercial properties, leading to costly repairs, business interruptions, and potential health hazards. As a restoration and mitigation company, it's essential to grasp the different aspects of commercial water loss to effectively help your clients. In this blog post, we will delve into the causes, consequences, and mitigation strategies for commercial water loss.

Causes of Commercial Water Loss

Commercial water loss can occur for various reasons, and it's essential to identify the source to address the issue effectively. Some common causes include:

Leaking Roofs: Poorly maintained or damaged roofs can allow rainwater to seep into the building, causing damage to ceilings, walls, and even equipment.

Plumbing Failures: Burst pipes, leaky faucets, and malfunctioning water heaters are common culprits of water damage in commercial properties. The damage can range from minor leaks to catastrophic flooding.

Natural Disasters: Floods, hurricanes, and storms can lead to significant water damage. Coastal and low-lying areas are particularly vulnerable.

HVAC System Malfunctions: Faulty heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems can result in water accumulation and mold growth if not addressed promptly.

Consequences of Commercial Water Loss

The consequences of water damage in a commercial property can be severe and wide-ranging:

Structural Damage: Water can weaken the building's structure, leading to foundation issues, rotting wood, and compromised structural integrity.

Mold Growth: Excess moisture provides the ideal conditions for mold to thrive. Mold not only damages property but can also pose health risks to occupants.

Business Interruption: Water damage often forces businesses to halt operations, resulting in financial losses. This can be especially detrimental for small businesses.

Health Hazards: Standing water can become a breeding ground for bacteria and other contaminants, posing health risks to employees and customers.

Property Loss: Water damage can destroy valuable inventory, equipment, and documents, leading to financial losses.

Mitigation Strategies

As a restoration and mitigation company, here are some ways we help with commercial water loss:

Emergency Response: We provide 24/7 emergency response services to quickly assess the damage and start the mitigation process. The faster you act, the less damage will occur.

Water Extraction: By using advanced equipment to remove standing water and moisture from affected areas we prevent further damage and reduce the risk of mold growth.

Drying and Dehumidification: Our experts implement drying and dehumidification processes to ensure that all moisture is eliminated. This step is crucial to prevent future issues.

Mold Remediation: We address any mold growth to promptly safeguard the health of occupants and prevent further property damage.

Restoration: SERVPRO offers comprehensive restoration services, including structural repairs, electrical and plumbing repairs, and content restoration. Our goal is to return the property to its preloss condition, like it never even happened.

In conclusion, commercial water loss is a serious issue that can have far-reaching consequences for businesses and property owners. To recover from the damage and minimize future risks, call SERVPRO.

What To Do After a Fire to your Business Occurs

5/19/2023 (Permalink)

Firefighter extinguishing fire in South Carolina Take action after Fire

A fire to your business can leave your property vulnerable. Fortunately, installing a security fence and taking other safety measures can help keep your property safe from vandals and wildlife.

Securing the Property

After the fire has been extinguished, do not return to the property until the fire department says it is safe to do so. Once you have access to your property, taking the following actions can help you protect your business:

  • Install a security fence
  • Board up broken windows and other openings
  • Tarp over damaged areas of the roof

In addition to damage from the fire itself, the firefighters may have broken windows or created other openings during their fire-extinguishing efforts. Therefore, the building could have several entry points for vandals and wildlife. It is important to board up or tarp over these areas. Installing a fence adds another layer of protection. If damage occurs after the fire has been extinguished and the insurance company determines the damage resulted from the building not being properly secured, they may deny that portion of the claim. If anyone enters the property, even without permission, and gets injured, the business could be held liable.

Restoring the Property

After the property has been secured, it is time to document the damage and begin restoration. Take a detailed photo or video evidence for the insurance company so that they can adequately assess the property. Then remove the water from the fire-suppression efforts. Do this as quickly as possible because mold can begin to grow within 24 hours. Next, clean the smoke and soot from the surfaces. Clean and sanitize affected areas. Throw everything away that cannot be fully dried and cleaned. Finally, begin repairing and replacing damaged items.
From installing a security fence to smoke cleaning, taking care of your commercial property after a fire can be a complicated endeavor. Fortunately, a certified restoration service can help you get your business back to normal quickly and safely.

We're Available 24/7 to Help after a Home Fire.

5/17/2023 (Permalink)

House on Fire in South Carolina Home Fire in South Carolina

Most homeowners in South Carolina know that repairing and restoring their property after a fire takes time. The smoke, flames,  and extinguishing agents left behind by the fire and first responders can leave your home in disarray. Do not let the situation intimidate you; instead, call a company certified to handle these situations.

An experienced fire damage restoration company can help mitigate your loss as it helps you salvage, remove, and restore your home and your personal belongings.

For our local neighbors, fire damage restoration is a phone call away. Our SERVPRO team is available around the clock because we recognize that emergencies happen day and night. Our Team is ready to spring into action, assess the incident's impact, and create an action plan for your home. Our goal is to erase this disruption from your life by doing a conscientious and thorough job of restoring your home.

How do I decide what to keep and what to remove after a fire?

Looking at the soot sitting on your furniture, books, and decor may leave a hopeless feeling in your heart, but don't jump to conclusions until you consult our Damage Restoration experts. Our team has the expertise and solutions to restore documents, electronics, and flooring, among others. Fires also leave behind an acrid smell, which our team can address as well. 

Our team is here to help when you need it the most. Call us when disaster strikes and let us help you make your home, "Like it never even happened." 

Is it Water ot Flood Damage?

5/12/2023 (Permalink)

Woman Calling SERVPRO to report water damage and schedule mitigation. We're here to help you 24/7/

Mitigation and restoration after water damage occurs in your property is not always an easy task to understand. After water causes damage, an insurance claim should be made as soon as possible.

Filing an insurance due to water damage can be complex. The first step is knowing the difference between a water damage and flood damage claim. This information is important to the homeowner because it determines what is covered and what is not.

The distinction between a flood damage claim and a water damage claim is best be defined by (FEMA) the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s flood definition. According to FEMA, a flood is a general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of two or more acres and two or more properties of normally dry land.

To make it easy, if the water that caused the damage occurred from a natural source and any neighbors are experiencing the same water issues, its generally flood damage. According to FEMA, flood damage can only be caused by overflow of inland or tidal waters, unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source, mudflow, or collapse of land along the shore of a lake or similar body of water as a result of erosion or undermining caused by waves or currents of water exceeding anticipated cyclical levels that result in a flood.

If a flood has damaged your home, it is important to know if you currently have flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program, because homeowners insurance companies do not offer coverage on flood damage. Having flood insurance is extremely beneficial to homeowners who think they might even have the slightest chance of being affected by a flood.

Everything from the actual building and its foundation to the refrigerator and the food inside of it is covered by flood insurance and will be taken into consideration when claims are filed. Flood insurance does cover basements and areas below the lowest elevated floor, but it depends on the flood zone and the date of construction. It is important to remember that flood insurance does not cover the sentimental value of any property, so be sure to remove any precious items such as photos, documents, or personal items that cannot be replaced as quickly as possible.

When water damage occurs in your home, did not originate from a natural source, and is not affecting any surrounding buildings, a water damage claim is necessary. Circumstances such as  overflowing bathtubs, broken toilets, broken pipes, and burst water mains are all grounds for water damage claims that should be filed by contacting your homeowners insurance company.

Working through the process of filing both a water damage claim and a flood damage claim can be confusing, and seem overwhelming. 

If water damage does occur, we can help and can clean and restore your home to make it "Like it never even happened." Call us 24/7.

   

Take Action action after Storm Damage

5/12/2023 (Permalink)

Take Action action after Storm Damage Fend off water damage and mold issues after storm damage occurs.

Time is of the utmost importance when facing water storm damage of any size. Immediate action is a necessity.

Our team is highly trained to respond immediately with proven techniques and advanced equipment that remove water quickly and minimize the potential of unnecessary damage. We’re aware that water damage comes in all shapes and sizes and may require individual solutions. We have streamlined the process for you.

Because you are our #1 priority, we’ve created this quick and easy checklist as your go-to resource for all things storm & water damage. 

Safety
Your safety is of our utmost concern. Upon the onset of water damage, please assess the following questions:

  • Is it safe to stay in the house?
  • Are there electrical or hazards that could cause someone to slip and fall?
  • If a movable material has become wet, it is likely heavier than normal. If so, do not move it or be sure to exercise caution when lifting.

Contact & Communication
Call SERVPRO of NW Charlotte immediately so that we can walk you through important questions that will allow us to help you efficiently and with quick response. The quicker you call us, the quicker we can provide cleanup and restoration "Like it never even happened."

Inspection and Assessment
Our team will thoroughly inspect the extent and type of water damage. This step is critical in creating a solid and effective action plan. In addition, we will begin the removal of water using our pumps and vacuums so that no further damage occurs and in order to prevent mold.

Drying and Dehumidification
Once the majority of water has been removed, we will use specially designed equipment to extract the water that is more difficult to reach and absorb. This equipment applies a scientific drying approach which includes air movers and dehumidifiers.

Cleaning and Sanitizing
If the water damage has affected your personal property including clothing, furniture or more, we are able to clean the items with specially designed cleaning methods. After cleaning your items, we sanitize them with an antimicrobial treatment and remove odors with industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.

Restoration
This is the last step in returning your property to the condition "Like it never even happened." This step completes the process by replacing and rebuilding the affected areas.

We’re ready to help you 24/7. Call us today.

Mold Damage Repair

4/5/2023 (Permalink)

A common cause of mold growth is water leaking from a pipe. The most serious leaks originate from above a ceiling or inside a wall. Such leaks fester mold, which may widely spread by the time you realize it. By attempting to manage the situation yourself, you might aggravate it hence the need for someone with the right skills. SERVPRO technicians have all the protective gear, detection tools, and technical skills necessary to eradicate the mold in your home.

Splotches from mold damage can sprout anywhere along a wall. However, they are commonly found down low near the floor, up high near the ceiling, or along edges of trim or baseboards. The spores attach to your drywall's paper face, which becomes a food source, leading to its propagation.

Conditions necessary for the growth of mold

  • Constant moisture presence
  • Food sources like drywall or wood
  • Humidity
  • Warmth and darkness

Handling of mold-damaged drywall

When the drywall is removed and the framing exposed, the source of the problem becomes apparent. The cause of the leak ought to be repaired before replacing the drywall. If not, mold eventually reforms over the new drywall. Also, an unresolved leak might create additional damage to framing, siding, insulation, and flooring. SERVPRO checks the exposed framing for dry rot. If present, we remove and replace the affected structure. Our crew also uses a scrub brush or a scrubbing pad to clean mold off framing and thoroughly dry the exposed area using dehumidifiers.

We use the latest methods to inhibit mold at its source. Our team builds a contained area with plastic to avoid spreading the mold spores, which could cause secondary damage. We have products specially designed for mold damage removal on wood like antimicrobial agents.

Signs your drywall has mold

  • Musty, damp smell
  • Discoloration and staining on the interior wall
  • Crackling or bubbling wallpaper

SERVPRO of Cayce/West Columbia & Lexington, knows what not to overlook in case of mold damage. Call us at (803) 755-9774. 

Storm Season Is Never Really Over

3/6/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO knows that storms are not set  to a specific schedule, that is why all SERVPRO franchises keep their doors open 24/7/365. We have the resources to handle any size disaster with a quicker response time than any of our competitors. Roof damage caused by thunderstorms is a major problem for homeowners, here are some tips to prevent roof damage to your home:

  • Trim trees and remove dead branches so they will not damage your home if they fall because of wind.
  • Clear gutters and downspouts of debris. As the leaves fall, make sure they are not building up in the gutters. 
  • Check for any roof damage. Pay attention to surface bubbles, areas with missing gravel on flat roofs, damaged or missing shingles or tiles on sloped roofs.
  • Check the flashing on the roof to make sure it is in good condition to help prevent water from seeping through.
  • If your rood needs replacing, consider impact-resistant roofing materials, especially if you live in an area where hail storms are common.

Remember SERVPRO is always here to help. Call your local SERVPRO storm response team at 803-755-9774, for all your storm remediation needs!

Water Damage

2/27/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage can be from many different causes and can have many different outcomes. Damage from water can lead to mold, odor and weakened structure. How do you know if you have water damage? Water damage can be put off or ignored if the signs aren't taken seriously. It can be seen by discoloration in a wall or ceiling and can be felt by a damp area that should be dry. Also, it can often times put off a musty odor. 

How did I get water damage?

  • Leak in my property
  • Appliance malfunction
  • Storm causing flooding 
  • Pipe burst

 How can I fix water damage?

Start by calling SERVPRO of  Lexington & SERVPRO of Cayce / West Columbia at (803)-755-9774. SERVPRO fixes water damages by finding the source and repairing the area. Then the team will bring in special gear to remove the water and dry the area to above and beyond standards. Not only will our team restore the area but will try to restore any items that were affected by the water damage as well. It is a time sensitive job so that more issues are not caused by the water damage which is why we work around the clock to better serve our community.