How Fast Fire Can Spread Through Your Home

8/4/2022 (Permalink)

Having a plan of action in case of an emergency can help keep you and your family safe.

We have all driven past a burnt-down building and thought to ourselves “I hope that never happens to me.” Sadly, substantial Fire Damage can happen in just a few minutes. In a video titled “How Fast Does a Fire Spread”, the Department of Commerce demonstrates just how quickly a fire can spread by igniting a dried-out pine tree.

In this case, within 20 seconds, the sofa immediately next to the tree is set on fire. Within 35 seconds, the room becomes so full of smoke that it becomes almost impossible to see the damage being caused. When seeing the damage from this perspective, it’s not farfetched to imagine an entire home being destroyed within minutes. As a result, here are a few helpful hints to consider for keeping your home and family safe to prevent the need for fire damage restoration.

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, prioritizing bedrooms and other sleeping areas.

• Test your smoke alarms on a monthly basis.

• Establish a fire escape plan and rehearse it with your family. Be prepared to evacuate in the event of an emergency.

Our crews work hard to perform fire restoration services after a building fire, just as the Roanoke Rapids Fire Department works hard to keep our community safe 24/7, 365.

SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids Can Handle Complex Commercial Properties

8/4/2022 (Permalink)

Even large warehouses aren't too large to handle for the professionals at SERVPRO.

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

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

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

About SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids

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

Choose Professionals That Know How to Do The Job Right.

8/4/2022 (Permalink)

We believe in adhering to the guidance of the most respected names in safety so you can focus on what matters most.

SERVPRO® of Roanoke Rapids professionals offer many services, including the removal of bio-hazard contaminants. We have the specialized training and products to get your property back to operational condition as quickly as possible. 

SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids been called on by numerous businesses and community leaders to
perform necessary services on their properties. All of our cleanup practices are in accordance with the guidelines provided by the IICRC, CDC and local authorities. If you are interested in inquiring about our services, we’re Here to Help® – 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Here at SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids, our team works very hard, night and day to make any disaster “Like it never even happened." Our crews are actively preparing, training and planning for any disaster that may strike next. SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids is an IICRC certified firm, so you can trust in professional service for all of your restoration and remediation needs. 

Give us a call at (252) 537-3473 to learn more about what SERVPRO can do for you and your home or business. 

Preventative Steps To Take Before and After a Storm

7/22/2022 (Permalink)

Don't let inclement weather keep you down, call SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids for your restoration and remediation needs.

Whether or not your property is in a flood zone, it’s important to understand how you can protect your property in the case of a flood damage event. Here are some action steps you can take to protect your property before a restoration professional like those at SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids responds.

Please only perform these actions if the structure has been cleared as safe to enter.

• Take the greatest caution while entering your home, and wear sturdy shoes and protective clothing when dealing with flooded areas. Always wear protective clothing.
• Take photos or video to record conditions of collections and structure. Make sure images clearly record damage.
• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping or blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Remove any paintings, art objects, documents, and other sensitive materials to a safe, dry place.
• Do not enter rooms with standing water where electrical shock hazards may exist.
• Do not attempt to operate any electrical equipment while standing in wet or damp locations.
• Do not leave books, newspapers, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpets or floors to prevent staining.
• Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet or enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.
• Do not move objects or collections without documenting their condition. 
• Throw away all foods - even canned goods - that have come into contact with flood waters.
• If your home has a crawlspace, be aware excess moisture in this area can often foster mold growth.

If you are unsure about your property’s flood risk and want to look it up by address, visit FEMA.gov to see their breakdown of your area. If your property sustains flood damage, be sure to call a professional, IICRC company like SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids at (252) 537-3473 as soon as possible.

What To Do After Flooding in Roanoke Rapids

6/28/2022 (Permalink)

Don't let water damage bog you down--call SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids to take care of your water restoration needs!

Rain and severe storms are not uncommon in Eastern North Carolina. At SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids, we know that our fast response time can help to minimize the damage water and flooding can do to your home or business. Here are some safety tips and some tips on what NOT to do after flooding from our website while waiting for help to arrive:

Safety First

• Stop the source of water damage; call a plumber/or wait for the storm to end
• Turn off the electricity
• If it is not safe to stay in the house, evacuate everyone, including pets
• Have all your relevant documents in one safe, dry place
• If you have homeowner’s insurance, start the claims process
• Document everything with photos, and wear protective gear
• If you are a tenant, reach out to your landlord or property manager

What NOT To Do After Flooding

• Don't leave wet fabrics in place 
• Hang furs and leather goods
• Don't leave books, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpets or floors
• Don't use your household vacuum to remove water
• Don't use television or other household appliances
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging

Call Us Today!

When your Roanoke Rapids home or commercial business has a flooding or other water damage emergency, SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids is Here to Help. 

Five Benifits of Cleaning Your HVAC Ducts

6/17/2022 (Permalink)

Regularly inspecting and cleaning the entire HVAC system can greatly extend longevity and efficiency.

Having your HVAC ducts cleaned may not be a typical concern during life’s day-to-day considerations, but central ventilation systems directly affect indoor air quality. Also, having an expert regularly service and inspect the motor, filters, coils, and other parts will ensure the system is running efficiently.

Five Benefits of Professional Duct Cleaning

HVAC ducts can be cleaned in a variety of ways, but not all are as effective enough to be considered satisfactory by SERVPRO standards. Our technicians are Here to Help® and have the training and commercial equipment necessary to provide the professional results you deserve and expect.

1. Improved Air Quality

Many ventilation systems pull in a wide variety of contaminants, such as dust, microbes, mold spores, and pollutants. Once these contaminants make their way inside your home, there's usually not enough airflow to circulate them back outside. Dirt and dust can build up throughout your ventilation system, causing wear and tear resulting in inefficient operation and unnecessary damage.

2. Mold Prevention

Heating and cooling ducts provide conditions that are great breeding grounds for mold growth. When you schedule routine professional maintenance, excess moisture and the organic materials that create that welcoming environment for mold spores are cleared away. Duct cleaning and disinfection steps may also prevent unpleasant musty and mildewy odors, as well as future mold growth.

3. Reduced Heating and Cooling Bills

When your ventilation system is kept clean and well-maintained, the airflow remains consistent, components don't have to work as hard, and the system has an easier time maintaining the desired temperature. When the machinery runs smoothly and doesn't have to work harder than necessary, operation costs are lower, and you save money on your utility bills.

4. Longer Equipment Life Span

Any type of debris in the heating and cooling system can affect the motors, fans, and other moving parts. This causes grinding and wear that damages those parts. In addition to this direct damage, the entire system will wear down more quickly because of the increased workload as the airflow is impacted. Routine repair and maintenance can greatly extend the service life of the system overall and can prevent a costly total system replacement.

5. Pest Prevention

Adequate ventilation requires openings that allow for sufficient airflow. Unfortunately, this may also mean that pests have easy access to the ducts. The screening that prevents them from entering these ducts can become damaged and worn as it's exposed to natural elements and fluctuations in temperature. Routine inspections and professional cleaning can catch damage early, and keep insects and rodents from getting in.

SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids, NC, has the specialized equipment and advanced technology necessary to thoroughly clean and repair your heating and cooling system. Our crews have been trained in cutting-edge duct cleaning techniques to ensure your satisfaction. Call us today at (252) 537-3473 to schedule your next duct cleaning appointment.

6 Reasons You Can Trust SERVPRO as a Preferred Vendor

4/21/2022 (Permalink)

Trust SERVPRO and avoid Damage in your Property.

Having the appropriate insurance coverage for any disaster that befalls a commercial property is important for all business owners in Roanoke Rapids, NC. It's just as vital to have quality restoration services to provide the repairs when misfortune strikes. As an insurance adjuster, you want to recommend the best people for the job to your clients.

Here are six reasons that SERVPRO is a preferred vendor for many providers.

1. Consistent Training and Certification

SERVPRO technicians are IICRC-certified in their areas of expertise. Not only does the company require this certification before it will give referrals to a local branch but it also hosts the training in its state-of-the-art facility. When you contact SERVPRO, you can rest assured that the service you get meets the highest industry standards.

2. Local Technicians With Corporate Support

There are over 1,900 locations nationwide. As soon as a call comes in, the local team is dispatched to assess and start the cleanup process within hours. No matter where your clients are located, there is likely a SERVPRO nearby to serve them.

3. Quick Response to Disaster

When the call comes in, SERVPRO's damage mitigation experts spring into action. They assess the problem quickly so that they can get started on remediation right away. They pre-test the affected areas so that they can make solid decisions about how to proceed and avoid mistakes that might delay completion.

4. Focus on Restoration

Any insurance adjuster knows that it is less costly to repair a structure that's already there than to replace it with new materials. The technicians who serve your clients understand this, too. Their focus is going to be on how they can restore the damaged building and as many items in it as possible rather than just throwing everything out. This results in significant savings on claims.

5. Claims Assistance for Insurance Adjuster

The first step of the mitigation process is a survey of the damage and an assessment of the next steps that need to be taken. Every assessment is a detailed account of the tasks that are needed to restore your client's building, and it's always available to you.

If adjustments have to be made, you and the building owner are informed. When items have to be repaired or replaced, the information service provides an inventory, complete with pictures, to document the damage and support the insurance claim.

6. Guaranteed Results

SERVPRO has a reputation for its commitment to excellent service. The company offers a two-year limited warranty on all restoration work and a one-year warranty on materials. If anything goes wrong or does not meet industry standards, technicians will correct the problem under warranty at no additional charge to you or your clients.

SERVPRO leads the industry in many areas, including response time, training and quality of service for many types of mitigation. The local team is Faster to Any Size Disaster, making your job as an insurance adjuster easy by restoring your client's property to its former state as soon as possible. By choosing SERVPRO as a preferred vendor, you can rest assured that your clients get the high level of service they deserve.

How Do Fire Sprinklers Work During a Fire?

4/14/2022 (Permalink)

Know More about Fire Sprinklers and Avoid Further Damage in your Property.

Owning or managing a business necessitates that you take all the precautions you can to ensure the well-being of your employees and your Roanoke Rapids, NC, commercial building. After all, if the building is affected by a fire, it can affect every aspect of your business; it is your livelihood.

A fire suppression system is a must-have as a defense against the flames before they have a chance to engulf the building. Several types of fire sprinkler systems are available, each having its own unique characteristics. These features make each a better choice for some types of buildings, but what is essential for one could actually be more damaging for another. Therefore, the objective is to determine which option is best for your situation.

4 Types of Fire Sprinklers for Commercial Buildings

1. Wet Pipe Sprinkler System

A wet pipe system could be ideal if you need the fastest action sprinkler system and don't have as many contents that can be damaged by water. Wet pipe systems are the standard type of sprinkler system, and they are typically used in multi-level structures such as office buildings and hotels.

2. Deluge Sprinkler System

Deluge sprinkler systems are ideal for buildings that contain flammable liquids. You will mostly find these systems installed in industrial businesses. These systems have open nozzles and must detect smoke or heat to activate. As the name implies, these systems will send a deluge of water into the area, which will require fire sprinkler cleanup by fire damage restoration professionals. However, the water can save your business, unlike a fire that could result in a total loss.

3. Pre-action Sprinkler System

A pre-action fire sprinkler system is a good option if your building's contents include costly electronics and materials that are highly susceptible to water damage (e.g., books and valuable papers or artwork). The pipes are only filled with air instead of water when the system is not triggered. Water can only enter the lines if the smoke detector is activated.

Additionally, these systems require two triggers for water to be allowed into the pipes. There also must be flames (not only smoke) present to trigger it. This double trigger helps prevent water damage from the sprinklers from going off due to a false alarm.

4. Dry Pipe Sprinkler System

Like the pre-action types, dry pipe systems use pressurized air to fill the pipes until water enters. The difference is that the air escapes the lines before the water can enter. This function is suited for buildings in colder environments because the pipes are not filled with water, so they won't freeze in frigid temperatures. They are particularly beneficial for facilities located in cold climates and do not have heating systems to help keep the pipes warmer.

You can never be too safe when it comes to acting in the best interest of your business. Therefore, it's essential to understand all of your options to make the ideal choices to protect your property. This includes preventing fire damage in case a disaster occurs.

Having a properly working fire sprinkler system can make all the difference in the well-being of your business.

4 Common Reasons Your Toilet Leaks When You Flush

4/11/2022 (Permalink)

You will know what to do if Your Toilet Leaks When You Flush by following our Tips.

The one place you don't want water to leak is the toilet. This personal device serves a valuable purpose, and you want to trust that the fluid harbored within the bowl stays right there, headed down the pipe with each flush.

However, like anything within your home, it can break down from wear and tear with use. When owners in Roanoke Rapids, NC, observe these troubles, it's essential to determine the cause and repair it quickly. Here are four common reasons for a leaking toilet and how to fix each one.

Four common reasons for a leaking toilet

1. A Weak Wax Seal

The water moves down in a swirling action when you flush, entering the base. It should exit through the sewage line before new, clean water enters. If the wax seal below the toilet has deteriorated, the water may go around the base, creating a puddle.

There are a couple of options to repair this bathroom leak. First, try to tighten the bolts that hold the toilet down. Remove the covers, and carefully use a wrench to improve the fasten. If this technique fails, purchase and install a new wax gasket.

2. Broken Tank Flange

The tank may have a broken flange, also known as the water closet. This part mounts the commode to the floor, hooking it to the drain line. The piece serves two functions: it assists with drainage and keeps the toilet firmly rooted to the floor.

If it breaks, you may notice several changes. Along with dampness, you may observe unpleasant odors or an unsteady toilet, as it rocks back and forth when you sit. Replace the flange to restore durability and efficient water flow. You need to remove the toilet to do this step. Plumbers may assist with correcting the issue and putting the toilet back in functioning order.

3. Bad Valve or Line

The leaking toilet may have a bad value or supply line, causing dripping when you flush. These conditions may be hard to detect with your eyes, gradually worsening over time and remaining pretty indiscernible in the early stages.

To locate the trouble, complete a colored water test. Use color test-safe tablets or organic-based food coloring (you don't want to stain the unit). Put the color into the tank, removing the lid carefully to minimize breaks. Allow it to sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Don't flush yet; observe the toilet for leaks with the valves and lines. If you don't see anything yet, flush and watch how the water moves. Look for color outside of the tubes.

Signs of color indicate a problem with the part. Change out the piece for a new one, and ensure it fits properly. If you observe signs of damage to the floor, contact a water restoration company for an evaluation.

4. Poor Installation

The contractor may have installed the toilet incorrectly. In this case, water might have been dripping into the flooring for a while. If this is the case, replace the device. Homeowners shouldn't allow a leaking toilet to become a long-term problem.

Fixing it sooner rather than later minimizes extensive water damage. As soon as you notice moisture escaping onto the floor, call in a professional to assess the situation.

Missteps to Avoid Following a Flood

4/8/2022 (Permalink)

Avoid Storm Damage in your Roanoke Rapids, NC Property.

Flood water should not be taken lightly.

As hurricane season approaches, we’re thinking about flooding again. Flood water in your home can have long-lasting impacts on your home and life. Even minor flooding causes damage, while severe flooding can destroy your home and harm you.

If you’ve ever experienced a flood, you know it’s important to take the proper steps to deal with the outcome. Taking the wrong steps could lead to more damage and heightened costs. Here are some helpful hints to prevent you from making a misstep following flooding in your home.

Don’t Wear the Wrong Clothing

If flood waters invaded your home, DO NOT go back in until you’re sure it’s safe to do so. Once you get into your home, inspect the damage. Visit every room in your home and note where the damage is most significant. And while you’re doing this, make sure you are wearing the proper protective clothing and gear, these include: 

• latex gloves
• knee-high rubber boots
• disposable N-95 face mask

Stay out of the Water

As you inspect the water damage you should avoid any standing water. You often will not be able to see if you are stepping on to a hidden danger when you’re in flood water. It can, and likely will, contain bacteria, microbes and other harmful substances including sewage. If flooding was more severe, there is also a strong potential for electric shock. 

Keep Your Face and Hands Away

Flood water very likely contains black water. This is water that has mixed with sewage. It could urine and feces from sewers or overflowing toilets. If you let this come in contact with your skin, you could get very ill. Or worse, if you ingest this water, it could be fatal. Note, you DO NOT want this water to touch any part of your exposed skin.

Don’t Wait on Cleanup

Results of flood water could be destructive, so there’s a tendency for you to want to start cleaning up immediately. The better plan is to assess the situation, contact your insurance company and then contact a restoration company like SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids, NC to help you with the cleanup. We’re available 24/7 to answer any questions or to come to your rescue.

5 Things You Should Know About Mold Growth

3/24/2022 (Permalink)

Know more About Mold Growth by Following These Tips.

Mold is a common issue that affects many buildings, particularly those that have suffered water damage. It can be a frustrating problem, especially since it can be recurring in many cases. If you have an infestation in your Roanoke Rapids, NC, home, the following information may help you take care of it.

Useful information about Mold.

1. What Is Mold?

A fungus that can be found in several different environments, mold grows both indoors and outdoors. It comes in many colors and textures but most varieties are not harmful. It often shows up as discoloration on the surface of walls and floors. If it is in a hidden area, you may not be able to see the mold growth; in this case, the first sign of growth may be a musty odor.

2. How Does It Spread?

Mold grows from spores that are too small to be seen with the naked eye. This means that they can easily make their way into your house without you noticing. They can be carried into the house on your shoes and clothing or by pets who venture outside. They can also be spread through the house on air currents from the wind, fans or an HVAC system.

3. Why Is It Growing In Your Home?

Spores are likely present in your house at any given time but won’t cause you any trouble unless they have the right conditions for growth. Mold needs moisture to grow and there are many situations that could provide it. Something like a storm, a burst pipe or a damaged appliance that causes serious water damage to the building can cause mold to grow in as little as a day. However, smaller issues can contribute as well. A small leak or even high humidity can be enough to start an infestation.

4. How Do You Get Rid of It?

It can be tempting to try to remove the mold growth on your own, particularly if it seems like it is only affecting a small area. However, this can end up making the situation worse. Mold spores spread quickly and easily and, if the area is not properly contained, you could unintentionally make the infestation larger during your attempt to remove it. Instead, you should contact a mold remediation company to remove it for you.

5. How Do You Keep It From Returning?

Because it requires moisture, an important part of mold prevention is making sure there are not excessive levels of moisture in your house. Depending on where the moisture is coming from, there are a few solutions. Any leaks should be fixed as soon as you notice them, and water should be removed from sinks and showers after use. Opening windows, turning on exhaust fans or using a dehumidifier can reduce moisture in your home’s environment.

Although mold can be frustrating to deal with, you can keep it at bay by reducing the moisture in your house. Any water damage should be taken care of right away, and humidity levels should be kept low. If you do find any signs of mold in the building, you should hire professionals to do removal and cleanup, as attempting to do so on your own could cause it to spread.

5 Cooking Tips To Reduce Fire Risk

3/14/2022 (Permalink)

Reduce Fire Risk by Following These Tips.

Nearly everyone spends at least some time cooking a meal on a daily basis. Cooking is a routine task that is often done in a hurry to get family members fed before they rush off to work, school, or other activities.

Cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and fire-related injuries in the United States. Your home in Roanoke Rapids, NC may be at risk, too, if you don't take the proper steps to prevent fires. Here are five cooking tips to reduce fire risk in your home.

Important Tips to Avoid Cooking Fire Risk

1. Establish a Kid-Free Cooking Zone

When the kids are hungry, they tend to get underfoot. Not only is it annoying to try and cook while they're in the kitchen with you complaining of hunger, but it's dangerous. Very small children can trip you up and cause things to get knocked off the counter or stove. Being distracted might prevent you from noticing that something is starting to burn, or you might forget that the oven is on at all. Establish a kid-free cooking zone to keep everyone safe.

2. Stay in the Kitchen - Always

Cooking accidents that result in fire damage most often occur when something is left unattended on the stove or in the oven. Even if you think that you'll only be gone for a minute to change a diaper or let the dog outside, there's always a chance that something can catch fire in that short time. If it does happen, use a fire extinguisher if you can do so safely, but first get everyone out of the house. Later, a fire damage assessment can be made to determine your restoration needs.

3. Clean Regularly to Prevent Grease Buildup

One way to prevent a grease fire is to clean your stovetop regularly. While it might feel like one more thing to do, quickly wiping down the stove after each meal prevents a big cleaning project later and helps to keep your family safe from fires.

4. Keep Flammable Objects Away from Heat Sources

When you're rushing to get dinner on the table, you might not be cleaning as you go. Rather, you use all the available counter space for prep and worry about cleanup later. One of the most important fire prevention tips is keep flammable objects away from heat sources. You might toss a kitchen towel on top of the toaster oven but if you forget that it's there, someone might turn on the toaster oven without moving the towel which can then catch fire.

Cardboard packaging, paper plates, wooden utensils, and hot pads are just some of the flammable objects that are likely found in your kitchen during meal prep. Be intentional to put those items where they belong to prevent accidents.

5. Check the Stove Before Bed

As a part of your nighttime routine, get into the habit of checking that the stove and oven are turned off. You lock the doors to prevent intruders, so check the kitchen to prevent fires catching while you sleep.

These cooking tips will help keep your family safe during the hustle and bustle of mealtime.

Five Innovations Beyond the Sand bag to Protect Your Business from Floods

3/10/2022 (Permalink)

Follow These Innovations and Protect Your Business from Floods.

If you have ever been in a flood or seen videos of how rapidly waters can rise, you understand how precious the seconds after a flood warning can be. While the traditional sand bag and flood insurance combo is a popular fallback to protect businesses, there is much more to consider when planning for a natural disaster. Here are five important innovations to consider instead of sand bags to protect your business in Roanoke Rapids, NC.

Though a historical go-to, the sand bag has many flaws. The largest issue is that they can’t be built ahead of time because of how much space is required to store enough of them. These traditional water barriers can’t even be reused because filthy floodwater brings debris and bacteria and can breed mold, so exploring other options when shopping for flood dams is a good move.

5 Signs You May Have a Hidden Leak in Your Bathroom

3/8/2022 (Permalink)

Follow these Tips and Learn More about how Hidden leaks in your bathroom can cause Water Damage.

Some sources of unwanted water in the bathroom are easy to detect, such as a bathtub leak or a guilty-looking toddler who just discovered how to turn the faucet on. Other sources are more difficult to spot, but they do leave clues.

5 Ways to Know of a Hidden Leak in Your Bathroom

1. Your Bathroom Smells Musty

If your bathroom starts to smell more like an unfinished basement than a luxury spa, that may indicate that water is building up somewhere and growing stagnant.

2. The Ceilings of the Room Under the Bathroom Is Stained

Discoloration on the ceiling of rooms beneath your bathroom may be the result of a shower pan leak or other source of unchecked water. If left alone, this area may deteriorate to the point that parts of the ceiling crumble and fall.

3. The Bathroom Floor Feels Spongy

Accumulated water can cause the structural materials beneath and behind your bathroom finishes, walls and floor to weaken. If the floor feels spongy, if tiles come loose or if you notice stains on the floor, these can all be signs of a bathtub leak or other unanticipated water source nearby.

4. There’s Mold and It’s Not in the Shower

Mold and mildew in the shower are normal and don’t necessarily signal a need for disaster restoration. If you spot mold outside the shower, however, it may be time to call your local mold remediation company for an assessment. Mold in parts of your bathroom that are normally dry suggests there’s water lurking beneath the surface.

5. Your Water Bill Is Unusually High

If your water bill is suddenly higher than usual, it could mean that you have a leak somewhere in your Roanoke Rapids, NC, home. Fix the leak, and you’ll fix your bank account.

From a spongy floor to a bathtub leak, there are a variety of ways your bathroom can take on water. Identifying the source of hidden water is the first step toward restoring the space to its dry, structurally sound and mold-free state.

Why Should You Call an IICRC Certified Company?

3/8/2022 (Permalink)

Follow These Tips and always Look for an IICRC Certified Company.

The answer is simple, because it's the water you don't see that causes the most damage.

And, even the smallest amount of water damage has the potential to cause serious indoor air quality and structural issues to property over time.

The key to preventing expensive future restoration costs is to handle every water problem immediately and as a real threat to your property. An IICRC company will use the proper equipment and that makes a huge difference in reducing the expenses caused during a water damage loss. When time matters most, technology and equipment must be counted on to perform as it should and SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids is trained just for that.

Tools Used by Professionals to Properly Mitigate a Loss

Here are a few tools used by out trained professionals to properly mitigate a loss;

• Moisture Sensors – Used to detect moisture in carpets, baseboards and walls.
• Moisture Meters – Used to determine the moisture content of various materials. The meter provides readings to accurately monitor the drying process.
• Thermo Hygrometers – Used to measure temperature and relative humidity which calculates and creates an environment that is most conducive to drying. When handling a contaminated loss, you need to not only dry the structure, but disinfect and deodorize it.
• Ultra-Low-Volume (ULV) Foggers – Used to atomize liquid deodorizing agents. These produce a fine mist that easily penetrates the site where odor-causing residues can accumulate. They can also be used to inject disinfectants and fungicides into walls and other hard-to-reach areas.
• Thermal Foggers – Dispense solvent-based products and create a dense fog of tiny particles of a deodorant solution that attach to and neutralize odor causing particles.

So, the bottom line is this,  ALWAYS treat water damage seriously. If you have damage, call in an IICRC certified, professional team like SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids. We’ll work to restore your property so you can move on with life.

How To Put Out a Grease Fire?

2/24/2022 (Permalink)

Learn More about How To Put Out a Grease Fire and avoid Fire Damage in your Roanoke Rapids, NC Home.

Your first reaction when you encounter a fire in your home may be to put it out with water. This technique can have disastrous results with a grease fire. Before a problem occurs, learn how to properly extinguish this type of fire.

How To Safely Extinguish a Grease Fire

Cooking is the number one cause of house fires and about half of cooking fires involve grease. Knowing how to properly put out one of these fires can prevent extensive damage to your home and reduce the amount of fire cleanup required.

1. Do Not Use Water

Never try to use water on an oil fire. This can cause the burning oil to splash out of the pan and spread flames to other areas of your kitchen. It could also land on anyone who is standing nearby and cause burns.

2. Call 911

If you are dealing with a large fire or are not sure you can put it out quickly, immediately call 911. These fires can spread quickly, so it is best not to wait until the fire is out of control to call. The 911 operator will give you advice on putting the fire out if it is safe. Otherwise, evacuate your home and wait for the fire department.

3. Shut the Stove Off

If the fire is small, first remove the heat by turning off the stove. If the fire is in the oven, leave the oven door closed. This may extinguish the fire when there is no longer enough oxygen to fuel it.

4. Cover the Fire

Use a baking sheet or lid made from metal to cover the fire. Use tongs to hold the lid so that you don't burn yourself. Do not use a fabric oven mitt. The mitt could catch on fire. Do not use ceramic or glass lids. The lids may shatter.

5. Put Out the Flames

If you can't find a lid, you can use baking soda or salt to put out the flames. However, it may take a lot of it to completely put out the fire. It may be worth purchasing a sheet pan to keep near your stove for future use.

6. Use a Fire Extinguisher

If you are unable to put out the fire using a lid, baking soda or salt, use a Class K fire extinguisher. This model is designed for cooking fires and sprays a soapy foam that smothers the flames. A Class B extinguisher can also be used, but avoid using a Class A, because it is water-based.

7. Clean Up

Even small fires can coat your kitchen in smoke, soot and ash. If you have trouble removing the stains and smells, consider contacting a fire restoration company in Roanoke Rapids, NC, to clean your home. You can usually put a small grease fire out by smothering it with a metal lid, sheet pan, baking soda or salt.

However, if you are dealing with a large fire, you may need to call 911 and evacuate your home. Err on the side of safety and remember to never throw water on a cooking fire.

Protect Your Home From Flood Water Damage

2/22/2022 (Permalink)

These Tips will help you Protect Your Home From Flood Water Damage. If you have more questions, just contact us.

It doesn't take long for flood water to leave your home in shambles, and many types of conditions can lead to flooding in Roanoke Rapids, NC. Taking a proactive stance protects your property from:

• Flash floods
• Overflowing roads and rivers
• Lack of adequate drainage
• Heavy rains or melting snow

Before storms threaten, take steps to protect your home from water damage.

There are many steps you can take to keep water out of your home and away from your belongings.

Keep Flood Water Out of Your Home

Tackle some of these tasks today and reach out to professionals in your area to learn more about how to avoid water damage.

Understand the Risk in Your Area

The National Flood Insurance Program operates a website, Floodsmart.gov, that provides information about floodplains, zones, and chances of flooding. You can also check into the history of your area to learn about past experiences and ask your insurance provider for information specific to your neighborhood.

Install Backflow Prevention Valves

These protective devices stop contaminated water from flowing back into your home and mixing with potable water. Check the water pipes to your home (near the shut-off valve) to determine whether a backflow valve is already in place and to determine the most appropriate model for your home.

Install a Sump Pump

These handy devices provide a convenient way to move flood water out and away from your home. Look for a pump that is sized appropriately for your home, taking into account the most common flood threat in your area. It's also a good idea to choose a pump with a backup battery.

Clean Out and Maintain Gutters

The gutters that run around the roof are a vital part of your home protection plan. When they are clear of debris, the gutters move a lot of rainfall away from the building. However, if the gutters are full of leaves, sticks, and dirt, the water will build up and then seep into the attic, walls, and basement.

Improve Grading and Drainage on Your Property

One common issue that quickly leads to a flooded building is water pooling around the foundation of the house. This happens when the grade of the lawn tends toward the home. Inspect your property, looking for potential problem areas. These are pretty easy to recognize on rainy days. Add to sunken areas at the base of the home and direct water to appropriate drainage locations away from the home.

Elevate Appliances and Utilities

Using the information you gathered about flooding in your area, raise your water heater, air conditioning unit, furnace, and other appliances above the expected flood elevation level. Discuss this step with your insurance agent for specific data. If you store important documents, keepsakes, and similar items in the basement, choose a raised location for these items as well.

There are several other steps you can consider when it comes to protecting your home from the damage caused by flood water in Roanoke Rapids, NC. If your home is affected by water damage, reach out to cleanup and restoration professionals as quickly as possible.

Commercial Water Damage and a Water Pipe Repair

2/18/2022 (Permalink)

Helpful tips to follow if your business experience Water Damage or a Pipe Repair.

It is not uncommon for businesses to experience water damage or water pipe repair issues. The frequent use of facilities means that the plumbing system requires greater maintenance and upkeep than other types of buildings, primarily residential structure. As any remediation specialist in Roanoke Rapids, NC water disasters can result in significant damage and remediation efforts. The process for recovering from such disasters is similar regardless of the property type and purpose:

• Removing excess water
• Dry the facility
• Remediating the damage
• Restoring the building

Water Damage Categories and Water Pipe Repair Efforts

Water loss stemming from a broken pipe can cause extensive damage, mainly if it is not dealt with rapidly. The nature of water means that damage is constantly evolving. The level of contamination will even develop from clean water to heavily contaminated depending on its exposure to other substances and chemicals.

If your business experience a leak or major water crisis, you should contact a mitigation or plumbing professional as soon as possible. These professionals understand the potential threats of water loss, and they can help you avoid lengthy business interruptions.

Understanding Water Categories

When discussing water loss and damage, you need to understand the different water categories. Water damage will involve one of three categories of water at least.

Category one represents damage from a clean water source; this is usually a leak stemming from a supply line to a sink or other appliance.

Category two water damage is the progression of category one into something more contaminated. Category two water usually occurs after clean water seeps through building materials or contacts chemicals. For instance, you might experience a category one leak on the second floor of your establishment. Unfortunately, no one noticed the leak, and the water soaked through the flooring on the second level and through the ceiling on the first, resulting in category two water loss.

Category three represents the most dangerous type of water. The water will typically stem from a sewer backup or an external flood. It would be best to stay clear of category three damage as it is harmful to your health. Many states have requirements when dealing with category three damage, so you might want to talk to someone more familiar with the process.

Category 2 and 3 Remediation Process

When dealing with a flooded business, it is crucial to assess the type of water loss before attempting remediation efforts. You are best served to reach out to a mitigation professional for category two and three damage.

A professional service will have the equipment and knowledge required to resolve your problem. Additionally, they can help you determine the quickest way to recover while also assisting in any claims process. As a business owner, you know that a water pipe repair can be devastating to a business.

If the original break caused damage to inventory and the property, you would need to find the quickest way to get back to business. A water restoration company can help. The service will send in a crew within hours of the accident to assess the property and determine plans for recovery.

Sewage Backup Due To Rain

1/21/2022 (Permalink)

Heavy Rains can lead to various problems in your Roanoke Rapids, NC house. Consider these tips to be better prepared.

When people think of severe weather, they typically think of thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes, etc., but few people consider the damage persistent and heavy rains can cause, even without heavy winds. Two of the primary issues during heavy rain include a flood and sewer backup.

Bear in mind this information in case you experience Heavy Rain

Flooding is expected with a tremendous amount of rain water, but for some homeowners, a black water backup is not. However, one typically leads to the other as city sewer systems become overwhelmed.

Despite the inconvenience and expense, you should never deal with flood or sewage water on your own. This type of flooding requires the experienced techniques and practices of a qualified restoration service in Roanoke Rapids, NC. The company will perform a four-step process to resolve your problem:

• Mitigation
• Water removal
• Cleaning and disinfection
• Property restoration

Dealing With a Sewer Backup After Heavy Rains

Storm damage is an all-inclusive category for any damage resulting from a storm, including wind and water damage. Sewer backups are a part of that category as well. While not nature-made, the onslaught of heavy rains causes a sewer crisis.

Some homeowners struggle with understanding how one event leads to the other. It is a straightforward process caused by the overwhelming of systems.

While homeowners can take preventative measures, such as installing backflow valves and overflow systems, there is still the chance a backup can occur, especially with persistent rains. When such catastrophes happen, it is best to call a remediation professional.

Overwhelmed Sewers

Heavy rains can quickly overwhelm the city and residential sewer systems. The sudden and significant downpour essentially forces water back through your system, leading to wastewater overflows.

Sewers are designed for maximum capacity limits. When a storm pushes the limits of these systems, the water has to have a place to go. Unfortunately, when city systems are equally overworked, the wastewater only has one other alternative: your drains.

If homeowners do not have adequate overflow or backflow systems in place, they will likely experience significant costs. Therefore, it is best to talk with a water remediation specialist before worrying about restoration.

Water Remediation

If you experience a sewage backup, it is necessary to call a remediation service to clean up the damage as soon as possible. Sewage is black water, and it is highly contaminated. It is considered toxic to people and pets.

You do not want to attempt a DIY clean-up of such water because it puts your health at risk. A water remediation specialist understands local and federal ordinances for the safe removal of such contaminated substances. These professionals also know how to disinfect and clean your property so you and your family can feel at home again.

A sewer backup is not a pretty sight or smell. The longer the problem sits in your property, the greater the damage becomes. A remediation specialist is the only individual who should be working in such conditions because they understand safe removal practices.

You can talk to a local city manager or remediation service to determine the best approach to resolving such issues or to find out how you might prevent them from occurring in the first place.

5 Tips for Drying Water Damage

1/13/2022 (Permalink)

Protect your Commercial Building considering these Tips as regards Drying Water Damage.

When your building floods, your first response should be calling water damage mitigation experts in Roanoke Rapids, NC to get the cleanup process started. Meanwhile, however, the water in your building is still causing damage as you wait for them to arrive. Here are a few water damage tips that you can use until they get there.

Important tips to consider as regards Drying Water Damage

Wear Protective Gear

One of the first cleaning tips you should follow concerns safety. Before you boldly enter the affected area, put on the necessary personal protective equipment:

• Rubber boots
• Gloves
• Water repellent coveralls
• Goggles
• Face mask

Once you are wearing the correct PPE, check to make sure the structure is sound enough to hold you and that there are no places where the water has come into contact with electricity. Then you should be able to proceed with caution to start the drying process.

Extract Excess Water

The longer water lingers in your building, the more damage it is likely to cause. Use a pump to quickly remove standing water, and follow up with a commercial wet vac to siphon out what remains. If you don't have a sump pump or a wet vac in your building, you should be able to rent or purchase them for a reasonable price. Spending a relatively small amount to have this equipment on hand in case it's needed can save you a lot of money in repairs.

Increase Airflow

Many experts who offer water damage tips suggest increasing the airflow in your building. Moving air helps surfaces dry out more quickly. If you have a lot of windows in your building, open as many of them as possible to create a cross breeze. Place fans in the area where the flood occurred to increase the speed at which the air flows through the space. Open drawers, cabinets and closets so that the moving air can dry them out, too.

Remove Soggy Items

The items in the flooded area must be removed before remediation begins. You can get a head start by taking them out of the space. Separate them into piles of things that can likely be saved and those that may need to be discarded. If any important documents are damp, it may be helpful to freeze them to disrupt the damage until the experts can get to them.

Dehumidify Space

It doesn't do a lot of good to dry surfaces if the air around them holds too much moisture. To prevent mold growth or other secondary damage after a pipe burst, you need to get the humidity level in your building under control. While increased airflow may help significantly, it alone may not be enough to bring the levels down to where they need to be. Use a dehumidifier in any room in which humidity is higher than 55%. This extra step helps to ensure that the rest of your drying efforts aren't in vain.

When your building is flooded, every minute counts. Reliable mitigation professionals may arrive soon after you call, but there are things you can do while you wait. These water damage tips help you get your building ready for a quick cleanup process.

7 Cooking Tips To Prevent a Kitchen Fire

1/6/2022 (Permalink)

Remember these important tips to avoid Kitchen Fire in your Roanoke Rapids, NC home.

People often take for granted how hazardous cooking in their kitchen can be. After all, it's a daily process for many and easy to become accustomed to simply "going through the motions." There is a real risk of sustaining fire damage from an appliance malfunction or grease fire. Before returning to your Roanoke Rapids, NC kitchen, review these kitchen safety tips to prevent an avoidable disaster.

Do not forget these important tips to prevent a Kitchen Fire

1. Make Sure You Have Properly Placed, Working Smoke Detectors

Make sure you have working smoke detectors that are appropriately placed near the kitchen. They shouldn't be placed in the kitchen because steam and smoke from everyday cooking can prompt false alarms. The proper placement is at least 10 feet away.

2. Keep Oil and Grease to a Minimum

Use only the minimum amount of oil and grease you'll need to cook your food. Overfilling pots or pans can cause scalding hot oil or grease to splatter, which puts you at risk for burns and can easily start a fast-moving fire that will definitely require the services of fire damage restoration professionals.

3. Clean Spills Immediately

Spilling things is expected when you're cooking. Although you may be busy cooking, you should clean up spills immediately if they are near heat. This is one of the most important tips to remember. A grease buildup on your stove, in your oven or in your toaster oven can create a quickly growing fire that's challenging to extinguish. Ensure that all the kitchen surfaces are clean before you begin cooking, also.

4. Keep Flammable Materials Away from Cooking Area

It's easy to get involved in preparing your meal and overlook flammable materials coming too close to hot appliances. Be aware of your clothes (e.g., long sleeves), pot holders, dish towels, etc. Also, be careful of combustible objects such as lighters and aerosol cans sitting too close to the heat.

5. Keep Appliances Maintained

Regularly clean and maintain all of your kitchen appliances. Many of these units pose a fire risk if they don't function properly, and if they aren't maintained, they won't work as they should. It will also shorten their lifespan. Toaster ovens are common origins of fire, partially due to crumbs left in the crumb tray. Also, if you begin experiencing any issues with your appliances, even a strange sound, replace them or hire a professional to repair them.

6. Unplug Appliances When They're Not in Use

Every time you finish using them, you should unplug each smaller electronic appliance, such as toaster ovens and coffee makers. Merely being plugged in causes them to continually draw electricity, even when powered off. This can contribute to fire when they're not in use if an electrical component is faulty.

7. Never Leave Cooking Food Unattended

Never leave cooking food or appliances that are powered on unattended. Even if you have everything under control in the kitchen, things can get out of hand fast. If you must leave the area, recruit someone else to stay there until you return.

Avoid kitchen fire damage by always being mindful of these safety tips. Your family's security depends on it, not to mention your home's wellbeing.

The Significance of SERVPRO's 24/7 Response

11/24/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO response is immediate to any disaster your Roanoke Rapids, NC home can suffer.

Residential disasters can happen at any moment within any 24-hour window. When faced with a tragedy, a homeowner wants a fast response; they don't want to wait for it to be convenient for a professional or service. SERVPRO understands that 24/7 response times are almost always necessary, and its experts do not believe in making homeowners wait.

Why Choose SERVPRO

There are at least four reasons to call SERVPRO in Roanoke Rapids, NC, over other mitigation professionals:

• 24/7 Availability
• One hour response time
• Four hours until on-site
• Eight hours until a verbal briefing
  

Why SERVPRO's Response Time and 24 Hour Operation Is Crucial to Residential Recovery

Many disasters, especially those involving water damage, require immediate assessment and response. Within 24 to 48 hours, mold can start to develop if water is left to sit.

Because SERVPRO is always open, homeowners do not need to worry about reaching a professional to report a crisis. Once you call, you will receive a response within one hour. The company will send a team that will be on-site within four hours of the initial report. Additionally, homeowners will not have to wait to hear about the extent of the damage because the team will deliver a verbal briefing within eight hours of the initial report.

The professionals at SERVPRO understand the importance of receiving information and support when you need it. They also know that the faster they respond, the sooner recovery can be underway, meaning the sooner you can be back at home.

Why Trust SERVPRO Over Other Remediation Services

SERVPRO is an accredited service holding credentials from the IICRC, the standard maker of the remediation industry. Every franchise must achieve certification to have the SERVPRO name. All team members are trained in the most up-to-date cleaning and material handling protocols to ensure they are safe and your home is restored to pre-disaster conditions.

The company holds on to its family-owned feel by incorporating local franchisees into the family. With widespread national reach, SERVPRO can make the response time promises it is so well known for. Because of rigorous training and certifications, the professionals working within the company have continued to hone and support the brand.

SERVPRO's brand is about speed, efficiency, and expertise. Few actual competitors in the market can make the same promises and commitments.

Why SERVPRO Is Your Greatest Advocate

When you experience a home disaster, you will typically file an insurance claim. Most homeowners become overwhelmed with the process, feeling lost and frustrated. SERVPRO acts as an intermediary between you and your insurer. The professionals understand how the claims process works and can help you know it as well. Additionally, the company can help you advocate for your needs.

SERVPRO is a unique enterprise in the remediation and restoration sector. The company takes a client-first approach, ensuring that the homeowner's needs are met and that they understand what is happening throughout the recovery process. With 24 hour access and quick response times, it is not hard to say that SERVPRO is among the leaders in the remediation field, always fighting to support you, the homeowner.

How Do I Prevent Mold?

11/18/2021 (Permalink)

Mold growth in commercial buildings Roanoke Rapids, NC.

Mold can grow on many different surfaces, including in hidden areas, such as inside of walls, where it may be difficult to detect. It grows best in areas with ample moisture, such as property that has sustained water damage. You can't completely avoid mold, but there are steps you can take to reduce the chance of it growing to point that it becomes a problem.

How To Prevent Mold Growth

Mold needs moisture to grow. The most important part of mold prevention is controlling moisture.

1. Identify and Repair Moisture Problems

Identify any areas of your property that are prone to moisture accumulation or high humidity. Look for areas that tend to flood. Check windows for signs of condensation. Check roofs and ceilings for water stains or other signs of leaks. Remove wet materials, such as carpets and drywall.

Check for leaks in the plumbing and supply lines. Monitor the humidity levels in areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, or industrial equipment that produces steam. Have your HVAC system inspected for moisture problems. Make sure you change the air filters and check the drain pans regularly. Keep gutters free of debris and make sure they drain away from your property.

2. Quickly Dry Anything That Gets Wet

If your building has water damage from a burst pipe, sink overflow, or a weather event, dry out your property within 24 to 48 hours. Remove wet carpets, furniture, and other items that may be difficult to dry. Use pumps or a wet/dry vacuum to remove small to moderate amounts of water. Open doors and windows and run fans and dehumidifiers to help dry out your property. If you have substantial damage, consider contacting a water remediation company in Roanoke Rapids, NC, to assist you.

3. Check Your Ventilation

Areas with high moisture levels should be properly vented to discourage mold growth. Check the vents in your kitchens, bathrooms, shower rooms, laundry areas, and any other high moisture locations for problems. Run exhaust fans or open a window when moisture-producing activities are being performed.

4. Use Moisture Resistant Building Materials

Whenever you are building something new or repairing something old, choose moisture-resistant materials. Moisture-resistant drywall, sheetrock, and paint can help prevent mold from growing in the walls in high moisture areas. It is also less easily damaged by moisture and may need to be replaced less frequently.

5. Check Your Outdoor Drainage

Downspouts that aren't angled properly or parking lots and landscaped areas that aren't graded appropriately can cause water to accumulate around your property. This made lead to water seeping into your building. If you are noticing water pooling around your building when it rains, you may need to make adjustments to ensure that water is being directed away from your building, instead of towards it.

Water damage from flooding, leaky pipes, or storm damage can lead to mold problems if you don't dry your property out quickly. Moisture from everyday activities can also become a problem without proper monitoring and moisture control. Controlling moisture levels in your property is the key to preventing mold.

5 Steps of the Claim Filing Process

11/18/2021 (Permalink)

Learn how to file a claim form successfully in case of water damage in your Roanoke Rapids, NC home.

When you have water damage to your home in Roanoke Rapids, NC, due to a sudden and accidental incident, your homeowners policy is likely to cover the cost of mitigation. Your provider requires an insurance claim to document the issue.

Steps to File a Claim Form

Follow these five steps to improve your chances of filing a successful claim.

1. Call the Insurance Company

One of the first calls you should make when you discover flood damage in your home is to your insurance company. This makes your provider aware of the problem and gives you the opportunity to ask important questions about the next steps to take:

• Is the damage the result of a covered peril?
• Is the cost more than your deductible?
• What is the deadline for filing a claim?
• How long after you file must you wait for a response?
  

Getting the answers to these questions helps you decide what to include on your claim or if filing a claim is even worth the effort.

2. Document Damage

If you decide to file a claim, the insurance company will send an adjuster. Adjusters survey the damage and assess what your policy does and does not cover. Before the adjuster arrives, it's a good idea to make a list of items damaged by the pipe burst as well as how much it would take to replace them. Take pictures or video of any structural issues in your home to aid your case.

3. Start Repairs

An estimate from a water damage mitigation company can also help you when filing an insurance claim. After technicians issue their professional assessment, they can get started on the repairs to prevent any further damage. Secondary issues such as mold or further saturation can occur in as little as 24 hours after the initial event, so timely mitigation and pipe repair minimize the damage to your home. It also shows the insurance company that you addressed the problem responsibly.

4. Keep Accurate Records

Throughout the cleanup process, other issues may arise. Keep your provider informed about any new costs that come up. If you and your family have to relocate while repairs are being made, keep a file of your receipts so that you can include the cost of the temporary move in your claim.

5. Return Claim in a Timely Manner

After you have collected all the information you need for your claim, you still need to fill it out and return it quickly. Most policies impose a strict timeline for filing a claim after an event occurs, and if you miss it, you lose out on compensation. You don't want to sacrifice coverage of water damage repair that you are owed just because you didn't get your claim in on time, so it's important to keep up with due dates.

The claims process involves checking with your provider to make sure you have all the information you need and filing on time. Filing an insurance claim for water damage repairs can be an arduous process. If it can save you a lot of money in the long run, though, it's worth the effort.

How Can I Protect My Home From Outside Flooding?

10/27/2021 (Permalink)

A puddle in your yard can lead to severe water damage in your Roanoke Rapids, NC home.

Have you noticed puddles forming in your Roanoke Rapids, NC, yard after a rainstorm? Improper landscaping can lead to outside flooding, which can potentially cause several major problems for your house and property. These issues can go from being a minor annoyance to a severe matter requiring water damage restoration professionals in a relatively short amount of time. To make matters worse, some cities have started charging homeowners stormwater runoff fees because this extra drainage can pollute the water system with pesticides and other chemicals.

Improper rain drainage can lead to problems, such as:

• Creating basement leaks
• Killing grass
• Tracking mud indoors on shoes
• Making yard maintenance difficult
• Producing structural damage
• Making the property unsightly
  

Fortunately, there are a few potential drainage fixes you can try to return your yard to a beautiful area that everyone can enjoy. Depending on the details of your specific property, one or a combination of two or more of these solutions should help create a puddle-free property.

Landscaping for Rain Drainage

1. Install a Downspout Diverter

Preventing flooding around your house could be as simple as installing a downspout diverter. It will take water away from the walls of the house and send it to the lower ground.

2. Add a Rain Garden

A rain garden will typically be about 50-100 square feet in size. It can be a great help for reducing flooding. It provides a proper place for water to collect during heavy rainfall. Plants with the highest moisture tolerance should be planted in the garden's center, and the other plants will drain to them. The pooling water in the center will slowly seep back into the soil.

3. Replace Light Mulch With Heavier Mulch

A heavier mulch can often help with outside flooding problems. Heavy rains can spread light mulch, which not only creates a mess but can also clog drains that will then overflow. Instead of a light mulch, such as pine, opt for a hardwood mulch or a man-made material.

4. Opt for a Gravel Driveway

Gravel can be a much better way to mitigate flooding at your home than concrete or asphalt. It is also a more eco-friendly option and requires less maintenance.

5. Create a Swale

A swale is a dip in a landscape that directs the flow of water drainage. It should be directed into a specific area that won't result in damage. Make a swale even more efficient by planting deep-rooting plants on the slopes and lining the lowest part of the swale with rocks. This will slow the water's drainage path while diverting it where you want it.

6. Install an Eco-Roof

If you have a flat or a slightly sloped roof, a green roof could be a great unique solution to your flood problem. Studies have shown that eco-roofs not only help increase the lifespan of a roof but also provide better insulation that will assist in lowering your heating and cooling bills.

Landscaping your yard for better rain drainage can benefit your property and the environment. Begin today by looking at your options to solve all your outside flooding issues.

The Necessity of Smoke Cleaning

10/21/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke residue is damaging to your health. Clean properly your Roanoke Rapids, NC, home to get rid of it.

After a fire, there is a combination of damages, from fire to water to smoke. Smoke cleaning is one of the most challenging types of damage to remove from a property because it is so invasive. Smoke gets into electronics, snakes through HVAC systems, and seeps into porous fabrics and materials. If you want the best chance of recovering smoke-affected items, contact a fire remediation professional in Roanoke Rapids, NC.

The 4 Step Smoke Cleaning Process

One of the biggest complaints about fire damage is smoke odor. The odor permeates everything. It is incredibly challenging to remove and will likely require a tremendous amount of patience. Any professional service will follow a four-step approach to remove the odor of smoke residue.

1. Surface Debris Removal

The first stage of smoke damage cleanup is the surface cleaning of items in your home. There will probably be a thick coating of ash, sediment, and residue on almost every surface in the affected area. The remediation team will comb through the space using vacuums and other tools to pre-clean the space, allowing further steps to be more effective.

2. Sanitization

Smoke residue is toxic; it is not something you want to get on your hands and face or into your mouth and lungs. Whenever entering your property after the fire but before cleaning, you should wear appropriate protective gear, like gloves and a mask.

The remediation company will go through after the initial cleaning and sanitize the space using different cleaners and purification techniques. You will need to call in other professional services to clean and repair appliances or HVAC systems in some circumstances.

3. Washing and Scrubbing

The remediation service will go through at least two or three cleaning and scrubbing cycles to remove any remaining residue and odor. In some instances, you might not have a choice but to get rid of furniture and other porous items. Smoke odor tends to seep deep into fabrics, and sometimes deep cleaning is not enough to remove or eliminate persistent odors.

If you wish, you can contact specialty cleaners for items that hold particular sentimental value. These cleaners often have techniques and tools that are beyond the scope of a traditional remediation service.

4. Restoration and Deodorization

The service you hire will ensure that everything they can clean has been cleaned and scrubbed thoroughly before moving on to restoration stages. The final stages of cleaning will involve deodorization, which can utilize air purifiers.

The restoration of your property will include the replacement of damaged walls, ceilings, floors, etc. When the restoration company is done with your property, it should look like pre-disaster conditions, meaning your family can return to a place that looks and feels like home.

Smoke cleaning is a bit of a tedious process. However, when performed effectively, the process should eliminate the remaining odors and damage. The extent of the cleaning will depend on the severity of the fire, and the scope of the damage often dictates the efficacy of the restoration process. Unfortunately, after a fire, the only way to determine salvageability is to have your property assessed.

Steps To Take When You Have Water Damage

10/7/2021 (Permalink)

Repair the burst pipe on time to avoid severe water damage in your Roanoke Rapids, NC commercial.

You invest a lot of time and money into your commercial property in Roanoke Rapids, NC. A regular maintenance schedule helps you ensure that everything stays running smoothly, and it reveals any problems so that you can fix them before they get out of hand. There are some things you can't always prevent, though. A busted pipe can cause a lot of water damage in a short amount of time. What you do next can significantly lower the cost of repairs.

Call the Water Damage Professionals

The first step of solving any problem is reporting it to the right people. As soon as you know you have broken pipes, you need to make three calls:

Plumber - Getting the pipe fixed as soon as possible is essential for stopping the problem in its tracks and preventing further damage.

Water mitigation experts - The sooner the mitigation team can get into your building to assess and fix the damage caused by the pipe break, the faster everything can get back to normal.

Insurance provider - It's important to file a claim for any covered damage to your building as soon as you know about it so that an adjuster can arrive in time to complete a walkthrough and confirm the accuracy of your claim.

Turn Off Water

One of the first questions the plumber and mitigation technicians are likely to ask when they show up to do repairs is whether the water main is off. Cutting off the leak at its source is the best way to prevent more water from spewing out at the point where the pipe is broken. Ultimately, this can significantly reduce the amount of potential water damage to your building and make the cleanup process much easier.

Of course, if your building doesn't have water flow, you are likely going to shut down operations or relocate them until the problem is fixed. Communicate that the water for the building is off and keep everyone informed about the timeline for completion of the repairs.

Learn Prevention Measures

While some pipe breaks may be unavoidable, especially if your area experiences power outages during the winter, there are certain measures you can take to reduce the chance of needing water cleanup services due to such a mishap.

Keep your pipes as warm as possible when outside temperatures are below freezing. You can apply adhesive insulation to the pipes themselves or add more insulation to your building in general. Set the thermostat at a temperature of at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit, even when no one is in the building. Open cabinet doors overnight to increase warm airflow to the pipes underneath sinks. The smarter precautions you take, the less likely your pipes are to break.

Water damage from a broken pipe is not something you want to ignore. The longer water keeps flowing into the area, the more problems it's going to cause. By taking quick action to address the issue and repair the damage, you can protect the structural integrity of your building and get everything back in working order as soon as possible.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover a Flood-Damaged Basement?

9/24/2021 (Permalink)

Homeowner insurance policies cover different reasons for flood damage.

No one ever said insurance was consumer-friendly and easy to understand. Numerous circumstances could cause a basement flood in Roanoke Rapids, NC, from a burst pipe to an overflowing toilet to a major storm. Although your standard homeowners insurance policy includes some types of water intrusion, it will not cover all possible scenarios. For example, it probably won't cover damage from a flood caused by any of the following conditions.

• Rising water from heavy rain
• Sewer system backup
• Seepage of water from underground

Adding a supplemental flood insurance policy may cover some or all of these issues. However, this type of insurance coverage is usually very limited in who can purchase it (depending on the region in which you live) and the specific situations it covers.

Does My Situation Apply?

Standard homeowners insurance will typically cover the following losses. Not surprisingly, they do have exclusions, though. Therefore, it's critical to be proactive and review your policy or speak with your agent to determine precisely what your coverage includes and excludes.

1. Overflow From Plumbing or an Appliance Mishap

Your homeowners insurance policy will generally include the flood damage resulting from an overflowing water receptacle. This coverage ordinarily includes flooding from bathtubs, sinks, toilets, and pools, as well as appliances like dishwashers, clothes washers, and water heaters.

2. Flood From a Burst Frozen Water Pipe

Loss from burst pipes, such as those connecting appliances like water heaters and refrigerators, are typically included in homeowners insurance coverage, along with air conditioning unit and sprinkler system pipe leaks. If a pipe in your home freezes and bursts, causing a basement flood, your homeowners insurance should cover the damage caused by the water. However, if the insurance company determines that you had the heat or water systems turned off during this period, they will probably deny your claim. In this case, you'll be responsible for paying the total cost of the work of the water damage restoration company and other repair services out of pocket. If you go away for a winter vacation or own another home in a cold climate that isn't continually occupied, you must be mindful of this fact and keep your home well prepared for potential winter weather.

3. Large Leak From a Faulty Appliance

Water damage caused by a faulty appliance, such as a refrigerator, washing machine, water heater, or air conditioning unit, will typically be covered by standard homeowners insurance. Keep in mind, the appliance itself won't be covered, though. The insurance policy will cover only the damage caused by the broken machine. If your adjuster finds that the damage occurred due to a lack of proper maintenance of the appliance, they can deny your claim.

No one ever wants to experience a flooded basement. Still, as with any disaster, it helps to know what standard homeowners insurance coverage usually includes. Familiarize yourself with the policy details by reading the fine details and speaking with your insurance agent. Then, if you ever face a basement flood, you'll have a better idea of what to expect regarding your insurance claim. In the meantime, be proactive about doing everything you can to prevent a water disaster.

Tips for Air Duct Mold Mitigation

9/23/2021 (Permalink)

Maintain the air duct clean of your commercial building in Roanoke Rapids, NC, to avoid black mold.

Keeping the HVAC system in your commercial building in Roanoke Rapids, NC, clean should be one of your top priorities. Regular upkeep is necessary to regulate air quality and keep the vents free of black mold. If you have consistent fungus issues throughout your building, dirty ducts are the most likely culprit. 

Tips For Quick Mitigation And Prevention.

Inspection

The first step to fixing any problem is pinpointing what exactly the issue is. There are a few telltale signs to look for when you suspect there is mold growth in your air ducts:

• Musty odor
• Black spots on ceilings or walls near vents
• Poor air quality

If you notice any of these signs when you complete your regular building inspection, don't wait to call mold damage remediation specialists. The earlier they can start work on your mold problem, the easier it will be to resolve.

Mitigation

The first step that technicians will likely take is testing to see how pervasive the mold growth is. They may test not only the surfaces where patches are visible but also the concentration of spores in the air. This helps them determine the kind of mold they are dealing with and the location of the problem.

Wiping away the mold growth on the outside of the vents is not going to get rid of it for good. It will just keep coming back unless you have clean ducts. Mitigation efforts include not only cleaning and drying the ducts throughout the system but also identifying the underlying cause of the problem. For example, heavy condensation on the chillers can produce enough extra moisture to attract spores and promote growth. For long-term protection from black mold, you must resolve the problem that caused it.

Prevention

You can prevent mold growth in your building by adding a few key checkpoints to your routine maintenance list. Making sure your external drainage system, including gutters, downspouts, and trenches, is frequently cleaned protects your building from heavy precipitation. Watch for any signs of water damage in your building and, if you find them, call for remediation immediately to prevent secondary damage such as mold. Avoid installing carpet in areas that are particularly prone to excess moisture, such as the break room or any room with a sink or appliances that may leak.

When it comes to your HVAC system, moisture control and ventilation are vital to preventing mold growth. Look for wet spots from leaks or condensation during inspections. Replace air filters once a quarter and schedule a yearly system tune-up to keep the system running efficiently. Monitor the humidity level in your building and investigate to find the cause if it gets too high. Finally, it's a good idea to have your air ducts cleaned at least twice a year.

If you suspect you have a black mold problem in your commercial building, it's in your best interest to act quickly. Certified mold experts have the tools and experience to track down the cause, mitigate the damage and advise you on the best prevention methods moving forward.

Understanding Common Flooding Concerns

9/23/2021 (Permalink)

Flooding in your Roanoke Rapids, NC home basement can be caused by various reasons.

Homeowners trust that their plumbing will work without issue. Unfortunately, sometimes things happen to result in a basement flood. Now, a flood can occur because of exterior or interior issues. The key is to prepare for either circumstance to avoid massive disasters. Obviously, even the most fervent homeowner might still experience problems. If you want to prepare for the worst, it is best to contact a water remediation company in Roanoke Rapids, NC, to discuss prevention methods for your house. Some of the recommendations might include:

• Backflow valves
• Sump pumps
• Overflow systems
• Roof inspections
• Plumbing assessments
  

Avoiding Common Problems

Some of the most common problems that can lead to flooded basements are related to roof and gutter maintenance. Gutter systems require regular upkeep, especially in the fall and after the winter. When gutters overflow or downspouts become clogged, all the rainwater fills the troughs and overflows, following the sides of the house and seeping into the ground around the foundation. If enough water seeps in, your home might experience flooding, structural, and further water damage.

Additionally, roofing, as it ages, can begin to fail or weaken. It is crucial to have your roof inspected at least once or twice per year to ensure it is still stable. If there are issues, make sure you fix the problems to limit the risks of leaks.

Speaking of leaks, you’d probably be surprised how many minor floods start with poorly sealed windows and doors. Sealants have an expected lifespan, and it is crucial to ensure all vulnerable areas are sealed. You can tell when the sealant is failing because it will appear dry and cracked. Aside from windows and doors, you will want to check the seal around the basement floor.

Consider the Landscape and Its Potential Effect on a Basement Flood

A Flooded basement can be the result of poor landscape design or suburban planning. Landscaping should always be graded away from the house to ensure proper drainage. Unfortunately, even when the landscaping is installed correctly if the house is in an area that should have never had a neighborhood or a house with a basement, you will need to do significantly more work to establish a consistently dry space, especially if it wasn’t sealed correctly, to begin with.

Houses that were developed with poor planning might require extensive work to waterproof. A construction company might need to dig out an area around the foundation to install a layer of waterproofing and additional drainage.

Hiring a Professional

If you want to ensure your property is secure and as protected as possible against future disasters, consider contacting a remediation specialist to schedule a property assessment. A licensed and trained crew will arrive at your business to discuss any problems or concerns.

A basement flood is not inevitable, especially with the right among of preparation. Keeping your house dry is about trusting professionals and keeping up with routine maintenance schedules. As long as you keep up with standard homeowner tasks and ask questions to ensure you’re prepared as much as you can be, you can limit the potential of a flood occurring.

Removing Cigarette Smoke Odor From Your Home

8/26/2021 (Permalink)

The odor of cigarette smoke is hard to remove from your Roanoke Rapids, NC, home.

Removing the odor of cigarette smoke in your house is not the easiest task. The smell has a way of seeping into nonporous items and leaving a residue on harder surfaces. Despite the difficulty, home deodorization is crucial to ensuring your family is breathing in the cleanest air possible. If you call on smoke odor removal companies in Roanoke Rapids, NC, each will probably tell you some version of the same removal process:

• Discard
• Scrub
• Wash
• Purify
• Professional Help

Throw Out As Much As Possible

Discarding personal items is never easy, and if any items have sentimental value, do not throw them away. However, keep in mind that removing smoke smells from porous items is challenging. In some cases, you might need to hire a specialized cleaner, which can become expensive if you try to salvage every item in your house.

That being said, there is no harm in trying to salvage as much as possible. You can use the tools at your disposal, like your washing machine or fabric fresheners. Sometimes, it helps to place items outside for a bit, allowing them to air out.

Use Some Elbow Grease on Hard Surfaces

Before you start cleaning, it is vital to ensure there is plenty of ventilation throughout the house. Open all windows and doors and turn on all ceiling fans.

You will need to prepare a couple of different solutions before cleaning hard surfaces in the home. The first, a 50/50 solution of hot water and white vinegar; this solution is suitable for most hard surfaces. When you are ready to clean the ceiling and walls, mix a solution of 1/2 cup ammonia, 1/2 cup baking soda, 1/4 cup vinegar, and one gallon of hot water.

You will need to clean every surface when your focus is home deodorization. Do not leave anything untouched. Clean the light switches, doors, knobs, fan blades, lightbulbs, knickknacks, picture frames, etc.

Wash All Fabrics

Take anything you can put in the washing machine and do so. You will want to use 1/2 cup vinegar in the initial cycle instead of laundry detergent. After the first wash, you can use your favorite detergent and put the laundry through another process.

Anything that cannot go in the washer sprinkle with baking soda and leave it for a few days. Vacuum the excess only after it has had time to absorb the odor. You’ll want to steam clean carpeting, drapes, and upholstered furniture.

Use Natural Ventilation and Air Purification

Having all the windows open and fans going will help circulate the air in the house, but it is not enough to remove or eliminate standing odors. Whenever possible, use air purifiers, HEPA filters, activated charcoal, or white vinegar to help absorb the odor. Do not forget to change your HVAC filters at least once every three months.

If natural ventilation and air purifiers are not working, consider using an ozone generator. These devices oxidize smoke molecules, effectively eliminating the smell when appropriately used.

Hire a Professional

Odor removal is a time-consuming task. Most homeowners do not have the time to tackle the process alone. A professional remediation service can help.

Home deodorization requires time, patience, and a variety of cleaning techniques. Sometimes, the DIY approach is not worth the effort.

7 Tips for Preparing for a Severe Storm

8/26/2021 (Permalink)

A storm can provoke several damages in your Roanoke Rapids, NC, home.

When the weather radar shows that a storm will be blowing through Roanoke Rapids, NC, preparation is vital. Although you can't control the storm's trajectory or strength, you can prepare your environment to be ready. This preparation can drastically minimize storm damage. Next time bad weather is forecasted, put these storm tips into action to keep your family and home safer.

1. Prepare an Emergency Plan

Having a written plan can help everyone in your family stay on the same page when an emergency happens. Identify evacuation routes and choose an emergency meeting location close to your home. Make sure everyone knows the phone numbers of emergency contacts.

2. Create an Emergency Supply Kit

You may have to evacuate your home without much warning, so it's helpful to have an emergency kit ready to grab at a moment's notice. You can make an individual kit for each person in your family (e.g., a backpack of supplies) or a larger kit with everything for the family. The kit(s) should include first aid supplies, prescriptions, and other necessary medications, bottled drinking water (i.e., one gallon per day per person), nonperishable food, a non-electric can opener, battery-powered flashlight, battery-powered radio, extra batteries, phone chargers and charged power banks, cash and credit cards, and essential documents, such as identification and medical and bank information.

3. Enable Weather Alerts

If the power goes out, or you're sheltering in place, you may not have access to a TV or computer. A helpful way to keep up with the storm information is by having a weather app on your phone. You can enable severe weather alerts, get real-time information and storm tips, and track the storm via the weather radar.

4. Back Up Important Data

You should always keep important data on your computer backed up on at least one other source. Backing up to the cloud is the most secure backup you can get; if your computer is damaged, it won't be affected. There are many cloud-based free services, and to make it better, they're accessible from anywhere with internet access.

5. Check the Property

Checking your outdoor property before a storm can avoid a lot of potential damage. Put lawn furniture, flower pots, bicycles, or anything else that could blow away or become projectiles away. Also, close umbrellas and awnings, which could blow away or tear during high winds.

6. Inspect the Roof

Before the storm arrives, inspect the roof for loose or missing shingles or other damage. Making necessary repairs now can prevent roof leaks during a heavy downpour or more severe harm. If you experience a leak or flood, water damage restoration professionals can help mitigate the loss.

7. Know Where to Turn Off Utilities

All adults and appropriate-age children should know where all the utility shut-offs are at your home. They should also understand when and how to turn them off. Sometimes shutting off water and gas mains can mitigate some of the loss during harsh weather. It's also beneficial to know how to override electronics, such as the garage door if the power goes out.

These seven storm tips can keep your family and your property as safe as possible from a severe storm. Begin preparing today for the possibility of storm damage in the future.

Tips for Saving Your Hardwood Floor From Water Damage

8/16/2021 (Permalink)

A pipe burst can cause water damage to the hardwood floor in your building in Roanoke Rapids, NC.

Hardwood floors are an attractive addition to any office building. They add richness and elegance to any decor. A pipe burst in your building can put your beautiful floors in peril. To avoid the expense of having to replace them due to irreparable water damage, you must act quickly.

Follow these tips to save your floors from ruin.

Extract Excess Water

Obviously, if you have standing water in your building in Roanoke Rapids, NC, you should remove it as quickly as possible. The longer it remains, the more damage it is likely to do. Even after the bulk of the water is extracted, however, the floor is probably still damp. There are several materials you can use to dry out a wet floor:

• Newspaper
• Paper towels
• Kitty litter

You are most likely to have absorbent paper products on hand, so start with them. Spread a layer of newspaper or paper towels down over the entire affected area. As they become saturated, replace them until they no longer pick up any water. Kitty litter is useful if the water has seeped into the cracks between the boards. Once it draws out the moisture, you can simply vacuum it up.

Hire Professional Help

Even if your initial efforts are effective, the pipe burst may cause damage you can't see on the surface. Certified water mitigation experts can conduct a more thorough assessment so that hidden moisture doesn't cause secondary problems. They inspect your floors for signs of permanent damage and buckling. Their swift attention can mean the difference between having to replace a few warped boards and having to rip out the whole floor and start over.

Repair All Damage

Even if you respond as quickly as possible, secondary damage to your wood floor can still occur. Mold can start to grow in as little as 24-48 hours from the moment excess moisture is present. Another benefit of hiring mitigation specialists is that they understand this is a possibility and know to watch out for it. If they find secondary damage, they can fix it before it gets out of hand.

Prevent Future Problems

Thorough remediation is vital for ensuring that the same leak doesn't come back to haunt you and cause further damage to your floors. You must also take measures to prevent subsequent leaks. If your business is located in a particularly cold climate or the pipes are housed along exterior walls, you need to make sure they don't get too cold. Add extra insulation, particularly in the areas around the pipes. In addition to preventing another water loss, you may also save on utility bills.

Just because your hardwood floors get drenched in the aftermath of a pipe burst, that doesn't necessarily mean they are a total loss. Getting rid of as much of the water as possible as soon as possible can help you avoid such a catastrophe. Enlist the help of certified experts who have experience mitigating damage to wood floors, and do your part to prevent further issues from happening. Even after an accident, your floors can stay beautiful for years to come.

How To Handle a Grease Fire

8/2/2021 (Permalink)

Grease fires are very common.

Sometimes cooking doesn’t go as planned, you keep the bread in the oven too long or worse, you could start a grease fire in your kitchen. Consider keeping a small fire extinguisher in your kitchen for emergencies, but if you haven’t purchased one yet, here are some tips for things you can do if you start a grease fire in your kitchen’s home: 

3 Tips to Handle a Grease Fire 

1. First, you should turn off the source of the heat, meaning turn off the burner as quickly as possible.
2. Second, cover the fire with another pot, a metal lid, or a cookie sheet. If you do not have another pot or lid nearby you can try putting baking soda or salt on top of the fire. Doing one of these things will suffocate the fire because it will not have as much oxygen reaching it. 
3. Finally, if you feel unsafe, go outside to a safe location and call 911 or help.

Here are some DO NOTs while attempting to put out a grease fire:

1. Use water or any fabrics to put out a grease fire. 
2. Use baking powder. Although it may look the same baking soda, the chemical make-up is very different and it should not be substituted in the absence of baking soda.
3. Moving the pot that’s on fire, this is very dangerous and should never be attempted.

We know your immediate instinct in the case of a grease fire will be to save your home. However you and your family’s safety should be your number one priority. We hope you never have to worry about a grease fire and the repairs afterwards, but if you do, call SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids our trained professionals will be ready to help you.

Why Contamination Level Is Important

7/30/2021 (Permalink)

Contaminated water can cause severe damage.

When a client in Roanoke Rapids, NC, files a claim for a water loss, it's important that The procedure for dealing with damage from contaminated water is much different than cleanup from a broken pipe. One of the ways that SERVPRO outshines the competition is through matching the results of extensive pretesting with the appropriate cleaning methods for each customer's specific problem.

Types of Contamination

Clean Water

Category 1 damage is caused by clean water. There are several sources in your client's home from which clean water can originate:

• Faucet drip
• Pipe break
• Supply line leak

If the water that causes the damage in your client's home is clean and contained on only one floor, no sanitation is likely to be necessary. Water restoration specialists can just tear out ruined materials, thoroughly dry the area and rebuild.

Gray Water

Contaminated water belongs in Category 2. This type of damage is typically the result of leaks from appliances such as dishwashers or washing machines. It may also occur if a clean water leak is so extensive that it seeps from the floor of one level to the ceiling or walls beneath it. Because this water is likely to contain bacteria and other microbes, saturated materials will need to be thrown away, and all other surfaces must be disinfected.

Black Water

The third category of water contamination is black water. This occurs when the sewer backs up into your client's home or when it is flooded during a storm. Extensive sanitation methods must be used. When you choose SERVPRO as a preferred vendor, you know that the appropriate testing will be conducted both before and after cleanup to ensure that all bacteria are eradicated.

Contaminated water adds extra steps to mitigation. Specialists who take the time to verify the contamination level of the water that causes the damage to your client's home are better equipped to make the right decisions about the details of the cleanup process.

What Are the Steps for Water Mitigation After a Broken Water Heater?

7/30/2021 (Permalink)

A leaking water heater can cause severe water damage.

Discovering a leaking water heater in your Roanoke Rapids, NC, building is never a good thing for various reasons. Not only does it mean you need to get the water heater repaired, but now you also have to concern yourself with the imminent water damage. It's essential to understand water mitigation for events such as these. Knowing what to do can't totally prevent property loss, but swift action can significantly minimize the damage.

3 Steps for Water Mitigation After a Broken Water Heater

1. Extract the Water

After you get the water leak from the failed water heater stopped, you must extract all the water. Usually, the best way to remove standing water is to use a wet/dry vacuum. It can quickly and safely eliminate water and small debris. If you don't have access to a wet/dry vacuum, mops and towels will do the job.

2. Inspect the Damage

Next, inspect the area for all the water damage from the leaking water heater. Water and moisture can damage the structure of the home and the contents inside.

3. Clean and Sanitize the Affected Area and Contents

Once the water has been removed, clean and sanitize the entire affected area and all of the contents. Anything beyond repair, including the broken water heater, should be removed and thrown away.

4. Completely Dry the Affected Area and Contents

Finally, it's essential to completely dry the area and everything remaining, including floors and walls. You can use fans, heaters, dehumidifiers and open windows and doors. If you're having doubts about getting everything dried quickly enough, water damage remediation professionals have industrial equipment and the expertise to ensure the job is appropriately completed and then inspected.

A leaking water heater requires immediate attention to minimize water damage and to keep hot water available in your home. Call a repair technician to see if they can fix the broken water heater or if you must replace it.

What to do in the first 24 hours?

7/29/2021 (Permalink)

A fire in your house can cause severe damage.

There is absolutely no doubt that fire in your home in Roanoke Rapids, NC, or business can be devastating. We know that even the smallest fires can destroy your favorite memories and belongings. 

When we receive the call we will respond quickly and we can help you restore your home and belongings. 

The first 24 hours can make a major difference in restoring your home.  Below are some things we believe you should and should not do. 

Things You Should and Should Not Do

THINGS TO NOT DO:

1. Wash any walls or painted surfaces
2. Clean or wash carpets and furniture 
3. Clean or whip down any electrical equipment
4. Send your clothes to a dry cleaner.  We do not want your clothes to be clean improperly and have a permeant smoke odor.

THINGS TO DO:

1. Place aluminum foil or wood between furniture legs and wet carpet.
2. Place a small layer of oil on chrome appliances or trim. 
3. Try your best to limit the amount of movement in the home. When you do this it will prevent soot particles from spreading even more.
4. Place old and clean linens on areas that are high traffic areas in the home.

3 Tips for Cleaning Your Home After a Flood

7/22/2021 (Permalink)

Cleaning after damage by a flood can be a long process but it's necessary to avoid serious damages.

Floodwaters often contain mud and contaminants that have specific cleaning requirements. If your home has been damaged by a flood, these tips can help you with the cleaning process.

1. Remove Mud

One of the first steps of any flood clean process is to remove any mud that has been left behind. Use a shovel to remove as much mud as you can and then spray hard surfaces with a garden hose. If there is too much mud to remove on your own, you may want to contact a professional storm cleaning company in Roanoke, NC, to assist you.

2. Disinfect Your Kitchen

Because of potential contamination, the cleaning requirements for your kitchen focus on disinfection. Porcelain, plastic, glass, enamel, and china dinnerware can be disinfected by immersing it in a solution of two tablespoons of chlorine bleach per one gallon of hot water. Allow dishes to air-dry after disinfection, instead of drying them with a towel. Metal utensils, pans, pots, and silverware can be boiled in water for 10 minutes. Avoid using bleach on these items, because it may cause the metal to darken. Clean and rinse counters and cupboards with a chlorine bleach solution before putting your dishes away.

3. Clean Your Furniture and Household Items

Place rugs, furniture, clothing, and bedding outside to dry. Open windows and doors to increase air circulation and run fans and dehumidifiers to help dry out your house. Vacuum ceilings, walls, and floors to remove mildew and then wash with flood disinfectant. Mattresses should be discarded. Upholstered and solid wood furniture may be salvageable, but will probably require professional cleaning. Photographs and important papers can be frozen and professionally cleaned later.

The cleaning requirements for a flooded home can be substantial. However, with hard work and professional assistance, you can restore many of the items that have the most sentimental or economic value to you.

Is Mold Damage Covered by Homeowners Insurance?

6/28/2021 (Permalink)

Mold damage in Roanoke Rapids, NC.

Most people would probably agree that insurance is a complicated subject. It can be anxiety-provoking trying to interpret exactly what your policy covers. This is especially true when you're trying to file a claim after sustaining damage to your Roanoke Rapids, NC, home. In the case of fungus growth, your understanding of your insurance coverage can become exceptionally muddled. Dealing with mold can be complex in itself because it can spread fast and needs immediate attention. Waiting on information about your mold coverage can be stressful, to say the least. Here's some information about mold damage and typical homeowners insurance policies.

Information About Mold Damage and Typical Homeowners Insurance Policies

What Determines Mold Coverage?

The amount and nature of the coverage for mold will vary from one policy to another. It usually depends on:

• The particular insurance company
  
• The specific policy
  
• The details of the peril
  
• The coverage limits
  
• The cost of the insurance premium
  

Mold damage is often not included on a standard homeowners insurance policy. Some carriers offer mold insurance as an add-on option, but the coverage will still be limited to specific instances.

What Is Likely to Be Covered?

The typical homeowners policy has a "covered peril and timing" section. This covers instances such as water damage that occurs as a result of a winter ice storm. Sometimes an attic can sustain water damage which leads to fungus growth. Attics aren't typically high-traffic areas of a home, so mold growth can go unnoticed, causing more damage. An adjuster might deem this a suitable situation for coverage.

What Is Unlikely to Be Covered?

Mold damage resulting from several issues will generally not be covered by a mold claim. Mold is considered secondary damage meaning it can usually be mitigated or avoided if restoration begins quickly. Therefore, mold damage resulting from perils such as a sewer backup or a flood probably won't be covered.

Mold restoration professionals have the expertise to help you file the claim. With this assistance, you can be confident that you'll receive as much compensation as possible for the needed fungus growth remediation.

Franchise Opportunity for Residential Technicians

6/28/2021 (Permalink)

Franchise opportunity.

Are you interested in running your own business? If so, it might be better to look into franchise opportunities that allow you to enter an established market with a trusted name and professional support. A SERVPRO franchise is an excellent opportunity for an experienced residential contractor or tradesman, allowing you to operate under one of the most trusted names in the mitigation and disaster recovery industry. Before committing to such a financial undertaking, it is best to talk with a local franchise owner in Roanoke Rapids, NC, and understand the primary benefits of the business.

1. Locally Owned With Corporate Reach

The company, established in 1967, was built around the franchise system. Meaning every location is owned and operated by local professionals, people who know and understand the community and common disasters in the area. However, being locally owned does not mean the franchisees are left without support.
The corporate headquarters is located within 600 miles of 50% of the U.S. population in Gallatin, Tennessee. With over 50 years of continuous dedication to the franchise model, the company is an established presence at each franchise, always available to offer support when needed.

2. Topped Ranked Franchise Opportunity

The SERVPRO Franchise opportunity has consecutively ranked in the top ten of Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 list. Year after year, the company has proven profitable to existing franchisees and employees. While there are never any guarantees in business, SERVPRO has seemed to come out on top more often than not.

3. Certification and Professionalism

The company maintains prestigious positioning because of the requirements of all franchises. Every business must be certified by the IICRC, ensuring the most updated knowledge about mitigation and cleanup efforts and techniques.

If you are interested in a business opportunity that is beneficial to the community, consider a SERVPRO franchise. Everyone deserves an opportunity to make their dreams become a reality.

Black Water and Your Safe Response

6/22/2021 (Permalink)

Flooding has its risks if not managed correctly.

When flooding threatens your commercial property, it's natural to take quick action to avoid serious water damage, bad smells, and other issues. However, before you wade into the soggy situation, you need to know how to recognize black water and understand the risks involved with exposure.

Black Water and The Risks

Identify the Level of Water Contamination

Depending on the source of the water damage, your Roanoke Rapids, NC, property may be facing one or more of three basic categories of water:

• Category 1 Clean Water
  
• Category 2 Gray Water
  
• Category 3 Black Water
  

It is generally safe for you to handle cleanup involving clean and gray water, but Category 3 water may contain sewage, dangerous chemicals, and/or harmful microbes. There may be fungal, pathogenic, and viral contaminants, as well. This water often comes from rivers and streams, from municipal sewer systems, water from used toilets in your facility, or even water that has been standing long enough to support microbial growth.

Take Steps To Improve Safety

Any cleanup and repairs involving Category 3, or black, water should always be handled by professional water damage cleanup and repair technicians. Once you've recognized contaminated water, you should take steps to protect yourself and any other people living or working on your property. As you wait for professionals to arrive, isolate the affected area, keeping it as contained as possible. This may involve shutting off your heating or cooling systems. Shut off water and power supplies connected to the area and provide some ventilation to prevent fumes from accumulating or spreading throughout the building. When professionals arrive to clean up the flood, they will use protective gear, specialized equipment, and other products to ensure that your property is thoroughly clean and safe.

Leave Contamination Cleanup to the Professionals

Water damage can cause a lot of trouble for property owners or managers, so a quick response is crucial. When it comes to category 3 water, however, all cleanup and repair work should be handled by trained, experienced professionals.

Devastated over your water damaged Family Bible or important papers?

6/21/2021 (Permalink)

Water damaged documents.

We can help when water damages your important papers! We can vacuum freeze-dry your special documents. You may want your damaged documents restored for sentimental or legal reasons. Often these documents are one-of-a-kind or are irreplaceable. These important papers include family bibles, personal/medical documents, government/business records, personnel files, and blueprints.

SERVPRO Document Restoration Service uses the process of sublimation. This process takes frozen documents through temperatures and pressures that turn moisture into vapor. The result is a dry document that can be restored or reused.

Water damage may occur when a basement floods, water damage from about, or water from extinguishing a fire. SERVPRO will help you decide which documents to save and which ones to discard. We will box up, freeze and ship your damaged papers with the care and security they deserve.

If you have questions about water damaged documents and how we can help, give us a call.

Four Benefits of Hiring the Professionals at SERVPRO

6/2/2021 (Permalink)

A bursting pipe can lead to severe damage.

Water and storm damage can be a costly and challenging problem faced by homeowners. From running toilets to general plumbing issues, there are so many things that can cause flooding to your property.  Some of these seem like easy clean up and repair on your own, but there are benefits to hiring a professional business to handle these types of repairs.

Benefits to Hiring a Professional to Handle Water and Storm Damage

1. Stop Mold from Spreading

A restoration business is trained to properly clean areas where water moves, in between the walls, under your floorboards, and creeping into places that are not seen or may be hard to reach. These professionals can help you recover areas that could have to be replaced if proper cleaning doesn’t take place. And, in locations where mold has developed, a professional can clean it properly to prevent the mold spores from spreading.

2. Prevent More Damage

An inexperienced person may not know how to clean and restore areas where water damage has occurred. It’s also possible that they can make a mistake or miss something making the problem worse or allowing it to escalate if it’s not handled correctly. A professional in this line of business is able to visit the business right after the mold damage has occurred to prevent further damage or problems from developing.

3. Recognize Signs of Hidden Moisture

A professional uses state of the art moisture tools to identify signs of hidden moisture that are undetectable to home and property owners. And, the professionals can also take more steps to prevent future water damage from occurring. 

4. For First Rate Restoration Services

A professional like SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids may be able to replace and restore flooring, insulation and drywall for a finished product that looks wonderful using the highest quality materials available to them. 

The Storm Damage Mitigation Process

5/28/2021 (Permalink)

Heavy storms can leave severe damage to your home.

If your home floods during a storm in Roanoke Rapids, NC, it will probably need some repairs that require immediate attention. Cleaning up floodwater involves a little extra care beyond basic water damage remediation. To ensure that all contaminants are thoroughly removed from your home, you need certified storm restoration experts to guide the process.

4 Steps of the Storm Damage Mitigation Process

Cleanup Plan

The first thing the specialists do when they arrive at your home is assess the damage. Storm flooding often results in a lot of black water in your home. This contaminated water often contains many things that will need to be addressed during the cleanup process:

• Bacteria
  
• Dirt
  
• Debris
  

Once technicians have a list of tasks that need to be accomplished, they can likely give you a general timeline for when restoration will be complete. It's also a good idea to have your insurance adjuster walk through the house with the mitigation team or, if that's not possible, take pictures of the original damage to support your claim.

Water and Material Removal

The second phase of water damage repair is getting all the excess water and ruined materials out of your home. Technicians may need to use industrial pumps to remove standing water and the debris it carried in with it. After most of the water is gone, they tear out walls, ceilings, flooring and insulation that cannot be salvaged.

Drying and Disinfecting

Every remaining surface, crack and vent has to be completely dried to avoid potential secondary damage. After all, you don't want to leave an opportunity for mold growth to develop. Because water from a flood is contaminated, technicians also must disinfect all affected areas.

Restoration

The final step is rebuilding your home and making it look as good as new. New insulation is installed, new drywall is put up and tiles are replaced. The job isn't done until you are satisfied with the way your home looks.

Taking care of water damage after a storm can be complicated. With the right experts, though, you can rest assured that your home will be back to normal as soon as possible.

How To Evaluate Your Flooded Electronics

5/25/2021 (Permalink)

Know how to evaluate your flooded electronics.

When your business is damaged by water, it is important to evaluate your flooded electronics carefully. Knowing what to do is key to saving some if not all of your company's electronic assets.

Steps to Evaluate Your Flooded Electronics

Don't Assume Anything

When you are looking at your electronics after a flood or burst pipe, you should never assume that you can dry it out, and it will be good to go. On the other hand, don't assume that it is a lost cause. Sometimes electronics that are powered off can be salvage. Other times, the floodwaters can contain metals, toxins and chemicals that leave a residue. Powering on electronics after a flood can cause a fire.

Contact a Professional

Many flood remediation companies in Roanoke Rapids, NC, have professionals that can help you with your electronics. If you do not know what to do, it is always best to contact a professional mitigation company to help.

Turn Off the Power

In any case, you need to turn off the power to flooded electronics as soon as it is safe to do so. Remember that electricity and water are very dangerous together. It is best to flip the main breaker off if you have any doubt before attempting any recovery or repair. Keep in mind that some electronic systems have battery backups that can make them dangerous even when the power is off.

Evaluation Your Electronics

If the electronic damage is due to freshwater flooding, such as an incoming pipe break, there is a good chance that a professional can salvage it. If it is due to saltwater, sewage, storm or tidal flooding, you might want to seriously consider just replacing them. When there are contaminants such as salt or sewage, the electronics are usually damaged beyond repair.

When you are evaluating flooded electronics, you need to keep these things in mind. Each case is different, and since you are dealing with electricity, it is best to be cautious.

4 Ways To Extinguish Grease Fires

5/25/2021 (Permalink)

A grease fire can be devastating for your home.

You may use your Roanoke Rapids, NC, kitchen every day, but fire risk probably isn't at the top of your mind. Unfortunately, it's always a risk, so it's essential to prepare in case flames develop. A grease fire can start within mere seconds of a tiny amount of grease hitting a burner on your stovetop or the inside of your oven. Just as important as knowing how to put out the flames is understanding what not to do; NEVER put water on burning grease. Instead, familiarize yourself with a few quick and safe methods of extinguishing grease fires.

Methods of Extinguishing Grease Fires 

1. Smother With Salt or Baking Soda

Salt or baking soda works well for smothering flaming grease. Fire damage experts will advise you to drop either substance directly on top of the flames. Tossing it from the side of the fire can cause the fire to spread, possibly even outside of the pan.

2. Cover With a Cookie Sheet

A metal cookie sheet should be kept within reach when you're cooking, as it can cover bigger pots and pans. If you have a grease fire on the stove, slide the cookie sheet over the flames and leave it there until it has cooled.

3. Cover With a Lid

Covering a flaming pan with a pan lid can snuff out a fire. The lid should fit snugly over the top of the pan. Keep the pan as still as possible as you're doing this; movement can cause the grease to splash, only spreading the flames.

4. Use an Appropriate Fire Extinguisher

Class B fire extinguishers are designed to work for most kitchen fires. However, they don't work as well for grease fires. Class K extinguishers are designed especially for use on combustible liquids, so always keep one at arm's reach in your kitchen.

When cooking with hot oil, there's always a risk of a grease fire. Preparation is the key to significantly minimizing or even preventing damage. Either way, fire cleanup will be necessary afterward to ensure no grease remains to start another fire.

What Is Secondary Damage?

4/27/2021 (Permalink)

Moisture can lead to black mold growth.

Soggy drywall, wet carpets, warped flooring and waterlogged furniture are all examples of the type of damage you expect to encounter in a flooded home. However, damage caused directly by contact with water isn't the only kind of damage that can occur. Flooding may also cause black mold and other issues known as secondary damage.

Facts Abount Secondary Damage

Secondary Damage Defined

Damage that results because the flood occurred, but that wasn't directly caused by the water itself is secondary damage. There are multiple examples of this type of damage:

• Mold growth
  
• Damage from high humidity
  
• Rot
  

Causes of Damage

The main cause of this type of damage is evaporation. The longer flood water remains in a home, the more of it evaporates into the air, which can cause the air to become saturated. This can lead to condensation, which causes more water damage to your property. Additionally, areas with high moisture are ideal breeding grounds for black mold and other types of fungus. Finally, when the air in your home is saturated it causes your property to stay wet for longer, which promotes rot and other decay.

Damage Mitigation

Your chief defense against this type of damage is to dry out your home as quickly as possible. Contact a professional water remediation company in Roanoke Rapids, NC, as soon as possible to get the process started. It is important to quickly dry out the structures of your home and the contents. The moisture in porous materials will continue to cause evaporation, so you may want to move saturated furniture, carpets, drywall and other items out of your home during the drying process.

The high levels of moisture in your home after a flood can lead to black mold growth and a host of other problems that can further damage your home. Taking steps to quickly dry out your property will help you reduce the amount of damage.

Avoid Vacation Flooding With Expert Recommendations

4/27/2021 (Permalink)

Prevent water damage in your home while your on vacation

After a wonderful vacation, flooding and water damage at home can quickly turn your good feelings into despair. Before you leave home, it may help to understand that water damage claims are some of the most common for homeowners, so there are many resources available to help you avoid a broken pipe and the resulting cleanup and water pipe repair.

Recommendations for Preventing Flooding During Vacation

There are many potential causes of flooded properties. In addition to broken pipes, there are minor leaks, damaged appliances, disconnected hoses, frozen pipes, and heavy storms. SERVPRO professionals recommend several steps for avoiding water damage:

• Inspect pipes and seals around hoses throughout the interior and exterior of your home.
  
• Perform any appliance, hose, and water pipe repair that is needed.
  
• Clean the gutters around your roof to avoid blockages and ensure a clear flow of water.
  
• Add insulation to any pipes that are exposed to cold temperatures, including inside pipes that run along walls without insulation.
  
• Turn off the water if you plan to be gone long.
  

Your insurance provider and water damage cleanup and repair professionals can provide additional recommendations.

Help From Friends or Neighbors

If you have a friend or neighbor whom you trust, you could ask them to check in on your Roanoke Rapids, NC, home to catch any signs of trouble in addition to taking mail and newspapers into your home. If you have a pet, this friend could also make sure that food and water are available. Finally, this helper can make sure your home doesn't become a target for burglars.

Protection for Your Vacation

Your vacation, whether it's in the summer or the winter, should be a time of adventure or relaxation. It shouldn't be a time when disasters happen at home. Well before you leave on vacation, use these steps to protect your home and avoid water damage. Make sure your water heater, AC units, appliances, and pipes are in good condition before you leave and complete any necessary broken pipe repair.

How To Maintain Productivity in the Aftermath of a Flood

4/15/2021 (Permalink)

Flooding can lead to severe damage

Sometimes flooding is inevitable. Storms roll in and linger for far too long, leading to unpredictable and unfortunate business interruptions. While some conflict with standard scheduling is expected, understanding how to maintain operations during such trying times is crucial, especially when dealing with black water. Restoration services in Roanoke Rapids, NC, often suggest a few different approaches to dealing with flood cleanup.

3 Different Approaches to Dealing With Flood Cleanup

1. Displaced Workers

Flood cleanup requires space and time. The main thing all business owners need to realize is some worker displacement is likely inevitable. While a lot depends on the flood depth and size as well as the affected parts of the facility, an owner must realize that temporary layoffs or cuts might be in order but don't rush the decision. Talk to the restoration company.

2. Shared Spaces

If you do not want to let anyone go, and the areas affected by black water can be contained, consider a temporary sharing of offices and workspaces. Explain to your workers the arrangement is only temporary and that to keep objectives on track changes need to occur. Most people will be willing to help out their fellow colleagues to ensure the success of the company.

3. Remote Work

If too many workers are displaced by the flood, consider allowing remote work. Some employers still struggle with providing team members so much freedom, but other companies see remote labor as the wave of the future. Remember that it is only a temporary solution until your facility is restored.

A natural black water flood can easily put a business out of commission if allowed, but there are many ways to ensure productivity. Your team can work through this extreme but temporary problem, especially if leadership is in control and onboard with the necessary changes. A flood is not forever, but with appropriate planning and strategy, your business can be. However, before a disaster occurs, you might want to go over some of the above strategies to determine the feasibility of each.

What’s the Difference: Storm Damage or Flood Damage?

4/12/2021 (Permalink)

Flooding can lead to secondary damage if not treated quickly.

The most general distinction between storm and flood damage is that storm waters come from above, and flood waters generally over spills a natural body or water and covers at least two acres of land that would typically be dry land.

Difference Between Storm and Flood Damage

Damage to your property due to storm damage typically originates from causes such as:

• Heavy rain
• Hurricanes
• High winds
• Blizzard and heavy snow
• Tornadoes

Most insurance policies provide protection from storm damage. However, property and homeowners will need additional and different insurance coverage to cover the expenses of flood damage. If own  property that located in a flood plain, you should make sure you carry the necessary policies to ensure you have protected your investment.

Flooding occurs when water overflows a body of water such as:

• Rivers and/or Creeks
• Lakes
• Dams
• Storm-water channels

In order for water damage to be considered a flood, it must not only cover two acres but affect at least two properties. Damage that is caused by either flooding or storms can cause severe problems for property and homeowners. These should and should be planned for, prevented, and handled as soon as they occur.

Regardless of the source of moisture, the risk of mold damage and secondary damage within your home, which is caused by not taking action quickly, can be just as severe.

How Can Your Business Prepare for a Storm?

4/8/2021 (Permalink)

Prepare your home or commercial property for storm damage.

With the Hurricane season behind us it’s likely we won’t have to worry about flooding issues for the remainder of the year – but don’t forget, we are moving into a heightened storm season. And, even if your office was safe in the past, you should note that construction of new buildings, roads or bridges does alter the flow of water, so there’s nothing wrong with always be prepared. Owning a home or business in a high-risk zone can increase the chances you’ll experience storm related issues; but, being outside of the area doesn’t mean damage isn’t possible.

We’re giving you some tips on how you can minimize or prevent damage to your home or commercial property. These tips can help you prepare and recover from possible flood damage.

Tips to Prevent Storm Damage to Your Home or Commercial Property

Before the Storm:

• Move important equipment above expected flood levels and away from doors and windows
• Inspect drains to ensure they are operating properly
• Make sure emergency building materials are ready if your business, these could include, but are not limited to, plywood, plastic sheeting, and shovels

During the Storm:

• Listen for alerts for the latest information.
• Keep your smartphone charged in case you lose power; this ensures you’re still able to receive emergency notifications or can place an emergency call.
• If you’re asked to leave, shut of all utilities and leave immediately
• Stay clear of downed electrical wires and power lines

After the Storm:

• Do not return to your business until you’ve been told it is safe to do so.
• Throw away any food that have been in contact with contaminated waters.
• Inspect your home or office for damage, and if anything has been damaged, immediately report the loss to your insurance company

And finally, if you have damage after a storm, call the team of trained professionals at SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids assist with your restoration efforts.

Restoring Your Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

4/8/2021 (Permalink)

Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity.

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

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

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

About SERVPRO of Bath

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

Classifications and Types of Water Damage That Can Happen in Your Home or Business

4/8/2021 (Permalink)

There are 3 water categories

We’re going to explain the basics of water damage and how that damage can affect your home or business  and your health. Water damage is the number one offender when it comes to property damage and water restoration needs.

This may actually surprise people, because when someone hears “water damage,” they usually imagine damage from a flood, storm surge or a natural disaster. And, yes it’s true that these types of events do occur, there are most definitely more common ways that water can damage your home or business, and these include:

• Appliance leaks from your refrigerator, washing machine, ice machine, etc.
• Baths, shower and sink overflows or even those that are left running without attendance
• Toilets overflowing
• Broken/leaky water pipes behind the walls and ceilings
• Roof leaks and compromised exterior
• Drainage issues around the property
• Damage from rain, wind and storms

Water damage can come from both external and internal sources. Next, it’s important for you to know what kind of water you are dealing with if and when it gets into your home. What do we mean by, what kind of water?

Water Classifications in 3 Different Categories

We recognize water in THREE different categories:

CATEGORY 1 – 

“Clean Water,” this means the water originated from a sanitary source and generally will not pose a risk to our health.

CATEGORY 2  –

“Grey Water,” this means the water contains some contamination and is not sanitary enough for human consumption and that poses a health risk if ingested.

CATEGORY 3 –

“Black Water,” is the type of water that is completely contaminated and could contain disease-causing organisms, and other harmful materials.

Each of these categories are different, and each comes with their own do's and don'ts on how someone should handle them. Restoration professionals like SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids have advanced training and expertise in these types of water damage. We also have a large amount of hands-on experience and know how to handle any water damage emergency.

Understanding the Water Mitigation Process for a Failed Water Heater

3/29/2021 (Permalink)

A leaking water heater can lead to severe water damage.

Regardless of the amount of planning or adherence to maintenance schedules, sometimes, home appliances fail. A leaking water heater is only one example, but it can cause significant problems if left unattended. If you find a leak in your water heater, shut off the supply and contact a water mitigation company in Roanoke Rapids, NC, for help. The service will send out a technician to assess the problem and begin the mitigation process, involving four steps.

4 Steps for Water Mitigation From a Leaking Water Heater

1. Remove Water

Coming upon a failed water heater, the technician will first address any continuing leaks, ensuring all supply lines are off. Then, they will address any standing water, using shop vacs and pumps to remove excess. Depending on the serviceability of the tank, they might choose to empty the tank as well.

2. Dry the Area

Since the leaking water heater might have caused a mess, the tech will dry the area using dehumidifiers and fans. Depending on how long the tank was leaking, they might recommend testing for mold. Mold can grow within 48 hours of moisture and water damage.

3. Repair or Replace Appliance

With the room dry, the technician will determine if the broken water heater can be fixed or needs to be replaced. While supply lines and worn connections are often the cause of water heater leaks, sometimes the system is beyond repair.

4. Restore Damages

With the new or repaired system installed, the technician will look to restore any other damage that might have occurred. For example, if the floors or drywall were damaged, they will repair it.

A leaking water heater will not always lead to extensive repairs or costs, but as with any water problem, the sooner you can resolve it, the better. A good rule of thumb is to perform a visual inspection of your water heater every time you pass it, ensuring that everything is dry and in good working order.

Cleaning a Moldy Washing Machine

3/22/2021 (Permalink)

Clean a moldy washing machine.

The front-load washer is the high-efficiency appliance of most homeowners’ dreams, except for one little nasty problem: it can stink. People want their washing machine to keep their clothes smelling fresh, but for some reason, the front-loader can lead to an unpleasant musky and musty odor, often caused by mildew and mold.
While the mold smell is unsettling, there is no reason it must persist. The primary issue is that homeowners do not use the right detergents. Front-load washers require high-efficiency detergents. When you stick with that old standby laundry soap, the machine is not capable of cleaning and washing all the detergent away, meaning the drum gets a nice layer of soap scum with bits of lint and dirt.
Unfortunately, between the scum layer and rubber door guard, the washing machine becomes a breeding ground for mold. Thankfully, there is a straightforward three-step process to clean the washer, ensuring your dirty laundry smells fresh after a cycle.

3 Steps to Clean the Washer 

1. Create a Baking Soda Mixture

While many people will head straight for the bleach – which will work – there is a gentler and more health-conscious choice: baking soda. By mixing a quarter cup of baking soda and a quarter cup of water and adding it to your machine's detergent container, you have a gentle and effective cleaning solution.

2. Add in the White Vinegar

To increase the cleaning power of the baking soda, add two cups of white vinegar directly into the washer's drum. The two products, when run through a clothes-free cycle on high-heat, should break up any residue, kill any mold, and remove foul odors.

3. Use a Little Elbow Grease

Depending on how long the mold has been in the drum, you might need to put a little physical effort into the mix. With a mixture of one part water to one part white vinegar, use a kitchen sponge – the rough side – to scrub any remaining spots away.

A front-load washing machine is excellent for home use, but it does require maintenance. Keeping up with maintenance and appliance cleanings can help limit such odor problems in the future.

Who Is Responsible for What After an Apartment Fire?

3/18/2021 (Permalink)

An apartment fire is costly.

Property owners need to deal with complex insurance issues after a disaster. The liability needs to rest with either one or both parties, but who is responsible for what damage? As the building owner, are you responsible for the tenants' damaged belongings? While a fire restoration service in Roanoke Rapids, NC, can provide some insight the best resource is your commercial insurance provider. However, when dealing with an apartment fire, the resulting liabilities for fire damage can be pretty straightforward.

Dealing With an Apartment Fire

1. Landlord Responsibilities

As the property owner, your responsibility is for the structure and property. In the aftermath of an apartment fire, you will need to file a claim for the damage to the building itself. Renters will typically have renter’s insurance that should cover any personal property damage.
However, if the fire is due to neglect, such as lax maintenance or property upkeep, the landlord could find themselves in further legal trouble. As a property manager and owner, it is vital to stay on top of maintenance schedules and equipment repairs. Failure to do so may provide tenants a legal loophole for seeking restitution.

2. Tenant Responsibilities

Tenants are responsible for their personal property. Most renter’s insurance policies are low cost and cover damage due to fire. Renter’s are also not free from further liability issues. If a tenant is doing something that causes a fire, they could find themselves in legal jeopardy. Many apartments have rental agreements that state clear rules. If a renter violates these rules causing a fire, the property owner has the right to file a lawsuit, attempting to recover any financial losses.

An apartment fire is costly for everyone involved, but knowing your responsibilities and maintaining proper insurance coverage should make the process less burdensome. As a property owner, if you have more questions about your specific responsibilities to tenants, contact your insurance company. As a policyholder, you have every right to ask about specific coverages in your policy.

Does your house have a mold problem?

2/25/2021 (Permalink)

Call us today. We are here to help!

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy.

Mold Facts

Consider the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

If your home or business in Roanoke Rapids, NC, has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

The Benefits of Crawlspace Encapsulation

2/24/2021 (Permalink)

Prevent crawlspace humidity.

Crawlspace humidity can cause several problems in your home in Roanoke Rapids, NC, if left unchecked. It can affect air quality, encourage mold growth and make your home more susceptible to pest infestations. Encapsulation is a great way to prevent underlying humidity and thus provides several benefits to your home.

3 Benefits of Crawlspace Encapsulation

1. Improved Air Quality

Encapsulation seals off the crawlspace to keep water out of it. A water vapor barrier between the interior and exterior of your home allows more control over the indoor humidity levels. According to water damage experts, this prevents several problems:

• Mold
• Mildew
• Rot

What happens in any part of your home can affect the air quality in the rest of the house, and the crawlspace is no exception. By controlling the amount of moisture you let in, you can keep your air clean and dry.

2. Lower Risk of Pests

Any space that leaves an opening to the outside has the potential to invite unwanted insects or vermin into your home. Crawlspace humidity makes the area even more attractive to various pests that thrive in warm, moist conditions. A tight seal blocks the humidity and the entry point for anything that is seeking shelter in your home. A water vapor seal doesn't just keep out moisture; it deters pests as well.

3. Increased Energy Efficiency

The more measures you put in place to control the air flow in your home, the less your HVAC system has to work to compensate for air leaks. Over time, this can save you a lot of money in maintenance and energy costs. Encapsulation benefits both the environment and your pocketbook by keeping humid air outside where it belongs.

Preventing crawlspace humidity comes with several perks for your entire home. It removes one more way for pests to enter and keeps moist air out of your home. The cost of encapsulation is well worth the benefits you receive from it.

Surprisingly Simple Ways Devastating House Fires Start

2/23/2021 (Permalink)

A house fire can start in surprising ways.

Your home is in constant danger from fire. A home fire can start in some of the most surprising ways. You should know all of the things that can cause this devastating problem and how to find a remediation company to clean up the damage.

Surprising Ways a Home Fire Can Start

Traditional Causes

There are some traditional causes that everyone worries about when they own or rent a home. These are:

• Candle fires
  
• Children or adults playing with fire
  
• Electrical fires
  
• Fireplace accidents
  

Each of these fire causes is easy to recognize, and people are taught how to avoid them. Unfortunately, some not so common fire starters exist.

Hot Work Fires

You might not have ever heard the term hot work fire. A hot work fire is a workplace or home fire that starts when someone is working with a tool or machine that uses heat or fire to do its job. This includes items like welders, soldering irons, clothes irons and other hot instruments.

Heating Fires

Heating fires are more common than others on this list, but many people don't know what exactly causes them. Heaters are supposed to be safe, but it can be said that they are as safe as anything that causes intense heat. Heating fires can start with a heater becoming too hot or when something flammable falls on a heating element.

Christmas Tree Fires

Christmas tree fires are usually caused by one of two things, electrical failure and something hot placed near a Christmas tree. This is especially prevalent when the tree is real, old and dry.

Firework Fires

These days just about everyone understands that fireworks can be dangerous to people. What they might not realize is that they are also dangerous to your home and vehicles. When a firework explodes, it can release burning pieces that fall to the ground, onto a roof or other structure. When conditions are dry, these pieces can ignite whatever they fall on causing a vehicle or home fire.

If you have a fire in Roanoke Rapids, NC, it is not the end of the world. There are fire cleaning companies that can help get you back on your feet as quickly as possible.

4 Things You Should Do Before You Turn Your Sprinkler System Back on

2/22/2021 (Permalink)

Get your sprinkler system ready for spring.

For businesses located in climates with cold winter weather, shutting down the sprinkler system in the fall and then turning it back on in the spring is a good irrigation maintenance practice. However, there are some steps you should take before turning your sprinklers back on.

4 Steps to Take Before Turning Your Sprinkler System Back On 

1. Inspect the Sprinkler Stations

Before you fire your sprinkler system up for the first time, check each sprinkler station. If you find any problems, such as uncontrolled spraying, water pressure issues or sprinkler flooding, make repairs before you turn the system back on.

2. Open the Water Valves

Shutting off the water to your sprinkler system is an important part of winter irrigation maintenance. To get your system ready for use in the spring, open the valves back up. When you open the valves, do so slowly. Opening the valves too quickly can cause a surge of high pressure into the hoses. If something goes wrong and your property is damaged by water from your sprinkler system, consider contacting a water mitigation company in Roanoke Rapids, NC, to assist with the cleanup process.

3. Maintain Your Weather Sensor

If your sprinkler system has a weather sensor that detects when it is raining, it may need some cleaning to work properly. Winter weather can cause dirt and debris to build up on the sensors, which can impair function.

4. Reset Timers

The timers that control when your sprinkler system runs may have retained their settings over the winter, but they may also have reset. To start the season, it is a good idea to set your system to run when you can observe it to make sure everything is working correctly. You can adjust the timers to your preferred watering schedule later.

Winterizing your sprinkler system is an important part of irrigation maintenance. However, getting the system ready for spring isn't as simple as just turning it back on. These four steps can help you get your system running smoothly.

How To Maintain a Sump Pump

1/27/2021 (Permalink)

Perform regular inspections and maintenance on a sump pump to ensure proper operation.

Your Roanoke Rapids, NC, home's sump pump works in the background. You probably rarely even think about it. If the lower floor of your home floods, though, it'll be a different story; water damage professionals will likely be required. Some sump pumps may not work for years if there's not enough groundwater to warrant it. However, it pays to perform regular inspections and pump maintenance to ensure proper operation.

6 Steps to Maintain a Sump Pump

1. Examine the Basin

It's as essential to examine the basin, just as much as the pump. Take everything out of the pit. Then, fill it with water and check for leaks. Cracks or leaks could mean unseen water damage.

2. Check the Power

Sump pumps can commonly cause breaker trips due to the amount of power they consume. Ensure that the power cord and outlet are still in good shape.

3. Check the Drain Lines

The drain pipes need to regularly be checked to ensure they're clear. Check them by filling a bucket with hot water upstairs and pour it down the pipe. If the lines are blockage-free, it'll quickly flow into your yard or sewer. If it's draining slowly, there's probably debris in the pipe.

4. Inspect the Check Valve

Check the check valve at least once a year. It's one of the most common parts of a sump pump to fail.

5. Look for Oil Leaks

If you see oil on the pump, there's probably an issue. Try to find the source of the leak. You may need to repair or replace the pump.

6. Test the Alarm and Backup Battery

Regularly test the alarm. Ensure that it's working correctly and that you can hear it well enough in a different part of the house. The backup battery must be tested at least once a year. Disconnect the pump from its power source. Then, add some water. If the backup battery works, it should start up immediately.

Hopefully, you'll never need your sump pump. Still, having it in good working order should give you peace of mind to know your home is protected against potential floods.

3 Simple Recipes for Cleaning Shower Mold

1/26/2021 (Permalink)

Shower mold

Bathrooms are often havens for mold because there's plenty of humidity, warmth, and out-of-the-way corners. The good news is that it's fairly easy to clean away visible mold in the bathroom. If you find shower mold, use one of the following solutions to get rid of shower mold.

3 Solutions to Get Rid of Shower Mold

1. Full-Strength Vinegar

Many Roanoke Rapids, NC, families opt for this solution because vinegar is non-toxic and safe around children and pets. Pour white vinegar into a clean spray bottle. Apply this full-strength vinegar spray to the shower mold. You don't need to rinse the surface, and you can reapply as often as you'd like.

2. One Part Bleach/Ten Parts Water

Bleach is toxic and may cause skin, eye, or lung irritation. If you use bleach, open the window to provide plenty of ventilation. Put the bleach/water solution into a spray bottle or wear gloves to apply the treatment to affected areas.
Bleach is effective for treating surface mold on tile and other surfaces but doesn't penetrate to treat mold that's out of sight. If you find black mold in your bathroom, contact water damage treatment and mitigation professionals for a mold test or cleanup services.

3. Borax/Water Mixture

Check your grocery store for Borax; it is usually available in the laundry section. This white powder doesn't release fumes the way bleach does, but it should still be used with care. Mix a cup of Borax into a gallon of water before pouring into a spray bottle. If you leave the mixture in place without rinsing it off, the solution will prevent future mold growth.
After applying a visible coating of your cleaning solution, wipe off or scrub the surface to remove the mold you can see. It's best to use rags or scrubbing brushes that are used only in the bathroom and switch to clean rags or brushes when they get dirty. Don't leave drips or puddles of water to prevent slips or new mold growth.
Shower mold doesn't have to be a constant presence in your home. Use these simple cleaning solutions and tips to keep your home fresh and mold-free.

Frozen Temperatures & Freezing Precipitation Preparedness

1/21/2021 (Permalink)

Avoid frozen pipes.

North Carolina still has several months where the temperatures will most likely go below freezing. Frozen water can cause severe damage to homes and businesses. Water is a necessity, however when it freezes it expands and can cause metal and plastic to expand and to break.

Common problems with pipes that are prone to freeze are:

• Pipes which run against outside walls and have little or no insulation
• Pipes exposed to severe cold, such as swimming pool supply lines, outdoor hose bibs, and water sprinkler lines.
• Water supply pipes in unheated interior areas such as attics, garages, crawl spaces, basements, or kitchen cabinets.

Here are Several Ways to Prevent Frozen Pipes

• Keep your thermostat set at the same temperature day and night.
• If you have supply lines in your garage, keep the doors closed.
• Open bathroom and kitchen cabinets to allow warm air to circulate around your plumbing if they are prone to freeze
• Consider setting your temperature at 55* if you are going to be away from your home during a cold snap.
• You can let cold water drip from faucets which have exposed pipes.

We hope these tips will help you avoid frozen pipes. But, if you end up with damage from frozen temperatures – act quickly and call SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids. And remember, frozen pipes cause a lot of damage to your property quickly and our trained team will be there to help you.

Restoring your Commercial Property after a Water Damage Event

1/21/2021 (Permalink)

Flooding and water damage.

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

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

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

About SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids

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

Understanding the Fire Cleanup Process

1/21/2021 (Permalink)

A fire can cause your building structural, soot and smoke damage.

There are several types of damage that a fire can cause to your building in Roanoke Rapids, NC. Structural, soot and smoke damage all must be mitigated before the affected areas are ready to be used again. The fire remediation specialists that you hire to restore your building can keep you informed about what the cleanup process entails.

Steps for Fire Cleanup

Assessment

The first thing the mitigation team will do is assess the fire and soot damage. A representative will tour the building and create an initial report that includes vital information about the job:

• Extent of damage
  
• Existence or absence of secondary damage
  
• Actions needed to restore building
  
• Projected timeline for process completion
  
• Estimated cost of repairs
  

It may be helpful for the technician to assess your building while the insurance adjuster is present. It's useful to have someone there to verify the items on your claim are necessary.

Removal

All materials and items that are not salvageable must be torn out, removed and thrown away. This includes not only the things with irreparable smoke damage but also those that were ruined by the large amount of water needed to put out the fire.

Cleanup

All remaining surfaces must be dried and disinfected. Once the physical objects are clean, the air itself needs to be purified. Technicians may use an ozone machine or thermal fogger for smoke cleaning to reach the particles in every crack and crevice. This is necessary for removing the odor as well as the residue.

Restoration

Once everything is clean, the rebuilding process starts. The team puts in new insulation and drywall and replaces carpets, tile and wallpaper. You know you've hired a great restoration team when you can't tell where the previously damaged area begins.

No matter how extensive the smoke damage in your commercial building is, it's likely that the structure can be restored. Specialists can help you get rid of the damage and odors that the fire left behind.

Have a Plan When a Storm Hits

1/20/2021 (Permalink)

Prepare for an oncoming storm

When your business is in danger from a storm 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 the damage as much as possible.

4 Ways to Prepare Your Commercial Property For an Oncoming Storm

1. Have a Plan

Your first priority should be to have a plan set for when a disaster hit. This plan needs to have clear steps to outline what to do in an emergency. It will also need to allow you to respond as quickly as possible as soon as you learn what threats the disaster will cause. The plan should include how to protect your building’s structure, how to safeguard your equipment, and the first steps of how to recover.

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 storm water from intruding on the building.

3. Make Backups

One of the most important things you can do is back up your business data. You always want to have a few different ways to back up your office information.

4.Know Your Evacuation Routes

When the storm 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. Lost inventory, equipment, and data can be recovered. Restoration professionals can repair your building. Your safety should be the greatest priority. 

How To Use a Fire Extinguisher

12/29/2020 (Permalink)

Know how to properly use a fire extinguisher

A fire extinguisher is one of the best tools to have in your home for dousing a small fire before it can spread. However, to be effective, everyone in your household needs to know how to use it.

Purchase the Right Kind of Extinguisher

When purchasing extinguishers for your home, select the right kind for the type of fires you may encounter. There are four main classes of extinguisher:

• Class A is for solid combustibles, such as paper, wood and cloth.
  
• Class B is for flammable liquids, such as gasoline, oil and petroleum.
  
• Class C is for electrical fires, such as those started by faulty wiring, appliances or fuse boxes.
  
• Class K is for grease fires, such as those that may occur in a kitchen fire.
  
  

Most extinguishers intended for home use are multipurpose and rated for A, B and C classes. Household extinguishers are also rated for the size fire they can extinguish, with higher numbers corresponding to larger fires.

Properly Operate Your Extinguisher

Before you attempt to use your fire extinguisher, first identify an evacuation route, so that if you are unable to douse the fire, you can quickly escape. Stand facing the fire, with your back to the exit. Remain six to eight feet from the fire. Pull the pin on the extinguisher. Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire. Compress the lever or handle to operate the extinguisher. Sweep the nozzle in a side to side motion, while continuing to point the nozzle at the bottom of the fire.

Know What To Do Next

When the flames go out, continue to observe the area for reignition. Call the fire department to inspect the fire damage. Get to a safe place. Contact a fire restoration professional in Roanoke Rapids, NC.
Knowing how to properly use a fire extinguisher can help you reduce fire hazards in your home. However, if you can not safely douse a fire, evacuate and call 911.

Faster to Any Size Disaster

12/21/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO's team is ready to prove that they are truly Faster to Any Size Disaster.

As a leader in the restoration industry, SERVPRO's more than 1,700 locally-owned franchises take great pride in being Faster to Any Size Disaster. SERVPRO technicians are ready to restore and clean damaged property anytime and anywhere.

Benefits of Using SERVPRO

SERVPRO professionals understand that your home is important to you. SERVPRO is the right choice for your cleanup and restoration needs for several reasons:

• Commitment to training
  
• Emergency service available 24 hours a day and seven days a week
  
• Industry leader with more than 1,700 franchises
  
• Preferred vendor for many insurance companies
  
• Faster to Any Size Disaster
  

Residential Services

The SERVPRO team has the training and expertise you need to restore your home whether you have experienced a flood, fire or another disaster. In addition to water and fire damage restoration, SERVPRO offers mold remediation, storm damage restoration and cleaning services. No matter where you live, there is probably a locally owned franchise nearby to help you with your insurance claim or assist you with your restoration needs.

Commercial Services

SERVPRO technicians are well versed in the use of the techniques and equipment needed to tackle the unique challenges of commercial restoration. SERVPRO knows that every minute your business can not operate due to a disaster represents lost profits and opportunities for your business.

The SERVPRO team is dedicated to restoring your property as quickly and as completely as possible to make it "Like it never even happened." One of the more than 1,700 locally-owned franchises is ready to help you in Roanoke Rapids, NC, with your commercial water, fire and storm damage restoration. SERVPRO also offers professional commercial cleaning services and mold remediation.

SERVPRO's nationwide network of locally owned franchises has highly trained technicians ready to assist with your commercial or residential restoration project. The SERVPRO team is ready to prove that they are truly Faster to Any Size Disaster.

4 Common Commercial Water Losses

12/16/2020 (Permalink)

Ceilings can suffer damage due to leaking water.

No matter how careful you are or how faithfully you adhere to a regular maintenance and repair schedule, water losses can still happen. Whether your problem is caused by damaged pipes or disastrous weather, water restoration specialists in Roanoke Rapids, NC, can help by repairing the damage and getting your building back to normal.

4 Potential Water Losses 

1. Sewer Backups

Unless you built your structure from the ground up, you may not have a lot of control on the pipes underneath it. Sewer backups can happen for many reasons:

• Old, worn-out sewer lines
• Tree root encroachment
• Flooding from overtaxed municipal sewer
• Clogged sinks or toilets

If your drains or toilets keep backing up with no discernible cause or you smell sewage, the line itself is likely clogged. A plumber can offer the best advice for solving the problem.

2. Frozen Pipes

Keeping pipes warm enough during cold months so that they don't freeze or burst should be a part of your winterization maintenance plan. Damaged pipes can cause significant water loss before you even know you have a problem. You can prevent this issue by keeping the heater on overnight and making sure that pipes are properly insulated, especially if they are located near external walls.

3. Slow Leaks

Even a small pinhole in a pipe can lead to water damage. Slow leaks are often the hardest to detect because they seep into walls, floors and ceilings over time, weakening the structure. If your water bill seems to go up without just cause, this could be a sign that you have leaking pipes somewhere.

4. Inclement Weather

Heavy storms, particularly those with significant precipitation or hail, can flood your building. Consider having barriers such as sandbags ready for storm season to slow the flow of floodwaters. It's also a good idea to purchase flood insurance, as most commercial property policies exclude this type of damage.

A solid maintenance schedule is a good start, but it's also important to know what to do in case disaster strikes. Understand the potential water losses in your building and plan how you will handle them if they happen.

Grease Fire Do's & Dont's

12/15/2020 (Permalink)

Follow these tips to avoid further fire damage in your home.

Sometimes cooking won’t go as planned and you could have accidentally started a grease fire in your kitchen. 

Tips On What To Do and Not Do With a Grease Fire  

Here are a few things you can do if you one starts in your home:

1. Turn off the source of heat, meaning turn off the burner as soon as possible. 
2. Cover the fire with another pot, metal lid, or cookie sheet. If you do not have another pot or lid, try putting baking soda or salt on top.   Doing this will suffocate the fire because it will not have as much oxygen reaching it. 
3. If you feel unsafe, go outside to a safe location and call 911 or help.

Below are a few DO NOT’s while attending to a grease fire: 

1. Use water or any fabrics to put out a grease fire. 
2. Use baking powder.  Might look the same as baking soda but the chemical make up is very different. 
3. Moving the pot that’s on fire. 

 We know your home will be an instinct to save.  However, you and your family’s safety are the number one priority. 

Top 3 Places Mold May Be Hiding in Your Home

11/19/2020 (Permalink)

Mold growth may be hiding in your home.

When’s the last time you stuck your head up your chimney? Have you cleaned your refrigerator’s drip pan recently? Or ever? Mold growth isn’t limited to flooded rec rooms. Virtually everyone can spot mold on wood paneling or moldy drywall in a garage, but it takes a targeted inspection to locate these popular hideouts for mold.

3 Popular Hideouts For Mold

1. Front-Loading Washing Machines

The gasket on the front door of your washing machine is essentially Old Country Buffet for mold. It's frequently wet and it's home to a never-ending supply of one of mold’s favorite comfort foods: lint.
To prevent mold from claiming your washing machine, make sure you keep the door open when the washer isn’t in use, and clean the gasket once a month. Use a microfiber cloth or retail washing machine wipe to clean the gasket, and then dry it thoroughly.

2. Chimneys

You’d think the presence of fire would deter mold growth or, even better, vaporize it. You’d be wrong. The bricks in your chimney are full of cozy little nooks and crannies for dirt, debris and water to congregate. If your chimney isn’t regularly maintained, your cap may be letting in water as well. As such, your first step in eradicating chimney mold is to have your chimney inspected to make sure its cap and flashing are keeping out rain and snow.
Once your chimney is structurally sound, contact a chimney sweep. He or she will remove dirt, debris, mold and creosote. The result? A mold-free and more efficient chimney.

3. Refrigerator Drip Pans

Nobody looks forward to deep cleaning his or her fridge, but the drip pan underneath should be essential annual cleaning to prevent mold. This pan's entire job is to collect the stuff that mold’s dreams are made of: food and moisture. To keep yours clean, wipe down both it and the floor beneath it with white vinegar.

These are just three of the places mold growth may be hiding in your Roanoke Rapids, MN, home. When in doubt — and particularly if you notice that familiar musty smell — contact your local mold mitigation company for an assessment that will bring you peace of mind.

What Kind of Damage Does Hail Cause?

11/13/2020 (Permalink)

Hail can damage the exterior and interior of your building.

A thunderstorm poses many potential threats. High winds, heavy rains and lightning can all put your building in Roanoke Rapids, NC, in peril. Another common culprit when it comes to roof damage is hail. While most of the problems you can see will be on the outside of your roof, these little balls of ice can also lead to issues within the structure itself.

2 Ways Hail Can Damage Your Buidling

Exterior Damage

Hail damage to your roof can take many forms:

• Missing shingles
  
• Broken shingles
  
• Damaged flushing
  
• Dented gutters
  
• Dislocated joints
  

You may be able to see most of the damage to your roof when you look at it after the storm has died down. A professional can find roof damage that is hidden or harder to spot and can advise on what is needed to fix the problem.

Interior Damage

The purpose of the roof on your building is to protect the structure beneath it. When hail damage makes your roof leak, however, rain can seep in and cause issues in your interior spaces. Any wooden beams or drywall that gets saturated will likely need to be torn out and rebuilt so that mold does not start to grow. Wet insulation is ineffective and therefore must be replaced. If the water damage made it all the way to the ceiling tiles on the top floor, you may see the telltale dark spots that tell you they have been compromised. Water remediation specialists must remove them as well and install new tiles. Getting a professional assessment ensures that you do not miss any damage that can cause structural problems later.

Hail can cause widespread destruction on your property, but the main area of concern for the building itself is the roof. Roof damage start on the outside of your building, but it can lead to interior issues. The specialists you hire to repair your building can check both external and internal spaces to determine the repairs that are necessary.

Helpful Summer Fire Prevention Tips.

8/19/2020 (Permalink)

Always be sure to grill at least 10 feet away from your home and keep a fire extinguisher close by!

Are you planning on having a barbecue? Always make sure your grill is clean. Grease fires can start when your grill is not cleaned on a regular basis, and they can get out of control very quickly. For a grease fire, never use water, always use your fire extinguisher instead.  

Fireworks are another cause of fires during the summer months. Here are a few ways to avoid an unwanted fire, NEVER light fireworks indoors, keep a hose or fire extinguisher nearby, be sure to wet the area in which you will be lighting the fireworks, and never let children handle them.  

Another helpful tip is to always make sure your house number is clear and visible. So, the fire department can always find your house in a time of need.

Signs of Mold

8/17/2020 (Permalink)

Mold in your home? Give us a call, We're Here To Help!

If you are worried that your house has mold, here are the most frequent signs to look out for:  

Visible Signs: 

• Uneven patches on the floors and walls. If your walls have bubbling under the paint and your floors seem squishy, then you almost certainly have mold growing.  
• Black spores spreading on surfaces. 
• You can smell a musty/damp odor.  

What does Mold Smell like? 

When mold is growing and spreading, it releases compounds that have a distinct and unpleasant odor. Once you are familiar with this smell, there is no mistaking it. The best way to describe this smell is; wet, stale, and musty.  

Where can Mold hide?  

Mold grows in areas of the home where there is moisture, oxygen, warmth and darkness.  

Bathrooms- Check behind your toilet around the waste pipe, under the flooring, around the sink, and behind the basin.  

Kitchens- Check behind your appliances that use or produce moisture, such as your refrigerator and ice dispenser.  

Bedrooms- The main places to find mold in the bedrooms are mattresses and window sills.  

If you think your home has mold, give SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids a call!  

Tips for Preventing House Fires

6/26/2020 (Permalink)

As temperatures drop and the days become shorter, possible fire hazards began to present in the home. During this time, some people break out the heated, electric blankets and space heaters to stay warm and toasty. However, it is very important to use these appliances with caution. Never plug either of these items into extension cords. The heating elements in space heaters can reach up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit and generate a lot of energy, this is why they should only be plugged directly into a wall outlet. When you use an extension cord there is an increased potential that appliance can overheat and catch fire.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, it is estimated that more that 25,000 house fires are associated with the use of space heaters, resulting in about 300 deaths each year.

Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind when purchasing and installing a small space heater:

1. Make sure to buy a newer model space that has up-to-date safety features. Also, be sure that the heater carries the Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) label.
2. We recommend space heaters that are controlled by a thermostat. This will help avoid wasting energy caused by overheating a room.
3. Ensure that you choose a properly sized heater for the room you are trying to heat. Most heaters come with a general sizing table.
4. Your space heater should be placed on a level surface away from heavy foot traffic. Keep an eye on children and pets to make sure that stay away from the heater at all times.
5. Finally, as we mentioned previously, make sure to plug the space heater directly into the wall outlet.

If you do find yourself in need for fire restoration services, make SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids your first call. Our trained professionals will work to restore your home and life, to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Common Causes of Commercial Building Fires

6/26/2020 (Permalink)

Commercial buildings, just like residential properties, face many potential risks of fire. There are many contributing factors that can lead to an accidental fire that can easily decimate a business in a matter of minutes if not quickly and properly handled. 

Although proper insurance can help a business recover financially, no business owner wants to experience a loss due to fire. It is important to understand, and proactively work to prevent, situations that can lead to a commercial fire of any kind. Keep in mind that many businesses house combustible items. 

We’ve put together a list of potential issues that can lead to a fire. Becoming aware of these risks and contributing factors can help lower the chances of a fire. Whether it’s faulty equipment or flammable materials, identifying these common causes of commercial building fires will help you in the long run and allow you prevent accidents before they happen. 

Faulty or Inadequate Wiring of the Building
Fires caused by inadequate wiring are caused by overheating. In order to prevent this, make sure that all wiring is properly installed and equipped with proactive, fire prevention features. 

Flammable Liquids

Some businesses house flammable liquids that can spontaneously combust, causing a chemical fire. This occurs when there is a reaction of certain chemicals with oxygen providing enough heat to ignite. Be mindful to store chemicals, fuel, and other liquids in proper containers to prevent overheating. 

Heating Appliances
Even small heating appliances like personal space heaters and baseboard heaters can cause a commercial fire when in the presence of fabrics or other combustible items. To prevent a fire, we recommend to never leave a space heater running while unattended. 

Electrical Equipment

A short circuit in electrical equipment can cause a spark that could ignite materials in the business. Because they are hidden in location, short circuits are difficult to locate which can cause a fire to start before anyone is even aware of the situation. Make sure that all electrical equipment is properly maintained.

If your commercial property does experience a fire, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids. Our team is here to help you repair your business.

Preparing for the 2020 Hurricane Season

6/26/2020 (Permalink)

To keep you and your family safe during a disaster, like a hurricane, it is important to have an emergency plan in place. The best way to be prepared it to put together an emergency preparedness kit. Don’t wait until the potential for disaster arises, make your kit now! This kit should be filled with essential items that you would need to survive for a minimum of 72 hours if disaster strikes. Many people may put off creating this kit because they aren’t sure what to add to it. So, here are a few items we recommend each household adding:

1. Water
This is a no brainer! Water is key for survival. A good rule of thumb is to have one gallon of water per person, per day for at least three days.

2. Food
Another no brainer! When packing food in your kit, make sure that all items you select are non-perishable. Canned goods are a great option. Remember to include enough food for three days – but, of course, more is always better! Don’t forget pet food!

3. Can Opener
If you’ve added can food to your kit, you’ll need a way to open it! This one may seem random, but it is important to remember!

4. Flashlight and Extra Batteries
A flashlight will be very useful when the power goes out and you don’t have lights. Be sure to include extra batteries as well!

5. Hand Crank or Battery Powered Radio
If the power goes out, you will not be able to watch your T.V. or local new channels. Having a radio on hand will allow you to be able to stay informed and updated during a storm or disaster.

6. Cell Phone Charger and Back-Up Batteries
In today’s age, we would feel lost without our cellphones. We rely on them to stay in contact with friends and family. So, if an emergency were to happen you want to make that you include backup batters and chargers in your kit, so that you can keep you phone charged.

7. First-Aid Kit
In any type of emergency, it is always a good idea to have a first-aid kit available in case someone get injured. Make sure that you have Neosporin, band-aids and gauze.

8. Matches or Lighter
Packing matches or a lighter and slow burning candle can be a great backup in case something happens to your flashlight.

9. Whistle
A whistle can be used to signal others for help. Three blasts from a whistle is the international signal for distress.

Make sure that all of these items, and anything else you may need to be prepared for an emergency situation, are packed in an easy-to-carry container. Place the container in a convenient location that is each to grab whenever you may need it.

At SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids, our goal is to repair damage from any type of disaster and make it “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call for all of your restoration needs.

Why You Need Renters Insurance

6/26/2020 (Permalink)

Storms and other bad weather can occur during any time of the year, not just storm season. Here are several reasons to consider getting a renter’s insurance policy to protect yourself. 

While over 90% of homeowners have an insurance policy on their home, less than 40% of renters have renter’s insurance. Many times, a landlord or property owner only carries insurance on the structure of the property itself, and not what is inside. Because of this, your landlord’s property insurance will not help you if any of your belongings in the home are damaged. 

Bad weather can strike at any time, which can cause flooding or other damage to your home and belongings inside. Talk to your landlord to find out what kind of insurance they have on the property you are renting, and what it covers. If, in fact, their insurance does not cover items inside the home, contact an insurance agent to speak with them about the best type of coverage.

It is important to have your owner renter insurance because: 

• A basic renters insurance plan will reimburse you for person belongings that are damaged or stolen.
• You are covered for damages caused by fire and flood.
• If the property you are renting is severely damaged and no longer livable, your policy can help you pay for other living arrangements. 

Although you do not own the home you are living in, renters should still carry their own insurance policy. This will give you the same protections and will be beneficial in the event of an emergency, like a fire, storm, flood. We recommend that you contact your insurance agent to discuss options that are available to you. You may be surprised to learn how affordable it is – some policies are as low as $12 a month.

 If your home has been damaged by flood, fire or any other disaster, the professionals at SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids can help. We will work with your insurance company to help you get the relief you need. We hope you never need us, but if you do, we’re here. Give SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids a call at 252-537-3473.

Even A Little Water Can Cause Big Problems

6/26/2020 (Permalink)

Did you know that even the small amounts of water in your home can lead to mold growth? This means that a minor leak in your Roanoke Rapids home, can lead to big problems. 

To many homeowners a small leak seems like no big deal. It often times gets overlooked or just simply wiped cleaned. While everything may look dry, the problem sometimes is not solved. Overtime mold will become visible. Once this happens you should immediately call the professionals. Mold is dangerous and you should leave it alone. When those not trained in mold removal try to clean it up, it can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout the home. Microscopic mold spores are released when mold is disturbed. These tiny particles then circulate in your home. 

While mold is scary, you shouldn’t worry if you trust the cleanup to the professionals at SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids. We are here to help with all of your mold mitigation needs. 

Before for our professionals arrive at you home, here are few things you should and shouldn’t do in order to ensure the health and safety of you and your family. 

What You Should Do –

• Stay away from infected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and any fans. 

What You Shouldn’t Do –

• Touch or disturb the mold in any way.
• Blow air across any surface with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Attempt to dry or clean the area yourself.
• Spray bleach or other household disinfectants on the mold.

SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids specializes in mold mitigation and restoration. Our team is highly trained in mold cleanup. We’re IICRC professionals. We utilize special equipment and techniques to remedy your mold problem quickly and safely. Locally owned and operated, we’re here to help. Contact SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids at the very first sign of mold in your home or business!

Only Trained Professionals Should Remove Mold

6/26/2020 (Permalink)

Mold remediation should be left to trained professionals. The removal of mold is a very precise process and should be performed in way that will make your home safe and not spread mold spores to other areas of your home. This is a job for SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids! 

Mold, a type of fungus, is made up of microorganisms that decompose dead organic matter, like wood, plants and leaves. Often times mold is too small to be seen individually with the naked eye. Collections of mold resemble hair-like bodies. On the surface of an object, mild will appear to be black, blue or green. When mold is spotted or even suspected in a home or business, it should be dealt with right away. 

Mold can grow in both outdoor and indoor environments. Outdoors mold can be helpful as it is one of nature’s ways of helping to break down dead organic matter. However, mold growth indoors is dangerous and can affect the health of you and your family. SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids recommends that you call us at the first hint of a mold infestation. 

In a home or business, mold can be found growing on any damp surface. A professional mold remediation company can get rid of the mold with the safest and most effective approach. The SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids team understands industry procedures and have the proper equipment and training to get the job done! We have moisture meters, hydrometers, “air scrubbers”, HEPA vacuums, and antifungal products that are all used to get rid you space of mold. 

We know what to look for, and where to search for harmful, hidden molds. We make sure that, if mold is present it gets cleaned up, even if it is too small to see. Give us a call today!

SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids are Your Go To Cleaning Experts

6/15/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids is Here to Help during this difficult time

During this difficult time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, aka COVID-19, we would like to remind customers that we are specialists in cleaning services and are IICRC certified which means we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

We have specialized training and we are prepared to clean and disinfect your commercial property or home according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention if it has been exposed to the coronavirus. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go above and beyond the scope of work performed by regular cleaning teams on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, countertops, tabletops and tables. Other areas mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for business spaces include, but are not limited to:

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

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. We use specialized products. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there's currently no product tested against this particular strain of the virus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids for a Proactive Cleaning.

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today!

The Water You Can’t See Can Cause the Most Damage

4/24/2020 (Permalink)

Even the smallest amount of water has the potential to cause serious indoor air quality and structural issues to property if it is allowed to go untreated.

The key to preventing costly additional restoration costs is to handle your water problems immediately and treat it like it is a threat to your property. Using the proper equipment can make a significant difference in reducing the expenses caused by your water damage loss. When time matters most, the proper equipment and technologies should be counted on so the job can be done correctly.

Here are a few tools used by the professional team at SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids to properly mitigate a water or storm loss:

• Moisture Sensors – these will detect moisture in your carpets, base boards, and walls.
• Moisture Meters – used to determine the moisture content of various materials in your home. The meter provides readings to accurately monitor the drying process.
• Thermo Hygrometers – they measure temperature and relative humidity which calculates and creates the most conducive environment for drying out your home. When handling a contaminated loss, you need to dry the structure, but you also need to disinfect and deodorize it.
• Ultra-Low-Volume (ULV) Foggers – used to atomize liquid deodorizing agents. They produce a mist that can easily penetrate sites where odor-causing deposits accumulate. They can also be used to insert disinfectants and fungicides into your walls and other hard-to-reach areas of your home.
• Thermal Foggers – are used to dispense solvent-based products and create a dense fog of a deodorant solution made up of small particles that attach to and neutralize the odor causing particles.

The point of this is – you need to ALWAYS treat water damage very seriously. You should call in a professional team like SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids to access your damage and make recommendations for mitigation. Then, we’ll work to restore your property so you can move on with life and your property will be back to its preloss condition.

Steps To Take After a Workplace Fire

4/17/2020 (Permalink)

We bet you have a lot on your mind with your daily routine at work. You probably haven’t had time to think about what you’d do in case of a fire. If it were to happen it would be terrible, but would you know what steps to follow to ensure recovery and safety? Developing a fire restoration plan is important so an untimely fire wouldn’t stop your business.

What’s Your Initial Consideration?

Of course, your first response should be the safety and well-being of your employees. Then, reach out to a professional team of people who can help you put out the fire and take care of the damage in the aftermath.

Next, Contact 911

You’ve implemented your emergency plan – you got everyone out of the building. Now you need to call your insurance company and report the damage. Then you need to contact a restoration company, like SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids, who handles fire damage and can get your office back to working condition.

Please Stay Away

As much as you’d like to be there, you should never re-enter your business during or after a fire. There’s nothing in the business that’s more important than your own life. Fire crews will try to salvage many items, and you can replace office equipment with insurance monies, but you’re not replaceable. And, touching damaged materials can cause more damage or cause yourself harm or injury.

Work With Your Insurance Company

Your business probably has professional insurance to cover fire damage. The coverage should take care of the damage, even if the fire started in a neighboring office space. Your insurance company contact should walk through the area, make notes of the damage and also note what losses the business has incurred.

Bring the Experts in the Office Quickly

A professional, experienced restoration company such as SERVPRO can ensure you can safely return to work. Their professional team will use state of the art equipment to do smoke cleaning and sanitize affected areas. Stay in touch with them so you know what the timeline to completion is.

Fire restoration is a thorough process, it take time. So, make sure you work with a reputable group of professionals. Call SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids and let our training and knowledge handle your fire restoration needs.

What’s the Best Way to Handle a Sprinkler Flood at Your Office?

4/17/2020 (Permalink)

Most typical business owners don’t spend time thinking about the effects of flooding due to their fire sprinklers being activated. However, it happens, and it’s an issue that could quickly get out of control and cost you tens of hundreds of thousands of dollars. The obvious solution is prevention, but first you need to know what could cause this to happen.

Four Reasons for Accidental Activation

Contrary to popular belief, the modern sprinkler system is not activated by fire alarms or even smoke caused by burnt food in your breakroom. They actually have to be subjected to extreme heat that either bursts the red liquid bulb or melts the sensor on the device. There are several things that can cause them to accidently activate, here are some reasons this could happen:

• Vandalization of the sprinkler system
• Improper installation of the system
• An accident
• The sprinkler heads being used inappropriately.

Here are some Immediate Steps to take Prevent Loss

The first step to take in an emergency flooding situation is to turn off the water. Multiple people within your organization should be capable of doing this. Once the water is shut off then cleanup can begin. It’s possible that hundreds of gallons of water have been released in a short time, so damage to machinery, walls and floors can happen quickly. The best plan is to contact an experienced and reputable water restoration company like SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids. They’ll be able to quickly and correctly dry each surface and reduce the risk of mold.

What’s the Long Term Approach?

With the initial cleanup underway, the next step is to contact your insurance company and prevent the problem from occurring again. Your employees should be trained to never hang anything from a sprinkler head or even touch it. The ideal placement for sprinkler heads is in a location which is difficult for a person or even a machine to accidentally contact it.

Flooding in your business may seem inconceivable, but there are steps you can take to prevent and minimize your damages. But an experienced restoration company like SERVPRO can get your facility looking “Like it never even happened.”

A Brief Overview of our Flood Restoration Services

4/17/2020 (Permalink)

After a flood your house could be covered in mud.

SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids can help!

Flooding can result in extreme water damage. Flooding is one of the most overwhelming disasters that can happen to you, your family and your home. While water is considered to be one of our primary needs, it can also function as a destructive force that can present serious threats to your family and property. Water damage can take on many forms, and you need a professional to accurately determine the extent of the water damage. For this reason, it is important for homeowners affected by flooding to obtain professional flood restoration services from a company like SERVPRO.

One of the most frustrating problems that can result from flood damage is the growth and spread of mold. Mold thrives in damp, humid conditions, which is why flooded homes are subjected to becoming a breeding ground for the fungus. Flood restoration specialists such as SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids are effective in eliminating mold by offering professional, drying and mitigation services.

In addition to preventing mold growth, we can help prevent extensive damage to your electrical systems. Unfortunately, electrical systems which have been exposed to water can begin to malfunction and that can lead to fire or electrocution. It’s crucial that a home impacted by flood water be dried out as quickly as possible.

When flooding has damaged your property, locating professional flood restoration services is a must! When you begin searching for a restoration and mitigation company to assist you, be sure to contact the experts of SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids. We utilizes the latest techniques and have cutting edge equipment and technologies that will get your home back in preloss condition fast. Call us after any flood to learn more about how we can help you restore your home! 

When Storms or Floods hit eastern NC, We’re Ready!

4/17/2020 (Permalink)

After the rains and the flooding, your crawlspace can get flooded!

SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids specializes in flood and water damage restoration.  Our team of technicians are highly trained and use specialized equipment to restore your property to its preloss condition.

As a leader in storm and water damage restoration, SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids has the training and expertise needed to restore your home back to its pre-storm condition. Our restoration processes puts an emphasis on documentation, drying techniques, and monitoring throughout the process.

We’re Faster to Respond

Since we are locally owned and operated, we’re able to respond faster with the right resources. This is extremely important after a major water event. Our rapid response can lessens your damage, limits further damage, and reduces your restoration costs.

A rapid response is critical with storm and water damage, because it can reduce secondary damage and restoration costs. A storm won’t wait for regular business hours and neither does the team at SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids. Our technicians will respond immediately, day or night, to help home and business owners in eastern North Carolina.

We have the Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit eastern NC, we can balances our resources to handle a large flooding disaster. We can access the personnel and equipment from SERVPRO’s network of 1,700 franchises, and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States, quickly.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today. We’re available when you need us.

We’re Locally Owned & Operated

4/17/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids is locally owned and operated and we've been serving North Carolina and Virginia since November 2017.

Franchise owners, John and Cindy Baldwin, have over 30 years’ experience as luxury home builders and are proud to be part of the local community. With a background in construction, they understand every aspect of the building and restoration process. Their team participates in ongoing corporate training and is certified to follow IICRC Guidelines and OSHA regulations. We specializes in fire, smoke, and water damage restoration and cleanup, commercial and residential. We are also able to perform mitigation on mold and mildew.

SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids is part of a national network of over 1,700 franchises with access to special Disaster Recovery Teams capable of providing additional resources during catastrophic storms, such as Hurricanes Florence and Dorian ans Tropical Storm Michael.

Call us for all your Fire Damage, Water Damage and Mold Remediation needs - we’re prepared for any disaster.

The SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids Team is Ready and Prepared

3/19/2020 (Permalink)

You never know when a disaster is going to strike. And most times you may not be able to be prepared, but you can rest easy knowing that SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids’ green machines will be ready and prepared when disaster does strike. SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids strives to provide our residential and commercial customers with the quality service, and we’re ready to move 24/7, just give us a call.

Our team is equipped to spring into action with the area’s best equipment and technology in the restoration industry!  We have over 80 years of combined experience in the construction industry as unlimited licensed builders, so you can be assured that your home or business is in good hands. Our job is to restore your home or commercial property so no one will know a disaster occurred.

We certainly hope you’ll never need us, but if you do SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids will be waiting on your call at (252) 537-3473.

Possible Mold in Our Schools

3/19/2020 (Permalink)

With past hurricanes and eastern North Carolina humidity, area schools may have experienced water and mold in their buildings.

Through a child’s life parents and teachers so many things to keep them out of harms’ way. Plug covers are used when they’re toddlers to keep them away from electrical outlets. Training wheels are put on their bikes to prevent falling when they are first learning, and helmets are worn all the time just in case they do fall. Car seats are used until children reach specific weight and height. These and many others are done to keep our children and grandchildren safe and sound.

As teachers and parents, it’s our jobs to keep children safe. With that, it only makes sense that  we would be concerned if and when mold is discovered in one a school. We, parents, teachers and the SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids team, want to make sure it’s removed and handled properly.

When you call us, you are calling a locally owned and operated business that’s part of the community, a company that  understands mold-free schools are necessary to providing a healthy learning environment. We’ll locate the problem and our trained and certified technicians will make sure the job is done properly. We’ll ensure that the mold is removed and, if needed, we can bring in a third-party to test air quality and certify our work meets any city, county and state regulations and standards before sending students back to school

For more information about SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids’ services and how we can help schools and businesses. Give us a call and we’ll help get our kids back in the classroom

Preparing Your Business for a Potential Disaster

3/19/2020 (Permalink)

As the spring season begins, North Carolina is prone to storms and potential tornadoes. With these types of weather events, comes damage and wind, water and mold damage are just a couple things that can disrupt your business.

Did you know that over 50% of businesses who are affected by a disaster may not recover? That’s HALF, and the number one reason a business DOES survive is because they have a plan in place for when a disaster does strike.

SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids is here to help your business be prepared for any type of disaster by creating an Emergency Readiness Plan (ERP) for your business. By developing an ERP, you can reduce interruptions because you will have an action plan if and when disaster strikes. Knowing what expect and do is key to minimizing how fire, water and mold can affect your business.

What’s in an Emergency Readiness Plan (ERP)?

• A list of priority contact information for the business
• A list of personnel, their contact information and responsibilities after the disaster
• Building details such as where are the breaker boxes, floor plans, shut off valves and any other items that

may need immediate attention

• A file containing critical information that would be needed in the event of an emergency such as username and passwords to office equipment, file servers, bank accounts, etc.
• A list of external groups that could be available to assist you and your business
• And finally, a plan to help you get back on site, and then back to work

For more information on how to put together an Emergency Readiness Plan for your business, call SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids and one of our trained professionals can help you.

Commercial Fire Damage at a Beauty Salon? Call SERVPRO!

3/17/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has the experience and equipment to restore a fire damaged salon quickly. Call us today!

There are different cleaning methods that can help restore commercial fire damage in a salon. When a beauty salon is affected by a fire, there are losses that go beyond the items damaged by the flames. Extended closure of your place of business leads to loss of revenue and possibly customers. The central aspect of restoring commercial fire damage is cleaning. And choosing the right company to help complete the process faster can help you save more items. As a professional in the fire restoration business, SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids utilizes different cleaning techniques, including:

• Foam Cleaning
• Spray and Wipe
• Abrasive Cleaning
• Immersion Cleaning
• Dry Cleaning
• Cleaning

Cleaning a beauty pallor after a commercial fire may require more than one method. It may also require an open-minded approach where you start with one then progress to another. For example, since fires leave fine dry residue from smoke or ash, it’s smart to start with dry cleaning before moving forward with wet cleaning. Our SERVPRO technicians use feather dusters, dry cleaning sponges, and dusting cloths to remove particulate soiling and light debris.

Soot and smoke residues adhere to surfaces such as walls and ceilings which require extra effort to remove. Wet cleaning provides better results compared to dry cleaning because the saturation process helps loosen soils. Our crews could use plain water during wet cleaning, but for better results, we will also add detergent or other cleaning agents to help break down soils even more. By using this approach, we can help eliminate the need to repaint the walls and ceiling in your salon.

Sometimes there is a need to clean surfaces without saturating them. For example, if there’s an area of soot on an upholstered item such as a seat, wetting the entire item will lengthen the cleaning process and could induce complications such shrinking or runny dyes. Our SERVPRO technicians try to avoid complications by using the “spray and wipe” approach, which regulates the amount of cleaning device  used. We also use foam cleaning, which applies minimal cleaning solution on the item.

A balanced cleaning process is beneficial to your business that suffered from fire damage. Call SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids to help eliminate fire residue.

SERVPRO's EPA registered antimicrobial is great stuff!

3/17/2020 (Permalink)

Most people are not aware that SERVPRO makes most of their own cleaning products and antimicrobials.

SERVPROXIDE™ is as safe and effective as it gets for an antimicrobial.

SERVPROXIDE™ is an EPA registered, stabilized chlorine dioxide-based antimicrobial that carries the EPA’s lowest toxicity rating and requires no PPE (personal protective equipment) and is safe for everyday and general, purpose use. It is designed to kill harmful bacteria, mold and mildew on hard surfaces, and it keeps it from growing back for up to 4 weeks. This product is fragrance-free with a mild odor that disperses quickly.

One an odor has been removed, SERVPROXIDE™ is also an excellent deodorizer, as it’s an oxidizer and does not mask odors such as tobacco and fire smoke, pet and musty odors, and even stale cooking odors just to name a few.

This product can also be used to deodorize internal HVAC systems, and can also be applied by wet fogging or misted through a ULV type mister for deodorization and application purposes.

SERVPROXIDE™ can also be used in electrostatic sprayers for a full and even application and is also NSF listed (no rinse required food contact surfaces) so, clean and use.

For the best antimicrobial products around, call SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids today!

Getting rid of the moisture in your commercial property can prevent the mold

3/10/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids uses special equipment for drying to prevent further damage to your property

If your commercial property in and around Roanoke Rapids is exposed to water damage, you must get  rid of the moisture. Water damage can cause the development and spread of molds which were initiated by mold spores. These spores occur naturally but the trick is not to let standing water nurture their growth. When you contract a water restoration service like SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids, we’ll make sure you won't have to content with unwanted aftereffects such as mold.

A call to the SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids office will get our trained professionals to your place of business quickly. Prior to beginning water removal efforts, our technicians will identify the source of the water damage, assess the situation, and put together an action plan. We start with powerful pumps and wet vacs to remove large quantities of water to help prevent possible secondary water damage. Our  water remediation specialists also use sanitizer to disinfect your commercial property which is key to preventing the growth and spread of bacteria and mold. After the removal of all flooring, insulation and/or drywall, dehumidifiers and air-movers are set up around your property to dry affected areas.

Water damage can be difficult to deal with but knowing the right team who can take the proper course of action will prevent stress for your business and preserve your property’s structural integrity. It's important that you call in a team of professionals who can handle the remediation and restoration processes with skill and speed, this will ensure your results of water damage will be reduced. The team you can trust is SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids. Our goal is to restore your structure and property to its previous condition in the quickest, most efficient time possible.

As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids is strategically located to respond quickly to your commercial water damage event. Call us today.

Water damage can happen because of a storm

3/10/2020 (Permalink)

Storms cause water damage to homeowners property

Time to dry out that from your storm damage

When most people think of a water damage, they imagine the aftermath of a heavy rain or severe storm. While we know that lots of time water damage can be caused from a failed plumbing issue, when water damage is from heavy rain and storms it’s usually much more severe. Storm damage to even the most moderately sized home can run a homeowner into thousands of dollars. Expensive furniture, carpets, and other high-end items in the home will only add to the cost of the damage if they are affected. 

When SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids receives a call that a homeowner has water damage from a storm, our professionally trained technicians are ready to respond quickly by removing the water from the home as fast as possible and immediately beginning  the drying of both personal and structural property. One of the pieces of drying equipment our team will set up are dehumidifiers. These machines actually draw water from the air and other surrounding property such as curtains and upholstered furniture. Removing moisture and lowering the humidity level in your home creates a drier environment which allows evaporation to happen more quickly, and this is what helps save building materials like drywall panels.

As the dehumidifiers work, technicians from SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids will begin using extraction devices to dry carpets. For most carpets, that means using extraction wands which effectively remove water from carpets and pads. For heavier, thicker carpets, our team could also use a riding extractor. On this large devise, someone typically rides on top and uses their weight to press down, which allows the machine to remove even more water. No matter what the cost of the carpet, most carpet pads are cheap, and we usually advise replacing them rather than attempting to dry them.

SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids takes these first actions to reduce and eliminate the effects of storm and water damage in area homes. If you need us to help return your home to a safe, dry condition, call us today.

How Air Movers are Placed to Strategically Dry Flood Damage

2/21/2020 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO help limit the losses in your home after flooding damage.

Without explanation, large residences can suffer damages flooding situations. The winter season poses a threat of flash flooding as weather alerts reach their peak. Flash floods can travel up to nine feet per second, carrying rocks, gravel and mud with them. The sheer force of rushing water can leave homeowners powerless, as they can break through windows and doors quickly flooding lower levels of homes. While you may not be able to stop floodwaters, you can limit the losses by calling the professionals right away.

Emergency services for flood damage are available in the Roanoke Rapids areas year around. In order to limit losses, it is important to remove the water as quickly as possible. The role of a flood damage restorer does not stop at removing standing water though. Wet or damp properties are just as likely to suffer damages as flooded properties. SERVPRO’s experienced and qualified technicians ensure the drying process is as effective at limiting losses as the removal procedure is at stopping immediate, emergency concerns.

Wet floors raise in-home humidity levels as the moisture evaporates. As water evaporates, it can create a boundary layer of air that inhibits further evaporation. To combat this, SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids’ technicians use air movers to keep air circulating and replace humid boundary layers with dryer sheets. This plays an important role in the length of time it takes to restore your property to its preloss condition.

SERVPRO staff may use as many as 20 air movers to promote constant airflow throughout your property. Air movers use centrifugal motion to circulate large amounts of air and use a daisy chain fitting to ensure multiple units can be set up in a room with just one power cord. The precise placement of these air movers ensures that it’s possible to circulate air from one or two open points of outdoor air. If security is a concern, air movers are positioned in a closed-circuit system which uses dehumidifiers to provide dry air.

Drying flooded property can reduce claims and losses. If your property has suffered flood damage, contact SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids today.

Winter storm warnings in effect

2/20/2020 (Permalink)

Winter weather in North Carolina can be very unpredictable. Snow is in the forecast for today and tonight, so here are some things that you can do to make sure your  home, car and any other surrounding areas are ready for our  impending storm. Here are some helpful tips for homeowners;

Tip 1: Salt the driveway and walkways around your house: although the city is typically pretty good about clearing the roads, the sidewalks and pathways are left up to you to clear them. To make things easier on you, once you know that a storm is headed your way, you can spread salt on your driveway and walkway. If you place salt down prior to a snowstorm, you can reduce the amount of ice that forms underneath any accumulating snow.

Tip 2: Keep a steady drip of water in your pipes.  With the snow comes freezing temperatures and this can leave your pipes very vulnerable. Freezing pipes can definitely burst. If you have a slight but steady drip of warm water running, it will help keep your pipes from freezing during these conditions.

Tip 3: Create and have your winter emergency kit ready. If never really know how strong a storm will be, so you need to make sure you keep you and your family safe. One way to do this is by creating and keeping a winter emergency kit on hand. A few things to keep in the kit are batteries, bottled water, blankets, a functioning radio, different types and layers of clothing, and nonperishable food items.

SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids is available 24/7. If you have an emergency, our team is prepared to handle storm damage in Roanoke Rapids. We’re here for both residential and commercial properties in the area. If you need us give us a call!

We Provide External Storage And Pack-Outs After A Commercial Fire

2/14/2020 (Permalink)

Most business owners will agree that commercial property fires are among the most harmful events that can occur to your business. Commercial fires can even force permanent closure. With sites, such as storage units, often outside of built-up areas, the chances of accidental fire are greatly increased; not to mention that a fire starting could go unnoticed, causing further damage.

These types of businesses are prime candidates for commercial restoration after a fire causes damage to your property. Alongside our expert technicians, we can also offer temporary storage of your contents while building restoration is underway. SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids has an excellent reputation in this community for performing fire and smoke damage restoration in time and on-budget. If you think you need us, you can start by calling our 24-hour emergency phone line for commercial businesses.

Pack out procedures are often complicated. At SERVPRO, we provide reassurance to commercial business owners by recording the condition of property and entering into inventory. We create these inventories before we wrap and prepare items for removal. SERVPRO’s specialty is restoration, but we are excellent at organizing so professional movers can pick up your contents and transport them to one of our climate-controlled storage areas. Commercial business owners benefit from this because they only have to deal with one point of contact during a stressful and challenging time.

Once the removal of your contents is complete, our team of trained and experienced technicians can begin work on the structure of your property. If your place of business requires a temporary closure, we can deodorize and cleanse the indoor air using Ozone generators. These machines release unstable O3 particles into the air and they break down odor-causing particles. By using these generators, we can eliminate odors from the property allowing your staff to return to work in normal conditions.

Using a professional restoration company can help your business return to work sooner rather than later. Contact SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids today!

Protect your Roanoke Rapids home from Breached Pipes

2/14/2020 (Permalink)

We at SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids would like to offer you a couple helpful household tips.

According to the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), a breach in pipes can cost up to $5,000 or more in water damage expenses. Did you know that pipe insulation, which you can install yourself around any exposed PVC or copper water piping, costs as little as fifty cents per linear foot.

Here are some places that we suggest you inspect:

• Under sinks – kitchen and bathroom,
• Your attic,
• Those dark, creepy crawl spaces, and
• All your pipes along your exterior walls.

Here are some quick signs of breached pipes:

• Wet spots in yard
• Wet spots under counters and cabinets
• Slow draining
• Clogs throughout your home
• Foul sewer odors coming from your yard

Everyone should make sure they know where your home’s main water shut off valve is just in case there is an emergency. This shut off valve is usually located outside the house – if you can’t find it ask someone who might know.

If you do experience a water damage because of a pipe bursts call SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids right away – this is the safest way to prevent extended water damage.

What’s the Best Way to Clean Fire Damaged Fabrics?

2/9/2020 (Permalink)

Fire Damage Restoration in Roanoke Rapids Often Requires Restorers to Clean Fabrics

Any time something burns inside a building or a home, the smoke created can spread throughout the entire spaces. Smoke rises with the heat and attaches to cooler surfaces, causing extensive fire damage to your property. Gases from the burn touch surfaces throughout your home and leave behind soot and soil residue.

The smoke can travel through every room in your building or home, causing issues throughout the entire space. Many fire damage projects in and around the Roanoke Rapids area require large amounts of cleaning and soot removal during the restoration process. Since different blazes put off different types of smoke based on what burns, SERVPRO technicians use a variety of methods to clean different surfaces inside different spaces.

When we first arrive, one of our first steps is to test clean your materials and contents that were affected. Before beginning the restoration procedures, the SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids team figures out what we can save with cleaning and which soot removal techniques will work best for each of them.

Items inside your home, like carpets and furniture, can be affected by soot and soil residues. When cleaning residues from fabrics, our trained technicians utilize a variety of methods based on the types of soot present. For example, carpet can often be restored through cleaning because heat rises. But, in some cases, carpets can collect the fallout of burnt smoke particles.

When cleaning carpets, SERVPRO technicians start by dry vacuuming the affected area. Our vacuums are equipped with high-efficiency filters that can be useful when removing light soot residues from fabrics. However, when soot residues are soaked deeper in carpets, we can clean them with detergents and deodorizers.

If any of your upholstered items, such as furniture and draperies, get damaged, we can often remove the residue with dry cleaning methods. Vacuuming or dry sponges are also able to get soils from upholstered furniture if the soot is only on the surface. In some cases, soot residues can cause furniture to stain. If this occurs, we can clean them with a one percent chlorine bleach cleaning solution to remove any stains.

If you notice soot or soil after a dire, call SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids at 252-537-3473.

Before It’s Too Late, Get the Scoop on Water Damage Remediation

2/9/2020 (Permalink)

While many homeowners can recognize the role of dehumidifiers in drying out their damaged houses, few truly appreciate all of the reasons why dehumidification units are necessary in water loss recovery. Our SERVPRO team can execute containment barriers that isolate damp areas of a home to create a regulated space to monitor airflow, traffic, drying, and structural integrity of the affected areas.

Because there are many size and types of machines, it makes sense that there are many ways that they can aid in removing water damage. Dependent on the nature of the moisture present, our technicians can determine the best use of our equipment and which removal units are necessary for each project.

Containment

Containment is vital to help the moisture removal practices be more productive, but it can also intensify the production of running dehumidifiers. In an enclosed space, the units are recirculating the same air, drying it out more quickly than if the project were to use open-air.

Evaporation

Because our team uses air movers to vaporize moisture in materials throughout a home, this vapor hangs as cool air above the surface of the wall or flooring. Cold temperatures can slow the drying and restoration process, making the capabilities of dehumidifiers valuable.

Drying Balance

Establishing the right balance of air movers and dehumidifiers is one things our SERVPRO team faces. If there is too much evaporation, the dehumidifiers cannot keep up. And, this can also be said about the placement and position of units maintaining a balanced drying system. At no point can the amount of moisture drop below the moist air created through evaporation.

No matter how severe the water damage to your home is, SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids can help. We have dehumidifiers in many sizes and strength to tackle the hardest jobs. Give us a call today.

Why Business Owners in Roanoke Rapids Should Have An ERP!!

2/4/2020 (Permalink)

Did you know that approximately 50% of businesses that close due to a disaster, such as floor or fire damage never reopen? Of the businesses that do survive, the great majority of them had a preparedness plan in place. 

Preparation is a key factor for making it through any type and size disaster, whether it be a large water leak, a small fire, or a flood due to a storm. The right time to plan for these events is not when the event happens, but well before it happens.

The SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile serves as a reference guide of important building and contact information. It can also be the perfect companion to any well thought out emergency preparedness program. The ERP outlines who the proper contacts are for the specific types of loss. It also includes photos and detailed descriptions as to where different turns off are within your building.  

A plan like this helps so that you’re not simply reacting to disaster situations. This helps you be proactive and take the measures to establish a relationship with a restoration services company before you need them.

By working with SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids to develop your personalized Emergency Ready Profile your business received the benefit of having over 40 years of experience reducing the impact of both natural and man-made disasters.

SERVPRO is a leader in fire and water damage response and mitigation. And, we can help you get your property and business cleaned up and back in working order quickly and efficiently.

Call SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids to get an ERP in place for your business today at 252-537-3473.

Electrical Fire Safety Tips

1/12/2020 (Permalink)

According to a recent report from the U.S. Fire Administration shows that home electrical fires claim the lives of approximately 280 Americans each year and injuries well over 1,000.

Most often, electrical fires occur during the winter months. This is due to the increased time that people are spending indoors. The increased time spent inside can affect the circuits and electrical cords. They can become overloaded by the increased use of heating devices and appliances.

If basic safety precautions are taken, quite a few electrical fires inside homes can be avoided.  Please read the following for tips to take for an electrical fire:

• Replace old wiring
• Replace electrical appliances and tools if they short out, overheat, or cause small electric shocks, and most definitely if they give off smoke or sparks.
• Routinely check your electrical appliances
• Use extension cords safely and wisely; never overload electrical extension cords or wall sockets. 

We hope you will never need us, but if you do the trained technicians at SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids are here to help with all your fire restoration needs.

Mold Prevention Guide

9/20/2019 (Permalink)

Mold growing in the corner of the ceiling.

September 23^rd marks the first day of fall! The days are getting shorter and the leaves will start to pile up in the yard. These piles of dead leaves are breeding grounds for mold, but that’s okay and important. Mold plays an important role in our ecosystem, helping to break down dead foliage, creating nutrients for the ground. In homes, it’s different story, and we’re here to give you some important information for preventing mold from growing in your house this fall season.

Mold is a common household problem that comes in many different colors, such as green, purple, orange, black, and white. Commonly, mold will grow in showers and bathrooms due to the warm, damp environment but it can grow anywhere in your house such as exterior walls and surfaces in need of insulation where condensation can build up.

While mold spores cannot be eliminated, they will not grow if their environment is dry and well ventilated. Inadequate sealed doors or windows are open invitations for mold spores to come in.

Mold growth can be prevented by ensuring if water damage occurs, clean up occurs quickly. Hurricane season does not end until November 30^th, well into the Fall season. If your house suffers even minor water damage during this time, it will be a breeding ground for dormant mold spores to grow.

North Carolina is known for its humidity, which is cumbersome to the average homeowner and beneficial for mold. Using AC Units during the more humid seasons will help keep the house cool and dry, preventing any spores from growing.

Other areas of the house to check on would be the kitchen and crawl spaces. In the kitchen, check for leaks around the refrigerator and underneath the sink. Using exhaust fans while cooking and cleaning in the kitchen will circulate the moisture in the air out of the room and reduce damp walls. Crawl spaces must be well ventilated and sealed, or else mold spores will thrive in the environment and cause damage.

As you head into the colder weather, stay vigilant with your mold prevention in your house. The information provided is the first step to keeping your family and home safe and healthy. If you do discover mold growth, SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids provides mold remediation services for all types of residential and commercial properties. Are you worried there might be too much mold in your home? Contact us today for our new mold testing!

How To Prevent Workplace Fire

9/17/2019 (Permalink)

In 2018 there was an estimated 111,000 fires in non-residential buildings, i.e. your office space. The majority of these cases could have been prevented by being prepared and staying on top of caring for your company. Below are some of the most common causes of workplace fires, and some tips on how to prevent them.

Clutter and Combustibles

In preparation to prevent workplace fires, thoroughly clean the office building. A lack of consistent cleaning of all portions of the office and proper removal of combustibles such as cardboard, paper, or wood can cause unforeseen fires to occur.  

Prevention begins with regular work-site inspections. Check all rooms, from high volume areas to areas that are normally not touched, and open ventilation to see if you have any blockages or buildup of combustible material. Cleaning electronics and equipment of dust and other particles so their vents can run properly. Speaking of electronics…

Electronics and Equipment

Misused, damaged, or faulty electronics and equipment rank the highest in causes for workplace fires. Your company can circumvent this by conducting regular maintenance tests and check-ups on all building electronics. You’ll need to be on the lookout for loose cables, damaged electronics, and overheating appliances that occurred during improper or over usage.

Arson

While not the most common, Arson still carries a large percentile of fires that occur in the workplace. You can reduce the risk of this happening to your business by installing intelligent video fire detection systems as well as up to date security systems for your workplace, like motion-sensor lighting and CCTV. Good security measures will deter potential arsonists.

Human Error

Human error will always happen where there are people. From improper use of equipment and failing to follow health and safety guidelines, to simply errors in judgment, there will be accidents on the job that lead to workplace fires. To help lower the risk probability, make sure all employees take part in regular fire safety programs and use these programs to reinforce protective policies that the company should already have set in place.

Smoking

Roughly 36% of fires (commercial and non-commercial) are caused by smokers’ materials. While banning smoking on the premises will prevent this from happening, your employees who smoke will thank you for taking a less drastic approach. Dedicate a small area outside on your property for smoking. We suggest at least 10 feet away from your building to minimize fire hazards.

Remember these tips are not a one-time deal. You must stay vigilant in keeping your business ready for any disasters that may occur. If tragedy strikes, know that SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids is here for you. We’ll get you business up and running like it never even happened

Common Causes of Household Fires

8/30/2019 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO restore your home to pre-fire condition.

We recently talked to you about common causes of workplace fires and how to prevent them, now it’s time to turn our focus to the place that matters to you most, your home. There are many common causes for fires to occur at home, but the warning signs are visible. Take measures to avoid a fire in your home and ensure the safety of your family. Here are common causes of household fires and how to spot the danger before it happens.

Candles & other lighting
Candles smell amazing and creating fantastic mood lighting, but always blow a candle out before leaving a room. You may leave a room smelling like flowers and come back to it smelling like burnt family possession. Keep candles away from any flammable items such as books and tissue boxes. 

Lampshades and light fittings can build up the heat if they are very close to light bulbs. Check around the house to make sure. Lamp bases can become a hazard if they can be knocked over easily. If this is the case with your lamp base, look into what repairs you can easily do to stabilize it. If you've installed downlights in your house make sure they're insulated from wood paneling or ceiling timbers.

Faulty wiring and electrical equipment placement
An electrical appliance, such as a toaster or vacuum, can start a fire if it is faulty or has a frayed cord. A powerpoint that is overloaded with double adapter plugs can cause a fire from overuse of electricity. A powerpoint extension cord can also be a fire hazard if not used appropriately.

Homes with inadequate wiring can cause fires from electrical hazards. Some signs to see if you’ve bad wiring are:

1) Lights dim if you use another appliance;
2) For an appliance to work, you have to disconnect another;
3) Fuses blow or trip the circuit frequently.

Have a licensed electrician come and inspect your house, or contact your landlord if you have any of the above occurrences.

When you pull out the portable heater in the wintertime, double-check to see any damages that may have happened while in storage. Clean any debris or dust off of the portable heater so they don't catch flame. Keep portable heaters at least 5’ away from anything that could easily catch fire such as furniture, curtains, laundry, and clothes. If you have a furnace, get it inspected once a year to make sure it is working to safety standards.

Cooking
Cooking was the most common causes of household fires. Pots and pans can overheat and cause a fire very easily if the person cooking gets distracted and leaves cooking unattended. Regular stove top cleaning can help keep food debris can reduce the risk of stovetop burners from smoking.

Barbeques are great for an outdoor meal, but should always be used away from the home, tablecloths or any plants and tree branches. Keep BBQs regularly maintained and cleaned with soapy water and clean any removable parts. Check the gas bottle for any leaks before you use it each time.

Smoking in bedrooms
Cooking might be the most common cause of household fires, but did you know that fires started in the bedroom or lounge cause 73% of all house fire fatalities? Bedrooms are best to be kept off-limits for smoking. A cigarette that is not put out properly can cause a flame, as the butt may stay alit for a few hours.T he cigarette bud may cause any flammable object it comes in contact with to combust into flames.

Curious Children
Kids can cause a fire out of curiosity, to see what would happen if they set fire to an object. Keep any matches or lighters out of reach of children, to avoid any curiosity turned disaster. Install a smoke alarm in your child’s room and practice a home escape plan with your children and family in case there was a fire. Inform your kids about the importance of knowing their address and if they needed to, call 911.

The above tips are a good guide to avoiding a fire in your home. If you do have a fire and need assistance with the cleanup, please call SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids!

Signs You Might Have Carpet Mold

8/23/2019 (Permalink)

Don't let carpet mold take control of your home or business, call SERVPRO.

Mold is extremely invasive. Mold thrives in dark, damp places and underneath your carpet is no exception. Not sure if you have mold in your home? Read the list below to learn the five main signs of mold growth!

Do you have a damp carpet?

Any floor that remains damp for more than 24 hours could begin to grow mold. Make sure when liquids are spilled, no matter how small, you clean up properly and check over time to see if mold has grown within the area. If you notice that your carpet has become damp, a common cause is a leak from underneath typically in your basement. If your basement has leaking pipes, there is a high chance that your nearby carpet has mold growth.

Have higher Incidence of allergies that have occurred over time?

Difficulty breathing, asthma, and allergies could be caused by carpet mold in your home. If you have noticed these health problems increase, you might consider the possibility of mold in your carpet.

Do you have musty odors that are smelling throughout your home or business?

This a sure-fire way to know if you have mold in your home! You can do your best to cover up the musty odor with candles and air fresheners, but the problem will persist if mold is present. However, if you spend a lot of time in your home it can be hard to detect a musty odor. Pay close attention to how your visitors react when they step into your home and take note if they mention a musty smell.

Do you see white, green, or black spots that have appeared that were not there before?

If you see these spots on your carpet, then your mold growth has reached an advanced stage. These color patches are caused by the mold growth multiplying onto your carpet.

Have you tested your carpet for mold with a mold test?

Stay on top of mold growth by continually checking underneath your carpet for mold growth. Once you lift your carpet, thoroughly look for discolored flooring/patches, and any musty odors.

There are mold-testing kits available for you to test the airflow across your carpet. If there is mold in your home then the mold spores will land on your testing kit and begin to multiply.

These are five signs that you have mold growing under your carpet! Mold can be tough to eliminate once it begins to grow. Were the answers to these questions a little concerning? Contact SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids today for an exclusive guarantee with our mold testing services for your home or business!

New Equipment!

7/19/2019 (Permalink)

"The Super Hero" is what we call our new TRAILER MOUNT desiccant WITH A 130 Kilowatt Generator and a 5,000 CFM desiccant. This machine has the power of 272 of our regular dehumidifiers!

Why is this equipment so important to you?  

Our goal is to get your business  open for operations as quickly as possible so you do not suffer long term revenue losses and loss of exposure.

Applications include larger buildings such as schools, hotels, hospitals and commercial buildings  that require more dehumidification, to provide environmental control and restorative drying. 

 You name it, this machine can dry it!

Applications Include:
· water damage and remediation
· document drying
· industrial surface preparation for coating
· mold and fungus prevention
· long-term lay-up of industrial equipment
· industrial condensation prevention 
FEATURES:
· 25’ enclosed aluminum trailer
· 130 KW MultiQuip diesel generator
· Provides full 300 amps of single-phase power
· 3 Twist-Lock Connections – simple and safe

If water damage strikes, call the SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids.

How to Build an Emergency Preparedness Kit

7/17/2019 (Permalink)

Essentials for your emergency preparedness kit.

Disasters don’t happen every day, but when they do, you need to be prepared. Every household should have an emergency plan in place to make sure they are ready when disaster strikes.

The best way to be ready for a disaster is to make an emergency preparedness kit. This kit is full of essential items that are needed for you to survive for at least 72 hours. Some important items to consider adding to your kit include the following:

Water

Hydration is key to survival! Ideally, you want 1 gallon of water per person, per day for at least 3 days.

Food

Along with water, you need food to survive! When packing your food be sure to pack non-perishable items in your kit. You should have at least enough food for 3 days, but more is ideal.

Can opener

Packing a can opener might seem random, but with all of the non-perishables you’re packing, you’ll be happy you packed one!

Flashlight & Batteries

If the powers out, the lights are out. Having a flashlight and extra batteries will help brighten up those dark nights.

Hand Crank Radio or Battery Powered Radio

Having one of these on deck will help keep you informed and updated during the disaster.

First-Aid Kit

Having this in your kit will help you be prepared if someone gets injured. Items such as Neosporin, ban-aids, and gauze will be incredibly helpful.

Whistle

This is intended to be a signal for help; 3 blasts from a whistle is an international distress signal. The best place to keep it is on your keychain or taped under a table in your home for easy access.

Matches

Packing matches and emergency slow-burning candles are a great alternative to flashlights. Having a candle burning gives you an additional light source during the disaster.

Dust Mask

Whether you’re dealing with smoke, pollution, or viruses, having a dust mask on hand and decrease your risk of inhaling contaminated air.

Cell Phone with Chargers and a Backup Battery

In this day and age, we heavily rely on our cell phones to communicate with our family and friends. Having a backup battery reassures you that even if the power goes out, you can still use your phone. 

All of these items are essential to your survival during a disaster. Every household should have their emergency preparedness kit ready to go. Make sure that these items are placed in easy-to-carry containers and are labeled, so they are easily identified. Place your kit in a convenient and easy to reach location in your home.

In addition to these items, it’s also important to think about the area in which you live and other items specifically for your needs. For example: prescription medications, infant formula, diapers, wipes, bottles, and pet food/water.

Remember, it’s never too early to buy emergency supplies and prepare for disaster. Natural disasters can happen at any time and affect people all around the world. With this in mind, you should prepare your home just like you are preparing your emergency kit. Here at SERVPRO of Bath, we have unlimited licensed builders with over 40 years of experience repairing damage to buildings just like yours. When disaster strikes, your focus should be on safety. We’ll take care of the repair.

MOLD – Just follow your Nose!

2/5/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids recently held a Continuing Education Class for Realtors on Mold.  SERVPRO offers these Continuing Ed classes to both Insurance and Realtor Professionals Free of Charge.  Realtors from Roanoke Rapids, Lake Gaston, Virginia and surrounding areas gained knowledge on the contributing factors, dangers and remedies for mold and fungus.  SERVPRO Franchise owner and class instructor, Cindy Baldwin emphasized that first it is important to remove the moisture source, make sure the area is completely dry and afterwards a thorough cleaning is in order.  She also warned of the importance of wearing a mask that can filter both fine particles and gas as well as other proper protective equipment.  She explained the biggest indicator of mold is your nose since mold can grow anywhere there is moisture and leaves a musty, bad smell.  Cindy explained there are thousands of kinds of molds and those molds are a part of every environment.

Cindy, along with her husband John Baldwin, also part owner of the Franchise, gave suggestions homeowners can do to prevent mold from getting out of hand included keeping crawlspace vents open year-round and making sure attics have proper ventilation. Since airflow is extremely important, Cindy also said to make sure dryer vents are properly attached and that the air flows to the outside of the house, not under it.

As the class concluded, John and Cindy both demonstrated and discussed the process, equipment and treatments SERVPRO uses for mold remediation.  Feedback from class participants was very positive and indicating they look forward to future classes.

Freezing Temperatures in Eastern NC

1/22/2019 (Permalink)

A single pipe busting can cause a great mess

Weather forecast for Eastern North Carolina predicts freezing temperatures in January-February 2019! Water is one of life's necessities, but frozen water can cause major damage. Water's unique property to expand as it freezes can cause metal or plastic pipes to break.

Pipes that Freeze Most Frequently

• Pipes that are exposed to severe cold, like outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, and water sprinkler lines.
• Water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets.
• Pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insultation.

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

• Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing.
• Let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes.
• Keep the thermostat at the same temperature day and night.
• Set the temperature at 55* if you are going to be away during cold weather.

Hopefully all your efforts to avoid frozen pipes will be successful. BUT is not, you will know it when the pipes begin to thaw! Frozen pipes can quickly cause a lot of damage to your property. When and if this happens, call SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids 24/7. We can make it, "Like it never even happened®."

When Storms or Floods hit, SERVPRO is ready!

7/16/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we can respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Eastern North Carolina, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 208.537.3473

Restoring your Commercial Property after a Water Damage Event

7/16/2018 (Permalink)

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

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

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

About SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids

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

Does your Ronaoke Rapids Home Have A Mold Problem?

7/13/2018 (Permalink)

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a false statement. Think about the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our training, equipment, and knowledge to remediate your mold issue.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today –(252) 537-3473

Reasons to use a Professional

7/12/2018 (Permalink)

After a water disaster has struck your home, it can be hard to imagine your home is even worth the hassle of saving. Here at SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids we want to let you know that there is hope! We understand that water damage can wreak havoc on a home or business. Whether the damage is due to flooding, a pipe bursting or an appliance running incorrectly, the result is the same.  There will always be a mess to clean up in a hurry before the water causes damage and mold begins to form. Once the damage has occurred, the fastest way to remove excess water is to rely upon the services of a local restoration company like SERVPRO that can get to the site quickly and begin a fast water extraction plan. We have industrial grade pumps, wet-vacs, and even mops and buckets to remove the bulk of the standing water.

The faster you call to have your emergency handled, the better the outcome will be.  Every minute/hour that goes by is more time in which your home is potentially “out of commission”. When SERVPRO is there is quickly we can help mitigate the loses and get you back into a safe home environment. Once you contact us, we can begin a full program of restoration.

First, an immediate inspection and assessment of the damage and adjacent areas and then an estimate of the costs involved recovery are given to you. If you agree to the service, the professionals will then extract all of the remaining water in the building, checking especially for voids where water can go without being detected in most cleanup efforts. Our trained staff can make sure the building is completely dry.  The use of moisture meters, infrared cameras and hygrometers enhance our ability to guarantee dryness. When all of the excess water and any mold growth has been taken care of our professionals will clean and restore any furniture or other implements that water has damaged. A full check will be performed to make sure your building has not sustained any structural damage. When you need prompt and efficient service for water damage, SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids is here for you.

Damaged Documents

5/15/2018 (Permalink)

Devastated over your water damaged Family Bible or important papers?

SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids can help! We can vacuum freeze-dry your special documents. You may want your damaged documents restored for sentimental or legal reasons. Often these documents are one-of-a-kind or are irreplaceable. These important papers include family bibles, personal/medical documents, government/business records, personnel files and blue prints.

SERVPRO Document Restoration Service uses the process of sublimation. This process takes frozen documents through temperatures and pressures that turn moisture into vapor. The result is a dry document that can be restored or reused.

Water damage may occur when a basement floods, water damage from about or water from extinguishing a fire. SERVPRO will help you decide which documents to save and which ones to discard. We will box up, freeze and ship your damages papers with the care and security they deserve.

If you have questions about water damaged documents and how we can help, call SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids at (252) 537-3473

Safety Tips for Electrical Fires

5/14/2018 (Permalink)

A recent report from the U.S. Fire Administration shows home electrical fires claim the lives of around 280 Americans each year and can injure over 1,000.

Electrical fires occur most during the winter months due to the increased time spent indoors.  With increased time inside the circuits and electrical cords can become overloaded and also increases the use of lighting, heating and appliances.

Many electrical fires can be avoided if basic safety precautions are taken.  Please read the following safety tips:

• Routinely check your electrical appliance.
• Replace old wires.
• Replace electrical tools or appliance if it overheats, shorts out, causes even small electric shocks, or gives off smoke or sparks.
• Use electrical extension cords wisely; never overload extension cords or wall sockets. 

Don't Forget to Call Your Insurance Agent

5/7/2018 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids today!

If you suffer from a  property loss, your agent will be your ally. 

Your agent is the person who is trained and will help you return your home or business back to normal if you suffer a disaster, like a fire, flood, burst pipe or mold.  

While you may not give your agent much thought over time, SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids interacts with them on a regular basis. 

Insurance agents understand your policies. This alone provides reassurance during a disaster and the mitigation process.  Consider:  your condominium (floors, walls, & ceiling) are soaked by water from a flood in a neighboring unit.  In this case, there likely are more than one policy in effect (Yours, neighbors, and possible the land lords).

During this time all you want is your life to return back to normal.  Your agent will know what is covered and will help get the process of drying, cleaning, and remediation started.

Our team here are SERVPRO Roanoke Rapids lives in the disaster world and we know what to do and who to speak with to minimize the disruption to you. That is why we are such fans of engaged agents. 

IICRC Certified Firm

5/1/2018 (Permalink)

We are in IICRC Certified Franchise.

SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

IICRC Certified Firms must

• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.
• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.
• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.
• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.
• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry.

The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.

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

About SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids

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

Satisfied Customers of SERVPRO Roanoke Rapids

4/27/2018 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids where are customers are our number one priority

We strive every day to ensure that our quality of work is up to the highest standard and we are always so happy to get positive feedback from our customers.

Here are some recent quotes from real customers:

“I would recommend SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids to family and friends.  Their staff kept us informed and had the knowledge on what to do from start to finish. “

“I have heard so many great things about SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids. When I call them they were very impressive when they arrived at our house to fix the water damage.”

“Thank you for holding the course.  SERVPRO did a fantastic job presenting the course material. The course was information packed, thought provoking and memorable.  Your company provides a valuable and much needed service to our community. I am very much interested in taking any future courses you and your team offer. Thank you again!”

If you have water damage from something minor such as a toilet leaking or something major to a pipe bursting and flooding your entire home give us a call at (252)537.3473.  We are a family owned business and know that each job is not simply a job but is someone allowing us to come into their homes during a very stressful time.  One of our main goals is to help make it a little less stressful on you. 

Odor Eaters

3/27/2018 (Permalink)

Are you dealing with smoke odors, pet odors, state-musty odors, tobacco odors, or food and cooking odors? Commercial deodorizers may help fight some airborne pungent odors, but to eliminate other foul odors, it may be necessary to do an ozone treatment. Ozone is used to destroy undesirable smells just about anywhere, in full-time and vacation homes, apartments, basements, nursing homes, cars, trucks, buses, boats, classrooms, locker rooms, and gymnasiums. Ozone is also approved by the FDA to be used in food processing plants to scrub yeast and mold spores from the air because of its great deodorizing and disinfecting abilities.

SERVPRO'S ozone generators are extremely effective because they produces O3 which attacks odors at their source, even if they are clinging to walls, fabrics and ductwork. SERVPRO ozone generators intentionally produce the toxic gas, ozone, that is used for commercial and residential applications. When contaminates such as odors, bacteria or viruses contact ozone, their chemical structure is changed to a less odorous compounds. As more ozone attacks the remaining compounds, they are eventually destroyed. This process is called oxidation. Ozone essentially reverts to harmless oxygen after it is used.

If you or someone you know is living with unwanted odors, call SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids! We are on call to help at 252.537.3473

For Immediate Service in Roanoke Rapids, Call SERVPRO

3/21/2018 (Permalink)

Roanoke Rapids Residents: We provide immediate service 24/7!

SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to any type and size of disaster. We will respond immediately to your emergency and have the knowledge to handle your restoration or cleaning needs. 

We are known for:

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
• Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
• A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
• Locally Owned and Operated
• Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment 

Have Questions? Call us anytime - 252.537.3473

Did You Know There Are Different Types Of Smoke?

2/13/2018 (Permalink)

Smoke damage in a bedroom by a house fire.

Once we know what caused the fire we can start to decide on what equipment and cleaning materials to use in the effective areas. The different types of smoke are below:

Wet Smoke happens when rubber and/or plastic burn.  These types of fires burn at a lower temperature than other types of fires. Since the plastic/rubber burned it will leave behind an overpowering odor and will leave behind a pasty residue.

Dry Smoke occurs when papers and wood are burning. Paper and wood burn very quickly and at a high temperature. These types of fire will cause a lot of damage to the ceilings and even into attics.

Soot smoke this type is when there is a malfunction with the furnace and HVAC system. When this happens, it will put smoke throughout the home through vents. Before cleaning and repairs can happen, the furnace will need to be replaced or repaired.  Then the vents in your home can be cleaned so that left over smoke does not continue to go through your home.  

When you have fire and/or smoke damage in your home don’t worry about what kind of smoke is in your home, SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids can do that for you and repair the damages. 

Pros Of Having Renters Insurance

2/5/2018 (Permalink)

Over 90% of homeowners have an insurance policy on their home however, less than 40% of renters have renters insurance. When a landlord owns the building or home you are living in, they most likely will only have insurance just for the structure but not what is inside.

Unfortunately, your landlord’s property insurance will not help you if a disaster were to strike. Below are a few pros to having renters insurance:

• If your personal belonging have been damaged or stolen, a basic insurance plan will reimburse you for those items.
• Damage caused by a fire or flood will be covered by a renter’s policy. Also, if your apartment or home was severely damaged and was not livable, insurance will pay or help you pay for other living arrangements.

Although you may not be a homeowner, renters insurance provides you with many protections that may be beneficial in the future or in the event of an emergency.  Plans can sometimes be as low as $12 a month.  Here at SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids, we work with your insurance and here to help!  Call us today – 252.537.3493

Fire Safety

1/30/2018 (Permalink)

Replacing a roof truss on one of our clients homes after it had caught fire.

Many of us know fire 101 in our homes. We know not to leave an open flame such as, a candle or gas stove stop unattended. Even though we may feel comfortable with our knowledge of fire safety here are a few tips and reminders:

• Have a fire extinguisher on in your home. Fire extinguishers play a crucial role in protecting your home during the very early stages of fire.
• Avoid overloading your outlets or outlet extenders. They can easily over heat if they are being over used.  Check on your outlets as often as you can.  Make sure to replace any that may be getting worn out or old.
• When doing laundry, remember to empty link tray from dryer on every use. When the lint is not cleaned it can cause the dryer to heat to a higher temperature. Therefore, the machine will have to work harder and also work at a lower efficiently.
• Make sure space heaters are at least 2-3 feet away from furniture, window treatments, bedding, clothing, rugs, and other combustibles. These items can cause a risk of fire if they come in contact with the unit.
• Check to see if smoke alarms are working every month and replace batteries twice a year.

Heating your garage

1/17/2018 (Permalink)

With a winter that has been colder than normal, no one likes to walk out of the comfort of their warm home and into a very cold garage. A few months ago, one of our friends installed a mounted gas heater in his personal home (many other home owners and/or business owners have used space heaters as another option).  The heather has made the space much more enjoyable to be in while working or just simply getting into your car. Even though heaters have many pros, there are a few cons; At times you can become anxious thinking the heater could catch fire. Here are a few tips when having a space heater in your space:

• Do not leave space heaters unattended. If you are not going to be home or going to bed turn off the heater.
• Make sure the heater is in a proper area. One that is staple and no chance of falling over.
• Be sure to check it surrounding areas, check for water or other close items that could cause a problem.

Be wary of frozen pipes

1/10/2018 (Permalink)

The winter weather has been different this time around for North Carolina residents.  With it comes a few joys of children playing in the snow and having days off school. However, there are still plenty of dangers to look out for. Among these dangers are frozen pipes. Running water in your home can easily be taken for granted.  When the water doesn’t seem to want to run through your faucets, it can leave a bigger impact on your personal home and place of business.

Pipes that are most likely to freeze are those that are the homes outdoor lines.  These lines can be for something as simple as your sprinkler system.  To avoid pipes from freezing or bursting here are a few tips:

• Drain water from outdoor pipes before the cold weather arrives in your area
• Monitor your pipes in your kitchen and bathrooms but leaving cabinet doors open to let warmer air circulate.
• Add additional insulation, if needed.
• Keeping your home at a consistent warm temperature 24/7