Recent Water Damage Posts

Why You Want Professional Services For Your Roanoke Rapids Water Damaged Home

8/15/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO IICRC certified technicians have the knowledge and experience for any size water damage restoration project.

Reputable Companies Like SERVPRO Have the Expertise to Perform Water Mitigation in Roanoke Rapids

When water damage happens to your property, you can find yourself in a highly stressful situation. Avoid hiring a company that charges twice the market rate for water damage repairs because this can add to your anxiety. SERVPRO uses cutting-edge technology and equipment to handle water damage in a cost-effective manner.

We have a team of skilled technicians who use innovative techniques to perform water mitigation in Roanoke Rapids homes. At SERVPRO, we also offer:

  • Immediate response to avoid further losses
  • Restoration process free of hiccups.
  • A licensed and well-trained team of restorers.

When you deal with water damage in your Roanoke Rapids property, your repairs may appear to be in good shape at first, but you may see signs of trapped moisture after a while. Consequently, you may have to do more work and recover these costs from your insurance provider, which may be more difficult.

SERVPRO's team of restoration professionals employs advanced drying technology, along with special heaters and dehumidifiers to eliminate remaining moisture. For rapid, successful drying, we can use centrifugal air movers and indirect-fired furnaces to deliver dry air and heat directly to wet materials and to the building's interior structure. The procedure significantly increases evaporation.

Our goal is to dry affected properties within the shortest time possible. The drying process has the chance to take several days, depending on the intensity of the damage. During the drying process, our SERVPRO team can monitor the affected areas of your property closely to ensure that we meet the drying goals.

If not addressed promptly, water damage can reduce your property's value. Contact SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids for reliable restoration to make it "Like it never even happened." Our 24-hour helpline is (252)-537-3473

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. 

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.

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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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®."

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

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