Why Timing is Everything When Your Property is Affected by Water Damage

3/10/2022 (Permalink)

Whether it be flooding, a burst pipe, or a sewer or drain backup, the speed with which water mitigation starts is critical.

Within the first few minutes of a water damage:

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is immersed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Within the first 24 hours:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

Within the first 48 hours to 1 week:

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Wood flooring cups and warps.

Greater than 1 week:

• Restoration time and cost increase significantly therefore, extensive repair & rebuilding may be necessary.
• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants post serious risks to occupants.

In addition, most insurance policies have provisions that require you to take action to prevent further damage from occurring.

Whether you live in Boyd, Carter, Greenup or Lewis Counties or elsewhere, SERVPRO will respond 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. We are faster to any sized disaster.

Water Damage from your Washing Machine

3/10/2022 (Permalink)

Washing machines have been the cause of countless water losses and mold in homes.  SERVPRO of Boyd, Carter, Greenup & Lewis Counties respond to dozens of water and mold losses monthly.

A washing machine can leak into the floors and to the room immediately below causing extensive damage to the floors, drywall, and insulation.  As a rule, every home owner should make a regular habit of checking the drain and hoses from their washing machine to ensure they are dry.

Hard water buildup on the hoses and fittings can also lead to water issues as it is a sign there is damage to the hardware.  In addition to the hoses, look for water on the floor surrounding your machine to ensure the machine it’s self is not leaking.

How to handle water damage

12/20/2021 (Permalink)

A flood can happen anywhere around the home or business and can occur for any number of reasons. Some are old pipes which have finally given up the ghost or have been ruptured by frozen water, faulty seals on a dishwasher or shower unit or external damage to a building during a storm are just a few of the ways a flood can occur.

Water damage to property, whether business or residential premises, can be a disaster if you don't know how to handle it. We are your local professional water damage specialists of Boyd, Carter, Greenup & Lewis Counties, and we will be on hand just when you need us. 
 
Being knee deep in cold water in the middle of the night is something for which few of us are prepared, but which our professional technicians are ready. If you find the worst has happened then stay calm. Take some simple preventative measures to minimize damage to your premises. 
 
Firstly check for any obvious dangers such as electrical equipment or instruments that may cause injuries such as machinery or tools; it may be necessary to isolate the electricity supply. DO NOT handle any electrical equipment. 
 
Secondly take anything that can be quickly moved away from the flood area. Be aware that some things can get heavier when waterlogged such as fabrics, papers, and containers which may collect liquid. 
 
Thirdly contact our trained SERVPRO professionals. When the worst happens, you need to know that the technicians are coming to help you are fully prepared, IICRC certified, with the right equipment and that they will arrive as quickly as possible. Since we are locally owned, you can rest assured that in your moment of need, we will offer reliable advice to help you tackle any problems as our technicians rush to the scene.
 
Water damage can be a stressful issue to grapple with but having a friendly and knowledgeable face available around the clock can mean you have one less thing to worry about. We can stop the flow, extract standing water, dry and remove moisture and restore your home "Like it never even happened." 

Call us today at (606) 836-8000

Water damage from your washing machine

12/13/2021 (Permalink)

Washing machines have been the cause of countless water losses and mold in homes.  SERVPRO of Boyd, Carter, Greenup & Lewis Counties respond to dozens of water and mold losses monthly.

A washing machine can leak into the floors and to the room immediately below causing extensive damage to the floors, drywall, and insulation.  As a rule, every home owner should make a regular habit of checking the drain and hoses from their washing machine to ensure they are dry.

Hard water buildup on the hoses and fittings can also lead to water issues as it is a sign there is damage to the hardware.  In addition to the hoses, look for water on the floor surrounding your machine to ensure the machine it’s self is not leaking.

Mitigation of Water Damage

7/8/2021 (Permalink)

Mitigation Of Water Damage

Large spills and water line breaks can severely affect your Dover property. Smaller intrusions might not gain your attention during their first occurrence. Some smaller leaks grow in size rapidly while others never become larger.

You could also find their homes affected by water damage when gutters malfunction and manage rainwater inefficiently. SERVPRO technicians can help resolve most of these issues, while we rely on trusted partners to assist with more extensive repairs. Regardless of where the water comes in, stopping its flow remains a crucial aspect of successful water damage mitigation.

The ability to stop the water from returning is essential to successful mitigation. We use highly sensitive instruments to help us determine the source of the water affecting and damaging your house. Zooming in on the entry point can also reveal other areas with water damage. We mitigate these also, removing damaged materials and cleaning up the grime that often develops in areas affected in this manner.

Small leaks in water lines can cause a small increase in your water bill every month, but the real cost involves the damage affecting your home. When materials crumble and fall apart, they can also create debris that clogs vacuum cleaners and pose a choking hazard to young toddlers. Vermin can also use openings in your home's exterior to make their nests and become a severe nuisance. Closing up these holes also prevents such infestations from continuing.

After we mitigate water damage and restore your home, we encourage our customers to contact us again in the event any signs of water damage reappear. While this remains unlikely in the physical sense, odors can develop in homes that have sustained water damage. Our Odor Control Technician (OCT) can help resolve this problem quickly and make your home smell “Like it never even happened.”

Water Damage Can Cause Problems!

7/1/2021 (Permalink)

When you have unwanted water from a flood or a pipe burst, a quick response is key! If water is not extracted and is not dried out in a timely manner, the water damage can cause mold. In order to limit the growth of mold in your home, you must control how much moisture is in your home. Within 24 to 48 hours a thorough clean-up and drying, and possible removals of water-damaged materials, such as drywall, carpeting, and padding, can prevent or limit mold growth. SERVPRO of Boyd, Carter, Greenup & Lewis Counties Professionals are highly trained to dry down an affected area and to safely and effectively to control and remove and mold contaminants while protecting the health and safety of any occupants that are in the building.

The Importance of Professional Water Damage Restoration

1/16/2021 (Permalink)

Imagine coming home from work or even vacation to a flooded home, thanks to a faulty mechanism in your washing machine. You are ready to pull your hair out! You know you need help now because those hardwood floors will absorb a lot of water, as will the lower portion of your walls. If left untreated, water damage can lead to mold and mildew problems, as well as cause structural weakness to the damaged areas.
 
Trying to repair the water damage yourself to your home may end up making the problem even worse. Our professional techs at SERVPRO know all too well the damages water can do to your home. We have all the equipment needed to dry your walls and floors before that damage becomes permanent.
 
We also know that problems can happen anytime - day or night; this is the reason we offer our customers 24-Hour Emergency Services. We understand you need immediate professional help after your home is flooded.
 
SERVPRO is a locally owned and operated business with professionally trained technicians. Our techs are skilled in water restoration, mold remediation, carpet and furniture cleaning, as well as any other cleaning that may be needed. We know how to assess the problem and get the job done quickly and efficiently.

Our techs have all the knowledge, experience, and tools they need to restore your property correctly. We use four factors to help determine how long it will take to dry your home:

• Temperature: needs to be kept between 70 and 90 degrees.
• Humidity: ideally between 30% and 60%.
• Extraction of Water: the more that can be removed, the better.
• Air Movement: need to steadily move wet air away from wet surfaces.

We finish each job by providing our customers with documents proving the property is restored to its preloss condition. SERVPRO works with you and your insurance company, providing you with any paperwork you need to process your claim. 

No matter what time of day or night, when an emergency happens, you can trust SERVPRO to respond to your water removal needs quickly. It's nice to know that someone has your back when a crisis strikes.
 
Contact SERVPRO of Boyd, Carter, Greenup, and Lewis Counties for more information about restoring your water damaged home. Our IICRC certified technicians can arrive promptly. (606) 836-8000.

Less Than One Day Before Damage Starts

1/14/2021 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO® of Boyd, Carter, Greenup and Lewis Counties we want to do what we can to help you be ready in case of a water damage in your home from such things as a burst pipe or clogged toilet.  Quick response is essential to limiting water damage in your home.  Many people tend to think that water cannot cause that much damage or that it will dry on its own if they just leave it alone, but that will cause secondary damages.

The faster you act, the better you can minimize the damage (and cost). If disaster should ever strike make sure to call the SERVPRO team of Boyd, Cater, Greenup and Lewis Counties, we are eager to serve our community, and are ready 24/7 365 at (606) 836-8000.

#SERVPRO #LikeItNeverEvenHappened #HereToHelp #NATLPREP

How Efficient is SERVPRO’s Moisture Extraction Process?

10/27/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technicians are thoroughly trained in water extraction with tools like truck-mounted extraction units, wands, pumps, rover vacuums, and mops. Moisture extraction accelerates the structural drying process by as much as 1,222%, which is crucial in sudden, high-volume water damage situations like a dishwasher overflow. 

Wand extractors are the tool of choice for preventing moisture migration before moving on to other devices. 

The extraction process may require multiple passes to prepare a space for structural drying. 

Most extraction units feature heater, pump, and vacuum systems to address water-damaged upholstery and carpeting. However, for most water damage mitigation purposes, only the vacuum portion is used. 

SERVPRO of Boyd, Carter Greenup & Lewis Counties can keep your property looking, "Like it never even happened." Contact your local disaster cleanup team at (606)-836-8000 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Can Water Damage Repair Professionals Restore My Home's Hardwood Floors?

10/27/2020 (Permalink)

No Homeowner Wants to Lose Beautiful Hardwood Floors to Water Damage -- Repair Strategies Are Successful When SERVPRO Is on the Job.

A water incursion can happen for a vast number of reasons: overflowing sinks, broken plumbing, clogged condensation drains in AC units, the rain blowing through open doors or windows, malfunctioning appliances, and more. You hope all that is needed in your home is a mop-up and maybe a visit from the plumber, and all will be good again. Why do you believe you dodged a more significant disaster? The water covering your floor seems to be gone, so you were the lucky one, right?

Where Does the Water Go After Flowing Across My Hardwood Floors?

You are not alone in your hope that water damage repair to your home is unnecessary. One of the most insidious and unexpected characteristics of water damage is its ability to hide from visual inspections, even by experts. A frequent place where water uses its disappearing ability is on -- and in -- hardwood floors.

Why Are Hardwood Floors Susceptible to Significant Water Damage?

The basic construction of a hardwood floor, seen in a cross-section, illuminates the pathways of water migration well. Several layers make up the floor, and the water has little trouble percolating down through them. Older floors, treasured for their burnished patina, were usually constructed quite simply:

Floor joists supporting the upper building materials

Subfloor, usually made of a plywood-type material, and unfinished, one layer up from the joists

Strips and planks of hardwood installed top-side often finished with stains and sealants on the visible side, but unfinished on the edges and bottom

Newer hardwood floors might have additional layers added for resilience, creating a softer feel when walking. The water is still able to seep down between the edges and the joints between sections to reach porous materials below.

Does the Water Dry Out in the Under Layers?

SERVPRO crews often find homeowners mystified as to the reasons for their hardwood floors damage. After a spill or flooding, you cannot assume that water simply drains away or dries out quickly wherever it lands.

Where Does Water Hide and How Does the Hidden Water Hurt Your Hardwood Floor?

Do not be caught in this situation, as your seemingly dry floor will begin to show “signature” hardwood damage patterns. The unfinished wood products under the hardwood layer absorb the water readily and need some professional assistance in facilitating evaporation. As they absorb the water, they swell, putting pressure on the upper hardwood flooring. Even more importantly, they provide a ready source of moisture that the unfinished bottoms and edges of the strips and planks wick up. This moisture causes the hardwood to distort or warp as well, creating the following commonly seen damage:

Cupping -- the edges of each piece of hardwood push up, resulting in the center of each plank or strip looking as though it is the bottom of a “cup” in cross-section

Crowning -- the center of each plank or strip swells, (sometimes later because of over-drying)

Buckling -- the damage is severe enough to force the hardwood to disengage from the subfloor and to curve away at joints

What Can Be Done to Save Hardwood Floors When the Underlying Layers Are Wet?

One crucial point is to call on professionals immediately, even if you cannot see the damage. Our technicians use various moisture detection and metering devices to locate and evaluate the severity of water absorption in the substrate of your floor. Then we act quickly to dry all layers to average moisture levels for your region and in unaffected areas of your home. When we determine where the moisture is trapped, we consider from among the following interventions:

Reducing the relative humidity to 30% to 45%

Positioning air movers to direct air floor both under and over the hardwood

Use floor mats (flat plastic that seals to the floor and attaches to hoses connected to extractors) to pull moisture through several layers

Adjust room temperature to increase evaporation

Floor finishes acting as vapor barrier might be removed or perforated with a pin roller

If accessible, dry the floor from the story beneath -- remove ceiling tiles for better flow

When water damage threatens to ruin your home’s floors, SERVPRO of Boyd, Carter, Greenup & Lewis Counties is there for you with research-based solutions. Reduce the stress and worry of water loss with a call to (606) 836-8000 -- We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Choosing The Right Company Matters

12/11/2019 (Permalink)

When the aftermath of a storm, fire or any other type of disaster strikes your life, it can be extremely devastating. It’s hard to know what to do and where to begin when trying to pick up the pieces. If there is significant damage to your home, the thought of the cleanup process can be overwhelming. You may find yourself frequently asking if you should do the cleanup yourself to save the cost of hiring a professional. How hard could it be? The cleanup and restoration process after a disaster is a huge job and defiantly not as simple as a DIY job. Many factors need to be considered and many hidden dangers that can get worse if not handled properly. Here are the reasons why it’s best to hire a professional restoration company after a disaster has struck your home.

Smoke and Fire Damage

On the surface, smoke damage doesn’t seem that bad. You may assume that you could probably use a household cleaner to get rid of any marks or stains. However, the danger of smoke damage isn’t necessarily about what you can see, but what you can’t see. Smoke particles are very fine and have a knack for settling into the small crack and crevices of your home. If not removed, the burnt smell can linger in your home for a long period of time, and in some cases permanently. These smoke particles can also irritate your lungs and cause health problems if not cleaned up properly.

Respiratory issues have been found to be associated with the improper treatment of smoke damage. Knowing which areas of your home have been damaged by smoke can very difficult. This is due to some smoke particles being microscopic which can be invisible to the naked eye. With every breath you take, you can be inhaling soot and smoke particles. The air can contain toxic elements that can severely damage your lungs. You may notice that you are coughing or wheezing for no particular reason.

Eye irritation can also be a result of smoke exposure. Fine smoke particles can cause you to have a burning sensation in your eyes. In some extreme cases, the eyes may even swell and it can affect your vision. Seek medical attention if this occurs.

Flood Damage

Flooding can cause extensive damage to your home. The water not only can saturate and destroy your home and its contents but also threaten it with secondary damages such as mold damage. Once the water has receded, you may assume that mopping up the water and placing some fans to dry the area is sufficient enough to keep damage at bay, but depending on the extent of the damage your home may need more than that.  A professional restoration company can accurately assess the damage and create the most efficient mitigation plan to turn your house into a home again. Quickly addressing water damage greatly reduces secondary damaged from occurring.

Water damage left unaddressed may cause mold damage which can occur in as little as 48 hours after water entered your home. Drywall and flooring are particularly susceptible to water damage due to their porous materials. A professional restoration company can make sure that all building materials in your home are cleaned thoroughly and efficiently to minimize the amount of your property need to be discarded or replaced.

Mold is silent and often rears its ugly head after flooding. If the moisture is not removed completely, mold can easily develop, multiply and infest your home. As it grows, it releases spores into the air that can be inhaled by the occupants of the house. These spores can cause serious health problems, especially for those who already have respiratory issues such as asthma. People with allergies, infants, children and the elderly are especially at risk of being harmed by the presence of mold. Every inch of the flooded area must be properly dried and sanitized so that mold is not allowed to prosper.

Safety

Whether you have experienced damage from fire, flood, broken pipe or another natural disaster, safety should always be the number one concern. If you have not had a professional assess the damage to your home, there could be a ticking time bomb just waiting to cause havoc in your home. It might be that your floor has been weakened during flooding and it could collapse. Not to mention the damaging effect on your health associated with mold or smoke exposure. After a storm, your roof may be left vulnerable and a quick repair might be all that you need to avoid extreme and costly damages. Having your home properly cleaned and restored by a professional will help keep you and your family safe.

The damaged by a natural disaster or a fire is upsetting and stressful enough. It can be hard to think of spending money on repairs and restoration when you think that you may be able to do it yourself. However, the money should be considered an investment. You are investing in the health and safety of yourself and your family, the structural integrity of your home and the contents within. If you have been affected by a disaster, call a SERVPRO of Boyd, Carter, Greenup & Lewis Counties professionals today to get your home quickly restored.

The Weather Outside Is Frightful

12/11/2019 (Permalink)

But The Snow Is So Delightful

The splendor of seasonal snowfall is a beautiful sight to see, but something sinister is sneaking behind those flakes…snowmelt.  Dramatic temperature swings are a common occurrence. When periods of significant snowfall are amongst these weather patterns the risk of home and property damage from snow accumulation intensifies. Snow tends to accumulate in areas that are not often impacted by rainfall which can expose vulnerabilities in roofs, walls, and foundations. When repeated instances of freeze and thaw occur the opportunity for devastation increases dramatically. Here are a few tips that might protect your home from the abdominal snowmelt.

• Remove snow from around your home: snow accumulation near your foundation, windows, and doors can leak into your home once it starts to melt. Remember to shovel any decks, driveways or patios that slope towards your home.
• Check your roof and gutters: consider hiring a professional to remove the snow from your roof so that water run-off is at a minimum once temperatures rise. If that's not possible, be sure that your gutters are clear so that the water will have a path away from your home. If possible, attach a sloped leader to your downspout that leads run-off at least 10ft from your home.
• Test your sump pump: if water does get into your basement, you want to be sure it is taken care of quickly. Before the snow starts to melt, test your sump pump and your sump pump discharge pipe to ensure it's in working order.
• Clear snow from drainage areas: storm drains and catch basins can often get clogged with snow — if you can do so safely, clearing snow from these areas can help keep water away from your home.
• Rearrange your storage: in case water does get into your basement, be sure to keep any valuables, chemicals, or anything else you'd like to keep dry off the floor.
• Check your appliances: clear out space around your water heater, furnace, and other appliances. If possible, raising your washer and dryer off the floor could help protect from water damage.
• Don't try to do too much: getting on ladders or your roof at any time of the year is a risky proposition, even more so when there is snow involved. Clearing snow and gutters is important in the prevention of water damage, but be sure to use a professional to handle any dangerous situations.

Water Damage Can Cause Mold

12/11/2019 (Permalink)

When you have unwanted water from a flood or a pipe burst, a quick response is key! If water is not extracted and is not dried out in a timely manner, the water damage can cause mold. In order to limit the growth of mold in your home, you must control how much moisture is in your home. Within 24 to 48 hours a thorough clean-up and drying, and possible removals of water-damaged materials, such as drywall, carpeting, and padding, can prevent or limit mold growth. SERVPRO of Boyd, Carter, Greenup & Lewis Counties Professionals are highly trained to dry down an affected area and to safely and effectively to control and remove and mold contaminants while protecting the health and safety of any occupants that are in the building.

How Landscaping Can Help Protect a Home From Flooding

12/10/2019 (Permalink)

Many homeowners think of landscape design as a way to improve the aesthetics of their property and enhance their enjoyment of the surrounding nature, but landscaping can also help protect a home from flooding. Outside flooding can destroy the lawn and garden around a house and increases the risk of water damage inside the home. These three tips can help you decrease your chances of flooding.

1. Make Sure Water Drains Away From the House

It’s important to check your downspout before the rainstorm comes. Not only do you want to look for and repair any damages, but you should also ensure that water drains away from the house. In addition to the standard downspouts used in home construction, there are also ornamental rain drainage systems that can help direct the water even further away from the house. Diverting this water to a garden bed, or another porous surface can also help prevent flooding.

2. Check That Rain Water Has Somewhere To Go

Outside flooding occurs when rainwater does not have a clear path to a drainage source or when water cannot be absorbed into the ground around the house. As part of your landscaping, you can install other drainage sources such as sub-surface drains or catch basins. You could also install a dry streambed or a swale on a sloped surface to create a path for the water to flow away from the house. 

3. Ensure That Your Mulch Can Withstand Heavy Rains

Lightweight mulch can easily float away in a rainstorm. This mulch is harder to clean up after a storm, and during a storm, it can clog drains and result in flooding. Using heavier mulch that stays in place may help avoid these problems.

Addressing Your Water Loss

8/12/2019 (Permalink)

Whenever a homeowner has a water loss, it is important to understand the damage the water can do, and how to asses it properly. One of the first things that SERVPRO does after meeting the homeowner is to inspect all affected materials in all affected areas. This allows us to gauge what is wet and how wet the material actually is. SERVPRO technicians use moisture meters and thermal cameras to map out the wet area. Most homeowners don’t own this equipment so they may not be able to see the full damage, but it is possible to get a general idea if one knows what to look for and understands how water travels.

Having the appropriate equipment and tools are essential for the quality of work performed. We see many homeowners extract water with a wet vac and place office fan’s around the wet area. This is a great start to prevent further damage, but the equipment used will not have the same efficiency as ours. When SERVPRO needs to remove a material we are trained on removing it in a specific way. We want to make the repair as easy and as quick as possible. 

Depending on what material we are trying to dry and the saturation level of the material could call for a specialized drying plan with more equipment than the traditional box fan and dehumidifier. Our goal is to get all 10’s with the customer satisfaction survey. Assessing the damage correctly and having the correct equipment is a must.  Meeting the expectations makes the mitigation process faster and cheaper.

Avoiding A Water Loss When You're Not Home

8/12/2019 (Permalink)

No matter what time of year it is, if you’re going to be away from your home for an extended amount of time – even just overnight – it’s a smart idea to turn off your water until you return home. Why? Because it doesn’t take very much water to cause a whole lot of damage! If your pipes freeze and burst while you’re gone, or if a washer hose ruptures or a supply line leaks, major water damage can occur! There are a few things you can do before heading out of town to give you peace of mind when it comes to the state of your home’s water.

Shut off the Main Water Valve

Your safest bet is to turn off the main water valve. Make sure the adults in your home know where the main shutoff valve is and know how to turn it on and off. (Knowing this will also come in handy if you’re at home during an emergency, so the water can quickly be shut off!) Locate the main water valve near your water meter usually located in the basement, near the front of the house, attached to the outside of the home’s exterior, or in an underground box in the yard.

There are two types of main shutoff valves. You’ll probably find what’s called a “gate valve” if you’re in an older home. Turn the rounded handles a certain number of times to open or close the valve. The “ball valve” is more common today. Turn the lever-like handle 90 degrees to turn the water on or off. If this valve crosses the pipes, it’s closed; if it’s parallel to them, it’s open.

Test shutting off the valve ahead of time by locating the main shutoff valve, turning it off, and running a faucet. If no water comes out, you’ve successfully turned off your home’s water supply!

Turn off Individual Water Valves

But what if you’re leaving during the summer and you can’t turn off your entire water supply because you have automatic sprinklers? If this is the case, you can simply turn off individual water valves to the water sources with the highest damage risk. These sources include the dishwasher, washing machine, and ice-maker. Individual shutoff valves tend to be located directly on the supply lines leading to most appliances, including toilets and faucets. Usually, this will be a small rounded handle that you’ll turn clockwise. Doing this will turn off the water to that source. (Take note that the ice-maker shutoff valve may be under the sink or in the basement!)

If you’ll be shutting off individual water supplies, it’s a good idea to kill two birds with one stone and check your supply lines themselves. They can become weak over time, resulting in leaks, cracks, or bulging. If you notice these or other forms of corrosion, you may want to repair or replace them before leaving.

Turn off Water Supply to Outdoor Faucets

If you’re leaving during the colder seasons, it’s a good idea to also shut off the water to your outdoor faucets as well. Their shutoff valve will most likely be located inside your house. Shut it off before you head out the door. Once you’ve shut off the valve, turn on the exterior faucet to drain any excess water. And remember to detach the hoses, too!

Understanding Water Types

2/26/2019 (Permalink)

When your home or business suffers a water damage, understanding what type of water you are dealing with is critical to ensuring proper cleanup.

   There are three types of water.  Clean water is water from a broken pipe, or other water source; rainwater is also considered clean.  The term gray water is used to classify slightly contaminated water.  Clean water becomes gray water when left untreated allowing bacteria and other contaminants to begin growing, making the water hazardous.  Black water is highly contaminated and filled with fungi, bacteria, chemicals and more.  Black water is typically caused by sewage damage, flooding or any type of natural disaster.  Black water should always be handled by trained professionals.  

  Considering taking the following precautions to help minimize damage or prevent further damage while waiting for help to arrive.

Damage from Clean Water

· Shut off the water source if possible or contact a qualified professional to do so.

· Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building if access to the power distribution panel as safe from potential electrical shock.  Do not enter rooms with standing water, as electrical shock hazards may exist.

· Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting.  Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and table top items.

· Remove and prop up upholstery cushions to allow more even drying. 

· Move any paintings, art objects, computers, documents and other valuable items that may be sensitive to moisture to a safe place. 

· Do not leave books, magazines, newspapers or other colored items on wet carpet or floors as they may cause staining.

· Do not use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water as there is potential for electrical shock or causing damage to the vacuum cleaner

· Do not turn ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet; do not enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from the retained water.

Damage from Contaminated Water

· Avoid all contact with sewage and items contaminated by sewage.  Wash your hands thoroughly if you come in contact with contaminated items.

· Do not walk through contaminated areas, as you could spread damage to unaffected areas.

· Do not turn on the HVAC system if there is a possibility of spreading contaminated air.

· Discard any food and/or products for personal hygiene and cleanliness if exposed to the contaminated areas.

  When you have water damage, don't leave your property to chance. Call SERVPRO of Boyd, Carter, Greenup & Lewis Counties to help you make it "Like it never even happened."

Mitigation Of Water Damage

12/10/2018 (Permalink)

Mitigation Of Water Damage

Large spills and water line breaks can severely affect your Dover property. Smaller intrusions might not gain your attention during their first occurrence. Some smaller leaks grow in size rapidly while others never become larger.

You could also find their homes affected by water damage when gutters malfunction and manage rainwater inefficiently. SERVPRO technicians can help resolve most of these issues, while we rely on trusted partners to assist with more extensive repairs. Regardless of where the water comes in, stopping its flow remains a crucial aspect of successful water damage mitigation.

The ability to stop the water from returning is essential to successful mitigation. We use highly sensitive instruments to help us determine the source of the water affecting and damaging your house. Zooming in on the entry point can also reveal other areas with water damage. We mitigate these also, removing damaged materials and cleaning up the grime that often develops in areas affected in this manner.

Small leaks in water lines can cause a small increase in your water bill every month, but the real cost involves the damage affecting your home. When materials crumble and fall apart, they can also create debris that clogs vacuum cleaners and pose a choking hazard to young toddlers. Vermin can also use openings in your home's exterior to make their nests and become a severe nuisance. Closing up these holes also prevents such infestations from continuing.

After we mitigate water damage and restore your home, we encourage our customers to contact us again in the event any signs of water damage reappear. While this remains unlikely in the physical sense, odors can develop in homes that have sustained water damage. Our Odor Control Technician (OCT) can help resolve this problem quickly and make your home smell “Like it never even happened.”

Faster to Any Size Disaster

12/3/2018 (Permalink)

In many cleaning and restoration situations, immediate action is needed. With over 1,700 U.S. and Canadian Franchise locations, SERVPRO is strategically positioned to be faster to any size emergency. An immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Water is particularly invasive, quickly spreading throughout your property and being absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, etc. SERVPRO of Farmington & Farmington Hills arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately.

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants

Water in your Crawl Space?

12/3/2018 (Permalink)

Water in your crawl space can cause damage to your home 

Excessive moisture in a crawl space can cause your foundation supports to warp and lose their structural integrity. 

Excessive moisture can promote the growth of Mold and Mildew.

Standing water can attract pests and small animals. 

What to do when you have water in your crawl space

Have a professional inspect your crawl space for foundation cracks and broken pipes.

Dry out the crawl space by removing the excess water and moisture. 

Clean up the crawl space by removing debris and wet insulation.

When to Call A Professional

Water mitigation is not a challenging task, but it is hard, physical labor. You might want to consider the following:

A crawl space that is between 4 feet and 5 feet high is considered tall. Even such a tall crawlspace is very difficult to move around in. Many crawl spaces are lower than this.

Tight Access Point of entry makes it difficult to work in the crawl space. There may be only one small door that allows access to the crawl space, and can sometimes be in an inconvenient area, such as a bedroom closet or kitchen pantry floor.

Warning:  Rodents can often get into the crawl space.  Their droppings can contain harmful bacteria.

Have Water Damage?

Call SERVPRO of Boyd, Carter, Greenup & Lewis Counties (606) 836-8000

A Water Damage can be devastating - Who should you call?

12/3/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Boyd, Carter, Greenup & Lewis Counties Professionals are available 24/7.  We are 24 hour emergency service company.  When you have a water damage, whether it is on a holiday or the middle of the night, we have Professional Technicians that are ready to help you clean up the mess. 

Our IICRC Certified Technicians will walk you through your loss, helping you understand the claims process and how to help you dry out your water damage. Then we can begin services to remove the water and affected contents.  We will then use air movers and dehumidifiers to remove the remaining water.  Finally, we will clean and sanitize restorable items and structures that were damaged by the water.

Call a Professional to help clean up a Drain Back up

12/3/2018 (Permalink)

A mop and common household cleaning products may not be enough for black water intrusions. SERVPRO of Boyd, Carter, Greenup & Lewis Counties technicians are trained to safely clean and restore your customers home, utilizing the following procedures: 

-Identify the Source/Type of Water

-Measure Temperature and Humidity for Drying Analysis

-Survey the Extent of Damage and Inspect the Premises

-Perform Emergency Water Extraction

-Move and Block Furniture

-Provide Floor Service

-Inspect Carpet pad/Carpet and Provide Service

-Apply Necessary Treatments (Disinfectants/Deodorization) 

-Utilize Drying Equipment and Monitor Drying 

-Dispose of Debris 

Emergency Mitigation means that under normal circumstances, SERVPRO technicians are on-site within four hours to begin drying and decontaminating your customers home and restorable contents. 

Abiding by OSHA guidelines and all applicable health regulations, SERVPRO technicians remove moisture, sewage, and contaminants, disinfecting and deodorizing as they safely clean your customers home and restorable belongings. 

We make it "Like it never even happened." 

Some Facts About Water

11/6/2018 (Permalink)

When it comes to water damage to a residential or commercial property, there is more than meets the eye.

Here are some water facts and figures as they pertain to the restoration industry:

1. Water is capable of dissolving a variety of different substances. In fact, water is known as the “universal solvent” because it dissolves more substances than any other liquid.

2. A sheet of drywall standing upright with its edge sitting in a ½” of water can wick water up to 6 inches in less than three hours.

3. Mold typically begins to grow in 24 to 48 hours in an untreated moist environment.

4. A good indication of a failing hot water heater is a puddle of water underneath it, indicating a slow leak, or rusted or corroded fittings on the top of the heater. If you don’t investigate the leak ASAP, you may quickly flood your home because water heaters are under a great deal of water pressure.

5. There are three categories of water contamination defined in the restoration industry:

• Category One – Water from a clean water source with no substantial risk of causing sickness or discomfort. Examples include water from a broken water supply pipe or an overflowing bath tub.
• Category Two – Water that has a significant degree of chemical, biological, and/or physical contamination. Examples include water from aquariums, dishwasher or clothes washer leaks, and water entering the structure from below grade. Discharged Category One water that sits untreated more for more than 24 hours becomes Category Two.
• Category Three – Water emanating from a grossly unsanitary source or carrying disease causing agents. Examples include discharges from sewer or septic systems/pipes and flood waters. Discharged Category One water that sits more for more than 48 hours becomes Category Three. Discharged Category Two water that sits more for more than 24 hours becomes Category Three.

When Water Heaters Behave Badly!

11/5/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Boyd, Carter, Greenup & Lewis Counties Counties is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for water emergencies, large or small.  When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial.  A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

When a water heater bursts all the water inside can wreak havoc on flooring, drywall, and personal belongings.  It is very important to give SERVPRO a call right away since within just a few days of a water damage mold can and will begin to grow.  SERVPRO of Boyd, Carter, Greenup & Lewis Counties is here to make it "Like it never even happened."  

Take Precautions

11/1/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Boyd, Carter, Greenup & Lewis Counties are Professionals that handle water damages every day and know prompt action is required to prevent mold growth.  Mold is more likely to spread in your home or business when an environment has been subject to moisture for a long period of time.  If your property has sustained a recent water damage, it is vital to remove excess water and dry the structure promptly.  If there is an ongoing moisture problem in the building, it is important to be alert for:

• The presence of visible mold.
• Strong musty odors which may indicate mold is present.
• Any evidence of past moisture problems that might have caused undetected mold growth.
• Excessive humidity.

Common Signs that Water Damage is Lurking in Your Home.

11/1/2018 (Permalink)

Water damage is among the most common causes of property damage claims. One in every 50 insured homes will have a water-related property claim. The possible causes of water damage lurking in your home can originate from many different sources, with varying intensities, danger levels, and reach of damage. Even a well-maintained residence can have unexpected water damage including, a leaky dishwasher or sink, broken pipe(s), an overflowing washing machine, an old leaky roof, flood or storm damage and foundation cracks. If you see signs that water damage is lurking in your home, SERVPRO of Boyd, Carter, Greenup & Lewis Counties is always here to help!

Water spots under sink cabinets

If you see water under the bathroom or kitchen sink it’s a warning sign that you have water damage and potential mold growth around the sink area. If the leak is bad enough, it could cause additional damage to the building structure, including the floor and walls, even if there’s no water present, water spots clearly indicate that pipes under the sink have a slow leak.

Ceiling and wall stains

Ceiling and wall stains are obvious signs of a roof, appliance, or plumbing leak, water saturates insulation and drywall, it can also lead to major water damage, that can compromise the structural integrity of the property. Check your roof for damage, broken tiles or puddling, also investigate appliances such as the washing machine, dishwasher, and toilets for leaky spigots that could be dripping water and causing damage.

Mold growth

Mold needs water to grow, so it’s common to find mold in consistently damp locations—and finding mold is never a good thing, since it means your air quality is suffering. In fact, sensitive individuals may experience unpleasant symptoms such as aggravated allergy symptoms, cold-like issues, and more.

Squishy kitchen/bathroom tiles

Water damage is not always visible. In fact, it’s more common for damage to occur behind the floor, ceiling, and walls where you can’t see it. Since the bathroom is the most humid room in your home, it’s a common place for water damage and mold growth.

Standing water

Many things can cause water to pool in unlikely places, including a broken pipe or flooding. If you find standing water, it’s important to seek water damage remediation as quickly as possible. Ignoring the problem could lead to greater damage to your home’s structural integrity and air quality.

When you are dealing with water damage, call in the experts to help! SERVPRO of Boyd, Carter, Greenup & Lewis Counties can respond immediately and use advanced equipment and techniques to remove the water quickly. We closely monitor and document the drying process to verify your property is dried properly and thoroughly.

Tips to prevent water damage and mold

8/13/2018 (Permalink)

The damage of water can leave devastation in its wake creating what seems like an endless amount of damage. But if not handled correctly, mold damage that can be even more dangerous. Here are a few tips and pointers on how to protect your home from water damage and the growth of mold.

When using everyday appliances such as sinks, toilets and showers, it is important you as a homeowner understand the early signs of leaks or the growth of mold. If inspecting a shower or bathtub, look for soft spots or cracks that may indicate a leak or a growth in mold. When inspecting sinks, check the water supply or drain pipe for any signs disjointed pipes.

To further ensure the safety of your home, here are more short tips on safety with mold and water damage:

• Ensure you know where the water shutoff valve is
• Mold will start to grow within twenty-four hours of water damage
• If water heater is more than fifteen years old inspect it to make sure there is no rust damage or leaks coming from it

If your home has mold or water damage call us at: (606)-836-8000

Washing Machine Malfunctions

8/13/2018 (Permalink)

Washing Machine Malfunctions Can Flood Your Home

Many homeowners throughout the New Orleans area are familiar with the possibility of disasters like flooding striking at any time throughout the year. With the potential for hurricanes and severe weather systems, residents remain on high alert for the conditions to get met to pose this level of threat to their residence. Unfortunately, this risk is not the only kind of flooding that can occur in your house.

The washing machine in your home got designed to make your life easier. As this appliance ages, however, it can begin to degrade and malfunction in unexpected ways. Even something as basic in the machine as a bushing around the drum or a damaged water level sensor can lead to the need for water removal services for your New Orleans house.

The critical thing to remember among a current disaster like this is to act quickly to secure the help you need to restore the damage. Our SERVPRO professionals can respond rapidly to the problem, which can help you to mitigate losses while the initial assessment of the damage occurs. Our technicians can also cut off the water supply to the appliance if you have not already done this by the time we arrive.

While we cannot fix the washing machine that allowed the mess to occur, we can work quickly to extract and dry the affected areas. Our thermal imagery can show our SERVPRO team present water pooling and dampness in spaces like wall cavities. These areas could get dried with specialized equipment like our injectidry system, but it might also require removal of portions of drywall or paneling to allow industrial air movers and dehumidifiers to resolve the issue.

In the event of substantial water emergencies, you need to have a plan in place to protect your home from the damages it can sustain. The longer that you wait to resolve the issue, the worse it often becomes. Don't hesitate to contact out to our professionals at SERVPRO of Boyd, Carter, Greenup & Lewis Counties. Our emergency response team is standing by now at: (606) 836-8000

How to handle water damage

12/6/2017 (Permalink)

A flood can happen anywhere around the home or business and can occur for any number of reasons. Some are old pipes which have finally given up the ghost or have been ruptured by frozen water, faulty seals on a dishwasher or shower unit or external damage to a building during a storm are just a few of the ways a flood can occur.

Water damage to property, whether business or residential premises, can be a disaster if you don't know how to handle it. We are your local professional water damage specialists of Boyd, Carter, Greenup & Lewis Counties, and we will be on hand just when you need us. 
 
Being knee deep in cold water in the middle of the night is something for which few of us are prepared, but which our professional technicians are ready. If you find the worst has happened then stay calm. Take some simple preventative measures to minimize damage to your premises. 
 
Firstly check for any obvious dangers such as electrical equipment or instruments that may cause injuries such as machinery or tools; it may be necessary to isolate the electricity supply. DO NOT handle any electrical equipment. 
 
Secondly take anything that can be quickly moved away from the flood area. Be aware that some things can get heavier when waterlogged such as fabrics, papers, and containers which may collect liquid. 
 
Thirdly contact our trained SERVPRO professionals. When the worst happens, you need to know that the technicians are coming to help you are fully prepared, IICRC certified, with the right equipment and that they will arrive as quickly as possible. Since we are locally owned, you can rest assured that in your moment of need, we will offer reliable advice to help you tackle any problems as our technicians rush to the scene.
 
Water damage can be a stressful issue to grapple with but having a friendly and knowledgeable face available around the clock can mean you have one less thing to worry about. We can stop the flow, extract standing water, dry and remove moisture and restore your home "Like it never even happened." 

Call us today at (606) 836-8000

Less than1 day before damage starts

11/30/2017 (Permalink)

Did you know?

At SERVPRO® of Boyd, Carter, Greenup and Lewis Counties want to do what we can to help you be ready in case of a water damage in your home from such things as a pipe burst or clogged toilet. Quick response is essential to limiting water damage in your home, many think that water cannot cause that much damage or that it will dry on its own if they just leave it alone, but that will cause secondary damages.

The faster you act, the better you can minimize the damage. If disaster should ever strike make sure to call the SERVPRO team of Boyd, Cater, Greenup &Lewis Counties, we are eager toserve our community, and are ready 24/7 365 at 606-836-8000.

Water Damage

10/31/2017 (Permalink)

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Boyd, Carter, Greenup, and Lewis Counties provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.  SERVPRO of Boyd, Carter, Greenup, and Lewis Counties arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – 606-836-8000

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

About SERVPRO of Boyd, Carter, Greenup, and Lewis Counties

SERVPRO of Boyd, Carter, Greenup, and Lewis Counties 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. 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.

24/7 Water Damage Services

10/27/2017 (Permalink)

24 hour fire and water damage restoration service

SERVPRO of Boyd, Carter, Greenup, and Lewis Counties is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today  606-836-8000

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Boyd, Carter, Greenup, and Lewis Counties has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

Fall Weather

9/23/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Boyd, Carter, Greenup & Lewis Counties 606-836-8000

Yesterday was the first day of fall! The weather is already predicted to reach in the low 50's overnight next week (hard to believe when we are still hitting 90 during the day). As the cooler temperatures begin to creep in, preparing your house for fall weather may not be a bad idea!  Fall Checklist for your home:** Inspect and clean gutters and downspouts.** Seal gaps and cracks around windows and doors with weather-stripping and caulk.** Inspect your roof for damaged or curled shingles, corroded flashing, or leaky vents.** Take steps to repair damaged sidewalks, driveways, and steps.** Drain and winterize outdoor faucets and irrigation systems.** Clean or replace dirty furnace filters.** Have a professional inspect your heating system.** Check fireplaces for soot or creosote build-up. Better yet, schedule a visit from a reputable chimney sweep.** Clean the plates or pads of your humidifier to ensure efficient operation.** If you have a gas-fired room heater, have it inspected by a pro. Also, perform any routine maintenance recommended by the maker.** Wood stoves are making a comeback. To avoid a deadly situation, be sure to inspect yours before firing it up.** Keep your family safe at home. A home safety check should be an annual ritual in every household. Test smoke and CO monitors, inspect (or install) fire extinguishers, review fire escape plans, and rid your home of old newspapers and other fire hazards. #SERVPRO #HereToHelp #SecondDayofFall