Don't Let a Frozen Pipe Burst Your Cozy Bubble

2/8/2024 (Permalink)

When pipes burst, SERVPRO of Bradley County is ready to respond and to make it, "Like it never even happened."

Cold weather is on the way. Are your pipes at risk of freezing? Let us help you get prepared with our checklist of preventative measures. But remember, if your pipes do undergo damage this winter, we are open 24/7, 365 days a year! Even though pipes bursting can be extremely inconvenient and devastating, SERVPRO of West Knoxville will be there to help you through it and to make it "Like it never even happened."

Checklist for preventing frozen pipes

• Insulate pipes located in the attic and crawl space using pipe insulation, even if the climate where you live does not often have hard freeze conditions. You can also wrap pipes in heat tape or heat cables with thermostat control. The best pipe insulation for your situation will depend on your home.
• Drain water from the swimming pool and water sprinkler supply lines following the manufacturer's or installer's directions. Do not put antifreeze in these lines unless directed. Antifreeze is environmentally harmful and dangerous to humans, pets, wildlife, and landscaping.
• Disconnect garden hoses from outdoor faucets. Even frost-proof outdoor faucets can burst if a hose is connected.
• Keep garage doors closed, especially if there are water supply lines in the garage.
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing, especially if your sinks are on an exterior wall. (If you have small children, be sure to remove any harmful cleaners and household chemicals.)
• Let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. When the weather is very cold outside, running water through the pipe - even at a trickle - helps prevent pipes from freezing.
• Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.
• Leave the heat on in your home. If you will be going away during cold weather, set the thermostat to a temperature no lower than 55° F.

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What Is Category 3 Water Damage and How Do I Handle It?

11/1/2022 (Permalink)

Category 3 water damage can result from standing water.

How Do I Handle Category 3 Water Damage?

Category 3 water damage is the worst-case scenario in home renovation. It's the type of water damage that results from sewage, standing water, and flooding from rivers, lakes, streams, and groundwater. A category 3 spill requires months of cleanup to get rid of any moldy odors that linger after a disaster strikes. This article will explain what Category 3 water is and how you can best handle it if it happens to your home or business.

What Is Category 3 Water Damage?

Category 3 water damage is a loss of water that exceeds the safe capacity of your home's drain system. This problem usually occurs during a heavy rainstorm, when sudden and severe downpours cause the drains to overflow or back up. If this happens, you may experience an immediate, but a short-lived flood. However, if there are any cracks in your foundation or below-ground pipes have been damaged due to corrosion or wear and tear, then it could take weeks for your home's foundation to dry out completely.

How Does Category 3 Water Get In My Home?

Category 3 water can get into your home in many ways. Some of which are more preventable than others:

• roof leaks (specifically those caused by flash floods)
• burst pipes (due to age)
• pouring rain onto ground saturated with groundwater (causing mudslides)
• sewer backups (due in part to clogged pipes)
• flooding caused by rising tides during high tides and hurricanes/tropical storms, etc.

How Does Category 3 Water Get in Your Home?

Category 3 water can enter your home through several sources, including broken pipes and leaking appliances. You may also have been exposed to category 3 water on the way home from work if you were in the vicinity of a flood or storm.

How Are Category 3 Water Losses Handled?

First, you want to call a professional water damage restoration company, like SERVPRO of Bradley County. Calling a professional will help ensure that the category 3 water loss is handled correctly. SERVPRO has equipment and expertise that you might not have and therefore are able to handle any category 3 water loss with ease. We work closely with your insurance, so you don’t have to worry about it as much.

If you have category 3 water in your home, it's critical to act quickly. Your personal safety is at risk and the longer you wait, the more damage category 3 water can do. If a family member becomes sick or if you notice an unusual odor—or if you see mold growing—it's time to call your insurance company and SERVPRO of Bradley County right away.

Category 3 water losses are a serious matter and should be handled by professionals. If you’re not sure if your loss is a category 3, give us a call today so we can help you determine the best course of action for your situation.

How To Clean Up After an Overflow

7/27/2022 (Permalink)

Sewer backup in a Wildwood Lake, TN bathroom.

How To Clean Up After an Overflow

A leaking or overflowing toilet can make a big mess in a short amount of time. It can lead to sewer damage in your floor and walls, and if it's not dealt with properly, it may even compromise the structural integrity of your home. Fortunately, sewage mitigation experts in Wildwood Lake, TN, can determine what kind of remediation you need and fix the problem quickly.

Identify the Source
Assessment starts with figuring out where the leak is coming from, which informs the rest of the mitigation process. The source of the water determines its contamination level:

• Category 1 – supply line leak
• Category 2 – overflow containing clean water or urine only
• Category 3 – overflow containing feces

The technicians from the sewage company should inspect the area for damage. A small leak of clean water may just require the replacement of a few tiles. More extensive sewer damage, however, makes multiple steps necessary.

Disinfect the Area
If the water from the flooded toilet is contaminated, the remediation team has to do more than just get rid of the moisture. Technicians remove material that isn't salvageable and use industrial cleaners to disinfect the remaining structure. Getting rid of bacteria and other contaminants helps prevent secondary damage from occurring. Once the space is clean, it must thoroughly dry before fixtures can be replaced.

Restore the Bathroom
Remediation of damage is only half the job. SERVPRO technicians make your bathroom look "Like it never even happened," by rebuilding the parts of the structure that were damaged. They match the new materials with the existing flooring so that no one can tell you had a flooding disaster. Once the toilet is reinstalled, the process is complete.
Sewer damage requires more than just mopping up the wet floor. To fully mitigate the damage, the whole area must be inspected and disinfected. A thorough cleanup prevents secondary damage and gets your home back to normal.

Protect Your Home Against Flood Damage

7/14/2022 (Permalink)

If you are going on vacation make sure to shut off the main water line.

Clean Your Downspouts and Gutters

Make sure to clean out your gutters at least once every six months or more often if you have a lot of trees near your Bradley County home. When water collects in the gutters it can cause damage to your roof and the gutters themselves. Down-spouts that aren’t clean and checked to ensure the water is running off properly and is running away from your house can cause damage to walls and even your foundation. At SERVPRO of Bradley County, we have seen this issue from many customers. Clean those gutters and spouts!

Switch off the mains

If you are going on vacation or you are going to be away for a length of time, switch the water off at the main. This will stop any dripping or other water issues while you are away. You wouldn’t want to come home to water rushing out your front door to greet you! If you have a drip system or sprinkler system, it may make sense to ask a neighbor, house sitter or your landscaper to turn these on and off manually. There are some systems you can control from your phone to water your landscaping too!

Keep your garden in check

While we’re on the topic of landscaping, trees and shrubs can cause damage to your pipes from the roots wrapping around the pipes. Keep your garden maintained and avoid planting large plants near piping if at all possible.

Take care of those small leaks immediately

Found a little leak? It may seem like a harmless drip, but a small leak can become a big water damage problem if not dealt with as soon as possible. Even tiny drips can cause mildew and mold in your home and even lead to structural damage and dry rot over an extended period of time. If you fix the leaks as they occur, you have less likelihood of the small issue becoming a huge problem later. If you have a sudden spike in your water bill, make sure you investigate for underground water leaks as well.

Check the appliances

Most people think toilets are the cause of most home floods but don’t forget about your appliances! Monitor appliances for leaks and replace any cracked and brittle piping. Things like a dishwasher or washing machine can flood your house out quickly if the appliance is not maintained adequately.

Flood damage in our homes is something most of us experience at some point in our lives. It could be caused by something as simple as an overflowing bathtub or something more serious such as a burst pipe or sewerage pipe rupture.

Flood damages to your home can range from minor to severe and dealing with the issue can be overwhelming. While some water issues cannot be foreseen, there are a few things you can do to prevent flood damages to your home from factors you have some control over.

How To Prevent a Pipe Burst: 4 Tips for Avoiding Frozen Pipes

4/12/2022 (Permalink)

You should insulate the attic of your home to keep exposed pipes warm.

How To Keep Your Piping Warm Through Wintertime

If you are a homeowner in Wildwood Lake, TN, knowing how to prepare your residence for every season can help you prevent common weather-related damages. In the colder months, some of the most common problems people report to water damage remediation experts involve frozen pipes. Because of this, knowing how to keep your piping warm through wintertime can end up saving you a lot of time and money down the road. Here are four tips.

1. Insulate, Insulate, Insulate!

Whenever you encounter a pipe freeze, you run the risk of it bursting. For this reason, you should insulate the crawl spaces and attic of your home to keep exposed pipes warm. When it comes to insulating these areas, less is never more. For more protection, add more insulation.

2. Tape Them Up

In addition to insulating different areas of the house, you also want to protect the actual pipes themselves by wrapping them up with heat tape. Be sure to use products that have passed third-party testing, and follow any manufacturer instructions.

3. Seal Leaks

Another common cause of frozen pipes is when air is able to leak into the space where the piping is. Whenever the temperatures are low enough, even a little bit of air can quickly lead to a pipe freeze. As such, you should promptly seal any leaks you notice near pipes, electrical wiring, or dryer vents using caulk or another form of insulation.

4. Keep Water Flowing

One of the best ways to prevent freezing is by keeping the water flowing. If you can let water drip overnight, even a trickle can be enough. Additionally, if your pipes are already frozen, it does not mean you have a pipe burst. If a freeze occurs, try turning on the water and leave the faucet on even if water does not come out. Call a professional if you need further assistance.
When the temperatures drop, knowing how to avoid frozen pipes in your home can save you a lot of headache. Luckily, there are simple steps you can take to keep your residence protected.

Sewer Damage? Follow These Steps Toward Restoration

1/31/2022 (Permalink)

Sewer backup in Wildwood Lake, TN.

Sewer Cleanup Process

Facing the task of sewer cleanup after an unexpected disaster can be daunting for a homeowner. With the remediation that suddenly needs to be completed – and completed quickly – it’s difficult to know where to begin. Homeowners in Wildwood Lake, TN, can help themselves prioritize sewer-related concerns by following an easy-to-remember cleanup process.

1. Call a Professional

Water damage is especially difficult to manage. A homeowner may have taken great care of all visible signs of damage, but water in walls or underneath flooring can lead to mold issues later. To mitigate the risk of ongoing problems, make sure you call a remediation specialist right away.

2. Drain Water

While waiting for the water removal professional to arrive, it’s best for homeowners to remove as much water as they can. Utilizing drains and pumps helps speed the sewer cleanup process. It will likely be necessary to lift carpet or flooring to the level that the water impacted. Homeowners may also wish to rent industrial-sized fans to help speed the draining and drying process.

3. Sanitize

Sewer backup can be terribly unsanitary, so it’s advisable to sanitize the spaces affected as soon as possible. Complete several rounds of sanitation via bleach and floor cleaners to ensure that no bacteria is left to cause more damage.

4. Dehumidify

Especially when homeowners are dealing with issues like a flooded toilet, it’s important to dehumidify after disinfecting. Bathrooms are often more humid than other rooms in the house. If humidity is left unchecked, it can further any spread of mold-producing bacteria.

In short, there are several important steps that homeowners can take while waiting for a water removal professional to arrive. Prompt solutions are crucial for sewer cleanup, but by knowing what to do should a crisis occur, homeowners can save themselves a lot of time and money on continued repairs.

Three Ways a Pipe Break Can Occur

12/28/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage in South Cleveland, TN.

Ways To Prevent a Pipe Burst

There are many parts of your house in South Cleveland, TN, that are essential for living. One of these is the grid of pipes within your walls and floors. However, there are a few ways a pipe break might occur. Here are a few of the most common ways a pipe can burst and what you can do to prevent it from happening.

1. Frozen Pipes

In the winter, homeowners need to be careful when using their pipes. Extremely cold weather can cause your pipes to freeze. However, ice takes up more volume than water. When the water within the pipe freezes, it expands and increases pressure. This pressure can literally make the pipe burst.
To prevent this from happening, try to keep the water in your pipes running. This will stop the water from freezing. Try to keep your house warm and never let it go below freezing while you are on vacation or out of the house. You can also insulate exposed water pipes with foam sleeves.

2. Rusty Pipes

Although pipes were made to last a long time, they aren’t invincible. Over time, pipes wear out and rust. When this happens, a pipe break is more likely to happen due to the vulnerability of the material.
If you live in an older home and are worried about the condition of your pipes, inspect them or call a professional to help you out. If you need to a fix broken pipe, do it quickly to avoid water damage.

3. Unsecured Pipes

If your pipes move around and clang against the walls, this means that they aren’t tightly secured. Joints can weaken, which makes it easier for pressure to find a way out of the pipes and therefore create a leak or burst. If you hear any pipes hammering, be sure to secure them tightly.
A pipe break can be prevented if you take careful precautions. If you are concerned about any pipes, inspect them quickly before any damage occurs.

3 Ways To Handle a Flooded Basement

11/3/2021 (Permalink)

Flooded basement in Hopewell, TN.

Protect Your Home From a Basement Flood

Flooding of your home in Hopewell, TN, particularly the part of your home that is below ground, is bound to happen sooner or later. When it does, in addition to calling your insurance carrier and a reliable flood remediation specialist, there are some things you can do to protect your home from a basement flood.

1. Prevention

The best way to deal with a flood is to keep it from happening in the first place. Having a sump pump and a backup generator just in case you lose power is a good start. You may also consider updating your exterior drainage system. You can significantly lower your chances of coming home to a flooded basement by making sure that gutters and drainage spouts are clear of debris and that your system directs water away from your foundation rather than toward it.

2. Replacement

If you can't avoid a basement flood, you may have a lot of decisions to make about what to salvage and what to throw away. In general, it's a good idea to discard electrical equipment. While some restoration experts could fix the machines, it's often safer to replace them and maybe even less expensive. You will likely have to replace flooring and drywall as well. Having good flood insurance coverage comes in handy when you make a list of what needs to be replaced.

3. Safety

The main safety rule of flooded areas is simple: Do not walk blindly into floodwaters. When your basement floods, you often cannot see what is lurking beneath the surface. Avoid wading into the water. Siphon out all the water first so that you can see where you are stepping. Floodwater, particularly from storms, is often contaminated, so keeping it out of contact with your skin as much as possible is advisable.

While avoiding a basement flood in the first place is ideal, sometimes water seeps in anyway. When it does flood, remember to play it safe and take measures to protect yourself from further damage in the future.

Managing Leaks Under Your Kitchen Sink: 3 Steps for Minimizing Damage

9/28/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can help you with any flood or water damage in your kitchen.

3 Steps To Minimize Damage From Leaks Under Your Kitchen Sink

Kitchen leaks are a common household issue. However, when one happens in your Cleveland, TN, home, it may feel like a major disaster. Flooding, broken pipes and a soaked floor can be costly and time consuming to repair. However, there are a few actions you can take to minimize the damage caused by leaks under your kitchen sink.

1. Shut Off the Water

Turning off the water in your home can stem the flood waters, especially if a broken pipe is causing it to gush out rapidly. Know where the shutoff valves are so you do not have to waste time looking for them during a plumbing flood. Turning off the water might also help you see what type of damage you are dealing with.

2. Call Your Insurance Company

Calling your insurance company right away after a flood is a wise idea because it can help you file the same day, which may result in a quicker payout for kitchen repair. Go over the details of the flooding with your agent, and let him or her know whether you need to take pictures or if the company plans to send a claims adjuster. Reaching out to your agent quickly may also prevent delays later, when the claim is reviewed.

3. Call for Flood Cleanup

Flood cleanup and restoration services can offer you helpful assistance after a kitchen flood. Not only can flood techs remove the water and prevent it from spreading to other rooms, they can advise you about what types of repairs you might need afterward. They can also assist with mold prevention and the removal of damaged cabinetry.

When a leak under the sink happens in your Cleveland, TN, home, it can be a stressful experience. Knowing which immediate steps to take can help you minimize flooding and put you on the path to assessing and repairing the damage.

3 Types of Building Materials Affected by Flood Waters

9/27/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is here always to respond to any water or flood damage in your home.

Flood Waters Affect Three Types of Building Materials

When flooding occurs at your Charleston, TN, home, not all the damage may be immediately apparent. In fact, swelling wood, damaged drywall and other problems might not be visible until the flood waters are removed by a professional storm cleanup and restoration company. Once you take stock of the damage, knowing how the building materials in your home can be affected by flood waters may help you take the firsts steps in having the damage repaired.

1. Wood

Wooden furniture and hardwood floors can sustain serious damage from almost any type of flooding event. Because wood is a porous material, it can absorb water and cause warping. Molding and wainscoting may crack due to swelling wood and might need replacing. Treated wood furniture may not absorb as much water and may be salvageable.

2. Insulation

Your home's insulation can suffer serious damage during a flood, especially if a water supply line breaks directly next to an interior wall that contains it. Even if the wall itself does not appear damaged, wet insulation can cause mold growth and foul odors that may eventually seep out into your home. Restoration experts can perform a flood cut, which removes part of the wall to expose the insulation so it can be inspected and removed.

3. Drywall

Any affected drywall near the source of the flood may be salvageable if you act quickly. Having sections removed and properly dried may allow you to put it back once the area is checked for mold. Drywall that must be removed for water pipe repair should be moved into a room with low humidity so water evaporation does not damage it.

Your Charleston, TN, home can be affected by flooding in many ways. However, when you understand how water can affect its building materials, you can act quickly to prevent swelling wood, insulation rot and other water damage.

What Your Adjuster Needs From You

9/27/2021 (Permalink)

Before any movement, make an inventory of everything that needs to be replaced as a result of the flooding.

What Your Adjuster Requires of You

As a homeowner, you do not plan for your home in South Cleveland, TN, to flood, but if it does, it is important to know the critical first steps to take. Your home adjuster is tasked with assessing the damage, and there are a few key things you can document to assist with the analysis:

• Written list of all that is damaged or destroyed
• Cost to repair or replace damaged items
• Pictures of the damage
• Estimate from restoration specialists

Structural Damage

If there is visible damage to the house itself, you need to make note of it. Make a list of every wall that has signs of water damage. Check your floor for warping or missing tiles. If there are cracks in your walls or in your foundation, put that on the list as well. Take pictures of everything you write down to back up your statements. It is advisable to contact professional water damage restoration technicians to get an estimate in writing of how much the repairs to your home are going to cost to give to your home adjuster.

Destroyed Possessions

The insurance claim you file is likely to include damaged items in your home. Make an inventory of everything that needs to be replaced as a result of the flooding. Beside each item, list when you purchased it and approximately how much it would cost to replace it. Keep the damaged items and take digital pictures so you can print them out or email them.

Once you have compiled an inventory of the damage to your home for your insurance claim, make a copy for your records before you hand it off to the home adjuster. That way, if there is a discrepancy between what the adjuster finds and what your records show, you have your own proof. Ensuring that you and the adjuster have the same information may help your insurance company settle your claim and get your home back to normal more quickly.

3 Steps To Take After Water Damages Your Home

7/17/2021 (Permalink)

Wood flooring cannot be wet for long periods of time as it will begin to warp and cup.

Water Damage In A Home

Whether broken pipes, faulty water lines or flooding causes water to invade your South Cleveland, TN home, the results can be devastating. Electrical systems, furniture and expensive appliances may become waterlogged, and unreplaceable items like photo albums and documents may be ruined. While water damage can be difficult to overcome, there are a few actions you can take until a professional storm cleanup and restoration company arrives to lend a hand.

1. Make Safety a Priority

If the flood was caused by a faulty appliance or broken pipes, enter the area carefully. Wear rubber boots and gloves, turn off the water lines and, if you are certain it is safe, cut the power to affected rooms. Hold off on removing items unless they are in imminent danger of being ruined, and then seal off the room to prevent the water from spreading into other rooms.

2. Call Your Insurance Agent

If you have flood insurance that is separate from your homeowners' policy, call your agent right away and let him or her know what has happened. Starting a claim as soon as possible can help your agent be more efficient in filing and may get coverage funds to you more quickly. Ask your agent what else is required of you at the outset, and take the information down in detail so you do not forget any important points.

3. Call for Water Removal

If you are dealing with flood waters, calling in flood mitigation and water cleanup services can be a safe and efficient way to deal with water damage. The professionals who work for these companies can advise you on what parts of your home need to be repaired, how to clean and sanitize items damaged in the flood and remove contaminated water for proper disposal.

When water damage impacts your South Cleveland, TN home, it is hard to know where to begin when it comes to cleanup efforts. However, taking a few simple steps can get the process started and help you assess which areas of your home need the most attention.

Top 3 Things To Do After Your Home Floods

7/12/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage in a Charleston, TN home.

What To Do After Your Home Floods

Whether the cause is broken pipes or heavy rains, recovering from this household disaster requires lots of work. The biggest issue you face is water damage. It wreaks havoc on everything from carpets to furniture. Getting your life back in order requires a major water cleanup. There are steps you can take to make this process run smoothly.

1. Turn Off the Power

Entering a home post-flood has potential risks. The combination of water and electricity can result in serious injury. So, shutting off the power is needed for your safety. It’s best that you have an electrician do this for you. However, you can do it yourself as long as the power source you’re turning off isn’t wet or located in standing water. Make sure you wear gloves and rubber boots for additional protection.

2. Call Your Insurance Agent

Your homeowner's policy may help cover the cost of the water damage. A claims adjuster will come to your home and assess the damages. Before the adjuster arrives, have before and after photos of your belongings. This helps the insurance company determine the cost of damages. Additionally, the agency may recommend a repair and restoration company to help return your home to its pre-flood condition.

3. Start Cleaning Up

Wet items must be dealt with immediately. Excessive moisture in your home can lead to mold and mildew. Remove your valuables from the water and let them air dry. Porous items such as pillows, box springs and mattresses are usually thrown away because they hold lots of water. Professional restoration services handle major projects like removing flooring, insulation and drywall.

Broken pipes, floods and water damage can turn your life upside down. By taking the right steps you can return things back to normal. One of the most important things you can do is to have trained remediation technicians in Charleston, TN, assist you with the water cleanup.

5 Ways to Prevent Pipes from Bursting in the Winter

1/28/2021 (Permalink)

When water freezes, it expands, and weak metal or plastic pipes that aren't insulated are more susceptible to bursting or leaking. As the weather gets into freezing temperatures, follow these tips to keep your pipes running.

1. Allow the faucet to drip: When pipes freeze, the pressure created by the blockage and faucet causes the pipe to burst. Allowing the faucet to be open and drip will relieve pressure in the system. If the faucet has both hot and cold water pipes, turn both handles slightly so that each pipe is open. If it is a single-handle faucet, turn it to warm.

2. Keep the Heat On: Always keep the heat on in your home to keep your pipes warm and prevent the water from freezing. If you leave for a long period of time, keep your home between 50-55 degrees. 

3. Apply Heating Tape: There are two types of heating tape for water pipes. One turns on and off by itself when it senses that heat is needed. The other type requires a plug when heat is needed. Heating tape acts as an electrical blanket for pipes during cold spells. These can be very useful when you do not want to think about keeping your faucets dripping. However, much like space heaters, these products can be dangerous so you must use safety precautions.

4. Seal Up Cracks and Holes: Seal the gaps and holes that are letting cold air where pipes run through walls or floors. You can use spray foam insulation or caulk to fill the gaps. If possible, it is best to seal the holes on both the interior and exterior side of wall or floor.

5. Add Extra Insulation: Pipes that are located in attics or basements that may not be insulated will likely require extra insulation to keep them warm. Pipes can be fitted with foam rubber or fiberglass sleeves to help decrease the chances of freezing. 

If you are in need of water damage mitigation services, call SERVPRO of Bradley County at (423) 614-5552. 

Outlining The Water Damage Restoration Process

10/30/2020 (Permalink)

Outlining The Water Damage Restoration Process

Every water damage, whether it be in Cleveland, Charleston, or Benton, is going to be different- from the level of contamination it inflicts to the amount of water introduced into homes and businesses. Each scenario requires a different and unique solution, but the recovery process remains the same. Professional water damage repair and recovery experts understand that when it comes to standing water, the best response is a quick one. Whether from a flood, a storm, faulty household appliance, leaky pipes, and more, expert technicians in Tennessee have the experience, technology, tools, and equipment to help restore residential and commercial properties. 

When a Cleveland water damage expert appears at your office or home, they are well trained with the experience, expertise, and techniques to restore your property. Their water removal and cleanup process also provides validation and a cleaning process that goes into their full step system, which includes the following: 

Step 1: Emergency Contact

Step 2: Inspection and Damage Assessment

Step 3: Water Removal/Water Extraction

Step 4: Drying and Dehumidification

Step 5: Cleaning and Repair

Step 6: Restoration 

When water damage strikes, time is of the critical because the timeline between minutes to hours and 48 hours to a week is reflected in the damage water inflicts. For example, within minutes water begins to saturate everything, within hours water breaks down walls and all types of surfaces, including emitting a musty odor. Within 48 hours to a week, water creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow and a harmful biohazard contamination to occur. 

Our SERVPRO of Bradley County water damage technicians also specialize in restoring contents damaged by fire, water, or mold to save you money and to preserve those precious keepsakes that are irreplaceable. The cleaning methods utilized by water damage experts include the following: 

• Dry cleaning - cleans light residues or to pre-clean before wet cleaning. 

• Wet cleaning - removes various levels of residues. 

• Spray and Wipe - cleaning for items that can't be wet cleaned.

• Foam cleaning - upholstery fabrics that require specialized care. 

• Abrasive cleaning - involves agitation of different surfaces being cleaned. 

• Immersion cleaning - contents are dipped into a bath of a cleaning product.

• Move-Outs/Pack-Outs - our technicians will carefully pack up your home to bring to our climate controlled storage facility until you are ready for your belongings to be moved back in.

When valuable documents including photographs that are damaged by water, they may be restored depending upon the type of documents involved and the level of water damage. Document and photograph restoration process can involve air drying, dehumidification, freezer drying, vacuum freeze and thermal drying. 

Our expert's fire, water, and mold remediation can also help in easing home and commercial owner's worries and confusion with insurance inventory claims. Our knowledgeable staff begins by inspecting room-by-room inventory of all contents and to provide better information to settle claims quicker, thus giving our customer's peace of mind at a time when you need it the most. 

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

SERVPRO of Bradley County is locally owned and operated which makes us proud to be a part of the surrounding Tennessee communities of Cleveland, Bradley County, and Calhoun. We are available to help for any water damages with our services available seven days a week – including holidays and our 24/7 emergency services. Call us at (423) 614-5552. When there is a fire and water damage emergency, we are always nearby and ready to help. For additional information, visit our website at https://www.SERVPRObradleycounty.com/.

Water Damage Tips: 8 Things to Do Before Help Arrives

10/30/2020 (Permalink)

Imagine waking up in the middle of the night, getting out of bed to get a glass of water from the kitchen, and immediately stepping in a puddle of water when you enter the hallway. You can imagine the gasp I let out when that happened to me last year. It was 2 am and I had no idea what to do after a water pipe had burst. Luckily, I knew who to call. The severity of damage escalates the longer the water sits and the contents stay wet, so time is of the essence in the aftermath of water damage. Here are 8 actions you can take before a mitigation company arrives:

1. Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
2. Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
3. Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
4. Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
5. Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
6. Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
7. Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
8. Gather loose items from floors.

If you find yourself in a puddle of water at 2 am, we are always Here to Help. Call us at (423) 614-5552. 

Don't Allow Water To Destroy Your Home or Business In Cleveland

7/28/2020 (Permalink)

Water Damage Comes With Many Restoration Challenges

There are a lot of things that require restoration when water damage happens to a home or a commercial property. Depending on the amount of damage caused, a water damage restoration project could include the removal and offsite storage of furniture and computer and other equipment, the cleaning and deodorization and restoration of water damaged furniture, and document and photograph drying and restoration. All of which SERVPRO of Bradley County is more prepared and trained to do so.  

The type of water involved in the damage also informs the direction a water damage repair will take. For instance, water contaminated by a sewage spill will need to be treated differently than water damage caused by a leaking faucet. The good news is that SERVPRO of Bradley County has the specialty training and state-of-the-art equipment to respond to any size and type of water damage emergency in Bradley County.

Call Us Today

When your home or commercial business experiences a water damage emergency, SERVPRO of Bradley  wants to help. We are on call 24 hours a day every day and will be onsite within four hours of your call.  We’ll clean and restore your water damage and make your home or business  “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 432-614-5552.

A Testimonial From One of Our Customers

3/30/2020 (Permalink)

Carey Stegar walked into her living room one Sunday afternoon to find water pouring from the floor above. Her husband was out of town and she was home alone, so she ran upstairs while on the phone with her husband to find the source. As it turns out, the hot water heater in the attic had burst. 

Carey did the right thing and immediately turned the water off and called SERVPRO of Bradley County. We sent a crew to her home an hour later and started mitigating the water damage. 

Because she knew where her water shut off was and she called us when she did, the damage was minimal and could have been much worse. We sat down with Carey a few weeks ago as she walked us through that day. You can watch her full testimonial here. 

Carey said it best when she said, "I hope whoever is watching this video does not have to incur that kind of water damage, but if you do- you want SERVPRO on your side." Give us a call at (423) 614-5552. 

8 Actions to Take Before a Mitigation Company Arrives

1/13/2020 (Permalink)

Imagine waking up in the middle of the night, getting out of bed to get a glass of water from the kitchen, and immediately stepping in a puddle of water when you enter the hallway. You can imagine the gasp I let out when that happened to me last year. It was 2 am and I had no idea what to do after a water pipe had burst. Luckily, I knew who to call. The severity of damage escalates the longer the water sits and the contents stay wet, so time is of the essence in the aftermath of water damage. Here are 8 actions you can take before a mitigation company arrives:

1. Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
2. Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
3. Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
4. Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
5. Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
6. Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
7. Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
8. Gather loose items from floors.

If you find yourself in a puddle of water at 2 am, we are always Here to Help. Call us at (423) 614-5552.

Clogged Gutters And Downspouts Can Cause Water Damage

9/9/2019 (Permalink)

When is the last time that you unclogged your gutters? This may not be something that you think about often, but it is essential to the drainage of your roof. Leaves and yard debris can often get caught in the drainage system and cause plugs and clogs, which lead to downspouts backing up and not draining properly. So, how do you know if your gutters/downspouts are clogged? If you notice water pooling around certain areas, this is a telltale sign that there is a clog somewhere. If you leave your gutters clogged for too long, it can water damage inside the house.

1. Overflowing gutters can spill down the exterior of the wall. Siding is designed to resist rainfall and splashing, but it is not designed to undertake a continuous flow of water. Water seepage behind the siding penetrates exterior wood sheathing and makes its way into the inside of wall spaces in the house. Water from clogged gutters may deteriorate sheathing and saturate wallboard. What have we learned from sitting water for long periods of time? Mold! Mold is bound to grow in these types of conditions. 

2. Overflowing gutters also saturate the ground below it. If you have a basement, this was can seep into the basement walls. I have seen this first hand in my own basement. Even if you do not have a basement, the water forms pools and makes it more likely that water will penetrate cracks and pores in the concrete and foundation. 

3. Clogged gutters are filled with leaves, dirt, and debris, making it very heavy when it contains water. If it gets too heavy, the weight can loosen or damage the roof. This can allow water flowing off the roof to enter the attic and drip down into living spaces. It can also saturate attic insulation, destroying its insulating effectiveness as well as triggering toxic mold growth in the attic.

If you do find that there is water in your basement or crawlspace, whether it is from flooding, clogged gutters, or a pipe bursting,  that be from a backed up downspout or a pipe break, SERVPRO of Bradley County is Here To Help 24/7, 365. 

5 Steps in Professional Water Damage Restoration

8/12/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage can occur with no warning, leaving behind an expensive and disruptive mess. While flooding is often associated with weather, it also occurs because of a pipe break, supply line break, fire sprinklers, and sewage leaks. A flooded home not only endures the stress but also have to deal with water damage to property.

The first thing when you encounter water in home or water in business is to open up all the windows to ensure adequate ventilation. Even water from a pipe break or supply line break can facilitate the development of mold and fungus that destroys wood.

Flood damage repair is a complex task that requires a variety of techniques and equipment provided by a professional restoration company. Depending on the degree of water damage, various steps are involved in mitigating the damages. The flood restoration process follows the following steps. In the case of a pipe break or a supply line break, the first step is to fix the break to mitigate continued water inflow.

1. Loss evaluation and categorization

Loss assessment is necessary for flood damage restoration. The evaluation has to provide correct data to enable appropriate water cleanup response. The process involves identifying the source of the damage, documentation of the damage and providing accurate estimates for the flood restoration. The experts then categorize the damage based on the degree of contamination of the water.

2. Floodwater removal

The initial step in water damage restoration is to remove the water. Water cleanup companies have a variety of equipment to handle every scene. Usually, they use a portable submersible water pump pumps to pump out water in business or water in home. The pumps have a high threshold and can dry out a flooded home in a short time. This is important to mitigate water damage.

The flood mitigation experts use sensor equipment to establish the amount and extent of moisture in a flooded home. A restoration company can use the infrared sensor, which gives accurate reading while damage mitigation technicians take high-quality digital pictures and evaluate the extent of the damage. This step is necessary to determine the degree of flood damage and the mitigation measures against mold growth.

3. Water Drying

Because any residual water can cause mold growth, it is important to dry a flooded home completely. As mitigation against mold, the flood experts use various methods to dry water depending on the severity of the situation.

4. Mold Inspection and Removal

If not adequately addressed, residual water can encourage mold damage. Flood mitigation professionals use special detergents to sterilize the area. The compounds create an unfavorable environment that deters mold growth. A flooded home can also develop some odors. The experts use special deodorants and encourage ventilation to eliminate the lingering odor and airborne contaminants.

5. Monitoring and Completion

Monitoring the restoration process is important to achieve the best results. The flood mitigation experts are always proactive in the monitoring process. They ensure the drying machines is set up appropriately and working correctly. The restoration company will take the necessary steps if anything fails during the process. The process of flood damage restoration is considered complete only when the humidity or moisture and temperature are restored to industry standard. Once complete, the equipment can be removed.

Each water cleanup, whether in home or in a business, is unique and needs a proper analysis of the situation. Our professionals know how to apply the appropriate equipment and methods for removing water as fast as possible. Visit http://www.SERVPRObradleycounty.com for more information on water damage.

How to Check for Hidden Water Damage- Bradley County

6/21/2019 (Permalink)

Most water damage looks like wet floors or water dripping from the ceiling, but some water damage is harder to spot. Here are a few signs that you can check for to see if there may be unnoticed water damage:

Check under the floors:

Check your floors for any warping, buckling, or discoloration. Water may not be pooling on top of the flooring, but it could be affecting the subfloor. These can be signs of the presence of water or excess moisture between the flooring and the subfloor, or possibly in the subfloor.

Check behind the walls:

A few indicators that water may be behind your walls are discoloration, staining, and peeling/bubbly paint. If the water damage is significant, you might be able to touch the walls to see if they are buckling and soft. These signs may be from a small water leak over time that has affected the drywall. Even if the drywall does not feel wet, there could be unseen moisture behind it. 

Check unlikely locations: 

Be sure to use these techniques to check the basement, attic, and crawlspace. These are places that water damage can occur unbeknownst to the homeowner. After a certain amount of time, mold will grow in these water-damaged, warm, damp places.  

If you smell musty odor or if you can see any mold growth, these are also clear indicators that there may be water or moisture where it shouldn’t be.

If you do suspect unseen water damage in your home, our staff has the knowledge and equipment to identify and mitigate the damage. Give us a call at (423) 614-5552.

5 Tips to Help You Handle a Water Loss Efficiently

6/19/2019 (Permalink)

Most people are under the misconception that water damage can only arise from floods. What people don't understand is that even an inch of water from your leaky faucets can lead to costly secondary damages. Water loss happens to almost every homestead at one point in time.

As a homeowner, it is important to be prepared to handle water loss and damage mitigation. While there is only so much you can do to prevent water or flood damage, you can plan on how to react fast and prevent further damage. Here are 5 tips that will go a long way in helping you handle a water loss efficiently:

1. Identify and Stop Water Flow

The first thing you need to do in case of a water loss is to identify the source of water. In most cases, the water will be coming from a leaky faucet or burst pipe. Try to stop the flow of water by shutting the pipes off. If you are sure that the problem is with your plumbing yet you cannot identify where the real problem lies, then shutting off your water main line is the best action to take. Leave the main line off until your professional has identified the cause of water loss and repaired the faulty areas.

2. Contact Your Plumbing Professional

After you are sure that water is no longer flowing, you need to contact you plumber. A professional plumber is equipped to diagnose the real issue and conduct the repairs expertly. While sometimes a DIY job may be fine, some severe cases will need special equipment to repair. One of the main benefits of contacting a plumber is that they save you a lot of time and energy. They are able to repair problematic areas promptly and correctly.

3. Contact a Water Restoration Company

Whether you are dealing with water in a business or your home, you need to involve a water cleanup company early. It might seem easy to clean the water in home or business by yourself, but a professional is likely to touch every corner and have some strategies to mitigate further flood loss, including the growth of mold. 

4. Switch Your Power Off From the Main Switch

As you do so, ensure that you are not standing in a pool of water. Also ensure that your hands are properly dried before you handle the switch. After that has been done, unplug any electrical appliances and lift them to a higher ground so that water doesn't reach them.

5. Try to Salvage Items

If you have any items that might be reached by the water in business, then it is time to get them to a safe area. Damage mitigation is the main goal here so you need not wait for water to reach unaffected items. For those that are already wet, drying them is the best you can do. Get them outside or if it's raining, place them in an area that has a lot of air movement. Our team will take care of your water-damaged contents when we arrive. 

Visit http://www.SERVPRObradleycounty.com for more information on water damage and the cleanup process.

Walking You Through a Water Loss- Cleveland, TN

3/29/2019 (Permalink)

The Hiawassee River runs right to the north of the town and empties right into the Tennessee River just a few short miles northwest of Cleveland. When heavy rains and flooding occur, the residents of Bradley County must deal with the floods and sewer backups. Nonetheless, residents of Cleveland have to be prepared for flooding and high water periods in their town and neighborhoods. So, how do you prepare for a flood?

The number one priority when a flood occurs is to save the lives; the health of the occupants and the property is secondary. The most difficult time during a flood is when water invades the interior of the home. Flood water contains all kinds of harmful substances like raw sewage, pesticides, fertilizers, mold, bacteria, petroleum products, and physical items such as sharp objects like nails and razor blades. Another possible hazard with standing water is the possibility of the water might be covering a live electrical outlet, and if anyone touches the water or walks into it, they could be electrocuted. If flood water starts entering your home, you should evacuate immediately.

The Healing and Reconstruction Process

Once the water of the flood has gone down to the point that the structure can be entered, the first order of business is to get the water out of the house, if there is still standing water. Water cleanup is usually done with high-speed pumps and it can be accomplished very quickly in most instances. Water damage and flood damage can be just as devastating as fire or wind damage, but the longer the water is in a home or business, the damage increases; which is why it is important to dry the contents as soon as possible. 

Drying Your Contents

The next step in the process is getting your home and contents dry and sanitized. Our SERVPRO Professionals use large air movers and dehumidifiers in the areas that have been affected. Over time, about three or four days, the air movement will dry most of the area.

While most of the surface areas will get dry, some of the items that soak up water will not get dry. These are contents that absorb water such as couches, pillows, cushions, drapery, carpeting, pads, pictures, papers and things that are going to hold water no matter what. If some of these items are salvageable, we will bring them to our facility to be professionally cleaned, dried, and restored. 

Reconstruction and Restoration

Now that the water in the home has been removed and the areas dried and cleaned up, reconstruction can begin. New walls, electrical panels, and sockets can be installed. New flooring can be placed along with new carpeting, paneling, fixtures, doors, and molding.

Currently, the city and the county is involved with the Army Corps of Engineers to determine what can be done to alleviate some of the stress that the constant flooding creates. Some of the solutions include the creation of retention ponds, bridge work, and overflow routes that would push water to other places than into the city.

With the planning in place, more solutions can be uncovered that will be both affordable for the community and workable for the diversion of the waters of the Tennessee and Hiawassee Rivers.

For more information on Water Damage Restoration visit http://www.SERVPRObradleycounty.com/

What To Do If Your Toilet Overflows- Cleveland, TN

1/10/2019 (Permalink)

A toilet overflow can either be a small mess or a nasty disaster. SERVPRO of Bradley County can handle either!

We’ve seen it countless times- In fact, it’s not an uncommon plumbing problem. It often happens because of either a blockage or an error in the tank float mechanism that regulates water flow.

Step 1

When it does happen, you must first locate your water shut off valve near the base of your toilet. Turn that valve until the water shuts off completely. If your toilet does not have a shut off valve, open the tank and ensure that the float stays in the same position as to not let any more water fill the tank.

Step 2

If you know there is a foreign object that is preventing the toilet from flushing, grab a plunger or some rubber gloves and try to remove it. If these steps do not work, contact a plumber as soon as possible, as it may be a result of a larger plumbing issue.

Step 3

Remember, all water that comes out of a toilet is considered “dirty” water, regardless of how clean it looks. If there is only a small amount of water, clean up the water with a Shop-Vac or towels and be sure to disinfect all surfaces that were dampened by the toilet water. If any water reached the walls, cabinets, air vents, or other surfaces, call SERVPRO of Bradley County at (423) 614-5552. The mess may look like it is cleaned up, but water quickly seeps behind walls, in cabinets, and under floors. Our technicians will use moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras to detect this unseen moisture. We will then clean up the standing water and use air movers and dehumidifiers to rid the area of any moisture as to prevent mold growth. 

How To Salvage Water Damaged Documents

9/18/2018 (Permalink)

Damage ceiling from a failed water pipe in a Cleveland, TN home

Even in the current age of digital records, it is likely that you still house some important paper files at your business in Cleveland, TN. When flooding occurs, what becomes of the wet documents?

What Types of Records Can Be Saved?

Depending on the severity of the flooding it is possible for a wide range of paper documents to be saved. Although not all papers may be salvageable, you increase the likelihood of restorable contents when you take immediate action. The following items may benefit from the document drying process:

• Paper documents including personnel files, contracts or manuscripts
• Commercial property blueprints or facility maps
• Photographs, archival microfiche or film
• Collections of magazines or books

What Document Drying Methods Are Used?

Restoration specialists use a multitude of professional cleaning and drying techniques to recover wet documents:

• For storm water and sewage exposure, documents need to be disinfected and sanitized. Items are sterilized using gamma irradiation.
• Some papers respond best to air drying or a dehumidifying environment.
• Vacuum freeze drying is an advanced technological process used for antique papers or irreplaceable books. First the documents are frozen, then the air pressure is reduced causing remaining moisture to evaporate. Large quantities of items can be dried simultaneously.
• Vacuum thermal drying is a quicker process than freeze drying, but it also may distort some materials. This less expensive method is best for common papers where the state of the dried product is not as critical.
• While not a drying method, the process of digitizing documents is useful. Rather than restoration to a physical item, the documents are available as computer files that can be stored and backed up for future use.

When flooding strikes your commercial property in Cleveland, TN, wet documents are not necessarily lost forever. A variety of professional methods are available to save your important business files, photographs or book collections.

Best Ways To Drain a Flooded Basement

8/10/2018 (Permalink)

Water damage on ceiling in Cleveland, TN home

In some settings, water offers the perfect opportunity for fun, games, play and relaxation. Of course, it’s never good to find it on the floor of your Cleveland, TN, home. A basement flood can cause severe problems, and these incidents can start from many sources. No matter what the culprit may be, it’s essential to get rid of the water as soon as possible so you can avoid further health and safety issues.

Call a Trained Professional

A flooded home can be a daunting task to tackle. Luckily, you don’t have to combat it on your own. If you’ve had water damage, you need to contact a qualified restoration specialist right away. The professionals have the knowledge and tools to remove the water.

• The pros will use a heavy-duty pump to remove standing water.
• For saturated carpets and for smaller problems, the technician will use a wet vac.
• The professional will then thoroughly dry the area to prevent mold growth.

Pump Method

If your basement flood has brought a significant amount of water into your home, you’ll need more than a simple water extractor to get rid of it. This is why the professionals use waterproof pumps to get large volumes of water out of your home. The technician will use different sizes of hoses, depending on how much water is in your home. The person will pump the water out of your home so it will slope toward the storm drain outside.

Wet Vacuum

Even minor floods require intervention. If you neglect this step, mold could grow in your home, and you may have a problem with insurance coverage as well. Wet vacuums are easy to operate and can suck out up to 5 gallons of water per tank from your floor.

As basement flood is nothing you should take lightly. Make sure you hire competent help that will use these effective methods.

What to do About Water Damage in Your Home

6/25/2018 (Permalink)

When pipes break, disaster reigns. Even a small drip in the bathroom can lead to a large problem down the road. Utilize these tips when confronting water damage in your home and remember that safety is always top priority when dealing with standing water.

1. Survey for Personal Risk

Water near electronics is a hazard to anyone nearby. Survey the risk and consider turning off the power to your home to avoid potential electric shock. Unplug devices and place them safely away from the source of water.

2. Take Pictures for Your Home Insurance

If you are looking to receive coverage from your home insurance for water damage, be sure to take pictures before beginning any cleanup process. Insurance companies must have documentation of the original damage, so be sure to take extensive photos of the source of water and its effects before beginning cleanup.

3. Remove Excess Water

Blotting with towels and mopping are easy ways to handle small amounts of water. If broken pipes have created a larger problem in your home, look for a sump pump and water vacuum at a hardware store for removing the excess water.

4. Clean Personal Belongings

Remove any items touched by water and air dry them in a well-ventilated area. Any wet cushions, upholstery or other fabrics should not be left soaking in place, but promptly removed to a dry location with good circulation. Finally, ensure there are no magazines, books, or colored rugs left on wet carpet.

5. Know Contact Information for a Restoration Company

Broken pipes can be small or large, but there is no denying the enormity of water damage once it hits your home. A good cleanup and restoration company in Cleveland, TN can remove the water, assess the damage and handle all drying, cleaning and sanitizing of the effected items in your home. Keep contact information on file in case the water cleanup is a case for the professionals. Visit http://www.SERVPRObradleycounty.com for more information on water damage. 

SERVPRO Water Damage South Cleveland

6/25/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technicians use several principle methods to restore many materials to a quality preloss condition after a fire occurs in your home.

South Cleveland SERVPRO Water Damage.

Flooding is a problem for everyone, regardless if you're in a one-level house or a condominium on the third floor. The Drumgool Creek can break its banks or the washer on a leaky faucet can fail completely and destroy all your carpet in a weekend while you were gone for a New Years or other celebration.

Water damage to a South Cleveland home can come from these or a dozen other sources. Removing the water and restoring your home back to its original state depends on how much water there is, the kind of water, and how long it was standing before removal began. SERVPRO has decades of experience evaluating these factors to get you back into your home as soon as possible.

First, we'll remove the standing water. We maintain an extensive inventory of pumps to match each job. In most cases, we can have the visible water out of your home in just a few hours. If electric power has been compromised, our technicians can also deploy a generator to ensure uninterrupted power. For an enormous amount of water, we also have generator trucks that can provide 24-hour support.

With the water gone, our SERVPRO technicians will remove every piece of furniture and other property to help prevent loss from water or damage as we move in with other equipment. Our inspector will also help you determine what is salvageable and what should be thrown out as beyond repair or restoration.

Next, technicians will use commercial grade water extractors. These power tools draw water from wood floors and carpets that pumps are unable to vacuum up. They are very useful in preventing wood floors from warping and carpets from rotting or growing mold colonies due to extended exposure to excess moisture.

While this is accomplished, one of our inspectors also checks the surrounding air for excess moisture as well. For high levels, they will have technicians set up dehumidifiers to draw moisture from the air. If the levels are very high, they may also put air movers in place. These commercial grade fans rapidly replace moist air with dry air.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

It's supposed to rain for the next few days, but the break afterward is the perfect time to call us. SERVPRO of Bradley County is a locally owned franchise, so getting you back into your home isn't just a job to us. It's a chance to help our neighbors through what could be a very difficult time. Call us today at (423) 614-5552 to get the restoration process started.

Types of Drying Machines Used by SERVPRO vs. Water Damage

3/30/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Takes Out the Moisture After Water Damage

Water Removal Equipment is Essential to Restoration

When dealing with just about any amount of water damage, we have to employ some sort of drying process early on in the job. Without proper drying, a wet area is susceptible to further damage and cannot be adequately worked on and restored, and so we must employ the fastest, most efficient, and most thorough drying equipment possible to improve our efficacy and speed in a water damage restoration. We utilize a number of advanced technologies and types of machinery in an average job for the purposes of drying, each one useful for a different situation or in tandem with other machines.

Air Movers
One of the most common devices we bring along to Cleveland water damage jobs is the air mover, a machine that does exactly as its name implies and moves large volumes of air in a room. These machines are, essentially, very powerful and accurate fans that are designed to set up precise air flows in an area. Air moving at high speeds over a wet surface can pick up water droplets and increase the humidity of the room, without depositing those droplets on other surfaces.
 
Refrigerating Dehumidifiers
Once all the water is in the air, it hasn't yet left the room. It's still there, and will eventually settle back down onto surfaces if not removed. That's where dehumidifiers come in. Many of our dehumidifying machines rely on refrigeration to cool down a room and lower its dew point, forcing water to condense into a holding tank. It can't settle on the surfaces of the room, as those will still be subject to air movers, and thus is easily corralled into a manageable container.
 
Chemical Dehumidifiers
These devices operate on a similar principle to refrigerating ones but utilize chemical compounds to capture the water instead of simple temperature manipulation. Typically, these machines are employed where the temperature cannot be effectively manipulated, but are still able to function almost everywhere a refrigerating machine can.
 
Specialty Dryers
We also have specialty drying machines in our possession or available through local contractors. These are used for different types of items, such as electronics or clothing, that must go through special drying procedures.
 
SERVPRO of Bradley County relies on quality technicians, top-of-the-line equipment, and fast response times to help mitigate even the worst of water damage disasters in the local area. Call us at (423) 614-5552 to arrange for services or get a quote.

What Should I do if I Have a Flooded Home?

9/27/2017 (Permalink)

What Should I do if I Have a Flooded Home?

Flood damage isn't something most homeowners want to think about. When you choose your house, you want a place that's in a safe neighborhood. You want something affordable. You want something that's in good condition. Chances are you aren't thinking, "Will my house ever require water cleanup?" You aren't thinking, "What if my home experiences flood damage?"

Unfortunately, many homeowners find themselves asking these very questions when they experience water in home. Water in home can occur after a period of high rain that leads to a flooded home requiring drying. Water in home can also happen if the house experiences a pipe break. A pipe break may seem like a simple thing, but it can lead to water in home or water in business and requires a restoration company to assist in water cleanup.

If you find that you have water in business or a flooded home, the first thing to remember is to stay calm. Never panic. A water cleanup crew can help with restoration and drying. Even if you're worried about severe water damage, try not to worry or panic. The right restoration company will help minimize the water damage to your house and will be able to work with you on drying and mitigation.

Next, assess the water damage. Can you determine what has caused the water damage to your house? Did you have a pipe break? Is it possible there was a supply line break? Restoration, water cleanup, and drying will need to be done to repair your home, but it's important that you give the restoration company as much information as possible when you contact them about your flooded home. If the water in business was caused by external flooding, rather than a supply line break, the way the restoration company proceeds with the water cleanup will be different.

Reach out to a mitigation and restoration organization to schedule water cleanup for your water in business. The sooner you start with the restoration and mitigation, the sooner you can avoid future flood damage to your house. Mitigation will help prevent flood damage from occurring again, but you need to get started on this right away. Never wait. If you experience a supply line break or a pipe break, contact a professional immediately who can work with you to repair your home.

Finally, make sure you follow the professional's advice exactly. If repair personnel recommend a specific treatment for the supply line break, you need to follow their advice. This will help minimize damage to your home in the future. Many homeowners are nervous about dealing with flooding and water damage, so they simply try to avoid facing the issue. This can lead to other problems, which makes it even more imperative that you face these issues head on.

The truth is that no matter how much you plan for flood damage, you can never be completely prepared. Maybe your area experiences a higher level of rain than usual or a surprise tropical storm. Perhaps your pipes freeze in the winter and burst, leading to internal flooding. The most important and valuable thing you can do is to face the issue head-on when it occurs. Don't let water damage destroy your family's home or your business. Instead, talk to a company that can help guide you through the process of restoring your home to its original beauty. This could include drying, roof repair, and even siding repair. Appropriate repairs will help minimize future damage to your home and will make you feel safe and content in your house once more. Visit http://www.SERVPRObradleycounty.com for more information on water damage.

What's Included in Professional Water Damage Restoration Services

7/25/2017 (Permalink)

What's Included in Professional Water Damage Restoration Services

Water in unwanted places can cause a lot of damage. If the business or home owner is able to act quickly, the damage can be minimized. It is important to call a reputable water restoration company for help.

Professionals understand how devastating water or flood damage can be, and they’re committed to providing businesses and home owners with water cleanup and restoration services to help them fix problems with residential or commercial water damage, pipe break, supply line break, and more.

A pipe break, a supply line break, or a roof leak can result in flooded home or water in business. The key is to act immediately and quickly begin the restoration process.

After a flood damage, a pipe break or supply line break, homeowners or business owners may feel overwhelmed by the tremendous amount of tasks they're facing in order to get things back to normal. Water can be absorbed into porous materials, causing laminate to separate from pressed board, carpet to come off of its backing, and other damages.

The mitigation process involves removing the water from furniture, carpet, walls, or flooded basement. Professionals from a restoration company have the latest water cleanup equipment and state-of-the-art technology. This enables them to extract water and clean a flooded home faster, which prevents additional water in home or water in business damage and ultimately restores the property back to pre-damage condition quickly.

Mitigation professionals are highly trained and have great expertise in water cleanup and restoration, and structural drying. Water cleanup professionals are available to answer any questions a property owner may have. They can provide the expert advice and guidance you need throughout the restoration process. You can count on their quick arrival and fast service.

Here are the steps followed by professionals to restore a flooded home or business back to good condition:

Inspection of Property

Professional conduct a detailed inspection of the flooded home or water in business and assess the scope of water damage in the property. They determine the category of water damage and the areas affected. This is a crucial step to outlining the most effective plan of action to restore the property.

Water Damage Cleanup

Water or flood damage cleanup is the extraction and removal of surface water and its residual effects from a flooded home or business. Mitigation professionals will first measure the extent of the water damage with a combination of meters, moisture detectors and infrared cameras. They aim to locate both standing water and hidden pockets of water collection. Depending on the amount of excess water, the professional will remove it with a powerful truck-mounted pump, a submersible, or a gas-powered pump.

Drying and Dehumidification

Technicians use specialized equipment and advanced techniques to remove the remaining water and moisture in hard-to-reach areas. They use heavy-duty fans, which are strategically placed throughout the property to ensure optimal drying. The water cleanup technicians also know which areas of the property need to be dried. They make sure the area is completely dry before they proceed to the next step.

Restoration

This is the process of restoring the home or business to its original condition. This may entail minor repairs, such as replacing the carpet and installing new drywall, or may entail major work, such as rebuilding various rooms or areas in a business or home. These jobs require a highly experienced team of professionals – and that’s exactly what a reputable restoration company offers.

Considerations

Having water in home or water in business is a serious problem. Pipe break and supply line break are a common flooded home or water in business problem, and should be addressed properly. Whether minimal flood damage in business or extensive water in home, water cleanup and drying always needs a quick response and proper mitigation. A reputable restoration company can effectively clean up the excess water and dry the affected areas and materials.
Visit http://www.SERVPRObradleycounty.com for more information on water damage.

How To Rejuvenate A Home or Business After Water Damage

6/30/2017 (Permalink)

How To Rejuvenate A Home or Business After Water Damage

Water damage in a home or business can seem devastating at first. The damage can be caused by a number of bad circumstances. A fire may need to be extinguished. The excess water can ruin many items. It doesn't have to. Drying is an equally important task.

A flood may also occur. Heavy rains eventually happen in just about every climate. Homes or businesses near large bodies of water are more susceptible to flooding. Homes in valleys or without great local drainage systems may experience more floods. You can generally find out if the house or business you are buying is in a flood plain before you ever purchase. It's an important thing to be aware of. You might consider flood insurance if you live or have a business in a potential flood prone area.

Flood damage can wreak havoc on exposed items. Personal property can be damaged beyond repair during a water in home scenario. Machinery and furniture could lose the majority of their respective value in a business loss. Flood damage can be particularly horrific depending on the depth of the water level. A few feet of water could have much more damage than just several inches with flood damage.

Faulty appliances could also spill water and create more potential water cleanup. Commodes, hot water heaters and dishwashers don't always do what they are supposed to do. Anything that utilizes water is susceptible to flooding your floor.

There are many ways water damage can hurt your dwelling or privately owned business. It's not a pleasant thought for a homeowner or a business owner. Assessment within a certain time frame is always crucial. Drying the water damage and complete water cleanup is a necessity to help you move back into your home or get your business back up and running.
Mitigation of any damage can quickly get you back into a comfortable situation where you don't lose customers or sleep. Whether it is water in home or water in business, restoration is an invaluable process. It could save assets from needing to be tossed in the trash. It can prevent any further water damage or mold. Water cleanup isn't an easy task and requires professionals.

Water does more than just harm the exterior of items laying around. It can also damage the interior of those items. It can create potential mold. The bacteria and dirt that accompanies flood waters and fires isn't an easy thing to remove. Water in home is particularly scary since the majority of your time is probably spent there.

That's why mitigation is so important in the early stages of the process. The sooner you have someone assess the water damage the better the opportunity for potential restoration. Only true professionals can examine your assets to see if the damage sustained requires complete throw away.

Industrial strength drying can also prevent any further damage and perhaps any future smell of burnt or damaged items. It could be flood damage, fire or an appliance malfunction. Restoration to your home or business is still crucial to getting back on your feet. Mitigation of the bad circumstances is an important factor in recovery for insurance purposes as well. You might not even own your business or home completely. This means you are obligated to have the damage with any loss fixed.

There's a difference in water cleanup for a home and water cleanup for a business.

Water in Home

Homeowners typically have many personal items that are bonded my special memories. The residents of the home may feel as if they need to go through many of their personal belongings first before mitigation can take place. A homeowner can stay at a hotel while restoration takes place. The hotel is typically paid for in their home insurance policy.

Water in Business

Water in business damage is different because the owner needs to get the business functioning as quickly as possible. While the owner doesn't have to sleep over night at the business, he or she will still need the drying and restoration to take place as quickly as possible. That's because the business owner doesn't have another place to generally run the business operations. The business storefront serves as the focal point for operations. It's where customers come to shop, pay and ask questions. The damage could hurt machinery like printers, scanners and computers. It could potentially leave mold or a foul smell. Water in business could potentially close down a business for good. It could leave a bad impression with new customers. It could send loyal customers to a competitor.

Neither loss is a fun experience to go through. The most important thing to remember is to get it assessed as quickly as possibly by a professional so the restoration process can begin.
Visit http://www.SERVPRObradleycounty.com for more information on water damage.

Removing Moisture From a Home With Water Damage

4/25/2017 (Permalink)

Water Damage in a Cleveland, TN Home

Removing Moisture From a Home With Water Damage

Drying a home with water damage can be harder than you realize. Water cleanup and be a long and tedious job. If you have water in your home, you may want to hire a water damage restoration company to assess the flood damage and assist with water cleanup. Having water in your business causing water damage can put your business at risk. Hire someone who got water cleanup down to a science.

Mitigation or No Mitigation?

Mitigation of the issue of water in your home should begin shortly after the flood damage occurs. Mitigation of water in your business must quickly be taken care of to avoid any permanent flood damage. In either case, a water damage restoration begins the same way.

The first thing that will need to be done is removing all items from the room and deciding whether they need to be thrown away or not because of water damage. Porous materials that attract water may be permanently ruined. Natural Air Movement Open the doors and windows to get some air movement in the area with water damage.

With everything out of the room, you can begin water cleanup. By using tools like a mop, squeegee, wet vac, and water pump will help you collect the water in your home or the water in your business and remove it. Once you have done all you can do with those tools, two more tools will help you finish the job. A large dehumidifier should be set up to help pull moisture out of the air.

Giant fans creating air movement will be drying your stuff quick. Make your air movement count and direct it towards the areas that need the most drying. Job is Almost Complete Your water damage restoration is nearing completion. After the water cleanup and the time spent drying, the flood damage should be minimized. Whether the water is in your business or there's water in your home, you'll be able to handle it.

Water cleanup isn't something that's extremely complicated, but you do have to be patient when you're drying if you want to avoid permanent water damage. Move Your Stuff Back In Before you bring back in all of your furniture that you saved you should clean the room extremely well using sanitizer. If everything looks good to you, then you can start to set everything back up the way that it was.

Do not return furniture that had gotten too wet. Due to the material, they are made of they become breeding grounds for mold after their wet no matter how dry you get them. A simple formula can be used for any water damage restoration project.

Take all of your personal belongings out, remove all the water that you can, remove as much moisture from the area as possible, and move everything back in. This is the best recourse for potential flood damage that has left water in your home or business. Visit http://www.SERVPRObradleycounty.com for more information on water damage.