Managing Electrical Safety Hazards During Water Restoration in Raleigh

2/6/2023 (Permalink)

Play in safe when water damages your Raleigh home office; call SERVPRO for cleanup and restoration. "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO Provides Electrical Generators during Water Restoration in Raleigh

Commercial buildings in Raleigh present many different hazards during water restoration activities. Depending on the business, there may be various environmental hazards, including hazardous materials and chemicals that have been compromised, structural problems, and electrical issues from live circuits and equipment powered by electricity.

Live electrical circuits are particularly dangerous during water restoration in Raleigh commercial buildings. Water conducts electricity endangering anyone working in the area or attempting to shut off circuits at the main distribution panel. The water inside wall panels can enter the electrical conduit system unseen, leading to dangerous situations. SERVPRO technicians always check for live circuits and follow a common sense approach:

• Turn off circuit breakers providing power to damaged areas
• If in doubt, turn off all circuit breakers
• A licensed electrician may be required to complete an inspection
• Add lockout tags on the panel
• Post signage on the panel indicating “Work in Progress, Do not reset breakers.”
• If the electrical panel is underwater or too dangerous to reach, turn off the power to the building

Once it is safe to enter the premises, SERVPRO utilizes truck-mounted generators powering sump pumps, water extractors, air movers, and dehumidifiers to remove standing water and dry the area. SERVPRO checks all cavities inside walls and floors for water and high moisture levels to avoid secondary damage to structure and mold infestations.

Additional safety steps that building owners should consider in these situations include:

• Utilize Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters to prevent high electrical current
• Check tools, cords, and accessories for damage.
• Avoid using lightweight light gauge extension cords to power equipment.
• Before energizing the electrical panel and circuits, have a qualified electrician verify all electrical circuits are safe to use.
• Ensure all equipment and appliances are properly dried and safe to use.

Call SERVPRO of East Raleigh / Zebulon for water restoration services. We provide service to Raleigh and nearby areas. We can help 24/7. Call (919) 250-0455.

Think SERVPRO for Commercial Water Damage Restoration in Raleigh

8/12/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial damage restoration services by SERVPRO are top-notch. Call now!

Importance of Drying Zones after Water Leaks

Establishing drying zones is crucial in the successful water damage restoration of commercial Raleigh properties. Techs use the drying zones to isolate the damaged portion of the building so that your business is least impacted during the repair.  

SERVPRO techs control the humidity, airflow, and temperature in the drying zone to accelerate evaporation during the water damage restoration of your Raleigh property. Techs create this zone by sealing off openings between the affected and unaffected areas. Establishing such zones can serve many purposes-

• It allows the restorers to focus their equipment's efforts
• It can prevent the spread of contamination if present
• As only the affected portion is isolated, these zones allow businesses to operate, albeit with a limited functionality

Placing the Drying Equipment During Water Cleanup 

After establishing the drying zone during water damage restoration, the SERVPRO techs place the drying equipment to create conditions that accelerate the drying process. The two drying equipment that techs routinely use in water-damaged Raleigh properties include-

• Air Movers, and
• Dehumidifiers–desiccant, LGR

Techs arrange the air movers so that there is adequate airflow on all affected materials to create a vortex of circular airflow around the walls. In most cases, multiple air movers are arranged in tandem to maintain the vortex. 

Positioning the dehumidifiers in the drying zone is crucial to maintaining the best drying conditions. All the water evaporated from the surface must be dehumidified, or it can cause secondary damage. SERVPRO techs use different types of dehumidifiers depending on how much moisture is removed. In some cases, techs can use multiple dehumidifying equipment to get the best possible result. 

Call SERVPRO of East Raleigh / Zebulon at (919) 250-0455; we are available round the clock to help you.

Removing Commercial Carpet Fire Damage in Raleigh

6/13/2022 (Permalink)

When dealing with a fire damaged Raleigh workplace--call in the professionals--SERVPRO

SERVPRO Repairs Fire-Damaged Commercial Flooring 

When a Raleigh business endures even a small fire, porous surfaces like carpets are bound to be affected heavily. Fibers and fabrics are often restorable after absorbing smoke particles, but an estimated 98% of carpets are made of synthetic fibers. These porous surfaces tend to melt, char, and become otherwise unsalvageable when exposed to flames, high temperatures, and fire damage debris.

Fire damage cleanup for Raleigh businesses is available around the clock from certified SERVPRO technicians. Crew members receive a thorough education in fire mitigation strategies that can return the contents of a commercial facility to a pre-disaster condition based on restoration industry guidelines set by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). 

Is commercial carpeting restorable after fire damage?

While carpets are typically made of synthetic fibers that react poorly to fire, these surfaces are often restorable because of how smoke clings to surfaces. Soot particles often rise and stick to walls, ceilings, and other elevated surfaces before sinking to the floor.

When carpeting in a commercial facility endures soot exposure, SERVPRO technicians can:

• Pull up carpet and pad for inspection of adhesives, subflooring, and overall damage
• Vacuum loose, dry soot deposits with HEPA-filter vacuums 
• Mitigate odors with thermal fogging solutions, injection systems, or sprays
• Disinfect fibers with EPA-registered antimicrobials

In some cases, replacing carpeting might be more cost-effective than attempting a restoration. If residues from the fire bond with carpet fibers, they can permanently darken them. This difference is especially apparent in cases where exposed carpet is significantly darker than areas that had furniture sitting atop it during the fire. Even with cleaning, these color changes may still be visible. SERVPRO can install new carpet and pad for commercial entities per property owners’ needs.

Commercial property owners can call (919) 250-0455 for "Like it never even happened" cleanup results from SERVPRO of East Raleigh / Zebulon.

Water Damage Cleanup for Business Furnishings in Garner

5/28/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO commercial water damage restoration services Are top-notch. Call now!

SERVPRO Commercial Water Removal in Garner

Businesses rely on functioning plumbing and water systems to maintain a comfortable standard of functionality for their employees and clientele. Whether these systems are for restrooms, kitchens, or sprinklers, Garner commercial facilities need fast-responding cleanup that helps them keep downtime to a minimum while providing cleanup that is as thorough as possible.

Commercial water damage mitigation by Garner SERVPRO technicians can return commercial facilities to a pre-disaster state that lets businesses open their doors once more. SERVPRO can perform cleanup that complies with commercial insurance policies and local regulations for business properties. 

Upholstery cleanup and restoration for commercial furniture

One of the biggest challenges for businesses facing water damage is how to handle cleaning up assets, including upholstery like dining booth seating, waiting area chairs, desks, and tables. On top of that, a disaster like a sprinkler failure can also significantly impact structural materials like carpeting, subflooring, and drywall.

SERVPRO has strategies in place for salvaging all of these materials where possible. For upholstery specifically:

• Technicians can gently wet fibers to cover water spots before performing extraction that ensures that water stains no longer remain
• Hot water extraction tools can pull moisture and contaminants out of fibers and furniture, greatly accelerating the drying process
• Odor control methods for furnishings can include spot treatments with injection systems, fogging, and careful spraying with OSHA-approved solutions

Upholstery is often salvageable after water damage and can be dried after treatment with air movers and dehumidifiers.

Commercial property owners need a team that can help them when they need it most, and We're Faster To Any Size Disaster. Call SERVPRO of East Raleigh / Zebulon at (919) 250-0455 to begin the cleanup process.

Commercial Water Restoration in Raleigh Necessitates Expertise

4/14/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial water restoration services by SERVPRO are second to none. We are here to help.

SERVPRO Can Help You to Perform Commercial Water Restoration in Raleigh

I have water damage in my retail property, and there is a cost for every minute the building is closed. Which firm do I trust to bring things back to order?

SERVPRO is aware of water damage's impact on owners of commercial properties and their tenants. We are available around the clock to perform commercial water restoration in affected Raleigh properties. Our goal is to mitigate the impact of your water catastrophe through the assistance of our water damage restoration technicians (WRT).

Our team understands that every property has its unique specifications. Therefore, we do not implement a one size fits all solution. Instead, we work through the various nuances a building needs to secure it and its possessions. Our water repair process includes the following activities:

• Water removal
• Cleaning and disinfecting
• Drying and dehumidifying
• Repairs and restoration

Water removal

Water causes more destruction the longer it sits on a property. Our SERVPRO crew can use portable pumps to extract all the standing water to prevent additional damage like mold infestation and drywall deterioration.

Cleaning and disinfecting

Microbes can enter your property after water damage. After removing the water, our crew can safely clean and disinfect the affected areas.

Drying and dehumidifying

After a water intrusion incident, moisture can hide in furniture, under flooring, behind walls, or in the HVAC system and vents. Our SERVPRO team can use air movers to increase evaporation at the surface level and minimize drying time to perform drying and dehumidification. We can also use refrigerant dehumidifiers during the drying process. They remove water vapor from the air using the dew point principle.

Repairs and restoration

We can replace the materials we removed or rebuild a damaged section of your property. Our SERVPRO team can perform a final inspection at the end of the project to confirm that the moisture content of the structures and contents has reached the established drying goals.

SERVPRO of East Raleigh / Zebulon has well-trained professionals who can restore your commercial property to its preloss condition after water damage. Call us at (919) 250-0455.

Materials Quickly Damaged After Raleigh Office Fires

3/19/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial fire damage restoration services by SERVPRO are top-notch. We will be on-site within 4 hours of the initial call.

Certain elements and contents are susceptible to fire and smoke damage to Raleigh properties.

Offices count on steady productivity and performance, and this can be a challenge to complete when your business requires fire damage restoration and mitigation services. Our FSRT-Certified team of large loss recovery professionals works around the clock to clean up fire damage affecting your property.

Wall and Flooring Surfaces

Beginning fire mitigation in Raleigh office buildings starts with addressing the damage that has been done to walls and flooring surfaces. Clearing debris and blistered materials make other aspects of later restoration and cleaning more manageable and efficient. Soot damage on surfaces can be a widespread and destructive effect of a fire, so cleaning up loose debris first helps to make the complete restoration of affected substrates more effective.

Damaged Contents and Electronics

The equipment and furniture of your structure are the beating heart of the business, so when these computers, desks, and office electronics become damaged by migrating soot and smoke loss effects, rapid cleaning and restoration are critical. Contents can often benefit from relocation, even if further cleaning and recovery are necessary. Off-site cleanup at our SERVPRO facility nearby provides intricate restoration strategies, including detailed cleaning, deodorization, and drying of impacted contents.

Documents and Files

Office buildings also have many files and documents relative to customer accounts and orders. When fire damages and related suppression tactics impact the building's records areas and storage portions, these hard copies of information and documents can become quickly threatened. When relocation is insufficient, we can utilize document drying equipment in our inventory to protect this sensitive paperwork.

Our focus is to get you back operating at normal capacities as quickly as possible after costly fires. We understand these disasters' impact and dispatch experienced restoration professionals fast to help with vital mitigation and recovery action. Give our SERVPRO of East Raleigh / Zebulon team a call today at (919) 250-0455.

Can Professional Commercial Water Cleanup Save Raleigh Hardwood Floors?

11/17/2021 (Permalink)

Knowing what is needed for your damaged business is essential, call SERVPRO of East Raleigh / Zebulon.

SERVPRO offers a broad range of innovative and effective strategies for water removal and drying of hardwood floors in your Raleigh business

Water cleanup must follow quickly and professionally when burst pipes or leaking roofs from storms inundate the beautiful hardwood floors of a Raleigh business. Not only are the floors the foundation of your company’s physical layout, but they also contribute to the ambiance you desire. Removing and replacing the floors during water damage repairs is a disruptive and expensive proposition. Fortunately, alternatives minimize costs and disturbances in your operations. 

How Does SERVPRO Approach Hardwood Floor Water Removal Services?

When the SERVPRO crew arrives to assess the water damage remediation needed, expect swift action. Hardwood flooring is often more resilient than you might believe, but rather than simply waiting to see if the strips or planks underfoot “bounce back,” we:

• Pump standing water if deeper than two inches 

• Use high-efficiency and capacity truck-mounted extractors to suction and contain thousands of gallons for appropriate disposal

• Employ simpler tools such as brooms and squeegees to move lingering “topside” water to extractors

• Map lingering moisture by infrared imaging and moisture detectors, metering levels for drying goals

• Plan to remove the trapped moisture from under the visible strips or planks and the subfloors and supports

What Strategies Succeed in Bringing Hardwood Floor Moisture Levels Back to Normal?

Technicians also test unaffected materials in your building to determine proper moisture content for your floors. Interventions to reach that goal include:

• Drying mats connected to negative air pressure equipment attach to the floor and suck the moisture through several layers.

• Air movers and dehumidifiers positioned strategically reduce the ambient humidity of the space to accelerate evaporation.

• Fans blow under the affected flooring and substrate if access exists.

• Propping of strips or planks improves airflow.

Do not despair if your business’s floors need water removal. Reach SERVPRO of East Raleigh / Zebulon at (919) 250-0455 to explore your options.

Clearing Water from Tile Floors in Raleigh Businesses

10/23/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage is never good for your business. SERVPRO uses the latest technology and equipment every time for commercial damage restoration. Call now!

We have effective extraction and drying tools for large loss scenarios in Raleigh. 

Removing water and drying the area can be a critical process when your business is at stake. You need fast responding professionals to contain the damage and prioritize the needs of the management to ensure that operations can continue when possible. Our SERVPRO team is ready to help when you need it.

Clearing Standing Water from the Floors 

One of the staples for water damage removal in Raleigh businesses is the means of clearing standing water from the tile floors. Because of its low porosity, absorption into the flooring is not likely. It leaves most of the water damageable to get removed with squeegee wands, wet vacuums, and truck-mount extractors.

Removing Damaged Building Materials

While the tile flooring might be a low-porosity material that is less likely to become heavily damaged by migrating moisture or standing water, other elements that become exposed must get removed when degradation begins. This might include drywall, wood trim, base cabinets, and similar structural fixtures.

Thorough Drying and Moisture Tracking 

Complete drying is vital to protect and restore homes and businesses alike but failing to remove all of the present moisture pockets can become more significant concerns like mold damage or structural deterioration. We use devices to track the effectiveness of evaporation with air movers and dehumidifiers, like:

• Surface meters
• Probing moisture meters
• Thermal imagery/Infrared camera

Many choose the attractive look of tile flooring in specific areas of their Raleigh business or office space, which can be easier to clean and restore after water damages. Our professionals offer a faster response to help with mitigation and restoration as needed. You can reach our SERVPRO of East Raleigh / Zebulon team 24/7 at (919) 250-0455. 

Can Raleigh Businesses Get Emergency-Response Fire Debris Removal?

8/17/2021 (Permalink)

Don't hesitate to pick up your phone when it comes to your businesses fire damage. SERVPRO of East Raleigh / Zebulon is here 100%.

SERVPRO Provides Commercial Fire Debris Removal 24/7 for Raleigh Businesses

After fires impact Raleigh businesses, the cleanup process can be both time-consuming and stressful. Between the cost of repair and replacement, fire debris removal, and cleaning facilities to code, business owners need a more cost-effective, restoration-focused solution that minimizes downtime.

SERVPRO professionals provide comprehensive disaster cleanup that includes fire debris removal for Raleigh businesses. This firm utilizes OSHA-approved antimicrobial solutions to clean commercial facilities per local regulations and industry standards set by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).

Eliminating Fire Damage Debris and Soils with Mechanical Action

SERVPRO techs can mitigate large clusters of fire damage debris while implementing containment measures that minimize the spread of soot through entryways and vents. Debris is removed from the premises in sealed plastic bags by technicians wearing personal protective equipment (PPE).

Fire damage remediation for salvageable structures and contents in a given business can entail various degrees of mechanical agitation cleaning, such as:

• Feather dusters, brushes, compressed air, and HEPA-filter vacuums for most surfaces that have mild, dry, and loose smoke and soot soils
• SERVPRO Dry Cleaning Sponges, Crumbly Cleaner, mineral oil-coated dusting cloths, and wet cleaning towels for moderate agitation
• Abrasive powders, sandpaper, steel wool, and Roto brushes and pads can address heavy agitation cleaning needs
• Abrasion cleaning with blast media like dry ice, corn cobs, sand, or baking soda

Business owners can contact SERVPRO of East Raleigh / Zebulon by calling (919) 250-0455 for 24/7 services that make commercial properties seem “Like it never even happened.”

What Initial Actions Protect Raleigh Businesses After Mold Damage?

7/30/2021 (Permalink)

Mold remediation is no DIY project. SERVPRO has trained and experienced techs to handle all the dirty work.

Fast Responses to Emergencies Reduce the Irreparable Harm Mold Can Do to Raleigh Offices. 

Persistent moisture or water damage can facilitate mold growth in your office building. Experienced professionals like our SERVPRO team can help with removing active colonies and restoring the damage caused.

Mold Inspections Provide a Stable Start for Recovery

Mold remediation for Raleigh might seem like an overwhelming situation to address, but it can be efficient with a thorough inspection of the grounds. Our professionals identify damaged contents, structural elements and target foul odors present on the property with this information.

Content Relocation and Cleaning 

Protecting documents, furniture, and other personal effects from the office space are among the first actions that our SERVPRO takes during mold remediation. Relocating your contents to a safe area can prevent irreparable harm to these items when mold damage recovery gets underway for the office space.

Remediation Solutions for the Office Space

There is no universal approach for removing active colonization when mold damage exists. The inspection process can generate data on where mold is and the severity of these organisms against impacted items and furniture. From porous materials like drywall and carpeting to solid matter like concrete and masonry, remediation solutions can include:

• Antimicrobial and biocides
• Controlled demolition
• Sponge pressure cleaning
• Sanding

When your office building suffers situations like mold growth, it is vital to get these issues resolved as promptly as possible. Remediation specialists from our SERVPRO of East Raleigh / Zebulon team are available to help 24/7 at (919) 250-0455.

Raleigh Business Owners Turn to SERVPRO for Water Damage Restoration of Their Establishments

6/10/2021 (Permalink)

Water losses happen, and they cause downtime for businesses. SERVPRO is available 24/7 to remove the water!

SERVPRO Offers Premier Water Damage Restoration Service to Raleigh Commercial Properties

The cost of water damage restoration of your Raleigh commercial space can be significantly affected by how quickly SERVPRO professionals can get to work. Unmitigated water at your place of business can cause secondary damage, significantly increasing restoration costs.

SERVPRO technicians use several scientific approaches during water damage restoration of your Raleigh commercial property to speed up the drying process. The SERVPRO water restoration experts use their knowledge of Psychrometry (scientific study of air and its properties) to establish ideal conditions for drying. Besides controlling the temperature and humidity, controlling the airflow is a tool that SERVPRO techs regularly use during water damage remediation.

How SERVPRO Effectively Uses Airflow During Water Cleanup from Raleigh Properties

Air movers that provide continuous airflow are regularly used to speed up the drying process from water-damaged Raleigh properties. This equipment increases the rate of evaporation in the following ways:

• Removing the boundary layer-Evaporation causes a cooling effect. And the resulting outcome is that the air close to the wet surface becomes laden with moisture and becomes cooler, forming a layer known as the boundary layer. Once this layer is saturated with vapor, the evaporation stops. Air movers used during water damage remediation blow away this layer replacing it with a layer of drier and warmer air, speeding up evaporation. 
• Circulating dehumidified air-Air movers work in tandem with the dehumidifiers during water remediation. The air movers create air movements that circulate the dehumidified dry air throughout the structure. It results in lowering the humidity ratio of the air and speeding up the drying process. 

Call SERVPRO of East Raleigh / Zebulon at (919) 250-0455 for 24/7 water damage restoration.

SERVPRO Protects Raleigh Businesses from the Aftermath of Mold Damage

5/19/2021 (Permalink)

Mold remediation for a Raleigh property includes eliminating the foul odors--mVOC-micro Volatile Organic Compounds--SERVPRO AMRT techs can get it done

Professional Mold Damage Remediation Yields Best Results for Raleigh Businesses

Discovering mold damage at your place of business in Raleigh is never a good sign. If ignored, it can spread rapidly, and restoration can become exponentially more difficult. Besides, mold exposure can cause health effects to you and your employees as well.

Mold damage remediation in Raleigh should only be done by trained and certified professionals. SERVPRO mold specialists are IICRC certified and carry out the mold inspection, remediation and removal according to the EPA guidelines. Our restorers work closely with Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) professionals and Indoor Environmental Professionals (IEP) to achieve safe and efficient mold remediation.

What Mold Species Do SERVPRO Mold Specialists Deem Risky?

SERVPRO mold specialists of Raleigh have years of experience dealing with commercial mold restoration. We encounter many mold species in Raleigh that can have the potential to cause health effects, including the following-

• Aspergillus
• Fusarium
• Stachybotrys chartarum (black mold)
• Penicillium

Most types of attic mold and bathroom mold are allergenic and release Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds (mVOCs) that can cause allergies. Some other mold types found in your Raleigh commercial property might be toxigenic and produce chemicals called Mycotoxins. Not all species of mold produce mycotoxins, and those which do, don't produce them in all situations.

SERVPRO experts have the training and experience to deal with these mold species safely and efficiently. We use utmost care and precaution to limit the damage and prevent it from spreading to unaffected areas.

Call SERVPRO of East Raleigh / Zebulon at (919) 250-0455; we are here to assist you round the clock.

Seminar Helps First Time Home Buyers In Raleigh Avoid Problems

1/25/2021 (Permalink)

Mold damage is a challenge you do not want to handle on your own. Call the professionals at SERVPRO for the latest equipment and techniques.

Learn How To Make A Raleigh Home Purchase Process Go Smoothly

Buying a new home is a massive commitment for Raleigh residents, and the first time homebuyer may feel overwhelmed. This engaging seminar teaches the basics, anyone considering a home purchase should know. Attendees learn how to choose a property, the bidding process, understanding credit scores, what debt to income ratio is, and why getting a home inspection can protect potential buyers. There is a free guide titled "The ABCs to Buying Your First Home" that will be given upon registration. This guide that participants get to keep gets used in the seminar. The host of the event is Ms. Veronica Saccoh. She is a licensed Broker/REALTOR® in the State of North Carolina and has experience helping new homeowners make their initial purchase. For any questions, please contact Ms. Saccoh by calling 919.322.9877.

• Date: February 6, 2021
• Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM EST
• Price: Free
• Location: URL for the virtual event given after registration

Choosing among commercial mold companies can be challenging. That is SERVPRO of East Raleigh / Zebulon at (919) 250-0455 go above and beyond in Raleigh properties when they handle remediation services. 

Protecting Raleigh Cultural Centers with Fast Stormwater Removal

12/7/2020 (Permalink)

Call the experts at SERVPRO when your commercial property is damaged by water.

With efficient extraction and drying solutions, we can protect Raleigh businesses and commercial structures.  

Culture and live entertainment are the beating heart of Raleigh even to this day. For a community that dates back before the American Revolution, it is not surprising how much history and heritage must get protected from the often-severe weather and flooding that can occur in the Greater Raleigh area. As leading storm damage restorers, our SERVPRO team can help businesses and residences to recover after violent storms cause flooding.

Historic Properties of Raleigh

From colonial times to the turn of the 20th century, many of Raleigh's most well-known and recognizable structures and commercial properties throughout the city have been given the distinction of historic places. While there are thousands of homes in the city that require immediate attention during flood losses, these landmark structures also require fast action to protect their original construction materials and often intricate craftsmanship. Some of the most recognizable and renowned of these historic sites include:

• Haywood Hall – a two-story Federal-style structure built and inhabited by North Carolina's longest-serving treasurer John Haywood.

• Mordecai Plantation – constructed in 1785, this is the oldest home in Raleigh on its original foundation, and the grounds of the Park also feature the birthplace of the 17th President of the United States, Andrew Johnson.

• Sir Walter Raleigh Hotel – This hotel has been operating since 1924 and has been a focal point for state and federal politics over the years. While it is in a state of restoration now, it still is a recognizable landmark for the city.

Museums and Cultural Centers 

As the capital of North Carolina, Raleigh assumes responsibilities like maintaining the history of the earliest settlements through influential battles of the American Revolution, Civil War, and the civil rights movement of the 1960s and 1970s. From the Wright Brothers' amazing discovery and mastery of flight to modern science advancements still happening at significant universities like North Carolina State, arts and sciences are also a significant focal point for museums and cultural centers within Raleigh. Some of the most heavily visited of these throughout each year include:

• City of Raleigh Museum – Positioned in the historic Briggs Hardware Building on Fayetteville Street, this free museum offers multiple exhibits detailing the extensive history of the state's capital. 

• Marbles Kids Museum – This is an interactive museum tailored towards elementary school children with permanent exhibits that promote principles like being active, learning, innovation, exploration, and experimentation. Temporary programs also make Marbles Kids Museum a place that children want to keep coming back to learn.

• North Carolina Museum of History – Because of its position as a Smithsonian Affiliate, this museum has access to artifacts and resources that extend beyond conventional history museums. It has been operating since 1902 and kept a record of the illustrious history of North Carolina throughout some of the country's most turbulent moments. This facility is also home to the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame. 

• North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences – This is the oldest museum in North Carolina and the largest of its type in all of the Southeastern United States. The facility fixates on exhibits and interactive displays to introduce visitors to the treasures of nature native to North Carolina. There are also elaborate and detailed displays of prehistoric times, and the types of dinosaurs and plant life that inhabited the region.

• North Carolina Museum of Art – Art and these acts of creation have always been a driving force for Raleigh and the state, making this museum a testament to local, national, and global artists' achievement throughout multiple mediums. There are more than 40 galleries within the facility, spanning a total of 5000 years of creation.

Live Sports Entertainment Venues 

Part of our culture also hinges on live entertainment and sporting events. As the state's capital, we share in the achievements of all the professional and collegiate teams of North Carolina. Raleigh is home to some of our most favored teams in venues like PNC Arena. This sports complex has played home to our Carolina Hurricanes since 1999. It would be part of history when our hockey professionals would bring home the greatest prize in the sport, capturing the Stanley Cup from the Edmonton Oilers in 2006. PNC Arena also serves as the home for NC State Wolfpack men's basketball, while the women's team, volleyball, and the collegiate gymnastics teams compete at the Reynold's Coliseum.

How Does Storm water Get Addressed Quickly to Reduce Damage? 

Flooding is one of the considerable risks that threaten North Carolina homes and businesses, especially those along the path of powerful storms like Hurricane Florence. Having a team prepared to help at all hours can reduce the total loss that homes experience from prolonged exposure. Our SERVPRO professionals are ready to mobilize 24/7, with an experienced division of our restoration roster that had helped other areas of the country when disaster struck.

As a large loss recovery team, we can quickly identify the damage to area businesses and provide the appropriate mitigation necessary. Often for storm water threats, extraction is among the chief priorities. This process's tools and devices vary based on factors like the depth of the standing water and whether any solids and debris are present. Between electric submersible pumps and wet vacuums to trash pumps and truck-mount extractors, we can manage surface water concerns quickly to begin controlled demolition and drying as needed.

As a general contractor and team of restoration experts, SERVPRO of East Raleigh can help with emergency services necessary after storm losses. Board up and roof tarping can prevent further flood exposure while mitigative tasks get underway inside the structure. We can also relocate exposed wares and stock to avoid even more significant losses for shops and stores.

The threat of damages from powerful weather events is never wholly nonexistent. When you need storm water removal in your Raleigh business, give our SERVPRO of East Raleigh / Zebulon team a call at (919) 250-0455.

What Eliminates Smoke Odors After a Fire in Raleigh?

10/25/2020 (Permalink)

Fire damage to your business needs to be taken care of quickly and efficiently. Contact SERVPRO 24/7 for remediation and mitigation services.

Even the Toughest Smoke Odors and Fire Damage to Your Business in Raleigh is No Match for SERVPRO

It usually only takes minutes for a small fire to turn into a substantial catastrophe at your retail location. The longer any fire rages on, the higher the level of destruction that it leaves behind. The fallout includes everything from significant debris and stubborn soot residue. The cleanup of your Raleigh business must happen as soon as possible to help cut back on secondary damage. Hiring SERVPRO ensures that skilled technicians act fast to deal with pungent odors throughout your space.

How is Fire Debris and Odor Handled?

All of our knowledgeable technicians have had extensive training through the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). Once you call us for fire damage and odor elimination in Raleigh, we arrive fast so that we can assess your business. To ensure that your entire space is free of harsh smoke residue and sticky soot, our team will:

• Carefully remove debris and sources of odor, including unsalvageable contents and charred building materials.
• Clean each surface covered with odor-causing particles. The team looks into each room to ensure we address any areas impacted by odor contamination.
• Recreate the conditions leading to odor development, which often includes the deployment of deodorizers using our thermal fogging equipment.
• Surface sealing to treat areas exposed to malodors. In some instances, we can seal and paint walls or seal ductwork to inhibit odor travel into unaffected regions of your retail space.

We always take the route to restore rather than replace whenever possible. However, we take care of all controlled demolition required to bring your business back to pre-fire condition. When we get done with the project, it will look “Like it never even happened,” so that you can open your doors without lingering odors to remind you of the fire incident that took place.

Call (919) 250-0455 to have SERVPRO of East Raleigh/Zebulon when you need skilled assistance with fire damage and odor removal.  

Click here for more information about Raleigh.

How Can a Water Cleanup Service in Raleigh Resolve My Craft Brewery’s Water-Related Issues?

9/11/2020 (Permalink)

As you ponder your options, remember that there is a reputable neighborhood service that can help you.

Raleigh Area Water Cleanup Companies Not Only Remove Standing Water from Your Commercial Site, They Also Expertly Dry Interiors and Neutralize Odors.

In recent years, craft breweries and other small drink manufacturers have proliferated around Raleigh and its environs.  These new businesses have developed in response to the public’s ever-increasing demand for exciting new flavors and beverages.  Local owners of such drink manufacturing, bottling, and serving enterprises use large industrial appliances and liquid containers.  Conducting business is a piece of cake when all of these production and storage tools are functioning properly, but they quickly produce a nightmare when they fail.  Malfunctioning equipment and deteriorating containers can rapidly spill gallons of water and beverage around your site.  Whenever this happens, you need the help of a good water cleanup service fast.

How is the Water Cleanup Process Initiated?
High-quality Raleigh water cleanup companies like SERVPRO are thoughtful and have well-planned procedures they follow.  Their process starts when you first contact them for assistance and generally involves:

    •    Collecting your contact information, business address, and key details about your property and specific water issue
    •    Then, often, arriving onsite within four hours of your call to locate and block the offending water source
    •    After the water flow has been stopped, our technicians determine if the water is contaminated and, if it is, its level of contamination
    •    Next, we evaluate your property’s level of water damage, noting what can be saved and what is a total loss
    •    Then, we inspect your site for safety hazards like asbestos and lead

Once SERVPRO workers have done all of this, they design a precise plan of action to resolve your particular problem.  Then, they quickly move on to removing standing water from and drying your business’ interiors.

What Does SERVPRO Do to Extract Water From and Dry My Business?
After your commercial site has been thoroughly inspected and evaluated for water damage, SERVPRO technicians get to work on eliminating your water issue.  This process employs the use of their extensive water removal expertise, as well as their arsenal of high-tech equipment, and includes:

    •    Establishing a drying goal-based specifically on your particular situation and location
    •    Bringing in powerful truck-mounted and portable extractors, submersible pumps, and wet vacs to swiftly remove standing water from your brewery or shop
    •    Locating moisture-impacted structural elements and materials around your business with advanced tools like infrared cameras, moisture sensors and meters, and thermohygrometers
    •    Moving out or blocking equipment, furniture, and commercial items to protect them from wet floorings and other affected surfaces
    •    Employing powerful desiccant or refrigerant dehumidifiers, air movers, and Injectidry systems to dry out all areas of your commercial site
    •    Monitoring the progress of the drying process with previously mentioned moisture detection tools

These advanced methods and tools enable us to speedily extract water from and dry your property.  This often protects you from total losses, extended closures, and other business-related hardships.

How Does SERVPRO Clean and Restore My Property?
During the final stages of returning your shop or brewery to its preloss condition, SERVPRO professionals focus on cleaning your property, eliminating microbial threats, and repairing water-related damage.  As technicians work to complete these efforts, they:

    •    Discard irreparable materials
    •    Utilize various cleaning techniques, like wet, immersive, dry, and abrasive methods
    •    Employ technologically advanced foggers to eliminate harmful bacteria and fungi, as well as unpleasant water damage-related odors
    •    Repair or fully reconstruct impacted structural elements and items

After all this work has been completed, businesses are usually back to their preloss conditions and ready to resume operations.  The speed at which we can make this happen is crucial since downtime equals lost customers and income.

Considering all this, choosing the right water removal company to help you is essential.  Some local services simply do not have the training, experience, skills, or equipment to complete your job effectively and in a timely manner.  Poorly done work has to be redone, and slow water removal service could force your business to close for an extended period of time.  All of this could permanently drive away customers, cause you to have to search for new employees, and ultimately drive you out of business.  The simple answer to avoid all these potential problems is to find a good cleaning and restoration company that can do the job right the first time.  In the long-run, this limits your overall damages, makes restoration efforts easier, and saves you time, money, and headaches.

As you ponder your options, remember that there is a reputable neighborhood service that can help you.  If your brewery or shop has suffered a leak, spill, or another type of water-related event, contact SERVPRO of East Raleigh / Zebulon at (919) 250-0455 for assistance.

Can Cleaning Restore the Allure in Our Sporting Goods Shop After Fire Damage?

7/22/2020 (Permalink)

Raleigh Area Commercial Showrooms Rely on SERVPRO for Rapid FIre Damage Cleanup and Restoration

SERVPRO Has Extensive Experience Cleaning Raleigh Showrooms after Fire Damage Restoring their Pre-Loss Shine

You may be thankful when a fire incident at your Raleigh sports good shop is stopped before it consumes everything. However, once the smoke, and initial panic clear, you are likely to encounter other problems such as large surfaces darkened with layers of residue. Even those not affected significantly may look dull.

Is there a way to expedite the cleaning process?

Although cleaning is a cost-effective way to restore fire damage at your Raleigh sporting goods store, you may feel discouraged when you consider the extent of cleaning tasks you have to perform. The bright and vast ceiling and wall surfaces may take considerable time to clean, leading to extended closure. Our SERVPRO crews can help ease the process by availing various resources, including:

• Self-propelled cherry pickers
• Pressure washers
• Soda-blasting equipment

Scrubbing a broad area such as a ceiling until it is clean can take time. When our technicians use pressure washers, we can reduce that time to a small fraction allowing you to resume operations earlier. We also bring plastic sheets to cover items in the store to minimize wetting. Needless to say, this process is not suitable for many showrooms.

Does cleaning remove all types of fire soils?

Fires leave a wide range of residues, including oily or synthetic deposits. Some of the residues may also penetrate beyond the surface in porous materials. The amalgamation of these factors means that cleaning might not be helpful in the removal of all forms of soiling. When our SERVPRO technicians restore damaged shops, we combine regular and sophisticated cleaning approaches to achieve the desired results. We combine cleaning approaches from different categories, including:

• Mechanical agitation
• Chemical action
• Non-abrasive blasting
• Special Dry Sponges for Wiping

Non-abrasive blasting such as soda or dry ice blasting helps remove residues embedded in porous materials such as unfinished wood in frame ceilings.

A fire incident should not dull your service to customers. Call SERVPRO of East Raleigh / Zebulon at (919) 250-0455 to help clean your store, restoring areas damaged by the incident, "Like it never even happened."

How Much Does Restoring My Raleigh Business After Water Intrusion Cost?

7/12/2020 (Permalink)

When water damage happens to your business, you need to move quickly to get it resolved. Call SERVPRO to obtain our services.

Call SERVPRO for Professional and Affordable Restoration to Your Raleigh Business

Storm flooding may get the most attention, but a fractured pipe or a blocked drain can cost area businesses millions of dollars each year in repair and restoration. It takes quick water removal and thorough drying of property in a small operation like a coffee shop to get the best results.

Are My Employees and Customers Safe?

When it comes to commercial water damage restoration in Raleigh, commercial operations also have to be concerned about health risks. As we all come out of the current health crisis, SERVPRO technicians are ready to provide the best environment possible for employees and customers.

Where Do Your Technicians Start?

Each Restoration Team starts with water extraction. Even if standing water has already drained from your shop, technicians bring in water extractors to thoroughly clean and dry all floors. For tight corners and small storage areas, they use squeegees to remove the last trace of moisture.

As team members complete removal, others set up several devices to dry the interior of your building. Technicians set up exhaust fans at entrances and exits to remove the damp, inside air, and then set up air movers. These machines create a warm, dry airflow they direct over counters, storage racks, and other surfaces to dry them while also helping to force out the damp air. The air movers are also excellent for drying the space underneath coffee machines, ovens, and other equipment.

What About the Health Risks?

To protect everyone, especially in the foodservice industry, our office now offers Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned. This new program offers cleaning and decontamination at standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. No other restoration service can offer a service that meets higher standards.

If you have had any water in your business here or in Garner, contact SERVPRO of East Raleigh / Zebulon today. One call to us at (919) 250-0455 can help reopen your shop to customers again.

Click here for more information about Raleigh.

5 Tips For Preparing Your Business for a Fire

4/20/2020 (Permalink)

Keep emergency numbers handy

5 Tips For Preparing Your Business for a Fire

There are a few fire prevention steps every Eagle Rock, NC, business should be aware of for protecting their employees and company property. These steps can not only help ensure that everyone makes it out of the building safely if there is a fire but can also help mitigate damage and the likelihood of a fire occurring. Here’s what you may want to know.

1. Have an Emergency Plan

Having an emergency plan can help ensure your employees know what to do in an emergency. Consider making this part of the handbook and posting safety maps in your business.

2. Know Emergency Tool Locations

Knowing where emergency tools such as alarm pull or fire extinguishers can help protect your company from fire damage. Make sure your employees know where these things are as well as how to properly use them.

3. Maintain Equipment

It’s important to maintain any equipment your company may use as a method of fire prevention. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for keeping things clean, and call a professional if any repairs need to be made. Older equipment may need to be replaced.

4. Use Safety Precautions

Another way to prevent a business fire is to know the safety procedures for any equipment your business may use. This includes everything from a microwave or copier, to any manufacturing equipment kept on site.

5. Keep Emergency Numbers Handy

It’s also a good idea to keep emergency numbers handy. This not only includes the number for the fire department or paramedics, but also for your insurance provider. You may also want to keep track of a number for a local fire damage restoration service who can help with cleanup and repairs if a fire does occur.

Using these fire prevention steps can help prevent a fire, and may also help mitigate damage if a fire does occur. Remember, after a fire restoration service can help with cleanup as repairs.

Protecting Your Business From High Winds

3/5/2020 (Permalink)

Damage to roof shingles in Auburn, NC

Types of Damages During Hurricanes

Owning a business in Auburn, NC requires you to be prepared for the sudden onset of storms and other natural disasters. Hurricane damage can be devastating to your business and stressful to deal with. Here you can learn about what types of damage are most common during hurricanes and how you can lessen the impacts of high winds.

Damage to your exterior walls, windows, and doors.
Damage to your property's grounds and outbuildings.
Damage to your roof shingles, roof sheathing, and roof-mounted items such as HVAC units, skylights, and pipes.

Fortify Your Grounds
Hurricane damage affects not only the physical building of your business but also the outdoor areas. Don't forget to take steps to secure your grounds before a major storm. If you have any storage units or outbuildings, ensure that they are properly anchored. Then you can move all of your equipment into these areas for protection. Secure items on your grounds such as dumpsters, signs, and fences - and move them to an indoor area if they are not secure. Take care to keep trees and large shrubs on your property pruned and healthy so they are harder to uproot.

Brace Your Building's Exterior
Windstorms can cause considerable damage to your building, especially if you have not taken precautions. Your roof, exterior walls, windows, and doors will take the brunt of many storms with high-velocity winds. To keep your building as safe as can be, make sure the outside of your building can handle what nature throws at it. You should have regular inspections to ensure that your shingles are up to code and fitted properly and that all roof-mounted items are properly secured. Before a large storm, check that your building is sealed and windows are protected. Your entry doors should be triple-hinged and secured with a deadbolt.
Even the most prepared business can feel the effects of hurricane damage. If your business is hit by a major storm, call a professional water damage restoration team to help you recover as seamlessly as possible.

What To Do When Your Tenant Complains of Mold

1/23/2020 (Permalink)

Mold growth in Garner, NC

Four Steps You Should Take As the Landlord

Mold cleanup is the responsibility of the landlord or property owner as long as a property issue caused the mold. For example, if a leaky water line or pipe break caused the mold problem, then it is the responsibility of the landowner. However, if a tenant left food sitting on a counter that molded over and spread to the surrounding area, then that is the tenant's responsibility. Regardless, when a tenant files such a complaint, there are four steps you should take as the landlord.

1. Touch base
   
2. Take pictures
   
3. Get testing
   
4. Hire a remediation company
   
   

Touch Base

The most important thing for you to do is respond to their complaint promptly. When dealing with mold, it is likely best to respond within 24 hours because it is an environmental and a potential health concern.

Take Pictures

Next, go to their apartment and photograph the area of alleged mold growth. During your visual inspection of the space, take note of anything that may have caused the issue. You will eventually need to determine liability for mold cleanup. However, do not be accusatory or insulting.

Get Testing

Once you have documented the scene and determined the validity of their complaint, contact an environmental testing service to determine the legitimacy of the threat. You may want a company to perform surface and air tests to determine if mold spores are present and the level of contamination.

Hire a Remediation Company

Last, if the results of the testing are positive for mold, then you should find a reputable mold remediation company in Garner, NC, and hire them for the removal. Since mold removal can take anywhere from three to seven days, depending on the level of mold contamination, the tenant will likely have to vacate their apartment.
While mold cleanup is not always the responsibility of the landlord, it is your responsibility to take tenant concerns seriously. Therefore, if contacted about a possible mold problem, return tenant complaints quickly, take pictures, get testing and hire a remediation specialist if necessary.

4 Smart Moves To Prepare Your Company for a Weather Disaster

11/27/2019 (Permalink)

It is vital to have periodic drills that mimic the conditions of a storm

Disaster Preparedness

On any given day there is bad weather happening somewhere in the world. This can be in the form of tornadoes, hurricanes, heavy rains or snow, lightning and hail. Eventually, extreme weather will hit Garner, NC. That's why a strong disaster preparedness plan is a necessity for every business. The better your plan the quicker you will be able to recover from a major storm. You will also be more likely to suffer lighter losses and a shorter business interruption, while providing greater safety for your employees and customers. Each plan is unique and depends upon the characteristics and location of each business, but a solid plan has these things in common:

Include Employees. Your employees are your greatest asset, and they are a true key to proper business preparedness. Make sure they are educated about where to go and what actions to take. Appoint a coordinator and a safety team to take charge during a storm. A plan to help workers with disabilities is an integral part of preparedness.

Buy Emergency Supplies. Every company should have on hand a good first-aid kit, clean water, a flashlight and food. Every employee should be aware of where the supplies are kept.

Engage in Drills. Practice makes perfect so it is vital to have periodic drills that mimic the conditions of a storm. Disaster preparedness depends on employees knowing the evacuation route and the location of a safe room.

Establish Communication Protocols. It's important to know who to call and when during the course of a storm and afterwards. The numbers for emergency personnel and first responders should be available to all employees. After the storm, the services of storm mitigation professionals should be contacted to assess damage and begin cleanup.

Disaster preparedness takes a bit of planning and extra work, but you'll be happy you put in the effort when a storm strikes. The road to recovery will be smoother for your business.

What To Do When a Toilet Overflow Affects Multiple Floors

9/25/2019 (Permalink)

Toilet water is Category 3 water

What To Do When a Toilet Overflow Affects Multiple Floors

The only thing worse than dealing with sewer damage on one of the floors of your commercial property in Lizard Lick, NC, is facing damage on two floors of your commercial property. Here's what to do when an overflowing toilet threatens to flood a second floor.

1. Call for Backup

All flood water isn’t created equal. It's generally classified into three groups:

Category 1: Clean water, likely from a broken supply line, that holds no threat of contamination.
Category 2: Water that's used in appliances and equipment, rendering it mildly contaminated.
Category 3: Highly contaminated water that may contain sewage, bacteria, or other toxins.

Toilet water is Category 3 water, which means that you should resist the urge to start cleanup on your own and instead call a water mitigation company immediately. Once you've made those arrangements, call your insurance company.

2. Stop the Water

While you wait for help from sewer damage professionals, your first job is to stop the flow of water by turning off the toilet's supply valve. Then, try to contain the water if you can, getting as much water off the floor as possible, being careful not to make direct contact with it. The goal is to stop as much water as you can from making the jump to the floor below.

3. Remember That Subfloor Damage May Not Be Visible

If the ceiling of the floor below the overflowing toilet shows even the slightest sign of water damage, that means water breached the barrier between floors and you need professionals to get in there, see just how much got wet, and carefully remove it. Resist the temptation to simply paint over water marks on the ceiling and call it a day. Wet building materials, if left unattended, may harbor mold or become structurally unsound and unsafe.
A flooded toilet doesn't have to spell disaster for your commercial space. Minimize the threat of sewer damage and unsafe working conditions by enlisting the help of an experienced sewage company for cleanup and restoration.

Cleaning Up After an Apartment Fire

8/28/2019 (Permalink)

Apartment fire in Auburn, NC

If you have experienced an apartment fire in Auburn, NC, there are a few steps to take to ensure a smooth transition after the smoke has cleared. Consider the following procedures for a swift cleanup:

• Communicate any losses to your insurance company
• Remove any valuables from the living space
• Contact the superintendent to make sure all electrical and plumbing is inspected
• Arrange for alternate living quarters if necessary

Secure Your Possessions

It's a great idea to remove any items from the area that you deem to be irreplaceable or expensive. There will more than likely be a steady stream of people in and out of your living quarters immediately after a fire. Fire damage remediators, police and other authorities will be there to help with the aftermath, but unlocked doors and easy entry can open the door to theft. A good short-term solution is to rent a small storage unit to house your goods while the situation is being sorted out. For those that have purchased renters insurance, one of the first calls should be to the agent handling your contract. If you choose to wait to file your losses, your reimbursement could be delayed and red tape may hold up the proceedings. As a safeguard, always document high-end goods by keeping a list along with photos for proof.

Meet With the Landlord

Contact the person in charge of the building as soon as possible after an apartment fire. You can find out when professionals will be on-site to begin repairs and confirm that all wiring and piping will be thoroughly investigated. The manager of the complex may also be able to direct you to accommodations for the time immediately after the fire.

Find a Place to Stay

Once all the initial issues are addressed, get in touch with family or friends to secure a space to live while cleanup is being completed. You can also check into local relief funds if you need financial assistance. An apartment fire can be devastating, but choosing to act quickly can reduce the amount of time spent recovering from a disaster.

Tips for Drying Out Your Commercial Building

6/21/2019 (Permalink)

Turn off the electricity

Proper Steps to Begin the Cleanup Process After Flooding in Your Building

If your commercial building in Wendell, NC, gets flooded, it is important to know the proper steps to take to begin the cleanup process. Acting fast in this type of situation is vital in order to make sure that even larger issues don't occur. Here are some damage tips to get you started before help arrives.

Turn Off the Electricity

The power needs to be shut off immediately. This can help prevent further damage, but is also extremely important in ensuring people's safety. If you are unsure how to do this or do not know where the power box is, contact the building manager or obtain a copy of the building plans to help you.

Stay Safe

If you've had a pipe burst, the water is going to be different than if it came from a sewer problem. Cleaning tips for contaminated water need to include wearing the proper safety gear. If you're unsure about the source, you may want to wait until a water restoration expert arrives.

Get Documentation

Insurance may help pay for some or all of the damage, so it is important to take pictures of the flooded area. When you go to file a claim, they usually ask for this, so be sure to get shots from every angle before any cleanup takes place.

Ventilate the Area

Opening all windows to begin proper air circulation is one of the best damage tips there is. Fresh air can help start the drying process naturally. Do not use fans or try to blast the heat or air conditioner as this can sometimes cause more harm than good.
Although these damage tips are there to get you started, it is a good idea to call a professional restoration company in Wendell, NC, to come take a look at the contaminated area. They may also be able to help you locate and fix the source of the problem so that additional flooding does not occur.

What Should I do After a Pipe Breaks?

5/28/2019 (Permalink)

Bursting Pipes can cause extensive Water Damage.

A pipe break can happen during any time of the year but is more likely to occur during the winter if the pipes are in an uninsulated area of your commercial property in Raleigh, NC. Be advised that bursting pipes can cause extensive water damage in Raleigh, which is why it’s important to call a restoration company as soon as possible. 

3 Steps to take after a pipe break.

1. Stop the Water

Turn off the water immediately. After you shut off the main water supply, you need to drain the pipes. To do this, turn on the cold water on every faucet on your property and flush every toilet at least once. Then turn off the hot water heater and run the hot water on every faucet. Taking these crucial steps ensures the leak will stop. But you’re not done yet.

2. Reduce and Fix the Damage

At this point, it’s best to reach out to the professionals so they can fix the broken pipe. However, you might be able to locate the broken pipe yourself. Don’t walk in water as this bears the risk of getting electrocuted. It’s recommended that you turn off the electrical power no matter if the water is one foot or only one inch high. Furthermore, unplug appliances and turn off the furnace. If safe, you can move valuable items, electronics and fabrics to higher ground.

3. Call a Cleanup Company

Opening the windows and running fans run won’t prevent mold growth from bursting pipes. No matter how extensive you think the damage is, contact a water restoration company as there might be damage you are not able to spot. Mold and mildew begins to grow only 24 to 48 hours after such an event. You don’t want to risk more damage to your property.

When your plumbing breaks, there’s little time to spare. Take these three steps immediately to reduce the water damage in Raleigh, NC due to bursting pipes.

Steps for Removing Mold in Your Air Ducts

4/12/2019 (Permalink)

Strong, musty smell can be a sign of mold. SERVPRO is highly trained and experts in mold removal.

Process To Remove Mold In Your Air Ducts

A musty smell in your building in Garner, NC, can be a sign of mold. If your customers or employees are complaining about the odor throughout the building, it may be hiding out in the ducts of your HVAC system. Professional HVAC cleaning can remove the fungus and improve your building’s air quality. Here are the steps mold mitigation experts are likely to take to complete this process.

1. Assessing the Issue

In order to use the right procedures, technicians need to know what kind of mold and how extensive a problem they are dealing with. They may test the area to determine where the mold is located and how much of your air ducts are affected. Once they know how big the issue is, they can formulate a plan that hopefully will leave your building fungus-free.

2. Pinpointing the Cause

Mold growth is often the result of unresolved water damage or excess dust. It doesn’t do any good to get rid of the malodorous mold if the factors that led to it persist. Professionals may need to find and remediate the cause of the problem with damage repair or HVAC cleaning before they tackle the fungus issue.

3. Shutting Off Air Flow

Mold spreads easily through the air. Because cleaning vents can stir up the spores in the growth, it’s important to seal off the area with the mold problem. Turning off the HVAC system and covering vents to limit exposure to other parts of the building is crucial.

4. Cleaning the Area

Spores are tiny and can thus infiltrate just about every surface, crack or pore. Certified professionals are trained to permeate every place these spores may hide. They may use a variety of methods to make sure your building is completely remediated.

If you smell mold throughout your building, HVAC cleaning may be in order. Call in the professionals to make sure it is done correctly and thoroughly.

How To Prepare for and Extinguish a Fire

1/12/2019 (Permalink)

Make sure your building in Raleigh, NC has the right fire extinguisher

Fires can happen at any time, at any place and often without warning. Having a fire extinguisher on hand is your first line of defense. If your building in Raleigh, NC, has a fire, it is vital to know the appropriate actions to take when fighting it. If used correctly, an extinguisher can help limit the amount of fire damage to your building. The following steps will help you prepare for and extinguish a fire:

1. Pick the Right Extinguisher

Make sure your building has the appropriate fire extinguisher for the type of fires you might face at your workplace. (This may mean having multiple extinguishers available for use.) All extinguishers are labeled in accordance with what type of fire they are to be used against. For example, a kitchen fire would require an extinguisher labeled with a ‘K,’ as it is designed for fighting fats, grease and oils.

2. Call Emergency Services

In the event of a fire, the most important step is calling emergency services. Fires can be unpredictable and quickly grow out of control. Always take the immediate step of pulling the fire alarm and ensuring back up is on its way.

3. Use the Extinguisher

Before choosing to use an extinguisher, always make sure there is a clear path for evacuation if necessary. Then follow the PASS method to operate the extinguisher:

1. Pull - Pull the pin; this releases the locking mechanism.
   
2. Aim - Always aim low, toward the base of the fire.
   
3. Squeeze - Spray the extinguisher by squeezing the handle.
   
4. Sweep - Use a side-to-side sweeping motion to most effectively cover the fire.
   
   

After following these steps, if the fire is not yet out or if it re-ignites, use your evacuation route and wait for emergency services to arrive.

While knowing how to effectively use a fire extinguisher can aid in limiting fire damage, personal safety should always be your top priority. Whenever a fire has taken place, it's wise to have a fire damage assessment to ensure the building's safety before returning.

Category 1 Water Damage: Act Now!

12/23/2018 (Permalink)

If you have a flood damage situation be sure to call a water restoration company in Knightdale, NC

Take the Following Steps Within 24 Hours, If Possible

There are three categories of water that can flood your business in Knightdale, NC. Category 1 water is the best-case scenario. Category 1 damage comes from clean water sources, such as a broken supply line or a broken pipe. The key is to act quickly before any damage becomes worse. Untreated category 1 water can quickly turn to category 2 or 3 water. 

1. Turn Off Electricity

When water is involved, your first safety concern is electricity. Turn off all electric sources near the flooded area. If the water is confined to a single room, then cutting power to that room will suffice, but if the damage is multi-room, consider cutting power to the building. Call your utility company if you can’t reach the panel safely.

2. Stop the Flow

Once the threat of electrocution has passed, find the source of the flooding and stop the flow immediately. Stopping it could be as easy as turning the valve off on an overflowing toilet tank or more difficult, like completely shutting off clean water to the whole building. It is important to know where all the water valves, inside and outside, are in your building.

3. Call Your Insurance Company

As soon as the risk of electricity and flowing water is resolved, call your business’s insurance company in order to discuss the coverage for your assets. Many insurance policies cover flooding from broken pipes but not from a natural flood. Ask your insurance company to work quickly so you know what is covered. Be sure to take pictures of the damage for your records.

4. Get Help for Cleanup

If it’s a small flood, you may be able to start cleanup yourself, but be sure to call a water restoration company quickly. These companies should know exactly what to do to ensure the damage is as minimal as possible.

Flood damage recovery may be a long process. The good thing is that category 1 water is clean water and that makes the situation a lot less complicated. Using a reputable water restoration company can help keep the cleanup as simple as possible.

Flood Water Removal: What to Expect

10/17/2018 (Permalink)

Flooding damage in Zebulon, NC

If you’re dealing with flooding in Zebulon, NC, then you may be wondering how to remove the standing water from your business. With the right equipment this process can be fairly straight forward.

Putting Safety First

Whether you’ve hired a water removal professional or decided to attempt to remove the water yourself, safety is the first step before any cleanup can be done. Here are a few steps you should consider taking:

• Make sure electricity is turned off in the flooded area before attempting to go in
• Wear appropriate protective gear such as waders, waterproof boots and gloves
• Use appropriate equipment for water removal such as a trash pump
• Read the manuals for equipment use before hand
• Thoroughly wash your hands before touching your face or eating

Removing the Water

Water removal should only be attempted with the appropriate equipment for the job. Many professionals have heavy duty pumps designed for this work, but buckets or a shop-vac may also be used. It’s best to remove as much of the standing water this way as possible, after which our building’s drainage should kick in.

Ensure Proper Drainage

In many cases after the storm waters have subsided a bit, the drainage system installed in your building should begin to work again. However you will also want to ensure that any drainage your business is equipped with has not been clogged with debris from the flood water. Check for sticks, leaves and muck that could get in the way. If a sump pump is installed the intake and outtake valves should also be looked over. Once the main part of the water is removed then you can begin drying out the building, and follow up with any needed sanitation steps.

With the right equipment, such as a trash pump, water removal doesn’t have to seem like a daunting task. Remember to take proper safety precautions during the cleanup process. If you think your business may have suffered water damage then a professional in Zebulon, NC, may be able to help.

Keep Sneaky HVAC Mold at Bay

7/14/2018 (Permalink)

Mold may be part of life, but it doesn’t have to be an overwhelming problem.

Whether a new, old, small or large business, the people running it have plenty of things on their mind. When it comes to the structure the business operates out of, it can be easy to overlook what can’t be seen. One area of maintenance easily forgotten is HVAC cleaning—a surprising key to mold prevention.

While mold can easily be spotted on walls, floors and areas prone to water, it can also hide in air ducts. Below are three steps to help spot and deal with sneaky mold issues.

1. Inspect the HVAC system. Unfortunately, mold is something that pops up quickly and never completely goes away. Fortunately, it’s easy to minimize its growth by regularly checking around the system for moisture—mold fuel. Any signs of moisture around ducts, vents and the system’s parts, such as blowers, could indicate it’s time for an HVAC cleaning. Also, check that the drain and condensation pans are draining and not retaining water.

2. Get the system cleaned. Mold doesn’t only need to moisture to make its rounds. It can also grow on dust inside the ducts and vents. Cleaning vents helps reduce the accumulation of mold and keeps airflow operating smoothly. Business owners in Raleigh, NC, with the potential for mold in their vents should call an expert to help resolve the issue quickly and professionally.

3. Preventive maintenance keeps the mold away. Once an HVAC system is cleaned, its time to set up a regular maintenance plan. Change filters regularly to stunt future growth, and ensure that the filters are positioned correctly. Continue to regularly inspect the system and its components for any moisture buildup or improperly functioning parts. Additionally, regular general dusting and vacuuming can help air ducts stay relatively clean, keeping mold from serious growth. Lastly, be sure to set up an annual cleaning appointment with an HVAC expert.

Mold may be part of life, but it doesn’t have to be an overwhelming problem. While HVAC cleaning may not be on the priority list, its benefits can help put business owners’ minds at ease. For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROeastraleighzebulon.com/.

5 Ways You Can Clean Up After a Building Flood

6/21/2018 (Permalink)

A flooded building in Raleigh, NC, can be a nightmare to deal with, but it can be fixed.

No one wants to experience a flooded company building, but it happens from time to time. In order to get back to business as soon as possible, you can do a few things before the professional cleanup crew arrives.

If you caught the flooding early, these steps can help start the cleanup process. If the water has been standing for several days, however, it is best to contact an expert to deal with possible mold or sewage contamination.

1. Power Down

If you can safely reach your breaker, shut off power to the building immediately. Please call an electrician if you have to walk through standing water to access the power switch.

2. Get Ready to Clean

Be sure to wear boots, gloves and a face mask while moving furniture and cleaning up a flooded company building. If your damage was caused by a broken pipe, you will want to be extra careful about exposure to chemicals or toxins.

3. Remove Water

Try to remove as much water as possible. Once the standing water is gone, run a dehumidifier and fan to begin the drying out process. The key here to prevent mold and mildew from growing in the moist environment.

4. Get Rid of Damaged Items

Paper products, carpeting and wall coverings usually do not hold up after being flooded. Discard or recycle anything that appears to have been damaged by water. Hard surfaces and clothing can be cleaned.

5. Wash Your Clothes

Be sure to wash any clothing that you or your employees wore during the cleanup process. They can potentially be contaminated with mold or sewage. This clothing should be washed separately from uncontaminated items.

A flooded building in Raleigh, NC, can be a nightmare to deal with, but it can be fixed. Taking the above steps and talking to a restoration expert can save you on costly downtime and damage.

What Goes Into a Fire Damage Estimate?

5/21/2018 (Permalink)

A qualified company will include deodorization in your fire damage estimate and will have the tools and chemicals necessary to remove smoke odor.

After a fire on your commercial property, one of the first steps is having an insurance adjustor out to evaluate the damage and determine what you can claim on your insurance. You may also have a commercial fire professional from Raleigh, NC, out to determine exactly what you can salvage, and how. But what exactly does a fire damage estimate entail?

Evaluating What Can Be Saved, and How

While an insurance estimator is determining how much you can be reimbursed for your losses, a fire damage estimator’s job is to:

• Provide immediate emergency response to prevent secondary damage through mitigation
• Fully assess the extent of the damage and give an accurate picture of remediation efforts
• Determine what can be cleaned and restored
• Determine what should be torn out/destroyed and rebuilt/replaced from scratch
• Provide a cost breakdown for cleaning and teardown services
• Deliver an approximate timeline for completion

Will My Insurance Cover the Cost of Fire Damage Restoration?

The amount of a fire damage estimate may not match with the amount of an insurance claim, but only the fire damage professional and insurance adjustor can provide accurate information on that depending on the extent of the damage to the property. The claim may fully or partially cover the cost of fire remediation. Unless you intend to pursue further claims with your insurance company, anything not paid by the claim would come out of pocket.

Does Cleanup Include Deodorization?

If you’re working with a qualified company, yes. Smoke odor can permeate items with a lasting stench, often associated by yellowed smoke stains. If the odor is strong enough, it can last years and create an unpleasant effect on anyone in the vicinity of the smoke-damaged, contaminated items. A reputable, qualified company will include deodorization in your fire damage estimate, and will have the tools and chemicals necessary to remove smoke odor from even the most porous items without damaging them. For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROeastraleighzebulon.com/.

3 Things To Do When Your Toilet Overflows

4/22/2018 (Permalink)

Nothing can ruin your day like a flooded toilet. Beyond the ick factor, you usually have to act fast to prevent serious water damage. If you’ve had a major flood in your house thanks to sewer damage in Raleigh, NC, you should call a water restoration specialist ASAP. In the meantime, here are some tips to mitigate the damage.

1. Stop the Water Flow

Any sewage company will likely tell you, in the event of a flooded toilet, step one is shutting off the water source. You can do this by turning off the valve behind the fixture. This may not solve your bathroom woes, but it can help stop the spread of water damage.

2. Clean Up Standing Water

It’s good planning to have gloves, mops, rags, paper towels and other cleaning materials on hand for an emergency. Standing water—the visible water that has flooded—should be absorbed as quickly as possible before it seeps into the flooring.

For a serious flood that affects two floors, you may have to remove the flooring and ceilings. Sewer damage that seeps into the floor can lead to the formation of mold. By removing the wet materials, you’re often able to disinfect and dry everything out to ensure that you don’t get any nasty surprises down the road.

3. Ventilate

Air out the rooms as best as you can. Open all the windows and bring in any fans you have around the house. Keeping the air moving can help dry out the area and reduce humidity before your water restoration specialist arrives.

Sewer damage from a flooded toilet is never fun, but if you act fast with these simple steps, you can have a better chance at reducing the extent of the damage to your home. Because of the bacteria inherent in toilet water, for any major amount of flooding, be sure to call a professional in Raleigh, NC, to assist in clean up. For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROeastraleighzebulon.com/.

How Can You Prepare for Flood Damage?

3/22/2018 (Permalink)

Mother Nature is unpredictable, but even when you can’t prevent or predict flooding, you can still be prepared. Flood damage and storm damage can cause costly and catastrophic losses that many commercial businesses struggle to recover from. With appropriate preparations, you can minimize loss of property, inventory, and livelihood.

1. The First and Best Preparation Is Prevention

If you’re selecting your first commercial location, one of the best things you can do is choose a site that’s both advantageous to your business needs and positioned strategically in a low-flood zone. Historical flood data in Raleigh, NC can tell you which areas are less likely to deal with flooding and runoff.

If you’re already established, though, you can still mitigate damage by ensuring your property is water-tight. Check weather stripping and sealing, and where applicable, use waterproof coatings and paint.

2. Stock Up on Sandbags

When you know bad weather is coming, it helps to have sandbags on hand. Sandbag your doors and windows to create a watertight seal and prevent windows from breaking inward. You can also sandbag your walls if you have enough, particularly if you’re worried about water damage or about walls breaking inward under heavy flooding.

3. Seek High Ground

If you have the ability to move inventory, furniture, and office equipment to a higher floor in the event of a flood, take advantage to keep your investment safe. Migrate anything that isn’t fixed in place. Organize and label everything neatly as needed; you may also need to create a labeled floor diagram to replace things after.

4. Check for Leaks

Although sandbagging will help prevent some water intrusion, check your entire property for leaks. This includes checking your ceiling. Sandbags can’t prevent roof leaks, which can cause major storm damage and make the work of restoration specialists even more difficult. One good way to test if areas are watertight is to check if they’re airtight. You may notice drafts already, but you can also use a can of air to check any seams or jointed areas. Visit http://www.SERVPROseraleighgarnerzebulon.com for more information on commercial storm damage. 

Clearing Smoke Damage: A Job Better Left to Professionals

2/12/2018 (Permalink)

Returning to your building after a destructive commercial fire can be difficult to process, both mentally and emotionally. However, immediate action should be taken regarding fire cleanup to avoid further damage. When you need to clear out smoke damage in Raleigh, NC, it’s best to hire trained professionals to get the job done right. Though you may want to get involved and even clear some of the soot damage yourself, smoke cleaning requires more experienced labor from those who know how to accurately clear it.

Here’s why you should hire certified fire specialists to restore your building:

* If called soon enough, they can keep ash and soot from seeping into your belongings. It takes as little as a few hours for fire damage to settle into the walls and furnishings of your home. The longer you wait to take care of the situation, the harder it will likely be to restore your items. Hiring professionals early means having trained technicians clearing the area quickly and efficiently before more damage can occur.

* They can lower your restoration costs significantly. If smoke damage goes unchecked for a few days or even weeks, the effects on your property are sure to be far worse. Ash residue starts to discolor surfaces, metals become tarnished and any smoke odors may simply never fully dissipate. Calling on professionals within 24-48 hours better ensures your property won’t endure a greater loss, a situation that becomes that much more expensive.

* Experts have more efficient materials to use. While many DIYers simply go for the soap and water method, clearing away extensive soot, ash and smoke odors often calls for stronger solutions. Chemical solvents and special detergents are the best options for saving more of your belongings and eradicating fire damage as competently as possible.

If your commercial property in Raleigh, NC, needs some serious TLC after a devastating fire, hiring trained professionals to clear away smoke damage is a smart move. Any soot damage is disposed of correctly while the expert smoke cleaning process eliminates any pesky odors that can linger behind.

Under New Ownership

9/15/2017 (Permalink)

Bill Shook, New Owner and Operator for SERVPRO of East Raleigh/Zebulon

SERVPRO of East Raleigh/Zebulon is excited to announce that we have a new owner and operator. Bill Shook recently took over all operations this month and has a vast knowledge and experience in the restoration industry. He served many years working for SERVPRO Industries and excited to own and operate a franchise. 

Bill  says, "We are excited to serve the Raleigh area. What excites me most is all the new jobs and opportunities we will be creating for locals." 

You can visit http://www.SERVPROseraleighgarnerzebulon.com/ for more information on the services that SERVPRO offers. Bill brings a strong culture of outstanding customer service and will make sure every client receives the best service available. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out at anytime.