Electrical Fire Safety

8/18/2022 (Permalink)

Overloaded Electrical Circuit Safety Tips

Electrical circuits can become dangerous when overloaded.  Though it may be easy to simply plug in another power strip or extension cord when adding equipment, the wiring in some buildings often isn't capable of supporting too many high powered electronics.  Older office buildings and homes, in particular, often suffer from lack of electrical outlets.

Overloaded electrical circuits are a major cause of residential fires. Help lower your risk of electrical fires by learning the warning signs and not overloading your electrical system.

Overloaded circuit warning signs:

• Flickering, blinking, or dimming lights
• Frequently tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses
• Warm or discolored wall plates
• Cracking, sizzling, or buzzing from receptacles
• Burning odor coming from receptacles or wall switches
• Mild shock or tingle from appliances, receptacles, or switches

How to prevent electrical overloads:

• Never use extension cords or multi-outlet converters for appliances
• All major appliances should be plugged directly into a wall receptacle outlet. Only plug one heat producing appliance into a receptacle outlet at a time
• A heavy reliance on extension cords is an indication that you have too few outlets to address your needs. Have a qualified electrician inspect your home and add new outlets
• Power strips only add additional outlets; they do not change the amount of power being received from the outlet

If fire damage has impacted your home or business, please call SERVPRO of South Columbus at 614-863-1392. Let our professional team do the cleanup with the proper procedures to keep you, your home or company safe.

Stages of a Fire

7/14/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of South Columbus at 614-863-1392 if you experience an unexpected fire

A fire in your home or business never something you expect to experience. Which is why it is important to know the 4 stages of a fire to keep you safe.

Incipient: This first stage begins when heat, oxygen and a fuel source combine, having a chemical reaction resulting in a fire. It is also known as “ignition”. There is usually a small fire, which often goes out on its own, before the following stages are reached. During this stage, recognizing a fire so early is your best chance at suppression or escape.

Growth: This stage is where the structure’s fire load and oxygen are used as fuel for the fire. During the growth stage, there are multiple factors that affect the fire including where the fire started, what combustibles are nearby, ceiling height and the potential for “thermal layering”. This is stage is when a deadly “flashover” can occur’ potentially trapping, injuring, or killing firefighters.

Fully Developed: When the growth stage has reached its maximum and all nearby combustible materials have been ignited, the fire is considered fully developed. This is the hottest stage of a fire and the most dangerous for anyone trapped within.

Decay: The decay stage is the longest stage of a fire; it is characterized by a significant decrease in oxygen or fuel, putting an end to the fire. There are two common dangers during this stage. First, the existence of non-flaming combustibles that can potentially start a new fire if they are not fully extinguished. Second, there is a danger of a backdraft when oxygen is reintroduced to a volatile, confined space.

What To Do When Filing A Flood Insurance Claim

7/14/2022 (Permalink)

Don't wait to file a claim! Call your Insurance Agent and our SERVPRO Team!

Most homeowner’s insurance does not offer flood coverage. However, if you have a separate flood policy for your home, then you will want to file an insurance claim if your home has been damaged. The process can sometimes be frustrating or confusing, so use the following tips to help your claim go smoothly.

1. Call Your Insurance Agent

The first step in filing a flood claim is calling your insurance agent. In some cases, the company can deny your claim if you have waited too long to contact them. Getting the process started right away will prevent this.

2. Take Pictures

After you have contacted your agent to begin the process, you should take photos of any areas of the house that have been flooded. Be sure to photograph any affected items as well. This will help the insurance company determine the extent of the damage. Keeping a list can be helpful as well.

3. Set Aside Affected Belongings

Once you have taken pictures and documented the damage, you don’t need to wait for the insurance adjuster to arrive to begin moving your items. If you allow them to sit in the water, the damage will only worsen, so you should relocate them to a dry area quickly.

4. Prevent Additional Damage

If the insurance company does not believe that you have taken the necessary steps to prevent further damage, this can affect your flood claim. It is a good idea to call a water damage restoration company, like SERVPRO to do repairs, but you can start on remediation before they arrive. Along with moving affected items, you can board up areas and place tarps to prevent the water from spreading.
Making a flood claim may not always be the simplest process, but there are things you can do to make it easier on yourself. Following this advice will help move it along more quickly and ensure you get the most that you can from your policy.

SERVPRO's Dedicated Storm Response

6/30/2022 (Permalink)

Call our SERVPRO Team today! We are faster to any size disaster!

Our team here at SERVPRO of South Columbus is always ready for whatever happens, no matter the time of day. Our crews are always on standby 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When it comes to fire and water damage, our professionals work tirelessly to make sure our customers are satisfied and are explained each step of the cleaning process.

Highly Trained Storm Damage Specialists

As leading professionals in the storm and water damage industry, we have advanced training and expertise, along with a tremendous amount of hands-on experience. We use this training and experience to quickly dry your home or business and restore it back to pre-storm condition.

Faster to Any Size Disaster

If a storm hits your home or business, odds are you'll need help immediately. Our team's quick response will help prevent any secondary damage and help reduce restoration costs.

We Have the Resources to Handle Storms and Disasters

Our team has access to resources and personnel of over 1,900 franchises to handle major storms and disasters. Our team also has access to our exclusive Disaster Recovery Teams strategically located to respond to catastrophic storms and events throughout the country.

Locally Owned and Operated

SERVPRO of South Columbus is locally owned and operated. We are actively apart of the community with you as well. When you have a storm disaster or flooding emergency, we are in the area and ready to help you.

If you experience storm damage, don't hesitate to call our SERVPRO of South Columbus Team at 614-863-1392. We are always here to help!

The Water You Don't See

6/10/2022 (Permalink)

If you find water hiding in your home, don't wait to call our SERVPRO Team!

Even the smallest water-damaged areas have the potential to cause serious structural and indoor air quality issues over time. The key to avoiding costly restoration in the future  is to handle every water problem as a real threat to your residential home or commercial property. SERVPRO of South Columbus has the professional equipment, highly-trained staff and proven experience to detect and dry hidden water before secondary damages occur. The proper equipment makes a measurable difference in reducing the damage expense during a fire or water loss. When time matters, technology and equipment must be counted on to perform. Our SERVPRO Team will answer your call with fast action and a full arsenal of drying equipment. Here are a few of the tools used by SERVPRO to detect and find hidden moisture:

• Moisture Sensors are used to detect moisture in carpets, baseboards and walls.
• Moisture Meters are used to determine the actual moisture content of various materials. The moisture tester provides accurate readings, allowing us to monitor the drying process.
• Thermohygrometers measure temperature and relative humidity. When presented with this information, our technicians can calculate and create an environment most conducive to drying. When facing a contaminated water loss, it is not only important to dry the structure, but the structure must also be disinfected and deodorized.
• Ultra Low-Volume (ULV) Foggers will atomize liquid deodorizing agents, producing a fine mist that can easily penetrate the site where odor-causing residues may accumulate. This device can also be used to inject fungicides and disinfectants into wall cavities and other hard-to-reach areas.
• Thermal Foggers dispense solvent based products by creating a dense fog. The fog consists of tiny particles of deodorant solution that attach to and neutralize odor causing particles to deodorize structures, garments, automobiles and other places where cleaning cannot reach.

The bottom line? SERVPRO South Columbus has the training and equipment to make it “Like it never even happened.” Call us today!

Preventing Water Damage While You're On Vacation

6/9/2022 (Permalink)

Be prepared! Don't be greeted with a water disaster!

Many things can go wrong in your home while you’re on vacation, most commonly leaks and water damage. Learn how to help prevent and reduce the risk of water damage when you’re away from your home:

Check for Leaks

Before you leave on vacation, be sure to check around your house for any leaks. Pipes under sinks, your water heater, anything resembling rust, cracks, or other damage. It’s important to check the seals around your windows and the exterior of your home as well. If you find any leakage, be sure to fix it right away so everything can be repaired and in good condition before you leave.

Inspect Appliances

Important appliances such as your dishwasher, washer/dryer, and refrigerator are all connected to your home by hoses. If these hoses are damaged in any way, they can cause major water damage to your home. Inspect your appliances and, if needed, replace their hoses prior to leaving on vacation.

Clean Your Gutters

Cleaning leaves and other debris out from your gutters before taking a vacation is an easy way to prevent potential blockage and build up. To learn more about the advantages of clean gutters, click here.

Turn Off the Water

Whenever you leave your home for an extended period of time, it’s important to turn off the water main and make sure the pipes are completely drained. This will stop any water from continually leaking in your home while you’re away. Simply run the water and flush your toilet after you turn off the water.

Have Someone Check on Your Home

Coordinate to have someone come over and check on your home while you’re away. Having a friend, neighbor, or family member keep an eye on your property can help keep it in good shape, and they can notify you immediately if something goes wrong.

With these tips, you can truly enjoy your vacation with the peace of mind that your home is safe from any potential water damage that could occur in your absence. If your home does suffer from water damage, call our SERVPRO of South Columbus Team!

Preventing Mold Growth In Your Building

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

Don't let mold take over your commercial building, call the experts at SERVPRO today!

High humidity is a breeding ground for mold. The fungus feeds off moisture and can quickly spread. This often necessitates costly and complex black mold cleanup.

Those who own commercial property in humid climates thus have to take additional steps to limit mold damage. Below are some tips for preventing the growth of mold in your commercial building.

Keep Water Out

If there is any kind of flood or water leak on the premises, dry or remove the wet items immediately. You should quickly address any standing water within the property, as well.
Similarly, you should take steps to prevent water from entering the property from the outside. That means cleaning the gutters regularly and fixing any cracks in the walls or roof.

Utilize an Air Conditioner

If your property is in a location with high humidity, it likely includes an air conditioning unit. You should set it to approximately 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer. Also, be sure to have the unit inspected regularly to ensure it is working properly. This will prevent the need for mold cleanup in the future.

Use Dehumidifiers

The dehumidifier is a great way to lower the amount of moisture in the air. Ideally, the humidity level should be no higher than 50 percent.

Increase Ventilation

Mold reproduces quickly in stale air. While an office building can get stuffy in a hurry, there are ways to improve the ventilation. Try opening some desk drawers or closet doors. You should also limit any clutter and keep furniture away from the walls.

Limit Condensation

Condensation is another common cause of mold growth in places with high humidity. You should thus install appropriate insulation in areas prone to this type of moisture.

Even if you follow the above steps, you could still encounter mold on your property. Mold remediation specialists like SERVPRO of South Columbus can help fix the problem and prevent future growth. Call us today!

Hidden Places Mold Might Grow After A Flood

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

Understanding how fungi develop and where it hides can help you eliminate it.

When strong storms strike Columbus, OH they can cause flooding in your basement, crawlspace, or even the ground floor of your home. Once the water recedes you may think your flood troubles are over, but secondary damage may occur. One of the most common is mold growth, which can grow within 24 hours of a flood. Mold can grow undetected, so there are a few places you may want to check once your home is safe to enter. 

1. Behind Walls 
Mold can thrive without sunlight and prefers moist, dark areas. It is commonly found behind drywall because of the porousness of the material, which retains moisture. Once mold takes hold behind walls, it can affect the insulation and spread to other areas. You may want to have a mold inspection or flood damage service perform a flood cut, which involves cutting into the drywall about 12-18 inches above the floodwater line to check for the presence of mold. 

2. Under Carpeting 
Wet carpeting and its padding may retain moisture if it is not properly dried. This can cause the development of mold and its byproduct, mycotoxin, which can produce the musty smell often associated with fungi. While most types of mold do not contain bacteria, as the two are often created differently, it is wise to leave their removal to a flood technician because each might need specialized removal treatments. 

3. Inside Cabinets 
Kitchen and bathroom cabinets may be prone to mold growth because of their location and vulnerability to standing water. After a flood, these spaces may not dry completely and encourage fungi growth. Flood damage and restoration service can find and remove mold in this area or replace any affected cabinetry and materials as needed.

Does Your Business Have a Fire Evacuation Plan?

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

If your commercial property has suffered a fire, call our SERVPRO experts who are faster to any size fire disaster!

Workplace fires may not seem like a common occurrence, but they are something that any business owner is wise to prepare for. Not only are commercial fires more commonplace than many people realize, but they can also be rather dangerous—especially when they occur at businesses that do not have a proper fire evacuation plan in place.

Not only is having an emergency action plan an OSHA-mandated requirement for many businesses, but it is also a smart choice for keeping you and your staff safe in the event of a fire breaking out. Fires can be a frightening occurrence, and without a clear course of action, panic can quickly derail the scenario and prohibit people from acting rationally.

Elements to Consider When Drafting Your Workplace Fire Evacuation Plan

- Consider Where a Fire is Likely to Break Out - 

• Fires can break out for a variety of reasons—issues in the office kitchen, overloaded electrical outlets or equipment malfunctions are all common sources of commercial fires, and these all have very different origin spots. It is important to consider where a fire is likely to break out in your space and draft plans that account for all possible scenarios so everyone can escape a fire of any kind.

- Consider Your Exits -

• Every area of your commercial space should have two exits at minimum so that people can get to safety even if one exit becomes blocked. If you are not on the ground floor, this may require purchasing safety ladders that can be routed outside of windows. Make sure that every area has at least two exits that are clear from debris and remain passable at all times.

- Consider Your Communication Plan - 

• It is important that you communicate with staff as well as emergency officials in the event of a fire. Designate a person on your staff to be in charge of calling 911, and designate another member to be in charge of communicating with employees and relaying instructions. That way there will be no confusion, and everyone will know what their role is in the scenario.

Why Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?

4/6/2022 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO Team always wears PPE to protect ourselves!

Personal protective equipment, commonly referred to as "PPE", is equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards that cause serious workplace injuries and illnesses. These injuries and illnesses may result from contact with chemical, radiological, physical, electrical, mechanical, or other workplace hazards. Personal protective equipment may include items such as gloves, safety glasses and shoes, earplugs or muffs, hard hats, respirators, or coveralls, vests and full body suits.

It is important at SERVPRO of South Columbus that our technicians are as safe as possible while working for our wonderful customers so we can get the job done right and efficiently.  

Although it isn't the most fashionable outfit of the season, it is absolutely necessary in some situations!

Our SERVPRO Team protects ourselves so we can better serve you!

What To Do After A Tree Falls On Your House

4/6/2022 (Permalink)

A tree fell on this local home and damaged the roof. Luckily our SERVPRO Team came to the rescue!

When a tree falls on your roof, it not only damages your home’s structure, but it also exposes the inside of your home to outside elements. During certain times of the year, our SERVPRO Team gets a mass amount of calls from customers who have had trees fall on their roof and are unsure of what to do. It’s not a quick process, but there are a few steps you can take!

1. Remove the tree. This might seem like an obvious first step, but we’ve had countless calls from customers who haven’t even removed the tree. Until the damaged area of your roof has been cleared, it can’t be covered. We recommend calling your local tree removal company.

2. Tarp exposed areas. Unless you’re lucky, a fallen tree will likely cause damage to your roof, generally leaving it exposed. To ensure outside elements don’t get in and cause more damage to the inside of your home, you should have the affected area tarped.

3. Contact your local SERVPRO Team. The tarp is only a temporary solution! After the damaged area is tarped, our SERVPRO Team will discuss next step repairs with you. If a storm hits before the affected area is properly tarped, you will most likely have water damage affecting the interior of your home. Our SERVPRO of South Columbus Team can not only handle your water disaster but also fix your damaged structure of your home!

A fallen tree can cause a lot of damage and create a headache for you, but with the above steps, you can get your life back on track. If your home is damaged by a fallen tree, call our SERVPRO of South Columbus Team today! We are available 24/7 to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Classes of Damage

4/6/2022 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO technicians are trained handle any size and any class disaster!

f you have ever endured storm damage to your Columbus home, SERVPRO is here to help.  Our employees are trained and certified by the IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) to ensure that the technicians have the expertise in restoring your home. 

In cases where there is flood damage to your home, the IICRC categorizes four different classes of destruction as follows:

• Class 1:  The lowest and easiest to deal with, this has a slow evaporation rate. Only part of a room or area was affected, there is little or no wet carpet, and the moisture has only affected materials with a low permeance rate, such as plywood or concrete.
• Class 2:  With a fast evaporation rate, this level affects an entire room, carpeting, or cushioning, the wetness has wicked up the walls at least 12”, and there is moisture remaining in structural materials.
• Class 3:  This class has the fastest evaporation rate, and ceilings, walls, insulation, carpet and sub-floors are all saturated. The liquid may have come from overhead. 
• Class 4:  This class is labeled as specialty drying situations, which means there has been enough liquid and time to saturate materials with very low permeance, such as hardwood, brick, or stone.

If your home is ever in need of restoration services from flood damage, call SERVPRO of South Columbus at 614-863-1392!

We've Added To Our Fleet

3/22/2022 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO Team is "Faster to any size disaster"

Our SERVPRO Team has always been dedicated to being “Faster to any size disaster”. In efforts to stay committed to our statement, we are so proud to announce that we have added a 53-foot tractor trailer to our green fleet!

With our Commercial Large Loss Team rapidly expanding over the last few years, our SERVPRO Team wanted to make sure we could continue serving our customers the best way we can during a disaster. Our SERVPRO tractor trailer is stocked with up to 300 pieces of equipment, along with tools, generators, ladders, cleaning chemicals, and PPE. It is ready and fully equipped for our expert technicians for a job the second it arrives on site.

We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. When time is of the essence and quality is vital, you need the best. Big or small, we are always here to help!

What You Should Know About Water Damage Restoration Planning

3/22/2022 (Permalink)

Call the trusted leaders in the restoration industry!

When homeowners find themselves faced with water from a flood or bursting pipes, they often want to know how long the restoration efforts will take. The answer depends on the extent of the damage, the type of water to invade the home and materials used throughout the affected area. Homeowners can expect the process to take anywhere from two to three days, but to not be surprised if it takes as many as seven. Some factors that affect the time it takes to dry out a home include:

• The type of water to flood the home
• The size of the area affected
• The building materials affected

Type of Water

Clean water is easier to clean up than black water, as the former doesn’t require special Hazmat materials or equipment. If your problems stem from bursting pipes, the solution may be as simple as fixing the pipes and drying out the area. If you do so within 24 to 48 hours, you can prevent mold and bacteria growth as well.

Size of Affected Area

The type of water isn’t the only factor to affect restoration times. The size of area plays a huge part as well. If the size of the affected area is relatively small, less than ten square feet, restoration efforts can take as little as two days, and you may even be able to perform them yourself. However, if your entire ground floor is flooded, it could take several days of professional efforts.

Materials Impacted

If it is just your carpet that is affected, restoration efforts shouldn’t require much of your time at all. However, if your drywall, insulation and/or framing are impacted, you may need to do more than fix a broken pipe. Restoration efforts in the latter instance could take as long as 10 days or more.

Every situation is different, and the water damage caused by bursting pipes could be far more severe than damage from, say, a leaking pipe. Talk to your local SERVPRO of South Columbus water damage restoration team to learn more about what to expect.

Timeline of Destruction With Water Damage

3/22/2022 (Permalink)

Don't let water damage ruin your home or business. Call the pros at SERVPRO!

A little water isn't going to hurt anything. WRONG!! When water damage is left untreated, the structure of a home or business starts to deteriorate over time. Here is the timeline of destruction if the water damage goes untreated:

Within Minutes

• Carpets, padding beneath flooring, subflooring becomes saturated.
• Furniture on wet carpets starts to leach and stain.
• Wood/wood products start absorbing water.
• Personal belongings may be completely destroyed.

Within Hours

• Humidity starts to make the house stink.
• Particleboard cabinetry and furniture distorts and the integrity of the material weakens, crumbling over time.
• Dyes from non-colorfast fabrics bleed (clothing stored together, upholstery, etc.).
• In 48 hours or less, clean or grey water can deteriorate to black water, and areas that experience water intrusion clean water can rapidly become toxic.

Within Days

• Mold becomes visible and causes musty odors
• Allergen sensitivities can be caused by microbial organisms.
• Wood may severely warp and cup, making most wooden floors unsalvageable.
• Painted walls blister and wallpaper begins to peel away.
• Structural wood within home, such as framing, begins to swell and split.

Within Weeks

• Home is hazardous to human health and must be evacuated.
• Mold infests organic materials, rendering it unsalvageable.
• Drywall crumbles while the home’s structural integrity declines.
• Damage to the foundation becomes apparent.
• Home may be salvageable but may need to be gutted down to the studs.

Within Months

• Damage to the foundation may be significant.
• The cost of repairs is likely more than the value of the home.
• Damage that could have been prevented over time (i.e., neglect) disqualifies the owner from insurance claims.
• The home may be unsalvageable

Remember, just because it "looks dry" doesn't mean it is dry!

Why Our SERVPRO Team is "Faster To Any Size Disaster"

2/22/2022 (Permalink)

When disaster strikes, you need help.... fast!

When disaster strikes, time is of the essence.

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

SERVPRO of South Columbus provides 24-hour emergency services throughout Columbus and the surrounding areas. We are dedicated to providing excellent service no matter how large or small the damage may be. Our highly trained and IICRC certified technicians can respond immediately to your disaster. No matter the hour of the day.

If a disaster strikes your home or commercial property, call our SERVPRO of South Columbus Team today. We are always Here To Help!

Preventing Fires At Your Commercial Property

2/22/2022 (Permalink)

Call the trusted experts at SERVPRO of South Columbus for all of your fire restoration needs.

Fire damage to your business is a serious concern. Even moderate damage can result in your facility being closed for repairs for weeks on end, and this can be financially devastating.

The unfortunate reality is that no business is immune to the risk of fire. Some facilities may be more likely to endure damage from a fire, such as a restaurant that uses open flames throughout the day. However, there are many fire hazards that are present in most workplaces on a daily basis regardless of the type of activities that take place in the building. When you know what these hazards are, you can take proper steps to address and mitigate those risks and prevent possible fire damage and smoke damage.

Electrical Concerns
Damage to electrical wiring can result in sparks that quickly lead to damaging fires. Electrical wiring damage may include frayed cords, such as those connecting desktop computers to the wall power outlets. It may also include damage to internal wiring inside the walls, and these may be damaged by pests and other forces. Electrical fires may also start when power sockets are overloaded or when equipment gets too hot. Periodically review your company's wiring to identify areas of concern that need to be addressed.

Poor Equipment Maintenance
Other hazards in workplaces are related to poor equipment maintenance. For example, failing to service your furnace regularly may result in the accumulation of dust and other flammable debris. A gas leak in the furnace could result in a fire or an explosion. Fire hazards related to poor maintenance may also include dusty, dirty or greasy components, such as air ducts and vents, kitchen exhaust vents and many other features that are used throughout your facility. Scheduling necessary maintenance can decrease fire risk in these areas.

Flammable or Combustible Materials
Flammable and combustible materials are most commonly associated with industrial and warehouse environments, but even restaurants, hotels, dry cleaners and many other types of business may store combustible materials on-site. These materials should remain properly sealed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations at all times.

As you can see, there are numerous fire hazards that could result in serious damage to your business. If your business has already experienced fire damage, it is essential that repair work is completed as soon as possible. SERVPRO of South Columbus is your trusted leader in the restoration industry. We can quickly restore your building to its previous condition so that operations can resume in your place of business. Call us today!

We Are Here To Help With Your Insurance Claim

2/17/2022 (Permalink)

Our team of professionals take the worry away with your claim.

When you experience an unexpected disaster in your home, you may not know how to handle it. After the shock is over, your first thought is “How am I going to pay for this?”. This is a common question homeowners ask themselves given the high cost of repairing water, fire, mold or trauma damage. Good news for you, our team of professionals is here to help eliminate that concern.

Here at SERVPRO of South Columbus, we set ourselves apart from other restoration companies by how well we work with your insurance company. Our dedicated team of professionals understands the insurance industry. From knowing how the claims process works, to getting your claim submitted and your repairs covered. Many of our team members have a background in the insurance industry.

As one of the largest restoration and damage remediation companies in the country, we work with hundreds of insurance companies to help our customers get their claims processed quickly and fairly. Many insurance companies know that SERVPRO handles losses professionally and often recommend us to their policyholders.

SERVPRO of South Columbus is here for you!

Is Water Damage An Emergency?

2/17/2022 (Permalink)

Don't let water damage ruin your commercial property!

Having a water damage in your home or business is a very stressful situation. Many things can go through your mind, but how do you know if it is an emergency? If no one is injured, then by definition it is not considered a "true" emergency and 911 usually does not need to be called.

However, it could still be an emergency in regards to your property. The longer that water sits on the building materials, the more possibility there is that secondary damage will occur. Water can seep into wall crevices and down through the floors below. If it is not cleaned up and dried out properly, then the potential for mold growth is high. 

If you walk in and see water pouring into your home or business, step 1 is to find the main water shutoff, and to shut off the water.

Also be very aware of these other things that may be affected and could be a potential hazard, such as the electricity supply, gas supply, water damaged electrical appliances, contaminated water (gasoline, chemicals, etc.) or structural damage.

So if you don't call 911, who do you call?

• Local SERVPRO of South Columbus Restoration professionals
• Insurance Agent
• Insurance Company 

We work hand in hand with your insurance company to act fast, so we can get your home or business back to normal. We are available 24 hours a day to address these water emergencies. When it comes to water damage, don't take chances. Call us today and get the damage taken care of, the right way!

Our Mission Statement

1/20/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Industries Vision statement is:

“To be the premier cleaning and restoration company in the world.”  

That statement could not be more true to those of us at SERVPRO of South Columbus. Our goal and core values are to be the best of the best for our customers. This means requiring our technicians to become certified within the IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certifications) standards. Whether our team is helping a customer who has had storm or fire damage or if we are cleaning carpet and upholstery, we strive to be the leader in the industry. 

This is why SERVPRO of South Columbus should be your first and last choice for your cleaning and restoration needs. We are always “here to help.”

Call SERVPRO of South Columbus today at 614-863-1392!

Fire Damage Services In Southern Columbus

12/16/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Columbus boarded the windows on this home after a fire.

Along with providing structural cleaning, contents cleaning, and deodorization services after a residential or commercial fire, SERVPRO of South Columbus also offers additional specialized services to our customers:

Board-Up

One of the top priorities after a fire loss is to secure your property and belongings until work can begin. SERVPRO of South Columbus offers board-up services for windows, doors, and other exposed structural areas to prevent intrusion by both water and unauthorized persons.

Inventory, Pack-Out and Storage

As the clean up and restoration process begins, our SERVPRO of South Columbus technicians take inventory of the contents in your home or business. As the contents are sorted, they will be categorized as salvageable, and processed to be cleaned, or unsalvageable, and documented as such for insurance purposes. Our professional SERVPRO Team can pack-out and store any unaffected materials as needed as well. Our SERVPRO Professionals are trained to properly inventory, move out and control the contents from the structure during the cleaning, restoration, and deodorization process.

Document Drying and Restoration

The SERVPRO Document Restoration Team offers a range of services to restore your damaged documents, including drying, cleaning/disinfecting, re-jacketing, digitizing, and deodorization. Depending on your specific needs, and utilizing industry leading techniques and state-of-the-art technology, SERVPRO’s restoration professionals will help you recover paper goods, no matter the size of the loss.

SERVPRO of South Columbus is Here to Help with all your fire damage needs. Our professional team will help make it “Like it never even happened.”

Reconstruction Services For Your Home or Business

12/16/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Columbus offers a full line of reconstruction services! Call 614-863-1392.

SERVPRO is known as a leader in the Cleanup & Restoration industry, but did you know that SERVPRO of South Columbus also offers a full line of reconstruction options?  As a licensed general contractor, our team can provide a wide array of building services, both commercial and residential, to help restore your property to its preloss condition.  Some of these services include:

• Electrical and Portable Power Needs
• Roof Tarping and Repair
• Tile, Hardwood, and Linoleum Flooring Repair
• Plumbing
• Drywall Removal or Installation
• Painting

By utilizing one company for both your damage mitigation and building reconstruction needs, you can save both time and money for your repairs.  Serving southern Columbus and the surrounding areas, SERVPRO of South Columbus is Here to Help. For more information about our Reconstruction Division, give us a call at 614-863-1392.

Your Christmas Tree Could Cause A Fire!

12/16/2021 (Permalink)

U.S. firefighters respond to roughly 200 Christmas tree fires per year.

Don’t let a house fire disrupt your holidays. The most common sources of winter holiday fires are live Christmas trees and holiday decorations that are too close to a heat source, candles, and cooking fires. Although these fires are rare, they do occur, and they can be destructive and deadly.  The following are a few tips to help make your Holidays safe from fire.

When purchasing a live Christmas tree, safety starts before you even head to the tree lot.  If you live in a condo or apartment, there is likely a restriction against live Christmas trees.  Be sure to check with your HOA or management company for any rules or restrictions before choosing a tree. At the tree lot, look for a fresh, green tree!

Checking Your Tree

• Bend the needles.  If they break, the tree has probably already dried out.
• Grip a branch and slide your fist down it.  Most of the needles should stay on the tree.
• Check the trunk, especially at the bottom where it’s cut.  It should be covered in sap and sticky to the touch.
• Shake the tree.  If green needles fall everywhere, it’s too dry.

Before bringing the tree inside, shake it to dislodge loose needles or other debris.  Prior to placing it in the tree holder, make a fresh cut off the bottom of the trunk.  A freshly cut trunk will absorb water more effectively.  Use a tree holder that’s wide and strong enough to keep the tree stable.  

It is also very important to take care of your tree once it is inside. Fill the holder with water as soon as you set your tree up. Then, check it every day.  It needs to stay full!

Happy Holidays from our SERVPRO family to yours!

Experiencing Water Damage In Your Commercial Building

12/16/2021 (Permalink)

Our certified technicians are on call 24/7 to quickly get your building cleaned up and minimize any potential downtime for your business.

Due to the wide variety of issues that can stem from water damage, it is one of the most difficult challenges a property owner can face. Depending on the severity, water damage can compromise structural integrity and damage belongings. When left unresolved or if not taken care of properly, water can result in the growth of mold. 

What is water damage?

Water damage is the type of damage that occurs on a structure and to personal property due to excessive moisture and collected water. Most often water damage will occur where water can collect without notice. For example, they will occur in the lowest depths of one's property such as crawl spaces and the basement.

Here are some examples of the equipment used for water damage repair services:

• Air Movers - help dry water-damaged flooring and surfaces by forcing moisture to evaporate more quickly
• Dehumidifiers - by maintaining the humidity of the room, a dehumidifier is a catalyst for drying an area that has excessive moisture
• Air Scrubbers - filter out any particles in your indoor air which may include airborne contaminants including the smell of musk and smoke
• Moisture Meters - gauges the severity of water damage on a surface or an area by assessing the moisture preset

At SERVPRO of South Columbus, we have state of the art equipment to ensure that your property is taken care of properly. By reducing the time it takes to dry your property, you'll be saving time and money. Call our SERVPRO Team today at (614) 863-1392.

Reducing Your Risk Of a House Fire

11/29/2021 (Permalink)

If you experience a house fire, call our SERVPRO of South Columbus fire restoration experts.

Your home is your sanctuary. A place where your family spends time together and makes memories. That’s why it is so scary imagining your home getting damaged by an unfortunate fire. Although you can’t control everything that happens in your home, there are some necessary tips you can follow to prevent a possible house fire. Follow these tips below.

1. Regularly test your smoke alarms. Test your smoke alarms by pressing the button located on the smoke alarm, if it produces a weak beeping noise, it is time to replace the batteries.

2. Check your heating sources. Heating sources that aren’t working properly could potentially trigger a fire. Have them checked annually.

3. Maintain a clean oven and stove. Food particles left behind can get to hot on the burner or in the oven causing a potential fire. Make sure nothing is left too close to the stove that could catch fire.

4. Never leave your kitchen. Don’t leave your kitchen while cooking. It only takes a few seconds for a fire to break out. If you have to step out of the room, turn the burners off.

5. Check your dryer. Make sure to clean out your lint trap after every load of laundry. The build up of lint can cause a fire. Have your dryer inspected by a professional yearly.

6. Inspect your cords. Before plugging something in, inspect the cord to make sure it is not frayed or been chewed. Replace the cords as soon as possible if you notice that the wires have been damaged. Avoid running cords under a rug or between the wall and your furniture, it can get too hot causing a fire.

7. Store flammable products properly. Store common household cleaners and cosmetic items in a cool area. If they are exposed to high heat, they can combust.

8. Use caution with candles. Put candles out before you leave the room or go to sleep and make sure to keep them far away from blankets or any other objects that could catch fire. Place candles on an even surface to prevent them from being knocked over. Also keep them away from pets.

9. Use caution with your fireplace. Make sure there is a door between the flames and your flooring, you don’t want any sparks to escape. Allow enough time for the ashes to cool down before throwing them away.

10. Always have a fire extinguisher handy. When a fire breaks out, your best line of defense is a fire extinguisher. Make sure every family member knows how to use it properly in case of a fire.

Soot Webs Not Spider Webs

11/29/2021 (Permalink)

Here is an example of soot tags. You can see how closely they resemble spider webs.

As fire damage specialists, we see a lot of fire damaged residential homes and commercial properties. The damage can either be extensive or very minimal. One of the most common visible instances of fire damage are soot webs, the technical term for them are "Soot Tags". They look exactly like spider webs. Rest assured, you did not have magical "fire spiders" that created these cobwebs in your home.

Soot Tags form in areas of low circulation when petroleum/synthetic based sources burn. During a fire the heat of the fire moves into colder areas since the air seeks to create equilibrium. The soot then rides in the air with the heat particles that follow the air into those colder areas with low circulation and are able to concentrate. Since that soot is a product of combustion the particles themselves are charged which makes it quite easy for them to create long chains of soot or soot tags. So while it looks like a lot of soot got stuck on pre-existing spider webs it is actually a whole new structure. 

If you notice that you have soot tags in your home or business after a recent fire, do not try to clean it up yourself. Any time you try to clean soot without the proper chemicals, tools and experience, you’ll likely cause further damage in your home. That's why our SERVPRO of South Columbus Team is here to help, we are the fire damage restoration specialists at your service 24-7!

Does Your Insurance Policy Have You Covered?

9/28/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Columbus is prepared for the unexpected! Call us today at 614-863-1392!

Bad weather can spring up without much of a warning. Most of the time when a flash flood or bad thunderstorm is threatening your area, you barely have enough time to find shelter. As a homeowner, it is important that you think about these moments before they occur.

Do you have the correct insurance policy? Is your home going to be covered in the event of a disaster? Is the amount of coverage going to be enough to restore your home? Thinking about these questions before the storm damage occurs can make your life after the storm much easier.

Before you do anything else, stop and make sure your home is covered for the following:

• Water and Windstorm Damage
• Debris or Tree Removal
• Sewer Backup Due to Flooding
• Sump Pump Failures Due to Flooding
• Additional Living Expenses In Case A Storm Forces You Out of Your Home

Once you have the proper home insurance coverage for storm damage, you can feel safer during the event of a disaster. Seeing your home damaged after a major storm can be heartbreaking. The best thing you can do for your family and your home is to begin the storm damage recovery immediately.

Our SERVPRO of South Columbus Team is here to help after every storm. We are available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year!

Clean Store Happy Customers

9/9/2021 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO of South Columbus Team helps you stand up against harmful bacteria!

Every day more and more shoppers visiting grocery stores, it means more and more hands touching things you’re going to buy. Scary right? By giving more attention to germ-prone areas, store workers play a significant role in preventing the spread of viruses. 

How do you properly clean sections of a grocery store?  Read our store checklist below!

Store Cleaning Checklist

• Shopping carts: As carts are used throughout the day, constantly wipe down the touch areas of the cart (especially the handles) with disinfectant cleaner.  Treat hand baskets the same way.  Nightly power washing serves as a proactive measure to sanitize and prepare the carts for use the next day.
• Checkout aisles: Cashiers (and with the assistance of baggers) should frequently clean the checkout area.  The conveyor belt, rails on each side of the belt, customer counter, and the bagging area should be wiped down at pace with the number of customers passing through. 
• Credit Card Machines: Keep credit card reading machines clean.  Cash and plastic cards are known for harboring germs.
• Restrooms: Public restrooms in a store probably already receive several cleanings per day, but with a recent emphasis on public health, it’s wise to increase the frequency of cleaning.  Customer and employee restrooms should be sanitized throughout the day: floors, doors, stall walls/doors, all handles (including paper towel and soap dispensers), sinks, counters, baby changing sections, etc.  Once the store is empty for the day, a more comprehensive cleaning should be done from top to bottom.  You should sanitize everything.
• Floors: Floors are high-traffic areas, and grocery store floors get even more foot traffic now that restaurant traffic is prohibited beyond carry-out.  For more efficient and thorough floor sanitization, consider using an industrial auto-scrubber.
• Walk-in freezers and refrigerators: Because freezers and refrigeration units house more prepared food these days, it’s a best practice to keep them clean for food safety. Give extra attention to these areas where products are handled by customers.  These areas should be routinely cleaned.  At a time that works best for your store schedule, remove the items from the refrigerator or freezer and clean the surfaces with no-touch products.  This helps mitigate any contamination.

Be aware of places where hands leave behind germs and coughs/sneezes may leave behind pathogens. As always, SERVPRO is here to help!  It can be overwhelming for your team members and our cleaning teams are ready and available 24/7 to proactively clean your business.  Please call us today! 

Leaves Clogging Your Gutters Can Result In Water Damage

9/9/2021 (Permalink)

It is critical to keep your gutters clean to prevent water from seeping into your basement and causing floods.

One of the biggest fears as a homeowner with a basement is your basement flooding whenever it rains. A valid and legitimate fear, this situation causes a myriad of repairs. All sorts of damage including ruined flooring and carpeting, rotted drywall, destroyed furniture, and the worst of all, mold growth can occur. These repairs can be time-consuming and costly, and your basement can even flood in dry weather.

Issues with your foundation drainage is a big cause for a flooded basement and flood damage in your Columbus home. However, the main reason for water in your basement is overflowing gutters. It is critical to keep your gutters clean to prevent water from seeping into your basement and causing floods. Quality gutter guards and even using an expert to clean your gutters out routinely keeps debris and leaves out of the gutters so they can function properly.

When your gutters do cause flooding in your basement, it can be quite overwhelming. You need to have professionals, such as SERVPRO, come to your home to help you get all the water out and repair the damages.

When your gutters are clogged with debris, the water has nowhere to go. It overflows over the gutters to the ground next to your house, only a couple feet from the foundation. As the ground is settling and moving, it stresses the foundation of your home which causes cracking, letting water enter your home. Hydrostatic pressure might force water in through the concrete. The main solution is to keep your gutters clean.

Flooded basements create not only a lot of possible damage but plenty of stress for you as well. At SERVPRO, we understand this, so we move quickly to get to your home after you reach out to us. We have the professional and industrial equipment to get all the standing water out of your home and use fans and dehumidifiers to finish the drying process. We have moisture meters to find any hidden water or mold growth as well.

When SERVPRO of South Columbus is finished restoring your home after your basement floods, it is "Like it never even happened." Just give us a call at (614) 863-1392 so we can get started as soon as possible.

Emergency Ready Profile

8/18/2021 (Permalink)

Our team can help get your Emergency Ready Profile started to protect your building.

According to the latest industry research, as many as 50% of businesses may never recover following a disaster. Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place. Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind.

Preparation is a key component for making it through any size disaster, whether it’s a small water leak, a large fire or an area flood. The best time for planning for such events is not when the event happens, but well before it happens. No one ever plans on a disaster, but you can plan for it.

By developing a SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. The Emergency Ready Profile is a start up approach that provides the critical information needed to begin mitigation and recovery services. It is designed to serve as a quick reference of important building and contact information.

Call SERVPRO of South Columbus at 614-863-1392 to get started on your SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile today!

Preventing Kitchen Fires

8/18/2021 (Permalink)

Getting the right information, customers can prevent kitchen fires in their own homes, keeping their families and homes safe.

Did you know that cooking fires are one of the main causes of home fires! Even though you can’t prevent every source of a kitchen fire, you can minimize fire risks with knowing the right information. Follow these fire prevention tips to reduce your chances of a kitchen fire and keep you and your kitchen safe.

1. Make sure your appliances are always serviced, clean, and in good repair. Wipe down the microwave. Clean the oven. Dump and clean the crumb tray in toasters and toaster ovens. Unplug appliances that start acting strange, and then have them repaired or replaced.

2. Unplug any electric appliances that are not in use. Toasters, blenders, coffee makers, and any other appliances continue to draw electricity to them, even if they are not turned on. If the wiring is old or faulty, a fire could break out.

3. Install a smoke detector near the kitchen. A small amount of smoke will constantly trigger the alarm if the smoke detector is directly in the kitchen. Installing the smoke detector near the kitchen will pick up the heavy smoke when needed.

4. Use caution when lighting a burner on a gas stove. Make sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions.

5. Don’t put metal in the microwave. Metal can cause sparks that could then turn into a fire or do heavy damage to your microwave.

6. Don’t overfill pots and pans with oil or grease. Hot oil or grease can splatter causing a fire.

7. Wipe up any spills and never cook on a dirty stove. Grease buildup is very flammable. Having a clean stove is a fire free stove.

8. Roll up your sleeves and tie back your hair when cooking. Baggy clothing and long hair can easily get in the way while cooking, causing you to get hurt.

9. Don’t take your eye off of cooking food. Always stay in the kitchen when you are cooking, especially if you are cooking grease or if the oven is at a very high temperature. If you need to leave the house, make sure to turn off the oven and any burners you had on.

10. Keep all dishtowels, potholders, and paper towels away from the stove. If you leave a burner on, the built up heat can ignite combustible near the stove area.

If you experience unexpected fire damage in your home, call SERVPRO of South Columbus at (614) 863-1392.

Cleaning Your Personal Belongings After A Fire

7/6/2021 (Permalink)

After a recent fire, soot covered every surface in this home. Our SERVPRO Team cleaned each item by hand, restoring all of the belongings.

If having a fire happen in your home isn't detrimental enough, there is still the aftermath of cleanup that has to be addressed. Fires not only affect the home but also all of the items inside your home. Here at SERVPRO of South Columbus, we understand this process can be difficult and we are dedicated to making it go as smooth and painless as possible. 

With fire comes soot and ash which in turn may engulf some or all of your personal belongings including sentimental items. We always go into each job with the mindset that we would rather restore than have you replace your beloved belongings. We have many different cleaning methods that we use to restore your most valuable of items. These methods include...

• Dry Cleaning - Used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to wet cleaning.
• Wet Cleaning - An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues.
• Spray and Wipe -Effective for items that withstand wet cleaning.
• Foam Cleaning - Used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned.
• Abrasive Cleaning - Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned.
• Immersion Cleaning - Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product.

When special care is needed our SERVPRO Team will be there.

How Can I Reduce The Level Of Flood Damage In My Home?

7/6/2021 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO technicians had to remove the furniture in this basement and take it back to our warehouse to be stored and cleaned.

For many Columbus residents, any storm-related flooding can be a traumatic event. While there are methods to prepare for flooding like reinforcing your roof or removing expensive furniture, there is little help in an emergency's immediate aftermath. Our SERVPRO technicians can help you overcome flooding by performing vital mitigation acts quickly after a storm event.

Flood mitigation in Columbus may include actions like removing standing water from the home, drying inner rooms, or temporarily storing possessions at our warehouse. Contacting a highly qualified restoration company immediately after discussing your coverages with your insurance carrier can go a long way to reducing the losses caused by a flood after the fact.

What preventative measures are useful for storm areas?
- Taking out a flood insurance policy
- Maintaining water disposal in the home such as basement sump pumps, gutters, and drainage
- Turning off water mains access ahead of time to avoid backups

Do floodwaters permanently damage furnishings?
Furnishings are frequently victims of flood damage for residents. We understand how many items may be difficult to replace in a home, so our dedicated SERVPRO technicians are expertly trained in contents restoration. Larger items like sofas may benefit from temporary removal to a dry area where they can be thoroughly dehumidified to remove any excess moisture. Our technicians can also apply an extensive range of cleaning products and techniques to return upholstery to its preloss condition. By pre-testing on discrete areas of the fabric, we can avoid lasting damages of color fade or spot.

What restoration is available for furnishings?
- Thorough drying of the affected furniture
- Special services for leather, satin, or other unique upholstery
- Buffering and mechanical cleaning of furniture fibers

An unexpected summer storm can lead to extensive damage to both your home and its contents. Contact our SERVPRO of South Columbus Team at (614) 863-1392 for assistance.

Summer Is Approaching With Possible Storm and Wind Damage

6/22/2021 (Permalink)

A tree blown over caused damage to a pole barn and truck.

With summer upon us thunderstorms can not only bring water damage to homes, it can also bring wind damage.  Damage from severe thunderstorm winds account for half of all severe reports in the lower 48 states and is more common than damage from tornadoes.

Below are some steps to take if your home is damaged by wind.

Documenting Damage:

• Call and report your damage to your insurance company.
• From a safe location, take pictures of any damage.
• Inventory any belongings that may have been destroyed or damaged, noting the brand, price, age, etc.
• If you have pictures of your home before the damage, include them with your insurance claim.

Preventing Further Damage:

• If you suspect possible structural, electrical or gas-leak hazards, shut off electrical power, natural gas and propane tanks to avoid fire, electrocution or explosions.
• Cover broken windows and doors with tarps, heavy plastic or plywood to prevent further damage. Save repair receipts for reimbursement. 

Repairs and Cleanup:

• Don’t start permanent, major repairs or renovations until your property has been inspected by an insurance representative.
• If your roof needs to be replaced, hire a professional roofing contractor who is licensed and insured.
• Fallen trees or large branches also are best removed by a professional tree service. This service may be covered depending on your policy coverage.

If your home suffers wind damage, please contact SERVPRO of South Columbus 614-863-1392 for any board up, tarp up, tree removal, or roof replacement services.

First 48 Hours After a Flood

6/4/2021 (Permalink)

Don't wait! The first 48 hours are critical!!

Act fast. The sooner you clear the contents out of your basement during a water incident, the more likely you will be able to restore the condition to your items and possessions.

When a finished basement experiences significant water damage, such as a basement flooding or a water pipe burst, timing is everything. Where the sooner you begin the disaster recovery process, the more likely you will be able to restore the condition of your possessions and the finished basement environment.

The first 48 hours are considered the most important time period to react, as it is crucial to preventing further damage to the basement and the items within, as well as preventing a wide spread mold problem. Below are the first steps to take, preferably within these first 48 hours.

1. Turn Off the Power. Never enter a flooded basement or touch the flood waters without cutting off the power.
2. Call your insurance company. Policies differ. Most require special flood insurance to cover ground water leaks, but homeowner’s insurance may cover damage from indoor plumbing and hot water heater leaks.
3. Get the water out as soon as possible. Call SERVPRO of South Columbus to extract any standing water. If there isn’t a lot of water, you might try to get it out yourself, with a “floor sucker” or a shop-vac.

Dry everything out as quickly as possible

To prevent items and building materials from becoming ruined, dry your basement as soon as the water is removed. Ideally, the basement should be completely dry within 48 hours. After that, the potential for mold growth increases considerably. A professional restoration company might help expedite this process. Alternatively, you can consider acquiring a powerful basement dehumidifier.

Common Causes of Water Damage in Commercial Buildings

6/3/2021 (Permalink)

The unexpected flood at this car dealership interrupted normal business operations but our SERVPRO Team saved the day!

Unexpected flooding in commercial buildings can happen very quickly, especially if there is no one on site to access the problem. What starts out as a small water leak can instantly turn into something larger, and cause significantly more damage than expected. If your commercial building isn’t in pristine condition, there is a much higher chance of water damage occurring. Here are some of the typical causes of water damage in a commercial building:

1. Broken Pipes. Broken or cracked pipes are very common to occur in commercial buildings, especially as they age. When a pipe bursts, water rushes out of them, spraying throughout the whole building. A busted pipe can cause damage to the walls, ceilings, flooring, and any other contents you have occupying that space.
2. Malfunctioning Sprinklers. It is a law that all commercial properties are equipped with an overhead sprinkler system. It works in conjunction with the fire alarm, and is activated when the fire alarm goes off. This causes water damage in two ways. First, if there is a fire in the building, the smoke will set off the fire alarms, activating the sprinklers causing water damage. And second, if the sprinkler system malfunctions and activates on its own, causing the water to cover the entire building.
3. Backed Up Sewer Lines. Bathrooms are another common source of possible problems. Sewer lines can get backed up, releasing water into the building. This type of water damage is extremely dangerous because the water is filled hazardous waste and other contaminants.
4. Damaged Appliances. Almost every office building has a kitchen or break room. Typically these rooms have a refrigerator or a dishwasher and when these appliances malfunction they can leak a significant amount of water, flooding entire room or more.

Steps to Take if You and Your Business are Victims of a Fire

6/3/2021 (Permalink)

Fires can happen quickly. Have a plan in place!

No matter the severity of damages, a fire is a chaotic occurrence for any business owner. In addition to loss, every hour spent restoring your business is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. Once the fire has ceased and the site has been cleared, follow these steps to promptly restore order, productivity and profitability of your business.

Account for Everyone Affected

The safety of your employees and patrons is of the most importance. Be sure all of your employees and guests are accounted for proceeding the incident. Check guest sign-in sheets or logs if you use them or surveillance cameras to ensure that everyone is accounted for. Once accounted for, retrieve contact information so that you are able to get in touch with anyone affected by the fire. This may also include board members, external partners and customers. Don’t leave your staff and business partners in the dark regarding the future of your company. Any activities or services that need to be postponed or suspended should be clearly communicated and announced. Communication is key to help keep your staff calm and alerted.

Contact your Insurance Company

Promptly contact your insurance agent to report the incident, damages and loss. The quicker you report the incident the quicker the rebuilding and reimbursement processes may begin. If you happen to rent or lease your space, don’t forget to contact your property owner or manager.

Document Everything.

Once the fire has ceased and you’ve accounted for everyone who may have been affected, survey your property for damages and take photos. Avoid costly mistakes and easily fetch important facts and numbers by documenting and organizing all records. Maintain phone call logs to include times and reasons for each contact. Keep all receipts to document any expenses paid for during your business’s recovery period. Insurance companies will require proof of claimed losses, so have pertinent documentation (receipts, user manuals, credit card statements, photos, etc.) easily accessible.

Recover Critical Data Servers: hard drives and computers that hold data critical to the day-to-day operations of your business. If damaged, you run the risk of losing data as well as exposing employee and customer information. Depending on your exact case, take the necessary steps needed to recover any sensitive data.

Safeguard Your Property

Once the property has been cleared by professionals, collect and remove salvageable valuables, paperwork and data devices. As a business owner, you are responsible for mitigating damages. If the fire has caused significant damage to the structure of the building (exterior walls, doors, windows or the roof) safeguard the premises. Temporarily patch any holes, pitch tarps or make arrangements to have the building boarded up to prevent further damage, vandalism and leaks. Remember to keep all receipts of expenses for reimbursement.

Proceed With Caution

It will be tempting get your business up and running as quickly as possible following the incident, but it is important to be patient and not to rush into any repairs. Contact experienced professionals to assist in the assessment of damages as they will have the knowledge, technology and resources needed to restore your space promptly and properly.

While any disaster to your business, big or small, can be worrisome - know that you have access to the resources to restore your business. Of US based businesses, about 60% have been able to reopen their doors after a disastrous fire and many have gone on to achieve great success and profitability. Above all, it is important to be smart and remain hopeful.

Spring Showers Bring... FLOODING?!?!

5/18/2021 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO of South Columbus take care of your residential and commercial flooding needs.

We have all heard the saying “April showers bring May flowers”. Large amounts of rainfall is not only common during this time of the year, at the beginning of spring but also in this region of the country. It has become something all of us Ohioans "put up" with in hopes of sunny, warm, and beautiful summer weather.

Unfortunately April showers not only bring May flowers, they bring rainy days. These rainy days often lead to flooded basements, sump pump overflows, and more water damage. Oh no! But have no fear SERVPRO of South Columbus is here to help 24 hours a day with any flooding disasters you may experience.

We have a team of trained professionals ready and waiting to help get your life back to normal. Call our SERVPRO team today at (614) 863-1392!

Causes And Signs Of Water Damage In Your Columbus Home

5/3/2021 (Permalink)

These homeowners knew they had water damage from the brown water spots on their ceiling.

SERVPRO of South Columbus knows that when you experience unexpected water damage it can be costly and set you back. It can occur at any time. Here are some examples of situations that can cause water damage in a home:

• Problems with the HVAC system.
• Cracks in the foundation or walls.
• Severe storms, floods and other extreme weather.
• Leaky or busted pipes.
• Malfunctioning dishwashers or washing machines.
• Roof damage, such as missing shingles or cracked flashing.
• Leaks from toilets, sinks, and showers.
• Drainage problems on your property.

Water damage is recognizable when it’s caused by a flood, but with other causes, it is sometimes hard to spot. If you are unsure of what to look for, it can be easy to miss until it becomes a major problem. Here are the usual signs of water damage in a home:

• Paint peeling from your walls
• Mold growth (which can look like dark discoloration) on any surface
• Warping of your floors.
• A strong musty smell.
• Sagging in parts of your walls or ceiling.
• Stains or discolored patches on walls or ceilings.
• Water pooling in your yard after a storm.

Who Should You Call After Experiencing Storm Damage

4/7/2021 (Permalink)

This home experienced water damage due to cracks in the roof which lead to water making its way inside the home.

Who Do You Call?

When a storm comes down quick and fast, it often finds the cracks in the roofs, or the storm floods a part of your home and remediation is often needed. Most homeowners do not think about who their remediation company might be if needed. Most people may never experience something like this and the idea of a contractor coming into your home is sheer terror. With all the nightmare stories that exist about contractors, it is no surprise!

We Will Put You At Ease

Here at SERVPRO of South Columbus, we want to put your anxiety about hiring someone to come and make repairs to your home. We are here to help you get your home put back together and walk you through the entire process. We want to make sure that you have the confidence when you hire us that we will get the job done efficiently and correct the first time. Things are going to happen, how we react to them and how we prepare for them is the difference.

Call our SERVPRO of South Columbus Team today at (614) 863-1392 for all of your storm damage needs. We are always here to help!

IICRC Certified Firm

4/1/2021 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO Team is IICRC Certified!

SERVPRO of South Columbus is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) create the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

IICRC Certified Firms must

• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.

• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.

• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.

• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.

• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry

The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.

Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.

About SERVPRO of South Columbus

SERVPRO of South Columbus specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: from initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Minimizing Storm Damage

4/1/2021 (Permalink)

Call our SERVPRO of South Columbus Team for your mitigation and restoration needs!

Weather in Ohio can change in an instant, and it only takes a small shift in a storm’s track to bring torrential downpours that could lead to devastating flooding. If you are a business owner, a flood can represent a serious threat to your company’s operations. While there is not a lot you can do to stop major floods from hurricanes and other natural disasters, here are some steps you can take to lessen the impact of storm and flood damage. 

Build Barriers to Slow Water Incursion

Water is a powerful force, and it is virtually impossible to keep it at bay, but you can align barriers in the path to slow it down. You can start this process long before the onset of flooding by building a levee, berm or flood control wall if local building codes permit. Have a professional assess your lower floors to see if you should apply sealants to walls or relocate utility boxes. When the rain starts falling, you could enlist help to place sandbags in strategic areas around the structure:

• Across doorways, right up against the door.
  
  
• In front of garage doors.
  
  
• Around showers and floor drains to prevent incursion of water.

When building sandbag walls, make certain you do not completely surround your building, and use a plastic tarp as a base for extra waterproofing.

Clean Storm Drains and Gutters

In many cases, flood damage happens during normal storms because the building owner did not keep up on maintenance. Gutters, storm drains and other devices are designed to channel water away from the building, which is why it is important to clean them regularly to ensure they are free of debris that could cause a backup.

Minimize Losses, Being Prepared

Why risk significant disruptions to your operations when you could cut down on storm damage by taking some preparatory steps? Should you experience flooding despite your efforts, be sure to contact an experienced remediation company like SERVPRO of South Columbus to get you back up and running as soon as possible.

Here To Help

3/19/2021 (Permalink)

We are dedicated to being "Faster to any size disaster".

What's That Funky Smell? It Might Be Water Damage

3/19/2021 (Permalink)

If you smell something funny in your home, call SERVPRO of South Columbus!

Do you know when to be worried about a funny smell? Most new homeowners are not water damage specialists, but the human nose is an excellent tool for sniffing out trouble. Your nose is not the only way to spot water damage in your new home. Our SERVPRO of South Columbus technicians are IICRC certified and can help handle any moisture problems you may discover after moving in.

The sooner you notice a problem, the sooner you can call our team to help mitigate ongoing damages. With spring coming in southern Columbus, some water damage will be easier to spot. When you notice a problem, a highly trained SERVPRO professional can assess the extent of your damages. We can use our specialized equipment to remedy the issue fast.

What should you keep an eye out for when you do your spring cleaning? Start at the top. When looking for roof damages, obvious water stains aren't the only problem. Swollen insulation is usually an indication of water retention. Check your flashing (where the roof meets the walls) for cracks and look for missing shingles as well as more obvious signs like holes. Look at door frames and molding. Unusual stains or dark spots on the walls can mean trouble.

Inside, make sure you check your appliances after you move in to be certain they are not leaking where you cannot see easily behind them. Cracked hoses and loose connections can be tricky. Ripples, buckling, and changes in texture can tell you the flooring has a water problem. Remember to trust your nose. If it smells wrong, it probably is.

Outside water damages and mold are often caused by improper drainage. Check your spouts to see that they are clear and make sure you do not have water pooling around the foundation of your new home. At the first sign of damage, you can call SERVPRO.

No one wants to find water damages in their new home this spring. If you do, SERVPRO of South Columbus is available at (614) 863-1392 24 hours a day. We can make things “Like it never even happened.”

Our Drying Goals During The Water Restoration Process

3/19/2021 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO of South Columbus Team uses state of the art equipment during the water restoration process.

Drying Goals During Water Removal In Your Columbus Home

Water damage technicians create a drying goal during your southern Columbus home’s initial assessment. The drying goal should indicate the condition of materials and contents once restored to their natural preloss dryness. Qualified technicians should always monitor the drying process to determine if current procedures remain in-line with any established goals.

A drying goal for water removal at your southern Columbus property is the intended result in affected areas after completing restoration services. Our dedicated technicians use years of experience, training, and advanced equipment to provide moisture content readings from dry, unaffected contents, and structure — readings in percentage for wood materials, and readings in points for non-wood materials.

Our SERVPRO technicians use drier air to increase the rate of evaporation while performing water removal services on your property – drier air means air with low humidity. A relative humidity (RH) of less than 40% is within the normal range for performing an effective drying solution. RH under 40% typically tells us that the air is dry and thirsty, allowing it to pull more water from wet materials within the affected area.

While measurements for RH does not guarantee that your structure is dry, reaching a low RH ensures that humidity within the affected area is decreasing. To determine whether the area is dry, SERVPRO technicians take specific humidity readings of the affected areas; these readings should match those taken in unaffected areas. We use moisture meters to measure the moisture content of wet materials found in your home.

SERVPRO water removal technicians set moisture content goals on a per-item basis – after establishing a drying standard and recording typical equilibrium moisture content (EMC). The dry standard is a moisture content reading taken from dry materials of the same type found in unaffected areas. We establish a dry standard or use a typical EMC of a material as a goal.  Once the readings match, the drying process is complete.

Call our SERVPRO of South Columbus Team for water removal, cleanup, and restoration services, 24-hours a day, 7-days a week.

Getting Your Building Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

3/3/2021 (Permalink)

Our continued commitment to a higher standard of clean!

As we all move forward in the battle against COVID-19, inspiring safety and confidence in our communities remains the number one concern. That’s why at SERVPRO of South Columbus, we remain dedicated to bringing a higher standard of clean to businesses across the country through Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is our specialized viral pathogen-cleaning program that prevents the spread of COVID-19. Going far beyond standard janitorial cleaning, Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned has helped tens of thousands of businesses nationwide keep their doors open safely in the face of this pandemic. And with more than 50 years of experience and expertise in biohazard decontamination, you can trust SERVPRO professionals to bring a higher standard of clean to the places we gather.

How does it work? Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is grounded in our unique 3 Cs:

• Consult: Not all businesses are the same, which is why we’ll start by learning about the unique needs of each space.
  
  
• Clean: Based on the specific needs of the business, an expert deep clean is initiated using our proprietary EPA-approved, hospital-grade cleaning solutions and always adhering to CDC standards.
  
  
• Certify: You’ll know a business is Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned by the shield posted on their front window. Along with digital emblems and other collateral, this beacon represents their commitment to comfort and security of their employees, customers and community.

So when you see the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned shield, you can walk in with confidence. Because you’ll know the #1 choice in clean up and restoration was there.

Ahh! My Pipes Are Frozen!!

2/23/2021 (Permalink)

Cold temperatures can lead to frozen pipes, that's why our SERVPRO Team is always here to help!

The cold temperatures in Columbus can lead to a number of problems for local homeowners. One of which may include frozen pipes. A hard freeze can even lead to broken pipes or water damage in your home. Here are some things you may want to know about what to expect when your pipes freeze.

What To Do When Pipes Freeze

If you have a frozen pipe in your home there are a few things you can do

• Call a professional, like SERVPRO for help
• Keep your pipes open so the water has a place to go when thawed
• Apply gentle heat, like a hot towel or blow dryer, to the frozen area of the pipe

Why Pipes Freeze

During a hard freeze the temperature outdoors can drop so low that the cold can permeate the pipes. Any water inside will then expand. If there is not enough room inside the pipes, then the pressure can cause cracks which will lead to leaks when the water thaws. A water damage professional can help with repairs to your home if the leak causes damage.

Preventing Frozen Pipes

Fortunately, there are a few prevention steps you can take to prevent the freezing of your pipes and subsequent water damage. These steps include draining the water from pipes that may freeze such as a sprinkler line, and disconnecting any hoses from your home. You may also want to close any indoor valves that supply water to outdoor lines. If the weather is especially cold you may want to let your faucets drip a little as moving water is less likely to freeze. It’s also a good idea to keep your home’s temperature above 55 degrees.

When a hard freeze occurs, the water in your pipes can freeze and cause some damage to your home. A professional can help with any repairs and cleanup you may need. If you know that the temperature is likely to get to freezing point, you may be able to take some steps to protect your pipes.

Our SERVPRO Team Gives You A Five Star Experience Every Time!

2/5/2021 (Permalink)

Our goal is to go above and beyond for each and every one of our customers!

Guess who’s one of the most highly recommended restoration company in the Columbus area? That’s right, it’s us! We don’t need to toot our own horn, because we’ve got over 250 reviews between our 2 franchises to do that for us. We are really proud of them, because we’ve worked really hard to make sure each and every one of those reviews is well earned. Our SERVPRO of South Columbus Team strives hard to make sure every one of our customers has a five-star experience, no matter the size or type of job. Whether it’s a fire or a water loss, whether it’s a home or a commercial building. We want you to have the same experience no matter what, and if you aren’t happy, we aren’t happy! We want to make it right every time and ensure that you receive the same care and compassion that everyone else has.

Give our SERVPRO Team a call today at 614-863-1392!

Leave The Drying Equipment On!!

2/5/2021 (Permalink)

We understand that the drying equipment can be noisy and annoying, but please leave it on! We promise it helps!

When you call SERVPRO of South Columbus to help restore your property after suffering a water damage, our professional technicians will place the appropriate equipment to dry out the area as quickly as possible. It is important to always following our instructions and keep the equipment running at all times. We realize that the equipment is noisy and can become bothersome if you remain in your home during the restoration process, however, turning off the air movers and/or dehumidifiers can delay the drying time and can cause further damage to your property such as mold growth. It is also important to note that oftentimes your insurance coverage will only pay for the drying equipment for a specific length of time, depending on the category of damage. Your SERVPRO of South Columbus project manager will monitor the moisture readings of the equipment daily to determine the appropriate time for removal. If you have any concerns or questions about the drying equipment, be sure to speak to any of our highly trained technicians!

Leave The Mold Clean Up To Our SERVPRO Team

1/7/2021 (Permalink)

These homeowners were unaware that mold was growing behind their baseboards.

If you see visible mold on your residential or commercial property, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home or business. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.

What To Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of South Columbus for mold remediation services.

What Not To Do:

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

About Our Mold Remediation Services:

SERVPRO of South Columbus specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business. Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

If you discover mold in your home or business, call our professionals at SERVPRO of South Columbus.

What To Expect After A Fire

12/29/2020 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO Team can help you after a fire!

A fire damage event is difficult for the home or business owner on many levels, and the restoration process that follows can be intimidating. Each fire event is a little different, and each will require a unique solution, although the overall general process stays the same. The steps we are listing below will illustrate the SERVPRO process for the average fire damage emergency.

• Emergency Contact. Your restoration process begins the moment that you contact us. Our representative will ask you questions regarding the fire damage event that will help us to respond with the appropriate equipment and resources for your particular situation.
• Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment. Our team will carefully inspect and test all the adjoining rooms of your home or business to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. This step is vital to us, allowing us to develop the perfect plan of action for your property.
• Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service. Fire damage will often compromise the condition of windows, walls, and roofing. To maintain security and to protect against further damage, we will board up missing windows and walls, and place tarps on damaged areas of the roof.
• Water Removal and Drying. If water damage is present, the water removal process will begin almost immediately, with the goal of removing the majority of the water. Our team will then employ dehumidifiers and air movers to remove any remaining water and complete the drying process.
• Removal of Smoke and Soot From All Surfaces. SERVPRO uses specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and all other surfaces.
• Cleaning and Sanitizing. We clean, sanitize, and disinfect all of the restorable items and structures that were damaged by the fire. Our team uses a variety of cleaning techniques to restore your belongings to the condition they were in before the fire. We are also trained to remove lingering odors, using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.
• Restoration. This is the final step - getting your home or business back to its pre-fire condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, installing new carpet, or painting surfaces, or it may entail major repairs, such as the reconstruction of various rooms or areas.

Here at SERVPRO of South Columbus, we are here to help if your Columbus home or business suffers from damage due to a fire. 

Candle Safety

12/10/2020 (Permalink)

Candles can be dangerous, consider the alternatives!

We all love candles. They are pretty to look at and get your home smelling wonderful. But unfortunately we need to remember that a candle is an open flame and can easily catch its surroundings on fire causing your beloved home to go up in flames.

First, lets take a look at the candle fire facts from the National Fire Protection Association to see just how common a candle fire is.

• There are 21 candle fires reported per day on average.
• Candles cause 2% of reported home fires, 3% of home deaths, 6% of home fire injuries, and 4% of the direct property damage in house fires.
• 37% of home candle fires start in the bedroom.
• 11% of the candle fires were a result of falling asleep while a candle was still burning.
• 60% of candle fires occurred when a flammable item was too close to the candle.

Fortunately, there are many great candle alternatives that make your home smell great or create a relaxing ambiance.

1. Battery-Powered Candles

While electric candles may not look or smell exactly like the real thing, they are a safe alternative to get the same ambiance. Plus, you don't need to worry about remembering to turn them off when you leave the room or house. You won't come home to an unexpected fire disaster.

2. Wax Warmers

These help spread the fantastic smell of melted wax through your home by using a wax warmer. These candle alternatives use battery power or electricity instead of an open flame to heat up the wax.

3. Fairy Lights

If your main goal is to add relaxed lighting to your home rather than release a scent into the air, fairy lights a great way to quickly light up a room or outdoor area. Fairy lights may be powered by battery or electricity, making them a much longer-lasting option than a candle.

4. Essential Oil Diffusers

Essential oils can help add a scent to the room and might benefit your health too. There are many different diffusers to choose from, so you can easily find one that matches your home.

We Get You Back To Business Faster

12/3/2020 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO Team is Faster To Any Size Disaster!

There are many reasons why a commercial business needs to quickly return to its normal daily operations after a water or fire disaster. The reason that is the most prevalent on the minds of the company's stakeholders is simple: profitability.  The longer a business remains idle due to an unexpected loss, the faster that losses from lost opportunity will mount. It is critical to respond quickly. 

As small business owners, we understand that every hour you spend cleaning up after fire or water damage means lost revenue and productivity. Our goal is to clean and restore your structure and contents quickly and efficiently so you can get back to what your business and building does best.

SERVPRO of South Columbus is a large-loss team that routinely mitigates water and fire damage losses in office complexes, medical buildings, high rise buildings, university buildings, large hotels and other commercial structures throughout the Columbus area. Whether you are in need of board-up services, commercial drying, or the mitigation of massive amounts of water from a factory floor, we have the knowledge, equipment and proven expertise to deliver fast, proven results for our commercial customers. 

Don't hesitate to call SERVPRO of South Columbus for your all of your unexpected commercial restoration needs. Our highly trained professionals are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to respond to your next unexpected disaster. We are always Here To Help!

Why Choose A Team Who Is IICRC Certified?

12/3/2020 (Permalink)

With the proper training, our SERVPRO Team sets themselves apart to serve you!

SERVPRO of South Columbus is proud to be an IICRC certified firm. IICRC, or the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification, is a non-profit organization for the cleaning and restoration industry. The goal of the IICRC is to establish and advance globally recognized standards and certifications for the inspection, cleaning, and restoration and installation industries. To accomplish this goal, the IICRC sets standards and certifications for inspection, cleaning, and restoration. The IICRC ensures that when consumers hire a certified firm or technician that they have hired experts who will provide reasonable assurance that work will be completed in accordance with the industry's "standard of care." The technicians of SERVPRO of South Columbus sets themselves apart through training, experience, and comprehensive examination.

For more information about the IICRC, please visit https://www.IICRC.org/. 

Fireplace Safety Tips

11/25/2020 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of South Columbus if you experience a fire in your home.

As the weather starts to get colder outside, you and your family often look for ways to stay warm inside, such as gathering around the fireplace. Unfortunately, fireplaces can be dangerous. Follow these tips to keep your family and home safe.

1. Keep a nearby window cracked open while the fire is burning, if possible.

2. Make sure the damper or flue is open before starting a fire. This allows the smoke to be drawn out of the house. You can check the damper by looking up the chimney with a flashlight. Do not close the damper until the embers have stopped burning completely.

3. In the fire, use dry and well-aged wood. Wet wood produces more smoke and contributes to soot buildup in the chimney. When the wood is dry it burns more evenly and produces less smoke.

4. Before starting a fire, clean out the ashes from any previous fires. The level of ash at the base of the fireplace should be 1 inch or less. Thicker layers of ash restrict the air supply to the logs, resulting in more smoke.

5. The chimney should be checked by a professional annually.

6. Even if your chimney is not due for cleaning, it is important to check for any blockages that could prevent smoke escaping.

7. Clear the area around the fireplace of anything that is potentially flammable. If these items get too close to the fireplace, they could catch fire.

8. If you have a switch on the wall that turns on your fireplace, consider covering the switch to prevent children from turning the gas or fireplace on.

9. Never leave an active fire in the fireplace unattended. Before going to bed or leaving the house, make sure the fire is completely out. Never leave children unattended around a fire.

10. Place fireplace tools and accessories out of reach of children.

11. Always have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors located throughout your home. Test them monthly and change the batteries at least once a year.

12. Always keep a fire extinguisher on hand.

Our SERVPRO Team Is Here To Help After A Fire

11/25/2020 (Permalink)

Call our SERVPRO Team today!

Our SERVPRO Team knows that even the smallest of fires can create large amounts of smoke damage, and that damage isn’t just confined to the area of the fire. SERVPRO of South Columbus understands that when your business or commercial property has been affected by a fire, you need help fast. When you call our SERVPRO Team, our highly trained professionals will be on site quickly to assess the damage and begin the process of getting your building up and running.

As small business owners, we understand that every hour you spend cleaning up after a fire means lost revenue and productivity. Our goal is to clean and restore your structure and contents quickly and efficiently so you can get back to doing what your business and building does best. 

If your business or commercial property has been impacted by fire or smoke damage, call SERVPRO of South Columbus anytime, day or night at 614-863-1392. We are here to help you 24-7. Our SERVPRO Team makes your building "Like it never even happened."

September is National Preparedness Month

9/11/2020 (Permalink)

Disasters don't wait. Make a plan today!

National Preparedness Month is recognized each September to promote family and community disaster planning now and throughout the course of the year. As our nation continues to respond to COVID-19, there is no better time to be involved this September.

Week 1: The first week in September is focused around making a plan. Prepare by talking to your friends and family about how you will communicate before, during, and after a disaster. Be sure to update your plan based on the Centers for Disease Control recommendations due to the coronavirus.

Week 2: The second week in September is about building a kit. Gather supplies that will last for several days after a disaster for everyone living in your home.  Don’t forget to consider the unique needs each person or pet may have in case you have to evacuate quickly. Update your kits and supplies based on recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control.

Week 3: The third week in September is focused on preparing for disasters. Limit the impacts that disasters have on you and your family.  Know the risk of disasters in your area and check your insurance coverage. Learn how to make your home stronger in the face of storms and other common hazards and act fast if you receive a local warning or alert.

Week 4: The last week in September is geared towards teaching the youth about preparedness. Be sure to talk to your kids about preparing for emergencies and what to do in case you are separated. Reassure them by providing information about how they can get involved.

Oh No! My Apartment Flooded, What Do I Do?!

8/25/2020 (Permalink)

This multiple unit water damage was caused by a pipe leak.

Dealing with water damage is never fun but it is especially a nightmare for renters. Water can cause very extensive damage and result in costly repairs. Follow the tips below to know what to do next if your apartment floods.

1. Identify The Source: Whether the issue is a leaking pipe, overflowing sink or toilet, or leaking washing machine line, the first step is finding where the water is coming from. It may be possible to turn off the water source from a source by the toilet, under the sink or valve connected to the washing machine.
2. Contact Your Landlord Or Property Manager: You want to protect your belongings but your Landlord or Property Manager also wants to protect their property. Make them aware of the damages immediately, as the extent of the damage will continue to increase the more time passes. Water damages are not unlikely to happen, so they should have a plan in place when this occurs. In order for a restoration company to come in and mitigate the water damage, the owner of the property must authorize them to begin services since tenants are unable to make decisions on a property that does not belong to them.
3. Notify Your Neighbors: It is courteous to notify your neighbors of any flooding or water damage you have experienced especially if you live above someone else. There is a high possibility that your water disaster can affect your neighbor's unit as well. Make sure your neighbor looks out for any slow leaks or mold growth that may appear as a result.
4. Access And Document All Damage: Take time to document the damages to your unit. Take plenty of photos with the date, time and notes of the damage. They will come in handy when working with your landlord's insurance company and your renter's insurance company.
5. Contact Your Insurance Company: If you have renter’s insurance on your apartment, call and inquire to see if your policy covers the damage. There is a high possibility that your renter's insurance policy will cover any water leak in your apartment that causes water damage to your personal belongings.
6. Discuss Repairs And Professional Cleaning: Talk to the landlord or Property Manager about how maintenance and repairs will work. Make notes of the repairs being done and report any ongoing leaks or delayed maintenance work. Once the repairs are done, you’ll most likely need professional cleaning from a company like SERVPRO to restore your apartment.

Whatever the case may be, our SERVPRO of South Columbus Team is highly trained to clean and properly document the entire process ensuring that all parties involved are kept informed.

Fire Sprinkler System Maintenance

8/25/2020 (Permalink)

If you experience unexpected damage due to a malfunctioning sprinkler head, call SERVPRO of South Columbus.

Fires can happen without warning and can cause extensive damage to your commercial property. According to the National Fire Protection Association, property damage from fires totaled in about $12 million in 2012. Luckily we have fire sprinklers that are considered one of the most effective fire suppression systems available. When a building sprinkler system is activated by a fire, they are effective 96% of the time according to the NFPA. That's why it is very important for these systems to be in good condition and maintained regularly.

• Be sure to inspect all control valves to ensure that they are open, accessible, properly locked, and free from any leaks. Examine water and air pressure gauges to make sure they are showing normal ranges in good condition.
• Inspect the condition of sprinkler heads for paint, dust, or obstructions.
• Make sure there is an adequate clearance of at least 18 inches from the height of storage to the sprinkler head. This prevents anything from accidentally knocking into it.
• Have at least 6 spare heads that correspond to the type and temperature rate of the heads in use.
• Inspect all fire department connections to verify caps are in place and that no damage is present.
• Check low points on dry sprinkler systems to remove water to prevent freezing.
• Maintain adequate heat within a dry sprinkler control valve room to prevent freezing.
• Always report damage to any part of a sprinkler immediately.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

8/13/2020 (Permalink)

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned; A Higher Standard of Clean

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean. Being open for business is just the beginning of our new journey forward. Employees may be hesitant to return to work, and customers may wonder whether the businesses they patron are safe.

We are proud to launch Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned—a cleaning and disinfecting program that SERVPRO offers to commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. This is a level of clean that goes way beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. This is proactive viral pathogen cleaning. When businesses chose SERVPRO, their employees, customers, and community can rest assured that they’ve selected a “higher standard of clean”—Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Please contact our SERVPRO of South Columbus office at 614-863-1392 to have your building Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned. 

Fire Pit Safety Tips

8/13/2020 (Permalink)

If you experience an unexpected fire caused by a fire pit, call our SERVPRO Team!

Here in Southern Columbus it's common for homeowners to gather around a fire pit and enjoy the company of family and friends. Before you jump right into endless nights of enjoying your fire pit, be sure to keep these safety tips in mind provided by Nationwide Insurance.

Preparing your outdoor fire pit

• Make sure the ground or surface is even to reduce the risk of fire escaping beyond your fire pit.
• To keep your fire from causing damage, build the fire pit at least 10 feet from your home, fences, trees and the like.
• Smooth stones from river beds may have absorbed moisture over time and can heat rapidly and explode. Instead of river stones, build your fire pit with dry, rough stones.

Using your outdoor fire pit

• Avoid using your fire pit on windy days, since flames or embers can spread to your home, yard and nearby trees.
• Never use gasoline or kerosene to start your fire; such fuels can cause a fire to get out of control quickly. Instead, use dry wood as kindling that doesn’t extend beyond the edge of the pit.
• Even if your fire pit is small, flames can spread quickly if left unattended. Monitor at all times.
• Make sure guests maintain a proper distance and don’t exhibit risky behavior. Keep close tabs on children and pets.

Extinguishing your outdoor fire pit

• Once you extinguish your fire with water, gently stir and spread the ashes to cool. Leave only when they’re cool to the touch.
• Keep a fire extinguisher, garden hose or bucket of sand close to douse the fire in case it gets out of hand. If you can’t put it out quickly, call 9-1-1.

These fire pit safety tips can help prevent unmanageable fires, injuries and more. If disaster does strike, SERVPRO of South Columbus is here to help!

Columbus Is Flooded, What Now?

7/6/2020 (Permalink)

This basement flooded due to the sump pump not being able to keep up during a recent storm.

Columbus has experienced two major storm events in the last couple months causing thousands of local homeowners to find themselves with water in their homes. This water enters the home through the foundation, up through the sump pump, and down through small unknown holes in the roof. Unfortunately when Columbus gets that amount of rain during a small period of time, it is almost inevitable that the water will find its way into your home.

You have discovered water in your home. Now what? Your first thought should be to call SERVPRO! Here at SERVPRO of South Columbus we watch the weather and are prepared for any storm coming into the area.

Unfortunately when the storms are really big like they were in March and May of this year, our phones are ringing off of the hook. Hundreds and hundreds of calls rolling in, but we don't get worried. You know why? Because we have our National Storm Team ready to help us whenever big storms hit our Columbus area.

After the March and May storms, we activated our National Storm Team to help us take care of all of the water damaged homes in Columbus. Both events, we had at least 15 other franchises helping us out and we couldn't have been happier.

So don't get nervous the next time a big storm rolls in and everyone on your street gets flooded, rest assured SERVPRO of South Columbus and the National Storm Team is here to help! Call our SERVPRO Team today!

You Had A Fire, Now What?

7/2/2020 (Permalink)

This fire was caused by a cooking accident.

Imagine this, you are cooking a delicious dinner for your family, you walk out of the kitchen to attend to other household duties and all of a sudden you start smelling smoke. Oh no! Your kitchen is on fire, going up in flames. You call your nearest fire department immediately, they put out the fire and there you are left with the aftermath. What a mess! You think, "What am I going to do? Who do I call?"

The answer to that question is SERVPRO! Not only do we just handle water disasters, we take care of fire disasters as well. Having a fire in your beloved home is always scary and very stressful. Here at SERVPRO of South Columbus, we take the stress out of restoring your home after a fire.

After a fire you may notice a build up of soot on the walls and a strong smoke odor throughout your home. We are able to take care of the structural cleaning of your home such as cleaning the ceilings, walls, woodwork, carpeting and floors. We are also able to clean the contents that were affected by the recent fire. This includes area rugs, furniture, draperies and upholstery. Lastly our SERVPRO team is able to rid your home of the offensive odors left behind by fire or smoke damage.

Although we never want you to experience a fire in your home, rest assured that SERVPRO of South Columbus always here to help if you do experience an unexpected fire. Call our office at 614-863-1392 for all of your fire damage needs.

Summer Storms Can Bring Unexpected Water Damage In Your Home

6/23/2020 (Permalink)

This flooded residential home was caused by a recent storm.

It's official, summer is FINALLY here! It's the time of the year that we have all been waiting for. It's a time for us to be outside, enjoy the sunshine and get ourselves a nice tan. But we always forget that summer also brings us storms, which means rain! Bummer!

You have probably already noticed that our forecast lately has a lot rain in the future. Does the upcoming rain make you think about your home? Probably not, you're too busy waiting for the rain to go away so you can get back outside again. But you should be thinking about your home especially with the upcoming storms we may have this summer.

Thinking about your home and the rain, you should have SERVPRO in the back of your mind! Our SERVPRO of South Columbus team is here for all of your water damage needs.

Here at SERVPRO we are prepared for any upcoming storm even though you may not be. We have a 24-7 on-call technician available for you, even in the early morning hours. We are ready to address your next residential disaster and send a crew right out to you. We want to get a crew out to you quickly, we don't like to wait around, that causes secondary damages to your home which means more downtime. No fun!

SERVPRO is prepared for the unexpected! That's our business and we love it! SERVPRO of South Columbus is always here to help. Call us today!

Don't Wait! Call SERVPRO To Start The Water Removal Process In Your Commercial Building

6/3/2020 (Permalink)

Your janitorial team is NOT equipped to handle large water damage issues. That's why our SERVPRO team is here for you!

A flood can be a nightmare for a customer-facing business. Unfortunately, they are not easy to prevent due to the myriad of potential causes. A customer could leave a faucet on, an aging pipe could finally burst, or even extreme weather conditions could result in flooding. These all can cause temporary closure, and those that happen overnight can be particularly damaging. To limit the loss of revenue and be able to return your staff to work, you can use our professional restoration service.

The job of commercial water removal in Columbus properties is usually one that goes beyond the scope of your janitorial team. SERVPRO has access to national resources and can train local technicians while providing them with the right equipment to work on larger job sites. We operate our emergency line twenty-four hours a day to help our commercial businesses in times of need.

A water issue in a property is not always a case of large quantities of standing water. Sometimes a leak can spread out across a large surface area. This excess water is then absorbed into floors or wall cavities, primarily if the problem occurs during the close of business hours. We can conduct mitigation tasks quickly to help to ensure that no lasting damages are sustained to your property.

One method of removing water from a property is through creating airflow. SERVPRO use rapid air movers in a variety of ways to start this process. These equipment work by blasting air out at the surface level which pushes moisture into the air. Working with an open system, the circulation can replace wet air with drier air from outside the property.

Air movers can also be adapted to create circulation in areas of the property that would usually be hard to access. By attaching shrouds to an air mover, SERVPRO can re-purpose them to send air currents through wall cavities or beneath floorboards. These steps can often be essential in mitigating against microbial growth.

The benefit of professional assistance it that it can help to guard against expensive secondary damages, contact SERVPRO of South Columbus at (614) 863-1392.

Restoring A Flooded Building

6/3/2020 (Permalink)

Restoring an office building after a flooding event has a lot of moving parts.

Restoring an office building after a flooding event has a lot of moving parts. Even when professional restorers of our team can get on the scene very quickly, many things must happen to make the space usable again. Such was the case with this specific office in Columbus that our professionals worked to restore back to its original condition.

Several steps play into flood damage restoration for this Columbus office building. As always, this process began with an overall assessment of the damage and the appropriate tools and personnel required to restore it. Once this was established, work could begin.

In the image, you can see that the flooring had to get removed by our SERVPRO technicians. This was partly because the damage was irreparable to the flooring material, and also partly an easier access point for our professionals to work to dry out the dampness in the sub-flooring and lower levels.

You can also see what is known as flood cuts throughout the office space. This process serves to remove overly saturated drywall from the affected areas but has a dual purpose to allow concentrated drying efforts to happen within the now open wall cavities. These cuts were made at two feet from the floors up the wall, but this size varies from project to project based on the affected surfaces and what amount of the drywall requires removal.

Mitigation is an important aspect of flood restoration. The better our SERVPRO technicians can stop damages from getting worse, the shorter these projects take overall and the lesser their estimated costs for your business or property. It is part of our pledge to be Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Overcoming flooding in your office building can seem overwhelming at first, even amid the restoration work. However, with the right professional restoration team, you can have a fully restored office space as quickly as possible. Trust in the experience and expertise of our SERVPRO of South Columbus flood restoration specialists and give SERVPRO a call today at (614) 863-1392.

Preventative Measures To Avoid Water Damage

5/26/2020 (Permalink)

Flooding can happen to anyone at any time, that's why SERVPRO of The North Coast is here for you!

We all know that prevention is the best medicine, but floods can happen at any moment from any number of causes. By completing regularly scheduled home maintenance and keeping an eye out for common warning signs, you can minimize the chances of a flood. However, nothing can give you a 100% guarantee of never having a flood. In that case, preparation is the best way to minimize water damage.

First, it’s a good idea to know your flood risk. Are you in a potential flood zone? Is your yard sloped away from your foundation? Knowledge is power so the more you know about how your home might flood, the more steps you can take to prevent it or minimize damage from it.

Using waterproof building materials is a great way to reduce damage from flooding and there are waterproof sealants and paints that can be applied to existing structures. In particular, there are many protective coatings for block or poured concrete walls which are common in basements.

Keep your valuables and irreplaceable items such as photo albums, yearbooks, and important documents on high shelves. Do the same with chemicals and paints. If they leak into flood waters, they could cause additional damage. Any items put away for storage should be in air and water-tight plastic containers. Never leave boxes or items on the floor; instead, invest in raised shelving units.

It may also be a good idea to raise appliances and electronics off the ground. Get wires and power strips out from behind your tv stand and organize them in a way that keeps them out of the flood danger zone. Put washing machines and dryers on cinder blocks or sections of lumber to reduce the chances that rising water levels will affect them.

If a flood does strike, turn off electricity, gas, and water lines and place buckets under active leaks. If the water is pooling slowly, soak up as much of it as possible to reduce the potential damage. Calling SERVPRO at the first sign of a flood is the best way to reduce water damage. Our highly trained technicians will solve your immediate problems and ensure you don’t experience lasting effects or further damage.

Flooding can happen to anyone. Take steps now to protect your home and keepsakes from water damage in the event of a possible flood.

Leave The Board-Ups and Roof Tarpings To This SERVPRO Team

5/14/2020 (Permalink)

This roof needed tarped after a storm caused a tree to go through the roof into the home.

Here at SERVPRO of South Columbus we want to take the hassle and stress out of the board up and roof tarping of your home due to a disaster.

Whether your home or business was damaged by a fire, storm, or other structural disasters, boarding up or tarping a damaged property is a burden that you as a homeowner shouldn't have to handle. Incorrectly boarding up or tarping your home can result in further damage, making the situation worse. Whether the further damage be from moisture or animal intrusions.

Our dedicated team of professionals are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year to help with in case you come across unexpected damage to your home or business.

Our trained and certified professionals are here to board up or tarp your damaged property, remediate the original damage and provide you with peace of mind while helping make it “Like it never even happened.”

Water Damage Safety

5/1/2020 (Permalink)

Be careful not to slip and fall on water on the floor!

Should you have the unfortunate experience a water damage, safety should be your number one priority. There are many safety issues you need to be aware of to protect your family. Two of the most common safety issues are “slips and falls” and electrical hazards, however, there are others.

Water Supply

• If possible, turn off the water supply to minimize the water damage and safety concerns. Take caution when entering all rooms with wet flooring to prevent injuries from “slips and falls.”

Electricity

• To prevent being shocked or electrocuted, do not enter a room with deep standing water that may be exposed to electricity.
• If the water is high enough to reach the electrical outlets, have an electrician inspect your wiring to prevent electrical shock.
• Have electrical appliances such as furnaces, freezer, washer and dryers dried and serviced by a qualified repairman if the water has reached their electrical unit.

Gas

• If you smell gas, turn off main valve and leave the area. Call the gas company immediately.

• Have gas appliances inspected by a qualified repairman if high water has reached their gas controls.

Structure Stability

• Water damage on a second floor can compromise the ceiling below. If you see sagging ceilings do not enter the room.

Sewer Damage

• Sewer backups can present diseases and bacteria and should never be cleaned without personal protective equipment.

If you have a water damage call SERVPRO of South Columbus at 614-863-1392 to assist.

How To Know If Your Home Has Storm Damage

4/3/2020 (Permalink)

This home was damaged after a storm that caused a tree to fall damaging the roof.

After a storm rolls through, it is important to inspect your house for damage the storm may have caused. Listed below are areas you should be looking at.

1. Roof: Look for shingles that have discoloration, tearing, or even holes in them. These can all be signs that your roof has been damaged. Another sign is if there are leaks in your roof or your ceiling.
2. Gutters: After a hail storm, looking for dents or dings can also give you a better picture of what the storm did to the rest of your home. Your gutters can also give you insight to whether you have roof damage. Check to see if there are granules from the asphalt shingles in your gutter.
3. Windows: Look at each of the windows on your homes and note any signs of shattered or broken window and frame damage. This is especially important after a hail storm or a strong wind storm.
4. Exterior: Not only is it important to look at the siding of your home to check for damage, it is also important that you check all appliances. Inspect your AC/HVAC unit as well as items such as an outdoor grill.

After your inspection, if you notice any signs of storm damage follow up by checking the area for signs of mold, mildew, pests or other secondary damage. Our team is able to put an emergency roof tarp to prevent any further damage. Call SERVPRO of South Columbus at (614) 863-1392 for any restoration needs you may have.

Sump Pump Maintenance For Your Home

3/31/2020 (Permalink)

Sump pump failures can cause devastating water damage to your home.

A sump pump is one of the most important parts of basement plumbing equipment. It makes sure that any accumulated water in your home and around its foundation is promptly pumped out and away from your home to a storm sewer or containment pond, so it doesn't allow your basement to flood, damaging your possessions. At least, that's what it is supposed to do. If your sump pump is not regularly and properly tested, then you can't guarantee that it will come through when you need it most.

1. Inspect the pump and its outlet pipe

Start the inspection by listening. If there is excessive groundwater around the foundation, the pump should turn itself on, pumping out the water and turning itself off again. Next, remove the cover and look inside the sump pit. If the level of water is low, there is a high chance the pump is working properly. Examine the sump pump for any signs of external damage, as well as any obstructions or debris in the surrounding pit. You will also want to see if the outlet pipe that carries water from the pump to outside your home is free of any blockage. And the check valve is working properly.

2. Check the electrical components

Your sump pump should be plugged into a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter, which protects it from a potential short while it is submerged. Consider getting yourself a battery-based backup pump for your sump pump that will kick on if your primary sump pump fails.

3. Test the sump pump

Test your sump pump by pouring in five gallons of water. The pump should then turn on once the water level reaches a predetermined level below the basement floor. If the pump doesn’t turn on, it could be either clogged or damaged, and you should call a licensed plumber for help.

4. Clean and maintain your sump pump

The typical lifespan of a sump pump is 10 years but if your sump pump is running often, you should consider replacing it every 5 to 7 years. Inspect and test your sump pump at least once a year. To be safe, check your sump pump before a big storm hits your area.

If you experience a loss due to your sump pump failing, don't hesitate to call the professionals at SERVPRO of South Columbus! We are always here to help!

We are Your Local Cleaning Experts!

3/30/2020 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO team is here to help!

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

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

Specialized Products

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

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of South Columbus at 614-863-1392!

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-prevent-spread.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fguidance-prevent-spread.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-business-response.html

Where Water Damage May Be Hiding In Your Home

3/18/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage in this Columbus home was caused by a leaking dishwasher.

While damage from a flood is pretty noticeable, there are many ways water damage can happen to your home when you don’t even realize it.

Here are some common causes of water damage and how you can spot the warning signs.

Weather is a common cause of water damage. Rains (snow and ice during the winter) cause flooding that can get into your home. Ice is an especially insidious cause of water damage because it expands as it freezes, causing cracks that allow more water to enter your home.

Even if it isn’t raining or snowing there is still moisture in the air. Damp air can lead to condensation and water damage to your walls. This is especially true of basements, bathrooms, and other damp areas of your home that don’t get much airflow.

Appliances like your washing machine, garbage disposal, water heater, toilet, and air conditioner can all contribute to water damage if they leak or stop draining properly.

Water from our pipes and plumbing systems can also cause water damage. Leaks and drips can go on for months, or even years, raising your water bill and doing unseen damage to your home.

Since these are all the ways water can sneak into your home, what are the signs of water damage?

Here are a few warning signs that you have a water damage problem in your home.

Standing water – This may sound pretty obvious, but if you notice water pooling in your house you have a water problem that needs to be taken care of immediately.

Bad smells – While water doesn’t normally have much of a smell, the mold and bacteria that grow in damp environments can give off a distinct musty, wet odor. If you smell mold or mildew there is a possibility that you have a water issue.

Stains and spots – Stains on the ceilings or walls can be a sign of water damage. You might have a leaky pipe or roof. Call a professional to determine the cause of the problem and to clean up the damage before it becomes a serious mold problem.

Peeling paint – Paint damaged by water will start to peel, bubble, or flake off.

Uneven surfaces – Water damage can cause floors, ceilings, walls, and other surfaces to warp and feel uneven.

Cracks – Water is always seeking the path of least resistance out of your home. Water can enter through cracks and once water finds it’s way in, the crack will expand allowing even more to get into your home. Make sure you seal all visible cracks on your property.

If you notice your home has water damage call the experts at SERVPRO of South Columbus. Our team is always here to help!

To File A Claim Or Not To File A Claim

3/18/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Columbus works with your insurance company!

As a homeowner, renter or business owner it is important to fully understand your insurance policy. Every policy is different, with exclusions and named perils. Being knowledgeable about your insurance as much as possible will help you in deciding if it is necessary for you to file a claim in the event your home or place of business suffers water damage. Here are some things to consider before filing an insurance claim:

If the total amount of repairs is less than your deductible, avoid filing, especially if other claims have been filled in the last ten years.

If it is an uncovered loss, you are responsible for the mitigation and repairs, be aware of what is covered under your insurance.

Claim frequency could affect you in the form of non-renewal for being a high-risk.

If damage occurs due to lack of maintenance that is your own responsibility, do not submit a claim. But remember, continuously maintaining your home or business can get you better premiums in the future.

Ultimately, being aware of all exclusions and coverage limits is important by knowing your options in which direction you need to go to mitigate and repair damage that occurs on your home or business.

Does Your Building Have The Flu? SERVPRO Can Help!

3/3/2020 (Permalink)

Call our office today to have your building cleaned!

About Influenza (Flu)

Approximately 8% of the U.S. population contracts the flu each year. Influenza virus is a contagious respiratory sickness causing mild to severe symptoms. Those with the flu can spread it to others without direct contact. The flu virus spreads mainly by droplets made when people with the flu cough, sneeze or talk. Someone can also get flu by touching a surface or object that has the flu virus on it.

How SERVPRO Can Help Prevent The Spread Of Flu

Our SERVPRO team is here for you! We can treat your buildings for Influenza A, Rhinovirus, and many other harmful viruses. Our team uses a powerful, EPA botanical disinfectant that dries with no residue and is safe for use in the most delicate of applications like nursing homes and schools. Our staff would treat your building with a fogging process then go over heavy touched areas by hand.

Call our SERVPRO office today for more information!

How To Know If Your Walls Have Water Damage

2/27/2020 (Permalink)

These homeowners knew they had water damage from the discoloration they noticed.

Have you ever wondered if your walls have water damage? Sometimes it's not so easy to identify.  And, as you know, water losses don't typically happen during convenient hours of the day. It’s not always easy to identify if your walls are damaged, but here are some signs to look for.

Common Signs of Water Damage In Your Walls

1. Musty Odor: Water damage can often cause mold damage and/or mildew damage if left undetected. But unfortunately, mold isn't always visible. If you notice a musty odor, that's a sign there may be mold somewhere you don't see. You want to make sure both sides of your walls are checked and tested for mold damage. Most importantly, you'll want to find the source of your water issues so the mold doesn't return and cause more damage.
2. Visible Mold Growth On Walls And Baseboards: Always be on the lookout for visible mold growth, it comes in various sizes. Mold infestation can quickly spread throughout a home in 48-72 hours. But you want to be careful because mold may cause health effects to you and your family, including your pet. That is why it is very important to contact trained professionals who have the proper training and experience to remove and remediate mold.
3. Discoloration: Discoloration is a key indicator that your walls are damaged as a result of water damage. The common colors associated with discoloration are yellow, brown, or copper.
4. Peeling Or Bubbling Paint And Wallpaper: The peeling or bubbling of paint or wallpaper is another key indicator that your walls are damaged. It is important to contact trained professionals to access your walls, to prevent further damage from happening down the road.
5. Warped Walls: Inspect your walls carefully to see if you have any warped walls. When the sheetrock behind a wall absorbs too much water, it will start to bend and curve, which, in turn, can cause the wall to warp.
6. Water Stains: Inspect your walls carefully for any potential water stains. Water stains can easily be missed, especially if they are tiny in size. Since they can start out small, homeowners typically don't notice the water stains until they have increased in size, which, at that time, further damage may have occurred. It's a good idea to inspect around your windows and frames as well.

If you notice signs of water damage in your walls, don't hesitate to call our SERVPRO team! We are always here to help!

Water Damage And Your Hardwood Floors

2/17/2020 (Permalink)

The hardwood floors in this kitchen had to be removed after a sink leak.

Hardwood floors are becoming more and more popular due to its required low maintenance. Although hardwoods floors are extremely durable, they can be vulnerable to moisture. If your home has hardwood floors, always be on the lookout for any signs of water damage on your wood flooring.

The first common sign of water damage in hardwood floors is known as cupping. This happens when moisture causes the wood to expand, which then shifts the other boards together and deforms them in the center. Crowning, the opposite of cupping, is another common sign of water damage. Crowning occurs when the boards are pushed together resulting them to raise in the center of the wood boards. Cupping and crowning can both lead to a buckling floor, if left unnoticed. Buckling happens when the floor boards begin lifting from the sub-floor, causing extensive damage to your wood flooring. Other signs to look out for are cracks in the floor, boards separating, or the wood become soft and weak.

If you notice any of these signs in your wood floors, you have wood floor water damage, and need to take immediate action to prevent further damage.

Call SERVPRO of South Columbus right away to begin mitigation services. If the floor is salvageable, we can place drying equipment to repair the damaged floor to its preloss condition.  

What Our Customers Can Expect When They Call Our SERVPRO Team

2/12/2020 (Permalink)

Our team can help with all of your water restoration needs!

You can never plan for a water loss to occur in your home or business but it’s a good idea to keep handy the name and number of a local cleanup and restoration company like SERVPRO. A disaster like this may seem like the end of the world but to our SERVPRO team it’s just an average day. This is our specialty. Our job is to provide state-of-the-art service to our customers that are in need of water damage restoration experts.

The first 24 hours following a water loss are the most important in preventing secondary or permanent damage. That is why it is imperative to call SERVPRO as soon as possible, so our team can start extracting the water.

Here is what you can expect when our highly trained technicians arrive at your home or business.

INSPECTION

Within two hours of receiving the loss notification, our SERVPRO of South Columbus restoration professionals will be on-site to help ensure your water damage is handled in accordance with the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) Standards. Our team will inspect the affected areas to determine the extent of the water damage. We will review the inspection with you, answering any questions you may have before beginning the work.

EMERGENCY SERVICES

Our SERVPRO of South Columbus professionals take the necessary steps to help protect your home or business, as well as personal property and other contents from further damage by extracting the excess water and preparing the affected area for drying. Once the area is prepared for drying, our technicians will then place our state-of-the-art drying equipment strategically in the area. Our team will explain the needed emergency services to you step-by-step and can assist you with filing an insurance claim, should you choose to file a claim. SERVPRO of South Columbus is a preferred service provider for most major insurance companies such as Nationwide Insurance, State Farm, Allstate Insurance, Farmers Insurance and Grange Insurance. We always keep a great working relationship with our local Insurance Adjusters and Claims Agents.

MONITOR

To help ensure the structure and contents of your home or business are dried to the appropriate IICRC Standards, a SERVPRO of South Columbus professional will monitor and document the drying process. These updates will be consistently communicated with you and when applicable, to your Insurance Adjuster or Claims Agent. Continuous monitoring allows our trained technicians to better understand how the property is drying, and the equipment can then be adjusted to dry the area quickly and more cost effectively. The length of drying does depend on the severity of the loss.

RESTORATION SERVICES

SERVPRO of South Columbus will repair structural materials, reinstall carpers and cleaned affected areas of your property and contents. This is where our SERVPRO team lives up to our motto “Like it never even happened.” A final walk through of the property will be conducted with you to ensure your home or business was returned to its preloss condition.

When you contact SERVPRO of South Columbus you can rest assured that you are in good hands and that we have you and your property’s best interest at heart.

SERVPRO

2/6/2020 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO of South Columbus team is highly trained to handle all of your bio-hazard needs.

SERVPRO of South Columbus professionals are trained to safely and effectively removed bio-hazardous substances and prepare waste for proper disposal according to OSHA, EPA, along with state and local health regulations. We are equipped with the necessary safety equipment and cleaning products, our team can help turn unsafe environments into clean, safe homes, and offices.  

Bloodbourne Pathogens

SERVPRO professionals remove and dispose of bodily fluids, tissue, and other potentially pathogenic substances resulting from accident, trauma, crime, or death. Trained SERVPRO technicians thoroughly clean, disinfect, and deodorize the structure.

Crime Scene Residues

From fingerprint powder and evidence-gathering chemicals to tear gas and pepper spray residues, SERVPRO professionals can clean and restore your property and contents.

Arson and Vandalism

SERVPRO professionals are recognized as leaders at helping property owners recover quickly from fire and water damage. SERVPRO also provides general cleaning and deodorization services for situations resulting from vandalism including graffiti, egg, spoiled foods, and human or animal waste.

Sewage Backup

Sewage backups and black water intrusions are more than nasty, smelly deposits- these damages also introduce harmful microorganisms into a structure. SERVPRO of South Columbus professionals remove the sewage, contaminants and moisture, disinfecting as they clean. Our SERVPRO team help ensure the structure is properly cleaned, disinfected, and deodorized.

Our SERVPRO Team Takes Pride In Customer Service

1/9/2020 (Permalink)

A sink leak in this home caused extensive damage, the whole section of the kitchen cabinets had to be removed.

If you ever wonder what makes the difference between all of the contractors you can choose from, the answer is simple. It’s customer service! Here at SERVPRO of South Columbus we strive to make every job the quickest and best quality that it can be. This picture is just a quick photo of an area that was affected by water caused by a continuous sink leak. This is an example of the careful and attention to details that our project managers pour into your projects. Next time if you ever ask the question: Why SERVPRO? It’s because we care about every little detail of our work and your property. Our SERVPRO Corporate office has a 1-4-8 requirement for all SERVPRO job. Which means we must contact the customer within one hour, be on site within 4 hours and have the estimate to the adjuster in 8 business hours.

The Do's And Don'ts Of Using Power Strips

12/31/2019 (Permalink)

If you experience an electrical fire caused by a power strip, call SERVPRO of South Columbus for help.

With the endless amount of accessories, appliances, and tools that are becoming more and more common in your household, it can sure be a hassle figuring out where to plug all of them in at. Many homeowners find themselves always swapping plugs or using devices such as a power strip. While a power strip can help you out in many situations, it is the mistake of relying on them too much that causes problems. Follow these tips below to ensure your safety when using a power strip in your home.

• Use only light load appliances on power strips. That includes computers, lamps, clock, etc.
• Ensure that the power strip you purchase has an internal circuit breaker. This is a very important safety measure that is designed to prevent property loss and risks of fire.
• Use power strips sparingly. They aren't designed to maintain a load for an extended period of time, and can easily overheat quickly if used to often.
• DON'T plug a power strip into another power strip (term is called "daisy chaining"). Doing this will short out appliances and highly increase the risk of an electrical mishap.
• DON'T use power strips in moist or potentially moist areas. DON'T put them in kitchens, utility rooms or basements.
• DON'T continue to use a power strip if it feels hot.
• NEVER cover, staple, tack or nail a power strip to anything. Covering can smother the strip, and provide ample flammable material in the event of a power strip failure. Puncturing can harm the cords, making room for dangerous situations.

Christmas Tree Safety

12/10/2019 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of South Columbus if you experience a fire during this holiday season.

This is the time of the year that people wait all year for. The time of the year where they can finally start decorating for the Christmas holiday. A live Christmas tree is a common choice for most homeowners. But did you know that Christmas trees alone result in 13 million dollars, annually, in property damage? When putting up a live tree in your home, the combination of the tree's dryness, electrical malfunction with lights and poorly located heating sources can make for a deadly combination. Follow these tips below to prevent a potential fire this holiday season.

• When shopping for a tree, look for a fresh tree with vibrant green needles that are hard to pluck off and don't break off easily from its branches. Fresh trees are less likely to catch fire. 
• Always place your tree away from any heating sources like fireplaces, candles, radiators, heat vents or lights.
• Keep the base of the tree filled with water to avoid it drying out.
• Make sure your indoor and outdoor lights have been tested by the UL or ETL/ITSNA for safety. Throw away any damaged lights you may uncover.
• Make sure the lights your are using on the exterior of your house are labeled suitable for exterior placement. Plug exterior lighting into a ground-fault circuit interrupter protected receptacle.
• Keep all of your candles away from the tree, furniture and decor.
• Don't forget to turn all the lights off on the Christmas tree.

Emergency Ready Profile

12/2/2019 (Permalink)

This is a free service offered by SERVPRO that provides you with all the information needed in an emergency that you can access directly from our app.

Our SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile is a startup approach that provides the critical information needed to begin mitigation and recovery services. It is designed to serve as a quick reference of important building and contact information.  By working with SERVPRO’s Emergency READY Profile, your business can reduce the amount of damage a disaster can cause to your commercial building. SERVPRO is the leader in water and fire damage response and can help you quickly get your property back to preloss condition.

The SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile Advantages:

• A no-cost assessment of your facility. This means there is no need to allocate funds, giving you a great value at no cost.  
• A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency. It takes minimal time to complete and will not take you away from your other current projects. But it will save a lot of time if ever needed.  
• A guide to help you get back into your building following an unexpected disaster. This helps minimize the amount of time your business is inactive by having an immediate plan of action.  
• Establishes SERVPRO of North Coast as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider. You have a provider that is recognized as an industry leader and is close by to help you.
• Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin. This saves time, so we can begin the work of mitigating the damage which can save you time and money.
• Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas, and priority contact information. Having a quick reference of what to do, how to do it and who to call provides solutions in advance of an emergency so that during the emergency you are “Ready for whatever happens.” 

The Best Way to Reduce Business Interruption Following a Disaster is to Plan For it NOW!

Did You Know?

As many as 50% of businesses close down following a disaster, according to the latest research. Of the businesses that survive, many of them had a preparedness plan in place. Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind. And knowing you are “Ready for whatever happens” speaks trust to your clients and employees that in the event your business is affected by a disaster, they don’t necessarily have to be.

Call SERVPRO of South Columbus to get started on your SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile today!

Levels Of Commercial Damage

12/2/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Columbus came to the rescue after water damage affected this local church.

SERVPRO of South Columbus not only handles residential damage and restoration, but commercial damage as well.

When handling a commercial loss, three levels of damage are considered:

Level 1

Level 1 is a small commercial loss typically involving 15,000 square feet or less of affected floor space. If the facility was entirely affected, examples of a small commercial loss may include, but are not limited to, a stand-alone retail establishment, a small church, a daycare facility, a small shopping center, a small warehouse or manufacturing facility, or a stand-alone administrative building. A Level 1 loss can also be a small portion of a much larger structure.

Level 2

Level 2 is a midsize commercial loss typically involving 15,000 to 60,000 square feet of affected floor space. The building or buildings involved are usually multi-level or greatly divided spaces. If the facility was entirely affected, examples of a Level 2 loss may include, but are not limited to, a small multi-family property, a midsize church or school, a small shopping center, a multi-tenant administration facility, or a midsize warehouse or manufacturing facility. A Level 2 loss can also be just a portion of a much larger structure.

Level 3

Level 3 is a large commercial loss typically involving more than 60,000 square feet of affected floor space. The building or buildings involved will likely be large multi-level structures. If the facility was entirely affected, examples of a Level 3 loss can include, but are not limited to, a large church, hospital, school, or university; a large multi-family property; a mid- to high-rise retail or administration facility; a large industrial, manufacturing, or warehouse facility; or a large strip-style shopping center or shopping mall. This is the level at which it would be appropriate to refer to the project as a “large loss.”

Once our team determines the level of loss, the property is further assessed, and a team of appropriate size is dispatched to get the job done quickly and efficiently, and return your business to operation “Like it never even happened.”®

No Job Is Too Big Or Too Small For Us

11/27/2019 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO of South Columbus team responded to a water loss in this warehouse caused by a water main.

No matter the size of your property's emergency, SERVPRO of South Columbus is available 24/7 to assist you. We treat all of our customers with respect and thoughtfulness, as we know that even though a job may seem "small" to us, it feels really big when it's happening to you! We treat smaller residential jobs with the same urgency that we do on a large commercial loss.

When it comes to large scale property emergencies at a commercial building, our dedicated team is well equipped to get the job done! We have years of experience handling large floods that affect multiple floors of high rise buildings as well as large warehouses with hundreds of thousands of feet affected from a flood or infested with mold. 

Size doesn't matter to us! You can always trust in our SERVPRO of South Columbus team!

Thanksgiving Cooking Safety

11/25/2019 (Permalink)

The fire in this home was caused by a cooking fire.

With Thanksgiving coming up this week, cooking in the kitchen is going to be hectic but it is important to keep yourself and your family safe from a potential fire. Follow these safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association:

• Always stay in the kitchen and keep an eye on the food you are cooking on the stovetop.
• Stay inside your home when cooking the turkey, and make to check on it frequently.
• Keep children away from the stove. Have a “kid free zone” of at least 3 feet around the stove and other area where hot food or liquids are prepared or carried. Steam or splashes from boiling liquids can cause serious burns.
• Keep all knives out of the reach of children.
• Make sure there are no electrical cords from an electrical knife, plate warmer or other small kitchen appliance are out of reach from children.
• Keep matches and utility lighters up high in a locked cabinet.
• Never leave children alone in a room with a lit candle.
• Keep the floor clear of all belongings and toys, so you don’t trip.
• Test all of your smoke alarms to make sure they are working.

Facts From The National Fire Protection Association:

• The peak day for home cooking fires is Thanksgiving.
• In 2017, the U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 1,600 home cooking fires on Thanksgiving.
• The leading contributing factor in cooking fires and fire deaths is unattended cooking.
• The second leading cause of home fire deaths involved cooking equipment.

SERVPRO of South Columbus wants you to be safe this Thanksgiving holiday. If you experience unexpected fire damage in your home, please don’t hesitate to call us.

Carbon Monoxide Safety

11/25/2019 (Permalink)

Carbon Monoxide detectors can help you prevent fires in your home.

Carbon Monoxide is often called “The Invisible Killer”. It is an odorless, colorless gas that frequently goes undetected. When the gas builds up in enclosed spaces, people or animals that breathe it in can be poisoned. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every year more than 400,000 people in the U.S. die from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning. Over 20,000 visit the emergency room and over 4,000 are hospitalized.

Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

The winter season can be a prime time for carbon monoxide poisoning since people turn on their heating systems and mistakenly warm up their cars in the garage. It is recommended by the National Safety Council that you install battery operated carbon monoxide detectors in the hallway near each separate sleeping area in your home. Check or replace the batteries when you change the clocks and replace the detector every five years.

Additional tips:

• Have your furnace, water heater, and any other gas or coal burning appliances services by a trained professional every year
• Never use portable flame less chemical heaters inside
• Have your chimney checked and cleaned every year, and make sure the damper in your fireplace is open before lighting a fire and well after the fire is extinguished
• Never use a gas oven for heating the inside of your home
• Never use a generator inside your home, basement or garage or less than 2o feet away from any window, door or vent. Fatal levels of carbon monoxide can be produced within minutes even if you have your doors and windows open
• Never run a car in a garage that is attached to the house

Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

• Low to moderate carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms:
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Shortness of breath
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
• High level carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms:
  • Mental confusion
  • Vomiting
  • Loss of muscular coordination
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Death

If your Carbon Monoxide Alarm sounds, immediately move outside to fresh air, and call 9-1-1. Do not reenter the premises until emergency responders have given you permission to do so.

We Have Advanced Equipment To Restore Your Columbus Home After A Storm

9/6/2019 (Permalink)

When conventional power is not available or sufficient our team brings their own trailer mounted portable generators to save the day.

Storm Damage Columbus – Staying Safe After a Storm

Storms can bring water into your home through holes in your roof from flying debris. Your home can flood, caused by rising creeks and storm sewers that cannot handle the volume of water. Rain falling on the roof and through a hole in your roof is relatively clean and not contaminated. Water from flooding of creeks or rivers and overloaded sewers may be contaminated.

SERVPRO in South Columbus has experience in dealing with storm damage, floods, and compromised roofs. We send a crew chief to your home to assess the situation. He or she can call for the appropriate equipment to remove water and dry your home. Also, emergency tarps to cover your leaking room as well as windows can be deployed to limit further damage.

Stay Safe After the Storm

There are many potential concerns about staying safe. Safety is one of the areas that SERVPRO evaluates when the crew chief arrives on site. Many homeowners want to get into their home to remove personal items and assess the damage themselves after the storm has passed, and the water has receded. Before you enter, evaluate electrical hazard conditions, structural conditions, and water contamination hazards. Better to stay safe and let the experts evaluate and deal with any safety issues.

Electrical lines may be down and can short circuit when the wires touch the ground. Electrical current can travel through a person causing electrocution. During a storm, significant trees on your property may have fallen on your home. Not only do the tree limbs punch a hole in your roof, but there is also a possibility the structure is destabilized as well. Part of the tree or your home may collapse just at the moment you enter the home.

Contamination from Storm Water Runoff

Water contamination can occur from runoff during floods after storm damage has struck. Various contaminants such as chemicals, feces, and bacteria are picked up by the water. If floodwaters enter your home, these contaminants are on your floors, on your contents and personal items you desperately want to recover. Avoid touching any of these items until our SERVPRO experts give you the green light.

Call SERVPRO of South Columbus at (614) 863-1392 for 24/7 serve. We serve the towns of German Village, Bexley, Pickerington, and surrounding areas. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster. We pay attention to details and keep you safe.

See more about Columbus.

Is Water Damage Soaking the Bottom Line of Your Columbus Manufacturing Facility?

8/20/2019 (Permalink)

Don't let water damage shudder your manufacturing operations. Call SERVPRO of South Columbus for fast remediation.

Commercial Water Removal Experts from Columbus Talk About Drying Cinder Blocks And Concrete Walls

Many manufacturing facilities in the Columbus region have offices that reside above them. Should the plumbing inside these offices fails, then moisture can enter your manufacturing floor from above, which can force you to conduct extensive commercial water removal. Moisture entering from the ceiling can be catastrophic because anything below the roof can get damaged due to gravity. Electrical shorts are possible if your light fixtures get filled with water.

Any time you have a plumbing failure, it is wise to call in a professional restoration company such as SERVPRO. When conducting commercial water removal in Columbus, we are Faster To Any Size Disaster. Our goal is always to return your manufacturing facility to the way it was before, "Like it never even happened." We know that when problems arise at your place of business, that loss of productivity can become expensive. We always try to conduct our restoration procedures in a way that reduces your loss of revenue.

When dealing with manufacturing facilities, our SERVPRO technicians know that many of the walls that cinder blocks and concrete make up your building's structure. One of the most critical factors when drying out cinder blocks is the blank space in between them. When water flows down cinder blocks, it can get trapped inside these gaps. Sometimes we can drain the walls by drilling holes in the mortar at the bottom of the wall.

If water has sat inside your cinder blocks for a long time, we can drill holes in other places in the walls. By creating holes in the cinder blocks, we can force air into the gaps inside them and help speed up the drying process. After your structure is dried, we can quickly patch up these holes.

If concrete inside your manufacturing plant gets wet, we can take further steps to remove the moisture from your walls or flooring slab. When moisture soaks deep into the concrete, we often use a desiccant dehumidifier to pull water from deep inside the non-porous material. Desiccant dehumidifiers work by push air across a silica gel that attracts water molecules. The machine then heats the gel, releasing the moisture.

If your manufacturing plant in Bexley, Reynoldsburg, or Grove City ever suffers from a plumbing failure, call SERVPRO of South Columbus at (614) 863-1392 any day of the week.

More about Columbus.

Smart Methods of Water Damage Remediation in Columbus

8/19/2019 (Permalink)

Let the professionals handle the water damage remediation issues in your home. Call SERVPRO today for assistance.

What You Can Do When Your Columbus Kitchen Sink Leaks 

As time goes on, our appliances in our homes can begin to wear down, and some of them can even cause water damage. The water supply line attached to your kitchen sink began to weaken and eventually cracked one afternoon. The crack in the line allowed for water to spit beneath the sink, gradually making the white paint on the inside of the cupboard bubble. 

Fortunately, the water damage in your Columbus kitchen is mild enough that you can handle the remediation of the damage yourself. However, if you feel unsure about fixing it yourself, or you merely want a second opinion, reaching out for professional help is always a good idea. It is always best to follow your gut instinct and be safe, rather than sorry. 

Here at SERVPRO, when it comes to water damage, we recommend that the remediation is done using devices that supply dry air and heat. For instance, our technicians could use heaters and dehumidifiers and minimize the access moisture inside of the cupboard. If you are confident that the water damage is minimal, putting a heat source, such as a space heater, inside of the cupboard, along with a small fan, could help evaporate the water inside. 

Our SERVPRO technicians follow the same principals, but with industry-grade equipment that has been designed for water damage restoration. In your own home, you can find some items that can work similarly, but on a smaller scale. Once the cupboard has been dried out, you can use sandpaper to remove the paint bubble and to file down the area. Afterward, you can apply new primer and then a fresh coat of paint to the water-damaged section of the cupboard. 

If the job can be done at home, it is always a good thing to learn how to fix problems yourself. However, always remember that We're Faster To Any Size Disaster. At SERVPRO, we always rush to any job, no matter how big or small, and we are happy to help you during your time of need. 

If you find your home needs water damage restoration services, reach out for help. Dial (614) 863-1392 to get in touch with SERVPRO of South Columbus. We're always ready to take your call. 

Click here to see more about Columbus. 

We Will Eliminate Smoke And Odors In Your Columbus Home After A Fire

8/12/2019 (Permalink)

We can examine the extent of the destruction and take the right steps to make it “Like it never even happened.”

How To Eliminate Smoke And Odors After Fire Damage In Your Columbus Home

Fires can happen at any time, and the most common culprits are cooking and heating equipment. Residual damage such as fire odor, smoke, soot, and ash always happens after a fire. Some water damage also commonly occurs while extinguishing fires. All homes contain different materials that burn and create unique cleaning and restoration challenges.

To restore your Columbus home after fire damage, you need to take care of smoke, fire, and water damage. Our SERVPRO Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technicians (FSRTs) have experience in addressing these issues. Smoke and odors can emanate from burned wood or paper and melted plastics. Smoke damage typically falls into 4 categories:

    •    Dry smoke – Usually results from fast-burning and high-temperature fires.
    •    Wet smoke – Results from smoldering or low heat fires. The smoke from a wet fire has a smeary, sticky texture, and a pungent odor.
    •    Fuel oil soot smoke – It results from furnace smoke returns, which cause oily soot.
    •    Protein smoke – Fires that burn plants, food, or other organic matter emit this smoke. It discolors varnishes and paints and has a pungent scent.

Smoke can penetrate walls and other surfaces quickly and drift through air ducts. Smoke odor can remain in furniture and clothing if it not deodorized properly. Smoke also penetrates cabinets and drawers, meaning that if you do not clean up your house properly, the odor can continue to re-occur for long periods.

Smoke can also ruin delicate works of art such as sculptures and paintings. The same acid that damages wood and metals can discolor the paint on canvas and the stone that makes up sculptures. When this occurs, the beauty of an art piece diminishes, and its monetary value reduces. We can work with a curator to restore ruined artwork.

Our fire damage restoration process is proven and thorough. It includes finding the source of the fire to determine the type of smoke and odors present in a home. Our technicians also determine if any areas of a house are wet because of firefighting efforts. We extract the water using shop vacs and dry the affected areas using air moving and dehumidifying equipment. We also remove any charred contents that could seal in smoke and smells like burned wood and insulation.

We can clean affected surfaces to eradicate the soils or soot particles. We perform several cleaning actions based on the affected surface and type of smoke particles present. Our technicians often perform mechanical action before other cleaning actions. Mechanical action is useful for pre-cleaning excess, non-greasy residues from surfaces before applying solvent-based or water-based cleaning products. Our SERVPRO technicians also treat affected surfaces for smoke scents using dry solvent deodorizers and thermal fogging equipment.

To deal with the aftermath of a fire in your home, call SERVPRO of South Columbus at (614) 863-1392 to assist you. We can examine the extent of the destruction and take the right steps to make it “Like it never even happened.”

For more about Columbus click here.

Columbus Water Woes in Your Eatery? Call SERVPRO

8/6/2019 (Permalink)

For Professional Commercial Water Damage Restoration in Columbus--Here Is the Answer--SERVPRO!!

Professional Water Removal Gets Your Columbus Deli Department Taking Orders Again

The gourmet deli and “grab and go” selection of pre-made entrees, salads, wraps, sandwiches, and more makes your Columbus grocery a destination for residents and area visitors. When alumni and families gather for reunions, orientations, and graduations, you are ready with a delicious array to make things easy and festive. Students and community members rely on you for last-minute meal solutions. If a pipe bursts or an appliance malfunctions in the prep, storage, or counter areas you need help fast.

We understand that getting right back to work after a disaster is crucial to your continued profitability, so your Columbus deli’s water removal project gets prompt attention. Our crew arrives ready to assess and create and implement a mitigation and remediation plan immediately. The risk of microbial growth in food prep and service areas is of concern, so we know the spaces must be cleared, cleaned, disinfected, and dried rapidly.

Once our project manager delivers instructions to the crew, SERVPRO’s Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)-trained technicians roll the equipment off our fully-stocked green service vehicles. Water two inches and deeper pumps out, and wanded extractors take care of puddled water on other surfaces.

We can power our equipment with gas and from generators onboard our trucks, minimizing disruption in other areas of your store. During the water removal, we consult with you about ways we can partition the deli off from the rest of the departments, where shopping continues as usual. Sealing the space with heavy-duty plastic sheeting and employing an air scrubber to filter and exhaust the air during the job helps us perform to industry standards out of sight. SERVPRO employees use thermal imaging to find trapped water. We release it for capture and disposal with controlled demolition techniques such as drilling holes in grout or mortar lines or making flood cuts in drywall.

SERVPRO technicians clean surfaces with products determined appropriate to use where food is prepared. We also treat surfaces with EPA-registered antimicrobials to inhibit any mold or other pathogens. The cleaned and sanitized deli then receives applied structural drying services. Our crew monitors moisture levels and places and adapts a perimeter of air movers, heaters, and dehumidifiers to complete the job.  

When your business needs expert water removal and drying services, SERVPRO of South Columbus has the technicians and equipment to get things back on track quickly. Call us at (614) 863-1392 day or night for an assessment of the water loss.

Here is your city

Do You Have an Emergency Ready Plan (ERP) for Potential Commercial Flood Damage in Bexley?

8/6/2019 (Permalink)

We can help you prepare for flood damage with an Have an Emergency Ready Plan (ERP). The faster we can begin drying the property minimizes damages.

An Emergency Ready Plan (ERP) is the Best Way to Prepare for Bexley Commercial Flood Damage

The time to share critical information with a disaster remediation company is before a water loss harms your Bexley business.  A business owner never wants to experience the disruption and frustration of significant flooding. Partnering with our experienced management team in anticipation of disaster improves our ability to respond efficiently. It is impossible to predict when a flooding crisis might occur, but it is possible to be ready for it with our help. 

Speed is crucial when responding to commercial flood damage in Bixby. Knowing the layout of your business helps our Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC)-trained managers and technicians work effectively and efficiently. Invite us to view your site and collaborate to minimize disruptions if flooding becomes a problem in the future. 

SERVPRO offers commercial customers a customized Emergency Ready Plan and Profile (ERP). We visit your building and sketch a detailed blueprint of each space. Essential things to flag are the location of utility shut-offs and critical equipment. After the assessment, expect us to share recommendations designed to minimize your risk of loss if flooding occurs.  Some of these recommendations may include moving stored documents or inventory to higher ground and elevating machinery and other equipment to prevent water incursion. 

We depend on you to add essential details to help us craft your individualized recovery plan. The SERVPRO ERP mobile app walks you through the process. The app allows you to share information about the contractors that build your space and systems so we can contact them with questions during the flood damage restoration. Because you might not always be available when flooding occurs, the app allows you to designate managers, employees, or other trusted individuals to act on your behalf. Your decision to use us as your preferred disaster recovery company is also made clear. 

Together our assessment and your profile comprise a digital plan our employees access if storm damage or a massive plumbing break floods your commercial building. Implementing the plan is as easy as pulling the app up on a mobile device to let us know you need a crew and equipment as soon as possible. 

You need to be there for your customers and employees no matter what crisis comes your way.  SERVPRO of South Columbus is there for you when disaster strikes. Call us at (614) 863-1392 to schedule an assessment so we can put your ERP in place. 

More about Bexley.

Our Swift Response Will Save Your Flood Damaged Columbus Home

7/3/2019 (Permalink)

If you have any flood water in your home, call us at (614) 863-1392 to begin the restoration process.

Quick, Professional Flood Water Removal For Columbus Homes

With the Scioto River and Big Walnut Creek, among others, running through Columbus, flooding is a recurring issue for many residents. Preserving homes and other structures require a professional company trained to remove the water and take quick action to reduce the damaging effects.

Flood water removal from Columbus homes can be difficult, depending on other damage to the home. Since flooding from an outside source usually occurs as part of a storm, SERVPRO response teams often need to secure homes from further damage due to poor weather and other issues.

As restoration technicians begin removing standing water with fast, industrial-grade pumps, other team members begin covering damage to the roof and walls with plywood panels or tarps. The action eliminates water intrusion from further storms and reduces the threat of other risks such as animal entry into the home. They also cover windows and doors affected by the flood and storm.

After completing the removal of the standing water, SERVPRO technicians turn to draw the flood water out of carpets with extraction wands. Since this is contaminated or ‘black’ water and team leaders cannot guarantee the carpet safe for further use, they draw it out to make removal of the carpet easier for disposal.

At the same time, team members use extractors and air movers to force water and moisture out from behind walls and underneath floors. They attach the extractors to hoses to draw out the smaller amounts of water and then switch to air movers to generate warm, dry air that forces moisture out of sub-floors and wall cavities, and into the air where it evaporates.

To increase the evaporation rate, technicians install fans to increase circulation and one or more dehumidifiers to draw moisture from the air and nearby property. Both devices help to quickly reduce the inside humidity, making it a more comfortable environment for the reoccupation of the home.

At SERVPRO of South Columbus, we proudly serve our community, as well as those of Bexley, German Village, and Pickerington, with professional training and equipment to return each home to a dry, clean state after a flood. If you have any flood water in your home, call us at (614) 863-1392 to begin the restoration process. We are here for you.

For more about Columbus click here.

The Ultimate Guide to Fire Damage Remediation in German Village

6/28/2019 (Permalink)

Fire damage restoration can be a big job. Contact the professionals at SERVPRO today for help.

Top Reasons Fire Damage in German Village Should be Professionally Cleaned

Any size of fire damage in a home can leave behind a host of issues to clean before life can go back to normal. One of the biggest problems, especially among protein-based fires, are the residual fire odors, which is something surface cleaning after a home fire cannot remove.

When SERVPRO handles the restoration of fire damage in German Village homes, one of our first considerations is finding items that our proprietary methods can be used for restoration rather than count as a loss. Our goal in home remediation is to attempt to restore rather than have the homeowner incur the cost of replacing items.

Soot travels

Stopping soot from spreading can happen in the form of containment of fire loss areas in the home or removing charred items as they only contribute odor if there is no restoration potential.

Different types of cleanup needed

Depending on the kind of fire such as protein-based, amount of heat generated and materials burned determines the sort of cleaning method SERVPRO technicians choose to use such as dry cleaning sponges on certain types of smoke residue.

Improper drying creates problems

We use both air scrubbers and air movers to both clean and dry areas damaged by fire and water at the same time. Inadequate drying leads to the embedded moisture weakening building materials, foul odors, and in some cases, mold.

Odor removal

Odor control is a considerable part of fire damage cleanup. Since hot air expands, it can drive soot deeply into porous objects, and smoke odors can seem stubborn to remove. SERVPRO technicians have different equipment ranging from gel pellets to hydroxyl generators that safely neutralize airborne soot particles.

Lessen loss through restoration services

Our technicians train through the methods used by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration (IICRC) which utilizes the latest techniques and equipment in the restoration services industry to ensure if a smoke damaged possession has the potential for saving from being counted as a loss, we can do it either on-site or in-plant as needed.

SERVPRO of South Columbus (614) 863-1392 handles fire damage of any scale in local properties. We are available 24/7 and arrive soon after your call because We're Faster to Any Size Disaster. 

Click here to see more about German Village. 

We Can Handle Any Size Flood Damage Disaster In Your Columbus Home

6/22/2019 (Permalink)

If you have returned home after a severe storm to find your home filled with water, then immediately contact SERVPRO of South Columbus.

How We Mitigate Flood Damage In Your Columbus Home

Storms in Columbus are often known to bring flooding to local homes. Flood waters in your home can be stressful for you and your family and may incur major repair costs. It is risky to attempt repairs to your home after a storm, so it is best to let professionals handle the situation.

The longer flood waters are allowed to sit in your home, the greater the likelihood of permanent damages that can be expensive to fix. For this reason, you should contact SERVPRO for flood damage mitigation in your Columbus home. Floods often consist of two types of water: category 2 grey water and category 3 black water. Cat 2 water typically consists of water from rains that may accumulate in your house, while cat 3 water consists of dirty groundwater and debris. Most absorbent materials that come into contact with cat 3 water have to be discarded. Cat 2 water degrades into cat 3 water in a matter of days, so it is important to have water removed as soon as possible.

Our professionals are skilled in efficiently using a wide range of equipment to quickly resolve your flood-related issues. When our water damage restoration technician (WRT) teams arrive at your house, they can begin extracting debris and standing water. Water in your home can be pumped out with the use of industrial grade wet vacs and pumps.

After removing standing water, our certified techs can inspect your home for hidden water damage. Additional flood water can hide in cavities in your home, so we utilize thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters to inspect your walls for hidden moisture. If we find water in your walls, we can deploy structural drying equipment to facilitate the evaporation of water in your walls.

If you have returned home after a severe storm to find your home filled with water, then immediately contact SERVPRO of South Columbus at (614) 863-1392 to begin the consultation process. Our technicians work rapidly to make you feel, “Like it never even happened.”

For more about Columbus click here.

Don't Let A Faulty Dishwasher In Your Columbus Restaurant Cause You To Panic, Call The Experts At SERVPRO!

6/4/2019 (Permalink)

If water-based damages suddenly overtake your business, always get help right away.

Faulty Dishwashing Equipment Can Leave Your Columbus Restaurant In Need Of Water Cleanup Services

Every restaurant needs a convenient way to clean their dirty dishes, but it can become a problem when the devices meant to clean said dishes leak water all over the kitchen instead. Having water all over the floor can create an unsafe work environment for your employees and can shut the doors of your restaurant. In order to get your business back on its feet as soon as possible, it's essential for you to reach out to professional help immediately.

The source of the leak, which left your restaurant in urgent need of local Columbus water cleanup services, came from a broken water supply line and happened right before closing time. By the time the water was shut off, water was spread throughout the kitchen. Immediately calling for can help ensure that dinner service can still run the next night.

SERVPRO understands how vital foot traffic is for your business. For this reason, we're available whenever you need us, night or day, weekends or weekdays. We operate around your schedule. After receiving your call, we can assemble a team of our Institution of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration-certified technicians for the job. Our SERVPRO technicians can travel with haste to get to your establishment and begin the cleanup.

SERVPRO always uses advanced technology that has been specifically designed to combat water-based damages swiftly. Our technicians can use devices such as wet/dry vacuums and wand extractors to pull the water out of your kitchen as quickly as possible. Once the standing water has been addressed and removed, SERVPRO can focus on ensuring that no outlying problems remain. We can use thermal imaging technology to check for any hidden pockets of water, and we can also use moisture meters to make sure that the floor and walls do not need any drying equipment set up. Once the job has been finished, SERVPRO can leave your restaurant confident that we have returned it to pre-damage condition. “Like it never even happened.”

If water-based damages suddenly overtake your business, always get help right away. Communicate with SERVPRO of South Columbus by phoning (614) 863-1392. No matter the time, we're available to help you.

Click here for more about Columbus.

Important Factors Keep Our Experts On Top Of The Fire Damage Situation In Your Columbus Home

5/28/2019 (Permalink)

Call us 24/7 as soon as possible after an accident at (614) 863-1392.

Stay On Top Of Fire Damage In Columbus With SERVPRO

One of the most common reasons why people across the country trust SERVPRO to provide quality care for their homes after fire damage is our reputation for making the home look “Like it never even happened.” We build our strategies and business models around helping homeowners recover from fires quickly, at minimal cost, and without any lasting scars on their home to tell the tale of the blaze. Our multifaceted approach to fire damage restoration can sometimes get technical and involved, but a few crucial factors keep us on top of the situation and allow our work to be so effective.

Damage-Free Ash Removal
Removing smoke and ash from homes in Columbus with fire damage can be tricky to accomplish without causing additional damage to walls, ceilings, and home furnishings that need to be cleaned. SERVPRO Fire and Smoke Damage Technicians (FSTs) utilize a variety of cleaning chemicals and techniques to remove damaging materials from the surfaces of your home without causing additional problems. Most of these cleaning agents contain no water base, as the introduction of water can cause smoke and ash particles to clump together and form a sticky sludge that can be much harder to clean than dry materials. Never try to clean ash and smoke away from surfaces with household cleaning products to avoid these potential consequences.

Deodorization
Our chemical fogging machines help us to deodorize broad areas of your home quickly and at a minimal cost. Unlike store-bought deodorizing agents, these special mixtures are explicitly designed to help SERVPRO target and eliminate odors from smoke and ash. After we finish deodorizing your home, the area should smell like nothing at all.

Contents Cleaning
Cleaning up small objects, fabrics, and individual items damaged by the fire can be a hassle without the proper tools. We use a combination of industrial-strength Epcor washing machines, waterless ultrasonic cleaning devices, and hand-applied cleaning methods to restore every part of your home back to the way it was before the disaster.

SERVPRO of South Columbus is a locally owned and operated company that specializes in helping you react to and reverse the effects of fire damage in your home. Call us 24/7 as soon as possible after an accident at (614) 863-1392.

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Columbus Properties Often Are Impacted by Water Losses--Call SERVPRO for Mitigation

5/16/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Says Inspect Your Columbus Home for Water Leaks and Prevent Damage

Water Damage Restoration for Your Columbus Home

Damage happens in your Columbus home when water starts pooling where it should not be. Several factors can make this excess water and contribute to a water damage emergency. When you know potential causes, you can take preventative steps to help block leaks. You can also find a problem as soon as it begins and stop it from escalating.
 
When something in your Columbus home has gone awry, and you now are looking at water damage repairs, you don’t want to hesitate to enlist outside help. SERVPRO is a professional water damage remediation company that can assist you after an event like this. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster. You can, therefore, count on us to get the job done quickly and efficiently, so your structure does not suffer from additional damage.
 
Plumbing problems are common, and many times they occur inside your walls so you cannot detect them right away. Many times, pipe joints and hoses fail, and by doing periodic checks under your sinks and other plumbing, areas can help to mitigate some of these plumbing issues.
 
When the water damage in your home is in a wall cavity or underneath the flooring, SERVPRO techs can use moisture meters to find the actual moisture content of various materials. Penetrating moisture meters are equipped with probes which test inside wall cavities and underneath wood flooring. They can test individual layers of materials as well. Non-penetrating meters have sensors that give us readings when we put the meter on the surface of materials.
 
Water damage is more likely to occur in some regions of your home, such as basements, crawl spaces, and attics. Moisture dripping through your concrete foundation can cause leaks in your basement, and air leakage or roof damage can cause water damage in your attic.
 
Also, as your household appliances get older, hoses can weaken, and pipes can rust and crack. Water heaters, washing machines, dishwashers, and refrigerators are all susceptible to deterioration, so you should keep a close eye on these appliances when they are a bit older.
 
SERVPRO of South Columbus is always available to help you dry your home in Pickerington, Obetz, or Bexley after any water damage emergency. Reach out to us right away at (614) 863-1392 as soon as you notice the issue so we can get there and prevent additional damage.

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After A Flood In Your Columbus Home, Call Our Crew Of Professionals For Help!

5/8/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Columbus is available at (614) 863-1392 to mitigate any size flood damage to your home.

Restoring Flood Damage In Columbus

This area of Ohio is no stranger to flood damage. Heavy storms intensified by the proximity to the Scioto River result in flash floods that cause property damage to homes.

When SERVPRO received a call to mitigate flood damage in a Columbus home, our technicians arrived to find some water still in the basement. Our technicians used portable pumps to extract water quickly from the concrete basement floor.

The source of the water was determined to have been from a worn seal around the basement door allowing water from flash flooding to enter the property. The technicians sealed off the entryway with heavy plastic sheeting to temporarily to stop the possibility of further water entering the basement.

Most of the storage in the basement was in plastic bins and was not affected by the water. The containers were moved to another area of the home for cleaning and disinfecting. The washing machine and dryer were raised on blocks to allow the bottoms to dry but were otherwise unaffected.

SERVPRO technicians used thermal moisture detection and probes to map out every part of the basement affected by water. This action was so when the drying phase began; the air movers were set up correctly to pull moisture from within all affected areas to the surface where the dehumidifiers could capture it.

We have different kinds of dehumidifiers, two commonly used are traditional cold coil and desiccant which collects water vapor on a wheel coated in a substance such as silicone. When the moisture droplets get heavy, the weight turns the wheel and ports the moisture out. It is a very effective way to lower humidity in a room during drying.

Because flood water is not considered clean and has the possibility of containing contaminants, even sewage, sanitizing the room after drying was crucial, our technicians used EPA-registered disinfectants and antifungals to both clean and inhibit the potential for mold growth. The technicians offered suggestions for repairs to the doorway to eliminate the issue from reoccurring.

SERVPRO of South Columbus is available at (614) 863-1392 to mitigate any size flood damage to your home. We have the tools and knowledge to return your home to its preloss condition and make it “Like it never even happened.”

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We Help You Protect Your Home From Future Damage In Columbus

4/30/2019 (Permalink)

We are always prepared for any size disaster with the latest equipment and technology available.

Solutions for Drying Out a Damp Columbus Basement

Many of the homes throughout the Greater Columbus area feature basements. Some of them, like much of the housing in and around the sprawling campus of Ohio State University, have converted this lower level into additional living space with the installation of drywall, flooring, and ceiling materials. Even with the facelift to this portion of the property, groundwater concerns and moisture can still penetrate through the exterior of the house to affect the basement level. Several approaches can help to remove water and moisture from the area for good.

With so many homes throughout Columbus experiencing water damage because in the basements they have decided to convert into additional living or fun space, it is more important than ever to address moisture and water damage immediately. Drywall itself is among the most damaged materials when exposed to even lower levels of moisture, primarily due to its porous composition and general lack of waterproofing. This same material, however, can often be what draws your attention to a potential problem in the first place. Drywall is prone to moisture damage, so a change in its appearance, bloating, or crumbling, can indicate the presence of moisture where it should not be.

Our SERVPRO professionals have a 24/7 response to water damage emergencies that can affect your home. We have high-powered drying equipment that we can employ as soon as we arrive such as our air movers and our LGR or desiccant dehumidifiers. All of these tools can work together to reduce moisture content in the environment quickly and to help our team narrow down the origin of the damage for focused solutions.

Often water damage in the basement results from moisture penetration through the blockwork. Our team can address these concerns with hydraulic cement and can even encourage the continued use of dehumidifiers if we cannot sufficiently locate the primary source of moisture damage. Our SERVPRO team can then reinstall removed portions of drywall to return all of the affected components to preloss condition.

We understand the importance of removing moisture and water damage in order to protect the investment that you have made in the finished basement of your home. Our SERVPRO of South Columbus professionals can respond to water loss incidents 24/7 by calling (614) 863-1392.

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Don't Just Sit There! Contact SERVPRO to Start the Commercial Water Removal Process in Columbus

4/14/2019 (Permalink)

Your janitorial team is NOT equipped to handle water damage issues. Contact SERVPRO for a quick reply and IICRC certified remediation services.

How Professional Commercial Removal Services in Columbus can Prevent Secondary Damages

A flood can be a nightmare for a customer-facing business. Unfortunately, they are not easy to prevent due to the myriad of potential causes. A customer could leave a faucet on, an aging pipe could finally burst, or even extreme weather conditions could result in flooding. These all can cause temporary closure, and those that happen overnight can be particularly damaging. To limit the loss of revenue and be able to return your staff to work, you can use our professional restoration service.

The job of commercial water removal in Columbus properties is usually one that goes beyond the scope of your janitorial team. SERVPRO has access to national resources and can train local technicians while providing them with the right equipment to work on larger job sites. We operate our emergency line twenty-four hours a day to help our commercial businesses in times of need.

A water issue in a property is not always a case of large quantities of standing water. Sometimes a leak can spread out across a large surface area. This excess water is then absorbed into floors or wall cavities, primarily if the problem occurs during the close of business hours. We can conduct mitigation tasks quickly to help to ensure that no lasting damages are sustained to your property.

One method of removing water from a property is through creating airflow. SERVPRO use rapid air movers in a variety of ways to start this process. These equipment work by blasting air out at the surface level which pushes moisture into the air. Working with an open system, the circulation can replace wet air with drier air from outside the property.

Air movers can also be adapted to create circulation in areas of the property that would usually be hard to access. By attaching shrouds to an air mover, SERVPRO can repurpose them to send air currents through wall cavities or beneath floorboards. These steps can often be essential in mitigating against microbial growth.

The benefit of professional assistance it that it can help to guard against expensive secondary damages, contact SERVPRO of South Columbus at (614) 863-1392.

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How Storms Cause Water Damage in Your Columbus Attic

4/2/2019 (Permalink)

No matter the weather, SERVPRO of South Columbus is ready to restore your water damaged home.

Flood Damage Crews In Columbus Discuss Issues With Attics

Severe thunderstorms that make their way into Columbus put both commercial and residential buildings at risk. The combination of wind and rain can force you to have to call in a professional flood damage restoration company such as SERVPRO. During storms, winds can sometimes reach high speeds, and the affected area can receive wind speeds of 50 miles per hour or more, which can cause things like rocks or branches to become airborne and strike the exterior of your home, which can create a hole for rain to enter. High-speed winds can also cause your roof's shingles to blow off, which can cause your house extensive flood damage.

If your roof gets affected by wind, rain can then enter the interior of your structure very quickly. When roof shingles get blown off, the first area that receives flood damage in your Columbus home is your attic. When moisture starts to leak into this section above your living area, water can then pour into the structure coming from the ceiling and follow gravity to your floors.

If materials inside your attic get wet, mold growth can occur because organic substances are abundant. Having professional technicians like the team at SERVPRO mitigate the problems quickly, can help you prevent secondary issues such as mold growth.

When the source of moisture affecting your home has proven to be rainwater, we treat the problem as a category two or grey water situation, which means that there is a possibility that the water can be contaminated with harmful parasites or bacteria since it is coming from the outside. Most attics contain wooden trusses and insulation. If insulation gets wet, the material's R-value gets drastically reduced.

In many scenarios, the wet insulation must get removed and replaced. Once we remove the wet insulation, our SERVPRO team can set up drying equipment inside your attic and dry out the rest of the building materials. If you ever notice moisture inside your attic after a thunderstorm, call SERVPRO of South Columbus at (614) 863-1392 24 hours a day.

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Our Flood Damage Specialists Can Restore Your Home In Columbus

3/29/2019 (Permalink)

Give us a call at (614) 863-1392 as soon as the storm has passed so we can restore the mess before additional damage occurs.

Flood Damage Cleanup For Your Columbus Home

If your area in Columbus has experienced flooding, once the floodwaters have receded and you do not see apparent damage to your home, you may think you are all good. However, this is not likely, since water can create all kinds of problems which affects the integrity and safety of your structure in the long run.

Once a flood has occurred, you need the help of a professional remediation company to perform flood damage repairs in your Columbus home. SERVPRO can assess and restore your home promptly to help minimize any long-term problems due to water damage.

Water moves very fast through your home. Not only does this include pooling water, but it also means any dampness which can spread through the building materials and structure. There are numerous ways water can affect your home, including the growth of mold. Mold can begin growing within two days after the flooding has occurred, which is why SERVPRO techs move fast after you contact us.

We use a combination of moisture meters, moisture sensors and thermal imaging cameras to detect moisture in building materials, carpets, and padding, and to measure the level of moisture in various materials. These devices help us to find hidden moisture and to monitor the drying process, so we know when we have eliminated all the excess moisture.

If any ceilings, floors or walls have become saturated with water due to flooding, they are subject to rotting as well. Even if they seem to be drying out, we need to check them with our expertise and professional tools. You often cannot see the dampness, but it is still there, slowing eating away at your home’s building materials.

Electricity and water do not mix. When flooding has been severe, the electrical system of your home can be compromised, leading to blackouts or even short-circuiting and sparking a fire. Plus, any areas which are damp around electrical wires are hazardous, since water acts as a conductor of electricity and this raises the risk of being electrocuted.

SERVPRO of South Columbus wants to help get your home in Obetz, Grove City, or Bexley back in order after floodwaters have invited themselves inside. Give us a call at (614) 863-1392 as soon as the storm has passed so we can restore the mess before additional damage occurs.

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Columbus Water Damage Mitigation from SERVPRO

3/15/2019 (Permalink)

Columbus Property Owners Trust SERVPRO for Water Damage Mitigation, We're Faster To Any Size Disaster

Water Restoration Procedure for Your Damaged Columbus Property

Whether it is your home or your business, Columbus properties can become considerably damaged by water loss incidents. As water spreads and saturates into materials, it becomes more and more challenging to overcome these effects and the degradation of structural elements with conventional approaches. Our SERVPRO of South Columbus professionals have the experience and industry-leading equipment to quickly respond to water loss emergencies with effective mitigation tactics and the expertise to restore your damaged property to preloss condition.

While no two Columbus properties are the same, the need for effective water damage extraction and drying efforts are universal. It has always been the focus of our team to provide fast response times amid crisis to minimize loss. This philosophy began with our experienced owner, Shawn Young, and continues through the drive and determination of every IICRC-certified technician representing our team by recovering commercial water damage as it happens. By maintaining our 24/7 response to emergencies and disasters, we can help to save you money and time.

We have all of the necessary equipment to complete mitigation, restoration, and even reconstruction fast, but all of the steps needed to restore your property following a water loss incident can take time to finish. Our experienced team has unique and extensive training in modern and efficient approaches for damage recovery and loss prevention, but it often can take several days or even weeks to fully dry out and restore damage your building has sustained even with our advanced machines and technology.

Understanding the process from the time that you make the first phone call about your emergency can help you to know what to expect. Each of these phases is a milestone in itself in the overall restoration of your property and takes the team closer to completing the project to meet or even exceed your high standards and expectations. We keep an active dialogue with our customers throughout the entire process, never leaving you guessing about the status of our recovery and restoration efforts for your business.

Rollout

From the time that you first call to notify our team about a water loss emergency affecting your home or business, the rapid response team gets alerted immediately. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster. The vehicles of our SERVPRO of South Columbus Green Fleet stay stocked with the full measure of our mitigation and restoration equipment, leaving nothing to chance when our personnel roll out from our facility towards your address. Inside our production trucks, we have high-velocity air movers, desiccant and LGR dehumidifiers, weighted extractors, air scrubbers, ozone generators, hydroxyl generators, our injecti-dry system and drying mats, and a large assortment of cleaners, related equipment, and antimicrobial solution to help reduce the possibility of mold growth on saturated materials and contents. Our trained crew can erect special drying zones using flat lay poly sheeting to direct warm, humid vapor to the exterior of your commercial enterprise thereby reducing the overall drying time. Our business is to keep you in business.

Inspection and Assessment

Part of our responsibility upon arrival at your property is to assess the full scope of the damage to the facility. We can work to provide a full walkthrough of the building with you to take note of all affected areas, materials, and contents. We strive to be as thorough as possible in this phase, as it helps to make the estimations we provide more accurate both in total cost for restoration and the expected time to complete the project.

This assessment also allows our SERVPRO of South Columbus team to take photographic evidence of the present damage to submit to insurance providers if you intend to file a damage claim. In most cases, insurance adjusters already require a professional inspection and gathering of documentation and evidence, so we begin this process immediately upon arrival to prevent unnecessary delays in damage claim approval.

Extraction and Drying

It is critical for mitigation work to begin as promptly as possible, and for water damage situations, that often means extraction and drying efforts. With our extensive inventory of high-powered air movers and dehumidification equipment, our team can handle large loss incidents that affect broad areas of your business. Many of our machines can treat over a thousand cubic feet with a single unit, allowing us to manage vast damaged areas with these effective tools placed strategically. As efficient as these machines can be, however, total drying can sometimes take days to complete.

When water remains trapped in carpeting or other types of flooring, wall cavities, ceiling space, or other inaccessible areas, specialized equipment is necessary to address these concerns. Our SERVPRO of South Columbus professionals can use tools like our weighted extractor to force water from carpeting and subflooring materials or our injecti-dry system to force heated air through damp wall cavities, ceiling spaces, and flooring materials with minimal invasiveness.

Cleaning and Disinfection

Our SERVPRO of South Columbus team must address lingering threats from potential mold growth to bacteria in more dire water loss incidents once this drying stage completes. Disinfection often occurs on exposed structural elements like framing, studs, and beams that do not require replacement as drywall or other heavily saturated porous materials might. To prevent circumstances like mold growth, our professionals must utilize antimicrobial solutions and biocides that make contents, surfaces, and exposed materials uninhabitable to mold spores looking for a host material for colonization.

Final Walkthrough

The satisfaction of our customer is vital to completing any water loss restoration project for a Columbus home or business. While it is essential to our team to provide fast service that minimizes costs and wait times for your business, it never comes with a compromise to the quality of our restoration or reconstruction work.

Our SERVPRO of South Columbus production manager can walk through with you, explaining all of the work that occurred in bringing your property back to preloss condition. We do not leave the work site until we can get assured of your satisfaction with our completed work. In addition to this vital final step, we must also often take final photographs and complete documentation to satisfy an obligation with the insurance provider overseeing the damage claim on the property.

Whenever disaster strikes in the form of a water loss incident in your building, you can trust our SERVPRO of South Columbus restoration specialists to respond quickly to protect your property from worsening conditions and increasing costs. Let us help you make it “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call anytime at (614) 863-1392.

Columbus Property Owners Grappling with Mold Find an Ally In SERVPRO

3/12/2019 (Permalink)

No, Not a Spaceman Invading Your Columbus Home! Just a SERVPRO Technician Grappling with Mold Remediation

Is Mold Currently Growing in Your Columbus Residence?

A troubling aspect of owning your own home is the number of threats that could adversely affect your residence. While as a homeowner, you work to ensure that the appropriate upkeep and maintenance gets performed to keep your house in top form and functioning as it should, there are circumstances beyond your control that require special skills and training to handle efficiently. Mold growth is something commonly misunderstood and underestimated, so you should know if these organisms have begun to colonize in your home.

While you might not become fully aware of mold damage in your Columbus residence as it happens, there are tell-tale signs of this colonization that you should know. Harsh, musty odors are often the best indication of mold growth when no visible damage can get seen. This odor gets emitted from the active colonies as they grow and thrive, so even out of sight, you can still get alerted to its presence. Our SERVPRO professionals can help if you are still unsure as to what you face.

Our mold remediation technicians have extensive training and continued education in the latest methods and practices for removing mold colonies, identifying threats, and restoring damaged property. We can assess the situation from the time that we arrive with an honest evaluation of the house, detailing potential problem areas and indicating where, if anywhere, mold growth has started.

It is important to take care of mold growth in your home as promptly as possible should a colony get discovered through this evaluation by our SERVPRO technicians. We have advanced equipment and techniques to contain the spread of the organism and work to remove it almost entirely, protecting both the rest of your home from structural damage and the occupants of your house from the potential health effects that could result.

It might not always be clear to identify mold growth in your home, but if you have suspicions or lingering moisture in areas of your home, trust our SERVPRO of South Columbus remediation professionals to perform an honest assessment. Give us a call anytime at (614) 863-1392.

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Our Specialists Can Handle Any Size Water Damage Disaster That May Occur In Your South Columbus Home

3/7/2019 (Permalink)

You can rely on our experts to answer the phone 24 hours a day 365 days a year.

When Your South Columbus Home Is All Wet SERVPRO Can Help

Homeowners in South Columbus have a number of challenges from rain to snow and summer heat. When you have a mysterious water leak, it can be caused by any number of different issues. SERVPRO can assess your situation and mitigate your water damages no matter what caused them. As a trusted industry leader, we are ready for any disaster, even when you are not quite sure what's causing the problem.

Every place is unique, and our highly trained IICRC certified technicians are locals, we might even be neighbors. Naturally, we know what types of water damage can occur in South Columbus.

Winter hazards can include roof leaks letting snow inside to flood attics and crawl spaces. We can check on the water in your insulation and leaks down the sheetrock. The heat that escapes can also cause ice damming and pooling. If water backs up and manages to infiltrate your home, we can help locate the source and mitigate the damages.

The warmer seasons can have other challenges. From a flooded basement to a buckled hardwood floor, we can help. When damages occur behind your sheeting or in unexpected places like the foundation of your home, our dedicated technicians will help find hidden pockets of moisture and remediate the problem whatever it might be.

There are times when the problem does not come from outside. A leaky appliance with a broken hose or a busted pipe can certainly dampen your spirits, even when you do not immediately see what happened. SERVPRO technicians have the safety equipment to handle any water damage issue whether from a clean appliance leak to a dangerous backed up sewer pipe. We have technicians to handle deodorizing as well. Whatever causes the damage, there is a solution that is just right for your home.

You can rely on our experts to answer the phone 24 hours a day 365 days a year. Call SERVPRO of South Columbus at (614) 863-1392. Even if you are not sure how things got all wet, we can still make it “Like it never even happened.”

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Why SERVPRO Is The Leader In Water Damage Restoration In Columbus

3/1/2019 (Permalink)

Some water damage jobs require large sized commercial equipment to allow for restoration. We have the right equipment and we are available 2/7.

Restoring Flood Damage to Your Columbus Basement

During the winter months, excessive snowfall and temperature fluctuations can cause rapid freezing conditions against the exposed foundation of your Columbus home. These freezing conditions can destroy mortar joints in the blockwork, leaving open avenues for water penetration when the snow begins to melt. With enough snowmelt, basements can flood quickly. Our professionals can respond 24/7 to emergencies like these to provide immediate assistance to reduce costly structural damages and work to prevent secondary effects like mold growth.

Flood damages can cause hazardous conditions for your Columbus property that continually worsen with passing time. Our SERVPRO professionals have efficient extraction equipment that can work to remove the excess pooling water from the basement fast. Once we have removed the water, we can work on drying out the damage and repairing damaged points in the blockwork that allowed the flooding to occur initially.

Identifying the vulnerabilities can often happen with only a visual inspection of the affected areas, but we check our determinations with moisture detection equipment and thermal imagery to identify points of penetration our inspection might have missed. Once we know the penetration points, we can cover these areas with a coating of hydraulic cement to prevent further flow. For cells that get full of water, we can drill weep holes in the bottom course of block to drain out the wall and seal these points with the same hydraulic cement compound.

Drying the flood damage is critical to eliminate the moist or damp environment necessary to facilitate mold growth. With the use of high-powered air movers and LGR dehumidifiers, we can reduce humidity and moisture levels far below acceptable parameters to keep destructive mold growth from beginning.

Flooding can occur from several sources, but during the winter, your foundation is susceptible to the destructive force of freezing temperatures. If your basement gets flooded, you can count on our SERVPRO of South Columbus team to make it “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call anytime that you need us at (614) 863-1392.

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Some Mistakes In Columbus Water Damage Remediation You Should Avoid

2/17/2019 (Permalink)

If the snow that rests on your home’s roof causes moisture problems in the attic or other parts of your home, contact SERVPRO to remediate the damage.

Melting Snow Can Allow for a Moist Columbus Attic Space

Much like all of the other material used to construct your Columbus home, your insulation can begin to degrade, move, erode, and thin out over long periods. While initially, the insulation against the inside of your roof was uniform and thick, as the years press on, certain spots can become thinner than others. While heating your home in the winter, these warmer points of your roof can melt snow in freezing temperatures, ultimately damaging shingles and base materials underneath. The result is moisture penetration into the attic space.

While the damage to your roof might not happen overnight, the longer that problems persist with this exterior component of your home, the more you invite water damage into your Columbus attic. Moisture penetration can seem insignificant against natural disasters like flooding, but ultimately can have the same damaging effects to structural elements, supports, beams, and construction materials throughout this attic space.

Identifying the potential problem can be difficult if you do not regularly inspect your attic space. Throughout the winter it is a wise idea to keep tabs on the condition of this area of your home to catch potential problems before they become widespread damages that are costly and time-consuming to restore. Our SERVPRO professionals can also help with inspections of both the roof and the attic for moisture and mold growth, as dampness in this area of your home can quickly facilitate mold colonization.

Restoring moisture damage to the attic space begins with drying out the dampness with our air movers and LGR dehumidifiers. The combined efforts of these pieces of equipment can dramatically reduce moisture levels in the area and help to thwart ideal conditions for mold growth. The SERVPRO technicians on site can also determine the point of moisture penetration in your roof for future reconstruction and repair.

As pressing of a concern as attic moisture could potentially be for your home, many homeowners do not know a problem exists until it affects levels below the attic space. If you encounter moisture or water penetration, trust our SERVPRO of South Columbus technicians to help you dry up the damage and restore the property completely. Give us a call anytime at (614) 863-1392.

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Basements and Crawlspaces in the Columbus Area Benefit from SERVPRO's Advanced Equipment for Water Extraction

2/6/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Says A Sump Pump Helps Prevent Water Damage to Columbus Area Basements

Removing Water from Your Columbus Basement

Basements throughout the Columbus area get affected by multiple moisture sources that can ultimately damage and weaken blockwork. From outside underground water pressure to severe storm systems passing through the area and pooling water along the exposed portions of the basement, penetration in these situations is only a matter of time. While the blockwork was initially sound and waterproof, over time, mortar joints decay and erode, allowing creases and seams to form that water can pass through.

Once these vulnerabilities have opened up enough, water can pass through unabated and flood this area of your Columbus home, requiring water removal services to restore. Our water restoration technicians can respond quickly to potential flooding situations like these and offer effective removal through our advanced equipment like truck-mounted pumps and extraction wands. However, water extraction is often only the beginning to the work and restorative focus that your home requires.

From the moment that our SERVPRO® technicians arrive at your address, we work quickly to determine the vulnerabilities that exist in the blockwork of your basement. With the use of hydraulic cement, our technicians can seal over these penetration points to prevent further water flow while extraction efforts get underway. Once we have used our equipment to remove the stagnant water, we can accurately assess the damage that goes beyond the surface.

Thermal imagery cameras can help our highly-trained technicians to discover moisture pockets and wet spots that exist out of sight, allowing better placement of our air movers and dehumidifiers to maximize their output and effect on the damaged property. Holes can be drilled in the hollow cell blocks to release water and allow for air drying. We can also offer advanced solutions to divert water from the basement and to maintain acceptable moisture levels in this area of the property such as the installation of sump pumps or permanent dehumidifiers.

From the time that water begins to push through the walls of your basement, you should be considering the best choice that you have for effective water removal and full restoration. Our SERVPRO of South Columbus rapid response team can arrive with our advanced equipment and expertise to offer comprehensive restoration solutions to customers. Give us a call today at (614) 863-1392.

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Mold Can Be A Major Issue In Your Columbus Bathroom

1/22/2019 (Permalink)

If you ever notice a black mold forming on the surface of your shower's ceiling, it is smart to call SERVPRO of South Columbus.

Mold Damage Experts In Columbus Discuss Problems With Shower Ceilings

Fungi can develop inside your Columbus apartment anywhere there is an organic substance and excessive moisture. For example, a small water leak that goes unnoticed in your bathroom can cause mold damage to take place inside your bathroom sink's vanity. Bathrooms are a prime location for fungal growth partly because it is a room inside your dwelling that contains several water sources. These rooms are also tight and confined spaces which makes it easier for humidity levels to rise. A fungus only needs an organic substance, moisture, the correct temperature, and the right amount of time to cause excessive mold damage to your building.

One common place for fungal development is your bathroom especially your bath/shower area. Seeing as how there is a lot of moisture in this region, any extra moisture added can cause mold damage inside your Columbus restroom. Most showers are made out of drywall such as organic materials like paper. Once elevated moisture levels or an unanticipated water leak strikes the region, it is possible that microbes can activate and form fungi. Once a fungus forms it starts growing structures called hyphae which grow in all three directions.

These hyphae can then spread microbes that work as seeds to form fungi in other wet areas. Calling in a professional remediation company like SERVPRO can help you from having problems in other areas of your home. Any time we work on restoring fungal issues, take extra measures to keep spores from getting into your building's airflow and negatively affecting your air quality system.

To accomplish such, our SERVPRO technicians build a containment chamber around the area that is contaminated by mold. When dealing with problems with your shower ceiling, we can contain the entire bathroom with a plastic barrier. Once the containment gets established, we attach an air scrubber that sucks hazardous particles through a HEPA filter that traps even microscopic particles. If you ever notice a black mold forming on the surface of your shower's ceiling, it is smart to call SERVPRO of South Columbus at (614) 863-1392 24/7.

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Ultimate Solution To Columbus Water Damage Situations

1/8/2019 (Permalink)

During the hustle and bustle of daily family life, accidents and overflows happen. Contact SERVPRO to make it "like it never even happened."

SERVPRO Can Bring You Excellent Water Cleanup Services in the Columbus Area

Having children can lead to large messes being created inside of your home, and some of these messes can result in your home requiring professional water cleanup services as quickly as possible. In the case of your home, your child played with the bathtub faucet while your back was turned and allowed the tub to overflow. Water spilled out onto the floor and quickly flooded the floor with a few centimeters of water before you realized what was happening.
 
It is vital for you to stop the tub from overflowing before you reach out for the help of water cleanup services in the Columbus area. The sooner that you contact a professional cleanup and restoration company, the faster they can arrive at your home and remove the water flooding your bathroom. Swiftly addressing the problem makes it so that the water on your bathroom floor cannot cause further damages, such as mold.
 
From the moment of your first call, SERVPRO can begin to assemble a team of IICRC-certified technicians to send to your home. Our motto is always to arrive at your residence as soon as we possibly can after your call, and we always aim to provide you with friendly services. Our SERVPRO technicians can arrive at your home with advanced trade-technology that is designed around swiftly removing water from your home. Our technicians always arrive at your home swiftly, informed, and well-equipped for the job that is waiting for them.
 
SERVPRO can use portable pumps and wet/dry vacuums for the water removal process. These pieces of equipment are specifically designed to carry water away from your home swiftly. Once the majority of the water has been cleaned up, SERVPRO can take it a step further by making sure your bathroom is adequately dry. We can use drying mats, dehumidifiers, and air movers to ensure that any water that has been absorbed by the floor or walls is removed at once. Once we finish the job, we hope to leave your home the way it was during its pre-accident state.
 
If your child causes water-based damages in your home, never wait to call for help. Speak to SERVPRO of South Columbus by using the number (614) 863-1392. No matter the time or the place, our technicians are able and willing to help you.

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How Professionals Remove Water From Your Columbus Home

1/2/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Columbus is well-equipped for any size water loss.

Water Removal Actions Needed for Columbus Homes

Columbus homeowners dealt with some extreme weather events this year. The rain and occasional flooding caused multiple problems for all of us. On the average, more owners and residents had to deal with the results after the pressure release valve on their water heater failed, or another plumbing issue sent water across the home.  

Complete water removal in Columbus homes only starts with pumping out the visible, or standing, water. SERVPRO team members know that water can quickly find its way between floorboards, soak carpets, and turn basements into a child-sized wading pool.  

The first step, however, is still removing standing water. Our teams use a variety of commercial pumps to bring down the water, so it is just above the floor. At that point, technicians switch to long-handled squeegees to push remaining water off linoleum, and concrete and wood floors and out the nearest door or another exit.  

Now, SERVPRO technicians use extractor wands to draw water from between floorboards and out of carpets. These smaller devices work very well on both surfaces. Team members can adjust the rate of vacuum and apply low heat to increase both water removal and drying the surfaces without causing secondary damage like delamination of the carpet or cracking and splitting the surface of the wooden floorboards.  

Removing water also applies to the air inside the residence. Standing water evaporates into the air, increasing the humidity level. Besides making the environment uncomfortable, it also increases the risk of mold spores expanding and growing throughout the home. Basements are particularly vulnerable since they are usually cooler and damper than the rest of the home.  

To lower the humidity and speed up the drying process, technicians install dehumidifiers to draw water directly from the air. They also set up exhaust fans to pull damp air from inside and force it out of the home. For very wet floors and carpets, technicians install air movers to direct warm, dry air across the surfaces. The action forces moisture out into the air where it is either captured by the dehumidifier or carried out by the airflow generated by the exhaust fans.  

Regardless of how water spilled into your home, SERVPRO of South Columbus is here to help you remove it. To schedule a call from one of our response teams, call (614) 863-1392 today.  

The nickname for Columbus is the ‘Arch City.’  Click here to read more.

Did You Know That A Fungus Could Be Growing Inside Your Columbus Home?

12/19/2018 (Permalink)

It only takes 48 hours for mold to form after a water leak.

Mold Remediation Technicians In Columbus Discuss Problems With Minor Damage

If a small water leak inside your Columbus home goes undetected for more than 48 hours, conditions are right for microbes to form. Once fungi develop, it is wise to call in a professional mold remediation company like SERVPRO. A fungus can grow in any area inside a house that has organic substances and elevated moisture levels. Once the microbes activate and turn into a fungus, they form structures called hyphae that can grow deep into and attach to materials with root-like structures. The hyphae then release spores into the air and can force you to have to conduct mold remediation in more areas inside your home in the future.  

Even if the contamination is small, the spores can get into your house's airflow and cause air quality issues. Since fungi can cause health effects, it is wise to call in SERVPRO, which is a professional mold remediation company in Columbus, to help prevent the problems from getting worse. Our team starts by finding the initial source of the water damage that caused materials to get wet. We then follow the moisture to figure out which items inside your home got affected by moisture or fungal contamination. Once we come up with our project scope, we take measures to repair the original water leak so that no more moisture enters the interior of the structure.  

Once the initial problem gets repaired, our SERVPRO technicians work on removing the contaminated materials and taking measures to prevent the spreading of mold spores. Before any work begins, we build a plastic barrier to contain the affected area. We then attach an air scrubber to the containment chamber to create negative air pressure inside it. Any dust generated during the restoration process then gets pulled through a HEPA filter that traps microscopic particles.  

Our team then removes the contaminated materials before we treat any other areas near the source with an antimicrobial chemical. If you ever notice even a small spot of black mold inside your home, call SERVPRO of South Columbus at (614) 863-1392 any time of the day.

Columbus was named for Christopher Columbus. Click here to read more.

Let Our Team Of Specialists Restore Your Fire Damaged Home In Columbus!

12/10/2018 (Permalink)

Our goal at SERVPRO of South Columbus is to return your home to its original, pre-fire condition.

Cleaning And Remediating Fire Damage To Columbus Homes

Columbus residents can handle everything this winter can throw at them. Soon, ice and snow are as common as grass in the springtime. Even in the middle of a snowstorm or freezing temperatures, a fire can still strike home. Faulty wiring in holiday decorations can cause a tree to go up in flames just like window curtains in a kitchen fire.

Some fire damage to homes in Columbus can be difficult to clean, and regular methods are not an option. In these cases, SERVPRO restoration teams use special cleaners and methods to return the items to their original condition.

Certain porous materials such as curtains and other fabrics are too fragile to use normal cleaners. In some cases, a simple agitation tool like a brush can cause further damage to drapes already heavily soiled by smoke and soot. To eliminate these soils without tearing the material or leaving water and cleaner marks, restoration technicians use absorbent powders.

They cover the item with a layer of powder and allow it to absorb the smoke and soot residues slowly. After allowing enough time to work, SERVPRO team members wipe down the surface with dry sponges to remove the absorbed residue and powder. If the item is an upholstered chair or sofa, technicians can mix the absorbent powder with a small amount of solvent to create a thin paste. They apply the paste to heavily stained spots and allow it to dry. In these situations, team members use a vacuum to remove the absorbent.

On other porous surfaces, technicians use the absorbent powders with solvents or other cleaners a little differently. For brick, concrete, and marble, they first treat them with the chemical cleaners and then cover the affected surfaces with the absorbent. Once it dries completely, team members vacuum the surface and then follow-up with stiff brushes to remove any trace amounts.

Our goal at SERVPRO of South Columbus is to return your home to its original, pre-fire condition. Full restoration is not an easy task, but our teams walk you through every step until we finish. If you need our help with any fire damage, call us today at (614) 863-1392.

Click here for more about Columbus.

Columbus Entrepreneurs Turn to SERVPRO to Rapidly Mitigate Water Losses to Their Properties

12/2/2018 (Permalink)

Columbus and All of Ohio Rely on SERVPRO for Water Damage Cleanup--Get the Factory Reopened!

Commercial Water Damage Cleanup for Your Columbus Business

Residential water damage can cause any homeowner a great deal of money. However, commercial properties can sustain even higher costs. Water can cause significant damage to any size building, yet commercial properties usually have a larger area than a residential property. Whether it is roof leaks or failed plumbing, you need to act quickly when your property in Columbus has suffered a water loss. Restoration is a big feat to tackle on your own, so you need to get the help of a professional restoration service.
 
Commercial water damage to your Columbus factory can put a halt to your operations for some time. That is why you want to put your trust in our professionals at SERVPRO to mitigate the damages and move swiftly to get your plant back to its preloss condition whenever possible.
 
Water mitigation is our first step, clearing out all the standing water before we proceed with any restoration. SERVPRO technicians use special truck-mounted pumps to do the job quickly and efficiently for inches of standing water.  Industrial dehumidifiers are used along with air movers to help dry the affected area more quickly. We can tow in large desiccant dehumidifiers with assembled ducts to directly channel capture water vapor to the exterior. The moisture levels in your building need to be controlled now, and proper ventilation is necessary.
 
Adding these machines to our restoration process control the climate and temperatures inside your building and help to prevent mold from forming on and in porous materials. Odor control is also taken into account when we are dealing with water damage restoration. If mildew and mold have started to grow, we can clean it up and eliminate odors and any potential toxicity.
 
SERVPRO staff also works with your insurance company to lessen the stress for you during the process of restoration. We understand that you have a lot of other things you have to handle and worry about, so we want to ease your stress whenever we can. We make sure your property is dealt with promptly. The faster we can extract the water and clean the building, the less money you spend and the less downtime your business has.
 
SERVPRO of South Columbus doesn’t waste time getting to you and your business in when you give us a call for help. Just reach out to us anytime you need by dialing (614) 863-1392, and we can help you get back on your feet.

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Why SERVPRO is the Trusted Choice for Water Damage in Columbus

11/30/2018 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO when water invades your home.

Columbus Area Residents Get More Than Just Water Damage Restoration

Time is not on your side, especially after experiencing a water intrusion on your Columbus area property. Secondary damages can pop up anywhere, and the longer you wait to address the problem; the worse things can get. If you are one of those homeowners, unfortunate enough to have water sitting around for an extended period, you need to contact a top-rated restoration expert for help.

Water itself isn’t dangerous. As you know, we count on water for quite a few things in our daily lives.  However, water damage in Columbus happens when water comes into contact with the contents of your home. In most cases, the building materials used during the construction of your home were not meant to ward against water intrusion. As a homeowner, you benefit from understanding your home’s existing problems and even more from taking the proper steps to protect your investment.

If you are unsure of what your problems might be, hire a professional. IICRC-industry certified professionals, like those offered at SERVPRO, are available 24-7, 365, to inspect and prepare your home. We can help you determine which steps to take and give you a head start in protecting against water damage in your home. Everyone specializes in something; we happen to specialize in providing quality environmental solutions you can count on to protect your property.

SERVPRO technicians understand how water contamination spreads quickly, moving throughout your home after water intrusion begins. When enough moisture exists, the finish on your furniture can turn white, colors on fabric items begin to run, and stains begin to show. Any furniture in waters direct path begins to swell, along with doors, entryways, windows, wallboard, and your flooring all the way down to the subfloor.

If left unattended for days or even weeks, SERVPRO’s Mold Remediation and Decontamination specialists make an appearance. We bring antimicrobial and antifungal solutions that help prevent the spread of mold and help make your house into a home again.

SERVPRO of South Columbus has access to all of the trained personnel, advanced equipment, and resources necessary to clean and restore your property, fast. We do everything possible to help members of our local community stand firm in the face of overwhelming adversity, call us today. (614) 863-1392

The world’s first air cargo flight landed in Columbus.  Click here to read more fun facts about Columbus. 

Who Can You Trust to Restore Your Business After Fire Damage? SERVPRO Of Course!

11/20/2018 (Permalink)

No matter how severe the damage is, our team will restore your business.

Assistance Helps Speed Up Recovery after Commercial Fire Damage in Columbus

Fires in commercial establishments can be very devastating. Apart from the loss they cause by damaging the structure and contents, they also lead to business closure, which translates to lost revenue. The longer it takes to resume normal operations, the higher the cost of lost opportunities. In the worst cases, the business might even lose customers. We offer restoration services that help commercial establishments recover faster after fire incidents. FSRT certification means our customers benefit from a combination of top-notch equipment and advanced skills sets throughout the restoration process.

The steps taken immediately restoration starts can quicken, or hamper the speed of recovery after commercial fire damage in Columbus. Our SERVPRO technicians rely on their IICRC training to do a thorough evaluation before starting the restoration process. Such evaluation helps us establish the primary form of damage. Depending on the materials and items present in the affected area, it could be a case of predominant flame or smoke damage. If it is a case of smoke damage, we need to establish whether wet or dry smoke is the most prevalent. Having such information helps determine the level of agitation, chemical action and dwell time needed for effective cleaning.

Commercial spaces can present unique size challenges. In a space like a warehouse, the sheer size of the walls, ceilings and other areas that require cleaning can prolong the restoration. In a hotel or office space, the challenge could be large surfaces such as glass windows that require special care to avoid problems like streaking. Our SERVPRO crews use special equipment such as mobile scissor lifts, spotting pad holders and extensions poles when cleaning up vast surfaces saving time.

Our SERVPRO team considers the entire restoration process to determine how much effort to put into each phase, which also helps save time. For instance, if restoration involves repainting the affected surfaces, we clean to remove debris and neutralize the acids in smoke residue then restore the visual appeal though painting.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

Restoring your fire-damaged premises should not take too long. Call SERVPRO of South Columbus to assist. You can reach us at (614) 863-1392 any time.

For more on Columbus, click here. 

How SERVPRO Remediates Water Damage in Your Columbus Residence

11/19/2018 (Permalink)

Uh Oh...Time to call SERVPRO before more damage occurs.

How we Help You Deal with Water Damage in Columbus

Water is part of everyday life, so spills can also happen at any time. Although most incidents are easily manageable, some are too widespread to handle on your own. The damage they cause to property requires a systemic restoration process that only a certified WRT, water restoration technician, can manage. If there is a spillage incident in your Columbus property, the steps you take once you discover the issue, play a role in determining the outcome. IICRC, the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification, certifies us, making us the right partner when your property is damaged. 

In all cases of water damage in Columbus, taking immediate action helps a great deal. Issues like mold infestation and bad odor that happen within 24-48 hours after the spillage, can be prevented by extracting the water from affected areas or taking other preventive actions. At SERVPRO, we have highly trained crews on standby 24 hours a day. Our trucks have all the necessary supplies including water extractors with different capacities to remove standing water within the first few hours. By using desiccant or refrigerant dehumidifiers, our crews can also dry all excess moisture from your structure before mold develops. 

After a water spillage incident, there is the damage that you can see, and what you might not detect. From casual observation, you can tell that there is standing water on a wooden floor. However, you might not tell how deep the moisture penetrates the wood. By using advanced moisture detection tools such as moisture sensors, our SERVPRO technicians probe the affected material to establish the extent to which the moisture spreads. Moisture meters also help us establish the effectiveness of drying efforts. 

When the spill involves clean water, restoration only requires drying the affected area. However, if the water originates from an appliance such as a dishwasher, it might contain waste materials such as food remains or detergents. In such cases, we clean the affected areas to sanitary levels. Our SERVPRO crew helps you achieve this in different ways. Both the portable and truck-mounted water extractors that we use have heating capabilities of up to 220° F, so it is easy to eliminate different types of soiling on carpets or other fabric materials. We also have pressure washers and a wide range of professional cleaning products. 

A water spillage incident cannot lead to long-term problems when you work with SERVPRO of South Columbus during the restoration that follows. Call us at (614) 863-1392 any time. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster. 

Did you know that 48 percent of Americans live within 600 miles of Columbus?  Click here for more fun facts about Columbus.

SERVPRO is the #1 Company to Call in Columbus When Dealing With Fire Damage!

11/16/2018 (Permalink)

Dealing with commercial fire damage on your own can be devastating & stressful. Our techs can help you and give you peace of mind.

Assistance Helps Speed up Recovery after Commercial Fire Damage in Columbus

Fires in commercial establishments can be very devastating. Apart from the loss they cause by damaging the structure and contents, they also lead to business closure, which translates to lost revenue. The longer it takes to resume normal operations, the higher the cost of lost opportunities. In the worst cases, the business might even lose customers. We offer restoration services that help commercial establishments recover faster after fire incidents. FSRT certification means our customers benefit from a combination of top-notch equipment and advanced skills sets throughout the restoration process.

The steps taken immediately restoration starts can quicken, or hamper the speed of recovery after commercial fire damage in Columbus. Our SERVPRO technicians rely on their IICRC training to do a thorough evaluation before starting the restoration process. Such evaluation helps us establish the primary form of damage. Depending on the materials and items present in the affected area, it could be a case of predominant flame or smoke damage. If it is a case of smoke damage, we need to establish whether wet or dry smoke is the most prevalent. Having such information helps determine the level of agitation, chemical action and dwell time needed for effective cleaning.

Commercial spaces can present unique size challenges. In a space like a warehouse, the sheer size of the walls, ceilings and other areas that require cleaning can prolong the restoration. In a hotel or office space, the challenge could be large surfaces such as glass windows that require special care to avoid problems like streaking. Our SERVPRO crews use special equipment such as mobile scissor lifts, spotting pad holders and extensions poles when cleaning up vast surfaces saving time.

Our SERVPRO team considers the entire restoration process to determine how much effort to put into each phase, which also helps save time. For instance, if restoration involves repainting the affected surfaces, we clean to remove debris and neutralize the acids in smoke residue then restore the visual appeal though painting.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

Restoring your fire-damaged premises should not take too long. Call SERVPRO of South Columbus to assist. You can reach us at (614) 863-1392 any time. 

For more on Columbus, click here. 

How The Experts At SERVPRO Can Restore Your Flood Damaged Home In Columbus

10/24/2018 (Permalink)

Among the first steps to take after flood damage in Columbus, is documenting the loss.

Proper Cleanup Is Necessary When Restoring Flood Damage In Columbus

Once floodwaters recede, it is essential to take steps to restore the property to its preloss state. The right steps can be different things based on the type of flood that affected the property. In most cases of flooding in Columbus, cleanup is the most important thing since floodwaters leave debris and soluble contaminants all over the affected areas. We offer professional restoration services that can save you time and provide satisfactory results.

Among the first steps to take after flood damage in Columbus, is documenting the loss. Since the insurance adjuster might not arrive within the timeframe you would prefer to start the restoration, you can record the loss through photos or videos. Our SERVPRO team can help you collect the necessary evidence by taking the photographic evidence you need for your claim. Since we go through the entire property evaluating salvageable and unsalvageable items, we are better placed to collect the necessary information.

The contaminants in floodwaters cause different problems. One such problem is a bad odor, which can be hard to eliminate unless the right cleaning procedures are applied. With pressure washers, our SERVPRO technicians can remove most of the debris from the affected property. We also use professional cleaning products where necessary. These steps help control any bad odors that might develop after flooding.

When floodwaters affect porous items such as carpets, upholstered furniture or other porous materials such as drywall, it can be a long-term health hazard. Removal of such material is the best guarantee against such hazards. Our SERVPRO technicians have the necessary equipment to handle such removal. We also ensure proper disposal of any materials removed.

The excess moisture left in a building after a case of flooding can cause different issues. For example, no matter how thorough the cleanup is, leaving excess humidity can lead to microbial growth. To ensure we dry your home correctly, our SERVPRO technicians set a drying goal by taking measurements such as temperature, relative humidity and specific humidity in both the affected and unaffected areas. Such information helps us know how much effort is necessary to restore the affected area to its preloss state before microbes have a chance to grow.

To clean up your flood-damaged property effectively, SERVPRO of South Columbus can help. You can reach us at (614) 863-1392 any time.

Click here for more about Columbus.

What to Avoid During the Commercial Water Damage Remediation Process

10/13/2018 (Permalink)

Patrons enjoy meeting up at your cafe to catch up. Make sure they don't find another place by calling us if your cafe has suffered from water damage.

Our Commercial Water Removal Restoration in Columbus Can Restore Your Cafe

The flow of excess water from a crack in the supply line to your kitchen sink has left a mess in your neighborhood cafe. You will need professional assistance from us to get your business back in full operation. It is essential for you to call us right away because standing water can ruin the flooring and lower walls as well as the foundation of your building. Plus, if water sits for more than 48 hours, mold can begin to form, which can lead to health effects. Calling our company can help prevent further damages to your business.
 
SERVPRO provides fast commercial water removal restoration services in Columbus that may involve the use of portable or truck-mounted extractors, wands, wet vacs, and pumps. Our crews work quickly to get your business back on track and to prevent you from losing a large number of sales. Once, we eliminate all excess water from the structure, the drying phase begins. To thoroughly dry the area our team may use air movers or axial fans as well as industrial-grade dehumidifiers. These pieces of equipment help speed up the drying process by forcing out moisture and pulling in dry air. You can rely on our trained techs to work quickly and efficiently.
 
It may be necessary for our team to pack-out various items from the affected areas and to remove tables and chairs from inside the structure to prevent damages. We itemize, categorize and safely store every item and piece of furniture that we take from the cafe. Plus, we label and wrap all contents in protective sheets and keep them in a safe and dry area on or off-site until the restoration stage is complete. Our technicians are highly proficient and aim to get your business up and running as soon as possible. It is our goal to make it look "Like it never even happened."
 
SERVPRO of South Columbus offers commercial water removal services that can restore your business when possible. Call us at (614) 863-1392 any time of the day or night. We are close by and can help get your business back in operation within hours after your initial contact.

Click here for more information on the city of Columbus.

SERVPRO of South Columbus Delivers the "Hospital Clean” Required After a Plumbing Breach

10/7/2018 (Permalink)

Hospitals require a higher level of clean to make sure that diseases aren't spread. Contact SERVPRO if your hospital facility is facing water damage.

Many Ways to Avoid Secondary Damages After Commercial Water Damage in Columbus

Hospital environments and surfaces demand enhanced cleaning and disinfecting for health and safety even under normal circumstances. Best practices in infection control practice used consistently reduce the incidence of hospital-associated infections. The challenge of monitoring and controlling infectious diseases increases when a water disaster occurs in a healthcare institution. Patients depend on a partnership of our trained crews and the highly-qualified cleaning and disinfecting staff to make it “Like it never even happened.”

When a Columbus hospital suffered a water pipe break, the cleanup and disinfection necessitated following research-based protocols. In taking on the project, we committed to working closely with the hospital housekeeping staff to ensure our efforts resulted not only in a cleaned and sanitized facility but also in the achievement of “hospital clean” -- a higher standard of clean and disinfection than typical mitigation.

The Asia Pacific Society of Infection Control (APSIC) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) develop and continually review standards in environmental and surface cleaning in hospital settings. SERVPRO adopted the procedures prescribed by these reputable organizations when restoring the hospital back to pre-water loss condition.

Whenever water floods through a building, fast action is needed. The potential for microbial growth increases as time passes and the moisture remains. SERVPRO has the high-efficiency equipment to remove the water and clear the soiling that accompanies the accidental flooding. We used flood cuts and other techniques to access the water behind walls, making sure we get to all the moisture to prevent secondary complications.

Thorough environmental cleaning is the first step to reduce microbial contamination of surfaces in the hospital. The more efficient the mechanical cleaning, the more effective the action of the EPA registered disinfectants used after the cleaning procedures. SERVPRO consults with hospital personnel and their industry experts to select and administer the most properly targeted treatments at both the cleaning and the disinfecting stages.

Hospital housekeeping staff are experts in the multifaceted processes and strategies used to keep surfaces, especially those frequently touched by patients and health care workers, clean per the APSIC and CDC protocols. When SERVPRO shares this knowledge and expertise while responding after a plumbing crisis the best outcomes are more assured. Our successful Columbus hospital water restoration project is proof of the benefit of this collaboration.  

SERVPRO of South Columbus is up for any water damage restoration challenge, ready to meet or exceed the expectations of any commercial customer. Contact us at (614) 863-1392 when disaster strikes your business so we can work together toward a solution.

Click here for more about Columbus.

Use Professional Restoration Services to Recover From a Housefire in Columbus

9/26/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technicians begin restoration services immediately after a fire.

Restoration Experts Mitigate Fire Damage and Make Columbus Area Homes Livable Again

One type of disaster in Columbus that does not always have a known cause is a house fire. Sometimes they simply start for no detectable reason. Fire department investigators inspect the home after firefighters put out the flames to see if arson could have been a factor. Once the investigation finishes, we can begin restoring your home so your family can return home and get back to their normal activities and routines.

SERVPRO technicians help families recover from the tragedy of fire damage in Columbus by removing the charred and burned up materials from the home. We bag these up carefully because some of the items contain sharp edges, nails, broken glass, and other hazards. As we work, we do our best to keep the area clean, especially on the floor. Obstacles that might cause someone to trip and fall need removing as quickly as possible, so we keep a constant eye out for these situations. We know you might want to see our progress, and this keeps you safe, also.

One issue that we resolve when we mitigate fire damage is the amount of water introduced into your residence during the firefighters' time at your home. Unless we extract all of this moisture, our other efforts become worthless. This moisture quickly becomes a source for mold and other microbes, as well as a problem for areas of your home that otherwise remained unscathed during the fire.

We can assist you in listing what needs replacing by helping compile inventory lists. These detailed lists also contain information about items that the insurance adjuster must decide. Other items included on the lists are those that need specialized repair work, like computers and electronic devices, musical instruments, and fine art.

Once the moisture content of your home's structure and inside air return to normal, we can carry in new materials. Once installed and painted in your choice of colors, your home starts to look “Like it never even happened.” The last step is gaining control of smoky odors. We use hydroxyl gas or thermal fogging to combat this odor effectively. We want you and your family to feel safe and secure, and we know our thorough work can accomplish this for you.

SERVPRO of South Columbus is ready to help your family after fire damage occurs. We serve those in Lithopolis, Obetz, and Pickerington. Just call us at (614) 863-1392, and we can help get things back how they should be, fast, so you can relax again.

Did you know that Columbus is home to America’s first junior high school? Visit here to learn more facts about Columbus.

Carrying Out Effective Water Cleanup in the Columbus Area

9/16/2018 (Permalink)

If your home is facing water damage after an event, your best bet would be to contact SERVPRO for water cleanup services.

Our Technicians Assess the Situation and Then Calculate the Proper Equipment Combination to Methodically Dry Out Your Home

Effective water cleanup is essential to ensure that there is no damage to your home and property. Ensuring the cleanup process is carried out efficiently needs the help of professionals. It is especially true In Columbus, where many homes are affected by water damages and can be very severe.
 
The basic method used for water cleanup in Columbus is drying. At SERVPRO, our technicians use air movers and dehumidifiers as the primary equipment for drying. The air movers increase the rate of evaporation by sending airflow across wet surfaces, blowing away the saturated layer of air, and replacing it with drier air. The dehumidifiers produce warm and dry air that is essential in ensuring the water cleanup processes is successful.
 
Balancing air movers and dehumidifiers can be challenging since the equipment achieve very different results, yet both are essential to the cleanup processes. Too many air dehumidifiers in relation to air movers result in a slow drying process. Not having sufficient air movers means less moisture is evaporating and therefore the dehumidifiers remove less moisture from the air per hour. Too many air movers compared to dehumidifiers, on the other hand, results in secondary water damages. SERVPRO technicians need to balance the equipment to ensure that there are no damages to your home.
 
Naturally, the number of air movers used depends on the situation of your home. Professional judgment is vital when it comes to the positioning of the equipment as needed to dry wet materials. SERVPRO experts need to consider the type, configuration, and the number of surfaces being dried. Fewer air movers are used if only the floor is wet, but additional air movers are needed if other surfaces like ceilings and walls are also wet. We may also need to perform in-place drying depending on the areas affected and this requires further air movement.
 
SERVPRO of South Columbus is a locally-owned and operated company with qualified technicians, equipment, and expertise to help with all your water cleanup needs. Call us at (614) 863-1392 to get an immediate response to your restoration and cleaning emergency.

Click here for more information on the city of Columbus.

Secrets of Faster Commercial Water Removal in Columbus

9/12/2018 (Permalink)

Water Damaged Retail Shops in Columbus Call on SERVPRO for Cleanup and Restoration

Assessment and an Action Plan by SERVPRO Can Mitigate Water Damage to Commercial Enterprises

Water damage in many regular businesses in Columbus might not be a common occurrence probably because, in most of them, there is little interaction with water. For example, if you have a bookstore, only the restroom might have free-flowing water installations. The limited presence leaves you less prepared for such an eventuality, but with the services we offer, your business can bounce back soon enough.
 
During commercial water removal in Columbus, speed is crucial because apart from the damage the water is likely to cause, extended downtime might lead customers to seek services elsewhere. Working with a professional like SERVPRO provides a realistic chance of getting your business back on track fast enough because we have a professional team and industry-leading equipment. With our truck-mounted water extractors, we can remove water from your property within a few hours, or portable wet vacs and mops and buckets for smaller removal efforts.
 
One thing that slows down the recovery process is the kind of contents on the premises. In a bookstore, you might have to move shelves or boxes fully stacked with stationery before taking steps to address the affected areas. One of the effective steps to take in such a scenario is a pack-out. Moving all or most of the contents away from the business premises makes extracting the water more effectively done and also relocate paper materials out of harm's way. Our SERVPRO team is well equipped to handle pack-outs. Among other things, we gather contents, wrap them in protective sheets and a label them correctly so that when we return them, it can be "Like it never even happened," whenever possible.
 
Proper water removal takes more than just running a few drying or extraction equipment. Once the water floods the property, it might reach areas such as wall cavities, which are not readily accessible. One way our SERVPRO team removes water from the hidden areas faster is by drilling holes in the walls. If there is insulation, we make flood cuts, but if there is no insulation, weep holes work. These holes allow for increased circulation of air in the wall cavities, drying the premises faster.
 
When the unexpected water loss occurs, you should call SERVPRO of South Columbus at (614) 863-1392. We evaluate the situation and find a way to get you back in business fast.

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Flood Damage Restoration Options For Residents Of Columbus

9/12/2018 (Permalink)

Flood damage experiences are costly and one of the common challenges in the U.S.

Flood Damage Restoration Options

Flood damage experiences are costly and one of the common challenges in the U.S. The sad thing about all that is that your typical insurance policy may not cover such incidents. Despite all that, all is not lost when your property experiences such an event, and we're here to guide you on how to act in such a stressing moment. We start by looking at the most common areas that are prone to damage in your Columbus property.

Some flood damage events in your Columbus home may be apparent, while some may require our SERVPRO technicians to perform a closer inspection. For instance, we may have to check on the condition of the insulation of your home. Usually, the insulating power is lowered by the presence of water. If we discover it has been matted, then we have to do a removal. We also have to find out whether there is some moisture inside the walls by using nonpenetrating and penetrating moisture meters. Where necessary, we remove the baseboards and check for mold growth.

The presence of moisture can also make your furniture to develop spots, cracks, swell, or weaken around the joints. Our SERVPRO technicians use specialized wood care products to remove the water spots. By utilizing a furniture refinisher, we can also repair wooden furniture frames. If your furniture has lamination on one side, the non-laminated area can absorb water. Since the laminated area resists the moisture, warping may finally occur.

During the restoration process, our SERVPRO team removes items such as furniture off the carpet. Then we clean any stains that are on the furniture before drying the property. To speed up the drying process and prevent color bleeding, tenting the cushions is necessary. Before that, we place a waxed paper on the deck before positioning the pillows.

SERVPRO of South Columbus addresses all the unique challenges that arise during a storm, mold, fire, and water damage. Call us at (614) 863-1392 when you want to work with a trusted leader with advanced cleaning and restoration equipment.

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A Child Can Find Matches Left Out in Your Columbus Home and Cause Fire Damage

8/13/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Says Children, Candles, and Matches Can Cause Fire Damage in Columbus Area Homes

Surprise Fire Leading to Cleanup and Odor Control Needed? Call SERVPRO

Forgetting to put things back where they belong is usually not a problem, but upon occasion, this forgetfulness can lead to issues inside of your home, such as fire damage. Children are curious, and when small children find a new thing, they usually want to figure out what it is and how it works. However, this curiosity can become dangerous for their safety and the safety of your home when they accidentally set your kitchen drapes on fire.

By the time you put out the flames inside your kitchen with an extinguishe, fire damage in your Columbus home can already be present. The burnt up fabric can leave soot and smoke behind on your walls and the windowsill behind where the curtains were. The potted plans that you keep on the window have been burnt up. Additionally, fire leaves behind a strong odor that is hard to get rid of on your own. Most of the time, opening a window to try and air out the area is not enough and could spread the odors and smoke with air circulation to previously unaffected rooms of your home. Even with a small fire like this started by a candle, calling quickly for professional help can ensure successful remediation.
 
When you contact SERVPRO, we always aim to arrive as swiftly as we possibly can. We know that fire damage is time sensitive and many materials can discolor the longer that soot is attached to them. The quicker that we can arrive to address the damage, the better it is for your home. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.
 
The first task that SERVPRO can address is cleaning up the burnt ashes and fabric pieces that were left behind from the fire. After, we can remove the plants from your window and then choose the best cleaning methods for removing soot from the respective surfaces that are attached to the glass and paint. Usually, soot can be removed through three different methods, lubricative cleaning, abrasive cleaning, and chemical cleaning.
 
Our SERVPRO techs can take down the curtain rod and clean it as well, removing the soot stains from it so new curtains can be hung from it without the worry of greasy stains being left behind on the fabric. We can also carefully clean off your ceramic pots that you keep your plants inside of, by repeatedly spraying the cleaning solution onto the surface and wiping it down. The final task SERVPRO can do for your home is using a device called a thermal fogger to help combat the odor that fire leaves behind. Generally, with a smaller fire, a hydroxyl generator neutralizes the odors.
 
When an accident causes fire damage inside of your home, never wait to call for help. Get in touch with SERVPRO of South Columbus by calling (614) 863-1392. We strive to return your home to its pre-fire state.

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Living Alongside the Scioto River Can Cause the Basement in Your Columbus Home to Flood

8/6/2018 (Permalink)

Don't Keep Your Art Under Water after a Flood in Your Columbus Basement--Call SERVPRO

Protect Your Columbus Property and Hobby Materials with a Call to SERVPRO after a Flooding Event 

Severe storms can be the cause of a lot of bad things, but one of the worst is flood damage. When a significant amount of rain hits a river, there is always the possibility of a flood occurring. When your home is adjacent to the river, it is entirely possible that the waters can come creeping into your living space. Everything that is on the lower level of your home may be at risk, especially the basement, your art supplies storage and hobby area.

For the benefit of your paints, canvases, paintings, and your house, it is best that you to call for professional flood damage remediation services for your Columbus home as soon as possible. The faster that experts can get to the scene of the flood damage, the less likely it is that further damage can occur. Additionally, it is more likely that successful remediation can take place with a quicker arrival.
 
As we get to your home, our SERVPRO techs can begin to prepare to remove the flooded water swiftly. We can use trade tools such as wet/dry vacuums, portable submersible pumps, and extractors to remove the standing water in your basement art room. Once we get the water out of your home, we can focus on cleaning up any paint supplies and other items that may have been disturbed during the flooding.
 
Because of the nature of the flood, it is entirely possible that you might have lost some supplies. SERVPRO can help you create an inventory of the things that were ruined, such as spare canvas and paints. Once the list is completed, it can be filed with a claim to your insurance company.
 
SERVPRO can use tools such as moisture meters to detect if your home needs further drying. In the case of excess moisture, we can continue to place more devices, such as air movers and desiccant dehumidifiers, to dry out the structure of your art room, as well as any furniture that might have absorbed the water.
 
Finally, the last thing we can do for you is to clean up the space. SERVPRO can remove any dirt and grime the flood may have brought along with it.
 
Do not delay when a flood intrudes into your home and causes damage. Reach out to SERVPRO of South Columbus by phoning (614) 863-1392. No matter the time, we're always ready to take your call.

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Restoring A Flooded Columbus Office Building

7/31/2018 (Permalink)

Restoring an office building after a flooding event has a lot of moving parts.

Restoring A Flooded Building

Restoring an office building after a flooding event has a lot of moving parts. Even when professional restorers of our team can get on the scene very quickly, many things must happen to make the space usable again. Such was the case with this specific office in Columbus that our professionals worked to restore back to its original condition.

Several steps play into flood damage restoration for this Columbus office building. As always, this process began with an overall assessment of the damage and the appropriate tools and personnel required to restore it. Once this was established, work could begin.

In the image, you can see that the flooring had to get removed by our SERVPRO technicians. This was partly because the damage was irreparable to the flooring material, and also partly an easier access point for our professionals to work to dry out the dampness in the subflooring and lower levels.

You can also see what is known as flood cuts throughout the office space. This process serves to remove overly saturated drywall from the affected areas but has a dual purpose to allow concentrated drying efforts to happen within the now open wall cavities. These cuts were made at two feet from the floors up the wall, but this size varies from project to project based on the affected surfaces and what amount of the drywall requires removal.

Mitigation is an important aspect of flood restoration. The better our SERVPRO technicians can stop damages from getting worse, the shorter these projects take overall and the lesser their estimated costs for your business or property. It is part of our pledge to be Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Overcoming flooding in your office building can seem overwhelming at first, even amid the restoration work. However, with the right professional restoration team, you can have a fully restored office space as quickly as possible. Trust in the experience and expertise of our SERVPRO of South Columbus flood restoration specialists and give SERVPRO a call today at (614) 863-1392.

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Mold Damage Starts With A Tiny Colony In Your Columbus Residence

7/18/2018 (Permalink)

Microbial life exists all over the world, including our homes in Columbus.

Mold Damage In Your Residence

Microbial life exists all over the world, including our homes in Columbus. The type of environment that we need to live comfortably helps keep these microbes from growing out of control and harming our homes.

In a home in Columbus, only a few variations can get conditions that cause mold damage to unfold rapidly. While the microbes always exist, it is nearly always the presence of moisture that creates this situation to plague a homeowner. The microbes merely need moisture to activate them to begin feeding on the already-present food supply found in your home's drywall, plaster, and wood components. Even the dust in your carpeting can supply mold and other microbes with substantial amounts of food.

A few actively growing microbes do not do much by themselves. However, these microbes rapidly reproduce by producing spores. These spores do not stay close to their place of origin. Instead, they end up thrust into the air and then carried to the same locations that air currents also carry excess moisture. This situation is what causes mold damage to become such a widespread problem in many homes so quickly.

At SERVPRO, we train our technicians in how to both rapidly and effectively perform mold damage remediation services. These methods protect both our workers and your home in unaffected areas while efficiently ridding your home of an infestation.

We are also expert at keeping costs as low as possible by cleaning mold growth away from materials that otherwise sustained no damage. Not everything in an area affected by mold damage requires removal, disposal, and replacement. Restoring damage and then preventing regrowth often suffices just as effectively while cutting the replacement costs out of the equation. At SERVPRO, we want to make things “Like it never even happened.” as inexpensively as possible for our customers while still ensuring their homes no longer contain excessive microbial populations.

We do this by clearing the air of microbes and spores, so they no longer can settle throughout your home and start new colonies. We also ensure that any sources of unwanted water or moisture no longer pose a threat to your home's interior. These and other measures help us succeed in eliminating current mold damage from your residence and prevent it from returning.

SERVPRO of South Columbus serves the Bexley and Grove City areas, and can always be reached at (614) 863-1392 to help residents with mold damage remediation.

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Understanding the Cost of Fire Damage Restoration in Your Columbus Home

7/15/2018 (Permalink)

Doing an estimation for your insurance company after fire damage helps ensure that the remediation process will be done efficiently. Contact SERVPRO.

SERVPRO Technicians Investigate the Damage and Then Provide an Estimate to Your Insurance Adjusters for the Fire Damage Remediation Tasks

When a fire breaks out in your Columbus house, you might not think of the cost of restoration right away. As most homeowners work to save all of the money that they can and get the best value for the money that they are spending, want to have a good gauge on the cost of restoration for their home. The trouble is, there is no clear-cut answer to provide those who are curious. With so many variables, it might be easier to explain a few things that can help you to understand better the end cost and how it reached that point.
 
One of the things that most homeowners would agree on when estimates for fire damage work in Columbus start coming in or after some investigation is that the cost of restoration work seems high. Even with that being said, understanding why things are the estimated cost can make it simpler to process in the long run.
 
An important thing to remember when it comes to restoration work for any residence in the area is the kind of personnel that is necessary. Many jobs require broad assortments of human resources to work successfully. This approach ensures that multiple facets of the restoration get accomplished at the same time, effectively reducing the time it takes our SERVPRO team to restore your home fully.
 
There is also the "cost of doing business" which encompasses all of the administrative processes and planning that goes into successfully restoring a home after a fire. Our SERVPRO professionals also require large pieces of equipment that must get delivered and towed away from job sites. These small pieces of the restoration process add to the collective total, effectively raising the overhead of our cost of business and the cost estimate.
 
Estimations are often given directly to the insurance company adjusters who are responsible for home insurance claims. The faster that this claim can get processed, the faster that restoration work can begin in your fire-damaged home. Give our experienced SERVPRO of South Columbus fire restoration specialists a call today at (614) 863-1392.

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Water Damage Technicians Out of Columbus Talk about Drying Carpet without Detaching

7/5/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Can Remove Water Damaged Carpeting and Dry the Subfloor in Columbus Properties

SERVPRO Provides Flexible Water Removing Techniques from Floor Materials

If a water leak ever takes place at your Columbus residence, one of the first places moisture affects is your flooring. Since water follows gravity, when it comes out of a pipe located inside the walls it often travels directly down to the floor. When carpet and other flooring materials get wet, several issues can arise. If carpet gets saturated the glues can lose their strength and the backing can peel away from the carpet fibers. Carpet and pad can both lose their bonding and strength if they stay wet for too long. If wet too long, the paper backing on the carpet can develop mold.

Any time the carpet inside your house gets wet it is a wise idea to remove the moisture from the materials before a fungus can develop. During every water damage project in Columbus, wet carpets get extracted and dried out so that they cannot trap moisture inside the subfloor as well. Depending on how wet the floor got and how long the moisture has sat there, dictates which techniques our SERVPRO technicians can implement.

In many cases, when the carpet is heavily saturated, we pull up the carpet and pad to check the subfloor underneath. We then pull all of the affected carpets up, and most of the time we remove the wet pad since it is rather inexpensive to replace. If the subfloor is wet, we then set air movers up underneath the carpeting. The air pushed by the movers then "float" the carpet allowing airflow underneath the flooring and across the subfloor's surface. In some situations though, it is more efficient to dry out the carpet and pad without placing air moving equipment underneath it.

Whenever we dry carpet in place, our SERVPRO crew sets up air movers and dehumidifiers that dry out the materials from the top down. During in-place drying, we extract the carpet moisture more thoroughly and increase the number of air movers and dehumidifiers in the affected area. Using this method, occupants inside the home do not have to be displaced. In many situations, furniture inside your house does not have to be moved.

If the carpet does not have to be removed, it suffers less damage. If it does not get pulled and reinstalled, then there is less of a chance that it will become delaminated. If you ever need professional assistance with drying out carpet and pad, call SERVPRO of South Columbus at (614) 863-1392 any time of the day.

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Flood Damage Can Undermine Your Columbus Area Home

6/28/2018 (Permalink)

There Is No Playing Footsy with SERVPRO's Flood Damage Cleanup and Restoration in Columbus Residential and Commercial Properties

Basements Demand Rapid Water Extraction After a Stormwater Intrusion

Many homes in Columbus sit on top of a basement. Over the years, these below-ground areas of a home sustain different types of weathering and wear than the rest of the home experiences. Heavy rainfall during storms can saturate the ground, and if water does not drain away from your home correctly, damaging effects can happen to the foundation or basement walls.

During or immediately after heavy rains in Columbus, flood damage can happen to your home. Misaligned gutters and downspouts can significantly add to the problem, or cause it to occur during average, less fierce showers. Just like when flooding affects your home's living areas, SERVPRO is there to help you restore your basement after flooding events provide your family with an unwanted swimming pool in the basement.
 
Relying on your sump pump to remove the water from a drenched basement often leaves dampened areas and damaged concrete floors. The dangers risked by your family members as they attempt to clean things up involve many unknown factors, including pathogens and risk of electric shock.
 
Instead, having SERVPRO carry out the work keeps your family safe and out of harm's way. Our technicians arrive at your home fully experienced in mitigating this and many other types of disasters from homes and businesses. Our experience helps ensure that nothing crucial to protecting your home goes unnoticed or unattended. We always wear gear the protects us from head to toe.
 
Our equipment is state-of-the-art and developed especially for the restoration industry. We do more than dry out your basement. We ensure that we eliminate the pathogens present, including microbes like mold and mildew. Rapid drying of materials and belongings keep these two problems from developing and also makes it easier to restore damaged items. Our thermal imaging devices help us detect where water might exist without needing to see any dampness visually. This detection helps us identify areas that may not have received treatment, a crucial aspect of providing our services to you.
 
SERVPRO of South Columbus wants to help restore your home to pre-flood condition, no matter where flood damage exists in your residence. Contact us as soon as possible after a disaster occurs so we can begin restoring your home. Our 24-hour emergency service line is (614) 863-1392 for those in the Reynoldsburg, Grove City, and Obetz locales.

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Water Damage Experts In Columbus Discuss Problems With Cabinets

6/18/2018 (Permalink)

For proper removal of all water damage, even that hidden behind cabinets, count on SERVPRO.

Removing water damage from under or behind kitchen cabinets

If a pipe running to a sink breaks inside your Columbus home, water can spill into other areas possibly causing extensive damage. Excessive moisture can ruin the structural integrity of building materials forcing them to be removed and replaced. When the problem takes place near a sink, there is a good chance your cabinets get affected by moisture.

Since cabinets are made of wood, reducing moisture levels promptly is vital to prevent mold growth. When mitigating water damage in Columbus the primary goal is to inhibit microbial development by removing moisture in less than 48 hours. These built-in storage units sometimes make the drying of wet materials difficult since they are attached to the wall. Vanities also can hold moisture in the wall cavities behind them requiring special techniques to dry out the materials quickly.

In some situations, our SERVPRO technicians can detach the cabinets so that the walls behind them are accessible. If removing cupboards is possible, air movers and dehumidifiers get set up to push air across the wall's surface and speed up the natural evaporation process. If the cabinets themselves are wet, they can get placed in an area of the air circulation so that they get dried out quickly as well.

In other cases, vanities cannot be removed easily without removing water pipes. In scenarios like these, our SERVPRO technicians dry out the cupboards and walls behind them while they are still in place. Some cabinets have toe-kicks that can be taken off so that air can get underneath them and reach the walls behind them. If cupboards have permanent toe-kicks, then the trim can be removed from them, and holes can be drilled into them to allow airflow underneath.

If our SERVPRO technicians test the moisture levels of the wall behind the cabinets and find high moisture levels in materials inside the wall cavities, then holes can get drilled into the cupboards' backing and drywall. The holes allow air coming from the air movers to get into the wall cavities and speed up the drying process. If this has to be done, then we can patch up the holes with wood putty once the job is completed.

Dealing with wet cabinets can be tricky and often take specialized techniques to dry within the 48 hour period. If you ever need help with wet cupboards, call SERVPRO of South Columbus at (614) 863-1392 any day of the week.

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Removing the Musty Odor From Mold Growth in Your Columbus Home

6/11/2018 (Permalink)

Whether mold is in your walls, carpets or cabinets, the smell can be overwhelming. Contact SERVPRO immediately for great smelling results.

Quick SERVPRO Response to a Mold Infestation can Help Remove Odors Faster and More Thoroughly

As disturbing as it might be to find mold growing in your Columbus home, often this is not the thing that bothers homeowners the most. Typically, one of the most abrasive effects of mold colonization is the harsh musty odor that resonates from the thriving colony and spreads throughout this affected area of your home. In many cases, this same odor might have been the reason that you learned about the microbial growth in the first place.

While you might get fixated on removing the present growth from your house, you are also equally as inclined to want this odor removed from the residence as well. As one of the more uncomfortable effects of mold damage to your Columbus home, our SERVPRO team gets well equipped to deal with the deodorization that your house requires when colonization has occurred.

From the moment that we arrive at your home, much work has to get started almost immediately to limit the spread of mold to new areas of your house. Once this area gets isolated with air scrubbers, our team of applied microbial remediation technicians can work quickly to remove the mold colonies from where they have seated throughout your home.

Once the bulk of the remediation process has completed, our SERVPRO professionals are ready to start the deodorization. This procedure often involves the use of thermal foggers that can break apart the odor molecules in the environment with a dense chemical compound released from the machine. This process leaves no odor behind and is safe to use on furniture, clothing, fabrics, and carpets.

Our professionals get uniquely trained to the highest of industry standards set in place by the IICRC. This certification ensures that each member of our experienced team has the skill set to handle all forms of mold growth and the most efficient approach to colony removal and remediation. Trust our SERVPRO of South Columbus team of restoration specialists when you discover microbial growth in your home. Give us a call anytime at (614) 863-1392.

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Restoring Water Damage to Your Columbus University Dormitory

5/27/2018 (Permalink)

Dorm life is an extension of home life. Make sure to contact SERVPRO if your college dorm area experiences water damage.

SERVPRO Technicians Make Your Water Damage Emergency Our Priority

Columbus has a lot of student housing and dormitories, and given the unpredictability of some of the students that attend universities here, you cannot always prevent disasters and damages to the facility. Water emergencies and concerns are among the most typical of restoration needs for these facilities, and this can get attributed to any number of causes stretching far beyond the negligence of the ordinary college student.

Regardless of how the commercial water damage affects your Columbus campus dormitory or facility, cleaning up the mess and restoring and damages that it might have caused are high priorities for the school. Lingering effects could have a negative impact on the reputation of the school, not to mention dangerous or potentially hazardous conditions that could result from not remedying the problem immediately.

For these types of situations that exceed far beyond the effectiveness of conventional cleaning approaches, you can put your trust in SERVPRO. Our team can arrive quickly to assess the damage and get to work on restoring the damages, cleaning up the mess, and drying the area entirely.

While you likely employ a staff of individuals that see to the cleanliness and maintenance of all of the buildings on campus, many water damage situations exceed the limitations of traditional drying efforts. Failure to eliminate the moisture and dampness lingering after a water incident can lead to compounding damages like microbial / mold growth. With the potential health effects now attributed to these fungal growths, this could be a severe issue for relocating students, not to mention a considerable blast to your school's reputation.

While you might not always require restoration services for the water incidents that affect dormitories and housing on your campus, it is always a good practice to know whom to call when you need professional assistance. Our SERVPRO of South Columbus team of water damage restoration specialists is available 24/7 to help you overcome any disaster that your facility might face. You can reach our emergency response team anytime by calling (614) 863-1392.

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Damaged Roofs Can Allow Flooding In A Columbus Home

5/14/2018 (Permalink)

Melting Snow and Ice Often Cause Flooding of South Columbus Properties

Rapid Post Flooding Water Removal Limits Damage to Your Property--Call SERVPRO for Fast Help

With the recent winters that Columbus homeowners have seen, heavy snowfall might have wreaked a little more havoc than just making automobile travel taxing. With substantial weight on the roof of your home, supports underneath the roof stress and buckle under the pressure placed on them for extended periods it took for the weather to warm enough to melt the inches away. With this pressure, many roofs in the area became unknowingly damaged, allowing small amounts of water to pass through and worsen over time.

With spring in the air, you can anticipate the torrential rainfall is coming right along with the changing of the season. The unfortunate aspect of this for those roofs that started to degrade with the harsh winter is the likelihood of flood damages to your Columbus home.

While many people might combat flooding in the basement of their home from the severe weather systems that often roll across the Buckeye State, attic flooding poses a more substantial threat to your home and every floor of your house below this attic space. As the water begins to penetrate the roof and pool in the attic, you might be completely unaware of a problem until the water begins to force its way through the ceiling of the rooms below the attic.

Fortunately, SERVPRO technicians are here to help you when you need it. With a fast response time on your part to give our team a call, we can get out to your home and start working to restore the present damage and isolate the damaged areas of your roof to prevent further harm from occurring. The longer that the problem persists, the more widespread and devastating it can be to structural components and construction materials in your home, so do not hesitate at the first sign of trouble.

Our SERVPRO professionals assess the full reach of the problem once immediate threats have gotten handled. In these situations, extraction is critical to establishing an environment that limits the possibility of worsening damage and allows our technicians space and opportunity to get to work on other issues present from the flood.

While your home is likely going to require the services of a residential contractor to resolve the pressing concerns of a compromised roof, our SERVPRO of South Columbus technicians can clean up the mess and return your home to its preloss condition. Give us a call anytime you need us at (614) 863-1392.

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Cleaning and Removing Mold Damage in Columbus Homes

5/4/2018 (Permalink)

If mold spores have grown into a food source, such as ceiling tiles, wood or drywall, SERVPRO quickly removes them.

SERVPRO is Here to Help Restore Your Home after Mold Damage

Even the word mold can scare Columbus homeowners. The effects of it can be disconcerting and damaging to residences and property.

Columbus mold damage needs to be removed and cleaned quickly, but the reasons are primarily to protect the home and personal property. SERVPRO also knows that mold can cause health effects in some people.

To begin with, our technicians have to halt current growth. They do this by finding and drying up the source of moisture that allows the mold spores to expand and start searching for a source of food. Even a small amount of water, like a pool that collects under a rusted connection or a leak in the attic roof. In most of these cases, the repairs are minor, and our teams can quickly fix them. For major plumbing or roofing issues, SERVPRO recommends the homeowner uses a licensed general contractor.

After they halt the growth, our restoration teams wipe down every affected surface and clean them of any spores. Often, the growth is in a dry, powdery form that wipes up easily with either a dry sponge or an anti-fungal agent to break up thicker growths and then remove them with a sponge or cloth.

When the mold is in a difficult to reach place like under a floor or in an attic, technicians use a stronger anti-fungal agent with a fogger machine to create a cloud which can reach every surface in these tight, enclosed spaces. They also use the fogging method to reach mold growing behind walls.

If the mold spores had time to grow into the food source, like ceiling tile, wood, or drywall, technicians quickly remove them. They carefully break up and bag the pieces to avoid accidentally spreading the mold. After removing the growth, our technicians spray the surfaces behind the affected pieces to kill any remaining spores.

The goal of SERVPRO of South Columbus is to restore every home possible to its original, pre-mold condition. If you can see the effects of a mold infestation in your home, call us at (614) 863-1392 today. We are here for you.

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Keeping Costs and Time in Mind During Columbus Flood Damage Restorations

4/29/2018 (Permalink)

Finding your living quarters underwater can seem insurmountable. Contact SERVPRO and we can help you through the entire process.

Team SERVPRO Arrives Swiftly to Begin the Drying Task After Flooding

It can be difficult to put your mind at ease after flood damage in Columbus, as damage may initially seem far more severe than it really is. With the help of a professional restoration company like SERVPRO, you can get your home dry and ready to live in quickly and with minimal cost on your part. Everything we do, from our initial response to the drying process and even through extended restorations, is done with haste and your well-being in mind.

We can usually dry out a home in Columbus with flood damage in just a few days. Our drying services include water extraction if necessary as well as specially-designed techniques to remove water from the deepest recesses of your home. Our industrial-strength equipment allows us to thoroughly dry the entire area without taking any more time than is necessary to get the job done. After drying is complete, we can move on to the task of restoring your home to the way it was before the flood.

Restorations can take more time than drying out the home does but should inconvenience you for no more than a few weeks before we finish. Our usual goal is to return your home to the state it was in before the disaster, a complex task that requires experienced personnel, access to building materials and paints unique to your home, and top-of-the-line tools to accomplish in full. The nationwide SERVPRO network allows us to check off all boxes with ease and even call in additional help from nearby franchises if we need it.

All throughout this process, we do our best to conserve not only your time but also your expenditures. We replace as few objects and materials as possible during our work to eliminate costs associated with purchases of brand-new products. Furthermore, our representatives function as an intermediary between you and your insurance provider and can help to negotiate favorable payments, adjustments, and decisions from them.

SERVPRO of South Columbus stands ready after every heavy storm to respond to local calls for help with flood damage. Call us as soon as disaster strikes at (614) 863-1392.

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Spring is Here, But Winter Can Leave Behind Signs of Water Damage in Columbus

4/10/2018 (Permalink)

Leaks, Wet Insulation and Water Stains in Columbus Need Restorative Help

From Water Stains to Removal SERVPRO Does Cleanup and Restoration

Columbus residents can soon begin enjoying the warmer weather, with roofs and roads alike no longer covered in ice and snow. Just as ice causes problems on the road for those traveling on them, it often causes problems for the interior of homes.
 
When ice and snow cover a home with deteriorated attic insulation, ice dams can lead to interior water damage in Columbus. Signs of this problem include stained upper walls and ceilings. However, these stains appear months after the presence of ice dams cause the problem. SERVPRO experts can measure the moisture content in different parts of your home to determine how much moisture they contain. We take these readings with a moisture meter throughout our work in restoring your home.
 
Fortunately, water does not always excessively damage a home's interior, and we can often perform some minor clean up, desiccation, and maybe even repainting of the affected areas. Other times, though, a house might require a much more concentrated response. Depending on the type of paint and the amount of water that entered your home through your roof because of the presence of ice dams, the damaging effects might include structural deficits, as well as discoloration and staining of visible portions.
 
More extensive work might include removal of compressed insulating materials from your attic, draining away of stagnant water via weep holes drilled into the ceiling and then patched once the area becomes dry again, or removal of damaged materials, followed by replacement materials that a contractor of your choice can install.
 
We understand the importance of restoring your home's regular, safe level of humidity, both for your family's comfort and the stability of the structure. High levels of moisture can lead to other problems in addition to water damage, including mold damage. We do not only restore your home "Like it never even happened", but we also help prevent the problem from resurfacing in the future by eliminating possible causes such as wet insulation, high humidity, and leaks that can allow springtime showers to dump rain into your attic.
 
SERVPRO of South Columbus is ready to help you and your family with water damage and other issues with your home. Call us at our 24-hour service line at (614) 863-1392 to begin the process of protecting your home from the elements.

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What You Can Do When You Discover Mold Growing In Your Columbus Home

4/3/2018 (Permalink)

Mold damage can come about in a variety of ways inside of your home.

Discovering Mold Growing In Your Home

Mold damage can come about in a variety of ways inside of your home. For example, excessive humidity can encourage spores to grow, and water damage from a leaking pipe can give them the necessary moisture to flourish. The problem with mold growing in your home is that it can cause health effects. Because of this problem, it is safer to have it removed as soon as possible upon finding it. Fortunately, professional help is close at hand and just a phone call away.

Due to being settled on a river, humidity puts homes in Columbus at a higher risk for damaging mold growth. Beyond health effects, another reason it is so important to deal with mold immediately is that it is directly responsible for the decomposition of organic materials such as wood. To preserve the longevity of your home, our technicians can section off the area of your home with mold and begin a remediation process.

The reason it is essential for our SERVPRO technicians to contain the mold is that spores can travel through the air once they are disturbed; thick plastic sheeting can be used to close off barriers. Afterward, depending on the material that is affected, the removal process can begin, and our technicians can select the right method to do so.

Usually, if the affected surface is porous, the material needs to be removed and discarded. Otherwise, it is possible to merely clean mold away. For cleaning mold, SERVPRO uses HEPA vacuuming on dry surfaces. If the mold exists in layers of soils, we can damp wipe the area with detergent. After the mold is agitated and removed, all that remains is to clean settled dust and spores that have settled.

If you find mold damage inside of your home, do not wait. Day or night, contact SERVPRO of South Columbus at (614) 863-1392. We can send our technicians as soon as possible to begin the remediation process swiftly.

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Foul Odors Follow Fire Damage in Your Columbus Residence

3/30/2018 (Permalink)

Smoke and fire damage can leave behind odors that make your home unlivable, SERVPRO can make ridding your home of odors a priority.

SERVPRO Puts Your Family’s Needs First after Fire Damage

Your Columbus home requires a lot out of you to always be at its best. This upkeep is an essential habit of staying into, though unfortunately, there are times where you can get blindsided by a significant disaster that you could not have expected. When a fire threatens your house, this event takes you far beyond common repairs and upkeep and requires professional restoration services to step in.

Part of the problem here is that fire damage presents itself in several different ways in your Columbus residence. While assuredly there could be effects that are not all that bothersome, some of the lingering symptoms from a recent fire can be uncomfortable to contend with, not to mention hazardous in some circumstances. For this reason, it is always a good idea to contact SERVPRO and utilize our comprehensive team of restoration experts that get specially trained to handle every possible effect of a house fire and how to bring your home back to preloss conditions.

Our team of technicians gets to work immediately upon entering your home assessing the damage and formulating a plan to restore your home efficiently. This process has a lot to do with the feedback and communication that our specialists share with you the homeowner. Being vocal about the most disturbing things that hinder comfortable living in your house ensures that these effects get dealt with before some of the lower scale symptoms that linger behind after a fire.

For many homeowners, odors left behind after a fire can prove noxious and sickening to live around. Our team has several different options when it comes to deodorizing your home, but commonly air scrubbers with HEPA filters get used in conjunction with thermal foggers. The foggers have an odorless chemical compound that neutralizes the molecules of foul scents and leaves no trace.

While this is just a small piece of the entire restoration process, it can show that our SERVPRO of South Columbus team is well-equipped to handle any aspect of your fire restoration needs. When you are facing a disaster like this, trust our experienced specialists to help you set things right. Give us a call today at (614) 863-1392.

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The Troubles with Unprofessional Water Removal Companies in Columbus

3/15/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Helps Protect Your Home in Columbus After Water Damage Happens

Ensure Successful Water Extraction and Restoration of Your Columbus Property by Calling SERVPRO

While it may be tempting to contact and employ an unreliable and uncertified contractor in Columbus for water removal, hiring anyone but a tested and trusted contractor like SERVPRO can have serious consequences later on down the road. Water removal is a complex and challenging job that requires both advanced tools and thorough training, and unfortunately, some local providers of such services lack the expertise and equipment necessary to get the job done right. Here are several common pitfalls that can be avoided with the help of a more reliable company.

Trapped Moisture
While it may be easy to remove water from a Columbus home on the surface level, a tougher challenge may be ensuring that no trapped moisture remains within materials and behind visual blocks. SERVPRO stocks an array of moisture detection tools and techniques to help us identify when and where additional moisture remains in the home and allow us to target our efforts. Without these preventative measures, pockets of water can cause additional damage over time and allow mold to grow in the home. Moisture meters and sensors, infrared imaging, and thermal-hygrometers are some of these devices.

Improper Materials Care
Different materials require different protocols and techniques to restore once water is removed, and if these are not heeded, permanent damage may result. Our technicians know through years of experience what treatments to apply where, but inexperienced contractors may improperly evaluate the situation and do more harm than good. SERVPRO helps to make sure that the right processes are used everywhere in your home. An example is too rapid moisture extraction from wood furniture may cause damage by splintering.

Unreliable Timelines
Fast action is essential to mitigate as much damage as possible in your home once excess water becomes a threat, and with many companies, obtaining a fast response and priority care can be difficult. Our national connections enable us to provide care to as many local homes as possible, while other companies may struggle to balance more than a few projects at once. Working with us ensures that you receive timely and responsive care whenever you need it. You can put your trust in a tried and true water damage restoration company when you contact us.

SERVPRO of South Columbus is a locally owned company with national resources to ensure that your home is treated with the care it deserves in a time of crisis or small projects. Call us 24/7 at (614) 863-1392.

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Fire Damage Specialists in Columbus

3/7/2018 (Permalink)

After you and your family are safe and the fire fighters leave, contact SERVPRO for fire damage remediation and restoration services.

Team SERVPRO Offers Remediation Services Regardless if the Fire Damage is Large or Small

It is never a pleasant experience when a fire starts inside your Columbus condominium. Fires not only threaten the safety of you and your family but are costly to repair as well. The heat, flames, and smoke produced by fire many times cause extensive damage to your building.
 
Whether the fire is small or large, it is a smart move to let the professionals come in and assess the situation. SERVPRO's fire damage experts in Columbus are IICRC certified and have experience with different types of scenarios.
 
Both the heat and smoke created by a blaze cause different types of damage to your condo. Flames burn contents and building materials inside the building. Smoke spreads throughout the structure leaving behind soot and foul odors. Our professional crews at SERVPRO get taught how to mitigate fire damage by putting each case into a category based on the severity of the damage.
 
In fire damage situations, there are three main types of severity. Putting each damage scenario into a certain level of severity helps our specialists know what types of methods to use when mitigating the problem. The three levels are minor, medium and major fire damage.
 
In minor fire damage situations, smoke residues only affect individual rooms of the building that are near the source. The amount of soot left behind from the smoke is minimal. Very few areas get re-painted, and only some minor items get replaced. Most of the mitigation process involves wet and dry cleaning of the ceiling, walls, and other surfaces.
 
In medium fire damage cases, the amount of smoke residues is moderate and more areas need wet cleaning. The areas that need to be re-painted and items that require replacement increase. Most of the time with medium fire damage contents inside the home get cleaned on site, but there is heat damage to building materials.
 
In major fire damage scenarios, there is a lot of heat and flame damage at the fire's source, and structural charring is even possible. In these cases, emergency procedures such as boarding up the exterior of the building and detailed cleaning of the structure possibly takes place. The building gets filled with smoke damage and foul odors, and usually, our crews must pack out the house and clean the contents offsite.
 
No matter how severe the damage in your condo is, hiring professionals always gets you the best results. SERVPRO of South Columbus can be reached at (614) 863-1392, and we are available 24 hours a day and seven days a week to help you.

Click here for more information regarding the Columbus area.

Why Is It Important to Seek Professional Help After Mold Damage to Your Columbus Home?

2/27/2018 (Permalink)

Mold spores are present everywhere, but with the right conditions can form into mold colonies.

Understanding How Mold Grows and Spreads in Your Home

Mold is one of the most neglected home maintenance problems that can quickly become a catastrophe. Spotting the damage early is the key to safe and effective remediation.

Mold damage restoration of your Columbus home is not a DIY project. Efficient and successful remediation is a job for the professionals with years of experience and the right safety equipment. Trying to eliminate mold by yourself can help it spread to unaffected areas amplifying the problem. It is essential to understand the basics of mold and take the right precautions for fast and safe remediation.

What causes mold growth?

Mold begins its life from a microscopic spore; they are like seeds that can germinate in the right conditions. Interestingly, mold spores are present everywhere. So, it may not be possible to eliminate them entirely, but it is entirely possible to prevent the creation of conditions favorable for their germination.

One of the most important conditions for the spores to germinate is moisture. If the surfaces contain a high level of humidity, the spores can absorb it, swell and germinate giving rise to a network of filamentous structures called hyphae. Some of the hyphae grow into the surface providing an anchor for the network, while others can bear spores on their tops.

If the network of the hyphae is disturbed, these spores can become airborne and settle in other parts of your home. While cleaning the mold growth, SERVPRO professionals use a barrier system to prevent these spores from reaching the uncontaminated parts of your home. They also have the necessary equipment to clean the settled spores and prevent them from reaching other parts of your home.

Mold loves warm and moist environments.

Mold requires the right combination of temperature and moisture to germinate and grow. The ideal temperature being between 68 and 86 degrees. With these conditions in place, the settled sores can quickly germinate and form a network of hyphae in no time.

The most important thing to control is the moisture level. SERVPRO Professionals can determine the residual moisture level in your home using state-of-the-art moisture sensing equipment. If the levels are high, they can correct them by addressing the underlying problem.

Call SERVPRO of South Columbus at (614) 863-1393 today to set up a free consultation.  

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The Threat of Frozen Pipes to Your Columbus Residence

2/25/2018 (Permalink)

Frozen pipes or the quick change to freezing weather can cause a flooding situation in your home. Call SERVPRO to remediate the damage.

SERVPRO Technicians can Investigate and Offer BOTH Remediation and Prevention Services to Homeowners

Being a good homeowner means understanding the risks inherent in every single changing of the season outside. With new seasons come varying types of weather to experience, and each of these instances can affect your home. Living in a place like Columbus which is more inclined to feel the full brunt of the winter weather, there are some precautions and things to look out for to prevent water emergencies from happening.  
 
When you live in an area that can experience fast temperature drops and have lows throughout the season well under the freezing level, you need to be thinking about the plumbing inside (and outside) of your home. Any of the plumbing that might get exposed to the elements or just improperly maintained from extremely cold temperatures can lead to frozen pipes in your Columbus home. The incident could leave a substantial water emergency on your hands with little to no warning.  
 
Often a basic inspection of the plumbing that you can see running through areas like your basement is insufficient to determine the protection that it has against the elements to come. Our SERVPRO professionals can help you to determine the condition of the pipes that you have throughout your home and aid in preventing them from being overly exposed to drops in temperature that could result in freezing. Ultimately, the goal here is to prevent a rupture of the pipes themselves from excessive pressure and expansion.  
 
However, there are circumstances in which you do not realize how susceptible your plumbing has become to the lower temperatures until something like a rupture occurs. If this happens, you should immediately shut down the main water line coming into your home to prevent a constant flow out into the area surrounding the break. Call our SERVPRO emergency response team, and we can formulate a plan to restore the damage quickly before the damage can worsen.  
 
With always offering a rise and fall in temperatures and harsh weather conditions for the area, frozen pipes should be something that you keep in your mind. If you find yourself amid a water emergency from a ruptured pipe, or just want credible information about the security of your plumbing, give SERVPRO of South Columbus a call today at (614) 863-1392.

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Providing Expert Fire Damage Restoration Services and Building Relationships in Columbus

2/19/2018 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO as soon as the fire is out to prevent further damage to your home.

Rely on SERVPRO When a Fire Leaves Your Home Unsafe and Damaged

When your Columbus area property suffers fire damage, acting quickly can be vital to limiting the losses you experience as well as the amount of damage inflicted on your home. Some homeowners think that once the fire is out, the damage stops, allowing you the opportunity to clean things up later. 

Unfortunately, fire damage in your Columbus home continues long after the flames go out. In a matter of hours, furniture, appliances, and personal belongings can go from restorable to unsalvageable. Ash, soot and smoke residues take their toll on porous materials while wreaking havoc on the protective coatings on harder surfaces found in your home as well. 

Your home is precious; you work hard to make a safe place for your family to enjoy. Our team at SERVPRO understands what it means when you trust us with your home restoration tasks and take it to heart when finding solutions to help fellow members of our local community recover. We live, work, and play right here beside you, making it essential to support those around us and keep our community active, healthy, and secure. 

SERVPRO’s IICRC-industry certified technicians can inspect your home, offering quality restoration services that are specific to your situation. Our restoration experts can also help you determine the amount of restoration you need, basing solutions on the amount of damage present and manage your entire restoration from start to finish. 

We provide you with the latest tools, equipment, and techniques available and provide you with a variety of services that help restore fire and water damage often caused by this type of event. SERVPRO technicians implement services that follow local, state, and federal guidelines for packing, transporting, and disposing of any materials found unsalvageable and work hard to maintain a safe working environment throughout your restoration process.

SERVPRO of South Columbus has full emergency response teams available 24-hours a day, 7-days a week, including weekends and holidays. We are always available, providing professional restoration personnel, equipment, and resources throughout Bexley, Obetz, and Lithopolis at a moments notice.  Call us today at (614) 863-1392.

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Quality Mold Damage Remediation Services In Columbus

2/14/2018 (Permalink)

You can stay ahead of mold in your hotel by understanding what to look for or be aware of, making it possible to catch problems before they get worse.

Mold Damage Remediation Services

Your Columbus hotel may have mold contamination without you even knowing. However, anytime you have a water problem, such as plumbing leaks, faulty appliances, or incidents in guest rooms, mold growth has the perfect environment to grow.

You can stay ahead of mold damage in your Columbus area hotel by understanding what to look for or be aware of, making it possible to catch problems before they get out of hand. Mold releases a dank, musty odor. Since mold can remain hidden, this smell might be the only clue you get about its existence. Whenever you sense a problem, take action immediately and contact a qualified mold remediation specialist.

SERVPRO’s fully-licensed IICRC technician can check for visible signs of mold in your hotel without disturbing growth areas and avoid spreading the infection to other areas of your hotel. Mold can hide in your walls, behind wallpaper, in carpeting, and enjoys any moist, humid climates found on your property. Your basement, attic, storeroom, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchen all supply an inviting environment for mold.

You should have the proper ventilation installed for any area that maintains high humidity levels or has condensation problems. Mold can spread within 24-48 hrs if any water leak or flood area does not receive the proper attention immediately. Once you locate a mold problem in your hotel, do not wait. Contact SERVPRO for 24-hr emergency response to your mold remediation problem.

Our IICRC technicians understand how mold grows and what attracts the fungus to common areas found in your hotel. We can locate the existing problem, remove and dispose of contaminated materials, and help you stop the mold problem on your property in its tracks. With access to water extraction, drying, cleaning, and deodorization equipment of all shapes and sizes, SERVPRO can handle any size mold problem you may find in your hotel.

Contact SERVPRO of South Columbus for access to the personnel, equipment, and resources needed to clean and restore your Lithopolis, Bexley, or Grove City business, today. We have teams established right here in our community to offer assistance whenever necessary, call today (614) 863-1392.

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Use SERVPRO ERP to Hasten Water Removal from a Mall in Columbus

2/13/2018 (Permalink)

Water damage in shopping malls can be taken care of faster when businesses take advantage of SERVPRO's Emergency Ready Profile system.

Preparation Can Help Speed Up the Restoration Process and Minimize Damages

Water removal from a mall in Columbus can be difficult for us to handle under normal circumstances due to many different confounding factors and variables. Malls are massive, unique in layout, and contain an extraordinarily high number of water lines and outlets, all of which can be prone to ruptures, leaks, and catastrophes without any notice. However, diligent mall renters and owners can help to improve our speed and quality of care through the use of the SERVPRO ERP system.

The Emergency Ready Profile system is designed to help businesses like shopping malls in Columbus receive water removal and other services from SERVPRO with as little delay between disaster and repair as possible. For fast, sudden events such as water line ruptures, less than an hour of time shaved off of our reaction can mean thousands of dollars saved for you. Without fast action, water can accumulate and cause severe damage and potentially lead to even more significant problems, such as a nasty mold infestation. Thus, for astute business owners, an immediate reaction to water disasters should be a priority.

SERVPRO ERP allows a business owner to create individualized, unique profiles for each location, building, and sub-unit in his or her possession. This makes the system ideal for establishments such as shopping malls that contain a wide variety of smaller stores and layouts that have unique setups and situations that could otherwise impede our efforts to remove water from the facility. By uploading floor plans, blueprints, critical access point locations, and other relevant bits of data, you can grant our technicians access to essential information with only the touch of a button when things go wrong. For more extensive floods that encompass most or all of the mall, the same system can be used to indicate a bigger problem and convey relevant information about the whole place to our first responders. Through this system, you can protect your buildings and businesses faster and with greater efficacy in the future.

SERVPRO of South Columbus is ready 24/7 to respond to calls for help. If your business needs water removed from the premises, call us at (614) 863-1392.

Click here for more information on the city of Columbus.

Regain Control Of Your Columbus Area Home Using Professional Mold Remediation Services

1/30/2018 (Permalink)

Mold damage can become a severe problem.

Professional Mold Remediation Services

Living in Columbus comes with a variety of benefits including, pop, spaghetti chili, big boy hamburgers, and being among those that enjoy an original buckeye. However, it also means that you most likely live in a stucco home that is highly susceptible to mold.

Real stucco is comparable to cement, offering homeowners an option with very little maintenance and excellent protection for their Columbus area home. Unfortunately, mold damage can become a severe problem. Improper installation and time both take their toll, allowing mold to seep behind the stucco, entering interior walls of your home, often without you ever knowing a problem exists.

With mold spores entering your home from the outside, every plumbing leak or minor water issue spawns growth, leaving patches of mold throughout your home that can significantly affect the overall indoor air quality and living environment in your home. Calling a company, like SERVPRO, can give you the upper hand when dealing with mold issues and help you regain control.

Mold can survive for weeks inside of your walls, just waiting for the right conditions to exist to allow it to spread. With mold being a naturally occurring element of our ecosystem, it becomes a common problem that many homeowners face. SERVPRO’s IICRC-industry certified technicians can help you locate hidden pockets of mold, repair damages, and even help you prevent future growth.

Remember, just because you cannot see mold, does not mean that you are mold free. The majority of mold particles are invisible to the naked eye and require specialized tools to identify the problem accurately. SERVPRO has expertly trained mold remediation specialists, advanced equipment, and years of experience dealing with mold damage situations throughout the area.

Take the time to contact SERVPRO of South Columbus, today. We can perform a full inspection of your property or begin your home’s mold remediation, immediately. Call us 24/7, day or night, including holidays. We have the answers you need to protect your investment, family, and home (614) 863-1392.

Visit https://www.columbus.gov/ for more about Columbus.

Remediating Flood Damage in Columbus

1/19/2018 (Permalink)

Sandbags and Floods in Columbus? SERVPRO Can Remove the Water and Cleanup

Water Extraction in Columbus Properties is the Key to Damage Mitigation

Winter storms continue in Columbus. Both rain and snowfall and the forecast show more coming. The cold weather does not stop floodwater. It just makes dealing with it more miserable, which is why homeowners need to call in professional service.

Remediating Columbus flood damage is never a simple task. Every home is different, and any restoration company needs to be familiar with the area. When water from Three Creeks Park or another source spills into area neighborhoods, SERVPRO quickly responds with a 24/7 response team. We do everything possible to start work as swiftly as possible, taking care of not just our customers, but our neighbors.

Our response team leader begins the quick inspection. We work with your insurance adjuster if appropriate. If there is an opportunity to block more water from coming into the home, we may be able to establish a temporary water break using sandbags. If the flood has lifted pipes out of the ground and damaged the plumbing, we shut off the line leading into the home.

Next, we bring in pumps to remove the deep water. Our commercial grade machines quickly draw out the water and make it safer for our response team to enter the home. We then use extraction wands to remove surface water that the pumps cannot draw out. SERVPRO personnel utilizes the same devices to remove water from carpets and wood floors. Our extraction wands also have a built-in heating unit, so we use them to begin the drying process as well.

Technicians use moisture meters to determine if the carpets and wood are dry. If there is still a high level of moisture, we set up a combination of air movers and axial exhaust fans to force warm, dry air across the surfaces to continue drawing out water trapped inside them.

We also test the surrounding walls for high moisture content. Since many building materials are more easily damaged when wet, we first set up dehumidifiers to draw moisture from the items and the surrounding air. The machines we use can remove 25 gallons of water per day. As everything dries, we carefully use the same air movers to speed up the drying process without causing any further damage that might force us to demolish drywall or other materials.

If you have flooding problems in your home, SERVPRO of South Columbus is here to help. We have provided disaster remediation to our neighbors for many years and are ready to assist you today. Call us for more information at (614) 863-1392 or to schedule a visit.

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Tips to Keep in Mind for Warehouses with Water Damage in Columbus

1/10/2018 (Permalink)

It is important to keep an up to date list of all inventory in your warehouse or commercial space in the case of water damage.

SERVPRO is Here to Help with Your Commercial Water Damage Needs

The nature of most warehouses means that floods can create unique and challenging safety situations. If the warehouse space begins to flood, restorations can be complicated, and safety conditions are often less than ideal. While SERVPRO technicians are experienced enough to recognize the risks and stipulations of water damage to a warehouse in Columbus, employees, managers, and other individuals associated with the building may not be. Keep these words of advice in mind if your warehouse should ever flood, in a storm or otherwise.

Damage Can Happen High Up, But Only If You Let It

Even if the floodwaters stop short of specific elevations in your Columbus warehouse, water damage may still occur to items and materials above water level with time. This is a result of relative humidity: whenever an enclosed space floods, the relative humidity in that space tends to rise drastically. Only by contacting SERVPRO quickly and receiving emergency mitigation service can you avoid the risks associated with high humidity. With time, excessively humid conditions can foster mold growth, oxidize some metals, and hasten the degradation of sensitive organic matter such as paper and cardboard. We bring in heavy dehumidifying equipment to take care of humidity before it becomes an issue.

High Places Should Be Accessible in an Emergency

Should the flood happen suddenly, you want to make sure that higher places in the building can be reached quickly. While it may make sense to cordon these places off from most workers during day-to-day operations, keeping them locked away could lead to a costly lawsuit in an emergency. Try to keep access points spread out so that two workers on opposite ends of the facility can both be safe.

Keep Your Inventory Updated and Verifiable

When insurance adjusters and representatives come to do their business, they typically want to see recent, verifiable, and complete inventory lists to determine appropriate coverage. Remember that it is in their best interests not to cover your losses - make sure that you have proof of everything lost in the disaster. SERVPRO can assist here on request with professional inventory evaluation services.

SERVPRO of South Columbus has the tools, personnel, and contacts necessary to take on even the most significant industrial-scale disasters in the local area. Contact us at (614) 863-1392.

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Water Removal is an Important Part of Fire Damage Restoration to Your Columbus Home

1/5/2018 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO right after the fire fighters leave for best results. Dealing with both fire and water damage requires trained professionals.

Restoring Fire Damage Undoubtedly Includes Dealing With Water Damage As Well

When you visualize the effects of fire to your Columbus residence, you often think of things like charred belongings and extensive structural damages. While fires might not always cause this kind of devastation, they can often prove challenging to extinguish through traditional firefighting efforts. The result of this could be extensive water damages from the thousands of gallons pulled from a close hydrant to suppress the flames.
 
Professional restoration services like what we offer at SERVPRO go well beyond the basic fire damage restoration needs of your Columbus home. From the moment that we arrive at your house, our assessment of the damage begins, meticulously looking over the entire affected area and putting together the most efficient restoration plan possible.
 
Our efforts will most likely begin with boarding up windows or sealing up any holes that your home might have experienced due to the fire itself or the extinguishing efforts. The sealing prevents any further damage during the restoration process from bad weather or the elements outside. If there is water damage present, our SERVPRO technicians get to work on fixing this problem next.
 
Water damage needs to be remedied most expediently because it can continue to damage your home if it is left unattended. Moreover, the presence of water mixed with some warmer temperatures can provide ideal conditions for mold growth, which would only compound on the restoration efforts that you already need. So, extraction and drying have to be among the first steps taken when water damage exists in the house.
 
The process of extracting water is contingent on the amount that is in your house. For extreme cases, pump trucks might be brought in to pull large volumes from the floor quickly. For more moderate messes, extraction can get accomplished using portable pumps and wet-vacs. Once the area dries with air movers, a full assessment of the remaining fire damage is possible, and work can resume on this front.
 
Dealing with a fire to your Columbus home undoubtedly comes with considerable stress. Our SERVPRO of South Columbus team is available anytime you need us at (614) 863-1392.

For more information regarding the town of Columbus, click here.

Water Removal from Your Crawlspace in Columbus

12/15/2017 (Permalink)

Excess water in your crawl space can lead to many problems, call SERVPRO to remove the water and repair any damages.

SERVPRO Offers Water Removal Solutions for Tight Crawlspaces Under Your Home

The low space under the first floor of your home, the crawlspace, can need water removal for various reasons. Leakage from a kitchen waste line or a sewer drain sprinkler water coming in from the vents of the crawl space, and gutter downspouts incorrectly directed are just a few. Water in this area of your Columbus home can create many problems. Excess moisture and standing water can compromise the structural integrity of your home, cause mildew and mold to grow, plus attract vermin.

To keep your Columbus home safe, it is essential to remove the water from this space and keep it out. SERVPRO offers a variety of water removal solutions. We assess your needs to see what methods are best for you. We know how important it is to keep this space dry, and want to give you the best service possible, so you do not have to worry.

Since a water-damaged crawl space can be challenging to access, with a small door which makes it hard for us to get equipment in, we need to take extraordinary measures to dry out this water-logged area under your home. There also might not be room enough for a dehumidifier to stand up straight under the flooring, even when the door to the crawl space is big enough for equipment to pass through. We might need to remove insulation, and the HVAC system or the foundation of the house that might have to be inspected.

Above all else, SERVPRO staff always considers safety first. We realize that electrical hazards could be present, so we make sure that electrical circuits going under the home have been shut off. Water in crawl spaces is also usually black or gray from the dirt flooring, so we wear the appropriate safety equipment.

All standing water is taken out from your crawl space. Once this is achieved, we figure out the best method of drying the structural features of the floor. Any foundation vents are blocked off unless we think an open-drying system is needed. We place air movers and dehumidifiers if possible inside the crawl space. If they do not fit, we might need to take a part of the floor away or use other methods. The area is monitored during the entire drying process.

SERVPRO of South Columbus has various methods and ways of drying even the tightest crawl spaces. Just give us a call at (614) 863-1392 if you need water removal services under your home in Pickerington, Bexley, or Groveport.

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Winter Flood Damage to Columbus Residences

12/15/2017 (Permalink)

Cracks in the structure of your home can let in water at a fast rate. Contact SERVPRO if you are facing flooding, for remediation efforts.

SERVPRO Technicians Arrive Quickly to Start Drying Out Your Flooded Home

Columbus homes are no stranger to adverse weather conditions. Especially through the late fall and winter, things can quickly change between heavy snowfall and torrential rains over the course of a few hours. The rapidly changing conditions means that often the coldest times of the year present the most significant threat of flooding for those living in the lower-lying areas of the city and neighboring suburbs.
 
If this describes the placement of your home, you have likely taken precautions to prevent water intrusion and flood damage to your Columbus residence. Unfortunately, at this time of the year, conditions are not ideal for these preventative measures to be as impregnable as they might otherwise be. A good example is the materials used to construct your home’s foundation.
 
Most modern construction efforts have not differed dramatically from homes constructed decades ago. Concrete blocks and other masonry units prove to be the most cost effective and longest lasting solutions for contractors, but they are not without substantial drawbacks when adverse weather strikes. The joints of these concrete masonry units use mortar, which over time can be weathered away by the presence of water and wind. The erosion leaves cracks that can be penetrated by rising flood waters, allowing an avenue to get into your home’s basement, and a reason to call us at SERVPRO.
 
The rise and fall of temperatures can cause foundation walls to flex, as well. The flexing is a result of footers poured underneath the walls moving as the ground freezes and thaws. Over time, this causes a weakening of the joints and can result in stair cracking through the mortar as the footer resettles. These new openings become a direct point of entry for water to come in.
 
Water removal efforts need to be started right away, even in the midst of the water still coming into your basement. There are short-term patches our SERVPRO team utilize (such as the application of hydraulic cement) that can prevent further water penetration so that the removal and drying processes get completed. After removal and restoration processes are complete, the focus can shift to repairing the weakened wall that allowed the flood inside.
 
Do not hesitate to call us at SERVPRO of South Columbus for any emergency like this you might have. Our rapid response team mobilizes quickly, which can be critical to mitigating your losses. Call us anytime at (614) 863-1392.

For more information regarding the city of Columbus, click here.

Professional Commercial Water Removal Services In Columbus

11/20/2017 (Permalink)

Whenever a water damage disaster strikes, there is a possibility that the documents which you use for book-keeping in your store are affected.

Commercial Water Removal Services

As a business owner in Columbus, you need to be prepared for natural disasters so that you know the correct measures to take when your property suffers water damage. The working of commercial water removal service providers can help in preventing your retail store or office from experiencing further damage. It all starts with understanding how the certified technicians work to solve the problem.

Whenever a water damage disaster strikes, there is a possibility that the documents which you use for book-keeping in your retail store or the electronics you sell are affected. When that happens, and you live in Columbus, you do not have to panic. All you need is a commercial water removal service provider like SERVPRO to attend to your damaged property.

When it comes to document drying, it all begins with determining the appropriate method to save the damaged documents and books. As an owner, you have to act quickly and make decisions with the restorers to minimize the extent of the damage. It is important to note that achieving the earlier state of the water damaged documents and books is not possible, but preventing further loss is essential. Vacuum thermal-drying, vacuum freeze drying, freeze-drying, dehumidification and air-drying are some of the methods that certified technicians from SERVPRO use to dry the documents.

When attending to your electronics, trained restorers will first make sure that no electrical hazards are present. Here, we are referring to equipment like microwaves, stereos, TVs, computers, VCRs and any appliances that have a circuit board. First, they disconnect trip breakers and batteries and then cover the electronics with plastic to prevent entry of additional water into the appliances. After that, a dehumidification equipment is set up to stabilize conditions in order for relevant emergency and evaluation procedures to take place.

One of the reasons as to why you should work with experts from certified companies like SERVPRO is because they follow all local and state regulations in their work. Trained restoration technicians always share ideas with you as a business owner so that the safety of your employees and property is guaranteed. The use of specialized methods and equipment is what makes their work simple and reliable.

SERVPRO of South Columbus treats every water, mold, fire and storm damage disaster as an emergency. Call us at (614) 863-1392 to be served by a trusted industry leader.

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Professional Tips on How to Minimize Commercial Water Damage for Columbus Business Owners

11/9/2017 (Permalink)

Frozen pipes can turn into flooding which can be damaging for your business. Contact SERVPRO to go over prevention tips or remediation after damage.

Getting an Inspection From SERVPRO can Offer Great Prevention Tips for Business Proprietors

Water belongs in rivers and lakes, showers and toilets, pipes and sinks. When it finds its way out of these places, the impact is not pretty. Often, business owners in Columbus let their guard down when a small seepage occurs. Unbeknown to them, small water leakages can lead to massive consequences, including structural damage, corrosion, soggy walls, soaked carpets, and even mold growth.
 
The presence of commercial water damage in any Columbus premises should be dealt with forcefully. If you need someone for the job, SERVPRO is there to help. We are trusted, locally-based, and can respond quickly to your emergency any time of the day. Most importantly, our technicians are highly trained, highly experienced, and certified by The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).
 
There are several things you can do to minimize your risk of commercial water damage. For instance, insulating exposed pipes can protect them from external factors that may cause them to rupture, leading to a huge flood. You can usually find piping insulation in a local hardware store.
 
Keeping the heat at sufficient levels can go a long way towards preventing water pipes from freezing during cold spells (especially during weekends or when the premises are vacant). At SERVPRO, we receive numerous cases of water damage resulting from frozen pipes. The frozen water causes the pipes to expand. Progressive freezing and expansion of the water within the pipes can lead to a buildup of pressure between the closed faucet and the ice blockage, eventually causing it to burst.
 
Another way you can prevent water damage to your business is regularly inspecting and removing debris, leaves, and buildup from the drainage, downspouts, and gutters on the building. These things can cause a backdrop of water, which ultimately drains down the walls and onto the floor. Here, it may cause a flood or spread to valuable items in the building such as furniture and vital documents (especially when no one is around).
 
Prevention is better than cure when it comes to commercial water damage. However, when you need quick water damage restoration services, SERVPRO of South Columbus is at your disposal. Call us today at (614) 863-1392.

For more information about the City of Columbus, Ohio visit: https://www.experiencecolumbus.com/

How To Adequately Deal With Fire Damage In Columbus

11/7/2017 (Permalink)

After the Firefighter Leaves Your Columbus Property, Call in SERVPRO for Cleanup and Restoration

Cleanup, Restoration, and Odor Removal Are All Key Elements of SERVPRO Services Post Fires

Fire disasters are always a nightmare, and no one wants to experience them. However, they are a common occurrence in Columbus, and all are encouraged to handle them correctly. The causes of fire disasters are many, and as much as you protect yourself, you may find a situation where you need a fire damage restoration service.

Fire damage in Columbus is a pretty big deal, and you may be in need of SERVPRO services to help you restore your property. After the occurrence of such a catastrophe, the resulting soot and smoke are some of the challenges to expect. You need to do some work if you need your property restored to its earlier state.

Structural cleaning is one of the first steps after a fire damage incident. The carpets, floors, ceilings, and walls also need a thorough cleaning. Your structure has different kinds of surfaces that need specific cleaning products and equipment. At SERVPRO, a team of highly trained professionals can carry out an assessment and determine the precise tools necessary for restoring your property. To make sure the new paint sticks to your walls, wiping down and prepping must be done correctly.

At that time, you have to restore some of the damaged components and material through professional deodorization and cleaning. Some of the areas to be restored include upholstery, furniture, area rugs, and draperies. The cleaning process requires different methods, and assessment is done to determine the right procedure to use. SERVPRO can offer pack-outs to store and clean items off-site, ultrasonic cleaning and Esporta machine washing. All methods are available to fit the needs of the cleanup and restoration.

Fire usually leaves offensive odors to your structure and deodorization is necessary. Using air fresheners or any fragrance is not recommended. Masking noxious odors is not a permanent fix. Go ahead and identify the source of the smell and get rid of it. Several deodorization methods do exist, and they require specific equipment that needs proper handling by trained technicians. Thermal fogging allows the counteracting agents to follow the paths of the fire thus routing out and neutralizing the odors left behind.

SERVPRO of South Columbus is here to help you restore your fire damaged property "Like it never even happened." Call us at (614) 863-1392 and get quality professional service from highly trained staff and technicians.

Your Fire Department is here to protect you.

Restoring Flood Damage Effects in Cloumbus

10/16/2017 (Permalink)

Your house can flood in the Fall due to storms. Be prepared and maintain your property. Should you get flooded, contact SERVPRO for remediation.

Team SERVPRO Responds Quickly to Your Flooded Home Debacle

Summer rains are finally over, but the Fall storms have already arrived. Temperatures in Columbus are comfortable for almost any outdoor activity, but the early arriving showers mean every homeowner needs to check their house before an October rain turns into a Halloween flood.
 
Flood damage in Columbus can mean the Scioto River crests its banks and comes spilling into garages, a violent storm overwhelms and backs up the sewer drains, or the wind and rain tear away gutters and drains from a roof and flood the attic and walls. With almost 30 years in the restoration business, SERVPRO has the experience to deal with all of these issues and more.
 
To start with, we have to stop the water. In many cases, we arrive at a home to find it and the surrounding area still under water. Our response team uses sandbags to block points where the standing water from the storm accesses the house. With that done, we bring in commercial pumps to remove it all. If the storm knocked out the electricity, we have generators to ensure uninterrupted power. With the majority of the water gone, the team switches to water extraction wands to draw out water from carpets and wood floors.
 
Other team members examine the nearby storm and sewer drains and clear debris to make sure we have someplace to pump the water. Unless they are still completely flooded, SERVPRO technicians can clear most drains within an hour or two.
 
The most common problem we find comes from damaged drains. They allow stormwater to run down the sides of a home and inside it. Our technicians can repair or replace all major brands of drain systems found in most homes.
 
If the damage is severe enough, then there may be secondary damage such as water-soaked insulation. Stormwater can compact blown-in and rolled insulation, making it ineffective to conserving warm or cold temperatures. SERVPRO technicians use commercial vacuums to remove the blown-in insulation, but we have to remove siding to replace any rolled material.
 
If you have damage from the recent storms or want to prepare for the next one, SERVPRO of South Columbus is here to help. Call (614) 863-1392 today to schedule an inspection.

For more information regarding Columbus, click here

Stopping Mold Damage in Columbus

10/16/2017 (Permalink)

Mold Grabs on to Your Columbus Home When Sufficient Moisture and a Food Source Are Present--Mold Remediation from SERVPRO

SERVPRO Offers Remediation and Restoration After a Mold Attack

Mold is a quiet disaster. It does not crackle like a fire or roar into a Columbus home like a storm. Unlike fire and water, everything mold needs are already inside the house. Spores only need a little water, a food source, and a very conducive temperature between 68 to 86 degrees.

With those factors in place, mold damage in Columbus homes is a given. Spores rapidly expand out of their inactive state and begin growing, looking for food in less than a day. SERVPRO has extensive experience in combating mold by altering, stopping, and removing one or more of these factors.
 
Temperature is the hardest to change. Our technicians can raise the temperature of a room or house by a few degrees using the house heating system and then a bit more with space heaters. Doing this soon becomes expensive for the homeowner and cannot be maintained for more than a few days.
 
Since the reasoning behind changing the temperature is to dry affected rooms and surfaces, SERVPRO relies on air movers to force warm, dry air across them to remove sources of moisture. This method uses less power and is more efficient on walls and floors.
 
Finding the growth and removing what it is feeding on is probably the easiest, not to mention the cheapest factor for our response team. No food means no growth, but since residents cannot live in a house without interior walls or a ceiling, the replacement tiles and drywall eventually become infested if we do not find the source of the mold. Fortunately, drywall panels are inexpensive, though replacing may not be.
 
The best way to stop mold spores is to find and cut off the source of water. Our inspectors usually find a leaking pipe underneath a sink or in a laundry room. Sometimes, the source is a small pool of water that got into an attic through a minor point of damage on the roof. It does not take long to remove a water source after we find it. Our technicians quickly remove small pools, and they can replace most damaged pipes in a single afternoon.
 
Depending on the extent of the infestation, removing mold from your home can take a few days or a couple of weeks. SERVPRO of South Columbus has the personnel, training, and equipment needed to put you back into your home as soon as we can safely do so. If you have questions about what we can do for you and your home, call us today at (614) 863-1392.

Facts about this large city in Ohio, click here.

Fire Damage in Columbus Has Long-Term Impact

10/2/2017 (Permalink)

Smoke & Fire Restoration in South Columbus is a Cornerstone of SERVPRO Services

Many Facets of Damage Result from Fires in Columbus

In Columbus, it takes time for your family to recover from a fire. The emotional impact is severe. Children have nightmares; pets show signs of anxiety. It is equally hard on you, as you try to keep the family running along normal lines. At the same time, you are dealing with insurance companies, finding temporary accommodations, and attempting to come up with the money to replace lost clothing and furnishings.

 
The physical effect of fire damage in Columbus is also long term. Fire can gut a home, leaving a charred mess in its wake. However, even a smaller fires can result in ongoing damage, often unseen, but major nonetheless. A smoky smell can linger for months if it is not treated promptly. Black soot can cover countertops and furniture. Appliances can break down.
 
The technicians at SERVPRO have the experience and training to handle the aftereffects of a fire, big or small. We are certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification, which sets the standards for the industry. We receive highly specialized training in how to clean up after a fire, deodorize, and clean upholstery and fabric. Our focus is always on cleaning and repair, restoring only when necessary.
 
We encounter fire damage on a daily basis, so we know what to look for when we conduct a comprehensive inspection and fire damage assessment. We can board up the house and install a roof tarp if needed. We are experts in water removal and drying.
 
When it comes to getting rid of smoke and soot residue, we combine multiple techniques to get the job done. For example, to remove bad odors, we might use a mix of chemical containment, vapor odor control, and thermal fogging. We have the cutting-edge equipment, tools and cleaning agents that get the soot and smell off all surfaces.
 
When you are faced with cleaning up after a blaze, we can help. SERVPRO of South Columbus is available 24/7. Call us at (614) 863-1392. We are centrally located, serving Columbus, Bexley, and Reynoldsburg.

More about this city by clicking here

Saving Carpeting from Water Damage in Columbus

9/25/2017 (Permalink)

In some situations, only padding under a carpet needs replacing after incurring water damage. Contact us for a quick response and damage assessment.

SERVPRO Technicians Arrive Quickly After Water Damage to Provide Restore Rather than Only Replace Options

Carpet replacement can be one of the costliest parts of a water damage cleanup process, but it does not always have to happen. While carpet can easily be damaged beyond possible repair, in many cases SERVPRO can restore your carpet without needing to replace part or all of it. The most important and deciding factor is the severity and type of water damage in your Columbus home - storm flooding and some other forms of damage are typically irredeemable. If the flooding is benign, or if the damage is light overall, we can help save your carpet (and your wallet).
 
Rapid Drying
 
Our primary method of softening the impact of water damage in Columbus is our time-tested strategy of mitigation. If the carpet is allowed to stay damp for too long, damage can become permanent, and mold can begin to grow. Within four hours of your first call to us, our personnel should be on-scene to evaluate and respond to damage.

Floodwaters can be extracted before they have time to settle in and cause more severe damage, and we can quickly set up powerful air movers to create powerful, water-removing air currents in your home. Finally, we then use dehumidifiers to take water back out of the air, leaving any scene of water damage completely dry within a short time frame.
 
Restorative Techniques
 
Once the carpet has been dried, it likely still needs some restorative processes to be back in top shape. SERVPRO specializes in this, with dedicated cleaning tools and techniques to help maintain color, texture, and integrity of carpeting. During this time, if we determine that a region of carpet is more seriously damaged or otherwise needs replacing, we can typically cut off that spot alone for replacement without removing the rest of the carpet.
 
SERVPRO of South Columbus is available around the clock to respond to water damage emergencies in the local area. If water damage has hit your home or if you would like to learn more about our services, call us at (614) 863-1392.

For more information regarding Columbus, click here

Flood Damage Restoration Services Available to Columbus Area Residents

9/20/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has trained professionals to restore your home after a storm has left it flooded and damaged.

Solutions to Flood Damage Caused by a Storm

Severe weather systems continue to batter our shores, creating significant problems for residents throughout the Columbus area. Battling flood damage alone can be a daunting task, which makes professional assistance a welcome sight.

If you currently have flood damage or find your Columbus area home in the path of incoming weather systems, you can help reduce the amount of damage your home receives by contacting a professional for help. We can make a huge difference in reducing your losses and be there for you after disaster strikes, helping repair the damage to your home as quickly and efficiently as possible.

SERVPRO has fully certified professionals waiting in the wings to answer your call for help. Our IICRC-industry certified technicians make every effort to gain control of flood damage in your home before secondary damages develop. Using advanced equipment and resources designed to provide you with a full-service solution that makes damages disappear, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO’s entire Green Fleet of fully stocked vehicles remain ready to deploy 24-hours a day, 7-days a week, responding to your needs anytime, day or night.  We constantly communicate changes with you throughout your restoration process, helping you feel safe, secure, and protected knowing that you have professionals you can trust working towards making your house a home again.

SERVPRO technicians do everything in their power to restore contents of your home damaged by flooding, including furniture, appliances, and personal belongings. We attempt to limit your losses, providing professional restoration services whenever possible, while helping you communicate with your insurance company to provide you with the results you deserve.

Whether you need help recovering from flood damage already present or want to protect your home as much as possible before tragedy strikes, our team can help. We can provide you with solutions that fit your unique circumstances, allowing you to avoid common problems, and limit exposure during an event.

Contact SERVPRO of South Columbus for a full inspection of your property or to begin your home’s flood damage restoration process, today. We offer services to both Bexley and Pickerington, never hesitate to call us. (614) 863-1392

To learn more about Columbus, click here.

How to Respond to Water Damage in Columbus

9/8/2017 (Permalink)

Frozen pipes can cause many plumbing and water damage problems in your home. Contact SERVPRO today to get a handle on these problems.

Trained Technicians Remediate Water Damage in Your Home As Well As Offer Preventative Measure Options to the Homeowner

Water disasters in Columbus hit at the foundation of your house, weakening the very core that holds it together. The excess water creeps through the roofs and ceilings, and spreads to the floors, eventually causing structural damage. It extends to the furniture, fabrics, clothing, art, electric appliances, and documents, significantly reducing their value. Knowing how to detect and react to unwarranted moisture can save your property in the nick of time.
 
The best way to fight water damage in Columbus is contacting a locally-based restoration company. As a part of your community, SERVPRO understands that responding quickly to emergency situations can go a long way. As such, we have highly trained, highly experienced technicians approved by the IICRC at your disposal. Our tools and techniques are specially designed to reverse any water damage, restoring your house to preloss conditions, "Like it never even happened."
 
It only takes a small amount of water leaking into walls, floors, or cabinets from a sewage backup or faulty pipe to cause tremendous damage to your home. In fact, plumbing system failures have proven to be one of the most costly causes of water damage in the house. Moisture on the floor or in the walls, rust stains, banging pipes, and an increased monthly water bill are good indicators of a plumbing issue. Installing a house leak detection system can help reduce the stress by alerting you of potential water hazards.
 
Sewage drainage backups account for about 50 percent of all plumbing system failures. If your sewer system is linked to that of the city, SERVPRO can help install a backflow prevention assembly to reduce water damage. Ensure that your lateral drain lines do not cross paths with nearby trees; otherwise, the roots may damage your piping.
 
The water inside drainage pipes can also freeze when outdoor temperatures drop below freezing point, contributing to water damage. The water expands and raises the pressure inside, increasing the risk of the pipes bursting. Insulate pipes in areas with the highest chances of freezing, particularly those close to exterior walls, crawl spaces, and attics.
 
Has water damage taken your house hostage? SERVPRO of South Columbus has the expertise and experience to help you regain control. We offer swift water damage restoration services to the Columbus community and its environs, including German Village and Bexley. Call us today at (614) 863-1392.

For more information regarding Columbus, click here

How Guidelines And Standards Help Us Remediate Mold Damage In Columbus Homes

8/18/2017 (Permalink)

Mold is a fungus, and all it needs to grow is moisture and an organic food source.

Remediate Mold Damage

Mold can happen to any household. Mold is a fungus, and all it needs to grow is moisture and an organic food source. Potential food sources include drywall, carpet, furniture, some types of insulation, and even wood. Water sources are easy to come by in any kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, or any home with a leaky door or window.

Thus it is easy to see how quickly mold damage can happen to Columbus homes. The telltale signs of a mold such as black or greenish patches or a musty, moldy smell, are warning signs to a homeowner that it is time to take action. Because fungus occurs naturally in many environments, it is not possible to eradicate it completely. However, it is feasible to remediate the existing mold situation and take steps to discourage regrowth.

At SERVPRO, we have spent many years perfecting our mold remediation process, and we always adhere to strict guidelines. Following due process ensures that we complete every step. The result is a thorough remediation process that benefits local householders and makes us the natural choice for any fungus cleaning needs.

SERVPRO teams adhere to two guidelines: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advice on mold, and the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) S502 Mold Remediation Standard. All our technicians are trained to IICRC standards so you can rest assured that you are dealing with trained professionals.

The EPA standards tell us to clean and dry all moldy materials, remove and dispose of all non-salvageable items and dry any non-moldy articles in the vicinity within 24 hours. Our teams achieve this by establishing containment and venting contaminated air outside of your home, before setting to work scrubbing, brushing, dry wiping, and HEPA vacuuming away all visible mold. Dehumidifiers help reduce humidity and dry out the area, which also prevents further growth.

IICRC standards go into more detail (that is why we choose them for our training). As well as controlling contamination, removing fungus, and drying the area, the IICRC tells us to provide for health and safety, and document the conditions and the process. Our teams are trained in health and safety and wear appropriate personal protective equipment to every job. Also, we carefully monitor and log the conditions in every home and monitor moisture levels throughout the job.

For help with any mold situation, call SERVPRO of South Columbus at (614) 863-1392 today.

For more about the city of Columbus visit https://www.columbus.gov/.

Wet Feet & Soaked Shoes mean Commercial Water Removal Methods are Needed in Your Columbus Grocery

8/1/2017 (Permalink)

Contain the Water in Your Columbus Grocery Store, Or Call SERVPRO for Water Damage Services

Keep Customers Coming Back with Rapid Water Removal and Cleanup

The majority of grocery stores have at least two different sprinkler systems inside – one for fire and another for the produce section. Either of these systems can malfunction, spreading water in every direction before hitting the floor. These breakdowns do not include broken water lines and other situations that can produce flooding in bakeries, cafes, or restrooms in a grocery store.
 
Water damage in a Columbus grocery store is an incident that managers know food shoppers can do without. They need to have a clean, dry, and highly sanitary location to purchase food and flooded stores need commercial water removal to restore the normal shopping experience customers expect. Filth and mud can become huge turn offs to that shopping, decreasing the number of products placed in carts. SERVPRO can assist in the efforts in returning your store to its former state.
 
Our technicians are trained according to IICRC methods, enabling them to restore everything within a facility, no matter the size, and always regardless of the extent of the damage. Your business is a crucial part of our local economy, and we understand that anything that impacts you negatively can adversely affect our domestic economic health.
 
How much water exists when we arrive determines which equipment we start with to remove the water from your store. Once water no longer presents a challenge as a hazard on floors, we begin extracting moisture from all surfaces. Groceries stores with water-logged products find it helpful to use our inventory system, so insurance claims are completed more efficiently with fewer requests for revision.
 
Shelves and other display areas must be completely dry before new products' placement, and because simply being dry is not enough when it comes to food safety, we also sanitize all surfaces. Dehumidifiers remove moisture in the air while heaters and air blowers increase the evaporation rate. Repainting walls and other areas can only happen after they are completely dry.
 
In addition to sanitization, inhibitors that are safe once dry can also be applied to prevent the growth of any microbes such as mold and mildew. Once completed, we can deodorize your grocery safely with hydroxyl generators, producing a freshness in the air.
 
For water removal in your sopping wet grocery, call SERVPRO of South Columbus at (614) 863-1392 as soon as possible. We can restore your grocery quickly and make it “Like it never even happened.”

More about this city here.

Remediating Commercial Flood Damage in Columbus

7/31/2017 (Permalink)

Make sure that CLOSED sign is not there for long after flooding in your shop. Contact SERVPRO for quick remediation so you can be back in business.

SERVPRO Technicians are Aware that Time is of the Essence When Restoring Commercial Damage

Each day a business is closed means a day’s worth of receipts lost. Customers are usually content to put off a purchase or postpone work for a day, but when the ‘Closed’ sign is up for more than a few days, they may move on permanently.

Small businesses in Columbus are particularly vulnerable to commercial flood damage. A large company can absorb restoration and temporary facility costs with only a ‘hiccup’ to their bottom line, but a locally owned sandwich shop may have to close their doors permanently after only a week or two with no customers. SERVPRO understands this and works to help reopen doors.

Although we try to speed the process as much as possible, our first task is to ensure the food prep areas are clean and meet local requirements for health and safety. Even though the damage is primarily from broken plumbing or a failed refrigeration unit, there is still the possibility of mold as well. Cleaners use anti-microbial agents on every surface that touches edibles; this includes prep areas, storage lockers, customer tables, and more.

In addition to the cleaning, part of our service is to dry out and repair appliances. If water gets into the outlets, it can also cause damage to whatever was plugged in at the time of the flood. Technicians check every plug and power cord; disassembling the plug when needed to dry it or if there is visible damage.

For large items like freezers and refrigerators, we remove the bottom grill and inspect for water. To remove moisture, we use water extractors to draw out what is visible and then use dehumidifiers to draw excess moisture off surfaces and from the surrounding air. For smaller amounts, we use chemical desiccants to dry underneath.

Restoring your business after flooding is not a quick process. SERVPRO of South Columbus has the experience and training to accomplish it as fast as possible and still provide a clean, safe environment for your customers and employees. If you need our services or want to schedule an inspection, call today at (614) 863-1392.

For more information regarding Columbus, click here

Mold Damage is More than Fuzzy Growths Underneath Your Kitchen Sink in Columbus

7/11/2017 (Permalink)

Finding mold in your home can fill you with anxiety. Contact SERVPRO and let us start the remediaiton process so that you can relax once again.

SERVPRO Technicians Remediate Different Types of Mold Damage on a Daily Basis

Mold is one of those aspects of life that everyone hopes they never have to experience. Mold grows everywhere because it is present everywhere, meaning the chances of finding more than easy-to-wash-away patches of it are probably much higher than you would like.
 
Homes in Columbus can have mold damage long before patches of it are discovered. Mold comes in many different varieties, also, and having one type growing in your home never precludes that other variations exist inside your walls, either. You might find them growing side by side, mixed in with each other or at opposite corners of your home. There may be mold living in your basement, and also in your attic. This organism can grow wherever it has access to moisture and cellulose, but preferably in dark areas that are rarely disturbed.
 
Dark, damp locations in your home are not limited to only under sinks. Closets are also favorite spots for mold to grow in. When mold takes over a closet, SERVPRO can restore the damaged walls, replace the carpet and apply a mold inhibitor. Eliminating any water sources, such as a leaking water pipe on the interior of the wall is also something that we can do, which also helps to prevent future mold growth.
 
As for the items that were inside of your closet, clothing, shoes, boots, belts and hats, and the like, these accessories can become infiltrated with mold. Care should be taken so that these items are treated with care while being bagged up. We have access to an Esporta that can eliminate the mold your items have become contaminated with and then return them to you in a clean and sanitary condition.
 
This method of cleaning your belongings produces no shrinkage of any material and can be extended to items that are commonly stored in garages, attics, and basements. Your sporting equipment can be salvaged, as can your camping gear, hiking books and equipment, and much more. We know sports gear is an investment and often carries significant sentimental value, as well. When mold damages your home, we are aware that contents and belongings are often affected, too.
 
Mold damage is not something you and your family need to tolerate. Call SERVPRO of South Columbus at (614) 863-1392, and we can begin to remediate your home of mold and eliminate the damage it can so easily create.

For more information regarding Columbus, click here

Keeping Your Gutters From Flooding Your Columbus Basement

6/19/2017 (Permalink)

It is critical to keep your gutters clean to prevent water from seeping into your basement and causing floods.

Gutters Can Cause Flooding In Your Basement

One of the biggest fears as a homeowner with a basement is your basement flooding whenever it rains. A valid and legitimate fear, this situation causes a myriad of repairs. All sorts of damage including ruined flooring and carpeting, rotted drywall, destroyed furniture, and the worst of all, mold growth can occur. These repairs can be time-consuming and costly, and your basement can even flood in dry weather.

Issues with your foundation drainage is a big cause for a flooded basement and flood damage in your Columbus home. However, the main reason for water in your basement is overflowing gutters. It is critical to keep your gutters clean to prevent water from seeping into your basement and causing floods. Quality gutter guards and even using an expert to clean your gutters out routinely keeps debris and leaves out of the gutters so they can function properly.

When your gutters do cause flooding in your basement, it can be quite overwhelming. You need to have professionals, such as SERVPRO, come to your home to help you get all the water out and repair the damages.

When your gutters are clogged with debris, the water has nowhere to go. It overflows over the gutters to the ground next to your house, only a couple feet from the foundation. As the ground is settling and moving, it stresses the foundation of your home which causes cracking, letting water enter your home. Hydrostatic pressure might force water in through the concrete. The main solution is to keep your gutters clean.

Flooded basements create not only a lot of possible damage but plenty of stress for you as well. At SERVPRO, we understand this, so we move quickly to get to your home after you reach out to us. We have the professional and industrial equipment to get all the standing water out of your home and use fans and dehumidifiers to finish the drying process. We have moisture meters to find any hidden water or mold growth as well.

When SERVPRO of South Columbus is finished restoring your home after your basement floods, it is like it never happened. Just give us a call at (614) 863-1392 so we can get started as soon as possible.

Columbus is an exciting city, to learn more visit https://www.columbus.gov/.

How to Deal with Water Damage in Columbus

6/18/2017 (Permalink)

Clogged drains can quickly get backed up and even flood a room. Call SERVPRO for help with the water damage and helping with the insurance claim.

SERVPRO Technicians Fix What is Broken and Quickly Remediate the Water Damage

When a drain backs up, a pipe bursts or an appliance fails, it can be difficult to see past the mess. So many questions are quickly running through your mind, and you wonder what to do next and if your possessions are now ruined. Water damage is very stressful, but the more you know about it ahead of time, the better you can know how to address it when a problem arises.
 
Every homeowner in Columbus should know what to do in case of a water damage emergency. The first thing to know is whether your insurance policy covers the damage. You need to do the research and decide if you need an additional flood insurance or water damage policy aside from your homeowners’ policy. A lot of policies cover sudden damage, but water damage which happens because you did not maintain your property can be excluded, as well as gradual leaks.
 
You cannot wait around for a convenient time to clean up when your home has been damaged by water. Secondary damage from mold growth can pose a serious health risk. Mold spores are all over but need a nutrient source and food to grow, which is what your drywall or carpeting offers. You need to, therefore, call in SERVPRO’s technicians, as they are specially trained to handle water damage and mold growth.
 
You have a twenty-four to forty-eight-hour window from when your home gets water damaged to when mold begins to grow. After this, mold multiplies quickly. SERVPRO can take care of whatever caused the water damage, dry your home out, plus find any mold and clean that up too, even if it is hidden.
 
SERVPRO can also assist you in dealing with the insurance company. Make sure to document right away what is damaged, so you have proof by taking photographs. SERVPRO helps guide you through every step of remediation and understands that this is a stressful time. We want to make sure you are very comfortable with the procedures before we even begin remediation. By helping you contact your insurance agency, we hope to take some of the stress off you so you can focus on your own family.
 
When water damage threatens the safety of your home, call SERVPRO of South Columbus right away. We can arrive at your home shortly after you contact us at (614) 863-1392.

For more information regarding Columbus, click here

Mold Growing on Drywall in Your Columbus Home

5/16/2017 (Permalink)

Moisture Causes Mold Growth on Walls, Call SERVPRO for Remediation in Your Columbus Property

Dampness Encourages the Proliferation of Mold

Mold on drywall can create plenty of unnecessary structural damage and health effects if it is left untreated, even for a short time. Black mold, though it has gained unwarranted notoriety, is usually associated with this kind of damage. All fungi should be remediated to create a better home environment.
 
Short-term drywall damage can be caused by water, and long-term damage is the result of mold growth in your Columbus home being left to spread and multiply, leaving behind mold damage. When drywall  is exposed to moisture, it shows water stains. After an extended period, the panels can be destroyed. The sandwiched cardboard separates from the gypsum, and the core loses its structural integrity.
 
Drywall which has lost structural integrity begins to sag slowly over time and needs replacing. Wet drywall, with its paper backing, can be an ideal breeding ground for mold. Fungi secrete digestive chemicals onto the organic source to feed, then reabsorbs them along with digestive materials for food. The process is not possible until the materials become damp or wet. Mold can start to grow on drywall in just twenty-four to forty-eight hours. Drying the walls out as fast as possible is the key to a solution which is effective.
 
Sheetrock wicks up water as well, meaning it picks up water even if it has not come into contact with water. Since drywall absorbs water from the air, it is critical to have your drywall evaluated and inspected if you have had any standing water or flooding in your home recently. Rapid water removal reduces the chances of mold growth.
 
Water can wick into drywall from the air or contact as fast as one inch per hour, which means if water sat in your home for just one day, it could absorb into your drywall as much as two feet high, creating a great breeding ground for mold.
 
SERVPRO of South Columbus is standing by always to help you get water and moisture out of your home to prevent mold damage. With moisture meters, thermal hygrometers, and other special tools, they can even detect hidden moisture in your walls to ensure that they dry your home thoroughly in as little time as possible. Just give them a call at (614) 863-1392 anytime, day or night, when you notice wet drywall or the presence of mold.

How SERVPRO Helps Restore Wooden Furniture After Water Damage In Columbus

5/1/2017 (Permalink)

There is no doubt that wooden furniture can suffer if there is water damage to your home.

Water Damage And Wooden Furniture

Water damage can strike any household at any time. There are various causes of water damage, including a burst pipe, an overflowing tub, a leak or a broken appliance. Water can also enter your home from outside sources such as a damaged water main, garden run-off or severe weather. When water leaks or soaks in, it has the potential to cause untold damage to your home and belongings. That is why it is important to contact SERVPRO for help when dealing with unwanted water in your home - “We’re faster to any size disaster.”

There is no doubt that wooden furniture can suffer if there is water damage to your Columbus home. That is bad news for your antique rocker, favorite family dining table or that wooden chest of drawers you inherited from your beloved aunt. The main cause for concern when it comes to wooden furniture is that water can cause it to warp. Wicking up water can also cause swelling of furniture joints and cause them to come unstuck or suffer other structural damage. There is also the risk of water spots or stains on the surface of the item. Chairs, tables, and other items may also crack or warp as they dry.

Our IICRC-experts are experienced in creating the optimum drying conditions for wood furniture. While you are waiting for the specialists to arrive, it is safe to use an absorbent cloth or sponge to pat furniture dry. However, we recommend that you do not wipe or rub it and that you handle it with extreme caution.

SERVPRO experts are trained to assess the damage to your furniture and liaise with furniture refinishers on your behalf if necessary. If it is possible to save the item we set up a drying area for it. The key to getting a great result when drying wood furniture is to dry it slowly and avoid direct heat. We also have wood cleaning products for the removal of minor stains.

Our technicians are equipped with air movers, box fans, and dehumidifiers to help dry out your items. Once we get the temperature to a stable 70-90 degrees F, we use portable low grain dehumidifiers to bring down the humidity around your furniture. Meanwhile, air movers direct air around, over and under the item to increase the rate of evaporation and encourage the drying process.

Do not let water permanently warp your furniture. Call SERVPRO of South Columbus at (614) 863-1392 today for drying solutions. For more information regarding the City of Columbus, Ohio visit: https://www.columbus.gov/

SERVPRO Helps Prevent Mold Damage To Columbus Carpets

4/20/2017 (Permalink)

Mold in a Columbus Home Wall Can Spread to Carpets

Mold Remediation in Columbus Homes Requires Professional Help

Mold spores are tenacious and can quickly grow and spread throughout your home. However, if mold has not already set in, it is possible to prevent it taking hold by ensuring it does not have the right environment in which to grow. A wet carpet is an ideal breeding ground for fungi. Flood damage, a burst pipe, or even a leaking appliance in your home are all causes of potential water leakage onto your carpet. The result is a damp environment, which mold spores love.
 
Swift action is necessary to prevent mold damage to the carpets in your Columbus home. In fact, it can begin to grow within 24 hours of water damage and become a colony in 48 to 72 hours. The longer water is present, the greater the risk of increased fungal growth. As well as having potential health effects, mold is simply not something you want to grow in your carpet and may even lead to a costly carpet replacement. That is why SERVPRO recommends calling on our experts the moment you notice water damage to any of your floor coverings.
 
The key to preventing mold growth in water damaged carpets is to get the carpet dried out as quickly as possible. The first step is extracting the water by using truck mounted and freestanding pumps. Our IICRC-certified experts understand that careful handling is vital when removing water from carpets. Carpets can come with a primary and secondary backing. Over zealous extraction techniques or pulling of the carpet during extraction can cause separation of these two layers, leading to bubbling and irreparable carpet damage.
 
Most carpet comes with padding on its underside. In most cases, our experts recommend the padding is taken away and replaced. Drying with the padding in place takes longer and thus makes the drying slower and more expensive with an increased risk of mold growth. It is often cheaper to replace the padding and focus on drying the carpet. SERVPRO teams carefully remove padding to leave the carpet intact. Of course, the degree of wetness and the amount of the fungal growth dictate if tossing is required.
 
After water extraction and pad removal are complete, our technicians calculate the correct number and position of air movers and dehumidifiers to dry out the carpet. Downdraft air movers pull warm air down and spread it across the carpet in a broad pattern which makes them ideal for larger areas. Meantime, centrifugal air movers direct air over the carpet surface to encourage rapid evaporation of moisture. Our aim is swift and thorough drying to leave your carpet "Like it never even happened."
 
If you are concerned about potential mold growth in your carpet, call SERVPRO of South Columbus at (614) 863-1392 today for assistance.

Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Services Available In Columbus

4/5/2017 (Permalink)

Smoke Damage in Your Columbus Home Gets a Clean Up from SERVPRO

SERVPRO Provides Cleanup in Columbus After a Smoky Fire

Your home consists of many contents; each of these items contains a variety of materials. When your belongings get caught in a fire, smoke, soot, and heat residues develop. When a fire restoration company comes to your home, they need to understand how to deal with each of them to return your property to a quality preloss condition.
 
Typically, when a fire occurs on your Columbus area property, fire damage or the area that requires fire restoration services often contains a variety of residues. A restoration company sends cleaning and repair technicians certified in the treatment or replacement of materials found after the fire is out, to help you get things under control and return your lives to normal as soon as possible.
 
SERVPRO technicians understand that a fire progresses through a variety of stages, causing different substances to generate both wet and dry smoke residues. Even though most situations allow for accurate classification, all of these residues exist, making cleaning and restoration services rather challenging.
 
SERVPRO sends a full team of qualified professionals to your home as a response to the initial call. Technicians arriving on the scene perform a thorough inspection and assessment of your property to determine the number of damages that exist and any hazards that might cause problems as they get started.
 
After relaying all information to you and answering all of your questions to your satisfaction, SERVPRO technicians go to work eliminating problems that exist, one step at a time. The technicians use their expertise to determine which aspects affect a specific surface and decide which cleaning process would produce the best results.
 
When dealing with a predominantly dry fire, materials respond well to cleaning methods. Dry smoke residues carry aerosols through the air, leaving dry particles on the various surfaces. However, dry smoke does not stain surfaces as harshly as wet smoke and odors do not penetrate as deeply, which makes the cleaning and removal of these residues much easier.
 
Wet smoke residues present a more difficult and challenging problem. Slow-burning fires tend to work residues into crevices or confined spaces farther than other fires, causing stains and odor penetration, often trapping residues inside of specific materials.
 
When you are looking for help with restoring your property after a fire, contact SERVPRO of South Columbus. We are here to help and get things back on track in a timely and efficient manner. (614) 863-1392

Facing Fire Damage Restoration Head-On In Wrightsville Beach

3/23/2017 (Permalink)

When it comes to choosing between restoring or replacing, our SERVPRO technicians choose restoration.

Your Wrightsville Beach Fire-Damaged Home Can Be Restored By SERVPRO

The majority of damage caused by a fire in your home happens when the fire is out, rather than when it is blazing away. The acidic residues left behind by a fire get introduced to water during suppression efforts and continue destroying your home even after the flames are gone.

This devastation makes responding to and dealing with the fire damage situation in your Wrightsville Beach home crucial. Obtaining the help provided by expertly trained professionals allows you to reclaim the majority of your property and any of its contents affected by a fire successfully.

When it comes to choosing between restoring or replacing, SERVPRO’s restoration first mentality leads our technicians to find solutions to meet your unique circumstances. Often meeting or exceeding any expectations you may have had before work began.

SERVPRO technicians receive IICRC certification training in fire and smoke restoration procedures. Combining this training with years of experience in dealing with materials such as carpeting, upholstery and other fabrics while also using specialized equipment to clean, deodorize, and restore various surfaces found in your home.

Water extraction equipment, such as hand-held and truck mounted extractors of varying sizes allow us to remove standing water from a variety of areas, including those that are hard to reach. We also use air movers, dehumidifiers, and fogging equipment helps us protect areas of your property and limit further damage while your restoration is underway.

SERVPRO cleaning technicians put various methods to use, scrubbing any lingering smoke or soot residues from all of your home’s surfaces and removing acidic substances that cause additional damages to develop. Using a variety of cleaning methods to remove residues in an efficient way that limits damage to various materials and restores items quickly and efficiently.

By applying the appropriate professional techniques to different surfaces throughout your home, we can often restore a variety of contents that might seem unsalvageable, which makes it important for you to allow our technicians the opportunity to inspect each item thoroughly before determining its fate. We have been extremely successful in restoring many items that you cherish to a quality pre fire damage condition.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

Time is essential during your restoration process, contact SERVPRO of South Columbus today for expert help restoring your home after a fire. (614) 863-1392 

How Clean Floods Start In Columbus

3/9/2017 (Permalink)

Leaks can form in many different and unexpected ways, far too many to condense into a single article.

Cleaning Flood Damage

Most people associate flooding with storms and heavy rain, but in reality, a home can flood at almost any time from internal sources. Most American homes contain a multitude of water lines and sources that can break and flood the region with hundreds of gallons of water per hour, causing enormous damage even if the water flow cuts off immediately. Washing machines, water heaters, dishwashers, and simple water pipes can all dump copious amounts of water with little warning, usually from one of these types of failures.

Freezing
SERVPRO is always on the lookout for water damage in Columbus winters, as freezing temperatures can cause pipes to crack and break with ease. Usually, even if the pipe is frozen, water still flows inside. If the pipe breaks, flooding can occur both inside and outside the home. If the problem centers in the outdoors, you may have to deal with additional ice coatings on the ground and exterior surfaces of your home.

Ripped Hoses And Tubes
Many appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers get their water through rubber or plastic hoses that are liable to rips and tears. These tears can be created by an event, such as a metal object falling on and cutting into them, or simply over time as an effect of weathering. Regardless, once they have busted, these water lines can cause major flooding and even produce standing water in a basement.

Simple Leaks And Busts
Leaks can form in many different and unexpected ways, far too many to condense into a single article. A significant portion of calls SERVPRO receives are for unusual or entirely new circumstances related to the breakage or busting of a certain pipe or leak in an appliance. Whether it is a large burst or a small drip, we are ready to help mitigate its effects and get your home back in shape.

SERVPRO of South Columbus is ready all day, all night, all year to respond to flood and water damage in your home. Just give us a call at (614) 863-1392.

Water Damage to Your Warehouse in Columbus

2/28/2017 (Permalink)

Regular upkeep and maintenance on your warehouse can save you money in the long run.

Don't Let Water Damage Leave Your Merchandise Exposed to the Elements

Warehouses are usually huge structures and made to hold many products and inventory. In many cases, unfortunately, they are not properly inspected or kept up, resulting in leaks in roofs or many other problems. Sometimes, when a facility does not have a staff full-time, leaks can go undetected for extended periods of time, even months. By the time they are found, there is significant water damage done to the structure, plus to any products that are stored there.
 
Water can damage your Columbus warehouse in various ways. The most serious commercial water damage seen is the damage to the structure. Roofs are severely compromised from torrential rainfall or the weight of ice or snow that is piled up. Sometimes, a partial or complete collapse of the roof happens, leaving the inside of the warehouse open to the weather outside, and it only takes one rainstorm to create more damage. You need a professional water remediation company such as SERVPRO to help you clean up any damage after it occurs.
 
Water can get into the wiring of the building and the HVAC system, wreaking havoc with the functioning of these items and sometimes causing a partial or total breakdown. The systems are then offline until repairs are made and a qualified technician approves them.
 
Structural damage is the worst part of water damage to your warehouse, but the effect on the materials stored inside is terrible as well. These are many times your main source of income, and any damage or destruction to them has an enormous economic impact on your business, especially if the warehouse is the only place your company stores its wares.
 
The administrative wing in your warehouse could also be damaged by the water, meaning that you can lose important files like inventory records, orders pending, truck schedules, orders processed, plus customer databases and employee records. If you do not have provisions to have these items backed up offsite, then many working hours are lost trying to get everything reorganized. SERVPRO needs to be called in to fix any water damage and clean up the affected areas so you can get your business back up and be running efficiently.
 
Mold can be a problem as well, as it is the most common result of water damage. Our technicians at SERVPRO can check for mold and make sure to clean up any which has already started to grow.
 
When your warehouse has suffered from water damage of any kind, allow SERVPRO of South Columbus to help you repair the damage. It is easy to reach us by dialing (614) 863-1393 anytime that you need assistance. We can fix the damage quickly to avoid any further damage and ensure your business is running smoothly again.

Procrastination can Lead to Flood Damage in Your Darien Residence

2/24/2017 (Permalink)

Storm Damage Through a Damaged Roof in Darien

Damage from Flooding Has Many Results

Putting off repairs until another time can allow leaks in pipes to become larger. These drips can suddenly become much greater, flooding your home. A pipe with a small crack can instantly turn into a broken conduit, sending water by the gallon into your living space. The same goes for joints that are not sealed or soldered correctly and come undone.

If you live in Darien and this situation happens to you, here are a few things you should know about flood damage. Water can damage anything it comes into contact with, even if the water is clean. Pure water can easily become contaminated by things in your home. Flood damage, just like water damage, gets worse the longer it is allowed to remain present.

Water flowing down your stairway and gushing over the sides can accumulate in many different locations in your home. Water travels downhill, but it also can spread out and cover more surface area when covering something in a horizontal manner, such as it would on a table. Wood absorbs water much more slowly than your carpet, upholstered furniture, or mattresses can, but wood can still soak up enough to be damaged by it.

The water involved in a broken water line is clean, of course, but that does not mean that the water will remain clean. Carpeting, even in the most meticulously kept home, contains many contaminants. Water can whisk that up and carry it along, dropping different things here and there along the path of least resistance. When those same contaminants remained trapped in your carpet's fibers, they did little damage, but now they are free. Contaminants can include microbes such as bacteria and even parasites that may have been inactive until they were immersed in water.

Flood damage can happen with water of any type, clean or utterly filthy. Leaving clean water standing is obviously not conducive to remaining in your home, and SERVPRO can remedy that quickly with a pump truck. However, simply extracting visible water is not enough. Damaged walls must be replaced with new ones, and upholstered furniture must be completely dried and possibly aired out. Your carpeting may need to be removed, and new carpeting installed or, perhaps, cleaned extensively and then dried well. Most often, though, carpeting is usually destroyed by flooding, even if the water was from a clean source.

Because flooding creates a situation in your home that is hazardous to your health and safety in numerous ways, having professionals who are experienced in the complicated cleaning up this type of damage is critical. Incorrect methods, or incomplete ones, can create more harm, not less, in the future. Allowing flooded areas to remain contaminated because they cannot absorb any water, such as the undersides of cast iron tubs, puts your family at risk. Each SERVPRO technician treats your home with respect and care they would pay for their own, and we always take the time required to ensure that each job is complete and done correctly.

SERVPRO of South Columbus is always ready, day or night, to help you take the sting out of flood damage. We know flooding happens without warning, so we are always ready to take your call. Contact us at (614) 863-1392, for this and any other disaster in your home.

Preparation Against Fire Damage On Your Townsend Property

2/21/2017 (Permalink)

Smoke and Fire Damage in Townsend

Be Prudent to Prevent Damages to Your Townsend Home Caused by Fire

As a crackling campfire or a cheerful blaze in a fireplace, fire offers heat, light, and comfort in most situations. However, a small fire can also become life-threatening within just two minutes, engulfing an entire structure in as little as five minutes.
 
According to the American Red Cross, a large number of homes throughout the Townsend are ill-prepared for fire damage. Most have broken or untested fire alarms, and avoid putting in the time required to come up with an escape plan, much less conduct preparedness fire drills to ensure everyone's safety, which is something we should all encourage changing.
 
Smoke alarms and a proper escape plan are the essential building blocks of a proper preparedness plan. However, that is only the beginning. SERVPRO encourages everyone to apply themselves to fire safety in their homes.
 
Electrical appliances are a fantastic convenience, but they can also be a major fire source. Dangers often include flickering lights caused by loose outlets, leading to an unusual amount of heat, scorch marks or frequently blown fuses. Frayed electrical cords, placing cords under carpeting or rugs, or leaving them where people can trip over them cause hazards that you should avoid.
 
Be smart when using candles by placing them in the proper candleholder, or on a heat-resistant surface, while making sure that the open flame is the appropriate distance away from flammable objects. Never use candles in a place where children or pets can reach them and knock them over, or leave them unattended for any reason.
 
Remain particularly safe when cooking in your kitchen, pay attention, stay on task and keep safety in mind. Get others fired up about safety in your home, let the people you love know that their safety is important and include them in your fire drills to ensure that they make it out too.
 
If a fire incident happens in your home, you are likely to discover fire, smoke, and water damages that you have no idea how to handle. You are far from alone, SERVPRO's restoration professionals are available to assess the situation, limit further damage by placing protective tarps and boarding up the impacted areas.
 
SERVPRO can also provide you with any water removal, cleaning and sanitization services needed to remove smoke and soot from your living space, as well as complete an entire restoration process to assist you with providing you with a quick, efficient solution to get things back to normal.
 
Contact SERVPRO of South Columbus immediately for additional advice about preparedness options or to gain the services from a professional company that is on your side. (614) 863-1392

When Mold Grows, Damage Follows – Protect Your Home in Columbus

2/8/2017 (Permalink)

Let the experts at SERVPRO help with any Mold Remediation needs.

Having houseplants inside over the winter is beneficial for both you and your plants. They receive protection and warmth from the harsh winter weather and you gain a natural air filter that provides oxygen and beauty. One thing that you might not know is that mold can also hitch a ride with your plants and spoil things for you. Plants don't like to be moved much, so after you've brought them inside in the late summer or early fall, chances are you've left them exactly where you originally placed them.
 
If you've placed them on a tray, you might not have a problem in your Columbus area home, but mold damage can hide under pots and planters. If these are sitting directly on the wood in your bay or bow windows, you could end up with a nasty surprise when you go to take them back outside again in the spring. Having such easy access to water and a wooden windowsill makes a perfect feeding ground for mold. Couple that with the warmth of the sun, but the darkness from being under a plant, and you've set up perfect conditions for mold.
 
If your windowsill has slats or joints, these can provide additional entryways for mold to migrate to other areas of the window. This is one way that seals on windows deteriorate. It can also cause window frames to warp, which may eventually allow in melting snow, rainwater, or pests. It can also lead to the heating and cooling systems in your home needing to work harder than they should. This will also cost you more money in utility costs that could be prevented.
 
If your wintering plants are beginning to smell strange, it could be mold that is the cause. If you find mold growing on tiles or another hard, non-porous surface, it most likely is safe to clean up with a damp cloth. When the windowsill involved is made of wood or other porous material, it can quickly turn into a much more complicated project, one that should have professional assistance. No job is considered to be too small at SERVPRO, nor too large. We are always available to help when mold damage is creating a problem in your home.
 
To protect your home from mold damage of any kind, give us a call. SERVPRO of South Columbus is always available and can be reached at (614) 863-1392.

How To Set Up Dehumidifiers When Repairing Flood Damage In Reynoldsburg

1/16/2017 (Permalink)

Drying out flood damaged homes takes more than just clever tools and equipment.

Dehumidifiers And Flood Damage

Drying out flood damaged homes takes more than just clever tools and equipment. You need an expert restoration team, with high-level skills and knowledge of the most efficient techniques. This is what SERVPRO can offer you if flooding has recently hit your property. We have access to state of the art drying machines, but we also know how to maximize their power.

Dehumidifiers are one of the most important drying tools when it comes to repairing flood damage in Reynoldsburg. It extracts the moisture from of the air and returns it to dry air. This is an essential part of the restoration process because flooding does not just leave its mark in standing water. For successful repairs, all moisture has to be eliminated, whether it is in the air, on the ground, or caught in soft furnishings.

Keep reading to learn more about how SERVPRO sets up dehumidifiers and gets the drying process started quickly.

Type Of Materials
The first thing that the SERVPRO technicians do is carry out an inspection. They enter the flood-damaged area and determine the extent of the damage. Before dehumidifiers can be set up, they first need to know what kind of materials need drying. Porous items (curtains, sofas, carpets, wood, etc.) are the hardest to restore. If a lot of porous items are wet, a longer drying period is required.

On the other hand, if wet materials are non-porous (metal, plastic), the drying period will be quicker and fewer dehumidifiers may be used. Most homes contain a mixture of the two, which means that technicians have to find a careful balance. Too many dehumidifiers can cause the air to become overly dry. This may damage softer materials like wood. Often, air movers are combined with dehumidifiers to prevent this from happening.

Putting Together A Plan
For all of these reasons, it is necessary for flood repair teams to think very carefully about how they set up drying equipment. To homeowners, it may appear arbitrary, but many precise calculations are involved. For instance, to determine how many dehumidifiers are needed and of what size, the following information must be gathered:
- Size of the flooded area (in feet)
- Type of flood damage (based on porosity)
- Type of dehumidifying technology available
- Average amount of water to be removed per day (in pints)

Choosing The Right Experts For The Job
So, you can start to see why flood damage restoration is such a complex task, even if the damage is modest. You should seek the help of a professional company like SERVPRO of South Columbus. We are a locally based service, so our technicians are perfectly placed to respond to emergencies. Call us 24/7 on (614) 863-1392.

How Much Can Mold Damage Affect an Office in Obetz?

12/20/2016 (Permalink)

Test For Mold in Your Obetz Office for Good Air Quality

SERVPRO Can Mitigate Business Losses Due to Mold

When mold damage hits an office, it can be difficult to immediately tell how much business is going to be impacted by restoration efforts. In some cases, workers may not even notice SERVPRO personnel and operations, but in others, a full temporary closure of the building may be necessary. We make every effort to keep the business running as usual during a mold remediation, but knowing what could and could not happen makes the difference between a company well-prepared for the challenges ahead and one that will struggle.
 
If Mold Damage is Limited
Depending on where the mold damage is in your Obetz office building, day-to-day operations may continue entirely unabated. Many cases of mold damage occur in hard-to-reach or out-of-the-way areas, meaning that any quarantines and machinery we put in place will be mostly avoided by most staff. However, other cases may come up in more populated areas including office spaces, break rooms and canteens, and bathrooms, directly impeding the routines of you and your employees. Business is only significantly interrupted in these cases if the mold is growing in a building's sole bathroom. If this is the case, bringing in portable toilets may be necessary.
 
If Mold Has Spread
If SERVPRO determines that the mold damage has spread beyond a small area, more drastic measures may be taken. In some cases, we will have to quarantine off multiple rooms and do significant work in there, as well as regularly measuring other areas for signs and symptoms of mold growth. If the mold is particularly far-reaching or has the potential to cause health effects, we may temporarily close the building until it is safe to reopen. In either case, larger mold colonies have little to no chance of not interrupting your business and must be dealt with quickly so that the situation doesn't get further out of hand.
 
SERVPRO of South Columbus has the tools, training, and technicians to handle mold damage in offices of all sizes. Contact the mold remediation professions at the first sign of mold growth at (614) 863-1392.

Fire Damage Cleanup in Canal Winchester

12/6/2016 (Permalink)

Your Canal Winchester Property Contains Smoky Residue and Odor After a Fire

Relieve Stress-Let SERVPRO Restore Your Fire Damaged Home

Fires, whether small or large, are devastating and destructive. Dealing with the effects of fire is mentally and physically exhausting. For many homeowners who have experienced such a disaster, the fire damage has permanently destroyed valuable homes and property, plus precious memories. That is why you need a full-service contract company, such as SERVPRO, which will work hard to clean and restore your home after a fire.

Our professional staff will fully reconstruct any structural damage caused by the fire damage, and inspect for any more loss from water and smoke damage in Canal Winchester. After a fire, you must consider the fact that not only will there be damage from the fire, but there could be water damage as well from the firefighting efforts and damage from smoke and soot that reach beyond the effects of the flames. These things need to be taken care of as soon as possible, and in a professional manner, to prevent any more damage from occurring.

SERVPRO staff will also work with your insurance company to make sure that your property is restored to its pre-loss condition. Our aim is to give you ease your mind during this stressful time and to help you and your family return quickly to the comfort that you are used to enjoying. We will handle any of the small details of restoration and cleaning as well so you can concern yourself with other facts of life. We understand that this time is stressful enough without having to deal with all the restoration problems, too.

Soot and smoke can damage your belongings and property, causing odors which will linger for years if they are left untreated. Our expert team will, therefore, get your home back into shape in a timely fashion. We will take an approach which is meticulous and thorough in repairing and restoring your property. When you call our team at SERVPRO, you will be benefitting from our compassionate approach to customer service and industry experience. As part of our repair process, we will perform services that include:  
Soot removal
Furniture and floor cleaning
Deodorization and Disinfecting

While we might not be able to expedite the healing process from the emotional impact of a fire, we will make the cleanup process successful and efficient. If you need such services, refer to our team at SERVPRO of South Columbus. You will be dealt with fairly when you call us at (614) 863-1392.

Aspects of Columbus Businesses that Make Them Vulnerable to Mold

11/19/2016 (Permalink)

Columbus Mold Damage to a Business Calls on SERVPRO for Remediation

SERVPRO Can Help Keep Your Business in Business

Mold can strike in any business, but some contain more risk factors than others, and thus are more susceptible to mold damage. Although you should note that there are many more potential causes and sources of mold growth, these businesses and materials can help to create a more welcoming environment for unwanted mold and fungi. If your commercial establishment meets any of the following criteria, you could be at an elevated risk of severe mold damage.

Gardening Supplies and Plants
Businesses that sell gardening supplies and plants, such as some hardware stores and florist shops, may be at an elevated risk for commercial mold damage in Columbus. Plants, fertilizer, and other products often create an excellent food and moisture source for mold spores looking for ideal growing conditions, in some cases directly leading to an explosively growing mold colony. Furthermore, you may receive shipments that already have mold in them, which if unnoticed could potentially spread by air or contact with the building's structure.
 
Uncleanly Tenants or Renters
If you are a landlord for a tenant or commercial renter with a history of hygiene or cleanliness issues, mold may enter the building at a very early stage. Mold thrives on musty and unclean conditions, especially when food or liquids are not properly cleaned up, and so do well with these renters. Furthermore, an unkempt tenant may be unwilling to come to you early on in the mold's growth, meaning the problem may have exploded by the time you're able to deal with it.
 
Older Building Materials
No matter what your business specializes in, the fact remains that older buildings are usually more vulnerable to mold damage than newer ones if they are poorly maintained. Old buildings have more leaks and less waterproofing, meaning that mold can, in many cases, easily find a water source and start growing. Another viewpoint is that newer buildings are more air-tight, allowing for less circulation. If the HVAC system is not performing its work properly, we have that condition that we hear more and more about, "a sick building." Try asking SERVPRO about our mold-resistant paints and building upgrades to remedy some of these problems.
 
SERVPRO of South Columbus are local experts in commercial damage and mold remediation, and for years have helped the community to overcome disasters on their properties. Call us at (614) 863-1392 for our help dealing with your mold emergency.

When Fire Damages Your Home In Lithopolis Call SERVPRO For Professional Restoration

11/10/2016 (Permalink)

Terrifying and overwhelming, a fire in your home is a significant life event.

Fire Damage And Your Home

Terrifying and overwhelming, a fire in your home is a significant life event. Unlike minor emergencies or routine house maintenance you can handle yourself, recovering from a house fire is a process that requires guidance from our highly-qualified SERVPRO professionals. Fire damages not only your home’s structure and belongings it can also unleash dangerous compounds that will diminish air quality inside your house, possibly putting your family’s health at risk. The fire may have been controlled with retardants from pressurized extinguishers as well as water, both of which may have doused the blaze but also add to the chemical and microbial residue that must cleared properly by trained individuals.

Greasy and toxic soot and residue from a fire are not simple to remove and your attempts to scrub away smoke and heat damage may make things worse rather than better. Our staff follows protocols that are based on experience and research into the best practices for fire damage restoration. Let the major cleaning be done by us in accordance with these industry standards so that your home is ready for habitation quickly.

If the structure is safe for you to enter after a fire, placing clean sheets or towels on furnishings or walkways is something you can do to minimize the spread of soot and other residues. Empty pantries of food for disposal if exposed to smoke and heat. Remove cold and frozen food from non-functioning freezers and refrigerators. Upholstered furniture and clothing must be handled by workers who are experienced in smoke and residue removal to ensure lingering odors or emissions do not harm your health. SERVPRO staff will have specific suggestions for things you can do to limit further damage to your home and health while we take on the job of cleaning, restoring and repairing walls, ceilings, flooring and fixtures.

Team with SERVPRO of South Columbus after a fire damages your home, learning from local pros what a homeowner can do and what should be left to restoration experts. A call to (614) 863-1392 anytime or day of the year will send an inspector to discuss with you to create the best plan for your situation.

The Place To Go For Water Removal In Columbus

10/25/2016 (Permalink)

Water damage restoration services can help you get back into your property! Call SERVPRO today!

SERVPRO Technicians are Certified in Dealing with Water Damage

Professional water removal services are readily available to you through our professional residential and commercial restoration processes. Don't leave anything to chance, see how our expert Technicians and advanced equipment made us a responsible trusted leader within the industry!
 
We have a highly efficient water removal team in Columbus that is eagerly waiting for your call! We'll work with you through everything and look forward to the opportunity to show you that our services are the best you'll find to assist you with your water removal needs!
 
Our SERVPRO Technicians are expertly trained to handle your water damage situation! Each Technician is certified to perform various functions required during different phases of our restoration process, and they desire to perform their assigned tasks as efficiently as possible to produce high-quality results for our customers.
 
The extraction equipment that our SERVPRO Technicians use is second to none; we spare no expense in providing our Technicians with the highest quality tools available. These extractors come in both portable and truck mounted variations, no job is too big or too small. While, submersible pumps are used to extract water exceeding two inches deep to help speed up the process.
 
Each extractor is made up of three main parts; a heater, a pump, and a vacuum system and their only purpose are to work together to perform a single function. They remove water!
 
Dehumidifiers are used throughout the process to assist in the drying process. These Dehumidifiers are used to cycle the air in the surrounding area, run it through a cold evaporator coil. Inside of the evaporator coil, moisture is separated and captured in a collection tray; then warm, dry air gets pumped out of the dehumidifiers exhaust fan.
 
A Refrigerant or LGR Dehumidifier is used at the beginning of the process when the humidity is at its highest, while Desiccant Dehumidifiers only serve a purpose when structural materials are wet, but everything else is dry.
 
SERVPRO Technicians using this type of equipment ensure that we can perform our absolute best and provide our customers a level of service that is as fast, effective and efficient as possible!
 
Find your way to SERVPRO of South Columbus for any water removal services. Our fast, 24-Hour Services at your disposal seven days a week, including all Holidays! We'll help manage any paperwork involved in your case and walk you through the entire process. There is a locally owned and operated franchise near you! - (614) 863-1392

Flood Damage Causes Many Problems in Your Home

10/8/2016 (Permalink)

Flood Damage to Drywall is Common in Pickerton

Rely on SERVPRO for Flood Damage Restoration

If you’ve recently had a flood of significance in your home, or firefighters have used water hoses to extinguish a fire, you are probably experiencing some severe water damage to your home and possessions. It can be overwhelming for sure, and in this type of situation, it is important that you know professionals you can turn to, like our team at SERVPRO, to help you restore your property back to its pre-loss state.

Flood damage in Pickerington of any kind can create quite the mess of things and will disrupt your daily routine. However, you can rest assured that the professionals at SERVPRO are trained to handle any situation like this properly so that they can have you back to normal as soon as possible. Water damage restoration is a process with multiple steps which need to be handled by our professionals who are licensed and certified water restoration contractors, both through corporate and IICRC training methodologies.

The Initial Visual Inspection
The first step will be to do an initial assessment to figure out the right action that is needed to reverse the adverse effects of the flood damage. After this is done, if there are no safety hazards, your contents will be secured, and the restoration can begin.

Extraction of Water
Containing the flood damage and getting rid of any standing water right away is the top priority. Anything that is wet such as pillows, throw rugs, toys, clothing, and the like are removed from the affected area. Our technicians will start to treat any wet surfaces such as ceilings, walls, or floors to help speed up the drying process. Baseboards may need to be discarded, along with any wet insulation. Cabinet drawers and doors will be opened to speed up the drying process. All wet surfaces will have to be treated.

Stabilizing and Drying
Once all the wet materials are removed, the drying process can begin. Technicians will use commercial grade equipment, including dehumidifiers, air movers, heaters and wood floor drying systems. Controlling the moisture is very critical in preventing the growth of mold and preserving your belongings and furnishings.

Reassessing the Damage
Once your home is dry, certified technicians will do another inspection to make sure there are no hidden moisture pockets which could result in further damage or mold growth. No guess work is involved because moisture sensors and thermal hygrometers will reveal hidden pockets of residual moisture.

Reconstruction
After the water damage has been mitigated and your home returned to a pre-loss condition, if there are any building materials which need replacement or structural damage, the last step is restoration. At the end of reconstruction, your home will be safe and secure once again for you and your family. "Like it never even happened."

Flood damage can be devastating. However, we at SERVPRO of South Columbus have the knowledge and training to restore your home. Give us a call anytime at (614) 863-1392 when you have experienced damage from flooding.

Blood Cleanup and Sanitizing

9/29/2016 (Permalink)

Trust SERVPRO for Blood and Bio- Hazardous Cleanup in Columbus

SERVPRO Thoughtfully Removes Blood and Other BioHazards from Your Property

America has many great features, but like any other country, crime still exists. Other tragedies also occur at times. When one happens in your family, some people can take care of the situation professionally and with a caring, sympathetic approach. At SERVPRO, we've been trained to clean almost any type of problem, and blood clean up is one of them. Because of the biohazard risk involved, it is always recommended that professional cleanup is conducted. This cleanup eliminates the risk to you and your family, and it can also help ensure that all traces of blood are removed.

Blood is difficult to clean up. In Columbus, blood cleanup can be carried out by our professionals from SERVPRO. We are trained to carry out the intricate and detailed work of blood and biohazard cleanup. Many different situations may require this in your home or that of a loved one. Simple, clean up from a small spill is insignificant compared to that of a tragedy in the family. If you find yourself facing such a situation, please know that you do not have to force yourself to carry the burden yourself by cleaning up a loved one's blood. Not only can this be emotionally traumatic, but it can also be a health hazard. Even though you know your family member, some health problems are unknown even to the person who has them. There's no reason to put yourself at risk. Allow SERVPRO to alleviate your stress.

Another reason professionals should conduct blood cleanup is that because of the proteins and metals in blood, it can not only stain many items in your home, but it also has a distinctive scent to it that can linger unless all traces are removed. Until removal is complete, the risk of biohazard contamination exists. Other times, blood can originate from a stranger, or even from an animal. Blood in your home from these sources should always be eliminated professionally.

When we at SERVPRO conduct blood cleanup tasks, we examine everything in the area that may have become contaminated with blood. The earlier we can begin, the sooner we can complete the work. This is because blood dries to a hard but sticky consistency. When blood is on porous surfaces, cleaning can be extensive in scope, sometimes requiring three or more times to ensure all traces have been lifted out of the item in question and then removed. While non-porous items such as metal or wood are easier to clean, detailing and engraving can require extensive cleaning, as well. Our intention is to show you we understand that you are experiencing a difficult time, possibly the most difficult in your life and that we can ensure that you do not have to face the tragedy again every time you enter your home.

If your family is faced with a tragedy or other event requiring blood cleanup, please call us. You can reach SERVPRO of South Columbus at (614) 863-1392 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Storms and Floods Create Havoc to Properties

9/15/2016 (Permalink)

Flooding in Columbus from a Storm Can Use Help from SERVPRO

When Your Property Has Been Flooded, Call SERVPRO for Help

Thunderstorms with heavy rain are one of the chief causes of flash flooding that harmfully impacts property owners. Floods are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters. Damaging waters can also be caused by the overflow of inland waters or the rapid accumulation of runoff of nearby lakes and rivers. When flood waters destroy nearly everything you have, you feel hopeless. It is disastrous and a mess.

When an emergency flooding event develops in Columbus, the first people on the scene are often the police, firefighters, and EMS personnel. These are your first responders, and they are trained to act quickly to make sure that people are safe. Local first responders know their localities very well. This information gives them an advantage if a flood disaster affects the community’s infrastructure. They form a life-saving component of the disaster relief network.
 
The Ohio Emergency Management Agency is set up to help its residents and business owners during disasters, such as flooding. Their total mission is to coordinate activities to help the citizenry to recover from disasters. The local Red Cross Agency and local FEMA representatives interface with each other to bring recovery resources and to support Ohioans impacted by a disaster, like floods.
 
The combined efforts of the Red Cross and FEMA are designed to help identify unmet needs and coordinate them with a network of voluntary organizations and recovery resources that can help. If people are displaced from their homes due to storm damage, FEMA, and the Red Cross lend assistance by placing families in a shelter, hotel or motel temporarily. Permanent housing is not provided by these agencies. Instead, their function is to help people left homeless to find out their options for their next form of housing.
 
In flood disasters, the purpose of SERVPRO is to help restore, not destroy. After water removal, drying, cleaning, and sanitation, there is restoration. Our recovery process can involve minor repairs, like replacing drywall and installing new carpets. There may be major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in your home or business to help restore your building to a pre-water damage condition.
 
We are also a part of the first responders. We are first on the location because we are locally owned and operated. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster, with the training, equipment, and expertise to handle your restoration and cleaning needs. Restoring storm and flood damaged properties are the cornerstone of our business.
 
SERVPRO of South Columbus takes pride in being a part of the Columbus community. Our highly trained technicians will help monitor and document each step of your restoration property in getting you back to normal. In any flooding or water emergency, remember that we are nearby and ready to help. Call us today – (614) 863-1392 and let us help

SERVPRO Water Removal

9/7/2016 (Permalink)

Flooding can cause large scale damage. Call SERVPRO to help!

Certification is Key to Proper Water Damage Remediation

Flooding of any type will ruin some personal possessions (books, papers, and cloth) within minutes. In just a few hours, carpets and flooring can be destroyed as well as furniture. After only a day, walls can become damaged past repair and will have to be removed and replaced before a homeowner or renter can return to their house.

When it comes to water removal for our Columbus neighbors, we require our personnel to meet the high standards established by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). SERVPRO also maintains an extensive inventory of specialized equipment built to extract flood water, regardless of the source and where it might be located in your home.

Each team member is trained on this equipment to quickly remove water. Since that is only the beginning, however, we also require them to become certified in five areas as determined by the IICRC. They are:

Water Damage - This overall course covers the many types of water damage and the effects it has on a home. Concentration is given to problems such as overflowing sewers and mold contamination.

Applied Structural Drying - This teaches each technician to use monitoring equipment, moisture extractors and specialized heaters and fans to dry walls and floors that have been under water.

Carpet Cleaning - Our team members learn to identify fabrics and the proper cleaning techniques required for each one. They also are taught to safely use the different cleaning chemicals available to us and how to use them with our vacuums and extractors.

Upholstery and Fabric Cleaning - Techs learn more fiber and cloth identification. Each person also learns about the specific cleaning issues needed to prevent fabrics from bleeding their colors, shrinking or otherwise becoming distorted from having been soaked.

Odor Control - Personnel learn to identify the source of odors caused by flooding or other water damage and the deodorization techniques available to combat them.

In addition to these areas, each technician is trained and qualified on every piece of equipment they might use on each job. Our inspectors also receive additional, specialized training to identify potential problems before they happen.

Right now, our area is not expecting rain for another week. This is the ideal time to get ahead of those potential problems and call SERVPRO of South Columbus to schedule an inspection. If you may have or suspect damage from previous flooding, call us today at 614-863-1392. We're ready to serve you.

How SERVPRO® of South Columbus Handles Fire Damage and Contents Cleaning

8/4/2016 (Permalink)

When a fire strikes, the damage goes beyond what meets the eye. Along with structural damage, personal belongings often suffer from smoke, soot, and water exposure. At SERVPRO® of South Columbus, we understand how overwhelming this can be, which is why we’re here to guide you through the recovery process every step of the way.

Specialized Fire Damage Restoration

Our experienced team is trained to handle every aspect of fire damage, from smoke and soot removal to odor neutralization and structural repairs. We use industry-leading equipment and techniques to restore your home or business to its pre-fire condition.

Contents Cleaning in Our Fire Warehouse

What sets us apart? SERVPRO of South Columbus has its very own fire warehouse dedicated to contents cleaning. Your belongings are carefully packed, transported, and stored in our secure facility. Using specialized cleaning methods, we restore items that may otherwise seem beyond repair—whether it’s furniture, clothing, electronics, or cherished keepsakes.

Let SERVPRO of South Columbus help you recover faster, with the care and expertise you can trust.

When Homes Develop Mold, Damage can Spread Quickly

8/2/2016 (Permalink)

When Mold Had Ruined Your Bathroom in Your Groveport Home, Call SERVPRO for Remediation

Call SERVPRO To Inspect and Remediate Mold Damage in Your Home

Because of the media attention on black mold of recent past, many homeowners believe that it is only black mold that can cause health effects. However, while this is true, the CDC recommends that all mold, of any and all types, be remediated. This is because black mold is not the only one that can cause those worrisome health effects – it just receives the most notoriety. Many mold problems need professional remediation by experienced technicians in order to prevent future damage and contain any current damage.
SERVPRO has certified and specially trained personnel who can remediate the mold in your home to acceptable levels, and then remove and restore any damaged areas back to their original state.

Mold growth in your Groveport home can damage your home's interior without proper remediation techniques. There are many ways that mold can become a problem very quickly in any home, even when you have a house that seems to be dry.
One way this can happen is when your clothes dryer doesn't completely dry the clothes by the time you pull clothing out of it. Clothing that isn't completely dry can act as a magnet to mold. Not only is there moisture present, but many types of clothing fibers can provide food for mold to consume. Ensuring that all clothing must be both laundered and dried correctly can reduce this risk. Many textiles are ruined after fungi visibly discolor it, and repairs are often difficult or impossible.

Washing the dishes by hand after supper and then putting them away should include ensuring they are dry beforehand. Damp plates and glasses and other items can allow moisture to evaporate in a closed cupboard or cabinet. This moisture can create a safe, dark, and damp haven for mold to grow. A dark cabinet often only needs moisture to add to its other environmental attributes to do this. Make sure you either air or towel dry your items to keep moisture, and mold, out of your cabinets.

Mold can start in many other ways in any home. If you can smell the musty odor of mold, but cannot locate it at the source, you should have your home inspected. SERVPRO professionals have moisture detecting instruments that can help detect mold colonies, as well as other problems in your home. Give us a call today at SERVPRO of South Columbus at (614) 863-1392, 24/7 hours a day, every day. We'll arrive promptly and put your concerns about mold at ease.

Fire Damage Experts of Ohio

7/19/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Is Ready to Restore Your Reynoldsburg Fire Damaged Property

SERVPRO's Expertise Can Restore Your Fire Damaged Property

The history of this part of Ohio began in the early 1800's. Many older buildings have been turned into quaint businesses, points of interest, and museums. We are proud to be a part of this community.

 This city is located just east of the capital of Columbus. The city carries the motto “The City of Respect.” Due to its historical importance to Ohio, fire damage in Reynoldsburg would not show any respect; it would be devastating. The buildings in and around this peaceful suburban community have been standing for many years.
 
However, when a fire does break out, business owners and homeowners will require specialized equipment and experience. Also needed are skilled experts who know how to handle all types of fires and the end results. SERVPRO adheres to The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification--IICRC guidelines, following best methods for fire damage restoration. This means that we are highly trained with constant continuing education in this field. We are team members of the National Disaster Recovery Team, part of the national franchises to help others in our area, and out of state. Our knowledge and experience help Ohioans with all of their natural disaster or accidental restoration needs. Let our experience and strong customer satisfaction achievements help you.
 
Along with our expertise, we work with the best equipment that is available in the industry. Our fleet of vehicles contains truck-mounted water pumps, portable pumping systems, air movers, dehumidifiers, ozone machines, foggers, and portable generators. Our supply of industrial chemicals, cleaners, and products is always top shelf. With a careful plan of action, we guarantee your satisfaction with the fire damaged restoration to your home or business.

We are a trusted leader in the disaster restoration industry. We help with Ohio's residential and commercial fire damage mitigation and reconstruction problems. Please call our experts anytime with our 24 hours a day emergency services, seven days a week. Our quick response to your disaster can help you avoid any further secondary damages and to prepare your property for restoration.
 
As a member of the community, we at SERVPRO of South Columbus are locally owned and operated. Contact us immediately when there is a fire or any other type of damage to your property. Call (614) 863-1392 and let us help you to restore your life and valuable property.

Commercial Water Damage Deserves Professional Repairs and Restoration

7/18/2016 (Permalink)

Save Water & Ongoing Damage In Columbus by Calling SERVPRO

SERVPRO Can Protect Your Investment Property from Water Damage

If you own rental property, you know that upkeep and maintenance is an ongoing task. However, if you neglect your property, your investment in it is lost, even if only partially. Real estate is often an ongoing investment, in addition to it being an ongoing source of income. However, it is those instances where the damage experienced is unprepared for and completely unexpected that can seem like the most problematic.

Ongoing commercial water damage in Columbus area properties can be mitigated when you call us at SERVPRO. We have professional team members who are experienced and trained in IICRC methods of water damage restoration. These experts are ASD, Applied Structural Drying, and WRT, Water Remediation Technicians, we versed in the business of limiting water damage to retail properties. These methods are designed to use state-of-the-art equipment and technology to dry out the water completely and remaining moisture to acceptable humidity levels in any home or office.

Rental Properties and Water Damage
We understand that your real estate properties were purchased to benefit you and your family and that any damage caused to these rental units can adversely affect your financial well-being. We also know that water damage that is unknown to you and then left behind or caused by tenants might have existed for some time before your knowledge. This can often mean that water damage has been allowed to spread and that mold levels can be much higher than what is acceptable.

We are experienced in eliminating all types of damage caused by water, from mold and mildew to structural deficits that can affect your ability to re-rent units to the public. We can quickly help you get your property damaged by water ready for new tenants and ensure that they are structurally sound, and that mold is remediated to help prevent adverse health effects to your tenants.

 Call us, SERVPRO of South Columbus at (614) 863-1392, for the fastest possible response to your commercial water damage problems. We understand your concerns for your investment's security, and your desire to provide safe housing to area residents.

Water Damage Can Happen Quickly

5/17/2016 (Permalink)

Flooding finds its way into structures like homes and businesses

Have you ever heard that water moves in all directions at the same time and takes the path of least resistance?  It's true, and it creates many issues for homes and businesses, including water leaks, broken pipes, plumbing backups, flooding, rising water, wind-driven rain, and dreaded sump pump failures.  Whatever the cause, addressing the situation quickly makes a huge difference in minimizing the damages.    Our professional water damage restoration standards help clarify and define terms and processes to be applied to the restoration, such as Water Category (the level of contamination) and Water Class (the extent of water damage)--both matter.  If we see a Category 3 water damage, like raw sewage, feces, or flood water, then we should discard affected porous materials (takes on water), because they cannot be effectively sanitized.  That is why we automatically will remove affected carpet and padding and discard it.  For Category 2 contamination it may be possible to clean and sanitize carpeting, while the wet pad must still be discarded.  Of course, the details matter, and the longer water "sits" around and in items, the greater the potential for viruses, bacteria, molds, and fungi to reproduce.  This is usually what has occurred when customers tell us "I see mold on the walls."  Call for help quickly, call for SERVPRO of South Columbus!  614-863-1392    www.SERVPROsouthcolumbus.com

Sump Pump Failure

5/17/2016 (Permalink)

Undetected water that sits can create microbial growth and require carpet replacement.

We see many flooded basements due to sump pump issues, so if you have sump pumps, then listen up.  First things first...check with your insurance agent to review your coverages!  It is very frustrating for owners to find out they did not have any coverage or insufficient coverage.  How do you know if you need sump pump coverage or not?  Look at what you have in the basement.  If you have an unfinished basement and just concrete floors, without any contents (or very few and not valuable), then you probably won't suffer much of a loss other than the cleanup effort from someone like us at SERVPRO of South Columbus, who specializes in cleaning up floods and backups in homes and businesses. If you have a finished basement and contents that you would want to be replaced if ruined, then the cost of replacing and repairing everything grows very quickly, and insurance can be a good way to protect your investment ( in your contents, and structure--walls, etc).  Columbus has many basements with sump pumps, and therefore we see many flooded ones.  Take time today to reach out to your insurance agent for a coverage review--you may be surprised how underinsured you are, not only for your home or business, but also your vehicles, health, and life. No we are not insurance guru's, but we see their clients--YOU, and they are either very upset with the situation because of no coverage or under insured, or just a little frustrated with the situation, but feel better about it when they know it is a covered loss!  Another precaution is to make sure you are paying attention to the weather and when we get a bunch of rain, then make sure you go downstairs to catch a problem as early as possible.  Many times, property owners do not realize they have a water loss until they start to smell something and go downstairs to see.  The longer the water sits, the more damage and throw aways you can expect...including your carpet, pad, and drywall that was affected.  Be proactive is the real message here. 

Mold, Fungi, Virus, Bacteria Issues?

5/13/2016 (Permalink)

Mold from a leaking pipe in German Village

Nature, the cycle of life, the natural order, and other expressions you have heard through the years, all refer to how things survive, thrive and die in the natural environment. Humans encounter mold, fungi, bacteria, and viruses in German Village every day.  However, when high concentrations of such microbes are present within buildings, it can cause health effects. Not all molds, fungi, viruses, and bacteria are harmful to us, but we often don't know what type of microbial to which we have been exposed, or to what degree (how much, or how long).  

So what should we do?  We use our noses!  If you can smell that familiar musty odor that mold can cause, it usually means it is off-gassing and is a good indication that mold is active and growing in a fairly high concentration.  Proper mold remediation in German Village requires the use of PPE (personal protective equipment), like respirators, goggles, gloves, etc. to protect against exposure to microorganisms.  There can be unknown strains in areas of increased growth, like a sewage backup, a flood, long-standing water in a basement, dead and rotten animals, and so on.  We also know that volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can be airborne, water borne, or surface borne; therefore we take all precautions to avoid exposure, and especially over exposure. 

The next time you think about jumping right in to start cleaning mold or sewage, before you stir things up too much I hope you will pause and reflect on safety for yourself and others; OR better yet, call the professionals at SERVPRO of South Columbus.  614-863-1392 www.SERVPROsouthcolumbus.com

Free CE Class--July 19

5/13/2016 (Permalink)

CE Information

SERVPRO of South Columbus is hosting 2 FREE continuing education classes (CE) on July 19, 2016, so save the date and call to RSVP (seating is limited). 

The first class is "Ethics" and is 3 INSURANCE Credit Hours, course 37868, registration is at 7:30am with class going from 8am-11am.

Free buffet style lunch from City Barbeque, www.citybbq.com/catering at 11am.

Then the next class:  Restorative Drying for Water Damage will start at 11:30am and run until 1:30pm.  It is 2 INSURANCE credit hours, Course 27720

If you need IICRC credits, then you must attend both classes to receive the IICRC credit (.5 credit).

NOTE:  CE classes are governed by the state, so all rules must be followed, examples: Must show up on time and stay for the full class in order to recieve credit.  No marketing allowed during the class.  You must sign in and sign out with the proper times, you will be ID'd,  and so on.  We as the host are required to do a punchlist of things, including providing attendees with the housekeeping rules and classroom protocol, and the State's expectation is that all attendees, instructor, and host will all comply with the rules.

Please contact Shawn Young, SERVPRO of South Columbus to RSVP at 614-863-1392,  jyoung@SERVPRO10526.com, shawn9561@gmail.com, or text at 615-717-5515 (yes, 615 is correct).  Thanks and look forward to providing this service to our insurance clients.

Commercial Facilities

5/13/2016 (Permalink)

Large Warehouse Water Damage

If you work in a commercial facility or industrial space, like a warehouse, then most do not ever think about that 8 inch water main bursting, or the machine that overheats and starts smoking badly or even catches on fire!  This situation can lead to missed orders, downtime to workers, and lost clients because they need the product you are providing, and now look to other suppliers.

That is where SERVPRO can help.  We have a faster response to any water or fire disaster than anyone, because we are local.  If we need other resources because of the size and scope of the project, then we can essculate as needed.  We ask when you need back up (of course the answer is now!!) and then bring in the resources to work 24/7 as needed to meet or exceed the deadline.  How?  We scale into a project--most commercial projects are under $25k and the local (us), take care of it; however, the more important it is to "be back up and running, NOW" it is, the quicker we bring in the required resources to attack it! We have agreements in place with other local SERVPROs, Large Loss Response Team SERVPRO's; and Extreme Response Team SERVPRO's to tackle it.  No job is to small, to large, to sensitive, or to confidential--we have solutions!  Check us out online:     www.SERVPROsouthcolumbus.com

www.SERVPRO.com

Trusted Partner: 

www.redcross.org

Raw Sewage Backup

5/12/2016 (Permalink)

This raw sewage backup was 2 inches deep and had a milkshake consistency and very very putrid before stirring it up!!

Sewer backups can be some of the most nasty situations a residential or commercial client can encounter.  Often times the only way it is discovered is by the rancid smell that works up to the living and working areas.  This odor can make the most seasoned restoration professional sick to their stomach.  So my message here is, please think about your personal protection--the raw sewage can be extremely dangerous and filled with gases, virus', bacterial, and fungi--all of which are on the surface and airborne and can create health issues and sickness.  So a tip:  Do not just jump right in and tackle this job without proper planning, which starts with a question--should I be doing this or calling a professional?  If you choose to do it yourself, then educate yourself for the safety of yourself and others in the household or business.  Even if you go down and try to sweep, shovel, etc  a little bit, then you are at risk and that decomposing feces and other particles will be almost unbearable to an unprotected nose and mouth--you might even throw up!!  I recommend you NOT tackling it, and just call for a pro...SERVPRO!  

 SERVPRO employees have all the PPE (personal protective equipment) and the proper training and products to tackle such jobs, while minimizing harm to themselves and others.  We know how to contain the situation and neutralize it!  Call SERVPRO of South Columbus to assist!  614-863-1382.  www.SERVPROsouthcolumbus.com 

Mold, Virus, Bacteria

5/12/2016 (Permalink)

One of the most challenging problems that can impact a homeowner's life is unknown or left alone water damage. Unfortunately, many residential property owners don't know what to do when this disaster strikes And some believe "it will dry and be okay" However, learning more about water damage can prepare you to resolve any issue that surfaces quickly and correctly. Read this quick information guide to get the information you need on this important matter. 

Numerous types of water damage can adversely impact your property once excess water is on the premises. For example, personal contents stored near the water can be subjected to extensive damage and even destruction. This includes items like clothing, drapes, furniture, and boxed items. Water can also adversely impact your electrical appliances and electrical connections. Additionally, wooden items like structure beams and flooring can become susceptible to rotting as a result of water damage.

Another danger that can result from water damage is the onset of health risks. For example, excess water can lead to bacteria that generates illness for those who are repeatedly exposed to it. Standing water also creates the ideal environment for mold to thrive in very quickly. When exposed to mold for extended periods of time, household members can experience a broad range of unwanted health issues. More importantly, mold can be very challenging to remove.

Let SERVPRO's Professionals Assist You Now

As made plain by the information above, water damage is a serious issue that can do extreme harm to your health and your home. However, attaining a high-caliber water damage restoration service can help ensure that you and your residential living space are kept in excellent condition. The company to call for expedient, exceptional restoration support is SERVPRO. Our IICRC-certified professionals work with skill and diligence to address and resolve each property issue you have. We're ready to assist you now, so call us today and let's get started!

Mold Cleaning and Remediation is a Job for Professionals

5/12/2016 (Permalink)

A leaking pipe that went undetected for an extended time period allowed extensive mold growth that was concealed by furniture.

Visible mold growing inside your home or business may pose serious health risks for some people, and it should be properly removed as soon as possible.

Mold spores in Columbus or elsewhere, which are similar to the seeds of a plant, are microscopic in size and ever-present in the air and on surfaces, both inside and outside of buildings. All that is necessary for mold spore to take root and grow is a growth medium, sufficient moisture, and time.  A bit of dust, or soil, or food residue on any surface (even concrete or tile) is enough to serve as a growth medium for mold or other microbes.  Porous materials such as carpet or drywall can be an excellent growth medium.  Humid conditions combined with warmer temperatures can accelerate the growth of some types of mold.  When moisture remains in a suitable growth medium for more than a day or so, mold and other microbial growth is possible and likely, which is why keeping surfaces of indoor environments clean and dry is important.

Once mold in Columbus becomes visible to the naked eye, it is usually active and growing. The expression "Black Mold" is often used when it is visible.  When this occurs in the built environment, it may be cause for concern, and you should contact a mold remediation professional, to perform an inspection.

The restoration technician will begin by checking for wet conditions in the building.  Since moisture plays a key role in the growth of microbes, the amount of moisture present in the air, the building contents, and the building materials must all be taken into consideration. The technician will attempt to determine the source of the excess moisture.  Any leaks or other sources of excess moisture must be addressed.

 The technician may employ any of several methods and devices to measure the moisture in each of the areas above.  The tool used most commonly by technicians for measuring moisture in the air is a thermo-hygrometer (sometimes called a psychrometer), which is essentially an electronic psychrometric calculator.  The primary readings use by the technician are temperature and relative humidity.  The readings from the psychrometer may also be inserted into a psychrometric chart. From this, the technician can see the relationship between relative humidity, temperature, dew point, and the humidity ratio.  Relative humidity is the percentage of moisture in the air compared to how much moisture the air is capable of holding at a given temperature.  Dew point is the temperature at which water will begin to condense from the air onto surfaces.  The humidity ratio is the actual amount of water vapor in one pound of dry air, usually expressed as a ratio of grains of water vapor per pound of air (GPP). 

 There are several tools used to determine the moisture content of the materials in the building.  A non-penetrating moisture meter will measure to a depth of approximately 3/4 of an inch.  Most have separate settings for wood, drywall, or masonry.  Wood moisture content is measured as a percentage, while other materials use a points scale.

 A pin-type penetrating moisture meter is employed to check for moisture deeper than 3/4 nch, or if there are wet materials behind a wall or under a floor.  It has probes that must be driven into or even completely through one material to check for moisture in another, such as insulation behind drywall, or subfloor materials beneath a vinyl rug. 

Another method for finding wet materials that may not be visible to the naked eye is with an infrared camera.  Infrared cameras are extremely sensitive, with the ability to detect temperature differences to as little as .05 degree Fahrenheit. They can enable the technician to locate wetness in buildings that cannot be found using conventional moisture meters.

The moisture levels in most materials must be measured against a 'dry standard', which will vary with local environmental conditions.  The dry standard for materials in a building along the Gulf of Mexico will usually allow for a higher normal moisture content than for materials found in a building in the Desert Southwest for example.  The technician will take readings from an area of the structure, or a neighboring structure, that has not been affected by the water damage event to set a 'drying goal' for each type of material, which will approximate the dry standard.

When a building incurs a water loss, the level of wetness is classified, and the level of contamination is categorized according to standards established in the S500, a manual by the Institute for Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification and Training (IICRC).  Water damages are divided into 4 Classes.

- Class 1 water damage is the least amount of wetness, confined mainly to the floor with only part of a room or area affected and little or no wet carpet or carpet pad. 

- Class 2 is a large amount of water, with very wet flooring materials in at least an entire room and moisture wicking up the walls no more than 24 inches. 

- A Class 3 water loss is the greatest amount of water, with entire rooms saturated from ceiling to floor, where water may have leaked down from above. 

- Class 4 is a Specialty Drying situation, with hard to dry materials such as concrete, plaster or masonry, and deep pockets of saturation, which may require very low humidity or heat to dry. 

Water contamination is broken into three categories:

- Category 1 water is water from a clean or sanitary source, which may be from a broken supply line, or toilet tank or bowl. Category 1 water can degrade over time to Category 2 or 3 with exposure to higher temperatures or contaminants, such as animal feces or animal carcasses. 

- Category 2 water is mildly contaminated, and may cause illness or discomfort if ingested.  Sources of Category 2 water may include a washing machine or dishwasher overflow, toilet overflow with no feces or a small amount of urine.  Category 2 water can degrade to Category 3.

- Category 3 is grossly contaminated water which would likely cause serious illness or death if ingested.  Examples include sewage, intruding water from flooding rivers or streams, toilet back-ups that include feces, or water that has been sitting long enough to support microbial growth.  Water associated with a significant mold loss is generally considered to be Category 3. 

If mold is discovered or suspected, samples must be taken from surfaces inside the building, and from the air both outside and inside of the building.  The process of taking samples may require somewhat intrusive measures, such as moving furniture, lifting carpeting, opening air condition ducting, or even removing sections of drywall or flooring.  The samples are taken to a laboratory and examined under a microscope by to identify the type and quantity of any microbes present.  The results for the interior and exterior samples are compared against each other.  The quantity of mold spore for a given volume of air should be somewhat less indoors than outside.  The type and quantity of microbes normally present in the local environment are also taken into consideration.  It is not uncommon in cases of serious interior mold infestations that the quantity of mold spores discovered in the interior air samples is significantly higher than the outdoor sample.  Another indicator of an interior mold problem is the presence of a significant quantity of spores from the indoor air sample that are of a different type than the majority of spores present in the outdoor air sample.

When the results of the laboratory analysis are positive for mold, a remediation protocol is developed.  This protocol must be followed by the mold remediation professional. 

Before the remediation can begin, any standing water must be removed from the environment. Air scrubbers may also be installed inside the building.  Air scrubbers are high-efficiency particulate arresting (HEPA) air filters, which remove 99.97% of particles from the air, down to a size of .03 microns.  This filtration level is fine enough to capture mold spore, which can help reduce the amount of it in the air, and the likelihood that the mold will spread. 

Technicians must don the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) before beginning the remediation.  This usually includes impermeable gloves and suit, a respirator and eye protection.  The remediation technicians will construct a containment barrier around the affected area, to close-off unaffected areas from the remediation process. Slight negative air pressure should be maintained within the containment, with any air exiting the chamber also filtered through an air scrubber, to reduce the likelihood of cross-contamination of unaffected areas.

Any wet and contaminated, porous materials, such as carpet or upholstered furniture, must usually be discarded.  Materials to be discarded must be sealed in a container (such as a trash bag) while still within the containment area.  Once removed from the building, it can be tossed out with normal construction waste. 

Standing water must be extracted. Extraction is normally accomplished using a powerful portable unit that is capable of pulling a strong vacuum.  Truck mounted extraction is less common in the presence of mold. 

Once standing water has been removed, any remaining residual moisture must be removed from materials to be saved through dehumidification.  Commercial dehumidifiers are usually employed to achieve low relative humidity levels.  Low grain refrigerant (LGR) dehumidifiers are used with larger losses and higher moisture levels, as they are capable of discharging air at even lower humidity levels.  However, refrigerant dehumidifiers must operate within a relatively narrow temperature range to achieve maximum effectiveness.  Desiccant dehumidifiers are capable of achieving extremely low humidity levels in a wide range of temperatures, but they require a method to discharge moist air from the environment, which may not always be feasible, especially in the presence of mold. 

When materials such as concrete or plaster become saturated with moisture, they can be difficult to dry, and will usually take much longer than materials such as wood, drywall or carpet.   Heat may be added to the drying process in this case.  However, heating the materials or the drying environment can also stimulate mold growth, and should not be employed on a mold job until humidity levels have been reduced below 50%. Air movement may also be applied to aid in moisture removal, although this too is often curtailed in the presence of mold, to prevent spreading and cross-contamination.

It is not uncommon for the subfloor and structural members of a building to be contaminated with mold as well.  Solid wood flooring or structural wood can be sanded or otherwise abraded to remove mold.  HEPA vacuum equipment is employed to capture all of the dust and debris created by this process. The depth of material that must be removed will be specified in the protocol.  Since the integrity of some structural members can be compromised by sanding or grinding, it may be necessary to consult with an engineer to determine how much material can be safely removed before having to be replaced. 

The goal of a mold remediation is to remove the mold from all surfaces, or remove and discard material where the mold cannot be remediated.  In some cases, it is extremely difficult or impossible to remove material or remediate the mold from it.  In those cases, the mold may be sealed off using an approved an encapsulant.

Once the remediation is complete, the containment barrier can be disassembled, and any reconstruction can begin.

We're Here To Help with Fire and Water Damage!

4/21/2016 (Permalink)

Stove fires are always at the top reasons for a fire. Never leave a stove unattended when using it, because that quick minute can lead to a disaster.

Anyone who has suffured a fire loss, can attest to the great emotional stress inflicted upon all involved.  We at SERVPRO of South Columbus see it all to much, but are trained to help people process the wide range of emotional outbursts such as fear, pain, anger, sadness, etc. and we try to be very sensitive to what our clients are "feeling".  No judgement, just help! 

Fire and Water Damage are two core components of our business.  We help you get back to normal (if there is such a place) as quickly as possible.  We understand loss of possessions is difficult, but loss of life (human, animal, plant) is devastating!  So I offer a couple of suggestions after you get out safely:  Dont make any decisions, sign forms, or anything else that requires much thinking for at least 24 hours, because frankly--you're probably not thinking correctly due to the stress!  Let the professionals in your life handle all the details, such as who will come clean, repair, replace, etc. all your items. These people are your insurance agent, adjuster, property manager, and the like.  As an established and trusted brand SERVPRO of South Columbus can also be one of those people, as we like to watch out for our clients and customers--not just get get a job!  We are 24/7 and here to help  614-863-1392.

Flooded Basements Possible Next Week

4/20/2016 (Permalink)

Before the shower was cleaned from flooded basement

Hello friends, we all have been hearing and seeing the devestating news about the widespread flooding in Houston, and if you have ever been in a water damage situation, you can feel their pain.  Next week in Columbus and the surrounding areas, we are looking like several days of rain--not like Houston, but it may be enough to give sump pumps and drains a hard time to do their jobs.  Do you have a finished basement?  If so, you may want to take some precautions to keep from having your items ruined.  First, watch the weather and if you are in an area where they are talking about "training rain" or high winds (power outages), then you should take notice and be proactive about moving your items off the floor or better yet--totally out of the basement.  If that is not feasible, then do as much as possible.   If no water enters your basement, then great, but if it does, then you will have saved some of your items.