Storm Season Has Made a Mark Already: Prevention Tips From The Storm Damage Experts

9/8/2023 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO teams were called for water damage assessments after a storm came through.

Homeowner's Guide to Preventing Storm Damage

For much of the country, summer means storms. Thunderstorms are a welcome relief from the heat of summer, but the same storms that bring relief from the heat can also lead to a damaged home. Homeowners can minimize the risk of Albany and Americus storm damage by preparing for the season and repairing the damage quickly.

Preventing Flood Damage
Hail, high winds and flooding are possible during a severe thunderstorm. To prepare for the storms ahead, consider hiring a professional to determine the elevation of the home and whether the home lies in a flood-prone area. Even homes that are typically not affected by flooding may be at-risk when rainfall amounts are higher than average for the region.

Homeowners should also be aware of how water travels on the property. For instance, homeowners should note whether rainwater drains away from or toward the home. A professional landscaping company can assist you in diverting water away from your home to minimize the risk of flooding.

Annual Maintenance for Homeowners
Clean gutters are essential when preventing Albany and Americus storm damage. Clean the gutters regularly during storm season, and check downspouts to ensure the water is draining away from the home. It is also important to examine windows to prevent Albany and Americus storm damage. Examine window wells after a minor rain, and make repairs if the window well isn't draining properly. To further weatherproof windows, apply fresh caulk around windows as needed to prevent leaks.

The roof is your first and most important line of defense against water damage. To ensure your roof is ready for severe storms, hire a professional roofing company to examine the home for signs of damage, and make any necessary repairs immediately.

Preparing Your Basement for Heavy Rains
Basements are particularly prone to flooding, but can be protected with regular maintenance. To prevent water damage, check the sump pump after storms to ensure it is working properly, and use a non-GFI power source to power the pump. If valuable items are stored in the basement, place the items in a secure location off the basement floor.

To further prevent damage, check the basement immediately after severe storms and whenever heavy rains occur. Even a small amount of standing water can cause serious damage to the home and your belongings.

If you are planning a summer vacation, leave a house key with a trusted neighbor who can inspect the basement for storm damage while you are away. SERVPRO can assist you with any preparations or repairs that you need to make your home weather-resistant for the summer season.

Locally Owned Company with National Storm Resources

We live and work in this community too; we might even be neighbors. As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of Albany and Americus is close by and ready to respond to storm and disaster events. We are proud to be an active member of the Albany community and want to do our part to make our community the best it can be.

SERVPRO of Albany and Americus Begin to Help Locals Prepare for Storm Season

8/24/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO called in to assess water damage on commmercial structure in Albany after storms came through.

Here at SERVPRO of Albany and Americus, we are always "Ready for whatever happens" and we want to help you be ready too!   You can't predict what Mother Nature will throw your way, but you can take certain steps to prepare for the unexpected.  Most of us who have lived in this area know our disaster checklist and we make sure to have our flashlights, batteries, water and gas on hand, but what about your business? Have you ever thought about preparing your business for the unknown? If you haven’t, SERVPRO of Albany and Americus is here to help.

We offer a free, Emergency Ready Profile to help our commercial clients have a plan in place to deal with fire or water damage. With this amazing service you have everything you need at your fingertips in our Emergency Ready App, available on all iOS and Android systems. For more information, or to schedule a consultation with one of our sales team, call 229-439-2048.

SERVPRO Polls From the Community for Back to School Teacher Appreciation Giveaway

8/17/2023 (Permalink)

Back to School Teacher Giveaway 2023

After the first week of school was complete, SERVPRO gathered gifts from local vendors who wanted to participate in a Teacher Appreciation Giveaway. From good bites to boutique bucks, the gift basket is full of the cities favorite hot spots and services. 

Posting on social media to acquire the nominations, the SERVPRO marketing team saw floods of teacher names coming in, and they are set to draw the prize at the end of the week.

To continue the community connection, the team is doubling down to enter all of the gracious people that took the time to submit entries into a drawing of their own!

Our team is so grateful to be heading into another school year full of fun, connection and SERVice!

Water Damage Cleanup in Lower Levels of Your Home- The Pros Explain the Process

8/6/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO experts are bought in to dry out basement of a local Albany home.

Cleaning Up Your Water Damaged Basement

Whether from a storm, a pipe burst, or a particularly nasty leak, basement flooding is a relatively common affliction to homes across the nation. Water naturally seeks to flow to the lowest ground and pool there, and this is often, unfortunately, the nearest home's basement. Basement flooding can range in intensity and damage, from just fractions of an inch of water to full submersion of the area. Regardless, restoring a basement after a flood is a challenging task, and requires professional training and equipment.

Pumping and Extraction
The first step in cleaning up and basement water damage in Albany and Americus is to pump out any remaining water. Depending on how much water is in the basement, extractors can be either portable or mounted on a truck. Simply put, we use these machines to pump water out of a structure to its exterior in massive volumes.

Air Movers and Dehumidifiers
When removing the remaining traces of moisture from a basement, the first step involves heavy air movers, moving large volumes of air rapidly across surfaces to reduce their drying time. Then, we bring in dehumidifiers, which remove moisture from the air which is picked up by air movers. In this way, the two machines work together to dry out a room quickly and remove any extra moisture within.

Deodorization
Waters, especially floodwaters from a storm, can leave terrible smells in a room even after it has dried. Thus, deodorizers in the form of ultra-low volume and thermal foggers are brought out, to mask even the heaviest of smells and make the room livable again.

Sanitization and Cleaning
Once odors and all water have been removed from the basement, professional SERVPRO cleaners move in to sanitize, scrub, and repair each surface in the basement. It is important to let our professionals do this task, as there may still be harmful substances in the environment such as chemical stains and mold growth.

SERVPRO of Albany and Americus is a professional, locally-owned and operated cleanup and restoration company which is trained and equipped to deal with the toughest water damage cases in the area. Contact us for 24/7 emergency service at (229) 439-2048.

SERVPRO Brings Solutions For Smoke and Soot Damages in Albany, Ga.

7/28/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Albany sends fire damage restoration experts to a local family after they endured smoke and soot damages.

Smoke and soot are very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home or commercial property, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Albany and Americus will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

First Steps to Take When Water Damage Occurs in Albany and Americus.

7/26/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO water damage restoration experts perform restoration on an Albany home that endured water damage from a storm.

First Steps to Take When Water Damage Occurs in Albany and Americus.

The aftermath of floods and fires present homeowners in Albany and Americus with many problems. Water damage is one of the most serious and pressing issues that has to be addressed immediately. If you do not respond to your water damage issues quickly, your home can become an optimal space for mold and mildew to thrive. Additionally, water damage can adversely impact the structural integrity of your property, along with personal items and furnishings. The importance of you contacting a water damage restoration company such as SERVPRO, as soon as your home is under duress from flood or fire, cannot be over-emphasized. Learn more about some of the benefits that securing a professional water damage service can bring by reviewing the following information: 

Water Cleanup of Your Albany and Americus Home

Water cleanup, the extraction process for your home, should be initiated within 24 hours of the event. This water removal is essential because mold and mildew start to proliferate 48-72 hours after the accumulation of water and moisture. This growth is a secondary water damage result that be even more degrading to your property than the initial water damage created by flood, leakage, or fire. For this reason, the water damage professionals from SERVPRO advise in starting the cleanup process as quickly as possible.

Repairing Your Albany and Americus Home

Following a flood or fire, your residential property has likely been impacted by structural and possibly electrical damage. For these reasons, it is probably unsafe for you to reenter your home right after the water damaging occurrence. Instead, you should wait to attain approval for reentry from the officials (such as a fire department). When you hire a water damage restoration company like SERVPRO, they will make an assessment and thorough inspection leading to the proper course of action. Then the restoration process can commence from water removal to cleanup to repair and finally, restoration.  If necessary, these water damage experts can send recommended outside contractors to your property, upon the approval of you and your insurance carrier, to speed the repair process along. SERVPRO will provide closing documentation for the work performed and the drying out of your home.

Understanding What Water Damage Is, And Who To Call, Leaves You Set Up For Success When Disaster Strikes.

7/25/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO restoration experts were called in to extract water from Albany home after a storm came and caused roof damage.

Sometimes you need to go back to the basics when dealing with common restoration services needs. Approaching storm season, it is fitting to start with what water damage is!

Water damage restoration is the process of mitigating and restoring a property that has been affected by water damage. This could occur as a result of floods, leaks, burst pipes, or other water-related incidents. It is important for several reasons:

1. Preventing further damage: Prompt water damage restoration is crucial in preventing further damage to the property and its contents. Water can quickly spread and seep into building materials, causing structural damage, weakening foundations, and promoting mold growth. By quickly removing the water and drying out the affected areas, further damage can be minimized.

2. Mold prevention: Standing water or excessive moisture provides the ideal breeding ground for mold growth. Mold can start growing within 24-48 hours after water damage occurs. It not only damages property but also poses health risks to occupants. Effective water damage restoration helps to dry out the affected areas, preventing the growth and spread of mold, and ensuring a healthy living or working environment. That’s why it’s important to have our experts on speed dial.

3. Salvaging belongings: Water damage can ruin furniture, electronics, documents, and personal belongings. SERVPRO water damage restoration professionals come in to assess the extent of damage and employ techniques to salvage items that are salvageable. This can help minimize financial loss and restore sentimental or valuable items that may hold significance.

4. Structural integrity: Water damage can compromise the structural integrity of a building. It can weaken foundations, walls, and floors, leading to long-term problems if not addressed promptly. Our crews have the expertise and equipment to assess structural issues and take appropriate measures to restore the integrity of the affected areas.

5. Insurance claims: Water damage restoration is often required to initiate an insurance claim. Insurance policies typically cover water damage caused by sudden and accidental events. However, insurance providers may require a thorough assessment and documentation of the damage to process the claim. Working with our team is the most sure fire way to ensure that the necessary documentation and evidence are provided to support the insurance claim.

Water damage restoration is important for mitigating further damage, preventing mold growth, salvaging belongings, preserving the structural integrity of a building, and facilitating insurance claims. It is a vital step in recovering from water-related incidents and returning the affected property to its pre-damaged condition.

You don’t need to handle this alone. Putting our contact information into your mobile phone, and having it on hand at home, is the best way to make sure you are ok when water damage comes your way!

Will My Restoration Company Rebuild My Structure After Disaster Strikes?

4/12/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO reconstruction team services a hotel that was affected by Fire and Water damage.

Our restoration experts are here to bring you a total solution. That means we take the project from disaster to a full rebuild. 

SERVPRO’S reconstruction process is designed to restore a property to its pre-damage condition after it has suffered from damages caused by water, fire, mold, or other disasters. The process involves several stages to ensure a comprehensive and efficient restoration. Here is an overview of our  reconstruction process:

1. Initial Contact and Assessment: When a client contacts our experts for reconstruction services, our  team will gather relevant information about the incident and schedule an on-site assessment. During the assessment, we will inspect the property, determine the extent of the damage, develop a reconstruction plan, and provide an estimate for the project.

2. Coordination with Insurance: If the client has insurance coverage for the damages, our team will work closely with the insurance company to ensure a smooth claims process. We will provide the necessary documentation and updates to the adjuster, helping to speed up the process and reduce complications.

3. Removal of Damaged Materials: Before the reconstruction process can begin, SERVPRO team members will start by removing and disposing of damaged materials that cannot be salvaged. This includes drywall, flooring, insulation, and other building materials that have been affected by water, fire, or mold.

4. Structural Drying and Stabilization: For cases that involved water damage, our technicians will use advanced drying equipment and techniques to thoroughly dry the affected areas before beginning reconstruction. This step helps ensure a stable environment and prevent future problems, like mold growth and structural deterioration.

5. Reconstruction and Repair: Once the affected areas have been prepared, the actual reconstruction process begins. This may include replacing or repairing structural elements like drywall, flooring, and ceilings, painting walls and ceilings, and installing new fixtures and cabinetry. SERVPRO of Albany/Americus skilled construction team handles these tasks to ensure a seamless and efficient restoration process.

6. Content Cleaning and Restoration: Throughout the reconstruction process, the crew will also focus on restoring damaged personal belongings and contents. We use specialized cleaning methods and equipment to restore items like furniture, textiles, electronics, and personal effects.

7. Final Walkthrough and Quality Control: Once the reconstruction work is complete, The team leaders will conduct a final walk-through with the client to ensure all tasks have been completed to their satisfaction. Any outstanding issues or concerns will be addressed at this time to ensure a successful project completion.

8. Post-Construction Cleanup: After the reconstruction is complete, SERVPRO provides post-construction cleaning services to ensure the property is left in a clean and comfortable condition. This includes removing dust, debris, and other residues that may have been produced during the reconstruction process.

Overall, SERVPRO’S reconstruction process strives to return a damaged property to its preloss condition efficiently and with minimal disruption to the property owner. The process tightly integrates damage remediation, content restoration, structural repairs, coordination with insurance, and final clean up to provide a comprehensive and seamless restoration experience.

SERVPRO Provides Fire Protocol Tips For Albany and Americus Businesses.

3/13/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO fire damage restoration experts are brought in to begin cleanup post fire.

11 Tips for What to do During and After a Business Fire

Americus commercial fire damage can have a devastating impact on the daily activities of your business. In order to survive Americus commercial fire damage, your company needs to have a plan of action. At SERVPRO, we know how disorienting and frightening a fire can be. We have compiled a list of things you can do in the event of a business fire.

1. Check your doors. Before opening any door, you should check the opening of the door to see if there is the presence of smoke. The saying 'where there is smoke there is fire' is an accurate statement. If you see any smoke, do not open the door. You can also touch the door to gauge its temperature. Exit through windows if the doors are unavailable.

2. Get out of the building - FAST. It is important not to waste time gathering personal items. Find the nearest route to get you and your staff to safety. When you are safely outside of the building, move as far away from it as possible.

3. Be aware of the dangers of smoke inhalation. As you exit the building, stay as far away from smoke as possible. Instead of walking, crawl on the floor until you are safely out of the building. Inhaling smoke can cause you to feel weak and lead to death. Stay clear of any smoke.

4. Take a head count. When your staff has moved to a safe place, count the number of people that have made it out of the building safely. If you find that a person is missing, do not go back into the building to find them. Allow the first responders to conduct the search. Only return to the building when it is safe to do so.

5. Contact the American Red Cross.

6. Call your insurance company. They can help you fix the commercial damage.

7. Do not re-enter the building without permission from the fire department under any circumstances.

8. Gather your records and important documents to present to the insurance company.

9. Keep track of any expenses related to the commercial damage.

10. Contact the police. If your property is abandoned and open to the public, request police to monitor the building during your absence.

11. Contact SERVPRO for disaster restoration services.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

SERVPRO of Albany and Americus is locally owned and operated and we are proud to be part of this community. We are also part of a national network of over 1,650 Franchises with special Disaster Recovery Teams placed strategically throughout the country to respond to large-scale fire, water, and storm disasters.

We are proud to serve our local communities:

• Commercial Fire Damage Albany, GA
• Leesburg Commercial Fire Damage, GA
• Commercial Fire Damage Americus, GA
• Sylvester Commercial Fire Damage, GA
• Commercial Fire Damage Camilla, GA
• Dawson Commercial Fire Damage, GA
• Commercial Fire Damage Cuthbert, GA
• Bainbridge Commercial Fire Damage, GA
• Commercial Fire Damage Montezuma, GA
• Vienna Commercial Fire Damage, GA

How to Evaluate the Subfloor After a Water Damage Disaster in Albany and Americus Georiga.

3/2/2023 (Permalink)

Evaluate the Subfloor After a Water Damage Disaster in Albany and Americus Georgia.

Imagine coming home to water all over your kitchen floor! It has seeped from behind the fridge, spread across the kitchen and into the family room. Some of the water has begun to find its way into the carpet, the under pad, and the subfloor. The owners were only gone for a week and never turned off the main water valve. The plastic pipe connecting the water line to the fridge for cold water and ice was over ten years old. This pipe had developed a pinhole-sized leak, which over a week caused a great deal of water to spread across the floors of the home.

SERVPRO responds to water damage events in Albany and Americus of all kinds. A water leak from older plastic pipes is becoming quite common. These flexible quarter-inch pipes are aging and can spring a leak at any time. Many unsuspecting homeowners come home from work to find a puddle around their fridge. A great deal of water can leak all over your home over a week or more while the homeowner is on vacation.

Evaluate the Subfloor

One of the first steps a SERVPRO crew chief does is evaluate the condition of the floor and the extent of the water damage. He or she makes sure that it is safe. How far has the water spread? Has the carpet delaminated? Has the water penetrated and been absorbed by the subfloor?

Evaluate the subfloor when the carpet and under pad are soaked in water. Can the subfloor be dried sufficiently, or does it need to be replaced? The subfloor is made up of wood particles glued together and pressed into a four foot by eight-foot sheets in various thicknesses. This type of subfloor expands and loses strength when exposed to water over time. Mold may also develop.

Remove Water and Moisture

Water and moisture are removed using water extractors, air movers, and dehumidifiers. It helps to also turn on the homes AC. If the carpet has not delaminated, pull it away from the floor, and air movers blow air over the subfloor to draw moisture from the floor. Replace several sections if the floor has absorbed water and began to expand.

Call SERVPRO of Albany/Americus for you water damage needs.