Meet Kisha, Business Development Rep at SERVPRO

10/7/2022 (Permalink)

Kisha Edwards, Business Development Rep at SERVPRO

We recently spent some time talking with employees at SERVPRO of Iredell County to find out why they work for SERVPRO and how they feel they can help customers.

Click to watch the video of Kisha Edwards!

In this video, meet Kisha Edwards, our Business Development Rep. Kisha hit the ground running with us in June 2021. Kisha is enjoys building relationships with our customers and teams in Alexander, Burke, Caldwell Catawba and Iredell counties.

At SERVPRO of Iredell County, our cleanup and restoration team is always available to help you recover from water, fire, or mold damage. If you have an incident at your home in the Iredell County area, give us a call at (704) 872-7466!

Take Caution with Portable Heaters

9/19/2022 (Permalink)

These devices can generate a lot of extra heat, but if used improperly, can also create a serious safety hazard.

Winter is coming soon, along with bitter cold and freezing temperatures.  In an effort to keep living and working spaces cozy, many residents and employees turn to alternative heat sources. The most common form of alternative heat comes from portable space heaters. These devices can generate a lot of extra heat, but if used improperly, can also create a serious safety hazard.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, heating is the leading cause of home fire deaths. Almost half of these deaths occur during the months of December, January, and February.  Statistics show most of these fires also involved stationary or portable heaters.

When used as directed and maintained properly, space heaters can be used safely. When purchasing a space heater, make sure it has been evaluated by an independent testing laboratory; this will generally be indicated on the box or tag. Before operating the heater, read the manufacturer’s instructions. For more ways to minimize the risk of a heating related fire, review the tips list here:

• Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from the heating equipment, like furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or portable space heater.
• Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters, or central heating equipment according to local codes and manufacturer’s instructions.
• Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.
• Remember to turn off portable heaters when leaving a room.
• Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel burning space heaters.
• Test smoke alarms monthly.

SERVPRO of Iredell County professionals are dedicated to restoring both the property and the lives of customers being helped. The number one goal is returning damaged areas and items to preloss condition, doing all we can to make it “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO Works to Preserve Your Storm Damaged Possessions

8/22/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is ready to inspect your home affected by a storm and begin mitigating the losses you suffer.

Water kept pouring down, it moved around the side of the house and filled the entire area surrounding your home with water. It just wouldn't stop raining; everyone felt helpless. However, there was simply nothing anyone could do to prevent this event from happening. Even though most of the water is gone now, homeowners now face the task of cleaning up mud-soaked areas of their home and are hopefully dealing with their insurance companies to get some assistance in addressing their current situations. Just remember that it is far easier these days to find help during these types of situations; you're not alone.

We have several teams of highly trained technicians that specialize in performing storm damage repairs to your Statesville home. We're available to assist you at any time, day or night, and work hard to ensure that your home gets returned to a quality preloss condition. We'll even help you communicate everything to your insurance company and get the proper paperwork started for your claim. 
 
After our SERVPRO technicians arrive on site, we carefully inspect the entire area affected by the storm and begin mitigating the losses you suffer immediately. We identify any possible hazardous situations that could develop and limit them by turning off the electricity and checking for falling ceilings or deteriorated subfloors. Once we've performed this initial inspection and determined that the area is safe, we'll explain which services we plan to provide and answer any questions you may have. 
 
SERVPRO offers water removal services to pump out any standing water that still exists in and around your home. We use moisture meters and other equipment to determine the extent of water penetration within your flooring, walls, and crawl spaces; and extract as much water as possible. Your carpeting, furniture, and other personal belongings are all handled with great care and moved to a dry location where they can be properly taken care of to prevent secondary damages from developing. 
 
Our technicians at SERVPRO remove all furniture as quickly as possible to prevent stains from forming on your carpet. We'll then examine your carpet for damages and determine if it is possible to dry and reinstall them. But before we do, we treat the floor and back of the carpet with deodorizers and antimicrobials to help protect it from further damage. 
 
Once we've taken care of all of the standing water and your personal belongings, we position the proper drying equipment to begin fully drying the affected areas. We follow IICRC recommendations to use air movers that deliver a warm, dry rapid airflow to wet surfaces. There is a lot more to our services than described here and even more situations that we can assist you through. 
 
Give us a call at SERVPRO of Iredell County today, (704) 872-7466. We're ready to make your situation, "Like it never even happened."

3 Ways to Avoid Electrical Fires

8/10/2022 (Permalink)

An electrical fire can be dangerous, but in many cases, it can be avoided.

Although electricity is an integral part of our lives, it’s not something we should take for granted. In reality, electricity can result in safety hazards, such as a fire. According to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), home electrical fires claim the lives of approximately 310 Americans each year and injure around 850 more. Fortunately, many electrical fires can be avoided by taking safety precautions like the ones below.

• Routinely check your appliances and wiring. One of the easiest ways to prevent an electrical fire is to ensure electrical devices aren’t already at risk. Replace frayed wires and repair any device that overheats, shorts, or gives of sparks.

• Make sure the plugs match the outlet. If an appliance has a three-prong plug, use it only in a three-slot outlet. Never force it into a two-slot outlet or extension cord.

• Use extension cords and outlets wisely. An overheated wall socket can eventually become a fiery disaster. Use safe practices by not overloading extension cords or wall sockets.

An electrical fire can be dangerous, but in many cases, it can be avoided. If you do have a house fire, however, know that our local restoration experts are available 24/7. Call SERVPRO of Iredell County any time at (704) 872-7466!

Residential Water Removal Expectations

7/25/2022 (Permalink)

It is imperative that restoration efforts are performed promptly to mitigate any issues which could develop from secondary water damage.

Water Removal

It is undeniable that water damage is the worst nightmare for any property owner. Just a moment of water being present in the wrong place at the wrong time can totally demolish a whole building down to its foundation. There is nothing superficial about this kind of property damage. For one thing, water damage is multifaceted. Once it is found, it is imperative that the relative restoration efforts are performed efficiently and promptly to mitigate any issues which could develop from secondary water damage.

Potential causes of water damage and the need for water removal include leaky roofs, natural disasters, fire-fighting efforts, broken pipes, faulty appliances, foundation cracks, faulty sump pumps, and clogged toilets. Your Statesville home is a significant investment which needs to be protected, so you have to act quickly if a water disaster occurs and call the professionals at SERVPRO right away.

What You Can Expect With SERVPRO 
SERVPRO understands the importance of a rapid response when it comes to water removal. We come to your home as soon as possible after you contact us and give you a consultation and assessment of the damages. We create an accurate evaluation which includes the source and class of the water that is creating the damage, how much water has caused the damage, and how much time had elapsed before we were called in to help. We also have transparent communication in regards to a mitigation and restoration plan, making sure you understand everything that we are going to be doing.

The Bottom Line 
When it comes to water removal and water damage restoration, time is of the essence, and our SERVPRO team recognizes this. Our trained professionals are available to give you emergency water removal services at all hours of the day, to lessen any losses in your home. We take on every challenge with integrity, professionalism, expertise, reliability, and passion, as we work to establish your trust Our main goal, however, is to make sure you are completely satisfied, and that the entire process has as little stress for you as is possible.

SERVPRO of Iredell County are standing by and ready to help you in your time of need. When any water damage problem arises in your home, contact us at (704) 872-7466 so we can help remove the water and repair the damage.

The Effects of Standing Water in Iredell County

7/11/2022 (Permalink)

Standing water becomes a far larger problem if it is not dealt with in short order.

SERVPRO Technicians Respond Quickly to Prevent Possible Secondary Damage

Standing water is one of the most destructive forces in a flood. Although significant initial damage can occur from rampaging storms or unmitigated internal flooding, standing water becomes a far larger problem if it is not dealt with in short order. Fast water extraction through the industrial-grade pumps and extractors used by SERVPRO helps to avoid significant damage from mold, freezing in the winter months, and erosion and oxidation. These are some of the most devastating effects of standing water, and the top factors that make its removal an urgent task. 
 
Freezing 
 
If your home has taken flood damage in Statesville in the colder months of the year, it may be only a matter of time before the water freezes over and creates a much bigger problem. Most urgently, frozen water expands, cracking wood, concrete, rock, and even metal in your home. Furthermore, a layer of ice may form and coat your home. This ice can react negatively with many materials and force the replacement of otherwise easily restored items. 
 
Mold Growth 
 
In all months of the year, SERVPRO ends up in a race against the clock to remove standing water before mold growth can occur. Mold will almost always grow after a flood if water is not removed promptly. Mold remediation is an additional and time-intensive process to add to your home's restorations, so a fast response is critical to avoid more work in this vein. 
 
Oxidation and Erosion 
 
Simply having water on top of them causes many materials to degrade over time. Metals and especially iron can rust and oxidize, causing severe and sometimes irreversible damage to that metal and anything attached to it. Other materials such as concrete and drywall can be eroded quickly by the water, especially if it is particularly acidic (not uncommon in a flood). Getting the water out fast helps to avoid most of this type of damage, and we can usually handle restorations on the rest. 
 
SERVPRO of Iredell County is a local expert when it comes to flood damage. For our assistance and restoration services, call us 24/7 at (704) 872-7466.

Meet Beth Lawrence, Project Manager at SERVPRO

6/28/2022 (Permalink)

Meet Beth Lawrence, Project Manager at SERVPRO

We recently spent some time talking with employees at SERVPRO of Iredell County to find out why they work for SERVPRO and how they feel they can help customers.

Click to watch the video.

We recently spent some time talking with employees at SERVPRO of Iredell County to find out why they work for SERVPRO and how they feel they can help customers. In this video, meet Beth Lawrence, our Project Manager, as she tells us how SERVPRO of Iredell County can work to help customers restore their home or business after they have a disaster. Beth has worked with SERVPRO since 2013 and has served multiple roles during her tenure.

At SERVPRO of Iredell County, our cleanup and restoration team is always available to help you recover from water, fire, or mold damage. If you have an incident at your home in the Iredell County area, give us a call at (704) 872-7466!

What Should You Do After a Fire in your Statesville Home?

6/27/2022 (Permalink)

Fires can cause significant damage, but there are steps you can take to restore both your home and your belongings!

A house fire is one of the last things a person wants to experience. The situation is both physically and mentally exhausting, and if it’s your first encounter, it’s not always clear what to do next. For years, our team has helped house fire victims recover their homes and belongings. As local experts in the Mooresville community, we know the many things you and your family should do if you have a fire.

Contact the Professionals

Once you’ve called your local fire department and let your family know you’re safe, you should call the right professionals to get the restoration process started. At the very least, this will include your insurance company and your local fire restoration company.

You should first call your insurance company or your local agent. They will be instrumental in helping you cover costs and managing the multiple steps involved in the restoration process.

Ask your agent:

• What to do about the immediate needs of your home. This includes pumping out water and covering doors, windows, and other openings.

• Who else you should call. If you aren’t sure who to call for restoration and repair services, your local agent can refer you to somebody they have a trusted relationship with.

• What you need to do. Your life has been disrupted, and you agent can instruct you on the steps you should personally take to reclaim it.

You should also call a local cleanup and restoration company so you can restore your damaged home and belongings. These experts—like our team at SERVPRO of Iredell County—can extract water, clean up soot and ashes, and even restore many of your damaged belongings.

Ask your restoration company:

• What services they can provide. Not all cleanup and restoration companies are equal, so see what services they can provide, such as boarding up doors and windows, cleaning your belongings, and HVAC cleaning.

• If they can also repair your home. If possible, find a company that can do the entire restoration process—from mitigation to repairs. It’s often easier to work with one company versus several.

Re-entering Your Home

Once it’s safe, you’ll want to re-enter your home to inspect damages and see which of your belongings endured. Before you do so, consider the following:

• You should never enter the home until your fire department has said it is safe to do so.

• Fires can start again even if they appear to be out.

• Soot and dirty water left behind may contain things that could make you sick. Do not eat, drink, or breathe in anything that has been near the fire’s flames, smoke, soot, or water used to put the fire out.

Reclaiming Your Home

There are many steps involved in restoring your home after a fire, and it’s never easy. Fortunately, if you live in Mooresville, NC, you have access to our professional team of cleanup and restoration experts. So if you have a fire, put yourself in good hands by calling SERVPRO of Iredell County at (704) 872-7466!

Have an Emergency Ready Profile for your Iredell County Business

6/20/2022 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile provides you an immediate plan of action.

As many as 50% of businesses may never recover following a disaster, according to the latest industry research. 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.

By developing a SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business.

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. Now is the time to ask yourself, “Are you ready for whatever could happen?”

The SERVPRO® 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. By working with SERVPRO’s Emergency READY Profile, your business will receive the benefit of over 40 years of experience in reducing the impact of any natural or man-made disaster.  SERVPRO® is a leader in water and fire damage response and can help you quickly get your property back in working order.

Why You Should Have Your Air Ducts Cleaned

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

A duct cleaning removes contaminants and improves your system's performance!

When was the last time you had your home’s duct system cleaned? If you’re like most people, it’s been a long time — if it’s ever been done! A professional duct cleaning isn’t something many homeowners think about, but it can do wonders for your system. That’s why the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) recommends you have your ducts cleaned at least once a year. SERVPRO of Iredell County has cleaned hundreds of duct systems, so if you’re on the fence, below are some things you should consider!

The Benefits of Getting a Duct Cleaning

1. You can reduce strain on your system. Over time, your air ducts accrue dust, dirt, and other contaminants, which can disrupt the airflow. To compensate for the reduced airways, your HVAC system has to work harder, which can result in higher energy bills and operational issues. A duct cleaning can clear the ducts to allow for a more efficient system!

2. Improve air quality. Nobody likes to breathe in stuffy, dirty air. A professional duct cleaning removes these particles from your system so it doesn’t continue to redistribute them around your house. This is particularly helpful if you have pollen, pet dandruff, or other allergens in your system.

3. Reduce or eliminate odors. Sometimes odors linger throughout your home no matter how much you clean. In such cases, the problem may stem from your duct system, which continues to circulate contaminants throughout your home. If you have this issue, a duct cleaning can either help or remove the problem.

Duct Cleaning Service in Statesville, NC

Your HVAC system is an essential part of your home, so without regular maintenance, it can experience problems when you need it most. If you do need a professional duct cleaning in the Hickory area, know that SERVPRO of Iredell County is a NADCA-certified facility. We use industry-standard practices to make sure your system is fully cleaned!

How to Keep Your Plant Operational Following Water Damage

5/24/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Iredell County gets a plant dried out and back in business.

Industrial settings such as factories and assembly plants require consistent environmental conditions. Standing water, in any area, from any source, can immediately halt production and affect not only worker safety but also company profits, for months to come. SERVPRO has the skilled professionals who can work as a team to reduce downtime, working around your employees, if needed, to return your operations to full speed again.
 
Iredell County area business owners will always have emergency commercial water removal services available for whenever situations with invasive, problematic water issues threaten to halt normal business operations. SERVPRO is known nationwide as a trusted name in emergency situations of any type or magnitude. Our water removal professionals that care about your employees' health, your business, and the general public can make it “Like it never even happened,” and quickly. We know time is money. Our goal is to help you stay open, operational, and in business.
 
Starting with the appropriate-sized extraction equipment for the situation, we quickly remove any visible water from the site. When this stage is complete, our experts will start the process of returning your factory to an adequately dry state again. Air movers and commercial-grade heaters will decrease the overall drying time by substantially increasing the rate of evaporation. For Large Loss emergencies, we can utilize large refrigerated dehumidifiers that can draw up to 30 lbs of moisture from the air quickly. Concrete floors, after returning to a dry enough state, can be treated under larger pieces of manufacturing equipment with anti-fungal sealants that are quick drying. This application protects these areas from mold growth in the future.
 
Depending on the type of water, and its source, we may not be able to save all of a business's inventory. Our efforts can largely prevent metal mesh floors and staircases from peeling and corroding, equipment cases from rusting, the wiring of components in tools and machinery from developing shorts, and other, common effects of water damage to industrial equipment and structures. Hand-cleaning of the details in your machinery, molds, and lines, including tubings, basins, and other affected areas will ensure that your finished goods are not affected in the future.
 
For any size water emergency involving any category of water, call SERVPRO of Iredell County at (704) 872-7466 to get dried out and back in business. We're always available to assist in any emergency situation your factory may require for help.

Meet Kim & Randy Williams as they share SERVPRO Customer Success Stories

5/16/2022 (Permalink)

Kim and Randy Williams are the owners of SERVPRO of Alexander, Burke, Caldwell and Catawba Counties and SERVPRO of Iredell County

We recently spent some time talking with employees at SERVPRO of Iredell County to find out why they work for SERVPRO and how they feel they can help customers.

In this video, meet Kim and Randy Williams, owners of SERVPRO of Alexander, Burke, Caldwell and Catawba Counties and SERVPRO of Iredell County. Kim and Randy share some stories about their customers and how SERVPRO can help people and businesses in their time of need.

Click to watch the video.

After years in the restoration and cleanup industry, Randy and Kim decided to start their own SERVPRO franchise and incorporated in January 2009, just after the recession hit. While it was a slow start, they took every job and treated their customers with empathy and respect. Today, they have over 70 employees and operate four franchises that serve the entire Unifour region, including Lenoir, NC; Morganton, NC; Hickory, NC; Newton, NC; and Conover, NC. Their employees take to the streets 24/7/365 to meet the disaster restoration needs of our customers.

At of SERVPRO of Iredell County, our cleanup and restoration team is always available to help you recover from water, fire, or mold damage. If you have an incident at your home in the Iredell County area, give us a call at (704) 872-7466!

Avoiding Hazards and Responding to Flood Damage in Iredell County, NC

5/16/2022 (Permalink)

Spring tends to bring all kinds of storms, be prepared and know how to respond!

When natural floods occur, the essential boundaries between humans and the elements are broken down. The pressure and force of moving water are often enough to cause serious damage to purification and sewage systems. In the most extreme cases, chemicals and toxic waste end up in the floodwaters which infiltrate homes.

This is why it's really important for homeowners to seek professional advice. At SERVPRO, we deal with incidents of severe water damage on a daily basis. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster. Our job is not just to reverse the Iredell County storm damage and restore your home to its original condition; we'll also make it safe again. This means eliminating all traces of toxic materials in the water and your home.

If your home has recently flooded, there are a few things that you can do to keep yourself safe until the SERVPRO team arrives.

Find Alternative Shelter
If possible, find a clean, dry place to stay while the flooding in your home is being repaired. It isn't healthy to remain among damp furniture, carpets, or drywall, even if there is no standing water. There may be bacteria, pathogens, and chemicals on the walls and floors. Call SERVPRO, explain the severity of the flooding and we'll make our way to the property as quickly as possible.

Keep Your Hands Clean
If you have had contact with floodwater, you need to wash your hands thoroughly. Do this every time you get your hands wet and then leave the site. Don't prepare or touch food until you've washed with soap and water. If the flooding isn't too severe, you may be able to move items outside of the property and away from the saturation points. Where possible, store them away from unaffected possessions, as they may need disinfecting.

Drink Bottled Water
SERVPRO strongly advises you to steer clear of the main water supply, until we have verified (in conjunction with local authorities) that it is safe to drink. Flooding can infect the water supply with chemicals and toxins. All homeowners should drink bottled water or, at least, boil their water before drinking.

Reach Out for Help
Flood repair and restoration experts from SERVPRO provide more than just practical help. We are a valuable source of information and support. Our technicians can tell you everything that you need to know about flood damage restoration. They will be frank and honest about what can be salvaged (usually a lot) and what is too degraded to be saved. They will work closely with you to inventory your possessions and clean, restore, and repair as many items as possible. If you have insurance coverage, the final disposition of storm damaged items is your decision to make.

All forms of flooding can be stressful, but natural flooding has a tendency to make homeowners feel helpless. With the support of SERVPRO of Iredell County, you don't have to be. We can help you take back control and get repairs started quickly. Call us 24/7 on (704) 872-7466.

The Importance of Mitigating Flood Damage

5/10/2022 (Permalink)

Caption: Be Prepared For Storm Damage in Iredell County

Water Damage Is Reduced from Flooding When SERVPRO Is Called for Help

At SERVPRO, we pursue an aggressive strategy of mitigation, meaning we send out crews 24/7 as quickly as possible to respond rapidly to a scene and stop further damage from occurring. Some disasters rely on mitigation more than others, and flood damage is one of the more significant mitigation topics. We urge homeowners who have fallen victim to a flood to contact us as soon as possible, as a speedy response makes a big difference in how much time and money the situation ends up costing you.
 
Stopping Seepage and Penetration
When water floods an area, every nook and cranny are susceptible to significant water damage. If we can't respond quickly to a case of flood damage in Iredell County, water will begin to work its way through cracks and corners into deeper regions of your home. In the worst cases, when the homeowner is away or unaware of the damage, it can even seep into and damage the building foundation.
 
Preventing Mold Growth and Further Infection
Floodwaters breed mold, fungi, and present an environment for  insects and microbes to expand in great numbers quickly. Early removal of floodwater is critical in stopping the growth and reproduction of these unwanted consequences. Some of these organisms may cause health effects. We will also need to initiate a thorough drying process to free the area from mold's grip, and pumping out water quickly is a vital first step to diminishing these effects.
 
Keeping Conditions Under Control
Floods tend to open up areas to conditions that propagate further damage to the home, manipulating factors such as temperature, humidity, and air flow in the home. If we can respond quickly enough, we can set up equipment to control these variables before the flood ever gets a chance to disrupt the internal elements of the structure.
 
SERVPRO of Iredell County employs a strategy of mitigation to help prevent as much damage as possible to your home in the event of a disaster. If your home has been flooded, call us right away 24/7 at (704) 872-7466 so that we can respond quickly and begin to mitigate damage.

Causes of Water Damage and Who to Call in Iredell County

5/9/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Water damage cleanup and water repair

As many water damage restoration experts know, there are numerous situations that can expose your Iredell County, NC home to the effects of water damage. Irrespective of which situation arises—a weather event or a mechanical breakdown—it's crucial that you hire a top-notch water damage restoration company, such as our team at SERVPRO of Iredell County. 

Basements or Crawl Spaces

Basements are a very common place to have water damage. If your back and sideyard slopes have a negative grade, you can find your property subjected to water damage. In this case, excess lawn water or rain will flow toward your foundation rather than drain away from the base. Correctly grading your lawn can help prevent the need for extensive water damage repairs.

Pipes that leak or burst can also generate substantive water damage. To prevent this, the plumbing in the basement area should periodically be inspected for leaks.

Appliance Leaks

Broken or leaking appliances can generate unwanted water damage, such as dishwashers, toilets, or washing machines that leak or overflow. In some cases, this can be waste-filled, chemical-laden water which would make water removal the number one priority. Additionally, a refrigerator containing a water filtration system and ice maker may develop hose leaks from the water supply line. If these leaks remain unnoticed for extended periods of time, they can give rise to mold growth and damage to the walls, floors, and the foundation.

Other Causes and Effects Of Water Damage

In addition to water intrusion from the above instances, water damage can result from excessive humidity and leaky roofs. Water that enters your property from the roof indicates that quick repairs are necessary to stymie further issues. Similarly, excessive humidity can cause warping in your window frames, ceilings, flooring, floor joists, furniture, and walls. In a crawl space, it may be necessary to install permanent dehumidifiers and plastic poly to establish a vapor barrier.

It's important to minimize the effects of any water damage in order to prevent mold and structural damage. When moisture issues are not addressed, the structure can deteriorate, and mold growth can transform into an infestation. That's why a company with the knowledge, equipment, and experience—such as SERVPRO of Iredell County—should perform both water damage restoration and mold remediation.

A Recognized Water Damage Solution

If you find that your Lenoir property experiences water damage, the most effective solution is to hire a water damage restoration company to begin the cleanup, repair, and restoration process. In our case, we offer 24-hour emergency services, excellent customer service, and expedient remediation work that will return your home to a safe, sanitary condition.

As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of Iredell County is close by and ready to respond to your water and flood damage emergency. If you need help, call us immediately at (704) 872-7466.

When Storms or Floods hit Iredell County, SERVPRO is ready!

5/4/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Iredell County responds to storm or flood damage in the Iredell County area

SERVPRO ofIredell County specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Iredell County, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today at (704) 872-7466

Why Businesses Choose to Be Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

5/2/2022 (Permalink)

Our Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program will give your customers the confidence they need!

Nearly two years since COVID-19 became a pandemic, every local business in the Statesville, NC area has had to take precautions to protect themselves and their customers. While many consumers have returned to their pre-pandemic shopping habits, most are still concerned about their health and safety.

Back in 2020, we launched a new viral cleaning initiative—Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned—which was designed to disinfect local businesses while instilling confidence in consumers. Since we launched the program, we’ve helped many local businesses keep their customers and their employees safe.

SERVPRO is a Trusted Brand

Although SERVPRO of Iredell County has operated in the Unifour area for more than a decade, SERVPRO itself has been a leading expert in the cleaning and restoration industry for more than 50 years. We’ve developed proprietary cleaning products that we use every day, even when we clean and disinfect local businesses. We’re also one of the top restoration brands in the country, which gives customers assurance when they see your business has been disinfected by SERVPRO.

Give Your Customers Peace of Mind

Although most businesses have reopened to partial or full capacity, many consumers aren’t on the same page. In truth, your business likely has to go above and beyond the government recommendations before you begin to win your customers’ confidence. When you choose to be Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you’re signaling to customers that you’re taking extra precautions to ensure their safety. We even provide special signage so you can show customers the last time your property was professionally cleaned and disinfected.

Choose to be Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

If your local business has any type of foot traffic, you’ll need to clean and disinfect your property. Don’t do it yourself—get it professionally done so you can show your community that you’re taking special care to keep them safe. SERVPRO of Iredell County has helped many businesses in the Statesville, NC area, so if you would like a free consultation, call us today at (704) 872-7466!

Smoke and Soot Damage Can Cause a Pervasive Odor in Your Iredell County Home

5/2/2022 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, 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 Iredell County 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.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – 704 872-7466

Restoring Your Iredell County Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

4/27/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO was fast on the scene to start the mitigation and restoration of this commercial water disaster.

Flooding and water damage events at commercial properties in the Iredell County are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of Iredell County

SERVPRO of Iredell County specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Iredell County 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

4/20/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in Iredell County.

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

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - 828-396-1070

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

What to Expect

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

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

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

About SERVPRO of Iredell County

SERVPRO of Iredell County specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Meet Mike Richey, Commercial Business Development Representative

4/20/2022 (Permalink)

Meet Mike Richey, our Commercial Business Development Representative at SERVPRO of Iredell County.

We recently spent some time talking with employees at SERVPRO of Iredell County to find out why they work for SERVPRO and how they feel they can help customers.

In this video, meet Mike Richey, our Commercial Business Development Representative, as he tells us how SERVPRO of Iredell County can help restore your home or business after an emergency.  He tells us how the SERVPRO team works to help make peoples' lives easier when faced with challenges.

Click to view this video

At SERVPRO of Iredell County, our cleanup and restoration team is always available to help you recover from water, fire, or mold damage. If you have an incident at your home in the Iredell County area, give us a call at (828) 392-7985!

Meet Tonya Hughes, Quality Assurance with SERVPRO

4/11/2022 (Permalink)

Tonya Hughes, Quality Assurance with SERVPRO

We recently spent some time talking with several employees at SERVPRO of Iredell County to find out why they work for SERVPRO and how they feel they are able to help their customers.

In this video, meet Tonya Hughes as she tells us why she works in Quality Assurance with SERVPRO of Iredell County.  She tells us why she enjoys working with customers and with other members of the SERVPRO team to help those in need.

Click to view this video

At SERVPRO of Iredell County, our cleanup and restoration team is always available to help you recover from water, fire, or mold damage. If you have an incident at your home in the Iredell County area, give us a call at (828) 392-7985!

Why You Should Call Water Damage Professionals

2/22/2022 (Permalink)

Our technicians use moisture meters to make sure drywall and other materials are sufficiently dry!

Water damage cleanup can be a stressful and expensive process, which is why many Mooresville property owners initially try to clean the damage themselves. Over the years, however, many of those same customers will later call us because of mold problems or other unexpected complications that arose from their DIY efforts. While we understand the desire to handle problems yourself, if you have water damage, there are a few reasons why you should call water damage professionals like SERVPRO of Iredell County instead.

Water Damage and Mold

Mold spores are everywhere, but in order to grow, they need food (organic material), warm temperatures (in most cases), and moisture. Most homes supply the first two components, but spores don’t typically have access to moisture unless the property has water damage.

Mold growth can be prevented if you act quickly, but that’s only if the affected areas are dried out completely. Most homeowners aren’t equipped with the tools and knowledge needed to mitigate water damage, so they end up with mold damage. On the other hand, water damage professionals like SERVPRO of Iredell County can test moisture levels, use high-powered drying equipment, and check for things like hidden moisture.

Hidden Moisture

Homes and buildings are full of porous materials, such as drywall, wood, and carpet. When a property has water damage, these materials absorb moisture, which can potentially compromise your structural integrity. You may dry all of the visibly affected areas, but it’s the hidden moisture that can cause problems like mold growth, chipping, and buckling. These issues can occur behind and underneath porous surfaces where they can’t be seen until it’s too late. Water mitigation professionals know where to inspect and what to look for, so you can rest assured that your home stays in good shape.

Water Damage Technicians in Mooresville, NC

Since 2009, SERVPRO of Iredell County has helped thousands of home and business owners recover from water damages and their aftereffects. Our IICRC-certified team uses industry-standard practices to completely dry out your home and restore your damaged belongings. We’re available 24/7, so if you have water damage and need professional help, call us any time at (704) 872-7466!

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

2/15/2022 (Permalink)

If pipes are exposed, they're more likely to freeze than if they were well-insulated!

It’s not uncommon for temperatures to drop below freezing, especially during late autumn and all throughout winter. Depending on how well your home’s pipes are protected, if the temperatures are too low, they’re at risk of freezing and bursting. SERVPRO of Iredell County has helped thousands of Statesville customers over the years, so we know how devastating a burst pipe can be. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to prevent them from freezing.

3 Ways You Can Prevent Frozen Pipes

Your home’s plumbing system is delicate and can be affected by weather and other forces. Below are some things you can do to prevent it from freezing.

1) Insulate your pipes. Many pipes are protected by a home’s interior, but if you have sections that are exposed or aren’t well-insulated, they could freeze if the temperatures are right. Naturally, the way to address this issue is to insulate these vulnerable areas, which makes them more resistant to freezing.

2) Let water drip from a faucet. Still water is quicker to freeze than running water, so if it’s supposed to fall below freezing, so open faucets just enough for it to drip. Sure, this might affect your water bill a little, but it’s much cheaper than having to deal with water damage.

3) Leave your heat on in your home, even if you’re away. If you don’t want something to freeze, warm it up. Although you might want to save some money on your heating, frozen pipes can force you to spend a whole lot more. If you’re going away for a winter vacation, you should still leave your heat on at least 55° F.

Cleaning Up Water and Storm Damages

Cold weather brings a variety of risks to your home, and your plumbing system could be one of the most vulnerable parts. If you do have frozen pipes that burst, call our team at SERVPRO of Iredell County to clean it up. We serve the Mooresville, NC area 24/7, so give us a call at (704) 872-7466, and we’ll make sure any disaster looks “Like it never even happened.”

How to Prevent Space Heater Fires

2/1/2022 (Permalink)

Space heaters are a great way to stay warm, but a dangerous way to start a fire!

Winter’s already here, and we still have a few more months before we hit warmer weather. If you haven’t already, you may consider bringing out your space heater. While these appliances keep us warm and cozy, they can pose a serious threat to you and your home. In fact, the National Fire Protection Agency had previously reported that space heaters account for more than 43% of heating-related fires. If you plan on using a space heater in your Statesville home, you should be aware of the potential dangers!

Space Heater Safety Tips

1. Space heaters should be away from flammable materials. True to their name, space heaters can produce a lot of heat. In many of the fires they’re associated with, they were too close to flammable materials and caused them to catch fire. That’s why it’s strongly advised that they’re kept at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn.

2. Space heaters should be plugged directly into the wall. Because they draw a lot of energy, space heaters should never be plugged into an extension cable or a power strip. And even if they are plugged into the wall, nothing else should be plugged into the same outlet. Otherwise, they can create a fire and/or electrical hazard.

3. Space heaters should never be left unattended. For the above reasons, you should never leave a space heater unattended, even for just a few minutes. While they are great for supplemental heat, they are potential fire and electrical hazards. A best practice is to only run one in rooms you’re actively in.

Fire Cleanup Professionals Serving Statesville, NC

As you start to use your space heater in the coming months, it’s important to remember that it comes with a risk. If you’re responsible and remain aware of your surroundings, you can safely keep warm. But if you do have a fire, however, know that SERVPRO of Iredell County is always here to help!

Common Causes of Commercial Water Damage

1/18/2022 (Permalink)

A SERVPRO employee cuts out a section of drywall so he can dry hidden moisture in this water-damaged building.

Each year, dozens of businesses in the Mooresville, NC area have water damage. At best, these incidents are a minor inconvenience; at worst, they can halt operations and cost the company thousands of dollars. Over the years, SERVPRO of Iredell County has helped hundreds of commercial properties recover from water damages, so we’re sharing some of the most common causes!

Why You Have Commercial Water Damage

1. Sprinkler system malfunction. A sprinkler system is a great investment as far as fire safety is concerned. After all, these systems have the ability to control a fire before it gets out of hand! But they also have the potential to cause unwanted water damage, like when there’s a leak or if they discharge prematurely. While we encourage you to install a sprinkler system at your place of business, it’s equally important that you conduct regular maintenance and inspections.

2. Pipe burst/leak. Your plumbing system contains pressurized water, so when there’s a break in the system, dozens of gallons can burst into your building. Many businesses in the Mooresville community have faced this issue, though for varying reasons. Some incidents, for example, are caused by a workplace accident; others are the result of age and/or a lack of maintenance. Regardless, your property’s pipes should be protected and inspected at all costs!

3. Structural leaks. Your building does more than just home your place of operations; it also protects it from the outside. Rain can cause a lot of damage, which many people have experienced during past floods, but the building’s structure prevents that from happening. If there’s a crack or other deficiency in the structure, however, it can allow rain to infiltrate your space. In fact, we’ve seen several buildings that were flooded because of some sort of structural damage.

Water Damage Professionals Serving Mooresville, NC

As we’ve illustrated above, water damage can occur in the most unexpected ways. While it’s not possible to know when and how you’ll have a disaster, you can prepare for yourself for potential scenarios. If you regularly inspect your building and its water systems, you can hopefully identify issues before they occur. But if you do have water damage, know that SERVPRO of Iredell County’s water mitigation professionals are always here to help!

SERVPRO of Iredell County is IICRC-Certified

1/4/2022 (Permalink)

Our employees used IICRC-standard practices to clean up flooding in this local warehouse.

At SERVPRO of Iredell County in Mooresville, NC, we believe that our employees can best serve our customers by being trained and knowledgeable in the services that we provide. We require our employees to go through SERVPRO’s corporate training program, but we also require them to get their certifications through various professional certification boards, such as the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). Since the IICRC is the standard-setting organization in the cleaning and restoration industry, we’re proud to be certified members!

What is the IICRC?

Within the cleanup and restoration industry, the IICRC is one of the major industry associations that certifies technicians and sets the standards that restoration companies use in their day-to-day operations. Since the 1970s, this nonprofit has helped define terminology and set procedures for cleaning and restoring fire damage, water damage, mold, biohazards, and more. Most importantly, they have created universally accepted certification programs that help educate technicians and demonstrate proficiency. Many insurance companies also recognize the IICRC, so most restoration companies follow the organization’s standards and best practices.

Why We Are IICRC-Certified

It’s every restoration company’s goal to have IICRC-certified employees and to become a certified firm. These certifications are not only a good foundation for our employees, but it also lets our customers know that we’re current with the latest restoration practices. We make sure all of our crew chiefs are certified and up-to-date, so you can rest assured your property’s in good hands. If you do have a disaster at your Mooresville home, SERVPRO of Iredell County is available 24/7, so give us a call at (828) 465-6504!

3 Ways to Prepare for a Winter Storm

12/28/2021 (Permalink)

If winter weather affects your Mooresville home, give our team a call!

Winter brings a sense of wonder and enjoyment. It also brings freezing temperatures and snow and ice storms. Although many of us look forward to seeing some precipitation this time of year, winter storms can cause damage to you and your home. Each year, these events bring down trees, increase the number of car accidents, and result in several water damages. Fortunately, you can take some preventative steps and still enjoy the winter season.

How You Can Prepare

1. Insulate your pipes. When temperatures drop below freezing, the water in your pipes can freeze. Because water expands when it freezes, once the ice begins to thaw, the increased pressure often causes these pipes to burst. To help avoid such an incident, ensure your pipes are well-insulated, especially if they’re exposed!

2. Equip your vehicle with an emergency kit. We strongly advise that you avoid the roads when the conditions are poor, but sometimes you just can’t help it. In any case, pack your vehicle with an emergency kit in case you get stuck or injured. Prepare a blanket, a first-aid kit, and even some food to hold you over until help arrives!

3. Check your home’s structure. When snow and ice melt, they transition back into water. Unfortunately, if there are cracks or any other deficiencies in your home’s structure, this water will intrude on your home. This relatively slow leak can lead to long-term structural damage, particularly in the form of mold growth. In preparation, have your home’s structure inspected, and have any known issues addressed!

Emergency Cleanup and Restoration Services

While we hope you have fun this winter, taking some time to prepare can go a long way in the future. If you do have water damage, however, you don’t have to deal with it on your own. SERVPRO of Iredell County’s highly trained team is available 24/7, so give us a call at (704) 872-7466!

3 Fire Safety Tips Every Mooresville Business Owner Should Know

12/7/2021 (Permalink)

A fire extinguisher can help mitigate damages, so make sure you and your employees know how to use one!

Commercial fires seem to happen all the time. Our team at SERVPRO of Iredell County regularly gets calls from Mooresville-area businesses that have everything from small to catastrophic fires. In many cases, these are just minor inconveniences, but in some cases, they can halt operations completely. Whether or not your Mooresville business has been affected by a fire in the past, it’s important to know and follow fire safety best practices!

Essential Fire Safety Tips

1. Make sure your employees know how to use a fire extinguisher. In an ideal world, your business would never have a fire, but since the possibility exists, you should know how to mitigate the damages in case it does. If your employees know how to properly extinguish a fire (and know which extinguisher to use), you can dampen the impact a potential fire can have on your operations. If they don’t already have this training, consider recruiting your local fire department to offer a demonstration!

2. Ensure all heaters are kept away from flammable objects. It’s hard to make everyone comfortable, so if an employee feels cold, they may bring a personal heater. While heaters are great for warmth, they’re also a fire risk if they’re placed near flammable objects or are left unattended. It’s recommended that heat sources are kept at least 3 feet away from flammable materials!

3. Install a sprinkler system. If you don’t already have one, a sprinkler system is a great investment. It can suppress or fully extinguish an out-of-control fire, which helps you keep damages to a minimum. In fact, maintained systems are 95% effective!

Contact Your Local Cleanup and Restoration Company

Your building or office space is an important investment, and it should be protected at all costs. It’s not possible to prevent every kind of fire, but it is possible to be prepared and to know how to react. If you have a fire and need our fire restoration services, know that SERVPRO of Iredell County is always here to help!

3 Services We Offer that Separates Us from Competitors

11/23/2021 (Permalink)

We offer duct cleaning services and more, so if you need professional help, call SERVPRO of Iredell County!

There are a few disaster restoration companies in the area, but there’s only one SERVPRO of Iredell County. Ever since we took on new ownership at the end of 2019, we’ve expanded our services and have become a full-service operation. So if you have damages to your Mooresville home or business, you’ll have a few different restoration companies to choose from, but we offer some services that only our highly trained team can provide.

Our Unique Services

1. Textiles Cleaning. If your clothes, rugs, towels, or other textiles are damaged, we can bring them back to our warehouse to be restored. We have state-of-the-art washer and dryer systems, an ESPORTA soft contents recovery system, an ozone chamber, and several proprietary cleaning products. This means we can restore nearly any textile and save the money you would have otherwise spent to replace them!

2. Duct Cleaning. Your air ducts naturally become dirty and dusty over time, but if your home has had a fire or some other disaster, the duct system can be overburdened by soot and other particles. That’s why we offer a duct cleaning service — not just for regular maintenance, but because it’s practically essential after some incidents.

3. Deodorization. Strong, lingering odors can be difficult to eliminate. Fortunately, we have the capability to remove nearly any odor, no matter how strong it is. We have a variety of methods and chemicals we can use to neutralize smells — from cigarette smoke to skunk spray!

Your Cleanup and Restoration Professionals

At SERVPRO of Iredell County, our goal is to make any disaster look “Like it never even happened.” That’s why we strive to be a one-stop shop for all of your cleanup and restoration needs. If you have damages or need help cleaning up your property, give our team a call at (704) 872-7466!

3 Fire Prevention Tips for Fall & Winter

11/2/2021 (Permalink)

We generally stay indoors when it's chilly outside, but that also means your home has an increased chance of having a fire!

Did you know that most home fires occur during fall and winter? In fact, the peak months are December and January. Fires occur more frequently during these periods for several reasons, but it’s generally because people start using heating equipment and tend to be home more often. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to lower your home’s risk of having a fire!

Protect Your Home From Fire Damages

1. Keep heating equipment away from flammable objects. Space heaters, candles, fireplaces, and other heat sources are also some of the most common fire starters. In many cases, they’re kept too close to Christmas trees, curtains, and other flammable items, which then catch fire. If you opt to use any heating equipment, keep them at least 3 feet away from other objects — especially if they’re flammable!

2. Don’t leave your kitchen unattended. Cooking-related fires are the most common types of home fires. These fires can be instigated in a number of ways, but they often get out of control because the kitchen isn’t being monitored. We know holiday cooking is a favorite pastime for many, but always make sure somebody is present in the kitchen while it’s in use!

3. Don’t put too many plugs into an outlet. When people are home, they tend to use their electronics. This generally isn’t much of an issue, but when too many plugs are put into the same outlet, it can cause the outlet to overheat and catch fire. Use caution when using power strips or when plugging in high-voltage devices!

Cleaning Up After House Fires

At SERVPRO of Iredell County, we’ve seen how destructive fires can be. Homes can be lost, valued possessions can be destroyed, and peace of mind can be disrupted. We hope that you’ll be safe and practice fire safety in the upcoming seasons, but if something were to happen, know that our fire restoration experts are available 24/7!

Why You Need Water Mitigation Services

10/12/2021 (Permalink)

This wall absorbed moisture, which caused mold to grow in both the insulation and the drywall.

At SERVPRO of Iredell County, we get several calls a week from Mooresville customers who discover soaked carpets, puddles of water, or worse. Most of those customers ultimately use our services, but we get a handful that cancel and decide to take care of the damages themselves. Unfortunately, this has been known to cause more problems than good, so if you have water damage, there are a couple of reasons you should consider hiring a water damage mitigation company.

Water Damage Often Leads to Mold

Many of the customers who cancel water damage cleanup services often call our team back in a couple of weeks. Mold needs moisture to grow, so when water damage isn’t properly addressed, it can encourage mold growth. We’ve found most homeowners think they’ve extracted and dried all of the water, but they often overlook hidden moisture, which can be found under flooring and behind drywall. A professional water damage restoration company would have the equipment and the experience to completely dry the water, significantly reducing the risk of mold growth.

Some Water Damage Can’t be Seen

Homes often contain many porous materials — such as drywall and flooring — that make great hiding places for moisture. These materials absorb much of the water in affected areas, allowing the moisture to cause mold growth and structural damage that can go undetected. The average homeowner would likely be unable to discover this issue until it was too late. On the other hand, a disaster restoration company would have the tools to detect this moisture, and they would be able to address it before it caused additional damage.

Your Local Water Damage Cleanup Professionals

Since 2009, SERVPRO of Iredell County has helped thousands of Mooresville homes and businesses clean up and recover from water damages. If you need professional help, our team is available 24/7, so call us at (704) 872-7466!

2 Companies To Call After a Fire

9/21/2021 (Permalink)

If you've had a fire, it's time to make some important calls so you can get your life back on track!

House fires are one of the most stressful things to live through. Many belongings are destroyed, lives can lose a sense of normalcy, and the whole process is just overwhelming. Now having served the community for 10 years, SERVPRO of Iredell County has worked with countless Mooresville homeowners to restore their properties. During that time, we’ve learned that customers often aren’t sure what the next steps are after the fire’s been put out!

Know Who To Call

1. Call Your Local Disaster Restoration Company. Once the fire is out, the cleanup process should begin as soon as possible. A restoration company like SERVPRO can board up the home, extract standing water, clean your contents, and more. Once you call our office, we’ll dispatch a team to walk you through the cleanup process we use to get you back to normal.

2. Call Your Insurance Company. Your insurance company will play a large role in ensuring your home and possessions are cleaned and restored. In fact, our team will be working closely with your insurance adjuster to make sure you get coverage for the services you need. Your insurance company can also help you with other questions, such as temporary lodging and some next steps.

Your Local Cleanup and Restoration Company

If you’re like most people, house fires aren’t a common experience for you. So when the flames die out, it’s important to call the companies above and get professional help. Experts like our team at SERVPRO of Iredell County know exactly how to get your Mooresville, NC home back to its pre-disaster condition!

The 3 Categories of Water Damage

9/7/2021 (Permalink)

Floodwaters are highly unsanitary, placing them in Category 3!

Not all water damage is created equal. For homeowners, the end result is the same: remove the water from their home. The cleanup process, however, can drastically change depending on the kind of water. There are 3 classifications of water damage: clean, gray, and black. Each one poses a different level of threat and requires a different cleanup process, but SERVPRO of Iredell County in Mooresville, NC has the training and experience to take care of them all.

Category 1: Clean Water

Nobody wants water damage, but if you do have it, your best hope is that it’s clean water. This is potable water that comes from sources like a burst water pipe or a damaged refrigerator supply line. Category 1 water damages are the most straightforward to clean, but if the water is left long enough, it can deteriorate into Category 2.

Category 2: Gray Water

Water with a significant degree of contamination is classified as Category 2 water damage. Also known as gray water, it can cause some health issues, so it requires some cleaning treatment in addition to the standard drying process. This kind of water comes from washing machine discharges, aquariums, and other similar sources.

Category 3: Black Water

Category 3 water is extremely unsanitary and poses significant health risks. This kind of water can come from outside water (flooding) or sewage backups. In these cases, our technicians need to wear full PPE and perform multi-step cleaning processes. In fact, with black water, it’s strongly advised that elderly or immunocompromised individuals evacuate the home until it is safe to return.

Professional Water Removal

No matter what category of water damage your property may have, SERVPRO of Iredell County is equipped to handle it. We’ve helped thousands of Mooresville home and business owners recover from all types of incidents. If you have water damage and need professional help, call us today at (704) 872-7466!

How to Prepare for Hurricanes This Season

8/24/2021 (Permalink)

Hurricanes can damage or outright destroy homes, so planning ahead is one of the best things you can do!

Hurricane Florence hit our state hard in 2018 and became one of the costliest disasters in our history. While this year’s hurricane season isn’t expected to be as crazy as last year’s, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be ready just in case. Based on the lessons we learned over the last several years, we want to share some things you can do to prepare for potential hurricanes this season.

Establish an Evacuation Plan

In recent years, many people have discovered how difficult it can be to temporarily uplift your life and move for the duration of a hurricane. In fact, many people found it difficult to evacuate due to having pets, medical issues, or other situations. This task becomes even more difficult when thousands of other people are trying to make the same arrangements while we’re in the middle of a pandemic.

While it’s less urgent, now is a good time to start making arrangements for a potential evacuation. Identify a safe place farther inland or in another state completely. If you have pets and won’t be able to bring them with you, you’ll need to figure out somewhere to keep them until you can return home. And if you have medical issues, speak with your doctor about potential solutions. The more you plan now, the more time you have to react should a hurricane be imminent.

Stock Up on Supplies

If you have to stay behind for any reason, you’ll want to make sure you’re fully stocked on supplies. In addition to food, water, and a first-aid kit, you’ll need emergency equipment such as a battery-powered radio, flashlights, and even a fire extinguisher. We encourage you to quickly purchase as many of these supplies as you can because they often become scarce once a storm is impending.

Take Inventory of Your Home

While we hope you’re spared, hurricanes can damage or outright destroy homes. In the event that you need to make a claim with your insurance, you’ll need to provide a full list of your belongings. To ensure you get paid for everything that was destroyed, you’ll need to keep a detailed list of all the things in your home. You can do this on paper as you move from room to room, or you can do this using several different apps. It’s recommended you do this now while you can still get an accurate account of your belongings.

After the Storm

Once a hurricane passes, it’s time to get your life back on track. While this might be easy for some, the realities of storm damage are hard to ignore. Fortunately, our team at SERVPRO of Iredell is always ready to serve the Statesville and Mooresville communities!

3 Frequently Asked Questions About Fire Damage

8/10/2021 (Permalink)

If you had a house fire, know that help is available!

We’ve served the Mooresville community for more than a decade, and in that time, we’ve helped hundreds of victims recover from fire damage. If you’ve never experienced a house fire before, there are a lot of factors to consider, which is why our experts take several steps to keep the restoration process as simple for our customers as possible. This is why we’re answering some of the most frequently asked questions about the fire damage cleanup process.

Questions You May Have After a House Fire

1. Can you restore damaged documents? It is possible to save fire-damaged documents, but there are some caveats. We cannot undo any damage that’s already been done; we can only prevent further damage and take steps to preserve any salvageable documents. If you have documents that can be saved, we send them to our corporate facility to be safely cleaned and preserved.

2. Can you remove the smoke smell from my clothes and belongings? Yes, we can deodorize your belongings! Smoke can leave a strong smell that can be nauseating for many, but we have a variety of products and techniques we can use to eliminate any offensive odors, such as ozone and CLO2.

3. How long is the restoration process? There’s no simple answer to how long the restoration process will last. If you have minor damages, it could last a couple of days; more extensive damage could last months as you would have to coordinate with our reconstruction team. It ultimately depends on the situation, but we’ll communicate progress and updates to keep you in the loop!

Fire Damage Professionals Serving Mooresville, North Carolina

We know that fire damage incidents can be stressful, which is why we do everything we can to help you get through the process as smoothly as possible. Our professionals are available 24/7, so if you need help or have additional questions, you can reach SERVPRO of Iredell County anytime at (704) 872-7466!

3 Ways Water Can Damage Your Mooresville Home

7/27/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage can cause mold and other complications!

If you spill some water on the floor, you can just dry it with a cloth or paper towel. But if your dishwasher has been leaking for the past few hours, you’re going to need water mitigation services from our team here at SERVPRO of Iredell County. People tend to underestimate how water can affect their home, but the reality is that it can be quite destructive.

How Water Ruins Your Property

1. It can ruin wood. Wood is a very porous material, so when it’s exposed to water, it absorbs it, which in turn causes it to expand and warp. If you’ve seen wood flooring buckle, that’s because it has absorbed too much water and can no longer fit into place. This is why wood tends to be one of our top priorities when drying a home.

2. It causes mold growth. Although mold spores are everywhere—including in your home—they don’t generally pose a problem until they’re exposed to moisture. When this happens, the spores activate and begin growing in colonies. When we visit a water-damaged home, we apply an antimicrobial treatment to help prevent mold growth.

3. It can be a health risk. Water is a great breeding ground for many bacteria, which can pose health effects, especially for those with compromised immune systems. Even if the water is initially clean, it can deteriorate within a couple of days. And if the water was already contaminated to begin with, it’s even more important you stay away from affected areas until our team has it cleaned up.

We Clean Up Water Damages

Water damage isn’t something to ignore, especially as time goes on. If you have water damage, SERVPRO of Iredell County in Mooresville, NC is professionally trained and available 24/7! We’ll make any disaster “Like it never even happened.”

3 Ways You Can Protect Your Statesville Home from Water Damage

7/13/2021 (Permalink)

Pipes can leak or burst when you least expect it, so take care of your home's plumbing system!

Ask your friends and neighbors if they’ve ever had flooding or a leak in their home, and you’ll likely discover at least one has (if not more). Even though they’re not something we like to disclose to others, water damage incidents are fairly common. While the damages can vary, it’s not uncommon for the cleanup and restoration process to cost thousands of dollars.

It’s not always possible to prevent these incidents from occurring, but there are some steps you can take to mitigate your risk!

Shut Off Your Water During Extended Vacations

Many people are beginning to venture outside of Statesville, and vacations are starting to feel commonplace again. But before you leave for your post-COVID trip, consider this: have you ever noticed that most accidents seem to happen when you’re away from your home? Whether it’s karma or just bad luck, water damage incidents that occur when you’re not home can get out of hand.

One of the easiest ways you can mitigate these problems from ruining your return home is to shut off the water before you leave. Doing this can prevent burst pipes or leaks from sending hundreds of gallons of water into your home.

Don’t Ignore Your Water Pipes

Speaking of pipes, your home’s plumbing system can cause water damage issues even when you’re home. Complications can arise due to having hard water, high water pressure, or even pipes freezing in the winter. Hard water and high pressure can be alleviated by installing a water softener and a pressure regulator in your system, respectively. You can prevent frozen pipes by having them insulated in advance.

We rely on our pipes to transport water to fixtures and appliances, so they’re not something we can ignore. If you notice any problems, you should have a plumber address them immediately.

Maintain Your Water Heater

Imagine coming home to find steaming water all over your kitchen floor. That’s exactly what one of our customers faced after their water heater burst one evening.

We all enjoy hot showers, but our water heaters don’t last forever. In fact, they should be replaced before the end of their life expectancy (which you can find listed on your appliance’s label). Over time, water heaters begin to wear down, increasing their risk of leaking or bursting. Be sure to regularly inspect yours for signs of stress; otherwise, replace it when it’s time to do so.

Hiring Water Damage Professionals

If you do have flooding or a leak at your home, you’re going to need the damage cleaned up. Fortunately, SERVPRO of Iredell County has more than a decade of experience cleaning and restoring water-damaged homes in the Statesville area. We’re available 24/7 to make any incident “Like it never even happened.”

Can You Remove the Smoke Smell from Your Belongings?

6/29/2021 (Permalink)

If your Mooresville home has a fire, don't worry — we can eliminate the lingering odors!

If your Mooresville, NC home has had a fire, you know firsthand how strong the smell of smoke is. The odor is often headache-inducing, and it seemingly blankets everything in the home. In fact, sometimes the smell is so pungent that people are more than willing to discard affected items.

Although the malodor can be overwhelming, in most cases, it can be removed. At SERVPRO of Iredell County, we have several techniques at our disposal to remove smoke and other strong odors.

Cleaning Your Smoke-Damaged Possessions

We smell things when a substance releases odorants into the air, and then receptors in our nose transmit a signal to our brain [1]. Because smoke is highly volatile, it gives off a lot of odorants. So before our team can begin to remove the odor, we have to clean your damaged belongings so we can address the source. We have several different cleaning methods, depending on the type of material.

Clothes, linens, and other textiles are taken to our textile-cleaning facility, where our Mooresville cleaning experts use various products and equipment to remove soot from your soft goods. We even have an Esporta, a high-powered machine capable of cleaning heavily-sooted items—including uniforms and stuffed animals.

Furniture and more durable items are sent to our cleaning warehouse where we clean belongings with either propriety cleaning products or by using advanced technology. Our ultrasonic machines, for example, can remove soot from jewelry, small electronics, and other objects that require fine cleaning. Depending on the item and the cleaning requirements, we have a process to save many damaged items.

The Odor Removal Process

Just as with the cleaning process, SERVPRO of Iredell County has several different odor removal options. The method we use often depends on what and where we’re cleaning.

In most cases, we will place items in an ozone chamber, which is a special room where we purposefully generate ozone to neutralize smells. The ozone reacts with the odorants and effectively makes the smell go away. (NOTE: Because ozone can be dangerous even with low exposure levels, this is not something we recommend you do on your own.)

Another commonly used odor removal method is chlorine dioxide (CLO2). Similar to ozone, CLO2 reacts with molecules to neutralize the smell. In the case of CLO2, however, the molecules are incredibly small, which means it can more effectively penetrate porous material, which is why it’s sometimes preferable to ozone.

We Can Eliminate Nearly Any Smell

At SERVPRO of Iredell County, we invest in the best products and methods to save and restore your damaged belongings. If your Mooresville home has a fire, and you need our experts to get rid of the smell, know that we’re available for the entire cleanup and restoration process. Call us today at (704) 872-7466!

[1] Source: https://askabiologist.asu.edu/explore/sense-smell

How to Prevent Mold Growth in Your Statesville Business

6/22/2021 (Permalink)

Mold can be problematic for businesses, so you should take steps to prevent it from ever growing!

Mold is one of the last things you want to discover in your place of business. For starters, it can cause some health effects in people, which can slow or halt your operations, especially if you serve food. Mold growth can also be a symptom of recent or ongoing water damage, which can be a costly issue to resolve in and of itself. This is why it’s important to take preventative steps and avoid the headache altogether. At SERVPRO of Iredell County, we’ve helped many Statesville businesses take care of their mold problems, so below are a couple of preventative steps you can take to avoid them in the first place.

Mold Prevention Tips

Mold becomes a problem when it’s exposed to moisture, so if you can address it at the source, you can stop growth from ever occurring.

1. Immediately address any water damage. Mold spores need a couple of things to begin growing, and one of the most important is moisture. That’s why many people who initially avoid or cancel our services often call back later: their water damage encouraged mold growth. If you have water damage on your property, immediately call our team of water damage professionals!

2. Maintain lower humidity levels. High humidity levels are another way mold growth is encouraged. If your property’s humidity levels are unregulated, it’s best to purchase a dehumidifier(s). This device can draw moisture out of the air, which can lower the odds of mold growth. Your home’s humidity levels should be below 60%, but we say that 30-50% is ideal!

Your Mold Remediation Professionals

Mold growth is certainly a problem, but limiting your property’s exposure to moisture can help you prevent it from ever occurring. However, if you do have mold, our remediation experts have helped many Statesville homes and businesses overcome their mold issues. You can call our Mooresville-based team anytime at (704) 872-7466!

SERVPRO of Iredell County by the Numbers

6/8/2021 (Permalink)

We have hundreds of air movers and dehumidifiers, so we can take easily take care of your home or business!

SERVPRO of Iredell County has been around for more than a decade, but it wasn’t until last year that we came under our new ownership. Because of this change, we’ve significantly increased our capacity and our available services. Our success can only be contributed to the community’s support, which is why we’re excited to share some stats about where we are today!

Get to Know SERVPRO of Iredell County

1. 5 franchise locations. SERVPRO of Iredell County was the most recent location that we purchased, but it’s only a fifth of our overall service area. We also own 2 locations in Catawba County, 1 in Burke County, and 1 covering Alexander and Caldwell Counties!

2. 40+ green SERVPRO vehicles. You’ve likely seen our green vehicles as you’ve driven through Statesville, Mooresville, or the surrounding areas. If so, you’ve seen one of more than 40 of our vehicles, which we use to quickly get to customers’ properties. We regularly upgrade our fleet, so keep your eyes peeled for new additions!

3. 70 employees (roughly). It’s hard to imagine that a little more than a decade ago, we started our team with only 3 employees. Today we have around 70 employees, and we continue to add more all the time!

4. 600+ air movers and dehumidifiers. If your home or business has water damage, you’ll need to quickly dry the affected areas before they deteriorate and encourage mold growth. Our team has more than 600 combined units of both air movers and dehumidifiers — important tools for the water mitigation process — so we can respond to multiple disasters at the same time!

Your Local Cleanup and Restoration Professionals

We’re excited with the growth we’ve continued to have each year, and we’re grateful that the community has continued to call upon our team when it’s needed help. If you have any kind of disaster at your Statesville or Mooresville property, know that SERVPRO of Iredell County is available 24/7 to provide cleanup and restoration services!

Why SERVPRO of Iredell County is Trusted By Its Customers

6/1/2021 (Permalink)

Our team keeps customers up-to-date so they know exactly what's going on at their property!

Our team has served the Statesville and Mooresvile, NC communities for more than a decade, and we've worked hard to build a reputation as trustworthy experts. After every job, we ask our customers for feedback—both good and bad—so we can continue to build that trust. If you’re not sure if you should hire SERVPRO of Iredell County to clean and restore your property, we’ll share why others do.

We Respond Quickly

When you have a disaster, the last thing you want is to be told you have to wait. If you call our team, you won’t have to. We are available 24/7, and our team can be dispatched immediately—even at 2 a.m. on Christmas morning. While it’s SERVPRO policy to be at your property within 4 hours, in many cases, our team is there much sooner.

We Communicate Throughout the Process

When you have strangers in your home, you want to know what they’re doing and when. We agree—that’s why our employees explain the processes, answer any questions, and continue to update you on the progress. We want you to always be in the loop and trust that we know what we’re doing. That's also why we've established a quality assurance team, who regularly check in with our customers during and after the job.

We Do Most of Our Services In-House

When you hire a disaster restoration company, you want to know that everything is being taken care of by that team. That’s why we down most of our services in-house. We can clean your textiles, remediate mold, and remove odors—all without contracting it out to a 3rd-party company. We even have a reconstruction team, so once the damages have been cleaned up, we can repair your property and restore it to its pre-disaster condition.

Here When You Need Us

Most importantly, our team is always here when we’re needed. No matter what kind of disaster your property has, we have the training and experience to make it look “Like it never even happened.” If you live in the Statesville or Mooresville areas, know that SERVPRO of Iredell County is available 24/7!

How Water Damage Can Affect Your Statesville Business

5/25/2021 (Permalink)

Water can seep behind drywall and other porous materials, so our team removes them to get to the hidden moisture.

No business wants to have a disaster at their operations site. Water-related incidents can slow or halt productivity, are generally expensive to clean up, and many have forced businesses to close their doors forever. As a water cleanup and restoration company, we have seen first-hand how water damage can negatively impact a business.

Mold Damage

Water damage tends to lead to mold damage, especially if it’s not been properly addressed. In ideal conditions, mold growth can occur in as little as 48 hours, but it can also make an appearance much later. Depending on the type of business, mold can present several complications. For starters, it can cause some health effects in people, which can slow your team’s productivity or cause disruptions in your operations. If you work in an industry with sanitary guidelines, this can present other issues entirely.

Structural Damage

Water can do a number on your property’s structure. Because many materials are porous, water tends to seep into these objects and cause both short-term and long-term damage. Wood flooring, for example, is likely to buckle, and moist sections of your drywall will generally need to be removed to dry any moisture it absorbed. Water mitigation teams like ourselves are able to completely dry out affected areas, but it’s not always cheap to do so, depending on the extent of the damage.

Be Prepared for Water Damage

In an ideal world, you would never have water damage at your business’ property. In reality, dozens of Statesville businesses have these issues each year. Water damage can be an expensive problem that can set back your business, but if you react quickly and call for professional help, you can mitigate the impact. If you have a Statesville-area business with water damage, know that our water mitigation team is available 24/7!

3 Ways to Prepare Your Statesville Home for Spring Storms

5/18/2021 (Permalink)

Spring tends to bring all kinds of storms, so take action now!

Each spring local storms cause all sorts of damages, often in the form of downed trees and flooding. Every time, our mitigation team is called to clean up and restore affected homes and buildings across the Statesville, NC region. Fortunately, many of these damages can be prevented by taking precautionary steps, so we're going to share 3 of the easiest actions you can take to prepare your home!

How to Prevent Spring Storm Damages

If you want to protect your home from future flooding or wind damages, you have to be proactive. Below are three things you should have done as soon as possible.

1. Clean your gutters. Your gutters are your first line of defense against flooding. They are designed to catch and redirect rain away from your home, but if there's any blockage, it can force the water to back up and pool around the edges of your home.

2. Remove any problem trees. After nearly every major storm, we get calls from people who have had a tree fall on their home. If you have any sick or otherwise problematic trees near your home, have them removed or trimmed before they potentially damage your home and expose it to rain and other elements.

3. Repair any known cracks or other structural problems. Don’t put off any repair projects. We often get calls during storms where customers discover water leaking through the roof or cracks in the basement. If you know of any structural issues, be sure to have them patched immediately!

Storm Damage Professionals Serving the Statesville, NC Community

Spring may be beautiful, but it can bring adverse weather conditions. There's no telling when the next storm will pass through the Statesville area, but if you take precautions, you can mitigate any potential damages. If you do have storm damage, however, know that our professionals at SERVPRO of Iredell County are available 24/7 to clean up and restore your property.

How Wind Can Damage Your Statesville, NC Home

5/12/2021 (Permalink)

Wind can damage your home in more ways than one, so be prepared!

Your Statesville home is designed to protect you from the elements. In most cases, homes do a great job of weathering storms, but they’re not invincible. In fact, the wind alone can cause a lot of destruction to your property. After many years of serving the community, we’ve seen the many ways wind can damage your home.

Different Types of Wind Damages

1. Wind can knock over trees. Trees are great for the environment but terrible for your home. Yet each year, countless homes are damaged by fallen trees. In turn, these damages—often in the form of holes—expose your home’s interior to rain and other natural elements. If you have trees close to your home, you should consider having them removed, especially if they’re sick or dead.

2. Wind can throw loose debris. We often take for granted the things in and around our yard, but unrestrained objects pose a real threat to your property. Strong winds have the tendency to lift and throw lawn furniture, garbage cans, and other things. In addition to trashing your yard, these objects have the potential to damage your home. If you know a storm is coming, it’s recommended that you restrain everything in your yard.

3. Wind can damage your roof. High-speed winds can do a number on your roof. If you have loose shingles, for example, they can be easily stripped away. Even shingles in good condition can be ruined if the wind is strong enough. In some cases, chimneys can shift, which can expose your interior to water damage (and potentially mold).

Storm Damage Professionals

When we think of storm damage, we often think of flooding, but as we’ve shown, wind can be just as destructive, if not more so. When you’re preparing for an upcoming storm, be sure to consider how the wind might affect your  Statesville home. If you do have storm damage, however, you can call our team any time at (704) 872-7466!

Why Soot Damage Can Be Detrimental to Your Troutman Home

5/4/2021 (Permalink)

Soot can stain and damage your home and belongings, so it's important to have it cleaned by experienced professionals!

Fires don’t always consume entire homes. In fact, many of our Troutman-area jobs come from small kitchen fires that may only affect a couple of rooms. These types of jobs often deal primarily with soot, which many people try to clean up on their own. Unfortunately, soot can be a major problem that should be handled by professionals!

Soot is Notoriously Difficult to Clean

Soot can cause major discoloring, which is why it’s important to clean it from affected surfaces as soon as possible. Unfortunately, if it’s not cleaned properly, it can actually stain and cause further damage. Due to its nature, soot cleanup requires the use of certain cleaning products and techniques. That’s generally why the cleaning process is better left to professionals who know exactly what to do!

Soot Disrupts Your Air Quality

Our team is often hired to clean a home’s HVAC after it has fire. That’s because soot particles sit in the air ducts, ready to disperse once the system kicks on. Until your home has been thoroughly cleaned, you’re likely lowering your home’s air quality. This can be especially concerning with people with asthma and other health conditions, but it can cause complications for anyone given enough exposure.

Professional Soot Cleanup in Troutman, NC

Even a small house fire can cause a lot of damage to your home. If your Troutman home has soot damage, call our professional team at SERVPRO of Iredell County today!

Why We Can Handle Any Size Disaster

4/27/2021 (Permalink)

Our team had the size and experience to clean up the fire at Lees-McRae College!

Did you know that SERVPRO of Iredell County is just one of five SERVPRO locations owned by Kim & Randy Williams? They actually own and operate the franchises that serve Alexander, Caldwell, Burke, Catawba, and Iredell counties! Many people think that we’re a small-time operation that can only handle smaller, mostly residential damages, but we can clean up and restore any size disaster!

Why SERVPRO of Iredell County

While we have more than a decade of experience, there are actually a few reasons why we can handle any size disaster:

1. We have roughly 70 employees (and counting)! When we first opened our Lenoir franchise in 2009, we had only 3 employees. Today, we have more than 20 times as many employees, and we continue to add more each year. Because we have so many employees, we are able to respond to any size disaster, such as the fire at Lees-McRae College and the flooding at Martinsville Speedway.

2. We have hundreds of units of equipment. Over the years, we have built up an incredible inventory of equipment. We have multiple warehouses full of equipment, including hundreds of air movers, dehumidifiers, and proprietary cleaning products.

3. We do much of our work in-house. We have long pushed to move away from 3rd-party services and have begun to take on more work in-house. That’s why we have our own textiles cleaning facility, ultrasonic machines, duct cleaning equipment, and even manage our own dumpsters. Because we’ve made these moves, we’ve been able to cut costs down and are able to get jobs done quickly and more efficiently!

Restoration Professionals Serving Statesville and Mooresville, NC

We pride ourselves on our ability to help a customer from the beginning to the end of the restoration process. Our team is equipped with the latest technology and processes, and we’ve helped thousands of homes and businesses recover from disasters. If you need SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties, don’t hesitate to call our team at (828) 322-4400!

3 Ways Your Statesville Business Can Prepare for a Potential Disaster

4/20/2021 (Permalink)

When this building had unexpected water damage, our team was there to clean up the damages!

Preparing Your Business for the Worst

It’s not something a business owner ever wants to happen, but it often occurs when they least expect it—disaster strikes. According to FEMA, between 40-60% of small businesses never reopen their doors after suffering from a disaster. Even knowing this, many Statesville businesses fail to prepare or have any plan in place for when an incident does occur. If your business is in this situation, here are 3 things you can do to prepare your business for a potential disaster!

1. Develop an Emergency Ready Plan. One of the best ways you can prepare your business is to have a document that details emergency contact information, utility shutoff locations, and other essential information—all in one place. Fortunately, your local SERVPRO franchise will create an Emergency Ready Plan for your business for free!

2. Identify an alternate operations site. If a disaster does enough damage to halt your operations, you’re likely to lose a lot of money (and potentially hurt your reputation). Before that happens, identify another space you can use to resume some or all of your operations, at least temporarily. For example, this could be a rented office space, a friend’s unused warehouse space, or wherever it makes sense for your business.

3. Ensure you have sufficient insurance coverage. When your business has a disaster, insurance is your best friend. Not only do they pay for some or all of the damage costs, but they are also a great resource center for finding the necessary services and accommodations. It’s important you review your coverage now, as you won’t be able to get assistance once it’s too late!

Commercial Restoration Professionals in Statesville, NC

Disasters can be devastating, but you can reduce the impact it has on your business with the right preparations. However, if you need assistance cleaning and restoring your Statesville commercial property, you can call SERVPRO of Iredell County today at (704) 872-7466!

Can Your Hardwood Floors be Saved from Water Damage?

4/13/2021 (Permalink)

We use this drying system to try and save wet hardwood floors!

It’s no secret that water and wood aren’t a good mix. Because wood is a porous material, it acts almost like a sponge and absorbs moisture. This is especially problematic when you have standing water—there’s more moisture than the wood can hold.

Each month, our team at SERVPRO of Iredell County gets multiple calls from panicked homeowners whose home has suffered some form of water damage. For the customers with affected hardwood flooring, they often ask the same, pressing question: can their floors be saved?

Saving Hardwood Floors

In short, the answer is maybe; it depends on how damaged the floors are by the time our crews arrive.

If your hardwood floor had mild exposure and only have cupping, it’s possible to save them. We use a special system that removes excess moisture from the wood and should allow the planks to return to their original position.
If your hardwood floor had more extensive exposure and had already warped, these would need to be removed and replaced. In that condition, they would be past the point of saving.

Water Damage Mitigation Experts in Statesville, NC

Since 2009, we have helped thousands of local homeowners recover from water damage. Our professionally trained technicians have worked on a range of incidents—from minor leaks to major flooding. If you have water damage at your property, call SERVPRO of Iredell County anytime at (704) 872-7466!

Is Your Mooresville Business Prepared for Disaster?

3/30/2021 (Permalink)

Your business can be sensitive to disaster, but you can take steps to keep it afloat!

We’ve stated this statistic many times, but we can’t stress it enough: according to FEMA, roughly 40% of small businesses never reopen their doors after a disaster. It’s easy to shrug that off, but imagine if 40% of the businesses in downtown Mooresville closed down. What if your business was one of them?

Disaster can strike at any time, in many different forms. Sometimes it’s storm-related, sometimes it’s caused by an accident, and other times it’s just a freak incident. So while it’s impossible to know what might happen and when, there are some steps you can take to prepare your business.

3 Ways to Prepare Your Mooresville, NC Business

1. Create contingency plans. No matter what kind of incident might occur, your main priority is to get your operations back on track. The best way to prepare is to develop contingency plans. For example, identify an alternative operations site in case you need to temporarily relocate. You should also consider how you’ll communicate with your customers should you have to halt your products or services.

2. Train your employees to react. If your building was flooded, would your employees know what to do? Would they know how to react to a fire? It’s important to create emergency protocols, but it’s even more important that your employees know what they are. The faster your employees respond, the less damage you are likely to have.

3. Get an Emergency Ready Profile. Do you know where your water shut-off valve is? Who’s your closest fire department? Who should your employees call in the event of a disaster? All of these questions are important in an emergency, and the longer it takes to get an answer, the worse the situation can get. Fortunately, our team here at SERVPRO of Iredell County can assemble free Emergency Ready Profiles for your business—a small packet with all of the information you and your employees will need in an emergency.

Your Disaster Restoration Professionals

It’s impossible to know if or when your business might have a disaster, but that’s no reason to be unprepared. If you need help preparing your business, our team at SERVPRO of Iredell County can help you create a free Emergency Ready Profile—we just hope that should you need our services, you will give us a call. We're also available for 24/7 cleanup and restoration services, so if your business has fire or water damages, know that we're always here to help!

Why SERVPRO is Capable of Restoring Your Statesville Business

3/16/2021 (Permalink)

When a customer had a major disaster, we sent multiple teams to clean and restore the damages!

As your local disaster restoration company, you probably know we help many Statesville homeowners get their lives back to normal after fire or water damage. But we extend those services to commercial businesses as well—no matter how large they are. There are a few reasons SERVPRO of Iredell County is a great choice to clean and restore your business.

Why SERVPRO of Iredell County

1. We’ve served thousands of homes and businesses for more than 10 years. Since 2009, we’ve worked with numerous property owners to restore their property after they've had fire or water damages. Over time, we’ve established our reputation as a trustworthy and professional disaster restoration company in the Statesville area.

2. We’re a large loss franchise. SERVPRO corporate recognizes certain SERVPRO franchises as being a large loss franchise, which means they have the skill and capacity to handle large-scale disasters. We are one such franchise, and we’ve helped restore several large losses, such as the fire at Lees McRae College and flooding at Martinsville Speedway.

3. We offer a full range of services. We’re known for our reputation as a fire and water damage restoration company, but we offer many more services. For example, we offer odor removal, textiles cleaning, mold remediation, and more. We’re your one-stop shop when it comes to your restoration needs!

Commercial Restoration Services in Statesville, NC

We pride ourselves in making it “Like it never even happened.” That’s why many businesses in the area trust us when they have a disaster. If you have fire or water damage at your Statesville commercial property, call SERVPRO of Iredell County today at (704) 872-7466!

How to Prevent Flooding in Your Mooresville, NC Home

3/9/2021 (Permalink)

Rain can cause a lot of damage when your Mooresville home is not adequately prepared. Act now and prevent flooding!

Flood Prevention is Possible

Flooding can destroy property and induce a lot of stress. While flood damages aren’t uncommon, we’ve found most Mooresville homeowners don’t take the necessary steps to prevent it from happening to their home. There are multiple ways you can prevent flooding, and as disaster restoration professionals with years of experience, our team at SERVPRO of Iredell County has a few tips to help!

3 Ways You Can Prevent Flooding

In many cases, rain will infiltrate your home because there are weaknesses in your home’s structure or its defenses. Below are a few of the most common problems that homeowners overlook.

1. Clean your gutters. Your gutters are your first line of defense against rain. When your gutters get a buildup of leaves and other debris, this prevents them from functioning and can lead to flooding. Regular cleaning can prevent blockages and lower your risks.

2. Seal any known cracks or vulnerabilities in the structure. In some cases, we’ve had customers who’ve called us because water flooded in through a previously known vulnerability. The best way to prevent these incidents is to address them before a storm arrives. Be on particular lookout for mold patches, which can indicate you have water intrusion or other moisture problems.

3. Landscape your property. If your home is positioned at the bottom of a slope, rain will likely build up and pool around the foundation. To prevent this, you may need to do some landscaping or install some sort of draining system. The most important thing is that water is redirected from your home.

Your Mooresville Cleanup and Restoration Professionals

In some cases, flooding can be prevented, but when it can’t, you’ll want to rely on professionals to clean up the damages. Since 2009, SERVPRO of Iredell County has helped thousands of Mooresville homeowners restore their flood-damaged properties. If you have flooding, know that our professional team is always here to help!

What Can Cause Water Damage in Your Statesville Home?

2/23/2021 (Permalink)

Toilets are essential, but they can also cause quite a bit of damage!

Preparing for the Unexpected

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, most of us are staying in our homes. Despite the circumstances, this is a great opportunity to inspect your home to prevent potential water damages. After all, these incidents can be expensive to clean up and restore. Unless you’re familiar with what can cause water damage in your home, it can seem like a lot of ground to cover. Our experts at SERVPRO of Iredell County have years of experience cleaning up water damages in the Statesville, NC community, so we’re going to share some of the most common culprits!

Common Water Damage Incidents in Your Home

While there are countless reasons your Statesville home can have water damage, there are a few that are more common than others.

• Water heaters. Everyone loves a hot shower, but nobody loves having hot water all over their floors and in multiple rooms. Yet water heaters are frequently behind the water damages we clean up. Often these appliances leak due to age-induced cracks, but they have also been known to burst due to various factors. It’s highly recommended that you have yours replaced every few years.

• Roof leaks. Rain can happen any time, and if your home’s structure has any cracks or other weaknesses, you may find rain inside your home as well. Roofs are one of the most common places to find structural damage, and it’s often a source for water damage during a storm. Don’t wait—check your roof and patch any spots that may pose a problem later because you may not have advance warning.

• Toilet Overflows. While it’s not often that toilets backup and overflow, it can happen, and it’s sometimes with disastrous results. Overflows can flood multiple rooms and can even cause flooding to subsequent floors. Even worse, contaminated water can pose serious health risks. Though there are many factors that can cause these issues, you can help mitigate your risk by only flushing appropriate items: bodily waste and toilet paper.

Professional Water Damage Cleanup Services

Appliances, fixtures, storms, and other things can contribute to water damage at your home. There’s no fail-safe way to prevent water damages, but the risk can be significantly reduced if you take the proper precautions. If you live in the Statesville, NC area and have water damage, SERVPRO of Iredell County is available 24/7 to help you clean it up!

5 Things to Do if Your Basement Floods in Mooresville, NC

2/16/2021 (Permalink)

Basements make a great place to store belongings and to hang out, but flooding can quickly turn it into a haven for mold growth and structural damage.

Over the years, many Mooresville-area customers have called because their basements have endured some form of damage. These incidents can manifest in many different ways, but one of the most common issues basement-owners face is flooding. Whether it’s due to a storm, a burst pipe, or some other cause, flooding can be a major problem. If you own a basement and don’t know what to do if and when it floods, we've got you covered.

1. Shut Off the Power

It's never safe to enter a flooded room when the power is still active, so your priority should be to turn off the gas and/or electricity. If you are unable to turn off the power, do not enter the basement until somebody can do so.

2. Identify the Water's Source

After you've shut off power to the basement, you should identify the problem's source so you can prevent additional damage. If a burst or leaky pipe is the problem, shut off your water immediately and call somebody to repair it. If it’s from rain or outside flooding, it may be best to wait until it stops before attempting to start the cleanup process

(Note: Please wear gloves and appropriate clothing when entering a flooded room. The water could quite possibly be contaminated and unsafe for contact.)

3. Start Removing the Water

Once you've completed the above steps, you should call a local water mitigation company to clean up the damage (such as our Mooresville-based team). But even while you're waiting for help to arrive, you should start removing the water because the longer it sits, the more likely you will have mold and other damage. You can use buckets, a sump pump, a mop, etc., but the main point is to get as much water out as quickly as possible.

4. Begin Drying Out the Basement

Once most of the water has been removed, you can focus on drying out the room. If there wasn’t much flooding, you might be inclined to do this yourself by placing several fans around the room, but be aware that if it’s not dried properly, you are leaving yourself open to mold and structural damage. If you’re not sure what to do, or if there was a lot of flooding, you will definitely want to hire a disaster restoration company.

5. Maintain Low Humidity Levels

You would ideally do this during the drying process as well, but it’s important that you use a dehumidifier or similar device to keep humidity at a relatively low level. Water damage often leads to mold growth, but without much humidity, it is not very likely to grow. If you hired a restoration company, this should be taken care of for you.

Recovering from Flooding

Basements might seem like an easy target for flooding, but all is not lost if yours ever becomes a victim. If water fills your Mooresville home or business, contact your local water cleanup company to help get you through the process and make it “Like it never even happened.”

Why Fires Often Result in Water Damages

2/2/2021 (Permalink)

Above, water damaged the interior of a home that had a fire in the kitchen area. Water and fire damage go hand-in-hand!

House fires aren’t an uncommon occurrence in the Statesville and Mooresville communities; in fact, we usually get at least one or two fire-related calls a week. But in most instances, we first have to send out our water technicians before we send our fire-cleaning team.

Fire Damage Creates Water Damage

As everyone knows, one of the most common ways to extinguish a fire is to douse it with water. (Be aware that water won’t put out every kind of fire.) And of course, the amount of water needed is proportional to the size of the fire, so a large fire is going to need a lot of water.

That’s why house fires tend to have significant water damage—firefighters have to use a lot of water to put them out. In commercial fires, water damage can also occur when even a small fire triggers the sprinkler system. As a result, affected homes have two types of damages that need to be addressed.

Mitigating Your Water Damage

When we respond to a home that has both fire and water damage, we first dispatch our water mitigation team. Because unmitigated water damage can lead to mold and additional structural damage, it’s imperative that it becomes a priority. After that’s been addressed, we’ll follow up with our fire damage cleanup team.

Expecting the Unexpected

Unfortunately, disaster strikes when and where we least expect it. And in many cases, damages can be extensive, requiring multiple phases in the restoration process. While it’s not possible to prevent every disaster, it’s a good idea to plan and prepare for worst-case scenarios. We recommend you put together contingency plans and talk with your local insurance to make sure you’re properly covered.

How Your Statesville Business Can Prepare for Fire Damage

1/19/2021 (Permalink)

Fires can do tremendous damage to your business, but some precautionary measures can spare you the headache!

Fires can do a lot of damage to your business. In fact, according to FEMA, many businesses will never reopen their doors after having such a disaster. Since we opened our doors in 2009, we’ve seen how fires have cost Statesville businesses their money—and sometimes their reputation. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to mitigate the effects of a potential fire!

How to Prevent Commercial Fire Damage

1. Install a sprinkler system. A sprinkler system is one of the best investments a business can make. Should a fire break out in a section of your property, the sprinklers can control the flames before they get out of hand. According to the National Fire Protection Association, when a sprinkler system was present, fires were confined to the room of origin in 97% of fires (versus 74% that didn’t have a sprinkler system).

2. Train your employees to use fire extinguishers. It’s always a good idea to teach your employees about fire safety, especially when it comes to fire extinguishers. Proper usage can put out small fires, which can in turn save you from a big headache. If you haven’t reviewed fire extinguisher procedures with your staff, you can always speak to your local fire department about getting a demonstration!

3. Keep combustible materials away from heat sources. Flammable objects should be kept a safe distance from any device that gives off heat. Space heaters, candles, light bulbs, and other objects that give off heat can easily start a fire if they are kept near the wrong materials. As a rule of thumb, flammable objects should be kept at least 3 feet away.

Get Professional Help

You don't know if or when you might have a fire, but you shouldn't wait to find out. If you invest in fire prevention now, you can stave off thousands of dollars' worth of damages down the road. But if your Statesville business does have a fire and needs professional cleanup and restoration, SERVPRO of Iredell County is available 24/7!

How We Train Our Team

1/5/2021 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Iredell County, we have a team of more than 70 well-trained employees. We believe that in order to provide the best possible customer service, we need to invest in hiring and training the right people. To accomplish this, we have our employees go through multiple programs, such as through SERVPRO HQ, the IICRC, and, in some cases, NADCA.

SERVPRO’s Training Program

At our corporate headquarters in Gallatin, TN, we have a state-of-the-art training facility where SERVPRO employees can experience the mitigation process first-hand. We have a dedicated house that is intentionally flooded so crew chiefs and technicians can learn how to extract water and out a home. When possible, we send our crews to this special facility to get the full SERVPRO training experience.

IICRC and NADCA

In addition to SERVPRO’s rigorous training program, we also have our field staff get relevant certifications from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). This organization sets the standards for training and certification in our industry, and we encourage all our employees to get their certification.

Some of our employees also have certifications from the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), which sets the standards for the duct cleaning industry. This allows our technicians to be knowledgeable and use the most current cleaning methods!

A Team of Quality People

SERVPRO of Iredell County’s mission is to develop a team of quality people who focus on excellent service, fairness, and mutual respect. That’s why we push our team to be knowledgeable in the services that we provide. If you want professionals to help you clean and restore your damaged Mooresville property, call SERVPRO of Iredell County at (704) 872-7466!

How We Take Care of Your Belongings

11/30/2020 (Permalink)

Our team carefully boxes your belongings so we can safely transport them back to our warehouse!

It doesn’t matter if your home has a fire, flooding, or even mold—the structure isn’t typically the only thing that’s damaged. In most cases, your possessions are also affected; in some cases, they’re even ruined. A house can be rebuilt, but not everything else can.

SERVPRO of Iredell County has helped thousands of Mooresville homes and businesses clean up and recover from disasters. Because we’ve seen first-hand how devastating these incidents can be, we’ve invested a lot into our contents restoration process. That’s why we want you to know exactly how we manage and take care of your belongings.

Packing Out Your Items

When our team inspects your property for damages, we inspect and identify any items that were affected or need to be relocated for the duration of the cleaning process. Once we’ve made that determination, we bring in a crew to sort and box these belongings. This process—known in the industry as a packout—involves multiple steps.

For starters, our crew needs to determine which items are salvageable and which ones are not. As they do this, they are making a list of each individual item. While we never throw any item away without the owner’s permission, we do keep a log so we can review these belongings and determine the next step.

Items that can be saved are inventoried, wrapped, and boxed. To keep track of items, we use an inventory management system that allows us to know exactly which box has which items. This system stores photos of the item, tracks which room it originally came from, and logs any notes. Once everything has been entered and packed up, we transfer the items back to our warehouse to be cleaned.

Cleaning & Storing Your Damaged Possessions

Once our team brings your belongings back to our warehouse, we begin the cleaning process. Clothing, linens, and other textiles are brought to our textile cleaning facility, where we wash, dry, and deodorize them. All other items are cleaned at our contents warehouse, where we can use equipment like our ozone chamber and our ultrasonic cleaning machines.

After the items have been cleaned, we store them in our storage warehouse until the restoration process is finished at your property. All boxes are grouped by customer, so you never have to worry about your stuff being mixed with somebody else’s!

Getting Your Home Back to Normal

Finally, once your Mooresville home has been restored, we bring your belongings and perform the last step—the packback. We place everything back where it was so you can feel “Like it never even happened.”

At SERVPRO of Iredell County, we know it’s difficult to navigate these moments of loss, but we’re here to help you get through to the other side. If you need help getting your home back together, know that we are available 24/7!

How to Protect Your Basement from Storm Damage

11/16/2020 (Permalink)

Heavy rains caused this basement to flood!

Many homes in Statesville have basements, but they're highly susceptible to storm-induced flooding. If your home has a basement or was built partially below ground level, then you need to take extra precautions to keep your property dry and safe.

Why Do Basements Flood During a Storm?

During a storm, gravity pulls the rain to the lowest possible point. On properties that aren’t properly graded or have insufficient drainage, this can cause water to pool near or against your home. This is problematic because, by nature, basements are generally built partly or entirely below ground level. Given enough time, this excess water can seep into your basement, especially if there are cracks in the wall or foundation.

How You Can Prevent Your Basement from Flooding

While your basement is at a higher risk of flooding than any other part of your home, it doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do. If you want to protect your basement, there are effectively 3 things you can do:

1. Clean your gutters. Your home’s gutters are your first line of defense against flooding. As rain slides down your roof, it will get caught in the system and be directed away from your home, which will prevent it from pooling in one place.

2. Have your yard properly graded. If your yard is flat or slopes towards your house, then you have a grading problem. The immediate area around your home should slope away so that gravity will pull water in that direction. If this is your problem, call a professional landscaper to grade your yard the right way.

3. Fix weaknesses in your foundation. Water will find its way into any crack or crevice, so if your foundation has such a problem, it should be fixed immediately. Otherwise, you’re just inviting rain to enter!

What to Do if Your Basement Floods

Suppose you take the above measures and rain still manages to flood your basement. If so, there’s no need to panic: there are still some actions you can take. At this point, you’ll want to focus on mitigation, so here’s what you should do:

1. Remove furniture and belongings to higher ground. Water can ruin possessions and encourage mold growth. If possible, your best response is to move as much of your furniture and other belongings upstairs as you can. This will at least keep these items safe.

2. Redirect water away from the home. Your next step should be to remove as much of the incoming water as possible. The less water in your home, the less damage you’ll ultimately have.

3. Call your local water damage restoration company. In most cases, you’re going to need professional help to extract water and dry affected materials. This is something you’ll want to do after the rain has stopped because companies like ourselves can’t truly help until the water stops coming in.

While you’re waiting for help to arrive, you should remain calm and focus on saving your belongings. If you live in the Statesville, NC community, SERVPRO of Iredell County is available 24/7 to help you clean up flood damage and reclaim your basement.

3 Most Common Types of Commercial Disasters

11/2/2020 (Permalink)

Our crew cleaned up sewage after it backed up in the crawlspace of this building!

Each year, dozens of Mooresville-area businesses have some kind of disaster. Over the years, our team has helped hundreds of them clean and restore their properties, so we’ve seen first-hand how stressful and costly these incidents can be. Although we’re here when we’re needed, we don’t enjoy seeing our customers upset. So if you have a local business, make a note of some of the most common types of commercial disasters we’ve seen in our community.

Common Commercial Damages

1. Breakroom fires. Commercial fires are relatively common, and in many cases, they originate in the breakroom. These types of incidents usually occur when small appliances malfunction or are misused, so it’s not a bad idea to review safety policies with your staff. You can mitigate any potential damages by having a fire extinguisher and a smoke alarm installed in the room.

2. Mold infestations. Mold is unsightly, can cause health effects, and can damage your building’s structure While minor mold growth can be dealt with relatively easily, we’ve seen many situations where businesses have had larger infestations that consume multiple rooms. Because mold needs moisture to grow, problems can generally be prevented by keeping indoor humidity in check and immediately taking care of water damage incidents.

3. Sewage backups. Sewage is one of the last things you want to find in your business. Not only is it gross, but it’s also highly unsanitary and can pose health effects to both you and your staff. In some cases, these types of incidents are out of your control, but if you conduct routine maintenance and review what can and cannot be flushed, you can lower your risk.

Professional Cleanup and Mitigation Services

When you’re running a business, you have to prepare for all kinds of potential problems. The above are some of the most common, but there are plenty of other scenarios where you might need professional cleanup services. If you do have commercial damages, know that SERVPRO of Iredell County is available 24/7 to make any disaster look “Like it never even happened.”

Why SERVPRO of Iredell County Should Take Care of Your Mold Problem

10/19/2020 (Permalink)

Our employees have helped hundreds of homes address their mold problems!

Although mold is the last thing a homeowner wants to discover, mold growth is actually a common problem in the Statesville area. Because mold can have some effects on your health and your home, it’s generally a good idea to take care of the issue. Finding the right professional remediation team can be difficult, but there are a few reasons why you should choose our team at SERVPRO of Iredell County.

Using SERVPRO of Iredell County for Your Mold Problems

1. We are IICRC-certified in mold remediation. When you’re looking for a mold remediation company, one of the first things you should check is to make sure they are IICRC-certified. The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification is an internationally recognized organization known for setting the standards in our industry. Our mold team holds this certification, which shows we understand how to address your mold problem!

2. We don’t make false promises. One of the most common misconceptions is that companies can “remove” mold from your home. There’s always a little bit of mold everywhere (including in your home), but this generally isn’t an issue until the spores are exposed to moisture. Some companies will falsely claim to have this mold “removed,” but that’s impossible. Reputable companies like ourselves instead offer mold remediation.

3. We take care of your moisture issue. Since moisture is one of the key ingredients for mold growth, it’s important that it’s addressed so the problem doesn’t reoccur. That’s why our team also determines the water’s source and ensures that the issue isn’t ongoing. This way we don’t have to come back out to do the remediation process all over again!

Mold Professionals in Statesville, NC

Mold may be unsightly and problematic, but that doesn’t mean you have to deal with it by yourself. Our mold remediation professionals are always available to help you take back your Statesville home. If you need SERVPRO of Iredell County, you can call us any time at (704) 872-7466!

3 More Kitchen Fire Prevention Tips

10/6/2020 (Permalink)

We all love to spend time in the kitchen, but if you don't follow safety practices, you could end up with a fire!

Fire Prevention Week is finally upon us! During the 2^nd week of every October, the National Fire Protection Association brings attention to the dangers that fires can present. During this year’s campaign, they are focusing on kitchen fire safety. Since kitchen fires are the leading cause of fire-related deaths each year, we’re sharing additional fire prevention tips to keep you safe!

Fire Prevention Tips

1. Keep a pot lid nearby. If you’re using a pot or pan, you don’t want to be unprepared for a grease fire. If a small fire does break out, quickly place a lid on the container and turn off the stove. This will remove the fire’s oxygen source, which will ultimately cause it to die out. 

2. Don’t let handles hang off the stove. If you’re using a pan or other cookware with a handle, be sure to keep the handle over the stove. This keeps hot liquids and ingredients from being accidentally knocked over and causing burns or worse. 

3. Create children-free cooking spaces. We love our children, and we want to keep them and our kitchens safe. While cooking, there should be a children-free zone at least 3 feet around the stove and other food preparation areas. This will help accidental fires and injuries!

Your Fire Damage Professionals

As we observe Fire Prevention Week, review your home’s safety policies and consider integrating the above recommendations. Each year, our company helps dozens of fire-damaged homes and businesses—many of which could have been prevented. If you do have a fire, know that SERVPRO of Iredell County is always here to make it look “Like it never even happened.”

3 Tips to Prevent Water Damage

9/22/2020 (Permalink)

Faucets and appliances are one of the most common culprits behind water damage incidents.

Imagine coming home to suddenly find your carpet soaked and your furniture ruined. As far-fetched as it sounds, it’s a relatively common occurrence for homeowners in the Mooresville area. While water damage incidents can occur for a variety of unexpected reasons, there are a few things you can do to mitigate your risk of having one!

How to Avoid Water Damage

1. Inspect hoses and faucets. Water damage incidents often occur because of issues with your faucets or your appliance’s hoses. In most cases, these problems can be avoided by simply inspecting them on a regular basis (at least once a year). Also, as a good rule of thumb, you should replace your appliance's hoses every five to seven years unless you notice a problem before then. 

3. Install water-detection sensors. You should know immediately if your home has a leak or a broken pipe, and a water detection device can help you achieve just that. These sensors work similarly to a smoke alarm—when moisture is detected, it alerts you. This quick response can help you stop an issue before it gets out of control. 
4. Check your water pressure. You might enjoy having high water pressure, but your pipes don’t. Over time, unnecessarily strong water pressure can push your pipes out of alignment, which can lead to gallons of water pouring into your home. You can purchase a pressure gauge at your local hardware store, and the investment can potentially save you from thousands of dollars’ worth of damage.

Choose SERVPRO of Iredell County

Water damage incidents can be stressful, but in many cases, these situations can be avoided. If you do have water damage, however, you should seek our professional help. Fortunately, SERVPRO of Iredell County is available 24/7, so you can call us anytime at (704) 872-7466!

4 Things You Should do After You Have a House Fire

9/7/2020 (Permalink)

House fires can be incredibly stressful, but there are some simple steps you can take to begin the recovery process!

There are fewer things more stressful than your home catching fire. For starters, most people are caught off-guard, but even if they were completely prepared, it’s not always a straightforward experience. If you have a house fire and aren’t sure what to do next, here are some steps you can take to get started.

After the Fire

1. Let your friends and family know you’re OK. Once you’re safely out of the home and you’ve called 911, you should let your friends and family know you’re safe. This might seem obvious, but in the moment, it can be difficult to think straight. 

2. Call a local cleanup and restoration company. Once the firefighters put out the flames, you should immediately begin the restoration process. Call a local cleanup and restoration company (like our team at SERVPRO of Iredell County) so they can extract the water, board up your home, and start getting your house back to normal. 

3. Call your insurance company. Depending on the severity of the damage, you may want to call your insurance company. In addition to helping you cover costs, they may even be able to set you up with a place to temporarily stay (depending on your coverage). 

4. Stay out of the home. Unless the fire department has given you explicit permission to enter, you shouldn’t go back inside your home. Although you may be tempted to retrieve items or inspect the damage, there are often many dangers still inside. If you’re not certain, it’s always best to ask.

Get Help From Your Local Experts

We know there’s a lot to process after a house fire. Fortunately, you have friends, family, and professionals like ourselves who are here to help you get back on your feet. If you need professional cleanup and restoration services in the Mooresville area, you can call SERVPRO of Iredell County any time at (704) 872-7466!

How to Prevent Pipe Damage

8/24/2020 (Permalink)

Frozen pipes can lead to significant water damage. Have them insulated to reduce the chances of freezing!

Your home’s plumbing system transports gallons of water in and out of your home. While we rely on the system to dispense water and run our appliances, the pipes can age or be damaged and lead to flooding. In a recent blog post, we named pipe damage as one of the leading causes of home water damages in the Mooresville area.

Still, knowing the threat is there isn’t reassuring. That’s why we’re going to take a look at some of the ways this damage is caused and how you can prevent it from happening!

Soften Your Water

Believe it or not, your pipes can be damaged over time if your water is too hard, which occurs when the water has high concentrations of minerals. Although hard water isn’t dangerous to humans, it can damage or clog your plumbing systems, leading to unwanted complications.

The best way to combat this issue is by installing a water softener, which helps filter out these minerals. If you have some plumbing knowledge, you can do this yourself. Otherwise, you should call a plumber to install one for you.

Regulate Your Water Pressure

You might enjoy a strong shower, but your pipes might not. High water pressure can put a lot of strain on your plumbing and even accelerate the wear and tear on your appliances. Generally, your home’s water pressure should be between 40-80 PSI; if it’s any higher, you have a problem. (You can check your water pressure with a gauge from your local hardware store.)

To alleviate high water pressure, you can install (or replace) a pressure regulator, which can keep it in check.

Insulate Your Pipes

If your pipes freeze, the ice inside expands and increases pressure on the pipes. When the water starts to thaw, this can ultimately cause the pipes to burst. There are a few things you can do to mitigate this problem, but it’s a good idea to insulate your pipes to reduce the odds of them freezing in the first place.

Cleaning Up Water Pipe Damage

Despite taking the above steps, your pipes may still break and cause extensive water damage. Unfortunately, accidents do happen. If this happens to you—don’t worry. Our team at SERVPRO of Iredell County is available 24/7 to cleanup water damage in your home or business. Call us at (704) 872-7466 so our professionals can make any damage “Like it never even happened.”

What You Should Know About Flood Insurance

8/17/2020 (Permalink)

Flooding can happen to almost anyone, which is why it's important to consider getting flood insurance!

Unless you live near a lake or river, you probably haven’t considered getting flood insurance. In fact, you may not have known it was a thing. In the past year, however, many residents learned how important flood insurance could be when we had two major flooding events. When we responded to many of these calls, homeowners were often disheartened to learn their damages weren’t covered by insurance.

Before You Buy Flood Insurance

If you’re considering getting flood insurance (or are putting it off until later), there are a couple of things you should know.

1. There is a 30-day waiting period before it applies. Some people like to wait until the last moment before they buy things they need, but flood insurance shouldn’t be one of them. There is a 30-day waiting period before your coverage actually applies, so if you wait until a storm is on the way, you won’t be covered. (There are a couple of exceptions to this rule, however.)

2. You don’t need to live in a flood zone to purchase it. Contrary to popular belief, anybody can buy flood insurance. In fact, some of our customers were not people living in flood zones; heavy rains just exceeded what their property could handle. So even if you don’t live in a designated flood zone, consider the investment!

Flood Damage Experts

Flooding can happen to most homes—even if they aren’t located near a body of water. These incidents can be difficult to navigate, but our expert team is here to help! Call SERVPRO of Iredell County any time at (704) 872-7466 to make any flooding “Like it never even happened.”

What You Should Know About Smoke Alarm Maintenance

8/3/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke detectors are essential in every home, but you have to keep them properly maintained!

Nowadays, most homes have a smoke detector installed. In fact, according to the National Fire Protection Association, 96% percent of homes have a smoke detector. Despite this statistic, the organization also reported that from 2009 to 2013, only smoke alarms only sounded in 53% of house fires reported to fire departments.

The truth is, homeowners and tenants need to do more than simply have smoke alarms installed—they need to maintain them on a regular basis. If you fall into the category of people who have never checked on their fire alarm—don’t fret. We’re going to cover the simple steps you can take to ensure your home is alerted during a fire.

Test Your Alarms Once a Month

Smoke detectors don’t last forever. In fact, you should have yours replaced every 10 years, which is the average lifespan. Even if it’s still within its life expectancy, you shouldn’t assume that it’s going to work when you need it.

That’s why experts advise that you test each of your alarms once a month. To test yours, look for a button the alarm (it’s often red, but yours may vary). Press and hold this button until it chirps. If the alarm doesn’t sound, that means it either needs to be replaced or have its batteries changed.

Replace Your Batteries Annually

Just as your alarms don’t last forever, neither do their batteries. Some smoke detectors will intermittently chirp when their batteries are low, but you still shouldn’t rely on this feature. Each year, replace the batteries in all of your alarms so you can rest assured they will function when needed. It might even be helpful to remember by timing it with a special holiday, such as New Years’ Day!

Responding to Fire Damages

While smoke detectors are crucial to help you and your family to a fire in a timely manner, they don’t prevent fires from actually happening. At SERVPRO of Iredell County, we have seen how devastating fires can be, and we know what it takes to clean them up. If you live in the Statesville or Mooresville areas and need fire damage cleanup services, know that we’re available 24/7 by calling (704) 872-7466!

3 Most Common Causes of Water Damage

7/20/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage can happen to anyone for a variety of reasons!

Each week, our team receives several phone calls from homeowners panicked by the amount of water in their home. For many of them, it’s a new experience—one they’re unsure how to handle. For us, it’s a routine we’re all too familiar with.

Water damage is a common issue many homeowners face at some point in their lives, yet many of us are caught off-guard. In a previous blog post, we briefly reviewed the steps you should take if you discover water damage in your home, but what exactly causes these incidents to happen? As the experts, we’re sharing some of the most common causes we see in Mooresville homes.

Pipe Damage

The plumbing system in our homes is as critical as it is convenient. We use water for a variety of purposes, such as flushing the toilet, washing dishes, and even taking a shower. But like anything else in your home, these pipes endure age and can have complications over time—such as having a leak or bursting.

There are several reasons your home’s water pipes can have damage, but the most common among these are high water pressure, having “hard” water, and freezing during winter months. Be sure to look into these issues and take any necessary steps to address them before you have gallons of water pouring into your home.

Appliance Issues

Though the plumbing system transports water, it’s often our appliances that end up using them. Refrigerators, dishwashers, and washing machines are some of the most commonly used appliances in the home, but they also tend to cause the most water damage issues.

As our appliances age, many of their parts wear down with use. Eventually, these critical parts lose their ability to function properly, which can cause water to leak during the appliance’s use. You can prevent these issues by keeping up with proper maintenance or replacing these appliances before their life expectancy ends.

Water Heater Leaks

The water heater plays an important role in your home as it allows you to have a much-desired, hot shower. Although we use our water heater every day, it’s not something we often think about—at least, not until it starts leaking gallons of hot water onto your floor.

Water heaters don’t last forever—typically between 6 and 13 years (check the label on your water heater to be sure). Beyond that, you’re just waiting for a disaster to happen. Check your heater for cracks or external damage on a routine basis during its life, then replace it once it’s over.

Hire Water Damage Professionals

While there are certainly other ways for your home to have water damage, the above are some of the most common that we encounter. Regardless, any incident can be stressful, which is why we encourage you to hire professionals who can get you back on your feet. Our team at SERVPRO of Iredell County is available 24/7, so if you have damage in the Statesville or Mooresville areas, call us anytime at (704) 872-7466!

Water Damage: What to Do While Help is on the Way

7/6/2020 (Permalink)

If you’re like most people, having water damage is a rare occurrence. Because of this inexperience, you’re likely to just call your insurance company for assistance and wait for professional help to arrive. Unfortunately, every second counts, so if you’ve already called your water mitigation company (such as our team at SERVPRO of Iredell County), there are some things you should do while you wait.

1. Address the water source. This should actually have been the very first thing you did, but if you haven’t already done this, determine where the water is coming from and—if possible—fix the issue. In many cases, this is as simple as shutting off the home’s water, but some repairs may be necessary as well.

2. Remove as much water from the home as possible. You’ll need specialized drying equipment to completely dry your home, but that doesn’t mean you have to do nothing while you wait. Instead, you can begin removing any standing water from your home, such as with buckets or mops. This helps us cut down on the amount of time we need to spend extracting water before we can begin drying.

3. Place aluminum foil or wooden blocks between your furniture and wet flooring. Water can ruin your furniture, and in some cases, it can stain your carpet. To help prevent this, place aluminum foil or wooden blocks underneath your furniture to keep it from touching wet flooring.

This is a good start, but if you have additional help or still have time, there are plenty of other things you can do while you wait. If you do have water damage, however, know that professional help is around the corner. Call our team at SERVPRO of Iredell County any time at (704) 872-7466!

Kitchen Fire Prevention Tips

6/29/2020 (Permalink)

Cooking is a great pastime, but it can also lead to potential fire damage!

Cooking-based fires are the leading cause of home fires in the United States, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). But as COVID-19 continues to keep some restaurants and businesses closed, many people find themselves spending more time in the kitchen. While we want you to continue cooking at home, there are some things you should do to prevent a fire from breaking out.

1. Don’t leave the kitchen unattended while cooking. If you’re using appliances or doing heating, it’s highly recommended that you stay in the kitchen while they are in use. Fires can occur and quickly get out of hand within seconds, so it’s important you’re there to supervise and react.

2. Clear flammable materials from the stovetop. When you’re cooking, it can be easy to forget where you put plastic packaging, towels, and oven mitts, but if you’re using the oven at all, they need to be cleared before it’s in use. Otherwise, these materials can catch fire and become a major hazard.

3. Always act on product recalls. It’s a good idea to register your appliances so you can get important recall notices (and often to extend your warranty). If there is a recall, you should immediately act on the notice because these faulty appliances could lead to a fire or other incident!

Kitchen-based fires are one of the most common types of home fires, even here in Iredell County. Our team has helped thousands of homes recover from fire and smoke damage, so if you need professional cleanup services, call SERVPRO of Iredell County at (704) 872-7466!

Introducing Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

6/15/2020 (Permalink)

Our Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program will help your staff, customers, and community feel confident about visiting your place of business!

Let us help you reopen your business

As North Carolina gradually reopens, we’re all moving back toward a new kind of normal. The expectations of visitors, customers, and employees who come into our establishments have evolved, and staying safe and well is a top concern. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean, and we’ve developed a program to help your business meet that new standard.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a new defensive cleaning program we’re offering to businesses and commercial locations to address the current pandemic. This proactive viral pathogen cleaning program goes well beyond your standard janitorial cleaning. By choosing Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you, your employees, your customers, and our community can rest assured that you’ve selected a higher cleaning standard.

We’re highly trained and use specialized equipment

SERVPRO stands on more than 50 years of experience and expertise to help your business become Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.  In addition to fire and water damage, our professionals are trained and experienced in biohazard decontamination and chemical spills—always adhering to the cleaning and decontamination standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local authorities. 

From formulating and creating our proprietary cleaning products, like SERVPROXIDE, at our headquarters in Gallatin, TN, to taking the utmost care while disinfecting, we will ensure you and your business are set up to inspire consumer confidence our community continues to reopen.

3 C’s – Consult, Clean, and Certify

When the stakes are this high, you want a partner who has developed an industry-leading, proprietary training program, cleaning solutions, and remediation processes over decades. We’ve cleaned up some of the most challenging biohazards imaginable. Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned reflects our unique experiences and capabilities. The program is grounded with our unique 3 C’s: Consult, Clean, and Certify.

• Consult – Every business is different, which is why you’ll be assigned a Cleaning Protocol Consultant who understands your business and will create a custom cleaning program to meet your specific needs. This program will be developed based on your business type, size of space, amount of high-frequency touchpoints, foot traffic, and congestion points.

• Clean – Based on your specific business needs, your location will undergo a thorough, deep clean using exclusive cleaning products, according to protocols set forth by the CDC. Our employees have years of experience, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for the cleanup process, and disposal of hazardous materials.  In the event of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 event, we will be there cleaning within 24 hours to ensure you get back to business as quickly as possible. 

• Certify - Once your business location has been Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you will gain access to proprietary signage, digital emblems, and other collateral that communicates that you’ve selected a higher standard of clean available to help protect your employees and customers. And because we add the day, month, and year to that proprietary stamp of clean, your guests will know that not only did you choose Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, but that your location is being cleaned regularly at this standard.

Call today for a consultation

We’re Here to Help—24 hours a day, seven days a week—until life is back to normal here in Iredell County.

Call SERVPRO of Iredell County today at (704) 872-7466 for your Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation.

3 Ways an Emergency Ready Profile Can Help Your Business

6/5/2020 (Permalink)

In a blog post from last year, we briefly explained SERVPRO’s Emergency Ready Profile (ERP). For those who didn’t see it, an ERP is a free, custom document that outlines the important information your business needs in the event of a disaster. This document includes emergency contact information, the location of emergency shutoffs, utility contact information, and much more. Our SERVPRO representatives come out to our business, get some basic information, and compile this profile at no cost to you!

When most businesses learn about our program, they want to know one thing: what does an ERP do for them? Fortunately, we’ve helped dozens of local businesses get their ERPs, so we know of a few ways it can help your business!

1. An ERP can help mitigate the overall damage. An Emergency Ready Profile can provide your on-site staff with critical information needed to respond to a disaster. If your business had flooding from a broken pipe, for example, they could quickly refer to the ERP to learn where the water shutoff valves were. They would also have the contact information for your trusted service providers right at their fingertips.

2. Preparedness plans can help a business survive a disaster. According to FEMA, 40-60% of small businesses never survive a disaster such as flooding or a fire. A disaster preparedness plan can improve your odds. While an ERP isn’t enough of a plan on its own, it is an important piece that—in conjunction with a response strategy—can go a long way in helping you navigate the aftermath of any incident.

3. You establish a relationship with your local disaster restoration company. If you have fire damage, water damage, or any other kind of disaster, you’ll want a quick and professional response. When we create your ERP, we’ll save a copy in our system. Should you have an incident and call our team, we’ll be able to pull up all the critical information you've provided so we can respond quickly and efficiently. This saves precious time and gives you peace of mind.

We established the Emergency Ready Profile so we could help businesses be ready should they be affected by a disaster. We offer this at no cost—we just hope that if you need our services, you’ll call us first. If you would like to get an ERP for your place of business, call SERVPRO of Iredell County today at (704) 872-7466!

What to Do If a Tree Falls on Your Home

5/25/2020 (Permalink)

Fallen trees can cause a lot of damage, but there is a recovery process!

When a strong storm system moved through our area last month, many homes endured some kind of damage. Some were lucky with only minimal damages; others were affected by loose debris and fallen trees. Many people call us when a tree falls on their home, but there’s a process you should follow before you call!

1. Call a tree removal company. Before our team can clean up the damage inside your home, the tree needs to be removed. Because we do not offer that service, you will need to find a local tree removal company. In some cases, they may also tarp exposed areas of your roof, but if they don’t, we can do that for you!

2. Call your local disaster restoration company. Cleanup and restoration companies like SERVPRO of Iredell County are available to clean up the rain damage and debris inside your home. We use various equipment to extract water and dry moisture. We can also tarp and board exposed areas of your home if that hasn’t been done already.

3. Call a roofing company. Once the tree has been removed and our team has mitigated the interior damage, it’s time to have your roof repaired. Contact a local roofing company to fix your roof. Otherwise, you could end up with water damage again in the future!

We know that property damage can be stressful, but calling the experts can make the situation much more manageable. If you have storm damage and need professional cleanup services, call SERVPRO of Iredell County today at (704) 872-7466!

Why SERVPRO of Iredell County Should Clean Your Ducts

5/18/2020 (Permalink)

Your ducts accrue dust and debris over time, so it's a good idea to get them professionally cleaned every few years!

When was the last time you had your home or business’ air ducts cleaned? If you’re like most people, the answer is “never.” While it might not be the first thing on your list, it is a good idea to consider having them cleaned. Over time, your system accrues a buildup of dust, dirt, and other contaminants that can affect your home or building’s air quality. If that wasn’t an issue already, this buildup can put a strain on your system, leading to performance issues in the future.

SERVPRO of Iredell County can clean your HVAC system, and we have the certified professionals to do it. If you’re wondering why you should choose us over our competitors, there are a few reasons!

We’re Up-Front About Our Costs

There’s nothing worse than hiring somebody at an advertised cost only to be surprised with hidden fees. At SERVPRO of Iredell County, we’re up-front about our costs, and we don’t have any hidden fees. Here’s our breakdown:

• $35 for each vent and return in your home
• $100 for air handlers located in a basement or closet
• $150 for air handlers located in an attic or crawlspace

At a minimum, we charge $450, but that number can increase depending on the above factors. If you find a competitor with a cheaper rate, be wary. Many use the low price as a way to get their foot in the door before hitting you with unexpected costs and upcharges.

Our Technicians Are NADCA Certified

The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to publishing the standards for the safety, evaluation, and cleaning of HVAC systems. In addition to setting these standards, they also offer certifications and conferences that are aimed at training industry professionals.

Our duct cleaning technicians are NADCA certified and keep up with the latest trends. As a result, we offer thorough cleanings that address your entire duct system. We also provide before-and-after photos so you can see the results!

Your Local Professional Duct Cleaners

Your HVAC system is an integral part of your home, which is why we encourage you to maintain it and have it cleaned every few years. If you haven’t had your cleaned in a while (or ever), consider calling our team to have it done professionally. Call us any time at (704) 872-7466!

We Can Clean Your Belongings

5/11/2020 (Permalink)

Our textile cleaning facility is capable of cleaning many damaged items!

When we purchased SERVPRO of Iredell County late last year, we were excited to expand the services the franchise had previously offered. In the past, for example, some services had to be outsourced to an outside party—but this would lead to delays and other possible incidents. Fortunately, this is no longer the case.

Since this year, SERVPRO of Iredell County has offered several new services. We’re particularly excited that we can now clean your damaged belongings if your home or business has a disaster!

Textile Cleaning

Several years ago, we invested in a state-of-the-art textile cleaning facility. Located at our Lenoir office, we are able to clean and deodorize a wide variety of soft contents, such as clothes, stuffed animals, leather, shoes, and more. Many items that were once considered unsalvageable can now be cleaned in-house by our trained professionals.

Modern Cleaning Technology

In addition to textiles, we can also clean jewelry, small electronics, and more. In some cases, we use proprietary cleaning products to hand-clean affected items; in other cases, we use our ultrasonic machines. The ultrasonic technology uses high-frequency pressure waves to agitate a liquid and put much-needed force on the contaminants—allowing us to clean small areas we otherwise couldn’t.

Your Restoration Professionals

We know that your belongings often come with sentimental value and can’t always be replaced. Our team has helped thousands of local homes and businesses recover from damages. If your possessions have been affected by a disaster, know that we are here to help!

How SERVPRO of Iredell County Can Help Your Business

4/29/2020 (Permalink)

Our team has helped dozens of businesses clean and disinfect their workspaces!

As business owners, we know how important it is to keep your operations running. Many of our local businesses have had to face that strain under the threat of COVID-19. For years, we have cleaned fire and water damages in restaurants, schools, retail stores, and more. But we also offer services that can help even when you don’t have a disaster.

Odor Removal

Unwelcome odors are distractions can deter customers and slow productivity. Fortunately, our team at SERVPRO of Iredell County has specialized products and processes we can use to completely remove offensive odors from your property. We avoid masking and other techniques and focus on actually addressing the source of the issue.

Duct Cleaning

Over time, your property’s HVAC system will accrue dust, dirt, and other contaminants that will affect the building’s air quality. This can potentially stir up allergies or other health concerns for your employees. Plus, the extra strain on your system can lead to problems over time. Our NADCA-certified technicians can thoroughly clean your air ducts and alleviate some of these issues.

Cleaning and Disinfecting

The coronavirus pandemic has underlined the importance of keeping our workplaces clean and sanitized. We offer commercial cleaning and disinfecting services so you can reduce the spread of pathogens. We follow CDC guidelines and local health regulations to address hot spots that have been known to spread viruses and bacteria.

We Are Here for You

Fire and water damage cleanup and restoration is the core of our operation, but we have the capability to help your business in many different ways. If you have questions or would like to know how we can help, call SERVPRO of Iredell County any time at (704) 872-7466!

Flood Watch vs Flood Warning

4/22/2020 (Permalink)

The last year hit us with two major flooding events—both in June 2019 and February 2020. These incidents were devastating for many homes and businesses—most of whom were not prepared for either incident. While there’s no telling when the next event might occur, it’s important you understand the different alerts authorities will use: flood watch and flood warning.

Flood Watch

When local authorities see that conditions are right for a flood to occur, they will issue a flood watch alert. While a flood watch does not mean that flooding is actively occurring, it does mean that the potential is there. If a watch is issued, you and your family should be alert and start making preparations.

Flood Warning

A flood warning is issued when flooding is actively occurring or is imminent. When this alert is given, you should immediately take action and get to higher ground if you haven’t already. While both types of alerts indicate danger, a flood warning is the most pressing.

Professional Storm Damage Cleanup

For more than a decade, we have helped hundreds of homes and businesses recover from flooding. Our IICRC-certified technicians have the experience and the training to clean up your home and return it to its pre-disaster condition. If you need professional help, you can call us any time at (704) 872-7466!

Why You May Need SERVPRO if You Have a House Fire

4/15/2020 (Permalink)

Our team has experience cleaning soot from many different surfaces!

Our team at SERVPRO of Iredell County responds to multiple fire-damaged homes each week. Sometimes these are from small kitchen fires, but they can also be the result of larger, more destructive fires. Regardless, we offer a variety of clean up services that can benefit any homeowner, no matter how destructive the damage.

1. Your belongings are covered in soot. Soot can be extremely difficult to clean, but our team is more than capable of cleaning your belongings. While we can’t make any guarantees, we have a state-of-the-art textile cleaning facility that can clean and deodorize any clothes, linens, and more. We also have proprietary cleaning products and techniques we can use to clean other damaged objects.

2. Your home has a strong, smoky odor. Fires leave behind a strong, distinct odor that can be very difficult to remove. Fortunately, we have a variety of products and techniques we can use to eliminate any odor, no matter how strong it is!

3. You have soot in your HVAC unit. Soot is not only destructive—it can cause health issues. Unfortunately, during a fire, these particles will get everywhere, including your duct system. Unless this is cleaned, you’ll only redistribute the soot and cause further damage. Our team is NADCA-certified and is more than capable of cleaning any HVAC system.

At SERVPRO of Iredell County, we’ve worked with thousands of customers with fire and water damages. No matter what kind of damage your home may have, our team is here to help. If you have fire damage at your property, call our team anytime at (704) 872-7466!

Tornado Watch vs Tornado Warning

4/8/2020 (Permalink)

Tornadoes can be destructive, so stay tuned to alerts by local officials!

Tornadoes can happen at any time of the year, but in North Carolina, they typically occur between March and June. Back in February, we saw how damaging heavy rain can be, which is why it’s important to be prepared for something with more of a destructive force. Because tornadoes aren’t a frequent phenomenon in our area, we felt it was a good time to remind people about the different warning labels and how you should respond if one is announced!

Be Alert Under a Tornado Watch

A tornado watch is issued when conditions are right for a tornado to form. At this point, a tornado hasn’t been actively spotted, but one could form. If a watch is announced, it’s best to move indoors and monitor your local news station for updates.

Take Action During a Tornado Warning

A tornado watch, on the other hand, is issued with a tornado has either been spotted or is imminent. If a warning has been announced, you should immediately head to a safe area and wait until the local news station has given the all-clear. This announcement is much more pressing than a watch and requires an immediate response!

Hiring a Professional Restoration Company

SERVPRO of Iredell County is your local disaster restoration company. We have helped hundreds of homeowners recover from all types of storm damage. If you need professional help, call our team anytime at (704) 872-7466!

What Are Soot Tags (Soot Webs)?

4/1/2020 (Permalink)

Soot webs are common features that show up after a fire, but they should be cleaned by a professional!

If you’ve ever had a house fire, you might have noticed the soot-covered cobwebs lingering in the upper-corners of affected rooms. Many of our customers are surprised at the discovery and will make comments about their cleaning habits. These features actually aren’t spiderwebs—they have nothing to do with spiders at all!

Soot tags are features that form when ionized soot particles stick together, giving the impression of a web. Soot webs are generally found along ceiling corners where surfaces are generally cooler. However, if you do find them, you should leave them for the professionals to clean. They are very sticky and can cause an additional mess.

Soot can be harmful to you and your home, so it’s best to have your fire-damaged home cleaned as soon as possible. Fortunately, our team is certified and experienced in handling soot cleanup, so call SERVPRO of Iredell County anytime at (704) 872-7466!

We Are Cleaning and Disinfecting Experts

3/27/2020 (Permalink)

If your business needs a proactive cleaning, SERVPRO of Iredell County is Here to Help!

SERVPRO of Iredell County is Always Here to Help
As the COVID-19 pandemic disrupts both the world and our community, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards. For years, we have helped countless businesses clean and disinfect their properties to protect their customers and their staff.

Specialized Training

SERVPRO of Iredell County is prepared to clean and disinfect your business in accordance with protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Our IICRC-certified team has more than a decade of experience 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 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 Mooresville- or Statesville-area business needs deep-cleaning services, call our expert team today—SERVPRO of Iredell County, (704) 872-7466!

Equipment Used to Dry Water Damage

3/20/2020 (Permalink)

We have many units of equipment to dry your home or business' water damage.

Water damage can be catastrophic. Carpet may have to be removed, mold might begin to grow, and the belongings may be ruined. Fortunately, water mitigation companies like SERVPRO of Iredell County can speed up the drying process and potentially save your damaged belongings. We use a scientific process to mitigate water damage, but a lot of the work is thanks to our special equipment!

1. Air Movers. Air movers are high-powered fans that can direct air movement with a large degree of precision. These machines accelerate the evaporation rate, which greatly speeds up the drying process.

2. Dehumidifiers. Once the moisture has evaporated, our dehumidifiers draw the moisture from the air and convert it back into a liquid. The water is then drained into a separate container or space away from the home or building.

3. Moisture Meter. Our technicians use moisture meters to measure the moisture levels of affected materials. These readings inform our team of how wet these materials are, but they also let us know when we’ve reached our drying goal.

If you have water damage, the right tools and processes can help you recover. Fortunately, our team is certified and experienced, so we can handle the work for you! You can call our water mitigation team any time at (704) 872-7466!

3 Ways Water Damage Can Cause Problems

3/19/2020 (Permalink)

This mold growth was the result of water damage that wasn't properly cleaned and dried!

Last month, we had significant flooding in the area, which resulted in more than 100 phone calls in the span of a couple of days. Many of those callers eventually canceled services and decided to take care of the water themselves. Unfortunately, many of those same callers will likely call us back because failing to properly clean up water damage can create unintended consequences.

1. Mold growth. Mold needs moisture to grow, which is often why water damage victims find mold growth later in their homes. If the water isn’t quickly and thoroughly dried out, the mold spores in your home will use that moisture to activate and spread. This is also why we use antimicrobial applications—to reduce the risk!

2. Structural damage. Your home’s structure is also at risk when exposed to enough water. Carpet and hardwood floors, for example, can lose their integrity and become damaged. Water also enters porous material like drywall, so the moisture can affect parts of your home that you can’t even see!

3. Bacterial growth/Contamination. Depending on the source, the water can be contaminated with bacteria and other harmful contaminants. But even clean water can deteriorate if given enough time. Water damage in your home should be addressed immediately to prevent health concerns, especially if a person with a compromised immune system lives there.

Water damage is more than an inconvenience—it’s also a hazard for you and your home. If you have an incident, don’t try to handle it yourself; call a professional disaster restoration company. SERVPRO of Iredell County is available 24/7, so you can contact us anytime!

Why You Should Clean Your Company’s HVAC System

3/14/2020 (Permalink)

Over time, air ducts like this can build up an accumulation of dust and debris, which can lower air quality and cause strain on the system!

When was the last time your company had its air ducts cleaned? If you’re like most local business, it’s either a long time ago or never. Most people never think about the health of their HVAC system or the impact it can have on their employees’ productivity. However, a professional air duct cleaning can make a significant difference for you and your team.

1. Reduce the strain on your HVAC System. Over time, your duct system will accrue a buildup of dust, dirt, and other contaminants. This buildup will eventually restrict the airway and force your HVAC system to work harder for the same results. The longer and more intensely your system has to work, the more at-risk it is of breaking down.

2. Improve air quality for your employees. It’s no secret that employees are more productive when they are in comfortable environments. Your HVAC system goes a long way in keeping them warm or cool—whichever is appropriate—but it can also create issues. The contaminants in your system will recirculate throughout the building, which can cause discomfort or allergies for you and your team. A duct cleaning will remove those particles from the system, allowing for fresher air.

If it’s been a while since you’ve had your building’s duct system cleaned, it’s something you may want to consider. At SERVPRO of Iredell County, we’ve cleaned hundreds of business’ air ducts, so if you need yours cleaned, call our team today!

Why You Should Choose SERVPRO of Iredell County

3/9/2020 (Permalink)

We have more than 70 employees ready to help when the need arises!

Many homeowners and business owners in Iredell County have experienced some kind of disaster. Whether their water heater leaked, a fire broke out, or mold ravaged their property, they each had to find a cleanup and restoration company. There are many disaster restoration companies in Mooresville, Statesville, and the surrounding communities, and it can be hard to choose the best one. If you or somebody you know needs a cleanup and restoration company, there are a few reasons you should choose SERVPRO of Iredell County.

1. We have more than 70 employees. If you have flooding or smoke damage, your primary concern is getting help as quickly as possible. Because we have more than 70 employees, we are able to dispatch many teams to multiple customers at once. This helps us reduce response time and ensure that each job has an appropriate number of employees!

2. We do many of our services in-house. In the past, some of our services had to be outsourced to outside companies. Now, we’re proud to say we can both offer more services and do them in-house. For example, we can clean HVAC systems, clean damaged textiles, and even pack out and store your damaged items.

3. We’re available 24/7. Disasters can happen at any time, so we respond at any time. We offer emergency services 24/7 so you never have to wait for help when you have an incident at your home or business. In fact, you’ll get the same quick response time as you would expect during our normal office hours!

Over the years, we’ve been fortunate enough to help many homes and businesses recover from disasters. We continue to grow and build on our services so that we can help many more when the need arises. If you have an incident and need our professional help to clean up, call our team at SERVPRO of Iredell County!

Unique Services Offered by SERVPRO of Iredell County

3/2/2020 (Permalink)

We have a textiles cleaning facility at our warehouse. This means we can clean most damaged textiles—including clothes, linens, and more!

We announced last month that SERVPRO of Iredell County recently took on new management. The acquisition by seasoned SERVPRO veterans Kim & Randy Williams instantly took us from a 5-member team to one with more than 70 professionals. We’ve also been able to expand the services we offer the community members of Iredell County!

Mold Remediation

Mold removal is a commonly requested service in the Mooresville and Statesville areas, so we’re excited to share that we now have a dedicated mold remediation team. Our remediation process focuses on addressing the cause of your home’s mold growth, removing the mold-affected materials, and reducing the spore count to standard levels. Our mold team consists of experienced and highly trained employees!

Packing and Storing Your Belongings

If your home has a disaster, what happens to your possessions? If you hire SERVPRO of Iredell County, we can pack up and store many of them until your property has been cleaned up and restored. Our packout crews will go through affected areas of your home and inventory, pack, and store all salvageable items. If the items can be cleaned at our warehouse, we can take care of that for you. Of course, if an item can’t be saved, we will always review that with you before disposing of it.

Textiles Cleaning

In the past, if you had clothes, linens, and other textiles that were damaged by fire or another incident, we would have to send them to a 3^rd-party cleaning company to be restored. We’re excited to announce that we can now do those services in-house. Our main office hosts an on-site textiles cleaning facility capable of cleaning most damaged textiles. By moving our operations in-house, we have faster turnover times, we can keep costs down, and we can help you rest assured your belongings are being safely taken care of.

Cleanup and Restoration for Iredell County

At SERVPRO of Iredell County, we try to offer as many relevant services to our customers as possible. Disasters can come in many shapes and sizes, so we do our best to handle them quickly and efficiently. If you have an incident at your property and need help cleaning up, you can call our team any time at (704) 872-7466!

How We Develop Our Team

2/26/2020 (Permalink)

We hold various team-building events to help our team work and grow together!

At SERVPRO of Iredell County, our mission is to develop a team of quality people who focus on excellent service, fairness, and mutual respect. When owners Kim & Randy Williams opened their first franchise, they only had one other employee; today, they have more than 70. But it’s not just about the numbers—we believe it’s important that each employee is highly trained and fits well into their role.

Training & Certifications

In addition to having a rigorous hiring process, we ensure our employees are trained shortly after joining our team. For some roles, this means sending them to classes to get certified—such as through SERVPRO or the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). For others, this could be in the form of job shadowing or other certifications. Even after initial trainings, we encourage our team to participate in continuing education. Regardless, it’s important that each employee is both capable of handling their role and able to grow.

Finding Each Person’s Niche

At SERVPRO of Iredell County, it’s not just enough to be on the team—you need to be in the right role. We do our best to make sure each person is in the role they can offer the most. Sometimes we have to move people around, but it’s important that our employees like and are good at their jobs. We believe this has not only helped us—it’s also improved our level of customer service!

Team Building

Beyond individual growth, one of the most important things for our team is that they are able to act like—well—a team! We regularly host teambuilding efforts in the form of group events and employee recognition. As we’ve grown, it’s been easy to segment by our various department, but we realize the value of teamwork, so we invest time and money into building our team’s performance!

Trusting SERVPRO of Iredell County

Anybody who hires a cleanup and restoration company like ourselves is going to want to work with professional, dedicated employees. We understand that and have made it our mission to build up a great team that you can trust. If you have a disaster and need our help, know that SERVPRO of Iredell County is always available!

What to Do If Your House Floods

2/13/2020 (Permalink)

Flood damage can be devastating, but there are some steps you can take to mitigate the damage!

Many homeowners in the community recently learned how unexpected disasters can be. When heavy storms hit and flooded many areas, we received more than 100 calls from customers concerned about flood damage. Because flooding isn’t something that occurs on a regular basis, many of our customers were confused about the steps they should take. Fortunately, we can provide some insight.

1. Get to higher ground. The first thing you’ll want to do is get to higher ground. For starters, floodwaters can have contaminants, which can cause health concerns. Flooding can also create safety hazards, so affected areas should be avoided.

2. Address the flooding source (if possible). You’ll want to prevent as much of the flooding as possible, so if you’re able to address the source, you should do so immediately. In many cases, this isn’t possible, so unfortunately, you’ll have to wait until the rain stops before you can take further action.

3. Call your local disaster restoration company. Once the flooding stops, you should begin the cleanup and mitigation process. First, you’ll want to call your local disaster restoration company (like our team at SERVPRO of Iredell County) to extract water, set high-tech drying equipment, and to apply an antimicrobial spray to reduce the risk of mold growth.

4. Remove as much water as possible. When it comes to water damage, time is not on your side. While you’re waiting for the water mitigation company from the previous step, you should start removing as much water as possible. The earlier you can get started on this, the better it is for your home and your belongings.

Flooding has affected many homes and businesses in the last year. Although most people are taken by surprise and are often unprepared, the above steps can get you on the right track. If your home does have water damage, know that our team at SERVPRO of Iredell County is always available!

How to Manage Water Damage

2/11/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage can be stressful, but it can be navigated if you call the right people!

Whether a pipe bursts, your water heater leaks, or rainwater floods your home, the end result is the same—water damage. For most people in the Statesville and Mooresville areas, water damage is a stressful experience that can seem difficult to navigate. While the cleanup and restoration process can seem confusing, there are a few steps you can take.

1. Address the source. When you have water damage, the first thing you need to do is correct the source. If you have a burst pipe, for example, you will need to shut off the water and call a plumber. Whatever the problem is, it must be addressed so it won’t continue to cause problems.

2. Call a disaster restoration company. Once you’ve fixed the problem, you’ll need to extract and dry the water. If the damage isn’t properly cleaned up, it can lead to further complications, such as mold growth and structural damage. A water damage restoration company (such as SERVPRO of Iredell County) is experienced in the cleanup process and will ensure you don’t have further complications.

3. Call your insurance agent. Water damages can be costly, so if you have insurance, you should consider making a claim. First, contact your local representative and make sure the damage is covered. Your agent can also help you navigate the other end of the recovery process.

Water damage can be a pain to deal with, but if you correct the source and call the right people, it’s much easier to manage. If you do have water damage and need a water damage restoration company, our team is available 24/7!

What to Do If Your Pipes Burst

2/5/2020 (Permalink)

Harsh winter temperatures can ultimately cause pipes to freeze and burst!

Some winters, we experience extremely cold spells. In 2018, for example, temperatures dropped below freezing some nights and caused residents’ pipes to freeze. Unfortunately, frozen pipes can cause pressure to build up and ultimately explode, sending gallons of water into your home. Winter isn’t quite over yet, so it’s important you know what to do if your home’s pipes burst.

1. Shut off the water. The less water that gets into your home, the better. The first thing you should do is shut off your home’s water valve, which will stop the flow of water.

2. Call a plumber. Next, you’ll need to address the damage to your pipes. If these aren’t addressed, you’ll only experience the same problem once the water is turned back on. Once your pipes have been repaired, you can take care of the water damage.

3. Call a water damage restoration company. It’s important that the water damage is extracted and dried as quickly as possible. The longer the water sits, the more damage it can cause in the form of mold growth and structural damage. A water damage restoration company (such as ourselves) will take care of the water damage and apply an antimicrobial to discourage mold growth.

Burst pipes are the last thing anyone wants to experience, but by taking the above steps, you can more easily navigate the process. If your water pipes burst and you need professional help cleaning up the damage, call our team at (704) 872-7466!

3 Common Sources of Fire Damage

1/31/2020 (Permalink)

House fires can be highly destructive, but they can be prevented if you're aware of the most common causes!

Each year, many homes and businesses in the Statesville and Mooresville areas experience some kind of fire damage. In some cases, they have actual fires; in others, they have smoke and soot damage. These incidents can be expensive to clean up and restore, but they can also be prevented. There are many ways fire damage can occur, but we’ve identified at 3 of the most common sources.

1. Cooking fires. Cooking-based fires are one of the most common causes of home fires each year. These can be further broken down into subcategories, but it’s important to practice fire safety in general. As a precaution, it’s highly encouraged that you never leave the kitchen unsupervised while in use.
2. Electrical fires. We’ve worked on many homes that have experienced fire damage due to electrical sources. For starters, never use exposed wires, but it’s equally as important that you never overwork an outlet. Be smart with electricity, and you can reduce your risk of a fire.
3. Heating-related fires. Heat is important to all of us, especially during the winter. But heating equipment—such as space heaters, candles, and fireplaces—can also start fires if they get too close to flammable objects. Keep heating equipment at least 3 feet away from such materials and that will substantially reduce your risk!

Fire damage can be stressful to navigate, which is why it should be prevented from occurring in the first place! If you do have a fire, though, our expert team can clean up and restore your property. You can call us anytime at (704) 872-7466!

Why SERVPRO of Iredell County Should Handle Your Commercial Damage

1/28/2020 (Permalink)

Our new management brings more than 60 experienced employees to handle any size commercial damage!

Each year, many businesses in the Statesville and Mooresville communities suffer some kind of disaster. We’ve seen water damages, fire damages, biohazard incidents, and much more. These problems can disrupt operations, cost your business a ton of money, and, in some cases, force you to close your doors for good. Fortunately, our team at SERVPRO of Iredell County can clean and restore your business to its pre-disaster condition.

We Have Handled Million-Dollar Commercial Jobs

When we changed ownership in December, we brought in a team of more than 60 seasoned professionals. Before we joined their team, they had handled many large commercial jobs, such as colleges, churches, textile manufacturers, and even the NASCAR community. We now have their experience, equipment, and support, so we can truly handle any size disaster!

We Have a State-of-the-Art Equipment

In addition to a great team, we also have the equipment to handle any disaster. Damaged textiles, for example, can be taken to our textile cleaning facility to be cleaned and deodorized. We can also clean jewelry, small electronics, and more with our ultrasonic equipment. Our team comes equipped with hundreds of units of various cleaning and restoration equipment!

Your Local Disaster Restoration Company

We know how important it is to keep your operations running. Disasters can impact the bottom line, which is why we’re available 24/7 to clean up and restore commercial damages. If you have a disaster, you can contact our team anytime at (704) 872-7466.

SERVPRO of Iredell County Has New Ownership

1/23/2020 (Permalink)

Kim & Randy Williams are the new owners of SERVPRO of Iredell County!

We’re excited to announce some big changes to our franchise! As of late December, SERVPRO of Iredell shifted management to new owners, Kim & Randy Williams. The Williams—who also own the four SERVPRO franchises operating in neighboring Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, & Catawba Counties—made the purchase as they celebrated the 10^th anniversary of their first SERVPRO franchise.

The new ownership brings some exciting changes for residents in Statesville, Mooresville, and the surrounding areas. For starters, we now have the support of more than 60 seasoned employees from the Williams’ other franchises, so we can truly handle any size disaster. We’re also able to expand our services beyond fire and water damage restoration, such as textiles cleaning, HVAC cleaning, and more.

We’re excited about the changes this not only brings for us—but for all residential and commercial property owners in Iredell County. If you have a disaster and need professional cleanup services, you can call our team anytime at (704) 872-7466!

What to Do If Your Home Has Rain Damage

7/7/2019 (Permalink)

Rain can infiltrate your home and cause flooding like it did here!

Every now and then, we have major rain events; some even result in significant flooding. But you don’t need to experience heavy rain for water to infiltrate your home. If you have a crack or other weakness in your home’s roof or structure, even light rain can lead to water damage. If a storm causes water damage inside your property, you’ll need to take certain steps to clean and restore the damaged areas.

Cleaning Up Water Damage in Your Home

If rain gets inside your home, it should be treated like any water damage situation. This includes addressing the cause of the problem and calling a professional water damage mitigation company.

1. Address the cause of the leak. Before you can actually clean up the damage, you need to resolve the source. For example, if water is entering through a crack, you’ll want to have it patched. In some cases, there isn’t an immediate fix, and you may need to wait for professional help. In these cases, wait until the storm has stopped before calling a water mitigation company. They may be able to help or point you in the right direction.
2. Call a water mitigation company. If you have substantial water damage, you’ll need professional help to clean and restore the affected areas of your home. A water mitigation company like SERVPRO of Iredell County can extract the water, dry wet materials, and restore damaged areas of your home. This is especially important because they can help you prevent mold growth.

Hire Your Local Cleanup Professionals

Rain can cause unpleasant situations, but you don’t have to handle it alone. A water mitigation company can help you completely restore your water-damaged home and make it “Like it never even happened.” So if you live in the Mooresville area and have water damage, call SERVPRO of Iredell County today at (704) 872-7466!

Celebrate Summer Safely

7/7/2019 (Permalink)

Each year, families and friends across the country enjoy summer months with barbecues, camping trips, or by cooling off in a pool or lake. In order to enjoy these occasions, it is important to keep safety top of mind to ensure you have fun in the sun. According to a recent study by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, nearly 5000 Americans are injured by charcoal/wood-burning and propane grill fires.

The following tips, provided by the National Fire Protection Association, will help keep you safe all summer long:

1. When using a charcoal grill, only use starter fluids designed for barbeque grills; do not add fluid after coals have been lit.
2. When using a gas grill, ensure the hose connection is tight: check hoses for leaks.  Applying soapy water to the hoses will easily and safely reveal any leaks.
3. Be sure to extinguish all smoking materials and shut down any motors and heating devices before fueling a boat.  In case of a spill, wipe up fuel and check for fuel leakage and odors.
4. When camping, always use a flame retardant tent and set up camp far awat from the campfire. Always extinguish the fire before going to sleep or leaving the campsite. To extinguish, cover with dirt and pour water over the fire.
5. Store liquid fire starter (not gasoline) away from your tent and campfire and only use dry kindling to freshen a campfire.

The summer season should be a time to make memories and enjoy the great outdoors but please keep safety in mind.  

Prepare Your Lake Norman Home Against Flood Damage That May Occur

7/2/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Remediates Flood Damage and Provides Prevention Ideas to Homeowners

While most homeowners living in an area constantly affected by flooding take the proper precautions to limit the losses they suffer, should an accident occur, it may be impossible to prepare your home for each and every circumstance.     You should give a local environmental emergency restoration company a call to help protect your Statesville area home against flood damage that may occur. It makes sense to take the necessary precautions to protect your investment; everyone should.   However, SERVPRO feels that you have much more to worry about than natural disasters, or the amount of inclement weather you may experience this year. Several of your household appliances have pipes, feedlines, and connections that constantly feed water into your home, potentially developing clogs or leaks that may cause significant problems, even if you maintain them properly.     Your refrigerator produces excess moisture, especially when operating in warmer environments. Every time anyone opens the door, air passes over the condenser coils, creating condensation, pooling water underneath your refrigerator. While most models these days come fitted with drain tubes that siphon excess fluid into drains, they can clog, break, or even crumble over time. Having a model that includes an ice maker, gives you, even more, connections to maintain.     If you have a dishwasher, it can malfunction, overflow, and flood your entire kitchen within minutes. That does not include concerns about slow leaks causing significant damages behind or underneath that you cannot see until it is too late. SERVPRO technicians find that these problems often affect your flooring, walls, cabinetry, and countertops, not to mention structural damages if placed into an external wall or near a window.     These are just a few of the appliances found in your home that SERVPRO has found to cause significant flooding issues. Think about your other devices, with a constant water source, that you should pay close attention to if you want to avoid things getting out of hand. Your clothes dryer and washing machine, water heater, and plumbing fixtures found throughout your home all pose risks that you must maintain on a regular basis to avoid damages.     Get help from SERVPRO of Iredell County today. Professional IICRC certified technicians are waiting for your call. (704) 872-7466

Understanding Mold in Iredell County

7/2/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO professionals handle water damages every day and know prompt action is required to prevent mold growth. Mold is more likely to spread when moisture has been affecting an environment for a long period of time.  If your property has sustained a recent water damage, it is vital to have water removed and the structure dried promptly. If you have experienced an ongoing moisture problem in the building, it is important to be alert to the following factors:

1. The presence of visible mold.
2. Strong musty odors which may indicate mold is present.
3. Any evidence of past moisture problems that might indicate previous mold growth.
4. Excessive humidity.

Call SERVPRO of Iredell County if you have questions regarding mold -- 704-872-7466.

What to do after water damage has occurred in Iredell County

6/25/2019 (Permalink)

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

Damage from Clean Water:

• Shut off the water source if possible or contact a qualified professional to do so.
• Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building if access to the power distribution panel is safe from potential electrical shock.  Do not enter rooms with standing water, as electrical shock hazards may exist.
• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting. Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items.  Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions to allow more even drying.
• Move any paintings, art objects, computers, documents and other materials that are valuable or sensitive to moisture to a safe place.
• Do not leave books, newspapers, magazines or other colored items on wet carpets or floors as they may cause staining.
• Do no use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water as there is potential for electrical shock or causing damage to the vacuum cleaner.
• Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet; do not enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.

Damage from Contaminated Water:

• Avoid all contact with sewage and items contaminated by sewage. Wash your hands thoroughly if you come in contact with contaminated items.
• Do no walk through contaminated areas, as you could spread damage to unaffected areas.
• Do not turn on HVAC system if there is a possibility of spreading contaminated air.
• Do not use household fans to dry the structure; air flow could spread contaminates.
• Discard any food and/or products for personal hygiene and cleanliness if exposed to the contaminated areas.

When you have a water damage, don’t leave your property to chance. Call SERVPRO of Iredell County.

The Science Behind Water Damage

6/24/2019 (Permalink)

Did you know there is actually a science behind the process of drying?

The knowledge of psychrometrics is essential to restoring a water damaged structure to its preloss condition. While your initial reaction may be to grab a few towels to mop up the mess and place a fan or two around the damaged area, we are trained in the science of drying and follow strict industry-approved standards to help lower the chances of any secondary damage.

1. We inspect the building to detect every component that is wet, to help prevent secondary damage.
2. Measure how much moisture is in wet materials and monitor whether the materials are drying properly.
3. Speed up Mother Nature by using professional drying equipment.*

*A wet building can often dry naturally because the environment always seeks equilibrium. When materials are wet, moisture will naturally move to drier air at the surface of the material-but online if air is, indeed, drier. SERVPRO has top-of-the-line equipment to help this along.

Call SERVPRO of Iredell County, 704-872-7466, if you have water damage in your home

A Fire Extinguisher can be a Life Saving Tool

6/24/2019 (Permalink)

The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) recommends individuals be properly trained in order to use and maintain an extinguisher. USFA says an extinguisher should only be used if:

1. You have alerted other occupants and someone has called the fire department.
2. The fire is small and contained to a single object, such as a wastebasket.
3. You are safe from toxic smoke produced by the fire.
4. You have a means of escape identified and the fire is not between you and the escape route.
5. Your instincts tell you that it is safe to use an extinguisher. 

For fire damage questions or concerns, call SERVPRO of Iredell County at 704-872-7466

Thunderstorms and Lightning

6/24/2019 (Permalink)

All thunderstorms are dangerous. Every thunderstorm produces lightning. While lightning fatalities have decreased over the past 30 years, lightning continues to be one of the top three storm-related killers in the United States.

On average in the U.S., lightning kills 51 people and injures hundreds more. Although most lightning victims survive, people struck by lightning often report a variety of long-term, debilitating symptoms.

Other associated dangers of thunderstorms include tornadoes, strong winds, hail and flash flooding. Flash flooding is responsible for more fatalities – more than 140 annually – than any other thunderstorm-associated hazard. Dry thunderstorms that do not produce rain that reaches the ground are most prevalent in the western United States. Falling raindrops evaporate, but lightning can still reach the ground and can start wildfires.

To prepare for a thunderstorm, you should do the following:

• To begin preparing, you should build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
• Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage during a severe thunderstorm.
• Postpone outdoor activities.
• Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage.
• Get inside a home, building, or hard top automobile (not a convertible). Although you may be injured if lightning strikes your car, you are much safer inside a vehicle than outside.
• Remember, rubber-soled shoes and rubber tires provide NO protection from lightning. However, the steel frame of a hard-topped vehicle provides increased protection if you are not touching metal.
• Shutter windows and secure outside doors. If shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades or curtains.
• Unplug any electronic equipment well before the storm arrives.

For fire, water or mold damage, call SERVPRO of Iredell County at 704-872-7466

Mooresville Emergency Water Damage Tips:

6/23/2019 (Permalink)

Shut off the water source if possible

Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.

Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying.

Place aluminum foil or wood blocks under furniture legs. 

Hang furs and leather goods separately at room temperature. 

Remove Oriental or other colored rugs from wet carpeting.  

Do not use a regular vacuum to remove water. 

Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of areas where ceilings are sagging from retained water. 

Do not leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpeting

Call SERVPRO of Iredell County for your water emergency needs -- 704-872-7466

Statesville sewage cleanup

6/23/2019 (Permalink)

Sewage is one of the most dangerous substances to enter homes or buildings. It contains fungi, bacteria and viruses, many of which are disease causing. Unfortunately, many people fail to understand the hazards that sewage presents, particularly for the very young or very old, or for those with compromised immune systems or respiratory problems.

The IICRC complied guidelines for professional sewage cleanup called the Standard for Water Damage Restoration (S500).

Here are the key principles homeowners should know about sewage back-ups:

• Sewage contains a variety of pathogenic – disease causing – fungi, bacteria, viruses and parasites. Anyone who works on sewage losses must have updated vaccinations, including one for Hepatitis B.
• Sewage exposure is particularly dangerous for people with weakened immune systems, including anyone under two or over 60, those who are pregnant, ill, recovering from surgery, on prescription drugs or chemotherapy, or are AIDS victims.
• It is not safe to stay in a building that’s flooded with sewage unless the contaminated area can be completely sealed off and placed under controlled air flow so that there will be no cross contamination of unaffected areas.
• Highly absorbent sewage-saturated materials, such as carpet, pad, upholstery, bedding, wicker, paper or even fabrics that can’t be washed in hot water (130°F/54°C) for at least 10 minutes, must be contained and disposed of properly.  This goes for sewage-saturated drywall, insulation and several other structural materials too.  There’s simply too great a health risk involved if any of these materials are dried in place and cleaned only.
• Only the most highly trained professionals should attempt sewage remediation work. Then, a “third party” indoor environmental professional can provide post-remediation verification or “clearance testing” to ensure that the home or building is safe to re-occupy. 

10 Fire Tips For Your Home

6/22/2019 (Permalink)

For most people, homes are one-time assets, containing their most precious belongings. A home is the most important thing you own. It is prudent to ensure the security of your home and family from destructive elements such as fire.

Many homes are destroyed due to fires. Fires may occur due to accidents through carelessness or negligence. It is therefore essential to know of ways and means to keep your house safe from fires.

Listed below are 10 tips for ensuring fire safety for your home:

1 Install a few smoke detectors, preferably on each level. Smoke detectors help save lives and property with early-warning mechanisms. All instructions regarding smoke detectors must be observed scrupulously.

2 Maintain and test smoke detectors periodically. Replace smoke alarm batteries. Most detectors give out signals when the batteries get low to avoid the danger of forgetting about you batteries.

3 Keep an eye out for potential fire hazards. Look for things like frayed or torn cords on electrical devices such as televisions, stereo systems, lamps or computers. Watch out for heaters that are too close to flammable items such as clothing, fabric, books, magazines or old newspapers.

4 Keep match boxes and lighters out of reach of children. Children are fascinated with fire, and curiosity can get dangerous. Keep temptation at bay by hiding matches and lighters. Better still, keep them locked away.

5 Stay on guard when cooking or baking in the kitchen. Many home fires begin in the kitchen. It's always best to be cautious and exercise care in attending to areas that are prone to fire accidents.

6 Have an emergency fire-exit plan handy at all times. Family members should be aware of this plan, and safety drills are in order from time to time. Escape plans have helped families to be safe in fires.

7 Always exercise caution when using, placing or lighting candles. Candles can easily allow other things to catch fire if you are not careful. Have proper candle holders, protective covers and extinguishers for candles.

8 Avoid electrical fires by always unplugging all electronic devices and appliances after use. Plugged-in appliances and electronic devices are fire hazards.

9 Take good care of fireplaces or wood-burning stoves that you use during the winter. Ensure proper safety and upkeep of such devices and keep children out of reach of fire.

10 Teach children about the hazards of fire and ensure they are aware of fire safety rules. Remember, the wellbeing of your family is important and everyone is responsible in understanding the hazards of fire.

5 Tips to Prevent Water Damage

6/22/2019 (Permalink)

Most Homeowners insurance policies cover basic water damage claims up to the purchased limit.

But you know what’s a lot easier than going through the claims process? Preventing the water damage in the first place!

Check out these 5 suggestions for preventing water damage:  

1. Be careful where you plant 

Some plants and trees, like weeping willows, have pretty invasive roots. If you’re not careful, they’ll grow right into your sprinkler system, drainage field, pipes, and septic tanks. Plan before you plant to keep roots away from any water lines.  

1. Clean out roof gutters

You know it’s on your to-do list anyway, so if you can, take a safe climb up to your roof next Sunday and check out your gutters. If you’re seeing lots of leaves, birds’ nests, sticks, and whatnot up there, your gutters may not be doing the job you hired them for. And on a rainy day, a clogged gutter can send water spilling into your home’s foundation, through the roof, or down to your basement. That could cause some serious water damage! So next time you’re doing some seasonal cleaning, make sure those gutters are clean. And if your gutters are too high, be safe and get a professional to check them.  

1. Keep an eye on your water bill

With so many water pipes hidden behind walls and in the floors in your house, you might not know there’s a leak until the damage is done. That’s why it’s a good idea to keep a close eye on your monthly water bill. If you see it starting to creep up, or get one that’s uncommonly high, it’s a pretty good sign that you may have a leak somewhere.  

1. Use a drain snake instead of unclogging chemicals

No matter how crazy clean you are, from your shower to your kitchen sink, clogs are going to happen. And chances are at some point in your life you’ve used one of those powerful chemical drain cleaners to get things moving again. But as convenient as they may be, most folks don’t realize those caustic chemicals are also eating away at their pipes (and they might not be too good for you either). If you rely on them a lot, you could be setting yourself up for leaks. That’s why owning a drain snake is a good solution to clear away clogs. They’re pretty inexpensive, you can get them at your local hardware store, and they can cut through most any clog you’ll have without damaging pipes or making your eyes red and teary.  

1. Never pour grease down your sink

You’ve probably heard this before, but you should definitely avoid pouring grease down your kitchen sink. It doesn’t matter if you flush it with hot or cold water. It can still congeal and cling to your pipes, and could still cause some serious damage and blockage.

Some people use detergent to break up grease before pouring it down the drain…and that may help sometimes. But there’s no guarantee that it’ll keep the grease from sticking to your pipes, so why take the risk?

The safest thing to do is just to pour your grease in an empty can, and either let it sit or put it in the refrigerator. Once it hardens you can toss it in the trash and get rid of it. Done and done.

American Red Cross Ready Rating Program

6/22/2019 (Permalink)

Teaming Up to Help You Be Ready

SERVPRO is teaming up with the American Red Cross to help business and homeowners across the nation get READY for any disaster.

The American Red Cross Ready Rating program is a free web-based program designed to help businesses, organizations and schools become better prepared for emergencies. Through the Ready Rating program website, readyrating.org, property owners complete a 123-point self-assessment of their level of preparedness for weather-related or other emergencies. The Ready Rating assessment also offers tips and best practices to help improve their level of preparedness.

“Through the generosity of SERVPRO, the Red Cross will help empower workplaces to re-open more quickly after natural or man-made disasters such as water main breaks, medical emergencies, power outages, tornadoes, floods and hurricanes through the Ready Rating Program,” said Tom Heneghan, manager of Business Continuity Programs for Red Cross.

“Up to 40% of businesses never re-open their doors after such disasters; SERVPRO’s partnership will enable more businesses, schools and organizations to become better prepared.  We are excited to have SERVPRO join us in community outreach efforts to educate and highlight the importance of community preparedness in neighborhoods across the country.”

“This partnership just makes perfect sense,” said Rick Isaacson, Executive Vice President of SERVPRO Industries, Inc., “and truly completes the readiness equation for businesses and other property owners. The Red Cross Ready Rating Program allows individuals to assess their readiness for a disaster, so they can take all the necessary steps before disaster strikes to protect their property from damage and loss.  But, when disaster does strike, knowing what to do and who to call saves time-and fast response is key to minimizing damage and downtime.  That’s where SERVPRO’s Emergency READY Program can help. Together, these two programs offer maximum peace of mind to businesses and other organization.”

Fire Risks In Commercial Kitchens

6/17/2019 (Permalink)

Commercial Kitchen Fire Risks

Nothing tastes as great as a pizza or entree cooked in a wood burning oven. Crisp crusts and juicy, bronzed meats and veggies are delicious, but if the oven and its chimney or venting system malfunctions the search for tasty food leads to a restaurant disaster. Fire damage traceable to a wood burning oven is a job for the experts at SERVPRO. 

Your chef's evening offerings went up in flames, causing fire damage to your Mooresville restaurant. Today's commercial kitchens experiment with the new taste sensations created by solid fuel, such as hardwoods, charcoal, and specialty woods and chips like mesquite, hickory, and fruit woods. The flavors come with a risk in the depths of the wood fired oven. These often rustic, frequently brick and mortar cooking appliances are hard to clean and maintain. Restaurants commonly make a choice to let the fire smolder at the end of the night, citing the difficulty of extinguishing the fire and a preference to keep the interior warm so that the temperature needed for roasting meats and cooking pizzas occurs quickly during the next shift. 

Creosote builds up if the oven and chimney remain uncleaned. This coating ignites and sends heat and smoke billowing throughout your restaurant kitchen. Once this occurs the food inside is torched, and the entire facility, including dining areas, need evacuation. You risk business closure for quite some time if the fire damage remains unrestored. The soot and smoke the fire created need extensive cleaning, tasks SERVPRO technicians provide along with deodorization services. 

SERVPRO fire damage restoration technicians assess your restaurant's situation after the oven fire, working with specialized contractors to repair the venting system and oven itself. They also use dry or wet cleaning techniques to remove greasy grime from surfaces. Walls and ceilings, other cooking equipment, tables, chairs, tableware and other contents are all part of the overall cleaning plan. Because the characteristics of the soiling make it hard to remove through normal cleaning techniques using the skills of our team makes business sense to get your eatery up and running again.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

Count on the expertise of SERVPRO of Iredell County to assist you when your restaurant suffers from a wood-fired oven disaster. A call to (704) 872-7466 gets skilled staff at your site within hours to restore the damage.

Residential Water Damage

6/17/2019 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO Team Can Assist in Making Your Home Livable Again After Water Damage Strikes

 Except in the most severe situations, you should be able to live in your home even as SERVPRO technicians go through the motions of water damage restoration. We always try to keep residents in their homes wherever possible, even if it means making accommodations in how we go about our business. Of course, access to some parts of your home may be impeded while we do our work, but these efforts are designed to keep the rest of the building working and livable with as little trouble to you as possible. Here's a brief overview of how we try to keep your home functioning as normal during restorations.  When water damage in your has especially strong odors or mold presence, our technicians may put in place some quarantine measures to keep a section of your home separate from the rest of the structure. While this may entirely cut off access to part of your house, it also stops odors and mold spores from reaching beyond where they have already taken hold. Our quarantines range greatly in size, from a small area in the corner of a room to an entire wing or section of the home.

 SERVPRO technicians may put up markers and warnings wherever there may be a safety hazard, helping to keep them as well as you safe from harm. This can be especially beneficial in situations with flooding or otherwise serious water damage where major electrical, structural, or chemical hazards may exist.  Active Cooperation  Our personnel is always careful to inform homeowners and insurance companies alike when the situation changes or needs shift. If anything happens that may change your living conditions or personal safety in any way, our technicians or representatives always contact you before going any further in their work. Keeping homeowners informed and updated on the restoration process has helped to earn us a national reputation for quality care and service.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

 SERVPRO of Iredell County carefully tailors each restoration job to place as little strain on the homeowner as possible. If your home has suffered from a disaster, call us anytime at (704) 872-7466.

Mold Remediation In Statesville/Mooresville

5/9/2019 (Permalink)

Mold is an unwelcome guest that can quickly creep up on any home in North Carolina. Mold spores love humidity which makes the warm, humid summers in much of North Carolina a perfect breeding ground for mold. Mold looks unsightly and makes your home less pleasant to live in, especially when you factor in that unmistakable moldy smell. 

SERVPRO are experts in dealing with mold damage to your Statesville home. That is why we recommend putting in a call to us at the first sign of mold. You can often spot the black mold spores on surfaces, or you might notice because of discoloration on your walls or ceiling. Even if you do not see the mold at first, the smell is often a giveaway. 

We arrive at your property fully prepared to assess the mold situation and establish containment before cleaning commences. That is the start of the process. However even after the cleaning is done, there is still the matter of drying out the area. Mold thrives in damp conditions which is why drying is such an important part of the mold remediation process. 

Our IICRC-certified experts are trained to assess your home to determine how best to dry it out. We understand that bringing in air movers or dehumidifiers too early can make the problem worse, as they move the mold spores through the air. That is why we are strict about establishing containment and cleaning top to toe before we start the drying part of the process. 

As soon as it is safe to run air movers and dehumidifiers, we do so. We carefully monitor the drying process as it progresses. We also remove any materials that are too damaged to dry out because we know that their presence contributes to the humidity in the air and makes the drying process more difficult. Our moisture detection equipment gives us an accurate picture of the situation. 

The SERVPRO team is also happy to advise you on how to spot potential mold problems in the future and on ways to reduce mold breeding grounds. For example, this might mean running a dehumidifier more regularly or keeping a close eye on damp areas such as your bathroom or basement.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

Tackle the mold problem in your home with the help of SERVPRO of Iredell County. Call today at (704) 872-7466 for help.

Residential Water Removal Expectations

5/8/2019 (Permalink)

Water Removal

It is undeniable that water damage is the worst nightmare for any property owner. Just a moment of water being present in the wrong place at the wrong time can totally demolish a whole building down to its foundation. There is nothing superficial about this kind of property damage. For one thing, water damage is multifaceted. Once it is found, it is imperative that the relative restoration efforts are performed efficiently and promptly to mitigate any potential microbial infestations which could develop from secondary water damage.

Potential causes of water damage and the need for water removal include leaky roofs, natural disasters, fire-fighting efforts, broken pipes, faulty appliances, foundation cracks, faulty sump pumps, and clogged toilets. Your Statesville home is a significant investment which needs to be protected, so you have to act quickly if a water disaster occurs and call the professionals at SERVPRO right away.

What You Can Expect With SERVPRO 
SERVPRO understands the importance of a rapid response when it comes to water removal. We come to your home as soon as possible after you contact us and give you a consultation and assessment of the damages. We create an accurate evaluation which includes the source and class of the water that is creating the damage, how much water has caused the damage, and how much time had elapsed before we were called in to help. We also have transparent communication in regards to a mitigation and restoration plan, making sure you understand everything that we are going to be doing.

The Bottom Line 
When it comes to water removal and water damage restoration, time is of the essence, and our SERVPRO team recognizes this. Our trained professionals are available to give you emergency water removal services at all hours of the day, to lessen any losses in your home. We take on every challenge with integrity, professionalism, expertise, reliability, and passion, as we work to establish your trust Our main goal, however, is to make sure you are completely satisfied, and that the entire process has as little stress for you as is possible.

SERVPRO of Iredell County are standing by and ready to help you in your time of need. When any water damage problem arises in your home, contact us at (704) 872-7466 so we can help remove the water and repair the damage.

Understanding Fire Damage In Iredell County

5/6/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Technicians are Extensively Trained in Restoring Your Business Property

A fire in your diner can be devastating. Not only will it do damage to equipment, supplies, and the building itself, but the repairs cause you to have to shut your doors for a time as well. Therefore, you want an experienced and professional company such as SERVPRO who has the knowledge and equipment to take care of your fire damage repair in a timely fashion. 
 
Various Kinds of Fire Damage 
 
Different types of commercial fire damage happen when your Statesville business suffers from a fire. Many materials are of course destroyed in the fire, being partially or wholly consumed in the process of combustion. Besides this, more damage occurs from the heat, and smoke residues which impact materials. Even more damage happens during the attempt of the firefighters to extinguish the fire. Water plus other extinguishing agents used to put the fire out can cause more damage to the building than even the fire did. Fire damage, in reality, consists of many kinds of damage. Materials suffer from burning, heat damage, charring, smoke damage, and water damage. 
 
Fire Damage Levels 
 
Not every fire has the same damage levels, nor do they require the same kind of restoration procedures. Any loss can involve a range of damage from small to major. 
 
Minor Fire Damage 
 
Smoke residue affects certain rooms or areas. Smoke residue levels are light to moderate. Restoration could involve dry and/or wet cleaning of walls, ceilings, contents, and floors. A few areas may need repainting, and only minor items need replacement. 
 
Medium Fire Damage 
 
The smoke residue levels are moderate, and more materials need wet cleaning to get rid of the residues. Some areas needed repainting and items needing replacement go up. Floors could need refinishing. Heat damage to cabinets, drywall, and contents need more materials to be replaced. SERVPRO technicians may be able to take contents and clean them on the job site. Smoke odors are present, possibly needed additional deodorization procedures once cleaned. 
 
Major Fire Damage 
 
Fire and heat damage is severely close to the fire source. Finishes and structural framing can be charred, which requires structural repairs. Smoke residues are spread throughout a significant portion of your building, and smoke odors are strong and even pungent. Emergency services, such as boarding up your structure, getting an electricity source, and getting rid of charred and smoke-filled debris could be needed. The restoration efforts from our staff involve extensive cleaning of your building and even could require restorers to pack and move out any salvageable contents for cleaning off-site. Various methods of deodorization are needed to get rid of smoke odors. 
 
Since fire damage loss presents restoration challenges that differ from normal clean and repair efforts, you want to contact SERVPRO of Iredell County as soon as you can after your business suffers fire damage. We use all kinds of services and work together with licensed contractors and subcontractors to get you the repair and restoration you need when you call us at (704) 872-7466.

Mold Damage Affecting Lake Norman Homeowners

5/3/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Tips on Preventing Damage Caused by Mold in Your Lake Norman Home

You think that mold has invaded your house, but are unsure of what you should do to protect your home properly. The best response includes a two-part answer. First, do not touch it, contact a trusted professional to mitigate the situation for you. Second, act fast, hesitating gives more time for mold to spread, making your problem even worse.

With your families health and one of the biggest investments of your life on the line, you want to leave mold damage in your Sharon family home in the hands of a professional. So, other than being able to recognize the existence of mold in your home properly, you want to avoid making things worse. 
 
At SERVPRO we have the training and experience available to help prevent mold growth in your home from returning. Our Applied Microbial Remediation Technicians offer a variety of tips to help you accomplish this goal including, maintaining an indoor humidity level between 30 to 60 percent by using air conditioners or dehumidifiers you can purchase at the store if they are not already in place.
 
Installation of exhaust fans in your kitchen to keep cooking appliances, dishwashers, and cooking itself from creating excessive moisture that allows mold to thrive. Including avoiding installation of carpet in areas with a constant water source such as bathrooms, kitchens, or washrooms. 
 
SERVPRO technicians also offer advice on using the proper cleaning products, such as bleach or other mold killing products that should be used regularly on your bathroom areas. However, the number one method available for proper mold damage mitigation involves controlling the moisture sources in your home. 
 
You should keep a constant watch on feedlines, pipes, or fittings on appliances like your clothes washer or dishwasher to ensure that they function properly, without leaks. Other appliances to inspect regularly include the ice maker or water dispenser on your refrigerator, water heater, kitchen or bathroom sinks and toilets. 
 
SERVPRO technicians recommend keeping an eye on gutters and downspouts on the outside of your home to ensure they work correctly and remain clear of debris that may cause them to fail when you need them. Having your roof inspected provides you with the piece of mind necessary to avoid worrying about the next storm that comes through your area, allowing water to seep into unprotected areas of your home. 
 
Take the time to contact SERVPRO of Iredell County today for addition ways to help battle mold in your home. (704) 872-7466

The Effects of Standing Water in Mooresville

5/1/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Technicians Respond Quickly to Prevent Possible Secondary Damage

Standing water is one of the most destructive forces in a flood. Although significant initial damage can occur from rampaging storms or unmitigated internal flooding, standing water becomes a far larger problem if it is not dealt with in short order. Fast water extraction through the industrial-grade pumps and extractors used by SERVPRO helps to avoid significant damage from mold, freezing in the winter months, and erosion and oxidation. These are some of the most devastating effects of standing water, and the top factors that make its removal an urgent task. 
 
Freezing 
 
If your home has taken flood damage in Mooresville in the colder months of the year, it may be only a matter of time before the water freezes over and creates a much bigger problem. Most urgently, frozen water expands, cracking wood, concrete, rock, and even metal in your home. Furthermore, a layer of ice may form and coat your home. This ice can react negatively with many materials and force the replacement of otherwise easily restored items. 
 
Mold Growth 
 
In all months of the year, SERVPRO ends up in a race against the clock to remove standing water before mold growth can occur. Mold will almost always grow after a flood if water is not removed promptly, creating a potential biohazard in your home as mold may cause health effects. Mold remediation is an additional and time-intensive process to add to your home's restorations, so a fast response is critical to avoid more work in this vein. 
 
Oxidation and Erosion 
 
Simply having water on top of them causes many materials to degrade over time. Metals and especially iron can rust and oxidize, causing severe and sometimes irreversible damage to that metal and anything attached to it. Other materials such as concrete and drywall can be eroded quickly by the water, especially if it is particularly acidic (not uncommon in a flood). Getting the water out fast helps to avoid most of this type of damage, and we can usually handle restorations on the rest. 
 
SERVPRO of Iredell County is a local expert when it comes to flood damage. For our assistance and restoration services, call us 24/7 at (704) 872-7466

Iredell County Storm Damage Response

4/29/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Works Fast to Preserve Your Storm Damaged Possessions

Water kept pouring down, it moved around the side of the house and filled the entire area surrounding your home with water. It just wouldn't stop raining; everyone felt helpless. However, there was simply nothing anyone could do to prevent this event from happening. Even though most of the water is gone now, homeowners now face the task of cleaning up mud-soaked areas of their home and are hopefully dealing with their insurance companies to get some assistance in addressing their current situations. Just remember that it is far easier these days to find help during these types of situations; you're not alone.

We have several teams of highly trained technicians that specialize in performing storm damage repairs to your Statesville home. We're available to assist you at any time, day or night, and work hard to ensure that your home gets returned to a quality preloss condition. We'll even help you communicate everything to your insurance company and get the proper paperwork started for your claim. 
 
After our SERVPRO technicians arrive on site, we carefully inspect the entire area affected by the storm and begin mitigating the losses you suffer immediately. We identify any possible hazardous situations that could develop and limit them by turning off the electricity and checking for falling ceilings or deteriorated subfloors. Once we've performed this initial inspection and determined that the area is safe, we'll explain which services we plan to provide and answer any questions you may have. 
 
SERVPRO offers water removal services to pump out any standing water that still exists in and around your home. We use moisture meters and other equipment to determine the extent of water penetration within your flooring, walls, and crawl spaces; and extract as much water as possible. Your carpeting, furniture, and other personal belongings are all handled with great care and moved to a dry location where they can be properly taken care of to prevent secondary damages from developing. 
 
Our technicians at SERVPRO remove all furniture as quickly as possible to prevent stains from forming on your carpet. We'll then examine your carpet for damages and determine if it is possible to dry and reinstall them. But before we do, we treat the floor and back of the carpet with deodorizers and antimicrobials to help protect it from further damage. 
 
Once we've taken care of all of the standing water and your personal belongings, we position the proper drying equipment to begin fully drying the affected areas. We follow IICRC recommendations to use air movers that deliver a warm, dry rapid airflow to wet surfaces. There is a lot more to our services than described here and even more situations that we can assist you through. 
 
Give us a call at SERVPRO of Iredell County today, (704) 872-7466. We're ready to make your situation, "Like it never even happened."

Iredell County Red Cross Fire Safety Tips

4/27/2019 (Permalink)

Did you know that if a fire starts in your home, you may have just two minutes to escape?

The most effective way to protect yourself and your home from fire is to identify and remove fire hazards. 60 percent of house fire deaths occur in homes with no working smoke alarms. During a home fire, working smoke alarms and a fire escape plan that has been practiced regularly can save lives.

Fire Safety Tips

• If a fire occurs in your home, GET OUT, STAY OUT and CALL for HELP.
• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas.
• Test smoke alarms once a month, if they’re not working, change the batteries.
• Talk with all household members about a fire escape plan and practice the plan twice a year.

Mold Damage in a Mooresville's Basement

4/27/2019 (Permalink)

Carpets and Walls Can Be Damaged by Mold Growth

If water isn't pumped out or otherwise removed quickly from a house, the conditions for mold growth rapidly become favorable. Basements are a near perfect settings for mold colonies to grow. The moisture level is higher than the rest of the house thanks to below ground excavation,  exposed plumbing and, in many cases, the presence of a clothes washing machine adds to the problem.  

All this results in an increased chance for mold damage in Mooresville homes. With over four decades in the restoration business, SERVPRO also knows that basements are not occupied nearly as often as other rooms in a house, so any leak or puddle in an out of the way corner tends to go unnoticed. 

If this has occurred in your home, call us immediately. Mold growth can be dealt with quickly if it hasn't spread too far. Our technicians can clean small patches by hand using anti-microbial chemicals to kill the mold and then wipe it off of furniture or other surfaces. Please do not try to use bleach to clean a mold patch. If the fungi are dry, they can vacuum them up using specialized equipment and air filters to capture the spores before they escape into the atmosphere. Air scrubbers are excellent devices for this spore removal.

Mold that has grown into carpets or walls may require that the affected items be discarded. Carpets will need to be cleaned or replaced. We use an extensive number of anti-fungal cleaners that can kill the mold without damaging the color or nape of your carpet. If what we pull up is a standard, commercial carpet it will probably be more costly to clean it rather than purchase a new one. 

With the cleaning completed, our restoration team will use heaters designed to be drawn across the carpet to dry it. This specialized equipment does not burn or otherwise damage the fibers. As this is being completed, other technicians will set up dehumidifiers to draw out the excess moisture from the air to prevent mold from beginning to expand and grow again. 

If the basement walls are concrete or stone, technicians will clean them using the same chemical agents. If the room has been finished with paneling or drywall, these panels may have to be replaced in the severest of circumstances. Drywall, in particular, is vulnerable to both water and mold damage. Even a small amount will crumble the affected panels, causing more work and cost. 

If you have found or are worried about mold damage in your basement or other parts of your home, the sooner you deal with it, the better. Call us today at (704) 872-7466 for one of our inspectors to start the process. SERVPRO of Iredell County is here to help you return your home and life back to normal. "Like it never even happened."

American Red Cross Safety Tips during Hurricane Season

4/22/2019 (Permalink)

The official hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, and the American Red Cross urges preparedness and the use of safety tips to stay ahead of the storm.

Although the 2016 hurricane season has been relatively quiet, August and September can typically be the height of hurricane season because the temperature of the Atlantic Ocean continues to rise. Hurricanes cause problems for people in coastal areas, but the storms can also cause damage hundreds of miles inland. In 2011, tropical storms caused devastating flooding in Pennsylvania and New Jersey hundreds of miles from the coast.

“The best defense against any threat of a hurricane is for folks to get ready now,” said Brad Kieserman, vice president, Disaster Services Operations and Logistics for the Red Cross. “Any one of these storms could make landfall and become a serious danger to people living along the coast, as well as hundreds of miles inland.”

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO Hurricanes can bring heavy rainfall, high winds, tornadoes, rip currents, storm surges and inland flooding. The Red Cross has three steps people can follow - build a kit, make a plan and be informed.

An emergency kit should a gallon of water per person, non-perishable food, a flashlight and extra batteries, a first aid kit, medications and copies of important documents. Talk with members of your household and create an evacuation plan. Learn about how your community responds to hurricanes and plan routes to local shelters. Remember family members with special medical needs and plan how you will care for your pets.

KNOW WHAT WARNINGS MEAN A hurricane watch means hurricane conditions are a threat within the next 48 hours. Review emergency plans, stay informed about the situation and be ready to act if a warning is issued. A hurricane warning means hurricane conditions are expected within the next 36 hours; complete storm preparations and leave the area if ordered to do so by authorities.

The Red Cross Hurricane Safety Checklist is available to learn more about what to do if a hurricane might affect your community. For more information on hurricane safety, visit the preparedness section of our web site.

DOWNLOAD EMERGENCY APP

People should also download the free Red Cross Emergency App to receive emergency alerts and information about what to do in case of hurricanes, flooding and other disasters, as well as locations of shelters. The App also includes emergency first aid information and a Family Safe feature which allows people to instantly see if loved ones are okay. The free Emergency App is available in app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps. 

Communication Planning for an Emergency

4/22/2019 (Permalink)

Having a good communication plan in place is essential to being prepared for an emergency. The following is some helpful information from http://www.ready.gov/family-communications.

Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so plan how you will contact one another. Think about how you will communicate in different situations.

Complete a contact card for each adult family member. Have them keep these cards handy in a wallet, purse or briefcase, etc. Additionally,... complete contact cards for each child in your family. Put the cards in their backpacks or book bags.

Check with your children’s day care or school. Facilities designed for children should include identification planning as part of their emergency plans.

Family Communication Tips

Identify a contact such as a friend or relative who lives out-of-state for household members to notify they are safe. It may be easier to make a long-distance phone call than to call across town, so an out-of-town contact may be in a better position to communicate among separated family members.

Be sure every member of your family knows the phone number and has a cell phone, coins or a prepaid phone card to call the emergency contact. If you have a cell phone, program that person(s) as "ICE" (In Case of Emergency) in your phone. If you are in an accident, emergency personnel will often check your ICE listings in order to get a hold of someone you know. Make sure to tell your family and friends that you’ve listed them as emergency contacts.

Teach family members how to use text messaging (also known as SMS or Short Message Service). Text messages can often get around network disruptions when a phone call might not be able to get through.

Subscribe to alert services. Many communities now have systems that will send instant text alerts or e-mails to let you know about bad weather, road closings, local emergencies, etc. Sign up by visiting your local Office of Emergency Management web site.

Iredell County Emergency Ready Profile

4/22/2019 (Permalink)

As many as 50% of businesses may never recover following a disaster, according to the latest industry research. 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.

By developing a SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business.

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. Now is the time to ask yourself, “Are you ready for whatever could happen?”

The SERVPRO® 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. By working with SERVPRO’s Emergency READY Profile, your business will receive the benefit of over 40 years of experience in reducing the impact of any natural or man-made disaster.  SERVPRO® is a leader in water and fire damage response and can help you quickly get your property back in working order.

Targeting Mold Damage in Iredell County

4/22/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Thoroughly Investigates to Figure Out the Source of Suspected Mold Smells

If you have a musty odor in your house or apartment that you can't find the source of, then you may have mold growing in your home. If so, then you need to call in a professional cleaning and restoration team to identify both where it originated and how to get rid of it.

This odor is usually (but not always) the first indication of mold damage. It comes from the gasses released by a growing mold colony. Although Statesville isn't as prone to flooding as other parts of North Carolina, it doesn't take a large amount of moisture for mold spores to expand and then quickly grow into a large colony. All SERVPRO personnel are trained to find and remove this threat as quickly as possible. 

A thorough visual inspection can usually find mold growing under a sink or in an ignored corner of a laundry room or basement. If a visual check doesn't reveal the source, our inspectors will use an air content testing device to track mold levels in every room, crawl space, and air duct. Once the source has been found, our technicians will need to stop further growth, begin cleaning affected surfaces and dispose of any material that cannot be restored to its original state. 

First, we'll isolate the affected area and begin lowering the air moisture level. Entrances will be covered with plastic and dehumidifiers will be set up inside to draw moisture from the air. Technicians can remove 30 gallons of water per day with each device used. 

As drying the area takes place, other team members will begin cleaning mold from property, floors, ceilings, and walls. We have a large inventory of anti-fungal sprays that can neutralize and clean almost any property. If the mold has gotten into your HVAC system, technicians will replace all filters and then deploy antimicrobial foggers to completely neutralize all mold spores in your air ducts. If your property cannot be cleaned on site, we can remove it to our facility and clean it there. 

Despite our best efforts, there may be some of your belongings that cannot be restored. Our inspectors will explain exactly why the property needs to be discarded and with your permission, our technicians will properly dispose of it according to federal and state rules. 

If you have that musty odor or otherwise believe you may have a mold problem, please call us today at (704) 872-7466. As a locally owned franchise, SERVPRO of Iredell County is proud to serve our neighbors.

Heating Hazzards

11/29/2018 (Permalink)

Winter has arrived, along with bitter cold and freezing temperatures.  In an effort to keep living and working spaces cozy, many residents and employees turn to alternative heat sources. The most common form of alternative heat comes from portable space heaters. These devices can generate a lot of extra heat, but if used improperly, can also create a serious safety hazard.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, heating is the leading cause of home fire deaths. Almost half of these deaths occur during the months of December, January, and February.  Statistics show most of these fires also involved stationary or portable heaters.  In 2009, heating equipment fires were responsible for an estimated $1.1 billion in direct property damage.

When used as directed and maintained properly, space heaters can be used safely. When purchasing a space heater, make sure it has been evaluated by an independent testing Laboratory; this will generally be indicated on the box or tag. Before operating the heater, read the manufacturer’s instructions. For more ways to minimize the risk of a heating related fire, review the tips list here:

• Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from the heating equipment, like furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or portable space heater.
• Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters, or central heating equipment according to local codes and manufacturer’s instructions.
• Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.
• Remember to turn off portable heaters when leaving a room.
• Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel burning space heaters.
• Test smoke alarms monthly.

SERVPRO of Iredell County professionals are dedicated to restoring both the property and the lives of customers being helped. The number one goal is returning damaged areas and items to preloss condition, doing all we can to make it “Like it never even happened.”

3 Tips to Avoid Electrical Fires

11/29/2018 (Permalink)

Although electricity is an integral part of our lives, it’s not something we should take for granted. In reality, electricity can result in safety hazards, such as a fire. According to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), home electrical fires claim the lives of approximately 310 Americans each year and injure around 850 more. Fortunately, many electrical fires can be avoided by taking safety precautions like the ones below.

• Routinely check your appliances and wiring. One of the easiest ways to prevent an electrical fire is to ensure electrical devices aren’t already at risk. Replace frayed wires and repair any device that overheats, shorts, or gives of sparks.

• Make sure the plugs match the outlet. If an appliance has a three-prong plug, use it only in a three-slot outlet. Never force it into a two-slot outlet or extension cord.

• Use extension cords and outlets wisely. An overheated wall socket can eventually become a fiery disaster. Use safe practices by not overloading extension cords or wall sockets.

An electrical fire can be dangerous, but in many cases, it can be avoided. If you do have a house fire, however, know that our local restoration experts are available 24/7. Call SERVPRO of Iredell County any time at (704) 872-7466!

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

11/29/2018 (Permalink)

Frozen pipes can lead to significant water damage, so they should be taken care of immediately!

Most winters, when temperatures are at their lowest, we get calls from Mooresville-area customers whose pipes have frozen and burst. These incidents can cause a lot of damage and are often expensive to clean up if you don’t have insurance coverage. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to help prevent your pipes from freezing!

What Causes Frozen Pipes?

The water inside your pipes can freeze when they are exposed to below-freezing temperatures. Pipes that are exposed or aren’t well-insulated are more at risk than their counterparts. As the freezing water expands, it causes the pressure inside the pipes to increase, possibly leading to bursting pipes.

Preventing Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes can lead to significant water damage, but they’re not unpreventable. There are a few steps you can take to mitigate your home’s risk.

• Insulate your pipes, especially those close to outside walls, attics or crawl spaces where the chance of freezing is greatest
• Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing
• During a cold spell turn on both hot and cold faucets near outside walls to allow a small trickle of water to run during the night
• If you are going out of town, leave the heat on and drain your water system before you go

What to Do When Pipes Freeze or Burst

Unfortunately, despite your best efforts, accidents can still happen. If your pipes do freeze or burst, you should take action. Depending on the situation, there are a few steps you can take.

If your pipes freeze:

• Open all the faucets
• Remove the insulation and wrap the pipes in rags
• If all else fails, call your plumber

If pipes burst:

• Shut off the water immediately to prevent additional damage
• Contact SERVPRO of Iredell County so we can properly dry out the damaged areas
• Call a plumber to repair the damaged pipes
• Avoid standing water to prevent electrical shock
• Take inventory of any damaged property or possessions

Cleaning Up After Burst Pipes

Water damage incidents can be costly to clean up and restore. And if you’ve never experienced a similar situation before, it can be stressful and confusing to navigate. Fortunately, SERVPRO of Iredell County has more than a decade of experience cleaning and restoring water damaged homes and businesses. If you live in the Mooresville, NC area and have a burst pipe, call our team today at (704) 872-7466!

Cold Weather Emergency Kits

11/29/2018 (Permalink)

Tips for Putting Together Cold Weather Emergency Kits

If you’re left without power during a heavy winter storm, it’s important to have a cold weather emergency kit prepared for your home to stay warm and safe until the heat comes back on. Depending on the severity of the storm and length of the power outage, you may need to seek alternate shelter, but in most cases you will only be without power for several hours. Whatever the case, having a plan in place and an emergency kit on hand will alleviate some of the stress of the situation.

Stock your emergency kit with the following items. You may not need every item in the kit, but being prepared is the best way to cope with an emergency situation.

• Non-perishable food
• Bottles of water
• Batteries
• Flashlights
• Battery-operated radio
• Heavy plastic sheeting
• First aid kit
• Duct tape
• Blankets
• Kerosene space heater
• Wood and kindling for the fireplace
• Home generator

In addition to preparing a cold weather emergency kit for your home, it’s also a good idea to prepare one for your vehicle. If your car breaks down and you have nowhere to go, a cold weather emergency kit for your car will ensure you stay warm until help arrives. Because the temperature inside your car will drop much more quickly than inside your house. It’s even more critical to be prepared with an emergency cold weather kit. Your kit for your vehicle should include:

• Jumper cables
• Compass
• Flashlight
• Chemical light stick
• Blankets
• Folding shovel
• Cat litter
• Weather-proof jacket
• Extra gloves, hat and scarf
• First aid kit
• Utility tool/knife
• Bottles of water
• Protein bars
• Extra cell phone battery
• Distress flag
• Reflective tape or reflective triangles

Most of these items are inexpensive and easy to find, and having them on hand during an emergency can make a bad situation a little safer and less stressful. Before the heavy lake effect snow that we’ll be getting arrives, put together your home and vehicle winter safety kits and ensure you’re prepared for whatever winter brings your way. 

Fire Damage Restoration

6/4/2018 (Permalink)

The fire trucks may be gone but without proper immediate response, the real damage and the costs are just beginning. To return your residential or commercial property to its preloss condition requires professional restoration. This is not the job for a do-it-yourself property owner. 

Professional restoration technicians know that damage increases and restoration costs escalate the longer neutralization, corrosion control and cleaning is delayed. When homeowners prolong the restoration of their home, they extend the effects brought on by the smoke exposure. The following is an initial timeline of the effects of fire and smoke on a home:

Within Minutes: Acid soot residues cause plastics to yellow; small appliances located close to the source of combustion discolor; highly porous materials (marble, alabaster) discolor permanently.

Within Hours: Acid residues stain grout in bathrooms; fiberglass bath fixtures may yellow; uncoated metals tarnish, counter tops may yellow; finishes on appliances, particularly refrigerators, may yellow; furniture finishes may discolor. 

For results you can have confidence in, the IICRC recommends hiring a certified restoration firm. Restoration to a property can be complex. Proper smoke and odor removal are tasks that require technicians certified in these specific areas.

When selecting a certified restoration firm several factors must be considered:

• Formal and up-to-date specialized training
• Health and safety certifications
• Experience in a wide range of restoration projects
• Proof of proper insurance and licenses 

Sewage Cleanup

6/4/2018 (Permalink)

Emergency Sewage Damage Tips

• Shut off the water source if possible.
• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks under furniture legs.
• Hang furs and leather goods separately at room temperature.
• Remove Oriental or other colored rugs from wet carpeting.
• Do not use a regular vacuum to remove water.
• Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of areas where ceilings are sagging from retained water.
• Do not leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpeting.
• Avoid walking thru or cross contaimenating the remainder of the property with the sewage.

If you have questions regarding sewage damage, please call SERVPRO of Iredell County at 704-872-7466.

IICRC Certified Firm

6/4/2018 (Permalink)

If you have fire or water damage at your property, you’ll want certified professionals to clean it up. That’s why we’re proud to say that SERVPRO of Iredell County is an IICRC Certified Firm. The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is one of the leading organizations that creates the standards, training, and certifications used in the restoration industry. Because we believe in offering the best possible service to our customers, we require all of our qualified field staff to be IICRC certified.

Requirements to be an IICRC Certified Firm

The IICRC Certified Firm status signifies a high level of knowledge and professionalism. In order to receive this status, a restoration company must meet the following requirements:
• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.
• Have a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.
• Have 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 and fire damage restoration, and mold remediation. These standards take years to develop and require the coordination of various experts in the field, including manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.

Every five years, these standards are reviewed and revised, and as an IICRC Certified Firm, our technicians stay up-to-date with these changes. So if you have fire or water damage and need help from certified professionals, you can call SERVPRO of Iredell anytime at (704) 872-7466!

How to Avoid Mold Growth in Your Statesville Home

6/4/2018 (Permalink)

Mold growth can affect any home in the Statesville community.

The last thing you want is to discover mold growing inside your home. Besides being unsightly, mold can cause health effects, decrease the home’s value, and even damage the structure. Yet many Statesville homeowners encounter mold growth at some point. While mold remediation companies like SERVPRO of Iredell County can help you address your mold problems, there are some things you can do to prevent growth in the first place!

What Causes Mold Growth

Mold spores can be found everywhere—including inside your home. Fortunately, these spores are dormant and aren’t a concern until they are activated. In order for mold spores to grow, they require three main ingredients: moisture, food (organic material), and oxygen. Because the latter two elements are generally available, it’s often only when the spores are exposed to moisture that they begin to grow.

Limiting Moisture in Your Home

Now that we’ve established that moisture is the main factor behind most home mold growth, how do you prevent it from becoming a problem in your home? There are a couple of ways you can limit moisture problems and ultimately reduce your risk of having mold growth.

1. Immediately dry water-damaged areas. If you have water damage inside your home, you should immediately have it professionally cleaned and restored. We often get calls from homeowners who tried to dry their own water damage but eventually end up with mold growth. Unless you know how to properly dry wet materials, you’re setting yourself up for future mold problems.
2. Regulate your home’s humidity levels. If it’s humid inside your home, then mold can feed off the moisture in the air. If you’re unsure about the humidity levels, you can purchase a hygrometer, which will tell you the humidity level in the form of a percentage. We recommend keeping levels between 30% and 50%, but the EPA recommends no more than 60%. You can achieve this by keeping bedroom doors open, running your HVAC system, and/or using a dehumidifier.

Eliminate Mold Growth in Your Home

Even if you take precautions, it’s possible that you’ll still have mold growth. If you do, there’s no need to worry. Our mold remediation professionals have years of experience eliminating active mold growth in Statesville homes and businesses. If you have any mold questions, call SERVPRO of Iredell County today at (704) 872-7466.

Tips on What to Do After a Fire in Your Mooresville Home

6/4/2018 (Permalink)

Fires can cause significant damage, but there are steps you can take to restore both your home and your belongings!

(Updated 7/24/20)

A house fire is one of the last things a person wants to experience. The situation is both physically and mentally exhausting, and if it’s your first encounter, it’s not always clear what to do next. For years, our team has helped house fire victims recover their homes and belongings. As local experts in the Mooresville community, we know the many things you and your family should do if you have a fire.

Contact the Professionals

Once you’ve called your local fire department and let your family know you’re safe, you should call the right professionals to get the restoration process started. At the very least, this will include your insurance company and your local fire restoration company.

You should first call your insurance company or your local agent. They will be instrumental in helping you cover costs and managing the multiple steps involved in the restoration process.

Ask your agent:

• What to do about the immediate needs of your home. This includes pumping out water and covering doors, windows, and other openings.

• Who else you should call. If you aren’t sure who to call for restoration and repair services, your local agent can refer you to somebody they have a trusted relationship with.

• What you need to do. Your life has been disrupted, and you agent can instruct you on the steps you should personally take to reclaim it.

You should also call a local cleanup and restoration company so you can restore your damaged home and belongings. These experts—like our team at SERVPRO of Iredell County—can extract water, clean up soot and ashes, and even restore many of your damaged belongings.

Ask your restoration company:

• What services they can provide. Not all cleanup and restoration companies are equal, so see what services they can provide, such as boarding up doors and windows, cleaning your belongings, and HVAC cleaning.

• If they can also repair your home. If possible, find a company that can do the entire restoration process—from mitigation to repairs. It’s often easier to work with one company versus several.

Re-entering Your Home

Once it’s safe, you’ll want to re-enter your home to inspect damages and see which of your belongings endured. Before you do so, consider the following:

• You should never enter the home until your fire department has said it is safe to do so.

• Fires can start again even if they appear to be out.

• Soot and dirty water left behind may contain things that could make you sick. Do not eat, drink, or breathe in anything that has been near the fire’s flames, smoke, soot, or water used to put the fire out.

Reclaiming Your Home

There are many steps involved in restoring your home after a fire, and it’s never easy. Fortunately, if you live in Mooresville, NC, you have access to our professional team of cleanup and restoration experts. So if you have a fire, put yourself in good hands by calling SERVPRO of Iredell County at (704) 872-7466!

3 Ways to Protect Your Property from Winter Weather

9/27/2017 (Permalink)

Winter weather can wreak havoc on your home or business if you are not properly prepared. Whether we have heavy rain, freezing temperatures, sleet, or snow, any form of cold weather can lead to serious property damage. While it’s impossible to control the weather, there are steps you can take to protect your home from its harmful effects. To help prevent weather-related damages, consider taking some of the following precautions before winter strikes:

• Remove sick or dead trees that are too close to your home. Snow and ice can cause branches to fall and cause damage to property and potentially cause personal injuries. To avoid this possibility, have these trees removed before it’s too late.

• Take steps to prevent frozen pipes. Frozen pipes can cause a lot of damage, so there are steps you should take to prevent that from happening. For starters, allow water to drip from faucets when temperatures dip below freezing. You should also insulate exposed pipes and allow warm air to circulate to pipes inside cabinets.

• Clean out your gutters. While gutters are great for directing rain away from your home during a storm, the same principle applies to melting snow and ice. Clearing out your gutters prevents blockages, which can lead water to pool up and infiltrate your home.

The above tips can help you mitigate your risk of having winter storm damage, but the possibility always exists. Fortunately, if your home or business does have a disaster, SERVPRO of Iredell County is available 24/7 to clean up fire and water damage incidents!