When SERVPRO is Called, Flood Water Damage is Reduced

11/13/2023 (Permalink)

Be Prepared For Storm Damage in the Lenoir area.

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.
 
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 Lenoir or the surrounding area, 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.
 
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. 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.
 
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 (828) 396-1070 so that we can respond quickly and begin to mitigate damage.

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."

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.

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

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.”

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!

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 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!

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!

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.”

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.

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 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!

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!

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 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!

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!

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

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."

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. 

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!