Restoring Your Home After Storm Damage: SERVPRO Team Cox’s Expertise in Charlotte and Columbia

10/10/2024 (Permalink)

Storms are an unfortunate reality for residents and businesses in Charlotte, NC, and Columbia, SC. From severe thunderstorms to tropical storms and hurricanes, the potential for property damage is high when powerful storms sweep through these regions. When the skies clear, the aftermath can leave property owners with overwhelming damage, uncertain where to turn for help.

At SERVPRO®, we specialize in restoring homes and businesses after storms. With locations serving both Charlotte and Columbia, we know firsthand the toll that these storms can take on your property. Our experienced team is here to help you navigate the recovery process, providing the expertise and support you need to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Understanding the Impact of Storms

Storms in the Carolinas can cause a wide variety of damage, from wind-torn roofs and shattered windows to flooding that ruins floors and foundations. High winds can send debris crashing into structures, and torrential rains can result in water seeping into basements, crawl spaces, and other areas. The damage might range from minor inconveniences to significant structural issues, but no matter the extent, it requires immediate attention.

For businesses, storm damage can disrupt operations, lead to revenue loss, and leave employees in uncertain situations. Homeowners face similar challenges, with the added stress of potentially being displaced and dealing with personal losses. When faced with such devastation, knowing where to begin is key, and that’s where we come in.

Our Comprehensive Storm Damage Services

At SERVPRO Team Cox, we offer a full range of storm damage restoration services. Whether you’re dealing with wind damage, water damage, or debris left in the wake of a storm, our team is ready to respond.

Our primary storm damage services include:

• Emergency Roof Tarping and Board-Up: To prevent further damage after a storm, it’s crucial to secure your home. Our team can quickly install roof tarps and board up broken windows or doors to keep your property protected from the elements.
• Water Extraction and Drying: After heavy rains or flooding, standing water can cause extensive damage. We use advanced pumps and dehumidifiers to remove water and dry out affected areas quickly.
• Debris Cleanup: Storms often leave behind fallen trees, broken branches, and other debris. We will safely clear the debris from your property and remove any hazardous materials.
• Structural Repairs: Storms can weaken your home’s structure, requiring significant repairs. Our experts are equipped to handle everything from minor roof repairs to more extensive structural reconstruction.
• Contents Restoration: Many personal belongings can be salvaged after a storm. Our team has specialized equipment to clean and restore damaged items, such as furniture, electronics, and important documents.

Our Restoration Process

At SERVPRO Team Cox, we know that dealing with storm damage can be a stressful and confusing experience. That’s why we follow a streamlined, transparent restoration process to make things as straightforward as possible.

1. Initial Inspection and Damage Assessment

As soon as you contact us, we dispatch our storm damage team to your property. We conduct a thorough inspection to assess the scope of the damage and determine the most effective restoration plan.

1. Securing the Property

If necessary, we’ll perform immediate emergency services to secure your property. This includes tarping roofs and boarding up broken windows or doors to prevent further exposure to the elements.

1. Water Removal and Drying

Water damage is one of the most common consequences of storms, and if left untreated, it can lead to further structural damage. We remove any standing water and use industrial-grade dehumidifiers and air movers to dry affected areas.

1. Debris and Damage Cleanup

Our team will clean up any storm-related debris, including fallen trees, branches, and damaged building materials. We’ll also clean surfaces that have been affected by dirt, mud, or other storm-related contaminants.

1. Repairs and Restoration

Once the cleanup is complete, we shift focus to repairs. This can include everything from replacing damaged roofing to rebuilding walls, fixing windows, and restoring other structural components of your home or business.

1. Final Inspection and Walkthrough

Before we complete our work, we’ll walk through the property with you to ensure that everything meets your expectations. We’re committed to delivering quality service and ensuring that your property is fully restored.

Why SERVPRO Team Cox Is the Right Choice for Storm Restoration

Choosing a restoration company after a storm can feel overwhelming, but SERVPRO Team Cox stands out as a trusted partner in Charlotte and Columbia. Here’s why our clients continue to rely on us during their times of need:

• Rapid Response: Storm damage requires immediate attention, and we pride ourselves on our quick response times. We’re available 24/7 to provide emergency services when you need them the most.
• Local Expertise: With teams based in both Charlotte and Columbia, we have a deep understanding of the storm risks in the region. We know the common types of storm damage and are familiar with local building codes and regulations.
• Full-Service Restoration: From emergency tarping and water extraction to full structural repairs, we handle every aspect of the restoration process. Our team takes care of it all, so you don’t have to juggle multiple contractors or worry about coordinating different services.
• Customer-Focused Approach: At SERVPRO Team Cox, we put our clients first. We know how stressful storm damage can be, and we work with you every step of the way to make the restoration process as smooth as possible. Your satisfaction is our priority.

Preventative Measures: How to Protect Your Property Before the Storm Hits

While no one can predict when the next storm will strike, taking preventive measures can help protect your property and minimize damage. Here are a few tips to help safeguard your home or business before a storm:

• Regular Roof Inspections: Have your roof inspected regularly, especially before storm season. Loose shingles or weakened areas can make your roof more susceptible to damage from high winds or heavy rain.
• Clear Gutters and Drains: Clogged gutters and drains can lead to water backing up and flooding your home. Make sure your gutters are clear of debris and functioning properly before storm season begins.
• Trim Trees and Branches: Overhanging branches can break and fall during a storm, causing damage to your roof, windows, or siding. Regularly trimming trees near your property can help prevent this.
• Secure Outdoor Items: Before a storm, secure or store any outdoor furniture, grills, or other items that could be blown around by strong winds. These objects can become dangerous projectiles during a storm.
• Install Storm Shutters or Impact-Resistant Windows: For homes in hurricane-prone areas, consider installing storm shutters or impact-resistant windows. These can provide additional protection against flying debris.

Partnering with SERVPRO Team Cox for Your Storm Restoration Needs

At SERVPRO Team Cox, we’re more than just a restoration company—we’re your partner in storm recovery. With our experience, advanced equipment, and dedication to customer satisfaction, we’re here to help you through every step of the storm damage restoration process. From the initial cleanup to final repairs, we’ll make sure your property is restored to its pre-storm condition as quickly as possible.

Whether you’re a homeowner or a business owner in Charlotte or Columbia, don’t hesitate to reach out to SERVPRO Team Cox after a storm. We’re ready to respond quickly and provide the reliable, professional service you need to get your life back on track. Call us at 704-393-7890.

Recovering Together: How SERVPRO Team Cox Helps You Rebuild After Hurricane Helene

10/3/2024 (Permalink)

AP Photo/Stephen Smith

Hurricane Helene unleashed its full fury on the Carolinas, leaving widespread damage and uncertainty in its wake. From flooded homes and businesses to downed power lines and scattered debris, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when faced with such devastation. At SERVPRO®, we understand that the aftermath of a storm is more than just about property damage—it’s about the emotional toll it takes on individuals, families, and communities. That’s why we’re here to help you recover and rebuild, every step of the way.

As a veteran-owned company serving Charlotte, Columbia, and surrounding areas, we know firsthand what it means to face a challenge head-on. When disasters strike, we don't just restore buildings—we restore lives. The road to recovery may seem long, but you don’t have to travel it alone. With SERVPRO Team Cox by your side, you can trust that your property and your well-being are in capable hands.

The First Steps After the Storm: Safety First

The moments following a hurricane are often filled with anxiety. Once the winds have settled and the floodwaters have receded, it’s natural to want to return to your property immediately. However, the storm may have left hidden dangers in its wake that could pose a risk to your safety.

Before reentering your home or business, keep these crucial safety tips in mind:

• Wait for Official Clearance: Don’t return to any property until local authorities have deemed it safe to do so. Hurricanes often leave behind unstable structures, downed power lines, and other hazards that could cause injury or further damage.
• Stay Clear of Floodwaters: Floodwater can be contaminated and may hide sharp objects or other dangers. Avoid wading through standing water whenever possible.
• Document the Damage: Once it’s safe to return, take photos and videos of the damage before making any changes. This documentation is critical for your insurance claims process.

We understand that returning to a damaged property is heartbreaking. That’s why SERVPRO Team Cox is here to guide you through the next steps. Your safety and peace of mind are our top priorities.

Rapid Response: Here When You Need Us Most

When disaster strikes, time is of the essence. The longer damage sits unattended, the more extensive it can become. That’s why SERVPRO Team Cox prides itself on being available 24/7, ready to respond as soon as you need us.

Our expert team will arrive on-site quickly, equipped with the tools and knowledge necessary to begin assessing the damage. We start with a comprehensive evaluation of your property, noting any visible damage as well as potential underlying issues. Whether it’s water damage from flooding, structural problems, or wind-related destruction, we are prepared to handle any challenge.

Storm Damage Restoration: Bringing Your Property Back to Life

At SERVPRO Team Cox, we offer a full suite of storm damage restoration services tailored to meet the specific needs of your home or business. Whether the damage is large or small, we approach each job with the same level of care, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence.

Here’s how we help restore your property:

1. Water Extraction and Drying

Flooding is often one of the most severe forms of damage caused by hurricanes. Standing water can weaken structures, ruin belongings, and lead to long-term issues if not addressed immediately. Our team utilizes state-of-the-art water extraction equipment to remove water quickly, minimizing the risk of further damage. Once the water is removed, we use advanced drying techniques to ensure that all affected areas are properly dried and stabilized.

2. Debris Cleanup and Removal

Hurricane Helene left streets littered with branches, shingles, and debris. Your property may be covered in wind-blown debris, which can complicate recovery efforts. SERVPRO Team Cox handles debris removal with efficiency and care, ensuring that your property is clean, safe, and ready for the next stage of restoration.

3. Structural Repair and Reconstruction

Severe storms can leave behind broken windows, damaged roofs, and compromised walls. In cases where the structural integrity of your home or business has been affected, we provide full-scale repair and reconstruction services. From patching up minor damages to rebuilding entire sections of your property, our skilled professionals are here to make sure everything is restored to its pre-storm condition—or better.

By working with SERVPRO Team Cox, you won’t need to worry about coordinating multiple contractors for different aspects of the job. We are a one-stop solution for your storm damage recovery needs.

Supporting You Through Insurance Claims

One of the most challenging parts of storm recovery can be dealing with insurance claims. After Hurricane Helene, many homeowners and business owners are facing the daunting task of working with their insurance companies to assess the damage and secure the necessary funding for repairs. We know how overwhelming this process can be, and we’re here to help you through it.

At SERVPRO Team Cox, we act as your advocate in the insurance process, ensuring that your claim is handled accurately and fairly. Here’s how we support you:

• Detailed Damage Documentation: We provide a complete report of the damage, complete with photos and assessments that your insurance adjuster can use to process your claim.
• Clear Communication: We communicate directly with your insurance company to ensure all necessary work is approved and funded.
• Updates Every Step of the Way: You’ll never be left wondering where your claim stands. We keep you informed throughout the entire process, giving you peace of mind during a stressful time.

We’re here to take the burden off your shoulders and make sure that you get the assistance you need to rebuild.

Rebuilding Together: Our Commitment to the Community

Hurricane Helene may have been a devastating event, but it also highlighted the resilience of our communities. At SERVPRO Team Cox, we believe that recovery isn’t just about restoring property—it’s about restoring hope. We’re not just a business; we’re your neighbors. We live and work in the same communities that were affected by this storm, and we’re committed to helping our friends and neighbors rebuild, stronger than before.

In times like these, it’s important to come together as a community. Whether you’re a homeowner who needs help getting your family back into your house or a business owner working to reopen your doors, SERVPRO Team Cox is here for you. We don’t just provide a service—we offer a partnership built on trust, expertise, and compassion.

Looking Ahead: Preparing for Future Storms

As we help you recover from Hurricane Helene, we also want to equip you with the knowledge and resources you need to be better prepared for future storms. The reality of living in the Carolinas means that hurricanes and severe weather are always a possibility. Now is the time to start thinking about how you can protect your home, your business, and your loved ones from the next big storm.

SERVPRO Team Cox recommends:

• Creating an Emergency Plan: Make sure your family knows where to go and what to do in the event of another hurricane.
• Regular Maintenance: Keep your roof, gutters, and windows in good repair to minimize the risk of storm damage.
• Investing in Flood Protection: Consider installing flood barriers or elevating critical utilities if you live in a flood-prone area.

We’re here to help you prepare, respond, and recover from any storm that comes our way. Together, we can build a safer, stronger future.

Trust SERVPRO Team Cox for Your Storm Recovery Needs

The road to recovery after Hurricane Helene may seem overwhelming, but with SERVPRO Team Cox, you’re never alone. We’re committed to being there for you from the moment disaster strikes to the final stages of rebuilding. With our experienced team, comprehensive services, and dedication to the community, we are your trusted partner in storm recovery.

Let us help you get back on your feet. Call SERVPRO Team Cox today at 704-393-7890, and let’s start rebuilding together.

Dealing with Flood Water: How SERVPRO Team Cox Supports Your Recovery

8/16/2024 (Permalink)

Flood water damage is an overwhelming experience that can turn your life upside down. The sudden invasion of water can cause severe structural damage, destroy personal belongings, and pose health risks. At SERVPRO®, we understand the emotional and financial toll that flood water can take. That's why we're committed to providing comprehensive services to help you navigate the aftermath, from working with FEMA insurance to offering financing options for non-covered losses.

Understanding the Devastation of Flood Water

Flood water can be incredibly destructive. Here's how it impacts your property and health:

• Structural Integrity: Flood water can weaken the foundation, walls, and floors, leading to long-term structural issues.
• Health Risks: Contaminated flood water can harbor bacteria, mold, and other pathogens that pose significant health hazards.
• Electrical Safety: Water and electricity don't mix. Flood water can damage electrical systems, creating fire hazards and risks of electrocution.
• Personal Property Loss: Furniture, electronics, and irreplaceable personal items can be severely damaged or lost to flood water.

Navigating FEMA Insurance with SERVPRO Team Cox

FEMA insurance can be a lifeline after flood water damage, but the claims process can be complex and stressful. At SERVPRO Team Cox, we are dedicated to advocating for our customers throughout this process:

• Expert Claims Assistance: We guide you through the FEMA insurance claims process, ensuring all necessary documentation is accurate and complete.
• Maximizing Your Coverage: Our experienced team works to ensure you receive the maximum benefits available under your FEMA insurance policy.
• Direct Communication: We liaise with FEMA and your insurance company to streamline the claims process and address any issues that arise.

Financing Options for Non-Covered Losses

While FEMA insurance can cover a substantial portion of flood water damage, some expenses might not be covered. SERVPRO Team Cox offers flexible financing options to help you manage these additional costs:

• Flexible Payment Plans: We provide financing solutions tailored to your financial situation, allowing you to pay for repairs and restoration over time.
• Transparent Terms: Our financing options come with clear terms and conditions, so you know exactly what to expect.

Comprehensive Flood Water Damage Restoration Process

At SERVPRO Team Cox, we follow a thorough and meticulous process to restore your property after flood water damage:

1. Initial Assessment: We conduct a detailed inspection to evaluate the extent of the damage caused by flood water.
2. Water Extraction: Using state-of-the-art equipment, we remove standing flood water quickly and efficiently.
3. Drying and Dehumidification: Our industrial-grade dehumidifiers and air movers ensure complete drying of affected areas to prevent mold growth.
4. Cleaning and Sanitizing: We clean and sanitize all impacted areas to eliminate health hazards and odors.
5. Restoration and Repairs: From minor repairs to major reconstruction, our skilled technicians restore your property to its pre-flood condition.

The Importance of Timely Action

Responding promptly to flood water damage is critical to minimizing long-term damage and health risks. SERVPRO Team Cox emphasizes quick action to ensure effective mitigation:

• 24/7 Emergency Services: Our team is available around the clock to respond to flood water emergencies.
• Rapid Response: We prioritize rapid response times to mitigate damage and begin the restoration process as soon as possible.

Long-Term Flood Water Damage Prevention

Beyond immediate restoration, SERVPRO Team Cox offers advice and services to help you prevent future flood water damage:

• Waterproofing Solutions: We recommend installing waterproofing systems to protect your property from future flooding.
• Routine Maintenance: Regular maintenance of gutters, downspouts, and sump pumps can prevent water buildup and potential flooding.

Why Choose SERVPRO Team Cox?

Choosing the right restoration company is crucial for effective recovery from flood water damage. Here's why SERVPRO Team Cox stands out:

• Expertise and Experience: Our team has extensive experience and specialized training in flood water damage restoration.
• Comprehensive Services: We offer a full range of services, from initial assessment and water extraction to complete restoration and repairs.
• Customer Advocacy: We are committed to advocating for our customers, ensuring they receive the support and coverage they deserve from their insurance providers.
• Veteran-Owned Values: As a certified veteran-owned business, we bring a strong work ethic, integrity, and dedication to every project.

Testimonials from Our Customers

Hear from those who have experienced our exceptional service:

• "SERVPRO Team Cox made a difficult situation manageable with their professionalism and quick response. Their help with our FEMA claim was invaluable." – Emily R.
• "I can't thank SERVPRO Team Cox enough for their support and financing options. They made it possible for us to rebuild our home after the flood." – Mark S.
• "The team at SERVPRO Team Cox went above and beyond to ensure our property was fully restored. Their expertise and dedication are unmatched." – Lisa T.

Conclusion

Flood water damage is a challenging experience, but you don't have to face it alone. SERVPRO Team Cox is here to provide comprehensive support, from navigating FEMA insurance claims to offering financing options for non-covered losses. Our goal is to make the restoration process as smooth and stress-free as possible, ensuring your property is restored to its pre-flood condition.

For more information or to schedule an assessment, contact SERVPRO Team Cox at 704-393-7890.

Navigating the Aftermath: Commercial Storm Damage Restoration with SERVPRO Team Cox

7/22/2024 (Permalink)

Storms can wreak havoc on commercial properties, leading to significant disruptions in business operations and financial losses. At SERVPRO® Team Cox, we understand the unique challenges that come with commercial storm damage. Our specialized services are designed to help businesses recover quickly and efficiently, minimizing downtime and restoring normalcy. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the impact of storm damage on commercial properties and how SERVPRO Team Cox can be your trusted partner in the restoration process.

The Impact of Storm Damage on Commercial Properties

Storm damage can have far-reaching consequences for businesses, affecting everything from structural integrity to daily operations. Common types of storm damage include:

1. Structural Damage: High winds, heavy rains, and flying debris can compromise the structural integrity of buildings, damaging roofs, walls, windows, and doors. This can pose safety risks and require extensive repairs.
2. Flooding and Water Damage: Storm surges and heavy rainfall can lead to flooding, causing water intrusion that affects flooring, walls, and equipment. Water damage can also lead to mold growth, creating additional health hazards and repair needs.
3. Electrical and Fire Hazards: Water and electricity don't mix. Flooding can damage electrical systems, leading to power outages, electrical fires, and dangerous conditions for occupants.
4. Interior Damage: Beyond structural issues, storms can also damage the interior of commercial properties, including office furniture, inventory, and important documents.

The SERVPRO Team Cox Approach to Commercial Storm Damage Restoration

At SERVPRO Team Cox, we offer a comprehensive approach to commercial storm damage restoration, ensuring every aspect of the damage is addressed promptly and thoroughly:

1. Immediate Response: We understand that time is of the essence in commercial storm damage situations. Our team is available 24/7 to respond to emergencies, providing rapid assessment and mitigation services to minimize further damage.
2. Detailed Damage Assessment: Our experts conduct a thorough inspection of your property to identify all areas affected by the storm. This includes structural evaluations, moisture detection, and identifying potential hazards.
3. Board-Up and Tarping Services: To protect your property from further damage, we offer board-up and tarping services. These temporary measures secure the building, preventing water intrusion and unauthorized access.
4. Water Extraction and Drying: Using state-of-the-art equipment, we remove standing water and thoroughly dry all affected areas. This step is crucial to prevent mold growth and further structural damage.
5. Mold Remediation: If mold is detected, our certified professionals perform mold remediation to eliminate mold colonies and prevent future growth, ensuring a safe and healthy environment.
6. Debris Removal and Cleanup: Storms often leave behind debris that can obstruct recovery efforts. Our team handles debris removal and cleanup, ensuring your property is clear and safe for the restoration process.
7. Restoration and Repairs: From minor repairs to complete reconstruction, we handle all aspects of the restoration process. Our goal is to restore your property to its pre-storm condition, minimizing disruption to your business operations.

Why Choose SERVPRO Team Cox?

When it comes to commercial storm damage restoration, choosing the right partner can make all the difference. Here's why SERVPRO Team Cox stands out:

• Experience and Expertise: With years of experience in the industry, our team has the knowledge and skills to handle any storm damage scenario. We are IICRC certified and adhere to the highest standards of quality and safety.
• Advanced Technology: We use the latest technology and equipment to ensure efficient and effective restoration. Our techniques are designed to minimize disruption to your business while maximizing the results.
• Comprehensive Services: We offer a full range of services, from emergency response and water extraction to complete reconstruction. This means you can rely on us for all your restoration needs, eliminating the need to coordinate with multiple contractors.
• Customer-Centric Approach: At SERVPRO Team Cox, we prioritize our customers' needs and satisfaction. We provide transparent communication, regular updates, and personalized solutions to ensure you feel supported throughout the restoration process.

Preparing Your Business for Future Storms

While it's impossible to prevent storms, there are steps businesses can take to mitigate the impact of future events:

• Regular Maintenance: Keep your property well-maintained, including inspecting the roof, cleaning gutters, and ensuring proper drainage systems are in place.
• Emergency Preparedness Plan: Develop a comprehensive emergency preparedness plan that includes evacuation procedures, emergency contacts, and communication strategies.
• Backup Power Systems: Invest in backup power systems, such as generators, to ensure critical operations can continue during power outages.
• Insurance Review: Regularly review your insurance policy to ensure you have adequate coverage for storm-related damages. Understanding your policy can help expedite the claims process in the event of a disaster.

Storm damage can be a significant setback for businesses, but with SERVPRO Team Cox by your side, you can navigate the aftermath with confidence. Our dedicated team is here to provide swift, comprehensive storm damage restoration services, helping you get back to business as usual. Don't let storm damage disrupt your operations any longer—contact SERVPRO Team Cox today and let us help you weather the storm.

SERVPRO Team Cox: We take the stress out of your distress.

For more information about our commercial storm damage restoration services or to schedule an assessment, please visit our website or call our 24/7 emergency hotline at 704-393-7890. We're here to help your business recover and thrive, no matter the weather.

Navigating Storm Damage and Flooding: SERVPRO's Expertise

5/29/2024 (Permalink)

When storms strike, they often bring more than just heavy rain and strong winds. The aftermath can leave your property severely damaged, especially if flooding occurs. At SERVPRO Team Cox, we specialize in addressing storm damage and flood damage, providing swift and effective solutions to restore your peace of mind.

The Consequences of Storm Damage and Flooding

Storms can wreak havoc on homes and businesses alike. Flooding, in particular, can cause extensive damage that requires immediate attention. Here are some of the primary issues caused by storm damage and flooding:

• Structural Compromise: High winds and water pressure can weaken the foundations and walls of buildings.
• Water Contamination: Floodwaters often contain hazardous materials, including sewage and chemicals, which pose health risks.
• Mold Infestation: Moisture from flood damage can lead to mold growth, impacting air quality and health.
• Electrical Hazards: Water exposure can lead to electrical system failures, increasing the risk of fires and electrocution.
• Personal Property Loss: Flooding can destroy personal belongings, furniture, and important documents.

SERVPRO's Comprehensive Approach to Storm Damage and Flooding

At SERVPRO®, we provide a full range of services to address the diverse challenges posed by storm damage and flood damage. Our team of professionals is equipped with the latest technology and techniques to ensure efficient and effective restoration. Here’s how we can help:

• 24/7 Emergency Response: We are available around the clock to respond to storm damage and flooding emergencies.
• Water Extraction and Drying: We use powerful pumps and industrial-grade dehumidifiers to remove standing water and dry affected areas.
• Cleaning and Sanitizing: Our team thoroughly cleans and sanitizes all impacted areas to remove contaminants and prevent mold growth.
• Mold Remediation: We identify and eliminate mold growth, restoring healthy indoor air quality.
• Reconstruction Services: From minor repairs to major reconstruction, we restore your property to its pre-damage state.

Why Choose SERVPRO Team Cox for Flood Damage Restoration?

When dealing with flood damage, you need a trusted partner who understands the complexities of restoration. Here’s why SERVPRO Team Cox is the right choice:

• Experience and Expertise: With decades of experience, our certified technicians are prepared to handle any level of storm damage.
• Advanced Technology: We utilize cutting-edge equipment to ensure the most effective restoration process.
• Comprehensive Services: From assessment to final repairs, we cover all aspects of storm and flood damage restoration.
• Customer-Centered Approach: We prioritize your needs and work closely with you and your insurance company to streamline the recovery process.

Proactive Measures to Mitigate Storm and Flood Damage

While you can’t control the weather, you can take steps to minimize the impact of future storms and flooding. Here are some preventive measures to protect your property:

• Maintain Gutters and Downspouts: Regularly clean and inspect to ensure proper water drainage.
• Install Flood Barriers: Use sandbags or other barriers to keep water away from your property.
• Elevate Utilities: Raise electrical appliances and systems above potential flood levels.
• Develop an Emergency Plan: Have a plan in place for evacuation and emergency contacts.
• Review Insurance Policies: Make sure your insurance covers storm damage and flood damage.

Contact SERVPRO for Expert Storm and Flood Damage Restoration

If your property has been affected by storm damage or flood damage, don't hesitate to seek professional help. The longer you wait, the more extensive the damage can become. Contact SERVPRO today to learn more about our storm damage restoration services and how we can assist you in recovering swiftly and efficiently.

Real-Life Success Stories

To understand the impact of SERVPRO's storm and flood damage restoration services, here are a few examples of how we've helped our clients recover from devastating storms:

Case Study: Residential Flood Damage

After a severe storm hit Columbia, SC, a homeowner faced significant flood damage in their basement. The floodwaters had not only soaked the flooring and walls but also threatened the home's structural integrity. The homeowner called SERVPRO for help. Our team arrived promptly, assessed the damage, and began the water extraction process immediately. Using industrial-strength pumps and dehumidifiers, we removed the water and thoroughly dried the basement. We also treated the area for mold prevention. Within days, the basement was restored, and the homeowner could resume their normal activities without worry.

Case Study: Commercial Storm Damage

A major storm caused roof damage and flooding in a Charlotte office building. The business owner was concerned about the impact on daily operations and potential health risks for employees. SERVPRO's commercial restoration team quickly responded. We then extracted the floodwater, dried the affected areas, and sanitized the workspace. Our team worked efficiently to minimize disruption to the business, allowing the company to continue operations while we completed the restoration.

Preparing for Future Storms

While it's impossible to prevent storms, being prepared can mitigate the damage they cause. Here are some tips to help you stay ahead of the next storm:

• Regular Maintenance: Inspect your roof, windows, and doors regularly to ensure they are secure and in good condition.
• Clear Gutters and Drains: Keep gutters and storm drains clear of debris to prevent water buildup and potential flooding.
• Seal Cracks and Gaps: Seal any cracks or gaps in your foundation, walls, and around windows and doors to prevent water from entering your property.
• Install a Sump Pump: Consider installing a sump pump in your basement to help remove water quickly in the event of flooding.
• Create an Emergency Kit: Have an emergency kit ready with essential supplies, including water, food, medications, and important documents.
• Know Your Risks: Understand the flood risks in your area and take appropriate precautions, such as obtaining flood insurance if necessary.

SERVPRO's Commitment to Excellence

At SERVPRO, our goal is to provide the highest quality restoration services to help you recover from storm and flood damage. We understand the emotional and financial toll these events can take, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Our experienced team is dedicated to making the restoration process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Get in Touch with SERVPRO

If you've experienced storm damage or flood damage, don't wait to take action. Contact SERVPRO Team Cox at 704-393-7890 today to learn more about our comprehensive restoration services. We are available 24/7 to respond to emergencies and provide the professional help you need.

Connect with Us

Stay informed and prepared by following SERVPRO on social media. We regularly share tips, success stories, and updates to help you protect your property and stay safe during storm season.

SERVPRO is your trusted partner in storm and flood damage restoration. Contact us now 704-393-7890 for immediate assistance. We are ready to help you recover and rebuild after any storm.

Weathering the Storm: How SERVPRO Team Cox Helps Charlotte and Columbia Recover from Storm Damage

3/12/2024 (Permalink)

Storms can wreak havoc on homes and businesses, causing damage that ranges from minor leaks to catastrophic flooding. When disaster strikes, SERVPRO Team Cox is here to help. With locations in Charlotte and Columbia, our team is ready to respond quickly and efficiently to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Understanding Storm Damage:

Storm damage can take many forms, including roof leaks, flooded basements, and structural damage caused by high winds. These issues can lead to mold growth, electrical hazards, and other safety concerns if not addressed promptly.

Our Services:

At SERVPRO Team Cox, we offer a comprehensive range of storm damage restoration services to help you get back on your feet after a storm. Our services include water extraction, drying and dehumidification, mold remediation, and structural repairs. We also work directly with your insurance company to ensure a smooth claims process.

Emergency Response:

When a storm strikes, time is of the essence. That's why SERVPRO Team Cox offers 24/7 emergency response services. Our team will arrive quickly to assess the damage and begin the restoration process, minimizing further damage and helping you get back to normal as soon as possible.

The SERVPRO Difference:

What sets SERVPRO Team Cox apart from other restoration companies is our commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction. Our team is highly trained and certified in all aspects of storm damage restoration, and we use the latest equipment and techniques to ensure the job is done right the first time.

When it comes to storm damage restoration, SERVPRO Team Cox is the name you can trust. With our expertise, dedication, and commitment to customer satisfaction, we're here to help you weather the storm and rebuild stronger than ever. Contact us today for all your storm damage restoration needs in Charlotte and Columbia.

What to Do After a Hurricane Strikes

8/26/2021 (Permalink)

After a hurricane strikes your area, there are certain steps you should and should not take.

Hurricanes can be devastating, and to many Brevard County residents, Irma was just that. If your home had damages caused by the hurricane, here are the immediate steps you should take.

Photograph and Document Damage

Dealing with your insurance company is not always a walk in the park, but by documenting your damages, the process can go a lot smoother. Take photos of all damages, both inside and outside of your home. Also create a list of all damaged contents inside your home such as water damaged furniture.

Conduct Emergency Repairs

In many insurance policies, it suggests it is your responsibility to stop any future damages from occurring. For example, if you have a large hole in your roof, you need to place a tarp over the hole to prevent rain and other elements from causing further damages. Don’t make any permanent repairs until your insurance adjusters come out to reviews your home’s damages.

Secure Home Inventory

By securing your home inventory, this will help your claim process go much easier. A home inventory is a document detailing all your possessions in the home. Your inventory should include photos, detailed descriptions, and if possible, the item’s receipts.

File a Claim ASAP

If you experienced damages to your home from the hurricane, you should file a claim immediately. Be prepared to explain all the damages that occurred to your home in detail. This will help your insurance provider in starting your initial claim, and they can also provide you with some advice while waiting for your adjuster to come and assess the damages firsthand.

Secure Safe Lodging

If your home is damaged to the extent where it is no longer fit to live in, you will need to secure a place for you and your family to stay in the meantime. Check your insurance policy to see if you have coverage for temporary lodging while your home is being repaired. In standard homeowner’s insurance policy, this is typically covered as long as the overall damage to your home is part of the covered insurance claim.

3 Ways To Prepare Your Business for a Storm

6/1/2021 (Permalink)

Prepare your business for a storm

Tips You Can Follow to Prepare Your Business for A Storm

Though storms are fairly common occurrences, businesses in Rock Hill & York County, are often not prepared for damage that a rain storm can cause. As a business owner, there are tips you can follow to prepare your business for a storm.

1. Maintain Your Business's Landscape

Though you may not think about your business's landscape when it comes to preparing for a storm, your landscape can have a major impact on your business. Debris and fallen limbs commonly cause damage to businesses during storms with high winds, so it can be wise to clear away any fallen limbs and to trim limbs that hang over your business. Additionally, making sure that your drainage spouts are clear can help to prevent flood damage to your property.

2. Consider Investing in Helpful Tools and Materials

As you are getting your property ready for a rain storm, it can be wise to consider investing in tools and materials that can prevent damage. Installing a lightning rod can help to divert lightning from your business if a strike does occur. If your area commonly experiences storms with strong gusts of wind, installing storm shutters can also help to protect your business from damage.

3. Make Sure Staff Knows What To Do During a Storm

When preparing for a thunderstorm, it's often wise to include your staff in the process. It can be helpful to regularly talk with your staff about storm protocol and procedures. Having a protocol in place can make it easier for your staff to quickly prepare for an approaching storm. When creating a plan, it can be useful to think of everything from damage prevention to safety measurements. At this time, you may also consider getting contact information for an emergency restoration service to ensure you can easily contact professionals if damage does occur.

A rain storm can cause major damage to a business, but being prepared for the worst can often help to prevent damage. You can make sure your business is ready for a storm by maintaining your property's landscape, investing in useful tools and materials and discussing storm procedures with your staff.

How to Use Technology During a Storm

5/31/2021 (Permalink)

How to Use Technology During a Storm

Technology can cause stress and sometimes is more of a burden than helpful. However, in the case of emergencies such as natural disasters, it can be extremely helpful for keeping you updated and letting friends and family know where you are. You more than likely already have the technology in your home to keep you and your family safe during a disaster, so follow these tips to use it effectively!

Remember, always be sure to keep portable charges ready in your emergency kit so you can always access your technology when you need it most.

Social Media for News

Using social media is a great way to get up-to-date news straight to your smartphone. Almost all local and national government has social media pages that are updated regularly, especially during a natural disaster. 

Mark Yourself Safe

Another way to use social media is to mark yourself safe. Facebook offers a feature called Safety Check that allows you to mark yourself safe if you are in the area of a dangerous situation. Marking yourself safe lets friends and family know that although you are in the area of disaster, you are safe. The Red Cross offers a similar feature called Safe & Well which is both an app and website where you can mark yourself as safe for friends and family. 

Use Online Storage

Services like Google Drive and DropBox are a great way to store personal information online in a safe manner. Keeping copies of identification cards, passports, insurance policies, medical records, and pet information is important if your documents get lost in a disaster or you forget them when you are evacuating. You can also access DropBox and Google drive on any computer or phone, just make sure you remember your password!

Create an Emergency READY Profile

SERVPRO of Rock Hill & York County offers an Emergency Ready Profile or ERP for free. Creating an ERP will help prepare your property or business in the event of a disaster.  Creating this profile will help prevent interruption by having an immediate plan of action and setting SERVPRO® of Rock Hill & York County as your main point of contact in the case of an emergency. We will have all the information on file needed to make sure mitigation and restoration go smoothly. 

SERVPRO of Rock Hill & York County should be your first choice for any residential or commercial restoration due to our experience and 24/7/365 service. Contact us today if you are interested in signing up for an ERP or have questions or concerns about a recent property disaster. 

6 Tips for Keeping Your Business Safe During a Thunderstorm

5/31/2021 (Permalink)

Upon hearing that there’s a thunderstorm warning, unplug any electronics

Follow These Tips

Thunderstorms are so common in some regions that it’s often taken for granted how dangerous they can potentially get. A thunderstorm is sometimes much more than just a rainstorm with lightning; it can present other dangers such as hail, flash flooding, high winds, and even tornadoes. So, it pays to prepare your employees and your commercial building for the worst by following these tips:

1. Construct an Emergency Preparedness Kit

Create an emergency preparedness kit that includes first aid supplies, flashlights, a battery-powered radio, and extra batteries. Also, include important documents such as commercial insurance information, employee contact information and phone numbers of emergency services or businesses you may need during or after the storm, such as storm cleanup services.

2. Unplug Electronics

Upon hearing that there’s a thunderstorm warning, unplug any electronics that aren’t necessary, especially sensitive or valuable ones. Make sure to turn off or unplug appliances such as toaster ovens that were on at the time of a power outage; they could come back on when the power comes back without you realizing it and start a fire. Also, avoid using landline phones.

3. Avoid Using Plumbing

Avoid using plumbing during a storm. Lightning can travel through plumbing making it risky to take a shower or wash dishes during a storm.

4. Clean Gutters

Keep gutters clean and maintained. This will help to prevent flooding and roof damage during a heavy rainstorm.

5. Cut Back Tree Limbs

Cut back loose or dead tree limbs or branches that are close to buildings. Tree limbs can be blown into a building or onto a roof during high winds. They can also create hazards on the ground.

6. Secure Outdoor Items

Secure outdoor items such as tables, chairs, signs and trash receptacles. Just a couple of inches of standing water can put these objects in motion and create dangers to people and property. Substantial winds can also blow them, creating dangerous flying projectiles.

If your Rock Hill or York County building incurs damage from a heavy rainstorm or high winds, you can rely on storm damage cleanup professionals. They’ll return your building to its preloss condition as quickly as possible.

Quick Tips for Storm Safety Anywhere You Go

5/30/2021 (Permalink)

Quick Tips for Storm Safety Anywhere You Go

Even in the winter in York County, the weather is warm so it is a great time to enjoy the great outdoors. But when sudden storms pop up, staying safe is of paramount importance. Thunderstorms may come and go quickly, but while they are in the area, they can cause a concerning amount of damage.

While the safest place to be during a storm is at home, if a sudden storm pops up when you are away, here are some practical tips for safety.

Know your options for shelter. When you are made aware of a severe weather scenario and are safe at home, remaining there is the best thing you can do so you can wait out the storm. However, this is a luxury that will not always be present. If you are caught out in a storm, you can shelter in your car as long as you can pull over safely and cut off your engine.

Practice electrical safety. A lightning strike can hurt a structure in many ways, but the most common way is via a power surge. As the lightning travels through the home’s electrical system, the wires will become overwhelmed with charge and transfer that to anything plugged into an outlet. If you can, go through the area you are in and unplug everything before a storm. In general, it is best to also have surge protectors throughout your home and office.

Avoid direct contact with concrete. Concrete structures are so sturdy in part because of how they are built. As concrete is poured around the metal, it creates a great structure—but also causes concern if there is lightning nearby. The metal in concrete can disperse electricity if the building is struck by lightning, so avoid touching these surfaces directly if possible.

Stay indoors for at least 30 minutes. If you are out enjoying the day when a storm rolls in, make sure you are not rushing back out too soon and putting yourself in danger. Lightning strikes can travel tremendous distances, causing officials to urge people to stay inside for at least half an hour after the last clap of thunder.

If your home sustains damage due to a storm, you can count on us to help. Contact us at any hour to learn more about our storm restoration process. (803) 324-5780

Key Elements for Your Business’ Disaster Plan | SERVPRO® of Rock Hill & York County

5/21/2021 (Permalink)

Key Elements for Your Business’ Disaster Plan

If you own a business, developing a disaster plan is a vital part of making sure you are covered in case an emergency were to arise. Not only will having a plan in place keep you and your staff safer in an emergency scenario, but it will also keep everyone informed and help you reopen your doors quickly once you recover. Making sure your plan has a few key elements can help you be certain that you are fully prepared. 

A Clear Path for Evacuation and Staying Put Depending on the type of disaster you are facing, it may be necessary to evacuate while other disasters may necessitate staying in place. To be fully prepared for whatever situation your business faces, it is important to have a procedure in place regarding both of these things. 

Make sure that you have well-marked evacuation routes in the building in case employees must leave suddenly in the event of a fire or flood, and practice evacuation drills frequently so everyone knows what to do. In the event that you must stay put, pack an office emergency kit with enough food, water and medical supplies to sustain you and your staff until official help arrives. 

A Communication Strategy for Management and Employees In the event of a disaster or emergency, there will likely be a lot of confusion from staff regarding what this means for the business and their livelihoods. Making sure that you and upper management have a strategy for communicating with staff will help you (most importantly) ensure everyone is safe, communicate pertinent information and keep any rumors at bay. 

A Clear Outline of the Recovery Process For business owners, your livelihood is likely on the line if your business has an unexpected closure—therefore it is recommended that you have a recovery plan in place in advance so you can expedite your time to reopening. 

Make sure you are aware of how to start recovery, including knowing your insurance information and what commercial restoration company you will be using to take care of the damage to get your doors reopened as quickly as possible. 

If your business has experienced a disaster, you can count on our restoration services. Contact us today to learn more about our commercial restoration process. 

Hurricane Categories and Disaster Restoration

8/7/2020 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Rock Hill & York County 24/7 if you need us at (803) 324-5780.

Studying Hurricane Categories for Disaster Restoration Response

When a community is impacted by a hurricane, SERVPRO is quick to respond.  Our company has access to over 1,700 franchises nationwide, and our storm response teams have decades of experience.

Hurricane Categories

Category 1 Hurricane

Dangerous winds are associated with Cat 1 hurricanes.  During these storms, we expect to see damage to a home’s roof, gutters, and vinyl siding.  We also expect to see some tree damage, especially branches falling atop of unshielded vehicles or falling onto homes.  In this case, our franchise prepares expects to see some water damage and a large need for roof tarping.

Category 2 Hurricane

The winds in a Cat 2 hurricane are around 100 mph and will cause more damage than a Category 1 Hurricane. Even well-constructed homes have a large possibility of getting major damage to its roof and siding.  We also expect to see trees uprooted and block roadways. Power outages are also extremely common. In this scenario, our franchise will take a large load of roof tarping materials and power tools to assist with debris removal for roadways that are blocked on the ways to homes in need.  We also expect the need for our own power generators.

Category 3 Hurricane

A category 3 hurricane is considered to be a major hurricane.  In a Cat 3 hurricane scenario, we expect to see major damage or even the removal of the roof decking.  We also expect to see trees and branches uprooted and either block roadways or damage homes themselves as they fall.  Electricity and water outage will likely be a factor. In this case, our franchise responds similarly as we do to Cat 2 hurricanes, which is by taking roof tarping materials, power tools to clear debris, and carrying our own generators.  Due to the amount of fallen water associated with this category of hurricane, we also expect to not have immediate access to flooded areas of the community. If this is the case, we will wait for approval from first responders before proceeding.

Category 4 Hurricane

In a Cat 4 hurricane, we expect to see homes lose some or all of their roof and have damage to their exterior walls.  Many trees, even those deeply rooted, will be snapped and often fall onto homes, vehicles, and block roadways. It’s not uncommon to see many homes cut off from emergency services due to debris.  With the loss of electrical power and water plus the flooding and blocked roadways, the areas impacted with a category 4 hurricane may not be accessed for days or even weeks. In this scenarios, our crews are first helping the outer areas and assisting homes that are accessible as we wait for first responders to reach these areas and deem them accessible.  Due to the time it takes the water to recede, our franchise expects major damage to homes and businesses. Flooring and a major portion of the walls in these properties will need demolition. Sanitation will be a major concern, and mold growth may already be present. Roof tarping and board up services will almost always be necessary to secure the property.  

Category 5 Hurricane

In a Cat 5 hurricane situation, we expect to see many homes and businesses experience a roof collapse and damage to the exterior walls. Sections of a community will be flooded and not be accessible for weeks. Uprooted trees will also damage properties and block roadways. Our response to this category of damage is the same as in a category 4 with our franchise understanding that it will take a longer time for the flood waters to recede and first responders to allow restoration service workers to enter.  

Storm Surge Scales

Storm surge threat is not as easy to scale, as wind scales due to local conditions such as bathymetry.  For this reason, our franchise pays close attention to meteorological reports that focus on the depth of inundation expected at the impacted areas.  These storm surge warnings greatly help us know how to approach properties and prepare demolition, sanitation, and drying techniques. Depending on the time it takes for the waters to recede will also tell us how much, if any, of the contents inside a home or business will have a chance to be restored. This helps us know if debris removal will be necessary, and if mold remediation needs are likely.

Food and Lodging

When a storm is strong enough to call for evacuations, it’s often bewildering to see the green SERVPRO trucks head towards the storm when some are leaving.  Our franchise has studied the storm and is heading to the closest but still safe destination. Our choice of lodging is either a hotel or another SERVPRO franchise location that is safe from the storm.  Wherever we are able to stay, our crews will set up a command center, dispatch, and sleep. We will set up a command center as close as possible to the open impacted section and began to help homes in that area.  As first responders allowed more areas of the County to be opened, we would relocate closer to the city. 

SERVPRO of Rock Hill & York County's Disaster Cleanup Services

SERVPRO of Rock Hill & York County is a leader in the restoration industry and has the expertise to handle storm damage cleanup.  We are based out of York County, SC, and we have helped restore communities for over 30 years.  Our franchise has traveled to disaster locations such as Charleston . With our crews responding immediately to jobs, we are faster to any size disaster.  

You can trust us to handle your disaster restoration needs.  We offer:

• Water damage restoration
• Debris removal
• Roof tarping
• Board up services for doors, windows, outer walls
• Reconstruction
• Roof replacement or repair
• Carpet restoration service
• Storage

Our crews are available dispatch for 24 hour emergencies every day of the year.  We can be reached 24/7 at (803) 324-5780.  Call us any time!

Storm Causes Tree To Fall On Home In Tega Cay

5/28/2020 (Permalink)

York County South Carolina tree removal and roof repair company ready to help.

Emergency Tree Removal Service

A tree fell on a home in Tega Cay due to the recent storm. Our team got onsite as soon as possible and took care of the problem. If you need help with roof repair, tree removal or any storm damage cleanup service give us a call today.

Tips For Flooding & Standing Water in the York County Areas

5/20/2020 (Permalink)

Be aware of any flooding or standing water in our area

Did you know that floodwater can take up to eleven days to disappear. A flood doesn’t end just because the storm ends; All of the standing water still has to be dealt with.

SERVPRO of Rock Hill & York County suggests that if you have to evacuate your office or home to not go back until you have been told it is safe and the water has receded. 

You must be careful driving during times when the roads are flooded. Remember to “Go around. Don’t Drown!” The water may still be too deep for safe travel, even if it looks like you can pass. 

Floods are not natural swimming pools

• Sewage, debris, and other unpleasant things can be in the storm water leftovers.
• Swimming, wading, or rafting can make you sick.
• Do not drink the water, it is highly contaminated.
• Water conducts electricity. Underground power lines can give you a dangerous shock.

Floodwaters vs. Animals:

• Snakes and other animals may get into your building. Wear work boots and heavy gloves when the cleanup process begins.
• Some animals might find your office a cozy place to live because their home may have been destroyed. 
• If tap water is unsafe for you to drink, it is unsafe for your pets. 

If you experience flood damage to your home or business, give SERVPRO of Rock Hill & York County a call at (803) 324-5780, we are here for you 24/7.

The Dangers of Having a Leaky Roof.

5/20/2020 (Permalink)

A Leaky Roof Can Cause A lot of Damage!

With all the different kinds of weather that we have had in the last month or so, a durable roof is one of the most important infrastructures of a house, right after a strong, sturdy foundation. Just like it’s necessary to fix cracks in a foundation to ensure the rest of a house isn’t affected from the ground up, it’s important to fix leaks in a roof to protect a home from the top down, too. If you suspect you have a leaky roof, a roofing contractor can determine the cause and perform roof repairs, if necessary. To avoid any leaks or other issues from happening in the future, make sure to schedule regular inspections, perform general maintenance and upkeep, and have repairs completed as quickly as possible, since acting quickly could help you save time and money. 

Causes and Sources of Leaks

There are a number of reasons why a roof may develop leaks, from both natural and man made causes. No matter the cause, it's imperative to seek the services of a reliable roofing contractor to get your roof back in its best shape so that your home is protected from the elements.

SHINGLES AND FLASHING

Something as small and simple as a broken shingle could be the culprit of a leak. Severe weather, hail and high winds can cause shingles to become loose, crack and break off, leaving your roof exposed. If the nails used to secure shingles aren't properly sealed with a durable coating like roofing cement, it can leave exposed holes which can allow water and moisture to get into the attic. Broken or cracked flashing—the pieces of material installed under shingles, on joints and around chimneys—can also cause leaks. Both damaged flashing and missing shingles can be easily identified, usually as different, discolored patches or exposed areas on a roof. You may even find pieces of them in your yard after a bad storm.

IMPROPER INSTALLATION/REPAIRS

If you've had previous roof repairs done but if a leak keeps coming back, you've either got a problem with the workmanship of the roofing contractor who did the work or the materials they used (or both). Improperly installing elements such as skylights and chimneys can also cause roof leaks - this can happen from incorrectly measuring and fitting fixtures and/or insulation that's started to decay or disintegrate. Leaks from this kind of problem are generally easy to spot. Just look for wet spots or small streams of water coming out of skylights or running down walls/chimneys when it rains.

PLUMBING AND PIPE PROBLEMS

Pipes run throughout the home including the roof, which means there are a number of areas that are common leak sources related to your home's plumbing and ventilation system. These include plumbing vent pipes, ventilation fan ducts, attic vents and exhaust pipes/flues (for appliances). Anytime there are worn or cracked rubber boots and/or broken flashing around the vent pipes that come out of the roof, it's likely you're in need of repairs.

CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE

Since the attic is usually the least insulated—and the highest elevated—place in your home, it is more prone to mold and mildew growth from excessive moisture that can accumulate when condensation becomes trapped. The cause of the moisture is from wet weather such as rain, sleet, and hail, but also ice dams melting and the fluctuation in temperatures when seasons change. You'll most likely notice a smell—before you see the mold—as a sign of a leak in your roof.

What Can Happen if You Don't Get Roof Repairs

Whether you’re dealing with issues associated with weather and moisture or improperly installed parts, it’s essential to perform any necessary roof leak repairs as soon as possible – not only to fix the problem, but also to prevent any future damage. For example, if you have a moisture issue causing a leak that goes untreated, it could result in mold and mildew growth, which could not only destroy the wood in the attic, but also negatively affect your health.

Every roof experiences some level of wear and tear from all types of weather (sun, rain, hail, extreme heat, wind, etc.). As a home's first line of defense from these elements, it's important to make sure you have a durable, weatherproof roof that's properly sealed and maintained in order to increase the life cycle of the roof and decrease the risk of damage to it.

 The Importance of Roof Repairs

If you have a roof leak, repair it as soon as possible to avoid further damage and to help protect your home from bigger problems such as flooding. Contact a roofing contractor to have a thorough assessment of the roof completed and get advice on what steps you need to take to repair the damage. It’s best to work with a roofing contractor because their expertise is in roofing and they will be able to pinpoint and address your specific needs. Depending on the cause of the damage, your home insurance company may cover the costs of the roof repair, so make sure to contact your insurance company, too.

Lastly, if you should have a roof that leaks into the structure and need to begin the mitigation process, call SERVPRO of Rock Hill & York County. Our team of professionals specialize in removal and mitigation of storm damaged material and have the experience of quickly drying out affected areas from storm and weather damage before it is made worse. We at SERVPRO of Rock Hill & York County partner with all major insurance companies and vendors to make the transition back to “Like it never even happened,” as quickly as possible.

Call us today and let us show you. SERVPRO of Rock Hill & York County (803) 324-5780.

SERVPRO of Rock Hill & York County is here for you for Storm Damage

5/19/2020 (Permalink)

We can help with water or damage from a storm.

Extreme wind events due to massive tornadoes or destructive thunder storms always grab our attention. Here at SERVPRO of Rock Hill & York County, we have noticed an increase in damaging high wind events. Hurricanes are increasing in strength and frequency, coupled with changes in the jet stream, causing widespread costly property destruction. Powerful tornadoes continue to flatten entire communities in a matter of minutes. Falling trees from extreme wind events are a major cause of structural losses throughout the country on a regular basis.

SERVPRO of Rock Hill & York County is always well prepared to respond to homes and businesses affected by wind damage. Often times, water can enter structures affected by wind, requiring our mitigation experts to quickly tarp damaged areas and start the drying process inside until repairs can begin. Experienced technicians from our franchise have also traveled out of state to assist with large-scale recovery following devastating hurricanes. Although wind storms are difficult to gauge, SERVPRO of Rock Hill & York County has the tools and knowledge to secure and restore properties affected by wind in our ever changing environment.

Call SERVPRO of Rock Hill & York County 24/7 at (803) 324-5780.

SERVPRO Restores a Property After Water and Storm Damage

4/28/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Restores a Property After Water and Storm Damage

SERVPRO Restores a Property After Water and Storm Damage

Despite everyone's best efforts, storm damage in York County can happen. Removing the flood water isn't the end; cleanup is just getting started. On top of the flooring and walls, every bit of furniture, clothing and other items exposed to the storm will have to dried, cleaned, deodorized and probably even sanitized.

SERVPRO utilizes a variety of cleaning equipment and chemicals to return your carpets and floors to a usable state. Depending on the size, material, and color-fastness, the options range from simple spray and wiping to immersion cleaning.

Storm damage can leave odors as well as a damp carpet. We use industrial grade air scrubbers and specialized equipment to remove the musty smell and rather than just covering it up. While removing the odor is important, getting rid of the mold which causes it is even more so. The application of a variety of antibacterial and antimicrobial agents is necessary. Our personnel is trained to use the product that will not only restore your property but do so in a manner that is safe for your family and employees as well as the environment.

Once the mold has been remediated, each item should be either disinfected or sanitized depending on its function. Kitchen, break room, and bathroom equipment must be sanitized to ensure the health of anyone who may use them. Standard office spaces such as conference rooms would not need that level of cleaning unless the contaminated floodwaters wetted the flooring and walls. Our IICRC certified technicians can be relied upon to provided the highest level of professionalism and courtesy.

SERVPRO of Rock Hill & York County does its best to help you restore your home or business to its pre-storm damage condition as quickly as possible. As a locally owned franchise, we value our customers as neighbors and not just a job to be completed. If you want to schedule an inspection or believe you may need our restoration services, please call us today at (803) 324-5780.

How To Prepare For Stormy Spring Weather!!

4/13/2020 (Permalink)

Be Prepared for Stormy Spring Weather.

Spring weather is often unpredictable. Temperatures can change quickly and sunny days can be followed by a week of stormy weather.  The risk of injury and even weather-related deaths can increase when severe weather hits unexpectedly.  It is important to prepare for tornadoes, floods and storms prior to their arrival, because in the spring they can surface quickly.

Whenever warm, moist air collides with cool, dry air, thunderstorms can occur.  Thunderstorms bring with them lightening, flooding and even tornadoes.  They are the cause of most of the severe weather in the spring.  Often when we are aware of an approaching storm it is to late to prepare for it. It is important to have a plan in place for every type of severe weather and practice this plan.  Planning in advance for severe weather should also include keeping an emergency kit on hand. 

Items to include are:

• A battery-operated flashlight with extra batteries
• A battery-operated weather radio
• A list of important personal information including neighbors, family and friends, insurance and property information and medical information
• First Aid Kit
• Medications
• 3-5 day supply of non-perishable food and bottled water
• Blankets and sleeping bags

Communication is critical to having a successful plan in place.  Make sure your family members know to seek shelter in the event of a storm. 

Unfortunately, storms will surface, so preparing for them in advance will take the surprise out of a storm.

Call SERVPRO of Rock Hill & York County 24/7 at (803) 324-5780.

Preventing Basement Flooding Because of Snow Melt

2/27/2020 (Permalink)

Commercial and residential damage both require the proper attention in order to mitigate properly.

We commonly associate basement floods with rainy seasons, but did you know that your basement can flood at any time during the year as long as moisture is present? Even if yours has never previously flooded, most basements are prone to flooding because they are located below ground level. Moisture in the ground can seep through basement walls, which can result in flooding if there is an excess amount of moisture in the ground. During the winter season, winter storms often generate significant amounts of snow, ice, and other forms of freezing precipitation. After particularly heavy snowfall, the melted precipitation is absorbed by the ground, resulting in an excess of groundwater, which can make its way into basements and cause flooding. Consider these tips in order to prevent your basement from flooding due to snow melt this winter and spring:

Remove Snow

When shoveling snow after a heavy snowstorm, make sure to shovel snow at least five feet away from the foundation of the home in order to prevent the snow from immediately seeping into basement walls when it melts. This will create a special barrier between the moisture-packed soil and the basement’s foundation. In addition, it may be beneficial to clear snow from roofs and overhangs so that when snow falls or melts off of those areas, it will not land at the base of the home, contributing to more moisture surrounding the basement.

Fix Cracks in Foundation

Cracks in a basement’s foundation may facilitate flooding, as moisture would have an easier time seeping into the basement. In order to prevent a basement flood, which can damage valuables and facilitate mold growth, cracks must be repaired. Filling in cracks with epoxy can serve as a short-term solution, but a more permanent fix might require professional assistance. A solid foundation and walls will protect your basement from water, decreasing the chances of a basement flood due to snow melt this winter or spring.

If Your Basement Floods…

Sometimes, even if preventative measures are taken, basements can still flood despite our best efforts. If this occurs, it is imperative that the water is removed as quickly as possible in order to avoid mold growth and further damage. If the flooding is minimal, using a wet vacuum to remove water and dehumidifiers to air out the area may be effective. However, if the flooding is significant, professional restoration may be necessary. Calling SERVPRO of Rock Hill & York County at 803-324-5780, will ensure that flood water will be thoroughly removed and that your basement will be restored "Like it never even happened."

Storm Vs. Flood Damage

1/21/2020 (Permalink)

The most general distinction from storm or flood damage is that storm water comes from above, whereas flood water usually overspills natural bodies or courses of water and covers at least two acres of ordinarily dry land. Storm damage to a  property may originate from a variety of causes such as

• High winds
• Heavy rain
• Hurricanes
• Snow
• Tornadoes

Most insurance plans provide protection from damage caused by storms. Property owners will need additional coverage to offset the expenses of flood damage. If your property is located on a flood plain, you should make sure you carry the policies necessary to protect your investment.

Flooding occurs when water overflows a body of water or watercourse such as

• Creeks
• Dams
• Lakes
• Storm-water channels

For water to be considered a flood, it must not only cover two acres but affect at least two properties. Damage resulting from either flooding or storms can cause severe problems and should be planned for, prevented, and handled as soon as possible. Regardless of the source of moisture, the risk of mold and other secondary damage within a home can be just as severe.

SERVPRO of Rock Hill & York County is here to help 24/7 at 803-324-5780.0 

Preserving Structures After Flood Damages

11/22/2019 (Permalink)

Preserving Structures After Flood Damage    

Residents are no strangers to flooding, but did you know that a whopping 90% of natural disasters in the United States involve floods? Just one inch of water is enough to cause as much as $20,000 in damages without fast-acting professional care. Floods can leave your home vulnerable to damage well after the water has been removed.

If your home requires professional cleanup due to flood damage to your residence, the IICRC-accredited crew at SERVPRO can be at your home within hours to assess the situation and remove water. Whether you have standing water in your basement or waterlogged walls and ceilings, this team can restore your structures and ensure they are safe to live in once more.

Landscaping Tips to Minimize Flooding

A basement flood can create considerable damage to flooring, ceilings, and walls, as well as damage to the foundation. However, with some smart landscaping choices, you can help mitigate damages by diverting water away from your property. 

Grade your yard. Making sure the dirt on your property slopes away from the home without affecting sidewalks and other properties is key to minimize flood damage.

Plant a rain garden. These gardens, planted in shallow depressions (swales), are great for collecting water from floods, storms, gutters, and downspouts. 

Add grass and native plants. Both can absorb water and facilitate storm drainage. Be careful not to cut the grass too short, or this can affect the roots' ability to absorb water.

Install driveway drainage areas. Channel drains and pavers along your driveway are excellent, cost-effective ways to divert water into the street during floods.

Use rain barrels. This eco-friendly solution is used at the bottom of downspouts to collect water. Better still, rain barrels are an eco-friendly way to water your lawn and gardens on dry days while minimizing pollutant runoff into local waterways.

SERVPRO is Here to Help

SERVPRO technicians specialize in a variety of techniques to preserve your home after a flood. After extracting water and disinfecting with EPA-registered antimicrobials, drying commences with carefully-placed centrifugal air movers and dehumidifiers. Structural materials respond especially well to desiccant dehumidifiers, which pass moisture collected from air movers over a desiccant material like silica gel, replacing the humidity with air that is warm and dry. 

SERVPRO of Rock Hill & York County can leave your home looking, "Like it never even happened." When disaster strikes in your residence, you can call us at (803) 324-5780 for fast cleanup.

SERVPRO Professionals are the Storm Damage Experts

11/22/2019 (Permalink)

Quick Response and High Standards Will Leave you Satisfied after Remediation

When heavy rains and high winds hit hard, property destruction and loss can be devastating to you as a homeowner. Structural damage to the exterior of your home is followed by interior devastation from water and winds. Storm damage is rarely isolated to just a few buildings in an area adding the challenge of finding a restoration company that can respond swiftly to your needs to an already anxiety provoking situation. SERVPRO delivers the help you need swiftly even when a local disaster is widespread as we are able to call upon a network of over 1,650 franchises nationwide to respond if the need is great. 

Storm damage in South Carolina can feel overwhelming, but your fear and panic will disappear when our team of professionals responds to your water, wind and flooding repair and restoration needs. Your particular situation is of paramount importance to us, and you need not worry that your restoration will take a back seat even when many in your area are struggling to recover from the same issues you face. Choosing our company puts in motion a vast support system, but our local ownership means you will receive a personalized approach to your particular situation, efficiently.
 
Placing your trust in SERVPRO for your storm damage needs will reap you benefits that less qualified companies simply cannot deliver.  Our technicians are highly trained and qualified, current in Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IIICRC) for any procedure needed to bring your home back to the comfortable and comforting refuge you deserve. We also work closely with your insurance company, ensuring that all the work necessary is approved. Our high standards and relentless drive to do the job on time while meeting local specifications means you and your family will quickly return to the quiet enjoyment of your house and neighborhood. 
 
Once you make sure that your family is safe after a major storm, your first call should be to SERVPRO of Rock Hill & York County @ (803) 324-5780 24/7 and begin the road to recovery by scheduling an inspection with our storm damage experts.

Preparing Your Home For Winter Storms

11/22/2019 (Permalink)

You can be prepared for winter by bundling up in warm clothes and boots. But is your home prepared to face the bitter cold and winter weather for the next few months?

Here are Some Tips to Prepare your Home for Winter Weather:

• Insulate walls and attics
• Install a door sweep
• Weather-strip doors and windows
• Clean out gutters
• Disconnect and drain outside hoses
• Ensure your furniture isn’t blocking your home’s heating vents
• Repair roof leaks
• Remove tree branches that could get weighed down with snow/ice and fall on your house
• If you have a fireplace, close the damper
• Set the temperature manually and leave it
• Seal furnace ducts
• Insulate hot water pipes and hot water heater
• Avoid ice dams by ventilating your attic and insulating the attic floor

It is that time of year where South Carolina can get hit with winter storms and it is crucial to prepare your home for it. Keep our number handy, 803-324-5780. If you suffer storm damage to your home or property, we can be there to take immediate action. We can help minimize secondary damages caused by storms.

Frozen Pipes Can Cause Major Water Damage

11/22/2019 (Permalink)

Frozen pipes can cause lots of damage in a short amount of time. Water expands when it freezes and quickly can create havoc in the most beautiful homes and buildings. This expansion process puts enormous pressure on the pipes. No matter how flexible the pipe material is, it can eventually break. And if it breaks we will have to call a plumber.

The pipes exposed to intense temperatures are the first to freeze. Such as pipes located in foundation walls, basements, attics & crawl spaces. First of all, give extra care to pipes located on exterior walls. Especially during times of extremely cold temperatures and high wind. Before a pipe break happens, we have to do something on our part to prevent it from happening.

Because most water damage and mold problems can be avoided. By removing all or at least most of the water from the pipes. So that it will not expand and cause damage when it freezes.

How SERVPRO Restores Flood Damaged Homes in Fort Mill

11/11/2019 (Permalink)

We have to tools and equipment to help with any size flood damage claim you may have.

Removing Flood Water from Your Home in Fort Mill Eliminates Multiple Risks to Your Family and Home  

Flooding happens without warning to many unsuspecting Americans every year. This kind of catastrophe can happen unexpectedly in Fort Mill, too. Isolated flooding can create just as much damage as city-wide flooding. At SERVPRO, we also understand the additional stress and inconvenience this causes your family. We are skilled at helping your family recover from disasters, including providing information about organizations near you that assist in such situations.  

SERVPRO helps families in Fort Mill by removing contaminated floodwater from their homes. We always do this as swiftly as possible. However, because basements sit below the house, we continually monitor the foundation walls for new cracks or if any worsening occurs in any of the existing ones. When cracks do appear, it means the pressure from saturated ground outside is too great. Waiting until the water drains away decreases the pressure and the risk associated with it.  

Our pump truck has attachments that allow us to use submersible pumps that steadily and quickly pull water out of your property. We can also use smaller extraction units that we manually use to remove water. Removing as much as possible by pumping it out reduces the amount of time we need to use air movers and box fans.  

Because flooding makes such a huge mess and leaves contamination behind everywhere, we disinfect every surface we come across. Many materials get destroyed during a flood, so we remove and double bag the debris. We also spray the outside of each bag with the disinfectant spray to avoid contamination elsewhere. Again, just like eliminating as much water helps later, so does removing ruined carpeting and other heavy, water-retaining materials.  

When your house's interior dries out, microbes have a much more difficult time surviving. However, just as an extra precaution, we spray things down with clean water, wipe them dry, apply disinfectant again, and then make sure the house has reached dry conditions before giving your family the go-ahead to move back home.  

SERVPRO of Rock Hill & York County cares about your family's health and comfort. Your Fort Mill or Lake Wylie home is a big part of their security. Call us at (803) 324-5780 to start making progress toward getting things back to normal. We're always here for you. 

Flooded Home Or Business?

10/14/2019 (Permalink)

If you need flood damage cleanup call us for help.

Fort Mill Flood Damage Cleanup

Heavy rains can cause flooding to residential homes or commercial properties. Other causes of flooding may be rising rivers or streams, hurricanes and burst or broken water lines. Buildings in the Fort Mill and Rock Hill area are affected every year from many of these problems. In the Lake Wylie area near the water they may be affected from rising water levels which may cause damage to homes and structures. 

If you have had any unwanted water intrusion give us a call today to help with the cleanup process. Our team will start with water extraction and help get your home or business dry quickly.

For emergency water damage restoration service cal 803-324-5780.

Myths and Facts About Storms

10/11/2019 (Permalink)

Every year, SERVPRO of Rock Hill & York County answers the call to help clean up and restore homes and businesses after storms have taken their toll.  After all, SERVPRO of Rock Hill & York County is always here in helping make disasters “Like it never even happened.” when your property suffers from storm damage. So, leave the restoration remediation of your home and business to our team. Consider the following to protect your property during a storm:

Myth: If it is not raining, then there is no danger from lighting.  
Fact:  Lightning often strikes outside of heavy rain and may occur as far as 10 miles away from rainfall. 

Myth: Rubber soles of shoes or rubber tires on a car protect you from being struck.
Fact: Rubber-soled shoes and rubber tires provide no protection from lightning. The steel frame of a hard-topped vehicle provides increased protection if you are not toughing metal. Although you may be injured if lightning strikes your car, you are much safer inside a vehicle than outside.

Myth: “Heat lightning” occurs after very hot summer days and poses no threat.  
Fact: “Heat lightning” is a team used to describe lightning from a thunderstorm too far away for thunder to be heard.

When disaster strikes, SERVPRO of Rock Hill & York County is here to help you.  Give our team of professionals a call 803-324-5780!

What To Do After a Flood in Rock Hill South Carolina

10/9/2019 (Permalink)

For water damage service in Rock Hill call us today.

If a flood has occurred in Rock Hill and you were affected, SERVPRO of Rock Hill & York County is here to help!  However, we want your safety to be your first priority- we will clean up the mess once it is safe!

• Do NOT drive through even small amounts of water!  
• If a road is closed- respect this and do not "try to make it"
• Do not return to your property until you hear it is safe and you have the all-clear.
• Let your loved ones know you are safe- cell phones/texting/social media
• Do not drink, bathe, brush teeth, wash clothes/dishes with contaminated water- and remember that all flood water is potentially contaminated and dangerous.
• My grandmother was right- a good rule to follow after a flood: "When in doubt, throw it out"!  This applies to food that may have not been kept cool/frozen or exposed to contaminated water.

Like we said, we value your safety above all else.  In our next blog, we will share how we will return your residential or commercial property and make it "Like it never even happened." To schedule water restoration service call our office at 803-324-5780. We are here for you!

Our Flood Damage Specialists Can Handle Any Size Disaster In Rock Hill

4/25/2019 (Permalink)

If you need a practical solution to large scale property damages, contact us at 803-324-5780.

Large Scale Commercial Flood Damage Solutions For Rock Hill

A period of heavy rainfall during the winter months can be a cause for concern for property managers. Those that run warehouses should always make a check for any potential leaks or roofing problems to avoid full-scale flooding. Unfortunately, these events can be the result of a myriad of reasons so keeping a licensed, qualified and professional restoration service on hand could save you time and hassle.

A warehouse manager in need of restoration for commercial flood damage in Rock Hill should always be aware of the size and scale of the company they use. SERVPRO uses local technicians who are available on call throughout the night. In the case of a flood situation, we can send a team of technicians led by a project manager to remedy the issue. Our access to national scale resources ensure we have the right equipment and can mobilize it quickly enough to minimize any potential loss of revenue.

Warehouse buildings are often more exposed than residents or other commercial builds. Our restorers can perform vital safety checks including restoring power, performing emergency board-ups and generally making the site safe for restoration work to begin. Water issues are particularly time sensitive so by arriving on site swiftly we can mitigate loss and prevent permanent damages.

All moisture carries microbes. A clean water emergency can become more severe when it comes into contact with existing debris or dirt. This is a pertinent issue for warehouses where older buildings can harbor pre-existing mold or soiling. Once water enters, it imbibes these microbes moving from clean water to grey or even black.

SERVPRO technicians can rectify this by removing water using submersible gas pumps. We can also mobilize truck-mounted extraction units which cover a larger surface area and are built for industrial scale water removal. The careful placing of dehumidifiers allows us to control humidity levels in the structure which is essential to maintaining control of microbial growth.

If you need a practical solution to large scale property damages, contact SERVPRO of Rock Hill & York County at (803) 324-5780 now.

3 Storm Flooding Business Survival Tips

10/25/2018 (Permalink)

We are ready for any size flood that has caused damage to your commercial building in Clover South Carolina.

Storm warnings in Clover,SC may give you the heads up that you need to prepare, but what steps are most important and how should they be carried out? Use the following tips to protect your people, your equipment and inventory, and your buildings as much as possible when storms hit. Learn how to reduce your losses and when to tear out damaged property when flooding is an issue.

1. Focus on Personnel Safety

Your first step when storms lead to flooding is to follow all evacuation warnings. Failure to follow evacuation instructions could lead to injuries or deaths. Before the storm hits, you should have an evacuation protocol in place, so your employees, renters, or personnel know exactly how to respond, where to go, and how to remain in contact with you.

2. Protect Property and Documents

The more you know about the types of flood risk in Clover,SC the risk of flooding, and whether to invest in flood insurance policies, the better prepared you'll be when disasters strike. Develop and practice evacuation routes and emergency response procedures. Take steps such as storing documents in waterproof containers and backing data up on the cloud. Keep your most valuable equipment and supplies on higher levels of the building and keep up a regular schedule of maintenance to reduce water damage.

3. Begin Storm Restoration Right Away

As soon as you get the go-ahead from authorities, give your properties some attention. This will involve removing all water and drying the property. You may want to involve storm restoration professionals in this step and the following steps. Next, tear out damaged, wet materials, such as soggy ceilings and warped studs. As you tear out sections of the building that you can't repair, continue the drying process, so you can be sure to get all of the hidden areas of the property. Finally, turn your focus to the restoration of your building.

Have Questions? Call Today – (803) 324-5780

Commercial Building Restoration Services

Air Freshener Alone Isn’t Going to Cover That up: Flood Odor and the Removal Process

9/25/2018 (Permalink)

Ready to help Rock Hill residents with flood damage.

Flood water in Rock Hill South Carolina is typically a mixture of overflowing rivers and sewage loss. It is no surprise, then, that floods leave behind a significant odor when they recede, especially when you consider the addition of mold growth. For most homeowners, the elimination of the smell is the most substantial part of the removal process; however, it can be overwhelming to figure out just what to do. The following four steps should help ease your mind.

1. Wet Vac and Dry Flooded Areas

The first step to removing the odor in your home is the same as the first step for restoration: remove any excess water and dry flooded areas thoroughly. To speed up this process, you’ll want to have on hand several wet-vacs, industrial fans, and air movers. In addition to these tools, you should open up all doors and windows to help ventilate your home.

2. Remove Affected Materials

Beyond removing excess water and drying out damaged areas, you’ll want to remove all affected materials, including carpeting, draperies, drywall, and insulation. Any of these items that are left and may contain moisture can lead to further mold growth, which will contribute to both the odor and other health concerns.

3. Steam Clean and Disinfect Everything

Once your home is thoroughly dry and affected materials have been removed, it is time to clean and disinfect everything. You will want to rent steam cleaners and purchase several mops and rags. You can begin by mopping all the floors and wiping down all walls with your choice of disinfectant. You can follow this by steam cleaning any remaining carpeting, draperies, or furniture. After you have done all the scrubbing, you should also disinfect any plumbing fixtures and ductwork.

4. Call an Expert

Rock Hill likely has several restoration specialists near you. There is no reason to have to go it alone. Experts offer a vast array of services, and their experience can be invaluable to you.

The odor that occurs after flooding is a combination of sewage and mold growth. While it may seem unbearable and resilient, the steps above should help you remove the odor and restore your home to some degree.

We are only a call away for burst pipe repair cleanup service.

Have Storm or Flood Damage?
Call Us Today (803) 324-5780

4 Reasons You Should Avoid Driving Through Flooded Streets

9/20/2018 (Permalink)

Flood cleanup service.

A significant downpour in Baxter Village South Carolina can backup drainage systems and cause waterways to overflow, resulting in flash floods. Traversing a flooded street can be extremely treacherous and should be avoided, if possible, for several reasons.

1. Water Depth

It’s easy to underestimate the depth of standing water. High water levels could stall your engine, eliminating your ability to control your vehicle. Attempting to restart a stalled vehicle could also result in significant engine damage.

2. Washed Out Road

Flood waters can also wash away roadways, removing the surface for your tires to grip. Without grip, you will have no control over your vehicle and will be at the mercy of water currents.

3. Fast-Flowing Water

If you drive into fast-flowing water, your vehicle could be easily swept away, endangering the welfare of yourself, your passengers and the emergency personnel dispatched to rescue you.

4. Dangerous Debris

Swift water currents can also carry large debris. If you enter a flooded street, your vehicle could be struck by floating debris. This could result in serious injuries or significant damage that could impede your ability to escape from the vehicle.

Additional Safety Tips

Avoiding flooded roads is the best course of action. However, if you are not able to find an alternate route, take extreme caution and follow these safety tips:

• Drive slowly but steadily through the water
• Try to drive in the middle of the roadway where the water may be shallower
• Avoid driving through areas with downed power lines
• If your vehicle gets washed off the road, abandon it for higher ground
• Call Fort Mill Fire Department

A Dangerous Situation

Floods are dangerous, can cause significant destruction and often require extensive cleanup and restoration efforts. Most travel tips advise avoiding flooded streets because navigating flooded roadways can damage your vehicle’s engine and potentially endanger the lives of everyone inside the vehicle. If you cannot find an alternative route, drive cautiously and be prepared to abandon the vehicle if it becomes trapped in high water.

For more information you can visit our SERVPRO of Rock Hill & York County Angieslist page.

Hurricane Florence Update

9/11/2018 (Permalink)

Be ready for the storm this week.

SERVPRO of Rock Hill & York County is prepared as we await Hurricane Florence. We are watching this storm carefully with you, our neighbors, and are ready to help in event that storm damage occurs. We provide 24-hour emergency service and have teams and equipment standing by to help our community recover from any wind or flooding damage that happens. 

Local news stations report that we may experience 4-8 inches of rain, 20 mile/hour winds over the next 72 hours. Please be safe and tune in to updates on conditions about Hurricane Florence from local news outlets and law enforcement officials.

Local television stations like Fox News are giving updates as the hurricane gets closer.

Many areas along the coast of South Carolina have mandatory evacuations in place starting today. If you are inland be ready for congestion on streets and hotels as they will be looking for a safe place to stay while the storm passes.

Brad Panovich's Facebook page has great updates for residents in the Charlotte area.

Hurricane Florence is Heading Towards The Carolinas

9/10/2018 (Permalink)

We are here to help if you have storm damage.

Storm Season Is Here Hurricane Florence continues to threaten North and South Carolina's coast. We encourage you to prepare your home and business by following these tips from FEMA:Home:1. Cover all of your homes windows with precut plywood or hurricane shutters to protect your windows from high winds.2. Plan to bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down.3. Keep all trees and shrubs well trimmed so they are more wind resistant.4. Turn off utilities as instructed. Otherwise turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.5. Turn off propane tanks.6. Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purposes such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water.Business:1. Carefully assess how your company functions, both internally and externally, to determine which staff, materials, procedures and equipment are absolutely necessary to keep the business operating.2. Identify operations critical to survival and recovery.3. Plan what you will do if your building, is not accessible. Consider if you can run the business from a different location or from your home. Develop relationships with other companies to use their facilities in case a disaster makes your location unusable. For more information about us you can visit our SERVPRO yellow pages site. You may also visit York County Emergency Management for more information and questions you may have.  SERVPRO of Rock Hill & York County is locally owned and operated—so we live and work here too, and are proud to be part of the Fort Mill community. We are also part of a national network of 1,700 with special Disaster Recover Teams that can respond with additional resources during catastrophic storms and major events. 

Have Storm or Flood Damage?
Call Us Today (803) 324-5780

Understanding “Black Water” From Storm Flooding

9/6/2018 (Permalink)

We are ready to help with your flood cleanup.

Flooding in Clover or Lake Wylie?

Storms in Lake Wylie,SC can quickly overwhelm local bodies of water and cause severe, unexpected flooding. What does it mean when someone uses the term “black water” to describe a flood? Is this just plumber lingo or a casual description? In fact, it is a commonly used term in the insurance industry. It doesn’t have anything to do with the color of water and is used to describe one of three categories of flood water:

• Category 1- “clean water”
• Category 2- “gray water”
• Category 3- “black water”

As the names indicate, the categories are defined by progressively more contaminated states. Some water, like that from sewage spills, starts as Category 3 but may be recategorized due to exposure of time, temperature or direct contamination from additional elements.

Why Are Storm Floods Considered “Black Water?”

As you probably concluded already, Category 3 floods are unsafe for human exposure and may include the following contaminants:

• Bacteria
• Parasites
• Fungi
• Chemical hazards
• Sewage

Local flood water is considered Category 3 water because rivers, lakes and seas naturally contain some of these contaminants and may also be exposed to these elements during the storm event.

What Can You Do About Category 3 Water?

Category 3 water should be mitigated as quickly as possible to reduce damage of your building and materials, and to prevent subsequent problems such as the development of mold. It’s important to remove flood water as quickly as possible because the wet environment is a breeding ground for mold, which can begin to reproduce in as little as 24 to 48 hours.

After storm damage, it’s important to find the right company to help get your building back to normal. A good remediation and restoration company will respond quickly to begin water removal and drying, and be able to handle the entire restoration process. When Category 3 water is involved, it is critical to have knowledgeable and experienced professionals that know what must be disposed of and how to clean what may be saved.

If you live in River Hills Plantation community or the surrounding area we are a local restoration company ready to help. For more information about us you can visit our SERVPRO Yelp page.

Flood Damage Restoration Options For Residents Of Clover

8/29/2018 (Permalink)

Before flood damage restoration can start, we first determine whether the building is safe to enter.

Flood Damage Restoration

Before flood damage restoration can start, we first determine whether the building is safe to enter. We check whether there are any collapsed walls, roofs, sticking doors, sagging ceilings, and if the floor has noticeable cracks. Mud and water make the floor slippery, so, we are cautious when stepping. Floodwaters in Clover may leave sediments within the house, and there is a need to perform shoveling.

Our SERVPRO technicians also inspect whether there are damaged materials in your Clover South Carolina property during flood damage restoration. If the wallboard that covers the walls and ceilings is thoroughly soaked or at least four feet from the bottom of the floor, we remove it and recommend a replacement. Plaster has high chances of surviving a flood when compared to gypsum wallboard. In most cases, when the plaster dries, it disintegrates from the wooden laths. If we face such incidents, we remove the plaster layer and then make a replacement.

There are different ways in which flooding affects the various types of insulation. If your structure has polystyrene insulation, it has high chances of surviving when our SERVPRO technicians hose it off. We discard fiberglass batts when they are soaked with water. Cellulose insulation can hold water for a long duration. When that happens, it loses its fire retardant and antifungal properties, so a replacement is necessary.

If flood water reached the ceiling area, we have to replace it - mainly when it is wallboard. It does not mean all is well when the water has not touched the ceiling; the floodwater can increase the humidity and make the gypsum ceilings to swell. Plaster ceilings may dry after some time, though we might tear them down and make a replacement when they have too many sags and cracks. We can also use pumps to extract water from flooded crawl spaces and install space heater and fans to enhance the drying process.

If you live in the Town of Clover or in the area we can help with any size disaster. You may also visit our Youtube page for some local videos.

Storm Preparation for Your Home

8/27/2018 (Permalink)

We have storm damage teams ready to help.

Storms in Fort Mill,SC can happen abruptly, so it helps to be prepared. There are many steps that can be taken ahead of time to ensure your home is ready for storm season. Don’t wait until flood water is threatening your property to take the necessary precautions.

Outside Checklist

Take a survey of the outside of your home before a storm hits. Here are some of the most common things to look for.

• Roof: Check for any potential leaks so they can be fixed prior to the storm. If there are loose pieces, fasten down as much as you can. Even though most people think of water damage coming from the ground up, it can also come from above, so ensuring that the roof is solid and secure is a great place to start.
• Outside furniture: Review all your objects that dwell outdoors. Anything that isn’t secured already should be put away inside or fastened for stability. Beyond concerns of a flooded building, loose furnishings could also be swept away.
• Gutters: Flood water happens when there is an overflow in a specific area. You will want to clean your gutters and establish that they are attached securely to help the water flow in the appropriate areas. Having clogged gutters can prevent the water from channeling where it shouldn’t go and causing water damage to your home.
• Windows: Just as dams prevent water from flowing in specific areas, boards or storm shutters can be important deterrents for the impending storm. Often wind is a companion to water in strong weather. Barricading doors and windows can help to prevent destruction.

Prior Preparation Is Key

Completing an analysis of the outside of your home will show you where the weak points of entry are for flood water. If there is anything that you are unable to repair or protect on your own, calling a storm damage specialist prior to the inclement weather can help comfort you once it hits. Preparing your house for storms is a beneficial way to prevent a flooded building or water damage. 

Storms have cased damage to homes and business in the Fort Mill area.

Securing Professional Flood Restoration For Your Clover Home

8/8/2018 (Permalink)

One of the most challenging disasters for Clover South Carolina residents to overcome in their houses is a flood.

Professional Flood Restoration

One of the most challenging disasters for Clover,SC residents to overcome in their houses is a flood. With the speed in which this crisis is upon you to the damage that it can do in such a brief period, it can be overwhelming to contend with all of the effects of a natural disaster like this on your own. Professional restoration services are a good way to get the damage taken care of correctly and far more quickly than you could on your own.

One thing that you should keep in mind about flood damage affecting your Clover South Carolina residence is the likelihood that others in the area have suffered the same effects that you have. While our SERVPRO professionals work to help all the community as efficiently as possible, the faster that you can secure this professional restoration work, the sooner that you can return your home to preloss conditions.

Our team can arrive quickly to begin assessing the damage that the flooding allowed in your house, but also work to lessen the immediate effects of this natural disaster in your home. Mitigation is a significant part of the restoration process, allowing it to be more efficient overall and to help keep your costs to a minimum to get this work done.

SERVPRO technicians lead the industry regarding our extensive training and certifications, allowing us to use the state-of-the-art equipment and practices to thoroughly clean and dry your home once flooding has occurred. Extraction plays one of the biggest roles in the restoration work, as pooling water can negatively affect your residence in several different ways. Drying involves several pieces of our equipment and gets accomplished beyond industry standards to ensure that your house is no longer at risk for compounding damages like mold and microbial growth.

Have Storm or Flood Damage?
Call Us Today (803) 324-5780

Locally Owned Company with National Storm Resources

SERVPRO of Rock Hill & York County is locally owned and operated—so we live and work here too, and are proud to be part of the Fort Mill community. We are also part of a national network of 1,700 with special Disaster Recover Teams that can respond with additional resources during catastrophic storms and major events.

Storm Damage Cleanup

8/1/2018 (Permalink)

Ready to help with any size disaster.

The storm season is here. Heavy rains, high winds and flood waters are coming. Make sure you are ready for any size disaster by checking your home or business and making sure doors, windows and the structure does not have any areas where water can come in. If you do suffer from flood damage we are ready to help with the water restoration and cleanup process. Many homes in the Fort Mill, Tega Cay area have water damage claims every year due to bad weather.

If you need emergency water damage cleanup service call us today at 803-324-5780. 

Storms Are Coming!!!

7/25/2018 (Permalink)

If one is, you should always be prepared. Although violent storms can strike anytime, the spring and summer months typically mark an increase in the threat of sudden, severe storms that sometimes include wind, rain, lighting and even hail.

Authorities issue a storm 'watch' when the potential for severe weather exists. A storm 'warning' will be issued when danger from a severe storm is imminent. The following tips will help prepare you to better protect yourself and your property when a storm is on the horizon. 

• Put a communication plan in place and prepare an emergency supply kit, including a battery-powered NOAA weather radio.
• Postpone outdoor activities; secure outdoor objects that could become airborne.
• Don't use corded phones or any appliances that are "plugged in." Use cell or cordless phones instead.
• Seek shelter in a home, building or hard top automobile. The steel frame of a vehicle (not the rubber ties) can help protect you from a lightning strike if you avoid touching metal or other conductive surfaces. 
• Avoid windows and doors, don't lie on concrete walls, and stay off of porches.
• If you are outside when a storm hits, quickly seek shelter in a sturdy building. Avoid small, isolated structures in open areas and steer clear of hilltops, open fields, the beach or a boat on the water. 

After A Storm

• Avoid storm-damaged areas. Stay away from downed power lines and never try to drive through a flooded roadway.
• Replenish your emergency supplies and repair property damage promptly, before the next storm strikes.

Call SERVPRO of Rock Hill & York County 24/7 at 803-324-5780.

Storm Preparation for Your Home

7/23/2018 (Permalink)

Floods in Fort Mill can cause major damage to homes and buildings.

Storms in Fort Mill,SC can happen abruptly, so it helps to be prepared. There are many steps that can be taken ahead of time to ensure your home is ready for storm season. Don’t wait until flood water is threatening your property to take the necessary precautions.

Outside Checklist

Take a survey of the outside of your home before a storm hits. Here are some of the most common things to look for.

• Roof: Check for any potential leaks so they can be fixed prior to the storm. If there are loose pieces, fasten down as much as you can. Even though most people think of water damage coming from the ground up, it can also come from above, so ensuring that the roof is solid and secure is a great place to start.
• Outside furniture: Review all your objects that dwell outdoors. Anything that isn’t secured already should be put away inside or fastened for stability. Beyond concerns of a flooded building, loose furnishings could also be swept away.
• Gutters: Flood water happens when there is an overflow in a specific area. You will want to clean your gutters and establish that they are attached securely to help the water flow in the appropriate areas. Having clogged gutters can prevent the water from channeling where it shouldn’t go and causing water damage to your home.
• Windows: Just as dams prevent water from flowing in specific areas, boards or storm shutters can be important deterrents for the impending storm. Often wind is a companion to water in strong weather. Barricading doors and windows can help to prevent destruction.

Prior Preparation Is Key

Completing an analysis of the outside of your home will show you where the weak points of entry are for flood water. If there is anything that you are unable to repair or protect on your own, calling a storm damage specialist prior to the inclement weather can help comfort you once it hits. Preparing your house for storms is a beneficial way to prevent a flooded building or water damage. Visit SERVPROrockhillyorkcounty.com for more information on water damage. 

Dealing with Flood Damage in Fort Mill And Tega Cay

5/25/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO acts quickly to restore your home after flood damage and help get the water out quickly.

SERVPRO Puts You at Ease During the Flood Damage Restoration Process

When a Fort Mill or Tega Cay homeowner finds himself ankle deep in water, he does not want to hear that his restoration service can be there tomorrow. He and his family need someone to arrive as swiftly as possible, begin work, and provide as much education and even comfort, as possible.

Any flood damage to a Tega Cay or Fort Mill home requires an emergency response. At SERVPRO we found, over time, that there are certain tasks to begin immediately once our restoration team puts boots on a customer’s property.

First, they put the homeowner and his family at ease. Once the team has the owner calmed down, everything else goes much easier and quicker. A simple way they do this is to point out everything that is not damaged.

Now, the team educates the homeowner. One of our inspectors points out the tasks the team starts first and provides details on how they accomplish them.

After this quick briefing, the team begins work in the home by protecting the structure and the contents inside from further damage. They close off any openings to the outside by boarding up doors and windows with plywood. If there is damage to the roof from the storm, SERVPRO technicians also use plywood or plastic sheeting to seal it off.

As they accomplish this, other team members remove as much water as possible. Depending on the size of the home, specialists bring in one or more commercial pumps and extraction wands to draw out most of the water; usually in less than a day.

With the bulk of the water gone, our team starts the drying process. Members set-up dehumidifiers to lower the inside humidity and use exhaust fans and air movers to draw out the damp air inside and replace it with warm air that also helps to dry the surfaces of the structure and property items like sofas.

Finally, they do everything to make the environment as comfortable as possible for the homeowner. The situation is difficult enough, and we try not to disrupt his life any further.

Restoring a home after a flood is not easy, but SERVPRO of Rock Hill & York County does it quickly and with as little stress to the owner and other residents as possible. If you need us, call today at (803) 324-5780. Our office is here for you.

3 Ways a Restoration Company Can Assist You After a Flood

4/17/2018 (Permalink)

Ready for any size disaster you may have to your home or business.

Emergency Disaster Cleanup

When a flood damages your Dobys Bridge,SC home, the aftermath can be difficult to deal with. Whether a pipe burst in your basement and created a flood or a natural disaster caused water to rush into your home, you may not know where to begin when it comes to cleanup efforts. However, calling in a company that specializes in flood cleanup and restoration can help minimize water damage and return your home to normal.

1. Removal of Black Water

Flooding that occurs when streams or rivers overflow their banks can cause contaminated water to enter your home. Because it can contain dead animals, sewage, and other dangerous material, it is considered black water and therefore dangerous to humans. A flood cleanup company usually has the tools to safely remove this water and can advise you on how to move forward regarding the damage.

2. Mold Remediation

If you experience a water line break in your home and a room becomes flooded, mold may begin to grow quickly once the water is removed. Humid or moist conditions can accelerate this growth. A company that offers mold remediation services can prevent further flooding and use drying techniques that are not available to consumers. Stopping mold before it can spread can be one of the most important steps in preventing it from taking hold in your home.

3. Repairing Water Damage

If a pipe burst in your laundry room and damaged the room's walls, floors and surrounding items, having a flood cleanup company on hand can help you understand what repairs need to take place. Drying interior walls, removing and replacing damaged insulation, and tearing out ruined appliances and plumbing are just a few of the actions a flooding cleanup company may perform after the water is drained from an affected area.

Flooding can damage your York County,SC home in many ways. Whether a pipe burst and caused a flood or it was the result of a natural disaster, calling in water cleanup and restoration specialists can help give you peace of mind that repairs can begin right away.

Have Water or Flood Damage?
Call Us Today – (803) 324-5780

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

SERVPRO of Rock Hill & York County is locally owned and operated—so we are part of this community too. We are also part of a national network of over 1,700 SERVPRO Franchises and special Disaster Recovery Teams strategically located throughout the country to respond to large scale disasters.

Flood Damage Mitigation And Restoration Services Available Throughout River Hills Plantation Area

3/5/2018 (Permalink)

River Hills has flooding streets.

Sooner is Better Than Later for Flood Water Removal and Cleanup

Surviving a flood on your property should always be the first step, dealing with what gets left behind can come later. However, cleaning and restoration are often overwhelming for most homeowners to tackle on their own. You need the right tools, equipment, and resources to treat flood damage in your home correctly and be aware of the possible health risks involved in the work.

Floods can be emotionally and physically exhausting. However, as soon as you get word from local authorities about receding water flow and receive an all-clear about returning to your home after a flood, contact a restoration company. Flood damage in your River Hills area home only gets worse the longer you wait, get help documenting the damage and start on your home's recovery right away.

Just remember, never enter your home alone. Have a qualified professional with you that can help you avoid causing further damage and any possible hazards that might exist. Flood waters often drag anything and everything along with it, causing contamination to be a primary concern. Without the proper equipment, you can expose members of your family to biological and chemical waste.  

SERVPRO helps you get debris and damaged household goods out of your home quickly and efficiently. With an expedited debris removal process, items that would otherwise sit on your lawn for weeks, or even months, get hauled away immediately under normal circumstances. It also gives our technicians the room they need to begin work on the inside of your home.

SERVPRO gives you a better chance of restoring furniture, appliances, electronics, and personal belongings caught up in the event. Your refrigerator, washer/dryer, air conditioner, stove, water heater, dishwasher, television, computer, stereo, telephone, lamps, and other household goods may not be as damaged as you might think. Each can benefit from an inspection provided by a qualified professional.
SERVPRO has access to water extraction and drying equipment of all shapes and sizes, which allows us the opportunity to get water out of your home faster than ever before. Infrared moisture detectors, hygrometers, air-movers, drying, cleaning, deodorizing and disinfecting after a flood has never been more manageable.

Flooding or Water Damage in River Hills Plantation? Call Us Today – (803) 324-5780

Protecting Your Clover Home's Garage From Flood Damage

2/26/2018 (Permalink)

Emergency flood damage cleanup service for Clover South Carolina at 803-324-5780.

One of the first areas affected by excess water after a storm is the garage of your Clover area home. Flooding here can lead to significant damages that also prevent you from performing daily activities. However, you can help prevent flooding in your garage by following a few simple tips.

If you find yourself dealing with flood damage of any kind on your Clover area property, call a professional for help eliminating the problem immediately. Remember, taking swift; decisive action can help prevent additional damages, contamination, and corrosion that takes a severe toll on your home over time.

Provide your garage with the proper protection against water intrusion by maintaining weatherstripping or water sealants where necessary. Seals around your garage door, windows, and doors can efficiently prevent minor flooding. However, these seals degrade over time, so maintenance is essential to prevent significant damage to your property.

You can have your home and garage inspected by a qualified professional that understands how water behaves. SERVPRO can help you identify existing problems and give you suggestions about which steps to take to protect your property. Things such as checking your foundation for cracks or additional damage can prevent water from seeping into your home, making unprotected areas less vulnerable during a flood.

Have the drainage around your home maintained regularly. Broken gutters and downspouts play a significant role in protecting your home, as does drainage, backflow valves, and sump pumps. Having the proper drainage installed along your driveway can help lead excess water away from your structure, serving as a second line of defense against flooding.

When flood barriers or sandbags fail, the installation of flood vents allows flood waters to enter and exit your garage unobstructed, preventing water build-up that allows standing water to damage your property and stored belongings. SERVPRO technicians can help you prepare your garage and home against flood damage that might occur in your area.

Flooding or Water Damage? Call Us Today – (803) 324-5780

24 Hour Emergency Water Removal Service

We know that water and flooding emergencies can happen any time, so we’re ready 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – including holidays. We provide immediate emergency water services to you Clover home or business, day or night.

Finding the Cause of Flood Damage in Your Rock Hill Home

2/21/2018 (Permalink)

A small hole in your foundation can cause severe damage during heavy rainfall and flooding.

SERVPRO Remediates Damage and Takes Steps to Prevent Future Damage

You cannot predict the weather, nor can severe weather ever get prevented. With this understanding, you are perpetually at the mercy of the construction of your Rock Hill home’s foundation to prevent water from penetrating through the block and mortar joints and pooling on the floors. While modern homes have several lines of defense to prevent this from happening, older homes in the area were not as well built to withstand years of exterior water pressures. 

A lot of it results from the lack of having a French drain, as is the case with many of the homes built before the 1980s in the area. Before then, there was no real standard in place regarding the installation of these systems even though they have existed for much longer than that. It was at the discretion of the contractor building the house, and in many cases, they saved time and money and left it out entirely. The missing water diversion equipment like this can explain the number of flood damage cases our SERVPRO team sees that affect Knoxville homes. 

With just a small hole or crack in the foundation of your home, you have opened yourself up to a lot of potential problems down the road. Over even a short period, regular water penetration can wear out these vulnerable spots even further, causing them to allow even more water through when there are significant weather events and flooding conditions outside. The ever-present water underground works on these weakened portions of your foundation and continues to the point that even short-lived severe storms can quickly flood your lower level. 

Our SERVPRO team can quickly assess this flooding situation and work through the restoration plan to bring your home back to the way it used to be. While much of this restoration focuses on the removal and extraction of the water using our portable pumps and pump trucks, locating the source of the problem and sealing off these vulnerable areas is equally important. By sealing off these penetration points with hydraulic cement, you can feel more comfortable with the entire restoration process and trust that it is going to last. 

Flood damage might get caused by several different things, but inadequate water diversion implements are a typical one. When you are facing flood damages in your home, trust our experienced professionals at SERVPRO of Rock Hill & York County. We are available anytime by calling (803) 324-5780. 

Snow Coming to York County South Carolina?

1/16/2018 (Permalink)

York County restoration company.

Snow may be coming to the Fort Mill Rock Hill area tonight or Wednesday. They are not quite sure how much or if any will stick to the ground but if it does be careful out there on the roads. Along with the possible snow will be cold temperatures as well which may cause more frozen pipes. We have already seen a large increase of burst pipes and water damage claims this year over last. If you suffer from a flood call us today for help at 803-324-5780.

Prepare your home in the Fort Mill Rock Hill area

12/14/2017 (Permalink)

Winter is coming.

Some tips to brace your home for a winter storm:

• Clean out the gutters, disconnect and drain all outside hoses. If possible, shut off outside water valves.
• Insulate walls and attics, and caulk and weather-strip doors and windows.
• Repair roof leaks and remove tree branches that could get weighed down with ice or snow and fall on your house – or your neighbor's. (Avoid liability for the latter.)
• Wrap water pipes in your basement or crawl spaces with insulation sleeves to slow heat transfer.
• Consider an insulated blanket for your hot water heater.
• If you have a fireplace, keep the flue closed when you're not using it.
• Have a contractor check your roof to see if it would sustain the weight of a heavy snowfall.
• Make sure your furniture isn't blocking your home’s heating vents.
• During cold spells, keep cabinet doors open to allow warm air to circulate around pipes, particularly those in the kitchen and bathrooms.
• Keep a slow trickle of water flowing through faucets connected to pipes that run through unheated or unprotected spaces.
• If your house will be unattended during cold periods, consider draining the water system.
• Avoid ice dams – where water from melted snow refreezes in the gutters and seeps in under the roof, soaking interior walls. Here’s how:
  • Ventilate your attic.
  • Insulate the attic floor well to minimize the amount of heat rising through the attic from within the house.
  • Consider having a water-repellent membrane installed under your roof covering.

Stay safe this holiday season from us here at SERVPRO of Rock Hill & York County.

We Can Help With Storm Damage

11/2/2017 (Permalink)

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

Our highly trained crews are ready to respond 24/7 to storm or flood damage in the York County area.

SERVPRO of Rock Hill & York County specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to help restore your property.

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 our area, 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 SERVPRO of Rock Hill & York County Today- 803-324-5780

5 Things NOT To Do During a Hurricane

9/14/2017 (Permalink)

Hurricanes are hard to completely be certain what path they will take. Even if the weather meteorologists come close to predicting the path, the hurricane can quickly shift or turn at the drop of a dime. Because of the amount of uncertainty hurricanes bring, here are 5 things not do to when riding out a hurricane.

1. Don’t tape windows

It does almost no good, and it is an absolute mess to try and take off.

2. Don’t run generators indoors

The carbon monoxide the generator’s emits can become deadly within minutes. Also you shouldn’t connect a generator into your home’s electric system directly, because it can affect electric lines outside and endanger your neighbors, emergency responders, and /or utility workers.

3. Don’t use charcoal or gas grills indoors

The carbon monoxide and fire risks are too great. The grill’s carbon monoxide can easily build up and poison anyone inside the house, including your pets.

4. Don’t walk or drive in flood waters

The waters can contain snakes,  downed power lines and sewage, which can all be dangerous and deadly. If you drive a vehicle in flood waters that are six inches or more, the waters can cause a car to float.

5. Don’t stay after an evacuation order is given

Rescuers might not come out in the height of the storm, but if they do you are putting your life and their lives in danger. Your life is not worth the same amount as your home or anything in it. A home can be replaced; your life can not.

If you have any water or fire emergency call SERVPRO of Rock Hill & York County @ (803) 324-5780.

What You Need To Prepare A Hurricane Prep-Kit

9/14/2017 (Permalink)

Make Sure you Prepare a Hurricane Kit.

Hurricane season is here and it is important to take steps to prepare Hurricane kits. 

Hurricane season comes every year and it is as common to us as the changing of seasons. But this year may be different. This season scientist's have predicted Hurricane's to be above-normal, meaning warmer waters, more activity, and higher level storms.

Knowledge and preparation is key, especially knowing that this season may be more active than those of the past.

Start a Hurricane Kit

Prevent your family from potential stress and chaotic, and start gathering supplies that will be useful when affected by a storm or forced to evacuate. First make a list of the supplies specific to your family’s needs. For example if you have children that needs diapers and bottles or elderly relatives that live with you that may have medications they cannot go without. Be detailed when creating this list. Keep this list in your hurricane kit, and when a hurricane approaches, you can focus on gathering these items and won’t worry about forgetting anything essential.

After the specific supply list, gather supplies you and your family will need if your home loose power for a few days. Some recommended items include:

• Non-perishable food (enough to last at least 3 days)
• Water (enough to last at least 3 days)
• First-aid kit (include any prescription medication you may need)
• Personal hygiene items and sanitation items
• Flashlights (have extra batteries on hand)
• Battery operated radio (again, have extra batteries)
• Waterproof container with cash and important documents
• Manual can opener
• Lighter or matches
• Books, magazines, games for recreation
• Special needs items: pet supplies and baby supplies if applicable
• Cooler and ice packs
• A plan for evacuation and for if family members are separated

Once you collect all the supplies, put everything is a bag or box and label it your Hurricane Kit.

Have a flooded home or Business?

8/14/2017 (Permalink)

Need flood damage cleanup? Call us today at 803-324-5780.

How To Restore A Flood Damaged Property

Water damage is, perhaps, the most insidious form of damage that a building can incur. At first, it may seem like water damage from a supply line break, pipe break or other flooding event is small enough that it can be contained and handled by the property owner. Unfortunately, this attitude can lead to permanent and serious damage to the property. Flood damage of any size, when left to sit, can seep into drywall, subflooring and structural components. It can cause mildew, mold and rot, and it can even lead to wholesale structural failure of the property. For this reason, it is absolutely crucial that whenever potential water damage is detected, due to flood water in a home or business, that the property owner call in a professional restoration company, as soon as possible.

Luckily, there is a proven and effect set of protocols for the mitigation and restoration of a property that has suffered water damage. These have been established over the course of decades and can only be carried out effectively by a professional restoration company. We'll dedicate the rest of the article to outlining the steps that a property owner can take when they discover water in their home or water in their business. It all begins with a prompt phone call to their local restoration company in Fort Mill, Rock Hill, Tega Cay, Clover or York County area.

Like a heart attack or stroke to a human, a supply line break or pipe break is a potentially catastrophic emergency to a home or business. As in any emergency, the sooner action is taken, in this case, restoration and mitigation of the flood damage, the higher the chances of a successful resolution to the crisis. But make not mistake. Flood damage is an potentially devastating even to a home or business. The only people who can adequately handle a flooded home or business are the professionals at a local restoration company. The first and most important thing a property owner can do is call their local restoration company immediately.

It's also important to note that a flooded home or business is a highly resolvable problem. If the restoration and mitigation efforts begin within the first five hours of the appearance of water in the home or water in the business, the chances of a successful restoration and mitigation of the damage is nearly certain. However, if the water cleanup efforts are delayed past the first 24 hours, it becomes increasingly likely that the property will sustain permanent damage.

The water cleanup team knows that time is of the essence. They will arrive on site within a half hour and will immediately enter the premises. Once inside, they will survey the extent of the water in the business or home, finding the source of the original supply line break or pipe break and stanching the flow of leaking water. If the leak from the supply line break or pipe break large and not easily fixed, the team has specialized welding and cutting equipment that it will use to stop the water flow.

Using heavy-duty pumps, the water cleanup team will extract all water in the home or water in the business. Within one hour, the flooded home will be cleared of all standing water.

Using industrial drying equipment, the team will begin drying the home. The drying process may take between a few hours and a full day.

Once the flooded home has been dried, the team will begin cleaning all materials and contents with special chemicals that also act as sanitizers. This will prevent the formation of mold and will eliminate any smells from being soaked with flood water.

How To Protect Your Pipes And Prevent Flood Damage To Your Clover Home

6/13/2017 (Permalink)

Helping Clover residents in flooding or water damage emergencies.

South Carolina residents were reminded of the power of cold weather when winter storm Helena hit in winter 2017, bringing snow and ice and unfortunately leading to casualties. The weather is warm at this time of year, but it is never too early to start planning winterization to prevent a burst pipe when the cold weather hits again.
 
Burst pipes occur when the water in the pipe freezes. Water expands as it freezes and this pressure causes the pipe to break. The result for your Clover home is often significant flood damage. No homeowner wants to discover a wet floor or ceiling due to a burst pipe, and the problem is often preventable. The water damage caused inside wall cavities often effectively ruins both walls. That is why SERVPRO recommends the following actions to protect your pipes.
 
Insulate Your Pipes
Good quality lagging insulates your pipes and helps prevent them from bursting. Lagging is of particular importance for pipes that are below ground or located in areas where it gets cold enough for them to freeze.
 
Insulate Your Water Heater
Even homeowners who remember to insulate their pipes sometimes forget about the water heater. However, a frozen cold water tank is a flood damage risk, so be sure you get it insulated too. Insulating your tank protects it and reduces the chance of water leaks or broken pipes. This also cuts down on your utility bill.
 
Keep The Heating On
Keep your heating at an even 76 degrees during a cold snap. Leaving your heating on provides just enough background heat to keep water flowing and stop your pipes from freezing. When the weather is dreadful the extra cost of background heating is worth paying – it is less than the cost of dealing with extensive flood damage to your home.
 
Know Where Your Main Shut-Off Valve Is
In the unfortunate event of a broken pipe, shutting off your stopcock prevents more water damage until SERVPRO arrives to  possibly fix the plumbing. Also, be aware of the location of the main shut-off valve, usually on the exterior perimeter of the property.
 
When you see signs of a leak, it is important to put in a call to SERVPRO at once. Swift action means flood damage is mitigated faster and the harm to your home is minimized.
 
Our IICRC-certified technicians come equipped with all the professional equipment necessary to handle any burst pipe leak, large or small. We siphon water from the affected area, before bringing in dehumidifiers, air movers, and box fans to dry out your house. Our teams also use moisture detection equipment such as penetrating moisture probes, moisture meters and even thermal imaging technology so we can check that the affected area is thoroughly dried out. This documentation assists with your insurance claim.

Frozen Pipes in Rock Hill

1/5/2017 (Permalink)

Frozen pipe cleanup team.

Rock Hill Frozen Pipe Cleanup Company

The cold weather is upon us in York County South Carolina. Freezing temperatures and cold winds can cause many problems for homeowners if they are not ready. One problem we hear about is frozen pipes. This happens when the weather stays below freezing for a few days and unprotected water lines freeze. When they freeze they begin to expand and create cracks or breaks in the plumbing line. When that happens the water will begin to flow out and cause damage to your home. 

Before the cold weather affects your plumbing do a check of all the available plumbing lines in your home or business to make sure they are properly insulated. This will help you avoid a plumbing repair in the future and possible claim with your insurance. We hope you stay warm and safe this winter and storm season.

If you do suffer from a frozen pipe water damage we are ready to help.

Do You Have Flood or Storm Damage?
Call Us Today (803) 324-5780

8 Things to do before a Severe Storm arrives in Rock Hill South Carolina

9/29/2016 (Permalink)

Storm cleanup for Rock Hill.

Be ready for a storm in Rock Hill

The Rock Hill area is known for its whacky weather. And while some might not believe it, Rock Hill has experienced tornado, flood, wind and hail damage in recent years. Here are some tips we recommend to keep yourself safe during a storm.

1. Build an emergency kit and a communication plan.

2. Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage during a severe thunderstorm.

3. Postpone outdoor activities.

4. Go indoors if you hear thunder shortly after hearing lightning, remember the 30/30 rule. Go indoors if you cannot count to 30 before hearing thunder. Stay indoors for 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder.

5. Secure objects that could blow away or cause damage (trash cans, toys).

6. 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.

7. Shutter windows and secure outside doors. If shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades or curtains.

8. Unplug any electronic equipment well before the storm arrives.

Do You Have Flood or Storm Damage?
Call Us Today (803) 324-5780

Locally Owned Company with National Storm Resources
SERVPRO of Rock Hill & York County is locally owned and operated—so we live and work here too, and are proud to be part of the Rock Hill community. We are also part of a national network of 1,650 with special Disaster Recover Teams that can respond with additional resources during catastrophic storms and major events.

Need a top rated water damage restoration company for Rock Hill?

Call us today for help.

Clover Flood Damage Requires Fast Water Extraction

9/13/2016 (Permalink)

Flood damage cleanup for Clover South Carolina.

Your Home Is Restored After Flood or Water Damage By SERVPRO

There’s never a right time for a flood or water damage in Clover to penetrate your business or your home. In business, any time spent cleaning up results in lost revenue. For homes, families become displaced, confused and homeless. If an emergency situation arises in your business or home, give us a call, and we’ll be there fast with the help you need. We are professionals with the training, experience, and equipment to handle all sized commercial and residential flood emergencies. No matter when your water emergency occurs, we will respond quickly to mitigate its damage and see it through to its completion.

If you encounter any flood damage in Clover, we are available. You need an experienced company that can respond immediately. We have the expertise to restore your property properly. We use advanced inspection techniques and extraction and drying solutions, which are designed to help find the moisture and to remove it quickly. Our highly trained, certified IICRC technicians will monitor and document the drying process to help get your property back to a pre-flood condition. "Like it never even happened."

We are locally owned and operated. We're Faster to Any Size Disaster. A quick response lessens any secondary damage to materials or mold growth, limits further damage and reduces cost. We are available with 24-hour emergency services, seven days a week, including holidays. We are a trusted leader in the restoration industry. As trained ASD water damage specialists, we can quickly get your home or business dried thoroughly. Our scientific drying principles make us leaders in our industry. To ease your worries, we can supply validation and documentation that your property is dry, and our remediation job is complete. Guaranteed in writing.

We specialize in restoring contents damaged by flooding, fire, water, or mold. We believe in a “restore” versus “replace.” This principle can help you save money while preserving precious keepsakes that can’t be replaced. We will confer with you as we pre-test your contents to determine what items can be restored back to their condition before the flood damage. After protecting and securing the structure, our professionals can begin the process of restoring your home or business. We provide a full range of services, including pack-outs and temporary storage, that will help bring your property back to order.

Need Water Damage or Flood Cleanup Services?
Call Us Today – (803) 324-5780

Locally Owned Company with National Resources
We live and work in this community too; we might even be neighbors. As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of Rock Hill & York County is close by and ready to respond to your flood or water damage emergency. We are proud to be an active member of the Clover community and want to do our part to make our community the best it can be.

What to Avoid After Flood Damage In Regent Park South Carolina

9/12/2016 (Permalink)

Homeowners in Regent Park suffer water damage.

How and What to Avoid After Flood Damage Strikes

Flood damage typically leaves homes upturned, out of order, and a mess to even the trained eye. In addition to destroyed objects and obvious hazards, there can be many unseen, undetectable hazards in a home following a flood. Many homeowners hurt themselves or their family by being too careless in the aftermath of a flood, and knowing what is off-limits could save your life. Here are some objects and places to avoid following any flood damage.

Basements

A basement is usually the most heavily damaged room in a home recently hit by flood damage in Regent Park. Water naturally seeks out the lowest point in an area; in your home, this is going to be the basement. Basements can pool up water and are often cut off from sunlight, creating perfect conditions for the breeding of harmful bacteria and viruses, and also mold. To be safe, avoid the basement unless otherwise directed by one of our technicians or representatives.

Furniture

Furniture should not be used following a flood, although drying it out may be a good idea. SERVPRO suggests to separate pillows and cushions from the bodies and try to place a layer of material between furniture legs and the floor. However, using furniture is typically a bad idea, for both comfort and your safety.

Heavily Damaged Areas

After violent floods, an area of your home may exhibit signs of heavy damage. Such areas commonly contain broken glass and ceramics, hazardous materials, bits of metal, and overall contain physical dangers to your health. If an area is obviously heavily damaged, let our trained technicians handle it, and save the dirty work for those who have handled it before.

Do You Have Flood or Storm Damage?
Call Us Today (803) 324-5780

Locally Owned Company with National Storm Resources
SERVPRO of Rock Hill & York County is locally owned and operated—so we live and work here too, and are proud to be part of the Regent Park community. We are also part of a national network of 1,650 with special Disaster Recover Teams that can respond with additional resources during catastrophic storms and major events.

Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration For Clover!

9/2/2016 (Permalink)

Top rated Clover water damage restoration company is ready to help.

Clover Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration!
A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your Clover basement or crawlspace could flood, including:

A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe

Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home

Storm sewer backup

Sanitary sewer backup

Foundation drainage failure

Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure

And many more

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today – 803-324-5780

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO® in Clover South Carolina and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies

We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About

Our Technicians are Highly-Trained in Water Restoration Techniques

We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards

Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

Locally Owned and Operated
We are proud to be an active member of this community. SERVPRO of Rock Hill & York County is locally owned and operated so we’re already nearby and ready to help Clover residents and business owners with any-sized water and flood damage emergencies.

Storm Damage in Fort Mill Happens Year-Round

8/15/2016 (Permalink)

Storms can cause major damage in Fort Mill, Rock Hill area.

Make Storm Damage Cleanup Easy With SERVPRO

Storms can happen in any season, and can bring with them not only heavy rainfall but also hail and high winds. These elements of nature can be very damaging to a home's exterior. The damage can be so extensive that the interior of the home becomes damaged, as well. 
 
Winds and Rains Brought by the Storms can Create Damaging Effects
 
High winds, particularly those with even faster and stronger gusts, can rip off siding from your home's exterior walls and tear off shingles from the roof. This stripping away of your home's protective layers can create openings for rainwater to enter. Debris from the storm can also be carried into these openings. In Fort Mill, storm damage often involves trees downed from the high winds. This added weight, which is often sudden, is typically too heavy for a home's roof to bear, and causes it to collapse inwards. 

Breaking glass found in windows and sliding glass doors is often not able to withstand flying debris when a home is situated on a wooded lot or area. What was once a cozy spot for you and your home is now a pile of downed tree limbs and wreckage. Because of the high possibility of power lines being nearby, cleaning up storm damage is not recommended except by trained and experienced professionals. At SERVPRO, we have the training and the experience to quickly and professionally bring your home and property back into a safe state of being. 
 
Skilled Removal of Debris and Clean Up of Damaged Areas of Your Home 

We have the equipment to cover all aspects of storm damage, from the removal of brush, tree limbs, and ripped away shingles and siding, to mold prevention through water removal and desiccation of your carpets and upholstered furniture, to repairing damaged structures and aspects of your home. We put our training, education, and experience to work for you as a team, using the latest in technology and techniques, ensuring that your home will return to its previous welcoming state quickly. 
 
Storms Happen Any Time of the Day, and We are Available 24/7 to Serve You 

Do You Have Flood or Storm Damage?
Call Us Today (803) 324-5780

Locally Owned Company with National Storm Resources

SERVPRO of Rock Hill & York County is locally owned and operated—so we live and work here too, and are proud to be part of the Fort Mill community. We are also part of a national network of 1,650 with special Disaster Recover Teams that can respond with additional resources during catastrophic storms and major events.

Tega Cay Residents: We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration!

8/4/2016 (Permalink)

Flood cleanup in Tega Cay done by SERVPRO.

Flooded Basement Cleanup In Tega Cay

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your Tega Cay basement could flood, including: 

·         A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe

·         Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home

·         Storm sewer backup

·         Sanitary sewer backup

·         Foundation drainage failure

·         Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure

·         And many more

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Do You Have Tega Cay Flood or Storm Damage?
Call Us Today (803) 324-5780

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of Tega Cay and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

·         We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week

·         We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies

·         We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About

·         Our Technicians are Highly-Trained  in Water Restoration Techniques

·         We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards

·         Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

24 Hour Emergency Water Removal Service

Flooding or water damage can affect your Tega Cay home or business, day or night, without warning. That’s why we provide immediate emergency water damage restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – 365 days a year.

What Can Happen During Storm Damage In Tega Cay

8/3/2016 (Permalink)

Storm damage cleanup in Tega Cay.

Tega Cay Storm Damage Gets Help from SERVPRO

Storms are violent, unpredictable phenomena. When a storm begins, even the most experienced of meteorologists with the best computers can't say for sure what will happen. As such, you should be prepared for the worst of a storm whenever one begins to form. Although some types of storm damage are more prevalent in specific regions of the country, the unlikeliest disasters are often the most damaging as people are not prepared for them. These types of damage can happen during a variety of storms, and you should be extremely cautious around them. 
 
Lightning 

Lightning strikes just about everywhere on Earth, and can cause significant bodily or structural harm where it hits. Victims of lightning storm damage in Tega Cay are often seriously injured or even killed if directly hit directly, and their homes may easily catch fire if struck. Installing a quality lightning rod or two on your home is sure to provide protection against some strikes, but you should remain aware that lightning remains a leading cause of house fires in the United States. 
 
Flooding

Floods often accompany storms with heavy rains, as they cause rivers and water fixtures to overflow and lead a torrent of water into a home. Flooding may also occur if your home has an open window or broken window well or leak near a basement, where water will collect and pool up into a minor or major flood. Flood water are contaminated and dangerous to residents, so you should always let an experienced company like SERVPRO deal with them. 
 
Wind and Kinetic Damage 

Heavy winds during storms, especially hurricanes and tornadoes, often can severely damage a structure directly. Roofing and siding can be torn off, and objects may be blown into the side of the home. Should a tree or telephone pole fall on the house, it may cause extensive damage and require tarps. If an electrical pole or wire falls on a house, this may also cause fires. We can provide a tarp service to mitigate the intrusion of rainwater and to keep out vandals and vermin.
 
Water Damage 

Small amounts of water damage are often caused by storms, and by unfortunate mistakes on the part of homeowners. Securing doors and closing windows are essential for keeping water out and your interior dry. Water damage can also lead to mold growth, which is costly to remove and may cause health effects. 

Flooding or Water Damage? Call Us Today – (803) 324-5780

24 Hour Emergency Water Removal Service

Flooding or water damage can affect your Tega Cay home or business, day or night, without warning. That’s why we provide immediate emergency water damage restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – 365 days a year.

Flood Damage Can Be Fixed By Professionals in Your House

7/20/2016 (Permalink)

Flooding Means Swift Water Removal to Salvage Your Property in Fort Mill, Rock Hill and all Of York County.

SERVPRO Can Restore Your Storm Damaged Property In Fort Mill And Rock Hill Area

Some areas of the U.S. are more prone to York County Flood Damage problems than others. Even though this is true, it also important to note that flood waters can affect any home since there are a number of causes for flooding. From an extended period of heavy rains caused by thunderstorms to broken pipes in the basement, any homeowner may need this kind of assistance. It does not matter where the flooding or water comes from because the aftermath can produce the same or similar problems. By hiring an experienced professional team from SERVPRO, we can assist you in returning your life to normalcy.
 
With this in mind, here are three essential Fort Mill and Rock Hill Flood Damage services that our professionals are known for providing to the homes that have been affected. 
 
#1 - Removes Excess Water 
The aftermath of any flood can be a very distressing time for everyone involved. In fact, it may take some people a little while to wrap their mind around the extensive damage that flooding actually causes. However, once the owner and their family begins to realize the adverse effects, they usually want to start the recovery process as quickly as possible by contacting one of our professional representatives. Therefore, one of the first things that our team will begin to do is remove all of the excess water to minimize the potential for secondary water damage. Our team can do this process swiftly because we are equipped with the expertise and advanced industry water removal equipment from truck-mounted power pumps to wet-vacs, and mops.
 
#2 – Dry Out the Home to Prevent Mold 
When the excess water had been removed, the next step or services that needed to be provided is to dry out all of the items in the home to prevent problems in the future with mold or other related issues. Fortunately, our IICRC certified and skilled crews have our equipment and tools to take care of these matters. So, we may begin this part of the process by drying the floors, furniture, clothing and other areas in the home that were impacted by the flood waters. 
 
#3- Provides a Final Inspection 
Before our crew leaves the site, we will also complete an inspection to see if the extensive flood damage has been restored. The flooding could have traveled into areas that cannot be easily seen without the appropriate detection devices like moisture meters and hygrometers. This inspection is to ensure a complete restoration of these issues, and you will receive documentation attesting to the return of your house to its pre-loss condition.
 
Call us 24/7 to respond to your flooding problems so that we can quickly restore your property. Dial 803-324-5780 to contact SERVPRO of Rock Hill & York County.

Water Damage Cleanup or Storm Damage? Call the Professionals at SERVPRO in Fort Mill & Rock Hill

7/19/2016 (Permalink)

Storm damage to a home or business can cause major damage.

It Is Safer and More Efficient To Deal With Certified Professionals For Cleanup After a Storm

Storms and other disasters can cause catastrophic amounts of damages to your home. If you're dealing with storm damage, look no further than the professionals at SERVPRO of Rock Hill & York County in South Carolina. Our technicians are skilled in cleaning up and restoring practically any disaster you can imagine. 
 
Fort Mill and Rock Hill and the surrounding area residents deal with all kinds of wind and water damages from storms. There are high winds that demolish your roof, destroy trees, and cause extensive amounts of water damages. Forecasts regularly bring dangerous storms, torrential downpours, and even tornado activity that can spell certain disaster for virtually any business. 
 
What Kinds of Damages Can Storms Bring? 
 
Storm damages can cause a lot more damages than you might expect. They destroy power lines, create fire hazards, blow over trees, and even cause deadly and ruinous flooding that quickly causes permanent damage to your home or commercial business. Furthermore, you might not even notice wind damage until much later; until massive leaks form or the roof collapses. Further ice and snow accumulation on the roof can be catastrophic, leading to thousands upon thousands of dollars, sometimes millions for big corporations. 
 
The potential problems associated with storm damage in Fort Mill can be numerous:

• Large branches broken off precariously near the roof of the house
• Limbs in contact (or nearly touching) power lines, which can be a serious fire hazard
• Dead, hollowed out limbs
• Flooding and standing water build-up
• Mold build up (due to excessive moisture)

 
We Provide a Wide Range of Helpful services 

We are the ultimate professionals when it comes to storm damage repair and prevention. Wind damage can break skylights, bring down sidewalls, collapse roof structures, and even shatter your windows. Luckily, you won't have to contact a lot of different servicemen, because SERVPRO handles virtually any storm-related damage to a home or business, ranging from: 
 

• Weather resistant roof covers
• Board Clean-up or securing
• On-site cleanup of tree limbs or debris
• Complete water extraction and warped floor repair
• Damage repairs, reconstruction, and replacement of your property

 
Our service area covers a huge variety of clients from Fort Mill, Rock Hill, Tega Cay, Clover, River Hills, York and Catawba. Plus there are over 1,600 different SERVPRO franchises all over the United States to ensure you receive the care you deserve. 
 
Don't Start Cleaning Up Storm Damage By Yourself 
 
It can be overwhelming to deal with different types of storm damage, especially when it wrecks your home. You'd probably be tempted to try and clean it up yourself, but you'd risk injuring yourself. Touching low-hanging wires can cause electrocution while branches and other debris can be much heavier than you think. Instead, contact the professionals at SERVPRO to ensure that your damages are handled as efficiently as possible. 
 
As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO knows how to take care of disasters and their customers. We're strategically located to deal with practically any emergency no matter how big or small.

Do You Have Flood or Storm Damage?
Call Us Today (803) 324-5780

Tips for Safety in Storm Situations!

7/15/2016 (Permalink)

Storm damage team is ready for any size disaster.

Safety and Health Information for Workers and Employers in York County

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)provides resources for workplace preparedness and response to severe weather emergencies during summer, including: extreme heat, hurricanes, tornadoes, lightning, wildfires and floods. Employers must ensure that workers involved in response and recovery are protected from potential safety and health hazards. OSHA also provides information and resources to assist in these efforts. 

OSHA and NOAA encourage workers and employers to be aware of weather forecasts, train workers on severe weather plans, and keep emergency supplies, including a battery-operated weather radio, on hand to be better prepared when severe weather strikes. 

SERVPRO of Rock Hill & York County Ready to help. Faster to any size disaster. 

Get to Know NOAA

Flood Damage in Rock Hill: What Comes Next?

6/15/2016 (Permalink)

Flooding can cause major damage to a home or business in Rock Hill.

What Comes Next After Rock Hill Flood Damage?

Rock Hill flood damage is an often unexpected but typically heavily impacting type of damage. Even buildings far away from any water source may encounter it for a number of reasons, ranging from heavy rainfall to burst pipes. Regardless of the reason, floodwaters must be drained immediately, and a restoration process must follow to avoid further water damage in Rock Hill. 

Pumping out Water 

If Rock Hill water remains inside your home, it may need to be pumped out with heavy equipment such as truck-mounted pumps and hoses. Thousands of gallons of water can be present in a single room, and in dark, low-lying regions like basements, this may be impossible to get out without hoses and pumps. Sewage, debris, and dangerous chemicals may mix with the floodwater, making it hazardous to remove without heavy machinery and vehicles. If not removed, these may work their way into the groundwater supply, potentially leading to enormous fines and contamination of the community's water supply. Typically, this is only necessary for rooms below ground level. 

Removal of Furniture 

Depending on the case, this may occur before the water is pumped out, but regardless of what order this step is in, furniture must typically be removed from affected rooms and areas. Large objects interfere with cleanup operations, and some, such as electronics, can present a real hazard to repair crews. Salvageable furniture can be put back in later. 

Drying 

Drying and dehumidification processes come next, typically assisted by machinery including industrial-grade dehumidifiers. This may take a while as floodwater tends to seep into floors and walls and stay as long as possible. In some cases, industrial air movers may be used to speed up the process. 

Cleaning and Replacement 

Once everything is dry, the process of replacement and cleanup can begin. Floodwater tends to be muddy and murky, and everything it touches typically needs heavy cleaning. Some things, such as floor tiles and carpeting, may need full removal and replacement. Once the cleanup is done, the area is typically sanitized with antimicrobial treatments. 

Flooding or Water Damage? Call Us Today – (803) 324-5780

24 Hour Emergency Water Removal Service

We know that water and flooding emergencies can happen any time, so we’re ready 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – including holidays. We provide immediate emergency water services to you Rock Hill home or business, day or night.

Rock Hill Flood Damage - Overcoming Flood Damage in Rock Hill

5/26/2016 (Permalink)

Who to call if your home or business floods in Rock Hill? SERVPRO at 803-324-5780.

Flood Damage Rock Hill - Overcoming Flood Damage in Rock Hill

Call SERVPRO for Rock Hill Flood Damage Remediation
The unfortunate reality is that many homeowners will have to contend with flood damage Rock Hill at one time or another. Flooding can occur for any number of reasons, such as a leaky or burst pipe, a natural weather event that brings floodwaters into the home, and more. Whether you have a few inches of water or several feet or water in your home, you need to find a company that offers a fast response to water remediation and flood damage in Rock Hill if you want to return your home to normal.

Why a Fast Response Is Needed
Water may be an essential for life, but it also can be very destructive. Consider that water can cause your wood furnishings and fixtures to warp, mold or mildew. Mold can begin to grow on various other surfaces when water is not removed promptly. In addition, water staining is common. Such issues with staining, warping and mold growth can wreak havoc in your home, but you will find that the damage to your property is significantly reduced when you set up fast efficient Rock Hill flood damage service. Keep in mind that mold and mildew damage can quickly spread to other areas of the home where water damage is not present, posing a health and safety hazard to your loved ones. Preventing the growth of mold in the home is a top priority, and a fast response to water damage is the best option to take.

What to Expect From Flood Damage Services
While flooding is common in homes in this area, you may have never had a reason to contact a professional service provider for Rock Hill flood damage services in the past, and you may not know what to expect from the service. With SERVPRO of Rock Hill & York County, you can expect a team of skilled and hardworking professionals to arrive at your home promptly and begin extracting the standing water from the home. As soon as the standing water has been removed, additional steps will be taken to reduce the humidity level in the home. Keep in mind that high levels of moisture can be almost as damaging to a home as water itself. The restoration work will begin once the water and humidity have been removed.

When to Call for Help
If you have discovered standing water in your home, you may not be certain when you should contact a professional for assistance with water remediation services. Rock Hill flood damage services are available to help you with all aspects of water remediation, and this includes water extraction, which should begin as soon as possible. This can start as soon as fresh water is no longer pouring into the home. After you have turned off or stopped the flow of water into the home, you can begin eradicating the water through remediation services.

Flooding or Water Damage? Call Us Today – (803) 324-5780

24 Hour Emergency Water Removal Service

We know that water and flooding emergencies can happen any time, so we’re ready 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – including holidays. We provide immediate emergency water services to you Rock Hill home or business, day or night.

Newport Flood Damage In York County

5/19/2016 (Permalink)

We are ready for any size disaster in Newport South Carolina.

How To Deal With Flooding In Newport South Carolina

Flood damage in Newport is not to be taking lightly. Water is not just something that you drink. It has the potential to destroy your home in a slow and steady way. Among the things that water damage causes are mold and fungi. While it is possible to get rid of the fungi by yourself, you need the help of a professional. The reason behind this is that water and moisture can be in areas that can't be accessed. There are well-trained specialists that are certified and have the equipment needed to not only get rid of water but restore all of the damage that has been caused by floods. 
 
The usual causes of floods are storms, natural disasters or other issues. In many cases, all it takes is hard rain to flood the home. When a home is flooded, the best way to get rid of all of the moisture in the home is to call a professional. You need a professional that has a certification and a proven track record. Research is necessary when it comes to obtaining a company that is trustworthy to handle your flooding. 
 
There are different types of equipment that a company uses to get rid of all of the moisture in the home. Among the pieces of equipment used are sump pumps. They are very helpful for getting all of the water and hidden moisture out of the home. Moisture detectors and hygrometers are utilized to measure the amount of moisture saturation in a certain area. Another type of equipment used is infrared cameras. They are used to locate water that may be hidden behind ceilings and walls. Dehumidifiers and air movers help dry up any remaining moisture.
 
A Newport flood damage professional company that is worth checking out is SERVPRO of Rock Hill & York County. They have a staff of highly skilled and certified professional that are experienced in water damage removal and restoration. They are also well equipped to handle every bit of water damage in the home. They can locate every bit and piece of moisture so that you can rest assured that your home remains safe.

Have Storm or Flood Damage?
Call Us Today (803) 324-5780

Locally Owned Company with National Storm Resources

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

The Benefits of Water/Flood Damage Cleanup in Tega Cay

3/21/2016 (Permalink)

Tega Cay water damage cleanup team.

Call SERVPRO for Help With Tega Cay Water/Flood Damage

Water damage will just get worse the longer it is left standing, so fast removal is essential for the safety and structural integrity of your property. Tega Cay water/flood damage cleanup should be done to make sure that your home is cleaned, sanitized and dried properly. Using the right equipment is an important part of the process. Testing devices can help in finding hidden water sources that could be ruining your subfloors, drywalls and more. Advanced drying techniques will aid in the cleanup process to make certain your property is returned to its previous condition. 

Fast Assistance for Tega Cay Water/Flood Damage Cleanup 

Water and flood damage can occur without any warning. You may experience a leaky roof after a heavy rainstorm or large rainfalls that could lead to water seeping into your property underneath your doors and damaging your carpets and flooring. If a hurricane, tornado or another type of natural disaster affects your area, severe water damage could occur through a broken window or roof. Sometimes, toilets overflow, leading to serious issues with contaminated water. A flooded dishwasher, a burst water pipe or many other problems could also lead to flooding in your home. 

Helpful tools that expedite the process of water removal and drying and restoration include a submersible pump (sump pump), truck mounted pumps and wet vacuums. Moisture detectors and hygrometers can also be used. They measure the amount of water and moisture in your property. Also, infrared cameras can help make sure that there are no hidden sources of water behind walls or in hard-to-see spaces. Powerful truck-mounted or portable extraction machines can get rid of most of the water in your residence. When the bulk of the standing water has been dealt with, industrial grade dryers and dehumidifiers should be turned on to make ensure that your property is thoroughly dried. Your carpet or carpet padding might need to be removed so that the subfloor underneath does not get damaged. Unfortunately, other materials around the house may need to be replaced if the damage is too severe, or if the standing water is quickly removed.

The sooner you contact a Tega Cay professional to get started on the water removal and recovery process, the more likely it is that your property and belongings can be restored.

Flooding or Water Damage? Call Us Today – (803) 324-5780

24-Hour Emergency Water Removal Service

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. We provide emergency water restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – including all holidays. Tega Cay residents can expect an immediate response time, day or night.

The Benefits of Water/Flood Damage Cleanup in Rock Hill

2/26/2016 (Permalink)

What to do after a flood affects your home or business in Rock Hill or Fort Mill? Call SERVPRO at 803-324-5780.

Call SERVPRO for Help With Rock Hill Water/Flood Damage

Water damage will just get worse the longer it is left standing, so fast removal is essential for the safety and structural integrity of your property. Rock Hill water/flood damage cleanup should be done to make sure that your home is cleaned, sanitized and dried properly. Using the right equipment is an important part of the process. Testing devices can help in finding hidden water sources that could be ruining your subfloors, drywalls and more. Advanced drying techniques will aid in the cleanup process to make certain your property is returned to its previous condition. 

Fast Assistance for Rock Hill Water/Flood Damage Cleanup 

Water and flood damage can occur without any warning. You may experience a leaky roof after a heavy rainstorm or large rainfalls that could lead to water seeping into your property underneath your doors and damaging your carpets and flooring. If a hurricane, tornado or another type of natural disaster affects your area, severe water damage could occur through a broken window or roof. Sometimes, toilets overflow, leading to serious issues with contaminated water. A flooded dishwasher, a burst water pipe or many other problems could also lead to flooding in your home. 

Helpful tools that expedite the process of water removal and drying and restoration include a submersible pump (sump pump), truck mounted pumps and wet vacuums. Moisture detectors and hygrometers can also be used. They measure the amount of water and moisture in your property. Also, infrared cameras can help make sure that there are no hidden sources of water behind walls or in hard-to-see spaces. Powerful truck-mounted or portable extraction machines can get rid of most of the water in your residence. When the bulk of the standing water has been dealt with, industrial grade dryers and dehumidifiers should be turned on to make ensure that your property is thoroughly dried. Your carpet or carpet padding might need to be removed so that the subfloor underneath does not get damaged. Unfortunately, other materials around the house may need to be replaced if the damage is too severe, or if the standing water is quickly removed.

The sooner you contact a professional to get started on the water removal and recovery process, the more likely it is that your property and belongings can be restored. Contact SERVPRO of Rock Hill & York County to help you get rid of water in your home quickly and efficiently. We are standing by to assist you with quality flood and water damage cleanup in Rock Hill or Fort Mill and the surrounding areas. When a major flood occurs due to an unexpected weather event, your plumbing or your appliances, give us a call at 803-324-5780 to help.

Locally Owned Company with National Storm Resources

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

Have Storm or Flood Damage?
Call Us Today (803) 324-5780

Disaster Restoration: A Brief Overview

2/26/2016 (Permalink)

Disaster emergency help is only a call away at 803-324-5780.

Rock Hill And Fort Mill Disaster Restoration: A Brief Overview

Unfortunately, disasters can happen quickly and without warning. In the face of a catastrophe, many homeowners find themselves overwhelmed with the reality of putting a restoration plan in effect. In many cases, homeowners attempt to handle these processes on their own. However, it is always prudent to seek out professional assistance when you're ready to begin the remediation process. Learn more about the disaster restoration process and why seeking remediation services from a team of trained professionals is advantageous by reviewing the following outline:

 A Brief Overview
While some people believe disaster restoration is as easy as picking damaged items off the ground and putting them back in their place, the process is not so simple. In fact, disaster restoration is a complex process that requires safety precautions, technical expertise, and patience. It also necessitates that one understand how professionals safely sanitize dangerous regions of the house, so they no longer pose health risks or safety issues to house residents. To restore a home following a disaster, experts are able to identify hazards and use safety gear efficiently. Additionally, you must be able to determine which personal possessions are salvageable and which are not.

Following a fire, your air may remain contaminated with carbon monoxide for a few hours or even several days. If you attempt to reenter your home while these dangerous toxins are present, you could risk damage to your respiratory system and lungs. This is one reason why hiring a team of professional remediation specialists is important. These individuals have the proper breathing apparatuses and safety gear necessary to effectively remove and dispose of unstable surfaces and hazardous materials.

Disaster Restoration And Water Issues
Floods and fires involve water and can thereby precipitate the onset of damage from toxic mold. The regions of the home that have been impacted by water or water damage need to dry uncovered to prevent the accumulation of mold. Standing water will also need to be removed to prevent mold and insect growth.

Conclusion 
Although you may be tempted to handle the disaster restoration process yourself, doing so can pose many health risks and safety issues. Instead of taking these risks, call a team of professional restoration experts who possess the knowledge and experience necessary to get the job done fast and well. The best company to call is SERVPRO of Rock Hill & York County. In addition to being licensed by The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification, SERVPRO professionals are passionate about offering excellent customer service and expediting the remediation process. Call us today, 803-324-5780, so we can expedite and optimize your disaster restoration process!

Should a storm or major event strike, call (803) 324-5780

Catastrophic Storm and Major Event Response

The SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team can provide help whether you're dealing with a tornado, hurricane, blizzard or flood. The SERVPRO System has a network of strategically positioned storm teams on standby should a disaster strike near you. Available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, we are prepared for the unpredictable.

Basement Flooding in Rock Hill - what to do?

2/4/2016 (Permalink)

Who to call if my basement floods in Rock Hill? SERVPRO at 803-324-5780.

All basements are prone to flooding. Water always runs from high to low ground, and this means that under the right circumstances your basement becomes an unwanted swimming pool. But where does the water come from?

One common culprit behind basement flooding is rain. Excessive amounts of rain in a short period of time can overload basement waterproofing systems, saturating the earth around your basement and then pushing in through foundation cracks.

Properly waterproofed basements and homes should have a tar sealant on both the inside and outside of foundation walls, in addition to what's known as "weeping tile." This tile pulls water away from your home to the local sewer system. If these systems fail because they can't handle the incoming water load, your basement will flood.

The slope of your lawn, also called the "grade," can contribute to your basement flooding. Your lawn should always slope away from your house, directing rainwater toward the sewer system. To make sure your lawn isn't the problem, take a walk around your home when it's raining. If you see water pooling next to your house, you have a problem.

Sewer backups also cause basement flooding. Suburban homes usually have a sewer tie-in line that is lower than the floor of the basement, allowing dirty water from tubs, toilets and sinks to be carried away. If this sewer line becomes clogged or damaged and its waterline rises above that of your basement floor, expect water to come rushing back into your home.

If a flood occurs, remove any organic items such as bedding, towels and upholstery that have been damaged. If they don't dry within 48 hours, throw them away because they'll start to mold. Next, take a look at the basement structure. Any wet drywall needs to be completely removed, as does wet insulation or wood underneath. Water will spread through these materials quickly, and even slightly damp wood grows mold. Mold spores and contamination can lead to serious health issues, address any mold concerns immediately, as mold spreads quickly throughout a home.

If you have flood insurance, call your insurance provider. If you're not sure, check your plan. Some companies deliberately omit floods or "acts of God' and won't cover the replacement of any water-damaged items. Knowing this upfront is very important.

The insurance company will send out an adjuster to assess the damage, take a list of all the items and call in a professional. Whether you go with insurance or not, chances are you'll want to call an expert. You have several choices here. Basement waterproofing companies can get the water out and deal with any foundation issues, whereas disaster restoration specialists (like SERVPRO) will remove the water, deal with any mold and mildew issues and then return your basement to (nearly) its original state.

Have Storm or Flood Damage?
Call Us Today (803) 324-5780

Tegan Cay Flood Damage

2/4/2016 (Permalink)

Who to call if you have a flood in Tega Cay? SERVPRO at 803-324-5780.

Rainy season and its effects

Although many of us have been praying, using wishbones, or doing rain dances to get the rain to pour like there's no tomorrow, there are consequences to everything.
Water can build up, break dams, overflow into streets, and cause hazards. Floods can take over parking lots, cause stationary boats to float, and possibly contaminate due to their quick ability transport diseases. Flood damage can happen naturally by a storm or by a broken pipe that was left unattended for a long time.

Our flood damage repair abilities

For houses, apartment complexes, or office buildings, we can provide emergency services that involve extraction, drying, and possible testing by another company if needed. We can also dry your personal contents, as well as work directly with your insurance company, if you have one.

Tega Cay flood damage situation

The home featured here had flood damage ALL over the home! Everything from the food pantry to furniture, to the bathroom, was covered in an inch of water due to a broken pipe and heavy water flow. Tega Cay flood damage isn't anything we haven't seen. We handled it right away so the homeowner could get the home back in its original condition. Not a terrific start to the New Year, but we have your back no matter what!

Tega Cay Flooding or Water Damage? Call Us Today – (803) 324-5780

Rock Hill,SC and York County Residents, We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration!

2/4/2016 (Permalink)

If you have a crawlspace or basement flood call SEVPRO today for help.

A basement can flood at any time, for a number of reasons, including heavy rainfall. Basement flooding occurs because they are partially or fully underground.

Floods in Rock Hill,SC commonly occur because of:

·       Clogged Drain Pipes, clogged drains

·       Debris Filled Rain Gutters

·       Roof in need of repair

·       Leaking Water Heaters

·       Faulty Washing Machine Hose

The flooding in this Rock Hill home was caused by a storm sewer backup. New Jersey had flooding that overwhelmed the system.

Since we are on call 24 hours a day 7 days a week, we were on site fast to help this family by inspecting the damage and beginning the thorough water extraction process. 

In just a few days we had their basement dry as if nothing had ever happened and they were grateful to be enjoying their basement family room again.

With SERVPRO of Rock Hill, they were confident that no water is leftover because we use advanced inspection and monitoring equipment to determine that their home and the foundational structure is actually dry. We don’t just look, we use science to KNOW for sure.

You can see the flooded basement before and after pictures in our before and after photo gallery.

Water damage can cause severe damage to the house structure leading to mold in a short time, due to untreated or missed water, so it is crucial to have a professional team of experts working for you with all the latest advancements because your home is a hugely expensive investment into your future that needs to be well taken care of.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

Rock Hill Basement Flooded?
Call Us Today – We’re Here To Help 803-324-5780

Frozen Pipes Are Coming To A Home Near You

1/19/2016 (Permalink)

Jack Frost is coming for your pipes.

Winter is here. The temperature is going down and its getting colder and colder. This week it has been in the low teens at night. What does that mean? Sunggle alert! Yes. But that also means that unprotected pipes are in danger of freezing. 

The calls for frozen pipes that have already burst have started to roll in. Homeowners in Fort Mill and Rock Hill have been hit by the cold. The best way to avoid this from happening to you is to give your home a exposed pipe inspection. Check in your crawlspace or beasment and work your way up to the attic. If you see any piping that does not have some sort of foam covering or insulation you have a problem. You can get these materials at any hardware store like Home Depot or Lowe's. If you are unsure how to install, just ask while you are there.

If you have had a burst pipe give us a call to help you with the cleanup today. We are here to help.

Have Storm or Flood Damage?
Call Us Today (803) 324-5780

Protect Your Clover Home this Winter

1/6/2016 (Permalink)

Winter in Clover can cause problems. Need a top rated restoration company? Call SERVPRO at 803-324-5780

We all know it – winter is coming. Freezing temperatures, cold air, ice and snow make the warmth inside your house cozy and inviting. At least, that is, when your house is up to the task.

Winterizing your Clover house isn’t only about staying warm, however. Winter is notorious for busted pipes, invading pests or furnaces that suddenly fail to function, for instance, but winterizing your home helps prevent such unexpected surprises. Additionally, a house that isn’t winterized will consume more energy, and energy costs continue to rise dramatically every year. Failing to winterize your house will progressively cost you more money on top of repair headaches.

Save more, worry less and stay comfortable by systematically checking your home’s condition and performing simple tasks around the property to ensure it is winter-ready. You can easily perform an effective, efficient weatherproofing job yourself over a weekend or two. Best of all, the work requires little investment beyond your time and perhaps a few basic supplies. Even the cost of additional insulation, if needed, pays off every time you open your utility bills.

Servicing Furnaces and Ductwork

Inspecting Fireplaces, Wood Stoves and Chimneys

Cleaning Your Gutters and Roof

Weatherproofing Your House Exterior

Preparing Your Windows and Doors

Winterizing With Insulation

If your house is fairly new, the insulation level is likely sufficient for your climate. Older homes, however, often installed insulation somewhat haphazardly – if at all – and you may pay for it with your wallet.

The easiest, most reliable method to ensure your insulation is up to keeping you warm is to have an energy audit performed. Some utility companies offer courtesy energy audits, or you can hire a professional. It’s also possible, in some cases, to verify the level of insulation by measuring the material and determining the total R-value by multiplying the depth by the insulation’s R-value per inch. Add more insulation, of the type desired, to obtain the R-value recommended for your area. Checking the insulation level in the attic is likely the easiest place for the DIYer to start, and one of the most important places since heat rises.

While adding insulation, if necessary, may prove the most costly step of your home winterization, you won’t have to do it again anytime soon. Better yet, you will get the money back, month by month, and in some areas rebates may be available. For more information, consult a professional.

Don’t forget about your water heater. Turn down your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit and cover it with blanket insulation or a cover, as specified by the manufacturer. If your water heater is in an uninsulated area, this is even more important.

Interior Weatherization and Safety

Have Questions? Call Us Today – (803) 324-5780

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

SERVPRO of Rock Hill & York County is locally owned and operated, so we are part of this community too. When you have a cleaning or restoration need, we’re already nearby and ready to help. We take pride in being a part of the Clover, SC community and want to do our part in making it the best it can be.

Why Pipe Freezing is a Problem In Rock Hill

1/4/2016 (Permalink)

Frozen pipes cause water damage emergencies in Rock Hill all winter long.

Rock Hill Pipe Freezing is a Problem

 Water has a unique property in that it expands as it freezes. This expansion puts tremendous pressure on whatever is containing it, including metal or plastic pipes. No matter the "strength" of a container, expanding water can cause pipes to break. Pipes that freeze most frequently are those that are exposed to severe cold, like outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, water sprinkler lines, and water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets. Pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation are also subject to freezing.

Preventing Frozen Pipes

Before the onset of cold weather, prevent freezing of these water supply lines and pipes by following these recommendations: 

·        Drain water from swimming pool and water sprinkler supply lines following manufacturer's or installer's directions. Do not put antifreeze in these lines unless directed. Antifreeze is environmentally harmful, and is dangerous to humans, pets, wildlife, and landscaping.

·         Remove, drain, and store hoses used outdoors. Close inside valves supplying outdoor hose bibs. Open the outside hose bibs to allow water to drain. Keep the outside valve open so that any water remaining in the pipe can expand without causing the pipe to break.

·         Check around the home for other areas where water supply lines are located in unheated areas. Look in the basement, crawl space, attic, garage, and under kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Both hot and cold water pipes in these areas should be insulated.

·         Consider installing specific products made to insulate water pipes like a "pipe sleeve" or installing UL-listed "heat tape," "heat cable," or similar materials on exposed water pipes. Newspaper can provide some degree of insulation and protection to exposed pipes – even ¼” of newspaper can provide significant protection in areas that usually do not have frequent or prolonged temperatures below freezing.

 Being prepared and informed may help you avoid messy and often expensive repairs. Check back with our blog later for more ideas to help prevent and thaw frozen pipes.

Need Rock Hill Water Damage or Flood Cleanup Services?
Call Us Today – (803) 324-5780

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

SERVPRO of Rock Hill & York County is locally owned and operated—so we are part of this community too. We are also part of a national network of over 1,650 SERVPRO Franchises and special Disaster Recovery Teams strategically located throughout the country to respond to large scale disasters.

Avoiding Frozen Pipes In Fort Mill

1/4/2016 (Permalink)

Winter causes frozen pipes in Fort Mill homes and business.

The weather in Fort Mill is getting colder and that means frozen pipes. Why are frozen pipes such a big deal? As the water that is left in your pipes freeze the water expands opening up seams, cracks and holes in copper that pipes are made of. Eventually that ice will melt allowing all the pressurized water to find an escape through the gates created by that unforgiving ice resulting in water damage.

Most people don't know that there are some VERY easy and inexpensive ways to prevent this from happening. 

1) Disconnect your hose!

2) Hose bib cover!

Very easy! Super inexpensive.

Frozen pipe emergencies can happen anytime in Fort Mill. If you need help with the water cleanup call now.

Have Fort Mill Storm or Flood Damage?
Call Us Today (803) 324-5780

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

SERVPRO of Rock Hill & York County is locally owned and operated—so we are part of this community too. We are also part of a national network of over 1,650 SERVPRO Franchises and special Disaster Recovery Teams strategically located throughout the country to respond to large scale disasters.

Prevent Frozen Water Pipes

12/30/2015 (Permalink)

Flood damage from burst pipe or heavy rain near Fort Mill

Even though Fort Mill has had a mild winter so far.... Beware; the cold winter will be coming!  With extreme cold temperatures, disaster can happen at your home with frozen pipes.  Here is some helpful information to prevent this from happening to you!

Why Pipe Freezing is a Problem in Fort Mill        

Water has a unique property in that it expands as it freezes. This expansion puts tremendous pressure on whatever is containing it, including metal or plastic pipes. No matter the "strength" of a container, expanding water can cause pipes to break. Pipes that freeze most frequently are those that are exposed to severe cold, like outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool, supply lines, water sprinkler lines, and water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics or garages. Pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation are also subject to freezing.

During Cold Weather, Take Preventative Action!        

Have Storm or Flood Damage in Fort Mill?
Call Us Today (803) 324-5780

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

SERVPRO of Rock Hill & York County is locally owned and operated—so we are part of this community too. We are also part of a national network of over 1,650 SERVPRO Franchises and special Disaster Recovery Teams strategically located throughout the country to respond to large scale disasters.

TAKE THESE STEPS TO PREVENT FROZEN PIPES IN ROCK HILL THIS WINTER

12/8/2015 (Permalink)

Cold weather is coming to Rock Hill. Make sure your pipes are ready for the freeze.

TAKE THESE STEPS TO PREVENT ROCK HILL FROZEN PIPES THIS WINTER

If you’ve never experienced the disasters frozen pipes can cause in Rock Hill, such as bursting and flooding, you probably don’t pay much mind to taking care of your water pipes. But ask anyone who has ever dealt with frozen pipes, and they’ll tell you the preventative maintenance is definitely worth it. In a modern age where almost everything is climate controlled, it’s easy to forget that pipes run through spaces that can get chilly enough for them to freeze.

Frozen pipes can cause costly water damage.

The last thing you want is costly water damage caused by burst pipes in Rock Hill. So make sure you take the following steps in order to prevent frozen pipes this winter.

Preventing Rock Hill Frozen Pipes and Water Damage

Be well-versed in these steps, and you won’t have to worry about a pipe catastrophe when the temperatures drop.

Insulate: Insulating the spaces your pipes run through, such as attics, crawl spaces and basements will prevent those spaces from dropping below freezing. If you can’t insulate the spaces, consider insulating your pipes. Insulation is the easiest step of preventative maintenance against frozen pipes.

Climate Control: If you leave your home for an extended period of time, you might think to turn off the heat if no one will be there. However, if temperatures drop low enough, your home can become cool enough for frozen pipes. So if you do leave, keep the thermostat on at least 55°F so that you don’t come back to unsightly water damage.

Faucets: When you know temperatures are below freezing outside, open your facets just a bit to allow them to drip. Running water through the pipes will help prevent them from freezing.

Seal: Make sure your doors, windows, and foundation are sealed against air leaks. Besides driving your energy bill up, letting the warm air out can let the temperature drop low enough (in some areas) for pipes to freeze.

Have Frozen Pipes or Flood Damage?
Call Us Today (803) 324-5780

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

SERVPRO of Rock Hill & York County is locally owned and operated—so we are part of this community too. We are also part of a national network of over 1,650 SERVPRO Franchises and special Disaster Recovery Teams strategically located throughout the country to respond to large scale disasters.

Clover Flooding and Water Damage

12/3/2015 (Permalink)

Water damage? Call Servpro, we can help!

At SERVPRO of Clover we are water damage specialists, and we know a basement can flood at any time; although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your Clover basement could flood, including: 

• A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
• Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
• Storm sewer backup
• Sanitary sewer backup
• Foundation drainage failure
• Water supply-line break or hot-Water tank failure 

If You Have Questions or Need Help, Please Call Us At  - 803-324-5780 

If water damage is not handled quickly and properly, it can cause severe damage to your home’s structure not to mention the potential harmful health effects of mold. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

At SERVPRO of Clover we are Flooding Specialists:

• We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
• We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
• We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
• Our Technicians are Highly-Trained  in Water Restoration Techniques
• We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
• Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

Flooding or Water Damage? Call Us Today – (803) 324-5780

24-Hour Emergency Water Removal Service

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. We provide emergency water restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – including all holidays. Clover residents can expect an immediate response time, day or night.

Fort Mill Residents: We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration!

11/30/2015 (Permalink)

Heavy rains in Fort Mill can cause a basement to flood.

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your Fort Mill basement could flood, including: 

• A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
• Heavy rain causes surface Water to pool around your home
• Storm sewer backup
• Sanitary sewer backup
• Foundation drainage failure
• Water supply-line break or hot-Water tank failure
• And many more...

Have A  Water Damage Emergency? Call (803) 324-5780

Locally Owned Company with National Storm Resources

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

Frozen Pipes!

11/25/2015 (Permalink)

Frozen pipes in the winter can lead to water damage in Fort Mill homes.

Frozen Pipes In Fort Mill Can Cause Major Problems

As temperatures continue to drop this winter season, frozen pipes start happening, hose bibs start leaking and water may find its way into your homes and basements. Keep SERVPRO in mind for these situations. We are here to help and handle any size loss from small to large. We have the teams, equipment, and resources to make ourselves faster to any size disaster!

If you have a frozen pipe in the Fort Mill area we can help you with the water cleanup.

Have Storm or Flood Damage?
Call Us Today (803) 324-5780

Locally Owned Company with National Storm Resources

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

Frozen Pipe Damage In Fort Mill

10/19/2015 (Permalink)

Frozen water lines can cause serious water damage to a home.

Frozen Pipes Are Coming To Fort Mill

Winter is coming and every year homeowners in Fort Mill suffer from pipes that freeze up and break when they expand to far. This year be prepared by making sure all exsposed water lines are insulated and protected from the cold. 

SERVPRO handles many calls from Fort Mill homeowners due to burst frozen pipes during the winter season. If you have had your home or crawspace flood due to a broken water line we are here to help.

Have Storm or Flood Damage?
Call Us Today (803) 324-5780

Locally Owned Company with National Storm Resources

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

How To Protect Your Clover Home From Flooding During The Rainy Season

9/24/2015 (Permalink)

Protect your home and family from water damage and flooding.

When Clover flood takes over your home, it can be just as devastating as a fire or a tornado.

Valuable photos, furniture, clothing, musical instruments, electronics, valuable rugs and so much more can all be ruined by the powers of flooding and Clover water damage due to heavy rain. You may think, "well, if it happens, it happens - there's not much I can do about it." With the idea that “It will never happen to me” That's where you're wrong. Although man can't always completely protect himself from nature's catastrophes, there are definitely a few preventative measures that can be taken against rain water flooding. Here are a few.

Regularly Inspect Your Roof: Periodically examining your roof is a sure-fire way to prevent roof leaks and water damage, which can cause floods during heavy rain. Carefully climb a ladder and examine each side of the roof slope for scarring, broken, or loose shingles. If you notice these blemishes, your roof suffers some damage. Nevertheless, a few blemishes every once in a while are nothing to be worried about. You should also examine the color of your roof. Black asphalt shingles that have turned brownish, have seen better days. It's time to replace them. 

Get Regular Roofing Maintenance: Once you've noticed that your roof has holes in it, or that your shingles have turned a color other than black, it might be time for your roof to be worked on by professionals. Whether or not your roof is damaged, it's vital that it receives yearly maintenance from a roofing contractor. In fact, if roofing contractors perform annual maintenance, you may not need to periodically examine it so much, yourself. Still, we understand that a yearly visit from your local roofing contractor might be a costly expense for you. In this case, you can certainly do the inspection yourself, but if you notice any problems, you ought to call a professional, immediately.

Stack Up Sandbags: You may think that this is a very excessive measure, but when heavy rains are about to hit, there's really no measure not worth taking to protect your home and your family from flooding and water damge. Stack up several sandbags against doorways and windows. This stacking will create pressure and act as a wall against the incoming H20.

Install Flood-Detection Technology: Computer systems do so much these days, it's unreal. We can talk to anyone in the world with the touch of a few buttons, or a few clicks of a mouse - why can't home computer systems keep you safe from flooding? They can. These high-tech devices call your phone or sound an alarm if they sense any water. They are typically set up in basements, but you can arrange to have them anywhere in your home. These devices, in themselves, might not prevent flooding damage, but they can certainly warn you when it's on its way, so that you can take proper action to curb things before it gets out of control.

Install Standpipes Or Backflow Valves: One of the biggest reasons why your home suffers water damage during heavy rain isn't always the rain itself - it's when less-than-advanced piping systems react, (or fail to react) to the flooding. By equipping your home with backflow valves and standpipes, your sewer lines won't be so backed up, and in turn, the flooding won't be so out of control.

Call A Water Removal Professional, Today: Has your home been ravaged in the wake of a terrible rain storm? Are you wading ankle-deep in water on your kitchen floor? You're going to need the help of a water removal expert. You can do all you want to get rid of the water, but if you don't have the right technology and the in-depth know-how, it's not all going to go away. Call an expert today, before you get in too deep.

Need Water Damage or Flood Cleanup Services?
Call Us Today – (803) 324-5780

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

SERVPRO of Rock Hill & York County is locally owned and operated—so we are part of this community too. We are also part of a national network of over 1,650 SERVPRO Franchises and special Disaster Recovery Teams strategically located throughout the country to respond to large scale disasters.

Rock Hill Flood Damage - Dealing with Flood Damage Repair and Cleanup

9/24/2015 (Permalink)

Flood damage can be overwhelming, but these tips can walk you through the process of cleaning up.

No one wants to have to deal with a flood.

Unfortunately, freezing pipes and heavy snowstorms lead to a lot of flooding this time of year. If you experience a flood, it is important to know exactly what to do. Repairing and cleaning up damages will not be easy no matter what, but there are some ways to simplify the process. Here are some steps to take after a flood.

Turn Off Water and Electricity

The first thing you want to do is to turn off the water and electricity in your home. Make sure you know where the main switch and water valve are. Standing water is extremely dangerous if it comes in contact with an electric current, so before you touch it or do anything else, make sure these components in your home are turned off.

Assess the Damage

Once the electricity and water are turned off and you have determined it is safe to work, you need to assess the damage. Take pictures and write everything down that is ruined or needs to be repaired or replaced. Call your insurance company immediately so you know what you need to do to file a claim. An agent may need to come out to assess the damage. You don't want to clean up before they do, or you may have trouble getting repairs covered.

Remove the Water

The next step is to remove the water from the space. This may be through a reverse pump or the old fashioned bucket line. Either way, as soon as you get the green light from the insurance company, you need to remove the water in Rock Hill as soon as possible. The longer it stands there the more damage it will do.

Dry Up the Space

Once the water is removed, you need to soak up and dry all the excess water from the floors, walls, furniture, and belongings. A professional flood recovery company in Rock Hill may need to be called in. Remove all the furniture, and place it outside or in the garage where it can air out. Throw away anything that is damaged and won?t dry. Pull up carpet if necessary and discard.

Air it Out

After you've removed and dried everything you can remove and dry, you need to use industrial fans to air the space out. Otherwise, Rock Hill mold and mildew can develop. Open windows and doors and let the fans run for a few days to clear everything out.

Fix it Up

After the area is completely dry, you need to complete repairs. Don't do anything in which you are not professionally trained. Depending on how long the water stood, you may have some structural damage in your walls that will need to be fixed. Repaint, replace carpet and fix everything that needs repairs. Hopefully, your insurance company will cover most of the cost.

Dealing with a flood is never pleasant, but the important thing is to keep a cool head. Remain calm and go through these steps. Before you know it, the flood will be a distant memory and your home will be back to normal.

Have Storm or Flood Damage?
Call Us Today (803) 324-5780

Locally Owned Company with National Storm Resources

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

The unique challenges to Flood Damage in your Fort Mill Basement

9/22/2015 (Permalink)

The most common type of water damage in the basement results from broken water pipes.

Water Damage challenges In your Fort Mill Basement 

Water or Flood Damage? Call Us Today – (803) 324-5780

Locally Owned Company with National Storm Resources

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

How Can Flood Damage Harm Your Rock Hill Business?

9/22/2015 (Permalink)

One of the most common mistakes a business owner can make is believing their owned property is immune to the commercial flood damage.

How Can Flood Damage Harm Your Business? 

One of the most common mistakes a business owner can make is believing their owned property is immune to the Rock Hill commercial flood damage. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) states that flood damage is one of the most frequently occurring and expensive safety hazards in the United States. A study by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) backs up that claim with statistics citing a one-in-four chance of flooding in high-risk areas over the timespan of the average mortgage which lasts three decades. Rock Hill commercial flood damage has many causes: from storms to snow. However, a common misconception many people have is that not working near the water protects them. Water damage can also occur due to things such as clogged sewage systems, dam failures, and new paving work in the area.

Rock Hill commercial flood damage can affect businesses in five ways. First off, flood damage can pose risks to health and safety for the affected building. If excess water is not immediately drained, it poses risks. Damage and danger to electrical outlets and devices, diseases and unsanitary conditions from stagnant puddles, water that is unsafe to drink, damage to sewage systems, and so on. The second concern is the loss of life, as flash floods are the number one weather-related cause of death in the United States. Hundreds of people, pets, and undomesticated animals die every year due to flash floods.

The loss of life and safety risks brought about by floods leads to the third affected area of flood damage: emotional stability. Flood survivors experience depression, anxiety, sorrow, anger, grief, and fear when faced with the aftermath of Rock Hill commercial flood damage. This can lead to strained relationships, decreased appetite, and trouble sleeping, which is why mental health professionals always accompany FEMA and Red Cross professionals when responding to a flood. The fourth major concern is property damage. Excess water can damage the structure of a building, destroy roads and bridges, and can damage vehicles, appliances, documents, or other personal belongings. The last concern is an economic loss because most insurance policies today do not cover water damage from floods.

Don't wait until it's too late to clean up water damage and prevent further damage from happening. Call the caring professionals at SERVPRO today to ensure a quick resolution to your water damage problems.

Have Questions? Call Today – (803) 324-5780

Commercial Building Restoration Services

SERVPRO of Rock Hill & York County is available 24 hours a day to restore your Rock Hill property and get you back to business. We have the expertise, equipment, and highly trained personnel to handle your commercial water, fire, or mold damage. We can also access the resources of our national network of 1,650 Franchises to handle large commercial projects and major storm events. Learn more about our commercial restoration services:

• Commercial Water Damage Restoration
• Commercial Fire Damage Restoration
• Commercial Mold Remediation
• Commercial Storm Damage Cleanup
• Disaster Recovery Team

In Lake Wylie, Storm Caused Flood Damage Restoration

9/22/2015 (Permalink)

Storms Can Flood a House In Lake Wylie

Storm Damage Restoration in Lake Wylie Requires Experienced Professionals

When natural storms or man-made disasters occur and create flood damage in a Lake Wylie home, the flooding itself is only the beginning of the catastrophe. Subsequent damages to flooring, walls and furniture will go on, and escalate, for weeks or months if left unattended. Wood will swell and crack; carpets will rot; walls will weaken. Within hours, mold and mildew take hold and the very air becomes dangerous to breathe. 

Seek Professional Restoration

The time to act is immediately. The homeowner needs to contact a professional cleaning and restoration company such as SERVPRO to attack the situation and bring the risk of further damage to a halt. However, it's important to understand that not all cleaning and restoration companies are equal. Only the best are qualified and certified by the IICRC, the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification. The IICRC is an agency dedicated to ensuring that companies offering disaster cleaning and restoration, like SERVPRO, for example, are professional, qualified, and reputed to deliver what they promise.

Stop contamination and Deterioration Asap

While one might think that flood damage restoration is a simple, straightforward process, that is hardly the case. Certainly, throwing away damaged furniture, carpeting and décor is often a necessary first step, but with the proper professional restoration tools many household furnishings and items can be recovered. The presence of hidden moisture and the potential for mildew must be detected and remediated. Special drying and dehumidifying equipment is utilized to stem mold and mildew proliferation. Dangerous microbial agents in walls, flooring and clothing must be rooted out and removed. If caught quickly, the contamination and deterioration may be limited, saving the homeowner a lot of money.

SERVPRO is an Excellent Option

The process of restoration includes the inspection of literally everything in the house, whether it was directly in contact with the water or not. Mattresses, drywall, and anything exposed to the same air where flood-water damage occurred should be inspected. Even the sewage system needs to be inspected for possible contamination into the living area or water supply, and neutralized if necessary. To perform those necessary tasks safely, professionals utilize hand and eye protection as well as respirator equipment. It is only with trained, qualified professionals like SERVPRO that proper containment and restoration can be achieved safely and effectively.

In addition, only after the entire process has been completed is it safe for the homeowner and family members to rebuild and move back in. Flood damage in Lake Wylie is a serious, complex catastrophe to be inspected, evaluated and handled only by experienced professionals.

Have Storm or Flood Damage?
Call Us Today (803) 324-5780

Locally Owned Company with National Storm Resources

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

Flooding in Rock Hill: what to do Before, During and After

9/18/2015 (Permalink)

Take pictures of any damage to your home for insurance claims.

What to do Before, During and After a Flood in Rock Hill:

Spring and summer bring heavy rains throughout the country. For many cities and towns, like Rock Hill, this means an increased risk of flooding. Not only does this make property susceptible to storm damage, but flooding can also result in loss of life.

Always be prepared for the event of a flood. Put together a disaster kit containing drinking water in clean containers, non-perishable food, medications, first aid supplies, extra clothing and toiletries, a battery-powered radio, flashlights, batteries and cash. Also, monitor news broadcasts or the National Weather Service website for information on flood warnings and watches. Should you have to evacuate, identify where to go and what to do should family members become separated. Lock all windows and doors to your home, shut off the gas and disconnect all appliances. When traveling in heavy rain, always follow designated routes set up by authorities. Never drive around a barricade and never drive through a flooded area. Rushing water can carry vehicles away. Do not walk through a flooded area. Ankle deep rushing water can knock a person off his or her feet. If you see someone in flood waters, do not jump in after them. You can be carried away by moving water, too. Throw them a flotation device such as a tire or ice chest, and call 911 to report their location.

When the flooding has passed, do not return home until it is safe to do so. Do not enter any building that is surrounded by floodwater. Check your home for any structural damage, gas leaks and fire hazards. Take pictures of any damage to your home for insurance claims. If your home is unlivable because of flood damage, check with the Red Cross for the nearest shelter. Storm damage to your home can be repaired by contacting SERVPRO. If you see any downed power lines, do not approach them. Contact the authorities immediately. Do not turn on the gas or electricity yourself. Have a professional do it when they have determined it is safe to do so. Clean and disinfect anything in the house that got wet. Also, be sure to wear sturdy shoes when checking on your home after a flood to avoid any injuries or infections to your feet.

We are water removal and cleanup specialists and are ready to service your Rock Hill home when flooding or water leaks cause water damage. We quickly dry your property using state-of-the-art water removal equipment and advanced drying techniques. We document the drying process to make sure your property is dry and job is done right.

Water or Flood Damage? Call Us Today – (803) 324-5780

Locally Owned Company with National Storm Resources

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

How Fire and Water Damage Can Destroy Your Rock Hill Property

9/17/2015 (Permalink)

Put Out the Fire and Repair and Restore

Why Fire Damage in a Rock Hill House Needs Quick Restoration

When it comes to house fires, both the water and fire damage that results from it can be dangerous to your Rock Hill home. While fire can destroy the structural integrity of your home, water damage can generate the growth of mold and mildew. To minimize the effects of this two-pronged attact to your home, it is important that you attain professional assistance. Structural problems and health issues are at the top of the remediation priority list. Water and fire damage specialists can handle the cleanup and restoration processes to help minimize health risks, increase safety, and preserve the structural integrity of your home. To learn more about the dangers posed by fire damage and how professionals like SERVPRO can assist you, refer to the following outline: 

How Fire Damage Affects Your Rock Hill Property

Although many people think of fire damage in terms of the fire itself, the smoke produced by the fire can be equally deadly. Smoke contains toxic materials, and this toxicity can be an irritant to humans who inhale it. Most fire related deaths are attributed to smoke inhalation and super heated air and not the actual flames. Additionally, the fire itself can engulf your property in its flames within a matter of moments. If this happens, your valuable possessions could be destroyed, and you could be left dealing with smoky odors that are difficult to eliminate. House fires can also send smoke and soot through your plumbing fixtures, walls, electrical conduits, and duct work. Smoke and soot can migrate through each layer of your property in just a few minutes. 

How Water Damage Destroys Your Property

Like fire damage, water damage possesses the ability to destroy the structure of your home. However, the biggest problem with water damage is that it can precipitate the growth of mold and mildew and, create damage to your furnishings, clothing, art, appliances and electronic components. Typically mold thrives in humid, damp conditions. For this reason, property damaged by water is an opportunistic breeding ground for the fungi. It only takes 48-72 hours for mold to begin proliferating in damp or wet conditions, and this is why immediately addressing excess moisture in your home is so important. 

Conclusion

Both water and fire damage degrade your home.  A professional fire restoration company like SERVPRO can expediently get your home back to its previous condition. For many years, the company's trained technicians have been providing homeowners with the detail-oriented care necessary to get their homes back to like it never happened. We're ready to start the restoration process today, so call us now and let's schedule your consultation.

Have Questions? Call Us Today – (803) 324-5780

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

We live and work in this community too; we might even be neighbors. As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of Rock Hill & York County is close by and ready to respond to your smoke or fire damage emergency. We are proud to be an active member of the Fort Mill community and want to do our part to make our community the best it can be.

Rock Hill Flood Restoration Services: A Brief Overview

9/14/2015 (Permalink)

Flooding can result in extensive water damage, it is one of the most debilitating disasters that can transpire in your home.

Flood Restoration Services: A Brief Overview

Flooding can result in extensive Rock Hill water damage, it is one of the most debilitating disasters that can transpire in your home. Although water is deemed one of our primary needs, it can also function as a destructive force that presents serious threats to your property and life. Water damage can take on many forms, and you will always need a SERVPRO professional to determine accurately the extent of the water damage to your property. For this reason, it is important and advantageous for homeowners affected by flooding to obtain professional flood restoration services. To learn more about Rock Hill flood damage and how restoration specialists can assist you, refer to the following guide:

Preventing Mold and Mildew Growth
As SERVPRO experts know, one of the most profound problems that can result from Rock Hill flood damage is the growth and proliferation of mold. Mold thrives in humid, damp conditions, and this is why homes that have been subjected to flooding can quickly become a breeding ground for the fungus. Flood restoration specialists are effective in eradicating mold issues by offering detail-oriented, results-centered cleanup services.

Preventing Damage to Electrical Systems
In addition to preventing mold growth, flood restoration specialists can help preclude extensive damage to your home's electrical systems. Unfortunately, electrical systems exposed to water can begin to malfunction. The malfunctions can lead to fire or electrocution. Additionally, electrical systems that have been subjected to Rock Hill flood damage can generate house fires. Professional flood restoration specialists utilize advanced remediation skills to prevent these destructive cycles from gaining traction.

Contact SERVPRO Today
When a flood has damaged your residential property, attaining professional flood restoration services is a must. When you begin searching for the ideal company to assist you, be sure to contact the experts of SERVPRO. Our company utilizes contemporary methodologies and cutting edge equipment to get your home back in absolutely amazing shape. Contact SERVPRO now to learn more about how we can help you restore your home! 

Have Storm or Flood Damage?
Call Us Today (803) 324-5780

Locally Owned Company with National Storm Resources

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

We are proud to serve our local communities:

• Fort Mill, SC
• Rock Hill, SC
• Tega Cay, SC
• Lake Wylie, SC
• Clover, SC
• York, SC
• Sharon, SC
• Hickory Grove, SC
• Mcconnells, SC
• River Hills, SC

Clover Water Damage Recovery

9/9/2015 (Permalink)

Flood cleanup in York County

Water Damage Recovery: A Basic Overview in Clover  

Following a house flood or fire in Clover, it is imperative that you attain water damage recovery services.  These services involve several processes, and you should know the potential difficulties that are associated with their implementation. A reputable, long-standing service provider is of paramount importance. You should also be aware that while attaining professional services presents risks, go through referrals from friends or neighbors.  Attempting to complete water damage recovery services on your own is not advisable. Professional restoration companies have the expertise, experience, and tools necessary to complete the job as efficiently as possible. As you seek the most effective way to handle the water damage recovery process, learning more about what the services entails can be helpful. To attain this information, consider the outline provided below: 

Cleaning Excess Water From The Home

One of the primary services offered by water damage specialists is cleaning excess water from your property following a flood or fire. Unfortunately, mildew and mold can start growing and then thrive within one day of the water damage. For this reason, it is important that the cleaning process begin immediately. When left unchecked, water damage can cause secondary damage that engenders more problems than the original floodwaters or fire. The cleaning process involves multiple steps, and the most important one is drying the excess water from your property to limit the growth of mildew and mold. Additionally, the restoration professionals, such as SERVPRO, will utilize industrial-grade dehumidifiers to evaporate excess water so the repair process can begin.

Repairing and Restoring Your Property

In addition to offering cleaning services, professional restoration companies also help repair your home such that its original condition is restored. When your home sustains flood or fire damage, there will likely be substantive electrical and structural damage. Restoration companies repair these damages so you can reenter your property.  You should never attempt to enter your home until it has been inspected for any safety issues.  Attempting to move back in prior to attaining these professional services could be dangerous. The repair and restoration processes can take weeks or months, and the length of time required is contingent upon the extent of the damage. 

Conclusion 

If your home has been subjected to fire or flood, it's important that you attain professional restoration services. As you begin looking for the ideal water damage specialists to assist you, be sure to consider SERVPRO. Our company's technicians possess extensive industry experience, and they work with diligence and determination to ensure your complete satisfaction.

Have Storm or Flood Damage?
Call Us Today (803) 324-5780

Commercial Building Restoration Services

SERVPRO of Rock Hill & York County is available 24 hours a day to restore your Fort Mill property and get you back to business. We have the expertise, equipment, and highly trained personnel to handle your commercial water, fire, or mold damage. We can also access the resources of our national network of 1,650 Franchises to handle large commercial projects and major storm events. Learn more about our commercial restoration services:

• Commercial Water Damage Restoration
• Commercial Fire Damage Restoration
• Commercial Mold Remediation
• Commercial Storm Damage Cleanup
• Disaster Recovery Team

Flood Damage Clean Up Basics for a Rock Hill Home

9/8/2015 (Permalink)

Flooding Is a Serious Matter

Flood Damage in a Rock Hill House Calls for Fast Action

In the event that your home in Rock Hill is subjected to a flood, cleaning and drying everything up quickly is immensely important. If you postpone the cleaning process, your personal property could be slowly destroyed. Within just a few minutes, floods can destroy everything from carpet to paper documents. And within hours, flood damage can permanently discolor your wooden furniture. You should also note that failing to remediate water damage quickly can damage the structure of your house and also give rise to the proliferation of mold and mildew. For these reasons, it is important for you to call a professional team of water damage specialists to ensure that your home's original condition is restored with expedience and excellence. Learn more about the importance of attaining professional remediation services by reading the short outline found below:

Why Call The Professionals?

Although many homeowners are tempted to clean up their own homes following a flood, this course of action is not advisable. In fact, it is always advisable to leave this work to a professional water restoration company like SERVPRO. This is the case for numerous reasons, including the fact that the presence of water in your home makes it unsafe for you and your family members to enter. Additionally, water damage can give rise to the growth of mold and mildew on your property. Because mold and mildew can begin to grow and spread throughout your home within a day, it is important that you contact a team of professionals immediately to attain the remediation services you need.  

Flood Damage Clean Up: Recognizing The Benefits

Following a flood, there are several things that you will need to focus on. One of those things includes working with your insurance agent to get estimates for the home restoration process. You will also need to salvage any items that you can from the property. As you take care of these matters, professional remediation specialists can handle all other aspects of the home clean up process. If the firm you select has a relationship with your insurance agent, this may expedite the return to your home.

Conclusion 

Attaining professional flood damage services is the most effective way to remediate your home following the disaster. To ensure that you retain great flood damage clean-up services you deserve, call the professionals of SERVPRO. Our team works with impeccable precision and relentless passion to ensure that every area of your home is quickly cleaned and restored. Contact us today and let's get the remediation process going!

Need Water Damage or Flood Cleanup Services?
Call Us Today – (803) 324-5780

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

SERVPRO of Rock Hill & York County is locally owned and operated—so we are part of this community too. We are also part of a national network of over 1,650 SERVPRO Franchises and special Disaster Recovery Teams strategically located throughout the country to respond to large scale disasters. 

Storm Series: What To Do After a Fort Mill Flash Flood

8/10/2015 (Permalink)

Pay attention to local radio and TV for information about the weather.

Storm Series: What To Do After a Fort Mill Flash Flood

If a Fort Mill flash flood has hit your business or home, you are probably wondering what to do. There are a few things that you should do right after a flash flood:

• Please pay attention to local radio and TV for information about the weather. Even after water has receded, there might be danger of flooding. News outlets will let you know when it is safe to go outside or return.

• Assess the utilities, and switch off the electricity if you see broken or frayed wires, see sparks, or smell any smoke or burning insulation. If you need to go through water to get to a circuit breaker or fuse box, talk to an electrician regarding what to do. If you have damaged sewage and water lines, immediately contact a licensed plumber. If you can smell propane or natural gas, leave the area right away and contact your Fire Department.

• Make sure not to drink well water or tap water until it has declared free of contamination and safe for drinking. Do not even use it to wash your hands, wash dishes, make ice, or prepare food. If you have an undamaged water heater or any melted ice cubes, you can use these instead. If you do not, and you really need water, the best solution is to boil water for a minimum of 1 minute, and then cool it down and store it in clean containers.

• Use bleach, as it will kill some bacteria. Mix eight drops of regular liquid household bleach with a gallon of water, and let it sit for half an hour before using it.

• Be protective, keeping an eye on all children and pets.

• Stay away from flood-ravaged areas.

• Please pay attention to barricades that have been put up to protect you. Also, stay off of roadways, to avoid hazards and to enable emergency workers to have easier access to victims.

• Avoid moving water. Six inches of this water is enough to knock you down, and a couple of feet can actually move vehicles. This water is more dangerous than it appears.

• If you absolutely have to travel through a Fort Mill flood damaged area, be extremely careful. Wait until there is no moving water; be sure to wear sturdy shoes, and gauge firmness and depth of ground before taking every step. Watch out for contaminated water, hidden animals, electrical hazards, hazardous debris, eroded walkways and roads, and other types of danger associated with traveling. Do not enter any building that is surrounded by flood water, until it has been declared safe so that you can be sure that it will not collapse due to weakened structures.

• When you are in the process of cleaning and repairing, make sure to get the help you need. Call SERVPRO if you need restoration services for items that have been damaged by water. Once the water has receded, meticulously clean and disinfect every what item, so that you can protect everyone there from potential contamination. Make sure that you wear protective clothing, such as boots and rubber gloves, while you are doing your cleaning. If you have a lot of water damage, you may need mold remediation, upholstery cleaning, and carpet cleaning to restore your home.

• Any food items that have come into contact with flood water should be disposed of, including canned goods, baby bottles, bottled water, and even plastic utensils.

• Make sure to only hire reputable and professional contractors for any repair and clean up needs. Be wary of potential scammers.

• If your basement is flooded, drain only about a third per day, as overly rapid water removal may cause structural damage or collapse.

• Talk to your insurance agent about Fort Mill flash flood recovery claims, as the typical homeowner's insurance policy will not cover this damage.

• Pay attention to your radio or TV, as you may see helpful information about assistance that is available in your region.

What To Do After Flooding

What NOT To Do After Flooding

Our Water Damage Restoration Process

Since every flood and water damage scenario is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. However, the overall water restoration process remains the same. The steps below detail our restoration process for the typical water-damaged property.

Step 1: Emergency Contact

Step 2: Inspection and Damage Assessment

Step 3: Water Removal/Water Extraction

Step 4: Drying and Dehumidification

Step 5: Cleaning and Repair

Step 6: Restoration

Fort Mill Water Damage Experts: For the Best Repair of Your Home after a Fire or Flood

7/27/2015 (Permalink)

Fort Mill Water damage can be one of the most devastating events to happen to a home.

Water damage experts: for the best repair of your home after a fire or flood

Fort Mill Water damage can be one of the most devastating events to happen to a home. If and when such an unfortunate and traumatic incident occurs, it is extremely important that you:

a) Contact your insurance company, and

b) Immediately hire the services of an expert Fort Mill water damage restoration company to fix the damages and restore your home to its former glory

The experts at professional restoration companies have the knowledge, experience and resources to quickly and efficiently repair your home. Using the right tools and equipment, they not only fix the problems, but they can also make sure that no nasty after-effects such as mold and mildew will remain behind to cause further problems.

In the immediate aftermath of a Fort Mill flood or fire, it is vital that you call on the expertise of water damage professionals. They can be quickly and easily found via professional restoration companies.

Working Together to Repair Your Home
To prevent the development of the secondary water-related problems mentioned above -- and the potential spread of dangerous spores and fungi -- it is better to have a team of experts undertaking the restoration in various parts of the home at the same time. Working together as a team in this manner, the water damage experts are better able to dramatically reduce the chances of secondary water damage.

Use of Specialized Tools
The experts at water damage restoration companies have immediate access to a variety of specialized tools and equipment that might not be readily available to you. 

?They can use tools such as industrial-strength dehumidifiers to easily pull more than 50 gallons of water each day from the affected area.

?They will use air-moving machines to move over a 100 cubic feet of around a particular room. This has a great impact on the evaporation process.

Used together, those two machines play an incredibly vital part in any restoration undertaking. Consider: Thoroughly drying out the area is the only way by which secondary water damage can be prevented, and the best way to do so is by the combined use of an air-moving machine and an industrial-strength dehumidifier. In addition, the water damage experts can also elect to use powerful chemical cleansers to destroy spores, mildew, mold and other fungi that might have already begun to grow in parts of your home.

Water Damage Experts Are Highly Experienced
You can depend on the experience of water damage experts. Whatever the cause of the damage, the experts are quick to use their extensive knowledge, training and experience to select the proper tools and right approach to carry out repairs effectively and efficiently.

Water damage experts are certified in multiple ways. For each type of certification level, they must demonstrate complete mastery of the corresponding restoration technique.

Ultimately, in the event of a fire or flood, water damage experts should be your go-to professionals for complete restoration services. Working in teams, they will use their combined years of experience and specialty equipment and tools to effectively repair your home in a quick and timely manner.

It is easy to hire Fort Mill water damage experts via professional restoration services, but you might need a referral from your home insurance provider before hiring them. However, once you have obtained said referral and instructed the restoration company to undertake the work, the water damage experts will respond immediately to begin the full and complete restoration process.

Contact your home insurance provider for more information and details concerning water damage experts.

Our Water Damage Restoration Process

Since every flood and water damage scenario is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. However, the overall water restoration process remains the same. The steps below detail our restoration process for the typical water-damaged property.

Step 1: Emergency Contact

Step 2: Inspection and Damage Assessment

Step 3: Water Removal/Water Extraction

Step 4: Drying and Dehumidification

Step 5: Cleaning and Repair

Step 6: Restoration

Rock Hill Storm Series: What To Do After a Flash Flood

7/27/2015 (Permalink)

Pay attention to local radio and TV for information about the weather.

Storm Series: What To Do After a Flash Flood

If a Rock Hill flash flood has hit your business or home, you are probably wondering what to do. There are a few things that you should do right after a flash flood:

• Pay attention to local radio and TV for information about the weather. Even after water has receded, there might be danger of flooding. News outlets will let you know when it is safe to go outside or return.

• Assess the utilities, and switch off the electricity if you see broken or frayed wires, see sparks, or smell any smoke or burning insulation. If you need to go through water to get to a circuit breaker or fuse box, talk to an electrician regarding what to do. If you have damaged sewage and water lines, immediately contact a licensed plumber. If you can smell propane or natural gas, leave the area right away and contact your Fire Department.

• Make sure not to drink well water or tap water until it has declared free of contamination and safe for drinking. Do not even use it to wash your hands, wash dishes, make ice, or prepare food. If you have an undamaged water heater or any melted ice cubes, you can use these instead. If you do not, and you really need water, the best solution is to boil water for a minimum of 1 minute, and then cool it down and store it in clean containers.

• Use bleach, as it will kill some bacteria. Mix eight drops of regular liquid household bleach with a gallon of water, and let it sit for half an hour before using it.

• Be protective, keeping an eye on all children and pets.

• Stay away from flood-ravaged areas.

• Pay attention to barricades that have been put up to protect you. Also, stay off of roadways, to avoid hazards and to enable emergency workers to have easier access to victims.

• Avoid moving water. Six inches of this water is enough to knock you down, and a couple of feet can actually move vehicles. This water is more dangerous than it appears.

• If you absolutely have to travel through a Rock Hill flood damaged area, be extremely careful. Wait until there is no moving water, be sure to wear sturdy shoes, and gauge firmness and depth of ground before taking every step. Watch out for contaminated water, hidden animals, electrical hazards, hazardous debris, eroded walkways and roads, and other types of danger associated with traveling. Do not enter any building that is surrounded by flood water, until it has been declared safe so that you can be sure that it will not collapse due to weakened structures.

• When you are in the process of cleaning and repairing, make sure to get the help you need. Call SERVPRO if you need restoration services for items that have been damaged by water. Once the water has receded, meticulously clean and disinfect every what item, so that you can protect everyone there from potential contamination. Make sure that you wear protective clothing, such as boots and rubber gloves, while you are doing your cleaning. If you have a lot of water damage, you may need mold remediation, upholstery cleaning, and carpet cleaning to restore your home.

• Any food items that have come into contact with flood water should be disposed of, including canned goods, baby bottles, bottled water, and even plastic utensils.

• Make sure to only hire reputable and professional contractors for any repair and clean up needs. Be wary of potential scammers.

• If your basement is flooded, drain only about a third per day, as overly rapid water removal may cause structural damage or collapse.

• Talk to your insurance agent about Rock Hill flash flood recovery claims, as the typical homeowner's insurance policy will not cover this damage.

• Pay attention to your radio or TV, as you may see helpful information about assistance that is available in your region.

What To Do After Flooding

• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
• Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
• Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
• Gather loose items from floors.

What NOT To Do After Flooding

• Don't leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
• Don't leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
• Don't use your household vacuum to remove water.
• Don't use television or other household appliances.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.

Our Water Damage Restoration Process

Since every flood and water damage scenario is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. However, the overall water restoration process remains the same. The steps below detail our restoration process for the typical water-damaged property.

Step 1: Emergency Contact

Step 2: Inspection and Damage Assessment

Step 3: Water Removal/Water Extraction

Step 4: Drying and Dehumidification

Step 5: Cleaning and Repair

Step 6: Restoration

Tips to prevent or reduce storm or flood damage in Fort Mill:

7/21/2015 (Permalink)

It is not possible to prevent floods and storms from happening, but there are things that you can do to minimize the damage from these events.

Tips to prevent or reduce storm or flood damage:

It is not possible to prevent Fort Mill floods and storms from happening, but there are things that you can do to minimize the damage from these events. The following is a list of some of the actions that can be taken:

• Make sure to check your roof regularly and keep an eye out for worn concrete, missing or slipped tiles, or cracked or loose flashings.

• Make sure that all of your gutters and drains are free of debris. Debris can block pathways for water to go through, which can lead to severe water damage in your home in the event of high rainfall.

• Trim back any large branches, particularly if they are dead, that overhang the main structure of your home or any outbuildings.

• Be aware that Fort Mill flood damage and damage that is the result of lightning could clear out the hard drive of your computer. Back up your computer, so that you do not risk losing any sentimental material, such as family photographs, if this happens.

• Keep all of your valuables locked away in a safe place, so that they are at minimal risk of damage in the event of a flood. An ideal container would be one that is waterproof and kept on a higher floor within the building.

• Make sure that you keep sandbags in stock; ask your local council about sandbags, as they may be able to provide them.

• Procure temporary flood protection equipment, including removable covers for floorboards and vents, such as air bricks, in order to assist in the protection of doors and windows that could be susceptible to damage in the event of a flood.

• When you are in the process of refurbishing or decorating your house, make sure to use materials that would be resilient in the event of a flood. For example, you could use ceramic tiles on ground floors. An additional idea is using rugs in lieu of carpets. Additionally, you can move any electrical sockets and kitchen units above ground level.

• Make sure that an emergency kit is ready at all times, and make sure that you keep it somewhere that will be easily accessible in the event of a storm. Any kit of this type should include the following items: first aid kit, list of local emergency numbers, insurance details, torch, bottled water, portable cooking equipment, canned food, portable radio with spare batteries, waterproof boots and clothing, and blankets.

What To Do After Flooding

• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
• Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
• Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
• Gather loose items from floors.

What NOT To Do After Flooding

• Don't leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
• Don't leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
• Don't use your household vacuum to remove water.
• Don't use television or other household appliances.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.

Flood Damage Rock Hill - Is Your Property Prepared for Flooding?

7/20/2015 (Permalink)

Prepare for flood damage before it happens

When preparing for a storm, you might be thinking about flood damage in Rock Hill but are you really prepared for it? One of the first priorities prior to a storm is grabbing food and extra water. The second is flashlights and batteries. After you have all the emergency, personal things accomplished, it's time to think about what happens if there's a flood. Will you be prepared?

Being prepared for a flood doesn't only involve sealing the cracks in your foundation or making sure the pump in the basement has enough fuel. There are other concerns like the type of insurance coverage you have on your property if and when a flood happens to you.

Insurance Coverage

Many people are under the impression that their homeowner's insurance covers flood damage. Unfortunately, most policies do not cover flood damage even though they cover storm damage. Flood insurance might need to be purchased separately. If you have flood damage in your policy, find out exactly how much it covers. Will it cover the cost of fixing a sewer backup? Is there a cap on the amount that the policy will cover? These questions are important to ask long before you have a problem.

Contractors

When you have a problem in your home, it's essential that you have a list of contractors that you trust. All the research into contractors' policies, work ethic and reliability should be done before the contractor is needed. The local utility or public works department should have a list of contractors on hand for the public. Don't keep the list without vetting the possibilities before you need to hire them. To find out if your home is at risk for flooding, contact the possible contractors for a walkthrough of your home. This will help you research and become comfortable with the contractor before you ever need their emergency services.

Flooding and the Sewer

When an area floods around your home, it's not only your home that is impacted. The entire area can become overflowing and that includes the sewer. The sewer connections in your home could become backed up and cause unsanitary conditions. When water enters the sewers from a variety of sources during a flood, it's called inflow. The contractor that you hire to do a test on your home can find out whether you have any source of inflow problems long before a flood situation takes place. He'll need to make sure there's a proper backflow valve.

It's a good idea to have a flood or elevation map of the area surrounding your home. Even homes that are not near the coast can have flooding problems. Very dry areas cannot handle sudden heavy rains so they would be a serious problem during a big storm with potential torrential rain. When you're preparing for your next flood, make sure you have the proper help through insurance and contractors before there's a flooding problem.

SERVPRO of Rock Hill & York County  is locally owned and operated, so we’re already nearby and ready to help Fort Mill, SC residents and business owners with any size cleaning or restoration emergencies.

We are proud to serve our local communities:

• Fort Mill
• Rock Hill
• Tega Cay
• Lake Wylie
• Clover
• York
• Sharon
• Hickory Grove
• Mcconnells
• Riverhills

Problems That Can Happen If You Don't Hire Professionals To Handle Flood Service In Fort Mill For You

7/16/2015 (Permalink)

Flood damage in Fort Mill businesses and homes

Floods happen in a lot of areas around the world, and you never know when the water from the flood is going to affect you and your home or business. Everyone hopes this doesn't happen to them, but unfortunately it does. When you have water in your home or business from a flood you need to hire professionals to handle flood service in Fort Mill for you.

When you don't hire professionals to handle this issue for you there are problems that can happen that most people don't know about. It is smart for you to learn what these problems are now so that you can understand how important it is to hire the professionals right away.

Below are the most common problems that can happen.

One: Water can be left behind - Anyone can clean up water that you can see, but not everyone knows or thinks about water getting into areas where you can't see. The professionals do know this, and they will look in all areas to ensure that the water is gone.

For example, water can seep into cracks in the walls or under the flooring. Any water that is not cleaned up will cause another problem to happen.

Two: Mold can grow - This is another problem that no one wants to happen in their home or business, but if there is water left behind after a flood that wasn't cleaned up then this will become a problem for you.

The professionals will clean up all the water, even in areas where it can't be seen before they leave your home. That will stop this second problem from happening to you.

Three: Structural damage to your home or business - This can become a major problem, and an expensive one. Water can cause the structure of your home or business to deteriorate, and that can cause the structure to become weak and unsafe.

By hiring the professionals from the beginning of the water problem you can prevent this problem. They will get the water cleaned up right away from all areas so that your home or business is safe to live or be in again.

You can clearly see that hiring the professionals for flood service in Fort Mill is definitely the smart step to take because they have the knowledge, experience, time and equipment needed to stop all of these problems from happening to you. Just be smart and call in the professionals from the first sign of water damage to your home or business from a flood so that you can have peace of mind knowing that the problem isn't going to become a bigger problem for you later on.

Summary: Floods happen in a lot of areas around the world, and you never know when the water from the flood is going to affect you and your home or business. Everyone hopes this doesn't happen to them, but unfortunately it does. When you have water in your home or business from a flood you need to hire professionals to handle flood service in Fort Mill for you. 

Check us out at BBB for more info.

When A Fort Mill Flash Flood Is Over The Cleanup Begins

7/13/2015 (Permalink)

Fort Mill Flash Flood

When A Flash Flood Is Over The Cleanup Begins 

You didn't anticipate a flash flood, but it happened. A building that held your business or the place you call home has felt the impact of flood water. How should you handle this situation? What is the next step? Questions will fill a person's mind, and their emotions will be difficult to handle. Recovering from a flash flood will not happen quickly. It will take time to return to normal.

Remain Informed
When trying recover from Fort Mill storm damage, it's important to stay aware of events from the local media such as television or radio. Weather radio can also provide important information. There is always a chance of dangerous flooding even after the water levels have dropped. The news media will be able to provide information on when it will be safe to return or go outside.

Examine Utilities
If a person returns to a building and sees wires that are frayed or broken, smells burning insulation or sees sparks, the electricity needs to be turned off immediately. Avoid going into water to reach a fuse box. Ask for help from a professional electrician if this is the case. It is possible that a building's sewage or water lines have sustained damage. A licensed plumber needs to be asked for help. In some cases, people may smell propane or natural gas or hear a hissing noise. If this happens, a person should leave the area immediately and inform the fire department.

Do Not Consume The Water
When a flash flood has impacted a building or home, neither the well or tap water should be used for drinking or anything else. It is best to wait until the authorities declare the water does not contain any type of pollutants. It is best to get bottled water or water from a safe source to use until the building's or home's water is safe. Boiling water will kill most types of unsafe microorganisms. Bleach will destroy most types of bacteria. Eight drops for each gallon of water should be effective. Once the bleach is put in the water, it should not be used for at least 30 minutes.

Children And Pets
A flash flood situation is very dangerous. Children and pets need to be watched closely to keep them safe from harm.

Flooded Areas
It is important to stay away from flooded areas. Barricades should not be challenged. There could be a number of problems that are visible as well as invisible. This includes road damage, bridge damage, and a number of other problems. It's important to follow the recommendation of emergency workers. Avoid driving as much as possible and keep roads clear for emergency vehicles.

Moving Water
It's important for people to stay away from any moving water. It only takes half a foot of moving water to knock a person down. A few feet of moving water can sweep away most automobiles.

Traveling
When going any place after a flash flood, it will require the utmost caution. Traveling should only be done with necessary. It would be best only to go when the flood water is no longer moving. If going across flooded areas, a stick should be used to determine depth and firmness before each step. Contaminated water is a danger as well as dangerous debris, unnoticed animals, weakened roads and walkways can make traveling very dangerous by both foot or car. Do not go into any building surrounded by flood water. Wait until authorities have declared it to be safe.

Get Help
SERVPRO can be contacted to restore items in a building or home that have been impacted by water damage.

Cleaning and Disinfecting
Once the floodwater has lowered, it is time to begin the process of cleaning and disinfecting all wet items in a home. This will protect homeowners from chemical contaminants as well as sewage and more. Wearing protective clothing such as rubber gloves and boots is essential during this process. In many cases, to eliminate the damage caused by Fort Mill storm damage, it may require upholstery cleaning as well as carpet cleaning, mold remediation and more.

Throw Away
Any food in cans or jars that came in contact with flood water need to be thrown away. It's also a good idea to get rid of any plastic utensils, bottled water, baby bottles and more that were in flood water.

Scammers
After every flood, there are going to be fake contractors who will try and take advantage of the situation. This is the time to only work with reputable contractors who are professional. They will provide the best cleanup and repair service.

Drainage
When a building's basement get flooded, it is best to drain it slowly. Experts recommend approximately 1/3 each day. This is a safe drainage method and will prevent structure damage. If water is removed too quickly, it could cause a structure to collapse.

Insurance Claims
Once a flash flood has happened, it's time to contact the insurance company and start the claim recovery process. Many homeowner policies do not cover Fort Mill flood damage. Confirm flood coverage prior to a flood.

Help
When trying to figure out recovery steps from a flash flood, it's important to stay in touch with the local television and radio. They can provide important recovery information such as government and other organizations to contact. SERVPRO is able to restore any building or home impacted by a flash flood. Contact us immediately, and the work will begin as soon as you need.

Locally Owned Company with National Storm Resources

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

Heavy flooding and water rescues Sunday morning

7/13/2015 (Permalink)

flooding

MOORESVILLE, Ind. (July 12, 2015) – Heavy thunderstorms swept through Indiana early Sunday morning leading to flooding and water rescues in some areas.

“It was like a river,” said Mooresville resident Judy Ransome Moone while describing her yard.

Mooresville fire got help from four other township fire departments and the DNR to make about a dozen water rescues in the area. Some of those people were able to go back into their homes, while others were sent to Paul Hadley Middle School to connect with the Red Cross and find hotels.

Timmothy Long, his wife and their two dogs were rescued from their home by a boat.

“I think I lost everything.  It’s one of those things where you have no control over it and right now there’s really nothing I can do,” Long said.

Parts of State Road 67 were also closed as flood waters crossed over the highway.  The highway opened-up shortly after 6 a.m. Sunday.

Morgan County wasn’t the only area to get hit hard.

Residents of Princes Lakes and Trafalgar reported strong winds — so strong people thought a tornado had gone through the area.

Johnson County dispatch reported multiple homes damaged from downed trees.

Power outages also affected more than 2,400 customers around central Indiana.  According to the Duke Energy website, Monroe County had the most outages with 1,469.  In Indianapolis, IPW was reporting 324 outages as of 5:30 Sunday morning.

The Red Cross has been working to help families affected by flooding. If you’d like to help or donate, you can learn more by clicking here.

Don’t let the spring storms cause water and flood damage in your Fort Mill or Rock Hill home

6/30/2015 (Permalink)

Drying out flood damage

With storm season underway, there are unfortunate cases of flooding and power outages taking place all over. The humidity and flooded areas create a perfect combination and environment for mold to grow, giving you more than just flood damage to take care of. The sooner the water damage is cleaned up, the less likely there is a chance for mold to produce, leaving you with less to cleanup in the end. According to Angieslist, there are important steps to take in order to prevent mold damage after a flood.

Flood damage cleanup

1.     Remove furniture and upholstery to clean or repair separately.

2.     Start by using a wet/dry vacuum to get rid of as much water as possible so the water is not sitting. 

3.     Use fans to circulate air and speed up the drying process. A dehumidifier can also be used to remove the excess moisture in the air to prevent mold growth.

4.     Once the water and moisture is cleared, start cleaning and treating the carpet and flooring throughout the flooded area. Steam clean any carpeted area to properly sanitize and check the padding under the carpet to ensure that it does not need replaced. Carpet padding usually needs replaced when a flood occurs.

5.     Clean walls and baseboards with warm water and soap to remove any residue. Then apply bleach and water mixture to sanitize the surface. 

Water damage produced from a flood can be dangerous and cause illness due to the bacteria sitting in the water. It’s important to act quickly when it comes to flood and water damage to prevent illness and worse damage to occur.

Source - http://www.angieslist.com/articles/6-steps-prevent-carpet-mold-after-water-damage.htm

Burst pipes in Fort Mill and Rock Hill,SC

1/27/2014 (Permalink)

With the recenct cold weather in the area SERVPRO has been working around the clock to handle burst water pipes for homes and business. We have had more calls than we can handle and had to bring in other SERVPRO franchises to help. If you are still recovering from a burst water pipe in your home or business please look at some tips on what to do till we arrive. For more information about us visit SERVPRO of Rock Hill & York County. We are here to help.