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Hurricane Season Is Here – Steps to Prevent Water Damage and Protect Your Property | SERVPRO® of East Mecklenburg/Matthews
9/20/2024 (Permalink)
Quick and efficient hurricane response from SERVPRO of East Mecklenburg/Matthews helps minimize damage and restore your property faster.
Hurricane rainfall presents an opportunity for water damage to your Matthews, NC property. Leaks and floods can cause significant harm and may require you to temporarily vacate your building while it's being restored. This creates a challenge, as you’ll want to get back to business as usual as soon as possible! Furthermore, severe leaks can lead to floods, increasing the risk of exposure to mold, chemical hazards, injuries, and more.
Fortunately, these inconveniences are preventable! Whether your water emergency occurs in an office building or a big box store, it’s imperative to take proactive measures to prevent leaks and damage to your property. Keep an eye out for the following:
Damaged Windows
Water can seep through windows that aren’t properly sealed, leading to mold buildup and wall damage. Since caulk—the material often used to seal windows—breaks down over time, be sure to have your windows resealed regularly.
Broken Pipes
Changes in pressure throughout the year, along with cold weather, can cause pipes to break or burst. Although there are some telltale signs of this issue, such as water stains on walls or floors or a musty smell, detecting leaky pipes can be challenging. It's best to consult a professional to determine if your property has broken pipes.
HVAC Problems
During hurricane season, colder temperatures may lead us to turn up the heat. However, ducts in the HVAC system can wear out and become damaged over time, especially during extreme weather, causing leaks. Therefore, it’s essential to clean the system regularly and remove any accumulated water. As with broken pipes, identifying leaks from an HVAC system can be difficult, so consulting a professional is recommended.
September is one of the rainiest months in Charlotte, NC, and across the Southeast. With this in mind, it’s important to stay ahead of potential water damage issues.
One of the best ways to prepare is by creating a SERVPRO® Emergency Ready Profile. This immediate plan of action outlines how to restore your building after a disaster and resume business operations quickly. Additionally, we utilize 360-degree technology to document preloss conditions, including your equipment and its placement before the disaster struck.
If you want to prepare your business for future disasters, contact SERVPRO of East Mecklenburg/Matthews today, and we’ll help you create an Emergency Ready Plan.
Expert Kitchen Fire Restoration Services for Matthews Homeowners | SERVPRO of East Mecklenburg/Matthews
8/15/2024 (Permalink)
Homeowners in Matthews can count on SERVPRO of East Mecklenburg/Matthews for top-notch kitchen fire restoration services.
Kitchen fires are a common problem for homeowners—especially around the holiday season. Home chefs spend more time cooking dishes and preparing for parties. These larger meals often include elaborate dishes that require roasting, broiling, or baking.
It’s essential, particularly during this time of year (and all year round), to consider the primary ways you can make your kitchen a safer place. Many of these safety measures are simple. Experts recommend staying at home and near the kitchen while you’re using the oven and remaining close to the stove when it’s in use. Read more about kitchen fire safety from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
Timers can be helpful, too, as they can remind you to check on what you’re cooking.
Even careful chefs sometimes deal with kitchen fires and the damage they can cause. If this happens in your home, there’s a team of local experts in your community who can ensure your home is restored to its original condition.
Count on Our Team
Matthews’ homeowners know they can trust us when they need help with fire damage remediation. Here’s why:
We Prioritize Restoration
Our team helps families recover from fire damage in a way that’s both logical and economical. Learn more about our fire damage restoration process. By working with you to meet your needs, we can help you find ways to save money on repairs.
We Work Outside Business Hours
Getting started early on restoration efforts can make a difference. That’s why our team is here to help you whenever you need our services. All you have to do is call us and someone will be there to assist.
We Understand All Aspects of Restoration
House fires can do more than simply destroy property and belongings. When a fire occurs, soot and smoke can linger, causing damage on their own. Additionally, water used to fight the fire can lead to water damage and even mold. Find out more about how we address water damage. You need a company that can handle all types of potential damage.
We’re Local … and National
SERVPRO of East Mecklenburg/Matthews has access to a full set of resources, training, and best practices from a reputable national company. But we combine that access with the unique knowledge gained from being actual members of our community. Learn more about SERVPRO’s national resources.
If you have fire damage in your home due to a kitchen fire, you can count on us for restoration assistance. Our team is always ready to meet your needs and help you restore your home. Contact us at any time to learn more about our restoration services.
How SERVPRO® Can Restore Your Matthews, NC Water Damaged Home | SERVPRO® of East Mecklenburg/Matthews
11/2/2023 (Permalink)
If water damage in Matthews, NC has left you with an unwanted mess, consider a professional water restoration service to restore your home.
If water damage in Matthews, NC has left you with an unwanted mess, you should consider professional water restoration services to restore your home.
Once more than a small puddle has accumulated on your floor, and more than a mop and bucket are required for cleaning up, call the professionals from SERVPRO® of East Mecklenburg/Matthews. Their services will restore your property to its pre-water damage condition while preventing structural deterioration and mold growth.
There are several essential steps that we will take to get your property back in excellent condition
Water extraction is the top priority. However, before this can be initiated, an assessment and inspection will be done to stop the source of the water (if applicable). The rapid water removal will lessen the ongoing damage caused by the absorption of walls, ceilings, carpeting, upholstery, and fabrics, not to mention wooden structural materials. Naturally, the severity and volume of the standing water will dictate the correct course of action. No guesswork is involved since that careful inspection has set the tone for restoration. Our water damage restoration experts will arrive with multiple types of equipment. Truck-mounted water pumps, ride-able water vacuums, sump pumps, wet vacs, and squeegees are all ready. Sump pumps can quickly remove large volumes of water from critical areas like basements or lower-level rooms.
We will inventory each room that has sustained water damage. We have a proprietary software program developed by our SERVPRO® Corporate Office called the CCIS. The Contents Claim Inventory Service report will list items and building materials as salvageable, non-salvageable or questionable. This detailed report will help with your insurance claim and save you money. We will cooperate with you and your insurance adjuster in the water damage restoration process. We are considered a preferred vendor, or at the top of the list, of over 300 insurance and property management companies. We can help alleviate stress from the entire claims process.
Moisture mapping is a process of determining moisture levels, in real numbers, throughout the affected areas of your property. This may include infrared detection for temperature variations, moisture meters, and hygrometers to ensure all hidden pockets of water or moisture are uncovered and dried. We utilize large, powerful air movers to increase circulation, thereby increasing the evaporation rate of unwanted water and humidity. Chemical and mechanical dehumidifiers are also installed for rapid and thorough drying. The final touches include fogging with specialized equipment to deodorize and to sanitize your home.
Choose SERVPRO® of East Mecklenburg/Matthews Today!
Call us if your Matthews, NC, property has water damage that needs restoration. Our industry experts are IICRC-certified, which means industry standards have been met for professional water damage restoration protocols. We enhance this training with corporate and franchise-level reinforcements. With the use of e-training to maintain cutting-edge techniques and tools, we can offer you outstanding service. We aim to minimize the costs and inconvenience to you as we restore your home to preloss condition, "Like it never even happened."
Locally Owned and Operated
We live and work in this community, too; we might even be neighbors. As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO® of East Mecklenburg/Matthews is close by and ready to respond 24/7 to your flood or water damage emergency in Matthews, Mint Hill, Charlotte and Providence. We are proud to be of service and are only a phone call away (704) 847-8001.
Consider Doing a Post-Storm Damage Check for Your Home | SERVPRO® of East Mecklenburg/Matthews
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
If you have pooled water around your foundation or find moisture in your home, SERVPRO® of East Mecklenburg/Matthew is here to help.
Storm damage can be highly unpredictable. Even if a storm does not feel severe or frightening, damage to your home remains a genuine possibility after every severe weather incident. With high winds, hail and heavy rains, there are many ways that storm damage can occur all around your home.
In every case, catching this damage early on is your best bet for remedying it without too much hassle or headache. Damages can quickly compound and give rise to secondary issues if left unnoticed, so catching it early is critical. Fortunately, by doing a post-storm damage inspection after every storm, you will be far more likely to catch these problems quickly so that you can call us.
2 Things to Check on Your Home After a Storm
Check for Any Pooled Water Around the Foundation
Moisture is the No. 1 enemy of the longevity of any home, but just because you do not have any visible leaks does not mean you are in the clear. As soon as possible after a storm subsides, check around your foundation for any spots of pooling water.
This may indicate that you do not have adequate drainage around your home, and over time, this can lead to moisture seeping into the foundation and causing issues. If you do not have damage yet, installing more drainage pathways can often remedy the problem quickly.
Do a Visual Examination of Your Roof
Of course, climbing on your roof after every storm would not be practical (or safe), but doing a from-the-ground inspection can give you a good idea of if you need to call in a professional—you can even use binoculars to get a better look.
Missing shingles or areas where they appear loose are a clear sign that you should get an expert’s opinion and potentially have the roof patched. The roof is your first line of defense against any type of moisture getting into your home, and can quickly lead to severe leaks or other issues if not addressed.
If your home has been damaged due to a storm, you can depend on SERVPRO® of East Mecklenburg/Matthews to take care of it. Our trained restoration technicians are here 24/7 to help you out. Get in touch today so we can come take a look.
The Importance of a House Fire Evacuation Plan for Your Family | SERVPRO® of East Mecklenburg/Matthews
8/8/2023 (Permalink)
Be prepared with a Family Fire Escape Plan
We can all say that we would like never to experience the traumatic event of a house fire. Not only can they damage your property due to how quickly they can tear through a home, but they can also put your family in harm’s way and cause injuries and fatalities.
You can help mitigate the damage a house fire causes to your family by ensuring you have a solid house fire evacuation plan in place that everyone in the household is educated on. Simply getting out of the house and to safety can dramatically reduce the fire-related injuries your family may endure. Here are some tips as you plan:
Planning Your House Fire Evacuation as a Family
Make sure every room has two exits. First and foremost, ensuring your family members have a way to get out of the house if a fire starts is key. Every room should be equipped with at least two exits so that no matter where a fire starts, someone will be able to get out. If you have rooms upstairs, consider purchasing an emergency ladder for each one and storing it in the closet, just in case.
Get out in under two minutes. Executing your fire evacuation plan should take two minutes or less to avoid the dangers of smoke inhalation. This is why it is important to rehearse the drill regularly—in a real fire, there will be no time to hesitate, so ensuring everyone knows what to do is vital.
Install smoke alarms. As soon as your smoke alarm sounds, that is when your fire evacuation plan should kick into gear. Make sure you have an adequate number of smoke alarms in your home and that you are testing them every month to ensure they are still operational. Your manufacturer will have instructions based on how often they should be replaced, but generally, every ten years is what is recommended.
SERVPRO® of East Mecklenburg/Matthews are the experts when it comes to fire restoration. If a house fire damages your home, our restoration technicians are always "Here to help." You can get in touch with us 24/7 to report your damages, and we will always respond quickly.
Tips for Backyard Fire Pit Safety | SERVPRO® of East Mecklenburg/Matthews
8/2/2023 (Permalink)
Remember to take safety precautions while enjoying your backyard fire pit
Having a fire pit in your yard is a fantastic asset and a great way to make the most of your outdoor space in the evenings. While they are quite enjoyable, fire pits introduce a hazard to the backyard space, as with anything with an open flame.
The good news is that there are simple precautions that you can take to make good use of your fire pit while still prioritizing safety. Many things that cause fires to get out of hand are entirely preventable, so knowing the proper safety tips is critical.
Safety Tips for Your Backyard Fire Pit
Make sure it is not too windy
The main danger with a backyard fire pit is that the fire will grow and spread to other, non-contained parts of the yard. One way to prevent this is by ensuring you do not have a fire on extra windy days. The wind can whip flames and move them to anything flammable in your yard, which can quickly get out of hand.
Keep a fire extinguisher nearby
An appropriately classified fire extinguisher is advised every time you have an open flame present, and a backyard fire pit is no exception. Ensure you can extinguish the fire quickly if it grows out of control to avoid having a disaster on your hands.
Keep a safe distance
While absorbing the warmth of a fire is great on chilly nights, be sure you have a setup that allows you to do so from a safe distance. Chairs, clothing and hair are all flammable, so avoid allowing anyone to inch too close to the flames.
Heed no-burn warnings
Depending on weather conditions, rainfall levels and other factors, it is common for areas to issue no-burn warnings when it is hazardous to have a fire, and it is a must to heed these. Not only can it be quite dangerous to burn on these restricted days, but it may also subject you to fines and fees from the city or county.
If your home is damaged due to a fire, SERVPRO® of East Mecklenburg/Matthews is here to help. You can get in touch with us at any hour to report your damage and receive a rapid response. Contact us to learn more.
Is Restoration the Best Route for My Home After Damages? | SERVPRO® of East Mecklenburg/Matthews
7/14/2023 (Permalink)
Have you sustained property damage and are not sure what to do next? SERVPRO® of East Mecklenburg/Matthews is available 24/7 and ready to assist you.
If you have discovered that you have damage to your home, whether it be due to fire, water or some other incident, you are likely trying to figure out what comes next. Your insurance company will cover many types of damage, but claims for things like water damage can get pricy quickly. Fortunately, working with a qualified restoration company is a fantastic way to save.
Choosing restoration for your home is a cost-saving measure because it prevents you from having to liquidate all of your items and go through the expensive replacement process. It is also a great way to keep the things you love that could not be replaced and the items that make your house feel like a home. Read on to learn a little bit more about how we handle the restoration.
How We Handle Household Restoration After Damage
We can handle all the rebuilding. While many types of damage can be hidden, there are also quite a few cosmetic situations to take into account. Small things, such as the paint on the walls or the finish on the floors, do not feel small if they are not properly restored after damage occurs. We handle all the aspects of rebuilding and putting these cosmetic touches on so your home is recognizable when you walk through the door.
We can work with your insurance. We can handle all the back-and-forth of the insurance claim, so you do not have to. Not only does restoration keep the cost low, but we can also reduce the hassle you endure by handling this difficult process on your behalf.
We can save the things you love. Simply replacing items fails to account for all the memories, sentiments and emotions that the objects in your home hold. The loss after damages can be emotionally devastating, but by saving sentimental things when possible, we can help your family heal.
If you have damage, it is best to call us as soon as possible so we can respond quickly. Get in touch 24⁄7 to start the process and dispatch a restoration team quickly.
What to Do if a Thunderstorm Catches You Outside | SERVPRO® of East Mecklenburg/Matthews
9/9/2022 (Permalink)
Lightning commonly strikes the tallest object in the area.
Thunderstorms can be frightening no matter where they occur, but if one catches you while you are outside and away from a shelter, it can be terrifying to endure. While checking weather alerts is always a wise thing to do before heading out, storms tend to pop up suddenly this time of year as they thrive off the heat and humidity.
While being in a building during a thunderstorm is the safest option (with being in your vehicle a close second), knowing what to do next is vital if you are away from buildings and cars when a storm strikes.
How to Seek Shelter From a Storm if You Are Outdoors
Get to low ground. Lightning takes the most direct route to get to the ground, which is why it commonly strikes the tallest object in the vicinity. While this is not absolute, getting low to the ground reduces your chances of being hit. Avoid hills or wide-open spaces, and try to crouch in a less exposed area if possible.
Avoid being near tall objects. Being extremely close to an object struck by lightning is almost as dangerous as being hit yourself, so avoid tall objects when possible. Trees, light poles, flagpoles, and even fences are more likely to attract lightning, so avoid them if possible to not be a target yourself.
Get away from water. Water is an excellent conductor of electricity, so if lightning strikes a body of water, everyone nearby is in danger. If you are swimming, get out of the water as soon as the first clap of thunder sounds, which signals that lightning is nearby. If you are on a boat and can not get to shore before the storm begins, drop your anchor and crouch down in the boat, or go into the cabin if your boat has one on board. Avoid touching any metallic surfaces in the boat, as well.
If a storm damages your home or business, you can count on SERVPRO® of East Mecklenburg/Matthews to help. We are here 24/7, so you can report your damage and get a rapid response. Contact us today to learn more.
Ways To Prevent Water Damage
9/9/2022 (Permalink)
Water damage in a laundry room due to faulty hoses.
Here at SERVPRO® of East Mecklenburg/Matthews, we are water damage specialists and compiled a small list of how to prevent water damage from happening in your home:
- Clean Gutters and Downspouts - Clean your gutters at least twice a year to avoid blockage. Standing water can cause damage to your gutters and roof. Do not forget to clean downspouts to ensure water can flow through, and secure downspouts so that they point away from your home.
- Know your Water Main - Know the location of your water main and shut it off if you leave for an extended amount of time.
- Check Appliances Regularly - Check and maintain your appliances regularly for leaks according to the manufacturer's directions.
- Investigate Leaks Right Away and Fix Promptly - If you choose to ignore any water damage, or postpone making the necessary repairs, be prepared to experience mold, mildew, dry rot, or even structural damage to your home.
- Upgrade Washing Machine Hoses - Old, brittle, or leaky washing machine hoses are among homeowners' most frequent water loss causes. Replace yours often throughout the year to avoid expensive damage.
- Check Your Water Pressure - If the water pressure in your home is too high, your pipes and hoses may fail under high pressure. Buy a water pressure gauge at a local hardware store, attach it to an outside faucet, and turn the faucet to full force. The gauge will give you a reading of the home's water pressure. Typical homes' water systems are designed for a pressure of 40 – 70 psi. Anything above 70 psi will put your plumbing at risk.
- Monitor Your Water Bill - Sometimes, the only way you know that water is leaking is by taking a closer look at your water bill. If your usage jumps significantly from one month to the next, there is probably a leak somewhere in the home.
If you experience water damage, don't worry, SERVPRO® of East Mecklenburg/Matthews is Here to help. Call us at 704-847-8001.
Fire Damage In Your Matthews Home
8/22/2022 (Permalink)
House with fire damage
Experiencing fire-damage in your Matthews, NC home can be quite traumatic. Once you come to terms with the loss of valuable possessions, you also need to think about cleaning up and restoring your house. Here are some steps to follow when dealing with a fire.
Do Not Enter a Home Damaged by Fire
After a house fire, a professional need to inspect the home and make sure it is safe. The structure could be damaged or there may be dangerous chemicals in the air that could cause respiratory problems. The electrical systems in the home could also be affected and cause electrocution. Although you may be tempted to go back into your home to access the damage, you need to wait until a professional gives you approval
Contact an Insurance Agent
Your insurance agent will assess the damage and determine what type of coverage should be included in your claim. An adjuster will come out to your home to provide an estimate of the damage and can recommend a fire restoration company. SERVPRO® of East Mecklenburg/Matthews can clean, repair damage, and restore your home as quickly as possible.
Call a Fire Restoration Company
Professional fire restoration companies have technicians who are trained to identify problem areas and determine what can be saved, what can be cleaned, and what should be disposed of. An experienced company will also inspect your home to determine if mold is an issue, and if so, begin working to remove it from the home.
Although dealing with a fire can be emotionally draining, working with a fire damage restoration experts can make the process easier. SERVPRO® of East Mecklenburg/Matthews is locally owned and operated. We are already nearby and ready to help make it “Like it never even happened.”
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