Restoration Services at First Baptist Church of Downtown Montgomery is ALMOST Complete! | SERVPRO® of Montgomery

7/19/2022 (Permalink)

“SERVPRO® of Montgomery knows what it means to have a disaster strike. We also know what it takes to fully restore your home or business."

After 309 days, SERVPRO® and the First Baptist Church of Downtown Montgomery are racing toward the finish line! Our teams have become one family, working together to make the terrible fire in early October of 2021 “Like it never even happened®”. 

We want to give you a quick update on the status of the Church as well as a little sneak peek at when we estimate the restoration will be complete. 

Since our last update, we have completed all carpets in the Main Sanctuary, the pews are replaced and secured, and we have completed the ceilings! All the walls have fresh paint, handrails are screwed tight, and the stairs are now in use. The only thing that remains is the lighting for the stage, cleaning the organ pipes, and resetting the choir loft. 

The grand piano initially taken out of the Church is being carefully brought back into the building and secured into its place. 

Fun fact! Did you know that over two hundred lightbulbs had to be replaced in the Main Sanctuary? Soot covered every light on the high ceilings, under the entrance, the balconies, AND the stage! 

The congregation will finally have their first morning of worship back in their Main Sanctuary on July 24th! Everyone is excited to be returning to one, big worship service. 

Our crews geared up and began restoration work in the Stakely Sanctuary yesterday. Monday, July 18th. We are removing pews, replacing carpeting, restoring the plaster, and replacing the stage floor. We are so excited to move on to this next phase of restoration! 

SERVPRO® Construction Managers estimate it will take approximately three to four weeks to restore the Stakely Sanctuary. From there, we will move on to the six elevators replacing the carpets with wood. The fellowship hall will have the carpet replaced as well. 

As of right now, SERVPRO® and First Baptist Church of Downtown Montgomery are projecting early fall for the completion of this project. Our crews have worked tirelessly to fully restore this Church for nearly a year since the fire damage occurred. 

With over 350,000 square feet of flooring affected, and soot taking over every surface in the building, we finally have an end in sight! This job will be bittersweet as we will miss our First Baptist Family. 

Stay tuned for another update coming soon! 

If you find yourself in need of fire or water restoration services, SERVPRO® of Montgomery is ready to make it “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 334.284.1612 to see how we can help you. 

Easy Ways to Prevent Fires in the Summertime | SERVPRO® of Montgomery

7/18/2022 (Permalink)

“Most structure fires are preventable. SERVPRO® of Montgomery is Here to help® show you how to be fire safe.” 

Making your home safer from fire hazards isn’t as difficult as you may think. You can add simple steps to your daily routine and simple home maintenance items to your checklist to lower your risk for common causes of structure fires. With summer heat blazing, it is essential to know what can spark a fire and how you can prevent it.

Know how to fight a grease fire.? 

Grease fires are a well-known cooking hazard. Part of their danger is because water cannot extinguish grease fires; it makes these events worse! When grilling, keep a fire extinguisher handy. Metal pan lids and baking soda can also work for smaller grease fires.

Pro tip: When using a charcoal grill, let your ashes cool before discarding them. 

Keep Your Burn Areas Free of Debris

One of the popular activities to do in the summertime is to host bonfires or burn yard debris. Ensure all fire areas are at least 15-20 feet clear of flammable objects. Keeping a water hose nearby is also a good idea to prevent rogue flames from spreading. 

Fully Extinguish Cigarettes in Safe Containers

Such a small thing as flicking a cigarette on the ground can cost thousands of dollars in damage. With this heat, it takes seconds for flames to spread throughout a building. Encourage others to fully extinguish their cigarettes and place them inside a cigarette receptacle.

Use a Mosquito Stand or Candle Properly

Everyone hates mosquitoes and summer bugs. They seem to be everywhere! While many of us see mosquito candles or stands as necessary, be sure to extinguish their flames when away from the lit area.  

Keep your smoke detectors working. 

Everyone should test their smoke detectors year-round to ensure they are operating correctly. Fires can start within seconds, and you need a way to be alerted to danger. Testing your smoke detectors, changing their batteries twice each year, and replacing them every ten years will ensure they continue to help protect your family. 

Consider switching to battery-operated candles

Scented candles are trendy but also pose a significant fire hazard. Switching to battery-operated candles lowers your threat of a house fire for obvious reasons.

Like most other disasters, fires can be powerful and challenging to contain, especially when the conditions are hot and dry. SERVPRO® of Montgomery encourages you to be fire safe and heed caution during these summer months. 

If your home is damaged due to a fire or any other cause, you can always count on us for restoration assistance. We have crews who are available 24⁄7 in the event of an emergency. Contact us anytime to learn more about our fire restoration services and how we can help your family. 

Recovering at Your Business After a Disaster Strikes | SERVPRO® of Montgomery

7/15/2022 (Permalink)

“SERVPRO® of Montgomery has seen it all when it comes to disasters. Call us today for all your fire, storm, and water restoration needs.”

Careful planning and strategizing are a vital part of being a business owner, both for all your everyday business decisions and when it comes to emergencies. Disasters devastate businesses every single year, leaving many business owners confused and unsure of how and if they will be able to reopen. Through careful planning, you can mitigate quite a bit of this uncertainty. 

When considering how a disaster could impact your business, the first thing to be aware of is safety. Plan to ensure you and your staff will be safe when a dangerous situation arises. Consider how you will recover if there is damage to your building. Your restoration provider, insurance company, and customers will all want to keep in touch. You also need to have many resources available from organizations for financial assistance.   

Contact Your Insurance and Restoration Providers 

No two commercial insurance policies are the same, so getting in touch with your insurance provider quickly after damage occurs is recommended. The process of filing a claim will vary. Once you get the details settled with your insurance company, you should reach out to your restoration provider as quickly as possible so they can begin working on the damage. 

Keep the Community Updated 

Social media has made it easier than ever to keep in touch with your customers in real-time. Consider providing updates regarding your reopening timeline and any options customers have for supporting you while you work to recover (i.e., purchasing gift cards, making online orders, etc.). 

Consider All Your Options for Financial Assistance 

While a disaster is always challenging, business owners have plenty of resources available for recovery through the Small Business Administration. Their disaster loan program is quite possibly the most significant help, as it is easy to qualify for, offers flexible repayment solutions, and provides financial assistance for various post-disaster expenses. 

If your business suffers damage from a disaster, we are Here to help®.

Contact us at any time to report your damage or learn more about our commercial restoration services. 

Team Bowen Expands SERVPRO® Franchise Territory into Charlotte and Surrounding Communities

7/6/2022 (Permalink)

Here we GROW again! Team Bowen is ready to make it “Like it never even happened®.”

Team Bowen is excited to announce our expansion in Charlotte, North Carolina, which will add to the existing SERVPRO franchise in East Mecklenburg/Matthews. East Charlotte, Northeast Mecklenburg County, and South Mecklenburg County are now a part of the Team Bowen franchise. This means over 250,000 additional households and 8,000 businesses will receive support when in need of emergency response due to fire, water, or mold damage.

These additions are part of our commitment to helping our local communities flourish. We are available 24/7, 365, and are ready to take your call. Although we can’t prevent a disaster, we are ready for whatever happens!

“We are humbled yet excited to continue to grow and expand our market presence in the Charlotte community,” Bruce Bowen, CEO of Team Bowen, commented. “Our team of quality people who focus on excellent service, fairness, and mutual respect, have allowed us to expand our footprint and still provide that same quality service throughout the southeast. These locations are key to our regional coverage. Whether it is a storm event or a complex commercial/industrial loss, quick response time is critical. Our team has the resources, manpower, and equipment necessary to respond to these specific situations. We are the National Disaster Recovery Team.”

About SERVPRO®

For more than 50 years, SERVPRO® has been a trusted leader in fire and water cleanup and restoration services, mold mitigation, and biohazard and pathogen remediation. SERVPRO’s professional service network of more than 2,000 individually owned and operated franchises spans the United States and Canada, responding to property damage emergencies large and small – from million-square-foot commercial facilities to individual homes. When disaster strikes, homeowners, business owners, and major insurance companies alike rely on SERVPRO® to make it “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO® Team Bowen

In 1977, Barry and Beth Bowen decided to follow their passion for service to others with their careers and set out on a mission to build a reputable and respected property damage restoration company in Tuscaloosa, AL. Having grown up entrenched in the family business, it was no surprise when the current owners, Bruce and Brian Bowen, took over in 2004. Now based in Montgomery, AL., the Bowen Team has franchise locations in Montgomery, AL., Norcross, GA., Charleston, SC., and Charlotte, NC. Today, due to their continued dedication and hard work, we are a leader and trusted name in mitigation, remediation, restoration, reconstruction, and premier cleaning throughout Southeast and U.S.

Our team has more than a century of combined restoration experience. Each team member is equipped with unique and practical skills to excel in every project and exceed the expectations of our customers. Furthermore, we have an extensive inventory of restoration equipment designed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of every facet of mitigation and reconstruction for damaged homes and businesses that we serve, no matter how big or how small.

Click below to find more information on our expansion:

SERVPROeastcharlotte.com 

SERVPROsouthmecklenburgcounty.com

Summer Grilling Safety | SERVPRO® of Montgomery

6/28/2022 (Permalink)

“SERVPRO® of Montgomery is Here to help® if your summer grilling goes from flames to ashes.”

What better way to spend a summer night than grilling out with your loved ones? Summertime is the season for enjoying hamburgers and hotdogs out by the swimming pool with ice-cold lemonade in hand. While one may think it is easy to light the grill and start cooking, there are a few safety measures you should take. 

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) warns families that the onset of the summer season also marks a rise in home fires started by outdoor grilling activities. According to the NFPA, on average, 10,600 home fires are started yearly by grills. July is the peak month for grill fires, followed by June, May, and August. 

Did you know that 61% of U.S. households own a gas grill? 64% own at least one outdoor BBQ, grill, or smoker. The popularity of this outdoor cooking equipment combined with longer, warmer days creates a unique fire hazard that should be taken seriously. 

The NFPA offers these essential tips for fire-safe grilling. 

For Gas and Propane Grills 

Always check the gas tanks for leaks before using them. Clean the connection between the propane tank’s cylinder valve and regulator output with soapy water or a specific leak detecting solution. The cylinder valve must be slowly opened. If there is a leak, bubbles will form.

Opening the lid to a gas grill before lighting is essential for safety. Gas can quickly fill your grill if the top is closed, causing the flame not to be able to escape and creating an explosion.   

For Charcoal Grills 

Only use charcoal starter fluid to start the fire. NEVER add it or any flammable liquids to a fire that is already burning. It can cause an uncontrollable fire causing harm to any structure or persons around you.

Also, ensure coals are completely cool before you dispose of them in a metal container.

For All Grills 

Place your grill far away from any structure as well as deck railings. Do not place under eaves or branches. Maintain clear surroundings near your grill. Grills need proper ventilation to avoid carbon monoxide and smoke building up to dangerous levels. 

Remove grease and fat buildup from grills and tray after each use. Cleaning will improve the safety of your grill and the taste of your food. 

Key Reminders 

• Never leave the grill unattended when in use. 
• Keep children and pets at least 3 feet away from the grill. 
• Clothing is highly flammable. Keep shirt tails, sleeves, and apron strings tucked in, so they do not dangle over the grill. 
• If the flame goes out on your grill, wait to re-light! A minimum of five minutes should pass by before restarting your fire. 
• Have baking soda on hand for a grease fire and a fire extinguisher nearby for other fires. If you do not have a fire extinguisher, keep a sand bucket next to the grill. NEVER use water to put out a grease fire. 

Basic precautions set the stage for a safe and enjoyable outdoor cooking experience. Life is unpredictable, but you can take steps to control the risk of house fires. Whether you are a summer grilling warrior or a year-round grilling pro, we can all agree that the only smoke we want to smell is the sweet aroma of steaks and vegetables cooking. 

SERVPRO® of Montgomery specializes in fire and water restoration, helping to remediate damage for commercial and residential customers. Contact us today at 334.284.1612 for all your restoration needs. 

Firework Safety and Hazards | SERVPRO® of Montgomery

6/25/2022 (Permalink)

“More fires are reported on July 4th than any other day of the year. Use caution and be safe when using fireworks.”

Independence Day is just around the corner, and you know what that means! Celebrating our freedom, parades, remembering our country’s history, enjoying tasty food, swimming, and watching FIREWORKS! Many of us look forward to spending the day with our loved ones and watching fireworks together.

Did you know that China invented fireworks as a tool to frighten evil spirits away? They believed lighting fireworks would scare them back into the underworld, shunning them from entering our earthly world. The only thing you should be frightened of now is using fireworks irresponsibly. 

Each July 4th, thousands of people are injured while consuming fireworks, most often children and teens. Despite the dangers of fireworks, few people understand the associated risks, including devastating burns, other injuries, fires, and even death.  

Let’s Talk About Statistics

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission 2020 Fireworks Annual Report, there has been a fifty percent increase in deaths and injuries since 2019. The same report shows an estimated 16,000 injuries reported for fireworks and 900 injuries reported for sparklers. Of those injuries, 44% were severe burns comprising 14% eyes, 22% head, face, and ears, and 31% hands. With statistics like these, it is crucial to know how to be safe and prevent injuries.

Light In A Safe Area 

When using fireworks, you want to ensure you are lighting them in a safe location. The ground must be clear of trees or brush, with ample open space. Make sure it is flat and sturdy as well. Fireworks must be used away from structures, people, and flammable objects.

Ensure Your Fireworks Are Legal

Check your local laws and regulations to ensure that fireworks in your area are legal BEFORE buying or using them. Some counties do not allow for the use of fireworks and can carry hefty fines.

Light Fireworks Responsibly 

It is essential to light one firework at a time. Remove the firework from the container, light it with a long flame lighter, and move away quickly after lighting the fuse. Ensure anyone observing the fireworks is maintaining a safe distance. Remember, do NOT try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks! Soak them in water and ditch them immediately. 

Position fireworks away from homes, trees, and shrubbery. Never point or throw fireworks at another person. Never hold lighted fireworks in your hand. You want to ensure the safety of everyone and prevent as many injuries as possible. 

Sparklers Are More Dangerous Than You Think 

Sparklers alone can burn up to 2,000 degrees resulting in severe burns. That is as hot as a blow torch, and that level of heat can burn through some metals! Sparklers can quickly ignite clothing; many children have received severe burns from dropping sparklers on their feet. According to the National Fire Protection Association, sparklers account for more than 25% of emergency room visits for fireworks injuries. For children under five years old, sparklers accounted for nearly half of the estimated injuries. Children must be heavily supervised if you allow them to use fireworks. 

Supervise Children Closely

Ideally, children should not use fireworks. The highest number of reported injuries comes from  . Ensure you have close adult supervision if you allow children to use fireworks. Do not allow children to play with or light fireworks unattended. 

Disposing Fireworks Properly

It is a good idea to keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby in case of a fire. After fireworks finish burning, douse them with plenty of water from a bucket or garden hose before discarding them. 

Fireworks can not only lead to severe injuries but also destructive fires. House fires, damaged entertainment venues, and wildfires are typical results of the misuse of fireworks. Know how to use fireworks safely and how to educate those around you on taking safety precautions.  

Should you find yourself with fire damage because of fireworks, SERVPRO® of Montgomery is ready to make it “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 334.284.1612 for all your fire restoration needs.

The Latest Scoop on First Baptist Church of Montgomery | SERVPRO® of Montgomery

5/27/2022 (Permalink)

“SERVPRO® of Montgomery and First Baptist Church have become one team working together to restore our local Historic church.”

We are aware that everyone in the community has been keeping a close eye on the status of the devastating fire that occurred late last September. SERVPRO® of Montgomery and First Baptist Church of Montgomery have worked side-by-side to restore the Historical Church to its original state. Now we are here to give you the most recent updates! Let’s start from the beginning and review the events bringing us to today. 

The suspect started the fire in the Main Sanctuary, pouring gasoline from the back doors to the pulpit. Before exiting the church, she stopped at the reception desk, soaking it in gasoline and lighting the match! Flames engulfed the Church, and the Fire Department was notified of the emergency. Thankfully the carpet was flame retardant, so the fire did not spread the way she intended. Regardless, the damage was already done. The fire damage spread throughout the six-story building, traveling through walkways and air ducts. Soot covered every organ pipe, speaker, microphone, baseboard, window, and ceiling tile. Because the church is such a massive building, you can imagine the work we had cut out for us. 

One of the perks of being the #1 Restoration Company is our footprint and resources. First Baptist Church called us to assist, and we reached out to our SERVPRO® family across the Southeast. Within 24 hours, we were all hands-on deck! We immediately jumped into action, bringing in two trailers and over one hundred and fifty crew members ready to make it “Like it never even happened.”  

We went to work immediately, wiping, scrubbing, painting, washing, and restoring everything in our path. SERVPRO® uses specialized cleaning products to remove soot and grime from materials. These cleaning products allow us to restore instead of replace items, especially when artifacts are not easily replaceable. We can proudly say that we have been able to restore more than half of the damage that occurred in the Church.  

All walls have a fresh coat of paint. All baseboards have been cleaned, painted, repaired, and reinstalled. The carpet has arrived and is now laid within the two Sanctuaries. Paintings have been appropriately cleaned and are hanging back in place. Every handrail, doorknob, and light switch are free from soot. 

The pulpit is back in its original place. Organ pipes visible to the congregation are clean, and we are working on the pipes behind the wall. 

The Sanctuaries have fifty-foot ceilings with ceiling tiles made in the early 1900s. Some of these tiles could not be restored, so we arranged to have ceiling tiles custom-made to match the rest of the building. We also brought in scaffolding to access the high ceilings. After several weeks, the crew successfully put all the ceiling tiles in place, and they look brand new!  

We are still waiting for the arrival of new pews but expect it will not be much longer. It is a process to have every item fully restored, but things are moving quickly!  

SERVPRO® of Montgomery is dedicated to restoring the Church to its original state. While there is still work to complete, we are finally in the home stretch! The First Baptist Church Montgomery family has been so patient during the restoration process, and we are now part of that family. Months of working side by side with one another have created a close relationship. We have even given each other nicknames! While we will rejoice when the building is fully restored, we will also be sad when it is over because we will miss the second home we have been in every day for nearly a year. Stay tuned for more updates on how the restoration process is going! 

It is not just about the restoration process for SERVPRO®. We truly invest our time and efforts into serving our community. We understand how devastating disasters can be, and we are Here to help® you. Contact us today at 334.284.1612 for all your restoration needs! 

Appliances Can Cause Water Damage to Your Home | SERVPRO® of Montgomery

5/25/2022 (Permalink)

“SERVPRO® of Montgomery is ready for when disaster strikes! Call us today at 334.284.1612 for water mitigation in your home.”

When you hear "water damage," people often think of flooding because of a natural disaster. While these two examples are possible, did you know that water damage is usually caused by broken or leaking appliances?

If an appliance is connected to a water line, it can cause costly damage to your pocket. Dishwashers, refrigerators, washers, water heaters, and toilets can all leak and destroy your property. Let us take a moment to discuss what this means for your home and how we can help you prevent a water disaster. 

Maintenance is Key 

Everyday appliances require regular maintenance. They rarely receive the attention they need to avoid burst pipes, leaks, and other problems that result in damage. 

Dishwashers have a hot water line that is prone to leaks near or at the connection, a door gasket that should remain tight, and a drain that must remain clear. If any of these become loose or worn over time, it can quickly lead to flooding in your home. It is good to check these every few months to ensure all is working correctly. 

Washing Machine failures are common when regular maintenance falls by the wayside. These machines can vibrate violently or move during a wash cycle which can cause hoses to be subject to damage. The hot and cold-water hoses should be replaced every four to five years even if they look like they are in good shape.

Water Heaters hold and continuously transfer water from installation to replacement. This results in normal sediment buildup in pipes, fixtures, and the tank itself, leading to massive loss if not maintained. Nothing causes more damage to your home or business than a burst water heater. Water heaters should drain once a year to eliminate sediment buildup on the bottom of the tank. Check the area around the base periodically. When the bottom becomes corroded, the whole tank may give out, causing a steady stream of running water. 

Toilets can cause water damage if the wax seal on the bottom wears out or the inlet hose develops a leak. Toilets leaks are one of the most common reasons SERVPRO® receives calls for help. The hoses used for cold-water inlets are generally substantial, but you should check the connecting ends for leakage at least once a year. Toilets typically do not flood an entire home or business, but they can still cause severe damage. By checking the connections regularly, you can significantly reduce the chances of a leak.

Refrigerators and Icemakers can leak inside the appliance or on the surrounding floor. The hoses can warp over time, causing leaks. Just because the appliance is running does not mean it is safe. Beware of mold growth inside your refrigerator and freezer. Mold growth can occur from insulation slowly drying once plugged back in. It is good to clean your ice maker routinely. Throw out the ice and flush the dispenser for three to five minutes. Make sure to wash and sanitize the bins.

How to Prevent Leaks 

To avoid water damage in your home or business, use these preventative steps for plumbing, fixtures, and appliances: 

• Inspect all water hose connections to ensure they are snug. 
• Look for wet spots; this may signify a soon-to-burst pipe or loose connection. 

• Check dishwasher hoses for leaks. 
• Clean and check the refrigerator drip pan and ice maker connections. 
• Make sure the dishwasher float switch is clean and not corroded. This mechanism tells the dishwasher when to stop filling with water. A broken switch can lead to significant flooding. 
• Inspect drains under the sink. If you notice any discolored or warped flooring materials, look for leaks around the sink's base.
• If you have noticed your sink is clogged, and the water is not draining correctly, you may have a blocked drain. Drains should be clean and always be kept clear.
• Annually look around the base of each appliance for leaks, discoloration, and warping floor materials. If you notice warping materials, you may have a leak where you cannot see them.

Homeowners should know where water supply lines are and how to shut them off properly. It is good to educate anyone who lives in the home, so they know how to shut off water valves if you are not nearby. 

Should you have a flood in your home, avoid walking through the floodwater. Your home is full of electrical outlets and equipment that can become dangerous when exposed to water or excessive moisture. Appliances can short circuit or start a fire. Moreover, it can cause user harm. A professional should always inspect appliances before use after a flood has occurred in your home. 

Gas lines or your water heater may have also shifted. A rotten-egg odor is a huge red flag that gas is leaking. If you smell this odor, you need to leave your home and immediately call 911. Do not switch on any lights, use anything that conducts electricity, or create an open flame. Any of these can ignite the leaking gas and cause a deadly explosion.

When flooding occurs in your home, call a professional to ensure your environment is safe. SERVPRO® of Montgomery is waiting to make it "Like it never even happened." 

Water Damages: What it Means and How Quickly it Spreads | SERVPRO® of Montgomery

5/23/2022 (Permalink)

“There is no need to stress when water damage comes your way. SERVPRO® of Montgomery is Here to help®!”

You may have heard us say, “SERVPRO® can handle all your water restoration needs!” While that is true, what does water damage mean? Better yet, how long does it take for water damage to occur? How can you best prevent water from causing costly damage to your home or business? 

What is Water Damage? 

Water damage is caused by a water intrusion that attacks a material or surface, saturating everything in its path. Natural flooding, leaky roofs, burst pipes, broken dishwashers, and ruptured water heaters are potential causes of water spewing into your home.

Even a seemingly harmless leak can be problematic and costly. Water damage can absorb materials, rust steel, and rot wood. Leaks can damage drywall, insulation, flooring, carpets, and hardwood. Flooding can also cause structural damage to your building and the longer water sits, the more likely it can result in microbial growth. That is why the extraction process must begin immediately to prevent further damage.

How Long Does It Take for Water Damage to Occur? 

Water can cause destruction instantly. As a leak or flood spreads, it will soak everything in its vicinity. Personal belongings can immediately bulge and warp beyond repair. Soft furnishings and upholstery will soak through, and walls and floors will begin to absorb the water. Drywall, furniture, wooden doors, and window frames can swell. Plus, paint or wallpaper can peel or blister, impacting electrical systems. Check out these timelines listed below, showing just how quickly water can cause damage to your home. 

Within the First Day:

Within the first 24 hours of a leak or flood, microbial growth development, damage to flooring, walls, electrics, and structural issues can occur. Water spreads rapidly through everything it touches.

Within the First Week: 

Water damage is developing further. Microbial growth can spread rapidly throughout your home or business, which can cause health effects. Damage to wood surfaces and walls intensifies, and metal surfaces start corroding.  

More Than a Week: 

Wood surfaces begin to rot. Prolonged water exposure can completely ruin drywall, carpets, and soft furnishings. Chances of microbial growth being in your environment have skyrocketed. 

If you leave water damage for more than a week, the time, costs, and effort involved in any restoration work increase significantly. Restoration and repairs should start within 24-48 hours from the incident to reduce the spread of microbial growth and the risk of severe structural damage. 

How Long Does It Take Dry? 

Depending on the level of water damage, it could take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to dry out the home and make the required repairs. SERVPRO® skilled technicians are trained to know which steps are necessary to complete the restoration process.

Remember that water damage is not always visible to the naked eye. Water can soak through the bottom of materials where you cannot see them. What you cannot see can still hurt you, and dry to the eye does not mean “dry.” SERVPRO® uses specialized equipment and moisture readers to gauge moisture levels. This ensures your home or business can be fully restored to its original state. 

What Steps Should You Take Once Water Has Spread? 

On you discover a leaking water source inside your home or business, it is crucial to immediately shut off the source inside your home or business. Call a plumber if necessary. 

It is important to remember to shut off the electricity if the water is near power outlets or cords. Electricity can be hazardous when combined with water. If the breaker box is in a dry location, turn off the electricity. If it is wet or you must stand in water to access it, call your utility company to request they turn it off. Water is a conductor, and electricity can travel through it quickly, increasing the risk of severe shock or even death. 

Call your restoration specialists at SERVPRO® of Montgomery immediately to prevent further damage to your home or business.   

Call your insurance company and notify your agent of the water loss. SERVPRO® of Montgomery will work closely with your insurance company to restore your home to make it “Like it never even happened.” 

How Can You Prevent Water Damages? 

• Inspect your roof twice a year or after a storm 
• Clear your gutters at least once a year 
• Keep pipes covered during cold snaps
• Routinely check your appliances to make sure they are in good standing 

Being ready means preparing for the unknown. Of course, we hope you never find yourself needing our services. However, should a disaster strike, we want you to know we are Here to help®. 

When water damage occurs to your home or business, please do not wait to repair it! Call SERVPRO® of Montgomery at 334.284.1612 for all your water restoration needs! 

What Happens After Water Damage Occurs to Your Home? | SERVPRO® of Montgomery

5/21/2022 (Permalink)

“Water damage is rarely easy to manage. Do not worry, though! SERVPRO® of Montgomery is Here to help®!!”

Storms have been plowing through Montgomery the last few weeks. It seems like we experience a severe weather alert every other day. SERVPRO® of Montgomery cannot prevent harsh weather. However, we CAN equip you with the knowledge necessary to manage water damage after a storm.   

Flooding in your home can be a damaging, devastating event. Heavy rain or burst pipes can easily land you in this overwhelming position. Relax, we are here to help!   

Be Aware of Your Surroundings 

Your belongings are replaceable, but your family is not. Stay aware of your surroundings to ensure your family is out of harm’s way. Below are just a few examples of safety concerns to recall after a storm.  

• Beware of electrical safety hazards. Do not step into a flooded area in contact with electrical outlets, appliances, or cords. Electricity can be dangerous if you are not careful. Adding water will only intensify the danger.  
• Stay out of rooms where ceilings are sagging just in case they collapse.  
• Within hours, water damage can lead to microbial growth. Do not wait to begin mitigation on your home. 

When you face a disaster, your first thought may not be, "What safety guidelines should I follow?"  However, it is by far the most important thing you can do. Whether it is the local gas company, water company, or a restoration specialist, call a professional right away if you notice any of the above conditions in your home.  

Contact a Professional

Within 24 to 48 hours, water damage cleanup should begin. Contact a water damage restoration company, such as SERVPRO® of Montgomery, immediately. Waiting too long to begin remediation can cause further damage. Once we arrive on-site, we will assess the damage, create a game plan, and begin the process!  

Start Cleanup 

Before we arrive, you might start trying to clean up the mess. Although tempting, do not use a household vacuum to remove water. Instead, use a mop to clean up any excess water. You should gather colored and loose items, like rugs, from the floors. They can leave a stain behind if they soak in water. Find a place to hang these items outside to air dry. We will take it from here!

Water Removal 

Our technicians use moisture readers to determine how saturated your materials are. We use those readings to create a restoration plan unique to your needs. Powerful pumps and vacuums remove thousands of gallons of water. Air movers and dehumidifiers are strategically placed throughout the damaged space to remove moisture from the air and help dry materials.

Cleaning and Sanitizing 

Water damage can destroy expensive and meaningful items like furniture and clothing. It can leave a musty smell behind. Our specialized cleaning techniques, air scrubbers, and fogging equipment restore materials to their preloss condition. They also sanitize your belongings and remove any unpleasant odors. 

Restoration 

Sometimes, restoring your water-damaged property will require reconstruction. It can be as small as replacing drywall panels or as large as rebuilding rooms on the property. Our reconstruction crews are on standby to make every disaster “Like it never even happened.”   

Whatever water problems may occur, SERVPRO® of Montgomery is here to offer a solution. If your home suffers from water damage, you can count on us to help. Contact us today at 334.284.1612 for all your water restoration needs! 

Pop-Up Showers and the Damage They Leave Behind | SERVPRO® of Montgomery

4/26/2022 (Permalink)

Summertime showers can be last minute and leave a trail of storm damage behind. When the unexpected happens, SERVPRO of Montgomery is Here to help®.

Only a few more weeks, and it will finally be summer! The feeling of sweet sunshine on our skin and laying out by the pool with an ice-cold lemonade in our hand is within reach. Many people consider summer their favorite time of year for a reason. However, summertime also brings strong pop-up showers that can leave destruction behind. SERVPRO of Montgomery is here to tell you how to prepare for the last-minute storms and how we can help.

Summer thunderstorms can “pop up” out of nowhere, thus giving them their name. Most will be harmless and leave that pesky, humid air behind. However, others can leave downed trees, power loss, and cause flash flooding.

Our advice is to remain weather aware. Meteorologists can often predict what is coming. Unfortunately, summer showers do not always give them the advanced notice we would like. So, how do you stay prepared if you are not sure when severe weather will strike? 

1. Have multiple sources to receive weather alerts. Battery-powered radios, weather apps, and local weather stations are all fantastic assets to have on hand.?
2. Watch for cumulonimbus and stratocumulus clouds. Learn what each type of cloud means and how to spot signs of potential bad weather.  
3. Secure all your belongings. High winds can turn unsecured objects into missiles. Loose items such as lawn furniture and children's toys should be stored away when not in use.
4. Keep your trees ten to fifteen feet away from the house. Seek professional help to cut down trees that are dying or appear unstable. 
5. Have an emergency kit readily available. Keep first aid items, flashlights, and batteries on hand. It is also a great idea to keep a camp stove nearby that you can use during power outages. 

Thunderstorms, also known as electrical storms or lightning storms, are characterized by the presence of lightning and its acoustic effect on the Earth's atmosphere, known as thunder. Although most thunderstorms are harmless, they can cause massive problems including floods, hail, and roof damage. More potent thunderstorm cells are capable of producing tornadoes and waterspouts.

On average, only ten percent of all severe thunderstorms reach the destructive category each year. Most of these more significant, more intense storms are damaging wind events. During these storms, the most important thing you can do is to remain calm and call a professional, like SERVPRO of Montgomery, when damage occurs. 

Once we receive the call, our teams dispatch immediately to head to your home. Our Crew Chiefs and Production Managers will assess the damage and create a restoration plan unique to your needs. Whether your home is hit by lightning, the roof is caving in, or a tree is not part of your living room décor, SERVPRO is ready to make it “Like it Never Even Happened." 

One of the most complex parts of our jobs is witnessing disastrous events with homes. We may see it every day but watching someone's home get torn apart never gets easier. Our team's work ethic, compassion, and desire to make a difference is our driving force behind assisting our community in their time of need. 

Thunderstorms can be just as destructive as a tornado. Straight-line winds, hail, lightning, and flooding can wreck your home. SERVPRO® of Montgomery is an emergency response team for a reason. We are on stand-by for our communities 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call us today to handle all your storm, fire, and water restoration needs.

What to do When Caught in a Lightning Storm | SERVPRO® of Montgomery

4/18/2022 (Permalink)

“Lightning storms pose an imminent threat of harm to yourself and your home. SERVPRO of Montgomery is ready when disaster strikes."

Severe weather has been knocking on our doorstep lately. You have heard us speak about tornadoes and thunderstorms. Now, let’s discuss the dangers of lightning storms and tips and tricks on staying safe. 

Lightning is extremely dangerous. In fact, over the last 30 years, lightning has killed an average of sixty-seven people per year. Most lightning-related deaths are preventable if you take the proper measures.

Remain Weather Alert 

First and foremost, your safety is what matters. Watch the local news to catch forecasts of upcoming severe weather events and be prepared to take shelter if needed. Keep multiple sources nearby to ensure you receive weather alerts. Cancel events when news of potential high-risk weather is coming. Hot, muggy days are just what a thunderstorm needs to breed additional storm cells.

Find Shelter 

When the storm approaches, take shelter. If you detect lightning, it is already close enough to strike. Do not stand under trees or in flat, open spaces. These areas can attract lightning strikes. If you cannot find a building, a vehicle with a metal roof and sides will suffice. The car will conduct electricity around you, not through you.

If you cannot find shelter in a building or a vehicle, find a place where you are shorter than your surroundings. Standing near light poles or isolated objects, lying down on concrete, and leaning on concrete walls should be avoided. Concrete has wire mesh inside the material and will attract lightning. Once you have found somewhere safe, assume the "Lightning crouch" position.

Lightning Crouch? 

Squat down with your feet together. Tuck your head to your chest or between your knees. Cover your ears or place your hands flat against your knees. Do not lie flat on the ground, giving the lightning a larger target. 

Be Mindful of Your Surroundings 

Stay away from water, such as swimming pools and bathtubs. Do not touch anything electric like outlets or appliances. Do not go near windows or any glass panels. Glass provides a direct path for lightning to travel into. Do not forget to bring your pets inside during a storm. 

Did you know landline phones are the leading cause of lighting-related injuries? Cordless phones and wireless phones are safe for use during a storm.

Be Alert for an Imminent Lightning Strike 

If lightning is about to strike near you, your hair may stand on end, or you may feel a tingling on your skin. Light metal objects may vibrate, and you may hear a cracking sound. If you detect any of these signals, immediately assume the lightning crouch position. Lightning can also travel from one person to another. Ensure you have fifty to one hundred feet between each person when with a group of people. 

What to do When Struck by Lightning 

If someone is struck by lightning, call emergency services first. Despite the common myth, lightning CAN strike the same place twice. Make sure it is safe to help someone if they are struck by lightning. Do not endanger yourself trying to help a victim. Either wait until after the threat has passed or move the victim to a safer location.  

Lightning can cause cardiac arrest and requires aggressive resuscitation methods. Begin CPR on the lightning strike victim immediately. Do not remove burned clothing unless necessary. Treat the victim for shock by laying the victim down on their back with the head resting slightly lower than the torso. Be sure to elevate and support their legs. It is always best to have an emergency kit ready with first aid and disaster essentials. 

Remember that being struck by lightning is extraordinarily rare but not unheard of. Protect yourself, take precautions, and plan your response.

In the last few weeks, SERVPRO of Montgomery has received multiple calls from owners whose homes have been struck by lightning. Should you find yourself in this situation, call us at 334.284.1612 for all your storm remediation needs.

Safety First; How to Prevent Fires in Your Home | SERVPRO® of Montgomery

4/4/2022 (Permalink)

"Fire and water restoration is what we do best! Call SERVPRO of Montgomery at 334.284.1612 for when disaster strikes."

Making your home safer from fire hazards isn’t as difficult as you may think. Small things such as checking your smoke detector, keeping your appliances unplugged, and using space heaters properly can make all the difference in preventing fires. Here are some tips on keeping your home safe for you and your family. 

Fire Prevention is Key 

Many fire prevention tips are easy to add to your home safety routine. They are cost-friendly and can make your family safer by lowering your risk of a house fire.

Know How to Fight a Grease fire 

Grease fires are a well-known kitchen hazard. Grease fires can be extremely threatening since water cannot extinguish them. Water makes these events worse. Instead, keep a fire extinguisher nearby. Extinguish smaller grease fires using metal pan lids or baking soda as well.  

Keep Your Fireplace Clear of Old Ashes 

If you enjoy using your wood-burning fireplace, be sure you are not letting the ashes collect there. Clean and dispose of your ashes safely after each use. 

Watch How You Use Your Space Heater 

Don’t plug your space heater into an extension cord. Use one of your wall outlets instead. Ensure your space heater surroundings have a clearance of at least three feet. When your space heater is not in use, keep it unplugged. 

Check Your Smoke Detectors Often  

Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly. Changing their batteries twice each year and replacing them every ten years will ensure they are fully operable to help protect your family. The smoke alarms should be interconnected and should all trigger if one alarm triggers.  When an alarm sounds, move quickly and safely outside your home. Treat every alarm as a serious matter. 

Consider Switching to Battery-Operated Candles 

Scented candles are popular, especially during the fall and winter months. They add a warm glow to your home and can smell delicious. However, scented candles can be a fire hazard if they are left burning while you’re not home or knocked over. Battery-operated candles eliminate these hazards. 

Keep a Fire Extinguisher on Hand and?Have Regular Fire Extinguisher Training 

They seem simple, but many people may not know how to use handheld fire extinguishers properly. Teach your loved ones the PASS method: Pull the pin; Aim low, at the base of the fire; Squeeze the lever firmly and Sweep the nozzle from side to side. Remember to routinely check your fire extinguisher to ensure it is up to code. 

Finally, have a fire evacuation plan for your family and practice it regularly, especially if you have small children or senior adults. Teach young children as soon as possible about the dangers of fires and what to do if one occurs. 

Fire prevention saves lives. Should your home have an emergency and need fire restoration, SERVPRO of Montgomery is here for you in your time of need. 

We Have Entered Into the Heart of Tornado Season | SERVPRO® of Montgomery

3/30/2022 (Permalink)

“You do not have to weather the storm alone. SERVPRO of Montgomery is here for all your storm remediation needs! Call us today at 334.284.1612.”

Here we are, folks! Once again, we have reached Tornado Season. Spring and early summer attract tornadoes due to the temperature constantly fluctuating between hot and cold. Tornado season peaks in the Southeast region during April and May while the Midwest region peaks during June and July. The US, however, records the highest number of tornadoes occurring during May, with a whopping average of 1,200 tornadoes per year.  

Meteorologists and weather services can sometimes provide advanced notifications of potential threats, but tornadoes can still occur with little to no warning at all. With the threat of tornadoes being the highest this month and the next for our community, SERVPRO of Montgomery wanted to give you a few tips and tricks to prepare.  

Stay Weather Alert  

Have a reliable source for severe weather. It is a great idea to keep your cell phones charged when you know a storm is coming. However, there is a chance of power loss, and there is no telling when power will return. Use your phone sparingly to conserve battery life. Keep a weather radio and batteries on hand to be able to receive potential warnings. Often, the threat is not over after the first storm blows through, and you must prepare for what might come next.  

Know the Difference Between Watches and Warnings  

A Tornado Watch means severe thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes are in the area. Watches should be considered just as dangerous as a warning. A Tornado Warning means there is a confirmed tornado in the area. It was either sighted or indicated on radar. You should ALWAYS take shelter when there is a tornado warning and remain there until the all-clear is received. 

What To Do and Not To Do During a Storm 

DO:

• Keep away from windows, doors, and open spaces 
• Take shelter in the innermost part of your home such as a pantry, bathroom, or closet 
• Watch the weather forecast and be aware of your surroundings  
• Ensure your safe space has flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, and a helmet to protect you from potential falling debris 

DO NOT: 

• Run outside to watch the storm 
• Think that you have plenty of time to get into your safe space when you hear the tornado coming  
• Leave your home during a storm unless you live in a mobile home or trailer. Seek shelter in another home or building before the storm. 

What Should You Do After a Storm? 

• Be mindful of your surroundings when leaving your safe space. Downed power lines, fallen trees, and gas leaks pose a dangerous threat to your safety.  
• Do not turn on anything electric until you are positive there isn't a gas leak. Clean any flammable liquids if possible. Leave the structure if you smell gas or chemical fumes.  
• Listen for shifting or unusual noises around you. These noises could indicate a structure is caving and may collapse. Watch your step and guide your family to a safe location.  
• Receive first aid when appropriate. If someone is severely injured, do not move them unless there is a danger of further injury.  
• Take pictures of the damage to your home and contents for insurance purposes. Documenting on-site will go a long way in speeding up the restoration process from the insurance side.  

SERVPRO of Montgomery understands tornadoes can be deadly and destructive. For this reason, we prepare for every disaster. We have a network of more than 1,900 franchises nationwide and hundreds of Disaster Response Teams. SERVPRO strategically mobilizes teams across the country to travel to support our community after storm events. We even have our very own Large Loss Division based out of Montgomery!  

When disaster strikes, do not panic. Remain calm and remember SERVPRO of Montgomery is only one call away.  

Slow Roof Leaks Can Cause Major Damage to Your Commercial Building | SERVPRO® of Montgomery

3/28/2022 (Permalink)

“If your business has damage due to a water leak, you can depend on us. SERVPRO of Montgomery is always here to help.”

Some may argue that the most dangerous damage to a building is a slow roof leak. Roof leaks are not always gushing waterfalls. Sometimes they are slow trickles that can cause extensive damage when left undetected. Damages can range from saturated materials to compromising structural integrity to microbial growth. No amount of damage is a good thing, but some are worse than others. 

What Can Cause a Roof Leak? 

Fierce winds, thunderstorms, hail, and snow can produce roof leaks. Poorly or improperly installed roofs and aging of roofing materials can also be the culprit. Since a roof leak can occur at any point, it is best to have your roof inspected once or twice a year. Contact a roofing specialist after a severe storm or if you notice the following signs.

Potential Signs of a Roof Leak 

• Discoloration of ceilings or walls 

• Discoloring or falling ceiling paint 
• Peeling paint or bubbling wallpaper 
• Crumbling drywall 
• Wood in attic decaying 
• Shingles that are curling, cupping, or missing 

• A persistent musty smell or foul odors 
• Presence of mold on ceiling and attic 

How Do You Know If You Have Microbial Growth? 

Microbial growth forms when spores in the air make their way into high moisture areas such as the bathroom or kitchen. If your commercial building leaks, the microbial spores could feed off the moisture and begin to spread. Microbial growth can be hazardous to the health of everyone in your building if not treated promptly and correctly. Once it sets into materials, it can be difficult and costly to remove. Microbial growth can also travel through HVAC ducts. Unresolved, it can result in a shutdown of the facility for health risks. It only takes a couple of days in the right conditions for mold to grow. Therefore, it is crucial for mold prevention to repair any structural damage as soon as it occurs. 

Tackle the Problem Before it Worsens 

The most important thing to remember when experiencing damage is to act fast. Waiting to repair or contain a leak can cause long-term damage and become costly. A roof leak may not be located where the actual damage is visible. Water can travel quickly and may be tricky to pinpoint the actual source. Just because water is not actively pouring from the roof leak does not mean that it will not happen in the future. If you see signs of a roof leak, minimize the potential damage and act now.

If you suspect water damage has occurred, contact SERVPRO of Montgomery immediately. Our trained professionals are on standby to perform water restoration and get your company back up and running in no time!

Two Companies Working Together for One Goal | SERVPRO® of Montgomery

3/18/2022 (Permalink)

“SERVPRO of Montgomery and CRDN work together to handle all your fire, water, and content restoration needs. We are only one call away at 334.284.1612

Most people know that SERVPRO of Montgomery can handle fire, water, mold, and storm remediation. SERVPRO trained professionals perform restoration and specialized cleaning in your homes and businesses. We also can restore certain contents that have been affected by a loss. However, there are a few things that we need special assistance with. That is where the CRDN of Montgomery comes in! 

Who is CRDN? 

CRDN of Montgomery is a textile, electronics, and art restoration cleaning company; Owned and operated since 2001 by John and Jim Massey. They understood losing your family's most precious treasures can be heartbreaking. So, John and Jim began their journey to better serve our community and open the very first CRDN franchise in the United States.   

Some of you may know John and Jim Massey as the owners of the popular Jim Massey’s Cleaners & Laundry. Operating both companies has given them insight into the cleaning and restoration process, allowing them to pioneer new processes in both businesses. Under their leadership, both CRDN and Jim Massey Cleaners possess the knowledge and experience to restore every precious content of your home.  

What do they do? 

CRDN’s certified professionals restore pieces ranging from clothing, electronics, rugs, family treasures, artwork, one-hundred-year quilts, and even shoes! They use biodegradable soaps and detergents to clean your contents of smoke, soot, mildew, and water. This, however, is no easy task. Decades of experience and technological advancements have allowed CRDN to craft the procedures necessary to bring each content back to its preloss condition. First, they enter specifics of each content into a specialized machine. This machine then tells them how long it will take to clean the affected content and which restoration process would be most effective. The fine tuning of this process over the years is what sets CRDN apart from other companies in the industry and is just one of the many reasons we are delighted to partner with them.  

Community Focus 

CRDN and Jim Massey have a primary focus strongly on the local community. They participate in Coats for Comfort, Yearly Prom Drives, and the Annual Lighting at the Zoo. This does not mean they neglect their global community, though. They strive to reduce waste and pollution of the planet. Their energy efficient systems help keep millions of pounds of textiles and electronics out of landfills, furthering their creed to respond, restore, and resume. 

How We Partner Together 

SERVPRO of Montgomery and CRDN of Montgomery are like peanut butter and jelly. We both are fantastic by ourselves but there is something magical when you put the two together. The relationship is beneficial to both parties, and we work to ensure you receive exceptional services in your time of need. When SERVPRO encounters a situation that requires specialized processes, CRDN is there to lend a hand. If CRDN encounters a job that requires fire or water mitigation, they do not hesitate to give us a call. Our combined experience and knowledge create the dream team. 

Just ask Janet Guthrie, General Manager, and a longtime employee at CRDN. “Our mutual knowledge, professionalism, and trusted reputations have given us the confidence to lean on each other’s shoulders in times of need. We value our partnership with each other and look forward to many, many more years of serving our community together.”  

Micheal Eisner, Former CEO of Walt Disney Company, would agree. “It is rare to find a business partner who is selfless. If you are lucky, it happens once in a lifetime.”  

SERVPRO of Montgomery and CRDN of Montgomery have one common goal: serving our local communities during their times of need. We both strive to restore peace of mind after a disaster and make it "Like it never even happened." 

SERVPRO® of Montgomery Offers All Restoration Services | SERVPRO® of Montgomery

3/17/2022 (Permalink)

“SERVPRO of Montgomery is here to help! Call us at 334.284.1612 for all your fire, water, and storm restoration needs.”

As a restoration services provider, we are deeply committed to providing expertise, experience, and customer service to our local community. SERVPRO of Montgomery has decades of experience in the restoration industry. Many of our trained technical staff hold at least one Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) in the fields of mold, fire, or water damage. By consistently providing quality training, we guarantee our community will handle property damage with minimum loss and as little distraction to their everyday lives as possible.?? 

Mold Remediation 

Microbial growth is an issue that requires expert remediation from our qualified restoration technicians. Mold spores are microscopic and spread through air currents. Fungi can spread through porous materials that may exist in regions of the home that have restricted access, such as loft spaces, insulation, and floorboards. The common signs of uncontrolled microbial growth may include a distinct musty odor or visible signs of mold on surfaces. It is not always necessary to perform expensive laboratory testing when mold damage is discovered, but you do need to enlist professional restoration services as soon as possible. 

Our Mold Remediation services involve accessing the extent of damage, establishing containments, and creating a remediation plan. SERVPRO technicians use agitative cleaning methods, as well as pressure cleaning. The first step is setting up a quarantine using plastic sheeting. During cleaning of the affected area or demolishing of infested areas, we control the spread by placing negative air pressure machines on site. Some materials need demolishing or replacement. Other materials can be treated with biocides or anti-microbial sprays to diminish the likelihood of recurring issues.

Water Damage Restoration 

The extent of damages that water incidents cause depends on how quickly we can remove moisture and dry the property. Once notified of a loss, we can prevent further damage due to our fast restoration process and quick response time.  At the same time, we have seen properties suffer permanent losses because of prolonged exposure to moisture. The priority is to dry the affected area as quickly as possible to prevent further losses to both contents and structure.

The key to successful water restoration services is tracing water from the source. Wet moves to dry, so the longer your property is exposed to moisture, the greater the extent of the damage. SERVPRO technicians perform a visual inspection then will mobilize special drying equipment to remove moisture from contents. We achieve this by removing the baseboard and drilling small holes into the bottom of your walls. Once we have accessed the root of the moisture, we circulate warm, dry air inside the cavity to ensure that moisture pockets are properly eliminated. This action will help prevent the likelihood of unwanted microbial growth.

Fire Damage Restoration 

Fire damage is an unfortunate event that can happen for many varied reasons. Leaving an electrical appliance on or getting your lamp too close to a flammable fabric can all cause property fires. Even a minor fire can result in extensive smoke damage to your walls, ceilings, or fabrics. Different types of smoke produced cause materials to combust and will require professional restoration services to avoid spreading further damage.  

Our fire restoration technicians conduct testing involving the type of smoke deposits in the home and the level of soiling. These pre-tests are vital in ensuring we take the correct approach to restore your property to its preloss condition. At SERVPRO, our first step in restoration is to minimize losses by ensuring the affected area is dried. Moisture, used in firefighting, can set soot in the fabric causing permanent damage. Provided the pre-test has shown that contents have remained durable, we can use rapid air-movers to dry out the property. Then we move on to the restoration step involving cleaning soiling, deodorizing, repainting, and refinishing areas that have sustained considerable damage. 

Storm Damage Restoration 

SERVPRO storm technicians are qualified in water restoration and applied structural drying (ASD.) After a storm, prolonged exposure to moisture can significantly harm your contents and structure, which is why our restoration services are vital to preventing further losses.

Our technicians will first test the property for structural weaknesses then bring in professional drying equipment. Extractors are used to remove excessive quantities of water. Dehumidifiers can be placed in the most affected areas of the home to dry the property. Our technicians will monitor daily to ensure the drying procedure is going according to plan. 

No matter what type of restoration SERVPRO of Montgomery is performing, our main priority is to create a safe environment in your home. We strive to make each disaster “Like it never even happened.” 

What to Do When Unexpected Storm Damage Comes Your Way | SERVPRO® of Montgomery

3/2/2022 (Permalink)

“Do you have storm damage to your home? No worries, SERVPRO of Montgomery is here for you!”

Technology has come such a long way in recent decades, but nothing is perfect. Raging storms will take you by surprise more often than you would like to admit. Regardless of the notice you may or may not receive, the real question is how prepared you are.

Are You Ready for The Unexpected? 

Are your outside structures sound? Is your lawn furniture secure? Is your home surrounded by mature trees? These things and more play an essential part in how significant your damage could be. High wind speeds can send a tree or large tree limb crashing down, taking your car, roof, or the walls of your home with it. Not only does this cause tremendous structural damage, but the gaping hole allows rainwater to freely flow into your home. All of this can happen in a split second, causing irreparable damage to floors, walls, furniture, and family treasures. 

You never know if or when this will happen to you, so it is best to have a plan. There is not much you can do physically to prevent further damage when there is a huge tree in your hallway. However, there are things you can take to lessen the likelihood of damage. Here are a few steps that will better ensure your safety and facilitate a quick restoration process.

Maintain Your Surroundings 

Clear any surrounding trees or large items that can potentially damage your home or vehicle. Trees should generally be 10 to 20 feet from your house, but this may change depending on the tree type and size. Secure any loose items that could blow into your home. This includes lawn furniture, grills, yard tools, and toys. 

Evacuate Once Damage Has Occurred 

Should storm damage occur to your home, get yourself and your family out of the house immediately. It is possible for a storm to cause downed power lines, gas leaks, or an instable home foundation. It is imperative to wait for the home to be inspected for safety hazards prior to reentering your home.

Taking the Next Steps 

Once you are safe, survey the damage and take pictures. Document everything for insurance purposes. Make sure you notify emergency services, if needed. Then call your insurance representative. Your insurance company will walk you through your coverage plan and discuss options. Lastly, don’t forget to contact SERVPRO of Montgomery for your water damage and fire restoration needs. Our technicians will schedule a time to arrive onsite and identify how much damage has been caused and create a restoration plan. We will also work directly with your insurance company so you can focus on other matters.  

Do not attempt to tarp the roof, replace windows, or clean water near the affected site by yourself. Repairing something yourself could unintentionally cause further damage to the home, or injuries to yourself.

If your home sustains water or fire damage due to a storm, you can count on us to help. We are available 24/7 to assist your family in your time of need. Call SERVPRO of Montgomery at 334.284.1612 for all your storm restoration needs. 

SERVPRO® Handles Any Type of Water Damage

2/10/2022 (Permalink)

“Call SERVPRO of Montgomery at 334.284.1612 for all of your water restoration needs!

Water damage can occur in a variety of ways. Sometimes the damage will only need minor repairs; other times, the damage is significant. No matter the size of the disaster, SERVPRO does it all. Last week we had horrible storms blow through our River Region. As a result, several homes and businesses suffered water damage, and a few had fire damage. SERVPRO of Montgomery received multiple calls from our community asking for help. Our crews worked tirelessly throughout the night and the weekend to aid everyone that we could. Our team was all hands-on deck assisting our community so everyone could return to normalcy as soon as possible.

Recently we received a call that a commercial building needed our emergency water restoration services. Our team was dispatched to the scene. An overhead sprinkler had been triggered due to a small fire on the 12th floor of the building. As a result, all twelve stories were saturated with water, including the hallways and stairwells. We extracted any standing water and then brought in drying equipment to begin the drying process. Air movers and dehumidifiers were strategically placed in affected areas to remove the moisture from the materials. SERVPRO employees worked non-stop for three days until we had restored the building to its previous state.

We also had multiple homes that needed our emergency water services. One house had rainwater pour in through their bedroom. When our crews arrived, they removed all carpet & padding, drywall, baseboards, and insulation in the room. Once all the affected materials were taken out, SERVPRO technicians placed drying equipment inside. After just a few days, the restoration process was complete!

We know that no time is ever a good time for a catastrophe and that it can be nerve-wracking trying to deal with it. SERVPRO wants you to know that we are here for you and always here to help.

Top Five Reasons to Call a Pro When You Suspect Mold |SERVPRO® of Montgomery

1/21/2022 (Permalink)

Mold is nothing to play around with! Call SERVPRO of Montgomery at 334-284-1612 so we can help.

Did you know there are over 100,000 different types of molds that exist? Not all mold is hazardous or is a threat to your environment. Some mold is good, and some are even used for medical purposes, but mold is not as easy to spot as you think. A few types grow in the teeny, tiniest places of your home where you would never think to look. It’s important to know when to call a professional if you suspect mold growth and to determine if it is hazardous. 

What causes mold and how does it survive? Mold often forms in areas with high humidity, uncontrolled condensation, flooding, and sometimes, slow plumbing leaks. Mold only needs a damp, moist environment and organic material to establish itself and thrive. Contrary to common beliefs, when mold is dry,?it is not dead!?Areas with mold must be cleaned properly for it to be eliminated from surfaces.  

Mold has a “musty” or “earthy” smell. Some people say it can remind you of old gym socks. Preventing mold can be key to ensuring your home is a clean and safe environment. Different ways to do this include keeping your house dry, removing wet clothes from the washing machine as soon as a cycle completes, and regularly cleaning your bathroom with antibacterial products. Also, don’t forget to change out your shower curtains and throw away old sponges, too. 

If you have mold on surfaces in your home or business, call SERVPRO of Montgomery. We will remove and repair any damaged products and clean and sanitize all surfaces. You can save money, time, and remain healthy by staying ahead of the game and calling SERVPRO when a professional is needed.  

Why You Should Always Choose SERVPRO® | SERVPRO® of Montgomery

1/6/2022 (Permalink)

Should there be an unfortunate fire disaster at your business or organization, call us at SERVPRO of Montgomery at 334-245-1258. “We are faster to any

There are quite a few fire restoration companies around which is why we know how hard it can be to decide which company is the “right” one for you. SERVPRO has been around for a long-time helping customers restore their homes, businesses and comfort. Our main goal has always been to make it “Like it never even happened.” Here are just a few reasons why SERVPRO has repeat customers and why we are number one in our area of expertise.

We have always been honest. Throughout the entire restoration process, we strive to have open and clear communication with our customers. We will tell you the extent of the damage, what it will require to repair your home or business and what that process will look like. We also follow through every step of the way. If we say we will do something, we ALWAYS do. We are also highly skilled and trained professionals. Every one of our staff members are certified to know the right steps in order to restore it like new. SERVPRO prides themselves on strong work ethic and following through until the job is complete.

When a local church in Montgomery, Alabama had a devastating fire in their building, they trusted SERVPRO to help. Fire damage is never an easy fix when you go through it alone which is why SERVPRO is ready when the catastrophes arise. We are selective in our hiring process to not only provide our customers the best of the best, but also to have compassionate, empathetic technicians who understand how difficult this process can be.

First Baptist Church of Montgomery recently posted an update about the fire and restoration process that we have been assisting them with over the last few months. Here is what they said:

“75 Day Update- in all three worship services on Sunday, we’ll have a time to pray for and say, “Thank you!” to our friends at SERVPRO. We’ll also be providing a meal on Monday for their crew. They’re doing a fantastic job! ““Scaffolding is nearing completion in the Main Sanctuary, the Main Sanctuary lights are temporarily in Welcome Center for Protection, the SERVPRO workers walk around on stilts to put up ceiling tiles throughout the building, all carpet has been ordered, the Painters are doing fantastic and working quickly throughout the education space and work on the new pews & reception office has begun! “

So, you ask why you should choose SERVPRO? It is because we are always ready for when catastrophe strikes, we are highly trained & empathetic, and we can make it “Like it never even happened.”  We are not grandstanding; we just want you to experience what this church experienced. We have always and will always be here to help you.

Should there be an unfortunate fire disaster at your business or organization, call us at SERVPRO of Montgomery at 334-245-1258. “We are faster to any disaster!”  

3 Reasons Your Business Needs an ERP | SERVPRO® of Montgomery

12/2/2021 (Permalink)

Schedule some time with your local SERVPRO of Montgomery to talk about creating an Emergency Ready Plan for your business today.

Prevent this Disaster Scenario From Happening to Your Business

It is a Monday morning. You have just walked into your workplace to find the breakroom kitchen sink flooded over the weekend! The water damage has spread throughout the entire first floor: walls, flooring, cubicles and all. You can smell a horrible odor already and you cannot even see the floor because there is so much standing water. What do you do? What is your company’s plan?

It's Difficult to Plan for Disasters Alone

An Emergency Ready Plan, or an ERP, ensures that no matter when disaster strikes in your business, your team will know what to do and how to handle the situation. When an emergency happens, it is never a planned event. It can be a severe disruption that could take days, weeks or even months to restore the original building to its previous state. The most productive way to prevent long term damage or restoration is to be prepared in advance for such occurrences. Planning for potential events is crucial to being able to respond quickly in an emergency.

Now we know how important an Emergency Ready Plan is, what do we do next?  First things, first! Be sure to sit down with your coworkers and discuss where emergency exits are, where to go in a flood, storm or tornado when you need to take shelter, emergency points of contact, and who to call when you have water or smoke damage in your building. Having a written plan that is posted around all emergency exits and standard doors in your building is key to ensuring visibility during an actual emergency. It is important to stress upon your staff to know these plans to avoid confusion during a chaotic event.

Schedule some time with your local SERVPRO of Montgomery to talk about setting up an Emergency Ready Plan for your business so you can be prepared for when disaster strikes.

Keep Your Family Safe During a Fire with These Helpful Tips | SERVPRO® of Montgomery

12/2/2021 (Permalink)

Should there be an unfortunate fire disaster at your home, call us at SERVPRO of Montgomery at 334-245-1258. “We are faster to any disaster!”

SERVPRO of Montgomery is committed to keeping our community a very safe place to live, work and play. It is important to remember that smoke alarms save lives. If they are maintained and in good working order, they can play an integral role in saving the lives of your family members. Smoke alarms afford you the opportunity to leave your home quickly if a fire emergency occurs.

Here are some helpful tips to help keep you and your family safe if fire strikes.

• Have a fire evacuation plan for your family and practice it regularly, especially if you have small children or senior adults.
• Test your smoke alarms monthly. If they are older, replace them especially if they are 10 years or older. There have been so many advances that can help save lives.
• The alarms should be interconnected. If one alarm sounds, they all sound – alerting your family to potential dangers.
• When an alarm sounds, move quickly and safely outside your home. Treat every alarm as a serious matter.
• Keep doors closed. This can prevent smoke and fire from spreading quickly.
• In the event of a fire emergency call 911, immediately and stay outside. 

Should there be an unfortunate fire disaster at your home, call us at SERVPRO of Montgomery at 334-245-1258. “We are faster to any disaster!”  

Water Damage Can be Extensive and Requires Professional Help | SERVPRO® of Montgomery

12/2/2021 (Permalink)

Have you experienced water damage to your home recently? Don't let another day go by without calling SERVPRO of Montgomery today!

For many homeowners, one of the most trying days of their lives is when they realize that there has been significant water damage, regardless of the source from which it came. Many people look at the damage and think that the structure could never possibly be repaired so that the home could be like it once was. However, these same individuals can look at things from an entirely different perspective once they realize they have help.

Effective Water Removal Techniques

If you live in the Montgomery area and you need water removal services for any reason, do not hesitate to contact us at SERVPRO of Montgomery immediately. We have a wealth of experience dealing with effective water removal techniques, and we also have some of the most technologically advanced equipment in the industry. Combined with the expertise of our technicians, this allows us to effectively remove water regardless of how severe the damage appears to be initially.

However, we go far beyond mere water removal techniques by ensuring that the entire structure is safe to live in. We use our equipment and our extensive knowledge to:

• remove the water
• make sure that everything inside the home is properly dried
• sanitize it to ensure continued safety for those who are living inside the home

Throughout the entire process, we document every technique that we use, and we continuously monitor our overall progress. It is not until the whole structure is satisfactorily restored that our technicians consider the job to be complete.

Help Is There When You Need It

No one wants to deal with a home that is suffering from water damage, but it does happen for a variety of different reasons. If it happens to you, you need someone like us in your corner that can give you the right kind of help. Contact SERVPRO of Montgomery 24 hours a day at (334) 245-1258.

How and Why SERVPRO® of Montgomery Can Restore Your Water Damaged Home

12/2/2021 (Permalink)

Confused about what to do about your water-damaged walls? Call us at 334-284-1612 today.

Water Damage Causes a Real Mess

If water damage has left you with an unwanted mess, you should consider professional water restoration services to get your home back in order. Once more than a small puddle has accumulated on your floor, and more than a mop and bucket are required for cleanup, call the professionals. Our 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 to its pre-damage condition.

Quick Water Extraction is Paramount

Water extraction is the top priority. 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 like:

• Truck mounted water pumps
• ride-able water vacuums
• sump pumps
• wet vacs
• squeegees

Our Process

We will inventory each room that has sustained water damage. We have a proprietary software program developed by SERVPRO that creates a report that lists items and building materials as salvageable, non-salvageable, or questionable. This detailed report will help with your insurance claim and save you money.

We Work with Your Insurance Company

We cooperate amicably with you and your insurance adjuster in the water damage restoration process. We are considered either a preferred vendor or at the top of the list, of over 300 insurance and property management companies. The most important part is, we can help alleviate stress from the entire claims process.

Why Choose SERVPRO of Montgomery

If your Montgomery home needs water damage restoration, we can help. 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. Our goal is to minimize the costs and inconvenience to you as we restore your home to preloss condition. We'll make it "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 Montgomery is close by and ready to respond--24/7--to your flood or water damage emergency in the Montgomery, Chisolm, Highland Park, or Auburn University areas. We are proud to be of service and are only a phone call away at (334) 284-1612.

9 Winter Prep Tips for Homeowners in Southern States | SERVPRO® of Montgomery

12/1/2021 (Permalink)

Should you need fire damage, water damage, duct cleaning or reconstruction from ice storms, contact SERVPRO of Montgomery.

Winter in Montgomery is fast approaching and you should make sure your home is prepared for much cooler temperatures. There are many things you need to do to keep your home warm and dry during the coming cold months, including sealing gaps in exterior walls and installing insulation in your basement, attic, and crawl space, if applicable. The following tips will help you prepare your southern home for winter 2021 in an efficient way that does not cost a lot of money or take up a lot of your time.

Weather-Stripping

You should check the exterior doors of your home for cold air leaks. Check this from inside of the house. The low-tech approach is to move a burning candle on the doorframes and see if the flames lean towards you when there is a draft. The high-tech way is to use an infrared laser heat gun to detect cold air currents. Seal a drafty door by installing weather-stripping or installing foam inside the doorframe.

There are a lot of weather stripping products that you can purchase to seal those drafts including reinforced felt, metal v-channels, and strips. These materials are self-adhered or nailed along the door inside edges to produce a wind-proof and tight seal. You can ask your hardware store for installation instructions and the appropriate product. You should also do the same on the windows.

Attic Air Leaks

Look and seal gaps that allow as much as 30 percent of your heated air to leak outdoors. Moreover, seal the cutouts in the drywall for pipes, electrical fixtures, outlets, and fans. Besides that, you should check ducts, vent stacks, flues, chimneys, wiring and seal them on the inside. Use pressurized expanding foam for larger openings and caulk to fill smaller gaps.

Water Damage Prevention

It is important to check the drainage system around the foundation of your home. If some soil has settled into a lower spot where the water might pool, just fill it with some more soil to avoid rain freezing, gathering, and thawing in the area during the winter season, which might damage the foundation. You can also use inexpensive pipe sleeves to insulate both cold and hot water pipes that are running through unheated parts of the house. This will assist to keep the temperature of the water regulated which prevents the pipes from freezing.

Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors

This is to make sure that they are functioning well. There is an increased risk of carbon monoxide leaks and fires with heaters on during the winter season due to various heating methods used and warming the car in the garage. Checking smoke detectors to see if they are functioning properly will help prevent massive fire damage, should a small home fire occur.

Refuge for Rodents

Even rodents are inclined towards icy weather as humans. The moment the weather turns chilly, house owners are horrified to hear strange sounds of little paws in the house. There are numerous methods to keep rodents from taking up residence in your home. One of the best approaches to keep them off is starting in the fall, combing the interior and exterior of the house, and eliminating the spaces around them with rodent-proof spray foam, caulk, close-fitting wire mesh, or steel wool.

Programmable Thermostats

According to Energy Star, a programmable thermostat can save you a lot of money in a year on fuel costs. A thermostat will automatically raise or lower your house temperature when you are away while keeping the temperatures consistent.

Furnace Ducts

Ideally, Heating ducts waste 20 to 30 percent of the heated air they carry, losing it to poor conduction and leaks. A leaky heating duct makes it hard to keep your house warm and means higher utility bills. Focus on the areas where ducts, registers, and vents meet floors, ceilings, and walls. Use metal tape or mastic sealant which are long-lasting than duct tape, to seal connections and seams.

Tree Trimming

Check out the trees around your house and ensure no branches are touching the power lines surrounding it or your home. Brittle branches can harm your gutters and siding during stormy winter months. Also, branches on power lines may knock out much-needed power during a winter ice storm.

Hot Water Temperature

Normally, hot water heaters are set at 140 degrees. You can lower the temperature up to 120 degrees to save fuel. This will help to reduce any accidental burns and the water temperature will still be sufficient for doing dishes, washing clothes, and bathing.

If you follow these tips, you will be ready for winter in the south. These tips will help you save money, reduce your energy consumption, prevent damage to your home and give you peace of mind while you comfortably enjoy your winter season.

Should you need fire damage, water damage, duct cleaning or reconstruction from ice storms, contact SERVPRO of Montgomery. We have technicians standing by 24/7 to help.

Fireplace Safety Tips for Your Family for Fall/Winter 2021 | SERVPRO® of Montgomery

11/24/2021 (Permalink)

Take Fireplace Safety this Holiday Season. Don't hesitate to contact SERVPRO of Montgomery if you experience fire damage.

It is that time of year again! The weather is getting colder, leaves are changing, finally getting to wear that favorite sweater! So, what better way to relax with your family and friends than by lighting your fireplace and putting on your favorite holiday movie? Of course, it is always imperative that you take the proper safety measures when using your fireplace so here are a few reminders about fireplace safety.

Fireplaces and Indoor Air Quality

Be sure to have a carbon monoxide detectors. "Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and toxic gas. Because it is impossible to see, taste or smell the toxic fumes, CO can kill you before you are aware it is in your home," according to EPA.gov. Improperly maintained fireplaces, wood-burning or gas, can cause carbon monoxide gases to build-up in your home.

Before Starting a Fire in Your Fireplace

Before starting your fire, remember to clean out all the ashes from previous fires. High levels of ash can cause more smoke. Therefore, it is best to have one inch or less of ash inside the fireplace since a thicker layer can restrict the air supply. Be certain to make sure your damper or flue is open so the chimney can draw the smoke out of the house and leave it open until the embers are completely burned out.

What Types of Wood Should You Use?

Remember using smaller pieces of wood on a grate can burn faster and create less smoke. Also using dry, well-aged wood can help to burn logs more evenly. When you use wet, fresh logs it can cause the wood to cause more smoke and soot inside the chimney. Your chimney should be checked annually by a professional to make sure it is clean and in proper use. It is also a good idea to routinely check for animal nests or blockages that can become wedged inside the chimney and can prevent the smoke from being properly ventilated.

Around the Fireplace

Make sure that the area surrounding the fireplace is free of any objects especially anything flammable such as newspapers or lighters. Safety screens can also prevent any burns or sparks. Any stokes or sharp objects should also be out of reach from small children. Install carbon monoxide and smoke detectors and test them routinely. Also, remember to keep a fire extinguisher on hand that is up to code. Speak with young children as early as possible about the dangers of fires and the heat resulting from them. As always, happy warming!

If your home or business should sustain fire damage or water damage from fires, SERVPRO has local technicians on standby 24 hours a day for emergencies, and we’ll be on hand to make sure your restoration needs are taken care of. Click or call today to find out how we can help when disaster strikes.

Rotted Food Odors Can Cause Challenges in Montgomery Restaurants and Businesses | SERVPRO® of Montgomery

11/9/2021 (Permalink)

Don't let food odors settle in. Call SERVPRO of Montgomery at 334-284-1612 to schedule an evaluation of your odor elimination today.

Is Your Restaurant or Business Repelling Customers Because of Foul Odors?

After significant storm damage or other catastrophes, breakdowns in the electrical grid are common. Businesses that feature food service or storage can suffer from the devastation decomposing food brings to the crisis. Freezers, refrigerators, and walk-in coolers full of food and beverages eventually warm to the point where the contents begin to rot, emitting a noxious smell. We have a range of professional-grade solutions to eliminate these odors.

The aftermath of severe storms, hurricanes, and tropical depressions, include serious water damage from flooding and storm surge. High winds and excessive water knock out power. It can take many days or even longer to obtain the all-clear to enter affected buildings. Stores of rotting food spawn a overwhelming cleanup and an even more stubborn odor problem in Montgomery. Our commercial restoration crews have experience with these challenges, employing advancements in odor eliminating equipment to entirely remove the malodors.

Foods and beverages provide microbes always present in the environment with a robust source of nourishment. Molds and other organisms serve a purpose outdoors when they break down materials. The consequences of this natural process shock when a restaurant, wholesale or retail grocery, or event center displays appliance after appliance of decomposing food, the organic matter a horribly smelling feast for spores growing into microbial colonies. SERVPRO production managers assess the scene and determine if any other freezers or refrigerated units can be salvaged. Even when the appliances are junked and the areas thoroughly cleaned, the smell will linger.

Our Odor Eliminating Process and Experience

We have success in these circumstances when we add hydroxyl generators to the odor-neutralizing mix. Our SERVPRO began employing this technology 10 years ago and find it not only to be highly effective but also a workable solution when we team with commercial customers that need their business to continue operation during the restoration phase. A large resort and an IT headquarters are two of the business we assisted with odor control while guests continued vacations and a major conference went forward as planned. The hydroxyl generators were a crucial piece of our restoration and odor elimination plan.

How Hydroxyl Generators Work

Hydroxyl generators disperse molecules that seek out odor-bearing particles. They effect elimination of unwanted smells by breaking apart the chemical bonds of the odorous compounds. Hydroxyls occur naturally outdoors when ultraviolet rays from the sun encounter water vapor. SERVPRO invested in hydroxyl generators to replicate this process indoors. The machines can be positioned in inconspicuous places to do the task of odor elimination quietly. Unlike ozone machines that require temporary evacuation during operation, hydroxyl generators are safe to use around people and pets.

SERVPRO of Montgomery is Here to Help

Rotting food is a common source of seemingly intractable odors after freezing and refrigeration fail in a commercial setting. SERVPRO of Montgomery has the technology and the technicians to eliminate the odors. Call 334-284-1612 to schedule an evaluation of your odor elimination needs.

Why Our Customer Service and Professionalism is Top-Rated in the Restoration Industry | SERVPRO® of Montgomery

11/4/2021 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO® of Montgomery team is Ready for Whatever Happens! Call us at 334-245-1258.

What truly sets a company apart from the next company? Is it customer service, price, or maybe even just someone that works at the front desk of that particular workplace that makes you just feel like you can relate? Maybe it is all of the above, or perhaps it is the way a company strives to best serve each customer. SERVPRO® of Montgomery is always there, putting our best foot forward, and striving to make every incident “Like it never even happened.” Since we all work together as one unit, we aren’t just employees here; we are like family.

Customer satisfaction is key to our operations here at SERVPRO® of Montgomery. Our customers rely on our fast response and the assurance that our service professionals will take the appropriate and necessary measures to remediate any damage. From our highly trained and certified technicians to our personable office staff, our goal is to make the restoration process as simple as possible for our customers.

When disaster strikes either in your workplace or your home, it can be nerve wrecking to say the least. We recognize and understand that the best solution is always the right solution, and that doesn’t mean that is necessarily the most expensive solution either. Whether your home is flooded, burnt, has an odor or has ducts that need to be cleaned, SERVPRO® of Montgomery will always have the right solution for your home’s needs.

In 1977, Barry and Beth Bowen wanted to take their passion for helping others to the next level. Hence, SERVPRO of Montgomery was born and we have skyrocketed ever since! Having always been a family-oriented business, it was no surprise that their sons Bruce and Brian took over the company in 2004. Now with decades of experience in remediation and mitigation, our company has the knowledge and ability to make it “Like it never even happened.” We pride ourselves on serving others in whatever way we can. We believe in positive growth and leading by example. Get to know our SERVPRO of Montgomery family!  

Fire Damage Can Be Tragic for Montgomery Businesses | SERVPRO® of Montgomery

10/1/2021 (Permalink)

Call 334-245-1258 at any hour of the day if your business has sustained damage from a fire.

Imagine getting a phone call in the middle of the night.  Your business is on fire. You rush to the office only to be greeted by a strong smoky odor of gasoline and chemicals. Ash and burn stains are all over the place.  An overwhelming feeling of shock and stress overcomes you. It is devastating to realize your business is vandalized by fire.  Not only is your business interrupted but your employees are shaken.

Hopefully this never happens to you. 

If it does, it's best to have a plan in place when such a tragic event occurs.  You want experts in your corner who not only know what to do but can do it quickly.

Montgomery Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration^™

Fire damage restoration is challenging since our, SERVPRO of Montgomery, IICRC-certified restoration technicians must wait until first responders and firefighters have left the scene before we can begin mitigation, debris removal, and reconstruction.

We are Montgomery’s First Choice Fire and Water Damage Experts

We specialize in fire and water damage restoration. We have advance training in restoration techniques, and the experience and specialized industrial equipment to quickly restore your property. Our specialties include but are not limited to:

• Fire Damage & Smoke Damage Restoration
• Odor Control
• Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning
• Water Damage Restoration

If your Montgomery church, commercial facility, or school suffers fire or water damage, you can depend on us. Call 334-245-1258 at any hour of the day to schedule services. We are available 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned Restores Confidence in Employees Returning to Work | SERVPRO® of Montgomery

8/23/2021 (Permalink)

Employees are Concerned About the Cleanliness of the Workplace Amid the Rise in Delta Variant Cases

Montgomery, did you know employees can refuse to work if they reasonably believe they are in imminent danger, according to the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act? With Delta variant cases rising, some employees are concerned that their workplaces are not being properly cleaned between shifts or shared items. One way to combat this growing concern is to have your place of business deep cleaned by certified technicians at SERVPRO® of Montgomery. 

Why SERVPRO®? 

1. SERVPRO® of Montgomery tailors our defensive pathogen cleaning program to your business’s needs. 
2. SERVPRO® of Montgomery has over 50 years of experience in biochemical spill remediation and decontamination. 
3. Your business will be identified as Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned so your employees are confident that you are doing everything you can to keep the workplace sanitized and decontaminated. 

If you need our Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned services, you can depend on us. Call 334-284-1612 at any hour of the day to schedule services. 

**Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned means professionally trained SERVPRO franchises perform the job according to proprietary SERVPRO protocols and recognized industry standards (CDC, RIA, IICRC) with EPA approved cleaning products to deliver a SERVPRO certified cleaning experience and result. 

Customers Are Key to SERVPRO® Operations | SERVPRO® of Montgomery

7/24/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Montgomery Regional Office 6021 Troy Highway Montgomery, AL 36116

Customer satisfaction is key to our operations here at SERVPRO® of Montgomery. Our customers rely on our fast response and the assurance that our service professionals will take the appropriate and necessary measures to remediate any damage. If your home or business has suffered a significant amount of damage, our 1- 4- 8 service response policy can make all the difference in potentially saving hundreds (and sometimes thousands) of dollars.  

We proudly serve:

Insurance professionals: Agents and adjusters are responsible for assisting with claims and providing customer care to their clients. Our partnership with these professionals is based on the rule of “restore whenever possible, replace only when necessary.” As a homeowner or business owner, trust that we will work closely with your insurance company to ensure a smooth process. 

Homeowners: Home is your place of peace, and the slightest disruption can throw everything out of sync. In the event of an emergency, we work with you to foster a smooth transition to make your house feel like home again. Within one hour of the initial notice of loss, a SERVPRO Professional will contact you to arrange service. Within four hours of loss notification, a SERVPRO Professional will be on-site to start mitigation services, if necessary. Within eight business hours of on-site arrival, a verbal briefing of the scope will be communicated to the appropriate parties. Additionally, we also offer general residential cleaning services such as air duct cleaning, odor removal, and sanitation to ease the burden of maintenance while creating a place of comfort for you and your family. 

Businesses/Commercial Properties: Commercial emergencies cause interruptions in your business. We understand that this could result in a decrease in revenue and productivity. We work efficiently to ensure you are “back to business” as soon as possible. Like our residential services, we also offer duct cleaning and routine cleaning services to take one more thing off your plate.  

How do we achieve customer satisfaction? Part of our franchise mission is to “build a team of quality people....” This starts day one, instilling practical training methods in our employees to ensure customers receive the best service possible. Our professionals follow the IICRC (Institute of Cleaning and Restoration Certification) standards in fire and water cleanup and restoration, as well as seek educational opportunities both inside and outside of the workplace.  

If you need cleaning assistance at your home or business, we are here to help. Our crews are available 24⁄7 in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time to learn more about our restoration services and how we can help you. 

The Physical and Financial Impact of Water Damage From Hurricanes | SERVPRO® of Montgomery

7/22/2021 (Permalink)

Hurricanes are damaging in a myriad ways causing 10 to 15 inches of rain in the area it impacts, causing devastating water damage.

Hurricanes are damaging in myriad ways. A storm of that size can dump 10 to 15 inches of rain in the area it impacts, causing devastating water damage to a swath of soaked businesses and homes in its wake.

We often see news coverage of physical damage, displaced families and sometimes sadly we even get reports of injuries and casualties. But when the news coverage ends, the reality of a future full of instability remains, and much of the lasting damage from a massive weather event is felt in the area of financial recovery from water damage.

Water Damage and Its Financial Impact Locally

The frequency of extreme weather events is taking its toll on many areas and industries across the nation, and North Carolina is no exception.

In fact, North Carolina has suffered the damages of 20 different hurricane disasters in the last 30 years with a financial impact that has amounted to at least a billion dollars each.

The greater Charlotte and Mecklenburg area alone has felt the effects of officially recorded hurricanes or tropical storms an average of every six years over the last century, with the latest as of this writing being 2020’s Tropical Depression Bertha, with a windspeed of almost 30 miles per hour and a diameter nearing 35 miles.

Financial Impact of Hurricane Water Damage Nationally

In 2018 and 2019, there were 28 climate and weather disasters with financial losses exceeding $1 billion (among them Hurricane Florence in North Carolina). This falls in line with the average from 2015–2019, which is 13.8 disasters of this same type and minimum impact annually, with an incredible $136 billion in damages.

Hurricanes alone accounted for over half a trillion dollars in damages between 1986 and 2015. Being a coastal state puts North Carolina in harm’s path often, relative to other states, so it’s imperative to take each hurricane season with the utmost care, and do what you can to maximize preparedness, in order to minimize financial, structural, and personal losses.

Add to the financial losses the fact that floodwater carries waste and pesticides which can cause illness, and that it promotes the growth of mold and mildew, and you’ve got an incredible amount of risk from water damage in such massive storms.

If your home or business should sustain water damage from storms or floods, SERVPRO has local technicians on standby 24 hours a day for emergencies, and we’ll be on hand to make sure your restoration needs are taken care of. Click or call today to find out how we can help when disaster strikes.

The Dangers of Thunderstorms | SERVPRO® of Montgomery

7/21/2021 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO®, we understand severe weather can be stressful. Always be prepared ahead of the storm, and be sure to have alerts set up.

When you think of severe weather, tornadoes may quickly come to mind. There’s a good reason for that.

In the state of Alabama, we experience a large number of tornadoes each year, averaging 44 tornadoes annually. While these storms are most common during the spring, they can occur at any point in our warm, humid conditions.

But while tornadoes are definitely a weather danger to keep in mind, it’s also a good idea to pay attention to thunderstorms.

Thunderstorms are defined as any storm that involves thunder. These storms are so common we often disregard them. But high winds, lightning, hail, flooding, and other issues involved in thunderstorms can quickly turn dangerous.

A thunderstorm moves into the severe category when it contains hail that is one inch or larger and straight-line winds of 58 miles per hour or more. Here’s what you should know about potential thunderstorm hazards:

Damage and injury from lightning strikes. You now know that thunderstorms always involve thunder. But did you know they also always have lightning? That’s because thunder and lightning are always paired together; you won’t have one without the other, even if lightning isn’t visible. Lightning strikes cause around 300 injuries every year, and they can also contribute to property damage both from direct contact with lightning and indirect effects such as fallen trees.

Property damage due to hail. When it comes to hail, there are two factors to consider: the size of the hail and the force with which it falls. These ice pellets can range in size from tiny to very large, and the bigger they are, the more dangerous they are. In severe thunderstorms, where hail is larger, pellets can propel with some force on your roof and siding, which can cause leaks and water damage.

Harm from flash flooding. Flash floods can occur any time there is heavy rain for a plethora of reasons—even if storm drains back up or small ditches become filled with water, heavy rain can quickly turn these things into a life-threatening flooding scenario. This presents a particular danger on the roads. If flash flood conditions are possible, it’s best to stay at home.

Thunderstorms are dangerous and can cause significant damage to homes or commercial spaces. If you have damage due to a thunderstorm, contact us for more information about our storm restoration practices.

Easy Ways to Make Your Home Safer From Fires | SERVPRO® of Montgomery

7/20/2021 (Permalink)

House fires are preventable. SERVPRO® of Montgomery is available 24/7 in the event of an emergency.

Making your home safer from fire hazards isn’t as difficult as you might think.

You can add simple steps to your daily routine and simple home maintenance items to your checklist that will lower your risk for common causes of house fires.

Be Sure You Know How to Prevent Fires

Most of these fire prevention tips are easy to add to your home safety routine. They don’t cost a lot but can make your family safer by lowering your risk of a house fire.

Know how to fight a grease fire. Grease fires are a well-known kitchen hazard. Part of the danger they present is because grease fires can’t be put out with water. In fact, water makes these events worse. Instead, keep a fire extinguisher handy. Metal pan lids and baking soda can work for smaller grease fires, too.

Keep your fireplace clear of old ashes. If you enjoy using your wood-burning fireplace, be sure you’re not letting the ashes collect there. Instead, clean your fireplace regularly and dispose of your ashes safely.

Watch how you use your space heater. Don’t plug your space heater into an extension cord. Use one of your wall outlets instead. Also, take steps to ensure your space heater is clear on all sides by at least three feet.

Keep your smoke detectors working. Testing your smoke detectors, changing their batteries twice each year and replacing them every 10 years will ensure they are best able to help protect your family.

Consider switching to battery-operated candles. Scented candles are popular during the fall and winter months because they add a warm glow to your home and can smell delicious. But these can be a fire hazard if they’re left burning while you’re not home or knocked over. Battery-operated candles eliminate these hazards.

If your home is damaged due to a fire or any other cause, you can always count on us for restoration assistance. We have crews who are available ²⁴⁄₇ in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time to learn more about our restoration services and how we can help your family.

Customers Are Key to SERVPRO® Operations | SERVPRO® of Montgomery

7/19/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Montgomery Regional Office 6021 Troy Highway Montgomery, AL 36116

Customer satisfaction is key to our operations here at SERVPRO® of Montgomery. Our customers rely on our fast response and the assurance that our service professionals will take the appropriate and necessary measures to remediate any damage. If your home or business has suffered a significant amount of damage, our 1- 4- 8 service response policy can make all the difference in potentially saving hundreds (and sometimes thousands) of dollars.  

We proudly serve:

Insurance professionals: Agents and adjusters are responsible for assisting with claims and providing customer care to their clients. Our partnership with these professionals is based on the rule of “restore whenever possible, replace only when necessary.” As a homeowner or business owner, trust that we will work closely with your insurance company to ensure a smooth process. 

Homeowners: Home is your place of peace, and the slightest disruption can throw everything out of sync. In the event of an emergency, we work with you to foster a smooth transition to make your house feel like home again. Within one hour of the initial notice of loss, a SERVPRO Professional will contact you to arrange service. Within four hours of loss notification, a SERVPRO Professional will be on-site to start mitigation services, if necessary. Within eight business hours of on-site arrival, a verbal briefing of the scope will be communicated to the appropriate parties. Additionally, we also offer general residential cleaning services such as air duct cleaning, odor removal, and sanitation to ease the burden of maintenance while creating a place of comfort for you and your family. 

Businesses/Commercial Properties: Commercial emergencies cause interruptions in your business. We understand that this could result in a decrease in revenue and productivity. We work efficiently to ensure you are “back to business” as soon as possible. Like our residential services, we also offer duct cleaning and routine cleaning services to take one more thing off your plate.  

How do we achieve customer satisfaction? Part of our franchise mission is to “build a team of quality people....” This starts day one, instilling practical training methods in our employees to ensure customers receive the best service possible. Our professionals follow the IICRC (Institute of Cleaning and Restoration Certification) standards in fire and water cleanup and restoration, as well as seek educational opportunities both inside and outside of the workplace.  

If you need cleaning assistance at your home or business, we are here to help. Our crews are available 24⁄7 in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time to learn more about our restoration services and how we can help you. 

What is certified: SERVPRO® Cleaned? | SERVPRO® of Montgomery

7/15/2021 (Permalink)

Your business can make sure you’re hitting the mark with customers with an enhanced level of cleaning.

After a year and a half of chaos, it’s great to see that many places that were formerly hotspots for COVID-19 are now experiencing major turnarounds. Business owners have high hopes that “normal” is right around the corner, but they are also beginning to feel the pressure of new customer expectations.

As customers return to in-store shopping and other activities, they do so with a new level of understanding about how fragile our health can be. They now expect that businesses they work with will do everything they can to keep them safe.

The Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program gives your customers and your employees peace of mind by taking over the sanitation of your business.

Cleanliness is nice even on a “normal” day, but with the fears of sickness presented, it’s even more imperative to keep your business clean. SERVPRO doubles the feeling of clean by adding advanced biohazard techniques and technologies that go beyond your traditional cleaning and janitorial services.

Most people will say “What makes this program any different than the others?”

We’re glad you asked. Let’s take a look at the three C’s of a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program:

1. Consult. We come and sit with you to discuss your unique business needs, including a look at how your business operates and who uses the space. The fact that SERVPRO of Prattville is locally owned and operated gives us a leg up since we are already familiar with many specific needs common in our area.
2. Clean. Once your unique needs have been established, our SERVPRO technicians show up on-site with proprietary, hospital-grade cleaning solutions you won’t find anywhere else. This gets your business the clean of a lifetime while adhering to (or exceeding) CDC standards. This level of clean protects not only against COVID-19 but also against frequent seasonal illnesses such as the common cold and the flu.
3. Certify. Once we’ve cleaned your business, it’s time to show off the clean to your customers. You can now proudly display the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned shield on your business window, as well as on your website and on social media. This shows customers that you have to care about their well-being before they even walk through the door!

If you’re ready to get serious about sanitation and have your business Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, get in touch today to get the best team in cleanup and restoration on your side.

Preventing Kitchen Fires at Work | SERVPRO® of Montgomery

6/28/2021 (Permalink)

If a fire should get out of hand and cause damage to your business, SERVPRO of Montgomery is here to help

Offices in Montgomery are full of hungry people, just like anywhere else. When lunch or break time comes, the office kitchen gets busy—food gets reheated or cooked, leftovers and Lunchables are served and somebody always pretends they didn’t know you’re not supposed to microwave fish.

But kitchens in the workplace are a leading cause of commercial fires. In fact, the average number of office, hotel and restaurant fires started in the kitchen is a whopping 47%.

So aside from educating your team on workplace kitchen fire safety by showing them that one episode of The Office, what can you do and encourage to keep your workplace kitchen from becoming part of that unfortunate statistic?

Know your risks. This can vary from one workplace to another, but you should always be aware of environmental factors or specific things about your building that could come into play. Older buildings almost always have things like older wiring or less reliable sprinkler systems, which may need updating or regulation.

Check appliance cords. Faulty power cables are an easy cause of kitchen fires. Cables can fray or break down over time, exposing wire that can instantly cause a fire if an electrical short occurs. Don’t bother with electrical tape—if wire is exposed or cables are bent at sharp angles, replace them and prevent disaster.

Pay attention in the kitchen. Food should never be left alone while it’s cooking. Stovetops, microwaves and even toasters carry inherent fire risks and should always be used with caution in the workplace. And with any sign at all of burning, enact emergency measures.

Ensure proper cleaning. This isn’t fun by anyone’s definition, but it’s vital in keeping fires under control. Bits of food left behind in the microwave or grease on the stove can start blazes that can quickly grow into something devastating. So put regular cleanings on the calendar, and make sure any spillovers in ovens, stovetops or microwaves are dealt with in between.

Have regular fire extinguisher training. They seem simple, but many people may not know how to properly use handheld fire extinguishers. Teach employees the PASS method: Pull the pin; Aim low, at the base of the fire; Squeeze the lever firmly; and Sweep the nozzle from side to side.

Kitchen fires don’t have to be a danger. The old saying holds true: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. So make sure you’re following the recommended guidelines to minimize fire accidents in your building’s kitchen.

If a fire should get out of hand and cause damage to your business, SERVPRO of East Mecklenburg/Matthews is here to help. Call or click today to get in touch with your local technicians.

Building a Solid Evacuation Plan for Your Montgomery Business | SERVPRO® of Montgomery

5/28/2021 (Permalink)

Here are some helpful tips we’ve put together to help you build a solid emergency plan. Contact SERVPRO® of Montgomery to learn more.

Every business needs an evacuation plan in case of a fire or another disaster. In many cases, OSHA requires it and even publishes their own standards to check your emergency plans against.

Plus, it’s a good way to ensure both your employees and your customers are safe if something unexpected happens. (And, considering everything that happened in 2020 with the pandemic, planning for the unexpected now certainly seems wise.)

We’ve put together some tips to help you build a solid evacuation and emergency plan if your business should need it. We’ve worked in the disaster restoration and recovery business for years, so our team understands how these processes can work.

Things to Consider

We use the term “emergency” or “evacuation” plan, but it should be more than one plan in reality. Here’s why:

Some disasters require you to shelter in place. In the event of a fire, of course, you’ll want to have the routes out of the building posted and employees trained to help with the process. But in other cases, sheltering in place is the right call. That usually is the best option if a severe storm or tornado has been spotted in the area. So, you’ll want to have a plan in mind that covers all types of disaster scenarios.

Your employees’ roles can change. You’ll want to talk with your employees about head counts, evacuation routes and their role in leading people out. You may also want to establish a set meeting place to ensure that everyone you know is in the building has gotten out. Or if they haven’t, how many people first responders should be looking for inside the building.

Some special equipment may be required. Depending on your business and the type of disaster you’re dealing with, respirators and other equipment may be required.

If your business is damaged due to fire, water or any other cause, you can always count on us for restoration assistance. We have crews who are available ²⁴⁄₇ in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time to learn more about our restoration services.

Indicators of Water Damage in Your Basement | SERVPRO® of Montgomery

5/27/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Montgomery is a full restoration company. Our experts are on call and ready to help you determine the best course of action.

A basement is a versatile, utilitarian space for many homes. You can get creative and finish it up for extra living space or a mother-in-law apartment, you can turn it into a man cave or a she-shed or you can use it to store those old trophies from high school you just can’t bear to get rid of.

However basements come with a built-in risk, namely the risk of water damage. This is due to the fact that they are built into the ground and thus surrounded by moisture at all times. Even the healthiest home is prone to intake some of that moisture at some point.

While it’s not a guarantee that you’ll come up against this problem, it’s certainly more likely than not, and you should know what to look for regarding basement water damage. Below, we will look at some of the signs that water damage is present in your basement—should you realize you need further action, we’re right here to assist anytime.

What to Look for to Assess Water Damage

Unpleasant, musky odors. The water that gets into the basement could very well be clean water, but give it a little time to marinate and seep into the carpet, and it will begin to give off the familiar eau de basement. Many people assume this is just how basements smell, but that’s not the case. This smell will only arise when mold and mildew are present in the environment, a sure indicator that your basement is damp. Even if you can’t see mold yet, your nose is trying to tell you to find where water is coming in.

Flaking paint on masonry or walls. Yes, the paint can may say that it’s waterproof, but what that really means is that it will hold off the signs of a water leak longer than regular paint, but it will eventually give way, revealing an even bigger, built-up problem. If you’ve got bubbles and cracks, you’ve got a water issue.

Foundational cracks. Water damage over time can cause a fault line to form in your foundation. Cracks can show up in the floor, the ceiling or in your walls, and they often indicate that uneven pressure is being applied to your home’s structure, possibly due to a cracked foundation. Hairline cracks are no big worry, but if they become larger, they should be examined immediately.

If you notice any of these signs in your basement, let us take a look. Our expert water restoration technicians can help you determine what is causing these issues and how to treat it properly. Contact us today to learn more.

You Can Do More Than You Think to Protect Your Montgomery Home from Water Damage | SERVPRO® of Montgomery

5/24/2021 (Permalink)

If you need help dealing with any damage caused by water, contact SERVPRO® of Montgomery today.

Here’s a fact you might not know: One out of every 50 American homeowners will have to file a water damage claim next year.

That means if you need water damage help, you won’t be alone. Given the numbers, someone in your circle of friends, family members and coworkers will likely have to file a claim, too.

But have you thought about the things that can cause water damage? Storms, flash flooding and major appliance malfunctions are usually at the top of that list. But other things can cause water damage—namely heavy rains.

You can take basic precautions to lower your water damage risk. Thoughtful planning can actually go a long way toward protecting your home. Plus, most of the things you can do to protect your home are simple.

Cut Your Risk for Rain Damage

We see many water-damaged homes, so our team has in-depth knowledge of some of the ways water can damage a home. That means we can offer tips that can help you avoid it, too.

Here are some things experts recommend:

Understand the way your yard drains. Knowing how your yard drains around your home is key to protecting your home. If the water in your yard drains toward your home, then it’s time to chat with a landscaping expert. They can help you find ways to protect your yard.

Use native plants. The flowers and shrubs you choose can do more for your home than add to the curb appeal. Landscaping can help protect your home from water damage, especially if you choose native plants. Talk to a local expert about native plants or visit a native plant sale.

Explore sealing your roof. Experts estimate that almost 95% of damage is caused by water finding its way through gaps in your shingles, which can be prevented with this step. It’s definitely worth considering.

If you need help dealing with damage caused by water, fire or any other issue, we’re here to help you restore your home. We have crews who are available ²⁴⁄₇ in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time to learn more about us and how we can help you restore your home to its original state.

What Is the Danger of a Flash Flood? | SERVPRO® of Montgomery

5/21/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Montgomery is your local water & flood restoration expert. We will get the job done right, contact us today.

There is so much danger surrounding severe weather, but few things present more hazards than flash flooding. For weather events, floods are the second most dangerous condition that could occur in the country, and flash floods create the most hazardous scenarios of all.

When a flash flood becomes possible, it can be extremely dangerous to anyone who finds themselves in its way. For this reason, we always encourage people to know the facts about flash floods ahead of time so they can create a safety plan and take action in the event o danger.

How Flash Floods Become So Dangerous

Floods are always dangerous and quite serious, but with flash floods, they carry even more hazard due to the element of surprise. Flash floods must start within six hours after a heavy rain by definition, but in many incidents, they start in under three. This creates a rapid situation where people in the path of the flood must quickly get out of its way.

Stay Aware of Flash Flood Warnings

Having a reliable way to receive local weather alerts is so important if severe weather is possible, especially if there is the potential for a flash flood. If you see that a flash flood watch is issued, stay alert and stay tuned.

A flash flood warning is far more serious, meaning you should execute your safety plan quickly. For a flash flood emergency, it is important to do everything you can to get to higher ground.

How to Evacuate a Flash Flood Safely

Because of how frightening it can be to discover that a flash flood is on the way, it is so important that you know the safety tips beforehand so you can make better choices under pressure.

• Sign up for local weather alerts and be sure you stay tuned if severe weather is possible.
• Plan and practice your household evacuation plan.
• Do not attempt to cross a flooded pathway or road.
• Avoid contact with any floodwater.
• Be aware of several evacuation routes in case your main one becomes flooded.

If your home or business has been damaged due to a flood or other severe weather, you can depend on us. Contact us at any hour to learn more about our services or to report damage to your property.

Ramping Up Your Spring Storm Safety at Home l SERVPRO of Montgomery

4/27/2021 (Permalink)

If you experience any property damage from spring storms, contact SERVPRO of Montgomery.

This year’s cold, wet winter is quickly coming to an end. Even in Alabama, where winters are typically mild, it’s easy to get spring fever during these long, dreary pandemic winter days.

So, if you’re thrilled to turn the page in February and start March with dreams of a warm spring afternoon filling your head, no one can blame you. It’s a great time to start planning new projects. For you, that might mean you want to create a vegetable garden or redo your landscaping.

Or maybe you like to spend the spring hiking or enjoying the outdoors before summer’s heat sends you back inside.

Spring is an enjoyable season, but like any season, it also brings some hazards for homeowners to manage. When it comes to this season, healthy and severe thunderstorms are always a concern.

While we don’t have the ability to make a storm take a different path around our home, we take steps to make our homes as safe and secure as possible, so they’re in good shape if a severe storm hits.

Projects to Do This Spring

Add these items to your project list this spring.

Cut and remove tree branches and limbs that need it. Limbs and branches that hang over your garage or home can be a hazard during storms. You can keep them from falling on your roof by cutting them down.

Declutter your gutters. We talk about the importance of this project every season. Keep your drains clean so that the water around your home is moving in the right direction instead of backing up and causing water damage.

Repair your roof.If you can check your roof to be sure it doesn’t have any missing shingles. Look for signs of a leak, too.

Make sure your home’s sump pump works. Not every family has one of these (or needs it), but it’s important to be sure it’s working correctly before your house goes through a rainy spring.

Don’t let items around your home become hazards. Be sure your patio furniture or other similar things don’t become tools for the wind to damage your home.

If a fire, flood or any other cause damage to your home, you can always count on us for restoration assistance. We are available ²⁴⁄₇ in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time to learn more about our restoration services and how we can help you.

Restoring Your Belongings after Storm Damage | SERVPRO® of Montgomery

4/19/2021 (Permalink)

Storms threaten our peace of mind and our homes. Click here to learn about how SERVPRO® of Montgomery can restore your belongings after a storm.

For many of us home is everything. However, storms threaten our homes in more ways than one. Not only does a storm threaten your home’s structure, but the quality of your belongings and keepsakes. Our restoration services can help you save money and give you back your peace of mind by preserving your precious belongings.

Nowadays, we hold many of our memories and keepsakes digitally on our computers, phones, family videotape, and more. Please note that water-damaged electronics can present a serious hazard so do not attempt to operate any of them in the wake of water damage. Let us coordinate the restoration of your electronics for you!

First, we will clean the outside of your electronic devices to help stop any further corrosion and damage. From there, a qualified electronics technician will clean and inspect the electronic devices.

More traditionally, valuable documents like wedding certificates and photographs make our house a home. Extreme caution must be taken with items like these because they can be delicate and easy to destroy. Although some documents may not be restored to pre-water damage condition, SERVPRO® of Prattville may be able to save a great deal of them and help minimize further damage. Depending on the type of documents and the level of water damage, we have five options for the restoration process: air-drying, dehumidification, freezer drying, vacuum freeze-drying, and vacuum thermal drying.

If you have storm or water damage anywhere in your home you can count on us to help. You can contact us at any hour of the day to learn more about our services or to report damages.

How Would You Answer These Fire Safety Questions? | SERVPRO® of Montgomery

4/5/2021 (Permalink)

House fires trend to peak during the winter. SERVPRO of Montgomery is available 24/7 in the event of an emergency.

You can take simple steps today to keep your home and family safer from winter fire risks.

These fire safety questions offer you a roadmap for easy, inexpensive ways to maintain your home and lower your fire risk:

Do you know if your furnace is in good condition? Just because your furnace is working doesn’t mean it’s in good shape. Dirty, clogged vents from your furnace can create a fire hazard that puts your family at risk. The fix is surprisingly simple. If you haven’t had your furnace checked by a heating and air professional this year, it’s a good idea to have it looked over and ensure the ventilation is clear and everything is in good working order.

Does your family have a kitchen fire extinguisher? Grease fires can happen in any kitchen. Because these fires don’t respond to water (it makes them worse) and they’re a common threat to homeowners, keep a fire extinguisher handy. Fire extinguishers can help you put out a small grease fire before it becomes an enormous blaze.

Are you using your fireplace safely? Fireplaces with chimneys that are clogged and dirty create a fire hazard. If you want to light a crackling fire, be sure you’re you’re disposing of the ashes from your last fire correctly. Also, never light a fire before you are sure your chimney is in good shape.

Do you use battery-operated candles? Many people love the look and scent of a traditional candle burning at home. But they can be a fire hazard if you don’t use them properly and blow them out when you leave your home. These issues aren’t a concern if you opt for a battery-operated option.

If your home is damaged due to a fire or any other cause, you can always count on us for restoration assistance. We have crews who are available ²⁴⁄₇ in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time to learn more about our restoration services and how we can help your family.

Ramping Up Your Spring Storm Safety at Home l SERVPRO of Montgomery

4/1/2021 (Permalink)

If you experience any property damage from spring storms, contact SERVPRO® of Montgomery.

This year’s cold, wet winter is quickly coming to an end. Even in Alabama, where winters are typically mild, it’s easy to get spring fever during these long, dreary pandemic winter days.

So, if you’re thrilled to turn the page in February and start March with dreams of a warm spring afternoon filling your head, no one can blame you. It’s a great time to start planning new projects. For you, that might mean you want to create a vegetable garden or redo your landscaping.

Or maybe you like to spend the spring hiking or enjoying the outdoors before summer’s heat sends you back inside.

Spring is an enjoyable season, but like any season, it also brings some hazards for homeowners to manage. When it comes to this season, healthy and severe thunderstorms are always a concern.

While we don’t have the ability to make a storm take a different path around our home, we take steps to make our homes as safe and secure as possible, so they’re in good shape if a severe storm hits.

Projects to Do This Spring

Add these items to your project list this spring.

Cut and remove tree branches and limbs that need it. Limbs and branches that hang over your garage or home can be a hazard during storms. You can keep them from falling on your roof by cutting them down.

Declutter your gutters. We talk about the importance of this project every season. Keep your drains clean so that the water around your home is moving in the right direction instead of backing up and causing water damage.

Repair your roof.If you can check your roof to be sure it doesn’t have any missing shingles. Look for signs of a leak, too.

Make sure your home’s sump pump works. Not every family has one of these (or needs it), but it’s important to be sure it’s working correctly before your house goes through a rainy spring.

Don’t let items around your home become hazards. Be sure your patio furniture or other similar things don’t become tools for the wind to damage your home.

If a fire, flood or any other cause damage to your home, you can always count on us for restoration assistance. We are available ²⁴⁄₇ in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time to learn more about our restoration services and how we can help you.

Montgomery Business Owners Can Count on Us During the Pandemic and Beyond | SERVPRO® of Montgomery

3/30/2021 (Permalink)

If you need cleaning assistance at your business, we’re here. Contact SERVPRO of Montgomery to learn more.

Did you know that we’re a locally owned and operated business?

That means we’re members of the Montgomery community, too. Our team is here to help business owners when they need us. We’re invested in helping our community thrive.

We understand that it takes planning, research and hard work to get your business going. And there’s even more to be done as your business opens and starts to grow.

But not every situation or circumstance can be controlled. For example, the global COVID-19 pandemic has changed how most of us interact with clients, add value and meet our customers’ needs.

Many businesses have already opened their doors again, and others have found new ways to work remotely or offer products and services digitally. Regardless of how you and your employees have decided to move forward, there’s help out there for you.

Tips to Help You Keep Working During the Pandemic

The good news is that many people (not just your loyal customers) are invested in helping you succeed. You can find great tools including more information about business loans and tips, advice, and more from sources you can trust.

Taking all the precautions you can to see that your business is clean and safe is important, too. That’s where we can help you.

It starts when we consult with you. We’ll use what we learn to create an individualized plan for your business.

Next, our experts will clean your space. They’ll use a high-level system to ensure you’re ready for customers to come back. Our teams work with proprietary EPA-Approved Hospital-Grade cleaning solutions. Plus, we use cleaning and decontamination standards directly from the CDC.

Finally, we’ll certify your space. And you can open your business with confidence.

If you need cleaning assistance at your business, we’re here. We have crews who are available ²⁴⁄₇ in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time to learn more about our cleaning services and how we can help you.

Here’s What Every Home Restoration Project Has in Common l SERVPRO® of Montgomery

3/19/2021 (Permalink)

If your home is damaged due to a disaster, Contact SERVPRO of Montgomery. From start to finish, we will help navigate the restoration process.

No matter why you need home restoration, you have at least one thing in common with the millions of American homeowners filing damage claims each year. What is it? The importance of getting started on your project promptly.

Why is timing so important? It’s simple.

Common household damage culprits can get worse much sooner than you probably expect. Hardwood floors and furniture can show damage within just a few days, and mold can begin to grow within hours.

We’re Always Here

That’s why we’re passionate about providing service to our community ²⁴⁄₇ because we know that timing is everything when your home is damaged. No matter what time your emergency occurs, we’ll be here to answer your questions, address your concerns and start on your home restoration plan.

There are plenty of other powerful reasons to choose SERVPRO beyond our speed and availability:

Our team members are all highly skilled experts in their field. When you interact with one of our technicians, you’re talking with an expert. We ensure they have the latest training and certifications that ensure the strategy they’re suggesting will consider the latest advances in home restoration.

Our technicians use the most up-to-date technology. Our relationship with SERVPRO allows us to bring their leading-edge technology here to our community. And it gives our technicians the tools they need to restore your home.

Why You May Need Restoration Services

There are a wide variety of reasons people seek our help. In many cases, people need home restoration services after severe weather moves through their area. Accidents and appliance malfunctions can also do a lot of damage to a home.

If your home is damaged due to fire, water or any other cause, you can always count on us for restoration assistance. We have teams who are available ²⁴⁄₇ in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time to learn more about our restoration services and how we can help your family.

Minutes Matter for Montgomery Homeowners When They Need Restoration Services | SERVPRO® of Montgomery

3/19/2021 (Permalink)

If your home is damaged due to a disaster, Contact SERVPRO® of Montgomery. We are here to help from start to finish.

Do you know what every homeowners insurance claim has one thing in common? And it might not be what you think.

Every home is indeed unique, and every homeowner’s restoration needs are slightly different. But in every case in our years of experience, we’ve noticed that every job we work has one thing in common—timing.

No matter what kind of damage your home suffers, starting the remediation process quickly will help ensure that your home can be economically restored to its original state.

Timing matters more than you might expect when your home is damaged, especially if you’re dealing with damage caused by water (like flooding or a burst pipe). Within a few hours, you can begin seeing the signs of water damage, including the earliest sign of mold (usually a musty odor permeating your home).

Common Reasons Families Need Restoration Services

Homeowners will need restoration help in 2021 for various reasons. They’ll include severe weather issues, such as wind, hail and rain. Accidents and appliance malfunctions can cause significant damage to homes, too.

Regardless of why you need help, it’s important to move quickly and choose a team of experts you can trust.

How SERVPRO Is Different

Our team is always here to help you when you need us the most. That means we’re available to answer your questions and help you get the process started at any time. We’ll answer ²⁴⁄₇ if you call us and help you get the restoration process started during an emergency.

There are other good reasons to choose SERVPRO, too. Here’s what makes us different:

Our teams are staffed by skilled technicians. Our teams are staffed by experts. They hold high-level certifications in their fields. So that means they will bring their wealth of knowledge about water damage to your home.

We use leading-edge equipment on our jobs. We have the ability to access the best technology and the latest equipment because we’re affiliated with SERVPRO. When we work with you, you can be confident we’ll bring both skill and technology to your home’s restoration process.

Our SERVPRO is a locally owned business. When you reach out to us, you can be confident that you’re talking to a member of your community. Our team members live here in the community and are ready to serve their family members, friends and neighbors.

If your home is damaged due to fire, water or any other cause, you can always count on us for restoration assistance. We have teams who are available ²⁴⁄₇ in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time to learn more about our restoration services and how we can help your family.

Ramping Up Your Spring Storm Safety at Home l SERVPRO® of Montgomery

3/5/2021 (Permalink)

If you experience any property damage from spring storms, contact SERVPRO® of Montgomery.

This year’s cold, wet winter is quickly coming to an end. Even in Alabama, where winters are typically mild, it’s easy to get spring fever during these long, dreary pandemic winter days.

So, if you’re thrilled to turn the page in February and start March with dreams of a warm spring afternoon filling your head, no one can blame you. It’s a great time to start planning new projects. For you, that might mean you want to create a vegetable garden or redo your landscaping.

Or maybe you like to spend the spring hiking or enjoying the outdoors before summer’s heat sends you back inside.

Spring is an enjoyable season, but like any season, it also brings some hazards for homeowners to manage. When it comes to this season, healthy and severe thunderstorms are always a concern.

While we don’t have the ability to make a storm take a different path around our home, we take steps to make our homes as safe and secure as possible, so they’re in good shape if a severe storm hits.

Projects to Do This Spring

Add these items to your project list this spring.

Cut and remove tree branches and limbs that need it. Limbs and branches that hang over your garage or home can be a hazard during storms. You can keep them from falling on your roof by cutting them down.

Declutter your gutters. We talk about the importance of this project every season. Keep your drains clean so that the water around your home is moving in the right direction instead of backing up and causing water damage.

Repair your roof. If you can check your roof to be sure it doesn’t have any missing shingles. Look for signs of a leak, too.

Make sure your home’s sump pump works. Not every family has one of these (or needs it), but it’s important to be sure it’s working correctly before your house goes through a rainy spring.

Don’t let items around your home become hazards. Be sure your patio furniture or other similar things don’t become tools for the wind to damage your home.

If a fire, flood or any other cause damage to your home, you can always count on us for restoration assistance. We are available ²⁴⁄₇ in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time to learn more about our restoration services and how we can help you.

Your Guide to Water Damage Repairs in Montgomery | SERVPRO® of Montgomery

2/11/2021 (Permalink)

Do you have any water damage to your walls or ceiling? Contact SERVPRO of Montgomery, we will help guide you through the restoration process.

If you have to file a water damage claim in 2021, you won’t be alone. Far from it, actually!

Did you know water damage claims has been growing steadily every year?

One in 50 American homeowners file one of these water damage claims each year. Even before the number of claims started rising, they were some of the most common claims made by homeowners.

You may be wondering when a leak and the resulting water issues become an issue that requires professional services and remediation help. Most homeowners aren’t sure.

You may know that some water can be cleaned up with towels or a mop and bucket if caught early enough. But if it’s more serious, water can start to damage your home within hours.

Here’s what you might see when your home has water damage that needs remediation by professionals:

Your windows or walls are warped. Wood in your home, like your window panes and walls, can start to warp if the water damage is severe. That means it’s vital if you notice these signs to get remediation help.

The floorboards or furniture show signs of damage. Wet wood will start to warp within days. If that happens in your home, it’s best to start seeking help from professionals who can help you restore your home.

You notice your home has a musty smell. Smell can be among the first signs of mold damage, meaning if you notice that scent, it’s time to call in a professional to help you deal with remediation issues.

If you have water damage in your home due to a burst pipe or another cause, you can count on us for restoration assistance. We have teams who are available ²⁴⁄₇ in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time to learn more about our restoration services.

Meet the First Responder of the Year, Chief of Staff Addie | SERVPRO® of Montgomery

1/20/2021 (Permalink)

Meet Chief of Staff Joseph J. Addie, Jr. He was the recipient of SERVPRO’s First Responder Award for the Montgomery area.

Meet Chief of Staff Joseph J. Addie, Jr. He received Montgomery's "Firefighter of the Year" award for 2020 and was our nominee for SERVPRO’s National First Responder Award.

SERVPRO is a proud supporter of the nation’s first responders. For the last 3 years, SERVPRO has presented the award to honor the many men and women who rush into danger while everyone else rushes out.

On December 23^rd, we had the pleasure of presenting Chief of Staff Addie with SERVPRO’s First Responder Award for the Montgomery area as his family proudly looked on. Chief of Staff Addie has dedicated the last 37 years of his life to serving the residents of Montgomery in various and challenging capacities within the Montgomery Fire and Rescue Department.

He began his career with the department as a member of the Hazardous Materials response team in 1983. Since then, he has received several promotions and held positions such as Fire Sergeant, Fire Captain, District Fire Chief over the Training Division, Director of Training, Deputy Fire Chief, and much more. As of August 23^rd of 2019, he holds the title of “Chief of Staff,” replacing the retiring Chief of Staff J.L. Petrey. Throughout his career Chief of Staff Addie has shown exceptional work ethic.

“I never realized how committed I would feel about serving others. It is this commitment that keeps me here today,” Chief of Staff Addie said. “When people ask when I am going to retire, I am unable to give a time frame. It is difficult to plan a retirement date when you love what you do, and I truly love what I do.”

Leading up to the event, we had the pleasure of speaking to Chief of Staff Addie on a few occasions. During these encounters he was polite, friendly, and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the community.

Thank you for your service, and we wish you the best in all that you do.

Odor Removal after Fire Damage | SERVPRO® of Montgomery

1/19/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage, including smoke and soot, can leave behind an awful smell that affects your belongings. Click here to learn the best practices to avoid f

One of the most troubling side effects of fire damage is the smoky odor it leaves behind. Why does smoke seem to stick to everything it touches? Smoke particles are tiny and can easily embed into porous materials like carpets, furniture, fabrics, books, and even paint which are, unfortunately, very common to our homes. Furthermore, certain materials, like plastics, that burned in the fire can make removing the smell even tougher. With that said, it’s best to leave fire, smoke, and soot restoration to the professionals!

After you’ve called us and before you leave the home, please be aware of how much you’re moving around the house. Try to limit your movements because with each step or touch you can further embed soot particles into upholstery and carpets. This means that even though it might be instinctive to throw sooty towels into the washer or start washing your walls, you shouldn’t!

At SERVPRO® of Montgomery, we have technicians who have the training, equipment, and several odor removal products to identify and efficiently eliminate these odors. Our technicians can identify not only the cause of the odor, but the conditions when smoke or a fire touched the surfaces of your belongings. This knowledge enables them to often remove the odor over time without a trace.

Successfully removing offensive odors can be a challenging task, so give us a call, and leave the job to us! We’ll take care of you.

If your home or business needs fire, smoke, or soot restoration or any of our services, we are here to help. You can contact us at any hour to learn more about our services or to report damages. Get in touch today to speak with our team regarding our services.

Enjoy Winter Activities While Keeping Your Fire Risk Low | SERVPRO® of Montgomery

12/7/2020 (Permalink)

Make sure your fire risk is low during the holidays. If you experience any damage, SERVPRO of Montgomery will be here to help.

Regardless of the season or the weather, house fires are a possibility. However, during the winter months, they can be even more likely according to a report done by the Red Cross recently. Many winter activities lead to an increased risk of a house fire, so it is important to prioritize fire safety during all that you do.

During any given month, cooking is the leading cause of house fires, with winter being no exception. However, the use of space heaters, fireplaces and decorations also increase in the winter, raising the fire risk with them. Fortunately, there is no need to give up these festive activities—it is just important that they are done safely.

Make Sure Your Fire Risk Is Low During the Holidays

Keep safe when cooking. Cooking and baking incidents are always a concern when it comes to house fires, and with holiday meals and the baking of winter treats, it is even more likely. It is important to always be safe while in the kitchen, keeping flammable items away from the stove and oven, having a fire extinguisher handy and never leaving cooking food unattended.

Heat the house with proper precautions. As a chill hits the air, making use of a space heater or fireplace is a must to stay toasty—as long as they are used safely. Though space hearts have become safer in recent years, they are still responsible for many fires every year. Be sure your model is equipped with safety features and never leave it running while no one is in the room. If you have a fireplace, follow safety guidelines every time you light a fire.

Decorate with care. Winter holiday decorations such as string lights are festive and fun, but they can introduce more dangers as well. Around 25% of fires of Christmas trees are started by decorations, but by checking your cords for wear and tear, unplugging everything when it will be unattended and safely plugging things into multiple outlets, you can greatly reduce the chances of this occurring.

If you have damage due to a house fire, you can depend on us to help. Contact us 24 hours a day to report damage and receive a quick response from our certified restoration technicians. Get in touch today.

The Reason Why Flash Floods Are Hazardous | SERVPRO® of Montgomery

11/30/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Montgomery is your local water & flood restoration expert. We will get the job done right, contact us today.

If it is a possibility that any type of severe weather will occur, staying safe is the top priority for everyone in its path. If that severe weather event happens to be a flash flood, staying safe becomes even more vital—and more difficult. Flooding is responsible for many deaths across the country each year, second only to heat in the weather-related fatality category. While any flood is dangerous, flash floods are especially concerning.

The sudden onset and little notice for flash floods makes them extremely hazardous, and they often impact urban areas and other parts of towns that are not used to flooding conditions. However, by knowing the facts, you can be safer in case you are ever faced with flash flooding conditions.

What Are the Risks of Flash Floods?

There is a level of risk associated with any type of flood, but due to the rapid onset of flash flooding, they present more risks than other types. Flash floods typically happen within three hours of heavy rainfall, often happening even sooner than that. With little notice, many people are caught by surprise by flash floods and do not know how to react.

What Is Important to Note About the Flash Flood Warning System?

Staying aware of local weather notices is key if a flash flood is a possibility, as this will provide you with the most accurate overview of rapidly changing conditions. If there is a flash flood watch issued, that means to stay alert, as conditions are ripe for a flash flood to occur.

If that is escalated to a warning, it is important to begin to execute your evacuation or safety plan. If there is a flash flood emergency declared, move as quickly as possible to higher ground.

What Should I Remember About Flash Flood Safety?

If there is a flash flood warning, safety is key—as is being able to think quickly to keep yourself and your family safe. Memorizing these tips can help you plan and execute your evacuation plan safely, even with little notice.

• Tune into local weather alerts so you can stay up-to-date on conditions.
• Plan out your evacuation and review the plan with every member of your household.
• Do not try to cross floodwaters, either on foot or in the car.
• Do not come into contact with floodwater if possible.
• Have multiple evacuation routes in mind in case water blocks your path.

If your home or business has been damaged due to a flood or other severe weather, you can depend on us. Contact us at any hour to learn more about our services or to report damage to your property.

Here’s What You Do After Water Damage Happens to Your Home | SERVPRO® of Montgomery

11/18/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage can be devastating and overwhelming. Take these steps immediately after water damage.

Flooding in your home can be damaging and devastating. Anything from heavy rains to burst pipes and appliance malfunctions can easily land you in this overwhelming position.

Relax, we’re here to help! Here are some steps to take immediately after water damage happens to your home.

Safety First

Your belongings can be replaced, but your family cannot be. Make sure you and your family are safe. Beware of electrical and “slip and fall” hazards. Stay out of rooms where ceilings are sagging should it collapse. Water damage can lead to mold growth within hours which can cause health effects after prolonged exposure. With that said, after you determine that everyone is safe it’s important to act immediately to take care of the problem.

Call Us

Within 24-48 hours, water damage cleanup should begin. There are a few routes you can take from here, but we recommend that you give us a call as soon as possible. After we collect the necessary information to best serve you, we’ll come to your property to assess the damage and get to work.

Start Cleanup

Before we arrive, you might start trying to clean up the mess. Although tempting, don’t use a household vacuum to remove water. Instead, use a mop to clean up excess water. You should gather colored and loose items, like rugs, from floors as they can leave behind a stain should they meet water.

After you’ve done what you can you might find that the rest of the damage requires professional assistance. At SERVPRO®, we have the expertise and equipment to help complete the job.

We got it from here! From there, we’ll take the following steps:

Water Removal

We have powerful pumps and vacuums that can remove up to hundreds of thousands of gallons of water. We’ll use these to minimize further damage to your property. To remove water from hard to reach places, we’ll use air movers and humidifiers.

Cleaning and Sanitizing

Water damage can destroy expensive and meaningful items like furniture and clothing. Furthermore, water damage can leave behind a musty smell. Our specialized cleaning techniques, air scrubbers, and fogging equipment can restore and sanitize your belongings and remove unpleasant odors.

Restoration

Sometimes, restoring your property to pre-water damage condition requires reconstruction. This can range from replacing drywall panels to rebuilding rooms of the property. Whatever solution your home needs, we will do our part in helping you get it.

If you have water damage anywhere in your home you can count on us to help. You can contact us at any hour of the day to learn more about our services or to report damages.

It’s Hurricane Season – Take Steps to Prevent Water Damage | SERVPRO® of Montgomery

11/10/2020 (Permalink)

It’s hurricane season and one of the rainiest months is around the corner. Take steps to prevent and prepare for water damage to your property.

Hurricane rainfall presents opportunity for water damage to your property. Leaks and floods can cause damage to your property and require that you temporarily move out of your building while it’s restored. This presents a challenge as you want to get back to business as usual as soon as possible! Furthermore, severe leaks can lead to floods which can increase your 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 big box store, it is imperative that you take measures to prevent leaks and damage to your property. Keep a look out for the following:

Damaged Windows

Water can seep through windows that aren’t properly sealed. This can cause mold build-up and damage to walls. Because caulk, the material that’s 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 and cold weather can cause pipes to break and burst. Although there are some tell-tell signs of this issue, such as water stains on walls or floors or an unpleasant and musty smell, detecting leaky pipes is challenging. With that said, it’s best to consult a professional to help determine whether your property has broken pipes.

HVAC Problems

Hurricane season often coincides with colder temperatures so we crank up the heat! However, ducts in the HVAC system can get worn out and damaged over time, especially during seasons like this, and cause leaks. For that reason, the system needs to be cleaned regularly and any water in it needs to be removed. Like broken pipes, it’s sometimes difficult to determine whether your HVAC system is causing a leak, so it’s best to consult a professional.

December is one of the rainiest months in Alabama and other regions of the southeast. With that said, it’s best to get ahead of the curve.

One of the best ways to get ahead is to create an Emergency Ready Profile. This is an immediate plan of action for how to restore your building after a disaster and get back to business. Additionally, we have 360 degree technology to document preloss conditions, including your equipment and where it was before disaster struck.

If want to prepare your business for future disasters, contact us today and we will help you create an Emergency Ready Profile.

Darnell Smith - Service That Goes Above and Beyond | SERVPRO® of Montgomery

11/2/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Montgomery’s Darnell Smith went above and beyond when he volunteered to clean at a local S.E.C. game.

On a Friday afternoon in September, Operations manager Shonta Barnes sent a text to the production crew. Due to coronavirus concerns, E.S.P.N. wanted someone to clean throughout the S.E.C. game at the Crampton Bowl on Friday and Saturday, but there was a catch. The hours were on Friday from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., but the shift on Saturday was from 2:00 P.M. to 1:00 A.M. “Who wants to volunteer?” she asked.

Crew Chief Darnell Smith did. His task was to disinfect all high touch areas, such as rails or door knobs, every thirty minutes. Darnell went above and beyond.

Not only did he clean every fifteen minutes, but he helped set up and wipe down twelve tables, set out forty to fifty sack lunches for the E.S.P.N. staff, fill a cooler with ice and keep it stocked with drinks. Whew! “I did things the SERVPRO way,” Darnell said.

SERVPRO emphasizes service and professionalism. As a matter of fact, our name comes from those two words!

It’s easy to go above and beyond for a company that values you, too. Darnell said, “I don’t feel like I’m just at work. I feel like I’m working for a family member. I may have to work on the weekend. I may not get off at five today, but I’m okay with it because I’m okay with being here.”

He has been with SERVPRO for four years and is still in awe of what he gets to do for a living. He said, “Sometimes, I’ll go to a home and think to myself, ‘look at all this water. In three or four days, this house is going to be dry as a bone.’ How we do that is crazy!”

When Darnell returned to work on Monday, he learned from owners Bruce and Brian Bowen that an employee from E.S.P.N. called SERVPRO’s corporate office and proposed the idea of him traveling with them the rest of the season. Although Bruce and Brian agreed to the proposal, it didn’t come to fruition after all. However, the proposal shows what an excellent asset Darnell was.

Darnell is just one of our large staff of technicians and professionals who will readily service your home should you need us.

If your home or business needs a COVID-19 cleaning or any of our services, we are here to help. You can contact us at any hour to learn more about our services or to report damages or a need. Get in touch today to speak with our team regarding our services.

Recovering at Your Business After a Disaster Strikes | SERVPRO® of Montgomery

10/19/2020 (Permalink)

If your business is hit by a disaster, Contact SERVPRO of Montgomery. We are here to guide you through the process.

Careful planning and strategizing is a key part of being a business owner, both for all of your everyday business decisions and when it comes to emergencies. Disasters devastate businesses every single year, leaving many business owners confused and unsure of how and if they will be able to reopen. Through careful planning, you can mitigate quite a bit of this uncertainty.

When you are considering how a disaster could impact your business, the first thing to be aware of is safety. Plan ahead to make sure you and your staff will be safe when a dangerous situation arises, and then consider how you will recover if there is damage to your building. Your restoration provider, your insurance company and your customers will all want to keep in touch, and you will have many resources available to you from organizations for financial assistance.

Ensuring Your Business Can Recover From a Disaster

Make contact with your insurance and restoration providers. No two commercial insurance policies are the same, so getting in touch with your insurance provider quickly after damage occurs is recommended. The process of filing a claim will vary, but once you get the details settled with your insurance company, you should reach out to your restoration provider as quickly as you are able so they can begin working on the damages.

Give customers updates on your status. Because of social media, it is easier than ever to keep in touch with your customers in real-time—and after a disaster, you absolutely should. Consider providing updates on your reopening timeline and any options customers have for supporting you while you work to recover (i.e. purchasing gift cards, making online orders, etc.).

Consider all your options for assistance. While a disaster is always a difficult thing to endure, business owners do have plenty of resources available for recovery through the Small Business Administration. Their disaster loan program is quite possibly the biggest help, as it is easy to qualify for, offers flexible repayment solutions and provides financial assistance for a variety of post-disaster expenses incurred.

If your business has been damaged due to a disaster, we’re here to help. Contact us at any hour to report your damage or to learn more about our commercial restoration services.

How We Assist With Mold Mitigation and Remediation | SERVPRO® of Montgomery

10/16/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Montgomery professionals provide mold mitigation and remediation services. Contact us to find out more.

Some businesses advertise and guarantee “mold removal”. This is a false statement. Mold occurs naturally and is present all year, almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business.          

Mold remediation focuses on returning mold levels back to normal, natural levels. Our qualified professionals understand the science behind mold and its growth and have the expertise to remediate the mold in your home or business.

Note that before mold remediation can begin, any source of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, it could spread or return. After our initial assessment, we will work through a few steps: 

1. Mold Containment

This is one of the most important steps in mold mitigation. We isolate the contaminated areas from the unaffected areas to prevent cross-contamination. If necessary, negative air chambers are used to barrier the contaminated area, and negative air pressure is used to keep the mold spores from spreading during the cleaning process. 

2. Air Filtration

Mold concentrations level may spike in the air. “Air scrubbers” and HEPA vacuums prevent the spread of mold spores during the remediation process. 

3. Cleaning Contents & Belongings

Furniture, décor, clothing, and other items can be affected by mold. We clean and sanitize your belongings and will remove odors and use deodorization equipment to help freshen your property. 

4. Remove Mold-Infected Materials and Restore

Sometimes, mold can spread deep into the property and require that we remove affected materials like drywall or carpets. No need to worry! We remove and dispose of those mold-infested, porous materials and we use antifungal and antimicrobial treatments to eliminate mold colonies and help prevent the spread of new ones. We can also make repairs, like replacing the drywall and carpets, and help restore your property. It will look like it never even happened.

Give us a call at 334-284-1612! We will ask you some questions to determine the level of damage and the equipment and personnel needed to help you.

If you suspect mold in your home or business, we are here to help. You can contact us at any hour to learn more about our services or to report damages. Get in touch today to speak with our team regarding mitigation services.

Why We Focus on Restoration Instead of Replacement | SERVPRO® of Montgomery

10/6/2020 (Permalink)

Have you sustained property damage and feeling overwhelmed? We are here to help, contact SERVPRO of Montgomery.

If you have damage done to your home, it is a difficult thing to process and recover from. Dealing with the emotional impact of the actual emergency in addition to the recovery process can be a long and uphill battle, but the sooner you can get back into your home, the sooner you can begin to rebuild your life.

Though it can always be difficult to begin the recovery process, working with a good restoration company can make a tremendous difference. We will focus on restoring your home and belongings, instead of simply recommending a replacement, so you can save time and money and get back home more quickly. This can help you feel more at home when you return to your household, helping your family heal.

How Restoration Can Lead to Saving Time and Money

We can help you save money on your insurance. Thankfully, homeowners insurance will often cover major losses from emergencies or disasters, but an expensive claim can raise your premium as well. By restoring what we are able to instead of fully liquidating your home and belongings, we can keep the claim costs low, saving you money over time.

We can protect your sentimental items. When you have to quickly leave the home in the event of an emergency, there are likely many precious, irreplaceable items that are left behind. With our fleet of restoration equipment, however, we can restore many of these items to look exactly as they did before the damage. We have restored photographs, art, heirlooms and many other irreplaceable items over the years.

We make sure your home feels like home again. Going home after a disaster is quite an emotional experience, but by restoring your items when possible, we can ensure it truly feels like home when you walk in the door. From furniture to cosmetic touches, we can handle all the elements of restoration that make a difference in the way your home feels.

If you have damages and are feeling overwhelmed, we are here to help. You can call us as soon as you need to in order to begin the restoration process. Contact us today to learn more.

Providing Aid in Cleanup Following Hurricane Sally Destruction | SERVPRO® of Montgomery

9/25/2020 (Permalink)

If you experience any commercial property damage, we can help. Contact SERVPRO of Montgomery to find out more.

A few weeks ago Hurricane Sally made landfall near Gulf Shores, Alabama. The slow-moving Category 2 Atlantic Hurricane met the shoreline with 105 mph winds and brought inches upon inches of rain. Streets once filled with drivers turned into rivers, flowing with debris. Boats docked in their seaside homes were drug miles inland onto deserted land. Thousands were left without power and the damage left behind totaled billions of dollars.

SERVPRO of Montgomery knows it takes quick action to handle any type of water intrusion.  Our professionals are trained to assess and handle any damage efficiently, preventing the growth and spread of mold. With so many commercial businesses along the coast, we loaded our trucks and the Disaster Recovery Team waited, anticipating a call to assist.

Currently, our team is in the gulf working on multiple buildings affected by Hurricane Sally, including the Grand Hotel, Souvenir City, and Crystal Shores. With quick response and a precisely executed plan, we hope to have these buildings ready to open soon.

If you have water damage anywhere at your commercial property, we are here to help. You can contact us at any hour to learn more about our services or to report damages. Get in touch today to speak with our team regarding commercial business restoration services.

Make a Water Damage Check Part of Your Routine Maintenance | SERVPRO® of Montgomery

9/17/2020 (Permalink)

Do you have any water damage in your home? Contact SERVPRO of Montgomery, we are your local water restoration company and here to help.

There are many ways in which a house can develop issues, but one of the most detrimental things for homeowners is hidden water damage. Not only will there be problems with water spots, mold and more because of it, but it can also lead to structural problems in the home’s walls depending on what parts are effective.

Thankfully, there are many things you can look for to check for water damage in the home as part of your regular home maintenance routines. This can help you catch any issues before they become too serious and has the added benefit of not being as expensive of a claim on your insurance.

How to Check for Water Damage Around Your Home

Inspect your walls and ceilings. Walls tend to hide leaks rather well, but if you look closely at your drywall, you can often find evidence that they are there. Small things like discolored areas, paint that is peeling or soft spots might be indicative of a hidden leak that you should have a professional check out ASAP.

Don’t forget to look down. If water damage is present, it can gradually work its way down and get into the floor of your home, soaking into the subfloor and causing problems. If you notice any soft spots or buckling of your floor, it might be a sign that the subfloor has become saturated with moisture.

Inspect your roof. Your roof is your home’s best defense against water damage, so it is wise to check on it often. You can inspect it easily from the ground with binoculars to look for loose shingles or other signs of wear. You can also go out during the next rain shower to make sure your gutters are properly functioning and keeping water away from your foundation.

Pay close attention to the basement. Basements are not supposed to be the damp and musty places they have been given the reputation of being—in fact, they should not be. Check your basement often for signs of moisture and mold, and if you do notice any issues, be sure to have a professional check it out right away.

If you have water damage anywhere in your home, we are here to help. You can contact us at any hour to learn more about our services or to report damages. Get in touch today to speak with a water damage restoration expert.

Doing What You Can to Reduce Your Fire Risk at Home | SERVPRO® of Montgomery

9/8/2020 (Permalink)

If you experience any damage due to a fire, we are here to help. Reach out to SERVPRO of Montgomery to learn more.

There will never be a good time to experience a house fire, but never experiencing one at all is certainly preferred. Practicing prevention can go a long way in reducing the likelihood that you will experience a house fire. It only takes 30 seconds for a fire to spread through the home and cause serious damages, but by preventing them altogether, you can keep your household significantly safer.

Reducing your overall risk profile is so important to your safety when it comes to house fires. By making sure your home is equipped with safety features, your family is prepared and you are practicing good habits, you can mitigate a fire’s likelihood and impact.

How You Can Reduce Your Household Fire Risk

Check your smoke detectors. Smoke detectors are always the first step in improving your household fire safety, as they will be the thing that notifies you if a fire has started. Be sure to do a monthly test to make sure they are operational, and keep track of when they were installed so you know when to replace the unit altogether.

Create a fire escape plan. Making sure that your family members feel comfortable escaping your home quickly in case of a fire is so important. Fire escapes should be done in under two minutes to avoid dangerous smoke inhalation. By drafting a solid plan and practicing it often, you can be certain that everyone will know exactly what to do.

Limit your fire risks. Practicing good fire safety habits on a daily basis can really add up, as you are reducing the chances that a fire can even start. Simple things, like not running cords under rugs, always attending to open flames and avoiding using frayed wires, will go a long way in ensuring your home will not be impacted by a fire to begin with.

Keep a fire extinguisher handy. Fire extinguishers are so important for having nearby while using any open flame. Though it is important to only use a fire extinguisher when the fire is small and contained, having one nearby can be the difference between a small flare-up and a large-scale house fire that causes significant damage.

If your home is damaged by a house fire, we are here to help. Our expert fire restoration technicians are here ²⁴⁄₇ to spring into action as soon as you call. Contact us at any hour to report your damage and receive a quick response.

Prepare in Advance for Severe Weather | SERVPRO® of Montgomery

9/8/2020 (Permalink)

If you suspect storm damage from a storm, contact us. Our team is eager to offer quick assistance to start the restoration process.

It is difficult to know if a storm that is forecasted to move through an area will be severe enough to cause damage before it arrives. Storms—as well as the damage they cause—can vary wildly, which is why we always recommend taking an approach grounded in advanced preparation to remain as safe as possible.

By taking steps to protect your home, you can be certain that no matter what type of storm moves through your area, you are as protected as possible.

Be as Protected as Possible From Storms

Prepare your home as much as possible. Though the nature of storm damage might seem erratic, by doing some preparation work in advance to protect your property, you can ensure you are taking the right steps to mitigate any possible damages. Trimming back any dead or overhanging trees is a great start, as is securing any objects that could possibly become loose during a storm. Many homeowners also have whole-home generators installed, allowing for utility usage if your power is out.

Create a family communications plan. When your family is all at home when severe weather is forecasted to come through the area, you can move as a group to your designated sheltering area and be certain you are all safe. However, if a storm catches one or more of your family members while they are out and about, it is important to have a communications plan so you can check in and be certain that everyone is safe.

Make sure your emergency kit is stocked. The best thing you can do to be prepared for any emergency is to have an emergency kit in your home, and storms are no exception. Your emergency kit can house everything your family might need, both during the storm and after the fact. Items like flashlights, batteries, first aid supplies, food and water are all good to keep on-hand just in case.

Consider getting a weather radio. Having cell phones has made it much easier to receive emergency weather alerts no matter where you are, but in case of severe weather, it is always good to have a backup such as a weather radio. Storms can cause power outages and even knock out cell towers, so having a weather radio that is either powered by replaceable batteries or a manual system is smart.

If your home is damaged by a storm, you can depend on us to take care of any damages. Contact us at any hour to report damage and receive a rapid response.

Holiday Fires?! Let's Hope Not!

7/31/2020 (Permalink)

STOP!!! Can we get through Halloween first?? Sure, but the holidays are right around the corner and will be here before we know it. Time just seems to be flying by this year. Especially with the crazy 2020 year, we have already been having. The last thing anyone needs or wants is a house fire.  We at SERVPRO of Montgomery want to give you some Holiday Safety Tips so you make lasting memories with your family that does not include burning your house down! According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), here are a few holiday safety tips to remember;

Halloween

• Dried flowers, cornstalks, and crepe paper catch fire easily. Keep all decorations away from open
  flames and other heat sources like light bulbs and heaters.
• Use a battery-operated candle or glow-stick in jack-o lanterns. If you use a real candle, use
  extreme caution. Make sure children are watched at all times when candles are lit. When
  lighting candles inside jack-o lanterns, use long, fireplace-style matches or a utility lighter.
• Be sure to place lit pumpkins well away from anything that can burn and far enough out of the way of trick-or-treaters, doorsteps, walkways, and yards.

Thanksgiving

• Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stovetop so you can keep an eye on the food.
• Keep matches and utility lighters out of the reach of children — up high in a locked cabinet.
• If deep-frying your turkey, defrost the turkey COMPLETELY – and dry it before putting it in hot
  oil.
• Keep a grease-rated fire extinguisher close by

Christmas

• Use lights that have the label of a recognized testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor
  or outdoor use.
• Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.
• Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.

SERVPRO of Montgomery Emergency Ready Profile

7/30/2020 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) will help ensure you and your business are "Ready for whatever happens."

In the event of an emergency, the SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile can help minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action in place for your commercial facility. The ERP is a comprehensive document containing critical information about your business, including Emergency Contact Information, Shut-off Valve Locations and Priority Areas. The ERP is also accessible online using your computer or tablet; download SERVPRO's free Ready Plan app to access this information at any time using your smartphone or tablet.

The ERP also establishes SERVPRO of Montgomery as your preferred SERVPRO franchise in the event of a disaster. Having a plan in place helps minimize the amount of time your business is inactive following a disaster.

The ERP is a no-cost assessment that requires little time and can save you a lot of time and money in the future. 

Call us today at 334-284-1612 today to set up an appointment for your ERP!

Stop Grill Fires From Starting With These Tips | SERVPRO® of Montgomery

7/29/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Montgomery is the fire restoration expert. To learn more give us a call or contact us online.

Having your dinner on the grill and your family enjoying your backyard is exactly what summer calls for, but it is important to prioritize safety amidst all the fun. Grilling is a fantastic way to prepare a meal, but it is also one of the more hazardous cooking methods due to the presence of an open flame.

While we are all for a backyard barbecue, we do like to remind everyone of the safety considerations to take in order to prevent fires.

Many people do not realize that grill fires are a frequent issue, occurring around 5,700 times a year as reported by the U.S. Fire Administration. However, by being a safe grillmaster, you can significantly reduce the chances that one will occur.

Safety Considerations to Prevent Grill Fires

Create a safe zone around your grill. Placing your grill in a convenient spot may seem like the most important thing, but we like to urge people to keep safety in mind as well. At least three feet around your grill should be free of flammable materials so there is no chance of a flare-up spreading to nearby objects.

Clean your grill grates often. With each use, your grill grates can become saturated with food and grease that have become stuck over time. Brushing down your grates after each use is always recommended—not only will this keep your grill’s temperatures consistent, but it will also prevent these food bits from becoming too hot and catching fire.

Never leave the grill unattended. Catching a grill fire before it gets out of hand can be the difference in a small incident and a large emergency, so never walk away from the grill when it is lit. If you have to take a break, have someone swap in for you, and always keep a fire extinguisher within arms’ reach.

Inspect the grill regularly. As with anything, grills can wear down with age, especially those that are gas-powered. Doing a visual inspection before each use can help you suss out any gas leaks safely so you can repair them before using your grill again.

If you have a grill fire that does damage to your home, we are here to help. You can call us any time, day or night, to have a quick response from our restoration experts.

How to Seek Shelter if a Storm Catches You Off-Guard | SERVPRO® of Montgomery

7/29/2020 (Permalink)

If your home sustains damage due to a storm, SERVPRO of Montgomery is on call and ready to help at any hour.

When you are enjoying summer fun, the last thing you are likely thinking about is the chance that a storm will start. However, it bears consideration regardless of how clear the sky looks.

Hot, humid weather is exactly what storms need to feed off of, so knowing how to get to safety quickly is key when these sudden storms begin. Below are our top tips for ensuring you know the facts about safe sheltering.

Quickly Getting to Safety if a Storm Starts Suddenly

Know your options for shelter. In an ideal scenario, you will already be somewhere secure if a storm is inbound—but we all know that is not always the case. Fortunately, sheltering in your car is actually a recommended practice if a building is not available, and can be quite safe as long as you are able to park safely and cut off the engine.

Practice electrical safety. Thunder and lightning always occur together, so all thunderstorms carry the potential to cause lightning damage as well. When you are inside, be sure you unplug all the electronics you are able to if there is time before the storm. In the chance that there is not, installing inexpensive surge protectors around your house and office can help you be safer.

Avoid direct contact with concrete. Though sheltering from a storm in a concrete structure may feel like the most secure option, make sure to avoid directly coming into contact with the concrete. The metal inside concrete buildings can attract lightning and distribute it through the walls and floor, causing a shock to anyone who is in contact with it.

Stay indoors for at least 30 minutes. If the skies clear suddenly after a summer storm, you may be antsy to get back outside, but beware of the false sense of security. Lightning can travel extreme distances, even striking up to 30 miles away from where the clouds are. For this reason, it is best to wait a half-hour after the last thunderclap before heading back out.

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.

Be Safe Grilling!

6/29/2020 (Permalink)

If you're a Tri-County local, you know how gorgeous the weather can be in the summer. Our beautiful blue skies and high temps always inspire a barbecue. After you grill, watch some TV and catch up with your pals, then, it's time to clean up.

It's a job that nobody likes to do, but it has to be done. A grill that's mired in excessive grit and soot can become a hazard and could lead to fire damage on your property.

If you're already trying to deal with extensive fire damage, don't panic, because SERVPRO of Montgomery has your back. With 24/7 emergency service and highly trained technicians on call, SERVPRO can respond faster to any size disaster.

It's a hassle to get your grill back in top shape, but with these four tips for grill cleaning, you'll have a spotless grill in no time.

1. Safety First!

Always make sure to follow proper safety procedures! This is true whether you're looking to spot clean after you've grilled food or you're gunning for a more in-depth, thorough cleaning.

Ensure that each of the knobs is OFF. Next, if you are using propane, make sure the tank is closed. Following that, check that the grill is on a stable, even surface; and that the grill is no longer hot before you touch any of its individual parts without protection.

1. Quality Grilling Utensils

Your grill brush is an important tool that you don't want to skimp out on.

What makes a great grill brush? You'll want a brush that has smaller bristles and multiple heads. Also, a long handle so that you can scrub while the gratings are still hot, and one that's durable. You'll also want to make sure that whatever brush you pick up is a good match for the size and type of grill that you're using.

1. Food and Grease Excess Residue

It's never a bad idea to crank the grill up to its highest setting after you're done cooking so that it can burn off excess grime. This can make your post-barbecue spot clean easier.

1. Outside Grill Surfaces Clean

Ensuring that the exterior of the grill is spotless is as important as maintaining the cleanliness of its interior. It's an easier job than the inside, though; all you'll need is soapy water and a rag.

Unpredictable Storm Damage

6/29/2020 (Permalink)

Bad weather can be unpredictable, and when it is, homes are at risk of suffering storm damage. The worry is that it’s often difficult to tell just how serious the damage is.

SERVPRO of Montgomery understands the process of water damage through the roof and has years of experience.

Homeowners often ignore what is seemingly minor damage, not knowing that it is actually causing major issues within the building’s structure. Remember, serious storm damage is not always immediately visible. It may seem like there’s nothing to worry about, but actually, mold growth and ceiling stains are very often signs of a more sinister problem.

Call Us Today at 334-284-1612

Schedule an appointment for us to come and take a look ASAP. If you wait for obvious signs of damage, you may be putting your entire home at risk. Moreover, if your roof or other structural elements have suffered storm damage, your insurance should cover the cost of repair and restoration.

SERVPRO of Montgomery is a fully licensed general contractor specializing in insurance restoration. We also offer 24/7 emergency home restoration services on mold, water, fire, smoke, and storm damage, as well as vandalism or any other disaster that may strike your home.

We are always ready to help and can handle any size job!

Water damage? We Have You Covered.

6/24/2020 (Permalink)

It’s 2 am and you awake to the sound of running water.  As you groggily come to your senses, you decide to check out the unusual noise, only to find that there is water everywhere.  What do you do?

The first thing you should do is call SERVPRO of Montgomery to begin water mitigation.  Water is known as a “universal solvent” because it dissolves more substances than any other liquid, and the moment it is released upon your home, it begins eating away at your walls, floors, and anything in its path.  This is why mitigation is so important and the sooner the better.  

Mitigation means to lessen the damage, and this is why your insurance company works so closely with restoration companies. They want us to get out there as soon as possible day or night to begin the clean up so that it lessens the damage that the water is doing to your home.  Did you know that a sheet of drywall can absorb as much as 6 inches of water in less than 3 hours?  This is the reason your first call should be to SERVPRO of Montgomery because we are “faster to any size disaster.” 

We can handle any size job at SERVPRO of Montgomery and make your home “Like it never even happened.” 

Call us today at 334-284-1612

A Comprehensive Plan To Deal With Fire Damage

6/4/2020 (Permalink)

A Comprehensive Plan To Deal With Fire Damage

When fire damage strikes in Montgomery, it pays to have a comprehensive plan in place. A complete plan includes the following elements:

• A quick response from fire remediation specialists
• Action to secure the building from looters
• Equipment in place to deal with water removal
• A dry-cleaning strategy for uniforms and other fabrics
• The storage of contents
• The restoration of the building

All of these steps are necessary to get your business up and running again. The fire remediation professionals will work quickly to restore your building to its condition before the fire happened.

Why Content Cleaning Is Crucial

When a fire sweeps through your commercial building, there is likely to be some structural damage. There will also be damage from smoke and soot and this will have to be addressed before the building will be functional again. Specialized equipment in the hands of trained technicians will be needed. For clothes, dry-cleaning is the most effective approach, as it removes smoke odors and cleans away soot. For non-porous items, ultrasonic measures provide the best cleaning.

Another immediate concern is removing the excess moisture in the building. This can come from flooding due to a storm or from the efforts of the fire fighting crew. ventilation devices, scrubbers, and thermal foggers are employed to remove excess water and humidity. This is a crucial task to make certain mold doesn't begin to grow in areas of the building. Water removal will also help with retaining the viability of electrical equipment such as computer software and hardware. Content storage may be needed to remove items from the building while the cleanup is going on. This gets the items out of the way and keeps them protected while the work is going on.

Relying on a smart plan is the quickest way to recover after a commercial fire. Actions such as dry-cleaning, water removal, and drying allow your business to get up and running as rapidly as possible.

Call SERVPRO of Montgomery at 334-284-1186 today!

Restoring Your Montgomery Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

6/1/2020 (Permalink)

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

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

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

About SERVPRO of Montgomery

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

Faster to your Montgomery Water Damage Event

6/1/2020 (Permalink)

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Montgomery provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.  SERVPRO of Montgomery arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – 334-284-1612

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

About SERVPRO of Montgomery

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

Overflowing Toilet In Your Montgomery Home?

5/7/2020 (Permalink)

A common cause of water damage in homes are overflowing toilets. Depending on the location of the malfunctioning toilet and type of overflow, SERVPRO of Montgomery professionals must approach the situation differently. 

When it comes to sewage, you want the expert help of SERVPRO of Montgomery professionals. Not only can we help clean up the water and dry your home back out, but we also need to attack the smells the mess left behind. 

The first step in getting rid of odors is to of course get rid of what is causing it – in this case, the sewage. Odor problems from water damage occur because wet materials are not dry. Once the moisture level returns to normal, a lot of the odor problems go away as well.

In most situations with deodorization, odors are coming from multiple sources. To find all of them and figure out the specific methods to fight each of them requires technical equipment and much knowledge. Instead, SERVPRO of Montgomery techs use various methods to combat the smells.

One kind of deodorization agent does not work on every odor, so we use more than one type to treat the various odors we encounter in these situations. Plus, we ensure that you as our customer like the smell of the professional product we choose to apply.

When it comes down to it, SERVPRO of Montgomery are the ones to trust with a toilet overflow disaster. Not only can we clean everything up, but we ensure that your home in Carol Villa, Wynlakes or Sturbridge is back to itself again when you call us at 334-284-1612.

Montgomery Storms

4/28/2020 (Permalink)

We all remember the amount of rain we got back in late February and early March. Roads were closed and a ray of sunshine seemed priceless, but water damage wasn’t the only issue to worry about. There are many different factors to also be ready for when facing the storm such as lightning and wind.

With lightning, a fire is a common worry but fire alone isn’t your only worry. It can mess with the wiring in your house but also strike tree branches and other debris causing it to hit your house.

Another issue is the high wind. High winds can not only cause debris to hit your homes but can also seriously affect your roofing which then can cause even bigger water damage.

Though the storms may be big none is too big for your local SERVPRO of Montgomery. Well, are well equipped and ready to face it head-on with 24-hour service. So anytime the storm hits we can be there and you sleep well at night.

Faster Service is Better For You

4/20/2020 (Permalink)

Our motto, Faster To Any Size Disaster, means we not only arrive more quickly but that we also start working faster on any homes in Montgomery that need restoration work. Our assessments remain thorough because our teamwork means the information-gathering period concludes earlier.  

Why else do SERVPRO teams start sooner when a house in Montgomery suffers from signs of water damage? Because we want to prevent the spread and worsening of water damage. Protecting otherwise undamaged areas of your home that might succumb to invasive or lost water means a lot to us. We want to help save our customers from spending for repairs that preventative work can eliminate.  

The quicker we respond to your home's emergency, the less damage can happen, because water spreads from one material to another and travels from one area of your house to other areas unhindered. Once water damaged areas show signs, it becomes more difficult to restore these areas. Visible damage often calls for more extensive restoration efforts or complete replacement of the area involved. Some damage can appear as newly created risks in the home.

When your ceiling sags down for seemingly no reason, we check to ensure that hidden water, trapped in the area above the ceiling, does not exist. Because water weighs so much, it only takes a small amount from a leaky roof or a dripping pipe in an upstairs bathroom to collect water in a ceiling downstairs. While this water might eventually evaporate and end up elsewhere, the situation can also take a turn for the worse. Our team understands that such situations need mitigation to make the area safe again.  

Water damage can take other forms, of course, and affect almost any material inside your home which includes your personal belongings, keepsakes and mementos, furniture, and anything else under your roof. SERVPRO of Montgomery specialists uses their skills to put a stop to water damage and make things whole again. Moving forward is an incredible necessity of life, and we help you and your family do this.  

SERVPRO of Montgomery is ready every minute of every hour, year-round, to help get you through the crisis of both old and new water damage. Serving the Tri-County area, we are located nearby, ensuring fast response when you need us the most. Your first step involves a quick call to us at 334.284.1612, and we can do the rest.

SERVPRO of Montgomery Professionals Can Help Restore Your Business

4/7/2020 (Permalink)

Handling the aftermath of a fire in Montgomery can be one of the most frustrating things a homeowner or business owner will ever have to deal with on their own. Fires, even ones that are quite minimal and were put out quickly, can cause a lot of damage. Not only is black soot on walls, ceilings, and furniture an issue, but the water damage that was caused to put out the flames is also an issue. For many, stagnant air and musky odors can linger for quite some time after a fire has been extinguished. Also, carbon monoxide levels might not be safe for those who are re-entering the home or building.

This is why it is important to have a professional handle the process of fire restoration. Professional damage restoration companies work with a wide range of different home or business issues pertaining to natural and man-made disasters. The reason these types of companies are so beneficial is that they have worked on thousands of homes or buildings very much like your own. They also have the skills, equipment, and tools necessary to get the job done effectively and efficiently. These are things that you might not be able to do on your own.

Another reason to have a professional handle the process of fire restoration and leftover water damage from extinguishing the fire is because it can sometimes be dangerous to do the cleaning on your own. The smoke from a fire can put carbon monoxide in the air, which is an odorless and tasteless fume that can be fatal to breathe in regularly. The expert company will check for carbon monoxide levels and take the appropriate actions if it is found to be within the home or building that has recently dealt with a fire and leftover damage from flames.

Your home or office building can easily get restored back to its former glory once a professional does the job for you. Trying to remedy fire damage on your own can be frustrating and even dangerous if you aren't checking for carbon monoxide levels and the like. Instead, think about contacting a local company to come in and do the job for you when it is convenient for you. The fire damage will be remedied and your home or place of business will be completely restored so that you can feel comfortable going back in and being there regularly.

Fire Damage Restoration

We understand that smoke and fire damage is both devastating and disruptive to your family or business. SERVPRO of Montgomery Professionals responds quickly to repair the fire, smoke, and soot damage, including:

• Fire damage cleanup
• Smoke and soot damage cleaning and repair
• Cleaning your home's contents and belongings
• Eliminating fire and smoke odor and deodorization

Are You Ready For Storm Season?

4/2/2020 (Permalink)

• Tornadoes may strike quickly, with little or no warning.
• Tornadoes can destroy structures and lift vehicles.
• Tornadoes may appear nearly transparent until dust and debris are picked up or a cloud forms in the funnel.
• Tornadoes generally move Southwest to Northeast, but they have been known to move in any direction.
• The average forward speed of a tornado is 30 MPH but may vary from stationary to 70 MPH.
• Tornadoes can accompany tropical storms and hurricanes as they move onto land.
• Waterspouts are tornadoes that form over water.
• Tornadoes are most frequently reported east of the Rocky Mountains during spring and summer months.
• Peak tornado season is March through May; Tuscaloosa has a second tornado season from November to early December.
• Tornadoes are most likely to occur between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m. but can occur at any time.
• The average tornado lasts less than 10 minutes, but it can last from seconds to more than an hour.

While securing your personal belongings and valuables is important, protecting yourself and your family should be your top priority when a tornado watch is in effect. 

Your family should have a plan in place so that you can quickly find shelter, particularly if you live in a vulnerable structure such as a mobile home. You should also pre-designate a place to meet up after the storm in the event that you are separated.

Basements and storm cellars are the safest places to wait out a tornado. If shelter below ground is not available, go to the lowest floor possible and seek protection in a bathroom, closet or other interior room far from windows and as close to the center of the house as possible.

Conventional wisdom holds that opening windows helps by equalizing pressure in the house. This is no longer advised, however, as doing so allows damaging debris to enter your home.

The bottom line is if a tornado warning is issued for your area, you should hunker down in the basement, cellar or tornado shelter as quickly as possible. Saving you and your family members’ lives is more important than preserving your home.

For more tips to protect your home before the next tornado warning, or to schedule cleanup services following a natural disaster, please contact SERVPRO of Montgomery at 334.284.1612.

We are Cleaning Experts

4/1/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today, SERVPRO of Montgomery at 334.284.1612. 

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-prevent-spread.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fguidance-prevent-spread.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-business-response.html

Be Prepared If Your Montgomery Business Suffers Water Damage

3/31/2020 (Permalink)

Like any business, software development and semiconductor companies need to plan for unexpected events and disasters. Business owners and managers plan for all kinds of crises. We can help you prepare for a water loss collaboratively.

Fast and efficient response to water damage within your Montgomery commercial property is the best first step toward restoring the harm done to the building and the contents of your business. We encourage you to consult with us to develop an Emergency Ready Plan and Profile (ERP). We walk you through the process as we evaluate the layout and workings of your shop. Working together helps with many aspects of a natural disaster, equipment malfunction, or a simple leak that can get out of control quickly.

A SERVPRO of Montgomery project manager familiar with large water losses visits your commercial property. We look for areas of vulnerability with your layout, inventory, and equipment should large quantities of water invade. Commonsense suggestions can limit your risk, and our new-found familiarity with your premises permits us to better react to any call you must make if a problem arises.

We take pictures and sketch out a blueprint of your location. You help by using our mobile app to expand our base of information. A list of all the vendors and contractors that installed and warrant your systems and equipment helps us if we have questions during the mitigation process. The ERP makes it clear that SERVPRO of Montgomery is your restoration company of choice. Often our customer’s designate members of their management team to act in their stead if an emergency occurs while the owner is unavailable.

If during the assessment we see you have inventory, business equipment, or documents at risk of flood damage we encourage as part of the plan a pack out to our production facility or a dry, secure area of your commercial property. SERVPRO of Montgomery drying specialists use effective strategies to restore wet articles including electronics. We have access to innovative drying systems like freeze-drying for documents and custom-sized drying spaces that use a combination of air movement, heat, and dehydration to remove moisture from office furnishings and equipment.

SERVPRO of Montgomery is ready to help you develop a concise and readily available online plan if your business has a water damage emergency. Call 334.284.1612 to set up an appointment to get the ERP process started.

Why Advanced Training in Appropriate Kitchen Fire Damage Cleaning Is Crucial

3/28/2020 (Permalink)

Cleaning up after a fire in your Montgomery home requires more than an upbeat attitude and some elbow grease. Even if the flames subsided quickly, residues from the kitchen fire likely spread widely throughout your home. The soiling attaches to any surface, horizontal, vertical, or slanted, the hot air currents from the fire depositing the soot on cooler walls, ceilings, and furnishings often far from the ignition site. Residues are almost transparent but very bad smelling and tightly adhered to the surfaces. 

Not Typical Household Dirt and Grime

To understand issues presented by fire damage in Montgomery home, imagine the interior of your oven after many roastings and broilers without cleaning. Think about the coatings in a microwave or outdoor grill that were not addressed immediately after cooking. The residues that drift through your home after a kitchen fire are similar, not the dry and ashy soot of a wood fire, but the remains of grease, oils, and proteins, now dehydrated and in every corner of your abode.  

Principles and Elements of Cleaning 

At SERVPRO, our technicians train extensively to ensure that our cleaning efforts are successful. First, we focus on the principles of cleaning: 

• Locating the fire residues
• Identifying the type of residue
• Identifying the types of surfaces affected
• Capturing and removing residues for proper disposal  

Armed with that knowledge, we approach cleaning tasks by manipulating the following elements of cleaning: 

• Temperature
• Agitation 
• Chemical action
• Time 

How Do Protein-Based Residues Fit the Protocol? 

SERVPRO of Montgomery technicians are familiar with the challenges of resolving kitchen fire residues. The greasy, almost varnish-like residues are impervious to the water-based cleansers frequently relied upon as “one size fits all” solutions for cleanup. We use research-based procedures to break the bonds, utilizing the principle that “like dissolves like.” Instead of soap, we select a solvent and often choose to employ both agitation and abrasive tools to loosen the kitchen fire sourced soot. Detergents can also help us dislodge oily residues, acting with water to create an emulsion to suspend the dehydrated food and grease particles. 

SERVPRO of Montgomery has a highly-trained and skilled workforce ready to assist with your fire damage challenges. Call us at 334.284.1612

SERVPRO of Montgomery Offers Quick Help

3/23/2020 (Permalink)

Water intrusion incidents happen without any warning leaving a trail of destruction in your home. Apart from removing the water, other steps, such as cleaning, stain removal, and even rebuilding some parts of the home, may be necessary. Calling SERVPRO of Montgomery to handle the restoration can help you get quicker results because we have a deeper understanding of the process along with much experience.

Anticipation of Problems

Properties in Montgomery hit by water damage undergo different stages of deterioration depending on the amount of water spilled, and the time it takes to restore them. Some problems like rusting, rotting in wood, or even mold development, which are challenging to address, happen in the later stages of the loss. Anticipating such problems can ensure correct actions are taken early, thus preventing them from developing. Our SERVPRO of Montgomery technicians expedite water removal, especially around hardwood floors. We can also remove some boards to prevent buckling when the floor swells after absorbing water.

Understanding Material Structure

The various materials that make up the house are unique in many ways, including having different internal structures. The structure affects absorbency and ability to hold water for long, which can have several implications, including fueling mold growth, long after the water spill incident happens. Our SERVPRO of Montgomery technicians have extensive knowledge of various building materials. For example, we understand the arrangement and size of pores in woods such as Red Cedar. We also understand whether a specific house has a tight, loose, or moderate envelope and its impact on the drying process.  The envelope means several things, including the roof, ceiling, foundation, and finished floors, among other aspects.

Variety of Sophisticated Equipment

The restoration process involves several steps performed together or separately. Most of the steps require equipment to complete. We have sufficient equipment making it easier to complete such steps. Some equipment can also shorten the process. For example, using injection-dry systems and drying mats, it is possible to remove water from floorboards without demolishing such areas, which can become quite costly. There again, we try to restore and not replace building materials and internal fixtures.

Better understating of water loss helps improve the restoration process. Call SERVPRO of Montgomery at 334.284.1612to help address any issue you face after the loss, “Like it never even happened.”

Storm Damage Tips

3/9/2020 (Permalink)

Storm Damage Tips 

• Listen to the radio for advisories
• Do not venture outside until it’s declared safe 
• Stay away from downed power lines, standing water, and metal objects near downed wires
• Watch out for snakes and wild animals 
• If you smell gas, turn gas off at the meter 
• Avoid using candles or open flames indoors
• Operate generators outside
• Be careful when entering or leaving buildings with structural damage. It is best to avoid entering until the damage has been assessed 
• Once things have been properly assessed, make sure you have plenty of pictures of storm damage to your property 
• Contact SERVPRO of Montgomery to come out for board up and get started on water mitigation. 
• SERVPRO of Montgomery will work with you and your insurance to get your property back to preloss condition

SERVPRO of Montgomery 334-284-1612

Rain Rain Rain... Go Away

2/12/2020 (Permalink)

Rain, rain, rain. 

Numerous flash flood warnings. 

Rain jackets. Rain boots. Umbrellas. 

Flooding. 

Here in Alabama, that’s what we have been dealing with. Some of us have been lucky, others have not. We have received over 8 inches in some areas of Alabama. The Riverfront Park in downtown Montgomery is currently underwater. As of Tuesday, February 11, the water was up to thirty nine feet. The Alabama river is expected to reach over forty feet by Thursday morning, if not sooner. We here at SERVPRO of Montgomery hope that your home or business has not been affected. If, unfortunately, your residence or business gets affected by all this weather, please don’t hesitate to give us a call. SERVPRO of Montgomery is available 365 days a year, 24/7. We can make it “Like it never even happened.” 

Call SERVPRO of Montgomery today! (334) 284-1612

SERVPRO of Montgomery Can Help With Your Mold Problems

2/6/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Montgomery professionals can help provide a solution to your property’s mold damage needs. Buildings with excessive moisture can be breeding grounds for mold growth. If your facility has experienced an ongoing moisture problem due to water intrusions, long-standing leaks, roof damage or poor humidity control. It is important to be alert for the presence of visible mold, strong musty odors, any evidence of past moisture problems, and/or excessive humidity. 

If you do find mold within the Montgomery facility, mold removal and remediation can help eliminate a potentially dangerous situation. SERVPRO of Montgomery professionals will arrive on-site alert for any visible signs of mold. Following industry standards for mold remediation, they will work to remove visible mold and reduce the potential for future mold growth. 

Call us today if you suspect you have mold. (334) 273-0992.

Our Experienced Team Can Help You

1/20/2020 (Permalink)

The water loss remediation industry continuously devises new equipment that takes a Montgomery property from soaked and deteriorating to dry and clean faster and more efficiently. As amazing as innovative tools are, it takes a crew of seasoned and highly-qualified technicians to use them to the best effect. Professional water remediation companies deliver their best outcomes when the workers pledge to train and recertify on a regular basis.

When you face water damage in your home, you benefit from cutting-edge equipment and crews who know how to operate them according to industry standards. Even diehard do-it-yourselfers recognize that managing water incursions is a tricky business, requiring not only hard work but also a solid understanding of the science behind water removal and structural drying.

Developing professional expertise to mitigate water damage is why SERVPRO sends our crew members to the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) classes. The IICRC is a standard developing and establishing organization worldwide. Skills taught to the employees we sent to remediate and restore your home base their effectiveness on research.

An example of a task that might seem straightforward enough to be within the grasp of every homeowner is carpet water extraction. The equipment resembles a shop vac, and a homeowner typically feels comfortable operating a vacuum. Why SERVPRO requires crew members to complete a comprehensive IICRC course in carpet cleaning relates to the problems that can occur if standards are unknown or ignored.

The art and science of extracting water from carpeting or other floor coverings are not intuitive. An effective way to pull moisture out of a carpet is with a weighted wand extractor. SERVPRO IICRC-trained technicians learned and practiced the techniques that extract moisture without putting stress on the textile floor covering. Inexperienced individuals can stretch the carpet fabric by exerting too much pressure or moving too quickly across a surface. Inappropriate force might cause delamination of the carpet backing from the carpet face. 

SERVPRO of Montgomery delivers high-quality water mitigation results by arranging for professional training of all our technicians. Schedule an appointment with our top-notch workforce by calling 334-284-1612.

Fire Damage In Your Montgomery Residence Can Necessitate Soot Cleanup Services

1/20/2020 (Permalink)

Fire Damage In Your Montgomery Residence Can Necessitate Soot Cleanup Services

After a fire, homeowners commonly find soot on ceilings, walls, and other objects or materials in their homes. Most wall surfaces, including painted drywall, brick, or wallpaper, are porous. Soot consists of fine particles that can penetrate deeply into porous surfaces, causing lingering odors and stains.

Most of the time, it's possible to remove soot from ceilings and walls, but in serious cases, it may be necessary to remove, repaint or reinstall affected materials like wallpaper and drywall. To get the best outcome from soot clean up after fire damage in your Prattville residence, you should hire a professional restoration firm like SERVPRO. Our fire restoration experts are equipped to handle the smoke, ash, and soot cleanup process quickly and effectively. We begin soot cleanup by removing most of the dry soot using a duster, HEPA vacuum or dry cleaning sponge.

When cleaning some surfaces like wallpaper, the appropriate method to use is dry cleaning. Other surfaces can respond well and tolerate wet cleaning procedures. Using a chemical-dry sponge or a dry-cleaning sponge is appropriate when a high oxygen fire has caused soot to build up in a particular area. The soot can smear and leave an unsightly stain if one attempts to use a wet cleaning method. Before we perform any wet cleaning procedures, we test the cleaning solution on an inconspicuous, small area like behind a switch plate to see if it causes any staining.

Soot can cause further damage in your home if it is ground and smudged into paint, plaster, wallpaper, walls, upholstery, and carpets. The odor that soot can cause is difficult to eradicate with typical cleaning methods and household products. Normal household vacuums are inefficient in removing soot and ash for they redeposit the particles around a house which can contaminate previously unaffected rooms and areas. Our SERVPRO technicians can use HEPA vacuums to remove soot from the affected areas, including sockets and light switches. If you do not clean these fixtures before use, short-circuiting can occur. HEPA vacuums trap the particles, preventing them from redepositing.

For help in removing soot from your home, contact SERVPRO of Montgomery at (334) 284-1612. We have the tools and expertise to deal with the aftermath of a fire and restore your property to its pre-fire damage condition.

Important Mold Questions

12/30/2019 (Permalink)

A Few Important Mold Questions and Their Answers

Mold is a common problem in many buildings. If you have noticed a fungus growth in your North Lilburn home, you may be wondering what you should do about it. Will your insurance cover the costs of removal? The answer to this can vary depending on your circumstances. Here are a few important mold questions and their answers.

1. When Does Insurance Cover Mold?

In many cases, your insurance policy will not include mold, but there are some exceptions. In situations where it is clear that the growth of mold was caused by a covered peril, then the costs to remove the damage will likely be covered. This can include instances when mold is the result of leaks caused by ice buildup, damage from a broken pipe and accidents involving broken appliances. Some companies also offer added mold insurance policies for an additional price.

2. When Is Mold Not Covered?

Unfortunately, your standard homeowner's insurance will more than likely exclude most mold coverage. Unless it was caused by a covered peril, you will be required to pay the costs of a mold remediation service on your own. Disasters such as floods are often not included in standard policies, so mold that is the result of a flood will not be covered. It can sometimes be difficult to receive coverage for mold if your home has a history of fungal growth.

3. How Can You Prevent Mold?

Because getting rid of a fungus growth can be costly, it is better to prevent one from occurring. You can do this by limiting the moisture in your home. Make sure to keep appliances and plumbing fixtures dry. You can lower the humidity by using exhaust fans and opening windows in kitchens and bathrooms. Always fix leaks as soon as possible and clean your home regularly.

While it is unlikely that your insurance will cover a fungus growth, this is not always the case. Be sure to read over your policy carefully so you know exactly what is included. Creating an unsuitable environment for mold in your home will help prevent the need for professional cleanup.

If you suspect you have mold, give SERVPRO of Montgomery a call at (334) 273-0992!

What To Do Until Help Arrives After A Fire

12/9/2019 (Permalink)

WHAT TO DO UNTIL HELP ARRIVES

DO:

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpet. 
• Keep hands clean. Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls, and woodwork. 
• Place dry, colorfast towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery, and carpet traffic areas. 
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator completely and prop doors open to help prevent odor. 
• Wipe soot from chrome on kitchen and bathroom faucets, trim and appliances, then protect these surfaces with a light coating of lubricant. 
• If heat is off during winter, pour RV antifreeze in sinks, toilet bowls, holding tanks and to tubs to avoid freezing pipes and fixtures. 
• Wash both sides of leaves on house plants. 
• Change the HVAC filter, but leave the system off until a trained professional can check the system. 
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers to stop particles of soot from getting in or out of the HVAC system. 

SERVPRO of Montgomery is a team of specialists, trained to professionally clean your home and personal belongings. If you experience a fire in your Montgomery home or business, give us a call at 334-273-0992.

Why Choose SERVPRO of Montgomery for Your Water Damage

12/3/2019 (Permalink)

A pipe burst. A water heater leaks. A bathtub overflows. Flood water rushes in. A sprinkler system malfunctions. 

Water damage can happen in any number of ways. But if your business or home is under a few inches of water, everything takes a backseat. Only one thing matters when your business can’t operate, and there is just one thing on the mind of the water-logged resident; a solution. 

SERVPRO of Montgomery is that solution. Equipped with the knowledge, the experience, and the training to help make your water damage “Like it never even happened.” SERVPRO of Montgomery professionals will start helping the moment you call. 

Backed by more than 40 years of experience, SERVPRO of Montgomery professionals will help put your worries at ease, because they understand the science of drying. 

When water damage strikes, give SERVPRO of Montgomery a call, we will help to make things right, make things dry and make it “Like it never even happened.”

Call us at 334-273-0992. 

We Can Help Faster

11/27/2019 (Permalink)

FASTER TO ANY SIZE DISASTER 

SERVPRO of Montgomery provides help when and where our clients need it. The sooner we arrive, the more property and belongings we save!

Our number one goal is returning property and items to preloss condition, doing all we can to help homeowners and business owners regain control following a disaster. SERVPRO of Montgomery is dedicated to restoring both the property and the lives of the customers being helped. Like it was never dirty, like it never overflowed, like it never caught fire, like it never spilled, like it never smoldered - whatever the case, SERVPRO of Montgomery’s goal is to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Call SERVPRO of Montgomery for any of your restoration or cleaning needs! 

(334) 273-0992

Preventing Water Damage

11/18/2019 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of Montgomery, we are water damage specialists, and we compiled a small list on how to prevent water damage from happening often in your home: 

1. 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. Don’t forget to clean downspouts to ensure water can flow through, and secure downspouts so that they point away from the home.
2. Know your Water Main - Know the location of your water main and shut it off if you leave for an extended amount of time.
3. Check Appliances Regularly - Check and maintain your appliances regularly for leaks according to the manufacturer’s directions.
4. 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.
5. Upgrade Washing Machine Hoses - Old, brittle or leaky washing machine hoses are among the most frequent causes of water loss for homeowners. Replace yours often throughout the year to avoid expensive damage.
6. Check Your Water Pressure - If the water pressure to your home is too high, then your pipes and hoses may fail under the 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.
7. Monitor Your Water Bill - Sometimes, the only way you know that water is leaking is taking a closer look at your water bill. If your usage jumps significantly from one month to the next, then there is probably a leak somewhere in the home.

If you do unfortunately experience water damage, we are here to help. Call us at (334) 273-0992.

We Can Handle Your Commercial Water Damage

11/5/2019 (Permalink)

Trust SERVPRO of Montgomery for Immediate Water Removal When Your Business Needs Assistance

Commercial water damage can close the doors of a business enterprise. It may be a retail store, a doctor's office, an apartment complex, or even a big-box store. Disruptions to normal business patterns lead to loss of goodwill and revenue. Consider calling in a professional water damage restoration company like SERVPRO to limit your losses.

Montgomery water mitigation professionals are needed when it comes to handling unwanted water intrusion. Water damages can occur at any time and any place. It is important to be prepared to call a professional because water damage can be very hard to clean up by yourself. In fact, water gets into many places that are inaccessible. As a result, even after you have dried up the building yourself, you can still get mold and other problems in the building.  

It takes quick action to handle the damage efficiently. You have to make sure that all the belongings are safe. If the water has gotten to some of the belongings, it is important to make sure that you clean them out as quickly as you can before any permanent damage occurs. All of the other items that you can save, you should do so. Afterward, you should contact a professionally certified team that will remove the water and use specialized drying equipment. Our SERVPRO of Montgomery professionals are certified and have the equipment needed to take care of the water damage. 

SERVPRO of Montgomery is a commercial water removal company that has experience in mitigating water damage. We know how to handle water damage that resulted from storms, clogs, natural disasters, and other similar events. We are always available when you call and will promptly dispatch a crew. Call us at (334) 273-0992.

Our Trained Technicians

10/29/2019 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of Montgomery, our technicians are IICRC certified.  They receive training in water mitigation, mold remediation, fire restoration, and general cleaning.  This allows us the perform at the standards that you deserve. 

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is a certification and standard-setting non-profit organization for the inspection, cleaning, and restoration industries.

Our Professionals study IICRC standards and best practices in water restoration, fire restoration, mold remediation, carpet and upholstery cleaning, and other cleaning and restoration courses.

Initial Franchise Training

SERVPRO Corporate Training Facility provides new Franchise owners training in Fire Restoration, Water Restoration, Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning, and Mold Mitigation.  This is the foundation of the training program designed by SERVPRO. The process is a 15-day hands-on course that provides the owners with valuable information

Employee Certification Training

The Employee Certification Training is a series of course materials and examination process that SERVPRO Franchise employees complete to receive certification in the following:

• Crew Training
• Fire Restoration
• Water Restoration
• Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning

e-Learnings 

SERVPRO has a plethora of web-based training.  Technicians and office staff have access to learn and tests their knowledge of industry standards and professional quality.  These courses often are video presentations as well as support materials that challenge our technicians to be the best they can be for our customers.

Disaster Recovery Team

10/18/2019 (Permalink)

When a storm or disaster strikes your home or business, SERVPRO's Disaster Recovery Team is poised and "Ready for whatever happens." With a network of more than 1,700 franchises nationwide, the SERVPRO system strives to be faster to any size disaster. Strategically located throughout the United States, SERVPRO's Disaster Recovery Team is expertly trained and readily equipped to handle the largest storms and highest floodwaters. Providing experience, manpower, equipment, and other resources, the Disaster Recovery Team is always on call and available to assist SERVPRO of Montgomery. SERVPRO's Disaster Recovery Team has responded to hundreds of disaster events. In the aftermath of a disaster, there is only one objective: to help you make it "Like it never even happened."

Did you know that SERVPRO has a specialized storm team and large loss response network to provide the resources to your property when others can’t? In the event of a disaster, SERVPRO professionals have the resources to relocate crews with equipment to take care of all of our customer’s needs. SERVPRO strategically places mobilization teams across the country to travel when needed to support recovery after large storm events such as hurricanes. Our job as water damage restoration professionals is to limit the amount of business interruption. We understand that fast mitigation is key to getting your business back up and running. SERVPRO provides the resources in the event of a large storm event to make sure that the right equipment, procedures, and training are in place to ensure that the structure is dry the first time and saves you time and money.

Do you have questions about how SERVPRO of Montgomery can help you prepare for a disaster? Contact us today at (334) 273-0992! 

Difference Between "Mold Removal" vs. Remediation

10/2/2019 (Permalink)

What's the Difference?

Since microscopic mold spores exist naturally everywhere, indoors and outdoors, removing all mold from a home or business is impossible.  Some restoration business advertises "mold removal" and even guarantee to remove all mold. This is a fallacy.

A qualified restoration company understands the science behind mold and mold growth.  SERVPRO of Montgomery has the training and expertise to remediate the mold in your home or business.  Mold remediation focuses on getting mold levels back to normal, natural levels.

Every mold damage scenario is different and requires a unique solution, but the general mold remediation process stays the same.

Step 1:Emergency contact (334) 284-1612

Step 2: Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment

Step 3: Mold Containment

Step 4: Air Filtration

Step 5: Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials

Step 6: Cleaning Contents and Belongings

Step 7: Restoration

Signs of Mold? Call SERVPRO of Montgomery today (334) 284-1612

Why You Need an ERP for Your Business

9/25/2019 (Permalink)

The best way to reduce interruption to your business following a disaster is to plan for it now! It is estimated that as many as 50% of businesses may never recover following a disaster. Of the ones that do, an overwhelming majority of them had preparedness plans in place.

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

Most contingency plans are made up of three main components: incident response, disaster recovery, and business continuity. The SERVPRO ERP addresses incident response and disaster recovery. Think about potential disasters that could affect your facility. Now ask yourself: Are you ready?

Our SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile is a start-up approach that provides important information needed to begin mitigation and recovery services.

Why the SERVPRO ERP?

• A no-cost assessment of your facility
• This means there is no need to allocate funds, giving you a great value at no cost.
• A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency.
• It will only take a little time to complete and will not take you away from current projects. But it will save a lot of time if ever needed.
• A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.
• This can help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive by having an immediate plan of action.
• Establishes SERVPRO of Montgomery as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.
• You have a provider that is recognized as an industry leader and close by.
• Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin.
• This saves time so we can begin the work of mitigating the damage which can save you time and money
• Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas, and priority contact information.
• Having a quick reference for what to do, how to do it and who to call provides solutions in advance of an emergency so that during the emergency you are “Ready for whatever happens.”

If you're interested in having an ERP done for your business (at no cost to you!), OR if you have more questions about the Emergency READY Profile, give SERVPRO of Montgomery a call at (334) 284-1612. 

SERVPRO is Available 24/7 to Remediate Prattville's Water, Mold, Fire, and Storm Emergencies

8/9/2019 (Permalink)

Our team is wearing their Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while getting instructions for the job. We are always ready and prepared for your call.

Why SERVPRO Operates Restoration Services Twenty-Four Hours a Day for Prattville Residents 

Prattville is a unique community. As a restoration services provider, we are committed to making sure it stays that way by providing expertise, experience, and customer service to our local community. SERVPRO of Prattville has over a century of combined experience in the restoration industry with each member of our technical staff holding at least one Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) in the fields of mold, fire, storm or water damage. By consistently providing quality training, we guarantee this community the ability to overcome property damages with a minimum of losses and as little distraction from their everyday lives as possible.  

Mold Remediation

Prattville is a historic community with many properties here constructed over a century ago. As with all older builds mold growth is a genuine issue that requires expert remediation from our qualified restoration services. The common signs of uncontrolled microbial growth may include a distinct musty odor or visible signs of mold in corners of the home as well as behind furnishings. It is not always necessary to perform expensive laboratory testing when mold damage in your Prattville home is apparent. You do need to enlist professional restoration services as soon as possible. 

SERVPRO has an established game plan for residential mold incidents. The goal is to assess the extent of damage, then implement a containment, control, and remediation procedure. Fungi can spread through porous materials that may exist in regions of the home that have restricted access, such as loft spaces, insulation, and floorboards. SERVPRO may need to move furniture around or temporarily remove affected areas to gain unrestricted access to these areas. 

Mold spores are microscopic and spread through air currents. SERVPRO mold remediation procedure involves agitative cleaning methods as well as pressure cleaning. The first thing we need to do is set up a quarantine using plastic sheeting. During cleaning of the affected area or demolishing of infested drywall, we need to control the spread by placing negative air pressure machines on site. The surrounding air can be decontaminated using High-Efficiency Particular Air (HEPA) filters. Some materials need demolishing and replacement to prevent the recurrence of mold. Others can be treated with biocides or anti-microbial sprays to diminish the likelihood of recurring issues. 

Water Damage Restoration

The extent of damages that water incidents cause depends on how quickly we can remove moisture and dry the property. We have seen properties with water damage in Prattville make a full recovery because homeowners have acted quickly to bring in professional restoration services. At the same time, we have seen properties suffer permanent losses as a result of prolonged exposure to moisture. The priority for both homeowner and SERVPRO is to dry the affected area as quickly as possible to mitigate losses to both contents and structure.  

The key to successful water restoration services in Prattville is to take a thorough approach by tracing water from the source. Wet moves to dry, so the longer your property is exposed to moisture, the greater the extent of the damage. In some situations, prolonged exposure leads to water buildup inside the cavities of your home as well as beneath fitted cabinets. We equip SERVPRO technicians with thermal imaging cameras that use infrared light to detect moisture in cavities that is otherwise invisible to the naked eye. 

Following a thorough visual inspection, SERVPRO can mobilize specialist structural cavity drying equipment to remove moisture from cavities. We achieve this by removing the baseboard and drilling small holes into the bottom of your walls. These holes provide access points for the injector nozzles of our injectidry systems. Once fitting the system, we can circulate warm, dry air inside the cavity to ensure that moisture pockets are thoroughly restored and the likelihood of secondary damages like mold growth significantly reduced.  

Fire Damage Restoration

A fire in your Prattville property is an unfortunate event that, although not common, happens for a variety of reasons. Leaving an electrical appliance on, your cooker or a lamp that gets too close to a flammable fabric can all cause property fires. Even a relatively minor fire can result in extensive smoke damages to your walls, ceilings, or fabrics. Due to the different nature of smoke produced when materials combust, these issues do require professional restoration services to avoid spreading damages around during cleaning.  

A homeowner with fire damage in their Prattville home should reach out to us on our emergency call line. We can arrange a service with an IICRC fire restoration technician (FRT) to call by and conduct a pre-test of the damages. Pre-tests involving testing for the type of smoke deposits in the home as well as the level of soiling sustained by upholstery, mattresses, or fabrics. These pre-tests are vital in ensuring that our approach to the restoration service required is an informed one and gives the best chance of returning your property to its preloss condition.  

At SERVPRO, our first step in restoring an area of your Prattville property is to mitigate losses by ensuring the affected area is dried. Moisture, used in firefighting, can set soots in the fabric causing permanent damage. Provided the pre-test has shown that fabrics are durable enough and do not shrink or bleed, we can use rapid air-movers to dry out the property. Once we dry the area, we can move on to the restoration step, by cleaning soiling, deodorizing, then repainting, or refinishing, areas that have sustained significant damages. 

Storm Damage Restoration

A severe weather event can lead to storm damage in your Prattville home. SERVPRO storm technicians are qualified in areas like water restoration and applied structural drying (ASD.) It is not uncommon for homeowners to be temporarily relocated from their property by an insurance adjuster while property repairs take place. During this time, prolonged exposure to moisture can significantly harm your contents and structure, which is why our restoration services are vital to mitigating against further losses. 

Waterlogging is a real issue for properties that have suffered significant storm damages. SERVPRO restoration services mitigate losses associated with prolonged exposure to moisture by first, testing the property for structural weaknesses, before then bringing in professional drying equipment. Extractors can be used to remove excessive quantities of water. Dehumidifiers can be placed in the most affected areas of the home to dry the property during the days, weeks, or months that repairs take place.  

Our technicians can visit the property daily to ensure that the outcomes of the drying procedure are going to plan. No two storm-related incidents are the same, so we may need to adjust our services to guarantee the best results. To ensure contractors can access the property, we can create a safe working environment in your Prattville home. This process may include neutralizing electrical hazards, restoring power to the property or removing contaminants and thoroughly deodorizing the affected area. 

SERVPRO of Prattville is on-hand to provide restoration services for mold, fire, water or storm damages. Reach out to us in an emergency by dialing (334) 358-1186. 

https://www.prattvilleal.gov/

SERVPRO Provides Montgomery Properties with Secure Surroundings during Clean Up

8/1/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Tarps Fire Damaged Roofs, Boards Up Structures during Restoration Work in Montgomery

Steps We Take to Secure Fire-Damaged Homes in Montgomery

The security of your home plummets after a disaster. Newly created openings give a wide berth to both the weather, critters, and trespassers. Many of our customers in Montgomery choose to use our building services team alongside our mitigation and restoration specialists. Using our extra services, under General Contractor License # 41839, decreases the length of time your family remains inconvenienced, regardless of the type of disaster.

When your house in Montgomery sustains fire damage, you need more than mitigation and restoration. You also need services that make your home secure, even as work progresses. SERVPRO understands the concerns of homeowners, and we offer several options that effectively keep your property secured against further damage.

The majority of people stay outside of the perimeter of fencing, including the temporary kind. When fire damage is located in other areas of a house away from the street, neighbors might not realize the extent of the damage. Highly visible fencing lets them know that the area is off-limits, at least until we finish working and your family moves back home.

To protect your belongings from the few individuals who disregard such visible signs, we also provide move out services, as well as temporary warehouse storage for non-damaged items. We store your belongings near the same area where our smoke and fire restoration technicians work at cleaning and deodorizing the things damaged in the fire. To help your family, we move all of your belongings back at one time, complete with updated inventory sheets.

The techniques approved by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) are incredibly useful in the restoration of homes and businesses. Securing tarps over openings in the roof after a fire helps ensure that our IICRC-certified teams retain their efficiency throughout the mitigation process. Our building services team can also help rebuild or repair the roof and its components, eliminating another facet of a fire-related disaster.
Boarding up any broken windows can help ensure security, as well as help us maintain strict environmental conditions inside your house while mitigation technicians work. We use three different methods to secure windows and doors. Screwing sections of drywall directly onto the exterior frame is the fastest method, but leaves permanent holes. Instead, we prefer to either cut boards that we can slip into place. Sometimes, however, our employees cannot do this. When we need a third method, we use the tension created between an exterior piece of particle board combined with a 2 x 4 placed on the inside of the window. In between these two, a set of longer screws hold both tightly in place.

SERVPRO of Montgomery's mitigation, cleaning, restoration, and rebuilding specialists all work together to make fire damage a thing of the past, “Like it never even happened” for homeowners. If your residence is in Chisholm, Highland Park, Highland Gardens, and Centennial Hill, call us at (334) 273-0992, 24/7, any day of the year, so we can help your family recover as quickly as possible.

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We Are Available 24/7 To Handle Your Montgomery Fire Damage Restoration Services

7/22/2019 (Permalink)

A fire damaged this 100,000 sq. ft. commercial facility. There was also smoke and soot damage that our team needed to clean.

Smoke Odor Recovery for Your Secondhand Montgomery Store

The bulk of the product that you sell in your secondhand store in Montgomery is donated clothes and other apparel options, accessories, and shoes. While you can find that these items get sold as readily as they arrive, a disaster within your building can present a dangerous scenario for these items in your inventory. With too much damage, you can no longer sell the items at all, much less at a reduced price. Fires are notorious for spreading compromising effects throughout an entire business, including devastating symptoms like odors.

Even though your business has gotten equipped to handle fire damage in the Montgomery shop with fast-acting suppression sprinklers and piping, there is often enough time for effects like foul odors to make their way through the property. With so many fabrics, apparel, and cloth, smoke and foul odors can easily permeate these exposed materials and become embedded. Once these damages have taken place, it is challenging to remove them on your own. Even with experience in fire loss recovery, our SERVPRO professionals can still lean on companies with more expertise in restoring damaged clothing.

Often, business owners who already have donated items might feel inclined to toss smoke and fire damaged clothing and fabrics into a washing machine to remove both the residues and the smell, but more often than not, this approach can lead to permanent staining, and the odor itself is not entirely gone either. In many situations, the best approach beyond treating the odor on-site with the advanced tools our SERVPRO professionals use like thermal and UV foggers, is to lean on the experience and intricate techniques of dry-cleaning companies in the area. You can call around and determine which of them have experience with fire loss recovery, as they can ensure that the job gets done quickly and correctly.

No matter how much of your inventory became affected by the small fire in your business, handling the situation appropriately is critical to protect your investment and continue to make profits despite the restoration that must occur. Our SERVPRO of Montgomery team can help however your shop needs by calling (334) 273-0992.

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Get The Results You Want For Your Remediation Plans with SERVPRO

7/21/2019 (Permalink)

Catastrophes happen, you just need to know who to call to help you out. Call the professionals at SERVPRO today for all remediation needs.

Impressive Resumes and Proven Results Are Why SERVPRO’s Montgomery Customers Rely on Our Response

Building a premier disaster restoration company for the residents of Montgomery requires investments in both human resources and top of the line equipment. Our team takes great pride in the capability we developed to adjust our response level to meet the intensity and complexity of the losses members of our community experience. Speed and professionalism are the hallmarks of efficient and effective mitigation and remediation provision, and we offer both 24/7 for any water, fire, mold, and storm damage scenarios.

Water Damage

If your home in Montgomery suffers water damage, you are not alone. Home insurance industry estimates indicate 20 percent of claims involve water as the culprit. Although damage to the structural components and contents of a home is common, we understand your scenario is unique and that experiencing the harm water can do is stressful and demoralizing. Our focus is on resolving your water crisis fast, with compassion and professionalism.

Some water emergencies are sudden, such as when a supply line to a sink or major appliance bursts, sending gallons of water spreading from space to space in your home in a short time. Other water losses are less dramatic yet just as devastating, illustrated by the devastation s small, unnoticed leak can do over a longer time. SERVPRO’s Water Damage Restoration Technicians (WRT) are up to the challenges of any water loss, personalizing our approach to meet the specific needs presented in your scenario.

Our goal is to respond fast, arriving with the crew and equipment necessary to mitigate further spread of the water damage and to begin remediation efforts as soon as possible after your call. Rapid and thorough water removal is the first task, and our commercial-grade pumps and extractors are highly efficient and effective in completing that phase, including using thermal scanning devices to locate any hidden water and employing controlled demolition techniques like weep holes and flood cuts for access. Then our Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)-trained managers and technicians use data gathered from moisture reading tools to devise a scientifically-based drying plan.  

Fire Damage

When fire damages your Montgomery residence, you need all hands on deck to respond fast to the many tasks required to make it “Like it never even happened.” Cleanup after a fire pushes nearly every homeowner to the breaking point unless professionals assist. Conventional cleaning techniques often make the situation worse, and research-based approaches and innovative products and tools in the hands of our experts have the best chance of success. 

SERVPRO offers homeowners the opportunity to access multiple restoration interventions from our full-service team during a fire damage recovery, ranging from water removal and drying to deep cleaning deodorization to rebuilding. The managers and technicians comprising the crew responding to your crisis hold certifications from the IICRC in many specialties, permitting the overall project to move forward with the need to line up different contractors.

Managing the toxic and corrosive residues after a fire also requires innovative equipment, all available from our extensive inventory and stocked on our signature green service vehicles. Containing the airborne soot in work areas by sealing plastic sheeting around the affected space and using negative pressure air scrubbers improves air quality and reduces the prevalence of odor-bearing particles. Our practices prevent drift of soot, often allowing you and your loved ones to remain in unaffected spaces of your home safely during the restoration process.

Mold Remediation

Mold clean up in Montgomery often links to hidden water damage or an incompletely resolved water loss. The first signs that a more massive colony of fungal organisms might be multiplying behind a wall or over a ceiling are often dark staining and a distinctive musty odor. Seeking professional advice for a mold outbreak is a sensible choice because the extent of the infestation is hard to determine without specialized equipment and limiting the spread of mold spores during removal is critical.

SERVPRO employs the research-based protocols developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for mold remediation. Critical elements include containment, removal, and disinfection. We also can assist with the underlying cause, helping our customers repair the leak, moderate humidity, or eliminate the seepage that provides mold spores with the moisture needed to grow into an extensive, structure-damaging fungal invasion.

Our Applied Microbial Remediation Technicians (AMRT) use barriers and negative pressure air scrubbers to contain the area with active mold colonies. The contaminated atmosphere inside the containment zone is circulated through HEPA filters and exhausted to the outside. Technicians wear personal protective equipment (PPE) for safety and to prevent the spread of the moldy residues to other areas of your home. 

Scrapers and brushes remove mold from solid surfaces, and advanced techniques like soda blasting scour mold from porous materials. HEPA-filtered vacuums and EPA-registered antimicrobial products collect the debris and treat infected surfaces to inhibit mold rebounding. Mold spores cannot be eliminated, but when their quantities are brought back to normal levels, and moisture is controlled, their growth is negligible.  

Storm Damage

When high winds and torrential precipitation races across Alabama, fueled by tropical weather systems or thunderstorms, your home in Montgomery risks substantial flood damage. Wind shear and falling poles and trees rip off and crush roofs, shatter glass, and damage siding. Precipitation rushes in, soaking structural components and the contents of your home. The flooding is far beyond the capacity of anyone to manage without commercial-grade equipment and IICRC Water Damage Restoration Technician (WRT) training.

SERVPRO has both the equipment and the trained and experienced technicians needed to conquer the challenge of severe storm damage. We tarp and board up the exterior damage as quickly as possible while our managers assess the interior and plan for mitigation and remediation of the water and flood damage. We scale our response to the level needed in your home, bringing in additional equipment and employees if indicated.

Water removal completes efficiently with submersible pumps and truck-mounted extractors. If electricity is out, we use gas or generator power, avoiding any delays. Water trapped in cavities releases after we make flood cuts or use other controlled demolition techniques. We clean and disinfect the flooded spaces, drying them out entirely with strategically placed and continuously adjusted air movers, heaters, and dehumidifiers. When remediation efforts complete, we can provide wrap-around rebuilding services. 

SERVPRO of Montgomery is with you every step of the way, assessing, planning, mitigating, remediating, and restoring your home after a disaster. One call to (334) 273-0992 begins a partnership with our highly-qualified team.

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If Your Dishwasher Causes Water Damage In Your Montgomery Home, You Need To Call SERVPRO!

7/6/2019 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Montgomery at (334) 273-0992 for 24/7 service.

Water Damage In Your Montgomery Home Due To A Broken Dishwasher

What a surprise! You come into your kitchen in the morning to find water all over the floor. The dishwasher is leaking water from a broken water line, and there are gallons of water all over your home. The initial step is to shut the water off and limit damage to your floors and furniture as much as possible. If the line to your dishwasher does not have a water shutoff valve that you can turn off, turn off the main water line to the house. Mop up as much water as can.

Call SERVPRO for all of your water damage in Montgomery to remove the water from your carpeting and limit the amount of water damage to your flooring and furniture. We can respond quickly and focus on removing all of the standing water from your kitchen and other areas of the home. Once the standing water is removed, our team can bring in appropriate equipment such as air flow dryers and dehumidifiers.

We can move furniture from the affected areas while the water is being removed. In some cases, it may be appropriate to place pads under the legs of your furniture to prevent rust marks from being left on carpeting and flooring materials. Our objective is to bring your home back to its original condition and prevent the growth of mold.

When water leaks from a dishwasher, the water may penetrate the floor under the dishwasher and surrounding cupboards. Our SERVPRO water removal experts also ensure that we get at these difficult areas. Moisture meters tell us where the moisture is and where we need to focus to remove all moisture. Repair of the dishwasher can also be arranged.

SERVPRO works closely with your insurance company. We provide all of the needed documentation to make your insurance claim as painless as possible.

We’re strategically located to respond quickly to your flood damaging event. Call SERVPRO of Montgomery at (334) 273-0992 for 24/7 service. We also serve Chisholm, Highland Gardens, and many more local communities in the area. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

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Why Not Ask For Help With Flood Damage Remediation in Your Montgomery Home

6/28/2019 (Permalink)

Flood damage to your property can cause a lot of destruction. Call the professionals at SERVPRO today for help.

The Risks of DIY Flood Recovery in Montgomery Homes 

Flooding is not something that Montgomery homeowners are unfamiliar with contending with, though many are still under the impression that there are ways to avoid the need for professional restoration services after these disasters. The belief is that with a fast response to the water damage and the lingering effects that must get thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, that conventional cleaning and drying approaches can address these concerns. The truth is, many homeowners end up allowing persistent moisture and damages to continue without even realizing it, which can lead to greater losses and degradation over time. 

While there are many initial steps that homeowners can take to reduce the severity of flood damage in Montgomery properties, it is a sound investment to reach out to qualified restoration specialists like our SERVPRO team. We have extensive training in flood recovery, including accreditations from both the American Bio Recovery Association (ABRA) for cleaning contaminants present after natural flooding and the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) for overcoming water damage. 

Homeowners attempting to address all of the damage from a flood on their own often do not realize the full extent of these conditions they face. Without the sophisticated equipment available to our professionals in the industry, like hygrometers and our infrared imagery, moisture pockets and dampness beyond the surface goes unnoticed and unresolved. These symptoms can persist, allowing secondary effects like mold growth to occur. 

Perhaps even more challenging than the possibility of mold and microbial growth to contend with after flooding is the threat of contamination and bacteria present in natural floodwater from rising creeks and streams. With paths that rising water must take to reach and affect your home, it has the opportunity to come into contact with a long list of potential contaminants including sewage, chemicals, dead animals, and more. We have a team of biohazard recovery specialists that can help to address these threatening situations. 

From the time that our professionals first arrive at your home, we work to mitigate your loss and begin drying out affected areas of the property. With the right response from homeowners, our SERVPRO of Montgomery rapid response team can make flood effects “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call anytime at (334) 273-0992.

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How to Remove the Smoke Odors From a Montgomery HVAC System

6/18/2019 (Permalink)

Did you know that SERVPRO of Montgomery can clean air ducts?

Removing Fire Odors in HVAC Systems of Montgomery Homes 

Many Montgomery homeowners run their air conditioning systems through most of the year, and there are only a few instances in which these units get turned off. When disasters like fire loss incidents occur, these HVAC networks do not shut down until you tell them to or until the conditions of the fire itself compromise the ability for the unit to continue functioning correctly. The result of these situations is often air ducts that get severely affected by soot, smoke residues, and harsh odors. Combatting all of these effects are out of the wheelhouse of the average homeowner, requiring you to trust in the expertise of certified professionals like our restorers. 

Fire odor removal can often be a considerable challenge for your Montgomery home, even with the experienced and trained professionals our SERVPRO team dispatches. Odors can spread quickly and embed into surfaces and materials throughout the house. In many cases, excessive heat causes pores in materials like drywall to expand, allowing these odors to penetrate the sheetrock. When the house cools down after extinguishment, these molecules get trapped within the pores of the material and continue to affect the occupants of the house without the appropriate deodorization methods. 

When areas like the HVAC system and air ducts become affected by spreading odors, it can be even more of a challenge to address these concerns. Our SERVPRO professionals arrive with an array of equipment designed to neutralize foul and noxious smoke and fire odors on contact, but other symptoms from the fire must also get addressed and removed within the air ducts to eliminate the scent. 

Our professionals arrive with sophisticated equipment to clean out this network of ducts, including whips, brushes, and HEPA vacuums. The sooner this system can get thoroughly cleaned after a fire, the less chance it has of perpetually circulating damaging effects. 

There are multiple concerns that every homeowner should have after a fire occurs in their residence, but with the fast response of our SERVPRO of Montgomery professionals, we can make these damaging effects “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call anytime you need us at (334) 273-0992.

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Cleaning and Eliminating Commercial Mold Damage In Montgomery

6/5/2019 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO help your office remove mold today.

Don’t take on mold alone.

As Summer arrives, Montgomery residents prepare to go from warm and humid to hot and humid. It’s a complaint from non-natives that generates a good laugh, but the weather often aggravates issues with mold, in homes and businesses.

Mold spores in Montgomery  are in every structure, but commercial mold damage only happens when the increased moisture also has the right temperature (about 68 to 86 degrees) and a food source. Even in a restaurant, these spores prefer to feed on items like drywall, wood framing, and even certain types of carpeting. SERVPRO applied microbial remediation technicians (AMRTs) train to find the source of the mold, dry up or remove the source of moisture, and clean mold off any affected property.

They perform a visual inspection and also use a moisture meter to trace mold back to its origin point. In a commercial facility like a restaurant, there may be multiple sources. They often find mold growing behind the walls of bathrooms and kitchens, but it is not uncommon to find an active colony in overhead spaces, where rain or leaking pipes can activate inert spores. As they look for the sources, the AMRTs spray the mold growth with an antibacterial agent, killing it.

Now, SERVPRO team members dry up any puddles and other water to halt growth. In most cases, they can do this with sponges and cloths and then clean the surface with an anti-bacterial spray. If there is a minor issue like a loose pipe connection, they can fix it. Major issues always need a licensed plumber though.

In many cases, the AMRTs can clean mold off surfaces like food preparation areas without damaging them. Most efforts involve scraping the mold off framing and other building materials, however. They use a combination of cleaner and brushed to remove them, but if the mold had time to penetrate the surface, MRTs also have the option to use sanders to remove the top layer of wood to get at the mold. If they penetrated drywall, it is more cost-efficient to replace affected panels than to expend the time and effort trying to repair them.

At SERVPRO of Montgomery, our goal is to swiftly clean and restore each business so owners can reopen to their customers as quickly as possible. If you see or suspect a mold problem in your business, call us at (334) 273-0992 today. We are here for you.

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We Provide Immediate Attention To Your Montgomery Water Damage Disaster

5/31/2019 (Permalink)

Our recovery teams are prepped and ready to respond on a moments notice. We are available 24/7 so don't hesitate and call us right away.

Inspection, Assessment and Remediation of Water Damage in Montgomery

Dealing with property damages is a job for professionals. Haphazard remediation efforts can result in further issues or persistent problems. Our service provides technicians with the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification to ensure they can mitigate losses and repair your home correctly. As a locally owned company, we can offer reduced call out times and a twenty-four-hour contact number for emergencies.

Properties with water damage in Montgomery require immediate attention. Over time, residual moisture can cause malodors or microbial growth in carpets, insulation, and soft furnishings. Failure to attend to these issues can result in permanent problems that may need wholesale replacements. Using SERVPRO can help you to take back control of your property after excess quantities of water enter the home.

The first phase of water restoration is to conduct a thorough inspection. Initially, SERVPRO technicians assess the visible signs of moisture, starting from the source and working outwards. Since water migrates rapidly, we may also need to conduct a more thorough search using a range of detection equipment. This equipment could include thermal imaging cameras, moisture sensors, and thermal hygrometers.

It is not uncommon for SERVPRO to temporarily remove fittings around the home to establish a thorough drying procedure. Carpets, for example, are porous materials and imbibe moisture. Beneath your carpet, the subfloor mat may have broken apart or become saturated. We can remove, dispose, and replace your subfloor mat before returning your dry carpet to its original position.

In some situations, it may be necessary to dry your property overnight. To do this, SERVPRO can deploy dehumidifiers or rapid air movers to establish an airflow within the affected area. Air circulation helps to evaporate residual moisture while dehumidifiers can remove the evaporated moisture from the surrounding air. A procedure like this can help to establish a properly dry area and control microbial growth after water damage.

For a highly trained effort in water damage remediation, contact SERVPRO of Montgomery at (334) 273-0992 today.

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We Help You Get Back To Business In Montgomery

5/13/2019 (Permalink)

We have the training and equipment to handle any size flooding or water damage emergencies.

Cleaning Up After a Sprinkler Malfunction in a Montgomery Store

Mismanaged sprinkler systems and fire suppression systems in Montgomery stores can often lead to substantial water damage. Malfunctions can occur without any human error, and activate this system with excessive heat, the presence of smoke or steam, or some other indicator that can unintentionally trigger the fire suppression system. Once the sprinkler system has activated, even with advanced and more technologically sound models, the water loss effects can be too significant to overcome with conventional cleanup approaches.

No matter when these emergencies occur, you can always count on the swift response of our technicians to address the water damage in your Montgomery store. As a business ourselves, we can understand the importance of being available to your customers when they need you, so we work hard to get your doors back open quickly. We have effective mitigation strategies that can address the majority of the effects from this sprinkler malfunction including extraction, drying, and removing at-risk inventory and stock.

There are many pieces of equipment and the bulk of your inventory that could become at risk when sprinklers activate without good cause. Our Contents Department of our SERVPRO team can walk through the damaged property to determine which items can benefit from removal and focused attention at our nearby warehouse. Once these items get dried, cleaned, and disinfected, we can safely store them until they can get returned to the store once restoration nears completion.

With widespread effects like you find once sprinkler systems activate, it can be challenging to work around these effects to keep your doors open. Instead, our SERVPRO professionals can work with our advanced equipment to remove standing water and dry out saturated elements exposed.

We know how critical downtime can be to both your profits and the employees that depend on your doors being open when they should be. You can depend on our SERVPRO of Montgomery team to work tirelessly to make water damage “Like it never even happened.” Give our technicians a call 24/7 at (334) 273-0992.

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What Does Water Damage Do To Hardwood Floors in Montgomery?

5/7/2019 (Permalink)

Water and hardwood floors don't mix. Call SERVPRO to dry your water damaged floors

Water Removal from Your Montgomery Home Can Save Hardwood Floors!

A wide range of events can cause water to enter your home. Pipe leak, broken appliance hoses, or just forgetting to turn off the sink faucet, damage your home by the resulting spills. Water causes permanent damage to hardwood floors, which is why it is vital to contact the professionals for assistance. 

Hardwood floors can warp and buckle when exposed to moisture, causing potential safety hazards for homeowners. Our Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) certified technicians can perform water removal services in Montgomery to help prevent these safety hazards from forming in your home. Although hardwood typically has high resistance to water damage, it can quickly be permanently damaged if exposed to water for extended periods. As it absorbs increasing amounts of water, hardwood experiences cupping, warping, and buckling in which necessitates replacement. Luckily, we train our SERVPRO techs in removing standing water from homes and assisting in drying hardwood floors.

We can use industrial grade wet vacs to remove spillage off of your floors, or if you experience large amounts of water flooding, we can use pumps to remove water. Hardwood floors have to be dried out before refinishing, so we can use air movers to pump air under and over your floor to reduce moisture content, which has the additional effect of inhibiting potential mold growth. Unfortunately, if your floors have a hardwood veneer, restoration requires scrapping and replacing due to the thin nature of veneers. 

Once your wood floors and the subflooring below are dried, they can be sanded and refinished to make them appear good as new! 

If your hardwood floors are at risk of being ruined by water, then call SERVPRO of Montgomery at (334) 273-0992, and we can help get you on track to restoring your floors.

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Our Certified Professionals Are Ready To Handle Your Montgomery Flood Damage

4/29/2019 (Permalink)

We have the expertise, equipment and experience to handle your flood damage 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Contact us right away.

Protecting Belongings in Your Montgomery Home from Flood Damage

As a Montgomery homeowner, your biggest concern when facing any disaster is the effect that it has on your personal belongings and your family. While getting everyone to safety is the priority whenever emergencies occur, you want to make sure that you are doing everything possible to protect and preserve your belongings and possessions from exposure to floodwater and its effects. Our professionals have a 24/7 response to substantial storm situations, offering the full measure of our emergency repairs and mitigation to make restoration less costly and time-consuming.

Protecting the keepsakes and treasures that you have accrued throughout your life can be a challenge when flood damage affects your Montgomery house. Our SERVPRO professionals have an entire contents division that can walk through the property with our estimator when our rapid response team first arrives. These individuals can begin assessing which contents are at-risk for damage or worsening effects by remaining where they are. Most of the items from the affected areas of your home must get packed up and removed from the immediate area to prevent detrimental effects.

Many of the items removed from the damaged area of your home are taken to our nearby facility for deodorization, drying, and cleaning when necessary. We can then safely store these items in a climate-controlled and temperature-controlled environment to maintain their appearance and function until time to return them to your restored property.

Not all of the items removed from the flood-damaged portion of your property are taken to our facility, however. If our SERVPRO professionals have determined that some furniture, contents, and belongings have not gotten affected by the presence of floodwater or moisture in the environment, the can get moved to a different area of the property unaffected by the disaster until restoration completes.

Protecting your belongings in any disaster is a critical phase of the work that our SERVPRO of Montgomery team does. We go above and beyond to ensure that we make all effects from flooding and other disasters “Like it never even happened.” Give our dedicated professionals a call today at (334) 273-0992.

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Why SERVPRO Is The Garden District Leader In Flood Damage Control

4/19/2019 (Permalink)

Our specialists have the expertise, equipment and experience to handle your flood damage restoration. We operate 24/7 so call us right away.

No Need to Tolerate Storm Debris and Minor Flood Damage Around Your Garden District Home

During the Spring, the Garden District gets many strong storms. While many homeowners appreciate the amount of water that falls and begins to revitalize lawns and flowerbeds, the debris that blows into yards can become an unsightly problem. SERVPRO understands that your schedule keeps you busy and cleaning up such messes takes time out of your already packed day.

Another issue that SERVPRO can assist you in keeping your Garden District home looking pristine is flood damage control. Low-lying areas of your property can become breeding grounds for mosquitoes when allowed to remain boggy and wet. We can drain these areas for you with our truck mounted pumps and prevent such vectors from becoming a nuisance.

We can help regularly or for preparation of special events where you want your home to feel especially inviting to guests and extended family members. Removing storm debris ensures your property is a welcoming, safe location, free of hazards to health and safety.

Storms can also cause small issues in your home's exterior to arise. We can help repair small defects like screen repair and replacement, re-installing safety tread on stairs and steps, and other maintenance that keeps your home "Like it never even happened."

When flood damage affects the inside of your home, we can assure you that our specialists come prepared for such restoration work, as well. No matter how large or small your home's requirements, we can assist you in protecting your property and making things safe and secure. Flooding can leave things covered in unhealthy contaminants, which we efficiently remove. Cleaning such areas makes them safe again for you and others.

SERVPRO of Montgomery South is always ready for any level of flood damage that might affect your home in Matthews, Brentwood, or Wynlakes. Your first step after noticing such problems related to heavy storms that leave your property saturated and dirty is to call us at (334) 284-1612. Our specialists are IICRC trained and always Faster To Any Size Disaster.

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Call Our Specialists When Your Home In Montgomery Experiences A Fire Damage Disaster!

4/8/2019 (Permalink)

Call us at (334) 273-0992 immediately after the fire is out so we can get to your property and help you.

Fire Damage Restoration For Your Montgomery Home

Experiencing a fire in your Montgomery home is quite upsetting, and you could be feeling a sense of shock. Many people do not know what the first step to take is once the fire is out. Professional help to restore your home is going to be needed, and it is something that you should not wait on, as the longer you let the smoke and soot sit, the more damage occurs.

Make sure to follow any safety regulations given you by your local fire department after you’ve had a fire in your Montgomery home. After the fire is out, you can call our professionals at SERVPRO for help remediating fire damage. We have tools and experience that is needed to restore your home, so it looks “Like it never even happened.”

Take your children and pets to an environment that is smoke-free after a fire. Starting with a neighbor you trust for aid right away is good, then you can move to a temporary home with family or friends while the restoration to your home is being done.

Before beginning the restoration process, SERVPRO staff pretest certain items in your home to figure out the best restoration procedure. By doing an inspection and pretesting, we can find and identify the kinds of residues present and figure out what kind of surfaces need cleaning.

Residues have to be captured before we can remove them. We use air and fluids to release and carry the soils away. Air and fluids contain suspended particles in them once they come into contact with each other. Dissolving and vacuuming are two ways we contact soils and carry them off to dispose of them.

Smoke residues consist of solid particles that are mostly made up of carbon. Dry particles loosely attached to surfaces can be vacuumed. Particles containing moisture can make the surface absorb them and make them difficult to remove. We try to vacuum dry residues from a surface first before applying any wet cleaning products.

Soils and residues which are not loose particles have to be dissolved before we can remove them. Dissolving them and loosening their bond with the surface lets them be suspended in a cleaning product and then flushed away as we rinse or extract it from the surface. The kind of soil and surface are the two main factors in dissolving soils. Some are water-soluble, but others are not and need us to use a solvent-based cleaning product instead.

SERVPRO of Montgomery knows how to properly restore your home in Highland Park, Centennial Hill, or Arrowhead after a fire. Call us at (334) 273-0992 immediately after the fire is out so we can get to your property and help you. Do not try and enter back into your home until it can be cleaned, repaired and deemed safe.

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Are You Prepared for the Upcoming Severe Storm Season in Montgomery?

4/3/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Montgomery is always on call to repair your storm damaged home.

Rain in Montgomery Floods Your Home

Just as the local Montgomery news report record-breaking rains for the area, you realize that your roof may not withstand such a downpour. As much as you rush to prepare for the impending flooding, you remain vulnerable to the elements and need to enlist the help of a professional team as soon as it is safe to begin the restoration process. Knowing whom to call in your time of need is one of the most important precautions you need to take when you face the storm.  

As soon as your Montgomery home becomes the victim of flood damage reach out to SERVPRO for help. Our IICRC-certified team is prepared to handle emergencies precisely like yours, and our rapid response team is available 24/7 precisely for this reason. Upon your call, our Green Fleet starts moving to bring to you powerful pumps and equipment designed to handle the most severe flood remains.  

Upon verifying that it is structurally safe to enter your home, our SERVPRO crew assesses the situation. You will most likely experience us removing some of your belongings, particularly carpets and upholstery which have been contaminated by the flood water coming into your home. The water carries debris and bacteria that need to removed as soon as possible to avoid further proliferation. Along with extracting any remaining water and restoring proper humidity levels our priority is to mitigate your losses as much as possible.  

Most roof repairs require an insurance claim. Our knowledgeable SERVPRO crew can complete an accurate description of damages associated with the flood. Our trained eyes document not only what is already evident, but also consequences that are not visible to the naked eye yet. Our thorough approach to documentation of our job may be helpful as your insurance claim progresses.  

At SERVPRO of Montgomery, we work diligently to return your home to its mint condition. Calling us at (334) 273-0992 is the first step in making your home look "Like it never even happened."

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Contact Our Specialists If Your Chisholm Commercial Property Experiences A Water Damage Disaster

3/28/2019 (Permalink)

Don’t hesitate to call us at (334) 273-0992 as soon as you realize there is an issue so we can get your structure back in order.

Commercial Water Cleanup Services For Your Chisholm Business

Moisture and weather can wreak havoc on your warehouse building in Chisholm over the years. Year after year of harsh weather plus other factors can leave a costly and lasting impression on your structure. Many times, water intrusion from a compromised roof is difficult to see and is not spotted until severe damage has taken place.

As the owner of a commercial building, you should have a regular plan for inspection, including your roof. When damage has gone unchecked, and water has seeped inside your building, you need water cleanup services in Chisholm from a professional remediation company. Timing is crucial to prevent further issues, so that is why SERVPRO is always standing by with our trained staff and specialty equipment.

Many commercial roofing systems are not inspected visually regularly. The more maintenance and inspection you provide, the longer it lasts. Typically, your roof should last between 10-30 years. Semi-annual inspections are a good idea to keep you up-to-date with the condition of your structure’s roof.

When water has intruded, SERVPRO technicians can help you restore your building to its prior condition. Moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras assist us in finding any hidden moisture in building materials and finding the actual moisture content of such materials. Doing so helps us to dry the building back out to the right levels again.

Over time, the roof flashing on your roof can deteriorate and need repair or total replacement. The flashing helps to mitigate moisture from entering your building, so when it is damaged, it can be a direct link to water damage which is visible.

Other issues which can occur include clogged roof drains and any pipes or external systems which might penetrate the roofing membrane. These can be prone to gaping and leakage which give access to moisture. Regular maintenance with sealants can help to prevent even a small amount of water penetration. Similarly, skylights can also cause leaking from seal damage, or even from cracks.

SERVPRO of Montgomery can help restore your commercial building in County Downs, Arrowhead, or Centennial Hill after any water intrusion. Don’t hesitate to call us at (334) 273-0992 as soon as you realize there is an issue so we can get your structure back in order.

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Professional Water Damage Restoration Services For Montgomery Residents

3/19/2019 (Permalink)

When you have flooding or water damage in your home, it can be overwhelming. Contact SERVPRO to dry out your property and help prevent mold.

SERVPRO Handles BOTH Small and Large Scale Water Removal Tasks

If your Montgomery home suffers water damage as a result of water leaks or flooding, there are specific measures you have to consider. That is when you need water cleanup and removal specialists to dry your property and mitigate the damage. Below, we are going to take you through some of the techniques that these professionals employ to restore your property. 
 
When you are working with a locally owned company like SERVPRO to solve water damage problems in Montgomery, technicians start by tracing the wet areas and their respective moisture levels. Thermo-hygrometers, moisture meters, and moisture sensors are some of the tools that our professionals use to examine the level of moisture in contents. After that, drying the materials to their standard moisture levels follows. 
 
Water extraction is vital during the restoration process. Extractors and pumps are some of the tools that our SERVPRO technicians use to remove the water. Extractors can either be portable or truck mounted, and they all have three key components: vacuum, pump, and the heater systems. The vacuum component is very crucial during water extraction, but when cleaning upholstery and carpets, all the three work together. 
 
When performing moisture extraction in areas with limited access, portable extractors are preferred. The work of truck mounted extractors is similar to that of the portable ones, with the significant difference being that they come with their powering sources and are more powerful. Additionally, truck mounts can efficiently perform restorative cleaning and water removal. 
 
Our SERVPRO technicians may also use pumps to remove the accumulated water when attending to a water damage incident. However, we do not use the pumps when debris is present. The team uses submersible pumps when the depth of the standing water is more than two inches. It is important to note that certified service providers follow the IICRC standards in the restoration work. 
 
SERVPRO of Montgomery is an industry leader that attends to all mold, water, storm and fire disasters. Call us at (334) 273-0992 and learn more about the available options. 

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Steady Rain Has Nowhere to Go But Inside Your Chisholm Home

3/19/2019 (Permalink)

Don't let flooding take over your home. Call SERVPRO for quick remediation and action to prevent a mold infestation

SERVPRO Responds Quickly In Order to Remediate Flood Damage and Prevent Secondary Mold Damage

Many areas of the country experience heavy rains in the spring and early summer, and our area is no exception. These types of storms send water flooding into your home at its lowest level. Restoring the damage done from several inches of water pouring into your house needs the professional help of the skilled staff at SERVPRO. 
 
The one thing you do not want to do when flood damage occurs in your Chisholm house is to wait to see if things get better on their own. Water can damage your home’s structure and contents if it remains inside for any amount of time. Also, if moisture levels remain high within your house, you run the risk of mold growth and damage. Flood damage recovery is at the heart of our business plan, and we pledge to do everything within our power to return you to pre loss condition. 
 
Our SERVPRO team needs to complete some preliminary steps before they begin removing the water and then drying out your home after the flood. First, we need to be certain that there is no risk of electrocution. Many appliances in the flood water use electricity, so we risk trouble if the power is live. Second, other tools and systems use natural gas or oil for fuel, and they also need to be shut off while our crews work. We also need to be mindful of any structural damage or weakness that puts restorers or you in danger. 
 
Once we clear any hazards, we begin by removing standing or puddled water in the lowest levels of your house. A submersible pump works for deeper flood waters, and once the level goes down, we use extractors, which are powerful water vacuums. Air movers are the next line of defense, staged to reduce the moisture content of flooring, walls, and ceilings. Carpeting dries in place if we can lift it to get air moving on both top and bottom. Padding is inexpensive, and we often remove and replace it as it dries too slowly and incompletely. 
 
With our drying goals met, we take a final look for any microbial growth. Mold spores are always present, and it just takes a boost of a little water to get them growing. Drying out the structure within 48 hours gives SERVPRO staff the best chance of preventing flood-related mold growth. 
 
Driving rain flooding into your home has little chance of permanently damaging your house if SERVPRO of Montgomery works on your behalf. A call to our dispatchers at (334) 273-0992 ensures we get on the job within just a few hours.

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The Issues Soot Damage Can Cause To Your Home In Montgomery

3/13/2019 (Permalink)

Let our SERVPRO of Montgomery professionals work to return your fire-damaged property to its preloss condition quickly.

Why Soot Damage Can Be Problematic In Your Montgomery Home

Of all the hazardous situations that can result from a fire in your Montgomery home, several effects can prove impossible for homeowners to remove or restore on their own. Professional restoration is more than just suggested after a widespread structure fire on your property, but a necessity that can help you get back to your home as promptly as possible after a disaster. Our crew can help with every facet of recovery, including the incredibly damaging presence of soot throughout the interior of your home.

Soot removal and cleaning is one facet of fire damage recovery in your Montgomery home that homeowners often believe they can handle on their own. There are many risks associated with cleaning soot residue without the advanced equipment that our professionals have. Our SERVPRO team has seen failed attempts at cleaning soot from walls and carpeting that proved impossible to restore and these materials needed to get removed and replaced to complete the restoration.

Soot spreads out much farther than any other effect from the fire in many cases. It can also get moved through the HVAC system to impact other areas of your property that might be far away from the combustion site. Removing the presence of soot sediment on surfaces requires a specific approach that begins with our high-powered vacuums that work to break up the matting and pull the bulk of the soot away from the affected surface.

With a light residue remaining, our SERVPRO professionals can introduce affected materials to our industrial-grade, OSHA-approved solvents, and detergents combined with dry or wet sponging. Our efforts can often prevent the need for demolition and reconstruction when soot damage is the only effect on a surface or material.

While many potential effects and hazards can result after a fire in your home, soot damage is something that you cannot remove on your own. Let our SERVPRO of Montgomery professionals work to return your fire-damaged property to its preloss condition quickly. Give us a call today at (334) 273-0992.

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Some Shortcuts to Flood Damage Remediation Success in Montgomery

3/10/2019 (Permalink)

Flooding in the crawlspace can quickly affect your home in a negative way. Contact our SERVPRO team for services.

Water Removal and Drying of Flooded Montgomery Crawlspace

The crawlspace of your Montgomery home serves a vital role in helping technicians and the homeowner access utilities and other areas of the property otherwise buried and difficult to reach. This area also works to protect your home against persistent threats like flooding. Effects from a disaster like this can spread quickly throughout the first level of your house without this added 24 to 36 inches of space between the ground and the flooring of your main level. When flooding does occur, removing the water and drying out the area quickly is important to protect your property against several threats.

The first and foremost threat with flood damage in the crawlspace of your Montgomery home is the structural effects that result from prolonged moisture and dampness throughout this area of your property. With saturation and dampened materials, supports for your flooring, framework, and beams can all become weakened from the prolonged exposure to excessive moisture and wicking common flood damages in the crawlspace.

Another concern that homeowners should have that could inspire them to reach out to our SERVPRO professionals as soon as this disaster occurs is the threat of mold growth. While these effects might start at a precise point, this organism can spread quickly through the floor of your house and damage structural integrity and pose potential health effects for those exposed to the spreading colony.

From the time that our SERVPRO team arrives at your home, we can get to work quickly on extracting the water from this exposed area of your property and working to dry out the area as well. Often portable sump pumps are sufficient for this extraction. If persistent moisture is a common problem beyond the immediate flood damage, we can also offer crawlspace encapsulation to keep this area protected from moisture and potential mold growth moving forward.

Even with the crawlspace serving such a vital role for your home, many homeowners still do not get it the immediate flood damage restoration it needs when disaster strikes. You can trust our SERVPRO of Montgomery rapid response team to offer effective solutions to return this portion of your property to preloss conditions. Give us a call 24/7 at (334) 273-0992.

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Keep Your Schools Open With Our Team's Help In Montgomery

2/26/2019 (Permalink)

We are available for any job big or small when your school is faced with a water loss incident. We are here for you 24/7 so call us today.

Efficient Water Cleanup for Montgomery Schools

Running a public Montgomery school leaves you with many plates to balance, not the least of which is the upkeep and maintenance of the facilities to provide a safe and functional learning space for students. Disasters and water loss incidents can occur with little warning, but many of these situations can spread more quickly than custodial staff can manage, leading to either inadequate cleaning of the mess that has occurred or new areas becoming unnecessarily damaged from spreading water that your janitorial crew cannot prevent.

When water clean up is necessary in Montgomery public schools, a fast response from trained professionals is a must. SERVPRO professionals have equipment and expertise to assess the full scope of the damage, check our progress of drying and extraction, and to ensure that water damage does not continue to spread and affect new areas from the time that we arrive.

When our professionals arrive at your school, we can get to work on inspecting the damage to determine the best approach to remove the moisture and restore the effects. In some situations, extraction might be a necessary inclusion to the restoration process, and we have portable sump pumps, extraction wands, and even truck-mounted pumps if the situation is severe enough.

Drying is critical to prevent the spread of the damage to new areas and to protect the structural integrity of saturated materials. Throughout this drying process with dehumidifiers and our air movers, we can monitor our progress with the use of moisture detection equipment and thermal imagery cameras. These tools can identify moisture pockets that require attention and focused efforts. This technology can help us to maximize our drying efforts to provide the most efficient and effective approach to eliminating the moisture and dampness from a recent water loss incident.

When you have a high volume of students, faculty, and their respective families to satisfy, you cannot afford a lengthy shutdown of the school to recover from a water loss incident. Give our SERVPRO of Montgomery rapid response team a call today at (334) 273-0992.

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If A Mold Infestation Is Causing A Problem In Your Highland Park Home, Call Our Specialists 24/7!

2/20/2019 (Permalink)

Contact SERVPRO of Montgomery at (334) 273-0992 now.

A Solution To Mold Damage That Is Available 24 Hours A Day For Highland Park Residents

A musty odor in certain parts of the home can be due to mold infection. These type of infection occur when microscopic airborne mold spores settle on a hidden damp spot. In the majority of cases, these damp spots are the result of a water leak or previous flood situation that is not dealt with thoroughly. Warm, moist and humid areas of the home are prime conditions for mold proliferation which can see spores form colonies in as little as 72 hours. If you suspect mold in the home, you should seek professional remediation services immediately to limit the damages.

Property owners who notice the visible signs of mold damage in Highland Park should use our emergency call line. We operate it 24 hours a day and can arrange a service with you by phone in one hour from notification of loss. An expertly trained technician can arrive at your property within four.

Due to a combination of the agitative cleaning methods we use to remove mold and natural airflow in the home, it is vital to quarantine the affected zone. SERVPRO uses either physical barriers like plastic sheeting or negative air pressure to ensure that mold spores do not escape during the cleaning phase. We can apply anti-microbial treatment to carpets and anti-microbial base coats to walls or ceilings to prevent mold returning after service.

Anti-microbial chemicals have limited effectiveness if the source of mold is not dealt with immediately. Often, a damp spot can be hidden inside wall cavities or beneath your subfloor. SERVPRO can remove these elements, assess your sheetrock and subfloor mat or use injectidry systems to dry inside the wall cavity. In some cases, materials like sheetrock can be permanently damaged, requiring removal, replacement, and disposal.

SERVPRO technicians use moisture meters to detect hidden damp spots. Sometimes an unpleasant aroma can remain behind after the remediation process. By deploying water-based foggers, we can remove the odors without affecting your indoor air quality or using dangerous chemicals. At the end of service, we can conduct a walk-through to highlight the work done and keep you informed.
 
A professional cleanup could save you money in the long run. Contact SERVPRO of Montgomery at (334) 273-0992 now.

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Our Team Provides Professional Water Cleanup Services For Highland Park

2/13/2019 (Permalink)

Call our professionals at (334) 273-0992 as soon as you realize there is an issue.

Water Cleanup Services For Your Highland Park Home

Finding water dripping from the ceiling of your Highland Park home from a damaged roof is something that must be checked out immediately. Left unaddressed, a ceiling that is damaged from water can result in a weakened structure and mold growth. Whether your ceiling is constructed of plaster, drywall, or another material, you cannot protect it from leaking water, so it is necessary to get the roof fixed right away.

Water damage and water cleanup in your Highland Park home need to be done by a professional remediation company to ensure it is done correctly. Because of the nature of water damage emergencies, SERVPRO is always standing by to come to your aid. We understand that the longer the water is allowed to sit, the more destruction is done.

SERVPRO techs need to ensure proper drying and repair is done. If any moisture is left behind, mold can grow and cause additional damage. It is essential that we also take great care if we need to cut out any of the water damaged ceiling drywall so that we do not cut any electrical wires or other vital parts of your structure.

Getting airflow into the affected area is the best way to dry damp drywall. To do this and remove the excess moisture, we use industrial fans and dehumidifiers. The fans are pointed directly at the area which needs drying, and the dehumidifiers remove the moisture from the air. These devices are monitored daily and moved as needed to ensure the fastest drying times.

Once the area is dry, we check for any areas where the wood or drywall is too weak or warped to be structurally sound. We remove and throw away any materials which are damaged, which includes bulging drywall, discolored drywall, pieces which have mold growth, and softwood. We can then repair your ceiling.

SERVPRO of Montgomery is always available to help you dry your home in Chisholm, Arrowhead, or County Downs after a water damage emergency of any kind. Call our professionals at (334) 273-0992 as soon as you realize there is an issue.

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SERVPRO Acts Fast To Restore Mold Damage in Highland Park Homes

2/7/2019 (Permalink)

Moisture allows mold growth to grow rapidly our team has the right tools to remove and restore the damage it has caused.

Fast Mold Removal for Highland Park Properties 

When your Highland Park home falls victim to microbial and mold growth, you do not have much time before the situation can get out of control, if it is not already. These organisms can spread quickly throughout a home and can continue to feed and thrive off of the organic materials used to construct your house. Finding the right professional remediation service quickly is critical to protecting the investment that you have made in your house and restoring the damage that the mold growth has caused to the affected areas. 

Many Highland Park homeowners when dealing with mold damage have become misguided into believing that is not as serious or as pressing of a concern for their property. Moreover, they assume that without direct intervention that these conditions naturally improve on their own. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Our SERVPRO professionals have the experience and the training to assess mold damage and to deliver the appropriate remediation and restoration tactics to return your home to pre-mold conditions. 

While we cannot entirely remove mold from your home, as microscopic spores exist naturally in the environment, we do have effective and efficient removal techniques for colonies. While we work to preserve affected materials and structural elements whenever possible, sometimes controlled demolition efforts are the best option for reducing the cost and time spent restoring the property. 

The moisture that allowed mold growth can occur from a variety of sources, reducing this dampness on your property is critical to preventing recurrences. Our professionals assess the source of the moisture during our inspection and can work to offer effective solutions to eliminate or dramatically reduce dampness in this affected area of your home moving forward. 

Finding mold growth in your home might be alarming, but with the right professional assistance, this situation can get resolved quickly and efficiently. Our SERVPRO of Montgomery applied microbial remediation technicians have the tools and experience to remove colonies and restore the damage they have caused. Give us a call anytime that you need us at (334) 273-0992.

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Has a Plumbing Failure Created an Indoor Pool in Your Montgomery Home?

1/31/2019 (Permalink)

Plumbing failures can cause hundreds of gallons of water to infiltrate your home within a short time.

Water Damage Experts In Montgomery Talk About Extraction Methods

Whenever a plumbing system fails inside your Montgomery home, hundreds of gallons can pour into your structure in a matter of hours. Especially if the problem happens when you are not home, you can return to an excessive water damage problem. In some situations, the water can get deep and saturate many of your contents and building materials. If standing water stays inside a structure for a long time, the relative humidity level indoors can rise which can cause other secondary problems. Whenever dealing with any water damage situation, our SERVPRO technicians know that extracting moisture while it is still in its liquid form is much easier than removing from the air or your structural components.  

As soon as our highly trained team arrives at your home we begin assessing the situation and figure out how to return your home to normal "Like it never even happened." Our SERVPRO crew provides fast 24/7 service as soon as we receive your call about a water damage situation in Montgomery. Our technicians are located in the area so that we can arrive at your residence promptly. After we figure out the best approach and deem the work area safe, we begin extracting moisture that is still in liquid form. We first start removing any standing water before we move on to extracting moisture from your carpet and contents.  

If more than two inches of standing water present anywhere inside your home, we can use submersible pumps to put the water into a sewage drain. Once all the deep, standing water gets removed, we can utilize other types of advanced technology we have at our disposal. To remove moisture from thick, heavily saturated carpets, we can implement a truck-mounted extractor and a weighted extraction tool. To remove moisture from pieces of furniture like couches, we can attach a smaller water claw extraction tool to the truck-mounted extractor.  

If you ever have a problem with standing water inside your home, call SERVPRO of Montgomery at (334) 273-0992 immediately after you notice there may be an issue.

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Learn How Your Furnace Could Start A Fire In Your Montgomery Home

1/16/2019 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO's certified technicians be the first to restore your home from fire and smoke damage.

Puffback Residue is a Form of Fire Damage Affecting Many Homes in Montgomery

Keeping your family comfortable during the winter means you take measures to weatherize your home by sealing cracks around doors and windows. Making sure that your exterior walls contain enough insulation also keeps heating costs as low as possible while keeping your house cozily warm.

Many homeowners in Montgomery know that fire damage can result from overloaded electrical circuits and burning cigarettes. The majority also know that they should check the furnace every Fall to make sure that it does not need repairs and that it should last throughout the season. Few people want to find themselves without heat during the winter because of a furnace that quit working in the middle of the night.

Puffback is a problem that can develop in your furnace that allows it to continue heating your home. Telltale signs include a loud bang when the furnace is starting its heat cycle. You also might begin to notice a darkening around the furnace's housing and around heat vents. Most homes continue to stay warm, with little or no noticeable change.

These deposits around your vents and the furnace indicate a buildup of creosote inside the ducts and the interior of the furnace. Creosote is very flammable and can catch fire easily. The loud bang or boom heard is when the furnace misfires and a buildup of fuel ignites at once. This small explosion pushes partially combusted fuel out of the furnace and into the ducts, where it and the creosote gets stuck along the way.

The entire interior of the duct becomes capable of catching fire, causing your entire home to burn. When your furnace starts showing signs of puffback, you need to replace your furnace and get the creosote deposits cleaned up and removed, just like you would any other type of fire damage. You may have never seen the fire caused by this because it remains hidden inside the furnace and the ducts.

Merely replacing the defective furnace with a newer model only partially protects your family and home from risks. Also, the creosote can disintegrate and make your home full of a distinct and unpleasant odor. SERVPRO technicians can get all of this fire damage residue cleaned up, making your home safe again, ”Like it never even happened.” Once eliminated from ducts and surfaces, odors significantly diminish, also.

SERVPRO of Montgomery is always ready to send IICRC-certified technicians to your Chisholm of Arrowhead home to help mitigate fire damage caused by malfunctioning furnaces or other appliances. We also serve homeowners in the areas around both Gunter and Maxwell Air Force Bases. Call us at (334) 273-0992, and we can explain more about how our services can help you and your family.

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Revealed: SERVPRO is Certified and Equipped to Solve Highland Gardens Sewage Backup Issues

1/6/2019 (Permalink)

When your home sewer backs up, the results can overwhelming. You can have water coming up in your tub, shower or sink. Call SERVPRO.

Fast Cleanup for Sewage in Highland Gardens Homes

Hazardous situations can occur as readily and unexpectedly as any disaster that could threaten your Highland Gardens home. Situations like sewage backup present substantial health risks and require immediate attention from trained professionals equipped with the tools to clean and disinfect your home quickly. Taking the right steps to overcome this contamination begins with choosing the right team of technicians to perform the work.

Sewage backup cleanup in Highland Gardens is critical for your home whenever this situation occurs. While there are many causes for backup into your home, the best response to the incident is getting you and the other occupants of your household safely away from the situation until our professionals can contain the spread and contaminants. Our 24-hour response to emergencies is crucial for our customers presented with time-sensitive damage situations that get exponentially worse with every passing hour.

Cleanup is the focus of our rapid response team in these situations, and that begins with extraction and removal of the sewage and contaminated water. We have fast extraction equipment that can remove this excess water quickly from the affected areas to allow our team the access required to move on with the steps to follow.

In these situations, our SERVPRO professionals must remove nearly all of the exposed construction materials and surfaces affected by the spread of the contaminated substances. We strip everything down to framing and studs and begin our disinfection, cleanup, and deodorization once all of the contaminated and hazardous materials have gotten safely removed from the house.

Along with visible decontamination and disinfection, our crew must also contend with airborne quality concerns such as particulates, and hazardous molecules. Ozone machines and air scrubbers can work to remove particles and molecules to purify the air in the containment zone.

With sewage backup in a residence, time is of the essence to get the situation resolved and safely restored as promptly as possible. With the heightened probability of contamination and mold growth, our SERVPRO of Montgomery rapid response team can move quickly to contain these threats and restore the damage to your home entirely. Give us a call anytime at (334) 273-0992.

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Name That Fungus! What Type of Mold is Growing in Your Montgomery Home?

12/27/2018 (Permalink)

There are thousands of varieties of mold, and different varieties require specific methods of removal.

Mold Growth Varies by Type and Appearance in Montgomery Homes

As much as Montgomery homeowners believe they know about fungal and microbial growth in their home, there is much left to learn. Many of these same homeowners might believe that mold is inevitable or worse yet, that the situation can resolve itself on its own. Most people who own homes do not understand that mold can come in a variety of types and can affect different materials specifically. Molds can also present unique potential health hazards to the home from a continued allowance to grow and thrive.

Understanding the common types of residential fungal growths can help you understand the severity of mold damage that could occur to your Montgomery home without the appropriate preventative actions. Our SERVPRO applied microbial remediation technicians undergo extensive training to know the types of mold we can encounter in homes and commercial properties, and have the tools and expertise to remove these organisms safely to return the house to its original condition.

Aspergillus is the official name of mold that you might find growing on spoiled food in your home, but it can quickly spread through the HVAC system of your home and grow on organic surfaces like drywall when moist conditions present themselves. The color might vary between hues of green and blue, a trademark of this common mold variety is a fuzzy looking texture. While using the HVAC system to move throughout the house, our SERVPRO team shuts off air circulation appliances until remediation completes.

Another common variety of mold that could affect your home is called Cladosporium. Unlike the large colonies that you can see with the Aspergillus, this type leaves a spackling of large green and black spots in the affected material. Much of the damage occurs beneath the surface, which can often result in the removal and replacement of materials to get rid of the growth completely.

While there could be as many as 100,000 varieties of mold, homes throughout our service area often contend with one of these two types. Both can affect the occupants of the property with potential health effects, so if you spot a growth occurring, you should reach out to our SERVPRO of Montgomery rapid response team immediately. Our professional remediators are standing by at (334) 273-0992.

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Restore Your Highland Park Property After the Fire is Put Out

12/10/2018 (Permalink)

Roofs are often in need of being secured after fire damage hits a property.

Eliminating Long-term Effects of Fire Damage in Highland Park Properties

Unless a blaze is catastrophic, it takes only a few minutes for extinguishing efforts to bear fruit. Despite the short lifespan, the incident might leave long-term effects, especially if mishandled. Long-term consequences of a fire in your Highland Park property can range from inconveniences such as bad smell to significant risks such as compromised structural integrity. Our certified FSRT, Fire & Smoke Restoration technicians, can help you manage both short-term and long-term effects of fire damage.

Residues left after fire damage in Highland Park are the most likely to cause long-term problems. While charred materials might form most of the remains, smoke residue spreads the most. On average, smoke particulate is around 1 to 4 microns making it easier to sift deep into various materials. Unless cleaned and deodorized properly, bad odors can persist long after the incident. Our SERVPRO technicians clean all affected areas thoroughly then use techniques such as fogging to release a deodorizing agent that pairs with the odor particles, neutralizing them.

You might not expect mold or rot after a fire incident. However, the use of water to extinguish the fire introduces these problems. Proper extraction and drying is the best weapon to eliminate long-term moisture problems. After extracting standing water, our SERVPRO technicians inspect all the areas reached by the water establishing the level of migration then come up with an effective drying plan. If we suspect moisture migration in enclosed spaces, we can use thermal cameras for confirmation.

If the fire damage is strong enough to affect structural parts of the property, it can destabilize it. Proper inspection can help confirm if indeed there is a problem and the best way to tackle it. Our SERVPRO technicians first secure the structure. This might involve actions like boarding up or installing roof tarps to protect structural parts from further damage. After this, we inspect the framework and other structural elements establishing whether there is a need for repairs or replacement. Taking such steps helps ensure that structural problems do not arise in the future.

Fires are temporary, but they can easily lead to permanent problems. Call SERVPRO of Montgomery to help restore your structure after an incident. You can reach us at (334) 273-0992 any day. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

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Don't Let Your Dishwasher Cause Water Damage Issues In Your Highland Park Home

12/4/2018 (Permalink)

A water disaster from a malfunctioning dishwasher can create havoc in your Highland Park kitchen.

Water Damage Repair For Your Highland Park Kitchen After Your Dishwasher Malfunctions

A water disaster from a malfunctioning dishwasher can create havoc in your Highland Park kitchen. Not only do you have water all over your floor, but it can also run underneath and behind all your cabinetry. It is an issue that needs to be handled promptly to avoid additional damage.

Water damage in your Highland Park home is a big job, and you need the help of professionals. At SERVPRO, we have all the training and knowledge to help you out and do so in a timely fashion. Our experts understand that the longer the water sits in your house, the more chance there is for bacteria and mold growth as well.

Drying walls and floors under or behind cabinetry can be challenging. The walls behind your cabinets take more time to dry because of multiple layers of drywall and the cabinet backing. The construction of the cabinets affects drying as well. If there is no back on the cabinet, SERVPRO staff may be able to drill holes in the wall to let air circulate into the cavity of the wall. Once it is dry, we cover or patch the holes. If there is a back, the drying times are longer. We can still drill holes if needed in the cabinet back and then repair with a comparable material when drying is complete.

If your walls have been exposed to moisture for an extended period, and there is a possibility of sheetrock loosening, we may drill holes in the top of the wall to allow for greater airflow in the wall cavity. If it is an exterior wall, the fiberglass insulation might also be saved using this technique.

The area under the cabinets, the toe kick, is usually made of a less expensive material than the cabinets. Base molding can be mounted to the front of the toe kick. By removing the base molding and drilling holes in the toe kick, we can provide airflow under the cabinets. SERVPRO techs treat the toe kick area with the right biocide and use a vent system to force dry air into the cavity. Once drying is complete, we replace the base or shoe molding.

SERVPRO of Montgomery takes care to thoroughly dry your home in Chisholm, Arrowhead, or Centennial Hill after it has suffered water damage. You can call us anytime at (334) 273-0992 so we can assist you in getting your home back to its prior condition.

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Every Homeowner In Highland Park Should Choose SERVPRO For Water Cleanup Services

11/28/2018 (Permalink)

You will quickly discover why SERVPRO of Montgomery is the only restoration company you need for water cleanup in your home.

Why You Should Pick SERVPRO For Water Cleanup At Your Historic Highland Park Home

The Highland Park neighborhood of Birmingham is justly proud of its turn of the 20th-century homes as well as contemporary construction. To protect the investment made in your home be sure to line up an experienced and well-trained team of water mitigation specialists if you suffer a plumbing mishap or appliance emergency. The professionalism of our well-qualified employees and our up to date equipment make all the difference during water damage remediation.

Water cleanup in Highland Park s not a task to leave for the weekend “Honey-Do” list. Speed is essential when a breach in a hose or pipe spreads water in one or more areas of your home. Water migrates through cracks and infiltrates porous materials easily, moving from the original site of the emergency to other rooms and even different levels of a home. Halting the spread fast is one reason why a professional restoration company is needed.

Another reason why SERVPRO is the call to make immediately is our ability to determine where water roamed and collected. Whether 100-year-old or modern construction, residential properties contain many areas where water hides after large quantities flowed out of freshwater supply lines or plumbed appliances. That fresh water rapidly becomes contaminated if not found and removed. We use moisture meters and thermal scanning devices to find the water we need to clean up.

SERVPRO accesses the hidden water using a variety of strategies, including among other methods extensions on wanded extractors, holes drilled into baseboards or mortar joints, or removal of sections of lathe and plaster or drywall -- often termed “flood cuts.” Water cleanup is easier when we expose pools and puddles. The opening up of the saturated spaces also allow us to extend drying efforts there.

Water cleanup is not complete until proper structural drying completes. Our deliberate, step by step approach is yet another reason why SERVPRO delivers industry-leading water loss mitigation results. Our service vehicles stock the pumps and extractors needed for water removal as well as the air movers, heaters, and dehumidifiers essential to structural moisture reduction.

You quickly discover why SERVPRO of Montgomery is the only restoration company you need for water cleanup in your home. Call us at (334) 273-0992 for fast evaluation and highest-quality delivery of professional water loss restoration services.

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What Are The Do's & Don'ts of Water Restoration? SERVPRO Knows!

11/16/2018 (Permalink)

When water spills fill your floor, it can cause a tremendous amount of damage. SERVPRO of Montgomery North can help restore the affected areas.

The Do's and Don'ts of Water Cleanup in Highland Park

Moisture, when left to its own devices, can quickly become a breeding ground for mold as well as causing permanent damages. As a rule of thumb, the longer it is left, the higher the chances are of expensive home repairs. As a resident or commercial property owner, it is not normal to own all the required equipment to deal with a water spill effectively. Today, we are going to run over some of the crucial measures that should be undertaken when attempting to clear away excess water.

Many people can complete the initial stages of water cleanup in Highland Park by themselves. However, it is the secondary stages that protect your property months later. SERVPRO uses technicians that hold IICRC certificates in water removal, anti-microbial treatments as well as specific areas of expertise like carpet remediation. Using a professional service with the correct training can be the difference between a recurring problem and a one-time expense.

SERVPRO works toward a restore over replace mentality. Using such a mentality helps to keep expenses at a minimum for our customers and can often be less time-consuming than replacing large amounts of furniture or fittings. The first step towards enacting this approach is in thoroughly cleaning and drying the affected areas using chemical and water-based solvents.

Rapid air movers can be deployed which use heated, rushing air to dry between floorboards by evaporating moisture into the air. From there, dehumidifiers equipped with desiccant chemicals can remove the evaporated moisture to reduce the likelihood of mold growth, which reproduces in moist environments.

Thoroughly cleaning the affected area can often mean removing furniture or fittings from the property. Doing so allows a SERVPRO technician greater access to affected areas. These items can be replaced at the end of the service. In most cases, we can remove carpets, thoroughly dry them and apply anti-microbial treatments to both sides, thereby avoiding problems later down the line.

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At the end of service, your SERVPRO technician can conduct a walkthrough with you. This process ensures all aspects of the job have been completed to a satisfactory level and is available for both our commercial property owners and private residents.
For a water restoration service you can trust, contact SERVPRO of Montgomery North at (334) 273- 0992 anytime day or night.

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How Our Specialists Use Deodorization To Remove Odors From Your Fire Damaged Commercial Property In Montgomery

11/6/2018 (Permalink)

Any time something burns inside your store even the smoke coming from it can require commercial fire damage to occur.

Montgomery's Commercial Fire Damage Technicians Discuss Deodorization Methods

If a fire ever ignites inside your Montgomery jewelry store, the flames and smoke generated can ruin your contents and your building's structural components. Any time something burns inside your store even the smoke coming from it can require commercial fire damage to occur. Flames can burn items inside your home forcing them to be replaced. When smoke coming from the blaze touches cooler surfaces, it often leaves behind soot residue. One major part of commercial fire damage mitigation is not only fixing burnt structural components but cleaning soils left behind by partially combusted materials as well.

When soot covers surfaces inside a building, foul odors can exist. After the burnt items are removed, and the soot is cleaned during a commercial fire damage project in Montgomery, the deodorization step occurs. In some situations, it's possible to eliminate unpleasant aromas by removing all of the soot residues. Other times burnt smells can still exist requiring our SERVPRO team to utilize specialized equipment and techniques.

When building materials get burnt, we can sometimes sand down the charring and refinish the item. If burnt materials get treated instead of replaced, then our SERVPRO technicians can spray the affected items with a specialized sealant paint that traps in foul aromas. When smoke damaged items get cleaned, the detergents used often have chemicals that mask the smells with more pleasant aromas. When the aromas are very prevalent techniques to chemically neutralize the odors get implemented.

When smoke flows through a building, it can penetrate deep into porous surfaces such as carpet or upholstery. The smoke particles can get stuck deep into the material making them difficult to remove. One method of deodorization to remediate smoky odors is to use an ultra-low volume fogging machine. Using a ULV fogger can help eliminate unpleasant smells by replicating the behavior of smoke with chemicals. The chemicals get broken down into tiny particles so they can penetrate materials as deep as the smoke did. The chemicals then react with the smoke particles and cause a reaction that neutralizes the foul odors.

If you ever have problems with foul odors after a fire in your jewelry store, call SERVPRO of Montgomery at (334) 273-0992 24/7.

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Fungi & Mold Taking Over Your Home? Get out & Call SERVPRO Pronto!

10/30/2018 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Montgomery North, we have what it takes to remediate mold & fungus from your home.

Highland Park's Mold Damage Experts Introduce Chemicals And Equipment Used During Mitigation

Fungi can be deceptive because they like to form in dark places inside your Highland Park condo. If organic materials inside your dwelling get wet and nothing is done about it, it is possible that you will be dealing with mold damage after 2 to 3 days. As time goes on and the problem goes unnoticed, the contamination will grow in all directions and infect a larger area. As the fungus develops, it releases spores into the air that can float around a building until landing and affecting a previously unharmed region. If mitigation is not conducted properly by experienced professionals such as our SERVPRO team, then the initial mold damage problem can get much worse. 

When remediating different types of fungi and their spores, we use several different chemicals, techniques, and tools of the trade. By using the most industrially advanced equipment available, our SERVPRO technicians have more ways to be effective in every mold damage scenario in Highland Park. During fungal removal projects, our team not only works to stop the existing mold from growing bigger, but we also take steps to prevent spores from getting into your building's airflow.

Our IICRC certified SERVPRO restoration crew has studied the specific industry procedures for removing fungi. We also know the laws in place that require certain things be done when dealing with fungal contamination. The main focus of the rules and strict procedures are to eliminate the presence of dangerous molds in the air we breathe.

Whenever an area inside your condominium gets contaminated, we start by sealing off the affected area with a plastic containment chamber. We then attach an air scrubber to the side of the chamber so that negative pressure pulls dust inside the contaminated region past a HEPA filter before it gets exhausted out. We also use anti-microbial chemicals throughout the process that help keep mold spores from spreading.

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In some situations, specialized sealant paint will get sprayed on affected areas to inhibit future growth in the same spot. If you ever notice the presence of black mold hiding in a dark area of your home, call SERVPRO of Montgomery at (334) 273-0992 24/7.

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After the Floodwaters Recede: Cleaning the Muddy Mess in Your Highland Park Office

10/18/2018 (Permalink)

The aftermath of a storm can affect your business. SERVPRO is committed to getting your business up and running as quickly as possible.

Make the Right Move When you Experience Flood Damage in Highland Park

Flood damage restoration is all about trying to help property owners recover from the damage caused by the water. Such disasters disrupt the normal operations of any home or business, and some can remain closed for several weeks or months. If a municipal building in Highland Park experiences such an incident, then it means the facility remains closed until the necessary cleaning has taken place. Cleaning the mud from the floors, cleaning and drying the seats, and repairing any broken windows are some of the steps taken after a storm.  

Even if the water has receded in Highland Park after a flood damage experience, never rush to get back into the building and assume general cleaning is enough to address the situation. If there are wooden items in the building and it happens that they came into contact with the water, then there are chances that they absorbed the water. If that is the case, you risk experiencing continuing problems such as wood deterioration, insect infestations, and mold growth. Flood waters carry much contamination, and our SERVPRO technicians remove and replace porous building materials.  

Our SERVPRO technicians carefully inspect your carpets and furnishings during the restoration process. We clean restorable carpeting, bedding, and furniture and discard of what is unsalvageable. We can hose off soils from surfaces and then clean using a disinfectant.  

Even if the walls look undamaged, we have to open them up to address possible odors, structural decay, and mold growth. To drain water from uninsulated walls, we remove baseboards and then drill holes into the wallboard. We throw away any flooded drywall and all wet insulation. By setting up fans and dehumidifiers, we can speed up the drying process. The walls should remain open until they are thoroughly dry. When recommending replacements, we advise property owners to go for materials that can withstand future flood - like ceramic tiles, removable wainscoting, and rigid foam insulation.  

For further advice and information, contact SERVPRO of Montgomery at (334) 273-0992. Our highly trained and experienced technicians can offer emergency services at any time of the day.

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The Dangers Of Mold Damage: What Every Highland Park Homeowner Should Know

10/4/2018 (Permalink)

Trusting in professional remediation services to overcome the mold damage to your Highland Park home is a wise decision.

The Dangers Of Mold Damage In Your Highland Park Home

While many circumstances can threaten the look and function of your Highland Park residence, many homeowners lean toward repairing and restoring damages on their own when possible. Certain disasters and unexpected occurrences leave these same homeowners without the skill set and training required to overcome the damages and return their home to preloss conditions. Even something seemingly as basic as mold growth can spread quickly to the point where it is out of control.

Trusting in professional remediation services to overcome the mold damage to your Highland Park home is a wise decision. There are risks and dangers associated with mold growth, specifically in the exposure to an active colony, that threatens both the home that you live in and the people who share it. While many websites could divulge DIY approaches to removing mold colonies you find, the likelihood of entirely removing it and preventing recurrences are remote.

One of the main risks that often gets overlooked when it comes to mold growth is the potential health effects. That is why our SERVPRO remediation technicians take considerable care in isolating the affected area from the rest of the house to prevent the spread of active spores throughout your home. More to this point, we have the safety equipment and training to get to the heart of the damage without incurring these potential health risks associated with exposure.

Another consideration that you have to make is the effect that a mold colony has on the materials used to construct your house. As the organism grows, it feeds on organic matter like drywall and wood framing, which can weaken these areas of your house and ultimately cause irreparable damage. Our SERVPRO professionals work to preserve and restore before tearing out materials, so we use advanced techniques when possible to soda blast or sand out deeply penetrating colonies.

While you can find documentation about removing mold growth yourself in your house, there are some considerations that you must make. Without knowing the variety of mold or the extent of the damage, you cannot have certainty that you have removed the entire organism effectively. Instead, trust the SERVPRO of Montgomery rapid response team and allow our remediation technicians to help you overcome this presence in your house. Give SERVPRO a call anytime that you need us at (334) 273-0992.

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Never Worry About What To Do About Commercial Water Damage In Highland Park Again With These Tips

9/24/2018 (Permalink)

Our experts respond Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Commercial Water Cleanup For Unwanted Water In Your Highland Park Office Building

Torrential downpours that begin as a slow drip through the roof only to grow into a waterfall or a broken feed line to the drinking fountain can cause severe problems in your Highland Park office building. Our experts respond Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Regardless of the source of invasive water in your business in Highland Park, we use commercial water cleanup methods to remove the water, dry everything out, and protect your building and furnishings from secondary damages. Our fast response to your initial call helps us prevent the deterioration of materials, surges in microbial activity, and unpleasant odors. All of these effects are preventable and costly to mitigate, should they develop. Preventing them is substantially more cost-effective, as well as capable of preventing the loss of irreplaceable items.

Pumping out all of the water that drenched your building also includes tracking that moisture to wherever it traveled, including inside walls and floors, under cabinets, and inside closets. Water can often find its way into architectural nooks and crannies, but without the pressure behind it, this same water never seems to leave on its own.

Moisture meters can detect how much moisture is in a material while infrared imaging devices help us locate these places. Small pinholes or weep holes permit trapped water to leave, which we promptly remove and then we use warm air to dry out the cavity from where the water exited. We keep these holes in the least visible place when possible, and as small as possible, also. When possible, we drill these holes behind existing trim to conceal them completely.

We can often restore materials from offices that became drenched through different methods. Sometimes we use freezing as a way to do this. Other methods are available, and we can discuss each option with you when special situations require their use.

Once the water no longer poses a problem, we can work on ensuring that the humidity in the air has also returned to normal levels. Remnant moisture can cause problems with microbial activity or curling of papers and other documents. We can monitor the situation and recommend the adequately sized dehumidifier to finish restoring the environment entirely back to normal.

SERVPRO of Montgomery wants your business and tenants to thrive, and commercial water cleanup can help ensure this happens, even after a major crisis involving water. Call us at (334) 273-0992 to speak with us about your situation as soon as possible. We want to help you get everything back on track again quickly. We also serve those in Arrowhead, County Downs, and Chisholm, as well as both Gunter and Maxwell Air Force Bases.

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Avoid Fire Damage in Montgomery When Smoking by Taking Precautions

9/23/2018 (Permalink)

Fires caused by cigarettes are quite common. Take safety precautions and contact SERVPRO should you have a fire.

Montgomery's Fire Damage Technicians Talk About Problems Associated With Cigarette Smoking

Millions of people across the country smoke cigarettes and some may even smoke inside their Montgomery apartment. Smoking indoors is never a good idea for several reasons including that the act is a common source of fire damage. Nearly one in five people in the U.S. or over 40 million people smoke cigarettes on a daily basis. According to the stats, smoking materials cause over 17,000 structural burns every year. Among those, over 1,300 people get hurt, and almost 500 of them die from this type of fire damage each year.
 
Smoking is not only unhealthy for the smoker and everyone near them, but it can also be the source of several problems. Cigarette butts that do not get put out all of the way or ash that does not make it into the ashtray can cause fire damage to your Montogomery apartment. Some people fill up outdoor ashtrays too full or dump their butts in the trash when they are still hot. And the sad part is that these are only a few of the several ways our SERVPRO technicians have seen cigarettes and smoking in general set things ablaze.
 
When it comes to tobacco smoke, it can cause damage just by being inside a unit, and the act of smoking increases your risk of having a fire burn on your property. When someone smokes inside a building, the partially combusted tobacco penetrates into most materials inside the dwelling. The smell of cigarette or cigar smoke often lingers in contents and building materials even after people stop smoking inside the structure. In some cases, the smoke damage gets so bad that our SERVPRO technicians must use either an ultra-low volume fogging machine or an ozone generator to neutralize and remove the foul, burnt aromas from the apartment.
 
The act of smoking involves many activities that increase the risk of a person starting a fire inside a home. Even if the burn is small, different types of smoke other than those coming from cigarettes can affect building materials and your contents.
 
If a fire gets started by a smoker at your apartment complex and you think your unit may have been affected, call SERVPRO of Montgomery at (334) 273-0992 any day of the week.
 
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Aspects To Consider During Water Cleanup In Highland Park

9/5/2018 (Permalink)

Whether the water cleanup needs in your property are a result of a leaking roof or a broken water pipe, you have to act to take immediate action.

Aspects To Consider During Water Cleanup

Whether the water cleanup needs in your property are a result of a leaking roof or a broken water pipe, you have to act to take immediate action. The amount of water on your property together with its source helps us to select the most appropriate restoration procedures. We have three categories of water damage that are common in Highland Park, and all of them are classified as per their source of water.

Professional water cleanup services in Highland Park are necessary, even when the water is from a treated source such as burst pipes or overflowing sinks. Clean water is under category 1, and it usually presents few health effects unless it has flowed across the soil. In most cases, carpets and pads that are exposed to this category of water are salvageable.

Category 2 water, or gray water, is comprised of used water that contains waste products - human waste is not included. It might be water from an overflowing toilet - without solid matter - or a washing machine. Our SERVPRO technicians usually advise property owners to replace the carpet pad exposed to gray water, though some carpets might be salvaged through thorough cleaning.

Blackwater is under the third category and is majorly unsanitary water, which contains human waste. Water from floods which is full of debris and silt is under this category. It is mandatory to replace porous items, and carpets are exposed to this form of water. We comply with the safety standards recommended by OSHA when dealing with black water.

Our SERVPRO technicians understand the concerns about possible health effects when exposed to contaminants during the restoration process. Since every situation is unique, we have the experience to choose appropriate personal protective equipment. The most common PPE that we use include respirators, hearing protection, disposable coveralls, head protection, and disposable boots.

SERVPRO of Montgomery attends to all sizes of residential and commercial restoration or cleaning emergencies. Call us at (334) 273-0992 when you need to work with a trusted and locally owned restoration industry leader.

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Use Caution When Entering A Home With Flood Damage In Montgomery

8/30/2018 (Permalink)

Disasters can make a once-safe and secure home in Montgomery unfit to live in and barely safe to enter.

Use Caution When Entering Your Home After A Flood

Disasters can make a once-safe and secure home in Montgomery unfit to live in and barely safe to enter. Water can hide hazards from view and make it difficult to stand or walk from one place to another. Flooding brings in foul water that is even more murky, making it even more dangerous.
 
Montgomery residents who visit their homes after flood damage takes place might also notice that the smell is highly unpleasant. This smell comes mostly from the organic matter, so many homes require odor control measures after we finish restoring the structure and cleaning the contents of your house. We use highly effective but very safe methods when controlling smelly odors.

When we send out our technicians to mitigate flood damage, they arrive with the equipment needed to restore your home, as well as the necessary protective equipment to ensure their health and safety. Our gear is designed to ward off cuts and keep disease-causing pathogens off the skin. Our machinery and tools are also highly effective at performing the functions necessary to dry your home out and make it “Like it never even happened.”

As we work on your home's cleanup and restoration, we use different cleaning agents that help us remove the grime and other substances left on surfaces within your house. Any grooves or indentations in personal belongings can harbor silt and dirt, but we carefully remove it, so everything becomes clean and sanitary again. As long as your home's structure remains safe, we can carry this work out on-site, making things easier for you. By the time your family moves back in, we have gone over everything to ensure that your home becomes completely dry again and free of any silt, debris, or other filth.

SERVPRO of Montgomery wants our neighbors and friends to stay safe, even in horrible situations. Flood damage can cause serious harm to any kind of property. We have the skills and tools to make your home safe for you and prevent damage from spreading further. Contact us at (334) 273-0992, so we can assist you in making your house a home again.

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Mitigating Mold Damage On Furniture In Highland Park

8/22/2018 (Permalink)

Microbes can quickly grow once their environment experiences an increase in humidity.

Mitigating Mold Damage

Microbes can quickly grow once their environment experiences an increase in humidity. Furniture often collects crumbs of food, shed skin cells, and other debris from a Highland Park family's normal, everyday activities. These items can add to the cellulose available to microbes, increasing their food supply.

At SERVPRO, we know that your furniture is part of what makes your home comfortable, and mold damage can make your chairs and sofa, as well as other pieces, smell terribly. Using dust covers can increase the problem by providing the microbes the darkness and enclosed space they thrive in best. Traditional cleaning methods can leave your furniture damp, and still full of spores and active mold particles.

We can clean your furniture for you with highly effective methods. When you call, our team can schedule a time for our skilled technicians to come to your residence and clean the mold damage from the affected furniture's surfaces. Our unique cleaning agents loosen microbe's hold on the threads in the upholstery's fabric so we can more easily remove these particles from your furniture.

Other areas can also become infested with mold. Deep grooves, joints, undersides, and other tight spots can harbor mold in a piece of furniture. Stiff brushes can whisk this built up mold damage away from surfaces while our vacuums remove the generated debris. Just like we always test before using liquid cleaning agents for colorfastness of the fabrics we clean, we also make sure our brushes do no damage to wood finishes or the luster of any metal elements. We want to make everything look “Like it never even happened.”

Because preventing mold damage costs less than remediation does, we spend time determining where the excess moisture came from, and then we help the homeowner block any additional water from entering the home. Other ways that we help diminish the possibility of future infestations of mold include antimicrobial agents that make regrowth almost impossible. Also, if any odors remain, we can apply deodorizing sprays, leaving your furniture with a much more pleasant scent.

SERVPRO of Montgomery can help protect your home's furnishings from the effects of mold damage, as well as minimize any possible health effects your family might experience from microbial infestation. Contact us at (334) 273-0992 when you suspect possible microbial activity. We serve Centennial Hill, as well as Chisholm and Arrowhead.

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Flood Damage Restoration Options For Residents Of Chisholm

8/8/2018 (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 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 Chisholm 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.

SERVPRO of Montgomery is a trusted industry leader in commercial and residential cleaning and restoration services. You can call us at (334) 273-0992 at any time of the day and benefit from our stress-free services.

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The Effects Of A Kitchen Fire In Your Montgomery Residence

7/25/2018 (Permalink)

Kitchen fires can happen in your Montgomery home from a variety of causes.

The Effects Of A Kitchen Fire

Kitchen fires can happen in your Montgomery home from a variety of causes. While many of these incidents can get extinguished before they spread out in destructive ways throughout the house, there are still effects that must get addressed when the time comes to clean up the mess.

Many homeowners have not ever dealt with a house fire throughout their lives, and are often unclear as to the wide range of lingering effects present once the first responders and firefighters complete their job. Restoring the fire damages to your Montgomery home, even with a smaller-scale incident localized to your kitchen area can prove challenging for even experienced professionals at times.

Legitimate threats to your home exist following a fire in your kitchen. Smoke damages penetrate not only the air in the affected areas of your home, but also the walls, cabinets, and furniture in the kitchen as well. Our SERVPRO professionals utilize various methods of deodorization to remove this noxious odor, leaving no discernable scent behind.

Cabinets above and near the heart of the fire are susceptible to irreparable damages. Often these units get constructed with thin wood, making them easy targets for open flames. While our SERVPRO technicians do everything possible to restore the damages to these units, cabinets sometimes need to get removed and later replaced to complete the restoration process.

Soot is another threat to the kitchen area, as it is a widespread concern. This layer of film and debris cakes to surfaces throughout the room, and can even get into the ductwork of the central air system. Cleaning up this mess requires several approaches which depend on the severity of damage and the location of the soot itself.

A homeowner might be fortunate when it comes to the limited range of a quickly extinguished kitchen fire. Even with this being the case, lingering effects still make it difficult to live comfortably in the house following the incident. Give our SERVPRO of Montgomery fire restoration technicians a call 24/7 at (334) 273-0992.

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Staying in Business After Commercial Fire Damage Threatens to Close Your Highland Park Cafe

7/14/2018 (Permalink)

Customers love the ambiance of your coffee shop. Keep them coming to your location after a fire by contacting SERVPRO for remediation services.

Team SERVPRO's Quick Action After Fire Damage Can Help Keep Your Diner Open

Eating out at fast food places rarely compares to the food found in Highland Park's neighborhood cafes and diners. Running such an establishment happens under high-stress situations during rush hour, and during these times, accidents happen.
 
When rush hour happens and a grease fire takes place in Highland Park, commercial fire damage can affect your entire business. SERVPRO technicians can make everything “Like it never even happened” which makes it possible to stay in business. Failure to mitigate such damage early allows it to continually damage additional areas in your building.
 
Removing any damaged materials, such as countertops or tables, curtains, papers and posters, and anything else makes it easier to recover with smoke-killing paints. Washing soot-filled cooking utensils, bakeware, and other equipment gets these items ready for the next time your staff needs them. Pots and pans also need any traces of soot removed so future meals do not taste off and provide patrons with the food they know and enjoy.
 
Shelving and cupboards can end up covered in areas rarely seen, such as the top shelves, so we make sure we reach these areas. Afterward, we visually inspect them to make sure they no longer contain any black deposits that might end up on stored items.
 
Any carpeted areas in your diner most likely contain significant amounts of soot that bonded tightly with the fibers. The sooner SERVPRO can clean these and extract the sticky soot the more likely we can restore them to preloss condition and save your business the added expense of replacing the carpet.
 
Removing greasy deposits of smoke and soot from surfaces keeps odors down but does not eliminate them entirely. We need to address these deposits from the areas that remain unseen. We do this by using thermal fogging. With this method, the fog forcefully enters the same areas that the smoke pushed smoky particles into and then eliminates them.
 
SERVPRO of Montgomery also protects businesses in Arrowhead and Centennial Hill from the effects of fire damage. When businesses can reopen quickly after a disaster, their chances of staying in business increase, while the risk of closing permanently significantly decreases. Call us at (334) 273-0992 to see how we can help you save your business from this and other disasters.

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When You Need Water Removal In Your Highland Park Home

7/5/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Mitigates Water Damage from Leaking Appliances in the Highland Park Area with Rapid Removal

Highland Park Homeowners Turn to SERVPRO for Water Cleanup after Appliance Failure

Appliances are a welcomed convenience to your Highland Park residence, but one that does not come without its share of risks. As these machines age, they become less and less able to prevent the water supply they receive from ending up on the floor around them. Often this is something as simple as a missing seal or bushing that has just worn down to nothing, but it can leave you with a substantial mess on your hands, especially if you were not at home at the time and aware of a problem. Regardless of how dire the circumstances are, professional restoration services can help you to overcome this hurdle and return your home to preloss conditions more quickly than you could alone.

No matter the appliances or the maintenance time that you put into each of them, it is impossible to rid your home entirely of the possibility of water damages. The trouble with these incidents is that they tend to leave high volumes on the floor, leading to a need for water removal services in your Highland Park residence as opposed to simple mopping and drying. Our SERVPRO team can help you to overcome this overwhelming scenario and give you back your house in its original condition, usually, "Like it never even happened."

One of the first things that our professionals have to do when we arrive at your home is to determine the source of the damage and if that is something that our technicians can fix on site,  such as a small leak. Sometimes these scenarios require dedicated attention to your appliances by a repair technician, but some issues our SERVPRO professionals can handle on our own.

Extraction is a critical component to the restoration process in these situations, but often the only required tools for this process are portable sump pumps and wet-vacs with extraction wands. Drying the area follows this step and is an essential component to restoring your home.

Finding your home in need of water removal services is never an easy thing for a homeowner to face. Fortunately, this is not something that you have to handle alone. You can rely on our SERVPRO of Montgomery water damage restoration technicians to help you overcome the damage and restore your home quickly. (334) 273-0992.

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A Grease Blaze in Your Montgomery Restaurant Kitchen Can Lead to Fire Damage If It Is Not Smothered Properly

6/26/2018 (Permalink)

Commercial Fire Damage Cleanup and Restoration in Montgomery--Always Call SERVPRO

Commercial Cleanup After Fires Are Best Left to the Professionals--Call SERVPRO

Fire damage is the last thing you want to befall your restaurant, but especially in the kitchen. It can completely halt the flow of your business since you are unable to serve food, not even take-out, while the damage lingers. Getting the damage remediated as soon as possible is the best solution that you could pursue for your business.
 
Cooking involves oils and greases, and it is essential to use oil while doing so, but it could cause fire damage to your Montgomery kitchen when done irresponsibly. Sometimes, while cooking, the flame of the burner under your pan can jump from airborne splattered grease and then into your pan, igniting everything in it. A grease is particularly dangerous if it is not appropriately smothered with the lid of a pot.
 
Unfortunately, the first instinct for many people is to try and extinguish a grease fire with the use of water. However, this practice can actually have a "splashing" like effect, igniting other parts of the kitchen and severely burning anyone close. A small fire in a pan can quickly turn into a much larger fire with one action, and it is wise to call for remediation as soon as firefighters have dealt with it. If your kitchen is equipped with a fire-suppressant system then possibly the physical damage was minimized, but the powdery mess remains behind requiring professional cleanup.
 
SERVPRO strives to get to your eatery as quickly as possible after receiving your call. If the remediation doesn't happen right away, the higher the chance of permanent damage is. Our SERVPRO techs can immediately begin to clean up fire-damaged area, ridding it of any charred bits or ruined equipment.
 
Afterward, we can clean the soot off of the various surfaces of your business through chemical cleaning methods. Once SERVPRO has thoroughly cleaned your kitchen, and rid it of the physical evidence, we can use tools like thermal foggers to free your nose of the scent left behind by the fire.
 
When your restaurant kitchen suffers a grease fire, do not delay. Dial (334) 273-0992 as soon as you can to contact SERVPRO of Montgomery. No matter the time, our doors are open to you.

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Water Removal Actions For Montgomery Homes

6/22/2018 (Permalink)

Water removal in Montgomery or anywhere else in Alabama needs to be done by a professional service.

Water Removal For Homes

Montgomery homes are vulnerable to flooding from the weather and more mundane sources. When it happens, the water can affect some property fast enough to force disposal in just a few hours.

Water removal in Montgomery or anywhere else in Alabama needs to be done by a professional service. SERVPRO restoration teams have extensive training to rapidly draw water out of a home to prevent or reduce the level of damage to both structural and personal property.

Our restoration technicians begin by removing standing water. They use pumps for water levels more than about ankle-high. Each team has a variety of pumps in their equipment inventory for large and small homes and depending on how long they may need to operate to clear out each residence.

Once the water is down to just above the surface, technicians switch to extraction wands to draw out water from wood floors and carpets. Team members can adjust the speed and power level of each device to match the amount of remaining water and to avoid causing damage to the floorboards or pulling up fibers from the nape of the carpet.

For concrete surfaces, other SERVPRO team members use long-handled squeegees to push water out of the garage, patio or other areas of the home that has a concrete pad. Regardless if the surface is concrete, carpet or wood, our technician's follow-up with air movers, dehumidifiers, and fans to force out remaining excess moisture.

They set-up the dehumidifiers in every affected room to draw water from the air and surrounding property. Depending on the amount of moisture present, each device can remove over 20 gallons every 24 hours.

Specialists set-up the air movers and fans to push warm air over surfaces to quickly dry them without causing cracking in wood furniture or building material like sheetrock. Both devices are also very useful to complete drying of carpets and to remove any trace amounts of moisture on concrete floors or trapped between the slabs.

Every home has different needs after a water intrusion. If you need our help to remove water and return your home to its original, dry state, contact SERVPRO of Montgomery at (334) 273-0992 today. We are here for you.

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Understanding The Flood Restoration Process For Your Highland Park Residence

6/10/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Saves Many Homes in Highland Park from Flooding with Rapid Response and Water Removal

Fast Arrival and Water Extraction by SERVPRO Mitigates Flood Damage to Your Home or Business

As much as you might work to prevent disasters and unfortunate circumstances to your Highland Park home, there are always going to be situations that are out of your control. Flash flooding is such an instance. As the name would suggest, these disasters offer little in the way of warning, and ill-prepared homes that are not able to withstand the immense water pressures from the outside can be susceptible to widespread damages.

The unfortunate aspect in all of this is that you might not even know that your house is not able to withstand the threat of flash flooding until the damage is upon you. Once you have discovered any severity of flood damage in your Highland Park residence, you should be on the phone with our SERVPRO team working to get our experienced technicians on site and working to stop the flow of water into your house, if possible.

When we arrive at your house, we often work most quickly on sealing up the vulnerable points (often with hydraulic cement) to stop water flow into the basement area. Extraction follows quickly after this process. It could be as fundamental as portable pumps and wet vacs, but more severe cases require us to dispatch a pump truck from our SERVPRO fleet to get the water removed more efficiently.

Getting the area dried completely is another critical component of the restoration process. Lingering moisture is a welcome mat for microbial and mold growth, so our experienced IICRC certified professionals work to ensure that any dampness gets dried up. Any damaged construction materials that retain water and are rendered non-salvageable also get discarded.

While there is nothing quite as overwhelming as widespread damage to the home that you live in, our professionals can help you to clean up the mess and get back to the way things should be quickly, "Like it never even happened." You can count on our SERVPRO of Montgomery water damage restoration specialists to help you anytime that you need us. Give us a call 24/7 at (334) 273-0992.

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When Mold Damage in Your Highland Park Home Requires Reconstruction or Remodeling

5/28/2018 (Permalink)

Finding mold damage in your basement is a problem that needs to be dealt with right away. Contact SERVPRO for excellent remediation options.

SERVPRO Technicians Thoroughly Investigate and Then Remediate Mold Damage in Your Basement

There is nothing that can be as misunderstood or nerve-wracking as discovering mold and fungal growth in your Highland Park residence. While you might work diligently as a homeowner to keep moisture and dampness outside of your home, sometimes these preventative measures fail, and you get left with areas like the basement remaining damp or wet. These conditions can feed mold spores in the environment and allow mold growth on organic materials in this affected area.

Of all of the ways that mold damage can affect your Highland Park residence, structural concerns are among the worst. If colonies thrive for extended periods without removal or remediation, they can significantly weaken or even compromise structural components of your home as well as elements like flooring, ceilings, and drywall. While our SERVPRO remediation technicians work quickly to help you restore the damage that is present in your home, sometimes restoration and remediation are no longer possible.

When our technicians arrive at a home in which mold could grow and thrive for an extended period, the result was often severe damages to the construction materials like wood framing, flooring, and walls. When the damage is too severe for the remediation techniques for colony removal would be ineffective, the only solution left is to replace these damaged areas with new materials.

Our SERVPRO professionals work to restore and salvage the areas that can still get repaired through our standard remediation process. For those areas that cannot, we remove these materials and often leave reinstallation of these new materials to residential contractors once our work has completed in your home. Small repairs and reinstallment efforts can get done by our team, but for significant rebuilds and reconstruction, we encourage the use of a construction contractor to finish the job.

Mold remediation is something that no homeowner ever wants to need, but taking care of the fungal growth in your home is time sensitive and better for your health. Health effects have gotten linked to exposure to mold, so trust our SERVPRO of Montgomery remediation technicians to help you take care of the problem as soon as you find it. Give us a call 24/7 at (334) 273-0992.

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Deodorization Techniques Neutralize Smelly Remnants of Fire Damage in Your Montgomery Property

5/14/2018 (Permalink)

Odor after a fire can linger for a very long time unless remediated properly. Contact SERVPRO to discuss and retain our services.

SERVPRO Understands That Fire Damage Remediation Includes Dealing With Any Odors That Remain

During a house fire, the wide variety of materials that either catch fire or become so heated that they give off fumes fill your Montgomery home with toxic smoke and gases. These by-products can cause problems for your family by damaging belongings and making breathing difficult for sensitive individuals.
 
Within your home's enclosed environment, even a small amount of fire damage in Montgomery easily causes long-lasting soot, and other chemical changes accumulate. Restoration of your home's interior that mitigates fire damage also removes a majority of the soot while airing out your home helps dissipate the gases.
 
Soot contains components that can destroy the sheen on glossy, hard substances, creating a permanent dullness that can keep reminding your family of the fire. Even though we remove these particles from your home's interior wherever we can locate them, inaccessible areas continue to harbor them. Particles that remain behind steadily decompose and drift back into your home's atmosphere. As they do this, many people can detect these smaller particles as a distinct, acrid odor.
 
While masking these odors can provide short-term relief from them, ridding your home of left-behind soot clinging to the interior spaces of walls, ceilings, and other hard-to-reach areas can put an end to this constant battle. SERVPRO's Odor Control Technician (OCT) can perform highly effective odor control management techniques that leave your home smelling beautiful once again.
 
Special deodorizing agents in a mixture loaded into a thermal fogging machine chemically bond with smoke particles produced as a part of your home's fire damage. After this bonding takes place, these now-altered particles can no longer waft back into the air, even when temperatures rise or an increase in humidity takes place that once caused spikes in the strength of the odors experienced.
 
Our technician uses the thermal fogging machine to inject a heated mist into your home that follows the smoke's pathways. This mist easily penetrates into areas that would remain otherwise inaccessible to us or our cleaning tools. Because the agents bond with the particles throughout your home, this procedure efficiently treats your entire home at one time.
 
SERVPRO of Montgomery North is always ready to help homeowners bring their homes back to pre'loss condition after any disaster. Fire damage causes many unwanted and drastic changes to a house, and we can help you restore your home by eliminating these, making it "Like it never even happened." Residents can always call us at (334) 273-0992, and discuss how we can help mitigate the damage sustained by their home.

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Dealing with Flood Damage in Highland Park

5/5/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO acts quickly to restore your home after flood damage and return your home to its pre loss condition "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO Puts You at Ease During the Flood Damage Restoration Process

When a Highland Park 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 Highland Park 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 Montgomery does it quickly and with as little stress to the owner and other residents as possible. If you need us, call today at (334) 273-0992. Our office is here for you.

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Highland Park's Commercial Water Damage Drying Techniques

4/17/2018 (Permalink)

If moisture is not dried out within 48 hours, mold can develop on your building materials after water damage.

Rely on SERVPRO for Expert Commercial Water Damage Restoration

Sometimes a pipe breaks inside your Highland Park office complex and water floods out the building. Many office complexes are two stories, which can create more problems in an emergency damage situation. Water always follows gravity so if a pipe breaks on any floor besides the ground level, then it will flow into other floors of the building.

When water comes into an office from the ceiling, a few possible hazards may exist. SERVPRO's commercial water damage technicians in Highland Park start every job with making sure the area is secure. Any hazards our crew finds get dealt with immediately so that everyone inside your office stays safe.

When water comes from the ceiling, sometimes drywall gets loose and falls from the ceiling. Other times water can get into light fixtures and cause a short creating an electrical hazard. Before any work begins, our crew will remove the hanging drywall and make sure nothing will fall from the ceiling onto anyone. If there are electrical hazards, we shut off the power to the room until a certified electrician can come in and repair the problem.

After the area is deemed safe for our workers and yours, we begin the extraction process. We try our best to complete our work in a way that keeps your company functioning as best as possible. We will work around office desks and work areas so that your team can keep busy while we work.

After we use our advanced extraction system to vacuum up all the water we can, we start the structural drying process. During the structural drying stage, we attempt to speed up the natural evaporation process so that moisture dries out within 48 hours. If building materials inside your office complex stay wet for longer than two days, it is possible that mold develops.

We always use industrially advanced moisture detection equipment to test progress and make sure everything is dry before we leave the job site. After our drying equipment has been set up for a couple of days, we make sure that moisture levels have returned to normal conditions before officially finishing the job. For help from the experts with water problems, call SERVPRO of Montgomery at (334) 273-0992 any time of the day.

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Preparing Your Montgomery Home For Reconstruction After Severe Fire Damage

4/10/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Says Place Fire Extinguishers in Your Kitchen to Help Prevent Montgomery House Fires

SERVPRO Professionally Cleans Up and Restores Your Home After a Fire on Your Montgomery Property

No one ever gets fully prepared for a fire in their Montgomery home, and the ensuing damage can seem overwhelming and traumatic. While your inspection of the devastation to the structural elements and contents of your home might not offer much in the line of hope, you can trust in professional restoration services to help you restore the damage and prepare your home for the work it requires to look its best again.
 
Fire damage in your Montgomery home presents itself in numerous different ways. For the most part, the symptoms that you face following a fire are universal, though the severity of these effects vary based on the size of the fire and how long it lasted. While you might not know what to do to bring your house back to preloss conditions, our certified and experienced SERVPRO restoration specialists can work with you to formulate a plan that caters to the most pressing concerns you have and ultimately restores the entirety of the damage that can get salvaged. Our CCIS form can help with your insurance paperwork.
 
For larger structure fires, the possibility for extensive damage to the exterior of your home is a legitimate threat. Having holes or cut out portions of your home for extinguishing efforts leaves your household exposed to elemental threats while the restoration process gets underway. Our SERVPRO professionals work quickly to board up, if minor and not a job for a construction company, these exposed areas to prevent further damage while our team begins working simultaneously on all of the present needs of your home.
 
Finding severely damaged structural components is not uncommon with significant fires, but these portions of your home must get repaired to allow you to live in the house again safely. This understanding requires our technicians to remove these weakened areas using controlled demolition techniques to prepare these points for reconstruction to follow by a residential contractor.
 
Fire damage to your home is never going to be something that you can appreciate seeing. We strongly advise the placement of fire extinguishers to quickly snuff out flare-ups before they become full-fledged blazes. Finding a way to restore your home should certainly be a priority that you have, and SERVPRO of Montgomery can help you through nearly every step of that journey. Give us a call anytime you need us at (334) 273-0992.

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Weakening Blockwork Can Allow Flood Damage To Your Montgomery Home

4/5/2018 (Permalink)

Floodwaters Entering a Basement in Montgomery Can Use Fast Water Extraction from SERVPRO

Basement Flooding in Montgomery, Water Removal & Drying--Call SERVPRO for a Stress-Free Service

Your Montgomery home was never equipped to handle flooding of any kind. Even when a basement gets primarily comprised of concrete flooring and concrete blockwork, water can still find a way inside after these components begin to wear down. Provided that your house did not get constructed in the past few years, wear and tear to the mortar joints of the blockwork of your basement walls is already on its way to degradation and failure.  
 
While no Montgomery homeowner wants to hear about the possibility of flood damage, it is never a situation that you can entirely rule out either. While the area might not always suffer the brunt of major storm systems, if the conditions are right, you do not need hurricane level rainfall to facilitate flash flooding requirements in your area. If the ground is already overly saturated and more rainfall gets expected, your degrading basement mortar joints can succumb to the pressure of the external water and allow it to flow into your home through an ever-broadening path.  
 
Our SERVPRO professionals can respond quickly to help you, even in the midst of the flooding to prevent further damage and to ensure that the restoration process does not get more complicated. An assessment of where water is passing through the blockwork of your foundation wall can allow our technicians an opportunity to repair this damage using hydraulic cement applied even when water is still passing through the openings.

Our team then turns its attention to extraction, and this process typically involves the use of truck-mounted pumps for fast extraction, if needed portable sump pumps and more intricate work gets accomplished with wet vacs. Once the water has gotten removed from the affected area, drying the area is a critical next step. The faster that moisture and dampness can get removed from this damaged area, the less likely that instances of mold damage could occur on top of the current restoration needs of your home. This process may take many days depending on the saturation level of the concrete pad and block.  
 
Finding flood damage in your home can be overwhelming and troublesome to deal with on your own. Trust our SERVPRO of Montgomery team to help you restore your home and to help keep the same issues from happening again. Give us a call anytime you need us at (334) 273-0992.

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The Basics of Mold Growth in Your Montgomery Home

3/23/2018 (Permalink)

Mold Spores to Damage, SERVPRO Can Remedy in Montgomery Properties

Damage from Mold Colonies Is Minimized by SERVPRO Remedy

Mold damage can be notoriously difficult to remedy. Trying to clean the damage by yourself can worsen the situation and can even cause the mold to spread to unaffected areas. Restoration experts have the necessary safety and cleaning equipment to get the job done safely and efficiently.

Understanding the basics of mold damage to your Montgomery home can help you prepare better if you spot some early signs of the damage. Here are a few things you should know when it comes to mold.

Mold begins their life with a spore
Spores are tiny, microscopic structures that are similar to seeds of a plant. When they get a conducive environment, they can germinate and form mold colonies. The process of germination starts when a spore lands on a surface that has excess moisture and organic matter.
The spores absorb water and swell. Once they have reaches a certain size, they start giving off filamentous structure called hyphae. A number of these hyphae grow horizontally while others help the mold to anchor itself to the surface. Some of the hyphae, in turn, bear spores on their tops. If you try to clean the colonies of the mold without proper equipment and precaution, these spores can become detached and airborne can settle in the unaffected area of your home. SERVPRO professionals can use safety equipment and a proven method during the process that can help prevent this from happening.

How to prevent mold damage?
Unfortunately, mold spores are everywhere and eliminating them entirely is not possible. However, it is possible to prevent conditions that promote their germination and growth. One of the most important factors promoting growth is moisture. Eliminating excess moisture from your home is your best defense.
If you have water damage in your home, the chances of mold growth can increase exponentially. Make sure that you fix any leakage or excess moisture problem as soon as you can.

The mold damage restoration process is a job for the experts and should not be treated as a DIY project. SERVPRO technicians can help you remediate the problem safely and efficiently. Call SERVPRO of Montgomery North at (334) 273-0992 today for a free consultation.

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What Water Damage Can Do to Your Montgomery Home

3/18/2018 (Permalink)

Water can spread all across your home causing damage, call SERVPRO to dry out your space and restore your home.

SERVPRO is Here to Help Restore Your Home after Water Damage

Every day, your family uses several hundred gallons of water in your Montgomery residence. Cooking, cleaning, showering, washing clothes and dishes, and making drinks from coffee to lemonade requires a steady supply of water. Without water, all kinds of life on earth would cease to exist.

However, when your Montgomery home contains a leak, water damage can happen instead. Just like we use fire for specific uses but when it happens where we do not want it to, it can burn valuable things instead. Water can damage things instead of helping make our lives easier. When leaky pipes develop or a geyser develops in a broken washing machine hose, the water can cause damages throughout your home. Water damage does not always stay in one place near the event's location.

Water evaporates and then moves along with the air, condenses on hard surfaces or becomes absorbed by porous materials, only to evaporate again when the air becomes drier. Water in your home mimics its activities outside your home, rarely staying in one place for very long. Because it moves around so much, water and moisture can create damaged areas all through your home.

Elevations in moisture can cause photos to stick together, create stains on drapes and curtains, allow mold and other microbes to grow profusely, rot the wooden beams in your home's framework, provide termites and other pests a more hospitable environment, and ruin your walls from the inside.

SERVPRO technicians can help your home by restoring it and erasing the damage caused by water. Locating the source precedes the drying out of your home. We find the source by using water meter readers and infrared sensors. Because water and elevated moisture change the temperature slightly in the materials absorbing water, we can quickly detect its location.

After we find the source of the undesired water, we can work to stop it from happening again. This can include a damp basement, which encapsulation can correct, a leaky water line, windows with faulty seals, or other sources. We always discuss what our findings reveal with the homeowners, so they understand the work involved and its importance to restoring their home.

SERVPRO of Montgomery helps homeowners solve problems with water damage within the local area, including Chisholm and County Downs. Contact us at our local service line, (334) 273-0992, 24/7, 365 days every year.

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What are the Most Important Questions You Should Ask if You Suspect Mold Damage in Your Highland Park Home

3/9/2018 (Permalink)

It is important to not attempt to clean mold damage on your own as you can spread the damage to unaffected areas of your home.

Rely on SERVPRO for Safe and Thorough Mold Remediation

Discovering mold damage in your home can be a disaster waiting to happen. If you do not pay attention, it can spread quickly and may cause health effects as well. Seeking professional help as soon as you can, is the first step toward safe restoration.

If you suspect mold growth in your Highland Park home, make sure that you are not neglecting the early signs.

Can you see mold growth visibly? 

If you answer ‘yes’ to this question, then seek professional help immediately. SERVPRO technicians can help you prevent the mold from spreading to the unaffected areas of your home. Make sure that you avoid the temptation of cleaning the damage by yourself. Trying to remedy the damage on your own can spread the damage to other areas of your home before you know it.

Do you smell a strong musty odor?

If you smell a strong, musty odor in your home, it might indicate mold damage. Not all mold is visible, and if the growth is behind the drywall or in difficult to reach places, the odor is a dead giveaway for mold growth. If your bathroom, crawlspace, basement or attic smells damp and musty, make sure you are calling in the professionals.

Did you have a history of mold problems in your home?

If you have a history of mold problems in your house, you must be extra cautious. Call SERVPRO professionals if you suspect of a recurrence as soon as you can. It is crucial for a fast and safe restoration if the professionals can get to work as soon as possible.

Do you have water damage on your property?

Water damage is perhaps one of the most significant contributors that can result in extensive mold damage. The excess moisture due to leaky pipes, fixtures or blocked up drains is very conducive for spores to germinate.

Tackling mold damage early on is the key to a safe and efficient restoration. If you answer ‘yes’ to any of the questions above, it is time to act and act fast.

Call SERVPRO of Montgomery today at (334) 273-0992 to speak to one of our restoration experts.

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Fire Damage Experts in Highland Park

2/13/2018 (Permalink)

Restoring the contents of your home after fire damage can be a difficult task, rely on SERVPRO's trained technicians to properly clean your home.

The Four Cleaning Actions Used During Fire Damage Restoration

If a fire ever breaks out in your Highland Park home, not only do the flames cause damage to contents and building materials but the smoke causes damage as well. During a fire, smoke spreads to all rooms of the house. Many times smoke causes soot to build upon contents and surfaces inside the structure.

In any fire damage situation restoring contents is always cheaper than replacing. Anytime there is a fire on your property, calling SERVPRO's experienced fire damage team in Highland Park is a wise idea. Our crew is IICRC certified and has experience in restoring contents that experience soot damage from the smoke.

Restoring contents and other surfaces after the smoke damage is sometimes difficult. Often the items need to be resurfaced. Other times cleaning the surface of the object is all that is needed. When cleaning there are four actions that are used to remove soot from the surface of something. The four cleaning actions used by professionals are mechanical action, lubrication, chemical action, suspension, and dispersion.

Mechanical action is when friction agitates the soot or soil off of the surface. Sometimes when cleaning soot off a surface, scrubbing the area before applying any chemicals is helpful. Many times our professionals at SERVPRO agitate the dry smoke particles to remove them from the surface before applying any chemicals.

The purpose of lubrication is to make the surface of the object slippery. When the surface of something is slick, the soot adhering to the object is released and thus easier to clean. Some detergents lubricate soot off of a surface while emulsifying the soil at the same time.

Many chemicals used for fire damage restoration change the chemical composition of the soil stuck to a surface. Once the composition changes, the soil quickly comes off.

One of the best cleaning methods is to loosen the soot from the surface then soak the item in a chemical solution. During the suspension action, the chemical dissolves the soil removing it from the object. Sometimes the chemical emulsifies and pulls the soot off of the item.

Anytime a fire takes place; cleaning is a must. When cleaning smoke-damaged items call the professionals at SERVPRO of Montgomery at (334) 273-0992 for assistance 24/7.

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Water Damage Professionals in Highland Park

2/8/2018 (Permalink)

If your washing machine malfunctions from the second story of your home, the damages can greatly affect the second and first floors.

SERVPRO’s Team Can Quickly and Efficiently Remove Water, Minimizing Damages

Sometimes when a water leak takes place in a two-story home water can flow from one level of the house to another. For example, if a washing machine breaks in your Highland Park townhome, damage can take place on the level below the laundry room as well as inside. Water that gets into your home is going to follow gravity and ruin things on its way.

Water that leaks into your second level laundry room can ruin the floor then spread to other areas below that floor. As soon you notice water damage in your Highland Park townhome it is wise to call SERVPRO. The water first damages the flooring then can spread to other areas in the room such as the walls. If moisture continues flowing down into the lower level, electrical damage and possible damage to the ceiling in the lower level can occur.

Shortly after your phone call, our SERVPRO crew will arrive at your home and assess the situation. The IICRC certified water removal team starts by using their extraction equipment to vacuum up all standing water in the area. If building material such as flooring and walls are excessively damaged, then they get removed and replaced. Sometimes if the water damage is not too severe, all of the materials get saved with our drying process.

When going through with the drying process, the goal of our restoration team is to save building materials by drying. Our skilled specialists can use industrially advanced drying equipment to lower the moisture level of the building materials inside your townhome. As long as the crew drops moisture levels back to normal quick enough, mold will not be able to grow inside your home.

Our restoration team does whatever it takes to prevent future problems from arising as a result of your water damage situation. Any time you notice water where it should not be call SERVPRO of Montgomery at (334) 273-0992 for help 24/7.

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Water Damage Mitigation Services Available Throughout The Montgomery Area

1/26/2018 (Permalink)

Changing Weather Patterns Can Cause Water Damage to Montgomery Area Homes--Frozen Pipes or Ice Dams? Call SERVPRO

Montgomery Problem with Water Intrusion? Call SERVPRO for Cleanup and Restoration

The Montgomery area presents homeowners with a variety of challenges this time of year. Everything from random weather to appliance failures can make everyday life a bit more than something you can merely endure. You are not alone.

Dealing with water damage in your Montgomery area home requires your immediate attention if you want to avoid additional problems such as corrosion, rot, and even mold down the road. Understanding whom to call and what to do can make a huge difference in the success of your home's recovery. Luckily, there is a team of local, expertly trained, qualified professionals available 24-hours a day, 7-days a week strategically located to respond to your request for help immediately.

Have a problem with cold-fronts or massive changes in weather can catch any homeowner off-guard. The weather can freeze everything in sight and cause trouble with pipes and wreak havoc on your regular daily routine. At SERVPRO we take pride in providing homeowners just like you with expertly trained IICRC technicians that can help you locate problems that already exist, help repair some damages present, and get things back to working order in your home as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Frozen pipes can cause appliance failures, leading to changes in water pressure, causing water intrusions and more. It only takes small plumbing or roof leaks to cause significant problems in your home that affect you for years to come. SERVPRO gives you access to water extraction, drying, and cleaning equipment to tackle jobs of all shapes and sizes.
 
SERVPRO can help control water problems immediately, giving you peace of mind when needed the most. Put our preparation services to the test, by having your home inspected today. Our technicians can help you locate hidden problems and help you limit any losses you might experience.

Contact SERVPRO of Montgomery for assistance with both small and large water damage situations in your home, anytime, day or night, including holidays. Our full team of water damage specialists stands ready to assist at a moments notice, call today. (334) 273-0992

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Water Damage Can Drive Patients From Your Highland Park Clinic

1/23/2018 (Permalink)

Rely on SERVPRO for Fast Water Removal to Keep HIghland Park Services Open for Business

Trust SERVPRO For Urgent Care Regarding Water Removal

Running a Highland Park medical facility of any kind can be an overwhelming challenge, but it can become even more of a stressful situation when there is a water emergency in the building. While not every situation might demand the need for professional intervention and expertise, when you have many patients counting on your care to be available during regular business hours, even a smaller situation needs to be resolved quickly and correctly.
 
Water damage to your Highland Park clinic can result from some different sources. Clinics are known to have more plumbing than many other facilities and businesses just because washing stations, sinks, and labs are needed to operate at full capacity. As well guarded as you might be against the harsh elements of winter or the possibility of overly pressurized pipes, they can still break and rupture all the same.
 
Our SERVPRO technicians have seen all manner of water emergencies, especially when tight deadlines become required. The last thing that your facility needs is to reschedule several appointments, as this just bogs down the staff with heavy workloads at a later date and keeps sick or injured people from getting the care that they need. Instead, trust a team of certified restoration specialists that can help you to mitigate your loss of valuable time and keep your doors open to patients.
 
Depending on the severity of the water damage in the affected area, extraction might be necessary. Our SERVPRO team has all of the tools necessary to remove the water efficiently, from portable pumps to wet vacs. While the visible moisture is getting dried with air movers and dehumidification equipment, our thorough specialists use thermal imagery to determine further damage from the water outside of the line of sight. Knowing where other problems might occur, can help our team focus their efforts, ensuring that the situation does not worsen and that restoration can get completed quickly.
 
Your clinic has many patients that depend on your staff to be available when they have ailments and injuries. Trust professional restoration specialists like ours at SERVPRO of Montgomery. Our emergency response team can be reached anytime at (334) 273-0992.

More information about this community by clicking here.

What To Do When You Find Mold In Your Montgomery Home

1/9/2018 (Permalink)

Dehumidification Can Lessen the Chances of Mold Growth in Montgomery Basements

Of Course, Call SERVPRO for Mold Remediation

Even if you have never experienced it in your Montgomery home before, everyone has likely caught a whiff of the stagnant, musty smell of a mold colony. The unmistakable scent of this fungus should peak your attention if you do smell it in your home, as this is a clear indication that the fungi are growing somewhere in the area. With this in mind, you have to think about how to take care of the problem quickly and efficiently.
 
There are many sites on the internet that might try to explain to you that you can quickly rectify the mold damage to your Montgomery home through numerous DIY methods. The trouble with this kind of approach is that you are often not removing the entire mold colony, but rather just what you can see on the surface. Additionally, multiple types of mold could be growing in your home, and specific chemical reactions with cleaning agents could present a severe threat on top of the present health effects common to the presence of mold growth.
 
Our SERVPRO technicians have the training and the expertise to handle any fungus that could be growing in your home. We have full cleaning methods that remove the entire organism from where it has been growing, and negative air chambers to prevent the spread of spores while we eradicate the thriving colonies.
 
Dehumidification plays a significant role in preventing this problem in the future and is a step in this remediation process. Our SERVPRO Applied Microbial Remediation Technicians can pull the moisture out of the air and considerably reduce the risk of this happening again. Dehumidification is encouraged from this point forward to help you continue to combat the source of the moisture in the air. By keeping the air dry and the temperature regulated in the affected area, the likelihood of a recurrence becomes significantly reduced.
 
If you happen to notice, mold growing, or catch a whiff of that familiar musty smell, trust the IICRC certified remediation specialists at SERVPRO of Montgomery to help. You can reach our team anytime at (334) 273-0992.

Visit the city gov't by clicking here.

Being Careful with Flood Damage in Highland Gardens Could Save Time and Money

12/27/2017 (Permalink)

Flooding in Highland Garden Homes Get Help from SERVPRO

SERVPRO Is Ready to Mitigate Flooding Effects to Your Property

When a flood hits your home, there is not much time to collect yourself, let alone start to mitigate damages. However, if you can manage to get things in motion quickly, you may be able to reduce expenses and repair times associated with flood damage to your residence. When a flood hits, try your best to follow these points of advice to minimize property damage and headache in the ensuing days and weeks.

Get Things Higher Up Before the Storm
If a significant storm such as a hurricane seems likely to cause flood damage in Highland Gardens, you may want to spend some time in the hours before it hits moving your belongings to higher ground. Floods do not often reach higher than a few feet in the home, and you should be able to keep most of your belongings safe by taking them to higher floors or placing them on countertops and secure tables. Be careful not to place too much trust in a feeble table, however, as it may buckle or overturn as sweeping floodwaters overtake it.
 
Keep Doors and Windows Sealed
While this point of advice may seem like a given for most people, SERVPRO technicians have seen enough floods that could have been prevented with the mere common sense that we know it is far from an uncommon issue. Keep all doors and windows closed and, if there are any cracks or gaps in them, plug these up as best as possible.
 
Call A Certified Mitigation Company
Calling a certified and reputable damage mitigation company like SERVPRO makes sure that as much damage as possible is prevented and that restorative processes begin sooner rather than later. Our IICRC certified

technicians are available 24/7 to respond to calls for help and stock industrial-grade equipment to pump water out of your home before it can cause too much damage. If you choose not to employ a mitigation service, your home may be ravaged by additional issues such as mold, standing water, contamination, and chemical oxidation.
 
SERVPRO of Montgomery is ready after every major storm to respond to flood damage in the local community. Call us at (334) 273-0992.

Data about this area of Montgomery click

Why Seek Professional Help for Mold Remediation to Your Chisholm Home?

12/24/2017 (Permalink)

Moisture, Mold, and Remediation for a Chisholm Wall--Call SERVPRO

SERVPRO Utilizes Training and Equipment for Mold Abatement

Finding mold in your home can be quite a harrowing experience for any homeowner. It might cause you to panic, and you might even be tempted to get rid of it by yourself. However, the smart thing to do in such a case is to seek professional help.

Getting rid of the mold damage from your Chisholm is a job for the experts. Professionals have the necessary skills, experience and expertise to get rid of the mold efficiently and safely. Besides, trying to clean the mold damage by yourself can help it spread to the uncontaminated parts of your home. Here are some of the reasons for hiring professionals to get the job done.

Safety
SERVPRO professionals are IICRC certified AMRT applied microbial remediation technicians are trained to take appropriate precautions while cleaning the mold. The mold may cause health effects, and it is crucial to exercise caution while trying to remove it. Trying to clean it without proper precautions can worsen the already bad situation.
Spread to unaffected areas

Cleaning mold without first establishing a containment zone can quickly spread the mold to unaffected areas. SERVPRO professionals have the necessary equipment and expertise to clean the mold without spreading it to unaffected areas. Microscopic airborne mold spores require careful remediation.

Prevent recurrence
It is not enough to just get rid of the mold. If the underlying cause of the mold is not adequately taken care of, there is a reasonable probability of it coming back. SERVPRO technicians not only get rid of the mold but also find and remedy the underlying cause. We use state-of-the-art equipment to get rid of the excess of moisture that provides ideal growing conditions for the mold. Our technicians use dehumidifiers, air movers, and air scrubbers to eliminate the moisture problem and to reduce the chances of reinfestation.

We follow the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) guidelines and Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) mold remediation standard while restoring mold damage to your home.

Call SERVPRO of Montgomery at (334) 273-0992 today to speak to schedule an inspection or service.

More about this town here.

Removing Commercial Water Damage in Highland Park

12/22/2017 (Permalink)

When facing flooding in a business setting, it is imperative to dry out the property right away so that you minimize down time. Contact SERVPRO.

Team SERVPRO Arrives Quickly to Dry Out Commercial Property

Highland Park flooding can shut a business down for a day, a week, or longer. The water, particularly if it is contaminated, must be removed quickly by a professional service. It reduces the amount of damage, reopens the business, and is preferred by the insurance companies.
 
When there is a shutdown after commercial water damage, Highland Park businesses need to reopen to support their customers, employees, and owners. When the damage is to a state government office, there is not a threat to the owner or the employees obviously, but the loss of services can still be very detrimental to customers. Despite the jokes we all like to make, SERVPRO knows that if the DMV or the social security office closes for a broken pipe or a backed-up bathroom, it is not funny to anyone needing to title a car or establish benefits.
 
We begin with a quick inspection to determine the type of water, tools we need, and how many technicians required for the job. Most water damage in municipal or government offices comes from a burst pipe that brought water into the building. The water is clean, meaning it contains no contaminants and requires no special actions or protective gear.
 
If the damage includes a clogged toilet or a broken, outgoing sewer line, then the water contains some contaminants. This water is gray or black, depending on the amount present. Our work crews wear protective boots at the minimum and in extreme cases, a full protective suit. Before we start to pump out gray or black water, SERVPRO technicians spray an anti-microbial chemical agent on the water surface. Once we remove the water, we spray the chemical agent on all surfaces the water covered.
 
In these buildings, there are few carpets except in some private offices or waiting areas. If the water was contaminated, we remove them as soon as we can and spray the area underneath with an anti-microbial agent. If the water was clean, technicians use extraction wands to draw out nearly all of it and then move on to drying the facility.
 
With the threat of contamination removed along with the water, we dry the facility. For any traces of water, we use long-handled squeegees to push it off the floor and outside the building. Finally, we set up fans to draw the damp air outside. To replace it, we install air movers at key points to force warm, dry air across floors and walls. Technicians direct and control the level of this air flow to prevent additional damage while drying everything.
 
Regardless if it is a government services building or your private business, SERVPRO of Montgomery is here to help reopen the doors to customers. For more information on what our restoration teams can do for you, call us today at (334) 273-0992.

For more information regarding Highland Park, click here.

Professional Fire Damage Restoration Services For Montgomery Homeowners

12/7/2017 (Permalink)

Fire and Smoke Restoration by SERVPRO Mitigates Damage to Your Montgomery House

SERVPRO Understands the Characteristics of Smoke to Better Grapple with the Cleanup

It always helps to have a knowledgeable person to combat the results of any size fire in your Montgomery home. Since not all soot and ash residues are the same, they should understand fire and smoke, along with any residue type that may be left behind.

There are four different types of soot residue produced by fire damage that technicians working on your Montgomery area home need to know. Understanding that synthetic materials tend to produce wet smoke or that natural materials generate dry smoke can help a technician understand how to approach specific contents found in your residence.

At SERVPRO, we know that every fire generates both wet and dry smoke as it progresses through different stages. A fire can also produce higher proportions of one type of smoke over another, leading to the entire exposure having a categorization of either wet or dry. Each residue requires a specific cleaning method to remove correctly, which is why it is essential to understand the difference.
 
Our technicians look at the rate of combustion, amount of oxygen and the material burnt to determine a fire’s category. If there is more oxygen present, the fire burns faster, producing dry smoke as a result. Just like less oxygen produces a slow-burning fire and wet smoke.   

Natural Materials: Wood, paper, cork, wool, or cotton produce dry, powdery, non-smeary residues.

Synthetic Materials: Plastics, foam rubber, and polymers lead to more significant, smeary residues.

After determining the category of a fire, SERVPRO technicians use various cleaning methods to address the problem. For example; dry conditions allow the restoration of more materials than a wet fire, which means that more of your furniture, household contents, and personal belongings are salvageable if the right conditions exist.

There are also protein and fuel residues that a fire can produce. Each of these four residues requires your highly-trained SERVPRO specialist to utilize specific methods or combine them, to reach the desired outcome and the quality results you deserve.

Receive assistance with fire damage in your home from an expertly trained IICRC technician by calling SERVPRO of Montgomery North, today. We stand ready, 24/7, 365, day or night. (334) 273-0992

More about this city right here.

Flood Damage Mitigation Available Throughout The Montgomery Area

11/26/2017 (Permalink)

Calling a professional to assess damages to your home and check for immediate dangers should be an immediate goal.

Flood Damage Mitigation

As you may well know, floods in the Montgomery area can be somewhat dangerous, aside from getting yourself and your family to safety, you may want to do everything you can to limit your losses. Eventually, you have to return to determine what steps to take next.

After being permitted to return to your Montgomery home, there are specific actions you should take before attempting to enter your home for the first time. Having a professional, trained to respond to this kind of situation can help avoid many hazards present after a flood. So, calling a professional to assess damages to your home and check for immediate dangers should be an immediate goal.

SERVPRO technicians provide customers with 24/7 emergency response service, responding to your request for help right away. With full IICRC-industry certification, our technicians provide you with flood damage restoration services you can trust to limit your losses and get things back to normal as quickly and efficiently as possible. We offer full-service solutions and take charge of your restoration from start to finish.

Working with your insurance company, SERVPRO technicians ensure that you receive the assistance you need to return your home and its contents to a quality pre-damage condition. The team of qualified technicians that respond to your call for help address each area of your home. We help you understand the extent of existing damages and make recommendations designed to correct the situation.

SERVPRO technicians help you through every step of your restoration process, offering more than just repair or replacement services. It is a part of our job to ensure that you understand your situation, providing you with the knowledge needed to make a variety of sound, informed decisions regarding your homes recovery. We are proud to provide local community members with the help they need to survive emergency situations. However, we can also help you prevent future events from occurring.

Give SERVPRO of Montgomery a call for additional information or to schedule your home’s flood damage restoration, today (334) 273-0992.

Click here for more about the city of Montgomery.

Dealing with Mold Damage in HVAC Systems in Highland Park Homes

11/10/2017 (Permalink)

Mold damage in air ducts should be remediated as soon as possible to prevent mold spores from being spread throughout the home.

Call SERVPRO at the First Sign of Mold in Your Home

Mold in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in Highland Park homes can cause serious health effects. Every time you turn on the air conditioner or furnace, countless microscopic mold spores are forced out of the air ducts and into the air, where it is easy to inhale them. Quick action is important to minimize the extent of the damage.

If you notice the presence of mold on your HVAC system, you can trust SERVPRO to neutralize the problem. Our mold damage control experts are available in Highland Park 24/7 to respond to your emergency. We use advanced tools and equipment in every restoration project, and all our technicians are certified by the IICRC to ensure that our methods are up to date with industry standards.

You need to do something about mold damage in your air conditioning system if you notice obvious signs such as a strong musty smell or visible mold. The most vulnerable places include the drip pans, cooling coils, intake vents, and air ducts. If there are no visible signs of mold, but you can detect a definite odor, you should contact SERVPRO to inspect your system.

Mold damage in the air ducts should be dealt with immediately. Failure to do this can cause mold spores to spread throughout the house when the system blows air into the different parts of the home. The two main causes of mold in the air conditioning system are organic material and condensation. Condensation happens when parts of the HVAC system get cold.

Air conditioning systems often collect dust over time, both within the air ducts and in the unit itself. Dust is packed with all sorts of organic material, including dead skin cells and pollen, which are excellent food sources for mold. When you add a damp environment, it creates a suitable place for mold growth.

If you are looking for quick and efficient mold damage control services, SERVPRO of Montgomery is there to help. We have a large stock of resources that are effective at mold remediation, regardless of the extent of the damage. Call us today at (334) 273-0992.

For more information regarding Highland Park, click here.

Disinfecting Your Flood Damaged Home in Arrowhead

11/3/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO works quickly to save your home from microbial growth after flood damage.

SERVPRO Works Quickly to Dry Out Your Home after Flood Damage

Out of all the natural disasters in the United States, floods are the most common and the costliest. Heavy rains and winds brought by hurricanes can flood homes in Arrowhead quickly, leaving much devastation behind. Coast storm surges can create flooding several feet above normal tide levels, plus bring along with it large, battering waves. Widespread damage, including the flooding or destruction of homes and beach erosion, are common with these storms.

If your home in Arrowhead has suffered flood damage from a hurricane, it is essential that you can begin repairs quickly. For a job like this, you also need the professional help of our staff at SERVPRO. We have handled all types of flood damage and have the required training and tools to get your home dried out again quickly and efficiently.

Part of proper flood damage remediation includes controlling the growth of microbes. The presence of water promotes the growth of microbes, so our main steps in mitigation include removing the standing water and moisture by drying the materials and also getting rid of any materials which are already contaminated. We focus on fast drying your structure and do not consider the application of professional products by themselves to be the best way to control microbial growth.

Applying products can help to control microbes when they are used in addition to fast drying. They can make the home safer while we work to perform the tasks needed. We always follow the directions when applying professional products.

SERVPRO technicians use an EPA-registered broad-spectrum disinfectant for the job. We follow all product labeling precisely and carefully mix products. We take care to use application methods which are specified on the label as well. We apply the disinfectant to all materials and surfaces which have been contaminated. Products are not effective against microbes they do not physically contact.

We then allow enough dwell time, also per the product label and keep the correct temperature and pH levels. While working, we ensure that all staff is wearing protective clothing and equipment and that you and your family are evacuated.

SERVPRO of Montgomery takes care of your flood-damaged property thoroughly and carefully so that you can return to a home that is not only dry but disinfected and safe again. If you reside in the areas of Chisholm, Highland Gardens, or Centennial Hill, call us right away at (334) 273-0992 after a flooding emergency.

To view a map of the Arrowhead area, click here.

4 Steps to Help Seniors Stay Safe from Fire Damage In Montgomery

10/24/2017 (Permalink)

It is important to regularly test fire alarms to ensure they are properly working.

Preparation Can Help to Keep Everyone Safe in the Event of a Fire

Fire is a hazard that can affect all ages in Montgomery. However, senior citizens are at particular risk of death or injury due to a blaze. In fact, the National Fire Protection Association estimates that adults aged 65 and over are twice as likely to be injured or killed in a fire than the rest of the population. That is why it is essential to help the seniors in your life stay safe from fire damage in their homes.

There are several simple steps senior citizens can take to stay safe from fire damage in Montgomery. SERVPRO also suggests that friends, family, and caregivers check in with the older adults in their lives and help them with fire preparation. A few easy steps now can mean the difference between life and death. Here are 4 steps you can take to help keep your older family and friends protected.

1. Fit an Alarm

Ensure seniors have a working fire alarm on every floor of their home. Fire alarms need to be tested regularly to make sure their batteries are still working. You can purchase units that offer a flashing light and vibrating warning in addition to the standard alarm sound.

2. Do A Fire Drill

A fire drill helps everyone in a household understand what to do during a fire, and gives them a chance to practice using their escape route. Seniors who have mobility issues need a designated person to help them escape a fire, if possible.

3. Check Windows and Doors

Older adults should be able to open all doors and windows on their property quickly in the event of fire damage. If the property has storm shutters or security bars, make sure they are easy to release, even for older adults who may have arthritis.

4. Have a Phone Nearby

Seniors should have a phone close by their bed so they can call for help if a blaze erupts in the night. A mobile phone that they keep with them is even better. Make sure they have a list of emergency contacts and numbers to call if needed.

In the event of fire damage, SERVPRO is on hand to help with cleanup. Our IICRC-certified technicians understand the importance of getting everything back to normal quickly - “Like it never even happened.”

For help with soot and smoke cleanup in Highland Gardens, Centennial Hill, County Downs, Chisholm and surrounding areas, call SERVPRO of Montgomery North at (334) 273-0992 today.

To learn more about fire prevention in Montgomery, click here.

Professional Fire Damage Restoration Services Available for Auburn University in Montgomery

10/11/2017 (Permalink)

College grounds are not immune to fires and sustaining other damage. Contact SERVPRO quickly to handle any scale disaster on your campus.

SERVPRO Technicians are Certified to Handle BOTH Small and Large Scale Commercial Restorations After a Fire

As we have seen recently, even traditions can lead to catastrophe, like an over-excited fan setting fire to Toomer’s Corner in Montgomery. People make bad choices all of the time, sometimes leading to unexpected damage.

While the oaks are making an effort to recover and fans move rolling the corner to an alternate site, we urge Auburn University to consider using us to fight commercial fire damage in Montgomery on their property. The campus itself is not limited to students and staff, making it inevitable for accidents to happen.

Should any additional fire incidents occur on campus, SERVPRO stands ready to provide you with emergency services 24-hours a day, 7-days a week, 365-days a year. We have an entire Green Fleet stocked and ready to deploy with little to no warning. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster and provide you with the services necessary to get things back to normal quickly.

SERVPRO has access to IICRC-industry certified technicians that live right here in our local community. We strive to provide our customers with fast, efficient solutions that help limit your losses and reduce any costs associated with your recovery. Our staff works with your insurance company and keeps you informed throughout the entire process.

SERVPRO helps you make intelligent, informed decisions regarding your property's restoration and can provide you with recommendations that assist with limiting or preventing future issues. Our entire staff trains hard and works harder to provide you with unique solutions you can count on during an emergency. As with any fire damage situation, smoke and water damage also become an issue. Our certified technicians work tirelessly to achieve excellent results on every job they do and have access to any resources necessary to complete the job to your satisfaction.  

Contact SERVPRO of Montgomery for full-service solutions to fire damage situations that occur on your property, anytime day or night. Remember, our technicians help mitigate fire damage and offer a variety of fire prevention tips to help keep the campus safe, call today. (334) 273-0992

For more information regarding Montgomery, click here

Water Damage in Highland Park Requires Expert Help

10/6/2017 (Permalink)

Drips and Leaks Mean Water Damage in Highland Park Properties--Call SERVPRO for Cleanup and Restoration

Count on SERVPRO for Cleanup

Have you checked under your Highland Park kitchen or bathroom sink lately? Most people store a variety of cleaners, sponges, and miscellaneous clutter under the sink. It is out of the way, out of sight, but still handy. However, the team at SERVPRO knows that this can hide potential problems.

Leaks from pipes under the sink are often the source of water damage in Highland Park. The jumble of cleaning solutions, garbage containers, and hair, bath and shower products conceals drops of water and excess amounts of condensation, signs that your under-sink pipes are leaking.
 
It is a good idea to completely remove everything in the area under your sink every few months. Then carefully inspect the bottom and sides of the cupboard for signs of warping or staining. If you do notice excess moisture, get the pipes checked right away.
 
Drip by drip, the leak can cause major damage over time to the floor in your bathroom or kitchen, and the ceiling of the room below. It warps the linoleum and weakens the tile setting and causes ceilings and floors to deteriorate. It ruins your possessions and appliances. The excess water damages everything in its path.
 
When you notice signs of water leaking, call in the restoration experts at SERVPRO to handle cleanup. We have years of experience returning your bathroom, kitchen or other room to its original condition. In fact, our customers often say it feels  "Like it never even happened.” We are proud of the fact that we focus on restoration, using replacement only when necessary.
 
The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification IICRC, which sets industry standards, certifies our SERVPRO team. We receive specialized training in a range of services, including microbial remediation, drying techniques, and water damage restoration. We use state-of-the-art air movers and dehumidifiers, and the most advanced cleaning, sanitizing and deodorizing agents.
 
Centrally located, SERVPRO of Montgomery serves homes and businesses in Highland Park, Montgomery, and Highland Gardens. We are here to help 24/7, (334) 273-0992.

See for free Highland Park right here.
 

SERVPRO Helps Chisholm Clothing Stores Prepare For Water Damage

9/28/2017 (Permalink)

In the event of water damage to your clothing store, time is of the essence.

Prepare For Water Damage

In the event of water damage to your clothing store, time is of the essence. Swift action is necessary to stop the situation from escalating. Acting quickly also reduces the amount of damage done and reduces the length of time your Chisholm boutique is closed for cleanup. As any clothes store owner knows, water damage is a serious problem that carries with it the risk of damaged stock and lost profits. Water easily enters your store through broken pipes, damaged plumbing or malfunctioning appliances.

SERVPRO is on hand to help Chisholm clothing stores prepare for water damage. We recommend all local stores sign up for our Emergency Ready Profile. Our Emergency Ready Profile app takes you step by step through the process of planning for an emergency. As a result, your staff is aware of what to do in the event of water damage, and you have a plan to follow so you are not left floundering.

Using the Emergency Ready Program is simple. You sign up for free using your email address and password, and then choose your preferred SERVPRO franchise representative to contact in an emergency. Choosing an agent ahead of time saves valuable minutes when you need help. Next, create an Emergency Ready Profile (more on that in a moment) for every location and part of your business. Finally, download the app from the app store, so it is ready to launch at a moment’s notice.

The Emergency Ready Profile is at the heart of the Emergency Ready Program. Creating an Emergency Ready Profile for your location means you are prepared for water damage and have all vital information ready at hand when you need it.

Take a tour of your facility and carry out a free assessment, guided by the software. You identify potential risks and list all pertinent information such as the location of shut-off valves and priority information. Add emergency contact details and the chain of command to follow in an emergency. You can also add a plan of how to get your business back up and running as quickly as possible.

Share the profile with all staff members and make sure they all know how to access it. That way no time is wasted figuring out what to do when the worst happens. Everyone knows who to contact and what to do.

For help with water cleanup in Highland Gardens, Centennial Hill, County Downs, Gunter Air Force Base and surrounding areas, call SERVPRO of Montgomery at (334) 273-0992 today.

Visit http://www.alabama.gov/ for more information about the city of Chisholm, Alabama.

Fast, Quality, Water Removal Services Available for Montgomery Area Residents

9/25/2017 (Permalink)

Overflowing sinks and tubs happen daily. Make sure that the water was cleaned up thoroughly or mold problems can follow. Contact SERVPRO today.

SERVPRO Technicians Have the Water Detection Equipment Necessary to Find Hidden Water Crevices

Water can enter your property in a variety of ways, which makes it necessary to have the proper equipment available to address your situation correctly. Qualified professionals can help reduce your Montgomery home’s exposure to water, limiting losses, and protecting your investment.

What happens when a problem occurs on your property where water removal in Montgomery becomes necessary? You likely simply mop the water up using towels and buckets, assume that the issue is taken care of and move on with your day as though nothing happened. However, water is a tricky beast, easily making its way into unprotected areas of your home, often producing secondary damages, or mold issues that cause even more problems.

Whether you experience water problems caused by a broken pipe, faulty appliance, or an accident, professional water removal services are your best chance of removing all of the water from your home. SERVPRO technicians train hard and work harder to limit the possibility of water causing damage to your home. It makes sense to have a qualified restoration technician inspect your home to determine whether or not the problem is larger than you think.  

SERVPRO has access to infrared moisture detectors that make locating hidden pockets of moisture easier and also have hygrometers to check saturation levels of specific materials. With years of experience and the proper training, a qualified technician can drastically reduce the costs of any necessary repairs and provide you with quality services that prevent additional loss.

SERVPRO’s water removal service is designed to adjust to your unique situation, providing you with water extraction and drying equipment of all shapes and sizes that make water removal, cleaning, and deodorization faster and more efficient. We respond quickly to help you ensure everything gets taken care of as soon as possible.  

SERVPRO of Montgomery has a full fleet of fully stocked vehicles ready to deploy immediately, providing you with water removal services you can count on during an emergency. We serve Chisholm, County Downs, and Arrowhead, among other communities throughout the surrounding area, call today. (334) 273-0992

For more information regarding Montgomery, click here

Flood Damage is Likely in Highland Park When Strong Storms Pass Overhead

9/8/2017 (Permalink)

Flood damage from a storm can bring dangerous biological and chemical contaminants into your home.

Rely on professional remediation services when a storm causes damage to your home

Storms with an overabundance of rainwater can overload an area quickly when the hard, dry ground fails to absorb any of the water. Running downhill helps protect homes from flooding, but this is not always the case. Natural or altered topography can prevent this from happening.

Highland Park is relatively flat, and flood damage can easily occur because rainwater has nowhere to travel. Spread out, small depressions in the ground fill quickly with water. Homes that rest in these locations experience flooding before others in nearby areas might.

Areas like this can experience slowly ebbing floods, but the damage is similar to others from faster-moving water. Even a small amount of damage should receive professional attention. Without having a company such as SERVPRO providing remediation services, secondary losses become much more likely.

Our employees learn and gain experience on the job and also receive internationally accepted certificates from the IICRC. Flooding brings in much more than water – it also carries biological and chemical contaminants into your living space. Proper removal of these unwanted contaminants and any other debris that has washed in must happen quickly.

Pumping out excess water and ensuring everything regains a normal state of moisture helps preserve your home. Microbial growth can affect residents afterward unless measures to prevent this happen. Saving walls and floors from destruction is easiest when work immediately begin after floodwaters recede.

Flooding in the lowest level of a home raises the humidity level inside the entire home, making it necessary to keep doors closed, preventing moisture from spreading as easily. Keeping doors closed can also reduce the ability of mold spores to travel. Along with our dehumidifiers, air scrubbers make the air much cleaner and free of most pathogens. Air blowers, which keep moisture from settling anywhere and prevent it from being absorbed into dry materials, help lift moisture from all surfaces in the home.

Hidden areas in your home, such as crawl spaces and under porches, also require professionals who can restore a dry environment. Left alone, these areas can quickly become places for water to stagnate and become breeding grounds for insects, microbes, and rodents.

The professionals at SERVPRO of Montgomery want to put their IICRC certificates to work for homeowners in our area. Restoring your home with professional mitigation is a priority after flood damage. Call us at (334) 273-0992 whenever your home needs attention.

Visit http://www.highland-park.org/ for more information about Highland Park.

Getting Help Dealing with Mold Damage on Your Highland Park Property

8/27/2017 (Permalink)

When you see or smell mold in your home, it is time to call SERVPRO for our mold remediation and restoration services. Call without delay.

SERVPRO Technicians Expertly Remediate Mold Infestations in Your Home

Mold damage occurs when a natural environmental fungus finds its way into your Highland Park home. It treats many of the organic materials used to build your home as a food source, finds a suitably dark environment, where moisture exists and goes to work almost immediately.

Finding mold damage in your Highland Park area home is quite common. Many homeowners suffer from this problem; some of you may not even know that it exists. Mold growth produces a dank, musty smell in a localized area surrounding developing colonies. If you know what to look for, or are familiar with the scent, it can be easy to identify areas fairly early. Unfortunately, most homeowners dismiss the odor, even after smelling it countless times.

Discovering mold damage often means that a larger problem exists, by the time you can visually see mold, growth is often out of control on the inside of a wall, ceiling, or floor. Professional remediation specialists, like those at SERVPRO, use specialized equipment to locate sources of water that allow mold growth to occur and use containment methods to stop the spread.

In most situations, homeowners that attempt cleaning moldy areas alone create additional problems that expand the affected area and cause additional damage. They do not understand that store bought chemicals only provide them with half measures, never producing quality results. SERVPRO mold remediation specialists never use chemicals as a sole method to control mold growth in your home.

It may be fun to learn which type of mold invaded your home. However, knowing the species of mold does nothing to change the methods used to mitigate the problem. Unless you specifically want to know, just to know, the mold home test kits that you find in your local supermarket are a waste of time and money. Besides, the results you receive from the lab after 7 to 10-days are often incomprehensible to anyone without an advanced degree in biology or medical testing.

Take advantage of mold remediation services available from SERVPRO of Montgomery, today. We stand ready to help you recover and make the most of any emergency situation that may occur. (334) 273-0992

For more information regarding Highland Park, click here

Keeping Fires from Starting in Your Montgomery Garage

8/7/2017 (Permalink)

Keep your garage clutter free. But if you do happen to have a fire, contact SERVPRO for remediation.

SERVPRO Technicians Remediate Fire Damage and Offer Many Fire Prevention Tips

The garage runs a close second to the kitchen when it comes to areas of the home that are a common source of fire damage. You store cars in the garage, and many people use this room for working on them, meaning there is gas or oil, or other flammable materials in this enclosed space. Add to this the clutter which goes with it and the fact that garages are storage spaces for flammable items, and you have the perfect place for fires to start.
 
As with anything else when it comes to fire damage in your Montgomery garage, being proactive is the best defense to keep your home as safe as possible from fire. Fuels, fluids, and cleaners should be sealed properly, and flammable materials stored away from elements which are flammable as well.
 
If the worst has already happened and a fire broke out, you can call us at SERVPRO. We are a professionally trained fire damage remediation company, and we have the tools and knowledge to help you restore your home back to its original condition.
 
Electrical devices in a garage need to be used carefully. Do not overload the circuit box, and unplug any units when not in use. You should also have a fire extinguisher in your garage. Clear any clutter out of your garage, as it makes it safer when you are walking around, but also cuts down on the probability of a fire spreading in the event of an emergency.
 
Flammable liquids need to be stored in small amounts and away from heat sources of any kind such as space heaters, vents, and pilot lights. Also, keep propane tanks outdoors. They are equipped and made sturdy for outdoor storage.
 
After a fire, there are several forms of damage including smoke and soot, plus water damage from putting the fire out. SERVPRO technicians take care of all of it for you, restoring anything salvageable, cleaning up the smoke and soot, and drying out the area and your possessions.
 
Fires in garages can spread just as quickly, if not faster, than other areas of your home due to several flammable items. Give SERVPRO of Montgomery a call as soon as the fire is safely out so we can salvage all that is possible. You can reach us at any time you need by dialing (334) 273-0992.

For more information regarding Montgomery, click here

Montgomery Home and Blood Cleanup

8/5/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Can Clean and Sanitize Blood Spills in Montgomery Properties

Biohazardous Clean Ups By SERVPRO Means Good Results

A biohazard spill often involves some type of bodily fluid. In private homes, this usually means a blood spill. There are certain risks when it comes to restoring a home after an incident with blood happens, and they need to seriously considered before cleanup efforts begin.
 
Residents should not attempt to clean up a blood spill in their Montgomery home. Even without the emotional component, there is the risk of disease and other pathogens in even a small amount of blood. SERVPRO understands both elements and how to deal with them when developing a restoration plan.
 
Cleaning and removing blood and blood stains require chemical cleaners designed to neutralize the pathogens in them. Infectious diseases found in blood spills and splatters include Hepatitis A, B, and C, as well as HIV and many others. To ensure we do this properly, our technicians utilize anti-bacterial cleaners we keep on-hand.
 
The anti-bacterial cleaners are necessary since blood does not respond to conventional cleaners like dirt or soot. Conventional agents do not always clean blood completely and even when they do, there is often, a stain remaining at the spill point. Leaving a visible mark is not something we accept; if we cannot remove the entire mark, our technicians can repaint the affected area or remove the stained structural property (i.e. wall board and trim) and replace it.
 
We realize that there is a story behind each spill and do everything we can to respect a resident’s privacy. Our team members are instructed to never speak to the neighbors or the local newspapers and TV stations, and any questions we ask are unique to the restoration process. If we do not know the answer, then we cannot accidentally say something to the wrong person. We are empathetic and fully appreciate the need for discretion. We are here to help.
 
Restoring your home after any disaster is difficult. Cleaning up a blood spill is one of the more difficult tasks we face, but SERVPRO of Montgomery is here to help. We want to return your home to its original state so that you can move forward when the time is right for you. Call us today at (334) 273-0992 to schedule an inspection and get started.

Info on N. Montgomery here.

Drying is a Challenge in the Case of Flood Damage to Exterior Walls in Highland Gardens

7/16/2017 (Permalink)

A burst or leaking pipe can flood your home. Contact SERVPRO after a flooding event to remediate the damage.

SERVPRO Technicians are Trained to Root Out All the Pockets Where Flood Waters Hide in Your Home After a Disaster

Water damage to any part of the home is enough to give any householder a headache. Many instances of flood damage affect interior walls, floors or ceilings, such as the kitchen or the bedroom. However, there are some cases when a burst pipe or leaking appliance causes damage to one of the exterior walls of a home.
 
Drying is vital after any water damage. Leaving a property without proper drying opens it up to long-term structural damage and even mold growth. However, flood damage to exterior walls in Highland Gardens presents a particular challenge for restoration experts. That is why we recommend putting in a call to SERVPRO at once: We train our technicians to handle even the most challenging drying situations to restore your home “Like it never even happened.”
 
Cinder block walls in particular need specialist care to restore them to optimum dryness. The cells within the walls can hold water. Sometimes there is a coat of gloss or semi-gloss paint on the wall - this creates a barrier that stops water moving from the inside to the outside of the wall. SERVPRO technicians have the skill to drill a hole in the bottom of the mortar wall to allow drainage, and we patch the wall up carefully afterward.
 
Insulation material inside external walls is often a barrier to drying. Our professionals assess each situation and decide whether it is best to remove the insulation and replace it.
 
External walls typically have low air circulation and are often constructed in a way that limits airflow and causes difficulty in drying the interior of the wall.
 
Our teams arrive equipped with a range of dehumidifiers and air movers ready to dry out your walls. Of course, dehumidifiers cannot be used out of doors, but in some cases positioning a dehumidifier in the room closest to the wall is helpful. The positioning of air movers requires extra care because external walls take longer to dry. Hence optimum placement of air movers is vital.
 
We monitor the drying situation at all times by using moisture meters to track progress. We take readings from unaffected walls nearby so we can assess the optimum drying goal. Our aim is always restoring the wall to its ideal level of dryness.
 
For help with water-logged walls, give SERVPRO of Montgomery a call at (334) 273-0992.

For more information regarding Highland Gardens, click here

Expert Help Dealing With Blood Cleanup In Your Montgomery Area Home

6/21/2017 (Permalink)

Trust SERVPRO for Safe and Sympathetic Blood Clean Up in Montgomery

Biohazardous Remediation Requires Professional Efficiency

The standards and practices that deal with handling blood spills on your property were designed to protect you, your family, and the public from the possible spread of infectious diseases. Even if you know the person who was injured, you should always take the opportunity to reduce the risk of infection by seeking professional help.
 
Having someone injured or an accident occur on your Montgomery area property where blood cleanup becomes necessary can cause serious infection. Anyone taking on the task of cleaning blood or other bodily fluids and tissues should always wear the appropriate personal protective equipment PPE, this includes eyewear to protect your eyes, disposable gloves, shoe protection, and a gown of some sort to prevent contact.
 
As a property owner, you may come face to face with a variety of situations where you simply are not informed enough to handle an incident on your own. A professional restoration company, like SERVPRO, can provide you with expertly trained technicians who understand which precautions to take to prevent additional harm when addressing blood. This also keeps you out of potential harm's way.
 
SERVPRO technicians have experience in dealing with rental situations that involve cleaning up drug houses, where disposal of needles, razors, or other sharps becomes necessary. We always dispose of sharps materials using a puncture-proof container and the appropriate waste disposal method, it is our goal to prevent the unknown, so we never take any chances and neither should you.
 
With a staff of highly-trained professionals on your side, SERVPRO provides you with the ability to clean all blood soaked materials and surfaces found in your home. Our cleaning technicians understand how to avoid splashing or spraying during the cleanup process, use industrial-grade disinfectants, and ventilate the area properly to help prevent airborne pathogens. We can isolate and create physical barriers for additional protection from cross-contamination.
 
Dealing with any incident on your property involving blood or other bodily fluids is extremely important, it is far from something that you want to leave to chance. If you want to protect everyone involved and prevent safety issues that you might not even think of on your own. Please bear in mind, that we respect your privacy and will always be courteous while treating your home.
 
Contact SERVPRO of Montgomery for the help you deserve, today. (334) 273-0992

Facts about Northern Montgomery.

Protect Your Company's Warehouse Facility In Chisholm From Fire Damage

6/7/2017 (Permalink)

When a Chisholm Warehouse is Ablaze, Call SERVPRO for the Cleanup

SERVPRO Helps Prevent and Reduce Fire Damage to Your Chisholm Business

A fire damage restoration company is the perfect partner to turn to for advice about fire concerns on your warehouse property. They can offer you assistance both before and after an emergency occurs, helping you implement plans to ensure every employee understands their role.  
 
Warehouses present unique fire challenges, getting help protects your Chisholm area property from fire damages that may occur. Through preparation, you can avoid the uncertainty about fire suppression system performance, questions regarding building integrity, and potential storage collapse from keeping you up at night.  
 
SERVPRO technicians can inspect your entire facility, providing you feedback on hazards that pose a significant threat to your business. For you, it may be something as simple as implementing a quality housekeeping program to help avoid the buildup of splintered wood pallets, corrugated cardboard, plastic wrap, or smaller debris that help accelerate the progress of a fire.  
 
Some SERVPRO customers might need advice about which fire protection equipment, suppression systems, or pallet rack system would fit their needs. We can help you remain compliant with fire safety codes, keep your building safe, and provide you with the services required to save your business after an accident occurs on your property.  Ask us about our Emergency Ready Plan for your warehouse.
 
Having SERVPRO on your side can help you go beyond compliance. Installing and maintaining a fire suppression system provides you with the most security. However, when storing items, you need to keep the proper distance for sprinkler heads efficiency and leave the appropriate amount of flue space between each pallet.  
 
You can learn more about which products to store where, avoiding contact between plastics, aerosols, and other hazardous materials, including propane that should be kept at least 20ft away from fire exits or have limited quantities allowed within your facility.  
 
Implementing evacuation plans for your employees, providing fire extinguisher training, designating the correct floor storage and staging areas, avoiding trash accumulation and maintaining a relationship with a local restoration company help your chances to avoid major loss.  
 
Contact SERVPRO of Montgomery today to gain access to expertly trained fire damage specialists and receive the fire damage cleanup and restoration services that you and your business deserve. Our IICRC certified technicians are available 24/7 to provide you with the assistance you can count on to prepare for emergency situations. (334) 273-0992
For Chisholm City information click here.

Understanding Dangers of Smoke and Soot in Your Chisholm Residence

5/22/2017 (Permalink)

Chisholm Smoke & Fire Damage Cleanup is a SERVPRO Specialty

Count on SERVPRO for Smoke & Fire Cleanup to Your Property

Everyone knows fires are dangerous. However, did you know the flames are not the biggest risk as far as health and property damage? Smoke is the leading cause of deaths from fire, exceeding burns by a 3 to 1 ratio. Direct exposure to smoke is, of course, harmful to your respiratory system, but it can affect the structure of your home negatively as well.

Smoke from any fire is composed of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, other chemicals, and particles which can produce even more fire damage in your Chisholm residence. Depending on what burned, other harmful chemicals are airborne and can be inhaled into your lungs or stick to furniture, walls, ductwork, clothing, and other areas. It is urgent after a fire that you call in a fire damage restoration company like SERVPRO who can remove the smoke and soot from your home to prevent additional damages.

Since hot air rises, you can commonly find smoke damage right over where the fire was burning. Strong air currents can circulate through your residence. You can also find smoke damage outside windows and walls because cold air sinks under warmer air which opens a path for the smoke to travel to the exterior walls and windows.

Your home has decorations, furniture, enclosed spaces and other features which interact with smoke, causing the harm to sometimes be found in more unusual spaces, such as closed closets, dresser drawers and wall cavities which seem to be closed off. Smoke and soot can also be found behind blinds and drapes because smoke naturally goes to cooler areas.

Many times, smoke particles are ionized, which means they hold an electrical charge that attracts them to surfaces. Smoke and soot can, therefore, be found surrounding nail heads in a ceiling, on synthetic materials, and clustered into cobweb-like shapes in the corners of rooms. Currents of air can carry soot and smoke away from the fire, depositing residue in various ways. You can also find smoke and soot in your ductwork because of this and on the farther side of door openings.

SERVPRO of Montgomery North understands that smoke and soot can be found in unexpected places and how detrimental it can be to leave it unhindered. When you call us at (334) 273-0992 we respond rapidly.

Local Schools: http://www.chisholm.mps-al.org

Preventing Fire Damage in Your Chisholm Insurance Office

4/25/2017 (Permalink)

Chisholm Commercial Fires Use SERVPRO for Restoration and Cleanup. Let's Use the ERP to Mitigate Damages

SERVPRO Offers Our ERP Mobile App for Preventing and Mitigating Fire Emergencies

Thousands of companies are affected by fires every year, resulting in lost customer trust, injury, and damage to your insurance office building. By creating a fire prevention and preparedness program, you can help to avoid injuries to your visitors and employees, costly damages, and possible fines to your business. If you are still unfortunate enough to experience a fire, the professionally trained technicians of SERVPRO can help you repair and clean up the damages.
 
No matter how big or small your insurance office is, someone needs to be designated as the safety officer to help prevent fires in your building. Certain steps and maintenance can be done to keep Chisholm office fires from happening, and other plans are needed in case a fire emergency occurs.
 
Implementing a Fire Emergency Plan for Evacuation
Emergency response is simpler when all your employees know each of their responsibilities during an emergency. Make a detailed fire evacuation plan which dictates how to respond and when plus identifies a path of evacuation. If any employees have special needs or require special attention, these details should be addressed in your plan. If you have initiated the ERP, Emergency READY Profile program and then contact SERVPRO once the fire is out and everyone is safe you will receive the benefits of less downtime and costs. Make sure not to hesitate in doing so, as the longer you wait, the more damage results from settling soot and water left behind by firefighters.
 
Create a Fire Prevention Plan
A plan for fire prevention gives your business documentation that outlines who is responsible for identifying materials which are combustible, heat-producing equipment, and any fire hazards. It also maps out procedures that are necessary to prevent a potential fire. The plan should be gone over with all employees and available for review at any time.
 
Training Team Members
On a yearly basis, NFPA and OSHA require you to do fire extinguisher training for all employees. Each one should receive the necessary training and be briefed on any updated and new regulations.
 
Maintain Exit and Emergency Lights
To make sure evacuation paths are not blocked and exits remain illuminated all the time, put into practice a routine plan for maintenance to look for burnt out or broken bulbs. Plus, test your emergency backup power and exit lights regularly to ensure they are functioning.
 
Practice Correct Housekeeping
Daily tasks are a key step in keeping your facilities free of fire hazards. Ensure packing materials and trash are in containers of metal with lids that fit tightly. Flammable substances should be cleaned up right away, including oil and chemical spills to lower the risk of fire. Equipment should be in the proper storage areas clear of fire exits and aisles and not blocking automatic sprinkler systems.
 
Also, make sure to have a certified and licensed fire technician to perform safety tests, quality inspections, and repairs to fire protection equipment regularly.
 
SERVPRO of Montgomery is aware how devastating a fire can be for your business. We are READY to help you at any time when you dial (334) 273-0992. We do our best to get your company back up and running as soon as possible.

Water Removal Can Save Your Montgomery Home from Extensive Damage

4/16/2017 (Permalink)

Don't let a plumbing mishap cause further damage in your home. Call SERVPRO to remediate and prevent mold from growing.

SERVPRO Recognizes that a Quick Response can Prevent Further Damage

Flooding is not the only time you can end up with water in your home. No matter why water is present, it must be cleaned up before it can cause damage to your home's interior. Even the best-constructed homes are not made to withstand the presence of water and can suffer costly damage that affects not only the beauty of your home but also the safety of the people who live there.
 
When homes in Montgomery need water removal, SERVPRO can help with every part of the process. Removing all of the water can go a long way toward preventing other types of damage. When the water involved is gray or black, or becomes contaminated, water removal experts also implement measures that prevent the spread of bacteria and any other possible contaminants, such as using a bactericide, which is often sufficient.
 
Water removal can be an extensive job that involves areas of your home that you might not have realized were affected. Water, as a fluid, easily permeates many things found in a home. While you already know that water can travel downhill and horizontally, water can also travel uphill if there is an absorbent material that the water comes into contact with. This can include draperies and long curtains, drywall, or wall hangings. These materials can retain a significant amount of water and must be included in water removal efforts.
 
Any left-over moisture can spell bigger problems in the future. Even slightly raised humidity levels can put a home at risk of water damage such as disintegrating walls and mold damage.
 
We apply concrobium to surfaces that are at highest risk for developing mold growth, as it has been shown to prevent mold from growing while still being safe to use around children and pets. The temporary or permanent installation of a dehumidifier can also be useful in preventing future problems with elevated levels of moisture in a home's interior.
 
Whatever your home's source of water problems, SERVPRO of Montgomery has you covered. All you need to do is call us at (334) 273-0992, and we can get right to work with the process of water removal to get your home dry again quickly.

Mold Damage Cleanup for Your Highland Park Home

3/27/2017 (Permalink)

Water Leaks in Highland Park Cause Mold Infestations Which Are Remedied by SERVPRO

Rely on SERVPRO for Mold Remediation

Molds and mildew are fungi – microscopic organisms at first which grow anywhere the environment is moist. Molds are a needed segment of the environment because without them leaves would not break down as quickly and aspects of soil enrichment would not happen. However, it is their capability to destroy organic materials that make mold a problem for homeowners.

In its early stages, mold and mildew in your home in Highland Park can grow on ceiling tiles, wood products, wallpaper, cardboard, fabric, drywall, foods, plants, decaying leaves, insulation and other organic materials. Within just twenty-four to forty-eight hours, mold colonies can begin to grow on damp surfaces, creating mold damage in your home which needs to be addressed. Our professionally trained technicians at SERVPRO can clean up and remediate a fungi problem.
 
Molds eventually destroy the material they grow on, as they digest organic material, and then spread to adjacent organic materials, destroying them as well. Besides the damage molds cause to your home and possessions, they can also cause health effects.
 
If your home has suffered water damage because of a back-up of sewage from flooding in your area, a damp basement or crawl space, flooding, plumbing or roof leaks, overflows from a bathtub or sink, or high humidity from dryer vents, steam cooking, or humidifiers, mold can develop fast. This contaminated water is rich in nutrients. Even worse, it continues to grow until SERVPRO comes in and takes the proper steps to eliminate the source of the moisture which effectively deals with the problem of continued proliferation.
 
Before we begin any remediation, we ensure all safety and health precautions are taken. We make sure that our staff is covered in protective clothing to avoid exposure to toxic mold. It is important to control the mold before it spreads to areas in the home that are not yet contaminated. Mold is contained at its source, which is essential to preventing the problem from worsening. Once the mold spores circulate through the air, the difficulty of a successful remediation are increased.
 
SERVPRO IICRC certified techs ensure that the mold is physically removed from your property, as attempting to isolate the mold or remove signs of the mold on the surface is not adequate. Also, just using bleach does not kill mold, so do not attempt cleanup on your own. We have special cleansers, antifungal disinfectants, and tools which can clean the mold up properly.
 
You must control the moisture levels in your home, so any future contamination or recontamination is limited. It is virtually inevitable that mold will grow if you do not have the moisture controlled. Moisture problems must be identified, found, and corrected or controlled as quickly as possible.
 
SERVPRO of Montgomery is skilled and trained to handle mold damage in your home. Therefore, do not hesitate to call us at (334) 273-0992 as soon as you suspect that you have mold growing in your home.

Proper Mold Damage Remediation Services Available In Highland Park

3/11/2017 (Permalink)

Highland Park Owners Seeking Mold Remediation Use SERVPRO

SERVPRO Professionally Tackles Mold Problems

Regardless of the costs associated with mold remediation in your home, your safety and the safety of your loved ones is much more important. However, understanding the process and what it may cost you can help put your mind at ease.

Therefore, when facing mold damage issues in your Highland Park home, there are several factors to consider. First, you need to decide whether the issue is something you can handle on your own, or if you require professional assistance to manage the problem correctly and safely. Second, whether you have a small patch on a single wall or your entire home is contaminated by mold, seeking professional remediation services, like those offered at SERVPRO, is your best bet at recovering quickly. We have IICRC certified technicians ready to assist you with every aspect of the job and respond in as little as four hours after your initial call.

At SERVPRO, our technicians have access to the latest training and equipment available for mold remediation. We employ moisture detection devices and thermo-hygrometers to help locate the source of moisture causing the problem, industrial-grade water extraction equipment including hand-held and truck mounted water extractors to eliminate standing water from areas of all shapes and sizes, as well as air movers and dehumidifiers that help provide a quick, efficient drying process.

We work closely with you and your insurance company (if you are fortunate enough to have this type of microorganism coverage) to provide you with what you need to get things around the house back to normal quickly. Restoring is preferred over tossing and purchasing new. We attempt to keep cost down while providing a safe, clean, and effective service.

Last but not least, SERVPRO technicians utilize quality containment procedures to prevent exposing uncontaminated areas of your home while using physical mitigation methods to remove as much of the affected material as possible. We also follow EPA and OSHA guidelines for the transport and removal of contaminated substances and perform all of the necessary services in a timely, efficient manner that is convenient for you.

Contact SERVPRO of Montgomery today for additional information concerning our mold remediation services or any other problems you wish to address in your home. We are ready to help, immediately. (334) 273-0992

What Can Fire Damage In County Downs Do To Concrete Houses?

2/27/2017 (Permalink)

While the structural integrity of a house is unlikely to be at risk, concrete is still vulnerable to heat.

Fire Damage And Concrete

Over the last decade, concrete has become an increasingly popular material for homebuilders. It is unyielding, functions as a great noise and shock absorber, and it is surprisingly energy efficient. It is one of the most fire resistant building materials and insurance companies recognize it as being one of the safest ways to construct a house.

While the structural integrity of a house is unlikely to be at risk, concrete is still vulnerable to heat. If flames do not get extinguished quickly, fire damage in County Downs can lead to cracking and warping. There may also be a loss of compressive strength. SERVPRO advises homeowners to respond to structural and aesthetic changes fast by calling in a repair team. Keep reading for more information on how fire affects concrete and what we can do about it.

How Concrete Reacts To Heat
Normally, it takes a heat of more than 248 degrees for concrete to respond in any way. In fact, it is after a fire approaches 482 degrees that noticeable damage begins to occur. At this point, localized cracks appear, and water within the cementitious paste dries up. The process causes a reduction in elasticity and strength. If the fire heats the concrete to more than 572 degrees, a substantial drop in compressive strength occurs (around 30-40%). It is common for the appearance of the material to change too. It takes on a light pinkish tone.

Tackling Concrete Repairs
Restoring concrete after a fire is easier than you might think. Often, the damage is superficial and aesthetic. The top layers of material get degraded, but if the pre-stressing tendons are untouched, they do not always need removing. Fire damaged concrete requires extraction behind the traditional steel reinforcement. However, adding bonded concrete in sections can be a quicker and easier solution than replacing large areas. Afterward, it needs to be rebuilt to the original surface profile using steel primers, substrate bonding coats, and cementitious polymers.

The One Stop Repair Shop
SERVPRO is committed to providing comprehensive, seamless fire damage restoration. Our technicians use sophisticated tools to spray wash stains on walls, remove smoke particles from the air, and clean carpets and other materials.

If structural materials (like concrete) require full or partial restoration, we can arrange for the right contractors. They are under supervision from our team, so you do not have to worry about keeping track of multiple projects. We can do it for you. In the case of concrete repairs, this is of particular importance, because the work involves heavy machinery and industrial substrates.

At SERVPRO of Montgomery, fire damage restoration is a complete process. We are a one stop repair shop and can find skilled contractors on your behalf. Our guys work on the clean-up, while the contractors handle the heavier reconstructions. Call us 24/7 on (334) 273-0992.

Ash Damage In Your Arrowhead Home

2/25/2017 (Permalink)

Ash is one of the most destructive factors in a fire, second only to the blaze itself in potential to harm your home.

Ash Damage

Ash is one of the most destructive factors in a fire, second only to the blaze itself in potential to harm your home. In some cases, ash may be present in such large volumes that it causes thousands of dollars in damage all on its own. Ash is difficult and labor-intensive to remove, but with the right crew and the right strategy, SERVPRO makes short work of it. So, where is ash most liable to cause extensive damage?

When Mixed With Water
In Arrowhead fire damage cases, ash often combines with water to create a staining and difficult-to-handle sludge. This material may require extra care and slower extraction than other material, costing time and energy otherwise spent on restoring other types of damage including burns and smoke odors. This material, while visually disastrous and time-intensive to take care of, is thankfully relatively straightforward to clean up and remove from a home.

Clogged Drains And Pipes
Ash is highly liable to clog up drains and pipes around the home. While lighter clogs may be easy to clean up and remove, in some cases ash may fill up an entire section of pipe and become packed in. When this happens, the pipes may have to be removed and flushed out with specialty equipment. SERVPRO technicians usually examine each water fixture in your home thoroughly to determine how severe the damage is before ripping out pipes.

Carpeting And Floor Materials
The most likely place for ash to end up is on your floor. Depending on the intensity of the fire, flooring may receive multiple inches of ash cover. This material is staining, dusty, and difficult to remove from most types of carpeting. In some cases, the carpet may have to be removed to allow for cleaning or replacement.

SERVPRO of Montgomery has been helping local homeowners to recover from fire damage for years. Give us a call around the clock at (334) 273-0992 for our services.

The Process of Drying Out And Water Removal Your Flooded Basement In Arrowhead

2/24/2017 (Permalink)

Water removal from your basement also includes the proper drying techniques to avoid more damage from occurring, including mold growth in your home.

Water Removal And Drying Out

After a big storm, your basement may become flooded. Seeing that it is the lowest point of your home, this can easily happen, but this does not make it any less stressful. When your basement floods for any reason, you need professional help to get the water removed quickly to avoid any more damage. That is when you call in SERVPRO, as we have the experience and tools to remove the water swiftly and efficiently.

Water removal from your basement also includes the proper drying techniques to avoid more damage from occurring, including mold growth in your Arrowhead home. Four factors affect how much time you need for drying including how much water you need to evaporate, the temperature, air movement, and humidity. SERVPRO technicians understand that wet goes to dry, which is a rule which says that moisture moves from wet materials to drier ones, or moist air to drier air to find an equilibrium. We also understand the four factors of drying and how to use special equipment to improve drying time.

Temperature
Drying happens more quickly when your basement is heated to between seventy and ninety degrees Fahrenheit. Portable heaters can be used to do this. Temperatures over 85 degrees on the first days of drying can result in too much moisture in the air, which causes subsequent damage if there aren’t enough dehumidifiers.

How Much Water Needs To Be Evaporated
The more water that we pump out or extract from your basement, the less we need to get rid of with dehumidifiers. Liquids are easier and quicker to move than gas. Physical extraction is 1200 times more efficient than dehumidification. A submersible pump is used if there are two or more inches of standing water in your basement. If it is under two inches, we start extracting.

Humidity
A relative humidity (RH) of over 60% slows drying time since the air is almost saturated. Some of the water in the air must be removed to lower the humidity. The RH should be under 40% after the first full day of drying. Using dehumidifiers is the most efficient way to lower relative humidity. They take the evaporated moisture out of the air and can lower the RH to 30% or lower.

Air Movement
It is important to have the air moving during drying. The air in your basement which has been damaged by water is naturally humid and damp, which slows down evaporation. By blowing the damp air out and bringing in dry, warm air, the drying time is shorter. SERVPRO technicians know how to position air movers to help do this properly. They also change the position of the air movers as the drying process progresses to promote thorough, even drying of all surfaces.

Water removal of any sort needs to be handled by an experienced company, so be sure to contact us at SERVPRO of Montgomery if your basement floods. We are easy to reach by dialing (334) 273-0992 whenever you need us.

Water Removal Services Available In Highland Park

2/8/2017 (Permalink)

Water removal is essential to protecting your furniture, carpet, flooring, and other household contents, along with preventing mold growth.

Water Removal

It is quite obvious that coming home to a house full of water is something that we would all rather avoid. However, if you are quick enough in responding to the situation, it is entirely possible to minimize the damage and possibly save many of your possessions. Avoid treating flood water situations in your Highland Park home lightly. Water removal is essential to protecting your furniture, carpet, flooring, and other household contents, along with preventing mold growth from developing that may cause health effects.

Locating a quality company to help you with your water removal can be tough. However, there are a few, like SERVPRO, that not only provide you with the services you need to return your home to a quality pre-damage condition, but they also give you a list of things you can do to help yourselves. At SERVPRO, we cannot stress enough how important safety is during these types of situations. Make sure that you and your entire family are safe before you do anything else. However, you should also contact your insurance company and touch base to ensure you have the proper coverage before you contact a restoration company for help.

Meanwhile, there are a few things you can do to help limit your losses. Start by making sure that the structure is safe to enter, shut off the power to the building, unplug any electronics and relocate small objects to a safe location where they can dry properly. Just remember, you do not have to do anything, SERVPRO technicians are perfectly willing and able to remove anything and everything caught in the affected area.

However, if you insist on getting a head start, anything that you find on your carpet or flooring throughout the affected area that is easily moveable should be; this includes newspapers, magazines, lamps, clocks, radios, televisions, coat racks, and other household items. Just remember that some of these things may be rather heavy due to exposure, so, only carry what you can safely lift on your own. Leave your carpet and heavy furniture to the professional technicians that are on the way.

Do not turn on your air conditioning or fan trying to dry out the affected area. If you insist on attempting water removal with a mop, remember to dab your flooring with the mop, do not swipe it back and forth, or you may end up causing damage to your flooring if you do it wrong. Again, please do not do anything you are not comfortable doing, your technicians are on the way.

Contact SERVPRO of Montgomery today for all of your water removal needs. (334) 273-0992

Companies In Arrowhead Look To SERVPRO For A Solution To Water Damage

1/30/2017 (Permalink)

During the drying process, SERVPRO technicians place the proper amount of air moving equipment and dehumidifiers into the affected area.

Arrowhead Companies Look To SERVPRO Technicians For Water Damage Solutions

Hotels experience various types of water damage, including; plumbing leaks, malfunctioning fixtures, or storm damage that allows water to enter unprotected areas quite often and need professional assistance to help them recover fast.
 
When your building is affected by these kinds of water damage incidents in Arrowhead, it may be comforting to know that someone trustworthy is available to provide you with the services you need to keep your business running.
 
SERVPRO technicians who respond to your service request live in the same area, giving us an opportunity to provide you with rapid response times, and a unique solution to your problem. With several years of experience in the restoration industry and quality equipment at our disposal, we have the ability to handle water damage incidents affecting a single unit, or your entire building.
 
The information you provide during your initial call, helps us determine the amount of equipment and personnel needed to address your situation properly. So that once we arrive on your property, we can address any possible hazards and fully inspect the affected area for damages, getting to work immediately to solve your problem.
 
After communicating your situation to your insurance company and agreeing on which services to implement, SERVPRO technicians mobilize as quickly and efficiently as possible, making every attempt to return your business to a quality pre-damage condition, in the least amount of time possible.
 
We have access to both hand-held and truck mounted water extraction equipment, each with three main elements, a heater, pump, and vacuum system. Portable extractors hold anywhere from five to twelve gallons of water, while the truck mounted version handles up to 100 gallons of water or more, making it easy to remove excess water from various types of flooring, including carpeting and other upholstery items, such as rugs, and curtains.
 
Our technicians use a variety of equipment to locate hidden moisture pockets, in walls, attics, and crawl spaces; water cannot hide from a quality infrared moisture detection device. Making it possible for us to dry hard to read, or hidden areas throughout your building and prevent secondary water damage from developing.
 
During the drying process, SERVPRO technicians place the proper amount of air moving equipment and dehumidifiers into the affected area. We also use detection devices to check the vicinity for moisture and monitor relative humidity to ensure a proper drying environment exists to complete the water damage restoration and limit any interruptions to your businesses daily operations.
 

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

Leave your water damage restoration services in the hands of our professional staff at SERVPRO of Montgomery. (334) 273-0992

Remediating Mold Damage In Historic Highland Park

1/16/2017 (Permalink)

Evaluating the damage generations of mold colonies has done to the structure and fixtures of your home is the first step to limiting further growth.

Mold Damage

Mold damage, some old and some current, is not uncommonly found in the 100 plus year old homes of this Birmingham neighborhood. When homes are renovated, or additions are completed the underlying structure of the buildings are revealed to contractors, and then any problems are discussed with homeowners. If mold damage is found SERVPRO is in a unique position to work with your general contractor to perform mold remediation. Evaluating the damage generations of mold colonies has done to the structure and fixtures of your home is the first step to limiting further fungal growth. Our mold specialists are trained and experienced in putting the brakes on microbial activity.

Removal of mold damage as the remodeling projects proceed on your Highland Park home necessitates careful planning. Disturbing mold risks sending spores airborne, spreading the outbreak throughout the rest of your home. This can place both property and residents at risk. Mold growth can break down organic materials, destroying or at least weakening building materials like wood and sheetrock. Susceptible individuals may experience health issues from floating particles of mold, although any concerns about this must be addressed to your health care provider. Any attempt to remove mold should only be taken on by technicians trained in EPA approved methods.

Containment is the first rule of mold remediation. We may use negative air machines and physical barriers to keep the mold in place until the colony can be physically removed and properly disposed of, typically following hazardous waste protocols. Porous or heavily infected materials may be discarded with the mold attached. A vacuuming, utilizing HEPA filters, of settled mold spores is then followed by a wipe down with approved cleaning and disinfection products.

SERVPRO technicians will then research the source of moisture that caused the mold damage in the first place. Taking action to eliminate the sources of moisture that feed mold spores is crucial as a final step.If the water is not eliminated, mold will regrow given the right conditions. We work very diligently to remove mold damage but cannot promise to eradicate the chance of a reinfestation. Mold spores are everywhere, and all it needs is a bit of water and a day or two of time for mold to reemerge. We use education and vigilance to stop further mold damage in your home.

When evidence of mold damage is clear remediation by the experts at SERVPRO of Montgomery is the best course. Call (334) 273-0992 to schedule a mold inspection today.

Ten Things You Should Know About Mold Remediation in Highland Gardens

12/17/2016 (Permalink)

Mold can lurk in corners. Call SERVPRO today to determine the cause and remediate the damage!

SERVPRO Technicians Have Many Hours of Training in Dealing with Mold

While mold exists within our environment naturally, there are some things that you should know to assist in preventing the spread of mold throughout your property. Mold is not a problem until it begins to encroach on our living spaces and attempts to make an impact on our indoor air quality.

Our professional mold damage remediation services in Highland Gardens are only a phone call away. It would be an honor to have the opportunity to provide you with the proper information and services to handle your mold situation. Put our technicians to the test today; we are waiting for your call.

Our technicians at SERVPRO want to provide you with the proper information to assist you in handling this sort of situation. Let's begin by sharing ten things you should know about mold prevention and mediation:

1) Different types of Mold may cause health effects in certain individuals.

2) Regardless of what you have heard, there isn't any real way to totally eliminate mold from your property.

3) Respond to mold growth in your home immediately by having professionals clean the infected area and remove the source of moisture.

4) Maintain indoor humidity levels of 30% to 60% at all times to reduce the possibility of further mold growth.

5) Ensure proper drying of materials and furnishings within 48 hours of exposure to moisture to prevent an infestation from developing.

6) Have professional technicians clean and dry any moldy hard surfaces properly and remove any highly saturated absorbent materials from your property.

7) Add insulation to the proper areas to prevent perpetual moisture problems from occurring on cold surfaces such as windows, piping, exterior walls, roofs or flooring.

8) Do not add carpeting to rooms such as bathrooms or kitchens with constant water sources.

9) Mold spores can flourish anywhere that moisture is present.

10) Never attempt to tackle mold remediation yourself. You could end up causing more damage and prevent professional technicians from performing their jobs correctly.

As you can see, our SERVPRO technicians make various recommendations that you can implement to avoid mold growth on your property. However, we also want you to know that it is not something that you should attempt on your own. If you miss-handle the situation, you could end up with additional damages that you could have otherwise avoided.

SERVPRO teams are here to provide you with the services and personnel that you need to get the job done right the first time. Don't hesitate to give us a call and put our services to the test.

Contact our offices at SERVPRO of Montgomery today. (334) 273-0992

Flood Damage Restoration in Downtown Montgomery

11/20/2016 (Permalink)

Flooding is dangerous and devastating. Get to safety and then call SERVPRO to remediate!

SERVPRO Technicians Can Get Your Property Back to Normal After a Flood

Living in the state capital, you see every style of housing within a mile or two of each other. Beautiful mansions just a short distance from apartment complexes to duplexes and single family homes. There's something for everyone and all of them are vulnerable to flooding.

You do not have to live next to the Gun Island Chute to see flood damage in downtown Montgomery. Sudden rains can quickly overcome storm drains and then the next thing you know, and you may need a skiff and an outboard motor just to get to Maxwell AFB. SERVPRO has the personnel and the equipment to deal with this rapid change in weather and the destruction it causes.

If our response team is called in soon enough, they can pump out standing water within hours. This can prevent the loss of drywall, wood flooring and carpets. Specially designed equipment can also remove excess moisture from furniture, preventing replacement. In a city with students from five major colleges and universities, this can be very important indeed.

We start the restoration process by removing standing water with commercial pumps and vacuums chosen specifically for each job. If the power has been shorted out by the floodwater, it is no problem. We have a large inventory of generators on hand to continue the job uninterrupted.

With the water gone, our technicians use commercial air movers (fans) and dehumidifiers to draw out excess moisture from the air, the walls, furniture, and carpets. If needed we also maintain heaters designed to dry out carpets without singeing the nap or damaging even a single fiber.

Once that is accomplished, our inspectors will look for further damage in the walls and trim of your home. They will also help you determine if your furniture can be restored, repaired or should be replaced.

If you are concerned about previous damage, or want to try and get ahead of the next rainstorm, call us today at (334) 273-0992 to set up an inspection. SERVPRO of Montgomery is locally owned, so your call is not just another job to us. We are ready to help.

Get The Odor Out After Fire Damage In Highland Park

11/4/2016 (Permalink)

Because a fire damages your house both as it burns and as it is controlled and contained, it is essential to get our full-service restoration company.

Fire Damage Restoration and Odor Removal in Highland Park

Dealing with fire damage is a many step process, difficult for the average homeowner to navigate on his or her own. SERVPRO will be your partner in recovery from a fiery disaster in your home, helping you with everything from securing the building if areas are open to the elements to restoring the structure and contents back to their pre-loss condition. Because a fire damages your house both as it burns and as it is controlled and contained, it is essential to get our full-service restoration company on board. We are trained to handle fire and smoke damage as well as the water and chemical damage that results when the blaze is finally extinguished. You will not have to hire a series of professionals to get your dwelling back together as we have experience in a wide range of disasters. 

One issue that may not be your biggest concern at first when you experienced fire damage in Highland Park is odor removal after the structure is restored and your possessions are cleaned, repaired and replaced within your house. Lingering smoke odors can ruin your sense that the fire and its toll on your home and peace of mind have been resolved. Our SERVPRO trained technicians will problem solve concerning the residual smoke you still smell keeping in mind that the odor perception of each individual is different. The stress of the fire can also heighten your or family members’ feelings that the odor still pervades your home and we are skilled in helping all residents of your house get past the sense that smoky smells are still present.

Where there were smoke and fire water may also have damaged structures and possessions, increasing the risk of mold and its musty, unpleasant smell. The deodorization specialists at SERVPRO use a range of products and techniques to manage and eliminate unwanted odors or any kind. Some of the methods involve thermal foggers that must be used in accordance with safety and industry standards. Good deodorization results are to be expected with these approaches, but we will need to keep people, pets, and food aware from the fogged areas for the requisite time for health and safety reasons. We will advise as well on air flow and dehumidification suggestions that will help keep the odors from returning as weather and temperatures vary.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

Fire damage restoration throughout its many steps is best handled by professionals like our local crews at SERVPRO of Montgomery. After the firefighters have coiled their hoses, call (334) 273-0992 any time of the day or night to schedule an appointment with one of our professional fire damage inspectors.

Commercial Mold Damage In Downtown Montgomery

10/26/2016 (Permalink)

The open cells in cinder blocks can retain a significant amount of water if the affected walls have equalized with the surrounding environment.

Commercial Mold Remediation

Getting the water out of a structure is often the easy part of clean-up after a flood or plumbing failure. Depending on the building and its construction materials, trying to dry it out and deal with any mold problems can be more time consuming and expensive.

SERVPRO has extensive experience in the downtown Montgomery area dealing with commercial mold damage. Many of the commercial buildings we clean are constructed from cinder blocks which have their own special requirements.

The open cells in cinder blocks can retain a significant amount of water or moisture if the affected walls have equalized with the surrounding environment. This means that the humidity and temperature have become roughly the same inside and out. When that occurs, there is little to no transfer of moisture from the wall to the outside. This is when our technicians may have to drill a series of holes near the bottom of the wall to assist in removing standing water and increase moisture transfer. This is done through the mortar between the blocks which can be easily repaired and patched. If the affected wall has either a gloss or semi-gloss paint on the outside, then this will have to be done as the paint acts as a vapor barrier which reduces transfer even further.

All of this has to be completed before mold can be cleaned and removed. While it may seem that we have to do is leave the wall alone, you have to remember that a mold growth smaller than a pinhead contains hundreds of spores. These spores can escape or grow through even the smallest crack to infect areas of a building that may have even been water free originally. Once the water and moisture have been dried, our technicians will use anti-fungal foggers to destroy the spores in the wall. Then, they will set up exhaust fans and specialized vacuums with HEPA filters to remove everything possible.

Commercial facilities have their own concerns compared to a home, but SERVPRO of Montgomery is ready to support all of our neighbors and fellow business owners. If you notice excessive moisture or have that "musty odor" which indicates the presence of mold, call us today at (334) 273-0992.

Even Slight Flood Damage Can Cause Secondary Water Damage

9/15/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO's Fast Water Extraction Mitigates Secondary Water Damage in Montgomery

Water Damage from Flooding Can Expand Without Treatment

There are many different projects that homeowners and landlords can do to save substantial amounts of money. There are a few that should be left in the care of expert professionals. One of these is flood damage. Flood damage, once it has begun to occur, escalates and spreads in extremely expensive ways. The longer you wait to clean up flood damage, or any water damage, the more expensive it becomes.

In Montgomery, flood damage creates risks such as secondary water damage that do-it-yourselfers accept, even if they don't want to, or realize they are doing so. Secondary water damage is multi-faceted and can affect almost every area of a home or business which has had water or flood intrusion. Secondary water damage includes mold growth, bacterial colonies, fungi, and other infectious pathogens developing, and also structural problems with decay and other changes to the materials used in the structural components of the home or building. Flood damage is much more hazardous that clean water from a leak within your home, to begin with, but both can create substantial amounts of secondary water damage.

In addition to the health risks posed by living pathogens such as mold and fungi growing and eventually releasing spores into the air you and your family breathe, structurally, your home or business can suffer, as well. Sewage backup is often a result of flooding.

Warping of hardwood flooring is a common occurrence, but the buckling and curving of stairwell treads can also happen. This deterioration can create a dangerous climb up the stairs, and can make coming downstairs especially perilous. Door frames can also crack, or swell causing the closing of doors, both interior and exterior, impossible, creating security risks for your family and your possessions. Cabinets can also become warped and panels can buckle and crack. Doors and drawers can swell, sealing them shut, or keeping them from closing correctly. Other flooring types commonly found in bathrooms and kitchens, such as tile and linoleum, can lose their adhesive and mold can begin to grow on their undersides.

All of this is preventable when trained, and experienced professionals are employed to carry out IICRC approved measures to clean up flood damage. It only takes a tiny amount of leftover water to allow the problems above to develop, but SERVPRO Professionals have that training. Along with that, we have the equipment and the experience to deal with any level of contamination from flood water. To prevent secondary water damage, and to clean up current flood damage, call SERVPRO of Montgomery at (334) 273-0992, 24/7. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Fire Damage Needs To Be Removed and Repaired Immediately

8/23/2016 (Permalink)

The most expensive part of damage to a private home from fire is not normally from the flames themselves.

Fire Damage

The most expensive part of damage to a private home from fire is not normally from the flames themselves. Smoke alarms help ensure the arrival of local fire departments and even many homes today have suppression systems in place in key areas. It is unseen damage from smoke and soot that can wind up costing much more.

Home damage in Highland Gardens from fire is clearly visible and, usually removed quickly. Soot is also easy to see and removed or cleaned until it gets into your heating and air system. When that occurs, it can become much more expensive. SERVPRO knows that smoke and soot has to be discovered just like you would have an inspector examine a home before you would consider buying it.

Every closet, crawlspace, and room has to be checked. Ceilings have to be examined from an overhead viewpoint. Heating and air ducts must be inspected and (if needed) scrubbed before they are turned back on. Soot can be circulated into parts of your home that had no damage. Attic and crawlspaces must be inspected just like floors and walls. This is why a rapid response is so important. With the right set-up, even smoke and soot problems can be reduced and eliminated. We maintain a quick response team that is trained and equipped with everything you need to make your home livable again.

For over twenty years, SERVPRO of Montgomery has been restoring homes from fire, smoke and soot damage. This isn't merely a job for us. As a locally owned and operated company, these are our neighbors we help. Regardless if it is smoke or soot from a fire that needs to be dealt with or scheduling a free inspection to try and prevent future damage, call us today at (334) 273-0992.

Residential Water Damage

7/21/2016 (Permalink)

Microbursts of Rain Can Create Water Damage for Your Home or Business

SERVPRO Can Remediate Damage Caused By Bad Weather 

Despite much of the nation suffering from record high temperatures and an extended period of little to no rain, Alabama weather is rolling along with storm warnings out now for much of the state. Chisolm, Highland Gardens, and Montgomery are right there in the middle of it. In the summer months, microbursts are particularly damaging. At SERVPRO of Montgomery, we have seen the effects of water from a typical rain shower (several hours) fall in less than 30 minutes in a microburst. It rapidly overcomes sandbags and other protective measures with flash flooding damaging commercial and residential structures before anyone is aware water has gotten in.

To make the situation even worse are the extremely high winds that accompany microbursts. These sudden downdrafts are often more destructive than a tornado over a small location. Neighborhoods and commercial areas hit by one sees roofs ripped away in seconds and smaller structures sometimes completely pulled off of their foundations. When that happens, the wind-driven rain completely soaks the interior of a home and business; damaging the structure and usually destroying furniture and anything else that might be inside.

When a microburst arrives, there is nothing you can do to stop it. Any actions taken to reduce water damage must be preventive and occur well in advance of the storm. Fortunately, SERVPRO of Montgomery has the team, training, and equipment to take care of any need before or after the storm.

We offer free inspections to determine the best prevention plan for your home or business. Our 24-hour emergency response team can quickly determine the extent of any storm damage and provide a thorough list of what tasks need to be accomplished in order to return to your home or reopen your doors for business.

If you want to take advantage of our free inspections for homes and businesses, contact SERVPRO of Montgomery at 334-273-0992 today to schedule an appointment.

Storm Damage Affects Both Homes and Businesses

6/25/2016 (Permalink)

Storm Damage Requires Professional Clean Up, SERVPRO is Ready

SERVPRO Professionals Have the Tools and Manpower to Clean Up Your Storm Damage

If you are a business or homeowner, you are most likely aware that damage to your investment can be a major setback financially. While it is not possible to control Mother Nature and her periodic outbursts, knowing the right way to repair and rebuild structures can reduce your losses by significant amounts. Cleaning up and repairing must be done correctly, or damages may remain, and subsequently become worse or lead to other problems.

You need a company of professionals with extensive experience in remediation and storm damage clean-up. At SERVPRO, we have you covered. We are available 24/7 in Lake Martin to wipe out the worst storm damage possible and help you regain your business's or home's pristine condition once again.
 
Storm Damage Affects Roofs, Sidings, and Other Structures

Because many businesses have flat roofs, shingles are not used as often as they are on the roofs of homes. Storms can still cause damage to the surface of a business's roof through hail and flying debris carried by heavy winds. Outside structures of wood can be ripped to shreds and splintered, and metal aspects of your home or business can become dented and twisted. Our team members and technicians are skilled in restoration and clean-up of all types of damage. Decorative side-shingles, signs, and other items can be made like new again.
Siding and garage doors made of vinyl, aluminum, or wood can be repaired and made like-new for you. Corners will be inspected to ensure that no interior damage exists, and sensors that measure humidity will be used to check your home's or business's interior to rule-out water and moisture. Windows, storm and screened doors, and decks and porches can be cleaned up and either reattached or strengthened. Our professionals have the various skills needed to do the work that storm damage clean-up often requires. We can ensure that each item is refitted to not only look good again but also to function as it should.
 
Expert Professionals Render Expert Results

If your home or business has suffered storm damage, call us at SERVPRO of Montgomery at (334) 273-0992. We will remove damaged materials so we can begin the rebuilding process, reducing your overall and long-term losses. We are available 24/7 and can quickly rebuild what was destroyed, so it is like it never even happened.

Mold Damage Shouldn't be Left to Ruin Your Home's Interior

6/25/2016 (Permalink)

Mold Damage Can Appear on Walls or Can Be Hidden and Produce a Musty Smell

SERVPRO Has the Certifications to Deal With Mold Damage

Mold can quickly grow with only a slight rise in humidity. Many homeowners find themselves struggling to combat the smells and odors mold produces on an ongoing basis. This will never win the battle against mold. The spores can remain dormant for extended periods of time; mold is a tough enemy to conquer.

Another reason mold is so difficult to eliminate is because the spores are so tiny, they can become airborne, and then settle almost anywhere. They are carried by air currents, insects, and even on your pet's fur. In Halcyon, mold damage can take place in any home or office. The effects can range from discoloration of walls and ceilings, ruining of books and papers, (including important documents, items printed on low-acid paper, and photographs), and also causing carpets and other textiles to smell musty.

Understanding Mold is the First Step in Eliminating It

Mold is not a virus or bacteria, but it is still a pathogen that can cause adverse health effects. This is because it can be breathed in, come in contact with your skin through different ways, such as wearing clothing that contains mold, or from sitting on upholstered furniture that is saturated with mold. Mold is not only what you can see visibly, but also the spores that are released into the air. This is what can cause the musty odor many people associate with mold growth.

If any spores are left behind after cleaning, it is only a matter of time before it will begin to grow and spread through your home or business again. Not only must any excess humidity be removed and things aired out, all possible areas that may contain spores need to be professionally cleaned. SERVPRO professionals are technicians and specialized cleaning crews who have had extensive training in the clean-up and elimination of mold and its spores. Having IICRC training and certification prepares us for heavy mold infestations that can ruin many of your belongings.

We Are Experienced in Eliminating Mold Growth, as well as Cleaning and Refurbishing Many Different Materials

Painting after cleaning is one way to eliminate mold's hold over your home. Other ways include using special cleaners and detergents that are designed to deodorize your home's textiles and carpets. These not only keep the smell away, but they also eliminate mold's foothold, preventing it from recurring. If mold has been affecting the enjoyment of your home or business, make a call to us at SERVPRO of Montgomery at (334) 273-0992, and we'll have your home or office smelling clean and fresh again.

Storm Damage Can be Extensive

6/24/2016 (Permalink)

Siding Needs to Be Repaired or Replaced To Prevent Secondary Water Damage

Fixing Your Home After a Storm is Easier With Professional Help

If your home has experienced a storm that was powerful enough to cause gusting winds, you should inspect your home's exterior for missing siding, corner pieces, and shingles. Shingles that are loose can pose hazards later, even in dry, sunny weather, if they fall to the ground. Shingles are very heavy and can cut someone. If a nail is still attached to the shingle, this can pose additional risks if someone steps on one that has fallen point-side upward.

While Halcyon homes are beautiful, this does not stop them from being subject to storm damage. Damage from storms can range from broken tree limbs scratching siding and breaking windows to entire trees falling on your home's or garage's roof. Carports are also damaged quite often and easily by strong winds, especially when heavy items are pushed into their support structures. Hail can also create damage to exterior furnishings such as lawn chairs and tables.

Restoration is not Easy, but it is Possible

If you have damage from a storm, it is imperative to begin restorative work and repairs immediately. Dented items such as metal table tops and outdoor grill covers can suffer from additional damage if left unrepaired. Painting such surface will keep rust and corrosion to a minimum.

We at SERVPRO can help you eliminate the damage from the storm, and recreate your personal paradise. Damage to your home's structure is also possible. Windows and doors that have been affected by the storm can be repaired and rehung. Appearance is as important as functionality, and we strive to make your disaster a distant memory as we work to make it like it never even happened, both inside and out.

Professional Crews are Available 24/7 to Begin and Complete the Work Needed

Call us at SERVPRO of Montgomery at (334) 273-0992 so we can inspect and assess the work needed to bring your home back to normal again. Our professionals are IICRC trained and certified in both large and small damaged areas, and collaborate to decrease the amount of time required to complete all needed repairs.

Lake Martin Fire Damage--A Smoky Cleanup

5/9/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Tip: Keep Smoke Detectors Functioning to Help Prevent Lake Martin Fire Damage

SERVPRO Can Clean a Fire & Smoke Damaged Property in Lake Martin

If you are left with fire damage in Lake Martin, you can be feeling quite overwhelmed, especially depending on how severe the damage is and if you also have water damage from when the fire was put out. You can, however, begin to pick up the pieces and get back to a normal semblance of life by starting to clean up the mess that the smoke and soot from the fire has left behind.

Heavy Residue Cleanup
This could require assistance from a professional fire restoration company, and cleaning methods can include the following: 
Sodium bicarbonate blasting
Low-pressure sandblasting
Chemical application and agitation
Dry ice blasting
Non-destructive rubber blasting
Power washing with steam

Techniques for Cleaning Specific Materials
For Upholstery and Curtains – If soot has been deposited, you’ll need to deal with it before getting odor relief or cleaning. Soot is an oily residue and needs to be removed with care to avoid smearing and staining. You can use a powerful vacuum. The chances of you staining your furnishings and other items are very great. We strongly suggest that you secure the services of a professional fire damage restoration team, with the proper equipment and expertise to resolve these dirty issues.With sooty fabrics, don’t use an upright vacuum or any machine or attachment with beater bars or brushes, since it will force the soot into surrounding objects and make them more challenging to clean. Position the vacuum nozzle just above the surface and allow the vacuum to do its work in lifting out the soot from the surface. Don’t forget to cover any possessions after cleaning them with sheets to stop them from getting dirty again while you are cleaning everything else.

For Carpeting – Use an extraction machine or rotary scrubber from a supermarket or rental outlet, or use a professional carpet cleaner. Even better, use a professional fire damage restoration company like SERVPRO.

For Bedding and Clothes – Odors of smoke can stay in fabrics quite a long time until all of the unburned chemicals are removed. A lot of them are not visible to the naked eye. Soak them overnight with detergent and wash them as usual. When items can be bleached, add laundry bleach per usual during the wash cycle.

Hard Materials which are Porous – If soot is present on porous surfaces such as plaster, wallboard, wallpaper, painted surfaces or exposed wood, it is recommended that you use a dry chemical sponge to get as much of the soot off as possible. This can stop soil from being transferred deeply into the surface where it might look like a stain which is permanent.

Hard Materials which are Less Porous – Use a towel, sponge or mop with a cleaning detergent to wipe down countertops, clean tile, metal, sealed wood, vinyl wallpaper, and appliances.

Safety Tips for Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration 
If the ceiling is wet, don’t use ceiling fixtures.
Don’t use electrical appliances which have been close to fire.
Don’t wash drapes or other materials that need dry cleaning.
Don’t touch anything in your first inspection to stop transferring soot from each thing to another. Wear latex or another type of gloves.

Don’t hesitate to ask a professional for help in your restoration efforts after Lake Martin fire damage. No matter what, clean up as soon as you can to also prevent mold from forming on porous surfaces which got wet. Contact SERVPRO of Montgomery North for all your professional cleanup needs. You can reach us 24/7 at (334) 273-0992.

Water Damage Halcyon - It Is Critical To Get Halcyon Residential Water Damage Taken Care Of Immediately

4/4/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is nearby and ready to respond to your water damage in Halcyon.

It Is Critical To Get Residential Water Damage Taken Care Of Immediately In Halcyon

Water damage in your Halcyon home is truly insidious. First, there are many reasons or causes for this type of damage. It could come from outside the home, such as from a local river, torrential rains or a stream that has gotten too big for its banks. It might be from a leaking pipe or water heater, even an appliance that has sprung a leak. It might also be from a leak in the roof or a seeping in from outside through a less than adequately sealed basement wall. 

No matter where it comes from, a Halcyon water damage restoration company is in the best position to take care of it and to recover from it than anyone else because of their training, experience and specialized equipment for the tasks involved. When significant water is noticed, calling your insurance company first is critical. They can let you know what is permissible as far as costs they are liable. The next call needs to go to a Halcyon water damage restoration company. 

The several things that are crucial to completing, when they get to your home are to inspect the entire house to find the source of the water. Also, design the plan to get it stopped, and it all cleaned up to make your home healthy again. 

The things they look for, beyond where the water is coming from is where it is going. Where it has been is also very telling. The water may touch many things as it makes it way down to the lowest level of the house. This means it can be going down walls. It can flow down the walls on either side of the drywall. It can also be absorbed and flow up the walls, again, on either side of the sheet of wallboard. 

It will, if the water leaking source is on an upper level, go down through floors and then ceilings, staining first and then causing them to deteriorate and fall. This is part of the overall damaging effects of the water, by itself. When you consider the introduction of mold spores, from which mold grows, into the mix, this is part of what is considered water damage. 

The inspection, already begun by the water damage technicians, locates the places where molds are present. They accomplish this by specially developed equipment that locates the smallest source of moisture even if behind or inside walls. Often parts of these walls must be removed in the pursuit of thorough cleaning. 

When all water damage is located, and all water has been removed, the actual restoration is accomplished by repairing any of this damage and getting the entire house back to the way it looked before. This means replacing drywall, cleaning fabrics, such as clothing, carpets and throw rugs. It also entails painting and sanitize every surface. 

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

When you need water damage taken care of in Halcyon, Montgomery, or surrounding areas, give SERVPRO of Montgomery a call at (334) 273-0992 for immediate assistance!

Choosing a Fire Damage Restoration Company in Clanton

2/4/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Can Help Relieve Stress After Fire Damage to Your Clanton Home

Fire Damage to Your Clanton Home Gets Restored by SERVPRO

When you find that your property in Clanton has experienced fire damage, responding appropriately and immediately is important. If you don't take quick action, your home could be subjected to secondary water damage from the fire department's extinguishing efforts resulting in additional structural damage, and health hazards. The best course of action to take during the aftermath of a fire is to hire a fire damage restoration company. SERVPRO offers the following information to help you in your quest for a return to normalcy.

Obtain A Referral from Your Insurance Agent
One strategy you can use for gaining help from a fire damage restoration company is to request a referral from your insurance company. Insurance companies have a list of preferred vendors. SERVPRO is one such provider whose name is on over 315 lists from insurance companies, property management firms, and local, state, and federal agencies. An added benefit of acquiring a referral from your insurance provider is that it increases the likelihood that your insurance adjuster and the restoration representatives will work well together. We will gladly assist with the claims process, help manage the paperwork, and coordinate a concise plan of action to restore your Wetumpka fire damaged home.

Do Your Research
After the fire, it's critically vital that you obtain services from the best company out there. Follow your agent's advice. But also, if you feel more comfortabe, research on your own. One thing to keep in mind during the research process is that each fire is unique and will have a distinct impact on your home. For this reason, you need to select a fire damage restoration company that offers a wide range of services.
• HVAC system cleaning of smoke and soot
• Debris safely removed
• Extensive water extraction and drying
• Potential structural rebuild, repair before replacing to mitigate costs

Why Choose SERVPRO?
After Clanton fire damage to your home, you want fast, professional service. To ensure that the fire remediation process is completed quickly and correctly to protect your personal property and to restore safety and sanitation, you need to hire a premier fire damage restoration company.
• 24/7 Emergency Services
• IICRC-Certified Fire Damage Clean Up Specialists
• Fast Response
• Trusted Industry Leader With More Than 1,650 Franchises, localized for your particular needs
• Preferred Vendor For Many Local And National Insurance  and Property Management Companies

Over the years, our company's professionals at SERVPRO have proven to provide outstanding value to our clients. Your Clanton fire damaged property will be restored using the latest cleaning techniques and equipment. Our cutting edge services will return your home to pre-fire loss condition "Like it never even happened."

24-Hour Emergency Fire Restoration Service

As water and fire damage specialists, SERVPRO of Montgomery has the experience, the expertise, and the advanced training that allows us to quickly service our local communities. (334) 273-0992