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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Archived Blog Posts

The Return of the Mold: How To Minimize Your Risk of Repeat Growth

2/25/2022 (Permalink)

The Return of Mold: How to Reduce Your Chances of Recurring Growth

It is impossible to have a completely mold-free home. Mold is in the air. It hitches a ride on your clothes and hair when you come in from outside your home in Pinehurst/Moore & Montgomery and it seeks out any moisture source it can find. Black mold growth can appear in areas that have water damage from leaks or malfunctioning plumbing. Mold remediation experts can resolve the problem, but unless you take certain precautions, the mold could return, even after professional cleanup.

1. Maintain Your Home.

Vigilant maintenance is the key to preventing the need for future mold cleanup. Take note of the places in your home where condensation tends to gather or leaks often occur. Fix the problems causing the leaks. This not only prevents unsightly water damage but also denies black mold spores a place to land and thrive.

2. Ventilate Stagnant Areas.

Your attic gets stuffy quite easily, so you must make sure that it is properly ventilated. Moisture is more likely to gather in areas lacking in air flow. Giving the stale air in these places a place to escape outside your home can be an effective mold growth deterrent.

3. Control the Humidity.

Your indoor humidity should stay within a range of 30 and 50 percent. Humid rooms are prone to mold issues. Exhaust fans in your kitchen, laundry room and bathrooms can help prevent the need for mold cleanup.

4. Hire Professionals.

If you do discover a mold problem in your home, don’t try to clean it up yourself. Certified technicians are trained to assess the problem and resolve it thoroughly. If your mold issue is not resolved completely, it is likely to return again.

Mold remediation specialists can resolve a problem with black mold in your home. Your responsibility is to do everything you can to keep the problem from recurring by making your home a place where mold feels less welcome.

Winter Storms Can Cause Long Term Damage To Commercial Properties, Be Prepared With A SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile

2/17/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO's Emergency Ready Profile lets businesses register their properties with the local SERVPRO project manager free of charge. This profile lists the property/properties for your local SERVPRO manager, so that we can be prepared in case of an emergency. This profile can help you save thousands on damages caused by a storm or other severe weather event.

Large snowstorms in winter can cause damage to power lines, causing power outages and reducing heat supply for homes and businesses throughout the region. Many commercial properties can be left empty when this happens. The cold temperatures can cause equipment damage and water supply lines to burst. A company with a current SERVPRO ERP (Emergency Ready Profile) will know exactly where to find water, electricity, and other vital areas in order to turn off the water supply.

Call us to find out more about our free preparation service. The project manager will schedule your property walk-through before the next winter storm.

3 Ways Water Can Damage Your Home After a Fire

2/14/2022 (Permalink)

A fire can wreak havoc on your home, but the flames aren’t the only things that can cause destruction to your property. Often times, water can cause as many or, in some cases, more problems as the fire damage itself. If you own a home in Pinehurst/Moore & Montgomery Counties then you should be aware of the ways that water can cause further devastation after a fire.


1. Ruptured Pipes

During a fire, temperatures in your home can become extreme, and the intense heat can cause burst pipes and plumbing malfunctions. Falling debris can also lead to warped or broken pipes. Even if parts of your home are spared from burning, flooding can cause water damage throughout your residence, especially to walls and flooring.

2. Storm Damage

Fire damage often includes structural problems to the roof and windows. This can mean that water will be able to enter the home during any inclement weather that occurs before repairs can be completed. Placing tarps on the roof and boarding any broken windows can help mitigate these potential problems.

3. Water From Fire Hoses

When firefighters go to work to extinguish a burning house, their biggest ally is water. While absolutely necessary, the thousands of gallons that can come from a fire hose can leave behind a great deal of residual water that will need to be cleaned and removed. The longer this water sits stagnant, the greater the potential for incurring more damage and costly repairs. Fire extinguishers used by emergency responders can also contain compressed water, which can also leave behind destruction.

If you are dealing with the heartbreak of a fire in your dwelling, you are probably preparing to combat the fire damage you have suffered. However, you should also make a plan to deal with the destruction that water may have caused to your property, as well. Contact an emergency restoration specialist for more information to help you restore your home to the safe haven you deserve.

How Do You Dry Electronics After A Water Leak?

2/9/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® professionals have the experience to help you save these resources in your home.

Leakages can cause havoc in a home. Water leaks can cause damage to electronics throughout a home. Homeowners often use their phones and tablets in multiple rooms. Experts who are familiar with how to protect your equipment and data can save you money.

What type of damage can a water leak usually cause?

A water leak can cause power problems with various electronics in your house. It is important to remove electronics from harm as soon as possible.

What are the first steps when electronics become damaged?

First, ensure there are no electrical hazards. All electronics must be unplugged and backup batteries disconnected. Fuse breakers and trip breakers also need to be removed.

What are the other steps?

All electronics should be removed from any exposed areas if possible. To prevent further water damage, electronics should be covered with plastic if possible.

What about the water leaking from the leak?

SERVPRO® professionals are skilled in removing any standing water. You should wipe away any water remaining from your electrical equipment after the water has been removed. Do not turn on the equipment until you have thoroughly evaluated it. Otherwise, further damage could be caused by running an electric charge through electronics.

What equipment can we use in addition?

SERVPRO® professionals may use dehumidification equipment to stabilize electronics. As this can lead to corrosion and condensation, electronics should not be allowed to cool to the room's dew point.

What happens if you need more specialized knowledge?

We may need to use an electronics restoration specialist in order to finish the job and ensure the integrity of the electronics.

How to Prepare Your Commercial Property for a Winter Storm

2/7/2022 (Permalink)

Keep Your Commercial Property Safe From A Storm

A winter storm could cause devastating damage to commercial buildings in Pinehurst/Moore & Montgomery Counties. Freezing temperatures affect the construction materials of buildings by corroding, expanding, and tearing them. Materials that are affected by below-freezing temperatures include:

  • Pipes
  • Windows
  • Roofs
  • HVAC units

You can keep your property safe from bad weather by maintaining and updating your building as needed. Here are a few things you can do to keep your commercial property safe from a storm.

1. Maintain Your HVAC System
An HVAC unit has the power to heat your building and keep colder temperatures out. You will need to crank up the heat when temperatures drop. To keep your system maintained and functional before a winter storm, change the filters regularly and have the unit professionally cleaned at least once a year.

2. Check That Your Windows Are Properly Sealed
In older buildings, the sealant around windows becomes corroded with time. Make sure your windows are sealed well enough to keep out unwanted moisture. This prevents storm damage from ice and higher humidity levels in the building. It can also save you money on your electrical bill and ensures the HVAC system is not working harder than it needs to.

3. Insulate Around Your Plumbing
One of the main reasons insurance companies receive calls in the aftermath of inclement weather is damage from bursts or broken pipes. A burst pipe occurs when water freezes inside of the plumbing, causing the pressure to increase and pipes to burst. To prevent a pipe break, insulate around your pipes to keep the cold air out. Remember to allow warm air to circulate around indoor water supply lines by opening cabinet doors. Any outdoor pipes should also be well insulated.

Prevent unwanted damage by keeping your property well maintained year-round. If you have experienced a burst pipe from a winter storm, contact a storm damage restoration service to aid in cleanup and repairs. 

Kitchen Fires Call for Technical Fire Damage Restoration Efforts

1/23/2022 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO Help with Fire Damage Restoration After You Have a Kitchen Fire in Pinehurst/Moore & Montgomery Counties

An unexpected kitchen fire not only dampens your plans but it leaves a decent amount of smoke damage in its wake. After a protein fire, even when flames and smoke seem minimal, it can impact the kitchen as well as your entire Pinehurst/Moore & Montgomery Counties home. The aftermath stemming from a protein fire may not be immediately visible, but the sticky, foul-smelling residue will coat a lot of surfaces in the immediate area. SERVPRO is available to help with house fire clean-up to address protein fires in the kitchen and other restoration needs. 

What happens during a kitchen fire leads to the need for skilled fire damage restoration in Pinehurst/Moore & Montgomery Counties. Protein fires pose a unique restoration challenge due to the burnt foods causing pungent odors, often turning into an issue that is difficult to mitigate. SERVPRO can tell you the following about what results from a kitchen fire:

  • They generate a strong, lingering odor beyond many other types of fires
  • Protein fire may leave little noticeable residue, making it difficult for an untrained DIY clean up
  • The burn allows odors to migrate into furnishings and other areas of the structure
  • Many projects involving kitchen fires call for sealing agents
  • There might be a need for multiple methods and attempts to achieve the best results

SERVPRO features IICRC-certified fire and smoke restoration technicians ready to handle the work. We arrive and thoroughly assess the scene, then select specialized methods for addressing sticky, stubborn protein residue, clean all surfaces, and perform controlled demolition as needed. Your kitchen will be “Like it never even happened.”

Do you need help with specialized fire damage restoration? SERVPRO of Pinehurst/Moore & Montgomery Counties is the crew to call at (910) 428-5280. 

Spring Tips for Your Home or Business

3/17/2021 (Permalink)

The warm breeze of spring is always welcome after a cold, rainy North Carolina winter. Now is the time to do routine maintenance on your home or business before April showers get here. You don’t want to realize you have a leaky roof when there’s water pouring through your ceiling.

To help, we’ve created a simple guide to get your home ready for the spring season.

  1. Clean Your Gutters
    • Clogged gutters can cause a wood trim to rot, so cleaning it before spring helps prevent any further damage from spring rains.
  2. Reseal Exterior Woodwork
    • Decks, fences, railings, pergolas, or any other exterior wooden structures will last longer and remain in better condition if they’re stained or resealed every year or two. This is an opportunity for any repairs to woodwork, as well as checking any exterior wooden structures for termites.
  3. Inspect Your Roof
    • Storms can damage your roof quite thoroughly. By doing a simple visual inspection to check for missing shingles, damaged metal piping, or anything that may need repair, you may be saving yourself future time and money. If you find any damages, call a professional rather than attempting dangerous DIY work.
  4. Check Sprinkler & Irrigation System
    • Run through the zones manually and check for any damaged or broken sprinkler heads. It’s also essential to check for any sprinklers facing the house or windows. If you do not know how to maintain a sprinkler system, call a professional for anything that needs repair or adjustments.
  5. Check screens and windows
    • Making sure that screen doors or windows remain intact year-round, you’re preventing bugs from entering your home during the warmer months. Screen repair kits are available at most hardware or home improvement stores.

Stop the Storm Before It Arrives

3/17/2021 (Permalink)

Stop The Storm Before It Arrives

SERVPRO of Pinehurst/Moore & Montgomery Counties is prepared to help local businesses and residents with their storm damaged properties. Recent storms may have caused a burst pipe or flooding on your property, which our trained specialists are ready to respond to 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We have the training, equipment, and experience to restore and mitigate any storm damage done to your commercial or residential property. SERVPRO uses unique extraction and inspection equipment to get your property back to normal, while closely monitoring the drying process.

What To Do Pre-Storm

-Cover all windows with plywood or hurricane shutters

-Bring in any lawn furniture, decorations, trash cans, and anything that is not tied down.

-Close all shutters

-Keep gutters clean

-Fix any drainage problems near/on property to reduce flooding and standing water

Above all, safety comes first. If it is unsafe to return or leave your property, remain where you are. If you're in immediate danger, call emergency services. When you need any damages repaired - or want to be assured your property hasn't suffered any storm damage - call SERVPRO of Pinehurst/Moore & Montgomery Counties. (910)-428-5280

Restoration After A Storm

3/17/2021 (Permalink)

RESTORATION AFTER A STORM

Every North Carolinian knows the weather can be unpredictable and occasionally cause damage to your home. SERVPRO can’t stop the weather, but we can help repair any damages done by aggressive weather. Restoring your commercial or residential property post storm may include:

  • Inspection and Water Damage Assessment
    • Our highly trained technicians determine the scope of damage by inspecting and testing your property. We do this to determine how far the moisture has traveled and give you the best restoration services.
  • Water Removal/Extraction
    • Hundreds or thousands of gallons of water may be removed from your property by using our specialized pumps and vacuums during this part of the process. Water Removal/Extraction is started as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your home.
  • Drying and Dehumidifying
    • After most of the water has been removed, SERVPRO professionals will detect and remove any lasting, hard-to-find water. Dehumidifying and drying is less labor-intensive and more methodical than other methods of water removal.
  • Cleaning and Sanitation
    • SERVPRO can also restore many belongings that were affected by water damage, such as furniture, clothing, or personal items. This is done by using several specialized cleaning techniques. Restorable items are also sanitized with antimicrobial treatments and odors are removed with air scrubbers and fogging equipment.

Remember, this process can only begin after calling SERVPRO of Pinehurst/Moore & Montgomery Counties. Give us a call today! 910-428-5280

Trained & Certified Restoration Specialists

3/17/2021 (Permalink)

Our staff is specially trained in commercial and residential damage restoration. Initial and ongoing training are offered at SERVPRO’s Corporate Training Facility, as well as IIRC industry certification. Combined with our technicians’ experience, we are well equipped to restore your property to its former glory. Our training program includes:

  • The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC)
  • Employee Certification Training
  • Initial Franchise Training
  • E-Learning
  • Continuing Education Classes

IICRC Certification

The IICRC – or The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification sets standards for the cleaning and restoration companies. Our technicians educate themselves on IICRC standards and their best practices. These practices include water restoration, fire restoration, mold remediation, carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning, and several other courses.

Employee Certification Training

Designed for SERVPRO employees, the Employee Certification Training is a voluntary, self-paced program. Certification is awarded after completion of course materials and an accumulative exam of said materials. Modules can include:

  • Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning
  • Crew Training
  • Fire Restoration
  • Water Restoration

Initial Franchise Training

New Franchise owners are often the focus of this 15-day, hands-on course at the SERVPRO Corporate Training Facility. Restoration topics can include:

  • Fire Restoration
  • Water Restoration
  • Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning
  • Mold Remediation

e-Learning

Each staff member here at SERVPRO has access to our web-based training. An on-going, self-paced voluntary program used to coach our employees. Following a module of video presentations and supportive materials, a knowledge test is given, keeping our staff up to date on the latest industry standards.

Continuing Education 

SERVPRO offers credit and non-credit classes insurance agents, insurance adjusters, real estate professionals, and SERVPRO staff. These programs are meant to help prepare for emergency mitigation. 

  • Water Damage Restoration
  • Fire Damage Restoration
  • Understanding Mold in The Restoration Industry
  • Restorative-Drying for Loss Control
  • Mitigation Awareness Response Seminar (non-credit course)

Call SERVPRO of Pinehurst/Montgomery & Moore Counties today for any of your biohazard, mold, fire, or water damage needs! 910-428-5280

We Work with Your Insurance Provider!

3/17/2021 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO, customer service means we make continuous efforts to ensure all parties involved are satisfied with our service. We work closely with your insurance agent, adjuster, and carrier to make sure all parties are properly informed about the remediation services we provide. This will ensure that progress is made with your claim.

Satisfied customers are repeat customers! Customer and business loyalty is provided to each and every homeowner, business owner, and insurance company we contact. By maintaining contact with your insurance company, SERVPRO employees are ensuring that our work was satisfactory, and all parties are happy with our services. One bad review can easily cancel out the "good outcomes" of a job, and we strive to make sure that doesn't happen! 

3/18/2020 Surviving A Power Outage to a Natural Event

As anyone knows, the weather can be unpredictable in the coming months. Sometimes, this can mean you and your family may have to survive without common luxuries for up to 72 hours following a power outage. It could take from a few hours to a few days for disaster relief to reach you due to road conditions. Emergency supplies for such an event may include:

  • Flashlights (enough for each family member)
  • Battery-operated radio or clock
  • Extra batteries
  • Bottled water
  • Canned, freeze-dried, or dehydrated food
  • Powdered milk and other infant supplies
  • Non-electric can opener
  • List of important phone numbers
  • First aid kit

Before a disaster occurs, stocking up on all listed above will ensure that your family has the proper supplies during a power outage. Supplemental information is also available at www.ready.gov

Surviving A Power Outage to a Natural Event

3/17/2021 (Permalink)

As anyone knows, the weather can be unpredictable in the coming months. Sometimes, this can mean you and your family may have to survive without common luxuries for up to 72 hours following a power outage. It could take from a few hours to a few days for disaster relief to reach you due to road conditions. Emergency supplies for such an event may include:

  • Flashlights (enough for each family member)
  • Battery-operated radio or clock
  • Extra batteries
  • Bottled water
  • Canned, freeze-dried, or dehydrated food
  • Powdered milk and other infant supplies
  • Non-electric can opener
  • List of important phone numbers
  • First aid kit

Before a disaster occurs, stocking up on all listed above will ensure that your family has the proper supplies during a power outage. Supplemental information is also available at www.ready.gov

Faster to Any-Sized Disaster

3/17/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Pinehurst/Moore & Montgomery Counties offers 24-hour emergency services and will be faster to any size disaster in Pinehurst/Moore or Montgomery Counties! We have the proper certifications and equipment to respond to your restorative or cleaning jobs.

  • 24-Hour Emergency Services
  • Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
  • Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
  • A Trusted Leader in The Restoration Industry
  • Locally Owned and Operated
  • Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment

Call us if you have questions! (910)-428-5280

If your Pinehurst/Moore & Montgomery Counties home needs emergency response or upholstery cleaning, you can count on us. Our technicians have the right amount of training to make your property shine. Our residential services include:

  • Water Damage Restoration
  • Fire Damage Restoration
  • Storm Damage Restoration
  • Mold Remediation
  • Cleaning Services
  • Building/Reconstruction Services

Maybe your commercial property in Pinehurst/Moore & Montgomery Counties is in need of the same services. Every hour you spend repairing is another hour of lost revenue. Let our highly trained, specialized technicians respond promptly to get your commercial property looking its best! Learn more about our commercial services.

  • Commercial Fire Damage Restoration

Commercial Water Damage Restoration

Spring Cleaning Tips

3/15/2021 (Permalink)

Spring Cleaning?

The fresh spring air can be energizing as we anticipate visiting with friends and family, creating memories and sharing the moments that make life special.

However, there is often a lot of stress that proceeds in all these wonderful moments.

One of the most stressful parts of spring is having friends and family members come to visit. It can be like having a group of inspectors stopping by to give you're home the once over.

This can cause any host, to go overboard trying to make sure that their home passes inspection!

So, let's look a few tips to help you find a happy medium and avoid added stress by going overboard.

1. Look at Your Home With the Eye of a Visitor - We may hate to admit it, but how often do we go into a friend or relatives house, and we notice those things that are out of place or need repair... TOO OFTEN!

Well, now is the time to put our "visitor's eye" to good use. Start outside your home and walk in as if you were coming to visit. Walk through all the areas of your home where visitors are likely to be during their visit. Make notes about the imperfections you see.

2. Prioritize & Create a Plan - Once you have your notes of the areas that need to be taken care of before your guests arrive, prioritize them. Number the items in the order of the "must complete" to "it would be nice" to complete before your gathering.

Once you have your plan of attack, next is to schedule when you will attack it. We all lead busy lives and by adding new things to the day, we run the risk of creating more stress for ourselves.

By scheduling when you will do these things gives you structure and allows you to slowly and methodically complete your list. As you schedule your list, consider only tackling 1 major project a day and spreading the list over a week or so.

3. Concentrate on the Most Important Areas - Sometimes when we use our "visitor's eye" we are still overly critical because it is our home. We sometimes fail to cut ourselves any slack and feel like everything is a priority.

Remember, these tips are supposed to help eliminate or at least limit the amount of stress you feel when getting your home clean and ready to greet guests.

So, if your list makes you overwhelmed, or you're not sure what is the highest priority, then focus on the main areas your guests will see.

Focus your cleaning efforts on the kitchen, bathrooms, dining room and guest bedrooms.

Let's face it, these are the places where your guests are likely to spend the most time during their visit. By concentrating your efforts in these areas, you put your best foot forward where you need it most.

Are You In Over Your Head?

Sometimes, no matter how hard we try or home much we prioritize, getting our home into visitor shape may be more than we can handle before a gathering. If that's the case, don't hesitate to reach out to the professionals.

Contact Us we're just a phone call away from being able to help put your holiday cleaning mind at ease.

Follow These Mold Safety Tips If You Suspect Mold

3/8/2021 (Permalink)

Be careful! Without proper training, you could be spreading mold throughout your home.

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.

What to Do:

  • Stay out of affected areas.
  • Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
  • Contact SERVPRO of Pinehurst for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

  • Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
  • Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
  • Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
  • Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO of Pinehurst specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business.  Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today -[910]-428-5280

Protecting Your Home From Damage In Heavy Rain

3/1/2021 (Permalink)

Sometimes When It Rains It Pours

Sometimes when it rains, it pours.

While rain water in and of itself doesn’t pose a huge threat, rainstorms that are heavy and occur over several days can expose your home to long-term damage. Here are a few steps you can take to reduce water damage risks:

Have A Healthy Roof

The best protection for your home in stormy weather conditions is your roof – think of it as your first line of defense. Make sure your roof is in good condition by looking for things like loose shingles, surface divots, soft spots, and cracks. Roofs that exhibit any of these can cause leaks, leading to potentially serious internal damage on your walls on ceiling. If you don’t see any problems with your roof but are still wondering if it’s up to standards, it never hurts to call a professional to come out and give it an inspection.  

Inspect Your Gutters

Having well running gutters in place can be critical when experiencing heavy rainfall. Gutters help keep water off your home’s walls, so it’s important to keep them clean and clear of debris.

Direct Water Away from Your Home

This may seem like an obvious one, but that doesn’t make it any less important. Directing rainwater runoff away from the foundation of your home prevents the formation of puddles around it. As water seeps into the ground, it can crack your foundation, creating an opening for more water to get in and attract mold and mildew. Downspouts that direct water five to ten feet away from your house play a big role in preventing that kind of damage.  

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Following these steps will help you keep your home safe and protected from water damage during the rainy season. As always, if you do experience any type of water or storm damage, Contact Us here at SERVPRO of Pinehurst / Moore & Montgomery Co. and our response team will be there to fix it in no time.

Commercial Property Restoration

2/22/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial Property Restoration

When you choose SERVPRO of Pinehurst/Moore & Montgomery Counties for your commercial property restoration project we provide the very best in business experience and project management best practices. 

Out workflow is standardized with proprietary software that aligns technology with the actual work being performed.  This results in open communication with our customers, our projects managers and technicians leading to excellent service quality.

Our work begins with phases and steps which is a fluid organized structure of steps each requiring performance completion determined by the type and complexity of the project. Tasks and activities are highly refined actions within each step overseen by a trained SERVPRO supervisor.  As you can imagine residential and commercial restoration requires differing, unique and individualized tasks. 

We assign a designated project manager specifically for the commercial project who is the point of contact (POC) and single source of decision making and project oversight who ensures that the agreed upon scope of work is achieved.   The key to any project is effective and consistent communication. This benefit to you, our commercial customer is enormous! 

Commercial lossrequires immediate service. Our customers are our priority and with an emergency action plan in place SERVPRO can do what we do best – property damage restoration – to maintain safety, minimize property loss and restore business continuity. 

Perhaps the most important advice we can give to any commercial facility is the necessity of contacting us for an Emergency ready profile (ERP).  Having an ERP on file with SERVPRO of Pinehurst/Moore & Montgomery Counties BEFORE a catastrophic commercial damage event occurs save your business operation countless time and expense because immediate actionable steps at your specific location have been identified and documented allowing our restoration experts to hit the ground running. 

Because our credibility, awareness and customer trust is already in place before SERVPRO technicians arrive on-site you can understand why SERVPRO is the best restoration vendor to choose.

Contact us at (910)-428-5280

Restoring Your Pinehurst / Moore & Montgomery County Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

2/19/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial Water Damage Events Present Unique Challenges

Flooding and water damage events at Pinehurst / Moore & Montgomery County 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.

 CALL US:  [910] 428 - 5280

About SERVPRO of Pinehurst / Moore & Montgomery Counties

SERVPRO of Pinehurst / Moore & 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.

About Us

Restoring Your Commercial Property After Fire Damage

2/17/2021 (Permalink)

Fire Damage Keep Calm Call SERVPRO

Fires and fire damage incidents on commercial properties are often confusing, stressful, and call for a vast array of knowledge to fix any issues that may arise. Whether we’re handling a small kitchen grease fire or a more involved scenario, SERVPRO works quickly and carefully to assess each situation and improve or negate any damages. Often, normal day-to-day operations can continue while we repair your commercial property.

Your Commercial Property Is Unique!

Our technicians have been trained to remain aware of any legal, environmental, and budgetary concerns while restoring the fire damage on the property. SERVPRO understands that each moment spent cleaning means lost revenue and possibly lost business for your company. If an emergency becomes apparent on your commercial property, give us a call, and we’ll make it "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO of Pinehurst, Moore & Montgomery Counties!

SERVPRO of Pinehurst, Moore & Montgomery Counties offers cleanup and restoration after fire, water, mold, or biohazard damages in commercial and residential properties. Our technicians are thoroughly trained in property damage restoration and cleanup. Using knowledge from their initial training to continuing education, our staff is well-equipped to restore your property.

Is your home at risk for water damage?

2/10/2021 (Permalink)

Hidden water damages.

Signs of Water Damage

No one ever truly understands the power of rain or water and the damage it can do to your home or business. Once water has found its way inside your house, it can travel anywhere, creating hidden problems. So, even after that big puddle recedes, there may be some underlying problems lurking behind the scenes. Here are some helpful tips on how to identify water damage, SERVPRO of Pinehurst, Moore, & Montgomery urges you to pay attention,

Smell the air, musty air?

Spot the stains

Peeling paint

High water bills

Stained or crumbling drywall

Sagging spaces and swollen, lifted or squishy floors.

If you notice any of these signs, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Pinehurst, Moore & Montgoemry to investigate and avoid further damage. SERVPRO is here 24/7 to help you breathe a little easier.

In-Place Drying of Flooded Carpeting in Your Showroom

2/9/2021 (Permalink)

Faster to Any-Size Disaster

Your store must keep up a polished appearance to show your potential customers that they are making a wise decision with your business. Because of how vital it is to stay open after the holidays for those looking to upgrade their bedrooms following Christmas and even into the early spring, the expected severe weather events and potential flooding could threaten your availability to your customers and their needs.

As with all water loss incidents, the faster that you address flood damage in your store, the less time-consuming and costly that recovery ends up being. With carpeting stretching from wall to wall in your sprawling showroom, how you approach the drying and restoration of affected carpeting can determine how long restoration ultimately takes. In-place drying techniques can be advantageous to business owners looking to get back to normal operations as promptly as possible when floodwater has no potential contamination risks.

In-place drying of carpets can only work if the pad beneath the carpet has not remained directly exposed to water damages for more than three days. If 72 hours have passed and moisture persists, then it is best to remove the padding under the carpet at a minimum. If the padding must get removed, an inspection of the sub-flooring material must also occur – any warping or bowing of these joists or supports can indicate more work that is required. In many situations, in-place drying can save your business money, despite the time spent moving bed frames with mattresses to unaffected areas of your showroom.

Floating carpet can be another method of drying out both the carpet and the lightly saturated padding. We can detach corners of the carpet to vent the air mover blasting to prevent the stretching of your carpet. When moisture indicators and detection devices relay that the material is dry, we can reinstall the detached portions of carpet, and focus on any final cleaning tasks that must occur to make this loss incident “Like it never even happened.”

No matter how severe flood loss incidents can initially seem, We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster. Let our qualified SERVPRO of Pinehurst team help you however you need. Call us today!

Pinehurst / Moore & Montgomery Counties Smoke and Soot Cleanup

1/29/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke and Soot Damage Can Cause a Pervasive Odor in Your Pinehurst / Moore or Montgomery County Home.

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

  • Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
  • Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
  • The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Pinehurst / Moore & Montgomery will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

  • Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

  • Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

  • Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – [910] 428 - 5280

Always on Time & Ready to Dry: Team SERVPRO

1/15/2021 (Permalink)

As a business owner, you pride yourself on delivering the best products or services in your niche. You counsel customers and other businesses to rely on your expertise and unique products. When your commercial property needs  water removed quickly, follow your own advice and hire our certified technicians.

 
At some point during your stewardship of the company, commercial water removal will become necessary. A broken water pipe, storm damage, machinery malfunction, or a host of other accidents can fill the lower levels of the business. Asking your staff to manage this crisis with inadequate tools or even appropriate equipment borrowed or leased is a poor business decision. Our trained and certified technicians mobilize quickly and clear out the water fast.
 
SERVPRO specializes in disaster recovery, and water removal is one of our core services. We arrive as soon as possible, swiftly assess your company’s needs, and begin recovery efforts immediately. Our service vehicles hold high-efficiency pumps and water extractors; if power is temporarily interrupted during the catastrophe, our onboard power generators ensure that water removal need not wait. The crew members dispatched to your property also scan for hidden water in any recesses between walls, under floors, or other spaces.
 
Our employees train to master professional strategies through Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification courses. The SERVPRO crew members evaluate the condition of the water in your property to determine if containment and hazardous waste disposal are required by law. If so, we understand the legal requirements and how to clean and sanitize after water removal. This ensures your property is safe for your employees and customers.
 
Urgency is crucial when your property suffers a water loss. If the structural components and contents of your business remain wet for more than 24 to 48 hours, you risk severe and progressive deterioration and the potential for mold growth and damage.
 
Rely on SERVPRO of Pinehurst to respond to your water removal needs, just as you urge your customers to have confidence in your ability to deliver the products and services they require. Waste no time calling when water brings business to a halt.

Faster to your Pinehurst / Moore & Montgomery Counties Water Damage Event

1/15/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Pinehurst / Moore & Montgomery provides 24-hour fire and water damage restoration service in Pinehurst / Moore & Montgomery Counties.

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

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - [910] 428 -5280

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

What to Expect

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

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

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

About SERVPRO of Pinehurst / Moore & Montgomery Counties

SERVPRO of Pinehurst 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.

Lets' Get to Know Each Other

Meet Our Crew

SERVPRO of Pinehurst / Moore & Montgomery County Residents: We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration!

1/7/2021 (Permalink)

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

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

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today - [910] 428 - 5280

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

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

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

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

Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help [910] 428 - 5280

We are Cleaning Experts

1/6/2021 (Permalink)

You can always trust SERVPRO of Pinehurst to disinfect your home, office, classroom, lodge and other areas.

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 Pinehurst / Moore & Montgomery Counties , 910-428-5280

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

New Year, New Tips!

1/1/2021 (Permalink)

From our SERVPRO family to yours, we wish you a Happy New Year!

1/2/2019

With the ball dropping us into the New Year, this is a great time to learn more tips and tricks to practice throughout 2021 to prevent damages to your home.  

House Fires

-Cook with caution and never leave any turned-on stoves unattended.

-Have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen

-Clean out your dryer vent often and remove any lint after each load. This will also help your clothes dry faster!

-Hire an inspector. This will ensure that your house has a lower chance of catching on fire. You might save a lot of money and time by taking safety precautions. 

Bursting Frozen pipes

-Always keep the heat on even if you are on vacation in the winter. Leaving your thermostat around 50 degrees Fahrenheit can prevent your pipes from freezing.

 -Leave cabinet doors open to allow warm air to reach the pipes.

 -Allow your faucet to drip a little during cold days to release the pressure.

Mold

-Dry out a wet area properly. If the damaged area is too large or in areas that cannot be easily accessible, you can contact us for mitigation and restoration.

-Add a dehumidifier to your house to remove extra moisture.

-As soon as you find mold, call a professional to remediate and mitigate.

SERVPRO of Pinehurst/Moore & Montgomery Counties can assist you with any of these damages. It is best to contact us as soon as possible, to prevent the damage from increasing.

We Love Our Neighbors!

12/14/2020 (Permalink)

Looking for ways to spread hope?

There are so many ways you can help spread a little hope in your neighborhood and so many nonprofits in great need of your support. Nonprofit organizations make a difference in our communities in so many ways.

We're proud to spread a little hope and hopefully make a difference by partnering with Life Care. We hope you'll help us make a difference by partnering too!

Please take a moment to read how we're spreading hope at Life Care and how you can help spread a little hope yourselves.

://thesevenlakesinsider.com/2020/12/SERVPRO-baby-items-for-life-care-pregnancy-center/

Causes & Signs of Water Damage

12/7/2020 (Permalink)

Water leaks happen! Do you know what to look for?

Water damage can happen suddenly or over a period of time. If water damage develops over a period of time, the condition will only worsen and continue to do more damage if not taken care of. It is good to know the most common causes and what to look out for. 


Causes of Water Damage

Here’s a list of the most common causes of water damage:

  • Extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, thunderstorms, and floods
  • Pipes that are frozen, have burst or are leaking 
  • Malfunctioning appliances, such as dishwashers or washing machines
  • Groundwater seepage through cracks in your foundation or walls
  • Roof damage, such as missing shingles or cracked flashing

Signs of Water Damage

The following list provides some of the telltale signs that you are dealing with water damage. Keep an eye out for these:

  • Peeling paint
  • Warping floors
  • Ceilings and walls that show discoloration or sagging
  • A strong musty smell
  • Water pooling up in puddles in your yard, especially after a rainstorm

If your home experiences water damage then call us at SERVPRO of Pinehurst/Moore and Montgomery Counties at (910) 428-5280 We are here for you 24/7 and 365.

Holiday Safety Tips

12/7/2020 (Permalink)

Happy Holidays!

Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other holidays are right around the corner. While it’s a great season to spend with friends and family, it’s also the time when most house fires occur. We’ve seen first-hand how a fire can unexpectedly upend people’s lives, which is why we’re sharing a few tips to prevent a holiday fire disaster!

  1. Don’t leave the kitchen unattended while cooking. Cooking is a popular pastime during the holiday season, but it’s also one the largest causes of home fires in the U.S. Whenever you cook, don’t leave the kitchen attended while it’s still in use—not even for a second. Fires can occur quickly and without warning!
  2. Keep your heating equipment away from flammable equipment. When it’s cold outside, we go inside and heat up. But space heaters and fire places can pose a fire hazard if precautions aren’t taken. When you decide to keep warm, keep heating equipment at least 3 feet away from flammable objects.
  3. Be careful with candles. Candles account for more than half of home fires in the month of December. Although they are popular (and often part of culture and tradition), they can put your home at risk if they aren’t properly handled. Keep them away from children, don’t leave them unattended, and keep them away from flammable objects.

The holidays should be a time for celebration and camaraderie, but a house fire can ruin all of that. This holiday season, we hope you’ll practice fire safety and have a disaster-free time. If a fire does occur, know that our team at SERVPRO of Pinehurst/Moore and Montgomery Counties is available 24/7, including the holiday season!

We're Here to Clean Any Commercial Damage

12/7/2020 (Permalink)

We’ve worked with many local homeowners to restore their home after a disaster. But did you know that we also have the resources and the experience to clean and restore commercial properties as well? In fact, we’ve helped many commercial owners recover from fire damage, flooding, and more!

Responding to Business’ Disasters 24/7

When we say we’re a 24/7 disaster restoration company, we mean it. We have on-call staff who are ready to respond to fire or water damages at any moment—whether it’s late at night or Thanksgiving morning. In fact, we recently received a call at around 3 a.m. for a flooded commercial property that needed extraction. Our team arrived within the hour and took care of the issue!

We Can Handle Any Size Disaster

It might seem hard to believe, but there’s no amount of damage that we can’t handle. For starters, SERVPRO of Pinehurst/Moore and Montgomery Counties is a Large Loss Response Team. This designation from our corporate office indicates that we have the skills and resources to handle large-scale disasters. In fact, we have experience with several of these types of incidents.

What about extreme situations? In instances where all of our resources are tapped, we can call in other franchises (over 1,700!) to assist.  No matter how extensive the damage is, SERVPRO can make it “Like it never even happened.”

Cleaning and Restoring your Commercial Property

Our team at SERVPRO of Pinehurst/Moore and Montgomery Counties can take care of any damage your property endures. After a decade of serving the community and building our franchise, we are confident in our ability to restore your commercial property. But don’t take our word for it—our customers proudly speak for themselves!

If you have a disaster—regardless of whether it’s at your home or your business—please call our team today at (910) 428-5280

Protecting Your Home from Heavy Rain

11/15/2020 (Permalink)

Stay dry during the storm with us here at SERVPRO of Pinehurst / Moore & Montgomery Co.

Sometimes when it rains, it pours.

While rain water in and of itself doesn’t pose a huge threat, rainstorms that are heavy and occur over several days can expose your home to long-term damage. Here are a few steps you can take to reduce water damage risks:

Have A Healthy Roof

The best protection for your home in stormy weather conditions is your roof – think of it as your first line of defense. Make sure your roof is in good condition by looking for loose shingles, surface divots, soft spots, and cracks. Roofs that exhibit any of these can have leaks, leading to potentially serious internal damage on your walls or ceiling. If you don’t see any problems with your roof but are still wondering if it’s up to standard, it never hurts to call a professional to come out and give it an inspection.  

Inspect Your Gutters

Having well running gutters in place can be critical when experiencing heavy rainfall. Gutters help keep water off your home’s walls, so it’s important to keep them clean and clear of debris.

Direct Water Away from Your Home

This may seem like an obvious one, but that doesn’t make it any less important. Directing rainwater runoff away from the foundation of your home prevents the formation of puddles around it. As water seeps into the ground, it can crack your foundation, creating an opening for more water to get in and attract mold and mildew. Downspouts that direct water five to ten feet away from your house play a big role in preventing that kind of damage.  

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Following these steps will help you keep your home safe and protected from water damage during the rainy season. As always, if you do experience any type of water or storm damage, Contact Us here at SERVPRO of Pinehurst / Moore & Montgomery Co. and our response team will be there to fix it in no time.

How Water Damage Creates Mold Issues in Your Home

11/15/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage inside the drywall can cause mold. Call SERVPRO at the first sign of water damage.

The goal during any water damage situation is to remove moisture as quickly as possible and preferably within 48 hours so that fungi cannot form. When your home becomes affected by moisture, professional companies like SERVPRO can help reduce the severity of the issues. In most cases, we speed up the natural evaporation and drying process by utilizing air movers and dehumidifiers. The air movers create air flow so that water continually evaporates from wet surfaces while dehumidifiers remove moisture from the air and provide the fans with hot, dry air. However, when certain building materials receive water damage, other measures must be taken to drop moisture levels and prevent mold growth quickly.  

When water leaks into your home, it usually accumulates on the floor first. Then, it soaks into your drywall and starts to wick its way up your walls, possibly causing extensive water damage to your home. If wall cavities get wet, fungi can form on the paper backing of the drywall and the wooden studs to which the drywall is attached. In some scenarios, our SERVPRO technicians cut the drywall a foot or two up from the floor so that air can get pushed into the wall cavity. In other situations, we use advanced technology to dry out the drywall and the wood trapped behind it without cutting into your walls.  

When your walls get wet, we often use injectidry systems to get air behind the drywall material by drilling holes into your drywall. We then connect the tubes coming from the injectidry unit to the holes in the walls so that the machine pushes air into the wall cavity, thus speeding up the drying process. The use of injection drying can save you and your insurance company the cost of replacing a large amount of drywall.  

Our highly trained team always strives hard to provide fast 24/7 service if you ever suffer a property disaster. If you ever notice that your drywall got wet after a water leak, Contact Us here at SERVPRO of Pinehurst, Moore & Montgomery. 

Smoke & Soot Damage in Pinehurst/Moore & Montgomery Counties

11/11/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

  • Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
  • Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
  • The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Pinehurst/Moore and Montgomery Counties will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

  • Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

  • Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

  • Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today –(910)428-5280

SERVPRO Will Get Your Business Back on Track!

11/11/2020 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of Pinehurst/Moore & Montgomery Counties, we understand that commercial water emergencies occurs in your business. We're here to make sure the issues are mitigated quickly and efficiently. During these emergencies, it is not just the building that needs to be restored and functioning but the materials and equipment you use on a daily basis.

We have the ability to save items such as office furniture, desks, and even sensitive documents with our Document Restoration in the event of a commercial water emergency. Although SERVPRO offers mainly emergency services, we offer restoration as well. We always attempt to salvage anything damaged as we understand it keeps down cost, assists you when dealing with an insurance agency, and it may have sentimental value with your company. If an item can be saved or restored it is worth the time to do so.  

We will work tirelessly to treat each of your items with special care. Our team is trained to keep your items undamaged while we work to restore them. Our content specialist team does wonders with your clean-up on all types of materials.  

Trust that SERVPRO of Pinehurst/Moore and Montgomery Counties keeps in mind that time down for your business means money lost. So our team will work around the clock to make sure it is “Like it never even happened,” and your business is back up and running!

Winter Tips to Prevent Frozen Pipes from Bursting

11/6/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Pinehurst / Moore & Montgomery counties can respond faster to your frozen water pipe disaster.

The temperatures have been dropping and the winter weather is arriving.  When the temperatures go below freezing level, your property is at risk for frozen pipes, which can create a major disaster in your home or business.

Be Prepared

  • Know where your water shut off is located, in case of a frozen water pipe burst.
  • Insulate exposed pipes in your home or business, especially if they are in unheated rooms.
  • Open bathroom and kitchen cabinet doors during cold spells to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing.
  • During extremely cold weather, keep a slow trickle of water flowing through faucets. Running water is less likely to freeze.
  • Consider shutting off outdoor faucets and open the outdoor faucet to help ensure it completely drains and the inner valve is shut off.
  • Keep your heat set to the same temperature both day and night.
  • If you plan on being away from your property for an extended period of time, leave the heat on and set the thermostat to at least 55°F.

Discovered Frozen Pipe

  • First sign of freezing is reduced water flow from a faucet.
  • Keep the faucet open when treating frozen pipes.
  • Apply heat to the frozen sections using a heating pad, hair drier, or another safe heat source. Do not use an open flame device.
  • Check additional pipes and faucets for freezing.

When a Pipe Bursts

  • Shut off the water at the main valve.
  • Call your local restoration professionals, SERVPRO® of Pinehurst / Moore & Montgomery Counties.

A burst pipe can cause considerable damage to your property if not addressed quickly. If winter weather causes water damage to your home or business, call SERVPRO® of Pinehurst / Moore & Montgomery Counties. We are available 24/7/365  to restore to any preloss condition.

Tips for Stress Free Holiday Cleaning

11/6/2020 (Permalink)

Happy Holidays!

The holiday season can be a time of joy as we spend time visiting friends and family, creating memories and sharing the moments that make life special.

However, there is often a lot of stress that proceeds all these wonderful moments.

One of the most stressful parts of the holiday season is having family members coming to visit. It can feel as if a group of inspectors are stopping by to give your home the once over.

This can cause any host to go overboard trying to make sure that their home passes the friendly family 'inspection'!

Here are a few of our favorite tips to help you find a happy medium and avoid added holiday stress.

1. Look at Your Home With the Eye of a Visitor - We may hate to admit it, but how often do we go into a friend or relatives home and we notice items that may be out of place or need repair... TOO OFTEN!

Before your friends and family arrive is the perfect time to put your "visitor's eye" to good use. Start outside of your home and walk in as if you were coming to visit. Walk through areas of your home where visitors commonly stay or see. Make note of any imperfections you see.

2. Prioritize & Create a Plan - Once you have made note of the areas that need to be taken care of, prioritize them before your guests arrive. Do not procrastinate. Number the items in the order of the "must complete" to "it would be nice" to complete before the holiday arrives.

Once you have your plan of attack, next is scheduling. We all lead busy lives and by adding new things to the day, we run the risk of creating more stress for ourselves.

Creating a schedule gives you structure and allows you to slowly and methodically complete your to-do list. As you schedule your list, consider only tackling one major project per day and spreading the list over a week or so.

3. Concentrate on the Most Important Areas

Sometimes when we use our "visitor's eye" we become overly critical because it is our home. We sometimes fail to cut ourselves any slack and feel like everything is a priority. Would you look around a visitor's home this way?

Well remember, these tips are supposed to help eliminate or at least limit the amount of stress you feel when getting your home clean and ready to greet holiday guests.

So, if your list makes you overwhelmed or you're not sure what is the highest priority, them focus on the main areas your guests will see.

Focus your cleaning efforts on the kitchen, bathrooms, dining room and guest bedrooms.

Let's face it, these are the places where your guests are likely to spend the most time during their visit. By concentrating your efforts in these areas, you put your best foot forward where you need it most.

Are You In Over Your Head?

Sometimes, no matter how hard we try or how much we prioritize, getting our home into visitor shape may be more than we can handle before a holiday. If that's the case, don't hesitate to reach out to the professionals.

Contact Us today! We're just a phone call away from being a stress-free holiday cleaning!

How to Survive When A Storm Causes A Power Outage

10/30/2020 (Permalink)

You may need to survive on your own after an emergency. This means having your own food, water and other supplies in sufficient quantity to last for at least 72 hours. Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster but they cannot reach everyone immediately. You could get help in hours or it might take days. Depending on the nature of the disaster road conditions may prevent help from arriving in a timely manner. 

Additionally, basic services such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment and telephones may be cut off for days or even a week, or longer. Your supplies kit should contain items to help you manage during these outages.  If the power goes out keep your pipes from freezing by shutting off the valve that allows water to come into your home. Then, open any drain valves and all faucets and let them run until the pipes are empty (it's helpful to identify these valves in advance). Next, flush all toilets and pour denatured alcohol into toilets and sinks to prevent water in the traps from freezing. Do NOT use automotive antifreeze in case there's trouble with your water system; you don't want the antifreeze to contaminate your drinking water. You may, however, use nontoxic antifreeze that's made for winterizing motor homes.

Be prepared for a power outage by keeping necessary items centrally located in your home. Take the time to ensure that everyone in your family is aware of the "kit." Periodically check your kit to see that batteries operate properly. The following is a list of items that are suggested to keep on hand:

1.     Flashlights for each family member

2.     Battery-operated radio and clock

3.     Extra batteries

4.     Containers of bottled water

5.     Canned, freeze-dried or dehydrated food, powdered milk, baby supplies for infants

6.     Non-electric can opener

7.     List of important phone numbers

8.     First-aid kit

Following a disaster, there may be power outages that could last for several days. Stock canned foods, dry mixes and other staples that do not require refrigeration, cooking, water or special preparation. Be sure to include a manual can opener and eating utensils. The following items are suggested when selecting emergency food supplies. You may already have many of these on hand.

•Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food.

•Choose foods your family will eat.

•Remember any special dietary needs.

•Avoid foods that will make you thirsty.

•Choose salt-free crackers, whole grain cereals and canned foods with high liquid content.

•Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, vegetables and a can opener

•Protein or fruit bars

•Dry cereal or granola

•Peanut butter

•Dried fruit

•Nuts

•Crackers

•Canned juices

•Non-perishable pasteurized milk

•High energy foods

•Vitamins

•Food for infants

•Comfort/stress foods

These and many other helpful tips are available at ready.gov Here is the link to winter tips for before during and after a winter storm http://www.ready.gov/winter-weather 

North Carolina Hurricane Preparedness

10/30/2020 (Permalink)

The two keys to weather safety is to PREPARE for the risks and to ACT on those preparations when alerted by emergency officials.

Before a Hurricane:

  • To begin preparing, you should build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
  • Know your surroundings
  • Learn the elevation level of your property and whether the land is flood-prone.
  • Identify levees and dams in your area and determine whether they pose a hazard to you.
  • Learn community hurricane evacuation routes and how to find higher ground.
  • Make plans to secure your property
  • Cover all of your home's windows
  • Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure.
  • Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed so they are more wind resistant.
  • Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
  • Reinforce your garage
  • Plan to bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down.
  • Determine how and where to secure your boat.
  • Install a generator for emergencies.
  • If in a high-rise building, when high winds are present, be prepared to take shelter on a lower floor because wind conditions increase with height, and in a small interior room without windows.
  • Consider building a safe room. 

Fire Safety

10/30/2020 (Permalink)

Fire Safety

Take a moment to ask yourself the following questions regarding fire safety in your home to avoid the risk. SERVPRO of Iowa City / Coralville is here to help even before you need us.

  • Do you have adequate smoke detectors in your home?

Every Home should have at least one working smoke alarm. It’s recommended to have approved smoke alarms on each level of the home, outside sleeping areas and inside bedrooms. Test your alarm monthly and replace batteries once a year even if the battery seems to be okay.

  • How good are your electric connections?

Never overload electrical circuits or extension cords. Never place cords or wires under rugs in high traffic areas. If any electric cables are worn or taped, they should be replaced immediately. Shut off and unplug any appliances that sputter, spark or emit an unusual smell.

  • Is your Stove clear of flammable objects?

Keep wires, cloths and oven gloves away from stove top. Also don’t let grease or other remains build up-they can go up in flames

  • Has your chimney been swept?

              If you have a fireplace, you should have your chimney inspected and cleaned at least once a year. Give yourself enough time in case repairs are needed before the cold weather sets in.

  • Do you have several easy -to -use fire extinguishers in your home?

It’s a good ideal to have several. And make sure that all family members know where they are located and how to properly use them.

  • Do you have an escape plan?

Practice an escape plan with your family. Stay low to the floor when escaping from the fire and never open doors that are hot. Have a set location where everyone can meet after escaping the house.

SERVPRO is Ready for YOU!

10/30/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Pinehurst/Moore and Montgomery Counties is faster to any size disaster. Whether it be a flood, fire or storm related damage we have the experience, tools, and staff to mitigate any size disaster faster. The faster a disaster is mitigated the better. The longer that water or contaminants from a fire are affecting the structure the more damage that can be caused. It's not only better for the contents and structure but faster for the business to resume normal operations and limit interruptions to operations. When business is not operational money is lost. SERVPRO understands this and knows the importance to get you back to normal as quickly as possible. If there is a storm event affecting many locations we have the ability to call in additional resources and staff from a large network of SERVPRO locations.  This allows all of our clients to get help faster! We are - Ready For Whatever Happens.       

Winter Tips for Your North Carolina Home!

10/28/2020 (Permalink)

Colder weather is coming soon to North Carolina! Here's a few tips on how to winterize your home.

Can you feel that chill in the air? If not, just you wait — winter will be here before you know it, and now is the time to get your house ready for the cold. Trust us: You don't want to discover your furnace is dead on arrival at the first snowfall. And dealing with those cold air drafts now is a lot more pleasant than waiting until the inside of your house feels like a freezer.

To help, we've created the ultimate guide to getting your home ready for winter. Here's a list of what to do and who to hire now, so you're not left shivering through the season.

Outdoors

Gutter Check: Ideally, you'll have your gutters and downspouts cleaned in mid-fall so that you only need to double check them before winter. If you do encounter clogs or leaking in difficult to reach places, now is a good time to call in the professionals.

Water Works: Your sprinkler system should have been winterized in the fall. If you missed this step, get a professional in as soon as possible, so you can avoid frozen pipes or cracks that can ruin the entire system. You should also make sure to disconnect all outside hoses from their spouts and turn off the water. 

Roof Inspection: Have a contractor look for damaged roof shingles. A professional can also assess the integrity of your roof by doing something called an infrared roof inspection. This process uses infrared rays to locate the parts of a roof that are at higher or lower temperatures than the rest of it. These "hot spots" can show the roof inspector exactly where heat is escaping.

Weatherproof Windows: If heat is escaping through your windows and the space around them, keeping the rest of your house warm is going to be more difficult and more expensive. You might find installing energy-efficient , double-paned windows will make a noticeable difference in your energy costs and how comfortable your living areas feel. You may not need to install new windows if heat is escaping, though. In some cases, all you need is some caulk or weather stripping to weatherproof the existing windows.

Indoors 

HVAC Tuning: Now is the time to replace the filter in your furnace and close any vents in your home that may have been opened for the warm weather. Go ahead and test that your heating system is working properly, too — it's better to find out now if something needs to be fixed before the real cold weather hits.

Chimney Cleaning: Chimneys and wood stoves should be cleaned early in the season. If you own a fireplace, this is not optional — it's a matter of safety. When you have your chimney cleaned, have the furnace flue cleaned at the same time. Make sure to test the flue for a tight seal when closed.

Outlet Inspection: Check electric outlets and switch plates to see if you feel a draft. Add insulation to prevent warm air from escaping these spaces.

Stock Up: Make sure you have shovels on hand before the first big snow hits. Plus, it's a good idea to get prepared with and extra supply of water, canned food, flashlights and replacement batteries.

Credit: Patch

https://patch.com/us/across-america/how-winterize-your-house-simple-checklist?fbclid=IwAR0apav9x_5_JxyI73iqvVNmV93uGsIonsNKgvVR92u49xy1jiahUxTRp84

For Immediate Service in Pinehurst/Moore & Montgomery Counties Call SERVPRO

10/28/2020 (Permalink)

Group photo of SERVPRO of Pinehurst/Moore & Montgomery Counties

SERVPRO of Pinehurst/Moore and Montgomery Counties provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster in Pinehurst/Moore and Montgomery Counties. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

  • 24-Hour Emergency Service
  • Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
  • Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
  • A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
  • Locally Owned and Operated
  • Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment 

Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 – 910-428-5280

Residential Services

Whether your Pinehurst/Moore and Montgomery Counties home needs emergency flood damage or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us.  Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best. Learn more about our residential services:

  • Water Damage Restoration
  • Fire Damage Restoration
  • Mold Remediation
  • Storm Damage Restoration
  • Cleaning Services
  • Building/Reconstruction Services

Commercial Services

There's never a convenient time for fire or Water damage to strike your Pinehurst/Moore and Montgomery Counties commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business. Learn more about our commercial services: https://www.SERVPROpinehurstmooremontgomerycounties.com/commercial-restoration-cleaning

  • Commercial Water Damage Restoration
  • Commercial Fire Damage Restoration

Pinehurst/Moore & Montgomery Co. 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

10/21/2020 (Permalink)

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

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today -(910) 428-5280

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

What to Expect

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

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

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

About SERVPRO of Pinehurst/Moore & Montgomery Co.

SERVPRO of Pinehurst/Moore & Montgomery Co. 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.

Conditions In Pinehurst/Moore & Montgomery Counties That May Produce Mold

10/21/2020 (Permalink)

It’s estimated that more than 1 million types of mold exist, yet less than 10 percent have actually been named. This means mold is very common in both indoor and outdoor environments. While mold and humans can sometimes co-exist without issue, there are certain species of mold that can cause health effects for some people.

If the right conditions exist, mold will grow.  Those conditions include:

  • Water - Different mold types require varying amounts of liquid before growth begins.   
  • Temperature - Normal indoor temperatures will promote mold growth.
  • Time - Initial mold colonizers can take hold within one day after being exposed to an adequate water supply.

Mold growth can occur in any home, so it’s important to keep an eye out for situations that might promote mold activity. Roof/chimney leaks, wet basements, or condensation from ducts that dampen surrounding insulation are just a few examples of issues that make a house a prime target for mold growth.

If you suspect mold in your home, call SERVPRO of Pinehurst/Moore & Montgomery Counties to assess the situation. We have the knowledge, tools and track record to effectively remediate mold in your home or business.

If you suspect mold, call us today at (910) 428-5280

What to Do:

  • Stay out of affected areas.
  • Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
  • Contact SERVPRO of Pinehurst/Moore & Montgomery Counties for mold remediation services.

Top 10 Causes of House Fires

10/7/2020 (Permalink)

Once a fire begins, it can grow instantly

Every home faces the potential for a numerous assortment of risks with the most dangerous of the array being a house fire. An accidental fire can occur from many household items and can easily decimate a house in minutes if it is not properly and quickly handled. While proper insurance can help mitigate financial loss, it is better to understand and work to prevent the situations that lead to house fires on any kind. Most homes are stocked full with combustible items.

This list is meant to help homeowners not only identify potential issues but also lower the risk of a house fire. Whether it’s a candle accidentally burning throughout the night, faulty cooking equipment or any other scenario, homeowners should be aware of the most common causes of house fires and work to minimize and prevent accidents before they occur. With the Holidays right around the corner, be extra cautious when using candles and setting up a tree.

10.Barbeque

During the outdoor cooking season, grills left unattended on a wooden deck or next to a wall of a home can bring about a fire. A heated grill next to a wooden fence can easily cause fire, and grills have been known to ignite the exterior walls of a home or garage if placed too close.

9.Christmas Trees

Christmas trees are a holiday favorite for many as a staple to the holiday season, but they also come with many risks. Especially when the tree becomes dry, a quick spark can set the whole tree on fire. Make sure to keep the water reservoir full and to unplug the tree when you are not at home.

8.Inadequate Wiring

These fires erupt from overheating and to minimize this from occurring, make sure systems are installed properly with their protective features.

7.Children Playing with Fire

Children are very curious and will sometimes get access to flammable objects and put the property at risk. This includes matches, stove tops, candles and more. Make sure to keep lighters, candles, and matches out of reach from kids.

6.Candles

The lighters and matches utilized to light candles are just as dangerous as the candle itself. Fires can start from unsupervised candles and children getting ahold of them.

5.Electrical Equipment

These fires normally erupt from short circuiting which, in turn, causes sparking to ignite materials in the household. These are difficult to location, because they are often in hidden locations and a fire can build before the residents can acknowledge the situation.

4.Careless Smoking

Cigarette butts are a large perpetrator for house fires as cigarettes will sometimes be left unattended or dropped.

3.Flammable liquids

Chemical fires occur from spontaneous combustion: this is a reaction of chemicals combining with oxygen to produce enough heat to ignite. Be sure to store fuels and other chemicals in proper containers that are protected from heat.

2.Heating Equipment

When in the presence of fabrics or other combustibles, personal space heaters and baseboard heaters can create a house fire. It is recommended to never leave the house with a space heater running.

1.Cooking Equipment

Out of all the scenarios, the most common residential fires come from cooking, making up almost half of house fires. This can occur from grease and oil being overheated in the stove or oven, for grease and oil are highly flammable and combusts without needing direct flame contact. Many times, open flames and ovens are left unattended when in use and aren’t mitigated until it is too late.

Another source to look out for are portable cooking appliances which includes electric griddles and toasters. These appliances must be cool to the touch before being stored away. You practice safety by making sure to clean pans to eliminate grease build-up along with removing crumbs and scraps from toasters and electric griddles.

Faster To Any-Sized Disaster

3/18/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Pinehurst/Moore & Montgomery Counties offers 24-hour emergency services and will be faster to any size disaster in Pinehurst/Moore or Montgomery Counties! We have the proper certifications and equipment to respond to your restorative or cleaning jobs.

  • 24-Hour Emergency Services
  • Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
  • Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
  • A Trusted Leader in The Restoration Industry
  • Locally Owned and Operated
  • Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment

Call us if you have questions! (910)-428-5280

If your Pinehurst/Moore & Montgomery Counties home needs emergency response or upholstery cleaning, you can count on us. Our technicians have the right amount of training to make your property shine. Our residential services include:

  • Water Damage Restoration
  • Fire Damage Restoration
  • Storm Damage Restoration
  • Mold Remediation
  • Cleaning Services
  • Building/Reconstruction Services

Maybe your commercial property in Pinehurst/Moore & Montgomery Counties is in need of the same services. Every hour you spend repairing is another hour of lost revenue. Let our highly trained, specialized technicians respond promptly to get your commercial property looking it's best! Learn more about our commercial services.

  • Commercial Fire Damage Restoration
  • Commercial Water Damage Restoration

Surviving A Power Outage Due to a Natural Event

3/18/2020 (Permalink)

As anyone knows, the weather can be unpredictable in the coming months. Sometimes, this can mean you and your family may have to survive without common luxuries for up to 72 hours following a power outage. It could take from a few hours to a few days for disaster relief to reach you due to road conditions. Emergency supplies for such an event may include:

  • Flashlights (enough for each family member)
  • Battery-operated radio or clock
  • Extra batteries
  • Bottled water
  • Canned, freeze-dried, or dehydrated food
  • Powdered milk and other infant supplies
  • Non-electric can opener
  • List of important phone numbers
  • First aid kit

Before a disaster occurs, stocking up on all listed above will ensure that your family has the proper supplies during a power outage. Supplemental information is also available at www.ready.gov

We Work With Your Insurance Provider!

3/17/2020 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO, customer service means we make continuous efforts to ensure all parties involved are satisfied with our service. We work closely with your insurance agent, adjuster, and carrier to make sure all parties are properly informed about the remediation services we provide. This will ensure that progress is made with your claim.

Satisfied customers are repeat customers! Customer and business loyalty is provided to each and every home owner, business owner, and insurance company we contact. By maintaining contact with your insurance company, SERVPRO employees are ensuring that our work was satisfactory and all parties are happy with our services. One bad review can easily cancel out the "good outcomes" of a job, and we strive to make sure that doesn't happen! 

Trained & Certified Restoration Specialists

3/13/2020 (Permalink)

Our staff is specially trained in commercial and residential damage restoration. Initial and ongoing training are offered at SERVPRO’s Corporate Training Facility, as well as IIRC industry certification. Combined with our technicians’ experience, we are well equipped to restore your property to its’ former glory. Our training program includes:

  • The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC)
  • Employee Certification Training
  • Initial Franchise Training
  • E-Learning
  • Continuing Education Classes

IICRC Certification

The IICRC – or The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification sets standards for the cleaning and restoration companies. Our technicians educate themselves on IICRC standards and their best practices. These practices include water restoration, fire restoration, mold remediation, carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning, and several other courses.

Employee Certification Training

Designed for SERVPRO employees, the Employee Certification Training is a voluntary, self-paced program. Certification is awarded after completion of course materials and an accumulative exam of said materials. Modules can include:

  • Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning
  • Crew Training
  • Fire Restoration
  • Water Restoration

Initial Franchise Training

New Franchise owners are often the focus of this 15-day, hands-on course at the SERVPRO Corporate Training Facility. Restoration topics can include:

  • Fire Restoration
  • Water Restoration
  • Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning
  • Mold Remediation

e-Learning

Each staff member here at SERVPRO has access to our web-based training. An on-going, self-paced voluntary program used to coach our employees. Following a module of video presentations and supportive materials, a knowledge test is given, keeping our staff up to date on the latest industry standards.

Continuing Education 

SERVPRO offers credit and non-credit classes insurance agents, insurance adjusters, real estate professionals, and SERVPRO staff. These programs are meant to help prepare for emergency mitigation. 

  • Water Damage Restoration
  • Fire Damage Restoration
  • Understanding Mold in The Restoration Industry
  • Restorative-Drying for Loss Control
  • Mitigation Awareness Response Seminar (non-credit course)

Call SERVPRO of Pinehurst/Montgomery & Moore Counties today for any of your biohazard, mold, fire, or water damage needs! 910-428-5280

Spring Tips for Your Home or Business

2/24/2020 (Permalink)

The warm breeze of spring is always welcome after a cold, rainy North Carolina winter. Now is the time to do routine maintenance on your home or business before April showers get here. You don’t want to realize you have a leaky roof when there’s water pouring through your ceiling.

To help, we’ve created a simple guide to get your home ready for the spring season.

  1. Clean Your Gutters
    • Clogged gutters can cause a wood trim to rot, so cleaning it before spring helps prevent any further damage from spring rains.
  2. Reseal Exterior Woodwork
    • Decks, fences, railings, pergolas, or any other exterior wooden structures will last longer and remain in better condition if they’re stained or resealed every year or two. This is an opportunity for any repairs to woodwork, as well as checking any exterior wooden structures for termites.
  3.  Inspect Your Roof
    • Storms can damage your roof quite thoroughly. By doing a simple visual inspection to check for missing shingles, damaged metal piping, or anything that may need repair, you may be saving yourself future time and money. If you find any damages, call a professional rather than attempting dangerous DIY work.
  4.  Check Sprinkler & Irrigation System
    • Run through the zones manually and check for any damaged or broken sprinkler heads. It’s also essential to check for any sprinklers facing the house or windows. If you do not know how to maintain a sprinkler system, call a professional for anything that needs repair or adjustments.
  1. Check screens and windows
    • Making sure that screen doors or windows remain intact year-round, you’re preventing bugs from entering your home during the warmer months. Screen repair kits are available at most hardware or home improvement stores.

Fire Damage Can Continue to Affect Your Property

2/17/2020 (Permalink)

Post-Fire Damage

The damage to your home or commercial property doesn't end after the fire has been put out or after firefighters leave your home. Damage may result from water being used to put out the fire or fire extinguisher residue. Our highly trained technicians use specific techniques to restore and mitigate any damage to your property. 

The fire damage restoration process begins the moment you call us here at SERVPRO (910-428-5280). We at SERVPRO understand your commercial or residential property is important and needs an immediate response. Our representatives may ask you questions so we're able to respond with the proper equipment and resources. The extension of damage is determined by a careful scope of the building, noting any soot, fire, or smoke damage. This helps us form a plan of action.

What We Can Do to Help

Fires may compromise the integrity of any roofs, walls, windows, or ceilings that have been affected. We offer immediate roof-tarp and board-up solutions which ensure the structure can be maintained and minimize any further damages. If water is present we use appropriate water removal techniques such as air movers or dehumidifiers. 

Often, soot particles mix with water and seep into hard to reach areas, which can cause a change in odor. Our technicians are trained to locate and eliminate any offending odors through deodorization. If able, we can remove any decomposing material. Most often, we target the odors with thermal foggers, which targets any foul smelling molecules and neutralizes them.

Call SERVPRO of Pinehurst/Moore & Montgomery Counties today to have your property returned to its pre-fire state!

Storm Damage in Pinehurst/Moore & Montgomery

2/17/2020 (Permalink)

Severe weather can take a toll on the exterior of your home or commercial business. This can lead to serious problems even after te storm has passed, such as microbial growth, worsening existing leaks, or creating new ones. This is why the SERVPRO has technicians available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

With the storm behind you, here are three challenges that may preset themselves:

  • Roof Damage: Roofs can be damaged during any inclement weather, although storms represent specific damages. Storms can bring torrential rains, heavy winds, snow, and even hail. Moisture can worsen weak areas on your roof, and strong winds can remove shingles or cause visible damage.
  • Window Damage: Windows are vulnerable during storm weather, especially older ones that have not been properly sealed or weather-stripped. Moisture can seep into unsealed areas around a window and create a leak or cause rot in the wood surrounding it. Any carpeting or rugs near the window could also be damaged and form microbial growth. Basement or ground level windows are especially vulnerable and can lead to flooded basements and damaged property.
  • Clogged Gutters: Gutters are not the most interesting problem to occur from storm damage, nor are they a home or business owners first concern after a storm. Rain can wash all kinds of debris into the gutters and they may no longer be able to drain properly. The excess weight of debris can also damage your home. 

Storm damage can affect more than just exterior of your home; it can affect your building's foundation. Post-storm, take a walk around your property and investigate any damages you may see if appropriate. Call us at SERVPRO of Pinehurst/Moore & Montgomery Counties to restore your property today! (910)-428-5280.

Restoration After A Storm

2/12/2020 (Permalink)

Every North Carolinian knows the weather can be unpredictable and occasionally cause damage to your home. SERVPRO can’t stop the weather, but we can help repair any damages done by aggressive weather. Restoring your commercial or residential property post storm may include:

  • Inspection and Water Damage Assessment
    • Our highly trained technicians determine the scope of damage by inspecting and testing your property. We do this to determine how far the moisture has traveled and give you the best restoration services.
  • Water Removal/Extraction
    • Hundreds or thousands of gallons of water may be removed from your property by using our specialized pumps and vacuums during this part of the process. Water Removal/Extraction is started as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your home.
  • Drying and Dehumidifying
    • After most of the water has been removed, SERVPRO professionals will detect and remove any lasting, hard-to-find water. Dehumidifying and drying is less labor-intensive and more methodical than other methods of water removal.
  • Cleaning and Sanitation
    • SERVPRO can also restore many belongings that were affected by water damage, such as furniture, clothing, or personal items. This is done by using several specialized cleaning techniques. Restorable items are also sanitized with antimicrobial treatments and odors are removed with air scrubbers and fogging equipment.

Remember, this process can only begin after calling SERVPRO of Pinehurst/Moore & Montgomery Counties. Give us a call today! 910-428-5280

Tips on Preventing Storm Damage

2/10/2020 (Permalink)

Stop The Storm Before It Arrives

SERVPRO of Pinehurst/Moore & Montgomery Counties is prepared to help local businesses and residents with their storm damaged properties. Recent storms may have caused a burst pipe or flooding on your property, which our trained specialists are ready to respond to 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We have the training, equipment, and experience to restore and mitigate any storm damage done to your commercial or residential property. SERVPRO uses unique extraction and inspection equipment to get your property back to normal, while closely monitoring the drying process.

What To Do Pre-Storm

-Cover all windows with plywood or hurricane shutters

-Bring in any lawn furniture, decorations, trash cans, and anything that is not tied down.

-Close all shutters

-Keep gutters clean

-Fix any drainage problems near/on property to reduce flooding and standing water

Above all, safety comes first. If it is unsafe to return or leave your property, remain where you are. If you're in immediate danger, call emergency services. When you need any damages repaired - or want to be assured your property hasn't suffered any storm damage - call SERVPRO of Pinehurst/Moore & Montgomery Counties. (910)-428-5280

Despite Your Best Efforts, Storm Damage Occured

2/10/2020 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Pinehurst/Moore & Montgomery Counties, we know the weather can be unpredictable, which is why we have highly trained technicians standing by 24 hours a day, & days a week. Knowing what to do after your commercial or residential property is damaged by a storm could save you time and money on costly repairs.

Safety Comes First

Be aware of any possible damage inside your property, such as a collapsed roof, window damage, collapsed walls, or standing water. Furthermore, the water can soak into furniture, carpeting, clothing, and building material to create mold, which can cause health issues. It's best to address water damage as soon as possible.

Turn off your gas line if you smell gas. Look for any broken glass, exposed nails, or sharp debris on your property. If possible, find an alternative place of residence, as your property may no longer be in living condition.

Photograph the Damages

Although SERVPRO will have electronics on hand to photograph the damage on your commercial or residential property, you should also take pictures if it's safe to do so. This will ensure that the insurance company will mitigate any damages.

Contact Your Insurance Company Immediately

Contact your insurance agency as soon as possible and notify them of the damages. The company will send an adjustor to identify the extent of the damages so payments for repairs can be made.

Restoring Your Commercial Property After Fire Damage

2/5/2020 (Permalink)

Fires and fire damage incidents on commercial properties are often confusing, stressful, and call for a vast array of knowledge to fix any issues that may arise. Whether we’re handling a small kitchen grease fire or a more involved scenario, SERVPRO works quickly and carefully to assess each situation and improve or negate any damages. Often, normal day to day operations can continue while we repair your commercial property.

Your Commercial Property Is Unique!

Our technicians have been trained to remain aware of any legal, environmental, and budgetary concerns while restoring the fire damage on the property. SERVPRO understands that each moment spent cleaning means lost revenue and possibly lost business for your company. If an emergency becomes apparent on your commercial property, give us a call and we’ll make it "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO of Pinehurst, Moore & Montgomery Counties!

SERVPRO of Pinehurst, Moore & Montgomery Counties offers cleanup and restoration after fire, water, mold, or biohazard damages in commercial and residential properties. Our technicians are thoroughly trained in property damage restoration and cleanup. Using knowledge from their initial training to continuing education, our staff is well equipped to restore your property.

Professional Water Removal Strategies Save Hardwood Floors

1/15/2020 (Permalink)

Although all structural components in your Pinehurst home can suffer harm after a water loss, floors take a beating. Some recent innovations in flooring materials such as laminates frequently do not survive a soaking, requiring removal and replacement. Traditional hardwood floors, however, are generally more durable, especially if our Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)-trained team of managers and technicians arrive quickly and begin water extraction services as soon as possible.

Professional Assessment and Planning
Our crew leads and project managers assess every project individually, planning water removal, residence by evaluating the unique circumstances surrounding the disaster. The quantity of water, length of time since the event, contamination concerns, and migration from the original site are some of the aspects considered. We also look carefully at the type and condition of the materials damaged by the water to determine the next steps.

Moisture Location Devices Clarify the Damage Dimensions
SERVPRO uses sensitive moisture measuring and thermal imaging equipment to sketch out an accurate perimeter of where the water on your hardwood floor eventually migrated. Each plank edge permits moisture to seep down to the subfloor, and water can force its way into building cavities between walls at the baseboards. Once the surface sweep of the water extractors completes, it might seem as though all the water is gone, but the sensors show a different story.

Hardwood Floors Respond Well to Negative Air Pressure Strategy
When water soaks the subfloor, that residual moisture can wick back up, exposing the hardwood surface to the risk of permanent distortion. Cupping, crowning, and buckling are all possible unless the moisture content reduces to normal levels. SERVPRO uses negative air pressure to suction the water from multiple levels of flooring materials. Our technicians place floor mats over areas with high moisture readings and attach the mats to hoses connected to high-efficiency extractors. As the moisture decreases in an area, we reposition the mats until readings indicate the water removal goal is met.

SERVPRO of Pinehurst/Moore and Montgomery co. utilizes technological advancements in moisture detection and water removal to protect your investment in beautiful hardwood floors. Call (910) 428-5280 to schedule a professional water remediation assessment and project planning.

Eliminating Fire Damage Residues

1/15/2020 (Permalink)

Pinehurst homeowners usually have multiple problems after a fire. Besides the physical damage caused by the flames, there are also smoke residues that can coat the surfaces in a home and leave odors.


SERVPRO restoration crews combat these types of fire damages by learning everything possible about them. That includes various types of residues, how they form during the fire, the materials that burn, and the best methods for cleaning them.

Every fire produces smoke residues. Most are dry and wet smoke residues. If the fire burns the material quickly, and oxygen present is abundant, the residues left are usually dry, powdery, and non-greasy. Materials that burn quickly are paper, dry wood, and natural fibers like cotton or wool.

Technicians can easily clean them off surfaces using a dry sponge or wipe them off upholstered furniture with a brush. If they are thick, specialists can use a vacuum to remove most of the residue and then follow up with a sponge.

If a fire starts in a space with less oxygen, it burns slowly. This smoldering fire produces a thicker smoke that often leaves a wet or sticky residue. Items that contribute to these residues contain synthetic materials. Examples include plastic like kitchen appliances, foam rubber furniture cushions, and other polymers like linoleum floors.

Depending on how thick they are, SERVPRO technicians can clean wet residues using a cleaning agent and a wet sponge. For very thick residues, they may need to use stronger cleaners to break them up and then a scraper to remove them.

In special cases, there are protein-based and fuel oil smoke residues. Protein fires start in the kitchen, with burning beef, fish, or poultry. The residues left by these food products can leave a clear, or yellowish color on every surface. Technicians clean them using the same methods for cleaning wet residues.

Odors left by proteins are extremely pungent and can spread through the entire home with the smoke, even if most of the residues remain in the kitchen. To remove them, technicians use deodorizing agents, foggers, air movers, and fans to neutralize odor particles and force them out of the home.

Puff-backs leave fuel oil smoke residues. They are common here and in other parts of the Northeast where residents still use traditional furnaces. A puff-back happens when a malfunctioning oil burner ignites incorrectly, or there is a crack in a heat exchanger.

Both problems shake loose old soot which can be forced out of the system and into the home along with unburned fuel oil. Technicians can often remove the residues without damaging painted surfaces. If the furnace operated for an extended period before a homeowner notices, then the residues may bond to the paint, requiring us to strip it and perhaps the wall panels underneath.

If you have problems resulting from a recent fire, call SERVPRO of Pinehurst today at (910) 428-5280. We are here for you.

In-Place Drying of Flooded Carpeting in Your Showroom

1/15/2020 (Permalink)

Your store must keep up a polished appearance to show your potential customers that they are making a wise decision with your business. Because of how vital it is to stay open after the holidays for those looking to upgrade their bedrooms following Christmas and even into the early spring, the expected severe weather events and potential flooding could threaten your availability to your customers and their needs.

As with all water loss incidents, the faster that you address flood damage in your store, the less time consuming and costly that recovery ends up being. With carpeting stretching from wall to wall in your sprawling showroom, how you approach the drying and restoration of affected carpeting can determine how long restoration ultimately takes. In-place drying techniques can be advantageous to business owners looking to get back to normal operations as promptly as possible when floodwater has no potential contamination risks.

In-place drying of carpets can only work if the pad beneath the carpet has not remained directly exposed to water damages for more than three days. If 72 hours have passed and moisture persists, then it is best to remove the padding under the carpet at a minimum. If the padding must get removed, an inspection of the subflooring material must also occur – any warping or bowing of these joists or supports can indicate more work that is required. In many situations, in-place drying can save your business money, despite the time spent moving bed frames with mattresses to unaffected areas of your showroom.

Floating carpet can be another method of drying out both the carpet and the lightly saturated padding. We can detach corners of the carpet to vent the air mover blasting to prevent the stretching of your carpet. When moisture indicators and detection devices relay that the material is dry, we can reinstall the detached portions of carpet, and focus on any final cleaning tasks that must occur to make this loss incident “Like it never even happened.”

No matter how severe flood loss incidents can initially seem, We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster. Let our qualified SERVPRO of Pinehurst team help you however you need. Call us today!

How You Can Prepare For Commercial Water Cleanup

1/15/2020 (Permalink)

Being prepared to handle water-related damages in your business is very important to avoid the direct and indirect effects such damages have. Most businesses never consider the necessary mitigation steps until their premises are inches under water. People operating hotels or other hospitality businesses in Pinehurst should be more cautious because such incidences can create a bad reputation that the business might never shake off.

Preparing for commercial cleanup in Pinehurst is more effective when you understand the different ways business is affected by water loss. Since no known measure can prevent such an event from ever happening, the next best thing is to ensure that the place can be cleaned up within the shortest period after the loss. Having the contacts of a professional cleanup service like SERVPRO helps because when you detect a problem, you can call us to start the remediation process immediately. Fast recovery helps create a positive image for your business.

Extended exposure to water, even if clean, damages stock. Food items are the worst hit because even if there is no actual damage, packaging or labels might be ruined making it impossible to serve them to customers. If the items are moved immediately the loss is detected, it is possible to prevent some of these damages. Our SERVPRO team that handles cleaning is also able to move items off-site or to another section of the property. Any stock that you save helps reduce the overall cost of cleanup.

Cleanup in a business affected by water takes more than just extracting the standing water. Depending on what the water mixes with, other steps might be necessary to get rid of dirt and odors. Your staff members might be unwilling or unable to handle these additional steps. The property must also be adequately dried to prevent mold, rot and other problems caused by moisture. Our SERVPRO team has the necessary tools for cleaning and drying, eliminating the effects from the loss “Like it never even happened.”

To save your business from the effects of water loss, call SERVPRO of Pinehurst. We are available 24/7.

Team SERVPRO Understands That Time is of the Essence When Dealing With Water Damage

1/15/2020 (Permalink)

As a business owner, you pride yourself on delivering the best products or services in your niche. You counsel customers and other businesses with whom you do business to rely on your expertise and not try to get along without the skills and unique products you feature. When your commercial property needs fast water removal, follow your own advice and hire our certified technicians.

 
At some point during your stewardship of the family company, commercial water removal will become a necessity. A broken water pipe, storm damage, machinery malfunction, or a host of other accidents or emergencies can fill the lower levels of the business. Tasking your staff to manage this crisis with inadequate tools or even appropriate equipment borrowed or leased is a poor business decision. Our trained and certified technicians mobilize quickly and clear out the water fast.
 
SERVPRO specializes in disaster recovery, and water removal is one of our core services. We arrive as soon as possible, swiftly assess your company’s needs, and then begin recovery efforts immediately. Our service vehicles hold high-efficiency pumps and water extractors, and if the power is temporarily interrupted during the catastrophe, our onboard power generators ensure the water removal need not wait. The crew members dispatched to your property also scan for hidden water in any recesses between walls, under floors, or other spaces.
 
Our employees train to master professional strategies through Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification courses. The SERVPRO crew members evaluate the condition of the water in your property to determine if containment and hazardous waste disposal are required by law. If so, we know the legal requirements and how to clean and sanitize after water removal to ensure your property is safe for your employees and customers.
 
Urgency is crucial when your property suffers a water loss. If the structural components and contents of your business remain wet for more than 24 to 48 hours, you risk severe and progressive deterioration to them and the potential for mold growth and damage. By the time your staff could get up to speed and evacuate all the water this timeline is likely unmet.
 
Rely on SERVPRO of Pinehurst to respond to your water removal needs, just as you urge your customers to have confidence in your ability to deliver the products and services they require. Waste no time calling  when water brings business to a halt.

Professional Cleanup of Flood Damage Makes the Difference in Pinehurst Homes 

1/7/2020 (Permalink)

There are times it is okay to clean up water damage in your home. However, when there is the possibility that the water has sat longer than 24 hours, ran behind walls or under floors or is groundwater, you need to engage a professional restoration services company.  

Groundwater that causes flood damage to your Pinehurst home has the potential to be dangerous by containing microbes, chemicals, and sewage. All of which can make you ill if you come into contact with them.  

Prevention of Cross-Contamination

Because of the contaminated nature of floodwater, the technicians take fast action to stop areas of the home from having the possibility of coming into contact with the water in other areas. They may use containment methods around the work area or perform an organized pack out and remove undamaged furnishings out of the home to a secure location until the completion of remediation efforts.  

Fast Extraction of Flood Water

Eliminating the groundwater is the first course of action for SERVPRO technicians. They use portable pumps to remove any standing water that remains on the property.  

Removal of Water Damaged Materials 

During this phase, controlled demolition is standard as it may be necessary to remove water-logged sheetrock that has buckled or warped as it has zero restoration potential. Carpet soaked by groundwater is a hazard and requires removal. Specialized attachments assist in water removal from carpeting before cutting it into strips for easier handling and safe disposal. 

Returning the Home to Sanitary Conditions

After drying the property, SERVPRO technicians begin the process of disinfecting the home, so it is safe for habitation and ready for any needed reconstruction. The technicians have access to several professional quality antimicrobial and antibacterial solutions. These products surfaces left clean, including their own proprietary Orange and Green cleaners. Proactive mold treatments also occur during this phase to inhibit spore germination and growth. 

Contact SERVPRO of Pinehurst/Moore and Montgomery County at 910-428-5280 whenever you have flood damage in your property that requires fast action. Whether it is one room or the entire house, we are local, and We're Faster to Any Size Disaster.  

How to Survive when a Storm causes a Power Outage

10/30/2019 (Permalink)

You may need to survive on your own after an emergency. This means having your own food, water and other supplies in sufficient quantity to last for at least 72 hours. Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster but they cannot reach everyone immediately. You could get help in hours or it might take days. Depending on the nature of the disaster road conditions may prevent help from arriving in a timely manner. 

Additionally, basic services such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment and telephones may be cut off for days or even a week, or longer. Your supplies kit should contain items to help you manage during these outages.  If the power goes out keep your pipes from freezing by shutting off the valve that allows water to come into your home. Then, open any drain valves and all faucets and let them run until the pipes are empty (it's helpful to identify these valves in advance). Next, flush all toilets and pour denatured alcohol into toilets and sinks to prevent water in the traps from freezing. Do NOT use automotive antifreeze in case there's trouble with your water system; you don't want the antifreeze to contaminate your drinking water. You may, however, use nontoxic antifreeze that's made for winterizing motor homes.

Be prepared for a power outage by keeping necessary items centrally located in your home. Take the time to ensure that everyone in your family is aware of the "kit." Periodically check your kit to see that batteries operate properly. The following is a list of items that are suggested to keep on hand:

1.     Flashlights for each family member

2.     Battery-operated radio and clock

3.     Extra batteries

4.     Containers of bottled water

5.     Canned, freeze-dried or dehydrated food, powdered milk, baby supplies for infants

6.     Non-electric can opener

7.     List of important phone numbers

8.     First-aid kit

Following a disaster, there may be power outages that could last for several days. Stock canned foods, dry mixes and other staples that do not require refrigeration, cooking, water or special preparation. Be sure to include a manual can opener and eating utensils. The following items are suggested when selecting emergency food supplies. You may already have many of these on hand.

•Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food.

•Choose foods your family will eat.

•Remember any special dietary needs.

•Avoid foods that will make you thirsty.

•Choose salt-free crackers, whole grain cereals and canned foods with high liquid content.

•Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, vegetables and a can opener

•Protein or fruit bars

•Dry cereal or granola

•Peanut butter

•Dried fruit

•Nuts

•Crackers

•Canned juices

•Non-perishable pasteurized milk

•High energy foods

•Vitamins

•Food for infants

•Comfort/stress foods

These and many other helpful tips are available at ready.gov Here is the link to winter tips for before during and after a winter storm http://www.ready.gov/winter-weather 

North Carolina Hurricane Preparedness

10/30/2019 (Permalink)

The two keys to weather safety is to PREPARE for the risks and to ACT on those preparations when alerted by emergency officials.

Before a Hurricane:

  • To begin preparing, you should build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
  • Know your surroundings
  • Learn the elevation level of your property and whether the land is flood-prone.
  • Identify levees and dams in your area and determine whether they pose a hazard to you.
  • Learn community hurricane evacuation routes and how to find higher ground.
  • Make plans to secure your property
  • Cover all of your home's windows
  • Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure.
  • Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed so they are more wind resistant.
  • Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
  • Reinforce your garage
  • Plan to bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down.
  • Determine how and where to secure your boat.
  • Install a generator for emergencies.
  • If in a high-rise building, when high winds are present, be prepared to take shelter on a lower floor because wind conditions increase with height, and in a small interior room without windows.
  • Consider building a safe room. 

Top 10 Causes for a House Fire

10/30/2019 (Permalink)

Once a fire begins, it can grow instantly.

Every home faces the potential for a numerous assortment of risks with the most dangerous of the array being a house fire. An accidental fire can occur from many household items and can easily decimate a house in minutes if it is not properly and quickly handled. While proper insurance can help mitigate financial loss, it is better to understand and work to prevent the situations that lead to house fires on any kind. Most homes are stocked full with combustible items. This list is meant to help homeowners not only identify potential issues but also lower the risk of a house fire. Whether it’s a candle accidentally burning throughout the night, faulty cooking equipment or any other scenario, homeowners should be aware of the most common causes of house fires and work to minimize and prevent accidents before they occur. With the Holidays right around the corner, be extra cautious when using candles and setting up a tree.

10.Barbeque

During the outdoor cooking season, grills left unattended on a wooden deck or next to a wall of a home can bring about a fire. A heated grill next to a wooden fence can easily cause fire, and grills have been known to ignite the exterior walls of a home or garage if placed too close.

9.Christmas Tree

Christmas trees are a holiday favorite for many as a staple to the holiday season, but they also come with many risks. Especially when the tree becomes dry, a quick spark can set the whole tree on fire. Make sure to keep the water reservoir full and to unplug the tree when you are not at home.

8.Inadequate Wiring

These fires erupt from overheating and to minimize this from occurring, make sure systems are installed properly with their protective features.

7.Children Playing with Fire

Children are very curious and will sometimes get access to flammable objects and put the property at risk. This includes matches, stove tops, candles and more. Make sure to keep lighters, candles, and matches out of reach from kids.

6.Candles

The lighters and matches utilized to light candles are just as dangerous as the candle itself. Fires can start from unsupervised candles and children getting ahold of them.

5.Electrical Equipment

These fires normally erupt from short circuiting which, in turn, causes sparking to ignite materials in the household. These are difficult to location, because they are often in hidden locations and a fire can build before the residents can acknowledge the situation.

4.Careless Smoking

Cigarette butts are a large perpetrator for house fires as cigarettes will sometimes be left unattended or dropped.

3.Flammable liquids

Chemical fires occur from spontaneous combustion: this is a reaction of chemicals combining with oxygen to produce enough heat to ignite. Be sure to store fuels and other chemicals in proper containers that are protected from heat.

2.Heating Equipment

When in the presence of fabrics or other combustibles, personal space heaters and baseboard heaters can create a house fire. It is recommended to never leave the house with a space heater running.

1.Cooking Equipment

Out of all the scenarios, the most common residential fires come from cooking, making up almost half of house fires. This can occur from grease and oil being overheated in the stove or oven, for grease and oil are highly flammable and combusts without needing direct flame contact. Many times, open flames and ovens are left unattended when in use and aren’t mitigated until it is too late. Another source to look out for are portable cooking appliances which includes electric griddles and toasters. These appliances must be cool to the touch before being stored away. You practice safety by making sure to clean pans to eliminate grease build-up along with removing crumbs and scraps from toasters and electric griddles.

Fire Safety

10/30/2019 (Permalink)

Fire Safety

Take a moment to ask yourself the following questions regarding fire safety in your home to avoid the risk. SERVPRO of Iowa City / Coralville is here to help even before you need us.

  • Do you have adequate smoke detectors in your home?

Every Home should have at least one working smoke alarm. It’s recommended to have approved smoke alarms on each level of the home, outside sleeping areas and inside bedrooms. Test your alarm monthly and replace batteries once a year even if the battery seems to be okay.

  • How good are your electric connections?

Never overload electrical circuits or extension cords. Never place cords or wires under rugs in high traffic areas. If any electric cables are worn or taped, they should be replaced immediately. Shut off and unplug any appliances that sputter, spark or emit an unusual smell.

  • Is your Stove clear of flammable objects?

Keep wires, cloths and oven gloves away from stove top. Also don’t let grease or other remains build up-they can go up in flames

  • Has your chimney been swept?

              If you have a fireplace, you should have your chimney inspected and cleaned at least once a year. Give yourself enough time in case repairs are needed before the cold weather sets in.

  • Do you have several easy -to -use fire extinguishers in your home?

It’s a good ideal to have several. And make sure that all family members know where they are located and how to properly use them.

  • Do you have an escape plan?

Practice an escape plan with your family. Stay low to the floor when escaping from the fire and never open doors that are hot. Have a set location where everyone can meet after escaping the house.

SERVPRO is ready for YOU

10/30/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Pinehurst/Moore and Montgomery Counties is faster to any size disaster rather it be a flood, fire or storm related damage we have the experience, tools, and staff to mitigate any size disaster faster. The faster a disaster is mitigated the better. The longer that water or contaminants from a fire are affecting the structure the more damage that can be caused. Its not only better for the contents and structure but faster for the business to resume normal operations and limit interruptions to operations. When business is not operational money is lost. SERVPRO understands this and knows the importance to get you back to normal as quickly as possible. If there is a storm event affecting many locations we have the ability to call in additional resources and staff from a large network of SERVPRO locations.  This allows all of our clients to get help faster! We are - Ready For Whatever Happens.       

SERVPRO Will Get Your Business Back on your Feet in No Time!

10/30/2019 (Permalink)

Here are SERVPRO of Pinehurst/Moore and Montgomery Counties, we understand that when a commercial water emergency occurs in your business it is important that the issues is mitigated quickly and efficiently. During these emergencies, it is not just the building that needs to be back up and functioning but the materials and equipment you use on a daily basis that allows your business to be successful.  

We have the ability to save things like office furniture, desk, and even sensitive information that may be stored in the office with our Document Restoration. We are in the business of restoring these items that may have been damaged during your water emergency. We always attempt to salvage anything damaged because we understand that it can keep the cost down for you and the insurance company as well the value it has to your company. If an item can be saved or restored it is worth the time to do so.  

We will work tirelessly to treat each of your items with special care to protect. Our team is trained to keep your items from damage while we do work. Our content specialists team does wonders with your clean-up on all types of materials.  

Trust that SERVPRO of Pinehurst/Moore and Montgomery Counties keeps in mind that time down for your business, is money lost. So our team will work around the clock to make sure it is “Like it never even happened.” and your business is back up and running!

Winter Tips for your North Carolina Home

10/28/2019 (Permalink)

Colder weather is coming soon to North Carolina! Heres a few tips on how to winterize your home.

Can you feel that chill in the air? If not, just you wait — winter will be here before you know it, and now is the time to get your house ready for the cold. Trust us: You don't want to discover your furnace is dead on arrival at the first snowfall. And dealing with those cold air drafts now is a lot more pleasant than waiting until the inside of your house feels like a freezer.

To help, we've created the ultimate guide to getting your home ready for winter. Here's a list of what to do and who to hire now, so you're not left shivering through the season.

Outdoors

Gutter Check: Ideally, you'll have your gutters and downspouts cleaned in mid-fall so that you only need to double check them before winter. If you do encounter clogs or leaking in difficult to reach places, now is a good time to call in the professionals.

Water Works: Your sprinkler system should have been winterized in the fall. If you missed this step, get a professional in as soon as possible, so you can avoid frozen pipes or cracks that can ruin the entire system. You should also make sure to disconnect all outside hoses from their spouts and turn off the water. 

Roof Inspection: Have a contractor look for damaged roof shingles. A professional can also assess the integrity of your roof by doing something called an infrared roof inspection. This process uses infrared rays to locate the parts of a roof that are at higher or lower temperatures than the rest of it. These "hot spots" can show the roof inspector exactly where heat is escaping.

Weatherproof Windows: If heat is escaping through your windows and the space around them, keeping the rest of your house warm is going to be more difficult and more expensive. You might find installing energy-efficient , double-paned windows will make a noticeable difference in your energy costs and how comfortable your living areas feel. You may not need to install new windows if heat is escaping, though. In some cases, all you need is some caulk or weather stripping to weatherproof the existing windows.

Indoors 

HVAC Tuning: Now is the time to replace the filter in your furnace and close any vents in your home that may have been opened for the warm weather. Go ahead and test that your heating system is working properly, too — it's better to find out now if something needs to be fixed before the real cold weather hits.

Chimney Cleaning: Chimneys and wood stoves should be cleaned early in the season. If you own a fireplace, this is not optional — it's a matter of safety. When you have your chimney cleaned, have the furnace flue cleaned at the same time. Make sure to test the flue for a tight seal when closed.

Outlet Inspection: Check electric outlets and switch plates to see if you feel a draft. Add insulation to prevent warm air from escaping these spaces.

Stock Up: Make sure you have shovels on hand before the first big snow hits. Plus, it's a good idea to get prepared with and extra supply of water, canned food, flashlights and replacement batteries.

Credit: Patch

https://patch.com/us/across-america/how-winterize-your-house-simple-checklist?fbclid=IwAR0apav9x_5_JxyI73iqvVNmV93uGsIonsNKgvVR92u49xy1jiahUxTRp84

Pinehurst/Moore and Montgomery Counties Smoke and Soot Cleanup

10/28/2019 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

  • Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
  • Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
  • The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Pinehurst/Moore and Montgomery Counties will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

  • Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

  • Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

  • Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today –(910)428-5280

For Immediate Service in Pinehurst/Moore and Montgomery Counties Call SERVPRO

10/28/2019 (Permalink)

Group photo of SERVPRO of Pinehurst/Moore and Montgomery Counties

SERVPRO of Pinehurst/Moore and Montgomery Counties provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster in Pinehurst/Moore and Montgomery Counties. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

  • 24-Hour Emergency Service
  • Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
  • Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
  • A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
  • Locally Owned and Operated
  • Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment 

Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 – 910-428-5280

Residential Services

Whether your Pinehurst/Moore and Montgomery Counties home needs emergency flood damage or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us.  Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best. Learn more about our residential services:

  • Water Damage Restoration
  • Fire Damage Restoration
  • Mold Remediation
  • Storm Damage Restoration
  • Cleaning Services
  • Building/Reconstruction Services

Commercial Services

There's never a convenient time for fire or Water damage to strike your Pinehurst/Moore and Montgomery Counties commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business. Learn more about our commercial services: https://www.SERVPROpinehurstmooremontgomerycounties.com/commercial-restoration-cleaning

  • Commercial Water Damage Restoration
  • Commercial Fire Damage Restoration

Pinehurst/Moore & Montgomery Co. 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

10/21/2019 (Permalink)

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

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today -(910) 428-5280

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

What to Expect

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

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

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

About SERVPRO of Pinehurst/Moore & Montgomery Co.

SERVPRO of Pinehurst/Moore & Montgomery Co. 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.

Conditions In Pinehurst/Moore and Montgomery Counties Might Be Right For Mold

10/21/2019 (Permalink)

It’s estimated that more than 1 million types of mold exist, yet less than 10 percent have actually been named. This means mold is very common in both indoor and outdoor environments. While mold and humans can sometimes co-exist without issue, there are certain species of mold that can cause health effects for some people.

If the right conditions exist, mold will grow.  Those conditions include:

  • Water - Different mold types require varying amounts of liquid before growth begins.   
  • Temperature - Normal indoor temperatures will promote mold growth.
  • Time - Initial mold colonizers can take hold within one day after being exposed to an adequate water supply.

Mold growth can occur in any home, so it’s important to keep an eye out for situations that might promote mold activity. Roof/chimney leaks, wet basements, or condensation from ducts that dampen surrounding insulation are just a few examples of issues that make a house a prime target for mold growth.

If you suspect mold in your home, call SERVPRO of Pinehurst/Moore & Montgomery Counties to assess the situation. We have the knowledge, tools and track record to effectively remediate mold in your home or business.

If you suspect mold, call us today at (910) 428-5280

What to Do:

  • Stay out of affected areas.
  • Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
  • Contact SERVPRO of Pinehurst/Moore & Montgomery Counties for mold remediation services.

Always Be Prepared!

3/15/2019 (Permalink)

Join your community in preparing for emergencies and disasters of all types, and leading efforts to encourage the community as a whole to become more prepared. “Disasters happen” and not only devastate individuals and neighborhoods, but entire communities. Learn how to be prepared.

Make and Practice Your Plan

Do you have an evacuation and shelter-in-place plan? Do you have a plan to communicate with your family before, during and after an incident? Do you have an emergency supply kit? Make sure your family is informed and practiced in your emergency plan. Be sure to sign up for alerts and warnings for your area, and download other necessary apps to stay informed.

Learn Life Saving Skills

Do you or someone in your family know CPR? Could you turn off your natural gas if necessary? Do you know how to take cover in an earthquake? Knowing these life saving skills could mean life or death in an emergency situation for you, your family or your neighbors.

We Work Closely with Your Insurance Provider!

3/15/2019 (Permalink)

When it comes to customer service, we make continual efforts to make sure that not only you are satisfied by all parties involved are happy with the services we provide. We stay in constant contact with your insurance adjuster, agent and carrier to make sure all parties involved are informed with the services we provide and the progress that is made during the claim. This is paramount to us! A perfectly satisfied customer is a repeat customer! The relationships that are forged by premier customer service provided to each and every home owner, business owner and insurance agent mean so much to us. It only takes one bad job to cancel out a thousand "great outcomes." We strive to make sure that doesn't happen!

SERVPRO -A History of Trust and Professionalism

3/15/2019 (Permalink)

Our large loss teams are ready to make it "Like it never even happened," no matter the size of the disaster.

Founded in 1967, the SERVPRO Industries, Inc. Franchise System is a national leader of fire, water, mold, and commercial and residential cleanup and restoration services. SERVPRO's professional network of over 1,700 franchises around the county. Responding to property damage emergencies ranging from  to those suffered by individual businesses and homes all the way up to multi-million dollar disasters such as the Pentagon after 9/11, Providing coverage nationally, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals work with major insurance companies and commercial clients nationwide. 

Servicing Pinehurst, Moore, and Montgomery counties. Call us today for a quote on commercial and residential remediation and cleaning services, (910)-428-5280. Let our team help make your fire, water, mold, bio-hazard, storm, flood, or vandalism damage "Like it never even happened."

Highly Trained Restoration Specialist

3/14/2019 (Permalink)

We have always put a high priority into educating our team. That need is more important than ever today. SERVPRO is an IICRC certified firm with certified technicians. That means you can expect the very highest in standards and protocol to be used in your home or business.

IICRC Training and Certification

The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) certifies and sets the standards for the 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.

Employee Certification Training

The Employee Certification Training is a voluntary, self-paced program designed for SERVPRO Franchise employees. Certification is awarded after successful completion of course materials and an examination. Modules include:

  • Crew Training
  • Fire Restoration
  • Water Restoration
  • Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning

What To Do if You Have Storm Damage??

2/12/2019 (Permalink)

If you have storm damage, we can clean it up. We are here to help and have 24/7 staff and equipment. If you have water damage from flash flooding, structural damage from high winds, or smoke damage from a lightening fire. We are here to help. Our trained staff are here to assess the situation and stabilize your structure for you.  We can help you find the resources you need to quickly clean up any situation weather you have a large tree that has come down or a roof that needs repaired. We have business relationships with contractors and vendors that we partner with that are here to assist even with things we are not able to do ourselves. We are able to bring in large equipment if needed to solve any problem that you have.  We are here to help be that resource for you in that time of need when a disaster happens. You can turn to SERVPRO and know that we are here to help.  We know that your family and/or business are important to you and it is important to get things back to normal quickly.  We work hard to help make it "Like it never even happened."

Tips for mold damage!

2/12/2019 (Permalink)

In as little as 48 hours, mold can quickly become a problem in your home or business when there’s a water intrusion, like a roof leak or leaking water line. Mold can cause health effects and can also cause significant damage to your property. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle your mold problem.

Have a Mold Problem? Call Today (910)-428-5280

If you have a mold problem in your home or business, your primary focus should be safety:

  • Significant mold growth can occur in 48-72 hours.
  • Mold may present a greater risk to children, the elderly, and anyone with respiratory problems.
  • A strong, musty odor may indicate hidden mold behind drywall or under carpeting.

What to Do:

  • Stay out of affected areas.
  • Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
  • Contact a SERVPRO Franchise Professional for mold remediation services.

What NOT to Do:

  • Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
  • Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
  • Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
  • Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

The Water Loss Process!

2/12/2019 (Permalink)

Extraction from an after-hours water loss

In order to be prepared for our water mitigation process please see the 4 steps below!

Inspection:

SERVPRO Professionals will inspect affected areas to determine the extent of the water damage and will review the inspection with you to answer any questions before beginning any work.

Emergency Services:

SERVPRO Professionals will take steps to help protect your home or business, as well as your personal belongings and other contents, from further damage by extracting the excess water and preparing the area for drying. They will explain the needed emergency services to you step-by-step.

Monitoring:

To help ensure your home or business and belongings are dried to appropriate industry standards, a SERVPRO Professional will monitor the drying process. The updates will be consistently communicated to you.

Restoration Services:

SERVPRO Professionals will repair structural materials, reinstall carpets,  and clean affected areas of your property and belongings. A Final walk-through of the job site will be conducted with you to help ensure the property was returned to preloss condition. 

Storm Restoration in Pinehurst, Moore, & Montgomery

2/11/2019 (Permalink)

Hitting golf balls on the range? Enjoyable. Golf ball sized hail hitting your windows? A disaster. The weather in North Carolina is unpredictable and can sometimes have a devastating impact on your home. Although you can’t stop the weather, we can limit the amount of damage done by violent storms. Here are a few tips for preparing for a storm:

  • Trim the trees, wind could knock down any lose or dead branches
  • Secure the backyard, any furniture or objects left outside should be secured and ready to endure heavy winds
  • Clean the gutters, if gutters stay full they could become clogged and cause water to seep in under the roof
  • If flooding is a concern, move poisons or garden chemicals kept outside to above ground level and that important items inside are kept in a safe place
  • If there’s a large hail warning, consider boarding your windows and staying in the room with least amount of windows

If, even after all these precautions, mother nature still managed to cause a mishap let us take care of it for you. At SERVPRO of Pinehurst/Moore & Montgomery Counties we are open 24/7 and can assess and fix the damage in no time. Like it never even happened!

Why Choose SERVPRO of Pinehurst/Moore & Montgomery Counties For Your Fire Damage Restoration?

2/6/2019 (Permalink)

Make sure you call SERVPRO of Pinehurst/Moore & Montgomery Counties if your home or business experiences fire damage!

We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster 

When your Pinehurst, Moore, or Montgomery home/business experiences fire or smoke damage, you need professional help quickly. SERVPRO of Pinehurst/Moore & Montgomery Counties is dedicated to responding immediately, which helps to prevent secondary damage and to reduce the cost of restoration.

We’re Fire and Water Damage Specialists

As fire and water restoration specialists, we have the training, experience and specialized equipment necessary to restore your home or business. We are committed to providing superior service while restoring your property back to pre-fire condition.

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

Our Restore vs. Replace Mentality

We focus on restoring versus replacing because restoring the affected areas of your property is substantially less costly than demolishing and replacing those areas. This “restore first” mentality also allows us to get your home or business back to pre-fire condition quicker and with less disruption.

Tips On How To Prevent Winter Home Fires

2/6/2019 (Permalink)

The winter season is here and with it comes shorter days and lower temperatures. No matter where you live, winter brings a change in the weather. In an effort to keep our homes and workplaces cozy, many people use alternative heat sources like fire places, portable space heaters, and wood burning stoves. Did you know, heating equipment is a leading cause of home fire deaths? According to the National Fire Protection Association, heating equipment fires cause estimated $1 billion in direct property damage annually. Keep the following safety tips in mind to help reduce your risk of a heating-related fire. 

  • Keep anything flammable at least three feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or a portable space heater. Have a three foot "kid-free zone" around open fires and space heaters.
  • Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container. Keep the container a safe distance away from your home.
  • Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.
  • Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel burning space heaters.

50% of all residential heating-related fires are reported during the months of December, January and February.

  • Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.
  • Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturers instructions.
  • Test smoke alarms monthly.

If your property suffers from fire damage, contact SERVPRO of Pinehurst/Moore & Montgomery Counties to help make it "Like it never even happened."

What To Do if You Have Storm Damage?

2/6/2019 (Permalink)

If you have storm damage, we can clean it up. We are here to help and have 24/7 staff and equipment. If you have water damage from flash flooding, structural damage from high winds, or smoke damage from a lightning fire. We are here to help. Our trained staff are here to assess the situation and stabilize your structure for you.  We can help you find the resources you need to quickly clean up any situation whether you have a large tree that has come down or a roof that needs repaired. We have business relationships with contractors and vendors we partner with who are here to assist even with things we are not able to do ourselves. We are able to bring in large equipment if needed to solve any problem you have.  We are here to help be the resource for you in your time of need when a disaster happens. You can turn to SERVPRO and know we are here to help.  We know your family and/or business are important to you, and it is important to get things back to normal quickly.  We work hard to help make it "Like it never even happened."

Top Tips for Getting Ready for a Storm

2/6/2019 (Permalink)

Top Tips for Getting Ready for a Storm

  • Remove debris from outside and ensure that any loose items are secured or stored inside.
  • Ensure all windows and doors are shut, and locked where possible.
  • Secure your vehicles in a garage (if possible), but at the very least park them away from any objects including trees that may fall and damage it.
  • Organize where your family and any pets will be during the expected storm time, to ensure everyone is safe.
  • Storms can result in power cuts, so make a storm kit which includes torches, necessary medication, food, water and blankets etc.

Tips for After a Storm

Depending on the severity of the winds, the post-storm clean-up can vary from small repairs to much bigger ones.

  • Avoid standing near walls, buildings and trees that may be prone to collapse following the storm.
  • Be aware of any loose electrical wires and cables that may have been damaged. Leave these for a professional to fix.
  • Contact your insurance company immediately if you think you need to make a claim.

Whether the forecast for storms later this week turns out to be accurate or not, it’s good practice to prepare your premises in advance. This includes making sure that you have the contact details for those you can contact in an emergency, such as electricians, plumbers, roofers, your insurer’s claim helpline and your local SERVPRO of Pinehurst/Moore & Montgomery Counties (910)-428-5280

Severe Weather and the Toll it Takes on Your Home or Business

2/6/2019 (Permalink)

Heavy Winds and Rain Can Cause a Major Toll on Your Home or Business

Severe weather can take a toll on your home. It’s not unusual for storm damage to affect your home’s exterior, leading to serious problems in the aftermath of the weather. SERVPRO of Pinehurst/Moore & Montgomery Counties provides 24-hour restoration services for weather-related damage to homes.

When a storm strikes, it’s important to be aware of the potential problems that can develop. You can’t control the weather, but you can control how you respond in the immediate aftermath. Here are three of the issues that could afflict your home after a storm hits:

    • Roof Damage: Roofs are susceptible to damage during any major storm, from heavy winds and torrential rains to snowstorms. Moisture can weaken already vulnerable areas of the roof, and strong winds can knock down loose shingles or cause visible damage to them. You may notice a leak in your attic or ceiling if a storm damages your roof.
    • Windows Are Vulnerable: A thoroughly sealed and weather-stripped window is unlikely to suffer severe storm damage, but old windows that haven’t been catered to recently could develop problems if it rains. For example, the moisture can seep into openings around the window, causing a leak inside the house. Rain can also cause wood to rot and mold to develop in the window’s vicinity. Rugs and carpets in the area could also be susceptible to water damage. Windows in the basement are extremely vulnerable if they aren’t protected, which leads to flooded basements and potentially damaged property. 
    • Gutters Can Become Clogged: Gutters aren’t immediately obvious problems because you have to inspect them to see if they’ve become clogged after the storm. Rain can wash all kinds of debris into them, and once they become congested, they no longer filter water away from your home. The result could be water damage to your property, and the gutters could also suffer damage later since the excess weight of debris can cause them to sag.

Storm damage affects more than just the trees around the house. It can also have an impact on your home’s foundation. After a major storm, take a close look at your home and investigate for problematic signs. If you discover anything, call the restoration service team at SERVPRO of Pinehurst/Moore & Montgomery Counties at (910)-428-5280. They’ll manage the situation and restore your home back to normal. 

Work place water damage restored by SERVPRO!

2/5/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Commercial Restoration and Cleaning Services

When business owners visualize water damage, they often picture a massive storm wiping out power lines, flooding offices, and shutting down businesses for days at a time. It is true that commercial water damage is often the result of floods and water that stems from weather events and storms. 
 
However, many entrepreneurs and business space renters forget that storms and severe weather aren't the only causes of floods and water damage. Here are some of the typical causes of water damage to commercial buildings. 
 
1. Malfunctioning sprinkler systems 
Some older office and retail buildings still have outdated sprinkler systems that work in conjunction with fire protection systems. While such sprinklers can come in handy during a fire emergency, they can also cause commercial flood damage if they are faulty or in need of replacement. This could easily damage inventory and business assets.

2. Damaged appliances and equipment 
This cause of commercial flood damage is more common in restaurants and catering facilities, as well as any business that has appliances and equipment that make use of water. If the appliance fails and sends water across your building, especially during late hours when no one is around, you may come back to work and face a water emergency. 
 
3. Broken pipes and plumbing 
Just like in a residence, if the plumbing system in your workplace fails water damage could be the result. 
 
4. Backed up sewer lines 
This is another cause of commercial water damage that often catches business owners by surprise. Should the sewer line to your building back up or become damaged, realize the potential dangers of contaminated Black Water which can cause health effects and ruin products and office furnishings. 
 
If your business has suffered commercial water damage, SERVPRO of Pinehurst/Moore & Montgomery Counties will get you back up and running again. Call us anytime 24/7 at 910-428-5280 for fast help.

SERVPRO Commercial Services

2/5/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Commercial Restoration and Cleaning Services

SERVPRO of Pinehurst/Moore & Montgomery Counties is proud to be the trusted choice of Business Owners and Property Managers throughout North Carolina.

Commercial Services

Your commercial property's appearance speaks volumes to your clients. When the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration service, you can depend on the local professionals at SERVPRO. Our services include;

  • Commercial Water Restoration
  • Commercial Fire Restoration
  • Commercial Mold Remediation
  • Commercial Electronics Restoration
  • Commercial Document Drying
  • Commercial Storm and Major Events
  • SERVPRO Exclusive Disaster Recovery Team

The local team at SERVPRO of Pinehurst/Moore & Montgomery Counties is ready 24 hours a day to help get your business back up and running again. Some of the properties we service include;

  • Retail Facilities 
  • Education Facilities
  • Property Management
  • Healthcare Facilities
  • Hospital Facilities
  • Food Service Facilities
  • Government Facilities
  • Manufacturing / Industrial Facilities

Like it Never Even Happened

Whether your need is removing a problem odor, deep cleaning flooring and carpets, or restoring your structure after a large disaster, you can count of the local professionals at SERVPRO of Pinehurst/Moore & Montgomery Counties to get the job done right the first time, on time!

Restoring Your Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

2/5/2019 (Permalink)

Commercial Water Damage Events Present Unique Challenges

Flooding and water damage events at 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 Pinehurst/Moore & Montgomery Counties!

SERVPRO of Pinehurst/Moore & Montgomery Counties 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 corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

SERVPRO Commercial Property Damage Restoration

2/5/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Commercial Property Damage Restoration

When you choose SERVPRO of Pinehurst/Moore & Montgomery Counties for your commercial property restoration project we provide the very best in business experience and project management best practices. 

Out workflow is standardized with proprietary software that aligns technology with the actual work being performed.  This results in open communication with our customers, our projects managers and technicians leading to excellent service quality.

Our work begins with phases and steps which is a fluid organized structure of steps each requiring performance completion determined by the type and complexity of the project. Tasks and activities are highly refined actions within each step overseen by a trained SERVPRO supervisor.  As you can imagine residential and commercial restoration requires differing, unique and individualized tasks. 

We assign a designated project manager specifically for the commercial project who is the point of contact (POC) and single source of decision making and project oversight who ensures that the agreed upon scope of work is achieved.   The key to any project is effective and consistent communication. This benefit to you, our commercial customer is enormous! 

Commercial lossrequires immediate service. Our customers are our priority and with an emergency action plan in place SERVPRO can do what we do best – property damage restoration – to maintain safety, minimize property loss and restore business continuity. 

Perhaps the most important advice we can give to any commercial facility is the necessity of contacting us for an Emergency ready profile (ERP).  Having an ERP on file with SERVPRO of Pinehurst/Moore & Montgomery Counties BEFORE a catastrophic commercial damage event occurs save your business operation countless time and expense because immediate actionable steps at your specific location have been identified and documented allowing our restoration experts to hit the ground running. 

Because our credibility, awareness and customer trust is already in place before SERVPRO technicians arrive on-site you can understand why SERVPRO is the best restoration vendor to choose.

Contact us at (910)-428-5280

How to Test Your Smoke Alarms and When to Replace Them

1/21/2019 (Permalink)

A fire alarm is the best way to be alerted of a fire in your home!

Smoke alarms are crucial to preventing fire deaths and injuries during a home fire. However, you need to maintain and test them regularly to ensure they're working properly at any given moment. Here are the steps involved in testing a smoke alarm in your home.

First, make sure everyone in your household test.

Have someone stand in the room farthest way form the alarm you are testing to ensure that the alarm is heard in all rooms of your home.

When everyone is ready, use a sturdy chair or ladder to reach the alarm. Locate the test button, then push and hold it for a few seconds to trigger the alarm.

In addition to testing your alarm manually, you should also check that the sensors are working. Use an aerosol smoke detector tester and spray it towards the alarm; it should go off after a few seconds.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends that you should test your smoke alarms monthly and replace them every 10 years. Batteries should also be replace at least once a year.

Garage Fire Safety Tips!

1/16/2019 (Permalink)

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, residential garage fires tend to spread faster than fires which start in another area of a home. Check out these tips to learn how to prevent tires in your garage:

  • Store flammable substances, such as paints, gasoline, oil or varnish outside the garage an home, preferably in a shed.
  • Always keep items which can catch fire on high shelves and away from appliances that produce heat.
  • Use electrical appliance or tools carefully.
  • Install a heat alarm that will sound when it detects dangerously high temperatures.
  • Don't fill portable gasoline containers inside.

However, if a fire happens in your garage contact SERVPRO of Pinehurst, Moore & Montgomery to make your garage look "Like it never even happened."

Is Water Damage Hiding From You?!

1/16/2019 (Permalink)

Signs of Water Damage

No one ever truly understands the power of rain or water and the damage it can do to your home or business. Once water has found its way inside your house, it can travel anywhere, creating hidden problems. So, even after that big puddle recedes, there may be some underlying problems lurking behind the scenes. here with some helpful tips on how to identify water damage, SERVPRO of Pinehurst, Moore, & Montgomery urges you to pay attention,

  • Smell the air!
  • Spot the stains!
  • Peeling pain.
  • Sagging spaces and finicky floors.

If you notice any of these signs, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Pinehurst, Moore & Montgoemry to investigate and avoid further damage. SERVPRO is here 24/7 to help you breath a little easier.

Mold Removal vs. Mold Remediation

1/16/2019 (Permalink)

Since microscopic mold spores exist naturally almost everywhere, indoor and outdoor, removing all mold from a home or business is impossible. Many restoration business advertise "mold removal" and even guarantee to remove all the mold. This is a fallacy. We understand that mold and mold growth. SERVPRO of Pinehurst, Moore, & Montgomery has the training and expertise to re-mediate the mold in your home or business.

Understanding Mold

When water intrudes into your property, mold growth can start in as little as 48 hours.

The Mold Remediation Process

Every mold damage scenario is different and requires a unique solution, but the general mold remediation process stays the same.

  • Contact SERVPRO of Pinehurst, Moore, & Montgomery!
  • Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment
  • Mold Containment
  • Air Filtration
  • Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials
  • Cleaning Content and Belongings

How Fire Damage Can Continue to Affect Your Home or Businesses Contents and Structure!

1/10/2019 (Permalink)

Fire damage affecting your home needs quick remediation or secondary damages will result. Call SERVPRO because we are available 24/7.

Fire damage does not end the moment the firefighters leave your home or once the fire has been successfully put out. More damage may result from the water that was used to extinguish the fire; therefore, our restoration team employs specialized techniques to attend to the various challenges that arise. Though the restoration procedures may sound the same, your New Hope property requires unique solutions after such experiences. 
 
The Fire Damage Restoration process begins the moment you call our SERVPRO team. We understand that such situations require an immediate response, and our representatives usually ask questions regarding the event. By responding to our questions, we are in a position to immediately respond with appropriate resources and equipment. To determine the extent of the damage caused by the soot, smoke, and fire, we perform a careful inspection of the building. The examination helps us to formulate a relevant plan of action. 

Some fire incidents may compromise the roofs, walls, and windows of your property. By offering immediate roof-tarp and board-up solutions, we can attend to such concerns. Such services ensure the security of the building is maintained and help in minimizing further damage. If water is present, we employ appropriate water removal techniques. For instance, pumps to physically extract the water, as well as using air movers and dehumidifiers to dry wet areas. 
 
When soot particles are mixed with water and penetrate hard to reach areas, rotting may take place, and the odor challenge may result. Our SERVPRO technicians are trained to locate and eliminate the unpleasant odors through a process known as deodorization. We can use thermal foggers to dispense deodorants into target locations and neutralize the odor causing particles. Where possible, we physically remove any decomposed particles to control the odor problem. 
 
SERVPRO of Pinehurst, Moore, and Montgomery is a trusted industry leader in residential and commercial fire damage cleaning and restoration. Call (910)-428-5280 today to have your questions answered, and your property returned to its preloss state. 
 

How Water Damage Can Create a Mold Issue in Your Home!

1/7/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage inside the drywall can cause mold. Call SERVPRO at the first sign of water damage.

The goal during any water damage situation is to remove moisture as quickly as possible and preferably within 48 hours so that fungi cannot form. When your home in Raleigh gets negatively affected by moisture, professional companies like SERVPRO can help reduce the severity of the issues created. In most cases, we speed up the natural evaporation and drying process by utilizing air movers and dehumidifiers. The air movers create air flow so that water keeps evaporating from wet surfaces while dehumidifiers remove moisture from the air and provide the fans with hot, dry air. However, when certain building materials receive water damage, other measures must be taken to drop moisture levels and prevent mold growth quickly.  

When water leaks into your home, it usually accumulates on the floor first. Then, it soaks into your drywall and starts to wick its way up your walls, possibly causing extensive water damage to your home. If wall cavities get wet, fungi can form on the paper backing of the drywall and the wooden studs to which the drywall is attached. In some scenarios, our SERVPRO technicians cut the drywall a foot or two up from the floor so that air can get pushed into the wall cavity. In other situations, we use advanced technology to dry out the drywall and the wood trapped behind it without tearing up your walls.  

When your walls get wet, we often use injectidry systems to get air behind the drywall material by drilling holes into your drywall. We then connect the tubes coming from the injectidry unit to the holes in the walls so that the machine pushes air into the wall cavity, thus speeding up the drying process. The use of injection drying can save you and your insurance company the cost of replacing a large amount of drywall.  

Our highly trained team always strives hard to provide fast 24/7 service if you ever suffer a property disaster. If you ever notice that your drywall got wet after a water leak, Contact Us here at SERVPRO of Pinehurst, Moore & Montgomery. 

New Year! New tips!

1/2/2019 (Permalink)

From our SERVPRO family to yours at home, we wish you a Happy New Year!

With the ball dropping us into a new year, this is a great time to learn more tips and tricks to practice throughout 2019 to prevent damages to your home.  

House Fires

-Cook with caution and never leave any turned-on stoves unattended.

-Have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen

-Clean out your dryer vent often and remove any lint after each load. This will also help your clothes dry faster!

-Hire an inspector. This will ensure that your house has a lower chance of catching on fire. You might save a lot of money and time by taking safety precautions. 

Bursting Frozen pipes

-Always keep the heat on even if you are on vacation. Leaving your thermostat around 50 degrees Fahrenheit can prevent your pipes from freezing.

 -Leave cabinet doors open to allow warm air to reach the pipes.

 -Allow your faucet to drip a little during cold days to release the pressure.

Mold

-Dry out a wet area properly. If the damaged area is too large or in areas that cannot be easily accessible, you can Contact Us to mitigate the damaged area.

-Add a dehumidifier to your house to remove extra moisture.

-As soon as you have found mold, call a professional to remediate the mold.

SERVPRO of Pinehurst / Moore & Montgomery Counties can assist you with any of these damages. It is best to Contact Us as soon as possible, to prevent the damage from increasing.

Protecting Your Home from Damage in Heavy Rain

12/14/2018 (Permalink)

Stay dry during the storm with us here at SERVPRO of Pinehurst / Moore & Montgomery Co.

Sometimes when it rains, it pours.

While rain water in and of itself doesn’t pose a huge threat, rainstorms that are heavy and occur over several days can expose your home to long-term damage. Here are a few steps you can take to reduce water damage risks:

Have A Healthy Roof

The best protection for your home in stormy weather conditions is your roof – think of it as your first line of defense. Make sure your roof is in good condition by looking for things like loose shingles, surface divots, soft spots, and cracks. Roofs that exhibit any of these can cause leaks, leading to potentially serious internal damage on your walls on ceiling. If you don’t see any problems with your roof but are still wondering if it’s up to standards, it never hurts to call a professional to come out and give it an inspection.  

Inspect Your Gutters

Having well running gutters in place can be critical when experiencing heavy rainfall. Gutters help keep water off your home’s walls, so it’s important to keep them clean and clear of debris.

Direct Water Away from Your Home

This may seem like an obvious one, but that doesn’t make it any less important. Directing rainwater runoff away from the foundation of your home prevents the formation of puddles around it. As water seeps into the ground, it can crack your foundation, creating an opening for more water to get in and attract mold and mildew. Downspouts that direct water five to ten feet away from your house play a big role in preventing that kind of damage.  

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Following these steps will help you keep your home safe and protected from water damage during the rainy season. As always, if you do experience any type of water or storm damage, Contact Us here at SERVPRO of Pinehurst / Moore & Montgomery Co. and our response team will be there to fix it in no time.

Tips For Stress Free Holiday House Cleaning

12/13/2018 (Permalink)

Happy Holidays!

The holiday season can be a time of joy as we spend time visiting with friends and family, creating memories and sharing the moments that make life special.

However, there is often a lot of stress that proceeds all these wonderful moments.

One of the most stressful parts of the holiday season is having family members coming to visit. It can be like having a group of inspectors stopping by to give you're home the once over.

This can cause any host, to go overboard trying to make sure that their home passes inspection!

So, let's look a few tips to help you find a happy medium and avoid added holiday stress by going overboard.

1. Look at Your Home With the Eye of a Visitor - We may hate to admit it, but how often do we go into a friend or relatives house and we notice those things that are out of place or need repair... TOO OFTEN!

Well, now is the time to put our "visitor's eye" to good use. Start outside of your home and walk in as if you were coming to visit. Walk through all the areas of your home where visitors are likely to be during their visit. Make notes about the imperfections you see.

2. Prioritize & Create a Plan - Once you have your notes of the areas that need to be taken care of before your guests arrive, prioritize them. Number the items in the order of the "must complete" to "it would be nice" to complete before the holiday arrives.

Once you have your plan of attack, next is to schedule when you will attack it. We all lead busy lives and by adding new things to the day, we runt the risk of creating more stress for ourselves.

By scheduling when you will do these things gives you structure and allows you to slowly and methodically complete your list. As you schedule your list, consider only tackling 1 major project a day and spreading the list over a week or so.

3. Concentrate on the Most Important Areas - Sometimes when we use our "visitor's eye" we are still overly critical because it is our home. We sometimes fail to cut ourselves any slack and feel like everything is a priority.

Well remember, these tips are supposed to help eliminate or at least limit the amount of stress you feel when getting your home clean and ready to greet holiday guests.

So, if your list makes you overwhelmed or you're not sure what is the highest priority, them focus on the main areas your guests will see.

Focus your cleaning efforts on the kitchen, bathrooms, dining room and guest bedrooms.

Let's face it, these are the places where your guests are likely to spend the most time during their visit. By concentrating your efforts in these areas, you put your best foot forward where you need it most.

Are You In Over Your Head?

Sometimes, no matter how hard we try or home much we prioritize, getting our home into visitor shape may be more than we can handle before a holiday. If that's the case, don't hesitate to reach out to the professionals.

Contact Us we're just a phone call away from being able to help put your holiday cleaning mind at ease.

Winter Tips to Prevent Frozen Pipes Bursting

12/11/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Pinehurst / Moore & Montgomery counties can respond faster to your frozen water pipe disaster.

The temperatures have been dropping and the winter weather is here.  When the temperatures go below freezing level, your property is at risk for frozen pipes, which can create a major disaster in your home or business.

Be Prepared

  • Know where your water shut off is located, in case of a frozen water pipe burst.
  • Insulate exposed pipes in your home or business, especially if they are in unheated rooms.
  • Open bathroom and kitchen cabinet doors during cold spells to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing.
  • During extremely cold weather, keep a slow trickle of water flowing through faucets. Running water is less likely to freeze.
  • Consider shutting off outdoor faucets and open the outdoor faucet to help ensure it completely drains and the inner valve is shut off.
  • Keep your heat set to the same temperature both day and night.
  • If you plan on being away from your property for an extended period of time, leave the heat on and set the thermostat to at least 55°F.

Discovered Frozen Pipe

  • First sign of freezing is reduced water flow from a faucet.
  • Keep the faucet open when treating frozen pipes.
  • Apply heat to the frozen sections using a heating pad, hair drier, or another safe heat source. Do not use an open flame device.
  • Check additional pipes and faucets for freezing.

When a Pipe Bursts

  • Shut off the water at the main valve.
  • Call your local restoration professionals, SERVPRO® of Pinehurst / Moore & Montgomery Counties.

A burst pipe can cause considerable damage to your property if not addressed quickly. If winter weather causes water damage to your home or business, call SERVPRO® of Pinehurst / Moore & Montgomery Counties. We are available 24/7/365 ready to restore to any preloss condition.

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