Storm Damage Can Lead to More Problems.

9/27/2023 (Permalink)

A couple holds buckets to catch the water dripping from their ceiling.

After a heavy storm, you can find yourself facing a significant amount water damage. When this happens, SERVPRO of Pinehurst / Moore & Montgomery Counties should be your first call

SERVPRO of Pinehurst / Moore & Montgomery Counties will be able to complete the mitigation and subsequent work in a timely manner so that your home or place of business will not be disrupted for any longer than needed. 

SERVPRO is ready to help anywhere in the community at any given time. Our team helps with any type of commercial, storm, fire, or water loss.  Our trucks are loaded and ready to head out to help your business resume normal operating procedures as soon as possible.

Make SERVPRO your first call when you have water damage to combat further disaster.

How to Prepare for a Storm

4/29/2022 (Permalink)

Storms can be as unexpected as the damage they cause. Often, with the right preparation, much of the storm damage can be minimized or prevented altogether. Here are some tips to help prevent the damages storms may cause.

Clean Your Gutters

When it rains, and your gutters are clogged, it could cause the overflow to run down into your home. Often, this water can go undetected and sit. Over time, mold can grow in these areas that remain wet. Having clean and sturdy gutters before the rain comes can minimize the damage a storm may cause.

Landscaping and drainage

Depending on the land your home is built, water runoff can accumulate around your foundation, and flood your homes. Fortunately, there are solutions with the right landscaping. Better pathways can be created for water runoff, guiding the water away from your home. If you have noticed puddles or water accumulation near your home when it rains, contact a professional to help, before a storm comes. That can make the difference in whether your home is damaged or not.

Damaged or Dead Trees 

Storm damage often occurs when a tree or limbs break off and falls onto a home. Snow and rain can weigh down trees, while wind can make them bend. If this happens to trees and limbs that are dead or damaged, there’s a high chance that they will break. Before the storm season comes, be sure to trim your trees, and remove all dead limbs.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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."

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!

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.