Our Six Step Water Damage Restoration Process

3/21/2022 (Permalink)

When your home or commercial property has water damage from flooding or leaks, we have the expertise and equipment to properly restore your property. Our experience and scientific approach to water removal and water cleanup enable us to properly dry and restore your property.

Every water damage situation is a little different and requires a unique solution. However, the general process stays the same and we'd like to outline that below so that you can feel confident knowing that you'll be supported every step of the way. 

Step 1 - Emergency Contact

The restoration process begins when you call us. We will guide you through the crisis and may ask several questions to help us better understand the equipment and resources needed.

Step 2 - Inspection and Water Damage Assessment

In this step, we determine the scope of your water damage at this stage. We inspect and test to discover the true extent of damage and how far the moisture has traveled to ensure proper and complete restoration.

Step 3 - Water Removal / Water Extraction

The water removal process begins almost immediately when we arrive and removes the majority of the water. Our team uses powerful pumps and vacuum units to quickly remove hundreds or thousands of gallons from your property, which helps prevent secondary water damage and mold growth.

Step 4 - Drying and Dehumidification

We use specialized equipment to remove the remaining water that is harder to access. Our team will use exact room measurements, temperature, and relative humidity to determine the optimal number of air movers and dehumidifiers needed to dry your home or business.

Step 5 - Cleaning and Sanitizing

Back at the warehouse, our team cleans all of the restorable items damaged by the water. We are adept at cleaning contents using a number of techniques. Our professionals are trained to provide sanitizing treatments and to remove odors and deodorize your property.

Step 6 - Restoration

Restoration is the process of restoring your home or business to its pre-water damage condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall and installing new carpet, or may entail major repairs, such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

Water Damage From Flooding?

3/18/2022 (Permalink)

Flooding occurs in every U.S. state and territory, and is a threat experienced anywhere in the world that receives rain. In the U.S. floods kill more people each year than tornadoes, hurricanes or lightning according to the NOAA.

What is flooding? Flooding is an overflowing of water onto land that is normally dry. Floods can happen during heavy rains, when ocean waves come on shore, when snow melts quickly, or when dams or levees break. Damaging flooding may happen with only a few inches of water, or it may cover a house to the rooftop. Floods can occur within minutes or over a long period, and may last days, weeks, or longer. Floods are the most common and widespread of all weather-related natural disasters.

If you find your home or business impacted by water damage caused by flooding, give us a call. Our highly-trained technicians are ready to respond immediately to get your property back to "Like it never even happened."

Flood: Watch, Warning, Advisory?

3/18/2022 (Permalink)

What is the difference between a Flood Watch and a Flood Warning issued by the National Weather Service?

Sometimes it is nice to have a reminder of the difference, so we thought it would make a great topic to share about on our blog. There's a few different important definitions to share so let's get into it.

A Flash Flood Warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or occurring. If you are in a flood prone area move immediately to high ground. A flash flood is a sudden violent flood that can take from minutes to hours to develop. It is even possible to experience a flash flood in areas not immediately receiving rain.

A Flood Warning is issued when the hazardous weather event is imminent or already happening. A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.

A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for a specific hazardous weather event to occur. A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible.

A Flood Advisory is issued when a specific weather event that is forecast to occur may become a nuisance. A Flood Advisory is issued when flooding is not expected to be bad enough to issue a warning. However, it could cause significant inconvenience, and if caution is not exercised, it could lead to situations that may threaten lives and/or property.

Thank you to the National Weather Service for providing such great definitions for us to share with our readers! 

NPM 2021: Week Three "Low-Cost, No-Cost Preparedness"

9/14/2021 (Permalink)

This week is the third week in the 2021 National Preparedness Month. This week's theme is Low-Cost, No-Cost Preparedness. 

The list below has a few ways that you & your family can be prepared for disaster for no-cost or low-cost. Thanks as always to Ready.gov for creating such great resources for us to share with our local community!

• Download or order your free preparedness products to help your family plan and prepare for the next emergency. www.ready.gov/publications
• Drills aren’t just for your toolbox. Practice emergency drills with your family regularly. 
• Emergencies can happen anytime, and less than half of American families have a communication plan. Plan ahead: www.ready.gov/kids/make-a-plan 
• Make preparing fun for kids! Go on a scavenger hunt around your house for items you already have to add to your disaster supply kit. Follow this list: www.ready.gov/kit and see how many items you can check off!
• Know what disasters and hazards could affect your area, how to get emergency alerts, and where you would go if you and your family need to evacuate. Visit: www.ready.gov/be-informed.

SERVPRO of Harris, Meriwether & Stewart Counties is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (706)-575-1930!

What is Secondary Water Damage?

3/18/2021 (Permalink)

Secondary water damage is less obvious damage that you may not notice immediately (compared to primary water damage). Often times, secondary water damage is the result of long term damage not being taken care of in a timely fashion.

So, what happens with long term secondary damage? It typically results in swollen wood materials (i.e., doors, floor boards, baseboards) as well as inexplicable cracking in the walls, and more. In some cases, secondary water can result because of large amounts of water that begin evaporating quickly. In those specific cases of secondary damage, it usually results in high humidity that can cause the room to reach its dew point and can cause the moisture to penetrate porous materials (i.e., fabrics, furniture, etc.).

If you experience water damage in your Harris County residential home or business, don't hesitate to give us a call. 

SERVPRO of Harris, Meriwether & Stewart Counties is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (706)-575-1930!

Caring for Your Belongings After Disaster

3/4/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage affects not only the structure of your house, but also your belongings. We wanted to share a blog post about how we clean your contents after water damage strikes your Harris County home.

First, we want you to know that we understand that your home is more than a structure; your family’s furniture, clothing, keepsakes, and other belongings help transform just a house in Cataula into a home. 

We utilize several methods of cleaning your contents, including the following:

• Dry Cleaning - Used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to wet cleaning.
• Wet Cleaning - An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues.
• Spray and Wipe -Effective for items that can’t withstand wet cleaning.
• Foam Cleaning - Used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned.
• Abrasive Cleaning - Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned. 
• Immersion Cleaning - Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product. 

You can trust us to take care of not only your home but also your belongings. 

SERVPRO of Harris, Meriwether & Stewart Counties is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (706)-575-1930!