Recent Why SERVPRO Posts

FASTER TO ANY DISASTER

7/18/2022 (Permalink)

FASTER TO ANY DISASTER

Fire and water damages are never scheduled. Will you be prepared? Whether it's a burst pipe in an apartment complex or an electrical fire in an office building; SERVPRO is always ready. There's no such thing as a small emergency when it threatens the welfare of the tenants and the revenue of the property owner. 

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals can manage the damage. With more than  1500 franchises in 48 states and over 40 years of business in the cleanup and restoration industry, you can rest easy knowing help is on the way. SERVPRO Professionals always keep thorough and detailed communication throughout the restoration process to help keep you informed and in control. SERVPRO's reputation has been built through experience and training in mitigation damages ranging from single-family homes to skyscrapers, and even the Pentagon! 

Because emergency situations are never scheduled, SERVPRO implicates the 1-4-8 method of Service Response Guidelines to ensure efficient and timely services. The 1-4-8 Service Response Guideline method means that:

1- Within one hour from notice of loss, a SERVPRO Franchise Professional will contact you to arrange for service. 

4- Within 4 hours of loss notification, a SERVPRO Franchise Professional will be on-site to start mitigation services (if necessary). 

8- Within eight business hours of on-site arrival, a verbal briefing of the scope will be communicated to the appropriate person. 

This response method helps to ensure that SERVPRO Professionals may help to avoid revenue loss for property owners and minimize inconvenience to tenants. Timely restoration services along with SERVPRO's Professional equipment and industry-approved techniques can help you resume normal business functions and may save you time and money. Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, SERVPRO Professionals will work hard to restore your property and your peace of mind. 

The SERVPRO Emergency Response to Claims

6/21/2022 (Permalink)

Employee posing for photo. It may be a relatively minor incident or a devastating loss. No matter the extent of the damage, SERVPRO® is Faster to Any Size Disaster.

SERVPRO®'s Emergency Claims Response

Emergencies don't take place on a schedule. When your company experiences a disaster in South Pottstown, PA, you need help as soon as it occurs. Immediate repairs, protection against further damage, insurance claim services — it all has to happen fast.

Using the Emergency Response

A professional restoration service with agents available 24/7 can be your lifeline after you experience perils such as:

  • Fire
  • Tornado or storm damage
  • Water damage from rain or flooding
  • High winds

It may be a relatively minor incident or a devastating loss. No matter the extent of the damage, SERVPRO is Faster to Any Size Disaster. When you call, a technician is available to take your information at any time of day. 

Staying Prepared
While you can't predict when a disaster will occur, you can prepare. The Emergency Ready Plan is designed to give you a strategy before a catastrophe happens.

Technicians conduct a no-cost assessment of your property. You complete a profile document that contains a concise list of critical information you need after an emergency. You benefit from a plan with:

  • A chain of command to authorize work
  • Facility details such as priority areas and shut-off locations
  • Assistance with claim services

Getting Back to Work Quicker
After a disruption, you and your employees want things to return to normal as soon as possible. The Emergency Ready Plan helps you go through the restoration process quickly and smoothly. Avoiding downtime ensures you keep up your levels of productivity and gets everyone back to work “Like it never even happened”.

A disaster can strike your South Pottstown, PA, business at any time. That doesn't mean you have to be unprepared. A fast-acting remediation company helps you with cleanup, restoration, and claim services — every step of the way.

A Guide to the Three Types of Water Damage

6/16/2022 (Permalink)

Insulation removed from walls. Knowing which category you are dealing with is important for the cleanup process.

The Three Types of Water Damage

Water damage can occur due to several reasons. But no matter the cause, the water will be placed into one of three categories based on the level of contaminants present. This guide will break down the three categories of contaminated water and how to treat each type if your property in Phoenixville, PA, is impacted. 

1. Category 1: Clean Water

As its name suggests, clean water is free of any contaminants and therefore not harmful upon exposure. This type of water damage can present itself wherever there is a clean water supply line, such as an overflowing sink or hose. If you experience Category 1 damage, blot up or remove as much of the water as you can and get the area to dry as quickly as possible to avoid mold growth. 

2. Category 2: Gray Water

Contaminated water featuring chemical or biological elements is known as gray water. While this water carries microorganisms or bacteria, it is not as severely unsanitary as the final category. A sump pump failure or overflown toilet without fecal matter can be classified as gray water damage, as can water with chemical elements in it such as bleach or detergents. This type of damage is a bit more severe and requires extensive cleaning to prevent further harm.

3. Category 3: Black Water

The most unsanitary of all contaminated water, Category 3 damage contains high levels of bacteria, chemical toxins, and other hazardous properties. This largely presents itself in sewage backup and floodwater, though Category 2 water can develop into Category 3 if it sits stagnant for too long. If your property is infiltrated by this harmful water, immediately call a water damage cleanup company.

These pros are fully equipped to remove the unsanitary water and disinfect the impacted space. 
Knowing which category you are dealing with is important for the cleanup process, and often the water source will indicate the level of contaminants present. 

Mold and Evaporative Cooling

1/6/2022 (Permalink)

Evaporative Cooling And Mold

Residents in Phoenixville, PA, want to stay cool in the summer months. However, your home cooling systems can harbor hidden fungal agents if not properly maintained. Read on to learn how to address a leaking swamp cooler and other pressing problems.

1. About the Appliance

A swamp cooler is an air cooling system designed for climates with consistently low humidity during the summer. Because the saturation of water in the air is so low in these arid climates, it is easy for water molecules to evaporate, removing heat energy from the air during the transition. Most swamp coolers have a fan that blows air over a porous cellulose pad. This air is circulated through the house in a similar manner to conventional compressor-based air conditioners.

2. Mold Conditions

Unfortunately, because these swamp cooler units operate in warm climates and introduce moisture, they are potential sites for mold growth. This phenomenon is exacerbated by the dark conditions inside the unit and the air ducts, since direct sunlight tends to suppress mold. Other mold issues can arise due to a leaking swamp cooler, since any water that spreads beyond the direct path of the fan can build up without evaporating. This also encourages mold to grow.

3. Remedies

If mold is in direct contact with the cellulose pad, simply purchase a replacement for your make and model of evaporative cooler.  Acquire a HEPA filter for your home and ensure adequate air circulation until you can be sure that any particle contaminants are clear. If the unit leaked water into surrounding construction materials such as drywall or flooring, contact a qualified mold damage restoration service.

Remember, while the energy savings of an evaporative cooling system are substantial, they also come with certain risks. Prevent a leaking swamp cooler from becoming a major mold problem by maintaining your unit.