From Remediation to Reconstruction, We Can Restore Your Home After Any Type of Storm Damage

6/6/2024 (Permalink)

In the event of a disaster or emergency affecting your home, the impact can range from minor to severe, often resulting in the displacement of families until restoration is complete. These situations not only pose safety hazards but also disrupt normal family life. SERVPRO of Baldwin and Monroe offers professional and skilled services to restore damaged homes, from initial cleaning and remediation to complete reconstruction. By entrusting SERVPRO with all services from start to finish, homeowners not only save time but also potentially thousands of dollars. SERVPRO understands the significance of returning to a normal life and home for homeowners.

Our highly trained SERVPRO Restoration Technicians specialize in storm damage, water damage, and fire damage mitigation repair. Additionally, we have an in-house reconstruction team to support homeowners throughout the rebuilding process. We ensure open communication with homeowners to make critical decisions regarding residence restoration. Options for upgrading home features to meet the latest code requirements or enhance energy savings and safety are also available for discussion. We advise homeowners to coordinate with their insurance adjuster regarding upgrades and significant structural changes.

If you require comprehensive cleaning and storm damage repair, contact SERVPRO of Baldwin and Monroe at (478) 452-8000 or (770) 267-0023.

Heavy Rainfall Brings Water Damage

6/5/2024 (Permalink)

Water damage in a home can result from various issues such as plumbing malfunctions, roof leaks, and even human error, like leaving a faucet running. Additionally, heavy rainfall can cause significant problems, particularly around the foundation and in crawl spaces. Rainfall rates exceeding 0.3 inches per hour can exploit even the smallest vulnerabilities in your home. There are several ways rapid rainfall rates can cause issues and lead to household water damage, including:

1. Backup of clogged gutters: Debris-clogged gutters can prevent water from draining away, causing water to stand against the roofline and potentially lead to damage.
2. Leaks around windows and doors: Improperly sealed windows and doors can allow rainwater to seep into tiny cracks, causing damage.
3. Poor drainage around the foundation: In homes located at the bottom of a hill or lacking adequate foundation drainage, heavy rain can lead to water buildup against the base of the home, resulting in leaks in the basement or crawl spaces.
4. Leaks in and around the roof: Even a loose shingle or weak spot in the roof can allow rainwater to seep in, leading to roof leaks.
5. Malfunctioning sump pump systems: Regular maintenance and checks are essential for homes with sump pumps to prevent overwhelming the system, which could lead to ineffective water movement away from the home.
6. Leaks around chimneys and skylights: Homes with chimneys and skylights are particularly vulnerable to heavy rains due to aging or improper installation.

After a heavy torrential rainstorm, it's crucial to have excess water professionally extracted to minimize further structure damage and the potential for mold growth. If you encounter water emergencies, the Restoration Team at SERVPRO of Baldwin and Monroe is available to assist promptly. Reach us at (478)452-8000 or (770)267-0023.

What is Fire Damage and How Restoration Works

6/5/2024 (Permalink)

Residential fires are devastating, causing significant damage to your property and personal belongings. It can be overwhelming to evaluate the extent of the damage, including the effects of smoke and soot, and know SERVPRO of Baldwin and Monroe is here to help! At SERVPRO we provide the skills, expertise, and equipment needed to handle the aftermath of a fire disaster.

Our team of SERVPRO Restoration Technicians will arrive on-site ready to assist and work closely with the homeowner to begin the mitigation process. We develop a comprehensive plan to restore your home to its pre-damaged condition. Our top priority is to remove any smoke and soot damage immediately to prevent further damage from the aftermath of the fire. We will remove any damaged contents and personal items and determine which items can be cleaned and restored. We will also dispose of items that are beyond repair. Then, any structural damage can be removed or properly cleaned so the reconstruction process can begin.

In addition to the damage to contents and the destruction of the residential structure, the insurance process can be overwhelming. Once the homeowner has communicated and filed a claim with their agent, SERVPRO will be available to help in that process. Our team of caring job file coordinators will assist you by communicating directly with insurance adjusters. During the entire process, our team will communicate and keep you informed, which will help give you peace of mind.

Fire damage restoration can be upsetting and time-consuming, depending on the type of fire and the extent of damage. But, in the end, SERPVRO of Baldwin and Monroe is available and always here to help! 

Commercial Mold Removal

4/26/2023 (Permalink)

Why do I have mold on my premises?

Mold in a commercial property can be caused by water damage or water intrusion from various sources such as a roof, window or plumbing leaks. The humidity caused by the presence of moisture combined with the warmth and poor ventilation in a property gives mold the perfect conditions to develop, and it can spread quickly if left unchecked. This can cause damage to internal structures, damage to products in storage and is also a serious health risk for you, your customers and your staff.

Should I Clean Mold Myself?

It may be tempting to clean the mold off of surfaces yourself, however, this will only remove the surface mold. Although an area may look clean of mold, there will be spores within the surface that you will not be able to reach with household cleaning items. The spores that are left will continue to multiply and grow and the surface growth will soon be visible again. A few things you can do in the case of a mold infestation are:

• Turn off your HVAC system if you have one
• Make sure that movement in the area is limited to prevent spores from transferring elsewhere
• Do not touch or disturb the affected areas
• Make sure that you vacate the property

What Will a Mold Removal Team do?

If you have a mold infestation on your premises, you should call SERVPRO of Baldwin and Monroe certified mold removal professionals as soon as possible. They will be able to determine the cause of the mold growth and remove all spores from the property ensuring that it is fully eliminated.

Our team will carry out a preliminary assessment of the problem to ascertain the severity of the infestation and the underlying cause. Mold isn’t always visible to the human eye so our experts will use special equipment to clean areas that are affected or that have high moisture levels that will encourage future mold growth.

Once the assessment and containment of the mold are complete, our team will then remove the mold at the source ensuring that there are no mold spores present within the premises to safeguard against further infestation. Finally, the team will remove the underlying cause of the infestation by repairing the affected area to stop the further intrusion of water.

If left untreated, mold can cause serious structural damage to your commercial property such as brickwork and drywall which could lead to more serious issues that will take longer and cost more to correct in addition to the loss of business while the premises are being treated and repaired. Call SERVPRO of Baldwin and Monroe today at 478-452-8000 for a consultation.

Doing an Exterior Check on your Home and Commercial Space

6/20/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Baldwin and Monroe has the expertise needed to handle any restoration job including fire, water, mold, and smoke damage, and also knows how important it is to pay attention to the exterior of your home and commercial space. Especially with seasons changing and many days of rain to come, faulty areas may allow for water to enter, leading to damage. Here are some things around the exterior that should be checked regularly to keep your space running at its highest potential:

• Clean out your gutters so rain can easily flow through them and drain away from the roof. Gutters filled with leaves, sticks and other debris can become damaged or not work as well.
• Check that your gutter’s downspouts are properly attached to allow water to drain away from the home. A detached or broken spout can lead to water flooding outside.
• Make sure the sump pumps in your home are operational and have a working battery. An unexpected, failed sump pump may lead to a slew of future problems.
• Check that garden hoses are properly attached to prevent water from draining into piping.
• See if the caulking on your windows needs repair. A ripped seal in the window may allow water to enter the home.

Air Ducts - When Should I have Them Cleaned?

5/24/2022 (Permalink)

We often get called by residential customers about having their air ducts cleaned. The discussion usually involves the following questions:  First, when should I get my air ducts cleaned?  Second, how often should I get my air ducts cleaned?

The answer to these questions of course is “it depends”. What is the reason you are looking to have your air ducts cleaned?  There are several reasons we typically hear: general maintenance, post-construction cleaning, a fire occurred, or we think there is mold. 

General maintenance is the most frequent answer, and is goes something like, “This hasn’t ever been done since I lived here.” Or “This hasn’t been done in years.”  Unless there is loose dirt and other soils actively coming out of your vents, most likely it does not need to be cleaned.  Anything that is up there is adhering to the ducting and will continue to do so.

The next most common situation is doing this for post construction cleaning.  In this case, there may be some loose dirt or drywall dust where it maybe advantageous to have them cleaned.  However, when major construction is being done in a home, it is always a good idea to turn off the HVAC system and close vents if possible to prevent particulate from getting into the ducting.  Ideally, you don’t have this issue to deal with when the project is complete.

When a fire occurs, the soot and smoke can be very pervasive and get everywhere.  An air duct cleaning for moderate to light smoke might do the job of removing loose particles and odor.  For heavy fires it is often recommended to replace the ducting altogether.

Mold is another situation when it can be a clean or replace situation.  An HVAC repair company should first be called to determine what is causing mold in the system.  Sometimes we have seen it as simple as all other vents are closed with only one vent open.  Other items to consider, how much of the ducting is affected by mold or is it just one or two grills?  Antimicrobial can be used to kill existing growth.  The key is to figure out the cause so a conducive environment for mold does not exist going forward.  It is often a good to place an air scrubber to help clean the air as a precaution.

In conclusion, more times than not it is not necessary to have your air ducts cleaned.  As for how often, it is usually just under special situations or if you actively seen particles coming out of the ducting.

Does Opening a Window Help Reduce Mold? - Quick FAQs

4/28/2022 (Permalink)

No homeowner wants to deal with mold in the home. It’s ugly and can ruin your property while posing a health risk. But how can you reduce the mold in your house? In this post, we’ll go over whether or not opening a window is helpful. We’ll also share other great ways to control and get rid of mold infestations in a home.

Does Opening a Window Help Reduce Mold? Quick FAQs

We all know that fresh air is good for us, but does it help reduce mold? Because mold is a fungus, it likes humidity and warmth. The more humidity and warmth there are in your home, the more likely it is that you’ll have a mold problem. In some cases, you won’t notice it. But if you have a mold problem, you should be wondering if you should open the windows at all.

The truth is, opening windows can help reduce mold. But, it can also increase other problems. So, it depends on the situation. If you want to reduce mold and related problems, you need to be careful about how you do it.

Other Methods To Reduce Damp and Control Mold

1 - Get a dehumidifier

Dehumidifiers are a great way to reduce the amount of humidity in your home. They also suck moisture from the air, which can help to reduce the amount of mold that forms.

2 - Run a fan in the room

In some cases, you can use fans to suck out moisture from an area with high humidity. Running a fan can also reduce the overall temperature in a room.

3 - Change your air conditioner filter

When we change our air filters, we can reduce the amount of mold in our homes. At the very least, change your filter when you notice that it’s getting dirty. Clogged filters can become a breeding ground for germs, mildew, and mold.

4 - Clean your gutters

When you have rainwater that is coming off your roof, it can splash in puddles and drip onto your siding and windows. If you have dirty and clogged gutters, this can effectively turn your siding and windows into mold-friendly surfaces.

5 - Hire a mold remediation team

If you have a serious mold problem, you might want to hire a professional team like the mold remediation contractor you can find here. They can take care of the problem quickly, thoroughly, and professionally.

Conclusion

There are a number of steps you can take to reduce mold in your home. Mold can harm your health and property. If you aren’t careful, it can grow and spread until you don’t know where it came from. This can cause a lot of damage to your home, your health, and the health of your family.

If you have a mold problem, you should take it seriously. You might feel like you have no choice but to try and solve it yourself. However, you might be better served by getting a team of experts involved. A team of professionals can address problems quickly, do a better job, and keep your home as clean and healthy as possible.

If you have questions or want to reach out to a mold remediation team, call SERVPRO of Baldwin & Monroe. We offer Mold Remediation, Water, Fire, and Storm Damage Restoration.

Spring Tips: General Spring Maintenance

4/28/2022 (Permalink)

The warmer temperatures are finally on their way after a long and cold winter. Spring is a beautiful time of year, but we must also remember spring cleaning entails a lot more than a thorough vacuum and dusting. For easy home maintenance it is important to stay on top of it and not let the chores build up season to season. In addition to saving time and money, regular maintenance is beneficial for your property because it can help you discover issues by identifying small issues before they become major repairs. Maintenance also helps with curb appeal because a well-maintained home has a more pleasant appearance increasing property value.

Here are a few more tips for your General Spring Maintenance:

1) Air Movement (Air Conditioner and Furnace)

It is a good idea to check your A/C and furnace before the first heatwave hits and your home becomes a sauna. Check all the connections, change the filter, and if necessary, have it serviced. You won’t regret it.

2) Attack the Attic

After a long and cold winter, it’s important to check your attic space to make sure no water has found its way in. You will also want to make sure no mice, insects, or other critters have nested over the winter, terrorizing your insulation. Check to make sure the insulation is dry (wet insulation is less effective) and look for signs of mould or water damage. Improper ventilation can cause condensation to buildup, become frost, and eventually result in water damage.

3) Browse the Basement

Changing season often lead to basement issues as, basements are often a hotspot for repairs. Check for cracks in the cement walls and look for signs of leaks. While you are down there, check the washing machine hoses for leaks or holes, inspect the basement windows for mould, leaks, or drafts, and watch out for signs of bugs or rodents.

5) Look for Leaks and Monitor for Mould

In addition to browsing the basement, looking for leaks and mold is vital in all areas of your home. Take the time to inspect all windows, doors, bathrooms, toilets, sinks, and other areas where water is prevalent. If you discover mould, take action immediately. If you have a large amount of mold, SERVPRO of Baldwin & Monroe would be happy to help with your mold remediation.

6) Secure Smoke Signals

Frequently checking the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be a regular household activity, make sure they are working properly and change the batteries when necessary (check monthly, change annually). Check your fire extinguishers to ensure there are no leaks and the pin is in place and it is not expired. It is also important to store you fire extinguisher in an easily accessible place where everyone knows where it is.

Fire Preparedness

4/28/2022 (Permalink)

Fire experts agree, people have as little as two minutes to escape a burning home before it’s too late to get out. In a matter of moments, a small flame can become a major fire, making it critical to be prepared and have an escape plan in place. A survey conducted by the American Red Cross shows only 26 percent of families have developed and practiced a home fire escape plan. Once a plan is developed, it is critical everyone in the home understands the plan; the best way to do this is by practicing the escape plan at least twice a year. Increase your chance of surviving a fire by ensuring you have working smoke detectors in place, building an escape plan, and then practicing the escape plan. The following are a few suggestions to help you develop an emergency escape plan.

Draw a map of each level of your home and show all doors and windows. Find two ways to get out of each room. Make sure all doors and windows that lead outside open easily.

Consider escape ladders for sleeping areas on the second and third floors. Only purchase collapsible escape ladders evaluated by a recognized testing laboratory. Store them near the window where they will be used.

Choose an outside meeting place a safe distance in front of your home where everyone can meet after they’ve escaped. Make sure to mark the location of the meeting place on your escape plan.

Teach children how to escape on their own in case you cannot help them. Plan for everyone in your home with special considerations for elderly or disabled individuals.

SERVPRO of Baldwin & Monroe is ready at a moments notice to help get you and your home back to its preloss condition. We're available 24/7(478) 452-8000

Storm Ready

4/28/2022 (Permalink)

Water Damage Specialists

SERVPRO of Baldwin & Monroe specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition. 

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Monroe,Ga we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,800 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams  that are strategically located throughout the United States.

For Storm or Flood Damage? Call (478) 452-8000 24/7