Archived Why SERVPRO Blog Posts
Important Do's and Don'ts of Smoke Damage
1/31/2024 (Permalink)
- Limit movement in the area to prevent further damage.
- Keep hands clean. Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
- Clearly mark the area with caution signs and safety tape.
- If area is safe, list vital contents for emergency restoration/priority service.
- Be sure your staff wears proper personal protection equipment.
- Place dry, colorfast towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
- Wash off both sides of leaves on indoor plants.
- Change HVAC filters and tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers to stop particles of soot from getting in or out of the HVAC system.
- Do not attempt to wash walls or painted surfaces without first contacting your SERVPRO Professional.
- Do not attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture without first contacting your local SERVPRO Professional.
- Do not attempt to clean any electrical appliances, computers, television, radios, etc., that may have been close to fire, heat or water without first contacting an authorized repair service.
How Will My Mold Problem be Resolved?
1/24/2024 (Permalink)
Our team in Manassas has the advanced training, specialized equipment, and demonstrated experience to mitigate and restore mold damage, no matter how extensive the problem is in Manassas. Here is the process we follow when restoring mold damage:
- Emergency Contact
- Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment
We follow local and state laws regarding inspection and documentation based on your unique situation.
- Mold Containment
We may use advanced containment procedures like negative air chambers to isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to prevent mold spores from spreading during the cleanup process.
- Air Filtration
We utilize powerful “air scrubbers” and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in process.
- Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials
We use antifungal and antimicrobial treatments to eliminate mold colonies and to help prevent new colonies from forming. We remove and dispose of mold-infested porous materials when remediating heavy mold growth.
- Cleaning Contents
We clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, and other restorable items affected by mold. We also remove odors and deodorization using fogging equipment.
- Restoration
Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet, or it may require the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.
Call Us Today!
Our local team in Manassas is Here to Help ® when your home or commercial business has mold damage. Call us today at 703-656-9028.
Franchises are independently owned and operated.
Why Manassas Residents Should Call SERVPRO for Flood Damage Assistance
1/4/2024 (Permalink)
Nobody expects floodwater to enter their home, but these events in Manassas sometimes happen without warning. You know that rapid water clean up is best, but where do you begin? One of the many reasons locals can trust SERVPRO® is our industry-proven and reliable methods for flood restoration and quick response.
Flood damage within your home can leave you disheartened. However, SERVPRO® works to restore versus replace wherever possible. We know that you have many elements that make your house your home, so we take the time to decontaminate surfaces carefully and perform water damage repairs to make it “Like it never even happened.”
In many flood restoration projects, items need to be carefully packed up and moved out. This process includes:
- Our SERVPRO® crew does all of the work to wrap large items for protection, gathering small belongings, and putting them into boxes for transport.
- Everything is photographed, listed, and tagged for easy tracking.
- The Contents Claim Inventory Services (CCIS) gets used for thorough documentation and security.
- Items may get moved to a secure location on your property or transported to our facility for further cleaning and restoration.
SERVPRO® also features the best equipment and methods in the industry, like:
- Ultrasonic tanks for immersion cleaning
- Drying mats for handling floor/subfloor drying
- Freeze-drying used to remove moisture from paperwork, important documents, photographs, and books
- Containment and drying chamber construction to target drying efforts, preventing secondary damage and mold growth
When SERVPRO of Manassas handles your flood damage, you will get the results you deserve fast! Call us for emergency response at (703)656-9028.
How To Save Your Water-Damaged Wood Floor?
1/2/2024 (Permalink)
Wood flooring is many things – trendy, durable, and beautiful – but unfortunately, it’s not resistant to water damage. A water hazard can strike your home anytime. Hence, it is in your best interest to learn how to save your water-damaged wood floor. Wondering how you can do just that? By understanding and implementing the following tips:
- Property Inspection And Damage Assessment
Your first task is to survey the property to find the water source and stop it before beginning with the restoration process.
You should also conduct an assessment to determine the extent of the damage and whether the flooring is salvageable or needs replacement.
If you have laminate flooring, which is more susceptible to water damage than hardwood, you will most likely have to replace the damaged flooring.
The next step is to remove the surface water. While you can use mops or old rags, a shop vacuum would probably be most effective in getting all the water out.
In addition, remove any wet rugs, carpets, etc., from the area to prevent further damage.
Mild detergent with a compatible disinfectant mixed in clean water is the best combination to scrub your floors clean – without making a dent in your pocket.
However, do not pour the mixture on the floor as that will only worsen the problem. Instead, begin with a few drops and use a stiff brush to scrub the surface thoroughly.
If the flooring shows any signs of mold growth, treat it with TSP (trisodium phosphate) or TSP substitute mixed with water. Keep scrubbing until the mold and discoloration are cleared.
If the mold affected area is too large, it would be best to call in professionals to help with the problem.
When drying the floor, be sure to do it slowly and naturally, as drying it too quickly may weaken it and cause it to crack. Directly applying heat is also highly discouraged!
Instead, fans, heaters, and natural airflow through open windows and doors might be a better alternative.
It is possible that after drying the floor, you may notice cupping. This is when some floorboards are either bent upwards or downwards.
Sanding with a drum or an orbital sander can help restore minor cupping, but in case of extensive damage, you’ll have to face-nail the floorboards back down.
- Get Professional Help To Save Your Wooden Floors
While we have listed the essential steps to save water-damaged floors at home, the process can get a little out of hand sometimes.
Therefore, we encourage getting experienced professionals on board to deal with extensive wood damage. Reach out to the experts at SERVPRO to manage the wood restoration process like a, well, pro.
Give us a call for your quote today at 7703-656-9028. We take pride in serving your neighborhood! We are a locally owned and operated franchise with employees dedicated to providing a quality customer experience!
When Pack Out Services Are Needed
1/17/2023 (Permalink)
In servicing our community, we have come across losses of all sizes. There unfortunately have been cases where areas of a home are so heavily affected that thorough steps are needed to fulfill proper restoration including packing out rooms or an entire residence. Why does this happen and what can this mean for you and your family?
- Reasons for Packing services
Each project we restore is evaluated on a case by case basis but the following are guidelines we employ to ensure the health, safety and proper restoration of every project. First, a source of loss may be considered Category 3 where all affected materials (touched by the source of loss) need to be removed. Another scenario often occurs when a home is built before 1985 and tests positive for lead and asbestos. Per industry standards affected materials with lead and asbestos require a very specific procedure for removal. These are two common scenarios that require access to all affected materials which may run behind, under, in between and/or above personal belongings and furniture.
It's important to our team to help guide each homeowner through this step. What may already be a difficult process can become seemingly even more overwhelmingly. However with our expert packing teams you can rest easy. After obtaining approval from your insurance, we work directly with you to make sure you have access to the items you need and the rest is covered, padded and sealed under lock and key.
Dealing with water damage in your home alone is no easy task, we are here to help our community no matter the scope of the job!
3 Ways To Prevent Mold
1/16/2023 (Permalink)
Discovering mold in your Manassas, VA home is one sign of a moisture problem. In addition to repairing water damage, you'll have to begin mold remediation immediately, as mold can quickly get out of control and spread throughout your home. Because mold can thrive virtually anywhere that dampness exists, the key to preventing mold growth is controlling the moisture level in your home.
1. Keep Relative Humidity Low
You should keep your home's indoor relative humidity between 30% and 50% and a maximum of 60%. You can measure relative humidity with a moisture or humidity meter. Many hardware stores have inexpensive ones that work well.
There are various ways to reduce your indoor humidity if it is too high. You can run fans and dehumidifiers in multiple rooms. It also helps to run exhaust fans while you're cooking, running the dishwasher or showering. Keep the exhaust fan on for 30 minutes after a shower, because there is typically a lot of humidity in a small space like a bathroom.
2. Dry Spills and Leaks Immediately
It's essential to immediately and thoroughly dry excess water resulting from a spill or a leak. Also, dry any damp or wet materials. Mold can begin growing within 48 hours of water exposure. If the water intrusion is extensive, it's best to call water damage remediation professionals to tackle the job. They can deal with large amounts of gray or black water and also do a thorough inspection for mold throughout your home.
3. Prevent Condensation
You may notice condensation on your windows. This moisture can also form on pipes or walls. Wherever it is, it's crucial to dry it immediately. Then, identify the source of the water. It could be simply that the humidity in your home is too high. Temperature changes due to poor insulation can also cause condensation.
Mold prevention depends on managing all water damage immediately. Once mold growth begins, it can be challenging to completely eliminate it to avoid it spreading into unaffected areas.
We Are Only As Good As Our Last Job!
1/13/2023 (Permalink)
A client calls your office to report that they have an insurance claim in Manassas, VA. Like most business owners who are facing a disaster, they're anxious to get the cleanup and restoration process completed as quickly as possible. As an insurance agent, you have a responsibility to help your client get the help they need while keeping costs down for your company. Luckily, you have a list of preferred vendors, and you inform your client that the names on that list are truly the best. Here's why it matters to you and to your client that they choose a preferred vendor.
1. Qualified
To participate in the vendor program, a company has to be able to verify that they are qualified to complete the services that they say they provide. Vendors who value their business will keep good records of certifications, but it's even more important to know that the staff receives regular continuing education in order to stay on top of the latest best practices. A company like SERVPRO has a set of twenty-one guidelines that employees of each franchise must meet in order to remain on preferred vendor lists.
2. Compliant
In addition to qualified staff, a preferred vendor who wants to be recommended by an insurance agent must maintain compliance with all industry standards. This means that the tools they use, the standards to which they complete jobs, and the way they maintain project paperwork all have to be above board. The easiest way to ensure that these things happen is to work with a company that has consistent expectations for every franchisee.
3. Professional
The last thing that your client wants to deal with is a vendor who doesn't keep in touch. SERVPRO has the reach to ensure that calls are answered and the resources to keep every project organized. As an insurance agent, you want your clients to be confident when they choose a restoration company after a disaster. Encourage your clients to use the preferred vendor list so that they can be confident that they are working with the best in the business.
24 - Hour Emergency Service
1/6/2023 (Permalink)
Water Damage is something that is never an enjoyable experience. It can be extra difficult to experience. Many people put off planning for water damage as it seems like something that may never occur, but it is more frequent than most anticipate. Approximately one in 50 homeowners file a water damage claim each year in the United States, but for those who plan ahead, the damages tend to be much less severe.
Do you know what to do in the event of a Burst Pipe?
- Shut off your water main – When a pipe bursts and is left unattended, it will continue to pour into the area until it is taken care of. It is very important to be able to find and switch off your home’s water main as this can prevent water from fully affecting the area.
- Shut off your electricity – Keeping water away from electricity is KEY, so it is safe to do so, turn off your home’s power from your breaker box to prevent the soaked area from becoming a shock or fire hazard.
- Contact your local restoration company – One of the things you can do to plan for water damage in advance is decide which Company you will be working with. This way, you can contact them immediately when you discover water damage to have the restoration started right away.
- Record of the damages – If you are filing an insurance claim, it is important to keep your own thorough records of all the damages via photos, videos and lists. Even if you can’t file a claim, these can come in handy as to work to recover.
- Contact your Insurance Company – While all insurance policies are different, contacting yours is the best way to determine if you are eligible to file and confirm your policy coverage.
If you have water damage in your home or commercial building due to a burst pipe or another cause, you can count on us for your needs.
Is your business ready for a disaster?
1/31/2022 (Permalink)
Have you stopped to consider whether or not your business is truly ready for whatever happens?
Sure, you may have your shelves stocked and your labels printed with restock orders on the way. But do you have a plan in place for when the unexpected happens and you’re stuck with picking up the pieces?
You may know SERVPRO of Manassas as your go-to disaster restoration company, which we are. But do you also know that we specialize in helping your business get disaster ready as well? One of the ways we enjoy serving our community partners is by creating Emergency Ready Profiles, or ERPs, for their commercial properties.
When our dedicated, local SERVPRO Representatives meet with local business owners and facility managers, we gather important materials such as building information, utility shut off locations, and key contacts. Not only is this information important as it pertains to the daily tasks of a facility manager, but it’s also pertinent in the event of an emergency or disaster when time is of the essence.
One of the key benefits in setting up an ERP with our team is having all of your essential property information in one place. In addition to keeping such relevant information organized, your local SERVPRO of Manassas representative will contact you periodically to update any changes to your profile.
Becoming disaster-ready is a process and our team is eager to help you get started! To set up your free Emergency Ready Profile, call our office today to speak to one of our representatives and ensure that your business is "Ready for whatever happens", just like SERVPRO.
SERVPRO is here to help
1/17/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO is here to help the Manassas area!
Like the rest of the nation and much of the world, the Manassas, VA area is in high alert due to the coronavirus pandemic. It is strange to think that in just a couple of weeks, we went from our regular lives to maintaining social distance and working from home. We must take every step to prevent the spread of this deadly virus. Children, adults, and the elderly are all vulnerable to contracting COVID-19, so we must do our best to keep it away from our homes.
Residents can reach out to our SERVPRO of Manassas crew to help disinfect and clean your home or workplace. Contrary to other companies offering cleaning or disinfection services, it’s something we are trained and certified to do. We have been we offer cleaning and sanitizing services for years. Our staff trains specifically to address cleanup situations with biohazard threats.
To date, there is no specific protocol proven to eradicate the virus from frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, kitchen counters, and bathrooms. However, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is encouraging the use of hospital-grade, EPA registered disinfectants typically used to remove certain pathogens. Our standards of service include the use of EPA registered cleaning solutions suitable for this kind of work. As the CDC releases new recommendations, we adapt and apply them as appropriate.
In your home, you get to decide what you do to protect your family in this crisis. However, some entities, such as schools and nursing homes, require a third party to verify the effectiveness of the cleanup process. SERVPRO is prepared to coordinate services with any relevant entities as required. Our technicians are professionals in our field and accustomed to high-stakes situations, so dealing with potentially hazardous microbes is nothing new for us.
Advice from the medical and scientific community regarding how to deal with the coronavirus is based on present knowledge, which is subject to change as the situation continues to develop. There can be no assurance that disinfectants alone will be adequate to fully eliminate the virus. We are not physicians or infectious disease professionals. Consult your medical professionals for individual medical advice.
Call SERVPRO when winter weather hits
1/12/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO for your winter disaster-
Winter has arrived and the freezing temperatures, snowy days, and ice storms have come with it. This cold weather, snow, and ice storms can cause major damage to your home or business property. When these types of disasters strike, immediate action is necessary to prevent additional damage to your property. SERVPRO of Manassas has the experience, expertise, and the resources to remediate damage caused by winter weather. Below are a couple of the common damages we deal with during the winter.
Frozen Pipes?
The freezing tempurtues accompanied by the weather can cause your pipes to freeze and burst. In general, your pipes are more likely to freeze below 20 degrees Fahrenheit but regardless you should be careful once it drops below freezing. The resulting damage can be very destructive. Outdoor pipes or pipes in an unheated areas will freeze more easily if they are not properly insulated. We recommend shutting these off if possible or insulting them if needed. SERVPRO of Manassas can quickly and safely repair water damage caused by frozen pipes.
Roof Damages?
Snow and ice can create the environment for significant damage to occur to your gutters or roof, and many times both of them together. The additional weight created by the dense snow and layers of ice that build up can cause a roof to collapse if not taken care of properly. When there’s a cold snap, the melted ice drips water that can get into cracks and small spaces. When this occurs it eventually expands once it has frozen, causing larger cracks to be created and even more damage. The repetition of this cycle can create major damage you should be watching our for and examining before each winter season.
Smoke Alarms
1/5/2022 (Permalink)
Smoke alarms play a vital role in saving lives, and when properly installed, can reduce the risk of fire injury by half.
The National Fire Protection Association recommends smoke alarms be installed in every bedroom, outside all sleeping quarters and on every level of the house. Business owners should consult the local Fire Marshall to ensure specific building fire codes and smoke detector requirements are met.
Smoke alarms work best when paired with a fire escape plan. A plan allows your family, employees or clients to escape quickly and safely in an emergency situation.
Review the follow tips regarding smoke detector installation and maintenance. For more on emergency preparedness, contact your local SERVPRO Franchise Professionals.
Install smoke alarms on every level of the home, including the basement.
Smoke alarms should be installed away from the kitchen to prevent false alarms. Generally, they should be at least 10 feet from cooking appliance.
Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button.
Replace batteries in all smoke alarms at least once a year. If an alarm “chirps” the battery is low and should be replaced right away.
Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.
24/7 Emergency Service
