Essential Steps in Flood Damage Remediation for Frederick Homes

4/23/2024 (Permalink)

Trust SERVPRO to remove floodwaters and cleanup your storm damaged Frederick property, "Like it never even happened."

Frederick Flood Cleanup Solutions from SERVPRO® 

Frederick offers abundant historical sites and museums, like the National Museum of Civil War Medicine, which provides insight into medical practices during the Civil War. Additionally, the city houses the Schifferstadt Architectural Museum, highlighting German colonial architecture, and the Monocacy National Battlefield, where enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the history of a significant Civil War clash. The Delaplaine Arts Center presents rotating exhibitions from artists within the local and regional community, while the Weinberg Center for the Arts offers numerous live performances. Additionally, annual gatherings such as the Frederick Festival of the Arts and the Frederick Film Festival enrich the city's dynamic cultural landscape. 

Flood damage in Frederick is a menace that confronts homeowners with numerous challenges. Floodwaters can exert hydrostatic pressure on the foundation walls and floor slab. This pressure increases with the depth and duration of flooding. Over time, the force of the water can cause foundation walls to bow, crack, or even collapse. This harm often requires extensive restoration and reconstruction, imposing substantial financial burdens on homeowners. Even when floodwaters do not result in catastrophic destruction, they can still cause significant water damage to properties with only slight infiltration. Small amounts of water can saturate walls, floors, and ceilings, leading to warping, swelling, and deterioration of materials, including drywall, wood, and insulation. Over time, this water damage can weaken the property's structural integrity, necessitating repairs and replacements. 

Steps in flood damage remediation 

• Water removal and drying 
• Residue identification 
• Surface cleaning and sanitization 
• Repair and restoration of damaged structures 

Managing Flood Water Remnants  

Residue identification is a crucial step in flood damage remediation, as it informs the selection of appropriate removal techniques and cleaning agents. 

Types of residue present in flooded properties 

• Mud 
• Silt 
• Microbial contaminants 

Mud is a common residue left behind by floodwaters, consisting of soil, clay, and other organic matter. Its removal typically requires a combination of physical and chemical methods. For excess mud, SERVPRO crews scrap or shovel the sludge away from surfaces, followed by pressure washing or hosing to dislodge stubborn deposits. We may also use biodegradable detergents or degreasers to dissolve mud and facilitate its removal from surfaces. For interior spaces, we perform thorough vacuuming and mopping to eliminate traces of mud and prevent staining and odors. 

SERVPRO of Frederick County manages flood damage "Like it never even happened." Call us at (301) 662-1747.

Dealing with a Frederick Storm and Water Damage

1/23/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO says a sump pump failure can lead to a partial demolition of your Frederic house. When a "storm comes a calling" Call us.

SERVPRO Water Damage Cleanup in Frederick

As a Frederick homeowner, one of the situations you dread most is water damage and flooding after a storm that leaves your interior in disarray. Home floods are always challenging to tackle, especially if this is your first time experiencing one. Storm flooding brings damage and potential hazards that can leave your living situation in chaos, uproot your life, and lead to immense costs. SERVPRO is here 24/7 to handle your water restoration needs – We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

You may wonder what can get done after stormwater damage develops in your Frederick home. SERVPRO specializes in flood and water damage repair and restoration, so we can give you some insight into what may be happening.

Possible storm and water damage causes

Flooding can occur at any time during or after an area storm, often stemming from one or more of the following:

• Leaking roof from storm damage – Wind and debris damage can cause a breach in your roof. Depending on the severity, you could have slight water damage to your ceiling and walls or a hole that causes significant damage and leaves standing water and debris.
• Sump pump failure – A sizable flood sending water into your basement or first floor can always happen. However, some people with a properly working sump pump can avoid issues with slight water infiltration. Should your pump fail, it can expel the gathered water into your basement or crawlspace and lead to flooding.
• Foundation cracks – During heavy rainstorms, your foundation could spring a leak and allow water to rush in. Such a hydrostatic event is tricky and calls for prompt attention before the problem worsens.

Once you notice flooding or storm damage, calling our skilled water damage technicians at SERVPRO of Frederick County at (301) 900-4364 is the best course of action. We can mobilize our Green Fleet to your door within hours to begin water mitigation, extraction, and drying measures to get you the desired results.

How Can I Prepare for Flood Damage Before it Happens?

9/2/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has a large arsenal of drying equipment to mitigate storm damage in your Mt Airy home

Restoration Technicians Aid Mt. Airy Residents with Flood Damage Mitigation and Rebuilding Services

Flooding is a disaster so prevalent that no region, not even Mt Airy, in the United States is free of flood risks. Fortunately, the number of people covered by flood insurance is increasing: rates increased from 12% in 2016 to 15% in 2018.

If flood damage has affected your Mt. Airy home, SERVPRO technicians have the tools and know-how necessary to return your property to a pre-damaged condition. SERVPRO technicians are available 24/7 to provide mitigation and restoration services and can respond to emergencies within 24 hours of your call. However, respondents are typically able to visit your property for an initial inspection and consultation within four hours of your contact.

Preparing Your Property for Flooding

There are a variety of steps you can take to protect your Mt. Airy property from flooding, including the following:

• Inside the home, use sandbags and high-quality weather-stripping to minimize the amount of water penetrating vulnerable openings around doors and windows.
• Outside the house, implement trench drains, landscaping, and rain gardens to redirect water away from your property. Rain gardens absorb excess water while the rest makes way onto the street.
• Consider installing or updating your basement sump pump to ensure that it can handle a potential home flood.

SERVPRO technicians coordinate with you and your insurance adjuster to ensure that you have the documentation necessary to get your claim filed and compensated as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Another step to take into account for flood preparedness is ensuring that your homeowner’s insurance policy has flood coverage added. Most plans do not come with flooding coverage.

Here are some tips for checking or updating your homeowners’ insurance:

• Take inventory of the items in your home to determine the amount of coverage you need.
• Evaluate your location’s propensity for floods on FEMA’s digital flood map or a local flood map.
• Coordinate with an insurance adjuster to evaluate your policy on an annual basis.

How Does Flood Damage Affect Homes?

Standing water carries sanitary concerns with it. On top of that, 90% of all-natural disaster damage is caused by flooding. The prevalence of this type of disaster generates billions of dollars in damages each year.

Floodwaters can also increase your home’s fire risk with the following:

• Generator overuse or improper maintenance
• Using alternative heating or cooking devices near flammable materials.
• Gas line, tank, and container leaks
• Waterlogged electrical appliances and electrically-charged water

To reduce the risk posed by flooding in your home:

• Make careful use of generators and other alternative power sources. Avoid using faulty equipment.
• Remove potential fire hazards from your surroundings when using heat sources.
• Contact your utility providers about shutting off gas and electrical systems to prevent fire and shock risks.
• File a claim as soon as possible after flooding to streamline the compensation process.

SERVPRO can assist Mt. Airy residents with the claims filing process with additional documentation of structural and contents losses. Photos, videos, and written records alike from an accredited firm are a helpful supplement to any proof of loss claim.

SERVPRO’s Disaster Restoration Services Salvage Flood-Damaged Homes

SERVPRO technicians focus on extraction and sanitation before structural drying can begin. Safety is key to preventing the spread of microbes throughout your home.

A variety of EPA-registered proprietary cleaning agents exist that aid in removing odors and returning your home and its contents to a pre-damaged state.

• Antimicrobials are designed to inhibit the growth, development, and spread of microbes.
• Disinfectants are a class of antimicrobials that can kill as much as 99% of germs on contact. Quaternary, phenols, chlorines, and alcohols are common disinfectants used in both residential and commercial capacities.
• Sporicides are designed to remediate bacterial growth and fungus, including mold.
• Biocides, fungicides are composed of chemical agents designed to mitigate living organisms.
• Sanitizers are cleaning agents designed to reduce microbial levels

Sanitizing solutions can be implemented with a variety of tools, including pumps, sprays, injection systems, manual cleaning, and fogging devices. This process not only eliminates microbial growth but can also lessen the impact of flood damage odors before drying and deodorization begin.

SERVPRO of Frederick County provides comprehensive service to the community that is Faster for Any Size Disaster. Call (301) 662-1747 to begin the mitigation process for your property.

Where Can I Find Emergency Services for Residential Flooding in Mt. Airy?

7/27/2022 (Permalink)

Flooding in your property can be full of safety hazards and require emergency services or abatement experts.

SERVPRO Water Crews Can Inspect, Mitigate, and Restore Residential Properties with Flood Damage in Mt. Airy.

How many people do I need to fix a flooded property?

After receiving an emergency notification of loss for your Mt. Airy property, SERVPRO can dispatch a water crew. Water crews usually consist of a crew chief and a production technician. Both crew members have extensive training in water restoration and emergency mitigation with qualifications from the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration certifications (IICRC) body. Your point of contact throughout the restoration service is the crew chief. If you have questions regarding the restoration or special drying requests, such as document drying, you can direct it to the crew chief. In severe flooding situations, a water crew may include more production technicians to ensure that mitigation is put on time.

Can restoration services help with a flood insurance claim?

Documenting information can be beneficial to homeowners with flood damage in Mt. Airy. SERVPRO technicians use digital software to record injuries, upload photos, and dry plans during the planning stage of flood recovery. This software is called a dry book. We can revisit and update the contents of a dry book throughout the service. However, we can ensure that our services are justifiable, transparent, and accountable by recording information digitally. These qualities are vital for homeowners who are undergoing the trauma of flooded property.

What information is needed to start a flood restoration?

• Appointment details arranged with a customer service member
• Personal information like the address of the loss site (also known as first notification of loss)
• Loss details may include the size of the property, the extent of harm, and the length of water exposure

What equipment is needed for flood loss recovery?

Flood losses can vary significantly from property to property. While some constants like the need for submersible pumps and extraction equipment, many variables depend on the information provided during the initial inspection and notification of loss. It is essential to provide as much information as possible during the notice of loss. Standing water may require specific pumping equipment; a household's lack of power may need a portable generator to run the pumps. These details can significantly influence restoration. In the early phases of a flood, emergency time is a critical factor in mitigation. Stocking our trucks with the correct amount of air-movers, dehumidifiers, pumps, and extractors helps reduce damage to your property.

How much is drying equipment needed for flooding on average?

• Two dehumidifiers per story of the home
• Five rapid air-movers for each room affected
• One pump or water extractor per area

How Does Flood Loss Recovery Typically Start?

There are many details of your Mt. Airy home's condition is that SERVPRO can gather before arrival, but the critical information is gleaned from an initial inspection. A flooded property may have any number of damages or potential damage areas. Our water crew brings a water inspection kit that can help us get a clear picture of the extent of harm to the property. If there is continuous water intrusion, the water crew can stop it at the source. Where there is standing water, we can perform early mitigation of the affected area by blocking furniture or removing it from the affected area to a clean spot. Usually, the initial inspection is carried out with many photographs uploaded to the digital dry book. A dry book assists both you and your insurance adjuster when you are processing your claim.

What should I do with potential flood hazards in the home?

• Recognize the type of hazard, for example, loose wiring, sagging ceiling, or structural warping
• Communicate and document the danger with those in the area
• Figure out control measures and implement them in the home

Can Hazard Scoping Affect The Timespan Of Flood Restoration?

In some situations, the initial inspection of a flooded property may reveal complicating hazards. Restoration of a flooded property typically takes between two and five days. However, there can be time delays if our water crews discover hazardous materials or mold on the property. A time delay can occur when crew chiefs need to use third-party experts for specific restoration projects. Bringing in specific abatement experts is essential to returning your home to its pre-damaged condition.

Flooding in your property can be full of safety hazards and require emergency services or abatement experts. For one point of contact throughout flood recovery, contact SERVPRO of Frederick County at (301) 662-1747.

Experiencing Flood Damage at Your Frederick Home-SERVPRO Can Help

6/30/2022 (Permalink)

With advanced equipment, SERVPRO restores property to pre-damaged conditions, "Like it never even happened."

How Flood Damages Your Frederick Home

When your home suffers flooding caused by a violent storm, you may experience water damage. Once floodwaters make their way into your Frederick property, getting your residence back to normal can require a rather complex and lengthy procedure. It helps if you did not risk handling the cleaning and restoration on your own when a professional can take the stressful process off your hands.

Calling a specialized flood damage restoration company in Frederick allows you to get back to your regular schedule and your home back to normal sooner. SERVPRO has the experience and equipment necessary to minimize and restore damages to your residence in an efficient manner. We care about you and are ready to handle your flood repairs professionally and with integrity.

Ways floodwaters affect a house:

• Loose or buckling floorboards, contaminated carpets
• Damaged drywall
• Appliance damage, including the HVAC system or refrigerators
• Compromise electrical wires

The Effects of Flooding

A flood can damage your home, leaving loose buckling floorboards and wet drywall. Also, silt, mud, and other contaminants in the water get everything dirty. Before SERVPRO crews enter the house to survey the damage, we walk around to visually inspect your property for any structural damage and check for downed power lines or gas leaks. The appliances in your home, such as the fridge, might be compromised by floodwater; hence you should refrain from using them until professionally inspected.

Other precautions

• Clothing and linen
• Furniture
• Food
• Kitchen items

Upholstered furniture and carpets soak up contaminants from floodwaters hence should be cleaned by a professional. Unless the pieces are very valuable, they should probably be thrown out. When cleaning linen soiled by flooding, some precautions are necessary. For example, browning is likely if linen is left soaked in alkaline solutions for too long, so appropriate timing is essential.

SERVPRO of Frederick County can help repair your home's structural contents, flooring, and even furniture that otherwise you might have thrown out after flood damage, "Like it never even happened." Call us at (301) 662-1747.

Our Flood Damage Specialists Can Save Your Frederick Home

4/25/2022 (Permalink)

We have technicians available 24-hours a day, 7-days a week, year-round to assist you through even the worst situations.

Highly Trained Flood Damage Specialists in Frederick

Having a flood in your home can be a traumatic experience; it is hardly something you should deal with alone. Everything you work so hard to obtain through the years can be affected, leaving you wondering what to do next. However, homeowners in Frederick have access to highly trained professionals that can help return their property to normal.

As a homeowner, you can protect yourself from flood damage in the Frederick area by contacting our local office. We have technicians who have received the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), Specialization Training, and our Employee Certification Training Program (ECTP). Our technicians train thoroughly to provide you with the quality restoration services you expect.

We learn lessons about the principles of flood damage restoration, flood damage safety, and how to address specific problems that often arise on the job. SERVPRO technicians learn about humidity, condensation, evaporation, and permeance. Our ECTP teaches us the effects water has on various surfaces, how airflow and temperature can drastically affect drying time, and which methods work best given a variety of situations.

You want to know if SERVPRO technicians are qualified to perform flood damage restoration in your home, and we want to answer any questions you may have. We live, eat, and sleep water and storm damage restoration! Our entire restoration staff is here to ensure that you have help during emergency environmental situations. You can rely on us to provide cleaning and restoration services when you need us the most.

At SERVPRO, we teach our technicians why it is vital to treat water and flood damage incidents with such urgency and care, not just how to perform a service. People like you are at the core of what we do, and we make sure that you know what needs to happen to make informed decisions about your property.

Call our staff at SERVPRO of Frederick County for additional information about our services or schedule your home's initial inspection today. We have technicians available 24-hours a day, 7-days a week, year-round, to assist you through even the worst situations. Call us at (301) 662-1747.

Removing Flood Damage from a Frederick Basement

3/21/2022 (Permalink)

All you need is SERVPRO for all your Storm damage needs. Call (301) 662-1747.

Flood Damage Like Standing Water Is Addressed Fast in Frederick Homes 

There are several concerns for flooded basements. When our experienced restorers first arrive, we must find solutions for:

• Standing water
• Contaminants
• Debris and muck-out cleaning
• Content management

How Deep Is the Standing Water? 

Choosing the suitable extractor to overcome flood damage in Frederick basements is often decided on the depth of the damaged areas. Standing water can be a concern, but if shallow enough, many extractors in our inventory are inefficient. The choice between submersible pumps and wet vacuums is a matter of inches.

Are There Solids? 

The extraction process is often complicated by solids and debris in the standing water. This makes the choices in available extractors limited to those with large enough intake and discharge hoses to manage this debris without damaging the pumps. Our truck-mount extractors and submersible trash pumps are often ideal for removing standing floodwater.

Are Contaminants a Concern?

After a flood, contamination can often be a concern. Natural floodwater is often considered a blackwater loss event, which carries the same connotations as biohazardous sewer backup and other threatening conditions. We must utilize strong disinfection products within our inventory on non-porous building materials like concrete floors to ensure bacteria and contaminants do not amplify.

What Tools Are Needed to Dry the Basement? 

There are hundreds of drying tools available to our experienced professionals. Often, the drying process hinges on the placement and frequencies of devices like air movers and dehumidifiers. We must also implement portable heaters to increase the temperature of drying surface materials to promote faster evaporation. 

Many questions require answers after a flood loss event in your basement. With the pace of water pooling in this lower level of the house, it is critical to begin extraction and clean up as soon as possible. Our SERVPRO of Frederick County team is ready to help when you need it – call today at (301) 662-1747.

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes During Cold Weather – SERVPRO

12/29/2021 (Permalink)

Storm and flood damage restoration is no easy task. SERVPRO techs have the training and experience for every phase needed for your property.

Frozen Pipes and Ice Damming Damage in Frederick – Call SERVPRO

Winter storms often bring snow and ice in Frederick and sometimes frozen pipes when the temperature drops well below normal. Water lines inside exterior walls, unheated rooms, and external water taps are at risk of freezing and creating leaks as the pipes split. Water expands as it freezes, and it does not matter whether plastic or copper pipes are used in your home. They all are in danger when the outside temperature falls below freezing.

SERVPRO can assist with the cleanup after a water leak caused by frozen pipes and ice damming in Frederick. A frozen pipe inside an exterior wall can distribute a great deal of water. It may not be noticed until the water begins to come through cracks in the wall to spread over the floor. Or there is no water flowing when you turn on a tap somewhere in your home. Our team can extract the water from floor materials, complete water cleanup, and expose the leak's location to dry the wall and make repairs.

Residents can prevent many instances of pipes freezing when freezing temperatures are in the forecast. Although preventing frozen pipes may cost homeowners, the extra cost is worth it compared to the damage a frozen pipe can cause. There are several steps homeowners can consider to help prevent pipes freezing:

• Turn up the interior temperature of your home during cold weather
• Heat unheated rooms with electric heaters
• Leave doors open to all interior spaces, especially laundry areas
• Turn on water taps to allow a slow drip to maintain water flow inside pipes
• Drain exterior facing lines, turn off internal taps for these exterior facing pipes
• If your home is susceptible to frozen pipes during cold weather, consider improving the insulation in these areas

Call SERVPRO of Frederick County in Frederick and nearby areas. We can help 24/7. Call (301) 662-1747.

What Does a Mt Airy Hardwood Floor With Flood Damage Look Like?

10/12/2021 (Permalink)

Quick response time is necessary when your wood flooring is affected by flooding. Contact SERVPRO for efficient remediation services.

SERVPRO Techs Have Specialized Equipment for Handling Water Damaged Flooring

The signs of a hardwood floor with water damage in a Mt Airy home may be subtle. In particular, after heavy rains that leaked through a roof or window, signs that floorboards have issues are:

• Staining and discoloration
• Cupping or buckling
• Nails lifted out of the boards due to warping

SERVPRO technicians have extensive training in handling flood damage to the flooring in Mt Airy properties. The techs look for visible signs of water migration and map out the worksite using their moisture detection equipment such as infrared cameras and probes. These two devices assist in confirming what the visual signs show the techs.

Most homeowners consider their wood flooring an investment in their home. There are different types of flooring, and only some of them have the potential for restoration after meeting floodwater.Older flooring may consist of double pine boards or wider oak Engineered wood is less prone to warp after exposure to moisture, while laminate wood floors generally do not fair well after water damage due to the internal core material that deteriorates rapidly after water exposure.

SERVPRO IICRC-certified technicians do not lower the moisture content down to zero in floorboards. After they extract the water and dry the boards, they look for a range from six to twelve percent moisture content. Hardwood floorboards can reach forty percent so getting the internal moisture content readings down to an acceptable level needs to happen quickly, so specialized drying equipment such as drying mats may get used. Hardwood flooring should never be allowed to dry on its own.

SERVPRO of Frederick County at (301) 662-1747 is ready to assist Mt Airy homeowners with all types of flood damage cleanup and restoration services.

Does Flood Damage Have Lasting Consequences for Homes in Frederick?

9/10/2021 (Permalink)

You need expert assistance for any level of flood damage in your Frederick home. Call SERVPRO today for help.

SERVPRO Technicians Work Hard to Mitigate the Secondary Effects of Flood Damage in Your Frederick Home

The impact of flooding in your home can be widespread and long-lasting. In some ways, the immediate response to flooding is straightforward. Remove excess water, individual belongings, and structure, then allow the property to dry through ventilation. In practice, returning a property to preloss condition through restoration is a complex and nuanced task. Professional restoration technicians can help you with: 

• Assessing the flooded property for structural damage
• Itemizing and inventorying wet contents 
• Performing flood restoration

What complicates flood damage in your Frederick home is the potential for further damages. Water carries with it microbes. These microscopic organisms can have adverse effects on an indoor environment which is usually referred to by restoration services as secondary damages. Secondary damage could include microbial infestations, persistent odors, slow rotting, and weakening of the home's structure. To counteract these painful secondary damages, dehumidification is crucial. Dehumidifiers generally work in two broad categories. The first is refrigerant dehumidifiers which cool air to a dew point and then collect the condensation. Desiccant dehumidifiers use a water-absorbent gel to remove moisture from the passing air.

• Refrigerant dehumidifiers work best when combined with a heating strategy. The ideal temperatures for refrigerants are 71 degrees.
• Heating can often be supplied via the heating, ventilation, air-conditioning (HVAC) system, or portable heaters. 
• Desiccant dehumidifiers can operate efficiently at all temperatures but are most useful for walls, furnishings, masonry, and other solid materials. 

Secondary damages are common in flooded properties. Contact SERVPRO of Frederick County quoting flood damage restoration at (301) 662-1747.

What Kind of Flood Damage Can I Expect If My Mt. Airy Home Is Ever Flooded?

7/27/2021 (Permalink)

Severe rainstorms may cause a lot of damage to your home. If so SERVPRO is here to help with all the storm damage restoration needed for your home.

Storm-Related Flooding Can Do All Kinds of Damage to Your Mt. Airy Residence. 

On average, Mt. Airy tends to be rainier than other places in the U.S. Storms regularly pass through the area and sometimes overwhelm local creeks, ponds, rivers, and drainage networks. When this happens, your home could suffer any of several severe flood-related issues.

SERVPRO, a respected flood damage remediator in Mt. Airy, has routinely dealt with all the disastrous effects of flooding. These problems have ranged from the seemingly benign but insidious to the more immediately catastrophic. A brief listing of the more often encountered types of flood damage we have dealt with is:

• Severe basement flooding involving feet of standing that requires expert water removal services
• Sewage and other hazardous deposits throughout residences necessitating extensive biohazard remediation
• Flood-weakened structural elements, like ceilings, walls, and floors, need emergency water damage services immediately.
• Pervasive mold growths and related damage that requires professional water damage repairs 
• Irreparably damaged household contents that have to be properly disposed of by a qualified biohazard cleaning company.
• Persistent flood-related odors that must be neutralized with commercial-grade deodorants

Fortunately, SERVPRO has always been well-equipped to handle these common, destructive effects of flooding.

It is therefore comforting to know that SERVPRO of Frederick County is located nearby and is just a quick phone call away. Call us at (301) 662-1747 if you ever need help remediating flood damage.

What Everyone Must Know About Flood Damage in Frederick

6/10/2021 (Permalink)

Contact SERVPRO today for assistance with storm flood damage in your Frederick home. We have the tools and skilled technicians you need.

SERVPRO is Ready with a Comprehensive Solution for Flash Flood Damage in Frederick

When heavy rains fall in Northern Maryland, anticipate flash flooding in Frederick. The storms might be predicted, but the level of damage your home eventually experiences is difficult to anticipate. Be ready for all aspects of torrential rainstorms and the flooding that follows by partnering with our dynamic team of experienced managers and highly qualified technicians.

You cannot miss a beat when your residence in Frederick suffers from flood damage. The force of the water pouring in and its destructive properties all contribute to the risk of severe and permanent damage to the lower levels of your house. Engaging our services as soon as the unfortunate path of the water into your basement, foundation, or crawl space is clear is one way to ensure a successful outcome.

Expect the SERVPRO team to arrive ready to assess the scenario rapidly, confident that we can devise a plan covering everything from water removal and drying to controlled demolition and rebuilding of structures as needed. We are proud to offer a one-stop-shop of comprehensive services to streamline your flood damage recovery journey.

Our crews prepare to do their best on your job with training from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC). We bring the restoration industry’s best practices and successful strategies to every worksite. We manage water removal after the fluid is categorized. Typically, flooding is considered black, or category three water, highly contaminated and needs containment and appropriate disposal according to local rules. The SERVPRO team takes care of this as a matter of course.

To release all the water infiltrating your lower levels, we might choose to make flood cuts. Several inches above floor level and the flooding marks, we cut out the wall to allow access to trapped moisture and permit better airflow during the structural drying that follows. SERVPRO’s commercial-grade air movers and heaters accelerate the natural drying process, causing the moisture absorbed into structures to vaporize in the drier air. Dehumidifiers condense or absorb the airborne moisture for removal.

Our rebuilding crew addresses the flood cuts and other structural damage as soon as we reach the drying goals established by baseline moisture metering. SERVPRO truly makes it “Like it never even happened.” with the addition of these project completion services.

SERVPRO of Frederick County has you covered from assessment up to the last touch-ups on your newly rebuilt walls, ceilings, and more. Call (301) 662-1747 when the rains overstep their bounds.

Flood Damage in Frederick is as Old as its History

4/27/2021 (Permalink)

Storm and flood damage repairs are a job for a professional outfit. SERVPRO has all the corners covered for the job.

For Flood Restoration in Frederick, Call SERVPRO

Founded before the American Revolutionary War, Frederick is an important intersection in the state of Maryland and one of its largest cities. Even when wagons transited the area, flooding was an issue thanks to its proximity to the Monocacy River. Today, ponds, lakes, and artificial bodies of water continue to exist in this important city.

Despite the risk of flood damage in Frederick, the city continued to grow, and today it shows a robust economy. Its location, close to Washington D.C. and Fort Detrick's existence, continues to make it a growing community. Federal government investment and the Riverside Research Park attract a particular set of skills, allowing for the city's gentrification.

Emergency Services and Flood Restoration

As Frederick grows and weather patterns change, the region is frequently susceptible to water damage. Sea-level rise and copious rains leave homeowners with various degrees of damage and in need of water removal services. SERVPRO is ready to provide emergency services when water damage is present in the Frederick community, and all you need to do is call our 24/7 hotline. Our staff is certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) and ready to tackle the toughest jobs, including sewage cleanup and basement flooding.

Water removal services are not enough to complete a full restoration project. Returning a home to pre-flood condition, water extraction, drying, and disinfecting is essential, including specialty drying solutions for priceless items such as documents and photographs. To help you sort through the debris, our SERVPRO staff is available with the latest best practices in the water damage restoration industry, including-

• Application of anti-microbial solutions to thwart the growth of bacteria such as mold.
• Deodorization of your home, including the use of odor counteractant pellets, air purifiers, and ozone generators.
• Water extraction and removal entails pumps and extractors and discarding of items holding polluted water and posing a danger to your home.

It is not uncommon for some areas of the home to be undisturbed while others are exposed to floodwater. Whenever possible, we stage an alternate are or provide move-out services to protect your belongings and make the restoration process more efficient. Throughout the course of our job, we coordinate with repairmen and insurance adjusters as needed, all while documenting our own actions. We utilize the CCIS Content Claims Inventory System to catalog all items we deem salvageable, non-salvageable, and questionable. The final determination is made by the homeowner and the carrier.

SERVPRO of Frederick County is at your service around the clock. When storm damage and flood restoration appears overwhelming just call us at (301) 662-1747 and let us leave your home “Like it never even happened.”

Has Flood Damage Affected Your Home’s Basement?

2/24/2021 (Permalink)

Storms may damage with flooding to your home. SERVPRO technicians are ready for the water restoration process you need.

SERVPRO Helps Remove Floodwater and Cleanup Frederick Properties

The city of Frederick, Maryland, has an interesting formative history. For example, even though it was laid out as a town in 1745, it is not very clear whom it was named after between Frederick Calvert and Frederick Louis. Calvert was the sixth Baron of Baltimore while Louis was the Prince of Wales. During the civil war, the city had to pay a $200,000 ransom after the Battle of Monocacy to confederate general Jubal Anderson Early to avoid destruction. 

Fredrick was also the origin of some individual actions that had significant national implications. For instance, on September 14, 1814, local amateur poet and lawyer Francis Scott Key decided to write new lyrics for an old drinking song of the Anacreontic Society of London, inadvertently creating the first version of the United States National Anthem. It was adopted as the official national anthem in March 1931. Chief justice Roger Brooke Taney who lived in Frederick in the early 19th century is known for delivering the Dred Scott Decision, which made slavery legal in all United States territories.

The Flood Control Project that Created a Scenic Park

The city has always been affected by periodic floods. However, two major flooding incidents in the 1970s prompted officials to seek a long-term solution for the perennial flooding woos. The flooding incidents were aggravated by the extensive growth of the western side of the city, especially along the Golden Mile area. The development meant paving of previously open areas, thus reducing water seepage into the ground. Most of the surface runoff ended up in the Monocacy River that lies east of the central city. 

Engineers and city officials figured that a flood control project along Carol Creek with underground concrete water conduits would help convey water safely through downtown Frederick, eliminating the usual destruction. Apart from controlling flooding, the system also created an opportunity to building one of the most beautiful linear parks stretching one and a half miles. The park has several beautiful features, including:

• Brick pedestrian paths
• Uniquely designed pedestrian bridges
• Shade trees and benches
• A 350 seat amphitheater that hosts outdoor events 

Most people recognize Carroll Creek Linear Park for its beautiful sculptures, landscaping, and waterways, making it a perfect place to relax. However, it still plays its original role of protecting the downtown properties from severe flooding.

How Does SERVPRO Help Manage Flood Damage in Frederick?

Even with elaborate flood control systems, some issues such as flooded basements still affect Frederick properties sometimes. Immediate action is necessary in such cases to minimize the chances of adverse outcomes. Removing the intruding water and cleaning up the soiled surfaces are the two vital actions. 

Since basements are rarely empty, the cleanup and water extraction processes may not be that easy. SERVPRO helps ease the removal by providing the necessary resources, including equipment and human resources. 

• Our technicians help pack and move out the contents you have in your basement
• We combine mechanical and chemical processes to ensure clean up of the entire basement 
• After extracting water, we set up air movers and dehumidifiers in the basement to dry it

SERVPRO of Frederick County helps restore properties affected by flood damage. Call us (301) 662-1747 when you need assistance.

Santa's Workshop at the Train Station Rear Deck

12/7/2020 (Permalink)

Snowstorms and flooding do not stop SERVPRO from clearing a path to your Mt. Airy home for Santa!

Mount Airy Parents Can Help Create Holiday Cheer for Their Kids or Other People

This year has been challenging for many people, that even the usual holiday cheer around Christmas seems unlikely. A chat with Santa can lift your spirits. Mt Airy parents can bring their kids to the Santa's Workshop on December 12 2020, from 1 PM to 3.30 PM. Parents can also take the opportunity to donate canned food items to Mount Airy Net to help create holiday cheer for others. It is a perfect chance for parents to get a rare picture of their kids with Santa in 2020.

Other important details about the event include

• The event location is on North Main Street at the train station rear deck
• Reservation is essential since slots are limited per kid
• The event conforms with current health safety guidelines, including Santa speaking to kids from a socially distanced spot

SERVPRO of Frederick County helps when flood damage affects Mt Airy residences. Call us at (301) 662-1747 to mitigate any damage and restore your property to its preloss state.

Cleaning for the Holidays can Load Your Frederick Home with Recyclables

11/9/2020 (Permalink)

This Holiday season, let SERVPRO professionals handle your homes storm damage while you focus on your holiday plans.

Learn More about How to Keep Frederick Clean and Reduce Household Waste

Join Annmarie from the County Office of Recycling in a Zoom session about recyclables. It’s more than just paper/plastic/metal. Many types of packaging contain more than one kind of material, making recycling perplexing for many. Don’t let uncertainty and confusion keep you from doing your part in keeping Frederick as clean as possible. Call (301) 663-3416 for inclusion in the Zoom class on November 17, 2020, from 6:30 PM to 8 PM.

Annmarie answers all your questions, as well as gives you information about:

• Specifics on holiday packaging and other items that we rarely use
• Wish-cycling and its impact on the environment, and
• What can and cannot be recycled in Frederick.

SERVPRO of Frederick County is always there to help our neighbors when storms and floods cause property damage. Contact our 24-hour emergency line at (301) 662-1747 for fast service.

There is Mud in my Frederick Kitchen, who Should I Call?

8/18/2020 (Permalink)

Call us at our 24/7 hotline (301) 662-1747 and let us leave your home “Like it never even happened.”

If the mud in the Kitchen of Your Frederick Home is due to Storm Damage, Let a Professional Team Handle it

Storms in Frederick can be scary before, during, and after they happen. All your preparation may be useless if the storm breaks into your home through a window or roof, leaving it wide open to receive the water and debris floodwater carries. Once the storm passes and you assess the damage, it may be overwhelming. However, there are teams of people prepared to handle your needs after the weather event, and reaching out to them is the best decision you can make.

In Frederick, flood damage is our specialty at SERVPRO. Our team holds certifications from industry leaders as well as years of expertise in the field. We know which steps need to happen to restore your home after a natural event and have the equipment to support those steps. Whether only part of your home suffers from storm damage, or it is widespread, our crew guides you through the recovery process to bring your home back to mint condition in coordination with your insurance company when appropriate.

Can't I just clean the mud after a flood and be done? Why should I call a restoration company?

After the storm, you may attempt to grab some cleaning supplies and get to work. Even though this is undoubtedly helpful, you need to consider the risk to your health and the possibility of leaving areas unattended. Our SERVPRO staff wears personal protective equipment when we arrive at your home to prevent cross-contamination and protect us from bacteria that inevitably come with outside water. It is precisely the threat of microbes such as mold that moves our team to be very careful in drying all surfaces of your home and restoring normal humidity levels. To control moisture, we can use some of the following equipment:

    •    Pumps for water extraction
    •    Dehumidifiers and air circulators for water evaporation
    •    Drying mats for your subfloors to preserve them

Some items will require additional repairs or to be removed altogether from home. However, you can count on SERVPRO of Frederick County for help. Call us at our 24/7 hotline (301) 662-1747 and let us leave your home “Like it never even happened.”

What Type of Equipment is Used to Resolve Flood Damage Issues in Frederick?

5/17/2020 (Permalink)

Fooding can damage the structure and contents of your family home. Contact our certified flood damage remediation team right away.

Remediation Services in Frederick Employ a Wide Range of Equipment to Handle Your Floodwater-Related Damage.

Strong storms in the Frederick area sometimes cause flooding, especially in the spring and during hurricane season.  Regular seasonal storms are often at fault, but they are not the only potential culprits of raging floodwaters.  Although it is well inland, the city still suffers the yearly effects of powerful coastal storms that can drop torrents of rain in exceedingly short periods of time.  Knowing when and where storm-related flooding is going to occur is not always that easy to predict.  Weather forecasts are often unreliable and compounding factors can exacerbate storm effects, causing high waters in unexpected areas.  When such disasters strike, flood damage cleanup and restoration companies like SERVPRO employ certain tools.

What Specific Equipment Does SERVPRO Use?         

When floods occur, the damage they cause is usually quite severe.  So, flood damage companies in Frederick, including SERVPRO, use the most powerful state-of-the-art equipment available to effectively deal with it.  Some advanced tools we have at our disposal are:

• Moisture sensors/meters that detect and measure moisture in baseboards, walls, carpets, and household contents
• Thermohygrometers to evaluate the moisture content of your home’s air and provide related measurements
• Powerful extractors to rapidly vacuum up standing liquids
• Trash pumps for removing water with trash and other particulate matter in it
• Dehumidifiers that dry the air in your home’s interior
• Air movers that aid interior and content drying
• Injectidry systems that remove moisture from difficult-to-reach areas behind ceilings and walls
• High-tech foggers to inject fungicides, disinfectants, and deodorants into even the most hard-to-reach places

Why are Trash Pumps Often Necessary to Remove Frederick Floodwaters?

Many times, regular extractors are simply not enough to take on floodwaters.  This is because such waters usually contain trash and other things that would likely clog up these devices.  On-the-other-hand, trash pumps can easily suction up both standing water and this particulate matter without getting clogged. 

With all this said, remember that help is available if you ever experience flood damage.  When you need help, contact SERVPRO of Frederick County at (301) 662-1747.

Click here for more information about Frederick.

Combating the Effects of Flood Damage In Frederick

2/28/2020 (Permalink)

In case flooding affects your property, there is a need to find a solution fast.

Combating the Effects of Flood Damage Incidents in Frederick with Timely Restoration

Flooding incidents in Frederick have both short term and long-term effects. For instance, an incident can displace your family immediately, but this is only short term if restoration is done immediately. On the other hand, if mold or structural damages develop, their effects are long term. SERVPRO helps restore in a way that solves both immediate and long-term issues.

Scoping the Loss Site
Evaluating the extent of flood damage loss in Frederick properties helps in creating a response plan that can deliver results faster. It also helps identify issues that can develop into significant problems in the future. Our SERVPRO technicians use different approaches when scoping a loss site. Doing a physical inspection helps establish whether there are severe issues such as damages to the structural supports, roof, or walls. We also monitor the extent of water migration using moisture meters. Thermal cameras help identify wetness in hidden areas without needing to open them up.

Expediting Restoration of the Loss
Depending on the level of damages established from scoping the loss, various strategies can be utilized to expedite the restoration process. Controlled demolition helps open up hidden parts of the structure. Our SERVPRO technicians remove baseboards and make flood cuts, among other steps, to open up hidden areas affected by flooding. Such demolition makes it easier to remove any standing water and unsalvageable materials such as drywall and insulation. It also limits the damage done, therefore shortening the restoration period.

Eliminating contaminants
Floodwater spread contamination over the areas they affect. Common contaminants include biohazards, chemicals, and even fuel oils.  When our SERVPRO technicians arrive at a loss site, we spray EPA registered disinfectants directly to control the contaminants. Apart from the contaminants collected elsewhere, microbial growth also occurs at the loss site over time. By cleaning up and drying the affected areas fast, our crews help prevent such outcomes.

In case flooding affects your property, there is a need to find a solution fast. Call SERVPRO of Frederick County to help with the restoration. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

For more about Frederick click here.

Flooding In Your Frederick Home

1/25/2020 (Permalink)

Give our SERVPRO of Frederick County team a call whenever flood damages occur at (301) 662-1747.

The Right Cleaning Product for Your Flooded Frederick Home

In natural flooding situations, many of the exposed construction materials and contents must get removed and discarded when contamination of your Frederick home occurs. Surface elements, like drywall and flooring, are often unsalvageable, even with the fast and confident response of our flood recovery professionals. Protecting the framework and support materials requires cleaning and disinfection of these areas so that build back can happen more efficiently when the mitigation phase completes.

Our owner Art Hall has brought his decades of construction experience to help recover flood damage in Frederick homes, but these steps cannot begin without the controlled demolition and initial cleaning of the exposed areas. Selecting the correct cleaning product for the job depends on multiple factors. We must determine the type of material damaged by microbes and bacteria and the appropriate product to address these concerns.

Disinfectants
These solutions can destroy 99 percent of the organisms they contact when applied to surfaces. Germicides like this can help to clear out harmful microorganisms on the surface of the exposed framework after drywall, flooring, and ceiling tiling has gotten removed. Depending on the circumstances, however, they may not affect all of the bacterial or fungal spores, which can often be dormant.

Biocides and Sporicides
These products have gotten designed to eliminate active organisms that can be dangerous for your home or property. Biocides and sporicides target different microbes, meaning that different products might need to get used together to achieve the desired results. Once active spores on the surface have gotten eliminated through the application and cleaning by our SERVPRO professionals, we can bring in our licensed general contractors to begin build back of the property safely.

Preventing flood exposure to your home and its construction materials is unfeasible when water penetrates openings and vulnerabilities in the lower levels of your residence. Addressing these concerns involves the knowledgeable team of trained professionals who understand the variances in our cleaning products and solvents to provide the best and safest approach every time. Give our SERVPRO of Frederick County team a call whenever flood damages occur at (301) 662-1747.

For more about Frederick click here.

SERVPRO Explains the Science Behind Flood Damage Restoration in Frederick

12/18/2019 (Permalink)

Flooding can happen any time of the year. Should floodwaters enter your home, call SERVPRO for a fast and complete restoration.

Proper Calculations Underlie Successful Flood Damage Outcomes in Frederick

Homeowners might not realize how much the success of professional flooding response efforts rely on applied math and science. Every phase of our disaster recovery plans depends on our management team and technicians mastery of content presented by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) concerning psychrometry, the science of drying. We commit to keeping current on all the psychrometry standards developed by the IICRC, ensuring we adhere to industry best practices during every job.

Extract Then Dry 

When flood damage invades your Frederick home containing and removing the water is the priority. Our service vehicles arrive with commercial-grade equipment capable of removing up to 36,000 gallons of fluid daily. Physical extraction is fundamental to flood damage mitigation and remediation, and every drop of water pumped or extracted substantially reduces the time it takes to restore moisture levels to normal. We do not shortchange this step, as it is the foundation for appropriate applied structural drying. 

Principal Drying Factors 

Once the bulk of floodwater exits, SERVPRO determines the drying goals and the blueprint for reaching those goals. This planning is time well-spent and involves numerous calculations based on moisture detection readings and spacial measurements in the affected areas. We balance the following elements according to research-based formulas to dry out your flooded space fast. 

Temperature  

The “sweet spot” is 70 to 90 degrees, as hot air holds higher moisture levels. It can be challenging for dehumidifiers to keep up with the moisture load when temperatures exceed 85 degrees, which requires extra care on our end. If more vapor is present than can be captured by dehumidifiers, structural components and contents can reabsorb moisture from the higher humidity air. We might need to add dehumidifier units to account for this disparity. 

Quantity of Water Needing Evaporation 

This amount reduces with aggressive extraction. Physical extraction is known to be 1200 times more efficient than dehumidification, so SERVPRO tries to eliminate as much liquid water as possible before drying activity. 

Humidity 

During active drying, we try to maintain relative humidity (RH) below 60 percent, adding dehumidifiers if needed to hit that mark. SERVPRO aims for RH dropping to 40 percent or lower after 24 hours of drying to ensure the process is moving along and to inhibit microbial growth. 

Air Movement 

Proper positioning of air movers is vital to drying, primarily directing the airflow at an angle to walls so as not to re-saturate them by blowing back humid air. We periodically reposition air movers to ensure even drying, supported by moisture level data.  

The managers and technicians at SERVPRO of Frederick County are confident when they apply drying theory to your flood damage scenario. Call (301) 662-1747 to set up an assessment and plan for the flood abatement project. 

More about Frederick.

Professional Flood Damage Restoration In Frederick

10/30/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO wants to be your go to, let us help your Frederick flood.

Let us be the professionals for your flood damage in Frederick.

When dealing with restoration companies after a flood on your Frederick property, you want access to restorers that follow specific guidelines and standards when performing restoration services in your home. Since any water intrusion can often lead to mold issues, your restoration company should be able to perform remediation services, as well.  

As a homeowner in Frederick, dealing with flood damage, you should reference the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Mold Remediation Guidelines and the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) S520 Mold Remediation Standard. You need access to this information to stay informed, especially when trusting others to work on something so innately valuable to you and your family. 

Even though these guidelines developed by the EPA specifically address mold remediation in schools and commercial buildings, they offer invaluable recommendations applicable to your residential flood damage restoration and any mold contamination that may occur. EPA Mold Remediation Guidelines include three necessary steps to prevent issues that may develop after an event:

1. Clean and dry moldy materials. 
2. Discard moldy items that cannot be cleaned. 
3. Dry non-moldy items within 48-hours.

Some may say that mold remediation has nothing to do with your flood damage restoration. However, they would be wrong. You should always have access to a restoration company, like SERVPRO, who understands the issues relating to microbial growth. We encourage our clients, like you, to learn as much as possible, so that you understand which services are needed to restore your home correctly. One of our core principles is to communicate and keep our customers informed before, during, and until the final walk-through of restoration services.  

The IICRC was the first to develop the first standard for mold remediation for professionals in the field. As a result, SERVPRO follows the S520 Mold Remediation Standard that describes the best practices for restoration and remediation.

1. Provide For Health and Safety: Protect the health of workers and occupants by utilizing safe work practices. 
2. Document Conditions and Processes: Keep detailed records of the condition of the property, showing the extent of damage or the amount of moisture saturation. 
3. Control any Mold Contamination at Its Source: Inspect the entire area and perform services aimed at keeping mold contained, preventing airborne contamination, or the spread of mold during restoration.
4. Remove Contamination: Once perceived that mold goes beyond normal levels, provide the most effective solution. 
5. Correct the Moisture Problem: Stop the source of moisture that initially contributed to the problem.

Contact SERVPRO of Frederick County for additional information today. (301) 662-1747.

If you would like to learn more about Frederick, click here.

Who to Call When my Mount Airy Basement Floods

8/28/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can treat your Mount Airy flood damage promptly and professionally.

We strive to assist our Mount Airy community with their flood damage.

If last year is any indication, residents of Frederick County need to be on our toes regarding flooding and rise in water levels. Heavy rains alone can be responsible for overflowing bodies of water that make their way into your basement, leaving homeowners in need of specialized services to recover from flood damage and restore our homes as soon as possible. It only takes an oversaturated sewage line to divert water into our homes, along with debris and bacteria that can cause problems in the future if it is not treated correctly.

When your home in Mount Airy is the victim of flood damage and your basement is underwater, reach out to SERVPRO for our expert services. Our team is certified in the latest techniques and equipment to restore your home while minimizing your losses. In water events, time is of the essence, and minimizing the time floodwaters live in your home is the key to success. Our crew is available 24/7, so we can respond as soon as the emergency happens; all you need to do is call.

As the water extraction process evolves, we work with you to dispose of any items posing a threat to your home. Typically, these include upholstery, carpets, and any porous materials soaked in water. As soon as we can, we remove them from your home to prevent unwanted bacteria from traveling throughout your property and affecting other areas. Upon arrival, we utilize a variety of equipment which may include submersible pumps, handheld extractors, and drying mats to dry out the area. Our SERVPRO crew may also use moisture sensors and thermal imaging cameras to inform us of our progress in removing excess moisture from your basement. When our staff members continue with disinfecting your home, they can also focus their attention to airborne particles and may use air filtration devices to purify the air and remove any lingering contaminants left behind in the air. All these steps are necessary to protect your home now and in the future.

SERVPRO of Frederick County is your ally when water comes into your home uninvited.  Call us at (301) 662-1747 and let us leave your home, "Like it never even happened."

If you would like to know more about Mount Airy, click here.