Historic Buildings Challenge Fredrick Water Damage Experts

6/22/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is your go-to company for water damage cleanup in Frederick. "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO® Exceeds Water Restoration Expectations

Frederick cherishes historic properties. Developers invest in renovating and infilling existing buildings. Preserving the city's unique architecture while also making room for retirees and working professionals looking for comfortable and more affordable housing is a laudable goal. The renovation of downtown's Visitation Academy and the adjacent convent into The Visitation Residences is a recent and exciting project envisioning 27 condominiums, a hotel, and a restaurant.

Restoration Focus Is a Perfect Fit in Frederick

Developments like the Visitation Residences retain the original character of buildings repurposed in Frederick. Water damage mitigation and remediation strategies, when needed, can endanger beautiful floors, built-in cabinets, and other priceless woodwork. Although residents want rapid water removal and effective drying, they prefer avoiding unnecessary teardowns and the loss of one-of-a-kind features. Feel relieved when SERVPRO arrives to assess and design the rehabilitation of your home after leaks or flooding. We stress a restorative approach, using research-based techniques that return wet building materials to their previous function and appearance.

How Does SERVPRO Restore Heirloom Hardwood?

Hardwood restoration is achievable, especially when professionals arrive on the scene quickly. We respond 24/7, dispatching crews trained to the highest industry standards by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). Rapid removal of liquid water is crucial using:

• Pumps for water deeper than 2 inches
• Truck-mounted and portable (backpack) extractors
• Specialized floor mats adhering to wet sections and permitting extraction of several flooring layers
• Systems employing small holes bored (later professionally patched) in wooden trim as access points for hoses suctioning water from cavities
• Removal of toe kicks to drain trapped water under cabinets and other built-ins

Once we evacuate all the liquid water, absorbed moisture detection and metering provide drying goals data. Skilled technicians position low-profile air movers, heaters, and dehumidifiers to reduce the wood's moisture to normal levels. Periodic moisture measuring ensures meeting drying goals.

Partner confidently with SERVPRO of Frederick County for effective and rapid water damage restoration that respects the integrity of your historic home. One call to (301) 691-4683 schedules a professional assessment and project planning.

Drying Combats Water Damage in Frederick Properties

10/24/2023 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO if you have water damage in your Frederick home. We're Faster to any size disaster™.

Water Restoration Steps SERVPRO® Takes to Dry Frederick Properties

You may have chosen Frederick as your residence for many reasons, including its high quality of life. Amenities in the area range from parks and restaurants to recreational centers. Some notable parks include Baker Park, Carroll Creek Park, and Riverwalk Park. Recreational centers, on the other hand, include Bernard W. Brown Community Center and Talley Center. Water damage can instantaneously ruin the quality of life at your home, leaving surfaces and materials wet and triggering deterioration in structural areas and contents.

Resolving the water damage at your Frederick home addresses many problems simultaneously. Drying stops materials like wood from swelling or rotting, cloth items from bleeding dyes, and metal items from rusting. Several steps are necessary for efficient drying. SERVPRO helps facilitate restorations, ensuring all the steps progress accordingly. 

Essential Water Restoration Steps

• Enhancing structural safety 
• Water removal
• Cleaning 
• Drying wet materials

Water creates many hazards in a residence, whether you have a historical property like the Barbara Fritchie House, John C. Motter House, James K.P. Wolfe House, or a modern-day home. Slippery surfaces, falling objects, and electrical are likely in a water-rich setting. SERVPRO technicians inspect your premises, determining critical actions to manage hazards. Disconnecting power, setting up warning signs, and drying wet floors are simple yet highly effective ways to safeguard people in a water-damaged property. 

Sufficient water extraction helps complete the drying process fast. Water extraction equipment, such as wet vacuums and drying mats, fast-track the process compared to mopping the wet areas. With vacuum extractors, SERVPRO technicians can remove water trapped in porous materials like carpets and upholstery, thus ensuring the drying process goes as expected.  

After addressing the water left on surfaces, drying the moisture absorbed by materials is essential to finalize the process. This step requires sustained evaporation and humidity control. SERVPRO has a variety of equipment to facilitate drying.

Drying Equipment

• Air movers - facilitate evaporation
• Dehumidifiers - extract moisture trapped in the air
• Cavity-drying equipment - facilitates drying in hidden structural compartments 

SERVPRO of Frederick County is a reliable service provider when you need solutions for your property after water damage. Call us at (301) 662-1747.

Scoping and Water Mitigation for Frederick Homes

4/25/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO understands how important your property is. Let us help you out.

Detailed Water Mitigation with SERVPRO Gets Results

You may get away with a minor water spill in your home with a few towels or a mop and bucket. But how can you be sure that no moisture ends up under your flooring and cabinets or behind baseboards? SERVPRO wants Frederick property owners to know that there is always a risk of water migrating into tight spaces, which can lead to material degradation or mold growth issues. However, by calling us and having our water restoration technicians (WRT) begin water mitigation, we can halt migration in its tracks and get a jump on the restoration efforts. 

Part of the mitigation process in Frederick involves scoping out your property to determine the best equipment and methods to use. We aim to ensure all customers feel at ease, so we always explain each step and how we work on drying contents and building materials. Some common mitigation efforts used with our water removal services include:

• Acknowledging all potential safety hazards
• Installing containment barriers to keep water from moving into unaffected areas
• Determining the level of contamination of the water, i.e., what category
• Begin pulling up water with powerful extractors and pumps
• Carefully placing dehumidifiers and drying equipment to reduce relative humidity (RH)
• Utilizing moisture detectors, sensors, and meters to ensure no moisture gets left behind

Why Do I Need Water Mitigation Services?

Before restoration, proper mitigation must get done to harness the damage. Mitigation focuses on extraction and containment to keep the problem from worsening. Our technicians also address leftover moisture that leaves the chance of mold growth or costly material damage. We are your one-stop for inspection, mitigation, water removal, drying, and restoration. Each project gets tailored to match the needs of your property so we can achieve the best results. 

Call SERVPRO of Frederick County at (301) 662-1747, and we can send our Green Fleet to begin water mitigation. We will provide prompt, reliable service so your home or business returns to normal fast.

The First Step When Dealing with Water Damage in Frederick

3/31/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Frederick County is prepared to respond swiftly to water damage.

Extraction is the First Stage of Frederick Water Restoration

Many things can cause water damage in Frederick homes, including a burst pipe, a leaking faucet or bathtub, or moisture seeping in from the exterior. When water damage strikes, the most important thing is to extract excess water quickly from your home.

SERVPRO has access to industry-standard tools for swift water damage remediation in Frederick. As a homeowner, your best first step when you need help is to call SERVPRO. We are here for you 24 hours a day, including holidays. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster, so give us a call no matter the size of the spill.

Every Remediation Project Starts with Extraction

Before drying your home, we need to remove as much excess water from the floors as possible. The longer damp materials sit in your home, the greater the risk of damage spreading or getting worse. Extraction equipment is highly efficient, quite literally hundreds of times more effective than dehumidification. We use a range of equipment to perform the extraction.

• Carpet wands
• Portable extractors
• Truck-mounted extractors

Carpet wands are ideal for a first pass and to stop liquid migrating further across the floor. Wands are also suitable for glue-down carpet, where more aggressive extraction could cause delamination (when the secondary backing on the carpet separates from the primary backing.) Because they are small, wands are good for getting into tight corners.

Portable extractors help us get into more hard-to-reach places and make extracting moisture from multiple floors easier. We measure pump strength in both tank size and water lift. Portable extractors have tanks of up to twelve gallons and provide 140 inches of water lift.

Trunk-mounted extractors are powerful machines with up to 100 gallons or more tanks and provide 198.8 inches of water lift. Because truck-mounted units have their own power supply, they are the best solution when there is no power in your home or large volumes of water require extraction.

What Happens After Water Extraction?

Our teams adhere to Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) standards when dealing with water issues. We follow a series of steps designed for maximum efficiency.

• We set up air movers and axial fans to increase moisture evaporation from damp surfaces.
• We use dehumidifiers to reduce humidity levels in the air.
• We use moisture meters, moisture probes, and thermo-hygrometers to monitor moisture levels throughout the drying process.
• We tackle leftover damp smells using tools such as wet fogging and odor-fighting beads.

Our technicians select the best equipment for the job. For example, axial fans are more powerful than standard air movers and can move more significant volumes of air. Such fans are the best choice when we need to evaporate a lot of liquid quickly. Axial fans are also helpful for deodorizing, which is an integral part of remediation.

Careful calculation of the placement of drying equipment is key to a job well done. SERVPRO does not leave anything to chance. We calculate and monitor at every step for the best results.

Your satisfaction is our aim. You can rely on our technicians to finish the job professionally. We always carry out a walk-through and check everything is in order at the end of the project, and we take a final set of moisture readings to ensure everything is dry. We will also walk you through your home and answer any questions or concerns.

We are here for you if you need help drying out your home. Call SERVPRO of Frederick County today at (301) 662-1747 for fast and efficient service.

Water Damage Restoration in Frederick Kitchens

11/21/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO says--remove throw rugs and designer mats from wet carpets to prevent water damage. We help protect your Frederick home.

Parts of Kitchen Water Damage Restoration

The kitchen is one of the most common areas for water damage recovery with water-fed appliances and the convergence of the plumbing system. It is crucial to safeguard your residence with a fast response by experienced professionals when disasters arise like:

• Broken fixtures
• Appliance malfunctions
• Plumbing leaks
• Pipe bursts

Drying Base Cabinets

The cabinetry can often be one of the first things addressed with water damage restoration in Frederick homes because it hides some plumbing or has a directly shared wall with these pipes. Base units, especially with common materials like fiberboard or laminates, can be rapidly overwhelmed by migrating moisture and require immediate attention with centrifugal air movers and other drying tools.

Removing Standing Water

Before much of the house cleaning can begin, we must remove standing water from the kitchen. While many flooring materials installed in this room are resistant to water, pooling still provides pressure against these materials that could allow them to be damaged when these defenses ultimately fail. The extraction must happen swiftly with submersible pumps, vacuums, and light wands.

Should Building Materials Get Removed?

Choosing to remove materials after water emergencies is only done with careful consideration. Some factors play an essential role:

• Degradation – The greatest concern with water damage to the building materials and cabinetry of the kitchen is the weakening of these elements. Loss of structural integrity leaves little choice but to replace the impacted assembly fully.
• Staining/Discoloration – Staining can be a concern with the minerals in water like iron, calcium, and manganese. Materials like drywall can show these stains most readily during evaporation, where the minerals are left behind as the water dries out. Staining could require material replacement. Always try to keep carpets dry to prevent staining.
• Mold Development – Another concern from prolonged moisture damage is mold development. When mold is discovered and thought to have spread, this can significantly impact the salvageability of materials. 

Water damage restoration for Frederick homes might start with a compromised kitchen. Having skilled professionals like our SERVPRO of Frederick County team to help makes a difference in getting life back to normal quickly. Call us at (301) 686-5217. 

The Ultimate Guide to Water Damage Remediation in Frederick

6/30/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage can leave remnants if not dealt with properly. Contact the professionals at SERVPRO today for help.

Professional Help Addresses Several Issues after Water Damage in Frederick

Whether a plumbing line fails or any other incident happens, spilling water in unwanted areas of your Frederick home, you have to take several steps to restore the property to a pre-damaged state. The apparent steps are extracting standing water and cleaning soiled areas. However, the process may require additional steps, and seeking assistance from a professional restorer can help you tackle them with ease.

The level of water damage in Frederick homes may extend beyond what the eye can see, depending on the amount of water spilled and the period it sits before removal starts. The point of origin also matters because spills on upper floors can spread damage to lower floors. If left unaddressed, such damage can lead to mold infestation or even structural issues because moisture leads to rot and other forms of deterioration. Our SERVPRO technicians use moisture detection equipment such as us moisture meters to inspect affected areas. We also have FLIR thermal cameras to check for wetness below the surface.

Apart from affecting the structure, the water that spills can soil contents within the house. The most affected are usually upholstery items and fabrics such as drapes. Such contents may require specialized cleaning approaches to remove the soils and prevent other problems such as dyes running and water spots. Our SERVPRO teams receive training and IICRC, Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification, certification in various fields equipping them with the necessary cleaning skills. We also have specialized cleaning equipment such as upholstery cleaning machines wash and rinse, which simplify cleaning heavily soiled items.

Proper extraction of water remnants and drying of excess moisture from the affected areas should help complete restore the property to its pre-damaged state. The process requires a combination of skills and advanced equipment to run smoothly. Our SERVPRO technicians use dry-wet vacs and other portable water extractors to remove water from different surfaces. We might also create drying chambers using plastic sheets or drill vent holes for better control of the drying process.

If facing water loss in Mt Airy, Brunswick, or Middletown, call SERVPRO of Frederick County to help you mitigate the damages. You can reach us at (301) 662-1747 at any time. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Water Cleanup Services After Burst Piping in Frederick

5/23/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Frederick County today if you need help with professional water damage restoration.

SERVPRO Arrives Fast for Water Cleanup and Restoration for Frederick Residents

There could be several reasons why a pipe bursts within your Frederick home. Whether there was corrosion, a drop in temperatures during the winter, or an accident that caused the joint to shift, you need to clean up the water as quickly as possible. SERVPRO understands time is of the essence with all water-related restoration jobs, so we are available 24/7 for emergency response. Once you get in touch with our customer care team, we can have a crew at your door to assess the standing water and damage within four hours.

We stand by our motto – We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster. When you call us for water clean-up in Frederick, we arrive promptly, begin the assessment, and select all the right equipment and processes for the job. Our Green Fleet comes stocked with everything we need to handle water mitigation and removal as quickly as possible. 

Why Can’t I Handle Water Removal On My Own?

Some homeowners reach for a mop and bucket or wet/dry vacuum whenever there is a significant water spill. However, failing to remove all moisture could lead to black mold growth or costly secondary damage. Hiring our skilled technicians for water removal services is best because:

• Our water restoration technicians (WRT) have been through extensive IICRC-certification to handle your project as quickly and efficiently as possible. 
• We follow the water’s migration path and use moisture detection tools like sensors and meters to locate hidden pockets of moisture. 
• Our drying and dehumidification equipment help us to restore relative humidity to thwart mold and mildew growth.
• If necessary, we perform controlled demolition to pull up unsalvageable carpeting, remove drywall, and replace everything with all-new materials – “Like it never even happened.”

Get in touch with our team whenever you require a rapid response to handle water clean-up. SERVPRO of Frederick County can be reached by dialing (301) 662-1747.

Water Restoration in Frederick Demands Professional Services

4/25/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage is one of the most commonplace challenges for homeowners. Bur no worries! SERVPRO is on the job!

SERVPRO Can Perform Water Restoration in Your Frederick Home

Water damage is one of the most commonplace challenges for homeowners. Even for the insured, it can cause stress and extensive damage if left unchecked for some time. To avoid hiccups, you should contact a restoration service provider as soon as possible.

The process of water restoration in Frederick homes is unique to every situation. However, at SERVPRO, we assure our customers that our technicians are well trained and equipped to take care of water damage of any size or scope. Our restoration process is as outlined below:

• Inspection and damage assessment
• Water extraction
• Drying and dehumidification
• Cleaning and sanitization
  

Inspection and Damage Assessment

Upon arrival, SERVPRO can conduct an inspection of your house, followed by a thorough assessment of the level of damage. We can use thermal hygrometers to get a more in-depth look at the humidity in the affected areas. These tools display the dew point, moisture ratio (GPP), and vapor pressure. Thermal hygrometers also reveal if suitable dehumidification conditions exist or if they have been finally achieved. Inspection and damage assessment is essential in drawing up the strategy to be followed in the restoration process.

Water Extraction

The longer the water stays in a house, the more damage it causes. Our team can use wet/dry vacuums or portable pumps to extract as much water as possible.

Drying and Dehumidification

It is necessary to dry the affected structures and contents thoroughly to restore your home. Our SERVPRO technicians can use centrifugal air movers to get dry air into the affected area. After this, we can dehumidify the house to bring the water vapor levels back to normal for a better internal environment.

Cleaning and Sanitization

Our SERVPRO crew can use industrial cleaners to clean all the affected items before sanitizing the building and all materials affected to prevent mold infestation or the growth of other microorganisms.

SERVPRO of Frederick County has the expertise required to perform water damage restoration on your property. Contact us at any time at (301) 662-1747. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

How Our Technicians Will Save Your Brunswick Home After A Water Damage Incident

3/21/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Frederick County is prepared to respond swiftly.

What To Expect From Brunswick Professional Water Cleanup

When an appliance fails or the kids let a sink overflow, an astonishing amount of water can spread throughout your Brunswick home. A cracked residential water heater held up to 50 gallons, and if the rupture goes unnoticed, the supply line keeps flowing. The standard flow of a bathroom sink is 2.2 gallons per minute, meaning a 10-minute distracting phone call might spill more than 20 gallons out the door and down the hall.

Professional help is required for Brunswick residential water cleanup. The sheer bulk of water collecting in the lowest parts of the affected space is beyond the capacity of a household wet/dry vacuum to manage. Another consideration is that the visible standing water is only part of the problem. Water migrates away from its origin, flooding downstairs and through cracks into building cavities. It also seeps under and into porous structural components.

SERVPRO has the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)-trained managers and technicians to approach water cleanup efficiently, following industry best practices. We also stock a complete inventory of state-of-the-art water removal and structural drying equipment on our service vehicles.

We arrive, assess, and plan your water cleanup project as soon as possible after your first call, answered 24/7. Water Damage Restoration Technicians (WRT) immediately position submersible pumps in water deeper than two inches, also using wanded extractors to mitigate the spread of moisture on carpets and bare floors. Thermal imaging devices help us locate water trapped behind structures, which we access by employing controlled demolition strategies like weep holes and flood cuts.

Our technicians use sensitive moisture meters to detect the level of water absorbed by structural components. This data forms the basis for an applied structural drying goal. Once the standing and trapped waters evacuate, SERVPRO positions air movers and heaters to accelerate the transfer of water from the structures into the air as vapor. Desiccant and evaporative dehumidifiers remove moisture from the air, containing it for disposal outside your home.

Call (301) 662-1747 when a water emergency requires prompt cleanup. SERVPRO of Frederick County is prepared to respond swiftly. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

Water Damage in Your Frederick Property Must Get Mitigated Fast

1/30/2022 (Permalink)

Pipes can break quietly behind walls and leave large telltale stains. Contact SERVPRO to investigate and remediate the water damage in your home.

SERVPRO Mitigates Water Damage to Cut Your Loss and Costs in Frederick

Water emergencies happen without warning and can cause issues throughout your Frederick home or business. Depending on the situation, there could be soaked documents, wrecked furniture, ruined building materials, and the potential for black mold growth. Whether the water infiltration comes from a broken bathroom pipe or violent storms that cause flooding, dealing with the aftermath is never a time to go the DIY route. Instead, SERVPRO is there for water removal services to help mitigate the damage before it has a chance to fester.

Commonly, a homeowner without restoration experience may not know what to do with water damage. Mitigate it within your Frederick home with the help of SERVPRO and our skilled water restoration technicians (WRT). We can get you on the path for water emergency recovery, so let’s go over what you may expect once we arrive:

• Once our Green Fleet arrives, our crew inspects the area to determine severity, what category the water is, and all items and materials impacted. 
• The first steps for mitigation and remediation are removing water with the help of industrial-strength pumps, truck-mounted extractors, and a variety of tools.
• Should the water get deemed contaminated, our IICRC-certified technicians might utilize specialized equipment and water treatment methods to ensure safety.
• Items get evaluated to determine salvageability, but many porous items may be disposed of and replaced. 
• Drying and dehumidification help us restore relative humidity (RH), while moisture detection tools allow our crew to ensure nothing is left behind.
• All surfaces get treated with EPA-registered cleaning agents and deodorants to leave everything “Like it never even happened.”

Mitigate it with a team you can trust when you have water damage. Here at SERVPRO of Frederick County, we work diligently to help you get back on your feet after a water-related emergency. Reach us by calling (301) 662-1747!

Mitigating Water Damage in Mt. Airy Homes with Extraction Devices

12/10/2021 (Permalink)

Standing water from water damage may become contaminated. SERVPRO techs have the experience and training for every water damage mitigation project.

Mitigation often hinges on water removal services in Mt. Airy properties.

Mitigating loss is an important element of our fast response to area homes after water damage. With a finite timeline to restore homes after exposure, we prioritize the most efficient solutions to remove standing water and protect the property as much as possible.

Assessing the Damage that Exists

Understanding the scope of the damage helps to make water mitigation in Mt Airy homes faster and focused. In most situations, this mitigation involves water removal services. We have several tools that can be efficient in this regard, depending on the nature of the damage.

The Use of Powerful Pumps

Pumps are also heavily used in our extraction inventory, especially when substantial standing water is a concern. After flooding or situations like burst pipes, several inches or feet of standing water could exist within the house. Submersible pumps, both electric and gas-powered, can move hundreds of gallons of water a minute. These are the most efficient extraction options available to our team.

The Case for Vacuuming

Wet vacuums are among the most versatile water removal tools in our inventory. Not only can these devices be easily moved from one area to another, but they also provide a unique ability to be several extraction devices in one. Wet vacuums can be used in conjunction with several attachments and extensions, including:

• Carpet Wands
• Light Wands
• Squeegee Wands
• Weighted Extractors
• Drying Mats

Traditional Water Removal Efforts

Extreme water removal needs are not always common. In some situations, it is possible that traditional drying and water removal efforts such as toweling and mopping might be as effective as the use of wet vacuums or pumps. This determination often comes after a thorough inspection of the property during the mitigation phase.

Water mitigation often hinges most directly on our ability to move standing water from the premises. We have multiple extraction and water removal devices in our recovery inventory to overcome threats. Our fast response to damaged properties makes SERVPRO of Frederick County a trusted name for the area. We are ready to help 24/7 at (301) 662-1747.

How Does SERVPRO Perform Water Removal Services in Frederick?

8/5/2021 (Permalink)

Any type or size water damage you have, SERVPRO will work magic and have your home back to preloss condition. Call now!

SERVPRO Experts Employ All Their Resources to Remove Water from Frederick Homes. 

At any time, your Frederick residence could be impacted by a water leak. These leaks may arise from storm damage, pipe network problems, corroded containers, or appliance malfunctions. Regardless of how they start, the effects of these water issues must be dealt with swiftly to mitigate their impact effectively. 

SERVPRO, an emergency water damage services provider, has been helping Frederick homeowners with water removal for more than fifty years. Over this time, our skilled technicians have successfully cleaned up local homes in the aftermath of ceiling leaks, burst pipes, and basement flooding resulting from leaking water tanks, malfunctioning appliances, and other problems.

A few of the cutting edge tools we use to remove water from your home are:

• Powerful wet vacs and extractors that rapidly pull gallons of standing water from the impacted rooms of your residence
• Strategically-placed air movers and dehumidifiers that extract excess moisture from interior areas
• Innovative Injectidry systems that dry difficult-to-access parts of your home
• A wide array of sophisticated diagnostic tools like moisture sensors, moisture meters, and Thermo hygrometers to effectively locate, gauge, and monitor interior moisture issues. 

As you can see, your neighbors at SERVPRO of Frederick County are well-prepared to complete almost any water removal job you need to have done. So, if you ever need us, call (301) 662-1747.

Can Hardwood Floor in Frederick Get Saved with Rapid Water Cleanup?

6/23/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage restoration should be handled by a professional outfit. SERVPRO has you covered from start to finish in any water damage situation.

SERVPRO is Available in Frederick with 24/7 Response to Handle Your Water Cleanup Needs!

Faulty appliances, burst pipes, and accidental spills can spell trouble for your hardwood flooring. You want to have professional emergency services water damage assistance right away so that you can get it cleaned up and dried as quickly as possible. Should you have any water-related emergency in your Frederick home, SERVPRO has skilled water restoration technicians (WRT) that will provide you with excellent results. We are only a phone call away and arrive at your door ready to start water damage remediation within hours of initial contact. 

Water cleanup in Frederick must begin quickly to address your hardwood flooring. This type of flooring can expand when saturated with water, leading to a broad range of damages. Handling water removal and managing moisture must happen fast, or you could see issues such as:

• Cupping
• Buckling
• Warping
• Crowning

Regardless of the project's scope, SERVPRO's IICRC-certified water restoration team starts in on water removal services to help eliminate the onset of secondary damage. For each water damage restoration job, we have the following equipment and tools at our disposal:

• Submersible pumps and powerful extractors
• Industrial-strength fans and air movers
• Dehumidifiers
• Drying mats
• Injectidy technology

Our team also takes extra measures to check relative humidity and use moisture detection tools to ensure nothing gets left behind. If portions of your flooring must be repaired or replaced, we offer controlled demolition services. Your hardwood flooring will be in excellent hands, and everything is thoroughly sanitized and deodorized to ensure no musty odors develop. 

SERVPRO of Frederick County is the team to call at (301) 662-1747 when you need fast, reliable water cleanup to save your hardwood floors.

Rapid Water Removal is Best to Ensure Results in Frederick

5/25/2021 (Permalink)

Water catastrophes in your home can lead to major water damages. Call the experts at SERVPRO right away for help.

SERVPRO’s Water Removal Services Help Limit Cost and Damage to Your Frederick Property

Something to remember about any water emergency in your home is that moisture has immense survivability if not addressed accordingly. The length of time your structural materials and belongings are in contact with water or excessive humidity will play a significant role in your recovery and overall costs. SERVPRO works to handle water clean up quickly to lessen the costs for your water damage restoration. 

Water removal in Frederick means calling in skilled water restoration technicians (WRT) to get the job done in a fraction of the time. SERVPRO’s technicians understand how to assess and monitor each unique project so that we can adjust our plan as we go along to achieve the best results. However, the longer the water sits and festers, the more you run the risk of costly secondary damage settling in. 

Materials that struggle most when subjected to water emergencies like burst pipes or basement flooding include:

• Ceiling tiles
• Plaster walls or drywall
• Particleboard or plywood
• Vinyl tiles or laminate flooring
• Insulation of all kinds

SERVPRO brings the latest equipment and industry-approved tools to each job to achieve our water damage remediation goals. Our Green Fleet comes loaded with everything that we need to restore your interior “Like it never even happened.” Some of the tools you may see us using during our water removal efforts include:

• Truck-mounted extractors
• Submersible pumps
• Wet/dry vacuums
• Light wand (carpet wand) tools
• Dehumidifiers
• Injectidry equipment
• Moisture sensor technology
• Air movers, fans, and more

Water removal and damage repair are what we do best here at SERVPRO of Frederick County. When you need skilled and experienced technicians on the job, give us a call at (301) 662-1747.

Water Damage Restoration of a Frederick Home Involves Many Steps

5/10/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage removal is an easy job for SERVPRO. We will have your property back to preloss condition A.S.A.P.

SERVPRO Provides Water Removal, Mold Remediation, and Water Damage Repairs to Affected Homes in Frederick

Water damage to a Frederick home can occur whenever a ceiling leaks or pipe bursts in the property. Although water clean up efforts may appear easy, it requires specialized equipment and staff. As soon as our SERVPRO professional water restoration technicians arrive at the affected home, property owners can place their trust in our team and expect comprehensive water damage remediation.

In Frederick, water damage restoration requires our expert knowledge and equipment, which goes far beyond what the average homeowner can access in a home improvement store. As our SERVPRO crew surveys the damage, we focus on keeping a safe environment and being thorough in providing emergency services and restoration of water damage. The three main steps to our tailored action plan revolve around the following-

• Inspection of the property and assessing the potential danger, including a weakened structure due to water saturation.
• Removal of water and extraction from home using pumps, wand extractors, air movers, dehumidifiers, and other specialized equipment designed to eliminate excess humidity and restore normal levels.
• Sanitizing and deodorizing the home by using industry-grade solutions to kill bacteria and smells lingering in the air. Any debris and residue left behind by the water are also removed at this stage as we strive to return the home to its original condition.

SERVPRO of Frederick County counts with the best water damage remediation technicians in the field. From water clean-up to basement flooding, we are ready to tackle it all. Call us at (301) 662-1747 and let us show you why we are leaders in our field.

What Are Water Damage Repairs Needed in Frederick Homes and Businesses.

3/26/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO uses the latest technology and equipment when it comes to water restoration services for your property.

Frederick Homes Need The Help of SERVPRO When It Comes To Water Restoration Services.

Water damage situations like broken plumbing and appliances can quickly overwhelm a Frederick home. While there are multiple measures taken to resolve the immediate concerns present on the property, such as pooling water and moisture concerns, there are inevitable water damage repairs necessary to return the home to its original state. These repairs and restoration processes are designed to help with:

• Basement flooding
• Flood restoration
• Ceiling leaks
• Burst pipes
• Water damage remediation
• Emergency services water damage

Ceiling Leaks in Frederick Properties 

Because much of the plumbing running through two-story homes in Frederick County have pipes stowed between these floors, leaks in these pipes can become considerable structural threats. Continuous spraying or dripping from connections can weaken exposed building materials like drywall and joists. Oversaturated insulation can become heavier than these fragile materials can support, which can lead to collapsing. Controlled demolition removes affected materials and provides a stable base for reconstruction when insulation and ceiling materials ultimately get replaced. 

A Leaking Roof from Storms

Severe weather is nothing new to our slice of Maryland, which can put many homes and businesses contending with structural concerns after the storm passes. Heavy winds and rainfall can cripple roof materials, creating vulnerabilities for water penetration. Water damage repairs of these areas first fixate on tarping and board up to permit the restoration process to get started. Once cleaning completes, our SERVPRO team can remove damaged elements and fully reconstruct compromised portions of your roof. The water damage repairs needed are identified during the job scoping phase.

Burst Pipes in Frederick Houses 

The house's basement level and poorly insulated walls within the home can be susceptible to environmental conditions that can cause burst pipes. Emergency services water damage can clear surface water concerns, but water damage repairs can help with replacing damaged pipes and plumbing. From reconstructing building materials like drywall and framing to repairing the plumbing, burst pipes always require some water damage repair. 

Other Water Damage Repairs for Area Homes and Businesses 

Because water damage repairs can encompass multiple needs for a home, we are a one-stop-shop for restoration and recovery after situations like basement flooding. Vulnerabilities in the home's exterior can become exploited by intruding water, which only worsens the longer that masonry and other building materials go unrepaired. The basement can also be a hub for the plumbing and air conditioning for your property, both of which can also be causes for water damage remediation and water damage repairs. Our team can help with reconstruction as well as:

• Ceiling leaks
• Water damage remediation
• Emergency services water damage
• Flood restoration
• Basement flooding
• Burst pipes

We offer a broad spectrum of water damage repairs for homes and businesses after disasters and emergencies. With highly trained restoration technicians and a general contractor license, we can provide a full-service recovery approach after water damage. Call our SERVPRO of Frederick County team today at (301) 662-1747.

Controlled Demolition in Frederick After Water Damage

2/1/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage to a home or business can put a damper on things. SERVPROs IICRC certified trained technicians are ready for any size disaster.

Our contractors can work to protect the property through careful material removal procedures.

Because water loss disasters can occur so rapidly in Frederick homes or businesses, restoration can vary depending on many different conditions. The more widespread and overwhelming water disasters can become, the more structural elements and sensitive materials exposed might require more attention than drying can allow. 

When is Controlled Demolition Necessary? 

While it is not always required or necessary, controlled demolition does play a role in water restoration for Frederick homes. Our competent project manager can determine whether this type of mitigative strategy is needed during the job scoping process. There are multiple advantages for controlled demolition and material removal when water exposure occurs, including: 

• Access to water-damaged areas of the property
• Removal of structurally unsound materials 
• Elimination of deteriorated building materials 
• Access to plumbing and other utilities in need of repair

Water restoration requires multiple technicians and approaches, but our SERVPRO of Frederick County team can help however your home needs. Give our professionals a call today at (301) 662-1747. 

Can Possessions be Saved after Water Losses?

10/8/2020 (Permalink)

After a water intrusion takes place. You can trust that your home is in good hands with the experienced technicians at SERVPRO.

To Save Possessions, Use a Water Damage Restoration Service. SERVPRO Operates in the Frederick Area and Can Begin Work within Four Hours of Notification of Loss.

What is the process of content restoration?

A wet home affects both the structure and the contents, so Frederick homeowners use professional services to recover them. Often items in the house need moving, either to an off-site storage warehouse or to an unaffected room where cleaning or drying can occur separately. The process of moving content is challenging without a proven content management solution. SERVPRO technicians record information in a digital inventory that can be revisited throughout the service and after to provide a transparent and accountable system for managing your possessions.

What are the challenges of content management?

- Items that could break during transit

- Storage and tracking of contents throughout the restoration procedure

- Lack of detail and documentation of the condition of things in the home

How does content management affect restoration?

There are many aspects where content management and water damage restoration in your Frederick home overlap. The ability to assess whether items are salvageable or non-salvageable, for example, focuses on contents but can also affect the overall time-frame of restoration. SERVPRO takes time to document and inspect items to ensure that they are given the correct treatment in the home. We frequently use professional movers when large amounts of content need storing in a separate warehouse, and our warehouses are highly organized to ensure items do not get lost.

What are the solutions to content management issues?

- Photographing and videoing the condition of contents before packing

- Efficiently cleaning, packing, and loading items when off-site storage is necessary

- Organizing warehouse space and storage ahead of time to ensure efficient delivery of contents

Protecting your contents is as valuable as drying your home. Contact SERVPRO of Frederick County at (301) 662-1747 today.

Does the Movement of Air Effect Drying in Frederick Homes?

8/25/2020 (Permalink)

Did your home experiene water damage? Call SERVPRO. We are equipped to handle any scope of water loss emergency.

Understanding Drying Science Elements Like Airflow and how it Impacts Your Household's Recovery After a Water Disaster can be Vital

As overwhelming as flood and water damages can be for Frederick homes and businesses, understanding the balance of elements necessary for efficient drying can show the need for professional water restoration companies. Our SERVPRO professionals have extensive training through coursework and continued education through renowned organizations like the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) to know the science of drying and how to apply this knowledge in your damaged house.  

Water restoration for Frederick homes can encompass many tasks from the initial emergency services like a controlled demolition and debris removal through advanced drying techniques. Because drying is such a vital element to every water damage recovery task our professionals undertake, we must continually re-evaluate the conditions within the property to maintain the balance of the primary principles of moisture removal and efficient evaporation, including: 

• Airflow – The movement of air can be a critical element to the efficiency of drying in a property after a water disaster. While this can refer to generated airflow by our air movers, it can also indicate the working knowledge of the ingress and egress of air from the drying zones.  

• Temperature – Temperatures always seek to find a balance with adjacent areas, either inside or outside the structure. Higher temperatures can often allow for faster production of products and evaporation, but excessive temperatures can harm the drying process. 

• Humidity – The present moisture content is also a consideration that must have a vital role in how efficiently materials and areas of your home get dried after an emergency. Moist environments slow the drying process, making the applications of dehumidifiers essential. 

How Does Airflow Change from One Site to the Next?  

Our technicians undergo continuous training and recertifications to ensure that the latest technologies and practices get used in the drying and restoration of your Frederick home. In addition to this, we train to prepare for the variances of damage from one property to the next. Even a singular aspect of drying like airflow can change from one home to the next based on location, materials used to build the house, available insulation, and the time of year. Airflow can impact the drying process in a few unique ways, including: 

• Infiltration – This term describes air moving into a drying space from the outside of the house or another, unaffected area. 

• Exfiltration – This term indicates air movement from the drying area to these external zones in the home or the outside.  

• Equilibrium – This is the even condition that air seeks to find through infiltration and exfiltration from the drying zones. A balance is always wanted when irregularities exist in temperature or moisture content.  

Can Changing Interior Conditions of the House Improve Airflow? 

The more technicians understand and appreciate the balance of external and internal conditions during the drying process. The more these elements can be manipulated to promote more efficient drying times. It is always the focus of our SERVPRO team to provide the most cost-effective and prompt drying and restoration solutions for water-damaged structures. Often this involves manipulating other elements beyond airflow, including: 

• Temperature - Raising the temperature inside the drying zone can promote exfiltration evaporation when this warmer airflow passes moist materials moving out of the drying area and unaffected portions.  

• Humidity – Moisture content also plays a role in both exfiltration and infiltration of air in the drying area and beyond it. Regulating moisture in the environment can reduce the migration of water to other areas of the house. 

• Air Movers – Generating airflow in the drying zones can promote evaporative drying and bring about equilibrium without excessive transference from one area of the property to another.  

Can Finding an Equilibrium Change Other Drying Science Elements?  

Each of these efficient drying principles in your home work together, balancing one another. When you modify one, such as increasing the temperature, you can often increase the moisture content through faster evaporation. Finding the balance so that all the parts work exclusively towards a productive drying result is a continual exchange in the restoration process. 

Drying your home or business must happen as quickly as possible to reduce the need for tear-out and reconstruction. While we have in-house contractors to help with these repairs, it is typically more cost-effective to restore over replacing. Give our SERVPRO of Frederick County team a call anytime that you need us at (301) 662-1747.

Does a Wall with Water Damage Need Complete Removal?

7/31/2020 (Permalink)

After your home suffers water damage, you need a team of professionals to assist you with cleanup and restoration efforts. Call us right away!

SERVPRO technicians can perform actions on your structure to save as much as possible from loss in your Frederick home.

A pipe break, supply line leak, or toilet backup all have one thing in common; they need extraction and drying as rapidly as possible to lessen the loss in your Frederick home. When water runs freely in a home, it gets absorbed in a myriad of places such as walls, ceilings, and the subfloor. Instead of taking down an entire wall, the technicians at SERVPRO use their moisture detection equipment to determine how far up into the sheetrock the water wicked. Then they measure several inches above that water line and cut off only the loss portion in a clean, straight line. This enables repairs to occur quickly by fitting in measured and cut sheetrock to fit. 

What Can I Expect to Happen During Water Damage Repair?  

When you need water damage repair in your Frederick home, outsourcing the cleanup and restoration services job is one of the smartest moves you can make. Besides the obvious water extraction and drying of the loss area, there are several actions that the techs perform to assist homeowners in saving more of their property and contents such as:  

• Pack out of articles from the loss area to a secure storage pod, another area of the home or a secure storage unit
• Using flood cuts as needed on walls and ceilings
• Inspection of items for hand cleaning 
• Placement of large, heavy furnishings on blocks for drying in place

Can My Carpet Survive a Water Loss?   

There are several considerations before a carpet undergoes restoration by the SERVPRO techs. The type of water loss and the length of time that passed between the water loss event in the home and the cleanup efforts beginning can make a difference. Not all carpet fibers and backings react to water in the same way, frequently seen issues are:

• Shrinkage
• Bleeding of dyes
• Deterioration of backings and fibers

After extraction of the water, the techs move on to the drying phase. A carpet usually requires more than setting up fans to blow over the tops of the fibers and hope it works. SERVPRO deploys air movers and uses specific drying techniques such as "floating." This involves untacking one side of the carpet and forcing air underneath. This dries the padding and carpet from the bottom up. The techs have comprehensive training and test carpet threads before any cleaning agent or method gets chosen. The testing determines the makeup of the fibers, and this attention to detail always ensures the best outcome.  

In cases where the cleanup begins after 48 hours or the water contains sewage or waste material, the carpet requires disposal as a biohazard. The techs extract the water to make it safer to handle, cut it into strips, and ensure it gets taken away adhering to municipal regulations for handling hazardous waste.

Another commonly seen action during water cleanup is the removal of cabinets and baseboards. Water migrates rapidly, and it can cause a host of issues to the structure if it does not get removed and dried. The technicians remove the toe kicks under cabinets to use their long extractor wands to get to the water. Still, in cases where there is too much, or seepage occurred into the backing wall or the subfloor, the cabinets in bathrooms or kitchens may need a controlled demo to ensure this area gets dried completely. When this happens, many homeowners use the opportunity to upgrade the look of their kitchen or bathroom once the mitigation efforts complete, and the restoration phase moves on to rebuilding. 

Hardwood flooring can have multiple outcomes during water loss restoration. The condition of the boards, as well as if the boards are a composite or actual hardwood, makes a difference. Composite boards can have different cores, including cardboard, which reacts poorly to water and is generally a total loss after exposure to large amounts of moisture. Hardwood floorboards may warp or cup, but that is due to the absorption of moisture. The techs can dry the boards either in place, and if they do not lay flat after drying, in most cases, they can get sanded and refinished, saving the homeowner the cost of replacement. The goal of SERVPRO team members is to save homeowners the cost of replacement through their restoration methods. 

SERVPRO of Frederick County at (301) 662-1747 serves the local community with restorations services for water damage repair. The trained technicians arrive quickly and return your home to its preloss condition. 

What Are the Most Common Causes of Indoor Flooding?

7/8/2020 (Permalink)

Having water damage issues in your Frederick home? Call the pros in SERVPRO to mitigate your problem.

Understanding the Reasons for Most Indoor Flooding in Frederick Can Help Prevent Them from Happening

Indoor flooding is a significant cause of water damage in Frederick homes. It can create all kinds of problems and require expert help to restore your home. Many times, the flooding can be prevented if you know what to look for in the house.

What are some of the common causes I should be aware of?

Your home is an intricate layout which consists of all kinds of pipes and sources of flowing water. You wash your hands, run the dishwasher, and do laundry. The septic system (or city sewage), the water heater, and some furnaces all require water flow. This can be a disaster waiting to happen. Here are four of the most common reasons for water restoration needs in Frederick.

• Broken or leaking pipes – can flood your home in minutes and can cause hidden damage behind walls.
• Leaking water heater – even a small leak can cause a steady flow of water loss leading to big problems.
• Faulty appliances – dishwashers, washing machines, refrigerators all have plumping connections. When these go bad – watch out!
• Clogged sewage/drain lines – back up from toilet lines is the primary source of this problem. This may be a biohazard situation requiring special handling.

Preventing Indoor Flooding

You cannot always prevent your home from being flooded, but there are things you can do to minimize the water damage.

• Check pipes regularly. In cold weather, take steps to prevent them from freezing--interior temperature increase and insulating exposed pipes.
• Prevent clogged drains. Hair is a significant cause of clogging in bathrooms. Watch what goes into the sinks, tubs, and toilets.
• Check appliances for problems regularly. Consider attaching a device that detects leaks.
• Regularly inspect your water heater.

If you do end up with damage from flooding, SERVPRO’s team of experts provides 24/7 emergency water restoration service. Prevention is the best option, but not always possible. Don’t let any water loss incidence wait.

Contact SERVPRO of Frederick County at (301) 662-1747 for quality water cleanup and restoration -- We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

What Does Water Mitigation Mean for My Frederick Home?

5/27/2020 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO assist you with your homes water mitigation needs. We are available 24/7, give us a call at (301) 662-1747.

Mitigation is a series of actions taken to improve the efficiency of restoration and the customer's expense. 

As with any industry, there are technical terms often used with restoration and recovery teams that might require an explanation for Frederickhomeowners. Several of these practices have gotten designed to make recovery efforts faster and more cost-efficient, like mitigation. As you might expect, this is not a one-size-fits-all solution for varying loss incidents, especially the variety of water emergencies that our team addresses annually.

Understanding water mitigation for your Frederick home begins with appreciating the fast and dedicated response of our restoration technicians. Mitigating losses hinges on reaching the damaged areas as soon as possible, and that is why you can reach a real person on our emergency line whenever disasters strike. We can comprise pertinent details and information to ensure that we arrive with the appropriate tools, personnel, and products.

What is Mitigation? 

Mitigation is one of the commitments that our SERVPRO professionals have with the customers that we serve. It is an ongoing assurance that with the actions taken during the initial stages of water loss recovery, we are doing everything possible to make it "Like it never even happened." The literal principles of mitigation and the emergency services that we can offer after a disaster can get broken down into three sections:

• Reduce Costs – It is always our customers' objective to make restoration and recovery as cost-efficient as possible. Mitigation works to protect more of the contents, materials and affected areas of your residence. In this regard, these efforts can reduce the time and needs of restoration, saving money. 
• Reduce Loss – Protecting what matters most to you is one of the most valuable aspects of our mitigation approach. Content management, for example, assesses affected personal belongings, furniture, and clothing to determine what can get salvaged on-site and which items require focused attention, cleaning, and deodorization at our SERVPRO facility.
• Reduce Time – Because We're Faster To Any Size Disaster, we can often reach residences and commercial structures within hours of the first notice of loss. With that turnaround, we can protect more of your belongings and set up better containment systems to reduce water migration.

Who is Qualified to Do This in My Home? 

While the term mitigation is one that can get used in many different professional arenas, the mitigation services that we offer require skills and training to do correctly. It can be valuable for your home and its contents to trust professionals that can not only work to reduce the severity of loss effects after a water emergency but a team that can also provide competent contractors. As a full-service restoration team, we can offer several practical mitigation aspects, such as controlled demolition and temporary construction solutions. Our competent professionals have extensive training and accreditations with standard-setting organizations such as:

• IICRC – Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification 
• OSHA – Occupational Safety & Health Administration
• ABRA – American Bio Recovery Association 

What Does Mitigation Entail? 

Because not every loss incident is the same, the necessary mitigation and recovery efforts are not identical. After a water emergency threatens your home, several vital actions should get taken when necessary to ensure that restoration costs stay at a minimum and that more of the house does not become threatened by migrating water effects. These include:

• Extraction – While not every water loss requires water removal from the surface of flooring materials, pooling water can be a hazardous situation for exposed materials. We have multiple extraction units ranging from submersible pumps and vacuums to truck-mount systems.
• Drying – No water loss emergency involves our SERVPRO technicians that does not require some form of drying. Depending on the affected materials and areas of the house, this could require multiple tools and devices. Evaporative drying processes can get managed by appropriately placed dehumidification equipment like desiccants and low-grain refrigerant models. 
• Content Management – Drying decisions in your home often involve what to do with personal belongings. Since your possessions often are more valuable than the structure itself in some regards, choices on how to restore your contents occur during the initial job scoping phase.
• Controlled Demolition – Damaged structural elements are not always a factor when our professionals arrive, but if this exists, it is critical to remove affected portions of materials immediately. Moisture-wicking can be prevented by removing damaged sections of drywall or pulling up wet carpeting that cannot be restored. 

Mitigation is a vital stage of restoration and recovery for your home that our SERVPRO of Frederick County team implement as soon as possible. No matter how we can help to save you time and money through reducing your losses, you can reach us 24/7 at (301) 662-1747.

Water Damage In Your Frederick Home

4/18/2020 (Permalink)

For professional results when dealing with a pipe break, call SERVPRO of Frederick County at (301) 662-1747 24/7.

Drying During Water Damage In Frederick Can Take Several Steps To Ensure Success

During most scenarios, when a pipe breaks in your house in Frederick, the destruction is not always as severe as you may think. Many water damage scenarios consist only of your carpets getting wet and possibly soaking into your drywall. However, wet carpets can be the source of other issues like raised humidity levels or mold growth if it is not extracted and dried out quickly after the leak occurs.

If your carpets got saturated during your water damage incident in Frederick, then extraction may be required. Moisture is much easier to remove when it is still in liquid form before it soaks into your contents and building materials or evaporates into the air. Once our SERVPRO technicians remove all of the liquids, we can then begin the applied structural drying (ASD) phase.

Testing Materials For Moisture
When our SERVPRO team first arrives at your home, we conduct the following testing procedures to see both how wet items got and how far the moisture went:

    •    We can use a moisture sensor that will tell us which sections of your carpet got wet.
    •    We can use a non-penetrating moisture meter that can give us a good idea as to where the water traveled.
    •    Using a penetrating moisture meter can give us moisture content of your drywall and any wooden items in a percentage.
    •    A hygrometer can tell us the relative humidity levels of the affected rooms in your house.
    •    We use thermometers to let us know whether we need to increase your house's temperature to speed up the drying process.

Checking Multiple Areas
During the initial inspection process, our SERVPRO team tests both materials that we know got affected and those that did not. We take the difference between the two measurements to determine how wet items got. We also use both test results to come up with numbers for a final drying goal.

Monitoring
After we find the wet regions of your structure and determine a drying goal, we set up air movers and dehumidifiers. After the equipment gets set up, we return to your house every day and take readings to make sure our efforts are working effectively. Once the results meet the drying goals, we can then remove all drying equipment.

For professional results when dealing with a pipe break, call SERVPRO of Frederick County at (301) 662-1747 24/7.

For more about Frederick click here.

Mt. Airy Home Moist from a Water Spill? Ask SERVPRO to Inspect and Mitigate

12/26/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Has You Covered, "Like it never even happened," after a Water Loss in Mt. Airy

Stopping Secondary Water Damage in Your Mt. Airy Home

After a dishwasher overflowed in your home, you may think that you have sopped up all of the excess water with towels and old rags. The floors, walls, and contents of your home may even appear and feel dry. However, there are instances where moisture goes unseen in the form of water vapor, slowly damaging materials within your home. This type of degradation is called secondary damage.

If you suspect secondary water damage in your Mt. Airy home, then seeking help from the mitigation specialists at SERVPRO may help you restore your home to pre-damage condition. Our technicians know where and how to detect moisture and effectively remove it while ensuring there are no visible mold infestations.

When items within your home come into direct contact with water at the time of the event, this is primary water damage which may include rusting of metal surfaces, delamination of carpet backing, and swelling and buckling (warping) of hardwood flooring. However, when excess moisture or water vapor damage items and materials, this is secondary damage and may include wallpaper softening, mold growth, and ceiling tiles, crumbling.

Water vapor passing through any material is called permeance. If something absorbs much water, it is a hygroscopic material such as carpets or upholstery. Alternatively, if materials do not allow much moisture to pass through, it is, in effect, a vapor barrier. For example, a hardwood floor with a glossy finish acts as a vapor barrier. When there is a vapor barrier on flooring, pockets of moisture from the dishwasher overflow can become trapped under the surface of the wood if there are any cracks or holes that water can get through. Secondary damage manifests itself when the wood begins to swell, and buckle or mold begins to grow.

SERVPRO technicians use moisture meters to detect these moisture pockets. From there, they ventilate inside any cavities and use dehumidifiers to remove any excess water from the air, and air movers to push warm, dry air into the pockets.

For 24/7 assistance, contact SERVPRO of Frederick County at (301) 662-1747.

Our Water Damage Experts Will Extract Water From Your Frederick Home

11/17/2019 (Permalink)

“Like it never even happened.”

Possible Water Extraction Damage In Your Frederick Area Home

Your water removal technician (WRT) needs to understand specialty drying situations before attempting to perform these services in your Frederick area home. You want someone with years of experience and training while also having access to more sophisticated types of extraction & drying equipment, moisture detection devices, and monitoring methods that enter the market every year.

We run into a variety of specialty drying situations while working in your home. In Frederick, water extraction damage can often occur, which is why we need to know what to do when faced with a problematic drying situation. Our technicians can identify tricky situations and provide creative solutions unique to your specific situation.

SERVPRO technicians may offer in-place drying of carpet and pad, under the right circumstances. The basic concept involves extracting water from carpeting thoroughly while using additional air movers and dehumidifiers. We leave the carpet and pad where it is; however, there are several advantages and disadvantages you should consider.

Disadvantages of In-Place Drying
    •    There is an increased amount of equipment.
    •    Possibly increased drying time.
    •    Not useful in every situation.
    •    Initial emergency services require additional labor-hours.
    •    Increased chance of mold growth if not done correctly.
    •    There is an increased chance of damaging the subfloor during extraction.

Advantages of In-Place Drying
    •    You experience less disruption in your home.
    •    Furniture can remain in-house during drying.
    •    Carpet suffers less damage, minimal chance of delamination.

Situations Not Appropriate For In-Place Drying
    •    Exposure is longer than 72-hours.
    •    Evidence of mold growth or biological contamination already exists.
    •    Carpet installed over hardwood or laminated flooring.
    •    Any evidence of structural damage.
    •    The loss is grey or black water damage.
    •    If multiple layers of subflooring exist, or a vapor barrier is present.
    •    The pad is non-porous or made of organic material.

SERVPRO technicians never use in-place drying as a primary method for all jobs. Our pretesting and evaluation of your specific situation helps determine the best approach. We work with you and your insurance company whenever necessary. When performing water extraction, our technicians continually evaluate the situation to make on-the-spot changes, should a specific method prove ineffective.

Call SERVPRO of Frederick County for access to 24/7 emergency cleanup and restoration services throughout Mt Airy, Brunswick, Middletown, and surrounding areas. Call (301) 662-1747.

For more about Frederick click here.

We Discuss How To Properly Clean Up Water Damaged Areas In Your Federick Home

10/13/2019 (Permalink)

Whether flooding originated inside or outside your home, contact SERVPRO for efficient water removal and remediation services.

Renovating Your Frederick Bathroom Can Cause Water Damages

Whether you are tearing out your bathtub and shower combination for a low-entry shower stall or you are replacing some of the fixtures in your Frederick bathroom to match a new theme, work around the plumbing of your property can be a risk. Because many older homes throughout the area still have lead and copper pipes, undue stress on these plumbing elements can expose weak or compromised craftsmanship or the degradation of these materials over time.

Preventing water damage in Frederick homes, especially related to the plumbing during renovations and remodeling might not be entirely possible. While you can work around these components with caution, demolition of bathroom elements and the installation of new features can often provide enough vibration and damage to rupture, puncture, or separate lines. Reducing the water damage begins with a fast response to turn this water off so that it does not pool on the bathroom floor and require extraction on top of professional drying efforts.

Our SERVPRO professionals already have the experience of building new construction projects from precise specifications, so homeowners might have already sought out our contracting expertise for their renovations. Should the plumbing become a concern and breach inside your property, our team of restoration technicians can seamlessly transition to full recovery efforts. Our skilled contractors can repair compromised portions of pipe, fittings, and fixtures based on age, wear, and appearance.

Once vulnerabilities in your plumbing system have gotten repaired, our team or your designated contractor can resume the remodeling of the bathroom. With the installation of new fixtures like showerheads, faucets, and other elements, homeowners are getting ahead of degradation that can lead to leaks in these points.

It can be a considerable stress in the times where your property is most vulnerable during construction and renovation projects. Knowing whom to trust with your plumbing system and the rapid-spreading effects of a water loss emergency is vital to protecting your home and keeping its occupants safe. Our SERVPRO of Frederick County team has the experience to handle both this reconstruction need that you have as well as the fallout of compromised utilities. Give us a call anytime that you need us at (301) 662-1747.

Click here to learn more about Frederick. 

SERVPRO Steps Frederick Homeowners Through Their Water Restoration Process

9/11/2019 (Permalink)

We have the equipment and know how to remove the water and dry your home. Call us today!

Standard Water Damage Work from Our First Arrival to the Final Walk-Through in Frederick 

During the initiation and execution phases of a restoration project, SERVPRO specialists fulfill several specific steps as they carry out different tasks and activities. Restoring our customers' property in Frederick occurs with the most efficiency and thoroughness when we use a set framework.

Although every home's construction and contents are different in Frederick, standardized water damage procedures ensure that the home's restoration work ends with the wanted results. These two phases start when the customer first calls us. During this call, we gather the information needed and give the customer a time frame to expect our arrival.

Upon arriving, we perform a walk-through and carry out consultations within different teams at SERVPRO about the water damage restoration process. We also consult with the customer. Once we know which services your property needs, we can bring these issues to you for approval. These include packing up belongings, sectioning off specific areas for your family to live during the restoration, and other steps that we put into place during the initial emergency services and mitigation activities.

Executing the work includes crucial steps full of essential tasks and activities, to restore the property “Like it never even happened.” Our customers' property receives intense scrutiny, so we precisely understand what needs carried out and completed. Some construction requires some areas to retain water, forcing us to add demolition activities to work already scheduled. Taking our customer's requests into consideration also adds different requirements.

SERVPRO crews also use a safety plan that is laid out during the project's setup. We also implement resource allocation guidelines and put the site's work plan together. Such steps are necessary to allow us to work efficiently and provide our customer with an excellent service.

Setting up machinery, bringing in tools, cleaning supplies, basins and buckets, and many other items and laying them out in an orderly fashion helps us stay organized and efficient. While no two homes are the same, we have the same tools, equipment, and cleaners available to us in a central location to restore your home.

SERVPRO of Frederick County's professional and highly skilled restoration experts are always ready to help by restoring water-damaged homes across Mt Airy, Brunswick, and Middletown. Our goal is to complete the work needed inexpensively and with as little disruption to our customer as possible. Call our emergency services line at (301) 662-1747 as soon as you know you have a situation with out-of-place water.

More about Frederick.

Aquarium Overflow

4/12/2019 (Permalink)

Set a timer when adding water to your tank!

Aquariums can be peaceful, beautiful and a focal point of a room; however, overflow or leaking can cause major damage to your home or office. We recently cleaned water damage from a 180 gallon salt water tank the homeowner was adding water to  with a hose and forgot.  Small leaks can also cause damage and mold around the tank.  IF you plan to vacation for a long period (even if you have automatic feeders), it's a good idea to have someone check on your tank periodically to ensure there is no water damage to your home.

Do Fall Outside Home Maintenace

10/8/2013 (Permalink)

Now, during these balmy fall days, is the time to do outside inspections of your gutters, downspouts, and your house's foundations.  Take a little extra time, to clean out gutters, or install gutter helmuts, check for obstructions to your downspouts and make sure they drain away from your foundation and to check for cracks around your home's foundation and to caulk and/or repair them before the winter arrives.