Recent Posts

When SERVPRO Is Called, Flood Water Damage Is Reduced

10/31/2023 (Permalink)

More bad weather! Be Prepared For Storm Damage in the Hickory, Newton, or Conover area.

At SERVPRO, we pursue an aggressive strategy of mitigation, meaning we send out crews 24/7 as quickly as possible to respond rapidly to a scene and stop further damage from occurring. Some disasters rely on mitigation more than others, and flood damage is one of the more significant mitigation topics. We urge homeowners who have fallen victim to a flood to contact us as soon as possible, as a speedy response makes a big difference in how much time and money the situation ends up costing you.
 
When water floods an area, every nook and cranny are susceptible to significant water damage. If we can't respond quickly to a case of flood damage in Hickory, Newton, Conover, or the surrounding area, water will begin to work its way through cracks and corners into deeper regions of your home. In the worst cases, when the homeowner is away or unaware of the damage, it can even seep into and damage the building foundation.
 
Floodwaters breed mold, fungi, and present an environment for  insects and microbes to expand in great numbers quickly. Early removal of floodwater is critical in stopping the growth and reproduction of these unwanted consequences. We will also need to initiate a thorough drying process to free the area from mold's grip, and pumping out water quickly is a vital first step to diminishing these effects.
 
Floods tend to open up areas to conditions that propagate further damage to the home, manipulating factors such as temperature, humidity, and air flow in the home. If we can respond quickly enough, we can set up equipment to control these variables before the flood ever gets a chance to disrupt the internal elements of the structure.
 
SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties employs a strategy of mitigation to help prevent as much damage as possible to your home in the event of a disaster. If your home has been flooded, call us right away 24/7 at (828) 396-1070 so that we can respond quickly and begin to mitigate damage.

Water Damage in Your Business? SERVPRO is Here to Help.

10/26/2023 (Permalink)

Review your Emergeny Plan Count on SERVPRO for any Hickory area Water Damage Help

It's a regular part of many employees' work duties to maintain and clean their work area, and at times, the areas of other employees. Some situations fall outside of normal working conditions, and these need to have special rules. Allowing, or requiring, employees to clean up spills and messes is expected to a certain degree, but some situations surpass this.
 
If your Hickory business has a case with commercial water damage, there are several reasons why you should bring in outside help, instead of having your employees rectify the watery mess. First is their safety during the task of cleaning up, but you should also keep in mind their experience in dealing with hazards such as this. Many times, it isn't only water that is causing problems, but microscopic organisms and inorganic compounds that the water might contain. These contaminants can create health and safety concerns and possible risks. Any injuries or illnesses resulting from cleaning up will be your responsibility.
 
You also have an obligation to your company. Having unskilled and unqualified people cleaning, restoring, and repairing commercial water damage at your site can leave the building lacking on many different levels. Some of these can become serious risks to the safety of others later. SERVPRO has the certified IICRC training and water damage restoration technicians to restore your structure.
 
Work done by unqualified or unlicensed people can also create havoc with not only your insurance agent but also with local code enforcement officers. Not only might you find that your employees are unable to complete even small portions of the work required to keep you in business, but you will be unable to provide the necessary paperwork to document the repairs that were needed, and performed, for your business to be re-approved by code enforcement. The same is also true with your insurance carrier when it comes time to file a claim for reimbursement. Better to call a business to keep you in business.
 
It's better to call an expert and experienced professionals with the required licensing and certifications who can handle any size disaster. When you have commercial water damage, it's time to call us, SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties at (828) 396-1070. We'll get your business cleaned up and functional again.

Fire Damage? Here's What You Have To Do.

9/28/2023 (Permalink)

Fire damage in a house A house fire can destroy the structure and your possessions, but a fire damage restoration team like SERVPRO can help you recover!

If your home has a fire, attaining high-quality fire damage restoration services is strongly recommended. If you don't take this important step, you could risk subjecting your property to structural damage and unwanted mold growth. There is a broad range of restoration services that these experts offer to get your home back in great shape.

The Four Major Fire Damage Restoration Techniques


In general, fire damage restoration companies in Lenoir will utilize four processes to restore your residential property. These methods include drying the home, the removal of unsalvageable materials, completing structural repairs, and thoroughly cleaning the HVAC equipment. Learn more about each process below.

Drying Your Home
One of your first priorities after a fire should be to dry the water damage left behind by the firefighters. Unfortunately, damp furniture, moist drywalls, and standing water all create the perfect setting for mold to grow and thrive within. Restoration specialists know this, and they use equipment like air movers and dehumidifiers to quickly dry your property. 

Discarding Unsalvageable Materials
After a fire, many items are unsalvageable and have to be discarded. This is necessary to prevent further contamination and for your own health and safety. Your local disaster restoration company will check all materials in the affected areas and properly dispose of items deemed unsalvageable (always with the property owner’s permission, of course).

If you choose to use our team here at SERVPRO, we can also store and clean items that are considered salvageable. This allows you to save many sentimental items and eliminates the costs associated with direct replacement.

HVAC System Cleaning
During a fire, smoke and soot particles cover affected areas, including your HVAC system. Before you even consider turning on your system, it’s essential that your ducts are thoroughly cleaned. This prevents particles from recirculating through your home and reduces strain on your system!

Structural Rebuild
In many cases, fires do substantive damage to the structure of a home. As such, many homeowners need repair services to get their property back to its original condition. Luckily, some fire damage specialists—like our team in Lenoir, NC—may offer this service as a part of the restoration process. 

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

If your home has a fire, you might face a difficult road to recovery. But calling a team of fire restoration experts can make the process easier to manage. If you live in the Lenoir, NC area, SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties is your professional team. Now celebrating our 10th anniversary, we have the experience and expertise to make any fire damage “Like it never even happened.” If your home has a fire, call us today at (828) 396-1070!

Top Causes of Water Damage and How to Fix Them

8/21/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage This is not where you want to see water!

As many water damage restoration experts know, there are numerous situations that can expose your Hickory, NC home to the effects of water damage. Irrespective of which situation arises—a weather event or a mechanical breakdown—it's crucial that you hire a top-notch water damage restoration company, such as our team at SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Counties. 

Basements or Crawl Spaces

Basements are a very common place to have water damage. If your back and sideyard slopes have a negative grade, you can find your property subjected to water damage. In this case, excess lawn water or rain will flow toward your foundation rather than drain away from the base. Correctly grading your lawn can help prevent the need for extensive water damage repairs.

Pipes that leak or burst can also generate substantive water damage. To prevent this, the plumbing in the basement area should periodically be inspected for leaks.

Appliance Leaks

Broken or leaking appliances can generate unwanted water damage, such as dishwashers, toilets, or washing machines that leak or overflow. In some cases, this can be waste-filled, chemical-laden water which would make water removal the number one priority. Additionally, a refrigerator containing a water filtration system and ice maker may develop hose leaks from the water supply line. If these leaks remain unnoticed for extended periods of time, they can give rise to mold growth and damage to the walls, floors, and the foundation.

Other Causes and Effects Of Water Damage

In addition to water intrusion from the above instances, water damage can result from excessive humidity and leaky roofs. Water that enters your property from the roof indicates that quick repairs are necessary to stymie further issues. Similarly, excessive humidity can cause warping in your window frames, ceilings, flooring, floor joists, furniture, and walls. In a crawl space, it may be necessary to install permanent dehumidifiers and plastic poly to establish a vapor barrier.

It's important to minimize the effects of any water damage in order to prevent mold and structural damage. When moisture issues are not addressed, the structure can deteriorate, and mold growth can transform into an infestation. That's why a company with the knowledge, equipment, and experience—such as SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties—should perform both water damage restoration and mold remediation.

A Recognized Water Damage Solution


If you find that your Hickory or surrounding area property experiences water damage, the most effective solution is to hire a water damage restoration company to begin the cleanup, repair, and restoration process. In our case, we offer 24-hour emergency services, excellent customer service, and expedient remediation work that will return your home to a safe, sanitary condition.

As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties is close by and ready to respond to your water and flood damage emergency. If you need help, call us immediately at (828) 396-1070. 

Meet Ingrid Lainez, Crew Chief at the Textiles Department at SERVPRO

2/13/2023 (Permalink)

Ingrid Lainez Meet Ingrid Lainez, Crew Chief at the Textiles Department at SERVPRO

We recently spent some time talking with employees at SERVPRO Alexander, Burke, Caldwell and Catawba Counties to find out why they work for SERVPRO and how they feel they can help customers.

https://youtu.be/DL7gXFnv0Tg

In this video, meet Ingrid Lainez. Ingrid joined our team in 2014. Ingrid serves a unique role as the manager of our textiles department. She leads a team that cleans, deodorizes, and returns damaged soft contents to our customers.

At SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties, our cleanup and restoration team is always available to help you recover from water, fire, or mold damage. If you have an incident at your home in the Alexander, Burke, Caldwell or Catawba County area, give us a call at (828) 392-7985!

Meet Kisha, Business Development Rep at SERVPRO

10/7/2022 (Permalink)

Kisha Edwards, Business Development Rep at SERVPRO Kisha Edwards, Business Development Rep at SERVPRO

We recently spent some time talking with employees at SERVPRO Alexander, Burke, Caldwell and Catawba Counties to find out why they work for SERVPRO and how they feel they can help customers.

Click to watch the video of Kisha Edwards!

In this video, meet Kisha Edwards, our Business Development Rep. Kisha hit the ground running with us in June 2021. Kisha is enjoys building relationships with our customers and teams in Alexander, Burke, Caldwell and Iredell counties.

At SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Burke and Catawba Counties, our cleanup and restoration team is always available to help you recover from water, fire, or mold damage. If you have an incident at your home in the Alexander, Burke, Caldwell or Catawba County area, give us a call at (828) 392-7985!

Know the Categories Of Water Intrusion

9/19/2022 (Permalink)

Categories of Water Intrusion The scope and intensity of the repairs depend on how much water is inside the house and which materials are already wet.

At SERVPRO, we like to remind our customers that no restoration job is impossible. While severe flooding can lead to complete destruction of some items, there are always others that are salvageable. In fact, as long as repairs get started within two days of the original incident, the chance of full remediation is high.

Nevertheless, the scope and intensity of the repairs depend on how much water is inside the house and which materials are already wet. When handling flood damage in the Hickory area, our technicians carry out an inspection first to determine the level of water intrusion. The assessment adheres to official guidelines from the IICRC. Keep reading to learn more about the categories of water intrusion and what they mean for Hickory area residents.

Class One
Class one involves minimal water intrusion, which means that this is the least serious type of water damage. Most items affected are non-porous (concrete floors, appliances, etc.) In this case, only limited repairs are necessary. Pumping is enough to extract most of the liquid, after which a small dehumidifier can be used to complete the job. Typical Scenario: a toilet overflows onto a sealed tile floor.

Class Two
There is a significant volume of water. Several porous items are affected (curtains, carpets, etc.) The extraction takes longer, in this case, because more water is absorbed. Dehumidifiers are used (for longer periods) to draw water vapor out of soft materials. Typical Scenario: a burst water pipe inside a gypsum board wall.

Class Three
Substantial amounts of standing water remain after the incident. Many porous items have absorbed flood liquids. The most intensive rates of evaporation are required to extract it in a timely fashion. The SERVPRO technicians probably need to lift carpets and (in some cases) make holes in the walls to increase ventilation. Typical Scenario: natural flooding causes rapid water intrusion, which quickly soaks the ground floor.

Class Four
The most severe type of flood damage involves water that gets trapped between building materials. It is tough to handle, takes a long time to restore, and it does cause lengthy disruptions to regular routines. The drying process is complex and requires the use of considerable vapor pressure differentials. Typical Scenario: a severe sewage overflow or backup which soaks through the walls.

At SERVPRO of Alexander, Caldwell, Catawba and Burke Counties, we approach every emergency with a unique strategy. Our repair methods are tailored to fit the needs of your home and guarantee a fast, effective restoration. Call us 24/7 at (828) 396-1070 today.

SERVPRO Dries Out Businesses After Storm Related Water Intrusion

9/6/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Business Storm Related Water Intrusion Businesses like a bakery needs SERVPRO for extracting storm water

Businesses can suffer much less damage from a severe storm than a residence and still have to close their doors permanently. Each hour and day of clean-up are more important to saving not just a building, but an income and a contributor to the community as well.

A  building like a warehouse, manufacturing facility or office building can lose its functionality and close its doors permanently after a few days of water damage has ruined equipment beyond repair. SERVPRO has the training not just to respond quickly, but to properly clean and restore a facility to bring it back in line with city health codes, if at all possible. Storm-induced flooding does not have to have a lasting effect on your business.

The first step is getting rid of the water. For standing water, even in a large kitchen and customer service area, our technicians use commercial grade pumps to remove inches and even a foot of water in a matter of hours. With the visible water gone, our response team can tackle the next two items: drying out property and hidden water extraction.

Expensive industrial items such as commercial ovens are usually above most high water points but can suffer damage in a massive plumbing failure. Technicians must completely dry the electronics and heating elements before allowing the owner to use them again. Since it is not possible to disassemble these industrial appliances without violating warranties or possibly damaging them further, our technicians use commercial space heaters and dehumidifiers.

Both equipment items draw out moisture from the surrounding air and off of nearby surfaces. These techniques leave a dry surface without the chance of threads from towels or pieces of sponge accidentally being left behind to contaminate any of your goods or supplies.

As this happens, other technicians dry out the building itself. Water extraction tools draw out moisture from floors, walls, and property items such as display cases. We accomplish this using commercial grade extraction wands that combine heat and vacuum to pull water droplets from between and underneath floor tiles and sections of concrete. Response team members also use the same heaters and dehumidifiers in corners to speed up drying walls, cabinets, and underneath counters.

SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties understands that every hour your business is closed means income lost and customers go un-served. Count on a strong effort from a component of the SERVPRO large-loss storm team. Despite an improving economy, small business owners are still operating on narrow margins and even a weekend lost can mean not making payroll or loan payments. To prevent this from happening, call us at (828) 396-1070 to restore your business and your livelihood.

Kitchen Fire Damage Prevention Tips

8/22/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damage in Lenoir kitchens occurs too often Fire damage in Lenoir kitchens occurs too often

Hickory fire damage often occurs in the kitchen. According to the most current research by the National Fire Protection Association, 2 out of every 5 home fires start in the kitchen. Kitchen fires are also the leading causes of home-fire-related injuries. Prevent kitchen fires with the following safety tips:

Watch What You Are Cooking
Unattended cooking is the primary cause of cooking fires. Mitigate fire risks by: 
- Always remaining in the kitchen when you grill, broil, or fry
- If you exit the kitchen, even for a second or two, turn off the heat source
- Using a timer when cooking
- Checking food regularly to make sure it doesn’t overcook


Be In The Right Condition To Cook
According to the NFPA, kitchen fires can happen when you are inattentive and impaired. Therefore: 
- Avoid using your stove if you are sleepy

Remove All Cooking Surfaces
Keep flammable items such as paper towels, potholders and wooden spoons clear of the stovetop. You should clean your oven often to remove any spills and food debris. Additionally, clean stovetops frequently to remove grease and oil.

Use Your Appliances Wisely
According to Consumer Reports, kitchen appliances were the cause of over $547 million in fire damages in 2006-2008. Safeguard your home by doing the following: 
- Always read and adhere to manufacturer’s instructions/safety warnings for all appliances
- Immediately register all new appliances to receive recall information
- Always act on product recalls
- Review product safety complaints about appliances in the kitchen to evaluate potential hazards
- Store small appliances unplugged
- Inspect all the power cords you use on appliances -- replace them if frayed
- Avoid using extension cords. Directly plug appliances into outlets

Maintain Personal Safety
According to estimations by the University Of Rochester Medical Center, maintaining personal safety helps prevent injuries to both yourself and others from kitchen fires. Do the following: 
- Keep pets and children from cooking surfaces
- Tuck in long shirts before cooking
- Roll up your sleeves to prevent them from being close to cooking surfaces
- Secure long hair

Take the above precautions and prevent fire damage in your Hickory kitchen. A safer kitchen protects your family and home. If you experience a fire damage emergency, feel free to call SERVPRO of Alexander, Burke, Caldwell & Catawba Counties on (828) 396-1070. They are trusted and prominent leaders in the restoration industry. These fire damage Hickory professionals work round the clock to attend to any emergency. Whether you have cleaning or restoration needs, talk to them today.

Why Your Employees Should NOT Try to Clean Up Water Damage

8/10/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial Water Damage Count on SERVPRO for Bethlehem Water Damage Help

SERVPRO is the Answer to Water Damage in Your Business

It's a regular part of many employees' work duties to maintain and clean their work area, and at times, the areas of other employees. Some situations fall outside of normal working conditions, and these need to have special rules. Allowing, or requiring, employees to clean up spills and messes is expected to a certain degree, but some situations surpass this.
 
If your Hickory, Newton, Conover, or surrounding area's business has a case with commercial water damage, there are several reasons why you should bring in outside help, instead of having your employees rectify the watery mess. First is their safety during the task of cleaning up, but you should also keep in mind their experience in dealing with hazards such as this. Any injuries or illnesses resulting from cleaning up will be your responsibility.
 
You also have an obligation to your company. Having unskilled and unqualified people cleaning, restoring, and repairing commercial water damage at your site can leave the building lacking on many different levels. Some of these can become serious risks to the safety of others later. SERVPRO has the certified IICRC training and water damage restoration technicians to restore your structure.
 
Work done by unqualified or unlicensed people can also create havoc with not only your insurance agent but also with local code enforcement officers. Not only might you find that your employees are unable to complete even small portions of the work required to keep you in business, but you will be unable to provide the necessary paperwork to document the repairs that were needed, and performed, for your business to be re-approved by code enforcement. The same is also true with your insurance carrier when it comes time to file a claim for reimbursement. Better to call a business to keep you in business.
 
It's better to call an expert and experienced professionals with the required licensing and certifications who can handle any size disaster. When you have commercial water damage, it's time to call us, SERVPRO of Alexander, Burke, Caldwell and Catawba Counties at (828) 396-1070. We'll get your business cleaned up and functional again.