Overflowing Gutters In Your Charleston Home

8/17/2022 (Permalink)

Overflowing gutters can result in moisture entering your attic space or into wall cavities causing unseen water damage in your Charleston, SC home.

How Overflowing Gutters in Your Charleston Home can Lead to Cavity Water Damage Issues

Gutters play a vital role in collecting rainwater in passages beneath the roof and transporting that water into an open sewer point. In the fall, leaves can get into these gutters, causing blockages, thereby preventing water from reaching the sewer point. During the winter months, high winds can result in debris or fallen branches from further clogging up the gutters. With the additional rainfall expectations throughout the winter, these blockages can become a significant concern for the interior of your home.

Overflowing gutters can result in moisture entering your attic space or into wall cavities causing unseen water damage in your Charleston, SC home. With the help of gravity, moisture overflowing into the structure migrates downwards. SERVPRO recommends that homeowners perform regular checks on both the exterior of their home and the interior walls throughout the colder months. Common symptoms of excessive moisture inside wall cavities may be peeling of wallpaper, musty odors, or disjointing between baseboards and floor.

Restoring wall cavity damage can be tricky. There needs to be practical measurements and understanding of where moisture is before the, often necessary, removal of drywall or baseboard. SERVPRO technicians can call upon thermal imaging cameras that provide readings of surface temperatures on walls, which can indicate where moisture might reside. Alternatively, our technicians may use boroscopes to see inside the cavity and assess the extent of mold or water damage.

It may be necessary for SERVPRO to provide advanced structural drying technicians to your property to restore wall cavities. These technicians are adept at using Injectidry systems that attach hose nozzles into the small holes drilled into the wall. From there, a centrifugal fan can circulate heated air into the cavity to address moisture issues and dry out the pit. In some situations, water damage may be too severe for non-invasive systems, and we must remove sections of the wall to provide drying access to more powerful equipment like air-movers, vent fans, and portable heaters.

If you notice any symptoms of cavity damage in your home, do not hesitate to contact a restoration company in your local area.

Getting to the Root of Mold

7/27/2022 (Permalink)

Black mold damage in Johns Islands, SC.

Where there is water, there is mold. Mold can grow in any climate, even in Johns Island, SC. If mold is found in your business, following the proper protocol for fungus cleanup is of utmost importance to the health and productivity of your employees.

How Did the Mold Start?

Mold is microscopic, ubiquitous and fast-growing. In fact, mold begins growing within 48 hours, and what is seen on the surface is only the beginning of an extensive root system. Knowing how it takes hold and begins growing on surfaces is a great place to start. Here is a list of conditions that promote the growth of mold:

• Areas of high humidity without proper airflow
• Rooms or buildings with poor insulation, leading to water condensation on surfaces
• Undiscovered leaks inside walls
  
  

The Myth About Cleaning Chemicals

When mold is found, it is common for a business to reach for frequently used chemicals, such as bleach. The problem with this approach to fungus cleanup is that the solution is not effective on all surfaces. Porous material, where the fungus grows best, soaks up the water in the product, bringing more nutrients down to the root system. The active agents, however, sit on the surface and evaporate quickly, allowing the body of the mold to continue growing unseen.

Proper Eradication

Effective cleanup of mold requires a business to act quickly and aggressively by removing the source. This process relies on techniques and equipment that are specially designed to keep airborne spores from spreading. Rather than risking costly mistakes, a business is wise to look to professional fungus cleanup specialists for this service. Specialists in Johns Island, SC, have the needed supplies and equipment, as well as knowledge of the local area’s mold cleanup protocols. Additionally, these pros can identify issues that may arise in the future, saving a business time and money and getting to the root of the problem.

If you have mold growing in your business, don’t pull out the bleach just yet. It’s usually best to contact professionals to take care of the issue.

Understanding the Categories of Water Contamination

7/20/2022 (Permalink)

Learn about the different categories of water contamination

Categories Of Water Contamination

As a commercial property owner, damage to your property is serious business. In various parts of the country, storm damage is a real threat to your building and the contents therein for a significant part of the year. A severe storm in Ravenel, SC may leave you facing various types of damage from wind, precipitation, and flood water, among others. There are different types or categories of flooding with respect to contamination, and it’s important to understand the differences, especially when it comes to flood cleanup.

Examining Water Contamination Categories
The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) categorizes water damage based on the level of contamination.

Category 1. This refers to water that originates from a sanitary source, such as the holding tank of a toilet or a water tank. Sometimes this is referred to as clean water.
Category 2. This includes dirty water that has some level of contamination, like that of a leaky dishwasher or washing machine. This is also known as greywater or sullage.
Category 3. This type of damage is commonly referred to as black water and includes wastewater and any water that has come in contact with human waste. Floodwater that comes from storm damage is included in this category.

If you experience Category 3 water damage, it is strongly recommended that you reach out to professional water cleanup and restoration service to bring your property back to pre-damage conditions.

Understanding Water Damage Cleanup
Category 2 and 3 restoration jobs should be left to professionals who are trained and equipped to remove floodwater and any associated damage. Typical cleanup methods aren’t adequate to remove the hazardous contaminants, especially in black water. While you can probably safely clean Category 1 damage, clean water can not only become greywater if left unattended for a certain time period but also lead to the formation of mildew and mold.

5 Tips for Preventing Residential Water Damage

7/11/2022 (Permalink)

Shut off your water main before leaving for extended periods

Five Tips To Protect Your Home From Water Damage

No homeowner wants to see their residential property fall victim to water damage. On top of the initial accident, floods and leaks can cause a lot of subsequent costs in secondary damages. The best way to avoid these types of headaches is to prevent the incidents from happening in the first place. Follow the tips below to help protect your home in Adams Run, SC.

1. Check Pipes Regularly for Leaks.
It's important to perform regular home inspections for leaky or broken pipes. These types of incidents are easy to overlook, which can cause a lot of damage over time. Inspect any exposed pipes in your basement and underneath all of your sinks.

2. Monitor Your Home's Water Pressure.
If your water pressure is too high, you run the risk of putting undue wear and tear on your pipes. You can obtain a water pressure gauge from your local hardware store that you can use to manually monitor the pressure.

3. Regularly Check Home Appliances.
Any home appliances that use water, such as your washing machine or dishwasher, need to be checked regularly for leaks or other forms of damage. Floods that originate from these appliances can cause gray water damage.

4. Clean Out Your Gutters and Downspouts.
Your gutters are intended to collect and redirect water that runs off of your roof. However, they can often become clogged with dead leaves, branches and other forms of debris. When this happens, water will pool and collect in your gutters, eventually running down the sides of your house and causing damage.

5. Shut Off Your Water Main Before Leaving for Extended Periods.
If you plan to go on vacation or some other form of extended trip, make sure you turn off your water main before you go. This significantly reduces the chances of you having to deal with a water cleanup issue when you return.

Water damage can be devastating to residential properties, so it's important that you learn how to protect your home. Contact water remediation experts for more information, or assistance resolving a water-related mishap.

Natural Disaster Preparation

6/28/2022 (Permalink)

Remember, the FEMA staff are there to help.

Natural Disaster Preparedness

Many homeowners in John Island, SC, understand that federal agencies such as FEMA exist to help citizens get their lives back on track after a devastating natural disaster. Consider the following extra details about their disbursal process.

1. Initial Stages

After a flood, the Federal Emergency Management Agency will send its own inspectors and assessors to the affected locations. This is because the government needs to create and maintain its own independent record of the damages to apportion limited aid funds based on need. These inspectors will look at individual homes and businesses to determine habitability and what materials and belongings can be salvaged. If the damage is moderate, a qualified local cleanup company may be more appropriate than a total rebuild.

2. Ownership

At this stage, the FEMA staff will likely ask the homeowners (if present) to verify possession of the home. This can be done with a physical deed or a request for public records from a courthouse in your municipality. Without proof of ownership, the distribution of federal aid becomes much more difficult. For the same reason, the prudent homeowner should keep vehicle titles and an inventory of home valuables in a secure location. If you need to evacuate, take these crucial legal documents with you to ensure they remain intact.

3. Insurance

The FEMA agent does not serve the same role as an insurance adjuster. The claim on your homeowner’s policy that you purchased as a private citizen will need to be verified by your specific insurance company. After the flooding has subsided and there is no immediate danger, an adjuster will arrive to assess your claim and take an inventory of damages. If you need to resolve a dispute with your agent, third-party public adjusters are also available.

Remember, the FEMA staff are there to help. Understand their response procedures so that you can quickly respond after a disaster in your area.

How To Remove Smells From a Microwave

6/27/2022 (Permalink)

Like any appliance, microwaves will last longer and perform better if you take good care of them.

How to Get Smells Out of a Microwave

Your microwave is probably one of the most-used appliances in your home. Microwaves are famously convenient and easy to use, but it is important to be diligent in keeping them clean and taking care of any unpleasant smells that occur.

Here are some tips to help you clean and maintain your microwave.

1. Clean and Replace Filters
Microwaves that are placed over the range often have two filters that need to be cleaned and replaced on a regular basis. Consult your owner's manual if you are not sure how to remove the vent grill or replace the filters.

2. Clean the Inside Regularly

Ideally, you should wipe down the interior of the microwave after each use. However, you may not always have time to do this, and there are other techniques you can use to prevent the microwave from becoming smelly. For example, you can create a steam-cleaning effect by microwaving a bowl filled with water and vinegar or water and lemon juice.

This helps not only to reduce odors but also to remove bits of food that are stuck to the inner walls so that you can wipe them up more easily.

3. Be Wary of a Smoke Smell

Food items cooked in the microwave for too long will start to burn and produce a smoke smell. Different kinds of potatoes, for example, have different cooking times. 

If a fire ever occurs in your microwave area, it is important to have a fire extinguisher ready. Once the fire has been extinguished and the smoke smell is gone, it is a good idea to contact a professional fire restoration company in West Ashley, SC, to help you assess the damage and restore the appliance to working condition if possible.

Like any appliance, microwaves will last longer and perform better if you take good care of them. Following these steps will help you create a clean and safe microwave area.

4 Common Water Issues in Commercial Buildings

6/22/2022 (Permalink)

Give appropriate maintenance to your pipe systems in your commercial building

4 Common Commercial Building Water Issues

As a business owner or property owner, you know all the maintenance issues that can lead to costly expenses if avoided. Despite your best efforts, however, some systems are prone to problems regardless of preventatives, including plumbing. Commercial plumbing systems can suffer from leaking pipes or even floods. According to water mitigation services in Charleston, SC, there are at least four common water and plumbing issues business owners should be aware of.

1. Toilet Backup

The bathrooms of commercial properties get more use than standard residential toilets. The increased use means the toilets are prone to issues. One of the main problems is a backup or toilet overflow. Overflows tend to occur because of clogs in the lines. Routine plumbing inspections and cleanings can help reduce the risks of backups.

2. Pipe Leaks

How old is the plumbing in your building? Leaking pipes are also very common in commercial properties, especially warehouses and similar facilities. Leaks can be anything from a minor drip to a persistent stream. The goal for business owners is to find the problem and resolve it before it turns into a break.

3. Breaks

A pipe break has the potential to be catastrophic. A break in a main line can flood a facility quickly, especially if the building is closed for any length of time. The key to minimizing damage after a break is to shut the water off to the affected site as quickly as possible.

4. Clogs

Clogs are common plumbing problems throughout a facility. They can occur in kitchens, bathrooms, breakrooms, laundry areas, and more. The key to preventing clogs is to put up adequate signage displaying what is and is not acceptable for putting down a drain.

When it comes to commercial facilities, the most common water problems are leaking pipes, backups, breaks, and clogs. Try to prevent such issues by adhering to appropriate maintenance schedules.

Where There's Fire, There’s Smoke Damage

5/23/2022 (Permalink)

If you experience a Fire Emergency, call SERVPRO, our team is trained on how to restore fire damage like smoke and soot damaged contents.

Smoke Damage Occurs When There Is A Fire.

In the event of a fire at your commercial building, your mind may turn to damage to the structure including the frame and surfaces, both interior and exterior. In the unfortunate event of a fire to your property in Rockville, SC, you’ll also need to think about the water damage that may occur from extinguishing any blazes.

On top of that, there’s also damage that comes from smoke to consider. There’s the visible damage of soot on your building’s contents, as well as smoke odor and air particles to account for. A commercial fire restoration services provider takes a comprehensive look at your property, employing special techniques, including smoke cleaning, to bring your place to pre-damage conditions.

Professional Methods to Smoke Damage Restoration

The cleanup process includes various cleanup techniques to restore your building’s contents:

• Ventilation: Using fans, other equipment, and open doors and windows to facilitate ventilation of your building
  
• Odor removal: Making use of ozone machines, thermal foggers, and other equipment not to mask odors but to remove them entirely
  
• Cleanup: Employing cleaning methods such as chemical sponges, liquid cleaners, and more to accomplish smoke cleaning, especially for upholstery, fabric, electronics, and documents among others
  
• Loose particle removal: Gentle vacuuming where possible
  
• Protection: Sealing off areas that have not been impacted to prevent the spread of additional damage

A Comprehensive, Customized Approach

No two fires are the same, and a complete restoration plan will vary according to the level of damage, impacted materials, and more. Your property in Rockville, SC, may require reconstruction as well as move-out services. This involves offsite storage of undamaged items for protection and to expedite reconstruction and repair. When it comes to smoke cleaning, there’s often more than meets the eye when it comes to a full restoration.

During a fire, damage occurs in many ways. Besides damage due to fire and water, you’ll have smoke and soot to contend with also. A professional restoration company uses special techniques and tools to clean the items in your building as part of a complete restoration approach.

The Surprise of Water Damage After a Commercial Fire

5/18/2022 (Permalink)

The systems businesses install to prevent fire damage can also result in damage after a fire. For example, sprinkler systems, etc.

Water Damage As A Result Of A Commercial Fire

Damaged flooring, walls, equipment, etc., are all par for the course after a fire. Business owners and commercial property owners expect these damages when they think of fire damage. However, talk to fire remediation services in Edisto Beach, SC, and they will explain that nearly all property owners do not expect the amount of damage caused by water after a fire. Still, there are multiple reasons a property sustains water damages during and in the aftermath of a fire.

1. Fire Hose Rescue Efforts

The most common cause of water damage is the rescuers themselves. The fire rescue tools include hoses; it is the primary tool used to combat large blazes. These hoses are capable of spewing out hundreds of gallons in a matter of seconds and minutes. All of that water does not evaporate in the heat of the fire; most of it is left on the floor of your building.

2. Suppression Systems

The systems businesses install to prevent fire damage can also result in damage after a fire. For example, sprinkler systems might release water in areas of the property unaffected by fire to prevent its spread. The water from suppression systems is just as damaging as water hoses, but it is also essential to save as much of your property as possible.

3. Damaged Plumbing

The heat from a fire is immense. There is a possibility that the heat from the fire melts and damages plumbing systems in the property. If the plumbing structures are compromised, it can result in further water issues, especially if a supply line is damaged.

Commercial fire damage is not reserved for smoke and soot. Water is a significant contributor to damages, and it can be a shock to many property owners after the initial disaster. Still, remediation services are familiar with water loss and can help.

FAQs About Electronic Claims

5/10/2022 (Permalink)

When your business suffers storm, water, or other damage, submitting a claim to your insurance agent electronically can speed up the payment process.

Electronic Claims Frequently Asked Questions

Getting paid promptly is a concern for many business owners who need to file an insurance claim. One way to speed up this process is to use electronic claims. This gives you a more streamlined process so you can focus on hiring a disaster remediation company and getting your business back to normal.

Why Should You Submit Claims Electronically?

Filing an insurance claim electronically has many benefits. These include:

• Minimal disruptions to your cash flow
  
• Track claim status
  
• Increased accuracy and fewer claim rejections
  
• Less paperwork
• Decreased time spend filing

How Do You Submit Them Electronically?

There are several options for submitting an insurance claim electronically. The most common are full- and self-service claim systems. A full-service system has you submitting your documents through a third-party provider. You are only required to submit your policy and loss information, and the claim will be generated for you.

A lot of business owners worry about the cost of using one of these services. However, submitting your claims through a full-service electronic provider is not terribly expensive. Instead, they take a small percentage of your claim money.

An alternative is to use the self-service claim system, which means submitting your claim to your insurance company through a customer portal. Most insurance companies today have their own software, so this is a free option. However, even though you submit your documents through this portal, you may still need to have an adjuster visit your site and inspect the damage.

Whichever method you choose, you will still be able to receive your funds quickly, so you can hire a restoration company, such as SERVPRO, and start restoring your business in Kiawah Island, SC.

Submitting a claim to your insurance agent electronically can speed up the process of getting paid after your business faces a disaster. It is a convenient method that has many benefits and can be completed in different ways.

Under What Circumstances Is Commercial Flood Insurance Required?

4/25/2022 (Permalink)

While flood insurance is often optional, it is often a wise investment. A flood's losses can be devastating to a business.

In What Situations Is Commercial Flood Insurance Required?

For many businesses in the U.S., flood insurance is an optional affair. It is not required and it is up to the company to decide if the risk/reward calculation makes sense. The management team will consider many items when making this decision:

• What would the premiums cost?
  
• How large could the losses be in a flood?
• How likely is a flood in a specific area?

A company in West Ashley, SC, might gamble that the risk of a flood is low and that they do not need the extra insurance. If the company is right, it will save by not paying premiums and it can put this money to other uses. If the company is wrong and it is hit with a devastating flood, the company could potentially lose hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Mandatory Flood Insurance

In some situations, a commercial enterprise must purchase insurance against floods. The parameters for this requirement include the following situations:

• The company is located in a high-risk floodplain
  
• The company has a mortgage with a federally regulated or insured lender
• The lender requires insurance for floods

The reasons for this requirement are many and fairly complex. However, it boils down to the fact that both lenders and government entities do not want to have to bail out companies that rack up large expenses and losses in a flood.

Helpful Commercial Insurance

Businesses cannot take the risk of not having a primary insurance policy that covers storm damage, fire damage and other perils. In the case of significant damage, the primary policy will pay for a variety of losses as well as the cleanup efforts of a qualified restoration company. In the long run, the services of trained technicians will likely save money by making necessary repairs to get the company back on its feet again.

While flood insurance is often discretionary, it is frequently a worthwhile purchase. The losses from a flood have the potential to cause great hardship to a company.

4 Causes of Water Damage

4/20/2022 (Permalink)

It is a good idea to inspect your water systems on a regular basis for signs of oxidation deterioration o pH loss, for example.

4 Water Damage Causes

If you run a business in Charleston, SC, water damage can be a major hindrance to your operation. Whether you are dealing with a pipe burst cleanup or mitigating the impact of a supply line leaking, you want to address the problem as soon as possible. A trusted water restoration specialist can handle the water cleanup quickly. In the meantime, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with these four common factors of water damage.

1. Clogged Pipes

Everyone has experienced the reduced trickle of water when something gets lodged in a pipe. Fishing out the offending item gets it flowing normally again. However, a deeply lodged clog can cause a buildup of pressure in the pipe and even a burst. Because water can spill out rapidly, a pipe burst cleanup can be a major undertaking.

2. Extreme Weather

If the water in your pipes drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, it will freeze. Water expands approximately 9% when frozen, sometimes forcing it to rupture the pipe it is contained in. Having your pipes insulated or heating their space can mitigate this risk.

3. Corrosion and Deterioration

Pipes and supply lines lose their integrity over time for a variety of reasons, such as pH imbalances, rust buildup and stretching. It is a good practice to regularly inspect your water systems for any of these defects.

4. Loose Hardware

Sometimes the problem is as simple as a loose nut on your supply line. If this is the case, tighten the nut where the leak is found. Be careful not to overtighten, as this can cause the threads of the nut to crack. If the leak persists, applying a pipe joint compound may fix the problem. Otherwise, you need to replace the hardware.

When you run a business, you want to be ready for any scenario that may occur. Being aware of these common causes of water damage can help you avoid a costly and unpleasant supply line leak or pipe burst cleanup.

4 Tips for Avoiding Winter Storm Damage

3/17/2022 (Permalink)

Preparing for a winter storm is much easier if you have planned ahead. Call SERVPRO if you need help with it.

4 Winter Storm Damage Prevention Tips

The winter season brings joyous festivities such as company holiday parties, end of year celebrations and beautiful snowfalls in Ravenel, SC. However, along with the snowfalls comes the threat of a heavy winter storm, and if you are caught unprepared, these can wreak havoc on your business and can cause costly damage. Here are four tips for avoiding damage during a storm.

1. Plan Ahead

Preparing for a winter storm is much easier if you have planned ahead. To protect your business, you should create a disaster readiness plan that outlines what to do if a disaster occurs. This plan should include instructions for safe evacuations and a list of emergency contacts, including a storm restoration service.

2. Insulate Your Building

Good insulation is important for keeping your building and its plumbing system warm. The temperature should remain above 55° F to prevent a pipe break, which can lead to flooding and water damage. Show your staff how to control your utilities, such as shutting off the main water valve in case of a flood.

3. Inspect Your Roof

You should routinely inspect your building’s roof to ensure that all shingles are in good condition and firmly nailed down. Heavy snowstorms can cause snow and ice to collect on your roof, which can cause storm damage and leaks if your roof has any wear and tear.

4. Watch the Weather

Keep an eye on your local weather channel and stay abreast of incoming storms and severe weather alerts. If a major storm is looming, keep your employees safe by allowing them to leave work early or work remotely before the storm starts, or provide a place onsite or nearby to stay if driving conditions become treacherous.

A snowy winter can be fun and beautiful, but if you are unprepared, a winter storm can lead to costly repairs. Staying alert of the weather and planning ahead are important for keeping your employees safe and preventing damage.

Best Disaster Recovery Company

3/3/2022 (Permalink)

We are so grateful to be recognized as the Best Disaster Recovery Company in Charleston 2021!

Each year, the Charleston City Paper recognizes a variety of service-based businesses in the Charleston area. Highlighting these businesses in this way helps give Charleston residents easy access to credible and reliable businesses across the city. We highly encourage you to check our Best of Charleston 2021 to find some of the best that Charleston has to offer!

We are very proud to announce that our SERVPRO of South & West Charleston team recently won the Best Disaster Recovery Company from the Charleston City Paper's Best of 2021!

We are so grateful for the recognition we received and will continue to work hard to be the best disaster recovery company in our community! 

Day or night, in rain or sunshine, our highly trained team is always available to help after a disaster strikes your home or business! 

Do You Have This Certain Type of Pipes? You May Be in for Unnecessary Sewer Cleanup

3/2/2022 (Permalink)

As water and flood damage specialists, we are prepared and ready to serve you at a moment's notice. Call us when you need it!

Do You Have Any Of These Particular Pipes? It's Possible That You'll Have To Deal With An Unneeded Sewer Clean-up.

If the pipes in your commercial building were manufactured between 1978 and 1995, you may be in for some imminent sewer cleanup.

Polybutylene pipes were used during that time period in place of copper pipes. They were less costly and easier to install. What's not to love? Well, there's a reason manufacture stopped in 1995. However, PB pipes are still commonly found in sewer systems that may lead right into your place of business.

Do You Have Polybutylene Pipes?

There are a few problems with this particular type of pipe:

• They are chemically reactive, breaking down when exposed to common cleaning agents.
• PB pipes can become brittle and crack over time.
• This can lead to leaks, backing up the sewers.
• These pipes are sometimes uninsurable.

To determine if you have PB pipes, you need to do a little digging.

Leave the physical excavating to the experts, but if you can find a pipe coming out of the ground near your building's water heater, sink, or toilet, you can check for classic signs of a PB pipe. It will most likely be blue, black, or gray and one-half to 1 inch in diameter. These are good indicators that you have PB pipes in your sewer system.

However, there may be visible copper pipes and poly pipes hiding underground, closer to the water meter. If you don't want to go full-on detective mode on your pipes, it's OK to contact a sewer expert. Especially if there are any signs of sewer backup, such as a flooded toilet, it's advised to contact these professionals as soon as possible.

How Can You Prepare for Sewer Cleanup?

Preventing water damage from sewer backup issues starts with finding the right insurance coverage. It's harder, but not impossible, to cover PB pipes. Once you find adequate coverage, you will need to find trusted, insurance-preferred remediation experts in Charleston, SC, to have on deck if and when disaster strikes. Even if you have this type of pipes, having a restoration plan makes for easier, cheaper sewer cleanup.

Helping Clients Get the Restoration Services They Need

2/14/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is available 24/7, 365 days a year to help with any size fire or water loss. Even if you just have a question, call us and we will answer you!

Assisting Clients In Obtaining The restoration Services They Require

A strong storm can damage a large area in a short amount of time. When residential clients need storm restoration services, it is in their best interest to choose a company that responds to their call for help quickly and provides all the information they need for insurance claims.

By choosing a company that has broad corporate resources and a reliable local franchise in Charleston, SC, homeowners can save both themselves and their insurance company money.

Fast Response

A national call center that operates 24 hours a day is well-equipped to delegate quick storm response to people in affected areas. As soon as the company receives a call, they put the following actions in motion:

• Contact local franchise
• Open file in Claims Information Center
• Dispatch extra equipment to area if necessary

The earlier storm restoration begins, the less chance there is of secondary damage to the home in question. A company that's Faster to Any Size Disaster saves time and money by limiting the amount of remediation that has to happen.

Detailed Reports

The CIC is a helpful tool for homeowners and insurance adjusters. As soon as the flood damage is assessed and an estimate of the total cost for restoration is created, the report is stored in the corporate database. When the customer file is accessed, all the information needed for the claim is right there. The adjuster can use it to corroborate his or her inspection.

The homeowner can use it to get a complete list of the items that need to be replaced or repaired and how much the process is going to cost. A comprehensive report of the damage gives the insurance company the information it needs to process the claim in an efficient manner.

When storm restoration is needed, it doesn't need to be delayed. A company that responds quickly and provides a detailed account of the problem is helpful to both the homeowner and the insurance company.

Establishing a Furnace Maintenance Schedule

2/14/2022 (Permalink)

The need for fire cleaning can be avoided if you schedule any necessary repairs before turning the heater on.

Creating A Furnace Maintenance Program

As the weather starts getting colder, you will probably start wanting to switch from air conditioning to the heater in your home. To ensure that you can do so safely, however, you need to perform preventative maintenance on your furnace before you use it as well as having it professionally inspected at the end of the cold season. Fire cleaning experts recommend the following steps to get your furnace ready for regular use.

Clean

The first thing you want to do is to make sure your furnace and all its components are free of dust, which can ignite a fire when the heat is turned on and leave you looking for smoke cleaning services. The three main components to clean are:

• Filter
• Motor
• Blower

Check the filter to see if it is clean. If not, change it. In fact, it’s a good idea to change the filter every month when the furnace is running continuously. Inspect each component inside and remove dust with a toothbrush or some other fine-toothed cleaning apparatus.

Repair

The need for fire cleaning can be avoided if you schedule any necessary repairs before turning the heater on. For example, if the belts look brittle or torn, they need to be replaced. Both the blower and the motor have belts, and all of them need to be strong for the furnace to work properly.

Lubricate

Many furnace motors are sealed by the manufacturer with the necessary lubrication already included. Some, however, have oil ports, and these motors require the occasional addition of lubricant. It doesn’t take a lot of motor oil to keep the furnace running smoothly. Just add a couple of drops to each port, and that should do the trick. A well-oiled motor is a happy motor that keeps your furnace operating efficiently throughout the colder months.

It’s smart to check your furnace before its first use of the year and after its last use. It is easier to keep it clean and well lubricated with intact parts than it is to hire fire cleaning experts in Johns Island, SC, when dust and grime cause sparks.

Rethinking Infrastructure: An Urban Answer to Flooding

2/1/2022 (Permalink)

Instead of relying on emergency sandbags to keep water away from your building’s foundation, you could have barriers built right into your property.

Rethinking Infrastructure: A Flood-Resistant City

Land development gives an air of progress, opportunity and innovation. A possible byproduct of development in Charleston, SC, however, could be an increased vulnerability to high water. Many modern cities are putting structures in place that help prevent damaging floods that could cost millions of dollars in repairs. By building these items into their infrastructure, they protect their cities and the businesses within.

Gates

Cities with waterways can benefit from a movable gate system that can be closed when conditions indicate that floodwater could become a threat. These gates may feature certain elements to stop flooding. They include:

• Computerized walls
  
• Sensors for automatic closure when water gets too high
  
• Hydraulic gates that can operate even if the power goes out

By blocking excess water to the portions of rivers and canals that border the cities’ business and industrial districts, business owners have little need to fear the rise of high water when storm season hits.

Tunnels

Many cities have intricate systems of drainage tunnels that direct water away from structures into areas that can handle it without causing any damage. These tunnels often serve a dual purpose. In addition to redirecting excess floodwater, some of them are part of a hydraulic system that pushes barriers into place to slow or halt the flow.

Barriers

Many buildings in flood-prone areas are built with caution in mind. Flood mitigation experts suggest that, instead of relying on emergency sandbags to keep water away from your building’s foundation, you could have barriers built right into your property. Motorized barriers are not only easier to operate but also easier to put away once flood prevention is no longer necessary.

Low-tech options have historically prevented flood damage to some extent. As engineering innovations improve, however, many cities are beginning to rely on more consistent ways of combating high water. Through a combination of gates, tunnels and barriers built into city infrastructure, as well as individual commercial buildings, major flood issues could become a thing of the past.

Can Rental Insurance Help With Mold Damage?

1/13/2022 (Permalink)

Property coverage for mold damage is complicated. The cost of repairing damage may not be covered if the property owner was negligent.

Is Mold Damage Covered By Rental Insurance?

Rental insurance is complicated because Insurers structure policies differently and coverage can vary depending on the details surrounding a situation. If you are renting your domicile in Charleston, SC, you need to know if you have coverage for mold. Each policy is different, but here are the questions you need to answer and discuss with your agent.

• Is the damage to the structure or your personal belongings?
• Did you or the landlord do your part to mitigate a leak that caused the damage?
• Was the damage caused from a specific disaster?
• Were you negligent in leaving your belongings in the area of a known problem?

Your Property Versus the Landlord’s Property

Rental insurance coverage tends to cover your personal belongings. The structure of the building is usually covered by the landlord’s property insurance policy.

Coverage Is Impacted by Your Response

Property coverage for mold damage is complicated. The cost of repairing damage may not be covered if the property owner was negligent. For example, if there was a leaky pipe and the landlord knew of it but made no attempts to stop it, then the damage would almost certainly not be covered.

Covered Catastrophe

If the damage was from a sudden and unexpected pipe break, then the property insurance is more likely to cover the mold remediation. Also, if the mold damage was the result of another catastrophe that was covered by your policy, like storm damage, then remediation is likely covered.

As for coverage of your personal belongings per your rental insurance policy, you also have a responsibility to take action to prevent the problem. That may be include notifying the landlord of a problem, and also through removing your personal belongings from the area to prevent damage.

Mitigation

You can always help your landlord by suggesting a reputable mold mitigation professional to resolve the mold problem. Make sure your landlord understands that mold can reproduce in as little as 24 or 48 hours, so mold removal is best taken care of as quickly as possible to prevent damage and further expense.

After Your Home Flood

1/5/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage? What you need is the SERVPRO water damage expert team to take over and put things in order.

Following A Flood In Your Home

No homeowner in Folly Beach, SC, should have to suffer from the disruption caused by water damage for any longer than is absolutely necessary. Get your life back on track with the following tips.

1. Sources of Flooding

Most insurers will not cover damage due to significant negligence. If the source of your standing water problem has gone unaddressed for a long period of time, your policy may not reimburse you for the various damages incurred. Be sure to stay on top of pressing issues such as broken pipes or cracks in the foundation that could allow water into the lower floors.

2. Secure Belongings

Be certain that no sensitive items remain under flood water, as the difficulty of recovering items such as documents and electronics increases as time elapses. Many qualified water damage restoration services specialize in processes such as vacuum freeze-drying and dehumidification to bring your belongings back to their original condition. Your insurer may require that you list any affected items on a comprehensive inventory of your losses and expenses, which will expedite the verification process when they send and adjuster to assess your claim.

3. Safety and Documentation

Remember to never enter a flooded home area for water cleanup purposes until all electrical lines have been disabled at the source. You might also consider some form of contact protection such as a pair of waders or boots, since gray water can host many harmful contaminants. After all water has been pumped from the premises, porous surfaces such as drywall and plywood may need special attention, since these can retain moisture. If you have a sump pump, check that it is in proper working order with no blocked drains or damaged pipes.

With a few simple precautions, the prudent homeowner can avoid many of the problems that typically arise from water damage. Take steps to familiarize yourself with procedures that can save you time and money in the event of a flood.