Recent Posts

Prepare Your Home for the Spring Season | SERVPRO® of West Forsyth County

3/10/2023 (Permalink)

Spring is only a few weeks away, and we can’t wait for all of the opportunities to get outside and enjoy the warm weather. Before jumping right into the new season, though, there are a few areas of your home that you’ll need to get ready to withstand the spring weather dangers like rain, strong winds and any other risks that could cause water damage.

Avoiding water damage is easy as long as you take the time to properly safeguard your Winston-Salem home. Get out your spring-cleaning list and make a note of a few of these important tasks that you can complete before the spring season begins.

Clean It Out

As winter comes to a close, its important to search around your home for accumulation of excess debris. Threats like wind, rain, snow and ice can lead to debris buildup, which can completely clog your gutters.

To keep excess water draining smoothly, clear your gutters and downspouts of any excess debris. Check the vents around your property as well, as these can become clogged with debris over time.

Whether you were visited by snow or freezing temperatures (or both) this year in Winston-Salem, there’s a chance winter might have left you with frozen pipes. Check your outdoor faucets for leaks or fractures, which could indicate overlooked frozen pipes. If frozen pipes are not repaired, they will thaw when spring arrives, resulting in a chaotic water leak.

Fix Issues Fast

We try to stay indoors as much as possible in the winter to avoid freezing cold weather. This can cause us to neglect areas like the roof that might be dealing with major damage.

To prepare your roof for the spring weather, check for any damaged shingles, broken gutters or other wear and tear.

A strong roof will safeguard your entire home from weather threats that could lead to extensive water damage. Having these problems fixed as soon as possible will save you from some timely and expensive destruction.

Get Ready for the Water

If you own a sump pump, you know how useful it is in the event of a basement or foundation water emergency. Make sure it’s in good working order before the spring season arrives so it’ll do its job when you need it!

Spring weather can escalate fast, so it’s a good idea to replenish your emergency kit, makes any necessary changes to your storm safety plan and find a few new ways to keep yourself updated on local weather events.

Our specialists understand how stressful a water emergency can be, which is why we are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We can be at the scene of your disaster as soon as you call to restore your losses. Before you know it, your Winston-Salem home will be back to its former glory.

Got water damage? We are here to help 24⁄7 and can restore your home quickly. 336-946-1131

Where to Find Water Loss in Your Commercial Building | SERVPRO® of West Forsyth County

2/28/2023 (Permalink)

Water emergencies can be a huge roadblock for businesses. It only takes a small amount of water to put your business on hold and create an expensive mess that needs to be repaired.

Because business owners have so much to do in a single workday, it can be difficult to detect water damage before it has left its mark. The best way to stay on top of your water damage prevention efforts is by knowing exactly where to spot water damage before it escalates into a disaster.

3 Common Sources

Routinely inspect these vulnerable areas around the workplace to save you and your commercial team both time and money:

1. The roof. Roof leaks can occur out of nowhere after a severe storm or due to a tiny leak that grows over time. Rook leakage can be especially damaging since it can go undetected until it finally reveals itself, so consistent upkeep is vital. Be sure to schedule a routine inspection, and clean your gutters of debris following a nasty weather event.

2. Bathrooms. Around 15% of commercial water damage starts from a tiny puncture along toilet and sink pipes. Since you can’t be everywhere at once, assign several team members to keep an eye on your workplace bathrooms. That way, if a problem emerges, you can respond quickly before it worsens.

3. Water heaters/HVAC/boilers. Equipment that is connected to a water line can lead to water damage when clogs or malfunctions occur. Look out for standing water near your HVAC systems and monitor your business’s water pressure. These are all early signs of water damage that should be taken care of before it is too late.

Take Preventive Steps

Water damage can be a chaotic mess for the entire workplace, but quick action will help you keep everything under control. Prevention is easy as long as you stay on top of your safeguarding efforts.

Building a prevention strategy can help you and your team respond quickly and effectively when things go haywire. Teaming up with our crew at SERVPRO of West Forsyth County to establish an Emergency Ready Plan is another way to ensure your response to a disaster is organized.

Time is of the essence when water damage emerges, so be sure to react with speed and urgency. Jump into action to get the emergency under control, and contact us so we can pick up where you left off. Our specialists can rapidly respond to protect your business from further destruction.

Experienced water damage in your commercial building? Contact us to get dried out quickly. 336-946-1131.

Get Back on Track Fast After a Fire | SERVPRO® of West Forsyth County

2/7/2023 (Permalink)

House fires are one of the most destructive types of disasters, and the damage they leave behind can be a major headache. It only takes a few minutes for flames to ignite and spread throughout your home, leaving you with a massive mess.

Getting the help you need after a house fire is essential to staying on track as you work to recover. Partnering with a team like SERVPRO of West Forsyth County can take the weight off your shoulders by handling every single detail of your restoration process.

After a fire, let our team take care of the mess! Here’s how we work diligently to get your home back to its pre-fire glory:

Our Initial Move

After a disaster like this, be sure to focus on the well-being of yourself and your loved ones. When you’re ready to get your home back in shape, our expert support is only a phone call away!

Once you reach out, we’ll chat with you to get a better idea of the mess you’ve been left with. Since every fire emergency is different, details like these allow our specialists to arrive with the proper equipment and a stellar restoration plan.

Our team will take a look around as soon as we arrive to determine how severe the damage you’ve been dealt is.

Time to Work

Our top priority is to protect your home, so as we undertake repairs, we will board up or place a tarp over the vulnerable areas of your house. Extra protection helps minimize further damage and keeps repairs on schedule.

Advanced technologies and methods are what make our services so speedy and dependable. Our tools can detect and remove hard-to-reach smoke and soot that’s hiding inside your home’s ceilings, floors and walls. Once we’ve extracted hidden remnants, we make sure your home is spotless by cleaning, sanitizing and deodorizing every surface.

The Final Step in Recovery

Our final step in the recovery process is what makes our team’s efforts worthwhile. Reconstruction work, such as removing drywall or replacing flooring, is the finishing touch to restore your home to its former glory.

If your home is in need of a major rebuilding process, our team will gear up and get the job started. We’ll overcome any restoration challenge your fire-damaged home throws our way and in no time you’ll be back to your safe Winston-Salem dwelling.

For rapid repairs following a fire, get in touch with our team at SERVPRO of West Forsyth County! We will work as quickly as possible to return you to a safe and fully restored property. Call 336-946-1131.

Keep Cozy and Secure All Winter Long | SERVPRO® of West Forsyth County

1/20/2023 (Permalink)

The winter season is upon us, and you’re sure to feel the freeze here in Winston-Salem as temperatures start to plummet. As the weather turns colder, you may be eager to reach for your thermostat or space heater remote, but before you do, it’s a good idea to be aware of all the ways heating your home could result in deadly flames.

The arctic cold front has already brought snow, sleet and ice our way this year, so you’d better cozy up! Use this guide to heat your home safely without the risk of flames.

Furnace Basics

Most houses come with a furnace and an HVAC system, which aid in distributing warmth throughout the house. To keep your furnace running in the winter, you’ll need to maintain it on a regular basis. Some vital chores include checking your furnace for any problems and giving it a good scrub to ensure it runs smoothly and doesn’t come across too much dust or debris.

As you complete these tasks, go ahead and change your HVAC system’s air filter. Remind yourself to switch out the filter every 90 days or at the beginning of a new season to help keep clean air circulating throughout your home.

Consistent maintenance is the key to keeping your HVAC system and furnace in great working condition without the risk of flames.

Fireplace Safety

If your Winston-Salem home is decorated with a fireplace, you likely know how simple it is to keep your whole home warm and toasty. Wood-burning and artificial fireplaces can be a decorative way to stay warm in the winter, but if you fail to maintain them, you may start a fire that isn’t in the fireplace!

Checking your fireplace for issues and keeping it clean will help you prevent flames.

If your home uses a wood-burning fireplace, remove ash accumulation, check to make sure your chimney is clear and clean off soot or smoke marks on the nearby bricks. If you fire up an artificial fireplace, take off the cover and clean it inside and outside to clear away dust accumulation.

Portable Heaters

There’s a good chance you fire up a space heater in your Winston-Salem home when winter rolls around. This equipment is simple to use and can heat up any space in minutes, but don’t be misled by its ease of use! Space heaters can quickly turn into a fire hazard when used without caution.

The good news is that you can use your space heater without fear of flames as long as you take precautions, such as keeping it three feet away from anything flammable. Avoid accidental flames by supervising it when it’s on and shutting it off when you’re done.

Keep your space heater plugged directly into a wall outlet and place it on a flat surface to prevent tipping it over. With a few small safety measures, you can stay cozy this winter and protect your home from fatal fires.

If you experience fire damage this season, give us a call at SERVPRO of West Forsyth County for immediate assistance. We’re here 24⁄7 when you need us! 336-946-1131

Make Time for Water Damage Mitigation in the New Year | SERVPRO® of West Forsyth County

1/11/2023 (Permalink)

When the new year arrives, the potential to make some important adjustments to your lifestyle and routine can be motivating. While you’re revamping your daily routine, why not make some adjustments around the house?

Small improvements around your property and in your daily routines can make a big impact on minimizing water damage this year.

Fulfill all of your new year’s goals from the comfort of your waterproof home! If you still have some room left on your resolution list, make sure to add some of these essential water damage management tips.

What Causes Water Damage?

As you begin your efforts to protect your home, it’s beneficial to learn all the areas where water might sneak up on you. Leaks can source from both inside and outside.

Water damage from the outside can be caused by blocked gutters and strong rainfall, while large equipment and bathroom fixtures are common sources of indoor damage.

Aging pipes and caulking that have started deteriorating around your doors and windows can also send water straight into your home. When leaks like this go undetected, mold development and property damage are sure to emerge.

Since water damage only worsens over time, fast action is crucial to keep your home safe from harm. Thankfully, leaks aren’t hard to spot as long as you know what to look for.

How to Prevent Damage

Water damage can be disastrous, but there are several ways to prevent problems from occurring in the first place. Early detection is the most effective approach to stop water damage in its tracks, and it is quite simple to do as long as you keep an eye out for trouble.

To keep water at bay, you should regularly check your bathrooms and kitchen for moisture issues or mold growth. When it starts to rain, check each window to make sure water isn’t dripping inside. Your nose could also help you sniff out the source since water leaks often produce an unavoidable odor.

Maintain your roof often (and following any significant wind events) and keep an eye out for any loose or missing shingles. Remember to clear your gutters and downspouts of debris while you’re up there!

Protecting your roof is especially crucial during severe weather, which we have a lot of here in Winston-Salem! Snowstorms, hurricanes and flooding all have the potential to cause catastrophic water damage, so keep this in mind as you develop your water damage management master plan.

Grading your yard is another effective method for protecting your home from excess water. Use soil to build a slope to send water packing far from your waterproof property. With a few small changes to your typical maintenance routines, you can save yourself and your home from lengthy and expensive repairs!

Have water damage in your home? Contact us for fast, professional restoration back to preloss condition, 336-946-1131.

Why Selecting SERVPRO to Eliminate Odors Is a Smart Move | SERVPRO® of West Forsyth County

1/5/2023 (Permalink)

With a nationwide network of specialists, SERVPRO of West Forsyth County provides skilled restoration and maintenance services for residences and commercial buildings that need mold remediation or have suffered damage from flooding, fires or other disasters. However, did you know that we also offer effective odor removal services?

Nobody wants their property to be damaged by a calamity, and rebuilding can be difficult and frustrating. After the damage has been done, a stubborn odor can develop and worsen the longer you wait to address it.

All forms of property damage, including water damage, storm damage, fire damage and mold damage, can leave behind unwanted smells that will only spread further if not remedied. Even if your home is spotless, nasty smells can hide in your home without you realizing it.

The good news is: If you’re dealing with a persistent odor that won’t go away, we have the solution! Here’s how our team works to eliminate odors for good.

Odor Removal Techniques

Airborne chemicals, vapors or small particles all emit odors. Once their source is eliminated, our expert team uses advanced deodorization technologies alongside various substances and treatments intended to eliminate smells.

Some of these include:

Masking agents. While this isn’t our main strategy of elimination, these products work to cover up the smell temporarily as we work to plan and prepare our next phase in the cleanup process.

Filtration agents. Absorption agents soak up odors lingering inside your furnishings, equipment or other belongings like a sponge. Once the absorption agents reach the filtration agent, the smell is removed from the air and locked in place.

Disinfectants and sanitizers. To eliminate any bacteria and fungus that may be generating odor in your home, these solutions are utilized throughout the affected locations

While there are various strategies that our specialists can perform to eliminate smells from your home, these three are vital steps during the process of completely cleaning your house.

The Signature 4-Step Process

Our effective odor control method consists of four main steps:

1. Remove the source. Debris coated with odor-emitting substances will keep spreading the stench until the underlying cause is located and addressed. This is why our professionals will tackle the source before any other step.

2. Clean residue from surfaces. All areas need to be properly cleaned and deodorized after the odor culprit has been disposed of. Small particles and residue will continue to produce unwanted odors until all surfaces are fully sanitized.

3. Recreate the odor-causing conditions. In a similar manner to how odor-creating compounds originally entered the surface, our professionals will apply a deodorizer. For instance, if smoke created this mess, we would employ “deodorizing smoke” for this phase.

4. Seal exposed surfaces. In extreme scenarios, our specialists may need to use sealants to prevent odor-producing materials from sneaking back in. When odor cleanup becomes cost prohibitive or unfeasible to finish, this step is typically taken.

Rapidly addressing stubborn smells is vital to returning your home to its pre-odor state. If unwelcome odors emerge as a result of property damage, we act quickly to limit further damage and expenses. Trust in our professional specialists at SERVPRO of West Forsyth County to get any emergency under control ASAP!

If you experience an odor or other damage inside your home or business, call us at any time, 24⁄7 336-946-1131. We have the training and equipment to quickly get your property back in operation.

The Unseen Risks Water Leaks Create | SERVPRO® of West Forsyth County

12/7/2022 (Permalink)

While water leakage isn’t always an obvious problem, there are many signs that could point you in the right direction. The additional moisture will ruin the quality of the air within your home, producing a strong, lingering odor.

The additional moisture may also cause your interior appliances to corrode. Despite the many indicators that point to water-related problems, the most noticeable sign of water leakage is often a puddle of water inside your home.

Water damage can wreak havoc on your Winston-Salem home before you even notice it. Read on to learn how you can spot a water leak and get the issue under control.

Water Fixture Leaks

Sinks and other bathroom fixtures are frequently the cause of water leaks. Leaks can frequently be triggered by openings in water supply lines or caulk that has begun to deteriorate.

Check these places frequently while you do your planned maintenance. Never let a tiny leak go unattended because even a little bit of water can lead to thousands of dollars in damage.

Water From Appliances

You run the risk of leakage if your refrigerator uses an ice machine or water system. Your dishwasher could quietly spring a leak that goes undiscovered for weeks.

Before you realize it, your floors may be seriously damaged, and lengthy and expensive repairs may be necessary.

Unplug and move your equipment away from your wall when searching for a leak. Search your walls for signs of damage, water puddles or mold development. If you spot any damage, call SERVPRO of West Forsyth County, and we can rapidly get your water emergency under control.

External Sources

Water damage isn’t just an indoor problem, though! A lot of leaks come from outside the home, either from a recurring culprit that sends water straight into your home or from an abrupt cause, like severe weather.

Water damage frequently results from weather-related issues. While winter in Winston-Salem tends to be calm and cool, threats such as ice, rain and the occasional snowstorm can still bring water into your home.

Even though not all leaks originate within your home, you can nonetheless take action to control them. Taking good care of your home through regular upkeep is a great way to keep those invaders in line! Simple tasks like filling up gaps around your windows and doors can help keep your home safe and dry.

Begin your upkeep by keeping your downspouts and gutters flowing smoothly. Make sure to keep your gutters and downspouts clean of dirt, debris and leaves to prevent a leak from trapped water.

The amount of water that reaches your residence is also significantly influenced by the landscaping surrounding your home. To stop extra water from seeping past your windows and doors or into your basement, tilt the soil around your base downward and send water flowing away from your home.

If you experience water damage inside your home or business, call us 336-946-1131, 24⁄7. We have the experience and equipment to get your property back in working order fast.

Defend Your Property From the Dangers of Winter | SERVPRO® of West Forsyth County

11/28/2022 (Permalink)

Winter is set to officially arrive on Dec. 21 this year, and depending on where you live, it can bring a variety of unique dangers. While some places, like Winston-Salem, have occasional snowfall and a dip in temperature, other places get a robust start to winter with snow and ice storms that last all season.

Winter presents several challenges regardless of where you reside, like substantial damage to your home, which can make walking in a Winter Wonderland a headache.

However, by understanding all of the possible hazards winter creates, you can adequately safeguard your property and protect the ones you love.

Winter Around the Nation

Chilly, damp, wet and icy are all terms that have been used to characterize winter, and the accuracy of each term all depends on which side of the map you are on.

Winter temperatures can plunge to exceptionally low levels in some areas of the Midwest and East Coast, and heavy snowfall is typically expected for most of the season. The West Coast experiences milder temperatures and rain becomes a much bigger issue than snowfall.

While these projections will depend entirely on where you live, you should be ready for the unexpected to keep winter-related damage to a minimum.

Winter Around Winston-Salem

Winter in Winston-Salem tends to be a mixed bag, and while conditions like freezing temperatures are always anticipated, elements like ice and snow can be unpredictable.

One of the many challenges winter presents to our community is a fun snow day that turns dangerous the next morning when the snow melts and leaves a layer of ice on our roadways and sidewalks.

Plummeting temperatures, sleet, ice and snow are just a few of the hazards that may leave your home vulnerable to destruction. Luckily for you, there’s plenty of time to prepare your property for whatever winter throws our way.

Get Prepared

One of the first steps you should take when getting ready for winter weather is understanding the many types of winter storms. Then, you should ensure you have two ways to receive weather updates. Make sure to include a method that is accessible without power, so you can stay informed even if there’s an outage.

An emergency kit is another great way to prepare for whatever the season brings. Fill your kit with all the necessities, and don’t forget to include anything that can come in handy if a winter weather emergency arises!

Regardless of how harsh this winter is, weatherproofing your windows and doors is an essential task that can prevent water damage and save you some money on your electric bill. Other tasks like addressing roof damage, cutting branches that overhang your home, filling any cracks near your windows and doors and adding insulation to your attic are greatly beneficial when winterizing your home.

Winter can be a wonderful time of year, and knowing you’ll be safe this season will make all of your preparations worthwhile. Safeguard your home and make sure to keep SERVPRO of West Forsyth's number handy. We are available around the clock to restore any winter-related damage your property has suffered this season.

If you experience damage in a winter storm, call us at 336-946-1131. We have the experience and equipment to get your home back to normal.

A Local Team Provides You With Tons of Benefits | SERVPRO® of West Forsyth County

10/10/2022 (Permalink)

There are several advantages that come with partnering with our crew at SERVPRO of West Forsyth County. We offer skilled restoration services after catastrophes such as fires, water emergencies and storm damage.

If you detect mold growing in your home or place of business, we provide certified mold remediation services to alleviate the problem and safeguard your property. And if you have specific demands, such as biohazards that need to be disposed of or graffiti that must be removed, we can get the job done.

But one component of SERVPRO of West Forsyth County that sets us apart from the competition is that we’re local!

Why is that significant, and how does it distinguish us from other repair companies? Here’s why a locally owned restoration partner is so vital.

3 Reasons Being Locally Owned Is a Difference-Maker

When looking for a restoration partner, you need to consider several features, like a good history and dependability. But you’ll also need a vendor that is close by. Here’s why it’s essential:

1. We Can Respond Fast

When a disaster occurs out of nowhere, you need to act fast! A disaster-damaged home or business will only get worse the longer you postpone repairs.

When you choose our team at SERVPRO of West Forsyth County, this will never be an issue! Our 24-hour emergency services allow us to be on the scene immediately to begin repairs. And since we are your neighbors, you won’t have to wait around for us to arrive.

2. We’re Prepared for Local Weather Conditions

Since we operate right here in the Winston-Salem area, we stay tuned to the same weather reports you do. When severe weather threats like tornadoes, flash floods or thunderstorms are predicted, our team gets materials ready so we can respond quickly when the weather clears up.

And since we weather the same exact hazards and trends you do, we know exactly what it takes to restore the destruction following a disaster.

3. We Know Winston-Salem Front and Back

Other restoration providers will come in from a nearby city or an entirely different state when you hire them for a repair assignment. Since our SERVPRO of West Forsyth County facility is locally owned and operated, we don’t just know our way around town—we are experts on our unique city, state, community and culture.

Winston-Salem combines a rich history with modern sights and sounds to make it one of the most fascinating communities to be a part of. Our museums, delicious local eateries, art and technology scene, and a beautiful natural landscape make it the ideal place to call home.

In addition to the firsthand knowledge we have when it comes to our region, we also understand local government rules and how to work with them. This allows us to return your house or company to its preloss state much faster!

An Extra Benefit

When a calamity affects our community, you can be confident that our team can manage it. While we are usually able to take care of restoration demands with local experts and materials, there are occasions where a widespread disaster destroys multiple properties throughout our city.

This is where the SERVPRO of West Forsyth County advantage saves the day: We are both locally owned and operated and supported by a well-known brand with years of expertise. When severe weather strikes and results in destruction all over our area, we can call on nearby SERVPRO of West Forsyth County facilities to lend a helping hand.

When disaster strikes your home or your business, we’re the team you can trust—located right here, close to home. Get in touch today to get started! 336-946-1131

Preparing For Emergencies In Your Clemmons Business

9/29/2022 (Permalink)

The adage ‘life can change on a dime’ can certainly be used when you run your own business. Business owners never plan for an emergency to strike their business, but they can prepare for one. And the best way to do that is with the SERVPRO Emergency Response Plan or ‘ERP’. Generally, for many other emergency plans, not all employees have access, or if they have a copy, it’s never accessible when needed. At SERVPRO of West Forsyth County, we offer a free emergency response app that can be accessed from any mobile phone, tablet, or computer. With immediate access, many businesses can prevent additional damage and help maintain business continuity.

What Does SERVPRO’s ERP Cover?

  • Insurance contact information and policy numbers
  • Contact information for Utility Providers
  • Photos of emergency cut-offs and directions to their locations
  • Preferred Vendor List
  • Employee and Emergency Contact Information
  • Much, Much More

The SERVPRO® ERP covers response and recovery and can be shared with all employees via a mobile app. This will help ensure all your employees are prepared for an emergency and help keep your doors open.

To learn more about SERVPRO® of West Forsyth County’s ERP program, visit ready.SERVPRO.com or call our office at (336) 946-1131, and one of our team members can schedule a visit to your business to begin completing your ERP at no charge!

Because at SERVPRO® we’re here to help.