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Be Cautious of Concealed Water Destruction | SERVPRO® of West Forsyth County
5/9/2023 (Permalink)
Think you may have water damage in your home? Here are some tips from SERVPRO of West Forsyth County to find the source.
Water damage attacks in a variety of ways, with one of its signatures being to hide in your home until you finally notice the destruction. Concealed water damage can occur in any room of your home, with the repercussions manifesting as mold, leaks and costly losses.
Being able to spot sneaky problems like this before they grow into a full-blown water emergency is the best way to protect your home from damage. As long as you keep a close eye out, you’ll be able to quickly spot water damage before it wreaks havoc on your Winston-Salem home.
Below are a few of the most important places to look as you search for hidden water damage:
Your roof. When’s the last time you climbed up to your roof to check for damage? If it’s been a while, then you might be dealing with concealed roof water damage.
Even when you are performing basic maintenance, leaks that develop on your roof are difficult to spot. A minor leak might seem like no big deal, only for it to transform into an unavoidable and expensive water emergency.
When water damage occurs on your roof, it may also seep into your Lewisville attic, creating a different hidden issue. Leakage and excess moisture can be a huge problem in your dim, humid attic that leads to mold growth.
In your bathroom. Water damage, particularly hidden water damage, is nearly always discovered in the bathroom. The bathroom equipment we use can suddenly fail and cause water problems that are difficult to detect.
Look for any wet spots around your sink and any leaks coming from your faucet. Search your toilet and bathtub for similar warning signs like puddled water and excess moisture in the bathroom
Knowing where to look and what to look for will be most helpful when dealing with sneaky bathroom water damage. It’s also helpful to inspect your plumbing often and have any concerns checked by a professional ASAP so you can avoid running into any damage in the future.
Other appliances. Home appliances are designed to make life a little easier, but when they fail, they may conceal a huge water crisis. Water can lurk around these massive pieces of equipment, concealing any evidence of damage.
It might be challenging to check for water leaks near your devices without first removing them from the area. Moving them out of the way will allow you to search the entire area for signs of damage.
Before turning on your appliances, quickly check them for leaks and other signs of water damage. Avoid running into a future water catastrophe by retiring your old or malfunctioning appliances as soon as it is necessary.
Dealing with a water emergency? Our SERVPRO specialists can be on the scene of the disaster ASAP to restore your water-damaged home!
Our Talented Crew Can Manage Your Most Difficult Catastrophes | SERVPRO® of West Forsyth County
5/4/2023 (Permalink)
Is your home or business in need of restoration? SERVPRO of West Forsyth County is ready to help you recover.around the clock.
Every change you make to your Winston-Salem home is significant, even if it is as simple as adding a fresh coat of paint. Certain changes may be simple to make on your own, but others, such as repairing flood damage, necessitate the expertise of a nearby repair crew.
Choosing an inexperienced team to handle a job like this could have disastrous consequences. You need the assistance of a team that can lift the burden of a damaged home off your shoulders, not add to it!
When you contact SERVPRO, we treat you and your home with the utmost care from beginning to end. Our extensive training and certifications enable us to take on any job with complete competency and professionalism.
We Adhere to Industry Trainings
Our Winston-Salem specialists conform to the IICRC guidelines, and we adhere to the instructions and recommendations made for cleaning and restoration. We offer a variety of courses, including but not restricted to:
We also provide Employee Certification Training to all team members to guarantee they have the resources needed to handle any restoration or cleanup job. These self-directed courses give our technicians time to learn as much as they can about the guidelines we’ve set.
We Never Stop Learning
Our specialists are provided with a ton of continuing instruction courses and online learning classes after completing the initial training portion to make sure their expertise are always current.
Our mission is to provide dependable restoration services in Winston-Salem as soon as a disaster strikes your home—and our training is the foundation of this.
Because technology is constantly evolving, it is critical that we stay up to date on the most recent data in order to provide the best services possible. We make sure to tweak and modify our techniques, training and tools as needed so that we can handle your home emergencies with complete professionalism.
Why This Matters for You
When dealing with residential destruction, having faith in an expert team like SERVPRO is critical. We can be at the scene of your disaster as soon as you call to prevent further damage and get your home back in shape!
Working with an underqualified and unprofessional restoration company could be bad news for both you and your home. Avoid the ramifications of an unprepared company by joining forces with SERVPRO for all of your restoration needs.
When you need help recovering from a disaster, SERVPRO is here for you. Get in touch 24/7 to start your disaster recovery.
Your Appliances Are a Regular Source of Water Loss | SERVPRO® of West Forsyth County
4/11/2023 (Permalink)
When our household appliances are in good working order, they can be a huge convenience, but when they break down, that’s a whole different ballgame. Excess moisture, mold and costly water damage are all side effects of a malfunctioning appliance.
Water damage can manifest itself in a variety of ways in your Winston-Salem home, with one of the most common being faulty appliances. When problems are discovered far too late, a worn-out appliance can have even worse consequences.
It is simple to avoid chaos when using your household appliances if you are aware of the warning signs of damage and know what to do when they appear.
Regular MaintenanceInspecting for water damage regularly is one of the most effective strategies for preventing it. Catching issues early on could save you from an expensive mess in the future.
Leaks may be hidden away below your refrigerator or dishwasher, so you’ll need to get a close look often to ensure there are no sudden wet spots or puddles. It’s helpful to push larger appliances out of the way once a year so you can deep-clean those unreachable problem areas.
Your HVAC system and water heater should be inspected regularly, just as you would your other appliances. Make sure to schedule an annual HVAC inspection, and keep an eye out around your HVAC system and water heater for any indications of excessive moisture or mold.
Yearly or Long-Term MaintenanceAlthough regularly paying close attention can be a great way to prevent catastrophic damage, you should also consider following the manufacturer’s suggested servicing schedule.
Remember to check the hoses and tubing attached to your fridge, washing machine and dishwasher for damage and, if needed, have them replaced immediately. Consistently replacing dated components is an effective way to keep your appliance in good working order.
The lifespan of each appliance you own varies, but it’s a good idea to replace outdated appliances every 10 to 15 years.
Appliance issues can be hard to catch until they’re at their worst, but there are ways to spot concerns like a leak before they wreak havoc. Remember to give you appliances some regular TLC to steer clear of expensive water destruction.
Have water damage in your home from an appliance or another source? Our team is here to help, so call us day or night 336-946-1131.
Start Small to Prepare Your Winston-Salem Staff for Flames | SERVPRO® of West Forsyth County
3/28/2023 (Permalink)
A workplace crisis can take many forms, the most common of which is a chaotic fire emergency. Your trusted employees will be responsible for the safety of your entire business, and without proper training, they may not be prepared to fight back when flames appear.
Going over the basics of fire readiness is the best way to ensure your team responds adequately when calamity hits. Fire extinguisher training is a simple topic to begin with that can prepare your team to control flames before they spread throughout your commercial business.
Prepare your team for the unexpected by using our guide to conduct a comprehensive fire training in your Winston-Salem workplace.
<h2with-the-fundamentals">Start With the Fundamentals
OSHA mandates that any business that has fire extinguishers on-site supplies employees with the training needed to use them. This involves showing your staff the basic handling methods, informing them of hazards that will require an extinguisher and the many kinds available to use.
Begin by instructing your employees on how to correctly handle and aim the extinguisher. After they’ve gotten ahold of this, you can demonstrate how to pull the pin, press the handle and sweep over a blaze. Let your team know that they’ll need to keep six to eight feet away from flames anytime they operate an extinguisher.
The PASS method is a helpful tool that can allow your team to recall this information when needed. Running through this hands-on training yearly is another way to ensure even your most seasoned staff can recall this information when they need it most.
Assigning roles to experienced employees will help ensure this tool is used appropriately when a fire emergency breaks out in the workplace. Having a few members in charge of the extinguishers located throughout your building will allow for an orderly response with zero hesitation.
<h2s-a-time-and-a-place">There’s a Time and a Place
By educating your staff about the fire hazards that could arise, you can encourage the effective and timely use of fire extinguishers. Inform them of any distinctive scenarios or specific hazards that are common in your workplace, as well as the type of fire extinguisher required for each emergency. Using the wrong extinguisher in the middle of a fire will only add to the chaos and spread of the flames!
To ensure that every fire situation is handled carefully, inform your team that it is sometimes safer to back away rather than fight. Many fires can be put out with the help of a fire extinguisher, but others can quickly escalate and become impossible to handle on your own.
Let your team know that it is advisable to back away, evacuate the building and call for help when flames start to spread out of control
Starting small with hands-on fire extinguisher training can help you prepare your Winston-Salem business for the unexpected. Once you’ve covered the basics, you can move on to creating a detailed fire response strategy to ensure that your team has the necessary training and information to respond effectively to flames.
Dealing with the aftermath of a commercial fire? Our SERVPRO of West Forsyth County specialists can restore your losses and return your workplace to its pre-fire condition. Call us 24/7. 336-946-1131.
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 OutAs 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 FastWe 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 WaterIf 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 SourcesRoutinely 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 StepsWater 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 MoveAfter 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 WorkOur 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 RecoveryOur 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 BasicsMost 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 SafetyIf 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 HeatersThere’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 DamageWater 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 TechniquesAirborne 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 ProcessOur 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.
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