Emergency Water Shutoff Tips: Protect Your Home with SERVPRO of Uptown and East Charlotte

5/31/2024 (Permalink)

Urgent! How to Quickly Shut Off Water to Prevent Home Damage

If you don't know where or how to turn off the water at your property, read on!

Experiencing a water loss at your Charlotte property can be overwhelming, but shutting off the water supply valve can prevent severe damage. If you're not prepared to turn off the water supply in an emergency, hundreds of gallons can flood your home while waiting for help. We have seen this happen!

Where Should You Look for the Water Shutoff?

1. Inside the House: The master shut-off valve is usually located inside the house near the outdoor meter.
2. Basement or Crawlspace: If your home has a basement or crawlspace, the shut-off valve is likely on the wall closest to the street.
3. Slab Construction: If your home is built on a slab with no basement, the valve is most likely in the garage or near the hot water heater.

Found It! Now What?

Once you locate the valve, it will either be a ball valve or a gate valve:

• Ball Valve: Simply turn the handle perpendicular to the pipe.
• Gate Valve: Turn the handle clockwise to shut it off.

After turning off the water, take a deep breath and call in a water specialist to mitigate the damage. One call to SERVPRO of Uptown and East Charlotte, and we will handle the rest—so you can get some rest!

Keep House Fires at Bay This Spring with SERVPRO® of Uptown and East Charlotte

3/7/2024 (Permalink)

Spring safety tip: Keep house fires at bay with SERVPRO® of Uptown and East Charlotte! Trust our expert team for fire damage restoration services.

As warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours herald the arrival of spring, many of us are eager to dive into outdoor cleaning and home renovation projects. However, before you grab that hedge trimmer or power tool, it's crucial to take steps to prevent house fires.

Clean Up Inside

Appliance malfunctions, particularly with clothes dryers, are a leading cause of house fires. Regularly cleaning the lint trap after every load is essential, and ensure nothing combustible, like boxes or cleaning supplies, is placed near the dryer. Also, keep the outside vent unobstructed to prevent system failures and potential fires. Regularly clean vents to remove dust and debris buildup.

Inspect Your Equipment

Equipment like grills and lawn mowers, unused during winter, can develop malfunctions or issues over time. Before using your grill, check gas lines and connectors for security, leaks, or dents in propane tanks. Inspect lawn mowers and outdoor equipment for gas leaks or other potential hazards. Even tiny leaks can pose significant fire risks.

Keep Debris Clear

Spring cleanup often involves clearing debris like fallen branches and vegetation. Stack debris far from your home, as dried branches and leaves can fuel potential house fires or wildfires. Prevention is key, so take care to minimize potential fuel sources.

In the unfortunate event of fire damage, SERVPRO® of Uptown and East Charlotte is here for you. Our rapid-response fire damage restoration team will work tirelessly to restore your home to its pre-fire condition promptly.

Don't let a house fire ruin your spring. Trust SERVPRO of Uptown and East Charlotte for comprehensive fire damage restoration services.

Mastering Water Damage Restoration: SERVPRO® of Uptown Charlotte/Team Bowen

2/6/2024 (Permalink)

Bringing Precision to Every Drop: SERVPRO's Water Extraction Expertise in Action

When it comes to water damage, having cutting-edge equipment and skilled technicians makes all the difference. At SERVPRO of Uptown Charlotte/Team Bowen, we understand the importance of staying ahead in the water loss remediation industry.

Our crew members undergo rigorous training and recertification at the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC). This ensures they're equipped with the latest techniques and knowledge to handle any water damage situation effectively.

Take carpet water extraction, for example. While it may seem straightforward, there's an art and science to it that requires expertise. Our technicians are trained to use weighted wand extractors, extracting moisture without causing damage to the carpet fibers.

Why does this matter? Because improper extraction techniques can lead to issues like stretched carpet fabric or delamination of the carpet backing. By adhering to industry standards and best practices, we ensure your property is restored efficiently and effectively.

At SERVPRO of Uptown Charlotte/Team Bowen, we're committed to delivering high-quality water mitigation results. Trust our experienced team to handle your water damage needs. Call us at (704) 847-8001 to schedule an appointment today!

Do you have a mold problem in your Charlotte, NC Home? | SERVPRO® of Uptown and East Charlotte

11/2/2023 (Permalink)

If you see or smell signs of mold, Call SERVPRO® of Uptown and East Charlotte today at 704-547-6200

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, outdoors and indoors, making removing all mold from a home or business impossible. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy.

Consider the Following Mold Facts

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors, and outdoors.

• Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.

• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.

• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.

• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.

• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 50 percent.

If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

Service Response Guidelines

• Within one hour of the notice of loss, one of our SERVPRO® professionals will contact you to arrange for services.

• Within four hours of loss notification, one of our SERVPRO professionals will be on-site to start mitigation services.

• Within eight business hours of on-site arrival, a verbal briefing of the scope will be communicated to the appropriate person.

If you see or smell signs of mold, Call SERVPRO® of Uptown and East Charlotte today at 704-547-6200.

Fire and Smoke Damage | SERVPRO® of Downtown and East Charlotte

7/31/2023 (Permalink)

Fires can cause more damage than people think. Water damage, smoke, and odor are other things that people do not think of right away.

Fires can cause more damage than people think. Water damage, smoke, and odor are other things that people do not think of right away. SERVPRO® of Downtown and East Charlotte is a trusted leader in the fire damage restoration industry. Our fire damage restoration professionals have the expertise and equipment needed to get the job done to your satisfaction as quickly as possible.

Fire

Fires cause a lot of damage quickly, and luckily for you, we know what has to be done to bring your home back to preloss conditions and get your life back on track. When we first arrive on the scene, we will have to do a careful walk-through to assess the damages and check for safety concerns to ensure our technicians will not be harmed while completing the work.

Smoke

Smoke damage is something we can handle when it comes to cleaning savable items, it's a very tedious process, but we are more than happy to do that work if it means we can save something of value to you and the fire has not damaged the item.

Water

One thing people do not think about right away is water damage. When the fire department or fire sprinklers go off, water is flooded into the area, and your walls, floors, carpets, etc., will soak that water up, or there will be standing water. We can help dry out the area and remove water-affected areas that cannot be saved or dried. If that is not taken care of in a certain amount of time, mold can begin to grow, opening up another can of worms a homeowner would not want to deal with after dealing with a fire.

A fire can break out anytime, and SERVPRO® of Downtown and East Charlotte is ready to take your call, day or night. Contact us (704) 529-9963 -24/7 for fire cleanup, smoke damage, and fire damage restoration.

Protect Your Home from a Potential Water Emergency | SERVPRO® of Downtown and East Charlotte

7/27/2023 (Permalink)

If you have any water damage, call SERVPRO® of Downtown and East Charlotte. We have the tools and experience to handle any job.

As a homeowner, the last thing you’d want to come home to after a long day at work or a day out with the family is an out-of-control water emergency! Water damage is never convenient and can sometimes be costly, but fortunately, there are ways to stop the water before it gets the chance to infiltrate your home.

Knowing what to look for and how to maintain your home can help you return home each day to a damage-free home! There are many factors around your property that help you protect your home from water and when these safeguards aren’t adequately maintained, you could be left with a water emergency on your hands.

Here’s what you can do to inspect and maintain the appliances and safeguards around your property:

Clear out your downspouts and gutters. These are the most effective tools that aid in directing rainwater away from your home. When these safeguards aren’t properly maintained, it can lead to clogged or overflowing gutters that can damage the exterior and interior of your home. Clear your gutters and downspouts of branches, leaves and debris frequently to keep them running smoothly.

Know how to spot leaks. Knowing how to catch a leak in its tracks before it can escalate to costly water damage can save you from some trouble. Understand the problem areas and appliances of your home that could create leaks. If you detect discoloration, wet spots or warping, it could be the beginning of a property leak.

Inspect your roof regularly. Your roof protects the foundation of your home by acting as a basin to redirect water away from your property. Regularly inspecting your roof or any damage and performing repairs on it when needed is a crucial step to preventing water damage inside your home. Check your roof for signs of wear and tear such as cracked flashing or broken shingles.

Check your appliances. The appliances you use every day are a common source of water damage. Equipment such as your water heater, washing machine and dishwasher are a few of the appliances that can create a water damage emergency. Be sure to regularly have these appliances repaired if you notice they aren’t functioning as normal, and replace them if needed.

Understand how to shut off your water main. As soon as you notice the warning signs of a leak, the first step you should take to prevent any further damage is turning off your water main. Locate where the main water valve is before a water disaster occurs to stay one step ahead of water damage.

When water infiltrates your home and leaves you with a problem on your hands, contact the professionals at SERVPRO® of Downtown and East Charlotte. We can inspect the damage and execute an effective repair plan.

The Emergency Ready Plan Advantage | SERVPRO® Downtown and East Charlotte

7/25/2023 (Permalink)

Stay a step ahead of unexpected events-have a plan of action before you need it with SERVPRO® of Downtown & East Charlotte's Emergency Ready Plan!

Does your commercial property have an Emergency Ready Plan (ERP) in case of a loss event? Did you know that SERVPRO® of Downtown and East Charlotte offers an entirely free program called the Emergency Ready Plan (ERP)?

Why use the SERVPRO® of Downtown and East Charlotte Emergency Ready Plan?

• A no-cost assessment of your facility
• A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency.
• A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.
• Establishes your local SERVPRO® of Downtown and East Charlotte as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.
• Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin.
• Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information.
• Easier insurance claims process.

How Does ERP Work?

If you wanted an ERP completed on your commercial property, we would send out one of our sales representatives to walk the property with the owner or property manager (someone who knows the property very well). Our sales representative will document the building with photos and make notes of square footage, water shut off, and other information for our technicians to know where everything is and how to operate efficiently as soon as possible. After the ERP has been completed, we can either give you a folder with all the information or digitally share a folder so that if you are not on the property during an emergency, someone in the office can be ready.

How Effective is the ERP?

The ERP plays a crucial role in kick-starting the process of getting you and your business back in safe operation as soon as possible. Our technicians will have all the information they need on the building before arriving. They will be able to jump into action much quicker than having to show up to your business and observe the area and the loss together.

Interesting in setting up an ERP at your Charlotte business? Call SERVPRO® of Downtown and East Charlotte today – (704) 529-9963.

Locating a Rainwater Leak | SERVPRO® of Downtown and East Charlotte

5/19/2023 (Permalink)

If you see any water damage in your home, call SERVPRO of Downtown and East Charlotte to help keep your home dry.

Spring showers bring May flowers, right? While that might be true, spring showers can also bring water damage. Any time that rain accompanies a storm, your home is vulnerable to a potential water leak.

In order to stop these water issues from happening, it is important to understand the areas of your home that are more prone to water leaks. Read on as our SERVPRO of Downtown and East Charlotte team explains more below.

Windows and Doors

It should be no surprise that any area of your home that has direct access to the outside has the potential to leak. Rain can easily leak in between the window sash and jamb and get into your wall studs. Oftentimes, this isn’t noticeable right away, which can lead to rotten walls or degraded framing around the window.

The threshold around any exterior doors also has the potential to cause water problems. If water gets up under the wood beneath your threshold, it can cause the wood to warp, sag and rot as well. Make sure that your doors don’t have any gaps around the frame, and consider investing in a storm door that helps create a barrier between your exterior door and the elements.

Up on Your Roof

Our roofs take on the heavy burden of keeping us warm and dry during a thunderstorm or rainstorm. Over time, they can experience wear and tear or damage during a severe weather event. Leaks can occur around your skylights or attic windows, or they can start from a single missing or broken shingle.

As water slowly leaks into your attic space, it can easily leak into other areas of your home. It will eventually seep through your ceiling and down your walls. If it makes it to your floors, it can spread through your floor joists as well.

Inspecting your roof after each thunderstorm can help alert you to damage, which can prevent a water leak from becoming a huge problem for you.

Your Home’s Siding

Your siding isn’t as vulnerable to water leaks as your roof and windows, but it still has the potential to cause widespread issues. If a particularly severe storm with strong winds rolls into town, the wind can easily cause the rain to get blown sideways. If it gets up under your siding, it can cause structural integrity issues to your interior walls.

If your home does suffer water damage due to a rainwater leak this season, SERVPRO of Downtown and East Charlotte is here for you. We will dry out the water, patch up the leak and assist in any type of restoration or reconstruction projects that you need to ensure a full recovery.

Got water damage? Our SERVPRO specialists can help.

Are Renters Responsible for Water Damage?

7/25/2022 (Permalink)

Family moving into their new rental home.

When you rent out a home in Pine Ridge, NC, your tenants expect a safe place to live. In addition to maintaining your property, you need to be ready for potential water loss. 

Your first question will likely be: Are my renters responsible for any water damage? In most cases they are not. As the landlord, it is your duty to keep the property’s plumbing in working condition. If the water damage is caused by a pipe, faulty appliances, HVAC units or a natural disaster, the landlord is usually responsible. In some cases the renter can be at fault for damage if their personal appliance causes the damage. In most cases the landlord is not responsible for any damage to the renters belongings. 

Signs of water damage to watch for: 

Because you, the landlord, are responsible for most cases of water damage it is important to be vigilant. As a landlord you probably already check your property at least once a year. During these inspections keep an eye out for these signs.

• Changes in wall and ceiling surface texture: any bending or sagging of plaster or drywall is a sign of water damage. Look for bubbles or cracks that may indicate water. 

• Odors: When water leaks behind walls it can often be slow enough that it is invisible. While you might not be able to see the damage, mold and mildew can grow causing odors. Mold can cause health effects, so it is important to contact a water restoration company to address both the water and mold. 

• High utility bills: If you or your tenant notice unusually high utility bills, it can be an indication of a hidden leak that needs to be addressed immediately. 

If your Charlotte, NC, rental property has experienced water damage, be sure to contact SERVPRO of East Charlotte to make it "Like it never even happened."

We are Flood Specialists

7/22/2022 (Permalink)

Standing water from a leak in laundry room

Whether your home or business has unwanted water due to cracked water lines outside or pipes inside, SERVPRO of East Charlotte is ready to help! Our technicians are highly trained to respond to water disasters of any size with the professionalism and training necessary to ensure the space is restored as quickly as possible.  

• We are available 24 hours a day & 7 days a week.

• We are a preferred vendor to many national insurance companies.

• We work directly with insurance companies.

• Our technicians are highly trained in Water Restoration Techniques.

• We follow s500 IICRC Restoration Standards

• We use specialty inspection and extraction equipment

• SERVPRO of East Charlotte is local, so rest easy knowing our family will take care of your family

Call SERVPRO of East Charlotte today at (704) 529-9963 and our professional team of technicians will respond quickly to your home or business. We are, Here to Help®!