Smoke Damaged Books

7/22/2022 (Permalink)

Smoke damaged books

Do you have smoke damaged books after a fire? Can they be saved? Yes, it is possible, with some time and care. If you decide to attempt to clean up the books yourself, we have supplied a list below to help you with the process:

Book Covers:

1. In a small bowl mix warm water and a small amount of detergent.
2. Slightly dampen a soft cloth or sponge.
3. Being careful not to scrub, gently wipe soot from the book covers.
4. Immediately wipe dry with a clean, dry, soft cloth.
5. Allow the book cover to dry completely.
6. The book cover may dull after being cleaned. If this happens, apply a very light layer of oil-based furniture polish. 

Book Pages:

Cleaning book pages will depend on the level of damage. It is important to never introduce moisture to the pages as it will make the process more difficult.

• Slight damage: use a dry sponge to gently wipe off the soot.

• Moderate damage: use an art gum eraser to rub the edges of the pages. If this is not working, use a hard, rubber eraser.

• Persistent damage: use a clamp to hold the pages shut and use a piece of sandpaper to gently remove the smoke damage. Move slowly and evenly to avoid waves in the pages. Using a dry sponge wipe away any dust from the sanding. 

Remove Smoke Odor:

1. Fill a plate or bowl with either baking soda, fresh coffee grounds, activated charcoal, or white vinegar and place it in a box or bag. Place the books next to the plate or bowl and close the box or bag.
2. Let it sit for several hours or overnight.
3. Remove the odor absorber and if the smoke smell has not fully disappeared, repeat the process using a fresh odor absorber.

If you are feeling overwhelmed with the post fire clean up process contact us, SERVPRO of East Charlotte is Here to Help®!

Team Bowen Expands SERVPRO® Franchise Territory into Charlotte and Surrounding Communities

7/15/2022 (Permalink)

“Here we GROW again! Team Bowen is ready to make it “Like it never even happened®.”

Team Bowen is excited to announce our expansion in Charlotte, North Carolina, which will add to the existing SERVPRO franchise in East Mecklenburg/Matthews. East Charlotte, Northeast Mecklenburg County, and South Mecklenburg County are now a part of the Team Bowen franchise. This means over 250,000 additional households and 8,000 businesses will receive support when in need of emergency response due to fire, water, or mold damage.

These additions are part of our commitment to helping our local communities flourish. We are available 24/7, 365, and are ready to take your call. Although we can’t prevent a disaster, we are ready for whatever happens!

“We are humbled yet excited to continue to grow and expand our market presence in the Charlotte community,” Bruce Bowen, CEO of Team Bowen, commented. “Our team of quality people who focus on excellent service, fairness, and mutual respect, have allowed us to expand our footprint and still provide that same quality service throughout the southeast. These locations are key to our regional coverage. Whether it is a storm event or a complex commercial/industrial loss, quick response time is critical. Our team has the resources, manpower, and equipment necessary to respond to these specific situations. We are the National Disaster Recovery Team.”

About SERVPRO®

For more than 50 years, SERVPRO® has been a trusted leader in fire and water cleanup and restoration services, mold mitigation, and biohazard and pathogen remediation. SERVPRO’s professional service network of more than 2,000 individually owned and operated franchises spans the United States and Canada, responding to property damage emergencies large and small – from million-square-foot commercial facilities to individual homes. When disaster strikes, homeowners, business owners, and major insurance companies alike rely on SERVPRO® to make it “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO® Team Bowen

In 1977, Barry and Beth Bowen decided to follow their passion for service to others with their careers and set out on a mission to build a reputable and respected property damage restoration company in Tuscaloosa, AL. Having grown up entrenched in the family business, it was no surprise when the current owners, Bruce and Brian Bowen, took over in 2004. Now based in Montgomery, AL., the Bowen Team has franchise locations in Montgomery, AL., Norcross, GA., Charleston, SC., and Charlotte, NC. Today, due to their continued dedication and hard work, we are a leader and trusted name in mitigation, remediation, restoration, reconstruction, and premier cleaning throughout Southeast and U.S.

Our team has more than a century of combined restoration experience. Each team member is equipped with unique and practical skills to excel in every project and exceed the expectations of our customers. Furthermore, we have an extensive inventory of restoration equipment designed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of every facet of mitigation and reconstruction for damaged homes and businesses that we serve, no matter how big or how small.

Click below to find more information on our expansion:

SERVPRO East Charlotte

SERVPRO South Mecklenburg County

Why We Are Faster to Any Size Disaster™

7/7/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of East Charlotte is Faster to Any Size Disaster™

Why is SERVPRO of East Charlotte Faster to Any Size Disaster™? We offer 24 hour Emergency Service to your East Charlotte, NC home! Water can cause damage very quickly, that is why it is so important to begin remediation immediately. The clock is ticking and it is easier, more cost effective, and more efficient to mediate your water loss as soon as possible.

What will the rogue water do? Here is the usual timeline:

• Within minutes of water entering your East Charlotte, NC, home water contamination begins to spread, furniture finishes become damaged and begin to leach into fabrics.

• Within hours furniture soaking in water will begin to swell and delaminate, causing permanent damage, odors are amplified by the humidity, dyes begin to bleed.

• If water has not been removed in days, fungi will begin to appear, wood floors and structures will begin to warp and be rendered unsalvageable, paint and wallpaper will begin to peel. 

Water can cause damage very quickly, which is why it is so important to begin remediation immediately. If your East Charlotte, NC, home has experienced a water disaster remember, SERVPRO of East Charlotte is, Here to help. Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – (704) 529-9963

Nightmare to end your vacation

6/30/2021 (Permalink)

Collapsed ceiling from water damage

Vacations are meant to be fun, carefree, mind clearing experiences but for one family their vacation was cut short when a water line on the second floor busted.

Response Time

A neighbor spotted water flowing out of the upstairs windows and the front door when they went to check on the house for them. After the neighbor called the homeowners we got a call minutes later and arrived on scene within the hour.

Action

When we arrived on scene we walked through the house with the neighbor and video called the homeowner to show them the damage that had been done. After seeing the damage the homeowner wanted us to get to work, we emailed the paperwork and got started.

Process

After demo of almost the entire house we got to work drying and mitigating. The house looked like Dexter's labratory when we were down.

Completed

After drying and mitigation was done the rebuild process began to get the homeowners back on their feet. After the job was done correctly and efficiently the homeowner thanked us for our work and got back on their feet.

Thermal Imaging

12/28/2020 (Permalink)

Thermal imaging in a congested garage reporting saturated areas.

As a industry leader SERVPRO of Northeast Mecklenburg County has a lot of specialized equipment, training, and tricks up our sleeve to be able to help you in any sized disaster. One of the biggest tools we use for water damage is a FLIR Thermal Imaging Camera. This thermal imaging shows a differentiation in heat and will easily be able to point out to use any hidden water damage you may not be able to see to the naked eye. When you want to find exactly where the water ran and ensure the home is being inspected thoroughly, especially high reach areas, Thermal Imaging is utilized. Combine that tool, with SERVPRO System knowledge and we will help you take control back and provide the right foundation to repair your home, office, or commercial space

Are your ducts as clean as you think?

12/21/2020 (Permalink)

Sweeping Away Years of Dust and Dirt - Helping Reduce Potential for Damage and Health Risk

Since the ventilation system is often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality, inspecting the ductwork should be a high priority. In most cases, the HVAC system has been operating for some time without much attention. Dirty ducts can circulate odors, contaminants such as mold and irritating dust throughout your building or home. A routine part of SERVPRO of Northeast Mecklenburg County professional's service is inspecting the heating, ventilation and air conditioning until (HVAC). Keeping the HVAC system and ductwork clean can potentially extend the life span of the equipment by allowing it to operate at peak condition, which may save you money. 

Duct Cleaning May Not Always Be Necessary 

Our professionals will inspect your HVAC system and ductwork and make recommendations about the best way to address any indoor air quality concerns. This inspection can save you money and provide peace of mind on the health of your HVAC system and ductwork. In some circumstances, such as after fire, smoke or suspected mold growth, duct cleaning becomes an essential part of the clean up process. In these cases our professionals can often restore the HVAC system and ductwork to pre-damage condition.

The original call was for periodic odor.  Upon further review and inspection of the crawl space the source was discovered.  When the floor vent duct is being used as a private toy storage box, the onset of problems is predictable.  We cleaned the duct system and fixed the ductwork, we even cleaned a few toys in the process. 

It Is Never A Bad Idea To Double Check Your System

Schedule a duct cleaning with us in preparation of the holiday season and making sure your home is SERVPRO clean!

Essential Business

6/17/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Northeast Mecklenburg County is ready to face any sized disaster that you may face. We are a 24 hour emergency service company that is always ready to give a helping hand. 

During these uncertain times SERVPRO of Northeast Mecklenburg County has stayed open and operational during these trying times and have been working diligently to keep providing our wonderful community a clean and safe environment.

COVID 19 

SERVPRO of Northeast Mecklenburg County works strictly with the CDC guidelines to make sure we properly clean and disinfect your home or office correctly.

Why SERVPRO

Our franchise and the company as a whole will treat your family or business like its our own, you will get the top notch customer service and work completed in a timely manner and done correctly. We are here for you 24/7 and will always be there to make any sized disaster "Like it never even happened."   

We Are Here For You

6/16/2020 (Permalink)

During these uncertain times if your home or business has been damaged to vandalism SERVPRO of Northeast Mecklenburg is here to help!

Service Response Guidelines

- Within one hour from notice of loss, one of our SERVPRO professionals will contact you to arrange service.

- Within four hours of loss notification, one of our SERVPRO professionals will be on site.

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

Vandalism Damage Do's and Don'ts

Do

• Hose or wash egg or other residue damage from building exterior as soon as possible
• Carefully vacuum glass particles from carpets and upholstery 
• Save containers revealing the ingredients of products used in vandalism damage.
• Record all damage and photograph when possible.

Don't

• Attempt to remove ink, paint, or cosmetic stains.
• Operate damage lamps or appliances.
• Discard broken or damaged pieces from porcelain, furniture or other contents that may be used for repair. 

Post Construction Cleanup

5/14/2020 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Northeast Mecklenburg County we help ensure your finished projects always look their best! 

Post Construction Cleaning

Once the floors are down and the drywall is up, its time to remove the debris and the dirt in order to lay the carpet, paint, decorate. Here at SERVPRO of Northeast Mecklenburg we can provide the debris removal services to prepare the building for interior design.

Dehumidification and Drying

During the construction phase, a building can trap moisture. Excessive moisture could result in mold growth. If you think one of your projects may have a moisture you can rely on our professionally trained team to provide the help you need eliminating moisture and preventing the potential for mold growth.

Final Cleaning

You want the facility to look its best when the doors open. SERVPRO of Northeast Mecklenburg canprovide cleaning services to give the building that extra shine.

Services include:

• Carpet, resilient and non-resilient floor prep and finish
• Ceiling, walls and fixture cleaning
• Deodorization
• Debris removal (if necessary)
• Window Cleaning  

Managing Mold

5/14/2020 (Permalink)

When there is a water intrusion, like a roof leak or leaking water line, mold can quickly become a problem in your home or business. Mold can cause health effects and can also cause significant damage to your property. Fortunately SERVPRO of Northeast Mecklenburg County professionals have the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle your mold problem. 

Call the Green Team

The mold cleanup and restoration process begins when you call us. A representative will ask a series of questions to help determine the necessary equipment, resources, and personnel needed. 

Inspection and Damage Assessment 

Your property will be carefully inspected for signs of mold using technology designed to detect mold and hidden water sources. Mold feeds on cellulose and water and can be hidden from plain view. 

Mold Containment 

Various containment procedures will be placed to prevent the spread of mold and isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during the cleanup process.

Air Filtration

Specialized filtration equipment captures microscopic mold spores out of the air. Our technicians utilize powerful air scrubbers and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in process. 

Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials

The mold remediation process depends on the amount of mold growth and the types of surfaces on which the mold appears. Antifungal and antimicrobial treatments will be used to eliminate mold colonies and help prevent new colonies from forming. Removing and disposing of the mold-infected porous materials, like drywall and flooring, may be necessary to remediate heavy mold growth.

Cleaning Contents and Belongings 

Our professionally trained team will clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, and other restorable items affected by mold. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to clean and sanitize your belongings. We are also trained to remove odors and deodorize using fogging equipment. 

Restoration 

Depending on the level of mold damage, drywall, subfloors, and other building materials may be removed. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.  

Putting out your fire until help arrives

5/7/2020 (Permalink)

If your Charlotte home is impacted by a fire, smoke, or soot here are some tips and do's and don'ts until help arrives...

The first 48 hours after a fire damage can make the difference between restoring versus replacing your property and personal belongings.

What you can do until help arrives

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from spreading and additional damage form occurring.
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs and high traffic areas and upholstery.
• Coat chrome faucets, trim and appliances with petroleum jelly or oil.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpet.
• Do not wash any walls or painted surfaces.
• Do not shampoo carpet or upholstery. 
• Do not clean any electrical equipment.
• Do not send clothing to a dry cleaner since improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

 DO:

• Keep hands clean. Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls, and woodwork.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator completely and prop doors open to help prevent odor.
• If heat is off during winter, pour RV antifreeze in sinks, toilet bowls, holding tanks and tubs to avoid freezing pipes and fixtures.
• Wash both sides of leaves on house plants.
• Change HVAC filter, but leave system off until a trained professional can check the system.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers to stop particles of soot from getting in or out of the HVAC system.

DON'T:

• Consume any food or beverages that may have been stored close to fire, heat or water. (They may be contaminated.)
• Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. Wiring may be wet or damaged and cause electrical shock, and air movement may create secondary damage. 

Clean Homes Sell Faster

5/7/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has been the industries leader when it comes to cleaning. At SERVPRO of Northeast Mecklenburg County we take pride in every cleaning job! 

Get it clean - Get is sold

Duct and HVAC cleanings are not usually the first thing to come to someones mind when selling a house, if not properly cleaned dirty ducts can circulate odors and contaminants like mold or dust throughout the house.

Our highly trained technicians are prepared to get your ducts in tip top shape and getting your house or rental property smelling good as new. 

Old Paths - New Roads

Carpets take a lot of wear and tear while giving comfort to our feet. If you have to get them to showroom quality we can do that. Our top notch equipment and highly trained technicians are ready and prepared to get your carpet showroom ready with our cleaning services.

Control Moisture - Reduce Mold

Prior to listing a property, the following steps can be taken to reduce the potential for moisture buildup or mold growth. Should a damage event occur, timely response is the key to preventing further damage. Act within the first 24 to 48 hours.

• Correct any water leaks or standing water
• Remove standing water under cooling coils or air handling units
• Properly maintain humidifiers, if used
• Replace wet or visibly moldy insulation materials
• Steam cleaning and other methods involving moisture should not be used on any kind of duct work
• Install a ventilation system

Showroom Quality 

Other services we can other to get your house showroom ready are...

• Upholstery, drapery, and blind cleaning
• Ceiling, wall and hard floor cleaning
• Deodorization 

We Get Our Hands Dirty So You Don't Have To

5/7/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Northeast Mecklenburg County offers Biohazard services some franchises do not. We offer a wide variety of clean up services, some are...

Bloodborne Pathogens

Our Franchise Professionals can properly remove and dispose of bodily fluids, tissue and other potentially pathogenic substances resulting from accidents, trauma, crime or death. Our technicians thoroughly clean, disinfect and deodorize the structure. 

Methamphetamine Labs

Our franchise professionals follow federal and state guidelines to properly clean all surfaces. Many of the chemicals used in the production of illegal drugs such as methamphetamine are volatile and can leave harmful residues throughout a structure. 

Crime Scene Residues

From fingerprint powder and evidence-gathering chemicals to tear gas and pepper spray residues, our highly trained professionals can clean and restore your property and contents.

Sewage Backup

Sewage backups and black water intrusions are more than nasty, smelly deposits - these damages also introduce harmful microorganisms into a structure. Our highly talented team members can remove the sewage, contaminants and moisture, disinfecting as they clean. We help ensure the structure is properly cleaned, disinfected and deodorized.

Arson and Vandalism

We can provide general cleaning and deodorization services for situations resulting from vandalism including graffiti, egg, spoiled foods and human or animal waste. 

Vandalism Damage Do's and Don'ts 

DO:

• Hose or wash egg or other residue damage from building exterior as soon as possible.
• Carefully vacuum glass particles from carpets and upholstery.
• Save containers revealing the ingredients of products used in vandalism damage.
• Record all damage and photograph when possible.

DON'T:

• Attempt to remove ink, paint or cosmetic stains.
• Operate damaged lamps or appliances.
• Discard broken or damaged pieces from porcelain, furniture or other contents that may be used for repair. 

Water Damage Takes No Days Off

5/7/2020 (Permalink)

Our water certified technicians are ready to step into action as soon as water damage hits your home.

There are two water damage sources...

- Clean water

- Contaminated water

Water Damage For Clean Water

DO:

• Shut off the source of water if possible or contact a qualified party to stop the water source.
• Turn off the circuit breakers for wet areas of the building, when access to the power distribution panel is safe from electrical shock.
• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying. 
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Remove to a safe, dry place nay paintings, art objects, computers, documents and other materials that are valuable or sensitive to moisture. 
• Use wooden clothespins to keep furniture skirting off damp floors.
• Hang draperies with coated hangers to avoid contact with wet carpeting or floors.
• Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature. 

DON'T:

• Enter rooms with standing water where electrical shock hazards may exist.
• Enter affected areas if electrical outlets, switches, circuit breakers or electrical equipment are exposed to water. Always avoid electrical shock hazards. 
• Leave books, newspapers, magazines or other colored items on wet carpets or floors to cause staining. 
• Leave oriental rugs or other colored rugs on wet wall-to-wall carpets to cause staining.
• Use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water, possibly causing electrical shock or damage to the vacuum cleaner.
• Use TV's or other appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors, especially not on wet concrete floors. 
• Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet or enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.

Water Damage From Contaminated Water

DO:

• Avoid all contact with sewage and items contaminated by sewage.
• Wash your hands thoroughly after contact with contaminated items. 

DON'T:

• Spread contaminated water by walking unnecessarily on damaged or wet areas.
• Turn on the HVAC system if there is a possibility of spreading contaminated air.
• Use household fans to dry the structure and spread contaminated air.
• Use products for personal hygiene and cleanliness if exposed to the contaminated areas. 

A stray Bullet can tell a story

6/13/2019 (Permalink)

A Stray Bullet could be critical evidence

A stray Bullet can sometimes tell the story of a event. During one of our bio-hazard/crime scene cleanups we stumbled upon a stray bullet. The stray bullet was safeguarded and turned over to the authorities for their investigation. SERVPRO of Northeast Mecklenburg County is proud to offer such a detailed forensic clean up service.       

Commercial Water Damage

5/2/2019 (Permalink)

A water intrusion had flooded this commercial space

Just because you leave your commercial space at 5 does not mean everything is put on hold. Water never sleeps so when a pipe bust, roof leak, or any water intrusion strikes your business you need a team that will be there! At SERVPRO of Northeast Mecklenburg County our team of highly trained water certified technicians will be there to get your business space back to grand opening conditions. With our state of the art, industry leading equipment and training our team will be there in no time to get you back on your feet and ready to reopen. It will be "Like it never even happened." 

Trauma Crime Scene Cleanup

2/10/2019 (Permalink)

Trauma Crime Scene Cleanup

SERVPRO of Northeast Mecklenburg County professionals offer fast, reliable biohazard and crime scene cleanup and restoration services to residential and commercial property owners. Our team are trained to safely and effectively remove biohazardous substances and prepare waste for proper disposal according to OSHA, EPA, and state and local health regulations. Equipped with the necessary safety equipment and cleaning products, SERVPRO of Northeast Mecklenburg County is here to help turn unsafe enviornments into clean, safe homes and offices.

We Can Help With:

• Bloodborne Pathogens
• Methamphetamine labs
• Crime scene residues
• Arson
• Vandalism
• Sewage Backup
• Black water intrusions
• Mold mitigation and remediation     

Due to the graphic nature of this service we have respectfully not depicted job specific pictures.   

Special Conditions Cleanup

11/23/2018 (Permalink)

When you need clean up and patience

When you need to get the home back to being a home with rooms to unwind within, sometimes you need to call SERVPRO for some extra hands and allow us to help.  This Den was full of items, old and new contents, and yes some trash. SERVPRO of Northeast Mecklenburg County was called in to help remove the items, and clean the home. 

Farewell to Smoke and Nicotine

11/23/2018 (Permalink)

Nicotine and Smoke Odor

A home being sold had one room in which the owners smoked.  This was the garage.  The picture shows one step in the removal process.  SERVPRO of Northeast Mecklenburg County was called in to remove the nicotine and smoke staining.  At the end of the cleaning process the garage was odor free, and it looked "Like it never even happened."

Flood Waters can come at anytime.

5/2/2018 (Permalink)

Flash Flooding from severe downpours

A heavy steady downpour can create flash flooding and severe flooding in low lying and ground slope challenged areas.  This picture shows water slowly receding and the high water lines to a garage and finished basement of a condo.  It is the water in the walls, outlets , and other structural components that needs to be addressed in a timely manner to prevent secondary damages and mold growth.  SERVPRO of Northeast Mecklenburg County can help escort Mother Nature and her residue out of your home and provide a safe and clean home to return to.    

Where did all the water go?

11/30/2017 (Permalink)

The water you don't see can be a major problem

Water damages happen, how you address them can prevent mold from having an advantage in your home.  We are here to help, and prevent this type of discovery from being an issue in your home.  It is the water you do not see that we will locate and remove from your home.

Limiting  Mold Growth

"Moisture control is the key to mold control. When water leaks or spills occur indoors-act promptly... A prompt response (within 24-48 hours) and thorough clean-up, drying, and/or removal of water damaged materials will prevent or limit mold growth."*

*Quoted from OSHA - A Brief Guide to Mold in the Workplace, Safety and health Information Bulletin 03-10-10.

The Job

SERVPRO of Northeast Mecklenburg County was called out to a home that had a leaky washing machine, the homeowners paid no attention to the leaks and only laid a towel down when water would be present. After awhile the homeowners smelled a ripe smell from the laundry room, our team came out to fine the baseboards and wall behind the machine was wet and had mold growth. Our highly trained team got the lovely family back to a safe and clean environment in no time! 

How do you know it's clean and safe?

10/31/2017 (Permalink)

BioRemediation

Biohazards come in many varieties. Some are obvious and are the result of crime, and some are a result of a lifestyle you read about or may observe on television. Biohazards can be as small as stained blood on your carpets that just wont come out with typical cleaning to disposing human fluid soaked mattress and even pet fluid things. The spectrum is very open but SERVPRO of Northeast Mecklenburg County is ready to tackle any sized Biohazard you may encounter!

We Will Be There For You

No matter what your biohazard clean up needs are SERVPRO of Northeast Mecklenburg County will respond to you in a timely manner and get you back to previous damage condition as soon as possible.

Too Graphic 

While pictures are taken to depict our on site findings, they are often graphic and not suitable for posting.  Biohazard cleanup is not to be taken lightly and should include post cleaning testing to ensure a safe home, office, or work environment. With the knowledge and equipment to help restore you to a safe condition.