Essential Water

4/1/2022 (Permalink)

Water is essential to sustain life and is a very important part of our everyday life. But, when water intrudes into our homes and businesses, it can be a major problem.

Water inside a closed structure can cause mold, rot and other issues that are damaging to your property if not addressed in a timely manner. If that happens, SERVPRO is here to help!  Our trained technicians and the latest equipment can help find and identify issues within your property that may go unnoticed for days or possibly weeks. Water that has traveled under flooring or behind cabinets can cause extensive damage in a short period of time, leaving you with extensive damage and costs.

So if you are noticing discoloration of flooring or wood materials in your home or start smelling a musty odor, call SERVPRO for a free inspection and analysis to stop further damage.

Equipment Placement

3/18/2022 (Permalink)

In my last blog, I wrote about why we measure and sketch and the computations for how much drying equipment to set.  Now I’d like to spend some time on the two main pieces of drying equipment and how that drying equipment gets placed and positioned.  There is a science to that too!

We primarily use two types of drying equipment; air movers that circulate air and cause the moisture to evaporate into the air, and dehumidifies that then pull that moisture out of the air.

Before I came to work here and learning so much, if I had wanted to dry a wet wall, I would have used a box fan set dead to rights facing the wall and turned it on high.  And I would have been wrong.  What I’ve learned is that doing it this way would actually push the water deeper into the wall rather than helping to release it.

Our air movers allow us to direct the air flow at a 45 degree angle to the wall; placing them around the room at this angle helps create a vortex of air movement (think “tornado”) within the room.  Adding to this, we place the dehumidifier in a position so that the warm air it expels is pulled into the vortex and that warmth amplifies the power of the circulating air created by the air movers.

Now not every water damage is the same but this basic principal of drying holds true.   And know that at SERVPRO, we have the specialized knowledge to meet your drying needs head on (and at a 45 degree angle)! 

Why We Measure & Sketch

3/17/2022 (Permalink)

A lot of our customers have asked why we measure and sketch the affected areas of their home.  It’s not just for the documentation for the insurance company; there is a science to drying. 

A complex mathematical formula is used to determine the amount and type of equipment that needs to be placed in a room in order to achieve optimum drying in the shortest amount of time. 

That formula is based on the length, width, and height of the room, the current temperature and humidity, and the percent of the surface area that is affected.

Our Crew Chiefs all have tablets that have SERVPRO’s  proprietary app which performs these complex mathematical computations for them so they can quickly go about the work of drying your home. 

So rest assured that the amount and type of drying equipment we place in your home has been verified by science!

Why your apartment’s carpet gets wet after it rains

1/26/2022 (Permalink)

If your carpet randomly gets wet after it rains, there is leaking coming from somewhere on your wall. Most leaks will be noticeable since the classic doors, sliding doors, and windows do such a good job of sealing from the outside. Still, pooling water on the first floor can create so much pressure that these seals are broken. There can also be panel damage, shingle damage, foundational damage, and water vapor barrier damage that allows water to seep into the walls and pool at the bottom, soaked up by the carpet. 

Common causes for the 1st floor 

Damaged foundation 

If your apartment is on the ground level, it can contact the saturated dirt or the pool of water underneath. Without proper construction, the foundation can wear and crack from the rapid changes in moisture and temperature. Once the foundation cracks, any excess water can rise, soak through the foundation, and evaporate into the floorboards. Usually, there will be proper waterproofing material like a properly installed water vapor barrier to protect from this occurring. A wet carpet may be a sign of no or improperly installed water vapor barrier or a cracked foundation. 

Pooling water seeping in

If you have heavily saturated ground where the water begins to pull up during rain, the pool can increase the pressure of water that sealants have to counter. This increased pressure makes leaks in a barrier easier to become larger over time and rot out door seals.  

Common causes for other floors  

Structural damage to the wall

Your wall is made of different layers which have different functions that protect your apartment from rain and temperature changes. If any part of the wall that comes into contact with rainwater has structural damage or causes water to catch on it, it can lead to water leaking into the wall and causing further stress to the other layers. The main causes for concern are the side paneling, water vapor barriers, and how they were installed. 

Unsecure paneling 

Certain types of side paneling, installation process, and damage over time can cause the water to leak into the other wall layers and even puncture the vapor barrier. A panel could be missing, cracked, or rotted, which can be easily checked. They can also be designed and installed improperly to where the water drips inwards instead of down, like pouring from certain cups and the water flowing alongside the cup instead of down. Once the water runs on the wrong side of the paneling, it can catch at different areas and also enter at the connection point of separate water vapor barriers. Then enter your wall and pool at the bottom, absorbed by your carpet.  

Vapor barrier damage 

These are usually taped together, and if not taped properly or overlapped properly, the rainwater can catch and drip through the seams. The higher vapor barrier has to be placed as the furthest layer when stacked on top of each other to continue the proper flow up water down instead of in, like shingles. The water can then pool inside of your walls, and if there is any other structural damage, it can flow to the bottom, being absorbed by your carpet. 

Unsealed sliding windows 

A common and more noticeable problem is sliding windows not being shut completely, simply letting water be absorbed throughout your carpet. 

How to fix wet carpets  

Most of these problems should only be fixed by professional contractors who are certified. Since the water damage already occurred and most likely occurred frequently, you will most likely be dealing with water and mold damage that should be thoroughly restored and mitigated to prevent further loss and time. By working with SERVPRO, you can ensure that the mold will be mitigated and your carpet’s water damage can be restored, alongside the proper reconstruction of your apartment. By getting in contact with your renter's insurance, your landlord, and SERVPRO, you can develop a game plan for mold mitigation and repairing the cause of the water damage.

3 different water categories and when they change categories

8/18/2021 (Permalink)

Types of categories of water    

Category 1 - clean, non-contaminated water. This water does not threaten humans and comes directly from the source, and has not yet touched contaminated or toxic material. The sources are often from sinks, showers, and ice makers straight from the city’s water supply. Toilet water or water that has come in contact with toxic material is not in the clean category. 

Category 2 - gray water, used water with no toxic chemicals or bodily fluids. Often called greywater, this water is water after it has left the source and has been used or came in contact with contaminated surfaces, like the floor. This water may cause sickness or ingestion from microorganisms. Greywater usually comes from broken toilets, washing machines, dishwashers, and broken sump pumps. Still, once the toilet has excrement in it, it turns into blackwater.  

Category 3 - black water used with toxic chemicals or organic waste. This water category is contaminated with toxic chemicals or biohazards, like feces. This type of water most often comes from contact between water and sewage. This type of water is unsanitary, as it contains bacteria, pathogens, and biohazards that can cause extreme sickness.  Even standing water can become black water over time.

How to prepare for a Flood

7/27/2021 (Permalink)

Clear debris from blocking drainage  

Debris in the street can block sewage drains from doing their job, causing the roads to flood even quicker. This same thing can happen on your lawn and in your home. If your yard does not have the proper runoff and drainage, it can quickly pool up and lead water to your home. 

Drain blockage can also affect piping in your home. For example, if you have a crack in your sewer line and have standing water above it, there can be a backflow of floodwater coming into the sewer line pipe, overflowing your toilet. To prevent your floodwater from leaking into your sever line, you can test for pipe leaks or call a plumber to figure out if your sewer line may overflow. 

Raise appliances above water level  

It may be worth the time, effort, and money to put your large appliances on higher ground. You can bring up things like washers, dryers, and possibly water heaters by using wooden lifts. Refrigerators, ovens, and other fixed appliances may need different methods of damage protection. 

Your kitchen has appliances that usually cannot be moved without multiple people or professionals. You may need to consider blocking off your kitchen with flood barriers if time permits and if it is feasible. 

Roll up your rugs

Lean your rolled-up rugs against a wall putting the end in a water-resistant barrier. A durable trash bag can be a good option, but debris in the water or friction may cause the bag to puncture. Plastic storage containers mixed with shrink-wrap may be a good option as well. Even if the barrier is punctured or you do not have one, there will be less surface area for the water to come in contact with when you store the rug upright. Having less contact with the water will make it easier for SERVPRO to restore your carpets fully. 

Review your insurance 

Most homeowners pay for homeowners insurance which can often cover things like water damage. However, these policies may not protect against flood damages. You may want to look into protecting your home with flood insurance if you are in a flooding-prone zone, have poor draining, or your house sits low to the ground. You must consider several factors and understand that substantial loss may occur during a flood, so it is important to know your options and be prepared. 

You may also want to review your current homeowner's policy to understand if fires from water damage are also covered. Fires can occur due to electrical damages that occur when flood damage tampers with electrical wiring and electronic appliances. 

Get cash out before ATMs are drained

There may be local power outages, so it may be a good idea to pull out cash reserves before local ATMs servicers pull out the cash to protect it before a storm. It may be best to always have reserves on standby in a waterproof safe, along with copies of you and your family's essential documents. 

Turn electricity off

Turning off your electricity is one of the main safety precautions you can take before, during, and after a flood. You should not come in contact with any standing water that may be exposed to live wiring. You can use a volt tester or digital multimeter to measure the standing water's electrical charge. You can also use rubber boots and other electrical PPE to protect you and your family from electrical charges.  

Making sure your electricity is off, means you will have to have power on standby, like waterproof portable chargers and waterproof flashlights. 

Get flood clothes 

You should not only try to protect your clothing from a flood, but you should also prepare the clothing you would wear during a flood. It would be best if you had rubber rain boots that can help protect you from the possibility of being electrocuted or cut in the water. There will most likely be structural damage, broken glass, loose nails, and disconnected wiring can pose a severe risk.  

Eat your perishable food first 

Your power may go out, or your food may come into contact with floodwater. Do not eat the food if it has touched any of the floodwaters. Your sewage systems may have come in contact with the water contaminating it and making it a category 3 contamination water. By eating perishable food or food with unsealed packaging first, you help prevent wasting it once the power goes out or if the food is contaminated. 

You should also have backup food that is nonperishable stored and ready to go. Along with storing your food, you should include any pet food as well. 

Seal entry points 

Some doorways, brickwork, or windows may have cracks that will allow water to seep in. You may be able to reduce the rate the water enters by going through and checking if these seals are waterproof. While you want most exits waterproof, you also want to make sure you have a doorway to escape out of in case of an emergency. 

Locate the safest structure beforehand 

Do not walk in large bodies of water; the currents are dangerous. Locate higher ground and have a planned route that does not require you to go through large bodies of water. These high waters can produce a current that can knock you down and increase the risk of drowning. This risk is amplified when you also have to transport loved ones, pets, and supplies. 

Cleanup after flood  

If the flood results in damages by getting into the house, appliances, flooring, and walls, it is time to consider professional help to clean and restore any damages. This way, you know you are getting the job done right and in the quickest time possible. If you already reviewed your insurance and made sure your policy covered your flood damages, SERVPRO will work with your insurance to make the process as seamless as possible. 

How long does it take to dry out water damage and how to speed it up

7/15/2021 (Permalink)

A small puddle on a water-resistant surface can take as little as an hour to evaporate. With larger amounts of water and porous material, the water can last for days causing mold and water damage. As the puddle’s volume and surrounding humidity increase, the water’s evaporation rate tends to decrease. Evaporation rates also increase as temperature and wind speed increase. Considering these factors, each water puddle or flooded area takes a different amount of time to dry out. 

Main factors that affect the amount of time water evaporates 

• Humidity
• Temperature 
• Wind speed 
• The surface area of water compared to the volume 
• Type of floor 

These factors all affect the amount of time water evaporates differently. As humidity surrounding the water and the water’s surface area increases, the amount of time it takes also increases. On the other hand, as temperature and wind speed increase, the amount of time it takes for the water to evaporate decreases. 

How to speed up water evaporation 

• Decrease the surrounding humidity levels
• Increase the wind speed with air movers 
• Ask professionals
• Heat up the water 
• Use a dehumidifier 

As mentioned above, humidity, wind speed, and temperature affect the evaporation rate and can be controllable. You can control these by making sure to separate humid environments from coming in contact with the section of the room in the drying process. Closing doors and windows can simply do this environmental separation, or you or we may need to introduce a vapor barrier. SERVPRO can provide separation equipment. 

The next method is by moving the water, evaporation, or humidity. Moving the water can be done by waterproof suctioning equipment or air moving fans. By moving the bulk of the water to a new spot, you can bypass a lot of the drying process and possibly save your home from even worse water damage. The air-moving fans can push the humidity out of the area to bring in new air. Air that is lower in moisture levels can absorb more moisture once the environment is heated. 

To further speed up the process, dehumidifiers can be used by a SERVPRO technician to systematically heat the room and pull moisture out in the quickest time possible. Heating the rooms allows the water molecules to have enough energy to vibrate to break the hydrogen bonds with the surrounding water molecules and escape into the atmosphere. If the atmosphere is too humid already, there is not enough osmotic force for the molecules to rise into the atmosphere. This relationship is why the dehumidifier brings in the moisture by sucking in air and cooling it down to condense the water into liquid. Like a refrigerator, to cool the inside, the dehumidifier has to heat the outside, causing even more evaporation.

Commonly damaged items from floods and ways to help prevent it

7/7/2021 (Permalink)

Home flooding can find a way to damage almost anything in the house. The most commonly damaged items are flooring, appliances, electrical wiring, furniture, insulation, and drywall. 

Flooring: carpet, LVP, hardwood  

There are varying types of flooring damage that can occur. The type of damage depends on the type of flooring in your home, its saturation, and the duration of saturation. More porous flooring has a higher chance of worse water damage due to the amount of moisture it can trap, increasing the drying time needed. Carpet is a highly porous material and can hold on to bacteria and odors that can be harmful and unpleasant. A carpet's damage is based on the amount of time the carpet is saturated and the category of water it is saturated by. Carpet saturated by clean water that hasn't sat for more than 24 hours does not need to be replaced. If the water becomes grey or contaminated, the carpet and padding will usually have to be replaced.  

LVP (luxury vinyl plank) is usually waterproof on the top layer and can be waterproof if sealed correctly, but the adhesive and sealant keeping it down and together normally are not. If water seeps through the bottom, the LVP will most likely need to be pulled up to dry the moisture underneath to prevent mold growth. Some of the LVP in itself may not be salvageable if it's flimsy, cracked, warped, discolored, or has layer separation. Most of these damages depend on how the LVP was manufactured and installed.

Hardwood can easily be warped, cracked, and house mold growth if left saturated after a flood for too long or even dried the wrong way. Wood grows to soak up water faster than it releases it. Wood also expands as the moisture increases. These properties ensure that hardwood will soak up and retain moisture with fluctuations in structure no matter the finish. These fluctuations in structure will often cause warping as the planks interact with each other. Not following the right steps in the right timeframe will result in worse or unfixable damage to the hardwood. 

Electrical Appliances 

Major appliances like stoves, refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers are not rated for submersion. Sometimes there are small damaged parts that professionals can replace, and other times there are central parts that would warrant a full appliance replacement. These appliances must be professionally inspected to find out. 

Electrical wiring

Outlets and wiring will have to be replaced if they were submerged in a flood. In some cases, the wiring in the whole house will have to be replaced. If your wiring was done using copper, only the submerged wiring would have to be replaced after a flood. Most homes use copper for wiring, and other homes are rarely wired with water-resistant wiring. 

Furniture 

Most furniture that is submerged will be affected by flooding in varying amounts. Our skilled technicians can clean and restore most damaged furniture. Still, some furniture must be replaced, especially porous furniture that came into contact with contaminated water. 

Insulation

Insulation that is saturated during a flood must be replaced because of how long it takes to dry. Luckily, only the bottom area of the insulation has to be replaced. The bottom of the insulation that was submerged will have to be cut from the insulation above and replaced. 

Drywall

Wet drywall has to be replaced if submerged, but the non-affected areas can be kept. Once the drywall is saturated, it becomes soft and easily breakable and will grow mold. 

How to help prevent flood damage

Divert water runoff: further sealing up or diverting any areas where the water is seeping through will help reduce the damages and make cleanup easier and quicker. Next, it is important to get the water out of the vulnerable areas. Water pumps are a common option but are often not fast enough or strong enough. Still, any amount of reduction helps. 

Contact SERVPRO immediately, never wait to get help: the quicker professionals are contacted, the better they can do their job. The damage will only increase as you wait, so acting quickly can save you from even more hardships. Acting fast is even more important during widespread disasters caused by high demand, lowering availability for your local professionals.

Dry as soon as possible: while waiting for professionals, it is best to try to divert and dry the best you can to help the process. If there are any doubts or hazards, then leave the mitigation to the professionals.

Reasons why your hardwood is bending and how to fix it

7/7/2021 (Permalink)

Hardwood water damage

The underlying culprit for bending, warping, and buckling hardwood is moisture. Moisture that causes warps in hardwood most commonly comes from:  

• rapid temperature changes
• flash floods 
• open window or door during storms 
• washing machine leaks
• water heater leaks
• Piping or hose leaks
• wet mopping
• unsealed vapor barriers 

You can fix minor warping

If the hardwood still has high moisture levels and is not severely buckled, then you can fix it by laying heavy flat weights on the hardwood while using a fan and dehumidifier to let the moisture dry out in the right position. SERVPRO can provide both a dehumidifier and an air mover. To help speed up the process, you can clean the hardwood from dirt trapping moisture. 

Extreme warping may need replacement  

If the wood has dried in the buckled position, there is not much that you can do to fix the damaged wood without a steamer or professional help. You will most likely have to replace the wood. You can try to do the same steps as before and attempt to restore it by increasing the moisture then drying it out while it is in a flat position with a heavy weight above before needing to replace the wood completely. Try with one board and then move to the rest after seeing the effect. If this does not work, it may be best to contact us to restore the water-damaged areas. There is a high risk of further damaging the flooring with hardwood DIY projects. If you feel unconfident, then make sure to get professional help from your area and don’t risk further damage and wasting time. SERVPRO has certified technicians that will give you professional advice to help you the entire step of the way, drying, cleaning, and restoring the area back to new without you having to worry about a step in the process. 

Steps to replacing bending hardwood 

• Measure the planks to be replaced to make sure they are available in a local hardwood store. Look for the SKU or take pictures of the flooring to bring into a local hardwood store. Make sure to double-check the proper fit and style with a sample before cutting. 
• Cut and remove the damaged plank.  Make sure not to cut into the concrete or vapor barrier by setting your saw blade higher than the hardwood's thickness. 
• Take a mallet and chisel to pry the rest of the board out, hammering down and into the plank away from the other boards to prevent damage. It is very easy to damage the other boards, so be careful not to damage the other board's tongue. 
• Vacuum, clean, and dry underneath where the board was for adhesion and levelness. 
• Slide the replacement plank in by getting rid of the two short sides of the tongues or reducing the tongue size depending on how tight the fit is. 
• Once the fit is right, add flooring adhesive since the tongues and nails cannot hold it in place.
• Use a weight to keep the board to the floor for better adhesion and let the adhesive dry for the recommended time. 

How to prevent warping in the future  

Look for warning signs- creaking, soft wood, and slight bowing are some of the most common warning signs. 

Inspect for leaks often- If a leak occurs, call SERVPRO quickly to prevent further damage.

Place drip pans- drip pans can help stop minor leaks. Placing drip pans under water heaters, washing machine hoses, and faucets may not be convenient but can help retain some water and prevent some damages.

Leaky Roof Woes

4/3/2021 (Permalink)

The old adage, “The roof doesn’t leak when it doesn’t rain,” might be true, but that doesn’t mean water damage from rain has gone away.

When the roof leaks, water seeps into the roof structures, ceiling, into walls and eventually can reach supporting structures, even the floor. Even small undetected leaks cause damage over time. The longer leaks go undetected or unrepaired, the greater the damage.

Roof leaks can be catastrophic if a section of the roof suddenly gives way or be slow leaks that start by soaking into surround structures before eventually leaking through the ceiling or soaking into the walls.

• Roof leaks can damage electrical wiring and lead to fire.
• Undetected leaks lead water damage and rotting structures.
• Where the leak appears in the ceiling or wall is not necessarily the same place the roof is leaking. Water travels the path of least resistance and can cause damage between the source of the leak and where the water begins to drip.
• Leaks damage paint, plaster, art hanging on the walls, and drapery.
• A hidden leak that drips into a closet or cabinet can damage the contents in addition to the structures before being detected.
• Leaks into walls can also soak into flooring.
• Mold, the frequent companion of water damage, brings another set of problems that can lead to health issues and expensive repairs.

There are a few things that can be done when a roof leak is discovered:

• Place buckets and other large containers under the ceiling leak to prevent water damage to carpets and floors.
• Stop the leak, this means finding the source of the leak in the roof and covering that area with a tarp as soon as the weather allows safe access to the roof.
• Immediately repairing the roof as soon as weather allows.

Inspecting for leaks and signs of leaks is also advised. The top signs of a leaking roof, aside from the dripping water, include:

• Stains on the ceiling, and interior and exterior walls.
• Mold on the ceiling or walls.
• Moss or mold on exterior walls.
• Missing or loose roof shingles.
• Roof debris in the gutters or flowing out of the drain spouts.

To prevent more damage, make repairs as soon as possible. Call SERVPRO of Dothan to repair water damage or mold damage. The team of highly trained technicians have the experience, expertise, and advanced training that enables them to get your property dried quickly and thoroughly. Call SERVPRO of Dothan 334.699.5961 and let us help!

Water Damage Restoration Experts

3/21/2021 (Permalink)

Any amount of unexpected water can cause a lot of damage, fast. We get calls from customers who have had water damage in their home or office all the time, often we are told the water has only affected a small area. But more often than not, that is not the case it is just the only water damage that is easily visible. Water runs across and down easily, it does not stay put in one area where a water loss has occurred.

We’re ready to deal with your water damage emergency day or night. When water causes damages in your home or office we are ready 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to help you. Not only are we ready to help, but we are also ready to answer your call.

SERVPRO of Dothan specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!

Call SERVPRO of Dothan 334.699.5961 and let us help!

Water Damage and What a Leaking Roof Really Means

3/21/2021 (Permalink)

The old adage, “The roof doesn’t leak when it doesn’t rain,” might be true, but that doesn’t mean water damage from rain has gone away.

When the roof leaks, water seeps into the roof structures, ceiling, into walls and eventually can reach supporting structures, even the floor. Even small undetected leaks cause damage over time. The longer leaks go undetected or unrepaired, the greater the damage.

Roof leaks can be catastrophic if a section of the roof suddenly gives way or be slow leaks that start by soaking into surround structures before eventually leaking through the ceiling or soaking into the walls.

• Roof leaks can damage electrical wiring and lead to fire.
• Undetected leaks lead water damage and rotting structures.
• Where the leak appears in the ceiling or wall is not necessarily the same place the roof is leaking. Water travels the path of least resistance and can cause damage between the source of the leak and where the water begins to drip.
• Leaks damage paint, plaster, art hanging on the walls, and drapery.
• A hidden leak that drips into a closet or cabinet can damage the contents in addition to the structures before being detected.
• Leaks into walls can also soak into flooring.
• Mold, the frequent companion of water damage, brings another set of problems that can lead to health issues and expensive repairs.

There are a few things that can be done when a roof leak is discovered:

• Place buckets and other large containers under the ceiling leak to prevent water damage to carpets and floors.
• Stop the leak, this means finding the source of the leak in the roof and covering that area with a tarp as soon as the weather allows safe access to the roof.
• Immediately repairing the roof as soon as weather allows.

Inspecting for leaks and signs of leaks is also advised. The top signs of a leaking roof, aside from the dripping water, include:

• Stains on the ceiling, and interior and exterior walls.
• Mold on the ceiling or walls.
• Moss or mold on exterior walls.
• Missing or loose roof shingles.
• Roof debris in the gutters or flowing out of the drain spouts.

To prevent more damage, make repairs as soon as possible. Call SERVPRO of Dothan to repair water damage or mold damage. The team of highly trained technicians have the experience, expertise, and advanced training that enables them to get your property dried quickly and thoroughly. Call SERVPRO of Dothan 334.699.5961 and let us help!

Water Damage Can Happen Anytime

1/31/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage can happen anytime without warning to your home or business. Even though you’ve dried the water up most times the damage is still there. Water gets into wood, walls, and carpet that can cause not only structural damage but can cause mold which can cause health effects. Here at SERVPRO, we categorize the type of water damage and act accordingly. Our technicians are trained on how to deal with each situation to eliminate water damage and risk of health effects.

Give us a call at 334.699.5961 and let us make it "Like it never even happened."

Flooded Basement?

1/19/2021 (Permalink)

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your Dothan basement could flood, including: 

• A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
• Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
• Storm sewer backup
• Sanitary sewer backup
• Foundation drainage failure
• Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
• And many more

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of Dothan and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

• We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
• We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
• We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
• Our Technicians are Highly-Trained  in Water Restoration Techniques
• We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
• Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

SERVPRO of DOTHAN is here to help. Give us a call to learn more at 334.699.5961.

Water Damage Safety Tips

12/21/2020 (Permalink)

After any water damage situation, your primary focus should be safety. Electrical and “slip and fall” hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns. Water & electricity do not mix! Wires that come into contact with standing water should be immediately replaced by a professional. 

After any water damage emergency, your primary focus should be safety first:

• Is it safe to stay in the house?
• Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.
• Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
• Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!

Be sure to: 

• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
• Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
• Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
• Gather loose items from floors.

When your home has water damage from flooding or leaks, we have the expertise and equipment to properly restore your property. The water removal and water cleanup process is completed by our highly-trained technicians who will document the drying process. This validates that your property has been dried properly and thoroughly.

If you encounter a water damage emergency in your home or commercial space, call us at 334.599.5961 and SERVPRO of Dothan will make it "Like it never even happened." 

Is your water truly clean?

11/16/2020 (Permalink)

Did you know that the water either coming into your home or from your home due to busted pipes or leaks has what we call a “category”? When it comes to handling mitigation in your home it is better to allow the professionals at SERVPRO of Dothan to deal with the emergency because you have to treat the water correctly to be safe. You never know what is either in your water or what the water has passed through to create contamination.

The information below explains the main types of water damage and could help you identify the problem quickly if it ever happens to you.

Category One: Clear Water

This water is the cleanest, most non-toxic form of water damage. It is potable water, perhaps directly from the tap. It is unlikely to cause you any harm, even if you are exposed for some time. Nevertheless, even clean flooding can lead to electrical and structural faults, so it is safer for you to call in the experts for repairs. Clean water comes from things like a broken water supply line, tub or sinks overflow with no contaminants, appliance malfunctions involving water-supply lines to name a few. However, once clean water leaves the exit point, it might not remain clean after contacting other surfaces or materials. Although it is considered the "safest" of the categories, it can degrade to category 2 or 3 if left untreated.

Category Two: Gray Water 

Gray water damage is a little bit more serious and requires a speedier removal process. This is because it may contain potentially unsafe levels of chemicals, microorganisms, or dirt. Examples of Cat 2 water include, but are not limited to: overflow from dishwashers or washing machines; overflows from toilet bowls with urine; seepage due to hydrostatic pressure and broken aquariums.
If left untreated, it can quickly degrade into category 3.

Category Three: Black Water

Cat 3 water is grossly contaminated and can contain pathogenic, toxigenic or other harmful agents. Cat 3 water can include, but are not limited to: sewage; toilet backflows from beyond the trap; flooding from seawater, rivers or streams, ground surface water, or other contaminated water entering the indoor environment.

We here at SERVPRO of Dothan is skilled in the safe handling of the different categories through training and protective clothing to eliminate the risk of sickness.

On Call 24/7 to Help You! Give us a call at 334.699.5961

Water Do's and Don'ts

11/3/2020 (Permalink)

WATER DAMAGE FROM CLEAN WATER

DO:

• Shut off the source of water if possible or contact a qualified party to stop the water source.
• Turn off 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 any paintings, art projects, computers, documents and other materials that are valuable and sensitive to moisture. 
• Use wooden clothespins to keep furniture skirting off damp floors.
• Hang draperies with coated hangers to avoid contact with wet carpeting on 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.
• Use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water, possibly causing electrical shock or damage to the vacuum cleaner.
• Use TVs 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 contaminants.
• Use products for personal hygiene and cleanliness if exposed to the contaminated areas. 

Best Practices If You Have A Water Damage

8/28/2020 (Permalink)

Faster extraction helps to minimize the damage!

Water damage can cause a tremendous amount of stress and heartache when it happens in your home, short term and long term. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Dothan has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

These tips can help you in the event of a flood in your home.

1. Turn the water off. If a pipe has busted in your home, make sure to turn off the main water line. If you can’t determine where the water is coming from, call an expert in your area.
2. Turn off the power. In the event of a large water loss in your home, cut off the power.
3. Personal Safety is a priority. Don’t plug in or use any electrical appliances around standing water or wet flooring.
4. Take action to remove water. Use a mop or towels to get up as much water as you can quickly, to help minimize water damage to your home and contents.
5. Salvage personal contents. Remove furniture and belongings to a dry area.

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more. 

SERVPRO of Dothan arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 at  334-699-5961

Water damage in your home or business

11/6/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage can be deceptive. Water penetrates into structural cavities creating trapped pockets of saturation. The detection of water in these areas can often only be discovered with sophisticated moisture detection meters. Undetected moisture will continue to cause damage. This damage, at a minimum, will cause odors. Greater damage will surface when materials delaminate, shrink, split and further deteriorate to where costly repairs are required.

More than just removing excess water, IICRC-certified restorers have the knowledge and equipment to further dry a home or facility (including substructure materials) completely back to preloss conditions. Through timely response and the careful monitoring of water damage, mold and other health issues can be prevented. If water damage has been present too long, mold will occur.

All IICRC-certified professionals have the training and experience to identify moisture sources, evaluate mold growth (visible or suspected), contain damage, remove contamination and dry materials to ensure that mold will not return.

Dothan Water Damage Event

11/6/2019 (Permalink)

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. Dothan provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.  SERVPRO of Dothan arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

About SERVPRO of Dothan

SERVPRO of Dothan specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Dothan Residents: We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration!

11/6/2019 (Permalink)

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your Dothan basement could flood, including: 

• A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
• Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
• Storm sewer backup
• Sanitary sewer backup
• Foundation drainage failure
• Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
• And many more

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today -

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of Dothan and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

• We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
• We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
• We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
• Our Technicians are Highly-Trained  in Water Restoration Techniques
• We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
• Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help

Water- Do's & Don'ts

6/27/2019 (Permalink)

WATER DAMAGE FROM CLEAN WATER

DO:

• Shut off the source of water if possible or contact a qualified party to stop the water source.
• Turn off 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 any paintings, art projects, computers, documents and other materials that are valuable and sensitive to moisture. 
• Use wooden clothespins to keep furniture skirting off damp floors.
• Hang draperies with coated hangers to avoid contact with wet carpeting on 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.
• Use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water, possibly causing electrical shock or damage to the vacuum cleaner.
• Use TVs 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 contaminants.
• Use products for personal hygiene and cleanliness if exposed to the contaminated areas. 

Best Practices In The Event of Water Damage

3/7/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage can cause a tremendous amount of stress and heartache when it happens in your home, short term and long term. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Dothan has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

These tips can help you in the event of a flood in your home.

1. Turn the water off. If a pipe has busted in your home, make sure to turn off the main water line. If you can’t determine where the water is coming from, call an expert in your area.
2. Turn off the power. In the event of a large water loss in your home, cut off the power.
3. Personal Safety is a priority. Don’t plug in or use any electrical appliances around standing water or wet flooring.
4. Take action to remove water. Use a mop or towels to get up as much water as you can quickly, to help minimize water damage to your home and contents.
5. Salvage personal contents. Remove furniture and belongings to a dry area.

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more. 

SERVPRO of Dothan arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 at  334-699-5961

24 Hour Water Damage Service

3/6/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Dothan is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today -

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Dothan has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of Dothan

SERVPRO of Dothan specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Water damage in your home or business

10/4/2018 (Permalink)

Water damage can be deceptive. Water penetrates into structural cavities creating trapped pockets of saturation. The detection of water in these areas can often only be discovered with sophisticated moisture detection meters. Undetected moisture will continue to cause damage. This damage, at a minimum, will cause odors. Greater damage will surface when materials delaminate, shrink, split and further deteriorate to where costly repairs are required.

More than just removing excess water, IICRC-certified restorers have the knowledge and equipment to further dry a home or facility (including substructure materials) completely back to preloss conditions. Through timely response and the careful monitoring of water damage, mold and other health issues can be prevented. If water damage has been present too long, mold will occur.

All IICRC-certified professionals have the training and experience to identify moisture sources, evaluate mold growth (visible or suspected), contain damage, remove contamination and dry materials to ensure that mold will not return.

Dothan Water Damage Event

2/16/2018 (Permalink)

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. Dothan provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.  SERVPRO of Dothan arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

About SERVPRO of Dothan

SERVPRO of Dothan specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Dothan Residents: We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration!

2/16/2018 (Permalink)

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your Dothan basement could flood, including: 

• A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
• Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
• Storm sewer backup
• Sanitary sewer backup
• Foundation drainage failure
• Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
• And many more

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today -

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of Dothan and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

• We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
• We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
• We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
• Our Technicians are Highly-Trained  in Water Restoration Techniques
• We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
• Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help

What IF you have a water damage?

2/13/2018 (Permalink)

WHAT TO DO UNTIL HELP ARRIVES:
-Shut off the water source if possible.
-Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
-Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying.
-Place aluminum foil or wood blocks under furniture legs.
-Hang furs and leather goods separately at room temperature.
-Remove Oriental or other colored rugs from wet carpeting.
-Do not use a regular vacuum to remove water.
-Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of areas where ceilings are sagging from retained water.
-Do not leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpeting.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM SERVPRO:
-Your First Responder is being dispatched to contact you and come to your location to assess the damage and begin mitigation services.

-Once mitigation services have begun, your First Responder will determine a Drying Plan to expedite drying and get you back to your normal routine of life.

-We expect under normal circumstances for drying to take place between 3 to 5 days. Your First Responder will advise you if it appears that drying time may exceed this goal.

-After initial services have been performed, a Daily Site Visit will be necessary to ensure we are meeting or exceeding the Drying Plan and all equipment is functioning to it’s highest capacity.

-Upon completion of the Drying Plan, your Water Damage Manager will meet with you on site to ensure you are satisfied with all services performed.

Water damage in your home

6/1/2016 (Permalink)

Water damage can be deceptive. Water penetrates into structural cavities creating trapped pockets of saturation. The detection of water in these areas can often only be discovered with sophisticated moisture detection meters. Undetected moisture will continue to cause damage. This damage, at a minimum, will cause odors. Greater damage will surface when materials delaminate, shrink, split and further deteriorate to where costly repairs are required.

More than just removing excess water, IICRC-certified restorers have the knowledge and equipment to further dry a home or facility (including substructure materials) completely back to pre-loss conditions. Through timely response and the careful monitoring of water damage, mold and other health issues can be prevented. If water damage has been present too long, mold will occur.

All IICRC-certified professionals have the training and experience to identify moisture sources, evaluate mold growth (visible or suspected), contain damage, remove contamination and dry materials to ensure that mold will not return.

http://www.iicrc.org/consumers/care/water-damage/

SERVPRO of Dothan helps out a local school with a substantial water loss

12/15/2015 (Permalink)

Water damage

SERVPRO of Dothan was on the scene quickly when one of our local schools called and said that they had substantial water damage as a result of a storm that came through the area. SERVPRO responded quickly and began the cleanup process.