5/9/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO provides many of the services you may need after a storm blows through your area. We provide emergency roof tarping and board-up services to help prevent additional damage from the elements and provide security to your property.
12/13/2020 (Permalink)
Protecting Your Home This Winter Season
A winter storm can produce beautiful scenery in its wake, and it can be easy to overlook the level of damage that is sustained when overwhelmed by the snow globe-like appeal. However, as a homeowner, it is essential to remedy any potential threats before they cause significant structural damage.
1. Avoid an Indoor Blizzard
A blizzard belongs outside of your home, but with the combination of strong winds and ice, it is possible that the storm may end up overwhelming your property inside and out. Blizzards have a reputation for blowing open doors or even sending ice chunks through windows, and when no one is around this can lead to interior water damage. Invest in durable storm doors and windows to help prevent this type of loss.
2. Prevent Potential Roof Collapse
Living in Northern Virginia it is not uncommon for a winter storm to unload significant amounts of snow, and while that may not be an issue for people with a steep roofline or metal shingles, others may experience significant roof damage and possibly even collapse. Thankfully there are tools and other solutions to prevent snow buildup on your roof.
3. Ensure You’re Using Snow Removal Equipment Properly
While winter can cause several problems for your home, damaging your property in the process of removing snow is not unheard of. Snow blowers are powerful machines, and when chutes are not correctly controlled that machine can send ice hurling through the air and your beautiful bay window.
4. Have Assistance on Speed Dial
While there are many ways to prevent storm damage in the winter, no method is foolproof. It can be a good idea to have the contact information of emergency restoration services in your area. Additionally, it may be worthwhile to customize an emergency response plan as a precautionary measure.
A winter storm is easy to overlook as a threat because inside you are removed from the immediate danger, but that snow and those winds can be detrimental to the structure of your home. Therefore, to avoid damage, invest in precautionary tools and solutions and always have a backup plan.
12/11/2020 (Permalink)
Water Classification
As an insurance agent in the Northern Virginia area, it is your job to move the claims process forward. However, it is also necessary that claims are accurate assessments of the damage sustained to a property. Pretesting water damage can help you deliver an accurate insurance claim.
1. Water Categorization
Water categorization refers to the type of water and its level of contamination. There are three categories.
2. Category Classification
Pretesting will also provide a classification to the damage. Each category and level require different restoration and mitigation practices which effects price. There are four classifications.
Pretesting provides an overview of the damage inflicted on a property. The higher the category and classification level the more extensive the repair. Therefore, testing the water before a restoration provides an accurate picture and price point for the claim being made.
12/9/2020 (Permalink)
Relying On SERVPRO
In the event of a major storm, fire or flood in Northern Virginia, commercial property owners may obtain a faster and more professional response from a local franchise location of a national restoration company. Here are three reasons to choose SERVPRO to handle catastrophic loss.
1. Many Franchise Locations
SERVPRO has more than 1,700 franchise locations. This means that the closest professionals can arrive on site in four hours or less, which may be faster than other regional mitigation and restoration services. In the event of widespread damage such as flooding or storm damage, additional experts and equipment may report from nearby locations.
2. National Corporate Support
The backing of one of the nation's leading mitigation and restoration companies enables local franchises to be better trained and equipped than most independent companies. Insurance jobs are only offered to locations that satisfy all of the requirements of a 21-point Participation Agreement. This oversight and company-wide services such as the Claims Information Center elevate the standard of service and make SERVPRO the right choice in the event of catastrophic loss.
3. Industry-Leading Standards
This national corporation is also a certified training school for the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration. Each franchise must employ at least one technician who specializes in a particular area such as storm damage to maintain certification. The IICRC requires technicians to obtain continuing education credits to ensure that professionals keep up with current best practices in the mitigation and restoration field. This means that the work performed by these employees should be up to the highest standards in the industry.
12/8/2020 (Permalink)
SERVPRO has extensive training to handle any type or size of mold remediation in your home
One thing to remember about mold growth is that it will not stop until the conditions allowing it to flourish in a home get eradicated. Only then will remediation efforts work to halt any further mold colony spread or growth. It is vital not to rely on DIY methods and engage a professional company. Signs that you may have a mold issue in your bathroom include:
Can Tile With Mold Damage Get Reused After Cleaning?
When SERVPRO techs handle mold damage remediation in your properties, their goal is to save as much of the structure as possible. Porous items such as sheetrock and fabrics may require disposal if there is no way to return them to a sanitary standard for reuse. However, if the fabrics and clothing can be washed and disinfected in an Esporta washing system, these can be restored.
Not only do the technicians remove the items that got ruined by the mold infestation, but they also scope the property to discover the reason for it. Frequently seen reasons for this type of issue in a bathroom are unseen leaks behind a wall or poor exhaust ventilation trapping the moist air from showers or baths in the bathroom. In the case of common walls in apartments and condos, the water source should be inspected and fixed.
SERVPRO is certified to handle mold damage remediation by IICRC and can determine the reason for the infestation and necessary repairs to help prevent recurrences.
12/4/2020 (Permalink)
Why SERVPRO Is Uniquely Qualified to Respond to Water Damage
The residential housing in Northern Virginia typically has a long history, with many renovations over the years. When a water crisis occurs in your home, the original structures plus any remodeling or rehabbing that happened can create barriers to hinder water removal and rapid structural drying. We have many talented and multi-certified and experienced employees who have “seen it all,” yet are up for the next challenge. That is why we are confident when we take on your unique project.
Layers of Building Materials Lengthen Drying Times
When water damage in your home is complicated by multiple layers of sheetrock, expect extended drying times and increased potential for secondary damage like mold growth. The drying time for a single layer of saturated drywall typically is five to seven days. Adding layers in place because of DIY or professional remodeling you or previous owners completed requires adjusted drying times, often more than twice as long. Our team is skilled in the use of penetrating moisture meters with non-stick probes to establish the presence of moisture and to monitor progress. We can head off issues that might be brewing deep inside your walls.
Controlled Demolition
Floors, ceilings, and built-in cabinetry can funnel water damage into remote spaces and cavities within your home. When we follow the migration of water, the following question arises: can we employ controlled demolition techniques to gain access to caches of water and damp areas challenging to extract and dry? The training and mentoring by more experienced experts our employees receive is another reason why SERVPRO can respond to unusual water damage circumstances with creativity. Opening up moisture-filled spaces with holes and strategically placed cuts allows our extraction equipment to reach the water. Our air movers, heaters, and dehumidifiers are also able to utilize planned demolition to introduce psychrometry - or the science of drying - to mitigate and remediate water damage far from the original loss.
Build Back Support
Our residential contractor license permits us to offer our customers rebuilding services after controlled demolition. This wrap-around approach is why SERVPRO ensures your water-damaged home eventually returns to preloss condition, “Like it never even happened.”
12/3/2020 (Permalink)
Give the Experts at SERVPRO a Call When You Need Restoration of Your Northern Virginia Business
If anything is more frustrating than the disruption of a water loss on your business property, it surely is when you also have tenants whose operations are affected. Northern Virginia commercial buildings can be full of many shops, cafes, offices, and production sites, so water damage affects dozens to hundreds in our neighborhoods. Add in disappointed customers, and the effect spreads.
Can a Restoration Company Help with Containment, So That “Business as Usual” Can Proceed?
Customers can be fickle, so it is crucial to maintain a presence when your Northern Virginia business needs water damage restoration. You cannot afford to have the customer base you and your tenants built go elsewhere as your damaged building recovers. To ensure that you and your commercial tenants can still honor customer requests, partnering with a restoration company helps immensely. Erecting containment and barriers while building contained workspaces for water damage restoration can carve out safe, welcoming areas that permit your and your tenants’ businesses to continue operation.
Once Was Enough -- Is There a Way to Avoid The Chaos of Water Damage Restoration in the Future?
Think about partnering proactively with SERVPRO by collaborating on an Emergency READY Profile (ERP). We encourage our commercial clients to consider our ERP to prepare for water damage or another disaster much the same way you prepare for other business crises. To access the benefits of an ERP, do the following:
3/17/2020 (Permalink)
Title: We are Cleaning Experts
Category: Why SERVPRO
Body:
SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need
During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.
Specialized Training
We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.
The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:
Kitchen/Food Areas
Bathrooms
Schools/Classrooms
Offices
Retail Spaces
Water Fountains
Shelving/Racks
Sales Counters
Carpets and Rugs
Stair Handrails
Elevator Cars
Playground Equipment
Fitness Equipment
Specialized Products
The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.
Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning
If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – [SERVPRO of South Arlington, 703-229-0260]
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-business-response.html
12/13/2019 (Permalink)
Weather Stripping
The Department of Energy (DOE) says weather stripping the windows on your home is an easy and effective way to help save money on your energy bill. In the spring and summer, weather stripping works by keeping the cool air inside and the warm air out. In the summer, if the cool air is contained inside, then the AC will not have to work as hard, and that may help you save money on your energy bill.
Indoor Maintenance
Test and clean ceiling fans. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, an efficient ceiling fan in each room can help allow you to raise the thermostat setting about 4 degrees Fahrenheit without reducing your comfort level. Ceiling fans can be a good way to air out the house and generate a cross-breeze.
Replace your AC filter. The National Center for Healthy Housing recommends that you replace the filters in the air conditioner in the spring. A new filter will likely optimize the efficiency of the unit.
Replace torn or damage window screens. If you don’t have an air conditioner, or if you simply like to keep the windows open in the spring and summer, it’s a good idea to make sure your screens are in good shape — you don’t want to let flies in with all that fresh air!
Exterior Upkeep
The National Center for Healthy Housing suggests that in the springtime, you may want to consider these outdoor maintenance projects:
Check your roof shingles. This should be done by a professional, as working on the roof can be dangerous without the proper training. You should ask the professional to make sure the shingles are not curling or clawing.
Replace rotten siding or trim. Make sure your home’s siding and trim aren’t damaged from windy, icy conditions.
Clean gutters and downspouts. Get rid of any leaves or other debris that accumulated during the winter to make sure your gutters and downspouts are ready to take on those April showers.
12/13/2019 (Permalink)
What To Expect When We Arrive
1) On-site personnel is not permitted to give estimates or opinions on pricing and total cost as emergency services often include unforeseen costs.
2) Length of Process:
3) PLEASE BE SURE TO CONTACT YOUR INSURANCE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, if you haven’t already.
What To Expect During Remediation
1) Regular business hours are between 9AM and 4PM, Monday - Friday. All other times incur “After Hours” fees at a rate of up to 40%.
2) Appointment reminders are sent to you via text the day before work is to be performed. Customer MUST confirm via text message, failure to respond WILL result in the job being cancelled.
3) Customers who have missed an appointment or cancelled same-day WILL be charged $200.
4) Equipment is required to run 24 hours every day of the project. Drying equipment is loud and heats the area it is placed in. Please DO NOT turn off equipment as this will result in unsuccessful drying and will cause the customer to accrue additional charges.
Situations To Be Prepared For
1) If removal of structural materials is required:
2) Contents may be deemed unsalvageable based on:
3) Please take time to inventory and bring to the site manager’s attention any family heirlooms, jewelry, antiques, and items of emotional value.
4) Containment may be required on site to assist with drying or to prevent secondary damage to unaffected areas. While containment is in place, please limit your use of these areas for the duration of the project. Containment is set up for your health and safety.
5) Please be aware that since this is an EMERGENCY SITUATION there may be unforeseen circumstances, time-frame extensions, structural conditions.
6) We WILL mitigate and remediate to the best of our ability in a timely fashion, following industry Standards, and providing you with a quality result.
What To Expect At Job Completion
1) Invoices will be sent to the customer’s email that they provided.
2) Invoices will also be sent to the insurance adjuster (if applicable).
3) Payment is required 15 days from date of received invoice.
12/13/2019 (Permalink)
Mold is a family of organisms that are found throughout nature. Unlike plants, mold needs food and water sources in order to thrive. This food source is often in the form of a carbohydrate material, such as wood or cellulose.
Mold grows in units called mycelium and reproduce through the formation of spores. Spores frequently become airborne, and like pollen can cause allergic disease.
What Types of Diseases Can Mold Cause?
Mold has well-known associations with human disease. People can develop fungal infections of various types, especially those with poorly functioning immune systems. Fungi are also known to produce toxins, which have been blamed for causing various diseases.
Molds can also cause severe immune reactions as a result of colonizing (living in, but not causing an actual infection) the lungs (hypersensitivity pneumonitis) and the sinuses. Molds are also well known to cause various allergic diseases, such as allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma.
Which Molds are Known to Cause Allergies?
There are thousands of types of mold, however, only a few of these are currently available for allergy testing. The following are the most likely causes of allergic disease based on the types of mold spores collected in the air:
bronchopulmonary aspergillosis.
What Times of the Year Does Mold Allergy Occur?
In colder climates, molds can be found in the outdoor air starting in the late winter and peaking in the late summer to early fall months (July to October). In warmer climates, mold spores may be found throughout the year, with the highest levels found in the late summer to early fall months.
While indoor molds can occur year-round and are dependent on moisture levels in the home, indoor mold levels are higher when outdoor mold levels are higher. Therefore, a common source of indoor mold is from the outside environment, although can also be from indoor mold contamination.
What Measures Can Be Used to Decrease Indoor Mold Levels?
For more information: https://www.verywellhealth.com/mold-allergy-83231
12/13/2019 (Permalink)
Has your home or business fallen victim to water or fire damage? Our franchise is committed to offering quality restoration services to homes and businesses throughout Fairfax and Arlington County. We will work quickly to clean up your property, repair the damage, and get your building back in operational order. We offer 24/7 emergency services and outstanding personalized service to completely address all of your concerns.
Let SERVPRO Help Your Business Thrive
Floods and fires can take a toll on business owners, especially if you have to cut operations to clean up the mess. Instead of facing the problem alone, count on SERVPRO. Our team has extensive experience, advanced tools, and helpful resources available to quickly clean up damaged property and get your company operating in no time.
Our commercial services include:
We can also work directly with your insurance company to ensure that you receive the best services to assist you through the inconveniences that you are experiencing. You should never go through a disaster alone, and when you work with SERVPRO, you will not have to!
12/13/2019 (Permalink)
The wet season in the winter months is one of the best times of year for molds to grow and expand. Often mold is contained near sources of water where it can easily grow and reproduce. As it grows, mold can breakdown and compromise the integrity and strength of the source in which it lives.
Mold spores are microscopic and are naturally found in the air we breathe indoors and outdoors. When large amounts of spores grow, one’s health may be compromised. Mold can be killed, but if it is not removed properly, it can remain in the area just cleaned and the dry spores can be released into the air. Mold remediation services can help eliminate the mold in your home and personal items affected by water damage.
Prevention, however, is what will help keep your lungs healthy and homes and buildings strong. We’ve put together a few tips on how you can help thwart mold from infesting your home that are efficient and realistic:
General Home and Building Maintenance:
12/13/2019 (Permalink)
Our team here at SERVPRO has team members who have joined the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program. This program has amazing classes that are free to the community. Please see the information below and see if this would be something you or a family member would be interested in.
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program educates volunteers about disaster preparedness for the hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. CERT offers a consistent, nationwide approach to volunteer training and organization that professional responders can rely on during disaster situations, which allows them to focus on more complex tasks. Through CERT, the capabilities to prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters is built and enhanced.
Watch and share CERT in Action
Watch and share CERT in Action (30 seconds)
Since 1993, CERT has impacted communities across the country, building essentials skills and capabilities to prepare for and respond to any disaster. There are now CERT programs in all 50 states, including many tribal nations and U.S. territories; each unique to its community but all essential to building a Culture of Preparedness.
The CERT program was designed as a grassroots initiative and specifically structured so that the local and state program managers have the flexibility to form their programs in the way that best suits their communities. CERT volunteers are trained to respond safely, responsibly, and effectively to emergency situations, but they can also support their communities during non-emergency events as well. There are over 2,700 local CERT programs nationwide, with more than 600,000 individuals trained since CERT became a national program.
FEMA’s Community Emergency Response Team Program trains volunteers to prepare for the types of disasters that their community may face. Through hands-on practice and realistic exercises, CERT members:
FEMA Citizen Responder
Registering your CERT program, or joining a local CERT through the FEMA Citizen Responder website will better connect you to opportunities to participate in preparedness activities and initiatives that support disaster resilience. Through the FEMA Citizen Responder site you can register a CERT program, join a local CERT and learn about a upcoming events.
Background
The CERT concept was developed and implemented by the Los Angeles City Fire Department in 1985. The Whittier Narrows earthquake in 1987 underscored the area-wide threat of a major disaster in California. Further, it confirmed the need for training civilians to meet their immediate needs.
Since 1993 when this training was made available nationally by FEMA, communities in 28 states and Puerto Rico have conducted CERT training. FEMA supports CERT by conducting or sponsoring Train-the-Trainer and Program Manager courses for members of the fire, medical and emergency management community.
Training & Materials
This section includes all of the curriculum developed for the CERT program, and features instructor guides, participant manuals, and slide decks for conducting the CERT training. In addition to the basic CERT training, materials are also available for the CERT Train-the-Trainer and Program Manager Courses, as well as the CERT supplemental modules, which are intended to provide additional training in specific areas to participants who have already completed the basic course.
Course Overview
The CERT Basic Course is delivered in the community by a team of first responders, and other qualified volunteers. The organization and timing of training and meeting varies from program to program. It is often broken up into two to four hour blocks over a series of evenings or weekends.
During each session participants are required to bring safety equipment (gloves, goggles, mask) and disaster supplies (bandages, flashlight, dressings) which will be used during the session. By doing this for each session, participants are building a disaster response kit of items that they will need during a disaster.
From <https://www.ready.gov/cert>
12/18/2018 (Permalink)
One of the best ways to ensure that the air in your home stays tidy is to clean your air vents. The air ducts in your house contain millions of particles of dust, hair, dirt, pollen, spider webs and other allergens. Cleaning your air vents will also save you money on heating and air conditioning. So, read the tips listed below and learn about how you can clean the air vents in your house.
Here's what you'll need:
Here's what to do:
12/18/2018 (Permalink)
Water damage can be a minor irritant or a major problem, and even the minor irritants can become major issues if left untreated. Here are five basic reasons why you should dispense with the “do it yourself” approach and call in a professional.
12/18/2018 (Permalink)
A fire in your home can be a very devastating and dangerous experience. After the fire, many people will first react by wanting to clean up their home. Before you decide to clean up the property yourself, it may be a good idea to first reach out to a fire damage cleanup company. There are three particular reasons why you should hire a professional for fire damage cleanup.
12/18/2018 (Permalink)
1. Bleach encourages toxic mold growth on porous surfaces because it provides excess moisture. Bleach contains about 90% water. When you apply bleach to a surface, the chlorine quickly evaporates leaving behind a lot of water. Then, when the water soaks into porous surfaces like wood, it encourages mold growth. So, bleach can actually make your mold problem worse.
2. Bleach only removes the color from mold. After you spray bleach, only the surface appears clean. But the problem is, the mold’s roots, or hyphae, continue to grow.
3. The EPA and OSHA specifically advise against using bleach for mold remediation.
4. Chlorine bleach is extremely harmful to surfaces. For example, when you use bleach on wood, it starts to weaken it by breaking the fibers. When you spray bleach on metal, it starts to corrode it almost immediately. Thus, using bleach to kill mold creates problems with the structural integrity of a home.
5. Bleach is extremely corrosive. When you spray bleach and it evaporates, it releases chlorine gas. It irritates and eventually causes damage to the skin, lungs, and eyes.
6. The corrosive nature of bleach is even worse when it’s mixed. Bleach should never be mixed with acids, because it causes dangerous fumes. Remember: Mixing cleaning compounds containing ammonia with bleach and ammonia produces deadly gasses that can kill with just a few breaths.
7. Bleach doesn’t work as a sanitizing agent when it’s mixed with organic material. To be a successful sanitizer, bleach has to be used on clean materials and surfaces. That’s why bleach products get used in the laundry after the wash cycle. Light and heat compromise the sanitizing properties of bleach. Despite the fact that the chlorine odor lingers for a while after you use it, bleach loses strength so quickly it doesn’t have a residual effect. That is, it doesn’t prevent future bacterial or fungal growth.
8. Most bleach products are not registered with the EPA to be used as antimicrobial agents.
9. And last, but not least, you don’t want to use bleach to kill mold because there are many antimicrobial alternatives readily available. These antimicrobial agents are registered with the EPA specifically for killing mold. Some are formulated to be friendly to the environment, your family and your pets. In addition, they are cost effective, easy to use, and, they have a true residual effect. That means they actually prevent bacteria and mold from re-growing.
12/18/2018 (Permalink)
The Best Way to Reduce Business Interruption Following a Disaster is to Plan For it NOW!
As many as 50% of businesses may never recover following a disaster, according
to the latest industry research. Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming
majority of them had a preparedness plan in place. Pre-planning can serve as an
insurance policy aimed at peace of mind.
By developing a SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile for your business, you
minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing
what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can
help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business.
Are You Ready?
Preparation is a key component for making it through any size disaster, whether it’s a small water leak, a large fire or an area flood. The best time for planning for such events is not when the event happens, but well before it happens. No one ever plans on a disaster, but you can plan for it. Now is the time to ask yourself, “Are you ready for whatever could happen?”
The SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile is a startup approach that provides the critical information needed to begin mitigation and recovery services. It is designed to serve as a quick reference of important building and contact information. By working with SERVPRO’s Emergency READY Profile, your business will receive the benefit of over 40 years of experience in reducing the impact of any natural or man-made disaster. SERVPRO® is a leader in water and fire damage response and can help you quickly get your property back in working order.
The SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile Advantage
This means there is no need to allocate funds, giving you a great value at no cost.
It will only take a little time to complete and will not take you away from current projects. But it will save a lot of time if ever needed.
This can help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive by having an immediate plan of action.
You have a provider that is recognized as an industry leader and close by.
This saves time, so we can begin the work of mitigating the damage which can save you time and money.
Having a quick reference of what to do, how to do it and who to call provides solutions in advance of an emergency so that during the emergency you are “Ready for whatever happens.”
12/18/2018 (Permalink)
As experts in deodorization, SERVPRO professionals are trained to identify and eliminate offensive odors. Malodors can come from a number of sources both inside and outside of a structure.
SERVPRO Franchises teach IICRC technical classes in the proper removal of odors. SERVPRO has the training and equipment to identify and eliminate these offensive odors. By identifying the cause of the odor and determining the conditions in which it contacts any surfaces, the odor can often be removed over time without a trace. Masking (using air freshener) and other short cuts don't work when your odor problem is serious or persistent. We start by removing the cause of the odor, be it bio-hazardous, mold, smoke, etc. SERVPRO technicians are then able to use SERVPRO’s state-of-the-art equipment and professional techniques to clean and remove the odors that plague your home or business.
The science of identifying and eliminating odors can be tricky, so give SERVPRO a call, and leave the restoration to us.
24/7 Emergency Service