Choose SERVPRO for Mold Remediation

6/19/2021 (Permalink)

For most homeowners, mold is not even on the list of dangers to their residences. Fire and especially flooding are what occupies most people’s concerns over their home and checkbook. What many forget is that mold can grow unnoticed for years to become just as expansive and expensive a threat.

So why use SERVPRO for cleaning and removing mold damage to your home? Our restoration teams train to the latest industry standards for cleaning and remediation. Our office maintains an extensive inventory of cleaners and equipment for a rapid response. If we do need additional, specialized tools, our access to a national support network ensures we can get everything we need in usually only a day.

The first step our technicians take is to isolate the mold infested areas from the rest of your home. They turn off the HVAC system and, if the ducts are clear of mold, cover the vents with plastic to prevent contaminating them while cleaning. As they do this, other team members seal off the affected area with heavy, plastic sheets and set up a combination of air movers and fans to create negative air pressure and direct loose spores out of your home.

Now, our restoration team removes mold from surfaces in the affected area. The type of surface determines what tools we use. If a surface is metal, glass or plastic, it is non-porous, which means the mold rarely penetrates the surface. Our technicians can wipe these surfaces free of the mold using clothes or sponges. For thicker layers, they may need to use water or a mild cleaning agent to break them up for removal.

For items like carpets, wood, or building materials like drywall, mold often grows or settles into the surface. These are porous surfaces and are harder to clean. SERVPRO technicians have to use stronger cleaning agents and a brush to agitate the mold to draw it out. In many cases, especially with drywall, we recommend disposal since it is cheaper to replace the items than expend the labor hours to restore them.

Afterward, we wait for any spores disturbed by our efforts to settle on surfaces. Our teams use vacuums with special, HEPA filters designed to draw out even a single mold spore from a table or chair. They finish by wiping down the surfaces and then repeat these last actions until the air mold content tests at a safe level.

SERVPRO Can Handle Biohazard Cleanup

6/18/2021 (Permalink)

Blood, bodily fluids, and other biohazards can endanger anyone who comes in contact with them. Even trace amounts so small that they cannot be seen with the naked eye can pose serious health risks. When a site in your home or business has been contaminated, how do you make it safe again? Rely on the professionals at SERVPRO for top-notch biohazard cleanup and restoration services.

Avoiding Health Risks 

Is it necessary to seek professional assistance in cleaning up a location impacted by crime, trauma or death? With the risks posed by blood-borne pathogens and dangerous communicable diseases, cleaning a scene contaminated with biohazards like blood is a perilous undertaking for anyone who lacks the proper training and equipment. It is unpleasant to think about, but blood and bodily fluids are prone to splattering so that minute amounts can affect a wide area. The air at these scenes can be hazardous since small particles can become airborne if dried material is disturbed. Anything removed from the scene must also be disposed of properly to avoid spreading the contamination. Besides, you cannot assume the area is safe again just because the visible traces have been removed. If a space contaminated with blood or other biohazards is not appropriately cleaned, sanitized and restored, these unseen hazards can linger, posing a threat to anyone who enters it. Ultimately, the best way to make sure that a place is once again safe is to use a professional organization like SERVPRO that is experienced in biohazard restoration.

Preventing Legal Repercussions 

As if the health risks created by biohazards are not dire enough, failure to have a contaminated space properly cleaned can also have serious legal consequences. The responsibility for cleaning up after a crime, trauma or death falls on the property owner, and there are regulations and laws regarding how biohazards are handled that must be followed. These rules are designed to safeguard everyone, and ignorance is not considered an acceptable excuse for disregarding them. Individuals and businesses that do not follow these rules may find themselves facing hefty fines. They might even be held liable if someone else is injured by their actions. Using a professional team that understands what is required to comply with the various rules and regulations governing biohazards in your area can shield you from both health risks and legal issues.

Focusing on Your Safety At SERVPRO, we are committed to the well-being of our customers. Offering emergency services 24 hours a day, we will rapidly respond whenever you request our assistance. Our technicians follow the protocols established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), so you can be confident that they have the expertise and training to remove all biohazards and dispose of them properly. We use specialized equipment that allows us to detect the presence of even a minute trace of a biohazard, and we do not stop until your scene is thoroughly sanitized. As biohazard restoration professionals, we can often salvage items that others might have to discard, and we ensure that any material that does need to be removed from your location is disposed of appropriately. Dealing with a crime, trauma or death is undoubtedly difficult, but you can depend on SERVPRO for courtesy, empathy, and the quality biohazard cleanup and restoration services that you need. Safety-minded, we are ready to do our part in restoring your space and your peace of mind.

Training is the Key at SERVPRO

6/17/2021 (Permalink)

Training is vital in our industry. Things are constantly changing. Our team needs to stay up on the newest technology as well as the newest information and requirements from insurance companies. 

We trained on the use of our proprietary software program that we utilize in the field to collect and record data in regards to clients losses. This information forms the story of the loss for insurance companies and the client for documentation. It is vital to record the information in regards to affected materials and the process of restoring the affected materials. 

Our team has weekly Monday production meetings to go over any thing of importance but we also do more in depth trainings like these as needed to keep us up to date on information and well informed to make sure we are always ready to help our clients with the most up to date information.

Water Migration Detection is Why SERVPRO Delivers Success

6/16/2021 (Permalink)

When a homeowner tries to determine the extent of a water loss, both instincts and common sense can fall short. When water gets loose inside your home, it can migrate far from the original plumbing break, roof leak, or appliance breakdown. Without the tools to detect the path the water followed, significant damage can go unnoticed. Our investments in education and innovative moisture identification tools help avoid additional expense and secondary damage, why we offer our help. 

Water Detection is a Science and an Art

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) courses our managers and production technicians master covers the expected and unexpected behavior of water damage inside a bungalow. The lathe and plaster and stucco construction of signature Arts and Crafts structures are both charming and capable of hiding water damage when it is minor and manageable. Our training and experience in tracing water meanderings behind walls and built-in fixtures explains why we are skilled in finding and solving water problems before the integrity of your historic home is compromised.

Aging Heating and Plumbing Plus Temperature Extremes Equal Water Damage Challenges

When your dining room oak floor develops cupping and crowning the search for a water source can be daunting. Bungalows often retain their 100-year-old gravity heating, with old radiators filled with hot water from the boiler in the basement warming spaces. Rusted pipes and failing valves can slowly saturate the floor, unnoticed at first as the issue begins and then spreads from behind the radiator at the wall. Mold development on a main level wall or ceiling can trace to ice dam development the previous winter, moisture seeping in the attic from clogged gutters eventually traveling downwards. Our familiarity with this type of insidious damage is why SERVPRO can respond quickly and reliably to your water damage challenges.

Sensitive Moisture Meters and Infrared Cameras

The availability of and skill in using water detection tools are why SERVPRO crews can outline water damage with accuracy and confidence. Infrared technology indicates the presence of water through temperature variations. Moisture meters establish relative levels of absorbed water in building materials. Periodic use of these tools throughout a water damage remediation project ensures we find and release liquids. Then our Applied Structural Drying (ASD)-certified technicians create an effective drying plan using the data, moving water out of structural components with temperature adjustments and air movement. Dehumidifiers capture the vaporized water for disposal. Moisture measurements continue until we reach designated levels, avoiding over or under drying.

Training and innovative equipment are two reasons why SERVPRO efficiently mitigates and remediates hidden water damage.

SERVPRO's Trained Restoration Specialists

6/15/2021 (Permalink)

We have always put a high priority into educating our team. That need is more important than ever today. SERVPRO is an IICRC certified firm with certified technicians. That means you can expect the very highest in standards and protocol to be used in your home or business.

IICRC Training and Certification

The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) certifies and sets the standards for the cleaning and restoration industries. Our Professionals study IICRC standards and best practices in water restoration, fire restoration, mold remediation, carpet and upholstery cleaning, and other cleaning and restoration courses.

Employee Certification Training

The Employee Certification Training is a voluntary, self-paced program designed for SERVPRO Franchise employees. Certification is awarded after successful completion of course materials and an examination. Modules include:

• Crew Training
• Fire Restoration
• Water Restoration
• Advanced Structural Drying

SERVPRO Document Restoration Services

6/14/2021 (Permalink)

Document Restoration Services

After any major disaster, restoring your business and mitigating losses is essential for returning your company to an operational state in a timely manner. In addition to clean-up and repairs, you should add document restoration to your list of recovery action items. Using a professional restoration service can help you protect and save many of your important documents, including:

• Books, journals and magazines
• Patient records and employee files
• Blueprints and maps
• Photographs, film and negatives

Professional document restoration services can save your business because they follow through procedures for preserving and protecting critical paperwork that is often irreplaceable. Insurance companies trust SERVPRO because of the following state-of-the-art offerings.

1. Modern Technology

SERVPRO uses vacuum freeze-drying, a document drying technique that has been approved by the National Archives and Records Administration. They also use gamma irradiation technology to clean and sterilize items. This is particularly useful if your documents have been exposed to chemicals or bacteria during the incident.

2. Security

Documents are handled by HIPAA-certified technicians, ensuring compliance with privacy requirements. Your documents are also kept under 24/7 surveillance.

3. Digital Organization

Converting your files to digital files is a wise choice for protecting them against future incidents. In the event of a fire or flood, your contracts, files and paper materials will stay safely stored and out of harm’s way. Digital files are much easier to organize and access using a computerized inventory system, and they can free up storage space that used to house paper files.

In addition to the services above, a full-service restoration option is available to handle every step of the restoration, from drying and sanitizing to rejacketing and digitizing. This full-service option can save you time and money since the document drying is performed by SERVPRO and is not outsourced to a third party.

After disaster strikes, it is normal to feel overwhelmed about the cleanup process. However, being prepared and having a reliable document restoration service you can trust will save you time and ensure your business is protected.

Why You Should Hire SERVPRO of G/T/A for All Your Restoration Needs

5/28/2021 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia, we strive to be involved in our growing community and here to help at a moment's notice. Here at SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia, we are experienced and keep up with the latest innovations in the restoration industry to assist area homes and businesses'. When homeowners try to determine the extent of their loss, they may fall short. Without the tools to properly detect the extent of their damage, significant harm to their home can go unnoticed. SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia’s investment in education and innovative, high-quality tools & equipment can help you avoid the additional expenses and secondary damage.

Our technicians are adept in multiple specializations supported by the IICRC. So, you can trust us for any of your restoration or mitigation needs. Our crew sets out to accomplish the tasks fast. SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia will assess the damages inside and out, and our technicians will work swiftly yet carefully knowing that inappropriate cleaning methods can make the damage worse.

Being IICRC certified, our staff at SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia are knowledgeable on the expected and unexpected behaviors of fire, water, and mold, and the damage it can cause in your home. Our training and experience in mitigation & remediation guarantees that we can quickly locate and solve the problem(s) before the integrity of your home or business is compromised.

SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia is prepared for any size disaster. Call us today at 334-371-7378.

10 Reasons to Call SERVPRO of G/T/A

5/24/2021 (Permalink)

From a burst pipe in an office building to faulty wiring in an apartment complex, fire and water losses are never planned, but they do occur.  SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia professionals know that there is no such thing as a small emergency when it threatens the welfare of the tenants and the revenue of the property owner or the business.  SERVPRO professionals can provide you with assistance with all your emergency needs.

1. 24 Hour Emergency Response: SERVPRO will work to meet and hopefully exceed your expectations.
2. Communication: SERVPRO will keep you informed on the status of your project.
3. Reduce Recovery Time: SERVPRO will help minimize business interruption.
4. Lower Recovery Cost: SERVPRO will help you save money.
5. Emergency Ready Profile: SERVPRO will help you plan for recovery before disaster strikes.  
6. Full Line of Service: SERVPRO will help to solve your cleanup needs.
7. A Leader in Storm Response: SERVPRO will help when you need it the most.
8. Over 50 years of business in the cleanup and restoration industry.
9. More than 1,700 locations that we can call in to help on those large projects.

Experience and training in mitigation damages ranging from single family home to skyscrapers.

Call the Mold Remediation Professionals at SERVPRO

4/28/2021 (Permalink)

Anytime you open your windows to let fresh air in, mold spores are blowing through your home. Turning on your air conditioner or heater may produce mold. Rainy days? They are great for watching movies, taking naps, and stirring up mold.

Take a moment and look all around you - everywhere you look, mold spores are present. Moisture provides mold with the perfect climate for growth, and by the time you see mold, it has typically been growing for a long time.

No matter what any business might advertise, you can’t ever fully get rid of mold. There’s a great deal of misinformation about the mold remediation process, and it’s imperative that you work with a company that is forthcoming about the process. At SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia, we will always be open and honest with you about what our capabilities are.

Call SERVPRO to Help

All it takes is one simple phone call for help to be on the way. Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, we are here for you. We want to start your mold remediation process as soon as we can, and we respond to your call and dispatch crews quickly. Mold spreads so rapidly - the faster we get started, the easier and more affordable it is to contain.

Mold Damage Assessment

Peace of mind arrives within hours of calling SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia. We quickly dispatch a Project Manager who helps navigate you through the entire process. They work alongside the crew to locate the water source that is feeding the mold growth. Using advanced technology and equipment, we are able to locate damage even if it isn’t in plain sight.

Mold Containment

The entire mold remediation process must be handled strategically, so there isn’t additional mold spreading during cleanup. For everyone’s health and safety, our highly trained team uses advanced containment equipment and procedures. Negative air chambers help us isolate the area, and negative air pressure can prevent further spreading during cleanup. It’s crucial that we successfully isolate and contain the area before moving forward.

Air Filtration

It takes professional-grade air purifiers and HEPA vacuums to help trap the mold particles. Powerful air scrubbers and filters are used to help filter out the mold spores during the remediation process. At SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia, we work hard to make sure that we stop the spreading.

Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials

Every home and every situation is unique, which is why there are so many different variables involved in the mold remediation process. Mold can be found anywhere from your carpet to your ceiling. While some areas of mold can be eliminated with antifungal or antimicrobial treatments, other areas and items might require full removal. If you have carpet or drywall that needs to be disposed of, we make sure to handle it safely.

Cleaning Contents and Belongings

If mold has spread to furniture or other personal items, we have multiple ways to help restore them. We understand that you might have sentimental items that have been compromised, and we do everything we can to restore those items. Throughout the entire process, your Project Manager works closely with you to make sure that everything is handled with care. Our high-tech equipment cannot just clean and sanitize, but it can also deodorize.

Restoration

It can feel so nice once you are in the final homestretch of the project. The Project Manager assigned to you goes through the area with the team to make sure that your home is all ready to be repaired. Some homes may require some hefty rebuilding of areas, while others may require some fresh drywall or new flooring. No matter what needs to be done, we have experienced workers to make sure it gets done right.

During mold remediation, stress is inevitable, and we understand that this has affected you in multiple ways. We don’t just care about the mold in your home - we care about you. That’s why we assign you a Project Manager who is your one-stop contact and who walks you through the entire process. They are familiar with the insurance process and can provide you with any documentation your insurance company may need.

There is no one-size-fits-all process for mold remediation because there are so many ways and areas that mold can make its appearance in your home. Until we assess the magnitude of the situation, it’s hard to say what your home needs. One thing we can be sure about is that we have the skills and equipment to handle whatever remediation your home may need.

Protect your health and your home - call SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia at the first signs of mold in your home.

Traits of a Quality Restoration Company

4/28/2021 (Permalink)

What to Look for in a Restoration Company

When looking for a restoration company, there are a number of features you may want to look at including the ability to be faster to any size disaster. Choosing the right company for your property's restoration needs can make a difference. Here are some things you may want to consider.

1. The Ability to Deal With Multiple Damage Types

Many professional restoration services like SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia offer the ability to work with multiple damage types. This is often because one type of damage can lead to another. For example, fire put out by water can also result in mold if the water is left to stand too long. Most restoration companies can help fix smoke and fire damage, water damage, storm damage and also offer mold remediation for this exact reason.

2. A Quick Response Time

Being faster to any size disaster also means arriving with the right materials and equipment required to do the job. Locally owned franchises such as SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia have locations across the country allowing them to be where they need to be when disaster strikes. Because they are a franchise, they also have access to corporate equipment and materials, which gives them the ability to handle large-scale jobs as well.

3. They Offer a Variety of Services

A restoration company such as SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia also offers a variety of services designed to help your agent process the insurance claim. These include an electronics inventory service as well as an online database that provides access to information such as photographs and progress reports for the damaged areas, estimates, filed paperwork, and many other details needed for a properly filed claim.

Whether you're choosing a restoration company because they have the ability to be faster to any size disaster, or they can deal with multiple damage types, you may also want to look at the other services they provide. SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia can help you clean contents as well as structure. 

GIVE us a call today at (334) 371-7378!

Let the Professionals at SERVPRO Handle the Cleaning

4/27/2021 (Permalink)

We receive this question many times from concerned callers: "Can I just spray bleach on it?" 

Using bleach to take care of mold was once recommended by agencies such as OSHA and the EPA. However, they have since been revised after research revealed that the "do-all, be-all cure" for killing microbial growth, actually had the opposite effect. First, let us take a look at how mold forms to understand why using bleach is not effective. 

Mold needs water, food and typically a warm temperature to grow. This illustrates the first reason to call SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia: If mold is growing, chances are that the materials are wet. There has likely been a water loss of some sort, and until it is properly dried, mold will continue to grow. 

The chlorine in bleach, due to its ionic composition, cannot penetrate porous surfaces. Porous surfaces include materials such as drywall, ceilings, wood, carpet and many others. Spraying bleach on the mold will only kill it on the surface. Many people do not know that mold actually has roots called hyphae. These roots will still remain in the porous material and eventually rise to the surface again. Remember that bleach contains both chlorine and water. The chlorine cannot make it below the surface - but the water can. Thus, you are actually replenishing the mold with one of the key things it needs to grow - water! Secondly, it will "bleach" the color, making it appear that the mold is gone. Again, this is only on the surface. 

At SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia we use specialized products, designed to travel deep into porous surfaces to remove mold at its roots. Sometimes we cannot remove the mold from the material and the material must be completely removed from the home for the safety of you and your family. Our technicians are trained to differentiate between what can be safely cleaned and what cannot. In addition, live mold releases spores into the air. The air in your home may need to be treated with specialty equipment to make sure that all spores are removed.

Call SERVPRO for Immediate Service

4/26/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
• Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
• A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
• Locally Owned and Operated
• Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment 

Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 – (334) 371-7378

Residential Services

Whether your home needs emergency services or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us.  Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best. Learn more about our residential services:

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Storm Damage Restoration
• Cleaning Services
• Building/Reconstruction Services

Commercial Services

There's never a convenient time for fire or Water damage to strike your commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business.

Give SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia a call today at (334) 371-7378 for all your residential and commercial restoration needs!

The SERVPRO Advantage

4/14/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is not just a local brand, but a national one.

Since its founding in 1967 SERVPRO has expanded to over 1,700 locations across the United States and Canada. Since then SERVPRO has also greatly expanded the array of services we offer. Since those services range from carpet cleaning and deodorization to large scale disaster recovery and with SERVPRO’s 1,700+ locations our collective knowledge and experience are one of the greatest assets SERVPRO has and we know how to use it. SERVPRO locations provide all kinds of support to each other ranging from equipment to people-power and technical advice. Sometimes we might run into an issue that we have not encountered before or possibly elements to a job that prevents our normal methods for jobs. This is when we have been able to rely on the knowledge base which our corporate office and other SERVPRO’s have accumulated. It does not matter what emergency you are facing. From Water Mitigation, Fire Restoration, or Mold Remediation. SERVPRO has the team and backing to handle it all. We are known for taking care of big problems and disasters, but we also are adept at helping people with issues you normally may not know the solution too. If you have an emergency which makes you think “I don’t even know who does this,” try giving us a call at (334) 371-7378!

Why Realtors Should Use SERVPRO

4/14/2020 (Permalink)

Currently, we are in a time where the real estate market is hot. Houses are selling faster than they can be listed. We are seeing interest rates drop to an all-time low and what a better time to have an edge with a reputation for having quality listings whether it be a commercial or a residential listing. 

SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia understands that you want to move a sale through quickly to get your commission. How your listing looks is everything to a potential buyer and we can assist in making that happen. It doesn’t matter what shape or situation your listing is in, the SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia team can assist you in many different ways to make this sale quick and the most profitable for you!  Our team can assist you in inspecting a crawl space/attic area for mold, water, or biohazard damage and fix this damage efficiently. Our team can even assist in estate sales in the case of hoarder cleanouts with optional inventory itemization and cleaning services. A SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia professional would be happy to attend your next sales meeting to discuss how to recognize the potential for mold and what to do in case of a fire or water emergency.

Give us a call at (334) 371-7378!

SERVPRO Offers Continuing Education Courses

4/14/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia offers Continuing Education courses for insurance agents, insurance adjusters and Real Estate professionals. The Continuing Education courses provide you with information to better service your customers.

These programs are designed to improve the knowledge of your staff regarding emergency mitigation. 

Here are some of the CE courses that are offered by SERVPRO:

• Property Fire Damage Restoration
• Understanding Mold in the Restoration Industry
• Restoring Contaminated Buildings
• Restorative Drying for Water Damage
• Cleaning and Restoring Smoke-Damaged Contents
• Mitigation Awareness Response Seminar
• Deodorization of Malodors
• Biohazard Cleanup
• Ethics

Lee Knowles, Owner of SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia, is an approved instructor of these courses. Contact SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia at (334) 371-7378 to schedule one for your office.   

This is just one more way SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia is Here to Help!

Call SERVPRO for All Your Residential & Commercial Needs

4/14/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster in Butler, Pike, Crenshaw, and Covington Counties. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
• Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
• A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
• Locally Owned and Operated
• Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment 

Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 – (334) 371-7378!

Residential Services

Whether your home needs emergency flood damage or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us.  Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best. Learn more about our residential services:

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Storm Damage Restoration
• Cleaning Services
• Building/Reconstruction Services

Commercial Services

There's never a convenient time for fire or water damage to strike your commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business.

SERVPRO Can Help Save A Claim

4/14/2020 (Permalink)

One of things that make SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia so unique is how we work with our agents and customers to identify whether a claim should be filed.

SERVPRO has learned that insurance companies do not look favorable on zero paid claims. The insurance companies have found that people who turn in small claims are in effect using their policies as a home maintenance program.

We tell our agents to call us so we can put eyes on the situation. We can tell within a few minutes whether the claim will meet or exceed the customers deductible. This in turn helps the customer avoid higher rates, and the agent avoids a loss that in the long run could affect retention.

SERVPRO was recently asked by an agent to look at a customer‘s basement that had a sump pump malfunction. After reviewing the loss, the damage would not have met the insured's $2500 deductible. This insured avoided a claim and had SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia do the water mitigation. Both parties were happy and we have a very satisfied agent and customer.

Don't Wait for an Adjuster After a Residential Flood

4/14/2020 (Permalink)

No one wants to go through a home flood. Still, flood damage in the Greenville/Troy/Andalusia, is more common than you might think. As you probably know, the hours following such an event are critical. If you wait for an adjuster from your flood insurance company before taking action, you may inadvertently allow more damage to occur. Here are three important reasons you should not waste time following a flood.

1. Water Gets Everywhere

Because it is a liquid, water can seep into parts of your home you may not think about. Even worse, sealed portions of your basement, crawl space and walls often prevent air from naturally drying moisture. If you wait for your adjuster to arrive before beginning water remediation or damage repair, the processes may be both more expensive and more invasive.

2. Mold Grows Fast

Part of the reason for having comprehensive flood insurance is to cover the cost of repairing mold damage. Like water, mold can grow in hidden parts of your home. Remediation experts have the knowledge, skill, experience and tools to quickly locate and address mold and mildew. Rather than waiting for an adjuster to inspect your home, working with a reputable service in the days following a flood is often your best bet to restore your home’s comfort, appearance and value.

3. Adjusters Are Busy

If broken pipes or backed-up plumbing caused your flood, your adjuster may respond quickly. On the other hand, if your home was part of widespread flooding, the insurance company’s representative may have a full schedule. In fact, you may wait weeks before your adjuster arrives. Remember, acting quickly is important, and waiting may cause more damage.

As a diligent homeowner, you carry flood insurance. You also likely have a duty to mitigate damage caused by rising waters. Rather than waiting until your insurance adjuster can inspect your home, begin the remediation and restoration process as soon as you can. Give us a call at (334) 371-7378!

When Fire & Water Take Control, We Take It Back!

4/8/2020 (Permalink)

Our number one goal is returning damaged areas and items to pre loss condition, doing all we can to make it "Like it never even happened." SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia is dedicated to restoring both the property and the lives of our customers in our area.

Like it never caught fire, was never dirty, like it never overflowed, like it never spilled, whatever the case our goal is to make it "Like it never even happened."

Your Can Trust SERVPRO

Our franchise has been helping homeowners in the Greenville/Troy/Andalusia area for many years. There are now over 1700 franchises just like us, nationwide. More locations means faster response. We can be on-site in most cases in under 1.5 hours.

24 Hour Emergency Service

In our business you need us fast. The sooner SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia arrives, the better chance we can reduce the damage, and prevent secondary damage from occurring. Our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. 

Call us at (334) 371-7378!

Contents Cleaning & Restoration Saves Money

4/8/2020 (Permalink)

Following a fire damage, one of the toughest recovery challenges facing a property owner or manager is dealing with fire, smoke and soot-and likely water-damaged contents. SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia professionals can help alleviate some of the stress involved and, in the process, help lower recovery costs by cleaning and restoring contents quickly and correctly.
Traditionally, replacement costs for contents are more expensive than cleanup and restoration. Many contractors simply resort to the “tear out the throw out” approach, which ultimately increases recovery costs. By carefully pretesting contents for restorability, SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia can quickly help a property owner determine what to restore and what needs to be replaced.
Another advantage to utilizing your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional is Contents Claim Inventory Service. Utilizing CCIS, technicians can sort contents into three categories: salvageable, non-salvageable and questionable. An electronic inventory of every item allows a property owner to efficiently handle contents decisions. Should items need to be moved out while your facility undergoes restoration, the CCIS inventory serves as a useful tracking tool for content management and movement.
In addition, should a fire damage exceed your commercial insurance deductible limit, the CCIS inventory can make filing and settling contents claims a less stressful and time consuming process.
Contact SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia at 334-371-7378 to discuss a detailed preloss inventory of your facility’s contents before a disaster strikes.

Benefits of Choosing a National Brand

1/20/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is the only mitigation company with national advertising. You know us and trust us. Effective results are the results of consistent training and execution.

Since 1967, SERVPRO Industries, Inc. has been redefining and improving the mitigation and restoration industries. In 1992, the SERVPRO National Training Center was developed specifically to teach restoration and mitigations skills to insurance industry employees, as well as Franchise owners. SERVPRO has been a state –approved Continuing Education Course Location and an IICRC-approved school since 1997. In May of 2005, SERVPRO moved to a new corporate location with an innovative and much larger Training Center.

SERVPRO Industries, Inc. is one of nine organizations qualified to offer the Applied Structural Drying course. The Applied Structural Drying course covers the effective, efficient, and timely drying of water-damaged structures and contents, using comprehensive classroom and hands-on training, in order to facilitate appropriate decision-making within a restorative drying environment. Students will experience live, hands-on use of instruments, extraction systems, drying equipment, and chemistry use in an actual flooded building situation.

Why is IICRC Certification Important?

1/20/2020 (Permalink)

The standards for the restoration industry are set by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration. A professional who holds this certification is prepared to use cutting-edge techniques and offer the highest standard of service. There are several reasons that the Preferred Vendors of insurance companies maintain IICRC credentials.

Industry-Wide Standards

The standards of this certifying agency are developed and maintained by leading restoration professionals. This organization collaborates with the American National Standards Institute and establishes its own standards:

• ANSI
• BSR
• IICRC
  
  

ANSI and BSR standards apply to particular types of restoration, whereas Institute certification is earned by restoration professionals. In order to become certified, a service provider must demonstrate their knowledge of and ability to adhere to best practices for mitigation and restoration.

Up-To-Date Methods

The Institute regularly updates standards and offers new certifications. Even after a professional earns a certification, he or she must still obtain 14 credit hours of continuing education every four years. This requirement ensures that the certifications issued by this agency remain current based on industry standards. Any professional who holds a restoration or mitigation certificate should be capable of meeting or exceeding the expectations of clients and insurers.

Preferred By Insurers

Most mitigation and restoration companies that insurance companies consider Preferred Vendors maintain certification. In order to be considered certified, a company or franchise must employ at least one credentialed technician. SERVPRO is an approved training school, and new franchise owners and employees are encouraged to obtain and maintain certification. Insurers can trust that certified restoration professionals will recommend the best methods for damage mitigation and restoration.

Clients and insurers should make sure that the service they hire to restore damage is certified by the IICRC. This certification indicates that professionals are trained in the most effective methods. 

Does Your Business Have an ERP?

1/20/2020 (Permalink)

Does your business have an emergency plan?

Wouldn’t it have been a terrible holiday break if you got a call that your bathroom sink pipe had busted and there’s water actively flowing into your business? Would you have been able to tell them over the phone where the shut-off valve is? If the answer to that is no, read further.

Three reasons an Emergency Readiness Program is an asset to your company:

1. It speeds up the mitigation and recovery process
2. It stores information needed in the event of an emergency
3.  It makes getting help quicker and easier

How to get one?

GIVE US A CALL! You can download the app but you will need an agent to get it filled out and active. So give us a call today for your FREE ERP!

Download the App today on your smartphone (SERVPRO.com/ready)

(334) 371-7378

SERVPRO Focuses on Your Safety

1/20/2020 (Permalink)

Blood, bodily fluids, and other biohazards can endanger anyone who comes in contact with them. Even trace amounts so small that they cannot be seen with the naked eye can pose serious health risks. When a site in your home or business has been contaminated, how do you make it safe again? Rely on the professionals at SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia for top-notch biohazard cleanup and restoration services.

Avoiding Health Risks
Is it necessary to seek professional assistance in cleaning up a location impacted by crime, trauma or death? With the risks posed by blood-borne pathogens and dangerous communicable diseases, cleaning a scene contaminated with biohazards like blood is a perilous undertaking for anyone who lacks the proper training and equipment. It is unpleasant to think about, but blood and bodily fluids are prone to splattering so that minute amounts can affect a wide area. The air at these scenes can be hazardous since small particles can become airborne if dried material is disturbed. Anything removed from the scene must also be disposed of properly to avoid spreading the contamination. Ultimately, the best way to make sure that a place is once again safe is to use a professional organization like SERVPRO that is experienced in biohazard restoration.

Preventing Legal Repercussions
As if the health risks created by biohazards are not dire enough, failure to have a contaminated space properly cleaned can also have serious legal consequences. There are regulations and laws regarding how biohazards are handled that must be followed. These rules are designed to safeguard everyone, and ignorance is not considered an acceptable excuse for disregarding them. Individuals and businesses that do not follow these rules may find themselves facing hefty fines. They might even be held liable if someone else is injured by their actions. Using a professional team that understands what is required to comply with the various rules and regulations governing biohazards in your area can shield you from both health risks and legal issues.

Focusing on Your Safety
At SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia, we are committed to the well-being of our customers. Offering emergency services 24 hours a day, we will rapidly respond whenever you request our assistance. Our technicians follow the protocols established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency, so you can be confident that they have the expertise and training to remove all biohazards and dispose of them properly. We use specialized equipment that allows us to detect the smallest trace of a biohazard, and we do not stop until your scene is thoroughly sanitized. As biohazard restoration professionals, we can often salvage items that others might have to discard, and we ensure that any material that does need to be removed from your location is disposed of appropriately.

Dealing with a crime, trauma or death is undoubtedly difficult, but you can depend on SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia for courtesy, empathy, and the quality biohazard cleanup and restoration services that you need. Safety-minded, we are ready to do our part in restoring your space and your peace of mind. If a traumatic event has occurred on your property and you require assistance with the cleanup, contact us now to discover more about our biohazard restoration services and secure our help. 

(334) 371-7378.

The Trouble with DIY Restoration

1/20/2020 (Permalink)

Greenville, Troy, and Andalusia residents take pride in their homes and properties. When disaster strikes or when you have a substantial mess to clean up, it is a common belief to roll up your sleeves and get to work to fix the problem as best as you can on your own. The trouble with DIY restoration for water incidents is that many homeowners don't get all of the problem addressed, allowing for continued damage.

While a homeowner might see a water damage situation in their residence as little more than a reason to break out the mop and run some fans, there is much more to water damage restoration. Ensuring that the area gets thoroughly dried requires specialized equipment and detection tools. Failure to get your home below moisture standards for a house can lead to worsening conditions that pose a threat to the structure, as well as your family.

One of the reasons that you might consider professional restoration like SERVPRO provides is our ability to respond to your situation rapidly. Even in smaller scale water incidents, fast response time is critical to mitigating loss and to get to work quickly on removing the water and drying up the affected areas.

Another reason that a homeowner should think about our SERVPRO team is our industry-leading equipment, expertise, and unique training. These facts help us quickly assess the full scope of the damage that affects your home and choose the most efficient and practical approach to eliminating the moisture and preserving the construction materials that have gotten saturated by the incident.

As much as you might be among the homeowners that seek to do things for themselves when something happens to their home, situations like water damages require professionals with the right training and equipment to ensure that the job gets done adequately. Our SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia water damage technicians are available 24/7 for any need you might have by calling (334) 371-7378.

24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

1/20/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia 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 Greenville/Troy/Andalusia 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 Greenville/Troy/Andalusia

SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia 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.

When Lightening Strikes

4/1/2019 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia, we can help you with fire damages caused by lightning strikes. When the lightning hits a residence, it travels through the electrical lines to one of the home’s electrical boxes, which can catch fire. These fires can leave severe damage, including smoke damage to your home. SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia’s mitigation team has the ability to do a chem-sponge technique that was used to clean soot off of the walls. In doing this, SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia can ensure that no fire damage or smoke damage goes untreated. If needed, affected walls in all damaged rooms can be painted after the cleanup is completed and drywall replaced where necessary. Our professional in-house crew use a white-glove treatment on your residence and completed the entire project quickly; from the first contact to completion Here at SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia, we are proud to serve the residents of Greenville/Trpy/Andalusia area, especially when the worst happens. Why chose SERVPRO? Because in the event of fire damage or water damages large or small, we’re here to help. Call us at (334) 371-7378.

Hoarding Clean-up

4/1/2019 (Permalink)

What is “Hoarding Disorder”

According to The American Psychiatric Association ""People with hoarding disorder excessively save items that others may view as worthless. They have persistent difficulty getting rid of or parting with possessions, leading to clutter that disrupts their ability to use their living or work spaces.Hoarding is not the same as collecting. Collectors look for specific items, such as model cars or stamps, and may organize or display them. People with hoarding disorder often save random items and store them haphazardly. In most cases, they save items that they feel they may need in the future, are valuable or have sentimental value. Some may also feel safer surrounded by the things they save.Hoarding disorder occurs in an estimated 2 to 6 percent of the population and often leads to substantial distress and problems functioning. Some research show hoarding disorder is more common in males than females. It is also more common among older adults--three times as many adults 55 to 94 years are affected by hoarding disorder compared to adults 34 to 44 years old” Ranna Parekh, M.D., M.P.H. in July 2017 via www.psychiatry.org

What is Hoarding?

Hoarded items are often things others would throw away or look at as junk or garbage such as old newspapers, junk mail or packaging. Hoarding can lead to homes filled with extreme clutter to full capacity from years of accumulation, making living conditions unsanitary and crowded. Bugs, fleas, rats and other vermin may be present, at which point an exterminator would need to be called. At times, hoarding may spread to outside the home as well, to storage facilities, or even the garage or yard.

How can SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia Help?

SERVPRO of Birmingham encounters hoarding situations in several different ways. We may be called for a fire or water loss and find the hoarding situation when we arrive on-site. We will communicate with the insurance company regarding the customer's contents coverage, and after approval, contents can be packed out and possibly cleaned, dried, and stored in our temporary storage in our warehouse so work on the fire or water loss can begin. Another way SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia encounters hoarding jobs is through calls from landlords, caseworkers, real estate agents, or family members, often after the death of a loved one. In these situations, the crew will see if they should look for any items of importance while they clean the job. Sometimes, family members will come and try to help the hoarder sort through their contents as well. Each case is very different, and hoarding jobs are often sensitive situations, but SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia is here to help make it “Like it never even happened.” If you encounter a hoarding situation at one of your properties, or with your insureds, call us at (334) 372-7378

Factors for Choosing a Restoration Company

3/28/2019 (Permalink)

When your home or business is struck by a water damage event, such as a flood, burst pipe, or roof leak, you will see many restoration options in a google search. Here is why it is so important to carefully consider the company you choose to repair your property. 

1. Evaluating exactly what can and cannot be saved in the property is crucial. This is where our experienced managers quickly determine the best course of action to save as much of the structure as possible. This first step can determine a huge chunk of your upfront costs for repair and materials for replacement.

2. Drying Equipment. If the company you hire is not using the best drying and air scrubbing equipment available, chances are they will need to use that equipment on your property for a longer period of time, costing you more money. Our techs are trained to work and act efficiently and we invest in the best possible restoration equipment so everything we do is efficient. In the long run, this is the best possible way to save our client's money.

3. We offer all phases of restoration and reconstruction services. Again, as we strive to be an efficient company we employ a team of talented and experienced craftsmen and carpenters to remove the need to hire subcontractors on your project and to be 100% sure your job will be completed professionally.

Our 1-4-8 Guarantee

3/25/2019 (Permalink)

Do you get tired of waiting on restoration professionals who say they will be there within an hour but it ends up being more like four or five hours? 

If you answered yes, SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia is here to help!

We have a special response system that provides us with guidelines to meet our customer halfway. We utilize SERVPRO's standard 1-4-8 rule.

1- Within one hour from a notice of loss, SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia will contact you to arrange services. 

4- Within four hours of a loss, SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia will be on site to start mitigation services. 

8- Within eight business days of on-site arrival a briefing of the scope will be communicated to the appropriate person. 

We never want you to miss out on getting the help you need! We want you to call SERVPRO today.

*Exceptions may apply under certain conditions such as a local catastrophic event or storm situation

Carpet Cleaning Services

3/25/2019 (Permalink)

Summer is the best time of the year. The kids are out of school. You are taking family vacations. Having BBQ's at your home. But the trips to the beach, the increased foot traffic, playing in the yard and the overall humidity can be tough on carpets leaving them damp and dirty with debris. 

We can help.

SERVPRO professionals are available to clean, renew and help protect your carpets. We offer complete carpet and upholstery cleaning services to residents and businesses in Greenville/Troy/Andalusia.

Because our techs are professionally trained to remediate disasters like fire, water damage, smoke damage and more we are already equipped and prepared to offer commercial grade cleaning services right in your neighborhood. And, because we have decades of experience we offer service and products unmatched by other carpet cleaning services. Contact our office today for a no obligation estimate.

Any Time, Any Problem, SERVPRO of GTA is Ready to Help with Restoration Service

3/3/2019 (Permalink)

Why SERVPRO?

With any disaster, cleanup can be a hassle in the Greenville/Troy/Andalusia area. The mess left by floods, fires, or mold is a lot to handle by yourself. At SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia, we provide emergency cleaning services for any of these problems. Let us help you get your life back to normal after an emergency. Sometimes the most damaging thing from a fire is the smoke and soot that comes with it. Our cleaning professionals will remove any traces and odor left by smoke and soot after a fire. Getting rid of the mess after a fire is a difficult job, and it requires knowledge and experience to be completely successful. The same is true when it comes to removing mold, mildew, and sewage. With our trusted professionals, you can be sure the damage from any disaster will be minimized as much as possible. Cleaning services from SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia will take care of these messes so you don’t have to! If you’ve already had to deal with the stress of a disaster, let us take the stress out of the cleanup. We are available 24/7 to help with any emergency, at any time. Contact us today, and our professional cleaning services will take care of any emergencies you have. Whether its mold, water, or fire damage, our team at SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia has the most reliable emergency restoration services. We are available any time, day or night, to help with any problem, and you can trust us to do our best work every time.  

Mold Damage

• Mold grows when water damage has not been dried properly. If you have had previous water damage and are now seeing fuzzy or wet spots of mold somewhere in your home, call us today. The quicker a mold problem is taken care of by our professional restoration team, the less overall damage you will have to deal with.

Water Damage

• Immense water damage, like a flood from a burst pipe, always happens when you least expect it. Our emergency restoration services are available 24/7 because these emergencies cannot wait. Immediate action must be taken in order to save your home or business. Our trusted team will respond quickly to clean up the mess and lower the possibility of mold growth.

Fire Damage

• Fires are destructive, as well as the smoke and soot that comes with them. If these problems aren’t taken care of very quickly, the damage will be severe and permanent. Take action instantly after a fire and call our restoration team. We can fix all of the problems that come after a fire, and we do our best work to return your home or business to normal.

No matter what emergency you’re facing, contact us at SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia today at (334) 371-7378 and let our emergency restoration services team take care of it!