Recent Posts

3AM Water Emergency Averted in Broad Street Home

12/13/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Augusta is Here to Help ® – Day and Night

Water emergencies happen when we least expect them, and typically when we are most inconvenienced by them. That was the case for a local family living in an old, restored home on Broad Street in downtown Augusta, GA. In the middle of the night their water heater burst, sending gallons of water spewing into their home rapidly and without warning. It brought them great relief to be able to have their local SERVPRO’s experienced mitigation team come on site quickly and begin helping them to avert their catastrophe.

What Is SERVPRO’s Process of Handling a Late-Night Water Crisis?

SERVPRO of Augusta teams are available and on-call 24/7/365. Our afterhours customer care team answer the call and gather as much information as possible, to educate the crew chiefs on the situation so they are prepared when they arrive on-site.  SERVPRO has a 1-4-8 policy, meaning that we are guaranteed to be at your property with the clean-up process begun within an eight-hour window. Once the clean-up process is completed, our restoration crew will come out to the property and gather the scope of work that needs to be completed. This entails restoring flooring, drywall and any other affected materials.

SERVPRO is a One Stop Shop! We can provide the help that you need from the beginning of a disaster all the way to the end.

Got A Water Damage Emergency? Give SERVPRO of Augusta a call today at 706-750-0200 to schedule a consultation with our team!

Is Your AC Leaking into Your Augusta Business? SERVPRO® Can Help!

6/30/2022 (Permalink)

Welcome to Summer!

This time of year, the heat is almost impossible to beat, especially once noon hits. As the temperature climbs outside, people on the inside turn the thermostat down. For a while, the AC circulates throughout the building, keeping everyone at a comfortable temperature. That is, until you start noticing that the AC isn’t working as well and there is water or moisture leaking down from the ceiling. If your commercial business has a unit on the inside, it runs the risk of damaging the flooring and furnishings in its wake.  As soon as you notice the water coming from your AC unit, call your HVAC company for repairs. SERVPRO® of Augusta North can take care of the water loss!

How SERVPRO® Will Help

The first step we will take would be assessing the damage. Based on our inspection, after we dry up the water, we will ensure that the area is dry by performing necessary demolition and placing our professional grade equipment. The equipment we will likely use would be air movers and dehumidifiers. However, if the area is particularly saturated, we may utilize specialty equipment such as injecta-drys. Our main goal, with any type of water loss, is to prevent further and more extensive damage from occurring, such as mold growth. Additionally, we want you and your employees to be able to resume business as usual as soon as possible.

If you are currently experiencing water damage, SERVPRO® of Augusta North can help! Contact our office team at 706-750-0200 to schedule our professional technicians to come out and fix the water damage, we are “Here to help. ®”

New vs. Old Water Damage

6/27/2022 (Permalink)

The Many Sources of Water Damage

The most frequent form of property damage is caused by water, and there are numerous ways it can occur. Nature, for one, can be the culprit through sudden storms and flooding. A pipe burst is another common offender, especially those sneaky slow leaks. The worst and most unmistakable type of water loss would be the sewage backups. If you are not sure when the water loss occurred, here are some tips to determine whether it’s new or old.

Firm vs. Soft Materials

If one day you discover some extra water in an area it shouldn’t be, or suspect a leaking pipe, the first thing you can do to determine the age of the loss is to feel the affected area – but only if it is safe. When you touch the potentially affected area and the impacted material is firm, the would be considered a more recent loss. However, if the affected material has more soft, mushy spots it is an indication that the water has been present for a longer period.

Staining

Drywall is often affected in water loss, and rings that may develop as a side effect to the water damage. Darker rings can signify that the damage is more recent while older, periodic water damage will have multiple different colored rings around it, like rings on a tree trunk. The different shades of the rings show that the area has been soaked, dried, and repeated multiple times. These can also be called “mit lines” in our line of work.

Mildew and Microbial Growth

Water, especially stagnant water, attracts and produces perfect conditions for mold spores to grow and form colonies. If there is a moisture, microbial growth is never far behind, usually occurring 24 to 48 hours after the initial water loss. Therefore, you spot what you think could be some growth, the loss may be older and would need immediate attention.

If you discover water damage in your home, regardless of if it’s old or new, SERVPRO® of North Augusta can help with our professionally trained technicians. Give our office team a call to schedule services right away at 706-750-0200.

A Song of (Dry) Ice and Fire

6/23/2022 (Permalink)

Did you know that one of the best ways to restore properties that have been affected by fire damage is dry ice blasting? It is ideal for the restoration of wood, concrete, brick, and building materials because it dries instantly, is fast, and leave little to no residue behind. Additionally, dry ice is effective in removing smoke and even mildew smells from fire damage without causing further deterioration of surface material.

Why Dry Ice Blasting?

Dry ice blasting is precise in tight spaces with the added benefit of not damaging to the affected services. It takes three to five times longer for traditional fire restoration methods to clean an area than the dry ice blasting technique. Dry ice blasting utilizes CO2, which converts to high pressured gas and is then blasted against surfaces, simultaneously eliminating odors as well.

Additional Benefits of Dry Ice Blasting

  • Cleans and deodorizes concrete, wood, brick, and more.
  • Avoids the typical abrasive blasting and cleans area without erosion and etching.
  • There will not be water damage.
  • It is more environmentally safe—no need for using caustics and acids when cleaning.
  • It is safe for electrical components.
  • Dry ice blasting is faster than other methods of restoration.

Have you experienced fire or smoke damage? Contact SERVPRO® of North Augusta at 706-750-0200 to schedule an inspection with our trained technicians.

How SERVPRO® of North Augusta Can Help You!

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

Services We Provide for Commercial Properties

Owning and running a business can be stressful when everything goes right, let alone when things go wrong. Things like extreme weather conditions and accidental human error are among the things that can happen that are out of your control.

Water Damage

Water can wreak havoc on a building even before the damage is discovered. Flooding can occur due to burst pipes, overflowing sinks, backed up toilets, among other things. Whatever the cause, SERVPRO® of North Augusta can extract any type of water and provide expert drying services for your facility.

Mold Testing & Remediation

In addition to being able to take care of water mitigation, we are also experts in mold remediation and can complete mold elimination. Microbial growth often originates from water damage that has been left for a few days or not properly mitigated when found. We are capable of performing Air Quality Tests that can identify if there is a problem within your facility, and help you through the removal process.

Fire & Smoke Damage

When there’s a fire, there are many steps that you need to take to get your business back to normal. The good news is SERVPRO® of North Augusta is qualified and able to assist with whatever fire damage your property is faced with. Even when it’s just smoke damage, it can have a big impact on a business. At SERVPRO® we are capable of restoring your place of business back to normal with our knowledge and equipment.

SERVPRO® of North Augusta is prepared to help your business no matter the issue at hand, we are “Here to help.®” If you are in need of assistance, give us a call at 706-750-0200.

The Dangers of Thunderstorms

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

According to the National Weather Service, a severe thunderstorm is one in which there are winds 58 mph or greater and ¾ inch hail or larger, and at times there may be tornadoes.  There are nearly 1,800 thunderstorms occurring at any one moment around the world, 100,000 of those happen in the United States. An estimated 10% of those 100,000 storms are considered to be severe.

Facts and Myths About Lightning

  • MYTH: “Heat lightning” occurs after very hot summer days and poses no threat.
  • FACT: “Heat lightning” is lightning that is occurring in a distant thunderstorm that is too far away to hear its associated thunder.
  • MYTH: If it is not raining, there is no threat from lightning
  • FACT: Lightning often strikes outside of heavy rain and may occur as far as ten miles away from rainfall.
  • MYTH: Rubber soles of shoes and tires on a car will protect your from being stuck by lightning.
  • FACT: This is false; these items proved NO protection from lightning. However, you are much safer in a vehicle than outside during a thunderstorm if you are not touch the metal.
  • MYTH: In a pinch, it is safe to seek shelter under a tree.
  • FACT: Contrary to common belief, it is not safe or advised to be under a tree during a storm, it is the second leading cause of injury. It is best to get indoors or crouch low to the ground.

How to Keep Safe:

  • At the very first sign of a thunder or a storm, take action. Go indoors or seek shelter. 
  • Stay away from windows and doors. Do not use a landline and unplug appliances, computers and other electronics. 
  • Avoid showering, doing laundry or dishes. 
  • Monitor and obey instructions of public safety officials. 
  • If you are outside, shelter in a vehicle. Stay put and avoid touching metal. 
  • If you are in an open area, go to a low place and stay away from trees.
  • If you are on the water, get to land immediately. 
  • Stay indoors at least 30 minutes after the last thunder or lightning.

What to do After a Thunderstorm:

  • Continue to monitor emergency information.
  • Call 911 to report downed power lines or gas leaks. If you suspect leaks in your home, go outdoors immediately. 
  • Check your home for damage. Document any damage and contact your insurance company immediately.
  • If you suspect water damage, call SERVPRO® of North Augusta immediately.

If your home has received storm damage, give SERVPRO® of North Augusta a call! We can perform board ups, tarp roofs, extract water – anything you may need to get your home back in order. Our expert call is ready to help, you can contact us at 706-750-0200.

Suspect Moisture? SERVPRO® Can Help!

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

Moisture Checking

The first sign of a potential water loss is moisture. In fact, moisture is the bane of any homes existence as it can cause more than a few issues if not properly mitigated in a timely manner. If you suspect, or even smell moisture in your home, don’t wait – call SERVPRO® of North Augusta immediately.

Signs of Moisture in Your Home

Undetected leaks are common in homes and likely to occur no matter what you do to prevent them, that is why routine maintenance is necessary. However, if you are looking to purchase a home or new homeowners, it can be hard to determine the water loss history of a house. For that reason, be on the lookout for the following signs of moisture:

  • Softened, spongy drywall
  • Peeling or bubbling wallpaper
  • Moist, damp smells
  • Water seeping from portions of the wall

Why is it an Issue?

One normally would think, “if there is no visible water, there’s no problem, right?” The short answer is no. Moisture is an invitation fold microbial growth to come right in, and once that occurs, the damage is done. No matter the extent of mold, it is always expensive to take proper care of if left alone. The sooner the moisture is taken care of, the less likely mold is subject to grow.

SERVPRO® of North Augusta is ready to help with any sized water loss. We are capable of detecting and eliminating moisture in your home. Call us at 706-750-0200 to schedule a consultation today, we are “Here to help.®”

What to do After a Storm

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

Storms are ever present in the United States and there is a chance that your home may be affected by hail, wind, rain, tree damage, and other debris at some point. Not experiencing substantial damage during a storm truly seems to just be the luck of the draw, and only time will tell when you may experience this type of loss at the worst of times.

What do I do After Storm Damage?

If you experience severe storm damage, the first thing we would recommend you do is reach out to SERVPRO® of North Augusta as soon as possible. We have provided emergency storm damage services to homes and businesses for many years. Below are some of the mitigation needs we have seen and taken care of after a storm:

  • Exterior Damage: Wind, hail, and tree debris can break your windows, strip your siding, and even put holes in your roof. There may be a possibility that the openings have been compromised and need to be secured as well as protected to prevent further damage. If a roof has been damaged to a point it is leaking or worse, we can provide a temporary roof cover to prevent additional water intrusion.
  • Obstructive Debris: Can include large tree branches falling into your home or roof and interferes with your daily life. I could also affect the structural element of your home as well as shatter the glass in your windows. No matter what it is, the debris will need to be removed for the safety of your home and family.
  • Flooding: With relentless rain, the chances of a flooding is substantially higher, and difficult for a sump pump to keep up with, even if it is from a roof leak. We have specialized equipment that is capable of removing water from hard surfaces and carpeting, preventing additional losses from occurring.

SERVPRO® of North Augusta is available to help with your emergency property damage. Emergency situations are our specialty, and our qualified teams are committed to the safety of everyone involved. If you are in need of our services, please contact us at 706-750-0200.

Hot Water Heater: The Most Common Water Damage Cause

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

We Have Seen it All

As an emergency response mitigation company, we have seen plenty of sources of water damage. However, one of the most common calls we get is in regards to a hot water heater leak. It’s certainly not something that most homeowners think about it, but it happens far more than anyone would like. Additionally, since the water heater is often located somewhere in the home people rarely frequent, it tends to fall in the “out of sight, out of mind” category. By the time it is normally thought about, it may already be too late to prevent serious damage.

Why You Water Heater May be Leaking

  • Gradual aging: As with any other appliance in your home, water heaters are susceptible to deteriorating effects of aging, even if they are quite durable. The lifespan of a water heater is normally up to ten years, with barely any maintenance required.
  • Hot and Cold Inlets and Outlets: The hot and cold inlets and outlets are more susceptible to damage compared to its other components. It is a good rule of thumb to check these regularly.
  • Drain Valve: It is normal for the drain valve to drip a little. However, if it is releasing any more than that, it is an issue.
  • The Temperature and Relief Valve: if the valve deals too much pressure, it could malfunction. This could be caused by the water heater raising the water’s temperature excessively.
  • The Water Tank: If this appears to be the issue, you’ll more than likely be experiencing a flood rather than a leak.

Is your water heater leaking and causing water damage to your home? SERVPRO® of North Augusta is “Here to help.®” Give our office team a call at 706-750-0200 and we will have our trained professionals dispatched to you home right away!

Happy Mother’s Day From SERVPRO®!

5/4/2022 (Permalink)

Don’t forget that Mother’s Day is just around the corner this year on Sunday, May 8th! It is a special day a year that honors the matriarch of a family, as well as motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in society.

Origins of Mother’s Day in the United States

 In 1872, American poet, author, and suffragette Julia Ward Howe asked for June 2nd, 1872, to be established as “Mother’s Day for Peace,” after the success of her 1870 “Appeal to womanhood throughout the world” (which would later be known as “Mother’s Day Proclamation”). The appeal was a pacifist reaction to the American Civil War and the Franco-Prussian War. However, her request for the official holiday was not successful at that time.  

Thirty-four years later in 1905, schoolteacher and social activist Anna Reeves Jarvis began her campaign to make Mother’s Day a recognized holiday in the U.S., after her own mother’s death.  In 1907, she held the first Mother’s Day service at Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church in Grafton, West Virginia. The following year, U.S. Congress rejected a proposal to make Mother’s Day an official holiday, joking that they would also have to proclaim a “Mother-in-Law’s Day”. Despite this, Anna Jarvis was able to persevere as in 1911 all U.S. states were celebrating the holiday; some were even officially recognizing Mother’s Day as a local holiday—namely West Virginia, her home state. Finally, in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation ordaining that Mother’s Day was to be held on the second Sunday in May and a national holiday to honor mothers.

How Mother’s Day Celebrated in the United States

In the United States, it is one of the biggest days for sales of flowers, greeting cards, and even long-distance phone calls. Church attendance also receives an uptick on that day, yielding numbers close to that on Christmas Eve and Easter. Many people like to get the carnations to celebrate their mothers, colored carnations for living mothers, white if she has passed. It is possibly true that the holiday could have withered away if not for the support and continuous promotion of the florist and commercial industries, as is continues to be one of the most commercially successful U.S. occasion.

If your family experiences an unforeseen fire or water damage this Mother’s Day, SERVPRO® of North Augusta is “Here to help. ®” Contact us 24/7,365 at 706-750-0200.