AC Leak Got you Down? Give SERVPRO of Augusta a Shout!

6/26/2024 (Permalink)

Picture of a desiccant drying out a commercial building after an AC leak.

Common Causes of AC Leaks  

AC Leaks can be frustrating and a costly issue for homeowners to remediate. A leaky AC can lead to higher energy bills and potential water damage to parts of your home. SERVPRO of Augusta is Here to Help® by providing insight into the most common causes of AC leaks, how to prevent them and the best repair solutions. There are multiple reasons why your air conditioner may be leaking, including: 

• Dirty Air Filter: A dirty air filter can restrict airflow which causes the evaporator coil to freeze and eventually leak weak water when it melts.  

• Low Refrigerant Levels: Low refrigerant levels can cause the evaporator coil to freeze and then leak water when it melts, this can also lead to reduced cooling efficiency and increased energy bills.  

• Drain Line Issues: A clogged or disconnected drain line can cause water to back up and overflow from your AC unit.  

• Improper Installation: If your air conditioner was not installed correctly, it may not be leveled properly which can lead to water pooling and leaking from the unit.  

• Broken Condensate Pump: If your AC unit is installed in a basement it may rely on a condensate pump to remove any excess water. A broken pump can cause water to accumulate and leak from the unit.  

Preventing AC Leaks 

Preventing air conditioner leaks is essential to maintaining an efficient and functional air conditioning system. Here are some tried and true tips to help you avoid leaks: 

• Check & Replace Air Filters: Inspect your air filters regularly and replace them as needed to prevent restricted airflow and evaporator coil freezing.  

• Monitor Refrigerant Levels: If you suspect that your AC unit is low on refrigerant, contact a professional plumber to inspect and refill it as needed.  

• Regular Maintenance: Schedule regular maintenance with a professional heating and air technician.  

Whatever AC related water disaster you face, SERVPRO of Augusta is here to make it “Like it never even happened”. Give us a call today at 706-750-0200 to schedule a consultation.  

Icemaker Leak in Your Augusta Home? SERVPRO Can Help!

6/28/2023 (Permalink)

Everyone has a refrigerator, and today most of them are equipped with ice makers. We have grown accustomed to the conveniences of the clean and fresh ice cubes that are available on command. There are times, however, these modern machines can cause extensive water damage to a home. Icemakers can develop leaks that both reduces its efficiency and causes damage to areas around the fridge. Additionally, if the water damage is left unmitigated, it could cause secondary damage to the home, such as potential microbial growth. Before that happens, here are some identifiers to look for when trying you are trying to determine if your ice maker is leaking.

What to Look For

If you are suspicious that your ice maker is leaking, the first step you should check for pooling water around the base of the refrigerator or for dampness in a nearby rug, this could indicate a leaky water line. A small amount of water would mean that it is a recent loss and the leak recently occurred. The longer the leak has been present, the more damage to the surrounding area would be. For example, there would be damage along the baseboards, cracked paint, mold, mildew, or swelling of floorboards.

How SERVPRO® Can Help

When a suspected ice maker leak call comes in, our first step is to determine how long the loss has been occurring. A lot of the time, these losses are what we call, “slow leaks” which means that it may have been happening for a longer period. SERVPRO® will then preform moisture check to confirm that the area does need to be mitigated. Drying equipment will be placed to stabilize the environment and if demo is needed, our trained technicians will take the utmost care when removing damaged materials.

Icemaker leaks can be a headache to deal with but SERVPRO® of North Augusta is “Here to help. ®” Give us a call at 706-750-0200 for more information and to schedule a moisture inspection today. We can help get your home back into working order.

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!

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.

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.®”

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!

The Categories of Water

4/28/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage is not an experience that most people truly anticipate occurring in their home, but as long as there is water running in pipes, it will be a risk. In the event of a water loss happening at your property, it is important to respond quickly to ensure your home is properly cleaned and restored. SERVPRO® of North Augusta follows the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) Standard guidelines when handling a water loss. To make the process a little easier to understand, below we have described the categories of water we often work with.

Category 1

The least severe water category on the IICRC scale, is category 1, also known as “clean water”.  Water damage in this category often originates from broken pipes or supply lines, the overflow from a sink or bathtub, and various appliance problems. Due to this water being sewage and toxin-free, it is recognized as less severe. However, if left to stagnate or if it comes into contact with other services or materials, the category could change. Typically, most damage that occurs because of a category 1 loss can easily be dried by a team of SERVPRO® professionals.

Category 2

“Grey water,” also known as category 2 water come from appliances like toilets bowls, discharge from washing machines or dishwashers, seepage from hydrostatic failure, and sump pump backups. There is a chance that this water contains microorganisms, in addition to organic or inorganic matter (chemical or biological). It is important to remove any affected items and materials, then immediately disinfect and sanitize the home, as the waste and chemicals of the category 2 water.  

Category 3

The final category is known as “black water”. This water is grossly contaminated and likely to contain toxigenic or pathogenic agents that can be harmful. Category 3 water may contain organic material (sewage), pesticides, carry silt, heavy metals, and/or toxic organic substances.  These types of losses occur when it comes from the following: soiled toilet bow water, sewer backup, rising water from rivers or streams, ground or service water, and seawater. Black water damage is the most extreme and extensive kind of water damage that requires swift action to mitigate, as well as significant disinfecting.

SERVPRO® of North Augusta is “Faster to any size disaster®” and features skilled IICRC-certified technicians ready to help. If you have experience and need guidance on the next steps to take, give us a call at 706-750-0200!

Leaky Roof Left My Living Room a Wet Mess

4/12/2022 (Permalink)

What Are the First Steps After I Discover a Roof Leak?  

Unfortunately, emergency incidents will happen, and it is important that as a homeowner you know what steps to take after notice of the loss. Acting immediately helps to minimize the amount of damage done to your home.   

With a leaky roof it’s important to remove any furniture or items that can be damaged as soon as possible. For example, if you discover the roof leak is located above your bed, push it out of the way as soon as possible. Some fabrics retain water more than others, so getting your items out of harm's way will help avoid the chance of mildew as well.  Once you have found the source and location of the leak, the next step is figuring out how to maintain the water until a professional can arrive. If there is a sagging pouch hanging on the inside of your ceiling, that is a sign that the water is collecting in that spot. Although it seems not ideal to poke a hole in it, leaving it there to collect could cause even more damage to surrounding areas. The best course of action is to take a screwdriver and poke a small hole into the center, with a bucket placed underneath to catch all the water.    

How Can SERVPRO® Help Me Restore My Home? 

When dealing with water damage time is of the essence, SERVPRO® will arrive quickly to the scene and begin your water cleanup and restoration. SERVPRO® of Augusta is open 24/7/365, which means that we are “Here to help®” day or night. Our 1-4-8 System ensures that your water loss will be handled quickly and efficiently.

But what is the 1-4-8 System? The 1-4-8 system is a breakdown of exactly what our teams and crews do within the first 8 hours of notice of loss to get you and your home back on track. During the first hour we are made aware of the loss via the customer and began collecting information concerning the scope of work. Within the 4^th hour we will have sent a crew out to your property to set eyes on the issue. (This typically involves our crews getting an idea of how much and which equipment will be needed to get that water cleaned up.) And by hour 8 our crews have explained to you the step-by-step process of how we are going to restore your home to preloss condition and have placed all necessary equipment to get the job started.  

After the water cleanup process is complete, your home may need construction repairs done to restore your home completely. Repairs range from small jobs to major ones depending on the extent of the water damage. Depending on SERVPRO® gives you further peace of mind knowing that you can One-Stop-Shop all your home’s repair needs within one reliable company. SERVPRO® is “Here to help®” from start to finish! 

Have A Water Disaster You Are Ready to Master? Give SERVPRO® of Augusta a call today at 706-750-0200 and we’ll help to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Pipes Burst in Your Augusta Home?

3/31/2022 (Permalink)

What Causes Pipes to Burst?  

No one wants to deal with the damage, expenses, and messes that pipe bursting causes. But what causes these pipes to burst during winter in the first place? The most basic explanation is that the water coming into your home from outside is much, much colder than it was during the summer season. The extra cold water causes pipes to contract in weaker parts, which causes them to burst. This takes place as the pipes begin to become physically unable to hold up to the water pressures inside them.   

A frozen pipe can be noticed as early as when water ceases coming out of the faucet as your turn them on. When you notice this, check to make sure that the water is still running and there isn’t a source leak somewhere. After you’ve confirmed these steps, continue your inspection by making sure no pipes have burst. If your pipes are indeed frozen, do not try thawing them yourself. Have an experienced plumber come and thaw your pipes for you. This prevents further consequences, and you rest easy knowing your plumber knows how to thaw the pipes and where the frozen pipes are.  

What Temperature Do Pipes Freeze? 

Freezing temperature for water is 32 degrees Fahrenheit. The pipes inside your home are protected from freezing temperatures through your home’s insulation. This means that on days that it is 32 degrees outside, your pipes won’t necessarily freeze. Pipes typically begin to freeze when the outside temperature is at least 20 degrees Fahrenheit.  

Fun Fact: Did you know pipes can burst in warm weather too? Very hot temperatures and water being in high demand can make pipes vulnerable and more prone to bursts.  

What Precautions Can Be Taken to Prevent Pipe Bursts 

Stopping the contraction caused by cold water is not something that can really be manipulated or controlled. The best step is to be mindful of your plumbing system as the temperature changes and be on the lookout for leaks. While there isn’t much you can do to control leaks caused by temperature changes, we do have a list of 6 things you CAN do to avoid water pipe bursts: 

1. Keep Your Water Faucets Running:If temperatures fall low, keep one or two faucets running on a drip. Consistent water moving through the system should keep pipelines from freezing.  
2. Leave Cabinet Doors Open: If your sink is located on an outside wall, leave cabinet doors open to allow warm air into the cabinet.
3. Direct Warm Air to Colder Areas of Your Home: Most often pipes that freeze are located near an outside wall or window, so be sure to direct warm air to the colder areas of your home.
4. Separate Your Hose from the Outside Faucet: Be sure to disconnect your hose from the outside faucet.
5. Seal Leaks Where Cold Air Can Creep In: Where pies are located, seal any openings where cold air could enter. Look for air leaks around electric wiring, vents, and pipes. Install caulk or installation to keep the cold out.
6. Keep Track of Your Home’s Temperature: Try to be proactive and prevent temperatures from dropping below 32 degrees where any water lines are in your home.

Pipes Burst Leaving You Flooded with Emotions? Give SERVPRO® of Augusta a call at 706-750-0200 and we’ll make it "Like it never even happened."  

New Year Could Present Damages to Your Home

12/22/2021 (Permalink)

Find yourself needing SERVPRO this Winter season? Call our friendly team of experts at 706-750-0200 for advice and scheduling.

As the New Year begins, it is important to not let New Years Resolutions, new hobbies, or plans for a 2022 vacation distract from the potential threat of a water damage.

As you plan for vacation, it is important to note that vacation-time is an opportune time for a water damage to strike against your home. Why may you ask? Simply put, there is no one home to monitor if an emergency water leak occurs. For example, toilet supply lines could fail, refrigerator supply lines may burst, and your hot water heater in the attic may have an issue you can’t detect. At SERVPRO® of Augusta, we find it important to be a resource for our community, to try and help prevent such damages from occurring.

To help, please view the following list of steps to take to hopefully prevent these disasters.

• Shut off the Main Water Valve. This is the best defense against flooding in your home caused by a burst pipe or other plumbing failure.
• Check Your Supply Lines. You can check your supply lines, but do not over tighten. Overtightening can cause metal threads to become warped and later allow water to slip through.
• Inspect Your Appliance and Fixtures. You can unplug smaller appliances while away to save on electricity as well as avoid any issues should there be an electrical storm while you are away.
• Test the Sump Pump. You can check your sump pump by pouring a 5-gallon bucket of water over the pump, it should then turn on and begin to work. This is important to check as the sup pump could help should flooding in your area occur.
• Invest in a Smart Leak Detector. This is a great investment for being notified if there is a water leak. If there is, you are notified, and SERVPRO can be called to help clean the damages immediately.

Have a Water Leak Issue? We can help. As the experts in our industry of restoration and mitigation of water damages, we are more than capable of helping restore your property to make it "Like it never even happened."  Our teams are knowledgeable and equipped with industry-leading equipment and resources. Coupled with both the most advanced equipment and a powerhouse of restoration experts, at SERVPRO of Augusta we can serve and solve any sized disaster. Call our team for help at 706-750-0200.

How To Protect Your Augusta Home Against Rainwater

11/1/2021 (Permalink)

Waterproof the Exterior Of Your House 

At SERVPRO® of Augusta we understand that the aftermath of water damage is one of the most stressful things that a homeowner can experience. It can be a very big and expensive problem if not treated properly and in a timely fashion. The best way to deal with water damage is to stop it before it starts. The exterior of your house is the first line of defense against water damage.  

Maintain Your Roof 

The roof’s primary purpose is to keep water out of your shelter. Not making sure your roof is taken care of can lead to a host of problems- the worst being extensive water damage that could permanently damage the structure of your home.  Most roofs have a 20-30 year lifespan, however climate, weather conditions and even trees could cause damage to your shingles and create a leak. It’s best to periodically inspect your roof for damaged or missing shingles. Replacing compromised shingles is a quick and inexpensive fix that can extend the shelf life of your roof.  

Add Sealant to Your Windows And Doors  

Entryways to your house are common sites that promote water damage and leakage into the home. Water can seep through the cracks around your windows and doors if they aren’t properly secured. Instead of waiting on the leak to happen, go ahead and make sure these areas are weather-stripped and have fresh sealing. You can easily repair large cracks with insulating foam sealant or dd some caulking where the window meets the siding.  

Make Sure Your Home’s Exterior Is Protected  

If you’re spotting some signs of water damage on your interior walls but aren’t seeing a source of leakage, it’s highly likely that water is entering through holes in your exterior walls. If your siding or exterior paint aren’t well managed water could seep through inside your home. Common sidings such as stucco, aluminum siding or wood siding has to be painted in order to protect the home against water properly. Paint is more than a pretty feature, it seals your siding and protects your home from weather related issues.  

Making sure your gutters are properly functioning and aren’t clogged is also a huge part of protecting your home from water damage. If your gutters are full of leaves, sticks and pine needles or not angled correctly, water will be redirected down the side of your house and collect at the base of your home. Start by clearing out all the junk in your gutters and ensuring that they are not damaged.  

Correctly functioning gutters should send water through the downspout, which shoots water away from your home. When checking gutters make sure that your downspout extends far enough at the bottom to redirect the water drainage to a safe distance away from the base of your home.  

Pro Tip: Downspouts should direct water at least three feet from the exterior walls of your home.  

For emergency water services give us a call at 706-750-0200, we are Always Here To Help 24/7/365  

Smelling Musty Odors from Your Augusta Commercial Business?

8/25/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® crews regularly spray antimicrobial to help prevent potential mold growth.

How Do I Know If What I’m Smelling is Mold?

Molds are found in almost every environment, and mold spores colonize rapidly when moisture is present. Excessive dampness indoors promotes the growth rate of molds and other organisms, which can potentially cause health effects. But what exactly does mold/mildew smell like? Mold typically smells like what you’re probably thinking it would . . . earthy, damp, similar to the smell of rotting wood. SERVPRO® professionals handle water damages every day and know immediate action is required to prevent microbial growth. Here are some high indicators to be alert for if you are thinking you may have a mold issue:

• The visible presence of mold
• Strong, musty odors
• Discolored walls and stains
• Black spots on ceilings, floors and/or cabinets
• Excessive humidity

Indications of A Past Water Issues

If you have just purchased your building, but are already recognizing experiencing musty smells, there is a high probability that your building has had past unsolved water damage. Most mold problems are the result of unresolved water leaks. Examples include bubbling, cracking or peeling wallpaper or paint are huge indicators of past moisture issues.  SERVPRO® of Augusta crews can scope and consult on your commercial building and locate where mold is using our moisture sensors and moisture meters. These tools allow us to specify where the mold growth is and determine the extent of moisture.

If I Don’t Yet Have a Mold Problem, What Can I Do To Be Prepared?

No one plans for a disaster, but you can plan to be Ready for Whatever Happens®.  Having a Preparedness plan in place helps gain peace of mind. Developing a SERVPRO® Emergency Ready Profile (ERP), can minimize business interruption because you have an immediate plan of action already in place. Having a SERVPRO® of Augusta representative come out and help assemble an ERP could be the key in a timely response from your local SERVPRO® and timely restoration of your business.

Think You Have a Mold Problem? Call our office at 706-750-0200 to schedule a consultation and receive advice from our SERVPRO® professionals.

Suspect a Leak?

6/24/2021 (Permalink)

How SERVPRO Can Help with a Suspected Water Leak Augusta

At SERVPRO® of Augusta, our crews and technicians have practically seen it all. From working under tight time frames to helping relators and homeowners at the closing table; to discretely managing large-loss water damage projects fulfilled to completion for government facilities. All projects are performed with service excellence. Our crews and technicians are trained and capable to handle any size loss, at any moment. As for your home, expect the best from our industry to rid you of a potential headache.

Understand what is key to restoring your home – Quickly!

Having a knowledgeable team on your side. Being equipped with a team that can expertly walk you through the process of water damage mitigation is important. Without SERVPRO® and our expertise, calling a different restoration team to respond to your call can put your home at risk for secondary damages such as mold and rot.

Access to the best equipment to fit your water damage. Not only is a fast response time vital when dealing with a water damage but equally important is having the drying equipment ready to be placed after standing water is extracted. Without swift placement of drying equipment, you could incidentally open your home to potential secondary damages. Our crew chiefs and technicians are trained to follow a guided system of structure drying expectations.

Daily updates can help clarify where your home is at in the drying process. Experiencing a water damage in your home is always an unwanted disruption. Our goal is to make it known how efficiently your home is drying and what outside factors could affect the drying process. Great communication and transparency are key in hoping to give you peace of mind during the time of your water loss.

Need Help for Your Augusta Home Water Damage? Give us a call at 706-868-5441, or to Learn More about the Augusta Area – Click Here!

A Leaking Shower Can Spell Major Water Damage Issues For Your Augusta Home

6/2/2021 (Permalink)

Water Damage From Leaking Shower In Augusta Home

The two rooms in the residential properties that report the most water damage are the kitchen and bathroom. These are the areas of the property where appliances and activities that use water occur most. When a water damage event happens, professional mitigation must begin as quickly as possible.

SERVPRO responded to a call from an Augusta homeowner with water damage coming through the ceiling from the bathroom into the kitchen. Our technicians immediately began scoping the area to determine where the water had migrated. The kitchen was unaffected by the water and only needed surface cleaning. We quickly located the source of the leak was from a shower riser, the long pipe that reaches up to the showerhead. When the shower was in use, water ran down the pipe and was coming through the floor joists and dripping through the first-floor ceiling.

Our moisture detection equipment showed moisture retention in the floor joists between the first and second floors. We used portable pumps to extract as much moisture as possible from the floor and then drilled weep holes in the ceiling to let airflow within the floor joists thoroughly dry the affected areas.

Because our technicians possess certifications in the science of Applied Structural Drying, they know how to strategically set up a room for the quickest and most complete removal of excess moisture. Air movers were positioned both below to dry the ceiling and in the bathroom to direct air within the floor joists in the area of the leak. This setup enabled for complete removal of the collected moisture and inhibited the potential for mold.

SERVPRO of Augusta proudly serves the local area mitigating water damage and restoring homes to their preloss condition. Our local emergency response team is available when you need us 24/7 at (706) 750-0200 to make your water damage “Like it never even happened.”

Best Way to Get Water Out of Carpeting - SERVPRO® of Augusta Has the Answer

5/24/2021 (Permalink)

After a water damage, water is extracted and drying equipment is placed.

Have a Water Damage Emergency?

If you are currently experiencing a water loss at your Augusta business or home, it is crucial to extract the water and dry it immediately to escape further damage - Call 706-750-0200.

What is Extracting and Floating?

In simplest terms, extracting is the process of using equipment to physically remove water from a material or surface. Extracting is often used to control the environment after flooding, or from a water damage where there is unwanted, excess water in an area.

Our goal is always to try and salvage your carpeting instead of replacing – A tactic used for achieving this is through ‘Floating.’ Floating a carpet is attained through placing drying equipment and simultaneously drying the bottom of the carpeting, and top of the carpet pad.

When successfully removing water and moisture from carpeted areas, using multiple drying methods and industry-leading equipment helps to combat water damage and potential secondary damages such as microbial growth and subflooring issues. Salvaging carpet and carpet pad can be achieved through floating carpets with SERVPRO® air movers, monitoring the drying and drying times, and placing dehumidification equipment to help achieve faster drying.

What Type of Extraction Equipment?

Extraction is just one step in the crucial process towards protecting your Augusta home water loss. Different types of SERVPRO® extractors help to best protect your home or business:

• For carpet, deep extraction tools are useful in removing the most water.
• Self-propelled extractors pull water out of the carpet by compressing the carpet and underlying pad to squeeze the water out and then vacuum it up.
• Stationary extractors work by squeezing and vacuuming the water; however, technicians move the extractor to a new section after approximately 10 seconds.
• Technicians use portable extraction wands for hard to reach areas such as tight corners.

In addition, after extracting water from carpets and carpet pads, SERVPRO® professionals can begin to place drying equipment to finish the drying process. Air movers and dehumidifiers are strategically placed in areas of need, and wet materials are removed.

For more information, please visit SERVPRO® of Augusta - or call us at 706-750-0200.

Augusta Ceiling and Wall Water Damage Cleanup

4/28/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage restoration services by SERVPRO are second to none! Call now for the fast and immediate services you need for your home.

24/7 help in Augusta is available from SERVPRO – Contact us for ceiling repairs from water damages and more!

Water damage is devastating to any Augusta property. When moisture meets your drywall or ceiling materials, it poses the threat of hidden dampness and mold and mildew growth potential. Ceiling leaks should get addressed as soon as possible, and our team at SERVPRO features skilled IICRC-certified technicians ready to help. 

Staining and water damage in Augusta can leave stains and damage to your walls, ceilings, and baseboards. In some cases, the materials could crumble and call for total replacement. Signs that you need water damage remediation from dampness in your ceiling include:

• Cracks
• Stains
• Bowing
• Peeling

If you have moisture behind walls, you could see issues like:

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

It is essential to know that a slow leak from pipe damage or water infiltrating your roof after a storm must be addressed as soon as possible. Failing to do so could lead to structural damage and the need for mold remediation services. SERVPRO is here to handle water cleanup, moisture detection, and all of the emergency services water damage assistance you require!

Call (706) 750-0200 when you need us, and we will send out a crew as soon as possible for water damage assessment. SERVPRO of Augusta will always make it “Like it never even happened.”

What Are the Challenges of Water Restoration?

3/26/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage restoration for your home should be handled by SERVPRO. Their technicians are IICRC certified for any size disaster.

Drying your Home Quickly after Water Intrusion is Vital to Avoid Excessive Damage. SERVPRO has Leading Drying Equipment and Expertise for Augusta Residents

Residential properties come in all shapes and sizes. When water intrudes into a residential property, technicians must be flexible in dealing with the home's unique interior architecture. This flexibility is necessary to overcome the materials, fittings, and construction in the house that can vary from job to job. SERVPRO technicians are trained in the principles of restoration that allow them to adapt to challenges quickly.

Performing water restoration in Augusta is full of challenges. One of the main pieces of equipment used is a water extractor which combines a centrifugal vacuum, heating element, and power to remove excess water. These are often fitted with tools to aid in the extraction process. Extraction tools could include stationary devices which allow a technician to remove water from thick carpets quickly by compressing them or self-propelled extraction tools which run forward and backward across a floor allowing technicians to focus on other areas while extracting.

• Carpet wands are frequently used to extract water from fitted carpets and can often dry the pad beneath.
• Self-propelled extraction units are often weighted, allowing technicians to compress rugs and remove more moisture across larger spaces.
• Stationary tools use holes at the base of the fitting to pull water through 200 square inches at a time.

Get water restoration that is tailored to your home. Contact SERVPRO of Augusta for water restoration at (706) 750-0200.

Safeguarding Contents during Water Removal from Martinez Homes

3/5/2021 (Permalink)

Water leaks can quickly cause damage in your home. Call SERVPRO today to avoid additional water loss of your property.

SERVPRO Minimizes Chances of Damage during Water Removal through Planning

Unwanted water intrusion into your house poses various risks to your valuables, including causing rust, staining, or even mold development. However, water removal processes can also cause damages if not properly handled. 

Some of the contents at risk of damage during water removal from Martinez properties include furniture, upholstery items, and carpets since moisture absorption affects their constituent materials. For example, carpets lose 50% of their strength when wet, and actions such as dragging furniture over them can tear them. Other actions such as floating the carpets, a process in which we force dry air underneath the carpet during drying, can lead to stretching. The suction power of extraction equipment might also harm upholstery items.

SERVPRO takes various precautions when performing water removal processes to minimize chances of damages, including:

• Setting drying goals to ensure controlled drying because swift drying can lead to problems like warping in wood
• Tacking carpets on the tackless strip to minimize flapping when floating the carpet for better drying
• Using the right extraction wands to remove water from upholstery items because using those with high vacuum lift might be faster but lead to problems

You can get better outcomes from water removal processes with the help of SERVPRO of Augusta. Call us at (706) 750-0200.

Martinez Residents Can Learn To Achieve Their Dreams

1/4/2021 (Permalink)

Seminar To Learn to Manifest in Martinez Happening

The past year has been rough for everyone. Numerous people have also had the opportunity to look inward and realize there are things in their lives that they want but do not yet have. This seminar teaches participants the art of goal setting, whether a new home, a better relationship with a spouse or family, or an increase in income. Life coach Armida Abreu Martinez of Divine Growth Coaching takes attendees through a journey to learn how to envision goals so vividly, the path to making them a reality becomes concise and clear. In the interest of safety for all, the seminar will be held via Zoom, and a link to join the session will get sent the day of the event. 

• Date: Saturday, January 16, 2021
• Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EST
• Fee: Free for all

SERVPRO of Augusta at (706) 750-0200 brings professional water restoration services to local Martinez residents. The techs have training and certification to handle any size of water damage within a property. 

Our Certified Experts Are Trained to Get You Back to Living Normally

11/17/2020 (Permalink)

Production Manager shows our customer the screen of a moisture meter to discuss readings and next steps for their water damage mitigation.

Communication is Key with SERVPRO® of Augusta

SERVPRO® of Augusta water damage crews are ready to expertly restore your home to preloss condition. This process may be unknown to some homeowners, so we set expectations when we arrive to help you understand the restoration process. Water damage varies in level of severity. We work with you, your insurance agent, and adjuster to discuss drying goals and potential completion date.

We have the expertise and equipment to properly restore your Augusta home water damage. Every water damage event is unique and requires immediate response, but the general process stays the same:

• Fast response to arriving on site
• Inspection and Assessment of Water Damaged Areas
• Water Removal / Water Extraction if necessary
• Drying and Dehumidification Equipment Placement
• Cleaning and Sanitizing the Structure
• Repairs, if necessary

Professional Process

As part of our process, SERVPRO® of Augusta teams have a system in place to help make your water loss in Augusta "Like it never even happened." ® Our teams will initially have a “scope” completed. The scope helps locate areas of the structure affect by water and defining the extent to which the structure and contents have absorbed moisture. We have moisture sensors, moisture meters, and Thermohygrometers to help measure the spaces temperature, moisture, and humidity. All three of these variables can change the amount of drying time needed.

Every day we communicate with you and your insurance company to determine how the drying process is proceeding. Our crews carefully monitor each day and may centralize the drying equipment to other areas of the structure for a faster drying process.

Experiencing Water Damage in Augusta? Let us help! Call us at 706-750-0200

Water Issues in Your Augusta Home?

9/9/2020 (Permalink)

Don't wait for water to extensively damage your Augusta home like in this Photo, Call SERVPRO

Call a Team that Can Restore, Remediate and Mitigate them

Water leaks in your Augusta home may come forward in different ways. The smell of your home may be changed, or you may see discoloration in your walls or a bulge on your ceiling. Regardless of what is pointing to a potential issue, a professional team is the only one that can give a definite answer based on your needs. Mitigation involves eliminating the leak, whereas restoration and remediation include complex services focused on extracting water and returning your home to preloss condition.

For a comprehensive water restoration approach to your Augusta home's problems, call our SERVPRO crew as soon as you detect the issue. Our technicians hold certifications by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), the leading certifying body in our industry. Our training and on-the-field experience face a wide variety of situations, which help us build our expertise in managing jobs of all sizes. Avoid leaving your home vulnerable to complications due to water damage by relying on our professional advice.

Why should I rely on a water restoration technician?

Professionals in our field know what to look for when they evaluate the damage in your home. The average consumer struggles with understanding just how far the excess humidity affects your home. Our SERVPRO team has industrial-grade tools that help measure moisture levels in different parts of your home, including your walls and subfloors. With this information, we establish a plan of action to restore humidity levels appropriate for your home. For water extraction, in particular, you may see us use some of the following:

• Drying mats to handle excess humidity in your floors
• Injectidry technology to reach behind cabinets and within walls
• Wand extractors for hard to access corners and carpets

The equipment above complements the efforts of our submersible and truck-mounted pumps, which can handle larger volumes of water.

SERVPRO of Augusta is at your service whenever you need us. Call (706) 750-0200 whenever you spot the problem and save yourself aggravation by acting quickly. Our goal, like yours, is to leave your home, "Like it never even happened."

Does an Appliance Leak in Augusta Require a Professional Restoration Service?

8/5/2020 (Permalink)

Aside from your floors, your cabinets may also be at risk, so don't waste any time before calling SERVPRO of Augusta for our professional services.

A Broken Appliance Leaking on the Floors of your Augusta Floors Can Cause More Damage than you Think

Even the new appliances in your August home can leak onto your floors. One morning you may wake up to find your dishwasher overflowing and water leading to your living room. Regardless of whether the appliance is under warranty or not, you need a professional water restoration technician to help you sort the damage. Do not underestimate the impact a seemingly small volume of water can have on your flooring materials. Act swiftly and let a team of experts assess the damage for you.

In Augusta, water removal services are our specialty at SERVPRO. Our team travels throughout the area, tending to the needs of our community and helping homeowners protect their homes. No job is too big or small for our crew, as even a tiny amount of water left standing can become the cause of problems. Call our 24/7 hotline and let us begin the restoration process as soon as possible.

What happens when there is standing water on my floors?

Excess humidity can lead to a myriad of problems. Your first line of protection is making sure that humidity levels return to normal swiftly. Our SERVPRO team monitors moisture by using advanced technology within each surface. The readings guide our efforts with dehumidifiers, air circulators, and other water extraction techniques. Your floors are susceptible to damage, depending on whether they are made of natural materials or not. For example, vinyl and tile are not as porous as wood, so their drying requires different steps. Our team works diligently to prevent the following:

    •    Buckling- hardwood separates from the subfloor due to humidity
    •    Cupping- changes in humidity make an apparent dip in the floor planks
    •    Delamination- engineered flooring can separate in layers with excess humidity

Aside from your floors, your cabinets may also be at risk, so don't waste any time before calling SERVPRO of Augusta for our professional services. Call us at (706) 750-0200 and let us leave your home, “Like it never even happened.”

A Broken Water Heater Has Caused Water Damage in My Grovetown Property. What Should I Do?

7/12/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage can impact any home at any time. Contact SERVPRO to get professional help and mitigate water damage in your home.

Hire SERVPRO Technicians to Perform Water Mitigation in Your Home in Grovetown

Water can cause irreversible damage to your property and valuable items. It can also cause health hazards to residents if it remains in your home for a long time. Therefore, it is essential to act fast by contacting restoration professionals from SERVPRO to handle the issue and prevent secondary damage in your Grovetown property.

What is water mitigation?

It is a process where professional restorers clean, sanitize, dry, and restore an affected property to its preloss condition. The process of water mitigation in your Grovetown property is not uniform. Each property and water damage situation is unique. However, the water mitigation process includes utilizing advanced equipment and unique but approved techniques to minimize the damage.

Water damage mitigation does not involve repairing or replacing damaged property. It ensures the property owner does not face further consequences. Professional water mitigation prevents secondary damages with fast and appropriate actions. The process includes:

• Water extraction
• Cleaning and sanitizing
• Drying
• Odor removal

Where do restorers begin?

Our SERVPRO team begins the water mitigation process by conducting a thorough assessment. It helps us in determining the cause of the water intrusion and the severity of the destruction. This helps us identify effective mitigation techniques to use.

How can you dry my home?

In water mitigation, time is of the essence, and the drying process is an essential step. We use state-of-the-art equipment and tools to remove water and dry homes. Porous surfaces such as carpets and furniture can take weeks to dry if the right procedures are not followed. Our restorers use portable extractors to remove standing water. We can use carpet wands to remove water from carpets. We also use air moving and dehumidifying equipment to eliminate moisture from the affected areas.

How do you remove mold?

Mold may grow in your home 24 to 48 hours after a water intrusion incident. The technique we use to remove mold depends on the severity of contamination. Some disinfectants slow or inhibit mold infestation, but the effectiveness of these products against mycotoxins and mold spores is still questioned. We can use quaternary compounds or chlorine solutions to remove molds, but we do not use them as the primary remedy. To remediate mold contamination properly, we remove the contaminated porous materials and dry the environment effectively.

Water mitigation requires special skills and experience to prevent costly secondary damage. Contact SERVPRO of Augusta at (706) 750-0200 to restore your property to its pre-water damage state. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Click here to learn more about Grovetown.

What is the Best Way to Get Water Out of My Carpet?

6/9/2020 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO of Grovetown come in and use the newest floor drying technology. We can mitigate your water damage.

SERVPRO Uses Extraction Equipment to Remove Excess Moisture in Grovetown

When you have carpeted areas in your Grovetown home and experience a water leak, it is crucial to extract the water and dry it right away. If excess moisture remains unattended, carpeting can sustain secondary damage, such as damaged subflooring and mold growth. Our goal is to restore your carpet to preloss status rather than having to replace it.

What if the Carpet Padding is Wet Underneath the Carpet?

SERVPRO Technicians Make Sure to Address All Flooring

Water mitigation in your Grovetown home requires thorough inspection and attention to detail throughout the entire restoration process. Our technicians use probed moisture sensors to check if the moisture reached the subflooring. If it did, they take measures to dry both the carpet and subflooring underneath. Typically, the carpet pad requires replacement if thoroughly soaked. However, technicians determine whether or not it is salvageable.

Why Types of Extraction Equipment Do Technicians Use?

• For carpet, deep extraction tools are useful in removing the most water.
• Self-propelled extractors pull water out of the carpet by compressing the carpet and underlying pad to squeeze the water out and then vacuum it up.
• Stationary extractors work by squeezing and vacuuming the water; however, technicians move the extractor to a new section after approximately 10 seconds.
• Technicians use portable extraction wands for hard to reach areas such as tight corners.

Extraction is just one critical step in water mitigation for your home. After technicians successfully extract the water, they go about drying the room using high-velocity air movers and dehumidifiers to ensure that your carpet remains dry, and there is no excess moisture lingering in the air.

For 24/7 assistance, contact SERVPRO of Augusta at (706) 750-0200.

What Can I Expect During Professional Drying Services After Water Damage in Augusta?

5/17/2020 (Permalink)

Removing Lingering Moisture from Your Augusta Home’s Structure Is a SERVPRO Specialty

When pipes burst or appliances malfunction, water spreads far from the place of the breakage throughout your home. Once pumping and extraction remove standing fluids, work still must be done. Permeable building materials abound in homes, and these materials absorb the water as it flows over surfaces and seeps into cracks and joints.

Why Are Active Drying Strategies Necessary?

If the water damage in your Augusta home incompletely resolves because moisture remains in building materials, the following can happen:

    •    Drywall crumbles
    •    Ceilings bulge and sag
    •    Paint blisters and wallpaper peels
    •    Carpets stretch, tear, and delaminate
    •    Hardwood floors warp, crown, cup, and buckle
    •    Laminate floors disintegrate
    •    Wooden framing distorts and weakens and metal fasteners rust

The disruption, time, and expense needed to bring your dwelling back to preloss condition multiply without drying. The damage can become permanent, risking all you invested in your home.

What Steps Are Next to Plan for Structural Drying?

The SERVPRO crew uses our training in reading temperature fluctuation to locate water with thermal imaging cameras, and employ moisture detectors and meters to help outline the perimeter of the water incursion and the severity of moisture intrusion. Data gathered by this methodology and comparative testing in unaffected areas of your home form the baseline for our drying goals.

What Does Drying Look Like?

We position air movers strategically near the wet materials. The equipment never aims directly at a surface to avoid inadvertently increasing the moisture load from the humid air. Heaters accelerate the process, achieving a balance of dry, warmer air to encourage the evaporation of water out of structures. Removal of the water vapor by dehumidifiers permits more moisture to move into the air until the levels reach those of the unaffected spaces in your home.

The trained and experienced crews of SERVPRO of Augusta are structural drying experts. Set up an assessment as soon as possible after the discovery of water damage. Contact us at (706) 750-0200.

For more about Augusta click here.

Addressing Common Water Damage Cause in Augusta

3/19/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage in your Augusta home? Call SERVPRO right away.

Thorough Water Damage Restoration in Your Augusta Home Can Prevent Further Damage

The risk of water damage in Augusta property is always high, considering the different uses for the utility. The typical causes of water damage include:

Burst pipes

Leaky roofs

Leaking water lines

Faulty door or window installations

Leaky toilets or sinks

What causes the water damage incidents in Augusta can have an impact on the outcome. Minor leaks can take time to discover, especially when the pipe is hidden within a wall, floor, or ceiling cavity. Passage of time allows the problem to fester as the leaking water soaks into the materials in the surrounding areas. Resolving such cases requires the removal of most of the materials affected by the water. An even bigger problem is how to locate the point of the leak. Our SERVPRO technicians use superior equipment such as borescopes and thermal cameras to trace the wet areas, thus allowing us to fix the leaks, dry materials, or make replacements immediately. 

Burst pipes or other instantaneous problems release a significant amount of water into the property affecting large areas. After stopping the source, the next crucial step is the removal of any standing water since leaving materials or items submerged leads to deterioration. Our SERVPRO technicians bring several units of water extraction equipment to facilitate faster removal. We choose high-efficiency equipment such as truck-mounted extractors or flexible ones such as dry wet vacs depending on the specifics of the loss. 

Weather-related water intrusions, such as when driving rain pushes water through a faulty window or door seal, can be harder to address because they require repairs that take time to complete. Finding temporary ways to protect contents is one easy way to minimize damages. Our SERVPRO team can help by performing partial move-outs or covering contents with plastic sheets, shielding them from the rainwater. The heightened moisture level in a property during a water loss incident can damage contents even when they are not in direct contact with the spilled water. Our crews set up a dehumidifier to keep humidity levels constant throughout the restoration to protect contents.

Water damage can take different forms, thus presenting unique challenges. Call SERVPRO of Augusta at (706) 750-0200 to help manage an incident at your home, making it, "Like it never even happened."

See more about Augusta.

We Discuss Our Drying Goals During The Water Damage Restoration Process In Augusta

11/17/2019 (Permalink)

Drying Goals During Water Removal In Your Augusta Area Home

Water damage technicians create a drying goal during your Augusta home’s initial assessment. The drying goal should indicate the condition of materials and contents once restored to their natural preloss dryness. Qualified technicians should always monitor the drying process to determine if current procedures remain in-line with any established goals.

A drying goal for water removal in your Augusta area property is the intended result in affected areas after completing restoration services. Our technicians use years of experience, training, and advanced equipment to provide moisture content readings from dry, unaffected contents, and structure — readings in percentage for wood materials, and readings in points for non-wood materials.

SERVPRO technicians use drier air to increase the rate of evaporation while performing water removal services on your property – drier air means air with low humidity. A relative humidity (RH) of less than 40% is within the normal range for performing an effective drying solution. RH under 40% typically tells us that the air is dry and thirsty, allowing it to pull more water from wet materials within the affected area.

While measurements for RH does not guarantee that your structure is dry, reaching a low RH ensures that humidity within the affected area is decreasing. To determine whether the area is dry, SERVPRO technicians take specific humidity readings of the affected areas; these readings should match those taken in unaffected areas. We use moisture meters to measure the moisture content of wet materials found in your home.

SERVPRO water removal technicians set moisture content goals on a per-item basis – after establishing a drying standard and recording typical equilibrium moisture content (EMC). The dry standard is a moisture content reading taken from dry materials of the same type found in unaffected areas. We establish a dry standard or use a typical EMC of a material as a goal.  Once the readings match, the drying process is complete.

Contact SERVPRO of Augusta for access to full-service water removal, cleanup, and restoration services, 24-hours a day, 7-days a week. We are proud to provide quality solutions throughout Martinez, Grovetown, and surrounding areas. Call (706) 750-0200.

For more about Augusta click here.

Grovetown Homeowners Rely on SERVPRO for Water Damage Restoration

10/1/2019 (Permalink)

Big Water Loss or Small Water Loss--SERVPRO Has the Equipment for Recovery in Grovetown

Water Damaged Walls in Your Grovetown Home?  (CHANGED YOUR TITLE)

When your walls are wet, there is a clear warning sign of damage. Water cleanup services extract water quickly to reduce the risk of structural damage. Sheetrock absorbs and reacts to water in different ways, and it is essential to know what to do when your walls have been damaged by water.

Before starting the SERVPRO process of water cleanup in your Grovetown home, it might be useful to learn how drywall responds to water. When damage has occurred, water has wicked up into the cardboard backing, a cellulose (wood) product. The wall can continue to absorb water until the integrity of the structure is at risk. Typically, the damage is only cosmetic, and with drying the building material can be salvaged. If the sheetrock panels are crumbling or beyond salvaging, we can perform a "flood cut," a controlled demolition of the lower portion of the wall. This cut is done several inches above the water mark.

After cutting off all sources of water into the home that are creating the spillage, the water cleanup and drying process can begin. SERVPRO deploys advanced drying equipment and techniques no matter how big or small the size of your spill is. Of course, this may mean simply a mop and bucket. Water can get into the walls cavities for a variety of reasons, and knowing the source can mitigate damage to the unaffected areas of the structure.

Some common reasons for water damage in the walls include:

- Burst or leaky pipe

- Water intrusion from the roof

- Water incursion from the crawlspace

- Faulty appliance

- Broken HVAC unit

Each instance of water damage is different. SERVPRO IICRC Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification technicians can use best practices to minimize the harm to your home, contents, and personal possessions.

The drying process requires patience and the strategic placement of dehumidifiers and industrial-grade air movers to remove the moisture remaining after our wet vacs and extractors have eliminated any pooling water. We monitor this service with moisture meters and infrared camera imagery to ensure that standard moisture content levels have been restored to the previously wet materials.

Avoid costly repairs to your walls, and contact SERVPRO of Augusta at (706) 750-0200 for quick and efficient water cleanup services. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Here is Grovetown

We Discuss Tips For Making The Water Damage Restoration Process Easier In Your Augusta Home

9/5/2019 (Permalink)

Tips For Making Your Augusta Water Damage Restoration Go More Smoothly

Water damage is a situation that most property owners can expect to deal with at some point. The scale of the loss may range from a small amount of water on a bathroom floor to a whole house flood. Due to the nature of water to migrate into hard-to-reach areas, it is smart to engage professional restoration services.

There are some actions homeowners can take to lessen the stress during water damage mitigation of your Augusta home. Before help arrives on-site, limit loss to essential papers and books by removing them to a clean, dry area either in another part of the house or outside the property to a safe place.

Give your carpet a chance
If the carpet receives damage from water, it often has the potential for restoration if you act quickly. Stain from furniture leeches into wet carpeting and leaves a permanent stain. Raising furniture on blocks or removal outside the worksite area inhibits the chance of stains. This allows the water extraction process to go even faster when SERVPRO technicians arrive.

Watch out for electrical hazards
If the water loss occurred in an upstairs area and light fixtures have water in them or around electrical outlets, avoid turning on any lights or using appliances in the vicinity. If there are any signs devices are compromised with water, wait until the technicians arrive. SERVPRO team members know how to work safely in these situations.

Hardwood flooring may not be a loss
On a case by case basis, the SERVPRO technicians clean and restore hardwood flooring affected by water. Since wood swells after exposure to water, the flooring may look buckled or warped. The restoration process involves using specialized drying methods such as drying mats and equipment to remove moisture from the wood, reduce swelling, and lessen any visible distortion. Before technicians arrive, using rags or mops to pick up as much water as possible assists with turning around the destruction to the floor.

SERVPRO of Augusta handles water damage of any scale. Just call us at (706) 750-0200, and our emergency response team arrives within an hour because We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

For more about Augusta click here.

Professional Residential Water Cleanup And Restoration For Grovetown Homeowners

8/9/2019 (Permalink)

We know how important the structure of your home is after water damage, but we also know how important your Grovetown belongings and furniture are.

SERVPRO can be there every step of the way for your water damage in Grovetown.

While a strong, Summer storm can result in a large amount of rain falling on our community, most Grovetown residents have to deal with water intrusions from far more mundane sources like a cracked inlet pipe or a split hose leading into a clothes washer.

When the intrusion source is from inside the home like these examples, Grovetown water cleanup is a little less complicated. Here, there are no contaminants such as from an outside flood, so SERVPRO specialists do not have to spend time and effort on eliminating a potential health risk before starting to remove water in the home.

After team members use pumps and other water extraction devices, cleanup begins. Since water renders paper into a soggy mess in less than an hour, they dispose of all papers, magazines, and even photographs that were affected by the water. If the owner wants a particular photo or document preserved, team members can keep it out of the trash, but restoring it requires a specialist trained with that skill.

Wood can be almost as vulnerable as paper. A maple or cherry wood dining set is pretty sturdy, but if left in water overnight or longer, the varnish or other finishes on the feet and legs begin to soften and dissolve. That leaves the exposed wood vulnerable to splitting and cracking. To prevent or at least ameliorate the effects, SERVPRO specialists carefully draw water out of the affected table and chairs using a dehumidifier.

Once the wood is back to its original condition, specialists carefully remove the finish. They can sand down cracked or split areas and use a filler to smooth the appearance and then cover everything with new varnish or another veneer. If the piece is old enough to be an antique, the homeowner’s insurance company may prefer using a professional restorer, so the team leader checks on that possibility before performing any work.

At SERVPRO of Augusta, we are proud to serve not only our local community but also that of Martinez and the surrounding areas. For a quick response to all of your water and other restoration needs, call us today at (706) 750-0200, 24/7. We are here for you. 

To learn more about Grovetown, click here.

Augusta Water Woes? SERVPRO Takes Away Spills and Stains

7/2/2019 (Permalink)

Water Removal and Drying for Augusta Homes and Businesses--SERVPRO Has the Techs and the Equipment

How Fast Response Helps after Water Damage in Your Augusta Home

Whether there is a leaking roof or a burst plumbing line that releases water into unwanted areas of your home, a quick reaction is an essential strategy to help fix the resultant water damage. There are many dynamics in a water loss incident, so fast response can mean different things, not just the extraction of water. Working with a professional restoration company avails the resources necessary to expedite every aspect of the restoration process.
 
One of the problems likely to occur after water damage in your Augusta home is microbial growth. If left to proliferate, mold and other microbes can cause severe damages that are more challenging to deal with than the initial water spill. Removing any standing water and excess moisture from the structure fast helps prevent such problems. Speed is essential because mold colonies can start developing within 24 – 48 hours after the spill. Our SERVPRO technicians bring a wide array of equipment in our green trucks to the loss site to help expedite the process, including:
 
     Wet Vacs
 
     LGR dehumidifiers
 
     Centrifugal air movers
 
     Structural Cavity Venting systems
 
Stains affecting carpets, upholstery, and fabric items such as drapes often happen after water damage incidents. A speedy response can help either prevent stains or help ease the removal process. Relocating any objects such as area rugs, furniture, and other possessions lying on carpets immediately, can help prevent the formation of stains. UFT, Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning Technician certification helps our SERVPRO team utilize the best stain removal strategies, including performing spot cleaning when the affected items are still wet.
 
Another problem likely to affect your property after a water spill is the development of bad odors. The odors can develop whether it is a clean water loss or otherwise, especially if the water is left to stagnate for long. Apart from extraction, our SERVPRO technicians also take other steps such as dehumidification to remove any traces of excess moisture preventing bad odors. But, if they persist, we can apply both mechanical and chemical processes for their elimination.
 
To respond fast enough to water spills, call SERVPRO of Augusta to help. You can reach us any time at (706) 750-0200. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

https://goo.gl/maps/78SPDN8E4Zf16ATE7

A Simple & Easy Way To Prevent Water Damage

6/20/2018 (Permalink)

In serving the people of our city, we are often directly involved in some of the most stressful times of our customers' lives.  Our job is to make it "Like it never even happened," and to walk with you through each step of the restoration process. 

Unfortunately, we sometimes find that water damage could've been prevented.  One great way to prevent water damage is to make simple upgrades to the plumbing supply lines to your sinks, toilets, washing machines and ice makers. 

Over time, plastic and rubber materials can dry-rot and lose their structural strength that is needed to withstand the water pressure being exerted on them around the clock.  

ACTION:  Invest in "braided" supply lines at your local do-it-yourself retailer.  The cost is just a few dollars per line, and you can outfit your entire home for far less than the cost of your insurance deductible, should an old line decide to break.  Furthermore, you will have the peace of mind that you've put your best foot forward in preventing a water damage loss that might otherwise create a very stressful time in your life!

Avoid Water Damage In Augusta This Summer!

6/20/2018 (Permalink)

Ahhhh, school is out and the summer months have arrived with an excitement that now fills the air!  It's also a great time to take necessary precaution when it comes to protecting your home from a water damage loss. 

If you live in Augusta, you know that the temperatures can skyrocket to 100+ degrees Fahrenheit on any given summer day! This can bring stresses to any plumbing components that are located in your attic space.  It is fairly common to see hot water heaters and water heater pipes fail when temps in the attic push into the 140-150F degree range.  

We recommend having a plumber to inspect your hot water heater and its plumbing connections.  Protect your home from water damage by making sure your hot water heater is tuned up and healthy!  Have a great summer, Augusta!