Are Renters Responsible for Water Damage?

5/15/2022 (Permalink)

Family moving into their new rental home.

When you rent out a home in Matthews, NC, your tenants expect a safe place to live. In addition to maintaining your property, you need to be ready for potential water loss. 

Your first question will likely be: Are my renters responsible for any water damage? In most cases they are not. As the landlord, it is your duty to keep the property’s plumbing in working condition. If the water damage is caused by a pipe, faulty appliances, HVAC units or a natural disaster, the landlord is usually responsible. In some cases the renter can be at fault for damage if their personal appliance causes the damage. In most cases the landlord is not responsible for any damage to the renters belongings. 

Signs of water damage to watch for: 

Because you, the landlord, are responsible for most cases of water damage it is important to be vigilant. As a landlord you probably already check your property at least once a year. During these inspections keep an eye out for these signs.

• Changes in wall and ceiling surface texture: any bending or sagging of plaster or drywall is a sign of water damage. Look for bubbles or cracks that may indicate water. 

• Odors: When water leaks behind walls it can often be slow enough that it is invisible. While you might not be able to see the damage, mold and mildew can grow causing odors. Mold can cause health effects, so it is important to contact a water restoration company to address both the water and mold. 

• High utility bills: If you or your tenant notice unusually high utility bills, it can be an indication of a hidden leak that needs to be addressed immediately. 

If your Charlotte, NC, rental property has experienced water damage, be sure to contact SERVPRO of South Mecklenburg County to make it "Like it never even happened."

What is an ERP?

4/9/2022 (Permalink)

What is an ERP?

Do you want to help save your business, time and money, in the event of a disaster? Consider having SERVPRO of South Mecklenburg County create a FREE Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) for your business.

What is an ERP? Our staff completes the ERP on your business's property. Any maintenance employee or office staff can be present as we create the profile. Using an iPad our staff will walk around your business looking for items like shut-off valves, electrical boxes, emergency exits and other important places you would need in an emergency. The ERP will also include emergency contact numbers for utility services.

In the event of a disaster at your Charlotte, NC, business you can open up the ERP and quickly contact SERVPRO of South Mecklenburg County or any other emergency contacts. If someone needs to know how to shut off the water or switch off breakers all of that information will be at their fingertips in seconds with the ERP. 

Contact SERVPRO of South Mecklenburg County to schedule your complimentary ERP today!

Why Is In-Place Drying Best After A Water Loss?

2/7/2022 (Permalink)

Do I have to move my furniture out after water damage?

When water damages your Charlotte, NC, business, we know you want to return to work as quickly as possible. Disruptions to your business are the last thing you need, and that is why you call SERVPRO of South Mecklenburg County. We have the tools and skills to restore your business to preloss conditions and get you back to business. So how do we get rid of the water and restore your business?

Whenever possible, removing water with in-place drying allows us to dry any water without excessive disruption to the area, meaning fewer delays to your business. This drying must take place quickly after the loss, and our technicians follow a strict protocol to prevent any water from migrating further. Avoiding disruption to your business means stopping the water as quickly as possible and calling your local water restoration specialist right away. 

How In-Place Drying Works:

• Using a wanded extractor and performing several initial passes to halt water from migrating into dry areas and removing excess water from the site.
• Using weighted extractors to help squeeze water from any carpet and padding.
• We always start in the center of the room, moving outward as we extract water, moving furnishings as needed. 
• We are continuously monitoring progress and testing carpeting and padding to determine water content throughout the process. 

With in-place drying methods, our crew can keep furniture in the rooms being treated while preventing any damage to furniture. This avoids time added to pack up pieces and move things out for mitigation. This process also helps to ensure the carpet is at lower risk of stretching, tearing, and delaminating from moving furniture in and out of the room. Our skilled team takes the time to deliver the best results under the best conditions. This cuts back on the potential for removing and replacing carpeting, flooring, and even furniture. 

If you experience a water loss in your Charlotte, NC, business, be sure to follow all CDC guidelines when reentering your home. And don’t forget, SERVPRO of South Mecklenburg County offers free Emergency Ready Profiles so that your business is prepared for any emergency that may come its way. So give us a call at (704) 840-6112 for all of your emergency preparation and restoration needs. 

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Do Electronics Still Work After A Fire?

1/20/2022 (Permalink)

How fire affects electronics

Electronics are often the most expensive equipment in a business, from high-priced computers to cash registers and appliances, technology isn’t cheap. And smoke from a fire can damage electronics, even if the fire never got near them. Computers, appliances, and other devices can drive up the cost of recovering from a fire, even if an electrical fire was not the cause of the damage. 

Smoke carries soot, which is a very fine carbon residue powder that can very easily damage electronics. Even a small amount of soot has the ability to short out electronics by bridging circuits and providing an insulated covering on the heat-producing components, which will eventually lead to failure. If electronics are working after a fire, they could still have long-term damage, having all electronics inspected is essential as soot can cause corrosion and shorten the lifespan of your electronics.

If you experience a fire, after the Charlotte, NC, fire department has come, make sure to unplug and turn off all electronics before calling SERVPRO of South Mecklenburg County. 

Our team of technicians will come out and restore your Charlotte, NC, business after a fire so that you don’t have to worry. 

After experiencing a fire, many people want all new electronics, but most insurance companies won’t cover the cost to replace everything. Insurance companies know that many of these electronics can be salvaged and that the cost of salvaging is much lower than a full replacement. 

A licensed fire and smoke electronics restoration technician will remove:

• Soot deposits
• Aggressive deposits from smoke and chemical vapors (hydrochloric acid)
• Deposits from water (lime, sludge, mud) 
• Residues of chemical extinguishing powders
• Dust deposits
• Other pollution (environmental, operational, etc.)

As you can tell, fire can be very dangerous for electronics, even if they aren’t touched by the flames. Determining the extent of the damage can be difficult for the untrained eye, which is why we always recommend bringing in experts in fire restoration. Not only will they remove the damage while protecting the rest of your property, but they will also stay in contact with your insurance company to ensure the entire process moves smoothly. 

If fire damages your Pineville or Matthews, NC, SERVPRO of South Mecklenburg County is only a call away. And don’t forget, limiting the extent of fire damage is possible when you are prepared. Find out how a free Ready Profile can help save your business time and money after a disaster. Call us at (704) 840-6112 for all of your disaster needs, and remember, we are always “Faster to Any Size Disaster!”

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Is That Commercial Flood Water Clean?

12/22/2021 (Permalink)

Help My Business Flooded!

Commercial buildings tend to have a fair share of water issues in a year, whether that be minor leaks or massive plumbing failures. Knowing when to call in a remediation company to your Charlotte, NC, business is paramount to saving money while also preventing serious damage. While most leaks do require professional help, you may be able to handle leaks that come from a clean water source. There are three primary sources of clean water, also known as category one water; supply line leak, pipe break, and appliance leak. If the water comes from one of these sources, it is likely category one water. 

Supply Line Leak

Supply line leaks are typically leaks from a clean water source. These leaks are often underneath sinks, however, they can occur in walls and ceilings depending on where pipes exist in your building. Be careful if freshwater touches or soaks other building materials, as that is no longer classified as clean water, meaning a professional should be called in to remove the damage. 

Pipe Break

As with supply line leaks, a broken pipe can also cause water loss from a clean source. However, while this may be clean water at first, it may not stay that way for long. When water touches other materials or chemicals, it goes from clean to greywater. Make sure to contact a professional if you are unsure of what category of water you are dealing with.

Appliance Leak

Beyond supply leaks and pipe breaks, an appliance failure is a common cause of clean source flooding. For example, supply hoses fail, valves break, among other issues that can cause pooling near the appliance. Unfortunately, some appliances can hide the leak until you remove it. If there is a sudden increase in utility bills but no visible leaks, be sure to check appliance leaks. Keep in mind, not all appliance leaks are clean water. A washing machine or dishwasher leak is often not clean water and should not be touched until a professional water remediation expert has inspected the damage. 

Clean water, or category one, leaks can often be resolved by the business owner, however, it does not take much water, or much time, to turn into grey or black water. And keep in mind, just because the water is clean, doesn’t mean it will be easy to dry. Many materials need professional drying equipment to remove the water before mold and staining set in. Contact SERVPRO of South Mecklenburg County if you are not sure how to handle the problem and our team will make it "Like it never even happened."

To learn more about bacteria associated with flooding please review the CDC website.

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4 Ways To Prepare Your Business For Heavy Rains

12/20/2021 (Permalink)

How To Prepare Your Business For Flooding

Rain can come at unexpected times, so it is always necessary to protect your business against floodwater. While it is always a good idea to have a water remediation company in Charlotte, NC, on standby, here are a few things you can do on your own to protect your business.

Temporary Barriers

If you operate within an area that floods often, then you may want to have extra sandbags on hand in case of a strong storm. When a storm is expected place the sandbags around vulnerable places like doorways and windows to create a makeshift barrier. While we often see sandbags in places on the coast that experience strong hurricanes, they can be very helpful if your property is in a flood plain or near a river.

Weight Down Exterior Furniture

Flood water can turn exterior elements into wrecking balls. Outdoor furniture that may seem heavy can float in high water levels and become a battering ram, breaking windows and causing serious damage. To prevent outdoor furniture from becoming hazardous bring in whatever furniture you can, and weigh down other furniture with weights, or secure it to the pavement or structure. 

Elevate Sensitive Equipment

Instead of risking water damage to expensive electronics make sure to raise all equipment above flood level. If your business has a second level, then moving all equipment upstairs is best. If you have heavy furniture to protect, moving it is likely out of the question, instead use tinfoil under the legs to block water from reaching the feet of the furniture. 

Board Vulnerable Entry Points

To prevent serious damage to windows and doors, consider boarding up the property. While you may have secured furniture on your own property, that does not mean every property owner nearby has done the same. Protect your business from debris by boarding your building. 

While it is normal to be scared of floodwater, know that there are steps you can take to protect your business. If the worst-case happens and you are unable to keep the water out of your business, contact SERVPRO of South Mecklenburg County at (704) 840-6112 for help.

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Don’t Drown in Work, or Office Flooding!

10/26/2021 (Permalink)

How to handle business flooding emergencies

As scary and devastating as a flood can be, SERVPRO of South Mecklenburg County wants you to be safe and let us handle the mess!

If you have a water emergency- call us now! (704) 840-6112.  We will be on the way to help you ASAP!  

What should I do or not do while I wait for SERVPRO to arrive?

What To Do After Flooding

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

What NOT To Do After Flooding

• Don't leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
• Don't leave books, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
• Don't use your household vacuum to remove water.
• Don't use television or other household appliances.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.

For more information on flooding and how that affects your home and business head to our blog, and always keep Ready.Gov in mind. 

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Your Business And Emergencies

10/25/2021 (Permalink)

How To Prevent Disaster In Your Business

Keeping your business up and running is an essential part of day-to-day operations, but sometimes disaster strikes, throwing a wrench in your plans. When that happens, getting back to business as quickly as possible is vital to your business, so how can your business get back to work? With SERVPRO of South Mecklenburg County! 

In the event of an emergency, the SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile helps minimize business interruptions by giving you an immediate plan of action. Our SERVPRO ERP will contain only the critical information you need in an emergency and aid you in getting back to normal after a disaster. Your emergency profile includes everything from technical drawings to contact lists and legal documentations. For example - building plans and technical documents, legal documents and insurance files, and contact information including local services 

Does your business have an Emergency READY profile? Having that profile ready can help your company return from a flood or fire more quickly. Natural disasters are unexpected and destructive. While each disaster is unique, having a plan to put procedures into place and practicing what to do in an emergency can help your business recover faster.

Give SERVPRO of South Mecklenburg County a call at (704) 840-6112 and we can help you set up your Emergency READY Profile, so you’ll be prepared in case of an emergency.

P.S. There’s even a mobile app so all of your employees can access your ERP anywhere anytime, for any disaster. 

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First Aid Preparation At The Office

9/20/2021 (Permalink)

Does my office need a first aid kit?

Being prepared means being ready for a disaster no matter where you are. Most Americans spend 30% of their lives in the office, so you and your employees could be unprepared nearly 30% of this time without an office safety plan. 

No matter how many employees your Charlotte, NC, business has, meeting the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards is necessary. So how can you meet those standards and keep everyone safe? Keep reading to learn more about office safety. 

First Aid Kit

One of the most manageable steps you can take towards a safer office is having a first aid kit ready. First, you will need to determine the number of first aid kits required by OSHA for your business. To determine how many kits you need, first determine whether your business is low risk, high risk, or remote high risk. For low-risk businesses like retail shops and offices, one first aid kit is required for every 50 workers. High-risk businesses like factories need one kit for every 25 workers. 

When selecting your first aid kit, remember that all first aid kits are not created equally. That pharmacy first aid kit might be great for your family, but OSHA requires a complete kit to ensure everyone’s safety. To ensure you meet those requirements, consider purchasing an OSHA-approved first aid kit rather than attempting to put one together yourself. 

Once your first aid kit is installed in an area that is accessible to all employees, don’t forget to maintain it. Checking the kit every month is a smart way to ensure any items that were used or may have expired can be replaced before they run out entirely. 

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 

As we all know, PPE can save lives. That is why ensuring there is PPE available for employees is a wise decision. When emergencies happen, employees could be exposed to blood or other potentially infectious materials while using first aid supplies or other situations. The following items should be included in your PPE kit: Disposable gloves, safety glasses or face shield, face mask, CPR barrier. 

Emergency Eye Wash and Emergency Shower

If your Pineville, NC, puts employees or anyone on the property at risk for exposure to corrosive materials, OSHA requires an eye wash station or an emergency shower. For more information on whether this is required for your business, head to the OSHA website. 

For locations that do require an eyewash station or emergency shower, ensure that the facilities are maintained, flushed regularly, are not obstructed by doors or other objects, and are located within a 10-second walking distance to all employees who work with or near corrosive materials. If multiple eyewash stations are required for your business, consider placing eyewash bottles in first aid kits as well. 

Emergency Medical Plan

Your office being prepared for a workplace emergency means having an emergency medical plan. This plan should be posted in a location that is visible to all employees in the event of an emergency. Your plan should include: 

• The address of your workplace
• The phone number for the workplace
• Locations of all first aid kits, eyewashes, and emergency showers
• Names of employees trained in first aid
• Emergency phone numbers
• A list of at least three medical services close to the workplace 

Emergency Ready Profile

The most thorough way to prepare your business for any type of emergency is with an ERP. Our staff completes a no-cost assessment based on your facility so that all of your employees can be prepared. Ready to get started? Learn more about how we can create an ERP for your business when you click here. 

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The Benefits of Business Interruption Coverage

8/20/2021 (Permalink)

How Business Interruption Coverage Helps After a Disaster

The goal is to never have to reap the benefits of business interruption coverage, however, we know that no one or no business is 100% safe from disasters. An unexpected fire or a flood in your commercial property in Charlotte, NC can leave you feeling overwhelmed, especially financially. Disasters can call for large payments to repair the building and the surrounding areas, and a loss of revenue if operations are slowed or paused can make that all the more difficult. Not to mention, there could be a period of time where your team is unable to operate at all or may be forced to operate at minimized capacity.

General insurance will likely cover a large percentage of your property losses, but it is the interruption insurance that will handle the costs of your basic operations. Listed below are four ways that an interruption policy can help to protect your business.

1. Income Compensation: It is likely that your business interruption policy will replace most of the income you would have made during the time that your business is unable to operate at its full potential. The amount that you are eligible to receive usually depends upon financial statements and projections that are in place for your business. Interruption insurance will protect your business from going bankrupt while you work towards getting back into a normal routine.
2. Temporary Relocation: If the repairs needed to make your building safe for employees and/or customers once again are extensive, you may have to relocate your operations temporarily. Interruption insurance tends to cover the expenses that come with having to move for a little while. It also may pay rent and utilities for an additional business operations center so that the productivity of your business does not have to be compromised any more than necessary.
3. Utilities and Property-Related Expense: You may find yourself in a position to still have to pay for basic utilities and property tax or rent in the building that is being repaired. If so, you will need to pick an interruption policy that can cover these expenses.
4. Employee Payroll: While the financial burden can be hard enough on you, it can also hit hard for staff and employees. Many workers fear that their jobs will be put at risk when a dangerous situation strikes the building, but a good business interruption policy will support you AND your staff by covering their paychecks.

The advantages of having interruption insurance lie in the fact that it will help you protect many elements of your business while allotting you plenty of time to make sure the repairs are done as they should be. With sufficient coverage, you do not have to rush the recovery process.

When you have a commercial loss, SERVPRO of South Mecklenburg County knows that it feels like your world is suddenly turned upside down. You need to get yourself and your team back to work as quickly as possible!  We also know you may not know what steps to take or even how to begin to put your property back together, so that is where we come in for any of your commercial property needs.

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Common Water Issues For Businesses

8/13/2021 (Permalink)

Protect Your Business From Water Damage

One of the responsibilities that comes with being a commercial property owner is understanding the threats that can cause damage to your business. One of these threats is water damage. With so many different ways water can enter your business, being prepared is important. Water damage professionals at SERVPRO of South Mecklenburg County are trained to help you assess, clean and repair any damages that come from flooding or leaks. We suggest noting these common water problems that businesses may face.

1. Pipe Breaks - A pipe break can happen for a few reasons. The older that a pipe gets, the more likely it is to loosen or crack. Also, long-term use and extreme heat or cold can cause pinhole leaks. Lastly, a blocked pipe can result in enough pressure to make it burst.
2. Plumbing Backup - If your plumbing becomes backed up, a consequence can be a toilet backup or an overflowing sink. When a pipe is blocked, water may take the shortest path out despite the path it should be taking. A few reasons blockages happen include the buildup of water minerals over time, or more commonly someone pouring a substance, like plaster or grease, down a drain.
3. Weather - It is not uncommon for extreme weather conditions to break pipes or hinder how well they work. Cold temperatures can cause water in the pipes to freeze and expand, which puts pressure on the pipe and can cause it to crack and even burst. Follow our tips on weatherproofing your pipes, or contact a local professional if cold weather is approaching to ensure you are taking the appropriate preventative measures.
4. Foundation Cracks - Foundation cracks can allow water to seep through and collect, leading to a domino effect of issues such as mold. Any and all cracks should be assessed as soon as they are detected in order to prevent more damage later on. 

The professionals here at SERVPRO of South Mecklenburg County are ready and experienced to handle any of your water damage needs in your Charlotte, NC, commercial property. We are determined to keep your business running smoothly and safely. Give us a call at (704) 840-6112, day or night.

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Preventing Water Damage During Construction

8/6/2021 (Permalink)

Can Construction Lead to Water Damage?

Whether you are building a new home or commercial space or renovating an existing structure in Pineville, NC, water has a way of sneaking in throughout the process. With wind, rain, heat, and more your building could be exposed through unsecured openings like windows, doors, and more. With water entering your unfinished structure your space may be more susceptible to mold, and the water can even damage the structural integrity of your building. Preventing water from entering your structure may not be as difficult as you think, keep reading to learn what steps you can take to ensure your new building is constructed without any water entering the process. 

How Can I Prevent Water Damage During Construction?

Water damage during construction most commonly comes from two sources, an opening in the structure like a window or door, or a broken pipe. The first step you should take to prevent water damage is ensuring that any openings are protected with plastic sheeting, and all doors and windows are closed when no one is on-site. Sometimes during construction, preventing a pipe from breaking can be impossible. Accidents happen and it may be unavoidable, but you can stop serious damage by turning the water main off when anyone will be working near pipes, and ensuring everyone on-site knows how to quickly turn off the water in case of a burst pipe. If a pipe bursts when no one is on-site you may not find out for hours, to quickly respond to the water add a monitoring device that will alarm you when a leak is detected, so you can take care of a leak early. 

How Can I Prevent Future Water Damage?

Many customers are surprised to hear how common it is for a faulty roof to cause water damage. When your roof is being built or repaired, ensure that you are working with a fully qualified and licensed roofing company in Matthews, NC. This helps to ensure that the roof is installed properly, and the work is insured if necessary. Selecting a qualified and licensed plumber is also essential to protecting your new building from any water damage that might occur during or after the construction process.

What Is An Emergency Response Plan?

An Emergency Response Plan is an essential aspect of preventing water damage during construction. Planning ahead is the best way to prevent damage from happening, and to assure you know what to do in case of damage. Having an ERP for your business includes planned evacuation routes in case of an emergency. When creating your ERP you can also make sure to include water and electricity shut-offs. 

What To Do After An Emergency

If you were unable to prevent water damage from happening on your construction site, SERVPRO of South Mecklenburg County is here to help. As your local Charlotte, NC, water restoration specialists, we can help make it "Like it never even happened." Give us a call at (704) 840-6112, day or night so your construction plans can get back on track as quickly as possible. 

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Preventing Water Damage During Construction

8/6/2021 (Permalink)

Can Construction Lead to Water Damage?

Whether you are building a new home or commercial space or renovating an existing structure in Pineville, NC, water has a way of sneaking in throughout the process. With wind, rain, heat, and more your building could be exposed through unsecured openings like windows, doors, and more. With water entering your unfinished structure your space may be more susceptible to mold, and the water can even damage the structural integrity of your building. Preventing water from entering your structure may not be as difficult as you think, keep reading to learn what steps you can take to ensure your new building is constructed without any water entering the process. 

How Can I Prevent Water Damage During Construction?

Water damage during construction most commonly comes from two sources, an opening in the structure like a window or door, or a broken pipe. The first step you should take to prevent water damage is ensuring that any openings are protected with plastic sheeting, and all doors and windows are closed when no one is on-site. Sometimes during construction, preventing a pipe from breaking can be impossible. Accidents happen and it may be unavoidable, but you can stop serious damage by turning the water main off when anyone will be working near pipes, and ensuring everyone on-site knows how to quickly turn off the water in case of a burst pipe. If a pipe bursts when no one is on-site you may not find out for hours, to quickly respond to the water, add a monitoring device that will alarm you when a leak is detected, so you can take care of a leak early. 

How Can I Prevent Future Water Damage?

Many customers are surprised to hear how common it is for a faulty roof to cause water damage. When your roof is being built or repaired, ensure that you are working with a fully qualified and licensed roofing company in Matthews, NC. This helps to ensure that the roof is installed properly, and the work is insured if necessary. Selecting a qualified and licensed plumber is also essential to protecting your new building from any water damage that might occur during or after the construction process.

What Is An Emergency Response Plan?

An Emergency Response Plan is an essential aspect of preventing water damage during construction. Planning ahead is the best way to prevent damage from happening, and to assure you know what to do in case of damage. Having an ERP for your business includes planned evacuation routes in case of an emergency. When creating your ERP you can also make sure to include water and electricity shut-offs. 

What To Do After An Emergency

If you were unable to prevent water damage from happening on your construction site, SERVPRO of South Mecklenburg County is here to help. As your local Charlotte, NC, water restoration specialists, we can help make it "Like it never even happened." Give us a call at (704) 840-6112, day or night so your construction plans can get back on track as quickly as possible. 

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What to Expect When Your Apartment Building Floods

7/8/2021 (Permalink)

What to do After an Apartment Flood in Charlotte, NC?

There is no doubt that Charlotte, NC, has grown to become one of the best places in the nation for young adults to start their careers. Oftentimes, your professionals will resort to apartment-style living arrangements either by themselves or with a roommate or two. Amenities and perks that come with signing a lease with an apartment complex are great until disasters like a building-wide flood occurs.

When an apartment building floods, damage can be quite extensive and overwhelming for both you and apartment management. Here, we will prepare you for what to expect if there is flooding in your apartment building.

1. Water Damaged Ceilings

When flooding occurs on one of the upper floors of the multi-level building, water in the ceiling is to be expected. The water flow will have no choice but to drip down and seep through carpet or hardwood and penetrate subfloors before affecting the apartments below.

1. Water Damage to Floors

Anticipate replacing and drying wet carpets or pulling up hardwood floors.

1. Electrical Issues

Flood water may have found its way into your unit through light fixtures or poured out of electrical sockets. If there was major flooding, it may be necessary to turn off the power for a designated period of time until it has been determined safe to turn it back on.

1. Possible Mold Growth

Mold thrives in damp to wet environments, so it is no surprise that mold begins to grow in as little as 48 hours after water damage occurs. Keep an eye out for mold emergence, even after the flood’s initial impact is taken care of.

1. Loud Equipment

Your apartment management team will likely call their preferred water damage restoration company to assess the damage and properly clean up and repair the property, and we hope it is SERVPRO of South Mecklenburg County that is assigned to these tasks. Commercial grade fans and dehumidifiers will need to be stationed throughout the building and possibly inside your unit for 3-5 days so be prepared this process.

1. Demolition

Water is likely to freely flow between the floors of the apartment building, so the water damage restoration plan may include opening up ceilings, pulling carpets up, removing trim and moldings, and possibly removing portions of wet walls. As stressful as it may sound to tear apart walls and ceilings, these actions are taken in order to avoid a widespread mold problem later on.

1. A Flooded Basement

If the apartment building houses a basement where tasks such as laundry or storage take place, these amenities might be off-limits while it is in repair. Do not try to enter the basement until it has been inspected and deemed as safe.

1. Possible Need to File an Insurance Claim

While you won’t have to worry about structural damages or the cost of drying out the complex, you may have to foot the bill for any damage to personal belongings. If you find yourself in this situation, you will have to file your own claim with your renter’s insurance.

If a flood or any other element causes damage to your Charlotte, NC property, you can count on SERVPRO of South Mecklenburg County to tend to your restoration needs. For more information about our services, contact us at (704) 840-6112.

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We Clean Your Business

6/28/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial Cleaning Services in Charlotte

While SERVPRO of South Mecklenburg County is known for water and fire remediation, our team specializes in commercial cleaning as well. 

Keeping up with the demands of cleaning your Charlotte, NC, business space might feel overwhelming. It can be easy to clean visible surfaces and forget about the dirt and grime that is building up behind cabinets, tables, and other hard-to-reach places.

Whether your office space is a bit dusty, your kitchen has months of grease buildup, or your building just underwent a major renovation that left a mess, we can help. Our cleaning process is about more than making your business look clean, it’s about actually cleaning every surface. Our team uses specialized equipment to clean safely and effectively. 

We clean:

• Air ducts
• Carpets & upholstery 
• Ceilings, walls, and floors

Our other services include:

• Odor removal
• Contents cleaning
• Biohazard removal & cleaning
• Vandalism cleanup
• Sewage cleanup

When you choose SERVPRO of South Mecklenburg County to clean your Pineville, NC, business, you don’t have to worry about closing your store or office. We operate 24/7 365 days a year, so we clean when your store is closed. 

Whether your business has been closed for a year and a half or you have been struggling to keep up with demand, it is likely time for a deep clean. SERVPRO of South Mecklenburg County has the tools to help. Our team gets your business Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned! 

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Flood Preparedness For Businesses

6/9/2021 (Permalink)

How to prepare your business for flooding

In the United States, both man-made and natural flooding are responsible for nearly a quarter of all insurance claims per year. These floods can leave your home or business with severe damage and can result in extremely high repair costs. It is essential for a business to have a plan in place in the case a flood directly affects their property. An effective flood preparedness plan can prevent a business from having to close its doors for more than a day or two following a damaging flood. 

Types of Businesses

Every Pineville, NC, business is unique, but none of them are immune to the dangers of flooding. From factories to restaurants to warehouses, flooding can severely damage any property. Due to the many types of businesses, it is of the utmost importance for a business to recognize their most susceptible areas and items. There is no one size fits all flood preparedness plan, so a business needs to create an individual one that works well for them. If you don’t know where to start, SERVPRO of South Mecklenburg County can help. Keep reading for more aspects of a preparedness plan, and don’t forget, we offer custom ERP’s for your business.

Employees

It is necessary that every employee of a business is aware of what to do in the case of a flooding emergency. First, they need to know of evacuation procedures to prevent the risk of any injury occurring during an emergency. Additionally, each employee needs to know what to shut down/turn off during the exit process in an effort to prevent further property damage. A business should have emergency contact information available to all employees in case of a flood related emergency. 

Flood Preparedness Kit

In the event of any emergency, a business should always have an emergency kit prepared to protect and take care of the employees. More specifically, a business should always have a flood preparedness kit on deck just in case. These kits should contain everything from first-aid materials to tools and equipment. 

Fixing a Flood

In the case that your business is affected by any kind of flooding, SERVPRO of South Mecklenburg County will be there to effectively take care of any damages caused. We can be reached at (704)-840-6112 and will be ready any time day or night to help you in your time of need. 

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Levels Of Commercial Damage

5/21/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial water damage

One of the areas that SERVPRO of South Mecklenburg County specializes in is commercial damage and restoration.

Many factors can cause commercial damage in your Charlotte,NC home, foreseen or not, including water, fires, and storms. Regardless of the source of the damage, the time needed to repair what needs tending to can be costly for a business, its employees, and its customers. 

There are three levels of commercial damage that we suggest you be aware of. This grading system is used to determine the level at which your property is evaluated and classified as so that proper mitigation can begin.

Level 1

Level 1 is small commercial losses that typically involve no more than 15,000 square feet of affected floor space. If the facility was completely affected, small commercial losses may include but are not limited to, a stand-alone retail establishment, a small church, a daycare facility, a small shopping center, a small warehouse or manufacturing facility, or an administrative building. A Level 1 loss can also be a small segment of a larger structure.

Level 2

Level 2 is midsize commercial losses that typically involve between 15,000 and 60,000 square feet of affected floor space. The building or buildings involved will usually be large multi-level structures or greatly divided spaces. Once again, if the facility was completely affected, Level 2 incidents may reveal themselves as a small multi-family property, a midsize school or church, a small shopping center, a multi-tenant administration facility, or a midsize warehouse or manufacturing facility. Similar to a Level 1 loss, a Level 2 loss can be just a portion of a larger structure.

Level 3

Level 3 is large commercial losses usually involving more than 60,000 square feet of affected floorspace. The involved building or buildings are normally large multi-level structures. If the facility was entirely affected, a Level 3 loss can be a large church, hospital, school, or university; a large multi-family property; or a large strip-style shopping center or shopping mall. At this level, it is appropriate to refer to the project at hand as a “large loss.”

Once our professionals determine the level of loss, the property will be further assessed, and a team will be assigned to get the job done quickly and efficiently so your business can continue operating. 

If your commercial property has experienced damage of any kind, give SERVPRO of South Mecklenburg County a call at (704) 840-6112

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Fire Damage Can Cause Water Damage

4/8/2021 (Permalink)

When a Charlotte, NC, business suffers fire damage, the sprinkler system should put out the fire. However, after the fire is out there is often a lot of water left behind. 

When sprinklers go off they release 8 to 24 gallons of water per minute which can easily make its way to lower levels and damage your business. 

Once the building has been deemed safe to enter by the Charlotte Fire Department call in SERVPRO of South Mecklenburg County to be your fire restoration specialist. We will get there quickly to keep smoke and water damage to a minimum. 

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What Happens After A Sewage Backup

3/31/2021 (Permalink)

A toilet overflow is horrible enough, but if a clogged pipe causes a sewage backup, it is a much bigger deal. In addition to a plumbing bill and water damage, sewer water is also extremely unsanitary. In order to avoid even more damage, it is best to get the cleaning process started immediately. With sewage backups, we never recommend doing it yourself. Exposing yourself to category 3 water can be very dangerous and not following proper protocol can mean your home does not get properly cleaned. In the case of a sewage backup, always call SERVPRO of South Mecklenburg County. When we begin the cleaning process this is the typical checklist: 

• Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

It is absolutely essential to wear PPE while handling the raw sewage cleanup process. Always wear rubber boots, coveralls, gloves, a respirator and goggles.

1. Shut Off Utilities

Utilities must be shut off before any work begins. Water, gas and electricity should be shut off to the area. Always let a professional do this if it is in a dangerous area. 

1. Extract Standing Water

If there is standing water it is essential to get the water out quickly and safely. A wet/dry vacuum is often the best method to remove standing water and any other debris. 

1. Remove Contents

Once utilities have been shut off and water has been removed, belongings should be removed as well. Salvageable items will be separated from unsalvageable items. Anything that cannot be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized and entirely dried within 48 hours should be disposed of. Carpet and upholstered furniture are generally unsalvageable in these types of disasters. Drywall also usually has to be cut out and replaced. 

• Clean And Disinfect

Using a detergent we will clean the area as thoroughly as possible. Every crevice and area where water may have splashed will be cleaned. Once the entire affected area has been cleaned, we will then use a sanitizing solution to disinfect everything the water may have touched.

• Dry

The final step of the process is to dry the area. It is always best to have the area completely dry within 48 hours as mold can grow quickly. Our technicians will use dehumidifiers and fans to remove any remaining humidity. 

If your Charlotte, NC, home or business sustains category 3 water damage, call SERVPRO of South Mecklenburg County immediately to avoid extreme damage. 

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Handling Grease Fires

2/9/2021 (Permalink)

Grease Kitchen Fire Damage in South Charlotte NC with soot damage.

When cooking in your home or business in Charlotte, NC, there is always a chance of a grease fire. If a grease fire does start it is important to know how to extinguish the blaze and prevent serious damage to your home. 

1. Never move the pan or pot where the fire originated from. Moving the source of the fire can cause the fire to spread.
2. The first step should be to turn off the stove and move away from the fire.
3. If the fire is small enough to get close, cover the pot or pan with a lid. This is the most effective way to snuff out the fire as it removes the source of oxygen.
4. Leave the lid until the pan has cooled completely to avoid the fire starting again.
5. Never throw water on a grease fire. This will cause the fire to spread quickly and can cause severe burns.
6. Call 911 immediately to come and contain the fire. Even if you think you have the fire under control there is always a risk of the fire spreading very quickly. 

If you experience a grease fire, there will likely be damage to the surrounding area and contents. 

Once the fire is safely out and your property is cleared by the fire department, make sure to call SERVPRO of South Mecklenburg County to get your kitchen looking "Like it never even happened."

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Source

When water damage strikes your business, SERVPRO of South Mecklenburg County is here for you

1/26/2021 (Permalink)

Water Damage on Hardwood Floors

Do you know what to do when water damage strikes your business? It can be devastating. Not only does it have the potential of closing your doors for the short term, but many businesses are also unprepared for disasters like water damage and never end up opening their doors again.

How can you avoid being a statistic? Call SERVPRO of South Mecklenburg County! We will come to your property and perform and FREE inspection and provide you with an Emergency Response Plan!

If you do have a disaster at your home or business, rest easy knowing that we have the equipment, experience, and the expertise to get you back to "Like it never even happened." 

We are faster to any disaster, no matter the size, but we also offer a proactive tool so you can have peace of mind in the event a disaster does affect your life. Remember, a SERVPRO of South Mecklenburg County Emergency Readiness Plan (ERP) is 100% free, and 100% priceless!

Give us a call today and let us set up your ERP appointment!

While there are many other machines and equipment accessories we use at SERVPRO of South Mecklenburg County, this is a great overall look at our most commonly used pieces of equipment. This machine helps us make it “Like it never even happened,” because we are always here to help!

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