No Job is Too Large for our Disaster Recovery Team | SERVPRO® of Downtown Charleston and Mount Pleasant

1/2/2024 (Permalink)

Don't face storms alone! Trust SERVPRO's Disaster Recovery Team for swift storm damage restoration. Act fast, reclaim your space!

Natural Disasters like tornadoes, hurricanes, or floods can wreak havoc, leaving homes and communities in disarray. When faced with such challenges, SERVPRO® Disaster Recovery Teams are primed to provide swift and effective assistance. We understand that dealing with the aftermath of a natural disaster is not just about restoring property; it's about supporting families and communities through trying times.

Immediate Response and Expert Care

At SERVPRO of Downtown Charleston and Mount Pleasant, we recognize the urgency in addressing storm, flood, and water damage. Immediate action is pivotal in mitigating the extent of the damage. Our team is equipped with the experience, resources, and cutting-edge equipment required to handle even the most complex restoration jobs.

Restoring Communities, One Home at a Time

Our highly trained storm damage specialists prioritize prompt restoration to return properties to their pre-storm condition. We don't just restore buildings; we restore homes and communities. We approach every restoration project with respect, empathy, and unwavering dedication.

Local Commitment, National Support

As a locally owned and operated entity, we are deeply rooted in the Charleston community. We take pride in being your neighbors, serving Charleston, SC, and its surrounding areas. However, as part of SERVPRO's extensive network of 2,200 franchises, we have access to special Disaster Recovery Teams prepared to respond swiftly and effectively during catastrophic storms and major events.

Your Trusted Partners in Restoration

When faced with storm or flood damage, don't hesitate to reach out to SERVPRO of Downtown Charleston and Mount Pleasant. Our commitment to exemplary service, combined with our local presence and national resources, ensures that your restoration needs are met promptly and efficiently.

Contact us today at (843) 577-2470 and let us help you navigate through the aftermath of a storm.

Sewer Line Blockages Could Allow Hazardous Flooding In Your Charleston Residence | SERVPRO® of Downtown Charleston

7/14/2023 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO® of Downtown Charleston's Green Fleet arrives prepared for stormwater extraction and restoration in the Charleston area.

While natural disasters like flooding are not at all uncommon to Charleston residents, sometimes the situations that we do not plan for and work to prevent can take you by surprise. For example, every home and business in the area has a service line tapped into a sewer system networking through the city. The bulk of these main lines are no wider than twelve inches and can quickly become clogged or blocked by inappropriate things flushed or through external threats like invasive tree roots. When the main sewer line backs up, it can start to feed wastewater back through service lines. Without the appropriate measures to clear this line, wastewater flows back through your Charleston service line and into your home, causing flood damage and often a hazardous situation for your family. Fortunately, our SERVPRO® of Downtown Charleston team of dedicated restoration specialists can help. With our hazmat training and extensive education regarding flood damage removal, we can work quickly to address all of the effects of this traumatic situation. In situations like this, cleanouts and emergency cleanouts (where applicable) get used to removing the wastewater working back through your system and into your house until the owner of the sewer line has the line jetted and clears the obstructions. Extraction inside your home is often one of the first steps our SERVPRO® of Downtown Charleston professionals take. Once the water has been removed from the affected area, cleaning and disinfection follow suit while the site gets dried thoroughly with air movers and dehumidifiers. One of the final approaches that must be taken is deodorization, as wastewater often comes with a harsh, pungent odor that lingers long after the cleaning. This process is accomplished using thermal foggers, hand sprays, and SERVPRO know-how. While your home might be protected from traditional flooding as much as it can be, some situations are impossible to ward off entirely. For emergencies that require immediate attention, trust our SERVPRO® of Downtown Charleston rapid response team to help you clean up the mess. Stormwater and sewage can bring double trouble - Call SERVPRO® of Downtown Charleston for a safe solution (843) 577-2470. Click here for information regarding public services in Charleston.

How You Can Reduce the Effects of Storm Damage | SERVPRO® of Downtown Charleston

7/14/2022 (Permalink)

Do you experience any storm damage to your home or property? Contact us today for a quick response!

Storms can cause a lot of damage to the exteriors of your home or business. Modern building materials like vinyl siding are designed to withstand minor damage, but severe storms can cause major destruction.

The most dangerous part of storm damage is that which goes undetected, slowly becoming more serious without being addressed. By the time this kind of damage shows itself, it could be irreversible.

Minimizing storm damage will not only protect you from potential troubling storms but can also help extend the lifespan of your home. This all starts with preparation:

The Many Hazards Severe Storms Pose to Your Home | SERVPRO® of Downtown Charleston

7/5/2022 (Permalink)

Storm/lightning damage requires specialized restoration techniques & equipment. When a storm hits, you need a company with experience & expertise.

The threats that storms bring with them can take many different forms. The unpredictable and sudden nature of severe weather can do a number on your home.

Understanding the impact these hazards can have on your Charleston property is the best way to prepare your home to endure storms of all types.

In Charleston, the cost of flood damage is high—and expected to continue rising. Flooding and other weather-related damage might result in expensive repairs.

Fortunately, by being aware of how the weather could affect your property, you can minimize your risk of damage. Here are a few of the hazards you can prepare your home for ahead of time:

Severe Winds

Strong winds can reach speeds of up to 100 mph. Wind gusts cause damage to the exterior of your property by blowing debris into the air, shattering windows and sending branches flying. Stronger wind gusts have the power to uproot trees, causing them to crash into your house and even rip off roofs!

Secure outdoor items and clear your yard of any debris, such as tree branches, to prepare your property for strong winds brought on by weather conditions like hurricanes. Cutting any tree limbs that might hang over your home’s roof can also help you create a safer landscape. Make sure to frequently inspect your roof to make sure it can withstand strong winds.

Flooding and Water Damage

We are located right along the coast, so flooding is a prevalent issue for Charleston residents. Floodwater can pour into any openings around your house and compromise its structural integrity.

Under the right circumstances, flood damage can develop quickly, destroying your home’s belongings and fostering the growth of mold.

To safeguard your home from flooding, be aware of your flood zone and keep an eye on any local flood warnings or watches that are issued.

You can also take steps to protect your home by adding plants and other vegetation to your yard, which can prevent flood water from flowing through your home. To avoid blockages and allow water to drain away from your home, be sure to regularly clear leaves and other debris from your gutters and drains.

Hail Storms

Hail can grow to be as big as softballs sometimes, but even the smallest hailstones can inflict damage to your home. Hail moves fast and can quickly damage roofs and windows, as well as any outdoor items like your patio or vehicles.

To reduce the risk of hail damage, keep your shutters and blinds closed at all times during hail storms to keep dangerous weather from affecting the inside of your home.

Regular roof inspections have previously been mentioned, so it should go without saying that they are an essential part of preventing storm damage to your property! To extend the longevity of your roof, make sure to repair it if you see any signs of aging or damage.

If your home is damaged by one or more of the many threats severe weather creates, our team at SERVPRO can help. Our team can begin restoring your home immediately to promptly restore it to its pre-storm state.

What Should You Do After Your Home Suffers Storm Damage? | SERVPRO® of Downtown Charleston

5/19/2022 (Permalink)

If you discover storm damage to your home or business, you can count on SERVPRO® of Downtown Charleston.

As the spring season comes into full effect, so does the intensity of storms, bringing in whipping winds, heavy rain, lightning and the ever-so-common storm surges and floods. Between these unpredictable weather events, it’s a surprise that our structures and property don’t suffer more damage than they already do.

Here in Charleston, we face an added risk, living near the coast. Even further inland, rivers and creeks run throughout our state and have proven to cause flooding in every area. In fact, there are over 300,000 properties in South Carolina that face significant flood risks over the next 30 years.

Though extreme weather events come in all shapes and sizes, the damage they cause is always something to take seriously. Here are some tips on getting through the aftermath of storm damage.

What Does It Mean to Shelter in Place? | SERVPRO® of Downtown Charleston

5/16/2022 (Permalink)

The storm has passed, however, you notice that your home has suffered damage. Contact SERVPRO® of Downtown Charleston right away.

If you’ve lived in Charleston for a while, you’ve probably been through a hurricane watch or warning. They’re not uncommon during the heart of hurricane season, which stretches from late May into November.

During these periods of heightened alert, there’s often a rush to determine whether you should remain where you are—and shelter in place—or evacuate. 

Thankfully, meteorologists are usually able to provide local government officials with specific guidance related to current weather conditions that allows them to make this determination.

But it can still be confusing for the average person. So, let’s break down what “sheltering in place” looks like and how you can prepare yourself and your family ahead of time.

Steps to Take as a Storm Approaches

When a storm is predicted, whether it’s an intense thunderstorm, a major rainstorm with expected flooding or a hurricane, it’s important to take prompt action. Start here:

1. Go inside. Seems self-explanatory, but you’d be surprised how many folks try to test the limits and stay outdoors when a storm is approaching. You will be safest inside a building, but if you can’t get to a building, sheltering inside your car is next best. During a storm, keep the car turned off and try not to touch anything metal.
2. Close things up. To keep the weather outside of your home, you need to close up all windows and exterior doors. In certain conditions, such as when intense winds are expected, you may want to board up those windows or put shutters in place for extra protection from flying objects.
3. Choose the safest spot in your home. Ideally, settle your family into a comfortable spot on the lowest level of your home, in a space that’s free of windows. Bring your emergency kit and other necessities into the space so you won’t need to leave it often, if at all.
4. Keep up-to-date on what’s happening. If cell service is still operational, you can check weather apps and other sources to determine the latest information about the storm. Otherwise, use the battery-operated weather radio you should have in your emergency kit to keep you in the know.
5. Stay in place until officials say it’s OK to leave. Once the storm has passed, even while you’re still waiting for the all-clear, you can text or call loved ones to let them know your current status.

The storm has passed, but your home suffered damage. What should you do next? Call SERVPRO—we’re available 24/7 to get the restoration process started!

Are Clogged Gutters That Big of a Deal? | SERVPRO® of Downtown Charleston

4/4/2022 (Permalink)

If you suspect your property has taken on water damage, reach out to SERVPRO of Downtown Charlestown.

Home maintenance can be overwhelming at times. It seems like in every corner of your house there’s something that can be fixed or maintained to prevent potential damage to your home.

So when it comes to home maintenance is it really that big of a deal to overlook some things from time to time? One of the most commonly overlooked home maintenance tasks is clearing your gutters.

Are clogged gutters as big of a deal as they’re made out to be? Let’s look at the two main reasons you should keep your gutters clear.

1. Roof Damage and Leaks. The whole reason you have gutters installed on your home is to allow rainfall to flow from the roof to the ground and well away from your home. When your gutters are clogged, water pool on top of your roof until it becomes too heavy for your roof to handle.

You’ll start to notice water dripping or even pouring from your ceiling when cracks form as a result of too much water gathering on the roof. The leaks will increase until you remove the standing water and clean up your gutters.

2. Foundation Issues. If your gutters fail to perform correctly, it might jeopardize the general integrity and reliability of your house, reduce property value and can result in costly foundation damage.

When water isn’t directed away from the home’s foundation properly, it beings to pool along the soil against the home. Over time, the soil is compromised, causing it to erode and shift. Erosion and soil shifting around your foundation can weaken it, ultimately resulting in foundation cracks or a shifting or sinking foundation which causes a whole host of issues inside and outside of your property.

If you’ve observed leaning or bending walls in your basement, this is a sign that something is wrong with the foundation. Foundation cracks, wall cracks, ceiling cracks and stuck windows or doors are all indicators of foundation issues. A faulty foundation can lead to flooded basements and crawlspaces.

If you suspect your property has taken on water damage, call SERVPRO of Downtown Charleston to clean up the mess. Our certified professionals will get the job done professionally and get you back on your feet quickly.

Who to Call When Heavy Rain Causes Flood Damage

9/20/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Downtown Charleston is ready when you need us! Heavy rains in Charleston can cause severe water damage to your business or home. According to The Post and Courier , “Charleston flooded one out of almost every five days in 2019.” When this happens it can be very stress inducing. You may not be prepared for all that follows what happens when disaster strikes, but SERVPRO of Downtown Charleston is staffed with fully trained and certified technicians to walk you through the process of mitigation and even assist guide you through your insurance claim process. We can be to your home or business to extract water, dry carpets, hardwood floors, walls, ceilings, and assure mitigation is completed to prevent mold growth. 

When you need help fast call the pro you know at SERVPRO of Downtown Charleston 843-577-2470! 

When Storms or Floods Hit Charleston, SERVPRO is Ready!

9/9/2021 (Permalink)

Our highly trained crews are ready to respond 24/7 to storm or flood damage in Charleston, SC.

SERVPRO of Downtown Charleston specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Charleston, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 843-577-2470

Restoring Your Belongings after Storm Damage | SERVPRO® of Downtown Charleston

6/1/2021 (Permalink)

Storms threaten our peace of mind and our homes. Click here to learn about how SERVPRO® of Downtown Charleston can restore your belongings.

For many of us home is everything. However, storms threaten our homes in more ways than one. Not only does a storm threaten your home’s structure, but the quality of your belongings and keepsakes. Our restoration services can help you save money and give you back your peace of mind by preserving your precious belongings.

Nowadays, we hold many of our memories and keepsakes digitally on our computers, phones, family videotape, and more. Please note that water-damaged electronics can present a serious hazard so do not attempt to operate any of them in the wake of water damage. Let us coordinate the restoration of your electronics for you!

First, we will clean the outside of your electronic devices to help stop any further corrosion and damage. From there, a qualified electronics technician will clean and inspect the electronic devices.

More traditionally, valuable documents like wedding certificates and photographs make our house a home. Extreme caution must be taken with items like these because they can be delicate and easy to destroy. Although some documents may not be restored to pre-water damage condition, SERVPRO® of Prattville may be able to save a great deal of them and help minimize further damage. Depending on the type of documents and the level of water damage, we have five options for the restoration process: air-drying, dehumidification, freezer drying, vacuum freeze-drying, and vacuum thermal drying.

If you have storm or water damage anywhere in your home you can count on us to help. You can contact us at any hour of the day to learn more about our services or to report damages.

“Ramping Up Your Spring Storm Safety at Home | SERVPRO® of Downtown Charleston”

5/27/2021 (Permalink)

If you experience any property damage from spring storms, contact SERVPRO® of Downtown Charleston.

This year’s cold, wet winter is quickly coming to an end. Even in South Carolina, where winters are typically mild, it’s easy to get spring fever during these long, dreary pandemic winter days. 

So, if you’re thrilled to turn the page in February and start March with dreams of a warm spring afternoon filling your head, no one can blame you. It’s a great time to start planning new projects. For you, that might mean you want to create a vegetable garden or redo your landscaping. 

Or maybe you like to spend the spring hiking or enjoying the outdoors before summer’s heat sends you back inside. 

Spring is an enjoyable season, but like any season, it also brings some hazards for homeowners to manage. When it comes to this season, healthy and severe thunderstorms are always a concern. 

While we don’t have the ability to make a storm take a different path around our home, we take steps to make our homes as safe and secure as possible, so they’re in good shape if a severe storm hits. 

Projects to Do This Spring 

Add these items to your project list this spring. 

Cut and remove tree branches and limbs that need it. Limbs and branches that hang over your garage or home can be a hazard during storms. You can keep them from falling on your roof by cutting them down. 

Declutter your gutters. We talk about the importance of this project every season. Keep your drains clean so that the water around your home is moving in the right direction instead of backing up and causing water damage. 

Repair your roof.If you can check your roof to be sure it doesn’t have any missing shingles. Look for signs of a leak, too. 

Make sure your home’s sump pump works. Not every family has one of these (or needs it), but it’s important to be sure it’s working correctly before your house goes through a rainy spring. 

Don’t let items around your home become hazards. Be sure your patio furniture or other similar things don’t become tools for the wind to damage your home. 

If a fire, flood or any other cause damage to your home, you can always count on us for restoration assistance. We are available 24⁄7 in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time to learn more about our restoration services and how we can help you.

Your Landscaping Can Protect Your Home From Water Damage | SERVPRO® of Downtown Charleston

4/5/2021 (Permalink)

Spring can lead to large storms. Contact SERVPRO of Downtown Charlestown if you encounter any water damage from excess rain.

If you’re like most homeowners, you do a lot to ensure your home is safe and protected. You probably also do a lot to care for your home and ensure it looks as appealing as possible.

With all the home improvement shows airing on television recently and all the extra time we’ve had at home, it’s no wonder that so many of us have turned to DIY projects and gardening to fill our time and beautify our space.

But did you know, with the right landscaping choices, you can both make your home more beautiful and protect it from damage? It’s true!

Properly landscaping your home is just one of the ways you can help avoid water damage, especially during the rainy spring and summer seasons.

Here are some tips from experts that will make it easier to make your home more beautiful and protect it from the watery onslaught of severe storms.

Protective Landscaping Tips

Keep these tips in mind when you start working on your landscaping.

Consider using plants that are native to the Charleston area. Native plants can be beautiful. And they can help you by making your yard less prone to flooding and drainage issues. Local experts are great resources for information about native plants. There are online resources, too. You can check out some plants native to South Carolina here.

Grade and slope your yard appropriately. You don’t want water moving toward your foundation. Do what you can to ensure it moves away instead. This can protect your home’s foundation from possible water issues.

Don’t put your mulch directly against your house. Mulch can hold moisture or water. Leave a small gap so that it doesn’t have the opportunity to damage your home’s siding.

If you need help dealing with damage caused by water, fire, or any other issue, we’re here to help you restore your home. We have crews who are available ²⁴⁄₇ in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time to learn more about us and how we can help you restore your home to its original state.

Steps to Ensure Your Business Is Prepared for Flood Risks l SERVPRO® of Downtown Charleston

3/9/2021 (Permalink)

Flooding is the most common type of natural disaster suffered by Americans. Contact SERVPRO of Downtown Charlestown if you experience any water damage

Flooding is the most common type of natural disaster suffered by Americans—especially those living in a coastal city like Charleston. That risk goes beyond the usual hazards of hurricane season and extends into other problems like severe storms.

While there’s nothing that can be done to prevent the quirks of weather patterns or hurricane paths, business owners can take steps to be certain their business is prepared to weather storms and survive floods in the best shape possible.

Advice for Charleston Business Owners

Experts offer these tips to help business owners before, during and after a severe flooding event:

Before a flood hits

Long before storms are predicted, you’ll want to understand the flood risks that your business faces. You can do research about the area and how likely that spot is to suffer a flood. You can use that knowledge to make improvements to your business to help protect it from the flood. It’s also smart to keep an eye on local weather reports to see if flooding is imminent.

You may also want to consider landscaping, like native plants, that can help you mitigate flood risks.

If flooding is predicted

At this juncture, you’ll want to take steps to protect important information, files and the business itself as best you can. Consider backing up vital information for your business offsite. Depending on the time you have before the flood, you may want to consider taking measures to protect your business.

After a flood

Be ready to work closely with your insurance company and provide important documents as needed.

If your business is damaged due to fire, water or any other cause, you can always count on us for restoration assistance. We have crews who are available ²⁴⁄₇ in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time to learn more about our restoration services and how we can help you.

Key Considerations for Your Business’ Disaster Recovery Plan | SERVPRO® of Downtown Charleston

10/20/2020 (Permalink)

Disasters are something that no one wants to experience. Contact SERVPRO of Downtown Charleston if you experience any damage.

Having a disaster impact your business is more than just a minor inconvenience—it is a significant event that can impact your livelihood and even permanently close your business if you are not prepared. Fortunately, through key disaster preparations, you can ensure your recovery is a much smoother process.

While planning for disaster recovery may feel overwhelming, by knowing a few key considerations, you can be more prepared for anything that occurs. It is impossible to predict what type of disaster will occur, but with careful planning, you can be ready for anything at your business.

What to Consider When Preparing for a Disaster

Do you have safety efforts in place? The most important thing to consider when it comes to disaster planning is the safety of you and your staff in the moments before and during a disaster. This means it is smart to plan for key things such as evacuation procedures, emergency supplies and communication plans so you can be certain you are keeping everyone as safe as possible if they are at your business when disaster strikes.

Do you have a restoration team picked out? Starting restoration as quickly as possible after a disaster is key to preventing any secondary damages from occurring due to untreated disaster issues. The faster you can call a restoration company, the better, so it is wise to plan ahead in regard to which company you will trust to get your business back on track. Look for companies that can provide a response at any hour, as well, so you do not have a delay in service.

Do you have a plan for financial recovery? If a disaster is declared in your area, there will be many financial resources available to business owners such as the Small Business Administration’s disaster loan program. It is wise to be aware of the financial options available to you so you can apply immediately in the aftermath of a disaster. These funds can be used for all sorts of expenses and are offered at low-interest rates, so they can be of major assistance.

If your business is damaged in a disaster, we are here to help. Contact us at any hour to get a quick response from our team to handle your damages.

Always Ready For You

8/4/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Downtown Charleston provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster in Downtown Charleston, West Ashley, Daniel Island. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

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

Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 – 843-577-2470

Residential Services

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

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

We will make it "Like it never even happened."

Call us today at 843-577-2470

Winter Weather Problems? We Have You Covered?

6/29/2020 (Permalink)

Winter weather can bring about more issues than just slippery roads and a sidewalk to shovel. If you live where temperatures sink below freezing, you are also at risk for frozen pipes, which can create a major disaster to your home or property. Frozen pipes occur when exposed to cold weather, such as those outside your house, or in areas such as basements, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets. A frozen pipe can burst at the point where the ice blockage inside the pipe is located, but typically the rupture is caused by the backflow of pressure between the water source and the blockage. If winter weather causes water damage to your home or property, SERVPRO of Downtown Charleston professionals are only a call away!

SERVPRO of Downtown Charleston is just a call away, 843-577-2570. 

We can handle any size damage and your residence or business “Like it never even happened.”

Our Highly Trained Restoration Specialists can restore your Downtown Charleston Home

6/1/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Downtown Charleston is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

IICRC Certified Firms must

• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.
• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.
• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.
• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.
• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry

The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.

Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.

About SERVPRO of Downtown Charleston

SERVPRO of Downtown Charleston specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: from initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Different Types of Storm Damage

4/8/2020 (Permalink)

Flooding and ice damming is one of the problems that are associated with storms. No one can estimate the amount of storm damage until it is over. Storm damage comes in different forms. Some of the effects of storm damage include roof leaks, hail damage, ice damming, hurricane damage, and river flooding and wind damage. The storm restoration process follows several certain steps which are listed below.

Flooding can be quite devastating. Places with large creeks are mostly affected by river flooding. Additionally, flood water can also lead to a roof leak.

SERVPRO of Downtown Charleston will have to use a flood pump to remove the flood water. Using the right type of flood pump will help the water restoration firm to remove the flood water quickly. Furthermore, the company will do a check to find out that the hail damage is not severe. Roof repair will involve repairing the roof leak to ensure that the homeowner will be able to settle in the house within a short period. The first step in home restoration is to remove the flood water. It will not be possible to begin the storm remediation if the room is filled up with ground water damage.

SERVPRO of Downtown Charleston will use the necessary equipment to remove the items that are blocking the way or which entered the house. Hail damage can cause roof leaks which can easily be handled by a home restoration company. The house will turn into an ice dam if the roof repair is not done on time.

Ice damage can wreak havoc on a home after the flooding. Ice damage can lead to frozen pipes, ice damming, and even roof damage. The only way to get rid of roof damage is to get the help of a restoration company. The ice damming can make the house not suitable for living. Therefore the company has to make the house ideal for living. Furthermore, the storm restoration company has the right equipment like a flood pump that will help in removing the river flooding caused by the storm damage. A homeowner can rest easy knowing that their home will go back to its initial status because of the help of the storm restoration firm through storm remediation.

For more information or help to restore your home after a storm, call us at 843.577.2470

Emergency READY Profile

3/9/2020 (Permalink)

When disaster strikes, you can be ruined or you can be ready. 

SERVPRO of Downtown Charleston can help you prepare with our Emergency READY Profile. 

Preparation is key for making it through any size disaster, whether it’s a small water leak, a large fire or an area flood. The best time for planning for such events is not when the event happens, but well before. No one ever plans a disaster, but you can plan for it. The SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile is the approach that provides the critical information needed to begin mitigation and recovery services. It is designed to serve as a quick reference of important building and contact information. There is no cost from SERVPRO of Downtown Charleston to come out and do this assessment on your facility. It will only take a little time to complete and will not take you away from current projects. In the end, it will save you a lot of time if ever needed. 

Call us today to get started on you Emergency READY Profile at 843-577-2470

Disaster Recovery Team

10/10/2019 (Permalink)

Did you know that SERVPRO has a specialized storm team and large loss response network to provide the resources to your property when others can’t? In the event of a disaster, SERVPRO professionals have the resources to relocate crews with equipment to take care of all of our customer’s needs. SERVPRO strategically places mobilization teams across the country to travel when needed to support recovery after large storm events such as hurricanes. Our job as water damage restoration professionals is to limit the amount of business interruption. We understand that fast mitigation is key to getting your business back up and running. SERVPRO provides the resources in the event of a large storm event to make sure that the right equipment, procedures, and training are in place to ensure that the structure is dry the first time and saves you time and money.

Do you have questions about how SERVPRO of Downtown Charleston can help you prepare for a disaster? Contact us today at (843) 577-2470!

Fast Action Is Crucial After a Flood in Your Charleston Property

8/5/2019 (Permalink)

Flood damage can accumulate quickly. Call the professionals at SERVPRO today for remediation assistance.

How SERVPRO Handles Carpeting for Flood Damaged Charleston Homes

Some of our most involved work when handling the effects of flood damage in a local home happens when we start to restore or replace the carpeting inside the building. Depending on the situation, the carpeting may need no replacements whatsoever, a partial "patched" replacement job, or full replacement across one or more affected rooms. We take care not to replace any material that can still be saved, but regardless of what treatments we can use for the project, we always have our work cut out for us. 

Does the Carpet Need to Be Replaced? 

One of the first evaluations conducted by our inspectors after flood damage hits a Charleston home is the state of the flooring. Flood damage that involves black or grey water (including all flooding that happens during a storm) forces us to replace any affected carpeting as quickly as possible. Many floodwater sources are contaminated with bacteria and fungal spores and can lead to mold growth and potential health hazards inside carpeting that is not thrown out. Even with clean-water flooding, we may need to remove carpeting that has warped and shrunk too far to be saved. Not all situations require full replacements, however - sometimes we can cut out a fraction of the room's carpeting and replace it with material that matches the clean side. 

How We Save Clean Carpet 

The first step in saving carpet is to dry it as rapidly as possible. For this part of the process, we bring in our air movers, powerful devices that create air currents above and below the carpeting to whisk away water. During this process, we keep an eye on the materials to prevent them from shrinking as they dry. Sometimes, we may need to replace tack strips that have absorbed too much water. This is one of our top priorities since fresh tack strips can help to keep the shape in drying carpets. 

Putting Down New Carpeting 

If we need to replace carpeting for any reason, we compare the styling of your floors to our internal database to find matching materials. We install fresh tack strips and carpet rolls after deodorizing the area to make the room looking "Like it never even happened." 

SERVPRO of Downtown Charleston stays ready 24/7 to respond to local calls for help with flood damage from any source. Contact us at (843) 577-2470 for our emergency damage mitigation and restoration services. 

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Charleston Structures Rely on SERVPRO for Water Extraction after Extreme Flooding

6/27/2019 (Permalink)

A Few Vehicles from the SERVPRO Green Fleet--Ready for Flood Damage Restoration in Charleston

Flood Water Removal Actions to Preserve Charleston Homes

With Cooper River and Wappoo Creek to the west and the Harbor everywhere else, Charleston is undoubtedly in what can be called a flood-prone area. Fortunately, those same flood threats also provide some of the finest water recreations on the Southeastern Coast for residents and hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.
 
Charleston flood water removal needs to begin as soon as it is safe to enter the neighborhood. SERVPRO restoration teams train extensively on the latest extraction equipment to preserve as much of each home as possible.
 
They start with commercial grade pumps to remove the majority of the flood water. The inlet hoses are submersible, so technicians can drop them into ankle-deep or higher water to immediately begin operation. Depending on the size of the residence and the number of pumps needed, removal can take anywhere from one to several days.
 
For lower levels of flooding and in smaller rooms, SERVPRO technicians use more compact devices. These extraction wands can be adjusted for vacuum speed and also have a heating element to help begin drying out carpets and floors while removing the water trapped inside the carpet layers and between floorboards.
 
After drying the surfaces, team members then look for more water. In many homes, flood water collects in the sub-floor where it can rot the support structure, weakening and rendering it unsafe for walking. Technicians remove it by lifting a floorboard over the affected area or drilling a hole underneath a section of floor trim where it is normally unseen. Next, they insert a hose attached to a wand or another extraction device.
 
Removing the excess moisture trapped in the wood is important also. Team members complete this task by inserting a hose attached to an air mover and then forcing warm, dry air into the sub-floor. It pushes moisture out of the floor framing, speeding up evaporation. Our technicians can also rig "tents," of plastic sheeting and secured to treated floor area with tape to concentrate the drying stream of the devices. By reducing affected air and materials, we can increase the evaporation rate, thereby also the drying time.
 
Restoring every local home to a dry, safe condition after a flood is always the goal for SERVPRO of Downtown Charleston. If your home, or any area of it, is underwater, call us at (843) 577-2470 today to begin the removal process.

Charleston
 

Our Experts Explain How We Stop The Slow-Moving Effects Of Flood Damage In Your Charleston Home

5/22/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Downtown Charleston has helped local homeowners for years to recover from the devastating effects of water and flood damage.

SERVPRO Stops These Slow-Moving Effects Of Flood Damage In Charleston

Flood damage can impact your home in many ways. While it might be clear and evident that waters can scar your carpeting, walls, furniture, and other visible parts of the home, some types of damage can reach much deeper if you do not take care of them quickly. SERVPRO technicians remain on standby 24/7 to respond to local disasters since only a few hours can make the difference between a smooth, simple water cleanup and a large-scale flood damage restoration project for victims of a disaster. Here are some of the ways that more significant damages can creep into your home if you are not careful.

Foundational Damage
One of the most essential reasons to hire a fast and certified mitigation company like SERVPRO for flood damage in Charleston is to prevent damage from happening to the foundation of your home. With extended exposure to floodwaters, your home's foundation may start to crack and break, potentially leading to a separate repair project that costs thousands of dollars. These damages can almost always be avoided through fast and comprehensive drying solutions like those planned out by our work crews.

Breakdown of Materials
The longer moisture remains in your property, the more liable materials around the house are to begin breaking down and wearing thin as a result of the water soaked into them. We prioritize removing standing water and excess moisture in your home as one of the first things to work towards when we arrive at your home hours after the disaster.

Mold Growth
Without fast drying and special preventative measures, the risk of mold growth in your home can be high after a flood. SERVPRO technicians are always certified to prevent and treat mold damage before and when it starts to appear in your home.

SERVPRO of Downtown Charleston has helped local homeowners for years to recover from the devastating effects of water and flood damage. Call us 24/7 at (843) 577-2470.

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How Our Trained Professionals Remove Contamination From Your Charleston Home

4/4/2019 (Permalink)

Let our IICRC technicians address contamination in your home through our experience, training and specialized equipment. We are available to you 24/7.

Essential Steps that Help Ease Flood Removal in Charleston

When floods affect your property, there is a need to take immediate mitigation steps that help stop further damage and restore preloss conditions. Flood removal is a complex process but following the right procedures improves the results and shortens the period it takes. We offer professional mitigation services in Charleston.

One of the main issues to address during flood removal in Charleston properties is contamination. As floodwater flows over open spaces, it collects different contaminants including biohazards such as raw sewage and dead animals. It also dissolves insecticides, and other chemicals then deposit them in the affected homes. Our SERVPRO technicians take several measures to address contamination. We spray EPA-registered disinfectants directly into affected areas to deal with pathogens. We also create containment zones where the need arises restricting the spread of contaminants to unaffected areas.

Floodwaters leave different types of debris in the affected areas including silt from outside and the materials it damages inside the house. Removing all the debris is crucial because it also makes it simpler to carry out other restoration steps. Removing debris is mostly a manual process, but it requires caution because some of the materials can be hazardous. Our SERVPRO technicians wear PPE, Personal Protective Equipment, like full body suits, rubber gloves, and boots before shoveling out debris. Having the necessary safety equipment helps them work faster.

Removing pools of standing floodwaters from the house is essential, but it can take time. Proper disposal of such contaminated water is also essential to ensure compliance with regulations from local or federal authorities. Our SERVPRO technicians use truck-mounted water extractors, and submersible pumps to remove standing water fast. Our water extractors also have storage tanks that can hold the water to ensure it is disposed of properly.

When flood damage affects your property, call SERVPRO of Downtown Charleston to help with removal restoring it to its preloss state. You can reach us at (843) 577-2470 any time. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

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Don't Wait To Repair Your Flood Damaged Home In Charleston, Call The Professionals At SERVPRO!

2/13/2019 (Permalink)

Give our SERVPRO of Downtown Charleston contractors and restoration specialists a call today!

Unrepaired Storm Damages Can Flood Charleston Homes

Charleston residents have grown accustomed to the rapidly changing temperament of the weather, including its persistent threat of becoming violent. Even though many homes have suffered damages at the hands of some of the more powerful systems that have come through the area recently, many resolved to repair these damages on their own and in doing so, left their property vulnerable to further damages. With vulnerabilities in your exterior defenses, homes become susceptible to flooding and water damages.

Roof and siding damage are among the most common lingering concerns that can allow flood damage to affect your Charleston property. While repairs like this can be costly, especially when many homes throughout the area require similar assistance, avoiding it allows the problem to worsen continually. Once torrential rainfall occurs again, this weather along with the subsequent runoff your roof can expect allows a steady flow of water into your house. Our SERVPRO team can arrive quickly to provide emergency board up services to prevent further penetration, but even with our rapid response, the effects are often already widespread.

Board up services and tarping like our emergency team can provide are only a temporary solution designed to allow our mitigation team to get to work on protecting your property as best as we can. Repair of the damage must occur for the restoration to complete, as much of the work that our SERVPRO team performs to return your house to original condition relies on the source of the damage getting repaired fully to prevent recurrences.

Extraction plays a critical role when flooding occurs, as this allows our technicians on site to see the full scope of the damage while we set up drying equipment. With a Category 1 loss like this, many of the affected materials can often get preserved and protected if our team gets contacted quickly at the initial signs of flooding.

While you might be in the group of homeowners that can appreciate saving money and taking repairs and restoration into your own hands, the longer that your home sits storm-damaged, the more likely situations like flooding become. Give our SERVPRO of Downtown Charleston contractors and restoration specialists a call today at (843) 577-2470.

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How Our Team Can Help You Recover From Flood Damage After Hurricane Florence Destroyed Your Charleston Home

10/10/2018 (Permalink)

Flooding was one of the worst conditions that homes in the area faced, and our technicians continue to be available to help.

Hurricane Florence And Recovering Flood Damages In Your Charleston Home

You might not need a reminder about the effects of hurricanes and severe weather systems on your Charleston home. With the devastation that Hurricane Florence brought to the Carolinas this past month, it is more prevalent than ever the damage that these storms can do with the right conditions. Flooding was one of the worst conditions that homes in the area faced, and our technicians continue to be available to help throughout recovery efforts.

Some Charleston homeowners are getting their first look at flood damages and the kind of condition that a house gets left in, even if it did not get structurally compromised by the gale force winds of the storm. Overcoming these effects might seem nearly impossible at first, but with the right professional assistance such as our experienced SERVPRO technicians, you can start to see the possibility of restoring your damaged home entirely.

While the pooled water throughout your home persists as the most immediate threat, our technicians can get to work quickly on removing this effect through the use of truck-mounted pumps and wet-vacs with extraction wands for more inaccessible areas. The remaining moisture requires a combined effort of air movers to force water out of challenging areas and dehumidification equipment to pull moisture out of materials in the affected areas.

Unfortunately, that is not all that our SERVPRO professionals have to overcome when it comes to widespread flooding like this. Debris, mud, and contaminants all pose risks to your house in their own regard, which require advanced cleaning techniques and equipment to remove the dirt and to disinfect the environment as well. Assessments begin into the structural integrity of affected materials to determine if they still possess the ability to function as they should or require replacement.

Flooding is not something that homeowners can easily overcome, but something that no person has to face on their own. With the industry-leading equipment and expertise of our SERVPRO of Downtown Charleston technicians, you always have the help you need to set things right. Give us a call anytime that you need us at (843) 577-2470.

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Preparing Your Charleston Home for the Destructive Force of Hurricane Florence

9/11/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Advices Charleston Residents to Evacuate from the Path of Hurricane Florence

SERVPRO Says Heed Emergency Instructions Concerning Hurricane Florence for Your Charleston Area

While it might seem appropriate that September is Preparedness Month for disasters, the looming threat from Hurricane Florence to the Charleston area provides a severe situation for residents and business owners. Without the ability to slow or deter the course of this severe system, many residents in the area wonder what they can do to help their properties avoid catastrophic disaster as this hurricane continues to strengthen as it approaches landfall.

There are some things that you can do while there is still time to help to protect your Charleston property for the storm that is coming. Customarily, residents and business owners work to board up their windows and reinforce areas of their home they feel might take the brunt of the high winds and flying debris. You can also take these precautions, as it might help to reduce the impact that the storm has from shattering the windows of your home and allowing rain and airborne debris from entering your home.

Seek refuge well outside of the path of the storm, giving you space in between Hurricane Florence and where you choose accommodations until the worst of the conditions have occurred. While you cannot take everything that you have in your home, this might be an excellent opportunity for you to grab some smaller irreplaceable items and things that you have such as photo albums. You have insurance that can cover material possessions along with your home damages, but some things you own do not carry a monetary value.

It is important to heed the warnings and evacuation notices for the area as they come in. While you might have weathered harsh tropic storms before, experts in their respective fields have experience in what this storm could produce. South Carolina is already mandating mandatory evacuations for eight coastal counties and directing traffic away from the coastline, be sure to take these warnings seriously.

Once the storm has passed, and you can return to your home, the inevitable damage has likely occurred. Our SERVPRO of Downtown Charleston emergency response team can help you to mitigate these damages from getting worse while we develop a solid restoration plan for your property to return it to preloss conditions. Give us a call whenever you need us at (843) 577-2470.

Charleston Gov't News Flash here

Remediating Flood Damage In Charleston

8/15/2018 (Permalink)

Extreme weather in our area can often lead to flooding in Charleston homes.

Remediating Flood Damage

Extreme weather in our area can often lead to flooding in Charleston homes. When a disaster like this strikes, the restoration service you hire needs to respond quickly and with the right equipment to not only remove water but to also begin returning your home to pre-damage condition as quickly as possible.

Remediating Charleston flood damage often starts with a source of power. If needed, SERVPRO work crews bring in a generator to provide electricity to our equipment and to also restore lights inside the home so they can work despite any further inclement weather.

Now, our technicians remove flood water from inside the home using pumps and extraction wands. If the sewer system is available, they pump the water directly into the nearest drain. If not, restoration teams can pump the water into the street to eventually drain and evaporate. If the water is contaminated and the sewer is still overwhelmed by the flood, team members pump the water into a tank truck for removal to the nearest water treatment plant.

Next, a SERVPRO inspector examines the home to determine what can be restored or requires disposal. Since carpets can absorb an incredible amount of water and remain restorable, he starts with those. Even a short time exposed to water can ruin a carpet pad, however; so the inspector has the team lift the carpet and throw out the pad. It is cheaper to replace one than spend the labor hours needed to attempt to dry and clean it. When the carpet is flooded from an outside source like a storm, however, it is also contaminated past the point of safely restoring it, and the inspector recommends throwing it out as well.

Before replacing the pad and laying the carpet back in place, teams use air movers to push warm, dry air over the surface of the floor to dry it and exhaust fans to pull any damp air out of the room and off the floor. These same devices also help dry the carpet before the teams tack it back to the floor.

After carpets, drywall paneling is probably more affected by flooding than anything else. The inspector examines each panel carefully for damage, removing the floor trim and drilling holes into the section behind them to check and allow water to drain if needed. If the panels have not absorbed too much water, technicians use air movers to force warm air across the surface gently and can attach a hose to direct the air into the wall space to carefully dry both sides.

The goal for SERVPRO of Downtown Charleston is to return every home to what it was before the flood. If you are still dealing with the effects from the last storm, call us today at (843) 577-2470 to set up an inspection and receive a free estimate. We are here for you.

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Charleston's Flood Damage Specialists Explain Drying Procedures

5/11/2018 (Permalink)

When your neighborhood floods, it is likely water finds its way into your home ruining materials and contents.

SERVPRO is Here to Help Dry Out and Restore Your Home after Flood Damage

Severe thunderstorms are known to come into Charleston and cause damage to homes and other buildings. When excessive amounts of rain pour down in short periods of time, water can get into a house and ruin materials and contents. If your neighborhood floods it is likely that water gets inside a structure.

In other scenarios, high-speed winds blow objects into the exterior of the building creating a hole for rainwater to leak inside. When mitigating flood damage in Charleston, it is vital to remove all moisture present promptly. If water stays inside your home for long periods of time, it can saturate building materials causing them to lose their structural integrity. If organic materials stay wet for over 48 hours, then mold can develop.

Whenever our SERVPRO technicians attempt to remove moisture, they know that the two main steps are extraction and drying. The extraction process takes place first so that standing flood water and drenched materials no longer exist. After as much water gets extracted as possible, the drying process begins.

When drying out a structure, the goal is to return moisture levels to preloss conditions as quickly as possible. There are four factors that affect how effectively materials get dried. The amount of water to be evaporated, temperature, humidity, and air movement all play roles in the structural drying procedure.

The amount of water present dictates which types of drying equipment gets utilized. The temperature inside the affected area must be between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit for best drying results. If there is no heat in the building, then portable heaters get brought in to heat up the building to desired temperatures.

Water evaporation causes moisture to be present in the air. If the relative humidity is too high, evaporation slows down. Often dehumidifiers get placed to pull moisture out of the air keeping the relative humidity between 30% and 50%. Air movers then get set up to circulate warm air around the affected region, increasing the natural evaporation rate.

Drying equipment stays set up until moisture levels return to what they were before water entered the home. For help with moisture after a storm, call SERVPRO of Downtown Charleston at (843) 577-2470 any time.

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Restoring Flood Damages to Your Charleston Home

3/15/2018 (Permalink)

Flooding in any part of your home must be dealt with right away to prevent secondary damages such as mold from forming. Contact SERVPRO immediately.

SERVPRO Technicians Inspect Your Home Thoroughly for Structural Damage After a Flooding Event

Despite all of your best efforts to keep your Charleston home in the best possible shape and conditions, inevitable wear and tear are going to occur as the home ages. The footer that supports the foundation and all of the load bearing elements of your structure settle a little more as the ground freezes and thaws with the changing of the seasons. The age of your home can sometimes be a clear indicator to look for potential problems like cracked joints and worn out blocks in the foundation of your home. Replacing them now could provide you with an advantage to prevent issues in the future, but most homeowners do not recognize the signs of a weakened structure until it has already allowed a disaster to occur.
 
One of the most common threats that result from a foundation that is worse for the wear is internal flooding of the home. While this flood damage in your Charleston home might occur on a lower level (like the basement) where there is not a lot of foot traffic, this is often the storage area for some of the belongings that you want to save and treasure. Several inches of water on the floor of this level of your house that does not get remedied right away can cause irreparable damage to these contents, not to mention further compromise the already weakened structural integrity of the property.
 
Our SERVPRO team of professionals have trained eyes to inspect and assess the source of the water damage you are currently experiencing. Once these vulnerable areas have gotten determined, they can get repaired as part of the overall restoration process, ensuring that you are less likely to experience the same kind of problem again in the near future.
 
Extraction is a critical component of the flood restoration process, as pulling this water out of the area allows for the drying and restoration of the contents of your home that currently are in jeopardy. For high volumes, our technicians employ a pump truck from our SERVPRO fleet to pull the water out quickly and efficiently. This process allows the drying and dehumidification to get underway more expediently.
 
When you are experiencing flood damages to your home, you can trust the experienced and professional technicians that we have at SERVPRO of Downtown Charleston. We are available 24/7 for any emergency that you might have by calling (843) 577-2470.

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