Top Tips for Water Damage Restoration and Prevention in Your Charleston Home by SERVPRO® of Downtown Charleston and Mount Pleasant

7/23/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Downtown Charleston and Mount Pleasant is ready to help you restore your home after a water damage incident caused by a failed appliance.

Water damage is a common issue in many homes, often stemming from certain appliances. In your Charleston or Mount Pleasant home, the four most common culprits are your refrigerator, washing machine, sump pump, and dishwasher. Regular inspections of these appliances can save you both time and money by preventing water damage emergencies.

Quick Action is Crucial

If you’ve already experienced a failed appliance, it's crucial to clean up the mess quickly. For efficient and thorough remediation, a professional water damage restoration company in Charleston, such as SERVPRO®, is your best bet. At SERVPRO of Downtown Charleston and Mount Pleasant, we have the expertise and the tools to handle the job efficiently, making it look "Like it never even happened."

Washing Machine

Your washing machine's supply line should be routinely checked. Factors like water pressure, the type of water, frequency of use, and installation techniques can affect the longevity of these materials. Look for signs of water deposits or corrosion and consider replacing rubber hoses with braided metal supply lines for added durability.

Refrigerator

If your refrigerator has an ice maker, a clogged or damaged water line can cause leaks. Ensure that the water line is securely attached and replace it if necessary. Fortunately, replacement lines are relatively inexpensive.

Dishwasher

Dishwashers can leak around their base or under the sink. Check for floor discoloration, water damage to nearby cabinets, or soft and warped flooring materials as indicators of leaks.

Sump Pump

For sump pumps, it's wise to install a backup power source like a generator or battery backup. Test your sump pump annually, preferably before the wettest season, to ensure it's in working order.

SERVPRO’s Professional Touch

In most water damage emergencies, SERVPRO technicians use a closed drying system to isolate the affected area from the outside air and the rest of your home. We employ dehumidifiers and air movers to control the indoor environment. For smaller areas, we create a drying chamber by hanging plastic sheeting or closing windows and doors.

We're Here to Help.®

SERVPRO of Downtown Charleston and Mount Pleasant is always ready to help you restore your home after a water damage incident caused by a failed appliance. Contact us at (843) 577-2470 as soon as you notice an issue to minimize damage and start the restoration process promptly.

Protecting Wood Floors from Water Damage in Your Charleston Home | SERVPRO® of Downtown Charleston and Mount Pleasant

7/5/2024 (Permalink)

Protecting Floors from Water Damage - SERVPRO of Downtown Charleston and Mount Pleasant

Every type of disaster that can affect your Charleston home can adversely and substantially threaten the construction materials and structural elements of the property. When it comes to water loss incidents, all these same components remain at risk for as long as the situation is poorly maintained and not professionally cleaned up. Our 24-hour rapid response team can help you.

From leaking and faulty appliances to leaks and breaks through indoor plumbing, your Charleston home has numerous potential sources for water damage throughout its life. Whenever your property gets threatened by this kind of damage, you need to protect the structural components of your house by employing professional restorers like our SERVPRO® technicians to extract and dry the damage.

Within just a couple of days after a water incident in your home, the saturation and moisture can warp and bloat wood flooring. Once this process has started, it is nearly impossible to salvage. For this reason, it is recommended to procure trained professionals like our team to mitigate the situation immediately after it happens. With our rapid response team, we can arrive quickly to begin extraction work and get drying efforts started to prevent this irreparable damage.

In addition to the distortion of the wood flooring, this same material could become a seat for mold growth. A few days past the water loss incident without professional restoration and your home is likely affected by microbial and mold growth throughout the impacted area. Our SERVPRO water restoration specialists and remediation experts can work in conjunction to eliminate the dampness and to prevent mold growth through the application of our antimicrobial spray solutions.

Whenever a water damage incident occurs in your home, many homeowners become misled into believing they have taken care of the cleanup sufficiently while moisture and dampness persist out of sight. Elements like wood flooring and other susceptible materials can become irreparably damaged and require removal without the appropriate professional intervention. Give our SERVPRO of Downtown Charleston and Mount Pleasant rapid response team a call whenever you need us at (843) 577-2470.

Effects of Water Damage | SERVPRO® of Downtown Charleston

7/13/2023 (Permalink)

Clean water has no contamination. Grey water has contaminants that are not considered pathogenic. Black water has pathogenic contamination.

Causes of Water Damage

There are many causes of water damage. Leaky dishwashers, clogged toilets, broken pipes, broken dishwasher hoses, overflowing washing machines, leaky roofs, plumbing leaks, and foundation cracks are just some of the possible causes of water damage in homes and businesses. Natural causes also can cause water damage floods, heavy snow, and heavy rain are other possible causes of this type of damage and can lead to having water in basements. 

We understand...

SERVPRO® of Downtown Charleston understands every water damage situation is a little different and requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate our process for the “typical” water damage emergency.Moisture promotes the growth of mold and other organisms, increasing the risk of serious health problems. Mold exposure may aggravate allergy and asthma symptoms, especially in children and people with compromised immune systems. Exposure may also increase the risk of respiratory diseases and other medical problems. Immediately cleaning up can help mitigate the health effects of water damage for everyone in a home or commercial space. Have a Water Damage? Call Us Today – (843) 577-2470

Why our Professionals are the Most Qualified in Charleston, SC | SERVPRO® of Downtown Charleston

7/10/2023 (Permalink)

Our team arrives quickly and has the right equipment to handle your water damage restoration process. Call us anytime we are available 24/7.

Factors that Influence the Outcome of Water Removal in Charleston

• Leaking or burst pipes can leave you with a massive restoration bill if you do not take the proper steps. Part of taking the right steps is a swift response because leaving standing water on your property for too long leads to further deterioration. As an IICRC-certified restorer, we are conversant with ASD, Applied Structural Drying, so we use the most suitable approaches to remove water from your Charleston Property.

• The amount of water damage to your Charleston property may determine what steps to take for efficient water removal. Water that covers most of the rooms can take days to remove and dry all affected areas, thus requiring the occupants to move out. Our SERVPRO® of Downtown Charleston technicians rely on high-capacity resources such as truck-mounted water extractors to quicken the restoration process reducing the time people spend away from their properties.

• Water spills can soil your property, necessitating thorough cleanup. Some likely sources of such soiling include food remains, detergents if the leak originates from an appliance such as a dishwasher, and dyes from non-colorfast fabrics. Failure to clean properly can lead to serious problems in the future, including stains and foul odor. Our SERVPRO® of Downtown Charleston technicians combine the use of tools and professional cleaning agents to clean affected areas to sanitary levels. For example, the heating capability in our water extractors helps ease the cleanup process.

• After removing all standing water, there is a need to dry any excess moisture left in the materials. Drying can take a long time because it works through evaporation. Our SERVPRO® of Downtown Charleston team takes different approaches to expedite evaporation. One option is to run air movers in the wet areas increasing the evaporation rate. We also use plastic sheets to create smaller sections in large rooms, which help reduce the volume of air that runs through dehumidifiers for moisture extraction.

Working with a professional restorer helps you control the outcome of water damage. Call SERVPRO® of Downtown Charleston at (843) 577-2470 to help. 

How Fast Should I Address Water Damage? | SERVPRO® of Downtown Charleston

7/5/2022 (Permalink)

Do you have water damage or flooding? Let SERVPRO® of Downtown Charleston guide you through your water-related issues.

Water damage is something that no one wants to discover in their home, but depending on the overall damage done, it may not seem like an immediately pressing issue. While discovering a pipe has burst or a flood has occurred will necessitate swift action, if the water damage is due to a minor leak, is acting quickly really that important?

Unfortunately, even mild water damage benefits from a rapid response. The longer water damage is allowed to sit, the more complicated it can be to address—and the damage it causes can grow much worse, too. Read on as we look at the timeline of water damage so you can understand just how rapidly it can develop.

The Timeline of Water Damage

With any type of water damage, taking action quickly for restoration is key. Below is a general timeline for how quickly water damage can become severe once it starts.

Immediately following water damage: Water spreads very quickly. It will saturate everything it comes into contact with, soaking upholstery, carpet, paper products and anything else that is porous while working to seep into nonporous materials it touches.

In the first 24 hours: Materials that have been exposed to water will become fully saturated. Wood will begin to swell, and drywall and insulation will start to break down. Mold growth will also typically start during this time frame, as it can invade a moisture-ridden area rapidly.

In the first 48 hours: Mold will become visible on surfaces, while wooden objects will warp and bend drastically. Depending on the contamination level of the water, bacteria may also be spreading as well. Moisture will also likely be invading the structural elements of the home, such as floor joists, support beams and framing boards, compromising their integrity.

In the first week: The cost and timeline for water damage restoration will be significantly increased. Even clean water can become contaminated after sitting this long, and many items will likely be soaked beyond restoration at this point. Structural damage will also be significant, and there will likely be many elements of the home that will need to be fully restored.

If you are in need of water damage restoration, we are here 24/7 so you do not have to wait. Get in touch at any time to learn more or to report damages.

The 4 Main Causes of Water Damage Inside the Home | SERVPRO® of Downtown Charleston

5/6/2022 (Permalink)

No matter the water damage you are dealing with, SERVPRO of Downtown Charleston is your go to restoration team.

Everyone appreciates the advancement of modern plumbing and piping technologies. It allows us to clean our dishes, wash our clothes and transport both clean and dirty water to and from the house respectively.

However, whether you realize it or not, your property is packed with piping systems that bring hundreds of gallons of running water to your home every day. These complicated systems are generally sturdy and capable of withstanding stress, but when they do break, it’s crucial that you identify where the water is coming from so that you can address the issue fast.

It’s possible to prevent water damage from becoming a serious problem, but being proactive and keeping a watchful eye on these causes can help you prevent destruction:

Charleston Is a Flood Magnet, and the Cost of Flood Damage Will Rise | SERVPRO® of Downtown Charleston

1/29/2022 (Permalink)

There’s good news, and there’s bad news. The good news is that Charleston is growing. New development is being added, and new families and business are finding the historic city a charming and pleasant place to call home.

The bad news is that Charleston is a flood magnet, and that’s unlikely to change. Much of Charleston’s new development is being carried out on land that’s particularly vulnerable to flooding due to the combined rise of sea levels and the fact that the land itself is already at a low elevation.

Flooding is an annual risk in Charleston. It’s been a problem throughout Charleston’s 300+ year history. The combination of various elements create a perfect storm for flooding in our area.

Charleston is low, and it’s getting lower. Our relative sea level has risen by almost a foot in the last 70 years, and now we find ourselves faced with an accelerated pace of sea level rise—it’s gone up an inch every two years for more than a decade now.

Charleston residents are well-acquainted with “sunny day floods,” where king tide levels fill the streets with water even when no rain is occurring. The city’s elevation and proximity to the rising ocean combine with the flatness of our landscape to ensure that those occurrences aren’t going away anytime soon, not to mention our increased vulnerability during thunderstorms and hurricanes.

The annual cost of flood damage repair was an average of $17 billion between 2010 and 2018, and that cost is expected to rise by an incredible amount—more than an estimated 60%—over the next three decades.

According to recent research, many homes in South Carolina that find themselves at risk for flooding are not actually accounted for on FEMA’s flood plain maps, which help the federal government determine whether homeowners will be required to purchase flood insurance with a newly acquired home. The number of at-risk properties estimated by FEMA maps may undershoot the actual number by an incredible 70%. This means more houses need to be covered by the National Flood Insurance Program, which means premiums will have to rise.

The predicted promise of both rising tides and rising costs could mean any number of things for Charleston residents, from real estate inflation to increased, mandatory insurance costs.

That part of the future remains to be seen. But what is clear is that signing up to live in Charleston means an inherent risk of flooding that seems to be increasing more rapidly than any time in our record-keeping.

It’s incumbent upon us to do everything we can if we want to protect our homes, families and indeed our city from future devastation from flooding.

If flooding or other water damage should cause a crisis in your home or business, we’re here to help. Contact SERVPRO to see how we can get you back in the dry.

What Is a Sump Pump, and Do You Need One? | SERVPRO® of Downtown Charleston

12/7/2021 (Permalink)

If water damage happens in your home and causes damage, SERVPRO of Downtown Charlestown is here to help.

There are a lot of tools and systems that play their part in keeping your home free of leaks, bursts and water damage. From pipes to hoses, drains and more, there are a bevy of instruments and utilities at work to keep your water situation under control.

An unsung hero in the water damage prevention space is the humble sump pump. Many people don’t really know what it is, or what exact purpose it serves. It kind of has a weird name that’s not great for marketing (but hey, it’s better than cesspool), and it’s in a not-often considered area of the home.

But it can save or preserve your basement or foundation all the same. As many as six out of every 10 homes have an existing underground moisture problem, which can lead to foundation damage, mold issues and basement flooding the same as above-ground flooding or pipe bursts.

What’s a sump pump?

A sump pump is an electric pump that is installed beneath the lowest part of your home, in either the basement or crawl space, which drains excess water that would otherwise damage your foundation.

Some are powered by electricity alone, while others operate with a battery backup for situations in which a flood or weather event might cause a power loss. Some sit completely underground, while others sit partially above-ground.

How does a sump pump work?

A sump pump has a similar shape to a trash can or a popcorn bucket, with a basin in the bottom to hold water. As rain or moisture collect under your foundation due to rainfall or floodwater, the basin collects the water that would threaten your home.

A float switch, similar to what you’d find in a toilet tank, triggers the pump mechanism when enough water accumulates in the basin. The activated pump then pulls the water up and above ground via a tube system, and releases the water above ground level and away from your home.

You can see it happen in a simple video here.

How much does a sump pump cost?

Between the cost of the pump and the labor to have it installed, the national average for a sump pump is about $1,200. But considering the destruction and potential costs involved in repairing a foundation crack, and Charleston’s propensity for flooding,, it’s likely well worth it to have one installed.

If water invades your home and causes damage, you’ve got help a click away. Contact SERVPRO to find out how we can help.

3 Ways to Prepare Your Business for Flooding | SERVPRO® of Downtown Charleston

12/7/2021 (Permalink)

When flooding presents an issue, SERVPRO of Downtown Charlestown is here to help.

It’s widely known that Charleston is prone to flooding. Because our city is flat, surrounded by water and barely above sea level, it’s difficult for even modern drainage systems to overcome the natural laws of how rainwater accumulates and flows.

As a business owner in the Lowcountry, it’s crucial for you to understand that being affected by coastal flooding is not only possible, but maybe even likely depending on where your business is located.

So what should you do? Start with these three things:

Charleston 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

9/8/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Downtown Charleston provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in Charleston, SC.

SERVPRO of Downtown Charleston is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - 843-577-2470

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Downtown Charleston has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of 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. 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.

Meet Our Crew:

 https://www.SERVPROdowntowncharleston.com/employee-photos

Certifications at SERVPRO of Downtown Charleston: 

• AMRT - Applied Microbial Remediation Technician
• ASD - Applied Structural Drying Technician
• CCT - Carpet Cleaning Technician
• ECTP - Employee Certification Training Program
• FSRT - Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technician
• HST - Health and safety Technician
• IICRC Certified Firm
• OCT - Odor Control Technician
• OSHA - 10-hour General and/or Construction Industry Training Program
• OSHA - 30-hour General and/or Construction Industry Training Program
• OSHA - Other Training
• RRRP - Lead-Based Paint Activities and Renovation
• RRT - Carpet Repair & Reinstallation Technician
• UFT - Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning Technician
• WRT - Water Damage Restoration Technician

Indicators of Water Damage in Your Basement | SERVPRO® of Downtown Charleston

6/23/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Downtown Charleston is a full restoration company. Our experts are on call and ready to help you determine the best course of action.

A basement is a versatile, utilitarian space for many homes. You can get creative and finish it up for extra living space or a mother-in-law apartment, you can turn it into a man cave or a she-shed or you can use it to store those old trophies from high school you just can’t bear to get rid of.

However basements come with a built-in risk, namely the risk of water damage. This is due to the fact that they are built into the ground and thus surrounded by moisture at all times. Even the healthiest home is prone to intake some of that moisture at some point.

While it’s not a guarantee that you’ll come up against this problem, it’s certainly more likely than not, and you should know what to look for regarding basement water damage. Below, we will look at some of the signs that water damage is present in your basement—should you realize you need further action, we’re right here to assist anytime.

What to Look for to Assess Water Damage

Unpleasant, musky odors. The water that gets into the basement could very well be clean water, but give it a little time to marinate and seep into the carpet, and it will begin to give off the familiar eau de basement. Many people assume this is just how basements smell, but that’s not the case. This smell will only arise when mold and mildew are present in the environment, a sure indicator that your basement is damp. Even if you can’t see mold yet, your nose is trying to tell you to find where water is coming in.

Flaking paint on masonry or walls. Yes, the paint can may say that it’s waterproof, but what that really means is that it will hold off the signs of a water leak longer than regular paint, but it will eventually give way, revealing an even bigger, built-up problem. If you’ve got bubbles and cracks, you’ve got a water issue.

Foundational cracks. Water damage over time can cause a fault line to form in your foundation. Cracks can show up in the floor, the ceiling or in your walls, and they often indicate that uneven pressure is being applied to your home’s structure, possibly due to a cracked foundation. Hairline cracks are no big worry, but if they become larger, they should be examined immediately.

If you notice any of these signs in your basement, let us take a look. Our expert water restoration technicians can help you determine what is causing these issues and how to treat it properly. Contact us today to learn more.

Facebook RSS Trust a Local Team When You Need Hurricane Damage Help | SERVPRO® of Downtown Charleston

4/26/2021 (Permalink)

Tropical storms and hurricane season are right around the corner. Reach out to us if you experience any storm damage.

We’re getting close to tropical storm and hurricane season for the Atlantic Coast. That means it’s time to plan for what you’ll do if a storm strikes here in South Carolina.

No homeowner wants to think about the possibility, but when you live so close to the coast, you can’t avoid it. Coastal living has plenty of benefits. Planning for a storm is just one of the downsides.

Since the National Weather Service started keeping storm records, tropical weather events have made landfall around Charleston 41 times. Of these storms, 25 were hurricanes. That number includes the devastating Hurricane Hugo, which did massive damage to the Charleston area in 1989.

In more recent years, Florence, Matthew and Irma have made landfall here. Each of these storms did significant damage to the state.

The SERVPRO location in Downtown Charleston is owned and operated locally. So, you can trust that if a storm hits the area, the team you’ll connect with has the expertise needed to understand what happens when a tropical system hits the area.

Additionally, our connection with SERVPRO gives us access to other teams in the region. In the event that we need more help to set our community back to its usual beauty, we can get it. You can count on us to help you quickly.

And we’re on-call ²⁴⁄₇. No matter when disaster strikes, you can get in touch with our team when you need us most.

We can’t prevent tropical weather from striking our community. But we can do a lot to be sure the resources we need to recover are locally available.

If your home is damaged due to a fire or any other cause, you can always count on us for restoration assistance. We have teams 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.

Dealing with Storm and Water Damage Here in Charleston l SERVPRO® of Downtown Charleston

2/8/2021 (Permalink)

If your home is damaged due to high winds or any other cause, you can count on us for restoration assistance. Call SERVPRO of Downtown Charlestown.

We’re still a few months away from spring’s thunderstorms and summer’s hurricane threats, but it’s never too early to start thinking about protecting your home from property damage.

While this area of South Carolina is beautiful, it isn’t immune to the dangers of living near the coast. We get the benefits of beautiful downtown, an ocean coastline, and fresh seafood, but our area is also susceptible to hurricanes and tropical storms. In fact, since the National Weather Service started tracking storms (sometime around 1851), the Charleston area has been hit by hurricanes 25 times.

Of course, that doesn’t include tropical storms, thunderstorms, or just heavy rains––all of which can cause significant damage to a home.

When it comes to dealing with damage from storms, water damage, water damage is usually one of the prime concerns that homeowners face. It’s a type of damage that can quickly spread throughout the home and worsen.

A Team In Your Corner

If your home suffers water damage due to a storm or any other cause, you can count on a local team of experts to help you set your home right again. As your local SERVPRO, we’re intimately familiar with Charleston’s unique weather dangers and how they can impact homes. We’re also prepared at any time when a storm hits the area.

You can call our team ²⁴⁄₇. We’ll be here and can help you get the damage restoration process started.

You can also trust that the technicians working on your home will have the highest level of certifications and that they’ll be using the best equipment on the market to get the job done.

If your home is damaged due to fire, water, or any other cause, you can always count on us for restoration assistance. We have teams 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 your family.

TAKE THESE STEPS TO PREVENT FROZEN PIPES THIS WINTER

11/6/2020 (Permalink)

TAKE THESE STEPS TO PREVENT FROZEN PIPES THIS WINTER

If you’ve never experienced the disasters frozen pipes can cause, such as bursting and flooding, you probably don’t pay much mind to take care of your water pipes. But ask anyone who has ever dealt with frozen pipes, and they’ll tell you the preventative maintenance is definitely worth it. In a modern age where almost everything is climate controlled, it’s easy to forget that pipes run through spaces that can get chilly enough for them to freeze.

Frozen pipes can cause costly water damage.

The last thing you want is costly water damage caused by burst pipes. So make sure you take the following steps in order to prevent frozen pipes this winter.

Preventing Frozen Pipes and Water Damage

Be well-versed in these steps, and you won’t have to worry about a pipe catastrophe when the temperatures drop.

Insulate: Insulating the spaces your pipes run through, such as attics, crawl spaces and basements will prevent those spaces from dropping below freezing. If you can’t insulate the spaces, consider insulating your pipes. Insulation is the easiest step of preventative maintenance against frozen pipes.

Climate Control: If you leave your home for an extended period of time, you might think to turn off the heat if no one will be there. However, if temperatures drop low enough, your home can become cool enough for frozen pipes. So if you do leave, keep the thermostat on at least 55°F so that you don’t come back to unsightly water damage.

Faucets: When you know temperatures are below freezing outside, open your facets just a bit to allow them to drip. Running water through the pipes will help prevent them from freezing.

Seal: Make sure your doors, windows, and foundation are sealed against air leaks. Besides driving your energy bill up, letting the warm air out can let the temperature drop low enough (in some areas) for pipes to freeze.

Remodeling Misstep Means Water Damage Issues

11/6/2020 (Permalink)

Sometimes even experienced plumbers make mistakes that result in water damage in unexpected places. A bathroom update that results in leaking or poor drainage requires another look at the plumbing renovation and restoration of damage done to your home’s structures. SERVPRO technicians receive training to detect where the water intrudes as well as how to return your home to pre loss condition.

Water damage after a remodeling of your Charleston bathroom is a frustrating outcome. A decision to use a diverter spout to add a handheld shower in your classic tiled bath area causes a blowback issue resulting in water spraying inside your wall as well as through the shower head. Even a small amount of blowback results in significant harm over time. Our technicians help pinpoint the problem and develop a plan to restore the damage.

A desire to retain the character of the original bathroom drives the decision to add to existing plumbing rather than tear out and replace. Unfortunately, the older pipes need help to connect with modern fixtures. If the connections added, fail to seal and balance water pressure correctly, leakage occurs. SERVPRO of Downtown Charleston locates the problem and takes steps to dry out the saturated areas. Often an older bathroom has a large access panel in an adjacent room, closet or hallway we open to find the leak and then keep open to direct airflow that removes the moisture.

We work with plumbing contractors to resolve the blowback problem as we dry out the area behind the bathtub and shower. We also follow the path of the water to discover any migrating moisture causing damage to the walls or ceilings below. Older homes often have plaster construction which sheds water more easily than drywall. SERVPRO of Downtown Charleston water damage technicians still develop drying goals to ensure any lathes behind the plaster avoid secondary damage like mold growth or disintegration.

Air movers, augmented with dehumidifiers, do a thorough job of removing the moisture once the spout is re-installed with proper taping, caulking or other safeguards preventing further water damage. Bubbled paint or staining restore to the pre-leak condition when touched-up after drying is complete.

Do not despair if a remodeling project takes an unexpected turn. SERVPRO of Downtown Charleston has the staff, experience, and equipment to get things back on track. Call for an appointment at (843) 577-2470.

Safe Options When You Must Seek Shelter From a Storm | SERVPRO® of Downtown Charleston

7/29/2020 (Permalink)

Have you been affected by a storm event? SERVPRO of Downtown Charleston is available 24/7, we are ready to assist you with any repairs.

Thunderstorms are a common occurrence during the heat of summer, but that does not make them any less frightening. Experiencing a violent storm can always feel overwhelming, and if one catches you while you are out and about, deciding where to take shelter can add on extra stress.

Because storms often pop up suddenly during the warmer months, at this time of year, a refresher of the proper safety protocols can always come in handy.

While the safest place to be is in your own home when a storm is on the way, things do not always work out that well. If a sudden summer thunderstorm catches you when you are on the go, here are some tips for deciding where to seek shelter.

Alternative Solutions for Sheltering From a Thunderstorm

In a store or mall. If you can’t be in your own home to wait out the storm, going into a building where you can safely stay put until it is over is the next best thing. A mall, warehouse store or other sturdy commercial structure will generally be a safe place to be when the weather turns sour.

In your car. Contrary to popular belief, sheltering from a storm in your car is quite safe according to experts, provided you can take proper precautions. Pull over somewhere that is safe, turn off your engine, switch on your hazards and avoid touching anything metal in the vehicle for the duration of the storm. Even your steering wheel, gear shifter and radio knobs may contain metal, so keep your hands off just in case.

On low ground, away from trees. If you happen to be caught by a thunderstorm away from cars and buildings, you may not have many options for where to go next. Experts recommend avoiding hilltops and other wide-open places, as lightning typically seeks out a place to strike on high ground. Instead, they advise crouching in an unexposed area away from tall structures. Avoid trees, flagpoles, fences and telephone poles as much as possible.

If you have storm damage to your home or office building, we are here to help. You can get in touch with us 24 hours a day to report your damage. Contact us to learn more.

Got Flood Damage? We Can Help!

6/24/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage from a flood or busted pipe in your home can be devastating. The damage can linger for months or years in different forms. Something that can make the disaster even more devastating is finding out your insurance doesn’t cover the damage. 

A good rule of thumb when thinking about water damage to your home is that it comes from inside or above, you are generally covered. If it comes from above, you are generally covered. If it comes from the ground or below ground, you generally aren’t. 

Homeowner’s insurance policies do not generally cover flood damage, including a flash flood. Back up of the sewer system is another damage generally not covered. It is best to add a separate flood policy to make sure you have coverage for damages. 

If a pipe bursts in your home and floods the house, insurance should cover it. If your washing machine or a toilet overflows and floods a room, insurance should cover it. If you have rain water that comes into your home from storm damage, insurance should cover it. If rain leaked into your home because your roof is old and needed to be replaced, insurance may not cover it. 

SERVPRO of Downtown Charleston will assist you with any type of water damage. We are here to make a stressful situation easier for you. We will work with you and your insurance company. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, always ready to restore damage to your residential or commercial structure. 

Call us today at 843-577-2470

SERVPRO's Water Damage Restoration Service for Your Downtown Charleston Property

4/28/2020 (Permalink)

No one wants to experience a flood or rapid amount of unwanted water cascading into their home in Downtown Charleston resulting in water damage to furnishings, flooring, and building materials. Whether the water intrusion results from Mother Nature (hurricane) or a leaky faucet, the water damage can be profound and unsettling. Nevertheless, individuals who respond to the water damage immediately by calling SERVPRO of Downtown Charleston, effectively can limit damages, reduce repair costs, and breathe a bit easier. Learn more about water damage and why it is expedient and effective to hire a restoration service by reviewing this short guide:

Water Damage. It can arise as a result of household or construction issues with the property. Here are some examples.

• Poor ventilation: overheated attic air or poor air circulation in the attic or crawl space resulting in moisture and condensation.
• Leaking pipes: older homes have problems with copper fittings or poor installation of PVC plumbing.
• Exterior damage to siding or trim caused by improperly placed sprinkler heads.
• Slab foundations: large settlement cracks allow water wicking into carpeting, or laminated or pine flooring, baseboards, and walls.
• Roof leakages: poor shingle or roof tile installation, old and time to replace.

Water Damage And Mold Growth. It's important to note that excessive water on your property results in high levels of ambient air moisture unless corrected by mechanical means. Run A/C and small dehumidifiers to maintain an interior moisture level of about 45%.  Fungi thrive in the moist, wet environment created by standing water. The mold spores can rapidly develop into colonies of mold which may emit mycotoxins.  

How To Handle Water Damage. Very Simple. Call SERVPRO of Downtown Charleston, a premier water damage restoration franchise that is always close-by. In some cases, homeowners seek to clean up the water damages on their own. Mopping up some pooling water from a small leak is fine. But, if damage has ensued to furniture, flooring, or walls, it is time for corrective measures by trained professionals. The HVAC, wall voids, attics, and crawlspaces must all be inspected for hidden pockets of water and moisture. Why expose yourself to health and safety risks? OSHA approved clothing, goggles, and safety gear are standard fare for this line of remediation. There is a wide range of health and safety risks that you could expose yourself to if you seek to complete the restoration process without professional help. Our water damage experts possess the extensive training, experience, equipment, and cleaning products necessary to remove the standing water quickly and correctly, along with mold and musty odors.

Call The Professionals Of SERVPRO of Downtown Charleston today to fix the water damage to your property. Our goal is to make your home safe again from damage and possible mold infestations. With you in mind, we work politely and professionally to keep you safe while saving you money.

Some "Don'ts" After a Water Damage

3/9/2020 (Permalink)

WHAT NOT TO DO AFTER A WATER DAMAGE FROM CLEAN WATER

DON’T:

• Enter rooms with standing water where electrical shock hazards may exist
• Enter affected areas if electrical outlets, switches, circuit breakers or electrical equipment are exposed to water. Always avoid electrical shock hazards 
• Leave books, newspapers, magazines or other colored items on newt carpets or floors to avoid staining 
• Leave Oriental rugs or other colored rugs on wet wall to wall carpets 
• Use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water, possibly causing electrical shock or damage to the vacuum cleaner 
• Use TVs or other electrical appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors, especially not on wet concrete floors
• Turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet or enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water. 

If you experience a water damage, call SERVPRO of Downtown Charleston to help get your home back in order. We have the proper training and equipment to get it done correctly. 

Call us at 843-577-2470

Preventing Water Damage

11/8/2019 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of Downtown Charleston, we are water damage specialists, and we compiled a small list on how to prevent water damage from happening often in your home: 

1. Clean Gutters and Downspouts - Clean your gutters at least twice a year to avoid blockage. Standing water can cause damage to your gutters and roof. Don’t forget to clean downspouts to ensure water can flow through, and secure downspouts so that they point away from the home.
2. Know your Water Main - Know the location of your water main and shut it off if you leave for an extended amount of time.
3. Check Appliances Regularly - Check and maintain your appliances regularly for leaks according to the manufacturer’s directions.
4. Investigate Leaks Right Away and Fix Promptly - If you choose to ignore any water damage, or postpone making the necessary repairs, be prepared to experience mold, mildew, dry rot, or even structural damage to your home.
5. Upgrade Washing Machine Hoses - Old, brittle or leaky washing machine hoses are among the most frequent causes of water loss for homeowners. Replace yours often throughout the year to avoid expensive damage.
6. Check Your Water Pressure - If the water pressure to your home is too high, then your pipes and hoses may fail under the high pressure. Buy a water pressure gauge at a local hardware store, attach it to an outside faucet, and turn the faucet to full force. The gauge will give you a reading of the home’s water pressure. Typical homes water systems are designed for a pressure of 40 – 70 psi. Anything above 70 psi will put your plumbing at risk.
7. Monitor Your Water Bill - Sometimes, the only way you know that water is leaking is taking a closer look at your water bill. If your usage jumps significantly from one month to the next, then there is probably a leak somewhere in the home.

If you do unfortunately experience water damage, we are here to help. Call us at (843) 577-2470.

It Doesn't Take A Lot Of Water To Cause Damage

11/6/2019 (Permalink)

It doesn’t take a lot of water to cause tremendous damage. Just an inch or two can destroy carpets and drywall, warp wood floors, damaged building components.

Water damage can be caused by many things:

• Sump pumps
• Water heater failures
• Broken pipes
• Washing machine
• Dishwasher leaks
• Ice maker problems
• Flooding due to heavy rain
• Groundwater seeping into the basement
• Natural disasters

Even after the water seems to disappear, excess moisture can hide in your floor coverings, foundation, wood structures, and walls—causing major damage to your property and creating the perfect environment for mold and other fungi growth.

That's where the SERVPRO of Downtown Charleston comes in. If you catch it in time, you can ward off a lot of the damage and save money and headaches down the road. It’s important that water is quickly removed and the property dried, ventilated and disinfected to inhibit the growth of bacteria, fungi, mildew and other microorganisms that are harmful. If you need us, we will be there. Call us at (843) 577-2470.

How Our Professionals Dry Your Water Damaged Home In Charleston

7/16/2019 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO technicians rely heavily on the power and precision of our air mover units to make water loss incidents “Like it never even happened.”

The Right Air Mover For Drying Your Charleston Home

Just being committed to offering effective and efficient water recovery services for Charleston homeowners is never enough for the work that must get done when these disasters strike. Our work focuses on the training and expertise of our water damage technicians. We also focus on the investment our branch has made in the leading equipment, products, and tools that help to complete restoration and recovery projects.

With a considerable span of severity in Charleston water damage incidents, the same approach is not ideal for every job that requires our professional SERVPRO technicians. Even with our extensive training through the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) in both Water Restoration (WRT) and Applied Structural Drying (ASD), much of the earliest stages of water loss recovery involve the placement of mitigation equipment like our air movers.

These high-powered fans are an integral part of water restoration and come in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit the needs that our SERVPRO professionals have on a recovery project. Each of these machines forces heated air into the environment – and sometimes into saturated materials and structural elements themselves – to vaporize it for collection by strategically placed dehumidification units. This combination can play the most prominent role in reducing the relative humidity in a house.

Most often, we have two types that get used in the mitigation of water-damaged houses in the Greater Charleston area. Our most popular unit sits upright and is ideal for open spaces and many saturated construction materials. We also have a low profile model that is ideal for use underneath specific fixtures and furniture, but that can also get placed more easily in spaces where flood cuts have been made to dry out wall cavities.

Many specific tools make up the collective whole of efficient and effective water recovery. Our SERVPRO of Downtown Charleston technicians rely heavily on the power and precision of our air mover units to make water loss incidents “Like it never even happened.” Give our specialists a call today at (843) 577-2470.

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Our Professionals Have The Tools And Expertise To Restore Your Charleston Home

4/30/2019 (Permalink)

We are always available and ready to go! You can call us 24 hours a day 7 days a week and we will respond quickly to restore your home.

Moisture Detection and Wicking in Drywall of Your Charleston Home

Drywall is one of the most common construction materials seen when walking through Charleston homes. With its heavy use as walling components, these elements are relatively cheap and porous materials that can get quickly installed during initial construction. When faced with disasters like water loss incidents, the porous nature of sheetrock can often be highly damaging to the material, leading to substantial degradation and decomposition over a day or more of exposure.

Determining the severity of water damage to your Charleston home is critical, and our SERVPRO professionals have multiple devices and tools that can determine the extent of moisture damage and saturation of affected materials. We have moisture detection tools that can both emit electromagnetic waves and pulses to monitor resistance, giving a general idea of the moisture content to the sampled material. We can also use these same devices with their probe attachments for a more accurate and immediate determination of the moisture content and saturation level of affected materials and elements.

Wicking is a common problem with sheetrock material. With the bulk of water damage naturally finding its way to the floor, most of the pooling and standing water happens around the baseboards of an affected area in your home. From this point, moisture can begin to wick up the drywall towards the ceiling, moving farther along this path as time progresses. The distance that this wicking occurs from the flooring is the point where flood cuts occur.

Flood cuts are a way for our SERVPRO team to remove irreparably damaged drywall without the need to remove full sheets and reinstall them. With controlled demolition techniques, we can save a customer money on the material needed to reconstruct these removed portions and reduce the time it takes to complete this phase.

While water loss recovery can happen in many steps, some materials used to construct your home are more prone to substantial water damage than others. Our SERVPRO of Downtown Charleston rapid response team can arrive quickly to begin mitigation techniques that can save as much of these damaged materials as possible. Give us a call 24/7 at (843) 577-2470.

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Check Out What A Typical Water Cleanup in Charleston is Like When SERVPRO is Involved

1/3/2019 (Permalink)

We have the technology and equipment to cleanup and sanitize your home from dirty water.

Charleston Homes - Water Cleanup & Restoration

When there is a water spill, it is essential to clean the affected area thoroughly, a process which involves various steps. Clean is a relative state, so the steps involved depend on the level of cleanliness that you need to achieve. The three levels of cleanliness are sterile, disinfected and sanitary. For a residential property in Charleston, reaching sanitary condition is usually sufficient because it eliminates any health risks. We have IICRC certified technicians that can clean your property after water loss to achieve the sanitary level of cleanliness. 

Removing any water left standing after the spill is a crucial step during water cleanup in Charleston. If the water originates from a dirty source such as a faulty appliance, it might contain wastes that might soil, or even stain the contents in the house, if left unaddressed for long. Our SERVPRO technicians handle this by extracting the water within the shortest time possible. We have different types of equipment to match the type of extraction needed. We can use submersible pumps if the pool is over two feet deep or truck-mounted water extractors for lower levels.

After removing the standing water, various soils and debris might be left necessitating various cleaning actions including the use of chemical agents and mechanical processes such as agitating the surfaces. Our SERVPRO technicians use pressure washers or brushes where mechanical action is needed. We also have various professional cleaning agents to remove dyes and other stain-causing materials. We evaluate the material involved to ensure we use the right agent. For instance, we do not use chlorine bleach on wool and silk or when removing stains from rust.

Bad smells are likely to develop after a water spill incident. The causes vary depending on the specifics of the incident. If the water spilled contains debris, such debris might reach concealed spaces causing the bad smells. Even clean water might dissolve or push ordinary debris such as pet wastes into hidden crevices resulting in smells that do not go away even after cleaning is done. Our SERVPRO technicians combat this by deodorizing the affected property. If there is a carpet, we treat both sides with an EPA-registered disinfectant then use a fogger to apply a deodorizing agent. On hard surfaces, we use mop application.

Water spills can happen at any time leaving you to handle the tedious cleanup process. Call SERVPRO of Downtown Charleston at (843) 577-2470 to help. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

For more on Charleston, click here. 

How Professional Equipment Help To Make Water Cleanup In Charleston Easier

9/5/2018 (Permalink)

Water cleanup demands the use of appropriate products and equipment to make the job easier and things cleaner.

How Professional Equipment Help To Make Water Cleanup Easier

Water cleanup demands the use of appropriate products and equipment to make the job easier and things cleaner. Since we are talking about specialized equipment, it is the role of the technicians to operate the equipment correctly. There are also specific directions that we follow when applying the cleaning products when attending to such situation in Charleston. All incidents are not the same, so, we select the equipment to use depending on the situation we are facing.

To determine if the structure is dry or not during water cleanup in your Charleston home, we use detection devices. In this step, we use moisture sensors, moisture meters, and thermo-hygrometers. Thermo-hygrometers help us to measure the temperature and the relative humidity of the site. The role of moisture sensors is to determine whether there is moisture in materials during the initial stages of the inspection. On the other hand, moisture meters are helpful when we need to determine the exact moisture content in materials.

When our SERVPRO technicians are drying your property using space heaters, fans, and air movers, moisture escapes from wet materials and surfaces into the air. As the air absorbs the moisture, it reaches a saturation point where it cannot absorb any additional water vapor. If condensation takes place, then some additional damage is likely to occur. We perform dehumidification to remove the water vapor from the air using dehumidifiers and in the process speed up drying.

We also have appropriate tools to disengage the pad and carpet, separate seams and reinstall the carpet, seams, and pad. The use of safety equipment is equally important since it helps our SERVPRO technicians to avoid injury. For instance, we use gloves, boots, eye protection, and overalls. Our work usually follows the state and local regulations.

SERVPRO of Downtown Charleston provides 24-hour commercial and residential restoration services. Call us at (843) 577-2470 to work with an experienced service provider with proven services in the restoration industry.

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Lead Pipes In Your Charleston Home Pose More Than Just Water Damage Threats

7/19/2018 (Permalink)

If you have lead pipes in your house, it might be time to consider upgrading to the durable and high-pressure resistant PVC options.

Lead Pipes Can Pose More Than Just Water Damage Threats

If you have an older Charleston home, your plumbing might not be up to the code regulations set in place for residential contracting. Only a couple of decades ago, the standard in indoor plumbing was the use of lead pipes, which differ greatly from the standard plastic / PVC options that get used in a modern building. A better understanding of the potential threats that this older material poses to your home can prepare you for what could happen, or help you appreciate a recommendation to upgrade.

Lead pipes in a Charleston home might not be as few and far between as you might believe. The truth is, many homeowners do not fully know what their indoor plumbing gets comprised of until they have an issue and get forced to expose this network with restoration work like our SERVPRO team offers. Apart from potential water damage that could result from these materials in your Charleston home, there is more that you should understand about this material and why it is getting phased out.

Lead is something that water treatment facilities work hard to keep at acceptable levels, and in many cases, cannot eliminate from the public water supply. The EPA has put strict limitations on the presence of lead in water with the Safe Drinking Water Act, due to its connection with health risks. These same regulations require municipalities to periodically test residential indoor plumbing for elevated levels of lead in older homes.

Apart from health risks, lead is a metal that erodes and degrades over time. This inevitability not only allows for more of this contamination of the drinking water but also leads to leaks and pipe ruptures which require professional restoration like our SERVPRO technicians provide.

If you have lead pipes in your house, it might be time to consider upgrading to the durable and high-pressure resistant PVC options. Not only does the quality of your drinking water improve, but you limit the possibility of line breaks and ruptures. If damage has already occurred, reach out to our SERVPRO of Downtown Charleston restoration specialists 24/7 at (843) 577-2470.

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Water Removal In Your Charleston Home After Toilet Overflow

4/3/2018 (Permalink)

Toilets overflowing are one of the most common reasons for water damage in Charleston homes.

Water Removal In Your Home

Toilets overflowing are one of the most common reasons for water damage in Charleston homes. Even though we cannot imagine our lives without toilets, there are many things which can go wrong with one that is improperly maintained. Septic tanks stop draining correctly, children attempt to flush toys, and general clogs from use can all cause problems. Most of the time, homeowners are thankfully able to notice an overflowing toilet quickly, but sometimes it can happen overnight or when you are out, creating even more damage.

A toilet overflow is capable of causing a great deal of damage to your Charleston home. You need water removal services and help to get your home dry and restored. It is not something you want to hesitate on, so make sure you reach out to our staff at SERVPRO right away. We are professional water damage remediation specialists who can help you get your home back in order.

Structures which are water damaged can create slip, trip, and fall hazards at the work site. Wet surfaces are usually slick, and power cords and equipment hoses can trip people. When needed, we post warning signs and alert you about these hazards.

Slippery floors are most commonly seen hazards in wet buildings. You might not think about the potential danger of walking form a wet carpet to a hard floor. SERVPRO techs might be okay and not slip on carpeting, but when we step onto hard flooring, it can pose a serious slip hazard. We ensure that you and your family understand this to avoid accidents.

We also use caution with power cords and hoses during our cleanup process. They can become tangled, so we always tape them down, or gather cords up with a Velcro belt or zip tie. Tack strips also can be unsafe when we need to remove carpets. Stepping on an exposed tack strip can be dangerous and painful. If the carpet is removed for drying, we may need to cover the tack strips with foam strips to prevent injury.

In a water damage situation, SERVPRO of Downtown Charleston realizes that there could be dangers in your home in Charlestown and the surrounding areas to consider during the restoration process. Get in touch with us at (843) 577-2470 right away after a water loss of any kind so we can help you.

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