The Importance of Using Proper Equipment after a Water Damage

5/9/2023 (Permalink)

Disasters can strike Aiken homes without much warning, from flooding to storm damages. However, there are also concerns that can happen within the home that can allow for damages of their own. Leaks to fixtures, failing appliances, and user errors are among the top culprits for water loss incidents that occur within the house, and our team can help to ensure that these occurrences are not devastating to your home and its contents.

While many Aiken residents might not view water damage as a serious occurrence, it can have severe effects on property without the right drying and moisture removal efforts. To adequately clean up the mess and dry out the saturated materials affected, you need advanced equipment and the expertise of professionals like our SERVPRO response team. We arrive quickly to emergencies to ensure that the right steps get taken to protect the structural elements and contents of your home from impending irreparable water damages.

One of the ways that we can ensure our success when we get to work on water damage incidents within your home is through our advanced technology. We have tools like leak detection equipment and thermal imagery cameras. These devices can help to locate concerns within the plumbing where there might be potential leaks, and the cameras can help to identify moisture pockets in wall cavities, flooring materials, and more to ensure that we set up our drying equipment in the right locations for maximum results.

Our focus from the moment that we arrive is to protect and preserve installed materials when possible. When this is not possible through our conventional restoration techniques, our SERVPRO professionals can utilize controlled demolition strategies to remove irreparable portions of material without needing to take down entire walls or remove entire floors.

Finding the right professionals to help you overcome water damage in your home is simple. If you want to make the damage “Like it never even happened.” give SERVPRO of Aiken water restoration technicians a call today at 803-648-3936.

Choose a Restoration Company You Can Count On

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

If a storm comes through the area, it can be quite scary to endure. If that storm causes damage to your home or business, it can be even worse. The damage that storms cause has increased in recent years, leading to the necessity to be prepared instead of waiting until you have damage to decide what to do.

Damage to your property is a difficult thing to take care of, so choosing the best restoration company possible makes such a big difference in your peace of mind and the quality of work. Doing your research and choosing a company you can depend on is a huge factor in how your overall restoration experience will be.

Choosing the Right Storm Restoration Company for Your Property

Determine how trustworthy they are. Being certain that you are choosing a company that is trustworthy is so important, especially considering the rise of scams that occur after severe weather. Make sure you are choosing a company that is well-regarded both on a local and a national level to ensure you do not fall victim to these scams.

Determine how they can handle demand surges If there is a serious event regarding severe weather in the area, there will likely be many people in need of restoration. If that is the case, ensuring your restoration company can handle this is so important. With our national SERVPRO® partners, you can be certain we can handle disasters of any size as we can scale up our resources and workforce to meet any demand.

Determine when you will be able to contact them. Storms have a knack for causing damage at the worst possible time. Making sure that your chosen company can be there for you regardless of when the damage occurs is so important. That is why we have set up a 24⁄7 emergency service line, so you can call us at any hour and allow us to begin formulating a response to dispatch to you quickly.

SERVPRO® of Aiken is here to help you 24/7/365 with any storm damage and restoration issue.

Emergency Service in Aiken

5/12/2022 (Permalink)

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Aiken provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster. 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  

In many cleaning and restoration situations, immediate action is needed. With over 1,700 U.S. and Canadian Franchise locations, SERVPRO is strategically positioned to be faster to any size emergency. An immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs. SERVPRO of Aiken is available for all fire, water, and storm damage needs. 

Biohazards and How to Handle Them

5/11/2022 (Permalink)

Biohazard Cleanup and Restoration

Biohazards, such as sewage backups, crime scene residues, blood cleanup, and chemical spills create potentially dangerous environments. The removal of these hazards is essential for any building. 

How can I ensure the best method of removal for a biohazard? 

Call SERVPRO of Aiken! Our technicians have certifications through the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) in biohazard cleanup. We are continually training and re-training in niches like bloodborne pathogens through OSHA.

No customer should wait with the effects of a bio-threat, and with our central location in Aiken County, we can reach every residence or business nearby and assess damages promptly.

24 Hour Emergency Service

We are available 24 hours a day—our highly trained technicians are standing by. We have the qualified trained professionals who are ready to respond to these incidents. We will always treat your property and the people involved with the greatest empathy and respect in the face of trying circumstances.

Need Biohazard Cleanup Services?

Call Us Today – (803)648-3936

What You Should Do in an Aiken Property Damage Crisis

5/9/2022 (Permalink)

You may have heard the expression "when it rains, it pours." Well, when you're staring at a flooded property with damage to your building's contents, that idea takes on new meaning. Running water can cause havoc in homes and commercial buildings alike. A minor issue like a slow drip from an overflowing sink or toilet can turn into tens of thousands of dollars in damages.

What to do when a property damage emergency happens 

Most importantly, be sure everyone including your family and pets are safe. If the building is compromised, tell everyone to get out of the building immediately and call 911. Call our SERVPRO of Aiken team immediately at (803)648-3936. Our IICRC approved technicians will arrive at your home or business within 2 hours for an immediate response, day or night! The sooner we arrive on-site the faster we can begin mitigating the damage.

Next, be sure to call your insurance company to explain the situation. This is the best way to get started with any potential claims process. Because of our deep restoration industry knowledge and experience, our technicians will be sure to document everything according to your insurance company's specifications.

How SERVPRO of Aiken can help you through a property crisis 

If you find yourself in the midst of a building damage crisis, don't hesitate to give us a call. The sooner we respond and begin our mitigation tasks, the less expensive and more effective our service will be for you. Because our focus is property restoration, our teams are trained to assess any kind of property damage to quickly plan and execute an efficient and effective restoration strategy to protect and restore as much of your home, business, and personal belongings as possible. We employ IICRC certified technicians who understand your predicament and know how to quickly help get you back on your feet.

The benefits of working with our SERVPRO team 

Working with our SERVPRO team means that you'll get the help you need to get your property back in proper working order faster. For example, here are several things that we do when you choose to work with our team:

Rapid, Advanced Structural Drying - We have the proper restoration equipment for ANY size property loss. From a single affected bathroom to a flooded or burnt industrial facility, our teams know exactly how to set up the right equipment at the right time.

Fire & Smoke Restoration - We eliminate smoke damage odors using industrial air scrubbers, fogging equipment, & several specialized cleaning compounds. Just ask us about our Ozone treatment! Whether it's smoke or fire damage in an apartment building or smaller scale of residential, workplace, or vehicle restoration needs, SERVPRO of Aiken is here to help and capable of it.

Mold Cleaning & Remediation - SERVPRO of Aiken technicians know how to quickly and safely remove any mold species from your property. In many cases the affected area must be isolated, a containment system put in place, and special equipment brought out to assure that all mold spores are destroyed. Our team has the knowledge and experience to quickly stabilize any dangerous mold infestations.

Employee IICRC Training - SERVPRO of Aiken employees are trained and certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). This is an international certification organization that ensures our technicians are qualified to serve you in your time of need the way you need it.

The Most Advanced Technology - Our cleaning and restoration equipment & supplies are top of the line. We utilize state-of-the-art technology to properly restore your home, office, or other commercial property back to preloss condition.

Emergency Board Up Services - In many cases it's necessary to board up a building that has been damaged by either a storm event, fire, or water. Our teams know exactly what needs to be done to protect your home or business from further damage.

Commercial Damage Restoration - If you're looking for an experienced commercial damage restoration company in Aiken look no further! We work hard to grow and maintain that reputation of excellence. Call us at (803)648-3936 today!

How we can help you get your life back on track after a property damage emergency

The fire, the flood, or the storm can leave you feeling overwhelmed and out of control. You need help now to get your life back on track as quickly as possible without having to worry about all the details. SERVPRO offers a range of services designed to help your property return to its preloss condition faster than ever before. And, our service is backed by decades of industry experience and advanced training in how best to restore business value after even the toughest property loss. No matter what kind of damage you're faced with, big or small, we are here for you!

If you hire SERVPRO of Aiken, you can trust that your property damage crisis is in good hands with our knowledgeable, highly trained technicians on the job. We'll work fast to assess the situation, establish what needs to be done and how best to do it, and get your home or business back to its former glory.

Be Safe With Extension Cords

3/26/2022 (Permalink)

Why choosing the right extension cord is important-

Extension cords are a common and convenient way to bring power to electrical devices when outlets are not nearby. However, when used without proper care and caution, they can become fire hazards and pose serious risks to your safety.

Follow these tips below to help keep your home safe when using extension cords:

Selecting extension cords

• Only buy cords that have been approved by an independent testing laboratory.
• For outdoor projects, use only extension cords marked for outdoor use.
• Read instructions for information about the cord's correct use and the amount of power it draws.
• Select cords that are rated to handle the correct wattage of the devices with which they'll be used. 
• Consider the length you'll need, longer cords can't handle as much current as shorter cords of the same gauge.
• Choose cords with polarized or three-prong plugs.
• For use with larger appliances, choose thick, round, low-gauge extension cords. For smaller appliances and electronics, you can use thin or flat cords.

Using extension cords

• Never remove an extension cord's grounding pin in order to fit it into a two-prong outlet.
• Avoid powering multiple appliances with one cord.
• Never use indoor extension cords outdoors.
• Don't plug more than one cord together.
• Don't run extension cords under a rug or furniture.
• Don't bend or coil cords when they're in use.
• Cover cord receptacles with childproof covers when not in use.
• Never use extension cords that feel hot to the touch.

Caring for extension cords

• Always store cords inside where they can remain dry.
• Unplug extension cords that are not in use.
• Throw away damaged cords immediately.
• Pull the plug, not the cord, when disconnecting from the outlet.
• Remember, extension cords are intended to be temporary wiring solutions. If you find you're using them on a permanent basis, this can create an unnecessary risk in your home.

Responding to a Broken Water Heater

3/26/2022 (Permalink)

Three Steps To Fixing A Broken Water Heater

A leaking water heater is always an inconvenient problem, especially when you were hoping for a warm shower after a cold day in South Carolina. Whenever they take place, however, when water heaters break, you need to act immediately. Take the following steps to prevent expensive damages.

1. Shut off power to the appliance.

If you have a gas water heater, the shutoff switch is probably a dial at the top of the thermostat. If you have an electric appliance, use the circuit breaker. Turning off power to the broken water heater is the best way to ensure safety for yourself, your family, and your home.

2. Shut off the water supply.

You should be able to find a water valve on your failed water heater. Turn it to the right in a clockwise motion until the water stops leaking (or gushing) out of the appliance. If the valve at the heater doesn't stop the water, use the main water supply nozzle for your home.

3. Contact professionals for repairs and cleanup.

There are many potential causes that can lead to a leaking water heater. Even if you're confident in draining the heated water, checking and operating the pressure relief valve, and rinsing out your tank, you may not recognize what caused the failure in the first place. Additionally, if you contact experienced water heater repair professionals, you may also have access to services such as preventing future trouble or repairing parts of the home affected by the flood of water. Finally, you may want to contact your insurance representative. Depending on the extent of the damages, your homeowners' policy may cover some of your costs.

After these three steps have been completed, you can turn the power and the water back on. Although a leaking water heater is an unpleasant experience, it may lead to valuable information about how to protect your Aiken, SC, home in the future.

Why Choose SERVPRO for Mold Damage

3/9/2022 (Permalink)

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following information:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce health effects.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth

If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation. Give SERVPRO of Aiken a call today!

We're Hiring!! Recession Proof Industry

3/30/2021 (Permalink)

We're Hiring!! Recession Proof Industry

Due to business growth, SERVPRO of Aiken is seeking new team members for our office and production staff.

We are searching for people who are comfortable working hard in challenging situations, enjoy meeting new people, have excellent communication skills and are serious multi-taskers. If you are self-motivated and have superb interpersonal skills, then you'll thrive in this work environment.

The requirements for this position:

• Must have a professional appearance and great attitude.
• A valid driver license with a reasonable driving record.
• Ability to pass a criminal background check with no felony convictions or misdemeanors involving violence or theft.
• Must be able to pass a drug test.
• Because we provide 24-hour emergency services, must be willing to be on call, as needed.
• Some night and weekend work is required.
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds.
• Must have a high school diploma or a GED certificate.

If you are interested in a position with SERVPRO of Aiken, please email your resume or work history to office@SERVPROaiken.com or stop by our office to complete an application.

SERVPRO of Aiken is Hiring!!

4/10/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Aiken is hiring!!

SERVPRO of Aiken is currently hiring Production and Cleaning Technicians.

Our Franchise is seeking someone who is comfortable working hard in challenging situations, enjoys meeting new people, has excellent communication skills, and is a serious multi-tasker. If you are self-motivated and have superb interpersonal skills, then you’ll thrive in this work environment. Are you highly dependable and super-excited about routinely exceeding expectations?

The requirements for this position:

• Must have a professional appearance and great attitude.
• A valid driver license with a reasonable driving record.
• Ability to pass a criminal background check with no felony convictions or misdemeanors involving violence or theft.
• Must be able to pass a drug test.
• Because we provide 24-hour emergency services, must be willing to be on call, as needed.
• Some night and weekend work is required.
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds.
• Must have a high school diploma or a GED certificate.
  
  Please email your resume or work history to office@SERVPROaiken.com

We are Cleaning Experts

3/17/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Aiken, 803-648-3936]

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-prevent-spread.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fguidance-prevent-spread.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-business-response.html

Is your business "Ready for whatever happens?"

1/15/2019 (Permalink)

It is estimated that up to 50% of businesses that close due to a disaster, such as fire and flood never reopen! Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place.

Are you “Ready for whatever happens?”

Preparation is a key component for making it through any size disaster, whether it’s a small water leak, a large fire, or an area flood. The best time to plan for such events is not when the event happens, but well before it happens.

The SERVPRO^® Emergency READY Profile serves as a quick reference of important building and contact information or can be an ideal supplement to any well-designed emergency preparedness or existing contingency program. Rather than simply reacting to disaster situations, most prefer proactive measures to establish a relationship with a restoration services company.

By working with SERVPRO^® of Aiken to develop your personalized Emergency READY Profile your business will receive the benefit of over 40 years of experience in reducing the impact of any natural or man-made disaster. SERVPRO^® is a leader in water and fire damage response and can help you quickly get your property back in working order.

Call SERVPRO^® of Aiken at 803-648-3936 Today for a No Cost Assessment of Your Facility!