SERVPRO of Burlington NC Reviews?

11/22/2021 (Permalink)

You can't really see it, but I trimmed 0.2 off one of these stars. It's not even noticeable, though, so it's basically 5 stars!

"4.8/5."

That’s the average review for SERVPRO of Burlington.

Yes, you read that right: 4.8/5.

Are there better reviews for other companies? Scientists tell us, “Probably not.”

Are there any locations with similar reviews? Sure, SERVPRO of Greensboro North and SERVPRO of Kernersville also have fantastic reviews, but they’re also SERVPRO franchise professionals like us.

According to our completely legitimate research, other groups with similar approval ratings are puppies, ice cream, giggling babies, and freshly-laundered jersey bedsheets.

What does that mean for you?

It means we have only 4 reviews that aren’t 5-stars, and those are 4-stars! 4 star reviews are almost as good as 5-stars! They’re just one star less!

So if you’re shopping for a damage cleanup and restoration company with solid reviews, STOP! You’re done shopping--you already found us.

Now give us a call!

What’s my Risk for Tornadoes in the Triad?

11/12/2021 (Permalink)

As long as you don't live in tornado alley, you SHOULD be okay. If you live in tornado alley, you might want to invest a basement and some bubble wrap

One of the most terrifying experiences in elementary school were tornado drills. Pile into a hallway and crouch down and wait for the tearing winds to suck you away. Thankfully, they were always just drills, and we never had to perform the maneuvre for real.

Others aren’t so lucky, and preparation and knowledge about your risk can save your life! FEMA put together a map showing what your risk for tornado damage and loss is by county; you can find it here: https://hazards.fema.gov/nri/tornado

It’s also important to know the warning signs if the improbable does happen and a tornado visits the Triad again. Look out for yellow clouds, wall clouds, any whirling or twirling in the sky or on the ground, and a roaring freight train sound, and make sure emergency alerts are set up on your phone.

It’s better to pray for the best and prepare for the worst than to only do the former and neglect the latter.

Retail Store Cleanup and Restoration

11/12/2021 (Permalink)

I wonder what her favourite colour is...

Retail Stores can be a bit tricky when it comes to cleaning and restoration. Store owners have every customer enter the building, leaving more opportunities for damage for each person walking around inside, whereas office buildings and manufacturing plants rarely ever see visitors.

Also, operating costs are high enough and profit margins are slim enough that you need to be open most days in order to make money.

If you own a retail store, you know that disaster can seriously derail your business progress. It’s important to be in the know about who to call if your store experiences damage and loss. It’d be nice to know you’re in safe hands if everything goes south. It’d be even nicer to have just one number to call for any sort of disaster damage!

That number is (336) 229-1156, and it’s available 24/7, 365. SERVPRO of Burlington NC is always on call and ready to come get to work cleaning and restoring your retail establishment.

You Always “Know a Guy”--Time to Meet Another!

11/12/2021 (Permalink)

Oh, yeah... I bet that one had that satisfying "POP!" that all the greatest high-fives have. "POP!" Some people classify it as a "SLAP!"

If you’re like most business owners, you probably have “a guy” for each problem you encounter--a plumber, an insurance agent, an accountant, a financial advisor, an electrician, (etc.)--but do you have “a guy” for cleaning and restoration?

Business may be booming now, which is great, but what if you experience fire damage, water damage, or even storm damage? Someone’s going to have to fix that up, and someone will have to pay for it!

Rest easy knowing SERVPRO of Burlington NC is more than capable of handling the cleanup and restoration for all these potential disasters, and we’re always one phone call away at (336) 229-1156, 24/7, 365.

Heck, put us on speed dial! Our franchise professionals are more than just competent and highly skilled and trained in state-of-the-art facilities; they are also very personable and understanding, so before you know it, you might “know a guy” for your future cleanup and restoration needs.

Need to Remove Standing Water Inside your Home?

11/8/2021 (Permalink)

I've heard of beachfront property, but this is ridiculous!

If your basement flooded recently, you might have standing water down there still. Even if you don’t have any carpet, furniture, or delicate items down there that were exposed to the water, you still need to get rid of it eventually (Unless you want a really “below-ground” pool)!

That’s where we come in.

SERVPRO of Burlington NC has franchise professionals, trained to remove water and dehumidify the rooms afterward.

What we do is drain the room first, pumping out what we can and sopping up what we can’t.

Then, we use high-tech equipment to control the temperature and humidity in your flooded room to minimize secondary damage while we dehumidify the area back to preloss conditions.

So if you need someone to remove standing water in your basement, call SERVPRO of Burlington NC at (336) 229-1156 and we can hop to it!

What are Burlington's Chances for Snow Damage?

11/7/2021 (Permalink)

You're probably in that county right there.

It’s that time of year again! You’re putting the tank tops and short sleeves back in the closet and pulling out the flannels, jeans, and thick boots, ready for the coming cold weather. “Winter is Approaching,” as the kids say.

But now that it’s getting colder, your precipitation will likely be delivered from above in a bit of a more...frozen state. Basically, it’s snow time.

Now, snow can be pretty fun--just ask any child, or try to remember back when you were a wee lad or lass and managed to get out of class so you could play outside in the powder--however, it can also be extremely dangerous. Snow is a solid (flashback to freshman chemistry for that big-brained factoid!), and can collect in areas on your roof and gutters, and cause them to collapse from the weight. It can also coat the roads, and cause car accidents (although sleet and freezing rain are far more dangerous to motorists).

So now that you know it will be snowing soon, you might want to know what your risk is of Snow Damage in your area.

Fear not--FEMA has collected a map of the country with color-coded counties showing what your risk is for Snow Damage. The map is the featured photo in this post, and you can check the original source here: https://hazards.fema.gov/nri/winter-weather

Remember: knowing is half the battle! Get informed on your risk today!

Winter is Coming--What to Do!

10/12/2021 (Permalink)

If this is what you see when you look up at your ceiling, you may have missed a few steps.

A winter storm can keep you stuck indoors for days without any power. How do you make preparations for a snowstorm? 

• If you live in a town where it snows often, it is a good idea to invest in a gas-powered generator. A reliable generator and fuel supply can save your keister.
• Inspect your chimney and clean it before winter.
• Get a radio that uses batteries.
• Make sure you have batteries.
• Clean your gutters and ensure your roof is stable.
• Make sure your walls and attics are properly insulated.
• Stock up on blankets and keep em nearby.
• Make sure you have a fully-stocked first aid kit.
• Learn first aid for hypothermia and frostbite.
• Make sure you have a functioning fire extinguisher.
• Get sand, ice salt, or kitty litter for icy surfaces.

What to do just before a storm:

• You'll need to stock up on fuel for the generator.
• Charge all phones, rechargeable batteries, and power banks.
• Collect your flashlights and load em up with batteries.
• Fill your gas tank and have spare gas at the ready.
• Make sure you have plenty of non-perishable foods and toilet paper.
• Bring pets and plants indoors.
• Make sure your oven and stove are clean and work with no issues.
• Let all faucets drip slowly and insulate exposed pipes with newspapers or other insulation materials.

Burlington Flood Map

10/12/2021 (Permalink)

Can you see me on the map? I'm really tiny; I look like an ant! (Confession: I might actually be an ant.)

Are you looking for a Flood Hazard Map for Burlington, NC? Well, you've come to the right place!

Actually, the best place to look would be Fema.org, but since I already did that for you, you don't have to. Yes, yes, SERVPRO of Burlington has already started helping you out, and it only gets better from here!

Check out the picture featured in this article and take a peek to see what areas in the county are more or less susceptible to flooding and what efforts are used to mitigate said flooding.

If you want a more accurate map, you can follow the link and adjust the map to find your neighborhood and see whether you need to be cautious or extremely cautious. If you are close to a river that floods, you might need SERVPRO of Burlington on speed dial at (336) 229-1156. Even if you're not that close, save the number to your Rolodex just in case.

Have fun learning about your area!

If you’re Reading this, we’re likely older than you

10/6/2021 (Permalink)

Sorry, Gramps, but to us, you're just a Spring Chicken!

In 1967, big things happened to this Country. The Doors released their self-titled debut album, Elvis got married, the Twenty-fifth Amendment was ratified, and the Rolling Stone published its first-ever edition.

But all that pales in comparison to the real big event of 1967: SERVPRO was founded.

That’s right! We are 54 years young, which means we’ve seen it all. Fire damage, water damage, storm damage, or even biowaste cleanup are our bread and butter. Whatever you’re staring at in your house, jaw dropped in shock, we’ve seen it. You’re not alone in this, and SERVPRO of Burlington is just a call away at (336) 229-1156.

So no matter what sort of disaster has happened to your home or business, we’ve been around the block long enough to have handled it thousands of times, with thousands of happy customers to prove it. Get in touch with us old-timers and we can restore your property as close to its preloss state as possible.

What is IICRC Certification?

10/6/2021 (Permalink)

We earned this medal. Someday, if you're ever IICRC certified, you can have one too.

If you’ve been reading this website for longer than a few minutes, you’ve likely seen “IICRC-Approved” and “IICRC-Certified” everywhere. There’s good reason for that too: we’re proud of it!

But what does that mean?

The IICRC is the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification, and it’s been a part of our curriculum for our Franchise Professionals for 24 years. We teach our industry-leading talent five courses from the IICRC:

• Water Damage Restoration Technician (WRT)
• Carpet Cleaning Technician (CCT)
• Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration Technician (FSRT)
• Upholstery and Fabric Cleaning Technician (UFT)
• And Applied Structural Drying Technician (ASD)

That means that no matter the sticky situation you find yourself in, our top-of-the-line personnel and training will be more than capable of handling the job in a quick and efficient manner and get you back to your preloss life!

Water Damage can be devastating for your home or business. What are you doing to prevent it?

10/4/2021 (Permalink)

This should not be your work outfit. Call us to clean up your business before you sink to this level.

Water Damage can be devastating for your home or business. What are you doing to prevent it?

Of course SERVPRO of Burlington can help you cleanup and restore your property after water damage, but what if you could keep it from happening to begin with? Follow these tips to lower your chances of needing to call us for any reason other than a friendly chat!

1. Check pipes frequently: Pipes can often start to drip small amounts of water before they burst. If you can get ahold of the issue early, you can tighten any connections or joints, or get a plumber to come help keep your pipes leak-free.
2. Maintain your appliances: older appliances like refrigerators, freezers, washers, or dishwashers can start to wear out over time. Sometimes, that wearing-out means leaking water is imminent! Give your appliances a quick inspection and handle any maintenance that needs to be taken care of to prevent disaster.
3. Make sure your roof is solid: Maybe this one isn’t something to handle yourself; after all, roofing is a dangerous business! Nevertheless, a busted-up roof from a storm or just general disrepair can cause a leak from your ceiling, soaking your attic with mold-causing water. Nip that in the bud before it gets out of hand!
4. Landscape wisely: If you live at the top of a hill, you might not need to do this. If you’re at the bottom of a hill, it is crucial. Trees and shrubs and grass can help slow down large amounts of rainfall, and keep your yard from being overwhelmed with standing water which can slip into your house. This one can be fun if you get creative with the yard layout!
5. Clean your gutters: Leaves and dirt can clog up your gutters, allowing gross, heavy water to build up in them, eventually causing a leak in the roof or wall, which won’t end pretty. Keep the gutters clean year-round, and remember to proactively clean before a big storm.

Follow these rules and you’ll be much less likely to encounter water damage. However, no system is perfect, and SERVPRO of Burlington is here to help if you still manage to sustain some water damage to your home or business!

How to help ensure your customers are safe after a COVID Case?

10/3/2021 (Permalink)

Your future looking cloudy? Call us stat!

You tried to do everything right when you reopened your business, but unfortunately you were exposed to a positive COVID case. What’s next?

Thankfully, you have options when it comes to COVID-19 Cleanup. SERVPRO of Greensboro North was one of the original COVID cleanup companies for the Piedmont Triad back when COVID hit Greensboro, and we haven’t slowed down yet. If your company was exposed to a positive COVID-19 case recently, it’s imperative that you act quickly. Give us a call and we can help to ensure your customers are safe from whatever pathogens are clinging to the surfaces in your business, so you can get back to doing what you do best: business.

Your customers deserve to know they’re safe in your establishment, as do your employees, and you deserve to be able to focus on running your passion project. Let us handle the cleanup process.

Are you and your Small Business just treading water?

10/1/2021 (Permalink)

OMG Is this YOU?? Call now and we'll straighten you out.

If you are in the figurative sense, we can’t help you. However, if you are literally treading water inside your place of business due to a plumbing leak, storm rainfall, or natural disaster, we can help.

SERVPRO of Greensboro North is a premier cleaning and restoration company in the Piedmont Triad, specializing in water cleanup and restoration. No matter how all that water got inside your business, we can help get it out and minimize the damage it can cause.

Water damage is not something you want to handle yourself. Mold, structural damage, and air quality issues can all come from unhandled water in your building. Call now and we’ll send our franchise professionals to you to handle all the cleanup and restoration to make it "Like it never even happened."®

Having some Problems Reopening your Business?

10/1/2021 (Permalink)

We've all been there. Let us take it from here. Go grab yourself some hot cocoa.

Reopening your Small Business after the COVID shutdowns can be quite the onerous task, and a burst pipe, kitchen fire, or even vandalism can be a huge setback for your progress and can seem like an insurmountable obstacle to success.

If you find yourself in a situation like this, call SERVPRO of Burlington and we can help. Our Franchise Professionals are leaders in the industry of damage restoration and cleanup, and we can be there in a matter of hours, with the goal of getting you back behind the desk or counter within 24-48 hours, and doing what you do best: running your business.

So if you encounter an unexpected setback on your road to reopening, give us a call at SERVPRO of Burlington at (336) 229-1156 and we can get you back on track to achieving your dreams.

What To Do If Your Hotel Catches Fire?

3/12/2021 (Permalink)

Whether traveling for business or pleasure hotels and motels try to make their customers as comfortable as possible during their stay. Most people let their guard down when staying in a hotel believing nothing bad while away from home. However, according to the National Fire Protection Association on average, one of every 14 hotels or motels reported a structure fire each year.

If you’re planning a vacation or going on a business trip soon check to be sure the hotel has working fire alarms in every room as well as a sprinkler system. Once you get to your room review the escape route if there is a fire. When you’re sleeping Keep your key card on the nightstand then you won’t forget it if the fire alarm goes off. Lastly, stay low to the ground to avoid smoke inhalation and take the stairs not the elevator. 

Structural fires located in hotels and motels can result from cooking accidents to cigarette smoking which is why it’s critical you stay on guard during your stay. If you’re unable to escape your room dial 911 and hold a light source by the window for the local fire department to locate you. 

If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, flood, mold, or storm damage; perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Burlington, 336-229-1156.

References 

https://nfpa.org/-/media/Files/News-and-Research/Fire-statistics-and-reports/Fact-sheets/HotelsFactSheet.ashx

https://nfpa.org/-/media/Files/Public-Education/Resources/Safety-tip-sheets/HotelMotelSafety.ashx 

https://nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Data-research-and-tools/Building-and-Life-Safety/Hotel-and-Motel-Structure-Fires

How To Prepare For A Workplace Power Outage?

3/9/2021 (Permalink)

Recent severe winter storms knocked out power to thousands across the Piedmont Triad in February 2021. The threat of ice storms along with thunderstorms in the spring and summer highlights the importance of having an emergency preparedness plan for your workplace. It’s critical business owners have a safety plan in place to protect their employees as down power lines from powerful winds and toppling trees can wreak havoc on a worker’s commute. The most important thing is ensuring that everyone in your workforce is safe. Having a safety plan of action that includes who and where to report to is crucial in these scenarios. 

Many businesses may have a generator that may continue to power their electrical system if it’s disrupted. However, some workplaces may only utilize a generator to keep minimal services up in running. In those sorts of cases, a business manager or owner informing their workers on what will be kept up and running is crucial. Also, remember that your power company may already be aware of the outage is caused by a natural disaster such as an ice storm, tornado, or hurricane. 

When preparing your workplace for a potential outage recognize that planning too much is a good thing. You can never be prepared in natural disaster scenarios. According to the National Fire Protection Agency’s website: electrical distribution and lighting equipment was the second leading cause of office property fires (12%) of fires while causing 15% of direct property damage.

 Listed below are several key steps that your business can take to protect your employees and commercial space from potential fires. Caused by an electrical disruption as well as tips to prepare for a power outage. 

Power Outage Preparedness and Safety 

1. Be aware of the weather forecast by watching your local news or checking the weather online. 
2. Communicate with your employees prior to any power outage or natural disaster event on the emergency preparedness plan. 
3. Utilize a print version of your company’s emergency preparedness plan as a resource. 
4. Communicate with your supervisor on the next steps if a power outage occurs. 
5. Consider unplugging any personal electrical equipment including phone chargers and desk lights. 
6. Don’t go near any down power lines or wires during a power outage. 

If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, flood, mold, or storm damage; perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Burlington, 336-229-1156.  

References 

https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Publications-and-media/Press-Room/News-releases/2020/NFPA-releases-first-two-videos-of-a-new-campaign-series

https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Data-research-and-tools/Building-and-Life-Safety/US-Structure-in-Office-Properties 

https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Data-research-and-tools/Electrical/Fatal-electrical-injuries-at-work 
https://emergencyplanguide.org/power-outage-in-the-workplace/

What’s Next After Restoration?

3/8/2021 (Permalink)

The sequence of events can come at lightning speed after a fire or flood damages a homeowner’s property. Flooding can lead to warped flooring. Soot from a fire may layer your walls. Mere hours may make the difference in the production needed to mitigate and subsequently remediate the damage caused. It’s critical property owners do what they can on their part to prevent further damage in the case of flooding. Remembering to shut off the water valve, and soaking up as much water on their own as they can before the SERVPRO emergency response team arrives on site. 

Many homeowners after the restoration process has concluded ask what’s next? My bathroom or kitchen can be utilized once more, but now may be a great time to make it better. 

When considering a home repair company it’s important to ask specific questions. Below are a few must-ask questions? 

1. Are you a licensed contractor with the State of North Carolina? 
2. Do you have experience with types of homes similar to mine? Including size and age.
3. Do you have references I can reach out to including previous customers and business partners?

That’s where the SERVPRO Reconstruction Team comes in. SERVPRO of Greensboro North is a licensed contractor with the State of North Carolina. With multiple years of experience in residential property restoration, we’re equipped to provide the necessary repairs to a customer’s home. We’ve partnered with hundreds of homeowners in the reconstruction of their homes after completing the restoration process helping to renovate outdated rooms. 

If your home or business requires our services whether for fire, water, flood, mold, or storm damage; perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Greensboro North, (336) 379-1772.  

What Items Can Be Saved After Your Home Floods?

2/24/2021 (Permalink)

Experiencing a flood can be a traumatic experience for any homeowner. Watching your home, furniture, prized possessions, and family heirlooms washed away and damaged. Questions of what to do, who to call, and how do I file a claim with my home insurance company are a few of the many thoughts that are on a person’s mind. 

SERVPRO of Burlington is your go-to provider for storm cleanup and disaster recovery. Presently IICRC Certified our crew is equipped to mitigate, remediate, and reconstruct your water damage. The basement or first floor is most likely to encounter damage if flooding occurs in your area. In these areas of your house, there may be stored away items, couches, sofas, coffee tables, laundry rooms, and kitchen appliances. 

Content cleaning is one of SERVPRO of Burlington’s services where our team professionally cleans recovered items that are salvageable. It’s also important to note that flood damage from a storm may bring in outside contaminants that may become a hazard. Depending on the extent of the damaged items our expert team will review and after recommendations to the homeowner. 

Flooring

Water damage can have a significant negative effect on your carpeting. Several inches of water on your carpeting may require it to be completely taken up. Water stains on your carpet, however, can be dried utilizing our drying equipment readily available in our warehouse. 

Hardwood flooring is another matter as floodwaters getting underneath may cause warping which may require the entire section to be taken up and replaced. 

Furniture 

Again, the extent of the damage is key as our drying equipment can begin the process of salvaging the furniture pieces. Depending on your level of commitment and investment in the furniture pieces our team may be able to work with you on cleaning, restoring, and refinishing the items with trusted partners in the community. 

Appliances & Electronics 

Electricity and water do not mix. In some cases, if the water damage was minimal your washer, dryer, stove, other appliances, and electrical equipment may be salvageable. However, it may be recommended to purchase all new equipment. 

Books & Important Documents 

Items such as these are recoverable if great care is taken. Particulars such as these may be Marriage certificates or professional contracts you’ll want to be salvaged. 

If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, flood, mold, or storm damage; perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Burlington, (336) 229-1156.  

References 

https://www.IICRC.org/members/default.asp?user=SERVPROgreensboronorth

4 Things To Do If Your Home Floods

2/15/2021 (Permalink)

Rain, rain, and more rain. They’re moments in the year, sometimes too many where our community goes days on end with rain. Then changing over to snow and ice in the winter if the temperatures manage to drop below freezing for a substantial amount of time. While snow is pretty to look at, what often accompanies it is a fearful weather condition. Ice can cause trees to topple over onto your roof creating a hole where water can seep into all areas of your home including the basement. 

Falling trees can rupture the pipes of your home as well which may cause hundreds if not more gallons of water to spew out into your basement, flooring, walls, and ceiling. Any amount of standing water in your home may spell disaster if not mitigated promptly. Significant water damage can begin to warp your hardwood floors, stain your carpeting, and create a mold growth situation.

Calling an experienced water cleanup crew with IICRC Certification and experience in restoration is key to beginning the process of getting your home back to normal. Our team is trained in proper drying methods and mold testing to help keep your family safe. We’ll also reconstruct your house after it’s been restored to streamline the process. 

When many customers call our office to request our services it’s critical you’ve already completed a few tasks beforehand. Listed below are a few key steps homeowners should take if they experience water damage. 

1. Shut Off The Water Source
1. Locate the cut off valve in your home. It’s likely underneath your kitchen or bathroom sink. 
2. Do What You Can In Order To Mitigate The Damage
1. Try to soak as much water as you can on your own using towels. 
3. Call A Water Cleanup Company
1. Available 24/7 with 20+ years of experience and contractor license for repairs. 
4. Speak To Your Home Insurance Provider  
1. Save your insurance agent’s contact information on your phone, or write it down. 

If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, or mold damage; perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Burlington, (336) 229-1156. 

What Are The Main Causes of Kitchen Fires in Restaurants?

2/4/2021 (Permalink)

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the foodservice industry has become one of the most negatively affected industries. With mandated government closures and limits on capacity, there is much on the mind of restaurateurs. Covid-19 has forced restaurants of all shapes and sizes to think outside of the box to best stay afloat and serve their community. Colliding with those thoughts are worries that are always a concern of business owners which are fires. 

According to the National Fire Protection Agency, there are  7,410 structural fires pertaining to restaurants every year. Causing thousands of dollars in fire damage. 40% of restaurant fires occur in the kitchen caused by stoves, ovens, and other electrical as well as gas appliances. Lighting equipment and smoking are also contributing causes to restaurant fires. 

A few tips to help prevent restaurant fires whether it’s a fast-food establishment, fast-casual, or fine dining. 

• Include in your new employee training fire prevention and safety rules to be followed.
• Regularly train current employees on kitchen safety. 
• Instruct all servers, cooks, and bussers on the fire extinguisher utilization. 
• Have a designated area for smoking a safe distance from the building. 

If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, flood, mold, or storm damage; perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Burlington, (336) 229-1156. 

References  

https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Top-fire-causes/Heating 

https://www.nfpa.org/-/media/Files/Public-Education/Resources/Safety-tip-sheets/Heating_Safety.ashx 

https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Data-research-and-tools/Building-and-Life-Safety/Eating-and-drinking-establishments

Trauma Scene Safety & Clean-Up

1/15/2021 (Permalink)

Handling the aftermath of a death on your property is a sensitive ordeal. Although a mortician or coroner will remove a body from your home the matter of cleanup is left to the homeowner or landlord. Contributing to the emotional agony loved ones are feeling there are serious health risks and barriers to clean-up that must be considered before moving forward. Recognizing that as a human body begins to decompose the entire house becomes a biohazard scene containing potential infections and diseases throughout. 

Health Risk

• Human waste including bodily fluids, urine, and feces can contain E. coli, norovirus, and pinworms. 
• Bloodborne pathogens including Hepatitis A, Hepatitis C, and HIV can be found in the area where the body was found including the floors, walls, mattresses, and furniture. 
• Along with the physical health risk of individuals cleaning up after a death has occurred, there is also the mental health risk if the person was a loved one. The psychological damage should not be discounted. 

PPE & Clean-Up 

SERVPRO of Burlington is your area leader in human waste clean-up including crime scenes and biohazard remediation.

• Each of our crew members is equipped with the necessary PPE to complete the biohazard remediation process including hazmat suits, goggles, respirators, and disposable gloves. 
• Adding to the IICRC training, biohazard remediation equipment, and readiness our team possesses; SERVPRO has industrial-grade chemicals to properly disinfect and deodorize your home. A decomposing body can also leave a foul smell in your home which may harm the potential resale value. 

If your home or business is in need of one of our other services whether for fire, water, flood, mold, or storm damage; call the experts today – SERVPRO of Burlington, 336-229-1156. 

References

https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/global/sanitation/workers_handlingwaste.html

https://www.osha.gov/bloodborne-pathogens

Is My Space Heater A Fire Hazard?

1/7/2021 (Permalink)

As the winter season sets in and temperatures prepare to plummet, thousands of families across Alamance County will be utilizing different forms of heating equipment to remain warm. Space heaters may be one mechanism homeowners use and although it may be great at creating a comfortable environment inside your home it may also present themselves as a fire hazard if not properly applied in their given area. According to the National Fire Protection Association. Heating equipment is a leading cause of home fire deaths.

To protect yourself, loved ones and property from the potential fire hazard posed by spaces heaters the SERVPRO of Burlington team has listed several points below. 

• Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment including spaces heaters. 
• Have a three-foot “kid-free zone” around space heaters.
• Test smoke alarms at least once a month.

Providing useful information to keep your family safe this winter season is important to our team. If you do, however, experience a home fire damaging portions of your property or all of it in its entirety our team is ready to respond to mitigate the damage. The SERVPRO of Burlington team has performed thousands of fire restoration jobs in our twenty plus years of existence. Whether it’s staining soot damage, a lasting smoke odor, or varying contents such as furniture, toys, and precious family keepsakes you need to be taken care of. We’re here to help! 

If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, flood, mold, or storm damage; perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Burlington, (336) 229-1156 

References  

https://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/winter-holiday-fires-infographic.pdf  

https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Top-fire-causes/Heating 

https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Data-research-and-tools/US-Fire-Problem/Candle-fires 

https://www.esfi.org/news/5-things-you-should-know-about-space-heaters-638#sthash.LTHHLmhN.dpbs 

https://www.nfpa.org/-/media/Files/Public-Education/Resources/Safety-tip-sheets/Heating_Safety.ashx

Candle Fire Facts For The Winter Season

12/31/2020 (Permalink)

The cool crisp air reminds us to layer up for the elements before we leave our homes for the day’s activities. Pulling a sweater over your head or zipping up your coat isn’t ideal when you’re staying home the majority of the time. With recent temperatures dipping near or below freezing thousands of homeowners are finding ways to stay warm this winter while also limiting their heating bill expenditures. 

Candles while not a primary heat provider is commonly used to add emotional warmth to a person’s home. Scented candles in particular perform this task truly well, however, it’s critical that you take precautions. Candles may quickly become a fire hazard potentially leading to your home becoming ablaze with flames causing smoke and soot damage. Remember to keep candles at least a foot away from any flammable objects including curtains and furniture. Blow out any lit candles before you leave the room for the evening. Lastly, consider utilizing battery-operated flameless candles which can offer the same effect as authentic candles with a minimal fire hazard. 

Here are more facts on candle fires to emphasize the importance of taking safety precautions to protect your family and loved ones this season.

During the five-year period of 2014-2018 according to the National Fire Protection Association:

• December is the peak month for candle fires in the United States. 
• Christmas is the peak day for candle fires in the United States. 
• ? of candle fires began in the bedroom. 

If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, flood, mold, or storm damage; perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Burlington, (336) 229-1156. 

References  

https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Data-research-and-tools/US-Fire-Problem/Candle-fires 

https://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/winter-holiday-fires-infographic.pdf  

https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Top-fire-causes/Heating  

Real vs. Fake: The Great Christmas Tree Debate

12/14/2020 (Permalink)

December is here and the holiday season is in full swing. Homeowners across Burlington and surrounding communities will be showcasing their decorative Christmas Tree whether artificial or natural. People still debate the merits of both and while we’re not going to settle the score here. Their safety precautions you should talk about regardless of if you’re purchasing a “real tree” or a fake tree. 

Natural Christmas Trees according to the U.S. Fire Administration, a division of F.E.M.A. pose a higher fire risk compared to artificial trees. Meaning homeowners should take extra safety measures in order to minimize the likelihood of a fire starting. It’s critical that in the hustle or bustle of the holiday season from shopping to entertaining guests that you don’t forget to water your Christmas Tree daily. A dry Christmas Tree may be a potential fire hazard according to the U.S. Fire Administration. 

Along with watering your Christmas Tree daily, homeowners should make sure their tree is at least 3 feet away from any heating source. That will include any space heaters, fireplaces, candles, and radiators. This may require a bit of maneuvering if you live in a tighter space, however is well worth the effort. More than 1 out of 5 Christmas Tree fires was caused due to the tree being close to a heating source. 

As a fire clean-up restoration company, our experienced team is ready to assist you if a fire does occur in your home. Our warehouse contains an arsenal of tools that the SERVPRO team will utilize to mitigate and remediate the fire damage. Christmas trees are a quintessential feature of the holiday season. SERVPRO of Burlington wants you and your family to have a wonderful holiday remember the important safety measures everyone should take.

If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, flood, mold, or storm damage; perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Burlington at 336-229-1156.

References  

https://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/winter-holiday-fires-infographic.pdf

How Do I Safely Decorate For Christmas?

12/9/2020 (Permalink)

Decorating for the holidays is always an exciting experience especially if there are children to help hang ornaments and other seasonal items around your home. Lighting candles is one way to create an inviting and warm environment for the entire family to enjoy all season long. Producing a cheerful spirit however may lead to unattended consequences if you don’t take the necessary precautions. Christmas is the peak day for candle fires according to the National Fire Protection Association. 

It’s a delicate balance between creating an elegant Christmas Display while also reducing the risk posed by children who are more likely to not be as careful around flammable objects. On average, 21 home fires are reported each that were caused by lit candles. A third of candle fires began in a bedroom where they can quickly spread to other parts of a home. To help keep everyone safe this winter remember to keep lit candles at least 12 inches away from other flammable objects. Most importantly Christmas Trees where children will more than likely be playing and shaking their gifts to guest what’s inside. 

Along with keeping lit candles a safe distance from flammable objects consider utilizing battery-operated candles. Flameless candles provide a mitigated fire risk compared to lit candles. Remember to also blow out any lit candles before you leave a room or go to sleep. It’s the equivalent of leaving the fireplace unattended which is highly discouraged. 

Apply this advice when decorating your home this holiday season to help protect your home from the potential fire hazard of lit candles. During this time of year, many offices close for several weeks, and employees take time off. Here at SERVPRO of Burlington however understand that when a homeowner experiences a house fire. Whether limited to one room or has engulfed much of the structure calling a fire cleanup and restoration crew to mitigate the damage is critical. 

Smoke damage can layer a house with soot and a foul odor rendering the home unlivable. Our team of fire damage mitigation and remediation experts can reach you in any part of Alamance County from Elon in the west to Mebane in the east granting us the ability to best serve you in your time of need. 

If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, or mold damage; perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Burlington, (336) 229-1156.

References 

https://www.nfpa.org/candles 

https://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/winter-holiday-fires-infographic.pdf 

Stopping Storm Damage In Its Tracks

12/1/2020 (Permalink)

2020 is a record-setting year for hurricanes. The National Weather Service even ran out of names and began using letters from the Greek alphabet. Along with numerous rainstorms this year, Alamance County including the Town of Elon has received above the average 45 inches usually expected. Going into the winter with the potential of blizzards and ice storms impacting Elon it’s critical that homeowners take precautions now to mitigate the potential losses in the future. 

Protecting your home and the investment you’ve made in it from the updated kitchen to the remodeled basement requires that you take preventative measures. Working to reduce the likelihood of severe storm damage and water damage from flooding to your property. Serious damage to your home which may amount to thousands of dollars in equity gone down the drain due to a storm no matter the season it occurs in is a tragedy. 

Poor foundation, inefficiently insulated entryways, and standing water around your home are some of the potential pitfalls of severe storm damage negatively impacting your home this winter. Heavy snow and ice melting near your home can possibly enter the structure including the basement damaging its integrity. To help prevent this from occurring be sure to review your property for any of these anomalies. 

If water from a snowstorm or melted ice manages to seep into your home it’s critical that it’s mitigating quickly. Allowing standing water to take up space in your home’s basement or the first floor for any substantial amount of time may do more damage. SERVPRO of Burlington is an experienced storm damage and water clean-up crew with over two decades of experience in the water restoration industry. Two years ago our crew partnered with several SERVPRO franchises when hurricanes smash the coast. Our team is also IICRC Certified which is the industry standard. 

The SERVPRO of Burlington team serves the communities of 

• Graham, NC
• Mebane, NC
• Glen Raven, NC
• Snow Camp, NC
• Elon, NC
• Gibsonville, NC

If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, or mold damage; perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Burlington, (336) 229-1156.

What Are The Dangers of Leaving Cooking Unattended?

11/23/2020 (Permalink)

The holidays are right around the corner and while this is one of the most exciting times of the year it’s critical that you not forget all the information learned from Fire Prevention Week the first week of October. In the haze of hosting extended family from out of town and preparing a large meal for everyone, it’s easy to fall back into old habits. Thanksgiving according to the National Fire Protection Agency is the day where the highest rates on average of home fires take place, unfortunately. 

Fires can quickly spread throughout your home in a matter of minutes and while they can start from electrical malfunction or arson; cooking fires make up the plurality of home fires according to the National Fire Protection Agency. From 2014-2018, 66% on average to be exact. Kitchen fires from cooking may result in significant damage to your home. Leaving cooking unattended to welcome guests or attend to children, even for a few minutes is highly discouraged. Cooking a turkey especially should be done with the utmost care and attention. 

Fires from cooking left unattended may also cause large swaths of the interior of your home to fill with smoke. Smoke may damage your kitchen appliances and countertops requiring a professional fire restoration crew to attend to them. Smoke may also spread into other areas of the home layering furniture with soot. Soot may be difficult to get out of your home and contacting an experienced fire restoration to mitigate the damage is crucial to preserving the integrity of each item. 

If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, flood, mold, or storm damage; perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Burlington, (336) 229-1156. 

References 

https://www.nfpa.org/-/media/Files/Public-Education/Resources/Safety-tip-sheets/ThanksgivingSafety.ashx

https://nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Top-fire-causes/Cooking 

What Flood Damage Can Do To Your Basement

11/13/2020 (Permalink)

This year is expected to be one of the wettest years of record for Burlington, Alamance County, and the rest of the Piedmont Triad. With the number of tropical storms tracking through the area this past hurricane season, as well as rainfall, homeowners across Alamance County may be experiencing water damage. Caused due to rainfall or flooding which may lead to mold in the future if not remediated by a qualified and reputable water restoration crew. 

Several inches of rain in your basement may not seem like a big deal, however, it’s quite the opposite. Water can begin to impact the foundation of your home impacting its integrity. Not mitigating and remediating the water damage may lead to mold growth in the future requiring a professional water cleanup crew to get involved if you are trying to resell your home. Along with impacting the integrity of your foundation through the basement; your personal items including furniture may also be damaged. 

It’s critical when your home or business experiences water damage to reach out to the SERVPRO of Burlington team immediately. Our water mitigation crew is experienced and continuously trained throughout the year in industry-standard methods of water cleanup. 

SERVPRO of Burlington serves the communities of 

1. Graham, NC
2. Mebane, NC
3. Glen Raven, NC
4. Snow Camp, NC
5. Elon, NC
6. Gibsonville, NC 
7. Haw River, NC 

If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, or mold damage; perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Burlington NC, (336) 229-1156.

Is Water Coming Out Of My AC Unit?

10/30/2020 (Permalink)

Blasting the AC feels like a great idea on a hot summer day in Mebane. But after lowering the thermostat the temperature of your home continues to rise. Running upstairs to the attic you find watermarks staining the walls caused by condensation and a pool of water around the HVAC system. Come to find out water has been leaking from your unit. 

An overflowed drain pan, clogged drain lines, and a dirty evaporator coil are all potential reasons your air conditioning unit is leaking. Maintaining an AC unit and assuring it’s performing correctly is a homeowner’s responsibility. Checking in on your unit regularly is an important preventative measure as the cost to repair may need to come out of your pocket and not your home insurance company. A leaky AC unit located in your attic may also deplete the integrity of your roof adding to the cost overall, reinforcing the importance of upkeep. 

Responding promptly to the water damage that has occurred includes hiring a professional water restoration crew. Waiting may increase the severity of the damage to your attic and the investment needed in order to remediate once production begins. Our team is experienced in both mitigating the water damage to your attic and effectively remediating the area impacted. We’ve also earned several certifications in water cleanup through the IICRC. 

The SERVPRO of Burlington team serves the communities of 

- Burlington, NC

- Graham, NC

- Mebane, NC

- Glen Raven, NC 

- Elon, NC

- Snow Camp, NC

If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, or mold damage; perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Burlington, (336) 229-1156. 

Preventing Kitchen Fires This Fall

10/16/2020 (Permalink)

The first full week of October is Fire Prevention Week and you and your loved ones must be aware of the ways to prevent house fires as colder temperatures move in. People will be cooking more during the fall and winter seasons which, unfortunately, may lead to kitchen fires. 

Fires can quickly spread to all corners of the home within a matter of minutes causing the entire structure to become layered with soot as smoke moves through the hallways. Having a plan in place to exit your home and dial 911 is important as well as a pursuing method of preventing house fires in the first place. 

A few quick tips on ways to prevent home fires. 

1. Never leave your stove range or oven unattended. 
2. Put a lit on cooking when not actively stirring or pouring ingredients in. 
3. Don’t attempt to cook while intoxicated.

If your home or business requires our services whether for fire, water, or mold damage; perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Burlington, 336-229-1156. 

Facts About Homes Fires

10/8/2020 (Permalink)

The first full week of October is Fire Prevention Week which makes sense. As the colder weather moves inward pushing out the warm temperatures from the summer more people will be spending time indoors. Which, unfortunately, means the likelihood of home fires may increase. While your SERVPRO of Burlington crew is here to assist you if you do experience a home fire we want to offer your tips and advice to prevent fires in the first place. 

First here are the facts on home fires. 

1. 49% of home fires are caused by cooking.
2. 14% of home fires are caused by heating. 
3. 1-% of home fires are caused by electrical means. 

https://nfpa.org/News-and-Research 

To prevent home fires remember 

1. Never leave cooking unattended. 
2. Put out your wood-burning fireplace before going to bed. 
3. Have all electrical work done by a professional, reputable electrician. 

SERVPRO of Burlington serves the communities of 

1. Graham, NC
2. Mebane, NC
3. Glen Raven, NC
4. Snow Camp, NC
5. Elon, NC
6. Gibsonville, NC 
7. Haw River, NC 

If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, or mold damage; perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Burlington, (336) 229-1156.

Fire Prevention Week Is Oct. 4-10

10/2/2020 (Permalink)

Fall is an exciting time of year! With the season change, more people will be spending time indoors cooking and lighting the fireplace. All great occurrences to make memories and pass the time. Unfortunately, cooking can sometimes lead to kitchen fires and fireplaces can set homes ablaze which is why the first full week of October is Fire Prevention Week.  

October 4 - October 10 is Fire Prevention Week where organizations across America include the National Fire Protection Association highlighting the importance of preventing fires and offering training, videos, tips, and advice to inform the public on practices that should be used in order to prevent fires. Protocols such as never leaving cooking unattended.

Fire Prevention Week also asks parents to take the initiative in speaking with their children on fire protection and prevention. Teaching them how to first prevent fires by not using the stove without a parent present. Calling 911 in the case of an emergency and how to get out of their home safely if there is a fire. 

SERVPRO of Burlington also serves the communities of 

• Graham, NC
• Mebane, NC
• Glen Raven, NC 
• Elon, NC
• Snow Camp, NC

If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, or mold damage, perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Burlington, (336) 229-1156.

What To Do Before Disaster Strikes?

9/23/2020 (Permalink)

September is both National Preparedness Month and also the height of the Atlantic hurricane season. Reminding everyone of the importance of having a plan in place when natural disasters occur. As the nation continues to combat the Coronavirus pandemic communities will need to revamp their strategy for keeping their residents while accommodating recommendations from your local health officials and the CDC.

Protecting yourself and your loved ones as a hurricane approaches can be exhausting. Stressing over the possibility of losing power to your home or if it’s flooded making it unlivable. All of those thoughts and the many more is why having a preparedness plan is critical. We’ve listed 4 core steps below, recommended by the Department of Homeland Security to assist you in developing a plan. 

Make A Plan 

Communicate with the members of your household on what you will do collectively in the event of a disaster before, during, and after to keep everyone safe. Inform loved ones outside of the household of your plans as well. 

Build A Kit

Roads may be closed and stores flooded, limiting your access to resources. Thinking of everyone in your house and their particular needs especially infants, the elderly, and pets gather together goods that will sustain the group for several days. 

Prepare For Disasters 

Evaluate your home or business for potential weak points where strong winds or flooding can cause damage. Check with your insurance provider on what is covered to ensure there are few surprises if you need to file a claim. 

Teach Youth About Disasters 

Start a conversation with your kids about preparing for natural disasters and how they can do their part to keep everyone safe. 

If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, or mold damage; perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Burlington, 336-229-1156. 

https://www.ready.gov/september 

https://www.epa.gov/natural-disasters/general-information-disasters 

Flooding Hazards Due To A Hurricane?

9/18/2020 (Permalink)

Flooding is a major concern for homeowners as hurricanes track toward they’re area dropping inches of rain in a matter of hours. Floodwaters can infiltrate your home causing damage to its interior including the basement and the first floor. Preventing this sort of damage which may also lead to mold is at top of mind for property owners as a tropical storm moves inland. Flooding can also have life-threatening ramifications as well presenting a hazard to yourself, your family, and your community. 

There are a number of hazards posed to individuals and the public when flooding occurs and fails to recede for a substantiation amount of time. Down power lines due to strong winds can fall into floodwaters endangering the public with the possibility of elocution if the wires are still live. Physical objects such as debris, road signage, and vehicles can become trapped in floodwaters as well which reinforces the need to avoid floodwaters at all possible until it recedes. 

Individuals who reside in rural areas and in some circumstances urban areas will also want to avoid floodwaters for health reasons. Human and livestock waste can be found in floodwaters diluting it. Various chemicals used in residences and industrial areas may also present a hazard to the public. It’s recommended to avoid floodwaters as much as possible to avoid coming into contact with contaminants to prevent risk to your health overall. 

If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, or mold damage; perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Burlington, (336) 229-1156.

https://www.ready.gov/september 

https://www.epa.gov/natural-disasters/general-information-disasters 

https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/floods/floodsafety.html 

https://www.epa.gov/natural-disasters/hurricanes 

Potential Causes of Basement Flooding From Storms

8/27/2020 (Permalink)

Many homeowners dream of having a basement that they can truly make into their own space. Whether it’s for added living space, a man cave, or even a basement apartment. Adding features to a basement requires a substantial amount of investment. Therefore it’s paramount you protect your investment and the additional equity it has contributed to your property. 

Hurricanes and rainstorms can cause significant damage to your home ruining the investment you’ve made. Flash flooding and torrential rainfall may make water cleanup a further ordeal you rather not encounter. There are several steps that you can take to minimize the likelihood of a basement flood which may lead to mold. 

1. Building a rain garden may assist in preventing excess rain from coming into your basement. 
2. Evaluate your basement and your entire home for any plumbing leaks.
3. Review your basement windows to ensure they’re sealed correctly. 

Your SERVPRO of Burlington team is experienced in the area of water cleanup, mitigation, and remediation. We’ve partnered with hundreds of homeowners during their water damage situations to resolve them effectively. Our area has experienced above-average rainfall for the last three years making these circumstances quite frequent. 

The SERVPRO of Burlington team serves the communities of 

• Graham, NC
• Mebane, NC
• Glen Raven, NC
• Snow Camp, NC
• Elon, NC
• Gibsonville, NC

If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, or mold damage; perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Burlington, (336) 229-1156.

I Need A Mold Cleaning Company?

8/21/2020 (Permalink)

Preparing your home to be placed on the market can be an emotional occasion. For many, the feeling of selling their home includes a collection of memories that can never be replaced. Safeguarding each critical memory is vital for yourself. It’s also fundamental that you protect the investment you’ve made in the property. 

Selling your home quickly is key therefore any mishaps can delay that from happening including water damage to the property. If you’re not currently living in the property the possibility of damage going unnoticed may increase. Flooding is a real concern especially if you live near a river. Mold may also spread more rapidly if you’re not regularly checking in on your property. Frequently reviewing your investment property is a necessary part of preventing severe water damage. 

It’s essential you prevent water damage to your property, mitigate, and soon after begin remediating the damage done if it occurs. SERVPRO of Burlington partners with homeowners every year in mitigating and remediating damage done from hurricanes, storms, and flooding. Our experienced team understands the investment homeowners have made and take seriously the importance of completing the job effectively. 

The SERVPRO of Burlington team serves the communities of 

• Graham, NC
• Mebane, NC
• Glen Raven, NC
• Snow Camp, NC
• Elon, NC 

If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, or mold damage; perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Burlington, 336-229-1156.

How To Brace Your Home For The Next Hurricane Part I?

8/11/2020 (Permalink)

June 1 began the official start to the hurricane season with two named storms Arthur and Bertha forming in the Atlantic. Hurricane Isaias developed in late July crawling up the east coast causing power outages and property damage in its wake. While the hurricane made a minimal impact on local residents, homeowners should prepare themselves for the next hurricane that may travel further inland. 

Inches of rain can fall within hours as a hurricane track’s inland. Flooding a home’s basement and weakening the sewage system essential to any family’s well-being. To protect your home’s basement it’s critical you thoroughly inspect the pipes and sewage lines to see if years of wear and tear have impacted their reliability. 

Floodwaters can also infiltrate your home’s basement through the windows. Ensuring that they’re properly sealed is a critical part of your hurricane preparation plans not only for the summer and fall season but year-round. Outside of the basement creating a landscape surrounding your home that diverts water away rather than towards may also help to limit the amount of floodwater. 

If your property does experience damage due to flooding from a storm or hurricane, please call us. We’re staffed with an emergency team of water mitigation experts ready to assist you. The SERVPRO of Burlington team has also traveled to the North Carolina Coast previously to support disaster cleanup. You’re in good hands when choosing us to lead your home recovery. 

SERVPRO of Burlington also serves the communities of 

• Graham, NC 
• Elon, NC 
• Glen Raven, NC 
• Mebane, NC 
• Snow Camp, NC 

If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, or mold damage; perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Burlington, 336-229-1156.

Next Steps After Flood Damage To Your Business

7/31/2020 (Permalink)

Most conversations around protecting the workplace have been centered around coronavirus. Nevertheless being aware of and planning for all potential threats to the health and safety of your employees is important for their overall well-being. Flooding from a thunderstorm or even a hurricane can impair your business and stop operations for weeks if not months depending on your circumstances. 

If your business does experience flood damage these are the steps to take. 

1. Wait for the all-clear from your local authorities before attempting to reach your business. 
2. Once you arrive it’s vital you shut off the electricity to the building. 
3. Take pictures of everything inside (office furniture, electronics, appliances, goods, etc.) even if it appears to have not been damaged. 
4. Call your insurance provider to file a claim. 

Also, another bit of advice: Keep pricing records of expensive items such as computers and appliances to show your insurance company proof of value. 

If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, or mold damage; perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Burlington, (336) 229-1156.

Soot Cleanup After House Fire

7/30/2020 (Permalink)

Dealing with the after-effects of a home fire is difficult. From filing a claim with your insurance provider to figuring out where you’ll stay while cleanup, restoration, and repairs take place. All of those thoughts swirling through your head can easily weigh you down. In these sorts of situations hiring a professional fire cleanup crew is the best decision you can make.

Deciding how to clean your recovered items including those layered with soot is an important decision. Soot is a sticky substance that if left on curtains and furniture for too long may sink further into the fibers. Diminishing the likelihood of it being removed completely. 

Cleaning soot is a tedious process requiring rubber gloves, chemicals, tools, and hours of work to effectively remediate the soot. Chemicals and time most people don’t have especially during a hectic situation such as a home fire. 

Soot particles can cause health effects. 

If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, or mold damage; perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Burlington, (336) 229-1156.

SERVPRO Is Committed To Keeping Our Employees and Customers Safe

7/30/2020 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO of Burlington team is doing our part to protect the residents of Elon, Graham, Mebane, and the rest of Alamance County during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Through the North Carolina stay-at-home orders and into reopening we’ve continued to provide our essential services to the surrounding community. 

SERVPRO’s commitment to keeping our employees and customers safe is critical to all of us working together to defeat this virus. Our office staff is including in their screening questions; have you or anyone in your household recently tested positive or been exposed to someone who has tested positive for coronavirus? All in an effort to protect our employees and other customers from exposures to the disease. 

SERVPRO’s Production Technicians and Sales/Marketing Representatives are also adhering to CDC Guidelines and established protocol when meeting with customers out in the field. Each is required to wear a face-covering while onsite and disposable gloves. Their temperatures are also checked each morning daily before going to a customer’s home or place of business. 

If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, or mold damage; perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Burlington, (336) 229-1156.

COVID-19 Cleaning: Reopening Study

7/27/2020 (Permalink)

Business leaders across Alamance County have stepped up tremendously in the past few months to combat coronavirus. Adjusting to “The New Normal” has been difficult for everyone, however, the SERVPRO of Burlington team continues to have the opportunity to partner with businesses desiring to keep their customers and employees safe. 

Since March, our team has disinfected and sanitized businesses in Burlington. Graham, Mebane, and the surrounding area. In the midst of the pandemic, employers are asking if the proactive and reactive cleaning steps they’re undertaking are worth it. The simple answer is yes! It’s well worth the investment to go beyond the normal janitorial cleaning you’ve been accustomed to and hire a professional cleaning crew; such as SERVPRO to add a needed layer of protection to your space. 

SERVPRO’s corporate office has partnered with a highly regarded public relations firm that conducted a study two months ago concerning the public’s attitude to business safety protocols. Take a look at their findings below. 

1. Consumers expect your business to be cleaner than their homes. (71% expect businesses to have higher cleanliness standards than respondents do in their own homes.)
2. If you aren’t clean, your business will suffer great damage to its reputation. (76% say the way a business addresses cleanliness during COVID is a good indicator of how well that business is run in general.)
3. This is the start of a new era for cleanliness and businesses. (73% say they are going to be more attuned to cleanliness once COVID is over.)
4. Customer concerns about COVID are not going away any time soon. (68% are constantly thinking about avoiding COVID exposure when out in public.)
5. All else being equal (product, price, service, convenience) customers trust businesses that are professionally cleaned over ones that self-clean. (64% are more likely to choose to shop at the store that has a decal stating the store has been professionally cleaned.)
6. Surface cleaning remains a significant concern. (59% are worried about COVID exposure from touching surfaces that have not been sufficiently cleaned.)

https://www.SERVPROburlingtonnc.com/certified-SERVPRO-cleaned

If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, or mold damage; perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Burlington, (336) 229-1156.

Emergency Water Cleanup In Graham, NC

7/27/2020 (Permalink)

Your basements flooded after a heavy rainstorm or your toilet overflows after one too many flush attempts. In both emergency scenarios, a professional water cleanup crew must respond swiftly to mitigate the damage. SERVPRO of Burlington is equipped and ready to assist you with your water cleanup. Offering 24/7, 365 emergency services we understand the inconvenience of a water loss and are committed to helping you resume your normal life. 

From the moment you call our office, you’ll speak with one of our knowledgeable staff members who will guide you through the next steps in the process. Our staff members are experts in cleanup and restoration for water damage as well as the other essential services our team provides to the Graham community. 

SERVPRO Production Team is made up of a dedicated team that will arrive on the scene to begin the process of resolving your water loss. Each member of our production crew is trained in the best mitigation and remediation tactics for water losses that have happened in your basement, attic, bathroom, kitchen, etc. 

If your home or business requires our services whether for fire, water, or mold damage; perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Burlington, (336) 229-1156.

Who Can Clean My Smoke Damage Furniture?

7/24/2020 (Permalink)

It can take less than 30 seconds for black smoke to consume your entire home from the beginning of a fire. Layering your furniture with soot and leaving behind a stringent odor only a professional cleaning crew is capable of removing. Accessing the damage left behind due to a home fire and rectifying its effects is a high burden no homeowner should have to confront on their own. 

The SERVPRO of Burlington team is made up of industry experts, trained to evaluate the damage to your items, providing an accurate report to homeowners of what our crew can do to help them in their circumstances. The type of furniture impacted and the severity of the damage to the home will influence the strategy utilized. Whether it’s upholstery, leather, or wood we’ll provide a professional opinion of the steps required to move forward. Our crew is equipped with an arsenal of materials needed to clean smoke damaged furniture giving homeowners the ability to focus on other matters while SERVPRO takes care of them. 

SERVPRO of Burlington is here to help Mebane Homeowners salvage and restore as many valued items as possible after experiencing a home fire. Our service area incorporates much of Alamance County granting us the privilege to help property owners in the City of Mebane. 

If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, or mold damage; perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Burlington, (336) 229-1156.

https://www.ready.gov/home-fires

Hiring A Professional Mold Remediation Crew

7/17/2020 (Permalink)

Mold is that nasty word no one wants to say or even think about. It likely exists inside your home without you even noticing it. If there’s water flow in your home there is a chance of mold growth. Whether it’s your basement, attic, ceiling, or flooring. It will require intervention from a professional mold remediation crew. 

If mold has corrupted part of your home it’s essential you respond quickly. Finding the cause of the mold. The leakage or crack in order to prevent the further infiltration of water. Also, it's critical to maintain the health and safety of your loved ones in the dwelling. By either cordoning off the compromised area or removing your family entirely from the house. 

Calling in a professional mold remediation crew and not simply a mold removal crew is essential to a successful resolution of your current circumstance. The SERVPRO of Burlington team is expertly trained and experienced to meet your current needs. 

SERVPRO of Burlington also serves the communities of 

• Graham, NC
• Mebane, NC
• Glen Raven, NC 
• Elon, NC
• Snow Camp, NC

If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, or mold damage; perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Burlington, (336) 229-1156. 

Who To Call For Flood Damage?

7/10/2020 (Permalink)

Returning home from vacation this summer you walk through the front doors discovering your home is flooded. Several reasons could be the cause. Flash flooding from a recent storm. A faucet was not turned off. Whatever the case your happy demeanor has been replaced by despair due to the circumstances. 

The first few days of your property experiencing water damage are the most critical in mitigating its effects. Standing water will continue to impair your basement and flooring the longer it’s left alone. Eventually leading to mold, increasing the level of remediation necessary for your home to become livable again. Asking a trusted relative or friend to check the exterior and interior of your home daily to remain aware of what’s going on inside your home. 

Frightened and unsure of the next steps, taking a breath is a good starting point. Calling your insurance company to file a claim quickly is an essential part of the process. Searching for the right water damage cleanup company to mitigate and ultimately remediate the situation is an important decision. SERVPRO is a leader in resolving water damage incidents for the Mebane area completing multiple jobs every month. Confirmed as well through our relationship with the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification. 

If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, or mold damage; perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Burlington, (336) 299-1156.

Keeping Your Air Ducts Clean

7/1/2020 (Permalink)

Sustaining a small business through the wide-ranging effects of COVID-19 is a daunting task. Remaining up to date with the latest CDC recommendations and state requirements on cleaning and disinfecting has shifted the way many business owners operate, taking up more time in their schedule. It’s critical that other pieces of your business don’t fall to the wayside including your air duct system which is central to maintaining a safe working environment. 

Failing to have your air duct system regularly cleaned may lead to poor air quality for your commercial space as well as lead to a potential fire hazard. Dust can become flammable when it’s allowed to build up in your duct system which may eventually lead to a fire erupting. 

Protecting your employees’ health and their livelihoods is the first priority for business owners. Therefore, partnering with a professional commercial air duct cleaning crew is essential. The SERVPRO of Burlington crew has over two decades of experience in this arena and the equipment to thoroughly clean your air duct system. 

The SERVPRO of Burlington team services the communities listed below. 

• Burlington, NC

• Graham, NC 

• Elon, NC

• Mebane, NC

• Snow Camp, NC 

• Glen Raven, NC 

If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, or mold damage; perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Burlington, (336) 299-1156. 

Do’s & Don’ts After A House Fire

6/29/2020 (Permalink)

Dialing 911 as your home erupts into flames is a frightful event. Your local fire department arriving on scene brings a reassuring comfort to you and your loved one, however it doesn’t completely stem the tide of emotions you’re experiencing. As the firefighters control the blaze and ultimately extinguish the fire it’s understandable to want to quickly start on the recovery of your property soon afterward. 

To get started listed below are a few do’s and don’ts on how to proceed after experiencing a home fire. 

Do’s

1. Contact your insurance company to file a claim. 
2. Consult with a professional and experienced fire restoration team.
3. Follow the recommended steps set forth by the expert SERVPRO of Burlington team before we arrive on site. 

Don’t 

1. Before doing anything else, it’s critical that no one enters the property before being cleared by the fire department that it's safe. 
2. Don’t attempt to clean or wash flooring, walls, ceilings, upholstery, or clothing without first consulting with the SERVPRO of Burlington team. Moving forward with your own tools and techniques may cause more harm to your house. 
3. Don’t consume any food or beverages left in the house after the fire was put out. 

SERVPRO of Burlington serves 

• Burlington, NC

• Graham, NC

• Glen Raven, NC

• Snow Camp, NC

• Mebane, NC

• Elon, NC 

If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, or mold damage; perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Burlington, (336) 229-1156.

Become Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned Today

6/26/2020 (Permalink)

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a new program introduced last month to help Burlington small businesses reopen safely and confidently this Summer. The coronavirus has disrupted all our lives immensely, especially small business owners. Our local SERVPRO of Burlington is dedicated to going beyond the regular janitorial services of other cleaning crews and truly sanitizing your commercial space. 

Equipping not only small business owners, but manufacturing plans, warehouses, and large retail stores to provide a safe working environment for all. The SERVPRO of Burlington crew has partnered with a number of businesses in the past several months who have sought to create a more sanitary working environment. 

The SERVPRO of Burlington team goes outside the Burlington city limits and serves the communities listed below as well. Please reach out if you would like your business to become Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned. 

• Burlington, NC

• Graham, NC 

• Elon, NC

• Mebane, NC

• Snow Camp, NC 

• Glen Raven, NC 

If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, or mold damage; perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Burlington, (336) 299-1156.

Don’t Let Water Damage Impair Your Business

6/25/2020 (Permalink)

Working from home has become the norm since the coronavirus outbreak began. However, not every industry or company is capable of asking their employees to work remotely. Whether it’s a manufacturing plant or a financial services office were operating on a secure network is best. Any disruption to your business’s workflow can cause a reduction in productivity and revenue loss. 

COVID-19 is on everyone’s mind for keeping their business open, but water pipe leaks and sewer backups can cause your business to shut down just as fast. Water damage can impair your property’s flooring, walls, and ceiling greetings an unsafe working environment for your employees. 

Several proactive steps that can be taken to prevent water damage include sealing cracks and gaps as well as regular maintenance of the entire property. It’s also critical to review your insurance policy to assure you’re protected. 

The SERVPRO of Burlington team serves the communities of 

• Burlington, NC

• Graham, NC 

• Elon, NC

• Mebane, NC

• Snow Camp, NC 

• Glen Raven, NC 

If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, or mold damage; perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Burlington, (336) 299-1156.

Helping Homeowners After A Fire

6/24/2020 (Permalink)

Experiencing a home fire is a devastating ordeal. Even if the fire is contained a one-room or spreads to the entire house the ramifications are many. The SERVPRO of Burlington team understands the complications a home fire brings on a family including the desire to recover as many items as possible from the home. 

Fortunately, our professionals are experienced in the field of fire restoration in particular content cleaning. Household items, valued goods, and treasured family heirlooms are all on the list of things a homeowner hope’s to salvage after a home fire. Our crew members are trained on how to thoroughly clean salvage items from a home fire; returning the items to the homeowner in better condition. 

SERVPRO of Burlington loves engaging with the local community including our local fire departments. We’ve listened to the heartwrenching stories of firefighters who arrived on scene to a family that’s lost their home. Hearing those stories reminds our team of the important service we provide to homeowners during a difficult time. 

• Burlington, NC

• Graham, NC 

• Elon, NC

• Mebane, NC

• Snow Camp, NC 

• Glen Raven, NC 

If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, or mold damage; perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Burlington, (336) 299-1156.

Stop Mold In Its Tracks

6/23/2020 (Permalink)

Mold is a dreaded term no homeowner or business owner seeks to hear. However, it’s critical that you do everything possible to reduce the risk of mold developing in your property. Not only for the integrity of your property but also for your health. 

The damage to your property can be severe requiring quick action to mitigate and eventually remediate the threat mold poses. Protecting your investment for years to come. Noticing the signs of mold is critical as mold may damage walls, ceilings, and flooring depleting the integrity of the home. 

Black sports growing together on a wall or ceiling may be a clear sign that mold is developing. A mildew smell as well is another sign that mold has taken hold in areas of your home. If your breathing is becoming difficult it may be the most apparent sign that mold is developing requiring an immediate resolution from an experienced mold remediation crew. 

• Burlington, NC

• Graham, NC 

• Elon, NC

• Mebane, NC

• Snow Camp, NC 

• Glen Raven, NC 

If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, or mold damage; perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Burlington, (336) 299-1156. 

Hurricane Seasons 2020 Preparedness Plan Steps

6/16/2020 (Permalink)

Summer is upon us which includes hurricanes, although it’s understandable that many have forgotten that fact in light of the pandemic. North Carolina is a beautiful state and in the Piedmont Triad residents get the best both worlds with a few hours drive to the mountains as well as the famed Carolina Coast. 

Homeowners who’ve made an investment in a property on the beach may place most of their focus this season on protection for that property. However, it’s just as important to focus as much attention on your main home in Burlington where the ramifications from a hurricane can still be fact. Balancing multiple concerns at once is a common theme for homeowners who may own a second home on the Carolina Coast they frequent during the warmer months of the year. 

To protect your home in Burlington, NC it’s critical to follow the steps listed below. 

1. Consider trimming any large trees and overarching branches near your home. Heavy rain and strong winds can knock down these trees and possibly into your home. 
2. Have a professional roofer review your roof for any abnormalities. Better to learn about them now rather than due to the aftermath of a storm or hurricane. 
3. Contact your insurance agent to ensure you’re properly covered if damage does occur to your property. 

• Burlington, NC

• Graham, NC 

• Elon, NC

• Mebane, NC

• Snow Camp, NC 

• Glen Raven, NC 

If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, or mold damage; perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Burlington, (336) 299-1156. 

Preventing Grill Fires This Summer

6/11/2020 (Permalink)

With the stay-at-home order, now lifted in North Carolina thousands of residents will be firing up the grill. Homeowners choosing to reconnect with loved ones and showcase exterior updates they’ve made from the nearly three-month-long quarantine are feeling the anticipation. However, before inviting guests over for your cookout it’s critical your grill is ready for the party too. 

The possibility for a grill fire to occur regardless if it’s charcoal, propane gas, or natural gas necessitates that you take all the precautions to keep yourself, loved ones, and property safe. 

1. Proceeding the actual grilling it’s important that you evaluate your grill for any abnormalities. Especially for natural gas grills you want to examine them closely for any leakages or broken lines. 
2. Remember to keep your grill a substantial amount away from your home. Fires can spread fast and the closer your grill is to your property the higher likelihood there is for not only your deck to be damaged but your entire home as well. 
3. If a fire begins and gets out of control immediately call 911. The further spread of the fire can impact your neighbor’s homes as well.

The SERVPRO of Burlington team wants everyone to have a great and safe 2020 Summer. 

SERVPRO of Burlington serves 

• Burlington, NC

• Graham, NC

• Glen Raven, NC

• Snow Camp, NC 

If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, or mold damage; perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Burlington, (336) 229-1156.

Burlington’s Commercial Cleaning & Disinfecting Partner

6/5/2020 (Permalink)

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned graphic on the window of a business

Reopening North Carolina as well as the country is happening and business owners are searching for the next steps to take. Reopening safely is critical for your organization to remain open. Your employees and customers are holding you to a new, higher standard, and therefore following CDC Guidelines are quintessential to your overall business strategy. 

Our team is responding to the call of small business owners assisting them to comply with CDC Guidelines; sanitizing commercial spaces and disinfecting high touch services. Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a brand new initiative to help restaurants, stores, offices, and manufacturing plans reopen strongly. The program equips teams to feel more comfortable at work and encourages the public to patronize your establishment. 

SERVPRO of Burlington is a small business owned by Stacy & Britt Holcomb. They understand the great responsibility of running a small business and all the important details required to succeed. They’re committed to assisting other small businesses to grow as well. The Burlington community is a resilient community and we’ll get through this together. 

SERVPRO of Burlington is available 24/7 to respond to your fire, water, mold, and proactive cleaning, and emergency disinfecting situation. Call us at (336) 229-1156.

• Graham, NC

• Snow Camp, NC 

• Glen Raven, NC 

• Elon, NC

Storm Cleanup and Disaster Recovery Experts

6/3/2020 (Permalink)

Summer is a time to make boatloads of memories from evenings grilling out on your deck to weekends at your beach house overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The incredible investment you’ve made in your property has created an emotional tie to it and protecting it as well as the memories created are important. Nevertheless, being aware of the potential harm that can come to your property are thoughts best kept in mind also. A possible threat to your property is a hurricane which can cause crippling damage. 

Hurricane season began this month and it’s critical homeowners prepare for the storms that may impact their area. Whether it’s a property you own here in the Piedmont Triad or a second home out on the Carolina Coast it’s paramount you do all you can you safeguard the integrity of the structure. Hurricanes, tropical storms, and tropical depressions may bring strong winds, inches upon inches of rain, and possibly tornadoes which can all spell disaster for your property. 

Two years ago both Hurricane Florence and Michael struck the North Carolina coast. The SERVPRO of Burlington team went into action as a storm clean and disaster recovery crew. We’re experienced in this arena not only from these two hurricanes but storms and tornadoes that have impacted Burlington previously. We’re equipped and available to respond to your disaster situation when it happens.

Protect Your Employees Through Commercial Cleaning

5/26/2020 (Permalink)

Taking the next steps during this public health crisis to protect your employees and your commercial space. Proactive measures such as a commercial cleaning from an experienced crew clean your office, retail store, warehouse, or factory from top to bottom with industry-grade hospital disinfectants is an awesome first step. Protecting your property and minimizing the likelihood of a viral infection taking hold in your space may be critical to the well-being of your employees as well as their morale. 

There is a lot of talk going around at the moment from a lot of local companies advertising their services as well as the product they offer. The SERVPRO of Burlington team possesses an EPA registered, hospital-grade disinfectant, SERVPROXIDE. Each of our Production Technicians carries a bottle with them in their company vehicles. Along with this item, the crew also has the leadership of industry experts who know how to properly instruct the disinfection of a property.  

Nevertheless, it’s crucial during this time as we prepare for the next phases in this public health crisis to take action now to resolve any matters in the past before heading into the future. 

SERVPRO of Burlington is available 24/7 to respond to your fire, water, mold, and proactive cleaning situations and can be reached at (336) 229-1156.

Protecting Public Health In Retail Spaces

5/22/2020 (Permalink)

Thousands of people work in retail in Greensboro and thousands more visit these establishments every week. Protecting the public health of your store as a property manager or business owner as well as the customers who will be venturing into your commercial entity should be number one on your to-do list. Cleaning your retail space whether it’s a grocery store, clothing store, or any other consumer product may require a different response depending on the size of your space. Simply disinfecting your retail space is a great first step and should be taken. Afterward partnering with a local commercial cleaning to represent to your customers that you take the threat seriously is another critical step. 

When hiring a commercial cleaning crew you should ask relevant questions to ensure they can get done what you need them to get done. They’re a lot of crews out there and not all they use the right disinfectants that will remediate a biohazard situation in your retail entity. SERVPRO of Burlington uses a hospital-grade disinfectant SevrprOXIDE for our commercial cleaning jobs. It’s registered with the FDA and each of our Production Technicians is equipped with it in their trucks. 

If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, or mold damage; perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Burlington, 336-299-1156. 

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned – a defensive cleaning program

5/21/2020 (Permalink)

Our defensive cleaning program gives your business a way forward by providing your employees and customers ongoing safety and assuredness.

Let us help you get back to business

As our communities re-open, we’re all moving back toward a new kind of normal. The expectations of visitors, customers, and employees who come into our establishments have evolved, and staying safe and well is a top concern. The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean, and we’ve developed a program to help your business meet the new higher standard of clean that is now expected.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a defensive cleaning program we’re offering to businesses and commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. This proactive viral pathogen cleaning program goes well beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. By choosing Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you, your employees, your customers, and your community can rest assured that you’ve selected a higher cleaning standard – you are Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Extensive training and specialized products

As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration*, we stand on more than 50 years of experience and expertise to help your business become Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.  Beyond fire & water, SERVPRO professionals are trained and experienced in biohazard decontamination and chemical spills – always adhering to the cleaning and decontamination standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local authorities. 

From formulating and creating our proprietary cleaning products, like SERVPROXIDE, at our headquarters in Gallatin, TN, to taking the utmost care while disinfecting, we will ensure you and your business are set up to inspire consumer confidence as the economy continues to reopen.

3 C’s – Consult, Clean, and Certify

When the stakes are this high, you want a partner who has developed an industry-leading, proprietary training program, cleaning solutions, and remediation processes over decades. We’ve cleaned up some of the most challenging biohazards imaginable. Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned reflects our unique experiences and capabilities. The program is grounded with our unique 3 C’s: Consult, Clean, and Certify.

• Consult – Every business is different, which is why you’ll be assigned a Cleaning Protocol Consultant who understands your business and will create a cleaning program to meet your specific needs. This program will be developed based on your business type, size of space, amount of high-frequency touchpoints, foot traffic, and congestion points.
• Clean – Based on your specific business needs, your location will undergo a thorough, deep clean, using exclusive cleaning products, according to protocols set forth by the CDC. Our employees have years of experience, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff performs. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for the cleanup process, and disposal of hazardous materials.  In the event of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 event, we will be there cleaning within 24 hours to ensure you get back to business as quickly as possible. 
• Certify - Once your business location has been Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you will gain access to proprietary signage, digital emblems, and other collateral that communicates that you’ve selected a higher standard of clean available to help protect your employees and customers. And because we add the day, month, and year to that proprietary stamp of clean, your guests will know that not only did you choose Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, but that your location is being cleaned regularly at this standard.

Call today for a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation

We’re Here to Help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – until life is back to normal in the communities we all call home.

Call SERVPRO of Burlington today at  (336) 229-1156 for your Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation.

* #1 Choice in cleanup & restoration based Commercial Attitude & Usage Tracking study. Polling 816 commercial business decision-makers on the first choice for future needs related to cleanup & restoration work. The study conducted by C&R Research: October 2019

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned means professionally trained SERVPRO franchises perform the requested cleaning, sanitizing and disinfection services according to proprietary SERVPRO protocols and recognized industry and CDC standards with EPA approved cleaning products to deliver a SERVPRO certified cleaning experience.  Each SERVPRO franchise is independently owned and operated.

Storms May Cause Water Damage To Your Home

5/18/2020 (Permalink)

Burlington is expecting a great amount of rain this week which may lead to damage for your property depending on how much falls at one time. Flash flooding is a real concern when inches of rainfall at one time in an area without proper drainage. To protect your property it’s quite important you do the proper research to learn if you live in a flood zone or not. While flooding can still impact your property even if your property is not in a flood zone. Living in a flood zone may increase the risk of damage to your property. 

Taking the proper precautions nevertheless may be critical to protecting your investment. Rainwater may seep into your home which may cause mold if it goes unnoticed for a significant amount of time. Depending on your flooring the response to flooding impacting the interior of your home may change. If you do encounter a situation when your home is flooded it’s important to react quickly and partner with a local firm that’s experienced in mitigation. 

The SERVPRO of Burlington service area covers 

• Burlington
• Graham
• Elon
• Snow Camp
• Glen Raven  

Your SERVPRO of Burlington team is readily available to assess your fire, water, mold, or storm damage needs if such events arise. We can be contacted at (336) 229-1156.

Content Cleaning For Fire Damage Items Part 1

5/15/2020 (Permalink)

Fires are worst-case scenarios for any property owner whether it’s your home, place of business, or a public building utilized for community activities. First things first, of course, are to ensure that your loved ones are okay and healthy. Next is accessing the damage to your home which often times will be done by your home insurance adjuster. Being aware of the consequences to your property resulting from a fire is important to reassure yourself as well as educating yourself on how to ask the most insightful questions. 

Depending on the severity of the fire you may be able to salvage items in your home or office. Content cleaning is one of SERVPRO of Burlington services offered to clients after experiencing a fire. During such a stressful time experiencing a home fire, we want to partner with you and provide excellent customer service in deciding which items to keep while discarding those items you choose not to have anymore. 

Stay tuned for much more concerning efficient responses to home fires, office fires, and other sorts of property fires. 

If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, or mold damage; perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Burlington, (336) 229-1156

Commercial Cleaning For Your Place of Business

5/14/2020 (Permalink)

Eventually, life will return to some resemblance of normalcy in the coming weeks and months. Part of your business’ reintegration into society should include disinfecting your entire commercial space to help protect the health of your employees and those who will be visiting your property. The CDC recommends cleaning high touch services including desk, keyboards, and all sorts of office components. Don’t forget about your office bathroom in terms of cleaning too. Utilizing a hospital-grade disinfectant may equipt you to minimize the risk of bacteria and germs taking hold in your office bathroom. Kitchens and kitchenettes should also be regularly disinfected throughout the day. The handle to the refrigerator as well as the buttons on the microwave is regularly touched and therefore should be cleaned.

While these are great recommendations from the CDC you may find yourself as a property owner in need of a reputable commercial clean crew with expertise and experience in disinfecting large spaces. That’s where the SERVPRO of Burlington team comes in. Our crew is taking all the necessary precautions to help you create a safe and healthy environment for you to welcome both your employees and customers back when the time allows.

If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, or mold damage; perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Burlington, (336) 229-1156.

We’re In Spring In Case You Haven’t Noticed

5/7/2020 (Permalink)

fallen tree due to storm damage

COVID-19 has captivated all of our minds and required us to change our movements as well as our lifestyles. With everything going on it’s quite easy to forget that we’re presently in spring where severe weather is most prevalent. While COVID-19 is the focus of our minds at the moment it’s crucial not to forget the dangerousness of severe weather. How it negatively impacts all of us and takes life as swiftly as any virus can.

Your SERVPRO of Burlington team wants to make the community aware that we’re still working and are ready to respond when severe weather strikes whether it’s heavy rain, flash flooding, hail, or a tornado which all can do significant damage to your property within a few short hours.

After severe weather strikes and you assess your property for any damage whether caused through the hail to your roof; perhaps a basement flood which is possible when heavy rains storm in. Flash flooding speaks for itself in its name and responding quickly is critical to minimizing the effects to your basement. Rainwater can also infiltrate your home through your door or if an object causes your home’s walls to falter. Nevertheless know that the SERVPRO of Burlington team is here when you need us.

The SERVPRO of Burlington service area covers

Burlington
 - Graham
 - Elon
 - Snow Camp
 - Glen Raven

SERVPRO of Burlington is available 24/7 to respond to your water loss situations and can be reached at (336) 229-1156.

Averting Water Damage & Mold in your Laundry Room

5/6/2020 (Permalink)

Mold on a wall due to water damage

A regular spring cleaning can reveal more than you anticipated including water damage previously gone unnoticed. Discussed previously in blogs concerning mold damage in your attic, basement, kitchen, and bathroom; standing water may create a messy situation for your home. Unfortunately, it may also lead to mold for your property that may require a significant investment in order to remediate which should be done quickly since it may mitigate the health risk to the residents of your home. 

Standing water in your laundry room may spell disaster and result in mold lining the walls near your washing machine and dryer where excess moisture may result in the collections of water. To help reduce the possibility of mold occurring in your laundry room you want to first consistently check behind your machines as well as the tube lines that go into the washer machine for any abnormalities. It may be an inconvenience, but regularly checking may help you notice damage before it becomes too severe. Servicing your washing machine and dryer regularly may also reduce the possibility of water damage due to a malfunction in your machine. 

The SERVPRO of Burlington service area covers 

• Burlington
• Graham
• Elon
• Snow Camp
• Glen Raven  

Your SERVPRO of Burlington team is readily available to assess your fire, water, mold, or storm damage needs if such events arise. We can be contacted at (336) 229-1156.

Bathroom Flood Mitigation Efforts

4/20/2020 (Permalink)

Ceiling falling through due to mold damage.

There’s a lot of water output in your bathroom from the sink, toilet, bathtub faucet, and showerhead. Therefore the possibility of things going wrong in terms of mold damage caused by water damage is heightened. If you suspect that mold has infiltrated your bathroom it’s paramount that you respond swiftly and efficiently in order to mitigate the effects. Discovering that you have mold damage isn’t difficult if you know the signs. First and foremost if you smell any mildew or unpleasant smell while in your bathroom that is sustained for long periods of time that may mean that mold has infected your bathroom.

Secondly, checking behind your toilet for any black spots may be another clear sign that mold has begun to build up. Checking underneath your sink vanity as well is also critical. Often times these places in your bathroom go unnoticed since they aren’t seen that often unless you’re searching for them. Lastly, review the area around your shower and bathtub for black spots. Water ma oftentimes spills out of the bathtub and if too much does spill out it may cause standing water outside your bathtub.

When encountering mold it may require the use of an experienced and expert mold remediation crew to resolve your matter. Our Production Technicians at SERVPRO of Burlington have been trained in these matters, respectively and are equipped to assist when necessary.

The SERVPRO of Burlington service area covers

Burlington
Graham
Elon
Snow Camp
Glen Raven

Your SERVPRO of Burlington team is readily available to assess your fire, water, mold, or storm damage needs if such events arise. We can be contacted at (336) 229-1156.

Confirmed Tornado Touchdown in Alamance County

4/15/2020 (Permalink)

Tree on top of a house.

Severe weather caused severe damage to many property owners’ homes and places of business over Sunday night, April 12 and into Monday morning, April 13. Local meteorologists had prepared the area for potential downed trees, heavy rains, and the possibility of a tornado putting viewers into action to minimizing the risk to their loved ones overnight. A tornado was also confirmed to have touched down in Alamance County causing damage to homeowners as they slept through the night.

Responding to a natural disaster such as a tornado quickly and efficiently is critical. Your local SERVPRO has a great deal of experience in disaster and storm cleanup from natural occurrences. In 2018 when the two major hurricanes, Florence & Michael hit landfall in the southeast United States; SERVPRO of Burlington assisted in the recovery. Flood damage led to mold unfortunately by property owners. Cleaning up the area surrounding a home or commercial space. Removing items that were deemed unsalvageable.

Our crew includes experienced Production Technicians who know what they’re doing and will take the utmost care reacting to your present circumstances. Encountering a natural disaster is a stressful situation and our team believes strongly in great customer services to help see you through the storm.

SERVPRO of Burlington is available 24/7 to respond to your fire or water loss including mold and storm clean up situations. We can be reached at 336-299-1156.

Basement Flood Mitigation Efforts

4/13/2020 (Permalink)

Basement flooding

Severe weather from thunderstorms which can be unpleasant. Lightning that may cause fright from the flashing lights outside of your window. High winds can throw you outdoor furniture around. Hail may cause damage to the roof of your property. Tornadoes may be the most dangerous of all due to their ability to caused such a strong amount of damage in a limited amount of time. Being aware and prepared when severe weather is going to move through is paramount to the protection of your family and friends.

Once the severe weather system moves through your region and it’s time to survey the damage. You’ll more than likely coordinate with your insurance company including an adjuster to assess the proper response to the matter. Some people opt for paying out of pocket while other property owners choose to allow the insurance company to take care of it all. Nevertheless responding quickly and efficiently in the restoration of your home may be key to mitigating the overall damage.

Excess rainwater from storms can come into your home and may cause severe damage to your home whether it’s in your basement, first floor, or second floor of your home. Basement flooding is a real danger that may open your space up to potential mold damage if not mitigated and remediated swiftly. These are matters best left to the professionals and your SERVPRO of Burlington crew is available to assist you during your time of need.

The SERVPRO of Burlington service area covers

Burlington
Graham
Elon
Snow Camp
Glen Raven

Your SERVPRO of Burlington team is readily available to assess your fire, water, mold, or storm damage needs if such events arise. We can be contacted at (336) 229-1156.

Mold Mitigation Before It’s Too Late

4/10/2020 (Permalink)

Mold on the ceiling.

Mold in your attic, basement, kitchen, bathroom, essentially anywhere on your property is bad news. Mitigating the effect of mold especially black mold when it occurs is critical to the health of yourself, love ones, and employees in the case of its a place of business. Mold is a terrible fungus that can devolve the integrity of your home making it potentially unlivable and also potentially lowering its value of the property altogether. 

Mold can cause health effects and black mold can possibly cause even more damage. People who already have health issues may see them weather further if not resolved. Therefore the importance of evaluating your property for any standing water, watermarks on your walls, and if your ceiling is appearing to grow wet are potential signs that mold may be occurring. Also, a musty smell, a very unpleasant smell may be present in the home or office. 

If you discover mold of any sort through your property you want to resolve it immediately through mitigation and remediation. Your SERVPRO of Burlington team has a staff of experienced and expert production technicians ready to provide above-average customer service during your time of need. 

SERVPRO of Burlington is available 24/7 to respond to your fire damage, water loss, mold, and proactive cleaning situations and can be reached at 336-299-1156.

Mold Remediation For Your Water Damage Property Part 1

4/6/2020 (Permalink)

Mold underneath the wallpaper.

Now is the right time to evaluate your home for any water damage issues that may have sprouted up and gone unnoticed due to the busyness of everyday life. As people are spending most if not all of their time indoors due to the stay-at-home order the governor issued last month it’s critical that you utilize this time to take into account the vulnerabilities of your home including mold damage. 

Mold is caused when moisture is allowed to build up on walls, ceilings, and flooring. Mold can occur anywhere in your home or place of business, however, it is more likely to occur in bathrooms, kitchens, and your basement. Bathrooms of course due to the possibility of water exiting the bathtub or toilet. Basements may also succumb to water damage and eventually mold due water infiltration from a storm. Broken and overwhelmed pipes may also burst to cause water damage to your basement possibly leading to mold in that part of your home. 

Mold remediation is one of the SERVPRO of Burlington’s specialties. We have years of expertise and experience in the field to best assess your circumstances. Providing your best solution to safeguard your property’s integrity as well as the health of your family. 

Stay tuned for more content chronicling the effects of mold damage on your property and your health. Reminding you of the importance of mitigating the effects quickly and efficiently. 

SERVPRO of Burlington is available 24/7 to respond to your water loss situations and can be reached at 336-299-1156. 

Critical Points For Your Next Commercial Cleaning

4/2/2020 (Permalink)

Biohazard sign

We’re living in quite stressful times at the moment and no one is sure when the effects of COVID-19 may subside. Nevertheless, life will go on and your employees will eventually return back to their workplaces whether it’s an office, factory, or retail space. Minimizing the opportunity for infectious diseases to take hold in those spaces is crucial to protect the health of your staff. Choosing to hire an experienced and knowledgeable commercial cleaning company to proactively disinfect your property before your team returns to work is a necessary investment.

Before hiring on a commercial cleaning company there are five important characteristics you want to utilize.

1. Hire a reputable company with experience in biohazard cleanup and remediation.

2. The company is trained and has access to proper protective equipment.

3. Utilizes an EPA recognized hospital-grade disinfectant.

4. Comfortable giving upfront work protocols and pricing.

5. Successful track record of meeting client’s needs.

Your SERVPRO of Burlington team is readily available to assess your needs if such events arise. We can be contacted at (336) 229-1156.

Measuring The Severity Of Your Water Loss

3/30/2020 (Permalink)

Flooded kitchen inside a residence.

Encountered a water loss can certainly put a damper on your plans for the weekend or the vacation you were planning for later on in the year. Whether the loss was caused due to factors from a severe rainstorm that battered your neighborhood earlier in the week. A sewage backup that you weren’t expecting to occur or an accidental overuse of a water output source. That water output source could be a sink, toilet, or bathtub that was left on and ran over caused your bathroom or kitchen to be flooded. In such trying times it’s quite easy to become overwhelmed with the situation. 

SERVPRO of Burlington wants to serve you well and in our efforts to do will provide you an insight into several of the terms you’ll hear our crew use once we’ve arrived on the scene. 

Category 1/Cat 1 - This is relatively clean water in the sense that the source was from a sink, bathtub faucet, or showerhead where the water has no measurable contaminants. 

Category 2/Cat 2 - Water in this category does contain contaminants such as microorganisms which may cause sickness. Many cases result from an overflow of a toilet bowl. 

Category 3/Cat 3 - Water is heavily contaminated with harmful bacteria and other toxic agents. This includes sewage, standing water, and water infiltration from rivers and streams into your property. 

SERVPRO of Burlington is available 24/7 to respond to your water loss situations and can be reached at 336-299-1156. 

Reacting Quickly To Water Damage In Your Home

3/26/2020 (Permalink)

Flooded living room in a home.

Experiencing any sort of damage to your property is a rough and often times stressful situation. Having to file a claim with your insurance provider, interact with an agent, and schedule a meeting with an adjuster are all scenarios people want to avoid in their lives. Unfortunately, these circumstances due occur although even in the midst of the craziness of property damage claim to be knowledgeable of the process and jargon utilized will do you well in the long run. 

One of the most common causes of damage to an owner’s property is water infiltration. A storm rolling through the area may cause massive amounts of flooding. Floodwaters can invade your home and wreak havoc on your flooring. There are various types of flooring and some homes may have different types depending on the room. From carpeting to hardwoods and vinyl to tile each is assessed differently according to the severity of the damage. Having a basement flooded also requires further evaluation because it exists underground and is more susceptible to water damage.

In such situations whether through the storm, flood, sewage backup, or accidentally leaving a faucet on. It’s critical as an owner you react swiftly and not allow the water damage to take hold in your property. Failure to react efficiently may result in further water loss to your property. 

SERVPRO of Burlington is available 24/7 to respond to your water loss situations and can be reached at 336-299-1156.

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need

3/20/2020 (Permalink)

COVID-19 Basic Molecular Graphic

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. Our local SERVPRO has experience in resolving biohazard situations and has also received certifications from the IICRC. 

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 performs on a daily basis. Here at our local SERVPRO of Burlington we’ve partnered with authorities when encountering such situations. 

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, ad 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 Burlington,  (336) 229-1156.

Proper Cleanup and Disinfectant Procedures For Your Home or Office

3/16/2020 (Permalink)

In recent weeks the CDC has reported increasing cases of COVID-19 impacting the United States. COVID-19 is a respiratory disease that is spread mainly from person to person through respiratory droplets from people who are already infected. During these stressful times it’s critical you take steps to reduce the likelihood of yourself or love one’s becoming infected. 

Starting off from a personal hygiene standpoint remember to cover your mouth with a tissue or paper towel when you cough or sneeze. Immediately throw it in the garbage afterward. Secondly, minimize touching your face. It can be difficult to do and is often a common occurrence throughout the day, however, people seemingly become sick through touching a surface where germs are present then touching their mouths, eyes, or nose, the main entryways of the outside world into a person’s body.

Secondly, be proactive in your cleaning habits for your home. Utilizing CDC approved disinfectants to clean kitchen and bathroom countertops is a great next step. These are high touch surfaces for people especially if you reside in a property where a lot of people are present. Cleaning those surfaces regularly and thoroughly is quintessential in your proactive efforts. 

Your SERVPRO of Burlington team is readily available to assess your needs if such events arise. We can be contacted at (336) 229-1156.

Property Checkup Checklist For Fire Safety

3/4/2020 (Permalink)

Fire flames

This upcoming Sunday, March 4 the entire country minus Arizona will be springing forward an hour. During this time people will adjust schedules and also their analog clocks that don’t automatically add an hour when daylight savings starts. It’s also a great time to do a checkup around the interior and exterior of your property for fire safety precautions. 

The checkup of the interior of your property weather a home or residence should most importantly include the fire alarm. Ensuring that your fire alarm is well maintained and functions correction could protect yourself, family, and employees from dubious harm. Check to ensure that the battery has not died out and that the ringing sound for the alarm is audible to all corners of the property. 

Secondly, check all the windows of your property to ensure they’ll able to be opened easily from the inside. Teach your children how to properly open and close a window so that if the worst does occur they’ll be prepared. 

Lastly, when you sleep it’s best to close your bedroom door including your children’s room. Doing so may prevent a fire from entering your or their room for a portion of time allowing them to escape outdoors through a window.

The SERVPRO of Burlington team can be reached at (336) 229-1156.

A Fresh Cleaning For The Spring

3/2/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO employees cleaning the carpet of a residence.

As the Winter season comes to a close and the new year begins; business owners have a lot of tasks on their list to knock out. One of those bullet points should be a deep cleaning of an office’s carpet and upholstery. Fortunately, your SERVPRO of Burlington team is well equipped to provide an above-average solution to your carpet cleaning and upholstery needs. 

The professional cleaning service the SERVPRO of Burlington is industry certified in several cleaning methods and is ready to service your flooring regardless of its quality status. The hot water extraction is one of the methods our team utilizes for the commercial carpet cleaning service. This method enables our team to remove overzealous odors that may dampen the overall experience of your office spaces and prevents the re-soiling of the carpet, assisting in it’s continued durability.

If you’ve experienced a fire and water damage to your business or home, then call us at SERVPRO of Burlington. We can be reached 24/7 and 365 at (336) 229-1156.

Preparing your home for Winter storms

12/2/2019 (Permalink)

Downtown Greensboro covered in snow. Including the Lincoln Financial Group building, Kress Building, and Washington Street intersection.

Though the official start of Winter isn’t until December 21 it’s imperative that property owners prepare now for severe weather including snowstorms, ice storms, and blizzards. Fortunately, your local SERVPRO of Burlington team is here to offer you tips and advice on how to ensure your residence or office remains comfortable all season long. 

First things first this Winter is to take a close look at the current status of your heating and air conditioning unit. It’s best to hire a certified HVAC technician to inspect your unit for any abnormalities. Routine maintenance is key to preventing a complete breakdown in your system. 

Secondly, check around the outside of your property for any standing water. Check to see if there are proper channels for water to drain away from your property. The build-up of water around your property may contribute to the degradation of your home's foundation. 

Lastly, evaluate the property itself for any damage, cracks, or holes where it may be possible for cold air to seep in. Sealing those holes throughout your property may help in lowering heating costs and keep you warm throughout the Winter season.

How Can Thunderstorms Produce Damaging Winds?

8/9/2019 (Permalink)

Thunderstorms often come with strong winds which have the ability to uproot and knock down trees.

Thunderstorms can be damaging in many ways. Thunderstorms come with lightning which poses the risk of getting struck by lightening or of a tree being struck down with lightening. Where a tree falls when it’s struck can be incredibly dangerous and damaging to your home. If it falls into your roof water can get into your home causing not only roof damage but water damage. Thunderstorms can also cause flooding rains, and hail. Strong thunderstorms often produce gusty winds. Sometimes, these winds are even strong enough to cause substantial damage. Like lightening, they can cause trees to fall. However they can also blow down complete structures, tear apart gardens and more. 

Thunderstorms themselves are just reflections of currents of wind that move up, down, and around through our atmosphere. An upward moving air current that cools and condenses as it rises is what results in the thunderstorm forming. A downward moving air current develops as the storm matures and precipitation begins to fall. Eventually, a downward moving air current will intercept the ground. When it does, it spreads out, just like how the updraft spreads out when it encounters the stratosphere. The spreading out of the downdraft when it reaches the surface is one reason that gusty winds often accompany thunderstorms.  

The second reason gusty winds often accompany thunderstorms is closely connected with the first. As precipitation (moisture) falls through previously unsaturated, dry air, it cools through evaporational cooling. The now cold air becomes much heavier and denser than its surrounding environment and negative buoyancy kicks in. The cold air parcels accelerate towards the ground just like the buoyant air parcels accelerated away from the ground in the updraft. This pocket of cold air will eventually hit the ground and spread out rapidly. This phenomenon can help to intensify bursts of wind associated with downdrafts and, in extreme cases, can result in microbursts- very localized areas of extreme winds that can cause extensive damage.

In extreme cases, a combination of the factors mentioned combined with air temperatures, results in gusty winds that can become very damaging. Winds well over 100mph have been recorded in thunderstorms that have never produced any tornadoes. Straight line winds which lack tornadic rotation, can produce just as much damage as low-moderate strength tornadoes can. It is for this reason that you must watch out if you’re under a severe thunderstorm warning for damaging winds. Thunderstorms can really do some damage! 

If you experience storm damage to your home then give us at SERVPRO of Burlington a call at 336/379-1772. We are here 24/7 and 365 to assist with flooding, and water or roof damage caused by storms. 

Source: Jack Sillin 

What to do When There’s Water Damage to Wood Flooring

8/9/2019 (Permalink)

Water Damage can cause cupping to your wood floors, especially if not taken care of quickly and appropriately.

Flooding can damage wood floors quickly. This is because wood floors have several permeable access points: between seams, breaks in top coating, under baseboards, and through heating registers.

When wood gets wet it swells and cupping can set in. Cupping is easy to spot: the sides of the boards will bow above the center. In many cases, cupping is a sign that flooring will require replacement. The goal though is to try and get to the problem before it can cause cupping or other damage to your flooring. 

As much water as possible needs to removed as quickly as possible. This is where we at SERVPRO of Burlington come in. With our state of the art equipment we get up excess water, then dry the room and your flooring in an attempt to hopefully save your wood floors. 

Depending on the size of the area and what’s available to you at home, towels, mops, and squeegees may be helpful to try and eliminate some water on your own.  However, if the water source is unknown or the result of a sewage backup, do not attempt to remove the water on your own. Flood waters may contain dangerous pathogens, bacteria, and organic matter. Instead, call us at SERVPRO of Burlington to ensure a safe and thorough cleanup.

If you are able to entirely remove the water on your own, and want to try and mitigate the problem on your own, then the next step would be to vigorously scrub the same areas with a dry brush or broom to loosen any dirt or debris that remains. Next you’d want to clean and sanitize your floors before you can begin to dry them. 

When cleaning your floors, make sure to avoid all soap-based (sudsy) cleaners, wax, or steam cleaners to disinfect your hardwood floors. Mix your preferred detergent according to package directions. Wash the floor in sections to avoid further water damage. Apply the detergent mixture to all affected areas. Remove any residual water as you go.

Even after all standing water has been removed, there’s still plenty of moisture left to cause damage. You’ll need a professional-grade dehumidifier to begin the drying process—a personal use dehumidifier will not suffice. You’ll have to call around to rent one or call in SERVPRO of Burlington. You may need more than one dehumidifier depending on the size of the space and the damage to it. They’ll need to be left on and running undisturbed for at least 24 hours.

Along with dehumidifiers, you can arrange several large fans to encourage more air flow. Direct the fans toward the floor and move them around as needed. If you have central AC, turn that on as well. Depending on the weather outside, open the windows. Don’t forget though that that the purpose of this step is to dehumidify. So, if humidity is high outside, open windows just a few inches. The drying process can take weeks, depending on several factors. The only way to know it’s completely dry is to buy a moisture meter and test the affected areas. 

If you’re unable to successfully mitigate water damage on hardwood floors, you may need professional assistance in removing damaged flooring, mitigating mold and mildew, and restoring your property to like-new condition.

At SERVPRO of Burlington we make it “Like it never happened." Call us 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 336-379-1772 for immediate relief and emergency water damage services.

Steps To Take After Experiencing a Storm With Storm Damage

7/27/2019 (Permalink)

Storms can cause damage to your home such as flooding, roof damage and downed trees

Storm damage can occur at any time since storms themselves can occur at anytime and are often at times unpredictable. Storms can build up strength before arriving, and even the smallest of storms can have unexpectedly high winds. Heavy rains can cause flooding and powerful winds can cause roof damage and downed trees on your property. In part of this, storms can cause an extreme amount of damage to your home.

Some post-storm damage can create safety and health hazards as well, so having a plan in place to deal with damage, for if you stay or for when you return, will help you to be ready to take any necessary steps immediately after a storm.

It’s important to take safety precautions both before and after a storm. For your own safety it is best to evacuate prior to any major storm if told to do so. Definitely heed all warnings and take them seriously. While with their unpredictability storms can also diminish or turn course and avoid you, the risk is far too great and not worth taking. Heavy winds and rain can create physical hazards such as collapsed roofing materials, window damage, collapsed walls or standing water in the basement or home interior. In addition, moisture can soak into furniture, carpeting, and building materials making the perfect environment for mold growth that can cause health issues. Never walk (or drive) through any flood or standing water after a storm. Hazards such as broken glass, sharp broken pieces of wood or metal or other sharp objects such as nails can be hidden within the water. Serious injury or worse, can be a result of walking through (or driving through) any flood or standing water after a storm. If you smell gas and the gas line is accessible then shut off the main gas line. If it is not accessible then call for help and remove yourself and anyone else from the property if possible. Already having evacuated to, or having an alternate place to stay in case of damage is a good idea as it may be necessary for you to live elsewhere while your property is being restored to safe and inhabitable conditions. 

Contact a reputable and experienced restoration company such as us here at SERVPRO of Burlington. We will help do basic tasks to secure your property and make it safe to use and live in again. We will also take photographs for you of the damage so that it is recorded for your insurance company and can be provided to them for compensation. It is not usually safe for you to risk moving around the home in order to take photographs, so at SERVPRO we do this for you. 

Reach out to your insurance company. Contacting your insurance agent to notify them about the damage to your home immediately even if you cannot provide photos immediately is important to do. The sooner they know of any damage, the sooner they can send out an adjustor to determine the extent of the damage so that payment for repairs can be made.

Look Into Federal Disaster Assistance through FEMA. The federal government may have declared the area your property is in, if widely affected by the storm as a disaster area. You may then be eligible for low-cost loans to help restore your property to normal. You will be required to file documents to receive these loans if they are being offered.

When a storm-related disaster strikes, it may seem overwhelming, and you might feel stressed or hopeless. However these steps can help you to begin the process of restoring your home, and your life, to normal.

If you experience storm damage know and remember that at SERVPRO of Burlington we are here for you 24/7 and 365. We are here to provide you with emergency disaster service and restoration. Just give us a call at 336-379-1772 

Contact SERVPRO of Burlington for Your Restoration Needs

7/27/2019 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO we make it “Like it never even happened.”

At SERVPRO of Burlington, we provide 24-hour emergency disaster service. We specialize in the stabilization and restoration of homes and businesses that have suffered small or large losses from water, flood, wind, storm, fire and smoke disasters. 

Our highly trained technicians along with our state of the art equipment and our having over 20 years of experience, makes us the ones to call if you experience water damage, storm damage, fire damage or have mold. No job is too large or too small for us and our team. At SERVPRO we make it “Like it never even happened.” 

We work efficiently, safely and effectively to restore your property to its pre damage condition. We also will take all necessary photographs to be provided to your insurance company so that they may reimburse you for any damages. 

If you experience any water damage, storm damage, fire damage or mold then just give us at SERVPRO of Burlington a call at 336-379-1772. We are able to be reached and can assist you 24/7 and 365. 

To Insurance, Is It Flood Damage or Water Damage?

7/27/2019 (Permalink)

Knowing if it’s flood damage or water damage makes all the difference in making your insurance claim

To an insurance company, there is a very big difference between what’s considered flood damage and what’s considered water damage. Your basement has flooded but is that considered a flood or will they consider that water damage? 

Floods are caused by nature and generally effect more than one home (there are exceptions for large rural properties). Everything else, from broken pipes to leaking HVAC equipment, to drains not working properly, is water damage.

While most homeowners insurance policies cover water damage, not all policies cover flood damage. So it’s important to be very clear with your insurance company about which type of damage your home has experienced so that they can guide you to the right forms and provide you with the right coverage. If you aren’t clear you may not only receive the wrong forms but may also have your claim denied. 

If you experience flood damage or water damage then give us a call at SERVPRO of Burlington at 336-379-1772. We are here for you 24/7 and 365 in order to assist you with restoration. We also photograph the damage for you so that it is recorded for you to provide to your insurance company.  

Some Causes of Basement Flooding and How to Determine

7/26/2019 (Permalink)

Basement flooding can have many causes.

Basements can have a tendency to flood. Here are some ways to help prevent your basement from flooding and also tips to help determine the cause. 

When you have a flooding problem in your basement you want to determine where it can be coming from, and the cause. Start first at the eaves troughs and downspouts, and then look at your landscaping and foundation drainage. You want to make sure everything is moving water away from your home and not gathering it into puddles or keeping it near the house. Next move on to check your sewer/sanitary drains and then finally check the interior plumbing. Take a look at your water heater. 

1. Always keep the gutters and downspouts around your home clean of debris, check for cracks (especially at the connections).  Have the downspouts out 6’ from your foundation.  If they still spill over in heavy rains replace them with a larger size. Check often to ensure water is moving away from your house. 
2. The ground around your home settles. When this happens it’ll slope towards your foundation. Fill it in and grade the lot so it slopes away from the house at least 6’. That’ll help prevent water from pooling in puddles around your home. 
3. It’s not easy to determine whether or not you have weeping tile problems, but if the source of the water can’t be found it’s probably time to hire a company with a camera to snake the drains and see if you have a crushed tile or plug.  This would also determine if this is in the sanitary or storm drain.  (Usually if water or sewer is coming up through your drains in the floor or through a basement shower drain this is external backup).
4. Monitor, clean and maintain your Sump Pump.  Make sure the discharge pipe is free of debris and discharged out into your property where it can be absorbed, such as your lawn or garden.  Next, make sure the pit is cleaned each year as the weeping tiles can carry small amounts of sand or debris into the pit.  Check and test your pump each and every spring (can check yourself by pouring water into the pit until the pump kicks on).  Make it a point to remove and clean the pump once a year.  Always disconnect the power source before you begin working on the pump to protect your safety. Check once a month for debris in the pit. A good back up for your sump pump is a battery backup that will kick on in case you should lose power from a storm.  There are a variety of backups  to choose from. Some even have an audible alarm or can call your phone to notify you of a power outage.  There is also a backwater valve that prevents sewage from backing up into your basement, ask a plumbing company for more information about it. 
5. Look at your water heater for any cracks or leaks. 

If your basement does experience flooding then call us at SERVPRO of Burlington at 336-379-1772. We are available 24/7 and 365 days a year to assist you with water damage in your home.

How to Help Prevent a Fire In Your Home

7/26/2019 (Permalink)

Taking the proper precautions and being prepared for a house fire are key to preventing a fire and ensuring safety

According to the National Fire Protection Agency, NFPA, U.S. fire departments respond to a home fire every 24 seconds. That’s over 1,000 fires a day! Home fires can occur for a variety of reasons, but many are preventable, Cooking that’s left unattended accounts for more than half of home fires, followed by heating equipment, electrical malfunction, intentional fires and smoking materials are the top and most common causes of house fires. While house fires are not 100 percent preventable, you can take some necessary steps today and every day to reduce your risk of a house fires in your home. 

Here’s how to reduce your risk of a house fire:

• Install and maintain smoke alarms on every floor of your home and within every bedroom. Roughly 50% of house fire deaths occur during the night while people are sleeping.
• Never leave food cooking unattended, especially deep fryers and other frying equipment.
• Avoid using portable and fixed space heaters, as heating equipment is the second leading cause of house fire deaths.
• Have a fire plan that gets you out of your home in less than two minutes and practice it. Ensure that your family and anyone else living in your home know the fire plan and how to evacuate quickly and safely. 
• Avoid smoking in the house.
• Never leave lit candles unattended. 
• Never leave fire places with lit fires or embers unattended. 
• Keep matches and lighters away from children. 
• Store flammable liquids or materials properly and away from children, heat sources or appliances. 

Should your home experience a fire it’ll result in fire damage. At SERVPRO of Burlington we are here for you in case of fire damage. With our state of the art equipment, and highly trained technicians, we are able to assist with cleanup, soot removal, cleaning the air in your home, removing debris and restoring your home and belongings. Just give us at SERVPRO of Burlington a call at 336-379-1772. We are available 24/7 and 365. 

Types of Fire Alarms For In Your Home

7/26/2019 (Permalink)

Fire alarms should be installed in many locations throughout your home

When looking to purchase and instal fire alarms, you’ll notice there are many different brands of smoke alarms to choose from. Mainly they fall under just two categories: ionization and photoelectric. Ionization alarms activate quickly in response to flaming, fast moving fires; while photoelectric alarms are quicker at detecting smoldering, smoky fires. Because fires are so unpredictable, manufacturers have also developed smoke alarms that combine both ionization and photoelectric technologies into one unit. These are called dual sensor alarms. 

According to the U.S Fire Administration, you should install smoke alarms on every single floor of your home, as well as in every bedroom, and in the hallway outside of each sleeping area. You should also consider installing smoke alarms in often-forgotten places like basements, attics, utility rooms, and/or garages.

Smoke alarms should be placed on the ceiling or high on a wall. It’s important to check the manufacturer’s instructions for further information regarding the best place to install your smoke alarm. If you choose hardwired smoke alarms, be sure to have them installed by a qualified electrician so that you’re ensured they’re installed properly. If not installed properly, you run the risk of them not working when you need them to. 

Smoke alarms are either battery operated or hard-wired to your home’s electrical system. Regardless if whether your smoke alarm is battery operated or hard-wired, NFPA recommends that you test your smoke alarm regularly, on a monthly basis. It’s also important to know that battery operated alarms can either utilize 9-volt batteries or long-life lithium batteries. The batteries in 9-volt alarms should be replaced at least once a year, but you should consider changing them every six months instead. A good rule of thumb is to replace your 9-volt batteries when you set your clocks for the start of Daylight Savings Time and then again when Daylight Savings Time ends. Batteries in hard-wired smoke alarms should be replaced once a year, while long-life lithium batteries (as the name implies) can last up to 10-years. Note – you cannot and should not replace lithium batteries. Instead, replace the entire smoke alarm (according to the manufacturer’s requirements). 

Should you experience a fire resulting in fire damage then give us at SERVPRO of Burlington a call at 336-379-1772. We are available 24/7 and 365 in order to assist you in restoring your home after a fire. 

Why You Should Choose SERVPRO of Burlington

7/26/2019 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Burlington we are here for you 24/7 and 365

At SERVPRO of Burlington, we are here 24/7 and 365 with our fast response time. We understand that a fast response time is crucial when dealing with a fire or water damage event. A fast response can limit further damage to your property, and potentially reduce restoration costs.

At SERVPRO of Burlington we know that you'll need to continue on with your lives as cleanup and restoration is performed. We'll coordinate with you to best allow for your normal routines to continue and will safely isolate the cleanup area from you.

SERVPRO of Burlington we also provides a host of other restoration services in addition to water and fire restoration. We’ve become experts in dealing with mold removal, storm damage, and even the isolation and cleanup of biohazards. No job is too big or too small for us at SERVPRO. We scale our response teams and equipment to best suit any given situation. 

There's no way to know when disaster will strike, costing you money in damages and disrupted operations. When and if catastrophe finds your home or business, you'll be glad to have the peace of mind that comes with knowing the experts at SERVPRO of Burlington are here for you 24/7 and 365. Just give us a call at 336-379-1772. 

Prevent Water Damage to Your Commercial Building

7/26/2019 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Burlington we are here for you 24/7 and 365

Ensuring that your business is able to run and function smoothly should always be a priority. Water damage can pose a major threat to business operations. If not taken care of immediately, even a minor water issue can lead to invasive and extensive damage such as mold growth and structural damage. Mold has the potential to make the damage increasingly worse, heighten repair costs, and affect the health of you and your employees. There are cases where water damage just cannot be avoided, such as with natural disasters. However, most cases of water damage can absolutely be avoided if commercial property owners take the proper precautionary measures in order to do so. Follow the tips below and do your best to prevent water leaks in your commercial property.

Schedule Routine Inspections

Paying attention to the property that your business is in is just as important as paying mind to the business itself. Make sure to routinely inspect the building’s pipes, plumbing, fire sprinklers, structure, and roof to make sure everything is as it should be or catch potential issues before they worsen. Wear and tear are completely normal and common in any building but should be addressed by a professional when noticed.

Maintain Your Property With A Professional 

The more often you have regular maintenance to your property, the lesser the chance you have for any issues arising. While you may not notice any alarming concerns on your own, it does not mean that everything is ok. Leaks and damage can occur in hidden areas, behind walls, and can cause water damage to your property that is also unnoticeable. A professional can find these hidden issues and make sure they are properly taken care of. 

Check and Clean Your Rain Gutters

Just as you should around your home, you should constantly check and clean your rain gutters around your business. Rain gutters are designed to redirect excess water away from your property but when they are not cleaned regularly they can get clogged with leaves and other debris causing them to clog and not be efficient. This can cause water to leak into your building either through the foundation or the roof. Water damage that occurs this way can oftentimes extend from your roofing all the way through your insulation, walls, flooring, and foundation. Keeping your gutters clean and free for water to pass through can prevent a major disaster from happening.

Upgrades and Repairs

Consider upgrading your fixtures and pipes to make sure they are able to handle the frequent and excessive usage so that they do not wear out. An inspection by a professional will help to determine what should be upgraded in your building. You need to act fast though because the longer water damage goes unaddressed, the more the damage will spread, worsen, and will likely lead to mold growth.

In the event that you or a professional comes across water damage in your commercial building, you should contact us at SERVPRO of Burlington. Just give us a call at 336-379-1772 We are here for you 24/7 and 365 to assist with water extraction, structural drying, damage repair and more. 

How to Best Prevent Water Damage to Your Commercial Building

7/26/2019 (Permalink)

For commercial water damage just give us at SERVPRO of Burlington a call

Ensuring that your business is able to run and function smoothly should always be a priority. Water damage can pose a major threat to business operations. If not taken care of immediately, even a minor water issue can lead to invasive and extensive damage such as mold growth and structural damage. Mold has the potential to make the damage increasingly worse, heighten repair costs, and affect the health of you and your employees. There are cases where water damage just cannot be avoided, such as with natural disasters. However, most cases of water damage can absolutely be avoided if commercial property owners take the proper precautionary measures in order to do so. Follow the tips below and do your best to prevent water leaks in your commercial property.

Schedule Routine Inspections

Paying attention to the property that your business is in is just as important as paying mind to the business itself. Make sure to routinely inspect the building’s pipes, plumbing, fire sprinklers, structure, and roof to make sure everything is as it should be or catch potential issues before they worsen. Wear and tear are completely normal and common in any building but should be addressed by a professional when noticed.

Maintain Your Property With A Professional 

The more often you have regular maintenance to your property, the lesser the chance you have for any issues arising. While you may not notice any alarming concerns on your own, it does not mean that everything is ok. Leaks and damage can occur in hidden areas, behind walls, and can cause water damage to your property that is also unnoticeable. A professional can find these hidden issues and make sure they are properly taken care of. 

Check and Clean Your Rain Gutters

Just as you should around your home, you should constantly check and clean your rain gutters around your business. Rain gutters are designed to redirect excess water away from your property but when they are not cleaned regularly they can get clogged with leaves and other debris causing them to clog and not be efficient. This can cause water to leak into your building either through the foundation or the roof. Water damage that occurs this way can oftentimes extend from your roofing all the way through your insulation, walls, flooring, and foundation. Keeping your gutters clean and free for water to pass through can prevent a major disaster from happening.

Upgrades and Repairs

Consider upgrading your fixtures and pipes to make sure they are able to handle the frequent and excessive usage so that they do not wear out. An inspection by a professional will help to determine what should be upgraded in your building. You need to act fast though because the longer water damage goes unaddressed, the more the damage will spread, worsen, and will likely lead to mold growth.

In the event that you or a professional comes across water damage in your commercial building, you should contact us at SERVPRO of Burlington. Just give us a call at 336-379-1772 We are here for you 24/7 and 365 to assist with water extraction, structural drying, damage repair and more. 

Troubleshooting Process for Sprinkler Malfunctions

7/1/2019 (Permalink)

Sprinkler malfunctions can lead to irrigation issues and cause your business to flood

Finding the cause of a problem with your irrigation system is extremely important. Irrigation issues inevitably lead to bigger issues, such as destroyed landscaping, or worse, flooding of your property. Once water gets built up in your landscaping it’ll also seep into your building which can not only destroy some of your office furniture, but inventory, files, and not to mention it’ll disrupt your day to day business. If enough water gets in, you may need to close down your business operations to customers during the time in which it takes to clear the water out and to restore your property.

When sprinklers malfunction, there are several steps you can go through to determine what the underlying cause may be. A number of things can cause irrigation issues. For instance, if some of the components are poor or worn out, you are likely to experience leaks. Perhaps there’s a rock blocking the water’s path, causing the system to have to work harder in order to get the flow to the sprinkler.

Determine Scope of Problem.

Is your whole system out, or is it just malfunctioning in one zone? If, for example, pressure is low in one zone, a pipe in that zone could be clogged. If, however, it is low everywhere, the problem is probably closer to the main source. Determining how large the problem is can help you narrow down the causes quickly.

It is a good idea to contact a qualified professional to help you determine the cause if it’s not immediately evident.

Determine the Type of Problem:

Irrigation problems often tend to fall within two main categories. Hydraulic problems or electrical problems.

Hydraulic problems- are the result of an issue with the way the equipment works. So, if some of the components are poor or worn out it’ll cause the sprinklers to not work properly. There could also be a cut in a pipe, debris in the line or a technical problem with one or several of the sprinkler heads.

Electrical problems – are caused if the components are not getting the power, they need to operate it. Checking the timer or making sure that the irrigation system is fueled from a working outlet can be some of the first things you do when you suspect that the problem is electrical. It is not recommended to try and fix any electrical problem yourself. Should you notice the connection is not working and suspect the outlet is not working then contact an electrician.

Should your irrigation system cause flooding into your business, then call us at SERVPRO of Burlington North. We are here for you 24/7 and 365 days a year and can be reached at 336-379-1772. We will remove and dry up any water. We want to salvage and save your floors from further damage. If any flooring or furniture is damaged by the flooding, we will assist in its removal so that your flooring can be replaced.

Why You Should Choose SERVPRO in Case of Flooding

6/27/2019 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Burlington we are here for you 24/7 and 365 days a year for your emergency losses

What would you do if you came home from vacation to find your home flooded by water? Perhaps a pipe burst, a toilet ran over, or bad weather got indoors. There are many ways water can flood your home. If the flooding is septic, can contain contaminants or debris, first remove yourself from the home. If water is not septic, full of contaminants or debris, and you can make your way safely through it to determine the source then do so. If it’s an appliance, shut off your water. The next thing you need to do is not to panic! Instead think about who it is that can help in this type of situation?

Lots of people tend to think that they should call a contractor since they build houses, but there’s a big difference between a general contractor and a restoration contractor. At SERVPRO of Burlington, we are a professional water restoration company. Therefore, we try to restore, rather than replace. Most contractors try to replace everything that is affected, such as flooring, drywall, cabinets and even furniture.

At SERVPRO of Burlington our highly trained technicians are certified and qualified in drying and cleaning water damage to IICRC industry standards. The average dry time is 3-5 days and we only remove materials that can’t be dried by our protocol. Restoring your home is far more cost efficient than replacing materials in your home. With our focus on salvaging all we can, and on restoring all we can versus replacing, we are the ones you should call. We work with all home insurance carriers and are here to help you 24/7 and 365 days a year for your emergency losses. Just give us a call at 336-379-1772.

Smoke and Soot Facts You Should Know

6/27/2019 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot can be invasive as they spread far beyond the flames and throughout your property

Fires happen and quickly! A fire increases in size every 60 seconds. The aftermath of a fire can be very invasive. While the flames themselves may be extinguished before reaching throughout your entire property, they come along with smoke and soot. Smoke and soot can penetrate various cavities within your home, reaching far beyond the flames and can cause hidden damage and odor throughout. 

Hot smoke will migrate to cooler areas and upper levels of your property. The smoke will flow around your plumbing systems, seeping through holes and vents, allowing it to go from floor to floor and from room to room. 

There are many different types of smoke. Therefore, there are also different types of soot residue. Therefore, the type of fire greatly affects the restoration process. 

Wet Smoke - Plastics and rubbers

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary with smoke webs that can be difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke - Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises and so does the smoke

Protein Fire Residue

• Virtually invisible, discolors paint and varnishes, extreme pungent odor, and is usually a result of cooking

Since each fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution to restore your property. At SERVPRO of Burlington our fire damage restoration expertise and experience allows us to accurately assess the extent of the damage. Our highly skilled technicians along with our state of the art equipment helps to get your property back to pre existing conditions.

At SERVPRO of Burlington we are here to make it “Like it never even happened." Just give us a call at 336-379-1772. We are here for you 24/7 and 365. 

Time is of The Essence When it Comes to Your Business

6/25/2019 (Permalink)

When your business experiences water damage, fire damage, or mold SERVPRO of Burlington is here to make it "Like it never even happened".

Business interruptions can happen which are beyond our control. When they do, it can be not only disruptive, but upsetting and frustrating as well. An interruption in your business, can cause a loss of income and put your work and business behind.  When interruption to your business are the result from water damage, fire damage, mold growth or other emergency, the interruption can be devastating. The longer a business is offline due to an emergency the more customers they stand to lose to competitors.  These customers are almost impossible to get back once you lose them, time is of the essence when an event takes place. 

An immediate response along with proper and efficient mitigation are key to getting your business back up and running.  Minimal demolition requires an immediate response.  The longer that materials can stay in water or exposed to smoke, than the more damage that will occur to these materials. That in turn then increases the need for demolition. Minimal Demolition is what saves on the reconstruction needs and further disruption after we at SERVPRO of Burlington leave the site. Therefore, calling and getting help immediately is crucial.

Being a Leader in the Commercial Restoration industry requires a lot more than simply drying a building up after a water damage or cleaning up after a fire.  It involves putting in place the right strategy for getting the business back up and running as quickly as possible.  At SERVPRO of Burlington we are experienced. With over 20 years of experience in the mitigation and restoration of commercial properties of all shapes and sizes.  From everything from Mall Businesses, to Museums, to small local business, we have a long history of dealing with business interruptions. We work safely, efficiently, and quickly to get businesses back up and running.

At SERVPRO of Burlington we are here for you 24/7 and 365 days a year. If your business experiences a water damage, fire damage, storm damage, or has mold than give us a call at 336-379-1772.

How To Monitor Your Home During Warmer Weather For Damage From Cooler Weather

6/24/2019 (Permalink)

Pipes can be damaged during cooler temperatures. Checking for damage can help prevent water damage.

While warmer weather is something many of us look forward to, it can bring with it some problems left behind and created by the cooler seasons before it. As seasons change, you should monitor your home and check to see how weather and cooler temperatures have affected it. Even after a very milder winter, it is still critical to assess your homes exterior to make sure the cold weather hasn’t left you with any property damage.

By monitoring your home for the signs of water damage, it allows you to make sure that any problems are resolved before significant damage occurs. Signs of damage include water stains, cracks, mold and mildew, or damp and musty smells. Should you find any signs of damage, it’s  important to react quickly and take the necessary steps to prevent the damage from getting worse.

There are several common areas to inspect in which damage often occurs. Places to check for potential damage, include your roof and gutter system, foundation and yard, plumbing system and your homes exterior. From the top down these areas could see potential damage from the cooler seasons.

Roof and Gutter System Damage:

The purpose of your roof and gutter system is to remove excess water from your property to prevent damage. High winds, hail and winter storms can tear off or destroy shingles and ice can obstruct the flow of water in gutters and downspouts, allowing water to breach the structure. Winter weather elements can cause holes in your roof from wind or branches. Hail or other debris can cause indentations and divots that overtime can lead to ice and moisture damage. Heavy buildup of ice on your roof can cause your gutters and downspouts to separate from your roofline, disrupting the flow of water and cause water intrusion and damage to the inside of your home or business. Check your roof, gutters and downspouts for visible damage, debris and to make sure that they are functioning properly. Test your gutters to make sure they are functioning properly, and that they drain at least 10 feet away from your home. 

Window, Door and Exterior Damage:

Cold temperatures, and the weather they bring, can take a toll on the structure of your home. Everything from your homes doors, windows and your homes exterior can be affected. Without proper repair to affected areas, peeling paint, cracks in sealant and other damage can lead to moisture and water damage. After winter passes, damaged paint should be removed, primed, sealed and repainted. Cracks and air leaks should be sealed and repaired to prevent more devastating damage later. Any missing exterior siding should be replaced before to prevent additional water and structural damages.

Foundation and Other Drainage Problems:

As crazy as it sounds, winter weather has an effect on your homes foundation and yard. Hairline cracks can develop naturally in the concrete of your homes foundation. Over time these cracks can expand, causing major structural damage if not properly taken care of, and quickly. Water can easily find its way into cracks, freeze and make them larger during the cold weather months. Getting your foundation repaired once warmer weather arrives, can help prevent more problems from developing as time goes by. The best way to avoid foundation damage to your home, is to keep moisture moving away from your foundation. Make sure the ground around your home is graded away from your foundation and consider adding a rain garden with rocks or gravel to your property surrounding your home. 

Plumbing Damage:

Plumbing can be damaged by cooler weather. To adequately deliver water to and from your sinks, boiler, and spickets your plumbing system keeps the water forever flowing. However, during cold winter days and nights cracks and stresses can occur and eventually lead to leaks and pipe breaks that can have a damaging effect on your home. While leaving faucets dripping during the coldest weather can help to prevent cracks, it doesn’t always work. Check your  homes plumbing pipes regularly for cracks and leaks. Pay attention most to the pipes that are closest to the outside elements or are in poorly insulated areas such as the basement or crawlspace, or outside walls and attics of your home. Take the opportunity while doing this, to add some additional insulation as a precautionary measure for the future winter weather to come. 

At SERVPRO of Burlington, we are here for you should your home experience any water damage. Just give us a call at 336-379-1772. We are here for you and available to be reached 24/7 and 365 days a year. 

At SERVPRO of Burlington, We Are IIRC Certified. What IIRC Certified Means

6/24/2019 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Burlington we are proud to be not only SERVPRO trainee, but IIRC trained and certified

When it comes to damage to your home or business, you want a company that not only specializes in restoration, but one that’s also experienced and properly trained and certified. 

SERVPRO of Burlington is an IICRC certified firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IIRC) create the standards for the restoration industry and provide 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 and 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.

At SERVPRO of Burlington we specialize in the cleanup and restoration of both residential and commercial properties after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our Owner, Managers and Technicians are highly trained in property damage restoration and we are proud to be 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. At SERVPRO of Burlington, we are even certified by SERVPRO to train other new SERVPRO franchises and their teams. You can be certain that our team is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. 

If you or anyone you know suffers water damage, fire damage, storm damage or mold, than give us a call at 336-379-1772. We are here 24/7 and 365 days a year to assist. 

Why You Should Choose SERVPRO of Burlington

6/24/2019 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO we make it “Like it never even happened”

At SERVPRO of Burlington we are prepared to take on any size or type of disaster. Whether you’ve experienced water damage, storm damage, fire damage or have mold, we have the highly trained and skilled technicians along with state of the art equipment to assist. 

We are equipped with state of the art drying equipment for floods as well as fire cleaning equipment and products. No job is too big for us and our team to handle. 

Our technicians are highly trained to restore your property to its pre-existing condition after a timely mitigation is performed. Being that we are a locally owned and operated, we can respond faster to lessen the damage and to limit further damage. 

At SERVPRO of Burlington we understand the inconvenience of damage and are willing and able to help you 24/7 and 365 days a year. With over 20 years in the community, we are here not only restore your property but to also to restore your lives back to normal. 

Water damage, storm damage or fire damage can cause great loss and havoc. At SERVPRO of Burlington have the expertise and resources to handle any size disaster and can respond immediately. If you have storm, flood or fire damage than give us a call at 336-379-1772 

Tips For Keeping Your Basement Dry

6/23/2019 (Permalink)

Water or moisture in your basement can lead to worse

A wet basement is one of the worst nightmares for a homeowner. Unfortunately, moisture promotes mildew and mold growth. Therefore, what may just appear to be just a tiny trickle or small puddle is actually a warning sign of a much bigger problem. In lieu of this, it is important to keep your basement dry.

Here are some tips on how to keep your basement dry. 

• Even if your basement isn’t finished, paint your walls with a water resistant paint. By painting a water-resistant paint onto the interior walls of your basement, you’ll help to prevent water from seeping through your walls and into your basement. 

• Make sure the ground around the exterior of your home slopes away from your foundation. If the slope is toward the basement, water can flow through the foundation and into your basement. 

• Install gutters and downspouts around your home. Gutters help catch water flowing from your roof and guide it away from your home. This prevents water from falling off the roof and landing on the surface area directly adjacent to your foundation.

• Place rocks or gravel around the base or foundation of your home. Rocks or gravel  help to absorb water, which can prevent excess water from seeping into your home. 

• Lots of people have appliances such as water heaters or washing machines in their basements. It is best to constantly inspect these to make sure they are working properly and not leaking. It is also best to make sure all of your appliances such as washers and dryers vent to the outside. As appliances vent, they produce hot air. When the hot air they vent comes into contact with cool air in your basement, condensation can often form. By venting your appliances to the outside of your home, prevents this from happening, which keeps your basement dry.

• A great appliance to add to your basement is a dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers are great for keeping humidity low in a basement. It can effectively reduce the amount of moisture in the air, which will work towards preventing mold and mildew growth. 

Keeping your basement dry will not only reduce mold and mildew growth, but will therefore also make it a safer area for you and your family. Even if your just using your basement for storage, you and your family are exposed to mold when it grows anywhere within your home. When water intrudes and gets inside, mold can accumulate in as little as 48 hours. If your basement is already wet or you notice mold or mildew growth, you need a professional to help you with clean-up. It needs to be done properly and safely. At SERVPRO of Burlington we are here for you 24/7 and 365 days a year. Just give us a call at 336-379-1772 

What To Do After A Fire

6/17/2019 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Burlington we can board up your doors and windows after a fire in order to protect your home and belongings from intruders

Fires can be very scary and traumatizing to most people. Once out safely, many experience a mixture of emotions and are then left wondering what to do next and how to get it done.

Here are some simple steps to do and be aware of after a fire.

1. Review with authorities such as police and fire departments as to when its safe to enter the home after the fire. Do not go in until you’ve been cleared by authorities to do so. The fire should be completely extinguished, and precautionary measures taken to make sure the structure is deemed “safe” to enter. 

2. Knowing who to contact is important. After the fire department leaves and the dust has settled, you’ll want to first call your home owners insurance carrier and advise them of the situation. A claim number will be provided to you along with contact information to a claim representative to assist you. 

3. You’ll then want to contact a clean up company that specifically specializes in not only cleaning, but in restoration after a fire.  At SERVPRO of Burlington, we can efficiently and professionally assist you with the process from the cleaning to the restoration. We are here to sort through and discard debris while salvaging as much of your home and belongings as possible. We clean the smoke and soot from throughout. You should always hire a professional company like us at SERVPRO of Burlington to do a thorough cleaning and to remove personal property of all soot, smoke and odor. 

4. You’ll want to make sure your property is secure. That is another thing that we at SERVPRO of Burlington handle for you. When a property isn’t secure its possible it could be robbed for remaining property. It can also result in trespassing where another individual can possibly become injured on the property. Boarding up the home properly helps to deter anyone from breaking in and trespassing. 

At SERVPRO of Burlington, we are here to assist you. Interior and exterior damage will most likely have occurred if you’ve had a fire, and it’ll all need to be addressed. We can be reached  24/7 and 365 at 336-379-1772. 

Hidden Storm Dangers

6/17/2019 (Permalink)

Many dangers hide inside of standing flood waters.

Severe weather storms such as severe thunderstorms, hurricanes and tornadoes devastate different regions across the country and world every year. Unfortunately, some of the biggest dangers caused by storms can occur after the storm has already passed. In addition to a lack of supplies and road closures, standing flood water that results from these storms, can cause serious health risks to you, your family and any pets. 

Some of the most severe problems floods can bring, other than damage to your home or office, are as follows: 

Health Dangers

Standing flood water has many health risks. The CDC has a section detailing all of the possible diseases that become more likely in the event of a storm disaster, including Norovirus and the West Nile Virus. Contracting things like bacterial infections and diseases become a much greater possibility when there’s standing water. That’s because flood water can literally infect everything it touches. When flood water can so easily spread out along large areas, this means that the more water, the greater the threat of danger. Anything in its path that it comes into contact with,  such as articles of clothing to children’s toys, pets toys can become infected with disease from the water. For this reason, it is incredibly important to not to drink or eat anything that has been contaminated by standing flood water, and to always wash your hands as often as possible- especially before you eat. You don’t want to put anything into your mouth, or touch anything you’ll be eating unless you’ve first washed your hands to try and eliminate risk. In addition, open wounds pose a much greater risk of becoming infected as a result of storm waters. If at all possible, do whatever you can to keep open wounds out of the water or cover with waterproof bandages. You can otherwise end up with an infection which can potentially lead to something worse. 

Physical Hazards

Disease isn't the only invisible hazard that can exist within standing water. Murky water can also conceal dangerous insects or even threatening animals beneath the surface that you cannot see. A lot of this depends on the location of the storm, but it's not unheard of for alligators, crocodiles, snakes, sharks, and other dangerous animals,  to make use of a new habitat resulting from a storm. Where flood waters go, they can and often do them look to inhabit. In addition, much of the physical damage caused by a storm is still present in the water. Some debris you’ll see floating before you, but some will fall deep into the flood waters and can be very damaging if you are to step on it. This can include broken glass or sharp metal which might be impossible to see in the water before it causes injury to you. There’s also the fact that these storms  frequently cause damage to power lines. That can lead to a risk of electrocution in standing water. Power lines can fall into it and remain active at their source. Not all electricity will cut off in a storm so seeing a line down doesn’t mean the power is cut off. Flood water also poses the possibility of causing drowning, whether people are in their cars or trying to swim across. It is best to never try and drive or wade through flood waters. Aside from the risks already mentioned, you also never know how deep water is in some parts. It is not worth the risk to try and get through the waters. It is best to evacuate yourself, your family and your pets when warnings come and before the floods move in. If unable to evacuate it is best to find a high level of a building or home, or to stay on a roof until help can arrive. 

In case of storm damage or water damage to your home or office, at SERVPRO of Burlington, we are here to assist you. We can be reached  24/7 and 365 at 336-379-1772. 

Are You Really Prepared For Severe Weather ?

6/6/2019 (Permalink)

Be prepared for severe weather and tune in to local weather forecasts and alerts

While no one really likes to think about it, it’s important to remember that when it comes to Mother Nature, disaster can strike at any time. Since most of us don’t really like to think about it, most people are not prepared for it. Even though many may think they are, they often do not have everything they’d need prepared. Being prepared for any emergency will help to alleviate stress when disaster does strike. 

When severe weather threatens, we need to prepare for the possibility of damages occurring not only to ourselves, but also to our home and business.  Thunderstorms, hail, rain, hurricanes, strong winds and tornadoes cause varying degrees of damage. 

An important thing to remember when faced with potential severe weather is to stay informed.

Stay tuned to your local weather report for your area or your destination. Be it via television, their website, their Facebook, or their Twitter, The Weather Channel or local news are good for seeing if there is a chance of severe weather. Often your favorite radio station may keep you informed on weather updates as well. Just make sure you are tuning in to a station that’s local so that weather is up to date specifically for your area.

Remember that storms can often develop quickly and without a lot of advanced warning.  Many storms can also turn from being nearby to where they then otherwise may affect your directly. Know what’s going on nearby.

Severe weather can interrupt plans. You may need to change your plans, or at least wait until the threat of severe weather has passed before being able to go about your day or with any travel plans. Be advised it is not good to go out in severe weather. Stay indoors or underground in a proper “safe zone”. Knowing in advance where to take cover in your home or business if taking cover from strong winds or storms becomes necessary, is key to your safety. Stay away from windows and doors. Do not take cover nearby or close to objects that can harm you if they are to fall onto you. Use caution if you must go out in severe weather. Proceed with extra caution and drive at much slower speeds on roads. Be aware of pooling water and avoid driving on any roads that have even minor flooding.

Having an emergency kit in your home and vehicle can provide you with much-needed necessities if caught without power or if you are stranded. For a complete list of what to prepare in your emergency kit, check out our blog called – It Is Best To Be Prepared For Storms Before They Happen

If you experience any Storm Damage to your home, Water Damage, Fire Damage or Mold, then give us a call at 336-379-1772. At SERVPRO of Burlington, we are here for you 24/7 and 365 days a year.

Tips to Consider When Selecting a Restoration Company

6/5/2019 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO we have the experience, training, equipment and highly skilled technicians to handle your restoration needs safely and properly.

When damage occurs to your property, it can be a very stressful, confusing, and saddening time for the home or business owner. One way to relieve some of that stress and confusion is to know that you are leaving the job of restoring your property in the right hands. Going with not only with a reputable company is important, but also is going with one specifically specializing in restoration. By choosing a qualified restoration company who can answer any questions you have about the restoration process, will help alleviate your concerns. At SERVPRO of Burlington, we guide you through the entire restoration process. All our technicians are highly trained, to restore your property and safely and properly. We use state of the art equipment and safe but effective products. If a restoration project is done incorrectly, it can result in mold growth or other toxic hazards that can cause serious health issues for the anyone in the home or business. If mold is an issue in your home, we can also remediate that.

Before choosing a restoration company, take these tips into consideration:

1. Research and compare. Check reviews. Not only read those reviews but pay attention to if the company responds to ALL reviews, including any which may seem to be negative. If a company is being responsive, it’s because they care and appreciate their customers. The reviews, be it positive or negative, deserve their attention. Negative reviews can also not be what they seem and reading an owner’s response may gain perspective. Often in trying times it’s easy to want to impulsively choose a company just to get the job started and done right away. However, basing your decision with reviews, reputation and referrals in mind can help you to make an educated decision.
2. If you have a friend or family in construction, do not use them. Everyone likes to be able to personally know who may be coming into their home or business. There’s lots of personal space and belongings at stake. It is not the best idea though to hire someone or accept even free services from someone who need to do a job that is beyond their specific skillset. This can harm your relationship with them, and it may take more time and cost more money in the long run. Even construction companies bring in outside electricians, or roofers for instance. Having training and experience where it pertains specifically to the job you need done is key to getting the job done right.
3. Do not select a contractor even if it is the one who built your home. While they can rent or purchase it, a contractor or general contractor, lacks the proper equipment. They also do have the experience and certified training required to perform water mitigation, smoke odor removal, soot removal and restorative cleaning, deodorizing and handling techniques. They may not understand the proper techniques and safety methods for reconstruction and repairs under such unique conditions. They will also not know how to identify and safely handle any hazardous materials or dangerous structural conditions, after a disaster.
4. Do not choose a company with little or no experience dealing with insurance companies. As a policy holder, it is your responsibility to disclose any loss to the insurance company and provide the necessary documentation required to process the claim. In turn, you will need to get an estimate from a restoration company that meets the strict insurance company requirements. An experienced company will know also which formats the insurance company needs an estimate in. If the estimate format does not meet the insurance company standards, it might be rejected.
5. Stay away from companies that specialize mainly in cleaning services. Carpet cleaners, housekeepers, cleaning services are great for every day, small-scale cleaning jobs. When it comes to flooding, water damage, fire, smoke damage, or mold, they don’t have the specific technical capabilities or knowledge to remove high levels of moisture that can infiltrate floors and walls, causing dangerous mold to accumulate. If mold has already begun to grow, as it does within a matter of days, they will not know how to properly treat it so that it does not return, nor will they be able to remove air borne mold spores which can be hazardous for your health. Smoke damage also goes far beyond the soot that is left on walls, ceilings and furniture. If not cleaned and deodorized properly, it can leave behind microscopic toxins and fine particulates that can be hazardous to the health of the occupants.

With over 20 years of experience and extensive training that’s specifically required to be certified in restoration, SERVPRO of Burlington is here for you 24/7 and 365 days a year. Give us a call at 336-379-1772 if you experience any flooding, storm damage, water damage, fire damage, or mold. We are "Faster To Any Disaster", and will make it "Like it never even happened."

Grilling Safety Tips

5/28/2019 (Permalink)

Grilling season is officially underway after Memorial Day, a day in which we remember those who lost their lives serving our country.

The grilling season is here! We just kicked it off celebrating Memorial Day in honor of, and with gratitude for those who passed serving our country. Something that often goes overlooked during grilling season is grill safety. While many of us know how to “throw down” on the grill or smokers, there are potential dangers which should never be overlooked. Before your first grill of the year and often throughout the grilling season, you must be sure to take precautions. Here are some safety tips:

• First and foremost, propane and charcoal BBQ grills must only be used outdoors. If used indoors, or in any enclosed spaces, such as tents, on balconies, they pose both a fire hazard and the risk of exposing occupants to toxic gases and potential asphyxiation.
• Make sure your grill ready for the job. Keep it clean of grease. Start off the season with it clean and throughout the season periodically remove grease or fat buildup in trays below the grill so it cannot be ignited by the heat while cooking.
• Inspect propane fuel lines, and position your grill away from structures, trees and high-traffic walkways.
• Position the grill well away from siding, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use.
• Keep children and pets far away from grills: declare a minimum three-foot "safe zone" around the grill to avoid any potential injuries to children or pets.
• If using a charcoal grill, only use charcoal starter fluids designed specifically for barbecue grills and do not add any fluid after coals have been lit. even if you do not yet have the flames you desire just let it all sit and eventually your coals will all be hot enough. NEVER use gasoline in your grills! You can also build the fire by adding tightly wound paper (just twist it with your hands and ball it up) and twigs to your charcoal. That is an alternative to lighter fluid. It may not start your coals going as quickly but they will take.
• With gas grills, make sure that the hose connection is tight and check the hoses carefully for leaks. Applying soapy water to the hoses will easily and safely reveal any leaks. If you find any leaks make sure to repair or replace the hoses BEFORE use.
• If using propane, and your propane cylinders are manufactured after April 2002, then they must have overfill protection devices (OPD). OPDs shut off the flow of propane before capacity is reached. OPDS are easily identified by their triangle-shaped hand wheel.
• In case of a flare-up or fire were to occur; keep an extinguisher nearby and make sure to know how to cut off fuel lines if you are using propane. 
• Wear short, close fitting or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking. Loose clothing can dangle onto grill and catch fire.
• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for the grill and have the grill. repaired by a professional, if repairs are necessary.

If you should experience a fire and fire damage inside your home, then once it is extinguished, give us a call. At SERVPRO of Burlington, we are here 24/7 and 365 days a year in order to assist you with your fire damage. We are also here to assist you with any water damage which can arise from fires as a result of the fire department needing to come in to extinguish your fire. Just give us a call at 336-379-1772

A Night Of Fun At The Ballpark 5/16/19

5/22/2019 (Permalink)

A nice time was had by all at the Greensboro Grasshopper game.

SERVPRO of Burlington had such a nice time hosting several local insurance agents and their families at a Greensboro Grasshoppers game! The Grasshoppers played Delmarva, and while Greensboro lost 4-1, everyone enjoy enjoyed themselves. We had food, everything from hot dogs, to hamburgers to chicken and more! Our guests were able to enjoy many different beverages including a nice cold beer or cocktail. Even Guilford the Grasshoppers Mascot came to join in all the fun and visited our group to take pictures and see the kids.

At SERVPRO of Burlington we consider ourselves so fortunate to have such a great group of local agents that we work with.  When we gather for games, it’s an opportunity for us to get to know some of our agents on a more personal level. We get to meet one another’s families, get to watch a great game, eat some ballpark food, and toast with a cold one while cheering on our local team.

It is truly our pleasure to do this annually as it’s in celebration of them, and an opportunity to show our appreciation. We are thankful that they allow us to assist their clients. Kathy Coble, one of our valued office team members, helps to puts together this event. We are grateful to her for working hard to ensure everyone has a nice time and look forward to many more fun events in the future! Thank you to everyone who came.

If you or someone you know, experiences Water Damage, Fire Damage or Mold, than give us at SERVPRO of Burlington a call. We can be reached 24/7 and 365 at 336-379-1772.

You May Have Hidden Mold

5/22/2019 (Permalink)

Mold often hides where you cannot see it

Locating mold when it is hidden is a hard thing to do. That’s why at SERVPRO of Burlington, we are here to assist you in determining if you have mold, where you have mold, and with the removal of the mold. While you as a homeowner or business owner may not be able to locate it on your own, you can certainly detect it. Usually mold will give off a “musty” smell. If your home or office has a “musty” smell that lingers and often gets stronger without decent airflow, or when windows are closed, than chances are you have a mold issue. Mold is detectable by you not just by smell but also by seeing signs of water damage on walls or ceilings. A dried-up water stain in your ceiling tile, or a dried-up water stain on your wall signifies water has been there long enough for there to be mold. Where there has been water damage, there will be mold. It only takes mold from 24 hours to 10 days to grow after the provision of growing conditions. It’s growth is just is not always visible to the human eye.

Mold likes to hide behind wallpaper or paneling, underneath paint, on the inside of ceiling tiles, the back of drywall, or the underside of carpets or carpet padding. Piping in walls or alongside windows can also become a source of mold, since they may leak water in which causes moisture and condensation to build up. Where there’s moisture there will within lie or begin a mold growth.

Mold growing inside buildings, becomes a hazard if not taken care of properly. The inhalation of mycotoxins can be very bad for your health or the health of any other building inhabitants. After a flood or major leak, mycotoxin levels are even higher once the building has dried out.

If you suspect or know that you have mold inside your home or office, then give us a call at 336-379-1772. At SERVPRO of Burlington we are here for you 24/7 and 365.

What You Can Do To Try To Prevent Mold

5/22/2019 (Permalink)

Mold will spread quickly. Take precautions to prevent it when possible.

If your home has experienced any water damage be it due to flooding, plumbing, pipes, dampness in basement, attic or crawl space, sink or tub overflowing etc., then chances are you will develop mold. Mold will develop within 24-48 hours of water exposure. Even worse, it will continue to grow until steps are taken to eliminate the source of moisture, and effectively deal with the mold problem. That’s where we come in. At SERVPRO of Greensboro we are here to effectively and safely remove mold from your home or office.

You can try your best to prevent mold from growing. There are many ways to try and control moisture and mold growth in your home. Here are some things you can do:

Stop the water - Fix leaks in pipes, and any damp areas around tubs and sinks

Prevent water from seeping in from outdoors. Rainwater from gutters or the roof needs to drain away from the house. Ground around the house needs to slope away to keep basement and crawlspace dry. Make sure that your water is draining properly and away.

Covering dirt in crawlspaces with plastic can help to prevent moisture from coming in from the ground. Ventilate the area as much as possible. Don’t seal it up entirely without air being able to flow and circulate.

Keep fabrics clean and dry. Store clean fabric items in well ventilated areas.

Try to keep the humidity levels in your home or office below 40%.

Reduce the moisture in the air with dehumidifiers, fans, and open windows or air conditioners, especially in hot weather. Do NOT use fans if mold may already exist as that will spread the mold spores further throughout and make them airborne if they are not already.

Consider having your air ducts cleaned if you suspect that mold exists on the duct’s inside surface, or if the duct insulation has been wet. It is best to be safe and certain that there is no mold inside them especially as they will spread the mold spores and keep them airborne.

Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces by insulating them.

In moisture prone areas, choose carpets of man-made fibers.

Constantly check your bathroom, laundry room, any mechanical room, etc. for water, and moisture levels.

If you suspect that you have mold, or if you do have mold, than give us a call at 336-379-1772. At SERVPRO of Burlington we have the equipment to detect, and safely mold effectively and efficiently from your home or office.

Causes of Water Damage

5/21/2019 (Permalink)

Pipes can burst or crack

Of course, one of the biggest causes of water damage is due to major storms. However, water damage occurs when excess water begins to pool in areas where it shouldn’t. This can be caused in many ways as water can come from many different sources. It is good to be aware of common causes of water damage so that you can take precautions against it and to also be able to spot when you have a problem. The more you are proactive, and the sooner you take care of a problem once it arises, than the less damage it may cause. The less damage that is caused means the less damage that then needs to be fixed.

Other than storms, some common causes of water damage include:

Plumbing Problems

While at first thought you are probably thinking an overflowing toilet or bath, some plumbing issues other than those, actually occur within the walls. Lots happen because hoses and pipe joints are not fully attached.

Pipes

Pipes that burst or leak are common culprits of water damage. Too much pressure in the pipe, for instance if it becomes clogged, can then cause it to burst or leak. Old or rusting pipes are also more prone to leaking as they can often crack or thin out.

Appliances

Where it comes to household appliances, as they get older or if they are most often used, their pipes get worn. They begin to rust, and crack and with certain appliances their hoses can weaken. For instance, washing machines, refrigerators, water heaters and dishwashers are all susceptible to deterioration. Washing machines and hot water tanks specifically, are the most common culprits of water damage.

Air Conditioning units are another big one. They require regular servicing, and when not maintained properly they can cause moisture buildup.

Drains and Toilets

Drains and toilets can get backed up and blocked which in turn can cause undue pressure in the pipes. However, drains can also get backed up into the sink, or your tub, which will cause them to overflow with water which can cause minor to major flooding. Your toilet can also overflow with water when backed up or clogged causing minor to major flooding. Be wary too of garbage disposals that aren’t working properly. While a great convenience, they are another common reason for pipes to burst or for sinks to back up and flood.

Leaks

Aside from appliance leaks, water dripping through and into your home, can cause basement leaks. Be it that the water is coming through the concrete foundation of your home, or through an unsealed window, it will lead to a problem and can cause water damage. Water coming into your attic can lead to water pooling in your attic, and also to it then seeping through your ceilings causing it to affect rooms below.

If you suspect Water Damage in your home or if you have experienced Water Damage in your home, than call us at SERVPRO of Burlington at 336-379-1772. We are here for you 24/7 and 365 days a year. We are here for you to make it "like it never happened".

Mold in Your Building or Warehouse

5/16/2019 (Permalink)

Mold can hide within the walls of your warehouse or building

Molds can be found just about any place. Molds can grow on virtually any organic substance, so long as moisture and oxygen are present. There are some molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, foods, and even insulation. Therefore, a lot of mold hides in places such as inside your walls or in your ceilings above the ceiling tiles, where you cannot usually see it and don't know that it's there until it is sought out. In some cases, mold has been painted over. That does not eliminate the mold.

When excessive moisture accumulates in buildings or on building materials, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or unaddressed. Usually, mold growth can be controlled in indoor environments by controlling moisture levels indoors.

The biggest cause of mold, however, is water damage that’s gone unnoticed, has been left unattended to or has not been cleaned up properly. Your commercial property can quickly become infested with mold if a source of water is present in your building. Since mold thrives in environments where moisture is present, areas where there’s been any type of water damage, are ideal for mold to grow and thrive. Mold grows so quickly that it can begin to form within 24 – 48 hours! If not properly treated, it will continue to spread and at a rapid rate.

Since mold can produce allergens and irritants, which can be bad for your health, you should have your commercial property building inspected if you suspect you have a mold problem. Often a musty type of smell will accompany mold if it’s in the building but that is not always the case, especially if you have any chemicals, products etc that give off their own smell as that will mask the smell of mold. If mold is concealed inside your walls, ceiling tiles or painted over, chances are you will not smell it then as well.

At SERVPRO of Burlington, we have the training, state of the art equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold problem. Our quick response and remediation process helps to stop mold in its tracks and prevents it from spreading any further to additional parts of your building. Our highly skilled technicians work both safely and effectively to manage and remove your mold. Just give us a call at 336-379-1772. We are available for you 24/7 and 365 days a year.

Causes of Commercial Building Water Damage and Flooding

5/16/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage or flooding means to call in the professionals at SERVPRO

When you think about water damage, at first thought you usually attribute it to a massive storm. The type of storm that takes out power lines, floods your home or office, and shuts down businesses for days at a time. While most commercial water damage is often the result of floods and water that stems from weather events and storms, those are not the only causes of flooding and water damage.

You want to be proactive in trying to avoid any water damage that can possibly occur and cause a disruption or stop to your business. In knowing some common causes of workplace water damage, you can take some necessary steps to have certain things checked, inspected, and replaced where needed prior to there being an issue.   Here are some of the typical causes of water damage to commercial buildings.

Broken pipes and plumbing Just like in your home residence, if the plumbing system in your workplace fails water damage can occur. Pipes are known to bust either because they end up cracked and it is not caught in time, or simply due to weather changes. It’s common for pipes to freeze in cooler temperatures.  

Backed up sewer lines This cause of commercial water damage often catches business owners by surprise. If the sewer line to your building backs up or becomes damaged, not only can that cause flooding and water damage, but it can also be a huge health hazard. Contaminated Black Water is the result of backed up sewer lines and can cause serious health effects. Contaminated Black Water can also ruin products, office furnishings and any personal belongings kept at your office. This must be handled by professionals who have the right protection and safety equipment to go into the water and all areas affected by it, in order to treat and remove it.  

Malfunctioning sprinkler systems The older the building structure is, the higher the chances that it has outdated sprinkler systems that work in conjunction with fire protection systems. While those sprinklers can come in handy during a fire emergency, they can also cause commercial flood damage not only in the case of when they go of as needed, but also in case they go off due to being faulty or in need of replacement. This could easily damage any carpeting, ceilings, walls, inventory and business assets. 

Damaged appliances and equipment This cause of commercial water and flood damage is most common within restaurants, school cafeterias, bakeries, catering facilities, as well as any other business that has appliances and equipment that make use of water. If an appliance such as a dishwasher, refrigerator, cooler or freezer etc. fails, that will cause water to spread across and throughout your building. When this happens, especially during late or “after business hours” when there may be no one around, you may come back to work and face an extreme water emergency. Often when appliances or equipment break, the water is hard top contain and can often spray out all over, depending on the source. That can still cause water damage or flooding but can be contained more easily and kept to a minimum when someone is present at the time. Water can immediately be shut off, equipment can be unplugged, etc. but in the case when someone is not there it will result in more damage.

At SERVPRO of Burlington, we have the training, state of the art equipment, and expertise to be there for you in case of water damage or flooding. Our quick response and water extraction process will have your business back up and running again very quickly. Our highly skilled technicians get the job done right! Just give us a call at 336-379-1772. We are available for you 24/7 and 365 days a year. 

It Is Best To Be Prepared For Storms Before They Happen

5/15/2019 (Permalink)

Make sure your emergency storm kits are ready to go all year round

Mother Nature is completely unpredictable. Everything from a Hurricane, to a Tornado, to Severe Thunderstorms, to Blizzards, etc. can happen and bring along with it a lot of damage. It is always best to be prepared year-round, for storms. Especially in the case of a hurricane, you want to be sure you have prepared an emergency supply kit. To be best prepare you want to make sure that you are not just ready for the storm itself, but for the days that follow. This is necessary because with the larger storms it sometimes takes a few days for essential services to be restored.

An emergency supply kit should contain enough supplies not just to get through the storm, but for the potentially lengthy aftermath. Make sure to have enough non-perishable food and water to last each family member three to seven days. Other essential items include:

• Copies of insurance papers and identification sealed in a watertight plastic bag 
• Copies of any necessary medical records
• First-aid kit 
• Weather radio and batteries 
• Charged phone chargers/ Battery packs
• Needed prescription medicines 
• Sleeping bag or blankets 
• Changes of clothes 
• Hygiene items such as toothbrush, toothpaste, soap and deodorant 
• Cash 
• Pet supplies including food, water, leashes, bedding, muzzle and vaccination records. 

During storms, make sure you stay tuned to a trusted local news source and keep a battery-powered radio nearby for weather and evacuation information. Also heed to the warnings of your state and local officials and evacuate quickly when told to do so. Do not ignore or wait on evacuation orders. They are in place for a reason.

If you experience any Storm Damage to your home, Water Damage, Fire Damage or Mold, then give us a call at 336-379-1772. At SERVPRO of Burlington, we are here for you 24/7 and 365 days a year.

It's Important to Have Your Fire Extinguishers Inspected, but How Often and Why?

5/14/2019 (Permalink)

Routine and Regular Inspections of Your Fire Extinguisher are Important

Imagine if a small fire breaks out in your home or at work, how unfortunate it would be if you went to use your fire extinguisher only to find that it is either broken or will not work. By making sure to have your fire extinguisher(s) inspected regularly can help you to avoid that. Over time, fire extinguishers can become damaged without you even realizing it. Regular inspections are extremely important and necessary to be sure that your extinguisher will work if and when a fire breaks out.

When used properly, fire extinguishers can help you in preventing a small fire from growing into a large fire which can cause lots of damage or lead to complete destruction and loss of your property. Fires grow and increase in size every 60 seconds! A fire extinguisher can therefore play an important role in how big the fire is able to get. NFPA (National Fire Protection Agency) standards require that your fire extinguishers be inspected on a regular basis. It is best to ensure that you are inspecting your fire extinguishers at least once a month. To remain code compliant, you can hire a fire protection professional to perform brief visual inspections. They can arrange with you to inspect your fire extinguishers on a monthly basis and to also do a more in-depth inspection on a yearly basis. In most cases, if you bring your fire extinguisher to your local fire department, they may be happy to inspect it for you. It is advised before bringing it to them to do so that you contact them directly first to verify if they will in fact do that for you.

If you have any concerns or questions as to what fire extinguisher(s) to purchase for your home or business, than go to your local fire house. Not only will your local firemen be happy to go over the differences of different types of fire extinguishers so that you can choose which would be best for you, but they will also teach to you how to “P.A.S.S.” , which is the acronym on how to properly use a fire extinguisher. Some fire departments even have to ability and equipment to arrange with you the opportunity for you to practice extinguishing a fire with a fire extinguisher. Practice often can be beneficial in the case of you needing to quickly respond to a fire by using your fire extinguisher. Having the confidence to know what you are doing, and the knowledge, along with regularly ensuring that your fire extinguisher will operate, are all key towards you helping to stop a fire in its tracks.

Be sure to check out our other blogs to learn what the difference is between a monthly fire extinguisher inspection, and a yearly fire extinguisher inspection. Don’t forget BOTH inspections are recommended by the NFPA.

If you should experience a fire and fire damage in your home, then once it is extinguished, give us a call. At SERVPRO of Burlington, we are here 24/7 and 365 days a year in order to assist you with your fire damage. We are also here to assist you with any water damage which can arise from fires as well should the fire department need to come in to extinguish your fire. Just give us a call at 336-379-1772

Spring Is In The Air Which Means Floods Are On The Way

4/23/2019 (Permalink)

Flowers are starting to bloom, but it’s also the start of the rainy season. Rain and storms can lead to flooding.

Spring is in the air. Literally, in most areas considering all of the noticeable pollen. It’s a great sign though of warmer weather on the horizon, plus a beautiful sight to see all the flowers blooming. While the spring provides warm weather as relief after the long winter months, it does come along with a lot of rain. April showers bring May flowers! While that helps wash away the pollen, water tends to pool up and flooding is a real concern for homeowners and business owners.

You don’t need to live in a flood zone to fall victim to flooding so it’s best to always be prepared!

Changes in your area can create flood zones in places that were deemed safe in the past. Major weather storms can also cause severe flooding that extends into zones that aren’t used to experiencing flooding. 

Know Your Area and Stay on Top of Changes

Flood zones can and do change. The arrangement and new construction of new homes and businesses can lead to a change in the areas that might be considered flood zones may also lead to more flood zones being created. Be sure to monitor flood areas as they change to know if you may be affected. If a street nearby you usually floods with water in a rainstorm there is a greater chance that in a bigger storm that the street may actually flood over. If that happens it can affect properties around it, including yours. Knowing the changes to flood zones can help you to better be prepared and to better protect your home. If you learn you are now in a flood zone, it is best to move your furnace, water heater and other equipment to a higher level in your home.

Prepare Your Property and Grounds

As the ground around your home and property gets soaked, it can also cause downed trees and power lines which may fall into your home. Make sure to remove or cut back branches on trees that can pose a problem to your home in a major or heavy storm.

Prepare For Storms with Building Supplies and Sandbags

Sandbags can often be obtained nearby when there is the potential for a flood. If you cannot find them near you, you can create your own or gather them in advance preparation from another area nearby. Place sandbags where needed to help keep flood waters from getting into your home or business when there is a chance of flooding.

It is also a good idea to keep building supplies on hand and to secure these supplies up and out of the way in case flooding does occur. Having a few stud boards, plywood boards, tarps, nails and more on hand can help with emergency repairs if there is the potential for flooding. They also come in handy to help create a way to protect some of the items in your property from damage. Having these supplies on hand could lead to faster repairs if anything is damaged as once a storm is approaching or after it hits it is often impossible to find and get these supplies. Preparedness is key!

Important Documents and Irreplaceable Should Always Be Stored Properly

Irreplaceable belongings and documents should be kept up high and in boxes that can protect them should flooding occur. Doing so will help ensure identifications, passports, documents, deeds, birth certificates and more are both safe from floodwaters and easily accessible if a flood does impact your property or if an evacuation from your area is necessary. 

Emergency Plans Should Always Be In Place

Always have a plan in place to deal with potential natural disasters, with flooding being no exception. Speak with family and colleagues on what steps you will all take in case of flooding and if an evacuation is necessary. It’s best to include how to prevent injuries or illnesses from contaminated flood water as well as what to do if an evacuation is needed. Be sure to also assign everyone with what they should be responsible for protecting and taking from the property.

If You Experience Water Damage Contact Us at SERVPRO of Burlington Right Away!

If your property is impacted by a flood, the damage needs to be assessed immediately and as soon as it can be, all water needs to be properly removed from the home. Water Damage can cause mold growth in a very quick amount of time after water build within the property. Often building materials need to be removed and mold needs to be destroyed.

Start preparing your home today to ensure you and your family are as safe as possible in case anything happens. Should you experience Water Damage to your home or business than call us at SERVPRO of Burlington at 336-379-1772. We are here for you 24/7 and 365 days a year.

Tips To Think About

5/30/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Kernersville wants to remind you of some helpful tips to help insure a safe and happy 2018.  

1.  All smoke detectors have a manufacturing date on them.  If that date over 10 years old, replace it!  Also if your home has gas or oil heat it is a good idea to invest in a carbon monoxide detector.
2.  Keep a prepacked bag handy with some cash, changes of clothes, medications, copies of important documents, etc. 
3. Have your family practice fire drills to make sure everyone knows how to escape, what to do and where to meet should a fire occur. 
4. Vacation soon? If you are travelling and will be away for several days, please be sure to turn off the water so you do not come home to any surprises. 
5. If you are using rubber hoses for the water supply to your washing machine, they need to be replaced every 5 years. Consider using steel braided hoses as they are much more durable than rubber ones.
6. Periodically check the water supply lines on ice makers and dish washers for signs of wear and replace when needed.
7. Keep a properly rated fire extinguisher in your kitchen. Does everyone know where it is located and how to use. 
8. Make sure you know where the critical shutoffs are in your home for main power, water and gas if applicable.

Hope that helps!! Contact SERVPRO of Kernersville for any emergency needs.

Flood Events In Burlington

5/24/2018 (Permalink)

Flooding and water damage events at Burlington/Alamance County commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of Burlington

SERVPRO of Burlington specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a 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

SERVPRO Gives Back

5/24/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Burlington is helping to combat hunger in our community by collecting canned goods and non-perishables through August 31st. 

By partnering with the Piedmont Triad Apartment Association and the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina, we can help fight hunger right here where we live.

Second Harvest Food Bank says:

"When people do not have access to enough food to power them through their days, the costs are borne by us all. Hungry children cannot learn. Hungry adults cannot be productive. Hungry communities cannot grow and flourish.

Together, we can feed hope and feed our community. Across Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC’s 18-county service area, 1 in 6 people struggles with food insecurity. More than 1 in every 4 children lives at risk of hunger and many seniors are facing choices no one should have to make, including whether to buy food or critical medicines.             

With our network of more than 400 partner food assistance programs and supporters like you, Second Harvest Food Bank provides food to help meet urgent nutritional needs and works to put an end to hunger through education, outreach and advocacy. Together, we are a lifeline for more than 300,000 neighbors in need, one third of which are children. "

Stop by our office 8am-5pm Monday-Friday with your non-perishables and help us help those in need!

Come see us at:

2902 Manufacturers Road

Greensboro NC  27406

How SERVPRO Sucker Punches Storms

5/24/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Burlington 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 Burlington or Alamance County, 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

SERVPRO At Local Shelter

5/24/2018 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of Burlington we love to give back to our community, and such was the case recently when our technicians Korey and Herbert volunteered their time cleaning a local domestic violence shelter.  The brand new kitchen, donated by a local contractor, and the deep cleaning that our guys did definitely put a smile on the residents faces.  

If you or someone you know needs to find a domestic violence shelter, there are over 105 domestic violence organizations in North Carolina that provide services at some level.  domesticshelters.org is a great resource in locating one if you are in need.

We hope that in giving our time to help clean this newly renovated space, we can help give those affected a safe space where they can be out of the former situations that they were in and move on towards a brighter future.

Myths of Mold Vs. Facts of Old

5/24/2018 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Burlington we have mold remediation services. Most of the time it’s in an un-used part of the home like a basement or attic.

Some customers try to handle the project themselves and find that the mold comes back a few weeks later. Here are some myths & facts about mold and the dangers. If you think you have mold, you should contactSERVPRO of Burlington to discuss the plans of actions.

MYTH NO. 1 BLEACH KILLS MOLD?

Liquid bleach is a solution of chlorine in water, usually 6 percent sodium hypochlorite, thus 94 percent water. Smearing bleach on mold may appear to kill it, but the effect is superficial and very temporary. Once the chlorine is gone - and it evaporates rapidly - what's left is all that water, feeding the mold.

There are many chemicals that kill mold. They're called biocides.

MYTH No. 2   'Toxic' Mold is the only dangerous type of mold.

"Toxic" mold or "black" mold is often touted by the hucksters in the mold industry as being the one that makes people sick, the one you must eliminate. This is pure scare tactic. 

Yes, there are some strains of mold that seem to be more toxic than others. But there is no such thing as good mold, or even tolerable mold, unless you like stinky cheese. Mold in your home is a problem, because it signifies a moisture problem. Moisture inside your home enables mold growth, and it can also lead to rot, threatening the structure itself.

On top of that, any mold problem that's allowed to continue often will pave the way for the dreaded "black mold." The most infamous "black mold," stachybotrys chartarum, is what's known as a tertiary mold. It's very slow to develop and usually follows earlier mold growths, actually feeding off the previous mold colony.

MYTH No. 3, Homeowners can properly remediate mold themselves?

Homeowners are not trained or knowledgeable about mold enough to properly remediate the damages, most times homeowners cause more damage when they don’t hire a professional. Most of the errors are in the contamination process. Not using vapor barriers or the proper equipment to clean the air during removal stages. When it’s not properly sectioned off, they can cross contaminate mold threw other area of the home that previously did not have mold spores.

Fact No. 1 :  Mold is everywhere and mold problems exist indoors in every climate.

Mold is, literally, everywhere on the planet, in every climate. A house in the Mojave Desert can have a mold problem as easily as one in Florida or New Orleans. 

Mold needs three things to thrive: moisture, food, and the right temperature. Moisture can collect in walls, attics and crawl spaces in the driest of climates with a little help, such as a roof or siding leak, plumbing flaw, and pressure differentials created by air conditioning, or even a poorly vented bathroom.

Food for mold is pretty much everything we build with and everything we own. Mold loves household dust... even in the kitchen sink. And the warmth mold needs is the same temperature range humans prefer.

Bottom line: Every home has mold but not every home has a mold problem. If you think you might have a mold problem, don't ignore it. Get help.

Fact No. 2 Home inspectors don't know mold.
 
Home inspectors - the ones who check out a house prior to sale - are generally ignorant about mold. Many inspectors will see mold and ignore it because there's no rot or obvious moisture. Others may not see it at all.

If you think you have mold in your property, call a professional remediation company like SERVPRO of Burlington– (336-379-1772)

Tips For Avoiding Spring Mold

5/23/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bulington has seen a lot of mold begin to form this time of the year.  Here are some things that we have learned. 

The last thing most people want to find in their home is mold. Many people find mold in their home and have to go through mold remediation, however there are some things you can do to help prevent mold from growing in your home.

Federal Funds Approved For Storm Victims

5/23/2018 (Permalink)

The President has officially approved Governor Roy Cooper's request for a federal disaster declaration to help tornado victims in Guilford and Rockingham counties.

SERVPRO Makes HGTV Appearance

5/23/2018 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO of Burlington family was fortunate enough to be part of the filming of an episode of HGTVs Love it or List it. Our SERVPRO debut on the TV screen aired this past Monday, September 21st to kick off the fall season. It was an exciting opportunity for our team to be part of this popular TV show and help out the homeowners.

On this episode of Love it or List it, we met a local couple who was having a hard time deciding whether to renovate their home to be more suited for their family of four or to list it and buy something different. So they decide to do both: renovate their house to deal with some of the pesky inconveniences and look at other houses that might meet their needs. At the end of the show they make the ultimate decision to either stick with their newly renovated home (Love it) or put it on the market and buy one of the homes they have seen (List it).

As is common with home renovations, our couple found that the water damage they thought they had taken care of in their basement on their own was returning to haunt them. SERVPRO of Greensboro North to the rescue!

Basements can be a conundrum of dampness and moisture. Did you know that even if a surface feels dry to the touch, it may still be retaining water and thus transforming into mold later on? We have the equipment needed to makes sure water-damaged surfaces are truly dry and treated to eliminate the risk of mold spore growth. 

Just like we would in your home, we made sure our TV couples leaky basement was dry, sealed and like the water damage as if it never even happened. After our team, and some other talented contractors and designers were done with this couples home, they decided they loved it too much to let it go.We are sure that their newly dry and transformed basement must have played a part in making this difficult decision. 

Even if you are the star of an HGTV show, we can be your go-to for dealing with those idiosyncrasies of home or business ownership and our ever-changing North Carolina weather. Whether it is water, smoke, wind, fire or mold damage we are your clean up and drying specialists. Do you want the air filtering through your ducts to be as crisp and clear as these fall days? We can clean your ducts and make that a reality in the air circulating through your system. And we are ready and equipped for anything Mother Nature may throw at us this fall and winter. So make us your go to for your home or business needs and we will make sure that you love the results when we are done!

Tips To Think About

5/23/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Burlington wants to remind you of some helpful tips to help insure a safe and happy 2018.  

1.  All smoke detectors have a manufacturing date on them.  If that date over 10 years old, replace it!  Also if your home has gas or oil heat it is a good idea to invest in a carbon monoxide detector.
2.  Keep a prepacked bag handy with some cash, changes of clothes, medications, copies of important documents, etc. 
3. Have your family practice fire drills to make sure everyone knows how to escape, what to do and where to meet should a fire occur. 
4. Vacation soon? If you are travelling and will be away for several days, please be sure to turn off the water so you do not come home to any surprises. 
5. If you are using rubber hoses for the water supply to your washing machine, they need to be replaced every 5 years. Consider using steel braided hoses as they are much more durable than rubber ones.
6. Periodically check the water supply lines on ice makers and dish washers for signs of wear and replace when needed.
7. Keep a properly rated fire extinguisher in your kitchen. Does everyone know where it is located and how to use. 
8. Make sure you know where the critical shutoffs are in your home for main power, water and gas if applicable.

Hope that helps!! Contact SERVPRO of Burlington  for any emergency needs.

SERVPRO OF BURLINGTON HOSTS AT GRASSHOPPERS GAME

5/23/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Burlington had a great time hosting several local insurance agents and their families at the Greensboro Grasshoppers game!  The weather, attendance, and food was perfect. Unfortunately, the Grasshoppers came up short. 

We at SERVPRO of Burlington are so fortunate to have such a great group of local agents that we work with.  This game was a great opportunity for us to get to know some of our agents on a more personal level, get to meet each other's families, and get to watch a great game, eat some fantastic ballpark food, have a cold beverage, and cheer our local team onto victory! 

Thank you again to everyone who made the 2018 SERVPRO of Burlington baseball night a success. We look forward to another great year. 

Soot, Smoke, Fire, and Clean-Up Restoration

5/23/2018 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Burlington will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Us Today 

Restoring your Burlington Commercial Property after a Water Damage Event

6/27/2016 (Permalink)

Crew vehicles

Flooding and water damage events at Burlington/Alamance County commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of Burlington

SERVPRO of Burlington specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a 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

SERVPRO night at the Grasshoppers game!

6/24/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO employees at the ballpark

SERVPRO of Greensboro North, Burlington, and Kernersville had a great time hosting several local insurance agents and their families at the Greensboro Grasshoppers game!  With storms all around, we lucked out and the game went on without a hitch!  The game went into the 11th inning, with the Grasshoppers beating the Hickory Crawdads, 8 runs to 5 runs. 

We at SERVPRO of Greensboro North, Burlington and Kernersville are so fortunate to have such a great group of local agents that we work with.  This game was a great opportunity for us to get to know some of our agents on a more personal level, get to meet each others families, and get to watch a great game, eat some fantastic ballpark food, have a cold beverage, and cheer our local team onto victory!  We even had a visit from the mascot!

We look forward to many more fun events in the future!!

SERVPRO and the PTAA help fight hunger together!

6/14/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO collects food to give back

SERVPRO is helping to combat hunger in our community by collecting canned goods and non-perishables through August 31st. 

By partnering with the Piedmont Triad Apartment Association and the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina, we can help fight hunger right here where we live.

Second Harvest Food Bank says:

"When people do not have access to enough food to power them through their days, the costs are borne by us all. Hungry children cannot learn. Hungry adults cannot be productive. Hungry communities cannot grow and flourish.

Together, we can feed hope and feed our community. Across Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC’s 18-county service area, 1 in 6 people struggles with food insecurity. More than 1 in every 4 children lives at risk of hunger and many seniors are facing choices no one should have to make, including whether to buy food or critical medicines.             

With our network of more than 400 partner food assistance programs and supporters like you, Second Harvest Food Bank provides food to help meet urgent nutritional needs and works to put an end to hunger through education, outreach and advocacy. Together, we are a lifeline for more than 300,000 neighbors in need, one third of which are children. "

Stop by our office 8am-5pm Monday-Friday with your non-perisables and help us help those in need!

Come see us at:

2902 Manufacturers Road

Greensboro NC  27406

When Storms or Floods Hit Burlington or Alamance County, SERVPRO is Ready!

5/23/2016 (Permalink)

Our highly trained crews are ready to respond for any storm or flooding damage in Burlington and Alamance County!

SERVPRO of Burlington 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 Burlington or Alamance County, 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 at (336) 229-1156.

SERVPRO employees volunteer time at local shelter

4/29/2016 (Permalink)

Korey and Herbert help put a smile on shelter residents faces by donating clean up efforts

Here at SERVPRO we love to give back to our community, and such was the case recently when our technicians Korey and Herbert volunteered their time cleaning a local domestic violence shelter.  The brand new kitchen, donated by a local contractor, and the deep cleaning that our guys did definitely put a smile on the residents faces.  

If you or someone you know needs to find a domestic violence shelter, there are over 105 domestic violence organizations in North Carolina that provide services at some level.  domesticshelters.org is a great resource in locating one if you are in need.

We hope that in giving our time to help clean this newly renovated space, we can help give those affected a safe space where they can be out of the former situations that they were in and move on towards a brighter future.

April & May Showers Bringing Lots of FLowers

4/17/2015 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Burlington (336) 229-1156

“April showers bring the May flowers.”
Are you SERVPRO ready?

While spring is a beautiful time of year, April showers can create flood conditions faster than you may realize. Knowing the difference between a flood warning and flood watch is important. A “Flash Flood Watch,” means there is possible flooding in the Burlington area. A “Flash Flood Warning,” means flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in the Burlington area.

Preparing Your Family for a Flood

Your family will be better prepared to withstand a flood if you have the following items available, packed and ready to go in case you need to evacuate your home.

3 day supply of water, 1 gallon per person per day – 3 day supply of non-perishable food items – Flashlights, extra batteries and multi-purpose tools – A first aid kit and a extra medications – Sanitation and person hygiene items – Extra pet supplies, food, ID and vet records – Extra clothing, blankets, sturdy shoes and rain gear – Sunscreen and bug repellent - Emergency contact information and copies of important person documents – A camera to take photos of flood damage – Extra charges for electronic devices.

Burlington Red Cross Emergency Number - (336) 226-2754

Burlington Red Cross Location - 511 W Davis St Burlington, NC 27215

Storm Damage Cleanup and Restoration – What to do after a Flood or Water Damage

Floods and water damage often occur with little warning and can be devastating to homes, business and entire communities. Taking immediate action after a disaster is vital. Communicating with your insurance company and calling upon the emergency response restoration experts at SERVPRO will help you move forward faster. Taking pictures, collecting items, extracting water and starting the ‘dry-out’ process can be helpful, but safety must come first. If your home or business is not sturdy, do not go in. Leave that to us!

Regardless of the storm, flood or water damage, SERVPRO of Greensboro North is here to help! Our team of highly trained water damage specialists is faster in any disaster. And with a national network of over 1,650 SERVPRO Franchises across the country, we have the resources to handle any storm or disaster.

Did you know?

50% of businesses may never reopen after suffering a disaster. Your friends at SERVPRO are the only restoration team to offer everything you need to best prepare your business for disaster at the palm of your hand. We do this with our FREE the Emergency Ready Profile app, also known as an ERP. The ERP app stores your business’s emergency contacts and your business’s venders (HVAC service, plumbers, emergency restoration company, etc.).

Click here to learn more - https://ready.SERVPRO.com/home/mobileapp

What to Do After a Flood or Water Damage

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

What NOT to Do After a Flood or Water Damage

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