Recent Posts
Can flooring be saved after a flood?
4/14/2023 (Permalink)
After a flood, many homeowners and property managers wonder if their carpet and pad can be saved. The answer is, it depends. Factors such as the age and quality of the carpet and pad, as well as the type of installation used, have to be taken into consideration. However, the type of floodwater that caused the damage is most important when determining whether or not carpet and padding can be salvaged.
There are 3 water categories that determine whether the carpet and padding can be restored to their pre-disaster condition:
- Category 1 (clean water): non-contaminated water that may come from a broken pipe, sink, etc. After the water has been extracted, carpets and pads can be dried and restored in place.
- Category 2 (gray water): dirty water that has been released by sump pumps, washing machines, dishwashers, etc. The carpet can usually be restored if it has been wet for less than 48 hours. The pad is replaced in most cases.
- Category 3 (black water): water containing dangerous contaminants that may originate from sewage and toilet backflows as well as from floods caused by natural disasters. To protect your family’s health, carpets and pads should be removed, discarded and replaced.
Since every water damage situation is different, you cannot know for sure if or when your carpet and pad can be salvaged until you have a professional restoration company inspect the situation.
The faster you report the disaster, the lower the costs will be. If you’re dealing with a flooding problem, contact SERVPRO of Laurel today to speak to a Mitigation Specialist at 601-425-0119.
Water Mitigation
1/31/2023 (Permalink)
When it comes to water damage, it is important to remember that it doesn’t take a major flood or a hurricane to cause severe damage to your home. Most water damage problems are actually the result of a small leak that goes undetected over a long period of time. By the time you notice it, it is too late. Your drywall can become swollen and stained, ceilings could be sagging, carpets ruined, floors warped and it could pose a threat to your home’s electrical system.
Whether you’ve discovered water damage from a broken or leaky pipe, a sewer line break, a sink or toilet overflow, or a malfunctioning appliance like a water heater, washing machine, dishwasher or refrigerator in your home, our flood damage technicians are equipped to handle any problem 24 hours a day.
Potential Dangers From Water Damage.
Something as small as above average humidity levels are more than enough to cause you problems, namely in the form of mold, mildew, and other potentially dangerous toxins. According to the CDC you should keep the moisture levels in your inhabitable spaces between 40% to 60%.
Obviously, standing water will damage flooring, drywall and other similar materials on your property; but just the elevated moisture content in the air can lead to future issues such as MOLD! Molds slowly destroy the things they grow on, and if left unchecked, can cause serious structural damage.
Fast Response
The key to proper restoration is fast response time. The sooner you call SERVPRO of Laurel, the faster our team of certified service technicians can get to work to make the water damage "Like it never even happened."
Our water damage services include:
- Water extraction
- Structural drying
- Damage Assessments
- Mold Remediation
- Antimicrobial treatment
- Debris Removal
- Upholstery & Carpet Cleaning
- HVAC Duct Cleaning
- Structural Repair
We strive for exceptional customer service.
Our top priorities are safety, quality, and exceptional customer service. We are an emergency restoration company that provides service to both residential and commercial clients. If you have flooding of any kind, our trained and certified technicians can handle any and all water damage situations. We make sure that any affected area is professionally cleaned, deodorized and sanitized. SERVPRO of Laurel is available to handle any opportunity 24 hours a day. 601-425-0119
High Traffic Areas
1/31/2023 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Laurel often is involved in both maintaining and restoring high traffic areas on floors in both businesses and residential areas. Floors that are exposed to high traffic can often become an unbecoming part of a business or residence. Recently SERVPRO of Laurel stripped and waxed floors in a local church and the result was AMAZING! While restoring the worn areas of rugs, carpets, and hard surfaces is possible, routine upkeep and maintenance can add life to your high traffic areas. SERVPRO specializes in both areas and constantly produce results that are not only pleasing to the customer but are also above and beyond the expectations of most. If you have floors that are in need of deep cleaning and restoration or are just interested in extending the life and appeal of your floors... contact SERVPRO of Laurel for more information. 601-425-0119
Do you know what is in your duct work?
1/31/2023 (Permalink)
DO you know what is in your ductwork?
Often what we can not see get ignored or overlooked. The ventilation systems in our homes are often the reason for poor air quality, and health issues because of what is hiding in the duct work. Unattended ductwork can circulate odors, mold, and other potential health hazards in your home or business.
SERVPRO of Laurel offers services that will both inspect and clean your ductwork to rid them of such contaminants. Keeping the HVAC system and ductwork clean can definitely extend the life of your system and allow it to run at its best. Thsi can save you both heartache and money. SERVPRO also uses patented equipment to examine your ductwork and system and also clean out dust and grim. Not all ductwork or HVAC systems will need cleaning but SERVPRO of Laurel will still give you recommendations on how to improve air quality and maintain your system. SERVPRO's process will give you peace of mind and save you money!
Get started today by giving SERVPRO of Laurel at (601) 425-0119!
Flash Floods
2/3/2022 (Permalink)
Floods are one of the most common and widespread natural disasters in the United States. Nearly 20% of all flood insurance claims come from moderate-to-low risk areas.
Here are a few Flood Facts provided by FEMA:
- Flash floods can bring walls of water from 10 to 20 feet high.
- Flooding can be caused by spring thawing (snow and frozen grounds melting in the spring), heavy rains, snow melt runoffs, flash floods, and mudflows.
- Floods are the most widespread natural disaster aside from wildfires.
- A 2,000 square foot home undergoing 12 feet of water damage could cost more than $50,000 to repair.
Here are a few supplies you need to prepare for a flood:
- Stock up on First Aid items
- Non-perishable foods
- Three gallons of water per person for 3 days
- Battery operated radio for weather reports
- Extra batteries
- Personal hygiene necessities
About SERVPRO of Laurel
SERVPRO of Laurel specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.
We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today – 601-425-0119
Fire Extinguisher
1/24/2022 (Permalink)
You could save your home from fire with a fire extinguisher at your ready.
Close your eyes and imagine. You’re at home, or maybe in the office, and you smell ... smoke? Definitely smoke. Fire! You don’t panic, because you’re not the type and you’re prepared. You grab the nearest fire extinguisher, find the flames. You get ready, aim.... and suddenly realize you don’t know how this thing works.
Fire extinguishers can be the first line of defense if fire breaks out in your home or business, but they won’t do you any good if you don’t know how to use them or have the wrong extinguisher for the job. When it comes to fire, plan, prepare and remain calm. Knowing how, when and why to use your fire extinguisher—not to mention which fire extinguisher to use—will increase both your safety and peace of mind knowing you can protect you and your belonging from fire damage.
When to Use a Fire Extinguisher
Home or office, when a fire breaks out you have moments to decide: fight or flight? If you feel even the slightest doubt about handling it yourself, move everyone to a safe place and call 911. Ditto if you don’t know how to use your extinguisher or aren’t sure it’s the right class for the fire you’re fighting; better to let the pros handle it than to try to navigate the learning curve mid-fire.
If you decide you can safely put out the fire, grab the extinguisher and get busy, after you locate a safe way out. If you spot a clear exit but it doesn’t look to stay clear long, get out now.
What Kind of Extinguisher to Use
Home- and business owners can choose from five types of fire extinguishers:
- Class A: for a fire involving normal combustibles and flammables, including cloth, paper and wood
- Class B: for a fire involving flammable liquids like gas, oil, paint, paint thinner and solvents
- Class C: to fight a fire involving electrical equipment/appliances that are plugged in and receiving power—electric drills, table saws, computer equipment, televisions, wiring and fuse boxes, for example
- Class D: to put out a fire involving combustible metals—magnesium, sodium, zirconium, etc. (Note: Don’t try to fight this kind of fire unless you’ve been specifically trained for it!)
- Class K: for fires typically found in restaurants, involving cooking oil and commercial-grade cooking equipment
Some fires involve several or all of the above. Fortunately, fire extinguishers are labeled not only with the types of fire they’re designed to fight, but with the types of fire you should avoid using them on. Example: Never use a Class A extinguisher on a Class B or C fire—the results could be deadly!
Fire Extinguisher How-to
- Stand six to eight feet away from the flames.
- Make sure you have a clear exit, in case the fire spreads or flames out of control.
- Pull the pin to unlock the operating lever.
- Aim the hose at the base of the fire.
- Press the lever located above the handle to release the agent.
- Use a back-and-forth sweeping motion to saturate the base of the fire until the flames are extinguished.
- Continue the process if the fire re-ignites.
- If the fire doesn’t go out or spreads, get to safety.
Extinguisher Safety Tips
- Install fire extinguishers in areas where fires are likely to break out, including kitchens and break rooms.
- Check periodically to make sure all fire extinguishers are fully charged.
- Show every family member or employee where the fire extinguishers and fire alarms are located.
- Train yourself, your loved ones and your co-workers to use the equipment properly.
Even with a fire extinguisher, some fire damage will occur. When this happens, call your local SERVPRO at 601-425-0119.
Steps to removing water and drying your home after a failed appliance causes a flood.
1/24/2022 (Permalink)
Most flooding problems in homes come from the inside, rather than from a rising creek or river. In many of these cases, the problem results from a failed dishwasher or a split intake hose for a clothes washer.
Appliance water loss sounds simple, but the truth is very different. A failure of either of these machines can drop over five gallons of water every hour. SERVPRO of Laurel knows that if this happens in the morning after everyone leaves for work, that means an entire, three-bedroom room can be under an inch of water before the homeowner or renter walks in to find a disaster.
The only advantage to dealing with flooding from such an inside source is that it is clean water. There is no contamination to have to worry about, so there is no need for special protective gear and since cleaning the surfaces is not required, the overall time necessary for the job is far less as well.
The first step we take is to stop the flow of water. If a resident has not turned off the water main, we do it immediately after arriving on the property.
Next, we get to work removing standing water. For any amount over an inch, we start with commercial grade water pumps. These machines can empty out an average home in an afternoon, allowing us to bring in more equipment and inspect for damage to floors, carpets, and walls. If the power is out, we bring in our generators for uninterrupted electrical support.
If there is no permanent damage, we draw out remaining water trapped on carpets and floors. Technicians use extraction wands which are designed to bring out the water without harming wood surfaces or damaging the nap of the rug. This part of the job is more time-consuming and can take up to a full day or more.
With the water removed, we now lower the moisture levels in the surrounding air. To do so, we use dehumidifiers to draw moisture out of the air. Each device can remove over twenty gallons every day depending on the humidity and size of the dehumidifier we use. We perform this task to prevent the possibility of rot or mold growth in the walls and floors.
Drying out your home is not an easy process, but the right restoration company can do it quickly and safely. SERVPRO of Laurel has years of experience helping our neighbors put their homes back together after a flood. If you need our help, call today at 601-425-0119
Commercial Restoration Services
1/24/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Laurel 601-425-0119
When it comes to commercial cleaning and restoration services, SERVPRO is a leader in the industry. Available 24 hours a day and seven days a week, SERVPRO of Laurel responds quickly to your business’s fire, water, and mold damage emergencies.
Commercial Restoration Services
- Commercial Water Damage Restoration
- Commercial Fire Damage Restoration
- Commercial Mold Remediation
- Commercial Storm and Major Events
- Disaster Recovery Team
For Emergency Services, Call 24/7 –
(601)425-0119
In addition to Commercial Restoration Services, SERVPRO of Laurel offers Commercial Cleaning Services ranging from cleaning restaurant hoods to removing bio-hazard contaminants. We have the specialized equipment, various products, and skilled cleaning methods to make your business look its very best.
Commercial Cleaning Services
- Air Ducts and HVAC
- Bio-hazard and Sewage
- Post-Construction Clean
- Carpet and Upholstery
- Ceilings, Walls and Hard Floors
- Odor Removal and Deodorization
- Vandalism
When the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services, SERVPRO of Laurel has the training and expertise to help make it “Like it never even happened.”
About SERVPRO of Laurel
SERVPRO of Laurel specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.
We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today – 601-425-0119
Dirty Ducts?
1/24/2022 (Permalink)
Do You Have Dirty Ducts?
Improve your indoor air quality with duct cleaning.
Did you know your ventilation system is often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality? In most cases, the HVAC system has been operating for some time without much attention. Dirty ducts can circulate odors, contaminants such as mold and irritating dust throughout your building or home.
A routine part of your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional's service is inspecting the heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit (HVAC). Keeping the HVAC and ductwork clean can potentially extend the life-span of the equipment by allowing it to operate at peak condition, which may help save you money. Duct cleaning may not always be necessary.
In some circumstances, such as after a fire, smoke or suspected mold growth, duct cleaning becomes an essential part of the cleanup process. In these cases, your SERVPRO Franchise Professional can often restore the HVAC system and ductwork to pre-damage condition.
If you have a fuel-burning furnace, stove or fireplace, the U.S. Environmental Agency (EPA) recommends they be inspected for proper functioning and be serviced before each heating season to protect against carbon monoxide poisoning.
The SERVPRO Duct Cleaning System is proven and cost-efficient. Unlike the majority of duct cleaning services, your SERVPRO Franchise Professional uses a portable ventilation and air duct cleaning system to examine ductwork and make a clean sweep, removing years of dust and grime.
- The process begins by using patented equipment, including a roto-scraper, which automatically adapts to the duct's shape and diameter while traveling through the duct, removing debris and filth before vacuuming begins.
- Next, a powerful push-pull air delivery and collection system transfers the debris from the ducting to a 16-gallon container.
- Air is filtered through a HEPA filtration system, removing 99.97 percent of the particles in the airstream. HEPA filters capture debris and keep the indoor environment clean.
- As an optional process, a sealant or coating product may be sprayed to address odor or microbial concerns.
- Filters will either be cleaned or replaced to remove odor and dirt.
For more information on duct cleaning, or to schedule an appointment, contact your local SERVPRO Franchise Professionals today.
Source: Residential Newsline Volume 17 Issue 4
SERVPRO of Laurel 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service
1/24/2022 (Permalink)
We are here to help!
601-425-0119
SERVPRO of LAUREL is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.
We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - (601)425-0119
We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of LAUREL has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.
What to Expect
When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.
Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:
- Your name and contact information
- Your insurance information (if applicable)
- The street address of the water-damaged home or business
- When did the flooding or water damage occur?
- What caused the water damage (if known)?
- Is there electricity available (on-site)?
You can rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.
24/7 Emergency Service