Understanding a Flood Cut

8/13/2024 (Permalink)

What Exactly is a Flood Cut?

After flood damage impacts your home, our restoration technicians cut several inches above the water line or moisture level, and remove both the drywall and insulation. We try to keep the cuts at 2 or 4-feet to simplify hanging new drywall, which comes in 4x8 foot panels. After they clear the damaged materials and dry your home, they can replace the drywall seamlessly. They can also address any underlying issues found behind the walls.

What Are the Benefits of Flood Cuts?

    •    Prevents the spread of contamination since flood water is category three water, potentially carrying dangerous microbes such as bacteria and fungi.
    •    Allows access to areas behind the wall to view the extent of damage and adequately dry inside the walls.
    •    Cuts down on the damaged materials. Although it may seem counter intuitive to cut out part of the wall, it can save more of the drywall in the long run by removing the damaged parts.

For assistance after a flood, contact SERVPRO of Kingsport / Bristol at 423-245-5552. 

Water Damage Classification

8/1/2024 (Permalink)

As a property owner,  you may have to deal with several water issues. Being a property owner in this area you should become familiar with the different levels of water classification.

1. Sanitary Water

Category one water is considered sanitary water. This water is the safest water to drink, cook with, and bathe with. Sanitary water is also commonly referred to as clear water, which is a reference to its appearance and an indicator that it is clean, meaning that it has not been contaminated by other sources.

2. Gray Water

Gray Water, category two, is not sanitary and can pose a risk of illness if you come into contact or consume this water. Typically, this water occurs in the event of appliance or toilet overflow, which means that it is contaminated by chemicals and sewage.

3. Black Water

Black water, category three, is the most dangerous of all waters and is likely the result of flood water. This water is formed by a mixture of rising rivers and overflowing sewers. With the high level of contaminants in this water, it is also toxic to humans and animals, causing illness and potential fatality if ingested. If you’re building is submerged in black water, it is best to avoid it and allow professionals to do the final cleanup process.

Flood water presents a serious risk to people, and when it reaches category three, black water, it should be avoided. As an owner, you should be aware of the various levels of water categorization to ensure both your safety and the safety of others.

For more information contact SERVPRO of Kingsport / Bristol at 423-245-5552.

IICRC Certified Firm Standards

8/1/2024 (Permalink)

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

IICRC Certified Firms must

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

The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry

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

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

About SERVPRO of Kingsport/Bristol

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

Water Damage Restoration Process

8/18/2023 (Permalink)

1. Call A Water Damage Restoration Company.

The first thing you should do upon recognizing signs of water damage is to call for help. If you don't contact a water damage restoration company immediately, you run the risk of weakening your property's structural integrity and exposing it to a mold invasion. In addition to contacting a restoration company, be sure to call your insurance agent. She or he will provide you with information regarding how to quickly and correctly file your claim.

2. Property Assessment.

After calling arestoration company, contractors will come to your property and complete a thorough assessment. The assessment is designed to provide the remediation specialists with a clear understanding of the extent of your water damages . Once this information is attained, the contractors will develop and implement a strategic plan to expedite and optimize the restoration process.

3. Water Removal.

After the strategic plan is drafted, the contractors will move forward with the water removal process. This process will involve the use of specialized, professional equipment like vacuums and power pumps.

4. Drying And Dehumidifying Process.

Once the water removal process is complete, the restoration specialists will move forward with the drying and dehumidifying work. Generally, your walls and floors will retain excess water. This water can cause swelling, warping, or the complete breakdown of your property. For this reason, your restoration team will work with skill and speed to eliminate all remaining moisture through the use of industrial equipment.

5. Cleaning.

The final step in the water damage restoration process is thorough cleaning. Your restoration team will offer a wide range of services to get your house in safe, sanitary condition. Some of the services offered will include disinfectant, antibacterial, and antimicrobial treatments. Deodorization and odor removal treatments can also be offered.

When you find that your residential property is adversely impacted bywater damage, it's time to implement the right solutions. The fast, effective solution is calling a team of excellent, expedient contractors to restore your property.

As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of Kingsport/Bristol is ready to respond if disaster strikes your home or business.

Our Services Offered

8/1/2023 (Permalink)

We cover a range of restoration and cleaning services for your commercial or residential property.  When the unexpected happens, you can count on SERVPRO of Kingsport / Bristol to make it "Like it never even happened."  

Restoration
• Fire, Smoke, and Soot
• Water Removal & Dehumidification
• Mold Mitigation & Remediation
• Catastrophic Storm Response
• Move Outs & Contents Restoration
• Electronics & Equipment
• Document Drying
• Contents Claim Inventory Service
• Asbestos Abatement 

Cleaning:
• Air Ducts & HVAC
• Biohazard & Crime Scene
• Vandalism
• Carpet & Upholstery
• Drapes & Blinds
• Ceilings, Walls & Hard Floors
• Deodorization
• Debris Removal
• Vandalism & Graffiti
• Trauma & Crime Scene
• Sewage & Toilet Overflow

No matter what your restoration or cleaning needs are, you can count on SERVPRO of Kingsport / Bristol to get things back into working order.  Give us a call today at 423-245-5552 to schedule. 

Summer Heat

8/1/2023 (Permalink)

There are several things you can do to prepare for and prevent extreme heat from affecting you. If possible, stay indoors in air conditioning. Check on your pets who may be outdoors or bring them inside. Stay hydrated and limit alcohol and caffeine intake. If you must go outside, wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing, and be sure to apply sunscreen often. Pay attention to signs of heat exhaustion, which are heavy sweating; weakness; cold, pale, and clammy skin; nausea or vomiting; and fainting, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, which is life-threatening. Signs of heat stroke are a high body temperature (103°+), rapid and strong pulse, and possible unconsciousness. If you think someone has a heat stroke, call 911 immediately and move the person somewhere cool. Reduce body temperature with cool, wet cloths or a bath. Do not give a person with heat stroke fluids, and treat the situation as a serious medical emergency (CDC).

Be aware of the heat index if you live in a humid climate—the heat index factors in the humidity, which can make the temperature feel 15° hotter. Extreme heat is a serious danger. For more information on preparation and prevention, visit ready.gov or cdc.gov. 

Extreme Heat Safety Tips to Prepare Your Home

• Install window air conditioners snugly; insulate if necessary.
• Check air-conditioning ducts for proper insulation.
• Install temporary window reflectors (for use between windows and drapes), such as aluminum foil-covered cardboard, to reflect heat back outside.
• Weather-strip doors and sills to keep cool air in.
• Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, awnings, or louvers. (Outdoor awnings or louvers can reduce the heat that enters a home by up to 80 percent.)
• Keep storm windows up all year long.

Difference between Storm Damage and Flood Damage

8/1/2023 (Permalink)

3 Main Differences Between Storm Damage and Flood Damage

During a storm, there may be damage done to your home or office building. While you may think that all storm damage is the same, this is not always the case. There is one very important distinction that should be made. This is because floods are considered to be a separate issue from other types of water damage that may occur during a storm. The following are a few differences between the two.

1. The Source of the Water

The first difference between storm and flood damage is the source of the water that enters your home or office building. During a storm, leaks can occur, allowing water inside. Even if the amount is significant, this is not considered to be a flood. Flood waters are those that rise up from the ground and enter the building from below. When trying to determine the type of water damage you have, this is probably the easiest way.

2. The Category of Water

Rain is classified as category 1 water, which means that it is clean and will not cause any significant harm to you. While flood waters may have risen because of the rain, they are classified differently. Once the rainwater begins to rise and mix with other sources, such as sewer water, it becomes category 3. This water is highly contaminated and should be avoided. Flood damage will require thorough sanitization.

3. Insurance Coverage

In most cases, water damage is included in most commercial insurance policies and residential homeowner policies. However, most flood damage is not and, if it is, coverage will usually be limited. If there are often floods in the area, it may be a good idea to invest in a separate flood policy to make sure that your property is covered during an emergency.
If your property has been damaged by flooding or anything else during a storm, you will likely need a professional to help.

Contact a local cleanup and restoration company to get your building back to its preloss condition as soon as possible.

We are available anytime day or night! Please call us at 423-245-5552 should the need arise. 

Fire Damage Odors

7/20/2022 (Permalink)

After Fire Damage, Does The Odor Ever Go Away?

Fire damage often comes with multiple layers of issues such as burned building materials and home contents, water or fire extinguisher residue and of course, foul odors from all of those factors.

SERVPRO was called to mitigate a fire damage in a home. The fire started in the kitchen when the homeowner's microwave oven caught on fire, and she opened the door to the microwave before the flames ran out of oxygen and extinguished. A fire extinguisher had been used to put out the fire, and the fine, powdery residue covered the area around the microwave. Although the homeowner removed the microwave, a strong odor permeated the kitchen.

Immediately on arrival, we contained the doorways and registers in the kitchen to inhibit the spread of soot throughout the home. Then we used handheld vacuums with HEPA filtration to clean up the fire extinguisher residue and soot from the cabinet surfaces. The cabinets over the microwave displayed smoke damage but no charring and were restorable through extensive cleaning.

Odor-causing soot particles can be smaller than the human eye can see, so we use specialized equipment such as our air scrubbers with HEPA filters to capture the particulate matter and assist in inhibiting strong odors left behind by the fire.

SERVPRO technicians engage in continuing education to stay on the cutting edge of the latest advances in the field of restoration sciences. When cleaning with our EPA-registered formulas is not enough to get rid of smoke odors, we have a diverse array of equipment to choose from such as ozone machines and Hydroxyl generators that neutralize odors at the molecular level.

In this case, thermal fogging was the solution chosen by our technicians. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to odors, and removal of odors requires the application of multiple approaches to eradicate them from the property and contents completely.

For assistance getting rid of fire damage and odors, call SERVPRO of Kingsport / Bristol at (423) 245-5552. Our certified technicians stand ready to help you 24/7 and make your fire loss “Like it never even happened.”

Water Removal May be Needed

7/20/2022 (Permalink)

Reasons Water Removal May be Needed 

Water damage in your home occurs when excess water starts to pool where it shouldn’t. Several factors can make this excess water, and therefore, contribute to damage to your structure. When you know what the potential causes are, you can take precautionary steps to help you avoid a water loss. You can also spot an issue once it arises and gets it fixed before it has a chance to do additional damage.

The faster you see a problem, the less work and extraction there is. Either way, water cleanup needs to be done, and you should hire the help of a professional remediation company to do the job. SERVPRO staff is available to help you at any time with the experience and knowledge that you would expect from a reputable company.

A common cause of water damage in your home is broken hoses and pipes. Things such as aging pipes, a burst water main, or ice maker supply lines and washing machine supply hoses that fail certainly ruin your day. It is a good idea to purchase copper pipes and braided metal lines to replace the original ones, as they hold up much better so you can avoid accidents.

No matter what has happened, SERVPRO techs can help you get your home dry and back in its usual condition. We have various tools to help us get the water out, including moisture meters and sensors to find any hidden moisture, truck-mounted pumps to get rid of any standing water over a few inches deep, plus air movers and dehumidifiers to dry everything back out. We also work promptly, so we avoid additional damage being done to your structure, such as mold growth.

Another common reason for water damage in your home includes broken toilets and overflowing bathtubs. Children are big culprits, so your best defense is to watch them! Water is fascinating to children, especially when it is flowing over the toilet and tub rims.

Sewer backups, unfortunately, happen as well. Tree roots can invade and clog your drain lines. Using an enzyme drain treatment to flush out your lines every month during the spring and summer months when tree roots grow the most is a good idea to avoid this kind of catastrophe.

SERVPRO of Kingsport / Bristol can help you dry your home after a water damage emergency, no matter what type it is. Just give our crew a call at (423) 245-5552 as soon as you realize there is an issue so we can come quickly and fix things for you.

Fire Extinguisher Use

7/18/2022 (Permalink)

Do you know how to use a fire extinguisher?

Before you even reach for that fire extinguisher, make sure the fire is still in the incipient stage (the flames aren’t taller than you) and that it’s not threatening to block your evacuation route. If you’re good on both of those fronts, all it takes to effectively operate most fire extinguishers is remembering and executing the acronym P.A.S.S:

PULL the pin.

AIM the nozzle at the base of the fire.

SQUEEZE the handle to release the fire extinguishing agent.

SWEEP the nozzle from side to side until the fire appears to be out.

After executing the P.A.S.S. technique, don’t turn your back on the area of the fire as flames may still flare up. Remember to evacuate immediately and call 9-1-1 if the fire gets out of hand. 

Pull, Aim, Squeeze and Sweep until fire is out!

Contact SERVPRO of Kingsport/Bristol if you need cleanup at 423-245-5552.