7 Crucial Steps you Need to Know for Cleaning Water-Damaged Drywall

7/1/2024 (Permalink)

black mold after 24 hours

1. **Assessment and Safety**: Immediately assess the water damage and ensure safety by cutting off electricity. Wear protective gear to avoid health hazards.

2. **Identify the Source of Water**: Quickly determine if the water is clean, grey, or black as it affects the cleaning approach and safety precautions.

3. **Drying the Area**: Speedily dry the affected area using fans, dehumidifiers, and open windows to prevent mold growth.

4. **Inspect for Mold**: Check for mold as it can develop within 24-48 hours and poses serious health risks if not addressed promptly.

5. **Remove Damaged Drywall**: Cut and remove severely damaged or mold-infested drywall at least 12 inches above the waterline.

6. **Cleaning and Disinfecting**: Thoroughly clean the remaining drywall with a mild detergent and disinfect the area to kill any remaining bacteria or mold spores.

7. **Repair and Restore**: Once the area is dry and cleaned, replace the removed drywall sections and finish the surface with appropriate materials.

Following these steps is crucial to ensure that water-damaged drywall is properly cleaned and restored, minimizing health risks and structural damage.

Burst Pipes and Homeowner Preparedness: Why SERVPRO Southern York County is Your Best Choice

6/21/2024 (Permalink)

burst kitchen pipe

Understanding the Threat of Burst Pipes

Burst pipes are a homeowner's nightmare, often leading to significant damage, costly repairs, and a lengthy recovery process. This issue can occur for various reasons, including freezing temperatures, old and corroded pipes, excessive water pressure, or a sudden impact on the plumbing system. Regardless of the cause, the aftermath can be devastating, with water damage affecting walls, floors, furniture, and even the structural integrity of your home.

The Importance of Preparedness

Preparedness is key to mitigating the damage caused by burst pipes. Here are several steps homeowners can take to prepare and protect their homes:

1. Insulate Pipes: Use pipe insulation or heat tape to protect pipes in unheated areas such as basements, attics, and garages.
2. Seal Cracks and Openings: Ensure there are no cracks or openings around doors, windows, and foundation to keep cold air from reaching the pipes.
3. Maintain a Consistent Temperature: Keep your home at a consistent temperature, even when you're away, to prevent pipes from freezing.
4. Know Your Water Main: Be aware of where your water main is located and how to shut it off in case of an emergency.
5. Regular Maintenance: Schedule regular plumbing inspections to identify and address potential issues before they escalate.

Immediate Actions When a Pipe Bursts

If a pipe bursts in your home, immediate action is crucial to minimize damage:

1. Shut Off the Water: Quickly turn off the main water supply to prevent further flooding.
2. Turn Off the Electricity: If water is near electrical outlets or appliances, turn off the electricity to avoid hazards.
3. Remove Valuables: Move furniture, electronics, and other valuables to a dry area.
4. Contact a Professional: Call a professional water damage restoration service like SERVPRO Southern York County to handle the cleanup and repairs.

Why Choose Us for Burst Pipe Emergencies?

When disaster strikes, you need a reliable and efficient response. Here’s why we are the best choice for handling burst pipe emergencies:

1. 24/7 Emergency Service: Round-the-clock emergency services, ensuring they can respond quickly to your call and begin the restoration process immediately.
2. Expert Technicians: Our team of highly trained technicians has the expertise and equipment necessary to handle water damage restoration efficiently and effectively.
3. Comprehensive Services: From water extraction and drying to repair and restoration, we provide comprehensive services to restore your home to its pre-damage condition.
4. Advanced Technology: We use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to ensure thorough drying and dehumidification, preventing mold growth and secondary damage.
5. Insurance Coordination: We work closely with insurance companies to streamline the claims process, providing documentation and support to help you navigate the complexities of insurance claims.

Preventative Measures and Ongoing Support

Beyond immediate response and restoration, SERVPRO Southern York County offers preventive services and ongoing support to help you safeguard your home against future water damage:

1. Water Damage Assessment: Regular assessments can identify potential vulnerabilities in your plumbing system, allowing for proactive repairs.
2. Education and Training: We educate homeowners on best practices for maintaining their plumbing systems and preventing water damage.

In The End

Burst pipes can cause significant disruption and damage to your home, but with proper preparedness and the right professional help, you can minimize the impact. Our prompt response, expertise, and comprehensive services make us the ideal partner for homeowners facing water damage emergencies. By choosing us, you’re not only opting for immediate relief but also investing in long-term protection for your home. Don’t wait for disaster to strike—be prepared, stay informed, and trust SERVPRO Southern York County to keep your home safe and sound.

Summer Storms

8/1/2022 (Permalink)

With summer upon us so does the extreme weather. Flash flooding, lightning strikes, and wind & hail from extreme thundershowers. These can all lead to damage at your home, an unfortunate circumstance to come with the warmer weather.

A few steps to help in case of some weather related issues. 

Flash Flooding

SERVPRO responds to all types of water damages, the most common in the summer is flooding from torrential rains. If water were to seep into your basement or garage you would more than likely have to call a SERVPRO to help dry back the area. But what you can do is help prevent your personal property damage. By keeping your items elevated, on shelving or in plastic containers, it could save those items you would have likely lost in an unfortunate event. 

Wind/Hail

If you experience wind or hail damage to your home please call us as soon as possible. Those crucial moments can help save secondary damage by us providing a roof tarping, or a window board up. 

Lightning Damage

If you experience a lightning strike at your home and as a result have some soot damage please do not try to clean it yourself. SERVPRO of Southern York County has specific solutions for removing soot from surfaces better than any hardware store product. 

If you have any further questions on weather related damage to your home, either not listed or read about, please call our office anytime, we're happy to help you!

207-324-4400

SERVPRO9045@SERVPROSYC.COM

Flooded Basement? No Problem for SERVPRO!

7/13/2022 (Permalink)

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your basement could flood, including: 

• A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
• Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
• Storm sewer backup
• Sanitary sewer backup
• Foundation drainage failure
• Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
• And many more

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of Southern York County and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

• We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
• We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
• We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
• Our Technicians are Highly-Trained  in Water Restoration Techniques
• We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
• Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help (207) 324-4400

24/7 Emergency Water Damage Services!

6/15/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Southern York County 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 - (207) 324-4400

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 Southern York County has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

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

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

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

About SERVPRO of Southern York County

SERVPRO of Southern York County 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.

Call Us For Help with Your Storm Damage!

6/10/2022 (Permalink)

Here in Maine we're blessed with miles upon miles of beautiful coastline. SERVPRO of Southern York County is lucky enough to service 5 towns along the coast line including York, Wells, Ogunquit, and more!

During the early part of spring while the weather is warming up this time of year is commonly associated with flooding and coastal flooding. During the melting season river water level are elevated and when mixed with heavy rains, or higher than average heat this can accelerate melting and cause flooding.

Most newer homes are up to date along the coast and are built off the ground according to new codes. This allows for most homes to not to worry too much about a 1 or 2 foot storm surge. But older homes or some homes that may not be built off the ground are susceptible. Please be sure to have sand bags ready, and anything on the bottom level be lifted off of the ground if you are aware of some flooding. Most importantly, just be ready. SERVPRO has seen many devastated homes for homeowners who just weren't that worried about it. Better safe than sorry!

If you have questions or have/having experienced any flood related damage please give us a call.

207-324-4400

Don't Forget to Check On Your Appliances!

6/10/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO responds to hundreds of water damages every year, and during these losses, we see many that have the same thing in common. A cause that is seen often enough to shed light on is appliance malfunctions. 

Washing machines, ice makers, and refrigerators are common culprits of water damage. Some happening quickly, and others causing damage over time that is not seen immediately, which is often more dangerous.

With ice makers and refrigerators more often than not the supply line lets go or comes loose. It's a good idea to check your ice maker, make sure it's in working condition, and check the lines to make sure they are tight. 

If you are replacing or moving your washer to a new location please check the connection where the water is hooked up, and (this one is important) make sure the drain hose is secure.

Check your appliances that have water running to them to prevent water damages. As much as we are happy to help you it's just as important to us for homeowners to practice helpful prevention.

About SERVPRO of Southern York County

SERVPRO of Southern York County 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.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – (207) 324-4400

Water Damage at Local Library

6/8/2022 (Permalink)

The Berwick Library's basement flooded due to heavy rains.

This local library suffered a large amount of water damage caused by a flood. SERVPRO of Southern York County immediately responded to the loss, installed equipment and began the drying process.

Our crew manipulated contents in the basement in order to perform necessary demolition, which included drilling holes to dry inside wall cavities, and in some areas making 2' flood cuts to remove affected insulation and drywall.

SERVPRO of Southern York County 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.

Here to Help, ANY TIME You Need Us!

6/3/2022 (Permalink)

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Southern York County provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.  SERVPRO of Southern York County arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – (207) 324-4400

Sprinkler systems

4/7/2019 (Permalink)

When responding to water damages SERVPRO runs into all sorts of causes. One cause, in particular, isn't really a cause at all but more of a preemptive measure to prevent fire damage. A sprinkler system in homes or businesses is a reason SERVPRO may be paying you a visit. 

Initially, this may seem to be a stab at sprinklers, but its quite the contrary. If a fire is started in a certain room in a building this will trigger the sprinklers resulting in a water damaged area. 

Though this room is affected by water, it is certainly better than a whole home or business engulfed in flames. Sprinklers cause a small amount of damage to prevent a larger loss from happening. So even though SERVPRO may be on site from a sprinkler malfunction, someone knocking the head by accident, or someone burning popcorn in the breakroom a water damaged room is better than allowing from to consume a building. 

Ice Dam

4/1/2019 (Permalink)

An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof and prevents melting snow (water) from draining off the roof. This then allow the water that would normally drain off the roof to leak under the singles or roof structure and leak down into the home. A great way to avoid this it to keep up with the snow build up on your roof system. A roof rake can help with this or if the roof is flat you can shovel it off. 

An ice dam can show up a number of different ways in most cases its a relatively small amount of water that leaks into an area, creating a water stain that grows and eventually creates a larger issue. This could lead to brown staining on the ceiling area, and if not dried properly could possibly lead to mold. 

If you have any questions or concerns about ice dams or staining please give SERVPRO of Southern York County a call. 
207-324-4400